Generated by All in One SEO Pro v5.0.1.1, this is an llms-full.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Robb Report Philippines Luxury Without Compromise ## Posts ### [LMVH Watch Week Edition: New Releases From TAG Heuer, Hublot, Bulgari & More](https://robbreport.ph/the-luxe-dispatch/lmvh-watch-week-edition-new-releases-from-tag-heuer-hublot-bulgari-more/) **Published:** January 30, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** The Luxe Dispatch typically spans the broader luxury landscape, but this week, the focus narrows deliberately to [LVMH Watch Week](https://robbreport.ph/watches/from-bulgari-to-louis-vuitton-every-new-timepiece-unveiled-at-lvmh-watch-week/)—a bellwether moment for where high watchmaking is heading next. Across the group’s maisons, the latest releases signal a recalibration of design clarity. From L’Epée 1839’s sculptural approach to regatta timing, to TAG Heuer’s disciplined refinement of the Carrera chronograph, the strongest statements favored precision over spectacle. Bulgari reaffirmed its jewelry-led identity through Tubogas creations, while Louis Vuitton expanded the Escale line with expressive worldtime executions and natural stone dials. These launches offer a concise snapshot of how LVMH’s watch brands are sharpening their identities. ## L’Epée 1839: La Regatta Vertical Clock ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/LEpee-1839-Regatta-Vertical-Clock-Metiers-Art-Grand-Feu-Enamel-2.webp) *Photo: L’Epée 1839* Okay, maybe we’re cheating, but it has to be said that L’Epée 1839 continues its quiet domination of high-concept horology with La Regatta. The vertical clock was conceived specifically for competitive sailing. Designed to be read at a glance during countdowns, the sculptural timepiece reimagines regatta timers as sleek, marine-inspired architectural objects. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/WatchTime-L-Epee-1839-La-Regatta-Metiers-d-Art-Movement_640.webp) *Photo: L’Epée 1839* Mounted upright, its exposed movement and bold color blocking turn function into theater. It’s not a novelty clock so much as a statement: precision engineered for a niche audience that values ritual and sport in equal measure. *More information [here](https://www.lepee1839.ch/collection/regatta).* ## TAG Heuer: New Carrera Chronographs ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/cbs2016-eb0430-soldier-copy-696e0524c6b40.webp) *Photo: TAG Heuer* TAG Heuer refreshes the Carrera chronograph with a confident nod to its racing lineage, balancing heritage cues with sharper contemporary proportions. The latest models refine dial symmetry and push legibility. We can see the brand reassert the Carrera as a serious driver’s watch—less nostalgic cosplay, more modern instrument. With calibrated colors, slimmer cases, and high-performance movements, these releases feel aimed at collectors who want motorsport DNA without theatrics. *More information [here](https://www.tagheuer.com/us/en/timepieces/collections/tag-heuer-carrera/).* ## Bulgari: Tubogas Reimagined ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Bulgari-Tubogas-Manchette.webp) *Photo: Bulgari* Ornament, horology, and a little bit of both: Bulgari leans fully into its Roman jewelry-watch heritage with new Tubogas creations. That iconic coiled gold bracelet takes center stage, while timekeeping becomes almost secondary. These pieces stand out particularly because of their sort of sensual engineering: metal that moves like fabric, becoming watches that are worn almost as sculpture. At Watch Week, Tubogas served as a reminder that Bulgari’s greatest advantage isn’t technical bravado, but its ability to turn jewelry language into unmistakable wrist presence. *More information [here](https://www.bulgari.com/en-int/collection/bvlgari-tubogas.html?srsltid=AfmBOoqZRn-PHTxi13-hHbaiDQfOWtRsJCJbwGiSPaFqHYLv6rNBfP4j).* ## Hublot: Novak Djokovic “GOAT” Edition ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Djokovic-Campaign-2024-17-Square-Digital-original.webp) *Photo: Hublot* Hublot expanded its athlete-led portfolio with a new Novak Djokovic “GOAT” edition, developed in close collaboration with the world-class tennis champion. The watch emphasizes lightweight construction and durability. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/big-bang-unico-Novak-Djokovic-42-mm-soldier_0.webp) *Photo: Hublot* Advanced materials, engineered for shock resistance and comfort, anchor the design, while subtle visual cues reference the player’s career without tipping into overt branding. The release underscores Hublot’s ongoing strategy of pairing technical innovation with high-profile sporting partnerships, adding to a prodigious list of collaborations that already includes Kylian Mbappé and Patrick Mahomes. *More information [here](https://www.hublot.com/en-us/watches/big-bang/big-bang-unico-novak-djokovic-42-mm#:~:text=With%20the%20launch%20of%20the,agile%2C%20extroverted%20and%20potently%20precise.&text=Hublot's%20R&D%20teams%20went%20head,carbon%20forming%20a%20signature%20design.).* ## Louis Vuitton: Escale Worldtime and Tiger’s Eye ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Louis-Vuitton-Escale-Worldtime-and-Escale-Worldtime-Flying-Tourbillon.webp) *Photo: Louis Vuitton* Louis Vuitton continues to build out the Escale line as a showcase for travel-driven watchmaking and some much-needed experimentation. The Escale Worldtime Flying Tourbillon remains one of the category’s most visually expressive worldtimers, pairing hand-painted city rings and vibrant dial palettes with a technically assured complication that may well be the maison’s most complicated yet. The new Escale Tiger’s Eye, on the other hand, extends that approach through material storytelling, introducing a natural stone dial whose striations and tonal depth make each piece inherently unique. Together, the releases reinforce Louis Vuitton’s focus on warmth, individuality, and artisanal execution. *More information [here](https://eu.louisvuitton.com/eng-e1/products/louis-vuitton-escale-automatic-40mm-yellow-gold-and-tigers-eye-nvprod6720061v/W3YG21).* **Categories:** The Luxe Dispatch **Tags:** bulgari, hublot, L’Epée 1839, Louis Vuitton, LVMH, LVMH Watch Week, tag heuer, Watches --- ### [Champagne Florence Duchêne: A Filipino Sparkle](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/bar-none/champagne-florence-duchene-a-filipino-sparkle/) **Published:** July 4, 2025 **Author:** Alicia Colby-Sy **Content:** In the storied vineyards of the Vallée de la Marne, in the [Champagne](https://robbreport.ph/tag/champagne/ "champagne") region of France, [Florence Duchêne](https://www.instagram.com/champagne.florence.duchene/?hl=en), an independent winemaker with both French and Filipino roots, is carving out a distinct voice, one that speaks as much to identity as it does to terroir. Though her family has cultivated vines since 1874, Duchêne’s journey into winemaking was far from linear. With a background in international trade and time spent living abroad, she returned home in 2011 during a record harvest—and never left. A year later, she founded Champagne Florence Duchêne with a clear vision: to create wines that reflect not only the land but also who she is. Her cuvées stand apart and reflect the Filipino heritage she is extremely proud of. The names of her Champagne, like *Anak*, *Maputi*, *Kalikasan*, *Di Mangan*, and her rose Champagne, Bathala, reveal a winemaker deeply connected to her bicultural identity. “Growing up between France and the Philippines taught me to adapt and stay curious,” Duchêne shares. “I want my wines to be honest, grounded, and feminine.” (*Story continues after video.)* Her vines are spread across premier sites in the Marne Valley, with a cultivated and unwavering respect for nature. The estate follows sustainable practices leaning toward biodynamics. In the cellar, she balances tradition and experimentation—fermenting in enamel, stainless steel, and old oak, using minimal dosage, and exploring single-plot vinification for greater expression. But it’s not just technique that sets her apart. In an industry steeped in convention, Duchêne brings a fresh, cross-cultural lens to storytelling and experience. Her collaboration with Ayà for *Balik Bayan: Celebrating Florence Duchêne*, a curated Champagne and Filipino-French dinner, underscored her mission to make wine more inclusive and personal. “Her Champagnes are precise and full of soul,” says [Erin Ganuales-Recto, Head Sommelier at Ayà](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/wine/hapag-earns-the-2025-wine-spectator-award-of-excellence/ "Hapag Earns the 2025 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence"). “They tell a story.” Being a woman—and a “mestiza” at that—in the Champagne world hasn’t always been easy. Duchêne admits she’s faced skepticism, even from her own family. But with quiet determination, she has built a label that speaks for itself: small-scale, elegant, and uncompromising in quality. For her, Champagne isn’t just a celebratory drink—it’s a language. “When someone tastes my wine and goes quiet, then smiles, I know I’ve reached them,” she says. “Not just their palate, but their heart.” *Florence Duchêne wines are served and available for purchase at [Hapag](https://www.hapagmnl.com/) and [Aya](https://www.hapagmnl.com/aya).* **BAR NONE** ***EDITORIAL TEAM*** *ALICIA COLBY-SY Lifestyle Editor* *KIMBERLY ROCHA-DELGADO Digital Editor* ***PRODUCTION TEAM** KENNETH DIMAANO Post-Production Director* *JOMAR SOLANIA Video Editor and Colorist RENZO LUMANOG Associate Producer ANTON MOLINA Producer* *THIRTYSIX-O MEDIA Video Team* *ARJAY ZURITA Hair and Make-up* **Categories:** Bar None, Food & Drink, Wine **Tags:** aya, bar none, champagne, florence duchene --- ### [Three Filipino‑Americans Triumph at the 2025 Tony Awards](https://robbreport.ph/leisure/entertainment/three-filipino‑americans-triumph-at-the-2025-tony-awards/) **Published:** June 9, 2025 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** The 78th [Tony Awards](https://www.instagram.com/thetonyawards?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=MTVleHBmMHo1ZGdoNA==) held at Radio City Music Hall on June 8, 2025, became an extraordinary night for the [Filipino-American community](https://robbreport.ph/leisure/culture/six-filipino-artists-take-center-stage-at-broadway/ "Six Filipino Artists Take Center Stage at Broadway"). Three remarkable talents—Nicole Scherzinger, Marco Paguia, and Darren Criss—each made history, marking a significant milestone for Filipino representation on [Broadway](https://robbreport.ph/tag/broadway/ "broadway"). **Nicole Scherzinger – Best Leading Actress in a Musical, *Sunset Boulevard*** ![nicole scherzinger holding tony award](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Nicole-Scherzinger-2240x1493.webp) Nicole Scherzinger made history by becoming the first Filipino-American to win Best Leading Actress in a Musical. She was honored for her gripping portrayal of Norma Desmond in the Broadway revival of *Sunset Boulevard*, directed by Jamie Lloyd. Initially acclaimed in the West End, Scherzinger replicated her success on Broadway, delivering powerful renditions like “As If We Never Said Goodbye” and earning standing ovations. In her acceptance speech, a visibly moved Scherzinger dedicated the award to her family, thanking them for helping a “little Hawaiian-Ukrainian-Filipino girl’s dream” come true. Her emotional tribute—encouraging perseverance in the face of doubt—was summed up in her speech with a simple, “Don’t give up.” **Darren Criss – Best Leading Actor in a Musical, *Maybe Happy Ending*** ![darren criss holding a tony award](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/505083886_1126557252837618_2918175720453074678_n.webp) Darren Criss joined the historic list of winners, taking home Best Leading Actor in a Musical for his role in *Maybe Happy Ending*, a whimsical yet poignant story about lonely robots seeking connection. The show dominated the evening, winning six Tonys, including Best Musical. Criss’s performance was praised for its depth and nuance—earning accolades not only at the Tonys but across various critics’ circles. In his speech, he expressed pride in contributing to Broadway’s growing diversity, celebrating a “notably diverse and exquisite” season. **Marco Paguia – Best Orchestrations, *Buena Vista Social Club*** ![marco paguia holding tony awards](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/tony-awards-marco-paguia-june-8-2025-reuters-1.webp) Marco Paguia clinched the Tony Award for Best Orchestrations for *Buena Vista Social Club*, a vibrant musical adaptation of the beloved Cuban ensemble’s story. A respected music director, arranger, and pianist based in New York, Paguia had previously earned recognition from the Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards in 2024. Competing against nominees including Andrew Lloyd Webber, he secured victory, celebrating with peers onstage and later reflecting on his craft in interviews. His win is a testament to his artistry and versatility across the Broadway landscape. *Photos courtesy of The Tony Awards* **Categories:** Entertainment, Leisure **Tags:** broadway, darren criss, marco paguia, nicole scherzinger, tony awards --- ### [BMW’s 7 Series Gives You the Power of Choice](https://robbreport.ph/cars/bmw-7-series-gives-you-the-power-of-choice/) **Published:** May 22, 2025 **Author:** Carl Cunanan **Content:** BMW wants to give your choices, but it wants to do it the [BMW](https://robbreport.ph/tag/bmw/ "bmw") way. It has several vehicle powerplant platforms, as do many brands. What surprised the industry was that BMW, with some of its vehicles such as the 7s and the 5s, would offer the customer a choice of an internal combustion or a fully electric powerplant–with basically the same car shell or body. This was looked at as a confusing choice, because it didn’t allow them to take advantage of what clean-slate ground-up electric design offers such as space use, weight positioning, and certain simplicities of production. In fact, they made things more complicated. Except, it all worked. BMW sold pretty well with those models. They were of course the very familiar and much-beloved models like the 5s and the 7s, so what they were doing was giving an already waiting market the choice of which technology they wanted. Now that the industry is talking about moving away from electrics a bit, the decision seems even more forward-thinking. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/P90458172_highRes_the-new-bmw-i7-xdriv-1-2240x3360.webp) BMW defined the refined choice. You know you want a big sedan, they give you all the options within their familiar flagship family. The BMW 7 buyer, whether he chooses an i7 electric or something like a 735i fuel, is getting exactly what he is looking for. Sedans have become the domain of choice for sportiness or luxury, and BMWs have always made their big sedans a bit more dynamic than others. With the choice of powerplants unavailable from other marques, BMW allows one to choose a familiar face in whichever technology—and that is turning out to be much appreciated. But how would you choose? Some of the strengths of the i7’s electric propulsion are smoothness, immediacy of power delivery, and quietness of operation. Yet, you get almost the same in the 735i with the TwinPower Turbocharged 3 liter, in the 6-cylinder configuration it has pretty much perfected (for which it has won many awards). It is pretty smooth and quiet as it is, not electric, but also more familiar and arguably more engaging. Both vehicles come with all the cutting-edge technology for which the line is known, though there will be certain small differences based on the models chosen. But the levels of luxury are pretty much the same, the choice of materials excellent in both, and the sound systems stellar. Both cars can be communicated with using your phone and the My BMW app. You have the same functionality in general, with the added ability to check and change charging with the i7. The 7 is as imposing as ever when you drive up, and in many ways, it keeps the familiar “dominating” look, whereas other brands have changed a bit when they moved fully electric. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/DI21_000048148-edit.webp) That’s the key point then: You aren’t really forced to go one way or the other because the brand decided this or that. One nice thing for both? These are the most dynamic 7s ever. They drive like the smaller sedans, yet have the space you are familiar with. A lot of this may be because of all the development needed for the electrification demands, but the end result is that either of these cars is a relatively easy and rewarding daily drive if you choose the front seat, but hugely relaxing whether front or back–or whether electric or fuel. **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** bmw, cars --- ### [The New Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Manufaktur Edition Gives the Coupe Even More Attitude](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-new-mercedes-amg-cle-53-manufaktur-edition-gives-the-coupe-even-more-attitude/) **Published:** April 7, 2025 **Author:** Erik Shilling **Content:** The Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 just got more AMG. [Mercedes](https://robbreport.ph/tag/mercedes/ "mercedes") unveiled on Thursday the new Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Manufaktur Edition, a version of the speedy coupe and cabriolet that is a lively celebration of AMG and a gift to AMG’s many fans. The limited-edition model is to be sold at American dealerships later this year, [Mercedes said](https://media.mbusa.com/releases/release-c0a58ca8275d1d84f5a0b703fb014201-the-new-mercedes-amg-cle-manufaktur-edition). The coupe version of the car is painted Graphite Grey Magno with yellow rim flanges and AMG graphics on the side, along with 20-inch AMG wheels. The convertible, or cabriolet, version of the car is painted in Starling Blue Magno, while the AMG graphic touches are in black and blue instead of yellow. The 20-inch wheels are AMG exclusive. Under the hood of both cars is a 3.0-liter, turbocharged six-cylinder engine that makes 443 horsepower. Power runs through a 9-speed automatic transmission and variably goes to all four wheels. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/25C0087_005-source.webp) The coupe also features various other AMG touches on the outside, including the front fascia, fenders, mirror housings, bumper, and tailpipes. The cabriolet, meanwhile, gets more carbon fiber to lighten the car and look good, including on the front fascia and rear bumper. The inside gets standard a “performance sound” system to customize engine noise in the cabin. Drivers and passengers will have the option of choosing between a balanced mix of engine noise and a “powerful” mix of engine noise, depending on the mood. More importantly, not only will every other part of your new CLE scream AMG, but the car cover and fuel cap will, too. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/25C0087_010-source.webp) “A final sophisticated detail of both the Coupe and Cabriolet is the AMG fuel cap in silver chrome with black design elements,” Mercedes says. “Each AMG CLE MANUFAKTUR Edition model also includes a custom, edition-specific AMG indoor car cover.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/25C0087_004-source.webp) The brand did not release a price for the CLE 53 Manufaktur Edition, but the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupe starts at $74,300, so you can expect the Manufaktur Edition to be a bit more. Mercedes also did not mention how many Manufaktur Edition CLE 53s it would be producing, other than to say they would be made in limited numbers. That could mean buyers should inquire early and often about getting one, or it could also mean that Mercedes-AMG could be persuaded to make a few more depending on demand. *Photos of Mercedes-AMG CLE MANUFAKTUR Edition* *courtesy of Mercedes Communications and Marketing* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** mercedes, Mercedes-AMG CLE MANUFAKTUR --- ### [The Good Life: Editors' Picks of the Week](https://robbreport.ph/leisure/the-good-life-editors-picks-of-the-week-3/) **Published:** April 1, 2025 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** *Every week, we round up our editors’ favorites—restaurants, cocktails, experiences, exhibits, and everything in between. Here is our latest list*: *a new osteria with your favorite Italian fare; a pair of Art Deco-inspired cufflinks; The Frick, marking its reopening; and a Burberry cardigan, proving that well-made basics always stand the test of time.* **Osteria Antica** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/photo_2025-03-31-095146.webp) We celebrated Mom’s birthday lunch at Osteria Antica, the latest outpost of the Wildflour Group. Mom chose it primarily because it’s the latest restaurant design project of my sister, Lara Barrios, and I must say, it’s among her best. The space is elegant yet inviting, with a series of brick-walled rooms and leather-clad seating in different nooks and corners you can embrace as your own. It’s flooded with sunlight by day, and warmly lit with chandeliers and wall sconces of glass after dark. ![osteria antica](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/RR-Feature-Photos-16-1-2240x1260.webp) We enjoyed bites of aperitivi and antipasti in bursts of color: potato crisps with a dollop of kaluga caviar; lobster tartlettes with stracciatella, pesto, and citrus; and tuna crudo drizzled with acqua pazza and dotted with watermelon, cucumber, lime, and basil. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/photo_2025-03-31-095140-1.webp) A bowl of cioppino bathed a hodgepodge of red snapper, manila clams, mussels and prawns in a spicy tomato broth. Roasted cauliflower agnolotti was accompanied simply with brown butter. We had pizza, of course— San Marzano tomatoes topped with fresh buffalo mozzarella— from the wood-fired oven in the open kitchen. My meat-loving brother had the River Snake Farms zabuton, with porcini mushrooms and wilted spinach on the side, to foil the richness of the Barolo peppercorn sauce. Outdoor seating is ready for chilled birra Peronis on hot, summer nights, but to be honest, we’d much rather stay indoors at the bar. – *Yvette Fernandez, Chief of Editorial Content* *Osteria Antica is at the Podium. For reservations, call 0917 109 7880. Facebook: [@WildflourItalian](https://www.facebook.com/wildflouritalian) | Instagram: [@osteriaanticaph](https://www.instagram.com/osteriaanticaph/).* *Photos courtesy of Osteria Antica* **JJ Jiao Cufflinks** ![JJ Jiao Deco Cufflinks](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/RR-Feature-Photos-20-2240x1260.webp) One of gemologist and jewelry designer JJ Jiao’s favorite design periods is Art Deco, a passion that becomes evident upon visiting her boutique—a hidden gem, pun intended—at The Raffles Makati. Her earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and pins mostly echo that epoch, demonstrating her knack for mixing and matching gems, stones, and metals in a way that nods to the past while remaining fresh, modern, and effortlessly classic. These cufflinks are no exception. The Deco era saw white gold emerge as an innovative alloy, while modern, geometric patterns offered a refreshing contrast to Art Nouveau’s elaborate, flowing, organic designs. Featuring embedded diamonds set against a white gold lattice design, these cufflinks are subtly stylish and very elegant. While cufflinks are a timeless addition to any gentleman’s jewelry collection, they are by no means exclusive to men—modern style icons like Sofia Coppola and Princess Charlene of Monaco effortlessly punctuate a crisp, white button-down shirt with them, proving their versatile appeal. Jiao’s family has been in the business for nearly half a century, collaborating with local artisans to bring exquisite designs to life. Her eponymous line of bespoke jewelry, the heart of her brand, stands as a testament to decades of dedication and craftsmanship. – *Kimberly Rocha-Delgado, Digital Editor* *The JJ Jiao boutique is located at the Ground Floor of the Raffles Makati*, *1 Raffles Drive, Makati Avenue, Makati City*. *+63 2 7795 0712*. *Photo courtesy of JJ Jiao* *Jewelry* **The Frick Collection** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Screenshot-2025-03-31-at-123146%20PM.png) View from the 70th Street Garden to Reception Hall, The Frick Collection, New York. *Nicholas Venezia* I’m experiencing major NYC FOMO with the long-awaited reopening of The Frick Collection on April 17. One of New York City’s most treasured museums, the Frick returns to its historic Fifth Avenue home after a multi-year renovation by Selldorf Architects and Beyer Blinder Belle**.** This ambitious project preserves the museum’s Gilded Age grandeur while enhancing infrastructure, accessibility, and visitor experience. Marking the most comprehensive upgrade since its opening in 1935, the renovation restores the Frick’s historic first-floor galleries and unveils an entirely new second-floor suite**,** the Frick family’s living quarters, offering public access to these spaces for the first time. Expanded exhibition and program areas include new special exhibition galleries, the museum’s first dedicated education rooms, and a 218-seat auditorium. The project also revitalizes the 70th Street Garden, which is now visible from multiple vantage points. The inaugural season features a slate of special programs, including a porcelain floral installation by Vladimir Kanevsky, a music festival debuting the Stephen A. Schwarzman Auditorium, and the first exhibition in the museum’s new special exhibition galleries—Vermeer’s Love Letters, opening in June. Definitely a must-visit for anyone planning on spending time in NYC this spring and summer! – *Alicia Colby-Sy, Lifestyle Editor* *The Frick Collection, 1 East 70th Street, New York. [frick.org](https://frick.org)* **Burberry Cardigan** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Screenshot-2025-03-30-at-92926%20PM.webp) While not quite our editor’s cardigan, this one available at Burberry, with its signature check pattern, is poised to last generations. *Courtesy of Burberry* I have a very non-Burberrys looking Burberrys—Burberrys with an s, which was how it was branded prior to 1999 when it became just Burberry. It’s a heavy shetland shawl collar cardigan purchased even before that, and because it differs so much from the traditional check, it may have been a smaller run. Shetland wool is coarser and heavier and more old-school than the now-popular merino, and while Shetland wools can be soft, this piece is more heft feel and roughness. Best paired with a softer cashmere scarf of a simple color, so as not to compete with what is now a very period-proper piece from before Burberrys became mainstream. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/photo_2025-03-31-193912.jpeg) The check pattern on Cunanan’s shawl collar cardigan. While everyone usually starts with the traditional Burberry check or a small derivation thereof, remember that the checks and tartans and such were made to indicate townships or regions or families or even groups of warriors. The true worth was in the work, in the craftsmanship and material and know-how. Houses like Burberry have been around for generations, and the same is expected of their pieces and products. – *Carl Cunanan, Cars and Watches Editor* *Burberry, 1F, Rustan’s Department Store, Ayala Center, Makati Ave, Makati, Metro Manila. +632 81638020* **Categories:** Dining, Fashion, Food & Drink, Jewelry, Leisure, Style **Tags:** burberry, jj jiao, osteria antica --- ### [The Good Life: Our Editors' Picks of the Week](https://robbreport.ph/leisure/the-good-life-our-editors-picks-of-the-week/) **Published:** February 11, 2025 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** *Every week, we round up our editors’ favorites—restaurants, cocktails, experiences, exhibits, and everything in between. Here is our latest list.* **Giant Z Poodles from Luxuri Pets** ![giant z poodles](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Untitled-design-13.jpg) Giant Z Poodles. *Courtesy of Luxuri Pets.* My little girl has been begging me for a giant poodle from Luxuri Pets, but we already have a very possessive bichon frisé. We’ve been scrolling through their Instagram pages and oohing and aahing at the huge fluffy pups. I must admit they’re absolutely adorable. – *Yvette Fernandez, Editor-in-Chief of Content* *[Luxuri Pets](https://www.instagram.com/luxuripets/?hl=en) is located at Unit G, Forbestown Road, Bonifacio Global City. +63 917 175 8869.* **The Peninsula Bangkok** ![Peninsula Bangkok River Bar and Terrace and Pier](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1465989106-1d21cf5844e76fd71e11c45b16ad717c.jpg) The Riverside Bar and Terrace at the Peninsula Bangkok. *Courtesy of The Peninsula Bangkok* Sailing up and down the Chao Phraya river on the hotel riverboats adds to the romantic riverside experience that makes its location special, even if some trips are only a minute long. (A big plus: travelling from the west bank to the east bank and vice versa without running into any Bangkok traffic.) Their service is always exceptional, and the brand’s Peninsula Time—where guests can check in and check out at any time from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.—is one of the best conveniences a hotel could ever offer. – *Kimberly Rocha-Delgado, Digital Editor* *[The Peninsula Bangkok](https://www.peninsula.com/en/bangkok/5-star-luxury-hotel-riverside)‘s Valentine’s Day programmes are available, as well as other packages to suit your tastes. Click [here](https://www.peninsula.com/en/bangkok/special-offers) to book your stay.* **Meisterstück X Olympic Heritage Chamonix 1924 Classique Fountain Pen** ![montblanc chamonix](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/montblanc-chamonix-e1738243948810.png) *Courtesy of Rustans* Montblanc pens are usually black, or particularly ornate for the collector specials. This one is completely different, and quite fun. It honors the foot of Mont Blanc—not the top—where the first Olympic Winter Games were held in 1924. The blue-grey tone represents the official color of the games. – *Carl Cunanan, Editor, Cars and Watches* *The Meisterstück X Olympic Heritage Chamonix 1924 Classique Fountain Pen (F) Gray* *is available in [Rustans](https://rustans.com/products/montblanc-meisterstuck-x-olympic-heritage-chamonix-1924-classique-fountain-pen-f-gray?srsltid=AfmBOorM-c5TKiNuKIEb0MrVGxn5foVLxI_pSeivLyWbfTBigRnOY7rI).* *Php49,700* **Eau de V by Federico de Vera** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/RR-Feature-Photos-1-1-2240x1260.jpg) *Courtesy of Federico de Vera* Anything Federico de Vera touches is pure magic, and his Eau de V fragrance for men and women is no exception. It has the perfect bottle for him or her for the Year of the Snake! With its blended notes of cut grass, absinthe, tomato, green apple, moss, and cedar, this special scent is encased in the most gorgeous glass bottle with a burnished bronze serpent cap. Take a close look at the serpent’s eye, as each bottle is available with either the original, all-metal eye, or, with a sparkling diamond eye. How special is that? – *Alicia Colby-Sy, Editor, Lifestyle* *Eau de V is available through the [website](https://deveraobjects.squarespace.com/eau-de-v). Prices start at approximately Php22,330.* **FDL Editions Pentagons** **Sunglasses** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/RR-Feature-Photos-1-2240x1260.jpg) *Courtesy of Francis de Lara* The FDL Editions unisex “Pentagons,” crafted from gold-plated aerospace-grade titanium, are hypoallergenic, ultra-light, and durable. These frames feature a 1970s vintage garnet, peridot, or amethyst teardrop motif, with an ethically sourced natural diamond on the temple. Expect crystal-clear vision from the gradient mocha Category 2 lenses with 100% UV protection. The Florentine hand-engraving technique, the “Rigato,” mimics silk grosgrain ribbon. Frames are compliant to the PPE Regulations and Sunglasses standards BS EN ISO 12312-1. – *Mawi Fojas de Ocampo, Acting Managing Editor* *The jewellery eyewear is available at Janina by Jul Dizon in the Peninsula Manila*, and *at [francisdelara.com](https://francisdelara.com). Approximately Php 50,000.* **Categories:** Leisure, Style, Travel **Tags:** federico de vera, fountain pen, francis de lara, giant z poodles, luxuri pets, montblanc, montblanc chamonix, peninsula, peninsula bangkok, sunglasses --- ### [Time to Fly: Singapore Airlines Is Making Your Next Escape Even More Rewarding](https://robbreport.ph/travel/time-to-fly-singapore-airlines-is-making-your-next-escape-even-more-rewarding/) **Published:** September 18, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** We can picture it already. A summer in Tuscany, a long weekend at Yalong Bay, or perhaps even a return to the Maldives may be worth planning a little earlier this year. Singapore Airlines brings back its Time to Fly Virtual Travel Fair, with promotional fares of up to 37 percent off and a considerably broader collection of privileges built around the journey. “Time to Fly Virtual Travel Fair 2026 is one of the ways through which Singapore Airlines demonstrates our ongoing commitment to making world-class travel experience more accessible to Filipino customers,” says Liwei Tai, general manager of Singapore Airlines Philippines, at the fair’s launch. She adds: “And through our Singapore hub, Changi Airport, we provide Filipinos with excellent connectivity, premium service, and memorable journeys from the Philippines to destinations worldwide.” Among the destinations highlighted by Singapore Airlines are Melbourne, London, Paris, Phuket, the Maldives, Singapore, and Madrid, the carrier’s latest addition to its network. Connections are routed through Changi Airport, with SIA currently operating five daily services from Manila and a daily Cebu-Singapore flight. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/singapore-airlines-time-to-fly-fp-2240x1260.webp) This year, Singapore Airlines also pushes the fair further into the lifestyle territory that increasingly surrounds premium travel. Mastercard serves as the exclusive payments and privileges partner, layering dining, retail, hotel, and destination benefits onto eligible bookings. “We are delighted to partner with Singapore Airlines as the exclusive payments partner and privileges partner for this year’s travel fair. For Mastercard cardholders, this partnership brings together the things that matter when planning a trip,” notes Grace Gloria, business development manager at Mastercard Philippines. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Australia.webp) Eligible Mastercard users who spend at least P30,000 earn P2,500 in dining gift certificates, while a minimum P60,000 spend comes with P5,000 in shopping or dining certificates and a complimentary one-night stay at Fairmont Makati. Singapore-bound travelers, on the other hand, can receive up to SGD100 in eCapitaVouchers for CapitaLand malls and earn up to SGD130 in Resort Dollars at Marina Bay Sands. In addition, EastWest Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Mastercard cardholders receive another layer of incentives, including cash rebates reaching P5,000 depending on spend. Those who charge at least P120,000 in a single transaction during the September 18-to-20 presale even receive KrisFlyer Elite Gold status for one year. Purchases of at least P50,000 may also be placed on six-month, zero-percent installment plans. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Madrid-1.webp) Apart from the flight itself, partner offers encompass discounts at The Travel Club and Rustan’s, Grab vouchers, and hotel deals from brands including Ascott, Citadines, Somerset, Lyf, Grand Hyatt Manila, and The Reef Island Resort Mactan Cebu. Anyone already planning ahead for 2027 should find the timing especially useful. *Travelers can explore the Time to Fly Virtual Travel Fair from September 21 to October 15, with select members receiving early access from September 18. Bookings are available through singaporeair.com and the SingaporeAir app using the code FLYSQ2027. More information [here](https://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/us/home).* ## FAQs ### What is the Singapore Airlines Time to Fly Virtual Travel Fair 2026? The Time to Fly Virtual Travel Fair is Singapore Airlines’ promotional travel event for Philippine customers, offering discounted fares and additional dining, hotel, shopping, and loyalty benefits. ### How much can travelers save during the Singapore Airlines Time to Fly sale? Promotional fares are discounted by up to 37 percent on selected destinations, including Melbourne, London, Paris, Phuket, the Maldives, Singapore, and Madrid. ### When does the Singapore Airlines Time to Fly Virtual Travel Fair 2026 run? The fair runs from September 21 to October 15, 2026, with early access for select members beginning September 18. ### What Mastercard benefits are available during the travel fair? Eligible Mastercard users can receive dining or shopping gift certificates, a complimentary Fairmont Makati stay, Singapore shopping vouchers, and Marina Bay Sands Resort Dollars depending on spend and destination. ### How can travelers book Singapore Airlines Time to Fly fares? Bookings can be made through singaporeair.com or the SingaporeAir app using the promo code FLYSQ2027. **Categories:** Travel **Tags:** Grab vouchers, Mastercard, News, Singapore Airlines, The Travel Club, Time to Fly, travel --- ### [At Brasa Martínez, Chef Luis Martínez Finally Steps Into the Fire](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/at-brasa-martinez-chef-luis-martinez-finally-steps-into-the-fire/) **Published:** August 5, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** Chef Luis Martínez has had the idea for Brasa Martínez for a while now. “I’ve been trying to open this place for at least six years,” he says. “I knew that I was not ready to open it just yet.” The admission helps explain why Brasa feels distinct from the concepts that established Martínez’s name in the Philippines: Alma in Siargao, where its relaxed Spanish cooking took shape close to the island’s fishermen and produce before later finding a second home in Poblacion; Terraza Martínez, which brought the sensibility of Alma into a more polished BGC setting; and La Tapería Martínez, which shifted the focus toward tapas, wine, and Spain’s more convivial drinking culture. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/SalaMartinez052026_0021-2240x3360.webp) Chef Luis Martínez. *Brasa Martinez* Brasa moves beyond such familiar expressions, placing charcoal, seafood, and carefully sourced meats at the center of a decidedly more personal restaurant. “I’m totally out of my comfort zone,” he adds. “When you open a Spanish restaurant here, you try to make the typical tapas or the different dishes that you can find in Spain. But if you take the [menu](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/) here at Brasa Martínez, I go one step farther.” Brasa builds its identity around charcoal and wood, drawing inspiration from the grill restaurants of Spain’s Basque Country and from Martínez’s own fascination with cooking over live heat. Fire gives the restaurant its framework, although Martínez avoids treating it as another gimmick. ###### The Restaurant He Had to Grow Into ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/BrazaMartinezDay3_0153-2240x1493.webp) Marbled Sole *Brasa Martinez* Martínez didn’t arrive in the Philippines with the conventional formation of a career chef. “I didn’t study culinary arts when I started my first restaurant,” he says. The years that followed became his education, allowing each concept to develop a different register within his cooking. Alma remains the most relaxed expression of this evolution. Martínez describes it as a restaurant that encourages guests “to just chill, slow down, and enjoy the moment.” Its food has become more elevated since the first location opened, he notes, though it retains the looseness and ease that defined the concept from the beginning. Brasa asks for something more exacting of him. “This place is more on the higher end of the spectrum,” he says. Fire especially exposes the quality of an ingredient and the cook’s judgment with unusual clarity. There are fewer elaborate constructions behind which either can hide. While charcoal-grilled beef forms an important part of the menu, seafood, in particular, is even more pronounced. “I think I learned how to cook fish more than meat,” he says. “Maybe because, in Alma, I was in front of the ocean, and I was always in contact with a fisherman. I did so many trials with the fresh fish there.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/BM_Main-Dining-Bar-2240x3360.webp) The dining bar *Brasa Martinez* Those years near the water taught him to pay attention to the differences between species, cuts, and levels of heat. Brasa now gives that knowledge a more refined platform, so to speak. The menu includes favorites like turbot, red bream, marbled sole, bluefin tuna belly, dry-aged lapu-lapu, and king crab, much of it sourced from Japan and Spain. “All the fish I’m getting is from Japan and Spain, all fresh fish. It can be very expensive, but it’s the best quality I can find.” His preference isn’t limited to prestige ingredients either. Seafood suits the logic of charcoal because it demands this kind of responsiveness. A cook has to manage the speed of the heat while preserving moisture, texture, and the fish’s own character. Brasa turns that tension into one of its clearest expressions of character, bringing together a technique Martínez loves and the ingredients he understands most intuitively. ###### Notes on the Menu Brasa’s menu moves between cold starters, hot tapas, vegetables, rice dishes, grilled seafood, and substantial cuts of meat. Its pleasures are often indulgent, though the better combinations use acidity, texture, or smoke to keep things from being too predictable. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/BrazaMartinezDay2_1797-2240x1493.webp) Huevos Rotos *Brasa Martinez* There’s a reason huevos rotos has earned a reputation in Spain as a reliable hangover cure. Brasa dresses the dish for Rockwell, piling an organic fried egg, jamón Ibérico, and herring pearls over a crisp potato nest. Broken eggs are usually gloriously unkempt food, the sort of thing that tastes best when the yolk has escaped its borders and the potatoes have surrendered beneath it. Break the yolk, pull the ham through it, and let the salty pearls interrupt the richness before the whole thing grows too pleased with itself. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/BrazaMartinezDay3_0337-2240x3360.webp) Lobster Paella *Brasa Martinez* The lobster paella arrives with all the discretion of a ceremonial entrance. There’s fresh lobster, prawns, saffron, fried egg, and herring pearls—a roster that might make a more modest pan of rice quietly excuse itself from the table. Yet paella ultimately lives or dies by what happens beneath the seafood. The rice absorbs the lobster’s sweetness, develops enough toasted depth to justify the wait, and keeps every expensive garnish from becoming a distraction. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/BrazaMartinezDay4_0628-2240x3360.webp) Ibérico Pork Presa *Brasa Martinez* The Ibérico pork presa takes a somewhat nuttier route. Presa is one of those cuts that makes pork seem unfairly underestimated. Marbled but still structured, it carries the sweetness of the animal without collapsing into softness. Brasa surrounds it with truffle mashed potato, mushrooms, shallots, and jus, a collection of earthy accompaniments that threatens to turn the plate into a woodland-themed package. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/BrazaMartinezDay4_0603-2240x3360.webp) US Wagyu Flank *Brasa Martinez* Likewise, the U.S. wagyu flank is a more direct demonstration of Brasa’s confidence in the grill (Martínez counts charcoal-grilled beef among his personal favorites). Its pleasure lies in the resistance of the grain, the dark mineral flavor released as you chew, and the blackened edges where beef meets charcoal. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/BrazaMartinezDay3_0276-2240x3360.webp) Limoncello Tiramisu *Brasa Martinez* Dessert brings a necessary change in temperature and tone. As a matter of fact, the limoncello tiramisu leans toward brightness. Mascarpone provides the familiar plushness, but lemon curd and limoncello syrup cut through it with enough acidity to wake the table up again. The oat crumble is important, giving the dessert a little friction and preventing it from becoming a soft yellow cloud. It may borrow tiramisu’s architecture, but its spirit belongs closer to, let’s say, the Amalfi Coast than the espresso bar. *Brasa Martínez is located on the Ground Floor of Joya Lofts & Towers, Joya Drive, Rockwell Center, Makati City.* ## FAQs ### What is Brasa Martínez? Brasa Martínez is Chef Luis Martínez’s new Spanish restaurant in Rockwell. Its menu centers on seafood, carefully sourced meats, and vegetables cooked over charcoal and wood. ### How is Brasa Martínez different from Alma and Martínez’s other restaurants? Alma reflects a relaxed, island-rooted approach to Spanish cooking, while Terraza Martínez is more polished and La Tapería Martínez emphasizes tapas, wine, and conviviality. Brasa is more exacting and personal, moving beyond familiar Spanish standards through live-fire cooking. ### Why is Brasa Martínez a personal restaurant for Chef Luis Martínez? Martínez had wanted to open the concept for six years but felt he needed more experience first. After developing several restaurants without formal culinary training, he now considers himself ready to pursue a more ambitious style of cooking outside his comfort zone. ### Why does seafood play such a prominent role at Brasa Martínez? Martínez developed much of his understanding of fish while running Alma in Siargao, where he worked closely with local fishermen and repeatedly experimented with fresh seafood. Brasa applies those lessons to premium fish sourced from Japan and Spain. ### What dishes should diners try at Brasa Martínez? Highlights include the Broken Eggs with Ibérico and herring pearls, Lobster Paella, US Wagyu Flank, Ibérico Pork Presa, and Limoncello Tiramisu. The menu also features charcoal-grilled turbot, red bream, bluefin tuna belly, and dry-aged lapu-lapu. **Categories:** Dining, Food & Drink **Tags:** Brasa Martinez, Luis Martinez, rockwell, Spanish food --- ### [The Good Life: Editors' Picks of the Week](https://robbreport.ph/the-good-life-editors-picks/the-good-life-editors-picks-of-the-week-23/) **Published:** August 7, 2026 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** *In every The Good Life: Editors’ Picks column, we round up our editors’ favorites—restaurants, cocktails, experiences, exhibits, and everything in between. Here is our latest list.* ## “Single Ingredient,” Josh Boutwood’s New Menu at Helm ![The pumpkin course. Helm](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/PUMPKIN-_-pumpkin-pumpkin-seed-xo2.webp) The pumpkin course. *Helm* [Josh Boutwood](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/bar-none/bar-none-josh-boutwood/ "Bar None: Josh Boutwood") keeps outdoing himself. His latest [tasting menu](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/) at his two-Michelin-starred Helm is called Single Ingredient, and it’s my favorite one yet. Then again, I probably tell him that every time. Each course explores the flavors and textures of a single staple, transformed through a range of techniques and preparations. [*Robb Report Philippines* has a full feature on the experience](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/josh-boutwood-helm-single-ingredient-menu-review/), but I’m sharing my favorite dish anyway because I simply can’t get it out of my head. This one puts the spotlight on pumpkin, the humble everyday kalabasa. Josh waved his magic kitchen wand and, presto. The result was an exquisite silken pumpkin custard with diced pumpkin, layered with an XO sauce made from pumpkin skin, finished with pumpkin seed oil and a pumpkin lacto-ferment that added just the right balance of sweetness and acidity. Pumpkin foam brought an airy lightness, while roasted pumpkin seeds added texture and crunch. Pure delight. – *Yvette Fernandez, Chief of Editorial Content* *Helm by Josh Boutwood is located on the 3rd floor, Tower 2, The Shops at Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati Avenue corner Paseo de Roxas, Makati City. Reservations can be made online through [Josh Boutwood Restaurants](https://joshboutwood.com/restaurants/helm) or by calling/texting +63 915 909 8647.* ## Taglish Chef Frances Tariga’s new Filipino seafood steakhouse carries [sister restaurant Tadhana’s love of local produce](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/first-taste-tadhana-manila-is-chef-frances-tarigas-long-awaited-homecoming/ "First Taste: Tadhana Manila Is Chef Frances Tariga’s Long-Awaited Homecoming") into a relaxed à-la-carte setting. It also carries her humor: Tuna, cooked perfectly and presented with its spine, becomes a “tuna porterhouse.” ![Tuna porterhouse at Taglish. Excel Panlaque](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/IMG_9525-scaled.webp) Tuna porterhouse at Taglish. *Excel Panlaque* The oysters were my favorite. Each came with what appeared to be a small egg yolk but was actually an orb filled with calamansi, bursting with acidity against the briny oyster. The seafood tower also included tiger prawns, Alaskan King Crab legs, and lobster tails; there was also a rich, comforting, unforgettable pasta dish with a silky calabrian chili sauce that brings Carbone’s famous spicy rigatoni vodka to mind. The vegetables (asparagus, grilled brussels sprouts, tomatoes, carrots) were good enough to make Taglish’s version of surf & turf feel like seafood & produce from Philippine soil, and razor clams with nduja was a surprising combination. ![Lobster tail, tuna kilaw, and Alaskan King Crab leg. Excel Panlaque](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/IMG_9414-2240x3360.webp) Lobster tail, tuna kilaw, and Alaskan King Crab leg. *Excel Panlaque* Begin with the bright lambanog sour and order generously. The room is cozy, the service excellent, and Tariga’s signature conviviality runs through the experience. Taglish serves serious cooking with a sense of fun—and makes an evening out feel genuinely easy. – *Kimberly Delgado, Digital Editor* *Taglish is located on the 4th Floor of the [Levanto Building](https://levanto.ph/), situated at 389 Jupiter Street, Bel-Air, Makati City, Metro Manila.* *For reservations, please call +63 995 786 0272.* ## Blackbird Coffee, Hanoi ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/blackbird-eggspresso.webp) *Instagram/Blackbird Coffee* The Blackbird coffee shop in Hanoi has been around for a while but has remained consistent. A must try is their eggspresso, at least once. The eggespresso at Blackbird coffee is a modern twist on the traditional Vietnamese egg coffee. Those traditional egg coffees have their origins because of a fresh milk shortage in 1946 due to the First Indochina War, which resulted in a hotel bartender at Sofitel Legend Metropole in Hanoi substituting milk with beaten, foamy eggs, making what is considered the traditional, now world-renowned, egg coffee. Blackbird’s eggspresso reverts to dairy, using whipped cream and espresso with a sharpness of more modern profiles. It’s similar to an affogato. ![Instagram/Blackbird Coffee](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/blackbird-facade-2-1.webp) *Instagram/Blackbird Coffee* Blackbird is near the lake and near a very touristy area, but the vibe is calm, quiet, and chill. Very much like a neighbourhood hangout. – *Carl Cunanan, Cars and Watches Editor* *Blackbird is located at 5 Chân Cầm, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam, 100000*. *Visit their Instagram profile [here](https://www.instagram.com/blackbirdcoffeevn/?hl=en).* **Categories:** Dining, Food & Drink, The Good Life: Editors' Picks **Tags:** Blackbird Coffee, Frances Tariga, Hanoi, helm, josh boutwood, Taglish --- ### [Two Michelin Stars Later, Josh Boutwood Is Looser, Bolder, Better at Helm](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/josh-boutwood-helm-single-ingredient-menu-review/) **Published:** August 7, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** [Josh Boutwood](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/bar-none/bar-none-josh-boutwood/ "Bar None: Josh Boutwood")’s cooking at [Helm](https://robbreport.ph/tag/helm/ "helm") has always been controlled: clean lines, precise temperatures, no garnish without a job. His new “Single Ingredient” menu retains that discipline while revealing a more obsessive intelligence: each course begins with one ingredient, and [Boutwood](http://joshboutwood.com "Boutwood") and his team roast it, ferment it, poach it, render it, or turn its discarded parts into something unexpectedly desirable. The work must be tremendous, but at dinner, almost none of that effort shows. The team might prepare and assemble the dishes silently and mechanically right in front of you—always an awesome sight—but that dollop of sauce they’re pouring over with a nondescript spoon? It had been simmering over a fire for 3 days straight. ![The pumpkin course. Helm](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/PUMPKIN-_-pumpkin-pumpkin-seed-xo2.webp) The pumpkin course. *Helm* While every dish was exceptional and illustrative of the theme, perhaps the most obvious was a dish built around pumpkin, arriving without the strain that often accompanies technically ambitious cooking. There is pumpkin custard, diced pumpkin, roasted pumpkin seeds, pumpkin seed oil, and a lacto-ferment, while the pumpkin skin, by culinary magic, becomes XO sauce. The dish succeeds because it makes pumpkin taste unusually, profoundly complete. ![Josh Boutwood. Helm](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Helm-New-Menu-SP-2240x2240.webp) Josh Boutwood. *Helm* [Boutwood’s previous “Monochromatic” menu](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/first-taste-monochromatic-2025-at-helm/ "First Taste: Monochromatic 2025 at Helm") arranged its ideas through color. It was elegant and intellectually tidy, and as Boutwood created courses based on a single color, it felt like watching him play the *New York Times*‘ Connections: finding disparate ingredients that just so happen to have the same coloring, making it taste incredible, and credible, all together. “Single Ingredient” is more like a three-dimensional sudoku: difficult, absorbing, and governed by rules that make each solution more impressive. One ingredient gives the kitchen a boundary against which to push, and the resulting [food ](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/)reveals the more curious, faintly mad-scientist side of the chef. The plates feel freer, even when their construction is anything but. But do they taste good? They do, and this is probably my favorite of his menus so far. ![The tuna course. Helm](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/TUNA-_-tuna-adobo-tomato3.webp) The tuna course. *Helm* The first course, tuna, has akami and otoro meet a coconut leche de tigre carrying galangal, kaffir lime, tomato, kombu jelly, tuna-roe foam, and tomato powder. One might understand where Boutwood is going with all the acidity, but take one bite and it’s far more well-rounded: fatty tuna, bright acid, marine salinity and a restrained current of heat, while the tomato, in its different forms, serves as a surprisingly sweet note. ![Cod. Helm](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/COD-_-cod-bacalao-dill2.webp) Then there’s the lobster, poached at 59.5 degrees, swimming in a rich, fish-bone broth, shrimp oil, and crustacean sabayon: divine. It’s one of those dishes you wish you could order a big bowl of, a la carte. Same with the cod fillet. It’s joined by cured cod (bacalao), skin, and bones, accompanied by cauliflower purée, kombu cream, dill oil, and pickled kohlrabi. ![The lamb course has both a tenderloin cut and a terrine. Helm](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/LAMB-_-lamb-watercress-onion.webp) The lamb course has both a tenderloin cut and a terrine. *Helm* Lamb comes as terrine and roasted tenderloin, joined by a tablea-and-chili mole, lamb jus, watercress, and onion. The Japanese A5 [wagyu](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/the-ultimate-guide-to-wagyu-beef-the-worlds-most-luxurious-steak/ "The Ultimate Guide to Wagyu Beef, the World’s Most Luxurious Steak") that follows is the meal at its most maximal: aged miso, sunchoke cooked in wagyu fat, fermented root vegetables, bone marrow sauce, and tendon chicharon. It is unapologetically decadent and a great way to punctuate the end of the meal—and yet, there’s dessert: a caramelized white chocolate sauce beneath an assembly of flourless chocolate cake, chocolate ice cream, and chocolate foam, topped with a delicate and gel-like, marbled chocolate disk. ![Lychee sorbet, a palate cleanser. Helm](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/LYCHEE-_-lychee-apple-cucumber.webp) Lychee sorbet, a palate cleanser. *Helm* Even the palate cleanser wasn’t free of technique and effort. Lychee sorbet with cucumber, apple, and nata de coco resets the senses and can stand on its own as a dessert. “It’s never about a single dish,” Boutwood says. “It’s really the progression of the menu that tells the story.” The progression does matter, but each course is so fully realized that almost any one of them could stand alone as an à la carte dish. ![U.S. wagyu with tendon chicharon. Helm](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/wagyu-tendon-marrow3.webp) U.S. wagyu with tendon chicharon. *Helm* [Helm became the Philippines’ first and only two-Michelin-starred restaurant ](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/michelin-guide-in-the-philippines-live-updates/ "A Night of Stars: The Complete List From the Michelin Guide Philippines")when the inaugural national selection was announced in 2025. Recognition at that level can make a restaurant cautious, particularly when everyone begins examining dinner for proof that the distinction was deserved. “Single Ingredient” responds with confidence and still with the genuine playfulness that is [Boutwood’s signature](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/bar-none/bar-none-josh-boutwood/ "Bar None: Josh Boutwood"). The menu is perhaps Boutwood’s strongest work in the past year and a half. Its pleasures come from witnessing an obsessive kitchen think aloud, then tasting dishes polished enough to conceal all the difficult thinking that produced them. Single Ingredient *is served at Helm, The Shops at Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati, for PHP7,500 per person, inclusive of VAT and subject to a 10 percent service charge. Reservations may be made through* the *[website](https://joshboutwood.com/).* ## FAQs ### **What is Helm’s Single Ingredient menu?** *Single Ingredient* is a tasting menu in which each course examines one principal ingredient through several preparations, textures and techniques. ### **Who is the chef behind Helm?** Helm is led by Filipino-British chef Josh Boutwood. ### **How much does Helm’s Single Ingredient menu cost?** The menu costs PHP 7,500 per person, inclusive of VAT and subject to a 10 percent service charge. ### **Where is Helm located?** Helm is located at The Shops at Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati City. ### **How many Michelin stars does Helm have?** Helm received two Michelin stars in the inaugural Michelin Guide selection for the Philippines announced in 2025. **Categories:** Dining, Food & Drink **Tags:** helm, josh boutwood, Michelin --- ### [The Sunday Cut May Be Manila’s Best New Brunch](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/the-sunday-cut-raging-bull-brunch-manila/) **Published:** August 11, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** The Sunday Cut at Raging Bull Chophouse & Bar at [Shangri-La The Fort](https://robbreport.ph/tag/shangri-la-the-fort/ "Shangri-La The Fort") may be the best new Sunday brunch in town. This is a bold claim in Manila, where the weekend buffet has become an arms race measured in stations, cuisines, and linear feet, but Raging Bull makes a more persuasive argument through focus: fewer distractions, exceptional ingredients, and [food ](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/)treated with the care expected from a serious [steakhouse](https://robbreport.ph/tag/steakhouse/ "steakhouse"). ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/SCOTT-A-WOODWARD-Interior-RBCB.webp) Raging Bull Chophouse and Bar. Where many [buffets](https://robbreport.ph/tag/buffet/ "Buffet") overwhelm through quantity, The Sunday Cut delivers quality repeatedly. There are no neglected trays carrying food well past its finest moment. The format is designed around live carving, à-la-minute preparation, and individual service, allowing each dish to reach the table with its character intact; everything belongs to the chophouse vernacular while great service protects the integrity of the food. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Raging-Bull-Chophouse-Bar_The-Sunday-Cut-Live-Carving-Station-2.webp) French Head Chef Loïc Brun carving MS4 Tajima Wagyu tomahawk. Raging Bull Chophouse and Bar The center of the experience is the live carving station, where roasted on-the-bone MS4 Tajima [Wagyu](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/the-ultimate-guide-to-wagyu-beef-the-worlds-most-luxurious-steak/ "The Ultimate Guide to Wagyu Beef, the World’s Most Luxurious Steak") tomahawk and bone-in Ibérico pork chop provide Sunday lunch with an appropriately grand sense of occasion. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Raging-Bull-Chophouse-Bar_The-Sunday-Cut-Wine-and-Champagne-Station.webp) Diners can opt for a beverage add-on, which includes cocktails, mocktails, juices, and Champagne. Pictured: Nicholas Martinache, sommelier of Raging Bull Chophouse and Bar. *Raging Bull Chophouse and Bar* The accompaniments understand their supporting role: Yorkshire pudding, beef-fat Brabant potatoes, creamy mashed potatoes, four-cheese macaroni and cheese, creamed spinach, broccolini, and roasted carrots. House-made gravy, roasted apple sauce and Raging Bull mustard complete the plates. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Raging-Bull-Chophouse-Bar_The-Sunday-Cut-Jamon-Station.webp) 24-month Ibérico Cebo ham. *Raging Bull Chophouse and Bar* Before the meat, there is 24-month Ibérico Cebo ham, sliced at the station and joined by Roquefort saucisson, coppa de bœuf, pickled vegetables, melon, and freshly baked breads. The seafood cocktail bar is sumptuous, bringing together tiger prawns, lobster medallions, dressed crab, mussels, calamari, and seared scallops with the requisite cocktail, Marie Rose, mignonette and tartare sauces. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Raging-Bull-Chophouse-Bar_The-Sunday-Cut-Seafood-Cocktail-Bar-3.webp) The seafood cocktail section is generous and includes dressed crab, lobster medallions, mussels, tiger prawns, and scallops, with the requisite sauces. *Raging Bull Chophouse and Bar* To start your meal, you can opt for Caesar salad prepared to order—with anchovies, pancetta, Parmesan and a 63-degree egg. Optional additions to your brunch like Oscietra Prestige caviar, seared foie gras, and roasted bone marrow can increase the extravagance, although the main spread hardly requires reinforcement. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Raging-Bull-Chophouse-Bar_The-Sunday-Cut-Salad-Station.webp) Caesar salad, made-to-order. Raging Bull Chophouse and Bar The dessert station offers a selection of tiramisu, opera cake, turtle pecan pie, raspberry-dark-chocolate tartlets and cognac truffles, as well as ice cream to order, including a decadent smoked bourbon and dark-cherry ice cream. For those without a sweet tooth, the artisanal cheese selection is not to be missed, offering Reblochon, Tête de Moine, Camembert, and Fourme d’Ambert. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Raging-Bull-Chophouse-Bar_The-Sunday-Cut-Cheese-Station.webp) An array of French cheeses for cheese lovers. *Raging Bull Chophouse and Bar* We recommend reserving your tables as early as possible, as tables fill quickly and The Sunday Cut is served only on the first Sunday of every month, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Brunch costs PHP 5,950 net per person, while a free-flow add-on with [Champagne](https://robbreport.ph/tag/champagne/ "champagne"), wines, cocktails, spirits, and beer is available for an additional PHP 2,500 net. *For reservations and inquiries, call +63 917 536 3287, email , or book online at [www.shangri-la.com/manila/shangrilaatthefort/dining/restaurants/raging-bull/](http://www.shangri-la.com/manila/shangrilaatthefort/dining/restaurants/raging-bull/).* ## FAQs ### **What is The Sunday Cut?** The Sunday Cut is a monthly brunch at Raging Bull Chophouse & Bar built around premium carved meats, seafood, charcuterie, chophouse sides and desserts. ### **When is The Sunday Cut served?** It is available on the first Sunday of every month, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. ### **How much does The Sunday Cut cost?** The brunch costs PHP 5,950 net per person. ### **What is included in The Sunday Cut?** The spread includes MS4 Tajima Wagyu tomahawk, bone-in Ibérico pork chop, seafood, charcuterie, à-la-minute Caesar salad, classic chophouse sides, cheeses and desserts. ### **Are free-flowing drinks available?** Yes. A free-flow package featuring Champagne, wine, cocktails, spirits, beer and non-alcoholic drinks is available for an additional PHP 2,500 net per person. **Categories:** Dining, Food & Drink **Tags:** brunch, Buffet, raging bull chophouse and bar, Shangri-La at the Fort, steakhouse --- ### [Are the World’s Most Expensive Foods Healthy?](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/are-the-worlds-most-expensive-foods-healthy/) **Published:** August 18, 2026 **Author:** Ria de Borja **Content:** *Editor’s Note: The following information, while researched and based on published studies, is not medical advice. Consult your physician or a registered dietitian for guidance specific to your health, dietary needs and medical conditions.* As [wellness](https://robbreport.ph/leisure/health-wellness/ "Health & Wellness") increasingly influences even the world’s finest restaurants, diners are becoming as curious about nutrition as they are about provenance. The result is an interesting question: do the world’s most expensive ingredients actually offer exceptional nutritional value? Whether it’s a spoonful of glistening [caviar](https://robbreport.ph/tag/caviar/ "Caviar") harvested from centuries-old sturgeon, paper-thin slices of Jamón Ibérico de Bellota carved from acorn-fed pigs, or the intoxicating aroma of white truffles unearthed in Italy’s Piedmont forests, the world’s most celebrated ingredients owe their status to craftsmanship, provenance, and scarcity as much as flavor. Their value lies not only in what they taste like, but in the stories behind them: stories of meticulous farming, centuries-old traditions, and production methods that often cannot be rushed or replicated. Some [luxury foods](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/) are among the most nutrient-dense ingredients available anywhere, packed with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, while others offer little nutritional value. And then there are those that occupy a fascinating middle ground: foods whose scientific profiles are far more complex than their reputations suggest. None of this should be mistaken for medical advice. Nutrition is deeply individual, and no single ingredient, however celebrated, determines the quality of an overall diet. Fine dining is about craftsmanship, artistry, and the pursuit of extraordinary flavors. Understanding the nutritional qualities of these ingredients simply offers another way to appreciate them. ## **Caviar: Tiny Pearls With Outsized Benefits** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/caviar-2240x1260.webp) Long associated with imperial Russia and European aristocracy, true caviar refers only to the salted roe of sturgeon, a family of fish that can take well over a decade to reach maturity. That lengthy production cycle, combined with stringent conservation measures protecting wild sturgeon populations, explains why exceptional caviar remains among the world’s most expensive foods. Gram for gram, [caviar](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/caviar-benefits) is very nutrient-dense. It is an exceptional source of the marine omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, which have been extensively studied for their role in supporting cardiovascular health, brain function, and normal inflammatory responses. Unlike plant-based omega-3s, these forms are immediately usable by the body. [Caviar](http://Caviar) also ranks among the richest natural dietary sources of vitamin B12, an essential nutrient involved in nerve function, DNA production, and the formation of healthy red blood cells. A modest serving supplies meaningful amounts of selenium, which helps protect cells from oxidative stress, along with vitamin D and complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids. Its drawbacks are the relatively small amount one consumes—too little to make much difference—as well as the consequences of preservation. Salt curing increases its sodium content. Caviar is also naturally high in cholesterol. ## **Oysters: Nature’s Multivitamin in a Half Shell** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Oysters.webp) Oysters’ reputation as an indulgence obscures an [extraordinary nutritional profile](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/eastern-oyster/seafood): they are a superb source of zinc, and several oysters can provide several times the recommended daily intake of the essential mineral, which supports immune function, wound healing, DNA synthesis, and healthy taste and smell. Oysters are equally impressive sources of vitamin B12, selenium, copper, and lean complete protein while remaining naturally low in calories. Like caviar, oysters also provide marine omega-3 fatty acids. The primary concern about oysters is food safety. Raw oysters can harbor naturally occurring bacteria, including Vibrio species, which present greater risks for individuals with compromised immune systems or certain underlying medical conditions. Responsible harvesting and proper refrigeration can reduce these concerns. Environmental quality also matters. Oysters naturally filter seawater, meaning their nutritional quality is closely tied to the health of the waters from which they are harvested. Premium producers invest heavily in monitoring water quality, making provenance just as important nutritionally as it is gastronomically. ## **Estate Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The Multi-Use, Low-Profile Luxury** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/olive-oil-2240x1260.webp) The finest estate-produced extra virgin olive oils are made solely through mechanical extraction, preserving naturally occurring antioxidants known as polyphenols alongside abundant monounsaturated fats, particularly oleic acid. Peppery bitterness is often an indicator of high polyphenol content, which is associated with improved cardiovascular health and reduced markers of inflammation. Freshness is part of the nutritional equation. Premium oils harvested during the most recent season generally contain substantially higher levels of beneficial polyphenols than bottles that have spent years exposed to heat, oxygen, or supermarket lighting. Its only nutritional compromise is one shared by every culinary fat: calories. At approximately 120 calories per tablespoon, even the healthiest oils should be appreciated with awareness. Among luxury ingredients, few combine gastronomic excellence with such overwhelming scientific support. ## **Uni: A Delicacy Richer Than Its Texture Suggests** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Uni.webp) Uni’s luxurious mouthfeel often leads diners to assume it is nutritionally indulgent, but it actually offers [a surprisingly balanced profile](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308814624008331). It provides complete protein alongside meaningful amounts of marine omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, and iodine, the trace mineral essential for normal thyroid hormone production. Vitamin A supports vision and immune function, while iodine remains one of the nutrients most closely associated with healthy metabolism. The vibrant orange color comes from carotenoid pigments, including echinenone, another antioxidant being studied by researchers. Like many seafoods, uni does contain cholesterol, although its overall nutritional profile compares favorably with many terrestrial luxury foods. ## **A5 Wagyu: The World’s Most Marbled Beef** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/the-eighty-six-wagyu-steak.webp) *The Eighty Six* Like all beef, A5 [wagyu](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/the-ultimate-guide-to-wagyu-beef-the-worlds-most-luxurious-steak/ "Wagyu") is an excellent source of complete protein, providing every essential amino acid the body needs to build and repair muscle. It also delivers generous amounts of iron, zinc, vitamin B12, niacin, and vitamin B6, nutrients that support oxygen transport, immune health, and energy metabolism. What distinguishes wagyu from conventional beef is not merely the quantity of fat, but its composition. Studies have shown that wagyu contains a higher proportion of monounsaturated fats, particularly oleic acid—the same heart-friendly fatty acid that makes extra virgin olive oil a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet. The higher concentration of monounsaturated fats lowers the melting point of the fat itself, explaining why wagyu begins to soften almost immediately on the tongue. None of this transforms wagyu into health food; it’s exceptionally calorie-dense, with significantly more total fat than leaner cuts of beef. The [nutritional distinction ](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28115881/)lies in the quality of that fat rather than the amount. Fortunately, culinary tradition has already solved the problem. Japanese chefs rarely serve A5 wagyu in the generous portions common to Western steakhouses. Diners savor small slices instead. ## **Jamón Ibérico de Bellota: A Ham Unlike Any Other** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/jamon-iberico--2240x1260.webp) Raised across Spain’s ancient dehesa woodlands, free-roaming Iberian pigs spend the final months of their lives feeding almost exclusively on fallen acorns during the annual montanera. The result is visible before the first bite. Rather than the opaque white fat seen in many cured hams, Jamón Ibérico develops translucent streaks that soften at room temperature, a hallmark of its unusually high oleic acid content. Oleic acid is the same monounsaturated fatty acid found in olive oil, and it gives Jamón Ibérico a fatty acid profile unlike most pork products. While it still contains saturated fat, the proportion of heart-friendlier monounsaturated fat is significantly higher than that found in conventionally raised pork. Beyond its fats, Jamón Ibérico supplies high-quality protein, iron, phosphorus, zinc, and several B vitamins. During its lengthy curing process, which may extend for three to four years, naturally occurring enzymes gradually break down proteins into smaller peptides. [Scientists continue to study these bioactive compounds](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7073981/) for their potential physiological effects, although much remains to be understood. Its principal nutritional drawback is familiar to anyone who enjoys cured meats: sodium. Salt is indispensable to preservation, texture, and flavor, making even modest servings relatively high in sodium. Like all cured hams, Jamón Ibérico is also classified as processed meat, although it belongs to a very different category from hot dogs or supermarket cold cuts. ## **White and Black Truffles: Worth Their Weight in Gold, Not Nutrients** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Truffles.webp) Every autumn, the hills of Italy’s Piedmont region come alive before dawn as trained dogs and their handlers search beneath oak, hazelnut, and poplar trees for one of gastronomy’s greatest treasures: the Alba white truffle. Unlike cultivated mushrooms, white truffles have never been reliably farmed. Their growth depends on an intricate underground relationship with tree roots and soil microorganisms that scientists still struggle to fully understand. Their rarity, fleeting season, and intoxicating aroma explain why exceptional specimens routinely command thousands of dollars per pound. Black truffles, particularly the celebrated Périgord variety from France, are somewhat more predictable thanks to carefully managed orchards, yet remain among the world’s most expensive ingredients. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/otoro-2240x1260.webp) Nutritionally, both white and black truffles are surprisingly modest. They contain antioxidants, trace minerals, small amounts of dietary fiber, and naturally occurring plant compounds that continue to interest researchers. They are also extremely low in calories. The challenge is one of scale. Even an indulgent serving may consist of only five to ten grams of shaved truffle—far too little to meaningfully affect overall nutrient intake. Their contribution to a meal is sensory rather than nutritional. ## **Foie Gras: A**n Indulgence Best in **Moderation** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/foie-gras-2240x1260.webp) For centuries, chefs have celebrated foie gras’ smooth texture and delicate richness, elevating it into terrines, torchons, and perfectly seared escalopes. Its [nutritional profile](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/what-is-foie-gras) is exactly what its luxurious mouthfeel suggests. Foie gras is exceptionally rich in fat (and its consequences), making it one of the most calorie-dense foods found in fine dining. It also contains significant amounts of cholesterol, along with substantial quantities of vitamin A, iron, folate, and several B vitamins. Vitamin A, in particular, supports vision, immune function, and healthy skin. But because foie gras contains such concentrated amounts, portion size becomes especially relevant. Unlike caviar or oysters, whose nutritional strengths extend beyond indulgence, foie gras is intended to be enjoyed no more than one or two ounces. ## **Saffron: Threads Worth More Than Gold** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Saffron.webp) By weight, saffron has often been called the world’s most expensive spice. Its value stems from extraordinary labor rather than scarcity alone. Every crimson thread is the dried stigma of Crocus sativus, harvested entirely by hand. It takes approximately 150,000–200,000 flowers to produce a single kilogram of finished saffron. Long before modern laboratories began studying saffron, ancient civilizations prized it for both culinary and medicinal purposes. Today, researchers continue to investigate its unique compounds—particularly crocin, crocetin, and safranal—for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and potential neuroprotective properties. Some clinical studies have explored saffron’s possible role in supporting mood, cognitive function, and eye health, producing intriguing and evolving findings. Most recipes use only a pinch, just enough to impart saffron’s unmistakable golden hue and floral aroma. Clinical research typically relies on standardized extracts or amounts substantially greater than those used in everyday cooking. Like truffles, saffron’s greatest contribution to luxury dining lies in its ability to transform flavor, aroma, and visual beauty. ## **Otoro: The Ultimate Cut of Bluefin** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/otoro-2240x1260.webp) For sushi aficionados, few moments rival the first bite of otoro, the prized fatty belly of bluefin tuna, where a single slice can command astonishing prices. Its luxurious texture comes from abundant intramuscular fat, much like wagyu beef, yet nutritionally the comparison ends there. Because bluefin is an oily fish, otoro is naturally rich in the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, nutrients consistently associated with cardiovascular and cognitive health. It is also an excellent source of complete protein, vitamin D, vitamin B12, selenium, and phosphorus. As one of the ocean’s largest predatory fish, bluefin accumulates mercury over its long lifespan, leading most health authorities to recommend moderation, particularly for pregnant women and young children. There is another issue that increasingly shapes conversations around otoro: sustainability. Intensive fishing placed Atlantic and Pacific bluefin populations under severe pressure for decades. Although improved fisheries management has led to encouraging recoveries in some regions, discerning diners increasingly look beyond flavor, asking not simply how fresh the fish is, but how responsibly it was caught. ## **King Crab: Sweet, Lean, and Surprisingly Light** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/king-crab-2240x1260.webp) Despite its dramatic size and naturally sweet flesh, Alaskan king crab is surprisingly restrained nutritionally. The meat is exceptionally lean while providing generous amounts of complete protein. It also supplies vitamin B12, selenium, zinc, copper, and phosphorus: minerals essential for immune function, metabolism, and bone health. Prepared simply, steamed or gently poached, king crab remains naturally low in saturated fat. The nutritional equation changes only when clarified butter enters the picture. Most of the richness diners associate with king crab comes from the sauce rather than the crab itself. As with many luxury seafoods, sustainability varies by fishery. Well-managed Alaskan fisheries are widely regarded as among the world’s most responsibly regulated. ## **Parmigiano Reggiano: More Than a Finishing Touch** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Parmigiano-Reggiano.webp) Protected by one of Europe’s oldest appellation systems, true Parmigiano Reggiano can only be produced in designated provinces of northern Italy using strict traditional methods. Wheels must age for a minimum of 12 months, while many of the most coveted examples mature for 36, 48, or even 60 months, developing complexity. Because much of the lactose is consumed during fermentation, many people with lactose sensitivity tolerate aged Parmigiano surprisingly well. Nutritionally, long aging transforms the cheese in fascinating ways: It becomes easier to digest while remaining an outstanding source of complete protein. It is naturally rich in calcium, phosphorus, vitamin B12, and zinc, making it one of the most nutrient-dense cheeses available. While it remains calorie-dense and contains meaningful amounts of saturated fat and sodium, only a modest shaving is enough to transform an entire dish. ## **Traditional Balsamic Vinegar: Time in a Bottle** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Balsamic-Vinegar.webp) Unlike commercial versions blended with wine vinegar, caramel coloring, and thickeners, traditional balsamic begins as freshly cooked grape must that slowly ages in a succession of wooden barrels for at least 12 years, and often more than 25. The resulting syrup possesses extraordinary concentration, balancing sweetness, acidity, and complexity in just a few precious drops. From a nutritional standpoint, its contributions are modest. It contains naturally occurring polyphenols derived from grapes and wood aging, compounds with antioxidant activity. Because it is used sparingly, the overall nutritional impact is relatively small. A teaspoon can elevate aged Parmigiano, ripe strawberries, or grilled wagyu without requiring butter, cream, or heavy sauces. ## **Single-Origin Dark Chocolate: Science’s Favorite Indulgence** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Single-Origin-Dark-Chocolate.webp) The finest chocolatiers treat cacao much like winemakers treat grapes, emphasizing terroir, harvest conditions, fermentation, and origin. Single-origin chocolate from Madagascar may burst with bright red fruit notes, while Ecuadorian cacao leans floral and Peruvian beans offer earthy flavors. High-cocoa dark chocolate is [naturally rich in flavanols](https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/food-features/dark-chocolate/), plant compounds studied extensively for their potential effects on vascular health by helping blood vessels remain flexible and supporting healthy circulation. It also provides magnesium, iron, copper, manganese, and dietary fiber. Milk chocolate and heavily sweetened formulations contain substantially more sugar and considerably fewer flavanols. For those seeking both flavor and nutritional value, chocolates containing at least 70 percent cocoa generally offer the best balance. As always, moderation matters. Chocolate remains energy-dense, but few desserts deliver such a compelling combination of pleasure and scientific interest. ## **The Real Luxury Is Knowing the Difference** One of the enduring pleasures of fine dining is its ability to transform ingredients into experiences, albeit the finest ingredients were never meant to be consumed in excess. They are served in measured portions, appreciated slowly, and remembered. Their value lies not in quantity but in quality. Understanding what they offer nutritionally simply adds another dimension to that appreciation, allowing us to recognize that beneath every indulgence lies an intersection of agriculture, science, culture, and craftsmanship. ## FAQs ### Are expensive foods more nutritious? Not necessarily. Price usually reflects scarcity, provenance, production time and craftsmanship rather than nutritional value. Oysters and caviar are nutrient-dense, while truffles provide relatively little nutrition in customary serving sizes. ### Which luxury foods are the most nutrient-dense? Oysters, caviar, otoro and king crab provide combinations of complete protein, vitamins, minerals and marine omega-3 fatty acids. Their nutritional value still depends on serving size, preparation and individual dietary requirements. ### Is A5 wagyu healthier than ordinary beef? A5 wagyu generally contains a higher proportion of monounsaturated fat, including oleic acid, than conventional beef. It also contains considerably more total fat and calories, making portion size important. ### Do truffles have health benefits? Truffles contain antioxidants, trace minerals and small amounts of fiber. Because diners typically consume only a few grams at a time, their practical contribution to overall nutrition is minimal. ### What are the principal concerns associated with luxury foods? Potential concerns include sodium in caviar and cured ham, mercury in bluefin tuna, foodborne illness from raw oysters, and high levels of fat or calories in foie gras and wagyu. Sustainability and provenance also matter, particularly with seafood. **Categories:** Dining, Food & Drink **Tags:** Caviar, Dark Chocolate, Fine Dining, Jamón Ibérico, Luxury Food, Nutrition, Otoro, Oysters, Truffles, Wagyu --- ### [Some of the World’s Best Caviar Is From Tblisi. We Went There to Find Out Why.](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/some-of-the-worlds-best-caviar-is-from-tblisi-and-this-pair-of-chefs-went-there-to-find-out-why/) **Published:** August 19, 2026 **Author:** Felipe Riccio **Content:** For most diners, caviar appears at the end of its journey. It arrives chilled and carefully presented, often with a sense of ceremony that can make it feel more like a trophy than something to eat. Between us, we have spent decades in fine [dining](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/ "Dining")—tasting, sourcing, and serving caviar in many forms. We understand its rituals and pleasures, but until recently, we had never seen where it comes from. Earlier this year, we decided to change that. We traveled to Tbilisi, Georgia, to visit [Panchenko Caviar House](https://pancaviar.com/en), widely regarded as producers of some of the best you can get. The experience has changed the way we think about buying, using, and explaining this ingredient in our restaurants. As chefs, we often talk about ingredients with a sense of immediacy: What’s fresh? What’s seasonal? What’s ready now? But caviar forces you to think in years, not weeks. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/RR_Caviar_August_1.webp) A dollop of kaluga hybrid caviar atop the Marigold Club’s Hokkaido scallop crudo. *Zach Horst* At Panchenko, Altima’s source for roe, that’s because the final product is the result of a complex, ongoing cultivation process. We learned that before caviar becomes an object of celebration, it requires a decade or more of careful animal husbandry. Some sturgeon species need up to 20 years before they’re mature enough to harvest. The fish are raised in ponds fed with river water that flows off the Gombori mountains, monitored constantly to ensure proper egg development, and supervised until just the right time arrives for harvesting, salting, and packaging. Once the roe are in their tins, it might be a few more years before the containers can be opened and sampled. Small decisions compound over years. This work depends more on patience than on [culinary spectacle](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/). That often-invisible labor is now the first thing we think about when selecting caviar. And it has changed the way we respond to the question people ask us most frequently: “Which one is the best?” It is a fair query, but not always the most useful one. Now that we’ve seen the process up close, we frame our answers along the same lines as we talk about wine. The world’s best vintages have taught consumers to think beyond hierarchy. A bottle is interesting because of place, variety, producer, structure, texture, and personal preferences, not simply because it is expensive. Caviar deserves that same attention, even if the descriptors are different. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/RR_Caviar_August_3.webp) From left, Altima Caviar C.O.O. Alayna Steinman with chefs Austin Waiter and Felipe Riccio at Panchenko’s Rioni Sturgeon Factory. *Panchenko Caviar House* Species matters. So do texture, salinity, richness, minerality, and finish. Some eggs are clean and bright (say, Siberian caviar); others are creamy, nutty, deeply savory, or more persistent (à la golden osetra). For us, quality begins with balance. The roe should be distinct, not mushy. The finish should be clean, not muddy, metallic, or aggressively fishy. It should taste alive, but also like itself. To achieve this, extra care is taken at the salting stage to ensure that the eggs can develop great texture and flavor and still get preserved. It’s a high-wire act: The only ingredients in the tin are roe and salt, so they have to work together seamlessly. Just as importantly, the producer should be able to explain the product clearly. We want transparency around species, origin, farming method, harvest, maturation, handling, and storage. A beautiful tin means very little if the chain of care behind it is unclear. When we talk about caviar in terms of price or prestige only, we reduce a complex ingredient to a Veblen good. When we talk about species, producer, style, and preference, the category becomes more open, more interesting, and ultimately more enjoyable. And this thinking now shapes the way we approach it across our restaurants. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/RR_Caviar_August_4.webp) At [March](https://www.marchrestaurant.com/), which has held a Michelin star since 2024, caviar must earn its place within the story of a dish. It has to provide salinity, texture, richness, or resonance. If we use it, it’s to make the dish more complete, not just to decorate it. At [the Marigold Club](https://themarigoldclub.com/), the caviar service feels celebratory and polished, but never stiff. The goal is generosity: We offer six selections from four sturgeons and five countries. We want our guests to feel that they’re being led into something special rather than being quizzed on whether they already understand it. At [Montrose Cheese & Wine](https://www.montrosecheeseandwine.com/), caviar becomes something a guest might take home—and in that case, education matters even more. Which size tin makes sense? What should it be served with? How should it be stored? The goal is to make it approachable without stripping away its sense of occasion. In each setting, the sourcing story is only as valuable as our ability to share it clearly. Our responsibility is to make caviar understandable and enjoyable, not just expensive. Sometimes that means giving guests exactly what they already know they love. Sometimes it means pushing them just a little further than they expected to go. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* ## FAQs ### What makes a high-quality caviar? Great caviar should have distinct, firm roe, balanced salinity, and a clean finish. The eggs should taste fresh and expressive rather than mushy, metallic, muddy, or overly fishy. ### How do chefs choose the best caviar? Chefs consider species, origin, producer, texture, salinity, richness, minerality, and finish rather than relying solely on price or prestige. ### How long does it take to produce caviar? Producing caviar can take a decade or longer. Some sturgeon species may require up to 20 years to mature before their roe can be harvested. ### What is the difference between Siberian and golden osetra caviar? Siberian caviar can offer a cleaner, brighter profile, while golden osetra is often prized for its creamy, nutty, deeply savory flavors and longer finish. ### What should you look for when buying caviar? Look for a producer that clearly identifies the sturgeon species, origin, farming practices, harvest and maturation process, handling, and storage. Transparency is one of the strongest indicators of careful sourcing. **Categories:** Food & Drink **Tags:** Caviar, Dining, Georgia, Magazine --- ### [Four Michelin Stars, One Counter: Jaan Comes to Helm](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/jaan-kirk-westaway-josh-boutwood-helm-manila/) **Published:** August 19, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** Four Michelin stars will converge around a 24-seat counter in Makati on August 25, when [Josh Boutwood](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/bar-none/bar-none-josh-boutwood/ "Bar None: Josh Boutwood") welcomes two-star restaurant [Jaan’s](https://www.jaan.sg/) Kirk Westaway to Helm. Such arithmetic makes an efficient advertisement, but it is not what persuaded either chef to collaborate. Their dinner began with friendship—and with the discovery that, despite producing markedly different [food](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/), they agree on what a restaurant should do. “Kirk and I go back a few years. We first met during the Asia Culinary Exchange when he was visiting the Philippines, and we immediately got along,” Boutwood recalls. “We’ve stayed in touch ever since, and this year the opportunity to cook together finally came together.” The dinner brings together the chefs behind two of Southeast Asia’s most highly regarded restaurants. [Helm ](https://robbreport.ph/tag/helm/ "helm")became the only restaurant to debut with two stars in the inaugural Michelin Guide to Manila and Environs and Cebu. Jaan by Kirk Westaway, meanwhile, received its second star in 2021 and retained both in the recently announced 2026 Singapore selection. [Michelin](https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/metro-manila/makati-city_2329358/restaurant/helm) describes Boutwood’s cooking as an intersection of his British-Filipino background, Spanish influences and an evolving series of themed menus; [Jaan](https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/singapore-region/singapore/restaurant/jaan-by-kirk-westaway) is recognized for Westaway’s contemporary treatment of British produce and culinary traditions. ![Kirk Westaway. Courtesy of Helm](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/kirk-westaway1-1.webp) Kirk Westaway. *Courtesy of Helm* Westaway grew up in Devon, where the garden maintained by his family helped establish the seasonal instincts that now govern his cooking in Singapore. Boutwood’s biography is less geographically tidy: born in England to a Filipino father and English mother, he spent his formative years between Europe and the Philippines before developing Helm’s particular vocabulary of memory, technique and local produce. ![Josh Boutwood. Courtesy of Helm](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/xJosh-Boutwood.webp) Josh Boutwood. *Courtesy of Helm* Their shared British connection will run through the tasting menu, interpreted using the ingredients, flavors, and traditions of Southeast Asia. Individual dishes have yet to be disclosed, although the chefs say the evening has been composed as a continuous progression rather than a sequence of alternating signatures. “Whenever we host an international chef, the goal is never to present two separate styles on the same menu,” Boutwood explains. “We want the dishes to work in harmony, with each course building on the last. It’s about creating something that could only happen on that one night.” ![The asparagus dish at Jaan. Courtesy of Jaan/Helm](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/asparagus-2240x3360.webp) The asparagus dish at Jaan. Courtesy of Jaan/Helm That approach suits Helm, where the proximity between kitchen and dining room leaves little space for ceremony—or concealment. Guests watch dishes being assembled across the counter, making the labor and concentration of service part of dinner itself. For Westaway, accustomed to Jaan’s panoramic dining room on the 70th floor of [Swissôtel The Stamford](https://www.swissotel.com/hotels/singapore-stamford/), the smaller setting offers another mode of exchange. “It wasn’t really about the restaurants,” he says of accepting Boutwood’s invitation. “It was about cooking alongside someone I respect.” *The Jaan x Helm dinner will be held on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, with seatings at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Helm is located on the third floor of The Shops at Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati. Reservations may be made through [joshboutwood.com](https://joshboutwood.com) or at +63 915 909 8647.* ## FAQs ### When is the JAAN x Helm four-hands dinner? The dinner will take place on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, with seatings at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. ### Who are the chefs behind JAAN x Helm? The dinner brings together Kirk Westaway, executive chef of JAAN by Kirk Westaway in Singapore, and Josh Boutwood, chef and owner of Helm in Manila. Both restaurants hold two Michelin stars. ### What can guests expect from the tasting menu? The exclusive tasting menu will combine the chefs’ ingredient-led approaches, with British influences serving as a common thread alongside the ingredients, flavors, and culinary traditions of Southeast Asia. ### Where will the JAAN x Helm dinner be held? The event will take place at Helm on the third floor of The Shops at Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati City. ### How can guests reserve seats for JAAN x Helm? Reservations may be made through [joshboutwood.com](https://joshboutwood.com) or by messaging +63 915 909 8647. Seating is expected to be highly limited because Helm accommodates only 24 guests. **Categories:** Dining **Tags:** four hands menu, helm, Jaan, josh boutwood, Kirk Westaway, manila, Michelin, singapore --- ### [Miko Calo Cooks Her Grandmother’s Table at Po & Pilar](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/miko-calo-cooks-her-grandmothers-table-at-po-pilar/) **Published:** August 24, 2026 **Author:** Nicholas Ong **Content:** A grandmother’s kitchen can exert a long influence. For [Miko Calo](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/miko-calo-coquette/ "Why the Coquette Pop Up at Casa Buenas Is the Miko Calo Comeback We’ve Been Waiting For"), the chef whose career has taken her through celebrated restaurants in Paris, London, Singapore, and Manila, [some of her earliest lessons in food began in the Butuan home](https://robbreport.ph/profiles/all-roads-lead-to-home/ "Miko Calo: All Roads Lead to Home") of Consuelo V. Calo—her Wawa. Those memories will shape *Just The Way My Wawa Made It*, a one-night dinner at [Po & Pilar](https://poandpilar.com/) on September 1, 2026. It is the third installment of the restaurant’s takeover series, which invites chefs and beverage professionals to set aside their [customary menus](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/) and cook from a more personal source. Calo grew up amid the daily activity of her grandmother’s large household. She remembers her aunts roasting homegrown cacao for *tsokolate*, afternoons spent eating sea salt with her nanny, and the cooks preparing the family’s evening meal. Her grandmother, meanwhile, maintained exacting standards for seafood and rice. One dish remains especially vivid: *inagun-un*, the Butuan counterpart of *paksiw*. “She would use *mangko*, or mackerel tuna, and only a specific kind of vinegar and sea salt. She would let it age for a day or two before eating or serving it,” Calo recalls. “She also taught me to eat *inagun-un* with rendered pork fat and the sauce mixed into the rice.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/miko-caloin-service1-2240x3359.webp) *Po & Pilar* The dinner will draw from both the everyday dishes and the food served on special occasions during Calo’s childhood. Specific courses have yet to be disclosed, although the chef’s background suggests that memory will pass through a particularly accomplished technical vocabulary. A graduate of Ferrandi Paris, Calo spent seven years within Joël Robuchon International and later led Metronome in Manila. She now serves as culinary creative director of the Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded Taquería Franco. Her cooking has long reflected her fluency in Filipino and French traditions. At Po & Pilar, however, technique will serve a story that began well before professional kitchens entered the picture. “She has roots and stories from Butuan,” says Po & Pilar co-founder Jericson Co. “The fluency she has with both practices, Filipino and French, is on a different level, and I’m so curious what that creativity will present.” The collaboration also returns the series to the premise on which Po & Pilar was founded. Named for Co’s grandmothers, the restaurant approaches inherited recipes as living material: familiar tastes can be examined, rebuilt, and carried forward while retaining their emotional origin. Previous editions featured [Bruce Ricketts cooking in tribute to his late father](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/at-po-pilar-bruce-ricketts-serves-us-a-rich-family-story/ "At Po & Pilar, Bruce Ricketts Serves Us a Rich Family Story"), followed by [Jordy Navarra of Toyo Eatery](https://robbreport.ph/tag/jordy-navarra/ "jordy navarra") and [JP Cruz](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/manilas-top-chefs-passion-michelin-experience/ "How Manila’s Top Chefs Discovered Their Passion—and Their First Michelin Experience") of Inatô honoring their mothers. Calo’s dinner completes a neat return to the grandmother’s table, where the restaurant’s own story began. The evening is ultimately concerned with what survives after a recipe leaves its original kitchen: a particular vinegar, the proper texture of rice, the instruction to mix rendered pork fat into a sauce. These details can contain an entire person. For one night, Calo will bring them back to the table. *Just The Way My Wawa Made It with Miko Calo will be held on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at Po & Pilar in Legazpi Village, Makati. Dinner seatings are at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. For reservations, call or message +63 962 909 1749.* ## FAQs ### What is *Just The Way My Wawa Made It*? It is a one-night dinner at Po & Pilar featuring chef Miko Calo. The menu draws inspiration from the everyday and special-occasion dishes served in her grandmother’s Butuan home. ### Who was Miko Calo’s grandmother? Her grandmother was Consuelo V. Calo, whom the chef called Wawa. Calo spent part of her childhood in her grandmother’s household, where many of her earliest memories of food were formed. ### What dish does Miko Calo particularly associate with her Wawa? Calo remembers *inagun-un*, the Butuan counterpart of *paksiw*. Her grandmother prepared it with *mangko*, or mackerel tuna, a particular vinegar, and sea salt before allowing it to age for a day or two. ### When is Miko Calo’s dinner at Po & Pilar? *Just The Way My Wawa Made It* will take place on Tuesday, September 1, 2026. Dinner seatings are scheduled for 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. ### How can guests reserve seats for the Miko Calo dinner? Reservations can be made by calling or messaging Po & Pilar at +63 962 909 1749. The restaurant is located in Legazpi Village, Makati. **Categories:** Dining **Tags:** miko calo, Po & Pilar --- ### [The Australian Way: Brontë Brings Australian Fine Dining to Makati](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/bronte-australian-fine-dining-makati/) **Published:** August 24, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** Not every memorable restaurant depends on novelty or surprise. Sometimes what stays with you is something simpler: excellent cooking that never strains for attention, a room that invites conversation, and hospitality that feels unscripted. Set against Manila’s dining scene, which has embraced elaborate [tasting menus](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/), Brontë feels refreshingly assured. ![Derek ramsay and Wade watson](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Derek-Ramsay-Wade-Watson_1.webp) Derek Ramsay and Wade Watson. Brontë Chef Wade Watson’s newest restaurant (co-owned with Derek Ramsay) inside La Reserve, atop Makati’s Levanto Building, is comfortable with itself. The room is elegant and chic, but also stylishly informal. The ease is unmistakably Australian, and so is the menu, in the way modern Australian cooking has evolved over the past three decades, borrowing freely from European technique and Mediterranean generosity while remaining anchored by exceptional produce. What’s interesting about Australia is that it doesn’t need to define itself through culinary orthodoxy; the approach is straightforward: choose good ingredients and treat them well. ![Steak tartare. Brontë](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Steak-Tartare_4-2240x3360.webp) Steak tartare. *Brontë* Watson describes his cooking as “quality, refined, and simplistic,” before acknowledging the apparent contradiction. “I know ‘simplistic’ contradicts refined,” he says, “but it can be both. The best restaurants in the world, in my opinion, are the ones that are simple. They’re serving food you want to eat.” He has a point. The fewer places there are to hide, the higher the standards for ingredients and the more exacting the technique must be. ![Prawn Cocktail Brontë](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Prawn-Cocktail_3-2240x3360.webp) Prawn cocktail. Classic, nostalgic, and delicious. *Brontë* One of the not-to-miss starters is the foie gras terrine, which arrives with sourdough and a perfectly balanced sweet-and-tart plum compote, a perfect foil. Another is the prawn cocktail, dressed in Marie Rose sauce over Hass avocado and crisp iceberg lettuce, reviving a classic that feels deservedly fashionable once again. The Persian feta salad, with Meredith Farms goat’s cheese, Fuji apple, and toasted pecans, is hearty and carries enough texture and acidity to stand comfortably beside the restaurant’s richer dishes. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Filet-Rossini_paired-with-Chateau-Haut-Brion_1.webp) The filet rosini. Brontë A juicy, luscious steak, naturally, sits at the centre of Brontë’s identity. Premium Australian beef accounts for the lion’s share of the restaurant’s offerings, with one or two selections sourced from the U.S. “We are very clear that we’re resting steaks. I’m big on resting steaks,” he says. “If you’re in a hurry, I’ll tell you which steak to order, because anything over 500 grams, you have to wait.” ![Bone-In NY Strip Red Phoenix MB5 with Cauliflower and Garlic Tahini Corn and Brie Gratin_1](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Bone-In-NY-Strip-Red-Phoenix-MB5-with-Cauliflower-and-Garlic-Tahini-Corn-and-Brie-Gratin_1.webp) Bone-In NY Strip (Red Phoenix MB5) with cauliflower and garlic tahini, corn and brie gratin. *Brontë* What drew me back for a second visit just a few weeks later, however, was the seafood, which deserves equal attention. Barramundi meunière relies on little more than vine tomatoes, capers, dill, and cultured butter, allowing the quality of the fish to shine. The exotic New Zealand orange roughy takes the spotlight in a dish with roasted cauliflower and red pepper romesco; this particular entrée was an off-menu dish on the first visit, and I’m glad it has found its place on the regular menu. The lobster risotto is deeply comforting without becoming heavy, each grain retaining its bite beneath sweet lobster and a silky, beautifully emulsified finish. Equally satisfying is the Linguini Rossa, where generous seafood and a bright, tomato-based sauce strike a balance between richness and freshness. While some diners may dismiss accompanying vegetables as mere garnish, every cherry tomato and every last morsel on every plate was enjoyed and finished—a small detail, but a testament to Watson’s commitment to excellent ingredients. The cellar developed naturally, with oenophile Watson spending years collecting bottles long before Brontë existed. “I knew that one day I would open a concept like this and the bottles I’d collected would be for my clients,” he says. The result is one of Manila’s more serious wine lists, spanning benchmark Australian producers, Bordeaux first growths, and prestige Champagne. Like everything else at Brontë, the wine programme feels thought out without feeling contrived. And perhaps that’s the restaurant’s greatest achievement overall: confidence in the cooking, confidence in the room, and confidence that good conversation, shared over excellent food, is reason enough to come back. *Brontë is at La Reserve, 4/F Levanto Building, 389 Jupiter Street, Makati 1209. Reservations: +63 908 872 8584.* ## FAQs ### What is Brontë in Makati? Brontë is chef Wade Watson’s restaurant inside La Reserve at the Levanto Building in Makati. Its menu reflects the relaxed, produce-led character of modern Australian cooking. ### What kind of food does Brontë serve? Brontë serves premium Australian steaks, seafood, salads, classic starters, and comforting dishes informed by European and Mediterranean cooking. ### What dishes should guests order at Brontë? Recommended dishes include the foie gras terrine with plum compote, prawn cocktail, Persian feta salad, barramundi meunière, orange roughy, lobster risotto, and Linguini Rossa. ### Does Brontë have a wine list? Yes. Brontë offers an extensive cellar assembled by chef Wade Watson, with benchmark Australian producers, Bordeaux first growths, and prestige Champagne. ### Where is Brontë located? Brontë is located at La Reserve, 4/F Levanto Building, 389 Jupiter Street, Makati. Reservations can be made through +63 908 872 8584. **Categories:** Dining **Tags:** Australian Cuisine, Bronte, Levanto Building, Makati --- ### [The Good Life: Editors' Picks of the Week](https://robbreport.ph/the-good-life-editors-picks/the-good-life-editors-picks-of-the-week-24/) **Published:** August 28, 2026 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** *In every edition of The Good Life: Editors’ Picks, we round up our editors’ favorite restaurants, drinks, experiences, exhibitions, and other discoveries. When the weather turns gray, a good meal offers an excellent reason to leave the house. Here are five tables worth heading out for this week.* ## Ohmi Wagyu Beef at Tsukiji ![A5 Ohmi wagyu beef from Shiga Prefecture. Tsukiji](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/IMG_5868-2240x2987.webp) A5 Ohmi wagyu beef from Shiga Prefecture. *Tsukiji* Tsukiji has been the setting for a number of celebratory meals for our clan, a surefire way for the family elders to make sure we cousins are in full attendance. And no matter how many times we’ve seen it, the sushi boat laden with otoro, chutoro, ama ebi, uni, and other good things always elicits gasps of delight when it arrives. The seafood is flown in fresh from Tokyo’s Toyosu Market practically every day and prepared at Tsukiji by sushi chef Takashi Harima. ![The sushi boat at Tsukiji, always a crowd-pleaser. Tsukiji](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/IMG_0037-1.webp) The sushi boat at Tsukiji, always a crowd-pleaser. *Tsukiji* The boat drew the same reaction when a bunch of food writers got together on a rainy afternoon. Mind you, these are people who dine out twice a day for a living. It had been pouring rain for days, and classes had been called off for the nth time, but that didn’t deter anyone from heading to the Tsukiji lunch hosted by siblings J and Malu Gamboa. We were there for a tasting of A5 Ohmi wagyu beef from Shiga Prefecture, with some 400 years of history and a past that includes being presented to the Tokugawa shogunate. Master butcher Takeshi Suzuki flew in with the beef himself, proudly showing off the beautifully marbled cuts before slicing them thinly for yakiniku. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Tsukiji-Press-Lunch3.webp) Master butcher Takeshi Suzuki, who flew in from Japan. *Tsukiji* Then there was the so-called “super special” Ohmi beef sirloin, karubi, and tongue, served with assorted vegetables, followed by hot stone bowls of bibimbap, chapche, and seafood and leek pancakes. A bowl of rich, hearty short rib soup rounded off the meal. Time to revisit Tsukiji. – *Yvette Fernandez, Chief of Editorial Content* *Open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at 3/F Milky Way Building, 900 Arnaiz Avenue, Makati. For reservations, call (02) 8843 4285 or 0995 617 9209.* ## Chefs Carlos Garcia and Rhea Rizzo at Dominion Cellar for a One-Night-Only Four-Hands Dinner ![Chef Carlos Garcia. Dominion Cellar](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/c91aafc2-06c8-4e0a-b2e1-1002ddfa4aeb.webp) Chef Carlos Garcia. *Dominion Cellar* Lucky for us in Manila, chef collaborations have become more common, with truly interesting combinations that keep our local food scene electric. I’m looking forward to “Common Ground” at [Dominion Cellar](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/dominion-cellars-world-of-wine/ "Dominion Cellar’s World of Wine") on September 2, which brings together two cooks with distinct culinary vocabularies. Spanish chef Carlos Garcia, who leads Dominion Cellar’s kitchen and is known for The Black Pig, brings a European sensibility, while Chef Rhea Rizzo, chef-owner of Mrs. Saldo’s in Silang, approaches Asian flavors with a personal, widely traveled point of view. ![Chef Rhea Rizzo. Dominion Cellar](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/310639f2-b979-46cb-9ca1-b78a58ffa844.webp) Chef Rhea Rizzo. Dominion Cellar Both restaurants are so beloved that the additional appeal lies in seeing those perspectives placed side by side, with wine establishing the connection. Franck Bonville Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 2016 accompanies Garcia’s blue crab with crustacean aioli and Rizzo’s miang kham with saba, oyster, and nahm jim. Darioush Chardonnay 2023 meets Garcia’s foie gras with cherry and port wine, as well as Rizzo’s gulai ayam interpreted through barramundi and sambal embe. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-28-at-31534-PM.webp) The menu. *Dominion Cellar* Later, Les Hauts de Smith 2018 is paired with beef ragout and bun cha, while Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 accompanies lamb ribs with Szechuan peppercorn jus and short-rib rendang with aged black garlic and grilled pako. Rum baba and cacao-mango rice provide two different sweet endings. Dominion Cellar’s serious relationship with wine makes it a fitting setting: the bottles function as part of the conversation rather than an accessory to dinner. – *Kimberly Delgado, Digital Editor* *Common Ground is a one-night-only four-hands dinner at Dominion Cellar, 38 Jupiter Street, Makati City, Metro Manila. Php8,500+ per person. To reserve a seat, contact +63 9088939463.* ## The Los Chicucos Verano Menu at Cantabria ![Chefs Alvaro Romero Abreu Raya and Chele Gonzalez. Cantabria](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Chef-Alvaro-Romero-abreu-Raya-and-Chef-Chele-Gonzalez-1.webp) Chefs Alvaro Romero Abreu Raya and Chele Gonzalez. *Cantabria* On the rooftop of The Westin Manila, among murals of sunny Spanish towns hang on the walls and sangria was being prepared at the bar, Chef Chele Gonzalez and Chef de Cuisine Álvaro Romero Abreu-Raya explained to us their *Los Chicucos Verano Menu*, Cantabria’s summer tasting menu and a culinary journey between the north and south of Spain. ![Cantabria, in The Westin. Cantabria](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Cantabria-by-Chele-Gonzalez-is-the-MICHELIN-Guide-Selected-Spanish-restaurant-of-The-Westin-Manila-2240x1493.webp) Cantabria, in The Westin. *Cantabria* Taking its name from *los chicucos—*young Cantabrian apprentices who traveled south to Cádiz in search of work and opportunity during the 19th and 20th centuries—the [menu ](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/)brings together that tradition, mixing recipes from both regions. It’s also mirrored in “the creative process between me and Chef Alvaro,” explains Gonzalez. “It is like a culinary dialogue centered on flavors, techniques, and traditions from northern and southern Spain, translated into a 5-course dining experience. This is our way of sharing our heritage to the community, similar to the story of Los Chicucos.” The first course was Atún, Gazpacho, Piriñaca y Aliñ, with tuna sashimi, picked Spanish peppers, gazpacho, and a frozen salad. I’ve had my fair share of gazpacho, but the frozen salad caught me by surprise as it literally melted in my mouth. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Second-Course-Pimientos-de-Piquillo-Cangrejo-Suero-de-Hinojo-y-Majao-1-2240x1493.webp) Pimientos de piquillo, cangrejo, suero de hinojo y majao. *Cantabria* Next came Pimientos de Piquillo, Cangrejo, Suero de Hinojo y Majao, a roasted piquillo pepper stuffed with crab, with fennel dressing and majao, easily one of my favorites. The crab was sweet and delicate against the smoky pepper. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Third-Course-Bacalao-al-Pil-Pil-Cuajada-de-Apio-y-Meloso-de-Choco-y-Vieiras-1-2240x1493.webp) Bacalao al pil pil, cuajada de apio y meloso de choco y vieiras. *Cantabria* The third course, Bacalao al Pil Pil, Cuajada de Apio y Meloso de Choco y Vieiras, is Cantabria’s take on the northern Spanish classic, with cod, celery, cuajada, and black rice cooked with cuttlefish and scallops, which is like a paella negra, only softer, creamier, and richer. The fourth course, Solomillo de Vaca, Salsa Café de Paris, Pavé y Berenjena Asada introduced tenderloin with potato pavé and a smoky roasted eggplant purée. Cantabrian anchovies had been blended into the sauce for umami. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Fourth-Course-Solomillo-de-Vaca-Salsa-Cafei-de-Paris-Pavei-y-Berenjana-Asada-1.webp) Solomillo de vaca, salsa Café de Paris, pavé y berenjena asada. *Cantabria* Dessert reminded me of a fresh-fruit ice pop. Melón, Cítricos y Macedonia paired melon gelée and lime-lemon granita with fruit skewers and Cantabrian sobao. For all the techniques that had come before, the idea was wonderfully simple. By the end of dinner, the Los Chicucos Verano Menu had taken us from Cantabria to Cádiz and back again, tracing a journey through anchovies and bacalao, piquillo peppers, wine, and the techniques that traveled south with the people who carried them. *The Los Chicucos Menu Verano is available for lunch and dinner at Cantabria by Chele Gonzalez for P2,900+ per person until October 31, 2026. Wine pairings are available from P1,950+. Cantabria by Chele Gonzalez is located at The Westin Manila, San Miguel Avenue corner Lourdes Drive, Mandaluyong City*. ## A 12-Seat Omakase at Grand Hyatt Manila ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/photo_2026-08-28-153603.webp) For 10 weeks only, Tokyo-trained sushi chef Yuki Anzai is taking over the Round Bar at Grand Hyatt Manila’s The Lounge for an intimate Edomae omakase residency. The 12-seat counter will host two seatings nightly, Wednesdays through Saturdays, with menus shaped by seasonality and seafood sourced from Japan’s Toyosu Market. Anzai’s approach is exacting down to the smallest detail, most evident perhaps in the temperature of the shari, which he adjusts depending on the ingredient it accompanies. ![A 12-seat Edomae omakase at Grand Hyatt Manila.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/photo_2026-08-28-153608-e1787904315308.webp) Guests may choose a seven-course omakase at PHP 5,800 nett or the fuller 10-course experience at PHP 7,800 nett. The residency runs through November 14, with only 24 seats available each evening. *Grand Hyatt Manila is located at 8th Avenue, corner 35th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. Reserve a seat at Chef Yuki Anzai’s limited omakase residency through the [website](https://www.hyatt.com/grand-hyatt/en-US/mangh-grand-hyatt-manila/dining).* **Categories:** Dining, The Good Life: Editors' Picks --- ### [Ana Lorenzana de Ocampo Knows What Manila Wants to Eat](https://robbreport.ph/profiles/ana-lorenzana-de-ocampo-knows-what-manila-wants-to-eat/) **Published:** September 1, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** Way before the menu arrives, a Wildflour room tells you what kind of meal it wants you to have. We’re with Ana Lorenzana de Ocampo at Osteria Antica, the group’s Michelin Guide-recognized Italian restaurant, where the warmth of an old osteria meets the city skyline. Brick glows under warm light, wine cellars suggest appetite and ritual, black-and-white floors lead into arched passages, and the view gives lunch a nearly cinematic scale. Traditional, certainly, but never preserved in amber. *(Article continues after the video.)* ## *Video:* That space says a lot about Ana’s singular vision for Wildflour Hospitality Group. What began as a café and bakery has grown into one of Manila’s most visible restaurant portfolios. Wildflour has its all-day ease, George and Onnie’s its familial warmth, Pizza Sisters its bright informality, Kei Maki its sharper Japanese sensibility, and Osteria Antica its old-world Italian aura. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/CAT08773-e2.webp) *Sheila Catilo* None of it arrived as a fixed manifesto. Ana remembers the first restaurant with the candor of someone who has lived through both the romance and the reckoning of hospitality. “When we put up the first branch, it was a very difficult journey,” she says. “I kind of asked myself, ‘why did I even do this?’” The first few days offered little reassurance. “It was kind of depressing because we didn’t have any customers,” she recalls. A few weeks later, we started getting busier. “It’s something I never expected would be that successful.” The second branch gave the idea more force, and drew the same appetite. “We saw that people loved it,” she says. “We have something special here,” she remembers thinking to herself. > “If people believe in their work, if they’re passionate, that comes through to the customer.” ## **Premium With a Pulse** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/ana-clearer-photo.webp) A family photo of Ana (far right) next to her grandmother, circa 1980s. *Sheila Catilo* Wildflour’s place in Manila dining is often described as “accessible luxury,” though Ana seems more interested in the decisions behind the phrase than the phrase itself. “If it was wood, we wanted to make sure it was real wood,” she says, thinking about that first restaurant. “We wanted to make sure that the whole vibe of the place was not fake.” The same standard guided the kitchen. “We wanted to make sure we sourced the best ingredients, and never settled for the next best thing in the market,” she adds. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/DSC08839.webp) *Sheila Catilo* For Ana, premium dining is about making every guest feel welcome. A dish can feel special while remaining accessible to the weekday lunch crowd. “We are premium because we try to deliver the best service, the best food that we can. But really, premium does not have to mean something that’s intimidating or something that’s exclusive.” Warmth has become one of Wildflour’s strongest signatures, it seems. The group’s growth has since become a portfolio of distinct moods rather than one idea copied across addresses. George and Onnie’s, for instance, draws from a more domestic current. “[Filipino food](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/) is very emotional,” Ana says. “It brings together tradition, family, and experiences that you share.” Many of its dishes come from the food she grew up eating at home, the kind her grandmother made for family gatherings. “Her language of love was food,” she says. The opportunity was to bring that emotional register into the everyday. “Why serve it for just Christmas or for special gatherings?” she asks, citing kare-kare as an example. “Why not make it something available every day?” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Ana_deOcampo_RR_SJC08731-1-e1788227218386.webp) *Sheila Catilo* ## Where Each Brand Belongs ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/DSC08914.webp) *Sheila Catilo* Ana is closely involved in how each brand comes into focus, but the real work lies in the alignment. Site, design, menu, service, and atmosphere all have to speak the same vocabulary. A restaurant, after all, lives in the small decisions guests feel before they name them. “I’m very much involved in choosing the locations,” she says. “Generally, I really take charge of the vision of the company and the direction.” As Wildflour has grown, that vision has been carried by a team with specialized strengths and a unified eye. “Every Wildflour has its own unique nuance,” Ana says. “But when you enter, even without looking at the sign, you can feel it’s a Wildflour.” The non-negotiables begin in the kitchen. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/DSC08949.webp) *Sheila Catilo* “Food is everything,” she says. Across branches, the group relies on standards, training, sourcing relationships, and long-built supplier partnerships to keep quality consistent without flattening creativity. Chefs can bring their own ideas, but the company gives those ideas a frame. “It’s easy to come up with a restaurant and have your ideas come to life,” she says. “But you also need checks and balances.” Service works the same way. Ana sees hospitality as a culture before it becomes a checklist. It starts with hiring people who are naturally drawn to service, then shaping that impulse through the company’s values. “Culture takes a really big role in this,” she says. “If people believe in their work, if they’re passionate, that comes through to the customer.” > “Everything I learned from those experiences still guides me today.” ## **Lessons From the Table** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/CAT08769-e2.webp) *Sheila Catilo* Ana’s ideas were formed long before Wildflour. “I spent summers at my grandmother’s bakery in the province, and I also worked at my dad’s patis factory in Navotas,” she says. Culinary school and hotel and restaurant management later gave structure to what she had already absorbed. “Everything I learned from those experiences still guides me today.” Mistakes only sharpened her judgment. After college, she recalls how her and her brothers opened a small barbecue place built around a recipe they believed in completely. “We thought it was the best barbecue,” she says. The menu grew from that one recipe into barbecue sandwiches, barbecue with rice, and other versions. They found a small space, around 25 to 30 square meters, and thought they had the product, the footprint, and the look. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/DSC08984.webp) *Sheila Catilo* “Wow, we’re going to make a lot of money here,” she remembers them saying to each other. “But you know what? It failed.” The lesson was not that the barbecue lacked promise. “It really wasn’t the right concept for that space,” she says. “Even if it was a good product, the customer profile didn’t have the spending power for that.” Her discernment now guides the group’s expansion. Choosing where to place Wildflour, George and Onnie’s, Pizza Sisters, Kei Maki, or another format means looking beyond foot traffic. Ana has learned to read what a neighborhood is ready to receive, and how a brand can meet desire without forcing it. As the group grows, she comes back to the kitchen as the clearest measure of the brand’s integrity. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/CAT08845.webp) *Sheila Catilo* “The food that comes out of the kitchen is a reflection of the soul of the brand,” she says. “How you feel when the food is served in front of you speaks so much about what the brand stands for.” The principle keeps expansion grounded. Yes, service, atmosphere, and design all matter, but the plate tells the truth first. “We make simple food, done well,” she says. “We never cut corners.” That small statement explains Wildflour’s staying power. As the city chases novelty and awaits the next new table, Wildflour keeps giving diners a reason to come back. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report Philippines’ [Muse Issue, July 2026](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-july-2026-the-muse-issue/).* ## FAQs ### Who is Ana Lorenzana de Ocampo? Ana Lorenzana de Ocampo is the president and CEO of Wildflour Hospitality Group, the company behind several of Manila’s best-known restaurant concepts. ### What restaurants are part of Wildflour Hospitality Group? The group’s portfolio includes Wildflour, George and Onnie’s, Pizza Sisters, Kei Maki, and Osteria Antica, each developed with its own distinct identity and dining experience. ### What is Wildflour’s approach to premium dining? For Ana Lorenzana de Ocampo, premium dining comes from high-quality ingredients, thoughtful design, strong service, and making guests feel welcome rather than creating an intimidating or exclusive atmosphere. ### How does Wildflour maintain consistency as it expands? The group relies on training, sourcing standards, supplier relationships, operational systems, and a strong company culture while still allowing chefs and individual brands room for creativity. ### What lesson did Ana Lorenzana de Ocampo learn from her first failed restaurant? An early barbecue concept taught her that a good product is not enough on its own. The location, customer profile, pricing, and concept all need to align for a restaurant to succeed. **Categories:** Food & Drink, Profiles **Tags:** Ana Lorenzana De Ocampo, Magazine, Profiles, wildflour --- ### [The Good Life: Editors' Picks of the Week](https://robbreport.ph/the-good-life-editors-picks/editors-picks-goxo-antonios-peninsula-manila-art/) **Published:** September 10, 2026 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** *In every edition of The Good Life: Editors’ Picks, we round up our editors’ favorite restaurants, drinks, experiences, exhibitions and other discoveries. This week, familiar places reward another look: Goxo returns for a limited run at Sage Bar, Antonio’s proves the enduring pleasure of a menu you know well, and The Peninsula Manila fills its lobby with contemporary Philippine art.* ## Goxo at Sage Bar ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Goxo_01.webp) We were saddened to hear that [Goxo](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/goxo-a-hidden-gem-for-pintxos-lovers/) had closed its tiny Salcedo Village location, a well-kept-secret hideaway with its entrance through a nondescript door inside a busy restaurant. Fortunately, chef Albert Mendoza and his team are back for the moment, serving the Basque-inspired, fire-cooked dishes that earned Goxo a place in the Michelin Guide, this time at a familiar haunt, Sage Bar at [Makati Shangri-La](https://robbreport.ph/tag/makati-shangri-la-manila/). Goxo is Basque for “delicious,” an apt name. There were the exquisite pintxos: a foie gras sando with quince jelly and truffle honey, topped with caviar; blue marlin with butter and anchovies; and grilled skewers of chorizo. There was the “jamón” that was in actuality smoked talakitok with melon and stracciatella; the Ibérico with pineapple chutney; and, oh, C.U.A., which stands for crab, uni, and anchovy! No need to say more. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Goxo_03.webp) Main-course choices include tuna, American Wagyu, and Rubia Gallega, a 30-day dry-aged côte de boeuf from northern Spain. Goxo owners Carlo Lorenzana and Bobby Tenchavez also distribute excellent wines, so we had those on the menu, too: Lagarde Blanc de Noir Brut Nature Millésime 2018, Bordón Viña Sole Gran Reserva 2018, and Ricasoli Brolio Riserva 2020 Chianti Classico DOCG. Goxo is at Sage Bar through September 27. And then we can look forward to its new home in Rockwell. – *Yvette Fernandez, Chief of Editorial Content* *Makati Shangri-la Manila is located at Ayala Avenue corner Makati Avenue, Makati City. For reservations, call +63 2 8813 8888.* ## Antonio’s Tagaytay ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/4.webp) Some restaurants remain favorites because they keep pace with novelty. [Antonio’s](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/the-expanding-culinary-world-of-antonios/) endures because it understands the pleasure of returning to something you already know is good: a familiar menu, reliably well executed, in a setting that still feels worthy of the journey. I had forgotten how much I loved the drive to Antonio’s in Tagaytay, one of *Robb Report Philippines*‘ Best of the Best in Dining last year, and the gardens and sense of escape the restaurant provides. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2.webp) We began with steamed clams in Chardonnay butter, served with provolone bread—the right tool for making sure none of the sauce went to waste. Baked burrata wrapped in phyllo followed, which was brightened by poached orange, pear, balsamic reduction, mesclun, and peach vinaigrette. The centerpiece was the perfectly-grilled F1 Sanchoku Wagyu chateaubriand with red-wine jus, horseradish, charred onion, beans and peas, served with a charcoal-baked gratin potato. ![Crêpe Suzette.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/3.webp) Crêpe Suzette. Crêpe Suzette was an especially nice touch. Its old-school tableside preparation brought a little ceremony to the end of lunch: a warm crêpe with caramelized sugar, butter and orange, flambéed with Grand Marnier, then served with cold house-made panna ice cream. On a rainy afternoon, the contrast felt exactly right. Antonio’s is also undergoing a generational transition. After nearly 25 years, founder [Tony Boy Escalante has stepped back from daily operations](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/tony-boy-escalante-hands-leadership-of-antonios-group-to-the-next-generation/ "Tony Boy Escalante Hands Leadership of Antonio’s Group to the Next Generation"), which are now handled by a three-person leadership team that includes his son, Basti. Tony Boy remains involved in culinary direction and strategic oversight, with more time for recipes and concepts. He has certainly earned it. His touch remains unmistakable in the [food](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/), the hospitality, and the sense of occasion that have defined Antonio’s since its earliest months, when, according to a friend, the directions to the restaurant included the line, “When you feel a little lost, it means it’s close.” Nearly a quarter of a century later, Antonio’s remains worth getting a little lost for. – *Kimberly Delgado, Digital Editor* **Antonio’s is at Purok 138, Barangay Neogan, Tagaytay City. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5:30 to 7 p.m. For reservations, call +63 917 899 2866 or +63 918 899 2866. Preview the menu at [antoniosrestaurant.ph](https://antoniosrestaurant.ph/).** ## Art in Residence at The Peninsula Manila ![Arturo Luz in The Peninsula Manila Art in Residence](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/270904-PMN-Art-in-Resonance-ADV-Set-7-2240x3367.webp) A sculpture by Arturo Luz at the lobby. My kids and I tend to think of the Peninsula Manila as the place where we went to the Manila Pen Show, the one for fountain pens, so going there for the Art In Resonance program opening was different. ![One of the Ramon Orlina pieces in the lobby. The peninsula manila art in residence](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/270904-PMN-Art-in-Resonance-ADV-Set-3-1.webp) One of the Ramon Orlina pieces in the lobby. As part of the celebration of fifty years of the Pen (the hotel), they held their fourth Art In Resonance program, organized with the gallery Vinyl On Vinyl and Gaby De La Merced, who we actually know more because of race car driving, but who clearly has other talents. ![A Demosthenes Campos painting at check-in.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/270904-PMN-Art-in-Resonance-ADV-Set-45-1.webp) A Demosthenes Campos painting at check-in. The pieces were displayed nicely around the lobby area: an Arturo Luz when you approach the desks, Demosthenes Campos pieces as you check in, and more. It’s very much along the lines of art as something that lives with you, and a wonderful way to spend a late afternoon with a son or daughter in a place that has a history of everything from elegant senior proms to somewhat chaotic tank crashes. – *Carl Cunanan, Cars and Watches Editor* *Ongoing until October 30 at The Peninsula Manila lobby, located at the corner of Makati Avenue and Ayala Ave, Makati City.* **Categories:** Art & Collectibles, Dining, Food & Drink, The Good Life: Editors' Picks **Tags:** antonio's tagaytay, Arturo Luz, goxo, Makati Shangri-La Manila, Sage Bar, the peninsula manila --- ### [Why Tulips Are Popping Up at Wineries Around the World](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/wine/why-tulips-are-popping-up-at-wineries-around-the-world/) **Published:** September 11, 2026 **Author:** Mike DeSimone **Content:** Frequent visitors to [vineyards ](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/)are used to seeing roses at the ends of rows, but of late we have also noted tulips turning up in wineries around the world. We’re not observing them out among the vines as you might expect, but in the winery itself, where tulip-shaped concrete tanks are becoming more common every day. Made in Italy and gracing the production areas of wineries there as well as in California, Washington, [Bordeaux](https://robbreport.ph/tag/bordeaux/), and elsewhere, the aptly named Tulipe helps to boost flavor and color extraction while allowing for micro-oxygenation without piling on oaky wood flavors. In California alone, the tanks are used in nearly 50 wineries including well-known Napa estates such as Ink Grade, Pine Ridge, Hall, and Dalla Valle and notable Bordeaux châteaus like Cheval Blanc, Beauregard, Haut-Bailly, and Kirwan. And although they are mainly utilized for red wine, famed Soave producer Pieropan has employed Tulipes for years, while [Château d’Yquem in Sauternes](https://www.yquem.fr/en) recently added the fluted concrete tanks to its facility, according to Manu Fiorentini, owner and CEO of Itek Wine, who is the distributor in the U.S. for manufacturer Nico Velo. While some winemakers use the nontraditional shape for only a portion of their wine, Château Cheval Blanc cellar master Carole André has fermented the entire vintage plot-by-plot in tulips of varying sizes since the inauguration of the estate’s modern winery in 2011. “When we had the opportunity to develop the parcel-based winery, we chose truncated-cone-shaped tanks. This means that during a pump-over the cap can gently move down inside the tank and loosen up slightly,” André tells *Robb Report*. “Then, when the juice is pumped back over it, we can make better use of the grape skins.” Before implementing the approach, she and her team visited other estates and spoke with winemakers who were already using this technique. “Ultimately, it is about optimizing the extraction process,” she says. “The objective is not to extract more, but to extract better.” After primary and malolactic fermentation in tulips, André moves the wine into oak barrels prior to final blending and bottling. Winemaker Jordan Fiorentini of Epoch Wine Estates in Paso Robles first saw tulip tanks in Okanagan in British Columbia more than a decade ago after having worked with concrete cubes and eggs. Already a fan of the material but intrigued by the shape, she asked her husband Manu if he and his company could import the tulips into the United States, and today she uses them for every vintage of Epoch’s Sensibility Grenache blend and Epoch White and in some vintages for her York Mountain and Veracity Grenache. She likes concrete because she finds that keeping wine in stainless for too long can lead to a tinny or metallic character. “Concrete is fairly inert; however, I feel it highlights the mineral aspects of the wine,” she says. “The tulips are a vessel that, in a sense, ‘freeze’ the wine in a fresh state but also give it a mineral imprint. It keeps the wine fresh and elegant, without becoming too evolved in oak, thus capturing its purity.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Tulipe_wine_cheval_blanc.webp) *Epoch Wine Estates* After primary fermentation, Fiorentini puts her wines into oak barrels for malolactic fermentation and up to nine months of barrel aging, blends them, and then returns them to tulips for another year. “The Sensibility would be a heavier, less fresh expression of Grenache if it were aged entirely in oak. It would have more oxygen exposure in barrel over its aging process, which would allow it to evolve more,” she explains. However, “if the Sensibility were aged in stainless, I feel it would get more reductive than in concrete. Since the concrete is porous, it keeps the wine from becoming too reductive.” Josh McDaniels, CEO and director of winemaking at [Doubleback](https://robbreport.com/food-drink/wine/drew-bledsoe-wine-career-doubleback-washington-state-1234892430/), Bledsoe|McDaniels, and Bledsoe Family Winery in Washington and Oregon, was first introduced to concrete while working in Argentina with Paul Hobbs. He ages about 10 percent of Doubleback Cabernet Sauvignon in concrete tulips, while an additional portion is aged in concrete tanks of varied shapes. “Concrete occupies an interesting space between stainless steel and oak,” he says. “It gives us a neutral vessel; we aren’t looking for the flavor contribution of oak, but it isn’t completely inert in the way stainless steel is.” McDaniels likes the tulip shape for its influence on the wine: “There is a natural movement within the vessel that can help keep the wine and lees interacting without us having to manipulate the wine as much.” All the winemakers who use Tulipes agree that the combination of material and shape is what makes them such an interesting and effective tool. “Concrete is porous, so they allow a small amount of oxygen to come into contact with the wines during fermentation,” says Spencer Kelly, winemaker at Vice Versa in Napa Valley. “This results in a different aromatic and tannin profile than what we would have with stainless-steel tanks.” The circular base and slightly tapered sides allow for a thicker cap of skins at the surface of the tank, which allows us to precisely control the rate of extraction from the skins,” he explains. Working with a combination of stainless-steel tanks and concrete tulips for fermentation of his single vineyard wines from To Kalon and Steltzner vineyards, as well as for components of his Napa Valley cuvée called Spinning Plates prior to aging in oak, Kelly says, “It’s not about one being better than the other; it’s about matching a particular block to the appropriate vessel to achieve a balanced, delicious wine.” While concrete is a decidedly old-style material that has recently made a comeback, McDaniels points out that, ultimately, the vessel is simply a tool. “I’m not interested in using concrete because it’s fashionable or because it makes a good story,” he says. “We use it where we think it helps us preserve purity of fruit, build texture, and allow the vineyard to come through clearly.” From what we have tasted, in the right hands, these distinctively shaped vessels are doing just that. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* ## FAQs ### What are concrete tulip tanks in winemaking? Concrete tulip tanks are tulip-shaped fermentation and aging vessels designed to help with extraction, micro-oxygenation, and natural movement inside the tank without adding the flavor of oak. ### Why are wineries using concrete instead of stainless steel or oak? Concrete sits between the two. It is more neutral than oak but more breathable than stainless steel, allowing small amounts of oxygen to interact with the wine while helping preserve freshness and texture. ### How does the tulip shape affect wine fermentation? Its rounded base and tapered sides encourage movement within the vessel and can help winemakers manage the cap of grape skins more precisely during fermentation. ### Which wineries use concrete tulip tanks? They are used at nearly 50 wineries in California, including Ink Grade, Pine Ridge, Hall, and Dalla Valle, as well as estates such as Château Cheval Blanc, Haut-Bailly, Beauregard, and Kirwan in Bordeaux. ### Do concrete tanks change the taste of wine? Winemakers say concrete can help emphasize freshness, minerality, texture, and purity of fruit while avoiding the overt flavor contribution associated with oak barrels. **Categories:** Wine **Tags:** tulip tanks, winemaking --- ### [Aisha Ibrahim: From Michelin Kitchens to Mindanao](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/aisha-ibrahim-from-michelin-kitchens-to-mindanao/) **Published:** September 18, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** There is a meal Aisha Ibrahim ate in [San Francisco](https://robbreport.ph/tag/san-francisco/) in 2011 that changed the direction of her ambition. She was a young cook already several years into the gruelling apprenticeship that fine dining demands when she sat down at Korean-American Corey Lee’s Benu, then newly minted with three [Michelin](https://robbreport.ph/tag/michelin/) stars, and saw kimchi on the menu. “It really just made me understand that there was space for my story in this profession,” she says. “It took me a long time to feel comfortable even trying to cook [fine dining](https://robbreport.ph/tag/fine-dining/) Filipino cuisine, and once I had the courage to start, it just kept going and going.” That courage has taken her far. Born in Iligan City, Aisha emigrated to the United States at age 6, eventually landing in West Virginia—about as far from the world of Michelin stars as geography can arrange. Her earliest ambition had nothing to do with kitchens: She played basketball from the age of 6, worked toward a professional career with the single-mindedness of someone who had never considered an alternative. “My life’s work up until I was 18 was to play professional basketball,” she says. An injury changed everything, but, sidelined and restless, she started cooking and discovered that it satisfied something basketball never quite had. “I found it this incredible opportunity to be creative and to really set my intentions forward into a new path.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/DSC06568.webp) *Bliss Mabini* What followed was a decade of globe-spanning self-construction, which included 10 years in California learning to cook reactively, to understand and honor produce—and, as it turned out, to find her voice. At [Manresa](https://www.instagram.com/manresarestaurant/?hl=en), the celebrated three-starred Bay Area restaurant, she was tasked as sous chef with putting a dish on the menu. She kept returning to her mother’s arroz caldo—fortified chicken fat, heavy with ginger and garlic, a dish she had eaten all her life. “I made this base of arroz caldo and made an abalone porridge,” she says. “Braised abalone on top, with abalone liver as an emulsion, and then crispy textures from the puffed rice—trying to utilize every bit of byproduct, because that is the way that we operate as Filipinos.” When Manresa was awarded its third Michelin star, the inspector singled out that dish on social media. “It was like putting my mom’s soul food on a three-Michelin-star menu,” she says. “It really gave me some confidence.” Then, in Tokyo, she worked in three-Michelin-star kaiseki restaurants and absorbed the discipline and reverence for ingredients that she carries into every kitchen to this day. ![of Aisha Ibrahim](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/IMG_8467.webp) *Courtesy of Aisha Ibrahim* Then there was Spain’s Basque region where she followed Eneko Atxa at Azurmendi not only for the food, but for the quality of his leadership. (Eventually, she became chef de cuisine of Atxa’s restaurant Aziamendi in Thailand.) “A lot of cooks only look at chefs they want to work for based on the [food](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/),” she says. “I think leadership and mentorship is just as important.” From Azurmendi she took a practice she still speaks of with evident feeling: the handshake rule, where every shift begins and ends with a handshake from the leadership team, and everything in between is understood to be professional, not personal. “To me, the deepest act of care as a leader is holding somebody accountable,” she says. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/IMG_4233-scaled-e1789695059974.webp) *Courtesy of Aisha Ibrahim* That philosophy, as well as other residencies in Kagurazaka Ishikawa, Kohaku, L’Effervescence, and Ryugin, shaped her tenure at Canlis, the 75-year-old Seattle institution where she made history as the restaurant’s first female, first Filipino, first person of color, and first queer executive chef, arriving in 2021 and spending nearly four years building a body of work that earned her a *Food & Wine* Best New Chef recognition, a spot on *TIME* magazine’s TIME100 NEXT list, and a James Beard Award nomination. She led a team of 40 cooks alongside her wife and executive sous chef Samantha Beaird, normalizing feedback and threading her heritage into a menu that had stood largely unchanged in spirit for seven decades. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/aisha-coffee-.webp) *Courtesy of Aisha Ibrahim* > “It’s not about white plates and tweezers and making Filipino cuisine look like French food to fit in.” A key moment in that threading was again deeply personal, and what she calls one of the hardest she’s had to execute, but more because of its personal nature rather than technical complexity. In 2023, Aisha lost Nanay—her grandmother Florita—mid-service. “I was in my chef’s coat, on the phone while she was passing,” she says. “It was the first time my team really saw me cry.” In response, she did something that required more nerve than any cooking she had ever done: She put the last dish her grandmother prepared for her on the menu. “I called it the Escabeche Florita. It was probably the most vulnerable thing I’ve ever done in my career—not hiding from sadness or grief,” she says. “If you’re touching something every day that matters to you, that was gifted to you, it really forced me to trust my team and that process.” (The dish stayed on the menu for seven months.) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/5E2D09BE-E04E-4218-95B7-DB2BF3C6D38F_1_105_c.webp) *Courtesy of Aisha Ibrahim* If executing dishes with personal meaning poses its difficulties, we can surmise that now, Aisha is building toward something even more challenging. Last year, she and Beaird left Canlis to devote themselves fully to their own restaurant. At the time of this interview, the research had already begun in the form of journeys through Cotabato City, Zamboanga, Marawi, and Basilan. She sat with women, bearers of the region’s culinary traditions, asking how they prepare their food, learning traditions passed through kitchens across generations. She met members of seven of the region’s 13 Moro ethnolinguistic groups and ate dishes that surprised her—the heat, the spice, flavors that recalled other cuisines in Southeast Asia rather than the Filipino food most of the world thinks it knows. She cites the versatility of the coconut, used as a structural, savoury force rather than a sweet flourish, which struck her as something close to a “superpower.” “I want the food to be unapologetic and bold in those ways,” she says. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/IMG_8218.webp) *Courtesy of Aisha Ibrahim* Her father’s side of the family is Maranao, one of the indigenous Muslim communities of Lanao del Sur, and it is their cuisine, along with the broader food traditions of the south, that she intends to bring to fine dining. The restaurant she is building, still much of a secret, will draw on the kaiseki philosophy she absorbed in Japan, with its insistence on narrative and emotional coherence while keeping the soul firmly in the Mindanaoan cuisine. The ambition is not only culinary; Aisha points to the trajectory of other Asian cuisines’ fine dining—virtually absent from serious international conversation fifteen years ago, now commanding Michelin stars in different parts of the world—as both precedent and provocation. “We have not yet created a value system around Filipino cuisine on a wide scale,” she says. ![Courtesy of Aisha Ibrahim](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/IMG_0895.webp) *Courtesy of Aisha Ibrahim* Her goal is to be progressive yet introduce flavors that have been around for centuries to a new audience. In Filipino culture, she reflects, love is not always spoken, but rather moves through food, through the act of feeding people you care about. “I want to make sure that people walk away feeling that it was intentional and that they were treated with care,” she says. “It’s not about white plates and tweezers and making Filipino cuisine look like French food to fit in. We’ve got to make it look like what it looks like and give it the best representation of itself possible.” *This article originally appeared in Robb Report Philippines’ [Muse Issue, July 2026](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-july-2026-the-muse-issue/).* ## FAQs ### Who is chef Aisha Ibrahim? Aisha Ibrahim is a Filipino-American chef born in Iligan City who has worked at acclaimed restaurants across the United States, Japan, Spain, and Thailand. She later became executive chef of Canlis in Seattle. ### What is Aisha Ibrahim known for at Canlis? Ibrahim became Canlis’s first female, first Filipino, and first person of color executive chef in 2021. During her tenure, she incorporated elements of her Filipino heritage into the restaurant’s cooking and earned recognition from Food & Wine, TIME, and the James Beard Awards. ### How has Filipino food influenced Aisha Ibrahim’s cooking? Personal dishes such as her mother’s arroz caldo and her grandmother Florita’s escabeche have shaped Ibrahim’s approach to fine dining, allowing memory, family, and Filipino culinary traditions to become part of her professional vocabulary. ### What kind of restaurant is Aisha Ibrahim planning next? Ibrahim is developing a restaurant inspired by Mindanaoan cuisine and the food traditions of the southern Philippines, informed by research trips through Cotabato City, Zamboanga, Marawi, and Basilan. ### How will Aisha Ibrahim approach Mindanaoan cuisine in fine dining? She plans to draw on the narrative discipline she learned from Japanese kaiseki while keeping the flavors and identity of Mindanaoan cuisine intact, presenting centuries-old traditions without reshaping them to resemble European fine dining. **Categories:** Dining, Food & Drink, Profiles **Tags:** Aisha Ibrahim, Feature, Magazine, Profiles --- ### [Highland Park and Björn Frantzén Won't Tell You How It Tastes](https://robbreport.ph/first-taste/highland-park-and-bjorn-frantzen-wont-tell-you-how-it-tastes/) **Published:** March 3, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** We’ve been over-describing whisky for a while now. Somewhere between “sun-warmed sultanas” and “a shy curl of maritime smoke,” the ritual became more about polite agreement over tasting notes. A couple of swirls and nods, and then an insistence on the detection of quince. Highland Park, the Orkney distillery founded in 1798 by church beadle and part-time smuggler Magnus “Mansie” Eunson, has decided to interrupt that script. Its latest 16 Year Old single malt, “Between You and I,” produced in collaboration with chef Björn Frantzén, funny enough, actually declines to tell you what you are meant to taste. Frantzén is hardly a token collaborator. The Swedish chef is the only chef in the world holding three separate three-Michelin-starred restaurants—Frantzén in Stockholm, Zén in Singapore, and FZN in Dubai—while overseeing a global portfolio across six countries. A former professional footballer, he pioneered “Nordic-kaiseki,” marrying Nordic ingredients with Japanese culinary principles. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/highland-new-16.webp) *Photo: Highland Park* The chef is the first to encounter the whisky—matured for 16 years in virgin Swedish oak (a first for the house), sherry-seasoned European and American oak, and ex-Bourbon casks—and rather than reduce it to flavor shorthand, he responded with associations. “This whisky is like a conversation between memories, flavors, and places,” he says. “It brought me back to moments with my grandmother in the kitchen, to tropical beaches, and to the quiet sound of a fire fading in a snowy forest.” That layered quality isn’t accidental. The Swedish oak lends structure and spice while the sherry casks contribute depth and sweetness. Highland Park’s signature smoky heather-infused peat still threads through. It is complex, yes, but not in the showy, high-decibel kind of way we’ve been used to. For Frantzén, complexity translates into narrative. A bright citrus note became, in his mind, the sharp perfume of orange zest released into kitchen air. The so-called marzipan sweetness is said to have transported him to Christmas cooking with his grandmother in Sweden. “The smell of almonds, the cold outside, and the cosiness inside. Pure nostalgia.” A hint of crème brûlée conjured “that split second of crunch before the custard melts.” Even a trace of tonka bean on the nose suggested palm trees and West Indian beaches. Most interesting, perhaps, is his musical analogy of the new release. “For me, ‘Between You and I’ tasted a little bit like rock music. Not digital, but analogue, handcrafted… People playing instruments and being at the peak of their craft.” It’s quite the description, offering a reminder that [taste ](https://robbreport.ph/first-taste/)rarely confines itself to the tongue. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/highland_park_18yo_2024_packaging_ps-2240x2240.webp) Recently, Highland Park also unveiled a clean and contemporary new look, rolled out across the brand’s core range of 12, 15-and 18-year-old Single Malt Scotch whiskies. The updated design is a clear tribute to Orkney. *Photo: Highland Park* The packaging, too, emphasizes this rebellion against being tidy. The colorful chef, who once dabbled in graffiti himself, designed the presentation box with layered spray paint, evidenced by those warm bursts of orange for firelight, cool blues and heather tones for water and peat. “It’s a medium with a lot of confidence and attitude, like the whisky,” he explains. “I wanted it to feel organic, unpolished. Perfectly imperfect.” This decommitment to convention, we may consider it a gentle challenge to the orthodoxy of connoisseurship in a way. For a house whose 18-Year-Old has been called “Best Spirit in the World” more than once, Highland Park has little to prove in technical terms, really. What “Between You and I” suggests instead is that this whisky is meticulously constructed (after all, its oak program alone signals innovation), wherein the experience it proposes is just a little bit more personal. “No two people will taste the same thing,” Frantzén says. “Taste is a very personal thing. It can evoke so many memories or emotions. That’s what’s so cool about Between You and I. For me, it is a totally new way of tasting whisky. So the question is, what will you taste?” A deceptively simple provocation indeed. How refreshing. *More information [here](https://www.highlandparkwhisky.com/en).* **Categories:** First Taste, Spirits **Tags:** Björn Frantzén, Highland Park, Michelin, News, single-malt whisky --- ### [Robb Report Philippines Celebrates Its July 2025 Design Issue at PVT](https://robbreport.ph/robb-report-philippines-access/robb-report-philippines-celebrates-its-july-2025-design-issue-at-pvt/) **Published:** August 7, 2025 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** Robb Report Philippines marked the release of its [July 2025 Design Issue ](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-july-2025-the-design-issue/)with an [intimate gathering](https://robbreport.ph/event-coverage/) held at PVT, a private member’s lounge located in the heart of Ortigas Center. The evening brought together leading figures from the country’s design, business, and creative circles for a relaxed yet thoughtful celebration of contemporary design. The venue—designed by Carlo Calma, who also features as the issue’s cover artist—proved a fitting choice. Guests were greeted on the balcony with a Royal Salute Sour, prepared by Marek Klečka, PVT’s resident mixologist and restaurant manager. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Design-Issue-Launch-Photos10-2240x2800.webp) Guests were served glasses of Royal Salute Sour, which featured Royal Salute’s 21-year old whisky. Prepared by Marek Klečka, PVT’s resident mixologist and restaurant manager, it was the night’s signature cocktail. *Gian Escamillas* Inside the main dining suite, a Royal Salute 21-Year-Old Richard Quinn Edition II whisky tasting followed, led by Royal Salute brand ambassador Edgar Tordesillas who presented the brand’s Fashion Edition bottles created in collaboration with British designer Richard Quinn. Each guest received a Royal Salute gift, a gesture underscoring the evening’s themes of craftsmanship, heritage, and design-led storytelling. The evening began with opening remarks from Yvette Fernandez, Robb Report Philippines’ Chief of Editorial Content, who officially launched the issue as well as welcomed the guests, some of which included the issue’s Leaders of Luxury features. Carlo Calma shared the conceptual thinking behind his cover artwork, which drew inspiration from his architectural design of the [Philippine Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/design/fabric-of-a-nation-the-philippine-pavilion-at-expo-2025-osaka/ "Fabric of a Nation: The Philippine Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka"). ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Design-Issue-Launch-Photos31-1.webp) Centerpieces by Jo Curates decorated the tables. *Gian Escamilla* As guests found their seats, they were met with tablescapes by Joselle Faustino-Castaner of Jo Curates—floral styling that echoed the magazine’s cover artwork, interpreted through sculptural arrangements using locally sourced buhok-buhok grass. The styling reflected the cover’s interplay of form, color, and movement, bringing a sense of rhythm and material expression to the space. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Design-Issue-Launch-Photos37.webp) The dinner’s menu was prepared by Chef Patrick Ambrosio, formerly junior sous chef at L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon in Singapore, now heading the culinary team at PVT. The multi-course menu opened with a cauliflower velouté, followed by melon with jamón serrano, mizuna, and herb salad. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Design-Issue-Launch-Photos40.webp) For the entrée, guests were served either crisp chicken confit with mushroom and tarragon sauce, or slow-braised beef cheeks with potato purée and shallot confit. Dessert was a salted caramel custard paired with a roasted pistachio and rosemary sablé—a subtle but confident close to the evening’s fare. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Design-Issue-Launch-Photos41-1.webp) Patxi Elizalde. *Gian Escamillas* The guest list featured a cross-section of the city’s cultural and design landscape, including Sofia and Patxi Elizalde, Joanna Ongpin Duarte, Marleen and Tim Uyecio, Florence Ko, Johnlu and Marilou Koa, Siu Ping Par, Anthony Nazareno, Lara Barrios, Liza Morales, Rita Nazareno, Jonathan Matti, and Pam Lopez, among others. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Design-Issue-Launch-Photos6.webp) More than just a magazine launch, the evening served as a shared moment between peers—one that emphasized design not just as a luxury, but as a lens through which we navigate the material and creative world. *Click through the gallery to see more photographs from the Design Issue launch.* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Design-Issue-Launch-Photos5-1280x1024.webp)The launch was held in PVT Members’ Lounge, designed by Carlo Calma, who is also the Design Issue’s cover artist. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Design-Issue-Launch-Photos34-1280x1024.webp)Joanna Ongpin-Duarte. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/For-Web6-1280x1024.webp)Carlo Calma. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Design-Issue-Launch-Photos60-1280x1024.webp)Florence Ko. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Design-Issue-Launch-Photos31-1280x1024.webp)Centerpieces featured arrangements by Jo Curates. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Design-Issue-Launch-Photos33-1280x1024.webp)Sofia Elizalde. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/For-Web2-1280x1024.webp)Jonathan Matti. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/For-Web4-1280x1024.webp)Johnlu and Marilou Koa. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/For-Web5-1280x1024.webp)Guests enjoyed a tasting of Royal Salute. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Design-Issue-Launch-Photos27-1280x1024.webp)Anthony Nazareno. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Design-Issue-Launch-Photos77-1280x1024.webp)Jonathan Matti. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/For-Web-1280x1024.webp)Pam Lopez. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/For-Web3-1280x1024.webp)Marleen Go-Uyecio. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Design-Issue-Launch-Photos6-2-1280x1024.webp)Centerpieces were designed by Jo Curates. **Categories:** Events, Robb Report Access, Robb Report Philippines Access **Tags:** carlo calma, PVT --- ### [Time, Taste, and Refinement: The Inaugural Presidential Suites Dinner Series](https://robbreport.ph/event-coverage/time-taste-and-refinement-the-inaugural-presidential-suites-dinner-series/) **Published:** September 5, 2025 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** Robb Report Philippines officially launched its inaugural Presidential Suites Dinner Series last week at an intimate gathering co-presented with Royal Salute, celebrating the [Watches and Jewelry Issue.](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-august-2025-the-watches-and-jewelry-issue/) The [evening ](https://robbreport.ph/event-coverage/)brought together watch connoisseurs, jewelry experts, and tastemakers at a dinner defined by craftsmanship, refinement, and conversation. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/WJ-Issue-Launch-194-1.webp) The dinner was held at The Peninsula Suite. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/WJ-Issue-Launch_Food_17.webp) Foie gras terrine. Held at The Peninsula Suite of The Peninsula Manila, the experience centered on exquisite pairings: the rare and exceptional whiskies of [Royal Salute](https://www.royalsalute.com/en/?srsltid=AfmBOoqUKJ_Ite8m98IkUwbsk77YgHosIOWghTeiQLDhPOUMAW-fw_c1), harmonized with a special menu created by The Peninsula’s executive chef, Rémi Carmignani, for the occasion. ## **A Feast Paired with Time** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/WJ-Issue-Launch_1_91.webp) Guests were given several different expressions of Royal Salute, from its signature 21-Year-Old Blend to the 30-Year-Old, to pair with the different courses. The four-course dinner unfolded as a journey of flavor and heritage. It began with foie gras terrine, a dish of delicate richness paired with Royal Salute’s iconic 21-Year-Old Signature Blend. From there, guests were treated to a sumptuous second course of Palawan lobster with gnocchi. The main course, melt-in-your-mouth Wagyu beef, was matched with the 26-Year-Old Kingdom Edition Amarone Cask—a rare release that marries Scotch whisky tradition with Italian wine barrel finishing. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/WJ-Issue-Launch_Food_6.webp) Binchotan-grilled grain-fed Japanese Wagyu striploin with sauce poive vert, which wasserved with pomme paillasson and black garlic. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/WJ-Issue-Launch_1_176.webp) Chico Sy Dessert was no less impressive. A decadent chocolate and coffee creation, its bitter-sweet profile offered a final counterpoint to the lingering warmth of a surprise pairing: the Royal Salute 30-Year-Old, its deep complexity resonating with the layered flavors on the plate. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Copy-of-WJ-Issue-Launch_Food_2.webp) “Le Chocolat”: dark chocolate cremeux, Davao coffee, and salted caramel ice cream. Guiding the evening was Royal Salute brand ambassador Ed Tordesillas, who not only introduced each expression but also led the room in traditional Scottish toasts, underscoring whisky’s ceremonial role in bringing people together. ## **Watches, Jewelry, and Lively Conversation** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/WJ-Issue-Launch_RS_12.webp) As much as the night was about food and drink, it was also about the passions that unite Robb Report’s discerning community. Around the long table, conversations sparkled as brightly as the high jewelry pieces on display. Guests delved into the intricacies of horology, the rarity of certain gemstones, and the meaning of heritage in luxury. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Copy-of-WJ-Issue-Launch_Jewelmer_11.webp) One of the high jewelry presentations by Jewelmer. From Jewelmer’s La Mer en Majesté collection, two remarkable high jewelry pieces were presented, their golden South Sea pearls and masterful settings embodying the Philippines’ own legacy of craftsmanship. On guests’ wrists, meanwhile, some of the most iconic and collectible timepieces in the world made understated appearances. Heritage classics like the Patek Philippe Calatrava and Cartier’s enduring Santos in different iterations were spotted. Statement icons like the Omega Speedmaster Snoopy and Vacheron Constantin’s Overseas Dual Time stood out, alongside rarities such as the A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Perpetual and a diamond-set Patek Philippe Nautilus. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/WJ-Issue-Launch_Watches_2-1-2240x1792.webp) The evening’s wristwear was not remarkable just for the variety or value of the watches, but the manner in which they were worn: discreetly, with quiet confidence. This was not a crowd that equated horology with ostentation; rather, the collection of timepieces present that evening formed a glittering constellation of history and design, reflecting a connoisseurship that prizes discretion over display. ## **A Setting of Symbolism** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/WJ-Issue-Launch_RS_19-2240x2800.webp) Adding to the evening’s atmosphere were Royal Salute bottles whose stunning designs and color palette beautifully decorated the suite and blended harmoniously with the elegant and understated interiors. The collection included the royal blue bottles of Royal Salute 21-Year-Old Signature Blend and the clear vessels of the 21-Year-Old, which showcased the deep amber hue of the blended grain whisky. Standing out were the magenta bottles of the 26-Year-Old Kingdom Edition Amarone Cask whiskys, as well as the very regal black and emerald themes of the box and bottle of the 30-Year-Old. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/WJ-Issue-Launch-191.webp) There were also the bespoke centerpieces designed by Jo Curates. Bright daisies and gerberas, arranged to echo the faces of watches, stood in vessels crafted from sheets of steel—an artistic nod to the precious metals and craftsmanship that define both fine watches and jewelry. The effect was striking: a reminder that even in floral design, symbolism and artistry can speak to the night’s overarching theme of luxury as a dialogue between time, craft, and culture. ## **The Beginning of a Tradition** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/WJ-Issue-Launch_1_77.webp) Brian Hontiveros and Robb Report Philippines’ Cars and Watches Editor, Carl Cunanan. The Presidential Suite Dinner Series is envisioned as a recurring experience, each edition exploring a different facet of luxury—whether through fine spirits, gastronomy, horology, or design. This first dinner, co-hosted with Royal Salute, set the tone: intimate, thoughtful, and unforgettable. **Categories:** Events, Jewelry, Style **Tags:** Presidential Suites Dinner Series, Royal Salute, the peninsula manila --- ### [I Want to Share Gala: Fashion, Art, and Philanthropy Unite for Hope](https://robbreport.ph/event-coverage/i-want-to-share-gala-fashion-art-and-philanthropy-unite-for-hope/) **Published:** September 6, 2025 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** It was a night where fashion, art, and the spirit of generosity were woven together for one cause: to bring light, healing, and dignity to Filipino children battling cancer. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Gary-V.webp) The I Want To Share Foundation (IWTS) returned to the Grand Ballroom at Shangri-La The Fort for its annual [charity gala](https://robbreport.ph/event-coverage/), *An Evening for Brave Warriors.* The evening raised an astounding ₱88 million, making it the most successful fundraising milestone in the foundation’s history. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/RR-Feature-Photos-5-2240x1260.webp) Lifeboat by Ayka Go. More than 550 guests filled the ballroom, but the stars of the gala were the young cancer survivors who walked the runway. Dressed in ensembles by Francis Libiran, Ivar Aseron, Dennis Lustico, and Michael Leyva, they walked with confidence, each step a declaration: of survival, of joy, of hope. They were joined by Catriona Gray, Kaila Estrada, Kirk Bondad, and children of IWTS members. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/RR-Feature-Photos-3-2240x1260.webp) Brave cancer survivors walked the runway. “I’m forever grateful to every friend, donor, and partner who believed in our mission,” said Sheila Romero, IWTS Founder and herself a cancer survivor. “This gala isn’t just about raising funds. It’s about creating moments that show these brave kids how seen and loved they are.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Catriona-Gray-in-Francis-Libiran.webp) Catriona Gray in Francis Libiran. The evening’s highly anticipated auction brought together a collection of works by Ramon Orlina, Daniel De La Cruz, Jinggoy Buensuceso, Manny Garibay, Elmer Borlongan, Jigger Cruz, Yeo Kaa, Ayka Go, and others. For the artists, many of whom had seen friends or family touched by cancer, their creations were powerful tributes to the resilience of those who fight. The funds raised will accelerate two landmark initiatives: Phase 2 of the Philippines’ first Charity Bone Marrow Transplant Wing at Philippine General Hospital (PGH), a project designed to provide equitable access to life-saving care; as well as the donation of 50 Mindray BeneFusion/UVP Infusion Pumps to PGH’s Cancer Institute, equipment critical to both pediatric and adult patients, and donated for the very first time exclusively through IWTS. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Francis-Libiran-Ivarluski-Aseron-Dennis-Lustico-and-Michael-Leyva.webp) Francis Libiran, Ivarluski Aseron, Dennis Lustico, and Michael Leyva. Funds from the gala will also sustain IWTS’s Survivorship Program, ensuring that healing continues long after chemotherapy. Annual CT scans, hearing aids, financial assistance for essential post-treatment needs, and the symbolic *CAn Beat It* graduation ceremony together allow survivors not just to live, but to thrive. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/RR-Feature-Photos-4-2240x1260.webp) Yellow Bull No. 2, Edition 1, by Ronald Ventura; We’re Okay for Now by Yeo Kaa. As the evening drew to a close, the darkened ballroom was stilled by the music of cancer survivor Gary Valenciano. The children then returned to the stage carrying candles that lit up the room, each one symbolizing life and hope. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Gary-Valenciano.webp) Gary Valenciano Behind the scenes were generous acts that gave shape to the gala: the staging under the creative vision of Robby Carmona, IWTS Board of Trustees, and support from brands such as Belo Medical Group, Rockwell, Spruce Gallery, Casa Juan, Nice Print, and Vision Express. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/IWTS-Founder-Sheila-Romero.webp) IWTS Founder Sheila Romero. “*An Evening for Brave Warriors* was more than a fundraising event,” Romero said. “It was a powerful statement of solidarity. Together, we are building spaces where healing is possible, where compassion leads, and where no child is left behind in the fight against cancer. Not on our watch. Not tonight.” *For more information about the foundation and ways to help, please visit their[ Facebook page here](https://web.facebook.com/iwanttosharefoundation/?_rdc=1&_rdr#).* **Categories:** Events **Tags:** i want to share foundation --- ### [Robb Report Philippines Honors the Best of the Best at Flagship Awards Night](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/robb-report-philippines-honors-the-best-of-the-best-at-flagship-awards-night/) **Published:** October 24, 2025 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** October 15, 2025 marked Robb Report Philippines’ first annual [Best of the Best](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/portal-best-of-the-best-2025/ "The Complete List of Robb Report Philippines’ Best of the Best 2025") dinner, a night devoted to the publication’s celebration of craftsmanship, innovation, and distinction across industries with the publication awarding excellence in the ultra-luxury lifestyle. The global franchise is already a fixture among tastemakers across the planet, but this [celebration ](https://robbreport.ph/event-coverage/)was unmistakably Filipino: a confident roll call that signaled how the Philippines now speaks, clearly and credibly, within the wider luxury conversation. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RRPH_BOTB_Trophy-and-Ambience_2.webp) The Best of the Best Issue’s cover was etched onto the polished glass of the trophies, designed by Adriana Mangibin; sculptural, fresh flower arrangements by Jos Curates decorated the long tables. Cocktail hour was heralded by arrivals in sleek [BMW’s](https://robbreport.ph/tag/bmw/ "bmw") flagship i7 sedans which chauffeured National Artists BenCab, Ryan Caybayab, and Alice Reyes, as well as AGCPH Chairman and CEO Archie Carrasco and Robb Report Philippines’ Chief of Editorial Content Yvette Fernandez. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/BMW-Yvette-Fernandez-2240x1260.webp) Robb Report Philippines’ Chief of Editorial Content Yvette Fernandez. Guests from diplomatic circles, lifestyle and retail, sportscars and high jewelry, private banking and art, and real estate and travel gathered at the lounge of [Blackbird at the Nielson Tower](https://www.blackbird.com.ph/), where sapphire-blue carpeting and fine touches transformed it into the RCBC Lounge for the night. A grand piano anchored the room; music and lively conversation did the rest. [Furnitalia](https://robbreport.ph/tag/furnitalia/ "furnitalia") added a note of Italian polish to the evening. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/BOTB-LAUNCH-EVENT_COCKTAIL-HOUR_011.webp) Kit Zobel, Trickie Lopa, and Alicia Colby-Sy during cocktail hour at the RCBC Lounge. Servers moved through the crowd with canapés calibrated to the setting: semolina scrumpets with saffron aioli and trout roe; gochujang-grilled octopus on crisp carrot latkes; and squash blossoms filled with Davao goat cheese alongside muhammara. Glasses were raised to a quartet of house cocktails, led by the Robb Report Negroni, as well as the RCBC Bluebird—a precise mix of gin, crème de violette, maraschino, and lavender bitters—a nod to the venue and a salute to RCBC Wealth. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RRPH_BOTB_Food-and-Cocktails_1.webp) From the lounge, guests were led into Blackbird’s main dining hall, where Chef Colin Mackay presented a bespoke five-course menu. The evening began with a hamachi tartare brightened with white miso, citrus, and nori tapioca crisp, followed by quail agnolotti filled with mushroom and foie gras, finished with sage and apple cream. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RRPH_BOTB_Food_4.webp) Chef Colin MacKay prepared a bespok menu for the evening. The third course, a seared Hokkaido scallop with spiced cauliflower and nduja butter, offered an interlude of flavor and restraint before guests chose between Westholme MB7 Wagyu striploin or roast Chilean seabass, each paired with café de Paris butter, asparagus, and celeriac or sweet pepper confit. Dessert arrived as a statement in itself: Auro dark chocolate mousse with poached pear, salted caramel, and ginger crunch, followed by petit fours served with digestifs. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RRPH_BOTB_People_3.webp) Between courses came the kind of table talk (over exquisite floral arrangements by Jos Curates) that defines these gatherings: discussions of craft, heritage, and the shifting landscape of Filipino luxury, where homegrown artisans, chefs, and designers are increasingly taking their place on the world stage. As the dinner plates cleared, the evening’s formal program began. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RRPH_BOTB_Yvette_Speech.webp) Chief of Editorial Content Yvette Fernandez. “Real luxury is about the pursuit of excellence,” Robb Report Philippines’ Chief of Editorial Content, Yvette Fernandez, said in her opening speech. “It’s about mastery of craft, innovation, and devotion. It’s about people who have spent years perfecting what they do best, and heritage brands that have endured through generations.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/BOTB-LAUNCH-EVENT_DINNER_030-1.webp) Stephanie Kienle-Gonzalez, Mariana Zobel de Ayala-Aboitiz, and Chief of Editorial Content Yvette Fernandez with National Artists BenCab, Ryan Cayabyab, and Alice Reyes. The highlight of the night followed with the presentation of the [Best of the Best Awards](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/), recognizing excellence across watches, design, travel, automotive and beyond. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RRPH_BOTB_Awards_Wheels-and-Watches_1.webp) Ambassador Nicholas Bruhl and Emerson Yao; Enrique Jarlego and Ambassador Davide Giglio. Ambassador Nicholas Bruhl presented the award for [Watches](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/best-of-the-best-2025-watches/ "Best of the Best 2025: Watches") to Emerson Yao of Lucerne Luxe for [Patek Philippe’s Quadruple Complication Ref. 5308G-001](https://robbreport.ph/watches/all-of-patek-philippes-new-watches-from-an-ice-blue-quadruple-complication-to-a-slimmer-cubitus/ "All of Patek Philippe’s New Watches, From an Ice-Blue Quadruple Complication to a Slimmer Cubitus"), while Ambassador Davide Giglio of Italy presented Lamborghini with the award for Wheels for the [Temerario](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/best-of-the-best-2025-wheels/ "Best of the Best 2025: Wheels"). ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RRPH_BOTB_Awards_Design_1.webp) National Artist Ben Cabrera presents the Best of the Best award for Design to Gene Sandoval, accepted by Sandoval’s nephew, Adrian. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RRPH_BOTB_Awards_Art_1.webp) National Artist Ryan Cayabyab presents Rachel Rillo of Silverlens the Best of the Best Award f Art. National Artist for Visual Arts BenCab presented the award for [Design](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/best-of-the-best-2025-design/ "Best of the Best 2025: Design") to [Gene Sandoval](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/design/portland-international-airport-bringing-bayanihan-to-american-airport-design/ "Gene Sandoval Brings Bayanihan to American Airport Design"), represented by his nephew, Adrian, for Portland International Airport, and National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab presented the [award for Art to Rachel Rillo, representing Silverlens Galleries and her co-director, Isa Lorenzo](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/best-of-the-best-art/ "Best of the Best 2025: Art"). ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RRPH_BOTB_Awards_Jewelry_1.webp) National Artist Alice Reyes and Michael Huang. National Artist for Dance Alice Reyes presented the [award for Jewelry](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/best-of-the-best-2025-jewelry/ "Best of the Best 2025: Jewelry") to Michael Huang for [Cartier’s Nature Sauvage Haute Joallerie Collection.](https://robbreport.ph/style/jewelry/cartier-unveils-its-nature-sauvage-high-jewelry-collection-in-singapore/ "Cartier Unveils Its Nature Sauvage High Jewelry Collection in Singapore") ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RRPH_BOTB_Awards_style_1.webp) Rajo Laurel presents Mario Katigbak the award for Best of the Best in Style, who received the award for Hermes. ![Romain Gissot received the Best of the Best Award on behalf of Amanpulo, for Travel. Jacques Christophe Branellec presented the award.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RRPH_BOTB_Awards_Travel_1.webp) The [Best of the Best in the Style category](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/best-of-the-best-2025-style/ "Best of the Best 2025: Style") was presented by Rajo Laurel to [Hermes](https://robbreport.ph/tag/hermes/ "hermes"), with Mario Katigbak accepting the award, while the award for Travel was presented by [Jewelmer’s](https://robbreport.ph/style/jewelry/jewelmer-objets-dart-collection-when-high-jewelry-meets-fine-art/ "Jewelmer Objets d’Art Collection: When High Jewelry Meets Fine Art") Jacques Christophe Branellec and [awarded to Amanpulo](https://robbreport.ph/travel/best-of-the-best-2025-travel/ "Best of the Best 2025: Travel"), received by General Manager Romain Gissot. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/BOTB-LAUNCH-EVENT_AWARDING_012.webp) Ernest Cu. In the Wings category, Ernest Cu received the award on behalf of [Gulfstream](https://robbreport.ph/tag/gulfstream/ "gulfstream"), which was [awarded for its newly-launched Gulfstream G800](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/best-of-the-best-2025-wings/ "Best of the Best 2025: Wings"); [Charlie Rufino](https://robbreport.ph/profiles/why-charlie-rufino-is-fueled-with-purpose/ "Driving Change: Why Charlie Rufino is Fueled with Purpose") presented [Best of the Best in Real Estate](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/best-of-the-best-2025-real-estate/ "Best of the Best 2025: Real Estate") to Aurelia, which was received by Karlo Estavillo, president of Shang Robinsons Properties Incorporated, and Mybelle Aragon-GoBio, chairman of Shang Robinsons Property Incorporated. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RRPH_BOTB_Awards_Real-Estate_1.webp) Charlie Rufino, Mybelle Aragon-GoBio, and Karlo Estavillo. The award for Dining was presented by Santi Elizalde to Chele Gonzalez and [Gallery by Chele](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/a-tribute-to-the-coconut-in-the-new-menu-at-gallery-by-chele/ "The New Menu at Gallery by Chele Is a Tribute to the Coconut")[.](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/best-of-the-best-2025-dining/ "Best of the Best 2025: Dining") ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RRPH_BOTB_Awards_Dining_1.webp) Santi Elizalde and Chele Gonzalez. Each name announced reflected a commitment to artistry and luxury without compromise—qualities that continue to define both the publication and its partners. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RRPH_BOTB_Toast_1.webp) The moment built toward a final toast—glasses raised not only to the honorees, but to a broader vision of Philippine luxury: discerning yet inclusive, rooted in tradition yet forward-facing. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/BOTB-LAUNCH-EVENT_PORTRAIT_056.webp) Before departing, each guest was handed a Rajo Laurel-designed boat tote carrying the night’s keepsakes: a Stefano Ricci tee, the Robb Report Philippines Best of the Best issue, RCBC signature pens, a Ladurée invitation to afternoon tea and a box of their signature macarons, a Fino Leatherware luggage tag, and a gift of a chauffeured service from Drivania—tokens of a night devoted to craftsmanship, conversation, and exceptional living. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/BOTB-LAUNCH-EVENT_AWARDING_002.webp) Chairman and CEO of AGC Corp. and Robb Report Philippines publisher Archie Carrasco and Chief of Editorial Content Yvette Fernandez join the presenters and winners at the Best of the Best awards dinner. In a city that’s increasingly defining its own measure of sophistication, Best of the Best was more than an annual celebration; it was a gathering of visionaries and patrons, artisans and entrepreneurs. And as the last guests stepped into the night, the glow from Blackbird’s windows still spilling onto Ayala Avenue, it was clear that this wasn’t just a dinner. It was the sound of a city learning how to celebrate itself. *Click [here](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/portal-best-of-the-best-2025/ "The Complete List of Robb Report Philippines’ Best of the Best 2025") for an index to the complete list of the Best of the Best 2025 awardees.* **Categories:** Best of the Best, Events **Tags:** access, best of the best --- ### [ALT ART Returns in 2026 With Expanded Exhibitions and New Programs](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-collectibles/alt-art-returns-in-2026-with-expanded-exhibitions-and-new-programs/) **Published:** January 14, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** When ALT ART opens its doors in February 2026, it will do so at a much larger scale than its previous iterations. Taking over the SMX Convention Center at the Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay, the fourth edition marks the fair’s most ambitious chapter yet—one that reflects both the growth of the initiative and the expanding appetite for contemporary Philippine art. Open to the public from February 13 to 15, ALT ART 2026 doubles its exhibition footprint from its 2024 edition. Walls will rise as high as five meters, allowing for more expansive installations and museum-scale presentations. The move to SMX Convention Center also signals a shift toward greater accessibility, drawing in audiences beyond the usual art-world circuit. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/ALT-ART-2026-2-2240x2800.webp) Organized by the [ALT Collective](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/best-of-the-best-art/ "Best of the Best 2025: Art"), the awardee of Robb Report Philippines’ Best of the Best Art Collective, the fair brings together nine of the country’s leading [galleries](https://robbreport.ph/event-coverage/)—[Artinformal](https://robbreport.ph/tag/artinformal/ "Artinformal"), [Blanc](https://robbreport.ph/tag/blanc-gallery/ "blanc gallery"), [The Drawing Room](https://robbreport.ph/tag/the-drawing-room/ "the drawing room"), [Galleria Duemila](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-collectibles/heres-a-roundup-of-must-see-art-exhibitions-this-month/ "Here’s a Roundup of Must-See Art Exhibitions This Month"), [Finale Art File](https://robbreport.ph/tag/finale-art-file/ "finale art file"), [MO\_Space](https://robbreport.ph/tag/mo_space/ "mo_space"), [Underground](https://robbreport.ph/tag/underground-gallery/ "underground gallery"), [Vinyl on Vinyl](https://robbreport.ph/tag/vinyl-on-vinyl/ "vinyl on vinyl"), and West Gallery. Together, they present a cross-section of practices that span generations, mediums, and artistic positions. A defining feature of ALT ART has been its Special Projects, with each gallery mounting a focused, often experimental exhibition. This year’s lineup includes works by Christina Quisumbing Ramilo, Buen Calubayan, Julie Lluch in dialogue with Kiri Dalena and Ben Brixx, Raffy Napay, MM Yu, Kolown with Christina Lopez, Mauro “Malang” Santos, Lesley-Ann Cao, and Iwan Effendi—artists whose practices reflect the breadth of contemporary discourse in the Philippines. New to the 2026 edition is the Discoveries Section, a curated platform dedicated to artists whose work deserves wider attention. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Jay-Amante-of-Blanc-Photo-by-MM-Yu.webp) Jay Amante of Blanc. MM Yu “The Discoveries Program is a platform for artists who we think deserve to garner more attention. Some of these artists are not new, but we feel we have a long journey ahead. The program is also a reminder that with the fast paced turnover of attention, it is a good way for us to step back and slow things down a bit,” explains Jay Amante of Blanc. The initiative responds to what organizers describe as the rapid churn of visibility in today’s art ecosystem. By carving out space for sustained looking, the program seeks to slow the pace and encourage deeper engagement. The inaugural group includes JC Mariategue, Jomari T’leon, Joar Songcuya, Allyza Tresvalles, Eric Bico, Gelo Cinco, Joanolasco, Rhaz Oriente, and Marco Ortiga. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Mawen-Ong-of-MO_Space-Photo-by-MM-Yu-2240x3292.webp) Mawen Ong of MO\_Space. MM Yu “New highlights lead to new interests which lead to new conversations. We aim to bridge the gap between what is established, and what is to be discovered,” adds Mawen Ong of MO\_Space. *Presented by BDO Private Bank with special support from Nagaraya, ALT ART 2026 is open to the public from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tickets are priced at PHP 500 for general admission and PHP 250 for students. More information is available at [altphilippines.com](https://www.altphilippines.com/) and via @[altphilippines](https://www.instagram.com/altphilippines/) on Instagram and Facebook.* **Categories:** Art & Collectibles, Events **Tags:** ALT ART, art exhibit, Artinformal, Blanc, finale art file, Galleria Duemila, mo_space, the drawing room, Underground, vinyl on vinyl, West Gallery --- ### [Robb Report Philippines Hosts Its 2026 Food & Drink Issue Dinner at Flow](https://robbreport.ph/robb-report-philippines-access/robb-report-philippines-celebrates-its-2026-food-drink-issue-at-flow/) **Published:** April 24, 2026 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** Robb Report Philippines and Security Bank Wealth marked the release of the magazine’s 2026 Food and Drink Issue with a dinner held last Tuesday, April 22, at Flow, one of Makati’s fastest-rising new dining destinations. The [evening ](https://robbreport.ph/event-coverage/)brought together a cross-section of the country’s culinary and hospitality scene for a celebration of food as craft and narrative. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Copy-of-RRPH-IG-APRIL-2026-LAUNCH-9.webp) Ed Simon Led by chef Kevin Uy, [Flow has quickly become one of the most talked-about openings](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/finding-rhythm-at-flow-chef-kevin-uys-new-restaurant/ "Finding Rhythm at Flow, Chef Kevin Uy’s New Restaurant") in the city, known for its “culinary biomes” approach to dining. Rather than building dishes around singular ingredients, Uy constructs entire ecosystems on the plate, drawing from Peruvian and Filipino coastlines, mountains, forests, and urban landscapes. The menu for the launch guided guests through a progression of a terrain of flavors and textures. ![Close-up of a plated dish in a dark bowl: a colorful crumb mixture with pink, yellow, and white grains and pinkish-orange crispy strands on top.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/APRIL_FOOD-DRINK_2026-140.webp) Mountain. *Ed Simo* Standouts from the menu echoed the restaurant’s now-signature dishes. “Coastline,” a study of seaweed in multiple forms, evoked sand and surf through spirulina, nori, and delicate gels. “Mountain,” a composition of beef cheek and corn in varying textures, grounded the experience with its depth. ![Beige ceramic bowl with a plated gourmet egg dish, topped with onions, dark sauce, and black truffle shards; a wooden spoon rests to the left.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/APRIL_FOOD-DRINK_2026-148.webp) Yacon. *Ed Simon* Finishing the menu was “Yacon”—fermented, burnt, and rendered into syrup—which drew out the root’s full spectrum of sweetness, bitterness, and depth in a way that felt both elemental and exacting. The courses were paired with a thoughtful beverage program that extended the narrative of each dish, reinforcing Flow’s ethos of cohesion rather than contrast. ![Woman in a black dress reads a folded note at a table with a colorful flower centerpiece during a formal event.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/APRIL_FOOD-DRINK_2026-117.webp) Yvette Fernandez giving her speech before the first course. *Photo: Gian Escamillas* The evening opened with remarks from Yvette Fernandez, Chief of Editorial Content of Robb Report Philippines, who welcomed guests on behalf of publisher Archie Carrasco and acknowledged the publication’s continued partnership with Security Bank. In her speech, Fernandez underscored the thematic direction of the issue, noting how today’s chefs operate far beyond the kitchen, navigating procurement, business strategy, and even the demands of visibility in a digital age. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/APRIL_FOOD-DRINK_2026-57.webp) Chef Jorge Mendez with Security Bank’s Joann Paz, Wealth Relationship Management Team Head, FVP; Rene Aguirre, Wealth Segment Head, SVP; and Binky Mirabueno, Wealth Relationship Management Group Head, SVP. *Ed Simon* “It feels right to gather at Restaurant Flow, very much the talk of the town at the moment. As you will soon find out, there is a narrative running through the menu by Chef Kevin Uy and his team,” she noted. “Each dish carries the story of where it comes from, and why it matters.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/APRIL_FOOD-DRINK_2026-175.webp) Chef Kevin talked guests through the tasting menu. *Ed Simon* She also recognized the contributors behind the issue, including lifestyle editor Alicia Colby-Sy and features editor Bryle Suralta, who created the cover artwork. The cover reflects the evolving role of the modern chef: part artisan, part operator, part cultural figure. ![Six well-dressed people posing for a group photo at a dimly lit event, Robb Report Philippines logo visible.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/APRIL_FOOD-DRINK_2026-186.webp) Imelda Teng, Abba Napa, Eric Teng, Eli Antonino, AGC Power Holdings Corp. Chief Business Officer and Executive Partner Rodolfo Palanca Jr., and AGC Power Holdings Corp. Chairman Archie Carrasco. *Ed Simon* Among the guests were Jorge Mendez of Modan and Bill and Roxanne Yuen of Dominion Cellar, all of whom were featured in the issue, as well as the event’s partners from Security Bank Wealth, as well as our partners from Security Bank Private Wealth. ![Floral centerpiece with red pom-pom blooms and greenery on a marble table, with a Security Bank Wealth card in the foreground.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Copy-of-RRPH-IG-APRIL-2026-LAUNCH-8.webp) *Ed Simon* Among those in attendance were Eric Teng and Imelda Teng of Mango Tree, Abba Napa and Eli Antonino of The Moment Group, Jorge Mendez and Cheenee Mendez of Modan, and Bill and Rox Yuen of Dominion Cellar. Their presence reinforced the issue’s focus on the individuals shaping the country’s dining landscape today. ![Color illustration of a chef with multiple arms holding kitchen items (leeks, lobster, clock) on a blue background, with 'Robb Report' title at top.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/APRIL_FOOD-DRINK_2026-76.webp) The cover art was illustrated by Bryle Suralta. *Ed Simon* The evening pointed to a broader shift in how food is understood within luxury. What defines a truly good meal now rests on perspective, process, and the ability to translate place into experience. At Flow, and across the pages of the Food and Drink Issue, that idea came through with quiet confidence. Those who live well, after all, tend to eat well. *Read the e-magazine [here](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-april-2026-the-food-drink-issue/).* **Categories:** Events, Robb Report Philippines Access **Tags:** Flow, News --- ### [Robb Report Privé Spotlights Arthaland’s Eluria](https://robbreport.ph/event-coverage/robb-report-prive-spotlights-arthalands-eluria/) **Published:** August 6, 2026 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** *Robb Report Philippines* held its first Privé [event ](https://robbreport.ph/event-coverage/)in partnership with Arthaland earlier this month, welcoming a select group of guests to the developer’s [Eluria](https://robbreport.ph/tag/eluria/ "Eluria") Show Suite at Bonifacio Global City for a private, by-invitation preview. Designed as a curated introduction, the evening gave guests rare access to Eluria’s residential vision for refined[ city living](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/properties/ "Properties") in Makati. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/L1590493-2240x2800.webp) Wilbros Live President and CEO Winston Llamas and COO Glenn Llamas together with AGC Power Holdings Corp. Executive Partner Rodolfo Palanca Jr. and Chairman Archie Carrasco chatting during the event. *Ed Simon* Privé centered on a private tour of the Eluria Show Suite, the showroom of Eluria, Arthaland’s ultra-limited residential address in Makati City. Located at 119 Rada Street in Legazpi Village, Eluria features only 37 limited-edition residences, giving the project a rare sense of privacy within one of the city’s most established neighborhoods. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/L1590305-2240x2800.webp) Arthaland Marketing Group Head Pamela Go and Robb Report Philippines Managing Editor Aica Dacuno. *Ed Simon* Guests were guided through the Show Suite by Arthaland Marketing Group Head Pam Go, who introduced Eluria as a low-density residential tower designed for privacy, wellness, and white-glove hospitality. The tour highlighted how Eluria’s architecture, amenities, environmental features, and personal service come together in daily living. With Eluria’s personalized white-glove butler services courtesy of internationally-trained Hospitality Directors present during the evening, guests were able to see how the project’s ethos extends beyond design and into thoughtful, everyday hospitality. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/DSF5150-2240x2800.webp) MC Geometric Proportions Owner Charmaine Lagman and Wildflour Hospitality Chairman and CEO Ana Lorenzana de Ocampo. Ed Simo The room brought together leaders from dining, design, entertainment, designer furnishings, and construction. Among *Privé*‘s notable guests include Wildflour Hospitality Group President and CEO Ana Lorenzana de Ocampo, Kuysen Creative Director and Head Interior Designer Marleen Go-Uyecio, and Eric and Emelda Teng, founders of Mango Tree Philippines and leaders of one of the country’s major multi-brand restaurant groups. The evening also welcomed Wilbros Live President and CEO Winston Llamas and COO Glenn Llamas, Opulence Design Concept President Gerry Sy, Furnitalia founder and Gruppo Mobili Philippines Managing Director Florence Ko, and MC Geometric Proportions owners Mike and Charmaine Lagman. Their presence reflected Eluria’s appeal to guests who bring discernment to prestige real estate. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/DSF4847-2240x2800.webp) Mango Tree Philippines Founder Eric Teng. *Ed Simon* Chele Catering added to the evening’s sense of ease with a menu designed for conversation and developed exclusively for *Robb Report Philippines*. Calamansi Refreshers and Guava Mockaritas opened the night, followed by canapés such as truffle macarons, wagyu tarts with foie gras, scallop and cauliflower tartlets, and mango pavlova. A carving station and a premium wine selection rounded out the gathering. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/DSF4682-2240x2800.webp) *Ed Simon* ###### Where Eluria Comes Into View Eluria’s design draws from the idea of a contemporary tree house, with vertical gardens, balconies, and generous daylight throughout the residences. Its facade combines light-colored precast concrete with wood and bronze tones, giving the tower a warm, composed presence in Legazpi Village. That design language continues inside the Eluria Show Suite, which was designed by renowned interior designer Jigs Adefuin and features curated works by Filipino masters like National Artist Arturo Luz, Eduardo Castrillo, and Justin Nuyda. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/L1590237-2240x2800.webp) The Eluria Show Suite features curated works by Filipino masters Justin Nuyda, Eduardo Castrillo, and Arturo Luz, including Search Mindscape: Field of Dreams, Static Movement, and Homage to Isamu Noguchi. *Ed Simon* Eluria’s low-density configuration is one of the clearest takeaways from the tour. With only a maximum of two residences per floor, each home is designed for privacy, generous daylight, and better airflow. The collection includes three-bedroom North and South Residences, two five-bedroom Garden Residences, and a five-bedroom Penthouse Suite. One of Eluria’s strongest differentiators is its white-glove service. Led by Hospitality Directors trained through The International Butler Academy in the Netherlands, the program brings Arthaland’s “Human Touch, Perfected” philosophy into daily residential life. The presence of the butler team during *Robb Report’s* *Privé* gave guests a firsthand sense of that promise, showing how the impeccable service at Eluria is designed to feel attentive, yet unobtrusive. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/L1590242-2240x2800.webp) *Ed Simon* Eluria’s amenities extend the residence beyond the private home. The lounge, function room, fitness center, heated saltwater pool, children’s playroom, roof deck, and potager garden give residents space to host, move, unwind, and retreat. Sustainability and wellness, of course, are central to the project. Eluria is pre-certified LEED Gold and registered and on track for EDGE, BERDE, and WELL certifications. The tower even incorporates energy-efficient lighting, a double-glazed Low-E facade, rainwater management, EV-ready parking spaces, bicycle facilities, improved air filtration, low-emitting materials, and open spaces designed to support biodiversity. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/L1590248-2240x2800.webp) A space at the Eluria Show Suite features Arturo Luz’s Carnival Forms, reinforcing the project’s dialogue between Filipino art, design, and refined residential living. *Ed Simon* Its Rada Street address places Eluria in one of Makati’s most established residential pockets, close to Greenbelt, Ayala Avenue, Makati Medical Center, Legazpi Active Park, Washington SyCip Park, and key hotels, restaurants, schools, and cultural destinations. The location keeps residents connected to the city while preserving the privacy of a more considered address. As guests moved through the space, the evening pointed to Arthaland’s vision for more intentional city living. Eluria presents a home designed not only to impress, but to support everyday life through thoughtful design, craftsmanship, wellness, and service that feels deeply personal without any of the intrusions. ## FAQs ### **What was Robb Report Privé’s event with Arthaland about?** Robb Report Privé partnered with Arthaland to host a private showroom tour for Eluria, the developer’s ultra-limited residential address in Legazpi Village, Makati. The evening introduced guests to the project’s approach to privacy, service, wellness, sustainability, and luxury city living. ### **Where is Eluria located?** Eluria is located at 119 Rada Street in Legazpi Village, Makati. The address places residents near Greenbelt, Ayala Avenue, Legazpi Active Park, Washington SyCip Park, Makati Medical Center, and other key destinations in the city. ### **What makes Eluria different from other luxury residences in Makati?** Eluria is designed as a low-density residential tower with only 37 limited-edition residences. Its highlights include two residences per floor, large-format homes, white-glove hospitality service, wellness-focused amenities, and sustainability features tied to LEED, EDGE, BERDE, and WELL certifications. *View the e-magazine [here](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-june-2026-the-design-issue/).* **Categories:** Events **Tags:** Arthaland, Design, Eluria, events, Makati, real estate, Robb Report Prive --- ### [John Legend Still Has Something to Prove](https://robbreport.ph/event-coverage/john-legend-in-manila-proscenium-rockwell/) **Published:** August 19, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** Only 28 people in history have ever achieved the status of EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) winner, and John Legend is one of them. He has “Ordinary People,” “All of Me,” “Green Light,” and enough other songs permanently lodged in the public imagination. It’s been eight years since Legend last performed in Manila, and this time around, he’s trading the scale of an arena for the intimacy of Rockwell’s Proscenium Theater. “The whole vibe of the night is stripping everything down to its essence, listening to each other, connecting,” he says. “When I strip the songs down, and I play them solo, you hear every lyric. And there’s a level of closeness that I find special and beautiful, and I love doing it.” It’s a “very revealing [show](https://robbreport.ph/event-coverage/),” as he puts it. “I tell a lot of stories about my life. I tell stories not only about my music career but also about my family and life growing up. I talk about joy, but also about tragedy, and loss, and healing, and forgiveness.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/john-legend-rockwell-manila-1.webp) *Proscenium Theater/Rockwell/John Legend* The urge toward reduction comes from having spent two decades expanding his body of work. Since *Get Lifted* arrived in 2004, Legend’s musical orbit has moved through gospel, soul, pop, hip-hop and R&B. His more recent releases, likewise, have placed him alongside Dionne Warwick and Shatta Wale, while whatever comes next appears poised to continue the pattern. “My next album is going to be very collaborative too,” he says, declining—for now—to give much else away. “I find it really interesting when artists who come from different places and perspectives come together and make something new together.” The appetite for creative collision, so to speak, has already taken Legend somewhere unexpected. Few collaborations have exposed another side of that foundation as beautifully as 2024’s *My Favorite Dream*, his children’s album produced by Sufjan Stevens. Legend wrote it as “a love letter to my kids and my family,” then sent Stevens spare piano-and-vocal versions of the songs despite the two having never met. “I said I wanted it to be lush and dreamy, and I only could imagine you doing it,” he recalls. Stevens agreed, and Legend now calls the result “one of my favorite albums that I’ve ever done.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/john-legend-rockwell-2.webp) *Proscenium Theater/Rockwell/John Legend* Should we expect another children’s album coming up? Highly unlikely. “I just think it’s such a beautiful part of my repertoire that I don’t need to try to do it again,” Legend adds. “It’s always gonna be a testament to especially that time in my life.” His children were young, and the pieces evidently occupied that particular period of fatherhood. Songs have a funny relationship with time that way. Legend wrote “Stay With You” for *Get Lifted* before he had ever been in a serious committed relationship. Twelve years later, he sang it at his own wedding. “Sometimes I may not have gone through that exact experience at the time,” he notes. “Life has its way of continuing to reveal itself.” Audiences perform a similar trick on songs. In the Philippines, where Legend readily acknowledges an unusually fervent enthusiasm for his music, tracks such as “Ordinary People” and “All of Me” have long since escaped whatever private circumstances first produced them. Of course, Legend is perfectly content with the theft. “Once you release it, you have to allow it to be the audience’s song. Once we put them out into the world, we allow them to be the world’s song.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/john-legend-rockwell-manila-4.webp) *Proscenium Theater/Rockwell/John Legend* These days, Legend occupies what he readily calls his “mentor stage,” particularly through working with younger artists, but he resists the comfortable assumption that a legacy automatically guarantees an audience for whatever comes next. “I still feel like I have something to prove every time I put an album out,” he points out. “I don’t take it for granted that because people liked what I’ve done in the past, they’ll continue to be excited about what I’m doing in the future.” *Experience John Legend up close from September 3 to 4 as An Evening of Songs & Stories takes over Rockwell’s Proscenium Theater.* *[Tickets](https://premier.ticketworld.com.ph/shows/show.aspx?sh=JLEGEND26) available now.* ## FAQs ### When is John Legend returning to Manila? John Legend returns to Manila in September 2026, eight years after his last performance in the Philippines. His upcoming show will take place at the Proscenium Theater at Rockwell. ### What can fans expect from John Legend’s Manila show? Legend describes the show as intimate and revealing, with songs stripped back to their essentials alongside stories about his career, childhood, family, loss, healing, and forgiveness. ### Is John Legend working on a new album? Yes. Legend says his next album will be highly collaborative, although he is keeping further details under wraps for now. He says working with artists from different backgrounds and perspectives remains central to his creative process. ### Will John Legend make another children’s album after *My Favorite Dream*? Probably not. Legend says he considers *My Favorite Dream*, produced by Sufjan Stevens, a document of a particular period in his family life and does not currently feel the need to make another children’s record. ### What does success mean to John Legend now? Despite his accolades and decades-long career, Legend says he still feels the need to prove himself with every new project. His goal is to create work that feels current, compelling, and worth returning to rather than relying on the success of his earlier music. **Categories:** Events **Tags:** An Evening of Songs & Stories, Feature, John Legend, rockwell --- ### [National Artist Ryan Cayabyab’s Music Takes Center Stage at LIYAB on September 20](https://robbreport.ph/leisure/entertainment/national-artist-ryan-cayabyabs-music-takes-center-stage-at-liyab-this-september/) **Published:** September 15, 2026 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** Few composers have shaped Filipino music as widely and as deeply as [Ryan Cayabyab](https://robbreport.ph/tag/ryan-cayabyab/). On September 20, the National Artist for Music will take center stage at [The Theatre at Solaire](https://robbreport.ph/tag/solaire/) for *Unang Siklab LIYAB: Mga Himig ng Dakilang Pag-Ibig*, a [large-scale celebration](https://robbreport.ph/event-coverage/) spanning his most celebrated pieces. The National Artist will be joined by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, with Jonathan Velasco and Toma Cayabyab conducting, alongside an ensemble that includes [Lea Salonga](https://robbreport.ph/tag/lea-salonga/), Martin Nievera, Ogie Alcasid, Bituin Escalante, Jed Madela, Gigi De Lana, Sofronio Vasquez, and Arman Ferrer. A 200-member LIYAB Grand Chorale will also bring together singers from the Ateneo Chamber Singers, Imuscapella, Konsertus, Mass Appeal, Novo Concertante, PCSO Chorale, UP Concert Chorus, and UP Manila Chorale. This concert grew from Cayabyab’s earlier wish to hear more of his sacred music performed live. The repertoire includes “Misa,” “Magnificat,” “Ang Birhen ng Casaysay,” and “Lorenzo,” but the idea eventually expanded into a broader survey of music built around faith, country, friendship, and love, among other thematic directions. The scale reflects the range of a career that has moved across nearly every corner of modern Philippine music. Cayabyab first made a national mark when “Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika” won the grand prize at the inaugural Metro Manila Popular Music Festival in 1978, before going on to write songs such as “Araw Gabi,” “Tuwing Umuulan at Kapiling Ka,” “Kailan,” “Paraiso,” and “Da Coconut Nut.” Of course, his work for the stage has been equally substantial, from the landmark pop ballet *Rama Hari* and the musical *Katy!* to *El Filibusterismo, Noli Me Tangere: The Musical, Magnificat, Lorenzo,* and the opera *Spoliarium*. He also brought music into Filipino homes through *Ryan Ryan Musikahan*, which ran on television from 1988 to 1995. His choral work *MISA 2000* later earned him the top prize at the Onassis International Cultural Competition in 2001. Cayabyab was conferred the Order of National Artist for Music in 2018 and received the Ramon Magsaysay Award the following year, milestones in a career that has come to define both popular and concert music in the Philippines for nearly five decades. Likewise, for producers Melfred and Arlene Hernandez and Mon and Monique Eugenio, LIYAB is intended to introduce Cayabyab’s work to younger audiences while giving Filipino music a stage proportionate to its cultural weight. Ducks Entertainment hopes the format can eventually travel to the Visayas and Mindanao, with local choirs and artists shaping future editions rather than simply recreating the Manila production. The project enjoys a philanthropic component, as well. Portions of proceeds will benefit the Philippine General Hospital Medical Foundation, the UP-PGH Department of Otorhinolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, and the Cultural Center of the Philippines International Scholarship Fund. *Unang Siklab LIYAB: Mga Himig ng Dakilang Pag-Ibig takes place on September 20, 2026, at The Theatre at Solaire, with performances at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.* *Tickets available at [Ticketworld](https://premier.ticketworld.com.ph/shows/Show.aspx?sh=LIYABM26).* ## FAQs ### What is Unang Siklab LIYAB: Mga Himig ng Dakilang Pag-Ibig? LIYAB is a large-scale concert celebrating the music of National Artist Ryan Cayabyab, spanning his sacred, popular, theatrical, and choral works. ### When and where is Ryan Cayabyab’s LIYAB concert? The concert takes place on September 20, 2026, at The Theatre at Solaire, with performances scheduled for 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. ### Who is performing at LIYAB with Ryan Cayabyab? Performers include Lea Salonga, Martin Nievera, Ogie Alcasid, Bituin Escalante, Jed Madela, Gigi De Lana, Sofronio Vasquez, and Arman Ferrer, alongside the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra and a 200-member grand chorale. ### What Ryan Cayabyab songs and works may be featured at LIYAB? The concert draws from Cayabyab’s extensive catalogue, including sacred works such as “Misa,” “Magnificat,” “Ang Birhen ng Casaysay,” and “Lorenzo,” as well as music associated with his decades-long career in pop, theater, and choral composition. ### Why is Ryan Cayabyab important to Philippine music? Cayabyab has shaped Philippine popular, theatrical, choral, and concert music for nearly five decades. He was named National Artist for Music in 2018 and received the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2019. **Categories:** Culture, Entertainment, Events, Leisure **Tags:** 0113, liyab, News, Ryan Cayabyab, The Theater at Solaire, Unang Siklab LIYAB: Mga Himig ng Dakilang Pag-Ibig --- ### [At 40, the Negros Trade Fair Offers a Broader Portrait of the Island](https://robbreport.ph/event-coverage/at-40-the-negros-trade-fair-offers-a-broader-portrait-of-the-island/) **Published:** September 18, 2026 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** It seems inconceivable now, but the [Negros Trade Fair](https://web.facebook.com/thenegrostradefair) began with just 30 vendors gathering in a Makati carpark. At the time, these merchants had been carrying products made in a province reeling from the collapse of its sugar economy. Falling world prices, shrinking export markets, and the failures of the first Marcos-era sugar monopoly had pushed plantations into debt and displaced tens of thousands of workers. Producers looking beyond sugar began turning to creativity as a source of livelihood. Food, weaving, furniture, and the arts offered another way forward, and the fair gave those efforts a marketplace. “During one of the early Negros Trade Fairs, the theme was Hope Shines in Negros. This is the mindset that has consistently guided us throughout the 40 years of the trade fair,” says Mary Ann Feria-Colmenares, chairperson of the 40th Negros Trade Fair and managing director of Artisana Island Crafts. “The Negrenses have held on to the promise of a new day, and that God’s mercies are new every morning. We are in bloom as we celebrate our 40th.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/DSC07676-2240x1493.webp) *Courtesy of Negros Trade Fair* The 40th edition of the fair arrives under the banner name *Butlak*, a Hiligaynon word associated with the rising sun or a bloom. It’s a metaphor that reaches back to the fair’s beginnings, all the while describing what has happened since. The Association of Negros Producers (ANP), which emerged from the same period, has spent the intervening decades supporting the region’s MSMEs, artisans, and producers. In 2026, Negros comes into view as something far broader than the familiar imagery of Sugarlandia and ancestral houses. This year, organizers are bringing together 178 brands and extending participation across the Negros Island Region, including businesses and communities in Negros Oriental and Siquijor. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/DSC05642-2240x3360.webp) *Courtesy of Negros Trade Fair* What emerges is a concentrated portrait of the island’s flourishing creative industry. Fashion has become an increasingly visible category, with Camille Villanueva, StyleLoft, Pinas Sadya, Reveri by Ria Bolivar, and Hacienda Mar, among this year’s participants. Their work enters a longer material history shaped by local fabrics, tropical fibers, natural dyes, and weaving traditions, now finding expression through a new generation of labels. Furniture and home design offer another window into the fair’s evolution. Negros makers have developed a material vocabulary around abaca, bamboo, rattan, and hablon, applying time-honored techniques to contemporary objects and interiors. [Hacienda Crafts](https://haciendacrafts.com/), Art Energy, [ARTISANA](https://negrostradefair.org/collections/artisana-island-crafts), Noah, Madera Handicrafts, and NVC, on the other hand, will appear alongside artists and galleries from the region. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/DSC08388-2240x3360.webp) *Courtesy of Negros Trade Fair* “We really try to bring all that the Negros Island region has to offer to the fair,” Colmenares adds. “We endeavor to embrace the other SMEs from other parts of the Negros Island Region. We even have silk weavers from Aklan, artisans from Kanlaon, homegrown hospitality brands, as well as real estate properties joining this year’s [event](https://robbreport.ph/event-coverage/).” Food remains one of the fair’s most immediate ways of bringing Negros to Manila. Brands such as [Bob’s Cafe](https://www.instagram.com/cafebobs/?hl=en), 21, Chicken House, El Ideal, and Virgie’s Homemade Products carry with them flavors that are deeply associated with the island, allowing the fair to function almost like a temporary extension of Negros’s food culture in Makati. Newer concepts will now appear beside these long-established names, as well. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/DSC08413-2240x3360.webp) *Courtesy of Negros Trade Fair* The earliest producers who joined the Negros Trade Fair responded to crisis by making something from what they already had. Today, those same instincts operate on a considerably larger stage, with fashion, hospitality, property, food, art, and design contributing to a more expansive idea of Negros. “We are always looking ahead with hopes that the next generation will continue what was started four decades ago,” Colmenares concludes. *Butlak: The 40th Negros Trade Fair runs from September 22 to 27, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center at SM Aura.* ## FAQs ### What is the Negros Trade Fair? The Negros Trade Fair is an annual showcase of products, food, fashion, furniture, art, and design from Negros, created in the 1980s as local producers sought new livelihoods during the province’s sugar crisis. ### When and where is the 40th Negros Trade Fair? *Butlak: The 40th Negros Trade Fair* runs from September 22 to 27, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center at SM Aura in Taguig. ### What does “Butlak” mean? “Butlak” is a Hiligaynon word associated with the rising sun or a bloom, reflecting the fair’s themes of renewal, resilience, and growth. ### How many brands are joining the 2026 Negros Trade Fair? The 2026 edition brings together 178 brands from across the Negros Island Region, including participants from Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor. ### What can visitors expect at the 40th Negros Trade Fair? Visitors can expect a mix of established and emerging names across food, fashion, furniture, crafts, art, hospitality, and property, including long-running Negros institutions such as Bob’s Cafe, Chicken House, El Ideal, and Virgie’s Homemade Products. **Categories:** Events **Tags:** 0113, Aklan, Kanlaon, Negros Trade Fair, News, Weavers --- ### [Robb Report Philippines Explores: Hong Kong](https://robbreport.ph/travel/robb-report-philippines-explores-hong-kong/) **Published:** December 21, 2025 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** In the pilot episode of [Robb Report Philippines Explores](https://robbreport.ph/explores/), Chief of Editorial Content Yvette Fernandez experiences the city through its most rarefied lens. From touchdown to check-in on the 117th floor, Hong Kong unfolded with effortless ease. Staying at The [Ritz-Carlton ](https://robbreport.ph/tag/ritz-carlton-2/ "ritz carlton")Hong Kong’s most luxurious suite, dining at the famed Cantonese restaurant Tin Lung Heen, shopping at [Ascot Chang](https://robbreport.ph/tag/ascot-chang/ "Ascot Chang") and [Stefano Ricci](https://robbreport.ph/tag/stefano-ricci/ "Stefano Ricci") for the best of men’s suiting—it was all made more seamless with the BDO American Express® Explorer™ Credit Card. ***Watch the video:*** **Categories:** Explores, Travel **Tags:** American Express, American Express Explorer Credit Card, Ascot Chang, Hong Kong, ritz-carlton, Stefano Ricci, tin lung heen --- ### [Bugatti Just Dropped a $24,000 Road Bike](https://robbreport.ph/cars/bicycles/bugatti-just-dropped-a-24000-road-bike/) **Published:** March 24, 2026 **Author:** Bryan Hood **Content:** [Bugatti](https://robbreport.com/tag/bugatti/)’s most accessible model just arrived. The French hypercar specialists have teamed up with U.K.-based [Factor](https://factorbikes.com/) for a [special edition of its One road bicycle](https://factorbikes.com/bikes/bugatti-factor-one). Unsurprisingly, the exclusive two-wheeler isn’t exactly a bargain, but it is also the rare Bugatti that can be had for less than seven figures. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/bugatti-factor-one-02.webp) The front fork is 32 mm wider than that of a competition-legal bike. *Bugatti* The collaborative [bike](https://robbreport.ph/cars/bicycles) isn’t just a new One variant covered in Bugatti logos and a unique paint job. The automaker and Factor have worked together to “meticulously” re-engineer the two-wheeler, with a focus on improving its aerodynamic efficiency, stiffness, and ride quality. It’s an ambitious goal, too, since Factor proudly claims that the One was already “fastest \[Union Cycliste Internationale\]-legal road bike” in the world. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/bugatti-factor-one-03.webp) The upgraded carbon chain ring has titanium teeth. *Bugatti* One way that the duo was able to eke even more performance out of the One was to ignore the UCI’s pesky rulebook. The biggest change is to the fork, which now measures 147 mm across, or 32 mm wider than what is legal in the competition. Not only does this modification reduce drag, it also improves front-end stability. Other upgrades include a unique finish on the carbon-fiber frame similar to that found on the automaker’s vehicles, a carbon chainring with titanium teeth, a Selle Italia saddle, and ultra-lightweight Hyper 62 wheels wrapped in custom Continental tires. The two-wheeler comes exclusively in a special two-tone finish that combines exposed carbon fiber with the marque’s trademark Bugatti Blue and is stamped with white graphics, including a dancing elephant graphic on the front of the frame. Rounding things out is a numbered plaque, just like that you’d find on the center console of a few-off Bugatti. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/bugatti-factor-one-05.webp) Each Bugatti X Factor One features a numbered plaque. *Bugatti* “This project challenged us to rethink every assumption and push engineering boundaries in the same way Bugatti has done in the automotive world for over a century,” the company’s founder, Rob Gitelis, said in a statement. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/bugatti-factor-one-06.webp) The front of the frame is stamped with the automaker’s dancing elephant logo. Bugatti If all this has piqued your interest, time is of the essence. Factor is taking inquiries for the most exclusive version of the One now through its website. Only 250 examples will be built, with pricing starting at $23,599. That’s significantly more than the standard version, which starts at $7,599 but can cost up to $14,499, but is also $4 million less than the Bugatti’s latest hypercar, the [Tourbillon](https://robbreport.ph/cars/bugatti-just-made-the-new-tourbillon-hypercar-even-better/ "Bugatti Just Made the New Tourbillon Hypercar Even Better"). *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Bicycles **Tags:** Bicycle, bike, bugatti, Road bike --- ### [The Only Ferrari Enzo Finished in Matte Black Can Soon Be Yours](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-only-ferrari-enzo-finished-in-matte-black-can-soon-be-yours/) **Published:** September 11, 2026 **Author:** Bryan Hood **Content:** Here’s a [Ferrari](https://robbreport.oh/tag/ferrari/) for the collector in search of something truly special. A matte black 2004 Enzo will be auctioned off by RM Sotheby’s later this month. Any example of the automaker’s fourth [halo car](https://robbreport.ph/cars/) is special, but this vehicle is the only one to leave Maranello finished in its bold hue. There are few series of vehicles that have more appeal to collectors than Ferrari’s halo cars. Starting with the 288 GTO, which debuted in 1984, each of these range-topping models has paired an outrageous look with racing-derived performance. The fourth of these vehicles is the Enzo, which arrived on the scene in 2002 with a head-turning carbon-fiber body designed by Pininfarina and a mid-mounted V-12 mated to a Formula 1-style six-speed automated manual gearbox. That mill is the last purely gas-powered unit to feature in one of the brand’s halo cars, which is a big part of the reason why Enzo prices have been trending upward this decade. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2004-ferrari-enzo-matte-black-01.webp) The only matte black 2004 Ferrari Enzo *Mikey Noga/RM Sotheby’s* The example up for sale dates to the Enzo’s final year of production and was ordered by a member of the car-loving Royal Family of Brunei. Ferrari built just 400 examples of the analog supercar, almost all of which were finished in the automaker’s trademark Rossa Corsa, Giallo Modena, or glossy Nero, though other hues were available by special request. That is how this example ended up with its Matte Nero Opaco over Nero leather spec. The unique exterior finish was touched up by Carrozzeria Zanasi, the same facility that handles the marque’s Tailor Made vehicles, in 2022, ensuring that it looks brand new more than two decades after first rolling off the line. It may have a one-off paint job, but this Enzo comes equipped with the same 6.0-liter 12-cylinder engine found in every other example of the supercar. The brawny mill makes 651 hp and 485 ft lbs of torque. Thanks to all that grunt the car can rocket from zero to 60 mph in 3.14 seconds and reach a top speed of 221 mph. This example should still be capable of such feats. It looks to have been kept in excellent condition—it received Ferrari Classiche certification in 2022—and has just 3,581 miles on its odometer. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2004-ferrari-enzo-matte-black-04.webp) The interior of the vehicle is covered in Nero leather *Mikey Noga/RM Sotheby’s* Intrigued? The matte black Enzo will be sold as part of RM Sotheby’s upcoming Sealed auction, bidding for which runs from Wednesday, September 23, to Wednesday, September 30. The auction house didn’t publish a price estimate, but something in excess of the $7.5 million a one-of-nine silver Enzo sold for earlier this year wouldn’t be a shock. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* ## FAQs ### What makes this Ferrari Enzo unique? This 2004 Enzo is believed to be the only example Ferrari delivered from the factory in matte Nero Opaco, making it a one-off specification. ### How many Ferrari Enzos were built? Ferrari produced 400 examples of the Enzo between 2002 and 2004. ### What engine does the Ferrari Enzo use? The Enzo is powered by a naturally aspirated 6.0-liter V-12 producing 651 hp and 485 ft lbs of torque. ### How fast is the Ferrari Enzo? The Enzo can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in about 3.14 seconds and reach a top speed of 221 mph. ### When will the matte black Ferrari Enzo be auctioned? RM Sotheby’s will offer the car through its Sealed auction, with bidding scheduled to run from September 23 to September 30, 2026. **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** Auctions, Ferrari, News, rm sotheby;s --- ### [Ferrari Will Unveil 2 New Models by Year’s End](https://robbreport.ph/cars/ferrari-will-unveil-2-new-models-by-years-end/) **Published:** August 7, 2026 **Author:** Bryan Hood **Content:** [Ferrari](https://robbreport.ph/tag/ferrari/ "Ferrari") has no interest in giving in to complacency. The legendary [sports car](https://robbreport.ph/cars/) maker’s CEO, Benedetto Vigna, revealed during the company’s latest earnings call that it will unveil two new models by the end of the year, [according to Motor1.com](https://www.motor1.com/news/803353/ferrari-new-models-biofuels/). That wasn’t the only surprise the executive had in store for investors, though. He also revealed the company has begun testing out biofuels in its vehicles. During the call, the marque’s head exec revealed that despite deliveries dipping slightly because of model changeover, Ferrari had achieved an operating profit of 605 million euros and a net profit of 463 million euros, the latter of which represents a 9 percent increase year over year. Thanks to the strong results, which were driven by continued demand for Prancing Horses and more customers opting to personalize their vehicle, the company is raising its full-year guidance, [according to CNBC](https://www.cnbc.com/2026/07/30/ferrari-race-earnings-q2-2026.html). The company now expects to make $7.6 billion this year, up from an earlier target of $7.5 billion. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Ferrari-Luce-5_872056.webp) *Ferrari* As welcome as this news will be to the company’s investors, even more exciting was when Vigna said the company would unveil two new models before the year is over. That was all that the executive said about the vehicles, but Motor1.com suggests the new reveals could be an open-top version of the F80 hypercar, possibly called the Aperta, and an exclusive 12Cilindri variant called the Versione Speciale. The latter would be the second new model based on the V-12 this year, following the [Manuale](https://robbreport.ph/cars/ferrari-12cilindri-manuale/ "Ferrari Has Finally Brought Back a Manual Transmission—Kind Of") (picture up top) from earlier this month, which features a unique gearbox that offers both automatic and manual driving modes. That model, along with the [debut of the polarizing Luce EV](https://robbreport.ph/cars/vision-elettrica-heres-a-look-at-the-first-ev-by-ferrari/ "Vision Elettrica: Here’s a Look at the First EV by Ferrari"), shows that the 86-year-old automaker isn’t afraid to try new things. Ferrari’s top boss also said the company has tested out biofuels in its engine. Vigna didn’t go into specifics, but he did say they, and other carbon-neutral fuels, “work well in our engines. Nothing changes.” We don’t know what the company’s alternative fuel strategy is, but the fact that they have tested them out suggests the company is looking to give itself options and keep the combustion engines its customers love so much around longer. It may sound unusual, but Ferrari tends to know what it’s doing. Just look at the Luce. All the grumbling about its powertrain and unorthodox styling didn’t stop it [from selling out.](https://robbreport.ph/cars/ferraris-polarizing-luce-ev-has-reportedly-already-sold-out/ "Ferrari’s Polarizing Luce EV Has Reportedly Already Sold Out") *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* ## FAQs ### How many new Ferrari models will be unveiled in 2026? Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna said the automaker will unveil two new models before the end of 2026. The company has not yet officially revealed their names or specifications. ### What could Ferrari’s two new models be? The new vehicles could include an open-top version of the F80 hypercar, possibly called the F80 Aperta, and a more exclusive version of the 12Cilindri. Ferrari has not confirmed either model. ### Is Ferrari testing biofuels in its cars? Ferrari has begun testing biofuels and other carbon-neutral fuels in its engines. Vigna said the alternative fuels performed well without requiring changes to the engines. ### Why is Ferrari exploring biofuels? Biofuels could help Ferrari reduce the environmental impact of its combustion-engine vehicles while continuing to offer the performance and character associated with its gasoline-powered sports cars. ### How did Ferrari perform financially in its latest earnings report? Ferrari reported an operating profit of €605 million and a net profit of €463 million, representing a 9 percent year-over-year increase. The automaker also raised its full-year revenue guidance to approximately $7.6 billion. **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** electric vehicle, Ferrari, News --- ### [Defining Luxury and Defining Cars: Where Does Tesla Fit Into the Picture?](https://robbreport.ph/cars/tesla-as-a-new-luxury-lifestyle-choice/) **Published:** August 10, 2026 **Author:** Carl Cunanan **Content:** If luxury is something that enters your life and enriches it, that may be the best way to understand what [Tesla](https://robbreport.ph/tag/tesla/ "tesla") is doing. The company makes [cars](https://robbreport.ph/cars/), certainly, although the larger proposition encompasses software, charging infrastructure, energy products and services. It behaves as much like a technology company as it does an established automaker. For a traditional car enthusiast, its vehicles do not necessarily push all the familiar buttons. I used to complain about how furniture-like some of Tesla’s unseen hinges appeared, especially beside the beautifully engineered structures found in certain Land Rovers. To most drivers, however, this is a non-issue. ## Luxury as an Ecosystem Consider Tesla in the way one might consider the iPhone and the wider family of Apple products. Deeply technical users do not always believe Apple offers the greatest flexibility or the highest specification in every category. What Apple does particularly well is construct a system that makes everyday tasks easier. The iPhone, MacBook, iPad and Apple Watch operate as parts of an integrated ecosystem. Their individual appeal is strengthened by how easily they work together. Apply that thinking to Tesla, and its broad appeal becomes easier to understand. ## Why Tesla Attracts Different Kinds of Buyers Tesla draws customers from different points in the automotive market. Some arrive after experiencing relatively inexpensive Chinese electric vehicles and discovering that they want a more developed ownership ecosystem. Others previously drove European sports or luxury sedans. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/tesla-2.webp) The 2025 Tesla Model Y. Tesla The common attraction is the overall experience. Inside, Teslas generally feel fresh and minimalist, an approach that tends to appeal to younger buyers. Drivers familiar with current technology also understand what the company is attempting, even when they are unconvinced by the industry’s reliance on large touchscreens. The market may already be reconsidering how many essential functions should be buried inside a screen. China’s new safety standard, for example, will require mechanical interior and exterior door releases on new vehicle models beginning in 2027. The regulation concerns access and safety rather than a wholesale requirement for physical dashboard controls, but it reflects a broader reassessment of technology that complicates basic vehicle operation. Large screens may still be presented as premium features. Physical switches can nevertheless be faster, clearer and more reassuring for frequently used controls. ## Convenience Is the Product Tesla’s strongest advantage is the world it has built around its cars. The company has made it comparatively easy for drivers to enter electric ownership. In the Philippines, Tesla currently lists Superchargers at Shangri-La Plaza, SM Mall of Asia, Uptown Mall and Opus Mall. Its navigation system can direct the driver to a charger, while the mobile app displays stall availability and charging progress. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/tesla-superchargers.webp) Tesla currently lists Superchargers at Shangri-La Plaza, SM Mall of Asia, Uptown Mall and Opus Mall. *Tesla* The network also discourages drivers from leaving cars in charging bays after a session has ended. Tesla applies idle or congestion fees under certain conditions, encouraging owners to free the charging space for the next user. The motivation may be financial, but the practical result is a system designed to keep chargers available. The mobile app removes several other points of bother. Owners can check charging progress, control certain charging settings, lock or unlock the vehicle and cool the cabin before getting inside. Software updates arrive over the air and can add features or make changes without a conventional workshop visit. Tesla ownership does not eliminate preventive maintenance altogether. The cars avoid oil changes, spark-plug replacements and emissions checks, while regenerative braking can reduce brake-pad wear. Owners must still attend to tires, filters, brake fluid, air-conditioning components and other recommended inspections. The maintenance burden is different and often lighter, though it does not disappear. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/tesla-charging-station.webp) *Tesla* For drivers whose routines provide dependable access to Tesla’s existing chargers, fully electric ownership may be possible even without home or workplace charging. That calculation still depends on where one lives, how far one drives and whether the available stations fit naturally into a regular route. ## Buying Into Tesla’s System Receiving all these benefits requires a commitment to Tesla’s ecosystem. The vehicles do not natively offer Apple CarPlay, for example. Drivers use Tesla’s own interface and navigation rather than accessing Waze through CarPlay. Destinations can be shared to the car through the Tesla mobile app, but the experience remains distinctly Tesla’s. What the customer buys, therefore, is partly a lifestyle change. But there are physical compromises as well. Full-glass roofs create an impressive sense of space, although some owners—including me—find them less than ideal in intense tropical heat, even with the glass treatments Tesla uses. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/tesla-3.webp) Tesla Model 3. *Tesla* The accumulation of small, carefully addressed details nevertheless makes the overall package feel remarkably sorted. As with Apple, the decision depends on whether its particular combination of integration and control suits you. ## A Different Expression of Luxury Luxury is increasingly defined by how smoothly something fits into one’s life and how it makes its owner feel. That definition can carry more weight than an overt display of expense, even in a world of fast, throaty cars and highly collectible machines. Tesla’s real proposition lies here. The appeal extends beyond acceleration figures, battery range or the restrained interior. It is found in the removal of inconvenience: the car that cools itself before you arrive, the charger incorporated into the navigation system, the app that tells you when it is time to leave and the software that continues to change after purchase. For the right driver, that ease can feel genuinely luxurious. Tesla may ultimately be most refreshing when it encourages us to reconsider what a luxury car is supposed to provide. ## FAQs ### Why is Tesla considered a lifestyle choice? Tesla combines the vehicle with proprietary software, mobile-app controls, navigation, charging infrastructure and over-the-air updates. Owners join an integrated system that affects how they drive, charge and maintain the car. ### Does Tesla support Apple CarPlay? Tesla vehicles do not natively support Apple CarPlay. They use Tesla’s infotainment and navigation interface, although drivers can share destinations from a compatible phone through the Tesla app. ### Can you own a Tesla without home charging in the Philippines? It may be practical for drivers with convenient access to public charging. Suitability depends on driving distance, routine and proximity to available chargers. ### Where are Tesla Superchargers located in the Philippines? Tesla currently lists Superchargers at Shangri-La Plaza in Mandaluyong, SM Mall of Asia in Pasay, Uptown Mall in Taguig and Opus Mall in Quezon City. ### What maintenance does a Tesla require? Teslas do not require oil changes, spark-plug replacements or emissions checks. Owners must still monitor tyres, filters, brake fluid, air-conditioning components and other items listed in Tesla’s maintenance recommendations. **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** tesla --- ### [BMW Is Showing Off Its Striking Art Cars in Munich This Month](https://robbreport.ph/cars/bmw-is-showing-off-its-striking-art-cars-in-munich-this-month/) **Published:** August 12, 2026 **Author:** Nick Scott **Content:** Most autophiles welcome a bit of public gawping at the vehicle they’re driving at the traffic lights. But would they welcome the stares driving the wheels shown off at [BMW](https://robbreport.ph/tag/bmw/)‘s latest Art Cars exhibition would attract? The idea of an [`art car`](https://robbreport.ph/cars/) dates back to the 1960s, when Janis Joplin and John Lennon transformed their Porsche 356 and Rolls-Royce Phantom V, respectively, with vividly psychedelic paintwork. The concept gained wider prominence in 1975 when French racing driver and auctioneer Hervé Poulain invited his friend, the American sculptor Alexander Calder, to decorate the BMW 3.0 CSL he would drive in that year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans. Calder’s bold application of primary colors went down so well, BMW turned it into what is now their ongoing, much celebrated Art Car program, which has since seen the likes of Jenny Holzer, [Julie Mehretu](https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/bmw-art-car-julie-mehretu-24-hours-of-le-mans-1234862257/), Jeff Koons, David Hockney, Roy Lichtenstein, and Andy Warhol bring their distinctive visual language to the marque’s shells. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/bmw-art-cars-andy-warhol.webp) *Andy Warhol’s Art Car.* The second BMW Art Car, created by Lichtenstein in 1977, was based on a BMW 320i Group 5 racing car, with the artist using dots and speed lines reminiscent of his own comic strip-style. Two years later, Warhol transformed a BMW M1 Group 4 racing car, applying vivid colors and sweeping brushstrokes in acrylic paint directly onto the bodywork. Other notable creations include Hockney’s playful take on an x-ray effect in a 1995 BMW 850 CSi, and Holzer’s 1999 BMW V12 LMR, which featured her trademark text-based artwork applied to the Le Mans prototype that had won the race that same year. Running from July 29 to August 31 at the [BMW Welt in Munich](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-new-bmw-x5-shows-why-flexibility-may-be-the-brands-greatest-strength/ "The New BMW X5 Shows Why Flexibility May Be the Brand’s Greatest Strength"), the exhibition will present all 20 Art Cars together in one location for the first time. As well as the above offerings from modern art luminaries, another particular highlight is Olafur Eliasson’s “BMW H2R Project.” Instead of painting an existing vehicle, Eliasson shrouded a hydrogen-powered racing car in steel mesh, mirror-coated stainless steel and several layers (thousands of liters) of ice—a nod to the relationship between car design and climate change. The exhibition marks the culmination of the BMW Art Car World Tour, which has, since March 2025, been celebrating the 50th anniversary of the BMW Art Car Collection in more than 30 countries. ***Click [here](https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/bmw-art-cars-exhibition-in-photos-1238529881) to see more photos of the BMW Art Car exhibition.*** ## FAQs ### What is the BMW Art Car Collection? The BMW Art Car Collection is a series of vehicles transformed by internationally renowned artists. It began in 1975 when Alexander Calder decorated a BMW 3.0 CSL for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. ### Where is the BMW Art Cars exhibition taking place? The exhibition is being held at BMW Welt in Munich, Germany, from July 29 through August 31, 2026. ### How many BMW Art Cars are in the exhibition? All 20 BMW Art Cars are being presented together in one location for the first time as part of the collection’s 50th-anniversary celebrations. ### Which famous artists have created BMW Art Cars? Artists who have participated include Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, David Hockney, Jenny Holzer, Jeff Koons, Julie Mehretu, Alexander Calder, and Olafur Eliasson. ### What is Olafur Eliasson’s BMW H2R Project? Olafur Eliasson’s “BMW H2R Project” transformed a hydrogen-powered racing car using steel mesh, mirror-coated stainless steel, and layers of ice, exploring the relationship between mobility, design, and climate change. **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** bmw, BMW Art Cars, Feature, Munich --- ### [How a SoCal Performance Shop Transforms ’90s-Era Porsche 911s Into Modern Marvels](https://robbreport.ph/cars/how-a-socal-performance-shop-transforms-90s-era-porsche-911s-into-modern-marvels/) **Published:** August 14, 2026 **Author:** Bryan Hood **Content:** The idea for [Gunther Werks](https://guntherwerks.com/) had been bouncing around in Peter Nam’s head for about 15 years. The more he worked on [modern sports cars](https://robbreport.ph/cars/) (his other company, [Vorsteiner](https://vorsteiner.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoq2rnfayZrpWFsMDBxjmu7cvDZBTz9iK_BX-cl6uXIEDPrCkedj), manufactures parts to upgrade [Ferraris](https://robbreport.ph/tag/ferrari/ "Ferrari"), [McLarens](https://robbreport.ph/tag/mclaren/ "mclaren"), and the like), the more he came to feel that technical advances robbed newer models of what made their predecessors so special—even if they were faster. “If you drive a Lamborghini, and you know, I own a few of them, you don’t feel anything until you’re going at least 100 miles an hour,” the shop’s C.E.O. and founder tells *Robb Report*. So Nam, who has been a car buff since watching *Knight Rider* as a child, decided to do something about it. He started Gunther Werks in Southern California to produce what he calls reimagined Porsche 911s. Since 2017, the Huntington Beach–based shop has been taking cars from the model’s 993 generation—the last and most advanced to feature an air-cooled engine—and updating them for today. These aren’t mere restomods, though. The shop strips down the mid-1990s 911 to its chassis and reengineers it with new components and parts inspired by the originals, including a naturally aspirated engine, a manual gearbox, and carbon-fiber body panels. The result is a build that’s significantly lighter, more powerful, and faster than before. “We’re purely focused on performance; that’s our first and foremost goal: to improve the performance of the car, and the cosmetics and aesthetics are a by-product of that,” he says. In a little less than a decade, Gunther Werks has gone from building five cars annually to a projected 24 this year, despite a $1.55 million starting price. There’s some room for growth, but Nam is focused on keeping the company a “small boutique manufacturer.” Here’s how its compelling cars come together. ## 1. Donor Sourcing ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Gunther_Werks_Porsche_1.webp) *Gunther Werks* Once you commission a reimagined 911, Gunther Werks helps hone a vision for the car, starting with a bespoke paint color. “You’re not selecting from an existing menu,” Nam says. “So we really try to get as personal as we can.” After you find the right hue, a donor 993 is secured, either from your garage or acquired with the help of a knowledgeable broker. The right 993 can cost upwards of $130,000. ## 2. Design & Specification ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Gunther_Werks_Porsche_2.webp) *Gunther Werks* Designing the interior of the vehicle can be finished in as little as a week, but in some cases, finalizing a color scheme and trim materials can take months. The result of this attention to detail and personalization is that no two of the 70 builds the company has completed since 2017 share the same paintwork and configuration. ## 3. Chassis Prep & Reinforcement ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Gunther_Werks_Porsche_10.webp) *Gunther Werks* The donor car must be broken down to its bare chassis before it can be built up again. During this phase, the all-important component is cleaned and reinforced, making it 250 percent stiffer than it was originally. “Working on the chassis is, to me, the single most important thing of this entire build process,” Nam says. It lasts between four and five weeks. ## 4. Body Transformation ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Gunther_Werks_Porsche_11.webp) *Gunther Werks* Over about two months, specialist mechanics swap out nearly all of the donor vehicle’s body panels for carbon-fiber replacements that widen the vehicle while reducing its weight. The new panels, lights, and steering wheel are made in-house. “We are not an assembler,” Nam notes. “We are a manufacturer, so we are very vertically integrated.” ## 5. Coloring ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Gunther_Werks_Porsche_7.webp) *Gunther Werks* The shop takes a fastidious approach to painting its vehicles, carefully prepping the bodywork—which Nam says is key—before using a multistage process to ensure a concours-level look. More exotic finishes, like liquid and candy colors, add more steps to an already intensive phase, so painting can take up to a month. ## 6. Interior Perfecting ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Gunther_Werks_Porsche_3_619c86.webp) *Gunther Werks* Gunther Werks’ interiors team starts sourcing materials as soon as you sign off on the design. Once everything is in, craftsmen wrap, cut, and sew leather onto the seats, door panels, and roof liner. Because you’ll experience these elements every time you take it for a drive, the shop spends three to four weeks making sure everything is just right. ## 7. Assembly ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Gunther_Werks_Porsche_5.webp) *Gunther Werks* Final assembly can take up to four months. It starts with installing the subframe, followed by mechanical components including a naturally aspirated flat-six (inspired by the original 993’s) and a six-speed manual transmission codeveloped with Rothsport Racing. The body panels, lights, and interior round things out. The entire process is followed by a Formula 1–grade wheel alignment. ## 8. Road Testing ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Gunther_Werks_Porsche_4.webp) *Gunther Werks* After applying a protective wrap, the in-house development driver and lead technician ensure the finished car meets Gunther Werks’ exacting standards. The shop will typically spend one to two weeks testing out each model, covering up to 200 miles of local roads while doing so. ## 9. Special Delivery ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Gunther_Werks_Porsche_8.webp) *Gunther Werks* Gunther Werks provides each of its customers with a delivery experience as unique as their remastered 911. You can take possession at the company’s Huntington Beach headquarters or have it shipped directly to your garage. In either case, the handoff, which usually happens about 18 months after the commission, comes with a guided tour of your new ride. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* ## FAQs ### What is Gunther Werks? Gunther Werks is a Huntington Beach, California–based performance shop founded by Peter Nam. Since 2017, it has specialized in reimagining Porsche 911s from the 993 generation with modern engineering, bespoke design, and performance-focused components. ### How does Gunther Werks modify a Porsche 911? The company strips a donor Porsche 993 down to its bare chassis, reinforces the structure, replaces most body panels with carbon fiber, installs a naturally aspirated flat-six and six-speed manual transmission, and rebuilds the interior to the client’s specifications. ### How long does it take Gunther Werks to build a reimagined Porsche 911? A Gunther Werks commission typically takes about 18 months from initial specification to delivery. The process includes chassis preparation, bodywork, paint, interior fabrication, final assembly, alignment, and up to two weeks of road testing. ### How much does a Gunther Werks Porsche 911 cost? Gunther Werks builds currently start at approximately $1.55 million, excluding the cost of the donor Porsche 993. A suitable donor car can cost more than $130,000. ### What makes a Gunther Werks Porsche 911 different from a typical restomod? Gunther Werks describes its approach as performance-first rather than cosmetic. Each car receives extensive structural and mechanical changes, carbon-fiber bodywork, bespoke components, and individual specifications, with no two completed builds sharing the same paint and configuration. **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** cars, Genius At Work, Gunther Works, Magazine, porsche 911 --- ### [How This $35 Million “Pop Art” McLaren F1 GTR Could Make Auction History](https://robbreport.ph/cars/pop-art-mclaren-f1-gtr-sothebys-most-valuable/) **Published:** August 13, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** How many cars can claim the kind of auction capital commanded by the [McLaren](https://robbreport.ph/tag/mclaren/ "mclaren") F1? Chassis 10R, though, takes things to the next level. It arrives in Monterey with an unusually serious prospect: this particular make might just become the most valuable British car ever sold under the hammer this week. RM Sotheby’s is currently offering the 1996 McLaren F1 GTR during its Monterey sale, which runs from August 13 to 15, with the auction house placing its value at more than $35 million. Should it reach that figure, the car would comfortably surpass the current auction record for both McLaren and a [British automobile](https://robbreport.ph/cars/), set when a 1994 F1 fetched $25.3 million at RM Sotheby’s Abu Dhabi sale back in December 2025. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/f45a8e6df581a927de0cdb6c0c879e7f1e053d3d.webp) *Alex Penfold/RM Sotheby’s* Built in December 1995, it was the first F1 GTR completed to McLaren’s more developed 1996 specification and is one of just two Short-Tail factory prototypes, alongside chassis 01R, which is the F1 GTR that famously won the 24 Hours of Le Mans outright in 1995. Only nine examples of the 1996-spec GTR were ultimately produced. McLaren had been forced to sharpen the GTR for 1996 as purpose-built competition such as Porsche’s 911 GT1 raised the stakes. Revised bodywork, a more aggressive front splitter, and a magnesium gearbox casing also helped save 38 kilograms and made the 1996 version the quickest of the Short-Tail GTRs. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/mclaren-f1-23.webp) View from above. *Alex Penfold/RM Sotheby’s* Chassis 10R actually remained with McLaren as a development and promotional car. It was used during winter testing at Magny-Cours and later traveled to Le Mans, where David Brabham drove it during pre-qualifying for the 1996 race. The car even placed eighth in class and 20th overall during the session, although sister chassis 11R was ultimately selected to compete. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/gtr-logo-mclaren-f1-4242-2240x1450.webp) A look at the GTR logo detail *Alex Penfold/RM Sotheby’s* Its provenance gets even more interesting from there. McLaren converted 10R for road use before selling it directly to Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason in 1999. Mason, whose collection has included everything from a Ferrari 250 GTO to a Porsche 962, kept the F1 GTR for roughly 25 years. Paul and Dean Lanzante maintained the car during his ownership, including restorations following incidents in 2009 and at Goodwood in 2017. It was then privately sold to its current owner in 2024. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/mclaren-f1-43.webp) Rearview *Alex Penfold/RM Sotheby’s* Finished in Blood Red with enormous yellow “96 GTR” graphics and matching accents, 10R is the only F1 GTR to wear the factory-created scheme. Renowned Formula One racing car designer Gordon Murray had once described the treatment as an intentional “art car.” It’s been said that the freedom afforded by a factory prototype encouraged the team to “go mad” with its appearance. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/mclaren-f1-asgasg-2240x1517.webp) A look at the Pop Art F1’s wheels *Alex Penfold/RM Sotheby’s* Collectors will decide exactly how much all that history is worth when lot 328 crosses the block in Monterey on Saturday, August 15. At anything above $25.3 million, 10R enters the record books. And based on RM Sotheby’s $35 million-plus valuation, it could rewrite them by quite some margin. *Place your bids [here](https://rmsothebys.com/auctions/mo26/lots/r0170-1996-mclaren-f1-gtr/).* ## FAQs ### How much is the 1996 McLaren F1 GTR chassis 10R expected to sell for? RM Sotheby’s has valued McLaren F1 GTR chassis 10R at more than $35 million ahead of its Monterey auction in August 2026. ### Could this McLaren F1 GTR become the most expensive British car ever sold at auction? Yes. If chassis 10R sells for more than $25.3 million, it would surpass the existing auction record for a British-built car, set by a 1994 McLaren F1 in December 2025. ### Why is McLaren F1 GTR chassis 10R so valuable? Chassis 10R is one of only two Short-Tail factory prototypes built for the 1996 specification. It was used by McLaren for development and testing, participated in Le Mans pre-qualifying, and later spent roughly 25 years in Nick Mason’s collection. ### Why is chassis 10R called the “Pop Art” McLaren F1 GTR? The car wears a unique factory-created Blood Red livery with oversized yellow “96 GTR” graphics. Gordon Murray has described the striking treatment as an intentional “art car.” ### When will the McLaren F1 GTR chassis 10R be auctioned? The car is scheduled to cross the block as Lot 328 at RM Sotheby’s Monterey sale on August 15, 2026. **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** mclaren, Monterey, News, rm sotheby;s --- ### [This Color-Shifting Porsche 911 Is the Marque’s One-Off Tribute to Australia](https://robbreport.ph/cars/this-color-shifting-porsche-911-is-the-marques-one-off-tribute-to-australia/) **Published:** August 17, 2026 **Author:** Bryan Hood **Content:** [Porsche](https://robbreport.ph/tag/porsche/)’s latest regional special edition may be its most beautiful one yet. The German [sports car](https://robbreport.ph/cars/) maker’s Australian wing just unveiled a one-of-a-kind [911 Turbo S ](https://robbreport.ph/cars/porsches-new-911-turbo-s-is-here-and-its-a-hybrid/ "Porsche’s New 911 Turbo S Is Here—and It’s a Hybrid")called the “Land Down Under” edition. The coupe features a stunning color-shifting finish and several design details inspired by the nation’s landscapes and the Southern Hemisphere sky. The 911 Turbo S Land Down Under is, like [the trio of *Toy Story* 911s before it](https://robbreport.ph/cars/porsche-just-unveiled-a-trio-of-one-off-911s-inspired-by-toy-story-5/ "Porsche Just Unveiled a Trio of One-Off 911s Inspired by ‘Toy Story 5’"), the handiwork of Porsche’s Sonderwunsch customization program, wildlife, and culture. It was built to mark 75 years of the marque doing business in [Australia](https://robbreport.ph/tag/australia/). ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/porsche-911-turbo-s-land-down-under-02.webp) Porsche 911 Turbo S Land Down Under *Porsche* The one-off’s most head-turning feature, without a doubt, is its unique finish. At a glance, the Land Down Under looks like a shiny silver 911, but a closer inspection reveals dual ChromaFlair color gradient paintwork that actually transitions between Southern Cross Blue above the shoulderline and Terra Australis Red. Porsche says the finish was applied by hand and took over 300 hours to complete. Rounding out the exterior details are hidden hand-painted graphics courtesy of Sydney-based artist Werner Bronkhorst and a set of staggered 20- and 21-inch Turbo Exclusive wheels. Inside the vehicle, the cabin is covered in a bespoke mixture of Dark Night Blue and Coolibah Brown leather, the latter a hue developed specifically for this car. The space is also equipped with 18-way adaptive sport seats featuring 14,417 perforations organized to form a coherent visual pattern and a headrest with a special 75th anniversary logo. The standout interior detail, though, is an embroidered headliner that depicts what the Southern Hemisphere sky looked like over Uluru in 1951, Porsche’s first year in Australia. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/porsche-911-turbo-s-land-down-under-07.webp) The 911 Turbo S Land Down Under’s embroidered headliner *Porsche* The 911 Turbo S’s powertrain has been wisely left untouched. The two-door is powered by a hybrid-assisted 3.6-liter twin-turbocharged flat six that makes 710 hp and 590 ft lbs of torque. Thanks to all that electrified grunt, the car can shoot from zero to 60 mph in just 2.4 seconds and hit a top speed of 200 mph. Porsche didn’t say how much the 911 Turbo S Land Down Under costs, which is standard operating procedure with special projects like this. We don’t think we’re going too far out on a limb in guessing that it probably cost well north of the standard sports car’s $270,300 starting price. ***Click [here](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-stunning-porsche-911-turbo-s-land-down-under-in-photos/) to see more photos of the Porsche 911 Turbo S Land Down Under.*** ## FAQs ### What is the Porsche 911 Turbo S Land Down Under? The Porsche 911 Turbo S Land Down Under is a one-off special edition created to celebrate Porsche’s 75th anniversary in Australia. It was developed through the marque’s Sonderwunsch customization program. ### What makes the Porsche 911 Turbo S Land Down Under unique? Its defining feature is a hand-applied ChromaFlair finish that transitions between Southern Cross Blue and Terra Australis Red. The paintwork reportedly required more than 300 hours to complete. ### What special features are inside the 911 Turbo S Land Down Under? The cabin combines Dark Night Blue and bespoke Coolibah Brown leather, 18-way adaptive sport seats, a 75th-anniversary headrest logo, and an embroidered headliner depicting the night sky above Uluru in 1951. ### How powerful is the Porsche 911 Turbo S Land Down Under? The car uses the standard 911 Turbo S hybrid-assisted 3.6-liter twin-turbo flat-six, producing 710 hp and 590 ft lbs of torque. It can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 2.4 seconds and reach 200 mph. ### How much does the Porsche 911 Turbo S Land Down Under cost? Porsche has not disclosed the price of the one-off model. The standard 911 Turbo S starts at $270,300, though a bespoke Sonderwunsch commission of this kind would likely cost considerably more. **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** australia, News, porsche --- ### [Porsche Is Bringing Back the Manual 911 Carrera S](https://robbreport.ph/cars/porsche-is-bringing-back-the-manual-911-carrera-s/) **Published:** August 19, 2026 **Author:** Bryan Hood **Content:** [Porsche](https://robbreport.ph/tag/porsche/) is listening to the enthusiasts. The German sports car maker just announced that it is bringing back the manual [911 Carrera S](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-2025-porsche-911-carrera-s-loses-its-stick-shift-but-gains-more-power/ "The 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera S Loses Its Stick Shift–but Gains More Power"). The marque cited one major reason for its decision to bring the model back: “overwhelming customer demand.” The Carrera S, which has long been viewed as the sweet spot between the entry-level 911 and its more hardcore high-performance variants like the GT3 and Turbo S, can once again be optioned with a stick shift. Yes, the automaker’s famed dual-clutch PDK remains the way to go if pure speed is what a driver craves, but those who feel that rowing through the gears adds to the experience can now choose to upgrade the model with the MT package. The premium add-on will be available on both the coupe and cabriolet versions of the two-door starting in 2027. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2027-porsche-911-carrera-s-mt-package-02.webp) 2027 Porsche 911 Carrera S with MT Package *Porsche* The variant adds more than just the six-speed manual gearbox previously found in the stick shift-only Carrera T and a clutch pedal. The MT also adds rear-wheel steering, a PASM Sport suspension that lowers ride height by 11 mm, the Sport Chrono package, titanium exhaust tips, and, for the first time on the Carrera S, standard center-locking wheels. Porsche also says the car weighs in at 3,327 pounds, which is just 11 pounds heavier than the Carrera T. The new model also comes with a walnut gear shifter, a decal on the rear window that shows the shifter pattern, and will be available in 17 exterior finishes, including Aubergine. Untouched is the Carrera S’s quite respectable powertrain. The 992.2-generation version of the car is powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six that makes 473 hp and 391 ft lbs of torque, all of which is directed to the rear axle by its manual transmission. The model can sprint from zero to 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 191 mph. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2027-porsche-911-carrera-s-mt-package-01.webp) The 911 Carrera S with MT package comes with a six-speed manual gearbox *Porsche* Purists who do want to shift through the gears themselves will have to pay a premium for the Carrera S with MT package. The coupe version of the variant starts at $169,450 and the cabriolet at $183,350. That’s about $13,000 more than the standard versions of the [car](https://robbreport.ph/cars/) costs. The add-on will only be available in North America for the time being. The return of a manual Carrera S also means that 911 buyers now have seven manuals to choose from starting in 2027. The Carrera S with MT package coupe and cabriolet join a list that includes the Carrera T (which is also available as a coupe and cabriolet), the GT3, the GT3 with Touring Package, and the GT3 S/C. ***Click [here](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-2027-porsche-911-carrera-s-with-mt-package-in-photos/) to see more photos of the 2027 Porsche 911 Carrera S with MT Package***. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* ## FAQs ### Is the 2027 Porsche 911 Carrera S available with a manual transmission? Yes. Porsche is bringing back the manual 911 Carrera S for 2027 with an optional MT package featuring a six-speed gearbox. ### Why did Porsche bring back the manual Carrera S? Porsche says it revived the manual option because of overwhelming customer demand from enthusiasts who wanted a more engaging driving experience. ### What comes with the Porsche 911 Carrera S MT package? Along with the six-speed manual, the package includes rear-wheel steering, PASM Sport suspension, Sport Chrono, titanium exhaust tips, center-locking wheels, and a walnut gear shifter. ### How much power does the 2027 Porsche 911 Carrera S make? Its 3.0-liter twin-turbo flat-six produces 473 hp and 391 ft lbs of torque, with power sent to the rear wheels. ### How much does the 2027 Porsche 911 Carrera S with the MT package cost? The manual Carrera S coupe starts at $169,450, while the cabriolet starts at $183,350. The MT package will initially be offered only in North America. **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** News, porsche --- ### [Porsche 911 Turbo S: The Easy Answer](https://robbreport.ph/cars/porsche-911-turbo-s-the-easy-answer/) **Published:** August 24, 2026 **Author:** Carl Cunanan **Content:** Someone recently asked me if he should get the new [Porsche 911 Turbo S](https://robbreport.ph/cars/this-color-shifting-porsche-911-is-the-marques-one-off-tribute-to-australia/ "This Color-Shifting Porsche 911 Is the Marque’s One-Off Tribute to Australia"). The thing is, he already owns five [911s](https://robbreport.ph/tag/porsche-911/ "porsche 911"), including the closest predecessor to this car, the previous 911 Turbo S. The one just launched, and the one we happily tested in Germany around Stuttgart, is the 911 Turbo S 992.2. This person already has the latest-generation 911 Turbo S in his garage, which is stellar in its own right, along with a few other fun toys. When I asked him which was his favorite, he said the 911 GT3 Speedster (991.2). So he’s got hyper-modern rockets, and he’s got collectibles. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/323145_6000x3996.webp) *Porsche* It’s hard to tell someone like that, “Yes, you should buy the new 992.2 911 Turbo S,” because I’m not sure what it would replace in his garage. Though honestly, I don’t think he worries much about what gets replaced. If you look at the 911 Turbo S today, it is stellar in many ways. It is the most powerful production-series 911 Porsche has ever created, with 711 PS of power output. It goes from zero to 100 kilometers an hour in 2.5 seconds. None of that is what impresses me most. What impresses me is that this is arguably the most refined 911 Turbo S while also being the most powerful. One of the key things to look at is that it lapped the Nürburgring Nordschleife around 14 seconds faster than its predecessor. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/323140_6000x4000.webp) *Porsche* The Nürburgring Nordschleife is 20.8 kilometers long, with 73 corners and more than 300 meters of elevation change. That last fact means you can launch over a blind crest while accelerating uphill. It isn’t just power that’s going to get you through. How is this car shaving off 14 seconds? The answer lies mainly in the suspension and handling, and I could feel that immediately on Germany’s autobahns, both restricted and unrestricted. As soon as I started driving through corners, even before reaching the unrestricted high-speed sections, I could make small twitches at the steering wheel and the car would settle almost instantly, pointing itself exactly where I wanted it to go. This is the kind of handling you might expect from a dedicated [sports car](https://robbreport.ph/cars/) or race car, not from what is effectively a very fast daily driver from Porsche. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/323526_6000x3504.webp) *Porsche* I attribute this improved handling to the electro-hydraulic Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control system, or ehPDCC. Porsche has integrated it with a 400-volt high-voltage system, which means everything reacts more quickly. It’s not just the speed of reaction, though. It’s almost the speed of thought, because those small steering inputs made it feel as though the car had already reoriented itself. Rather than waiting for the chassis to settle or deciding whether it had settled, I could immediately put the power down. There’s a great deal of technology contributing to what this car can do. It uses the innovative T-Hybrid powertrain system, which incorporates two electric motors within the exhaust gas turbochargers to eliminate the lag that would normally be there. At the same time, there’s a third electric motor within the PDK transmission. All of this adds up to what I feel is a significant improvement in handling. It also expands both ends of the car’s character, if you think of the upper end as dynamic ability and the lower end as comfort. It’s a more comfortable long-distance drive while also being a very sharp instrument. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/323148_6000x4000.webp) *Porsche* So yes, the new car has more power, and yes, Porsche has further optimized the chassis and suspension, resulting in greater agility and stability. Braking is improved as well, with Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) fitted as standard. These are the largest-diameter brake discs ever fitted to a production 911. And yes, the Porsche 911 Turbo S still sounds wonderful. But you know what might give a buyer that final push? It’s actually something much more everyday. With sports cars like this, you have to think about real-life concerns, like how low the car is when approaching a driveway, garage entrance, or speed hump. In the new 911 Turbo S, the deciding factor for some may be that the front-axle lift system operates a little faster and increases the approach angle by 2.4 degrees. A tiny detail for some, and for others, the difference between peace of mind and the heart-stopping fear of scraping the front end. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/323848_6000x4500.webp) *Porsche* As much as the new car is more powerful, quicker through corners, and more capable across the board, what impresses me most is Porsche’s ability to combine all of that in a package that can stir your soul, make your heart race, and hopefully save you from the crunch of a badly designed driveway ramp. Oh, and a rated top speed of 322 kph isn’t bad. Yes, that figure is conservative. No, you don’t need to get anywhere near it to appreciate how special this car is. The answer to my friend? “Do you really want me to answer that?” *This article originally appeared in Robb Report Philippines’ [Muse Issue, July 2026](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-july-2026-the-muse-issue/).* ## FAQs ### How powerful is the new Porsche 911 Turbo S? The latest 911 Turbo S produces 711 PS, making it the most powerful production-series 911 Porsche has built. ### How fast is the Porsche 911 Turbo S? The 911 Turbo S can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 2.5 seconds and has a rated top speed of 322 km/h. ### How much faster is the new 911 Turbo S around the Nürburgring? Porsche says the new Turbo S lapped the 20.8-kilometer Nürburgring Nordschleife roughly 14 seconds faster than its predecessor. ### What is the T-Hybrid system in the Porsche 911 Turbo S? The T-Hybrid powertrain uses electric motors integrated into the turbochargers, along with another electric motor in the PDK transmission, to improve response and reduce turbo lag. ### What makes the new Porsche 911 Turbo S easier to drive every day? Beyond its performance gains, the Turbo S offers greater refinement and practical upgrades such as a faster front-axle lift system, which increases the approach angle by 2.4 degrees to help clear steep driveways and speed humps. **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** Feature, Magazine, porsche, porsche 911 turbo s --- ### [The Track-Focused Lamborghini Revuelto SV in Photos](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-track-focused-lamborghini-revuelto-sv-in-photos/) **Published:** August 25, 2026 **Author:** Bryan Hood **Content:** U.S. order sheets circulating online show that the Lamborghini Revuelto SV variant will start at $741,172. To find out more about the track-focused [supercar](https://robbreport.ph/cars/), [check out the full story here.](https://robbreport.ph/cars/lamborghinis-track-focused-revuelto-variant-delivers-1050-hp-of-grunt-and-heres-what-it-will-cost/) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/lamborghini-revuelto-sv-06.webp) *Lamborghini* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/lamborghini-revuelto-sv-04.webp) The upgraded aero package includes a fixed rear wing *Lamborghini* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/lamborghini-revuelto-sv-03.webp) Lamborghini Revuelto SV *Lamborghini* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/lamborghini-revuelto-sv-05.webp) Inside the Revuelto ST *Lamborghini* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/lamborghini-revuelto-sv-02.webp) The powertrain features a 7-kWh battery pack that boosts output to 1,050 hp *Lamborghini* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/lamborghini-revuelto-sv-01.webp) The Lamborghini Revuelto SV will be limited to just 1,963 examples *Lamborghini* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** lamborghini, News --- ### [Lamborghini’s Track-Focused Revuelto Variant Delivers 1,050 HP of Grunt—and Here’s What It Will Cost](https://robbreport.ph/cars/lamborghinis-track-focused-revuelto-variant-delivers-1050-hp-of-grunt-and-heres-what-it-will-cost/) **Published:** August 25, 2026 **Author:** Bryan Hood **Content:** The [Lamborghini](https://robbreport.ph/tag/lamborghini/ "lamborghini") [Revuelto](https://robbreport.ph/tag/revuelto/ "revuelto") SV’s extra performance will come at a price. We finally know how much the first high-performance variant of the marque’s V-12 flagship will cost after its U.S. order sheets began to circulate online, [according to Motor1.com](https://www.motor1.com/news/805408/lamborghini-revuelto-sv-price-options/). Examples of the hybrid speed machine will cost at least $741,172, and that’s before taking into account premium add-ons that can push the final price into seven-figure territory. It’s little surprise to learn that the Revuelto SV will come at a premium. The $741,172 starting price is around $135,000 more than the roughly $605,000 base cost for the standard Revuelto. But this cost, which is reportedly in line with what Lamborghini discussed during Monterey Car Week, doesn’t include any of the many options, including Ad Personam customization and track-only add-ons, that customers will have to choose from. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/lamborghini-revuelto-sv-03.webp) Lamborghini Revuelto SV *Lamborghini* One order sheet [posted online by Jason Girdner](https://www.instagram.com/p/DcKW96uDtmw/) showed a final price of $948,121 and included the “Full black livery with colored lines” (which added $60,886 to the cost) and “shiny” upper and lower “exterior carbon package” ($33,825 and $29,971) options. The Supercar Blog, [which shared Girdner’s post](https://www.thesupercarblog.com/lamborghini-revuelto-sv-price-revealed-via-an-internal-document/), reports that the final cost of the variant can “easily” exceed $1 million. Those who score a Revuelto SV build slot are getting quite the car, though. The track-focused variant promises to be even more of a beast than the [electrified supercar](https://robbreport.ph/cars/) it is based on. It features a motorsports-inspired aero package that includes a fixed rear wing, along with a revised suspension that was informed by the automaker’s GT3 racing team. But the biggest change is a new 7 kWh battery pack for the powertrain. The added energy boosts output from the car’s 6.5-liter V-12 and trio of electric motors to a combined 1,050 hp and 1,051 ft lbs of torque, which is an increase of 49 hp and 268 ft lbs of torque, respectively. The variant can reportedly sprint from zero to 62 mph in just 2.4 seconds and hit a top speed of 214 mph. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/lamborghini-revuelto-sv-05.webp) Inside the Revuelto ST *Lamborghini* If the Revuelto SV’s price hasn’t dissuaded you from adding it to your personal car collection, it’s time to reach out to Lamborghini about reserving a build slot of your own. The marque plans to craft just 1,963 examples of the variant—a nod to the brand’s storied car history, which began in 1963—and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see that allotment spoken for sooner rather than later. Deliveries are expected to begin next year. ***Click [here](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-track-focused-lamborghini-revuelto-sv-in-photos/) for more photos of the Lamborghini Revuelto SV.*** *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* ## FAQs ### How much does the Lamborghini Revuelto SV cost? The Lamborghini Revuelto SV starts at $741,172 in the U.S., before options and Ad Personam customization. ### How much power does the Lamborghini Revuelto SV make? The Revuelto SV produces a combined 1,050 hp and 1,051 ft lbs of torque from its 6.5-liter V-12 and three electric motors. ### How fast is the Lamborghini Revuelto SV? The track-focused Revuelto SV can reportedly accelerate from zero to 62 mph in 2.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 214 mph. ### What makes the Revuelto SV different from the standard Revuelto? The SV adds a motorsports-inspired aerodynamic package, a fixed rear wing, revised suspension, and a larger 7 kWh battery that increases overall performance. ### How many Lamborghini Revuelto SVs will be made? Lamborghini plans to build 1,963 examples of the Revuelto SV, a number that references the automaker’s founding year of 1963. **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** lamborghini, News --- ### [The Lamborghini Murciélago Believed to Be the Marque’s Last V-12 Stick Shift Is Headed to Auction](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-lamborghini-murcielago-believed-to-be-the-marques-last-v-12-stick-shift-is-headed-to-auction/) **Published:** August 27, 2026 **Author:** Bryan Hood **Content:** Here’s your chance to own the last Raging Bull of its kind. A [2010 Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670-4 SV](https://rmsothebys.com/auctions/sv26/lots/r0001-2010-lamborghini-murcielago-lp-6704-sv/?utm_source=website&utm_medium=homepage&utm_campaign=TakeoverTileSV26R0001) believed to be the last of the marque’s V-12’s to have a manual transmission will be auctioned off by RM Sotheby’s later this month. Not only is the SV, or Super Veloce, considered the finest version of the Diablo’s successor, but this particular vehicle is viewed as the best-specified example of it. As hard as it may be to believe now, there was a time, in the not-so-distant past, when every [Lamborghini](https://robbreport.ph/tag/lamborghini/) to leave Sant’Agata Bolognese was a stick shift. But then in 2004, three years into the Murciélago’s reign atop the brand’s lineup, the company unveiled a new six-speed “e-Gear” automated manual gearbox. The e-Gear, which utilized paddle shifters, allowed for rapid gear changes without the use of a clutch pedal and would soon supplant the manual as the marque’s transmission of choice. In fact, by 2013, less than a decade after the e-Gear’s debut, Lamborghini released its last car to feature a manual, the Gallardo LP 560-2 50th Anniversario. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2010-lamborghini-murcielago-lp-670-4-sv-02.webp) 2010 Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670-4 SV *Alex Penfold/RM Sotheby’s* The Murciélago LP 670-4 SV may not be the last Raging Bull stick shift, but it is the last of the company’s flagship V-12’s to include the gearbox. Unveiled in 2009, the year before the model was replaced by the Aventador, the SV is a high-performance, track-focused variant that was designed and engineered to be the most hardcore version of the outgoing [supercar](https://robbreport.ph/cars/). It has a more aggressive aero package, a modified suspension, and the most potent version of the model’s naturally aspirated 12-cylinder, which could produce 670 hp and 487 ft lbs of torque. Lamborghini announced plans to build 350 examples of the vehicle, but only 268 are thought to have actually left the factory. Of those, only five rolled off the line equipped with a six-speed manual. The example up for auction was the last to leave the factory and thus is believed to be Lamborghini’s final V-12 manual, according to the auction house. That alone makes the car noteworthy, but it is also the only example finished in a dazzling coat of Ad Personam Marrone Eklipsis over a two-tone Marrone Janus and Avorio Lilium leather interior. The car, which is also one of just three equipped with a low-drag wing, had just 4,912 miles on it at the time of cataloging, suggesting that it remains in impeccable shape. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2010-lamborghini-murcielago-lp-670-4-sv-05.webp) 2010 Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670-4 SV *Alex Penfold/RM Sotheby’s* RM Sotheby’s is offering this Murciélago LP 670-4 SV without reserve. That means there’s no public sale estimate, but the auction house sold another Super Veloce, this one with an e-Gear transmission, [for $3.14 million earlier this month](https://rmsothebys.com/auctions/mo26/lots/r0161-2010-lamborghini-murcielago-lp-6704-sv/). Bidding for supercar, which is RM Sotheby’s [latest Sealed lot](https://rmsothebys.com/auctions/sv26/), opens Monday, Aug. 24, and runs through Wednesday, Aug. 26. ***Click [here](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-2010-lamborghini-murcielago-lp-670-4-sv-manual-in-photos/) to see more photos of the 2010 Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670-4 SV.*** ## FAQs ### Is this Lamborghini Murciélago the last V-12 manual Lamborghini? RM Sotheby’s says the 2010 Murciélago LP 670-4 SV is believed to be the final Lamborghini flagship V-12 equipped with a manual transmission. ### How many manual Murciélago LP 670-4 SVs were made? Only five Murciélago LP 670-4 SV examples are believed to have left the factory with a six-speed manual transmission. ### What engine does the Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670-4 SV have? The LP 670-4 SV uses a naturally aspirated V-12 producing 670 hp and 487 ft lbs of torque. ### What makes this Murciélago LP 670-4 SV especially rare? In addition to being the last of the five manual SVs produced, it is the only example finished in Marrone Eklipsis and one of just three fitted with a low-drag rear wing. ### When is the Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670-4 SV auction? Bidding through RM Sotheby’s runs from August 24 to August 26, 2026, with the car offered without reserve. [](https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/photos-2010-lamborghini-murcielago-lp-670-4-sv-1238600146/) **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** Auctions, lamborghini, Murciélago, News, rm sotheby;s --- ### [The New BMW X5 Shows Why Flexibility May Be the Brand's Greatest Strength](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-new-bmw-x5-shows-why-flexibility-may-be-the-brands-greatest-strength/) **Published:** July 30, 2026 **Author:** Carl Cunanan **Content:** You can’t please them all. The new [BMW](https://robbreport.ph/tag/bmw/ "bmw") X5 brings freshness and comment. But it shows they know that the future is flexibility and quickness. *(Article continues after the video.)* ## *Video:* The release of the new BMW X5 family last month provided me with a great insight into how divisive the car can be and how opinionated a lot of people can be about it. This is good in the sense that people are invested in [cars ](https://robbreport.ph/cars/)that we love, but it also shows that there is increasingly more delineation between different parts of the automotive world. Also, it clearly shows that people shouldn’t be making assessments based just on released images. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/P90645943_highRes_bmw-ix5-60-xdrive-06.webp) The new BMW X5 family is extremely important, obviously, for the brand itself, but what I’m looking at is the way that the whole product line is being developed and will be developed going forward in what is the Neue Klasse concept from BMW. We saw this in other cars earlier this year, and forthcoming in the new 7 Series and the new [i3](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-collectibles/time-motion-and-meaning-longines-new-dive-watch-the-bmw-i3-and-japans-art-islands/ "Time, Motion, and Meaning: Longines’ New Dive Watch, the BMW i3, and Japan’s Art Islands"); many more will be announced. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/P90646105_highRes_bmw-x5-m60e-xdrive-0.webp) But the X5 is key, and my initial thoughts on it were that this is going to be a very strong performer in the segment, and indeed, possibly several segments. It may be effectively the car to beat at that particular level. What BMW did with the X5 was all of the things they’ve been trying to change, so BMW had to develop the car to use multiple platforms for all the different buyers of the car. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/P90646027_highRes_bmw-ix5-60-xdrive-06.webp) What we had on hand was the fully electric iX5 60 xDrive. The car will be available globally with a total of 5 (or 6?) choices. There will be a diesel variant, the X5 40d xDrive, and a petrol variant, the X5 40 xDrive, both of which will have mild hybrid systems supporting their inline six power plants; both of which will obviously also have xDrive. In addition to that, you will have two petrol plug-in hybrids. The X5 M60e xDrive will put out 612 horsepower and 800 newton-meters of torque, while the X5 50 xDrive will put out 489 horsepower and 700 new meters of torque. In addition to this, BMW has already said that it will be producing a hydrogen vehicle, and given what they have shown us in their their newly refurbished factory in Germany, all of this has been planned so that components and batteries and hydrogen cells fit into the system easily, flowing smoothly with operation and design. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/P90648174_lowRes_from-left-dr-robert--2240x1494.webp) Now, this is all the information we had in March had prior to the global reveal at the end of June, which happened in South Carolina at their production facility in Spartanburg. And it was there where the plans for a V8 were discussed. What this tells us is that BMW has built in more flexibility and quickness to respond. While we cannot yet comment on the full lineup of the 3 Series family, which for many people is what brought them to love BMW in the first place, what we do know is that there has been quite a bit of pushback against combining the mythic moniker M3 with full electric. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/P90646043_highRes_bmw-ix5-60-xdrive-06.webp) We have seen the new i3, and in the flesh, it is actually quite a great base from which to grow, even if images most people see of the X5 and the 7 don’t bring forward the way the body flows or how everything is put together so well. With the buzzword being monolithic architecture for this new family from BMW’s Neue Klasse thinking, that doesn’t necessarily show how much detail is in the curvature and shaping of the bodies. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/P90646077_highRes_bmw-ix5-60-xdrive-06.webp) What I see here is actually, and arguably unfortunately, assumptions are being made without any real understanding of how much the industry has changed and how much it has to go through to offer viable options for an increasingly diverse and changing world. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/P90645970_highRes_bmw-ix5-60-xdrive-06.webp) While companies like BMW have to go through all of this and be workable, responsible corporate citizens, there’s also a true love for what makes the marque the marque, for what makes BMW a BMW, for what makes a 3 a 3. I have no doubt that BMW is coming in strong after a very challenging time. And I very much look forward to being able to tell everyone about it when I actually can, because it really does look pretty good. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### 1. What powertrains will the new BMW X5 offer? The new BMW X5 will be available with a broad range of powertrains, including fully electric, mild-hybrid diesel, mild-hybrid petrol, plug-in hybrid, and a future hydrogen variant, giving buyers greater flexibility than previous generations. ### 2. What is BMW’s Neue Klasse strategy? Neue Klasse is BMW’s next-generation vehicle architecture that supports multiple powertrains—including electric, hybrid, combustion, and hydrogen—while sharing common design and manufacturing principles for greater production flexibility. ### 3. Why is the new BMW X5 important to BMW? The X5 is one of BMW’s global best-selling models and serves as a showcase for the company’s evolving Neue Klasse philosophy. It demonstrates how BMW plans to adapt to changing customer demand while maintaining the driving character associated with the brand. ### 4. Will the BMW X5 still offer petrol and diesel engines? Yes. Alongside the fully electric iX5, BMW has confirmed mild-hybrid petrol and diesel variants, plug-in hybrid models, and has indicated that hydrogen-powered versions are part of its future product strategy. ### 5. Why has the design of the new BMW X5 divided opinion? The new X5 introduces BMW’s evolving Neue Klasse design language, featuring a more monolithic appearance with cleaner surfaces and sculpted bodywork. While official images have sparked debate, the design reveals more depth and proportion when viewed in person. *More information about the new X5 [here](https://www.bmw.com.ph/models/the-new-x5/).* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** bmw, X5 --- ### [Road Test: The 2027 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Should Make Rolls-Royce and Bentley Worried](https://robbreport.ph/cars/road-test-the-2027-mercedes-maybach-s-class-should-make-rolls-royce-and-bentley-worried/) **Published:** August 3, 2026 **Author:** Howard Walker **Content:** The South of France may be as sweltering as a 100-degree sauna at the moment, but here, luxuriating in the reclining back seat of the newest 2027 [Mercedes-Maybach](https://robbreport.ph/tag/mercedes-maybach-2/ "Mercedes-Maybach") S-Class, while we cruise the famous coastline, it is the very quintessence of cool. Frosty air blasts from a multitude of vents, while a polar breeze wafts upward through the perforations in the exquisitely quilted Nappa leather seats. Reach for the Perrier chilling in the thermoelectric center console cupholder, or, if you’re feeling a little more celebratory, lean back for the bottle of perfect-temperature bubbles waiting in the refrigerated compartment. A toast to beating the heat, courtesy of one of the car’s silver-plated Robbe & Berking Champagne flutes. This extended-wheelbase Mercedes-Maybach S-Class comes hot on the heels of the newest [Mercedes-Benz S-Class](https://robbreport.ph/cars/mercedess-luxe-new-s-class-might-rival-your-bentley/ "Mercedes’s Luxe New S-Class Might Rival Your Bentley"), adopting its myriad impressive technical innovations, while offering buyers new levels of craftsmanship and personalization. Boasting its most comprehensive update since the introduction of Mercedes-Maybach’s S-Class back in 2014, this latest version is now a real alternative to the likes of the [Rolls-Royce Ghost ](https://robbreport.ph/tag/rolls-royce/ "rolls-royce")and [Bentley](https://robbreport.ph/tag/bentley/ "Bentley") Flying Spur. ## **What’s New** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2027-mercedes-maybach-s-class-1.webp) An example of the 2027 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class in Emerald Green and Mojave Silver. *Mercedes-Benz AG* Think of this as a comprehensive refresh rather than an all-new model. Major changes include a new, more powerful and electrified 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 (up 34 hp), a more expressive front-end design to help distinguish the Maybach from its [Mercedes-Benz sibling](https://robbreport.ph/cars/every-mercedes-s-class-ranked/ "Every Mercedes S-Class, Ranked"), and some major technical upgrades, such as the addition of a full-width MBUX Superscreen. While customization has always been a hallmark of the Maybach S-Class, this 2027 version offers much more through the expanded Manufaktur Made-to-Measure program. Engraved Champagne flutes? Just ask. ## Design ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2027-mercedes-maybach-s-class-6.webp) The latest edition of the model boasts the most comprehensive update since the introduction of Mercedes-Maybach’s S-Class in 2014. *Mercedes-Benz AG* When it comes to the front of the [car](https://robbreport.ph/cars/), designers have parked a prodigious chrome grille on a nose that’s 20 percent bigger than before, and ringed it with an illuminated surround. Add to that an illuminated Maybach badge in the grille frame, and love-them-or-loathe-them plastic lower intakes festooned with Maybach logos. Pity that the Mercedes three-pointed-star hood ornament couldn’t have been traded for a Maybach version. But with those distinctive, and complex, twin-star-design LED headlights, accentuated by lovely rose-gold detailing and more illuminated Maybach logos, the vehicle does have a stronger, more individual face. There are new 20- and 21-inch forged wheels too, including a polished 21-inch version with gold accents and Rolls-Royce–style floating center caps. And a Maybach S-Class wouldn’t be the same without two-tone paint. Thankfully, the temptation was resisted to offer the blingy, logo-encrusted hood design that comes with the new [Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 roadster, ](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-25-most-expensive-convertibles-in-the-world/ "The 25 Most Expensive Convertibles in the World")named *Robb Report’*s Best Convertible for 2026. But as before, the real Maybach experience comes when you open the door—any door. At the front of the cabin, the focus is on technical innovation, integrating the huge MBUX Superscreen comprising a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, a 14.4-inch infotainment screen, and a 12.3-inch passenger screen—all mounted beneath a single black-glass panel. The highlight here is the new Mercedes AI assistant. Powered by a water-cooled super-computer behind the dash, it pulls from ChatGPT, Microsoft Bing, and Google Gemini for lightning-fast responses and the spooky ability to hold a conversation. At one point in our drive, the Virtual Assistant, without prompt, said, “That’s an interesting conversation you’re having, can I assist you?” It’s this advancement in technology that really sets this new Maybach apart from pricier, more seasoned rivals, such as the Rolls-Royce Ghost and Bentley Flying Spur, which both rely on older, hand-me-down tech from parents BMW and [Audi](https://robbreport.ph/cars/audi-unveils-its-new-flagship-s-u-v-the-three-row-q9/ "Audi Unveils Its New Flagship S.U.V., the Three-Row Q9"). The Maybach’s rear passenger space is also rich in cutting-edge tech. New 13-inch seat-back-mounted screens have built-in cameras so you can take Zoom or Teams calls, while the rear armrest comes with a pair of docked, wireless controllers that look and feel like iPhones. They control most of the rear-seat functions, plus manage the entertainment, interior climate, and sunshades. While all this is shared with the new [Mercedes-Benz](https://robbreport.ph/tag/mercedes-benz-2/ "mercedes-benz") S-Class, the car stands apart with its Maybach-exclusive craftsmanship and quality of materials. And through the Manufaktur and new Manufaktur Made-to-Measure personalization programs, you get a choice of over 400 interior colors, plus such niceties as personalized stainless sill plates etched with whatever takes your fancy. ## **Power Train and Other Hardware** Again, this 2027 Maybach benefits from advancements introduced with the latest S-Class Mercedes. These include the new 4.0-liter twin-turbo, flat-plane-crankshaft V-8. Delivering 530 hp and 553 ft lbs of torque, the engine packs more power and torque than before and, with mild hybrid assistance, swifter responses along with added smoothness and refinement. It’s quick too, catapulting the car from standstill to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds—a spirited run indeed for an 18-foot-long, 5,400-pound executive hauler. As before, the Maybach boasts Airmatic air suspension, but with the addition of predictive damping. This uses information from other Mercedes vehicles driving ahead, sent through the Cloud, to adjust the suspension to better absorb lumps and bumps. ## **Performanc**e ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2027-mercedes-maybach-s-class-8.webp) The V-8-powered S 580 provides 530 hp and 553 ft lbs of torque, while the 12-cylinder S 680 delivers 621 hp and 664 ft lbs of torque. *Mercedes-Benz AG* After taking the helm, we find that the big Maybach feels sure-footed and poised on southern France’s snaking mountain roads. This is most evident in Sport mode, where the car almost shrinks in size. Part of this is down to the rear-axle steering, which improves high-speed stability and makes it easier to dock with its surprisingly tight turning radius. No, this new flat-plane-crank V-8 is not the ultimate in silent running, sounding a little vocal at higher revs. And it’s certainly no match for electric power that comes with the Mercedes EQS sedans. For the ultimate in Maybach S-Class refinement, however, look no further than the V-12-powered S 680. As before, it delivers an impressive 621 hp and 664 ft lbs of torque, though it is not as rapid to 60 mph as the S 580, taking 4.3 seconds. Across surfaces that are more broken, we find the car is at its finest in relaxed Maybach—or chauffeur—mode, one of six preset drive settings that prioritize comfort from the air suspension for those riding in the back. Yes, it means slightly more body roll through curves, but the way it seemingly erases rougher road conditions is otherworldly. We got a backseat ride in the 12-cylinder S 680 and couldn’t help but be impressed at the engine’s hushed refinement and Teflon-smooth running. The V-12 is unique to the Maybach S-Class, and is still a tempting option for those looking for the ultimate in Maybach quietude, tranquility, and country-club bragging rights. ## **Is It Worth It?** Deliveries of both the new S 580 and S 680 start stateside by late summer. Official pricing has yet to be confirmed, though expect an increase on the current $208,400 for the S 580 and $245,650 for the S 680. Without doubt, this latest Maybach S-Class is the brand’s most opulent and tech-laden production model yet. And the availability of bespoke options through the marque’s new Manufaktur Made-to-Measure program really brings the model much closer to its counterparts from Rolls-Royce and Bentley. Yes, it’s worth it. ## **Specifications** ### **Vehicle Type** - Extended-wheelbase four-door limousine ### **Dimensions** - Length: 215.9 inches, Width: 75.6 inches, Weight (est): 5,400 pounds ### **Power Train** - S 580: Twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 with 530 hp and 553 ft lbs of torque - S 680: Twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V-12 with 621 hp and 664 ft lbs of torque - Nine-speed automatic transmission ### **Performance** - Zero to 60 mph: 3.9 seconds for the S 580, 4.3 seconds for the S 680 - Top speed: 130 mph (limited) for both ### **Base price** (estimated) - S 580 $220,000 - S 680 $275,000 ***Click [here](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-2027-mercedes-maybach-s-class-in-photos/) for more photos of the 2027 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class.***[](https://robbreport.com/?post_type=pmc-gallery&p=1238510762/) ## FAQs ### What is new in the 2027 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class? The 2027 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class receives a larger illuminated grille, a full-width MBUX Superscreen, an AI-powered virtual assistant, upgraded rear-seat displays, and expanded Manufaktur Made-to-Measure customization. The S 580 also gains a more powerful electrified twin-turbo V-8. ### How powerful is the 2027 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class? The Mercedes-Maybach S 580 produces 530 hp and 553 ft lbs of torque from a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8, reaching 60 mph in 3.9 seconds. The S 680 uses a 6.0-liter twin-turbo V-12 with 621 hp and 664 ft lbs of torque. ### How much will the 2027 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class cost? Official U.S. pricing has not yet been announced. Estimated base prices are approximately $220,000 for the S 580 and $275,000 for the V-12-powered S 680, with deliveries expected to begin by late summer. **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** mercedes-benz, Mercedes-Maybach, Review, sedans --- ### [The 25 Most Expensive Cars Ever Sold at Auction](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-25-most-expensive-cars-ever-sold-at-auction/) **Published:** September 7, 2026 **Author:** Bryan Hood **Content:** There’s no way around it: The [automobile auction market](https://robbreport.ph/cars/) reached dizzying new heights over the first half of the decade. That’s the only way to explain how the [1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR](https://robbreport.ph/cars/10-fascinating-facts-you-didnt-know-about-mercedes-benz/) known as the “Uhlenhaut Coupe” sold for $142 million in 2022. The mind-boggling hammer price obliterated the previous record paid for a car at auction by nearly $100 million. It’s become increasingly clear collectors will spend whatever it takes to get a hold of the car of their dreams. Just look at our list of the 25 most expensive cars to sell at auction, which was put together with the help of the valuation experts at [Hagerty](https://www.hagerty.com/valuation-tools). Earlier this summer, it looked like the market had cooled down, but then Monterey Car Week rolled around and three cars commanded gavel prices in *excess* of $34 million, earning themselves a spot on this list. “While record prices have been set more frequently in times of economic prosperity, the very best cars often come to market at unexpected times, and enthusiast collectors often respond accordingly,” John Wiley, Hagerty’s manager of valuation analytics, told *Robb Report*. With that in mind, here is a closer look at the 25 most expensive auction vehicles of all time. With how things have been going, don’t be surprised to see another shake-up before the year is over. ## 25. 1963 Aston Martin DP215 Competition — $21,455,000 (RM Sotheby’s, 2018) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/auctioncar14.webp) *RM Sotheby’s* Few things appeal to collectors more than something that’s one-of-a-kind. That is why no one was surprised when this Aston Martin DP215 Competition [sold for $20.46 million](https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mo18/monterey/lots/r0078-1963-aston-martin-dp215-grand-touring-competition-prototype/692170) in 2018. The beautiful vehicle is a 1963 prototype—the last of four “project cars” the automaker made while David Brown was in charge of the marque—that would actually race at Le Mans months after its conception. It didn’t win that year’s race, but it was the first car to break the 300 kph barrier at the race when it hit a top speed of 319.6 kph (198.6 mph) on the famous Mulsanne Straight. ## 24. 1955 Jaguar D-Type — $21,780,000 (RM Sotheby’s, 2016) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/auctioncar13.webp) *RM Sotheby’s* Ever wonder why enthusiasts are so obsessed with Jaguar’s midcentury race cars? The D-Type, built from 1954 through 1957, is the answer. Few race cars have paired looks and performance quite so effectively. This particular 1955 example, which was raced by Scottish outfit Ecurie Ecosse, was the overall winner at Le Mans the year after it was built—earning the automaker its fourth of five victories at the race. The legendary blue-and-white racer is the only one of these Le Mans–winning Jaguars still intact, which is why it [sold for $21.78 million](https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mo16/monterey/lots/r190-1955-jaguar-d-type/379829) in 2016. Better yet, it’s so well cared for that it looks basically identical to how it did when it earned its famous victory. ## 23. 1935 Duesenberg Model SSJ Convertible — $22,000,000 (Gooding & Company, 2018) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/auctioncar12.webp) *Gooding & Company* Duesenberg may be long gone, but it’s not been forgotten by enthusiasts. This gorgeous 1935 convertible is a big reason why. It was specifically built for one of the biggest stars of Hollywood’s golden age, Gary Cooper, and paired a supercharged Model J engine with gorgeous coachwork by LaGrande. Only two examples of the roadster were ever built—the other went to Clark Gable, who, legend has it, would use it to race Cooper—which might explain why the car ended up more than doubling its pre-sale estimate when[ sold for $22 million](https://www.goodingco.com/lot/1935-duesenberg-ssj/) at Pebble Beach in 2018. ## 22. 1955 Ferrari 410 Sport Spider — $22,005,000 (RM Sotheby’s, 2022) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/1-55.webp) *Patrick Ernzen, courtesy of RM Sotheby’s.* Ferrari built so many incredible race cars during the 1950s that it can be hard to pick a favorite. Unless you were Carroll Shelby. The racer and automotive visionary considered the 1955 410 Sport Spider “the best Ferrari \[he\] ever drove.” He wasn’t alone in his love for the V-12 powered Prancing Horse, which was driven by some of the best drivers of the era, including Juan Manuel Fangio, Phil Hill and Masten Gregory. The 400 hp beast wasn’t just fun to drive, though. Chassis No. 0598 CM, which [sold for $22 million](https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mo22/monterey/lots/r0036-1955-ferrari-410-sport-spider-by-scaglietti/1244349) in 2022, was also a consummate winner, claiming the top spot in 11 races and making the podium in 19 more between 1956 and 1958. ## 21. 1956 Ferrari 290 MM — $22,005,000 (RM Sotheby’s, 2018) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/auctioncar10.webp) *RM Sotheby’s* Most 1950s Ferrari race cars experience some sort of success, but few proved themselves on three continents. This 1956 290 MM, chassis No. 0628, which was an official Scuderia Ferrari Works car during the 1956 and 1957 seasons, did just that. Driven by some of the era’s greatest drivers—including Juan Manuel Fangio, Phil Hill and Sir Stirling Moss—it finished on the podium at the Mille Miglia in Italy, the 1000 KM of Buenos Aires and the Nassau Memorial Trophy Race in the Bahamas, just to name a trio of strong results. This particular example was the final of four built by the Prancing Horse, only three of which survive to this day, so it’s [hard to argue with its $22 million sale price](https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/ca18/the-petersen-automotive-museum-auction/lots/r0017-1956-ferrari-290-mm-by-scaglietti/726716). ## 20. 1956 Aston Martin DBR1 Roadster — $22,550,000 (RM Sotheby’s, 2017) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/auctioncar09.webp) *RM Sotheby’s* The DB5 may be the most famous Aston Martin, but the British marque’s most important model was the DBR1 roadster. That’s why it’s little surprise that the first of the four examples built is its most expensive car, having [sold for $22.55 million](https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mo17/monterey/lots/r159-1956-aston-martin-dbr1/430300) in 2017. It didn’t sell for that much because it was the first to roll off the production line, though. The beautifully restored green roadster was also the car that racing legend Sir Stirling Moss drove to his famous come-from-behind victory at the [Nürburgring](https://robbreport.ph/tag/nurburgring-2/) 1000 KM in 1959. ## 19. 1994 McLaren F1 — $25,317,500 (RM Sotheby’s, 2025) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/1994-mclaren-f1.webp) *RM Sotheby’s* The McLaren F1 laid out the blueprint for every supercar to follow when it debuted in 1992. That is why there are two examples of Gordon Murray’s most famous creation on this list. The most expensive road-going example is this head-turning 1994 model, which sold for $25.3 million in late 2025 and was originally delivered brand-new to the Brunei Royal Family. The 14th of 64 road cars that were manufactured, it was rebuilt by McLaren in 2007, at which point it was painted Ibis White and outfitted with a high-downforce body kit. ## 18. 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider Competizione — $25,305,000 (2025, Gooding Christie’s) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/1961-Ferrari-250-GT-SWB-CA-Spider-Comp_14-e1753121170836.webp) *Gooding* What is the one thing that is better than a classic Ferrari? How about one that is also exceedingly rare? Not only is the 1961 250 GT SWB California Spider Competizione one of the most beautiful convertibles you’ll ever see, but it’s also one of just two to leave Maranello. The Grigio Argento-over-blue two-door was built to competition spec, meaning that its V-12 produces 280 hp, 40 hp more than the standard model it is based on. It’s little wonder the car sold for $25 million, which easily beat Gooding’s previous record sale this summer. ## 17. 2025 Ferrari Daytona SP3 “Tailor Made” — $26,000,000 (2025, RM Sotheby’s) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/finalsp304.webp) *Gooding* The biggest outlier on this list is likely the 2025 Ferrari Daytona SP3 “Tailor Made.” That’s because the hypercar, which was built after production of the Icona Series Model was supposed to be complete, hails from the 21st century. No. 599+1 features a unique racing-style livery that combines exposed carbon fiber with Giallo Modena and is bisected by a full-length Ferrari logotype. Add in a ferocious V-12 that makes 829 hp, and it’s almost possible to understand why the final Daytona SP3 sold for $26 million at Monterey Car Week in 2025. ## 16. 1964 Ferrari 275 GTB/C — $26,400,000 (RM Sotheby’s, 2014) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/auctioncar08.webp) *RM Auctions* All Ferrari 275 GTBs are special, but few stand out quite like the Scuderia Ferrari team’s Berlinetta Competizione cars styled by Scaglietti. Only three were built for competition in the 1965 24 Hours of Le Mans. The color most closely associated with the Prancing Horse may be Rosso Corsa, but there’s something particularly alluring about those finished in another hue. This particular 275 GTB/C is finished in metallic dark gray, with a lighter shade acting as a center racing stripe. It didn’t end up competing in the endurance race, which goes a long way to explaining why it was in such pristine condition when it [sold for $26.4 million](https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mo14/monterey/lots/r239-1964-ferrari-275-gtbc-speciale-by-scaglietti/181216) in 2014. ## 15. 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 NART Spider — $27,500,000 (RM Sotheby’s, 2013) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/auctioncar07.webp) *RM Auctions* The 275 GTB is one of the most desirable Ferraris of all time. This can be an annoyance for collectors desperate to add one to their repertoire because it pushes the car’s prices even higher than the brand’s other models from the era. Especially if enthusiasts have their hearts set on a rare-spec example, such as the NART Spider, of which there are only 10. That’s what helped push bidding for this beautifully restored, matching-numbers example to $27.5 million. It’s a very good thing that bidding reached such a high peak, though, as the proceeds from the sale [were donated to charity](https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mo13/monterey/lots/r197-1967-ferrari-275-gtb4stars-nart-spider-by-scaglietti/293775). ## 14. 1956 Ferrari 290 MM — $28,050,000 (2015, RM Sotheby’s) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/auctioncar06.webp) *RM Sotheby’s* You’re not seeing double, there are two different 1956 Ferrari 290 MMs—both of which were built to compete in that year’s Mille Miglia—among the ten most valuable auction cars of all time. As has been well established by now, the Prancing Horse’s 1950 racers were something special. This one has the distinction of having been designed specifically for Juan Manuel Fangio, a five-time Formula 1 champion and one of the greatest drivers of all time. There’s more to the open-top speed demon than the man who raced it, though. It’s also a stunningly beautiful car that features a distinctive blue-and-yellow nose. Combine all that and it’s no wonder it [sold for $28 million](https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/ny15/new-york---driven-by-disruption/lots/r124-1956-ferrari-290-mm-by-scaglietti/182099). ## 13. 1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 — $29,600,000 (Bonhams, 2013) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/auctioncar05.webp) *Bonhams* Few race cars have been more successful than the Mercedes-Benz W196. The successor to the W194 was famously driven by both Juan Manuel Fangio and Sir Stirling Moss during the 1954 and 1955 Formula 1 seasons, winning 9 of the 12 races it was entered in and two world championships. This particular example—which is finished in silver with white racing gumballs—was the first to claim victory, at the 1954 French Grand Prix. It’s also the only example not held in a factory or museum collection, which is why someone [leaped at the chance to pay $29.6 million](https://www.bonhams.com/auction/20929/lot/320/the-ex-juan-manuel-fangio-hans-herrmann-karl-kling-german-and-swiss-grand-prix-winning1954-mercedes-benz-w196r-formula-1-racing-single-seater-chassis-no-196-010-0000654/) for it. ## 12. 1967 Ferrari 412 P Berlinetta —$30,255,000 (Bonhams, 2023) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/412p01.webp) *BonhamsCars* You won’t find many Ferrari race cars rarer than the 412 P Berlinetta. The Italian marque only built two examples of the gorgeous vehicle, which is the “customer version” of the successful 330 P3 and P4 race cars (an additional two 330 P3s were converted to 412 Ps). The gorgeous prototype racer combines a rear-mounted 4.0-liter V-12 with the P3’s chassis and the P4’s body, suspension, and wheels. This example was the second of the original 412 P Berlinettas and helped Ferrari claim the World Championship of Makes in 1967. Somehow, the car’s sale in August 2023 was something of a disappointment, falling $10 million short of what some thought it would go for. Still, that shouldn’t take away from just how majestic this competition-proven Ferrari is. ## 11. 1996 McLaren F1 GTR — $34,655,000 (RM Sotheby’s, 2026) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/nick-mason-mclaren-f1-gtr-01.webp) *Alex Penfold/RM Sotheby’s* It may not be the most expensive modern car to sell at auction—that distinction belongs to the Ferrari Luce—but it’s hard to think of an automobile made since 1990 that’s proven itself to be more of a collector’s item than the McLaren F1. The most valuable example of Gordon Murray’s finest creation is a 1996 GTR variant owned for much of its existence by Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason. This version of the race car that won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1995 wears an incredible Pop Art-inspired livery and has been converted for road use. No wonder it’s worth nearly $10 million more than the next F1. ## 10. 1957 Ferrari 335 S — $35,750,000 (Artcurial, 2016) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/auctioncar04.webp) *Artcurial* There are race cars that were built by Ferrari, and then there are those that actually raced for the Italian marque. Of those, the 1957 335 S just might be the very finest. It’s not the most valuable of the marque’s racers—having been [sold by Artcurial for $35.75 million](https://www.artcurial.com/en/lot-1957-ferrari-335-sport-scaglietti-2877-170) it’s close—but it is the one that enabled the Prancing Horse to win the Constructor’s World Championship in 1957, while also finishing second at the final Mille Miglia. As tends to be the case with these vehicles, it was also piloted by some of Ferrari’s finest drivers that season, including Peter Collins, Wolfgang von Trips and Luigi Musso, during that most successful of seasons. ## 9. 1964 Ferrari 250 LM by Scaglietti — $36,345,000 (RM Sotheby’s, 2025) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/lemans250lm02.webp) *Ferrari/RM Sotheby’s* Here’s something that can be said about car collectors with the utmost confidence: they love a post-war Ferrari race car. Of the 25 cars on this list, 13 are Prancing Horses, and 11 of those were built with competition in mind. Even considering that, it’s hard to match the racing pedigree of 250 LM that sold for over $36 million in early February. The car, which was part of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum collection, is the only privateer-entered car to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans. On top of that, it’s the only Prancing Horse that competed in six 24-hour races while Enzo Ferrari ran his eponymous company. Add in a stunning body from Scaglietti, along with a number-matching 3.0-liter V-12 and gearbox, and it’s little wonder the car commanded such a high sum. ## 8. 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO — $38,115,000 (Bonhams, 2014) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/auctioncar03.webp) *Bonhams* It would be hard to pin down the most iconic Ferrari of all time, but if there’s a single model that qualifies, it’s the 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO. The Prancing Horse built just 36 examples of the street-legal race car—powered by a 3.0-liter V-12—all of which somehow survive to this day. This particular example, chassis No. 3851GT, was owned by Fabrizio Violati for 49 years, and Violati actually entered it in races. There were high expectations for the car when Bonhams [put it up for bid in 2014](https://www.bonhams.com/auction/21917/lot/3/the-ex-jo-schlesserhenri-oreiller-paolo-colombo-ernesto-prinoth-fabrizio-violati1962-63-ferrari-250-gto-berlinettachassis-no-3851gtengine-no-3851gt/), but that didn’t make it any less stunning when it sold for a then-record $38.12 million. ## 7. 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO — $38,500,000 (Mecum Auctions, 2026) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/1962-ferrari-250-gto.webp) *Mecum Auctions* Anyone familiar with the Ferrari 250 GTO knows that it is special, even amongst its fellow prancing horses. This [particular example](http://google.com/search?q=white+ferrari+250+gto+robbreport&rlz=1C5GCCM_en&oq=white+ferrari+250+gto+robbreport&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIGCAEQRRg80gEINTc0NGowajSoAgCwAgA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8), which sold for $38.5 million at Mecum’s Kissimmee 2026 auction, is the only example of the revered nameplate to leave the factory finished in Bianco. The color alone is enough to make this V-12 noteworthy, but it was also a force on the track throughout the 1960s and still retains some of its period racing details. In fact, despite having been repaired and refinished over the years, this 250 GTO is the rare classic that has never been fully restored. ## 6. 2026 Ferrari Luce ‘Tailor Made’ — $40,000,000 (RM Sotheby’s, 2026) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/first-ferrari-luce-02.webp) *RM Sotheby’s* Yes, the [Ferrari Luce](https://robbreport.ph/tag/ferrari-luce/) is the most controversial vehicle debut this side of the Tesla Cybertruck, but that didn’t stop someone from spending $40 million on the first example of Ferrari’s debut EV. Chassis 0 was configured by the automaker’s Tailor Made program and is finished in a special, light-inspired Madreperla Semi-Gloss livery over a Le Mans metallic leather in Perla with Grigio Corvara trim. The entire gavel price, which was significantly higher than the pre-sale estimate of more than $1.1 million, will be donated to the Ferrari Foundation to benefit future educational initiatives. ## 5. 1964 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe — $42,905,000 (Gooding Christie’s, 2026) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/1964-shelby-cobra-daytona-01.webp) *Gooding Christie’s* Some cars really do combine it all. Just look at the 1964 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe that sold for a tad under $43 million at Gooding Christie’s 2026 Pebble Beach sale. Not only is the blue coupe one of the greatest race cars to ever come from the U.S., but this example also played a pivotal role in Shelby winning the FIA World Manufacturers’ Championship in 1965. If all that somehow wasn’t enough, this example of the Ferrari killer, the third of just six that were built, is also the only one that was personally owned by its creator, Carroll Shelby. ## 4. 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO — $48,405,000 (RM Sotheby’s, 2018) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/1962-ferrari-250-gto-by-scaglietti-_patrick-ernzen-2018-courtesy-of-rm-sothebys_1.webp) *Courtesy of Sotheby’s* It was fitting that Violati’s Ferrari 250 GTO would be knocked off its throne by another 250 GTO. Four years after the heavily raced Ferrari went for $38.12 million, RM Sotheby’s [sold another dazzling example for $48.41 million](https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mo18/monterey/lots/r0117-1962-ferrari-250-gto-by-scaglietti/695912). Despite the sizable price difference, you’re really splitting hairs trying to differentiate the two coupés. Still, the more expensive 250 GTO was the third to roll off the line and is overwhelmingly original, retaining over 95 percent of the parts it left the factory with. No wonder someone was willing to pay an extra $10 million for it. ## 3. 1962 Ferrari 330 LM / 250 GTO – $51,705,000 (RM Sotheby’s, 2023) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/250gto03.webp) *RM Sotheby’s/Facebook* As the list up until now has made abundantly clear, there’s no marque that captures the imagination of collectors like Ferrari. And at the top of the pyramid of Prancing Horses is parked the 250 GTO. This example of the V-12-powered stunner may not have had the most illustrious of competitive careers—though it did win its class at the Nürburgring 1,000 Km in 1962—but it was one of just two raced by the marque’s in-house team, Scuderia Ferrari. Add that to the fact that it has won its fair share of awards on the classic car show circuit in the decades since, and it’s little surprise that the beautifully maintained no. 7 car sold for $51.7 million in the fall of 2023. Don’t be surprised if its gavel price is beaten in the next four to five years, though, especially with how things have gone over the last decade. ## 2. 1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Stromlinienwagen — $52,960,000 (RM Sotheby’s, 2025) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/opner-w-Benz-1.webp) *Mercedes-Benz AG* This list may be dominated by Ferraris—as any grouping of the most expensive automobiles will be—but the top two spots are held down by a pair of Silver Arrows. We’ll get to the legendary Uhlenhaut Coupe in a minute, but the next most expensive car, the 1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Stromlinienwagen, is no slouch. The curvaceous speed machine is one of just 14 W 196 R race cars that were built (only 10 of which survived their time on the track). Of those, only four featured the Stromlinienwagen (or Streamline) configuration, where the vehicle’s wheels were covered to improve top-speed capabilities. If that wasn’t enough, this example was also driven by two of the greatest F1 drivers of all time, Juan Manuel Fangio and Stirling Moss. This example—which, like the Le Mans-winning 250 LM, was part of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum collection—was the first offered for private ownership, which is a big part of the reason why it sold for just shy of $53 million. ## 1. 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR “Uhlenhaut Coupe” — $142,000,000 (2022, RM Sotheby’s) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/auctioncar01.webp) *RM Sotheby’s* Records are meant to be broken, and four years after the Ferrari 250 GTO became the most expensive car for a second time when it went for $48.41 million, the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR “Uhlenhaut Coupe” [sold for $142 million](https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/uc22/the-mercedes-benz-300-slr-uhlenhaut-coup%C3%A9/lots/r0001-1955-mercedes-benz-300-slr-uhlenhaut-coup%C3%A9/1248804). That’s right, it broke the previous mark, which had stood since 2018, by $93.59 million, with the entire sum going to the newly established Mercedes-Benz Fund, a global scholarship program meant to aid young people working to make the world a more sustainable place. The silver prototype racer isn’t just the most expensive auction car, it is the priciest vehicle *period*. While that sum is still shocking to look at, those familiar with the car—one of two designed to race in the 1955 Carrera Panamericana before it was called off—know the silver speed machine is more than deserving of its spot on this list. We also have a feeling that it might hold onto its title a bit longer than the previous record holder. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* ## FAQs ### What is the most expensive car ever sold at auction? The record belongs to the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR “Uhlenhaut Coupé,” which sold for $142 million in 2022. ### What is the most expensive Ferrari ever sold at auction? The 1962 Ferrari 330 LM / 250 GTO sold for $51.705 million in 2023, making it the highest-priced Ferrari on this list. ### How many Ferraris are among the 25 most expensive auction cars? Ferrari dominates the ranking, with 13 of the 25 cars coming from the Prancing Horse. ### What is the most expensive modern car ever sold at auction? The 2026 Ferrari Luce “Tailor Made” sold for $40 million, making it the most expensive modern car on the list. ### Why do rare collector cars sell for such high prices? The most valuable examples typically combine rarity, provenance, racing history, originality, and cultural significance, which can push bidding far beyond conventional market values. **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** Auctions, cars, mercedes benz, most expensive --- ### [Audi Unveils Its New Flagship S.U.V., the Three-Row Q9](https://robbreport.ph/cars/audi-unveils-its-new-flagship-s-u-v-the-three-row-q9/) **Published:** July 31, 2026 **Author:** Bryan Hood **Content:** The [Audi](https://robbreport.ph/tag/audi/ "Audi") family is growing larger in every way. To the German marque, luxury is all about substance. And there is no vehicle in Audi‘s lineup, and especially it’s refreshed [S.U.V. ](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-10-best-compact-luxury-suvs-to-buy-right-now/ "The 10 Best Compact Luxury SUVs to Buy Right Now")portfolio, that better reflects this than its new flagship Q9, which was unveiled during an event in view of the Brooklyn Bridge on Tuesday night. The first Audi to bear the number 9 in its moniker, the full-size model is the automaker’s largest yet in the category. But size is far from its only virtue, as it raises the bar on the marque’s level of plushness and technological advancement, all while delivering the driving experience enthusiasts expect from the brand. It will also be available in two versions at launch: the standard Q9 and the sportier SQ9. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/audi-sq9-01.webp) The SQ9 can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds. *Audi* “I think what we’ve done is we’ve just made it the best version of Audi,” Vito Paladino, president of Audi America, tells *Robb Report*. “It’s Audi true and true.” Designed specifically to target North America, a region where 80 percent of the luxury automobile sold are S.U.V.s, the Q9 stretches 209 inches (17.4 feet) bumper to bumper, is 86.8 inches (7.2 feet) wide, and stands 71.4 inches tall (just shy of 6 feet). As with the [redesigned Q7](https://robbreport.ph/cars/audi-just-overhauled-its-q7-suv-for-2027/ "Audi Just Overhauled Its Q7 SUV for 2027"), which it shares a platform with, it features a more defined shape and upright stance than the last generation of the company’s [S.U.V.s](https://robbreport.ph/cars/). ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/audi-sq9-02.webp) The SQ9’s illuminated grille features a hexagonal pattern. *Audi* But it’s not just an enlarged version of the mid-size Q7. The Q9 presents a much more prominent grille with an illuminated badge up front, a feature exclusive to North America and meant to underline the model’s position at the front of the brand’s lineup. The SQ9 has the same grille, only with a hexagonal pattern, along with wider wheel arches, colored accents, and split tailpipes. Both variants are also available with adaptive digital matrix LED lighting that is more precise and less glare-inducing than traditional headlamps—technology that makes its stateside debut with the Q9. Thanks to its imposing proportions, the Q9 has a wheelbase of 123.5 inches (10.3 feet), making it easily the most spacious Audi ever. Also like the Q7, the Q9 comes with three rows comprising seven seats as standard, though it can be optioned with a six-seat layout that features captain’s chairs. Thanks to the long wheelbase, there’s room for adults to sit comfortably in both rear rows. There’s also up to 87.7 cubic feet of cargo room behind the first row. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/audi-q9-05.webp) The interior includes an 11.9-inch virtual cockpit, a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a 12.3-inch passenger display. *Audi* The opulent cabin is covered in premium materials, such as wood trim, decorative inlays, and leather upholstery, and features a new lighting setup. It also integrates all the tech you’d expect from a high-end vehicle, including an array of screens up front called the Digital Stage, which includes an 11.9-inch virtual cockpit, a 14.5-inch touchscreen for infotainment, and a 12.3-inch passenger display. The infotainment system can be used to cycle between the vehicle’s six driving modes and features the ChatGPT-powered Audi Assistant. An all-new, 22-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system is also available as a premium add-on. The Q9 comes with a 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 that makes 429 hp and 442 ft lbs of torque, which, because it is an Audi, is routed to all four wheels via the company’s trademark Quattro all-wheel-drive system. Despite its considerable size, the Q9 can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. The SQ9, meanwhile, comes with a revised 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 that makes 591 hp and 590 ft lbs of torque. Both engines are exclusive to North America. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/audi-q9-04.webp) The Q9 comes with three rows comprising seven seats as standard, though it can be optioned with a six-seat layout that features captain’s chairs. *Audi* Audi claims the SQ9 can hit 60 mph in 3.9 seconds, a full second faster than its entry-level equivalent. Top speed, meanwhile, comes out to 130 mph for the Q9 and 155 mph for the SQ9. Despite its size and power, the Q9 is intended to offer the agility of a much smaller sedan or wagon due to its adaptive air suspension, which comes standard. “What you don’t want in a big vehicle is a big feeling,” Paladino said. “You’ll see with the driving dynamics of the vehicle, it behaves like you would think of a more nimble Audi.” Audi’s Q9 and SQ9, priced starting at $89,095 and $119,395, respectively, are set to launch in the U.S. during the fourth quarter of this year. ***Click [here](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-all-new-audi-q9-and-sq9-in-photos/) to see more photos of the Audi Q9 and SQ9***. ## FAQs ### What is the Audi Q9? The Audi Q9 is the German automaker’s new flagship full-size SUV. Designed primarily for North America, it offers three-row seating, a spacious luxury cabin, Quattro all-wheel drive, and a 429-hp twin-turbocharged V-6. ### What is the difference between the Audi Q9 and SQ9? The SQ9 is the sportier and more powerful version of the Q9. It features a 591-hp twin-turbocharged V-8, reaches 60 mph in a claimed 3.9 seconds, and adds performance-focused styling, including wider wheel arches and split tailpipes. ### How much do the Audi Q9 and SQ9 cost? The Audi Q9 starts at $89,095, while the higher-performance SQ9 starts at $119,395. Both models are expected to reach U.S. dealerships during the fourth quarter of 2026. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** Audi, News, suv --- ### [Ferrari’s Polarizing Luce EV Has Reportedly Already Sold Out](https://robbreport.ph/cars/ferraris-polarizing-luce-ev-has-reportedly-already-sold-out/) **Published:** August 5, 2026 **Author:** Bryan Hood **Content:** All the grumbling about the [Ferrari Luce ](https://robbreport.ph/cars/ferraris-first-ev-is-finally-here-what-to-know-about-the-1035-hp-4-door-luce/)doesn’t mean it’s destined to be a flop. The automaker has already hit its 2026 sales target for its debut EV, [according to the ](https://www.ft.com/content/11ac28b0-0c82-4d4a-bcb4-0e0dae44cf87)*[Financial Times](https://www.ft.com/content/11ac28b0-0c82-4d4a-bcb4-0e0dae44cf87).* The vehicle’s unorthodox design may be the object of ridicule online, but that doesn’t seem to have scared buyers away—yet. The news comes not from [Ferrari](https://robbreport.ph/tag/ferrari/ "Ferrari") but from sources with knowledge of the matter, who tell the newspaper that the automaker aimed to sell just under 500 examples of its debut [EV ](https://robbreport.ph/cars/)in its first year on the market. That target is said to have been reached earlier this month, just two months after it was unveiled to the public. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Ferrari-Luce-1a.webp) *Ferrari S.p.A.* The first Prancing Horse without a snarling internal combustion was always going to be controversial, but it’s unlikely that even Ferrari expected the backlash to be so fierce. The vehicle’s unique look, courtesy of former Apple design chief Jony Ive, has proven to be especially polarizing, with some [comparing the vehicle unfavorably](https://www.motor1.com/news/797256/nissan-flattered-leaf-ferrari-luce-comparisons/) to the $30,000 Nissan Leaf. In the wake of the reveal, Ferrari’s stock price dipped, its former boss, Luca di Montezemolo, called for the Luce to be [stripped of its badge](https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/critics-give-ferrari-luce-ev-cool-response-shares-fall-2026-05-26/), and Lamborghini’s CEO coincidentally felt the need to say he [felt good about his company’s decision](https://robbreport.ph/cars/ferraris-chief-marketing-officer-has-stepped-down-amid-backlash-from-the-marques-first-ev/) to cancel its first EV. Eyebrows were also raised last month when Ferrari’s marketing head [left his position](https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/ferrari-marketing-boss-leaves-luce-ev-1238400358/) after 16 years with the brand. We know around 500 units may not sound like that many Luces, but it’s important to remember that Ferrari isn’t like other car makers. Companies like Toyota, Volkswagen Group, and General Motors may sell millions of cars per year, but the sports car maker sold just 13,640 vehicles in 2025. That is by design, as each Prancing Horse is meant to be a work of mechanical art with the six- to seven-figure price tag to match. The Luce, for example, will start at 550,000 euros, or roughly $633,000. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Ferrari-Luce-7_0c2fff.webp) The Luce’s unorthodox look comes courtesy of former Apple design boss Jony Ive. *Ferrari S.p.A.* The figure cited by *FT* also isn’t far off from what Ferrari expected the Luce to sell before the fuss caused by its debut. Ferrari has reportedly set a target of selling 2,500 Luces by 2030, which works out to about 600 EVs per year. Production of vehicles, especially much-hyped premium models, takes some time to ramp up too, so that number still is still in play. ## FAQs ### Has the Ferrari Luce met its 2026 sales target? The Ferrari Luce has reportedly reached its first-year sales target of just under 500 vehicles. The figure comes from sources cited by the *Financial Times* rather than an official Ferrari announcement. ### How many Ferrari Luce EVs does Ferrari plan to sell? Ferrari reportedly aims to sell around 2,500 Luce EVs by 2030, equivalent to roughly 600 vehicles per year once production gathers pace. ### How much will the Ferrari Luce cost? The Ferrari Luce is expected to start at €550,000, or approximately $633,000, placing it firmly within the marque’s six-figure luxury segment. ### Why has the Ferrari Luce received criticism? The Luce has divided opinion because of its unconventional styling, designed with input from former Apple design chief Jony Ive. Some online critics have compared its appearance unfavorably with less expensive mainstream EVs. ### When was the Ferrari Luce unveiled? Ferrari unveiled the Luce to the public in 2026. Reports suggest it reached its initial sales target about two months after its debut. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** Ferrari, Ferrari Luce, News --- ### [Ferrari's Next Move: From Roma to Amalfi](https://robbreport.ph/cars/ferraris-next-move-from-roma-to-amalfi/) **Published:** August 20, 2026 **Author:** Carl Cunanan **Content:** There are a couple of different ways to look at the new [Ferrari Amalfi](https://robbreport.ph/cars/ferraris-new-amalfi-spider-supercar-is-a-drop-top-stunner/ "Ferrari’s New Amalfi Spider Supercar Is a Drop-Top Stunner"). I’m going to look at it through the lens of its name. It is the successor to the Ferrari Roma, and in a way, that describes the difference between the two cars, even though they belong to the same family. Both are part of Ferrari’s front-engine, rear-wheel-drive grand touring expression of the Prancing Horse. When the Roma was introduced, it felt in many ways like a more modern, more urban vehicle. That had its pluses and minuses. One of the things that arguably made it more of a city Ferrari was its use of touchscreens instead of buttons and knobs, making it a little less tactile while remaining perfectly usable. The [Amalfi](https://www.ferrari.com/en-EN/auto/ferrari-amalfi), however, moves back toward the idea of these [GT cars](https://robbreport.ph/cars/) crossing the countryside or running along the sea in a more romantic way. Even its interpretation of the interior reflects that shift. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/20260309_INT_B_02_verde_rev2.webp) The Ferrari Amalfi’s cabin features a monolithic dashboard layout, an anodized aluminum tunnel, and tactile controls that bring a more engaging feel to modern grand touring. *Ferrari* Perhaps Ferrari’s tradition of using place names for its GT models is more meaningful than it first appears, or perhaps it’s simply coincidence. These GT-oriented models stand apart from Ferrari’s mid-engine sports cars. They are designed for comfortable, romantic long-distance touring with everyday usability while still delivering the Ferrari feel, sound, power delivery, and voice. The Amalfi is powered by an updated 3.9-liter twin-turbocharged V8 from Ferrari’s F154 family. It produces 631 horsepower, a slight increase over the Roma, while maintaining the same level of torque delivery. The engine has a slightly higher 7,600-rpm redline and uses revised turbochargers that spin up to 171,000 rpm. An eight-speed dual-clutch transmission sends that power to the rear wheels, bringing the car from zero to 100 kilometers an hour in around 3.3 seconds. Equally important is what Ferrari allows the engine to do, and that is handled by the engine control unit. The Amalfi now uses the same unit found in Ferrari’s V12-powered cars, such as the front-engine 12Cilindri and the Purosangue, as well as the mid-engine V6 turbo hybrid 296 GTB. Further technical improvements come in the chassis and dynamic technologies, which are also a step up from the Roma. Brake-by-wire is paired with an evolved ABS Evo setup, already used in the just-mentioned models but adapted specifically for the Amalfi, together with Side Slip Control 6.1, which offers better coordination with the suspension and torque distribution. What we’re seeing here is a higher level of performance and dynamism incorporated into a more relaxed GT car. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/20260303_Shot_06_REV6_MERGE_AI_16_9.webp) *Ferrari* The interior is where many feel Ferrari has gotten things right. There is a clear attempt to give both driver and passenger the feeling of being wrapped in Ferrari-ness. The driver gets what Ferrari calls a monolithic layout, with the instrument cluster and air vents integrated into a single design. The passenger enjoys a similar experience, with a screen positioned between the two occupants but mounted low enough that it thankfully doesn’t demand too much attention. A central tunnel, milled from a block of anodized aluminum, sits between the seats and houses the gear selector gate, the key slot, and, yes, a wireless charging pad for your phone. Ferrari has also made an effort to make everything more tactile and, therefore, more emotional, including physical buttons on the steering wheel and a classic titanium red engine start button. A drop-top version, the Amalfi Spider, was unveiled this year. > “GT cars like the Amalfi, and the Roma before it, are in many ways the best Ferraris for most people.” GT cars like the Amalfi, and the Roma before it, are in many ways the best Ferraris for most people. They offer relative everyday usability while still delivering a full expression of the Ferrari soul. There is beauty and elegance, but without the single-minded performance, track focus, and accompanying rigidity of the mid-engine supercars. While many see these cars as an entry point into the Ferrari and supercar world, the opposite is often true. People are drawn in by Ferrari’s racing heritage and the cutting-edge technologies of its mid-engine supercars. Then, because of the desire for greater comfort and enjoyment on a more regular basis, they gravitate toward the front-engine GT cars. They provide the Ferrari experience while making it easier to enjoy more often. Even the customization options lean more toward grand touring than lap times. Buyers can choose 10-air-chamber massage seats with five massage programs and three intensity levels, seat and backrest ventilation, and upgraded audio systems. Whether or not you want all that in the Spider is entirely up to you. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/FerrariNew_green_16_9_HERO_3.webp) *Ferrari* What the Amalfi still has is that romantic Ferrari drive-up presence, especially with the long hood that characterizes Ferrari’s front-engine layouts. A strong character line wraps around the entire body and ends in a compact, clean tail, with taillights concealed within narrow cuts. It also features active aerodynamics, including an active rear wing with drive-mode-dependent settings that deploys when needed. The car debuted in a signature new color called Verde Costiera, a bright teal that looks perfectly suited to driving along the Amalfi Coast. It may feel more mature than bright red or yellow, but it also highlights the sculpted surfaces of the car’s body. As Ferrari has long said, it will build a Ferrari for every Ferraristi, one tailored to what each individual wants from the Prancing Horse. This is likely the Ferrari that many of those owners will be happiest with, even if it ends up sharing garage space with some of their other toys. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report Philippines’ [Muse Issue, July 2026](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-july-2026-the-muse-issue/).* ## FAQs ### What is the Ferrari Amalfi? The Ferrari Amalfi is a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive grand tourer that succeeds the Roma, combining everyday usability with Ferrari performance and long-distance comfort. ### How much power does the Ferrari Amalfi make? Its updated 3.9-liter twin-turbocharged V8 produces 631 horsepower and is paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. ### How fast is the Ferrari Amalfi? Ferrari says the Amalfi can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in around 3.3 seconds. ### How is the Ferrari Amalfi different from the Roma? The Amalfi adds more power, updated chassis and braking technology, revised aerodynamics, and a more tactile interior with physical steering-wheel controls and a titanium engine-start button. ### Is there a Ferrari Amalfi Spider? Yes. Ferrari has also introduced an open-top Amalfi Spider, giving buyers a convertible version of its latest front-engine grand tourer. **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** Feature, Ferrari, ferrari amalfi, Roma --- ### [The 2010 Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670-4 SV Manual in Photos](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-2010-lamborghini-murcielago-lp-670-4-sv-manual-in-photos/) **Published:** August 27, 2026 **Author:** Bryan Hood **Content:** The Lamborghini Murciélago believed to be the marque’s final V-12 with a manual is headed to auction. To find out more about the [supercar](https://robbreport.ph/cars/), check out the [full story here](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-lamborghini-murcielago-believed-to-be-the-marques-last-v-12-stick-shift-is-headed-to-auction/). ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2010-lamborghini-murcielago-lp-670-4-sv-01.webp) The 2010 Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670-4 SV *Alex Penfold/RM Sotheby’s* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2010-lamborghini-murcielago-lp-670-4-sv-02.webp) 2010 Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670-4 SV *Alex Penfold/RM Sotheby’s* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2010-lamborghini-murcielago-lp-670-4-sv-05.webp) 2010 Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670-4 SV *Alex Penfold/RM Sotheby’s* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2010-lamborghini-murcielago-lp-670-4-sv-06.webp) This example s one of only five to feature a six-speed manual *Alex Penfold/RM Sotheby’s* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2010-lamborghini-murcielago-lp-670-4-sv-04.webp) The vehicle’s 6.2-liter V-12 makes 670 hp and 487 ft lbs of torque *Alex Penfold/RM Sotheby’s* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2010-lamborghini-murcielago-lp-670-4-sv-03.webp) The 2010 Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670-4 SV is finished in Ad Personam Marrone Eklipsis *Alex Penfold/RM Sotheby’s* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** lamborghini, Murciélago, News, rm sotheby;s --- ### [Road Test: The 1,036 HP Ferrari 849 Testarossa Spider Delivers Brutal Speed and Brutalist Styling](https://robbreport.ph/cars/road-test-the-1036-hp-ferrari-849-testarossa-spider-delivers-brutal-speed-and-brutalist-styling/) **Published:** August 28, 2026 **Author:** Basem Wasef **Content:** [Ferrari](https://robbreport.ph/tag/ferrari/)’s first road car to break 1,000 metric horsepower was the SF90, an inflection point that shifted the conversation from supercar intangibles to cold, hard numbers. The divisive SF90 eventually passed the baton to the [849 Testarossa](https://robbreport.ph/cars/test-drive-ferraris-849-testarossa-shows-the-new-redhead-is-more-than-just-an-80s-throwback/ "849 testarossa"), a [hybrid flagship](https://robbreport.ph/cars/) flaunting a dramatic new design language and modest power gains. Though marketed as Ferrari’s flagship, the 849 is technically not the top dog in the marque’s lineup. That responsibility is carried by the F80, a limited-production range-topper that starts at $3.9 million. Yes, the hybrid 849 still produces outrageous power via a turbocharged V-8 and three electric motors, but the package is now wrapped in angular forms that look like a chip off the ol’ F80 block. The dramatic restyling makes it feel miles apart from the more typical looking SF90, both in relative and absolute terms. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Ferrari-849-Testarossa-Spider-1.webp) The Ferrari 849 Testarossa Spider. *Ferrari S.p.A.* The new open-air 849 Testarossa Spider version brings a folding aluminum top that deploys in 14 seconds at a penalty of 199 pounds. Despite incorporating upgraded components that would have yielded a net gain of 44 pounds, lightweighting makes the 849 essentially identical in mass to its predecessor. To better understand Ferrari’s new droptop, we piloted it up the Mount Teide volcano on the Spanish island of Tenerife, a fittingly dramatic backdrop for the alfresco version of one of the most talked about [supercars](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-50-greatest-sports-cars-of-the-21st-century/ "The 50 Greatest Sports Cars of the 21st Century") of 2026. ## **Desig**n While the SF90 was characterized by angular curves and vented accents, the 849 Testarossa is planar, pointy and, here’s the interesting aspect, even blocky in parts. The Spider version was designed alongside the coupé, and it shows: the folding hardtop fits perfectly against the rear haunches and stows under a beautifully curved panel. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Ferrari-849-Testarossa-Spider-2.webp) The 849 Testarossa Spider’s dramatic restyling makes it feel miles apart from the more typical looking SF90 predecessor, both in relative and absolute terms. *Ferrari S.p.A.* Up front, the delicately tapered nose hints at two of Maranello’s greatest hits from the 1980s, the 512 BBi and the Testarossa. Eighties-era memories are all but forgotten as you move rearward; beyond the A-pillar, the door panels become more flat between two subtly tapered edges, the upward surface merging with air intakes and the lower area meeting with tapered rocker panels. Air intakes interrupt the visual flow with unexpectedly straight vertical bands, which give way to subtly flared rear haunches. In the initially released press photos, the rear presents a dramatic flared tail that emerges from swollen fenders and resolves with twin flaps, reminiscent of sensual 1960s-era Ferrari race cars like the 330 P3. When viewed in person, however, the midsection and backside can look slabby, flat, and abrupt from certain angles. The rear view resolves nicely with two tidily tucked exhaust tips and artfully sculpted surfacing. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Ferrari-849-Testarossa-Spider-8.webp) The 849 Testarossa offers a refreshing design that is just as strong, if not even more intriguing, in its open-air configuration. *Ferrari S.p.A.* Inside is a curious combination of a hyper-styled aesthetic and minimalism. The driver’s seat is symbolically cordoned off from the passenger via a so-called tunnel wing, a design clearly intended to imply a pilot-like focus on the driver. In reality, it feels less intrusive than it could have, offering a more graceful spatial environment than that found in the [Corvette](https://robbreport.ph/tag/corvette/ "corvette") C8’s execution. The 849 driver faces a revised steering wheel that thankfully brings back the mechanical engine start/stop button, but retains a haptic hybrid-mode selector that requires tapping the bottom of the wheel and then selecting the illuminated setting. At least this distracting arrangement is countered by physical switches, such as the manettino dial and various secondary controls. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Ferrari-849-Testarossa-Spider-3.webp) The cockpit is a curious combination of a hyper-styled aesthetic and minimalism. *Ferrari S.p.A.* Another well-intentioned but flawed execution comes from the reliance on a single digital instrument screen. The lack of a secondary screen means everything gets displayed on the instrument panel—Apple CarPlay, the navigation display, you name it—which means you’ll need to ditch that traditional big Ferrari tachometer graphic in order to know where you’re going or view select apps, which is a shame. At least the HVAC system has separate controls that interfere minimally with the display. While the SF90 combined more conventional styling cues with a modern design language that departed from the organic, flowing shapes that typified Ferrari’s Pininfarina era, the 849 brings a bolder look, stepping away from a harmonious crowd-pleasing silhouette to a more avant-garde, iconoclastic form. Think less Zaha Hadid streamlined and more Frank Lloyd Wright monolith. In person, the 849 looks sleek and eye-opening, like a postmodern kinetic sculpture. While the debut of [Ferrari’s first-ever EV](https://robbreport.ph/tag/ferrari-luce/ "Ferrari Luce") triggered an avalanche of negative feedback, the 849 Testarossa Spider nudges the brand’s needle forward in a positive way, offering a refreshing design that is just as strong, if not even more intriguing, in its open-air configuration. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Ferrari-849-Testarossa-Spider-4.webp) The new droptop hits 62 mph from a standstill in 2.3 seconds. *Ferrari S.p.A.* ## **Power Train and Hardware** The 849 Testarossa benefits from a new, larger turbocharger and a series of upgraded engine components that boost system output to 1,036 hp. The 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 mates with three electric motors (one at the rear and two in front) fed by a 7.45 kWh battery, which allows the 849 Testarossa Spider to cover 15 miles of electric-only driving before the big fuel-burning engine kicks in. While the higher output makes for incrementally improved bragging rights, the 849’s more palpable advantages are subtler but unlock more speed. Styling isn’t the only thing trickled down from the F80; the FIVE system (short for Ferrari Integrated Vehicle Estimator) works proactively instead of reactively by evaluating data from the six-axis sensor and, using precise slip angle and speed measurements, anticipating driving dynamics to manage traction control, electronic differential, and front/rear power delivery. New EVO brakes are derived from the track-focused SF90 XX for stronger stops. Numerous other small improvements combine to make the 849 more refined than its predecessor. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Ferrari-849-Testarossa-Spider-5.webp) The 1,036 hp output comes from the combination of a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 mated with three electric motors (one at the rear and two in front) fed by a 7.45 kWh battery. *Ferrari S.p.A.* ## **Performance** Right off the bat, pressing a mechanical engine start button feels more special than touching a virtual one. Advantage: 849. From there, driving the 849 Testarossa Spider feels special and intuitive, from the tap of the large carbon-fiber paddle shifters to the mechanical feel of the manettino dial. Some ergonomic shortcomings remain, such as the fact that its precious screen real estate can’t display Ferrari’s iconic tachometer and a GPS screen simultaneously. Noise regulations have also forced a bit of engineering creativity: when the manettino is dialed to Sport, Race, CT Off, or ESC Off and the exhaust note becomes louder. The cabin sound is enhanced using technology that senses intake pressure and creates a corresponding engine sound routed through the speakers. While we’d prefer our engine sounds organic, we also couldn’t imagine a hushed Ferrari. That said, there’s nothing fake about the way the 849 Testarossa Spider makes you feel. Even at low speeds, the flat-crank V-8 feels alive and brimming with 8,300 rpm of possibility. When the sonorous internal-combustion engine kicks in, it reminds you why you fell in love with cars in the first place. The 849’s light steering accurately dispatches the road’s surface texture below, and outward visibility feels all the more immersive when the hardtop is stowed and the rear window dropped, enabling infinite upward headroom and better access to the mechanical acoustics coming from the engine bay. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Ferrari-849-Testarossa-Spider-6.webp) Even at low speeds, the model variant’s flat-crank V-8 feels alive and brimming with 8,300 rpm of possibility. *Ferrari S.p.A.* The 849’s performance numbers aren’t far off its predecessor’s lofty figures. The new droptop hits 62 mph in 2.3 seconds, a scant .05 seconds quicker than the SF90 Spider. One lap of the Fiorano circuit is completed 1.5 seconds sooner than before. There’s a breathtaking rush of power when accelerating hard, and a seemingly relentless ability to accumulate forward momentum while the dual-clutch eight-speed transmission whizzes through the gears. In more aggressive settings, shifts can get a bit abrupt, but the gearbox’s general demeanor is that of quick-shifting capability that plays nicely with the hybrid power train. Crank it up to Qualify mode—to unleash the full power of the EV components—and the 849 launches forward with rocket-like thrust. The 849 feels incrementally smoother and more confidence inspiring than its predecessor when driven in anger, thanks to drivetrain and suspension improvements. Grip is phenomenal, as are the electric motors These differences are subtle but important distinctions that bolster the 849 as a more refined follow-up to the SF90. The cabriolet aspect brings even more inspiration to spirited driving; especially on the stunning road up the Teide volcano with the wind in your hair, sun on your skin, and sound of the turbocharged V-8 echoing off the nearby rocks. Your local neighborhood drive may not be as epic, but regardless of locale, the 849 Testarossa Spider does deliver on the promise of feeling every bit a Ferrari: lively, engaging, and nearly as exciting to witness passing by as it is to drive. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Ferrari-849-Testarossa-Spider-7.webp) There’s a breathtaking rush of power when accelerating hard, and a seemingly relentless ability to accumulate forward momentum. *Ferrari S.p.A.* ## **Is It Worth It?** During this time when Porsche’s GT models demand significant premiums over sticker price, and virtually every desirable nameplate is breaking new price barriers, the 849 Testarossa Spider, which starts at $577,000, will likely face greater customer demand than Ferrari’s assembly lines can satisfy. ## **Specifications** **Vehicle Type** Hybrid two-seat sports car **In Production Since** 2026 **Power Train** - Twin-Turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 - 7.45 kWh lithium-ion battery - Three electric motors (1 rear, 2 front) - Output: 819 hp (V-8), 217 hp (EV motors); 1,036 hp total **Performanc**e - 0-62 mph: 2.3 seconds - Top speed > 205 mph **Price as Tested** $630,000 (est.) ***Click [here](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-ferrari-849-testarossa-spider-in-photos/) for more photos of the Ferrari 849 Testarossa Spider.*** *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* ## FAQs ### How much power does the Ferrari 849 Testarossa Spider make? The 849 Testarossa Spider produces 1,036 hp from a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 paired with three electric motors and a 7.45 kWh battery. ### How fast is the Ferrari 849 Testarossa Spider? Ferrari’s new hybrid convertible can accelerate from zero to 62 mph in 2.3 seconds and has a top speed of more than 205 mph. ### What engine does the Ferrari 849 Testarossa Spider use? It uses a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 assisted by three electric motors, with two motors at the front and one at the rear. ### How is the Ferrari 849 Testarossa Spider different from the SF90 Spider? The 849 brings more power, revised styling, upgraded brakes, Ferrari’s FIVE vehicle-control system, and improved drivetrain and suspension tuning that make it smoother and more confidence inspiring. ### How much does the Ferrari 849 Testarossa Spider cost? The Ferrari 849 Testarossa Spider starts at $577,000, while the tested example was estimated at $630,000. **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** Convertible, Ferrari, Review, supercars --- ### [The Lexus IS Special Appearance Package in Photos](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-lexus-is-special-appearance-package-in-photos/) **Published:** September 2, 2026 **Author:** Nicole Hoey **Content:** The company has revived its [sports sedan](https://robbreport.ph/cars/) in a stunning green. [Click here to read the full story.](https://robbreport.ph/cars/lexus-is-500-ultimate-edition/) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/lexus-is-special-appearance-package-front.webp) The new 2027 Lexus IS Special Appearance Package. *Lexus* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/lexus-is-special-appearance-package-profile.webp) The new model is based on the IS 350 F Sport. *Lexus* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/lexus-is-special-appearance-package-side.webp) The model’s side profile. *Lexus* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/lexus-is-special-appearance-package-back.webp) The rear. *Lexus* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/lexus-is-special-appearance-package-wheel.webp) The 19-inch black BSS forged alloy wheels. *Lexus* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/lexus-is-special-appearance-package-interior.webp) The interior. *Lexus* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/lexus-is-special-appearance-package-seat-detail.webp) Green stitching adorns the NuLuxe-trimmed seats. *Lexus* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** lexus, News, sedans --- ### [The 10 Best Cars in Lando Norris’s Multimillion-Dollar Collection](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-10-best-cars-in-lando-norriss-multimillion-dollar-collection/) **Published:** September 4, 2026 **Author:** Erik Shilling **Content:** Formula 1 drivers are, not surprisingly, often avid car collectors themselves, and reigning F1 Drivers’ Champion Lando Norris is no different. The British driver has amassed over a dozen [cars](https://robbreport.ph/cars/), old and new, and that is only counting the ones that he currently owns. Many of Norris’s personal cars are [McLarens](https://robbreport.ph/cars/8-fascinating-facts-you-never-knew-about-mclaren/), of course, since he races for McLaren and [F1](https://robbreport.ph/tag/f1/) drivers are often gifted vehicles from their race team in exchange for a job well done on the track. His racing feats include 13 wins, and his championship last season has also raised the profile of McLaren, making it a mutually beneficial relationship. F1 drivers spend some of their winnings on cars, too, of course, though many of them can have surprisingly indifferent tastes when it comes to wheels off the track. Four-time F1 champion Sebastian Vettel, for example, prefers mass transit for his travel needs, while Carlos Sainz for many years was famously happy with just one car: a 2012 Volkswagen Golf GTI gifted to him on his 18th birthday. Norris’s collection, meanwhile, is more typical of race car driver. He likes supercars, primarily, with a couple classics and an off-roader or two thrown in as well. Early in his career at McLaren, which he joined in 2019, he had a McLaren 720S and 570S, starter cars for what would become a much more significant assemblage of McLarens. Most endearingly, Norris also owned a [Fiat 500 Jolly replica](https://www.topgear.com/car-news/retro/you-could-own-lando-norriss-fiat-500-jolly)—a beach car that he daily drove because it was tiny enough for the streets of Monaco and almost certainly a blast behind the wheel. That car also seemed to fit his puppy-like personality, which has also been changing over the years into the sheer determination required of a Formula 1 champion. Here are the best cars from his collection. ## Shelby Cobra 427 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/RR20260901_Lando_Norris_Collection_10_Best_Shelby_Cobra_427.webp) *Shelby* Norris rolled up to the 2024 British Grand Prix in a 1965 Shelby Cobra 427 that had been previously imported to the U.K. Purchased by the F1 star in 2023, he later sold it but not before putting the sports car—powered by a 7.0-liter, naturally aspirated V-8 making 425 horsepower—through its paces. “There’s maybe a couple that I’m like, I just have to,” Norris has said. “My Cobra, for instance. I was like, I need to drive a Cobra. And I drove it into Silverstone and I was like, yeah, this is the coolest. It is the loudest thing in the world.” ## McLaren P1 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/RR20260901_Lando_Norris_Collection_10_Best_McLaren_P1.webp) *McLaren* The hybrid P1 makes 727 horsepower from its 3.8-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine, combined with 176 horsepower from its single electric motor, pushing the combined number to 903 horsepower in a setup inspired by modern F1 cars. Norris’s P1 has a custom paint job as well, almost all black, including the badge. Just 375 P1s were built, making this car valuable and quite rare. Last year, Norris drove it to Silverstone before winning the British Grand Prix. ## Land Rover Defender 90 Restomod ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/RR20260901_Lando_Norris_Collection_10_Best_Land_Rover_Defender_90.webp) *Land Rover* A firm called Retro Automotive rebuilt this Defender 90 for Norris and he took delivery in 2024. Its most notable feature, like the Fiat 500 Jolly, is the lack of a hardtop roof, or, in the Defender 90’s case, any roof at all. Norris’s iteration is painted in a version of Nardo Grey and lives at his home in Monaco, which often has weather good enough for roofless driving. The sound system was also upgraded but, otherwise, the Defender 90 is almost as spare as the original. ## Ferrari F40 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/RR20260901_Lando_Norris_Collection_10_Best_Ferrari_F40.webp) *Ferrari* The F40 is definitely one of the five or six best[ sports cars ever made](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-50-greatest-sports-cars-of-the-21st-century/), and probably among the best two or three best sports cars ever made—and possibly even the best, period. Powered by a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V-8 making 471 horsepower, the model was launched in 1987, becoming an instant classic and, eventually, a genuine classic. Norris’s is estimated to be worth $2.5 million, and was crashed by a friend in 2025. “I wasn’t happy at all,” [Norris said](https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/lando-norris-gives-update-on-ferrari-f40-after-viral-monaco-crash/10726168/). ## McLaren Senna ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/RR20260901_Lando_Norris_Collection_10_Best_McLaren_Senna.webp) *McLaren* Norris added the Senna to his collection in 2023, another all-black, limited-edition supercar with power to spare. In the Senna’s case, that means a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 making 789 horsepower. The driver sold the car in 2025, and it appeared in June at a concours event in London, one of just 500 Sennas McLaren produced. Norris sold the car after winning the F1 title, signing his name in gold on the car, along with “#1.” ## Lamborghini Miura P400 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/RR20260901_Lando_Norris_Collection_10_Best_Lamborghini_Miura_P400.webp) *Lamborghini* Another sports car classic, the Miura is often said to be the most beautiful car ever made, in the same conversation with cars like the Jaguar E-Type. Norris bought his in 2023 [as a “proper gift” to himself](https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/lando-norris-reveals-the-2million-car-hes-most-proud-to-own-proper-gift-to-myself/10752242/). One of only 762 ever made, the Miura P400 is powered by a 3.9-liter, naturally-aspirated V-12 making 345 horsepower. It’s thought to be worth over $2 million, and likely as much as the F40. Norris has also called the Miura his favorite. ## McLaren GT ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/RR20260901_Lando_Norris_Collection_10_Best_McLaren_GT.webp) *McLaren* Norris acquired his GT not long after the supercar launched in 2019, when it could be had new for around $200,000. This model is slightly less impressive than the other McLarens in Norris’s collection, sporting a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 making only 612 horsepower. It might, however, carry some sentimental value for Norris, having been launched the same year Norris started his F1 career with the team. ## Porsche Carrera GT ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/RR20260901_Lando_Norris_Collection_10_Best_Porsche_Carrera_GT.webp) *Porsche* Norris added the [Carrera GT ](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/test3.webp)to his collection fairly recently, a dark-green example that churns out 603 horsepower from its 5.7-liter, naturally aspirated V-10 engine. A modern classic, Carrera GTs were produced from 2003 until 2006, with only 1,270 made. Many consider it one of the finest Porsches of the last 50 years, a mid-engine sports car that was extraordinarily advanced for its time, while retaining the manual transmission and driving dynamics of cars of an older era. ## Liberty Walk Nissan Skyline GT-R (R32) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/RR20260901_Lando_Norris_Collection_10_Best_Nissan_Skyline_GT_R_R32.webp) *Nissan* One of the newest cars in his collection and first shown last year, the R32 Nissan Skyline GT-R was made in collaboration with Liberty Walk. Last year, Norris drove it to the Japanese Grand Prix. R32 Skylines were built from 1989 until 1994; the models are famous for their legendary engines, racing dominance, and, later, extensive customization by owners. Norris’s is powered by a twin-turbo inline-6 tuned to make 500 horsepower. At the Japanese Grand Prix, the F1 driver said the car had nothing to do with McLaren or F1, really, he’s just a guy who loves cars. ## McLaren 765LT Spider ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/RR20260901_Lando_Norris_Collection_10_Best_McLaren_765LT_Spider.webp) *McLaren* The [765LT Spider](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-7-mclarens-powered-by-the-marques-legendary-v-8-ranked/) is one of just 765 such cars made by McLaren. Norris customized his personally, including Gloss Blue Tint Visual Carbon Fibre paint on the exterior, “Lando Yellow” brake calipers, and black wheels. The car is powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine making 755 horsepower and was built with help from McLaren Special Operations, its custom division. “I’ve been able to drive a lot of different McLarens,” Norris [said of the car](https://www.mclaren.com/cars/br_pt/post/landos-new-765lt-spider), “but this is the first car that I’ve designed; this is me in a car.” *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* ## FAQs ### What cars are in Lando Norris’s collection? Norris’s collection has included cars such as the McLaren P1, Ferrari F40, Lamborghini Miura P400, Porsche Carrera GT, McLaren 765LT Spider, and a Liberty Walk Nissan Skyline GT-R. ### What is Lando Norris’s favorite car? Norris has called his Lamborghini Miura P400 his favorite. He bought the classic in 2023 as a gift to himself. ### How many McLarens has Lando Norris owned? Norris has owned several McLarens over the years, including the 720S, 570S, P1, Senna, GT, and 765LT Spider. ### Does Lando Norris own a Ferrari F40? Yes. Norris owns a Ferrari F40 estimated to be worth around $2.5 million. The car was involved in a crash while being driven by a friend in 2025. ### What is special about Lando Norris’s McLaren 765LT Spider? His 765LT Spider was personalized through McLaren Special Operations with Gloss Blue Tint Visual Carbon Fibre, “Lando Yellow” brake calipers, and black wheels. **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** Evergreen, F1 Italy Grand Prix, formula 1 --- ### [Lexus Has Brought Back the IS Sedan as Stunning Green Limited-Edition](https://robbreport.ph/cars/lexus-is-500-ultimate-edition/) **Published:** September 2, 2026 **Author:** Nicole Hoey **Content:** Guess who’s back—well, kind of. [Lexus](https://robbreport.ph/tag/lexus/) has brought back its IS [sport sedan](https://robbreport.ph/cars/) in a stunning green—though only for a limited-edition run in the North American market. Rumors initially swirled last year that the IS 500 Ultimate Edition would be the last IS launched in the continent, but the brand put an end to that debate with this new launch. The model is based on the IS 350 F Sport platform and, as we mentioned, is done up in a new green shade called Envious. That hue makes its way into the cabin as well: The shade pops up in green stitching on the black NuLuxe-trimmed seats, which come with Ultrasuede inserts. The interior also has a satin chrome-finished trim throughout. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/lexus-is-special-appearance-package-front.webp) The new 2027 Lexus IS Special Appearance Package. *Lexus* In addition to that seating, the sport sedan will offer up some exclusive features that differentiate it from other 2027 IS models. It comes equipped with a handling package that includes a sport-tuned adaptive variable suspension and five drive modes (ECO, Normal, Sport S, Sport S+, and Custom). The technology package, meanwhile, has the capability to assist with both traffic jams and lane changes, as well as a front cross-traffic alert. Other details include a panoramic view monitor, a moonroof, intuitive parking assist, and triple beam headlamps. It’ll cruise on 19-inch black BSS forged alloy wheels, too. Besides all that, the new Lexus offers up the same stats as its 2027 IS siblings. That means you can expect its power to come from a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V-6 engine, which churns out 311 hp and 280 ft lbs of torque. Plus, you can opt for a rear-wheel-drive model (the Special Appearance LS does offer up a Torsen limited-slip rear differential, too), mated to a standard eight-speed automatic transmission, or an all-wheel-drive variant, paired alongside a six-speed automatic transmission. Lexus has been mum on pricing for the new 2027 Lexus IS Special Appearance Package, though you can probably expect a higher cost than the 2026 IS 350 F Sport’s $49,345 starting price. The model is set to head to dealerships later this year. If you’re interested, you better move fast: Only 350 of these green beauties will be up for grabs in North America. ***Click [here ](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-lexus-is-special-appearance-package-in-photos/)to see more of the Lexus IS Special Appearance Package.*** *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* ## FAQs ### What is the 2027 Lexus IS Special Appearance Package? It is a limited-edition version of the Lexus IS 350 F Sport featuring exclusive styling, upgraded handling equipment, and additional driver-assistance technology. ### What color is the limited-edition 2027 Lexus IS? The model is finished in a new green paint called Envious, with matching green stitching inside the cabin. ### How much power does the 2027 Lexus IS Special Appearance Package make? Its naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V-6 produces 311 hp and 280 ft lbs of torque. ### What performance features come with the limited-edition Lexus IS? The car includes a sport-tuned adaptive variable suspension, five drive modes, 19-inch forged alloy wheels, and, on the rear-wheel-drive version, a Torsen limited-slip differential. ### How many 2027 Lexus IS Special Appearance models will be made? Lexus will produce just 350 examples for the North American market. **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** lexus, News, sedans --- ### [Lewis Hamilton Bought His Dream Car, the Iconic Ferrari F40](https://robbreport.ph/cars/lewis-hamilton-bought-his-dream-car-the-iconic-ferrari-f40/) **Published:** September 9, 2026 **Author:** Jeremy Repanich **Content:** [Lewis Hamilton](https://robbreport.ph/tag/lewis-hamilton/) says he has largely sold off his car collection of late, but he was willing to make an exception for his [dream car](https://robbreport.ph/cars/). The seven-time [Formula 1](https://robbreport.ph/tag/formula-1/) world champion arrived at this year’s Italian Grand Prix in ultimate style, driving up in his recently acquired, pristine 1987 [Ferrari](https://robbreport.com/tag/ferrari/) F40. It’s a car he’s been pursuing for years, hoping to track down the perfect example among the 1,315 that rolled off the line before its production ended in 1991. His pursuit led him to a car that had sat dormant in a garage for 30 years. “I wanted to find the most authentic one and managed to come across this one that the owner had bought it, drove it from Maranello to his home, 69 kilometres, and then parked it and never started it again,” Hamilton told Sky Sports Italia. “The passenger door had never been opened, you know. It just had this cover on it and all this dust.” Once he acquired the example, he turned to his current employer to get it back in shape. “These cars are works of art and incredibly rare, so when I found this one, covered in dust after being sat in a garage for over 30 years, I knew I had to bring her home,” Hamilton wrote on Instagram earlier this week. “First to Maranello, where the master engineers and mechanics at the factory worked for weeks to bring her back to life.” It turns out it may have been fate that the champ found this particular example, as those engineers recommissioned the vehicle, they found an engine marked with 44, Hamilton’s own number that has adorned his livery across his career. Hamilton is certainly not alone in this particular model—the last one Enzo Ferrari sign off on before his passing in 1988—being his dream car. When we released our rankings of the [50 Greatest Ferraris of All Time](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-50-greatest-ferraris-of-all-time-ranked/) earlier this year, the F40 topped the list. And the F40 has long been not just a coveted car for Hamilton, but also an inspiration to design his very own Ferrari. “One of the things I really want to do is I want to design a Ferrari. I want to do an F44,” he said last year. “Baseline of an F40, with the actual stick shift. That’s what I’m gonna work on for the next few years.” Now that he has his coveted F40 with him, Hamilton and Ferrari fans hope the next dream to become a reality would be him winning the Italian Grand Prix this weekend. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* ## FAQs ### What Ferrari did Lewis Hamilton buy? Lewis Hamilton acquired a 1987 Ferrari F40, one of the most celebrated supercars ever built by the Italian marque. ### Why is Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari F40 so rare? Hamilton’s F40 had been driven just 69 kilometers before its original owner parked it for roughly 30 years. According to Hamilton, even the passenger door had never been opened. ### How did Lewis Hamilton restore his Ferrari F40? After buying the car, Hamilton sent it to Ferrari’s factory in Maranello, where engineers and mechanics spent weeks recommissioning it and bringing it back to running condition. ### What was unusual about the engine in Hamilton’s Ferrari F40? During the restoration, Ferrari’s engineers reportedly discovered that the engine was marked with the number 44, the same racing number Hamilton has used throughout his Formula 1 career. ### Why is the Ferrari F40 important to Lewis Hamilton? Hamilton has described the F40 as a dream car and has also cited it as inspiration for a future Ferrari concept he has called the “F44,” envisioned with F40-inspired styling and a manual transmission. **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** F1 Italy Grand Prix, Ferrari, Ferrari 40, formula 1, lewis hamilton --- ### [Tour de Cebu 2026 Is Now Open to Classic-Car Entrants](https://robbreport.ph/cars/tour-de-cebu-2026-participant-registration/) **Published:** September 10, 2026 **Author:** Nicholas Ong **Content:** For collectors, owning a significant automobile comes with a particular responsibility: the car must occasionally be allowed to do what it was built to do. Tour de Cebu offers that opportunity, bringing historic [sports cars](https://robbreport.ph/cars/) out of garages and onto some of the Philippines’ most rewarding roads. Applications are now open for the 12th edition of Tour de Cebu, which will take place from October 20 to 24, 2026, in Bacolod City and across Negros Island. Places are limited, and interested drivers may submit their applications through the [Tour de Cebu website](https://tourdecebu.com/). ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/TD26artposter18x24FINAL.webp) Described by its organizers as the world’s only tropical classic motoring rally, Tour de Cebu combines competitive driving with the pleasures that surround the classic-car world: mechanical craftsmanship, distinctive landscapes, good food, and the camaraderie of fellow enthusiasts. This year’s edition also coincides with Bacolod’s MassKara Festival, giving participants another reason to spend several days exploring the island. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/IMG_20170218_173203.webp) Tour de Cebu is a regularity rally, rewarding precision rather than outright speed. Driver and navigator must follow a prescribed route while arriving at designated checkpoints as closely as possible to the assigned time. The format places as much importance on concentration, teamwork, and navigation as it does on the condition and performance of the car. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/DSF4520-2240x3360.webp) The program begins on October 20 with registration and vehicle check-in. On October 21, the assembled cars will be presented at a classic-car show at The Ruins, the remains of Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson’s early-20th-century mansion in Talisay. A drivers’ briefing and opening cocktail event will set the stage for the rally itself. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/TDC-Website-Race-Rates-1920x1530px-V2.webp) Three full days of driving follow from October 22 to 24. The route will take entrants along Negros Island’s mountain and coastal roads, with checkpoints, scheduled pit stops and lunches forming part of each day’s itinerary. The final run concludes with a grand finish and awards celebration on October 24. *Owners of eligible historic sports cars who would like to join the 2026 rally can now apply at [tourdecebu.com](https://tourdecebu.com/). With a limited number of places available, prospective entrants are encouraged to register early and confirm vehicle eligibility directly with the organizers.* ## FAQs ### **When is Tour de Cebu 2026?** Tour de Cebu 2026 will take place from October 20 to 24. Registration and vehicle check-in begin on October 20, followed by the opening events and three rally days. ### **Where will Tour de Cebu 2026 be held?** The event will be based in Bacolod City, with rally routes running across the mountain and coastal roads of Negros Island. ### **Who can participate in Tour de Cebu?** The rally is intended for eligible historic sports cars. Owners should consult the organizers about their vehicle’s eligibility before applying. ### **Is Tour de Cebu a speed race?** No. It is a regularity rally in which drivers and navigators follow a prescribed route and attempt to reach checkpoints at assigned times. Precision and consistency determine performance. ### **How can drivers register for Tour de Cebu 2026?** Applications may be submitted through the official [Tour de Cebu website](https://tourdecebu.com). Places are limited, so prospective entrants are encouraged to apply early. **Categories:** Cars --- ### [Road Test: Here’s Why the 1,258 HP McLaren W1 Is a Generational Hypercar](https://robbreport.ph/cars/mclaren-w1-road-test/) **Published:** September 14, 2026 **Author:** Jason Barlow **Content:** [McLaren ](https://robbreport.ph/cars/8-fascinating-facts-you-never-knew-about-mclaren/)is being mischievous. The Mugello Circuit is about a 90-minute drive from Ferrari’s headquarters in Maranello, and the Italian marque actually owns the racetrack. Opera booms out of the circuit-wide sound system at 9 a.m., adding further gravitas to the drama about to unfold. You don’t get that at Silverstone. But it’s here in Tuscany that the British automaker has chosen to launch its long-awaited new [hypercar](https://robbreport.ph/cars/). The W1 arrives as [McLaren](https://robbreport.ph/tag/mclaren/) Automotive’s entire approach is being reframed by its new CEO, Nick Collins. He’s the man who led the development of the current Range Rover, which isn’t a bad thing to have on the résumé. The W1 couldn’t be more different. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/020McLaren-W1-Papaya-Spark-1.webp) The 1,258 hp McLaren W1 at the Mugello Circuit in Tuscany, Italy. *McLaren Automotive* This is a car heavily influenced by [Formula 1](), and engineered by a team with multiple F1 World Championship titles. The W1 follows the 1990s-era [McLaren](https://robbreport.ph/cars/8-fascinating-facts-you-never-knew-about-mclaren/) F1—now a $20 million-plus collectors’ unicorn—and 2013’s P1 as genre-defining automotive unobtanium. The stakes are high. Beauty has to give way somewhat to science when it comes to the aesthetic. The W1 isn’t classically pretty, but it has colossal presence in the flesh; angry and aggressive viewed head-on, it’s more sculptural and technically compelling from the rear. Car designers understand the need for a strong stance, and with its hugely chunky rear tires, the W1 aces it. There are also visible carbon-fiber aero structures and exposed suspension components. The side intakes and ducts could be portals to another dimension. Mostly, though, it’s about delivering maximum aero efficiency: that’s what keeps the W1 suctioned to the ground, and stable under high-speed braking—very-high-speed braking. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/McLaren-W1-Papaya-Spark-2.webp) The W1 is a car heavily influenced by Formula 1, and engineered by a team with multiple F1 World Championship titles. *McLaren Automotive* Note also that the McLaren Special Operations (MSO) team will be eager to help you personalize the car. The W1’s $2.1 million upfront cost is just the start of a multimillion dollar experience. For that sort of outlay, it’s likely that some of the 399 owners may elect to park their investment in a humidified hangar. That would be a shame, for the W1 delivers one of the all-time-great driving experiences. The W1 is not as intimidating as it looks, though. It also has the narrowest A-pillars on any McLaren, so it provides ample visibility for the pilot. The sense of theater is amplified by placing the “start” button in an overhead panel on the roof, close to the rearview-camera mirror. You’ll also find the window switches, as well as the “D”, “R” and “N” operating buttons, plus the ‘”Race” mode one up there. Everything is beautifully constructed, with lots of exposed carbon fiber. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/McLaren-W1-Shibuya-Spirit-Lantana-Purple-4_e5b7d2.webp) Anhedral doors enhance the W1’s already dramatic presentation. *McLaren Automotive* Rather than conventional seats, the cushions are fixed directly to the chassis, and there’s an optional sustainable textile called InnoKnit, which sweeps across the sills and cockpit like a breaking wave. You don’t sit in the McLaren W1 so much as wear it. A cantilevered door-fin blade helps optimize interior space, and even the sun visors—just .11 inches thick—are made of carbon fiber. A window panel in the door/roof section lets in a little extra light. The steering wheel is flat at the top and bottom—a race-car affectation that feels correct in here—and has a button for the Boost function and another to adjust the aero, but is otherwise refreshingly simple. Infotainment is accessed via a hi-res 8-inch touchscreen, located between the driver and passenger. The Bowers & Wilkins audio system is magnificent to listen to but also ingeniously integrated within the cockpit. Apple CarPlay is available, and there’s USB C and A connectivity. Plus, cup holders and central storage space are surprisingly present. The W1 remembers that you need to be able to actually use it, without needing a support crew. Push a button and the headrests fold down, revealing a little more than 4 cubic feet of storage space behind the seats. Not huge, but enough for a couple of tailored weekend bags. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/McLaren-W1-Graphite-Dark-Palladium-3_675e96.webp) You don’t sit in the McLaren W1 so much as wear it. *McLaren Automotive* It starts on the button, although there’s a pause before it fires up. You can sense that there’s a lot of energy management going on here. The W1 settles into a surprisingly raw sounding idle, a timbre that promises much without being especially sonorous. But what an engine this is. McLaren spent four years developing the mill, and designed it from the outset to operate as the heart of an electrified power train. It’s an all-new 4.0-liter, twin-turbo V-8 with all manner of high-grade, motorsport-inspired technical solutions. It revs to 9,200 rpm, higher than any previous McLaren engine, with 664 ft lbs of peak torque on its own, while contributing to 988 ft lbs in total. Then there’s the electric component. The E-module is mounted to the side of the transmission and consists of a radial flux e-motor that can spin to 24,000 rpm and adds a whopping 342 hp to the mix. It’s fed by a 1.384 kWh battery, and the whole thing is housed in a cavity within the W1’s monocoque, fully protected but mounted as low as possible to maintain an optimum center of gravity. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/McLaren-W1-Papaya-Spark-5.webp) The all-new twin-turbo V-8 revs to 9,200 rpm, higher than any previous McLaren engine. *McLaren Automotive* The W1 will do 1.6 miles in electric mode, but there’s always enough power in the battery to start the engine and enable reverse gear. The quoted dry weight is 3,084 pounds, so it’s lighter than its arch rival, [the Ferrari F80](https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/ferrari-f80-hybrid-first-drive-1236978177/). Hybridizing the car adds weight and complexity, of course, but better to focus on the power-to-weight ratio: almost 899 hp per ton is senior indeed. Yet the W1 makes it all thrillingly accessible. McLaren says the aero is the most advanced the company has ever developed for a road car. It uses full ground effect, which makes the W1 only the second road-legal car to do so, the other being the [Aston Martin Valkyrie](https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/aston-martin-returns-le-mans-hypercar-class-1236814423/). In essence, this means it gets better the faster you go. Believe that the car can do whatever you ask, and the rest is up to you. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/McLaren-W1-Papaya-Spark-7.webp) The quoted dry weight for the W1 is 3,084 pounds, so it’s lighter than its arch rival, the Ferrari F80. *McLaren Automotive* Credit, too, to the bespoke Pirelli Trofeo RS tires, the rear two of which have the task of transmitting all 1,258 hp to the road or track, albeit with traction control on-side. Yes, McLaren has defied the new hypercar orthodoxy by making the W1 rear-drive only. There’s no torque vectoring or front-axle assistance here, a pushback on hi-tech trends and a decision designed to give the car the purest possible feel. Where others have adopted for fully electric steering systems, the W1 has a hydraulic setup, which is arguably the best fitted to any road car and redefines linearity and feel. The W1 is physical, and you’re aware of the forces being exerted on your body, but there’s nuance and detail, too. On track, in Dynamic mode, you can get the car sliding if you’re brave enough to try, and feel it load and unload as you really start working its tires. There’s texture and feel here that’s truly special for a car of this potency. There’s also variable drift control, which gives you the option of 15 different levels of ESP intervention. Rarely has so much power felt so exploitable. For the record, it’ll accelerate to 124 mph from a standstill in 5.8 seconds, and reach 186 mph in less than 12.7 seconds (.3 seconds faster than Ferrari’s F80). That’s intergalactic pace. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/McLaren-W1-Papaya-Spark-9.webp) There’s no torque vectoring or front-axle assistance here, decisions designed to give the car the purest possible feel. *McLaren Automotive* The suspension has Comfort, Sport, and Race modes, and race-bred active “heave damping” for maximum dynamic control. Then there’s the aero. In Race mode, the ride height drops by 1.45 inches at the front and .66 inches at the rear, hunkering the car down and giving it even more visual menace. Its active front wing delivers a level of performance that’s similar to the rear wing on most [supercars](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-50-greatest-sports-cars-of-the-21st-century/). The Active Long Tail extends rearwards by up to 11.81 inches through a 180-degree arc, far beyond the edge of the W1’s body. Four e-motors move the wing up or down and alter its angle; it also works as a drag reduction system (DRS) and an airbrake. The visual transformation is worthy of a Marvel movie, and there are definite vibes of Tony Stark. More importantly, it also pumps up the downforce, with 2,205 pounds available at 173 mph. For reference, the Ferrari F80 generates nearly 2,315 pounds at 155 mph. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/McLaren-W1-Papaya-Spark-8_1868bc.webp) Rarely has so much power felt so exploitable. *McLaren Automotive* By the end of the allotted track time, we’re seeing 193 mph at the end of the straight, powering on over the little crest that’s level with Mugello’s pit exit, even as your brain is screaming at you to stand on the brake pedal. The W1 uses the McLaren Carbon Ceramic-Racing+ setup, with 390 mm discs front and rear that feature an extra ceramic layer, with six-piston calipers on the front and four-piston ones on the rear. The way this thing sheds speed is almost as brain-scrambling as the manner in which it accelerates. If anything, the W1 is actually more impressive on the road than it is on the circuit. Collins tells me that the car’s bandwidth is what he’s most proud of, and you can only agree. Not once does its chassis run out of answers, the suspension allowing the car to breathe even as Tuscany’s hillside roads accentuate the rollercoaster effect. And that’s a relief on a seven-figure motor car made largely of extremely expensive, high-grade carbon fiber. (There is a nose lift for speed bumps.) The gearbox is absolutely sensational to use, the full-size paddle-shifters working with a satisfyingly mechanical click, which epitomizes the W1’s commitment to feel and feedback. Cars like this, and indeed the Ferrari F80 and Aston Martin Valkyrie, are big game for automotive trophy hunters and wily investors. On which basis, you could usually be tempted to question their relevance and function in a world beset by challenges. Not with the Mclaren W1. It’s truly a monumental achievement, and a machine that deserves to be driven. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* ## FAQs ### How much horsepower does the McLaren W1 have? The McLaren W1 produces a combined 1,258 hp from its twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 and electric motor, with total torque reaching 988 ft lbs. ### How fast is the McLaren W1? The W1 can accelerate from zero to 124 mph in 5.8 seconds and reach 186 mph in less than 12.7 seconds. ### What makes the McLaren W1’s aerodynamics special? The W1 uses full ground-effect aerodynamics and an Active Long Tail rear wing that can extend nearly 12 inches, while also functioning as a drag-reduction system and airbrake. ### Is the McLaren W1 all-wheel drive? No. Despite producing 1,258 hp, the W1 sends all of its power to the rear wheels, a deliberate choice intended to preserve steering feel and driver engagement. ### How much does the McLaren W1 cost and how many will be made? The McLaren W1 starts at about $2.1 million, and production is limited to 399 examples. **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** hybrid, Hyper Cars, mclaren, Review --- ### [Road Test: The 2027 Porsche 911 GT3 S/C Is a Convertible Tour de Force Without Compromise](https://robbreport.ph/cars/2027-porsche-911-gt3-sc-test-drive/) **Published:** September 16, 2026 **Author:** Tim Stevens **Content:** Since its introduction in 1999, the [Porsche 911 GT3](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-porsche-911-gt3-s-c-may-be-the-purest-modern-911-yet/) has been one of the most hardcore, performance-focused [sports coupes](https://robbreport.ph/cars/) on the road. Big wing, big power, and big revs were the hallmarks of this legendary model variant for much of its history. That changed somewhat when [Porsche](https://robbreport.ph/the-story-of/10-fascinating-facts-you-never-knew-about-porsche/) introduced the [GT3 Touring](https://robbreport.ph/tag/gt3/) almost a decade ago, a tweak to the formula that softened the edges of the machine just enough to make it slightly more stealthy and tenable for day-to-day use. Now, [Porsche](https://robbreport.ph/tag/porsche/)‘s pushing the GT3 further into the lifestyle realm with the new [convertible](https://robbreport.ph/tag/convertible/) S/C version of the 911 GT3. Can the GT3 keep its edge even if it loses its roof? Surprisingly, the answer is yes. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2027-Porsche-911-GT3-S-C-1.webp) An example of the 2027 Porsche 911 GT3 S/C. *Porsche AG* ## Design In practical terms, this S/C is a current-generation 992.2 GT3 that’s received the same power-folding top found on the latest Cabriolet models. While purists may lament this as a compromise in the name of sunny-day superiority, this is far from Porsche’s first open-top, performance-oriented offering. The 2019 Speedster followed in a long line of roofless performers dating back to the earliest days of the company, but that machine made do with a cumbersome fabric top that took minutes to manually attach. By contrast, the power top on the 911 GT3 S/C raises and lowers in just 12 seconds, and can be operated at speeds up to 37 mph. The penalty, of course, is weight, but it’s less than you might think. The S/C sits about 80 pounds heavier than a GT3 Touring model, a number helped substantially by the carbon-ceramic brakes and magnesium wheels that come standard here. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2027-Porsche-911-GT3-S-C-2.webp) This is a current 992.2-generation 911 GT3 that’s received the same power-folding top found on the latest Cabriolet models. *Porsche AG* Much of the structure of that top is itself made of the ultralight metal, along with composite panels, which create a system that’s very nearly as rigid as a folding hardtop. More importantly, it looks good whether up or down. The 992.2 version of [the 911](https://robbreport.ph/tag/porsche-911/) is already a stunning car, and the GT3 trim just ratchets up the aggression. The extra vents in the hood and front fenders (all of which are made of carbon fiber by the way) are still here on the S/C. Yes, the fabric on the top does make the car look slightly more casual. But with the top tucked away, it provides a stellar view of the extra style added to the vehicle’s interior. That’s most notable in the Street Style package, a design reminiscent of Porsche’s more lurid tartans over the years, but here implemented in woven leather. Add to that the distinctive strap pull-handles and carbon-fiber bits that are de rigueur on the GT3, and you have a stunning, sporty space. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2027-Porsche-911-GT3-S-C-20.webp) With the top tucked away, the car more readily reveals the extra style added to its interior. *Porsche AG* The interior features a 10.9-inch touchscreen—in the middle of the dash—running an updated, faster version of Porsche’s PCM infotainment system. That’s paired with a 12.6-inch gauge cluster behind the wheel which has likewise been tweaked, this time to make the digital representation of the central analog tachometer look sharper and more realistic. It does look quite good, and I love that I can optionally rotate the gauge to have redline pointing straight up, like in a race car. However, I fear some traditionalists will still complain about the lack of a physical needle going through the motions. ## Power Train and Hardware The most significant mechanical bits are taken wholesale from the current generation 911 GT3. The most important piece is the 4.0-liter, naturally aspirated flat-six engine mounted in the rear. It makes 502 hp and delivers a maximum of 331 ft lbs of torque. All that goes through the rear wheels, directed that way exclusively by a six-speed manual transmission. That’s right, no PDK here. If you don’t know how, or don’t want to drive a car with three pedals, you’ll have to look elsewhere. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2027-Porsche-911-GT3-S-C-3.webp) The free-breathing flat-six at the back of the 911 GT3 S/C makes 502 hp and delivers a maximum of 331 ft lbs of torque. *Porsche AG* Suspension is likewise taken directly from the GT3 with a fixed roof, which means excellent feel and feedback but surprising compliance. The current-generation GT3 gained more travel over previous generations, meaning it’s even better on imperfect roads, and the S/C includes niceties like a carbon-fiber rear anti-sway bar. ## Performance In a world of silent, electric performance or small-displacement engines muted by turbochargers, the free-breathing flat-six at the back of the 911 GT3 S/C is something of a revelation. It doesn’t hit its redline until 9,000 rpm, a point at which it is making an absolutely lovely sound. That is perhaps the best reason for the S/C to exist. By removing the roof, you remove any obstruction between your ears and that engine’s sport exhaust. Add an overpass or tunnel onto your drive route and you have nothing short of sensory nirvana. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2027-Porsche-911-GT3-S-C-4.webp) The power top on the 911 GT3 S/C raises and lowers in just 12 seconds, and can be operated at speeds up to 37 mph. *Porsche AG* In exchange for that aural treat, your average droptop also introduces unwanted flex in the chassis and a general feeling of softness. I’m pleased to report that’s absolutely not the case here. The GT3 S/C feels every bit as sharp and precise as the hardtop version. The steering is delightfully quick, and you can feel exactly what those 20-inch magnesium wheels at the front are doing through that small-diameter steering wheel. The shifter is also petite, but it requires a firm shove to move from one gear to the next. This makes smooth shifting something of a challenge, but automatic rev-matching in the car’s Sport mode is there at least to help ease the transition from one gear to the next. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2027-Porsche-911-GT3-S-C-21.webp) The car’s output is managed by a six-speed manual transmission. *Porsche AG* It’s best when driven hard, and that’s very true of the engine, too. While it’s happy when spinning near its limit, down low it feels just a bit flat, lacking the instant kick of [Porsche’s new 911 GTS](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-porsche-911-gts-is-the-hybrid-youve-been-searching-for/), with its hybrid augmentation. Still, the S/C pulls smoothly from low rpms—even in top gear—meaning you really don’t have to shift it that frequently if you don’t want to. But you will want to. And as to the top-down driving experience, the S/C is quite pleasant even at highway speeds. There’s a folding air dam that pops out of the rear at the touch of a button. With that deployed, there’s hardly any buffeting at all in the cabin. With the roof up, there’s no booming or flex at speed. The rigid structure of the roof means it’s almost as quiet as driving in a regular coupe. ## Is It Worth It? The 2027 Porsche 911 GT3 S/C starts at a $273,000, plus $2,350 destination, and as with all things Porsche, goes way up from there. The Slate Gray Neo model I drove, outfitted with options such as the front axle lift and those wild Street Style seats, cost $317,890. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2027-Porsche-911-GT3-S-C-5.webp) The 2027 Porsche 911 GT3 S/C starts at a $273,000. *Porsche AG* As much as I love the look, I wouldn’t go for that upholstery myself, at least not without ventilation. Without that, I had a very sweaty day in the saddle in the non-ventilated, non-perforated seats. Buyers will also want to consider how aggressively they plan to drive this car. The S/C is difficult to drive smoothly in a relaxed way, requiring a strong degree of commitment in every shift. But, if you’re looking for a truly engaging drive that’s ideally suited to sunny days, the 911 GT3 S/C feels worth every penny. It’s an open-top performance option like no other. ## Specifications - Vehicle Type: Convertible sports car - In Production Since: 2026 - Power train: 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six, 502 hp/331 ft lbs of torque - Performance: zero to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, top speed of 194 mph - Base Price: $273,000 - Price as Tested: $317,890 *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* ## FAQs ### What is the 2027 Porsche 911 GT3 S/C? The Porsche 911 GT3 S/C is an open-top version of the 992.2-generation GT3, combining GT3 performance hardware with a power-folding fabric roof. ### What engine does the Porsche 911 GT3 S/C have? It uses a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six producing 502 hp and 331 ft lbs of torque, with a redline of 9,000 rpm. ### Is the Porsche 911 GT3 S/C available with an automatic transmission? No. The GT3 S/C is offered exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission sending power to the rear wheels. ### How fast is the 2027 Porsche 911 GT3 S/C? The GT3 S/C can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and has a top speed of 194 mph. ### How much does the Porsche 911 GT3 S/C cost? The 2027 Porsche 911 GT3 S/C starts at $273,000 before a $2,350 destination charge. The tested example was priced at $317,890. **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** Convertible, porsche, porsche 911, porsche 911 gt3 s/c, Review, sports car --- ### [The Mightiest Mustang](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-mightiest-mustang/) **Published:** September 17, 2026 **Author:** Tim Stevens **Content:** The model responsible for the pony-car craze, the [Ford](https://robbreport.ph/tag/ford/) [Mustang](https://robbreport.ph/tag/mustang/), is an American icon that has always stayed true to its roots of big power in a readily accessible package. Ford has come up with many limited-edition variants over the years, each ostensibly special in its own way, but there has never been anything like the new Mustang GTD. At first glance, its familiar shape might have you believe that this is just another marketing-led iteration that simply offers a big motor and an ever-bigger wing. That, though, would be a gross misestimation of a car that is a complete sub-surface reinvention in the Blue Oval’s pursuit of the ultimate track horse. With Formula 1-style active aerodynamics, a bespoke suspension, and a supercharged 5.2-liter V-8 that delivers 815 hp and 664 ft lbs of torque, the GTD is a blunt-edged, nose-heavy, big-fendered machine that sets new benchmarks for the model. The wing alone, for example, flips up at speed just like the drag-reduction-system (D.R.S.) on a Formula 1 car, enabling the GTD to reach 202 mph. But you have to look beneath the skin to see the more substantive changes. The performance gurus at Multimatic, who also crafted the epic Ford GT, gutted the middle of the car. While all other Mustangs have their transmissions mounted directly to the back of their engines, the GTD’s transmission sits on the rear axle, which helps offset the weight of the 5.2-liter power plant up front. > “Unlike track-only cars, it feels almost playful as you safely push its limits.” The rear suspension also had to be completely rethought, resulting in a unique, lifted, inboard setup that features the left- and right-rear coilover units sitting side by side where the back seats in a typical Mustang would be. That suspension relies on a pair of springs with two different rates. The softer of the two provides good compliance on the road. Drop the GTD to Track mode, though, and an actuator compresses that spring, lowering the car by 40 mm (1.57 inches) at the front and 30 mm (1.18 inches) at the rear while simultaneously increasing the suspension stiffness to turn the GTD into, for all practical purposes, a race car. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2025-Mustang-GTD-Spirit-of-America_13.webp) The Ford Mustang GTD’s interior falls short for a car that starts at $325,000 (Php 19.8 million). *Ford* Track is the most extreme of the six drive modes, and when it’s selected, the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission has no sympathy for your back, nor does the titanium Akrapovič exhaust spare your ears, as was discovered when pulling out of the pits at the Thermal Club in Palm Springs, Calif. The GTD has copious amounts of grip, thanks largely to the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R tires—on 20-inch wheels—worn by our tester, but, unlike track-only cars, it feels almost playful as you safely push its limits. It won’t snap into oversteer at the rear or fall into terminal understeer at the front. You can sense when the tires are starting to let go and are able to bring it all under control without too much effort. Obviously, with all the traction controls off (and you can turn them all off), it’s a much wilder beast but still remarkably manageable. Admittedly, while equally compliant on public roads, the GTD is a lot less happy at lower speeds, and the same will hold for you. The transmission generally shifts smoothly, but there’s such a racket from that transaxle and limited-slip differential, not to mention a huge amount of road noise coming up through the suspension, that any conversation will sound more like a shouting match out of necessity. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Ford-Mustang-GTD_ASV-Dampers_-Suspension-Window_03.webp) The suspension was recommissioned to match the car’s milestone muscle. *Ford* The biggest disappointment, though, is the underwhelming interior. Other than a window exposing the rear suspension, Ford did barely anything to differentiate the cockpit. The same unattractive, rubberized fake-carbon-fiber weave still surrounds the same basic button panel found on even the cheapest of Mustangs. That’s a very bitter pill to swallow for a vehicle that starts at about $325,000 (Php 19.8 million). Yet if you can get past those shortcomings, the GTD will reward you with monstrous performance. I’ve driven [caged race cars ](https://robbreport.ph/cars/)that are less intense and less capable. The Mustang GTD is fast, furious, and deliriously fun, and as with any great entertainer, it left me only wanting more when the show was over. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report Philippines’[ Watches and Jewelry Issue](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-august-2026-the-watches-and-jewelry-issue/).* ## FAQs ### What is the Ford Mustang GTD? The Mustang GTD is Ford’s most extreme road-going Mustang, developed with track-focused aerodynamics, a bespoke suspension, and major chassis changes inspired by motorsport. ### How much horsepower does the Mustang GTD have? The Mustang GTD uses a supercharged 5.2-liter V-8 producing 815 hp and 664 ft lbs of torque. ### How fast is the Ford Mustang GTD? The Mustang GTD can reach a top speed of 202 mph, aided by active aerodynamics including a Formula 1-style drag-reduction system on its rear wing. ### What makes the Mustang GTD different from a regular Mustang? Unlike conventional Mustangs, the GTD places its eight-speed dual-clutch transmission at the rear axle for improved weight distribution and uses a unique inboard rear suspension with adjustable spring rates. ### How much does the Ford Mustang GTD cost? The Ford Mustang GTD starts at approximately $325,000, or about Php 19.8 million. **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** Feature, ford, Ford Mustang, Magazine --- ### [This New 60-Foot Solar-Powered Catamaran Combines German Tech With Italian Style](https://robbreport.ph/boats/this-new-60-foot-solar-powered-catamaran-combines-german-tech-with-italian-style/) **Published:** June 23, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** Pioneer Yachts will make a very quiet entry into the marine industry next month. The new German shipyard, founded by engineer and entrepreneur Mike Frank earlier this year, has announced that the first unit of its new solar-electric [catamaran](https://robbreport.ph/tag/catamaran/ "catamaran") is entering the final stages of construction. The inaugural PY60, christened *Pioneer One*, is set to hit the water in July, with a full debut scheduled for the Cannes Yachting Festival in September. Frank established Pioneer with the goal of creating a reliable [solar-electric yacht](https://robbreport.ph/boats/) for continuous use at sea. Rather than convert a traditional motor yacht to electric propulsion, the team developed a unique catamaran centered on efficiency, autonomy, and simplicity. The practical platform was designed around energy generation and storage, with the propulsion system a clear focus, rather than an afterthought. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Pioneer-Yachts-PY60-solar-electric-catamaran-4.webp) The roof is covered with solar panels that generate energy from the sun. *Photo: Pioneer Yachts* Designed by two Italian firms—Cossutti & Ganz for the exterior, Micheletti + Partners for the interior—but engineered and built in Germany, the 60-footer balances form and function. It combines advanced German tech with elegant Italian style for an upscale emissions-free cruising experience. The yacht features an expansive solar roof that generates clean, green energy from the sun. That power is stored within the onboard battery banks and used to run the electric propulsion system or the hotel load. Pioneer says the “48-volt electrical backbone” is designed to support long-term operation at sea. The multihull can run purely on electricity for “typical cruising distances,” though the yard didn’t give an exact range. Diesel generators can, of course, kick in if more grunt is needed. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Pioneer-Yachts-PY60-solar-electric-catamaran-3.webp) The cat features largest cockpit door in its class, according to Pioneer. *Photo: Pioneer Yachts* The hull and superstructure were engineered specifically to support the propulsion system, with designs that reduce energy consumption while improving performance and comfort. The PY60 can smoothly and quietly sail to a top speed of 11 knots and a cruising speed of 7.5 knots. Simplified onboard systems and intuitive controls mean the owner can handle the yacht, too, reducing the need for a professional crew. As for the interior, the multihull features what Pioneer says is the largest cockpit door in its class, which creates a seamless connection between the aft deck and salon. The expansive, single-level living area is decked out with large panoramic windows that invite light in and provide views out. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Pioneer-Yachts-PY60-solar-electric-catamaran-1.webp) The inaugural hull is expected to hit the water in July. *Photo: Pioneer Yachts* *Pioneer One* will double as a flagship and a demonstrator. Frank plans to use the yacht personally, with his own experiences shaping future models. “*Pioneer One* will be more than a showcase yacht; it will become our operational reference platform,” Frank said in a statement. “By using the yacht ourselves and monitoring its performance under real conditions, we can continue refining the concept and ensure that future boats are shaped by practical experience.” *Pioneer One* will be on show at Cannes from September 8 to 13. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* [](https://www.kargo.com/privacy) **Categories:** Boats **Tags:** electric, electric yacht, News, Pioneer Yachts, PY6-, PY60 --- ### [Baltic’s New 80-Foot Sailing Yacht Is a Lean, Green, Racing Machine](https://robbreport.ph/boats/baltics-new-80-foot-sailing-yacht-is-a-lean-green-racing-machine/) **Published:** July 7, 2026 **Author:** Nicole Hoey **Content:** [Baltic Yachts](https://www.balticyachts.fi/yachts/) injected some *Miami Vice* flavor into the DNA of its latest vessel. The Finnish yard has just unveiled the first hull of its new 80 Café Racer series, a lineup meant to bring a dose of style and personality to the seas. The 80-foot [sailing yacht](https://robbreport.ph/tag/sailing-yacht/ "sailing yacht") follows in the footsteps of Baltic’s popular 68 Café Racer, adding some extra oomph and more space for all your weekend sailing adventures. Designed by Javier Jaudenes, the 80 Café Racer was brought to life using advanced CFD analysis and data from North Sails’s Virtual Wind Tunnel, which created a design that puts performance at the forefront. As a result, the hull is made from a lightweight carbon-fiber, which, for the debut model, is done up in a bold green worthy of Sonny Crockett and Ricardo Tubbs. You can also opt for one of two different rig configurations, allowing you to pivot from an easy, gentle journey on the water with family to rail-down racing with a full crew. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/baltic-80-cafe-racer-saloon.webp) That bright hull isn’t the only thing that’s bold on this yacht. *Baltic Yachts* That bright colorful theme extends into the main saloon. Hull No. 1 has a fully open space lying below, a loft-style arrangement complete with floral-patterned couches, orange abound, and a blue kitchen beyond for the ultimate entertainment configuration. Head to the owner’s bedroom, meanwhile, and you’ll spot a blue-toned bedframe, complete with an abstract fish design on the wall, and a bathroom lit up in orange. Though if you prefer something a little less flashy, Baltic can take care of that for other [vessels ](https://robbreport.ph/boats/)in the 80 Café Racer family, with some help for the interiors from Design Unlimited. Owners can opt for a semi-enclosed galley, which adds a bit of space from the main saloon, or can fully enclose the galley for more separation. The saloon, too, can be designed to fit your own style on the seas, whether it be large armchairs or large sofas for more relaxed seating onboard; plus, you’ll have your pick of fabrics and materials. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/baltic-80-cafe-racer-bedroom.webp) Inside the owner’s bedroom. *Baltic Yachts* “It shows just how confident and expressive this concept can be and invites the next owner to take it somewhere completely their own—ultimately, it’s all about making it easier and more enjoyable to just go sailing,” Mark Tucker of Design Unlimited said in a press statement. The first hull of the 80 Café Racer is set for delivery in summer 2027. And if green isn’t exactly your speed, never fear: The vessel’s hull also comes in a bold blue, a strawberry red, a neon yellow, and a far more neutral gray. Happy sailing. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is Baltic Yachts’s 80 Café Racer? Baltic Yachts’s 80 Café Racer is a new 80-foot sailing yacht series designed to combine high-performance sailing with a more expressive, customizable onboard lifestyle. It builds on the Finnish yard’s 68 Café Racer, adding more space, stronger performance credentials, and greater flexibility for weekend cruising or competitive sailing. ### Who designed the Baltic 80 Café Racer? The Baltic 80 Café Racer was designed by Javier Jaudenes, with performance development informed by CFD analysis and data from North Sails’s Virtual Wind Tunnel. The yacht’s interiors can be customized with support from Design Unlimited, allowing owners to choose layouts, materials, fabrics, seating, and galley configurations. ### When will the first Baltic 80 Café Racer be delivered? The first hull of the Baltic 80 Café Racer is scheduled for delivery in summer 2027. The debut model features a bold green carbon-fiber hull and colorful interiors, though future owners can choose other hull colors including blue, strawberry red, neon yellow, and gray. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Boats **Tags:** Baltic Yachts, News, Sailing Yachts --- ### [The Wealthy Are Increasingly Turning Their Superyachts Into Full-Time Homes](https://robbreport.ph/boats/why-yacht-owners-live-full-time-at-sea/) **Published:** August 14, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** The [yacht](https://robbreport.ph/boats/ "Boats") as we know it is changing. It is no longer simply a status symbol or holiday companion, but rather an extension of the home, and, in some cases, the home itself. A growing number of yachters are living full-time at sea, eschewing traditional [homes](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/homes/ "Homes") on land in favor of fully equipped floating residences. The pandemic is largely what caused that shift, according to Erwin Bamps, the CEO of Gulf Craft, the Middle East’s largest boat builder. “Many people bought boats during and after Covid just to keep their sanity,” he told *Robb Report* on a recent Zoom call. “They were able to remove their masks, literally, and restore some normality in their life.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Majesty-112-Terrace-Owners-Stateroom-1.webp) The owner’s suite on the Majesty 112. *Majesty/Gulf Craft* The freedom that comes with being on the water has proven incredibly appealing to owners, especially with changing generational values putting greater emphasis on work-life balance and experientialism. At the same time, advances in marine technology have made it possible to spend longer stretches of time at sea. Starlink, a satellite internet service created by SpaceX, means owners can now stay connected at sea and choose to work remotely or unplug from the world completely. “I’ve been running my business remotely for many years,” explains one owner of a [Majesty 112](https://majesty-yachts.com/majesty-112), who, along with their family, lives mostly on their yacht at different marinas. “Everything is organized online, so I don’t need to be physically present in an office. That flexibility makes this lifestyle possible.” Modern marine engineering also means that private yachts can go further on less fuel, putting more destinations within reach. “A house has its advantages, but a yacht offers something a house never can: your home travels with you,” the Majesty 112 owner adds. “If you decide you’d rather live in another country, you simply move.” ![The pool area in gigayacht Leviathan, owned by billionaire game developer Gabe Newell.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Oceanco-Leviathan-41-1.webp) The pool area. Guillaume Plisson/Oceanco The rise of ocean living is, of course, directly impacting yacht design. Bamps says the new wave of owners is prioritizing things like stabilization systems for smooth cruising and hybrid propulsion for quiet, emissions-free operation. “They don’t want to smell any fumes, they don’t want to hear the generator or engine, they don’t want to feel the movements of the waves; they want big windows, air-conditioning, the internet, and Netflix,” he says. “They don’t actually want to buy a boat; they want to buy real estate on the water.” To that end, shipyards are now focusing on building yachts that function as full-time homes. At one end of the spectrum are fully bespoke [megayachts](https://robbreport.ph/boats/), like the 364-foot *[Leviathan](https://robbreport.ph/boats/gaming-developer-gabe-newell-bought-oceanco-heres-a-look-inside-his-first-364-foot-gigayacht/ "Gaming Developer Gabe Newell Bought Oceanco. Here’s a Look Inside His First 364-Foot Gigayacht")* that Oceanco recently built for [Gabe Newell](https://robbreport.ph/boats/how-industry-titans-are-bringing-a-fresh-perspective-to-family-owned-shipyards/ "How Industry Titans Are Bringing a Fresh Perspective to Family-Owned Shipyards"). The billionaire game developer, who acquired the Dutch shipyard in 2025, not only owns a growing fleet of research vessels, but also lives full-time at sea. “Other than a couple of months in 2021, I’ve been living onboard ever since the pandemic,” he told a group of journalists during the Monaco Yacht Show in 2025. His [“home,”](https://robbreport.ph/boats/gaming-developer-gabe-newell-bought-oceanco-heres-a-look-inside-his-first-364-foot-gigayacht/ "Gaming Developer Gabe Newell Bought Oceanco. Here’s a Look Inside His First 364-Foot Gigayacht") which scored top honors in *Robb Report’s* Best of the Best awards this year, offers everything from a basketball court to a dive center. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Majesty-100-Terrace-Interior-1.webp) The salon of the Majesty 100 Terrace. Majesty/Gulf Craft Towards the other end of the spectrum are semi-custom [superyachts](https://robbreport.ph/tag/superyachts/) like those made by Gulf Craft. The yard is now designing models specifically for the new wave of seafarers, adding the space, volume, and amenities required for extended stays at sea. Even still, clients want to personalize the yachts like they would a mansion, according to Bamps. “When we were designing [the yacht](https://majesty-yachts.com/majesty-100-terrace), we wanted it to feel as much like a home as possible,” says one owner of a Majesty 100 Terrace, who spends most of their time in Turkey. “One feature that has made a real difference is the infrared sauna, which we installed in place of one of the guest cabins. It makes the yacht especially comfortable during the cooler months and has become an important part of life on board.” Bamps has also had to do things like increase the size of the wardrobes so clients can travel with all their clothing and work out ways to display their favorite artwork or vase. He even had to rethink the ovens after one client complained the cakes she was cooking weren’t turning out quite right. That underscores the level of domesticity now experienced onboard. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Oyster-595.webp) The Oyster 595. Oyster Yachts Even seemingly small changes, like adding a blender or microwave to a yacht, can have a major impact on the overall layout and design. Additional appliances drive up the power demand, so, as Bamps puts it, “the generators keep growing, but the boat doesn’t,” meaning engineers need to come up with clever solutions to fit them in the existing space. The team has also had to solve problems like where to put all the rubbish one family accumulates over four weeks at sea. The yachters themselves face issues, too. “Living onboard a yacht is very different from living in a traditional house,” says the owner of a custom [Oyster 595](https://oysteryachts.com/new-sailing-yachts/oyster-595/), who is currently living aboard their yacht while [circumnavigating the globe](https://robbreport.ph/boats/how-a-fleet-of-oyster-yachts-is-navigating-a-luxe-odyssey-around-the-world/ "How a Fleet of Oyster Yachts Is Navigating a Luxe Odyssey Around the World") over 16 months as part of the [Oyster World Rally](https://robbreport.ph/boats/how-an-armada-of-oyster-yachts-sail-27000-miles-around-the-world-together/ "How an Armada of Oyster Yachts Sail 27,000 Miles Around the World—Together"). “When you’re at anchor, you’re constantly aware of factors such as anchor drag, swing room, nearby boats, and changing weather conditions. Add to that energy and water management, ongoing maintenance, and general safety, and there’s certainly more to think about.” He also points out that occasionally you can’t have exactly the meal you’re craving, but that simply encourages creativity and resourcefulness in the galley. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Oyster-595-Galley.webp) The galley of the Oyster 595. *Oyster Yachts* All three owners we spoke to agreed that the benefits of living at sea far outweighed the responsibilities that come with owning a yacht, like regular maintenance. “It’s one big adventure, and I love every minute of it,” the Oyster owner adds. “I enjoy waking each morning to the sound of the water, watching spectacular sunrises with a coffee on deck, then filling the day with sailing, exploring, maintenance, or whatever else comes up.” Bamps, who has clocked over two decades in the industry, expects the trend to continue. He is so confident, in fact, that he recently hired two former real estate agents to sell yachts like they would houses. “I think that yachts will take up a lot more space in people’s lives,” he says optimistically, “and that is amazing for the industry.” *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* ## FAQs ### Can people live permanently on a yacht? Yes. Some owners live aboard throughout the year, moving between marinas or cruising internationally. The practicality of the arrangement depends on the yacht’s range, utilities, storage, connectivity and maintenance requirements. ### How has Starlink changed yacht living? Starlink provides satellite internet connectivity that can allow owners to work remotely, manage businesses and access entertainment while at sea, although coverage and performance depend on location and service conditions. ### What features are important for full-time yacht living? Liveaboard owners commonly prioritize stabilization, reliable internet, ample storage, effective air-conditioning, sufficient power generation and well-equipped kitchens. Water production and waste management are also essential. ### How are builders designing yachts as floating homes? Shipyards are increasing interior volume and storage while incorporating larger windows, quieter systems and personalized domestic amenities. These additions must be balanced against limited space, weight and power capacity. ### What are the challenges of living aboard a yacht? Owners must continually consider weather, anchoring conditions, water and energy use, maintenance, waste storage and safety. Long-term yacht living requires more active management than maintaining a conventional home. **Categories:** Boats **Tags:** gabe newell, Leviathan, Majesty Yachts, oyster yachts, Superyacht, yacht --- ### [This New 73-Foot Yacht Is Wrapped in a ‘Solar Skin’ That Generates Energy at Sea](https://robbreport.ph/boats/this-new-73-foot-yacht-is-wrapped-in-a-solar-skin-that-generates-energy-at-sea/) **Published:** June 16, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** Solar panels are so passé—[Riviera](https://www.rivieraaustralia.com/) thinks so anyway. The Australian yacht builder has teamed up with solar specialist Praxis to develop a new type of “solar skin” for models ranging from 39 to 78 feet. Sunreef has been incorporating a similar sort of integrated photovoltaic technology into its catamarans for about five years, but Riviera is rolling it out to motor [yachts](https://robbreport.ph/tag/yachts/ "Yachts"). “The pioneering efforts of our brilliant design team and the credentialed Praxis team have created an ingenious solution to reducing our yachts’ reliance on generated or shore power,” Riviera owner and chairman Rodney Longhurst said in a statement. “This is a significant breakthrough in many ways and with so many benefits from sustainability to enhancing the boating experience of Riviera yacht owners the world over.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Riviera-6800-Sports-Yacht-3.webp) The new solar skin on the Riviera 6800. *Photo: Riviera* Unlike traditional rigid solar panels that are mounted atop aluminum frames, the new ultra-thin nano-composite solar skin is bonded directly into the yacht’s hardtop during the moulding stage of construction. All visible layers are optically transparent, with the 2 mm skin following the curvature of the roof and superstructure. The result is approximately 120 percent more power from only around 90 percent of the surface area compared to conventional marine solar installations. The first Riviera to feature the skin is a 6800 Sports Yacht Platinum Edition. The 73-footer, which was recently delivered to its new owner in South Australia, can reportedly generate 3 kW at peak performance. Other models, like the 58 Sports, can produce close to 10 kWh per day. The technology means the [yacht](https://robbreport.ph/boats/) can power the navigation equipment, refrigeration, lighting, and digital control systems, a.k.a. the hotel load, without using a generator, thereby extending time at anchor. Some of the larger models can last up to three days off grid without running a genset, according to Riviera. That, of course, means fuel costs are significantly reduced, too. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Riviera-6800-Sports-Yacht-2.webp) The aft of the new yacht. *Photo: Riviera* The skin is fully waterproof, virtually unbreakable, and available in matte, gloss, or non-skid finishes, Riviera says. It has a far more seamless appearance than classic solar panels, so as not to detract from the exterior. “Solar integration had to meet the same structural and aesthetic standards as the yacht itself,” adds Dan Henderson, Riviera’s design and engineering director. “It was essential that this innovation enhance, rather than interrupt, the Riviera design language.” The solar skin is now included as an option for new Riviera motor yachts, with bespoke designs currently being finalized across the range. Retrofit solutions are also available for existing vessels via the Riviera aftermarket service. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Boats **Tags:** Electric Yachts, News, Solar Power, Yachts --- ### [This New Custom 48-Foot Yacht Is Bentley on the Outside, Hermès on the Inside](https://robbreport.ph/boats/zeelander-5/) **Published:** August 20, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** Sometimes big luxury comes in small packages. The 48-foot [Zeelander 5](https://robbreport.ph/boats/zeelander-5-in-photos/), which the Dutch yard just delivered to her Turkish owner, takes design inspiration from two of the most formidable names in the luxury sector: Bentley and Hermès. Unveiled in 2021, the vessel is currently the smallest model in the four-strong lineup, behind the 56-foot Zeelander 6, the 67-foot Zeelander 7, and the 79-foot Zeelander 8. The [semi-custom yacht](https://robbreport.ph/boats/) is built on a standardized hull, but offers extensive personalization options that make it feel almost fully bespoke. “Although our Zeelander 5 is a platform that has been well proven around the world, no two yachts are alike,” Zeelander founder and chairman Sietse Koopmans said in a statement. This particular unit was designed specifically to match the owner’s cars and aircraft. Created by Zeelander’s in-house design team in collaboration with the owner’s chosen studio, the yacht features Bentley-inspired metallic paintwork on the hull and superstructure. The shimmery “Light Gazelle” finish shifts between gray and bronze, creating a striking contrast against the dark, tinted glass on the large wraparound window. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/zeelander-5-4.webp) The aft deck. *Rick Heikoop* The interior, meanwhile, tips a hat to Hermès, with pops of the French fashion house’s famous orange playing against an otherwise very subtle palette. The bold hue appears on furniture in the owner’s suite, the Corian countertop in the salon, the cockpit seating, and the sun loungers. Even the Bentley-style diamond stitching on the leather throughout is orange. Hermès blankets and pillows are also strewn about. “This latest project called for careful color and material matching with the owner’s favorite supercars and luxury brands to create a powerful yet coherent interior,” adds Koopmans. To top it off, quite literally, the salon features a Rolls-Royce-style starlight ceiling, putting a stellar scene above you by night. By day, the expansive windows invite the surrounding outdoor environment in. Other unique elements include a built-in humidor for the owner’s cigar collection and a pop-up TV on the aft deck for movie nights. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/zeelander-5-5.webp) The salon by day. *Rick Heikoop* The owner, who Koopmans says has a much bigger yacht and is tremendously experienced on the water, plans to operate the Zeelander 5 without a crew. The accommodation, therefore, includes a full-beam owner’s suite amidships and a twin guest cabin forward. Powered by Volvo IPS engines, the yacht can hit a top speed of 40 knots yet is whisper quiet. In fact, Zeelander says that even at full throttle, you can have a conversation anywhere on board without raising your voice. The joystick ensures easy and intuitive handling, too. The yacht is the first new-generation Zeelander 5 to be based in the Mediterranean, according to the yard. ***Click [here](https://robbreport.ph/boats/zeelander-5-in-photos/) to see more photos of the Zeelander 5.*** *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* ## FAQs ### What is the Zeelander 5? The Zeelander 5 is a 48-foot semi-custom motor yacht and the smallest model in Zeelander’s current four-yacht lineup. ### How was this Zeelander 5 inspired by Bentley and Hermès? Its exterior uses Bentley-inspired metallic paint, while the interior features Hermès-style orange accents, luxury textiles, and matching diamond-stitched leather. ### What custom features are inside this Zeelander 5? Highlights include a Rolls-Royce-style starlight ceiling, a built-in cigar humidor, a pop-up TV on the aft deck, and extensive bespoke color and material treatments. ### How fast is the Zeelander 5? Powered by Volvo IPS engines, the yacht can reach a top speed of 40 knots while remaining quiet enough for normal conversation even at high speeds. ### Can the Zeelander 5 be operated without a crew? Yes. This particular yacht was configured for owner operation, with joystick controls designed to make handling easier and more intuitive. **Categories:** Boats **Tags:** News, Yachts, Zeelander --- ### [This New 269-Foot Superyacht Has an Art Deco-Interior Worthy of a Bond Villain](https://robbreport.ph/boats/bilgin-project-bond-superyacht-is-james-bond-inspired/) **Published:** September 3, 2026 **Author:** Nicole Hoey **Content:** The name’s Bond, Project Bond. Bilgin has just unveiled the gorgeous gilded interiors of its new 269-foot flagship, which is inspired by James Bond himself. The striking [superyacht](https://robbreport.ph/tag/superyacht/), which is also the shipyard’s largest to date (eclipsing *[Tatiana](https://robbreport.ph/boats/meet-al-reem-the-new-263-foot-superyacht-thats-exploring-the-mediterranean/)* and its other 263-footers), is just the latest 007-themed vessel created for American owner John Staluppi. Inside, Project Bond would certainly make a fine lair for any Boon villain. Bilgin tapped the team at H2 Design to bring the interiors to life, creating a light-filled, Art Deco-inspired palace on the seas. That means you’ll find plenty of mirrored materials, rich fabrics, pops of gold, and sunburst of blue throughout the space. It all starts in the main saloon, with curved couches and chairs situated underneath an airy chandelier, as well as a large main bar with views out to the sea from nearly every angle. The area is also home to a massive open staircase that connects right down to the beach club. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/bilgin-project-bond-cinema.webp) The cinema. *Bilgin Yachts* The crème de la crème, though, may be the owner’s suite. The sprawling space has its own TV and sofa pair alongside a roomy bed, along with design touches like a twinkling mirror on the ceiling and a wavy carpet. The bathroom brings that rich blue into focus with its gilded vanity and various textures.; the same cabinet found there can also be spotted in the closet, next to a vanity and plenty of storage. Head either of the two VIP cabins, meanwhile, and you’ll still have plenty of room to unwind; one offers up a desk and a sofa along with striking design details like the motif behind the bed, and the other builds upon that blue hue seen throughout the [superyacht](https://robbreport.ph/boats/). One of the guest cabins onboard continues that opulence at a smaller scale, with more mirrored features and a large window out to the ocean blue; and a sophisticated twin guest cabin rounds out the accommodations. Last but not least comes the lower deck, which has its own cinema. Lights stretch in ribbons across the ceiling, complementing the rich variety of blue hues found everywhere from the walls to the carpet. The space also has six reclining sofas, all waiting for the owner to begin a Bond movie marathon. “I’m definitely trying to create a grand rich style and a definite WOW factor,” Jonny Horsfield, founder and creative director of H2 Design, said in a press statement. “Unlike many yachts of this size today we are not following a new fashion or trend; instead we have created a timeless classic interior.” If you can pry your eyes away from the interiors, the new superyacht also offers up plenty of grunt. Project Bond has an over 5,000-nautical-mile range and a top speed of 17.5 meters, thanks to the power of its MTU 16V 4000M73 engines. More details on what can be found onboard, like the exterior by Unique Yacht Design, will be revealed by Bilgin in due time—though from what we can see from phots, that includes two pools onboard and plenty of lounge space. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/bilgin-project-bond-main-salon-bar.webp) The main salon bar. *Bilgin Yachts* And Project Bond is joining quite the collection of spies—er, vessels—on the seas. Staluppi has many odes to 007 from varying shipyards out there, all named for films featuring Ian Fleming’s iconic character. Take *Quantum of Solace*, the 238-footer named for the 2008 Daniel Craig flick that, at the time, was one of just four yachts in the world to have a double-height atrium in the main salon, along with a 16-foot swimming pool. The idea of the vessels having gadgets and gizmos or reaching feats only Bond himself could achieve is certainly a trend: The 144-foot Octopussy could dart to a bonkers top speed of 61 mph, quite the accomplishment for a superyacht of that size, while For Your Eyes Only was the first motor yacht in the U.S. to have a combination of MTU engines with water-jet propulsion. And then there’s the 226-foot *Spectre* is home to a suave Paris-inspired interior, among many, many more superyachts. No matter which way you slice it, Project Bond is in good company. Perhaps Staluppi is waiting for Amazon’s new 007 movie title to be announced before christening his new [Benetti](https://robbreport.ph/tag/benetti/). *[See more photos of Project Bond here.](https://robbreport.ph/boats/bilgin-project-bond-superyacht-in-photos/)* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* ## FAQs ### What is Project Bond? Project Bond is a 269-foot superyacht built by Turkish shipyard Bilgin for American owner John Staluppi. It is the largest yacht Bilgin has built to date. ### Why is Project Bond inspired by James Bond? Owner John Staluppi has commissioned several yachts named after or inspired by James Bond films, including *Quantum of Solace*, *Octopussy*, *For Your Eyes Only*, and *Spectre*. ### Who designed the interior of Project Bond? The yacht’s interiors were designed by H2 Design, which created an Art Deco-inspired scheme featuring mirrored surfaces, rich fabrics, gold accents, and deep blue tones. ### What amenities are aboard Project Bond? Project Bond features an expansive owner’s suite, two VIP cabins, guest accommodations, a cinema with reclining sofas, two pools, a beach club, and multiple lounge areas. ### How far can Project Bond travel? Bilgin says the superyacht has a range of more than 5,000 nautical miles, allowing it to undertake extended voyages between destinations. **Categories:** Boats **Tags:** Bligin Yachts, James Bond, News, Superyacht --- ### [Brabus Just Unveiled Two High-Performance Luxury Powerboats](https://robbreport.ph/boats/brabus-shadow-1000-xc-cross-cabin-powerboat/) **Published:** September 15, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** [Brabus](https://www.brabus.com/en-int/marine/powerboats.html) has created not one but two speed machines for the sea. The German tuner, famous for building monstrously powerful G-Wagens, Lambos, and the like, has teamed up with Finnish builder [Axopar Boats](https://www.axopar.com/) on a pair of high-performance [powerboats](https://robbreport.ph/tag/speedboat/). The 38-footers, part of the new Shadow 38 range, share the same fundamental platform, design language, and highly versatile layout. The sleek exteriors are replete with carbon fiber, resulting in a bold, aggressive feel. The interiors are lighter and warmer in design, with premium marine upholstery adding a sense of luxury. Both vessels are equipped with the latest marine tech, with twin Simrad displays making captaining a cinch. They can also both be tailored to suit the owner’s lifestyle, with adaptable aft decks, optional activity platforms, and integrated wet bars allowing for both watersports and waterside entertaining. What sets them apart is grunt. The two vessels have distinct power configurations that determine how they are used. At the top of the range is the Shadow 1000 XC Cross Cabin (469,500 euros, or roughly $547,000). Taking inspiration from bespoke Brabus supercars, the flagship delivers impressive speed, breathtaking acceleration, and precise handling. Equipped with twin Mercury Racing 500R V-8 outboards rated at 1,000 hp, the [boat](https://robbreport.ph/boats/) has a top speed of up to 60 knots, enabling the owner to zip around the coastline. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/brabus-shadow-1000-xc-cross-cabin5.webp) The cabin of the Shadow 1000 XC Cross Cabin. *Niklas Frank* The Shadow 850 XC Cross Cabin (399,000 euros, or about $465,000) is more like a grand tourer, capable of both cruising at speed and covering long distances. Powered by twin Mercury Verado 425 V-10 outboards with a combined output of 850 hp, the runabout offers a top speed of up to 55 knots and smooth, dynamic handling in a variety of conditions. It can carry out long, relaxed journeys, spirited coastal runs, and everything in between. “By offering two clearly differentiated power configurations on the same platform, the Shadow 38 expands the Brabus Marine range while giving customers greater freedom to select the driving character that best matches their individual boating style,” the German tuner said in a statement. The Shadow 38 range officially debuted at the Cannes Yachting Festival, with the Shadow 1000 XC Cross Cabin leading the debut. The boat will also be showcased at the Monaco Yacht Show in late September. ***Click [here](https://robbreport.ph/boats/brabus-shadow-1000-xc-cross-cabin-in-photos/) to see more photos of the Shadow 1000 XC Cross Cabin.*** *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* ## FAQs ### What are the new Brabus Shadow 38 powerboats? The new Shadow 38 range includes the Brabus Shadow 1000 XC Cross Cabin and the Shadow 850 XC Cross Cabin, both developed with Finnish boatbuilder Axopar. ### How powerful is the Brabus Shadow 1000 XC Cross Cabin? The flagship uses twin Mercury Racing 500R V-8 outboards producing a combined 1,000 hp and can reach speeds of up to 60 knots. ### What is the difference between the Shadow 1000 and Shadow 850? The Shadow 1000 is tuned for maximum speed and acceleration, while the 850-hp Shadow 850 XC Cross Cabin is positioned more as a grand tourer for fast cruising and longer-distance journeys. ### How much do the new Brabus Shadow 38 boats cost? The Shadow 1000 XC Cross Cabin starts at €469,500, or about $547,000, while the Shadow 850 XC Cross Cabin costs €399,000, or roughly $465,000. ### Where did the Brabus Shadow 38 make its debut? The Shadow 38 range debuted at the Cannes Yachting Festival, with the Shadow 1000 XC Cross Cabin also scheduled to appear at the Monaco Yacht Show later in September. **Categories:** Boats **Tags:** Axopar, Brabus, News, Yachts --- ### [Zeelander 5 in Photos](https://robbreport.ph/boats/zeelander-5-in-photos/) **Published:** August 20, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** The [yacht ](https://robbreport.ph/boats/)was designed specifically to match the owner’s cars and aircraft. Click [here](https://robbreport.ph/boats/zeelander-5/) to read the full story. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/zeelander-5-1.webp) The Zeelander 5 from above. *Rick Heikoop* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/zeelander-5-2.webp) The bow. *Rick Heikoop* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/zeelander-5-4.webp) The aft deck. *Rick Heikoop* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/zeelander-5-5.webp) The salon by day. *Rick Heikoop* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/zeelander-5-6.webp) The salon by night. *Rick Heikoop* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/zeelander-5-yacht-1.webp) The aft cockpit. *Ahmet Turan* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/zeelander-5-yacht-2.webp) The double guest cabin. *Ahmet Turan* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/zeelander-5-yacht-3.webp) The central staircase. *Ahmet Turan* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/zeelander-5-yacht-4.webp) The owner’s suite. *Ahmet Turan* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/zeelander-5-yacht-5.webp) The helm. *Ahmet Turan* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Boats **Tags:** Yachts, Zeelander --- ### [Gaming Developer Gabe Newell Bought Oceanco. Here’s a Look Inside His First 364-Foot Gigayacht](https://robbreport.ph/boats/gaming-developer-gabe-newell-bought-oceanco-heres-a-look-inside-his-first-364-foot-gigayacht/) **Published:** May 19, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** Gabe Newell’s game-changing [Oceanco](https://robbreport.ph/tag/oceanco/ "oceanco") [gigayacht](https://robbreport.ph/tag/gigayacht/ "Gigayacht") has officially come online. The 364-foot *Leviathan* was delivered to the billionaire gaming visionary in November 2025, but was recently captured cruising the Bahamas by photographer Guillaume Plisson. The images provide the first real look at the unconventional interior, which is the product of some of the finest minds in the business. ![Aerial view of a white multi-deck luxury superyacht in dark blue water, with a small motorboat nearby](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Oceanco-Leviathan-3.webp) Leviathan on the water in the Bahamas. *Photo: Guillaume Plisson/Oceanco* Newell, who revolutionized PC gaming by creating hits like Half-Life, cofounding Valve Corporation, and launching Steam, joined forces with YTMC, Y.CO, the Oceanco design team, Lateral Naval Architects, Mark Berryman Design, and thousands of other experts to bring *Leviathan* to fruition. The names of the nearly 3,000 people involved in the build are engraved on a glass panel within the main staircase, in fact. ![Luxurious yacht deck with an outdoor cinema screen, guests lounging on sunbeds and seating around a pool. The ocean is visible in the background.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Oceanco-Leviathan-8.webp) The outdoor cinema. *Photo: Guillaume Plisson/Oceanco* Newell, who acquired Oceanco in April 2025, wanted the [yacht](https://robbreport.ph/boats/) to feel like a community and be enjoyable for all. That kind of democratization of luxury is evident in Berryman’s interior, with a layout that combines guests and crew rather than separates them. ![The communal dining area on the gigayacht Leviathan, owned by billionaire gaming developer Gabe Newell.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Oceanco-Leviathan-55.webp) The communal dining area. *Guillaume Plisson/Oceanco* The typical main salon has been eschewed in favor of a large communal dining space for up to 54 people. (There is accommodation for up to 26 guests and 37 crew onboard.) In addition, locations typically reserved for guests are also open to the crew, such as the gaming lounge, basketball court, and sun deck. ![Group of people gaming in a modern, ocean-view conference room with laptops, facing a large central screen.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Oceanco-Leviathan-16.webp) A communal gaming area. *Photo: Guillaume Plisson/Oceanco* “*Leviathan* represents a new philosophy of yachting—one that places greater purpose at the heart of design, ownership and operations,” Deniz de Koningh, project director at Oceanco, said in a statement. “The owner’s vision sets a forward-thinking example of how yachts can be built and used with intent.” ![The pool area in gigayacht Leviathan, owned by billionaire game developer Gabe Newell.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Oceanco-Leviathan-41-1.webp) The pool area. Guillaume Plisson/Oceanco *Leviathan* is also designed to be very low-maintenance. The off-white exterior and synthetic handrails require less cleaning, for example. That reduces the amount of time the crew spends on routine maintenance, freeing them up for more important tasks. “The goal was to consider where the most valuable experiences occur for the community of people onboard,” Newell explains. “By increasing crew productivity, we can enable them to focus more on engaging with guests and creating meaningful experiences for everyone.” ![Aerial view of a white luxury yacht deck with a rooftop basketball court and players on the court, casting shadows on the blue-lined court.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Oceanco-Leviathan-38.webp) The basketball court. *Photo: Guillaume Plisson/Oceanco* *Leviathan* will be used by Newell’s marine research organization, Inkfish, for deep-sea exploration and scientific mapping, with a fully equipped dive center, laboratory, and hospital replacing the typical beach club. The yacht is equipped with a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system, too, reducing the carbon emissions on said expeditions. ![The fold-out deck and tender on the Leviathan, the gigayacht owned by billionaire gaming developer Gabe Newell.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Oceanco-Leviathan-44.webp) The fold-out deck and tender on the Leviathan, the gigayacht owned by billionaire gaming developer Gabe Newell. Guillaume Plisson/Oceanco “Yachts have great potential to serve as platforms for scientific research,” Newell adds. “It’s about recognizing that you’re part of a broader community and ensuring the yacht’s presence adds value to the communities around it.” ***Click [here](https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/gallery/leviathan-superaycht-1238040143/) to see more photos of Leviathan.*** *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.*[](https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/gallery/leviathan-superaycht-1238040143/) **Categories:** Boats **Tags:** Gigayacht, News, oceanco, Superyacht --- ### [The Largest Superyacht Ever Built in Turkey Was Just Delivered to Its Owner](https://robbreport.ph/boats/the-largest-superyacht-ever-built-in-turkey-was-just-delivered-to-its-owner/) **Published:** May 28, 2026 **Author:** Nicole Hoey **Content:** One lucky [superyacht](https://robbreport.ph/tag/superyacht/ "Superyacht") owner just got a rather angelic delivery. Turkey’s largest yacht just cruised into the hands of its owner this week from Turquoise Yacht’s facilities in Istanbul. The 288-foot stunner, formerly known as Project Vento, has now been christened *Angelique.* For this latest [superyacht](https://robbreport.ph/boats/), Turquoise turned to its longtime creative partner H2 Yacht Design to bring the vessel to life—both inside and out. The pair gave the yacht a “Tour de France” blue-inspired steel hull, while the aluminum superstructure offers up plenty of smooth, sleek lines. And with 2,646 GT to its name, *Angelique* has plenty of room for any activities the owner would have in mind. That includes the main deck aft, with its 21-foot counterflow pool, and the owner’s deck aft, which can be fully enclosed to make a winter garden. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/turquoise-yachts-angelique-back.webp) The recently delivered superyacht has an expansive beach club and an a wellness-focused gym and spa. *Turquoise Yachts* Head to the bridge deck and you’ll find yet another area for sunbathing, while the sun deck has a cinema prepped and ready for outdoor movie nights, as well as a kitchen with a teppanyaki grill. The beach club also acts as a social hub, with a bar and folding side terraces for entertaining right on the water. The space also has its own massage room and a drive-in tender dock for toys. And pulling double duty is the touch-and-go helipad on the foredeck, which can be transformed into a basketball court. Inside, meanwhile, the owner was inspired by yet another creation from Turquoise and H2 Yacht Design: the 253-foot *Go*. The duo upped the ante on the design of that modern superyacht by adding blue accents (mirroring the striking hull) and stainless steel throughout, among other standout details such as a statement bar in the main saloon to a sculpture by Dale Chijuly in the atrium. Elsewhere, you’ll find a games table and yet another cinema screen for some inside entertainment, and the fully equipped gym and spa—complete with a sauna, hammam, and treatment room—is focused on all things wellness. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/turquoise-yachts-angelique-exterior.webp) “Angelique” has an eye-catching blue hull. *Turquoise Yachts* The owner will have a secluded space to rest their head, too. The owner’s suite onboard is home to a lounge, his-and-hers dressing rooms, an office, a lounge, and access to a private terrace with its own Jacuzzi and seating. Other accommodations include two VIP cabins and four guest cabins on the main deck, each with its own design scheme. As for grunt, *Angelique* is powered by a pair of MTU 12V4000 M65L that let the yacht dart to a top speed of 17 knots. “It is still difficult to fully grasp the sheer scale of the achievement of our team and valued solution partners,” the shipyard’s CEO Burak Akgül said in a press statement. “As the second—and largest—of five custom yachts derived from our 80-metre platform, *Angelique* unequivocally marks a new standard of our ability.” And if you’re still looking for a [summer charter](https://robbreport.ph/guide-to/how-to-charter-a-superyacht-everything-you-need-to-know-about-booking-a-high-seas-vacation/ "How to Charter a Superyacht: Everything You Need to Know About Booking a High-Seas Vacation"), you’re in luck. *Angelique* is now available for any adventure on the seas via [Edmiston](mailto:https://www.edmiston.com/5727/angelique-yacht-charter/) from about $1.4 million (1.2 million euros). *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Boats **Tags:** Angelique, Project Vento, Turquoise Yacht --- ### [Take a 14-Day Wellness Trip: Orient Express and Guerlain on the World’s Largest Sailing Yacht](https://robbreport.ph/boats/orient-express-and-guerlain-teamed-up-for-a-14-day-wellness-retreat-on-the-worlds-largest-sailing-yacht/) **Published:** May 26, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** [Orient Express](https://robbreport.ph/tag/orient-express/ "orient express") wants to help you fully rejuvenate at sea. The luxury travel brand, which announced it was expanding beyond glamorous trains into [high-end yachts](https://robbreport.ph/boats/) after it was acquired by Accor in 2022, just revealed plans for a wellness retreat aboard the newly launched *Corinthian*. ![Luxurious hotel bedroom with a king bed, white linens, burgundy headboard, and an orange ottoman.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Orient-Express-Corinthian-Duplex-Suite2.webp) *Photo: Jean-Marie Liot/Orient Express* Orient Express has teamed up with fellow French icon Guerlain to develop the aptly named Ocean Rebirth experience. Founded in 1828 by Pierre-François Pascal Guerlain, the maison has crafted top-tier perfume, skincare, and cosmetics for centuries and has launched spas at renowned five-star hotels, including Raffles London at the OWO, One&Only the Palm, and the Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo. Guerlain is also behind the spa onboard *Corinthian*. It spans 5,380 square feet, with four treatment suites, a sauna, a relaxation lounge, a barber, a beauty salon, a fitness space, and a lap lane with open-sky views. ![Cupping therapy in progress: two glass cups placed on a person’s bare back while a practitioner handles them.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Guerlain-Spa-Orient-Express-Corinthian-2.webp) Guerlain created sensory rituals specifically for the Orient Express. *Photo: Orient Express* Such facilities are not uncommon on cruise ships—the [floating hotels](https://robbreport.ph/boats/luxury-hotels-are-launching-elevated-cruise-ships-and-calling-them-yachts-but-are-they/ "Luxury Hotels Are Launching Elevated Cruise Ships and Calling Them ‘Yachts.’ Are They?") by the likes of [Aman](https://robbreport.ph/travel/amans-luxe-600-foot-cruise-ship-will-debut-in-the-mediterranean-in-2027/ "Aman’s Luxe 600-Foot Cruise Ship Will Debut in the Mediterranean in 2027"), [Four Seasons](https://robbreport.ph/travel/four-seasons-explorer-luxury-meets-the-wild/ "Four Seasons Explorer: Where Luxury Meets the Wild"), and [Ritz-Carlton](https://robbreport.ph/tag/ritz-carlton-2/ "ritz carlton") all have them—but the new 14-day itinerary Orient Express and Guerlain have created gives seafarers a chance to dive deeper than one or two treatments. Set over the course of a transatlantic crossing from Lisbon, Portugal, to Bridgetown, Barbados, the retreat is structured around a program focused on physical regeneration and overall balance, which covers everything from skincare and nutrition to movement, mindfulness, and longevity. ![Aerial view of a four-masted luxury sailing yacht cutting through sunlit ocean.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Orient-Express-Corinthian-Exterior.webp) “Corinthian” on sea trials in February. *Photo: Jean-Marie Liot/Orient Express* After an initial assessment, each guest is given a personalized program that includes a bespoke treatment protocol and a tailored nutrition plan, along with individual consultations and group workshops with five onboard wellness experts. You could practice breathwork with five-time world champion freediver Arthur Guérin-Boëri, learn all about regenerative nutrition with naturopath Déborah Passuti, or tone up with former ballerina Julie Granger, for example. ![Interior with a curved staircase visible through an open doorway, and a chessboard with wooden pieces on a table to the left.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Orient-Express-Corinthian-Duplex-Suite1.webp) *Photo: Jean-Marie Liot/Orient Express* Guests will also have access to the latest and greatest wellness tools, including LongeviSkin, a unique device developed by Guerlain that combines seven advanced aesthetic technologies, including LED, plasma, and radiofrequency. Other highlights include Theragun devices and LED masks. Beyond the spa, *Corinthian* offers up 54 suites ranging from 485 to 2,476 square feet, five restaurants helmed by Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno, eight bars, a pool, and a marina across four generous decks. The 722-footer, which is the world’s largest [sailing yacht](https://robbreport.ph/tag/sailing-yacht/ "sailing yacht") by length, will embark on her inaugural season in the Mediterranean and the Adriatic in June, before crossing the Atlantic to spend the fall and winter in the Caribbean. Ocean Rebirth will take place from October 12 to 26, with rates starting at 60,200 euros, or about $70,400, per suite. (That covers accommodation, dining, butler services, spa access, and other onboard experiences.) Bookings can be made via the [Orient Express website](https://www.orient-express.com/en/sailing-yachts/destinations/transatlantic/transatlantic-renewal/121026-14-nights#Description). *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Boats, Travel **Tags:** Cruises, News, orient express, sailing, Superyacht --- ### [Why Sanlorenzo Designs Superyachts With Slow Living and Wellness in Mind](https://robbreport.ph/boats/why-sanlorenzo-is-redefining-modern-superyacht-design-through-slow-living-and-wellness/) **Published:** June 2, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Ingram **Content:** There’s something about being at sea that feels distinctly restorative. The stresses of the shore fall away in the salt air, and the pressures of daily life ease into the wake as the [yacht ](https://robbreport.ph/boats/)leaves land behind. For many owners, time onboard is the only point in the year when the pace of life slows. Calls drop away, schedules ease, and attention returns to the present. At [Sanlorenzo](https://robbreport.ph/boats/sanlorenzos-new-243-foot-flagship-has-a-palatial-3200-square-foot-owners-deck/ "Sanlorenzo’s New 243-Foot Flagship Has a Palatial 3,200-Square-Foot Owner’s Deck"), that shift is not left to chance. It is built into the design. “Proximity to the sea increases the sense of wellness,” says executive chairman of Sanlorenzo, Massimo Perotti. “Being on the water is a positive element for the human being. You travel without formality, you reduce the speed of life, and you forget the problems of everyday life. We simply create the conditions for that.” For more than 60 years, Sanlorenzo has defined Italian excellence in yacht building, crafting custom superyachts that combine refined design with innovative engineering. Its approach is grounded in architecture. Over the past decade, its collaboration with Sanlorenzo art director Piero Lissoni has established an approach shaped by lifestyle and longevity. Interiors are arranged as connected spaces, allowing movement to feel easy and uninterrupted, while each element is considered in terms of how it will be used over time. The focus is not only on how a yacht is experienced at the moment, but how it continues to support life onboard across years of ownership. “Our responsibility is to design not only for today, but for how our clients will live in the future,” says Perotti. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Virtuosity-4-.webp) Bird’s-eye view of Virtuosity, a 243-foot superyacht boasting features usually seen on much larger vessels. *Photo: Sanlorenzo* The modus operandi extends beyond the interior, shaping how each space relates to the sea and the owner’s style of living. That understanding informs the way each yacht is developed. Sanlorenzo’s long-standing “made-to-measure” philosophy has evolved into a process of co-creation, where owners work closely with the yard to define how their yacht will function in practice. Layouts are adjusted around individual routines, whether that involves extended family use, long-distance cruising or integrating work into life on the vessel. One current project involves a 243-foot yacht designed with an entire deck dedicated to office space, allowing its owner to spend several months a year onboard while continuing to run his business. “He wants to move his office onboard,” says Perotti. “The intention is not to work less, but to work better.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/virtuosity-ocean-lounge.webp) Virtuosity’s Ocean Lounge also functions as a beach club. Meanwhile, the latest 74Steel project, known as *[Virtuosity](https://robbreport.ph/boats/virtuosity-superyacht-in-photos/ "‘Virtuosity’ Superyacht in Photos")*, was conceived for a Canadian owner with strong eco-credentials and designed to bring nature into greater focus. In an industry first, a living tree rises through the center of the yacht, becoming a centerpiece across multiple levels. The decision required a rethinking of the yacht’s structure, with space removed across decks to accommodate it, as well as an extended development process to ensure it could survive the conditions at sea, from salt air to constant movement. The idea, as Perotti describes it, was to bring something natural onboard—creating a more immediate connection to the environment. “It becomes a focal point,” says Perotti. “You lose space, but you gain something different.” Developed over more than four years of dialogue between owner and shipyard, the Virtuosity project reflects a broader approach to design. Elements such as the tree, the reflecting pool on the owner’s deck, and the expanded ocean-level living areas are not conceived as additions, but as outcomes of a single architectural approach, integrating nature, light and structure. This is most apparent at sea level, where the reconfigured “Ocean Resort” extends across more 210 square feet, opening laterally to the water and maintaining a direct connection to the sea. Below, a submerged lounge within the hull brings the marine world into view at eye level. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Virtuosity_Aquarium_731f63.webp) The aquarium on Virtuosity fosters an intimate connection with the surrounding ocean. *Photo: Sanlorenzo* “We are obsessed with proportions, with intelligent architecture and with balance,” says Renato Bisignani, group chief marketing and communication officer at Sanlorenzo. “Design is at the core of what we do, and innovation is always aimed at improving the experience onboard.” As owners increasingly prioritize time, individuality and longevity, the yacht builder’s emphasis on experience and wellbeing has underpinned its recent success. With its design credentials and preference towards quiet luxury, Sanlorenzo does not position itself for a broad market, instead focusing on a group of owners—often described internally as connoisseurs—who share a strong interest in design, architecture and art, and have a clear understanding of how they want to live on the ocean. “We cater to a very selective audience,” says Bisignani. “People who understand quality and excellence.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Virtuosity-3-1.webp) The sleek side profile of Virtuosity. *Photo: Sanlorenzo* This perspective has shaped the company’s wider cultural engagement. Its long-standing presence at Milan Design Week, and its partnerships with institutions such as the Guggenheim and Art Basel, reflect a natural alignment with its client base, many of whom are collectors and participants in those worlds. “It is a natural evolution,” Perotti says. “Our customers appreciate design, and they appreciate art—they understand what we are doing.” Projects like the recently launched SHE yacht reflect this intersection of heritage and contemporary thinking, drawing on references from the past while incorporating modern propulsion systems and updated spatial concepts. Across all of its work, Sanlorenzo is consistently dedicated to how its yachts can be enjoyed over time. “The point is not only to live more,” says Perotti, “but live well.” *This article originally appeared in Rob Report US.* **Categories:** Boats **Tags:** Feature, sanlorenzo, Sanlorenzo Yachts, Superyacht, yacht --- ### [The Maldives Is Getting a Fleet of 100 Electric Water Taxis From Navier](https://robbreport.ph/boats/the-maldives-is-getting-a-fleet-of-100-electric-water-taxis-from-navier/) **Published:** June 10, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** Navier is quietly expanding across the high seas. The San Francisco-based start-up, cofounded by former [NASA](https://robbreport.ph/tag/nasa/ "NASA") researcher and MIT engineer Sampriti Bhattacharyya in 2020, plans to deploy 100 electric vessels across the Maldives to enable emissions-free travel between airports, resorts, and local islands. As Navier puts it, it will serve as “an ultra-efficient, black-car fleet of the sea.” Navier said it signed a contract valued at approximately $100 million with JIH Global—a Dubai-based investment firm behind some of the top hospitality projects in the Maldives—to roll out the vessels over the next three years in what could become the first large-scale test of electric maritime transit infrastructure. Maldives-based developer HARIM will be the operator. Conventional gas-powered ferries and boats are currently the primary mode of transportation in the Indian Ocean archipelago, carrying residents and tourists to locations spread across 35,000 square miles of ocean. Navier’s battery-powered water taxis represent a cleaner, more efficient alternative for ocean travel. “The Maldives has always been at the frontier of luxury tourism, but as an island nation on the front lines of climate change, we also have an opportunity to help define what the future of waterborne transportation looks like,” Mohamed Ali Janah, chairman of JIH Global Investment, said in a statement. “With Navier, we see the potential to build not only a cleaner, more seamless network connecting airports, resorts, villas, and islands, but a scalable blueprint for sustainable maritime transportation, extending beyond the Maldives to island nations and coastal cities around the world.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Sampriti_Navier.webp) Navier cofounder Sampriti Bhattacharyya on the N30. *Photo: Aaron Wojack* Navier’s flagship, the [N30](https://www.navierboat.com/n30), is a 30-foot electric foiling yacht that can carry up to eight passengers and a driver. It glides four feet above the water on three carbon foils that boost speed and efficiency while minimizing wake and drag. The vessel’s sensors feed information about wave conditions to software that then adjusts the foils up to 50 times per second to ensure a smooth ride. The driver is in charge of speed and steering, but the active foiling system takes care of the rest. The boat is equipped with two 90 kW electric motors that allow it to hit 35 knots at full tilt and cover 75 nautical miles at 22 knots. It offers three modes—Cruise, Sport, and Economy—to match conditions or pilot preference, with features like autodocking making for stress-free operation. Thanks to the foils and the diminished drag, the zero-emissions cruiser, Navier claims, is 10 times more efficient than traditional gas-powered boats. “It is the most advanced electric marine vessel for sure,” Bhattacharyya previously told Robb Report. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Navier-N30.webp) Navier N30 Electric Foiling Yacht. *Photo: Navier* Navier is also developing larger models measuring 60 and 120 feet, along with a [30-foot hybrid](https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/navier-quanta-r-foiling-yacht-1237346685/) with diesel-electric propulsion for long-distance cruising. These [personal yachts](https://robbreport.ph/boats/) are a way to fine-tune technology, according to Bhattacharyya. She hopes Navier can eventually roll out electric water taxis and barges to transport people and goods in coastal cities globally. The Maldives network is certainly a solid start. Five boats are scheduled for delivery to the archipelago this year, marking the beginning of her grand plan. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Boats **Tags:** electric foiling yacht, Maldives, Navier, News, yacht --- ### [This New 148-Foot Custom Superyacht Is Like a Low-Slung Sports Car for the Seas](https://robbreport.ph/boats/this-new-148-foot-custom-superyacht-is-like-a-low-slung-sports-car-for-the-seas/) **Published:** June 19, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** Alia’s latest custom [superyacht](http://superyacht) was designed to meet its owner’s every wish. The 148-foot *Genie Blu* was built for a “visionary” with a very distinctive brief, according to the Turkish shipyard. They decided to buck marine conventions; the objective was not to maximize gross tonnage as is typical with many [contemporary yachts](https://robbreport.ph/boats/), but rather to focus on design and lifestyle. “*Genie Blu* turns traditional ideas of yacht design on their head,” Alia president Gökhan Çelik said in a statement. “Rather than maximizing interior volume for its own sake, this project is about purity, proportion and the owner’s experience of the sea.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Alia-Yachts-Genie-Blu-4.webp) The low-slung exterior. *Photo: Alia Yachts* Alia’s in-house design office worked closely with Italy’s Luca Dini Design & Architecture on the interior and exterior. The yacht cuts a striking silhouette, with clean, architectural lines and a long, low superstructure. That minimalist design extends to the interior, with remarkably uncluttered living quarters. “The project is based on subtraction rather than addition,” adds designer Luca Dini. “We removed barriers, reduced unnecessary volume and opened the yacht wherever possible.” Drop-down side wings and floor-to-ceiling glass seamlessly connect the indoors and out. The main salon is a prime example of the natural flow throughout, with an open-plan layout and expansive windows that together create a light, airy feel within. The decor is described as calm and contemporary by the yard, with a neutral palette and simple furnishings that allow the ocean surroundings to take focus. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Alia-Yachts-Genie-Blu-Main-Salon.webp) The light and airy main salon. *Photo: Alia Yachts* The exterior decks echo that sense of flow. To the aft lies a cockpit with raised seating and cascading steps that lead down to a swim platform offering direct access to the sea. Forward, a generous lounge area and open foredeck offer further spaces for al fresco entertaining or relaxation in the breeze. Up top, meanwhile, a private sun pad area is built into the superstructure. It appears *Genie Blu* was delivered to Italian entrepreneur Gianluca Vacchi, the heir to the Industria Macchine Automatiche (IMA) Group. The multimillionaire shared a video of the yacht on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/p/DZiZjBTOkoh/) earlier this week. “Yesterday was a special day for our family,” he wrote in the caption. “Welcome, *Genie Blu*. May God bless this vessel and whoever will navigate on it. ***[Click here to see more photos of Genie Blu.](https://robbreport.ph/boats/genie-blu-superyacht-in-photos/)*** ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is the Genie Blu superyacht? Genie Blu is a 148-foot custom superyacht built by Turkish shipyard Alia Yachts. Designed in collaboration with Luca Dini Design & Architecture, the vessel prioritizes lifestyle, openness, and a close connection to the sea rather than maximizing interior volume. ### Who owns the Genie Blu? The yacht is believed to have been delivered to Italian entrepreneur Gianluca Vacchi, heir to the IMA Group. Vacchi recently shared images and video of Genie Blu on social media, welcoming the yacht as the newest addition to his family’s fleet. ### What makes Genie Blu different from other luxury yachts? Unlike many modern superyachts that focus on maximizing gross tonnage, Genie Blu was designed around proportion, simplicity, and outdoor living. Features such as floor-to-ceiling glass, fold-down side terraces, open-plan interiors, and expansive deck spaces create a seamless connection between the yacht and the surrounding ocean. ### Who designed the interior of Genie Blu? Luca Dini Design & Architecture designed the interior and exterior of Genie Blu in collaboration with Alia Yachts. The design emphasizes subtraction, reducing barriers and unnecessary volume. ### Where was the Genie Blu superyacht built? Genie Blu was built at the Alia Yachts shipyard located in Turkey. The custom project was engineered specifically to meet the distinctive aesthetic layout requested by its owner. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Boats **Tags:** Alia Yachts, News, Superyacht --- ### [Orient Express’s Massive 722-Foot Yacht Was Inspired by Art Deco Design](https://robbreport.ph/boats/orient-expresss-massive-722-foot-yacht-was-inspired-by-art-deco-design/) **Published:** June 30, 2026 **Author:** Julia Zaltzman **Content:** The *[Corinthian](https://robbreport.ph/boats/orient-express-and-guerlain-teamed-up-for-a-14-day-wellness-retreat-on-the-worlds-largest-sailing-yacht/ "Take a 14-Day Wellness Trip: Orient Express and Guerlain on the World’s Largest Sailing Yacht")*, the first of Accor’s two [Orient Express](https://robbreport.ph/tag/orient-express/ "orient express") [sailing yachts](https://robbreport.ph/boats/), set sail on her maiden voyage in May 2026. At 721.8 feet, she’s pitched as the world’s largest sailing yacht (sail-assisted with electric propulsion) with a stylized interior that pays homage to [Orient Express](https://www.orient-express.com/en)’s [Art Deco ](https://robbreport.ph/tag/art-deco/ "art deco")heritage. That includes poetic design signatures that anchor the decor in authenticity, such as luggage racks and vintage lights in a few guest cabins sourced from the original train, as well as a 20-seater cinema with a carpet inspired by Suzanne Lalique’s iconic flower bouquet glass panels. “We began sketching the first design ideas for this vessel more than three years ago,” architect Maxime d’Angeac tells me during a tour of the boat in Saint-Nazaire, France. His French design studio specializes in reinterpreting historical private homes, estates, and villas through a contemporary lens, though *Corinthian* is his first yacht. “The central reception area is where guests embark, so we incorporated a lot of wood and detail to keep the vibe faithful to what people expect from the Orient Express train.” Materials for the largely masculine and moody interior are sourced from or created by European artisans, from Jean Brieuc’s wood embroidery (also found on the headboards of Accor’s upcoming 2027 Istanbul train), to Franck Benito’s engraved crystal lights used to illuminate the yacht’s marble-clad wellness center—[Guerlain’s first spa at sea](https://robbreport.ph/boats/orient-express-and-guerlain-teamed-up-for-a-14-day-wellness-retreat-on-the-worlds-largest-sailing-yacht/). ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/orient-express-corinthian-bar.webp) A sleek bar onboard. *Photo: Orient Express* “The more centrally placed you are on board, the less you feel the boat moving, which is why we located the spa amidships to create a soothing sanctuary at the heart of the vessel,” explains d’Angeac. Steeped in dip lighting and marble, the spa includes a hammam, sauna, tepidarium and ice fountains, with a movement studio that hosts instructor-led classes. The boat was designed around 54 guest cabins, comprising 48 suites and six penthouse apartments. “It’s a very big boat for a limited number of passengers,” says d’Angeac. The 2,422-square-foot two-bedroom literary-themed Agatha Christie suite is the largest onboard and is dressed in rich rosewood with a marble bath and private terrace. Big hitters can take all six penthouse suites to form a private 10,000-square-foot refuge for 22 people that has full run of the top level, akin to a dedicated [superyacht](https://robbreport.ph/tag/superyacht/ "Superyacht") owner’s deck. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/orient-express-corithian-dining.webp) Outdoor dining connects you right with the sea. *Photo: Orient Express* In addition to sweeping vistas, butler service, and restful, quiet days at sea (just four weeks a year are dedicated to family sailings) guests can expect an assortment of curated onboard entertainment, from a professional recording studio to a hidden whisky speakeasy sandwiched between a barber shop and treatment room. “We experimented with contemporary materials and wide-open spaces to reflect the vessel’s highly modern technology,” adds d’Angeac. The fine-dining restaurant, one of five Michelin-level onboard eateries overseen by executive chef Yannick Alléno of Ledoyen in Paris and 1947 Cheval Blanc in Courchevel, is a case in point. The restaurant boasts the only double-height area on board, with floor-to-ceiling windows that introduce a welcome connection to the sea. Vibrant ‘sculpture en plâtre’ panels by French sculptor Etienne Rayssac draw the eye. When the sun dips, attention turns to the wagon bar with its velvet-lined cabaret aesthetic and DJ decks. A second bathing pool on the upper deck and a stern beach club-cum-marina provide welcome lounging for sun worshippers, though it’s the ship’s three 30-foot-high masts and soaring rigid sails that present the most novel exterior design element. Built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard from carbon fiber-reinforced glass panels instead of woven cloth, all of which are fully automated from the safety of the wheelhouse*. The *Corinthian* is also built to cruise without heeling, which means those who dare to swim in the “*couloir de nage”*—a 56-foot lap pool sliced deep into the sun deck—can do so without the threat of water spilling onto the deck. The Corinthian signals a new chapter of discovery for Accor, which formed a partnership with LVMH in June 2024 that included a reported 50 percent stake in Orient Express. LVMH owns five luxury trains operated by Belmond, including the [Venice Simplon-Orient-Express](https://robbreport.ph/travel/the-venice-simplon-orient-express-and-veuve-clicquot-team-up-for-luxe-bubbly-train-trips/ "The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and Veuve Clicquot Train Experience"). Along with experiential packages that combine hotel, train, and yachting in one unique hybrid offering, the alliance will “accelerate the renewal of this travel icon,” says Bernard Arnault, LVMH Group chairman and CEO. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/orient-express-corithian-cabin.webp) Inside the guest accommodations. *Photo: Orient Express* The 110 guests (served by 170 crew) can’t dictate the ship’s course, but the all-inclusive itineraries take in the yachting hot spots of the French and Italian Riviera in summer and the Caribbean in winter, with shore excursions taking in a car rally and truffle lunch in the sun-drenched hills of Provence to an evening on Moskito Island. More than a century after the Orient Express redefined luxury rail travel, *Corinthian* is setting out to do the same at sea. For guests, the result is less cruise, more carefully choreographed voyage where heritage, hospitality, and high design converge under sail. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is the Orient Express Corinthian? The Corinthian is the first of two Orient Express sailing yachts from Accor. Measuring 721.8 feet, it is described as the world’s largest sailing yacht and combines sail-assisted cruising with electric propulsion. ### When did the Corinthian begin sailing? The Corinthian set sail on her maiden voyage in May 2026, marking Orient Express’s expansion from luxury rail travel into yachting. ### How many guests can the Corinthian accommodate? The Corinthian is designed for 110 guests, served by a crew of 170. Its limited passenger count gives the yacht a more spacious, private feel than a traditional cruise ship. ### How many suites are on the Corinthian? The yacht has 54 guest cabins, made up of 48 suites and six penthouse apartments. The largest is the 2,422-square-foot Agatha Christie suite, which includes two bedrooms, a marble bath, rosewood interiors, and a private terrace. ### What makes the Corinthian different from a cruise ship? The Corinthian is positioned less as a cruise ship and more as a choreographed luxury voyage. Its appeal lies in its low guest count, Art Deco-inspired interiors, Michelin-level dining, butler service, curated entertainment, and sail-assisted design. ### Who designed the Corinthian’s interiors? The interiors were designed by architect Maxime d’Angeac, whose studio is known for reinterpreting historic private homes, estates, and villas through a contemporary lens. The Corinthian is his first yacht project. ### How does the Corinthian connect to the original Orient Express train? The yacht pays tribute to the Orient Express’s Art Deco heritage through rich woodwork, vintage-inspired details, and select authentic pieces, including luggage racks and lights sourced from the original train. ### What dining options are available onboard the Corinthian? The Corinthian has five Michelin-level restaurants overseen by executive chef Yannick Alléno, known for Ledoyen in Paris and 1947 Cheval Blanc in Courchevel. The fine-dining restaurant features double-height windows, sculptural plaster panels, and a strong visual connection to the sea. ### Does the Corinthian have a spa? Yes. The yacht features Guerlain’s first spa at sea, positioned amidships to reduce the sensation of movement. The wellness area includes a hammam, sauna, tepidarium, ice fountains, treatment rooms, and a movement studio. ### Where will the Corinthian sail? The Corinthian’s all-inclusive itineraries include the French and Italian Riviera in summer and the Caribbean in winter. Shore excursions range from Provence car rallies and truffle lunches to evenings on Moskito Island. ### What are the Corinthian’s sails made of? The yacht’s three 30-foot-high masts use rigid sails made from carbon fiber-reinforced glass panels rather than woven cloth. The sails are fully automated and operated from the wheelhouse. ### What is the connection between Accor, Orient Express, and LVMH? Accor owns the Orient Express brand and entered a partnership with LVMH in June 2024 to help develop the brand’s future in luxury travel. The alliance supports hybrid experiences across hotels, trains, and yachts. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Boats **Tags:** Feature, orient express, Super Yacht --- ### [Long Defunct Shipyard Tecnomarine Relaunches With 5 New Aluminum Superyachts](https://robbreport.ph/boats/long-defunct-shipyard-tecnomarine-relaunches-with-5-new-aluminum-superyachts/) **Published:** July 29, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** [Tecnomarine](https://robbreport.ph/tag/tecnomarine/ "Tecnomarine") is back with a vengeance. The Italian shipyard, which closed down at the turn of the millennium, has restarted operations under the leadership of entrepreneur Massimiliano Zilioli. It has unveiled a new, [five-strong lineup](https://tecnomarineyachts.com/yachts/), with two designs set to be fully unveiled at the upcoming Monaco Yacht Show. Tecnomarine was founded in Viareggio in 1972 by Moreno Maestrelli and the Picchiotti family. It launched more than 300 yachts over the subsequent years, garnering a reputation for high-quality aluminum construction. Amid ownership woes and market shifts, the Viareggio yard was sold to yachting powerhouse Azimut-Benetti in the early 2000s, effectively putting an end to the Tecnomarine brand. Until now, that is. Zilioli, who acquired the Tecnomarine brand, has resumed construction at the Navicelli Canal facility in Pisa. With roughly 38,000 square feet of covered space and 32,000 square feet of outdoor space, the yard will focus on producing large aluminum [superyachts](https://robbreport.ph/boats/). ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Tecnomarine-TM33.webp) The Tecnomarine TM33. *Tecnomarine* “The relaunch of Tecnomarine Yachts represents an industrial challenge built on solid foundations: the shipyard’s heritage and the excellence of Made in Italy,” Zilioli said in a statement. “Restarting from a strategic district such as Pisa Navicelli allows us to combine traditional craftsmanship with the latest construction technologies.” The current Tecnomarine portfolio includes five models—the TM33, TM40, TM41, TM45, and TM90—which range from 82 to 164 feet. Each production model will be designed entirely around the requirements of individual owners, resulting in extensively customized cruisers. The displacement and semi-displacement yachts will also be crafted in aluminum, reflecting Tecnomarine’s half-century legacy. “Our objective is not simply to bring a historic brand back to the water, but to position it among the leaders in aluminum yacht construction by offering yachts that deliver safety, efficiency and a disciplined design language,” adds Zilioli. The first two models to be unveiled, the TM33 and the TM40, were both developed in close collaboration with Michele Dragoni and her eponymous studio Dragoni Designlab. The TM33 is billed as a fresh take on an aluminum fast cruiser. The 108-footer features a sporty, aerodynamic profile with taut exterior lines and a surprisingly generous layout with expansive indoor and outdoor living spaces. The TM40 (pictured top) is a long-range cruiser, with a long yet lightweight aluminum displacement hull for greater cruising efficiency. The 131-footer is replete with mirrored glazing that helps connect guests with the sea. The layout is also designed to foster connections with the water. Tecnomarine will showcase the TM33, the TM40, and the rest of the models at the Monaco Yacht Show this September. ## FAQs ### What is Tecnomarine’s new yacht lineup? Tecnomarine’s relaunched portfolio comprises five aluminum yachts—the TM33, TM40, TM41, TM45, and TM90—ranging from 82 to 164 feet. ### What are the Tecnomarine TM33 and TM40? The 108-foot TM33 is a sporty aluminum fast cruiser with expansive living areas, while the 131-foot TM40 is an efficient long-range displacement yacht designed to strengthen guests’ connection with the sea. ### When will Tecnomarine unveil its new yachts? Tecnomarine will present the TM33, TM40, and the rest of its new lineup at the Monaco Yacht Show in September. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Boats **Tags:** News, Superyacht, Tecnomarine --- ### [This New 443-Foot River Cruise Ship Is Like a Luxe Megayacht for the Waterways](https://robbreport.ph/boats/this-new-443-foot-river-cruise-ship-is-like-a-luxe-megayacht-for-the-waterways/) **Published:** August 4, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** [Tillberg Design of Sweden](https://www.tillbergdesign.com/) (TDoS) wants to make daggy river [cruise ships](https://robbreport.ph/tag/cruise/ "cruise") a thing of the past. The Swedish firm, part of the Viken studio, has unveiled a new 443-footer that takes design cues from sleek, stylish superyachts. River cruise ships are typically low, flat, and boxy, as that shape allows them to pass under bridges and access narrow passages. *Connect*, which the studio says is the first of its kind, feels much less utilitarian in design. It eschews the space-saving square bow found on, say, a [Viking](https://www.vikingrivercruises.co.uk/ships/index.html) ship in favor of a sharp reverse bow featured on many [modern superyachts](https://robbreport.ph/boats/). It also showcases flowing lines and curves in place of the usual sharp corners, resulting in a more aerodynamic silhouette than other riverboats. That bucking of convention continues inside. The material palette is more akin to that of a superyacht or high-end hotel rather than a traditional cruise ship, with natural timbers, textured stones, warm metals, and soft fabrics. The decor is not overly fussy or formal, but rather relaxed and refined. Large windows also allow the rivers themselves to become part of the onboard environment. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Connect_Forum_view-tables.webp) The Forum. *Courtesy of Aman Resorts* “Our ambition was to create an environment that immediately feels welcoming, spacious and connected to its surroundings,” Viken Group CEO Anna Silvesjö said in a statement. “Rather than creating the feeling of being inside a ship, we wanted guests to feel as though they were moving through a contemporary boutique hotel or private yacht that just happens to travel along Europe’s rivers.” Designed for [Transcend Cruises](https://transcendcruises.com/), the newcomer is geared toward private charters and high-end group travel. It is outfitted with 60 generous staterooms, with guest accommodation spread across two decks. The staterooms can also be combined to create 30 larger suites. The 120 guests will be cared for by 54 crew members, resulting in what the studio says is one of the highest crew-to-guest ratios on any river cruise ship. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Connect_A_suite_door-open.webp) Inside a suite. *Courtesy of Aman Resorts* The social heart of the vessel is “the Forum,” a two-story amphitheatre-style space that can be used for performances, celebrations, and presentations. The layout also includes multiple lounges and private salons, a barista bar, a library, a chef’s table, and a wine vault. Other highlights include a spa, fitness studio, yoga space, and sauna, plus a top deck with a grill and outdoor cinema. “The residential character of the interiors helps guests relax, while integrated technology subtly adapts each space to the needs of different events and charter programs,” Silvesjö says. Powered by low-emission EU Stage V engines, the ship can reach speeds of up to 14 knots. It also comes equipped with an electric thruster system for short emissions-free stints. *Connect* is currently in the final stages of outfitting at Den Breejen Shipyard in the Netherlands, with launch expected sometime later this year. ***Click [here](https://robbreport.ph/boats/connect-river-cruise-ship-in-photos/) to see more photos of Connect.*** ## FAQs ### What is Connect by Tillberg Design of Sweden? Connect is a 443-foot river cruise ship designed by Tillberg Design of Sweden for Transcend Cruises. Its exterior and interiors draw inspiration from contemporary superyachts and boutique hotels rather than traditional riverboats. ### How many guests can Connect accommodate? The ship can host up to 120 guests across 60 staterooms. These rooms can also be combined to create 30 larger suites for private charters and high-end group travel. ### What amenities are available aboard Connect? Connect includes a two-story event space called the Forum, several lounges and private salons, a library, barista bar, chef’s table, wine vault, spa, fitness studio, yoga area, sauna, outdoor cinema, and top-deck grill. ### How is Connect different from a traditional river cruise ship? Connect replaces the boxy silhouette common to river vessels with a reverse bow, flowing exterior lines, large windows, and residential interiors. Its flexible layout is designed to feel more like a private yacht or contemporary hotel. ### Is Connect an environmentally friendly river cruise ship? The vessel is powered by low-emission EU Stage V engines and includes an electric thruster system for short periods of emissions-free operation. It can reach a top speed of approximately 14 knots. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Boats **Tags:** Cruises, News, Yachts --- ### [One of Sailing’s Most Illustrious Races Will Have a Record Fleet This Year](https://robbreport.ph/boats/one-of-sailings-most-illustrious-races-will-have-a-record-fleet-this-year/) **Published:** August 11, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** The Rolex Swan Cup never fails to disappoint. The invitation-only [regatta](https://robbreport.ph/tag/regatta/ "regatta"), which takes place off the coast of Sardinia every two years, brings [Nautor Swan](https://www.nautorswan.com/) owners from three continents together for a week of thrilling racing. The 23rd edition might just be the most special yet, though. The upcoming race will not only coincide with the 60th anniversary of the Finnish shipyard but also feature the most Swans to date. Over 160 [sailing yachts](https://robbreport.ph/boats/) are expected to participate in the five-day event, many of which have never competed before. Leading the fleet is *Tarantella*—the very first production Nautor Swan built and one of the most important sailing yachts of all time. Commissioned by yard founder Pekka Koskenkylä, the 36-footer hit the seas in 1966, marking the start of Nautor Swan’s illustrious building legacy. She was recently treated to a meticulous refit and should look spectacular with the famed Mistral winds in her sails. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Nautor-Swan-Tarantella.webp) The 36-foot “Tarantella” will race this year. *Eva-Stina Kjellman* The fleet will also include the Swan 128 flagships, the new Swan 80, and other fresh Swans, as well as historic yachts from the early years, demonstrating the yard’s continued evolution. Other standouts include the Swan 131, a.k.a. the longest Swan ever built, and the 51-foot *Formosa*, the first yacht owned by Nautor Swan chairman Leonardo Ferragamo. The yachts will gather at the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda in Porto Cervo on Tuesday, September 22 for practice races before embarking on four days of competitive sailing from Wednesday, September 23 to Saturday, September 26. The daily courses run throughout Costa Smeralda and the Maddalena archipelago. The winning team in each division walks away with a trophy and an engraved [Rolex](https://robbreport.ph/tag/rolex/ "rolex"). ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Rolex-Swan-Cup-1.webp) Over 160 Nautor Swan yachts are expected to sail around Sardinia in September. *Carlo Borlenghi* Beyond the race itself, sailors get to enjoy several fancy soirées, including a special owners’ dinner on Thursday, the legendary Rolex Crew Party on Friday, and the prestigious prize-giving ceremony on Saturday. They can also attend daily post-race gatherings in Piazza Azzurra. “Since its very first edition, the Rolex Swan Cup has been defined by its family spirit, with owners and crews returning to the waters of the Costa Smeralda and the La Maddalena Archipelago not only to race in a unique setting, but above all to gather together,” Andrea Recordati, commodore of the YCCS, said in a statement. “We are ready to welcome the great Swan family to enjoy a very special week, united in the spirit of sailing and friendship.” *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* ## FAQs ### When is the 2026 Rolex Swan Cup? The 23rd Rolex Swan Cup begins with practice races on September 22, 2026, followed by competitive sailing from September 23 through September 26. ### Where is the Rolex Swan Cup held? The Rolex Swan Cup is based at the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda in Porto Cervo, Sardinia, with racing taking place around Costa Smeralda and the La Maddalena Archipelago. ### How many yachts will compete in the 2026 Rolex Swan Cup? More than 160 Nautor Swan sailing yachts are expected to participate, making the 2026 edition the largest Rolex Swan Cup to date. ### Why is the 2026 Rolex Swan Cup significant? The event coincides with Nautor Swan’s 60th anniversary and will bring together historic and contemporary yachts spanning six decades of the Finnish shipyard’s production. ### Which notable yachts will race in the 2026 Rolex Swan Cup? Highlights include *Tarantella*, the first production Nautor Swan; the Swan 131, the longest Swan ever built; the Swan 128 flagships; the new Swan 80; and Leonardo Ferragamo’s 51-foot *Formosa*. **Categories:** Boats **Tags:** Nautor Swan, News, regatta, rolex --- ### [Best of the Best 2025: Design](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/best-of-the-best-2025-design/) **Published:** October 15, 2025 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** ## Best of the Best: Portland International Airport – Gene Sandoval ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/01_PDX-Airport-Main-Terminal_Ema-Peter-Photography.webp) An airport that transforms your layover into a serene stroll through the forest—that’s the quiet magic evoked by Portland International Airport. The main terminal’s expansion, unveiled last year, is a product of design led by Oregon-based Filipino architect Gene Sandoval. PDX is often cited as one of the best airports in the U.S., with *The Washington Post* recently naming it the top airport in the country. Sandoval’s childhood in Palawan shaped his appreciation for nature, with a creative sensibility inspired by his family’s boat-building legacy. “When I moved to Oregon, I saw the forests and the local timber industry as this amazing natural resource—and I saw the opportunity to leverage it,” he shares. “The design concept for PDX was inspired by a walk in a Pacific Northwest forest. It’s really like a rite of passage.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/GeneSandoval_printmedium-1.webp) Oregon’s timber industry was tapped with sustainability in mind: much of the airport’s existing infrastructure was reused, while new construction utilized wood sourced within a 300-mile radius of the airport. A forest-to-frame system traces the origin of the wood, linking each beam back to its forest of origin. The result is a tree-lined terminal shaped by biophilic design—an effort to reconnect travelers with nature. Strategically placed skylights invite daylight to filter in, creating a calm atmosphere amid one’s travels. ## **Kitchen: Patricia Urquiola for Signature Kitchen Suite Mantle** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RR_Design_SKS_Mantle2.webp) A guaranteed conversation starter, Signature Kitchen Suite’s Mantle components are unlike anything that has come out in recent years. Designed by Patricia Urquiola, Mantle has a distinctive presence that blurs the lines between a kitchen capsule and domestic furniture. (Its undermount two-drawer refrigeration unit helps.) With a sculptural, bohemian look that would harmonize anywhere from a living room to a bedroom to a professional environment, the modular system has a textured exterior of Cimento tiles made from a blend of mineral aggregates and compounds. Urquiola, whose signature graces the tiles, collaborated on their development. She has a history of working with this material and has once again lived up to her visionary reputation, creating a piece of design that will no doubt inspire a round of spirited dinnertime conversation. *Price upon request* ## **Rug: Tai Ping Biophilic Collection** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RR_Design_TaiPing2.webp) Carpet brand [Tai Ping](https://www.taipingcarpets.com/) is looking to the future by rethinking the way its products are made. The textile industry is a major source of environmental pollution, as dyeing fabric releases large amounts of toxic waste into the global water system and synthetic materials contribute to microplastic pollution. Last year, the Hong Kong–based company debuted the [Biophilic Collection](https://www.taipingcarpets.com/collections/biophilic-collection), with 16 rugs made from raw, natural fibers including cotton, silk, bamboo, jute, flax, and wool, saving both water and energy used in dyeing and avoiding polluting compounds. The neutral palettes include grays, creams, whites, and browns, which are woven into tactile, nature-inspired patterns, each named after a plant that produces essential oil. Eight of the rugs are hand-tufted using intricate weaving processes to create a multilevel pile that in some cases—such as the Ylang I (pictured) and the Alizea I—looks like Japanese *shibori. From about $5,154* ## **Modern Classic: The Albero Bookcase, Poltrona Frau** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/02_albero-bookcase.webp) The Albero bookcase embodies Poltrona Frau’s heritage of Italian craftsmanship. Both sculpture and structure, it is an architectural centerpiece designed to transform any space. Crafted in solid Canaletto walnut, its distinctive form rises on two notched columns and four vertical posts, ingeniously jointed to allow twelve shelves to be positioned with ease. The result is a striking tower of balance and symmetry, anchored securely to both ceiling and floor. Price upon request. Available at Furnitalia. ## ****Contemporary Chair:** Norah, by Giorgetti** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/NORAH-1.webp) Designed by m2atelier, the Norah chair exemplifies Giorgetti’s mastery of contemporary elegance. Its frame is built from 22 pieces of solid Canaletto walnut, joined to form a continuous line that flows seamlessly from armrest to legs. The internal skeleton supports a leaning shell that unites seat and backrest, creating a chair that is both sculptural and inviting. Norah’s refined proportions and tailored upholstery highlight Giorgetti’s distinctive approach to contemporary Italian design. Price upon request. Available at Furnitalia. ## **Collection: Axel Chay for Pradier-Jeauneau Calade Collection** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RR_Design_Pradier_Collection.webp) Created by Marseille-based interior designer Axel Chay for Galerie Pradier-Jeauneau, Calade debuted at PAD Paris 2024. Named after the neighborhood where the designer lives with his family, the initial Calade range consists of six staple items—a sofa, a coffee table, a stool, a chair, a bookcase, and a floor lamp—though Chay has continued to expand the collection. His experimentation with shapes and strong understanding of materiality are the anchors from which he produces new classics with a timeless aesthetic, attracting much industry attention. Three articles from Calade—the coffee table and the wooden and upholstered versions of the stool—are slated to join the Mobilier National in December. The addition of one’s work to the institution, which has been building, preserving, and restoring the country’s national furniture archive for more than 300 years, is among the highest honors for French designers. *From about $1,024* ## **Cultural Expression: Philippine Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/1_Z9N8710.webp) The Philippine Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, designed by Carlo Calma and Carlo Calma Consultancy Inc., presents architecture as cultural narrative. Drawing on Filipino heritage and identity—through form, material, and experience—it shows how design can be distinctly Filipino while remaining globally resonant. *For a complete list of [Robb Report Philippines’ Best of the Best](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/) awardees, click [here](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/portal-best-of-the-best-2025/).* **Categories:** Best of the Best, Design, Home & Design --- ### [Best of the Best 2025: Jewelry](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/best-of-the-best-2025-jewelry/) **Published:** October 15, 2025 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** ## Best of the Best: Nature Sauvage by Cartier ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Tutti-Karonda_.webp) For a heritage house like Cartier, it’s easy to mine the archives for inspiration; the challenge is to evolve the design in contemporary ways. Mission accomplished. The Nature Sauvage high-jewelry collection advances the maison’s iconic motifs in colorful, playful forms, with curvaceous shapes that sweep up the ear or drape around the neck like a silk scarf. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Echina-High-Jewellery-earrings-white-gold-emeralds-sapphires-diamonds_CRH8001079.webp) What stands out is an enduring modernity: Cartier’s use of beaded stones—rooted in early 20th-century designs—still looks fresh today, notably in pieces like the necklace Le Voyage Recommencé. ## **Objet d’Art: Water by Jewelmer** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/J2501_OBJET-BR-B_J112923_Stylized2_SMP.webp) For nearly half a century, Jewelmer has represented the Philippines in the world of haute joaillerie, crafting masterpieces from rare South Sea pearls. Earlier this year, the maison unveiled another remarkable collection, Objets d’Art, reflecting an aspiration to incorporate universal elements into its pieces. The collection features four exceptional works, each inspired by the elements of the universe—water, earth, fire, and air. Every design expresses nature’s essence, centered on golden pearls and multicolored gemstones, with each piece taking five years to create. The Water piece, in particular, captures the fluidity and grace of its element. A golden South Sea pearl, echoing a droplet on a serene surface, is adorned with lapis lazuli, crystal quartz, and sapphires to create a rippling effect and a sense of natural movement. This exceptional piece also transforms into a striking brooch, adding versatility to its artistic design. ## **Historic Artifact: Glenn Spiro, Materials of the Old World** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/06_RR_JEWELRY-janelle_jones_robb_report_250220_best_of_best_3.webp) For over a decade, British jeweler Glenn Spiro and his son, Joe, have been collecting 17th-century Baoulé gold artifacts, finely etched and handworked by the African tribespeople. This year, they combined these decorative elements with antique diamonds and other centuries-old treasures in his Materials of the Old World collection. “You can wear something that is thousands of years old in a contemporary, cool style,” says the elder Spiro, known for his unconventional way of setting rare stones. In his hands, statement pieces—like this necklace with Baoulé fragments, ancient amber beads, and diamonds—draw attention not for their carat weight but for their striking composition. ## **Revival: Belperron Toggle Torque Necklace** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/06_RR_STYLE-janelle_jones_robb_report_250220_best_of_best_1.webp) Jewelry connoisseurs will no doubt recognize the design. Created by Suzanne Belperron in 1933 as a black-lacquered cord looped around a diamond button, it was an ultramodern and quirky concept that was quickly snapped up by avant-garde couturiere Elsa Schiaparelli for her personal collection. Today, its influence can be seen in many jewelers’ collections that imitate Belperron’s genius. But who better to do it justice than current [Belperron](https://belperron.com/) president Nico Landrigan? When he acquired a massive old-mine brilliant-cut fancy light-yellow VS2 diamond weighing in at over 65 carats, he chose the Toggle Torque’s simple setting as the best framework to let the exceptional stone stand out. ## **Archive-Inspired Design: Tiffany & Co. Star Burst Necklace** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/06_RR_JEWELRY-Tiffanys-SILO.webp) Tiffany’s star burst necklace is the embodiment of what high jewelry should be: exceptional stones and craftsmanship in an entrancing play of color, sparkle, and fantastical design. Inspired by archival sketches from legendary 20th-century designer Jean Schlumberger, this exquisite work is made with 64 carats of billowy crystal opals that have vibrant flashes of red, orange, blue, and green, surrounded by diamond starbursts. Intended to evoke a luminous galaxy in a wearable objet d’art, it also nods to the cosmic nature of gemstones. ## **Necklace: Van Cleef & Arpels Nœuds Marins Necklace** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/06_RR_JEWELRY-Shot_01_033_01.webp) This extravagant necklace is the pièce de résistance of Van Cleef & Arpels’s Treasure Island high-jewelry collection, launched in Miami earlier this year with a grand gala at the Vizcaya Museum—complete with dancing pirates. Set in white gold with diamonds, a 31.99-carat emerald-cut Colombian emerald, and a giant cabochon-cut turquoise pendant, the necklace represents a perfect combination of skill in stone setting and an eye for color. The twisted marine knots of its rope-like collar play to the theme, but its true inspiration comes from a 1979 archival design. Unlike its somewhat restrained predecessor, this piece is significantly more substantial in terms of both gems and craftsmanship. It transforms to be worn without the turquoise drop or with a separate diamond, turquoise, and emerald tassel pendant. What better way to tie one on? ## **Colored Diamonds: Harry Winston** **Pink Diamond** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/06_RR_JEWELRY-HaryWinston-e1760509566981.webp) Harry Winston earned his reputation as the King of Diamonds by acquiring the world’s rarest stones, most notably the 45.52-carat deep-blue Hope Diamond, which he donated to the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C., in 1958. Following in his footsteps, his son Ronald (who is no longer affiliated with the house) gave the Winston Red, a 2.33-carat fancy-red diamond, to the museum in 2023; it went on view for the first time this year. The company’s CEO, Nayla Hayek, who is also chairwoman of parent company Swatch Group, has similarly remained steadfast to the founder’s passion for exquisite colored diamonds. Among the brand’s treasures are the Winston Blue, a 13.22-carat vivid-blue diamond; the Winston Pink Legacy, an 18.96-carat vivid-pink diamond; and this newly acquired 5.22-carat fancy-intense-pink cushion-cut stone. Set in a platinum and 18-karat-rose-gold ring and surrounded by approximately 1.64 carats of white diamonds, it’s destined for a connoisseur with a museum-worthy collection. ## **Bracelet: Santi Spinel Bracelet** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/06_RR_JEWELRY-janelle_jones_robb_report_250220_best_of_best_2.webp) Set with 10 octagonal-cut antique Afghan (Tajikistan) spinels dating to the 19th century, this bracelet is a prime example of Santi designer Krishna Choudhary’s exceptional access to historic stones. Based in Jaipur for 10 generations, his family has sourced gems for India’s maharajas and nobility for centuries. Now, the 36-year-old Choudhary—who studied art before becoming a jeweler—has forged his own path by setting antique gems in modern geometric designs. Because of its complexity, this articulated open-worked titanium bracelet, featuring an intricate lattice of custom-cut baguette diamonds, took three years to complete. It was worth the wait. ## **Sapphire: Graff Sapphire and Diamond Bangle** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/06_RR_JEWELRY-Shot_04_061_01.webp) Extraordinary gems are a given at [Graff](https://robbreport.com/tag/graff/), but when the house debuted new high jewelry in New York City last November, a 118.17-carat cushion-cut unheated Sri Lankan sapphire stole the spotlight—even in a room of stones that would make the most seasoned collector gasp. A sapphire of this size and quality is incredibly scarce. To emphasize its rarity, Graff mounted it atop an 18-karat-white-gold bangle—the stepped metal arches framing the central stone—and further adorned the piece with 39.70 carats of custom-cut fancy and round diamonds extending the full length of the setting. *For a complete list of [Robb Report Philippines’ Best of the Best](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/) awardees, click [here](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/portal-best-of-the-best-2025/).* **Categories:** Best of the Best, Jewelry, Style --- ### [Best of the Best 2025: Wings](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/best-of-the-best-2025-wings/) **Published:** October 15, 2025 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** ## Best of the Best: Gulfstream G800 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/FP_Wings-2240x1260.webp) First unveiled in 2021, Gulfstream’s G800 is set to raise the standard in ultra–long-range business aviation. The next-generation jet offers 8,000 nautical miles of range at Mach 0.85, with a top operating speed of Mach 0.925, giving travelers exceptional flexibility. On board, high-speed Wi-Fi and a plasma ionization system that refreshes cabin air every three minutes support comfort and well-being. A low cabin-altitude environment and an optional circadian-rhythm lighting system further reduce fatigue on long sectors. The 19-seat interior features three living areas (with an option for a dedicated crew compartment) and can accommodate up to seven passengers overnight. Power comes from Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines, while Gulfstream’s refined fuselage and winglets boost efficiency—delivering a notable gain over previous models. ## **Turboprop: Beechcraft King Air 260** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RR_20250611_BOTB_Aviation_Inset.webp) Introduced in 1964, the Beechcraft King Air is not only the world’s best-selling turboprop business aircraft but also an icon among aircraft aficionados. Parent company Textron created a commemorative 60th Crimson Edition to celebrate its success, with deliveries taking place this year. The vibrant red and silver exterior, with a custom interior featuring dark leather seats and crimson accent piping, harks back to the King Air’s earlier days, while its modern cockpit includes digital pressurization, multi-scan weather radar, and Collins Aerospace’s Pro Line avionics. Perhaps the real beauty behind this new King Air is its ability to recall the past while embracing the future. ## **Global Private-Jet Tours: Aman Jet Expeditions** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RR_Aviation_AmanExpeditions_2.webp) In the small but competitive niche of private-jet journeys, Aman Resorts and Remote Lands have partnered to develop an even more exclusive nook: global adventures for clients who don’t usually do group travel. Compared to flying competitors with 48-seat jets, Remote Lands’ custom Airbus ACJ319, configured in a lounge design, accommodates just 16 to 19 people, with two flight attendants, two pilots, an engineer, and a chef. In keeping with the uber-exclusive approach, guests stay at Aman five-star hotels and resorts on itineraries that include round-the-world travel or region-specific destinations such as Southeast Asia. Many trips include personalized tours with private cars, drivers, and guides. This combination of selective socialization and bespoke travel sets Aman Jet Expeditions apart. ## Light Jet: Hondajet Echelon ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/06_RR_AVIATION-Image_Aerial_1_01G_POST_Full_1900x1200.webp) In January, Honda Aircraft Company began construction of the first model of its new Echelon at its North Carolina facility, with flight tests scheduled for next year. The Echelon is a clean-sheet design rather than simply a stretched HondaJet, with stats that surpass competitors’, including a best-in-class range of 2,625 nautical miles, 120 cubic feet of baggage space, and a maximum cruise speed of 450 knots. The important breakthroughs, though, lie behind the numbers. The Echelon has a fuselage length of 57.8 feet, compared to 42.6 feet for the standard HondaJet, and it maximizes cabin space to offer 4.5 inches more headroom than the HondaJet, as well as more legroom. The new avionics suite is yet to be revealed, but a confirmed gold-standard feature is Garmin’s Emergency Autoland. The technical leaps have not gone unnoticed: The Echelon has received almost 500 letters of intent to purchase. ## ****Helicopter: Hill HX50**** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RR_Aviation_Hill_HX50.webp) Scheduled to begin flight tests this year, the Hill HX50 helicopter could be a game changer if it lives up to founder Jason Hill’s expectations. The aerospace engineer showed the first rendering in 2020 after spending more than a decade conceiving a private helicopter with much newer technology than the competition. “It’s geared to make everything about helicopter flying simpler than before,” says Hill, likening it more to a supercar experience than to a traditional rotorcraft. The sleek design includes quality features such as a carbon-fiber monocoque frame, roll cage, and impact-absorbing leather seats. The cockpit’s hybrid helicopter-automotive design is sure to please, given that a third of the people who have reserved the 1,300 presold examples have never previously owned an aircraft. ## **FBO (Fixed-Base Operator): Clay Lacy Aviation John Wayne Airport** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RR_Aviation_ClayLacy.webp) FBOs are experiencing rapid infusions of capital as private-equity firms see the potential for modernizing private-jet facilities. The most impressive FBO, however, is now being built by industry stalwart Clay Lacy Aviation on its 14-acre property at John Wayne Airport in Orange County, Calif. The development will include 41,800 square feet of office space and an upscale passenger terminal, with four new hangars (totaling 145,000 square feet) built to accommodate the largest business jets. Global architecture firm Gensler paired modern design with passenger comfort across the project. The campus will also be the first Envision Gold Certified FBO designated by the Institute of Sustainable Infrastructure and certified as carbon-neutral. High-capacity charging stations for electric eVTOL and hybrid aircraft, as well as Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), also illustrate how Clay Lacy is preparing for the next aircraft revolution. ## **Personal Aircraft: Pivotal Helix** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RR_Aviation_Pivotal.webp) The idea of flying an advanced aircraft without a pilot’s license seems like sci-fi, but Pivotal’s Helix is the best of a new generation of electric aircraft turning that notion into reality. The one-person carbon-fiber eVTOL fits in the FAA’s Part 103 Ultralight category, which doesn’t require a pilot’s license. Silicon Valley–based Pivotal spent over a decade developing the advanced fly- by-wire controls and software that aid new pilots with flight navigation while automatically adjusting prop speed and wing trim for wind or altitude changes. Joystick controls become intuitive as pilots spend several weeks in a flight simulator guided by FAA-accredited flight instructors and then actually take to the air, flying the Helix through multiple scenarios. The fun factor makes the rigorous training worthwhile, as one eventually flies solo 150 feet above empty terrain, at a leisurely 55 mph, with the freedom only flight can bring. *For a complete list of [Robb Report Philippines’ Best of the Best](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/) awardees, click [here](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/portal-best-of-the-best-2025/).* **Categories:** Aviation, Best of the Best --- ### [Best of the Best 2025: Wheels](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/best-of-the-best-2025-wheels/) **Published:** October 15, 2025 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** ## Best of the Best: Lamborghini Temerario ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/FP_Wheels-2240x1260.webp) Lamborghini’s Temerario introduces a new breed of supercar. It pairs an all-new twin-turbo V8 mounted behind the cockpit with three electric motors. The headline difference: the drivetrain spins to 10,000 rpm—a figure usually reserved for racing engines and rarely seen in road-going production cars. CEO Stephan Winkelmann called the effect an “endless wow.” With a more dynamic chassis and suspension, the Temerario delivers a driving experience distinct from the electrified V12 Revuelto. Now imagine that Lambo roar at ten thousand. From $390,000 (Php 22 million). ## **Sportscar: Porsche 911 Carrera GTS** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RR_Auto_Porsche911.webp) One of the challenges of aging is staying current, especially when it comes to adopting new technology. Yet in the automotive sector, the revered Porsche 911 has managed to remain at the forefront of engineering innovation for 62 years. The latest example: the hybrid 911 Carrera GTS. Although the marque has intermittently incorporated hybrid tech in race versions of its cars since 2010, the 2025 Carrera GTS is the first road-going 911 to pair its vaunted flat-six with electrification. Now enlarged to 3.6 liters, the engine benefits from an electric motor powering an exhaust-gas turbocharger along with another e-motor integrated into the eight-speed PDK transmission. Despite gaining 103 pounds over the previous Carrera GTS, the hybrid version has an output of 532 hp, which gives it more power and speed than even the 911 GT3 RS, all while preserving the model’s hallmark agility—something we experienced firsthand during our canyon-carving sessions. With the Carrera GTS, Porsche proves that age is just a number—and that its flagship has tapped into the fountain of youth. *From $169,800* ## SUV: Mercedes-Benz G 580 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RR_Auto_MercedesG580.webp) What began as a military concept proposed to Mercedes-Benz by the Shah of Iran, the Geländewagen (German for “off-road vehicle”) has become a utilitarian status symbol, more often enlisted for shopping forays than four-wheeling. Yet those willing to test its mettle will discover a highly capable explorer that, with the new G 580, takes battery power to the backcountry. Weighing in at 6,746 pounds (curb weight), this all-electric G-Wagen is substantially heavier than its internal-combustion G 550 counterpart but offers considerably more punch. Four electric motors deliver 579 hp and 859 ft lbs of torque—an increase of 136 hp and 446 ft lbs over the G 550—backed by a 116 kWh battery that delivers an EPA-estimated 239 miles of range. While the refined interior channels the future-forward luxury of the S-Class sedan, the G 580 stays true to its rugged DNA. New all-terrain features include enhanced underbody shielding, a controlled-crawl setting, and the ability to rotate 360 degrees in relative place—ideal for both rock-strewn mountain passes and tight mall parking. *From $161,500* ## Hypercar: Pininfarina Battista ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RR_Auto_Pininfarina.webp) In a category defined by superlatives, the Pininfarina Battista still defies apt descriptors when it comes to acceleration, agility, and design. The most powerful vehicle ever offered in the more than two decades of *Robb Report’*s Car of the Year contest, the 1,900 hp hypercar was the editorial team’s pick for 2025’s top honor—and is now our choice to be named Best of the Best in this bleeding-edge segment. The zero-emissions projectile, limited to no more than 150 examples, is propelled by four electric motors (one at each wheel) paired with a 120 kWh battery pack that delivers a claimed maximum range of 300 miles, depending on which of the five drive modes is selected. As for performance metrics, the 5,247-pound Battista—with a carbon-fiber monocoque chassis as its foundation—dispatches zero to 60 mph in 1.8 seconds on its way to a top speed of 217 mph, all while the pilot is ensconced in a customized cockpit. More eye-catching is the elegantly sculpted exterior, an aerodynamic study in fluid lines and graceful yet muscular curves—an aesthetic that, like the car itself, lives at the crossroads of balletic and ballistic. *From $2.5 million* ## ****Executive Transportation: Lexus LM 350h**** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/my24-lm-gallery-ext-02-d.webp) The Lexus LM redefines executive transportation, fusing luxury, performance, and innovation. Its evolved spindle body, complemented by chrome-plated fixtures and dynamic multi-spoke wheels, projects quiet authority wherever it goes. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/my24-lm-gallery-int-10-d.webp) Powered by a parallel hybrid system, the LM delivers a smooth, responsive, and more efficient drive. An optimized suspension with advanced shock absorbers keeps the cabin calm, effectively minimizing backseat vibrations. Inside, spacious and configurable layouts—whether in four-seat or seven-seat form—ensure comfort and composure for every passenger. ## **Sedan: BMW M5 Touring** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RR_Auto_BMW_M5.webp) This is the M car that North American BMW enthusiasts have been waiting for since, well, forever. The last M5-series “wagon” was made in 2010 and never came to the U.S. We’ll liberally expand the definition of sedan and say the BMW M5 Touring is better in every way than any four-door, since it can bring a trio of Saint Bernards or an upright bass, a contrabassoon, and a tuba along for the ride, something few other Autobahn haulers can do. Its 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine is paired with an electric motor to give the car a total output of 717 hp. That’s enough muscle to get this M5 to 60 mph from a standstill in 3.5 seconds. At a time when most BMWs don’t look so good to us, the M5 Touring respects its forebears and expresses an authentic design language, despite the absence of Hofmeister’s kink (a worthwhile investigation). It also speaks to the driver, delivering state-of-the-art power, dynamic handling, and a sense of total control—an overall level of performance that has always been a tenet of BMW M cars. And so, while we are delighted, we’re not surprised. *From $121,500* ## **Supercar: McLaren 750S Spider** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RR_Auto_McLaren750S.webp) Already crowned our Best of the Best Convertible when it was revealed in 2024, then named *Robb Report*’s 2025 Car of the Year after we drove it, the McLaren 750S Spider marks a return to the original spirit of the supercar. The British marque’s latest production flagship delivers the visceral thrill and performance bravado that have long fueled generations of motoring passion and aspiration—now at a new, more accessible level. The roadster’s purely internal-combustion power train features a 740 hp 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8—producing 590 ft lbs of torque—paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The setup propels the droptop from zero to 60 mph in 2.7 seconds and allows for a top speed of 206 mph. Inside, the driving experience is elevated with instrument displays that move with the steering column, an enhanced infotainment system, and improved control ergonomics. For further personalization, the McLaren Control Launcher (MCL) allows drivers to preset and activate preferred drive dynamics at the push of a button. Completing the package is McLaren’s signature exterior design, which evokes the sculpting forces of wind and water on stone—a look as timeless as the emotions it inspires behind the wheel. *From $345,000* ## **Grand Tourer: Ferrari 12Cilindri** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RR_Auto_Ferrari_Cilindri.webp) When Ferrari unveiled its latest 12-cylinder grand tourer in 2024, we expected a nostalgic nod to Maranello’s greatest hits. Instead, we set our eyes upon the 12Cilindri, an audacious, aerospace-style GT that winked at the past and whisked us into Ferrari’s future. A trip through Luxembourg in the 819 hp Ferrari confirmed that while V-12 engines are endangered, the grand-touring experience is not. Even a hardcore supercar fan is secretly grateful when a suitcase can squeeze aboard or when the ride and cabin are calm enough for everyone to enjoy casual conversation. With its supple adaptive suspension, roomy trunk, rear parcel shelf, and dual digital screens, the 12Cilindri has road trips covered. Yet dial the model into racier modes and this Italian wildcat is unleashed, a mellow growl giving way to a 9,500 rpm shriek as it reveals itself as one of history’s fastest front-engine production cars. Add to that the marque’s famously responsive steering and ample Formula 1–based tech, along with a convertible version, and the result is an unabashed and unparalleled Prancing Horse. *From $464,000* ## **Interior: Bentley Continental GT Speed First Edition** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RR_Auto_BentleyContinental-e1749519093196.webp) Bentley has earned accolades for creating among the most sumptuous and satisfying interiors of any carmaker. With 771 hp and a 208 mph top end, the marque’s first hybrid Continental is the most powerful Bentley road car ever built—offering one more reason to spend time behind the wheel of this magnificent grand tourer. Opulent leather with distinctive stitching is a Bentley signature, as are a multitude of sustainably sourced wood veneers hand-laid by woodshop artisans, many of whose parents and even grandparents fashioned Bentley interiors over the past decades. The First Edition offers Bentley’s captivating Rotating Display (otherwise optional), a smooth veneer fascia situated in the center of the dash that rotates to reveal a 12.3-inch digital touchscreen or three classic analog instruments showing outside air temperature, a compass, and a chronometer. The exclusive First Edition also comes with a range of features that clearly signify its status, including distinctive exterior badges, treadplates, and embroidery inside. And music lovers will appreciate the Naim for Bentley audio system—unmatched in our experience—which turns Bentley’s GT supercar into a concert hall. *From $302,100* ## **Restomod: Singer Classic Turbo Services** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RR_Auto_Singer_Restomod.webp) Just as the Porsche 911 is widely considered the gold standard for sports cars, restoration house Singer sets the benchmark when it comes to reimagining the seminal model. Founded in 2009 by Rob Dickinson, the Southern California–based automotive atelier is guided by the philosophy that “everything is important”—an ethos that earned its DLS Turbo services our accolade last year, and now carries through to its latest triumph: the Classic Turbo restoration. An homage to Porsche’s first turbocharged 911—the 1970s-era 930—the Classic Turbo treatment begins with an air-cooled 964 generation 911 (built from 1989 through 1994). The donor is stripped to the chassis, meticulously reinforced, and prepared for a full athletic and aesthetic transformation. Highlights include a carbon-fiber body, a rebuilt and enhanced Mezger flat-six engine with twin turbochargers and air-water intercooling—and, in the case of the 510 hp commission we drove, a titanium exhaust system. With interiors worthy of an art museum, the result delivers a drive experience that lingers long after you step away from the vehicle. *From $855,000* ## **Electric Vehicle: Porsche Taycan Turbo GT** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/314030_1920x1280.webp) The Porsche Taycan Turbo GT is the marque’s most extreme four-door to date. Exceptionally quick, with precise handling and relentless composure, it demonstrates how Porsche translates racing know-how into a road car while staying true to its DNA. It’s also a reminder of why the brand defies simple categories. Porsche doesn’t build “sedans,” “SUVs,” or “sports cars” so much as it builds Porsches—vehicles that happen to take different forms. The Turbo GT fits that idea perfectly. $232,000 (Php 13.2 million) ## **Motorcycle: BMW S 1000** **RR** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/P90337302_lowRes_bmw-s-1000-rr-virtua-2240x1260.webp) BMW Motorrad is famed for globe-trotting adventure bikes, but our pick here is the sport bike. The S 1000 RR has made a major impact on two-wheeled motorsport—especially in M Package spec—silencing doubts from local club races to World Superbike and even the Isle of Man TT. You get that pedigree with everyday usability: a machine that’s genuinely thrilling on a canyon run yet easy to live with for a coffee ride. Call it a modern café racer with superbike credentials. From $28,000 (Php 1.6 million) *For a complete list of [Robb Report Philippines’ Best of the Best](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/) awardees, click [here](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/portal-best-of-the-best-2025/).* **Categories:** Best of the Best, Cars --- ### [Best of the Best 2025: Dining](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/best-of-the-best-2025-dining/) **Published:** October 21, 2025 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** ## Best of the Best: Chele Gonzalez and Gallery by Chele ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/FP_Dining-2240x1260.webp) Nearly 15 years ago, Spanish chef José Luis “Chele” González arrived in the Philippines eager to explore and create. What began with his first restaurant, the trailblazing Vask, soon evolved into Gallery by Chele, a dining room that helped redefine Philippine fine dining by celebrating native ingredients through global technique and with Filipino soul. Alongside his co-chef Carlos Villaflor—a local talent who rose from intern to partner—the kitchen operates with precision, balance, and invention. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/xCoco-nuts-BItes-.webp) González has been a leading force in the country’s gastronomic evolution. From the start, sustainability has been central to his philosophy. He advocates responsible seafood sourcing, working with local fisherfolk to champion underutilized species and protect marine biodiversity. He collaborates with agricultural agencies and small-scale farmers to revive and promote local produce, including Philippine heirloom rice varieties, native cacao, root crops, and, more recently, the local coconut. On-site, an organic garden serves as a living pantry, supplying fresh herbs, native greens, edible flowers, and heirloom vegetables that bring immediacy and brightness to the plate. With a beverage program that mirrors the kitchen’s craft, and service that moves with a polished, graceful rhythm, Gallery by Chele stands as a testament to modern Filipino dining—rooted in heritage, sharpened by technique, and guided by vision. ## **Top Ten** ### **Antonio’s** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/xST_Robb-Report-Antonios-PGA_Capture_0099-e1784001032753.webp) For more than two decades, Antonio’s has defined destination dining in the Philippines. At its heart is chef Tony Boy Escalante, whose instinct for hospitality is rooted in generosity, detail, and care. Meals here are more than a sequence of courses; they’re orchestrations of atmosphere, flavor, and service that feel personal and comforting, yet precise. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/xST_Robb-Report-Antonios-PGA_Capture_0368.webp) What sets Antonio’s apart is Escalante’s ability to make the grand feel intimate. A perfectly charred steak or delicately plated seafood arrives with the same sense of ceremony as the welcome at the door, and both are delivered with a warmth that lingers. The restaurant’s home-like setting—an elegant structure surrounded by gardens—reinforces the idea that dining is as much about retreat and renewal as it is about food. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/xST_Robb-Report-Antonios-PGA_Capture_0339.webp) Antonio’s continues to thrive because it offers not just consistency, but a dining experience that feels timeless and deeply rooted in Filipino hospitality. ### **Blackbird** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/IMG_6634-2240x2987.webp) Blackbird is a masterclass in timeless, elegant dining. Chef Colin Mackay, part of Manila’s old guard of world-class restaurateurs, has long defined what fine dining in the city can be. His legacy of impeccable execution at Sala carries through to Blackbird, where the menu blends European sensibilities with Asian influences—polished, precise, and at once international and distinctly Manila. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/grillroom3.webp) Every dish reflects Mackay’s trademark consistency: technically assured, beautifully presented, and balanced in flavor. Service—graceful, discreet, and finely tuned—remains one of the restaurant’s signatures, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish. Housed in the historic Nielson Tower, Manila’s first commercial airport building, Blackbird marries heritage with contemporary relevance. Ultimately, it is Mackay’s culinary vision and discipline that make Blackbird a standard-bearer woven into the fabric of cosmopolitan dining in Manila. ### Celera ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/xCopy-of-_MG_4402.webp) At Celera, chefs Nicco Santos and Quenee Villar open a new chapter with deep personal meaning. Set within Communa, a creative enclave on Pablo Ocampo Extension in Makati, the restaurant channels collaboration—where food, space, and storytelling meet. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Copy-of-_MG_4340-1.webp) The name comes from the Malay word selera (“appetite” or “taste”), a nod to Santos’s mentor and early lessons in layering flavor with care. That philosophy shows in standout dishes like a crudo of Basilan fish with protein noodles, laksa-leaf pesto, and ponzu—an elegant play of complexity and restraint. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/xCopy-of-_MG_4354.webp) Celera offers both an à la carte selection and a tasting menu with well-judged wine pairings. Designed by architect JJ Acuña, the room balances industrial rawness with quiet elegance, providing an immersive backdrop for a dining experience shaped by memory, emotion, and evolution. ### ****Hapag**** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/DFP09223-1.webp) Hapag has become a clear voice in contemporary Filipino dining. Led by John Kevin “Nav” Navoa and Thirdy Dolatre, its tasting menus present local flavors with reverence while inviting diners to experience them in new ways. Each dish is grounded in research and storytelling, tracing ingredients back to regional farmers, fishers, and artisans. That focus on provenance gives every plate cultural depth and environmental awareness: the spotlight stays on the food and the narratives it carries. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/kevin-navoa-erin-recto-thirdy-dolatre-1-e1751265279257.webp) Sommelier Erin Navoa supports this vision with pairings that earned Hapag a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, underscoring its holistic approach to the meal. Whether interpreting a heritage recipe or exploring flavor and memory, Hapag celebrates the Philippines’ culinary heritage in ways that are both personal and broadly national. ### **Helm** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/HelmHarryPotter0627.webp) At Helm, chef Josh Boutwood builds worlds. With each new menu, he moves beyond traditional fine dining to create immersive culinary universes in which every course carries its own narrative. Consider his tasting menus drawn from the mythos of *Star Wars* or inspired by the wizarding world of *Harry Potter*. These are not simple pop-culture nods; Boutwood interprets iconic stories through a gastronomic lens, translating setting and character into flavor, texture, and tempo. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/xJosh-Boutwood-1.webp) Reopened at Ayala Triangle Gardens in 2023, Helm is a 24-seat tasting room that dissolves the distance between chef and diner. An open kitchen and an ever-evolving multi-course format let Boutwood explore deeper themes, test ideas, and connect directly with guests. Menus are often shaped by abstract concepts, memories, or emotions, then realized with technique, precision, and a measured sense of theater. ### **Iai** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/xKAP07798.webp) From chef Bruce Ricketts and his wife, Jae Pickrell, Iai is an immersive experience. In Bonifacio Global City, this intimate kappo-style space brings Japanese culinary tradition together with Filipino nuance and a global point of view. Three omakase formats, each rooted in seasonality, set the pace: the kappo omakase, a five-course sequence of plated dishes; the sushi omakase, served only at the chef’s counter or in the private room; and the premium omakase, a 16–18 course progression with an expanded nigiri selection. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/xKAP07109.webp) The wine and beverage program is equally personal, shaped by the couple’s passions rather than formal training. A strong Burgundy and Champagne lineup sits alongside a rare Japanese tea program curated by Pickrell, who works with small, single-estate producers in Japan. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/xIai.webp) At Iai, form and flavor are intertwined. Each bite, sip, and surface reflects a shared vision of elegant hospitality grounded in curiosity and craftsmanship. ### **Inatô** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/xx_MG_2449.webp) Inatô sits in an intimate corner of Karrivin Alley, where guests are welcomed to an eight-seat stone counter—and into the community that is Barangay Toyo. “Inatô,” in Binisaya, means “our way,” and chef Jepe Cruz’s cooking is Filipino at its core, shaped by global exposure and personal experience. He and his team turn market-fresh, seasonal ingredients into a *Bahala Na* menu—dishes that surprise and delight with unexpected flavors and textures. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/xChef-JP-Cruz-1.webp) Throughout the meal, guests hear stories of sourcing from local and international producers; of Filipino techniques such as *kinilaw* and *ihaw*; and of the team’s own journeys as they grill, torch, and pour—sparking the kind of conversation found at a lively family table. And when it’s time to head home, you’re handed a small bag of *baon*, a gentle echo of visits to *Lola*. ### **M Dining** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-01-19-at-12171.webp) Tucked away on the third floor of a quiet Makati building, M Dining + Bar offers an approachable setting where food, wine, and cocktails take center stage. In the kitchen, chef Tom Bascon delivers a menu that feels both fresh and familiar. At the bar, the M Martini, Lychee Campari, and Amaretto Sour pair well with standout bites like ikura-and-uni brioche, lardo-and-maitake crostini, and hand-cut mentaiko French fries. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/tom-bascon.webp) For mains, red lapu-lapu meunière and saffron scallops highlight precise seafood cookery, while glazed beef tenderloin and pork belly with edamame potato bring deeper, satisfying flavors. M also boasts one of the country’s most comprehensive wine programs—over 600 labels—alongside a considered cocktail list. For dessert, don’t miss the crème brûlée with raspberries, the banana–chocolate cookie with bananas Foster, or the mango parfait. ### **Modan** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/image0-modan-food.webp) Low-key yet highly revered, Jorge Mendez spent years quietly building his reputation as one of the Philippines’ brightest culinary talents. While leading several popular eateries across Metro Manila—and remaining executive chef of Cibo—he’s making waves with his most personal project: Modan. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Modan-1.webp) Tucked away in Cubao, Modan has become one of the city’s toughest reservations, with diners braving traffic to secure a seat. The name—“modern”—captures its essence: a progressive Japanese degustation rooted in tradition yet unafraid of reinvention. The 12-seat room is cozy rather than flashy, placing focus squarely on the food and the conversation across the counter. Among the dishes that helped put Modan on the map is the tebasaki: a chicken wing dried for three days, Peking duck–style, then stuffed with caviar rice and served with a shoyuzuke egg yolk. It’s emblematic of Mendez’s approach—bold ideas executed with precision. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/xDSC05911.webp) With dexterity and a clear point of view, Mendez has positioned Modan as a trailblazer in Manila’s fine-dining scene. What sets him apart isn’t only his command of Japanese flavors, but his ability to reinterpret them through a Filipino lens, balancing tradition and innovation with notable finesse. ### **Toyo Eatery** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/xKamayan-Spread.webp) Toyo Eatery adds to the layered story of Filipino dining by fusing tradition and modern presentation with fearless creativity—and a sense of fun. Chef Jordy Navarra and his team are known for transforming often-overlooked local ingredients into dishes that feel both familiar and surprising. The acclaimed three-cut pork barbecue and the playful *bahay kubo* vegetable dish—drawn from the folk song—capture the restaurant’s aim to express the soul of Filipino life on the plate. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/xJordy_2.webp) Each visit reads as a dialogue between past and present: recipes handed down through generations are reframed with care and clarity. Beyond the food, Toyo Eatery treats hospitality as storytelling—servers, dishes, and small gestures come together to form a narrative of Filipino identity. Its steady recognition only confirms what regulars already know: Toyo Eatery is a bold, world-class expression of what it means to eat Filipino today. *For a complete list of [Robb Report Philippines’ Best of the Best](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/) awardees, click [here](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/portal-best-of-the-best-2025/).* **Categories:** Best of the Best, Dining, Food & Drink --- ### [Best of the Best 2025: Water](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/best-of-the-best-2025-water/) **Published:** October 21, 2025 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** ## Best of the Best: *Breakthrough* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/FP_Water-2240x1260.webp) The largest yacht by volume ever built in the Netherlands, the 390-foot *Breakthrough* justifies its name. Feadship spent five years researching, designing, and constructing the world’s first hydrogen-fuel-cell superyacht. It involved entirely rethinking the interior to accommodate 4.4 tons of liquid hydrogen—which required 10 times more space than what’s needed for diesel fuel and must be stored in cryogenic tanks at -423 degrees Fahrenheit—to generate emissions-free energy. This technical leap combines 16 fuel cells, lithium batteries, two electric motors, and diesel generators to meet *Breakthrough*’s substantial propulsion and hotel needs. It will also allow the behemoth to cruise on fuel cells for short periods. Its heat-recovery system warms the pool, Jacuzzi, steam room, and floors and even preheats the engines. The luxe interior features elegant textured leather, marble, and rattan. The owner’s deck includes two en suite bedrooms, a gym, two offices, and a living room, while a private book-lined staircase leads to the lower deck. Other unique features: a regulation-size pickleball court on the bow and a submerged Nemo lounge on the lower deck. ## **Superyacht: *Diamond Binta*** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/best-superyacht-diamond-binta-1.webp) Few yachts focus on the engine room for favorable first impressions, but *Diamond Binta* revels in pulling back the curtain in unexpected places. A glass walkway and viewing gallery pass between white Caterpillar 3512E diesels, connecting the yacht’s lower-deck guest staterooms with the beach club. Built at the Tankoa shipyard in Genoa, the Paszkowski-designed exterior also differentiates with automotive details such as deck overhangs, which resemble the hood of a car, and a custom-designed sundeck bar inlaid with a honeycomb pattern that replicates the carbon fiber used in sports cars. A glass-sided pool on the top deck and an outdoor gym are other distinguishing features. The interior emphasizes natural-wood tones, along with marble and leather, and houses a full-beam owner’s suite. Beneath the sophisticated look, *Diamond Binta* was designed as a world explorer with a 5,400-nautical-mile range. A two-tender garage and a helideck support its off-grid adventures. ## **Motoryacht: Azimut Seadeck 7** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/best-motoryacht-aziumut-seadeck7.webp) Azimut’s Seadeck 7 isn’t a classic motoryacht, but it is the most forward-thinking in its class. The 71-footer is the first production yacht with Volvo Penta’s IPS hybrid-electric propulsion, which aims to reduce emissions by 40 percent via four navigation modes. For carbon- free operation, Pure Electric runs on battery power alone, while at the other end, Crossover uses a diesel engine to drive the electric pod motors. The system can run the hotel load for up to 12 hours without turning on the generators. The Seadeck 7’s Fun Island lives up to the 1950s-sounding name: The three-tiered rear area measures about 650 square feet when the side wings are folded out. It’s defined by lounges, a hammock, and a descending rear step for easy water access. The four-stateroom interior by residential architects Matteo Thun and Antonio Rodriguez balances simplicity with an upscale vibe, employing certified woods, carpeting made from recycled plastics, and other sustainable materials without looking self-conscious. The flybridge, with solar panels at the rear, makes a cozy, private getaway. ## Megayacht: *San* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/best-megayacht-alia-san.webp) Among the many custom projects from Turkey’s Alia Yachts, *[San](https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/gallery/san-superyacht-alia-yachts-1236191109/)* stands out for its radical, see-through main deck, making it more day boat than superyacht. The owner wanted to re-create the open sense of a yacht about half of *San*’s 148-foot length and pushed Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design for a vessel where one can see from the beach club to the bow. This remarkable line of sight was achieved by placing the staterooms and galley on the lower deck and exchanging all bulkheads in the salon with full-height windows. There is no main-deck galley or helm to spoil the view, and even the salon seating area is sunken into a Japanese-style floor recess. *San*’s attractive, minimalist wooden interior, precise lines inside and out, and clear views of the sea from every angle made it this year’s best-in-class design. ## ****Charter Yacht: *Renaissance***** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RR_Marine_Renaissance2.webp) By the numbers, the 367-foot *Renaissance* might be confused with a mini cruise ship, with its six decks and massive 7,925-gross-ton interior volume. It sleeps 36 guests in 19 staterooms, has a deck devoted to wellness, and offers a 19-seat cinema. Dining areas are on four decks, with the largest being a double-height dining room on the main deck. The Bannenberg & Rowell design, however, never drops its superyacht grandeur, with meticulous wood- and stonework, an overhead walkway above the salon, and a sense of intimacy on each deck. The owner’s deck is a 646-square-foot suite with twin walk-in wardrobes and bathrooms, with side-deck access on both sides. The beach club features a bar and multiple lounge areas, plus a large swimming pool on the deck above. Available for charter starting at about $3.4 million per week, the yacht has a multiskilled crew of 45—a former engineer, for instance, once doubled as a magician—to look after the guests. Beyond the chef’s traditional fare, *Renaissance* has a sushi bar, a pizza oven, and a 1,000-bottle wine cellar. ## **Sailing Yacht: Project Zero** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RR_Marine_ProjectZero.webp) The world’s first zero-emissions sailing yacht began with Foundation Zero, a group of impact investors who wanted to open-source their new designs to promote renewable technologies. One of the first projects was something that sounded impossible: a 227-foot superyacht with no fossil-fuel power, but that instead harnesses sun, wind, and water. Leading the project, Dutch designers at Vripack teamed up with Dykstra Naval Architects and sailing-superyacht builder Vitters, as well as teams of coders, data analysts, and even a physicist. Project Zero was designed to generate most of its power through hydro-generation while sailing, storing it in the onboard batteries (weighing 44 tons), while specialty solar panels provide more energy. Depending on wind conditions, it can gather about 200 kW of electrical power—or 10 times total energy needs—to meet its ambitious goal of two weeks’ energy autonomy. (Most hybrid yachts run for eight hours max on battery power.) With its aesthetic appeal, Project Zero could well be the next marker for sustainable yachting. ## **Advanced Technology: *Almax*** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/best-yacht-technology-almax.webp) This 165-footer is the first of Sanlorenzo’s 50Steel series, but, more importantly, it serves as a test bed for a fuel-cell system that converts green methanol into hydrogen and ultimately generates 100 kW of emissions-free power for the yacht’s hotel load. Other than being the first superyacht with a reformer fuel-cell system, *Almax*’s novel design includes the Hidden Engine Room (HER), with a lower-deck engine area. This particular configuration allowed the designers to replace the traditional engine room with a large Ocean Lounge, which connects to the aft beach club and forward guest quarters. The methanol fuel-cell technology powers all the yacht’s needs at anchor or the dock. The innovation is a genuine technical leap for vessels this size. ## **Catamaran: *Seawolf X*** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RR_Marine_SeawolfX.webp) Rossinavi has built many exceptional custom yachts in the past 20 years, but *Seawolf X* could be a defining moment for the Italian builder. The 140-footer is its first catamaran, a design with larger interior space and better fuel efficiency than a similar- length monohull. Its young, tech-focused owner, obsessed with squeezing every type of efficiency from his boat, mandated that A.I. help run the vessel. Over three years, Rossinavi, Videoworks, and the University of Pisa created RossinaviAI, the first adaptive-artificial-intelligence system on a superyacht that not only observes owner and guest behavior, tweaking temperatures and lighting to individual preferences, but, more importantly, also monitors engine performance, navigation, and maintenance schedules to supercharge efficiency. The design doesn’t sacrifice luxury, either: The sleek, curved hull has a sunken foredeck and glass-encased Jacuzzi, while the palatial main salon and owner’s stateroom—both full beam—offer up the square footage of a much larger yacht. ## **Explorer: *Maverick*** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RR_Marine_Maverick.webp) The first of Cantiere Delle Marche’s Flexplorer 146 range was designed for a multiyear off-grid expedition. As the Flexplorer name suggests, it’s an explorer that can be configured with the comforts of home. The 1,453-square-foot rear deck is a perfect example of double duty: With the tender aboard, *Maverick* resembles most expedition yachts. After it’s launched, the open deck (with a pool) becomes the main social area and provides access to the ocean. Below that is a small gym, with storage for diving equipment and other toys. *Maverick*’s owners designed two large staterooms (one for the parents and the other for one child) and a balcony on the upper owner’s deck, with suites on the lower deck for the other children. Interior spaces are open-plan to facilitate easy movement (and informal relationships) for the family and nine-person crew. *Maverick*’s 16,900-gallon fuel capacity and 5,000-mile-plus range at 10 knots provide weeks of autonomy, while the hull’s ice belt allows cruising in polar waters, the signature of a true explorer. ## **Weekender: Scout 670 LXS** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RR_Marine_Scout670.webp) Nicknamed Project Everest because of its complexity and scale, the world’s largest outboard-powered boat evolved after months of back-and-forth between the South Carolina builder’s design team and London-based Harrison Eidsgaard. The collaboration was a first, pairing an American builder known for offshore-fishing boats with one of Europe’s leading superyacht designers. What could have been a clash of cultures resulted in a fast, stylish outboard-powered cruiser; its five 600 hp Mercury V-12s push the 670 LXS to nearly 60 mph. Despite its speed, it’s a yacht, with a teak-decked cockpit that electronically folds out on both sides, a bar, and 22 rod holders and rocket launchers for sportfishing. Beneath the hardtop are four bucket seats and a large L-shaped lounge for offshore running. The 670 LXS retains Scout’s DNA but infuses details like a Gussi Italia steering wheel and Mercedes G-Wagen air-conditioning vents. Three staterooms below—two being en suite—offer unusually generous headroom, with yacht-grade fit and finish. This transatlantic alliance was a success. *For a complete list of [Robb Report Philippines’ Best of the Best](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/) awardees, click [here](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/portal-best-of-the-best-2025/).* **Categories:** Best of the Best, Boats --- ### [Crafting Legacy, Curating Life: RCBC Wealth and the New Meaning of Success](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/crafting-legacy-curating-life-rcbc-wealth-and-the-new-meaning-of-success/) **Published:** December 12, 2025 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** At the [Best of the Best Awards 2025](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/), *Robb Report Philippines* celebrated people, brands, and institutions who define excellence—those who have raised the bar of taste, innovation, and achievement to the highest levels. This year, that spirit of progress finds resonance in the event’s experience partner, RCBC Wealth, whose mission aligns perfectly with the awards’ ethos: to honor those who do not merely succeed but set new benchmarks for what success can mean. Guests from the worlds of diplomacy, luxury retail, private banking, art, real estate, travel, and sportscars gathered at Blackbird at the Nielson Tower, where sapphire-blue carpeting and refined detailing transformed the venue into the RCBC Wealth Lounge for the evening. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RCBC_NoWTRM-2.webp) Each raised their glasses to a quartet of bespoke house cocktails, led by the Robb Report Negroni and the evening’s signature drink—the RCBC Bluebird, a precise blend of gin, crème de violette, maraschino, and lavender bitters. The cocktail served not only as a nod to the venue but as a fitting toast to RCBC Wealth’s role in honoring the country’s finest innovators and legacy builders. In today’s world, wealth is no longer defined solely by accumulation. It is shaped by what one creates, sustains, and passes on. *Robb Report Philippines* has always celebrated those who live with intention, the visionaries who think about what success can be for the leaders of tomorrow. In collaboration with RCBC Wealth, we honor a new era of Filipino prosperity, with the next-generation entrepreneurs and global thinkers in mind. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/BOTB-LAUNCH-EVENT_COCKTAIL-HOUR_016.webp) Guia Margarita Y. Santos. ## An Ally for the Next Generation Today’s Filipino entrepreneurs and inheritors think beyond preservation. These are your innovators, founders, and global citizens, after all. Rare are those as restless in pursuit of ideas that create lasting value. This next generation views wealth as a platform for expansion, diversification, and impact. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RCBC_NoWTRM-1.webp) RCBC Wealth has positioned itself at the center of this generational transformation. Thanks to a bespoke model that emphasizes relationship over transaction, each client is paired with a dedicated Wealth Relationship Manager. The brand’s managers are supported by a team of dedicated investment, trust, and estate experts, resulting in a comprehensive strategy designed not only to grow assets but to align them with a larger purpose. These strategies apply to those who are chasing either entrepreneurial ambition, philanthropic pursuit, or global diversification. Understanding how modern entrepreneurs move across a borderless ecosystem, RCBC Wealth’s varied clientele includes startup founders entering global markets, second-generation business leaders reimagining family legacies, and investors who balance passion and purpose across industries. The group meets their diverse needs by offering solutions that extend from traditional investment management to alternative and sustainable portfolios. Also included among their services are bespoke trust and succession structures that ensure continuity across generations to come. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/BOTB-LAUNCH-EVENT_COCKTAILS-AND-FOOD_007.webp) The institution’s approach is anchored in diversification, which has become an essential strategy in an era defined by volatility and opportunity. By blending local insight with international reach, RCBC Wealth empowers its clients to expand beyond geographical and asset-class boundaries while maintaining the stability of long-term stewardship. This commitment was recognized at the 2025 Euromoney Private Banking Awards, where RCBC Wealth was named the “Best Bank for Succession Planning in the Philippines”—a distinction that underscores its expertise in guiding families through the intricate process of transferring both wealth and wisdom. ## A Borderless Mindset In wealth, as in life, the advantage lies in adaptability. RCBC Wealth’s investment framework provides clients with curated access to opportunities across markets and sectors, from ASEAN equities and alternative funds to ESG-aligned instruments and impact investments. Arriving at informed decisions should be shaped by data, discipline, and a deep understanding of each client’s long-term goals. Of course, this global orientation is only complemented by a refined lifestyle ecosystem. This is where the RCBC Wealth Platinum Debit Mastercard comes in. The card exemplifies this seamless integration of privilege and practicality, demonstrated by its enhanced limits, sustainable card materials, and global travel and dining benefits. It’s a statement piece for those who ought to navigate multiple worlds—professional, personal, and philanthropic—with ease. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/BOTB-LAUNCH-EVENT_DINNER_SETUP_011.webp) As the Best of the Best Awards 2025 gathers the country’s foremost tastemakers and leaders, RCBC Wealth’s partnership embodies a shared philosophy with the brand: that the pinnacle of luxury lies in intentional curation. Just as *Robb Report Philippines* recognizes artistry in craftsmanship, RCBC Wealth honors mastery in stewardship, perfecting the art of creating prosperity that endures. Through its suite of exclusive events, thought-leadership sessions, and personalized experiences, RCBC Wealth cultivates a community of discerning individuals who share a common vision. It’s a world built on trust, discretion, and meaningful connection, values that echo the enduring allure of true luxury. And as Filipino excellence continues to ascend on the global stage, the definition of wealth evolves right with it. Today’s leaders understand that legacy is not simply what one leaves behind, but what one builds every day. For founders, inheritors, and innovators alike, it offers partnership, perspective, and, of all things, permanence. *For more about wealth management and succession planning, contact *. **Categories:** Best of the Best **Tags:** Partnerships, RCBC, Robb Report Philippines Partnerships, Wealth Management --- ### [Best of the Best 2025: Real Estate](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/best-of-the-best-2025-real-estate/) **Published:** October 15, 2025 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** ## Best of the Best: Aurelia Residences, BGC ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Aurelia-Facade-Render-Day-01.webp) On the quieter, more tranquil edge of Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, Aurelia Residences stands as a premier address for those seeking safety and calm. This limited collection of just 285 residences offers a serene, secure environment—right in the heart of the metro. With skyline views, comprehensive amenities, and an unrivaled location minutes from business districts, luxury retail, and green spaces, Aurelia balances exclusivity with connectivity. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Aurelia-Garden_Pool.webp) A joint venture between Shang Properties, Inc. and Robinsons Land Corporation, Aurelia was conceived with a singular aim: a residential experience that prioritizes privacy, sophistication, and long-term value. The developers engaged Skidmore, Owings & Merrill as conceptual architect and worked closely with FM Architettura d’Interni to infuse every detail with Italian design heritage interwoven with Filipino culture. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Aurelia.webp) As Metro Manila continues to lean into vertical living, Aurelia Residences sets a high bar—an expertly executed condominium that feels truly best-in-class. ## **Amenities: Minetta Lane, New York City** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/DSC03012.webp) Manhattan has no shortage of extraordinary townhouses, but only one features an 83-foot rock-climbing wall that rises from a subterranean courtyard all the way to the roof terrace six floors above. Other standout elements of this West Village home include a glass elevator; a glass-walled meditation room that opens to a grass-covered balcony; and, for stargazing, a retractable glass roof over the bed in the top-floor primary bedroom. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/DSC02913.webp) Additional amenities include a mini-kitchen on the roof deck, an outdoor shower in the walled and gated entrance courtyard, and, in the cellar, a speakeasy-style lounge alongside a spa area complete with a steam room. ## **Penthouse: Boiler House, Battersea Power Station, London** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/1-Edit.webp) Sitting atop the Boiler House in London’s Battersea Power Station, this duplex penthouse is as much a masterpiece as the landmark itself. Encompassing two units that have been combined, the 6,158-square-foot aerie was designed by New York’s Joe Serrins Studio. Expect Venetian plaster ceilings, a suede-lined media room, custom steel-and-glass detailing, and secure underground parking for four cars. The showstopper? Three private terraces, including one perched beneath the station’s towering smokestacks, offer unbeatable 360-degree views of the River Thames. ## **Urban Oasis: Greenbelt Park, Makati City** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/image00002.webp) Greenbelt Park, in the vibrant core of Makati, offers a serene escape from the city’s bustle. This haven blends natural beauty with the elegance of its surrounding commercial spaces, creating a refined yet peaceful setting. Encircled by upscale boutiques, dining spots, and recreational venues, Greenbelt Park embodies a harmonious balance of urban sophistication and natural charm. ## ****Estate Masterplans: Ayala Land**** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/ALI-Makati-CBD-Skyline-night-shot.webp) Ayala Land has set the standard for Philippine real estate for decades through its masterplanned estates. From Makati’s Central Business District to Bonifacio Global City and beyond, the company has consistently created communities that balance luxury, sustainability, and urban innovation. Its developments function as ecosystems where residences, business, retail, and leisure coexist seamlessly. ## **Architecturally Significant: The Falls, Kent, Connecticut** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/2a.webp) A hidden modernist gem in Connecticut’s Litchfield Hills, the Falls is a striking architectural sanctuary by Charles Gwathmey, the visionary behind the Guggenheim Museum renovation and addition. Set on over 40 acres of rolling meadows and featuring elegant stonework and a cascading waterfall, the estate is a seamless blend of nature and design. Inside, curved glass walls showcase stunning views, while a sleek addition by Michael Arad and interiors by Stephen Sills bring a touch of sophistication. A tennis court, a pool, and a Deborah Nevins– designed landscape complete the picture. ## **Lifestyle Integration: The Balmori Suites, Rockwell** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/The-Balmori-Suites-Facade.webp) The Balmori Suites defines high-class living at its finest, blending exclusivity, artistry, and urban vibrancy in the heart of Rockwell Center, Makati. With only three to five residences per floor, privacy and refinement remain paramount. From the artwork- and antique-embellished lobby to the expertly designed units, no effort was spared. Art and design are intrinsic, anchored by bespoke pieces such as an installation by Isagani Fuentes that underscores its contemporary spirit. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/The-Balmori-Suites-Lobby-3.webp) Each home is outfitted with Gaggenau appliances and marble countertops, elevating daily living. Residents are also an elevator ride away from some of Manila’s best dining—Lusso, Hapag, and Ayà among them. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/The-Balmori-Suites-Amenity-Deck-2.webp) Rising above Power Plant Mall with direct access to luxury retail and dining, the property offers modern conveniences while remaining a serene enclave. With a landscaped garden and event space, a state-of-the-art gym, and a pool deck, Balmori integrates leisure, culture, and comfort. *For a complete list of [Robb Report Philippines’ Best of the Best](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/) awardees, click [here](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/portal-best-of-the-best-2025/).* **Categories:** Best of the Best, Home & Design, Properties --- ### [Best of the Best 2025: Wine](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/best-of-the-best-2025-wine/) **Published:** October 15, 2025 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** ## Best of the Best: Domaine Parent Corton 2022 Grand Cru Blanc ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/FP_Wine-2240x1260.webp) Representing the 12th generation of their family, winemaker Anne Parent and her sister Catherine Fages-Parent are the first women at the helm of Domaine Parent. After picking the grapes from a privileged site on the Corton hill, the duo fermented the juice with indigenous yeast and barrel aged it on the lees for 16 months. Aromas of Bartlett pear, nectarine, and toasted almond open for flavors of Granny Smith apple, lemon zest, and a touch of oyster shell. Despite the hot summer of 2022, this wine’s lively acidity is the first thing that you’ll notice—and the last impression this truly stunning wine will leave on the palate. *$399* ## ****Rosé**** **Champagne: Nicolas Feuillatte 2008 Palmes d’Or Rosé Intense** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RR_Wine_NFeuillatte_a808f8.webp) From the house that produces the No. 1 Champagne in France comes a limited- edition rosé made with 100 percent Pinot Noir from two cru vineyards. According to chief winemaker Guillaume Roffiaen, Palmes d’Or Rosé Intense “is only made when the vintage is remarkable and promises a high aging potential.” The coldest year of its decade, 2008 provided freshness and vitality that are evident in its vivid aromas of peach and pomegranate. Pale apricot in the glass with a persistent column of fine bubbles, this elegant sparkler offers flavors of lemon, red plum, and lavender with a delicate structure and brilliant acidity. ## **White Champagne: Dom Pérignon** **2015** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RR_Wine_DomPerignon-1.webp) The singular house to produce only vintage Champagne, Dom Pérignon has bottled its 46th declared vintage since its inaugural release in 1936. Cellar master Vincent Chaperon attributes the 2015’s “bright, focused character and the signature texture” to a season of extreme weather, including a prolonged summer drought. With aromas of peach, brioche, and espresso bean, this luscious dram washes over the mouth with flavors of apricot, vanilla, lemon zest, and rose petal. Well structured and offering gorgeous acidity, this blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay energizes the palate with a sense of precision and focus*.* ## **Rosé: Château d’Esclans 2022 Garrus Rosé** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RR_CD_GarrusRose.webp) If you closed your eyes before sipping, you might think you were drinking an elegant white Chardonnay from Burgundy, but this amazing Château d’Esclans 2022 Garrus Rosé from Provencal is made using deep-garnet Grenache grapes grown on 100-year-old vines. Fermented in 600- liter temperature-controlled oak barrels, it undergoes twice weekly *bâtonnage*—in which settled lees are stirred back into the wine—for 11 months, which imparts structure and creaminess. Reminiscent of a Saint-Tropez sunset, it is pale pink in the glass and has aromas of vanilla, strawberry, and red raspberry. A backbone of minerality supports flavors of red plum, white citrus blossoms, and honeydew*.* ## **Aromatic Wine: Trimbach 2018 Clos Ste. Hune Riesling** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RR_Wine_Trimbach.webp) The 2018 bottling of Trimbach 2018 Clos Ste. Hune Riesling represents the 99th anniversary of Trimbach’s Clos Sainte Hune Riesling’s first release. Located in the unique terroir of Rosacker Grand Cru in Hunawihr, the *monopole* vineyard has been owned by one family for over 200 years and is a little larger than four acres in size. Its limestone soils are studded with broken- down seashell remnants, which impart a unique minerality to this stunning wine. It has aromas of verbena, Bartlett pear, and mango, with balanced acidity and flavors of freshly sliced apricot, yellow peach, and yellow plum. ## **Dessert Wine: Kopke 2022 Quinta São Luiz Vintage Port** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RR_Wine_Kopke.webp) Kopke 2022 Quinta São Luiz Vintage Port, made from fruit grown on old vines, is composed of a field blend of 35 different varieties of grapes, with Touriga Nacional accounting for 30 percent of the finished wine. It is deep red-purple in color with aromas of red plum, black pepper, and blackberry pie. Silky-smooth with just the right levels of sweetness and acidity, it offers flavors of raspberry jam, vanilla, and red currant on the palate. Enjoy this perfectly balanced sweet wine with strong cheeses—like Stilton—or with fruit-based desserts. ## **Bordeaux: Château Angelus 2022 Le Majestueux Saint Émilion** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RR_Wine_ChateauAngeles.webp) Made with 60 percent Merlot and 40 percent Cabernet Franc, the 2022 edition of Angelus is called Le Majestueux (the Majestic) thanks to the unprecedented resistance the vines showed during the season’s severe drought. Château Angelus C.E.O. and owner Stéphanie de Boüard-Rivoal points to the years of work her team has done in the vineyard to “reliably produce magnificent, ripe berries,” resulting in a wine with a “a remarkable sense of freshness, energy, and tension.” Its black-fruit and violet aromas, flavors of purple plum, cassis, and candied violet, and gorgeous polished tannins make for a beautiful pour. ## ****Red Burgundy: Domaine Faiveley 2020 Corton Clos des Cortons Faiveley Grand Cru Monopole**** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RR_Wine_DomaineFaiveley.webp) Domaine Faiveley 2020 Corton Clos des Cortons Faiveley Grand Cru Monopole is only one of only two grand cru *monopoles* in Burgundy that also bear the name of their owner—and the only grand cru site for red wines in the Côte de Beaune—Domaine Faiveley is a special locale. Its seventh-generation proprietor, Erwan Faiveley, praises this vintage for its “astonishing ripeness.” A bouquet of black cherry, clove, rose petal, and river rock gives way to raspberry, dried-cranberry, and nutmeg flavors with hints of white chocolate and orange zest. Velvety tannins and well-integrated acidity mean you can drink it now or hold it for the next 20 years. *For a complete list of [Robb Report Philippines’ Best of the Best](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/) awardees, click [here](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/portal-best-of-the-best-2025/).* **Categories:** Best of the Best, Food & Drink, Wine --- ### [Best of the Best 2025: Watches](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/best-of-the-best-2025-watches/) **Published:** October 15, 2025 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** ## Best of the Best: Patek Philippe Quadruple Complication Reference 5308G-001 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/PP-watches-Botb.webp) The Patek Philippe Quadruple Complication Ref. 5308G-001 unites four distinct complications, each of which would be extraordinary on its own. True to Patek Philippe’s tradition, it looks both forward and back—honoring its heritage while pushing technical boundaries. At its heart lies the self-winding R CHR 27 PS QI calibre, driven by a platinum micro-rotor. Among its most remarkable features is an instantaneous perpetual calendar—a rarity in itself—with all indications advancing in unison. Achieving this without sacrificing energy to the other complications—a minute repeater, a chronograph, and a split-seconds mechanism—is a feat that speaks to the ingenuity of Patek Philippe’s watchmakers. It is a watch that most, even among seasoned collectors, may never fully grasp, much less encounter. Only a select few will ever wear it. Fewer still will be invited to acquire it. For Patek Philippe, that’s just fine. From $1.3 million (Php 75.3 million). ## Revival: Cartier Tank à Guichets ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RR_Watches_Cartier_Tank.webp) Introduced in 1928, the Cartier Tank à Guichets took the metaphor of an armored vehicle as a timepiece to its logical conclusion. Rather than revealing a delicate white dial with Roman numerals, its metal dial features only two small openings: one for jumping hours and the other for a dragging-minutes display. A series of new limited-edition Tank à Guichets in the brand’s Collection Privée presents a modern iteration in one of three precious metals, but a special platinum version—for which the apertures are rotated at an angle—promises to become the collector favorite. Price upon request. ## Perpetual Calendar: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Ref. 26674SG.OO.1320SG.01 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/best_perpetual_calendar_ap_royal_oak.webp) A perpetual calendar tracks the day, date, month, moon phase, and leap year—generally without requiring manual adjustment for decades on end. But setting all those displays typically involves a special tool or a visit to your watchmaker. This sand-gold Royal Oak, released for the company’s 150th anniversary, solves that long-standing inconvenience thanks to its groundbreaking Calibre 7138 movement. The 4.1-mm-thick self-winding engine controls all functions via the crown, eliminating the need for case pushers. It can also be adjusted forward or backward without risking damage to the movement. Price upon request. ## High Jewelry: Van Cleef and Arpels Ruban Mystérieux ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RR_WATCHES_VCA.webp) This is the first unique watch from Van Cleef & Arpels in two years—and it is a masterwork of gem setting. Meant to evoke a ribbon that appears to wrap around the wrist, its 18-karat white-gold frame and instantly recognizable Mystery Set emeralds and sapphires are quintessential Van Cleef. Each stone took a master cutter two to four hours to achieve. They surround a 3.72-carat colorless, flawless DIF oval-cut diamond, which reveals the mother-of-pearl dial beneath. Beneath the jewelry work lies serious horology: the watch is powered by Jaeger-LeCoultre’s famous Caliber 101—the smallest mechanical movement in existence. Price upon request. ## ****Material: F.P. Journe Chronomètre Furtif**** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RR_WATCHES_FP_JOURNE2.webp) There are plenty of sporty all-black watches, but none in tungsten carbide—until F.P. Journe managed it this year. The material is extremely hard and costly to machine, requiring diamond-tipped tools; it’s more at home on ski-pole tips than on a fine watch case. Here it forms a 42 mm shell for a dial finished in mirror-polished anthracite-gray grand feu enamel on white gold, with matte rhodium-plated steel hands for contrast. Turn it over and the mood shifts: an 18-karat rose-gold Calibre 1522 fills the back with traditional warmth, a sharp counterpoint to the stealth exterior. About $104,000 (Php 6 million). ## **Bespoke: Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers Solaria Ultra Grand Complication—La Première** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RR_Vacheron_Constantin_WW_Les_Cabinotiers_WW_Solaria_2.webp) An exercise in extreme watchmaking, Solaria assembles 41 complications from 1,521 parts, packing them into a movement measuring 36 mm by 10.96 mm and a case at 45 mm by 14.99 mm. The roster includes a Gregorian perpetual calendar, an equation of time on a tropical (solar) gear, and a Westminster carillon chime, alongside a split-seconds chronograph linked to astronomical indications that track when constellations—or a chosen star—will appear at the wearer’s location. Conceived and made by a single watchmaker at the manufacture, it stands as a statement of what’s still possible by hand and mind alone. Price upon request. ## **Giving Back: Chopard L.U.C Heritage EHG Moon 122** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RR_Watches_Chopard_HeritageMoon.webp) Set beneath an expansive aventurine dial and a 44 mm case in ethical rose gold is a northern-hemisphere sky, anchored by a hand-hammered and hand-engraved gold moon phase. Its precision is notable: a deviation of just 57 seconds between lunar reality and the display. Opposite sits a small-seconds subdial bearing a hand-worked gold view of the North Pole. The movement’s foundation comes from a Chopard base caliber supplied to students at the Geneva School of Watchmaking, with the moon-phase mechanism developed jointly—an investment in future talent as much as in the watch itself. About $90,300 (Php 5.2 million), limited to 20. ## **Craftsmanship: Greubel Forsey Hand Made 2** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/greubel_forsey_hand_made2.webp) A truly handmade watch is rare in an era of CNC and robotics. Greubel Forsey’s 40.9 mm, hand-wound Hand Made 2 is 96 percent crafted by hand; only the sapphire crystals, spring bars, case gaskets, mainspring, and most jewels are not. Every component is finished to the brand’s exacting standard and assembled start to finish by a single watchmaker, resulting in a white-gold piece produced at a rate of just two or three per year. The result is less a throwback than a proof of method: what near-total manual production looks like in the 21st century. Price upon request. ## **Bracelet: Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RR_WATCHES_JC_Reverso2.webp) Though the [Jaeger-LeCoultre](https://robbreport.com/tag/jaeger-lecoultre/) Reverso is already available on a metal bracelet, its classic configuration is as a steel timepiece on a leather strap—its original form was created in 1931 for polo players in India during the British Raj. But a fresh pink-gold Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds on a matching pink-gold Milanese bracelet promises to pleasantly upset the norm: With its elegant looks and comfortable feel, the bracelet beautifully complements the watch’s precious-metal case, which measures just 7.56 mm thick. Flip the case over and a blank caseback reveals an ideal canvas for a personalized engraving, making the watch a perfect gift or heirloom. ## **Métiers d’Art: Piaget Altiplano** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RR_WATCHES_Piaget2.webp) Piaget is known for its expertise in jewelry techniques, but it also lays claim to some of the thinnest high-end watch movements in the world. Here, the brand combines both. The bridges of the 40 mm timepiece—powered by the 3 mm thick self-winding 1201D1 skeleton movement—are delicately adorned with diamonds and blue sapphires, which extend to the bezel in baguette cuts. The other half of the dial and bezel is decorated in a burst of varying blue, green, and purple hues in *grand feu* cloisonné enamel executed by the celebrated artisan Anita Porchet. But even the portion of the movement that is invisible beneath the enamel is set with diamonds and sapphires. With no surface left untouched, this piece wows at every angle. ## **World Timer: Louis Vuitton Tambour Taiko Spin Time Air Antipode** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/best_world_timer_louis_vuitton_tambour.webp) Building upon a legacy of imaginative complications, the new 42.5 mm Louis Vuitton Tambour Taiko Spin Time Air Antipode rethinks the world timer by displaying two cities at each of the dozen hour indices, thus making for 24 antipodes—points located at exact opposite ends of the globe. Emanating from the watch’s automatic Caliber LFT ST12.01 located at the case’s center, the city cubes appear suspended in air and spin 90 degrees as the world timer is adjusted. A brilliant feat of in-house engineering, the Antipode is proof that there is still plenty of room for visual and mechanical innovation. *$99,500* ## **Design: Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Perpetual Calendar** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RR_Watches_Parmigiani3.webp) Due to the amount of information contained in a perpetual calendar, the dials of these timepieces are often so packed they can be difficult to read or just look busy on the wrist. The 40.6 mm Toric Perpetual Calendar puts a new minimalist spin on the complication, using dual coaxial displays to convey all the relevant readings on two subregisters. The leap year and month are read on one subdial, and the day of the week and date on the other. The result is a stunningly simple and beautiful design that creates enough negative space to appreciate the beauty of the Golden Hour (pictured) or Morning Blue hues of the hand-grained dials. ## **Dive Watch: Ulysse Nardin Diver Air** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RR_WATCHES_UlysseNardin2.webp) There’s something reassuring about the heft of a robust steel sports watch. But what if you could retain the tank like build without the bulk? That’s the promise of the 44 mm Ulysse Nardin Diver Air, officially the world’s lightest mechanical dive watch. Made from titanium and carbon fiber, it features a 199-part automatic movement designed to reduce weight to a bare minimum. A skeletonized dial, meanwhile, reveals a startling truth: Within the case, componentry makes up just 20 percent of the volume, while 80 percent is air. The result? A timepiece that clocks in at just under 52 grams, including its strap. ## **Incoming Icon: Rolex Land-Dweller** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/m127336-0001-_2501fj_001.webp) Rolex’s new Land Dweller is a study in restraint with clear intent. The design nods to the archive while leaning into today’s appetite for integrated, multi-shaped cases—an aesthetic that has migrated from niche to mainstream. Crucially, this isn’t about chasing heat; the model answers a real gap for a fresh line that speaks to both everyday buyers and seasoned collectors. Beneath the case, a new movement debuts with updated technology, signaling where the brand plans to take its non-dive sport watches next. The message to the wider industry is unambiguous: when the category leader moves, it sets the pace. *For a complete list of [Robb Report Philippines’ Best of the Best](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/) awardees, click [here](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/portal-best-of-the-best-2025/).* **Categories:** Best of the Best, Watches --- ### [Best of the Best 2025: Art](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/best-of-the-best-art/) **Published:** October 16, 2025 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** ## Best of the Best: Silverlens Galleries ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/7-silverlens.webp) Silverlens Galleries has defined what it means to be a premier art space in the Philippines, Southeast Asia, and beyond. Under co-directors Isa Lorenzo and Rachel Rillo, the gallery is known for a strong curatorial vision that consistently showcases world-class contemporary art while championing Filipino voices, both in Manila and at its New York outpost. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Isa-Lorenzo-Photo-by-Joseph-Pascual.webp) Through carefully mounted exhibitions, participation in top-tier international art fairs, and collaborations with leading cultural institutions, Silverlens has established itself as a vital bridge between Philippine creativity and the global art world. Works by its artists have entered major museum collections worldwide, including the Guggenheim (Martha Atienza), Tate Modern (Atienza, Maria Taniguchi), National Gallery Singapore (Yee I-Lann, Imelda Cajipe Endaya, Judy Freya Sibayan), MoMA (Stephanie Syjuco), Getty Museum (Wawi Navarroza), and Singapore Art Museum (Yee I-Lann, Pio Abad), among others. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Rachel-Rillo-Photo-by-Joseph-Pascual.webp) Beyond exhibitions, the gallery has built a reputation for professionalism and integrity, cultivating lasting relationships with collectors, curators, and museums. Its commitment to excellence has elevated the profiles of its artists and advanced the standing of Philippine contemporary art on the global stage. ## **Cultural Legacy: Cultural Center of the Philippines** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/CCP.webp) The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) remains at the heart of the nation’s cultural life, advancing both Philippine art’s heritage and its contemporary perspective. Its current exhibition, Selections from the CCP 21st Century Art Museum (21AM), showcases the depth of its holdings. CCP’s role in shaping global dialogues on Philippine modernism is underscored by landmark programs like the Thirteen Artists Awards—which has recognized groundbreaking practices since 1970—and partnerships with institutions such as the National Gallery of Singapore, to which CCP has lent works for the museum’s Fernando Zóbel exhibition. In dance and music, CCP supports companies and ensembles that premiere original works while also presenting international artists, ensuring Manila remains a cultural destination. Theater, literature, and film—most notably the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival—likewise find a stage in CCP’s year-round programming. By advancing Philippine creativity across visual arts, dance, music, theater, and film, the CCP affirms its place as a vital force in national identity and global cultural exchange. ## **Collective: ALT Philippines** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/ALT-2.webp) ALT Philippines emerged in 2020 as a bold, gallery-run platform that foregrounds collaboration, curatorial intent, and social relevance. With founding galleries including Artinformal, Blanc, The Drawing Room, Galleria Duemila, MO\_Space, Underground, Vinyl on Vinyl, West Gallery, and 1335 Mabini, ALT has grown to feature over 200 artists across multiple editions. Beyond exhibitions, its program embraces project spaces, performance art, moving-image installations, and a Conversations series where artists, curators, and gallerists engage in critical dialogue. What makes ALT exceptional is its commitment to curatorial rigor and experimentation. Instead of individual showcases, participating galleries present cohesive, museum-quality exhibitions that blur boundaries between commercial and institutional spaces. This collective effort underscores the strength and diversity of Philippine contemporary art—and demonstrates how collaboration can expand audiences and amplify impact. ## **Midcareer Survey: Maria Taniguchi, Body of Work** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-16-at-122448-AM.webp) *Maria Taniguchi: Body of Work* presents a compelling account of the artist’s explorations of time, surface, memory, and sustained labor. Organized by MCAD Manila, the exhibition brought together painting, installation, video, and archival pieces spanning Taniguchi’s career, revealing how her repetitive mark-making develops into meditative fields that invite reflection and immersion. Her works—whether in precise grid paintings, layered geometric forms, or site-specific installations—challenge notions of monumentality and detail, balancing formal rigor with conceptual depth. With evocative references to history and the textures of place, Taniguchi’s pieces register an astonishing quantification of work across time. *Body of Work* matters because it demonstrates the artist’s continuing evolution—her capacity to refine and redefine her visual language while remaining deeply anchored in process and material. ## ****Outdoor Art: 10 Days of Art**** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/10d_fotobeneath1.webp) 10 Days of Art is more than a festival or a showcase of public, outdoor art; it is a dynamic, citywide initiative that transforms Makati and partner cities into an open stage for contemporary art. Conceived by the organizers of Art Fair Philippines to lead up to the main fair, it extends the reach of the event by bringing art beyond gallery walls and into the rhythm of daily life. Through public installations, special exhibitions, and activations in museums, restaurants, and partner spaces, 10 Days of Art engages audiences who might not otherwise step into a fair booth or gallery. It fosters inclusivity, accessibility, and dialogue, while spotlighting Filipino and international artists in new ways. By weaving art into the urban fabric, 10 Days of Art has encouraged cultural engagement in Manila—underscoring the Philippines’ vibrant cultural scene and its growing role in the global art conversation. ## **Retrospective: Fernando Zobel, *The Future of the Past*** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/2.webp) *Zóbel: The Future of the Past* was a landmark exhibition at Ayala Museum in 2024, coinciding with Fernando Zóbel’s centenary. Adapted from the acclaimed 2022 Museo del Prado exhibition—which drew over 80,000 visitors—the show underscored the Spanish-Filipino artist’s rare stature as one of only two 20th-century artists, alongside Pablo Picasso, to be exhibited at Spain’s national museum. Featuring more than 200 works—paintings, sketchbooks, photographs, films, and archival materials—the exhibition traced Zóbel’s artistic evolution from Harvard in the 1950s to postwar Manila and ultimately to Cuenca, Spain, where he became central to the city’s rise as a hub for abstract art. His practice, rooted in intellectual inquiry and painterly experimentation, revealed an artist equally engaged with tradition and innovation. The exhibition mattered not only for its scale but for highlighting Zóbel’s intellectual rigor, cross-cultural impact, and lasting influence on modern art history in both the Philippines and Spain. ## **Original Play: Grace** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/GRACE-POSTER.webp) In 1948, Teresita Castillo, a young Discalced Carmelite postulant, claimed to have seen an apparition of the Virgin Mary. Church officials in the Philippines and the Vatican would later dismiss the visions as fabrications, but the devotion they inspired—centered on Our Lady, Mediatrix of All Grace—endured. To this day, the conversation lingers, suspended between faith, politics, and skepticism. This tension forms the core of Grace, the late playwright Floy Quintos’s final masterpiece. With political undercurrents, theological debate, and drama woven seamlessly together, the play transforms history into riveting theater. Grace had its final acclaimed run earlier this year at the PETA Theater Center, revisiting a moment of national fascination and exemplifying why Quintos remains one of the most compelling voices in Philippine drama. ## **Original Musical: Pingkian** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TP39_PingkianArtboard-2.webp) Most Filipinos know Emilio Jacinto as the “Brains of the Katipunan,” yet fewer are aware of his other moniker—Pingkian, the Tagalog term for the stone that sparks a flame. This duality is explored in *Pingkian: Isang Musikal*, staged by Tanghalang Pilipino, which opened in September at the CCP’s Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez. With words and lyrics by Palanca Award–winning playwright Juan Ekis and music by Gawad Buhay–winning composer Ejay Yatco, the production delves into the enduring legacy of the young Katipunero as he navigates the turbulent final years of the Philippine Revolution and the onset of the Philippine–American War. Rich in artistry, history, and the complexities of youth, *Pingkian* exemplifies the profound narratives currently animating the Philippine theater scene. ## **Legacy in Modern Dance: Alice Reyes Dance Philippines** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Lester-Reguindins-Now.webp) Alice Reyes Dance Philippines (ARDP) began as a collective of homegrown Filipino dancers whose livelihoods were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Founded by National Artist for Dance Alice Reyes, it has since evolved into a prestigious institution in the Filipino dance community that continually highlights the works of National Artists. Under Reyes’s leadership, the company has become an incubator of talent for future generations of dancers, choreographers, and educators. At ARDP, artists embody their craft and strive to advance Filipino dance on both national and international stages. In every performance, ARDP reaffirms its profound commitment to Filipino artistry. ## **Heritage Dance Company: Ballet Philippines** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/LimangDaan_MariaClara2_Square.webp) For more than five decades, Ballet Philippines has been the country’s flagship ballet company and one of its most enduring cultural institutions. Known for a repertoire that spans the classical and the contemporary—as well as original Filipino works—the company has cultivated generations of dancers while showcasing the depth and versatility of Philippine artistry. ## **Urban Revolution: Royal Mansour, Casablanca, Morocco** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/1660091.webp) Under the artistic direction of Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, with an original score by National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab and choreography by Gerardo Francisco Jr. and Martin Lawrance, Ballet Manila transforms Francisco Balagtas’s literary masterpiece into the language of dance. With music, movement, and stagecraft in harmony, the Filipino poet’s themes of love, heroism, and identity are brought to life in a different art form. *For a complete list of [Robb Report Philippines’ Best of the Best](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/) awardees, click [here](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/portal-best-of-the-best-2025/).* **Categories:** Art & Collectibles, Best of the Best, Home & Design --- ### [Best of the Best 2025: Style](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/best-of-the-best-2025-style/) **Published:** October 16, 2025 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** ## Best of the Best: Hermès ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RR_Style_Hermes_Leather.webp) Now approaching two centuries of creating the most coveted leather goods, Hermès gets plenty of attention for its bags—for good reason—but don’t sleep on the house’s other categories. The struggle to get your hands on a HAC or Bolide is real, but any frustrations should vanish the moment you slip into a three-quarter-length leather trench or sit down to work at a calfskin-wrapped desk. Nobody does it better. ## **Eyewear: Morgenthal Frederics** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RR_Style_MFredericks_Eyewear.webp) Unlike most luxury eyewear brands, N.Y.C.-based Morgenthal Frederics, founded in 1913, is anything but mass-produced. The firm is renowned for its masterful work with water-buffalo horn, which artisans craft into some of the finest unique spectacles and sunglasses around. It also chooses its collaborators carefully—most recently partnering with Indian designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee, for whom frames featuring rare woods and enamel temple details were fashioned. ## **Vest: Brunello Cucinelli** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RR_Style_BCucinelli_Vest.webp) An indispensable garment for a certain segment of professional males, the vest is, frankly, quite practical. So why not sport the best? Enter Brunello Cucinelli, who can be relied upon for functional, warm layers in a spectrum of luxurious fabrics and fillings, from padded suede to virgin wool. Never too bulky, any of the brand’s offerings will elevate your look, even when you’re dressing down and raising an eyebrow at anyone who still thinks designer ties are a requisite office flex. ## **Neckwear: Silk Ties by Stefano Ricci** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/SP22DPS31B.webp) Statement ties dominated the fall runways, from wider cuts and weightier fabrics to the rise of suede. Yet as trends evolve, lapel widths shift, and fabrics come in and out of favor, Stefano Ricci’s silk neckties have consistently stood the test of time—remaining the ultimate investment in a tasteful wardrobe. Founded in Florence, the brand has become synonymous with refined taste and understated luxury. Each tie is meticulously handmade by skilled artisans, ensuring the highest standards of quality. With premium materials and unmatched craftsmanship, a Stefano Ricci tie transcends its role as a mere accessory, standing instead as a timeless emblem of Florentine excellence. ## ****Shirting: Ascot Chang**** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Ascot-Collar-1.webp) Unbeknownst to many, Asia once had its own street to rival London’s iconic Savile Row—Kimberley Road, Hong Kong’s hub for men’s tailoring. It was here, in 1953, that the first Ascot Chang store opened, poised to etch its name among the world’s finest shirtmakers. For more than 70 years, the eponymous brand founded by Ascot Chang has crafted bespoke shirts tailored precisely to each client’s measurements and style. Its ready-to-wear offerings are equally exceptional, with expertly designed patterns that deliver a modern silhouette and precise fit. The firm remains an enduring sartorial destination, counting among its legendary clients Leonardo DiCaprio, Marlon Brando, Steve McQueen, and former U.S. President George H. W. Bush. ## **Collaboration: Balenciaga x Lamborghini Automobili** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/661253.webp) As part of its Fall 2025 collection, Balenciaga launched a full-throttle partnership with Automobili Lamborghini that fuses high fashion with supercar swagger. The lineup features oversized bomber jackets and motorsport-inspired leather racing pieces emblazoned with the Lamborghini Temerario, paired with trompe-l’œil tees and layered hoodies. Accessories take a bold turn: Balenciaga’s signature bags—the Rodeo, Hourglass, Explorer, and Carrie—get a sleek reboot with the iconic Shield. Finishing touches include sculptural charms inspired by the Temerario’s key fob, turning even the smallest details into high-design moments. To launch the series, customized Lamborghini Revuelto supercars—decked in Balenciaga graffiti decals—were parked in front of flagship stores from Paris to Shanghai, turning sidewalks into showrooms. ## **Eveningwear: Dolce & Gabbana** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RR_Style_DG_Eveningwear.webp) Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana love a theme, whether they’re channeling the Amalfi Coast or Sicily into their designs. But amid all the Sorrento-lemon and majolica-tile prints, it’s easy for one to lose sight of the tailoring savoir faire. (Dolce, after all, grew up in his father’s *sartoria,* Italian for tailoring shop.) The brand’s fall 2025 collection provided a welcome reminder via 20 models with pomade- slicked hair clad in as many iterations of black-tie from its Sartoria range. (Don’t miss the dedicated custom space at the label’s new Madison Avenue boutique.) From asymmetric shawl collars to satin obi belts to an ascot revival, all offset by well-placed statement brooches, the effect was at the same time old Hollywood and modern. *For a complete list of [Robb Report Philippines’ Best of the Best](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/) awardees, click [here](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/portal-best-of-the-best-2025/).* **Categories:** Best of the Best, Fashion, Style --- ### [Best of the Best 2025: Travel](https://robbreport.ph/travel/best-of-the-best-2025-travel/) **Published:** October 22, 2025 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** ## Best of the Best: Amanpulo ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Amanpulo-Philippines-Watersport-Kitesurfing-In-the-southern-tip-1_22455.webp) Since its opening in 1993, Amanpulo has consistently been hailed as one of the most breathtaking sanctuaries in the Philippines. Set on the secluded Pamalican Island, its pristine white-sand beaches and crystalline waters offer a pure back-to-nature escape. Guests arrive by private plane and are immediately whisked into seclusion. With only 42 casitas and 17 villas, each guest enjoys a private haven, complemented by restorative wellness experiences, exhilarating watersports, and refined dining options. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Amanpulo-Philippines-Dining-Beachclub-Table-with-View-at-sunset_23564.webp) The island’s renowned Aman Spa employs a resident specialist who tailors treatments to each guest’s fitness and wellness goals. Additional amenities include six spacious treatment suites, outdoor relaxation salas, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a hydrotherapy suite, a Pilates studio, and a dedicated yoga pavilion. Pamalican Island’s unspoiled coral reefs make it a prime destination for scuba divers of all levels. Amanpulo’s Dive Centre provides a professional and safe environment for exploration. Guests may also charter from the resort’s fleet, which includes several motorboats, a pontoon boat, and an array of sailboats for sunset cruises. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/aman2.webp) Dining spans Filipino, Japanese, and Mediterranean cuisines, with the added luxury of meals served in some of the island’s most secluded and picturesque settings. More than a resort, Amanpulo continues to lead luxury travel in the Philippines, setting an unmatched standard of exclusivity and serenity that draws travelers from around the globe. From $2,000 (Php 125,000) a night. ## **Uptown Update: The Surrey, New York City** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RR_Travel_SurreyNYC_2.webp) This Upper East Side grande dame, which will celebrate its centenary in 2026, has undergone an extraordinary overhaul under Malta-based Corinthia Hotels. The group took over operations as part of its worldwide expansion after Reuben Brothers acquired the property. Just minutes’ walk from Central Park and around the corner from the just-reopened Frick Collection, this is the kind of place where you stay to blend in, not stand out. Designer du jour Martin Brudnizki didn’t bring his signature glitzy sparkle to this project. Instead, he channeled the aesthetic of a classic six into the 100 rooms, with calming wood-toned walls, marble double vanities, cozy Frette bathrobes, and homey touches like a vase of fresh flowers on each desk and house-made dog treats. Don’t worry about honking horns and urban hubbub, either: even on the lower floors, soundproofing is superb and the hotel feels insulated from the outside world. There’s also an oasis-like 2,500-square-foot Sisley spa, with distinctive touches including a regenerative salt wall. From $1,000 (Php 57,000) a night. ## **Cultural Immersion: Mandarin Oriental, Qianmen, Beijing** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RR_Travel_Mandarin_Beijing.webp) Where does a hotel end and the neighborhood begin? It’s an apt question at this, the brand’s second outpost in the Chinese capital, where it’s not at the lobby’s threshold. Scattered around the labyrinthine backstreets of a historic *hutong* just south of the Forbidden City, its 42 sprawling suites—all silk embroidery, lacquered wood, and brass accents—take over some of the traditional alleyways’ century-old courtyard homes, but much of the locale remains the domain of Beijingers who’ve lived here for generations. That setup means stays here make you feel like a local. You might pass a pipe-smoking centenarian lounging on his doorstep when you return from afternoon tea in the teakwood-trimmed lobby lounge. Even better, chief concierge Bob Shi, who grew up a few doors away and knows the area like no other, can point you to the best dumpling joints, arrange guided walks, or orchestrate tastings of rare oolong in your suite. ## **Visionary Expansion: El Nido Resorts, Ayala Land Hospitality** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/DJI_20250215152034_0034_D_ENR2025_High_Res.webp) Earlier this March, Ayala Land Hospitality announced a half-billion-dollar investment to bring Filipino hospitality onto the world stage, including enhancements to its El Nido Resorts portfolio—Miniloc, Lagen, Apulit, and Pangulasian. Lagen Island Resort, famed for its dramatic limestone cliffs and crystalline waters, has emerged from a striking redesign that reframes sustainable luxury. Its recent reopening promises a deeper sense of place, with textures, materials, and architectural details that tell a distinctly Filipino story. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Low_Res_ENR_2024_0137-1.webp) Central to this vision is the Lagen Wellness Center, now Palawan’s largest holistic sanctuary, offering treatments rooted in nature, heritage, and advanced technology. From tribal-inspired wall finishes to hand-engraved furnishings and woven uniforms by T’boli and Manobo artisans, Filipino craftsmanship is celebrated at every turn. From $700 (Php 40,000) a night. ## ****Countryside Resort: Anya Resort, Tagaytay**** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Anya-Resort-Tagatay-Facade-Night-4.webp) Just an hour’s drive from Manila, the seven-hectare Anya Resort Tagaytay offers a tranquil escape with sunlit villas, landscaped gardens, and wooded paths. Suites in contemporary Filipino design are built for privacy and comfort, complemented by rejuvenating treatments at the Niyama Spa, culinary discoveries at Samira by Chele, and personalized touches designed to savor an unhurried life. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Bamboo-Driveway.webp) Anya is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. From $160 (Php 9,100) a night. ## **Throwback Glamour: The Potlatch Club, Eleuthera, Bahamas** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RR_Travel_PotlatchClub_2.webp) Far from the hobnobbing crowds of Harbour Island, the Potlatch Club offers a more blissed-out Bahamian escape. It’s set on a former pineapple plantation on neighboring Eleuthera and was originally opened as a hotel in the 1950s by a trio of New York socialites. (Greta Garbo stopped by back then.) It has been reimagined as a 12-acre resort by Caribbean-born entrepreneurs, and though only a handful of the original structures remain, Nassau-based designer Amanda Lindroth has preserved its midcentury aesthetic while adding a touch of contemporary beach-chic style. Her breezy signatures flow through the 11 guest rooms, outfitted with white shiplap ceilings, pops of coastal blue, and coral floors. The top suites are the stand- alone oceanfront cottages, each with a private veranda opening onto a seven-mile stretch of pink sand. Don’t hesitate to ask general manager Kezang Dorji, once Brangelina’s personal butler, for whatever you need*.* ## **Castle Fantasia: Rosewood Schloss Fuschl, Austria** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RR_Travel_RosewoodSchloss_2.webp) The 1950s Sissi film trilogy, starring Romy Schneider as Empress Elisabeth of Austria, made this hunting lodge in the mountainous Salzkammergut region famous. Its two-year renovation under Rosewood’s guidance may well put it back in the headlines. The historic schloss has been reimagined as a 98-room retreat with alpine-style lodgings, including eight rooms and suites tucked inside the property’s medieval tower. Days unfold at a leisurely pace: You can expect hikes through wildflower-covered hills, deep-tissue massages in the wood-paneled spa, and afternoons lounging beneath striped parasols at the Mediterranean-style “beach” club, where a ladder drops into the glacial waters. A highlight is the castle’s fishery—the only one licensed to fish Lake Fuschlee—where guests gather around picnic tables on the water’s edge to enjoy the daily catch paired with a glass of local Grüner Veltliner. ## **Eco-Friendly Excellence: Dusit Thani Lubi, Davao** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/LUBI-AERIAL-SHOT.webp) Down south in Davao de Oro lies Dusit Thani Lubi Plantation Resort, an 84-room, 18-villa retreat that promises a lush, sun-soaked experience. Here, sustainability isn’t a buzzword—it’s embedded in every element of the resort, from design to daily operations. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/SUNRISE-BEACH.webp) A 756-unit solar farm supplies clean, renewable power, while heat produced by air-conditioning units is reused to heat water across the property. On-site experiences include a reef and beach cleaning program, art installations crafted from upcycled materials found on the island, and a Turtle Hatch and Release initiative where guests can witness baby turtles emerging from protected nests. “We never called it sustainability,” says Tomas Lorenzo, CEO of Torre Lorenzo Development Corporation. “It was just the right thing to do.” From $140 (Php 7,500) a night. ## **Wellness Retreat: Chiva-Som Hua Hin Wellness Resort, Hua Hin, Thailand** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Chiva-Som-Tai-Chi-Pavilion-Outdoor-Pool.webp) Nestled in the serene coastal town of Hua Hin, Thailand, Chiva-Som has become an esteemed benchmark for wellness rooted in the warmth of Thai hospitality. The retreat has earned global acclaim for its carefully designed approach to physical vitality and mental balance. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Chiva-Som--Golden-Bo-Suite-Terrace-2.webp) With 54 elegantly appointed rooms and villas, Chiva-Som guides guests on a transformative path toward optimal well-being. The resort comprehensively supports each guest’s health journey—whether the focus is world-class spa treatments, expertly guided fitness activities, or replenishing wellness cuisine. Sixteen dedicated wellness retreats are tailored to individual goals, while an expert team of therapists and practitioners integrates Eastern philosophies with Western techniques to deliver a truly restorative experience. From $1,400 (Php 80,000) a night. ## **Urban Revolution: Royal Mansour, Casablanca, Morocco** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RR_Travel_RoyalMansour_2.webp) The aptly named Royal Mansour, owned by King Mohammed VI, has been a fixture of Marrakech for 15 years, and the brand is now expanding across Morocco. If this first satellite outpost in the “White City” is the benchmark, that’s welcome news. An Art Deco–era skyscraper—far enough from the Grand Mosque to be granted a liquor license, unlike its neighborhood rival, the Four Seasons—was rebuilt from the ground up over eight years. The result is a five-star playground with maximalist flair that doesn’t skimp on meticulous details. Case in point: there’s a watch winder in every closet. Among the 149 rooms, the private apartments stand out, each themed—music, literature, and more—with shelves of books, a turntable, and vintage vinyl to browse. Plan at least one dinner at La Grande Table Marocaine, which has quickly become a see-and-be-seen spot for locals. From $650 (Php 37,000) a night. *For a complete list of [Robb Report Philippines’ Best of the Best](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/) awardees, click [here](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/portal-best-of-the-best-2025/).* **Categories:** Best of the Best, Travel --- ### [The Complete List of Robb Report Philippines' Best of the Best 2025](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/portal-best-of-the-best-2025/) **Published:** October 23, 2025 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** Achieving excellence takes time, vision, and unrelenting dedication. It is born of mastery of craft and the pursuit of the highest standards of refinement. In this inaugural edition of [Robb Report Philippines’ Best of the Best](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/), we honor the people, creations, and institutions that embody this passion. From watches to dream machines and travel and design, these honorees represent the pinnacle of achievement and their commitment to bringing the very best to the global stage. **Watches:** **Wheels:** **Wings:** [https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/best-of-the-best-2025-wings/]() **Water:** **Dining:** **Wine:** **Travel:** **Real Estate:** **Jewelry:** **Design:** **Art:** **Style: ** **Categories:** Best of the Best --- ### [eVTOL Aircraft Are Ready for Liftoff. Now Comes the Race for a Place to Land.](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/evtol-aircraft-are-ready-for-liftoff-now-comes-the-race-for-a-place-to-land/) **Published:** August 26, 2026 **Author:** Michael Verdon **Content:** Advanced air mobility (A.A.M.) took a leap forward in July when Dubai opened the world’s first purpose-built [eVTOL](https://robbreport.ph/tag/evtol/ "eVTOL") vertiport. Developed by [Skyports Infrastructure](https://skyports.net/) with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority, the 33,400-square-foot facility includes a passenger terminal, flight operations, two takeoff-and-landing pads, and Joby’s Global Electric [Aviation](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/ "Aviation") Charging System. Built to handle 170,000 passengers and 42,000 aircraft movements annually, it will welcome its first [electric-air-taxi](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/) flights soon. Dubai’s big bet on A.A.M.’s future will soon include three other new vertiports across the city. But most industry executives believe the quickest route to launching eVTOL service is to upgrade today’s helicopter infrastructure with charging systems. Blade Air Mobility founder and C.E.O. Rob Wiesenthal views a select number of heliports as ready-made starting points, particularly in places with enough transportation “friction” to justify the cost: dense urban centers such as Manhattan and Los Angeles or resort regions like the South of France, where congested roads and difficult terrain make short air hops especially valuable. The first passengers will likely be affluent travelers willing to pay a premium to save time. Eventually, Wiesenthal envisions purpose-built vertiports, complete with private security, baggage handling, and lounges, as well as rooftop facilities at luxury developments. One early adopter is [Park Elm Residences](https://parkelmcenturyplaza.com/) at Century Plaza in L.A., where an existing heliport will be converted into a Joby vertiport with a dedicated Blade lounge. “People are looking for not just a condo,” says Jordana Yechiel, director of residential design at [Reuben Brothers](https://www.reubenbrothers.com/real-estate-holdings/). “They’re looking for a lifestyle.” That infrastructure race has already begun. Florida has built two vertiports at its SunTrax testing campus and plans to develop a statewide network, while the F.A.A. and D.O.T. recently broke ground on an A.A.M. research facility in Oklahoma City to study how electric air taxis will integrate into the national airspace system. If the industry succeeds, the next contest will be less about who builds the aircraft than about where they land. *Top*: The modern vertiport will likely start with existing helipads and modest lounges. Dubai’s recently launched terminal, meanwhile, is large, complex, and built to handle thousands of annual flights. It symbolizes the potential of electric-aircraft transport. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* ## FAQs ### What is an eVTOL vertiport? An eVTOL vertiport is a facility designed for electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, with infrastructure for passenger handling, aircraft operations, charging, takeoffs, and landings. ### Where is the world’s first purpose-built eVTOL vertiport? Dubai opened the world’s first purpose-built eVTOL vertiport in July, developed by Skyports Infrastructure with the city’s Roads and Transport Authority. ### How many passengers can Dubai’s new vertiport handle? The 33,400-square-foot facility is designed to accommodate up to 170,000 passengers and 42,000 aircraft movements annually. ### Where could electric air taxis launch first in the U.S.? Existing heliports in congested cities such as New York and Los Angeles could provide early infrastructure for eVTOL services, while new facilities are also being developed and tested in states including Florida and Oklahoma. ### How will vertiports change luxury travel? Future vertiports could offer private lounges, security, baggage handling, and direct access from luxury residential developments, allowing travelers to bypass road congestion with short electric-aircraft journeys. **Categories:** Aviation **Tags:** aviation, eVTOL, Joby Aviation, Magazine --- ### [Airlines Are Expanding Business Class Into Even More Exclusive Tiers](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/airlines-are-expanding-business-class-into-even-more-exclusive-tiers/) **Published:** September 3, 2026 **Author:** Michael Verdon **Content:** On a May flight from Chicago to London, the most noticeable feature of American Airlines’ new [business class](https://robbreport.ph/tag/business-class/) was not the sliding door. It was the space behind it. Seat 10L on AA86 was one of eight Flagship Suite Preferred seats aboard American’s new Boeing 787-9. Positioned in the aircraft’s smaller second business-class cabin, it benefits from a configuration that gives the Preferred suites a larger, more open footprint than the standard seats. American says they offer 19 percent more bed space and 42 percent more living area than the regular Flagship Suite. The airline introduced the new 787-9 interior in the second half of 2025 and has made Chicago–Heathrow one of the showcase markets for the [aircraft](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/). ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/american-airlines-flagship-suite-single.webp) American Airlines’s Flagship Suite Preferred. *American Airlines* The Preferred suite has the same basic architecture as the standard Flagship Suites surrounding it: direct aisle access, a sliding privacy door and a seat that converts into a fully flat bed. But once reclined, the additional room becomes more apparent. The footwell is less confining, while the larger footprint creates more space to shift position and stretch out. But it became clear that American also designed the suite to be useful during the time passengers are awake. The seat can be positioned in a chaise-like lounge setting between upright and fully flat, while the suite includes a 17-inch 4K screen, wireless charging, Bluetooth connectivity and several separate storage areas. The Preferred seats also receive upgraded bedding, a mattress pad, pajamas and an enhanced amenity kit. “The objective was not just to add features and build the most souped-up seat,” Raphael Girardoni, American’s managing director of customer experience product and design told *Robb Report*. “It was to create an environment that feels calm and elevated to our customers.” The extra room doesn’t showcase a single feature, but is distributed across a larger sleeping area, additional storage and more open space around the seat. The black-marble counter surface, which could’ve looked a bit hokey if American hadn’t got the color pattern right, added elegance and calm to the space. American’s Preferred seats also point to another development in premium travel: the subdivision of [business class](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/business-class-is-getting-a-quiet-luxury-makeover-to-make-your-flight-more-comfortable/) itself. For years, the same seat was offered throughout, with the best positions going to those who booked early. Now airlines are building different tiers into the same cabin. American has its eight Preferred suites; United has Polaris Studio; Air New Zealand offers Business Premier Luxe; and Lufthansa’s Allegris gives passengers a choice among different seat types. These new cabins are now designed as places to spend time rather than just endure long flights. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/british-airways-club-suite.webp) British Airways’s Club Suite. *British Airways* A few weeks later, the same crossing offered a useful comparison. British Airways flight BA294 from Chicago to Heathrow was on one of the carrier’s refurbished Boeing 777-200ERs, fitted with its Club Suite. British Airways replaced the airline’s old Club World configuration with the Club Suite several years ago. The entirely revised layout put every passenger in a forward-facing 1-2-1 suite with direct aisle access, a sliding door, a 79-inch fully flat bed, and 40 percent more storage than the previous product. The door was a particularly significant breakthrough, helping to establish what is now common for the enclosed business suite. On BA294, however, the space was only part of the experience. Exceptional service provided a useful counterpoint to the suite’s amenities. The flight attendant was attentive without being intrusive, handling meal service and smaller requests in an efficient but friendly manner that made the overnight crossing feel personalized rather than just riding in a comfortable space. Service is harder to quantify than bed length or screen size, but it feels like an important differentiator as the physical differences between the leading business-class products narrow. The cuisine was also noteworthy, a generous choice of cocktails, wines, and cuisine with hints of contemporary English inspiration, while avoiding being British stodgy. United is attempting to take the business-class-plus concept a step further, both with its cuisine and amenities, with its redesigned Boeing 787-9. The aircraft, which began international service earlier this year, has eight Polaris Studio suites positioned at the front of the cabin. They are 25 percent larger than standard Polaris seats and add privacy doors, 27-inch 4K OLED screens and, in six suites, an ottoman where a companion can sit. Behind them, the standard Polaris suites also get privacy doors and 19-inch 4K screens. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/united-elevated-polaris.webp) United’s redesigned Boeing 787-9 is home to eight Polaris Studio Suites. *United* Food has also become a competitive feature of business class, but [United’s partnership with *Chef’s Table* ](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/the-michelin-star-chefs-behind-the-worlds-best-airline-meals/)gives it an edge over other airlines. Earlier this month, it introduced 11 menus created by chefs profiled in the Netflix series, featured on specific flights departing from the chef’s home cities. Nancy Silverton of Osteria Mozza in L.A., for instance, created a contemporary Italian-inspired three-course meal, while chef Tashi Gyamtso of Jimgu focused on locally sourced ingredients for his Japanese feast. Starting in October, the menus will change seasonally. Haute cuisine and larger suites have created a more expensive tier within United’s business class—a strategy other airlines are also pursuing. Lufthansa’s Allegris takes the idea in another direction. Instead of one business-class seat, the airline offers five variations, including a front-row suite with closing doors, a wardrobe and minibar; a privacy seat; and an extra-long bed measuring more than seven feet. The dividers and doors are also unusually tall at 4.6 feet. The seats also incorporate heating and cooling, wireless charging and Bluetooth connectivity. Several of the preferred positions carry an additional charge, making the seat itself part of the airline’s premium pricing strategy. ANA’s the Room FX, designed for the Boeing 787-9, includes 48 business-class seats with privacy doors and an unusual sofa-like design that can be reclined into a bed. The suites include 24-inch 4K screens, wireless charging, Bluetooth connectivity and multiple storage areas. But the biggest selling point is the seat width, up to 41.5 inches across (almost twice as wide as some competitors), which means you can roll over in the bed. This new version was designed specifically for the 787-9, a narrower aircraft than the 777s carrying its original non-FX the Room configuration. The extra width means fewer business-class seats than many competitors, but more space and comfort for ANA’s clients. The Room FX will debut on three of ANA’s fleet this year, with more scheduled for 2027. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/ana-the-room-fx.webp) More of ANA’s the Room FX are on the horizon for next year. *ANA* For years, there was only one important question for business class: Does the seat lie flat? That question has long been settled. Now this prime real estate, which has replaced [first class](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/how-airlines-are-reimagining-first-class-with-over-the-top-suites/) for multiple airlines, is becoming less about the seat and more about the territory around it—and, behind the enhancements, how much of that territory an airline thinks passengers are willing to pay for. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* ## FAQs ### Which airlines offer upgraded business-class suites in 2026? Airlines including American Airlines, British Airways, United, Lufthansa, and ANA now offer upgraded business-class products with greater privacy, larger seating areas, and more premium amenities. ### What is American Airlines’ Flagship Suite Preferred? Flagship Suite Preferred is American Airlines’ enhanced business-class seat on select Boeing 787-9s. It offers 19 percent more bed space and 42 percent more living area than the standard Flagship Suite. ### What is United Polaris Studio? Polaris Studio is United’s premium tier within business class, offering suites that are 25 percent larger than standard Polaris seats, along with privacy doors, 27-inch 4K OLED screens, and additional space. ### How is Lufthansa Allegris different from traditional business class? Lufthansa Allegris offers several different business-class seat types rather than one uniform product, including front-row suites, extra-private seats, and beds measuring more than seven feet long. ### What makes ANA’s the Room FX business class different? ANA’s the Room FX emphasizes width, with seats measuring up to 41.5 inches across. The sofa-like suites also include privacy doors, 24-inch 4K screens, wireless charging, and Bluetooth connectivity. **Categories:** Aviation **Tags:** business class, Feature, United Airlines --- ### [NASA’s New Supersonic Jet Just Broke the Sound Barrier Twice on Test Flights](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/nasas-new-supersonic-jet-just-broke-the-sound-barrier-twice-on-test-flights/) **Published:** June 18, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** [NASA’s X-59](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/nasas-new-supersonic-jet-just-quietly-completed-its-first-test-flight/ "NASA’s New Supersonic Jet Just Quietly Completed Its First Test Flight") is quietly reaching significant milestones. The experimental supersonic aircraft, developed in partnership with Lockheed Martin, broke the sound barrier during two separate test flights in June. The tests mark a significant step in [NASA](https://robbreport.ph/tag/nasa/ "NASA")’s quest for “quiet [supersonic](https://robbreport.ph/tag/supersonic/ "supersonic")” flight, with the X-59 eventually expected to exceed the speed of sound with only a small thump, rather than the typical explosive boom. The [X-59 went supersonic](https://www.nasa.gov/aeronautics/x-59-first-supersonic-flight/) for the first time on June 5, reaching a top speed of approximately Mach 1.1 (713 mph) and an altitude of 43,400 feet on an 81-minute mission from Edwards Air Force Base in California. That flight showed the [aircraft ](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/)performed as expected at high speeds, NASA said. The [next flight](https://www.nasa.gov/blogs/quesst/2026/06/12/x-59-blog-061226/), carried out a week later on June 12, was even more critical, with the aircraft flying in the conditions it will also navigate in the future. The jet reached a top speed of Mach 1.4 (about 924 mph) and an altitude of 55,000 feet in just over an hour. It will fly at the same speed and altitude on upcoming flights over communities throughout the U.S. as NASA gathers public feedback on noise levels. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/NASA_Lockheed_Martin_X59_Supersonic_Jet_First_Flight.webp) The X-59 taking flight for the first time in October 2025. *Photo: NASA* U.S. regulators have banned supersonic overland flight for decades due to the noise produced when aircraft break the sound barrier, but the X-59 solves that problem. It is about half the length of the [Concorde](https://robbreport.ph/tag/concorde/ "concorde"), which retired in 2003, and has a more streamlined design with a much longer nose. The aircraft’s sleek shape and wing configuration help minimize the boom when it goes supersonic, replacing an explosive bang of roughly 105 decibels with a thud of about 75 decibels. Think of it as going from a clap of thunder to the slam of a car door. During the most recent test flights, the X-59 has been accompanied by a NASA F-15 research aircraft that does produce a supersonic boom. That means it was difficult to tell exactly how much noise the X-59 made. The aircraft is, however, heading into the “acoustic validation phase,” during which researchers will thoroughly measure its acoustic signature. On the upcoming flights, the F-15 will be equipped with a shock-sensing probe that will measure the X-59’s shock-wave signature to determine early supersonic performance. The X-59 is, of course, not intended for commercial use, with space for one pilot rather than a cabin full of passengers, but it could help pave the way for quieter supersonic aircraft for the masses. A range of aviation companies are working on supersonic travel, from big names such as United Airlines and American Airlines to startups like Exosonic and Spike Aerospace. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is NASA’s X-59 aircraft? The X-59 is an experimental supersonic aircraft developed by NASA and Lockheed Martin to demonstrate “quiet supersonic” flight, reducing the disruptive sonic boom traditionally associated with breaking the sound barrier. ### Did the X-59 break the sound barrier? Yes. The X-59 completed two successful supersonic test flights in June, reaching speeds of up to Mach 1.4 (approximately 924 mph). ### Why is the X-59 significant? The aircraft could help pave the way for a new generation of supersonic passenger jets by proving that aircraft can fly faster than sound without creating the loud sonic booms that led to overland flight restrictions. ### How loud is the X-59 compared to Concorde? NASA expects the X-59 to produce a sonic “thump” of around 75 decibels, compared to the roughly 105-decibel sonic boom generated by aircraft such as Concorde. ### Will the X-59 lead to commercial supersonic travel? The X-59 itself is a research aircraft, but the data it collects could help regulators and manufacturers develop future commercial supersonic aircraft that are quieter and more practical for overland travel. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Aviation **Tags:** Lockheed Martin, NASA, News, supersonic --- ### [This New Hybrid Plane Can Take Off and Land on a Runway of 150 Feet. It Just Got Closer to Production.](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/electra-el9-on-track/) **Published:** July 16, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** [Electra](https://electra.aero/) is on the road—or runway, rather—to hitting the sky. The Virginia startup just announced that its hybrid-electric ultra-short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) [aircraft ](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/)has scored a very important [tick of approval](https://electra.aero/news/electra-achieves-faa-certification-milestone-for-el9-ultra-short-aircraft) from the FAA. The U.S. regulator has closed the G-1 Issue Paper, putting the Electra EL9 firmly on track for type certification and commercialization. “The swift G1 achievement reflects the hard work and productive collaboration between Electra and the FAA, who are working together to make the future of aviation real,” said Marc Allen, CEO of Electra. The EL9 can not only execute vertical takeoffs and landings like an [eVTOL](https://robbreport.ph/tag/evtol/ "eVTOL"), but also land like a traditional plane in spaces shorter than a soccer field (150 feet or less). That means it can move beyond conventional runways and airports, accessing tight spots like parking lots or rooftops. The eSTOL also has a greater range and payload than the average eVTOL, since using a runway—even a very short one—requires less battery power than vertical flight. The EL9 has range up to 1,100 nautical miles and a payload capacity of 3,000 pounds, according to Electra. It can carry up to eight passengers (plus a pilot) on routes up to 330 nautical miles, making it a true air taxi. The EL9, which can take off and land at speeds under 30 knots and cruise up to 175 knots, also differs from most eVTOLS in that it doesn’t have to stop and recharge between flights. The aircraft is equipped with eight electric motors and a turbo-generator that recharges the batteries while in flight, thereby eliminating the need for charging infrastructure on land. The EL9 also incorporates a novel “blown-lift” technology, with the propellers blowing air over the entire 48-foot-long wings and flaps in order to increase efficiency. The aircraft is also a very quiet flier, making just 75 decibels—about the same noise as a vacuum cleaner—at a distance of 300 feet during takeoff. Electra has already [secured 2,200 pre-orders](https://electra.aero/news/electra-secures-2-200-pre-orders) for the EL9 valued at nearly $9 billion. Customers include both airlines and helicopter operators, as well as the U.S. Armed Forces and NASA. The first test flights are planned for 2027, with certification and commercial service entry anticipated in late 2029. ## FAQs ### What is the Electra EL9? The Electra EL9 is a hybrid-electric ultra-short takeoff and landing aircraft designed to operate from spaces as short as 150 feet. It can carry up to eight passengers plus a pilot, giving it potential for regional air-taxi and cargo services. ### How far can the Electra EL9 fly? The EL9 has a maximum claimed range of up to 1,100 nautical miles and can carry eight passengers on routes of up to 330 nautical miles. Its hybrid-electric system uses a turbo-generator to recharge the batteries during flight. ### When will the Electra EL9 enter service? Electra plans to begin EL9 test flights in 2027. FAA certification and commercial service entry are currently anticipated in late 2029. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Aviation **Tags:** electric aircraft, eVTOL, News --- ### [Embraer Just Unveiled a New Version of the World’s Best-Selling Light Jet](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/inside-the-new-embraer-phenom-300ev/) **Published:** July 20, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** [Embraer](https://robbreport.ph/tag/embraer/ "embraer") has taken the world’s most popular light [jet](https://robbreport.ph/tag/jet/ "jet") to new heights. The Brazilian planemaker just unveiled the latest iteration of the highly successful Phenom 300, further elevating an aircraft that has been a best-seller for 14 straight years. The new Embraer [Phenom 300EV](https://www.embraer.com/executive-jets-our-aircraft/phenom-300ev/en/) retains the title of the fastest and furthest-flying light jet on the market, but will deliver even more in the realms of tech, performance, and comfort than the previous 300E. “For well over a decade, the Phenom 300 series has set the standard by which every light jet is measured,” Embraer president and CEO Michael Amalfitano said in a statement. “With the new Phenom 300EV, we are raising the bar once again.” ## A new avionics suite for the Embraer Phenom 300EV The Phenom 300EV will be equipped with a new avionics suite developed specifically for Embraer by [Garmin](https://robbreport.ph/tag/garmin/ "Garmin"). The G3000 Prodigy Touch, essentially a customized version of Garmin’s industry-standard G3000 flight deck, includes several nifty features such as Emergency Autoland, which can automatically take control of the [aircraft ](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/)and land it safely if the pilot is unresponsive. The Phenom 300EV will be the largest [business jet](https://robbreport.ph/tag/business-jet/ "Business Jet") to offer EAL, according to Embraer. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/embraer-phenom-300ev-9.webp) The Garmin flight deck. *Paul Bowen/Embraer* The aircraft will offer a new Autobrake system, too, increasing safety and comfort during takeoffs and landings. Embraer has also added a new Multi-Purpose Electronic Controller (MEC) that integrates rudder-by-wire and other electronically controlled aircraft functions to reduce pilot workload and simplify maintenance. On the performance front, the Phenom 300EV shares the same top speed (approximately 533 mph) as the 300E, but gained a slight bump in range and payload capacity. It can fly 2,055 nautical miles and carry 3,066 pounds. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/embraer-phenom-300ev-8.webp) The cabin. *Paul Bowen/Embraer* The Phenom 300EV basically has the same cabin as the 300E, retaining the largest windows in class and the best cabin pressurization in the category. It did gain a few refinements, though, including a redesigned refreshment center, improved temperature control, a new air ionizer, and a full, odorless vacuum lavatory. “Through purposeful innovations combining enhanced safety technology, amplified performance, and thoughtful cabin refinements, we have introduced meaningful advancements that make flying more intuitive, seamless, and enjoyable,” adds Amalfitano. “It is not only the evolution of the world’s best-selling light jet, but a clear statement that the market leadership excellence benchmark continues to belong to Embraer.” Deliveries of the new model are expected to begin in 2028. [***Click here to see more photos of the Embraer Phenom 300EV.***](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/embraer-phenom-300ev-in-photos/) ## FAQs ### What is the Embraer Phenom 300EV? The Phenom 300EV is the newest version of Embraer’s best-selling light jet. It introduces upgraded avionics, enhanced safety systems, improved performance, and several cabin refinements over the outgoing Phenom 300E. ### How fast and how far can the Phenom 300EV fly? The Phenom 300EV has a top speed of approximately 533 mph and a maximum range of 2,055 nautical miles. It can also carry up to 3,066 pounds of payload. ### Does the Phenom 300EV have Emergency Autoland? Yes. Its Garmin G3000 Prodigy Touch flight deck includes Emergency Autoland, which can take control and safely land the aircraft if the pilot becomes unresponsive. Embraer says it will be the largest business jet equipped with the technology. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Aviation **Tags:** Business Jet, embraer, jet, light jet, News, Phenom 300EV --- ### [The World’s Largest Electric Aircraft Is About to Take Its First Flight](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/the-worlds-largest-electric-aircraft-is-about-to-take-its-first-flight/) **Published:** July 29, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** The biggest electric plane ever is about to hit the skies. [Heart Aerospace](https://robbreport.ph/tag/heart-aerospace/ "Heart Aerospace")’s [X1](https://www.heartaerospace.com/x1), the full-scale demonstrator for the [ES-30](https://www.heartaerospace.com/es-30) [production aircraft](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/), has been cleared for test flights by the Federal Aviation Administration. The FAA issued a Special Airworthiness Certificate in the Experimental Category (SAC-EC) following an inspection of the demonstrator at Plattsburgh International Airport in upstate New York, giving Heart the green light to begin test flights immediately. The California-based plane maker worked with the administration for over a year and developed an extensive ground-testing program that proved the experimental aircraft was ready for takeoff. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Heart-Aerospace-X1-Demonstrator-1.webp) The interior of the X1. *Patrik Olsson/Heart Aerospace* “Earning FAA flight authorization brings the X1 program to the threshold of first flight,” Heart founder and CEO Anders Forslund said in a statement. “This achievement reflects the rigor of the work completed by Heart’s engineering and flight-test teams, as well as the close working relationship we have built with the FAA.” With a wingspan of 106 feet, a fuselage length of 76 feet, and a takeoff weight of more than 25,000 pounds, the X1 is set to become the largest electric aircraft ever flown. (That title previously belonged to a modified Cessna Caravan 208B, which flew over Washington State in 2020.) It will serve as a flying testbed for new green tech, allowing Heart to further develop and refine the production model. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Heart-Aerospace-X1-Demonstrator-3.webp) The X1 on the runway. *Heart Aerospace* The ES-30 is a hybrid-electric plane designed to carry up to 30 passengers on short-haul regional flights. It is equipped with two inboard electric motors and two outboard turboprop engines, meaning it can run on pure battery power, sustainable aviation fuel, or a mix of both. That not only lowers operating costs but also reduces carbon emissions. The ES-30 has an all-electric range of 124 miles and an extended hybrid range up to 497 miles. It can also be fully recharged in about 30 minutes and land on short runways measuring 3,600 feet. Certification and service entry are planned for 2031, with the X1 program paving the way for the full-scale rollout of the ES-30. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Heart-Aerospace-es-30-hybrid.webp) The ES-30. *Heart Aerospace* “With our certificate now in hand, our full focus is on flight,” adds Forslund. “We are ready to get X1 in the air.” The demonstrator is currently undergoing final preparations for its first flight in New York. It is expected to hit the skies in the coming days. ## FAQs ### What is Heart Aerospace’s X1 aircraft? The X1 is a full-scale electric aircraft demonstrator designed to test technologies intended for Heart Aerospace’s ES-30 hybrid-electric regional plane. ### Why did the FAA approve the Heart X1 for flight testing? The FAA issued the X1 a Special Airworthiness Certificate in the Experimental Category after inspecting the aircraft and reviewing Heart Aerospace’s extensive ground-testing program. ### What is the range of Heart Aerospace’s ES-30 plane? The ES-30 is expected to offer an all-electric range of 124 miles and a hybrid range of up to 497 miles while carrying as many as 30 passengers. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Aviation **Tags:** electric aircraft, Heart Aerospace, News --- ### [Cessna’s Newest Light Jet Just Completed Its First Flight](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/cessnas-newest-light-jet-just-completed-its-first-flight/) **Published:** August 7, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** Another new [Cessna](https://robbreport.ph/tag/cessna/ "Cessna") [light jet](https://robbreport.ph/tag/light-jet/ "light jet") just hit the skies. The [Citation CJ3 Gen3](https://cessna.txtav.com/en/citation/cj3-gen3) prototype recently completed its first flight, putting the aircraft one step closer to certification and production. With pilots Steve Helmer and Dave Welbrock at the helm, the jet took off from Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport in Kansas and spent around two hours in the skies. It reached a maximum altitude of 41,000 feet and a maximum speed of 278 knots. The pilots also tested the software in the cockpit. “From takeoff to landing, the [aircraft ](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/)demonstrated the handling qualities and system performance we expected,” Helmer said in a statement. “This first flight validated months of preparation and provided a strong foundation as we expand testing and continue the certification program.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Cessna_Citation_CJ3_Gen3_1.webp) The exterior of the CJ3 Gen3. *Textron Aviation* Unveiled by Cessna owner [Textron](https://robbreport.ph/tag/textron/ "Textron") Aviation in 2024, the CJ3 Gen3 sits squarely between the entry-level M2 Gen3 and the range-topping CJ4 Gen3. With a range of 2,040 nautical miles, a payload of 2,135 pounds, a top speed of 416 knots, and the ability to seat up to 10, the aircraft is suitable for all kinds of missions. The CJ3 is also designed to make piloting simpler and more efficient. The intuitive flight deck, built specifically for single-pilot operations, incorporates the proven Garmin G3000 avionics suite with things like Emergency Autoland built in. The cabin is customizable, with optional upscale features allowing owners to add their personal touch. It also features leather-upholstered seating that tracks, swivels, and reclines, plus RGB accent lighting, a naturally lit lavatory, and mod cons like wireless charging. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Cessna_Citation_CJ3_Gen3_2.webp) The cabin of the CJ3 Gen3. *Textron Aviation* “The Citation CJ3 Gen3 builds on everything customers value about the CJ3 family while incorporating technology they’ve asked for to make flying even more intuitive and confidence-inspiring,” adds Lannie O’Bannion, Textron Aviation’s senior vice president of global sales and marketing. “From advanced Garmin avionics to a refined cabin experience, this aircraft reflects our commitment to delivering practical innovations for customers.” All three of Cessna’s next-generation Citation light jets have now entered flight testing, underscoring the brand’s dominance in the category. The CJ4 Gen3, which scored top honors in *Robb Report’s* Best of the Best issue this year, is expected to enter service in late 2026, while the CJ3 Gen3 and M2 Gen3 are expected to enter service in 2027. That is pending FAA certification, of course. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* ## FAQs ### What is the Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen3? The Citation CJ3 Gen3 is a next-generation light business jet from Cessna. It sits between the Citation M2 Gen3 and CJ4 Gen3 and combines single-pilot capability, updated avionics, and a customizable cabin. ### How far can the Citation CJ3 Gen3 fly? The Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen3 has a maximum range of approximately 2,040 nautical miles. It also has a projected top speed of 416 knots and can carry a payload of up to 2,135 pounds. ### How many passengers can the Citation CJ3 Gen3 carry? The Citation CJ3 Gen3 can accommodate up to 10 occupants, depending on the selected cabin configuration. Its seats can track, swivel, and recline for greater comfort during longer flights. ### What technology does the Citation CJ3 Gen3 include? The jet features the Garmin G3000 avionics suite and is designed specifically for single-pilot operations. It also includes Garmin Emergency Autoland, which can automatically land the aircraft during certain emergencies. ### When will the Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen3 enter service? The Citation CJ3 Gen3 is expected to enter service in 2027, subject to FAA certification. Its prototype has completed its first flight and will undergo further testing as part of the certification program. **Categories:** Aviation **Tags:** Cessna, light jet, News, Textron --- ### [Piero Ferrari Just Got a New Bombardier Super-Midsized Private Jet to Travel to F1 Races](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/piero-ferrari-just-got-a-new-bombardier-super-midsized-private-jet-to-travel-to-f1-races/) **Published:** August 11, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** Ferrari’s vice chairman will be getting around in more than just a Prancing Horse. Piero Ferrari, the only living son of the Italian marque’s founder [Enzo Ferrari](https://robbreport.ph/cars/inside-universo-ferrari-ferarris-immersive-exhibition-of-the-ferrari-legacy/ "Inside Universo Ferrari, Ferarri’s Immersive Exhibition of the Ferrari Legacy"), just received a brand-new [Bombardier](https://robbreport.com/tag/bombardier/) Challenger 3500 jet. He will use the [aircraft ](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/)to travel to [Formula 1 ](https://robbreport.ph/tag/formula-1/ "formula 1")races and other business engagements, according to a statement shared by the Canadian plane maker. Beyond his position at Ferrari, the 81-year-old billionaire serves as chairman of Italian engineering firm HPE-COXA and was the honorary chairman of Ferretti shipyard until he stepped down very recently. Unveiled in 2021 as the successor to the Challenger 350, the [Challenger 3500 ](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/the-7-best-bombardier-aircraft-of-all-time-2/ "The 7 Best Bombardier Aircraft of All Time")pushed the super-midsize parameters by incorporating several innovations originally introduced on Bombardier’s ultra-long-range Global 7500 flagship, such as a voice-controlled cabin and “antigravity” Nuage seats. Other enhancements included a reduced cabin altitude of 4,850 feet, improved soundproofing, a larger galley, and a new 24-inch 4K video display. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Bombardier-Challenger-3500-4.webp) The cabin with a bench seat. *Bombardier* The inaugural jet was handed over to Les Goldberg, CEO of Entertainment Technology Partners, in 2022, with the model skyrocketing in popularity in the subsequent years. Since 2023, the aircraft has outdelivered every other [business jet](https://robbreport.ph/tag/business-jet/ "Business Jet") model in the medium and heavy categories, according to Bombardier. (Before that, the 350 was the bestselling super-midsize jet for seven years.) Ferrari’s 3500 is the 200th to roll off the line, underscoring continued demand for the jet. “Delivering the 200th Challenger 3500 jet is a defining milestone for Bombardier and a powerful testament to the aircraft’s remarkable success in the super-midsize segment,” said David Murray of Bombardier. “The Challenger 3500 jet has quickly established itself as a category leader, and we look forward to building on that momentum.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Bombardier-Challenger-3500-1.webp) The cockpit. *Bombardier* With a maximum range of 3,400 nautical miles, a top speed of Mach 0.83 (approx. 541 mph), the lowest direct operating costs in class, and seating for up to 10, the 3500 is well-suited to high-flying businessmen and execs. It has also proved popular among fleet operators, with Bombardier securing orders from BOND, NetJets, and VistaJet. The aircraft interior is customizable, with clients able to personalize the seating layout and select finishes and materials. Bombardier did not share any details regarding Ferrari’s specific fitout, though. The 3500 has a standard list price of $26.7 million, but customization can bump up the cost past $30 million. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* ## FAQs ### What private jet does Piero Ferrari own? Piero Ferrari has taken delivery of a Bombardier Challenger 3500, a super-midsize business jet that he plans to use for Formula 1 races and other business engagements. ### How much does a Bombardier Challenger 3500 cost? The Bombardier Challenger 3500 has a standard list price of about $26.7 million. Extensive cabin customization can push the final price above $30 million. ### How far can the Bombardier Challenger 3500 fly? The Challenger 3500 has a maximum range of 3,400 nautical miles, making it suitable for many nonstop transcontinental and international business trips. ### How fast is the Bombardier Challenger 3500? The Bombardier Challenger 3500 has a top speed of Mach 0.83, or approximately 541 mph. ### What makes Piero Ferrari’s Challenger 3500 significant? Piero Ferrari’s aircraft is the 200th Challenger 3500 produced by Bombardier, marking a major milestone for one of the company’s most successful super-midsize business jets. **Categories:** Aviation **Tags:** bombardier, Business Jet, Challenger 3500, News, private jet, Super-midsize Jets --- ### [How Global Private Jet Tours Are Changing Group Travel](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/how-global-private-jet-tours-are-changing-group-travel/) **Published:** August 4, 2026 **Author:** J. George Gorant **Content:** In 1995, one of the first small-group wing, reimagining the fanciful adventure of fictional character Phileas Fogg in Around the World in Eighty Days through the real-life luxury lens of a reconfigured commercial airliner. Organized by [TCS World Travel](https://www.tcsworldtravel.com/) and the [American Museum of Natural History](https://www.amnh.org/), the flight, which included a handpicked crew and rock-star scientists attached to the museum, revealed a thirst for long-distance, multi-week [travel](https://robbreport.ph/travel/ "Travel") built around bucket-list itineraries. The niche continues to mature, recently expanding into even more [aircraft ](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/)types and remote destinations. A half dozen providers fly long-haul jumbo jets, while other firms use midsize jets and even bush planes for visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites in China, Machu Picchu, Easter Island, and plenty of even harder-to-access hinterlands such as the Gobi Desert, Kazakhstan, and the Himalayas. Others loop through Scandinavia, South America, and Africa. TCS recently added Antarctica to one of its itineraries. “People want to be transformed,” says Jennifer Lew, vice president of product at TCS World Travel. “It’s about having the experience, not checking a box, as much as having something few can.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Antarctica_Ice_Cave.webp) The air-tour niche’s diversity in global experiences includes discovering ice caves in Antarctica. *Marko Prezelj* TCS runs its own trips for 52 clients while also operating journeys for the [Four Seasons Private Jet Experience](https://www.fourseasons.com/privatejet/), which accommodates 48 passengers who often stay at its hotels along the way. The TCS Airbus A321s are 150-seat airliners morphed into luxury aircraft with lie-flat beds and top-tier wine and cuisine. The Four Seasons version includes a lounge. Abercrombie & Kent utilizes converted commercial jets for 48 and 50 guests, and the aircraft for its Small Jet Journeys carry 10 to 16 passengers. [National Geographic Expeditions](https://www.nationalgeographic.com/expeditions/) offers similar airborne voyages in converted Boeing 757s for 75 guests. Crew on the airliners typically include flight attendants, a physician, an executive chef, expedition leaders, experts, and a photographer. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/TCS_Tanzania_Trip.webp) A TCS safari in Tanzania. *Courtesy of TCS World Travel* “The luxury of flying better than first class in a private 757 is the biggest positive,” says Larry King, a private pilot based in Texas, who, with his wife, Judy, did his first group trip with National Geographic’s 21-day tour of Africa. The couple has flown their Citation M2 light jet on nearly a dozen multi-week trips outside the U.S., including a 72-day around-the-world adventure, but, impressed by the 757’s ability to cover multiples of his M2’s range in a fraction of the time, King decided to trade the stresses of the cockpit for a carefree and curated alternative with his wife and four friends. “I wanted to hit the high spots while not missing anything, and not taking two months \[to do it\],” he says, calling the trip “near-flawless,” including the organizer’s ability to anticipate security concerns—one reason for shortlisting National Geographic. “You get on board, eat, sleep, and wake up… refreshed for your next adventure,” King adds. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Aman_Airbus_319.webp) Aman’s converted Airbus 319 redefines airborne luxury for just 16 passengers, with side-facing lounges and plenty of room to roam. *Joshua Holko* [Aman Jet Expeditions](https://www.aman.com/journeys/jet-expeditions) promises even greater exclusivity, building trips for up to 16 guests aboard an Airbus A319 with lounge seating and expanded bathrooms. Accommodations are provided at Aman’s distinctive hotels. On the ground, each passenger or group gets its own chauffeured car and private guide. “We have a lot of celebrities and prominent people who wouldn’t want to do a group tour or be put in vans or large hotels,” says Catherine Heald, C.E.O. and cofounder of [Remote Lands](https://www.remotelands.com/), Aman’s partner in organizing the trips. The all-inclusive nature appealed to Blaine Adams and her husband, both financial advisers from Houston, who have taken three Aman Jet journeys and have a fourth scheduled for October. “We don’t do group travel,” Adams says, admitting her initial trepidation quickly gave way to relief because of the fluid, private nature of the Aman itinerary. “We love the ability to get off and have our own driver and guide. It was easy to move between doing things on your own and being with the group.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Phuket_Beachfront.webp) Navigating Phuket’s crystalline cruising grounds. *Courtesy of Aman Resorts* Travel providers [Blue Parallel](https://www.blueparallel.com/) and [Sienna Charles](https://siennacharles.com/) tailor air journeys around anonymity and usually unheard-of access, such as private tours of the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel or French wineries normally closed to the public. “We are particular about every single piece of the journey,” says Jaclyn India, founder and C.E.O. of Sienna Charles. “It’s not just a room in London, it’s the Library Suite at the Connaught.” Blue Parallel, meanwhile, infuses adventure into its private tours: ice-trekking on Patagonia’s Perito Moreno Glacier, dogsledding in Lapland or biking in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains. As air transport makes the world smaller, more boutique air-travel operators are offering increasingly intimate and immersive forms of exploring it. ## FAQs ### **What is a private-jet world tour?** A private-jet world tour is a multi-week journey that connects several destinations aboard a specially configured aircraft. Operators coordinate flights, luxury accommodations, meals, guides, ground transportation, and exclusive cultural or adventure experiences. ### **Which companies offer luxury private-jet expeditions?** Leading operators include TCS World Travel, Four Seasons Private Jet Experience, Abercrombie & Kent, National Geographic Expeditions, and Aman Jet Expeditions. Blue Parallel and Sienna Charles also create highly customized journeys for smaller groups. ### **How much privacy do private-jet tours provide?** Privacy varies by operator. Larger expeditions may accommodate around 48 to 75 travelers, while smaller journeys host 10 to 16 guests. The most exclusive options provide individual cars, private guides, secluded accommodations, and access to sites normally closed to the public. ### **What is included in a luxury private-jet expedition?** Most journeys include private air travel, luxury hotels, meals, ground transportation, expert guides, and curated excursions. Some also provide onboard physicians, executive chefs, photographers, and private access to cultural landmarks. ### **Where do private-jet tours travel?** Itineraries may include destinations such as Antarctica, Machu Picchu, Easter Island, the Gobi Desert, the Himalayas, Africa, Scandinavia, and South America, often combining major landmarks with remote or difficult-to-reach locations. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Aviation, Travel **Tags:** aman resorts, Antartica, four seasons hotel and resorts, How Wealth Moves, Magazine, private jet, Tanzania, travel --- ### [Here’s What to Expect as Air Taxis Actually Begin to Take Off](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/heres-what-to-expect-as-air-taxis-actually-begin-to-take-off/) **Published:** September 8, 2026 **Author:** J. George Gorant **Content:** Following a slew of promises, taxis are finally preparing to carry passengers. But don’t expect a Blade Runner skyline anytime soon. The first limited commercial services could start this year, most likely with California-based Joby Aviation, though it remains unclear whether the debut will come in Dubai or the U.S. Either location will mark a milestone for urban air mobility—but the revolution will unfold one carefully certified flight at a time. In 2016, Uber Elevate published a white paper outlining a future of [urban air mobility](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/) (U.A.M.) built around zero-emission, low-noise electric vertical takeoff and landing ([eVTOL](https://robbreport.ph/tag/evtol/)) aircraft. These scaled-up drones promised inexpensive air-taxi service that could sail above traffic, and a design boom followed. Two years ago, 1,200-plus eVTOL proposals had been documented by [evtol.news](https://evtol.news/), many predicting they’d be flying passengers by 2025 or 2026. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/RR_Electric_Taxis_2.webp) City centers such as Manhattan will be the most favorable launch points for Vertical Aerospace’s Valo. *Vertical Aerospace* So where are they? Most never made it past the press-release phase. Others raised money, burned through it, and disappeared. Even Uber exited the business, selling Elevate to Joby. Today, Joby, Archer, Wisk, Eve, Beta Technologies, and Vertical Aerospace are the leading contenders in the U.S. and Europe. “People will see them, at least the ones that are that far advanced, flying in different places around the country within the year,” says Mike Hirschberg, a veteran aviation consultant who previously ran the [Vertical Flight Society](https://vtol.org/), which helped promote the largely aspirational eVTOL world about 15 years ago. The sector’s recent increased visibility is largely due to the eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP), created by a presidential executive order in June 2025 to accelerate the safe deployment of advanced air mobility vehicles. The program allows companies with working aircraft to conduct demonstration flights at participating sites before gaining final F.A.A. type certification. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/RR_Electric_Taxis_3.webp) Joby’s eVTOL is planned to make its first passenger flights this year. *Joby Aviation* “I think you’ll see more momentum building as we drive toward carrying passengers and starting to really exercise these aircraft under the eIPP,” says Eric Allison, Joby’s chief product officer. “We’re embracing that opportunity. I think it’ll help people understand how these aircraft work \[in practice\], which then also helps all the other work that has to happen for type certification to play out even faster.” For travelers, the city-based air-taxi model has emerged as the leading use case over longer-distance regional travel. “We’re looking at what problem the eVTOL solves,” says Megha Bhatia, Eve’s chief commercial officer. “It’s being able to carry out the last-mile mission or short urban hops.” Initially, that will mean flights lasting just minutes—from an airport to a heliport or purpose-built vertiport on a city’s edge. Think JFK to Midtown Manhattan, MIA to downtown Miami, LAX to Malibu, or a quick arrival at the Masters, the Kentucky Derby, or a Formula 1 race. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/RR_Electric_Taxis_4.webp) Trips lasting only minutes are the initial expectation for Eve’s air taxis. *Eve Air Mobility* The first commercial services will be modest: small fleets operating on a handful of routes while manufacturers scale production and regulators gain operational knowledge. Widespread adoption remains years away. “The technology may be \[initially\] reserved to higher earners. Like other technologies, the price will eventually come down,” says Sergio Cecutta, managing partner at [SMG Consulting](https://smg-consulting.com/). Joby remains the frontrunner in terms of F.A.A. certification. SMG believes that company will achieve final certification within the next two years, with other manufacturers expected to follow later in the decade. “I think the demand will go on from there,” Cecutta says. “Supply will catch up to the demand in the mid-2030s. We’ll see a $1 trillion market by 2050.” Very soon, the first commercial flights will cap a decade of development. Then comes the much longer process of transforming how people travel. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* ## FAQs ### When will electric air taxis start carrying passengers? The first limited commercial eVTOL services could begin in 2026, with Joby Aviation among the companies closest to launching passenger operations. ### Where will air taxis operate first? Early routes will likely focus on short urban trips between airports, city centers, heliports, and purpose-built vertiports in congested markets. ### Which companies are leading the electric air taxi industry? Leading eVTOL developers include Joby Aviation, Archer, Wisk, Eve Air Mobility, Beta Technologies, and Vertical Aerospace. ### How much will electric air taxi rides cost? Early services are expected to target higher-income travelers willing to pay a premium for faster urban trips, with prices potentially falling as fleets and infrastructure expand. ### When will electric air taxis become widely available? Widespread adoption is still years away. Industry forecasts suggest supply could begin catching up with demand in the mid-2030s as certification, production, and infrastructure mature. **Categories:** Aviation **Tags:** AirTaxi, Magazine --- ### [When First Class Becomes the Private Jet You Don't Have to Own](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/the-sky-suite-arms-race-when-first-class-becomes-the-private-jet-you-dont-have-to-own/) **Published:** May 7, 2026 **Author:** Nicholas Ong **Content:** There is a moment, somewhere over the Atlantic, when a passenger aboard Air France’s newly relaunched [La Première](https://www.airfrance.com.ph/information/cabines/la-premiere/experience-la-premiere) suite draws the floor-to-ceiling curtains around their five-window cabin, stretches across a chaise longue designed with the proportions of a Parisian bedroom, and orders a dish conceived by Daniel Boulud, and wonders, perhaps for the first time, why they ever paid for a charter. That question is just the one the world’s great carriers want you to be asking. An under-the-radar but relentless arms race is reshaping the upper atmosphere of luxury aviation, and the target is explicit: the [private jet](https://robbreport.ph/tag/private-jet/ "private jet"). [Air France has publicly framed](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-03-18/air-france-markets-new-first-class-as-suite-fit-for-private-jet) its new La Première as a direct bid for passengers who would otherwise book [private aircraft](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/). It is not alone: From the Gulf to East Asia, airlines are building first-class products so architecturally private, so gastronomically serious, and so meticulously choreographed from curb to cabin that the old hierarchy—private jet first, commercial never—is being slowly, subtly dismantled. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/residence-bedroom-landscape.webp) The bedroom of The Residence at Etihad Airways. *Etihad* The economics are worth examining. On routes where the finest commercial first-class products now operate, the premium charter alternative frequently costs several times more for a comparable level of privacy and comfort. [Etihad’s The Residence](https://simpleflying.com/5-most-private-first-class-suites-book-today/)—a three-room apartment on the upper deck of the A380, comprising a living room, a double bedroom, and a private en-suite shower, attended by a butler trained at the Savoy Butler Academy in London—begins at roughly $25,000 one way between Abu Dhabi and London. A comparable private charter on the same route would cost multiples of that. Condé Nast Traveler has called it the closest thing commercial aviation currently offers to the private jet experience, and only one exists per aircraft, a scarcity that operates like a Hermès allocation. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/double-suites-1_image-card-2-column.webp) The A380 Suites in flights by Singapore Airlines (just six per aircraft) can be combined to create a double bedroom at 35,000 feet. *Singapore Airlines* [Singapore Airlines](https://simpleflying.com/airline-worlds-best-first-class-seat-2026/), ranked the world’s best first class by Skytrax in 2025, takes a different approach. Its A380 Suites (just six per aircraft) can be combined to create a double bedroom at 35,000 feet. The airline’s “Book the Cook” service allows passengers to pre-order from restaurant-calibre menus before departure; the Private Room lounge at Changi, accessible only to Suite holders, functions like a private members’ club with white-tablecloth dining. Emirates, for its part, has gone further still on select Boeing 777s with its Game Changer suite, where there’s zero-gravity seating co-developed with space engineers, floor-to-ceiling doors, a service window so crew can deliver champagne without breaching the passenger’s privacy, and cabin fabrics developed in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/6-A-S-Pic-La-Premiere-starter-%C2%A9-Air-France-2240x1493.webp) A starter in Anne-Sophie pic’s menu for La Premiere on Air France. *Air France* But it is Air France’s La Première relaunch that has generated the most conversation among those who track the premium travel market. The new suite spans five windows and features a modular seat-and-chaise design that converts into a two-meter bed. On US departures, the dining program rotates among [four Michelin-starred chefs](https://www.businesstraveller.com/news/air-france-la-premiere-usa-expansion/)—Daniel Boulud, Anne-Sophie Pic, Arnaud Lallement, and Emmanuel Renaut—each bringing a personal interpretation of seasonal French cuisine, with the wine list curated by Xavier Thuizat, named Meilleur Sommelier de France in 2022. The ground experience is as dedicated: personalized check-in, tarmac transfer by private car, and at Paris CDG, a lounge ranked among the finest in commercial aviation. There are just four suites per aircraft, a deliberate choice that makes the cabin feel like a very small, very exclusive hotel that happens to be moving at 900 kilometers per hour. ![Luxurious business-class airplane cabin with a long marble-finish bed and pink mood lighting.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/546831-Qsuite-Next-Gen-8-f770ed-original-1721654121-2240x1494.webp) Qatar Airways’ QSuites Quad, where the cabin can be configured to accommodate groups to dine together, for one. *Qatar Airways* Not every carrier has followed this trajectory. [Qatar Airways](https://www.altitudesmagazine.com/emirates-qatar-airways-and-singapore-airlines-are-redefining-first-class/) famously retired its dedicated first-class cabin and redirected investment into Qsuites, a business-class product so refined it routinely outscores legacy first-class cabins in independent evaluations, and which now includes a Nobu Matsuhisa dining collaboration on select routes. The implication is pointed: in the era of the sky suite, the distinction between first class and business class matters far less than the quality of the enclosure, the food, and the silence. What is emerging across all of these products is a coherent new philosophy: luxury at altitude is no longer about seat width, flat beds, or the volume of champagne poured, but rather, privacy and service so personalized that it carries the texture of a private home. For the traveller who once booked a charter because no commercial product could approximate that feeling, the invitation is now direct—and the experience, in many cases, is remarkably close to the real thing, at a fraction of the price. The private jet is not going anywhere, but for the first time in the history of commercial aviation, it has genuine competition. **Categories:** Aviation **Tags:** AIr France, first class, First Class Suites, La Premiere --- ### [The 10 First Class and Michelin-Cited Chef Collaborations You Need to Know](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/the-michelin-star-chefs-behind-the-worlds-best-airline-meals/) **Published:** May 18, 2026 **Author:** Nicholas Ong **Content:** There was a time when the highest compliment one could pay to [airline food](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/) was that it did not disappoint. That era is over. Somewhere over the past decade, the world’s great carriers decided that the meal served at 40,000 feet was not a logistical afterthought but a creative statement—and one worth fighting over. The catalyst, arguably, was the broader “arms race” in [premium cabin design](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/the-sky-suite-arms-race-when-first-class-becomes-the-private-jet-you-dont-have-to-own/ "When First Class Becomes the Private Jet You Don’t Have to Own"). As first-class suites evolved into private rooms with closing doors, showers, and butler service, the food had to follow. A passenger reclining in a five-window suite designed to rival a Parisian hotel room could not credibly be served reheated chicken. And so the chefs arrived as genuine creative partners, developing seasonal menus, rotating their dishes with the harvest, crafting experiences that borrow the vocabulary of tasting menus and apply them, with considerable ingenuity, to the particular constraints of altitude. The results, in 2026, are remarkable. Across the world’s leading carriers, from Paris to Singapore, Doha to Tokyo, and now Manila—some of the most decorated culinary minds on the planet are designing the food that arrives at your seat. Here are ten partnerships worth knowing. ## Daniel Boulud and Air France La Première & Business Class, US Departures ![Daniel Boulud](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Chef-Daniel-Boulud-%C2%A9EricVitalePhotography-1.webp) Chef Daniel Boulud. Courtesy of Eric Vitale Photography/Air France The Lyon-born, New York-based chef behind Restaurant Daniel brings a modern reading of classical French gastronomy to Air France’s U.S.-departing flights, with dishes built on seasonal produce and the kind of soulful technique that has earned him multiple James Beard awards. **[Daniel Boulud](https://corporate.airfrance.com/en/press-releases/daniel-boulud-joins-team-air-france-chefs-departures-united-states)** joins fellow chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants on a rotating program that positions La Première as a flying expression of French culinary identity. ## Anne-Sophie Pic and Air France La Première, Paris Departures ![Anne-Sophie Pic dish at La Première for Air France](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/3-A-S-Pic-La-Premiere-dish-%C2%A9-Air-France-2240x1493.webp) One of Anne-Sophie Pic’s dishes for La Première. *Air France* [The female chef whose restaurants hold the most Michelin stars in the world](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/anne-sophie-pic-takes-the-helm-le-normandie-at-the-mandarin-oriental-bangkok/ "Anne-Sophie Pic Takes the Helm At Mandarin Oriental Bangkok’s Le Normandie") marked a decade of collaboration with Air France in November 2025 with an entirely new suite of over 30 original dishes for La Première passengers departing Paris. **[Anne-Sophie Pic](https://corporate.airfrance.com/en/news/air-france-presents-its-new-la-premiere-menus-created-anne-sophie-pic-and-claire-heitzler)** is known for French regional produce handled with international influence, resulting in dishes like roasted parsnips with honey, walnuts, dill, and Madras curry, and roast chicken with spicy mushroom sauce and grilled polenta. ## Arnaud Lallement and Air France La Première, Paris Departures ![One of Arnaud Lallement's dishes for La Premiere. Courtesy of Air France](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/A-Lallement-La-Premiere-Dish-1-%C2%A9Air-France-2240x1493.webp) One of Arnaud Lallement’s dishes for La Premiere. *Courtesy of Air France* The chef from the Champagne region crafted the starters and mains for three-Michelin-starred La Première’s Paris-departing à la carte menu in 2025, with dishes including langoustine with creamy court-bouillon and lemon caviar. **[Arnaud Lallement](https://www.travelpulse.com/news/airlines-airports/air-france-elevates-in-flight-dining-with-michelin-starred-chefs)**‘s savoury courses are complemented by the work of Angelo Musa, named the world’s best pastry chef—a pairing that makes the closing act of the meal feel like an event in its own right. ## Yoshihiro Murata and Singapore Airlines Suites & First Class, Japan Routes ![Yoshihiro Murata Singapore Airlines](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/culinarypanel-popup-8.webp) *Courtesy of Singapore Airlines* The kaiseki master whose restaurants collectively hold seven Michelin stars—more than any other chef in Japan—has designed a multi-course Kyo-Kaiseki menu for Singapore Airlines flights between Singapore and Japan, drawing from centuries of Japanese court and temple cooking traditions, served with fine saké and the quiet precision that makes dining on this route feel genuinely ceremonial. **[Yoshihiro Murata](https://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/us/flying-withus/dining/international-culinary-panel/)**‘s menus change seasonally, honoring the Japanese principle that the finest ingredient is always the one at its peak. ## Monica Galetti and Singapore Airlines Suites, First & Business Class, UK Departures ![Slow-Roasted-Spring-Lamb-Cutlet-with-Gremolata-and-Rosemary-Jus-by-Monica-Galetti-©-Singapore-Airlines-scaled](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Slow-Roasted-Spring-Lamb-Cutlet-with-Gremolata-and-Rosemary-Jus-by-Monica-Galetti-%C2%A9-Singapore-Airlines-scaled-1-2240x1494.webp) Slow-roasted spring lamb cutlet with gremolata and rosemary jus by Monica Galetti at Singapore Airlines. *Courtesy of Singapore Airlines* The Samoan-New Zealand chef and MasterChef judge brings a distinctly personal sensibility to Singapore Airlines’ UK routes through 2026, with spring menus built around seasonal British ingredients like pickled crab, double lamb cutlet, rhubarb and ginger cake. These offerings reflect both **[Monica Galetti](https://airlinecateringint.com/news/singapore-airlines-guest-chef-unveils-new-seasonal-spring-menu-for-2026/)**‘s classical French training and her South Pacific roots. The four-course Suites and First Class menu rotates quarterly, ensuring the experience never settles into repetition. ## Garima Arora and Qatar Airways Business Class, Doha–India Routes ![Oval white bowl containing yellow-orange curry, garnished with cilantro, edible flowers, a halved boiled egg, lime slice, and assorted colorful garnishes.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/s-millet-khichdi-food.webp) Garima Arora’s dish, My Grandmother’s Millet Khichdi, is perhaps the most personally felt entry in any airline’s culinary program right now. Courtesy of Qatar Airways India’s first female chef whose restaurants hold of two stars launched an Ayurvedic-inspired, all-vegetarian Business Class menu for Qatar Airways in November 2025, rooted in the principles of balance and nourishment and refreshed every three months. **[Garima Arora](https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/qatar-airways-enhances-the-business-class-dining-experience-with-an-exclusive-health-conscious-menu-by-renowned-michelin-star-chef-garima-arora/)**‘s dish My Grandmother’s Millet Khichdi, a comfort-food classic elevated through Sattvik cooking principles, is perhaps the most personally felt entry in any airline’s culinary programme right now. ## Yannick Alléno and Qatar Airways First & Business Class ![Left: colorful plated dish with greens, cheese, and edible flowers; right: round mousse-like dessert with almond slivers in a small dish](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Yannick-Alleno-food-montage16625.webp) *Courtesy of Qatar Airways* [Yannick Alléno](https://www.qatarairways.com/press-releases/en-WW/251187-qatar-airways-partners-with-yannick-alleno-to-elevate-its-culinary-experience-in-the-sky-and-on-the-ground/), whose Paris address, the three-starred Pavillon Ledoyen, ranks among the most decorated restaurants in the world, has brought his hallmark mastery of modern French saucing to Qatar Airways’ premium cabins. His partnership signals the airline’s intent to compete not merely on routing and cabin product, but on culinary credibility at the very highest level, which will extend to restaurants on the ground, including [the Louis Vuitton lounge in Hamad National Airport.](https://www.yannick-alleno.com/en/les-etablissements-du-groupe/lounge-lv-x-alleno) ## Ishikawa Hideki & Koizumi Kouji and Japan Airlines First Class, Tokyo Routes ![Japanese meal set with a triangular ceramic plate of fried shrimp and vegetables, a bowl of rice, miso soup, and a small side dish on a dark table.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/pic_meal_ishikawa_koizumi_01_202602.webp) Ishikawa Hideki & Koizumi Kouji have created a signature First Class menu for Japan Airlines that includes sliced wagyu beef and steamed sea urchin topped with sudachi citrus gelée and caviar. *Courtesy of Japan Airlines* The two chefs, **[Ishikawa Hideki & Koizumi Kouji](https://www.jal.co.jp/jp/en/inter/service/meal/chef/)**—whose restaurants Ishikawa Kagurazaka and Restaurant Kohaku hold six Michelin stars across their Tokyo restaurants—have created a signature First Class menu for Japan Airlines that includes sliced wagyu beef and steamed sea urchin topped with sudachi citrus gelée and caviar. Their menus change with each season, in keeping with a philosophy that treats the calendar as the most essential ingredient of all. ## Jordy and May Navarra and Qatar Airways Business Class, Manila–Doha ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/LR_QATAR_X_TOYO_Food_DOS05841_Edit-2240x1493.webp) Courtesy of Qatar Airways In February 2026, Qatar Airways launched an exclusive Business Class menu created by the husband-and-wife team behind [Toyo Eatery](https://robbreport.ph/tag/toyo-eatery/ "toyo eatery"), one of Manila’s one-Michelin-star restaurants, [available on flights from Manila to Doha](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/jordy-navarra-menu-headlines-manila-to-doha-leg-at-qatar-airways/ "Jordy Navarra Menu Headlines Manila to Doha Leg at Qatar Airways"), with the reverse route to follow in July. The five-course menu reimagines Filipino fine dining at altitude, with dishes including braised beef short ribs tiyula itum and arroz caldo purée—a meaningful signal that Filipino cuisine has arrived in the international conversation at the highest level. ## Nancy Silverton and ChefsTable and United Airlines Polaris Business Class, from August 2026 ![White square plate showing United Airlines logo and the text 'Chef's Table', with a gray napkin and fork nearby for a dining promo image.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/United_ChefsTable_March2026.webp) United In the most structurally inventive partnership on this list, United Airlines announced in March 2026 that it would overhaul its international Polaris Business Class dining in collaboration with Chef’s Table—the brand behind Netflix’s acclaimed culinary documentary series—bringing eleven city-specific chefs to routes departing from their respective home cities. Passengers departing Los Angeles, for instance, will dine on dishes by [Nancy Silverton](https://upgradedpoints.com/news/united-airlines-chefs-table-inflight-meals/) of Michelin-starred Osteria Mozza. The concept is simple: the meal you eat depends on where you begin. **Categories:** Aviation, Dining **Tags:** AIr France, anne-sophie pic, Cabin Design, Daniel boulud, first class, First Class Suites, La Premiere, Michelin --- ### [Why the Pilatus PC-12 Pro Is Still the World's Most Versatile Private Aircraft](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/why-the-pilatus-pc-12-pro-is-still-the-worlds-most-versatile-private-aircraft/) **Published:** June 25, 2026 **Author:** Nicholas Ong **Content:** In October 1989, Pilatus stood up at the National Business Aviation Association’s annual convention and announced an [aircraft ](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/)that, by most measures, shouldn’t have worked: a single-engine turboprop with a cabin large enough to do a business jet’s job, capable of landing on grass strips a Gulfstream would never attempt. The assembly of the prototype had already begun in Stans before the announcement, the program having been developed under tight secrecy. The first flight came on 31 May 1991, though certification dragged on after engineers discovered the wings needed lengthening and winglets added to meet performance guarantees; the Swiss authorities signed off in March 1994, the FAA that July. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/PC12_045.webp) Pilatus Pilatus was cautious enough about the idea that early sales efforts targeted utility operators rather than business and passenger customers. Among the first to recognize the aircraft’s potential was the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia, which put the PC-12 to work in one of aviation’s harshest proving grounds—remote medical evacuation across the outback—and today operates 32 of them. That the same airframe now also outfits corporate boardrooms is a measure of how far it has travelled from its own origin story. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/PC-12-PRO-Cabin-1.webp) The Pilatus PC-12 Pro’s cabin boasts top-of-the-line, consequential details that prove that luxury doesn’t have to belong only to twin-engine aircraft. *Pilatus* The numbers since are hard to argue with. More than 2,200 aircraft have been delivered, the fleet has logged millions of flight hours, and the PC-12 retains 80 to 85 percent of its value after a decade of ownership (a residual performance that beats comparable turboprops and jets), one of the reasons it tends to sell roughly 40 percent faster on the secondary market. In an asset class where depreciation is simply the price of admission, that record does most of the talking. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/PC-12-PRO-Cabin.webp) *Pilatus* What distinguishes the new [PC-12 Pro](https://www.pilatus-aircraft.com/en/pc-12) is that Pilatus, has now put real design attention into how the aircraft feels rather than only how it performs. The cabin redesign—reworked cabinetry, larger windows, BMW Designworks interior options—suggests a manufacturer that has noticed its buyers have changed. They are no longer exclusively operators who need an aircraft that won’t fail them on a dirt strip in Queensland. Plenty of them have flown light jets, know what good cabin design feels like, and expect their turboprop to match it. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/PC-12-PRO-Garmin.webp) *Pilatus* The avionics are the more consequential update. The PC-12 Pro introduces Garmin’s G3000 Prime flight deck alongside Garmin Emergency Autoland—the first such system fitted to a single-engine turboprop—along with Smart Glide and updated electronic stability protection. Emergency Autoland is not just a luxury flourish, but a safety necessity: in the event of pilot incapacitation, the system can assess weather, fuel state, and the nearest suitable runway, then land the aircraft itself. A new yoke, borrowed from the PC-24 jet, and the upgraded Pratt & Whitney PT6E-67XP engine complete a package that pushes the aircraft further into territory long reserved for twins. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/PC-12-PRO-Cabin-6.webp) Detailing in the PC-12 Pro. Pilatus None of it would carry much weight if the underlying aircraft weren’t already proven. But it is, and has been for three decades. Pilatus solved, in 1991, a problem most of the industry hadn’t yet bothered to name: how to deliver the comfort and capability of a jet without the cost, complexity, or crew requirements of flying two engines instead of one. While the Pro doesn’t issue an entirely new answer, it doesn’t have to; it simply confirms that the original idea still holds. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/PC-12-PRO-Cockpit.webp) *Pilatus* ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Why does the Pilatus PC-12 have only one engine? The PC-12 uses a single Pratt & Whitney PT6 turbine engine, one of aviation’s most reliable powerplants. Its proven safety record allows the aircraft to deliver lower operating costs without sacrificing capability. ### What is new about the Pilatus PC-12 Pro? The PC-12 Pro introduces Garmin’s G3000 Prime cockpit, Emergency Autoland, Smart Glide technology, redesigned interiors, and upgraded cabin finishes. ### How far can the Pilatus PC-12 Pro fly? The PC-12 Pro has a range of approximately 1,765 nautical miles and a cruise speed of about 290 knots, allowing nonstop flights across much of North America, Europe, and Asia. ### Why is the Pilatus PC-12 popular with private owners? Owners value the PC-12 for its ability to operate from short and unpaved runways while offering a spacious cabin, strong resale values, and lower operating costs than many light jets. ### Is the Pilatus PC-12 safer than other turboprops? The PC-12 has accumulated millions of flight hours worldwide and now features Garmin Emergency Autoland, Electronic Stability Protection, and advanced stall-avoidance systems that further enhance safety. **Categories:** Aviation **Tags:** PC-12, PC-12 Pro, Pilatus --- ### [How Airlines Are Reimagining First-Class With Over-the-Top ‘Suites’](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/how-airlines-are-reimagining-first-class-with-over-the-top-suites/) **Published:** March 31, 2026 **Author:** Chris Dong **Content:** During the pandemic, first class faced an uncertain future. Many [airlines ](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/)cut routes, retired jumbo jets, and poured their premium budgets into ever-more-polished business-class cabins. Now, top-tier seating is being reimagined, and the category is enjoying a genuine renaissance. “People generally don’t want to pay for it unless it’s really, really good,” says Brian Sumers, aviation analyst and editor of the [Airline Observer](https://www.theairlineobserver.com/). Only a few operators consistently deliver, and they have been spending billions to elevate the experience—from onboard indulgences to ground operations. The continued investment is strategic, creating what Sumers calls a halo effect, which extends into other parts of the cabin. Travelers “get so excited about first class, then they’re more likely to buy a premium economy or business class \[ticket\],” he says, adding that “[Emirates](https://robbreport.ph/tag/emirates/ "Emirates") is probably the best in the world at this.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RR_FirstClass_Aviation_3.webp) Emirates and fellow U.A.E.-based Etihad Airways are the only carriers—across more than 100 Airbus A380s—offering shower spas aboard. Both have recently refined their first-class services, upgrading their soft goods and culinary programs while streamlining support services. Last summer, Emirates expanded its luxury footprint in the airport with a dedicated first-class check-in and lounge in [Dubai](https://robbreport.ph/tag/dubai/ "dubai"). In-flight opulence includes unlimited caviar, [Bulgari](https://robbreport.ph/tag/bulgari/ "bulgari") amenity kits, and keepsake menus. Etihad, meanwhile, has recommitted to the most-extravagant space in commercial aviation: [the Residence](https://www.etihad.com/en/plan/fly-with-etihad/our-cabins/the-residence). The largest suite in the sky features a private living room, separate bedroom, and en suite shower, transforming the upper deck into a flying pied-à-terre. Passengers booked in the A380’s standard first-class cabin can upgrade into the Residence, typically for several thousand dollars more per person. Etihad is also bringing first class to its Airbus A321LR collection, with two enclosed suites, an especially bold move for a narrow-body jet. The airline plans to outfit its entire fleet with a first-class section by 2030. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RR_FirstClass_Aviation_5.webp) Air France’s La Première class claims the longest seat in commercial aviation. *Photo: Courtesy of Air France* To keep pace, Air France has redesigned its [La Première](https://wwws.airfrance.us/information/cabines/la-premiere/experience-la-premiere) experience, having rolled it out on select Boeing 777-300ERs. The four-suite cabin stretches the definition of space on a single-deck jet. On a recent flight, I was pampered with five windows plus a separate armchair and chaise-style sofa that combine to form what the airline bills as the longest seat in commercial aviation. Full-grain leather, soft wool, and refined tweed set the tone, while a floor-to-ceiling curtain ensures total privacy. Menus are curated by Michelin-starred chefs Daniel Boulud and Dominique Crenn. A personal concierge orchestrated every detail of my outbound journey, meeting me curbside and guiding me through check-in and security. After landing at Paris-Charles de Gaulle, I was ferried across the tarmac in a Porsche S.U.V., bypassing the usual terminal bustle and immigration lines. For the return flight, I carved out time for a 30-minute facial treatment at La Première’s lounge. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RR_FirstClass_Aviation_4.webp) Allegris class converts into a double bed for couples, with privacy ensured by elegantly designed doors. *Photo: Courtesy of Lufthansa* German carrier Lufthansa is pursuing its own ambitious reset. Its [Allegris class](https://www.lufthansa.com/us/en/discover-lufthansa/allegris) introduces personal enclaves, including a center Suite Plus that converts into a double bed for couples. Also riding this jet stream of enhancements are, among others, [Qantas](https://www.qantas.com/en-us) and [Korean Air](https://www.koreanair.com/?hl=en). As Qantas prepares to fly the world’s longest nonstop routes, it will offer six hotel-style rooms on its A380s. Korean Air, for its part, is leaning into culinary theater, with dishes like marbled-beef bibimbap, octopus rice, and abalone served on Armani/Casa tableware. Taken together, these upgrades are bringing private-jet swagger to new commercial heights. **Chris Dong** ## Move Over, First Class. Hello, Private Class. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RR_FirstClass_Aviation_2.webp) *Photo: Courtesy of Magnifica Air* If you think luxury interiors—wide-open space, a cocktail bar, sumptuous seating—are reserved for private-jet owners and charter clients, think again. [Magnifica Air](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/magnifica-air-wants-to-take-private-jet-comfort-to-the-commercial-skies/ "Magnifica Air Wants to Take Private-Jet Comfort to the Commercial Skies") is converting a collection of ACJ TwoTwenty and 321neos into 54-seat aircraft with separate suites and A-list amenities, all in service of what it calls a new category: Private Class. The nascent Florida-based airline will initially focus on domestic city pairs already popular with high-net-worth frequent flyers. Pricing will be “two or three times what a first-class ticket costs, but four times less than charter,” says Sean McGeough, Magnifica’s chief development officer, adding that the four-person suites are designed to replicate the private experience of a midsize business jet. The concept originated with Charles Carey, C.E.O. of [Carey International Group](https://careyig.com/) (who adds Magnifica cofounder to his titles), and aviation veteran Wade Black, now the airline’s C.E.O. The start-up aims to launch with six new aircraft, and its first ACJ 321neo will be undergoing interior completion later this year. Another differentiator: a membership program dubbed [the Seven Club](https://magnificaair.com/membershipsoficial/), promising priority access and guaranteed fixed rates. “So instead of paying by the hour for an airplane, you’ll be buying by the seat,” McGeough explains. “That doesn’t really exist on an aircraft like ours in North America.” Dedicated terminals and F.B.O.s are also part of the business model, as are menus curated by the former top chef at the Four Seasons in Orlando. “We want to bring back some of the nostalgia of flying,” McGeough says. Fueled by that wistful mission, Magnifica plans to be wheels up in September 2027. **Michael Verdon** *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Aviation **Tags:** AIr France, bulgari, dubai, Emirates, first class, Magazine, Magnifica Air --- ### [This Bonkers Folding X-Plane Is One Step Closer to Hitting the Skies](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/this-bonkers-folding-x-plane-is-one-step-closer-to-hitting-the-skies/) **Published:** March 13, 2026 **Author:** Nicole Hoey **Content:** The next phase of Bell’s X-planes is on the horizon. The [aviation](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/ "Aviation") company has just completed the Critical Design Review for the U.S.’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), underneath its Speed and Runway Independent Technologies (SPRINT) Program. That means the Texas-based firm can start building out its next-gen demonstrator of the X-plane, which has been named X-76 in an homage to America’s 250th anniversary. The brand-new military craft is designed to be a VTOL machine that can dart through the skies at jet-like speeds of 400 to 450 knots and hover from unprepared surfaces—at least, that’s the goal. The new X-plane would ideally also “\[eliminate\] one of the battlefield’s most difficult choices—between the high speed of an [aircraft ](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/)that needs a runway and the go-anywhere flexibility of a slower helicopter,” DARPA said, according to [TWZ.](https://www.twz.com/air/bells-x-76-fold-away-rotor-aircraft-is-darpas-newest-x-plane) All that is based on Bell’s Stop/Fold rotor system, which offers up proprotors on the tips of the wings that can fold away while moving from level flight to a hover. Previously, the firm has also shown iterations of the aircraft that are both crewed and uncrewed, TWZ reported. Bell has created quite a few HSTVOL (which stands for High Speed and Vertical Takeoff and Landing) aircrafts in its time, from the X-1 to the XV-15—not to mention a sleek [executive helicopter](https://robbreport.ph/tag/helicopter/ "helicopter") or two. Lately, though, it has been focused on the SPRINT program. In Phase 1A and 1B, the company wrapped up its preliminary and conceptual designs for its X-plane. Phase 2 ramped up this past July, when Bell was selected by DARPA to continue building out and ground testing its aircraft. “Bell is honored to receive the X-76 designation and continue the spirit of American innovation honoring the founding of the United States in 1776,” said Jason Hurst, Bell’s SVP, Engineering, in a [press statement](https://news.bellflight.com/en-US/263055-bell-completes-critical-design-review-on-darpa-sprint-x-plane-program-receives-official-x-plane-designation/). “This is an important milestone as the Bell and DARPA team advances to a historic first in aviation history and fulfill our mission of developing next-generation vertical-lift aircraft.” After Phase 2 is complete, test-flights are expected to begin in early 2028, in the not-so-distant future. We’ll just have to wait and see if Phase 3 will take off as planned. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Aviation **Tags:** aviation, Bell, News --- ### [Emirates’s Luxe New Airport Lounge Concept Offers More Privacy Than Ever Before](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/emiratess-luxe-new-airport-lounge-concept-offers-more-privacy-than-ever-before/) **Published:** July 7, 2026 **Author:** Nicole Hoey **Content:** [Emirates](https://robbreport.ph/tag/emirates/ "Emirates") is giving you a new luxe space to unwind ahead of your time in the skies. The [U.A.E-based airline](https://www.emirates.com/ph/english/) is rolling out its next-gen lounges at key [airport hubs](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/) around the world, starting with both Munich and Frankfurt, it announced on Tuesday. The company is splashing down nearly $14 million (or AED 50 million) on each new space to make sure they are up to snuff for its premium clientele. The new lounges take their design cues from [Emirates’s own cabin interiors](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/the-sky-suite-arms-race-when-first-class-becomes-the-private-jet-you-dont-have-to-own/ "When First Class Becomes the Private Jet You Don’t Have to Own"), as well as the flagship lounges found in Dubai. That means you can expect plenty of gold, marble, and red throughout, paired alongside herringbone floors and motifs of the Ghaf, the U.A.E.’s national tree. Elsewhere, you’ll find Rolex clocks perched on the wall, showing off time zones around the globe, Italian eco-leather seating, and an artefact wall that pays homage to local artisans of each locale. The space also offers up more of both private areas and communal spaces, letting you choose whether you’d like to be a bit more social (or not) pre-flight. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/emirates-lounge-munich.webp) The new lounge in Munich. *Emirates* And if you’re looking to freshen up in between flights, you can use the lounge’s upgraded shower suites, complete with products from luxe skincare brand Voya—or head to the Quiet Zone to get some shut eye during your layover. The space will also be imbued with Emirates signature scent, which has notes of bergamot, citrus, and soft wood. In terms of dining, the focus will be on international cuisines and live cooking. Chefs will keep the lounge’s location in mind, whipping up local specialties, while a hot and cold buffet station is always up for grabs. There’s also a bread oven, which will be used to make handcrafted pizzas, flatbreads, and manakeesh, in an homage to Dubai. “These new lounges have been designed to combine refreshed luxurious interiors with the elevated hospitality and innovation that Emirates is known for—a space for our customers to relax, enjoy, dine and prepare for their travel in comfort,” Adel Al Redha, the deputy president and COO of Emirates, said in a press statement. The lounge concept will spread beyond Germany soon enough. New spaces will make its debut in Manchester this July, with more opening in Mauritius and Istanbul this August and October, respectively. ## FAQs ### Where will Emirates open its new luxury airport lounges first? Emirates will debut its next-generation airport lounges in Munich and Frankfurt, with each space receiving an investment of nearly $14 million. The new concept will later expand to Manchester in July, Mauritius in August, and Istanbul in October. ### What can passengers expect inside Emirates’s new lounges? Emirates’s new lounges are designed with gold, marble, red accents, herringbone floors, Rolex world-time clocks, Italian eco-leather seating, private relaxation areas, communal spaces, upgraded shower suites, and a Quiet Zone. The design draws from Emirates’s aircraft interiors and its flagship lounges in Dubai. ### What food and amenities will Emirates’s new lounges offer? The lounges will offer international cuisine, live cooking stations, local specialties, hot and cold buffets, and a bread oven for handcrafted pizzas, flatbreads, and manakeesh. Premium amenities include Voya skincare products in the shower suites and Emirates’s signature scent, with notes of bergamot, citrus, and soft wood. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Aviation **Tags:** Emirates, News --- ### [Korean Air Just Opened Luxe New Lounge at LAX. Here’s a Look Inside.](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/korean-air-just-opened-luxe-new-lounge-at-lax-heres-a-look-inside/) **Published:** March 10, 2026 **Author:** Nicole Hoey **Content:** LAX, your newest luxury lounge has arrived. [Korean Air](https://www.koreanair.com/?hl=en) has officially opened its high-end lounge, which is nestled inside the Tom Bradley International Terminal (a.k.a. Terminal B) at the Los Angeles’s [airport](https://robbreport.ph/tag/airport/ "airport"). The new locale is the South Korea-based airliner’s largest overseas lounge, focused on bringing the company’s top customers a plush place to unwind before they hit the skies. Spanning just over 18,000 square feet, the new lounge splits its two floors into a pair of distinct areas. The First Class Lounge can be found on the upper level, and there you can find two private suites and an à la carte fine-dining menu on offer (and a full-service bar, too, for your pre-flight tipple). On the lower floor, you’ll find the Miler Club and the Prestige Class Lounge, which is where business fliers will be perched. Both spots have chefs that prepare fresh cuisine at their open-kitchen areas, and in terms of drinks, you can enjoy a Southern California craft beer or a coffee blend made right in L.A. Plus, there’s a balcony overlooking the Terminal B interior for you to watch the hustle and bustle of the [airport](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/). ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/korean-air-lax-miler-club-art.webp) The Miler Club. *Photo: Korean Air* In terms of design, the lounge offers up modern details with a nod to Korean heritage. Throughout each space, which were all brought to life by Singapore-based firm LTW Design, you’ll find floor-to-ceiling windows to bring light straight in, as well as warm wood, plush seating, and stone accents abound. There’s also plenty of artwork that pay homage to the airliner’s roots, such as Buncheong ceramics (a traditional Korean stoneware crafted in free-flowing silhouettes with intricate designs dotting their surface) and moon jars, known as Dalhangari, with their minimalist, round design and luminous white glaze—reminiscent of our own moon, hence the name. Those pieces are pair alongside brushstroke paintings, too, all with the goal of showing off a “modern Korean luxury,” according to the airliner. There’s more on the horizon for Korean Air, too. The airliner is set to unveil its next luxe lounge at New York’s JFK airport later this year. That new space can join JetBlue’s recently opened BlueHouse, the brand’s first airport lounge that’s also hoping to woo top fliers. ***Click [here](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/korean-airs-lax-lounge-in-photos/) to see more of the new Korean Air lounge at LAX.*** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/korean-air-lax-in-photos.webp) *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Aviation **Tags:** Korean Air, LAX, los angeles --- ### [This New Private Jet Cabin Concept Is All About Modular Design for Ultimate Customization](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/this-new-private-jet-cabin-concept-is-all-about-modular-design-for-ultimate-customization/) **Published:** April 15, 2026 **Author:** Nicole Hoey **Content:** This new [private jet](https://robbreport.com/tag/private-jet/) cabin aims to take your group travel to new heights. German aviation tech firm [Lufthansa Technik](https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/lufthansa-technik-celestialstar-business-jet-1235436862/) and [Designworks ](https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/bmw-designworks-personal-oasis-sky-2821459/)(owned by the folks of [BMW](https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-prototype-385-mile-range-1237800073/)) is unveiling a modular new narrowbody cabin concept at this year’s Aircraft Interiors Expo. The pair’s layout, called the Bow, is focused on adding a more group-friendly approach to skies, whether you’re traveling as part of a board of directors, a sports team, or a band on tour; the new blueprint was inspired by travelers’ desire for more flexible, design-focused experiences while on the go, according to Lufthansa. And the duo’s combination of leading aviation tech and automotive design history are certainly on display here. Each private suite, which can fit for one or two passengers, has a smooth, curved exterior with touches of silver, much like a supercar. Inside, the seating has personal storage and moveable partitions for more seclusion or more socialization onboard as well as moody lighting. Every pod can also close on its own, too, meaning that you and your 27 fellow travelers can choose just how much you’d like to interact throughout the flight. Of course, the concept’s layout can be reconfigured as the owner would like, whether you chose to opt for more social spaces, a larger bar, or greater privacy for meetings. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/the-bow-concept-bar.webp) Elsewhere onboard, the concept offers up a sleek reception and lobby space filled with more curved silhouettes, complete with a bar, a gradient screen, and a service table and seating. Moving into the central lounge, that space has two curved touchscreens and a large presentation table, which can be used for board meetings or dining. “With ‘The BOW’, we are elevating group centric VIP travel to a completely new level,” Fabian Nagel, Lufthansa Technik’s vice president of sales VIP & [special aircraft services](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/), said in a press statement. “This concept offers customers unprecedented flexibility and allows operators to tailor every mission with an experience that is both highly functional and luxurious. ‘The BOW’ also creates a unique opportunity to experience the full suite of our products directly interfacing with the VIPs in one coherent environment.” In terms of tech, the concept plays host to Lufthansa’s Hidden Touch Display, OLED screens, and Omni-Fi speakers for an immersive sound experience. If you want to see more of the new concept, you can check it out at Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg from April 14 to 16. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Aviation --- ### [How Private Aviation Firms Cater to the Flurry of Travelers Flying to Major Sporting Events](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/how-private-aviation-firms-cater-to-the-flurry-of-travelers-flying-to-major-sporting-events/) **Published:** April 21, 2026 **Author:** Daniel Cote **Content:** With a golf legacy dating to 1934, the Masters Tournament now ranks as the biggest draw in private aviation. More than 2,050 [business aircraft](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/) arrived in the Augusta region for last year’s edition, up 34 percent from pre-Covid 2019. This year’s numbers, up slightly from 2025, represented fifteen times more arrivals than the Augusta airport sees in a typical week. Other marquee sporting competitions are also attracting growing numbers of charter flights and owner-operated jets each year, despite hefty event fees that pack in higher costs of jet fuel, hangar rates, and other costs associated with managing a much larger fleet. The Super Bowl, Formula 1, the Kentucky Derby, and the N.C.A.A. Final Four turn local airports into biz-jet jigsaw puzzles, and even regional collegiate matchups create air-traffic headaches that place enormous pressure on infrastructure not designed to handle such large numbers of aircraft. On top of that, some cities get double-booked. [Formula 1](https://robbreport.ph/tag/formula-1/ "formula 1")’s United States Grand Prix in Austin is a prime example. According to D. J. Hanlon, [Flexje](https://robbreport.ph/tag/flexjet/ "flexjet")t’s executive vice president of sales, “Sometimes, unfortunately, the scheduling gods also have a U.T. \[University of Texas at Austin\] game that shows up at the same time.” Large aviation firms have developed strategies to ease the strain while preserving convenience for clients. At Augusta Regional Airport, Flexjet sets up a temporary headquarters for fractional owners. “We’ll have schedulers, we’ll have dispatchers… essentially a mini-G.C.C., or global command center,” Hanlon says. [NetJets](https://robbreport.ph/tag/netjets/ "netjets"), meanwhile, is building its own permanent facility in Augusta to handle heightened fleet activity during Masters week. It includes a private ramp with 432,000 square feet of space for aircraft parking, and a full-service terminal. The company said the private ramp offers “efficient and discreet boarding and deplaning”—in other words, away from the rest of the private-jet scramble. The new terminal shows how important the Masters is to NetJets and its [fractional](https://robbreport.ph/tag/fractional-ownership/ "fractional ownership") owners. Last year, it operated almost 580 flights to and from Augusta, up 34 percent compared to the previous year. Following the terminal’s completion for next year’s event, NetJets expects that number to reach 775 flights. The Augusta facility reflects “our investment in making their overall experience, not just travel, memorable,” said Patrick Gallagher, president of NetJets Aviation in a statement. [Jet Linx](https://jetlinx.com/) takes a different approach, hosting Masters parties at its network of private terminals before flying card members into three smaller airports, each about a half-hour’s drive from the course. “It costs them no more time,” says Jamie Walker, Jet Linx’s executive chairman. “And we can have better \[jet\] slot availability.” For last year’s presidential inauguration, Orlando-based [Stratos](https://www.stratosjets.com/) routed clients to three regional airports in the Washington, D.C., area rather than sending all its charter jets to Dulles. “You’re able to avoid some of the special-event fees and some of the post-event traffic,” C.E.O. Joel Thomas explains, which is typically when most jets want to fly out at the same time. “If you are willing to spend a little more time in the car, you could probably save yourself from getting stuck behind 20 other jets waiting for departure.” Very-light jets, which can carry four to five passengers, are less expensive than larger aircraft types since FBOs charge by weight and size. New York-based [Flyte](https://www.flyflyte.com/) uses a fleet of [Vision Jets](https://cirrusaircraft.com/aircraft/vision-jet/) for game-day transport. “The bigger jet you have, the more expensive it is,” says Marc Sellouk, CEO. “By finding surrounding airports and leveraging our smaller platform, we can get people to those sporting events with less cost.” The old adage that time is money holds true here, says Kolin Jones, founder and C.E.O. of Los Angeles–based [Amalfi Jets](https://amalfijets.com/). Final pricing, he notes, can double as the supply of available aircraft shrinks closer to the big day. “Book at least four to eight weeks in advance,” Jones advises. Some brokers also offer flight insurance to cover logistical or mechanical disruptions, including replacement aircraft when needed. Despite the extra fees and runway bottlenecks, the allure of witnessing the world’s most popular sporting contests shows no signs of waning. The FIFA World Cup in June is expected to draw more than 5 million spectators at 104 matches across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, with a rising share arriving by [private jet](https://robbreport.ph/tag/private-jet/ "private jet"). Even so, Jet Linx’s Walker says experience has helped the industry better manage game-day gridlock at airports never designed for this level of demand, at least to a point. “It’s still a traffic jam,” he says, “but I’d say it’s a controlled traffic jam.” *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Aviation **Tags:** Fifa World Cup, flexjet, Grand Prix, Magazine, netjets, private jet, Sporting Events, The Masters --- ### [Sounding the Alarm: The Chiming Watches of the Patek Philippe Calatrava](https://robbreport.ph/watches/sounding-the-alarm-the-chiming-watches-of-the-patek-philippe-calatrava/) **Published:** September 18, 2026 **Author:** Carl Cunanan **Content:** When people ask me what my [Patek Philippe ](https://robbreport.ph/tag/patek-philippe/)choice would be if I could have any I wanted, my answer seems to surprise most. It does not, however, surprise anyone who has been a serious and long-term enthusiast, follower, or collector. My answer is: one of their wonderful [chiming watches.](https://robbreport.ph/watches/making-time-sing-a-look-at-the-chiming-watches-competing-at-gphg-2026/) Patek Philippe chiming watches have always been high on the list of ultimates for many, if not most, serious collectors, and even then, they are very scarce. The minute repeaters of Patek Philippe have always been tested by hand and ear personally before they leave the premises by Thierry Stern or, previously, [the late Philippe Stern](https://robbreport.ph/watches/philippe-stern-passion-responsibility-generational-vision-and-a-smile/). There’s always been something special about them. There were two new references from Patek Philippe that were released this year at [Watches and Wonders](https://robbreport.ph/tag/watches-and-wonders/) that didn’t get attention the way others did. And yet they are very key pieces for several reasons. They are the 5322G chiming alarms, either as a 5322G-001 with a gradient blue face or a 5322G-010 with a gradient green face. Both of these are in white gold 41-millimeter [Calatrava](https://robbreport.ph/tag/calatrava/) cases with the hobnail texture along the sides of the case band. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/670809448_18575453533000301_2827620973027797106_n.webp) *Patek Philippe* The dials alone deserve discussion. They are quite striking in person, with changing light shifting the look from matte to glossy and the gradient along the edges adding interest and depth. The dial-making process itself is quite involved and time-consuming, with each one taking from four to six months and approximately 60 different operations. > “Most think of alarm watches as buzzing, but that would just not do for Patek Philippe.” This is a grand complication watch. It is technically extremely strong, and yet it doesn’t come off like that visually. With the colors and the precise execution of the indices, it is clearly a more modern take on the relatively classic look of complicated watches and the Calatravas. Many people won’t even recognize it as being as special as it is. There’s a subdial at 6 o’clock that acts as a date indicator. There are also two apertures at the upper part of the watch that you might think at first would be date or month indications, but what they show is the alarm time in a digital expression, settable in 15-minute increments. Above and below that digital display are two apertures that show whether the time indicated for the alarm is set for day or night and whether the alarm is on or off, which is activated by the pusher at around 2 o’clock. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/670792070_18579473482011653_3263609846304793492_n.webp) *Patek Philippe* The digital alarm time is set using the first pull of the crown, while time-telling with the hour, minute, and seconds hands is set by the second pull of the crown. When the crown is in the fully closed position, you wind the time-telling mechanism in one direction (counterclockwise) and the alarm in the other direction (clockwise). Now let’s get to the alarm. Most think of alarm watches as buzzing, but that would just not do for Patek Philippe. This is a chiming watch. And it hits the gongs for a sound that is more like the minute repeaters than it is a vintage alarm watch or clock. It is tuned to produce a set number of strikes per second, 2.5 per second for a total of around 90. This consistency needed its own mechanism, an inertial governor, just to regulate it. The alarm system alone has been granted four patents. If you flip the watch over, through the sapphire crystal caseback you will see the hammer as it strikes the gong. That movement is the AL 30-660SC, self-winding and with a power reserve between 42 and 52 hours. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/PP_5322G-010_DET_WEBP-3840px-12-scaled-1-2240x3983.webp) *Patek Philippe* As we said, this is a bit of a more modern take on what would normally be a very classic or classical timepiece. That is reflected in the colors of the dial, and it is also reflected in how they chose to make the straps, which are a composite material with a fabric pattern that matches the color of the dial. This is a watch that may see much more use than traditional grand complications, which brings us to another interesting thing about this watch. It is the only Patek Philippe chiming watch in the current collection that is water-resistant, up to 30 meters, though more for protection from rain and splashes than any serious water immersion. These two new members of the stalwart Calatrava family, with their colorful look and their grand complication, haven’t really drawn attention from the mainstream or even lower- or mid-level discussions. For true enthusiasts and collectors, though, they are considered surprisingly enticing pieces that deserve a place on the wrist for their fine watchmaking journey. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report Philippines’ [Watches and Jewelry Issue](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-august-2026-the-watches-and-jewelry-issue/).* ## FAQs ### What is the Patek Philippe 5322G? The Patek Philippe 5322G is a 41 mm white-gold Calatrava grand complication featuring a chiming alarm, digital alarm display, date indication, and gradient-colored dial. ### How does the Patek Philippe 5322G alarm work? Instead of buzzing, the 5322G uses hammers and gongs to produce a chiming alarm more closely related to a minute repeater. It delivers about 90 strikes at a regulated rate of 2.5 strikes per second. ### What movement powers the Patek Philippe 5322G? The watch is powered by the self-winding AL 30-660 SC movement, which offers approximately 42 to 52 hours of power reserve and can be viewed through the sapphire-crystal caseback. ### What is special about the dial of the Patek Philippe 5322G? The watch is offered with gradient blue or gradient green dials, each requiring approximately four to six months and around 60 separate operations to produce. ### Is the Patek Philippe 5322G water-resistant? Yes. The 5322G is water-resistant to 30 meters, making it the only chiming watch in Patek Philippe’s current collection with water resistance. **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** calatrava, Chiming Watches, Feature, Magazine, Patek Philippe --- ### [Meet the Tuscans Embracing Winemaking Techniques of Ancient Rome](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/wine/meet-the-tuscans-embracing-winemaking-techniques-of-ancient-rome/) **Published:** September 18, 2026 **Author:** Mike DeSimone **Content:** While oak barrels have been the gold standard for aging wine for the past several hundred years, a handful of cutting-edge Tuscan estates are rediscovering a far older vessel: terra-cotta amphora. While these ancient containers fell into disuse as stainless-steel tanks and oak barrels took hold of the wine world, some of [Tuscany’s](https://robbreport.ph/tag/tuscany/) best wineries are experimenting with amphora fermentation and aging to maintain unadulterated expressions of their vineyards. What started as a fringe practice using this historical material has blossomed into a wider dialogue among the region’s most forward-thinking winemakers. Tuscany has been home to clay pits revered for fine terra-cotta wine vessels used for production and storage since the time of the Etruscans, and many wineries still use local clay in addition to venturing further afield in Italy and Europe. “For me, one of the most interesting things about amphora is almost what it doesn’t bring,” says Marilisa Allegrini, owner of San Polo in Montalcino. “Unlike oak, it does not impose another aromatic layer on the [wine](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/wine/), while its porosity still allows a measured exchange with oxygen.” Allegrini points to the similarities and differences between her San Polo Amphora Vignamasso Toscana IGT and the winery’s Rosso di Montalcino, which are both 100 percent Sangiovese from neighboring high-elevation vineyards. While Amphora Vignamasso is made entirely in amphora, the Rosso di Montalcino ages for a year in large oak casks. “Both wines share the mineral-driven character and lively acidity we associate with our vineyards, but their aromatic and textural profiles are quite different,” Allegrini says. “Oak tends to soften the wine while contributing sweet-spice notes, whereas amphora allows the savory character of our terroir to come forward more clearly, with a very different texture.” “Amphora is particularly useful because it gives us a very direct reading of the grape variety,” says Alessio Gorini, COO of Avignonesi, one of the foremost producers of Vino Nobile de Montepulciano. “Without the aromatic contribution or textural sweetness of wood, characteristics such as aroma, acidity, tannin and texture remain particularly easy to identify.” Utilizing amphora for his Da•Di Rosso and Da•Di Bianco IGT Toscana wines, he uses slightly different techniques for the two bottlings. The majority of Da•Di Rosso (red) ferments in Tuscan terra-cotta amphorae and remains in contact with the skins for approximately three months. Meanwhile, a small portion of wine is fermented separately in stainless steel and is used to top up the amphorae once the most active phase of fermentation has finished. Da•Di Bianco (white) ferments without skins directly in ceramic amphorae from a local producer and continues its aging in the same type of vessel, although in some vintages Gorini has had to use neutral barrels for a portion of the wine due to quantity issues. Both the red and white are reassembled in stainless tanks prior to bottling. “At Avignonesi, amphorae are first and foremost small laboratories for learning,” he says. He explains that this type of experimental, small-lot winemaking allows him to better understand specific winemaking choices such as the impact of whole-cluster fermentation on Sangiovese: “Amphora helps us understand the identity of a grape and the consequences of individual winemaking decisions with unusual clarity.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Avignonesi_Still_Life_Giorno.webp) *Avignonesi* “I love the idea of making wine in Tuscany using Tuscan earth itself,” says Elena Casadei, winemaker of Le Anfore di Elena Casadei. The second generation of Famiglia Casadei, she uses a combination of local Impruneta clay amphorae and traditional Georgian qvevri. “I also love working with qvevri because they connect me with an ancient winemaking culture, one that has even been recognized by UNESCO.” Having been introduced to amphora by her father, Stefano, she says the vessels are what made her fall in love with wine. “I find it incredible that one of the oldest winemaking tools in history can still feel so contemporary today,” she says. “Working with amphorae has taught me to observe, to taste, to wait, and above all to accept that not everything has to be the same every time.” Producing a wide range of single variety wine across her family’s estates in [Sardinia](https://robbreport.com/travel/destinations/duel-sardinia-vs-amsterdam-1234728051/) and Tuscany, Casadei was first fascinated by the way the same grapes could express themselves differently by changing the vessel, and her curiosity led her to create her own range of amphora wine. “Stainless steel tends to offer a fresher, more linear expression; oak allows for an exchange with oxygen but can also leave its own aromatic and structural signature,” she says. “Terra-cotta, on the other hand, allows the wine to evolve without imparting the distinctive aromatic influence typically associated with oak.” One of the mainstays of natural wine, terra-cotta is often blamed for the gritty feeling that it can potentially bring, but this can be the result of winemaking decisions rather than material. “Amphorae can certainly produce wines with a distinctive texture and a strong tactile quality, but that is very different from having unwanted sediment or a wine that lacks precision,” Casadei says. “We aim to achieve clean, precise wines through time, natural settling, and careful management throughout the entire winemaking process, intervening as little as possible. For me, minimal intervention does not mean accepting imprecision.” At San Polo, dabbling with amphora has allowed Allegrini’s team to dial down the amount of sulfur. Because amphora is less porous than oak, they discovered that they could use less of the preservative in the winemaking process. “Combined with the other qualities we value in amphora—its porosity, neutrality and non-conductive nature—the experience has helped inform a larger evolution in our cellar,” Allegrini says. Starting with the 2025 vintage, San Polo no longer uses stainless steel and works exclusively with concrete, oak and amphora. “What started as an experiment has therefore become something much more meaningful to us: the lessons we have taken from the past are now actively helping to shape the future.” True not just at San Polo but across all of Tuscany, this ancient substance leaves a lasting but invisible mark on the wines it touches. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* ## FAQs ### Why are Tuscan winemakers using amphorae again? Winemakers are returning to terra-cotta amphorae because the vessels allow controlled oxygen exchange without adding the aromatic influence associated with oak, helping preserve the character of the grape and vineyard. ### How does amphora aging differ from oak aging? Oak can soften wine and contribute flavors such as sweet spice, while amphora is relatively neutral and allows acidity, tannin, minerality, and savory characteristics to remain more clearly expressed. ### Which Tuscan wineries are using amphorae? Producers experimenting with amphora include San Polo in Montalcino, Avignonesi in Montepulciano, and Elena Casadei through her Le Anfore di Elena Casadei wines. ### What types of amphorae are used for Tuscan wine? Winemakers use vessels made from local Tuscan terra-cotta, including Impruneta clay, as well as ceramic amphorae and traditional Georgian qvevri. ### Does amphora winemaking produce cloudy or sediment-heavy wine? Not necessarily. While amphora wines can have a distinctive texture, producers can still achieve clean and precise results through careful handling, natural settling, and controlled minimal-intervention techniques. **Categories:** Wine **Tags:** Feature, Oeno Files, Sangiovese, Tuscany --- ### [The AMB 002 Makes the Case for an Aston Martin Motorcycle](https://robbreport.ph/motorcycles/the-amb-002-makes-the-case-for-an-aston-martin-motorcycle/) **Published:** September 18, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** The word “redefining” gets thrown around too freely today. But few carmakers have made reinvention as central to their identity as [Aston Martin](). Extending that sensibility beyond four wheels onto two wheels, however, can be a much harder proposition. Enter the AMB 002, which succeeds by carrying over the drama without predictably making the [motorcycle](https://robbreport.ph/tag/motorcycle/) feel like a reduced car. Unveiled last week, the AMB 002 marks the third product of the partnership and its first actual street-legal machine. It’s important to note that its predecessors, the AMB 001 from 2019 and AMB 001 Pro from 2022, were track-only exercises, the latter pushing output to 225 hp. Moving onto public roads has produced something tamer, at least by comparison. The 002 makes 130 hp and 110 Nm from a new 1,083 cc water-cooled V-twin, weighs 190 kg, and adopts an upright riding position more suited to roads than lap records. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Aston_Martin_and_Brough_Superior_AMB_002_Roadster__5-2240x1008.webp) The sculpted carbon-fiber bodywork to the reworked side strake and cooling gills cut into the fairing *Aston Martin* Visually, the bike pitches noticeably forward, its compact tail leaving much of the rear wheel exposed while the mass of the carbon-fiber bodywork gathers around the tank and engine. There is something almost animal about the silhouette, though its best details become apparent when the surface treatment gives way to the machinery underneath. The carbon-fiber fuel tank and fairings form a smooth, almost pebble-like volume around the rider. Crescent-shaped cooling gills interrupt those surfaces, while extraordinarily thin mirror stalks keep the front end from accumulating too much visual weight. Carbon fiber could easily have become decorative shorthand for performance here. Instead, the material is used to reduce the motorcycle to a few uninterrupted shapes. It’s what adds that industrial-sculptural layer to the superbike. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Aston_Martin_and_Brough_Superior_AMB_002_Roadster__3-2240x2240.webp) From the rear, see the blade-like taillights inspired by Aston Martin’s Vulcan, Valkyrie, and Valhalla. *Aston Martin* Those Aston Martin signature side strake cuts through the fairing before surrounding the headlamp. Twin exhausts finished with ribbed heat sinks nod to the Vanquish, DB12 S, and DBX S. At the rear, the connection becomes more theatrical, with blade-like lights drawn from the Vulcan, Valkyrie, and Valhalla. Brough Superior’s contributions come in with the titanium backbone frame, milled from solid billet, weighing just five kilograms. CNC-machined engine cases, an aluminum rear frame, and the company’s unusual Fior-type double-wishbone front suspension also bring a degree of mechanical intricacy that deserves to remain visible. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Aston_Martin_and_Brough_Superior_AMB_002_Roadster__7-2240x2240.webp) From the rear, see the blade-like taillights inspired by Aston Martin’s Vulcan, Valkyrie, and Valhalla. *Aston Martin* Even the leather saddle pads feel less like an obligatory luxury flourish when surrounded by so much unapologetically technical hardware. Whether all of this produces the promised precision on the road will require time in the saddle. On design alone, however, the AMB 002 may be the clearest evolution yet of why this collaboration makes sense. Brough Superior supplies an engineering language sufficiently eccentric to stand beside Aston Martin’s, while Aston gives the machinery its visual identity. *Only 300 examples will be individually built, with first deliveries scheduled for the third quarter of 2027. More information [here](https://www.astonmartin.com/en).* ## FAQs ### What is the Aston Martin AMB 002? The AMB 002 is a street-legal motorcycle developed by Aston Martin and Brough Superior. It is the third model created through their partnership and the first designed for public roads. ### How much power does the Aston Martin AMB 002 make? The AMB 002 produces 130 hp and 110 Nm of torque from a 1,083 cc water-cooled V-twin engine. ### How is the AMB 002 different from the AMB 001? Unlike the track-only AMB 001 and AMB 001 Pro, the AMB 002 is road legal and adopts a more upright riding position. It also makes less power than the 225-hp AMB 001 Pro. ### What Aston Martin design cues appear on the AMB 002? The motorcycle incorporates Aston Martin-inspired side strakes, ribbed exhaust details referencing models such as the Vanquish and DB12 S, and blade-like rear lights influenced by the Vulcan, Valkyrie, and Valhalla. ### What engineering does Brough Superior contribute to the AMB 002? Brough Superior developed elements including the five-kilogram titanium backbone frame, CNC-machined engine cases, aluminum rear structure, and Fior-type double-wishbone front suspension. **Categories:** Cars, Motorcycles **Tags:** AMB 002, aston martin, motorcycles, News --- ### [Peninsula Manila: The Hotel That Makati Happened Around](https://robbreport.ph/travel/hotels/manila-peninsula-the-hotel-that-makati-happened-around/) **Published:** September 17, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** Makati’s history is written into the modernist bones of [The Peninsula Manila](https://robbreport.ph/tag/the-peninsula-manila/). Beneath Napoleon Abueva’s iconic Sunburst, the Lobby opens upward in a sweep of marble, chandeliers, palms, and broad staircases, carrying the hum of a room that has seen presidents and soldiers, newlyweds and debutantes, orchestras, eccentrics, and generations of families return to the same tables. Outside, Makati has spent decades remaking itself in glass and steel. The hotel, by contrast, has preserved an older idea of grandeur. Since opening in September 1976, its permanence has been tested repeatedly. Political crises have reached its doors more than once. In 2007, one quite literally came crashing through when Senator Antonio Trillanes IV and Brigadier General Danilo Lim marched into The Peninsula with Magdalo soldiers and supporters after walking out of a court hearing tied to the 2003 Oakwood mutiny. It only took a previously unthinkable pandemic to finally empty the Lobby. By then, The Peninsula had become one of those rare places where Manila’s public memory and private rituals kept finding themselves in the same room. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/40th-Anniversary-Celebration-5.webp) The Peninsula Manila during the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star celebration in 2019. *Archives/The Peninsula Manila* ## A Monument for a Modern Manila The Peninsula Manila’s image begins with a certain architectural severity. Gabriel Formoso and Wimberly, Whisenand, Allison, Tong & Goo conceived the 1976 hotel in a Brutalist idiom, with a low, weighty profile, deep overhangs, and a disciplined repetition of concrete that still enjoys an unusual calm against Makati’s increasingly glassy skyline. The extensive 1994 renovation complicated that language a bit. Marble, columns, chandeliers, grand staircases, and works by National Artists gave the interior a charming ceremonial flourish. Ground was broken on January 6, 1975, with Horace and Michael Kadoorie, P.L. Lim, Enrique Zobel, Jose D. Aspiras, and Carlos Palanca among those present. The hotel opened on September 14 the following year, becoming only the second Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels property to bear the Peninsula name after Hong Kong. Weeks later, Manila hosted the IMF–World Bank annual meetings, around which the first Marcos administration had mounted an extraordinary construction campaign. Fourteen new hotels were officially sponsored for the influx, alongside convention facilities and other infrastructure meant to receive thousands of foreign delegates and guests. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/1996_Margaret-Thatcher-GM-Rolf-Pfisterer-1996.webp) Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher being greeted by then-General Manager Rolf Pfisterer during her stay at The Peninsula Manila in 1996. *Archives/The Peninsula Manila* The irony is that Peninsula soon acquired a life far messier, and more colorful, than the international showcase surrounding its birth. The hotel identifies Gina Lollobrigida, the Italian actor and photojournalist, as its first celebrity guest after the IMF–World Bank delegates. Francis Ford Coppola became a regular during the Philippine production of “Apocalypse Now.” Over the decades, the guest list widened across politics, royalty, business, and entertainment: Margaret Thatcher, Queen Sofia of Spain, Prince Andrew, Bill Gates, Stevie Wonder, and, much later, the cast of The Bourne Legacy all passed through. Just as important were the people who never needed a room. Sir Michael Kadoorie has called the Lobby the place “to see and be seen,” and the hotel’s own records count more than a thousand wedding couples and other celebrants photographed on its twin staircases over the decades, alongside politicians, screen stars, and visiting heads of state. The first wedding reception arrived in the hotel’s opening year. From there, the Rigodon Ballroom became the backdrop to weddings, debuts, charity dinners, and the sort of black-tie nights for which Manila society has always known how to dress. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/1998_Arrival-of-Kobe-Bryant-met-by-Resident-Manager-Rudy-Oretti-Aug-1998.webp) Kobe Bryant being welcomed by then-Resident Manager Rudy Oretti upon his arrival at the hotel in 1998. *Archives/The Peninsula Manila* Music gave all that ceremony a less formal rhythm. During Martial Law curfews, the Lobby developed into a gathering place for families and friends reluctant to stay out late elsewhere. Then rain intervened. In 1983, a downpour scuttled a planned Manila Symphony Orchestra performance at the old Glorietta. Conching Sunico called P.L. Lim. Lim called general manager Felix Bieger, and within hours the Lobby had become an improvised concert hall. More than a thousand people reportedly came. Concert at The Pen started, funny enough, as a contingency plan. ## When History Came Through Its Doors ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/1975_PMN-Groundbreaking-Ceremony-Copy.webp) The hotel’s groundbreaking ceremony, circa 1975. *Archives/The Peninsula Manila* The trouble with occupying one of the city’s most visible corners is that eventually the city’s troubles find you. During the December 1989 coup attempt against post-dictatorship President Corazon Aquino, fighting moved into the financial district and trapped hundreds inside The Peninsula. The hotel contracted around them as the week deteriorated: the pool closed, then the public rooms, then the bars. At six one morning, with a firefight underway outside, 620 guests were moved into a windowless dining room and spent the night on the carpet. Contemporary reporting caught the absurdity of five-star hospitality under siege particularly well. Canadian physician Harry Richardson later recalled that the hotel kept everyone fed and, during the final days, even supplied free beer. General manager Niklaus Leuenberger and roughly 270 employees continued looking after the stranded guests through eight days of unrest. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/The-Peninsula-Manila-General-Manager-David-Batchelor-left-is-picture-welcoming-US-Secretary-of-State-Colin-Powell-right-to-was-billeted.webp) Then-General Manager David Batchelor welcoming former United States Secretary of State Colin Powell during his official visit in 2002. *Archives/The Peninsula Manila* Other episodes were considerably easier on the upholstery. The hotel catered a lunch for Pope John Paul II during his 1995 Manila visit. At the turn of the millennium, Regine Velasquez sang “Written in the Sand” from the grand fountain with some 2,000 children, a celebration carried internationally as part of the BBC’s 2000 Today broadcast. Former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell received a standing ovation when he entered the Lobby in 2002. There, too, somewhere in this procession of statesmen, artists, celebrities, and moguls, was Barney the Dinosaur. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/1997_Burt-Bacharach-Dione-Warwick-GM-Rolf-Pfisterer.webp) Burt Bacharach (left), Dionne Warwick (centre), and then-General Manager Rolf Pfisterer, circa 1997. *Archives/The Peninsula Manila* One 2002 dinner shows how far that appetite for theater could go. As The Philippine Star reported at the time, the Philippine chapter of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs asked Peninsula to turn the Rigodon Ballroom into an Arabian-night fantasy for its grand dîner amical. Organizer Fred Fricke’s brief to the hotel was only “to dazzle.” In true Peninsula fashion, sand covered the floor, while fountains, lamps, and patterned tiles supplied the scenery. Evening gowns, barongs, and dinner jackets made up the rest. Champagne opened a seven-course dinner. > “The trouble with occupying one of the city’s most visible corners is that eventually the city’s troubles find you.” Then came November 29, 2007, when hotel anecdote and national crisis collapsed into each other. Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, Brigadier General Danilo Lim, Magdalo soldiers, and civilian supporters entered The Peninsula after walking out of a court hearing tied to the 2003 Oakwood mutiny. Most of the senior management happened to be away in Tagaytay. The staff left in Makati suddenly had to manage an occupation. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Y2K-3.webp) The Peninsula Manila during the 2000 Millennium Concert. *Archives/The Peninsula Manila* The surreal details are the ones that survive best. Some guests posed for photographs with soldiers. Others resisted abandoning afternoon tea. Staff produced function rooms, televisions, and water. “We couldn’t explain to them what was going on,” banquet chief Dominador Alejandro Jr. later recalled, “because we weren’t sure ourselves.” Clubhouse sandwiches went to Trillanes’s group while red ribbons came from the flower shop and returned as armbands. By late afternoon, the improvisation had ended. Government forces used gunfire and tear gas, and an armored personnel carrier smashed through the entrance before Trillanes and Lim surrendered. The photographs remain almost indecently surreal: military hardware beneath the chandeliers of one of Manila’s grandest rooms. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/1989_Coup-d_etat-1989-4.webp) A tank outside the hotel during the 1989 coup d’état. *Archives/The Peninsula Manila* Four days later, the hotel answered with full-page advertisements: “Business as usual, Christmas as usual at The Peninsula.” Glass gets replaced, tables are reset, and yes, your dear afternoon tea resumes. ## A Hotel That Became a Habit ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/9-3.webp) The Peninsula Manila’s second-floor lobby walkway in an earlier era, when luxury boutiques lined the space now home to The Conservatory. *Archives/The Peninsula Manila* By its 40th anniversary in 2016, the hotel was perfectly willing to perform its own legend. The Peninsula’s account of the gala places Lea Salonga onstage, Las Guitarras—the ensemble associated with the Lobby’s early years—back in the room, and capiz lighting overhead. The feast roamed from caviar and lobster to lechon and turbot before guests spilled into Salon de Ning and Spices. Nevertheless, the smaller stories are what keep all this from hardening into institutional mythology. Walter Bucher, for instance, has reportedly treated the Lobby as a daily appointment since 1978, long enough for habit to become something closer to tenure. Weddings produce children who later return for debuts. Christmas tables acquire unofficial owners while staff members learn families as recurring characters. Salon de Ning’s 2010 opening gave that instinct a more theatrical form. Contemporary accounts describe the Lobby transformed by colored light and a procession of gloved hands appearing with Champagne. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2000_Millennium-Street-Party-3.webp) An aerial view of the Millennium Concert and Street Party in 2000. *Archives/The Peninsula Manila* Then, in 2020, arrangement itself became impossible. For the first time in 44 years, The Peninsula Manila closed its doors, though the hotel says it retained its employees through the shutdown. Which leaves a peculiar inversion after everything that came before: Coups had filled the Lobby with soldiers, statesmen with security details, weddings with families, and at least one purple dinosaur with whatever logistical requirements accompany a purple dinosaur. It took an empty room to produce the strangest image of all. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/3.webp) A glimpse of The Peninsula Manila before its 1994 transformation, with the original fountain and façade still in place. *Archives/The Peninsula Manila* There is, of course, a danger in making too much of endurance. Hotels are businesses before they are repositories of collective feeling, after all, and nostalgia has a convenient habit of improving whatever it remembers. The Peninsula has changed plenty in 50 years. Continuity inevitably has required a fair amount of change. It’s there in the guest who knows which table to ask for, or in the waiter who remembers what arrives with the tea, or in the family photo whose background happens to contain the same staircase as one taken 30 years earlier. Hotels are unusually good at creating the feeling that nothing has happened between visits, even when nearly everything has. Makati will continue doing what Makati does. Its cranes will rise, towers will disappear behind newer towers, and another supposedly permanent skyline will become somebody’s before picture. The Manila Peninsula will change, too. But for now, the Sunburst remains overhead, people still gather under it, and the Lobby keeps making room for whatever’s next. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report Philippines’ [Watches and Jewelry Issue](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-august-2026-the-watches-and-jewelry-issue/).* ## FAQs ### When did The Peninsula Manila open? The Peninsula Manila opened on September 14, 1976, shortly before Manila hosted the IMF–World Bank annual meetings. It was the second Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels property to carry the Peninsula name. ### Who designed The Peninsula Manila? The hotel was conceived by Filipino architect Gabriel Formoso with Wimberly, Whisenand, Allison, Tong & Goo, using a weighty architectural language marked by deep overhangs and strong concrete forms. ### What happened at The Peninsula Manila during the 2007 Manila Peninsula siege? On November 29, 2007, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, Brigadier General Danilo Lim, Magdalo soldiers, and supporters occupied the hotel after walking out of a court hearing. Government forces later entered the property, with an armored personnel carrier breaking through the hotel entrance before the group surrendered. ### What role did The Peninsula Manila play during the 1989 coup attempt? During the December 1989 coup attempt against President Corazon Aquino, fighting in Makati trapped hundreds of guests inside the hotel. Around 620 guests were eventually moved into a windowless dining room as staff continued operating through eight days of unrest. ### Why is The Peninsula Manila considered an important Makati landmark? Over five decades, the hotel has hosted weddings, debuts, concerts, dignitaries, celebrities, political events, and generations of Manila families, making its Lobby and public spaces recurring settings for both private rituals and national history. **Categories:** Hotels **Tags:** Feature, History, Magazine, Makati, Manila Peninsula, The Lobby --- ### [At Tasting Room, Every Bottle Begins with a Conversation](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/at-tasting-room-the-best-wine-pairing-tip-is-to-forget-the-rules/) **Published:** July 7, 2026 **Author:** Ria de Borja **Content:** Makati’s dining scene has a new destination for wine lovers or those who simply want to discover the world of wine. Led by General Manager and Head Sommelier Danyell Gatchalian, the venue is rethinking how Filipinos experience wine, making it more approachable through curated pairings and hospitality-driven service. Located within Levanto’s culinary collective alongside Hakka, Mireia, Brontë, Tadhana, and Taglish, Tasting Room aims to become a place where seasoned wine drinkers and first-time tasters feel equally at home. “It’s not a wine bar. It’s not a wine shop or a restaurant,” says Gatchalian. “It’s a wine lounge.” In a city where wine destinations often revolve around impressive cellars or extensive bottle lists, Tasting Room takes a different stance. Guests might begin the evening with Champagne before dinner, return after a meal for another pour, or join one of the venue’s planned tastings, workshops, whiskey flights, tequila experiences, and masterclasses. The objective is to cultivate curiosity. “We’re creating multiple entry points into the world of wine,” says Gatchalian. ## Where Wine Meets Hospitality ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/DSF1438.webp) Ed Simon Before he became a sommelier, Gatchalian pursued hospitality. A graduate of Hospitality Management from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, he completed his master’s degree in International Hospitality Management in San Diego at 22 years old. He worked at Maryland’s Inn at Perry Cabin, where an internship under sommelier Chance Miller first sparked his fascination with wine. “Watching the way he connected people, stories, and wine inspired me to take a chance of my own,” Gatchalian recalls. That journey eventually led him to the Finger Lakes region of New York, where he earned a certification from the Court of Master Sommeliers of America, before refining his understanding of hospitality at the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills. “I’ve always believed hospitality is learned as much on the floor as it is in the classroom,” he says. That belief has become the foundation of Tasting Room. “Our philosophy is simple,” he explains. “Hospitality should feel like welcoming someone into your home.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/DSF1287.webp) *Ed Simon* Knowing wine is only part of the job; understanding people is equally important. “One common misconception is that sommeliers spend their lives drinking wine,” he says with a laugh. “In reality, our profession is built on discipline, continuous education, and responsible consumption. We taste to learn and to guide guests—not simply to drink.” ## Making Wine More Approachable ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/DSF1009.webp) At Tasting Room, “every detail is intentional,” says Gatchalian. “From the moment a guest walks through the door, we want them to feel genuinely welcome.” Rather than immediately recommending a bottle, he begins with simple questions. What do you naturally enjoy drinking? What flavours do you gravitate toward? Are you looking for something familiar, or hoping to discover something entirely different? he asks. ## The Human Element “The most important part is getting the right people,” he says, referring first to the team behind the wine lounge. “It’s always the team behind a business that makes it successful.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/DSF1237.webp) *Ed Simon* The second, he says, is creating genuine human connection. “When guests come in, we never want it to feel transactional. We want it to be experiential. We want to create memories through warm hospitality, genuine service, and knowledgeable recommendations.” For Gatchalian, great service lingers longer than a memorable vintage. “Great wine matters,” he says, “but what people remember most is how they are welcomed and how they felt while they were here.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/DSF1355-2240x1493.webp) Danyell Gatchalian, sommelier of Tasting Room. *Ed Simon* That emphasis on discovery also explains why Tasting Room hopes to attract more than just dedicated wine drinkers. While many current guests already appreciate wine, Gatchalian is enthusiastic about welcoming cocktail enthusiasts, whisky collectors, sake drinkers, and those simply looking for a new experience. ## Wine 101 “People often hear that white wine goes with fish and red wine goes with meat,” he says. “But food and wine pairing is far more nuanced.” Sauces, spices, preparation methods, and textures, he explains, often influence a pairing more than the protein itself. His recommendations at Tasting Room reflect that philosophy. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/DSF1078.webp) *Ed Simon* Among the beginner-friendly pairings is the classic duo of Champagne Duval-Leroy Brut Réserve served with Fin de Claire oysters, where the Champagne’s crisp acidity complements the oysters’ briny freshness. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/DSF1263.webp) *Ed Simon* For something less traditional, he recommends Marco Felluga Pinot Grigio from Collio, Italy, paired with Tasting Room’s crispy fried cauliflower dressed with garlic tahini, fresh chili, coriander, and lemon. The wine’s bright acidity balances the richness of the dish while complementing its layers of spice and texture. Guests looking for a fuller-bodied introduction to wine can opt for Domaine L’aurage alongside beef salpicao, a pairing that demonstrates how approachable wines can still possess depth and complexity. “Filipino cuisine is very diverse,” he says. “For many savory and boldly flavored dishes, I would recommend Syrah, Malbec, or Zinfandel.” Those wines, with their generous fruit character and balanced structure, possess enough intensity to stand comfortably alongside the richness, sweetness, acidity, and spice that define Filipino dishes. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/DSF1432.webp) Cocktails are part of the beverage program in Tasting Room. *Ed Simon* Gatchalian encourages guests to let go of rigid rules. “Trust your own palate,” he says. “Wine descriptors are helpful, but taste and aroma are personal experiences. The more attention you pay to what you smell and taste, the more confident you’ll become.” His simplest advice has little to do with tasting notes. “Share wine with other people,” he says. “Wine was never meant to be enjoyed in isolation. Tasting different wines side by side with friends, family, or colleagues allows you to compare styles, discover your preferences, and learn naturally through conversation.” *Tasting Room is located at 4/F Levanto Building, 389 Jupiter St., Makati City, Philippines. Visit their [Instagram account](https://www.instagram.com/tastingroomph/) for more information and to make a reservation.* ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is Tasting Room and where is it located? Tasting Room is a new wine bar in Makati located at 4/F Levanto Building, 389 Jupiter St., Makati City, Philippines. Visit their [Instagram account](https://www.instagram.com/tastingroomph/) for more information and to make a reservation. ### Who is Danyell Gatchalian? Danyell Gatchalian is the General Manager and Head Sommelier of Tasting Room in Makati. His background includes luxury hospitality roles in the United States, and he specializes in making wine more approachable for both enthusiasts and newcomers. ### What are the best wine pairings for beginners? Gatchalian recommends starting with straightforward combinations such as Champagne and oysters, Pinot Grigio with crispy fried cauliflower, or Syrah, Malbec, and Zinfandel alongside richly flavored Filipino dishes. ### What is the biggest misconception about sommeliers? A common misconception is that sommeliers simply drink wine for a living. In reality, the profession is built on education, disciplined tasting, hospitality, and understanding guests’ preferences to make thoughtful recommendations. ### How do you pair wine with Filipino food? Because Filipino cuisine often combines sweetness, acidity, richness, and spice, wines with generous fruit character and structure—such as Syrah, Malbec, and Zinfandel—tend to pair particularly well with many savory Filipino dishes. **Categories:** Food & Drink, Wine **Tags:** Champagne Duval-Leroy Brut Réserve, Danyell Gatchalian, Levanto, Marco Felluga Pinot Grigio, Tasting Room, white wine --- ### [Rolex’s New Perpetual Padellone Revives a Cult-Favorite Vintage Watch](https://robbreport.ph/watches/rolexs-new-perpetual-padellone-revives-a-cult-favorite-vintage-watch/) **Published:** September 17, 2026 **Author:** Carol Besler **Content:** Unlike the rest of the watch industry over the past decade, [Rolex](https://robbreport.ph/tag/rolex/) has released very few, if any, vintage-inspired watches. In fact it releases very few new collections or models at all. But when it does, it’s a blockbuster. The name of the new Perpetual Padellone, launched today, is taken from the nickname of the watch that inspired it, the reference 8171, a triple calendar (day, date, month) with a moon phase display. The 8171 was a rare complication made by Rolex only for a few years in the late 1940s and early 1950s in very small numbers. Recently, it has become an auction darling, selling in the mid-six figures to upwards of $1-million, depending on case material and condition. The name “Padellone” was not the official name of the watch, but a nickname bestowed by collectors. *Padellone* means “large frying pan,” in Italian, cited because of the 8171’s wide (for the time) 38 mm case and flat proportions, with a slightly domed dial. It’s no mistake that the new watch was launched in Milan, where the original was nicknamed by astute collectors. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Rolex-Perpetual-Padellone-4.webp) There are three versions of the new Rolex Padellone, one of them in platinum with the ice blue dial that Rolex reserves only for watches in that metal. *Rolex* The new release comes three years after the launch of the Perpetual 1908 collection in 2023, which replaced the discontinued Cellini collection and introduced the Perpetual line. It’s called a Perpetual, because it’s part of the Perpetual collection, but it is not a perpetual calendar; it’s an [annual calendar](https://robbreport.ph/tag/annual-calendar/). The movement, the new annual calendar caliber 7190, is an evolution of the caliber 7135 introduced in 2025 in the Land-Dweller, and is covered by 30 patent applications, two of them exclusive to this caliber. While the watch of the 1950s was a complete calendar that required manual correction at the end of shorter months, the new one is an annual calendar, automatically accounting for 30- and 31-day months and requiring adjustment just once a year, at the end of February. This is thanks to Rolex’s new Haplos system, for which a patent application has been filed, and which uses just two additional components to distinguish between 30- and 31-day months. It’s a high frequency movement, oscillating at 5Hz (36,000 vph), which improves chronometry and carries Rolex’s Superlative Chronometer certification. The power reserve is approximately 66 hours. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Rolex-Perpetual-Padellone-7.webp) The Perpetual Padellone comes three years after the launch of the Perpetual 1908 collection in 2023, which replaced the discontinued Cellini collection and introduced the Perpetual line. *Rolex* The case is 39 mm (and 12.2 mm thick), only slightly larger than the original 8171, with a fluted bezel instead of a polished one, but with the same number of correctors on the case band: four, to set the day, date, month, and moon phase. A transparent caseback offers a view of caliber 7190, including its Côtes de Genève-finished bridges and cut-out yellow-gold oscillating weight. The case is water resistant to 50 meters (165 feet). The hands are a departure from the original Dauphine hands, with an hour hand rendered in the Breguet style—a slim, elegant stem and hollow circular ring near the tip—just like that on the 1908. The numerals also conform to the 1908 style, with 3 and 9 o’clock Arabic numerals instead of stick indexes like those on the 8171. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Rolex-Perpetual-Padellone-8.webp) The new movement, caliber 7190 is an annual calendar that shows day, date, and month that change instantaneously at midnight, and only needs adjustment once a year, when February turns to March. *Rolex* Day of the week and month are displayed in two apertures below 12 o’clock, while the date is indicated with a crescent-tipped blue hand that frames the number on an outer index. The moon phase, at 6 o’clock, appears in a fully visible enamel disk rather than the half-aperture of the 8171, with both the full and new moons rendered in meteorite—the latter with a dark PVD coating. Over the course of a lunar cycle, each representation aligns in turn with a triangular indicator above the disk. The moon phase displayed is not created by partially obscuring an image of the Moon, but by the continuous movement of the two, illustrating the time elapsed between one new moon and the next full moon. There are three references: two Everose models with grain-finished white dials, one with strap and the other with the brand’s seven-link Settimo bracelet, unveiled on the 1908; and a platinum model with the ice blue dial Rolex reserves for watches made with that metal, on an alligator strap. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Rolex-Perpetual-Padellone-1.webp) Padellone means “large frying pan,” in Italian, cited because of the 8171’s wide (for the time) 38mm case and flat proportions. *Rolex* The watch is not a limited edition, but like the 1908 collection in general, it will be rolled out slowly, in limited quantities. Now is the time for collectors to lean in to their relationship with authorized dealers. Prices are $59,000 for the Everose version with leather strap; $72,000 with Settimo bracelet; and $66,200 for the platinum version with leather strap. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* ## FAQs ### What is the new Rolex Perpetual Padellone? The Rolex Perpetual Padellone is a 39 mm annual-calendar watch inspired by the rare ref. 8171 triple-calendar moon-phase model produced in the late 1940s and early 1950s. ### Why is the Rolex Padellone called “Padellone”? “Padellone” means “large frying pan” in Italian. Collectors gave the original ref. 8171 the nickname because its 38 mm case was unusually wide and flat for its era. ### Is the Rolex Perpetual Padellone a perpetual calendar? No. Despite its name, the Perpetual Padellone uses an annual calendar that automatically distinguishes between 30- and 31-day months and requires correction once a year at the end of February. ### What movement powers the Rolex Perpetual Padellone? The watch uses Rolex’s new caliber 7190, a 5 Hz automatic annual-calendar movement with approximately 66 hours of power reserve and Superlative Chronometer certification. ### How much does the Rolex Perpetual Padellone cost? Prices start at $59,000 for the Everose gold model on leather, rise to $72,000 for Everose gold on the Settimo bracelet, and reach $66,200 for the platinum version on an alligator strap. **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** annual calendar, padellone, Perpetual Padellone, rolex --- ### [At Amorita Palawan, Eric Paras Designs for a State of Mind](https://robbreport.ph/travel/at-amorita-palawan-eric-paras-designs-for-a-state-of-mind/) **Published:** September 16, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** [Amorita Resort & Spa in Puerto Princesa](https://www.amoritaresort.com/puerto-princesa) makes a strong first impression through concrete walls, sharp angles, and long, uninterrupted planes. Its approach departs from the familiar profusion of rattan, decorative greenery, and recognizable Filipino motifs often associated with tropical resorts; open spaces, natural light, and the surrounding landscape offer a perfect foil to the property’s striking architectural character, often described as Brutalist, its form conceived by architect Ed Ledesma. ![The exterior of the Dita Hall, the ballroom at the property, features columns and a reflecting pool. Amorita Palawan](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Dita-Hall-Amorita-Resort-and-Spa-Exterior.webp) The exterior of the Dita Hall, the ballroom at the property, features columns and a reflecting pool. *Amorita Palawan* Amorita’s emotional register brings to mind the work of Tadao Ando (his Church of Light) and the bare spirituality of the Rothko Chapel. In each, mass and emptiness are balanced carefully, while light gives otherwise austere surfaces their emotional depth. What first appears severe gradually becomes contemplative, clearing the field of vision so that the mind can grow still. ![The exterior of Dita Hall, and its reflecting pool.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Dita-Hall-Exterior-Amorita-Resort-and-Spa-2240x2984.webp) For interior designer Eric Paras, however, describing Amorita as strictly Brutalist overlooks the relationship between its architecture and Palawan itself. “I leave the architectural classification to the architects. I see the architecture more as a softer and more humane version of Brutalism, with a modern tropical design language. There is a lot of concrete and stone, but for me, these also connect naturally to Palawan, particularly the limestone formations of the Underground River,” he says. “Once you bring in the landscape, natural light, openness, and tropical setting, the architecture becomes less severe and starts to feel grounded and belonging to the place.” ![Eric Paras at his showroom, Artelano 11. Excel Panlaque](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/IMG_7252.webp) Eric Paras at his showroom, Artelano 11. *Excel Panlaque* Ed Ledesma may have established the original direction, and the Studio Concilio team the architectural design, but Paras approached the interiors as part of the same composition rather than as a decorative layer placed over it. His intervention becomes especially compelling in the resort’s most private accommodations: 14 Pool Villas and two Sky Pool Villas overlooking the Sulu Sea. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Palawan-Pool-Villa-Amorita-Resort-Spa-1.webp) *Amorita Palawan* Each high-ceilinged, 109-square-meter Pool Villa incorporates a private dipping pool, two gardens, an outdoor bathtub, and a well-composed living area. The generous dimensions matter, but the experience of luxury comes from the way the rooms regulate attention: views are framed rather than indiscriminately exposed; furniture establishes distinct places for rest and contemplation without filling every available surface. Empty space becomes an active element, giving the eye—and, eventually, the mind—somewhere to pause. ![The bedroom in one of the spacious Palawan Pool Villas.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Palawan-Pool-Villa-Amorita-Resort-Spa-4-1-2240x3360.webp) The bedroom in one of the spacious Palawan Pool Villas. Paras introduced more rounded shapes to temper the architecture’s harder geometry. “This is why you see a lot of curves and organic forms in the furniture I designed. Some were inspired by petals, foliage, and even the forms and feathers of the katala, the Philippine cockatoo,” he explains. “The furniture, materials, and lighting bring softness and a more human scale against the strength of the architecture.” ![In Artelano 11 are several pieces created for Amorita, like the side table on the foreground, that carries the gravitas of the overall design of the place without resorting to sharp, geometric angles. Excel Panlaque](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/IMG_7350.webp) In Artelano 11 are several pieces created for Amorita, like this side table that carries the gravitas of the overall design of the place without resorting to sharp, geometric angles. *Excel Panlaque* This sensitivity prevents the villas from becoming exercises in austerity. Concrete and sharp lines remain present and powerful, but tactile materials, warm light, and furniture shaped around the body give the rooms intimacy. Massive doors, up close, give way to detail with finely-spaced guilloché patterns. Paras designed the emotional temperature of each space as carefully as its physical arrangement: The interiors work, and they are aesthetically resolved, but their greater purpose is to influence how a guest feels while occupying them. Creating visual texture from straight lines, spare planes, and restrained materials is difficult, but Paras welcomes their interplay, producing an atmosphere that feels spiritual as well as beautiful. ![The pools run front-to-back of the villa.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/IMG_4183-2-scaled.webp) Light is central to that experience, which was particularly key to Paras. He looked beyond its function, directing attention and altering the apparent weight of materials. “During the day, natural light and shadows constantly change how you see the concrete, stone and textures. At night, the lighting creates another mood and a completely different experience—warmer, softer and more intimate,” he says. “We didn’t want everything brightly illuminated. Light is also about shadow and allowing certain materials, objects, landscape and architectural elements to come forward while others recede. “Together with greenery, textures and softer furniture, lighting helps balance the strength of the concrete and brings everything back to a more human scale,” he continues. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Lawn-Amorita-Resort-Spa.webp) *Amorita Palawan* As shadows travel across concrete and stone, the villa changes character throughout the day. This gradual reduction of visual stimulus gives the interiors an almost meditative quality. The mind is not confronted by an accumulation of decorative information and can settle into the subtle changes in light, weather, and landscape. ![At the rear of the villa is a sunbed, and a tub fitted with salts and herbs sourced from Palawan.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/IMG_4184-2240x3982.webp) At the rear of the villa is a sunbed, and a tub fitted with healing salts and herbs sourced from Palawan. The same approach shapes the use of works by Palawan artists and artisans. With little competing for attention, each piece invites closer inspection, establishing a sense of place without relying on familiar symbols. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/IMG_4188-2-2240x3982.webp) “I wanted Palawan to be something you feel rather than something we have to constantly show through motifs,” says Paras. “There are selected works and crafts by Palawan artists and artisans, but these are used with restraint. The material tones, textures, furniture, lighting and landscape all contribute to that sense of place.” The landscape extends this thinking beyond the villa walls. Endemic and native Philippine trees and plants were selected to create planting that feels natural rather than overly manicured. Paras looked to the acacia groves around Puerto Princesa and the bamboo and vegetation seen along the road toward El Nido. These references allow the resort to belong to its location without reducing Palawan to a collection of visual shorthand. ![A chair at Artelano-11 (a-11), which is part of the collection Paras created for Amorita Palawan. Excel Panlaque](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/IMG_7219.webp) A chair at Artelano-11 (a-11), which is part of the collection Paras created for Amorita Palawan. Excel Panlaque His approach ultimately rests on a principle that precedes any particular style. “I think one principle I carry into everything I do is that I always try to put my heart into the work. ‘Yung may puso.’ Whether it is a piece of furniture, an object for A-11, a home, or a resort, I somehow become a steward of the project. I feel responsible not only for how it looks, but for its intent, how it is experienced, and how it will live over time.” ![At Artelano-11 (a-11). The chairs that surround the table are also part of the collection Paras created for Amorita Palawan.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/IMG_7195.webp) At Artelano-11 (a-11). The chairs that surround the table are also part of the collection Paras created for Amorita Palawan. *Excel Panlaque* That stewardship gives Amorita Palawan’s shared spaces and villas their soul. Paras has created interiors that support the practical rituals of a resort stay while making room for stillness, attention, renewal, and escape. As its design quiets the eye, the experience turns inward, offering the increasingly scarce luxury of an uncluttered mind. *Bookings can be made through the Amorita Palawan [website](https://www.amoritaresort.com/puerto-princesa). Rates are not yet published for the Pool Villas and Sky Villas.* *Artelano 11 (a-11) is located at Unit A-11, 2680 F.B. Harrison St, Pasay City, 1300 Metro Manila*; *0917 858 2680*. ## FAQs ### Where is Amorita Resort & Spa in Palawan? Amorita Resort & Spa is located in Puerto Princesa, Palawan. Its Pool Villas and Sky Pool Villas overlook the Sulu Sea. ### Who designed Amorita Resort & Spa in Puerto Princesa? Architect Ed Ledesma established the resort’s original architectural direction, with Studio Concilio handling the architectural design. Interior designer Eric Paras created the interiors and custom furniture. ### What is the architectural style of Amorita Palawan? The property combines Brutalist elements, including exposed concrete, monumental forms, and sharp geometry, with a softer modern tropical approach shaped by natural light, landscaping, and references to Palawan’s limestone formations. ### What does an Amorita Palawan Pool Villa include? Each 109-square-meter Pool Villa has high ceilings, a private dipping pool, two gardens, an outdoor bathtub, and a spacious living area. The resort has 14 Pool Villas and two Sky Pool Villas. ### How can guests book Amorita Palawan? Bookings can be made through the [Amorita Palawan website](https://www.amoritaresort.com/puerto-princesa). Rates for the Pool Villas and Sky Pool Villas have not yet been published. **Categories:** Design, Hotels, Travel **Tags:** a-11, Amorita Palawan, hotel design, hotels, interiors, palawan, Puerto Princesa --- ### [Panerai Just Gave Its Famously Rugged Luminor a Suave Makeover](https://robbreport.ph/watches/panerai-just-gave-its-famously-rugged-luminor-a-suave-makeover/) **Published:** September 16, 2026 **Author:** Paige Reddinger **Content:** Few [watches](https://robbreport.ph/watches/) are as comfortable kicking down a door as they are slipping under a dinner jacket—and for decades, [Panerai](https://robbreport.ph/tag/panerai/) has made a virtue of producing tough timepieces. But to celebrate the centenary of the boutique that helped define the brand, it’s proving that even a symbol of unapologetic brawn can acquire a little polish. Set within the Palazzo Arcivescovile on Piazza San Giovanni and overlooking the Duomo, Panerai’s Orologeria Svizzera boutique opened in 1926, laying the foundations of the brand as we know it today. Founder Giovanni Panerai had started his business 66 years earlier, but it was in this charming location—still in operation today—where the company housed its workshop and honed its reputation as a multibrand retailer, repairer, and master of precision timekeeping. That expertise would eventually propel Panerai from small Florentine shopkeeper to supplier of professional tool watches and instruments to the Italian Navy and, decades later, to a commercial brand in its own right. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Panerai_Orologeria_Patent.webp) From left: the orologeria circa 1935, where the brand honed its early expertise in professional tool watches; a patent received by Panerai in 1949 to trademark the name Luminor. *Courtesy of Panerai* In celebration of the centenary, Panerai has introduced the Luminor Firenze 8 Giorni in two versions: the PAM01734 in platinum and the PAM01794 in polished steel. Both borrow design cues from the midcentury ref. 6152/1, famous for a large case that accommodated first the Rolex caliber 618 and later the Angelus caliber 240. Examples executed in Luminor, a name patented by the brand in 1949, are rare. On the new 44 mm models, however, “Firenze” replaces “Luminor” on the dial—a salute to its historic boutique and to a rare prototype, now in a private collection, that also bore the words “Panerai Firenze” on its dial. Otherwise, the appeal lies in restraint: no date, no complications, just cut-out numerals, indices, and pencil hands tricked out in Super-LumiNova. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Panerai_Luminor_Firenze_2.webp) Panerai’s new Luminor Firenze 8 Giorni PAM01734 sports a platinum case, approximately 100 meters of water resistance, eight days of power reserve, and a circular, brushed-green sandwich dial. *Courtesy of Panerai* Of the pair, the PAM01734 ($56,400) is the prize. Limited to only 100 pieces, it is housed in the watchmaker’s proprietary Platinumtech—a patented alloy made from 95 percent pure platinum that is 85 percent harder than conventional platinum alloys. The material lends the already imposing watch extra heft and durability; it weighs roughly 33 percent more than 18-karat gold. For the first time, the crown’s signature protective bridge sports parallel grooves cut into the inner sides. Further collector catnip includes the brushed-green sandwich dial, green Super-LumiNova hour markers, open caseback, and vintage-inspired domed sapphire crystal. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Panerai_Florence_Boutique.webp) Panerai’s 100-year-old Florence boutique, pictured today. *Courtesy of Panerai* But despite its retro appeal, it has all the modern equipment. Its hand-wound P. 5000 mechanical caliber delivers an eight-day power reserve, an Incabloc Parechoc anti-shock device, and about 100 meters of water resistance—making it fit for more than just showing off. A Tuscan calf-leather strap hot-stamped with the Florentine lily provides the requisite Italian flourish. The watch arrives in a lacquered-mahogany box fitted with a custom metal plaque depicting the boutique’s entrance. For decades, Panerai’s appeal rested on tough-guy timepieces, but it has, increasingly, added a splash of sprezzatura. Here, refinement and ruggedness aren’t mutually exclusive. Die-hard fans can make the pilgrimage to the watchmaker’s roots this month. From September 10 to 19, Panerai will stage Immersion at Florence’s [Museo Marino Marini](https://museomarinomarini.it/en/), followed by celebratory events at [the boutique](https://www.panerai.com/us/en/network/boutiques/firenze-san-giovanni.html) throughout the year. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* ## FAQs ### What is the Panerai Luminor Firenze 8 Giorni? The Luminor Firenze 8 Giorni is a new 44 mm watch created to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Panerai’s historic Orologeria Svizzera boutique in Florence. ### What versions of the Luminor Firenze 8 Giorni are available? Panerai introduced two versions: the PAM01734 in Platinumtech and the PAM01794 in polished steel. ### What is special about the Panerai PAM01734? The PAM01734 uses Panerai’s proprietary Platinumtech alloy, features a brushed-green sandwich dial, and is limited to just 100 pieces. ### What movement powers the Luminor Firenze 8 Giorni? The watch is powered by Panerai’s hand-wound P.5000 mechanical calibre, which offers an eight-day power reserve and approximately 100 meters of water resistance. ### How much does the Panerai Luminor Firenze 8 Giorni PAM01734 cost? The platinum PAM01734 is priced at $56,400 and is limited to 100 examples. **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** Luminor, Magazine, panerai, Watches --- ### [The Luxury of Discomfort: A Month at Sea Off the Grid](https://robbreport.ph/travel/the-luxury-of-discomfort-a-month-at-sea-with-nols/) **Published:** September 17, 2026 **Author:** Isabelle Huang **Content:** I had never been both incredibly homesick and happier to be far away from home more than the night I slept on the Mexican coast, tucked behind a beached sailboat as the wind raged on. In my sophomore year of university back in 2025, I along with 14 other students spent the entire month of January navigating the Sea of Cortez by sailboat, cooking and camping under the stars with only two pairs of T-shirts, a jacket, and a trusty pair of fleece pants. I couldn’t have felt further from my home in Manila, where everything I needed, and considerably more, had always been within reach. ![Our sailing vessel, en route to the next campsite.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/NOLS-Belle-Huang-Baja-Peninsula-SP-2240x2240.webp) Our sailing vessel, en route to the next campsite. I embarked on a sailing expedition with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), where there was no access to a phone, running water, and no way out but through. Founded in Wyoming in 1965, NOLS teaches wilderness skills, leadership, and a particular outdoor sport such as horsepacking, mountaineering, or sailing. While some sports such as backcountry skiing are only hosted in the winters, most activities take place regardless of the season. What one actually learns on these expeditions runs beneath: how to disagree with someone you share a “bathroom” shovel with, how to keep working even while exhausted, how to want to run home and stay anyway. ![A morning routine with a view.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/A-morning-routine-with-a-view.webp) A morning routine with a view. I have spent most of my life learning about the limits of my body and mind. Eighteen years of ballet taught me that discomfort has a shape, a duration, a value—you hold the position because after comes the applause. Trekking taught me that discomfort, given enough hours, stops being a nuisance and just becomes the terrain you’re walking on. I thought I understood what discomfort was by the time I boarded the eighteen-foot sailboat in Baja California, surrounded by strangers and a set of clothes that fit into two small duffle bags. I was wrong. ![During a knot technique workshop session.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Knot-technique-workshop.webp) During a knot technique workshop session. On this night, one of the windiest nights of the trip, we were awoken by our instructors in the early hours of the morning. Suza told us the wind was too strong to keep the boats anchored in the shallows, and that we needed to roll them up onto the beach. I slipped into a military-grade foul-weather suit. I was as miserable as I was cold. But something shifted as we worked—strangers quickly becoming friends, laughing at each other through the beams of our headlamps, hauling in sync. When all five boats were finally resting ashore, I set up my sleeping bag beside one of them to block the wind. It is one of the best worst-nights of sleep I’ve ever had. ![The kitchen setup.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/The-kitchen-setup.webp) The “kitchen” setup. “Room service” takes on another form entirely in the Sea of Cortez. You sit around canister stoves, each one lighting up the long stretch of beach. The ocean before you recedes into the night as the smell of stir-fry—or fish, if someone had caught one—circles through the cool air. We were learning to embrace the basics, held up by the community we were building and the beautiful landscape all around. Instead, it was simple in the most complex way, and that, it seems, was the luxury within. Simplicity was the meal itself, eating from in the same bowl I’d carried with me all week. Being able to finally place the bowl on top of my lap was the complex part; it carried the exhaustion, the company, the salt on my skin from a day out at sea. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/DD3F4743-28FD-4068-AEDD-C23E362B70A4_1_105_c.webp) Transience was a comfort, but some stretches of that month felt endless. On one particular day, our instructors spread us out across the dunes, far enough apart for us to feel alone as we watched the setting sun. For these few hours, I sat with my thoughts and a bottle of water. No book, music, no one to talk to or perform for. The quiet quickly turned heavy. There was no Instagram reel, no inbox I usually check to disguise myself as busy. I had to sit through this moment that felt painfully infinite: Without anything to perform for, I did not know what to do with my own attention. It caught on to the sand stuck beneath my nails, on the sound of wind rustling through the brush. I realized soon after that I did not always have to fill silence or empty space. To have to be fully present is indeed a luxury. I was able to *be*, immersed in the golden desert as the sun slipped under the sea. ![A beached sailboat on a windy day.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/A-beached-sailboat-on-a-windy-day.webp) I am aware of how easily “luxury” can curdle into something else entirely. Simplicity, for most of the world, is *life*. What made this experience a luxury to me was knowing it was transient. I had a return flight and a bed waiting for me back home. That knowledge was a privilege, and this expedition would not have meant what it did without this honesty. Naturally, most families intentionally insulate their children from discomfort. You might have heard of others sending theirs off to the outdoors for a few days at a time, in the hopes that they come back with a resilience that will earn them a seat at the head of the boardroom table. Many schools send their students to similar programs, sending their students away, also hoping they come back a bit more capable of sitting with something they can’t immediately fix. ![Hallie, a fellow student, bundled in her sleeping bag.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Fellow-student-Hallie-bundled-in-her-sleeping-bag.webp) Hallie, a fellow student, bundled up in her sleeping bag. The lessons I learned as we set sail along the Baja California peninsula are undoubtedly ones I will take with me through my professional career, but what proves invaluable are the lessons I learned from the very act of seeking discomfort when those around me have worked so hard to keep me away from it. ![Rest and recreation day spent at the hot springs.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Rest-and-recreation-day-spent-at-the-hot-springs.webp) Rest and recreation day spent at the hot springs. On the last morning, I sat on the beach trying to fold a month of my life back into two duffle bags that had somehow shrunk since I’d arrived. Nothing fit, and I worked the zipper back and forth in frustration that I began to cry. Over gear, over nothing, over the entire month that I wasn’t ready to compress into carry-on dimensions. While other coastlines from my past travels have blended into one, I still know the exact color the water turned as dawn broke, off a beach with no name. I know which knot held the sail to the mast, and which one didn’t. I know the feeling of that first unfamiliar night under the stars, and the last one, spent among strangers who had become entire people to me—with stories, goals, and fears traded over campfires. Back home, I unpacked my bags onto the floor of my room. For a while, I left everything to sit there because for once, I wasn’t in a rush to be anywhere else. *More information on NOLS [here](https://www.nols.edu/).* *Photos courtesy of the author.* **Categories:** Travel **Tags:** outdoor adventure, sailing --- ### [Every Step Dunhill Takes to Craft Its Alfred 40 Briefcase](https://robbreport.ph/style/every-step-dunhill-takes-to-craft-its-alfred-40-briefcase/) **Published:** September 16, 2026 **Author:** Abby Montanez **Content:** Every heritage brand has an archive. The challenge is making it feel fresh. For [Dunhill’s Alfred 40](https://www.dunhill.com/en-us/product/briefcases/alfred-40-patina-calf-DU25R3154NC202.html), the answer wasn’t to re-create a single design from the past but to reinterpret more than 130 years of the British house’s history. Named for founder Alfred Dunhill, whose company earned its reputation creating accessories for motorists, the briefcase weaves together inspiration from automotive luggage, Art Deco metalwork, and document carriers. As creative director Simon Holloway explains, “The ambition was never to create something nostalgic. It was to make a bag that feels completely relevant today, while quietly carrying the character and intelligence of Dunhill’s past.” The details that make the Alfred sing are often the ones you don’t immediately notice. Rather than relying on traditional English bridle leather, Holloway partnered with an Italian tannery to develop a custom patinated calfskin with a rich depth of color and the suppleness needed to achieve the bag’s signature tailored slouch. Each piece is hand-tinted, ensuring that no two bags look exactly alike. Even one of its defining features—the handle—traces its lineage to an 1890s Dunhill map case, a design still produced today in the house’s Walthamstow workshop for its Heritage collection. Starting at $5,300, the Alfred is crafted in Italy over nearly a week, requiring about 24 hours of hands-on work. Only about 200 can be made annually, with roughly five craftspeople assembling 115 leather components. The briefcase is available in three sizes and a curated selection of patina calf, grained calf, and made-to-order alligator finishes, with seasonal colors and materials introduced throughout the year. Designed to soften and develop character over time, it’s meant to last for decades. Here’s how it comes together. ## 1. Reinterpretation ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Dunhill_Alfred_8.webp) *Dunhill* Instead of reviving a single archival case, the design team drew inspiration from throughout Dunhill’s back catalog. The sliding lock references the Unique lighter of the 1920s, with its reed-patterned hardware that also nods to the brand’s historic engine-turned metal textures. “We were almost sampling ideas from across the house’s history, then reinterpreting them in new proportions to create something that feels entirely contemporary,” Holloway notes. ## 2. Sketching ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Dunhill_Alfred_7.webp) *Dunhill* The Alfred takes shape on paper first. Hand sketches establish the case’s proportions before the design evolves through multiple prototypes. A full-size model in Salpa (a composite leather used for prototyping) is created, followed by about 10 leather mock-ups that undergo three rounds of user testing before production begins. ## 3. Patterns ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Dunhill_Alfred_6.webp) *Dunhill* Once the design is finalized, hand-developed patterns are converted into digital files, allowing each component to be laser-cut with precision. But technology only goes so far. Every hide is inspected individually before production, with artisans selecting the highest-quality sections and determining the optimal placement for every piece. ## 4. Handling ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Dunhill_Alfred_5.webp) *Dunhill* The handle is one of the Alfred’s most important elements—and one of its most technically demanding. Made from multiple layers of leather, it’s wet-molded to create its rounded shape before roughly 220 holes are punched for stitching. It’s then hand-sewn and meticulously finished, a process that takes approximately three hours. ## 5. Edge Detailing ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Dunhill_Alfred_4.webp) *Dunhill* Each exposed-leather edge is carefully sanded, painted, and polished using a fine applicator. The process is repeated over a minimum of five coats, with drying time between each layer. The edge paint is typically a shade or two darker than the body of the bag, subtly defining the design’s profile and creating a smooth, durable finish that stands up to everyday use. ## 6. Palladium Finish ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Dunhill_Alfred_3.webp) *Dunhill* With the leatherwork complete, the Alfred begins to take its final form. The bag’s solid-brass hardware is given a vintage-palladium finish before assembly, lending it the soft, aged-silver glow of the Art Deco era. Its signature sliding lock reimagines Dunhill’s Unique lighter as a horizontal clasp. ## 7. Quality Checks ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Dunhill_Alfred_1.webp) Before leaving the workshop, every bag passes through a series of quality checks. Leather and individual components are inspected twice, but the finished briefcase is examined three times. “We wanted to create something timeless—an object that endures both physically and aesthetically,” Holloway says. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* ## FAQs ### What is the Dunhill Alfred 40 briefcase? The Alfred 40 is a luxury briefcase named after founder Alfred Dunhill, combining references to the house’s automotive luggage, document cases, and Art Deco metalwork. ### How long does it take to make a Dunhill Alfred 40? Each Alfred 40 takes nearly a week to complete and requires around 24 hours of hands-on craftsmanship. ### What leather is used for the Dunhill Alfred 40? Dunhill uses a custom patinated calfskin developed with an Italian tannery, with each piece hand-tinted so that no two bags look exactly alike. ### How many parts are used to make the Alfred 40? The briefcase is assembled from 115 leather components, with roughly five craftspeople involved in its construction. ### How much does the Dunhill Alfred 40 cost? The Dunhill Alfred 40 starts at $5,300 and is available in several sizes and materials, including patina calf, grained calf, and made-to-order alligator. **Categories:** Fashion, Style **Tags:** Dunhill, Genius At Work, Handbags, Magazine, Menswear --- ### [Louis Vuitton Just Unveiled 5 Colorful New Tambour Spin Times](https://robbreport.ph/watches/louis-vuitton-just-unveiled-5-colorful-new-tambour-spin-times/) **Published:** September 15, 2026 **Author:** Nicole Hoey **Content:** One of [Louis Vuitton’s](https://robbreport.ph/watches/louis-vuitton-monterey-spin-time-fine-watchmaking/) most distinct timepieces is getting a permanent spot in its lineup. The house has unveiled five colorful new iterations of its [Tambour Spin Time](https://robbreport.ph/watches/louis-vuitton-monterey-spin-time-fine-watchmaking/). The new collection follows behind six limited-edition references that were released just last year, the first time that every piece of the Spin Time watch was made in-house by LV’s La Fabrique du Temps. The story behind the Spin Time represents a journey in more ways than one. [Louis Vuitton](https://robbreport.ph/tag/louis-vuitton/) and its trunks have always been a key part of the brand identity, so the fact that the watch itself took cues from travel should come as no surprise. Michel Navas and Enrico Barbasini, the founders of La Fabrique du Temps, created a new jumping hour complication inspired by the mechanical departure boards found in airports and train stations the world over. So in 2009, the Tambour Spin Time, with its 12 rotating cubes surrounding the dial, was born as the manufacture’s first creation for LV. A few years later, La Fabrique du Temps officially joined the Louis Vuitton family and that spawned other iterations within the Spin Time fold, including those six limited-edition Tambour Spin Times. And now the latest members of the lineup include this colorful quintet. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/louis-vuitton-tambour-spin-time-green.webp) The new lineup includes watches in both the 39.5 mm and the 42.5 mm sizes. *Louis Vuitton* First up in the new collection is Tambour Spin Time Green, which, as you may have guessed, is equipped with a sunray and sandblasted dial in an earth-toned green. Each of the cubes, marking the hours, rotates at the top of the hour, with one cube in a lighter tone signifying the current time. You’re also getting a 39.5 mm case with a sapphire crystal caseback, in a first for the size, through which you can spot the in-house calibre ST12.01, as well as a matching green rubber strap. The 39.5 mm Tambour Spin Time Australia, meanwhile, is done up in an 18-carat rose-gold case, a first for the Tambour lineup. The dial shows off Australian opal in full force, a dazzling stone that shifts between different shades of blue, depending on the light; the same material is used in between each of the 12 rotating cubes. The hour markers here are set with baguette-cut diamonds, with sapphires in the same cut along the bezel—gem-setting that took three days for the specialists at La Fabrique du Temps to complete. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/louis-vuitton-tambour-spin-time-air-flying-tourbillon-salmon.webp) The salmon-dial watch in the new collection. *Louis Vuitton* Following behind that model is the Tambour Spin Time Air Antipode, which shows off a pretty nifty feat. The timepiece can show off 24 time zones on its 12 cubes; each piece has the name of two cities that are exactly 12 hours apart, such as Los Angeles and Dubai. The 42.5 mm white-gold watch is powered by the ST12.01 movement. Other details include a mini yellow pointer in a nod to LV’s leather goods. The Tambour Spin Time Air Flying Tourbillon Salmon, the next new watch in the collection, pays homage to salmon-color dials; the team at LV partnered up with La Fabrique des Cadrans to get the hue to pair just right with the platinum case. The watch’s calibre LFT ST05.01 requires 50 hours to assemble, which more than doubles the amount of time taken on any other movement in the new lineup. That makes sense when you consider the calibre combines that cube display with a central flying tourbillon. Last but not least is the Tambour Spin Time Air, in a striking blue and home to a suspended calibre ST13.01 perched at the center of the 42.5 mm case in 18-carat white gold. Here, the cubes actually spell out “Louis Vuitton,” in a fun touch; and other details include a 45-hour power reserve and a nod to LV’s trunks via a polished stud on the cubes. To learn more about the collection itself, you can head to Louis Vuitton’s [website](https://us.louisvuitton.com/eng-https://ph.louisvuitton.com/eng-ph/homepageus/homepage) now. ## FAQs ### What is the Louis Vuitton Tambour Spin Time? The Tambour Spin Time is a jumping-hour watch that displays the time through 12 rotating cubes. At the beginning of each hour, one cube turns to reveal the current hour. ### What inspired the Tambour Spin Time display? Its rotating cubes were inspired by the mechanical departure boards once commonly found in airports and railway stations. Louis Vuitton introduced the complication in 2009. ### What are the five new Tambour Spin Time watches? The collection includes the Tambour Spin Time Green, Tambour Spin Time Australia, Tambour Spin Time Air Antipode, Tambour Spin Time Air Flying Tourbillon Salmon, and Tambour Spin Time Air. ### How does the Tambour Spin Time Air Antipode show 24 time zones? Each of its 12 cubes carries the names of two cities located 12 hours apart, allowing the watch to represent 24 global time zones within a single display. ### Where are Louis Vuitton’s Spin Time watches made? The watches and their movements are produced in-house by La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton, the maison’s watchmaking manufacture in Geneva. **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** Louis Vuitton, Louis Vuitton Spin Time, Louis Vuitton Tambour --- ### [Brabus Shadow 1000 XC Cross Cabin in Photos](https://robbreport.ph/boats/brabus-shadow-1000-xc-cross-cabin-in-photos/) **Published:** September 15, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** Taking inspiration from bespoke Brabus supercars, the flagship delivers impressive speed and precise handling. Click [here](https://robbreport.ph/boats/brabus-shadow-1000-xc-cross-cabin-powerboat/) to read the full story. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/brabus-shadow-1000-xc-cross-cabin6.webp) The sleek bow. *Niklas Frank* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/brabus-shadow-1000-xc-cross-cabin2.webp) The helm and twin Simrad displays. *Niklas Frank* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/brabus-shadow-1000-xc-cross-cabin5.webp) The cabin of the Shadow 1000 XC Cross Cabin. *Niklas Frank* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/brabus-shadow-1000-xc-cross-cabin3.webp) The aft deck. *Niklas Frank* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/brabus-shadow-1000-xc-cross-cabin7.webp) The twin Mercury Racing 500R V-8 outboards. *Niklas Frank* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/brabus-shadow-1000-xc-cross-cabin4.webp) The 38-footer from above. *Niklas Frank* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/brabus-shadow-1000-xc-cross-cabin8.webp) The bow lounge. *Niklas Frank* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Boats **Tags:** Brabus, News --- ### [Bulgari Turns American Art Into Five Serpenti Jewels](https://robbreport.ph/style/jewelry/bulgari-new-serpenti-high-jewelry-american-art/) **Published:** September 15, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** A monumental golden serpent rose from New York’s High Line for the launch of [Bulgari’s](http://Bulgari.com) five new Serpenti high-jewelry creations. Titled *auruBOROS—Urban Memory and Collective Dream*, the installation by Berlin-based art duo Plastique Fantastique brought the maison’s emblem to an architectural scale, forming the [public centerpiece of Serpenti Infinito New York](https://www.bulgari.com/en-us/stories/serpenti-infinito-us). ![Dua Lipa, Anne Hathaway, and Lisa. Bulgari](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/BFA_55505_8120330-scaled.webp) Dua Lipa, Anne Hathaway, and Lisa. *Bulgari* The setting, its unveiling graced by maison muses Anne Hathaway and Dua Lipa, reflected the ideas behind the jewels themselves. Jackson Pollock’s fluid marks, Jasper Johns’s American flag, the geometry of Miami Beach, and the spiral of New York’s Guggenheim Museum rarely appear in the same conversation. Bulgari brings them together through its most recognizable motif: the serpent. ![auruBOROS—Urban Memory and Collective Dream is the installation by Berlin-based art duo Plastique Fantastique which brought the maison’s emblem to an architectural scale at the High Line in New York. Bulgari](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot-2026-09-14-at-62059-PM-1.webp) *auruBOROS—Urban Memory and Collective Dream* is the installation by Berlin-based art duo Plastique Fantastique which brought the maison’s emblem to an architectural scale at the High Line in New York. *Bulgari* Unveiled earlier this month, the five one-of-a-kind pieces interpret American art and architecture through gold, diamonds, coral, tanzanite, amethyst, aquamarine, rubellite, and spinel. Each retains the coiled form and vivid use of color associated with Serpenti while translating a distinct part of America’s visual culture into high jewelry. ## Serpenti Falling Drops Necklace ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot-2026-09-14-at-60444-PM.webp) The gestural energy of Jackson Pollock’s drip paintings informs the Serpenti Falling Drops necklace. Its diamond-set, 18-karat white-gold serpent holds a large triangular gemstone in its mouth, creating the impression of color suspended in midair. The wearer can alternate between a 25.76-carat amethyst and a 23.13-carat aquamarine. Both stones are detachable, allowing the necklace to move between two distinct palettes while retaining its diamond-set structure. The unusual triangular cuts heighten the sense of a droplet about to fall. ## Serpenti Flag Necklace ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot-2026-09-14-at-55756-PM.webp) Jasper Johns’s paintings of the American flag provide the visual reference for the Serpenti Flag necklace. Bulgari translates the familiar red, white, and blue palette into coral, diamonds, and tanzanite set against 18-karat rose gold. A 18.75-carat pear-shaped tanzanite anchors the composition. Rather than reproducing the flag literally, the necklace uses its colors as a framework for the serpent’s scales, balancing an immediately recognizable reference with Bulgari’s established taste for saturated gemstones. ## Serpenti Flag Bracelet ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/serpenti-infinito-SP-2240x2240.webp) The corresponding Serpenti Flag bracelet continues the same chromatic study on the wrist. Coral elements supply the red, sugarloaf tanzanites introduce blue, and pavé diamonds provide white light. Onyx adds depth to the rose-gold setting. At its center is a 13.79-carat pear-shaped tanzanite. The mixture of polished coral, domed sugarloaf stones, and diamond pavé gives the bracelet a varied surface, with each material responding differently to light. ## Serpenti Ocean Deco Necklace ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot-2026-09-14-at-60354-PM.webp) Miami’s oceanfront Art Deco architecture lends its geometry and color to the Serpenti Ocean Deco necklace. The 18-karat rose-gold serpent circles the neck, bringing its head and tail together around a 17.98-carat cushion-cut rubellite. The stone’s purplish-pink color supplies the necklace’s focal point. Its symmetrical arrangement recalls the strong lines and decorative contrasts associated with Miami’s Art Deco buildings, while the serpent’s curved body keeps the composition fluid. ## Serpenti Helix Necklace ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/serpenti-infinito-FP-2240x1260.webp) The Serpenti Helix necklace takes its cue from the ascending spiral of New York’s Guggenheim Museum. A diamond-set white-gold serpent coils around an 18-karat yellow-gold Tubogas choker, forming an infinity symbol across the front. A detachable 5.46-carat pear-shaped Tanzanian spinel hangs from the serpent’s mouth. Removing the gemstone produces a more graphic gold-and-diamond composition, giving the one-of-a-kind necklace two configurations. Together, the five pieces demonstrate how readily Serpenti can absorb references beyond Bulgari’s Roman origins. American painting, public iconography, and architecture provide the source material, while the serpent supplies a continuous line through each creation. The result is a concise portrait of American visual culture rendered in Bulgari’s language of color, volume, and exceptional stones. *Bulgari boutiques are located at* *Unit 14, Level 1, Greenbelt 3 Esperanza Street, Ayala Center, Makati City Makati City, Metro Manila (+63 2 7915 6213**) and The Shoppes, Solaire Resort, 1 Asean Avenue, Paranaque City Manila, Metro Manila, 1701* *(+63 2 8241 3287*). ## FAQs ### What are Bulgari’s five new Serpenti high-jewelry creations? The five creations are the Serpenti Falling Drops necklace, Serpenti Flag necklace, Serpenti Flag bracelet, Serpenti Ocean Deco necklace, and Serpenti Helix necklace. ### Where were the new Bulgari Serpenti pieces unveiled? The pieces were unveiled during Serpenti Infinito New York in September 2026, alongside *auruBOROS—Urban Memory and Collective Dream*, a monumental installation on New York’s High Line. ### Who created Bulgari’s High Line installation? Berlin-based art duo Plastique Fantastique created *auruBOROS—Urban Memory and Collective Dream*. The work brought Bulgari’s serpent motif to an architectural scale. ### Which American artists inspired the new Serpenti jewelry? Jackson Pollock’s drip paintings inspired the Serpenti Falling Drops necklace, while Jasper Johns’s representations of the American flag informed the Serpenti Flag necklace and bracelet. ### Which buildings inspired the Serpenti collection? Miami’s Art Deco architecture inspired the Serpenti Ocean Deco necklace, while the spiral structure of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Guggenheim Museum in New York informed the Serpenti Helix necklace. **Categories:** Jewelry, Muse, Style **Tags:** bulgari, Bulgari Serpenti, high jewelry, Tubogas --- ### [Jaeger-LeCoultre’s New Limited-Edition Watches Chime, Sparkle, and Chart the Heavens](https://robbreport.ph/watches/jaeger-lecoultres-new-limited-edition-watches-chime-sparkle-and-chart-the-heavens/) **Published:** September 14, 2026 **Author:** Carol Besler **Content:** [Jaeger-LeCoultre](https://robbreport.ph/tag/jaeger-lecoultre/) is leaning into the prestigious side of its heritage with limited releases of three watches that represent signature, high-peak achievements for the brand. New interpretations of the Caliber 101 Secrets, the Master Hybris Artistica Caliber 945, and the Duometre Grande Complication A Grande Sonnerie are now up for grabs in a rare release of very limited editions. All prices are upon request. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026_Q2872310_101_SECRET_LEVITATION1_ADOBE98_4-5.webp) The 101 Secrets is all about the provenance of one of watchmaking’s most famous movements combined with the wonders of modern gemsetting. *Jaeger-LeCoultre* The 101 Secrets is all about the provenance of one of watchmaking’s most famous movements combined with the wonders of modern gemsetting. Jaeger-LeCoultre’s caliber 101 has reigned as the world’s smallest rectangular manual-wound movement since it was introduced nearly 100 years ago, in 1929. Its diminutive size (14 mm long, 4.8 mm wide, and 3.4 mm thick) was engineered especially for the cocktail watch, and stands as a testament to Jaeger’s genius for micro-engineering some 50 years before the advent of CNC machining and computer-aided design. The movement has been updated over the years, and it now has a 33-hour power reserve—pretty admirable for a tiny movement and mainspring. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026_Q2872310_101_SECRET_LEVITATION2_ADOBE98_16-9.webp) The Jaeger-LeCoultre 101 Secrets is set with 16.39 carats of pink sapphires and 13.26 carats of diamonds. *Jaeger-LeCoultre* Today, the 101 continues to serve the purpose for which it was originally intended: to drive teeny gem-set cocktail watches. This one embodies the traditional “secret” style, conceived to allow a woman to discreetly check the time in a previous era when doing so was considered a faux pas during social gatherings. Today, it’s an excuse to create a watch that cleverly masquerades as piece of jewelry—at least on the outside. The mechanism that opens the cover to reveal the dial is activated by a hidden button at 6 o’clock. When the button is held down, a section of the bracelet pops open to reveal the time. The double-row bracelet is set with 124 pink sapphires (approximately 16.39 carats) graduated in both size and color; and the timepiece is also set with 13.26 carats of diamonds. The gem-setting alone on this model, a limited edition of three pieces, took 163 hours. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026_Q5263482__MASTER_HA_945_CLOSEUP1_ADOBE98_16-9.webp) The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Hybris Artistica Caliber 945 combines a complex cosmotourbillion with a minute repeater function and a star chart showing the constellations in the Northern Hemisphere moving in real time. *Jaeger-LeCoultre* Jaeger-LeCoultre is also creating five new opportunities to own one of its most coveted high complications: the Master Hybris Artistica Caliber 945, now in white gold. The watch, first introduced in 2010, is a rarity that combines a complex cosmotourbillion with a minute repeater function and a star chart showing the constellations in the Northern Hemisphere moving in real time. The cosmotourbillon keeps sidereal time by making a complete, counter-clockwise circuit of the dial in one sidereal day. Sidereal time, also called celestial time, is slightly less than 24 hours (23 hours, 56 minutes, and four seconds). It measures Earth’s rotation in relation to fixed stars, as opposed to the 24-hour civil time, which measures Earth’s orbit around the Sun. The minute repeater function showcases Jaeger’s patented innovations for the function, including cathedral crystal gongs, trébuchet hammers and a silent governor. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026_Q5263482__MASTER_HA_945_LEVITATION_ADOBE98_16-9_edc96e.webp) The constellations on the star chart of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Hybris Artistica Caliber 945 are crafted using the decorative enamel technique of grisaille. *Jaeger-LeCoultre* The constellations on the star chart are crafted using the decorative enamel technique of grisaille, which combines a background of dark enamel painted over by hand with a white enamel known as Blanc de Limoges, creating subtle contrasts and the illusion of three-dimensional depth. This model is a limited edition of five pieces. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026_Q603H480_DUOMETRE_GRANDE_SONNERIE_CLOSEUP1_ADOBE98_FULLSIZE.webp) The Jaeger-LeCoultre Duometre Grande Complication A Grande Sonnerie has 15 complications and eight patents. *Jaeger-LeCoultre* Very few pieces of the Duometre Grande Complication A Grande Sonnerie have ever been made due to the complexity of its movement, caliber 182, with 15 complications and eight patents. Jaeger says it takes a full year only to assemble and regulate the 1,300-component movement, and involves four phases with a total of 16,000 different operations: assembly; disassembly; corrections and cleaning; and final assembly. The watch’s main draw is the chiming system. It is a grande and petite sonnerie with Westminster style chimes marking the quarters and hours with four gongs and four hammers chiming every quarter hour *en passant* (without the need for manual activation). What’s new are the titanium inner case and metallic glass gongs made to enhance acoustics; a security measure for the chiming mechanism that increases resilience; and a debut design for the open-worked dial that reveals more of the movement’s beauty. Introduced in 2009 in the Hybris Mechanica à Grande Sonnerie, caliber 182 was the first to combine a grande sonnerie with Westminster chimes, along with a retrograde perpetual calendar, flying tourbillon and two power reserve indicators—one for each of the main barrels. Each barrel ahs a separate and independent gear train, one providing energy to the gear train that powers the time and perpetual calendar indications (with a 48-hour power reserve), and the other to the gear train that drives the chiming functions. The latter provides enough power in grande sonnerie mode for a total of 616 notes (equivalent to seven hours and 30 minutes of continuous chiming) and in petite sonnerie mode for a maximum of 992 notes—equivalent to 32 hours of chiming. The 60-part, 45 mm case combines a titanium body with pink gold lugs, bezel and pushers. Only one piece will be made. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* ## FAQs ### What new Jaeger-LeCoultre watches were released? Jaeger-LeCoultre introduced three highly limited creations: the gem-set 101 Secrets, the Master Hybris Artistica Caliber 945, and the Duometre Grande Complication A Grande Sonnerie. ### What is special about Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Caliber 101? Introduced in 1929, Caliber 101 remains the world’s smallest rectangular manually wound mechanical movement. It measures just 14 mm long, 4.8 mm wide, and 3.4 mm thick. ### How many 101 Secrets watches will Jaeger-LeCoultre make? The 101 Secrets is limited to three pieces. Its bracelet is set with 124 pink sapphires totaling approximately 16.39 carats, along with 13.26 carats of diamonds. ### What does the Master Hybris Artistica Caliber 945 do? The watch combines a cosmotourbillon, minute repeater, and real-time star chart showing constellations of the Northern Hemisphere. The new white-gold edition is limited to five pieces. ### What makes the Duometre Grande Complication A Grande Sonnerie so complex? Its Caliber 182 contains 1,300 components, 15 complications, and eight patents. The movement combines a grande and petite sonnerie with Westminster chimes, a perpetual calendar, flying tourbillon, and separate power reserves, with only one piece being produced. **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** Caliber 101, jaeger-le coultre, News, Watch Collector --- ### [What Shang Bauhinia Residences Says About the New Cebu](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/homes/what-shang-bauhinia-residences-says-about-the-new-cebu/) **Published:** September 14, 2026 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** For much of modern [Cebu’s](https://robbreport.ph/tag/cebu/) history, residential privilege was expressed horizontally, through land, gates, gardens, and some degree of removal from the commercial center. The Cebu Country Club helped establish the city’s northern reaches as a social and residential enclave in the prewar years, while Maria Luisa Estate Park, developed beginning in 1965, became one of Cebu’s defining gated addresses. But as Cebu Business Park took shape from 1990 and Cebu I.T. Park emerged a decade later, the city’s old geography of private residential life began to converge with its new centers of commerce. Country clubs, established neighborhoods, office towers, hotels, restaurants, and some of Cebu’s most valuable new developments increasingly came to occupy the same part of the city. Within this geography, Shang Bauhinia Residences begins to make sense. Taking its name from the orchid-like bauhinia, the development is described by Shang Properties as Cebu’s first “luxury vertical gated village.” It effectively takes an old Cebuano idea of the good life and stacks it 52 storeys high, offering a new vision of an increasingly Cosmopolitan Cebu. ## Recasting the Concept of the Gated Village ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Shang-Properties-Bauhinia-Cebu-11_0418-2240x1494.webp) *Shang Properties* Set along Gov. Cuenco Avenue and Bauhinia Drive in Kasambagan, the 52-storey tower sits approximately 300 meters from Cebu I.T. Park and 1.9 kilometers from Cebu Business Park. Bauhinia rises close to two of Cebu’s principal business districts, yet occupies an established residential neighborhood near Cebu Country Club. The tower’s appeal depends partly on preserving that sense of retreat while keeping the city within easy reach. Residences range from approximately 35-square-meter studios to one- and two-bedroom homes up to 124 square meters. Larger three-bedroom residences span approximately 188 to 221 square meters. Expansive windows bring Cebu’s changing skyline into the interiors, making the city part of the architecture rather than something shut out beyond the glass. Much of Bauhinia’s interpretation of luxury, however, happens outside the individual apartment. The Clubhouse, for instance, occupies 4,015 square meters devoted to recreation, wellness, entertaining, and the increasingly broad collection of rituals expected from contemporary high-end residential living. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Shang-Properties-Bauhinia-Cebu-12_0418-2240x1494.webp) *Shang Properties* There is even a tropical pool and garden, gym, yoga and Pilates spaces, cold plunge and sauna, library and cinema, private entertainment rooms, playgrounds, a multi-purpose court, and the Bauhinia Ballroom. Dedicated concierge and reception services, 24-hour security, controlled resident and vehicle access, and full backup power for both common areas and residential units build another layer around that private-world proposition. Interestingly, for the first time within a [Shang Properties](https://robbreport.ph/tag/shang-properties/) development, Bauhinia introduces Shang Bauhinia Signature, a collection occupying the upper floors and conceived as a more private tier within the project. Larger residences are paired with dedicated lift access, while Signature residents alone can enter the rooftop Sky Lounge. Spread across 1,105 square meters, it includes its own pool, cabanas, gym, sauna, massage room, lounges, and private venues. ## Global Design, Grounded in Cebu ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Shang-Properties-Bauhinia-Cebu-20_0418-2240x1494.webp) *Shang Properties* Leading Shang Bauhinia Residences’ concept architecture is by P&T Group and Edgar Cozzio. The group brings its signature polished, contemporary language that has shaped much of its residential and mixed-use work across Asia. Cozzio’s vision enjoys a site-led, narrative approach to residential architecture, favoring fluid forms and a careful negotiation between retreat and openness. Such homes are conceived as private sanctuaries that remain connected to landscape, light, and the city beyond. Likewise, Italy-based FM Architettura conceived the interiors, with Francesca Muzio spearheading the task. Muzio’s interiors are perhaps best known for a warm, highly tailored design language, where material richness, craftsmanship, and atmosphere take precedence over more overt expressions of luxury. It’s a sensibility she has already explored in the Philippines through [Aurelia Residences in BGC](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/properties/defining-sprezzatura-through-aurelia-residences/), where FM Architettura paired Italian design traditions with Filipino craft and heritage, drawing inspiration from the traditional villa, local textiles, and even the movement of the terno. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Shang-Properties-Bauhinia-Cebu-15_0418-2240x3358.webp) *Shang Properties* Casas + Architects Inc. provides the local counterweight to Bauhinia’s international design team. The firm is responsible for taking the design direction established by P&T Group and FM Architettura and carrying it through the technical realities of the project, from code compliance and working drawings to coordination among consultants and site supervision. Casas’ most notable works are seen in major high-rise, hospitality, and mixed-use developments across the Philippines, including One Shangri-La Place, Grand Hyatt Manila, Pacific Plaza Towers, and Solaire, while maintaining a Cebu office since 2016. Bauhinia, in a sense, compresses the comforts of the private village into a vertical format suited to a Cebu that’s wealthier, denser, and more urban than the one that produced its earliest elite enclaves. *[Shang Bauhinia Residences](https://shangbauhiniaresidences.com/) will rise 52 storeys, with residences ranging from studios to three-bedroom homes. The development is located at Gov. Cuenco Avenue corner Bauhinia Drive, Brgy. Kasambagan, Cebu City.* ## FAQs ### What is Shang Bauhinia Residences? Shang Bauhinia Residences is a 52-storey residential development by Shang Properties in Cebu City, described by the developer as the city’s first “luxury vertical gated village.” ### Where is Shang Bauhinia Residences located? The development is located at Gov. Cuenco Avenue corner Bauhinia Drive in Barangay Kasambagan, Cebu City, around 300 meters from Cebu I.T. Park and 1.9 kilometers from Cebu Business Park. ### What types of residences are available at Shang Bauhinia? Residences range from approximately 35-square-meter studios to one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes, with the largest units spanning about 221 square meters. ### What amenities does Shang Bauhinia Residences offer? The development includes a 4,015-square-meter Clubhouse with a tropical pool and garden, gym, yoga and Pilates spaces, sauna, cold plunge, library, cinema, entertainment rooms, playgrounds, multi-purpose court, and ballroom. ### What is Shang Bauhinia Signature? Shang Bauhinia Signature is a more private residential tier on the tower’s upper floors, with larger residences, dedicated lift access, and exclusive use of the 1,105-square-meter rooftop Sky Lounge. **Categories:** Homes **Tags:** 0113, Bauhinia Residences, real estate, shang properties --- ### [The McLaren W1 Hypercar in Photos](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-mclaren-w1-hypercar-in-photos/) **Published:** September 14, 2026 **Author:** Jason Barlow **Content:** Click here for the full article. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/020McLaren-W1-Papaya-Spark-1.webp) The 1,258 hp McLaren W1 at the Mugello Circuit in Tuscany, Italy. *McLaren Automotive* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/McLaren-W1-Papaya-Spark-2.webp) The W1 is a car heavily influenced by Formula 1, and engineered by a team with multiple F1 World Championship titles. *McLaren Automotive* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/McLaren-W1-Shibuya-Spirit-Lantana-Purple-4.webp) Anhedral doors enhance the W1’s already dramatic presentation. *McLaren Automotive* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/McLaren-W1-Graphite-Dark-Palladium-3.webp) You don’t sit in the McLaren W1 so much as wear it. *McLaren Automotive* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/McLaren-W1-interior-detail-22.webp) Infotainment is accessed via a hi-res 8-inch touchscreen, located between the driver and passenger. *McLaren Automotive* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/McLaren-W1-Papaya-Spark-5.webp) The all-new twin-turbo V-8 revs to 9,200 rpm, higher than any previous McLaren engine. *McLaren Automotive* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/McLaren-W1-Papaya-Spark-7.webp) The quoted dry weight for the W1 is 3,084 pounds, so it’s lighter than its arch rival, the Ferrari F80. *McLaren Automotive* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/McLaren-W1-Papaya-Spark-9.webp) There’s no torque vectoring or front-axle assistance here, decisions designed to give the car the purest possible feel. *McLaren Automotive* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/McLaren-W1-Papaya-Spark-8_1868bc.webp) Rarely has so much power felt so exploitable. *McLaren Automotive* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/McLaren-W1-Papaya-Spark-10.webp) The hydraulic-steering setup is arguably the best fitted to any road car, redefining linearity and feel. *McLaren Automotive* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/McLaren-W1-Papaya-Spark-21.webp) Not once does its chassis run out of answers, the suspension allowing the car to breathe even as Tuscany’s hillside roads accentuate the rollercoaster effect. *McLaren Automotive* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/McLaren-W1-Papaya-Spark-20.webp) The W1 accelerates to 124 mph from a standstill in 5.8 seconds, and can reach 186 mph in less than 12.7 seconds. *McLaren Automotive* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/McLaren-W1-Papaya-Spark-23.webp) The McLaren W1 is a monumental achievement, and a machine that deserves to be driven rather than stored away as a museum piece. *McLaren Automotive* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** hybrid, Hyper Cars, mclaren --- ### [The One-of-Kind Matte Black 2004 Ferrari Enzo in Photos](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-one-of-kind-matte-black-2004-ferrari-enzo-in-photos/) **Published:** September 11, 2026 **Author:** Bryan Hood **Content:** [Read the full article here.](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-only-ferrari-enzo-finished-in-matte-black-can-soon-be-yours/) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2004-ferrari-enzo-matte-black-06.webp) The matte black 2004 Ferrari Enzo *Mikey Noga/RM Sotheby’s* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2004-ferrari-enzo-matte-black-02.webp) The supercar is the only example to leave the factory finished in Matte Nero Opaco *Mikey Noga/RM Sotheby’s* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2004-ferrari-enzo-matte-black-01.webp) The only matte black 2004 Ferrari Enzo *Mikey Noga/RM Sotheby’s* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2004-ferrari-enzo-matte-black-04.webp) The interior of the vehicle is covered in Nero leather *Mikey Noga/RM Sotheby’s* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2004-ferrari-enzo-matte-black-05.webp) The supercar is powered by a 6.0-liter V-12 *Mikey Noga/RM Sotheby’s* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2004-ferrari-enzo-matte-black-03.webp) The matte black 2004 Ferrari Enzo is one of just 400 examples that were built *Mikey Noga/RM Sotheby’s* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** Auctions, Ferrari, News, rm sotheby;s --- ### [Here Are the Philippines’ 10 New National Artists](https://robbreport.ph/leisure/culture/here-are-the-philippines-10-new-national-artists/) **Published:** September 10, 2026 **Author:** Nicholas Ong **Content:** President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has proclaimed 10 National Artists for 2025, recognizing achievements across architecture, dance, fashion, film, literature, music, theater, and the visual arts. Created in 1972, the Order of National Artists is the Philippines’ highest national recognition for individuals who have made significant contributions to the development of the country’s arts. The honor is administered by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Here is a brief introduction to the 10 honorees and the work behind the distinction. *Robb Report Philippines* congratulates the country’s newest National Artists on this remarkable honor. ## Gabriel Formoso, Architecture ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Gabriel-Formoso-posthumous.webp) Gabriel Formoso was an important figure in postwar Philippine architecture. He began his practice in 1939 and later founded Gabriel Formoso & Partners, now [GFP Architects](https://gfparchitects.com/). His most prominent projects include The Peninsula Manila, an enduring landmark on the corner of Ayala and Makati avenues. Formoso, who died in 1996, was recognized posthumously. ## Rafael “Nonoy” Froilan, Dance ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Rafael-Nonoy-Froilan.webp) Rafael “Nonoy” Froilan is a dancer, choreographer and teacher who began in folk dance and became one of Ballet Philippines’ leading male dancers. His career has encompassed classical ballet, modern dance, and Filipino works. As a teacher, he has also helped train generations of professional dancers. Froilan received the Gawad CCP Para sa Sining in 2020. ## Maria Beatriz “Patis” Tesoro, Design (Fashion) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Maria-Beatriz-Patis-Tesoro.webp) Patis Tesoro has devoted more than five decades to Philippine dress and textiles. Her work is distinguished by handwoven fabrics, embroidery, vivid color and elaborate surface detail. Through her interpretations of the baro, terno, and other forms of Filipiniana, she has brought the work of Filipino weavers, embroiderers, and craftspeople to a wider audience. ## Armando “Bing” Lao, Film and Broadcast Arts ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Armando-Bing-Lao.webp) Bing Lao was a screenwriter, director and mentor whose methods had a marked influence on Philippine independent cinema. He wrote or co-wrote films including *Pila Balde*, *Kubrador*, *Serbis*, and *Kinatay*. He also established the Found Story Screenwriting Workshop, where filmmakers learned to construct stories from observed life. Lao died in 2024. ## Gregorio Brillantes, Literature ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Gregorio-Brillantes.webp) Gregorio Brillantes was celebrated for English-language short fiction marked by intellectual rigor and close observation of Filipino life. His books include *The Distance to Andromeda* and *The Apollo Centennial*. The latter’s title story is widely regarded as a landmark of Philippine speculative fiction. Brillantes, a Palanca Awards Hall of Famer, died in 2025. ## Nicanor Tiongson, Literature ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Nicanor-Tiongson.webp) Nicanor Tiongson is a critic, playwright, educator, and cultural historian whose scholarship has examined Philippine theater, film, and popular performance. He served as vice president and artistic director of the CCP and edited the *CCP Encyclopedia of Philippine Art*. He is [professor emeritus of the UP Film Institute](https://www.plarideljournal.org/may-akda/tiongson-nicanor-g/). ## Alfredo S. Buenaventura, Music ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Alfredo-S-Buenaventura.webp) Alfredo S. Buenaventura is a composer, conductor, and educator born in Santa Maria, Bulacan, in 1929. Trained at the University of Santo Tomas and Centro Escolar University, he has written orchestral, choral, operatic, and band music. His compositions frequently draw upon Philippine history, religious traditions, and indigenous musical material. ## Teodoro Hilado, Theater ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Teodoro-Hilado.webp) Teodoro “Teddy” Hilado was a lighting designer and theater practitioner closely associated with the Cultural Center of the Philippines. He served as the CCP’s technical director during its formative years and created lighting for major theater and dance productions, including works by National Artist Alice Reyes. Hilado received the honor posthumously. ## Imelda Cajipe Endaya, Visual Arts ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Imelda-Cajipe-Endaya.webp) Imelda Cajipe Endaya is a visual artist, curator and writer known for printmaking, painting, mixed media, and installation. Her work explores Philippine history, identity, migration, and women’s lives. She co-founded Kasibulan, a collective of Filipino women artists, and is the first woman named National Artist in the Visual Arts category. ## Nunelucio Alvarado, Visual Arts ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Nunelucio-Alvarado.webp) Nunelucio “Nune” Alvarado is a painter from Negros whose work records the lives of sugar workers, farmers, vendors, and other laboring Filipinos. His forceful figures and vivid palette are closely associated with the social realities of Negros. The struggles of seasonal sugarcane workers, or sacadas, remain central to his art. ## FAQs ### Who are the Philippines’ new National Artists? The 10 honorees are Gabriel Formoso, Rafael “Nonoy” Froilan, Maria Beatriz “Patis” Tesoro, Armando “Bing” Lao, Gregorio Brillantes, Nicanor Tiongson, Alfredo S. Buenaventura, Teodoro Hilado, Imelda Cajipe Endaya, and Nunelucio Alvarado. ### What is a National Artist of the Philippines? A National Artist is a Filipino who has made an exceptional contribution to the development of Philippine arts. It is the country’s highest national recognition for artists. ### When were the new National Artists announced? President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. proclaimed the National Artists for 2025 on September 9, 2026, through Proclamation No. 1414, Series of 2026. ### Which honorees received the award posthumously? Gabriel Formoso, Armando “Bing” Lao, Gregorio Brillantes, and Teodoro Hilado were recognized posthumously. ### Who is the first woman named National Artist for Visual Arts? Imelda Cajipe Endaya is the first woman to receive the National Artist distinction in the Visual Arts category. **Categories:** Culture --- ### [Inside the World's Most Exclusive Hyrox Clubs](https://robbreport.ph/leisure/sports/inside-the-worlds-most-exclusive-hyrox-clubs/) **Published:** September 10, 2026 **Author:** Ria de Borja **Content:** Fitness is becoming increasingly social—and increasingly competitive. For a growing number of recreational athletes, the gym is now preparation for an event with a finish line, a ranking, and an audience. Few competitions embody that appetite better than Hyrox, the indoor fitness race that alternates eight one-kilometer runs with eight functional workout stations, including sled pushes and pulls, farmer’s carries, and wall balls. Launched in Hamburg in 2017, it has since attracted elite competitors and everyday gym-goers to races around the world. Hyrox may have been born from the language of functional fitness, but its growth has pushed the sport into sophisticated spaces. The newest generation of training clubs is as concerned with recovery, design, and hospitality as it is with rowing and wall balls. In London and Hong Kong, Hyrox has entered established luxury health clubs; in Bangkok, it has found a home inside a five-star hotel. Elsewhere, performance is expressed through limited-capacity training, competition-grade equipment and facilities built specifically for hybrid athletes. These are some of the world’s most compelling Hyrox destinations, allowing you to keep the race—and the training that comes with it—within reach wherever your travels take you. ## Asia ### 1. AthLife Performance, Manila ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/DSC08020-HDR.webp) AthLife Performance is an official Hyrox training club, with a system built specifically around the demands of the race. Its program incorporates strength-and-conditioning cycles, performance testing, progressive sled work, rowing, wall balls, and carries, alongside engine development, pacing, and race strategy. Its Base, Engine, Hybrid, and Perform formats address different combinations of strength, endurance, and power. Rather than simply installing a sled and attaching the Hyrox name to a conventional gym program, AthLife approaches preparation as a measurable progression toward competition. AthLife belongs to the international fitness culture of the district. As a specialist performance club, it gives Manila a credible place in the Hyrox conversation. *More information [here](https://athlifeperformance.com/).* ### 2. Kimpton Maa-Lai, Bangkok ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Gym-Kimpton-Maa-Lai-Bangkok-04-scaled-1.webp) Kimpton Maa-Lai offers something few luxury hotels can: guests can check into a five-star property and also check into a legitimate Hyrox Training Club. The Langsuan hotel became the first hotel in Thailand to join the global Hyrox network. Its program includes twice-weekly Hyrox classes, monthly outdoor sessions, and simulation events led by certified instructors. During Hyrox Bangkok, the concept becomes more compelling: competitors can stay, train and recover without leaving the hotel. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Gym-Kimpton-Maa-Lai-Bangkok-03-scaled-1.webp) The performance element extends beyond the gym. Kimpton has partnered with VitalLife Scientific Wellness Center at Bumrungrad International Hospital on physician-led assessments that can incorporate cardiac screening, VO₂ max testing, movement and injury-risk screening, and metabolic and hormonal evaluation. Recovery is given equal importance. The hotel offers an outdoor infinity pool and amaranth spa and ice-bath sessions, while specific performance stays have incorporated sauna and steam-room recovery. *More information [here](https://www.kimptonmaalaibangkok.com/facilities/gym/).* ### 3. PURE K11 MUSEA, Hong Kong ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/corporate-wellness-team-engagement-1-1.webp) Pure’s club occupies the sixth floor of the art, culture and luxury retail destination at Victoria Dockside in Tsim Sha Tsui. Hyrox appears on Pure K11 Musea’s regular timetable, while the club has also hosted dedicated four-week training programs. Those longer sessions run for 90 minutes and combine functional movements, endurance, and strength under trainers with their own Hyrox competition experience. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/corporate-wellness-team-engagement-r2-1.webp) Pure’s Hong Kong network is built around designer fitness spaces, premium amenities, and an ecosystem encompassing Pure Yoga, Pilates, nutrition, and personal training. *More information [here](https://www.pure-360.com.hk/en/).* ### 4. Pure Asia Square, Singapore ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/NACF-Feature-Banner-1.webp) The club in Asia Square Tower 1 is one of two Pure locations in Singapore officially identified by the company as Hyrox affiliate gyms. Its race-preparation program includes Hyrox Turf classes, workshops, and access to the equipment required to practice independently. Foundation sessions introduce technique, equipment use and the mixture of strength, HIIT, and endurance demanded by the event, while more advanced training develops race-specific performance. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/IMG_0659.webp) The appeal of Asia Square goes beyond equipment. Its location puts it amid Singapore’s banking, investment, and corporate centre, while Pure brings the highly finished environment associated with its Asian clubs. *More information [here](https://www.pure-360.com.sg/fitness/hyrox/).* ### 5. Club 360 Tokyo ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/e97f65_e0df3b08c44645f3bd1e88955393e73emv2.webp) Club 360 operates in Motoazabu and Higashiazabu and describes itself as Tokyo’s first official Hyrox affiliate gym. Its approach is comprehensive. Athletes can join dedicated Hyrox group training, work independently in the open gym or opt for one-on-one coaching focused on technique and performance. The facilities include SkiErgs, sleds, sandbags and rowing machines for race-specific preparation, while Hyrox classes incorporate stations such as wall balls and lunges with running intervals. Unusually, Club 360 offers private Hyrox simulations in both Singles and Doubles formats. The club’s wider offering extends to personal training, physiotherapy, massage therapy, nutrition consultation and boxing, placing race preparation within a broader approach to fitness and recovery. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/418ed8_1588d971c5c342fdb1116326fb576194mv2.webp) For the Hyrox athlete, its appeal lies in individualized services, central and elite Tokyo locations (like Motoazabu), and substantial race-specific training infrastructure. *More information [here](https://www.club360.jp/hyrox).* ## Europe ### 6. Third Space Canary Wharf, London ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Third_Space_Canary_Wharf_160725_009-1620x1080-1.webp) Set across 100,000 square feet and three floors in the heart of Canada Square, the club describes itself as Europe’s largest luxury health club. The scale allows serious training and high-end wellness to coexist without compromise. Its dedicated Hyrox Training Space has six sled lanes, SkiErgs, rowing machines, treadmills and electronic wall-ball counters. Third Space is an official Hyrox Training Partner, with progressive Hyrox classes as well as race simulations and specialist Engine, Power, and 90-minute formats at Canary Wharf. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/19_01_17_Third_Space_CW_2019_JMS-014-1620x1080-1.webp) Beyond the race-specific floor, there is Reformer Pilates and The Yard, which Third Space calls London’s largest multifunctional training space. A two-level wellness spa is also being introduced, with a hydropool, cold plunge, Finnish-style sauna, infrared sauna, steam room, heated loungers, and a Sky Garden Oasis. The proposition is unmistakably Third Space: train like an athlete, recover like a hotel guest. *More information [here](https://www.thirdspace.london/clubs/canary-wharf/).* ## 7. Pace Club, Munich ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/UyuMKLMlTFNjaZqp76SdBctvOsU.webp) Pace Club Munich dispenses with the traditional trappings of a luxury health club and invests instead in something serious athletes may value even more: space, equipment, and freedom from queues. Its Schwabing facility is home to what Pace describes as the world’s biggest Hyrox Performance Center. Six sled lanes allow athletes to practise pushes and pulls over race-specific distances, while the facility carries official Hyrox equipment, including Centr wall balls, alongside the machines needed to prepare for the rowing and SkiErg stations. Training is deliberately controlled, with no more than 30 athletes admitted to each time slot. Athletes can work independently during Open Gym or join coached sessions. Away from the training floor are showers, changing rooms, lockers, a lounge, shop, and protein-and-drinks bar. There is no need for marble or a rooftop pool when the indulgence is having six sled lanes and enough room to train properly. *More information [here](https://www.pace-club.com/locations/munich-schwabing).* ## 8. Third Space, Chelsea, London ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Third_Space_Chelsea_280426_JMS_HIIT_182.webp) Just off King’s Road, the five-storey club brings the brand’s performance philosophy into one of London’s most affluent neighborhoods. The interiors leave little doubt about its positioning. Walnut tones, bronze accents, and Rosso Levanto marble set the mood at reception, while the changing rooms feature stone vanities, real-wood veneer lockers, Cowshed products, and premium grooming equipment. The wet spa adds a marble-tiled pool, hydrotherapy pool, cold plunge, Finnish löyly sauna, steam room, and heated loungers. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Gym-Floor_Alt.webp) The training side remains formidable. Chelsea’s HIIT studio contains a two-lane sled track, SkiErgs, rowers, wall-ball targets, and functional equipment, while the main floor has a further three-lane track and functional rig. Hyrox Train and Hyrox Run are both offered at Chelsea as part of Third Space’s official Hyrox partnership. *More information [here](https://www.thirdspace.london/clubs/chelsea/?filter-t-category-class=sports-performance).* ## 9. Virgin Active, Milan ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/servizi-grid.webp) A few steps from the Duomo, Virgin Active Milano Diaz occupies an enviable position. Here and in other Virgin Active clubs around Milan have more than 200 pieces of cardio and functional-training equipment each, sharing the club with a dedicated Cross Active functional area, Reformer Pilates, boxing, yoga, and Virgin Active’s Grid training concept. After training, members can retreat to an area with sauna, steam room, tropical shower and aromarium, while a café and outdoor area encourage the club to function as a social space as much as a place to exercise. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/lift-club-corso-como.webp) Virgin Active Italy has embraced Hyrox training within its wider fitness offering, making Milan’s clubs particularly interesting for athletes who prefer the amenities and atmosphere of a full-service metropolitan club set in a city full of culture and history to the austerity of a specialist hybrid gym. *More information [here](https://www.virginactive.it/en/club/milano?_gl=1*1rqzihx*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTA1MTY1MTE0Ny4xNzg4ODQyMjkw*_ga_5ZH03YPBPC*czE3ODg4NDIyOTAkbzEkZzAkdDE3ODg4NDIyOTAkajYwJGwwJGgyNDAxNzQ1MDU.).* ## 10. Revive, Salamanca, Madrid ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2L7A8013-scaledjpg.webp) Revive Wellness Hub understands that the contemporary performance athlete is preoccupied with what happens after the workout. Its Salamanca club, on Calle María de Molina, sits in one of Madrid’s most exclusive districts. Revive identifies itself as a premium functional-training and recovery centre and an official Hyrox centre, with certified coaches and programming that places Hyrox alongside strength and other performance disciplines. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2L7A8201-scaledjpg.webp) The distinctive proposition lies in recovery. Revive’s concept brings together Finnish sauna, ice bath, infrared treatment, and pressotherapy, turning regeneration into an integral part of the training routine. *More information [here](https://revivespain.com/classes/hyrox/).* ## 11. Survive Top at Tenerife Top Training, Tenerife ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/%F0%9F%A4%A9Training-Camps-under-the-Tenerife-sun%E2%98%80%EF%B8%8FThis-is-what-a-normal-session-looks-like-at-our-Trainin-1.webp) Survive Top Training asks a different question: what if the luxury is being able to leave the city altogether? Based at Tenerife Top Training in La Caleta de Adeje, Survive Top camp identifies itself as an official Hyrox training club outdoor gym. Its race simulations reproduce the full Hyrox sequence—eight one-kilometer runs interspersed with the eight standard workout stations—with race lanes, workout zones and timing systems designed to recreate competition conditions. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/%F0%9F%A4%A9Training-Camps-under-the-Tenerife-sun%E2%98%80%EF%B8%8FThis-is-what-a-normal-session-looks-like-at-our-Trainin.webp) What makes this stand out is the infrastructure surrounding it. Tenerife Top Training is a high-performance sports center used for training camps across multiple disciplines by athletes. It has a 50-meter, 10-lane Olympic pool, a 25-meter pool, hydrodynamic flume, indoor and outdoor gyms, a 400-square-meter cross-training area, and an athletics track, alongside football, tennis, and beach-volleyball facilities. *More information [here](https://www.instagram.com/survivetoptraining?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&stkn=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==)*. ### 12. R2 Vendôme, Paris ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/1200x800_Class_pass.webp) The studio sits at 6 Rue Daunou in the 2nd arrondissement, between the Opéra district and Place Vendôme, a rarefied setting for a sport better associated with warehouse-style training spaces. R2 Vendôme does not attempt to replicate the marble pools and recovery suites of Third Space. Instead, it offers a boutique performance environment within walking distance of some of Paris’s grandest hotels, jewelers and fashion houses. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/12b66904-616a-4489-bc51-9de1cfbd299a.webp) R2 describes its studios as premium training spaces equipped with high-end equipment, and Hyrox is a core part of the program rather than an occasional race-preparation class. Its Vendôme schedule includes dedicated Hyrox sessions alongside CrossFit, aerobic capacity, weightlifting, mobility, Pilates, yoga and open-gym training. The club’s coaches include specialists in Hyrox as well as CrossFit and other performance disciplines. *More information [here](https://www.r2training.fr/).* ### 13. Wellfit Marina, Dubai ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/marina-feature-10.webp) Wellfit Marina occupies 35,000 square feet across two floors of Al Fattan Business Hub in Dubai Marina, with views across the Marina and JBR. Conceived as an adults-only flagship, the club was designed with a limited member capacity and a markedly more elevated hospitality component than the typical performance gym. Its credentials became considerably stronger when Wellfit entered a three-year partnership as the official fitness partner of Hyrox Middle East. Under the agreement, Wellfit’s flagship clubs receive Hyrox affiliate status, while members gain access to Hyrox-focused programming, specialized equipment, physical fitness testing and coaches trained through Hyrox certification. Wellfit also plays an official role in Hyrox events in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/marina-feature-1.webp) Wellfit Marina is suited to this list because the performance facilities are matched by a substantial recovery offering. There are two sled tracks and an outdoor functional-training area alongside premium strength and cardio equipment. Afterwards, members can move into a dedicated wellness zone with hydromassage and hot-and-cold cryomassage beds, steam rooms, dry and infrared saunas, cold-plunge pools, experiential showers, and relaxation areas. *More information [here](https://wellfit.me/en/marina/).* **Categories:** Sports **Tags:** hyrox --- ### [A. Lange & Söhne’s Complex Triple Split Watch Is Back in Platinum](https://robbreport.ph/watches/a-lange-sohnes-complex-triple-split-watch-is-back-in-platinum/) **Published:** September 10, 2026 **Author:** Nicole Hoey **Content:** [A. Lange & Söhne](https://robbreport.ph/the-story-of/the-complete-history-of-the-lange-1-watch/) is proving why good things come in threes. The esteemed watchmaker has just unveiled its third Triple Split timepiece, following behind its white-gold and pink-gold siblings that were debuted in 2018 and 2021, respectively. The newest chronograph brings a new material into the mix, with a platinum case and a rhodié-colored dial. Here, Lange has once again shined light on a rather impressive watch, not to mention a technical powerhouse. The Triple Split was the first, and remains the only, split-second chronograph in the world that can measure intermediate, comparative, and total times of events for as long as 12 hours. That’s all thanks to the rattrapante extending to both the minutes and hours counters, in an extra boost from a classic split-seconds. And you can see that triple rattrapante play out on the dial, done up in varying shades of gray; it’s also home to a power-reserve indicator at 6 o’clock, so you can glean how much is left of its 55 hours, and a tachymeter scale. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/a-lange-and-sohne-triple-split-dial.webp) A close-up of the dial. *A. Lange & Söhne* The new Triple Split comes in at 43.2 mm in diameter and 15.6 mm thick, a sizable timepiece that belies all the precise and complex watchmaking within. Flip the watch over, and A. Lange & Söhne shows where the action really is. The L132.1 calibre is on full display through the sapphire-crystal caseback, showing off all of its 567 components and 46 jewels moving in harmony. The manually wound movement has a frequency of 3 Hz. “Until today, the Triple Split plays in a league of its own,” Anthony de Haas, director of product development at A. Lange & Söhne, said in a press statement. “Behind the triple rattrapante mechanism for seconds, minutes, and hours lies the L132.1 calibre that was entirely developed in our manufacture, one of our most elaborate and equally most beautiful movements. The depth of the architecture calls for the utmost expertise, patience, and dexterity, creating an extraordinary bond between the watchmaker and the movement.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/a-lange-and-sohne-caseback.webp) The movement through the sapphire-crystal caseback. *A. Lange & Söhne* Sadly, A. Lange & Söhne is only making 100 of these technical beauties. Each will be engraved with its edition number and is paired with a dark-brown alligator leather strap. Ref. 424.025F retails for around $244,000, if you can get your hands on one. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* ## FAQs ### What is the new A. Lange & Söhne Triple Split? The latest Triple Split is a platinum version of A. Lange & Söhne’s highly complicated split-seconds chronograph, featuring a rhodié-colored dial and a manually wound movement. ### What makes the A. Lange & Söhne Triple Split unique? It remains the only split-seconds chronograph capable of measuring intermediate, comparative, and total times for events lasting up to 12 hours. ### What movement powers the A. Lange & Söhne Triple Split? The watch uses the manually wound L132.1 calibre, which contains 567 components, 46 jewels, and offers a 55-hour power reserve. ### How large is the new Triple Split? The platinum Triple Split measures 43.2 mm in diameter and 15.6 mm thick. ### How much does the platinum A. Lange & Söhne Triple Split cost? The Ref. 424.025F is priced at around $244,000 and is limited to just 100 pieces. **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** A. Lange & Söhne, Watch Collector --- ### [Why Wealthy Travelers Are Flocking to Remote Destinations Across the Globe](https://robbreport.ph/travel/why-wealthy-travelers-are-flocking-to-remote-destinations-across-the-globe/) **Published:** September 9, 2026 **Author:** Robb Report **Content:** Riksgransen, population 60 (give or take), stands as Sweden’s northernmost ski resort, where adrenaline-seeking snowboarders and daredevils gather during the winter months for 360-degree heli-skiing. As far as remote destinations go, this is up there—125 miles shy of the Arctic Circle, where the summer sun never sets and winters are full of dancing Northern Lights and subzero temperatures (that extend well into May). A mere 17-hour sleeper train from Stockholm, Riksgransen remains reasonably unpopulated because of heavy snowfall (even snowmobiles get lost and buried here). If you choose to settle down, your closest neighbors are elk, reindeer, and grouse, depending on the seasons. Yet this tiny village has become paradise for finance guys, tech giants, and C-suiters who want to shred 2,000 square miles of off-piste powder and ride a helicopter rather than a ski lift. This is more than just a hobby—it’s a way of life, and the super rich can’t get enough. Unruly, untamed, and unlike any other destination in the world, Riksgransen is definitely never mentioned in the same vein as St. Moritz or Courchevel, but real powderheads know this is where skiers come to live with abandon. The Belmonds and Cheval Blancs of the world don’t exist here—they probably never will—but those in the know stay at[ Niehku Mountain Villa](https://niehku.com/en) ($730/night, including breakfast but not activities), a 14-double-room lodge with an authentic Swedish sauna and *aufgussmästare* (sauna master), comfy Hästens beds, and a spectacular cellar stocking 3,000 bottles, including some crates from Romanée-Conti. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Niehku-Mountain-Villa-Skiing_photo-Mattias-Fredriksson.webp) The journey’s reward is an A+ day of skiing around Sweden’s northernmost resort. *Mattias Fredriksson* As ultra-high-net-worth travelers continue to seek out more one-of-a-kind, authentic experiences, remote destinations remain high on everyone’s lists. While Niehku Mountain Villa operates as a hotel, buyouts ($11,000/night) are common and a mere drop in the nearby Norwegian Ofotfjord for Nordic media moguls who frequent the property and just can’t stand another faux luxury hotel. “The category is having a moment,” says Lindsay Messina, cofounder of Fioraé Luxury Travel. “The rise of luxury lodges is a very exciting shift in high-end travel. For those who’ve already experienced top hotels many times over, they crave something more immersive, intimate, and rooted in place,” says the luxury travel adviser. Whether it’s a tented camp in Botswana, a cliffside retreat in New Zealand, or a converted manor house in Ireland, “a lodge isn’t a building type—it’s a feeling of being completely immersed in a place. Once clients experience it, they often don’t want to go back,” says Messina. According to [Deutsche Bank Wealth Investment](https://wealth.db.com/en/what-we-do/financing-your-personal-and-business-needs/real-estate-financing/hospitality-post-covid-boom-where-experiences-capital-and-global-wealth-converge.html), the uptick in luxury lodges all started after the pandemic. Since then investors are increasingly backing “experience-rich assets,” including an influx of independently owned lodges. Though there isn’t an official global database tracking the number of independent luxury lodges, hundreds of high-end nature retreats and safari camps have debuted worldwide since 2023. The European real estate market also offers a good parallel. In Switzerland, demand for second holiday homes and chalet-style lodges by international buyers has led to [way higher than average prices in alpine regions](https://www.ubs.com/global/en/media/display-page-ndp/en-20260506-luxury-real-estate.html). Verbier and Gstaad have risen in rankings, and now stand as the most expensive tourist destinations in the country, only just lagging behind St. Moritz. “Across Europe, there is clearly growing demand for experiential luxury and nature-led hospitality,” says Joachim Jacob, general manager of Four Seasons Megeve in the French Alps, who cites the growth in alpine regions as more than just a trend. “Travelers are increasingly drawn to destinations that combine exceptional service with outdoor experiences, wellness, and a strong sense of place.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Niehku-Mountain-Villa-interior_dining_photo-Hakan-Stenlund.webp) Niehku Mountain Villa has a spectacular wine cellar, stocking 3,000 bottles. *Håkan Stenlund* Perhaps a precursor and poster child for remote travel back in the late noughties, “glamping” was the first to stake a claim in remote-luxury travel, but the trend has transformed from tented camping to wilderness palaces that deliver traditional five-star accommodations plus perks: destination dining, longevity and wellness programming, and intangible experiences that speak to social circles. At Niehku Mountain Villa, co-owner and creative director Thomas Eidefors—who has worked with Sweden’s top Michelin and celebrity chefs—takes his hospitality program seriously. A typical Niehku outing sends guests out treading slopes, climbing summits, and swimming fjords with one of the best guides in the country, Robert Gustafsson, a master of free-ride competitions and stalwart in arctic mountaineering. Post-adventure, the lodge has serious cred as a culinary destination with an award-winning pastry chef, the country’s best sommelier, and a top Nordic chef. The hospitality indoors matches the superlatives found outdoors, which Eidefors says is an “extension of the hospitality” that many guests expect. “The beautiful settings do the heavy lifting, but the level of care and service rivals any five-star hotel,” adds Messina. “With lodges, you now get butler service, chef-driven dining, spa programming, and top-notch amenities alongside the privacy and setting. It’s genuinely the best of both worlds. But beyond amenities, I think what’s driving the shift is a desire for meaning.” Jocab agrees: “It is no longer simply about accommodation. It is about the emotional value of the experience and the sense of belonging it creates.” ## **Deep into the ‘world’s last great wilderness**‘ In the Nordics, where the wayfaring culture—foraging and getting back to nature—is a lifestyle, luxury lodges have opened up in a flurry. In Finland, spanning Lakeland to Finnish Lapland, more than a dozen luxury lodges have opened since the pandemic. Balder lodge, Aino Private Island Hotel, and Skyra Retreat have opened in the last year with full buyouts on offer, and some are already booked out for the upcoming winter seasons. [Octola II](https://octola.com/octola2-opening/), which opened in December last year, leads the pack as one of the most luxurious additions. “Octola was built around the idea that true luxury is privacy, silence, space, and a genuine connection with nature. We didn’t want to build just another luxury hotel which is increasingly standardized now,” says Janne Honkanen, founder of Octola, which was conceived as a response to conventional travel. “For us, luxury is not about excess,” he adds. “It’s about exclusivity, authenticity, and the freedom to experience one of the world’s last great wilderness.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/OctolaIIWinter1.webp) New in December 2025, the Octola II Ultra Lodge is in an undisclosed location in Finnish Lapland. *Octola* The all-new[ Octola II ](https://octola.com/octola2-opening/)Ultra Lodge sleeps 17 with both the exact price and location kept hush-hush, and all the mind-boggling logistics taken care of by Octola. That might include transfers by huskies, helicopter, or snowmobile, access to five en suite bedrooms spread out over 800 square meters, an in-house spa with three saunas, a fully equipped gym, a cigar lounge, a dedicated space to view the Northern Lights, and a wilderness guide to navigate more than 800 hectares of Lapland. “The remoteness is one of the defining characteristics of Octola,” says Honkanen. “It feels like you have reached the edge of the world.” Jason Squatriglia, founder of Your Favorite Travel Agent and a Robb Report Travel Master, says seclusion and exclusivity are top priorities for his guests right now. “In a hyperconnected world, we need to disconnect to reconnect,” he says. “The modern traveler is beginning to circle back to the reality that time is their greatest asset—privacy is non-negotiable.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/004OctolaLodgeLoungeWinter_Press.webp) Octola 1 was built around the idea that “true luxury is privacy, silence, space, and a genuine connection with nature,” says founder Janne Honkanen. Around the world, the list of luxury lodges setting up home bases among some of the world’s most pristine wilderness continues to grow: Flockhill in New Zealand, [Bainslodge in Botswana](https://www.abercrombiekent.com/stays/safari-lodges/baines-lodge-botswana),[ Wildland](https://wildland.scot/) resorts in Scotland, [Amankora in Bhutan](https://www.aman.com/resorts/amankora/accommodation/lodges/thimphu). An early leader in next-level remote expeditions, [Eleven Experiences](https://elevenexperience.com/) began as a renovation project for Chad Pike and his designer wife, Blake, when they opened backcountry ski lodge Scarp Ridge in Colorado in 2011; it has since grown to more than a dozen luxury lodges, including 13-room Eleven Deplar Farm in a converted sheep farm in northern Iceland, where [Justin Bieber famously holed up](https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/articles/justin-bieber-called-dreamy-icelandic-123600703.html) to record new music in 2025. Big hotel brands aren’t sitting idly by, watching the trend curtail their presence. “We’re seeing more luxury hotel chains—Four Seasons, Aman, One&Only—venture into the world of private homes, villas, and residences in order to maintain their market share,” says Squatriglia. HNWT individuals and families alike are seeking more off-the-grid vacations, “mainly because discretion is in and flaunting wealth is out. By replacing the same overexposed vacations in South of France or St. Barts with more remote destinations, they’re able to guarantee themselves maximum privacy while ensuring the same levels of safety and luxury.” “Seasoned travelers and explorers constantly long for the most hard-to-reach destinations,” says Johan ‘Jossi’ Lindblom, founder and co-owner of Niehku Mountain Villa. “Our purpose for opening Niehku comes from our own thirst to bring meaning to why we travel.” “This is not a trend we have jumped on,“ adds Eidefors. “From the start we have always extended our hospitality to match the surroundings around us and build curiosity.” “This is Europe’s last wilderness,” says Jossi, “and we make it accessible.” *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* ## FAQs ### Why are luxury lodges becoming more popular? Affluent travelers are increasingly seeking privacy, immersion, and a stronger sense of place, especially after already experiencing traditional five-star hotels many times over. ### What is Niehku Mountain Villa in Sweden? Niehku Mountain Villa is a 14-room luxury lodge in Riksgränsen, Sweden, offering heli-skiing access, a Swedish sauna, Hästens beds, and a 3,000-bottle wine cellar. ### How much does Niehku Mountain Villa cost? Rooms start at about $730 per night including breakfast, while full-property buyouts can cost around $11,000 per night. ### What amenities do modern luxury lodges offer? Today’s high-end lodges can combine remote wilderness settings with butler service, chef-led dining, spas, wellness programs, private guides, and highly personalized outdoor experiences. ### Where are some of the world’s notable remote luxury lodges? Examples include Octola in Finnish Lapland, Flockhill in New Zealand, Baines Lodge in Botswana, Wildland in Scotland, Amankora in Bhutan, and Eleven Deplar Farm in Iceland. **Categories:** Travel **Tags:** Arctic Circle, Feature, How Wealth Moves, Luxury Lodge, Remote Luxury, Scandinavia --- ### [10 Grooming Salons for a Great Haircut and More in Metro Manila](https://robbreport.ph/style/grooming/best-mens-grooming-salons-metro-manila/) **Published:** September 9, 2026 **Author:** Ria de Borja **Content:** Men’s [grooming](https://robbreport.ph/style/grooming/) salons offer everything from beard sculpting to facials, scalp treatments and massage. A good haircut is the starting point, but Manila’s more premium grooming addresses know that sometimes, men want something beyond a quick trim. Some make the experience distinctive. Felipe and Sons pairs barbering with bespoke tailoring and Modern Fox offers cocktails and coffee. There is a discreet option, like Hairwatch inside the Manila Polo Club, and verified expertise in salons such as J/Monis, Emphasis, and Basement. The Barbershop at Okada Manila’s The Retreat Spa allows for a resort-like experience, to boot, should you feel like a swim before your shave. The best distinguish themselves by price, mastery, setting, and the chops to turn routine maintenance into something worth making time for. Whether your priority is precision, privacy, pampering, or an exceptional cut, here are the premium men’s grooming addresses to know in Manila. ## **The Barbershop at The Retreat Spa Okada** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/TRS-Barbershop-02.webp) The Barbershop at The Retreat Spa has an advantage few standalone grooming rooms can match. It sits inside one of Manila’s most elaborate hotel spas. The current spa menu includes precision barbering, styling, and shoulder and arm massage. There is also an option for a facial with a head massage. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/104865983_3075185075900187_2093271463838458942_n.webp) The combination of grooming, wellness, and hotel-level service makes this one of the most complete options for someone who wants to disappear for a few hours. *The Barbershop is located at The Retreat Spa at Okada, New Seaside Dr, Entertainment City, Parañaque, Metro Manila*. *More information [here](https://okadamanila.com/experience/the-retreat-spa/).* ## **Felipe and Sons Barberdashery** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/IMG_7201.webp) Felipe and Sons is one of Manila’s most distinctive grooming concepts. Its “barberdashery” combines traditional grooming with a full haberdashery, allowing a client to book a shave or beard trim and discuss a custom shirt, pair of trousers, or suit in the same establishment. Its present barbershop menu includes facials, beard trims, and shaves, while the tailoring side continues to offer made-to-measure menswear. Its head-to-toe proposition has always been its strongest point. *Felipe and Sons Barberdashery’s main branch is in Four/Neo, Bonifacio Global City. Find a list of their branches [here](https://felipeandsons.com/pages/contact).* ## **The John Barbers Groomers** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/john-barbers-grooming-haircut-hair-style-service-makati-philippines-02.webp) The John Barbers Groomers is less theatrical than some of its competitors, but its breadth is impressive. The menu runs from deluxe cuts and dry styling to signature and premium shaves, head shaves, and beard or mustache trims. A client can add a facial, manicure, pedicure or foot spa, then move into massage treatments. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/john-barbers-grooming-haircut-hair-style-service-makati-philippines-07-1.webp) Its locations inside Ascott Makati and Somerset Millennium make it practical for executives, expatriates and travelers based in the Makati CBD. *Ascott Makati and Somerset Millennium is located at Glorietta 4, Ayala Center, Makati City. More information [here](https://www.johnbarbers.com/).* ## **Back Alley Barbershop** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Our-doors-finally-open-tomorrow-Friday-October-27thFirst-10-gents-who-book-their-service-on.webp) Back Alley helped establish the idea that Manila barbering could be both traditional and design-conscious. It has historically been rooted in old-school barber rituals—cutting, shaving, hot towels, and massage—combined with the atmosphere of a place where clients are encouraged to stay rather than move immediately on. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/turntables-swivel-chairs-Back-Alley-vibe.webp) Its past collaborations with The Peninsula Manila for the hotel’s Pen Ultimate Father’s Day Dream Lounge also put it within Manila’s broader luxury ecosystem. *Back Alley Barbershop has two branches: one at 1D Bautista St., Salcedo Village, Makati, and at C3, BGC High Street Central, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. More information [here](https://www.instagram.com/backalleybarbershop/?hl=en).* ## **Modern Fox Barber & Lounge** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/c5ba47_3cc01b8a8f444fcca1fbefc7416c8337mv2.webp) Modern Fox takes the most literal approach to making a haircut social. Barbering occupies one half of the idea. The other is a lounge built around coffee and cocktails. Its barbers handle classic and modern cuts, beard and mustache trims, and straight-razor shaves. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/modern-fox-display-liquors.webp) The concept is suited to its business-district locations. Modern Fox was created with busy professionals and businessmen in mind. Clients can stay for coffee or cocktails, use the Wi-Fi, or even have quick meetings. *Modern Fox has two locations: in BGC, at Level 1, Tower 3, Robinsons Trion, 8th corner McKinley Parkway, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig*, *02 8636 7277 or 0917-566-3369; in Ortigas, The Sapphire Bloc, Phase 2 Sapphire Rd, Ortigas Center, Pasig, 0917-167-3087.* *More information [here](https://www.modernfox.ph/).* ## **Covent Grooming Lounge** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Come-through-%F0%9F%92%AFIn-need-of-a-good-grooming-session-We-got-you-%F0%9F%93%B2-Call-us-at-0905-4090-242-Limit.webp) Covent offers intimate interiors, personalized attention, and a grooming menu designed to feel private. A compact men’s grooming lounge more than a conventional barbershop, its Legazpi Village location also makes sense for clients who want discretion and convenience in the middle of Makati. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/SafeGrooming-at-its-finest-See-you-tomorrow-%F0%9F%92%AF-%F0%9F%93%B2-Book-your-appointment-with-us-at-0905-4090-2.webp) The lounge appeals to those who want a place where the barber already understands how you wear your hair. *Covent is located at The Grand Midori, 160 Legazpi St, Makati*. *More information [here](https://www.instagram.com/coventph/).* ## **Hairwatch Salon** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/manila_polo_club_cover.webp) Hairwatch is located inside the Manila Polo Club, which also means that services are limited to the club’s members. In any case, Hairwatch has quite a steady clientele that even spans generations. Its men’s offerings are broader than its low-profile presence might suggest. Its current salon menu includes beard shaves and trims and men’s creative cuts and head shaves, as well as hair treatments and color. Grooming includes massage, foot spa, manicures, and ear cleaning. Hairwatch is a fit for the club member who wants several things taken care of in one appointment. The club has six hectares of polo field and incorporates equestrian, sporting, dining and leisure facilities within its Forbes Park setting. Ride, play tennis, or have lunch, then get groomed before heading home. *Manila Polo Club is located at 35 McKinley Rd, Forbes Park, Makati City. More information [here](https://manilapolo.com.ph/).* ## **The Dojo** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/%F0%9D%90%8D%F0%9D%90%8E%F0%9D%90%96-%F0%9D%90%8E%F0%9D%90%8F%F0%9D%90%84%F0%9D%90%8DExperience-the-art-of-grooming-with-a-Japanese-touch-Our-barbershop-is-now-open.webp) The Dojo looks to Japanese craftsmanship. The brand describes its concept in terms of precision, elegance, and restraint, in a peaceful environment intended to make grooming feel deliberate. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/%F0%9D%90%8D%F0%9D%90%8E%F0%9D%90%96-%F0%9D%90%8E%F0%9D%90%8F%F0%9D%90%84%F0%9D%90%8DExperience-the-art-of-grooming-with-a-Japanese-touch-Our-barbershop-is-now-open-1.webp) Its position on the fifth floor of Opus Mall offers ease of grooming in the neighborhood. It is one of the more contemporary choices on this list, and a place where luxury is precision. *The Dojo is located at Bridgetowne Boulevard corner C5 Road, within the Bridgetowne Destination Estate, Quezon City, 0919-073-4855. More information [here](https://thedojo.com.ph/).* ## **Tipuno X+** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/472736040_122197461494203351_3092562660368873874_n.webp) While the wider Tipuno X network operates barbershops across Metro Manila and the provinces, the company identifies two locations separately as Tipuno X+, the Autocomplex on Mercury Avenue in Bagumbayan, Quezon City, and Versailles Town Plaza along Daang Hari Road in Las Piñas. A visit can begin with a haircut and styling. You can also add a hair consultation, hot-and-cold towel finish, shampoo and rinse. There is a hair-and-scalp treatment and half-body massage option. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/472935764_122197655570203351_8354162946804374449_n.webp) At The Autocomplex, the experience can include a two-hour VIP Package with an aromatherapy scalp treatment, a hydro rinser with automated scalp massage, facial treatment, photon rejuvenation therapy, shoulder and neck massage, priority access, and a complimentary signature drink. Hair color, perms, beard sculpting and other specialist treatments also appear on the X+ menu. Its location at The Autocomplex where top of the line car detailing, customizing, car parts, and more makes it a perfect one-stop shop for both you and your car. *The Autocomplex is located at 8 Mercury Avenue, Brgy. Bagumbayan, Libis, Quezon City (beside Eastwood City)*. *More information [here](https://tipunoxph.com/).* *Versailles Town Plaza is located along Daang Hari Road, Almanza Dos, Las Piñas, Metro Manila. More information [here](https://web.facebook.com/tipunoxplusalabang/?_rdc=1&_rdr#).* ## **M Barbers by Jing Monis and J/Monis Salon** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/481000977_1049881253823938_2987201715988973500_n.webp) M Barbers by Jing Monis belongs to a category unlike the traditional barbershops on this list. Its strength lies in salon-level hair expertise—not leather chairs and hot towels. Jing Monis built his name within fashion and celebrity hairstyling. For male clients, when things involve more than maintaining a cut–color, highlights, hair treatments, and transformative styling–this is the place to go. Access to stylists accustomed to thinking about hair as part of an entire image is part of the appeal. *Visit their Instagram at [M Barbers by Jing Monis](https://www.instagram.com/mbarbersbyjingmonis)*. *M Barbers is located at B Hotel Quezon City, 14 Scout Rallos St., Laging Handa, Quezon City*. ## FAQs ### **What are the best men’s grooming salons in Metro Manila?** Notable choices include Felipe and Sons, The John Barbers Groomers, Modern Fox, Covent Grooming Lounge, The Dojo and The Barbershop at The Retreat Spa. Specialist salons such as J/Monis, Emphasis and Basement are particularly useful for color, treatments and more technical styling. ### **Where can men get a luxury shave in Manila?** The Barbershop at The Retreat Spa, Felipe and Sons, The John Barbers Groomers and Modern Fox offer premium shaving and beard-grooming services. ### **Which Manila barbershop also offers tailoring?** Felipe and Sons combines barbering with a haberdashery offering made-to-measure shirts, trousers, suits and other menswear. Its current website lists both [grooming and haberdashery services](https://felipeandsons.com). ### **Where can men book grooming treatments and massage together?** The John Barbers Groomers offers haircuts, shaves, facials, hand and foot care, hair treatments and several forms of massage at its Makati branches. Its [current service menu](https://www.johnbarbers.com/services) lists the available treatments. ### **Is there a men’s barbershop inside a luxury hotel in Manila?** Yes. The Barbershop is located within The Retreat Spa at Okada Manila, while The John Barbers Groomers operates branches at Ascott Makati and Somerset Millennium Makati. The latter locations are confirmed on its [official contact page](https://www.johnbarbers.com/contact/). **Categories:** Grooming, Style **Tags:** barbershops --- ### [The Chopard L.U.C 1963 Heritage Regulator: An Elegant Execution of a Classic Watchmaking Look](https://robbreport.ph/watches/chopard-luc-1963-heritage-regulator-watch/) **Published:** September 9, 2026 **Author:** Carl Cunanan **Content:** I’ve always found regulator watches fascinating. They’re not complications necessarily, but a clear nod to an important past of watchmaking and manufacturing history. They’re wonderfully historic, wonderfully romantic, but they rarely draw me in to actually pick one up. Think of working in a big old factory with the only light coming from dusty windows. Yet, everyone in that factory may need to operate on the same time for everything from quotas to setting watches. Regulators got their names because they helped regulate and tell time in a factory, and to do that, they had to make sure that there was no chance of any confusion between an hour hand and a minute hand up on a high, far wall. Because of this, they ended up using a single minute hand over the 60-minute circle, applied for watch companies not only because they were setting and checking time on different pieces, but because it was also used for other types of factories and departments, from logistics to management. They were used, of course, by Chopard itself, and the precision clocks used by the maison over the years are on display at Chopard’s museum in Fleurier, L.U.CEUM, which is a wonderful place to visit if you ever get the chance. I always really like the vision of a two-handed watch because to me, there’s romance and tradition and balance, but as much as there are some regulator models that I’ve truly appreciated, I can never move into that direction. Perhaps what I feel is a lack of that balance, which just doesn’t work for me. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/161993-1001_LUC-1963-Heritage-Regulator-2.webp) That is, until now. What Chopard just did with the new L.U.C. 1963 Heritage Regulator has shown us that with proper vision, it can have that balance. This is a limited edition revival of a classic and what they are calling an elegant reinterpretation of one of their most important pieces. Aesthetically, it is more contemporary than many more traditional executions. One of the reasons may be that to achieve balance, they used four sub-dials. Keep in mind that Chopard is a jewelry maison just as much as it is a watchmaking maison, so their artistic vision can be very different from strict haute horlogerie houses. In this case, that point-of-view brings quite a nice aesthetic for a very key part of watchmaking history. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/161993-1001_LUC-1963-Heritage-Regulator-5.webp) The new wristwatch itself is 40 millimeters in diameter with a thin 10.30 millimeter profile and an 18 karat ethical white gold case. The dial is silver-toned, so that also contributes to the balance of the whole piece while still making clear the time display. The minutes are indicated by the longest hand that stretches out from the center to the perimeter. Hours are displayed in a sub-dial at three o’clock, small seconds at six o’clock, and a single-hand 24-hour GMT display is at nine o’clock. There’s a half-circle subdial pointer power reserve indicator at the top of the watch face, a relatively discreet dial date display at the bottom, and an aperture where the thirty-minute numerals would be. This means six indications, which on its own can make it somewhat challenging to design in a nicely harmonious way. Perhaps it is exactly the single long regulator minute hand that works where a more traditional two-hand wouldn’t. I find it a nice, fresh approach executed in the very well-done Chopard way. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/161993-1001_LUC-1963-Heritage-Regulator-3.webp) The watch is powered by the hand-wound L.U.C. caliber 98.02-L, which is devised and developed and assembled in-house at Chopard. Their exclusive Chopard Quattro technology delivers around nine days of power reserve. The watch is COSC certified in terms of accuracy and consistency with the Poinçon de Genève, guaranteeing that it passes the highest standards of construction, finishing, and craftsmanship. And it is truly limited: they will make only 25 of them. ## FAQs ### **What is the Chopard L.U.C 1963 Heritage Regulator?** It is a manually wound regulator-style wristwatch that separates its principal time indications. The central hand displays the minutes, while subsidiary displays show the hours, seconds and a second time zone. ### **What movement powers the watch?** The watch uses Chopard’s in-house L.U.C 98.02-L calibre. Its four serially coupled barrels employ Chopard Quattro technology to deliver a 216-hour, or nine-day, power reserve. ### **What functions does the watch display?** It displays central minutes, hours, small seconds, the date, a 24-hour GMT indication and the remaining power reserve. ### **What is the case size?** The ethical white-gold case measures 40 mm in diameter and 10.3 mm thick, making it more compact than Chopard’s 43 mm regulator introduced in 2015. ### **How many Chopard L.U.C 1963 Heritage Regulator watches will be made?** Chopard will produce 25 numbered pieces. The watch carries reference 161993-1001 and is available exclusively through Chopard boutiques. Hodinkee reports a retail price of $50,900. **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** chopard, L.U.C. 1963 Heritage Regulator, Regulator --- ### [The Exacting Eye of Kit Roxas: The Life and Legacy of Ma. Cristina Consing Ongpin Roxas](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-collectibles/the-exacting-eye-of-kit-roxas-the-life-and-legacy-of-ma-cristina-consing-ongpin-roxas/) **Published:** September 8, 2026 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** Ma. Cristina Consing Ongpin Roxas, or “Kit,” had an excellent eye. No one had a better, more exacting knowledge and feel for antique Oriental ceramics, an expertise honed while working alongside her mother, Fe Ongpin, the original Oriental ceramics expert. Through decades of experience and handling the finest of objects, Kit could tell a lot about Oriental ceramics with just one glance: its glaze, its kiln of origin, possibly even its excavation site, and know more just by running her hands through it and then gently tapping it, knowing if it’s pristine or repaired/restored, quickly assessing its current market value. She also had an unerring eye for quality, and was known for selling blue-chip Filipino artists Fabian de la Rosa, Fernando Amorsolo, Vicente Manansala, Victorio Edades, H R Ocampo, Jose Joya, Fernando Zobel de Ayala Montojo, BenCab, et al. She often engaged with leading art critics and collectors. ![Mariano Asuncion (1802 – 1885), Nuestra Señora del Rosario, 19th Century, oil on board, 46 cm x 34 cm. Courtesy of Leon Gallery](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/51.webp) One of the lots from Roxas’ private collection: Mariano Asuncion (1802 – 1885), Nuestra Señora del Rosario, 19th Century, oil on board, 46 cm x 34 cm. *Courtesy of Leon Gallery* The true Indiana Jones of the Philippine antiques trade, Kit traveled locally and internationally to discover hidden gems. Her background in architecture and civil engineering informed her expertise in antique Filipino and Chinese furniture. She knew the various Philippine hardwoods, had a feel for old wood, understood classical furniture construction, thoroughly researched repairs and restorations, and kept herself up to date on materials, finishes, and techniques. She had a distinct aesthetic that left its mark in many finely furnished distinguished collector’s homes today. As for the decorative arts, Kit had visited the most beautiful houses in Manila for decades, and through her, appreciation of them grew. Her quiet elegance drew people to her and forged deep friendships that helped build the finest collections. She understood intuitively how her world lived, what they desired and required. Her Tawalisi store inventory reflected that discernment: upscale paintings, excavated Oriental ceramics, Oriental jars, Manila kamagong aparadors, Batangas hardwood mesas altares, Bulacan bone-inlaid mesas altares, long narra dining tables, elegant chairs, antique sofas and lounging chairs, tester beds, antique chandeliers, hanging lamps, church silver, antique glass. It was everything that defined a truly upper-class Filipino home. At least, until mass-market, senseless modernism crept in, yet again. ## Crème de la crème of the antique world Kit had taste. Kit had style. She was pretty, slim, and chic. Effortlessly. She dressed with understated elegance; she always looked good. She remained so to the end. ![At the Fashionable Filipinas book launch, 2017. Courtesy of Leon Gallery](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot_20250528-1533212.webp) At the Fashionable Filipinas book launch, 2017. *Courtesy of Leon Gallery* Her clients were the same: attractive, intelligent, fascinating, stylish, rich people. Very rich people. After all, one had to be very rich to buy from Kit’s “Tawalisi” and Boy’s “Katutubo.” The hobby of collecting art and antiques is a very expensive pastime, once reserved only for royalty and aristocracy. Kit was born to Magin Tempongco Ongpin, an engineer, and Fe Calo Consing, an architect, on 3 June 1942, during the early years of World War II. Kit was named after her paternal grandmother Dona Cristina Tempongco y Calixto, Sra de Ramon Bartolome Ongpin y Domingo (Lola Tinay). Don Ramon was a son of the famous Chinese–Filipino community leader Don Roman Ongpin y Tanbensiang and his wife Dona Pascuala Domingo y Encarnacion, a descendant of the pioneer Filipino painter Damian Domingo. Don Ramon was the father of Magin Ongpin, Kit’s father. Kit spent her formative years in Cebu and attended Saint Theresa’s High School. Even at a young age, Kit was developing a taste for fine art and upscale antiques, which wasn’t surprising considering she was a grandniece of Don Alfonso Tiburcio Ongpin y Domingo (Lolo Poncho), her grandfather Don Ramon’s younger brother, the pioneer and foremost art scholar, aesthete, connoisseur, and dealer in Manila during the first half of the twentieth century. Art was a traditional Ongpin involvement. ![Dulang (recolonial style low table), 1800s or earlier, balayong wood (Afzelia rhomboidea), 30 cm (h) x 189 cm (l) x 57 cm (w). Courtesy of Leon Gallery](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/53.webp) Dulang (recolonial style low table), 1800s or earlier, balayong wood (*Afzelia rhomboidea*), 30 cm (h) x 189 cm (l) x 57 cm (w). *Courtesy of Leon Gallery* College was in Manila. She took care of her younger siblings. Her architect mother Fe was widowed early and occupied herself with commercial construction projects in Cebu and Iloilo. It was during excavations for Shell gasoline stations that Fe first encountered the antique Oriental ceramics that would be her second career. And later on, Kit’s. Those early ceramic finds are now exhibited in London and elsewhere in Europe, taken there by the expatriate executives who funded those construction projects. Fe Calo Consing, Mrs. Magin Tempongco Ongpin, was a daughter of Don Rafael Consing y Soriano (Lolo Pael) and Dona Emilia Calo of Butuan, Agusan del Norte. Don Rafael married three times, the second to Dona Porfiria Quintana, and the third to Dona Remedios Pagkatipunan. Don Rafael Consing y Soriano was a cousin to prewar Iloilo Governor Don Timoteo Consing y Yusay. Fe’s half-brother, the World War II hero Horacio Quintana Consing, was killed in Fort Santiago for refusing allegiance to Japan. The famous young banker Rafael Jose Consing Jr. (Joel) is descended from Don Rafael and Dona Remedios. It was from the Consing and Soriano lines that Fe and Kit were related to all of Old Iloilo—Lopez, Ledesma, Jalandoni, Yulo, Montinola, Sanson, Villanueva, Araneta, Lacson, Yusay, Locsin, et al. It was from the Calo line that Fe and Kit were related to all of Butuan, Agusan del Norte. That was Fe’s and Kit’s social network, to which Ongpin–Binondo and Roxas–Capiz were added later by marriage. As a young student, Kit was always a whiz at numbers. She was the first female Architecture and Civil Engineering graduate of the Mapua Institute of Technology along with her sister Leni (Elena Consing Ongpin–Haag). Bert finished Architecture at Mapua, and became President of the Roxas family business, RECCI Roxas Electric & Construction Company. Kit (Maria Cristina Consing Ongpin) and Bert (Roberto Berja Roxas) married on 19 December 1965 at the Mary the Queen church in Greenhills. They had 4 children: Bamm (Jose Maria Ongpin Roxas), Pebbles (Maria Teresa Ongpin Roxas–Lichauco), Ginger (Anna Maria Ongpin Roxas–Arzt), and Pepper (Maria Isabel Ongpin Roxas-Houhoulis). During the 1960s, Fe Consing–Ongpin maintained an informal antique shop in the garage of her home at #1191 San Marcelino street, Manila. It was there that the young Imelda Romualdez–Marcos and the “Blue Ladies” (Marcos Sr–affiliated society matrons) would sit on the floor and study the excavated genuine Oriental ceramics which were all the rage for collectibles at that time in Manila high society. Kit’s kids Bamm, Pebbles, Ginger, and Pepper remember all sorts of curious and strange objects at Lola Fe’s home, like ancient celadon plates and barnacles immersed in buckets of fresh water to separate them and old burial jars that would rattle at night. Fe’s antiques business grew organically to a second location at Padre Faura street in Ermita. It was a very good time, a burgeoning time, for the antiques business, so Kit and Bert bankrolled the #1191 Art & Antiques shop of her mother Fe at the new and fashionable Quad Theater and Shopping Arcade at the MCC Makati Commercial Center because they wanted to establish the business in a better, busier place than Fe’s home at #1191 San Marcelino street and the second shop at Padre Faura street, Manila. Opening Fe’s antiques business at the Quad Theater and Shopping Arcade in Makati, the third iteration of #1191 Art & Antiques, improved access to the most affluent clientele. Kit followed her footsteps to become the principal doyenne of the Manila art and antiques world, following the 2002 demise of the senior Viring de Asis, who dominated that realm during the late Marcos Sr era (1980–1986) and beyond. A highly experienced Kit finally came into her own when she established “Tawalisi Art and Antiques” in the early 1980s on Burgos street, Makati. A cerebral and exceptionally well-read lady, the unusual name Tawalisi was not a random choice from nowhere; it was an esoteric one. Kit had always admired the national hero Dr Jose P Rizal. She recalled that Rizal had read with great interest about ancient and medieval accounts of what seemed to be Las Islas Filipinas: Claudius Ptolemy, a Greco–Roman mathematician, astronomer, and geographer from the 2nd century Alexandria, Ptolemy discussed the emergent science of cartography and the known Greco–Roman world, including China (and by extension, Filipinas); Ibn Battuta, a Moroccan traveler from the 14th century/1300s, had visited Tawalisi in Southeast Asia and encountered its warrior princess Urduja. And so, Tawalisi it was. The “Tawalisi Art and Antiques” store on Burgos street became a de facto hangout for the city’s affluent culturati, who admired, desired, and acquired Kit’s constantly replenished stock of Filipino and international fine art, antique classical Filipino furniture, and Filipino and European decorative items. ![The Roxas Calvario, last quarter of the nineteenth century (1875–1900). Crucifixion scene with Jesus Christ, the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint John the Evangelist, and Saint Mary Magdalene. Ivory, kamagong wood (Diospyros discolor/Diospyros blancoi), 14K gold (or higher). Courtesy of Leon Gallery](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/the-roxas-calvario-leon-gallery.webp) The Roxas Calvario, last quarter of the nineteenth century (1875–1900). Crucifixion scene with Jesus Christ, the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint John the Evangelist, and Saint Mary Magdalene. Ivory, kamagong wood (*Diospyros discolor/Diospyros blancoi*), 14K gold (or higher). *Courtesy of Leon Gallery* After some years at Burgos street, Kit transferred “Tawalisi Art and Antiques” to a prime and spacious location on the ground floor of the new LaO’ Center building along Pasay road/Arnaiz avenue. When Boy Villegas’ “Katutubo Arts & Crafts,” Omeng Esguerra’s “Osmundo Gallery,” opened shop as well, LaO’ Center became the best destination for the finest art and antiques in Manila, bar none. Kit was an Ongpin of Binondo (a patrician Chinese–Filipino clan steeped in big business and the fine arts), a Consing of Iloilo (a respected sugar planter and political clan), and a Mrs Roxas of Capiz province to boot (a prominent landed and political family, relatives of President Manuel Acuna Roxas and famous soprano Jovita Flores Fuentes \[who were closely related by blood, according to family, not geni.com\]; and that guaranteed unquestioned entrée to privileged Manila circles. When Kit passed away on 17 January 2026, it was the end of a memorable golden era of art and antiques in Manila. *– Augusto Marcelino Gonzalez III* *Leon Gallery’s The Magnificent September Auction will be held on September 12, 2026. More details [here](https://leon-gallery.com/auctions/the-magnificent-september-auction-2026/LZdM020go4).* *Proceeds from the sale of the Kit Ongpin-Roxas curated lots will directly support a definitive technical and scientific study on the history of Philippine furniture, to be featured in LIKHA 5 at the Likha Filipino Exhibition Halls in October 2026, highlighting the evolution of contemporary craftsmanship.* *Through the work of a team of specialists in heritage conservation and material science, this initiative honors the legacy of Kit Ongpin-Roxas, reflecting her enduring passion for Philippine art and heritage.* *Written by Augusto Marcelino Gonzalez III and reprinted with permission from Leon Gallery.* **Categories:** Art & Collectibles **Tags:** Auctions, Kit Roxas, leon gallery --- ### [Makati Shangri-La's Filipino Take on the Mid-Autumn Mooncake](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/makati-shangri-las-filipino-take-on-the-mid-autumn-mooncake/) **Published:** September 8, 2026 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** When we think of the Mid-Autumn Festival, we think of reunions. Celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, it grew from ancient Chinese harvest traditions into one of the calendar’s great occasions for gathering, marked, of course, by the full moon and the exchange of our beloved mooncakes. Folklore would only deepen its meaning, from stories of Chang’e on the moon to the disputed Yuan-era tale of rebels hiding messages inside the pastries. In the Philippines, Filipino-Chinese families mark the season through family dinners, mooncake gifting, and pua tiong chiu. Today, mooncakes circulate widely as gifts among friends, clients, and colleagues. This month, Makati Shangri-La, Manila gives that tradition a fresh local touch through its 2026 Mid-Autumn collection. It pairs together Shang Palace mooncakes and gift hampers with a collaboration featuring Philippine chocolatier AURO. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Mid-Autumn-Hamper.webp) *Makati Shangri-La* The homegrown tree-to-bar chocolate maker has spent years placing Filipino cacao in unexpected company, from custom creations for Philippine Airlines and Japanese-inflected bars with Mitsukoshi Fresh to four-hands dinnerd built around its chocolate. More recently, it partnered with Filipino pastry chef Nouel Catis on SNA’AP, turning the Dubai chocolate phenomenon into Philippine single-origin cacao and an ube-baklava Manila counterpart. Mid-Autumn Collection mooncakes offer an especially fitting choice for the chocolatemaker. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/SLM-X-Auro-Mooncake.webp) *Makati Shangri-La* The Shang Palace x AURO Collaboration Box captures this convergence between Chinese tradition and Filipino taste. Priced at PHP 3,088 nett, it contains six mooncakes in two flavors: Black Sesame & Black Pepper Chocolate and AURO Ube Lumpia. The latter places one of the Philippines’ most recognizable flavors inside a format with centuries of cultural history, while AURO’s chocolate brings another distinctly local element into the mix. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/SLM-x-Auro-Mooncakes-.webp) *Makati Shangri-La* In addition, the hotel has also prepared three larger hampers. Priced at PHP 4,888 nett, Moonlight combines mini mooncakes with pastries, walnuts, and savory accompaniments. Meanwhile, Harmony, priced at PHP 6,888 nett, adds AURO dark chocolate and premium Chinese tea. The PHP 8,888 nett Abundance hamper, on the other hand, adds to the selection with Shang Palace XO Sauce and a bottle of house red wine. *The collection will be available through September 25, which also marks this year’s Mid-Autumn Festival. More information [here](https://www.shangri-la.com/manila/makatishangrila/offer-detail/dining/moonlit-city-heartfelt-shangrila-mid-autumn-collection/).* ## FAQs ### When is the Mid-Autumn Festival in 2026? The Mid-Autumn Festival falls on September 25, 2026, corresponding to the 15th day of the eighth month in the traditional lunar calendar. ### What is the significance of mooncakes during the Mid-Autumn Festival? Mooncakes symbolize completeness, reunion, and togetherness. Their round shape reflects the full moon traditionally associated with family gatherings during the festival. ### What Mid-Autumn mooncakes is Makati Shangri-La offering in 2026? Makati Shangri-La is offering handcrafted mooncakes from Shang Palace, including a special collaboration with AURO featuring Black Sesame & Black Pepper Chocolate and AURO Ube Lumpia flavors. ### How much is the Makati Shangri-La x AURO mooncake box? The Shang Palace x AURO Collaboration Box is priced at PHP 3,088 nett and includes six mooncakes in two flavors. ### What Mid-Autumn hampers are available at Makati Shangri-La? The hotel is offering three hampers: Moonlight at PHP 4,888 nett, Harmony at PHP 6,888 nett, and Abundance at PHP 8,888 nett, with selections ranging from mooncakes and pastries to tea, chocolate, XO sauce, and wine. **Categories:** Food & Drink **Tags:** 0113, Lunar Month, Makati Shangri-La, Mid-Autumn Festival --- ### [Summer, Chez Vivier](https://robbreport.ph/style/summer-chez-vivier/) **Published:** September 8, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** [Roger Vivier]() understands that the best summer dressing loosens the mood while maintaining its standards. Set within the salons and gardens of Maison Vivier, the High Summer 2026 campaign brings the spirit of a seaside escape into the house’s Parisian world. A welcome sense of summer breeze animates the pieces. Built around lightness, the collection turns raffia, crochet, crystal, and turquoise into a refined warm-weather vocabulary. The mood is much more relaxed for a Vivier collection. But of course, it’s unmistakably Vivier, where nonchalance never comes at the expense of line and form. At the center of High Summer are sandals and mules that capture the season in motion. Woven raffia introduces a natural, sun-drenched dimension, while luminous crystal buckles return the collection to one of Roger Vivier’s most recognizable motifs. These pieces move easily beyond resort dressing, pairing just as naturally with linen tailoring, a printed dress, or an understated evening look. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/SS26_HIGH_SUMMER_CROPS_1080x1350_02_10-scaled.webp) Grand Vivier Medium Shopping Bag in brown fabric and Belle Vivier Sandals in brown leather *Roger Vivier* Turquoise gives the collection its cleanest note of color, bringing to mind sea and sky without making the reference too literal. Crochet softens the mood further, adding texture without weight to pieces already defined by raffia and crystal. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Belle-Vivier-Sandals-in-leather-Off-White-1390-2240x1680.webp) Belle Vivier Sandals in off white leather *Roger Vivier* This balance is especially clear in the bags. The Belle Vivier rattan hobo and clutch recast the house’s ladylike heritage detail through a more architectural summer vocabulary. Rattan gives the pieces a relaxed tactility, but their proportions keep them rather composed, closer to salon dressing than beach dressing in a sense. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Polka-Dot-Vanity-Tres-Vivier-Micro-Bag-2660-2240x1680.webp) Vanity Très Vivier Micro Bag in polka dot *Roger Vivier* Shopping bags and woven baskets carry the mood into more practical pieces, pairing textured materials with shapes made for city errands, travel days, and long weekends. Then there’s the Viv’ Skate Basket Mini Bag, which brings a playful counterpoint to the collection’s more polished pieces. Footwear sharpens the campaign’s sense of character. High Summer’s Trompette and Boule heels lean into Vivier’s long fascination with shape and attitude. Their sculptural lines give the foot a sense of wit, turning the heel from a supporting detail into one of the collection’s most deliberate gestures. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Envelope-Flap-Crochet-Flower-Strass-Buckle-Clutch-2810-2240x1680.webp) Efflorescence Clutch in crochet *Roger Vivier* The Belle Vivier canvas and raffia shoes, meanwhile, soften the house’s signature buckle with materials that feel sunlit, tactile, and less formal. Lightness also finds a more rarefied counterpart in L’Atelier des Papillons, Roger Vivier’s Autumn–Winter 2026 to 27 Pièce Unique collection. It marks a meaningful return to Roger Vivier’s founding identity as a shoemaker. For the first time, Gherardo Felloni extends the line into one-of-a-kind Choc pumps and couture sneakers, placing footwear beside the Efflorescence Jewel bags and embroidered gilets that have become canvases for the Maison’s most decorative savoir-faire. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/SS26_HIGH_SUMMER_CROPS_1920x1080_02_6-2240x1260.webp) Slidy Viv’ Sandals in beige fabric and the Vanity Très Vivier Micro Bag in off white fabric *Roger Vivier* If High Summer brings the Maison’s codes into the sun, Pièce Unique returns them to the atelier. The Légère pieces show the collection at its most delicate and exacting. Consider the Légère Choc Pump. Hand-cut silk organdy petals, micro-beads, sequins, faceted crystals, and goose feathers bloom across the transparent PVC Choc pump, while its curved heel continues the same chromatic embroidery. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/752497437_18611577568034859_4357008873800465021_n-2240x2800.webp) Ecrin Aux Papillon Bag *Roger Vivier* The collection’s Efflorescence Jewel bag carries the idea onto off-white satin, where hand-dyed micro-beads and silk organdy petals create soft gradations of depth. Three-dimensional butterflies, formed from beads and fine goose feathers, emerge along the fringed edges, complemented by rose quartz spheres and a hand-shaped palladium-finished torchon handle. Even the sneaker becomes an atelier object, its white base worked with beads, petals, crystals, and sculpted metal, while the gilet turns the motif into a full field of embroidered movement. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2954-26-07-RV-PIECES-UNIQUES12979-B-2240x2800.webp) (From left to right) The Âme Gilet, Légère Gilet, and Papillon Tremblant Gilet *Roger Vivier* Such is the range of Roger Vivier’s imagination, it seems. High Summer captures the ease of the season, while Pièce Unique reveals the labor behind the fantasy. *Roger Vivier is available at Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center Malls, Makati City.* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report Philippines’ [Muse Issue, July 2026](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-july-2026-the-muse-issue/).* ## FAQs ### What is Roger Vivier’s High Summer 2026 collection? High Summer 2026 is Roger Vivier’s warm-weather collection, built around lightweight materials such as raffia, crochet, crystal, and turquoise across shoes, bags, and accessories. ### What are the standout pieces in Roger Vivier High Summer 2026? Highlights include raffia sandals and mules, Belle Vivier rattan bags, woven baskets, the Viv’ Skate Basket Mini Bag, and shoes featuring the house’s signature Trompette and Boule heels. ### How does Roger Vivier use raffia in the High Summer collection? Raffia appears across footwear and bags, giving the pieces a more relaxed, tactile quality while preserving the structured proportions and polished finish associated with the maison. ### What is Roger Vivier’s Pièce Unique collection? Pièce Unique is the maison’s one-of-a-kind couture line. For Autumn–Winter 2026 to 2027, Gherardo Felloni expanded it into footwear, including Choc pumps and couture sneakers, alongside embroidered bags and gilets. ### What makes the Légère Choc Pump special? The Légère Choc Pump is decorated with hand-cut silk organdy petals, micro-beads, sequins, faceted crystals, and goose feathers over transparent PVC, turning the shoe into a highly detailed couture object. **Categories:** Style **Tags:** Roger Vivier --- ### [12 Watches That Made Their Debut at Geneva Watch Days](https://robbreport.ph/watches/12-watches-that-made-their-debut-at-geneva-watch-days/) **Published:** September 7, 2026 **Author:** Carol Besler **Content:** The seventh edition of Geneva Watch Days opened September 2 and ran through the 6th, with 68 brands participating—more than the 65 brands at[ Watches and Wonders at the Geneva](https://robbreport.ph/tag/watches-and-wonders-2026/) Palexpo last April. GWD was more festival than trade show, spread out across the city in boutiques, hotel suites along the Quai du Montblanc, and event spaces in the Old Town. Its focal point was a pavilion with an outdoor reception area and an event and seminar space called the Blue Box, situated on the Geneva waterfront. The five-day event included workshops, panel discussions, guided tours, seminars, auctions, and receptions. The stars of the show, however, were the new watch introductions. Here’s a look at a dozen new timepieces that made their debut that week in Geneva. ## Bulgari Octo Finissimo Dual Timer x Vianney Halter ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Bvlgari-2026_Octo-Finissimo-Dual-Time-X-Vianney-Halter_Packshot_104355_01-2.webp) *Bulgari* The fact that this watch could genuinely read as either an [Octo Finissimo](https://robbreport.ph/tag/octo-finissimo/) or a Vianney Halter is surely the sign of a successful collaboration. It’s a merger that preserves the signature elements of each: the rigorous geometry of the Octo Finissimo case with a movement made for the model, and the steam punk-like design, industrial details, multiple displays, and three-dimensional architectural complexity (the case consists of 50 components) of independent watchmaker Vianney Halter. It’s limited to 30 pieces in titanium, priced at $80,000, and 15 in 18-karat pink gold, at $123,000. ## Daniel Roth Extra Plat Rose Gold Gilt ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Daniel-Roth-Gilt_RG_wrist_RVB.webp) *Daniel Roth* Daniel Roth’s newest watch is here. The “gilt” in the timepiece’s name refers to the dial finish, created largely by hand following a multi-step technique that involves guilloché engraving and silicon pad transferral, along with electroplating and other treatments. The result is a unique 3-D effect that goes beyond simple pad printing or engraving. The case is 18-karat rose gold, and it comes on a black leather strap. Powered by the manual wound caliber DR002, the watch is priced at a cool $76,500. ## Alto Art 02 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/4-alto-art02-ambiance.webp) *Alto* The Art 02 design embraces the seamless integration of case, bracelet, and faceted sapphire crystal in what Alto calls a “monobloc construction.” It contains a manufacture movement, the A01 micro-rotor caliber, developed in collaboration with Le Cercle des Horlogers, a workshop that makes Speake Marin’s movements. That movement drives a counter-clockwise running seconds hand, an Alto signature that began with its inaugural watch, the Art 01. The model is priced at 13,000 euros (about $15,000) with a titanium case. ## Gerald Charles Masterlink Atelier Edition ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Gerald-CharlesFront.webp) *Gerald Charles* The focus of Gerald Charles’s two-hand/no index watch is the dial, which is hammered by hand on a Maillechort (nickel silver) plate by applying hundreds of highly controlled impacts. No two pieces are alike. The central links of the lower half of the integrated bracelet follow the curve of the lower case. Gerald Charles will make 25 pieces, priced at $31,000, in each of three colors: golden rose, rhodium, and golden yellow. ## Gerald Genta Geneva Minute Repeater Golden Obsidian ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/GG_RMHM_GO_1_300dpi_CMJN.webp) *Gerald Genta* The Geneva collection, which takes its name from the city where the brand was founded in 1969, reflects the union of technical precision and meticulous case construction. The 40 mm, cushion-shaped case is 3N yellow gold, which is suited to minute repeaters because of its acoustic properties, giving the sound warmth and purity. The golden obsidian dial reveals subtle gold highlights, and no two are alike. This model will cost $424,000. ## Breitling Navitimer B09 Chronograph Tribute to Miles Davis ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/02_Breitling-Navitimer-B09-Chronograph-41-Tribute-to-Miles-Davis_AB09501A1B1A1_RGB-1.webp) *Breitling* This retro design is inspired by the 1960s Breitling Navitimer ref. 806 Mk5, worn by Miles Davis. The manual caliber B09 is a nod to an era when automatic chronograph movements didn’t exist. The 41 mm case is steel, with a rally inspired “Air Racer” bracelet with round vents, or a gradient brown calf leather strap. It’s limited to 500 pieces, and a three-piece boxed set includes versions in stainless steel, 18-karat yellow gold, and platinum. On the bracelet alone, the model is priced at $9,600, the strap, $8,900. The entire boxed set will run you $96,400. ## Zenith Chronomaster Solo Sport ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Zenith-CHRONOMASTER-Solo-Sport.webp) *Zenith* The Solo Sport is the first Chronomaster that is a three-hand rather than a chronograph version of the iconic El Primero movement, emphasizing the caliber’s defining feature: 5 Hz or 36,000 vph. The goal is to offer a model with the famed movement at a more accessible price point: $9,800 without date and $10,900 with date, compared to $12,000 and up for chronographs. The dial has a repeated 45° Z motif to evoke the frequency and vibration of the movement. There are four variations with steel cases and ceramic bezels and dials. ## Urwerk UR-150 Golden Scorpion ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/UR150_Gold_CBR_V5.webp) *Urwerk* This version of the UR-150, priced at $140,000, is 2N yellow gold, with a sandblasted, microbead-blasted, and satin finish that brings out the lines and ridges of the case. The automatic UR-50.01 movement drives three hour satellites that travel across a central flying carousel. A retrograde hand tracks minutes along a 240-degree arc before snapping back instantly to its starting point—an action that takes place in one hundredth of a second. ## Speake Marin Tourbillon Royal Blue ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/speake-marin-openworked-tourbillon-royal-blue.webp) *Speake Marin* The upper plate flange and some movement components are finished with a Royal Blue PVD treatment, Speake Marin’s emblematic color, inspired by Pantone 287 C. The openings and indications unfold across several levels on the openworked dial, with a flying tourbillon uniquely positioned at 1:30 and a power-reserve indicator at 7:30. The 42 mm Piccadilly case is red gold. It is a numbered limited edition of five pieces, set at $121,600. ## L. Leroy Vox Temporis ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/L-Leroy.webp) *L. Leroy* This design is directly inspired by a historic Leroy tact watch created in 1810, today preserved at the Patek Philippe Museum. It allowed the hours and half-hours to be read discreetly by touch. The style is a recurring theme in the maison’s contemporary creations, most recently with the Bal du Temps model. The Vox Temporis—Latin for “the Voice of Time”—has a single hand and a rotating dial, finished in a radial guilloché flinque pattern. The minutes are revealed on demand through its minute repeater mechanism. L. Leroy will make 15 pieces total in each customers’ choice of red gold, platinum, or titanium. Price on request. ## Girard-Perregaux Laureato Fifty Tourbillon ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/GP-Laureato_Tourbillon_39mm_Pink-Gold-Dial-3.webp) *Girard-Perregaux* The [Laureato](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-girard-perregaux-laureato-a-stunningly-simple-watch-with-full-mechanical-architecture/) is a typical midcentury sports watch from the same golden era as the [Patek Philippe Nautilus](https://robbreport.ph/tag/nautilus/) and IWC Ingenieur. But here it works as an elegant tourbillon—part dress watch, part sports watch, and part complication. The dial, with a Clous de Paris pattern, is available in blue enamel or solid gold. The pattern is broken only by the brand’s signature white gold Bridge over the tourbillon carriage. The price for the pink-gold dial is set at $95,600, while the blue-enamel dial is priced at $100,000. ## Ming 57.05 Comet ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Ming-Comet_1.webp) *Ming* This world timer has a first-of-its-kind system for adjusting for daylight saving time (DST). The cities are divided according to whether they observe daylight saving time. Those that don’t remain fixed on the inner bezel, while those that observe it are positioned on a separate outer bezel. Rotating the outer bezel a single click moves only the relevant cities forward by one hour against the 24-hour scale. A multi-layered dial with an overlapping grid creates an ever-changing pattern. Triple-stepped lugs on the steel case are a Ming signature. This 200-piece steel version is the watchmaker’s most accessible world time watch to date; and it’s priced from $9,750 on a leather strap and $10,875 on Ming Polymesh on [Ming’s website](https://www.ming.watch./). *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* ## FAQs ### What watches debuted at Geneva Watch Days 2026? Geneva Watch Days 2026 featured new releases from brands including Bulgari, Daniel Roth, Breitling, Zenith, Urwerk, Speake Marin, Girard-Perregaux, and Ming. ### How many brands participated in Geneva Watch Days 2026? The seventh edition of Geneva Watch Days brought together 68 participating brands across venues throughout Geneva. ### What was one of the most expensive watches shown at Geneva Watch Days 2026? The Gerald Genta Geneva Minute Repeater Golden Obsidian was priced at $424,000 and featured a 40 mm yellow-gold case with a distinctive golden obsidian dial. ### Which limited-edition watches debuted at Geneva Watch Days 2026? Limited releases included the Bulgari Octo Finissimo Dual Timer x Vianney Halter, the Breitling Navitimer tribute to Miles Davis, and Speake Marin’s five-piece Tourbillon Royal Blue. ### What was notable about the Ming 57.05 Comet? The Ming 57.05 Comet introduced a world-time system designed to adjust separately for cities that observed daylight saving time, allowing relevant locations to shift by one hour with a single bezel adjustment. **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** Feature, Geneva Watch Days, Watch Collector, Watches --- ### [This Rare, Long-Held Kandinsky Could Be One of the Year’s Defining Lots](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-collectibles/this-rare-long-held-kandinsky-could-be-one-of-the-years-defining-lots/) **Published:** September 7, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** Four years before he published his landmark book *Concerning the Spiritual in Art*, Wassily Kandinsky began forging a visual language that broke from literal representation. In *Das bunte Leben*, he used color, form, and perspective to build the freer, more expressive style that would define his later work. *Das bunte Leben* (The Colorful Life) will return to the market this fall as a leading lot in [Christie’s](https://robbreport.ph/tag/christies-2/) 20th/21st Century: London Evening Sale on October 14, estimate available upon request. Measuring roughly 130 by 163 centimeters, it was the largest canvas Kandinsky had attempted at the time and has long been regarded as one of the defining achievements of his formative period. Completed in 1907, its rarity goes beyond scale. The painting spent more than 50 years on long-term loan to Munich’s Lenbachhaus before its restitution in 2023 to the heirs of collector Hedwig Lewenstein-Weyermann. For much of the modern era, the painting had effectively been a museum piece outside the market. With it, we get a glimpse of the moment when Kandinsky began imagining what painting could become once reality stopped setting the rules. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/01kandinsky-sale-jtzq-superJumbo-1.webp) Wassily Kandinsky’s “Murnau mit Kirche II” (1910) sold for £37.2 million (approx. P3.14 billion) at Sotheby’s London in 2023, setting the artist’s auction record. *Sotheby’s* ## The Beginning of Kadinsky’s Road to Abstraction ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/kandiksy-235235-2240x1260.webp) At first glance, *Das bunte Leben* still offers a world the eye can enter, so to speak. Pilgrims and peasants move through an imagined Russian landscape, as mothers, children, saints, and mounted figures appear among hills that climb toward a fantastical city of towers and domes. We can see that Kandinsky draws a lot on folklore, religion, and memories of his childhood in Moscow. Color takes on a life beyond the objects it fills, while figures break apart into luminous marks and perspective gives way to a flatter, more rhythmic field. The surface is charged with movement. Kandinsky later identified *Das bunte Leben* as a crucial work in his development, recalling how the bird’s-eye view allowed him to compress its figures into an accumulating mass of patches and lines. The Guggenheim notes that, by 1913, familiar Kandinsky motifs such as riders, hills and towers had been reduced to broad areas of radiant color and rhythmic line, leaving only faint traces of their representational origins. “Das bunte Leben” shows those motifs several years earlier, when they were still legible but already beginning to surrender their descriptive authority. Especially telling is the mounted horseman hidden among its trees. Christie’s identifies it as a precursor to the Blue Rider motif that would later become synonymous with Kandinsky and, eventually, with the Der Blaue Reiter group he helped establish. Kandinsky painted the work after extended exposure to the Parisian avant-garde, where he encountered the optical experimentation of Pointillism, the saturated color of Fauvism and the increasingly radical possibilities of Post-Impressionism. Rather than settling into one of those languages, he began constructing his own. By 1911, Kandinsky was arguing that color and form could carry emotional and spiritual force independently of objects, a conviction that helped establish him as one of abstraction’s central pioneers. In addition, MoMA describes works from this period as part of his progressive liberation of line and color from their traditional descriptive roles. Viewed from that perspective, *Das bunte Leben* is compelling because the so-called “break” has yet to become complete. The world remains crowded with bodies, buildings and stories, but the painting is already beginning to function according to another logic. The market has historically placed its highest values on works that chart Kandinsky’s evolution toward, and eventual command of, abstraction. His auction record belongs to *Murnau mit Kirche II* (1910), which fetched £37.2 million (about P3.14 billion) at Sotheby’s London in 2023. Six years earlier, the fully abstract *Bild mit weissen Linien* (1913) had set the previous high at £33 million (about P2.78 billion). Rounding out the top three is the much later *Tensions calmées* (1937), a work from Kandinsky’s Paris years that realized £21.2 million (about P1.79 billion) at Sotheby’s in 2021. *Das bunte Leben will be offered in [Christie’s 20th/21st Century: London Evening Sale](https://press.christies.com/christies-to-present-kandinskys-1907-masterpiece-das-bunte-leben/) on October 14, following public exhibitions in Zurich, Paris, New York, Hong Kong, and London.* ## FAQs ### What is Kandinsky’s *Das bunte Leben*? *Das bunte Leben* (“The Colorful Life”) is a monumental 1907 painting by Wassily Kandinsky that captures a pivotal stage in his transition from figurative art toward abstraction. ### Why is *Das bunte Leben* important to Kandinsky’s development? The painting shows Kandinsky beginning to free color, line, and composition from literal representation. Its flattened perspective, rhythmic forms, and luminous color anticipate the abstract language of his later work. ### When will Kandinsky’s *Das bunte Leben* be auctioned? The painting will be offered in Christie’s 20th/21st Century: London Evening Sale on October 14, 2026. ### Why is *Das bunte Leben* so rare on the market? The work spent more than 50 years on long-term loan to Munich’s Lenbachhaus and was restituted in 2023 to the heirs of collector Hedwig Lewenstein-Weyermann, meaning it was effectively outside the private market for decades. ### How large is Kandinsky’s *Das bunte Leben*? The canvas measures approximately 130 by 163 centimeters and was the largest painting Kandinsky had attempted when he completed it in 1907. **Categories:** Art & Collectibles **Tags:** art, Art News, Auctions, christie's, Wassily Kandinsky --- ### [Haute Habitat: 11 Pieces for the Modern Boudoir](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/design/modern-boudoir-furniture/) **Published:** September 3, 2026 **Author:** Aica Dacuno **Content:** Fashion need not be confined to the wardrobe. These beautifully crafted pieces prove that the modern boudoir can be just as expressive, personal, and impeccably styled as the woman who inhabits it. ## **Moonbow Collection** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Moonbow-Collection-2.webp) *Hanoia* **Hanoia** The beauty of Hanoia’s Moonbow collection begins with lacquer. The collection showcases the material through a painstaking color-blending technique that creates subtle shifts in tone, giving each piece a marked presence wherever you choose to display it. *Available at Rustan’s Makati, Ayala Center, Ayala Avenue, Makati City.* ## **Magnifico Mirror** ![Courtesy of Furnitalia.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/MAGNIFICO-7.webp) *Courtesy of Furnitalia.* **Fiam, Marcel Wanders** The Magnifico Mirror by Marcel Wanders pairs a softly curved glass frame with a clean mirrored surface, creating a piece that feels light, elegant, and perfectly at home in a well-appointed wardrobe or boudoir. *Available at Furnitalia, Crescent Park, West BGC Taguig.* ## **The Fab5 Mini Chiller** ![Courtesy of Smeg](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Untitled-design-2026-08-26T144218717-2240x2240.webp) *Courtesy of Smeg* **Smeg** Smeg’s FAB5 makes a convincing case for moving the mini fridge out of the kitchen. Park it beside a vanity to keep skincare cool, sparkling water within arm’s reach, and your getting-ready routine a little more indulgent. *Available at [Smeg stores](https://smegphilippines.com/pages/store-locations?srsltid=AfmBOoozGffgSDgU5LzEVH9JVY4Ot2IQJGwRq_fFSpjKgWg02tJeAESO) in cream, black, red, pastel green, pastel blue, and pink.* ## **Kara Dresser** ![Courtesy of Abitare Internazionale](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Untitled-design-2026-08-26T144350643-2240x2240.webp) *Courtesy of Abitare Internazionale* **Natevo, Toner** There is a reason the dressing table has endured. The Kara Dresser by Natevo rethinks the classic vanity with seven softly lit mirrors, elegant Calacatta marble, discreet drawers, and antiqued gold accents. It’s beautiful to use as it is to look at. *Available at Abitare Internazionale, G/F, Crown Tower, Salcedo Village, 107 H.V. Dela Costa, Makati City.* ## **Shimmer Mirror** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/SHIMMER-MIRROR_3.webp) *Photos courtesy of Hanoia, Furnitalia, Smeg, Abitare Internazionale, and Kuysen* **Glas Italia, Patricia Urquiola** Shimmer is Patricia Urquiola at her most playful. Fashioned from iridescent glass, the piece seems to change color as light moves across its surface, creating a functional piece that feels alive without relying on ornament. *Available at Kuysen*, *2 Jupiter corner Zodiac Street Bel Air, Makati City, Philippines 1209*. *+632 88619646 / 79753032* ## The Deep Lounge ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Deep-Lounge-1.webp) *Photos courtesy of Kysen, Mos Design, and Living Innovations; Casa Bella Home and Living; Opulence Design Concept* **Natuzzi Italia, Nika Zupanc** Nika Zupanc gives the classic chaise a softer point of view with the Deep Lounge for Natuzzi Italia. Beneath its flowing silhouette are breathable Eucafeel high-density polyurethane and Memory Foam cushions, making long mornings with a book or slow evenings winding down feel more inviting and cozy. *Available at Mos Design, 9th Avenue corner Lane O, Bonifacio High Street, BGC.* ## Tra le Nuvole Wall Clock ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Wall-clock-Tra-le-Nuvole-Background-Removed.webp) *Photos courtesy of Kysen, Mos Design, and Living Innovations; Casa Bella Home and Living; Opulence Design Concept* **Fornasetti** Few objects bring as much personality to a room as a Fornasetti clock. Tra le Nuvole frames the house’s Tema e Variazioni face with soft clouds, adding a touch of whimsy to your dressing room while keeping time. *Available at Opulence Design Concept, 267 Connecticut St. Greenhills East, Mandaluyong City.* ## Insula Ottoman ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Insula-Ottoman.webp) *Photos courtesy of Kysen, Mos Design, and Living Innovations; Casa Bella Home and Living; Opulence Design Concept* **Kettal, Patricia Urquiola** With its low silhouette and softly rounded backrest, the Insula Ottoman brings an easy sense of comfort to the dressing room. Patricia Urquiola keeps the design simple, letting clean lines and generous proportions speak for themselves. *Available at Casa Bella Home and Living, 8 Jupiter St. cor Canopus, Bel-Air, Makati.* ## Eureka ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Image-10-lemauk-showroom4422_nuovapoltroncina.webp) *Photos courtesy of Kysen, Mos Design, and Living Innovations; Casa Bella Home and Living; Opulence Design Concept* **Lema, Steve Leung** Rather than treating the vanity as a separate piece, Steve Leung folds it seamlessly into the wardrobe with Eureka. He designed it as a single, customizable system that adapts to the way you live. Its compartments keep everyday essentials close at hand while keeping them organized. *Available at Living Innovations, Fort Victoria, 5th Ave. corner Rizal Dr., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report Philippines’ [Muse Issue, July 2026](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-july-2026-the-muse-issue/).* ## FAQs ### What furniture works best in a modern boudoir or dressing room? A well-designed boudoir can combine a vanity or dresser, statement mirror, lounge seating, storage, and smaller functional pieces that make everyday routines more comfortable and personal. ### What are some luxury vanity options for a dressing room? The Kara Dresser by Natevo and Steve Leung’s Eureka system for Lema both reinterpret the traditional vanity with integrated storage, mirrors, and contemporary materials. ### Which designer mirrors work well in a boudoir? Options include Marcel Wanders’s Magnifico Mirror for Fiam and Patricia Urquiola’s iridescent Shimmer Mirror for Glas Italia, both designed to function as decorative focal points. ### How can you make a dressing room feel more luxurious? Consider layering practical pieces with tactile materials and expressive design, such as lacquered accessories, marble vanities, sculptural seating, statement mirrors, and even a compact refrigerator for skincare or drinks. ### Where can you buy these designer furniture pieces in the Philippines? The featured pieces are available through retailers including Rustan’s, Furnitalia, Smeg, Abitare Internazionale, Kuysen, Mos Design, Opulence Design Concept, Casa Bella Home and Living, and Living Innovations. **Categories:** Design **Tags:** Glas Italia, Hanoia, kuysen, Magazine, Natevo, Smeg --- ### [Samsung Must Pay Swatch $11.6 Million for Replicating Luxury Watch Faces](https://robbreport.ph/watches/samsung-must-pay-swatch-11-6-million-for-replicating-luxury-watch-faces/) **Published:** September 4, 2026 **Author:** Nicole Hoey **Content:** The Swatch Group’s trademark lawsuit against [Samsung](http://Samsung) in London has been resolved—for now, anyway. The South Korean tech giant was ordered to pay the Swiss watch conglomerate $11.6 million by a High Court judge for permitting its smart watches to display digital copies of watch faces from luxury brands such as [Omega](https://robbreport.ph/tag/omega/), [Breguet](https://robbreport.ph/tag/breguet/), and Tissot, [Bloomberg](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-08-26/samsung-ordered-to-pay-swatch-11-6-million-over-copied-smartwatch-apps) reported. “Use of the Swatch Group brands on Samsung’s supermarket shelves, downloadable for nothing or for little money, is to my mind very damaging,” Judge Marcus Smith said in the ruling. “The low price is demeaning of the brands the Swatch Group seek to promulgate.” News of the Swatch Group’s came to light this past June, when the conglomerate originally sought $170 million in damages in the case. 26 third-party watch apps were involved in the proceedings; altogether, that bunch produced digital faces that were downloaded about 160,000 times in the U.K. and the E.U., according to a June 19th filing. Tissot chief executive Sylvain Dolla said that allowing luxury timepieces to appear on smart watches “kill\[s\] the value of the fine Swiss watch,” per a witness statement at the time. That sentiment of damage to the reputation of the luxury timepiece brands in its fold was at the core of Swatch’s suit. “Samsung repeatedly attempted to downplay the scale and significance of the infringements by trivializing the compensation owed to the Swatch Group’s well-known brands,” a Swatch Group spokesperson told Bloomberg in response to this week’s ruling. Samsung, meanwhile, said in the lawsuit that it removed all apps that replicated the watch faces in question as soon as it became aware of the issue. “We are carefully considering the High Court’s judgment and will consider all possible countermeasures, including an appeal,” a spokesperson told Bloomberg. The tech company and the Swatch Group did not immediately respond to *Robb Report’s* requests for comment. A few years ago, a similar case dealing with copied watch face designs had been brought by the Swatch Group against Samsung; the tech brand was found liable in 2022. Even if an appeal doesn’t come to fruition, that’s not the end to the Samsung-Swatch saga. A similar lawsuit is currently pending across the pond in a U.S. court, filed by the same luxury brands in the London case. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* ## FAQs ### Why did Swatch Group sue Samsung? Swatch Group sued Samsung over third-party smartwatch apps that reproduced watch faces associated with brands including Omega, Breguet, and Tissot. ### How much was Samsung ordered to pay Swatch Group? A London High Court judge ordered Samsung to pay Swatch Group $11.6 million in damages. ### How many copied smartwatch faces were involved in the case? The proceedings involved 26 third-party watch apps, which generated around 160,000 downloads across the U.K. and European Union. ### Which Swatch Group brands were involved in the lawsuit? The case involved luxury and watch brands including Omega, Breguet, and Tissot. ### Will Samsung appeal the Swatch Group ruling? Samsung said it is reviewing the High Court judgment and considering possible next steps, including an appeal. **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** News, samsung, Watch Collector --- ### [9 New Fragrances Worth Discovering This Season](https://robbreport.ph/style/muse/9-new-fragrances-worth-discovering-this-season/) **Published:** September 4, 2026 **Author:** Aica Dacuno **Content:** Whether revisiting a familiar signature or discovering something new, these nine [fragrances](https://robbreport.ph/style/grooming/fragrances/) deserve a place on your vanity. This season’s releases cover several moods and intentions. Burberry and Chloé deepen established signatures, Le Labo explores the ambiguity of violet, and [Louis Vuitton]() gives vanilla a brighter register. Carolina Herrera, L:a Bruket, Jo Malone London, [Diptyque](https://robbreport.ph/tag/diptyque/), and Tom Ford complete the selection with compositions designed to stand on their own. ## La Bomba Eau de Parfum by Carolina Herrera ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/SCH-50136_65195954_CH-LA-BOMBA-EDP-80ML.webp) It took three noses to pull off La Bomba. Christophe Raynaud, Quentin Bisch, and Louise Turner crafted the fragrance around juicy pitaya, cherry peony, frangipani, and a warm vanilla base. The house has also retired the high-heeled shoe, at least for now, replacing it with a pink butterfly that is every bit as bold, free-spirited, and impossible to ignore as the fragrance itself. *Php 10,800 for 80 ml.* ## Burberry Her Parfum by Burberry ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Copy-of-BYF_HER_PARF_26_50ml_pack-1-Background-Removed.webp) Burberry Her opens with cherry and pear before moving into an amber heart softened by whipped cream, freesia, and patchouli, then settling into vanilla absolute, musk, and moss. It retains the familiar Burberry Her signature while adding concentration and depth. *Php 8,900 for 50 ml and Php 12,700 for 100 ml.* ## Chloé Le Parfum by **Chloé** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/dark-375x5001112732x.webp) Rose has always been central to Chloé’s fragrance identity, and Le Parfum gives it a fuller, more luminous expression. Orange blossom provides a brighter opening, while vanilla and tonka bean bring warmth and staying power. The result remains unmistakably Chloé in the house’s most powerful composition yet. *Php 5,298 for 30 ml, Php 8,098 for 50 ml, and Php 12,298 for 100 ml.* ## Violette 30 Eau de Parfum by **Le Labo** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/FY26-Q1_EDP_V30_100ml_For-You_WB_1108x1528.webp) Violets have long resisted a single meaning, and Le Labo’s Violette 30 embraces that ambiguity. White violet, white tea, and green florals meet the depth of cedarwood and guaiacwood in a composition that reveals several sides of its central note. *Php 5,210 for 15 ml, Php 12,050 for 50 ml, and Php 17,250 for 100 ml.* ## 335 Dísir Eau de Parfum by **L:a Bruket** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/LA-Bruket-DISIR-2.webp) 335 Dísir Eau de Parfum is the softest expression in L:a Bruket’s new fragrance collection. Inspired by the stillness of a Swedish meadow at sunrise, it layers iris, rice steam, powdery musk, and cucumber. The result is a watery floral that feels fresh and comforting. *Php 8,600 for 50 ml and Php 12,300 for 100 ml.* ## Amber Labdanum Cologne Intense by **Jo Malone London** Yann Vasnier’s Amber Labdanum Cologne Intense captures the atmosphere of Granada. Jo Malone London’s global head of fragrance, Céline Roux, says she has “always been in awe of the Alhambra.” The fragrance is built around labdanum, lifted by bitter orange, vanilla, roasted oak, and amber. *Php 9,800 for 50 ml and Php 13,900 for 100 ml.* ## Fantasmagory Extrait de Parfum by **Louis Vuitton** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/FANTASMAGORY_100ML_2f-Background-Removed.webp) Tahitensis vanilla takes center stage in Jacques Cavallier Belletrud’s Fantasmagory Extrait de Parfum. Anise, almond, and ginger give the ingredient a sunnier character, leaving a bright, citrus-tinged impression on the skin. *Php 35,700 for 100 ml.* ## Orphéon Eau de Toilette by **Diptyque** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/NEW-Orpheon-Eau-de-Toilette-100ml-Php-11250-3.webp) Orphéon Eau de Toilette skips the cigarette smoke of the original composition and heads straight for the first round. Perfumer Nathalie Cetto opens with green tangerine and yuzu before settling into cedar and musk, offering a fresher interpretation of a Diptyque favorite. *Php 13,500 for 75 ml.* ## Figue Eau de Parfum by **Tom Ford** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/T3AB01_FY26_FIGUE_EROTIQUE_50ML_CENSORED_3000x3000.webp) Figue, created by Shyamala Maisondieu for Tom Ford’s Private Blend Collection, captures the moment before a Kadota fig reaches full ripeness. Bergamot, mandarin, and pink pepper open the fragrance, followed by ylang-ylang and a base of vetiver, patchouli, benzoin, and muscovado. *Php 24,800 for 50 ml.* ## FAQs ### What are the best new luxury fragrances to discover this season? The season’s notable releases include Carolina Herrera La Bomba, Burberry Her Parfum, Chloé Le Parfum, Le Labo Violette 30, L:a Bruket 335 Dísir, Jo Malone London Amber Labdanum, Louis Vuitton Fantasmagory, Diptyque Orphéon Eau de Toilette, and Tom Ford Figue. ### Which new fragrance is best for someone who likes vanilla? Louis Vuitton Fantasmagory places Tahitensis vanilla at the center of a composition with anise, almond, ginger, and citrus. Chloé Le Parfum and Burberry Her Parfum also feature vanilla in warmer, richer compositions. ### What are the key notes in Carolina Herrera La Bomba? Carolina Herrera La Bomba combines pitaya, cherry peony, frangipani, and vanilla. Perfumers Christophe Raynaud, Quentin Bisch, and Louise Turner created the fragrance. ### Which fragrances offer fresher floral compositions? L:a Bruket 335 Dísir combines iris, rice steam, powdery musk, and cucumber in a watery floral composition. Le Labo Violette 30 pairs white violet with white tea, green florals, cedarwood, and guaiacwood. ### How much do the featured luxury fragrances cost in the Philippines? Prices begin at Php 5,210 for a 15 ml bottle of Le Labo Violette 30. The most expensive featured release is Louis Vuitton Fantasmagory Extrait de Parfum, priced at Php 35,700 for 100 ml. **Categories:** Fragrances, Muse, Style **Tags:** burberry, Carolina Herrera, Chloé, Diptyque, Jo Malone, L:a Bruket, Le Labo, Louis Vuitton, tom ford --- ### [Bilgin’s Project Bond in Photos](https://robbreport.ph/boats/bilgin-project-bond-superyacht-in-photos/) **Published:** September 3, 2026 **Author:** Nicole Hoey **Content:** It’s the largest Bilgin vessel to date—and worthy of any 007 villain. [Click here to read the full story.](https://robbreport.ph/boats/bilgin-project-bond-superyacht-is-james-bond-inspired/) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/bilgin-project-bond.webp) Bilgin’s Project Bond. *Bilgin Yachts* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/bilgin-project-bond-profile.webp) The superyacht has a sleek, streamlined exterior profile. *Bilgin Yachts* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/bilgin-project-bond-main-salon-lounge.webp) The main salon. *Bilgin Yachts* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/bilgin-project-bond-main-salon-bar.webp) The main salon bar. *Bilgin Yachts* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/bilgin-project-bond-main-salon.webp) The main salon’s lounge area. *Bilgin Yachts* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/bilgin-project-bond-owners-suite_4e2a57.webp) The sprawling owner’s suite. *Bilgin Yachts* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/bilgin-project-bond-owners-bathroom.webp) The owner’s bathroom. *Bilgin Yachts* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/bilgin-project-bond-owners-suite-ensuite.webp) The owner’s ensuite. *Bilgin Yachts* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/bilgin-project-bond-vip-cabin-beige.webp) The neutral-hued VIP cabin. *Bilgin Yachts* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/bilgin-project-bond-vip-cabin-beige-bed.webp) The space is centered by the artwork above the bed. *Bilgin Yachts* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/bilgin-project-bond-vip-cabin-blue.webp) The VIP cabin awash in blue. *Bilgin Yachts* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/bilgin-project-bond-guest-cabin.webp) A guest cabin. *Bilgin Yachts* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/bilgin-project-bond-twin-cabin.webp) The twin cabin. *Bilgin Yachts* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/bilgin-project-bond-cinema.webp) The cinema. *Bilgin Yachts* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Boats **Tags:** bilgin, News, Yachts --- ### [Remembering John Gokongwei Jr. at 100](https://robbreport.ph/profiles/remembering-john-gokongwei-jr-at-100/) **Published:** September 3, 2026 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** John Gokongwei Jr. left his mark on nearly every corner of contemporary Filipino life. His companies changed how we ate, shopped, traveled, and lived, leading a conglomerate that expanded across food, aviation, retail, and real estate. As the country marked his 100th birth anniversary, [Robinsons Land](https://robbreport.ph/tag/robinsons-land-corporation/) and the Gokongwei Group gave his legacy a permanent marker by renaming Bridgetowne’s main thoroughfare the John Gokongwei Jr. Boulevard. Born on August 11, 1926, Gokongwei was 13 when his father died and the family lost much of its fortune. He began selling garlic-roasted peanuts with his mother, and by 15 was cycling to the market before dawn to sell thread, soap, and candles. Some of what he earned went toward feeding the family, as the rest went back into the business. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/02-Mr-John.webp) John Gokongwei as a young man. *JG Holdings* From those humble beginnings came one of the Philippines’ most consequential business careers. Gokongwei built interests spanning food manufacturing, aviation, property, petrochemicals, banking, and hospitality. Universal Robina evidently turned packaged snacks and beverages into household fixtures. Cebu Pacific helped make air travel attainable for a broader slice of the Filipino public. Likewise, Robinsons Land changed the physical texture of cities with malls, offices, hotels, residences, and increasingly ambitious mixed-use estates. Still, his greater influence may lie in the philosophy beneath it. Gokongwei understood mass aspiration particularly well. His businesses frequently entered established industries by asking what could be made more accessible, more efficient, or better suited to an emerging Filipino middle class. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Bridgetowne.webp) Filipino-American artist Jefrë designed “The Victor,” specifically for Bridgetowne in Pasig. Those passing through the nearly one-kilometer road linking Pasig and Quezon City will see it everyday. *JG Holdings* Beyond commerce, his philanthropy perhaps offers the clearest measure of his character. In 1992, Gokongwei and his brothers Henry, Johnson, and James established the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation (GBF) around a conviction that education could serve as an engine of national progress. The family ultimately committed a substantial portion of its JG Summit holdings to the foundation, creating an enduring source of funding for scholarships, technical training, teacher development, and STEM education. GBF describes itself as one of the country’s leading providers of STEM-related scholarships and has supported more than 3,000 scholars. Its institutional endowments have went on to help establish various programs for the country’s top universities, including the Ateneo John Gokongwei School of Management and De La Salle University’s Gokongwei College of Engineering. Gokongwei died in 2019 at 93, but the businesses he built remain very much a family enterprise. Today, Lance Gokongwei now leads the Gokongwei Group, while his sisters Robina Gokongwei-Pe, Lisa Gokongwei-Cheng, and Marcia Gokongwei continue to shape the group across retail, digital transformation, philanthropy, and food manufacturing. “Many people remember John Gokongwei Jr. as a bold entrepreneur who built big businesses,” Lance says, speaking of his father’s 100th birthday celebration. “We remember him first as a father who taught us the value of hard work, integrity, and believing in the potential of our country and our people.” ![Lance Gokongwei photographed by Joseph Pascual](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/lance-gokongwei.webp) Lance Gokongwei. *Joseph Pascual* The newly renamed boulevard at Bridgetowne becomes another emblem of the family legacy, though the more consequential one remains the enterprise his family continues to build. “Seeing his name on a boulevard is a humbling tribute. More importantly, we hope it serves as a reminder of the values he lived by and the meaningful breakthroughs he created to help improve the lives of Filipinos,” Lance concludes. *Visit the JG Summit website [here](https://www.jgsummit.com.ph/).* ## FAQs ### Who was John Gokongwei Jr.? John Gokongwei Jr. was a Filipino industrialist and entrepreneur who built businesses spanning food, aviation, real estate, retail, banking, petrochemicals, and hospitality. ### When was John Gokongwei Jr. born? John Gokongwei Jr. was born on August 11, 1926. His 100th birth anniversary was commemorated in 2026. ### What companies did John Gokongwei Jr. build? Through JG Summit and related businesses, Gokongwei helped build major companies including Universal Robina, Cebu Pacific, and Robinsons Land. ### How did John Gokongwei Jr. contribute to education in the Philippines? Gokongwei and his brothers established the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation in 1992. It supports scholarships, STEM education, technical training, teacher development, and academic institutions across the Philippines. ### Why was a road named after John Gokongwei Jr.? Robinsons Land renamed Bridgetowne’s main thoroughfare John Gokongwei Jr. Boulevard to mark his centenary and honor his influence on Philippine business, development, and philanthropy. **Categories:** Profiles **Tags:** 013, JG Summit, John Gokongwei, News --- ### [Mahjong’s Masterpieces: The World’s Most Luxurious Sets](https://robbreport.ph/leisure/mahjongs-masterpieces-the-worlds-most-luxurious-sets/) **Published:** September 2, 2026 **Author:** Ria de Borja **Content:** For many Filipino families, the unmistakable sound of mahjong tiles is part of the soundtrack of every Chinese New Year, weekend reunion, and long afternoon at the club. Many learned the game on colorful acrylic sets passed around for decades. Beyond those familiar acrylic tiles lies an entirely different world, one where mahjong sets command six- and seven-figure prices and are displayed alongside collectible watches and contemporary art, crafted with the same care as haute horlogerie or bespoke furniture. Unlike many decorative objects, its beauty reveals itself through use. The satisfying weight of a perfectly balanced tile, the crisp sound of a well-made set being shuffled, and the subtle sheen acquired through age cannot be appreciated only through display. ## Before Luxury Brands, There Were Master Craftsmen Surprisingly, there are few Chinese luxury brands devoted to mahjong. Premium mahjong sets have historically been an artisan tradition rather than a branded luxury business. Since the late Qing dynasty, collectors have judged exceptional sets by the workshop that produced them, their age, materials, condition, and provenance. The prestige belonged to anonymous craftsmen passing their skills from one generation to the next. [The finest examples emerged during the late Qing dynasty and the Republican era](https://www.museumofplay.org/blog/what-makes-a-game-classic-my-buddy-plays-mahjong), when prosperous Chinese families commissioned handcrafted sets that reflected both wealth and gentility. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Bone-and-Bamboo-2240x1260.webp) A set of bone and bamboo mahjong with fitted wood box, 20th century, on auction at Sotheby’s for an estimated HKD 30,000-60,000. Sotheby’s Each tile began as two separate pieces: a polished bone face attached to a carefully shaped bamboo backing. Every Chinese character, bamboo stalk, dragon, flower, and season was engraved by hand before colored pigments were painstakingly applied to the carved recesses. The tiles were then polished repeatedly until their surfaces felt perfectly smooth. A complete set contains 144 tiles, each of which had to match precisely in height, width, thickness, and weight. No two handcrafted sets were ever exactly alike. Ivory sets also existed, although [CITES restrictions prohibit most international commercial trade in elephant ivory](https://cites.org/eng/news/Current_rules_commercial_international_trade_elephant_ivory_under_CITES_Proposals_CITES_CoP17_200716), making ownership, sale, and cross-border transport legally complex. Even the slightest inconsistency could affect how the tiles handled during play. Experienced players could often identify superior craftsmanship by the sound the tiles produced when shuffled across the table. Collectors often judge tiles by weight, balance, feel, and sound. The cabinets were equally impressive. Fashioned from rosewood, hongmu, camphor, or other prized hardwoods, they featured brass hardware, hidden compartments, intricate carvings, and beautifully fitted drawers. Many surviving examples today are regarded as museum-quality antiques, valued as much for their decorative artistry as for the game they contain. ## Shanghai’s Golden Age of Mahjong By the early twentieth century, Shanghai had become the center of luxury mahjong production. Dozens of specialist workshops supplied affluent Chinese households and exported finely crafted sets throughout Asia, Europe, and North America. Rather than competing through branding, these workshops earned their reputations through precision carving, elegant calligraphy, balanced proportions, and meticulous finishing. Many disappeared during the war, revolution, and restructuring of Chinese industry during the mid-twentieth century, making surviving examples sought after by collectors. Sets retaining their original cases, accessories, and documentation can command [significant prices at auction](https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2026/china-5000-years/a-set-of-bone-and-bamboo-mahjong-with-fitted-wood). Some workshops signed their cases with paper labels or carved seals, making complete surviving examples especially desirable today. ## The Million-Dollar Mahjong Set If one creation represents the absolute pinnacle of modern, luxury mahjong, it is the collaboration between [S.T. Dupont and Parisian jewelry atelier L’AquART](https://www.bonhams.com/auction/21819/lot/1106/one-of-a-kind-ruby-and-black-obsidian-mahjong-set-in-custom-presentation-box). ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/obsidian-mahjongg-set.webp) Valued at approximately US$1 million, the set transforms a traditional Chinese game into haute joaillerie. Each tile is carved from Tanzanian ruby and protected by engraved gold vermeil, while more than 1,000 rubies and 300 diamonds embellish the set, which takes months of work. The result is a collector’s masterpiece, an object whose rarity rivals that of exceptional high jewelry or a unique grand complication watch. ## When the Maisons Took Notice ![Louis Vuitton](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/LV-mahjongg-2240x1260.webp) Vanity Mahjong. Php3,520,000.00. *Louis Vuitton* Only in recent years have Europe’s luxury houses embraced mahjong as part of their expanding lifestyle collections. [Louis Vuitton](https://ph.louisvuitton.com/eng-ph/products/vanity-mahjong-monogram-nvprod3580063v/M10076) approaches the game through the lens of travel, housing its mahjong set inside one of the maison’s impeccably crafted miniature trunks. Wrapped in the signature Monogram canvas and fitted with polished brass hardware, it reflects the same savoir-faire that has defined Vuitton’s luggage for more than 170 years. ![Hermes Mahjong set](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/macao-mahjong-game-313029M-01-front-wm-1-0-0-2000-2000-q99_g.webp) *Hermès* Hermès’ [Macao mahjong set](https://www.hermes.com/us/en/product/macao-mahjong-game-H313029Mv01/) (Php 864,639.00) combines beautifully finished wood, supple leather, and understated proportions that embody the house’s philosophy. It is also designed to allow the materials to acquire character over time. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/giobagnara-2.webp) Giobagnara set. Php245,377.26. *Giobagnara* Italian craftsmanship has also found its place at the mahjong table. [Brunello Cucinelli](https://shop.brunellocucinelli.com/en-ph/lifestyle/decor/decorative-accessories/mahjong-262MLWOGAM821CSET1.html) (Php635,321.70) interprets the game through warm walnut and minimalist elegance, [Giobagnara](https://artemest.com/products/mahjong-game-set-49e070b3-b4a8-4c7f-adb7-c674b528edc0) (Php245,920.88) applies its celebrated leatherwork to handcrafted cases, while [Giobagnara x Poltrona Frau](https://www.poltronafrau.com/ww/en/products/games-mahjong.html?srsltid=AfmBOorPp5da7yvboIHbSgsXgMfYyKXUkytwKpqXiajtihfqHHwGcDS2#5561448-0000032140) (price depends on customization) creates a mahjong set that feels as much like a piece of furniture as a gaming accessory. These objects blur the distinction between leisure, interior design, and collectible art. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Games-collection-2240x1260.webp) Poltrona Frau x Giobagnara ## A Collectible Design Object Beyond Traditional Categories ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/262MLWOGAM821CSET1_D.webp) *Bruno Cucinelli* Luxury gaming objects have distinguished themselves beyond trendy, collectible design objects, with covetable bespoke chess sets, handcrafted backgammon boards, artisan poker cases, and museum-quality billiard tables. Mahjong belongs naturally within that conversation and have become fixtures in the homes of collectors who value craftsmanship beyond traditional categories. Whether carved by anonymous Chinese craftsmen a century ago or sold today by Europe’s most celebrated maisons, they offer an enduring truth: true luxury is measured by the skill, heritage, and human hands that brought it to life. ## FAQs ### What are traditional luxury mahjong tiles made of? Traditional handcrafted mahjong tiles commonly combined an engraved bone face with a bamboo backing. Colored pigment was applied to the carved characters and symbols before the tiles were polished. ### What is the world’s most expensive mahjong set? One of the most expensive known examples is the ruby-and-black-obsidian mahjong set created by S.T. Dupont and L’AquART. It has been valued at approximately US$1 million. ### What materials are used in the S.T. Dupont mahjong set? The set contains 144 tiles carved from Tanzanian ruby and protected by engraved gold vermeil. More than 1,000 rubies and 300 diamonds embellish the complete creation. ### Which luxury brands make mahjong sets? Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Brunello Cucinelli, Giobagnara, and Poltrona Frau are among the luxury houses and design companies that have produced contemporary mahjong sets. ### Why are antique mahjong sets collectible? Collectors assess antique sets according to their age, materials, condition, craftsmanship, provenance, and completeness. Original cabinets, accessories, labels, and documentation can strengthen their desirability. **Categories:** Leisure, Sports **Tags:** mahjong, mahjong set --- ### [The 12 Coolest New Watches That Dropped in August](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-12-coolest-new-watches-that-dropped-in-august/) **Published:** September 2, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** August is typically tumbleweeds in the watchmaking industry. Switzerland’s top maisons ostensibly shut down for the annual summer holidays, resulting in very few new releases in the eighth month of the year. The past four weeks haven’t been entirely devoid of horological action, though. Eleven watchmakers dropped fresh timepieces this August, buoying the industry and satiating collectors ahead of Geneva Watch Days in early September. Omega rolled out not one but [seven new 38 mm Speedmasters](https://robbreport.ph/watches/omega-just-added-7-new-38-mm-speedmasters-to-its-lineup/). [IWC](https://robbreport.ph/tag/iwc/) unveiled a Pilot’s Watch in honor of both [Mercedes-Benz](https://robbreport.ph/tag/mercedes-benz-2/) and the [Mercedes-AMG](https://robbreport.ph/tag/mercedes-amg/) Petronas F1 team. [Blancpain](https://robbreport.ph/tag/blancpain/) celebrated 70 years of the Bathyscaphe with a limited edition, while Tiffany & Co. unveiled a slightly moodier version of the new Tiffany Timer. Next up, [Urwerk](https://robbreport.ph/tag/urwerk/) introduced a bonkers one-off pocket watch, and [Vacheron](https://robbreport.ph/tag/vacheron-constantin/) paid tribute to the animal kingdom with eight métiers d’art watches. Plus, [Glashütte](https://robbreport.ph/tag/glashutte/) Original tipped a hat to chronographs past with two new Senators, Parmigiani Fleurier reimagined the skeletonized Tonda in rose gold and blue, and TAG Heuer dropped a Formula 1 Solargraph to mark the last Dutch Grand Prix. Last but not least, Hublot released another Big Bang in collaboration with the UEFA Champions League. Below are the best watches released this month. ## 1. Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art Tribute to the Animal Kingdom ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/vacheron-constantin-metiers-d-art-tribute-to-the-animal-kingdom-tigerbroidery_156c38.webp) *Vacheron Constantin* Vacheron Constantin took a walk on watchmaking’s wild side in August, unveiling six [métiers d’art watches](https://www.vacheron-constantin.com/gb/en/watches/exceptional-timepieces/tribute-to-the-animal-kingdom.html) inspired by the animal kingdom. The maison invited six artists to showcase their craft on the dial of a distinct 42 mm timepiece, incorporating techniques not typically associated with horology, such as gold embroidery, feather work, wood marquetry, glass sculpting, paper sculpting, and micro-origami. The in-house movement (Calibre 2460 G4) features an unconventional display in which the hours, minutes, days, and date are shown in four apertures at the four extremities of the dial, meaning each face becomes a true work of art. All six are stunning, but the reference with an embroidered tiger at the center is particularly striking. Price upon request. ## 2. Blancpain Bathyscaphe 70th Anniversary Limited Edition ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/blancpain-bathyscaphe-70th-anniversary-limited-edition.webp) *Blancpain* Blancpain is celebrating 70 years of the Bathyscaphe in true diver fashion, releasing a [reproduction](https://www.blancpain.com/en/fifty-fathoms/fifty-fathoms-bathyscaphe-5903-1110-063a) of a landmark model from 1968. The anniversary piece elegantly balances old with new, combining the original’s vintage aesthetic with more modern touches. The 37.4 mm steel case was developed around the movement, resulting in a remarkable diameter-to-thickness ratio that ensures a nice, comfy fit. Within the steel bezel and glass box lies a gray sunburst dial topped with vintage-color markers. Beneath that sits an in-house automatic movement (Caliber 1150) with a four-day power reserve. The watch is limited to 300 pieces and priced at $18,300. ## 3. TAG Heuer Formula 1 Solargraph Limited Edition ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/tag-heuer-formula-1-solargraph.webp) *TAG Heuer* TAG Heuer marked the final Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort by unveiling not one but two bright orange [Formula 1 Solargraph watches](https://www.tagheuer.com/us/en/timepieces/collections/tag-heuer-formula-1/38-mm-th50-00/WBY111H.FT8128.html#queryID=ad962b9bb084f12f168e0edac0207d25). Orange is, unquestionably, the national color of the Netherlands, even though the flag is red, white, and blue. The limited editions both feature 38 mm sandblasted steel cases, gray opaline dials, and orange bidirectional bezels, but one is fitted with a three-row steel bracelet (1,000 pieces, priced at $2,250) and the other is equipped with an orange rubber strap (1,500 pieces, priced at $2,150). Both run on a solar-powered quartz movement (Caliber TH50-00) that delivers six to 10 months of power reserve on a full charge. ## 4. Panerai Luminor Marina ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Panerai-Luminor-Marina-PAM01707-Carbotech-1.webp) *Panerai* Panerai’s latest [Luminor Marina](https://www.panerai.com/us/en/collections/watch-collection/luminor/pam01707-luminor-marina.html) screams quiet luxury, thanks to a subtle black-and-brown colorway. The reference (PAM01707) builds upon one (PAM02661) that the Officine released in 2022, with the same 44 mm Carbotech case, matte black dial, DLC-coated titanium caseback, and movement (Caliber P.9010 with 72-hour power reserve) as its predecessor. This time around, though, the hands, markers, and strap are brown rather than blue, giving the watch a more refined feel. You can pick one up for $15,600. ## 5. Tiffany & Co. Tiffany Timer ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/tiffany-co-tiffany-timer-.webp) *Tiffany & Co. Tiffany* The [Tiffany Timer](https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/tiffany-co-timer-chronograph-1237510418/) only debuted in January, but we have already gained a successor. The [latest iteration](https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/tiffany-co-navy-blue-timer-chronograph-1238568931/) is slightly bolder in design, eschewing the original’s platinum case and Tiffany Blue dial in favor of a titanium case and a navy blue dial with Tiffany Blue accents. The inner workings remain, however, incorporating a custom El Primero 400 chronograph movement featuring the house’s legendary Bird on a Rock signature. “It was a natural evolution of the Tiffany Timer rather than a response to a particular trend or request,” Nicolas Beau, senior vice president of Tiffany & Co. Horology, tells *Robb Report.* “Titanium brings a different character to the watch (lighter and more contemporary), while the dark blue dial with touches of Tiffany Blue gives it a very distinctive expression.” Limited to 100 pieces, the new Tiffany Timer retails for $28,000. ## 6. IWC Pilot’s Watch ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/iwc-schaffhausen-big-pilots-watch-perpetual-calendar-proset-140-years-mercedes-benz-1.webp) *IWC* IWC paid homage to the three-pointed star not once but twice in August. The Swiss watchmaker celebrated 140 years of Mercedes-Benz by releasing a limited-edition [Big Pilot’s Watch](https://www.iwc.com/gb-en/watches/pilot-watches/iw329603-big-pilots-watch-perpetual-calendar-proset-140-years-mercedes-benz) featuring the famous Perpetual Calendar ProSet. Introduced at Watches and Wonders earlier this year, this ingenious mechanism allows the calendar to be adjusted both forward and backward via the crown, making it super easy to use. It, of course, looks good, too, with a 42 mm steel case framing a black dial with gold accents. The watch is limited to 140 pieces as a nod to the marque’s anniversary and retails for $41,200. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/iwc-schaffhausen-big-pilots-watch-chronograph-41-mercedes-amg-petronas-formula-one-team.webp) The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team. *IWC* IWC also unveiled a timepiece for its longstanding partner, the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 team, to mark the upcoming Singapore Grand Prix. The [Pilot’s Watch Chronograph](https://www.iwc.com/gb-en/watches/pilot-watches/iw388121-pilots-watch-chronograph-41-mercedes-amg-petronas-formula-one-team) (Ref. IW388121) has a 41 mm titanium case and a deep purple dial that is reminiscent of the Singapore orchid. Pops of the signature Petronas green can also be found on the face. The watch is powered by the IWC-manufactured 69385 caliber, with a vertical subdial layout distinguishing it from other chronos. You can pick one up for $9,200. ## 7. Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Skeleton Rose Gold Milano Blue ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/parmigiani-fleurier-tonda-pf-skeleton-rose-gold-milano-blue.webp) *Parmigiani Fleurier* Parmigiani Fleurier’s [latest Tonda](https://www.parmigiani.com/en/watches/tonda-pf-skeleton-rose-gold-milano-blue/) is perhaps one of the boldest yet. The limited edition not only showcases the striking skeletonized architecture that the Swiss watchmaker debuted in 2022, but also a punchy new hue dubbed “Milano Blue.” The 40 mm case, the signature knurled bezel, and the integrated bracelet are all crafted from 18-karat rose gold and contrasted by a rich blue open-worked dial that spotlights Parmigiani’s remarkably thin and immaculately finished automatic movement (PF777). The caliber can also be appreciated via the sapphire caseback. Limited to just 30 pieces, the watch retails for $117,100. ## 8. Hublot Big Bang Reloaded UEFA Champions League Titanium Ceramic ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/hublot-big-bang-reloaded-uefa-champions-league-titanium-ceramic.webp) *Hublot* Hublot has teamed up with the UEFA Champions League once again, unveiling a timepiece in honor of the upcoming season. The [Big Bang Reloaded](https://www.hublot.com/en-us/watches/big-bang/big-bang-reloaded-uefa-champions-league-titanium-ceramic-44-mm), the eighth watch born from this partnership, showcases both the competition’s iconic blue hue and famous logo. The 44 mm titanium case is paired with a titanium and blue ceramic bezel, a matte blue skeleton dial, and a blue ceramic caseback. The in-house chronograph at the center (HUB1280 Unico) combines some 354 components and offers a power reserve of approximately 72 hours. That should get you through a good few matches. “This Big Bang Reloaded embodies eleven years of partnership with the most-watched competition in European football,” Hublot CEO Julien Tornare said in a statement. “The blue of its dial, the star on its strap… every detail is a reminder that, when it comes to football, time is never merely counted—it is lived.” The watch is limited to 100 pieces and costs $25,200. ## 9. Glashütte Original Senator Chronographs ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/glashutte-original-senator-chronograph-navigator-senator-chronograph-1.webp) *Glashütte Original* Glashütte Original gave us a blast from watchmaking past in August, unveiling two new Senators inspired by chronographs of yore. Both references are housed in a 41 mm steel case and equipped with an automatic movement (Calibre 37-24) offering a flyback function that lets the wearer stop, reset, and restart the timepiece with the press of the pusher. In terms of aesthetics, the white-dialed [Senator Chronograph](https://www.glashuette-original.com/en/watches/senator/senator-chronograph-1-37-24-01-02-71/) takes design cues from the observation watches made in Glashütte during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, while the black-dialed [Senator Chronograph Navigator](https://www.glashuette-original.com/en/watches/senator/senator-chronograph-navigator-1-37-24-20-12-71/) evokes the pilot’s watches of the 1940s. Both feature subdials at 3 and 9 o’clock, mushroom-shaped pushers at 2 and 4 o’clock, and a Panorama Date at 6 o’clock. They each start at $16,100. ## 10. Omega Speedmaster 38 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Omega_Speedmaster38.webp) *Omega* Omega knows that size matters. That’s why the Swiss watchmaker dropped a collection of [smaller Speedmasters this month](https://robbreport.ph/watches/omega-just-added-7-new-38-mm-speedmasters-to-its-lineup/). The new lineup comprises seven references with 38 mm cases, underscoring the unwavering demand for smaller watches. “This is the most versatile size that we have in terms of clientele, in terms, really, of casual and formalwear,” says Omega CEO Raynald Aeschlimann. “We see people coming into our boutiques specifically looking for a Speedmaster in those proportions.” The new [Speedmaster 38s](https://www.omegawatches.com/en-gb/watch-omega-speedmaster-38-co-axial-chronometer-chronograph-38-mm-32430385001002) come in steel-on-steel, two-tone, and diamond-set variations that cater to a wide range of tastes. The [standout](https://www.omegawatches.com/en-gb/watch-omega-speedmaster-38-co-axial-chronometer-chronograph-38-mm-32430385001002) features a steel lyre-lug case, a five-link bracelet, a black “dot-over-90” tachymeter bezel, a black dial sans date window, and the exclusive Co-Axial Caliber 3332, making it kind of like a mini Moonwatch. The Speedmaster 38 starts at $6,500. ## 11. Urwerk UR-1001 Amadeus ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/urwerk-ur-1001-amadeus.webp) *Urwerk* Urwerk’s UR-1001 Amadeus is truly epic. The one-of-a-kind pocket watch, the latest addition to the maison’s “Special Projects” collection, counts down the seconds, minutes, hours, days and nights, months, years, centuries, and even millennia in a spectacular fashion. The hand-engraved titanium case, which engraver Florian Güllert spent nearly three months on, houses several extraordinary complications. The front shows satellite hours with retrograde minutes, a satellite annual calendar, a hand-painted day/night disc, and a 39-hour power-reserve indicator, while the back displays an “Oil change” service indicator over five years, a 100-year time indicator, and a linear time indicator covering 1,000 years. “Beyond this new format, the UR-1001 offers an unprecedented vision of time,” Urwerk cofounder Martin Frei said in a statement. “Its millennium indicator, for example, is the antithesis of the seconds hand. Its progress is so slow that the eye can barely grasp it. Does it still indicate time? Certainly! It tells us a great deal about how we perceive the passage of time.” Price upon request. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* ## FAQs ### What were the best new watches released in August 2026? August’s standout releases included new watches from Vacheron Constantin, Blancpain, TAG Heuer, Panerai, Tiffany & Co., IWC, Parmigiani Fleurier, Hublot, Glashütte Original, Omega, and Urwerk. ### What new Omega watches launched in August 2026? Omega introduced seven new Speedmaster 38 references, including steel, two-tone, and diamond-set models. One black-dial version comes especially close to a smaller-scale Moonwatch. ### What limited-edition watches debuted in August 2026? Notable limited editions included Blancpain’s 300-piece Bathyscaphe 70th Anniversary, Parmigiani Fleurier’s 30-piece Tonda PF Skeleton Rose Gold Milano Blue, and Hublot’s 100-piece UEFA Champions League Big Bang Reloaded. ### What was the most unusual watch released in August 2026? Urwerk’s one-of-a-kind UR-1001 Amadeus stood out with complications measuring time across seconds, years, centuries, and even millennia, all housed in a hand-engraved titanium pocket-watch case. ### Which August 2026 watch releases drew inspiration from history? Glashütte Original introduced two Senator Chronographs inspired by historical observation watches and 1940s pilot’s watches, while Blancpain revisited a landmark 1968 Bathyscaphe design for its 70th anniversary. **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** Feature, IWC, Parmigiani Fleurier, tag heuer, Watches of the Month --- ### [The Answers With Berna Romulo Puyat](https://robbreport.ph/profiles/berna-romulo-puyat-bsp-interview/) **Published:** August 21, 2026 **Author:** Yvette Fernandez **Content:** As Deputy Governor at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Berna Romulo Puyat focuses on how regular people handle money every day. She oversees regional operations, financial education, financial inclusion, and consumer protection, among others. It means making sure cash reaches every part of the country, while also bringing more Filipinos into the financial system, whether through banks or e-wallets. *(Article continues after the video.)* ## *Video:* “At the end of the day, the only way for a country to improve is for its people to know what to do with their money, to know how to save, to have a bank account,” she says. Berna brings decades of public service to the role. She previously taught at the University of the Philippines, served as Undersecretary at the Department of Agriculture, and later as Secretary of the Department of Tourism, traveling across the country to work with local governments to develop tourist spots and support new destinations. In that role, she was very much the public face of Philippine tourism. “I actually enjoy this job more, just doing the work, without all the socials,” she says. “I’m really an introvert, so after work, I head home. I like staying in with my dogs.” She also encourages more women to enter government. “We’re one of the few countries in the world with more women leaders than men,” she says. “In public service, it’s not enough to just do your job. You need empathy, to understand what the people you serve really need. That’s why we need more women in public service.” ### What’s the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning? Press the snooze button. ### Do you have a uniform for certain occasions? No matter the occasion, I love wearing locally made clothes. ### Favorite clothes to wear? Anything black because it’s a classic color. ### What apps do you use the most? WhatsApp, Viber, and Pokémon Go when I’m stuck in traffic. ![Berna Romulo Puyat with her rescue dog, Coby. Joseph Pascual](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/JLP_6138.webp) With her rescue dog, Coby. Joseph Pascual ### What do you do that’s still analog? I still prefer writing notes in a notebook during meetings. It helps me to remember key points better than typing them on my phone or iPad. ### What advice do you wish you’d followed? To worry less about what other people think. ### What do you most crave at the end of the day? Comfort food like sisig, turon, or sweet spaghetti. ### Who is your dealer and what do they source for you? I don’t really have a dealer. I usually discover things on my own. ![Bloom miniature chair by Kenneth Cobonpue. Joseph Pascual](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/JLP_6049.webp) Bloom miniature chair by Kenneth Cobonpue. *Joseph Pascual* ### What is your exercise routine and how often do you do it? The ones given to me by my late husband, Dave. ### What is your most prized possession? Family photographs, especially those from vacations with my late husband and our kids. They remind me of what truly matters. ### What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? Happiness is a choice. ### Which place in the Philippines do you think deserves more attention? Many places, but Siquijor and Dumaguete come to mind. ### Where in the Philippines do you go when you want to completely switch off? Anywhere, as long as I’m with my loved ones. ### Favorite city outside the Philippines? Tokyo or Seoul. ### Favorite hotel? The Henry. I try to walk the dogs every day for about 30 minutes and then use the stationary bike for another 30 minutes. ### How do you find calm? Spending time with my dogs and staying at home. ### Who is your guru? My parents. ### What’s your favorite cocktail? I don’t drink. If it’s a mocktail, anything sweet. ### What’s the most impressive dish you cook? I don’t cook, but I used to bake chocolate crinkles. ### What do you collect? I’ve started collecting miniature chairs. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/JLP_6045.webp) A few of the miniature chairs in Berna’ collection. *Joseph Pascual* ### What’s the most recent addition to your collection? A Tangerine Bloom miniature chair by Cobonpue. ### What is the most recent thing you regret not buying? I always regret not buying things when they’re on sale. ### What was the first artwork you bought? An Amorsolo painting. ![A painting by Amorsolo. Joseph Pascual](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/JLP_6080.webp) A painting by Amorsolo. *Joseph Pascual* ### If you could learn a new skill, what would it be? Using AI tools more effectively. I’m curious about how they can help analyze information and improve the way we work. ### How many watches do you own? I have a few, but I haven’t worn them since the pandemic. ### Which one’s your favorite? The ones given to me by my late husband, Dave. ### What is your most prized possession? Family photographs, especially those from vacations with my late husband and our kids. They remind me of what truly matters. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/JLP_6095.webp) Joseph Pascual ### What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? Happiness is a choice. ### Which place in the Philippines do you think deserves more attention? Many places, but Siquijor and Dumaguete come to mind. ### Where in the Philippines do you go when you want to completely switch off? Anywhere, as long as I’m with my loved ones. ### Favorite city outside the Philippines? Tokyo or Seoul. ### Favorite hotel? The Henry. ### Favorite resort? El Nido Resorts. ### If you could go anywhere now, where would you go? Honestly, I just love staying at home. ### What’s always in your hand luggage? My passport, wallet, phone, iPad, medicines, toiletries and an extra set of clothes in case my luggage gets lost. ### What are you reading right now? I’m reading “Financial Technology Adoption: Network Externalities of Cashless Payments” by Sean Higgins in the American Economic Review. ### What subject could you talk about for hours? BTS and my dogs. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/JLP_6054.webp) A CharlieCo sculpture. *Joseph Pascual* ### What is the best financial advice you ever received? Diversify. ### What do you think people misunderstand about money? That having more money automatically means more happiness. ### What is something money can’t buy that you value deeply? Time with family. Money can buy many things, but it ### What trait in yourself are you still working on? I can be too honest, so I’m learning to be more diplomatic. ### What car are you most attached to? Right now, my hybrid car. ### Drive or be driven? Driven. ### Last box set or Netflix binge? I’ve been binge watching Shrinking. ### Bowie or Dylan? cannot buy time, love, or the memories we share with the people who matter most. ### What’s worth paying for? Peace of mind. ### How much do you trust your gut instinct? One hundred percent. ### Who do you admire the most in the world? My parents. ### What trait do you admire most in other people? Integrity. ### What trait in yourself are you still working on? I can be too honest, so I’m learning to be more diplomatic. ### What car are you most attached to? Right now, my hybrid car. ### Drive or be driven? Driven. ### Last box set or Netflix binge? I’ve been binge watching Shrinking. ### Bowie or Dylan? Bowie, mainly because his songs were very popular in the 80s when I was in high school. ### What song is currently in your head? “Permission to Dance” by BTS. ### What kind of music makes you happy? Any song by BTS. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report Philippines’ Muse Issue, July 2026.* **Categories:** Profiles **Tags:** Amorsolo, Berna Romulo Puyat --- ### [The Ferrari 849 Testarossa Spider in Photos](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-ferrari-849-testarossa-spider-in-photos/) **Published:** August 28, 2026 **Author:** Basem Wasef **Content:** [Click here for the main article.](https://robbreport.ph/cars/road-test-the-1036-hp-ferrari-849-testarossa-spider-delivers-brutal-speed-and-brutalist-styling/) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Ferrari-849-Testarossa-Spider-1.webp) The Ferrari 849 Testarossa Spider. *Ferrari S.p.A.* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Ferrari-849-Testarossa-Spider-2.webp) The 849 Testarossa Spider’s dramatic restyling makes it feel miles apart from the more typical looking SF90 predecessor, both in relative and absolute terms. *Ferrari S.p.A.* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Ferrari-849-Testarossa-Spider-8.webp) The 849 Testarossa offers a refreshing design that is just as strong, if not even more intriguing, in its open-air configuration. *Ferrari S.p.A.* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Ferrari-849-Testarossa-Spider-3.webp) The cockpit is a curious combination of a hyper-styled aesthetic and minimalism. *Ferrari S.p.A.* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Ferrari-849-Testarossa-Spider-4.webp) The new droptop hits 62 mph from a standstill in 2.3 seconds. *Ferrari S.p.A.* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Ferrari-849-Testarossa-Spider-5.webp) The 1,036 hp output comes from the combination of a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 mated with three electric motors (one at the rear and two in front) fed by a 7.45 kWh battery. *Ferrari S.p.A.* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Ferrari-849-Testarossa-Spider-5.webp) The 1,036 hp output comes from the combination of a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 mated with three electric motors (one at the rear and two in front) fed by a 7.45 kWh battery. *Ferrari S.p.A.* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Ferrari-849-Testarossa-Spider-6.webp) Even at low speeds, the model variant’s flat-crank V-8 feels alive and brimming with 8,300 rpm of possibility. *Ferrari S.p.A.* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Ferrari-849-Testarossa-Spider-7.webp) There’s a breathtaking rush of power when accelerating hard, and a seemingly relentless ability to accumulate forward momentum. *Ferrari S.p.A.* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Ferrari-849-Testarossa-Spider-11.webp) The new open-air 849 Testarossa Spider brings a folding aluminum top that deploys in 14 seconds at a penalty of 199 pounds. *Ferrari S.p.A.* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Ferrari-849-Testarossa-Spider-12.webp) The convertible can cover 15 miles on electric power alone. *Ferrari S.p.A.* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Ferrari-849-Testarossa-Spider-13.webp) The 849 Testarossa Spider delivers on the promise of feeling every bit a Ferrari: lively, engaging, and nearly as exciting to witness passing by as it is to drive. *Ferrari S.p.A.* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Ferrari-849-Testarossa-Spider-10.webp) Automotive journalist Basem Wasef behind the wheel of a Ferrari 849 Testarossa Spider in Tenerife. *Ferrari S.p.A.* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** Convertible, Ferrari, Supercar --- ### [F.P. Journe Was the Hottest Brand at Wynn Las Vegas’s New Watch Summit](https://robbreport.ph/watches/f-p-journe-was-the-hottest-brand-at-wynn-las-vegass-new-watch-summit/) **Published:** August 28, 2026 **Author:** Victoria Gomelsky **Content:** This past weekend, at the inaugural [Time at Wynn](https://www.wynnlasvegas.com/experiences) event at Wynn Las Vegas, 150 or so high-end watch collectors—handpicked by the hotel or the eight watch brands that participated—attended panel discussions, got sneak peeks of unreleased timepieces, and talked watches into the wee hours, fueled by cocktails and bites from the property’s luxe lounges and restaurants. To this observer, what the first-time gathering made clear—beyond the cultural cachet that luxury watches now command (Exhibit A: at a Friday afternoon panel on the rise of independent watchmaking, Mark Wahlberg popped in)—is that intimate collector events, such as Time at Wynn and Watch Week Aspen, are getting tons of buzz, the growing mania for independent makers shows no signs of slowing, and one brand in particular dominates the conversation. “I might be the only one in the room not wearing a Journe,” Las Vegas developer Patrick Brennan said on a Saturday collectors panel that might as well have been subtitled, “How I Acquired My First [F.P. Journe](https://robbreport.ph/tag/f-p-journe/ "F.P. Journe").” (Brennan opted to wear a model by Greubel Forsey that day). Journe—both the man, François-Paul, and the Geneva brand he has built, since 1999, into an independent watchmaking powerhouse—was the elephant in the room at Time at Wynn. None of his timepieces were officially on display, though countless attendees sported them like wrist trophies. During the collector panel, Sandeep Chugani, managing director and senior partner at Boston Consulting Group in Miami, offered insight into why Journe, which has been [burning up the secondary market ](https://robbreport.ph/the-luxe-dispatch/the-luxe-dispatch-two-titans-of-cinema-two-stunning-collections-on-auction/ "The Luxe Dispatch: Two Titans of Cinema, Two Stunning Collections on Auction")since the pandemic, is experiencing such a meteoric rise. “I think a lot of us were scarred by the traditional AD relationship and being told, ‘You’ve got to buy this to get that,’” Chugani told the audience, referring to the practice of “bundling” employed by many authorized dealers when determining which coveted models they’ll allocate to clients. “‘And it became a linear optimization game where you were going to be minus here, a little plus there. But I think it got to a point where it stopped becoming about the watch. It became about the game and the chase and the winning. I think the indie thing has changed that dramatically. “The beauty of Journe is you don’t get a watch unless you can actually engage with the brand on a very deep level,” Chugani added. “You have to be able to explain why that complication is something you want, why it resonates with you. The game is tapped into a streak of passion. So it’s not a game, it’s about passion, which is what this weekend is really about.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/breguet-watches-time-at-wynn.webp) Breguet timepieces on display at Time at Wynn. *Wynn Las Vegas* Pauly Freedman, senior vice president of resorts and partnerships at Wynn Las Vegas and one of the masterminds behind Time at Wynn, told *Robb Report* that the watch fest is the latest in a series of culturally relevant events—such as [Concours](https://www.lasvegasconcours.com/), the Wynn’s annual gathering of car enthusiasts—the property has created to serve its clientele. “It took us about a year to put together to make sure that we were creating the right event that didn’t feel like a trade show or a hard sell,” Freedman said. “A community of passionate watch collectors, some aspirational, but more so people that are really passionate about it. We put that list together while we were finding the right balance between a couple of the big Swiss maisons like [Breguet](https://robbreport.ph/tag/breguet/ "breguet") and Girard-Perregaux, and the independents. This independents craze today is just amazing. Some people, I think, are maybe intimidated by it. And this environment created an opportunity for you to meet one-on-one not the salespeople, but the presidents of the companies, the watchmakers, the artisans of these brands. Obviously, Wynn does hospitality best, right? So that was really our focal point. How do we create this safe, fun space where people can come in and do their own show and tell, learn, get a bit of a peek behind the scenes?” Collectors paid $1,500 to attend the weekend. In exchange, they got access to some of the most interesting people in the business. Martin Frei, cofounder and chief designer of [Urwerk](https://robbreport.ph/tag/urwerk/ "Urwerk"), held court in one of the Wynn’s Fairway Villas, where collectors (such as Imagine Dragons’ bassist Ben McKee) came by to admire two timepieces the brand will introduce in the coming weeks, one a precious metal version of an existing model and the other a brand new piece reflecting Urwerk’s signature fascination with theoretical physics. “Vegas is this incredibly surreal place,” Frei said, as he gazed out the window at the Sphere and imagined how it could be used to tell time. “The casino is kind of like the black hole of capitalism.” Which isn’t to say that Frei, a Vegas newbie, was turned off by the spectacle of Sin City. Having driven in from Los Angeles, he was captivated by the starkness of the desert landscape: “You have an endless sky—it’s quite inspiring.” Back at the Wynn’s Mouton Ballroom, the hub of events for Time at Wynn, high-level brand representatives—including Vincent Brasesco, brand president of U.S. and Canada at Breguet; Claudio Terjanian, president of the Americas at H. Moser & Cie. and Hautlence; Jean-Marc Bories, head of North America at MB&F; and Ruggero Mango, president of the Americas at Girard-Perregaux—presided over showcases featuring watches that were new or had only been seen by a handful of people. Across the room, another set of cases displayed pieces by the indie brands Biver, Pattern Recognition, and Alex Crown, a luxury menswear label that offers bespoke watch straps. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/time-at-wynn-event.webp) A collector examining a watch at the summit. *Wynn Las Vegas* Notably, [Pierre Halimi](https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/how-fp-journe-built-a-watch-collector-community-1237392361/), the affable general manager of F.P. Journe North America, attended the event, and even though the brand didn’t show a single watch there, he came across as something of an unofficial ambassador, not to mention a good sport—throughout the weekend, attendees, both collectors and brand reps, gently ribbed him about allocations. At the Friday panel on independent watchmaking, Halimi joined Michael Friedman, former head of complications at Audemars Piguet and founder of Pattern Recognition, and Alexandre Hazemann and Victor Monnin—whose eponymous brand, Hazemann & Monnin, won the second edition of the Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives earlier this year—for an hourlong chat moderated by Yoni Ben-Yehuda, head of watches at the NYC-based retailer Material Good. “Independence means freedom for your creation,” Halimi told the audience. “Because if you’re not free from any constraints, then you have to prostitute yourself in case it’s a bad time, like, let’s say, 2008-2009. True independence is when you are free to be. Period.” Friedman elaborated on that definition. “A lot of so-called independent brands are actually beholden to their own shareholders,” he said. “So how much independence do they have? As collectors, the question should be, when you’re meeting the visionaries of the brand, how much agency do they have in the short, mid, and long term? I tell young watchmakers, ‘Beautiful work, great designs, but what is the ethos of the business? What does independence mean to you? What do you want to preserve? What do you refuse to give up?’ That, to me, is independence—the ability to say, ‘F, no.’” The notion of power and who wields it in the watch business came up again later in the discussion after Ben-Yehuda asked the panelists what they thought was fueling the insatiable interest in independent watchmaking. “Collectors drive the market today,” Friedman said. “It’s no longer in the hands of marketing departments, it’s no longer in the hands of retailers. And the collectors are looking for independent thinking, independent viewpoints, different designs, different shapes, different ideas. How many of the classics can you own?” Of course, the question of how many timepieces you can own from an independent maker—at least when it comes to buying on the primary market—is another story. Hazemann & Monnin makes 20 watches a year. When Ben-Yehuda asked the two friends and business partners how they decide who gets one, Hazemann was direct. “It’s very difficult because there are many good people in the watchmaking industry, but we care about finding people who, like us, really care about watches,” he said. “And we want to share our journey together. We put some filters in. If the collector doesn’t want to travel and to visit us, that’s the first point. If it’s only transactional, it’s not very interesting. But if we spend some time together, to have a lunch, to visit the workshop, OK, now we start to consider and to advocate. But at the end, I think we work with our guts—it’s all about feeling.” *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* ## FAQs ### What is Time at Wynn? Time at Wynn is an intimate luxury-watch event held at Wynn Las Vegas, bringing together collectors, watchmakers, brand executives, and independent maisons for panels, previews, and private showcases. ### Why are independent watch brands becoming more popular? Collectors are increasingly drawn to independent makers for their distinct design philosophies, closer relationships with clients, limited production, and greater creative freedom. ### Why is F.P. Journe so popular among watch collectors? F.P. Journe has built a strong collector following through highly limited production, distinctive complications, independent ownership, and a client culture centered on deep engagement with the brand. ### Which watch brands participated in Time at Wynn? Brands and makers represented at the event included Breguet, Girard-Perregaux, H. Moser & Cie., MB&F, Urwerk, Biver, Pattern Recognition, Hazemann & Monnin, and others. ### How are luxury watch collectors changing the market? Collectors are playing a larger role in shaping demand, placing greater emphasis on originality, independent thinking, relationships with watchmakers, and distinctive designs rather than established brand names alone. **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** Feature, FP Journe, Las Vegas, Watch, Watch Collecting --- ### [How the House of Alba Turned History Into Perfume](https://robbreport.ph/style/grooming/fragrances/house-of-alba-fitz-james-stuart-perfume/) **Published:** August 18, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** Heritage, in the luxury industry, is in a danger of becoming a word drained of meaning through overuse. Every brand claims it; few can substantiate it. But [Fitz-James Stuart](https://fitz-jamesstuart.com), the perfume house launched by Fernando Juan Fitz-James Stuart y de Solís and his wife Sofía Palazuelo, the Duke and Duchess of Huéscar, does not have this problem. Their family history begins in the 17th century, runs through the courts of Europe, and is housed, literally, in Liria Palace in Madrid, one of the great private residences of [Spain](https://robbreport.ph/tag/spain/ "spain") and home to a historically significant collection of paintings, sculptures, and archives, accumulated across generations. While they had other options to bring the house’s legacy forward—exhibitions, books, documentary projects—the question they set themselves was an unusual one: What does that history smell like? ![Fernando Fitz-James Stuart and Sofia Palazuelo. Courtesy of Fitz-James Stuart](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Fernando-Fitz-James-and-Sofia-Palazuelo.webp) Fernando Fitz-James Stuart and Sofia Palazuelo. *Courtesy of Fitz-James Stuart* The answer is Episode One, The Unseen, a collection of four [fragrances](https://robbreport.ph/style/grooming/fragrances/ "Fragrances") organized like chapters in a longer narrative designed to unfold over time. “Books and exhibitions can explain history,” Fernando says. “Perfume can make you feel it.” For the Duke and Duchess, the palace is both home and primary source material. “We approached Liria less as a monument and more as a living emotional landscape,” Fernando continues. “Not every beautiful room becomes a fragrance; what matters is whether there is a story, a tension, a feeling that can genuinely be translated through scent.” ![Salon Amores de los Dioses Palacio de Liria. Courtesy of Fitz-James Stuart](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Salon-Amores-de-los-Dioses-Palacio-de-Liria.webp) Salon Amores de los Dioses Palacio de Liria. *Courtesy of Fitz-James Stuart* [Liria Palace](https://www.palaciodeliria.com/enduke%20an), the seat of the House of Alba for centuries, was built between 1767 and 1785, commissioned by Jacobo Fitz-James Stuart y Colón, the third Duke of Berwick and Liria. The duke, who was then residing in Paris, appointed Louis Guilbert to begin the project and gave the building the stylistic character of Parisian hôtels particuliers before Ventura Rodríguez took over in the early 1770s to complete it in the neoclassical tradition. But the instinct toward feeling rather than fact is central to the whole project. “A fragrance should never function like illustration,” Fernando says. “If it simply references a place literally, it remains superficial. When it captures atmosphere, emotion, tension, memory, that’s when it becomes truthful.” “Perfume is intimate by nature,” Sofía explains. “It lives on the skin, close to memory, close to emotion. We were not interested in creating something purely commemorative or archival. We wanted a living medium.” The distinction matters; perfumery allowed the house to transform something historical into something personal, turning Liria archives into an experience rather than a record. “Perfume allows heritage to become personal again,” Sofía says. “It transforms something historical into something deeply contemporary and individual.” ![Courtesy of Fitz-James Stuart](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/THE-SPHINXS-at-LIRIA-1.webp) *Courtesy of Fitz-James Stuart* The sphinxes at the entrance to Liria meaningfully serve as the brand’s icon, both guarding and revealing. There are 12 of them at the Palace, the first ones to appear in Madrid, dating to the Enlightenment and its fascination with symbolism and cultural exchange. Fernando describes them as “guardians, but also silent hosts. There is mystery in them, but never exclusion.” With a lion’s body and a woman’s face, they embody, in his words, “a sense of strength and sophistication that transcends gender and time, much like our fragrances themselves.” The perfumer they chose to work with was Alberto Morillas, one of the most decorated perfumers alive and the Seville-born nose behind CK One, Givenchy Pi, Giorgio Armani Acqua di Giò, Kenzo Flower, and Marc Jacobs Daisy, among nearly 7,000 creations across a career that began at Firmenich in 1970. The relationship is personal as much as professional. “Alberto is a dear friend,” Fernando says, “which created a very natural honesty and creative dialogue. His Spanish roots also mattered; there was an instinctive cultural understanding that felt important.” The collaboration is structured as a genuine exchange: the emotional starting points, narratives, memories, and cultural references come from Fernando and Sofía; Morillas then translates those into olfactory language. ![Inspired by the sphinxes in the palace, Fitz-James Stuart bottles bear the sphinx insignia. Courtesy of Fitz-James Stuart](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/F-JS-THE-BOTTLE-2240x2800.webp) Inspired by the sphinxes in the palace, Fitz-James Stuart bottles bear the sphinx insignia. Courtesy of Fitz-James Stuart “We were very involved in shaping the conceptual framework,” Fernando notes, “but true perfumery requires creative freedom. The magic happens precisely in that exchange between direction and interpretation.” The question of what constitutes a story worth telling shaped the entire collection. “Sometimes the most compelling stories are not the grand public narratives,” Fernando explains, “but the quieter ones: a personal memory, an atmosphere, a fleeting seasonal transformation, an overlooked object that holds emotional weight. Those are often the stories that feel most evocative, which may not be historically monumental, but emotionally unforgettable.” ![The wisteria-covered pergola in Liria Palace. Courtesy of Fitz-James Stuart](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Quince-Dias-de-Abril.webp) The wisteria-covered pergola in Liria Palace. *Courtesy of Fitz-James Stuart* This principle is most clearly demonstrated by Quince Días de Abril (Fifteen Days of April), which takes as its subject the brief annual blooming of the wisteria-covered pergola in the Liria gardens. “It is a deeply intimate moment, almost suspended in time,” Sofía says, “and one that means a great deal to us personally.” Tea, Sofía adds, is a note she has always been particularly drawn to, and it anchors the fragrance’s base alongside neroli, bergamot, and cedarwood, bringing a distinctive softness to an otherwise luminous composition. ![Rosario Falcó, the early twentieth-century Duchess of Alba and Berwick, who took on the conservation of the family archives at a time when such responsibilities were almost exclusively held by men. Courtesy of Fitz-James Stuart](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/No-Time-For-Roses.webp) Rosario Falcó, the early twentieth-century Duchess of Alba and Berwick, who took on the conservation of the family archives at a time when such responsibilities were almost exclusively held by men. *Courtesy of Fitz-James Stuart* No Time for Roses draws from one of the family’s more extraordinary historical figures: Rosario Falcó, the early twentieth-century Duchess of Alba and Berwick, who took on the conservation of the family archives at a time when such responsibilities were almost exclusively held by men. The house was careful about how to honor her. “What interested us was not creating a literal rose perfume as a predictable symbol of femininity,” Fernando says, “but rather a portrait of character.” Morillas interpreted that tension through geranium. “The geranium suggests the idea of rose without surrendering to it completely,” Fernando explains. “The structure feels precise, elegant, quietly assertive. It became less about depicting a historical figure, and more about translating her spirit.” ![Liria Palace](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Unseen-1785-1.webp) Liria Palace. *Courtesy of Fitz-James Stuart* Unseen 1785 pays tribute to the palace itself. For Morillas, the brief was spatial: to capture the sensation of moving through Liria from the gardens into the warmth of the interior. “When Alberto spent time at Liria immersing himself in the atmosphere of the palace,” Fernando recalls, “what moved him was not simply its history, but the sensory experience of moving through it—entering from the gardens, crossing that threshold, and feeling the transition from freshness and light into the warmth of the interiors. That is precisely what perfume allows us to capture: not just the story itself, but the feeling of stepping inside it.” La Hora Nocturna goes deeper still, a scent featuring notes of patchouli and jasmine and inspired by its namesake, a sculpture by the nineteenth-century sculptor Joseph Michel Ange Pollet of a female figure with eyes closed, drifting, depicting the personification of night. ![La Hora Nocturna](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/La-Hora-Nocturna.webp) *La Hora Nocturna* by Joseph Michel Ange Pollet. Courtesy of Fitz-James Stuart For a celebrated royal couple with centuries of heritage behind them, their take on what one of their contributions might be to that history is refreshingly modern and compelling. In an industry that trades endlessly on the idea of legacy, they have done something far more demanding than invoke theirs: they have opened it up, made it sensory, made it personal. “Fitz-James Stuart was never conceived as something static, but as a living cultural project,” they say. “Evolution is part of its nature.” The hope, they add, is that if one day a future generation takes the baton, it continues to be shaped “through their own perspective and sensibility.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Fitz-James-Stuart-SP-2240x2240.webp) Courtesy of Fitz-James Stuart But what must remain unchanged, they are clear, is its authenticity: the emotional honesty behind the stories, the connection to heritage, the desire to make that legacy feel relevant to the present. And if a stranger picks up a bottle and walks away with something unexpected? “We would love for them to feel that heritage is not something static or distant,” they say. “It can be intimate, emotional, contemporary, and profoundly human.” *Episode One is available at [fitz-jamesstuart.com](https://fitz-jamesstuart.com), €240 (Php 16,900) per 100ml eau de parfum. Episode Two is slated for release in 2027.* ## FAQs ### What is Fitz-James Stuart? Fitz-James Stuart is the perfume house founded by Fernando Fitz-James Stuart and Sofía Palazuelo, the Duke and Duchess of Huéscar. Its fragrances draw upon the history and cultural legacy of their family and Liria Palace in Madrid. ### What is Episode One, The Unseen? Episode One, The Unseen is Fitz-James Stuart’s inaugural collection. It comprises four fragrances conceived as the opening chapters of a continuing cultural and olfactory narrative. ### Who created the Fitz-James Stuart fragrances? The collection was created by Fernando Fitz-James Stuart and Sofía Palazuelo, the Duke and Duchess of Huéscar, in collaboration with Alberto Morillas, the Spanish master perfumer behind fragrances including CK One, Acqua di Giò, Kenzo Flower and Marc Jacobs Daisy. ### Which fragrances are included in the collection? The collection features Quince Días de Abril, No Time for Roses, Unseen 1785 and La Hora Nocturna. Their subjects include Liria Palace’s wisteria-covered pergola, Duchess Rosario Falcó and a nineteenth-century sculpture by Joseph Michel Ange Pollet. ### Where can Fitz-James Stuart perfume be purchased? Episode One is available through the [Fitz-James Stuart website](https://fitz-jamesstuart.com) for €240, or approximately Php 16,900, per 100ml eau de parfum. Episode Two is scheduled for 2027. ### FAQs **Categories:** Fragrances, Style **Tags:** Alberto Morillas, Duke and Duchess of Huescar, Fernando Fitz-James Stuart, Fitz-James Stuart, Liria Palace, perfumes, Sofia Palazuelo, spain, Spanish Luxury Perfumes --- ### [The 39 Most Hotly Anticipated Luxury Hotel Openings of the Year](https://robbreport.ph/travel/the-39-most-hotly-anticipated-luxury-hotel-openings-of-the-year/) **Published:** January 21, 2026 **Author:** Mark Ellwood **Content:** Can the hotel industry top 2025? What a banner year of openings, starting with Rosewood’s arrival in Amsterdam. The ultra-luxury hotel, occupying the historic Palace of Justice, landed the top spot in our roundup of the world’s 50 best luxury hotels, according to our Travel Masters—an extraordinary feat to win over such discerning experts almost overnight. Likewise, Ritz-Carlton Reserve’s debut in Costa Rica, the jungle-wreathed hideout [Nekajui](https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/lirrz-nekajui-peninsula-papagayo-a-ritz-carlton-reserve/overview/), was such an instant sensation. Designer [Thelma West](https://www.instagram.com/thelmawestdiamonds/)’s passion project [Casina Cinquepozzi](https://www.casinacinquepozzi.com/) in Puglia turned out to be even more chic and irresistible than we’d hoped—and she was more than worthy of a deep-dive profile to showcase her exquisite taste. We exclusively previewed Pensione America, introducing this throwbackish hotel in Forte dei Marmi, Italy’s answer to the Hamptons, to the world; if only we could have shared the 1940s soundtrack piped in by the pool. Expect that home run to continue in 2026. We’ve corralled the 39 most noteworthy new luxury hotel openings earmarked for this calendar year, in order of opening date. (Some will change, of course, so keep an eye on robbreport.com for updates.) It’s a dizzying assortment of must-stays: a new option in Aspen shaking up a sleepy hotel scene; an upstart from Europe in Palm Beach; a new spot in Rwanda’s capital from a homegrown entrepreneur. And yes, London’s hotelscape continues to evolve, with even more rooms arriving in 2026. Though can anyone dethrone [Passalacqua](https://www.passalacqua.it/en/) in Lake Como, currently Europe’s most buzzed-about hotel? Get ready to start planning out the next 12 months of globetrotting now. ## Corinthia Rome ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RR_20260115_Hotel_Preview_Corinthia_Rome.webp) *Photo: Corinthia Hotels* **Location:** Rome, Italy **Expected launch:** Q1 Malta-based hotel chain Corinthia is on an expansion spree, adding a grab bag of locations around the world from Budapest and Prague to NYC. One of the most exciting additions, though, is this reboot of the erstwhile seat of Italy’s national bank, an imposing palazzo-like building dating to the 1910s. The 60-key hotel is right in the heart of the Campo Marzio ‘hood, placing it within easy walking distance of Eternal City’s greatest hits. The team has cannily tapped Carlo Cracco, Italy’s answer to Gordon Ramsay, to oversee the F&B here, adding both pizzazz and knowhow in equal measure (look for Cracco’s signature marinated egg on the menu). *Doubles from $1,630.* ## Delano ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RR_20260115_Hotel_Preview_Delano.webp) *Photo: Delano Miami Beach* **Location:** Miami Beach, Florida, USA **Expected launch:** Q1 When Ian Schrager debuted an all-white Philippe Starck-powered pleasure palace on South Beach in 1995, the MiMo-era hotel became ground zero for glamour in that hedonistic, Versace-heavy era. Its luster lasted for a while, but the hotel languished in the doldrums for several years as subsequent operators struggled to make it work. Finally, current owners Eldridge (which also owns the L.A. Dodgers and the Beverly Hilton) threw in the towel and shuttered the Delano for a proper, years-long makeover. That was in March 2020, as the pandemic took hold, and it’s taken six years for it to be ready to reopen, this time steered by Ennismore, the splashy boutique specialist run by Sharan Pasricha—whom we’ve told you to keep an eye on. Certainly, if anyone can recapture some of its 1990s swagger, it’s Sharan. *Prices to come.* ## The Vineta ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RR_20260115_Hotel_Preview_The_Vineta.webp) *Photo: The Vineta* **Location:** Palm Beach, Florida, USA **Expected launch:** Q1 The threadbare but beloved Chesterfield hotel in Palm Beach will soon emerge, phoenix-like, from a years-long renovation under the watchful eye of ultraluxe operator [Oetker](https://www.oetkerhotels.com/), its first property stateside. In fact, Oetker will return the site to the name it bore in the 1920s, not long after the hotel opened during Florida’s bubble-like land boom; indeed, it celebrates its centenary this year, the perfect moment for a makeover like this under the guidance of Paris-based Tino Zervudachi, a rising star in the interior design world. Chesterfield loyalists, though, should be warned: the saloon-like Leopard Lounge is no more, but Oetker promises its new, upscale venue will pay cheeky homage to that much-mourned boite. *Doubles from $1,300.* ## Chesa Marchetta ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RR_20260115_Hotel_Preview_Chesa_Marchetta.webp) *Photo: Dave Watts* **Location:** Sils Maria, Switzerland **Expected launch:** January At the heart of the Engadin Valley—home to St. Moritz, among others—this [13-room hotel](https://chesamarchetta.ch/) is the latest project from ArtFarm, the hospitality offshoot of blue chip gallery Hauser + Wirth (see also: Fife Arms in Scotland, New York’s Manuela restaurant). It’s a truly personal project for the couple, Iwan and Manuela Wirth, as they had their first date at the namesake restaurant here in the 1990s. They seized the chance to take over the family-run restaurant and small inn, housed in a 16th-century guesthouse, and handed over the reins to architect Luis Laplace for the reimagining of both sites, as well as adding a three-bedroom house for rent as part of the operation. *Doubles from $578.* ## The Farmhouse at Inns of Aurora Resort & Spa ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RR_20260115_Hotel_Preview_The_Farmhouse_at_Inns_of_Aurora_Resort__Spa.webp) *Photo: Inns of Aurora Resort & Spa* **Location:** Aurora, New York, USA **Expected launch:** January American Girl founder Pleasant Rowland first came to Aurora in the Finger Lakes for college, and has retained a fondness for the spot, beginning with renovating an inn here in 2023. Next year, though, the now 84-year-old will add a true five-star offshoot, [The Farmhouse at Inns of Aurora Resort & Spa](https://www.innsofaurora.com/accommodations/the-farmhouse/), filled with her own blockbuster art collection, which includes pieces by Picasso and Wolf Kahn. The 10 rooms will also have access to the massive, 21,000-square-foot spa that anchors her property. Cari Gray loves the left-field appeal of the Finger Lakes, a quirkier alternative to the now-hot upstate hub of the Hudson Valley. “It’s incredibly well done, and I love the history of the area. When they opened the Erie Canal here, it allowed the apple growers to send their apples to London,” she says. *Doubles from $1,000.* ## The Pinnacle Kigali ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RR_20260115_Hotel_Preview_The_Pinnacle_Kigali.webp) *Photo: The Pinnacle Kigali* **Location:** Kigali, Rwanda **Expected launch:** January Bravo to landlocked Rwanda for recognizing the potentially transformative power of high-end, low-density tourism a decade or more ago. Now Kigali, the country’s spotless capital, is starting to keep pace with the arrival of[ The Pinnacle](https://www.thepinnaclekigali.com/). Ugandan-Rwandan entrepreneur Sheila Kyarisiima hopes her ambitiously named nine-room hotel will fill a gap for luxury overnighters. She’s also operating a locals-aimed private members’ club, which will include a four-lane bowling alley, padel and basketball courts, and a private cinema in Rebero Hill on the city’s northern, more residential outskirts. *Doubles from $2,943.* ## Soori ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RR_20260115_Hotel_Preview_Soori_Penang.webp) *Photo: Soori Penang* **Location:** Penang Island, Malaysia **Expected launch:** January The UNESCO-beloved island off Malaysia’s west coast is known for its M&M-colored shophouses, a charming holdover from its colonial-era past, when they doubled as both homes and stores (hence the name). Architect Soo K Chan grew up in one of them, before going on to found SCDA Architects and earn plaudits around the world for his work designing properties for Aman and its lower-priced sibling, Janu. It’s natural, then, that he would come back home for a personal passion project, which involved turning 15 of those shophouses into a [new, five-star hotel](https://sooripenang.com/) or *albergo diffuso,* with one- to three-bedroom suites through the interconnected buildings. *Doubles from $745.* ## Château de la Commaraine ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RR_20260115_Hotel_Preview_Chateau_de_la_Commaraine.webp) *Photo: Lucile Godet* **Location:** Burgundy, France **Expected launch:** February We already told you to keep an eye on this spectacular, much-needed addition to the Burgundy hospitality scene. Despite its fame, the region is surprisingly ill-served by true luxury hotels, a gap that American entrepreneur Denise Dupré hopes to fill with this [37-room, ground-up makeover](https://www.chateaulacommaraine.com/en/) of a cobbled-together building with elements that date to the Middle Ages. Come here for the chance to sleep among the vines (the hotel’s own vintage is under way) in one of its distinctive suites, including one where the rafters look the same today as when they were first installed—more than 700 years ago. *Doubles from $670.* ## The Cooper ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RR_20260115_Hotel_Preview_The_Cooper.webp) *Photo: Virgil Bunao & The Cooper* **Location:** Charleston, South Carolina, USA **Expected launch:** February The big draw of this large, new property in the Holy City? Location, location, location. The [191-room Cooper](https://www.thecooper.com/accommodations/) is the only five-star option on the waterfront, overlooking Charleston Harbor. Even better, it has its own private marina, homebase for excursions on a sunset- and dinner-cruise-ready 96 footer or a 12-person Hinkley yacht. Interiors are by NYC-based Champalimaud Design, the go-to designer for global five-star properties, and there’s a rooftop pool, a 7,000 square-foot-spa, and four standalone cafes and restaurants. The swishest among them, The Crossing, is under the command of local chef Nick Dugan, who trained under Michael Mina. *Doubles from $850.* ## Mercer Madrid ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RR_20260115_Hotel_Preview_Mercer_Madrid.webp) *Photo: Mercer Madrid* **Location:** Madrid, Spain **Expected launch:** February Mercer founder Pedro Molina got his hands on a spectacular landmark for his latest opening: the onetime headquarters of Sociedad General Azucarera de España, c. 1905, built by the same architect as Madrid’s Stock Exchange Palace. It’s sensationally located, just a short walk from all the major museums (Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza, and Reina Sofía). The[ 61-room property](https://mercermadrid.com/es/) also has killer views out across those landmarks, and Molina’s managed to persuade Michelin-favored chef Eneko Atxa, the Spanish-Basque chef known for his sustainably focused ‘green gastronomy,’ to come run its fine-dining restaurant. *Doubles from $996.* ## White Elephant Aspen ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RR_20260115_Hotel_Preview_White_Elephant_Aspen.webp) *Photo: White Elephant Aspen* **Location:** Aspen, Colorado, USA **Expected launch:** February This ground-up build on Main Street in Aspen’s West End is the first foray west for the preppy chain, which has sister properties in West Palm Beach and Nantucket. [White Elephant](https://www.whiteelephantaspen.com/) has a fun origin story: Locals considered the wacky socialite converting Nantucket cottages into a hotel so deluded, it was dubbed Mrs. Ludwig’s “white elephant.” No such risk from this deep-pocketed, 54-room development, topped by the 1,560-square-foot, three-bedroom Ajax Penthouse, with its own terrace and fire pit. Don’t worry about booking a limo when your charter touches down, either: there are complimentary BMW transfers. *Doubles from $1,995.* ## Capella Kyoto ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RR_011025_Hotel_Openings_Capella_Kyoto.webp) *Photo: Capella Hotels & Resorts* **Location:** Kyoto, Japan **Expected launch:** March Keep an eye on this [upstart luxury brand](https://capellahotels.com/en), which is headquartered in Singapore and owned by the billionaire Kwee family. It’s starting to earn accolades—like the top spot for its Bangkok property on the [2024 World’s 50 Best Hotels list](https://www.theworlds50best.com/hotels/the-list/capella-bangkok.html)—and attracting blue chip talent to build out its offering. Six Senses co-founder Neil Jacobs has left that brand to take an advisory role here. The 89-room Kyoto spot in historic Miyagawa-cho is a Kengo Kuma–designed property where rooms start at 538 square feet; standouts are the six Onsen suites, which have their own private indoor hot spring experience inspired by the Japanese bathing ritual. It’s steps away from both the Kaburenjo theater and the Kenninji, Kyoto’s oldest Zen temple. *Doubles from $2,500* ## Airelles Venezia, Palladio ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RR_20260115_Hotel_Preview_Airelles_Venezia_Palladio.webp) *Photo: Vincent Leroux* **Location:** Venice, Italy **Expected launch:** April Move over, Cipriani. While the Belmond-operated grande dame undergoes a sorely needed renovation, its thunder as the best property overlooking St. Mark’s Square could be stolen by French operator [Airelles](https://airelles.com/en) with its first hotel outside its home country. The three-building site, formerly where the beloved Bauer Palladio operated, has a rarity in urban Venice: a two-and-a-half acre garden, which will form the centerpiece of the 45-room hotel. There will also be three pools and a kids’ club, plus its own church, Santa Maria della Presentazione, to use for weddings. Standout, though, is the four-bedroom Presidential Suite, which sits in a separate building with superb views of the square. *Prices to come.* ## Na Praia ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RR_20260115_Hotel_Preview_Na_Praia.webp) *Photo: Jody Daunton* **Location:** Alentejo, Portugal **Expected launch:** April Portugal is a rising luxury travel destination, with increasing interest and openings in equal measure. One noteworthy debut is the [113-key, independently run hotel ](https://www.napraia.com/en/)from Portuguese operator José António Uva on this peninsula on the Atlantic Coast. Sure, the rooms are nice, including five standalone villas—all sandy neutrals and natural wood—and there’s an assortment of five restaurants onsite, including an oceanside grill. But the big draw here is its setting: its own 840-acre wilderness enclave with a more than mile-long white sand beach, as well as sand dunes, pine forests, and an estuary. The hotel’s programming includes guided nature walks with its resident biologists and boat excursions into that estuary. Even better, the footprint of the property was deliberately minimized: Uva reduced the approved size by 80 percent, to better protect the ecosystems here. *Prices to come.* ## Ytri ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RR_20260115_Hotel_Preview_Ytri_Island_Resort.webp) *Photo: Ytrí Island Resort* **Location:** Traena, Norway **Expected launch:** April The Nordics have benefited from sweltering summers in the Mediterranean, making a trip there more weatherproof whatever the time of year. Standout among the new entrants: [Ytri on Traena island](https://ytri.no/) in Norway close to the Arctic Circle. (The island is best known in-country for the Burning Man–like festival taking place there every July.) This is a community-driven project aimed at providing luxury hospitality and local jobs with a 38-room luxury hotel that’s 100 percent Norwegian owned. Jules Maury loves the fact that guests will be invited to go fishing with a staffer, then have their catch smoked and sent to home a few weeks later. *Doubles from $590.* ## Casa Bonavita ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RR_20260115_Hotel_Preview_Casa-Bonavita.webp) *Photo: Boz Gagovski* **Location:** Attard, Malta **Expected launch:** May Christopher and Suzanne Sharp came to prominence with the Rug Company, an exquisite high-end home company that relied heavily on Suzanne’s exquisite, Malta-born taste. They initially bought this 18th-century estate in the country town of Attard as a family retreat; their daughter Sophie runs Villa Bologna Pottery nearby. The duo quickly pivoted to hospitality, resolving to turn the property into a sumptuous hideaway, crammed with vintage pieces and thoughtful touches like a custom bespoke mural of 17th-century Valletta, Malta’s capital city, installed behind the bar. With perfect timing, Delta will launch a nonstop flight from New York (JFK) to Valletta this summer. *Doubles from $340.* ## Hoanib Elephant Camp ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RR_20260115_Hotel_Preview_Hoanib_Elephant_Camp.webp) *Photo: Natural Selection* **Location:** Kaokoland, Namibia **Expected launch:** May This glamping outpost in the remote Kaokoland is the second need-to-know property arriving in Namibia, which is rapidly becoming a fixture on the sub-Saharan safari circuit. [Natural Selection](https://naturalselection.travel/camps/hoanib-elephant-camp-namibia) has devised this 12-tent, solar-powered camp to minimize environmental footprints without compromising on indulgence (each of them has a private plunge pool). Come to see desert-adapted wildlife, which includes elephants, giraffes, and oryx, plus the chance to detour to the Skeleton Coast, where the shipwrecks off the sand dunes testify to the terrifyingly choppy waters off the coast. There’s also ample opportunity to engage with the Himba people, a semi-nomadic tribe that has remained resilient against modern incursions into its traditional way of life. Note women’s use of *otijze*, a butterfat- and ochre-based red paste that serves as a distinctive cosmetic. *Doubles from $1,019.* ## Hope ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RR_20260115_Hotel_Preview_Hope.webp) *Photo: Nick Law* **Location:** Sutherland, Scotland **Expected launch:** May Prepare for battle between this rewilding project and the Dunton-operated Kilchoan, both of which hope to be the go-to one percenter retreat in the far north of the Scottish Highlands. Hope operates under the aegis of WildLand, the conservation project founded by Danish billionaire Anders Holch Povlsen and his wife, Anne. Named for its location with views over Ben Hope, this complex incorporates a hotel, guest cottages, and an adventure center; guests can go off foraging and on guided wildlife tracking, peatland walks from here. The project will operate safari-style, so all food, house drinks, and those activities are included; you can cold-plunge, stargaze, and sound bath on a whim. *Doubles from $1,447.* ## Luura Paros Cliff ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RR_20260115_Hotel_Preview_Luura_Paros_Cliff.webp) *Photo: Morgans Originals* **Location:** Paros, Greece **Expected launch:** May Father-daughter duo Elie and Sophie Khoury have ambitious plans for their fledgling hospitality brand, promising to roll it out across Greece in the next few years. The trial site, though, will debut in Paros this spring: a 38-key, all-suite property on the southern side of the island overlooking tony, tiny Antiparos. The adults-only hotel will have a Japanese restaurant, Mimi Kakushi, and an all-day Parisian bistro-style La Cantine, as well as a sort-of concept store, The Luura Edit, and its own private chapel for both planned and impromptu nuptials. *Doubles from $820.* ## Zannier Ile de Bendor ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RR_20260115_Hotel_Preview_Zannier_Ile_de_Bendor.webp) *Photo: Zannier Hotels* **Location:** Côte d’Azur, France **Expected launch:** May Arnaud Zannier’s madcap approach to luxury hospitality continues, as he adds another unexpected location to his [globe-spanning portfolio ](https://www.zannierhotels.com/hotels/)(Namibia, Cambodia, and France, among others). He’s scored the right to operate a truly exceptional site, though, on an island off France’s Mediterranean coast, which was originally the playground of Paul Ricard, who made a fortune after inventing pastis. The 93-room property, intended to evoke the casual simplicity of village life in Provence, nonetheless features a raft of restaurants, its own art gallery, ateliers selling local artist-made treats, and even a private beach with its own diving center. The rooms will run across three different sites, but the best will be the five two-story Madrague houses, each with its own private garden. *Doubles from $730.* ## Cambridge House ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RR_20260115_Hotel_Preview_Cambridge_House_Auberge_Collection.webp) *Photo: Auberge Collection* **Location:** London, England **Expected launch:** Q2 This new central London luxury hotel with 102 rooms continues the madcap expansion of [Auberge Resorts](https://auberge.com/), which started out as an arbiter of all-American country casual cool and now operates an eclectic, hard-to-describe assortment of properties worldwide. Certainly, this one is intriguing, and yet another salvo in the ferocious landgrab for market share in London that we’ve[ already warned about.](https://robbreport.com/travel/hotels/new-luxury-hotels-london-1236404669/) Its Mayfair location is the onetime home of the Duke of Cambridge before it became the In & Out Military Club, a clubhouse for the great and the good of the British armed forces. Designers Jean-Louis Denote and Laura Gonzalez have reimagined the site as a modern hotel and members’ club. *Prices to come.* ## Kilchoan Estate by Dunton ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RR_20260115_Hotel_Preview_Kilchoan_Estate_by_Dunton.webp) *Photo: Dunton Hotels* **Location:** Knoydart Peninsula, Scotland **Expected launch:** Q2 Mention the name Dunton and you’ll likely think of its [Hot Springs](https://robbreport.com/travel/destinations/slideshow/fall-travel-adventures/dunton-hot-springs/) resort, a restored 19th-century ghost town in the Colorado Rockies; it also operates several other properties nearby. This year, the same owners hope to export their casual, outdoorsy brand of luxury to the UK. The owners snapped up 13,000 acres of the Scottish Highlands in 2020, aiming to bring the same approach to hospitality to this site, which is right between Loch Nevis and Loch Hourn. On property are six cottages (one- to five-bedroom), a yoga studio and bar for communal experiences, and a picturesque barn, where shared dinners take place. The big draw from the landscape: four Munros and numerous Corbetts within the Knoydart boundary, an irresistible asset for any keen hillwalker. *Doubles from $1,100.* ## Waldorf Astoria London Admiralty Arch ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RR_20260115_Hotel_Preview_Waldorf_Astoria_London_Admiralty_Arch.webp) *Photo: David Iliff, CC BY 4.0* **Location:** London, England **Expected launch:** Q2 [NYC’s OG Waldorf ](https://robbreport.com/travel/hotels/waldorf-astoria-suite-tour-nyc-1237351552/)just received a multibillion-dollar makeover, but the true global flagship for Hilton’s fanciest brand may end up being this architectural marvel, which turns a landmark archway in central London overlooking Buckingham Palace into a five-star hotel. The arch itself was commissioned as a memorial for Queen Victoria by her son, King Edward VII, and its evolution into a hotel has been gestating (the first expected opening date was 2020). Six years later, it’s finally confirmed to open, after an extensive—and expensive—project that involved stabilizing the structure and reconfiguring the interiors while respecting the stringent preservation rules. *Prices to come.* ## Inkaterra Peru ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RR_20260115_Hotel_Preview_Inkaterra_Peru.webp) *Photo: Inkaterra* **Location:** Cabo Blanco, Peru **Expected launch:** Q2 Inkaterra has been earning plaudits for its resource-aware luxury lodges in Peru for more than 50 years. Each hotel adjoins a living field laboratory, which works on research and conservation programs, known as[ Inkaterra Asociación](https://www.inkaterra.com/inkaterra-asociacion-org/). It’s expanding beyond its typical, internationally known locations such as Machu Picchu and Cusco to open a lodge on the northern Cabo Blanco coastline. Anglers—including Ernest Hemingway, who came to film *The Old Man and the Sea* here*—*have long come to land mega-marlins off this coast. American philanthropist Alfred Glassell Jr. caught a 1,560-pound black marlin from the ship *Miss Texas* here in 1953, a record that remains unbroken. There will be 20 rooms and suites, each with private plunge pools and terraces. *Doubles from $550.* ## Asilia Erebero Hills ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RR_20260115_Hotel_Preview_Asilia_Erebero_Hills.webp) *Photo: Asilia Africa* **Location:** Bwindi, Uganda **Expected launch:** June This [eight-room gorilla-trekking property](https://www.asiliaafrica.com/camps-lodges/erebero-hills/) will ease some of the congestion in Rwanda, which has so successfully marketed its five-star hotels for chimp- and gorilla-spotting, and it’s operated by Asilia, known as one of the “old hands” out of Kenya. Come here to immerse yourself in misty forests, ideal for nature walks when you’re not focusing on the primates, as well as the chance to experience Batwa culture. They’re believed to be among the earliest inhabitants of the Great Lakes region, having lived there for more than 60,000 years and earned the nickname “keepers of the forest.” *Prices to come.* ## Eha ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RR_20260115_Hotel_Preview_EHA.webp) *Photo: EHA* **Location:** Estonia **Expected launch:** June Singaporean expat and entrepreneur Sonny Aswani and his Estonian wife Eva Maran are the brains behind[ Eha, an exclusive-use property ](https://www.eharetreat.com/)on an island best considered the Baltics’ answer to Nantucket, Hiiumaa. The main house will have eight rooms plus three forest cabins on the 84-acre site among the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve here, and it will offer seasonally based wellness programs year-round, all of them anchored in nature. Don’t miss the chance for a sundowner on the west coast of the island, known for its killer sunsets. *Prices to come.* ## La Réserve Firenze ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RR_20260115_Hotel_Preview_La-Reserve-Firenze.webp) *Photo: La Reserve* **Location:** Florence, Italy **Expected launch:** June Michael Reybier is a tycoon who built his fortune in meat processing before pivoting to vineyards and hotels, initially focusing on his home market in France. This [six-key property in a 15th-century palazzo](https://www.lareserve.com/florence/) in the sleepier Oltrarno district across the river is his first venture in Italy, in partnership with restaurant operators-turned-hoteliers Olivia and Grégory Marciano. The hotel will offer one- to three-bedroom apartment-style living, where each suite has its own kitchen, dining area, and living room. If you want to socialize, head to the rooftop terrace and—shhh—a secret bar. *Doubles from $1,507.* ## Palazzo Sozzini Malavolti ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RR_20260115_Hotel_Preview_Palazzo_Sozzini_Malvolti-1.webp) *Photo: Emblems Collection* **Location:** Siena, Italy **Expected launch:** Q3 Popular day trip spot Siena has long struggled to offer high-end accommodation for anyone wanting to linger longer. Thankfully, that problem’s solved via [Palazzo Sozzini Malavolti](https://www.emblemscollection.com/hotel/palazzo-sozzini-malavolti/), set to open later this year. “It’s the only luxury hotel that’s in the historical center,” says Jules Maury, head of Scott Dunn Private. “I’m literally planning that trip at the moment for someone.” Housed in an 18th-century palazzo, the space was recently repurposed as a language school, and will feature a superb spa in the old basement, or caves. This is the flagship entrant to the sneakily launched new luxury group Emblems, from French giant Accor—an attempt to rival the likes of Marriott’s Luxury Collection via a series of high-end, independently minded hotels. Watch out for other offbeat entries to round out that roster. *Prices to come.* ## Kazazian Siwa ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RR_20260115_Hotel_Preview_Kazazian-Siwa.webp) *Photo: Kasazian* **Location:** Siwa, Egypt **Expected launch:** Q3 We’ve told you to make sure Egypt is top of your must-see list, thanks both to the long-delayed opening of the [Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo](https://gem.eg/) as well as the upscaling of offerings on the Nile and in Luxor, courtesy of [Florian Amereller’s Egypt Beyond.](https://robbreport.com/travel/hotels/egypt-beyond-travel-company-1237395129/) Yet another reason: the allure of exploring this hard-to-reach oasis far out in Egypt’s western desert. [Kazazian Siwa](https://www.kazaziancruises.com/siwa) is a tiny, high-end camp on 104 acres with just nine units and a staff:guest ratio of 2:1. Come here for stargazing, engaging with Amazigh culture, and a spot of sandbathing, allowing the healing dunes to sap the toxins from your body. *Prices to come.* ## The Malkai ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RR_20260115_Hotel_Preview_The_Malkai.webp) *Photo: The Malkai* **Location:** Oman **Expected launch:** Q3 What a swaggering debut to make, with not one but three sites opening all at once. The three-property [Malkai](https://www.themalkai.com/) circuit sits in ultra-premium locations—doubtless secured thanks to the connections and deep pockets of Oman’s prominent Khimji family, which has close ties to the royal family. Each property will have 15 Bedouin-inspired tented rooms and bookings at any of the trio will include your own private driver, vehicle, and guide. Travel from Barka, a date farm–adjacent city on the coast, to the rugged and mountainous Hajar and Sharqiyah, deep within the desert. “Oman is overdue for something new and exciting like this,” says Cari Gray, who’s ready to send clients there as soon as the Malkai opens bookings. *Doubles from $2,200.* ## Hoshinoya Nara Prison ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RR_20260115_Hotel_Preview_Hoshinoya_Nara_Prison.webp) *Photo: Hoshino Resorts* **Location:** Nara City, Japan **Expected launch:** Q3 Homegrown hotel operator [Hoshino Resorts ](https://hoshinoresorts.com/en/)dates back to the 1914, and it now operates a cluster of historic properties in Japan under its [Hoshinoya](https://hoshinoresorts.com/en/brands/) banner. The latest addition to the experience-driven, small footprint hotel chainlet is like nothing else in the group so far, a quirky but intriguing choice to take a redbrick Meiji-era prison and turn it into a 48-room luxury hotel. The onetime cells have been reimagined as high-end rooms, while there’s also an onsite museum dedicated to the evolution of Japan’s prison system to a more humane, modern approach that that typical at this time. *Doubles from $906.* ## Explora El Calafate ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RR_20260115_Hotel_Preview_Explora_El_Calafate.webp) *Photo: Explora Hotels* **Location:** El Calafate, Argentina **Expected launch:** December Chilean entrepreneur Pedro Ibanez was a major force in unlocking the remote regions of South America when he started his company decades ago, bringing high-end hospitality and cutting-edge architecture to the regions. This year, he’ll open two new lodges, both small-format properties that return him to what he does best. Christopher Wilmot-Sitwell, an avid fan of Ibanez’s approach, raves about what this 20-room lodge on the shores of Lake Argentino will offer: “a perfect location to break one of the great road trips of the world from Torres Del Paine in Chile to Fitzroy National Park in Argentina.” Explora is renowned, he says, for “well-mapped excursions from the lodges in the company of real enthusiasts from the region as guides. El Calafate will have 30 of these mapped out for all levels of fitness.” Even better, it’s set on its own vast estancia, which comprises more than 170,000 acres of wilderness. *Doubles from $3,800.* ## Explora Torres Del Paine ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RR_20260115_Hotel_Preview_Explora_Torres_del_Paine.webp) **Location:** Torres del Paine, Chile **Expected launch:** October The second new Explora lodge is a ten-room lodge just outside the boundaries of the namesake national park, but within its own 15,000-acre private conservation reserve in the heart of Patagonia. “Guided excursions can include the ‘must do’ hikes within the national park as well as carefully curated excursions on the conservation reserve,” says Wilmot-Sitwell, of the chance to immerse yourself in nature and gaucho life, which persists here, all against the backdrop of the jaw-dropping Torres peaks. True enthusiasts can snap up their own chunk of this paradise, too: there’s an opportunity to buy a small number of private concessions nearby for private homes that will be logistically and operationally supported by the lodge and its staff. *Doubles from $3,960.* ## The Cormorant at 55 South ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RR_20260115_Hotel_Preview_The_Cormorant_at_55_South.webp) *Photo: Silversea* **Location:** Puerto Williams, Chile **Expected launch:** October Cruise ship operator Silversea spreads its wings this year with a canny but unusual new opening: [a hotel in Puerto Williams](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/silversea/the-cormorant-at-55-south?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23191574292&gbraid=0AAAAADxjfc8El3fgkG3doPw9uWdJkUYWP&gclid=CjwKCAiAmp3LBhAkEiwAJM2JUHZ2sscD6z3i7wAigikWDxaGqBkVy3H6iaRdl7mYyKgSqluNrdz_YBoCCnEQAvD_BwE) at Chile’s southern tip, the 55th parallel south, known as a jumping-off point for expedition cruises to the South Pole. These expedition cruises are a huge growing market for the luxury line, and it’s a smart choice to make the start of any voyage a little plusher. There will even be a new charter flight from Santiago to the 150-room hotel, the only such direct air service to the city. Each of the rooms will have huge windows, too, so you can enjoy the superb natural setting here, whether out into the Patagonian countryside or the waters of the Beagle Channel. *Prices to come.* ## The Cliffs ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RR_20260115_Hotel_Preview_The_Cliffs.webp) *Photo: Holger Leue/Getty Images* **Location:** Kangaroo Island, Australia **Expected launch:** Q4 Cari Gray, of travel agency Gray & Co., is eyeing the [new, 20-room Cliffs](https://thecliffs.com.au/cms/) as it will help ease the congestion among luxury travelers for Kangaroo Island, where the reopened Southern Ocean Lodge has long been the only real option. “\[Kangaroo Island\] is a really special place and could use some more capacity,” she says. “\[The Cliffs\] is very golf-centric. The last time I was there, the golf course was black sand.” These chalets—with their own world-class links, designed by Darius Oliver—sit on the island’s southern coast, and each two-bedroom cottage has sweeping views out across the ocean. *Prices to come.* ## Omatendeka ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RR_20260115_Hotel_Preview_Omatendeka.webp) *Photo: Vestige Collection* **Location:** Grootberg Mountains, Namibia **Expected launch:** Q4 [Vestige Collection](https://vestigecollection.com/)—the upstart Spanish hotel and estate chain owned by healthcare magnate Dr. Victor Madera and run by his three daughters—ventures abroad for the first time to, tellingly, Namibia. Four lodges are slated and the standout among them is Omatendeka by the Grootberg Mountains in the northwest. The deep canyons and basalt rock formations are signatures of the area, as are the desert-adapted elephants and black rhinos—the largest free-roaming population in the world lives right here. “This was the most exclusive private lodge in Namibia and complete wilderness and privacy,” says Christopher Wilmot-Sitwell of Cazenove + Loyd. “Now that it’s available commercially it will set a new level.” *Prices to come.* ## Six Senses Milan ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RR_20260115_Hotel_Preview_Six_Senses_Milan.webp) *Photo: Six Senses* **Location:** Milan, Italy **Expected launch:** Q4 [Six Senses continues its urban expansion ](https://www.sixsenses.com/en/new-openings/milan/)with a second spot in Italy after its splashy [Rome debut.](https://robbreport.com/travel/hotels/the-new-six-senses-is-the-latest-branded-hotel-to-land-in-rome-1234828380/) This time, the wellness brand arrives in Milan’s Brera district, right across from the Pinacoteca where there’s a handful of masterpieces from some of Italy’s finest Renaissance talents, including Raphael, Caravaggio, and Bellini. Milan-based British designer Tara Bernerd’s been tapped to design it with her usual rockstar-ish glamour, so expected marble and antique brass–heavy interiors throughout the 69 rooms and suites; the best of the latter even has its own 41-foot pool, a dream whether you’re planning a party or just prone to a bit of skinny dipping. *Doubles from $1,410.* ## Captain Arctic ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RR_20260115_Hotel_Preview_Captain_Arctic.webp) *Photo: Selar Expeditions* **Location:** Polar expeditions **Expected launch:** Q4 The qualified ice captain Sophie Galvagnon teamed up with Polar Tracks owner Heather Thorkelson for this mold- and ice-breaking vessel that’s primed to unlock the Arctic like never before, says Christopher Wilmot-Sitwell. The charter-first, 16-cabin, hybrid-electric propulsion boat with solar-assist sails allows it to operate almost silently and emission free for extended periods; its aluminum sails capture both wind and solar energy and can be folded away in high winds. “The shallow draft means you can do more than bigger vessels so it’s a rare chance to experience the Arctic in complete serenity,” he says. *Prices to come.* ## Singita Elela ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/SB_LANDSCAPE_Palms_Ross_Couper_A1_02609.webp) *Photo: Ross Couper* **Location:** Okavango Delta, Botswana **Expected launch:** December Continent-spanning, standard-setting safari legend [Singita](https://singita.com/lodge/singita-elela/) will finally expand into Botswana at the end of the year with this jaw-dropping lodge with eight self-contained camps ranging from one- to four-bedrooms. Circular in design and set on stilts to better display the surrounding landscape, each will operate effectively like a standalone lodge, with its own kitchenette, dining area, wellness site, pool, and firepit. The major draw here, though, isn’t such manmade luxury, but rather the 420,000-acre private concession teeming with wildlife, including black and white rhino. *Doubles from $9,000.* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Travel **Tags:** 2026, Features, hotels, travel --- ### [Rafael Nadal Is Bringing His Tennis Academy to a Luxury Resort in Indonesia](https://robbreport.ph/leisure/sports/rafael-nadal-is-bringing-his-tennis-academy-to-a-luxury-resort-in-indonesia/) **Published:** August 27, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** [Rafael Nadal](https://robbreport.ph/tag/rafael-nadal/ "Rafael Nadal") may have hung up his racket, but the 22-time Grand Slam champion is still taking his game around the world. The [Rafa Nadal Academy](https://robbreport.ph/leisure/sports/heres-where-tomorrows-grand-slam-champions-are-made/ "Here’s Where Tomorrow’s Grand Slam Champions Are Made") is expanding into Indonesia with a new [Rafa Nadal Tennis Center in Lombok](https://international.rafanadalacademy.com/en/lombok-indonesia-en/), marking the organization’s first outpost in Southeast Asia. Scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2028, the facility will form part of Samara Lombok, an ambitious new luxury resort taking shape along the island’s southern coast. The center will comprise four tennis courts and four padel courts, with programs designed for everyone from beginners to experienced players. Coaching will draw from the training system Nadal and his team developed over more than two decades on the professional circuit, which is the same system underpinning the Rafa Nadal Academy in his hometown of Manacor, Mallorca. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/769222640_2553934431715130_8466699572336017090_n.webp) *Samara Lombok/Rafa Nadal Tennis Center* Situated about 25 minutes from Lombok International Airport, Samara is being developed as a 150-hectare coastal playground combining hospitality, residences, restaurants, wellness, and sport. The master plan calls for three boutique hotels and 500 villas, with around 150 residences expected to be operational when the resort makes its full debut in 2028. It will also become the first Destination by Hyatt property in Southeast Asia. Samara’s broader plans include watersports, wellness facilities, swimming pools, beach clubs, and more than 10 restaurants and bars. It’s envisioned to be a kind of self-contained resort where a morning backhand session can comfortably give way to an afternoon by the water. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/767222370_1342969650888209_5482565241010098453_n.webp) *Samara Lombok/Rafa Nadal Tennis Center* For Nadal, the Lombok project represents another step in a second act already extending well beyond competition. The Spaniard retired from professional tennis in 2024 after a career that produced 92 tour-level titles, 22 majors, and a record 14 French Open crowns. His academy in Mallorca, inaugurated in 2016, has since become the centerpiece of a growing international training network. His academy in Mallorca, inaugurated in 2016, has since become the centerpiece of a growing international training network and a proving ground for emerging talent. Among its most prominent graduates is the Philippines’ own Alex Eala, who joined the academy in 2018 and graduated in 2023 before establishing herself on the WTA Tour. Her rise has become one of the clearest advertisements for the Manacor system, taking her from junior Grand Slam success to historic results for Philippine tennis on the professional circuit. ![Rafael Nadal wearing a Richard Mille RM 027 Tourbillon Rafael Nadal.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/richard-mille-rm-027-tourbillon-rafael-nadal-10257.webp) Rafael Nadal wearing a Richard Mille RM 027 Tourbillon Rafael Nadal. That network now includes full academies in Mallorca and Kuwait, along with Rafa Nadal Tennis Centers in destinations including Costa Mujeres, Sani, Hong Kong, Marbella, and Punta Cana. There is also a training program in Egypt, while another center is scheduled to arrive in Brazil in 2028. Lombok will push that footprint into a part of the world where both destination resorts and racket sports are enjoying increasingly prominent roles in the luxury-travel landscape. “We are very excited about the arrival of the first Rafa Nadal Tennis Center in Southeast Asia,” Maribel Nadal, the academy’s deputy general manager, says as she announces the project. The pairing also feels particularly suited to Lombok. Long known for its beaches, surf breaks, and the volcanic slopes of Mount Rinjani, the Indonesian island has increasingly positioned itself as a quieter alternative to neighboring Bali. Samara is betting that the next generation of travelers will want more than a handsome villa and an infinity pool when they arrive. A Nadal-approved forehand, apparently, is part of the package. ## FAQs ### Where is the new Rafa Nadal Tennis Center opening in Southeast Asia? The new Rafa Nadal Tennis Center will open at Samara Lombok, a 150-hectare luxury resort development on the southern coast of Lombok, Indonesia. ### When will the Rafa Nadal Tennis Center in Lombok open? The Rafa Nadal Tennis Center at Samara Lombok is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2028. ### What facilities will the Rafa Nadal Tennis Center in Lombok have? The center will feature four tennis courts and four padel courts, with coaching programs for beginners through experienced players based on the Rafa Nadal Academy training system. ### What is Samara Lombok? Samara Lombok is a planned luxury coastal resort with boutique hotels, villas, restaurants, wellness facilities, beach clubs, watersports, and racket-sports amenities. It is also set to become Southeast Asia’s first Destination by Hyatt property. ### Did Alex Eala train at the Rafa Nadal Academy? Yes. Filipino tennis player Alex Eala joined the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca in 2018 and graduated in 2023 before establishing herself on the WTA Tour. **Categories:** Sports **Tags:** Indonesia, Lombok, Rafael Nadal, tennis, tennis academy, tennis lessons --- ### [Omega Just Added 7 New 38 MM Speedmasters to Its Lineup](https://robbreport.ph/watches/omega-just-added-7-new-38-mm-speedmasters-to-its-lineup/) **Published:** August 27, 2026 **Author:** Oren Hartov **Content:** For much of wristwatch history, case diameters remained relatively small by today’s standards—well under 40 mm. The oversize dive and pilot’s [watches](https://robbreport.ph/watches/ "Watches") of the 1990s and early 2000s were an anomaly, and recent years have seen a return to more sensible proportions. [Omega](https://robbreport.ph/tag/omega/), however, was ahead of the curve. In 2017, it introduced the [Speedmaster](https://robbreport.ph/tag/speedmaster/ "speedmaster") 38, a scaled-down reworking of its famous 42 mm chronograph. Featuring a stainless-steel or two-tone steel and Sedna Gold case, the Co-Axial Calibre 3330, a date window at six o’clock, a distinctive dual-color tachymeter bezel, and horizontal oval subdials, it broadened the Speedmaster’s appeal with a more nuanced take on the Moonwatch formula. It was the launch of the Milano Cortina editions in late 2025, however, that truly caught collectors’ attention. Equipped with traditional round subdials, a Moonwatch-style tachymeter bezel, and a cleaner dial with less text, they looked even more like diminutive iterations of Omega’s celebrated space-going chronograph. These were followed by black- and silver-dial models retaining the dual-color bezel. The black version came tantalizingly close to a true “mini Moonwatch,” suggesting Omega was inching toward the idea without fully embracing it. Until now, that is. The new Speedmaster 38 collection comprises seven references that underscore the continued appetite for smaller watches—and for a smaller Speedmaster in particular. “This is the most versatile size that we have in terms of clientele, in terms, really, of casual and formalwear,” says Omega C.E.O. Raynald Aeschlimann. “We see people coming into our boutiques specifically looking for a Speedmaster in those proportions.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/BAldrin_Moon_Split.webp) Omega’s new Speedmaster 38 scales down the history-making model Buzz Aldrin wore on the Moon. *NASA* While earlier Speedmaster 38 models—with diamond bezels, precious metals, and colorful dials—pushed the collection into dressier territory, Omega clearly believes there is room at this size for something more explicitly rooted in the line’s tradition. Alongside new stainless-steel, two-tone, and diamond-set executions is one reference that stands apart: It pairs a stainless-steel lyre-lug case with a five-link bracelet, a black “dot-over-90” tachymeter bezel, and a black dial featuring recessed round subdials and no date window. It even has an exclusive movement, the Co-Axial Calibre 3332, making it the closest thing collectors have ever seen to a small-size Moonwatch. By streamlining the collection across different metals and configurations while introducing a model that embraces that much sought-after aesthetic, Omega has broadened this important design’s appeal without compromising its identity. After all, it’s not just for horology nerds and space enthusiasts anymore. “I think it’s for the more fashion-oriented guys or ladies,” Aeschlimann says. Size matters, but so do “all the details of the watch, the proportion, and they wear it with pride.” *[From $6,500](https://lucerneluxe.com/category/omega/)* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* ## FAQs ### How many new Omega Speedmaster 38 watches were released? Omega introduced seven new Speedmaster 38 references, expanding the collection across stainless steel, two-tone, and diamond-set configurations. ### What size are the new Omega Speedmaster watches? All seven new models feature 38 mm cases, offering a smaller alternative to the traditional 42 mm Speedmaster Moonwatch. ### Is there a 38 mm Omega Speedmaster that looks like the Moonwatch? Yes. One new stainless-steel model features a black dial, round recessed subdials, a black dot-over-90 tachymeter bezel, and no date window, making it the closest 38 mm Speedmaster yet to the classic Moonwatch. ### What movement powers the new 38 mm Speedmaster Moonwatch-style model? The Moonwatch-inspired Speedmaster 38 is powered by Omega’s exclusive Co-Axial Calibre 3332. ### How much does the new Omega Speedmaster 38 cost? Prices for the new Omega Speedmaster 38 collection start at $6,500, with higher prices depending on the materials and configuration. **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** Magazine, Omega, speedmaster, Watch Collector, Watches --- ### [Glashütte Original’s New Chronographs Take Cues From Horological History](https://robbreport.ph/watches/glashutte-originals-new-chronographs-take-cues-from-horological-history/) **Published:** August 26, 2026 **Author:** Nicole Hoey **Content:** [Glashütte](https://robbreport.ph/tag/glashutte/ "Glashütte") Original took a trip down horological memory lane to find inspiration for its newest watches. The German brand just unveiled a pair of timepieces, each of which pays homage to different chronograph designs from the past. The Senator Chronograph pulls its inspiration from the observation watches made in Glashütte during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, while its darker sibling, the Senator Chronograph Navigator, takes its design cues from 1940s pilot’s timepieces. And there are some some differences afoot in each watch. The Senator Chronograph Navigator is home to a matte black dial with luminous Arabic numerals—an apt choice, given that pilot’s watches needed to be easy to read and use even under the most intense conditions. To help out with that legibility, the hour and minutes hands are coated in Super-LumiNova, alongside touches of white lacquer in the 30-minute counter and the small second hand. Other details include mushroom-shaped pushers at 2 and 4 o’clock, as well as a tachymeter scale. As for the Senator Chronograph, it offers up solid-gold Roman numerals, coated in blue, on its silver-white grainé dial. That blue hue continues the watch’s hands, too. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/glashutte-original-senator-chronograph-navigator.webp) The Senator Chronograph Navigator. *Glashütte Original* Both models are housed in a stainless-steel 41 mm case, and each has its own Panorama Date perched at 6 o’clock. Beating at the core of the new models is the automatic Calibre 37-24, which offers up a flyback function that lets the wearer stop, reset, and restart the timepiece with just a press of the pusher. The movement, which you can view via the sapphire crystal caseback on the duo, also shows off a newly developed skeletonized rotor and has a power reserve of 70 hours. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/glashutte-original-senator-chronograph.webp) The Senator Chronograph. *Glashütte Original* Each model comes with your choice of straps, too. That includes a black or blue Louisiana alligator iteration, a sand-colored synthetic strap, or a stainless-steel bracelet. In a new touch, Glashütte Original has unveiled a quick-change mechanism for the folding clasp, meaning that switching straps based on your mood or style is easier than before. If you’d like to add the Senator Chronograph Navigator or the Senator Chronograph to your collection (or both, who knows), both models are now available worldwide at Glashütte Original boutiques. The pair both retail from $16,100, depending on the strap you choose. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* ## FAQs ### What are Glashütte Original’s new chronographs? The brand has introduced the Senator Chronograph and Senator Chronograph Navigator, two models inspired by historic observation watches and 1940s pilot’s timepieces. ### What is the difference between the Senator Chronograph and Navigator? The Navigator features a matte black dial, luminous Arabic numerals, and pilot-watch styling, while the Senator Chronograph has a silver-white grainé dial with blue-coated gold Roman numerals. ### What movement powers the new Glashütte Original chronographs? Both watches use the automatic Calibre 37-24, which includes a flyback chronograph function and offers a 70-hour power reserve. ### What size are the new Glashütte Original Senator Chronographs? Both models are housed in 41 mm stainless-steel cases and feature Glashütte Original’s signature Panorama Date at 6 o’clock. ### How much do the Glashütte Original Senator Chronographs cost? Both the Senator Chronograph and Senator Chronograph Navigator start at $16,100, with pricing varying depending on the chosen strap or bracelet. **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** Glashütte, News, Watch Collector --- ### [Frames of Reference: How a Pair of Herian Boccali Glasses Is Made By Hand](https://robbreport.ph/genius-at-work/frames-of-reference-how-a-pair-of-herian-boccali-glasses-is-made-by-hand/) **Published:** August 26, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** The perfect pair of glasses can unreasonably change your life. Suddenly, your posture improves, your taste sharpens, and your tolerance for nonsense drops by half. It’s a minor optical adjustment with wildly disproportionate consequences. While most brands treat that transformation as a happy accident, Herian Boccali, founder and designer of his namesake bespoke eyewear label, treats it as a starting point. “Glasses are not just accessories, but an integral part of the wearer’s identity,” Boccali notes. He grew up inside his family’s optical shop in Florence, where eyewear was a practice that was understood in relation to the wearer. There’s a manufactured intimacy there, something that transcends the expected technical rigors of optics. Glasses, after all, can function as a preamble to the person. Not much distance between object and self-expression. That early exposure eventually sharpened into a more specific idea, punctuated by the question: What if frames were treated the way a tailor approaches a suit? What if glasses were something instead built around proportion, posture, and character? The industry, as he saw it, had long defaulted to the dullness of standardization. Even luxury, more often than not, was a question of branding rather than construction. Herian hopes to move in the opposite direction. Orders begin with a conversation with the client. Measurements are taken, yes, but so are cues—how they seem to carry themselves, how they wear their clothes, and what frame shape they’re looking for. From there, the process shifts to paper. Outlines are sketched, adjusted, and refined before ever touching material. Production remains deliberately by hand. Sheets of Italian acetate—or, in some cases, buffalo horn, for those who want more beef to their specs—considered the best material in the world for eyewear because of its beautiful color depth and aging process, are selected for their density, flexibility, and visual distinctiveness. The frame is cut, shaped, and filed down in stages, each pass removing just enough material to bring the form closer to its final balance. Hinges, meanwhile, are drilled and set by hand. Heat is then applied sparingly to coax curvature into place. The process demands a high level of precision, guided entirely by the craftsman’s hand until the glasses become cohesive. That sense of discipline extends all the way to the final product. Frame proportions are resolved, surfaces are clean, and detail shines through in the bridge, lenses, and temples. From Florence to Manila, that same method applies to each order. Who would’ve thought that something as basic as a pair of glasses can still be approached with the same rigor as any other form of craft? Here’s how it comes together. ## Every frame begins on paper. Proportions are sketched, adjusted, and refined, translating a client’s features into a working outline that will guide the entire build. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Herian-Workshop-8.webp) ## Sheets of Italian acetate are chosen for color, density, and grain. This is where the frame’s character is set, long before it takes shape. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Herian-Workshop-24.webp) ## Using a fine saw, the outline is cut from the acetate block. At this stage, the frame is oversized and raw. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Herian-Workshop-22.webp) ## Files and hand tools refine the silhouette. Edges are evened out, curves are defined, and the frame begins to settle into its final proportions. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Herian-Workshop-17.webp) ## Holes for hinges are drilled with exacting accuracy. Alignment here determines how the frame will sit and move once assembled. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Herian-Workshop-5.webp) ## Hinges and screws are fitted by hand. It’s a delicate process, where mechanical precision meets material sensitivity. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Herian-Workshop-10.webp) ## Controlled heat is applied to fine-tune curvature and fit. The frame is subtly adjusted to sit naturally on the face. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Herian-Workshop-2.webp) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Herian-Workshop-3.webp) ## The final form emerges through polishing and detailing. What began as a flat sheet resolves into a balanced, wearable object. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Herian-14.webp) ## FAQs ### Who is Herian Boccali? Herian Boccali is a Florentine eyewear designer who creates bespoke frames by hand. He grew up in his family’s optical shop in Florence and approaches eyewear as an expression of the wearer’s identity. ### What is made-to-measure eyewear? Made-to-measure eyewear is designed around a client’s facial features, proportions, posture, personal style and preferred frame shape. Each pair begins with a consultation and an original sketch. ### How are Herian Boccali glasses made? Each frame is sketched, cut, filed, drilled, assembled, heat-adjusted and polished by hand. The process comprises eight stages and continues until its proportions, curvature and fit are resolved. ### What materials does Herian Boccali use? Boccali primarily uses Italian acetate selected for its color, density, flexibility and grain. Buffalo horn is also available for clients seeking a more distinctive natural material. ### How does bespoke eyewear differ from standard frames? Standard frames are produced according to predetermined shapes and measurements. Bespoke eyewear is individually designed and constructed to complement the wearer’s features, character and way of dressing. **Categories:** Fashion, Genius at Work, Style **Tags:** Eyeglasses, Herian Boccali --- ### [Azuma Farm Koiwai: The Space Between](https://robbreport.ph/travel/from-aman-to-the-farm-adrian-zechas-latest-move-heads-inland/) **Published:** April 8, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** Azuma Farm Koiwai, a new retreat set within the grounds of the historic Koiwai Farm in Japan’s Iwate Prefecture, sits inside one of Japan’s oldest agricultural landscapes, where forests, pastureland, and a cluster of Meiji-era farm structures designated as National Important Cultural Properties have been maintained for more than a century. At most luxury resorts, the instinct is to build outward: more structures, more amenities, and more visible gestures of arrival. But at Azuma Farm Koiwai, the defining architectural move may be what was deliberately left untouched. Sweeping, open pasture sits at the center of the property; there is no attempt to overwhelm the landscape with architecture. Instead, a sparse collection of 24 villas and shared buildings recede into the edges of the site, allowing the terrain itself to remain visually dominant. The effect is unusual the longer one considers how hospitality projects are typically conceived. For Fumitomo Hayase, CEO and founder of Naru Developments and the key figure behind the project, that composure reflects his broader philosophy toward architecture and land, where design responds to, instead of imposes on, the topography of a specific place. The project is less interested in presenting rural Japan as an aesthetic backdrop than in asking what hospitality might look like if it genuinely emerged from the logic of the land itself. “Each place demands its own approach. But the most important consideration was finding a site where development would not require cutting down trees or dramatically altering the land itself.” Underlying his thinking is the Japanese architectural concept of the engawa proposed by Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa in the ‘80s: transitional, liminal architectural zones that exist between opposites—inside and outside, public and private, blurring the lines between structure and landscape. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/11_Facilities_Accommodations.webp) *Courtesy of Azuma Farm Koiwai* “It is outside, yet not entirely outside, inside, yet not entirely inside,” he explains, illustrated by Azuma Farm Koiwai’s masterplan which places pastureland at the center of the property. “But these are not empty voids,” he says. “I hope they become spaces, while seemingly empty, nevertheless filled with something intangible.” It is statements like these that reveal how 12 years of working alongside Adrian Zecha at Aman has shaped his perspective. Zecha is clearly an influence—not to mention a co-founder of Naru Developments—and Hayase is reverential. Naru Development’s company philosophy, rather than imposing its own vision on it, is anchored in listening to what a place desires innately and giving it form, a philosophy Hayase attributes as the most important one he learned from Zecha. “I came to understand that the most important things cannot truly be expressed in words—they must be felt,” he says. “It is something you can only feel once you are standing on site. But if there is one thing I can say, it is that when you are somehow called to a place through fate or circumstance, the plan already exists there.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/15_Koiwai-Scenery02.webp) *Courtesy of Azuma Farm Koiwai* Working with architect Shiro Miura (who also designed Azumi Setoda, the first resort by Naru Developments) perfectly articulates this very standpoint. “Like many traditional craftsmen, he does not seek to express himself through architecture in the way many architects do,” notes Hayase. Miura specializes in sukiya architecture, an elegant, rustic style of building, which made him a perfect match for the resort. Recessed rooflines and truss features inherent in utilitarian structures like cowsheds reappear across the villas and communal buildings; the usage of locally-sourced wood like red pine, cypress, cedar, and chestnut also creates the continuity between agricultural functionality and hospitality design. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/02_Rooms_Forest-Villa02.webp) Courtesy of Azuma Farms Koiwai That relationship to land extends beyond the architecture itself. The project is also part of a broader attempt to reconsider how visitors move through, encounter, and ultimately understand Tōhoku, a region that has historically remained outside Japan’s main luxury tourism narrative, where only 1.5% of tourists visit. The partnership with the rail operator, JR East, which has been increasingly active in positioning destinations across the area, is partly an attempt to redirect attention toward a region still rebuilding after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/09_Facilities_Forest-Springs.webp) *Courtesy of Azuma Farm Koiwai* “Tōhoku is a treasure house of nature, traditional crafts, and food culture. We hope to introduce this still little-known region to the world and cultivate more admirers of Tōhoku,” says Hayase. Yet Hayase is careful not to frame this as mass tourism expansion. “Our intention is not to encourage overtourism,” he says, “but rather to help maximize the economic value contributed by each visitor to the local community.” The connection between land and local community and guest is further deepened by the resort’s programs that include cycling tours or horseback riding through the farm, excursions to Ninohe, known for traditional lacquerware and sake production, as well as other cultural activities that acquaint guests with art forms and crafts characteristic of northern Japan. While the environment itself promotes wellness—research has pointed to activities like forest bathing and grounded, nature-centered environments as healing—three private bathing pavilions are available, with a natural hot spring pavilion opening later this year. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/04_Rooms_Garden-Villa01.webp) A room at the Garden Villa. *Courtesy of Azuma Farm Koiwai* Twenty-two Forest Villas and two larger Garden Villas with views toward Mount Iwate were simply the outcome of studying what the site could accommodate. Still, the intimacy is clearly intentional in another sense. “Because we aim to create something akin to inviting friends into a private guesthouse, the scale naturally becomes intimate,” he says. A guesthouse of friends who live extremely well, however. The culinary programme avoids the limiting script of hyper local, stringent Japanese fine dining or over-the-top theatrical gastronomy and instead prioritizes each season’s produce. The resort’s chef, Yoshitaka Oyama, highlights the agricultural richness of the region itself, constructing multi-course dinners that shift with the seasons and daily harvests. Guests staying longer can dine at Okibi, an intimate, charcoal-grill pavilion. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/12_Food_Dinner.webp) *Courtesy of Azuma Farm Koiwai* Azuma Farm Koiwai feels unusually timely. Much of contemporary luxury hospitality still revolves around separation: the removal of friction, noise, and unpredictability from daily life. Hayase, however, appears more interested in harmony than escape, not only between architecture and landscape. “One of the most important things I have learned is the importance of creating spaces that feel truly harmonious,” he says, reflecting on years spent working alongside Adrian Zecha. “Not only in terms of the architecture itself but also in the relationship between the guests, the staff, and the environment around them.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/05_Rooms_Garden-Villa02.webp) *Courtesy of Azuma Farms Koiwai* Despite its expansive setting, Azuma Farm Koiwai remains intentionally intimate. For international travelers, that balance between familiarity and specificity becomes essential. Modern hospitality, Hayase notes, still requires global standards of comfort, security, privacy, and ease, and what Hayase hopes to express through hospitality and specifically in the farm is not a generalized image of Japan, but the distinct character of each region and the histories embedded within it. “Through these connections with the rest of Asia, each region developed its own distinct culture,” he says. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/19_Activity_Koiwai-Nature-Walk.webp) *Courtesy of Azuma Farm Koiwai* That philosophy finds its clearest expression in the idea of spaces that exist between boundaries: neither fully inside nor entirely outside, neither public nor private, but suspended somewhere in between. “Japan is an island nation at the far eastern edge of Asia,” he says, “and it has been shaped not only by Asian influences, but also by cultures from much farther west, often in ways we ourselves do not fully realize. “I hope that both travelers visiting Japan and Japanese people themselves can come to sense these connections, and feel how deeply we are all linked to one another,” Hayase says. “In a way, it is much like the engawa, a place in between.” *Azuma Farm is now taking reservations for stays beginning April 23, 2026. For reservations, guests can visit[ https://azumafarms.com/](https://azumafarms.com/).* **Categories:** Travel **Tags:** Adrian Zecha, aman, Azuma Farm Koiwai, Azumi Japan, japan, ryokan --- ### [Lorenzo Antinori: On Bar Leone and How Simplicity and Authenticity Make the Perfect Mix](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/lorenzo-antinori-on-bar-leone-and-how-simplicity-and-authenticity-is-the-perfect-mix-for-success/) **Published:** February 27, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** When [Bar Leone](https://www.barleonehk.com/) in [Hong Kong](https://robbreport.ph/tag/hong-kong/ "Hong Kong") was named No. 1 on the [World’s 50 Best Bars](https://www.theworlds50best.com/bars/list/1-50) list, the recognition affirmed something industry insiders had sensed for months: Lorenzo Antinori had shifted the center of gravity in contemporary cocktail culture. In an industry that, one might argue, had become increasingly fond of theatrical excess, his Roman-inflected neighborhood bar in Hong Kong turned understatement into a competitive advantage. “Simplicity can produce the finest results,” Antinori says. “I do think there was an ‘over-theatricalization’ of [cocktails](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/bar-none/bar-none-a-tommys-margarita-gets-a-bold-sour-kick-from-this-surprising-local-fruit/ "Bar None: The Tommy’s Margarita Gets a Bold, Sour Kick from This Surprising Local Fruit"), with an emphasis on elaborate machines and intricate techniques, making the craft a bit too complicated for many to appreciate. My goal was to create drinks that are approachable and accessible when designing Bar Leone, without the need for overly complex concepts.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/20230704-Bar-Leone_066-1-1.webp) Olive Oil Sour. *Bar Leone* Having recently tried several of those approachable drinks during Antinori’s stint at the Philippine Cocktail Fiesta at Solaire Resort—including the sublime Margarita de Maiz (a cocktail made with tequila blanco, toasted corn, sloe gin, lime cordial, and verjus) and the smooth Caffè Paradiso (a mix of Martell VSOP and cold brew coffee, amaro, salted cream, and cardamom)—I found this idea more difficult to swallow than the concoctions themselves, only because they were, as I reported to my editor that night, the most impressive cocktails I’d ever had in my life. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/VIBE.webp) Filthy Martinis at Bar Leone. *Bar Leone* But simplicity on that level is rarely simple in the hands of someone who has spent years sharpening his instincts. Whatever Antinori meant by simplicity was anchored in something hard-won, the product of a career built on discipline and a kind of intellectual restlessness that no amount of theatrics can replace. Antinori left law school for the bar counter, a choice that has shaped everything since. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/20250323-Bar-Leone_Lady-Bee_125.webp) Lady Bee. *Bar Leone* London, where he trained at the celebrated Dandelyan and The Savoy, gave him the discipline and technical grounding he still draws on today—classic cocktails, precision, the mechanics of service. From there, he moved to Seoul and later to Hong Kong, where he joined Argo at the Four Seasons, expanding his worldview as he immersed himself in Asia’s fast-evolving drinking cultures. Antinori, himself is equally approachable. Antinori admits that much of Bar Leone’s identity draws from his own. Bar Leone is famous for its spirit—pun intended—embodied by “cocktail popolari” (literally, “cocktails for the people”); the bar makes its cocktail recipes publicly available through a Google Drive file, encouraging people to experiment with them at home. But there is still a good reason fans line up for hours on Bridges Street in Central to have a Negroni made by him: the atmosphere is as carefully constructed as the drink. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/INTERIOR_LAUNCH_GDK-1.webp) Bar Leone in Hong Kong. *Bar Leone* “Ultimately, our goal is to create a space where people want to keep returning—a neighborhood spot that feels familiar, the kind of place that has been there forever,” says Antinori, pointing out its laid-back, nostalgic nods to 1980s Italian culture. “On the surface, our interior design does its job: the coffee counter, the lighting, the tiles we’ve chosen, and the curated posters hanging on the walls. You get instantly teleported into a neighbourhood bar in Italy,” he says. “But when it comes to service or guest experience in particular, it’s all about the little details—from how guests are greeted at the door to the subtle changes in lighting as the night progresses, along with the evolving music tracks and volume. All these small touches, which maybe sometimes people don’t even notice, contribute to the atmosphere we want to create for guests to enjoy.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/FIG-LEAF-NEGRONI.webp) Fig Leaf Negroni. *Bar Leone* Antinori brought that atmosphere to Manila as he hopped from one table to another at the cocktail-pairing dinner prepared by Finestra’s chef Andrea Spagoni. It’s tricky to pair cocktails with full meals, and they’re usually accompanied by light fare (like the smoked olives at Bar Leone, now available for sale in jars by popular demand). But Antinori was up for it. “I think it’s good to explore new avenues for cocktails. Dinner pairings—they’re very hard to make, as cocktails are often made with sugars, unless it’s a martini or whiskey soda,” he says. “Oftentimes, when you have food, sugar is the enemy, but you should have either a good contrast or a good pair.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/20230704-Bar-Leone_053.webp) Old Pope, a cocktail created with Patrick Pistolesi and Lorenzo Antinori for Bar Leone, which features The Macallan Double Cask whisky and Branca Menta, a mint-forward amaro, for twist on the Old Fashioned. *Bar Leone* We were in good hands. A light and vegetal Herbert Highball, a cocktail with Malfy Originale and cucumber cordial, poblano chili, Pinot Grigio, dill, and sparkling water, was well suited to Spagoni’s delicate scallop carpaccio, prepared with caviar and raspberry. The Margarita de Maiz was an earthy, smoky foil to foie gras. For dessert, the combination of salted balsamic caramel pudding and Caffe Paradiso proved greater than the sum of their parts. When the main course arrived mid-service—a beautifully cooked veal tenderloin—Antinori chose not to force a pairing. It was a telling decision that demonstrated his confidence and sound judgment. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/LEONE_PRESS_GDK-10.webp) Smoked olives, always in demand and now available for purchase in jars. *Bar Leone* “Designing a cocktail is a blend of both intuition and engineering, but I typically start with the flavor,” says Antinori. “I usually begin by envisioning the flavor profile I want to create, then conduct rounds of experimentation to achieve the balance I’m looking for—which is where the engineering part kicks in.” But he doesn’t overthink it: “I also think maintaining a sense of curiosity and fun is essential, as it can lead to unexpected outcomes.” **Caffè Paradiso** **(Recipe)** Caffè Paradiso is an example of Bar Leone at its best: layered, casual but elegant, and instantly likable. And in the spirit of cocktail popolari, the bar shares its recipes with disarming generosity; anyone can download them by signing up via [barleonehk.com](http://barleone.com). ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/CAFFE-PARADISO.webp) Bar Leone 45ml Amaro Lucano 2.5ml Bénédictine D.O.M. 5ml honey 60ml cold brew coffee 10ml sweet vermouth Mix the ingredients above. Make salted cream with 1/4 teaspoon of salt for every half-cup of cream, or to taste, and aerate with a mixer or milk frother. Pour the cream over the cocktail using the back of a spoon as a makeshift funnel, allowing liquid to flow down and onto the surface of the drink. Finish with grated cardamom. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report Philippines’ [Success Issue, February 2026](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-february-2026-the-success-issue/).* **Categories:** Food & Drink, Spirits **Tags:** bar leone, cocktails, Lorenzo Antinori, Mixology --- ### [Driving Change: Why Charlie Rufino is Fueled with Purpose](https://robbreport.ph/profiles/why-charlie-rufino-is-fueled-with-purpose/) **Published:** February 5, 2025 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** Once a year in February, on the Sunday before Valentine’s Day, Bonifacio Global City vibrates with the deep, rumbling growl of sleek [Ferraris](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-ferrari-purosangue-is-an-suv-that-stays-true-to-ferraris-legacy/), Lamborghinis, Porsches, and glossy classic cars driving towards 4th Avenue, the locus of Sports Cars for a Cause. At the heart of the traffic of people and supercars is the president of NEO, Carlos “Charlie” Rufino, widely known for prioritizing and pioneering sustainability in real estate on the large scale, showcasing its proof of concept from One/NEO through to Seven/NEO–with the entire portfolio reaching net zero status in 2021, four years ahead of its target. His properties have transformed the former Fort Bonifacio military base into the energetic, world-class development it is today and, consequently, the landscape of urban development in the country. At the car show, Rufino is another enthusiast among many; the exhibition itself is his brainchild. But Sports Cars for a Cause isn’t just any car show. Neither is it about its major sponsor, NEO, or the car clubs involved, or even the cars themselves: it’s about the Sisters of Mary Schools, and its students like Almer Postor, the son of a fisherman in a remote, small fishing town on an island off of Quezon. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/DSCF7774-1.jpg) Courtesy of Sports Cars for a Cause/NEO “Now, let me tell you a success story,” Rufino says. “Almer was just a kid walking along the beach in the fishing town where he lived, holding his sandals in his arms. His sandals didn’t even match, but this was the only pair he had, and he kept them close to protect them from the water,” Rufino continues. “Someone had told him that there was a nun visiting their town to invite parents to send their children to study for free in their school. He applied and was accepted. “He graduated valedictorian from Sisters of Mary in 2007, then was sent to NTMA \[NYK TDG Maritime Academy\] for free by a friend of mine, Robbie \[Delgado\], and graduated magna cum laude. He eventually became a ship’s mate, earning eight thousand dollars a month,” he says. “To celebrate that milestone, Robbie flew him to Balesin. On the way there, Almer asked, ‘Do you think we could fly over my town?’ They did, and my friend saw buildings and fishing boats that turned out to be Almer’s ongoing contribution to the town, a co-op for the fishermen…” Rufino’s voice cracks, his eyes welling with tears. ![Cars at Bonifacio Global City](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/DSCF8967-1.jpg) Courtesy of Sports Cars for a Cause/NEO [The Sisters of Mary Schools](https://www.thesistersofmaryschools.org/sms-philippines) have been Rufino’s personal advocacy since 1985—even before his hallmark development of Bonifacio Global City and the involvement of NEO—and are the primary beneficiary of Sports Cars for a Cause. The car clubs, the supercars, the enthusiasts, and the entertainers who sing and play for free all gather on a sunny morning to raise funds for scholarships for the students of The Sisters of Mary Schools. The students are enrolled in well-equipped, sprawling campuses in Cavite and Cebu that offer high-quality secondary education with a focus on vocational and technical education. Food, board, and medical and dental care are fully covered by the school, which is completely funded by donors like Rufino. “Cardinal Sin invited me to meet Fr. Aloysius Schwartz, a Ramon Magsaysay Awardee who had founded The Sisters of Mary Boystowns and Girlstowns,” recounts Rufino. Sent by his order to Busan right after the Korean War, Fr. Aloysius successfully raised funds for the project by beaming First Lady Nancy Reagan’s visit to the campus, “using a newfangled satellite TV, which meant, at that time, the equivalent of going viral,” says Rufino. ![Charlie Rufino with students of the Sisters of Mary Schools](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/WTS_7458-copy-1.jpg) Charlie Rufino with students of the Sisters of Mary Schools.*Willy Saw* “Duplicating its success in the Philippines in 1985, when businesses were closing and there was a wave of capital flight, was nothing short of a miracle.” The schools now support 9,300 students yearly, boasting success stories like Almer’s, with alumni securing positions at multinational companies and government agencies. Rufino is not just compassionate toward the children; he expresses pride at the tenacity and achievements of their graduates. “It’s like a revolution,” he says. “Giving opportunities to the poorest of the poor and offering them hope when otherwise they have none. Like Almer—before the school, he didn’t even have shoes, or any hope—but having been given the opportunity, made such an impact on the town, transforming it completely. The power of that! Can you imagine?” In the auditorium of the Cavite Girlstown campus, with 3,000 students in neat rows singing a Christmas-themed song written by Apl.de.Ap, yes, we can imagine. The students are bustling with excitement, but nobody is more delighted than Rufino, wearing a baseball cap, jeans, and a big smile. Apl.de.Ap’s team, including Grammy award-winning Keith Harris (music producer for artists like Michael Jackson, the Black Eyed Peas, and Madonna, to name a few), is filming a music video featuring the school’s choir, with 100% of its streaming proceeds benefiting the school. The kids know Mr. Rufino well, as do the sisters, who update him on recent developments and ask for advice. He proudly shows us how the students, still in high school, learn AutoCAD, electronics, computer programming, and other technical and vocational skills that are assessed and certified by TESDA, equipping them for immediate employment while also giving them an advantage towards a university degree. While Rufino’s involvement reflects a deep engagement with the school’s operations, it is his astute ability to identify synergies between the school and his network that serves as an extraordinary asset. “I brought the German ambassador here one time,” he says. “She was clearly impressed, and promised to see what she could do. A few months later, she called me. ‘Do you know the Porsche people?’” That connection proved fortuitous. Rufino was introduced to Porsche Training and Recruitment Center Asia (PTRCA), the first established outside of Germany, located in Don Bosco, Makati, which trains qualified technicians in various classes of Porsche vehicles. Only about 20 students graduate, securing jobs within Porsche or recommendations for prestigious positions abroad. “I took the opportunity to recommend six graduates from our school, and they were willing to take them on. Four passed the entrance test, but there was another hurdle–they needed to be housed. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/WTS_7194-1.jpg) *Willy Saw* “I called my friends who love Porsches as much as I do, and together we put up a fund for their housing, anything they needed,” continues Rufino. “One of our graduates turned out to be the topnotcher, and is being sent to Germany. The other three are in Dubai–they send me pictures, showing me their new life there,” he says, again visibly moved. “We must acknowledge that we live in difficult times. Those of us who can provide should give back more. Life is about stewardship; we need to leave the world better than we found it,” he asserts. “Personal success grants you a network, and I can say that whenever I ask my associates to help, it’s always a resounding yes,” he says, dabbing his eyes again. He admits it can be different in a business setting, where parties might come with one-sided agendas. “With the school, everyone aligns quickly. ‘We need this—Yes! We need that—Yes!’ There’s no negotiation; decisions are made promptly. They want to give.” It’s likely also due to his genuineness, affability, and earnestness that nobody can say no to Rufino. One can easily sense his warmth: when his sons drop by the photo shoot in NEO Park, there is easy, affectionate banter, and his sons give him a little ribbing, teasing him as he poses next to his Ferrari Portofino and his Tesla Y Performance. Much has been said about the successful, seamless succession of his sons, under whom the family business continues to thrive. He attributes that accomplishment to the way he himself was raised. “I was very lucky I was born into a family that was very nurturing,” he says. “And my mother, before she passed, before \[it became popular in succession planning\], we had somewhat of a family mission statement. She said, ‘We are a family of harmony, and we will strive to help everybody achieve their full potential.’ That, regardless of whether we wanted to be in the family business or not.” His parents’ example informed the way he raised his own family. “I can’t tell them, do this, and do that. It’s not what you teach, it’s what you observe.” His sons joined him in meetings and at construction sites years before [he planned the passing of the baton](https://thebusinessmanual-onemega.com/magazine/cover/sustainable-business-balancing-impact-environment-society-according-neo-president-charlie-rufino-ceo-raymond-rufino/), something he deemed essential. “I tell them, it’s what you inspect, not expect, that happens,” he says. “People will always tell you the story they think you want to know; then you find out it’s too late to change anything because very often, bad news doesn’t get said. “I’m very open, transparent. And they know every supplier now, every contractor, their reputations, good or bad. Now, they can cut through the fat.” By the time he handed over duties to his sons, they could base their decisions not only on hands-on experience, but also on familiarity with their father’s decision-making style–which, interestingly, is not always by the book. Some of the most compelling success stories are marked by intuitive, risky decisions, and Rufino’s is no exception. “I took a risk and took on speculative building,” he says. On the eve of the proliferation of BPO businesses in the Philippines–which highlights Rufino’s ability to recognize economic phenomena ahead of the curve– Rufino decided that he would build One/NEO without existing contracts. “Building to suit means that \[the companies involved contractually\] will work at each other’s pace, irrespective of what the realities require. But I knew at least 80% of what these companies needed; so we said, ‘The train has left the station, we’re building this building, it’s ESG compliant, among other things, and it will be turned over on this date,’” Rufino explains. Their success stemmed from the company’s capability to execute plans efficiently and deliver on time, allowing them to onboard these large, multinational accounts while their competitors remained stuck in pre-development. The rest is history. ![Charlie Rufino poses next to his Ferrari Portofino.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/KAI3471-1.jpg) Rufino poses next to his Ferrari Portofino.*Kai Huang* Of course, Rufino’s own cars figure in Sports Cars for a Cause. When asked about which of the cars he’s ever owned is his favorite, he is hesitant to answer. “It’s like asking who my favorite is among my children,” he laughs. “But I suppose it would have to be the 1971 [Porsche](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-porsche-911-gts-is-the-hybrid-youve-been-searching-for/) 911E Targa,” a car he himself went to Germany to pick up, “because that’s the car I had when I courted my wife.” It’s now owned by a friend. A number in his wide collection of cars are, of course, electric. “The Tesla is a completely different car from what you’re used to. It’s like you’re on a magic carpet: you sit down, you move, and there’s nothing that you hear, no sound, and it’s magical. EVs give a very different experience because there’s no going through the gears, no exhaust note, nothing to make your blood pump. But it’s lovely, too, not to hear anything; it feels like you’re a part of nature.” From 30 cars in its inaugural year to 200 in the 2024 iteration, Sports Cars for a Cause exemplifies Rufino’s skill in bringing individuals together for a shared mission. “We were just a group of Porsche enthusiasts, gathering on Sunday mornings. I asked them, ‘Wouldn’t it be great if we could do something meaningful?’” he says. “And it was the president of the Porsche Club that said, ‘What if we did something like Sports Cars for a Cause?’ He coined that. And from that initial group of thirty, this year we were able to raise enough money to support 150 scholars.” He may have passed the baton to his sons, but he is still very involved in the business. He’s constantly distilling ideas (he wakes up at four in the morning, when, in the quiet, these ideas and synergistic partnerships jell) and, as expected, is thinking big. He has begun investing in data centers, an industry he feels is crucial in keeping the Philippines competitive globally. He’s thinking of linking the organizations he’s part of, think tanks like the Urban Land Institute, with the Young Presidents’ Organization. He’s working on initiating projects around massive national infrastructure projects currently in development. Of course, he’s passionate about education, and one of his projects aims to raise the country’s PISA score by offering access to Khan Academy, an online educational platform developed in Silicon Valley and brought into the Philippines by social impact investor and lawyer Geraldine Acuña-Sunshine. He is working on implementing digital sciences in the Sisters of Mary school’s curriculum to ensure they remain ahead of the curve. “Moving the needle” frequently surfaces in his conversations, and given his track record, it’s evident he intends to continue making a significant impact, bullish about what the Philippines can achieve in furthering economic progress. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/DSCF8217-2-1.jpg) A Porche 911 parked in front of Seven/NEO. *Kai Huang* In a world where success is often quantified by financial metrics or impressive resumés, it seems that Charlie Rufino, even if he can easily tick those boxes, redefines it: success is not a finish line, but a way of living in sync with one’s values. For Rufino, it is being a steward of the Earth, a devoted family man, a contributor to the country’s progress, and a person who actively pursues opportunities to change the lives of those who can’t hope for a better one—those whose own successes remain his goal. Even with his busy schedule, there is always time for the Sisters of Mary. It’s late in the afternoon, the music video team has packed up, and the rest of us are ready to be on our way. We say goodbye to the sisters, to the children, and to Mr. Rufino, who is still as energetic as he was when he arrived at seven in the morning. He is staying behind, discussing matters with the sisters as they proceed with inspections. To him, there is still much to do. He rises from his seat and off he goes, zero to 60 in one second. *This article originally appeared in the Premiere Issue of Robb Report Philippines.* **Categories:** Profiles, The Premiere Issue **Tags:** cars, Charlie Rufino, Ferrari, lamborghini, philanthropy, porsche, porsche 911, sisters of mary schools --- ### [True Luxury Is Connection: Richard Branson’s Vision in the Atlas](https://robbreport.ph/travel/true-luxury-is-connection-richard-bransons-vision-in-the-atlas/) **Published:** July 11, 2025 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** At the foothills of Morocco’s Atlas Mountains, Kasbah Tamadot sits like a mirage: part storied fortress, part serene sanctuary. With its archways, terraced gardens, sweeping views of the valleys below and the distant mountain range, the property, part of Richard Branson’s Virgin Limited Edition portfolio, feels venerable and majestic. But while it sits regal and elegant, it is also the result of a decades-long personal mission: one that fuses luxury with social impact, and heritage with contemporary hospitality. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/a59c2d6d-f444-4bf5-968f-10abc806ff9f-Kasbah-Tamadot-Exterior-2-.webp) Kasbah Tamadot. *Virgin Limited Edition* Kasbah Tamadot reopened its doors a year ago, following extensive restoration efforts after the devastating earthquake that struck the region in September 2023. With it came a new chapter: six exquisite riads were added to the property, offering even more privacy, each with its own pool and rooftop terrace. And yet, despite the expansion, the soul of Kasbah Tamadot remains unchanged: this is still a place where meaningful travel takes center stage. That vision, of course, stems from Sir Richard Branson himself. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/7992d62f-b967-4f85-b4b6-d9d4b5455002-Kasbah-Tamadot-Berber-Tent-58-2-2.webp) Aside from suites and the new riads, the kasbah also has luxurious Berber tents as accommodations. *Virgin Limited Edition* “Kasbah Tamadot holds a really special place in my heart,” Branson tells *Robb Report Philippines*. “Back in 1998, my mum and dad were in Morocco helping to set up one of our hot air balloon expeditions. While they were exploring the Atlas Mountains, they stumbled across this stunning kasbah. My mum was instantly captivated and told me I had to buy it.” Branson followed her advice and acquired the property from an Italian antiques dealer, who had adorned it with centuries’ worth of treasures from across the globe. “It was like stepping into a living museum,” he says. “I knew right away that it had the potential to be something truly magical.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/7a9516b8-50c5-45ae-a831-961df969ec24-Kasbah-Tamadot-Pool-Overview-2-1.webp) *Virgin Limited Edition* But what started as a picturesque retreat quickly became something more personal. “With Mum involved, it was always personal,” Branson reflects. “From the start, her vision was to understand the greatest needs of the area and support the local Amazigh (Berber) people with the skills and resources to thrive. So while we were building a retreat that felt authentic and connected to the land, she was laying the groundwork for something far deeper.” Branson’s mother, Eve Branson, went on to found the Eve Branson Foundation (EBF), a local NGO dedicated to education, healthcare, and skills training in the region. Through this foundation, Kasbah Tamadot has become a model for regenerative tourism, an approach that goes beyond sustainability to actively improve and enrich the communities in which it operates. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/f45819d6-bd97-40ff-a215-20d27cc5ff1f-Kasbah-Tamadot-Superior-Room-23-1.webp) A room at the Kasbah Tamadot. *Virgin Limited Edition* “When the 2023 earthquake hit,” Branson shares, “those strong, local ties allowed us to respond quickly and keep our team supported. I believe this kind of local investment is not only the right thing to do, but the future of luxury travel—where hospitality helps preserve what makes a place truly special.” Today, the EBF’s influence can be felt in every corner of the property, from the hand-embroidered textiles in each suite to the woodwork crafted by Berber artisans. Guests can also visit nearby training centers and cooperatives supported by the foundation, engaging directly with the people whose traditions and talents are deeply interwoven with the retreat’s aesthetic. “When guests visit Kasbah Tamadot and connect with the artisans, it adds depth to their experience. Protecting culture makes travel all the more meaningful,” he explains. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/d7ba6e9e-775f-4338-bfb0-28b3e1fccad1-Kasbah-Tamadot-Berber-Bread-Baker-1-1.webp) A Berber bread baker delivers freshly-made bread. *Virgin Limited Edition* “Culture gives a place its identity,” Branson explains. “In a globalized world, it’s easy for that uniqueness to fade. Supporting traditional Berber crafts through the Eve Branson Foundation helps keep those skills alive and creates real opportunities.” The riads, introduced as part of the resort’s post-earthquake rebirth, are perhaps the most significant update to Kasbah Tamadot since its original transformation. Inspired by traditional Moroccan architecture, the six standalone riads combine hand-carved details with contemporary elegance: soft tadelakt finishes, vibrant tilework, and textiles sourced from local cooperatives, all offering a deep sense of place. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/7e097eb9-4360-4c95-acd0-7e152a7847d3-Kasbah-Tamadot-Courtyard-1-1.webp) Soft tadelakt finishes, vibrant tilework, and textiles sourced from local cooperatives offer a deep sense of place. *Virgin Limited Edition* Each riad is a world unto itself, complete with a private pool, rooftop terrace, and panoramic mountain views. These details reinforce Branson’s vision of connection rather than separation. “At Virgin, we try to create experiences that spark awe but also make people feel welcome and part of something bigger,” he says. “It’s not about escaping the world but connecting more deeply to it. Feeling moved, grounded, and connected. That, to me, is true luxury.” While Kasbah Tamadot is undeniably a luxury resort—offering an infinity pool overlooking the mountains, world-class Moroccan cuisine, and hammam spa treatments—it never loses sight of its deeper values. Hospitality here isn’t performative; it’s personal. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/143103c2-d750-4993-b5c7-a7a0818547ed-Kasbah-Tamadot-Pool-1.webp) *Virgin Limited Edition* “People want to feel seen and cared for, not just catered to,” Branson says. “Innovation is important, of course, but it should enhance human connection, not replace it. The real luxury is when warmth, authenticity, and creativity come together to create something truly personal.” This philosophy runs through all of Virgin Limited Edition’s properties, from Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands to an [African safari lodge](https://robbreport.ph/travel/richard-branson-safari-camp-opens-june-2025-after-refurbishment/ "Richard Branson’s Masai Mara Luxury Tented Camp to Reopen in June 2025"). But at Kasbah Tamadot, it’s particularly palpable. Here, guests don’t just check in—they become part of a living story, shaped by the people, traditions, and resilience of the High Atlas. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/9438351f-bd28-4dd2-bfd3-b6d242cd4b5d-Kasbah-Tamadot-Asayss-Restaurant-LR-1-.webp) Asayss Restaurant at Kasbah Tamadot. *Virgin Limited Edition* Branson’s approach to business has never followed conventional metrics. For him, personal success isn’t measured solely by occupancy rates or accolades (though his many ventures high levels of both). It’s something more intangible—and more lasting. “For me, success has always been about happiness,” he says. “Life’s too short to waste your time doing things that don’t light your fire. If you’re having fun and making a difference, the rest tends to follow.” **Categories:** Travel **Tags:** berber, eve branson foundation, kasbah tamadot, morocco, richard branson, virgin limited edition --- ### [Chopard's Alta Moda Collection: When Time Wears Couture](https://robbreport.ph/watches/chopards-alta-moda-collection-when-time-wears-couture/) **Published:** August 25, 2026 **Author:** Carl Cunanan **Content:** [Chopard](https://robbreport.ph/tag/chopard/ "chopard") has always been about the combination of passions. Today, it’s reflected in the partnership between siblings Karl-Friedrich and Caroline Scheufele, whose respective expertise in watchmaking and jewelry continues to shape the maison. This spirit runs much deeper in [Chopard’s](https://www.chopard.com/en-intl/watches) history, bringing together exceptional watchmaking with the artistry and meticulous finishing of [high jewelry](https://robbreport.ph/tag/high-jewelry/ "high jewelry"). ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/40A156-1001_The-new-Alta-Moda-Background-Removed.webp) The Alta Moda bracelet is wrapped in silk taffeta drawn directly from fabrics used in select pieces from Caroline Scheufele’s Couture collection. *Chopard and Jacques Burga* Because of this dual focus, Chopard has had its hand on the pulse of desire. It looks at what women actually want, as opposed to what can be produced and sold to them. An example of this is the new Alta Moda collection—which they say is time dressed in couture—released recently after Watches and Wonders. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Alta-Moda-sketch.webp) Sketches of the Alta Moda bracelets. *Chopard and Jacques Burga* The Alta Moda collection was a set of jewelry watches first unveiled by the Maison in 1984 at the Montres et Bijoux de Genève Salon. It is now reinterpreted through this combination of watchmaking ability and design vision. As with the original design, the new Alta Moda watch uses silk taffeta as a bracelet. It envelops the timepiece with softness, volume, and movement. It conveys a clear sense of joy rather than simply making a statement. The watch appears seamlessly integrated into the butterfly bow, looking like a jeweled detail on a gown. The silk taffeta ribbon used for the bracelet is the same fabric created for special creations from Caroline’s Couture collection. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/png_Alta-Moda-Ad-1985.webp) An original Alta Moda ad from the 1980s. *Chopard and Jacques Burga* Beneath, or sometimes within, the colorful bow lies the watch itself: a 24-millimeter case in 18-karat ethical white gold, pavé-set with 80 brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 5.50 carats. It has a mother-of-pearl dial that, up close, adds a different shimmer and bounce of light to the surrounding diamonds. All of these elements together both draw in and reflect light as the watch sits surrounded by the moving, flowing fabric. The design allows the silk butterfly bow to be easily changed to suit different outfits and moods. The ribbon is secured by a removable clasp set in gold and diamonds. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/40A156-1001_The-new-Alta-Moda-%C2%A9Jacques-Burga.webp) The Alta Moda is designed to be worn as naturally as couture itself, with a silk taffeta bow that transforms the watch into a statement of personal style. *Chopard and Jacques Burga* “At Chopard, I have always loved pushing the boundaries between jewelry, watchmaking, and fashion,” says Caroline Scheufele, the co-president and artistic director of Chopard. “Alta Moda was born from my mother’s instinct in the 1980s. Revisiting this quintessentially feminine creation imagined by a woman for women felt like an obvious choice,” she said. As the watchmaking world is seeing a move to more properly-sized pieces as opposed to attention-getters, and buyers more towards watches that speak to them rather than speak to others, this new Alta Moda collection is both a nod to the past and a breath of fresh air. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report Philippines’ [Muse issue](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-july-2026-the-muse-issue/).* ## FAQs ### What is the Chopard Alta Moda watch? The Alta Moda is a jewelry watch that blends Chopard’s watchmaking and high-jewelry expertise, pairing a diamond-set timepiece with a silk taffeta bow bracelet. ### When was Chopard’s Alta Moda watch first introduced? Chopard first unveiled the Alta Moda concept in 1984 at the Montres et Bijoux de Genève Salon. ### What materials are used in the new Chopard Alta Moda? The watch features an 18-karat ethical white-gold case set with 80 brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 5.50 carats, along with a mother-of-pearl dial and silk taffeta bracelet. ### Can the silk bracelet on the Chopard Alta Moda be changed? Yes. The silk butterfly bow can be removed and exchanged, allowing the watch to be coordinated with different outfits or moods. ### Who designed the new Chopard Alta Moda collection? The revived Alta Moda reflects the vision of Caroline Scheufele, Chopard’s co-president and artistic director, who drew on the maison’s longstanding relationship between jewelry, watchmaking, and fashion. **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** chopard, high jewelry, high jewelry watch, Magazine --- ### [Belle Vivier in Motion](https://robbreport.ph/style/belle-vivier-in-motion/) **Published:** August 21, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** At a certain point, fashion icons risk settling into habit. It happens to the best of them. Certain signature pieces get referenced and occasionally revived, but rarely are they pushed or even circulated. In celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Belle Vivier, [Roger Vivier](https://robbreport.ph/tag/roger-vivier/ "Roger Vivier")’s Spring-Summer 2026 collection does the opposite. Under Gherardo Felloni, the house’s most recognizable silhouette sheds any sense of preciousness. The square buckle, the disciplined heel, the clean, almost severe line of the pump are, of course, still there. But at the very least, they’re treated as texture to work through. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Belle-Vivier-Pumps-and-Clutch.webp) Belle Vivier Pumps and Clutch *Roger Vivier* The campaign, led by Marie Colomb with Iman Perez and Yasmine Fraioli, reinforces that shift. Set within the house’s salons and gardens, it avoids the usual stiffness of anniversary storytelling. Absent your usual worn-out narrative structure, the tableau puts forward three women moving through space, not just performing for it. The energy, light, but not incidental. It suggests icons that feel, err, more lived-in, if you will. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/U-Look-Ballerinas3.webp) U Look Ballerinas *Roger Vivier* At the center of it all remains the revered Belle Vivier pump, recognizable by its squared buckle and architectural heel, but now dressed with a certain deliberateness. Embroidery becomes the collection’s most persuasive argument here. Not decorative in the obvious sense, but really dense, almost obsessive as a matter of fact. Floral motifs crawl across satin and leather like they have something to prove. > “Embroidery becomes the collection’s most persuasive argument here. Not decorative in the obvious sense, but really dense, almost obsessive as a matter of fact.” The evening iterations are particularly sharp with just the right amount of sentimentality. Jewel-like embellishments cluster along the toe, catching light in a way that borders on theatrical. They recall the house’s mid-century bravado, in effect, when shoes were engineered to be seen. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Belle-Vivier-Slingback-Pumps.webp) Belle Vivier Slingback Pumps *Roger Vivier* Then there’s the wedge sandal, arguably the collection’s most pragmatic—and therefore most revealing—piece. Rendered in lacquered patent leather and saturated color, it takes the Belle Vivier buckle, that polite square of authority, and drops it into something more casual and kinetic. Likewise, the Belle Viviersling, with its color-blocked variations, slices through its typical profile with clean, graphic segments (might we argue that it feels consciously and tastefully underworked?). The bags, meanwhile, operate on a different frequency. The Belle Vivier clutch emerges as the quiet centerpiece of the collection. In cream and lilac, it is almost austere, relying on proportion and finish rather than embellishment. But in its woven leather iterations, it loosens again, introducing texture and a subtle irregularity that gives it life. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Trompette-Mules2.webp) Trompette Mules *Roger Vivier* When it began, the Belle Vivier sought out a method of dressing and moving through space, and this most recent release channels that. Structured, yes, but never stiff. Interestingly, Felloni’s great trick is resisting the urge to declare this evolution too loudly. Instead, he lets it surface in fragments. A buckle recontextualized, a stitch pushed further than necessary, forms that move just enough to feel unfamiliar. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report Philippines’ [Muse Issue, July 2026](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-july-2026-the-muse-issue/).* ## FAQs ### What is the Roger Vivier Belle Vivier? The Belle Vivier is one of Roger Vivier’s signature designs, best known for its square buckle, structured silhouette, and architectural heel. ### How is Roger Vivier celebrating the Belle Vivier’s 60th anniversary? For Spring-Summer 2026, creative director Gherardo Felloni reinterprets the Belle Vivier through embroidery, jewel-like embellishments, new materials, and more relaxed silhouettes. ### What are the standout shoes in Roger Vivier’s Spring-Summer 2026 collection? Highlights include embellished Belle Vivier pumps, lacquered patent-leather wedge sandals, and color-blocked Belle Vivier slingbacks. ### What bags are featured in the Roger Vivier Spring-Summer 2026 collection? The collection includes Belle Vivier clutches in restrained cream and lilac finishes, as well as woven leather versions that introduce more texture and movement. ### Who stars in Roger Vivier’s Spring-Summer 2026 campaign? The campaign features Marie Colomb, Iman Perez, and Yasmine Fraioli, photographed throughout Roger Vivier’s salons and gardens. **Categories:** Style **Tags:** Belle Vivier, Magazine, Roger Vivier --- ### [A Century of the Oyster](https://robbreport.ph/watches/a-century-of-the-oyster/) **Published:** August 24, 2026 **Author:** Carl Cunanan **Content:** This year marks the 100th anniversary of the creation of the [Oyster](https://robbreport.ph/watches/rolex-celebrates-100-years-of-the-oyster-with-a-landmark-shanghai-exhibition/ "Rolex Celebrates 100 Years of the Oyster With a Landmark Shanghai Exhibition") by [Rolex](https://robbreport.ph/tag/rolex/ "rolex"). The watch, the company behind it, and the institution Rolex would become all began with Hans Wilsdorf, who was not a watchmaker. He was a visionary who saw possibilities where others did not and who felt, in many ways, a sense of responsibility that others did not. That sense of responsibility may have been shaped by his own experience. Wilsdorf lost his parents at an early age and endured a difficult childhood. Those early hardships fostered resilience, self-reliance, and stewardship, values that would later become closely associated with the company he built. Let’s look at the landscape of watchmaking 100 years ago, in 1926, when the founder of Rolex had just introduced his new creation, the Oyster. The world was entering an era in which accurate timekeeping was becoming increasingly personal rather than being reserved for the rich or the powerful. Travel by sea had become much safer thanks to the invention and development of marine chronometers, which could keep accurate time even without a consistent point of reference or landmark. Personal timepieces were also becoming far more common. Their place, however, was still in the pocket rather than on the wrist. They were larger and far more prone to problems and inconsistencies. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/first_oyster_octagonal_1926_2602_0001_ecirgb_r.webp) The first Rolex Oyster launched in 1926. *Rolex* There were already watches that could be worn on the wrist. There were attempts to make watches and timepieces smaller, and there were efforts to make them more impervious to the elements and more consistent in operation. But these advances had never been brought together in a cohesive way. What Wilsdorf recognized before the launch of the Oyster in 1926 was that all of these technologies were necessary but had not yet been combined into a single watch. Just like watchmaking itself, different crafts, technologies, and industries had to come together to create what we now take for granted: a watch worn on the wrist that works continuously and reliably. He identified three major challenges and turned them into three defining achievements that advanced his vision: precision, waterproofness, and self-winding. Timepieces of the era were becoming increasingly precise, but greater consistency was still needed. They also remained inconvenient to use because they were designed to be carried in the pocket rather than worn on the wrist. A self-winding mechanism would make them more independent by reducing the need for manual winding, frequent opening of the watch case, and repeated use of the crown. The challenges of precision and self-winding went hand in hand with a third: waterproofness. In reality, however, it was not only water that had to be kept out. A better description might be imperviousness, because the goal was to protect the movement not only from water but also from dust, moisture, and the outside environment. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/movt520_2605rlx_0001.webp) The Calibre 520, circa 1930. *Rolex* This was a world where cities, and even towns, were still dirty and dusty, making protection of the movement a practical necessity. Wilsdorf addressed an assembly of watch retailers in January 1927 and declared, “Gentlemen, we make the best wristwatch in the world.” He was not referring to a single feature. He was speaking to people who understood all of these challenges and made their living selling watches. He had launched the Oyster just a few months earlier, in 1926, and was now setting out to explain what he had created and why it mattered. That first watch was a combination of strengths. It was smaller, yet could match the precision of the large marine chronometers. It was fully waterproof and dustproof. It was not yet self-winding. That came a few years later, in 1931, with the invention of the Perpetual rotor, giving rise to the designation Oyster Perpetual, or OP. Remember that all of this happened a century ago, without the benefit of modern lubricants, sealing materials, or advanced manufacturing machinery. From a technological standpoint, what Wilsdorf achieved was as much about vision and process as it was about engineering. He recognized that it was possible to create a smaller, more precise timepiece that could be worn every day and made accessible to far more people. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Untitled-design-2026-08-20T151530755-2240x2240.webp) The Calibre 520, circa 1930. *Rolex* In a move that would be completely recognizable to the watch industry today, he went directly to the people who would sell his product, the watch retailers, and explained why it mattered during that January 1927 meeting. At the time, watches were still regarded as technological marvels rather than branded luxury goods, so customers placed their trust not only in the watch itself but also in the retailer who sold it and helped maintain it if problems arose. In many ways, this reflected how clocks and marine chronometers had spread around the world. Timepieces, like many other goods, were often purchased from shops near ports, where imported products first arrived. Early timepieces frequently bore no name other than that of the ship’s chandler or retailer who sold them. One of the things everyone associates with Rolex is how effectively it tells its story. Today, we look back on it as one of the world’s great brands. But again, look back to 1927. Wilsdorf still had to explain to the public why his invention mattered. He did not rely solely on the retailers who sold his watches. He wanted to control his own vision and his own story, and, in doing so, build his own brand. Look around today and see how important that still is across industries. In 1927, a young woman named Mercedes Gleitze made headlines with her attempt to swim the English Channel. Around her neck, suspended from a ribbon, she wore an Oyster. After more than 10 hours in the water, when she stepped onto dry land, the watch was still in perfect working order. Naturally, this attracted enormous attention, and for many that would have been enough. But once again, Wilsdorf saw beyond what others saw and brought different ideas together. He took out a full-page advertisement in London’s Daily Mail, proclaiming “the greatest triumph in watchmaking.” Many regard this as the beginning of the relationship between celebrities and brand ambassadors. That, however, understates its significance. More than anything, it showed Wilsdorf’s instinct for combining innovation with communication. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/newsroom-oyster-perpetual-36-m126000-0016_2601stj_0002.webp) The Oyster Perpetual 36. *Rolex* All of this happened nearly 100 years ago, and much of what followed was built on the strengths established by that first Oyster. Look at how relatively small it was, yet how it came to define strength, robustness, consistency, and precision. Its case, its technology, and the vision behind it became the foundation for watches such as the Submariner, Explorer, and Milgauss, followed by models with additional functions, including the GMT-Master, the Daytona, and, more recently, the Yacht-Master II. While many of these watches have become associated with celebrities and people of influence, they began as practical answers to specific needs. What Rolex did was build on those strengths, creating watches designed for specific purposes: expeditions, diving, keeping track of a second time zone for pilots, timing laps on a racetrack, or resisting magnetism for scientists. While we take all of this for granted today, there is little question that having this level of precision readily available played an important role in enabling many, if not most, of the technologies that followed. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/newsroom-oyster-100-1927_mercedesgleitze.webp) A 1927 Rolex advertisement in the Daily Mail. *Rolex* Now, remember that Wilsdorf lost his parents at an early age, and consider what that meant for someone living more than 100 years ago. He had to see possibilities where others did not. He had to recognize strengths and bring them together to create something others had not yet imagined. That is exactly what happened with the creation of the Oyster, then the Oyster Perpetual, and ultimately the institution that grew from them. But what I think is the key point is that Wilsdorf had vision. He had the ability to pursue that vision, and he had, or at least felt, the responsibility to protect it and use it for something greater. This is important because Rolex, as we know it today, may best be described as a philanthropic foundation that happens to sell watches. It is a global organization that affects lives and industries far more than most people realize. When it chooses to support a scientist, an entrepreneur, or an artist, and for every one you see there are many more you do not, it is helping them grow. It provides tools, education, and access, and in return expects them to help others do the same. For all the glamour associated with the brand, it is this low-key commitment to excellence and responsibility that leaves the deepest impression. So the 100th anniversary of the Oyster is, in many ways, only the beginning of the story. Wilsdorf saw possibilities, brought different strengths together, orchestrated them, and allowed them to grow. More importantly, he made sure that they would continue long after his own involvement. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/newsroom-oyster-perpetual-41-m134303-0010_2601stj_0005_ecirgb-1.webp) A close-up of the Rolex Perpetual Ref. 134303 with the “100 years” text and the two-tone case in 41mm. *Rolex* The Oyster often evokes the idea of a shell protecting the pearl within, something precious that grows over time. I see it a little differently. I think of it as creating an environment where even the smallest grain can be surrounded, nurtured, and given the opportunity to grow into something of value. Ultimately, I don’t think Rolex is about watches. The story of Rolex is a story about people. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report Philippines’ [Muse Issue, July 2026](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-july-2026-the-muse-issue/).* ## FAQs ### When was the Rolex Oyster introduced? Rolex introduced the Oyster in 1926. In 2026, the watch marks its 100th anniversary as one of the most important milestones in the history of the wristwatch. ### Why was the Rolex Oyster important to watchmaking? The Oyster brought together precision, waterproofness, dust protection, and everyday wearability in a wristwatch, helping establish the standards that modern mechanical watches still follow. ### Who created the Rolex Oyster? The Oyster was developed under Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf, whose vision centered on creating a precise, reliable, and practical wristwatch that could withstand everyday use. ### What is the difference between the Rolex Oyster and Oyster Perpetual? The original Oyster debuted in 1926 with a waterproof and dustproof case. In 1931, Rolex introduced its self-winding Perpetual rotor, leading to the Oyster Perpetual designation. ### How did the Rolex Oyster influence later Rolex watches? The Oyster’s robust case and emphasis on precision became the foundation for models including the Submariner, Explorer, GMT-Master, Milgauss, and Daytona, each developed around specific professional or sporting needs. **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** Feature, Magazine, Oyster, rolex --- ### [Kubos in Photos](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/design/kubos-in-photos/) **Published:** August 20, 2026 **Author:** Tori Latham **Content:** Amenities include an indoor pool, a gym, and a home theater. [Click here for the full story.](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/design/kubos-kerala-house-taliesyn-india/) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Kubos_Exterior.webp) The three-story home comprises a series of interlocking cubic volumes. *Ishi Sitwala* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Kubos_Courtyard.webp) Just inside is a traditional puja mandap. *Ishi Sitwala* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Kubos_Living-Room.webp) The double-height living room. *Ishi Sitwala* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Kubos_Dining-Room.webp) A bookmatched wall of green onyx towers over the dining area. *Ishi Sitwala* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Kubos_Kitchen.webp) Two islands sit perpendicular to one another in the kitchen. *Ishi Sitwala* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Kubos_Casual-Dining.webp) The breakfast room. *Ishi Sitwala* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Kubos_Stairway.webp) The sculptural marble and wood staircase. *Ishi Sitwala* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Kubos_Family-Room.webp) Private family spaces are found on the upper two floors. *Ishi Sitwala* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Kubos_Pool_99fe3d.webp) Hexagonal tiles add to the geometric style of the indoor pool. *Ishi Sitwala* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Kubos_Spa.webp) There’s also a spa and massage room. *Ishi Sitwala* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Kubos_Primary-Bedroom-1.webp) The primary suite includes dual walk-in closets. *Ishi Sitwala* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Kubos_Daughter-Bedroom.webp) A child’s bedroom features a suspended bed. *Ishi Sitwala* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Kubos_Gym.webp) On the top floor, there’s a sleek gym and a private theater. *Ishi Sitwala* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Design **Tags:** Design, Kubos, Taliesyn --- ### [This 44,000-Square-Foot Residence in Southern India Is Built Around a Soaring Atrium](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/design/kubos-kerala-house-taliesyn-india/) **Published:** August 20, 2026 **Author:** Tori Latham **Content:** Kerala, at the southern tip of [India](https://robbreport.ph/tag/india/ "india"), is known for its traditional *nalukettu* courtyard homes. A recently completed project by the architecture firm [Taliesyn](https://taliesyn.in/) reinterprets that centuries-old vernacular as an opulent contemporary residence, where nearly every room maintains a physical or visual connection to landscaped green space. Spanning roughly 44,000 square feet and known as Kubos (a stylized nod to its interlocking cubic volumes), the home is organized around a soaring central atrium crowned by an operable skylight that releases warm air to help cool the interior naturally. Among its most striking features is a puja mandap—a traditional Hindu prayer shrine—adorned with intricately carved coral-stone columns and a domed ceiling. Nearby, a double-height sitting room flows into a formal dining area anchored by a dramatic two-story wall of bookmatched green onyx. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Kubos_Primary-Bedroom.webp) The primary suite is a lavish space with a marble bathroom and dual walk-in closets. *Ishi Sitwala* Elsewhere on the ground floor is a high-gloss kitchen defined by two gray ceramic islands positioned perpendicular to one another. Adjacent to it, an informal dining space was conceived as a modern take on a veranda, with a circular table encircled by walls of glass on three sides. Another standout is the indoor pool, where angular columns and hexagonal floor tiles lend a sculptural quality to the space, which also incorporates a spa and massage suite. A freestanding staircase of marble and wood rises to the upper levels, where the family’s private quarters are located. The primary suite includes a sitting area, dual walk-in closets, and a marble-clad bath, while the children’s bedrooms take a more playful approach—one is decorated with island-inspired motifs, the other centered on a bed suspended from a hand-painted ceiling. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Kubos_Pool.webp) The indoor pool area includes a spa and massage room. *Ishi Sitwala* Other spaces designed to support both work and relaxation include a children’s study, a dedicated home office, and a lofted family room. A private elevator provides access to a sleek gym, while a home theater with deep-blue walls and bright-orange chairs fitted with built-in tables is ready for movie nights. ***Click [here](https://robbreport.com/shelter/home-design/gallery/kubos-house-kerala-india-photos-1238329438) to see all the photos of the Kerala residence.*** *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* ## FAQs ### What is Kubos in Kerala, India? Kubos is a roughly 44,000-square-foot contemporary residence in Kerala designed by architecture firm Taliesyn. Its design draws inspiration from the region’s traditional *nalukettu* courtyard homes. ### How does Kubos reinterpret traditional Kerala architecture? The residence adapts the *nalukettu* concept through a central atrium, landscaped courtyards, and strong visual and physical connections between its interiors and surrounding green spaces. ### What are the standout design features of Kubos? Highlights include an operable skylight, a coral-stone puja mandap, a two-story bookmatched green onyx wall, a marble-and-wood staircase, and an indoor pool with sculptural columns. ### Who designed the Kubos residence in Kerala? Kubos was designed by Taliesyn, an Indian architecture and design practice known for contemporary projects informed by local materials, craftsmanship, and regional traditions. ### What amenities are inside the Kubos house? The home includes an indoor pool, spa and massage suite, gym, home theater, private elevator, home office, children’s study, family room, and extensive private living quarters. [](https://robbreport.com/shelter/home-design/gallery/kubos-house-kerala-india-photos-1238329438) **Categories:** Design **Tags:** Design, india, Kubos, luxury homes in india, Taliesyn --- ### [What Ayka Go Found in a Butterfly’s Wing](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-collectibles/ayka-go-small-vast-things-silverlens-interview/) **Published:** August 20, 2026 **Author:** Jodie Jose **Content:** During a year-long sabbatical, painter and paper artist [Ayka Go](https://robbreport.ph/tag/ayka-go/ "Ayka Go") finally cultivated the garden she had long envisioned for her Las Piñas home, prompting an unexpected evolution in her practice through close encounters with nature under a microscope. However, this stillness wasn’t the most delightful of turns, nor the gentlest, as her life was about to change due to a chronic illness. Life prior to this was about preparing for full schedule of exhibitions. Go, after all, may already be considered a household name among many collectors who have fallen in love with her explorations of paper as a mark-bearing material of folds, creases, and tears; the artist depicted them as paintings, often on a magnified scale. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-19-at-33039-PM-1.webp) Ayka Go, Mulciber, oil on canvas, 2026. *Courtesy of Silverlens Manila | New York* In her most recent show, *Small Vast Things* at[ Silverlens Manila](http://silverlensgalleries.com " Silverlens Manila"), Go courageously steps away from the pressure of adhering to this known visual language, allowing her works to act as windows that offer a peek into her unfurling universe. The collection depicts the artist’s own metamorphosis. A key component of this show, the Lepidoptera series, shows what Go saw when she leaned into her curiosity, placing wings of expired butterflies under a microscope. She discusses her findings and their relation to painting in this interview. Even more intriguing, Go explains why she decided to set aside the aesthetics of her usual oeuvre and how gardening reminded her of the artist’s role in the world at large. *Editor’s note: Certain portions of this interview have been translated into English and edited for clarity.* ## **Q. Starting a garden played a significant part in the making of this exhibition.** It must have been a **huge undertaking. What inspired you to pursue it?** Back in 2025, I finally had the time and space to do the things that I had been putting off. In the three years that I have lived in the south \[of Manila\], it was only last year that I was able to begin building a garden. At first, I started planting from seeds*—*so ambitious. But it took time for me to realize why nothing was growing. I started researching what healthy soil should be like. This led me to composting food waste. Gardening, I guess, was something easy to lean on because it felt like I had a routine and a sense of purpose. Gardening allowed me to be more mindful of the environment I was creating; there was also this sense of responsibility. There was a lot of trial and error. In the process, I was learning a lot. Slowly, when seeds started to sprout and plants started to grow, I was surprised to finally see butterflies again! Dragonflies and ladybugs, too. And then I realized: Maybe the ecosystem was starting to balance itself. Every day I looked forward to them visiting until it reached the point where it felt like I was their visitor. Gardening was healing. The more I tended to it, the more I felt like I was building this ecosystem for them, too, which gave me so much more in return. ## **Q. What thoughts came to mind during this season of gardening and stillness?** Seeing these creatures once again was quite humbling. My friend said that it was probably one of the little ways we could give back to the environment. Because I was finally seeing these butterflies, I was inspired to look at them under the microscope. I was so amazed. They were so beautiful. I felt like a child again! It also made me think about my life and how small a speck I am in this vast universe, as well as my role as an artist, and how limiting it can be when you want to do so much more for your community. ![ayka go portrait](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-19-at-33748-PM-e1787125392931.webp) The artist. But, as though I were in a cocoon, I felt like I was in the process of “becoming” as well. I have resolved to live life now and enjoy moments that I would easily take for granted. ## **Q. The Lepidoptera series actually references that microscope. Can you tell me more about looking through that lens and about painting?** When you look into a microscope, you need to focus \[the lens\]. So,there are two works that I included \[in the series of how things look\] before the reveal. \[Looking at a butterfly wing\] felt like looking at a kaleidoscopic abstraction of light and color. They were extremely beautiful. And then, with the lens in focus, it felt like a whole different kind of universe again. With the focus, I could finally see the lines, shapes, colors, structure, and textures. It is completely different when you see them with your naked eye. Blacks, yellows, oranges, whites, blues…so I thought it was also like how an artist paints a painting. It also has underpainting, sketches, and a buildup of colors toward the final layer. ## **Q. What was it like to make a huge leap from your usual paper folding to this subject?** With paper folding, it was really more about representation and imagined worlds, but with this subject matter, I had to think about whether I needed to depict the forms in paper first—but for what? I didn’t find it necessary. I was nervous that people would ask me, “Why the jump?” But that added step of translating them to paper was unnecessary. ![Ayka Go, Graphium milon, oil on canvas, 2026. Courtesy of Silverlens Manila | New York](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-19-at-33025-PM-1.webp) Ayka Go, *Graphium milon*, oil on canvas, 2026. *Courtesy of Silverlens Manila | New York* I was hoping that despite the visual differences from my previous body of work, people would understand why there was a shift to nature. Rather than thinking of it as a departure, it is more of a progression. When I think about the sources I draw from, they are all still interconnected. Even the physical gestures in the paintings are still mine. My brushstrokes are still there. ## **Q. On themes of birth and rebirth, what were moments in your practice have felt pivotal**? It was during this exhibition that I realized there is more in me I can still do. With chronic pain come bad days, and it’s so easy to get frustrated and fall into a place of depression. There would be times when I would lie in bed, stare at the ceiling asking, All of this pain, for what? But then there are good days, too. For some reason, observing the butterflies and studying them gave me a whole new perspective on living. Butterflies are natural pollinators and indicators of the state of the environment. Just like birds, other insects, and even worms, they have a role to play in the ecosystem. If there is an excessive number of one species, there will be an imbalance. A butterfly cannot be a bee and a butterfly at the same time. That’s just like with humanity—I just have to do the work that I have to do with the time that I have. A butterfly’s life doesn’t have to be long to have significance. It has a role; it contributes, it continually transforms, and then it disappears. I realized that much of what I could observe in a butterfly’s life reflected how I am as a human being as well. *The exhibition runs through to August 25,2026 at Silverlens Manila. For more information, please visit their [website](https://www.silverlensgalleries.com/)*. ## FAQs ### Who is Ayka Go? Ayka Go is a Filipino painter and paper artist known for translating the folds, creases, tears, and textures of paper into paintings, often on a magnified scale. ### What is *Small Vast Things* about? The exhibition explores nature, transformation, mortality, and renewal through paintings inspired by the garden Go cultivated and the butterfly wings she examined under a microscope. ### Why did Ayka Go begin studying butterfly wings? The butterflies that appeared in Go’s garden prompted her to examine their wings under a microscope. Their microscopic structures, colors, and layers revealed visual parallels with the process of painting. ### How does the exhibition differ from Ayka Go’s earlier work? Go moves beyond the folded and worn paper forms associated with her previous paintings, turning directly to nature while retaining her characteristic brushwork and interest in magnification. ### When and where can visitors see *Small Vast Things*? *Small Vast Things* is on view at Silverlens Manila through August 22, 2026. The gallery is located at 2263 Don Chino Roces Avenue Extension in Makati City. **Categories:** Art & Collectibles **Tags:** Ayka Go, silverlens --- ### [Making Time Sing: A Look at the Chiming Watches Competing at GPHG 2026](https://robbreport.ph/watches/making-time-sing-a-look-at-the-chiming-watches-competing-at-gphg-2026/) **Published:** August 20, 2026 **Author:** Carl Cunanan **Content:** I’ve been a member of the [GPHG Academy](https://www.gphg.org/en/academy/presentation) ([Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève](https://robbreport.ph/tag/grand-prix-dhorlogerie-de-geneve-2/ "Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève"), a foundation overseen by the City and Canton of Geneva) since its inception in 2020. Held every year, GPHG’s main role is to highlight and reward the most remarkable contemporary creations and promote the watchmaking art worldwide through an academy of jurors from around the globe nominating and deciding which timepieces they consider the best in the world across different categories. It is global, independent of any brand affiliation, and is considered the “Oscars” of watchmaking. What piques my interest among this year’s nominations is some of the nominated chiming watches. The chiming watches and the minute repeaters of Patek Philippe have received so much attention worldwide and in watchmaking history as well as from the heads of the company, Philippe Stern and Thierry Stern, but there are a lot of different ways to go about creating chiming watches. There are, of course, alarm watches, such as the recently released Patek Philippe 5322G Chiming Alarm Calatrava, which acts as a relatively modern-looking alarm watch that uses a chime rather than the more mainstream, and frankly less beautiful, buzzing sound. There are watches that tell time by sound, doing so on demand. The feature is usually triggered by pushing a button or pushing up a flattish sliding actuator that winds a separate barrel dedicated to the chiming mechanism, or occurs automatically, chiming on the hour and/or quarter hour (Grande and Petite Sonneries). These complications were developed at a time where there was no way to see your wristwatch hands at night, so the mechanisms were developed for the watches to talk to you—or sing to you. There are different ways you can look at what you want out of a chiming watch or a repeater. You can have them as clean and classic as you want, or they can go deeply technical in different ways. To examine this more closely, we can inspect the watches that were nominated for the just-concluded first round voting session in the GPHG in the Mechanical Exception category. They are all relatively simple in what they are trying to accomplish, with each their own look, sound, and charm. It was, frankly, both fun and challenging to go through this process. ## Chopard L.U.C. Grand Strike ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Chopard-Grand-Strike.webp) The Chopard L.U.C. Grand Strike is a minute repeater, a petite sonnerie, and a grande sonnerie in a white gold case. It will tell time on demand, but it’s also a grande sonnerie that chimes on its own every hour and quarter-hour. If it is 3:45, you will hear the chimes for three hours, then you will hear the three-chime sequence for each of the quarters past the hour. This watch also has the petite sonnerie, which will, on its own, strike every hour, as well as the quarter hours (no hour). This watch has a very open, dial-less design exposing the very balanced, complicated, and classic look that is somewhat monochromatic. ## Blancpain Grand Double Sonnerie ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Blancpain-Grand-Double-Sonnerie.webp) There’s also the Blancpain Grand Double Sonnerie, which has a bit more delineation of sub-dials and design on the piece as well as a set of somewhat bolder color differences. Blancpain named this watch a double grande sonnerie because you can choose between two different melodies produced by four hammers, which you can observe if you look closely. ## Bvlgari Octo Roma Grand Sonnerie ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Bvlgari-Octa-Roma-Grande-Sonnerie-1.webp) With the Bvlgari Octo Roma Grand Sonnerie, what you see is open work, mostly on the left side of the watch; the right has kind of a stylized grill look, which gives it a more modern look than other chiming watches. It has a four-hammer minute repeater, and is both a grande sonnerie and a petite sonnerie in a case of satin-polished titanium. ## Hermès Arceau Samarkand ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Hermes-Arceau-Samarcande.webp) The Hermès Arceau Samarkand is a three-hammer minute repeater, but with not that much revealed. What is shown comes though an aperture the shape of a horse. The case is gold and has the equestrian-inspired shape of the Arceau family. ## Louis Vuitton Escale Minute Repeater and the Angelus Tinkler 1958 Steel There are also chiming watches that don’t show a lot of the movement on the face, which has its special charm. The two examples we have among this year’s nominees are the Louis Vuitton Escale Minute Repeater and the Angelus Tinkler 1958 Steel, which have two completely different looks. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Louis-Vuitton-Escale-Minute-Repeater.webp) The gold-cased Louis Vuitton Escale Minute Repeater has a single hand acting as a retrograde for the minutes and a digital display for the hours, with a very stylized handmade guilloché center dial that on its own requires over 60 hours of work. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Angelus-Tinkler-1958-Steel.webp) The Angelus Tinkler 1958 Steel is actually quite refreshing. It looks like a vintage watch, and you can’t even really tell that it is, in fact, a repeater; in this case, it’s a quarter repeater, which means that, on call, it will sing out the hours and the minutes as opposed to a minute repeater, which sounds the hours, quarter-hours, and minutes past that quarter. All these have their own different appeals, but they’re all at the very highest levels of watchmaking and watchmaking ability—making casting my vote quite challenging, really. *More information on nominated timepieces at the [GPHG website](https://www.gphg.org/en/gphg-2026/competing-watches#2026_PAR_EXCEPTION_M%C3%89CANIQUE).* ## FAQs ### What is a chiming watch? A chiming watch uses mechanically activated hammers and gongs to sound the time or an alert. Depending on its complication, it may strike automatically or when activated by the wearer. ### What is the difference between a minute repeater and a sonnerie? A minute repeater sounds the time on demand, generally indicating the hours, quarter-hours and remaining minutes. A sonnerie strikes automatically as time passes, although its precise sequence depends on whether it is a grande or petite sonnerie. ### What does a grande sonnerie do? A grande sonnerie automatically strikes the hours and quarter-hours, repeating the hour count at each quarter. Chopard’s L.U.C Grand Strike combines grande sonnerie, petite sonnerie and minute-repeater functions. [Chopard](https://www.chopard.com/en-us/watch/161994-1001.html) ### Which chiming watches are competing at the 2026 GPHG? The article discusses models from Chopard, Blancpain, Bvlgari, Hermès, Louis Vuitton and Angelus appearing in the GPHG Mechanical Exception field. [GPHG](https://www.gphg.org/en/gphg-2026/competing-watches?utm_source=chatgpt.com) ### What is distinctive about the Hermès Arceau Samarcande? The Arceau Samarcande is a minute repeater powered by the Hermès H1927 movement. Its dial features a horse-shaped motif, while its asymmetrical lugs refer to the equestrian origins of the Arceau collection. **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** Angelus, blancpain, bulgari, calatrava, chopard, GPHG Academy, Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève, Grande Sonnerie, Louis Vuitton, octo finissimo, Patek Philippe, Petite Sonnerie, Sonnerie --- ### [Patek Philippe Is Bringing Its Biggest Watch Exhibition Yet to Milan](https://robbreport.ph/watches/patek-philippe-watch-art-milan-2026/) **Published:** August 19, 2026 **Author:** Nicholas Ong **Content:** [Patek Philippe](https://robbreport.ph/tag/patek-philippe/ "Patek Philippe") is taking some of its greatest horological achievements out of Geneva and placing them beneath a 30-metre dome in Milan. The manufacture’s [Watch Art Grand Exhibition](https://www.patek.com/en/manufacture/inside-patek-philippe/watch-art-grand-exhibitions/milan), running October 2 to 18, will bring together roughly 500 watches and objects across 2,900 square metres of the CityOval, formerly known as the Palazzo delle Scintille. It will be the largest exhibition Patek Philippe has organized and its seventh Watch Art presentation since the format debuted in Dubai in 2012. Admission is free, although advance registration is recommended. The scale makes the exhibition significant; its Italian perspective gives it character. Italy has long been an important market for Patek Philippe, and several of the pieces travelling to Milan engage directly with the country’s history, places, and decorative traditions. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-18-at-64746-PM.webp) The “Burano” Ref. 992/193J-001 pocket watch. *Patek Philippe* Among the most elaborate is the unique “Burano” Ref. 992/193J-001 pocket watch. Its yellow-gold case back depicts the Venetian island’s brightly painted houses and their reflections through cloisonné enamel in 70 colours. Gold and silver leaf embedded beneath the enamel create the shimmer of water, while engraved details draw upon the lacemaking for which Burano is known. A specially made stand adds 108 spinels and 102 sapphires. ![The “Sicilian Oranges” Ref. 20179M-001 dome table clock. Patek Philippe](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-18-at-63838-PM.webp) The “Sicilian Oranges” Ref. 20179M-001 dome table clock. *Patek Philippe* The “Sicilian Oranges” Ref. 20179M-001 dome table clock turns a view of Palermo into an exercise in depth. Orange trees occupy the foreground, outlined by approximately 15 meters of gold wire, while the city appears behind them in miniature painting on enamel. Its 49-colour enamel palette required each plate to undergo between nine and 11 firings at temperatures reaching 910°C. These pieces belong to a presentation of 27 Rare Handcrafts creations encompassing miniature painting, cloisonné enamel, engraving, wood marquetry, guilloché, and gem-setting. Artisans will demonstrate several of these techniques inside the exhibition. ![King Umberto I of Savoy’s 1897 pocket watch. Patek Philippe](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Patek-Philippe-Savoy-Pocketwatch-2240x1260.webp) King Umberto I of Savoy’s 1897 pocket watch. *Patek Philippe* More than 90 objects will travel from the Patek Philippe Museum. Italian highlights include King Umberto I of Savoy’s 1897 pocket watch, its case back bearing his enameled coat of arms and rose-cut diamonds, and an 1830 pocket watch decorated with a map of northern Italy. A 1948 World Time Ref. 1415 HU pairs a cloisonné enamel map of the Eastern Hemisphere with a rotating bezel indicating 41 locations. The exhibition will also stage an unusual reunion of Patek Philippe’s supercomplications. The Calibre 89, created for the manufacture’s 150th anniversary with 33 complications, will appear alongside the Star Caliber 2000 and the double-faced Grandmaster Chime Ref. 5175. Introduced for Patek Philippe’s 175th anniversary, the latter combines 20 complications and five striking modes within an extensively hand-engraved rose-gold case. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-18-at-62552-PM.webp) “Master of Sound” room devoted to chiming watches. Patek Philippe Fifteen themed areas will reconstruct parts of Patek Philippe’s Geneva world, including its historic Rue du Rhône headquarters, Plan-les-Ouates manufacture, and museum. Visitors can examine the complete current collection, observe watchmakers at work, and enter a “Master of Sound” room devoted to chiming watches. Several Milan limited editions will also be unveiled. For collectors, the exhibition offers access to watches normally separated by museum cases, private ownership, and geography. For everyone else, it presents watchmaking at its most legible: as mechanics, decorative art, and cultural history assembled under one roof. *Watch Art Grand Exhibition Milan 2026 runs October 2 to 18 at CityOval, Piazza Sei Febbraio, Milan. Admission is free with [registration available online.](https://www.patek.com/en/manufacture/inside-patek-philippe/watch-art-grand-exhibitions/milan)* ## FAQs ### When and where is Patek Philippe Watch Art Milan 2026? The exhibition will run October 2 to 18, 2026, at CityOval, formerly the Palazzo delle Scintille, in Milan’s CityLife district. ### Is admission to Watch Art Milan 2026 free? Yes. Admission is free, although visitors are encouraged to [register in advance](https://www.patek.com/en/manufacture/inside-patek-philippe/watch-art-grand-exhibitions/milan) to avoid queues. ### What will be displayed at the exhibition? Watch Art Milan 2026 will present roughly 500 timepieces and objects, including Patek Philippe’s current collection, 27 Rare Handcrafts creations and more than 90 loans from the Patek Philippe Museum. ### What are the major highlights of Watch Art Milan 2026? Highlights include the Calibre 89, Grandmaster Chime Ref. 5175, Star Caliber 2000, King Umberto I of Savoy’s pocket watch and two unique Italy-inspired creations: the “Burano” pocket watch and “Sicilian Oranges” dome table clock. ### Will Patek Philippe release new watches at the exhibition? Yes. Patek Philippe has confirmed that it will unveil several limited editions spanning different areas of its collection during Watch Art Milan 2026. **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** Patek Philippe, rare handicrafts, Watch Art Grand Exhibition --- ### [The 2027 Porsche 911 Carrera S with MT Package in Photos](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-2027-porsche-911-carrera-s-with-mt-package-in-photos/) **Published:** August 19, 2026 **Author:** Bryan Hood **Content:** Porsche announced it is bringing back the manual 911 Carrera S for 2027. To find out more about the stick shift, [check out the full story here](https://robbreport.ph/cars/porsche-is-bringing-back-the-manual-911-carrera-s/). ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2027-porsche-911-carrera-s-mt-package-06.webp) The 2027 Porsche 911 Carrera S with MT package *Porsche* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2027-porsche-911-carrera-s-mt-package-02.webp) 2027 Porsche 911 Carrera S with MT Package *Porsche* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2027-porsche-911-carrera-s-mt-package-05.webp) Inside the 2027 Porsche 911 Carrera S with MT package *Porsche* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2027-porsche-911-carrera-s-mt-package-01.webp) The 911 Carrera S with MT package comes with a six-speed manual gearbox *Porsche* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2027-porsche-911-carrera-s-mt-package-04.webp) The rear window features a shifter pattern decal *Porsche* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2027-porsche-911-carrera-s-mt-package-03.webp) The 2027 Porsche 911 Carrera S with MT package starts at $169,450 for the coupe and $183,350 for the cabriolet *Porsche* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** News, porsche --- ### [Why In-House Historians Are Becoming the Rockstars of the Watchmaking Industry](https://robbreport.ph/watches/why-in-house-historians-are-becoming-the-rockstars-of-the-watchmaking-industry/) **Published:** August 18, 2026 **Author:** Paige Reddinger **Content:** On a sweltering July afternoon in Paris, the [Breguet](https://robbreport.ph/tag/breguet/) boutique on the Place Vendôme offers no refuge from the heat. Yet Emmanuel Breguet, crisply dressed in a navy jacket and pinstripe shirt, barely breaks a sweat as he flips through the pages of a ledger two centuries old. He stops at a 1798 entry: Napoleon Bonaparte’s order for a travel clock, placed just before his Egyptian campaign. Other lines record the sale of the first wristwatch to the Queen of Naples and a pocket watch thought to have been destined for Marie Antoinette. “The history of Breguet is the history of the kings,” says Breguet, the founder’s descendant and the company’s vice president, head of patrimony. “It’s a history of Europe. It’s a history of revolutions, of political and foreign relations. It is a history of watchmaking in France, in England, in Switzerland. It’s everything. It’s a history with a big H.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Emmanuel_Breguet.webp) Emmanuel Breguet, the head of patrimony at the house founded 250 years ago by his ancestor Abraham-Louis Breguet. *Courtesy of Breguet* What is extraordinary about the modern Monsieur Breguet is not his lineage (though it surely helped open the door, his family has not been involved in the company in over a century) but that he now guards one of watchmaking’s most important legacies and has, in turn, become the face of the brand. Like his ancestor—founder Abraham-Louis Breguet, the godfather of watchmaking and the Steve Jobs of the 18th and 19th centuries—Emmanuel, too, has been something of a pioneer. When he left his job as an air-force historian in France’s Ministry of Defense to take on the patrimony post in 1993, he was the first to hold the role at Breguet. At that time, the ledgers bearing the names of French royalty were not even safely within a vault. Today, nearly every house has a patrimony department, but only a handful, like Breguet, have elevated theirs beyond the cloistered archives. These historians have become stars—sought-after by media and collectors alike for their expertise, charisma, and, at times, access to both vintage and contemporary pieces. The degree of knowledge required to stand out in this field is so high that a few leaders, including Breguet, have spent more than three decades at their maisons, often cycling through various departments. While heritage director roles can vary from brand to brand, the job tends to encompass everything from overseeing the archive, certification, and corporate museums to crafting historical storylines, managing restoration projects, commissioning books, and collaborating on modern product tied to historical models. With a hand in nearly every facet of the business, they are in some cases becoming brands’ single most influential executives. > “The history of Breguet is the history of the kings. It’s a history of Europe…. It’s history with a big H.” Today, nearly every house has a patrimony department, but only a handful, like Breguet, have elevated theirs beyond the cloistered archives. These historians have become stars—sought-after by media and collectors alike for their expertise, charisma, and, at times, access to both vintage and contemporary pieces. The degree of knowledge required to stand out in this field is so high that a few leaders, including Breguet, have spent more than three decades at their maisons, often cycling through various departments. While heritage director roles can vary from brand to brand, the job tends to encompass everything from overseeing the archive, certification, and corporate museums to crafting historical storylines, managing restoration projects, commissioning books, and collaborating on modern product tied to historical models. With a hand in nearly every facet of the business, they are in some cases becoming brands’ single most influential executives. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Breguet_Classique_Souscription_2025BH.webp) Breguet Classique Souscription 2025BH, a tribute to the founder’s famed 18th-century pocket watch. *Courtesy of Breguet* At [Vacheron Constantin](https://robbreport.ph/tag/vacheron-constantin/), heritage and style director Christian Selmoni is a larger-than-life figure in more ways than one. Impressively tall and impeccably dressed in Cifonelli tailoring that conceals full sleeves of tattoos, he’s impossible to miss at industry events, where collectors and journalists alike vie for his attention. For 35 years, he has touched nearly every corner of the business—including heading up purchasing, manufacturing, direct product marketing, and design—before arriving in his current post. “Heritage directors in the field of luxury, at least watches, have quite a lot of experience before,” says Selmoni, because it’s not something that you can learn on the job. “I’m thinking about Pierre Rainero at Cartier, for example—I would say he’s a guy a bit like me.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Vacheron_Constantin_Christian_Selmoni.webp) Christian Selmoni of Vacheron Constantin. *Courtesy of Vacheron Constantin* Rainero has been at [Cartier](https://robbreport.ph/tag/cartier/ "cartier") for 41 years, long enough to remember, he says, when archiving was still done on microfilm. When he founded the image, style, and heritage department in 2003, Cartier had just two or three staff for the archive, a tiny team for the collection, and none for exhibitions. Today, Rainero oversees nearly 80 people, including seven department heads, and mounted an exhibition of more than 350 objects at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London (now currently on exhibit at the [National Gallery of Victoria](https://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/exhibition/cartier/) in Melbourne). The department is comparatively expansive because Cartier creates jewelry as well and enjoys overarching influence. “Cartier is of huge importance within the art market,” says Rainero, speaking about the sheer volume of inquiries to the archive. “But also, Cartier has a specific role in the entire history of the decorative arts. It’s fundamental we maintain that knowledge.” His work has been so extensive, France’s minister of culture awarded him the prestigious Chevalier de l’ordre des Arts et des Lettres last year. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Cartier_Pierre_Rainero.webp) Pierre Rainero of Cartier at an exhibition in 2012. *WireImage via Getty Images* If Breguet, Selmoni, and Rainero led the charge in brand storytelling, a new generation of historians is following in their footsteps with fresh visibility and palpable passion. Collectors and dealers clamor to get face time with [TAG Heuer](https://robbreport.ph/tag/tag-heuer/)’s Nicholas Biebuyck at trade shows and auctions or on tours of the brand’s La Chaux-de-Fonds Museum in Switzerland. With his scruffy facial hair, horn-rimmed glasses, and affable demeanor, the 40-year-old heritage director could make even the most die-hard Apple Watch devotee a convert to mechanical watchmaking. “When someone like Nicholas Biebuyck brings genuine knowledge, taste, and enthusiasm to the role, it makes the heritage feel relevant rather than dusty,” says Silas Walton, founder of [A Collected Man](https://www.acollectedman.com/), a London-based business selling vintage and independent timepieces. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Vintage_Heuer_Nicholas_Biebuyck.webp) From left: Vintage Heuer Carrera and Autavia watch heads from the TAG Heuer museum archive; Nicholas Biebuyck showing archival TAG Heuer F1 watches to journalists. *Courtesy of TAG Heuer* Though Biebuyck has held the role for less than six years, he’s no hype man disguised as a historian. TAG Heuer’s history merges his expertise in both horology and the automotive industry. Biebuyck studied mechanical engineering and worked in the car and watch departments at Bonham’s in London and Hong Kong and Christie’s in Hong Kong, and finally as the business-development director for Blackbird Watch Manual in the same country. “I live and breathe this topic,” he says. Growing up around the automotive circuit with his father, who was an enthusiast, he attended his first Le Mans race at 10 years old and became obsessed with watches after discovering master George Daniels’s work at the age of 16. “It basically comes down to your 10,000 hours—the more time you spend obsessing over this topic, the deeper you get, and the more you learn.” Matthieu Sauret took a different path before landing the lead gig in the heritage department of [Jaeger-LeCoultre](https://robbreport.ph/tag/jaeger-lecoultre/) at just 33 years old, in 2020. He joined the company in 2013 as chief of staff to the C.E.O., then held senior posts in product before adding oversight of the brand’s historical storytelling to his duties. Colleagues, he says, were surprised he wasn’t pursuing a more commercial trajectory—perhaps even the traditional path to C.E.O. “It’s really important, because the story of J.L.C. is very strong,” says Sauret. “It spans almost two centuries, the story of fine watchmaking that unfolds with the story of Jaeger-LeCoultre, a maison that I love so deep in my heart, for many reasons: for its roots in the tradition of the Vallée de Joux, for its wild and endless spirit of invention, for its great creations, the Reverso and the Atmos—which are stories in themselves.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Jaeger_LeCoultre_Matthieu_Sauret.webp) Matthieu Sauret of Jaeger-LeCoultre. *Courtesy of Jaeger-LeCoultre* As the first to hold the dual title of product and heritage director at the company, Sauret still draws on his previous expertise. Led by Sauret, the Collectibles—a capsule program of vintage timepieces celebrating the company’s history—debuted in January 2023. “The launch of the Collectibles was, in my mind, what was missing in the industry,” says [Roni Madhvani](https://www.instagram.com/roni_m_29/?hl=en), a prominent vintage-watch collector based in London and Uganda, noting that he welcomes the company “embracing its heritage in a more active and progressive manner by buying and restoring its timepieces,” as well as by publishing archival material and conducting outreach to collectors. The Collectibles was hardly the first in-house vintage program. Cartier established Cartier Tradition in 1996, and Vacheron Constantin introduced Les Collectionneurs—limited drops of restored vintage pieces—in 2008. Both houses insist the effort has nothing to do with profit, at least not in the short term. “The idea behind \[Les Collectionneurs\] was really 100 percent communication,” says Selmoni. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Jaeger_LeCoultre_Duoplan_Tubogas_Coulissante.webp) A Duoplan “Tubogas” Coulissante from J.L.C.’s Collectibles program of vintage timepieces. *Courtesy of Jaeger-LeCoultre* The cost of restoration can be a killer—hence the disclaimer “service history unknown” often in listings on vintage and pre-owned dealer sites, a signal you could soon be digging in your pockets again to get your purchase in working order. The real aim of selling vintage in-house is the romanticism of burnishing a brand’s history, but it also serves to forge a bond with collectors who don’t buy new models. “It’s very hard for a maison to connect with vintage collectors because they probably love the ’60s or the ’30s, not what is being done right now,” explains Sauret. “They always feel they have a part of the history in their collections and that they cannot be taken care of because they are not new clients.” Selling vintage also helps houses keep tabs on historical pieces missing from their archives. “We have some collectors that probably have over 200 or 300 watches,” says Sauret. “These people, they’re a museum in themselves.” Many are intensely private, so part of the heritage director’s role is to cultivate mutually beneficial relationships. He recalls a “Tank Asymétrique” signed by Jaeger—the house once supplied movements for many brands, including Cartier, but this model is said to predate the debut of the Cartier design—that surfaced at Boisseau-Pomez, a small auction house in Troyes, France, in June. Estimated at about $950, it hammered for approximately $66,342. The buyer was [Adam Victor](https://www.instagram.com/abv33/?hl=en), a New York City–based collector, who tells *Robb Report* he plans to send it to J.L.C. for a tune-up. “We tried to get it, but it went too high for us,” Sauret says. “So now we will be able to hopefully restore it for the new owner. But it’s a great way to \[develop\] this network, to be able to pursue the building up of our story.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Jaeger_Tank_Asymetrique.webp) A vintage Jaeger “Tank Asymétrique” thought to be from the early 1930s, meaning it could predate the Cartier icon. It was purchased by a collector for about $66,342—70 times its estimate. *Boisseau-Pomez* The overlap between selling and collecting for a brand’s archive can, at times, muddy the waters. Some companies have been suspected of bidding up their pieces to stoke demand or even buying them at exorbitant prices to create the illusion of desirability. In November 2021, three former [Omega](https://robbreport.ph/tag/omega/) employees, including the ex-head of its heritage department, were accused of creating a Frankenstein watch—made using parts from multiple vintage Speedmasters of different reference numbers (allegedly stolen from the Omega archive), retrofitted with a reused serial number, and falsely authenticated with a certified extract from the company files. The watch, a supposedly rare 1957 Speedmaster ref. 2915-1 “Broad Arrow,” came under suspicion after selling at Phillips for a record-breaking price of almost $3.4 million—the most expensive Omega ever sold at auction. The employees, along with the consignor, have been charged with engineering a buyback by Omega and pocketing the difference. The case is ongoing, with both Omega and Phillips deemed victims in the incident. In the wake of the alleged misconduct, some brands have introduced a stricter system of checks and balances. “The Omega scandal was kind of a wake-up call for probably all the companies about how they should have safeguards so stuff doesn’t get stolen,” says dealer Eric Wind of Wind Vintage. “I know TAG Heuer takes that pretty seriously with how they protect their watches.” At Jaeger-LeCoultre, Sauret says, the team’s members work independently to separately evaluate potential acquisitions. “We also set limits in the way we authenticate watches,” he says. “If the stakes are too high, then this will go higher in the hierarchy to make sure that everything is set.” Ultimately, directors walk a precarious line, as the price paid at auction can alter market perception positively or negatively. “I always align with our chief financial officer and my boss, and if need be—if the pieces have sufficient value—with the C.E.O.,” says Biebuyck. “Certainly, Frédéric \[Arnault, former C.E.O. of [LVMH](https://robbreport.ph/tag/lvmh/) watches and C.E.O. of [Loro Piana](https://robbreport.com/tag/loro-piana/)\] trusts me to do the right thing. Let’s pay the right price, to not overpay and to not underpay.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Jaeger_LeCoultre_Pendant_Watch_Restoration.webp) A women’s pendant watch mid-restoration at the house. *Courtesy of Jaeger-LeCoultre* Knowing where to fall on that spectrum is critical for house historians. Collectors have become increasingly fanatical about pristine fresh-to-market or new old-stock watches, but Biebuyck says the reality is that such specimens are incredibly rare. “I’ve handled probably tens of thousands of watches, and I can remember clearly the moments when a watch came to market and it was totally untouched with amazing provenance from the original owner,” he explains. “In the 20 years I’ve been following the market, there’s maybe a few hundred like this out of the 10,000-plus I’ve handled.” The extra layer of scrutiny is hitting more than product. Official brand experts have become industry celebrities, thanks to reasons that vary by company but often include a significant presence on social media, frequent deployment in the press, influence on product, and relationship-building with important collectors. Their growing fame can sometimes result in tricky internal politics. Talk to anyone about how the role is shaping brand visibility and you will hear the name Michael Friedman. Audemars Piguet’s former historian and head of complications became so well-known for his expertise and geniality that Grammy-winning artist Kendrick Lamar name-dropped him—and A.P.—on his 2022 track “Rich Spirit.” Friedman left the house the following year amid speculation he had outshone the brand. But he maintains he left to develop [his own watch brand](https://p16n.ch/) and remains a highly respected figure beyond his former stomping grounds. “Michael Friedman, whilst the heritage director at A.P., visited me and took a few vintage pieces to catalog that they didn’t have in their own collection, and that was a great experience,” vintage collector Madhvani writes in an email. “Though since then, \[I’ve heard\] nothing from the brand, not even an invitation to their museum or any boutique (despite owning several dozen of the vintage pieces)!” > “The Omega scandal was kind of a wake-up call for probably all the companies.” Friedman is discreet about his departure from A.P. “You can’t have an ultimate storyteller and not expect a storyteller to attract the attention of people, right? That’s their job,” he says. But he acknowledges “it can be challenging for senior management at times to navigate” one executive getting more of the spotlight than another. “Once you’ve been grandfathered into those roles and have been doing them for quite a while, it becomes difficult,” he says, referring to the fact that, by nature, these roles tend to become mostly associated with one person. “It’s hard to imagine somebody else, other than Christian Selmoni representing Vacheron \[Constantin\]. It’s hard for me to imagine A.P. not having Sebastian Vivas \[director of the museum and heritage at Audemars Piguet\] and Raphaël Balestra \[heritage and archives Manager of Audemars Piguet\]. It’s difficult for me to imagine the one day that will happen and somebody will step in and do a great job, I’m sure. But there’s, there’s going to be time that needs to be taken there.” He does also tip his hat to one expert more freshly in his role: “I mean, at TAG \[Heuer\], forget about it. I mean, Nick \[Biebuyck\] is legend.” As for the function of a heritage director, he insists it’s essential to a brand’s narrative. “The historic anchor is what provides the authenticity,” he says. “In an era with so many releases coming out, things often seem untethered, and it’s not enough just to have a story. There needs to be a foundation to a release if it’s going to engage clients.” He compares representing a watch brand well to being a gallerist. “\[Collectors\] don’t just want to be talking about the transactional side of it. You want to know about the artists. You want to know about other pieces that they have worked on, about all of the context that has become significant. The emotional quotient cannot be ignored.” And that feeling of attachment, as Friedman sees it, is not relegated to vintage. “Contemporary watches are how we’re going to connect with people today—it’s a beautiful revolving door,” he says. “And I’ve always said, to be the best futurist, you have to be the best historian.” Case in point: The first watch from his own brand, Pattern Recognition, slated to launch officially next year, is so forward-looking it feels unbound to any specific era. The intention, he says, was for it to be a combination of past, present, and future. Interest in vintage has surged, leaving some brands struggling to strike a balance between yesterday and today. “The idea of a heritage director within the luxury business is still a very new concept,” says Biebuyck. “The role has kind of only really existed for 20 years maybe, and sometimes it’s not even been that long.” In horology years, that’s a blip; many maisons have been around for centuries. But as watches shifted from necessities to collectibles, history became a focal point—providing bragging rights, narrative, and value marker. Archives have long existed, but, as Biebuyck points out, the “forensic analysis” of timepieces is still new. “A lot of brands are still trying to work out how the hell they use this person,” he says. “Is this someone who just hides in the cupboard and checks records to make sure information is right? Or is it someone who is going out there and being a spokesperson for the brand and sharing the stories? Or is it someone who is deeply involved in product creation and design? Is it someone who is giving strategy to top-level leadership?” At Watches & Wonders last year, new Vacheron Constantin C.E.O. Laurent Perves sat beside Selmoni to present launches, often tying them back to history. He is also known to engage directly with the brand’s vintage collectors. Madhvani notes that while many leaders have “lost the plot,” Perves interacts with collectors firsthand. After the connoisseur posted on Instagram urging companies to “walk the talk” on heritage, Perves personally responded by inviting him to the manufacture. Madhvani says he found the C.E.O., Selmoni, and other senior figures eager to exchange ideas. “This meant a lot to me and gave a human face to the brand and reassured other collectors when I shared my experience,” he writes. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Vacheron_Constantin_Les_Cabinotiers_Reference57260.webp) Vacheron Constantin Ref. 57260 from Les Cabinotiers. *Courtesy of Vacheron Constantin* When heritage departments influence new product, there can still be a circular benefit even for the vintage collector. Vacheron Constantin, for example, embarked on an ambitious project to fully remake its original American 1921 watch using the tools and techniques from the era in a one-of-a-kind piece. The effort had long-term implications for the future. It reportedly took one restoration worker 500 hours just to find the right information to be able to begin production and a full team toiling for 15 months to finish it. Why invest so much time and effort into a single watch? “It’s now something that we are using, because if we receive a watch from 1920 which is totally damaged, we are able to restore it, and using the same techniques and exactly in the same way,” says Selmoni. “So the watch will still remain 100 percent authentic. This is really what was very important for us… I think for our clients, this is really priceless.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Vacheron_Constantin_American_1921_Piece_Unique_Movement_Making.webp) Vacheron Constantin remade its American 1921 timepiece using authentic tools and techniques of the era. *Courtesy of Vacheron Constantin* New watches in series closely inspired by vintage references, however, are more common. “I think for collectors, it’s nice to feel like there’s not this divorce between vintage and modern,” says Wind. In April, to much fanfare, Cartier debuted a modern version of its Tank à Guichets, first released in 1928, while Breguet unveiled the Classique Souscription 2025BH, a wristwatch reinterpretation of Abraham-Louis Breguet’s famous Souscription pocket watch from the late 18th century. Both are faithful tributes and stunning reminders of the simple beauty and deep history of each brand. Cartier’s offering was capped at 200—in other words, a V.I.P.-only release. Breguet did not limit its wristwatch, but the first piece to come out of that production has been reserved for Sotheby’s [A Celebration of Breguet’s 250th Anniversary auction](https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2025/a-celebration-of-breguets-250th-anniversary-ge2503?lotFilter=AllLots) on November 9. The sale is the largest of its kind dedicated to the brand in over a quarter century. “It will feature remarkable pieces dating from the era of the Breguet family, as well as other periods, and we intend to make some purchases!” says Emmanuel Breguet, who’s on the hunt for an early Breguet Sympathique clock from the late 18th century for the museum. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/VAC_American_1921_Piece_Unique.webp) The American 1921 Pièce Unique next to its forebear. *Courtesy of Vacheron Constantin* But even for a descendant with the monetary backing of the brand, there’s no guarantee he’ll be able to bring his ancestors’ work back home. Sources tell *Robb Report* he has been outbid on Breguets in the past by the likes of [Patek Philippe](https://robbreport.ph/tag/patek-philippe/), which wanted a piece of its competitor’s history for its own museum. Independent watchmaker François-Paul Journe is also known to own some historically significant pieces from the house. “Sometimes we find ourselves competing with other important collectors and even with museums belonging to other brands,” says Breguet. “That’s not a problem; on the contrary, it’s extremely flattering. It proves that Breguet is *the* benchmark in the world of watchmaking.” > “I’ve always said, to be the best futurist, you have to be the best historian.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Cartier_Tank_Guichets_2025.webp) Two variations of the 2025 Cartier Tank à Guichets, modern reinterpretations of the model first released in 1928. *Courtesy of Cartier* Within the next decade, the secondary market is projected to rival the primary. In the U.S., tariffs could accelerate that timeline. Knowledgeable and savvy heritage directors will be even more critical if brands are to survive. Beyond a marketing tool, heritage has become a form of capital, its influence felt across design, storytelling, and value. “What you create today is going to have an impact on tomorrow, and what you created in the past is going to have a strong impact on what you are doing today,” Sauret says. Now, more than ever, history may be the industry’s most valuable asset—less a relic than a safeguard for the future. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* ## FAQs ### What does a watch heritage director do? A watch heritage director oversees a brand’s historical legacy, which can include archives, authentication, museums, restoration projects, exhibitions, publications, collector relations, and historical research that informs new products. ### Why are heritage directors becoming more important to luxury watch brands? As vintage watches and collecting have grown more influential, heritage directors help brands establish provenance, communicate their history, connect with collectors, and translate archival knowledge into contemporary products and storytelling. ### Which watch brands have prominent heritage departments? Major maisons with influential heritage operations include Breguet, Cartier, Vacheron Constantin, TAG Heuer, Jaeger-LeCoultre, and Audemars Piguet. Cartier’s image, style, and heritage operation, for example, has expanded to nearly 80 people. ### How do watch brands use their archives to create new watches? Brands frequently return to historic references for design inspiration, technical research, and reissues. Recent examples include Cartier’s modern Tank à Guichets and Breguet’s Classique Souscription 2025BH, both rooted closely in earlier designs. ### Why does watch heritage matter to collectors? Heritage can strengthen a watch’s provenance, historical significance, authenticity, and emotional appeal. For collectors, access to knowledgeable brand historians can also help with restoration, authentication, and understanding where individual watches fit within a maison’s broader history. **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** breguet, loro piana, LVMH, Magazine, Omega, Patek Philippe, tag heuer, Vacheron Constantin, Watch Collector --- ### [Giving the Dutch Grand Prix a Proper Send-Off](https://robbreport.ph/travel/rosewood-amsterdams-2026-dutch-grand-prix-package/) **Published:** August 18, 2026 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** Formula 1 brought the Dutch Grand Prix back to Circuit Zandvoort in 2021 after a 36-year absence, and fans quickly turned it into one of the championship’s most recognizable weekends, filling the grandstands with orange in support of home hero [Max Verstappen](https://robbreport.ph/tag/max-verstappen/ "max verstappen"). This August, the stakes are higher. After six editions, the revived Dutch Grand Prix will take its final lap. [Rosewood Amsterdam](https://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/amsterdam) is marking the occasion with a three-night Grand Prix Residency tied to the race weekend from August 21 to 23. The experience is limited to guests staying in Huis 020, Herengracht House, or Library House, and includes Formula 1 Paddock Club access as well as private transfers between Amsterdam and Zandvoort. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/RWAMS_Experience_On-Property_City_Boat_Liberty_1.webp) *Rosewood Hotel* The stay extends beyond race-day access. Guests have a dedicated Rosewood butler and use of the hotel’s Asaya Spa, while a private canal cruise and tasting of Prøvo, the property’s own jenever, bring Amsterdam into the itinerary. Airport tarmac transfers handle arrival and departure, and a helicopter can be arranged for the trip to Zandvoort. Zandvoort’s return also arrived just as Verstappen was becoming the sport’s dominant force. He won the first three Dutch Grands Prix of the revived era, turning the narrow seaside circuit into one of Formula 1’s most fervent home-race settings. Organizers say more than one million spectators have attended since 2021. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/RWAMS_Experience_On-Property_The-Gallery_Vladimir-Rys_F1_3.webp) *F1/Dutch Grand Prix* Formula 1 and the Dutch Grand Prix promoter agreed to extend the race only through 2026, with organizers choosing to conclude the event rather than continue assuming the financial risk of staging it without government support. The final edition will also introduce one last novelty: the Netherlands’ first Formula 1 Sprint, adding another competitive session to a weekend for which Saturday and Sunday tickets have already sold out. The Amsterdam property opened in May 2025 inside the former Palace of Justice on the Prinsengracht following roughly a decade of restoration. The building’s history stretches back much further. It originated as a 17th-century orphanage before being transformed for judicial use in the 1820s, eventually becoming one of the city center’s more imposing civic landmarks. Rosewood describes the property as the last new hotel development permitted inside one of Amsterdam’s monumental buildings. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2233001380-1-2240x1260.webp) *F1/Dutch Grand Prix* In addition, on August 19, just before race weekend begins, its Gallery will open *Echoes of Speed*, an exhibition dedicated to the work of Formula 1 photographer Vladimir Rys. The show brings together signed photographs examining the visual language of racing through light, exposure, and motion blur, while coinciding with the release of Rys’s first official monograph after more than two decades photographing the sport. Works from the exhibition will also be available to purchase. *Visit [Rosewood Amsterdam](https://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/amsterdam) for more information.* ## FAQs ### When is the final Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort? The final Dutch Grand Prix of the current era will take place from August 21 to 23, 2026, at Circuit Zandvoort in the Netherlands. ### What does Rosewood Amsterdam’s Dutch Grand Prix Residency include? The three-night stay includes Formula 1 Paddock Club access, private transfers between Amsterdam and Zandvoort, a dedicated butler, Asaya Spa access, and additional experiences around the city. ### Which Rosewood Amsterdam accommodations are included in the F1 residency? The Grand Prix Residency is available to guests staying in Huis 020, Herengracht House, or Library House. ### Why is the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix significant? The 2026 race marks the end of the Dutch Grand Prix’s revived run at Zandvoort, which began in 2021 after a 36-year absence. It will also feature the Netherlands’ first Formula 1 Sprint. ### What is the Echoes of Speed exhibition at Rosewood Amsterdam? Opening August 19, Echoes of Speed presents signed Formula 1 photographs by Vladimir Rys, whose work explores racing through movement, light, and exposure. The exhibition coincides with the release of his first official monograph. **Categories:** Travel **Tags:** 013, formula 1, Grand Prix Residency, Rosewood Amsterdam --- ### [How Leica Built a World Beyond the Camera](https://robbreport.ph/the-story-of/how-leica-built-a-world-beyond-the-camera/) **Published:** August 17, 2026 **Author:** Carl Cunanan **Content:** When we look at [Leica](https://leica-camera.com/en-US), it is useful to look further back into its history to better understand what the company is trying to do today. We know Leica as an iconic and historic camera manufacturer whose products have moved deeply into collectible territory while maintaining extremely high levels of technological capability in still and moving images, for enthusiasts and professionals alike. ## How Leica Helped Define 35 mm Photography ![Ernst Leitz Leica](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/ErnstLeitzIjpg.webp) Ernst Leitz *Leica* Now, let’s also look at [how Leica started](https://leica-camera.com/en-int/photography/100-years/the-history-of-the-leica-I?srsltid=AfmBOor23Mjv_QKcCnueBxXgv_m8i328gqMNYPpABlliTxkS9NnSuyu1), because its roots actually have a connection to watchmaking. Before joining the Optical Institute founded by Carl Kellner in Wetzlar, Germany, precision mechanic Ernst Leitz had spent time in Switzerland learning watchmaking. He joined the institute in 1864, became a partner in 1865, assumed sole ownership in 1869, and renamed the business the Ernst Leitz Company. Under his direction, it became a leading microscope manufacturer. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/oskar-barnackanwerkbankjpg.webp) Oskar Barnack at his desk at the Leitz Company, 1933. *Leica* Oskar Barnack joined Leitz as a precision mechanic in 1911 and soon became head of development for cinema and measuring technology. He was also an amateur photographer. At the time, photography generally required large, heavy cameras, while the intricate gears and mechanisms involved remained relatively advanced technology, especially when combined with the developing capabilities of film. Barnack applied that mechanical knowledge to the challenge of creating a camera system that was genuinely portable. ![1914 Leica Camera. Leica](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/1914_Ur-Leica_Frontjpg.webp) He also changed how cinema film was used, running 35 mm film horizontally through his prototype and enlarging the frame. The resulting format helped establish the standard that would shape 35 mm still photography. ## Why Using a Leica Is Part of Its Appeal Add to that a vision that combined that type of complication of movement with a relatively stark and minimalist look. While at the time this may all have been a relatively technological exercise, nowadays it combines engineering and tactile appeal. It also pulls people into the moment rather than simply capture that moment on film, or, nowadays, on digital media. People like, collect, and use Leica cameras because of the process and because of how they feel, just as much as, if not more so than, the output itself. ![2026 Leica SL3-P](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2026_Leica_SL3-P_Front_0jpg.webp) The 2026 Leica SL3-P. *Leica* ## Andreas Kaufmann and the World of Leica Now let’s look at the modern Leica Camera AG, which has been owned primarily by and grown by Dr. Andreas Kaufmann, who took majority control in the mid-2000s when the company was in crisis. He understood the vision and had ideas about how to grow it. This is quite often the path taken in the [watch](https://robbreport.ph/watches/ "Watches") industry itself. Leica’s philosophy can now be experienced at different scales. At its largest is Leitz-Park in Wetzlar, a campus that translates the company’s ideas about precision, efficiency and design into an entire environment. Its 2018 expansion introduced the World of Leica experience, new company facilities, and the [Ernst Leitz Hotel](https://www.ernst-leitz-hotel.de/en/). ![Ernst Leitz Hotel](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/ernst-leitz-hotel-wetzlar-aussenansicht-wolken.webp) Ernst Leitz Hotel. *Ernst Leitz Hotel* ## From Leica Cameras to Mechanical Watches Then let’s go to the reverse. Let’s go smaller. Leica started making wristwatches a while back. Now, it did this toward the late 2010s, at a time when the fine-watchmaking industry was going rather strong and brands were looking toward increased complication as a way to move up the price ladder. Leica had become a growing luxury brand that was expanding into different markets and tapping collectors and enthusiasts relatively well. So it decided to take its vision of design, engineering, mechanical feel, and efficiency into the wristwatch world. The company developed its first watches with designer Achim Heine, former A. Lange & Söhne product-development head Reinhard Meis and Markus Lehmann of Lehmann Präzision in Germany’s Black Forest. Watchmaker Andreas Strehler also contributed to the project’s technical development. ## The Leica L1 and L2 Watches From this, it went in the direction of creating what were then called the L1 and L2 watches, which were somewhat independent-watchmaking-level pieces and priced accordingly. ![Leica ZM 1.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Leica_ZM_1_UrbanGreen_Calf_Leather_Strapjpg.webp) Leica ZM 1. *Leica* In this case, they were manual-wind movements that showed their design, as well as the finishing, through open casebacks. They were tremendously interesting, but they were also quite niche and still in the developmental stage. ![The Leica ZM1 caseback.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Leica_ZM1_Monochrom_backjpg.webp) The Leica ZM1 caseback. *Leica* They were introduced to the world largely at the same time the Leitz-Park Wetzlar facility was expanding and, indeed, had just opened its own hotel. Moving forward over the last few years, the company went in a slightly different additional direction. Those initial watches, named the L1 and L2, became the ZM 1 and ZM 2, which were and are made-in-Germany manual-wind watches. ## The Leica ZM 11 and ZM 12 But Leica added two new models, which became the ZM 11 and ZM 12. Developed in collaboration with Swiss movement specialist Chronode, they adopt the familiar format of a three-hand watch with a date display while introducing distinctive dial treatments, case finishes and interchangeable bracelets. ![Leica ZM 11. Leica](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Leica_ZM11_Midnight_Bluejpg.webp) The ZM 11. *Leica* ## One Design Language Across Cameras and Watches So what we are looking at here is not so much the different types of watches that Leica is now offering, but rather the fact that Leica sees itself as a company that is about a very particular design language and a very different or particular experience for the user. Certain themes follow along all these different products or experiences, with visual design perhaps being the most obvious. But even how you use the products and how they feel when you use them—such as the clicking, pushing, and texture in the cameras—can be felt in the watches. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Leica_ZM11_Titanium_Coffee_Blackjpg.webp) The ZM 11 in Titanium Chocolate Black This is also evident in the special bell-jar-type cases for the watches, with screw-in glass, bayonet-type mounts and very practical watch-holding frames. Certain details, such as the red dot, are used across the board in elements including the quick-release bracelets of the newer ZM 11 and ZM 12 watches and the releases for the watch cases. On the ZM 1 and ZM 2, pressing the crown selects the watch’s operating mode rather than requiring the wearer to pull it outward. These are all little details, but they contribute to a whole. This is an example of a company that realizes that, as much as its technical abilities lie in creating products such as cameras, its true draw is the experience and the feeling that they give to those who understand and appreciate their proper fit within their lifestyle and their life. ## FAQs ### Who founded Leica? Leica traces its history to the Wetzlar optical institute founded by Carl Kellner in 1849. Ernst Leitz joined the company in 1864, became a partner in 1865 and assumed sole ownership in 1869. ### What did Oskar Barnack contribute to photography? Oskar Barnack developed a portable camera that ran 35 mm cinema film horizontally, producing a larger photographic frame. His work helped establish the 35 mm format used in still photography. ### Does Leica make mechanical watches? Yes. Leica produces manual-winding ZM 1 and ZM 2 watches in Germany, alongside the automatic ZM 11 and ZM 12 models developed with Swiss movement specialist Chronode. ### What is Leitz-Park? Leitz-Park is Leica Camera AG’s campus in Wetzlar, Germany. It encompasses company facilities, production, exhibitions, the Ernst Leitz Museum, hospitality venues and a hotel. ### What connects Leica cameras and watches? Both reflect Leica’s emphasis on restrained design, precise engineering and tactile operation. Details such as push mechanisms, red accents and quick-release systems carry the company’s visual and mechanical language into watchmaking. *[Visit the local Leica website here.](https://leica-store.ph/)* **Categories:** The Story Of, Watches **Tags:** Ernst Leitz, Ernst Leitz Hotel, History, Leica, Leica Camera, Leica watches, ZM 11, ZM 12 --- ### [How Dior Made Its Best-Selling Men’s Fragrance Even Richer](https://robbreport.ph/style/grooming/fragrances/dior-sauvage-extrait/) **Published:** August 17, 2026 **Author:** Adam Hurly **Content:** For most [fragrance](https://robbreport.ph/style/grooming/fragrances/ "Fragrances") houses, a successful men’s scent eventually becomes a collection of flankers. Some are worthwhile, but many exist simply because the original sold well enough to justify yet another launch. Dior, however, has become the blueprint for how luxury brands should build out a fragrance franchise. With the arrival of [Sauvage Extrait](https://www.dior.com/en_us/beauty/products/sauvage-extrait-Y0000281.html) this week, Dior has expanded its bestselling men’s fragrance into a fifth successor, each broadening the identity of the Sauvage landscape (rather than competing with the original itself). And as Sauvage’s first oud-powered fragrance, Extrait pushes that landscape into its darkest, richest, and most concentrated territory yet. It still smells unmistakably like Sauvage, but its signature brightness gives way to a creamier blend of woods. The resulting projection is both restrained and far-reaching; it casts an enormous radius but never feels like it reaches for the “beast mode” territory so many juiced-up flankers try to hit. That secret-weapon oud knows exactly the role to play in [perfumer Francis Kurkdjian](https://robbreport.ph/profiles/how-perfumer-francis-kurkdjian-learned-to-bottle-the-zeitgeist/ "How Perfumer Francis Kurkdjian Learned to Bottle the Zeitgeist")’s formula, preferring sophistication over exclamation. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/RR-Dior-Sauvage-Extrait-Product-Card.webp) *Dior* ### Dior Sauvage Extrait [Buy Now on dior: $205](https://www.dior.com/en_us/beauty/products/sauvage-extrait-Y0000281.html) Dior’s men’s fragrance business revolves around two modern pillars—Sauvage and [Homme](https://www.dior.com/en_us/beauty/fragrance/mens-fragrance/dior-homme)—and the prolific Kurkdjian thinks about the two pillars as neighboring territories. Sauvage is expansive, elemental, and deliberately straightforward. Dior Homme is more urbane, intimate, and nuanced, he explained to us at a press event for Extrait last month. The two are separated by “a frontier” that should never be crossed. That means each new Sauvage has to feel unmistakably like Sauvage, even as it explores new ground. Until now, the franchise had never fully embraced wood as a defining characteristic. Kurkdjian wasn’t interested in making another spicy Sauvage; Elixir had already claimed that territory. Instead, he saw an opportunity to deepen the fragrance through wood (namely oud) as the structural element. “The idea with wood was to bring something raw, straight to the point, and dramatic,” Kurkdjian says. “Sauvage isn’t about being disruptive. It’s more about raw masculinity.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/RR-Dior-Sauvage-Extrait-Ingredients.webp) Patchouli, lavender, bergamot, and oud mix together in the new Sauvage extrait. *Dior* At high levels of perfume oil concentration, though, getting many forceful materials to sit together cleanly is what takes expertise and time. Extrait’s recipe took months to perfect, and Kurkdjian’s team of chemists experimented with different maturation schedules to produce the final result. That meant once the final aromatic concentrate was completed, he allowed it to rest. “We compared three weeks to two weeks, to one week, to zero maturation,” he says. They then repeated the same process during maceration, continuing until the fragrance reached what he describes as a plateau, at which point additional time no longer improved it. The final timeline takes a full six weeks. Kurkdjian compares it to ratatouille. Fresh from the pot, he says, the vegetables still taste distinct; a day or two later, the dish has settled, and the flavors have folded into one another. Perfume behaves similarly. “When it’s freshly made, everything spikes,” he says. “You can smell the bergamot, the lavender, the ingredients next to each other. It’s disheveled.” During maturation, those edges soften. “The alcohol embraces the perfume. It gives light and expands it.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/RR-Dior-Sauvage-Extrait-Oud.webp) The sixth member of the Sauvage family is the first to use oud as a primary ingredient. *Dior* That patience pays off in the way Extrait wears so richly, albeit noticeably softer and more enveloping than its raw materials read on paper. Kurkdjian conceived it as a counterweight to the very sweet and spicy Elixir, and as another option for the wearer who wants Sauvage’s full rousing potential, but with executive muscle. “I think it was time to add a new pillar to the Sauvage line,” he says, “to move away from the sweetness and bring that woodiness and depth.” Kurkdjian believes the most successful fragrances often sit “at the edge of love-hate,” where their force is part of the attraction. “I hate you, but I love you,” he says. He says that Sauvage Extrait lands right there: muscular and immediate, but warmed and rounded enough to feel intimate, resinous, and almost edible. For me, though, it is squarely in the “love” camp. If we’re rating the entire roster, it is second overall behind the original, but only because it launched an entire franchise. The eau de toilette might be bestselling, but Extrait is best smelling. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* ## FAQs ### What is Dior Sauvage Extrait? Dior Sauvage Extrait is a highly concentrated addition to the Sauvage fragrance collection, built around oud and woody notes while retaining the line’s recognizable character. ### What does Dior Sauvage Extrait smell like? Sauvage Extrait has a darker, creamier, and woodier profile than the original, combining oud with the familiar brightness associated with Sauvage for a rich, enveloping scent. ### Who created Dior Sauvage Extrait? Dior Sauvage Extrait was created by Francis Kurkdjian, Dior’s perfume creation director, who developed the fragrance as a new woody pillar within the Sauvage collection. ### How is Sauvage Extrait different from Sauvage Elixir? While Sauvage Elixir emphasizes sweetness and spice, Sauvage Extrait focuses on oud and woods, giving it a deeper, more resinous character with a softer, more enveloping projection. ### How long does Dior Sauvage Extrait take to mature? The production process takes about six weeks. Kurkdjian and his team tested different maturation and maceration periods to allow the fragrance ingredients to integrate and reach their final balance. **Categories:** Fragrances, Grooming **Tags:** Fragrance, Grooming --- ### [The Stunning Porsche 911 Turbo S Land Down Under in Photos](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-stunning-porsche-911-turbo-s-land-down-under-in-photos/) **Published:** August 17, 2026 **Author:** Bryan Hood **Content:** Porsche is celebrating 75 years in Australia with the one-off 911 Turbo S Land Down Under. To read more about the one-off, check out the [full story here](https://robbreport.ph/cars/this-color-shifting-porsche-911-is-the-marques-one-off-tribute-to-australia/). ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/porsche-911-turbo-s-land-down-under-01.webp) *Porsche* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/porsche-911-turbo-s-land-down-under-03.webp) The one-off is finished in unique dual Chromaflair color gradient paintwork *Porsche* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/porsche-911-turbo-s-land-down-under-04.webp) The vehicle also features hidden hand-painted graphics courtesy of Sydney-based artist Werner Bronkhorst *Porsche* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/porsche-911-turbo-s-land-down-under-02.webp) Porsche 911 Turbo S Land Down Under *Porsche* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/porsche-911-turbo-s-land-down-under-06.webp) Inside the one-off *Porsche* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/porsche-911-turbo-s-land-down-under-08.webp) The headrests feature a special 75ht anniversary logo *Porsche* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/porsche-911-turbo-s-land-down-under-07-1.webp) The embroidered headliner shows the Southern Hemisphere night sky as it appeared in 1951 *Porsche* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/porsche-911-turbo-s-land-down-under-05.webp) The car rides on a set of staggered Turbo Exclusive wheels *Porsche* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/porsche-911-turbo-s-land-down-under-09.webp) The Porsche 911 Turbo S Land Down Under is a one-off creation meant to celebrate 75 years of the automaker doing business in Australia *Porsche* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** australia, News, porsche --- ### [Olafur Eliasson: Rainbows, Retinas, and the Moral Failure of Distance](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-collectibles/olafur-eliasson-in-mcad-manila-your-curious-journey/) **Published:** August 14, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** Monofrequency lamps narrow the visible spectrum inside the entrance corridor of the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design in Manila. Bodies, clothing, and architecture turn yellow or black, their familiar colors removed as the threshold assumes the queasy intensity of an overexposed photograph. Depth begins to waver even as edges and contrasts sharpen. Upon leaving, the eye produces a bluish afterimage, a kind of retinal rebellion against deprivation. The corridor demonstrates that perception has an edit function. *(Article continues after the video.)* ## *Video:* The Manila leg of Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson’s *Your curious journey* opens with “Yellow corridor” (1997), turning the museum’s entrance passage into its first perceptual experiment. By temporarily disrupting ordinary color vision, Eliasson reveals perception as an event assembled by light, nervous system, and context rather than a neutral way of seeing. Eliasson decidedly makes the spectator responsible for coproducing the exhibition. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/DSF5292-2240x1493.webp) Olafur Eliasson’s “Yellow corridor” (1997) floods MCAD Manila’s entrance passage with monofrequency light, reducing the visible world to yellow and black. The work turns arrival into a physiological experiment, reminding visitors that color belongs as much to the eye as to the object. *Ed Simon* *Your curious journey* began at the Singapore Art Museum in 2024 with Eliasson’s first major solo exhibition in Southeast Asia, then traveled to Auckland, Taipei, and Jakarta. Manila is the final stop before the works return to his Berlin studio. The tour pursued lower-carbon logistics by selecting lighter works, using objects already within the region, sourcing certain materials locally, and reducing transport distances. Drawing devices placed inside shipping crates recorded the bumps and turns of the journey, thereby transforming logistical movement into another form of mark-making. No official symbolic rationale has been given for concluding the tour in Manila. Geography supplies its own meaning. Ending a survey about unstable perception and environmental flux in a nation profoundly exposed to climate risk sharpens every work. The setting also clarifies why Eliasson travels so well. His materials are elemental, but the meanings they gather inevitably become local. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/DSF5432-2240x1493.webp) An installation view brings together “The last seven days of glacial ice” (2024) and “Wind writings and Sun drawings” (2023). The former monumentalizes ice at the point of disappearance; the latter allows wind and sunlight to leave their own circular records of time and atmosphere. *Ed Simon* The American critic Peter Schjeldahl once praised Eliasson for possessing “the mental discipline of a scientist and the emotional responsibility of a poet.” For three decades, the artist has built environments from water, fog, mirrors, wind, ice, lichen, and restricted wavelengths of light. Their effects can feel immediate enough for a child and open enough for a seminar. His best works allow wonder to happen, then reveal the rig that produced it. That movement from wonder to mechanism places Eliasson within a longer argument about how vision works. John Berger began *Ways of Seeing* with the declaration that “seeing comes before words.” Maurice Merleau-Ponty, in *Eye and Mind*, bound vision to the moving body rather than an eye detached from the world. Ernst Gombrich, conversely, described representation through a process of schema and correction. Rudolf Arnheim treated visual perception as a mode of thinking, whereas Alva Noë, in *Strange Tools*, argued that art reorganizes the habits through which experience ordinarily makes sense. Each work begins with something apparently recognizable—sometimes a corridor, a rainbow, a field of moss, a glacier—then unsettles the conditions through which it becomes visible. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/DSF5527-2240x1493.webp) A closer view of “The last seven days of glacial ice” (2024) reveals Eliasson’s exchange between disappearance and preservation. White-patinated bronze gives temporary ice the permanence of a monument, while glass spheres embody the accumulating volume of meltwater. *Ed Simon* “Moss wall” (1994) carries a different kind of seduction. The surface engages the senses before the mind can quite settle what it sees. Reindeer moss (technically a lichen called “Cladonia rangiferina”) spreads across the vertical plane like a bleached forest seen from the air, interrupting the gallery’s white-cube severity with an evocation of Arctic tundra and boreal forest. Woven into wire mesh, it contracts and fades as it dries, then expands, changes color, and releases its fragrance when watered. In Manila, this ecology from the northern latitudes becomes stranger. Nature arrives indoors as material, specimen, memory, and décor. The work is lush, though its lushness seems to be whipped into a rectangle, irrigated and maintained within an institutional system. Tension, of course, keeps “Moss wall” from collapsing into biophilic wallpaper. The installation shows how quickly “nature” becomes an image prepared for human consumption (Berger might ask who frames the view; Gombrich, how expectation guides recognition). We see tundra partly because the label teaches us to. We see abundance because the wall is full. Some may also see extraction, a living-looking surface detached from habitat and made portable through the museum circuit. Eliasson leaves the contradiction fragrantly unresolved. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/DSF5543-2240x1493.webp) In “Beauty” (1993), a spotlight passes through a fine curtain of water to produce a rainbow visible only from certain positions. Eliasson leaves the mechanism exposed, making the viewer’s moving body necessary to the work’s brief alignment of light, mist, and color. *Ed Simon* Elsewhere, a rainbow appears in the dark, although “appears” makes the whole thing sound more autonomous—and frankly more mystical—than it is. “Beauty” (1993) consists, in practical terms, of a spotlight aimed through a thin curtain of water released from visible nozzles: museum plumbing enlisted in the production of transcendence. Stand in the right place, and the spectrum coheres. Shift half a step, and it frays. Move again, and it disappears, which is when you realize that the rainbow was never exactly in the room, or not in the way the spotlight and water were in the room. It existed in an unstable agreement among droplets, light, distance, angle, and the particular pair of eyes doing the looking. The result is almost embarrassingly beautiful, especially to the kind of viewer trained to distrust anything that delivers pleasure before interpretation. Eliasson anticipates this suspicion and leaves the mechanism exposed, as though disclosure might neutralize enchantment. It doesn’t. The trick remains a trick, and the miracle remains, somehow, miraculous. “Beauty” offers no fixed image to contemplate, acquire, or remember correctly, really. Every viewer receives a slightly different rainbow, and only for as long as the body maintains the necessary position. The work’s real material is therefore not water or light alone, but contingency, this unnerving fact that what we see depends upon where we happen to be standing. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/DSF5362-2240x1493.webp) “The glacier melt series 1999/2019” (2019) pairs photographs of Icelandic glaciers taken by Eliasson from the same vantage points twenty years apart. Across thirty C-prints, retreating ice gives way to exposed earth, making environmental change visible as both evidence and absence. *Ed Simon* Contingency darkens when the thing that vanishes is no longer a rainbow. In “The glacier melt series 1999/2019” (2019), Eliasson trades optical instability for historical evidence. He photographed several dozen Icelandic glaciers in 1999, then returned twenty years later to photograph them from the same perspectives, as though asking the landscape to sit for a second portrait. Thirty C-prints bring the earlier and later images into relation. Ice gives way to rock, volume to absence. Nothing shimmers or performs. The photographs simply insist that the before and after occupy the same world, and that the distance separating them is only two decades. Time, ordinarily too diffuse to see, acquires an edge. The series is quieter than “Beauty” or “Yellow corridor”, but its silence feels a bit more accusatory. Its mechanism is history itself, advancing through what the environmental writer Rob Nixon calls “slow violence”: damage dispersed across time, easily ignored until the conditions sustaining a landscape, or a life, have already begun to disappear. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/DSF5666-1-2240x1493.webp) Eliasson’s motorized “Double spiral” (2001) rotates above the gallery floor, its stainless-steel curves casting a second, unstable sculpture in shadow. As the coil turns, its intertwined forms appear to rise and fall at once. *Ed Simon* In Manila, Iceland’s retreating glaciers feel anything but remote. The Philippines stands at another exposed edge of the same climate system, where rising seas, punishing heat, violent rainfall, and destructive tropical cyclones are less distant forecasts than recurring facts of life. A [PAGASA](https://pubfiles.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/pagasaweb/files/cad/CLIMATOLOGICAL%20PUBLICATIONS/Philippine%20Climate%20Change%20Assessment_.pdf) assessment based on satellite data from 1993 to 2015 estimated sea-level rise at five to seven millimeters annually over the Philippine Sea and 4.5 to five millimeters in some parts of the country (and mind you, it’s 2026!). The [World Bank](https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/1ea2dd11-0471-5be6-b970-e1da55591fa0/content) estimates that typhoons currently cost the national economy around 1.2 percent of gross domestic product each year, rising to 4.6 percent in extreme cases such as Super Typhoon Yolanda. “Global South” is often used so broadly that it risks compressing radically different histories into one administrative category. Here, however, it describes an ugly distribution of consequence. The [Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change](https://www.ipcc.ch/site/assets/uploads/2023/03/Doc4_Approved_AR6_SYR_SPM.pdf) has stated with high confidence that communities that have historically contributed least to climate change are disproportionately affected by it. In the Philippines, those consequences are absorbed through flooded homes, lost livelihoods, damaged infrastructure, displacement, and misappropriated public budgets locked into permanent recovery. Should we then think of Eliasson’s glaciers as a northern elegy or an advanced notice? The ice disappears there. The water arrives here. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/DSF5596-2240x1493.webp) Visitors become the image in “Multiple shadow house” (2010), where differently colored lights multiply each gesture into overlapping silhouettes. The installation makes participation literal: the artwork changes with every body that enters and every movement it performs. *Ed Simon* Perception is never innocent, and seldom complete, which is another way of saying that nobody enters a gallery as a disembodied eye. We look from somewhere: through bodies conditioned by weather, class, institutions, memory, and all the quiet arrangements of power that determine what can be seen and who is permitted to remain merely a spectator. “There is no outside and inside,” Eliasson has said. “There is only the world.” It’s a nice line, maybe too nice, because it asks the museum to surrender the fantasy that its walls can keep consequence out. Art, after all, cannot cool the atmosphere, rebuild a coastline, or reroute climate finance toward the people already paying for the crisis. You know, Adrian Searle once faulted Eliasson for “too much operatic artifice,” and the criticism still lingers. Do these spectacles carry us beyond sensation, or merely leave us stunned inside the glow? Awe isn’t action, and beauty, when it asks nothing after the initial astonishment, can begin to feel like anesthesia. Yet Eliasson’s art works earlier in the chain, at the moment when sensation becomes recognition and recognition might become relation. In “Beauty”, the rainbow disappears the moment the viewer moves away. Its fragility is also its truth: a world can exist and still go unseen, or vanish in plain sight. Eliasson asks us to shift position, look again, and admit our place within what we see. In Manila, where climate change arrives as heat, flood, displacement, and eroding coastlines, curiosity becomes the difficult practice of recognizing oneself inside the picture. *Olafur Eliasson’s Your curious journey runs until November 15, 2026 at the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, Design and Arts Campus (D+A Campus) in Malate, Manila.* ## FAQs ### What is Olafur Eliasson’s Your curious journey at MCAD Manila? Your curious journey is a major survey of Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson’s work exploring perception, embodiment, natural phenomena, and climate change. The exhibition uses light, water, moss, and documentary photography to show how viewers actively participate in constructing what they see. ### Which Olafur Eliasson artworks are featured at MCAD Manila? The exhibition includes major works such as “Yellow corridor” (1997), “Moss wall” (1994), “Beauty” (1993), and “The glacier melt series 1999/2019” (2019). Together, they examine altered color perception, the transformation of nature inside the museum, the physical conditions required to see a rainbow, and the visible effects of climate change. ### How does Olafur Eliasson’s “Yellow corridor” change what visitors see? “Yellow corridor” uses monofrequency lamps to remove most colors from the visible spectrum. Bodies, clothing, and architecture appear primarily yellow or black, while depth and contrast seem altered. After leaving, some viewers may experience a bluish afterimage, revealing how color is produced through the interaction of light, the nervous system, and the surrounding environment. ### Why is Olafur Eliasson’s exhibition significant in the Philippines? Manila is the final stop of the exhibition’s regional tour after Singapore, Auckland, Taipei, and Jakarta. Although no official symbolic reason has been given for ending the tour in the Philippines, the location adds urgency to works about environmental change because the country faces rising seas, extreme heat, destructive rainfall, and tropical cyclones. ### When and where can visitors see Your curious journey in Manila? Olafur Eliasson’s Your curious journey runs until November 15, 2026, at the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design, located at the De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde Design and Arts Campus in Malate, Manila. **Categories:** Art & Collectibles **Tags:** Feature, MCAD, Museum of Contemporary Art and Design, Olafur Eliasson, Your Curious Journey --- ### [The Stories Behind the World's Most Recognizable Luxury Signatures](https://robbreport.ph/the-story-of/iconic-luxury-brand-codes-origins/) **Published:** August 11, 2026 **Author:** Ria de Borja **Content:** According to branding experts, distinctive visual assets are among the most valuable forms of intellectual property a luxury house can possess. Unlike advertising campaigns, which fade with time, a signature color or pattern compounds in value with every generation of customers who learns to recognize it, transforming simple visual cues into multibillion-dollar brand assets. They demonstrate one of luxury’s greatest achievements: creating an identity so distinctive that a single shade or pattern can evoke an entire world, communicating heritage, craftsmanship, and aspiration instantly. ## **Hermès Orange: An Accident That Became Iconic** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Hermes-1.webp) Before the Second World War, Hermès packaged its creations in cream-colored boxes trimmed with gold. During World War II, shortages of packaging materials forced Hermès to accept whatever boxes were available. The only available stock happened to be a vivid orange. Unlike seasonal packaging adopted by many brands, Hermès has remained faithful to its signature orange for decades. It demonstrates an enduring principle of luxury branding: consistency creates memory. ## **Tiffany Blue: The Color That Began With the Blue Book** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Tiffany.webp) Before Tiffany & Co. became synonymous with engagement rings, Charles Lewis Tiffany had already established the color that would define the house. The now-famous robin’s-egg blue first appeared on the cover of the company’s *Blue Book* in 1845, one of America’s earliest luxury mail-order catalogs. Turquoise gemstones were fashionable among Victorian society, making the delicate blue an elegant choice for the publication. The color eventually became so closely associated with Tiffany that it received its own proprietary designation—Tiffany Blue—and is legally protected as one of luxury’s most famous trademarks. ## **Cartier Panther: A Symbol of the Maison** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/INSERT_common_panthere-jwl-clp-2x2-1.webp) The panther motif traces its origins to 1914, when Cartier incorporated a stylized panther pattern into a ladies’ wristwatch. A few years later, Jeanne Toussaint—who would eventually become the house’s legendary Creative Director and was affectionately nicknamed “La Panthère”—transformed the feline into Cartier’s defining artistic symbol. Under her direction, the panther evolved from an abstract motif into sculptural brooches, bracelets, rings, necklaces, and watches. Today, the Cartier Panther stands alongside the Tank and Love collections as one of the house’s most recognizable creations. ## **Chanel Camellia: Coco Chanel’s Favorite Flower** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Chanel.webp) The camellia first captivated Coco Chanel for its perfect symmetry and understated elegance. Unlike roses or lilies, it is almost scentless, allowing it to symbolize beauty without excess, a philosophy that closely mirrored her own approach to design. The bloom began appearing in Chanel’s couture creations during the 1920s before expanding into brooches, handbags, watches, fine jewelry, cosmetics, and fragrance packaging. Over time, it evolved into one of the house’s most enduring visual signatures. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/1735298953221-headermbmobilecameliajpg_1920x1080.webp) Unlike the famous interlocking double-C logo, the camellia rarely serves as overt branding. Instead, it functions as a subtle reference appreciated by those familiar with the maison’s history. ## **Christian Louboutin Red: One Brushstroke Changed Fashion** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Christian-Louboutin-featured.webp) In 1992, while reviewing a prototype shoe, Louboutin felt something was missing. Nearby, an assistant happened to be painting her fingernails bright red. He borrowed the bottle and painted the shoe’s sole. The vivid underside transformed the pump into something unmistakable. A fleeting glimpse of the sole identified the wearer before the shoe itself came into view. The signature would eventually become the subject of one of fashion’s most closely watched trademark disputes, reinforcing that in luxury, color can become intellectual property. ## **Ferrari Rosso Corsa: Italy’s Racing Red** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Ferrari.webp) Rosso Corsa, or Racing Red, originated in the early twentieth century when international motorsport assigned national racing colors to competing countries. Italy received red, Britain green, Germany white before silver, and France blue. As Ferrari emerged as Italy’s dominant racing manufacturer, Rosso Corsa gradually became inseparable from the marque itself—[even if Enzo Ferrari actually preferred yellow for his cars.](https://robbreport.ph/uncategorized/the-new-redhead-the-ferrari-849-testarossa-reminds-us-that-it-was-always-about-the-engine/ "The New Redhead: The Ferrari 849 Testarossa Reminds Us That It Was Always About the Engine") Although modern Ferraris are available in hundreds of bespoke shades through the Tailor Made program, Rosso Corsa remains the emotional choice for collectors. It recalls Formula One victories, Le Mans triumphs, and generations of Italian engineering excellence. ## **Schiaparelli’s Shocking Pink** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Schiaparellis-Shocking-Pink.webp) Zsa Zsa Gabor in the 1952 film “Moulin Rouge,” costumed by Elsa Schiaparelli in, of course, shocking pink. In 1937, Elsa Schiaparelli introduced Shocking Pink alongside the launch of her fragrance Shocking. Inspired by Surrealism and intended to provoke, the hue stood in direct contrast to the restrained palettes favored by traditional couture houses. The color became the visual expression of her fearless imagination, and continues to define the house even today. ## **Burberry Check: From Coat Lining to Cultural Symbol** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/B86D605C-DC2D-49D1-A0BC-3D921AA15445.webp) An ad campaign by Burberry. Burberry’s signature check first appeared during the 1920s as the lining inside the brand’s gabardine trench coats. The beige background crossed by black, white, and red stripes remained largely hidden, a discreet flourish for those who owned the garment. Eventually, customers wanted the check to become visible. Scarves, [umbrellas](https://robbreport.ph/style/fashion/best-heritage-umbrellas/ "Seven of the Finest Umbrella Makers for When It Pours"), and luggage adopted the motif. By the late twentieth century, the Burberry Check had become one of the world’s most recognizable patterns. Heavy counterfeiting and overexposure temporarily diluted its exclusivity during the early 2000s. Through disciplined creative direction and careful repositioning, Burberry subsequently reasserted the check within a more controlled luxury context. ## **Louis Vuitton Monogram: Designed to Defeat Counterfeiters** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Still_Life_Monogram_Origine_Eben_Noe_side_trunk_and_speedy.webp) In 1896, Georges Vuitton designed the now-famous Monogram Canvas featuring [LV](https://robbreport.ph/tag/louis-vuitton/ "Louis Vuitton") initials, floral motifs, quatrefoils, and geometric flowers. Thought to have been influenced by Japanese decorative motifs popular in Europe at the time, and Victorian ornamentation, the pattern sought to distinguish Louis Vuitton luggage from imitators. More than a century later, [the monogram](https://robbreport.ph/style/fashion/the-monogram-at-130-how-louis-vuitton-turned-travel-into-a-luxury-signature/ "The Monogram at 130: How Louis Vuitton Turned Travel Into a Luxury Signature") remains among the world’s most recognizable luxury signatures. Its versatility has allowed it to move effortlessly from trunks to handbags, sneakers, fragrances, furniture, and collaborations with artists like Stephen Sprouse and Yayoi Kusama. ## **Dior Cannage: Inspired by a Chair** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Dior-Cannage.webp) When Christian Dior presented his first couture collection in 1947, guests sat on elegant Napoleon III chairs woven in a distinctive cane pattern. The pattern became especially famous through the [Lady Dior](https://robbreport.ph/style/geometry-myth-and-the-handbag-as-art-with-lady-dior/ "Geometry, Myth, and the Handbag as Art with Lady Dior") after 1995. [Cannage quilting](https://robbreport.ph/style/muse/it-may-be-raining-but-at-least-theres-dior-paradise/ "It May Be Raining, but at Least There’s Dior Paradise") appears most famously on the aforementioned handbag, where meticulous stitching gives the leather its distinctive architectural surface. Over decades, these colors and patterns have become shorthand for entire histories. In a crowded marketplace where logos compete for attention, the greatest luxury houses discovered the power of instant recognition without words. ## FAQs ### What is a luxury house code? A luxury house code is a recurring color, pattern, shape, material or motif associated with a particular maison. It communicates the brand’s identity even when its name or logo is absent. ### Why is Hermès associated with orange? According to a widely repeated account, material shortages during the Second World War led Hermès to use available orange packaging boxes. The maison retained the color, and decades of consistent use made it part of the Hermès identity. ### When did Tiffany Blue become associated with Tiffany & Co.? The robin’s-egg blue appeared on the cover of Tiffany & Co.’s first *Blue Book* in 1845. It subsequently became one of the world’s most recognizable brand colors. ### Why is the panther a Cartier symbol? Cartier first used a spotted panther pattern on a wristwatch in 1914. Jeanne Toussaint later developed the animal into a sculptural jewelry motif that became one of the maison’s defining signatures. ### Why was the Louis Vuitton Monogram created? Georges Vuitton introduced the Monogram Canvas in 1896 partly to distinguish the maison’s luggage from imitations. Its initials, flowers and quatrefoils have since appeared across fashion, accessories, furniture and artistic collaborations. **Categories:** Style, The Story Of **Tags:** burberry, cartier, Chanel, Christian Louboutin, Ferrari, hermes, Lady Dior, logos, Louis Vuitton, luxury logos, Panther, Schiaparelli, signature, tiffany & co. --- ### [BMW’s Art Cars Exhibition in Photos](https://robbreport.ph/cars/bmws-art-cars-exhibition-in-photos/) **Published:** August 12, 2026 **Author:** Nicole Hoey **Content:** The exhibition will show off creations from top artists such as Jeff Koons, Andy Warhol, and more. [Click here to read the full story.](https://robbreport.ph/cars/bmw-is-showing-off-its-striking-art-cars-in-munich-this-month/) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/bmw-art-cars-olafur-eliasson.webp) *Studio Olafur Eliasson and BMW* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/bmw-art-cars-andy-warhol.webp) *Andy Warhol’s Art Car.* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/bmw-art-cars-matazo-kayama.webp) Matazo Kayama’s 1990 BMW 535i. *Enes Kucevic* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/bmw-art-cars-cao-fei-studio.webp) Cao Fei’s 2017 BMW M6 GT3. *Cao Fei Studio and BMW* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/bmw-art-cars-john-baldessari.webp) John Baldessari’s 2016 BMW M6 GTLM. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/bmw-art-cars-robert-rauschenberg.webp) Robert Rauschenberg’s 1986 BMW 635 CSi. *Enes Kucevic* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/bmw-art-cars-julie-mehrteu.webp) Julie Mehretu’s 2024 BMW M Hybrid V8. *BMW* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/bmw-art-cars-frank-stella.webp) Frank Stella’s 1976 BMW 3.0 CSL. *BMW* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/bmw-art-cars-jenny-holzer.webp) Jenny Holzer’s 1999 BMW V12 LMR. *Enes Kucevic* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/bmw-art-cars-ernst-fuchs.webp) Ernst Fuchs’s 1982 BMW 635 CSi. *Enes Kucevic* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/bmw-art-cars-cesar-manrique.webp) César Manrique’s 1990 BMW 730i. *BMW* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/bmw-art-cars-sandro-chia.webp) Sandro Chia’s 1992 BMW 3-Series Racing Prototype. *BMW* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/bmw-art-cars-alexander-calder.webp) Alexander Calder’s BMW 3.0 CSL. *BMW* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/bmw-art-cars-ken-done.webp) Ken Done’s 1989 BMW M3 Group A Race Version. *BMW* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/bmw-art-cars-michael-nelson-jagamara.webp) Michael Jagamara Nelson’s 1989 BMW M3 Group A Race Version. *Enes Kucevic* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/bmw-art-cars-jeff-koons.webp) Jeff Koons’s 2010 BMW M3 GT2. *Enes Kucevic* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/bmw-art-cars-ar-penck.webp) A.R. Penck’s 1991 BMW Z1. *Enes Kucevic* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/bmw-art-cars-roy-litchenstein.webp) Roy Litchenstein’s BMW 320i Group 5 racing car. *Enes Kucevic* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/bmw-art-cars-david-hockney.webp) David Hockney’s 1995 BMW 850 CSi. *Enes Kucevic* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/bmw-art-cars-esther-mahlangu.webp) David Hockney’s 1995 BMW 850 CSi. *BMW* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** bmw, BMW Art Cars, Feature, Munich --- ### [The Secret Watch: 9 Extraordinary Watches That Conceal Their Dials](https://robbreport.ph/watches/best-secret-watches-hidden-dials/) **Published:** August 12, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** Originating in the early 20th century, secret [watches](https://robbreport.ph/watches/ "Watches") allowed timepieces to pass as bracelets at a time when checking the hour openly could be considered impolite; in some circles, a watch on women’s wrists at a formal dinner is still considered a faux pas. But these timepieces will surely get away with it: Hidden beneath diamond-set flowers, sculpted animals (like some antique and vintage pieces in the Panthère de Cartier collection), ancient coins, and ingenious jeweled covers are dials revealing the time with the flip of a nearly invisible hinge, button, or sliding mechanism, even if the watch itself is anything but. Hermès, [Cartier](https://robbreport.ph/watches/horology-in-haute-joaillerie-exploring-cartiers-evening-watch-collection/ "Horology in Haute Joaillerie: Exploring Cartier’s Evening Watch Collection"), Bulgari, Van Cleef & Arpels and other leading maisons continue the tradition through [high-jewelry](https://robbreport.ph/tag/high-jewelry/ "high jewelry") craftsmanship, exceptional gemstones, and compact movements. Here are nine extraordinary secret watches available today, or presented through private inquiry. ### 1. Hermès Médor Joaillerie ![Hermes secret watch](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Hermes-secret-watch-2240x1260.webp) *Hermès* A pyramidal stud inspired by [Hermès](https://robbreport.ph/tag/hermes-2/ "Hermès")’s Collier de Chien conceals the dial, which is revealed by pressing a button on the crown. The current 15 mm rose-gold model (priced at $53,300 or approximately Php3,267,000) is set with 32 diamonds and fitted with a golden opaline guilloché dial. [*More information here.*](https://www.hermes.com/us/en/product/medor-joaillerie-watch-mini-model-15mm-W059255WW00/) ### 2. Cartier Haute Joaillerie Secret Watch ![Cartier secret watch](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Cartier-secret-watch-2240x1260.webp) *Cartier* [Cartier turns timekeeping](https://robbreport.ph/watches/horology-in-haute-joaillerie-exploring-cartiers-evening-watch-collection/ "Horology in Haute Joaillerie: Exploring Cartier’s Evening Watch Collection") into a private detail beneath an architectural diamond-set cabochon-cut sapphire (a little over 25 carats) cover. Reference HPI00948 incorporates 28 baguette-cut diamonds totaling 1.49 carats and 768 brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 14.71 carats. Price upon request. [*More information here.*](https://www.cartier.com/en-sa/watches/choose-your-watch/by-material/diamond-watches/high-jewelry-secret-watch-CRHPI00948.html) ### 3. Bulgari Serpenti Misteriosi Cleopatra ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Bulgari-Serpenti-Misteriosi-Cleopatra.webp) *Bulgari* A faceted rubellite weighing more than five carats covers the diamond-set dial. Powered by [Bulgari](https://robbreport.ph/tag/bulgari/ "bulgari")’s diminutive Piccolissimo mechanical movement, the unique creation won the Jewellery Watch Prize at the 2023 [Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève](https://robbreport.ph/watches/what-else-we-do-at-the-dhorlogerie-de-geneve-academy/ "What Else We Do at the d’Horlogerie de Genève Academy"). Designed as a manchette, a piece of jewelry ubiquitous around the wrists of kings and queens in antiquity (including Cleopatra, hence the name), it was listed for CHF938,000 or Php71,000,000 back in 2023. Need it? You’ll have to ask Bulgari. [*More information here.*](https://www.bulgari.com/en-bg/grand-prix-horlogerie-geneve-2023.html) ### 4. Bulgari Monete Catene High Jewellery Secret Watch ![Bulgari Monete](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/46b9dd2b0ba8_f438d0caba_1492170_v1_zout.webp) *Bulgari* Probably more accessible than the Serpenti Misteriosi Cleopatra (just a *little* bit) is the Monete watch, in which an authentic, ancient Roman silver coin bearing the effigy of Emperor Caracalla (198–217 AD) or dual coins of Septimius Severus and Julia Domna (193–211 AD) forms the hinged cover over the dial. The current Monete Catene is powered by Bulgari’s manually wound Piccolissimo micro-movement and is offered in rose gold and yellow gold interpretations. Price upon request. [*More information here.*](https://www.bulgari.com/en-ca/watches/others/monete-watch-yellow-gold-yellow-diamonds-103979) ### 5. Van Cleef & Arpels Ludo Secret Watch ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Van-Cleef-and-Arpels-Ludo-Secret-watch-scaled-e1786440047599-2240x2240.webp) *Van Cleef & Arpels* The flexible, brick-pattern Van Cleef & Arpels Ludo bracelet conceals a guilloché mother-of-pearl dial beneath its central jeweled motif. The maison currently presents several interpretations incorporating diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds. Price upon request and customization. [*More information here.*](https://www.vancleefarpels.com/en/events/ludo-secret-watches-and-pompon-long-necklaces.html) ### 6. Chanel Nœud de Camélia Secret Cuff ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Chanel-Noeud-de-Camelia-Secret-Cuff-2240x1260.webp) Chanel A hand-set camellia serves as the dial cover, bringing together the couture bow and Gabrielle [Chanel](https://robbreport.ph/tag/chanel/ "Chanel")’s favored flower. The Nœud de Camélia collection includes embroidered, diamond-set cuff and ring interpretations and is scheduled to reach boutiques in November 2026. [*More information here.*](https://www.chanel.com/ee/watches/artistic-craft-watches/) ### 7. Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 101 Secrets ![Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 101 Secrets Secret Watch](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Jaeger-LeCoultre-Calibre-101-Secrets-Secret-Watch-2240x1260.webp) More than 1,000 diamonds totaling over 26 carats, set in platinum, disguise this [Jaeger-LeCoultre](https://robbreport.ph/tag/jaeger-lecoultre/ "jaeger-lecoultre") watch as a rivière bracelet. Pressing an almost invisible diamond-set button reveals its mother-of-pearl dial and the manually wound Calibre 101 within. Price upon request. *[More information here.](https://www.jaeger-lecoultre.com/us-en/watches/calibre-101/calibre-101-secrets/calibre-101-secrets-platinum-q2873220)* ### 8. Chopard Ice Cube Secret Watch ![Chopard Secret watch](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Chopard-Secret-watch.webp) *Chopard* [Chopard](https://robbreport.ph/tag/chopard/ "chopard") translates its geometric Ice Cube motif into a rose-gold and diamond unique piece. This watch makes quite an impressive and modern statement. [*More information here.*](https://www.chopard.com/en-hk/watch/104272-5001.html) ### 9. Graff Oval Diamond Secret Watch ![Graff Secret Watch](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Graff-Secret-Watch-2240x1260.webp) *Graff* A prominent oval diamond conceals the dial within a fluid bracelet composed of exceptional oval stones, revealed by a light touch on an emerald-cut diamond. The timepiece reflects [Graff’s](https://robbreport.ph/tag/graff/ "graff") gemstone-led apprsoach, allowing the watch mechanism to disappear into the high-jewelry composition. *[More information here.](https://www.graff.com/eu-en/high-jewellery/unique-timepieces/making-of-a-masterpiece.html)* *Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by market. High-jewelry and unique-piece watches are available through private inquiry online and at selected boutiques.* ## FAQs ### **What is a secret watch?** A secret watch is a timepiece with a dial concealed beneath a decorative cover. The time is revealed through a hinged, sliding, swivelling or button-operated mechanism. ### **Why are they called secret watches?** The name refers to the hidden dial, which allows the watch to appear primarily as a bracelet or piece of high jewelry until its wearer chooses to reveal the time. ### **When did secret watches become popular?** Secret watches became particularly fashionable during the early 20th century, when women’s timepieces were frequently designed as jeweled bracelets for discreet timekeeping. ### **Which luxury brands make secret watches?** Hermès, Cartier, Bulgari, Van Cleef & Arpels, Chanel, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Chopard and Graff are among the maisons producing contemporary secret watches or accepting private inquiries for exceptional pieces. ### **Can secret watches be purchased in boutiques?** Some models are offered through selected boutiques, while high-jewelry and unique pieces generally require a private inquiry. Availability, price and customization options vary by maison and market. **Categories:** Jewelry, Watches **Tags:** bulgari, Chanel, graff, hermes, jaeger-lecoultre, secret watch, Van Cleef & Arpels --- ### [The 10 Best Luxury Hotels in Tokyo](https://robbreport.ph/travel/the-10-best-luxury-hotels-in-tokyo/) **Published:** August 11, 2026 **Author:** Jake Emen **Content:** A record 42.7 million international arrivals descended on [Japan](https://robbreport.ph/tag/japan/ "japan") in 2025, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization—and the bulk of them spend at least part of their time in Tokyo, choosing from the roughly 100,000 hotel rooms available across the city. As you could imagine, based on those numbers alone, the Tokyo hotel landscape is deep and competitive, including at the very top, where elevated hospitality is taken to new (literal) heights in Tokyo’s soaring high-rise towers. Almost every major [luxury hotel ](https://robbreport.ph/travel/hotels/ "Hotels")brand has an outpost in the city, and several have more than one—hello, Four Seasons and Edition. Those that aren’t yet in Tokyo have immediate plans to be, with Waldorf Astoria and Dorchester Collection properties planned for the coming years, joining 2025 debutantes [JW Marriott Tokyo](https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/tyojw-jw-marriott-hotel-tokyo/overview/) and [Fairmont Tokyo](https://www.fairmont.com/en/hotels/tokyo/fairmont-tokyo.html). For those who prefer staying at a hotel that isn’t also found in every other major city, enticing options abound like the [Hoshinoya Tokyo](https://hoshinoresorts.com/en/hotels/hoshinoyatokyo/), a ryokan retreat right within Tokyo’s beating heart, or [Janu Tokyo](https://www.janu.com/janu-tokyo/), the first property from Aman’s new sister brand. For something truly offbeat, check into the [K5](https://k5-tokyo.com/en/), a funky boutique housed within an old bank building from the 1920s featuring 20 one-of-one studios and suites. The choices seem boundless, but when push comes to the shove, these are the 10 best luxury hotels in Tokyo in 2026 (in alphabetical order). ## The Stunner: Aman Tokyo ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Aman-Tokyo-Japan-Spa-Wellness-Pool.webp) *Aman Tokyo* Guests are immediately awed when they enter [Aman Tokyo](https://www.aman.com/hotels/aman-tokyo)’s 33rd-floor lobby, thanks to its enormous 86-foot chamber that feels like a magnificent museum corridor. The 84-room hotel is located in Otemachi Tower and connects straight into the station below, where it also runs its own patisserie and cafe. Pick your jaw up off the floor in the lobby, and perhaps head straight to the two-story spa with a 98-foot infinity pool flanked by day beds. Or retreat to your ryokan-inspired room to collect your thoughts, fitting enough for a meditative and minimalist space filled with natural wood. **Best** **amenity**: Your very own matching pajama set and slippers, not that you’ll need them on the heated floors of your bathroom as you walk up to your stone, onsen-style soaking tub. **Can’t**–**miss** **experience**: At Chef Hiroyuki Musashi’s namesake restaurant, he doesn’t merely prepare an extravagant omakase. He exerts exacting control on the entire restaurant experience by growing his own rice—making not only his sushi, but also the accompanying sake with it—and even crafting his own ceramic plates and cups. *From $1,300 a night.* ## Best Rooftop: Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Andaz-Tokyo-Rooftop-Bar-Window-Seat.webp) *Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills* Located within the Mori Tower of Toranomon Hills, the [Andaz Tokyo](https://www.hyatt.com/andaz/en-US/tyoaz-andaz-tokyo-toranomon-hills) is one of the finest global offerings from the brand. Its 164 rooms are a cross between traditional—walls evocative of Shoji screens and sturdy, natural wood furniture—and contemporary, with green carpeting, red leather chairs, and large circular soaking tubs. Altogether, the rooms are mostly minimalist and unadorned, with floor-to-ceiling windows providing the pizzazz thanks to views of Tokyo Tower. At the hotel’s AO Spa and Club, you can take advantage of a large indoor pool and spa, traditional baths, and fitness center. **Best** **amenity**: Tokyo has to be seen from above to truly appreciate its sprawl, and the hotel’s 52nd-story Rooftop Bar offers an incredible perch to do just that. Hotel guests also get to bypass the line and seating charge. **Can’t**–**miss** **experience**: Towering above the city from the same 52nd-story rooftop, The Sushi has remained under the radar amid Tokyo’s omakase scene. Don’t pass it by: pair your Edomae sushi feast with the house label Andaz 52 sake. *From $669 a night.* ## Swankiest: Bulgari Hotel Tokyo ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/BULGARI-SUITE-Tokyo.webp) *Bvlgari Hotel Tokyo* Italian style and Japanese sensibility harmonize to perfection from within the 98-room [Bulgari Hotel Tokyo](https://www.bulgarihotels.com/en_US/tokyo). The property opened in 2023 and is located within the Tokyo Midtown Yaesu skyscraper, adjacent to Tokyo Station, which you can connect straight into from underground passageways. The Bulgari Tokyo is chic, it’s sexy, and you’ll relish its warm embrace. No detail is overlooked, and some of those finer points—the delicate soap dishes and trays arranged around the bathroom sink and soaking tub, for instance—leave the strongest impression. Grab a cocktail at the whimsical 45th-floor Bulgari Bar, modeled as an Italian garden with two rooftop terraces, and snag a counter seat at Sushi Hōseki, where chef Takuro Shimizu is sure to dazzle. The hotel also has an almost 20,000-square-foot spa, including an 82-foot indoor pool lined with day beds for relaxing, along with a well-equipped, modern fitness center. **Best** **amenity**: The Bulgari Dolci Boutique, because every hotel should have its own gourmet, in-house chocolate and pastry shop. **Can’t**–**miss** **experience**: An indulgent afternoon at the spa, splurging on a hyperbaric oxygen chamber session, or opting for a treatment with Augustinus Bader or Mauli products. *From $1,300 a night.* ## Best Debut: Fairmont Tokyo ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Vue-Mer-lobby-lounge-Fairmont-Tokyo-features-a-sculpture-by-UK-based-Japanese-artist-Mari-Ruth-Oda-and-a-cascading-custom-chandelier-by-BAR-Studio-Photography-by-Peter-Bennetts.webp) The 217-room[ Fairmont Tokyo](https://www.fairmont.com/en/hotels/tokyo/fairmont-tokyo.html) opened its doors in summer 2025, in the waterfront Shibaura neighborhood on the eastern edge of Minato. Oversized art pieces and vibrant greenery fill a towering 30-foot lobby connected to an outdoor terrace. The indoor-outdoor spaces continue at the Fairmont Spa, which has a 65-foot infinity pool, as well as an outdoor deck with a hot tub. Treatments use Mikimoto Cosmetics, with options such as customizing a foot scrub with fresh botanicals. Rooms come stocked with cocktail tools and tea sets, pro-grade clothing steamers and multiple bath salts to choose from. The slippers are real, and they are spectacular. **Best** **amenity**: Off Record, a speakeasy-style listening bar powered by a McIntosh 275 vacuum tube amplifier, with a curated lineup of vinyl and a strong spirits list, ideal for a night cap or two. But tied with that is Serene, the hotel’s black Lab playing the role of welcoming committee and Chief Happiness Officer. **Can’t**–**miss** **experience**: Choose between two six-seat counter options: Totsuji, for teppanyaki, or Migiwa, for sushi omakase. After a memorable meal at either, guests are ushered out into a shared lounge for desert, drinks, and live music. *From $925 a night.* ## Best Bar: Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/four-seasons-tokyo-otemachi-2026.webp) *KENSEET* The 190-room[ Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi](https://www.fourseasons.com/otemachi/) is positioned amid its namesake central business district, close to both the Imperial Palace as well as Tokyo Station. (Otemachi debuted in 2020 as the newer of two FS locations in the city, whereas the[ Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi](https://www.fourseasons.com/tokyo/) reopened in April after a renovation.) Rooms are understated, done in a palette of taupe and grays with thoughtful touches throughout: complimentary signature snack mixes, yuzu bath salt. The 39th-floor lobby is a launchpad to its many dining venues, including the semi-hidden Virtú cocktail bar and lounge, chef Guillaume Bracaval’s Michelin-starred French restaurant est, and Italian joint Pigneto. **Best** **amenity**: The bright, well-equipped fitness center is worthy of a sweat session, and even offers stunning views. The adjacent spa is a lavish standout, along with the indoor pool enclosed in a solarium and accompanying onsen baths and sauna, all making for a ready-made wellness day. **Can’t**–**miss** **experience**: Virtú is considered one of the best cocktail bars in the world, with an impeccable setting, deep Japanese whisky lineup, and standout signature drinks. Its strongest suit is its hospitality, spearheaded by head bartender Keith Motsi and the rest of his team, who ensure you won’t want to surrender your seat once you have it. *From $700 a night.* ## Best Take on Tradition: Hoshinoya Tokyo ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Public-Hot-Spring-4-HOSHINOYA-Tokyo.webp) *Hoshino Resorts* [Hoshinoya Tokyo](https://hoshinoresorts.com/en/hotels/hoshinoyatokyo/) may be in the middle of the Otemachi business district, but it feels a world, and perhaps a century or two, away. Guests take off their shoes on the ground floor to enter this wondrous ryokan, symbolically leaving the frenetic world behind, and in their rooms will find a kimono they’re encouraged to wear around the 84-room property. Guest rooms have traditional tatami mat flooring, and low-slung mattresses on wooden platforms. Their combination of sliding screen shades, and the building’s Edo Komon latticework facade shuts out the modern world even further, while a soak in your black stone tub will cure whatever ails you. Sensational Japanese breakfasts and omakase dinners will keep you well fed, and guests are encouraged to stay within the hotel’s comfortable confines and take advantage of its many daily inclusive activities, such as sake or soba tastings, and live music performances. **Best** **amenity**: Each guest floor has only six rooms, and features its own Ochanoma Lounge, a dedicated tea room and communal space stocked with complimentary snacks and refreshments. **Can’t**–**miss** **experience**: A soak in the top-floor, hot spring onsen, the water drawn from almost 5,000 feet underground, fueling your serenity from amid a deep well with an open-air roof. *From $730 a night.* ## Fittest: Janu Tokyo ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/RR_Worlds_Greatest_Hotels_2024_Janu_Tokyo.webp) *Janu Tokyo* **Award**: Fittest Janu Tokyo opened in spring 2024 in the Azabudai Hills neighborhood, and while it may not be as supremely swanky as auntie Aman Tokyo—a near impossible task, mind you—it’s geared toward a more social crowd with eight dining venues. Rooms have gray stone slab flooring, Shoji screen dividers, and textured stone walls that create a mural-like effect. Its wellness facility is best in class, a four-story compound with more than 40,000 square feet of space. There’s a fitness center that puts many commercial health clubs to shame, an 82-foot pool, onsen baths, golf simulator, boxing ring, private movement and training studios, immersive spa houses, and salon. There is a startling lack of excuses to embrace wellness during a stay, in other words. **Best** **amenity**: The overwhelming majority (90 percent) of guestrooms at Janu have balconies, practically unheard of amid the city’s high-end hotels. Step out for the standout feature. **Can’t**–**miss** **experience**: A sumibiyaki, or charcoal-fired cooking, meal at Sumi. Technically in the adjacent mall—a staffer will help you find it, fear not—the restaurant has a 13-seat counter positioned around the grill’s hub of activity, serving an omakase menu with about a dozen dishes. *From $870 a night.* ## A Culinary Tour de Force: Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Mandarin-Oriental-Tokyo_Sense_daytime_01_l.webp) *Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo* When the [Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo](https://www.mandarinoriental.com/en/tokyo/nihonbashi) opened in Nihonbashi in 2005, it was designed to be in tune with nature: the tower is meant to evoke a large, all-encompassing tree, and the corridors its branches. There are 179 rooms with features such as marble bathtubs, chaise loungers, and hanging Oriental-style lamps, along with a full fleet of a dozen food and beverage outlets. The Pizza Bar on 38th from Chef Daniele Cason makes routine appearances on global best pizza lists, Sushi Shin by Miyakawa is an outpost of a three-Michelin-star establishment in Hokkaido, and Sense offers classic Cantonese fare with a number of multi-course set menus to choose from. **Best** **amenity**: You’ll want to find a fitting occasion to host a private lunch or dinner in The Cellar, a hidden dining room accessed by a secret spiral staircase, with a table for 10 set amid a collection of prestige wines. **Can’t**–**miss** **experience**: Sidle up to the Mandarin Bar where you can sample exclusive house pours of whisky, seasonal cocktails, and drinks made from Japanese ingredients, ranging from dashi to sansho pepper, wagashi sweets to gyukoro tea. *From $640 a night.* ## Best Comeback: Park Hyatt Tokyo ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/New-York-Bar.webp) *Park Hyatt Tokyo* The [Park Hyatt Tokyo](https://www.hyatt.com/park-hyatt/en-US/tyoph-park-hyatt-tokyo) reopened in December 2025 following a 19-month renovation, with the aim of restoring the luster of an icon that first opened 30 years prior. The hotel is housed within Shinjuku Park Tower, designed by Pritzker Prize–winning architect Kenzo Tange. Its 171 rooms and suites have been redesigned by Studio Jouin Manku, with fresh artwork, custom furniture, and improved layouts, including larger bathroom wet-rooms, though the Tokyo Suite has retained its former charms in tribute to original designer John Morford. The 22,600-square-foot Club on the Park incorporates an indoor pool atrium, sauna and steam experiences, seven treatment rooms, and a fitness center. **Best** **amenity**: Scope out the scene at the new Girandole by Alain Ducasse, a French brasserie lined with red velvet banquettes, its walls featuring a mega collage of 144 black and white photographs by Vera Mercer showcasing European joie de vivre. **Can’t**–**miss** **experience**: An evening spent at the New York Bar, because of course it is! Hotel guests get to skip the queue/cover charge and jump straight into their *Lost In Translation* fantasies. Enoy an incredible selection of Japanese whisky and soak up the staggering city views. *From $833 a night.* ## Best Old-School Elegance: The Peninsula Tokyo ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Peter-Main-Dining_The-Peninsula-Tokyo.webp) *The Peninsula Tokyo* Sandwiched between the tranquil Hibiya Park and Imperial Palace gardens on one side, and the glitz of Ginza on the other,[ The Peninsula Tokyo](https://www.peninsula.com/en/tokyo/5-star-luxury-hotel-ginza) offers the best of both worlds for its guests. The hotel debuted in 2007 as the eighth in The Peninsula portfolio, and features 314 rooms including 47 suites. Rooms are refined and opulent, with deep crimson, dark brown, and gold playing against floral motifs, wooden slat accents, and cream wallpaper. Restaurants specialize in everything from teppanyaki to Cantonese cuisine. Stop into Peter: The Bar, adjacent to the French restaurant Peter, for a private label whisky or creative craft cocktail, and then balance it out with a visit to the multi-story wellness center, including the spa, fitness center, indoor pool, and a full thermal suite. **Best** **amenity**: Suites here are equipped with amenities you didn’t even know you were missing, but now will always crave. A portable Wi-Fi device to take with you around town? Check. Digital displays of weather conditions including temperature, humidity, and wind? Triple check. A bathroom spa button that dims the lights, turns on “do not disturb,” and puts on soothing jazz music all at once? You betcha. **Can’t**–**miss** **experience**: Afternoon tea in its immaculate lobby lounge, where live musicians perform from an elevated nook above the well-dressed revelers taking part in an elegant tradition. *From $536 a night.* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* ## FAQs ### What are the best luxury hotels in Tokyo in 2026? Top luxury hotels in Tokyo include Aman Tokyo, Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills, Bulgari Hotel Tokyo, Fairmont Tokyo, Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi, Hoshinoya Tokyo, Janu Tokyo, Mandarin Oriental Tokyo, Park Hyatt Tokyo, and The Peninsula Tokyo. ### What is the best luxury hotel in Tokyo for a traditional Japanese experience? Hoshinoya Tokyo offers a modern take on the ryokan experience, with tatami-floored rooms, kimonos for guests, floor-specific tea lounges, and a top-floor onsen fed by hot-spring water drawn from nearly 5,000 feet underground. ### Which Tokyo luxury hotel has the best wellness facilities? Janu Tokyo is a standout for wellness, with a four-story, 40,000-plus-square-foot facility featuring an 82-foot pool, onsen baths, a boxing ring, golf simulator, training studios, spa houses, and a fitness center. ### Which luxury hotel in Tokyo is best for food and drinks? Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo is particularly strong for dining, with 12 food and beverage venues including The Pizza Bar on 38th, Sushi Shin by Miyakawa, Sense, and the Mandarin Bar. ### Which famous Tokyo hotel recently reopened? Park Hyatt Tokyo reopened in December 2025 after a 19-month renovation. The Shinjuku landmark refreshed its 171 rooms and suites while retaining signature experiences such as the New York Bar, known for its city views and *Lost in Translation* connection. **Categories:** Travel **Tags:** Best of, Evergreen, Feature, hotels, How Wealth Moves, japan, tokyo --- ### [7 Exhibitions to See This August](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-collectibles/7-exhibitions-to-see-this-august/) **Published:** August 10, 2026 **Author:** Jodie Jose **Content:** The recent downpours don’t seem to dampen the energy reverberating throughout the [galleries](https://robbreport.ph/tag/galleries/ "Galleries") in Metro Manila. Breathing with compelling shows that are sure to arrest enthusiasts and collectors, this season showcases artists materializing their individual meditations on the self, subjectivity, and society through dynamic and inventive forms. From maximalist prints on textile to sonic immersions reflecting dystopian dispositions, the works demonstrate how art is a multimodal conduit that can contain and embody the material of our subconscious, here to remind us that while our days are anchored with routines, there still exists an intangible floating parcel of our humanity that transcends the material. ## ***Mirrors, Merging*: Catalina Africa at Silverlens Galleries** (Manila) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/CA_ShowInvite-1.webp) Catalina Africa’s approach to painting is that of a priestess herding and sailing through the labyrinthine interiority of the self. Envisioning the process unfurling, Africa portrays the separation like water steered by contours distinct to the husk–our bodies–that houses it. As one views her works, they may find themselves arrested by the artist’s affinity for imagery alluding to the natural. *The exhibition runs through to August 25,2026. For more information, please visit the [Silverlens](https://robbreport.ph/tag/silverlens/ "silverlens") [website](https://www.silverlensgalleries.com).* ## ***Small Vast Things***: Ayka Go at Silverlens Manila ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/AYKAGO_ShowInvite_1.webp) [Ayka Go ](https://robbreport.ph/tag/ayka-go/ "Ayka Go")shows how quietude and witnessing cycles of life and decay up close can inspire an artist to depart from her usual style. Artists who have reached the stature of Ayka Go are not always willing to try something new, distinct from their visual language, and even more so when they have garnered a loyal patronage through it. In this show, Go resists this stagnation by also allowing her own practice to go through its own fluctuations, its own cycles of rebirth. *The exhibition runs through to August 25,2026. For more information, please visit their [website](https://www.silverlensgalleries.com)*. ## ***TBD***: Miguel Uy at West Gallery ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/West-Gallery-TBD.webp) An artist of transmission on multiple definitions, Miguel Uy operates like a world builder as he utilizes a slew of mediums in his studies of parallelism between theology and the history of human civilization. In this show at [West Gallery](https://robbreport.ph/tag/west-gallery/ "West Gallery"), the artist makes use of sound as the main driver that anchors the various ways symbols have bounced between the vile and the sacred, atomic bombs and the church. *The exhibition runs through to August 29,2026. For more information, please visit their [website](https://westgallery.ph/).* ## ***Open House: Kaleidoscope***: Various Artists at Modeka Gallery ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Modeka-Open-House.webp) Art is a testament of subjectivity manifested in unique visuals. With this rationale, Modeka Gallery gathers artists from the local scene who are at different points in their careers. What unifies them is not necessarily made apparent in their distinct styles, but in that which is also shared by every person–emotions, cycles, the mundane. In brief, the broadness and richness of life. *The exhibition runs through to August 29. For more information, please visit their [Instagram profile](https://www.instagram.com/modeka.art/).* ## ***The Fabric of Being***: Mimi Tecson & Wesley Valenzuela at West Gallery ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/West-Gallery-The-Fabric-of-Being.webp) Mimi Tecson and Wesley Valenzuela offer an intriguing display in the mingling of their textile works as they probe the value of subjectivity in art and choice of material for the show. Tugging on different chords in our systems, the two artists display polarizing aesthetics and techniques in their works: Tecson applying tender embroidery in her narrative-strewn pictures, while Valenzuela brings fiery maximalist visuals. *The exhibition runs through to August 29,2026. For more information, please visit their [website](https://westgallery.ph/).* ## ***What We Hold Sacred***: Pope Bacay at Artinformal Gallery ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/ArtInformal-What-We-Hold-Sacred.webp) Pope Bacay studies the currency of attention, which has evolved to reverence. He draws the viewers’ attention to ordinary places—an electric post, a water tank, the corner of a pool—by creating scenes inside metal boxes. The artist asks, if such ordinariness were given the same reverence as that of a monument, how could views of the sacred shift? *The exhibition runs through August 29, 2026. For more information, please visit their [website](https://artinformal.com/).* ## ***Tempest Palimpsest***: Jonathan Olazo at Blanc Gallery ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Blanc-Tempest-Palimpsest.webp) A question often asked of abstract artists is, How do you know when a painting is finished? Jonathan Olazo writes that this query has inspired a parallelism between his practice and the medieval material that is the palimpsest—a page of parchment or vellum scraped and reused to write so that its previous lives make themselves evident in the present form. This prompt also operates as a nod to his own style and practice, charged with history and theory through generations of artists and writers before him. *The exhibition runs through August 29, 2026 at Blanc, 145 Katipunan Ave, Quezon City, Metro Manila. For more information, please visit their [website](https://blanc.ph/).* **Categories:** Art & Collectibles --- ### [How Francis Nicdao Designs Luxury Interiors That Endure](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/design/how-francis-nicdao-designs-enduring-luxury-interiors/) **Published:** August 10, 2026 **Author:** Alicia Colby-Sy **Content:** Francis Nicdao has spent nearly two decades shaping some of the world’s most refined private [residences](https://robbreport.ph/tag/private-residences/ "private residences"). His [design](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/design/ "Design") process, however, begins with people. “The foundation of any great project is a deep understanding of the client, from their lifestyle and values to the way they want to live,” he says. “Everything flows from that.” It is a philosophy that has guided his work at award-winning [Pembrooke & Ives](https://www.pembrookeandives.com/), the New York-based design firm known for its sophisticated, highly tailored approach to luxury interiors. Nicdao now serves as the firm’s principal and chief creative officer. ## Craftsmanship Rooted in Pampanga Originally from Pampanga and now based in [New York](https://robbreport.ph/tag/new-york/ "new york"), Nicdao credits much of his design sensibility to his upbringing in the Philippines. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/000_N119.webp) Francis Nicdao. *Courtesy of Pembrooke & Ives/Francis Nicdao* Growing up in a province long associated with handcrafted furniture and artisanal traditions, he developed an early appreciation for craftsmanship and materiality. That awareness was shaped further by witnessing local communities rebuild after the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the early 1990s. “That appreciation for craftsmanship, materiality, and the human hands behind beautiful objects has stayed with me throughout my career,” he says. “It continues to influence the way I approach every project, with a strong belief in the value of the handmade and that the most enduring [interiors](https://robbreport.ph/tag/interior-design/ "interior design") are the ones with a genuine soul.” Nicdao’s formal path into design began at Pratt Institute, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. He continued his studies through an architectural program at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen. His first role after graduation was at D’Aquino Monaco, where he worked on private residences, spas and retail concepts. His design perspective would develop fully at Pembrooke & Ives, where he has now worked for more than a decade. ## Interiors Made for Living Today, the firm’s portfolio encompasses homes in New York, Palm Beach, Aspen, London and other international locations. Each project balances architectural precision with warmth and livability. Nicdao describes the studio’s work through a set of enduring principles: “curation, timelessness, light, and scale.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/00535_N34.webp) *Courtesy of Pembrooke & Ives/Francis Nicdao* The results are interiors that feel composed without appearing excessively decorated. They favour longevity over passing trends and place the rhythms of everyday life at the centre of the design. This approach requires the designer to understand more than a client’s visual preferences. Family dynamics, routines, interests and the practical use of each room all contribute to the finished home. A successful interior must express its occupants while continuing to serve them over time. ## A Practice Built on Trust That sense of permanence extends beyond aesthetics and into the relationships behind the work. Some of Nicdao’s most meaningful projects have been completed for legacy clients who have worked with the firm for more than a decade, often across multiple homes and countries. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/00535_N32-2.webp) *Courtesy of Pembrooke & Ives/Francis Nicdao* “These relationships are among the most special to me, because they are built on an established sense of mutual trust,” he says. “There is a beautiful creative tension in working with someone who knows you well and has a familiarity with the process, but the freshness of each new place and context always pushes you to explore ideas in new ways.” This balance between familiarity and discovery defines much of Nicdao’s work. Even within the rarefied world of high-end residential design, his approach remains notably restrained. The firm’s command of proportion and material allows it to move confidently between contemporary and classical interiors. ## Between Contemporary and Classical ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/00418_N118-2.webp) *Courtesy of Pembrooke & Ives/Francis Nicdao* Among the accolades most meaningful to Nicdao is the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art’s Award for Excellence in Classical and New Traditional Design, which recognised the renovation of a historic Palm Beach residence. “While much of our work is often viewed as contemporary, it was incredibly rewarding to be recognized by an institution so deeply rooted in classical design,” he says. “To me, it reflected the importance of proportion, research, and timelessness, principles that are fundamental to our work regardless of style.” The recognition affirmed that the principles underpinning the firm’s contemporary projects also apply to its classical work. Style may change according to the architecture, location and client, but proportion, research and an understanding of precedent remain essential. ## Discovery as Part of the Work For Nicdao, much of the creative process lies in discovery itself. “Traveling the world in search of inspiration, ideas, extraordinary artisans, and resources that we can bring back to our clients is one of the most exciting parts of what I do,” he says. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/00661_N148-2.webp) *Courtesy of Pembrooke & Ives/Francis Nicdao* These encounters introduce new materials, techniques and objects into the studio’s vocabulary. They also extend the appreciation for craftsmanship that began during Nicdao’s childhood in Pampanga: an understanding that a beautiful object carries the knowledge and touch of the person who made it. ## Bringing the Work Home Nicdao’s projects currently span the United States and other international markets, but he hopes the Philippines will eventually become part of that story. “The Philippines holds deep personal significance for me,” he says. “Being able to bring our work there one day would feel very special.” *This article originally appeared in Robb Report Philippines’ [Design Issue, June 2026.](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-june-2026-the-design-issue/)* ## FAQs ### Who is Francis Nicdao? Francis Nicdao is a Filipino interior designer based in New York. He serves as principal and chief creative officer of Pembrooke & Ives, where he directs the creative development of luxury residential and design projects. ### Where is Francis Nicdao from? Nicdao is originally from Pampanga, a Philippine province known for furniture making and artisanal craftsmanship. He credits this environment with shaping his appreciation for materials and handmade objects. ### Where did Francis Nicdao study design? He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Pratt Institute and later completed an architectural program at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen. ### What is Francis Nicdao’s design philosophy? Nicdao begins by understanding a client’s lifestyle, values and everyday routines. His interiors are guided by craftsmanship, timelessness, light, scale and long-term livability. ### What is Pembrooke & Ives known for? Pembrooke & Ives is a New York-based design firm known for highly tailored luxury interiors. Its portfolio includes private residences and other projects in New York, Palm Beach, Aspen, London and additional international locations. **Categories:** Design, Home & Design **Tags:** Francis Nicdao, interior design, Pembrooke & Ives --- ### [Vacheron Constantin vs. Patek Philippe vs. Audemars Piguet: Which Brand Dominates the Holy Trinity Today?](https://robbreport.ph/watches/vacheron-constantin-vs-patek-philippe-vs-audemars-piguet-which-brand-dominates-the-holy-trinity-today/) **Published:** August 10, 2026 **Author:** Allen Farmelo **Content:** You may have heard of the Holy Trinity of watchmaking. This idea has been around as long as I can remember (I’m not young), and the Holy Trinity has always included [Vacheron Constantin](https://robbreport.ph/tag/vacheron-constantin/ "Vacheron Constantin"), [Audemars Piguet](https://robbreport.ph/tag/audemars-piguet/), and [Patek Philippe](https://robbreport.ph/tag/patek-philippe/). The religious nature of the analogy is apt, given the elevated status of these three brands among Switzerland’s watch houses. However, the meaning of the Holy Trinity seems to have shifted in recent years, from the best *watchmakers* to the best *brands*. There’s a lot to unpack when considering that shift. Back in the day (let’s say up through the 1990s and into the 2000s) the Holy Trinity was a delineation of the three very best Swiss mechanical watchmakers, each of which had built its reputation by creating the most incredible timepieces of the golden era of Swiss watchmaking (roughly the 1940s and ’50s). These three houses carried historical prestige they’d built up decade after decade from consistently delivering innovation and excellence in the horological arts. The differences between the watches were not as evident back then. One could be forgiven for mistaking an Audemars Piguet for a Patek Philippe or a Vacheron Constantin when seen from across the table. Logos were smaller, sometimes minuscule, as were the watches themselves when compared to today’s models. Broadcasting the brand was not, it seems, all that important, while making the most precise and sophisticated watches on the planet surely was. Clients were mostly just private people (barring Duke Ellington, perhaps), not human endorsements for the brand destined to show up in horological tabloids. The focus was on quality and complexity and craft, with the brand a secondary concern. It’s a quaint notion today. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/VC10.webp) Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 *Vacheron Constantin* ## When Style Began to Supersede Substance The 1970s saw the introduction of the steel integrated-bracelet watch: first the [Gerald Genta](https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gerald-genta-2864111/)-designed [Royal Oak](https://robbreport.ph/the-story-of/how-the-royal-oak-became-audemars-piguets-hottest-watch/ "How the Royal Oak Became Audemars Piguet’s Hottest Watch") from Audemars Piguet in 1972; then the Genta-designed [Patek Philippe Nautilus](https://robbreport.ph/the-story-of/patek-philippe-nautilus-exhibition-museum-geneva/ "At the Patek Philippe Museum, the Nautilus Gets the Retrospective It Deserves") hit the market to in 1976; and finally, the Jorg Hysek-designed Vacheron Constantin 222 followed in 1977. It may be easy to write off Patek Philippe’s and Vacheron’s offerings as copies of the [Royal Oak](https://robbreport.ph/tag/royal-oak/ "royal oak"), but that ignores that these three houses had chased each other’s work for ages. Of course they would compete, always and in every way. If Audemars Piguet was trying to break into disco style, then so would Patek Philippe and, though perhaps more reluctantly and certainly more slowly, the stately Vacheron Constantin. Perhaps the writing was on the wall in the 1970s, because all three of the integrated-bracelet watches—again, the Royal Oak, the [Nautilus](http://Nautilus) and the 222—used the same base movement, the ultra-thin Jaeger-LeCoultre caliber 920, still the world’s thinnest auto-winding movement with a full-sized peripheral rotor. Though it was modified and decorated a little differently for each brand, it was as if when introducing their integrated-bracelet watches that Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin kind of threw in the towel on the fight for mechanical supremacy and instead went to battle over style. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Royal-Oak-Header.webp) The Royal Oak by Audemars Piguet *Audemars Piguet* ## When the Holy Trinity Watchmakers Became Brands It seems now that this shift of the 1970s from mechanical to stylistic dominance has had a lasting impact on the legacies of these three brands. As communications technology sped from snail mail to today’s AI-assisted global insta-messaging—and as branding became something every 11-year-old is self-consciously doing for themselves—the focus has moved from what these companies are capable of to *what their brands say* in the marketplace of social capital. Despite its decline since pandemic collectors and crypto-bros bailed out, integrated-bracelet watches remain among the most sought after timepieces. Try to buy one from Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe or Vacheron Constantin, and, unless you’ve got an in, you’ll be told to wait indefinitely. It’s ironic, given that these watches didn’t sell very well when they were released in the 1970s; the first batch of Royal Oaks apparently took well over a year to sell through, and given the small production numbers on the initial runs of all three models we can assume demand was not screaming. (It’s said that fewer than 500 222s were produces in steel and far fewer in precious metals). Today, however, these integrated-bracelet watches are, as the passé phrase goes, “total unobtanium.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Patek-Nautilus-Header.webp) The Patek Philippe Nautilus *The Keystone, Patek Philippe, Tropical Watch* As each of these three brands situates itself within the current marketplace, it’s the steel integrated-bracelet models that act as flagship products. We might love the shapely Patek Philippe Ellipse or the stately Calatrava, but it is the Nautilus that remains the watch everyone talks about and bids up at auction. One might wonder if Audemars Piguet makes anything other than the Royal Oak, and when the brand did launch a new line with the Code 11.59 the reaction was pretty negative. Vacheron Constantin makes some of the most beautiful dress watches in the industry, and the Overseas (a descendant of the 222) has become the closest to a hit watch Vacheron has ever had—and yet, the Overseas is *not* the 1970s model, but dates to just 1996. As these trendy watches popped to the forefront of the collective horological consciousness around 2017 or so, it was impossible not to notice that the focus of the Holy Trinity had shifted away from watchmaking *per se* toward *style* and its conjoined sibling *brand*. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Patek-Philippe-1518-Header.webp) Patek Philippe Reference 1518 *Phillips* Think back to the 1940s when Patek Philippe was churning out maybe 10 of its remarkable reference 1518 perpetual calendar chronograph each year, this the flagship model that showed the grand accomplishments of Patek’s watchmaking while branding remained discrete: a small logo adorned a small dial in a small watch that looked like pretty much every other chronograph on the market at the time. We could call that unoriginality, but that’s only if we’re talking about style and not substance. Getting a precision chronograph and a perpetual calendar into a small case was incredibly original, not to mention incredibly difficult, even if the watch itself didn’t scream “I’m a hard-to-get Patek Philippe.” Of course, from a mechanical perspective, all three of the Holy Trinity companies make incredible and complex timepieces today. It’s not so much that these brands have somehow sold their mechanical souls in exchange for brand equity, but rather that these companies are—like all fashion and accessory companies (and all of us individuals, come to think of it)—caught up in a marketplace where building a brand competes with, and too often supersedes, substantive creation. ## Which Brand Is at the Top of the Holy Trinity Today? The thing about a holy trinity is that there is always someone on top playing god to the son and holy ghost, if you will. And while Patek Philippe may have held that spot during the 1940s and 1950s for its innovation and prolificness, and Audemars Piguet may have taken the top seat now and again via relentless sheen alone, it has long been Vacheron Constantin that has remained not only the oldest of the three (not to mention the oldest continually running watchmaker in the world), but also the more stately and understated of the three brands. Vacheron Constantin has been (I think wisely) slow to embrace celebrity endorsements, to push flashiness over classiness, to make headlines with shocking designs or rude comments about clients. Vacheron has always been more stately, more reserved, and in a way more true to its history than Patek and Audemars Piguet have been. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/VC1_d82814.webp) Vacheron Constantin 222 in Steel *Vacheron Constantin* And so, from a branding perspective, it might be easy to say that Vacheron Constantin remains the holy ghost, the wispy and elusive entity that horological mystics ponder off to the side while the choir sings in the auction hall of the Nautilus and the Royal Oak. And it would be easy to put Audemars Piguet on top of the Holy Trinity today, the lord of watch branding, the conqueror of the American imagination (a mark of greatness for any European enterprise) and of global tastes. Patek Philippe certainly vies for the god-spot, sometimes slots in there when Audemars Piguet isn’t making headlines, especially when Patek’s watches from the ’40s and ’50s break auction records, affirming its prowess, however datedly. Despite all that, I suggest that Vacheron Constantin may be playing a very long, slow, and laboriously steady game of taking the top spot in the Holy Trinity. I don’t mean that Vacheron Constantin has somehow bowed out of the branding olympics to start a new league based on mechanical superiority (though it probably could do that), but that Vacheron Constantin seems to be executing one of the most clever long-games of modern watch branding, this epitomized by the release of the 222, first in solid yellow gold in 2022 and just this week with the steel version with a blue dial. ## How the Vacheron Constantin 222 Historiques Quietly Wins As we’ve established, the 222 is Vacheron Constantin’s offering of the 1970s, and the watch went out of production for quite some time. Meanwhile the Royal Oak and the Nautilus went on to endless iterations and complications. The Royal Oak became nearly all that Audmars Piguet is known for now, and the Nautilus became so popular that it seemed Patek Philippe was doing all it could to downplay it by [cancelling the steel reference 5711](https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/the-patek-philippe-nautilus-blue-dial-reference-5711-has-been-discontinued-1234593001/) at the watch’s peak popularity in 2021. And while all those variations on a theme were finding their way into the pre-owned marketplace, Vacheron did what pretty much every collector of modern watches I know wishes every brand from [Rolex](https://robbreport.com/tag/rolex/) to Patek Philippe would do but never does: recreate the original to a tee. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/VC5.webp) Vacheron Constant 222, a reflection of itself. I held an original 222 and a brand new 222 side by side a few years ago, and it was pretty remarkable to see first-hand how close they were in every way imaginable. If someone said “pick one for yourself” I probably would have chosen the brand new 222, despite being a vintage Vacheron fan; it was so much like the original that I didn’t feel the need for patina and age and would have preferred to have witnesses the emergence of those marks over time. Such a faithful recreation gives a buyer the best of both worlds: all the understated vintage charm of the original and the convenience of owning a brand new watch under warranty and with a clear service history. Just imagine if Patek Philippe recreated the original Nautilus 3700/1A in stainless steel, exactly. Just imagine if Audemars Piguet recreated the original Royal Oak reference 5402ST in stainless steel, exactly. And while we’re at it, imagine if Rolex put out the original 37mm Submariner reference 6204 of 1954, exactly. There is no question whatsoever that these would be the hottest watches in these brand’s catalogs. Minds would be blown; the internet would break. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/vacheron-constantin-historiques-222.webp) Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 of 2022 in yellow gold. *Vacheron Constantin* And that’s exactly what Vacheron Constantin is doing, and, remarkably, it’s really all they’re doing with the 222. Vacheron Constantin has put out just two versions that are entirely faithful to the originals (barring the use of 2007’s caliber 2455/2, which is a slightly thicker auto-winding movement at 3.6 mm than the original caliber 1120 at 2.45 mm). This strategy may have already—and certainly will eventually—put Vacheron Constantin on top of the Holy Trinity *of brands*. Admittedly this logic only works if we consider a superior luxury brand to be one that confidently remains true to itself, that doesn’t sway with trends or overreach into the pop culture bucket and risk dilution, that doesn’t stir up controversy and bizarre secondary-market phenomena, that doesn’t milk every opportunity to expand its catalog but instead creates the ultimate expression of an historically significant timepiece in a manner befitting its own legacy. For a brand celebrating its 270th anniversary this year, I think it’s safe to say that Vacheron Constantin is playing the very long game, and I think it’s starting to win. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* ## FAQs ### What is the Holy Trinity of watchmaking? The Holy Trinity refers to three prestigious Swiss watchmakers: Vacheron Constantin, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet. Historically, the designation recognized their mechanical innovation, craftsmanship, and contributions to high watchmaking. ### Which watches represent the Holy Trinity brands? The best-known modern flagships are the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, Patek Philippe Nautilus, and Vacheron Constantin Overseas. Their roots lie in the integrated-bracelet sports watches introduced during the 1970s, including Vacheron Constantin’s original 222. ### Which brand is currently at the top of the Holy Trinity? There is no objective winner. Audemars Piguet has enormous visibility through the Royal Oak, while Patek Philippe retains exceptional prestige and auction strength. The article argues that Vacheron Constantin may be gaining ground through its understated identity, historical continuity, and patient product strategy. ### Why is the Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 significant? The Historiques 222 closely recreates Vacheron Constantin’s 1977 integrated-bracelet sports watch while using a modern movement. Its restrained design and faithfulness to the original distinguish it from the numerous Royal Oak and Nautilus variations produced over the years. ### How did branding change the competition among the Holy Trinity? The rivalry once centered primarily on mechanical complexity and precision. As integrated-bracelet sports watches and luxury branding gained importance, recognizable design, scarcity, celebrity visibility, and cultural status became increasingly central to how the three brands compete. **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** audemars piguet, jaeger-lecoultre, Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin --- ### [The Answers: Anthony Nazareno](https://robbreport.ph/profiles/the-answers-anthony-nazareno/) **Published:** August 7, 2026 **Author:** Aica Dacuno **Content:** Anthony Nazareno sits in his favorite chair at home, talking about [travel](https://robbreport.ph/travel/ "Travel"), architecture and the objects that have stayed with him over the years. Around him is a collection of memories. Every sculpture, painting, chair, table and even the house plants somehow connect to his life. Point to almost anything and there is likely a story behind it. Anthony and his family have lived here for the last decade, and the bones of the house are largely unchanged from when they first moved in. He’s been slowly adjusting things over the years, keeping what still works and changing only what needs to. *(Article continues after the video.)* ## *Video:* His daughter Bea, who is also a designer at his firm, puts it simply: “It’s the same house, but now you can tell this was all Dad.” The same preservation instinct shows up in his work. He recalls a project where a tree stood in the middle of a site plan. Instead of having it removed, he worked around it. Years later, he found himself back on the property, having a meeting with his client under the very same tree. “See?” he says. “This wouldn’t have happened if we had cut it down.” Anthony grew up around creative people, surrounded by designers, architects and artists, and exposed early to the work of masters of the craft. As a child, a visit to a Kenzo Tange retrospective in Tokyo and a book on the architect given to him by his father set something in motion. Living in a home designed by [Bobby Mañosa](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-collectibles/tanaw-the-manosa-legacy-recast-for-the-contemporary-collector/ "Tanaw: The Mañosa Legacy Recast for the Contemporary Collector") did the rest. Anthony pursued architecture formally and, in 1997, established [Nazareno Architecture + Design](https://www.nazarenoarchitecture.design/). He still works the way he always has. He observes first, then draws. ![Anthony Nazareno](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/JLP_4545.webp) *Joseph Pascual* “Some people take photos,” he says. “I sketch.” Between projects, Anthony travels with his family and remains fascinated by world history and Renaissance art. **What’s the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?** Pray. **Do you have a uniform for certain occasions?** It’s not so much a uniform, but I always dress the part—for the occasion, for the dinner party, even for the people I’m meeting. **Favorite clothes to wear?** Anytime I get the chance to wear a dinner jacket or layer pieces, I’ll do it. I like layering. **What app do you use the most?** WhatsApp. **What do you do that’s still analog?** I draw. I still sketch a lot. It’s different when you can feel the weight of charcoal or pencil on proper sketch paper. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/JLP_4790.webp) *Joseph Pascual* **What advice do you wish you’d followed?** I honestly try not to look back at what I could have or should have done differently. I’m comfortable with where I am now, and I’m incredibly grateful for both what has been given to me and what has been taken away from me. **What do you most crave at the end of the day?** A really good dessert. Ice cream, always. [Gelato](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/first-taste-filipino-gelateria-kariton-born-in-melbourne-returns-to-manila/ "First Taste: Filipino Gelateria Kariton, Born in Melbourne, Returns to Manila") especially. **Who is your dealer, and what do they source for you?** I enjoy dealing directly with artists—visiting their studios, understanding their motivations, seeing where they are creatively. That’s just as gratifying as collecting the work itself. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/JLP_4935.webp) An artwork found at a flea market in Bologna. *Joseph Pascual* **What is your exercise routine, and how often do you do it?** I’ve had the same trainer for the last 15 years. Mostly stretching, kettlebells, weights and occasionally Pilates. **How do you find calm?** Prayer. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/JLP_4672.webp) *Joseph Pascual* **Who is your guru?** I don’t really have one. I just try to read scripture as much as I can. **What’s your favorite cocktail?** I love a proper red vermouth on the rocks before a big meal. Otherwise, maybe a Negroni. **What’s the most impressive dish you cook?** I do a pretty mean beef stroganoff. **What do you collect?** Artwork. Mostly contemporary [art](https://robbreport.ph/tag/art/ "art"), but also icons and antiques. I also collect eyewear. Every time we travel, I somehow end up buying another pair. **What’s the most recent addition to your collection?** A sculpture from Reg Yuson’s “Nimbus” series. And while I was in Bologna last year, I also found a painting at a flea market that I absolutely couldn’t leave behind. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/JLP_4960.webp) A recent acquisition: a sculpture by Reg Yuson. Joseph Pascua **What is the most recent thing you regret not buying?** A 1967 [Mercedes](https://robbreport.ph/tag/mercedes/ "mercedes") Pagoda. **What was the first artwork you bought?** A 19th-century San Antonio de Padua icon my parents gave me. It came from their collection. **If you could learn a new skill, what would it be?** Playing guitar. **How many watches do you own?** Enough. **Which one’s your favorite?** The one I wear every day—my [Rolex Daytona](https://robbreport.ph/tag/daytona/ "daytona") Panda. **What is your most prized possession?** My wedding ring. **What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?** “Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/JLP_4925.webp) Chiaroscuro techniques in paintings are features in artworks Nazareno is most drawn to. *Joseph Pascual* **Favorite city?** Florence. The entire city feels like a museum of Renaissance art. **Favorite hotel?** Villa San Michele in Fiesole, just outside Florence. **What’s always in your hand luggage?** Eyewear. Always. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/JLP_4865.webp) Nazareno confesses that he has a sizeable eyewear collection. *Joseph Pascual* **What are you reading right now?** I’m rereading *The Pillars of the Earth*. **What subject could you talk about for hours?** Apart from architecture? Renaissance art and history. Even World War II history. **What trait do you admire most in other people?** Faith. **What trait in yourself are you still working on?** Faith as well. **Drive or be driven?** Be driven. **Last box set or Netflix binge?** I can honestly live without television. But the last thing I rewatched with my daughter was *The Godfather Parts I and II*. **Who do you admire most in the world?** My wife—for putting up with me, loving me and raising our daughters. **Bowie or Dylan?** Bowie. One hundred percent Bowie. **What song is currently in your head?** “Edelweiss” from *The Sound of Music*. **What kind of music makes you happy?** Christmas music. I love the Christmas season in the Philippines—even when the songs start playing in September. **What is your earliest memory or exposure to architecture and design?** A retrospective exhibit on Kenzo Tange in Tokyo. My father bought me a book about him when I was very young. Soon after, my parents renovated our home with Bobby Mañosa, Kito de Villa and Cielo Fiel. Being exposed to those people at such a young age shaped how I saw architecture and design. **What made you decide to become an architect?** I drew constantly as a child. I also found myself naturally understanding perspective drawing very early on. Being surrounded by architects and design conversations definitely helped shape that path. **What do you do to get inspiration?** Travel. Even when I travel just to relax, I still find myself sketching ideas and sending references to my team. **What’s the first thing you notice when you walk into a space?** Light. Whether natural or artificial, it completely shapes how a space feels. **How do you make a space feel personal?** By finding out what matters emotionally to the client and integrating those things into the design. That’s what gives a space soul. **What’s the best-designed room in your own home?** My walk-in closet. **What’s one design rule you always follow—and one you’re happy to break?** Lighting is something I always pay close attention to because it completely changes how architecture is experienced. As for rules I’m happy to break, I’ve always believed in starting with hand sketches, but technology has changed that. **What’s one trend you’re tired of seeing?** Infinity-edge pools. **What’s the hardest part of designing for a client?** My own stubbornness. If I truly believe in something design-wise, I can be very immovable. **When do you know a project is finished?** When the fresh flowers arrive. But really, I know a project is complete when the clients invite me over for dinner. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report Philippines’ [Design Issue, June 2026.](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-june-2026-the-design-issue/)*antho **Categories:** Design, Profiles **Tags:** Anthony Nazareno, Design --- ### [The 14 Coolest New Watches That Dropped in July](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-14-coolest-new-watches-that-dropped-in-july/) **Published:** August 7, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** Samurais, space travel, and an Aston Martin D5: the inspiration behind the latest watches released is varied, to say the least. Switzerland’s top maisons have clearly been thinking outside the box, as the timepieces they unveiled in July pay homage to a surprisingly wide range of things. Roger Dubuis saluted 17th-century Japan with a métiers d’art watch, Omega and Swatch marked the anniversary of the first moon landing with another MoonSwatch, Breitling celebrated that aforementioned grand tourer with a new chronograph, and TAG Heuer tipped a hat—or helmet, perhaps—to Japanese motorsport in a piece created with Team Ikuzawa. Summer itself also proved to be another major source of inspiration, with IWC, Zenith, Glashütte, and Hublot dropping watches in cool, blue hues perfectly in keeping with the bolder color palettes favored by most in the warmer months. Below are the best watch releases of the month. ## Vacheron Constantin Overseas Self-Winding ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/vacheron-constantin-overseas-self-winding.webp) *Vacheron Constantin* Honey, Vacheron shrunk the [Overseas](https://robbreport.ph/watches/vacheron-constantin-just-unveiled-its-first-overseas-minute-repeater/ "Vacheron Constantin Just Unveiled Its First Overseas Minute Repeater"). The Swiss watchmaker unveiled two new iterations of the sports watch in July with 34.5 mm cases instead of the typical 41 mm. “Introducing more compact proportions is less about revisiting the past than about broadening the ways in which the watch can be worn and experienced today,” Christia Selmoni, Vacheron Constantin’s legacy and style director, said in a statement. Housed within that streamlined case is a lacquered dial showcasing multiple finishes. The [pink-gold edition](https://www.vacheron-constantin.com/us/en/collections/overseas/4600v-200r-h128.html) (Ref. 4600V/200R-H128) has a complementary pink sunburst dial and matching gold accents, while the [stainless-steel version](https://www.vacheron-constantin.com/us/en/collections/overseas/4600v-200a-h127.html) (Ref. 4600V/200A-H127) has a contrasting deep red dial and white-gold markers. Beneath lies an in-house self-winding movement (caliber 1088/1) that measures just 3.83 mm thick but still offers a 40-hour power reserve. Each watch comes with a Maltese Cross-inspired bracelet, a textured rubber strap, and an alligator leather strap, making them both incredibly versatile. The steel reference costs $26,600, while the rose-gold one retails for $59,500. ###### Panerai x Luna Rossa Luminor ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/panerai-luminor-luna-rossa-chrono-gmt.webp) *Panerai* Panerai made a splash in June, unveiling two watches with [Luna Rossa](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-15-coolest-new-watches-that-dropped-in-june/ "The 15 Coolest New Watches That Dropped in June") ahead of the 38th America’s Cup. The Swiss watchmaker, which began sponsoring the Prada Group’s sailing team in 2019, has released a few cool Luna Rossa references over the years. The new 44 mm [Luminor Luna Rossa Chrono](https://www.panerai.com/en/collections/watch-collection/luminor/pam01768-luminor-luna-rossa-chrono.html) (PAM01768) and 40 mm [Luminor Luna Rossa GMT](https://www.panerai.com/en/collections/watch-collection/luminor/pam01791-luminor-luna-rossa-gmt.html) (PAM0179) again combine advanced watchmaking tech with elegant, minimalist aesthetics, but both claim a first for the line. The chrono (limited to 500 pieces, priced at $11,500 each) is the first to feature a Velcro strap, while the GMT ($11,400) is the first to be fitted with an integrated metal bracelet. Both are quite similar in design, with steel cases, silver sunburst dials, and red accents that evoke the sail of the team’s boat. ###### Roger Dubuis Excalibur Kabuto Legacy ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/roger-dubuis-excalibur-kabuto-legacy_ab010b.webp) *Roger Dubuis* Roger Dubuis wants to transport you all the way back to 17th-century Japan. The Swiss watchmaker has unveiled a new Excalibur adorned with cultural symbols of that time: Edo Castle sits at the center, surrounded by 12 samurai commanders. The maison’s meticulous craftsmanship is, of course, on full display, with métiers d’art elevating the piece. The kabuto (helmet) atop each samurai’s head, for example, was carefully sculpted and engraved by hand, taking two to three days of work to complete. Surrounding that is a blue enamel ring and a 45 mm pink-gold case, while inside lies the RD821 automatic caliber. [Roger Dubuis](https://www.rogerdubuis.com/) is producing just 28 pieces of the Excalibur Kabuto Legacy, with price available on request. ###### Jaeger-LeCoultre Rendez-Vous ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/jaeger-lecoultre-rendez-vous-jewellery-night-day.webp) *Jaeger-LeCoultre* Jaeger-LeCoultre wanted you to have more than one Rendez-Vous in July. The Swiss watchmaker added two new watches to the women’s collection this month, demonstrating even more métiers rares in the process. The [first Rendez-Vous](https://www.jaeger-lecoultre.com/us-en/watches/rendez-vous/rendez-vous-jewellery/rendez-vous-jewellery-night-&-day-q36665p2), limited to just 10 pieces with price upon request, features a multi-layered guilloché dial with a hand-painted Asian Paradise Flycatcher and Korean Dogwood blossom sitting alongside the maison’s famous night-and-day complication. Surrounding that is a 34 mmm platinum case set with 48 baguette-cut diamonds. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/jaeger-lecoultre-rendez-vous-hour-minute.webp) Jaeger-LeCoultre Rendez-Vous Hour-Minute in pink gold. *Jaeger-LeCoultre* At the other, more minimalist end of the spectrum, the second Rendez-Vous measures just 7.47mm thick, making it one of the slimmest watches in the collection. It is available in [steel](https://www.jaeger-lecoultre.com/us-en/watches/rendez-vous/rendez-vous-classic/rendez-vous-q3658110) ($7,550) or [18-karat pink gold](https://www.jaeger-lecoultre.com/us-en/watches/rendez-vous/rendez-vous-classic/rendez-vous-q3652520?algoliaQueryID=fa4dab2aff79af0207aca5e7abfc7330) ($12,800) with a newly designed, highly flexible bracelet. ###### Gerald Charles Masterlink ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/gerald-charles-masterlink-spectrolite.webp) *ALEX RATTO* Gerald Charles dropped three stone-cold stunners this month. The new limited-edition Masterlinks each feature 38 mm steel cases, gorgeous stone dials, white-gold bezels set with 60 matching colored gems, and steel bracelets. The first (pictured top) pairs [blue spectrolite](https://www.geraldcharles.com/products/masterlink-gem-set-stone-dial-2) with blue sapphires, the second [black iron eye](https://www.geraldcharles.com/products/masterlink-gem-set-stone-dial?Wrist+size+in+centimeters=13) with red sapphires, and the third [green aventurine](https://www.geraldcharles.com/products/masterlink-gem-set-stone-dial-2) with green tsavorites. Creating each dial was extremely challenging, as the rigid stone had to be carefully cut to fit the asymmetrical dial rather than a more forgiving circle. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Gerald-charles-masterlink-black-iron-eye.webp) *ALEX RATTO* “Gérald was never afraid of a material that couldn’t be controlled-stone excited him precisely because every piece had a mind of its own,” says Federico Ziviani, CEO of Gerald Charles. “With the Masterlink Gem Set Stone Dial, we’ve brought that same spirit into a case he never had the chance to design for.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/gerald-charles-masterlink-aventurine.webp) The Masterlink with Aventurine dial. *ALEX RATTO* Because of the nature of the stone, no two dials are alike. Each reference is offered as a limited edition of 10 pieces, with price upon request. ###### IWC Ingenieur Automatic 35 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/iwc-ingenieur-automatic-35-ref-iw324902.webp) *IWC* IWC dropped a fittingly cool [Ingenieur](https://www.iwc.com/us-en/watches/ingenieur/iw324902-ingenieur-automatic-35) for summer. The newcomer features the same steel architecture as Gérald Genta’s 1970s original but a smaller 35 mm case and a splashy new Pool-colored dial. IWC first unveiled the compact 35 mm iteration in 2025, but it has never before been dressed in such a punchy turquoise hue. The signature grid pattern runs across the face, with the straight lines contrasting against the curves of the sculpted case, integrated bracelet, and screw-secured bezel. The in-house automatic caliber 47110 within offers a 42-hour power reserve. The piece retails for $11,200. Adding to the coolness factor is the fact that we’ve already spotted it on actors Andrew Garfield and Theo James. ###### Hublot Big Bang Sapphire Sky Blue ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/hublot-big-bang-sapphire-sky-blue.webp) *Hublot* Hublot’s [newest Big Bang](https://www.hublot.com/en-gb/watches/big-bang/big-bang-sapphire-sky-blue-44-mm) brings the beauty of summer’s clear, blue skies to your wrist. The 44 mm newcomer showcases the transparent architecture that Hublot first debuted in 2016, with a sapphire crystal case, bezel, and caseback. That allows the sky-blue skeletonized dial and the matching blue-hued movement to take the focus. The Meca-10 caliber is worth highlighting, too, given it provides a bonkers 10-day power reserve. Rounding out the design is a sky-blue strap. The watch is limited to 100 pieces and costs $84,300. ###### H. Moser & Cie. Endeavour Minute Repeater Cylindrical Tourbillon Skeleton ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/h-moser-endeavour-minute-repeater-cylindrical-tourbillon-skeleton.webp) *H. Moser & Cie.* Moser took the [Endeavour Minute Repeater Cylindrical Tourbillon](https://h-moser.com/en/endeavour/endeavour-minute-repeater-cylindrical-tourbillon-skeleton-1909-0500) to stratospheric heights this month, unveiling a new skeletonized version of the triple-complication timepiece with a “Cosmic Rain” subdial. The domed aventurine is adorned with mother-of-pearl inlays that evoke the shooting stars of a meteor shower. Adding further pizzaz to the face is the chiming mechanism, with the hammers and gongs that typically sit beneath the movement instead occupying pride of place between 9 and 11 o’clock. To top it off, a flying tourbillon with cylindrical hairspring sits at 6 o’clock. All of that is housed within a 40 mm titanium case. The watch is limited to 20 and priced at $440,000. ###### Omega x Swatch MoonSwatch Mission to the Moon 1969 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/omega-x-swatch-moonswatch-mission-to-the-moon-1969.webp) The Masterlink with Aventurine dial. *Swatch* Omega and Swatch are at it again. The duo dropped yet another [MoonSwatch](https://www.swatch.com/en-gb/mission-to-the-moon-1969-ssx01b700/SSX01B700.html) on July 21 to mark 57 years since the first moon landing in 1969. The limited edition features a dial, hands, crown, and pushers crafted from Omega’s signature Moonshine gold and a case made of black bioceramic. The gold, which actually came from melting down old Omega parts made in the ‘60s, collectively weighs 11 grams as a nod to the Apollo 11 mission. The newcomer is reminiscent of the original Speedy from ‘69, with a similar gold dial and other period-correct details. The piece is limited to, you guessed it, 1,969 numbered examples, with a retail price of 500 francs reflecting the price of gold at that time. ###### Glashütte Original SeaQ Northern Tide ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/glashutte-original-northern-tide.webp) *Glashütte Original* Glashütte really went north in July, releasing two North American exclusives inspired by the North Atlantic. The dive watches, both part of the [SeaQ family](https://www.glashuette-original.com/en/collection/spezialist), feature steel cases, black ceramic bezels, and novel dégradé dials that fade from vibrant turquoise to dark black as a nod to the ocean. The 39.5 mm SeaQ is equipped with Glashütte’s automatic Calibre 39-11, while SeaQ Panorama Date is powered by the in-house self-winding Calibre 36-13. Both show hours, minutes, seconds, and the date, with the latter fitted with the watchmaker’s signature Panorama Date at 4 o’clock instead of a regular date window at 3 o’clock. Both are limited to 100 pieces and available only in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Price upon request. ###### Breitling Top Time B01 Chronograph 41 Tribute to Aston Martin DB5 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/breitling-top-time-b01-chronograph-41-tribute-to-aston-martin-db5.webp) *Breitling* Breitling celebrated two legendary machines in July: The Aston Martin DB5 and the Top Time. Released in 1963 and ‘64, respectively, the grand tourer and chronograph (Ref. 2002) starred alongside Sean Connery in *Thunderball*, cementing them both in pop-culture history. To mark that moment, the Swiss watchmaker has released a new 41 mm timepiece that combines the timeless elegance of the DB5 with the retro codes of the Top Time. The wood-inlayed details, hand-colored leather strap, and refined dial evoke the car interiors, while the cushion-shaped case, grooved corners, and mushroom pushers recall the original chrono. The watch comes in variations: [steel](https://www.breitling.com/us-en/watches/top-time/top-time-b01/AB0178121G1X1) with a silver dial (1,022 pieces, priced at $11,400 each), [steel and platinum](https://www.breitling.com/us-en/watches/top-time/top-time-b01/PB0178121B1X1) with a black lacquered dial (315 pieces, $18,600), and [red gold](https://www.breitling.com/us-en/watches/top-time/top-time-b01/RB0178131B1X1) with an onyx dial (250 pieces, $41,500). ###### Zenith Defy Extreme ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/zenith-defy-extreme-ultraviolet.webp) *Zenith* Zenith wants you to wear the purple… and blue. The Swiss watchmaker has dropped two new interpretations of the [Defy Extreme](https://www.zenith-watches.com/en_gb/product/defy-extreme-10-9102-9004-51-i200) dressed in those bold hues. Both are housed in 45 mm cases and are powered by the El Primero 9004, which can measure 1/100th of a second for exceptionally close timing and offers a 50-hour power reserve. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/zenith-defy-extreme-lapis-lazuli-ii.webp) The Defy Extreme Lapis Lazuli II. *Zenith* The Defy Extreme Ultraviolet ($20,100) pairs a titanium case with a violet-tinted sapphire dial and matching violet strap. The Defy Extreme Lapis Lazuli II (50 pieces, priced at $37,100) features a bright blue lapis lazuli dial like the first edition released in 2025, but combines a forged carbon case with titanium components, rather than pairing stainless steel and yellow gold. Take your pick. ###### TAG Heuer x Team Ikuzawa Carrera Chronograph ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/tag-heuer-team-ikuzawa-carrera-chronograph.webp) *TAG Heuer* On the heels—or wheels, perhaps—of their 2023 collab, TAG Heuer and Team Ikuzawa have dropped a new timepiece inspired by Japanese motorsport. The [Carrera Chronograph](https://www.tagheuer.com/us/en/timepieces/collections/tag-heuer-carrera/39-mm-th20-10/CBS221M.EB0435.html), which was brought to life with the help of Bamford Watch Department, features a 39 mm steel case, a classic “Glassbox,” and a textured dial decorated with the Clou de Paris motif. Both red and white run across the face in a nod to Team Ikuzawa’s colors. The team’s name is also emblazoned above 6 o’clock. The chrono takes design cues from the original Heuer Roadmaster stopwatch, with printed indexes rather than applied markers and other vintage touches. It is limited to 150 individually numbered pieces and priced at $10,500. ###### Ulysse Nardin Blast Moonstruck ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/ulysse-nardin-blast-moonstruck.webp) *Ulysse Nardin* Ulysse Nardin gave us a blast from watchmaking’s past this month, unveiling another iteration of the [Blast Moonstruck](https://www.ulysse-nardin.com/en-us/watches/blast/1065-400le-2a-black-1a). The original Moonstruck, released in 2009, paid homage to the Trilogy of Time watches Ludwig Oechslin created for former Ulysse Nardin CEO Rolf Schnyder throughout the ‘80s, with an astronomical display showing the relative positions of the sun and moon as seen from Earth. In 2022, UN put all those Moonstruck mechanics into the Blast case. Four years on, it has unveiled a new Blast Moonstruck decked out in 18-karat rose gold and black DLC-treated titanium. The newcomer features five astronomical indications, including a 40.3-year moonphase, worldtimer, and tidal coefficients, which all sit atop an aventurine base reminiscent of a star-filled sky. Talk about otherworldly. It is limited to 20 pieces and retails for $116,000. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* ## FAQs ### What were the best new watch releases in July? July’s standout releases included the smaller Vacheron Constantin Overseas Self-Winding, Roger Dubuis Excalibur Kabuto Legacy, IWC Ingenieur Automatic 35, Hublot Big Bang Sapphire Sky Blue, Omega x Swatch MoonSwatch Mission to the Moon 1969, and Breitling’s Aston Martin DB5-inspired Top Time chronograph. ### What is new about the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Self-Winding? Vacheron Constantin introduced two more compact Overseas models with 34.5 mm cases. The pink-gold version has a pink sunburst dial, while the stainless-steel reference features a deep-red dial, and both include three interchangeable strap or bracelet options. ### What makes the MoonSwatch Mission to the Moon 1969 special? The limited-edition MoonSwatch commemorates the 57th anniversary of the first moon landing. It combines a black bioceramic case with Moonshine-gold components made from melted vintage Omega parts and is limited to 1,969 numbered examples. ### Which July watch releases were inspired by cars and motorsport? Breitling’s Top Time B01 Chronograph 41 pays tribute to the Aston Martin DB5, while the TAG Heuer x Team Ikuzawa Carrera Chronograph draws from Japanese motorsport and the vintage Heuer Roadmaster stopwatch. ### Which blue watches were released for summer? Summer-inspired blue releases included the turquoise IWC Ingenieur Automatic 35, the transparent Hublot Big Bang Sapphire Sky Blue, Glashütte Original’s SeaQ Northern Tide models, and Zenith’s blue Defy Extreme Lapis Lazuli II. **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** jaeger-le coultre, panerai, roger dubuis, Vacheron Constantin, Watches of the Month --- ### [Oh My God!](https://robbreport.ph/field-notes/oh-my-god/) **Published:** August 6, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** *Crystal eyes.* I’m very particular about crystal eyes. The way light enters them and finds no bottom. When I brought my first Sto. Niño home, courtesy of a deceased santorero’s family from Paete, Laguna, I couldn’t stop looking at its glass pupils. No bubbles, no cloudy tint. Just luminous depth, the kind of gaze that pierces the observer and summons something ancient through sheer transparency. The family had kept it since the 1950s, I was told. Everything outside those eyes, though, was a wreck. Right thumb, scepter, and globe nowhere to be found. Rusty, crooked nails. Blackened gold and striations scored by years in what I imagine was a humid storage room. The grime and distress (what restorers may politely call “scarring”) made itself known through every crack. Paete, whose very name, some say, derives from the local word for “chisel,” is full of such things: saint sculptures and *taka*, workshop rejects, and antiques scavengers, good and honest craftsmen settled somewhere along Juan V. Quesada Street, named after a native son who wrote the town’s history, where the sacred and the secondhand have always coexisted without apology. My apartment has filled almost accidentally with such “castoffs.” A pair of bululs from the 1970s, their bodies dense with residue from some other life, inherited from somebody’s Ifugaoan grandfather. This San Pedro bust, its face fixed in an expression I can never quite name. A century-old Nazareno from voluminous Quiapo, dark and heavy *batikuling* with the weight of too many desperate hands. Not really a tastefully “curated” collection, more like a slow accretion of arrivals, each one finding me more than I found it. Now I’m hunting for ivory hands: just the hands, severed at the wrists. What I’ll do with them, I can’t say. I’m comfortable sitting with the lacuna. Content, too, with the possibility that they’re destined for some art project I haven’t named yet, toward a shape I can only dimly make out from here. These aren’t saints in any strict taxonomy. The Sto. Niño is the Christ child. The bulul, a Cordilleran rice deity. The Nazareno, a penitential icon. What unites them is harder to name than any of that. Objects made, I think, to receive whatever people couldn’t carry alone. You know, the last time I prayed, I was 18. In June 2015, I remember pleading with God to take my aunt’s cancer away on the day we went to the Padre Pio Shrine in Batangas as a kind of last-ditch effort for mercy. By November, she was gone. Did I think my prayers had dissolved, unheard? Maybe. Or maybe—and this is the more generous truth I try to hold—God was busy answering the deeper cries of those who needed it more. I haven’t prayed since. And yet here I am, ringed by figures built precisely for prayer, drawn irresistibly to the shape belief leaves behind in molave, ivory, and glass. I’d like to think of these objects as expeditions into the *gray*, that particular space between faith and rationality where paradox and doctrine can coexist without demanding resolution from each other. I’m not a believer in any formal sense. But I do remain curious about mystery, about the devotional impulse, about what it means to press your hands together in the dark and speak to something that may or may not be listening. > “The broken thing is more honest precisely because it has stopped performing wholeness.” Nor do I approach them through a collector’s lens, exactly. The average collector wants pristine condition: perfect surfaces, intact gilding, unbroken form. I want the opposite (*Ah, the filthier, the better, kid!*). There’s a texture to objects that have lived through something and emerged still standing, however barely, that such immaculate things simply cannot offer. Is mystery quantifiable? The auction market, at least, tries. In 2024, for instance, Casa de Memoria sold a solid ivory Santo Niño Dormido adorned with 14K rose gold for roughly PHP 1.4 million, likely the work of a Chinese or Filipino artisan during the galleon trade period, an 18th-century piece carrying the authority of a master’s hand in every anatomically precise cut. More arresting was the October 2022 Christie’s auction in Paris, where a bulul fetched approximately PHP 37 million, more than double its pre-sale estimate, much of that premium riding on, there’s that word again, *provenance*. The figure had moved through the Beyer family since 1918, through successive collectors, until it reached the block carrying a documented life as impressive as its carved one. Provenance, the more I’ve come to understand, is cultural capital wearing the costume of history. It tells us where an object has been, but more precisely, it tells us who held the authority to keep it, name it, price it, and return it to the world as something worth keeping. Taste operates by the same violence. It decides which scratches become patina and which become damage, when age is dignified and when it is merely dirt, when a wound is elegant enough to hang a price tag on. I distrust objects that arrive a little too *cleanly*. There’s something suspicious about the saint with all its grief buffed out, the bulul polished into good behavior. Such figures feel trained to perform in front of capital, their stories disciplined into presentation. These objects have “aura” in the older sense, before the internet hollowed out the word. Walter Benjamin described the phenomenon as the strange authority an object accumulates through its singular passage through time. In many cases, the market has learned to bottle aura and sell it back through paperwork. Provenance becomes the receipt of mystery. “Good” taste, after all, is usually just fear that has learned to dress itself. It wants the sacred without the blood and transgression framed, catalogued, and insured. Which is why I’m drawn to the less obedient objects. The chipped and overpainted ones. The “amateurish” rejects. The santos with missing limbs and collapsed gilding, the bululs whose bodies have absorbed smoke, soil, and hunger across decades, no document recorded. The broken thing is more honest precisely because it has stopped performing wholeness. Adorno argued that the root of all philosophizing is the felt necessity of resolving pain. I suspect the same is true of collecting, and perhaps of devotion, too. We light candles before wooden saints not because we believe in them, necessarily, but rather because the act itself is a small argument against the dark. I’m never quite sure whether God exists. But I keep these glass eyes anyway, and the thumbless hand, and the blackened gold, and the unsparing stare that looks through me rather than at me. Something in these objects resists my disbelief without demanding my faith. They hold the question open. There’s something to be said for the scars and the wrinkles, the places where the thing broke and was never quite put back together. God, it’s been said, enters through the wound. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report Philippines’ [Design Issue](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-june-2026-the-design-issue/).* ## FAQs ### Why does Bryle Suralta collect damaged santos and sacred objects? Suralta is drawn to objects that show age, wear, and repair because their imperfections preserve evidence of the lives they have passed through. To him, broken santos and weathered bululs feel more honest than pristine pieces restored to appear untouched. ### What is a santo in Filipino religious art? A santo is a carved religious image, usually depicting Christ, the Virgin Mary, or a Catholic saint. In the Philippines, santos are often made from wood or ivory and may feature glass eyes, gilding, fabric garments, and other decorative details. ### What is a bulul and what does it represent? A bulul is a carved Cordilleran figure associated with rice, harvests, and ancestral protection, particularly among the Ifugao. Although it differs from a Catholic santo, the essay connects both as objects created to carry belief, memory, and human need. ### Why is Paete, Laguna known for religious woodcarving? Paete is widely associated with generations of woodcarvers, santoreros, religious sculptures, and papier-mâché taka. Its workshops and antiques trade have made the town an important center for Filipino devotional and folk art. ### How does provenance affect the value of antique santos and bululs? Provenance documents an object’s ownership and history, often increasing its cultural and market value. The essay also questions how provenance gives collectors and institutions the authority to decide which marks of age are treated as valuable patina and which are dismissed as damage. **Categories:** Field Notes **Tags:** art, Collecting, Field Notes, Magazine, Paete, Religious images --- ### [Kontempo in Makati: A New Museum for a Living City](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/design/kontempo-in-makati-a-new-museum-for-a-living-city/) **Published:** August 6, 2026 **Author:** Alicia Colby-Sy **Content:** [Kontempo](https://ayalafoundation.org/news/kontempo-center-for-contemporary-art-philippines-shares-architectural-vision-and-early-design-details-by-why-architecture/) in Makati represents a new chapter in the cultural landscape of the Philippines, one that seeks to create a living platform for dialogue and public engagement across the Asia-Pacific region. Currently in development within the dynamic district of Circuit Makati, Kontempo, formally known as the Center for Contemporary Art Philippines, is envisioned as a world-class institution that rethinks what a museum can be in the 21st century. Scheduled for completion in late 2028, the institution promises to become an important platform for contemporary art and public engagement in Southeast Asia. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/FP_2_Kontempo--Center-for-Contemporary-Art-Philippines-rendering-%C2%A9-Ayala-Foundation-WHY-Architecture-and-Lor-Calma-Partners_Street_View-2240x1260.webp) Renderings of Kontempo’s street view facade *Photos Courtesy of Ayala Foundation, Why Architecture, Anpis Foto, and Manfredi Gioacchini* Situated on a 2.5-hectare site along Riverfront Drive in Circuit Makati, Kontempo is designed to become an immersive environment where art intersects naturally with everyday life. Spearheaded by the Ayala Foundation as part of its continuing commitment to civic and cultural stewardship, the institution positions itself as a place deeply connected to community life. While traditional museums are built around permanent collections and formal displays, Kontempo is conceived as a non-collecting, program-driven institution. Temporary exhibitions, installations, performances, public art, and multidisciplinary collaborations will shape the experience of the space, encouraging participation and conversation rather than passive viewing. In many ways, the museum feels less like a static art archive and more like a living space that will evolve alongside the people who move through it. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Kulapat-Yantrasast-Founder-and-Creative-Director-of-WHY-Architecture-photo-by-Manfredi-Gioacchini.webp) Kulapat Yantrasast, founding partner and creative director of the multidisciplinary design firm WHY. *Photos Courtesy of Ayala Foundation, Why Architecture, Anpis Foto, and Manfredi Gioacchini* The architectural vision for Kontempo comes from acclaimed architect Kulapat Yantrasast, founder of WHY Architecture, an interdisciplinary design practice with offices in Los Angeles and New York. Yantrasast is internationally recognized for designing spaces for cultural institutions around the world, including the recent expansion of the Michael C. Rockefeller Wing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the DIB Bangkok, and a new wing at the Louvre in Paris. Working alongside Philippine firm Lor Calma & Partners led by architect Ed Calma, Yantrasast approaches Kontempo as a reflection of the social and cultural identity of the Philippines. For Yantrasast, [museums](https://robbreport.ph/tag/museums/ "museums") today must become spaces of empathy. Historically, museums have often been associated with authority and spectacle. But in the contemporary world, he believes these institutions need to evolve into spaces that foster connection, curiosity, and shared understanding. As societies grow increasingly fragmented and people spend more time disconnected from one another, culture plays an essential and meaningful role in human engagement. Art and culture, he says, give people “a reason to be, be friends, be connected.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Kontempo--Center-for-Contemporary-Art-Philippines-rendering-%C2%A9-Ayala-Foundation-WHY-Architecture-and-Lor-Calma-Partners_Entry_Plaza.webp) Renderings of Kontempo’s main entry plaza *Photos Courtesy of Ayala Foundation, Why Architecture, Anpis Foto, and Manfredi Gioacchini* That philosophy shapes the ideas behind Kontempo and the physical form it will take on. Rather than imposing a monumental structure detached from everyday life, Yantrasast envisions a “village” concept composed of interconnected spaces that encourage movement, gathering, and openness. The development will include approximately 2,500 square meters of indoor gallery spaces, classrooms that support contemporary practice and learning, and other spaces that are made flexible for community-facing programs, alongside 15,000 square meters of outdoor gardens, plazas, and green spaces. The emphasis on landscape and accessibility reflects a desire to blur the boundaries between institution and community. There is also something very human in the way Yantrasast speaks about culture itself. He describes how food, art, and shared experiences have the power to bring people together in ways politics or identity often cannot. He recalls how, despite differences between his Chinese father and Thai mother, food became a point of connection. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Kontempo--Center-for-Contemporary-Art-Philippines-rendering-%C2%A9-Ayala-Foundation-WHY-Architecture-and-Lor-Calma-Partners_Plaza_Cafe.webp) Kontempo’s plaza café. *Photos Courtesy of Ayala Foundation, Why Architecture, Anpis Foto, and Manfredi Gioacchini* In much the same way, he believes art can create spaces where people encounter one another beyond division. Looking at a painting or walking through a shared public space allows people to step outside rigid identities and simply experience something together. Kontempo hopes to create precisely that kind of environment. Yantrasast also emphasizes that architecture should respond to climate, history, and local context. For Kontempo, this means creating a structure that reflects both the heritage and future of Makati and the broader Filipino identity. He describes every museum as “an act of defining who you are,” a mirror through which societies examine themselves. In this regard, Kontempo becomes more than a contemporary art center. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Kontempo--Center-for-Contemporary-Art-Philippines-rendering-%C2%A9-Ayala-Foundation-WHY-Architecture-and-Lor-Calma-Partners_Interior_Lobby.webp) Main lobby interior. *Photos Courtesy of Ayala Foundation, Why Architecture, Anpis Foto, and Manfredi Gioacchini* One of the project’s most striking aspects is its relationship to the Pasig River and the surrounding urban environment. Yantrasast describes Kontempo as a “matchmaking between the river and the city,” highlighting the importance of reconnecting urban life with nature. The riverfront location provides an opportunity to create a cultural district where creativity and commerce exist side by side. Kontempo opens naturally into the life of Circuit Makati. For Yantrasast, this integration matters because culture should not exist apart from daily life. Art spaces thrive when they are woven into the routines of the city, when people can encounter them spontaneously while walking, gathering, or spending time outdoors. By connecting the museum to public walkways, green spaces, riverfront paths, and nearby commercial areas, Kontempo hopes to create moments of discovery that feel organic. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Kontempo--Center-for-Contemporary-Art-Philippines-rendering-%C2%A9-Ayala-Foundation-WHY-Architecture-and-Lor-Calma-Partners_Interior_Cafe.webp) The institution’s leadership further showcases its global and regional ambitions. Reuben Keehan, formerly curator of contemporary Asian art at the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art, serves as Kontempo’s Artistic Director. Under his guidance, the institution seeks to position Filipino contemporary art within broader regional and international conversations. An important part of Kontempo’s vision is its focus on young people. Yantrasast often points to the Philippines’ young population as one of its greatest strengths, particularly at a time when many neighboring countries are experiencing aging populations. For him, investing in youth means creating spaces where curiosity, and imagination can grow. When completed, Kontempo will be a place where younger generations can discover new possibilities, whether through art, design, performance, or other forms of creative collaboration. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Reuben_Keehan_Artistic_Director_of_Kontempo_Center_for_Contemporary_Art_Philippines.webp) Artistic Director Reuben Keehan. *Photos Courtesy of Ayala Foundation, Why Architecture, Anpis Foto, and Manfredi Gioacchini* Kontempo is also about creating a sense of comfort and openness. The team behind the institution has emphasized consultation with communities and stakeholders, ensuring that the museum does not place walls around itself, physically or socially. Instead, it aims to become a welcoming environment where people feel safe spending time and engaging with art in ways that are accessible. As cities become increasingly fast-paced and fragmented, Kontempo imagines a different kind of space, where culture becomes a way of bringing people back to one another. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report Philippines’ [Design Issue](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-june-2026-the-design-issue/), June 2026.* ## FAQs ### What is Kontempo in Circuit Makati? Kontempo, formally known as the Center for Contemporary Art Philippines, is a non-collecting contemporary art institution being developed in Circuit Makati. It will host temporary exhibitions, installations, performances, public art, educational programs, and multidisciplinary collaborations. ### When will Kontempo open? Kontempo is scheduled for completion in late 2028. The institution is currently under development on a 2.5-hectare site along Riverfront Drive in Circuit Makati. ### Who designed Kontempo? Kontempo is designed by architect Kulapat Yantrasast, founder of WHY Architecture, in collaboration with Philippine firm Lor Calma & Partners, led by architect Ed Calma. The design draws on Filipino culture, Makati’s urban setting, and the site’s relationship with the Pasig River. ### What will visitors find at Kontempo? Kontempo will include approximately 2,500 square meters of indoor galleries, classrooms, flexible program spaces, gardens, plazas, and around 15,000 square meters of outdoor green space. It is designed to support exhibitions, learning, performances, public gatherings, and community activities. ### How is Kontempo different from a traditional museum? Kontempo will operate as a program-driven institution rather than one centered on a permanent collection. Its changing exhibitions, public programs, open spaces, and community-focused design are intended to make art part of everyday life rather than confine it to formal galleries. **Categories:** Art & Collectibles, Design **Tags:** Design, Feature, Features, Kontempo, Magazine, museums --- ### [Embraer Phenom 300EV in Photos](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/embraer-phenom-300ev-in-photos/) **Published:** July 20, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** The new Phenom 300EV offers even more impressive performance specs and safety features than the 300E. Click [here](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/inside-the-new-embraer-phenom-300ev/) to read the full story. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/embraer-phenom-300ev-5.webp) The T-tail. *Paul Bowen/Embraer* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/embraer-phenom-300ev-2.webp) The jet in the hangar. *Paul Bowen/Embraer* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/embraer-phenom-300ev-7.webp) The cockpit. *Paul Bowen/Embraer* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/embraer-phenom-300ev-8.webp) The cabin. *Paul Bowen/Embraer* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/embraer-phenom-300ev-9.webp) The Garmin flight deck. *Paul Bowen/Embraer* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Aviation **Tags:** embraer, News, Phenom 300EV --- ### [Connect River Cruise Ship in Photos](https://robbreport.ph/boats/connect-river-cruise-ship-in-photos/) **Published:** August 4, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** *Connect* is expected to launch sometime later this year. [Click here to read the full story.](https://robbreport.ph/boats/this-new-443-foot-river-cruise-ship-is-like-a-luxe-megayacht-for-the-waterways/) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Connect-A_suite_view01_transparent-glass.webp) One of the suites. *Tillberg Design of Sweden* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Connect_A_suite_door-open.webp) Inside a suite. *Courtesy of Aman Resorts* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Connect_suite_livingroom.webp) The suite living room. *Tillberg Design of Sweden* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Connect_Aft-Lounge_bar-entrance.webp) The aft lounge bar. *Tillberg Design of Sweden* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Connect_Aft-Lounge_seating-glazing.webp) The aft lounge seating. *Tillberg Design of Sweden* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Connect_Forum_view-tables.webp) The Forum. *Courtesy of Aman Resorts* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Connect_Main-Lounge_bar.webp) The main lounge bar. *Tillberg Design of Sweden* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Connect_Main-Lounge_dance-floor-piano.webp) The main lounge dance floor. *Tillberg Design of Sweden* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Connect_Restaurant_chef-table-view.webp) The restaurant chef’s table. *Tillberg Design of Sweden* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Connect_Restaurant_config_88-100.webp) The restaurant seating. *Tillberg Design of Sweden* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Connect-Library-Coffe-Bar_bar-seating-looking-fwd.webp) The coffee bar. *Tillberg Design of Sweden* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Connect-exterior-2.webp) Connect on the water. *Tillberg Design of Sweden* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Boats **Tags:** Charters, News, Yachts --- ### [How Grand Seiko and Credor Define Japanese Watchmaking](https://robbreport.ph/watches/grand-seiko-credor-japanese-watchmaking-2026/) **Published:** August 5, 2026 **Author:** Carl Cunanan **Content:** Grand Seiko and Credor had a whole different feel at Watches and Wonders this year, and it was very much talked about throughout the fair. Grand Seiko and Credor may belong to the same group, but at Watches and Wonders Geneva 2026, their separate exhibition spaces revealed two distinct identities: Grand Seiko’s synthesis of precision and nature-inspired design, and Credor’s devotion to engraving, lacquerwork and other traditional Japanese crafts. Grand Seiko occupied a large, open and welcoming space that visitors would reach by walking past both Patek Philippe and Chopard. While the two Swiss brands had displays of watches, movements and history, what you saw on approaching Grand Seiko was a kind of moving art piece, with glowing white orbs rising and falling softly between the ceiling and a table. It was an enchanting space, which I visited several times between meetings, sitting on one of the couches to get some work done. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/SLGB025_a_RGB.webp) In UshioGreen. *Grand Seiko* All the watches, of course, were there. The highlight was the Spring Drive U.F.A. Ushio 300 Diver, arguably the most highly finished and accurate rotor-powered dive watch on the market right now. It uses the extremely precise and consistent Spring Drive system, brought to its highest level through the Ultra Fine Accuracy technology released the previous year. This is combined with an exceptionally executed dial inspired by the meeting of tides flowing around different parts of an island. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/9RB1_RGB.webp) *Grand Seiko* All of this is housed in a high-intensity titanium case, finished, brushed and beveled to the highest standards. Grand Seiko applies the same attention to its Zaratsu polishing, hands, indices and even the movement details that remain unseen. In many ways, the design of the booth expressed the brand’s identity precisely. ![The caseback. Grand Seiko](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/caseback_RGB.webp) The caseback. *Grand Seiko* Then there was Credor, with its own booth for the first time, introducing itself to the wider watchmaking world in a much stronger, though still understated, way. Credor’s design philosophy has more to do with the highest levels of handwork than with cutting-edge technology. The brand speaks less about the times and places that inspire it and more about the arts and crafts within its world, including lacquerwork, hand engraving, maki-e and shell inlay. Among the pieces on display was the Goldfeather Tourbillon Limited Edition, presented in a platinum case with a fully hand-engraved and hand-finished dial. Tiny dots create the subtle impression of gemstone sparkle, while different sections carry distinct brushed finishes. Its Roman numerals were executed in ultra-fine linear engraving by hand as we watched. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/GCBY991_a.webp) Credor Goldfeather Urushi Lacquer Dial Limited Edition GBBY967. *Credor* Credor also presented a Goldfeather with an urushi lacquer dial, on which everything, including the indices and text, had been applied by hand using an exceptionally fine brush. The artisan responsible for producing these extraordinarily difficult pieces was present at the booth. ![The caseback. Credor](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/GCBY991_c.webp) The caseback. *Credor* Both Grand Seiko and Credor offered something noticeably different from much of what surrounded them at the fair. Judging by how often they came up in conversation—among casual visitors and some of the most respected figures in fine watchmaking—the execution of their respective visions was warmly welcomed. While Grand Seiko stood among the larger Swiss brands, Credor was positioned alongside smaller independent watchmakers. The placement suited the brand’s commitment to handwork and individuality, as well as the personal conversations these watches prompt between their creators and those interested in owning them. The last Credor Maki-e Tourbillon was produced in a series of only 10 pieces. In terms of design, production and appeal, the brand operates much like an independent watchmaker. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report Philippines’ Design Issue, June 2026.* ## FAQs ### **Are Grand Seiko and Credor owned by Seiko?** Yes. Grand Seiko and Credor are both high-end watch brands within Seiko Group, although each has its own design philosophy and watchmaking identity. ### **What did Grand Seiko introduce at Watches and Wonders 2026?** Among its principal releases was the Spring Drive U.F.A. Ushio 300 Diver, powered by the highly accurate Spring Drive Calibre 9RB1. ### **What does U.F.A. mean in Grand Seiko watches?** U.F.A. stands for Ultra Fine Accuracy. Grand Seiko uses the designation for its most accurate Spring Drive movements. ### **What distinguishes Credor from Grand Seiko?** Credor places particular emphasis on artisanal techniques such as hand engraving, urushi lacquer, maki-e and shell inlay. Grand Seiko combines advanced watchmaking technology with highly refined finishing and designs inspired by nature. ### **Which Credor watches appeared at Watches and Wonders 2026?** The display included the platinum Goldfeather Tourbillon Limited Edition with a hand-engraved dial, as well as a Goldfeather featuring an urushi lacquer dial. **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** Credor, grand seiko, watches and wonders, Watches and Wonders 2026 --- ### [It May Be Raining, but at Least There’s Dior Paradise](https://robbreport.ph/style/muse/it-may-be-raining-but-at-least-theres-dior-paradise/) **Published:** August 4, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** Muse *is Robb Report Philippines’ new column with women at its center, exploring objects shaping contemporary luxury.* Dior Paradise and the Dioriviera makeup palettes understand the intimate scale at which beauty does its best work: A few moments of pleasure still count for quite a lot. A tiny ladybug rests on the limited-edition [Dior](https://robbreport.ph/tag/dior/ "dior") Forever Glow Luminizer compact, surrounded by three-dimensional daisies embroidered over the house’s signature cannage pattern. The detail refers to Christian Dior’s fondness for lucky charms, while also accomplishing something more immediate: It turns the routine act of opening a compact into a small pleasure. At the preview of [Peter Philips’ Summer 2026 makeup collection](https://www.dior.com/en_int/beauty/makeup/dlp-makeup-summer-look.html), it was mentioned that only 10 of the luminizer compacts were available in the Philippines at the time. Handling one felt appropriately lucky; the current moment offers no shortage of reasons to feel grim, so an object designed to provide a few seconds of delight earns its place in the day. ![Dior's Forever Glow Luminizer in Sun Kissed. Dior](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/dior-riviera-paradise-SP-2240x2240.webp) Dior’s Forever Glow Luminizer in Sun Kissed. *Dior* Arriving alongside the makeup preview was [Dior Paradise](https://www.dior.com/en_int/beauty/products/dior-paradise---limited-edition-Y0000363.html), the new unisex [eau de parfum](https://robbreport.ph/style/grooming/fragrances/ "Fragrances") created by Francis Kurkdjian for La Collection Privée Christian Dior. Taking his cues from Christian Dior’s home in Provence where he planted hundreds of almond trees across the estate and enjoyed orgeat, the almond syrup he served in cocktails, the scent is built around bittersweet almond, a floral-woody accord, as well as mandarin and tonka bean. Its limited-edition packaging features Jonathan Anderson’s interpretation of cannage as inspired by artist Christian Bérard, where the pattern appears to dip beneath water, giving the box the dreamy quality of being viewed through the surface of a shimmering swimming pool on a summer afternoon. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-04-at-110935-AM.webp) Dior Paradise’s box pattern appears to dip beneath water, giving the box the dreamy quality of a summer afternoon viewed through the surface of a shimmering swimming pool. *Dior* A summer fragrance arriving during the Philippine rainy season may sound slightly mistimed. Yet, as we observed in [this story](https://robbreport.ph/style/grooming/fragrances/best-summer-fragrances-for-the-philippines-rainy-season/), fragrances composed for warmer weather often behave particularly well in our humidity. Citrus and aromatic notes retain their energy, while heat draws richer notes closer to the skin. Bottled Provence can be useful when Manila turns gray—serendipitously, the color Christian Dior prized above all others. ![Dioriviera summer eyeshadow palettes. Dior](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/M228-SUMMER-LOOK-26-P06E-DUO-PALETTES-V1_SW_F39-2240x1679.webp) Dioriviera summer eyeshadow palettes. *Dior* As for makeup, Peter Philips, Creative and Image Director for Dior Makeup, works with the cool and warm colors of Provence: azure, coral, bronze and gold, which include creamy and long-wearing (again, another feature that works in high humidity) Diorshow Flash Sticks and nail color. ![Dioriviera's summer makeup looks also include Lip Maximixers, Flash Sticks, and Dior Vernis in warm and cool undertones. Dior](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/dior-2026-summer-makeup-2240x1260.webp) Dioriviera’s summer makeup looks also include Lip Maximixers, Flash Sticks, and Dior Vernis all in warm and cool undertones. Dior While blue eyeshadow, lip maximizers, and nail color might be intimidating, the warmer tones are wonderfully wearable. But what deserves a place in your routine now is what was inside that ladybug compact, the Dior Forever Glow Luminizer in Sun-Kissed. It offers plenty of shimmer, with perhaps a hint of glitter. In this overcast weather, a little reflected light will do more for a complexion than good intentions ever could. *Dior Beauty boutiques are located at Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Makati City; SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City; The Shoppes at Solaire and Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Parañaque City; SM Aura Premier in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig; The Podium and Rustan’s Shangri-La in Mandaluyong City; and Power Plant Mall and SM Makati in Makati City. Outside Metro Manila, Dior Beauty is available at Rustan’s Cebu Department Store in Ayala Center Cebu, Cebu City.* ## FAQs ### **What is Dior Paradise?** Dior Paradise is a unisex eau de parfum created for La Collection Privée Christian Dior. ### **Who created Dior Paradise?** Dior Perfume Creation Director Francis Kurkdjian composed the fragrance. ### **What does Dior Paradise smell like?** It combines mandarin, bittersweet almond, a floral-woody accord and tonka bean, producing a gourmand scent with brightness and warmth. ### **What is Dioriviera Summer 2026?** It is Dior Makeup’s summer collection by Peter Philips, built around azure, coral, bronze and gold inspired by Provence. ### **What is special about the limited-edition luminizer?** The Dior Forever Glow Luminizer in 003 Sun-Kissed comes in a cannage compact decorated with three-dimensional daisies and a ladybug associated with Christian Dior’s love of lucky charms. **Categories:** Fragrances, Muse, Style **Tags:** dior beauty, Dior Paradise, Francis Kurkdijan, Jonathan Anderson, Makeup, Peter Philips --- ### [Beyond the Algorithm: How Natu Explorations Designs Bespoke Journeys](https://robbreport.ph/travel/natu-explorations-personalized-luxury-travel/) **Published:** August 3, 2026 **Author:** Mick Gaw **Content:** From sweeping ChatGPT-generated itineraries to the endless stream of minute-long travel videos on social media, many contemporary vacation planners appear to be inundated with an excess of information. This abundance of content has introduced young users to a whole host of otherwise gatekept tips. Multitudes find themselves lining up at the same “underrated gems” and fighting for the same dinner reservations, often recommended by the same set of online [travel](https://robbreport.ph/travel/ "Travel") creators. Amid the digital flurry of instantaneous, algorithmically mediated research, personalization has been wholly sacrificed. It is in this climate of rapid, trend-based decision-making that bespoke travel company [Natu Explorations](https://www.natuexplorations.com/) asserts its vision of customization and intentionality. Natu brings together the seasoned boutique globetrotting experience of its co-founders, each bringing to the table over 10 years in the travel industry. Offering everything from meticulously organized trips to VIP accommodation access through its luxury hotel desk, Natu aims to lead travellers towards new adventures without sacrificing comfort in the process. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/DSCF3018.webp) Tea picking experience in the mountains of Yunnan. *Natu Explorations* Prospective travellers are often met with two choices: engage in a laborious research process themselves or offload the burden of planning to a travel agency. The former turns vacation preparation into a chore; the latter often leads to jam-packed itineraries that leave tourists even more exhausted than before they departed. Natu combines the benefits of personalized research with the streamlined pragmatism of the traditional agency model. During the first discovery call with a client, the company’s travel designers determine the practical details of a proposed trip while also getting a sense of who their clients are. Coyiuto compares Natu’s work to that of an architect designing a family home, where a client’s personality and interests heavily inform the process. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/DSCF2865.webp) Bai tie-dyeing from Zhoucheng Village in Dali reflects a centuries-old textile tradition. *Natu Explorations* For example, some of Natu’s previous clients were admirers of the late Colombian artist Fernando Botero. During their trip to Bogotá, Natu organized a visit to the Museo Botero in the city’s historic La Candelaria neighbourhood and arranged for the artist’s grandson to conduct the tour. Along with delivering a premium, hassle-free experience in which bookings and transfers are carefully handled, Natu’s dedication to personalization goes beyond the expectations of most travellers. Though the company started by planning trips for honeymooners—a demographic both founders remain fond of serving—Natu has recently welcomed an influx of multigenerational families that include everyone “from grandparents to the grandkids,” bringing many more considerations into play. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Copy-of-20250506-08_Muxi_Dali_Huoshan_0041_LO-RES.webp) One of the rooms at Muxi Dali Huoshan, a boutique hotel located near Erhai Lake in Dali Ancient Town. It is in this context that Natu’s planning and design services are mobilized to their fullest extent. One family member might be a [foodie](https://robbreport.ph/tag/food-and-drink/ "Food and Drink") determined to secure a specific reservation, another a history enthusiast with a particular landmark in mind, while a parent may simply want baby-friendly activities. As the founders explain, it is “Natu’s job to know how to mesh everything together, so it works for all.” Whether arranging a professional photography session amid Iceland’s glacial landscapes or a picnic in Cappadocia, Natu’s founders apply their philosophy of comfort, compromise and adventure to every journey. The company’s destination roster has also expanded. Although Natu continues to offer trips to its original focus of Latin America, clients have encouraged the brand to venture farther afield. In some cases, this has meant finding new experiences in familiar European holiday destinations. China, meanwhile, has become a new centre of attention for many travellers. According to the [World Travel & Tourism Council](https://wttc.org/news/china-and-its-leading-performance-in-travel-tourism), China’s travel and tourism sector expanded by 9.9 percent in 2025, more than twice the global growth average of 4.1 percent. The country welcomed more than 68 million international visitors that year, an increase of 15.5 percent. Though Coyiuto had travelled to China in the past, she believes it has changed considerably as a destination in recent years. She recently returned from a trip to Yunnan and observed that while China’s luxury travel sector has grown over the past decade, it has largely catered to domestic travellers. With international interest in Chinese destinations increasing, companies such as Natu can help translate expectations into workable itineraries for first-time visitors. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Hylla-9.webp) A rustic outdoor lounge at The Hylla Vintage Hotel in Lijiang. Aside from the language barrier, planning a trip to China can be intimidating for the uninitiated. As with its other destinations, Natu’s travel designers conduct meticulous research to prepare clients for their trips while conferring with a network of local experts. Tourism in China remains largely concentrated in coastal megacities such as Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen. These urban centres have much to offer visitors, including established hotel brands and internationally acclaimed cultural and culinary institutions. Many cities and provinces farther inland, however, remain overlooked, particularly by luxury travellers. In line with Natu’s philosophy of passionate exploration, the company has been highlighting China’s southwestern Yunnan province as an alternative to the country’s bustling entrepôts. Coyiuto says Yunnan’s position at the crossroads of Southeast Asia, Tibet and the rest of mainland China gives it a cultural diversity that can be felt in its food, architecture and design. Residents of China’s largest cities seek refuge in the province’s slower pace of life. Coyiuto believes the time she spent in its boutique hotels accounted for “probably some of the best days” of her life. Known for its vast, picturesque mountain ranges, Yunnan is home to properties such as Hylla Vintage Hotel in Lijiang, which places guests within the region’s natural landscape. Visitors can explore independent design studios, spend an afternoon in coffee shops and teahouses, or pick tea in the mountains. The province offers a variety of ways to fill the days during a serene getaway. With its layered cultural history, varied local cuisines, active design scene and abundant natural beauty, Yunnan embodies Natu’s philosophy of tailor-made journeys that venture beyond the mainstream imagination. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report Philippines’ [Design Issue, June 2026.](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-june-2026-the-design-issue/)* ## FAQs ### What is Natu Explorations? Natu Explorations is a bespoke travel-planning company founded in 2019 by Sofia Coyiuto-Tan and Fay Chiong. ### How does bespoke travel planning work? Travel designers begin by learning about the client’s interests, preferences and practical requirements before developing a personalized itinerary. ### What services does Natu Explorations provide? Natu coordinates itineraries, accommodation, reservations, transfers, local experiences and VIP hotel access. ### Can Natu plan multigenerational holidays? Yes. The company creates itineraries that accommodate different ages, interests, mobility requirements and family priorities. ### What makes a bespoke itinerary different from a package tour? A bespoke itinerary is designed around a particular traveller or group rather than following a standardized route, schedule or selection of activities. **Categories:** Travel **Tags:** Fay Chiong, Fernando Botero, Natu Explorations, Sofia Coyiuto-Tan, travel, Yunnan --- ### [The 2027 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class in Photos](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-2027-mercedes-maybach-s-class-in-photos/) **Published:** August 3, 2026 **Author:** Howard Walker **Content:** We took the extended-wheelbase four-door for a ride in France. [Click here to read the full story.](https://robbreport.ph/cars/road-test-the-2027-mercedes-maybach-s-class-should-make-rolls-royce-and-bentley-worried/) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2027-mercedes-maybach-s-class-1.webp) An example of the 2027 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class in Emerald Green and Mojave Silver. *Mercedes-Benz AG* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2027-mercedes-maybach-s-class-6.webp) The latest edition of the model boasts the most comprehensive update since the introduction of Mercedes-Maybach’s S-Class in 2014. *Mercedes-Benz AG* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2027-mercedes-maybach-s-class-8.webp) The V-8-powered S 580 provides 530 hp and 553 ft lbs of torque, while the 12-cylinder S 680 delivers 621 hp and 664 ft lbs of torque. *Mercedes-Benz AG* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2027-mercedes-maybach-s-class-3.webp) At the front of the cabin, a huge MBUX Superscreen comprises a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, a 14.4-inch infotainment screen, and a 12.3-inch passenger screen. *Mercedes-Benz AG* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2027-mercedes-maybach-s-class-4.webp) A pair of docked, wireless controllers, which look and feel like iPhones, manage most of the rear seating’s cutting-edge functions. *Mercedes-Benz AG* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2027-mercedes-maybach-s-class-10.webp) The availability of bespoke options through the Manufaktur Made-to-Measure program really brings this Mercedes-Maybach S-Class much closer to counterparts from Rolls-Royce and Bentley in terms of luxury. *Mercedes-Benz AG* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/wheel-2027-mercedes-maybach-s-class-12.webp) There are new 20- and 21-inch forged wheels too, including a stunning, polished 21-inch version with gold accents and Rolls-Royce-style floating center caps. *Mercedes-Benz AG* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2027-mercedes-maybach-s-class-5.webp) The big Mercedes-Maybach feels sure-footed and poised. *Mercedes-Benz AG* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2027-mercedes-maybach-s-class-9_d8ac5a.webp) This latest Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is the brand’s most opulent and tech-laden production model yet. *Mercedes-Benz AG* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2027-mercedes-maybach-s-class-7.webp) As before, the Maybach boasts Airmatic air suspension, but with the addition of predictive damping. *Mercedes-Benz AG* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/detail-2027-mercedes-maybach-s-class-11.webp) With its distinctive, and complex, twin-star-design LED headlights, accentuated by lovely rose-gold detailing and more illuminated Maybach logos, the car does have a stronger, more individual face. *Mercedes-Benz AG* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2027-mercedes-maybach-s-class-13.webp) Deliveries of both the new Mercedes-Maybach S 580 and S 680 start stateside by late summer. *Mercedes-Benz AG* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** mercedes-benz, Mercedes-Maybach --- ### [We Traveled to Utah With Vacheron Constantin Collectors to Test Out the New Overseas Models](https://robbreport.ph/watches/we-traveled-to-utah-with-vacheron-constantin-collectors-to-test-out-the-new-overseas-models/) **Published:** August 3, 2026 **Author:** Paige Reddinger **Content:** In the blistering heat of southern Utah’s canyon-filled desert, [Vacheron Constantin](https://robbreport.ph/tag/vacheron-constantin/ "Vacheron Constantin") drops a group of collectors off at the ultra-high-end luxury resort [Amangiri](https://robbreport.ph/travel/what-its-like-to-stay-at-the-most-exclusive-resort-in-the-united-states/ "What It’s Like to Stay at the Most Exclusive Resort in the United States"). Getting there is no small feat. If you’re not flying in by private jet, you must connect through Los Angeles, Las Vegas, or Phoenix before boarding a charter to nearby Page, Ariz. On this trip, Page closed early for runway work, forcing some guests into a five-hour drive from Las Vegas, while a lucky few snagged the last helicopter transfer. It’s a hell of a journey, which only adds to its exclusivity. The trek is part of a V.I.P.-only client experience to discover the new Overseas Dual Time Cardinal Points. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Vacheron_Constantin_Overseas_5.webp) Cory Richards leading a group of Vacheron Constantin collectors on a climb up the canyon surrounding Amangiri. *Chris Coe* The big draw? New versions of a popular iteration of its Overseas model finally put into regular production at the house. The timepiece veers confidently into tool-watch territory, separating it from other precious-metal and bracelet Overseas models. It comes in lightweight, durable titanium with a GMT function, 150 meters of water resistance, anti-magnetism, and two interchangeable rubber straps and bracelet, and its even sportier take on the Overseas line marks a serious new direction for the buttoned-up brand. The prototype, a one-of-one release in 2019, was pushed to the limit on the wrist of photographer and mountaineer [Cory Richards](https://www.vacheron-constantin.com/us/en/maison/art-and-culture/artistic-collaborations/cory-richards.html) as he attempted to summit Mount Everest. A small run of a Dual Time and Chronographs followed in 2021. Many clients expressed frustration that they couldn’t get their hands on one of the 300 examples in the limited edition (150 of each version were made); now, five years later, Cardinal Points has finally arrived. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Vacheron_Constantin_Overseas_6.webp) Richards wears the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time Cardinal Points – East. *Chris Coe* Serious horology aficionados are used to waiting—even if lead times for coveted [watches](https://robbreport.ph/watches/ "Watches") have become preposterous. “I’ve been collecting for almost 20 years now, and my first Vacheron experience in New York was one of the first times I walked into a boutique, found a watch I love, bought it, walked out with it, and wore it home,” says David K., a Los Angeles–based collector who preferred not to disclose his last name. Some are even turning away from other top-tier brands due to lack of transparency. “There’s all kinds of brands that I think have perverted the concept of luxury,” Miami-based collector Jason Barker says, referring to how some companies and retailers make you buy once a quarter until you get the watch you really want. He likes Vacheron Constantin because of the attentiveness to customers, the service, the experience and, as he puts it, “They just have really fun watches.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Vacheron_Constantin_Overseas_4.webp) Vacheron Constantin’s new Overseas Cardinal Points Collection. *Chris Coe* But anyone who has roamed in watch-collecting circles for long enough can tell you it’s almost never just about the watches; it’s about the friendships formed through the hobby. “It’s the relationship \[with the brand\], and it’s the people who I adore, and it’s the main reason why I’m here,” David K. says. That sentiment is evident throughout the weekend as old friendships flourish and new ones form throughout the itinerary, which includes a five a.m. sunrise meditation, a dinner set within the canyons, or stargazing during a lecture on the cosmos. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Vacheron_Constantin_Overseas_2.webp) Left to right: A scenic view of an al fresco dinner in one of Amangiri’s canyons; the table setting. *Chris Coe* Over lunch at [Camp Sarika](https://robbreport.ph/travel/what-its-like-to-stay-at-the-most-exclusive-resort-in-the-united-states/ "What It’s Like to Stay at the Most Exclusive Resort in the United States"), Richards, fresh off a guided climb with guests, brings the moment full circle. “The only thing that I dislike about watches is that too often they’re actually not serving the ultimate purpose, which is to be present,” he says. “I wear this hat that literally says, ‘Holy shit, we’re alive,’ and so… I believe the ultimate purpose of a watch is to remind us of how special this moment actually is.” Just next to him is a fellow journalist with a tattoo on his forearm that reads, “Don’t die.” Laughter ensues when a guest suggests both slogans would make excellent caseback engravings. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Vacheron_Constantin_Overseas_1.webp) A collector wears his Vacheron Constantin Mercator. *Chris Coe* The idea neatly captures the spirit of the trip. Connection to people and to one’s surroundings is the point. “The real reason why we brought you here is all about exploration, but it’s not only physical exploration, but really going a little bit beyond,” Alexander Schmiedt, president of Vacheron Constantin Americas, tells guests. And, according to the clients, that philosophy is selling. *[$41,000](https://www.vacheron-constantin.com/us/en/watches/all-collections/overseas.html)* ## FAQs ### What is the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time Cardinal Points? The Overseas Dual Time Cardinal Points is a titanium travel watch featuring a GMT complication, 150 meters of water resistance, anti-magnetic protection, and interchangeable titanium bracelet and rubber straps. It brings a more rugged, tool-watch character to Vacheron Constantin’s Overseas collection. ### How much does the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time Cardinal Points cost? The Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time Cardinal Points is priced at $41,000. Unlike the earlier limited-edition titanium models, the new version has entered the brand’s regular production collection. ### Why is the Overseas Dual Time Cardinal Points significant? The watch develops a concept first tested by mountaineer and photographer Cory Richards during his 2019 Mount Everest expedition. Following a limited run in 2021, its arrival in regular production gives more collectors access to one of Vacheron Constantin’s sportiest modern watches. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** amangiri, Magazine, Vacheron Constantin, Watch Collector, Watches --- ### [Leaders of Luxury: Florence Ko](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/design/leaders-of-luxury-florence-ko/) **Published:** July 30, 2025 **Author:** Alicia Colby-Sy **Content:** *Robb Report Philippines’ Design Issue (July 2025) celebrates the Leaders of Luxury—those who set the standard in the landscape of lifestyle retail, home décor, furniture, and fashion.* The luxury market today faces a unique set of challenges. We’re seeing shifts in consumer demographics, and the expansion of the counterfeit market continues to be a growing concern. At the same time, brands have to adapt to a rapidly evolving retail landscape. It is important to me that the brands we work with own the entire process—from [design](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/design/ "Design") and development to manufacturing, marketing, and after—sales service. I really only work with companies that truly understand manufacturing because that end-to-end capability ensures quality, consistency, and accountability. Maintaining brand exclusivity is a tough journey, and it’s not just about having the rights to distribute a name; it’s about trust, loyalty, and shared values. True exclusivity comes from strong business relationships, professionalism, and performance. There must be a sense of partnership that goes beyond transactions. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/JLP_5907.webp) Balancing physical retail with online presence is also one of the biggest strategic challenges. But when done right, expanding its reach without diluting its identity, it can actually elevate the brand. I believe that social media plays an important role in how we navigate this shift. It helps us shape visual identity—showcasing the craftsmanship, the materials, and the lifestyle behind each piece. It opens doors for designer and influencer collaborations that reinforce brand values. And most importantly, it allows direct engagement with potential clients. That kind of direct communication wasn’t possible before, and now it’s a crucial part of building relevance. Influencers and key opinion leaders have a place in this ecosystem, too, but not just any influencer. The ones that matter are those with design credibility and an authentic connection to the brand’s lifestyle. Their role is more about trust and brand building than immediate sales. Every decision I make—from the brands I represent to the way we communicate—comes down to long-term vision and integrity. Luxury is not just about price or prestige. It’s about the depth of the relationship, the honesty of the product, and the ability to offer something meaningful and lasting to the people we serve. *As told to Alicia Colby-Sy. Photos: Joseph Pascual* **Categories:** Design, Profiles --- ### [Game On: The Most Stylish Game Tables](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/design/game-on-the-most-stylish-game-tables/) **Published:** July 29, 2025 **Author:** Alicia Colby-Sy **Content:** Once relegated to the basement or tucked away in rec rooms, game tables have undergone a stylish evolution. Today’s designs marry luxury, craftsmanship, and innovation—proving that playtime can be just as chic as it is entertaining. From sleek pool tables that double as dining surfaces to handcrafted chess tables that look like works of art, these statement-making pieces bring game night into the spotlight. **Game Tables by Vismara Design** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-28-at-15455-PM.webp) Offering a full range of game tables, Italian maker Vismara Design combines Italian craftsmanship with modern design elements, resulting in luxury entertainment furniture that’s both functional and aesthetically striking. From table tennis (above) to dining surfaces, these pieces transform effortlessly from a matte-surfaced game table to a sleek dining model, and are complete with hidden paddle drawers and a removable net. The air hockey table (feature photo) is crafted with luxurious materials, including leather upholstery and polished wood finishes, yet still manages to deliver the smooth, arcade-level gameplay with its integrated airflow system. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-28-at-22557-PM.webp) For a modern take on tradition, the automatic mahjong table (above) features seamless tile sorting and tech-friendly details like USB ports at each station. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-28-at-15731-PM.webp) Rounding out the collection, the shuffleboard table offers clean lines, suede sides, and a lacquered surface that merges performance with sculptural sophistication. *Available through [Casa Bella Home and Living](https://www.casabellahomeandliving.com/)* **Flamingo Game Table and 90° Minuto Foosball Table by Giorgetti** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-28-at-23525-PM.webp) Giorgetti’s Flamingo game table (above) was created by Centro Ricerche Giorgetti, its in-house research and development team, known for its innovative approach to luxury furniture design. The table features a sculptural ash wood frame and comes upholstered in Pelle Plus leather. It’s further complemented by a smoked glass top with integrated drawers that contain trays for game accessories and refreshments. A reversible playing mat (leather on one side and wool satin on the other) makes the table even more versatile, so it is suitable for various games. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-28-at-23123-PM.webp) Designed by Adriano Design in collaboration with Centro Ricerche Giorgetti, the 90° Minuto foosball table (above) transforms a classic game into a luxurious experience. With its crystal sides, a saddle leather-clad frame, and hand-turned players crafted from pau ferro and ash wood, the foosball table is yet another example of Giorgetti’s dedication to blending functionality with sophisticated design. *Available through [Furnitalia](https://furnitalia.com.ph/)* **Shagreen Chess Table by La Galuche** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-28-at-23913-PM.webp) La Galuche is a boutique furniture maker in the Philippines known for its refined craftsmanship and sculptural sensibility. Drawing inspiration from natural textures and classical forms, the studio specializes in bespoke pieces that blend traditional woodworking techniques with contemporary elegance. Each item is carefully handcrafted, often incorporating rich materials like wood, shagreen, parchment, stone and marble, veneer, and shell, resulting in furniture that feels both timeless and quietly luxurious. *Available at [La Galuche](https://lagaluche.com/)* **Ilotto Billiards Table by Impatia** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-28-at-24523-PM.webp) The Impatia Filotto billiards table redefines the traditional pool table with its transparent design that features a glass frame that creates the illusion of a floating playing surface. Available in various editions, including Classic, Gold, Wood, and Dark—the Filotto offers customization options such as chrome or gold-plated components and different wood finishes to suit diverse interior styles. This fusion of modern materials and Italian craftsmanship makes the Filotto not just a game table, but a luxurious centerpiece for any sophisticated home. *Available at [Impatia](https://www.impatia.com/)* **Poker Table by Zanotta** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-28-at-24848-PM.webp) The Poker card table from Zanotta is a refined expression of Italian modernism and is a fine example of mid-century modern Italian furniture. Its folding design, crafted from solid wood and refined joinery, allows it to transition effortlessly from a compact piece to a fully functional gaming surface. Designed by Joe Colombo in 1968, the Poker table features a double-layered white plastic laminate top with a removable green playing surface trimmed in leather. Its stainless steel legs and integrated swing-out ashtrays exemplify Colombo’s innovative approach to functional design. *Available at [Kuysen](https://www.kuysen.com/)* **Backgammon Table by Garrison Rousseau** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-28-at-25041-PM.webp) A bespoke furniture atelier based in Cebu, Garrison Rousseau produces exquisite pieces that are celebrated for their refined craftsmanship and use of luxurious materials. Often incorporating exotic finishes like shagreen, parchment, and shells, his creations fuse classical elegance with contemporary design. All of the game tables are meticulously handcrafted, showcasing the brand’s commitment to quality and attention to detail, making it a distinguished name in the Philippine furniture industry. *Available at [Garrison Rousseau](https://www.garrisonrousseau.com/)* **Basano da Gioco by Promemoria** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-28-at-25201-PM-2240x1086.webp) The Bassano da Gioco is a sculptural game table by designer and Promemoria founder, Romeo Sozzi. Grounded by a solid bronze base and topped with richly grained sucupira wood, the table can be used for various games, including backgammon, chess, checkers, and dominoes. It includes handcrafted ebony and maple game pieces, while a removable leather-covered shelf that is integrated into the base provides convenient storage for game pieces. *Available at [Living Innovations](https://livinginnovations.ph/?srsltid=AfmBOoqMorLYip1DD_Y_hcHVh9DLkGlA18cc6PYsVa2EvD3eq4PH3o-H)* **Categories:** Design, Entertainment, Home & Design, Leisure **Tags:** adriano design, backgammon, billiards, chess table, foosball, game tables, garrison rousseau, giorgetti, impatia, la galuche, mahjong, poker, promemoria, table tennis, zanotta --- ### [Read the Room: Creating a Stylish Space for Quiet Reading Moments](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/read-the-room-creating-a-stylish-space-for-quiet-reading-moments/) **Published:** May 15, 2025 **Author:** Alicia Colby-Sy **Content:** At a time when our fast-paced lifestyles and digital distractions leave us overwhelmed and disconnected, the need for a quiet space dedicated to reading, rest, and relaxation has never been more essential. Designed as a classical study or a modern reading lounge, a home library is more than just a place for books; it is a refined sanctuary where we can slow down and let our imagination wander. The functionality and comfort of this space depend largely on its design choices. Design elements to consider include a cozy and comfortable chair or sofa for enjoyable reading sessions, adequate lighting, preferably a mix of natural light and adjustable lamps that make the space inviting and intimate, and well-organized, attractive bookshelves that can transform any corner into a personal retreat worthy of frequent visits. Integrating hand-picked art and personal decorative objects further elevates the space, transforming it into a room that reflects the homeowner’s tastes and intellectual pursuits. **LC4 CHAISE LONGUE** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/4-CHAISE-LONGUE-A-REGLAGE-CONTINU-DURABLE-1.webp) Unveiled at the Paris Salon d’Automne in 1929, the iconic Chaise Longue designed by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, and Charlotte Perriand, and now exclusively reproduced by Cassina, exemplifies the harmonious relationship between form and function. The comfortable chaise longue was crafted with a trivalent chrome-plated steel frame precisely angled to follow the natural contours of the body, providing maximum comfort. *Available at Casa Bella Home and Living*. **TOLOMEO LAMP** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Tolomeo-floor-2240x1260.webp) The Tolomeo lamp, designed by Michele De Lucchi and Giancarlo Fassina for Artemide, is a quintessential example of Italian design that blends form and function seamlessly. With its sleek aluminum structure, adjustable arms, and precise lighting, the Tolomeo hasbecome a timeless icon in modern interiors, catering to both residential and professional spaces. Available in both a floor lamp and desk lamp, both options exude elegance. With its minimalist silhouette, the Tolomeo is designed for flexibility, ensuring both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Its adjustable arm provides adaptable illumination, making it perfect for reading nooks and workspaces. *Available at Kuysen.* **DUNE BOOKSHELF** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Untitled-Your-Story-1-scaled.webp) Inspired by the glamorous 1970s pop art scene, the Dune Bookcase designed by Draga & Aurel for Baxter integrates sleek design with innovative storage solutions. A sculptural bookshelf that blends contemporary design with artistic expression, the bookcase features fluid lines and high-quality materials, and serves as both a functional storage piece and a bold statement in home decor. The piece is crafted from a thin stainless steel sheet and its glossy exterior finish contrasts with the satin interior, enhancing its reflective quality. The soft, curving design generates a series of open compartments, transforming the bookcase into a functional sculpture. *Available at Kuysen.* **PH 2/2 LUNA LAMP** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Square-1-2240x2240.webp) The PH 2/2 Luna Table Lamp is a limited-edition design by Poul Henningsen from 1939, and was originally known as “The Night Stand Lamp.” This elegant piece features a gracefully curved brushed brass stem, paired with a three-tiered, mouth-blown opal glass shade that casts a soft, diffused glow. The lamp head tilts up to 45 degrees, offering precise light direction. Over time, the untreated brass naturally develops a rich patina, enhancing its timeless appeal. A true lighting icon, the lamp’s signature curved stem and refined materials create a distinctive silhouette. *Available at Focus Global*. **STAR TREK CHAIR** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Star-Trek.webp) A dream chair for every book lover, the Star Trek armchair and pouf were designed by Roberto Lazzeroni in 1994, for Ceccotti, drawing inspiration from Franco Albini’s “Tre Pezzi” armchair. Blending Italian and Scandinavian influences, this piece reinterprets Albini’s work with a bold, contemporary twist. The name “Star Trek” was coined by a colleague in Lazzeroni’s studio, reflecting the designer’s humor and irreverence. In his design, Lazzeroni exaggerates the proportions of the chair’s headrest and unconventional armrests, giving it a distinctive sculptural characteristic. As with all Ceccotti pieces, innovation is subtly integrated. The headrest’s attachment mechanism is discreetly embedded within an elegant wood and brass joint, transforming a functional detail into a refined design element. *Available at Kuysen*. **VELIERO BOOKCASE** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Veliero-01.webp) A masterpiece of modern design, Veliero (Italian for “sailing ship”) is a distinctive bookcase conceived by Franco Albini in 1940. Drawing inspiration from the structure of sailboats, it showcases an innovative design that blends precision with aesthetic sophistication. The bookcase’s ingenious construction allows books to appear as if they are floating, supported by two ash wood beams, a network of steel rods, and laminated glass shelves. In 2011, Italian furniture brand Cassina re-engineered the Veliero, while preserving its original design integrity. Collaborating with civil and nautical engineers, they strengthened the bookcase by integrating a steel core within the ash wood base and replacing the shelves with safety glass, ensuring both durability and balance. *Available at Casa Bella Home and Living*. **GALIMEDE TABLE** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Galamide-stand-2.webp) A versatile and functional piece, the Galimede table by Ceccotti is designed for both work and leisure. Designed by Giuseppe Casarosa, it is practical, easy to handle, and features a sleek steel structure that is available in black, gold, rose gold, or bronze finishes. The design offers two height-adjustable tray options: a round solid wood top and a rectangular solid wood top with a leather bottom. Ideal for creating a reading nook, whether for analog or digital experiences, Galimede adapts to different spaces and needs. Its nomadic design makes it a stylish and adaptable addition to any reading environment. *Available at Kuysen*. **CAMALEONIDA SOFA** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Camaleonda_BB-Italia_06.webp) The Camaleonda Sofa is distinguished by its limitless modularity. Consisting of individual sections that can be rearranged effortlessly through an ingenious system of cables, hooks, and rings, its adaptability allows it to seamlessly fit into different spaces, while its luxurious capitonné upholstery enhances both comfort and visual appeal. Originally designed in 1970 by Italian architect Mario Bellini, the Camaleonda embodies innovation and timeless elegance. After several decades of the sofa being out of production, B&B Italia reintroduced the Camaleonda in 2020, staying true to its original concept while integrating modern enhancements. The updated version retains its iconic modular system but now incorporates sustainable materials and enhanced comfort. Additionally, a wide selection of premium fabrics and leather finishes are available, allowing for personalized customization. *Available at Focus Global* **SELECTA BOOKSHELF** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/LEMA-selecta-desk.webp) The Selecta Bookshelf, originally designed by Lema in 1995, is the first Italian freestanding shelving system. For over three decades, its design has continued to adapt with new finishes and elements to meet the evolving needs of the times. Its defining characteristic is its exceptional versatility—various components can be customized to fit any space, and the design possibilities are virtually limitless. Conceived to redefine the conventional bookshelf, Selecta’s strength lies in its modularity. It can be configured with shelves, storage units, drawers, and even display cases. Designed to fit your space, each piece is handcrafted combining advanced construction technology with premium materials. Selecta is available in a range of finishes, ensuring a sophisticated and timeless addition to any interior. *Available at Living Innovations*. **BISTROT BOOKSHELF** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Henge-Bookshelf-2240x1527.webp) A visual composition of burnished metal modules, the Bistrot bookshelf, designed by Massimo Castagna for Henge, is a modular shelving system that showcases craftsmanship and architectural elegance, while its design celebrates linear elegance and verticality. Crafted from premium materials, its structure features solid wood external columns that are meticulously coated with hand-burnished metal finishes in brass, blackened brass, titanium, and platinum. This process ensures that each piece is unique. Designed for versatility, it serves not only as a sophisticated display for books and art objects, but can also function as a stylish and refined room divider. *Available at Casa Bella Home and Living*. **ALBERO BOOKCASE** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/02_albero-bookcase.webp) Designed in the late 1950s by Gianfranco Frattini, the Albero Bookcase was conceived as a floor-to-ceiling piece, intended for interior spaces rather than mass production. This freestanding shelving system is both a functional storage solution and a sculptural statement, embodying the elegance and craftsmanship of its era. The bookshelf is crafted from solid Canaletto walnut and features adjustable shelves along with a 360-degree swivel mechanism, offering flexibility and versatility. A true icon of mid-century Italian design, it remains a timeless addition to contemporary interiors. *Available at Furnitalia*. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report Philippines’ [Car Issue](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-may-2025-the-car-issue/).* **Categories:** Design, Home & Design **Tags:** bookshelf, casa bella home and living, focus global, furnitalia, kuysen, living innovations --- ### [Keep Shining: Metallic Finishes Are Having a Moment](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/design/keep-shining-metallic-finishes-are-having-a-moment/) **Published:** March 7, 2026 **Author:** Aica Dacuno **Content:** Metallic finishes are defined by meticulous craftsmanship, shaping everything from dazzling lighting to finely trimmed basins into considered objects of [design](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/design/ "Design"). ## Blevio Table, Molteni&C, by Ignazio Gardella ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/BLEVIO-TABLE-MolteniC.webp) Reintroduced from the archives and designed by Ignazio Gardella, the Blevio table enters Molteni&C’s Heritage Collection as a study in disciplined elegance. Defined by precise geometry and a pared-back approach to material, the design distills form and function to their essentials, allowing proportion, structure, and craft to take precedence over ornament. *Available at Furnitalia, Crescent Park, West BGC Taguig City, Philippines* ## **Lise Table, Molteni&C**, by Christophe Delcourt ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2-Molteni_Catalogo_12_1337_2025_HR.webp) Lise is conceived as a sculptural table defined by organic form and balanced proportions, bringing a refined sense of calm to expansive, light-filled interiors. Christophe Delcourt’s design features two opposing curved bases that interlock with precision, creating a poised yet expressive silhouette. Offered with a wood top framed by a glossy lacquered rim or a marble surface edged in polished steel, Lise pairs material richness with tactile depth. *Available at Furnitalia* ###### **Galaxy Wall Lamp, Paolo Castelli** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/1-GALAXY-WALL-LAMP-Paolo-Castelli.webp) Galaxy is conceived as an architectural lighting element, composed of convex polished-gold lenses and metal discs finished in a warm bronze-brass matte. Smooth surfaces and curvilinear volumes shape, reflect, and amplify light, creating layered reflections that add depth and movement to the wall plane. *Available at Furnitalia* ## **Melt Bronze**, *Tom Dixon* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2025-02-10_TOM_DIXON_AW_25-3863.webp) Tom Dixon expands the Melt series with Melt Bronze, an architectural lighting piece distinguished by its molten silhouette and deep bronze metallic finish. Produced using injection blow-moulding and vacuum metallisation, the semi-metallised interior creates layered reflections and optical distortion, shifting from a mirror-like surface when off to a warm, atmospheric glow when illuminated. *Available at MOs Design, 9th Avenue corner Lane O, Bonifacio High Street, BGC* ## **Germoglio, Natuzzi Italia**, Marcantonio ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/germoglio-image01.webp) Natuzzi Italia presents Germoglio, an architectural table lamp defined by soft, enveloping curves and an organic silhouette inspired by a flower bud. Designed to cradle and diffuse light, it creates an intimate, atmospheric glow that reflects the brand’s philosophy of harmony, comfort, and Italian craftsmanship. *Available at MOs Design* ## **Solid Steel, Minotti**, Rodolfo Dordoni ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SOLID-STEEL-05.webp) Designed by Rodolfo Dordoni for Minotti, Solid Steel is conceived as an architectural family of coffee tables defined by staggered volumes, mirrored steel frames, and a distinctly 1970s sensibility. Parallelepiped forms combine polished stainless steel or bronze with lacquered finishes, wood, marble, or mirrored tops, creating a deliberate dialogue between matte texture and reflective shine. Minimal yet visually assertive, Solid Steel anchors contemporary living spaces with precision and material depth. *Available at Living Innovations, Fort Victoria, 5th Ave. corner Rizal Dr., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig* ## **Nastro, Minotti**, Giampiero Tagliaferri ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/NASTRO-04.webp) By Giampiero Tagliaferri for Minotti, Nastro is conceived as an architectural side table defined by the intersection of two slender, curved metal bands. Available in multiple sizes and a console version, its sculptural, three-dimensional form is enhanced by alternating glossy and matte finishes that heighten depth and reflection. Both functional and expressive, Nastro integrates seamlessly into contemporary living spaces through refined geometry and material restraint. *Available at Living Innovations* ## **AXOR Suite, AXOR**, Philippe Starck ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/aad01241.webp) AXOR Suite basins and bathtub approach the bathroom as a space of architecture, where soft geometries and seamless SolidSurface construction express Philippe Starck’s philosophy of enduring, human-centered design. Line-free inner basins and specially finished elements, including wrap-around surfaces and integrated shelving, balance durability with personal expression, shaping a refined and intuitive bathing environment for AXOR. *Available at Kuysen* ## **Twins Sinistra, Variation 1 and Twins Sentro, Variation 2, BENCAB × Abitare Internazionale**, Abitare Internazionale ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/LR-BenCab-Twins-SINISTRA-brass.webp) Reimagining the painterly language of National Artist Benedicto Cabrera in three dimensions, these limited-edition metal sculptures translate line and movement into oxidized brass and stainless steel. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/LR-BenCab-Twins-CENTRO-brass.webp) Produced in Italy, Twins Sinistra, Variation 1 and Twins Sentro, Variation 2 explore balance, symmetry, and material contrast, enhancing the visual and tactile depth of the original works through sculptural form and reflective surface. *Available at Abitare Internazionale, G/F, Crown Tower, Salcedo Village, 107 H.V. Dela Costa, Makati City* ## **Amal Bed, FLOU, Carlo Colombo** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Flou-amal_131_05.webp) With Amal, Carlo Colombo brings a restrained sense of shine to the bedroom, using elegant metallic trims to frame and anchor the upholstered headboard while emphasizing the softness of the form. Offered in polished gold, matt burnished, or polished black nickel, the detailing is calibrated to complement a wide selection of removable fabric or leather covers. Designed for flexibility, Amal is available with a Leonardo box-spring, storage base, or an electrically adjustable base. *Available at Abitare Internazionale* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report Philippines’ [Success Issue, February 2026.](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-february-2026-the-success-issue/)* **Categories:** Design, Home & Design --- ### [The Best Bar Cabinets and Cocktail Room Décor For After-Hours Entertaining](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/design/the-best-bar-cabinets-and-cocktail-room-decor-for-after-hours-entertaining/) **Published:** May 27, 2026 **Author:** Aica Dacuno **Content:** As entertaining increasingly moves back into the home, the objects surrounding a drink matter almost as much as the drink itself. Cabinets, stools, lighting, and serving pieces now shape the atmosphere of the evening, setting the tone for conversation way before and long after dinner has ended. ## Eureka Bar Cabinet, Lema ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/afterhours_incontent-006.webp) The Eureka Bar Cabinet from Lema, designed by Steve Leung, pairs walnut, light hide, and palladium metal with illuminated shelving, glass doors, and a pull-out marble trolley for mixing and serving cocktails. *Available at [Living Innovations](https://livinginnovations.ph/)* ## Shibusa Bar Cabinet, Giorgetti ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/afterhours_incontent-004.webp) Designed by Mauro Lipparini and inspired by the compositional harmony of Eastern ideograms, the Shibusa cabinet offers a refined setting for displaying objects that spark conversation when entertaining. *Available at [Furnitalia](https://furnitalia.com.ph/)* ## Vario Wine Climate Cabinets 400 Series, Gaggenau ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/afterhours_incontent-003.webp) Gaggenau’s Vario Wine Climate Cabinets 400 Series create cellar conditions through precision temperature zones and vibration-controlled storage, displaying bottles on illuminated oak and anthracite aluminum trays behind UV-protected glass. *Available at [Living Innovations](https://livinginnovations.ph/)* ## 505 Harry Bar, Molteni&C ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/afterhours_incontent-002.webp) Nicola Gallizia’s 505 UP Harry’s Bar module for Molteni&C integrates a sophisticated cocktail cabinet into the 505 storage system, offering elegant space for bottles, glassware, and bar tools. *Available at [Furnitalia](https://furnitalia.com.ph/)* ## The Hauge Bar Stool, BoConcept ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/afterhours_incontent-005.webp) Designed by Henrik Pedersen for BoConcept, the Hauge Bar Stool pairs a curved backrest with tapered wooden legs, creating comfortable seating for bar counters where conversation stretches long into the evening. *Available at [MOs Design](https://www.mosdesign.com.ph/)* ## Melt Portable by Tom Dixon ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/afterhours_incontent-007.webp) Tom Dixon’s Melt Portable lamp turns lighting into part of the evening itself. Its distorted molten-glass form casts a warm, atmospheric glow across the table as cocktails are poured and conversations linger late into the night. *Available at [Mos Design](https://www.mosdesign.com.ph/)* ## Opera Bar Kitchen, Henge ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/afterhours_incontent-008-e1779773958157.webp) Massimo Castagna’s Opera Bar Kitchen for Henge transforms the traditional island into a sculptural focal point, using carved grooves to soften the weight of the marble while naturally guiding movement, gathering, and conversation around it. *Available at [Casa Bella Home and Living](https://www.casabellahomeandliving.com/)* ## Trullo Centerpiece, Kartell Fabio Novembre ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/afterhours_incontent-009.webp) Inspired by the conical roofs of Alberobello’s trulli houses, Fabio Novembre’s Trullo centerpiece for Kartell reimagines southern Italian architecture as a sculptural vessel for serving, display, and the rituals of gathering around the table. *Available at [KUYSEN](https://www.kuysen.com/)* ## Tout Va Bien Bar Cabinet, BD Barcelona Design ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/afterhours_incontent-001.webp) The Tout Va Bien bar cabinet from BD Barcelona Design, created by Antoine + Manuel, transforms storage into a sculptural statement through surfaces embossed with decorative and symbolic relief patterns, bringing texture, wit, and visual drama to the rituals of entertaining. *Available at [Abitare Internazionale](https://www.instagram.com/abitareinternazionale/?hl=en)* **Categories:** Design, Dining, Food & Drink, Home & Design, Spirits **Tags:** bar cabinet, casa bella, furnitalia, lamp, living innovations, Molteni&C, MOs Design --- ### [Leaders of Luxury: Claud Cecil Gurney and How de Gournay Paints the World by Hand](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/design/leaders-of-luxury-claud-cecil-gurney-and-how-de-gournay-paints-the-world-by-hand/) **Published:** July 31, 2026 **Author:** Alicia Colby-Sy **Content:** [De Gournay](https://robbreport.ph/tag/de-gournay/ "de Gournay") has changed little in its approach over the years. The British luxury wallcoverings house has spent decades championing hand-painted artistry that transforms interiors into landscapes of flora, fauna, history, and imagination. Founder Claud Cecil Gurney’s fascination with beauty began long before he established the company. *(Article continues after the video.)* ## *Video:* As a child, Gurney traveled extensively with his mother. While he admits he did not always appreciate the experiences at the time, they planted the seeds of a lifelong passion. “I remember going around the world with my mother, going to the opera that I hated at that time, and taking me to museums and auction sales and junk shops,” he recalls. “Eventually it captivated me.” Those travels introduced him to historic homes adorned with hand-painted wallpapers, particularly the exquisite Chinese export wallpapers of the eighteenth century. The beauty of those interiors left a lasting impression. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/dG_Deco-Off-2026_Faison_R2.webp) Antique ‘Faison’ panels provide a historic backdrop to new handcrafted pieces unveiled for Paris Déco Off 2026. *Courtesy of de Gournay* “I was just gobsmacked to see these beautiful things,” he says. “And when eventually I wanted to get out of finance and economics, I chose it because it’s just something very beautiful. Creating beauty is probably the most enjoyable thing to do in life.” That simple pursuit of beauty became the foundation of de Gournay. The company was never conceived as a calculated business venture; instead, it grew from genuine enthusiasm and passion for a craft he loved. “I had no idea whether it was going to be something that grew and expanded and became a successful international business,” he says. “I was doing it because I loved creating these things for myself. I wasn’t doing it to try and make a fortune.” ![de Gournay Shanghai Showroom](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/dG_Shanghai-Showroom_Marquetrie-Bund_Alexandra-Shamis-Photography_R2.webp) At the Shanghai showroom. Courtesy *of de Gournay* Today, de Gournay is recognized globally for its hand-painted wallcoverings, decorative furnishings, and bespoke commissions. What began as a personal passion has evolved into a global enterprise supported by hundreds of artisans around the world. The company’s philosophy remains rooted in preserving artistic traditions and keeping them relevant for contemporary audiences. Contrary to assumptions, reviving traditional Chinese wallpaper techniques did not require resurrecting a lost art form. Gurney says the artistic knowledge remained alive in China through generations of painters and art schools. “The ability to paint hadn’t died,” he says. “It was still there and encouraged.” ![De Gournay's wallcoverings include embroidery crafts. Courtesy of de Gournay](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/dG_Shanghai-Showroom_Fu-Lu-Shou_Production1.webp) De Gournay’s wallcoverings include embroidery crafts. *Courtesy of de Gournay* The challenge was identifying artists who could reconnect with historical methods and adapting those skills to create wallpapers for a modern luxury market. Today, de Gournay works with approximately 500 artists in China, 150 in India, and another 50 in Yangon, creating one of the world’s largest networks dedicated to hand-painted decorative arts. What distinguishes the brand is its ability to balance historical authenticity with creative evolution. Gurney views design as a continuous cultural dialogue rather than an exercise in preservation. “A lot of the art and design in the world can be traced back to Chinese art and design,” he says, noting how motifs travelled along trade routes and evolved across cultures. Designs often associated with Persia, India, Greece, or Europe frequently share roots and influences that span continents. An openness to cultural exchange is reflected in de Gournay’s collaborative approach. The company frequently works with leading designers, architects, and creatives around the world, translating their ambitious concepts into handcrafted works of art. ![Panels at the Shanghai showroom. Courtesy of de Gournay](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/dG_Shanghai-Showroom_Fu-Lu-Shou_Alexandra-Shamis-Photography_R1.webp) Panels at the Shanghai showroom. *Courtesy of de Gournay* “We think of ourselves executing the painting that somebody wants to have,” Gurney says. Often, designers arrive with a concept rather than a finished visual plan. A request might involve interpreting a historic European fresco or imagining a contemporary narrative through traditional techniques. The de Gournay team conducts extensive research, develops designs, and brings them to life through the expertise of its artists. “We are the executors, we’re the painters,” he says. “Luckily, we have some amazing artists who are able to interpret these things and present them beautifully.” This collaborative spirit found expression in the creation of [Latina Manila, designed by Filipino designer Jonathan Matti and installed across three rooms in Malacañang Palace](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/design/a-closer-look-at-the-recently-unveiled-exquisite-de-gournay-panels-at-malacanan-palace/ "A Closer Look at the Recently Unveiled de Gournay Panels at Malacañan Palace"). For Gurney, the project represents both a creative milestone and a deeply personal connection. “It’s iconic,” he says. “It’s mind-blowing.” Having spent significant time in the Philippines as a young man, he speaks warmly of returning and witnessing the country’s growth. The project reflects what de Gournay does best: creating detailed interpretations of place, memory, and history. The enduring appeal of the brand lies in the emotional response its work evokes from those who view it. Gurney believes beautiful interiors serve an important purpose in modern life. “Happiness,” he says when asked what he hopes people feel when entering a room adorned with de Gournay panels. ![A panel from "Latina Manila," designed by Jonathan Matti and created by de Gournay, hangs at Malacanan Palace. Courtesy of Jonathan Matti](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/JPS09700-HDR.webp) A panel from “Latina Manila,” designed by Jonathan Matti and created by de Gournay, hangs at Malacanan Palace. *Courtesy of Jonathan Matti* He describes the home as a refuge from the pressures, disappointments, and anxieties of everyday life. Surrounded by vibrant colors, botanical imagery, and natural landscapes, people can find a sense of calm. As lifestyles have changed, so have the spaces people choose to decorate. Four decades ago, clients often focused on grand country estates. Today, de Gournay’s work appears in city apartments, yachts, private jets, and residences scattered across multiple continents. The settings may have changed, but the desire to create meaningful environments remains constant. The brand has also embraced the digital era. Gurney credits social media, particularly Instagram, with helping transform the company into a globally recognized name. What began as an early experiment, encouraged by a chance conversation nearly 15 years ago, has evolved into one of the most influential visual presences in the luxury interiors sector. Yet for all the international acclaim, Gurney’s personal definition of beauty remains surprisingly simple. “Beauty is simplicity,” he says. He believes happiness comes from maintaining a connection to nature, whether through gardening, animals, or the changing seasons. It is a philosophy that mirrors the imagery found throughout de Gournay’s creations, where flowers, branches, birds, and historical landscapes become reminders of the serenity people seek. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report Philippines’ [Design Issue, June 2026.](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-june-2026-the-design-issue/)* **Categories:** Design, Home & Design, Profiles **Tags:** Claude Cecil de Gurney, de Gournay, hand-painted, Jonathan Matti, Latina Manila, Malacanan, wallpaper --- ### [Patek Philippe Bet Everything on Mechanical Watchmaking—and Won](https://robbreport.ph/watches/patek-philippe-bet-everything-on-mechanical-watchmaking-and-won/) **Published:** July 30, 2026 **Author:** Victoria Gomelsky **Content:** In 1961, when Hank Edelman started his career at [Patek Philippe](https://robbreport.ph/tag/patek-philippe/ "Patek Philippe")—working in New York City as a messenger at the company’s U.S. distributor, the Henri Stern Watch Agency—the Swiss watch industry looked a lot different than it does today. For starters, simply getting retailers to buy into the brand required effort. “The key element was to go out and visit the retail accounts and convince them to buy a few pieces for their inventory—which was a challenge,” Edelman, who has been chairman of the Henri Stern Watch Agency since 2006, tells *Robb Report*. In the years leading up to the quartz crisis of the 1970s, when competition from cheap, Japanese-made battery-powered wristwatches ravaged Switzerland’s mechanical industry, the brand’s bread and butter wasn’t sport styles or complications, but simple, straightforward dress watches from [the Calatrava line](https://robbreport.ph/tag/calatrava/ "calatrava"), mostly encased in precious metals. “Convincing a retailer to purchase anything that was complicated was difficult,” Edelman says. “At that time, we had what we called a time zone watch. Essentially, it had two hour hands, and by pushing a button, you could change the hour hand and keep up with your local time. Back then, a typical Calatrava might have been $600 retail. This watch was $950 retail. It took us three years to convince enough retailers to spend the extra money to inventory it before we sold them all.” Two years into Edelman’s tenure at Patek, the owner’s son arrived in New York to work at the agency and learn the ropes of the American market. Philippe Stern, the 25-year-old scion of the family business—his paternal grandfather, Charles Stern, and his great-uncle, Jean Stern, bought Patek Philippe in 1932—was just a few years older than Edelman. Soon, the two men found themselves working alongside each other performing simple tasks such as affixing suede straps to the cases of small ladies’ watches. “It was a major pain because you had to fiddle with a little wire, Edelman recalls. “Philippe and I sat there doing those things together, grumbling about having to do it.” They remained close long after Stern returned to Geneva some two years later. After Stern’s [passing in June](https://robbreport.ph/watches/philippe-stern-passion-responsibility-generational-vision-and-a-smile/ "Philippe Stern: Passion, Responsibility, Vision, & a Smile"), I spoke to Edelman—who served as president of the Henri Stern Watch Agency until 2006, when he became chairman—about the impact his longtime friend and boss had on Patek Philippe and the industry in general. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Philippe-Stern-Patek.webp) Philippe Stern *Patek Philippe* “The thing I most want you to understand about him as a person is that he was always humble,” Edelman says. “If you weren’t told that he was the son of the owner of Patek Philippe, you wouldn’t have known it.” Stern’s most consequential decision, according to Edelman and many others I spoke to, was to throw his unequivocal support behind mechanical watchmaking at a time when its future was in doubt. Even as retailers pointedly asked Edelman what the company planned to do once the mechanical trade was vanquished by quartz technology, Stern stayed the course. “The presumption was, this was the end of classic mechanical watchmaking,” Edelman says. “Philippe made gutsy choices at a time when mechanical watches were thought to be finished. He had the wisdom and the guts to continue.” Despite the naysayers, Stern doubled down on mechanical watchmaking in 1980, when he commissioned the Caliber 89. Designed to celebrate Patek Philippe’s 150th anniversary in 1989, the piece, when it debuted, was the world’s most complicated portable timekeeping device, boasting 33 complications (“I’d like to remind people that the complexity of that was done without a single computer,” Edelman notes.) Its introduction, and the fanfare surrounding the brand in general, marked what many people consider to be the birth of the mechanical watchmaking renaissance, in which the trade emerged from the ashes of the quartz crisis to become the high-flying luxury business we know today. “Everything Philippe did was to sustain that tradition,” Edelman says. “We started out in 1839 trying to make the best watch we could. And that never changed. That was always the philosophy. Granted, the ownership changed in the 1930s, when the Stern family, who were the dial makers for the company, took it over, because otherwise it would have died right then and there. Until the explosion in 1989—until that point, it was one sided: We were trying to convince people to buy.” To hear Edelman tell it, the only way the company survived the lean years of the crisis, and its immediate aftermath was by maintaining close ties with its American retailers—there were about 145 of them at the time. “Some of them were very small,” he says. “They might carry an inventory of three watches. But don’t get me wrong—when we went to visit them, if we sold them one, we were happy to make a sale. The direct relationship with end consumers was not as significant.” The beginning of the company’s pivot to becoming a consumer-facing brand began in the mid-80s, and came down, once again, to Stern’s forward-thinking philosophy. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/patek-philippe-calibre-89-1989.webp) Patek’s Calibre 89 *Patek Philippe* “We’ve always been who we are—the workmanship, the dedication to maintaining that has always been the foundation,” Edelman says. “But that’s a message that you have to convey in different ways. Until the mid ’80s, every one of the markets had their own messaging. We had our own ad agency. One of the key decisions that Philippe made was to consolidate the message worldwide. They hired an agency in Geneva that started to create one message. We used to have photos for our advertising which were a watch in all kinds of different situations. And this gentleman named [René Bittel](https://collectability.com/video/rene-bittel-the-ad-man-who-defined-patek-philippe-in-the-1980s-and-beyond/), who was the first one that they hired as a worldwide message person, he came up with the idea of showing ads where the watch was not on somebody’s wrist; it was in front of you to be presented so that you could pick it up. It was novel. People weren’t doing that. And that was a great start. ‘Let’s not talk about where the watches could be. Let’s just talk about the relationship between the consumer and the watch.’” The messaging, combined with the hoopla surrounding the Caliber 89, and the debut, in 1996, of the brand’s seminal (and enduring) Generations campaign (“You never truly own a Patek Philippe, you merely look after it for the next generation”) marked a sea change in how Patek Philippe timepieces were perceived, and what mechanical watchmaking in general represented. “The whole perception changed,” Edelman says. In the 1970s and ’80s, “my tagline for selling was always, more or less, ‘You cannot buy another watch that’s going to retain its value any more than a Patek Philippe will.’ I’m not saying that it’ll escalate in value over time. But if you look at it long term, it will always retain its value more than any other watch. That was an acceptable sales argument, if you want to call it that, to the end consumer. And that flipped completely because now, all of a sudden, it was obvious that not only was it retaining its value more than any other watch, it was escalating in value after you bought it.” ## FAQs ### How did Philippe Stern shape Patek Philippe’s modern success? Philippe Stern strengthened Patek Philippe’s commitment to mechanical watchmaking, unified its global brand messaging, and commissioned landmark creations such as the Caliber 89. ### What role did Patek Philippe play during the quartz crisis? While quartz watches threatened Switzerland’s mechanical watch industry, Patek Philippe continued investing in traditional craftsmanship and complications, helping lay the groundwork for the mechanical watchmaking revival. ### What was the significance of Patek Philippe’s Caliber 89? Commissioned for the company’s 150th anniversary, the Caliber 89 debuted in 1989 with 33 complications and was then considered the world’s most complicated portable timepiece. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** Feature, Hank Edelman, Mechanical Watchmaking, Patek Philippe, Philippe Stern, Watch Collector --- ### [The 10 Breakthroughs That Changed Watchmaking Forever](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-10-breakthroughs-that-changed-watchmaking-forever/) **Published:** July 31, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** A watch’s premise is simple enough. It just needs to tell the time. For centuries, however, watchmakers have treated that promise as an invitation to, well, complicate things. They’ve built mechanisms [to resist gravity](https://robbreport.ph/watches/jacob-co-just-unveiled-the-worlds-fastest-tourbillon/ "Jacob & Co. Just Unveiled the World’s Fastest Tourbillon"), cases that can [survive the seas](https://robbreport.ph/tag/submariner/ "submariner"), [movements that wind themselves](https://robbreport.ph/watches/bulgari-dresses-its-record-thin-perpetual-calendar-in-monochromatic-blue/ "Bulgari Dresses Its Record-Thin Perpetual Calendar in Monochromatic Blue"), and regulators that rethink how energy passes through a machine. Each breakthrough started with a practical problem, and many evidently became objects of beauty, status, and obsession among enthusiasts and engineers alike. The history of [watchmaking](https://robbreport.ph/tag/watchmaking/ "watchmaking") rarely moves in a straight line. An invention can begin as a technical solution and end up changing how collectors understand craftsmanship. Another can arrive as a commercial threat, only to push an entire industry toward greater creativity. [Quartz](https://robbreport.ph/tag/quartz/ "quartz"), for instance, nearly erased the mechanical watch from everyday life, yet helped turn it into a luxury object. The tourbillon was designed to improve accuracy, yet became one of horology’s most theatrical displays. Spring Drive, likewise, showed that even after centuries of invention, the basic act of regulating time could still be reconsidered. The breakthroughs that follow changed more than movements and cases. They expanded where watches could go, what they could measure, and what people expected them to represent. It’s a tall task, yes, but let’s try to trace the transformation of the watch from a fragile precision instrument into an everyday companion, and one of the most expressive mechanical objects still being made today. ## 1. The Tourbillon (1801) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Breguet-Tradition-Tourbillon-7047.webp) *Breguet* **Inventor:** Abraham-Louis Breguet **Impact:** Haute horlogerie and mechanical artistry ### **Why It Changed Watchmaking** [Breguet](https://robbreport.ph/tag/breguet/ "breguet") developed the tourbillon to counter the effect of gravity on the escapement of a pocket watch that spent much of its life held vertically. By placing the escapement and regulating organ inside a rotating cage, the mechanism averaged out positional errors that could affect timekeeping. Its practical benefit in a modern wristwatch is more modest (and frequently debated) but its cultural influence is difficult to overstate. The tourbillon evolved from a precision device into one of watchmaking’s ultimate demonstrations of mechanical virtuosity. It helped establish the idea that a movement could be admired not just for its performance, but also for the ingenuity and beauty of its construction. These days, nearly every major haute horlogerie manufacture has created its own interpretation. ## 2. The Waterproof Case: The Rolex Oyster (1926) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Oyster-Perpetual-28-mm-and-34-mm.webp) *Photo: Rolex* **Developer:** Rolex **Impact:** Everyday durability ### **Why It Changed Watchmaking** The [Rolex Oyster](https://robbreport.ph/watches/rolex-celebrates-100-years-of-the-oyster-with-a-landmark-shanghai-exhibition/ "Rolex Celebrates 100 Years of the Oyster With a Landmark Shanghai Exhibition") helped transform the wristwatch from a relatively delicate accessory into something that could accompany its wearer through work, travel, sport, and eventually underwater exploration. Its hermetically sealed construction used a screw-down bezel, caseback, and winding crown to protect the movement from water and dust. Rolex then demonstrated its capabilities publicly, most famously when swimmer Mercedes Gleitze crossed the English Channel wearing an Oyster in 1927. The Oyster didn’t single-handedly invent the modern dive watch, but it made reliable water resistance commercially credible. Its architecture helped establish the expectation that a wristwatch should survive the conditions of daily life. The dive watches that followed—from Blancpain, Omega, Seiko, and countless others—were built in a world the Oyster helped create. ## 3. The Full-Rotor Automatic Movement: Rolex Perpetual (1931) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Early-Rolex-Oyster-Perpetual-Watch.webp) And early Rolex Oyster watch. *Rolex* **Developer:** Rolex **Impact:** Everyday convenience and movement architecture ### **Why It Changed Watchmaking** Automatic wristwatches existed before the Rolex Perpetual. John Harwood, among others, had already developed systems that used the wearer’s movement to wind a watch. Rolex’s breakthrough was the practical full-rotor system. Introduced in 1931, its centrally mounted rotor could rotate through 360 degrees, efficiently winding the movement as the wearer moved. The system helped maintain a more consistent power reserve, reduced the need to operate the crown, and made mechanical watches considerably easier to live with. Its basic architecture became the dominant model for automatic movements across the industry. Manual-winding watches remain important to collectors, but automatic winding became the default format for the modern mechanical wristwatch. ## 4. The Chronograph (1816–1821) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/breitling-x-wempe-navitimer-b02-chronograph-41-cosmonaute.webp) *Photo: Breitling/Wempe* **Early pioneers:** Louis Moinet and Nicolas Rieussec **Impact:** Sports, science, aviation, and elapsed-time measurement ### **Why It Changed Watchmaking** It’s important to note that the chronograph didn’t emerge from one uncontested patent or a single inventor. In 1816, Louis Moinet completed the *Compteur de Tierces*, an astronomical instrument capable of measuring fractions of a second. Five years later, Nicolas Rieussec demonstrated an ink-writing device designed to time horse races, helping establish the term “chronograph.” Whatever starting point one chooses, the breakthrough was fundamental: a watch could now measure an event independently of the current time. Chronographs became essential to scientific observation, military operations, aviation, medicine, motorsport, and competitive athletics. They also gave rise to some of the most recognizable watches ever made, including the [Rolex Daytona](https://robbreport.ph/tag/daytona/ "daytona"), Omega Speedmaster, and Tag Heuer Carrera. Without the chronograph, much of sports-watch history would’ve never existed at all. ## 5. The Automatic Chronograph (1969) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Hublot-Classic-Fusion-Chronograph-UEFA-Champions-League-Titanium.webp) *Denis Hayoun/Hublot* **Developers:** Zenith; the Heuer-Breitling-Büren-Dubois Dépraz consortium; and Seiko **Impact:** Complicated watches for everyday wear ### **Why It Changed Watchmaking** The race to create the first automatic chronograph remains one of watchmaking’s most fiercely contested stories. Zenith unveiled the high-frequency El Primero in January 1969. The consortium of Heuer, Breitling, Büren, and Dubois Dépraz presented the modular Calibre 11 shortly afterward. Seiko, meanwhile, introduced its integrated Calibre 6139 in Japan during the same year. Each group can claim a version of the “first,” depending on whether the standard is announcement, construction, commercial release, or international availability. More important than the disputed finish was the result. Automatic winding made the chronograph more convenient and better suited to daily use, helping turn a specialist timing instrument into one of the central categories of the modern luxury-watch market. ## 6. The Quartz Wristwatch (1969) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/rolex-oysterquartz-day-date-ref-190xx.webp) *Photo: Hairspring* **Commercial pioneer:** Seiko Quartz Astron (first commercially available quartz wristwatch) **Impact:** Accuracy, affordability, and industry-wide disruption ### **Why It Changed Watchmaking** Quartz was arguably the most disruptive technological breakthrough in modern horology. Released on December 25, 1969, the Seiko Quartz Astron used an electronic oscillator regulated by a quartz crystal to achieve accuracy far beyond that of most mechanical watches. As production became more efficient, quartz enabled manufacturers to create watches that were more accurate, affordable, durable, and versatile. Electronic displays, multifunction watches, and increasingly thin designs followed. The consequences for traditional Swiss watchmaking were severe. Many established companies disappeared, employment across the sector contracted, and mechanical watches could no longer compete primarily on accuracy or convenience. Yet the disruption also forced surviving Swiss manufacturers to redefine mechanical watchmaking around craftsmanship, heritage, rarity, and emotional appeal. Modern mechanical luxury emerged partly through its response to quartz. ## 7. Silicon Components (2001) ![Ulysse Nardin Limited Edition Freak Enamel x Bucherer](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/7-1.jpg) **Commercial pioneer:** Ulysse Nardin **Impact:** Modern movement performance ### **Why It Changed Watchmaking** The [Ulysse Nardin Freak](https://robbreport.ph/watches/ulysse-nardin-super-freak-un-252/ "Form Follows Function in the Ulysse Nardin Super Freak"), introduced in 2001, helped bring silicon components into contemporary mechanical watchmaking. Silicon offered several useful properties. It was lightweight, resistant to magnetism, highly precise when manufactured, and capable of operating with reduced friction. In certain applications, it could even reduce or eliminate the need for conventional lubrication. Patek Philippe, Rolex, Omega, Breguet, Ulysse Nardin, and other manufacturers subsequently invested in silicon balance springs, escapement components, and regulating systems in selected calibres. Unlike many experimental watchmaking technologies, silicon moved beyond concept pieces and into large-scale production. It now supports some of the industry’s most accurate, durable, and magnetically resistant mechanical movements. ## 8. The Co-Axial Escapement ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/omega-seamaster-planet-ocean-fourth-generation.webp) *Photo: Omega* **Inventor:** George Daniels **Commercialized by:** Omega **Impact:** Alternative escapement architecture ### **Why It Changed Watchmaking** For generations, the Swiss lever escapement dominated mechanical-watch production. George Daniels challenged that orthodoxy by developing the Co-Axial escapement, a system designed to reduce the sliding friction found in a conventional lever escapement. By transmitting energy through a combination of radial and locking impulses, the system promised greater long-term stability and reduced dependence on lubrication. Daniels created an alternative escapement robust enough to earn adoption and industrial-scale production from a major watchmaker. [Omega](https://robbreport.ph/tag/omega/ "Omega") introduced the first serially produced Co-Axial watches in 1999 and has since made it central to the identity of its mechanical movements. The Co-Axial proved that even one of the oldest and most established parts of the mechanical watch could still be fundamentally reimagined. ## 9. The Annual Calendar (1996) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/patek-philippe-ref-1518-pink-dial.webp) *Photo: Phillips* **Developer and patent holder:** Patek Philippe **Impact:** A new category of calendar complication ### **Why It Changed Watchmaking** Before [Patek Philippe](https://robbreport.ph/tag/patek-philippe/ "Patek Philippe") introduced its patented annual calendar in 1996, buyers looking for a mechanical calendar watch generally faced two choices. The first, a complete calendar displayed useful information but required manual adjustment several times each year; The second, a perpetual calendar automatically accounted for different month lengths and leap years, but came with significantly greater complexity and cost. The annual calendar created a practical middle ground. It could distinguish between 30- and 31-day months and required correction only once a year, at the end of February. The invention established an entirely new category of complication. It offered much of the everyday usefulness and sophistication of a perpetual calendar in a comparatively approachable format. Numerous manufacturers have since developed annual calendars of their own, confirming the enduring appeal of the concept. ## 10. Spring Drive (1999) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Grand-Seiko-Evolution-9-Spring-Drive-UFA-Lake-Sawa.webp) *Grand Seiko* **Developer:** Seiko **Impact:** A fundamentally new regulating system ### **Why It Changed Watchmaking** Spring Drive remains one of the few fundamentally new methods of regulating a wristwatch to reach commercial production in the modern era. Like a traditional mechanical watch, it receives its energy from a mainspring and transmits that power through a gear train. Instead of using a conventional escapement, however, Spring Drive controls the release of energy through a quartz oscillator, an integrated circuit, and an electromagnetic braking system. The result combines the autonomy and physical architecture of a mechanical movement with the precision of electronic regulation. Its continuously rotating glide wheel also gives the seconds hand its characteristically smooth motion. Spring Drive’s influence comes from showing that the fundamental architecture of the wristwatch still held room for meaningful invention. More than two centuries after the tourbillon, watchmakers could still find an entirely new way to regulate time. ## FAQs ### What are the most important breakthroughs in watchmaking history? Major breakthroughs include the tourbillon, waterproof case, automatic winding rotor, chronograph, quartz movement, silicon components, Co-Axial escapement, annual calendar, and Spring Drive. Together, these innovations improved accuracy, durability, convenience, and mechanical sophistication while reshaping how watches are worn and collected. ### How did the Rolex Oyster and Perpetual movement change wristwatches? The Rolex Oyster helped make reliable water resistance commercially viable in 1926, allowing watches to withstand daily wear and underwater use. Rolex’s full-rotor Perpetual system followed in 1931, establishing an efficient automatic-winding architecture that became standard across modern mechanical watchmaking. ### Why are quartz and Spring Drive considered major watchmaking innovations? Quartz dramatically improved accuracy and affordability, disrupting traditional Swiss watchmaking and pushing mechanical brands toward craftsmanship and luxury. Spring Drive later combined mainspring power with quartz regulation and electromagnetic braking, proving that watchmakers could still develop fundamentally new ways of measuring time. **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** annual calendar, breguet, Chronograph, Feature, Patek Philippe, quartz, rolex, rolex oyster, rolex perpetual, Seiko, Tourbillon, Watch Collector, watchmaking --- ### [Louis Vuitton Men's Formal SS 2027 Has an Answer to the Modern Dress Code](https://robbreport.ph/style/fashion/louis-vuitton-formal-spring-summer-2027/) **Published:** July 31, 2026 **Author:** Nicholas Ong **Content:** The business suit once settled the question of what a man should wear to work. Today, a single day might include a board meeting, a flight, dinner and several hours spent working somewhere that resembles no conventional office at all. The boundaries have loosened, yet the need to look authoritative, polished and appropriately dressed remains. [Louis Vuitton](https://robbreport.ph/tag/louis-vuitton/ "Louis Vuitton")’s Formal Spring/Summer 2027 collection responds to that reality with a wardrobe designed to move among different settings. Created under Men’s Creative Director [Pharrell Williams](https://robbreport.ph/tag/pharrell-williams/ "pharrell williams"), it comprises ready-to-wear, shoes, bags and accessories divided into three categories: Timeless Business, Modern Tailoring, and Evening. The collection launches on September 3, 2026. ## Three approaches to the suit Tailoring begins with three structures already established within the house. The Gaston has the broadest cut; the Napolitana offers a slimmer line; and the Pont Neuf follows a more traditional, fitted construction. Available in ready-to-wear and made-to-measure versions, they allow the wearer to choose a silhouette according to build, preference and occasion. ![Louis Vuitton Mens Formal Spring Summer 2027](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/LOUIS_VUITTON_MENS_FORMAL_SPRING_SUMMER_2027_LOOK_5.webp) *Louis Vuitton* Details provide the distinction. Suspended [LV](https://ph.louisvuitton.com/eng-ph/homepage) medallions, branded horn and metal buttons, embroidered patches and discreet Monogram patterns appear across silk, wool and cashmere blends. The signatures often reveal themselves at close range, allowing the cut and material to carry the initial impression. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/LOUIS_VUITTON_MENS_FORMAL_SPRING_SUMMER_2027_LOOK_11.webp) *Louis Vuitton* The collection becomes more revealing when Williams moves beyond conventional suiting. Tracksuit jackets are made in smooth calfskin and felted wool, reversible wool and cashmere, or merino knit finished with Mini Monogram-stamped leather. Their upright collars can be zipped closed or folded open, giving a familiar sporting form several degrees of formality. ![Louis Vuitton Mens Formal Spring Summer 2027 tuxedo](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/LOUIS_VUITTON_MENS_FORMAL_SPRING_SUMMER_2027_LOOK_14.webp) *Louis Vuitton* This approach continues into eveningwear. Tuxedo conventions appear in grain-de-poudre wool, satin accents and shawl collars, while double-knee panels, Monogram Flower rivets and sweater-like constructions introduce the visual language of workwear. Crystal Damier buttons, silk linings and beaded embroidery restore a sense of occasion. ## Formalwear built for movement ![Louis Vuitton Mens Formal Spring Summer 2027](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/LOUIS_VUITTON_MENS_FORMAL_SPRING_SUMMER_2027_LOOK_7.webp) *Louis Vuitton* Practicality is integrated most clearly into the outerwear. A three-in-one design combines a water-repellent wool-twill coat with a nylon Monogram vest and packable hood. The layers can be worn separately or assembled as weather and setting demand. Reversible gilets and water-resistant surfaces follow the same principle. ![Louis Vuitton Mens Formal Spring Summer 2027 shoes and briefcase](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/LOUIS_VUITTON_MENS_FORMAL_SPRING_SUMMER_2027_LOOK_1_DETAIL.webp) *Louis Vuitton* Shoes reinforce the balance between polish and utility. The Louvre and Mayfair families include loafers, derbies and Chelsea boots made with flexible, repairable constructions. The LV Aerogram collection extends the wardrobe into travel, with airport-tarmac markings informing bags such as the Fastline Backpack, Boarding Messenger, and Gate Briefcase. Louis Vuitton’s proposition is ultimately one of coherence: Modern formality comes from understanding the room, the schedule, and the degree of ceremony each moment requires. The suit retains its authority, while the wardrobe surrounding it supplies the freedom to adapt. *The collection will be available *on September 3, 2026** *in Louis Vuitton boutiques*, *located at Greenbelt Makati, G/F, Greenbelt 4 (with extensions into Greenbelt 3), Ayala Center, Makati Avenue, Makati City*, *+63 2 7560 637 / +63 2 8540 2001; at Solaire, Ground Floor, The Shoppes, Solaire Resort and Casino, Aseana Avenue, Parañaque City*, *+63 2 7560 637; and NUSTAR Resort and Casino, Kawit Island, South Road Properties, Cebu City*, *+63 2 8540 2001*. ## FAQs ### **What is the Louis Vuitton Formal Spring/Summer 2027 collection?** It is a men’s wardrobe of tailoring, eveningwear, technical outerwear, shoes, and leather goods designed under Pharrell Williams. ### **When will the collection become available?** Louis Vuitton is scheduled to launch the collection on September 3, 2026. ### **What are its three principal categories?** The collection is organized around Timeless Business, Modern Tailoring, and Evening. ### **Which Louis Vuitton suit structures appear in the collection?** The tailoring uses the wider Gaston, slimmer Napolitana, and traditionally fitted Pont Neuf structures. ### **How does the collection update formal menswear?** It combines established tailoring with tracksuit construction, workwear details, modular outerwear and repairable formal shoes. **Categories:** Fashion, Style **Tags:** Louis Vuitton --- ### [The All-New Audi Q9 and SQ9 in Photos](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-all-new-audi-q9-and-sq9-in-photos/) **Published:** July 30, 2026 **Author:** Bryan Hood **Content:** Audi has just unveiled the full-size Q9 and SQ9 S.U.V.s. To find out more about the new three-row models, check out the full story [here](https://robbreport.ph/cars/audi-unveils-its-new-flagship-s-u-v-the-three-row-q9/). ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/audi-q9-01.webp) *Audi* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/audi-q9-02.webp) The three-row S.U.V. is set to go on sale during the fourth quarter of this year. *Audi* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/audi-q9-05.webp) The interior includes an 11.9-inch virtual cockpit, a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a 12.3-inch passenger display. *Audi* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/audi-q9-04.webp) The Q9 comes with three rows comprising seven seats as standard, though it can be optioned with a six-seat layout that features captain’s chairs. *Audi* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/audi-sq9-02.webp) The SQ9’s illuminated grille features a hexagonal pattern. *Audi* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/audi-sq9-01.webp) The SQ9 can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds. *Audi* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** Audi, News, Q9, SQ9, suv --- ### [Park Villas: Where the Horizon Meets Home](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/properties/park-villas-where-the-horizon-meets-home/) **Published:** July 29, 2026 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** Decades of thoughtful urban planning have established Makati City as the Philippines’ premier financial and residential district. As the city’s skyline continues to evolve, so too has the idea of luxury living, shifting from expansive village estates to vertically integrated homes that offer the same sense of space, privacy, and permanence. That vision finds its fullest expression in Park Villas, a landmark residential development by Ayala Land Premier in partnership with the Tagle family. Rising within the Makati central business district, the tower places residents within minutes of the city’s leading business, retail, wellness, and cultural destinations while offering a rare sense of exclusivity in one of the country’s most valuable addresses. Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), the global architecture practice behind icons such as the Burj Khalifa in Dubai and 35 Hudson Yards in New York, Park Villas continues the firm’s longstanding collaboration with Ayala Land. Previous projects include Ayala Triangle Gardens Tower Two, One Roxas and Two Roxas Triangle, and Tower One & Exchange Plaza. For Park Villas, SOM approached the project not simply as a residential tower, but as a reinterpretation of the traditional estate. Through careful space planning, the architects shaped how residents interact with both their homes and the surrounding environment. Responding to the Filipino lifestyle and tropical climate, the residences incorporate deep-set balconies, cross-ventilation, and seamless indoor-outdoor continuity that maximize natural light and airflow. Expansive views extend across both the Makati skyline and Bonifacio Global City, while the building’s proximity to Ayala Triangle Gardens draws the park’s greenery into everyday life. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Villa-Kitchen-Artists-Rendering-by-Yabu-Pushelberg.webp) Artist’s rendering of the villa kitchen. *Park Villas* “With Park Villas, we had the opportunity to design something refined, rooted in its place and deeply attuned to both luxury and livability,” says Scott Duncan, Design Partner at SOM. Exclusivity remains central to the development. Park Villas comprises just 45 full-floor residences, each spanning approximately 610 square metres, including its service core. Every villa embraces the proportions and spatial planning of a traditional estate, creating generous living environments that balance openness with privacy. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Villa-Living-Area-Artists-Rendering-by-Yabu-Pushelberg.webp) Artist’s rendering of the villa living area. *Park Villas* The interiors, designed by internationally acclaimed studio Yabu Pushelberg, further reinforce this philosophy. Rather than separating rooms into rigid functions, the layouts encourage seamless movement between living, dining, and entertaining spaces, reflecting the fluid way people live today. “We think about how people live today,” says Glenn Pushelberg, co-founder of the studio. “We live in a more fluid way. We don’t enclose our kitchens from our dining rooms, or from our living rooms, anymore. We flow.” The designers brought the same hospitality-led thinking found in projects such as Park Hyatt Shenzhen and Aman Residences Tokyo to Park Villas, ensuring that every interior balances comfort with quiet sophistication. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Thermal-Pool-Amenity-Artists-Rendering-by-Yabu-Pushelberg.webp) Artist’s rendering of the thermal pool amenity. *Park Villas* The landscape architecture is equally considered. Bangkok-based P Landscape, known for projects including Capella Bangkok and Park Hyatt Bangkok, designed the gardens and outdoor spaces to complement the tower’s architectural language while reinforcing its connection to nature. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Pool-Complex-Amenity-Artists-Rendering-by-P-Landscape.webp) Artist’s rendering of the pool complex amenity. *Park Villas* With contributions from some of the world’s leading architects, interior designers, and landscape specialists, Park Villas offers more than an elevated address. It presents a thoughtful reimagining of what a contemporary family home can become when the qualities of a private estate are translated into the skyline of one of Asia’s most dynamic cities. *To learn more about Park Villas please visit * DHSUD LTS: 0001091 Advertisement Approval: DHSUD NCR AA-2024/01-4542 **Categories:** Home & Design, Homes, Properties **Tags:** Ayala Land Premier, Park Villas, SOM, Yabu Pushelberg --- ### [The Crown Jewels of Borgo Panigale](https://robbreport.ph/motorcycles/inside-the-ducati-superleggera-v4-centenario/) **Published:** July 17, 2026 **Author:** Jinno Rufino **Content:** To understand the sheer gravity of [World Ducati Week](https://www.ducati.com/ww/en/experience/world-ducati-week), one must first accept the sensory assault of Misano. It is a weekend defined by beautiful chaos: the thunderous grid of the Race of Champions, the synchronized arrival of thousands of [motorcycles](https://robbreport.ph/motorcycles/ "Motorcycles") enveloping the Adriatic coast, and the unfiltered roar of Desmosedici engines ricocheting off the grandstands. It is a celebration that demands your full attention—and does so at maximum volume. ![World Ducati Week](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2.webp) *Ducati/Courtesy of Jinno Rufino* Yet, the most arresting experience of the entire weekend required no ear protection at all. Tucked away from the rev limiters and the trackside theater stood a minimalist, low-profile pavilion. There were no flashing lights, no theatrical staging, and no promotional fanfare. Inside, the atmosphere shifted from motorsport spectacle to high-end gallery, courtesy of just two machines commanding the room entirely on presence: the [Ducati](https://robbreport.ph/tag/ducati/ "ducati") Superleggera V4 Centenario and the even more elusive Superleggera V4 Centenario Tricolore. ![Ducati Superleggera V4 Centenario](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Superleggera-V4-Centenario.webp) The Ducati Superleggera V4 Centenario. *Ducati* In an era when performance is often measured by spectacle, Ducati made a far more sophisticated statement: true luxury rarely needs to raise its voice. The Superleggera moniker translates simply to “super light,” but Ducati’s execution goes far beyond mere weight reduction. This is engineering elevated to functional sculpture. Carbon fiber has not been applied as a styling flourish; it forms the literal architecture of the motorcycle. The frame, swingarm, and wheels are all fashioned from the material, meticulously paired with titanium and magnesium components engineered to eliminate every superfluous gram. Up close, the perfectly aligned carbon weave and flawless finishes suggest a machine destined for a climate-controlled collection, yet beneath the artistry lies one of the most extraordinary production motorcycles ever created—a street-legal machine whose power-to-weight ratio edges remarkably close to that of a purpose-built racing motorcycle. For the discerning collector, however, technical specifications are only the prelude. The true currency here is rarity. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Ducati3.webp) *Ducati* Ducati is restricting the Superleggera V4 Centenario to just 500 individually numbered examples worldwide, with prices beginning at approximately €150,000 (approximately Php10,600,000). For those seeking an even greater degree of exclusivity, the Superleggera V4 Centenario Tricolore—finished in a striking livery celebrating Italy’s racing heritage—is limited to a mere 100 motorcycles globally, with prices approaching €200,000 (approximately Php14,133,000) before taxes and personalization. To put that into perspective, an owner could spend a lifetime riding without ever crossing paths with another identical machine. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Centenario-Tricolor-1.webp) The Ducati Superleggera V4 Centenario Tricolore. *Ducati* That deliberate scarcity, paired with uncompromising craftsmanship, explains why these motorcycles occupied a pavilion of their own. This was less a traditional product unveiling and more a carefully curated exhibition, inviting visitors to slow down and appreciate the engineering philosophy that has defined Ducati for a century. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/6.webp) Left to right: Rider Nicolo Bulega, World Superbike Champion Alvaro Bautista, Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali, GM of Ducati Corse Luigi “Gigi” Dall’Igna, and MotoGP champion and Ducati Lenovo rider Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia. *Ducati* A hundred years ago, the Ducati brothers founded Società Scientifica Radio Brevetti Ducati in Bologna, producing radio technology and precision electrical components. Few could have imagined that enterprise would evolve into one of the world’s most coveted motorcycle manufacturers, seamlessly blending Italian artistry with relentless racing innovation. The Superleggera Centenario stands as the definitive punctuation mark on that century-long journey—not simply because it is rare, but because it represents what becomes possible when engineers are allowed to pursue perfection without the usual constraints of mass production. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/1783577767606552.webp) More scenes from World Ducati Week. *Ducati* True luxury is often mistaken for excess—more ornamentation, more features, more noise. The Superleggera argues precisely the opposite. Luxury is found in subtraction: in removing weight rather than adding embellishment, in choosing carbon fiber over compromise, and in obsessing over engineering details that many owners may never consciously notice, but will always appreciate. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/1783577767608869.webp) Starting them young. *Ducati* ## FAQs ### What is the Ducati Superleggera V4 Centenario? The Ducati Superleggera V4 Centenario is an ultra-lightweight, limited-edition superbike created to celebrate Ducati’s centenary. Built extensively from carbon fiber, titanium, and magnesium, it represents the pinnacle of the brand’s engineering and craftsmanship. ### How many Ducati Superleggera V4 Centenario motorcycles will be made? Ducati will produce just 500 individually numbered examples of the Superleggera V4 Centenario worldwide, making it one of the marque’s rarest production motorcycles. ### What is the Ducati Superleggera V4 Centenario Tricolore? The Tricolore is an even more exclusive version of the Superleggera V4 Centenario, distinguished by a livery inspired by Italy’s racing heritage. Production is limited to only 100 motorcycles globally. ### Why is the Ducati Superleggera V4 so special? Beyond its rarity, the Superleggera V4 uses a carbon-fiber frame, swingarm, and wheels, combined with titanium and magnesium components, creating one of the closest road-legal motorcycles to a factory racing machine. ### What is World Ducati Week? World Ducati Week is Ducati’s flagship international gathering, held at the Misano World Circuit in Italy. The event brings together Ducati owners, racing legends, collectors, and enthusiasts from around the world for races, exhibitions, and exclusive model presentations. **Categories:** Motorcycles **Tags:** Desmosedici engine, Superleggera V4 Centenario, Superleggera V4 Centenario Tricolore, World Ducati Week --- ### [Hanna Pettyjohn and the Artistic Practice of Shaping Transience](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-collectibles/hanna-pettyjohn-and-the-artistic-practice-of-shaping-transience/) **Published:** July 30, 2026 **Author:** Jodie Jose **Content:** [Hanna Pettyjohn](https://robbreport.ph/tag/hanna-pettyjohn/ "Hanna Pettyjohn") possesses a penchant for bringing together the unlikely pairing of cameras and ghosts. The artist has a long-standing habit of documenting objects and their lives found inside her home in Mount Makiling, a home that doubles as the pottery studio of [Jon and Tessy Pettyjohn](https://robbreport.ph/tag/jon-pettyjohn/ "Jon Pettyjohn"), the artist’s parents and the pioneers of the revival of modern Philippine pottery. It doesn’t come as a surprise then, that Pettyjohn, along with her other sisters, have come to love the craft as well. But on the other hand, witnessing the different forms clay undergoes and the ever-transforming landscape of her parents’ workshop cemented transience as the unassuming anchor in Pettyjohn’s practice. This, of course, is balanced with the tenderness of her roots. ![Detail, 3 of 8 (A Mountain’s Hands) , 2026, Hanna Pettyjohn. Oil on canvas and panel, high-fired clay, 13.5 inches x 16 inches x 8 inches. Courtesy of Mo_Space](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-28-at-24620-PM.webp) Detail, *3 of 8 (A Mountain’s Hands)*, 2026 Hanna Pettyjohn. Oil on canvas and panel, high-fired clay, 13.5 inches x 16 inches x 8 inches. *Courtesy of Mo\_Space* In her recent show at [Mo\_Space](https://robbreport.ph/tag/mo_space/ "mo_space") entitled “New Ghosts”, Pettyjohn populates the space with “references,” taking elements from mounds of photographs echoed in her paintings and sculptures, placed side-by-side. To Pettyjohn, the show is also an ode to Mount Makiling, a sleeping volcano, verdant, beautiful, and the inspiration behind many stories of *diwatas* and mythical creatures in Laguna, and, perhaps, another ghost the artist references in her works. This subtle reverence she demonstrates through “A Mountain’s Hands” series, where paintings of translucent blue glazes complement the brown, speckled high-fired clay sculptures. Her main piece, “Production/Still (a reference),” is a 5 x 3.5-foot oil painting that further establishes Pettyjohn’s intent to amplify the impermanence of the original objects as she renders them in painterly strokes, a resistance to mimicking the realism in a photograph. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-28-at-24641-PM-1.webp) Production/Still (a reference), 2026. 5 feet x 3.5 feet, oil on canvas. *Courtesy of Mo\_Space* A graduate of the University of the Philippines, Pettyjohn approaches her practice as an autobiographical exploration on identity and transience, earning her a Thirteen Artists Award in 2015 from the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Currently based in Dallas, USA, her works have also been exhibited internationally: Taipei, Miami, Singapore and Hong Kong, contributing to the shaping community of Filipinos in the global diaspora. **Q. Growing up in a home that doubles as a studio/workshop is a very unique experience, even among artists. Can you share how this shaped your perception of art?** Growing up around my parent’s studio taught me so much about art and the importance of a good work ethic in your practice. Being able to see raw materials come to the house in sacks and boxes and all the stages they go through to become wonderful, shiny, functional ceramics was a big influence on me. It gave me such an appreciation for the importance of the process; to me this is as important as the work itself. This is something I always incorporate in my exhibitions—for example, in the drips on my canvases or using insignificant tools or studio detritus as subjects. ![A Record of 16 (with Mia Pettyjohn), 2026, by Hanna Pettyjohn. Oil on plywood, ceramics dimensions variable. Courtesy of Mo_Space](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-28-at-24630-PM-1.webp) *A Record of 16* (with Mia Pettyjohn), 2026, by Hanna Pettyjohn. Oil on plywood, ceramics dimensions variable. *Courtesy of Mo\_Space* **Q. Your process includes a number of transmutations from a site/an object’s original form to photographs to paintings and sculptures. How did you find your own process? Were there any challenges when you were only finding your way?** It really helped me to live away from home. I was able to come back and see everything with fresh eyes, objectively, and not take the place for granted. I was also able to study and work on ceramics independently, away from my parents, which both taught me how to pursue my own ideas and led me to appreciate their practice more. **Q. How do you imagine the mediums speak to each other? How do you filter through them and decide which gets to be exhibited? Have you ever included photographs in your shows?** I’m always thinking about how 2D and 3D works are different; how the concept changes when one subject is depicted on the canvas versus in the round. I don’t have all the answers yet, but I like exploring this question. In “New Ghosts”, I’m treating the ceramics as paintings, the “ground” or canvas just happens to be in the shape of the object I’m depicting. When it comes to deciding what to exhibit, I always like to make more work than I think I need, to be able to really \[distill\] everything \[down\] to the ones that best express the concept. I’ve never exhibited photos, but I’ve been thinking about it. **Q. Being part of the Filipino diaspora community and exhibiting your work internationally** **asks you to travel often and between places. How does traveling and this spirit of transience shape your philosophy as an artist? How has it evolved over the years, especially when more and more digital platforms emerge to “diminish the distance” between places?** Digital platforms definitely diminish the distance, as you said. It’s been wonderful to see how many artists have been getting exposure that they never would have had. I also think that it’s been helping this new and exciting interest in art from countries that were previously less exposed. Thinking of the world as a more connected place helps me gather my thoughts more seamlessly as I move from one place to another. I can see the place, Pansol, my parent’s workshop, a little more objectively and find a desire to tell that story in my work knowing that the audience could be from anywhere. **Q. As an artist, where do you see the future of art in the Philippines and the US heading? Where do you locate your practice in this future?** I really can’t say! We’re living in such strange times. I wonder if we’re going to become more insular and what that means. I’m always reassessing my practice and I hope there will always be a place for it. New Ghosts *runs through until August 9, 2026 at Mo\_Space, 3rd floor, MOs Design Bldg, B2 9th Avenue, Bonifacio High Street, Makati City, 1634 Metro Manila*; [*(02) 8403 6620*](https://www.google.com/search?q=mo+space&oq=mo+space&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqCggAEAAY4wIYgAQyCggAEAAY4wIYgAQyDQgBEC4YrwEYxwEYgAQyCwgCEAAYChgLGIAEMgsIAxAAGAoYCxiABDILCAQQABgKGAsYgAQyCwgFEAAYChgLGIAEMgsIBhAAGAoYCxiABDIGCAcQRRg80gEIMTM1N2owajeoAgiwAgE&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#). *[Visit their website here.](https://www.mo-space.net/)* ## FAQs ### **Who is Hanna Pettyjohn?** Hanna Pettyjohn is a Filipino contemporary artist whose practice explores memory, identity, displacement and the emotional lives of objects. ### **What themes appear in Hanna Pettyjohn’s work?** Her work frequently examines transience, family history, domestic space, material memory and the relationship between people and their surroundings. ### **How has pottery influenced Hanna Pettyjohn’s art?** Growing up around her parents’ pottery studio exposed Pettyjohn to clay’s continual transformations, giving her a material vocabulary for impermanence and change. ### **Who are Jon and Tessy Pettyjohn?** Jon and Tessy Pettyjohn are ceramic artists associated with the revival and development of studio pottery in the Philippines. ### **What role does Mount Makiling play in her practice?** Her family home and pottery studio on Mount Makiling provide both subject matter and emotional context, connecting landscape, domestic objects and inherited creative traditions. **Categories:** Art & Collectibles **Tags:** art, art exhibition, Ceramics, Hanna Pettyjohn, mo_space --- ### [How the Royal Oak Became Audemars Piguet’s Hottest Watch](https://robbreport.ph/the-story-of/how-the-royal-oak-became-audemars-piguets-hottest-watch/) **Published:** July 29, 2026 **Author:** Oren Hartov **Content:** What, exactly, is a “sports watch?” Seems fairly straightforward. A [sports watch](https://robbreport.ph/tag/sports-watch/ "Sports Watch") is one which is worn to play sports. A watch of action—something robust, not too heavy, highly legible, and preferably, not too expensive—just in case you beat the hell out of it *while sporting*. Some sports watches were designed for specific sports, like the [Rolex Submariner](https://robbreport.ph/tag/rolex-submariner/ "rolex submariner") for diving, but there were also waterproof durable watches like the [Rolex Oyster Perpetual](https://robbreport.ph/watches/rolex-is-releasing-its-first-authorized-history-of-the-oyster-perpetual-datejust/ "Rolex Is Releasing Its First Authorized History of the Oyster Perpetual Datejust") that were not specific to any one sport. Rolex is still the main name that springs to mind when one thinks of these no-nonsense, durable sports watches, but in 1972 a very traditional [Audemars Piguet](https://robbreport.ph/tag/audemars-piguet/ "audemars piguet")—then known for exquisite dress watches and grand complications—blew the walls off horological categories and shocked the watch industry with the [Royal Oak](https://robbreport.ph/tag/royal-oak/ "royal oak"). With this singular, revolutionary timepiece, the “luxury sports watch with integrated bracelet” was born. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/RR_AP_Novelties_Royal_Oak_John_Mayer.webp) John Mayer is now an Audemars Piguet “host” and helped design this spectacular watch, which we included among our best sports watchs for 2024. *Audemars Piguet* So, how was a storied Swiss *maison* such as Audemars Piguet, established in 1875, to compete in this new category? After all, Audmars Piguet produced so few chronographs during most of the 20th century—just 307 between 1930 and 1962—that AP didn’t bother giving them reference numbers. That was truly an old-school mode of production. But Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet’s main competitor (then and now), had upped production from around 1000 watches per year to well over 10,000 with the introduction of the Calatrava. The world was moving from hand-made to factory-produced, and AP needed to keep up. However, with such a high level of craftsmanship infused into its watchmaking, there was no way such a brand could churn out reams of cheap timepieces to compete with the everyday sports watch, especially the cheap quartz units coming out of Japan. Even a simple time-only sports watch from AP had to be amazing. What could AP do? The answer, as it turns out, was to call [Gérald Genta](https://robbreport.ph/tag/gerald-genta/ "gerald genta"). The young Swiss industrial designer, who had previously designed watches for Universal Genève and Omega, was tapped to design Audemars Piguet’s first “luxury sports watch.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Genta_AP_Split.webp) Gerald Genta and his personal Audemars Piguet timepiece. *Sotheby’s* According to Genta, the brief was simple: AP’s managing director George Golay called him on the phone at 4 pm on April 10th, the night before the annual Swiss Watch Show (later known as “Baselworld”) and said, “Mr. Genta, we have a distribution company that has asked us for a steel sports watch that has never been done before—and I need the design sketch for tomorrow morning.” (The distribution company was the SSIH, *Société Suisse pour l’Industrie Horlogère*, which was helping Golay expand AP’s reach. It was three executives of the SIHH, in point of fact, that dreamt up the idea for a luxury steel sports watch. And it was George Golay who had the vision to take up their challenge.) What Genta came up with was completely unconventional. For one, it eschewed the traditional round shape of contemporary timepieces in favor of a tonneau-shaped case with a prominent octagonal bezel inspired by—or so Genta recalls—a deep-sea diver’s helmet. Look closely and you’ll notice eight visible, octagonal screws, further suggesting the aquatic theme. This design is complemented by a unique, integrated bracelet (which is extraordinarily difficult to machine, by the way) and a dial executed in a *petite tapisserie* motif, giving it a dynamic look lacking in many other sports watches. (The name itself, if you’re curious, continues the nautical story—*Royal Oak* was a series of eight British Royal Navy vessels.) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/audemars_piguet_assouline.webp) Royal Oak by Bill Prince for ASSOULINE; Audemars Piguet Royal Oak *Assouline* Genta’s watch wasn’t an immediate hit upon its release at the 1972 Swiss Watch Show. It was odd-looking, featuring exposed screws, an octagonal bezel, and an integrated bracelet, and at 3,300 Swiss francs, it was many times the price of a contemporary Rolex Submariner. It was more expensive, even than Patek Philippe’s Calatrava. The Royal Oak was what some might call a “headscratcher.” But slowly, people began to catch on. Good advertising helped: “The costliest stainless steel watch in the world,” ran one campaign in the American market. “It takes more than money to wear a Royal Oak,” went another. The best ad? “Would you buy a Rembrandt for its canvas?” The fact that the Royal Oak was wildly expensive was no deterrent back in the 1970s and into the 1980s, when flaunting wealth became perfectly acceptable in ways it was not directly after World War II and through the 1960s. The Royal Oak, in short, saved Audemars Piguet. In fact, one could argue it re-elevated mechanical watchmaking to a certain echelon by making it relevant again. ## The Royal Oak Through Time What follows are standout examples of the Royal Oak from the past 50 years. As 2022 is the original model’s 50th anniversary, we’ll conclude with a spotlight on the newest models, specifically the ultra-hot “Jumbo” Extra-Thin models, that were announced early this year. ### **1970s** | **Royal Oak Ref. 5402ST** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/56953756-hero-880.webp) Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Reference 5402ST *Christie’s* The very first Royal Oak, the reference 5402ST, was released in a series of 1,000 pieces in 1972. After this “A” series sold out, AP issued another batch of 1,000 A-series watches, after which it continued on to B, C and D serials. The A-series is distinctive for the presence of the “AP” initials above 6 o’clock, rather than below 12 o’clock. At a width of 39 mm, it was a large watch for the era—in fact, it was nicknamed the “Jumbo”—but clocked in at just 7 mm thick. It featured only a date window, though later releases became much more complicated. Its bracelet, with 154 components in 34 unique sizes, was so difficult to manufacture that famed bracelet specialists Gay Freres couldn’t quite live up to the order. (Other firms later took up the manufacturing mantle.) Powering the ref. 5402ST was an interesting movement, the automatic Calibre 2121. Highly finished despite being hidden behind a solid case back, it was based upon the Calibre 2120 and modified with a date wheel. The Cal. 2120, launched in 1967, was itself a joint project funded by Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin, and led by Jaeger-LeCoultre: JLC produced an ultra-thin, automatic movement in the form of the Cal. 920, which was then adopted by the other three firms and customized according to their needs. (It went on to power both the Patek Philippe Nautilus in the form of the Cal. 28-255 C and Vacheron’s 222 as the Cal. 1120.) Just 3.05mm thick and beating at 19,800, it featured an advanced anti-shock system that made it appropriate for active use. - **Reference:** 5402ST - **Diameter:** 39mm - **Movement:** Calibre 2121 automatic (JLC Cal. 920 base) - **Price on Secondary Market Today:** $100K-$200K ### **1980s** | **Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Ref. 5554 and 25554** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-27-at-102609-AM.webp) Audemars Piguet Ref. 5554ST *Christie’s* After successfully developing an automatic perpetual calendar movement, the Cal. 2120/2800 (based upon the Cal. 2120), AP cased it in a dressy, precious metal timepiece dubbed the ref. 5548, which debuted in 1978. In 1984, the *maison* debuted the first *quantieme perpetual*-equipped AP, the ref. 5554. (Between 1984 and 1985, AP changed its numbering system to include only 5-digit references — thus the 5554 became the 25554.) Still 39mm wide and clocking in at just 7.5mm thick, this was a big step for Audemars Piguet, who for decades had made QPs only in incredibly limited series, and certainly never in the form of a sports watch. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/download.webp) Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar, Ref. 25554BA Yellow *Sotheby’s* Because of the case’s thinness and the presence of the calendar corrector buttons on its flanks, it was incredibly difficult to machine in such a way that it maintained 20m of water resistance — further proof of AP’s expertise in the realm of mechanical engineering. Each watch in this model range was equipped with an integrated bracelet in matching metal, and featured a dial with a month indicator at 12 o’clock; date indicator at 3 o’clock; moon phase indicator at 6 o’clock; and day indicator at 9 o’clock. Gone was the petit *tapisserie* dial of the ref. 5402ST in favor of a simpler, silver-toned dial. Roughly 1,600 pieces were produced before AP introduced the watch’s successor, the ref. 2120/2802, which included a leap year indicator, was introduced in 1993. - **Reference:** 5554 and 25554 - **Diameter:** 39mm - **Movement:** Calibre 2120/2800 automatic (JLC Cal. 920 base) - **Price on Secondary Market Today:** $250,000+ ### **1990s** | **The Royal Oak Offshore Ref. 25721ST** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/ap-chronicles-image.webp) Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Reference 5402ST *Audemars Piguet* In 1993, AP debuted a riff on the Royal Oak from a young designer named Emmanuel Gueit, which he had conceptualized back in 1989. (The watch was meant to debut in 1992, in time for the Royal Oak’s 20th anniversary, but production took a year longer than expected.) Featuring a massive (for the time) 42 mm case, the new Royal Oak Offshore was a chronograph for the young and adventurous, with bold colors, blackened chronograph pushers and crown, and leather or rubber straps. Outfitted with a *méga-tapisserie* dial and an outer flange for the tachymeter scale, the ref. 25721ST was powered by the Audemars Piguet Calibre 2126/2840, based upon the JLC Calibre 888 with Debois-Depraz chronograph module. When Genta saw it at Baselworld, he evidently hated it, storming into the AP booth and demanding to know what the *maison* had done to his beloved Royal Oak. In time, however, the “Beast,” as it was dubbed, would prove to be one of AP’s most popular models. (It didn’t hurt that celebrities such as actor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Formula One drivers Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello were seen wearing it.) The first run of the ref. 25721ST was produced in just 100 examples, none of which featured the word “Offshore” anywhere on the case or dial — they were signed only “Royal Oak” on the case back, and individually numbered. This run was referred to as D-series watches. Various series were produced until 2004, and, as of 2005, it is now in its F-serial range. - **Reference:** 25721ST - **Diameter:** 42 mm - **Movement:** Calibre 888 automatic - **Price on Secondary Market Today:** $250,000+ ### **2000s** | **Royal Oak Concept** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/s-l1200.webp) Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept 2002 *Audemars Piguet* In celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Royal Oak in 2002, AP debuted the Royal Oak Concept. Retaining its octagonal bezel but featuring an entirely new case design, the watch was machined from Alacrite 602, a special alloy of cobalt, chrome, tungsten carbon, silicon and iron used in aeronautics that was also the hardest material available. A true “superwatch,” it was powered by the manually wound Calibre 2896, which included a tourbillon, a power reserve indicator, and a *dynamographe*, a device that displays mainspring torque. More notable even than these features were two large shock absorbers — visible on the watch’s dial — that increased shock resistance to some 50Gs. A special crown at 5 o’clock controlled functions, while the main, oversized crown at 3 o’clock was used for time-setting. Preceding the age of the “superwatch” of Richard Mille, MB&F and other contemporary independent brands, the Concept showed that world that far from being a stuffy legacy brand, Audemars Piguet was willing to continuously reinvent itself, pushing the envelope of what was possible in modern watchmaking. - **Reference:** 25980AI - **Diameter:** 44mm - **Movement:** Calibre 2896 hand-wound - **Price on Secondary Market Today:** $200,000+ ### **2010s** | **Royal Oak ref. 15202** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/download-1.webp) Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ref. 15202ST *Sotheby’s* In 2012, Audemars Piguet introduced a reference that paid homage to the original ref. 5402ST, dubbed the ref. 15202. Housed in a 39mm case with a *petite tapisserie* dial, one would be forgiven for confusing this reference with one from the 1970s, though the brand gave it a display caseback. In 2012, in time for the RO’s 40th anniversary, Audemars Piguet updated it with the “AP” signature above 6 o’clock in homage to the ref. 5402ST. Powered by the Calibre 2121 automatic movement — the same as that used in the very first Royal Oak — it clocked in at just 8.1mm. While AP marketed the watch as “Extra-Thin,” fans continued to refer to it as “Jumbo” given its 39mm case. Other slight changes included a switch from a white date wheel to a black version on the blue and black dials and the addition of a double-deployant clasp to the watch’s bracelet. Originally available in steel and rose gold, a yellow gold model debuted in 2017, followed by the ref. 15202IP in titanium and platinum. In March of 2021, AP announced that the 15202 would be discontinued in 2022 — in time for the Royal Oak’s 50th anniversary — and replaced by a new reference. - **Reference:** 15202 - **Diameter:** 39mm - **Movement:** Calibre 2121 automatic (JLC Cal. 920 base) - **Price on Secondary Market Today:** $150,000-$300,000 ### The Royal Oak Today ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/audemarspiguetroyaloakgreen-e1759515343647.webp) *Photo: Audemars Piguet* In January of 2022, Audemars Piguet CEO François-Henri Bennahmias debuted an entirely new group of Royal Oak models in celebration of the collection’s 50th anniversary, promising that a “big chunk” of watch allocations will go to first-time AP buyers. (In recent years, a new Royal Oak has become a laughably difficult thing to buy at retail—much like a new Patek Philippe Nautilus or a new steel sports watch from Rolex.) Each new automatic model in the collection will come with a special rotor visible through a display caseback that reads “50 Years”—after December 31, 2022, watches will ship with a standard rotor. Of all the pieces in the new collection, the biggest news of all concerns the replacement of the aforementioned ref. 15202 with the new ref. 16202. Aesthetically, much is the same as it ever was: The watch features a 39mm “Jumbo” case (“Extra-Thin,” if you like) with an automatic movement — in this case, the new automatic Calibre 7121, which is replacing the Cal. 2121 for the first time in a time-and-date Royal Oak. Equipped with a quick-date system and a larger barrel, it features 55 hours of power reserve, bi-directional winding and highly decorated parts. Within the 16202 collection are four models in steel, platinum, pink gold and yellow gold, the latter two of which feature new smoked *petite tapisserie* dials. The steel version is equipped with the classic blue finish of the original 1972 Royal Oak ref. 5402ST, effectively closing the circle on the first 50 years of Royal Oak history. - **Reference:** 16202 (steel) - **Diameter:** 39mm - **Movement:** Calibre 7121 automatic - **Price:** $33,200 ## FAQs ### Why is the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak considered revolutionary? The Royal Oak transformed luxury watchmaking when it debuted in 1972. Designed by Gérald Genta, it combined a stainless-steel case, an octagonal bezel, exposed screws, and an integrated bracelet with the craftsmanship and pricing of a high-end mechanical watch. ### Who designed the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak? Swiss industrial designer Gérald Genta designed the Royal Oak after Audemars Piguet asked him to create an unprecedented stainless-steel sports watch. Its distinctive design was reportedly inspired by a deep-sea diver’s helmet. ### What are the most important Audemars Piguet Royal Oak models? Key models include the original Ref. 5402ST, the Ref. 25554 Perpetual Calendar, the Ref. 25721ST Royal Oak Offshore, the Ref. 25980AI Royal Oak Concept, the Ref. 15202 Jumbo, and its modern successor, the Ref. 16202. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** The Story Of, Watches **Tags:** 5402, audemars piguet, History, royal oak, Sports Watch, Watch Collector --- ### [Porsche Philippines Celebrates 30 Years of Generational Passion](https://robbreport.ph/cars/porsche-philippines-celebrates-30-years-of-generational-passion/) **Published:** July 29, 2026 **Author:** Carl Cunanan **Content:** [Porsche](https://robbreport.ph/tag/porsche/ "porsche") Philippines marks 30 years of bringing a very unique type of passion to discerning enthusiasts, collectors, and drivers. Part of this celebration included showcasing a selection of very special cars, from amazingly maintained classics and ultra-rare models to the best of the modern Porsche lineup. On hand at the series of 30th Anniversary events was a very special [911 Targa](https://robbreport.ph/tag/targa/ "Targa") 4 GTS created to showcase the capabilities of Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur. This anniversary special was finished in Paint to Sample Pastel Orange, inspired by the color of the Philippine sun, and equipped with bespoke details including matching stitching and anniversary text. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/PAP26_0337_fine.webp) The Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS is in Pastel Orange, inspired by the color of the Philippine sun. *Porsche* Also presented to the Philippine market was the new 911 Turbo S, which I drove—quite happily and rather quickly—from Stuttgart to Munich. The new car features the most powerful series-production 911 Turbo powertrain to date, delivering 711 PS and 800 newton-meters of torque. That, however, is not the key point of this car. Rather, it is the significantly improved levels of handling and comfort that are drawing existing 911 Turbo S owners to make the switch—or add one to the garage. The new model lapped the Nürburgring around 14 seconds faster than its predecessor, and that improvement is not simply about power, but about handling and the ability to use the car. A supercar in a bespoke business suit remains a fitting description of the Turbo S. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/PAP26_0333_a3_rgb.webp) *Porsche* Porsche Philippines became the official representative of Porsche in the country in 1995 and has helped shape one of Southeast Asia’s most passionate Porsche communities, contributing to the region’s emergence as a true hotbed of enthusiasm. In deciding which vehicle would best portray its vision for this milestone anniversary, Porsche Philippines chose not to look solely to the past. Instead, it envisioned something that looked toward the future while combining everything enthusiasts love about Porsche. The result is a unique 911 Targa 4 GTS that reflects optimism, individuality, and ambition. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/PAP26_0334_fine.webp) *Porsche* “This anniversary car celebrates an important milestone for Porsche Philippines. While we take pride in reaching this landmark, our greatest achievement has always been the relationships we’ve built along the way. It is this journey that inspired the creation of our 30th anniversary 911 Targa 4 GTS,” says [Mr. Robert Coyiuto III](https://robbreport.ph/profiles/leaders-of-luxury-roberto-coyiuto-iii/ "Leaders of Luxury: Roberto Coyiuto III"), President and CEO of Porsche Philippines. “More than a commemorative model, it is a tribute to our heritage while embracing the future of Porsche. The combination of Paint to Sample, heritage design elements, and the latest T-Hybrid technology reflects our desire to celebrate three decades of Porsche passion in the Philippines while looking confidently towards the years ahead.” *Visit Porsche showrooms at 201 Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA), Mandaluyong City*; *11th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City*; *and Westgate, Alabang, Muntinlupa City.* *For more information, visit their [official website.](https://www.porsche.com/pap/_philippines_/)* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** 911 Targa 4 GTS, porsche, Robert Coyiuto III --- ### [Audemars Piguet's Most Complicated Pocket Watch Yet](https://robbreport.ph/watches/audemars-piguet-heritage-ultra-complication-pocket-watch/) **Published:** July 27, 2026 **Author:** Carl Cunanan **Content:** While it’s hard to imagine the return of the top hat or the monocle, the [pocket watch](https://robbreport.ph/tag/pocket-watch/ "pocket watch") never quite went the way of the horological dodo—at least not completely. “As collectible curios, displays of technical prowess, historical or personal mementos—or simply as art objects—quality pocket watches are once again gaining traction with younger generations of watch enthusiasts,” says James Lamdin, founder of Analog:Shift and vice president of pre-owned and vintage timepieces for the Watches of Switzerland Group USA. Though these timekeepers ceded the spotlight to wristwatches during World War I, their larger cases and capacity to house multiple complications continue to make them an ideal canvas for maisons eager to demonstrate the full breadth of their watchmaking expertise. Enter the [Audemars Piguet ](https://robbreport.ph/tag/audemars-piguet/ "audemars piguet")50 mm Heritage Ultra-Complication Universal Calendar Ref. 75150PT.OO.01 pocket watch, created by the maison’s director of watch conception, Giulio Papi, to fit within the small secondary pocket commonly found on blue jeans. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Audemars-PIguet-Ultra-Complication-Pocket-Watch-04_RR_GDS_W03.webp) The complex Calibre 1150 was designed using 3-D modeling. *Audemars Piguet* A [timepiece](https://www.audemarspiguet.com/en/watch-collection/150-heritage/75150PT.OO.01) housing 47 functions and 30 complications would normally be expected to challenge the confines of any pocket, yet its surprisingly compact proportions are the result of meticulous engineering. The new Calibre 1150 was developed using three-dimensional modeling, allowing nearly every function to be adjusted through three discreet pushers integrated into and flanking the crown. Calendar information is displayed through dedicated apertures, keeping the dial remarkably legible despite its extraordinary complexity. A fully hand-engraved case depicting portraits of the maison’s founders and a commemorative 150th anniversary motif frames an 18-karat white-gold dial coated in translucent blue grand feu enamel. Hand-engraved white-gold indexes and celestial star trails evoke the night sky, while pink-gold hands, a visible flying tourbillon, a split-seconds flyback chronograph, and a semi-Gregorian perpetual calendar occupy the front of the watch. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Audemars-PIguet-Ultra-Complication-Pocket-Watch-04_RR_GDS_W01.webp) The platinum case flank includes hand-engraved images of the company’s founders and workshops. *Audemars Piguet* The reverse reveals an equally impressive spectacle. Opening the caseback exposes Audemars Piguet’s sapphire-crystal Supersonnerie soundboard, offering an unobstructed view of the movement while enhancing the acoustic performance of the minute repeater. Hidden within the caseback is perhaps the watch’s most remarkable feature: the Universal Calendar. Operating independently from the movement, this mechanical calculator uses the Gregorian calendar as its reference while coordinating solar, lunar, and lunisolar cycles. The system integrates eight major complications delivering 18 indications, including the year, leap year, month, date, week number, moon phase, and seasonal markers such as the solstices and equinoxes. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Audemars-PIguet-Ultra-Complication-Pocket-Watch-04_RR_GDS_W02.webp) The universal calendar. *Audemars Piguet* It also calculates the dates of nine cultural and religious celebrations: Christmas, Saint John’s Day, Ramadan, Diwali, Rosh Hashanah, Pesach, Vesak, Easter, and Chinese New Year. Every indication can be adjusted through a bidirectional wheel that instantly resets the entire mechanism while maintaining synchronization from 1900 through 2099. The project began with a conversation in 2023 between Giulio Papi and Audemars Piguet CEO Ilaria Resta. Recognizing renewed collector interest in pocket watches, they envisioned a contemporary interpretation that would unite as many of the maison’s watchmaking disciplines as possible in celebration of its 150th anniversary. Just 20 months after presenting his first sketch in January 2024, Papi completed a working prototype. By early 2026, two platinum examples had been produced—one destined for the Audemars Piguet museum and the other for an important private collector. Eight additional examples in 18-karat white gold, a material significantly easier to shape than platinum, will follow later this year. The project also serves as a reminder that Audemars Piguet’s [identity extends well beyond the Royal Oak.](https://robbreport.ph/watches/how-the-royal-oak-became-audemars-piguets-hottest-watch/) “I think A.P. is much more multifaceted than it has been over the last few years,” says Resta. “There is an appetite for complexity, but wearable complexity—they don’t want a watch that goes in a drawer. They want to have a watch they can see, to live with every day, but that has mechanical interest for them. So that’s the avenue for us—a very livable, complicated watch with no constraint of shape.” Perhaps that humble watch pocket still has a future. If nothing else, Audemars Piguet has demonstrated that one of fashion’s smallest details can discreetly house one of contemporary watchmaking’s greatest achievements. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report Philippines’ [Design Issue, June 2026.](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-june-2026-the-design-issue/)* ## FAQs ### What is the Audemars Piguet Heritage Ultra-Complication Universal Calendar? It is a 50 mm pocket watch created for Audemars Piguet’s 150th anniversary, featuring 47 functions and 30 complications, including a newly developed Universal Calendar. ### What makes the Universal Calendar different? Unlike a conventional perpetual calendar, it simultaneously coordinates solar, lunar, and lunisolar calendars while calculating the dates of major cultural and religious celebrations. ### How many examples will Audemars Piguet produce? Two platinum pieces have been made—one for the Audemars Piguet museum and one for a private collector—followed by eight examples in 18-karat white gold. ### Who designed the watch? The project was conceived by Giulio Papi, Audemars Piguet’s director of watch conception, in collaboration with CEO Ilaria Resta. ### Why is Audemars Piguet making a pocket watch today? The maison sees renewed interest among collectors while using the larger format to demonstrate the full extent of its watchmaking expertise in celebration of its 150th anniversary. **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** audemars piguet, Giulio Papi, Ilaria Resta, pocket watch --- ### [Inside the Cipriani Family’s Revamped Hotel Perched on the Venetian Lagoon](https://robbreport.ph/travel/hotels/inside-the-cipriani-familys-revamped-hotel-perched-on-the-venetian-lagoon/) **Published:** July 29, 2026 **Author:** Abby Montanez **Content:** Venice is having a moment—and then again, when isn’t it? With a bevy of [high-profile hotel openings](https://robbreport.ph/travel/the-39-most-hotly-anticipated-luxury-hotel-openings-of-the-year/ "The 39 Most Hotly Anticipated Luxury Hotel Openings of the Year") and reopenings slated for 2026, the floating city has only underlined its status as the place everyone wants to go. But while the crowds jostle for space along the Grand Canal, the legendary Cipriani hospitality family is reminding the world that it planted its roots here on a remote island nearly a century ago. While the company began with [Harry’s Bar](https://www.cipriani.com/harrys-bar), which Giuseppe Cipriani Sr. opened in 1931, its first real rooms were located about 25 minutes away by boat. In 1936, Cipriani Sr. acquired a modest wine shop on Torcello, transforming it after World War II into [a “locanda,” or inn](https://locandacipriani.com/), for those seeking privacy. While most visitors were drawn to Venice proper, Cipriani saw something special in this sparsely populated island, replete with medieval buildings and a Byzantine cathedral. Over the decades, its charming seclusion has attracted a guest list that reportedly includes everyone from Queen Elizabeth II and Winston Churchill to Nicole Kidman and Elton John. Ernest Hemingway stayed for months while writing his novel *Across the River and Into the Trees*. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Locanda_Cipriani_IT_5.webp) Torcello’s Locanda Cipriani is a short boat ride from Venice. *Courtesy of Locanda Cipriani Torcello* That inspiring sense of place still feels palpable, thanks to a sensitive expansion and renovation. Giuseppe Cipriani, founder and C.E.O. of the Cipriani Group and grandson of Guiseppe Sr., says the idea wasn’t to modernize the property but to preserve what he calls “the soul of the place,” something rooted in its history, setting, and generations of guests. To accomplish that, the family partnered with [Fabrizio Cocchi Studio](https://fabriziococchi.com/the-studio/) on a refurbishment that feels more restorative than transformative. The design draws heavily from the island itself. “I wanted the interior to feel connected to the landscape,” Cipriani says, “allowing the lagoon, the gardens, and the changing light to remain the true protagonists.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Locanda_Cipriani_6.webp) Its restaurant dishes up Cipriani signatures and classic Venetian cuisine. *Courtesy of Locanda Cipriani Torcello* The property has expanded from just six rooms to 10, including four new suites. That intimate scale has always been part of its appeal, making the inn feel more like a private home. Accommodations include dedicated living areas and terraces overlooking the gardens and nearby Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta. Historic ceiling beams were painted white to lighten the atmosphere, while high-gloss wood paneling pairs with handblown glass light fixtures from [Vetreria Venier](https://www.vetreriavenier.com/index.php?lang=en) in Murano. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Locanda_Cipriani_IT_1.webp) The property had expanded to 10 rooms, adding four new suites and cleaning up its private gardens. *Courtesy of Locanda Cipriani Torcello* The updates extend beyond the guest rooms. A new bar counter—the welcoming point of all the family’s restaurants—has been added, and the restaurant and shared spaces encourage “simple conviviality.” The gardens have also been refreshed, with roses and flowering plants returning to the grounds alongside vegetable plots and a vine-covered pergola supported by pink marble columns. All of it was designed to offer a welcome break from the city’s bustle. As Cipriani puts it, Torcello is “a place that invites you to slow down and simply listen.” [*From about Php54,000*](https://locandacipriani.com/) ## FAQs ### **What is Locanda Cipriani in Venice?** Locanda Cipriani is an intimate historic inn and restaurant on the Venetian island of Torcello. Founded by Giuseppe Cipriani Sr. in the 1930s, it is known for its secluded setting, gardens, traditional hospitality, and long list of notable guests. ### What is new at Locanda Cipriani after its renovation? The restored property has expanded from six rooms to 10, including four new suites. Updates include refreshed guest rooms, a new bar counter, renovated shared spaces, restored gardens, vegetable plots, and a vine-covered pergola. ### How do you get to Locanda Cipriani from central Venice? Locanda Cipriani is located on Torcello, roughly 25 minutes from central Venice by boat. Its remote lagoon setting offers a quieter alternative to hotels near the Grand Canal, while remaining accessible from the city. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Hotels, Travel **Tags:** Cipriani, hotels, italy, Magazine, Venice --- ### [Set in Stone: The Enduring Appeal of Natural Stone](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/design/set-in-stone-natural-stone-in-furniture/) **Published:** July 28, 2026 **Author:** Aica Dacuno **Content:** Natural stone remains one of the few materials that cannot be replicated. Formed over millions of years, every slab carries its own veining, color, and texture, ensuring that no two pieces are ever identical. That singularity has made marble, travertine, and other natural stones enduring favorites among designers, who increasingly allow the material itself to define the character of a table, console, lighting fixture, or bar. The result is furniture that is as much a product of nature as it is of [design](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/design/ "Design"). ## Mizar Table ### **Giorgetti | Roberto Lazzeroni** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Giorgetti_AM_Shanghai_StoreTiamantti_02-2022_019_WR.webp) The Mizar Table by Giorgetti. *Furnitalia* Roberto Lazzeroni’s Mizar table pairs natural marble with cast bronze in a design that is both refined and functional. *Available at Furnitalia, Crescent Park, West BGC, Taguig.* ## Machard Table ### **Flou | Design Studio Contromano** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/hr-Flou-Machard.webp) *Abitare Internazionale* The Machard table stands out for its use of solid marble set on an hourglass metal base wrapped in tight rope detailing. The combination of heavy stone and structured frame creates a visual lightness that offsets the material weight. *Available at Abitare Internazionale, G/F, Crown Tower, Salcedo Village, 107 H.V. Dela Costa, Makati City.* ## Aurora ### **Genius Loci** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Genius-Loci.webp) *Valcucine* Genius Loci’s Aurora drawer front transforms storage into a study in material artistry, pairing Carrara marble, Sienna yellow stone, and wheat-colored glass in a composition handcrafted by Italian artisans. *Available at Valcucine, 2/F, The Proscenium Retail Row, Rockwell Center, Makati City.* ## Biscotto Pedestal Table ### **Ligne Roset | Constance Frapolli** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Biscotto-Pedestal-table.webp) *Mos Design* Constance Frapolli’s Biscotto pedestal table plays with contrasting Portuguese marble in simple rounded shapes. The high version combines white Estremoz with Brecha Maritima, while the low version uses veined Ruivina with the same beige stone. Both are sanded, polished, and treated for water resistance, keeping the focus on the natural variation and tone of the marble. *Available at Mos Design, 9th Avenue corner Lane O, Bonifacio High Street, BGC.* ## Drake Table ### **Minotti | Hannes Peer** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/DRAKE-02.webp) *Living Innovations* The Drake coffee table, designed by Hannes Peer for Minotti, uses marble for both the top and base. The top sits above thicker rounded marble legs, creating a simple shift in proportion that lightens the form. Also available as a console in multiple sizes, the collection comes in Bianco Carrara, Nero Marquina, Rosso Levanto, and Verde Lepanto marble for contemporary interiors. *Available at Living Innovations, Fort Victoria, 5th Ave. corner Rizal Dr., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.* ## Lana Table ### **Baxter | Christophe Delcourt** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/LANA_1.webp) *Kuysen* Christophe Delcourt’s signature sense of balance in his Lana coffee table puts marble and fine stone front and center. It comes in varying heights and sizes; each piece mixes solid weight with softer, irregular lines that keep things from feeling too rigid. The uneven top and base highlight the natural character of each stone, so no two tables ever look the same. *Available at Kuysen.* ## Ozone Bar Kitchen ### **Henge | Massimo Castagna** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/OZONE-HENGE.webp) Massimo Castagna’s Ozone Bar Kitchen is built around natural stone, carved into two faceted volumes that emphasize its weight and texture. The geometry lets the material lead, shaping both form and function while anchoring the space. *Available at Casa Bella Home and Living, 8 Jupiter St. cor. Canopus, Bel-Air, Makati.* **Categories:** Design, Home & Design --- ### [The Father, the Son, and the Site: Ed Calma Remembers the Lessons From His Father, Lor Calma](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/design/lor-calma-ed-calma-philippine-modern-architecture/) **Published:** July 27, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** ## The First House Architect Lorenzo “Lor” Calma designed for his family sat beside a creek in Sunrise Hill, New Manila, back when the water was still worth something to a fish. He could have leveled the site and started clean, but he didn’t. Calma clad the columns in creek stone. A boulder became an accent in the living space. He arranged the garden to envelop the water so that anyone approaching the house would encounter the landscape first, then the creek, then the building itself, never the other way around. His son Ed was two years old when they moved in, and grew up flying kites from the top of that boulder. When heavy rains came and the creek overflowed into the pool, fish would get in, and the family would scoop them out. The garden was terraced in geometric mounds, and the children played on them like small hills. ![The New Manila house's living room. Courtesy of Ed Calma](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/lor-calma-residence-new-manila-5.webp) The New Manila house’s living room. *Courtesy of Ed Calma* There was no real front door, just a concrete perimeter wall, a pivoting metal door, and a covered lanai you passed through before entering the house proper. Lor had floated the structure, so wind moved underneath it, up through gaps in the floor, and along the walls. During typhoons, the family never even needed to turn on the air conditioning. It was, as Ed says simply, quite the design experience. “He came from Magalang, Pampanga, and he lived in the fields when he was young,” he remembers. “He loved the natural setting, and he never wanted to lose that.” ![Arch. Lor Calma.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Ar-Lor-Calma.webp) Arch. Lor Calma. ## A modernist on local terms Before he became one of the defining figures of Philippine modernism, Lor trained at the Mapúa Institute of Technology, in a tradition that leaned technical, almost engineering. His sensibility, though, pulled him somewhere else entirely. In the postwar years, Manila’s architects and artists circulated through the same restaurants and cafés, talking about form and what design could mean in a country with its own traditions to reckon with. ![The Brickhouse. Courtesy of Ed Calma](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Brickhouse2.webp) The Brickhouse. Courtesy of Ed Calma Lor was in those rooms. He hung out with would-be National Artists Arturo Luz and Leandro Locsin, and even traded furniture for early works by another would-be National Artist, Ang Kiukok. What always interested him was how to practice modernism—the Bauhaus impulse to strip form to its elements—while remaining rooted in place. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Stork-chair-2.webp) The Stork chair, designed by Lor Calma. *Courtesy of Ed Calma* The work bore it out. The Cancio-Calma Building in Makati went up fast (30 days, to be exact) on the strength of a precast concrete curtain wall that had no precedent in the neighborhood. By 1962, he was applying the same thinking to the Manila International Airport’s interiors. And in at least one early house, capiz pressed into raw concrete produced a shimmer that spread quietly through the city’s idea of what a wall could do. He was doing, without a name for it, what architects across the world were attempting in parallel: taking modernism’s stripped-down language and rooting it in local climate, craft, and memory. Luis Barragán did it in Mexico. Mario Botta did it in Switzerland. Lor Calma did it in the Philippines. “Nobody was defining it,” Ed says. “But architects then were so theoretical. They wanted to create boxes—very abstract boxes, expressing the new philosophy derived from the Industrial Revolution. Everything is reduced to its production elements. ![One of Lor Calma's sketches. Courtesy of Ed Calma](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/IMG_0009.webp) One of Lor Calma’s sketches. Courtesy of Ed Calma “But that became cold. And so a lot of architects who studied under that teaching went home to their own countries and used the elements of their place, the materials, the climate, and they kind of localized that modernist aesthetic.” Lor localized it through craft. He believed in modernist furniture, mass-produced and industrial, but also in the traditions still active around him: weaving, woodworking, and the skilled carpenters from Pampanga. He brought those methods into modern form, and a generation of practitioners followed. ## Pure Instinct ![A sculpture from Lor Calma's Scroll series. Courtesy of Ed Calma](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/scroll-series-1-copy.webp) A sculpture from Lor Calma’s Scroll series. *Courtesy of Ed Calma* Ed didn’t exactly set out to become an architect. As a boy, he was painting scale models and assembling cardboard constructions, absorbed in the pleasure of making without fully understanding what it was preparing him for. His father didn’t teach him formally. But Lor did take Ed to places such as the Luzon chapel, for Ed to see as an architect does: the overall image first, then the spatial drama, then, slowly, the details. “He would pinpoint things to me,” Ed reflects. “That was my introduction to architecture.” ![Arch. Ed Calma.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Ar-Ed-Calma.webp) Arch. Ed Calma. When Ed studied at Columbia University in New York, he realized that what his professors were teaching in class were concepts his father had already been practicing in Manila. The instinct toward the site. Material honesty—wood should read as wood, form without embellishment should already communicate something, and if the raw concrete doesn’t resonate, you’ve failed before the finishes go on. The understanding that structure and aesthetic aren’t separate questions at all. These were the core values. They had come to him twice over: first, through his childhood home, the old house beside the creek; and again, at school. Ed returned to Manila in 1995, after Pratt Institute and Columbia, and joined what would become Lor Calma and Partners. Sharing an office with his father was never going to work—two architects, two strong senses of design, after all. Lor knew it, too, and stepped back without much ceremony. ![A red steel sculpture by the architect, one of several displayed throughout his Forbes Park home. Courtesy of Ed Calma](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/DSC00010-10-Version-2.webp) A red steel sculpture by the architect, one of several displayed throughout his Forbes Park home. *Courtesy of Ed Calma* He turned to sculpture instead, bending metal into forms and handing drawings to a fabricator who executed them at scale. He made the gates and main doors for some of Ed’s clients. He seemed to enjoy it, the directness of it. It was form taking shape without the machinery of a full commission around it. “Pure instinct,” Ed calls it. Ed’s own practice carried the philosophy forward in more public terms. The De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde School of Design and Arts building—white and deliberately irregular, turning a glass rear toward the grayer blocks beyond—announced a sensibility that was unmistakably his own while remaining legible as a Calma. The Mind Museum in Bonifacio Global City, completed in 2012 and awarded LEED Gold, pushed further still: grass roofing for insulation, a solar-reflective exterior, natural wind ventilation threaded through a structure with no single readable façade. In an interview with the *Philippine Daily Inquirer*, Ed described the approach as letting the site and its pressures determine the form, not the other way around. The logic, interestingly, traces back to a house beside a creek. ## The final form ![An interior shot of the house in Forbes, with a sculpture by Lor Calma. Ed Simon](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/ForbesHouse1.webp) An interior shot of the house in Forbes, with a sculpture by Lor Calma. *Ed Simon* The last house Lor designed was in Forbes Park, near the end of his life. That lot had mature kalachuchi trees, and he built around them rather than through them. Volumes arranged in a pinwheel, an atrium separating the living spaces, pocket gardens where the trees stood, their canopy doing the work of curtains and shade. He gambled on glass. In the tropics, it can be a risk, of course. But Lor understood climate, and he understood what modernism had made possible. Reinforced concrete and steel had opened up the wall, making spans of glass achievable that simply hadn’t existed before. ![Another sculpture by Lor Calma at the house in Forbes. Ed Simon](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/ForbesHouse3.webp) Another sculpture by Lor Calma at the house in Forbes. *Ed Simon* None of it had changed. Respect the site, honor what you build with, let the form do the work before the finish arrives. Lor had told Ed to go his own direction, find new ground. The instincts followed anyway. He reads the space before he designs it, letting what is already there determine what comes next. “Now you buy everything in China,” Ed quips, with the flatness of someone who has watched some things disappear. “Nobody invents things anymore. It’s all magazines, trends, and Pinterest. It’s rare to find an architect with an idea that comes from the site, from the context. That’s different. You’re supposed to invent something there—an experience, a form that really fits.” Years later, Ed returned to the house in Sunrise Hill and found that the city had done what cities do. The creek was no longer clear. The house had been altered and walled in against flood and intrusion, and the openness that once made it remarkable had largely disappeared. What remained was the memory of it, which may be the more durable thing anyway. Architecture at its best is an education of the senses. For Ed, it began in a house where the garden came before the door, where a boulder anchored the living room, where typhoon winds passed under the floor, and where modernism learned to breathe. Lor Calma never had to lecture his son. He had built the lesson around him. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report Philippines’ [Design Issue, June 2026.](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-june-2026-the-design-issue/)* **Categories:** Design, Home & Design, Profiles **Tags:** architecture, ed calma, Lor Calma, Modernist, Modernist Architecture, Profiles --- ### [Californios Is Now the World’s First Michelin 3-Star Mexican Restaurant](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/californios-is-now-the-worlds-first-michelin-3-star-mexican-restaurant/) **Published:** July 27, 2026 **Author:** Jeremy Repanich **Content:** [Michelin](https://robbreport.ph/tag/michelin/ "Michelin") history was made last night in San Diego. Californios, chef Val Cantu’s [San Francisco](https://robbreport.ph/tag/san-francisco/ "San Francisco") tasting menu destination, became the first Mexican restaurant in the world to earn three Michelin stars. The French gastronomic guide revealed all the restaurants earning stars across the Golden State in a ceremony that also saw Sonoma’s Enclos by chef Brian Limoges rocket to three stars after only being open for around 18 months. For Californios, it was a much longer journey to the top. Cantú, a Texas native who’d worked in kitchens from [Uchi](https://uchi.uchirestaurants.com/location/sushi-austin/) in Austin, Texas, to Sons & Daughters in San Francisco, had noticed the lack of Mexican fine dining and set out to change that. He spent time at Pujol in Mexico City and returned to San Francisco to host pop-ups starting in 2013. In 2015, the brick-and-mortar Californios was born in the City by the Bay, earning a Michelin star in its first year. A few years later, it became the first Mexican restaurant in America to earn a second Michelin star. In 2020, Cantú moved his restaurant to a larger space in San Francisco and reopened in 2021 to serve his 10-course menu. Last year, it came in at No. 51 on our rankings of the [100 Greatest American Restaurants of the 21st Century](https://robbreport.com/food-drink/dining/lists/best-restaurants-america-21st-century-1237256635/californios-san-francisco/). Enclos, built inside an old Victorian home at Stone Edge Farm Vineyards and Winery, ascended to two stars in 2025, just a few months after opening. At the restaurant Limoges serves contemporary Californian cuisine, inspired by ingredients from Stone Edge Farm and seafood from the nearby Pacific. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Enclos-sonoma.webp) Enclos in Sonoma has quickly made its mark on the culinary world. *Photo: Adahlia Cole* One of the other big winners of the night was Kato, Jon Yao’s exquisite Taiwanese tasting menu in Downtown [Los Angeles](https://robbreport.ph/tag/los-angeles/ "los angeles"), which was promoted to two stars. And nine other restaurants earned their first Michelin star: Corridor 109, Kojima, Lielle, Lucien, Miura, Naides, Seline, Troubadour, and Wolfsbane (Both Lielle and Wolfsbane made our 2026 list of the [10 Best New Restaurants in America](https://robbreport.com/food-drink/dining/lists/best-new-restaurants-2026-america-1238198235/)). For some restaurants it was a tougher night, as a handful of establishments lost their star: 715, Camphor, Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura (closed last fall), Gwen, Kenzo, Knife Pleat, Le Comptoir at Bar Crenn (Bar Crenn will remain open, but Dominique Crenn announced Le Comptoir would close), Morihiro (moved to a new location), O’ by Claude Le Tohic, Shibumi (closed last summer), Uka (temporarily closed), and Valle all fell out of the rankings. While these restaurants lost their stars, no restaurants in the three- or two-star ranks were demoted in 2026. Check out the full list of starred restaurants in the list below. ## Every Michelin-Starred Restaurant in California for 2026 ### **Three Stars** - Addison - Atelier Crenn - Benu - Californios NEW - Enclos NEW - Providence - Quince - SingleThread - Somni - The French Laundry ### **Two Stars** - Acquerello - Aubergine - Birdsong - Commis - Harbor House Inn - Hayato - Kato NEW - Kiln - Lazy Bear - Mélisse - Saison - Sons & Daughters - Vespertine ### **One Star** - 7 Adams - Angler - Auberge du Soleil - Auro - Bell’s - Caruso’s - Chez Noir - Citrin - Corridor 109 NEW - Cyrus - Heritage - Hilda and Jesse - Holbox - Jeune et Jolie - Kali - Kin Khao - Kojima NEW - Lielle NEW - Lilo - Localis - Lucien - Madcap - Meteora - Mister Jiu’s - Miura NEW - Mori Nozomi - Naides NEW - n/naka - Nari - Niku Steakhouse - Nisei - Nozawa Bar - Orsa & Winston - Osteria Mozza - Pasta | Bar - Plumed Horse - Press - Protégé - R | O-Rebel Omakase - Restaurant Ki - San Ho Won - Selby’s - Seline - Shin Sushi - Silvers Omakase - Six Test Kitchen - Soichi - Sorrel - Ssal - State Bird Provisions - Sun Moon Studio - Sushi Inaba - Sushi Kaneyoshi - The Kitchen - The Progress - The Restaurant at Justin - The Village Pub - Troubadour NEW - Wakuriya - Wolfsbane ###### FAQs **What Mexican restaurant earned three Michelin stars for the first time?** Californios in San Francisco became the first Mexican restaurant in the world to earn three Michelin stars. **Who is the chef behind Californios?** Californios is led by chef Val Cantú, a Texas native who previously worked at Uchi in Austin and Sons & Daughters in San Francisco before opening his own Mexican fine-dining restaurant. **Where is Californios located?** Californios is located in San Francisco. The restaurant moved to a larger space in 2020 and reopened in 2021. **When did Californios first open?** Californios opened as a brick-and-mortar restaurant in San Francisco in 2015, after Val Cantú began hosting pop-ups in 2013. **Why is Californios’s third Michelin star historic?** The award is historic because Californios is now the first Mexican restaurant anywhere in the world to receive Michelin’s highest three-star rating. **Which California restaurants earned three Michelin stars in 2026?** The 2026 three-star Michelin restaurants in California are Addison, Atelier Crenn, Benu, Californios, Enclos, Providence, Quince, SingleThread, Somni, and The French Laundry. **What other restaurant was promoted to three Michelin stars in California in 2026?** Enclos in Sonoma was promoted to three Michelin stars after being open for around 18 months. **What kind of food does Enclos serve?** Enclos serves contemporary Californian cuisine, with menus inspired by ingredients from Stone Edge Farm and seafood from the nearby Pacific. **Which California restaurant was promoted to two Michelin stars in 2026?** Kato, Jon Yao’s Taiwanese tasting menu restaurant in Downtown Los Angeles, was promoted to two Michelin stars. **Which restaurants earned their first Michelin star in California in 2026?** The new one-star restaurants are Corridor 109, Kojima, Lielle, Lucien, Miura, Naides, Seline, Troubadour, and Wolfsbane. **Did any two- or three-star California restaurants lose stars in 2026?** No restaurants in California’s two- or three-star Michelin ranks were demoted in 2026. **Which California restaurants lost their Michelin star in 2026?** The restaurants that fell out of the starred rankings include 715, Camphor, Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura, Gwen, Kenzo, Knife Pleat, Le Comptoir at Bar Crenn, Morihiro, O’ by Claude Le Tohic, Shibumi, Uka, and Valle. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Food & Drink **Tags:** Californios, los angeles, Michelin, Michelin Star, San Francisco, Sonoma --- ### [The 50 Greatest Porsches Ever, Ranked](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-50-greatest-porsches-ever-ranked/) **Published:** July 27, 2026 **Author:** Will Sabel Courtney **Content:** You know what they [say about Porsche](https://robbreport.ph/the-story-of/10-fascinating-facts-you-never-knew-about-porsche/ "10 Fascinating Facts You Never Knew About Porsche"): there is no substitute. Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Lamborghini may all be roughly as well-known and well-regarded in the automotive realm, but Porsche has [long distinguished itself ](https://robbreport.ph/cars/every-porsche-boxster-ranked/ "Every Porsche Boxster, Ranked")through the perfect curation of its own identity. Porsches are often powerful, but they’re not defined by their output; indeed, they often manage to punch above their weight class in terms of speed and acceleration. They’re usually comfortable, often even luxurious, but rarely ostentatious about it. And they’ve managed to maintain a purity of design over generations that would [make Jony Ive](https://robbreport.ph/cars/ferraris-first-ev-is-finally-here-what-to-know-about-the-1035-hp-4-door-luce/ "Ferrari’s First EV Is Finally Here: What to Know About the 1,035 HP 4-Door Luce") blush. And thanks to that commitment, the automaker has punched well above its weight when it comes to generating icons. The past 78 years have seen it produce a stunning output of machines for enthusiasts to obsess over, but some are more remarkable than others. So, we’re taking a look back through Porsche’s many decades of production to determine the 50 cars that stand above the rest. Two quick notes. Porsche’s racing history is rife with iconic metal, but for the purposes of this list, we’re restricting things to vehicles that were street-legal. (There’s one asterisk here, but we’ll get to it in due time.) Likewise, you won’t find any concept cars or wild prototypes here, even though Porsche literally has a clandestine warehouse in Stuttgart filled with such machines. No, every one of the machines on the list was one that someone could hand over money in exchange for … even if, in some cases, the amounts were lofty and the lists exclusive. So, without further ado: the 50 greatest Porsche road cars of all time. ## **50**. Macan GTS ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/RR_20260223_50_Greatest_Porsches_Macan_GTS.webp) *Porsche* The Macan may not be the most compelling product to ever roll out of Zuffenhausen, but Porsche did manage to infuse a good bit of driving fun into it, even in spite of its Audi-sourced bones—and the profits it brought in paid for the development of many far more exciting machines. The Goldilocks-spec GTS epitomizes what makes the crossover great better than any other member of the line. ## **49**. Cayenne Turbo Electric ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/RR_20260223_50_Greatest_Porsches_Cayenne_Turbo_Electric.webp) *Porsche* The first [electric Cayenne ](https://robbreport.ph/cars/a-porsche-cayenne-that-launches-at-over-1100-hp/ "A Porsche Cayenne That Launches at Over 1100 HP?")is yet to reach the streets as of this story’s publication, but it stands to impress. Even if the idea of a battery-powered Porsche SUV makes traditionalists queasy, there’s no arguing with the fact that its 1139 hp makes it the most powerful road car the brand has ever made. ## 48. 986 Boxster S ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/RR_20260223_50_Greatest_Porsches_986_Boxster_S.webp) *Porsche* The [first Boxster ](https://robbreport.ph/cars/every-porsche-boxster-ranked/ "Every Porsche Boxster, Ranked")was little loved by Porsche purists at the time, but the mid-engine roadster—which helped keep the company afloat during dire times—was in actuality a delight to drive. The only real gripe against it that held water was a lack of power, and that was fixed by the Boxster S that arrived four years after launch. ## 47. 996 Turbo Cabriolet ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/RR_20260223_50_Greatest_Porsches_996_Turbo_Cabriolet.webp) *Porsche* The 996 generation Porsche 911 was the first time the Turbo model offered an official droptop option, enabling the hat-wearing and un-bald to enjoy the car’s mind-bending performance al fresco. It was also the first-generation Turbo to offer an automatic transmission, opening it up to an even wider range of buyers. ## 46. E2 92A Cayenne S Hybrid ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/RR_20260223_50_Greatest_Porsches_E2_92A_Cayenne_S_Hybrid.webp) *Porsche* These days, Porsche, electric motors, and gas engines all go together like marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers; every internal-combustion model on sale today offers a gooey s’mores option of hybrid power, and in some cases, you have to go hybrid to get the most powerful version. But all that grew out of 2010’s Cayenne S Hybrid, the first mainstream car to wear the badge that combined gas and electric power. ## 45. 9PA Cayenne Turbo ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/RR_20260223_50_Greatest_Porsches_9PA_Cayenne_Turbo.webp) *Porsche* It’s hard to state today just how high the expectations were for the original Cayenne. It was the first Porsche that wasn’t a sports car … and it was an SUV. It needed to clear some very high expectations in order to succeed. Remarkably, the original car exceeded them all, at least in Turbo form, combining the acceleration of a period-era 911 with low-range four-wheel drive, locking differentials, and other off-road capabilities that made it able to keep up with proper Jeeps beyond the pavement. ## 44. 973 Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/RR_20260223_50_Greatest_Porsches_973_Panamera_Turbo_S_E_Hybrid.webp) *Porsche* The current era of the Panamera is defined by plug-in hybrid power; the only trims that lack it are the base model and the pure-V-8 GTS. While it adds mass, adding a sizable battery and strong electric motor to Porsche’s classically potent internal-combustion engines delivers improved efficiency, noticeable gas-free driving range, and of course, impressive get-up-and-go. No model epitomizes that blend better than the range-topping Turbo S-E-Hybrid, which can accelerate quicker than one *g* yet go nearly 30 miles without firing its engine. ## 43. 991.2 Turbo S Exclusive Series ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/RR_20260223_50_Greatest_Porsches_9912_Turbo_S_Exclusive_Series.webp) *Porsche* Porsche, like many a carmaker, is no stranger to whipping up a special edition here and there—but this late batch of 991-generation Turbo S models was special even by those special edition standards. Power was increased past the 600-hp mark for the first time on the Turbo, while the exterior and interior were outfitted in uniquely high-end trappings, such as the unique Golden Yellow Metallic paint. ## 42. 997.2 Carrera (PDK) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/RR_20260223_50_Greatest_Porsches_9972_Carrera_PDK.webp) *Porsche* The facelifted 997 generation brought the usual mix of updates for a Porsche 911 refresh, and with it, the two-pedal option went from being a sign of shame to a statement of performance, delivering shifts quicker than any mortal could make. It gave the two-pedal car more gears than its clutch-packing relations, not fewer. And it did it all while maintaining the easy-driving, incredibly convenient characteristics of a conventional automatic that have pushed the manual transmission to the edge of extinction. ## 41. 944 Turbo / Turbo S ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/RR_20260223_50_Greatest_Porsches_944_Turbo.webp) Broadly speaking, the 944 was hardly one of Porsche’s more lustworthy models. Like its 924 predecessor, it was a front-engined, water-cooled car with just four cylinders under the hood and a price tag below that of the iconic 911. The Turbo that launched in 1986, however, had an ace up its sleeve: 217 horses, more than the Carrera of its day, paired with a more aggressive exterior. The Turbo S that followed dialed that up to 247, and that engine then migrated to the regular Turbo in 1989, making it equal to the Corvette of the day. ## 40. 970 Panamera Turbo ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/RR_20260223_50_Greatest_Porsches_970_Panamera_Turbo.webp) *Porsche* Just as the original Cayenne Turbo changed the game for performance SUVs, the first Panamera Turbo proved that the attributes that long defined a Porsche could be transferred to a sedan. And, just like the Cayenne, the Panamera did so in spite of a rather ungainly exterior. Legend has it then-CEO Wendelin Wiedeking, a rather tall man, insisted on being able to sit in the back seat comfortably, forcing designers to push the shape of the rear in odd proportions. The appearance may have drawn plenty of criticism, but no one could argue with the way the Panny moved. ## 39. 982 718 Cayman / Boxster GTS 4.0 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/RR_20260223_50_Greatest_Porsches_718_Boxster_GTS_40.webp) *Porsche* When the 718 Boxster and Cayman launched, many enthusiasts were annoyed at the decision to ditch flat-six power for turbocharged boxer fours that made the cars sound like Subarus in mainstream models. Porsche rectified the matter four years later with the GTS 4.0 versions, which took the 911-derived high-revving six-cylinder from the pricier, angrier Cayman GT4 and Boxster Spyder, detuned it just a touch, and brought it to the regular 718 lineup. ## 38. 911 Targa ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/RR_20260223_50_Greatest_Porsches_911_20_Targa.webp) Convertibles were all the rage in post-war America, so of course, by the 1960s, rumors had begun to swirl that the U.S. government might ban them over safety concerns. Porsche decided to get a jump on the issue in 1967 by creating a different sort of topless 911 than the speedster-style 356 had offered: a car with a fixed hoop roll bar stretching up the B-pillars and across the top, with a removable panel connecting it to the windshield and a folding section behind housing the rear window. The company named it after the ‘Targa Florio’ road race, and a whole new category of car was born. ## 37. 981 Boxster Spyder ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/RR_20260223_50_Greatest_Porsches_981_Boxster_Spyder.webp) *Porsche* The [Boxster Spyder first appeared](https://robbreport.ph/cars/every-porsche-boxster-ranked/ "Every Porsche Boxster, Ranked") with the previous 987 generation, but it was the third-gen Boxster that made the concept its own. Where the first one was merely a lightweight Boxster S with a touch more power, the 981 Spyder brought the engine from the Cayman GT4—which in turn was sourced from the 911 Carrera S—for a max power output of 375 hp, as well as bigger brakes and sharper steering. All that, of course, was still combined with light weighting measures such as a manual folding top and nylon straps instead of door handles and an even more aggressive body kit. ## 36. 912 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/RR_20260223_50_Greatest_Porsches_912.webp) *Porsche* The original 911 entered the scene so formidably that it soon led Porsche to discontinue the 356 that had served as the model below it at launch. The 912 filled that gap below the new halo car starting in 1965, sticking the old 356’s flat-four motor into the new model’s body. It made just over 100 horsepower, about 25 less than the 911 at the time, but offered more neutral handling, and also cost almost $1800 less than the 911’s $6,490 base price. It was an attempt to bring the 911’s delights to a wider audience by making them more affordable—and in this day and age, when the most basic of new 911s goes for nearly $150,000, that sounds pretty damn admirable. ## 35. 992.2 Carrera GTS T-Hybrid ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/RR_20260223_50_Greatest_Porsches_9922_Carrera_GTS_T_Hybrid.webp) *Porsche* The idea of the [911 hybrid](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-porsche-911-gts-is-the-hybrid-youve-been-searching-for/ "The Porsche 911 GTS is The Hybrid You’ve Been Searching For") was inevitable; it had been so ever since the 918 Spyder hypercar (don’t worry, it’s further down the list) demonstrated that gas-electric power was Porsche’s vision for the future of performance. When it finally arrived in 2024, though, the carmaker still managed to surprise people. The tech launched on the mid-range GTS trim, and used electrons not just to add power via an electric motor, but also to spin the engine’s turbocharger for greater efficiency and quicker responses. The result is a hybrid 911, yes, but one that drives like a naturally aspirated car in spite of all its added powertrain complexity—while making 532 hp from just 3.6 liters. ## 34. 991.2 Speedster ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/RR_20260223_50_Greatest_Porsches_9912_Speedster.webp) *Porsche* When the 991-generation GT3 launched, it—like its predecessors—was met with great acclaim, in no small part for the howl its naturally aspirated engine made as it climbed towards redline. So, when the time came for Porsche to celebrate its 70th birthday in 2019, the company took that remarkable engine—as well as the GT3’s sharpened chassis—stuck it into a sexy roadster body, and called it the 911 Speedster. Some say hitting the 9000-rpm redline while driving through a canyon is as close as a Porschephile can come to heaven. ## 33. Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/RR_20260223_50_Greatest_Porsches_Taycan_Turbo_S_Cross_Turismo.webp) *Porsche* Porsche’s last decade has seen the company defy trends and venture into the world of station wagons when most other carmakers were leaving the category behind with long-roof versions of both the Panamera and Taycan. And the carmaker didn’t constrain it, either: the [Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo ](https://robbreport.ph/cars/porsche-just-unveiled-a-stealthy-new-black-edition-of-the-taycan/ "Porsche Just Unveiled a Stealthy New Black Edition of the Taycan")combines up to 938 hp with all-wheel drive and a hint of soft-road prowess to make it into the ultimate family car for anyone who grew up driving a WRX or Evo on dirty winter backroads. Electric or not, a near-1000-hp wagon that can play at rally is undeniably awesome. ## 32. 992.2 Carrera T ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/RR_20260223_50_Greatest_Porsches_9922_Carrera_T.webp) *Porsche* The Carrera T badge has generally been used to identify 911s pairing entry-level power with the sharper, more engaging options on the list. With the 992.2 generation, Porsche is also making it the stick-shift champion of sub-GT 911s. Every one now comes with a six-speed manual — PDK buyers, go buy a Carrera — complete with a warm walnut wood knob for your palm and a little shift gate stencil on the rear window. In an era when all too many automakers are leaving the stick behind, it’s a testament to Porsche’s desire to make sure its customers can still partake in this interactive driving delight. ## 31. 9PA Cayenne GTS ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/RR_20260223_50_Greatest_Porsches_9PA_Cayenne_GTS.webp) The first-gen Cayenne GTS was hardly the most attractive car Porsche ever made—to be frank, it was even more homely than the Turbo. But it did bring to the table a sporty suspension, a 400-hp naturally aspirated V-8, and most importantly for its place on this list, an available six-speed manual gearbox that made it the only Cayenne with more than six cylinders to offer a stick shift. As you might imagine, examples so equipped remain rare; if you have the chance to acquire one, take it. Odds are good it won’t depreciate unless you drive it into a tree. ## 30. 992.2 Turbo S (T-Hybrid) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/RR_20260223_50_Greatest_Porsches_9922_Turbo_S_T_Hybrid.webp) *Porsche* The latest 911 Turbo is also the most powerful one yet, thanks to the battery-powered boost that makes it[ the first hybrid 911 Turbo](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-porsche-911-gts-is-the-hybrid-youve-been-searching-for/ "The Porsche 911 GTS is The Hybrid You’ve Been Searching For"). By combining twin turbochargers, an electric motor, and six pulsing cylinders, the 992.2-gen Turbo S breaks the 700-hp barrier by a hair, giving it enough pull to punch from 0 to 60 miles an hour in two seconds flat in independent testing, and run the quarter mile so quickly the NHRA wouldn’t let it drag race. The fact that it does this while still offering the astounding blend of comfort, convenience, and capability the Turbo has offered for generations just makes it all the more remarkable. ## 29. 904 Carrera GTS ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/RR_20260223_50_Greatest_Porsches_904_Carrera_GTS.webp) *Porsche* The 904 was made to race. The mid-engined competition machine battled the best sports car competitors the likes of Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and Maserati had to offer in the mid-1960s, and all too often, took home trophies after the fight. But under the rules of the day, this flat-eight-powered machine needed to also be available to the public to satisfy homologation requirements, so Porsche made enough street-legal variants to satisfy the demands … and to earn this legendary racer a spot on our list. ## 28. E3 Cayenne Turbo GT ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/RR_20260223_50_Greatest_Porsches_E3_Cayenne_Turbo_GT.webp) *Porsche* The “Turbo GT” badge was developed, in essence, as a way to bring as much of the sharp-edged performance of Porsche’s GT2, GT3 and GT4 sports cars to models that aren’t quite worthy of those hallowed designations. The first such vehicle to do so was the Cayenne Turbo GT, and it came out swinging, packing nearly as much power as a 911 Turbo S and a remarkable suite of chassis adjustments that made this SUV capable of handling like a sports car. Don’t believe me? Fine. Believe the 7:38.9-second Nurburgring Nordschlieife lap time that puts it less than a second off the Lexus LFA, R35 Nissan GT-R, C6-gen Corvette ZR1 and Porsche Carrera GT. ## 27. Taycan Turbo GT ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/RR_20260223_50_Greatest_Porsches_Taycan_Turbo_GT.webp) *Porsche* If the Cayenne Turbo GT proved SUVs could handle like sports cars, the [Taycan](https://robbreport.ph/tag/taycan/ "taycan") Turbo GT proved EVs could frighten supercars. Porsche built upon the goodness of the Tacan Turbo S to create a street-legal-but-track-hungry monster that put out over 1000 horsepower and rejiggered everything from the electrical systems to the suspension to the window glass in order to create an electric sedan that could hunt down nearly anything—especially when it was equipped with the Weissach Pack that threw out the likes of the rear seat to save weight. When was the last time you recall a production sedan willing to ditch half its seating capacity in the name of performance? ## 26. 992.1 GT3 RS ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/RR_20260223_50_Greatest_Porsches_9921_GT3_RS.webp) Walk into a Porsche showroom today and tell the salesperson you want the meanest car on the lot, and they’ll point you to a [GT3](https://robbreport.ph/tag/gt3/ "GT3") RS. Well, not really, because nobody just has one lying around, but that’s the tip of the spear for the current 911—and thus Porsche—line. It’s as close as you can buy to a race car for the street these days, all the way down to the Formula 1-inspired wing that opens and closes on command to change the drag on the straights. It’s the fourth-quickest street-legal car around the Nurburgring … and every car above it has roughly 200 horsepower or more. ## 25. 971.2 Panamera Sport Turismo GTS ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/RR_20260223_50_Greatest_Porsches_971_Panamera_Sport_Turismo_GTS.webp) *Porsche* Take all that was said above about the Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo, and exchange the electric power plant for a masterful, [potent twin-turbo V-8](https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/slideshow/2017-geneva-international-motor-shows-top-10-debuts/porsche-panamera-sport-turismo-2/). The GTS may have only made about half as much power as the EV, but it was still quick enough to utterly demolish 99% of other cars on the road on the straights or in the turns, all while serving up the sort of V-8 soundtrack that no electric car can ever truly emulate. Add in the fact that it was also the most affordable way to pair a wagon body with an eight-cylinder motor in Porsche’s garage, and there’s no way to dispute it was one of the best cars to ever come from Zuffenhausen. ## 24. 992.1 GT3 Touring ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/RR_20260223_50_Greatest_Porsches_9921_GT3_Touring.webp) *Porsche* The first three generations of the GT3 all stuck to a familiar formula: give the 911 a sportier suspension and a more potent naturally aspirated flat-six, then add in an aggressive body kit with a big spoiler. As it turned out, however, many buyers loved the first part of that formula, but were less keen on the parts that might look a little boy-racer chic to their frenemies down at the country club. So Porsche began offering a Touring package for the car in the 991 generation, which replaced the tall wing with a low-vis retractable one like that on the Carrera. But the idea truly came into its own one gen later, when the 992 began offering the Touring as a separate GT3 variant alongside the regular one. ## 23. 964 Speedster ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/RR_20260223_50_Greatest_Porsches_964_Speedster.webp) Porsche found no small amount of fame in its early days with the “speedster” body style, which consists of a roadster with a more aerodynamic fairing behind its occupants and, in some cases, a cut-down windshield. Largely dormant since the era of the 356—in no small part thanks to James Dean—the carmaker brought the name and idea back first in 1989 on the original 911 body, then again in ’94 on the new 964 platform. It was the latter that blended parts from the mainstream Carrera and hardcore Carrera RS, packing looks like the latter and the power of the former to create a unique driving experience that harkens back to the virtues that defined the brand in its early days: creating a sports car that doesn’t need to lean on power to bring fun to the driver. ## 22. 718 Cayman GT4 RS ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/RR_20260223_50_Greatest_Porsches_718_Cayman_GT4_RS.webp) *Porsche* When the Boxster was created, Porsche was originally hesitant to let it—and then its Cayman sibling—grow too powerful, lest it step on the 911’s toes or even outdo it due to its better-balanced mid-engine layout. As the years went on and it became clear there was room for the two models to overlap, though, Zuffenhausen began letting the smaller car come into its full potential—a path that, so far, has culminated in the Cayman GT4 RS, which was the first time the lesser coupe was given the full RS love, all the way down to the 4.0-liter, 493-hp flat-six of the 992-gen GT3. # 21. 928 GTS ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/RR_20260223_50_Greatest_Porsches_928_GTS.webp) *Porsche* The 928 project kicked off in the 1970s as a way to push Porsche into the larger-than-911 grand touring category of coupes that were popular at the time. Early versions of the front-engined, V-8-powered two-door never caught on in big numbers, but the company was patient, fine-tuning the model over and over along the course of an 18-year run. The ultimate version came at the end, in the form of a new range-topper called [928 GTS](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-porsche-928-wasnt-risky-business-it-epitomized-style-comfort-and-performance/ "The Porsche 928 Wasn’t Risky Business—It Epitomized Style, Comfort, and Performance"). It packed an eight-cylinder engine enlarged to 5.4 liters and making 345 hp, combined with a widebody design that let the model live up to its full visual potential. It may not have sold well, but it stands the test of time as the purest expression of what a proper Porsche *gran turismo* can be. ## 20. 992.1 Sport Classic ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/RR_20260223_50_Greatest_Porsches_991_Sport_Classic.webp) *Porsche* By 2022, it had been nearly a decade since Porsche had offered a 911 Turbo with a manual gearbox, and more than a quarter-century since the company had built one that was rear-wheel-drive (excluding the extreme GT2 models). So, Zuffenhausen decided to do both. The limited-run 911 Sport Classic paired a detuned version of the regular 992.1 Turbo’s flat-six with the seven-speed stick of the Carrera S, and gave the resulting machine a vintage-style whale tail spoiler and a throwback body shorn of ventral air intakes. It was a flight of fancy … but an utterly desirable one. ## 19. 992.1 Dakar ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/RR_20260223_50_Greatest_Porsches_9921_Dakar.webp) *Porsche* An off-road sports car may sound like the thickest of oxymorons, but Porsche has history with that contradictory term. In 1984, the company ran a modified 911 called the 953 in the grueling Paris-Dakar Rally, and the fabled 959 was originally created in part to handle the same sort of no-pavement competition. So in the same year the Sport Classic debuted, Zuffenhausen came out with another awesome oddball 911 made to go well beyond the end of the road. The Dakar was based on the all-wheel-drive Carrera 4 GTS, but added an active suspension with more travel for up to 7.5 inches of ground clearance and knobby all-terrain tires, as well as Subaru Outback-style body cladding. It may well be the ultimate daily driver … at least if you live in Vermont. ## 18. 996 GT3 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/RR_20260223_50_Greatest_Porsches_996_GT3.webp) *Porsche* Porsche had dabbled in particularly track-worthy 911s throughout the 20th century, but it was only at that epoch’s close that the company found its groove with the idea. In an effort to prep the 911 for the upcoming GT3 class of endurance racing, the carmaker created a new stripped-down road racer with a large fixed spoiler, a minimalist interior, and a racecar-based flat-six engine making 355 hp. Future GT3s would blow it out of the water on performance … but they’d always be running behind in the history books. ## 17. 9PA Cayenne S Transsyberia ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/RR_20260223_50_Greatest_Porsches_Cayenne_S_Transsyberia.webp) *Porsche* As mentioned above, the first Cayenne had a lot to prove. And while the original version did indeed come out swinging, Porsche knew better than most that there was no crucible better than competition—so after seeing the success of independent teams, Porsche entered a group of specially made Cayenne S-based versions in the 6,600-mile Transsyberia Rally from Moscow to Ulaanbataar. Then, in turn, the carmaker whipped up several hundred production versions for North America, combining off-road-ready kit with the powertrain of the Cayenne GTS. Canadian buyers, however, had the better end of it: they could spec theirs with a six-speed manual. ## 16. 993 GT2 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/RR_20260223_50_Greatest_Porsches_993_GT2.webp) *Porsche* When the time came for Porsche to take the [993-gen Turbo racing](https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/1997-porsche-911-gt2-r-sell-auction-1236737903/), the company was confronted with a problem: the car had all-wheel-drive. Most professional racing series that Porsche would be interested in didn’t care for that, on account of the success Porsche and others had seen with it in past years. So, Porsche whipped up a rear-wheel-drive version to punt into the GT2 racing class—and since homologation rules required some to be made for production, Porsche built just enough to get it over the finish line. And with that, the 911 GT2 was born, and a new pinnacle of performance set for the model. ## 15. 964 Carrera 3.8 RS ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/RR_20260223_50_Greatest_Porsches_964_Carrera_38_RS.webp) *Porsche* The 964-gen 911 that launched in 1989 was the first true all-at-one update to the model since its creation, with the previous decades filled with the sort of slow but ultimately comprehensive updates that defined Theseus’s ship. That generation came to a head four years later with the Carrera RS 3.8, which combined the body of the Turbo, a 296-hp 3.8-liter flat-six, a sharper suspension and all sorts of upgrades meant to prime the car to dominate on track yet still be driven home afterwards. It was one of the cars that set the stage for the GT2 and GT3 models that, in later years, would become some of the model’s most iconic … as well as a noteworthy car in its own right. ## 14. 991.1 911 R ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/RR_20260223_50_Greatest_Porsches_9911_911_R.webp) *Porsche* Since its first generation, the 911 GT3 lineup has been defined by a bifurcation: the regular car meant for the street and occasional trips to the track, and the RS version meant for the track with occasional trips to the street. The limited-production 911 R was Porsche’s attempt to blur the line as much as it could. While it was largely GT3 RS under the surface—all the way down to its 493-hp, 4.0-liter flat-six—it looked almost like a regular Carrera from the outside, lacking the tall wings and aggro design of either of its siblings. It also came paired only with a six-speed stick, something not available on the GT3 RS of its day. While it’s since been succeeded by the GT3 Touring and the 911 S/T, it remains one of the most desirable 21st-century 911s made to this day. ## 13. 993 Turbo S ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/RR_20260223_50_Greatest_Porsches_993_Turbo_S.webp) The 993-generation 911 is seen by many fans as the peak balance between the car’s historic roots and modern prowess. That generation’s Turbo, however, was a clear step towards where the car was going, thanks to its addition of standard all-wheel-drive—a change that moved the Turbo from the snap-oversteer-prone monster in previous generations to a controllable, all-weather supercar-slayer. The limited-run Turbo S, in turn, built upon that by pumping up the power from 402 hp to 424, adding an even more exotic spoiler and loading up the interior with luxury accoutrements like added leather and newfangled carbon-fiber trim. It also added air scoops to the rear fenders, a trait that would go on to define the 911 Turbo in every generation henceforth. ## 12. 997.2 GT3 RS 4.0 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/RR_20260223_50_Greatest_Porsches_9972_GT3_RS_40.webp) The GT3 was born with the 996-generation 911, but it really came into its own with the 997, which was born in 2006 with a new 3.6-liter flat-six that made 409 hp. As Porsche often does, the model’s mid-life update saw the engine revised and made stronger, growing to 3.8 liters with power climbing to 429 hp. But for the 997 GT3 RS, the carmaker created an extra-special limited-production swan song: they enlarged the engine again to a full 4.0 liters, extracting 493 hp out of the car in the process. It was the biggest engine used in a 911 to date, a size that would only be equaled in the updated 991.2-gen Gt3 of 2017 … but by then, it had already been done, so it was a little less cool. ## 11. 918 Spyder ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/RR_20260223_50_Greatest_Porsches_918_Spyder.webp) *Porsche* The first and last (so far) of Porsche’s hypercars, the 918 Spyder followed in the footsteps of the Carrera GT of a decade before in that it only came in roadster form—though like its predecessor, it offered a snap-on hard top as well. But compared to that naturally-aspirated stick-shifted machine, the 918 Spyder seemed like a spaceship. It combined a V-8 engine with a pair of electric motors and a moderately-sized battery pack to create a plug-in hybrid powertrain capable of making 875 total hp. All-wheel-drive and a snap-shifting dual-clutch gearbox enabled the 918 Spyder to make the most of that. It set the formula for the next decade and a half of Porsche performance, proving that the added weight and complexity of a PHEV powertrain could be easily turned into a strength. ## 10. 356 A ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/RR_20260223_50_Greatest_Porsches_356_A.webp) *Porsche* The 356 was the first car that the company named Porsche ever brought to production, scoring its road-legal status exactly one month and three years after V-E day. The “A” version, made from 1955 to 1959, is the most iconic of the variants built over the car’s 17-year production run; original ones looked a tad too much like the Volkswagens from which the Porsche family drew upon for some components and later versions begin to resemble the 911. A handful of powertrains were available, all with four horizontally opposed cylinders, and none made more than 95 horsepower. Nevertheless, with a curb weight within spitting distance of one ton, it was more than quick enough to delight drivers and establish Porsche as a builder of sports cars par excellence. ## 9. 963 RSP ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/RR_20260223_50_Greatest_Porsches_963_RSP.webp) *Porsche* Remember how we said there was an asterisk on the list? It’s right here. The [963 RSP](https://robbreport.ph/cars/porsche-just-unveiled-a-new-one-of-a-kind-hypercar-for-the-road/ "Porsche Just Unveiled a New One-of-a-Kind Hypercar for the Road") is a one-off road-legal version of the Le Mans-crushing 963 race car, made for race team owner Roger Penske. It skirts the limits of street legality by the skin of its teeth, but since it can be, and has been, driven on public roads, we’re counting it. It’s too cool not to include. ## 8. 930 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/RR_20260223_50_Greatest_Porsches_930.webp) *Porsche* The first 10 years of the 911’s life saw a series of small-to-moderate performance upgrades, but by the time the 1970s were well underway, it was clear that the car would need more power. Adding a bigger motor to the compact engine bay behind the rear axle would have required changing the car’s size and character too much, but luckily, Porsche had been dabbling in a technology so far mostly used in aircraft: turbocharging. Slapping a turbo on the flat-six pushed power to 256 hp, versus the 173 hp of the most powerful regular 911 of 1975—a nearly 50% increase. That was enough to make it one of the fastest cars of the mid-70s, and the legend of the 911 Turbo was born. ## 7. 930 Flachbau ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/RR_20260223_50_Greatest_Porsches_930_Flachbau.webp) *Porsche* The only way to make the original 911 Turbo cooler: flip-up headlights. Created in the early 1980s to mimic the look of Porsche’s 935 race car, the *Flachbau*—German for “flatnose”—version was available only through the carmaker’s special wishes program for discerning customers. The front fenders were resculpted into a gorgeous wedge shape that looks nothing like the 911, yet could be nothing else. And the new look cut down on drag, improving performance to boot. ## 6. 991 GT2 RS ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/RR_20260223_50_Greatest_Porsches_991_GT2_RS.webp) *Porsche* Until Porsche makes a new [GT2 RS](https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/first-look-porsche-911-gt2-rs-clubsport-25-1234628766/) (which seems inevitable, but I digress), the 991-gen GT2 RS will stand as the final boss version of the Porsche 911. Packing nearly 700 horsepower in a car that weighs under 3300 pounds and outfitted with the best track-worthy tech Porsche had to offer circa 2017, the GT2 RS began smashing competitors into the ground the moment it launched, even as most buyers wound up using it to tool around Tony parts of L.A., Miami, or London. Indeed, Porsche has continued setting track records with it since, as the company has continued developing ways to sharpen it into the subsequent 992-gen 911’s life. A new Performance Kit developed in partnership with Manthey enabled it to lap the ‘Ring in 6:43.3 in 2021, second only to the F1-engined Mercedes-AMG One hypercar. ## 5. Carrera GT ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/RR_20260223_50_Greatest_Porsches_Carrera_GT.webp) *Porsche* The [Carrera GT](https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/porsche-carrera-gt-2005-restored-1237415035/) project grew out of its engine. In the early 1990s, Porsche quietly began work on a V-10 engine for Formula 1; when that fell through, the idea sat on the shelf until the company began working up plans for a new Le Mans racer towards the end of the decade. That car too would never see the light, but the 10-cylinder heart found its way into a roadster concept car called the Carrera GT—and when the Cayenne proved successful enough to fund such a flight of fancy, the beancounters gave it the green light. The rear-wheel-drive, naturally-aspirated open-top machine went on to define the Second Era of Supercars alongside the Ferrari Enzo and Mercedes-McLaren SLR, and remains a high-water mark for Porsche’s ingenuity to this day. ## 4. 911 Carrera RS 2.7 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/RR_20260223_50_Greatest_Porsches_911_Carrera_RS_27.webp) *Porsche* The first car to ever wear the now-famous Carrera badge has also become one of the most valuable vehicles to ever boast the 911 one. The name hailed from Mexico’s Carrera Panamericana races, where Porsche had done well in the 1950s, while the abbreviation came from the German Rennsport, a.k.a. “race sport,” and the numbers seemed to stem from the enlarged displacement of the boxer-six engine versus regular 911s of the era. What the numbers and letters don’t reveal is how Porsche slashed weight to go along with added power, and implemented a revolutionary new “ducktail” spoiler for improved downforce at speed. The [Carrera RS 2.7](https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/the-1973-porsche-911-carrera-rs-2-7-homologation-in-photos-1235454252/) pointed the way towards a better, faster tomorrow for the 911, which is why they now sell for close to (or over) half a million dollars at auction. ## 3. 911 GT1 Straßenversion ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/911_gt1_strassenversion-e1773428084888.webp) *Porsche* Porsche’s first supercar, this 1980s legend set the formula for the 911 Turbo — and then the 911 overall — to follow. Just as its body arguably looks more modern than many a new car found on dealer lots, its specs still impress today: a 444-hp twin-turbo flat-six paired with all-wheel-drive and a six-speed manual, a 0-60-mph time of 3.6 seconds, and a top speed of nearly 200 mph. As John Hammond would say, Porsche spared no expense here, using the best technology and materials it could find; even at a price tag of $225,000—more than $600,000 today—the company reportedly lost just as much on each unit sold. The fact that it was technically never available in the U.S. (although a few very high net worth souls like Bill Gates found workarounds) only adds to its mystique. ## 2. 959 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/RR_20260223_50_Greatest_Porsches_959-1.webp) *Porsche* Porsche’s first supercar, this 1980s legend set the formula for the 911 Turbo — and then the 911 overall — to follow. Just as its body arguably looks more modern than many a new car found on dealer lots, its specs still impress today: a 444-hp twin-turbo flat-six paired with all-wheel-drive and a six-speed manual, a 0-60-mph time of 3.6 seconds and a top speed of nearly 200 mph. As John Hammond would say, Porsche spared no expense here, using the best technology and materials it could find; even at a price tag of $225,000—more than $600,000 today—the company reportedly lost just as much on each unit sold. The fact that it was technically never available in the U.S. (although a few very high net worth souls like Bill Gates found workarounds) only adds to its mystique. ## 1. 911 (Original) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/porsche-911-original-e1773427768893.webp) *Porsche* The car that defined Porsche for all time. If humanity still exists in 10,000 years, and still knows the name “Porsche,” it will be because of the original 911. ## FAQs ### What is the greatest Porsche road car of all time? The original Porsche 911 ranks as the greatest Porsche road car because of its enduring design, rear-engine layout, driving character, and influence on every generation that followed. ### What are the most iconic Porsche models ever produced? Among Porsche’s most iconic road cars are the original 911, 959, Carrera GT, 911 Carrera RS 2.7, 918 Spyder, 911 GT1 Straßenversion, and 930 Turbo. ### Does the list include Porsche race cars and concept cars? The ranking focuses on street-legal Porsche models that customers could purchase. Pure racing cars and concepts are excluded, apart from the road-legal, one-off Porsche 963 RSP. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** 50 Greatest Series, Feature, porsche --- ### [Riva Just Launched Its First 96-Foot Argo Super Flybridge Yacht](https://robbreport.ph/boats/riva-96-argo-super-flybridge/) **Published:** July 24, 2026 **Author:** Nicole Hoey **Content:** [Riva](https://robbreport.ph/boats/riva-just-launched-its-largest-superyacht-yet/ "Riva Just Launched Its Largest Superyacht Yet") just gave its 90’ Argo a new sibling. The famed boatbuilder has launched its first 96’ Argo Super flybridge out of its La Spezia shipyard today. Building upon the ever-popular 90’ Argo’s own Italian excellence, the new 96-foot vessel has an upgraded layout, more natural light, and other redesigned spaces for even more comfort on the high seas. And behind all those changes are Officina Italiana Design, the Strategic Product Committee, and the Ferretti Group’s engineering department, a trio that has been teaming up on [Riva](https://robbreport.ph/tag/riva/ "Riva") models for the last 30 years. The result is a 96-footer with a sleek silhouette and an aluminum livery to match. The team tackled the aft and beach area first, completely revamping the section to offer up a deeper connection to the water and a better use of outdoor space. The swim platform does both, thanks to a lift mechanism that can drop you even closer to the sea. A sunpad is also now part of the garage door, which opens to reveal space for a Williams 435 tender and a Jet Ski. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/riva-96-argo-super-aerial.webp) The new yacht has plenty of upgrades made for more comfort on the seas. *Riva* Head to the cockpit and you’ll find two sofas complete with adjustable backrests near the dining table. The flybridge also got an upgrade, and now offers a new bar and tables topped with mahogany. The main deck, meanwhile, is home to a new day head, a move that made room for more guest accommodations onboard. On the lower deck (in the standard configuration), you’ll find three guest cabins, one of which is a full-beam VIP cabin aft that’s more akin to a second owner’s suite. For the salon, owners can opt for two configurations; on the first hull, you’ll find a dining room aft and the lounge forward. And the full-beam main owner’s space offers up views of the water right from its bed and has touches of glazed surfaces throughout. Other design details include polished wengé wood, oak, and polished steel. And beneath all that Italian glamour lies a pair of MTU 12V M96X engines, which churn out 2,000 hp. Other onboard details include a Seakeeper NG18 and NG10 gyroscopic stabilizers, a Watchlit collision prevention system, and a X-AID maneuvering aid and virtual anchor system. “History does not make a brand iconic. The courage to reinvent it, generation after generation, does,” Stassi Anastassov, CEO of Ferretti Group, said in a press statement. “For more than 180 years, Riva has set the standard for timeless beauty on the water. The new Riva 96’ Argo Super carries that legacy forward with a yacht that is unmistakably Riva—more innovative, more livable and more connected to the sea than ever before.” The first Riva 96’ Argo Super will be headed to the Cannes Yachting Festival this year, where it will make its official debut. Perhaps [Charles Leclerc](https://robbreport.ph/boats/f1-racer-charles-leclerc-just-received-his-sleek-new-102-foot-riva-superyacht/ "F1 Racer Charles Leclerc Just Received His Sleek New 102-Foot Riva Superyacht") will eventually snag a model to add to his own Riva collection. ## FAQs ### What is the Riva 96’ Argo Super? The Riva 96’ Argo Super is a new 96-foot flybridge yacht based on the popular 90’ Argo. It features a redesigned layout, brighter interiors, expanded outdoor areas, and a stronger connection to the water. ### How many guests can the Riva 96’ Argo Super accommodate? In its standard configuration, the yacht has three guest cabins on the lower deck, including a full-beam VIP suite, along with a full-beam owner’s suite on the main deck. ### How fast and powerful is the Riva 96’ Argo Super? The yacht is powered by two MTU 12V M96X engines producing 2,000 hp each, for a combined output of 4,000 hp. Riva has not yet disclosed its official top speed. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Boats **Tags:** News, Riva, Superyacht --- ### [What It’s Like to Sleep in the Stadium the Night Before the World Cup Final](https://robbreport.ph/travel/what-its-like-to-sleep-in-the-stadium-the-night-before-the-world-cup-final/) **Published:** July 24, 2026 **Author:** Bryan Hood **Content:** A lucky pair of soccer fans found the best way to avoid the pre-game chaos ahead of Sunday’s World Cup Final. Yeisha Mariel Gonzalez was the winner of Marriott Bonvoy and Visa’s “Sleepover Suite” sweepstakes, which meant that she and her husband David Lee got to spend the night at New York New Jersey Stadium (a.k.a Metlife Stadium, which was renamed for the tournament) before what is sure to be the [most-watched sporting event ](https://variety.com/2026/tv/global/world-cup-ratings-show-final-big-draw-home-teams-beaten-1236816547/)of 2026. The couple, who live in Tampa, Fla., both entered the contest earlier this spring, but neither expected to win. In fact, they were scheduled to fly to Ecuador three days before the final to celebrate Lee’s 40th birthday. But then Gonzalez found out her name had been picked in late June, and she and Lee knew they had to pivot. It helped that they were both having so much fun watching the tournament that Lee was already wondering if they should try to go to a game. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/world-cup-sleepover-suite-01.webp) Inside the Marriott Bonvoy X Visa Sleepover Suite *Marriott Bonvoy* Of course, the couple got to do a lot more than just go to the game. On Saturday, the night before the Spain and Argentina matchup, Gonzalez and Lee arrived at the stadium and were taken to a luxury suite that had been reimagined as a hotel room just for them. The space, which is already one of the cushiest ways to take in a concert or game, was equipped with a “super comfortable bed,” and a private chef and bartender were brought in to make the couple’s stay as relaxed as possible. But the best feature, according to Gonzalez, was one that required no modifications by the organizers. “Gosh, the view,” she told *Robb Report* when asked about her favorite part of the suite. “And it even started kind of drizzling a little bit. Yeah, it looked like snow. It was magical.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/world-cup-sleepover-suite-02.webp) The luxury suite already represents one of the cushiest ways to watch a concert or sporting event. *Marriott Bonvoy* The space also was packed with plenty of World Cup–themed amenities, including a PlayStation 5 that came loaded with *FIFA 2026*. The couple also got the opportunity to witness Shakira, Madonna, Burna Boy, and BTS rehearse for the final’s much-hyped halftime show and meet its curator, Coldplay’s Chris Martin. As fun as the experience was, it wasn’t without its quirks. Gonzalez says the couple were also informed that the Secret Service would also be in the building to secure it for President Trump’s visit the next day. On Sunday afternoon, Gonzalez, who roots for Spain, and Lee were present for a grueling clash that saw her team defeat Argentina 1-0 in extra time. Their stay in New York didn’t end with the final, either. In addition to airfare, Marriott Bonvoy also provided the couple with a three-night stay at the Marriott Marquis in Midtown Manhattan. While there, they’ll take in a performance of *Aladdin* on Broadway, after she won tickets in a lottery. “It’s New York,” Gonzalez said. “Dreams just come true in the city.” ## FAQs ### Who won Marriott Bonvoy’s World Cup “Sleepover Suite” sweepstakes? Tampa resident Yeisha Mariel Gonzalez won the sweepstakes and brought her husband, David Lee, to spend the night inside New York New Jersey Stadium before the 2026 World Cup Final. ### What was included in the World Cup Final sleepover experience? The couple stayed in a luxury stadium suite converted into a hotel room, with a private chef, bartender, comfortable bed, PlayStation 5, and views of the field. They also watched rehearsals for the halftime show. ### Which teams played in the 2026 World Cup Final? Spain faced Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium, with Spain winning 1-0 after extra time. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Travel **Tags:** Fifa World Cup, Marriott, News --- ### [The 15 Coolest Blue-Dial Watches to Buy Now](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-15-coolest-blue-dial-watches-to-buy-now/) **Published:** July 24, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** The [watch](https://robbreport.ph/watches/ "Watches") industry has been in a blue period for a very, very long time. That’s because the color is incredibly versatile. Depending on the hue, blue can be bold and punchy or understated and elegant, hence why it so often appears on watch dials. A blue dial often offers more visual interest than a straight black or white face, but still has a classic feel. And it makes a statement without any garishness, creating a subtle focal point on the wrist. That’s why it’s long been catnip for certain collectors. Blue dials came to prominence in the late 20th century, with two legendary Swiss maisons and their game-changing Gérald Genta-designed sport watches driving the trend. In 1972, Audemars Piguet unveiled the revolutionary [Royal Oak](https://robbreport.ph/tag/royal-oak/ "royal oak"), introducing the now-famous blue tapisserie dial. Four years later, [Patek Philippe](https://robbreport.ph/tag/patek-philippe/ "Patek Philippe") [launched the iconic Nautilus ](https://robbreport.ph/the-story-of/patek-philippe-nautilus-exhibition-museum-geneva/ "At the Patek Philippe Museum, the Nautilus Gets the Retrospective It Deserves")with a black-blue dial that would go on to become legendary. Other top watchmakers swiftly followed suit, with blue dials becoming a staple across collections. The sheer variety of blues coming out of Switzerland has exploded in recent years, with advancements in dial manufacturing unlocking even more shades. New treatments and techniques have resulted in fresh blue faces with new levels of shine, texture, and depth. Below are 15 of the coolest blue-dial watches currently on the market. ## Greubel Forsey Balancier 3 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Greubel-Forsey-Balancier-3.webp) *Greubel Forsey* Greubel Forsey’s latest Balancier 3 is a study in chromatic contrast, with a light blue dial and a dark blue outer ring that play against the titanium architecture of the partially open-worked movement. The centerpiece is the new frosted titanium bridge that, for the first time in Greubel Forsey history, has been hand-finished with a steel brush. That creates little dimples across the entire surface, adding extra depth and texture. The 41.5 mm case is also titanium, with the choice of a matching blue rubber strap or a three-link titanium bracelet. It is limited to 22 examples, with price upon request. [Learn more here.](https://greubelforsey.com/en/collections/balancier/balancier-3?variant=baby-blue%20) ## Louis Vuitton x De Bethune LVDB-03 GMT Louis Varius ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Louis-Vuitton-x-De-Bethune-LVDB-03-GMT-Louis-Varius-.webp) *Louis Vuitton, De Bethune* Louis Vuitton and De Bethune’s [collab GMT watch](https://robbreport.ph/watches/this-louis-vuitton-watch-resets-itself-overnight-heres-how/ "This Louis Vuitton Watch Resets Itself Overnight—Here’s How") combines bright blue with a little celestial sparkle. Louis Vuitton’s signature Taiko case is crafted in De Bethune’s trademark blued titanium, as are the elements of the mesmerizing dial. At the center lies a take on De Bethune’s starry sky, with hand-set white-gold pins and gold leaf displaying the Milky Way and a unique “LV” constellation. A revolving orb—which displays both day and night via rose gold or blued steel—orbits the dial to track a second time zone. Only 10 watches will be offered to collectors, while two will be sold as a set with the [duo’s co-branded clock](https://robbreport.ph/watches/this-louis-vuitton-watch-resets-itself-overnight-heres-how/). [Learn more here.](https://www.debethune.ch/journal/post-12052/) ## Breguet Tradition Tourbillon 7047 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Breguet-Tradition-Tourbillon-7047.webp) *Breguet* Breguet’s newly released Tradition Tourbillon 7047 combines not one but two punchy blues within the 41 mm platinum case. The mainplate is presented in a glacier blue, while the asymmetrical time subdial is decorated with grand feu enamel in Blue de France. The bridges, barrel, and tourbillon cage are also finished in that same deep hue, popping against the pale background to create a high-contrast chromatic statement on the wrist. The watch is limited to just 25 examples. [Learn more here.](https://www.breguet.com/en/watches/tradition/tradition-tourbillon-7047/7047ptyy5zusl) ## Girard-Perregaux Laureato Fifty ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Girard-Perregaux-Laureato-Fifty.webp) *Girard-Perregaux* Girard-Perregaux’s new [Laureato Fifty](https://robbreport.ph/watches/girard-perregaux-just-unveiled-4-new-sporty-laureato-fifty-watches/ "Girard-Perregaux Just Unveiled 4 New Sporty Laureato Fifty Watches") makes the dial the star. One of four references released in honor of the model’s 50th anniversary, the 39 mm steel timepiece features the signature “Clous de Paris” motif across the face, but for the first time, the textured, pyramid-like pattern is presented in blue enamel. The enameling, executed entirely in-house, creates remarkable transparency, depth, and variation on the face. It also gives an otherwise very sporty watch an artisanal edge. [Learn more here.](https://www.girard-perregaux.com/en-gb/watches/laureato/81008-11-3530-1cm) ## Urwerk UR-120 Blue Planet ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Urwerk-UR-120-Blue-Planet-1.webp) *Urwerk* Urwerk’s newest UR-120 brings some rich planetary hues to your wrist. The [UR-120 Blue Planet ](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-16-coolest-new-watches-that-dropped-in-june/ "The 16 Coolest New Watches That Dropped in June")features the same distinctive two-part case and satellite display as the two previous references, but it has a navy PVD coating on the titanium and steel case. That deep hue is echoed on the dial, where pops of gold create a striking contrast. Adding even more pizzazz are the three revolving hour satellites that can each split apart to recreate Spock’s iconic Vulcan salute from Star Trek. The third and final UR-120 is limited to just 20 pieces. [Learn more here.](https://www.urwerk.com/collections/ur-satellite/ur-120) ## IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar ProSet Le Petit Prince ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/IWC-Big-Pilots-Watch-Perpetual-Calendar-ProSet-Le-Petit-Prince.webp) *IWC* IWC’s new [Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar ProSet Le Petit Prince](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-boldest-most-exciting-new-timepieces-at-watches-and-wonders-2026/ "The Boldest, Most Exciting New Timepieces at Watches and Wonders 2026")—it’s a mouthful, we know—is big, blue, and beautiful to use. All the indications on the deep blue sunray dial can be adjusted both forwards and backwards via the crown, meaning changing the calendar is as simple as setting the time. The 42 mm reference comes in steel or white ceramic, with the latter option exuding a cool, nautical vibe. [Learn more here.](https://www.iwc.com/us-en/watches/pilot-watches/iw339601-big-pilots-watch-perpetual-calendar-proset-le-petit-prince) ## De Bethune DB28xs Sea Tourbillon ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/De-Bethune-DB28xs-Sea-Tourbillon.webp) *De Bethune* It would be remiss to dive into blue and not mention another De Bethune. The indie watchmaker is renowned for incorporating the hue into its futuristic, sci-fi-inspired designs. The DB28xs Sea Tourbillon, one of four watches the maison dropped in April, pays homage to the sea in a unique guilloché pattern in blued titanium on the dial and bridge mirroring the shimmering ocean. The high-frequency tourbillon, which occupies pride of place at 6 o’clock, adds movement to an already mesmerizing face. All that is housed in a relatively modest 38.7 mm titanium case. *Approximately Php12,991,000* [Learn more here.](https://www.debethune.ch/collections/db28xs/sea-tourbillonsee-tourbillon/) ## Chopard L.U.C 1860 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Chopard-LUC-1860-Areuse-Blue.webp) *Chopard* Chopard has taken the L.U.C 1860 from the late 1990s into new blue territory, unveiling a contemporary successor with a dial inspired by the Areuse River that flows near the manufacture in the Val-de-Travers region. The hand-guilloché dial showcases an “Areuse Blue,” with a textured sunburst-patterned center surrounded by a satin-brushed chapter ring. No date display here, just a seconds subdial at 6 o’clock. Topping it off are elegant white-gold markers and hands. To further complement the gray-blue hue, the 36.5 mm case is crafted in Chopard’s signature Lucent steel. *Approximately Php 1,834,747* [Learn more here.](https://www.chopard.com/en-us/watch/168860-3005.html) ## Patek Philippe Nautilus 50th Anniversary ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Patek-Philippe-Nautilus-50th-Anniversary.webp) *Patek Philippe* Patek’s [50th Anniversary Nautilus](https://robbreport.ph/watches/every-new-patek-phillippe-released-at-watches-and-wonders/ "Every New Patek Phillippe Released at Watches and Wonders"), unveiled at Watches and Wonders earlier this year, proves that simplicity really does equal sophistication. The dial is free of fancy complications and displays, with nothing detracting from that classic sunburst blue or the iconic embossed lines. The remarkably slim white-gold case houses an ultra-thin caliber 240. Adding to the attraction? It is limited to just 2,000 pieces. *Approximately* *Php 5,792,982* [Learn more here.](https://www.patek.com/en/collection/nautilus/5810-1g-001) ## Piaget Polo 79 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Piaget-Polo-79-.webp) *Piaget* The latest [Piaget Polo 79](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-boldest-most-exciting-new-timepieces-at-watches-and-wonders-2026/ "The Boldest, Most Exciting New Timepieces at Watches and Wonders 2026") does blue in a delightfully retro way. The white-gold piece retains the iconic architecture of the 1970s original, but introduces a striking sodalite dial. The rich blue face is punctuated by the Polo’s signature polished gadroons, which also run across the 38 mm case and bracelet. Inside beats Piaget’s ultra-thin automatic caliber 1200P, ensuring precision not just prettiness. *Approximately Php 6,239,376* [Learn more here.](https://www.piaget.com/us-en/watches/piaget-polo/automatic-white-gold-sodalite-watch-g0a51151) ## Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time Cardinal Points ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Vacheron-Constantin-Overseas-Dual-Time-Cardinal-Points.webp) *Vacheron Constantin* Vacheron Constantin dropped not one but four versions of the [Overseas Dual Time “Cardinal Points” ](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-boldest-most-exciting-new-timepieces-at-watches-and-wonders-2026/ "The Boldest, Most Exciting New Timepieces at Watches and Wonders 2026")at Watches and Wonders, with the “East” iteration dressed in a blue that represents the eastern line of the horizon where the sea meets the sky. The dial isn’t just full of symbolism but also displays, showing two time zones, AM/PM, and the date. It also features three finishes to distinguish the minute tracks and contrasting gold and orange hands to improve legibility. *Approximately Php 2,532,816* [Learn more here](https://www.vacheron-constantin.com/gb/en/collections/overseas/7930v-210t-h074.html) ###### Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Spring Drive U.F.A. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Grand-Seiko-Evolution-9-Spring-Drive-UFA-Lake-Sawa.webp) *Grand Seiko* The dial of this newly released Grand Seiko Evolution 9 watch is meant to evoke the surface of Japan’s Lake Suwa as it reflects the summer sunshine. The deep-blue face showcases a sunray finish that adds a layer of shifting luminosity reminiscent of the shimmering water. The steel watch, one of five unveiled in June, also features the Japanese watchmaker’s most accurate movement to date. *Approximately Php 630,115* [Learn more here.](https://www.grand-seiko.com/us-en/collections/slgb013g%20) ## Rolex Oyster Perpetual 34 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Rolex-Oyster-Perpetual-34.webp) *Rolex* Rolex introduced a stone-cold stunner at Watches and Wonders in April. The [Oyster Perpetual 34](https://robbreport.ph/watches/here-is-every-new-rolex-released-at-watches-and-wonders-2/ "Here Is Every New Rolex Released at Watches and Wonders") features a lacquered blue stone dial with three dumortierite hour markers at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock that show a mix of light and dark blue. Those deep hues are juxtaposed by warm Everose gold on the 34 mm case and bracelet. *Approximately Php 2,477,217* [Learn more here.](https://www.rolex.com/en-us/watches/oyster-perpetual/m124205-0002) ## Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Jaeger-LeCoultre-Reverso-Tribute.webp) *Jaeger-LeCoultre* Why settle for one dial when you can have two? Jaeger-LeCoultre’s new Reverso Tribute, one of six created in honor of 19th-century Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai, showcases a cyan-blue hue on the time-telling side in an intricate guilloché with a herringbone-style pattern and a layer of translucent grand feu enamel. Flip it over for a miniature enamel painting of Hokusai’s artwork of the falls at Aoigaoka. Complementing the intricate artisinal work is a white-gold case and milanese bracelet. JLC says it takes up to 100 hours of meticulous work to complete the entire watch. It is limited to 10 examples, with price upon request. [Learn more here](https://www.jaeger-lecoultre.com/gb-en/watches/reverso/reverso-tribute/reverso-tribute-enamel-hokusai-aoigaoka-waterfall-q39331t9). ## Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Chronograph Mystérieux ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Parmigiani-Fleurier-Tonda-PF-Chronograph-Mysterieux-.webp) *Parmigiani Fleurier* Parmigiani’s [newest Tonda](https://robbreport.ph/watches/inside-lucerne-watch-week-2026-the-watches-that-defined-this-years-showcase/ "Inside Lucerne Watch Week 2026: The Watches That Defined This Year’s Showcase") doesn’t look like a chronograph, and that’s precisely the point. The Mystérieux has an incredibly minimalist dial that allows the mineral blue hue and the classic grain d’orge (barleycorn) motif to take the focus. It looks like a simple, but press the monopusher at 7:30, and the new manufacture caliber PF053 springs to life: three rhodium-plated hands separate from the time display to measure elapsed hours, minutes, and seconds, before seamlessly realigning when the chronograph is reset, leaving the complication all but invisible. It’s Parmigiani refinement at its finest. *Approximately Php 2,823,163* [Buy Now: $45,700](https://www.parmigiani.com/fr/watches/tonda-pf-chronographe-mysterieux-steel-mineral-blue/) ## FAQs ### Why are blue-dial watches so popular? Blue dials offer more visual depth than traditional black or white faces while remaining versatile and refined. Depending on the shade and finish, they can appear sporty, understated, or highly expressive. ### Which watches helped popularize the blue dial? The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, introduced in 1972, and the Patek Philippe Nautilus, launched in 1976, helped establish blue as a defining color in modern luxury sports-watch design. ### What are some of the best blue-dial watches available now? Standout models include the Greubel Forsey Balancier 3, Breguet Tradition Tourbillon 7047, Piaget Polo 79, Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Spring Drive U.F.A., Rolex Oyster Perpetual 34, and Patek Philippe Nautilus 50th Anniversary. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** audemars piguet, Evergreen, grand seiko, jaeger-le coultre, rolex, Vacheron Constantin --- ### [Milo Naval's Yakisugi Finds Form in the Flames](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-collectibles/milo-navals-yakisugi-finds-form-in-the-flames/) **Published:** July 24, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** Fire enters Milo Naval’s *Yakisugi* as an unlikely collaborator at Aphro Living. We could say that the metamorphosis feels inevitable for a designer who has spent decades coaxing new life from wood. Across interiors and furniture, his vision has long relied on lucid geometry and an economy of form, with indigenous materials lending warmth and tactile depth to his brand of modernism, one that feels distinctly Filipino without becoming too soullessly decorative. The exhibition is Naval’s first solo presentation as a visual artist, a break from his naturalistic design language. For decades, the designer has worked with the same fundamental questions: *What can certain materials withstand? How do I reveal their natural character? How can order and irregularity co-exist?* Interestingly, the show also took shape through Naval’s collaboration with Christina “Ling” Quisumbing Ramilo, the renowned mixed-media and assemblage artist who curated *Yakisugi*. Their partnership began through one of those fortunate convergences in the art world. Quisumbing Ramilo happened to be at Aphro while founder Tina Fernandez and Naval were considering how the works might inhabit the space. Fernandez recognized a kinship between their practices, particularly their shared sensitivity to familiar, reclaimed, and materially expressive objects. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Untitled-design-2026-07-22T140851812-2240x2240.webp) Milo Naval had been a founding member of Movement 8, a pioneering collective of Filipino furniture and product designers formed in the late ’90s. *Aphro Living/Before Deadlines* ## From Function to Surface *Yakisugi* gives those questions a natural point of departure. The traditional Japanese technique chars the surface of wood to preserve it, deepening its texture and darkening its grain in the process. “I was looking for a way to preserve wood without using chemicals. That was how it (the concept for the show) started,” Naval tells *Robb Report Philippines*. He wanted the work to pass through a genuine process of development rather than arrive as an extension of his reputation as a designer. Over roughly three years, he experimented with various methods. “I wanted to go through the process of developing the work and finding my own voice.” Naval, after all, had already spent decades building a highly recognizable design practice. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Monolith-10-2240x2987.webp) “Monolith10” *Aphro Living/Before Deadlines* Trained in architecture at the University of Santo Tomas and interior design at the Philippine School of Interior Design, Naval worked in interiors for more than 15 years before establishing Evolve Designs in 1997. The company developed an international furniture practice known for clean forms and the transformation of indigenous materials into contemporary objects. Flame introduces accidents that cannot be fully drafted in advance. Burning, it seems, functions as a kind of excavation, appearing to damage the wood while exposing more of what it contains. Grain becomes topography, and imperfections gather into rhythm. A material associated with stability begins to resemble parched soil, cooled lava, or an aerial landscape divided by rivers and fault lines. Consider “Renewal 2,” which makes this duality especially vivid. A dense bed of blackened fibers lies within a pale wooden field, its surface gradually loosening into earthy brown and gold along one edge. The shift resembles a landscape in the aftermath of fire, when the severity of the burn begins to yield to another season. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Renewal-2-2240x1680.webp) “Renewal 2” *Aphro Living/Before Deadlines* Naval carries the same vocabulary into three dimensions with “Monolith 10,” a gathering of long, blackened rods held together by a metal ring. Their pale, sharpened ends remain exposed, making the sculpture resemble a bundle of kindling, a clutch of oversized pencils, or surveying stakes waiting to mark out new territory. The title is almost playfully contradictory, since the thing achieves its imposing weight through an accumulation of slender rods rather than a single solid form. “I like the character burning brings to the wood—the texture, the color, especially the cracks,” he says during our conversation, pointing to its altered surface. ## Weather Held in Geometry ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Tickled-Pink-2240x2240.webp) “Tickled Pink” *Aphro Living/Before Deadlines* The designer contains these restless surfaces within strict compositions, where lines intersect and borders divide fields of matter; yet, the geometry never succumbs to rigidity. Rods bow, intervals narrow, and shadows alter the cadence of the grid, allowing the hand and the material to remain visible within the system. That sort of friction comes alive in “Tickled Pink,” where an irregular black lattice presses against a luminous field of red and magenta. Its translucent ground flashes between the bars like heat behind a screen, reimagining the practice of weaving into something more electric and urban. The work appears ordered from a distance, but its individual lines prevent it from becoming sterile, as they buckle and drift. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Ebony-and-Ivory-2240x776.webp) “Ebony and Ivory” *Aphro Living/Before Deadlines* “Ebony and Ivory,” likewise, extends a similar woven structure across a long horizontal plane divided between darkness and light. The black rods continue uninterrupted across both fields, tying the opposing halves into a single composition. Its title may suggest contrast, though the work is more interested in the continuity of the line, specifically in how it passes through night and day, as well as density and openness. Weather takes on a harder, more architectural turn in “A Lovely Rainy Night.” Rows of raised pyramidal forms gather across a metallic rectangle, their angled surfaces catching faint glints against a larger black field. They can read as rooftops seen through a downpour, folded umbrellas, or droplets translated into sharp geometry. Naval builds its atmosphere through the dim shimmer of light across metal. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Kidlat-1-2240x2987.webp) “Kidlat 1” *Aphro Living/Before Deadlines* Then there’s the commanding “Kidlat 1,” an eight-foot-tall sculpture that moves beyond the wall altogether. A branching metal armature rises above a suspended mass of blackened fragments, its forked lines recalling lightning, exposed roots, or the skeletal remains of a tree after a strike. The work holds the instant after impact, when the current has already disappeared, but its path remains legible in the scorched matter below. Naval describes yakisugi, the practice, as an “expression of human order placed against the volatility of the natural world.” Fire, rain, lightning, and wind then become subjects without being reduced to illustrations. *Yakisugi* finds its beauty in that tension, allowing creation and destruction to coexist across the same scorched surfaces. *Milo Naval’s Yakisugi runs at Aphro Living, The Alley at Karrivin, 2316 Chino Roces Avenue, Makati City, through August 22, 2026.* ## FAQs ### What is Milo Naval’s Yakisugi exhibition about? *Yakisugi* explores the relationship between human order and the unpredictability of nature. Through charred wood, woven fibers, glass, and galvanized metal, Naval interprets fire, rain, lightning, and other elemental forces using geometry and texture. ### What is the yakisugi technique used by Milo Naval? Yakisugi is a traditional Japanese method of preserving wood by charring its surface. Naval uses the process to deepen the wood’s grain, reveal cracks and irregularities, and produce a range of blackened textures across the exhibition. ### Where can you see Milo Naval’s Yakisugi exhibition? Milo Naval’s *Yakisugi* is on view at APHRO Living, located at The Alley at Karrivin, 2316 Chino Roces Avenue, Makati City, through August 22, 2026. **Categories:** Art & Collectibles, Home & Design **Tags:** Aphro Living, Feature, Milo Naval --- ### [The 15 Best Luxury Resorts in the Maldives](https://robbreport.ph/travel/the-15-best-luxury-resorts-in-the-maldives/) **Published:** July 23, 2026 **Author:** Katie Lockhart **Content:** Despite their sun-drenched status as a tourism destination for the past 50 years, the [Maldives](https://robbreport.ph/tag/maldives/ "Maldives") haven’t been on U.S. travelers’ vacation radar for that long. The archipelago nation has made up for that in the last decade or so with a near-constant stream of new eye-catching resorts and what may arguably be the world’s best hospitality. Every major [hotel](https://robbreport.ph/tag/hotel/ "hotel") brand in the world has built a bungalow in the sand—or over the water. To date, more than 180 resorts dot the Maldives’ lush atolls. Nearly every resort offers things like overwater villas, secluded beaches, and water-based activities, yet each private slice of paradise is as unique as a grain of sand. I’ve been to one-third of the country’s resorts, and for this list, I’ve highlighted properties for every kind of traveler, from the family-focused to the foodie, the romantic to the budding marine biologist. Here, in no particular order, are 15 of the best luxury resorts in the Maldives right now. ## **Best for wellness**: Soneva Jani ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Soneva-Jani-5-Bedroom-Water-Retreat-with-Slide.webp) *Sandro Bruecklmeier* [Soneva Jani](https://soneva.com/resorts/soneva-jani) is the kind of resort where you pinch yourself when you arrive and shed a tear when you leave. Sister property to the much-loved [Soneva Fushi](https://soneva.com/resorts/soneva-fushi/), Jani has 61 sprawling overwater villas (each with a private waterslide) jutting off a three-mile-long private island. Everything is on offer here from over a dozen world-class, health-focused restaurants, two free ice cream and charcuterie rooms, a legendary kids’ club and “your wish is our command” service from your Barefoot Guardian. All these things are good for the spirit, and its cutting-edge spa, Soneva Soul, is good for, well, everything else. The team here delivers an encyclopedia of sublime services, from Ayurvedic massages to 24k gold facials. *From $2,381* ## **Best for doing absolutely nothing**: The Nautilus ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/TNM-Ocean-House-Exterior-View-Kandima-Web-20-Hero.webp) *The Nautilus* With no clocks and no schedules, this Baa Atoll oasis is the perfect place for couples to reconnect while doing as little or as much as they want. This laid-back property has just 26 bohemian-style villas, with beaded chandeliers, macramé wall art, and bright colors, curved around a small private island. The setting is ideal for morning strolls and romantic sunsets spent sipping champagne by the nautilus-shaped pool. Its “anything you want, day or night” ethos opens your vacation up to magical experiences like caviar and pancakes at midnight, private fireworks shows, or picnics at a castaway sandbank. [The Nautilus’](https://www.thenautilusmaldives.com/)s overwater Solasta Spa also specializes in couples’ treatments, including a range of blissful three-hour Spa Journeys that target issues like stress or immunity. *From $2,320* ## **Best for multi-gen travel**: .Here ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/here_safar_restaurant-0841_co.webp) *.Here* .Here is the latest resort to open in the Maldives, and it’s one of its most extravagant. Split between two bite-sized islands, Nowhere and Somewhere, the sister resort to [Finolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort](https://www.finolhu.com/) has just nine multi-story villas, each with three to five bedrooms. These villas are so large that they span the entire width of the island; one side on the beach and the other on stilts above the cyan-colored sea. Each is designed by London-based Muza Lab, known for resorts like Greece’s One&Only Aesthesis, with bursts of brightly colored bedrooms, seashell artwork and the largest private pools in the country, featuring glass-bottom panels. Most meals are organized at one of the villa’s multiple dining tables or at its overwater restaurant, Safar, which crafts signature dishes from dozens of countries around the globe, including lobster thermidor from France and green curry from Thailand. *From $13,000, minimum three-night stay* ## **Best for Robinson Crusoe vibes**: Gili Lankanfushi ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/GLM_Exterior-of-Master-Suite-Bathroom-Area.webp) *Sakis Papadopoulos* A short speedboat ride from capital Malé makes [Gili Lankanfushi](https://gili-lankanfushi.com/) one of the easiest resorts to reach in the country. Its no-fuss location after a long plane ride, plus its “no news, no shoes” policy, have made it a honeymooner go-to for decades. One of the pioneer resorts of barefoot luxury with sustainable practices, Gili’s 45 open-air, thatched-roof villas were built from repurposed materials and the island has long had a zero-plastic policy. But even Robinson Crusoe couldn’t dream up the world’s largest standalone overwater villa. This massive four-bedroom abode is 18,000 square feet (!) with a cinema, library, indoor gym, private spa, its own two-story waterslide, and a pool big enough for a backyard. *From $1,550* ## **Best for foodies**: Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Waldorf_Astoria_Maldives_Ithaafushi_Sunken_Sand_Dinner.webp) *Ralf Tooten* When there are a whopping ten dining options on the island, it’s hard not to stuff yourself silly. Home to the first floating Zuma in the world, Japanese is arguably the [Waldorf Astoria Maldives’](https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/mleonwa-waldorf-astoria-maldives-ithaafushi/?SEO_id=GMB-APAC-WA-MLEONWA) most popular cuisine. But the Ledge, by Michelin-star chef Dave Pynt, is a close second with brontosaurus-sized pieces of meat and other grilled classics. Down the beach, at Yasmeen, Levante dishes served in an elaborately designed Arabian village shine, while guests at Terra enjoy caviar amongst the treetops in hanging bamboo pods. And that’s not even half of the resort’s dining venues—they’ll even craft a sunken-sand dinner for you on the beach. *From $2,789* ## **Best for the points obsessed**: The St. Regis Vommuli Resort ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/STR_MLEXR_Arial_ALBA_Beach.webp) *Ralf Tooten* A long-time favorite for Americans looking to cash in on those precious points, [The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli](https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/mlexr-the-st-regis-maldives-vommuli-resort/overview/?cid=NAT_google_hotel_url) is a once-in-a-lifetime stay. This Marriott Bonvoy property lives up to the elegance and sophistication of the brand, with clean timber interiors, neutral tones and pops of sapphire. But things get a bit whimsical when it comes to the exteriors. Its 33 beach villas are designed to look like traditional Maldivian fishing huts, and its 44 overwater villas like manta rays. Its splurge-worthy Iridium Spa resembles a crustacean with overwater treatment rooms acting as claws. And its famous Whale Bar, shaped like, you guessed it, a whale shark, serves the resort’s signature Bloody Mary and a daily sunset Champagne sabering. *From $1,420* ## **Best for couples**: Kudadoo Maldives ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Kudadoo-General-01.webp) *Kudadoo Maldives* Bet you money you won’t see another soul during a stay at [Kudadoo Maldives](https://www.kudadoo.com/). This tiny, 15-overwater villa resort brings the all-inclusive concept to new heights with its motto: Anything, Anywhere, Anytime. A butler will attend to you and your significant other’s every need, from sunset cocktails on its private, deserted Dream Island to a marathon of sublime spa treatments to jet skiing around the lagoon—all included. One of the country’s most exclusive bookings, a stay here really does feel like the ultimate indulgence, with access to its 80-label wine cellar and a food free-for-all anytime of the day. But if you’re looking to surface from your Japanese-inspired overwater villa, ask your butler to book you a reservation at 5.8 Undersea Restaurant. Located at its sister resort, [Hurawalhi Maldives](https://www.hurawalhi.com/), this incredible underwater restaurant serves a three-course meal while sea life swims by. *From $3,922, all-inclusive* ## **Best for little ones**: Amilla Maldives ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Amilla-Maldives-Resort-and-Residences-Wellness-Tree-House-Aerial-view-2.webp) *Amilla Maldives* It’s hard not to embrace your inner kid on this lush tropical playground. Book a stay in one of Amilla’s unique Treetop Villas, and hover above the canopy in this super-luxe version of a treehouse. Hop aboard for a sunset dolphin cruise or an excursion to the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Hanifaru Bay, where from May to November you can snorkel with manta rays. Little ones can spend time in Sultan’s Village, the island’s kids’ club, where activities like pirate treasure hunts, coconut painting, and disco nights keep them busy. At Javvu Spa, kids can indulge in treatments tailored to them, including a mini coconut scrub, a mini mani-pedi, and mini meditation sessions. *From $928* ## **Best for privacy**: Soneva Secret ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Soneva-Secret-Aerial-and-Villas-1.webp) *Soneva* The word is out about [Soneva Secret](https://soneva.com/resorts/soneva-secret), the latest resort from the trendsetting [Soneva](https://soneva.com/) brand. Hidden in the far-flung Makunudhoo Atoll, it’s the area’s only resort, and with just 14 villas, it feels wildly remote—especially its two standalone overwater villas. Rustic-chic one-bedroom mansions here span a shocking 5,000 square feet and come with a private spa and gym, a private butler, a private assistant, and a personal chef. Although most people will never leave their overwater home, sociable guests can zipline to its restaurant, Out Of This World, or eat their weight in free island-made ice cream, cheese, and charcuterie in one of its dedicated rooms. *From $2,621, minimum three-night stay* ## **Best for ocean exploration**: Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/fourseasonsmaldivesmantaray.webp) *Four Seasons* This Four Seasons in the marine-rich Baa Atoll is rife with magical underwater experiences. Guests here fly in on one of their branded seaplanes, *The Flying Boxfish* or *The Flying Triggerfish*, painted to resemble each sea creature. Once you arrive at [Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru](https://www.fourseasons.com/maldiveslg/), its marine activity team can deliver a Manta-On-Call phone that will ring when manta rays are spotted in nearby Hanifaru Bay. This glamorous resort also has a house reef teeming with fish, ideal for snorkeling around the island and a Marine Discovery Center. Led by a team of dedicated marine biologists, they educate curious vacation-goers on the resort’s fish breeding program, rehabilitate injured Maldivian turtles, and plant coral, all with the help of guests. *From $1,800* ## **Best for beach bum**s: Naladhu Private Island Maldives ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-15-at-61056-PM.webp) *Naladhu Private Island* Small and striking, this lagoon-laden resort is perfect for honeymooning couples and chilled-out guests who want an intimate beach vacation. It has just 20 private beach and lagoon villas (no overwater here), each with a pool, private beach cabana, and discreet butler service. [Naladhu Private Island](https://www.naladhu.com/en) specializes in curating exclusive experiences, whether that’s a romantic outdoor movie night on cozy couches in the secluded coconut grove or a beachside dinner under the stars. Uniquely, the resort has a no-menu concept and a fabulous team of chefs who love a culinary challenge. When you feel like venturing out, amenities at sister resorts [Anantara Veli](https://www.anantara.com/en/veli-maldives) and [Anantara Dhigu](https://www.anantara.com/en/dhigu-maldives) are a pontoon-boat ride away. *From $812* ## **Best for art and design lovers**: Patina Maldives, Fari Islands ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/PATINA_MALDIVES_VILLA_THE-BEACH-HOUSE_523_04.webp) *Patina Maldives* You wouldn’t expect to find a world-class art destination in the middle of the Indian Ocean, but [Patina Maldives,](https://patinahotels.com/maldives) Fari Islands aims to change that through an ambitious residency program, art installations throughout the property, and the star of the show, a James Turrell-designed Skyspace pavilion, Amarta. Patina Maldives partnered with the Artling, a Singapore-based contemporary art consultancy, to commission bespoke art that guests interact with during their stay. Of course, the resort itself approaches architecture as art with design from award-winning Brazilian architect Marcio Kogan’s firm, Studiomk27. The resort’s 90 villas were sustainably crafted from natural materials like 100 percent PEFC-certified engineered timber and designed with flat roofs lined with solar panels. *From $1,330* ## **Best for style and substance**: Joali Maldives ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Joali_ThreeBedroomsOcean-21.webp) *Joali Maldives* [Joali Maldives](https://www.joali.com/joali-maldives/) is unapologetically feminine. Its palatial villas are decked out in pops of pastel, emerald marble showers, rose gold finishes and artful details that make this lavish outpost a cut above the rest. The resort expertly blends immersive art installations, a decadent spa with a Turkish hammam and superb restaurants, including its signature overwater Japanese restaurant, Saoke. A gaggle of *jadugars,* aka butlers, and standout staff deliver warm, attentive service, like remembering your morning coffee order and your favorite tropical fruits. Psst. Its breakfast buffet is one of the best in the Maldives, with a cold room filled with charcuterie, salads, yogurts, and cheeses. *From $2,040* ## **Best for adventure travelers**: Velaa Private Island ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/OD-3-SFW.webp) *Velaa* It’s impossible to get bored at Velaa Private Island. This ultra-luxe resort has an overwhelming variety of activities, including some unique to the Maldives. It has one of the only covered tennis courts in the archipelago, a soccer field, a squash court, a climbing wall, and a Technogym fitness center. But perhaps most extravagantly, it has a golf “short-game academy” on the island from Spanish golf pro José María Olazábal, which provides swing analysis, a golf simulator, and coaching with PGA professionals. Its new [Wellbeing Village](https://robbreport.com/travel/luxury-travel/maldives-velaa-private-island-1234871259/) focuses on holistic wellness, including a yoga and pilates pavilion and an Ayurveda wellness center. On the water, you can go on diving, snorkeling and fishing trips, or explore the island by jet ski, e-foil, or even a hoverboard. *From $2,500* ## **Best for conservation**: Six Senses Laamu ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/1_Relaxation-lounge.webp) *Six Senses* The word “sustainability” gets thrown around in the luxury hospitality world—but [Six Senses Laamu](https://www.sixsenses.com/en/hotels-resorts/asia-the-pacific/maldives/laamu) doesn’t greenwash. Instead of plucking seagrass from the sea bottom, like most Maldivian resorts, it lets it flourish to attract local sea turtles for tracking and monitoring. Its Sea Hub for Environmental Learning in Laamu (SHELL) is an impressive center with interactive spaces dedicated to educating guests and local Maldivians about the local marine life. There are sustainability tours through its Waste to Wealth recycling and composting site; plus, its on-site garden supplies much of the produce used at its six restaurants, free ice cream bar, and spa. *From $1,443* ## FAQs ### What are the best luxury resorts in the Maldives? The best luxury resorts in the Maldives include Soneva Jani for wellness, Kudadoo Maldives for couples, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi for dining, Amilla Maldives for families, Patina Maldives for art and design, and Six Senses Laamu for conservation. The right choice depends on the experience and level of privacy you prefer. ### Which Maldives resort is best for couples and honeymoons? Kudadoo Maldives is a standout for couples, with only 15 overwater villas, private butler service, and an all-inclusive “Anything, Anywhere, Anytime” concept. The Nautilus and Naladhu Private Island are also excellent choices for secluded, romantic escapes. ### How much does a luxury resort in the Maldives cost? Luxury resorts in the Maldives featured in this guide start at around $812 per night at Naladhu Private Island and can exceed $13,000 per night at .Here. Rates vary according to the resort, villa type, meal plan, season, and minimum-stay requirements. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Travel **Tags:** Best of, Feature, Islands, Maldives, resorts --- ### [The Bushido-Inspired Lamborghini Revuelto Impavido in Photos](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-bushido-inspired-lamborghini-revuelto-impavido-in-photos/) **Published:** July 23, 2026 **Author:** Bryan Hood **Content:** Lamborghini just unveiled a 1-of-25 Revuelto called the Impavido to celebrate it’s the 25th anniversary of its Japanese division. To find out more about the supercar, check out [the full story here.](https://robbreport.ph/cars/lamborghini-revuelto-impavido-japan/) ![Lamborghini Revuelto Impavido](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/lamborghini-revuelto-impavido-04.webp) The Lamborghini Revuelto Impavido. *Lamborghini* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/lamborghini-revuelto-impavido-02.webp) The special edition comes in four colorways: Verde Campus, Grigio Artis Lucido, Grigio Crater Matt, and Rossa Pyra. *Lamborghini* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/lamborghini-revuelto-impavido-05.webp) Inside the Revuelto Impavido. *Lamborghini* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/lamborghini-revuelto-impavido-01.webp) The seats are covered in Nero Ade leather with contrasting Corsa Tex with Bronzo Oreadi accents. *Lamborghini* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/lamborghini-revuelto-impavido-03.webp) Each Lamborghini Revuelto Impavido comes with a individually numbered plaque. Lamborghini **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** Impavido, lamborghini, revuelto --- ### [Lamborghini Just Unveiled an Ultra-Exclusive, Samurai-Inspired Revuelto](https://robbreport.ph/cars/lamborghini-revuelto-impavido-japan/) **Published:** July 23, 2026 **Author:** Bryan Hood **Content:** [Lamborghini](https://robbreport.ph/tag/lamborghini/ "lamborghini") has a lot of love for [Japan](https://robbreport.ph/tag/japan/ "japan"), and now it has the exclusive model to prove it. The Italian supercar specialists have just unveiled a limited-edition [Revuelto](https://robbreport.ph/cars/otherworldly-the-lamborghini-revuelto/ "Otherworldly: The Lamborghini Revuelto") that will be exclusive to the country. The Impavido was inspired by the Bushido code and is the automaker’s way of marking the 25th anniversary of its Japanese division. Impavido means “fearless” and “courageous” in Italian, making it a fitting name for a special edition inspired by a code of honor built around courage, discipline, and unwavering determination. The variant is the handiwork of the automaker’s Ad Personam customization program and will be limited to 25 individually numbered examples. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/lamborghini-revuelto-impavido-02.webp) The special edition comes in four colorways: Verde Campus, Grigio Artis Lucido, Grigio Crater Matt, and Rossa Pyra. *Lamborghini* The Revuelto Impavido comes in a unique livery inspired meant to look like samurai armor. The unorthodox design is available in four colorways: Verde Campus, which is inspired by Hisui Jade, Japan’s national stone; Grigio Artis Lucido, which is inspired by high-carbon steel of a katan sword; Grigio Crater Matt, which is inspired by black and gray armor; and Rossa Pyra, which is inspired by Sanada Red, a color that represents bravery, strength, and discipline. The car’s also ride on staggered 21- and 22-inch Altanero rims and feature bronze brake calipers and black exhaust tips. The interior of the special edition has also been given the Ad Personam treatment. The seats done up in Nero Ade leather with contrasting Corsa Tex with Bronzo Oreadi accents and feature embroidered headrests. The cabin includes other embroidered details, including a samurai logo, and comes equipped with a numbered carbon-fiber plate. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/lamborghini-revuelto-impavido-05.webp) Inside the Revuelto Impavido. *Lamborghini* Lamborghini Japan has subtly reimagined the look of the Revuelto, but has wisely decided to leave its powertrain alone. The vehicle which was the [automaker’s first series-production hybrid model](https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/lamborghini-revuelto-hybrid-aventador-successor-1234824579/), features a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 connected to a trio of electric motors that combine to pump out 1,001 hp and 793 ft lbs of torque. Thanks to all that electrified grunt, the wedge-shaped speed supercar can rocket from zero to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 217 mph. Intrigued? Well, you’ll have to live in Japan to buy the Revuelto Impavido. Lamborghini hasn’t said how much the 1-of-25 speed machine will cost, but something well north of the Revuelto’s $890,000 starting price seems likely. *[Click here to see more photos of the Lamborghini Revuelto Impavido.](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-bushido-inspired-lamborghini-revuelto-impavido-in-photos/)* ## FAQs ### **What is the Lamborghini Revuelto Impavido?** The Lamborghini Revuelto Impavido is a Japan-exclusive special edition of the marque’s flagship hybrid supercar, created to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Lamborghini Japan. Production is limited to just 25 individually numbered examples. ### **Why is it called the Revuelto Impavido?** “Impavido” is Italian for “fearless” and “courageous.” The name references the Bushido code, the traditional samurai philosophy centered on courage, discipline, loyalty, and honor. ### **What makes the Revuelto Impavido different from the standard Revuelto?** The special edition features an Ad Personam exterior inspired by samurai armor, exclusive color combinations, bespoke interior embroidery, a numbered carbon-fiber plaque, and commemorative details unique to the Japan-exclusive model. The mechanical specification remains unchanged. ### **How much power does the Lamborghini Revuelto Impavido produce?** Like the standard Revuelto, it combines a naturally aspirated V-12 engine with three electric motors to produce a total of **1,001 horsepower** and **793 lb-ft of torque**, allowing it to sprint from 0–60 mph in 2.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 217 mph. ### **Can you buy the Lamborghini Revuelto Impavido outside Japan?** No. The Revuelto Impavido is exclusive to the Japanese market, and Lamborghini will build only 25 examples for customers in Japan. **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** lamborghini, revuelto --- ### [Form Follows Function in the Ulysse Nardin Super Freak](https://robbreport.ph/watches/ulysse-nardin-super-freak-un-252/) **Published:** July 23, 2026 **Author:** Carl Cunanan **Content:** There’s a wonderful beauty in complexity. And this is not something a lot of people understand, especially in a modern world, which in many ways leans more toward minimalism than intricacy. The appreciation of the complexity of beauty requires thought and introspection, especially from those who want to create and execute it. The very daring watch company, [Ulysse Nardin](https://robbreport.ph/tag/ulysse-nardin/ "ulysse nardin"), has released what it calls the most complicated time-only watch ever created. Time-only, of course, means there is no additional complication at all. Just a two- or three-hand watch, so relatively simple. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/SUPER-FREAK_ULYSSE-NARDIN_2520-500LE-3A-BLUE_3A-6.webp) *Ulysse Nardin* But Ulysse Nardin has never been simple. Its [Freak](https://www.ulysse-nardin.com/en-eu/watches/freak) project division began in 2001 with the Ulysse Nardin Freak, and it celebrated its 25th year with an extremely complex, highly complicated, multi-component time-only piece called, quite appropriately, the Ulysse Nardin Super Freak. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/SUPER-FREAK_ULYSSE-NARDIN_2520-500LE-3A-BLUE_3A-3.webp) A closer look at the dial. *Ulysse Nardin* The Freaks have always been challenging to appreciate because they seem to add complexity where it isn’t necessarily needed. But the engineers and designers behind Freak have always felt that there is beauty in this additional challenge they’ve taken on, especially because they’re trying to do new things and create new mechanisms. These mechanisms include, for the 2026 novelty Super Freak, not just the obviously complex system of hands you see on the front of the watch. There is also a hugely complex rotor system that replaces the traditional swinging center-mass rotor with one that operates almost as an untethered mass. It doesn’t move around a central axis, but moves somewhat freely in the back of the watch. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/SUPER-FREAK_ULYSSE-NARDIN_2520-500LE-3A-BLUE_3A-4.webp) *Ulysse Nardin* What this does is create far more efficiency in terms of use of power than the normal rotating mass. It does this because as the new mass—the whole thing is called the grinder system—moves within its flat little cage, it is always grabbing upon something that in turn effectively winds the mainspring. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/SUPER-FREAK_ULYSSE-NARDIN_ATELIER_-2520-500LE-3A-BLUE_3A-6.webp) Only five watchmakers are trained to build the Super Freak, each completing a timepiece from start to finish. *Ulysse Nardin* So where normal systems are operating at less than half the efficiency or taking half the time to wind, this system operates closer to the 90 percent range. In the Super Freak, this is important because the Super Freak has two tourbillons, which need a huge amount of consistent power. The Super Freak uses a new caliber, UN-252, which uses over 500 components developed over four years. The most obvious thing you see on the rotor is two flying tourbillons, each inclined at 10 degrees and rotating in opposite directions. They both complete a full revolution every 60 seconds and are mounted on a shared bridge that is effectively the minute indicator. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/SUPER-FREAK_ULYSSE-NARDIN_2520-500LE-3A-BLUE_3A-2.webp) The caseback reveals the 511-component Caliber UN-252, developed over four years. *Ulysse Nardin* There’s a technical reason for all this. They are attempting to improve overall stability because they are combining the outputs of these two tourbillons, and they average their rates. This differential mechanism is only five millimeters in diameter. Both the differential and the seconds display operate on off-center axes that are separate. As such, there was a need to develop a gimbal system to maintain that consistency of energy transmission, so this was yet another technological challenge. All of these things require much more energy than normally needed for a watch. They had to drive those two tourbillons, a rotating carousel, and an additional seconds display. This is allowed by the use of that automatic winding system called the grinder, which uses a system of very thin blades connected to a moving weight. But that weight is not rotating around a central axis in the same way that a normal swinging rotor is. The end result of this is that those blades grab onto the oscillating weight and are therefore pulling much of that energy to be stored into the system. This highly demanding mechanism can have a power reserve of approximately three days. And the reason it’s called the grinder mechanism is because when you play with the watch in your hand, you both hear and feel what happens when those tiny blades start pulling on that mass and then start winding the watch itself. The Freak has always been about innovation, and it continues with new uses of materials. While this is all heavily focused in terms of technological development and therefore mechanical production because of the tight tolerances and the tiny pieces, it is also very much heralding the beauty of fine watchmaking. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/SUPER-FREAK_ULYSSE-NARDIN_ATELIER_-2520-500LE-3A-BLUE_3A-8.webp) Each piece is assembled, dismantled, and rebuilt before final testing. *Ulysse Nardin* Traditional techniques such as straight grading, polishing, and sandblasting are used on more than 70 percent of the components, which are finished by hand. Because titanium is used for structural elements for weight and mechanical properties and needs more precision, it is additionally challenging to achieve a consistent finish. The Freak journey for Ulysse Nardin has been going on for 25 years and has been a way to explore alternative ways of doing different things that the industry has done the same way for generations. It displays time in a different way and regulates that time within a different system. Freaks are extremely divisive and really speak only to a very small portion of the serious watchmaking and collecting community. But that’s fine. This is not a watch that will compete with traditional high watchmaking complications. It’s about finding new challenges and having the determination and vision to follow through on some very radical ideas. With the Super Freak, what we see is the most holistic and complete pulling together of all the different things that Ulysse Nardin has been working on for so long. It’s a different way to tell time. It puts mechanical wizardry at the forefront and literally the front of the watch. It uses new materials, both visible and non-visible, as it stretches boundaries. It completely throws out the traditional idea of weighted rotors as the basis for winding a watch. Many will never really understand how much the Freak, the Super Freak, and watches like them change and challenge and redefine the boundaries of fine watchmaking. These were never really meant to be mainstream or easily understood pieces, even within the highest levels of haute horlogerie. It’s not even about the pieces themselves. It’s about the process created to break barriers, push boundaries, and achieve new depths of understanding and complexity. All this is, at its most basic, the following of perhaps the simplest of design directions: Form follows function. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report Philippines’[ Design Issue, June 2026.](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-june-2026-the-design-issue/)* ## FAQs ### **What is the Ulysse Nardin Super Freak?** The Ulysse Nardin Super Freak is a highly complex time-only watch created to mark the 25th anniversary of the Freak. It uses the new automatic UN-252 caliber, which contains more than 500 components developed over four years. ### **Why is the Super Freak described as a time-only watch?** The Super Freak displays the time without conventional complications such as a chronograph, perpetual calendar or minute repeater. Its complexity comes from the mechanisms used to regulate, display and generate the energy required to indicate the time. ### **How do the Super Freak’s two tourbillons work?** The watch has two flying tourbillons, each inclined at 10 degrees and rotating in the opposite direction from the other. Both complete one revolution every 60 seconds. A five-millimeter differential combines their outputs and averages their rates to improve stability. ### **What is Ulysse Nardin’s Grinder winding system?** The Grinder is an automatic winding mechanism that replaces a conventional centrally mounted rotor with a freely moving oscillating weight and a system of flexible blades. These capture movement efficiently and transfer the resulting energy to the mainspring. ### **What is the power reserve of the Ulysse Nardin Super Freak?** The Super Freak provides a power reserve of approximately three days. Its Grinder winding system supplies the considerable energy needed to operate two tourbillons, the rotating carousel and the additional seconds display. **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** Super Freak, ulysse nardin, UN-252 --- ### [Roger Dubuis’s New Japanese-Inspired Watch Has 12 Intricate Samurai Adorning Its Dial](https://robbreport.ph/watches/roger-dubuiss-new-japanese-inspired-watch-has-12-intricate-samurai-adorning-its-dial/) **Published:** July 21, 2026 **Author:** Nicole Hoey **Content:** [Roger Dubuis](https://robbreport.ph/tag/roger-dubuis/ "roger dubuis") is taking us on a journey through time with its latest watch—back to 17th-century Japan, to be exact. The [Swiss manufacture](https://www.rogerdubuis.com/ph-en) has just unveiled an extraordinary limited-edition timepiece that combines all its haute-horlogerie prowess with cultural symbols and artistry from that era in Japanese history. The 45 mm Excalibur Kabuto Legacy takes particular inspiration from the samurai, spotlighting 12 highly detailed commanders perched at each hour mark—one of just many stunning aspects that will catch your eye on this latest release. The choice to place each samurai commander, or bushō, was no accident (besides acting as a way to indicate the hour, of course). During the 17th century, Japan was in a state of upheaval, fractured by rival warlords fighting for domination; then, three leaders came together to unite the bushō to bring peace and a new order to Japan. That sentiment, a circle of solidarity, is meant to be echoed in the formation of the samurai commanders. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/roger-dubuis-excalibur-kabuto-legacy-samurai.webp) A close-up of the 12 samurai. *Roger Dubuis* In the united Japan, each bushō was represented by their kabuto, a ceremonial and protective helmet that showed their lineage and philosophies via its own signature style. That same idea is used in the Excalibur Kabuto Legacy thanks to the tradition of métiers d’art, in which each of the samurai commanders is depicted with a micro-sculpted helmet crafted in 18-karat pink gold. The handcrafted pieces each take two to three days to make. Some of the leaders on display include Tokugawa Ieyasu, the shōgun and one of the main minds behind the new era in Japan, at 12 o’clock. His kabuto depicts a fern to represent longevity and success. Joining him are Honda Tadakatsu at 1 o’clock, a commander known for his loyalty with a kabuto adorned with deer antlers, a source of divine protection; Sakai Tadatsugu, a statesman famed for his wisdom and battle knowledge with a kabuto depicting a sword, meant to cut away evil and symbolize righteousness; and Sakakibara Yasumasa, renowned for his sound judgment with a kabuto adorned with swords, a nod to strong martial virtue and the samurai’s soul. Of course, that’s not all Roger Dubuis has in store on the new watch. The dial’s center shows off an abstract reinterpretation of Edo Castle, which served as the seat of the Tokugawa family for over 260 years. The layered tower is remade in a deep-blue coating, an homage to the dye used by samurai. Flip the watch over, and each crest (or kamon) of the samurai is laser-engraved on the back on a blue-coated pink-gold ring. Some of the designs on display include a water plantain, a genko wheel, and bamboo and sparrows. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/roger-dubuis-excaliber-kabuto-legacy-dial.webp) The formation of Edo Castle on the dial. *Roger Dubuis* Beneath it all lies the RD821 movement. The automatic caliber makes it so Roger Dubuis had space to play with such an intricate design, and it comes with 60 hours of power reserve and a frequency of 4 Hz. And the movement is also home to 14 distinct finishing techniques, a move that earned the timepiece one of the watch industry’s most intense certifications, the Poinçon de Genève. The watch’s pink-gold case, meanwhile, is paired with a blue calfskin leather strap, with stitched tiles in yet another nod to the samurai: this time, it is meant to resemble their armor. To ensure the watch was historically accurate, Roger Dubuis teamed up with Frederik Cryns, a professor of Japanese history and a consultant on the hit series *Shōgun*. “Samurai culture produced some of the most extraordinary wearable art in human history,” he said in a press statement. “That this tradition of master craftsmanship now meets the art of haute horlogerie feels entirely fitting. Both disciplines demand the same uncompromising pursuit of excellence.” A piece of that combined history will surely be hard to come by. Roger Dubuis is producing just 28 pieces of the Excalibur Kabuto Legacy. ## FAQs ### What is the Roger Dubuis Excalibur Kabuto Legacy inspired by? The Excalibur Kabuto Legacy draws inspiration from 17th-century Japan and samurai culture. Its dial features 12 bushō, or military commanders, each represented by a micro-sculpted kabuto helmet crafted from 18-karat pink gold. ### What movement powers the Roger Dubuis Excalibur Kabuto Legacy? The watch is powered by the automatic RD821 caliber, which offers a 60-hour power reserve and operates at a frequency of 4 Hz. The movement incorporates 14 finishing techniques and carries the prestigious Poinçon de Genève certification. ### How many Roger Dubuis Excalibur Kabuto Legacy watches will be produced? Roger Dubuis will produce only 28 examples of the Excalibur Kabuto Legacy. Each 45 mm watch features a pink-gold case, a blue calfskin strap, and historically informed details developed with Japanese-history professor Frederik Cryns. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** News, roger dubuis, Watch Collector --- ### [A $50-Million T. Rex, World Cup Trophy Sale, a 1,971-HP Supercar, Louis Vuitton’s Rally Revival & More](https://robbreport.ph/the-luxe-dispatch/a-record-breaking-50-million-t-rex-world-cup-trophy-sale-a-1971-hp-supercar-louis-vuittons-rally-revival-more/) **Published:** July 20, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** The latest headlines move from English estates and alpine rallies to auction rooms and racetracks. Fairmont has transformed a lakeside English estate into its latest country retreat, while Louis Vuitton is returning to the road with a revived classic-car rally through the Dolomites. Farnborough sets the stage for private aviation’s next big moves, and Christie’s turns World Cup history into collectible currency. Elsewhere, a Tyrannosaurus rex has rewritten the dinosaur auction record, and Denza is preparing a 1,971 hp electric supercar for a Nürburgring assault. ## Fairmont Opens Its New English Country Retreat ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/06a56b763b9ffa9f2e96c58031306bbb-ljpg.webp) *Accor* Fairmont has planted its flag in Northwest England with the opening of Fairmont Cheshire, [The Mere](https://www.fairmont.com/en/hotels/mere/fairmont-cheshire-the-mere.html), a 157-acre country estate overlooking its namesake lake. Following a £35 million acquisition and £90 million transformation, the historic property now offers 116 rooms, including 23 suites, alongside an 18-hole championship golf course and lake-inspired spa. Gordon Ramsay anchors the dining program, while The Orangery handles afternoon tea and champagne. It becomes Fairmont’s fourth British address, joining The Savoy, Windsor Park, and St Andrews. *More information [here](https://www.fairmont.com/en/hotels/mere/fairmont-cheshire-the-mere.html).* ## Louis Vuitton Is Reviving Its Classic Car Rally ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/LOUIS-VUITTON-SERENISSIMA-RUN-2012-5-ISOLA-DI-SAN-GIORGIO.webp) The cars at the end of the Serenissima Run in Venice in 2012. *Louis Vuitton* Louis Vuitton is reviving its Classic Run after a 14-year hiatus, bringing 25 vintage cars to Italy from September 1 to 4. The Dolomites Run will begin at Villa Pisani near Venice and cover roughly 373 miles before finishing at Monza ahead of the Italian Grand Prix. Eligible cars, including models from Bugatti, Maserati, and Ferrari, must date from 1970 or earlier. The winner receives a Sabine Marcelis-designed Venini trophy presented, naturally, in a bespoke [Louis Vuitton trunk](https://robbreport.ph/leisure/sports/louis-vuitton-trophy-trunk-fifa-world-cup-2026/ "Louis Vuitton Returns to the World Cup With a New Trophy Trunk"). *Read more [here](https://robbreport.ph/cars/louis-vuitton-is-bringing-back-its-classic-car-rally-this-fall/).* ## Private Aviation’s Next Moves Will Take Shape at Farnborough ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/nasa-x-59-jet.webp) *Photo: NASA* Private aviation’s next round of reveals will unfold at the [Farnborough International Airshow ](https://www.farnboroughairshow.com/)from July 20 to 24. The biennial gathering brings the aerospace, defense, and space industries together for five days of aircraft displays, dealmaking, and technology showcases. Its 2026 program places advanced technology and AI, sustainability, finance, global security, and supply-chain resilience at the center of discussion. ## Christie’s Is Auctioning Pieces of World Cup History ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/b7e8a8dfd951ba4592cd1155af37fbec-ljpg.webp) A jersey signed by the United States Men’s National Soccer Team. *Christie’s* [Christie’s](https://www.christies.com/en) is turning World Cup history into a new collecting category. *One Goal*, an online charity auction running from July 22 to 29, will offer game-used balls, team-signed jerseys, and outfits worn during the tournament’s first-ever final halftime show. Headline lots include the official ball from the July 19 final, Lionel Messi and U.S. team-signed jerseys, and Shakira’s costume from the “Dai Dai” video. Proceeds benefit the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise $100 million to expand education and sports access for underserved children worldwide. *Place your bids [here](https://www.christies.com/en/auction/one-goal-an-auction-to-benefit-the-fifa-global-citizen-education-fund-25046-nyr/).* ## This T. Rex Just Became the World’s Priciest Dinosaur A [Tyrannosaurus rex](https://robbreport.ph/style/forget-crocodile-this-new-one-of-a-kind-handbag-is-made-from-lab-grown-t-rex-leather/ "Forget Crocodile. This New One-of-a-Kind Handbag Is Made From Lab-Grown ‘T-Rex Leather.’") named “Gus” has become the most valuable dinosaur ever sold at auction. The 67-million-year-old skeleton fetched $50.1 million with fees at Sotheby’s New York, crushing its $20 million to $30 million estimate and surpassing the $44.6 million record set by the stegosaurus Apex in 2024. Excavated in South Dakota between 2021 and 2023, Gus stands 12.5 feet tall and stretches roughly 38 feet long. Its 183 fossilized bone elements make it approximately 61 percent complete by bone count. ## Denza’s 1,971 HP Supercar Is Coming for the Nürburgring ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/denza-z-04.webp) *BYD* Denza has turned its Z into a full-blown electric supercar. Unveiled at Goodwood, the BYD-owned marque’s flagship uses three motors to produce 1,582 hp, while the Racing and Special Edition versions raise output to 1,971 hp. Those range-toppers can hit 62 mph in 1.7 seconds and reach 217 mph, with the Special Edition set to chase a Nürburgring Nordschleife record this fall. A 76-kWh Blade battery offers up to 255 miles of range and can recharge from 10 to 97 percent in nine minutes. *Read more [here](https://robbreport.ph/cars/denza-z-supercar/).* ## FAQs ### What are the biggest ultra-luxury stories this week? This week’s highlights include the opening of Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere, Louis Vuitton’s revived Classic Run, Christie’s World Cup auction, a record-setting $50.1 million T. rex sale, and Denza’s 1,971 hp Z supercar. ### What is the most expensive dinosaur ever sold at auction? A Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton named Gus became the most expensive dinosaur ever sold when it fetched $50.1 million at Sotheby’s New York in July 2026. ### How powerful is the new Denza Z supercar? The standard Denza Z produces 1,582 hp, while the Racing and Special Edition variants deliver up to 1,971 hp and can accelerate from zero to 62 mph in 1.7 seconds. **Categories:** The Luxe Dispatch **Tags:** Auctions, BYD, christie's, Farnborough International Airshow, Louis Vuitton, sothebys --- ### [The ‘Last of Its Kind’ Bugatti Mistral in Photos](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-last-of-its-kind-bugatti-mistral-in-photos/) **Published:** July 21, 2026 **Author:** Bryan Hood **Content:** Bugatti just unveiled its 99th and final Mistral, which will also be the last of its series-production cars to feature a W-16 engine. To find out more about the hypercar, check out [the full story here](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-last-bugatti-mistral-brings-the-marques-w-16-era-to-an-end/). ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/final-bugatti-mistral-01.webp) *Bugatti* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/final-bugatti-mistral-02.webp) Bugatti Mistral “The Last of Its Kind” *Bugatti* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/final-bugatti-mistral-05.webp) Inside the Mistral “The Last of Its Kind” *Bugatti* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/final-bugatti-mistral-04.webp) “The Last of Its Kind” is written on the underside of its rear wing *Bugatti* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/final-bugatti-mistral-03.webp) The Mistral “The Last of Its Kind” will be the final series-production Bugatti to feature the marque’s W-16 engine *Bugatti* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** bugatti, News --- ### [The Last Bugatti Mistral Brings the Marque’s W-16 Era to an End](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-last-bugatti-mistral-brings-the-marques-w-16-era-to-an-end/) **Published:** July 21, 2026 **Author:** Bryan Hood **Content:** [Bugatti’s](https://robbreport.ph/tag/bugatti/ "bugatti") W-16 era is now officially over. The French hypercar maker unveiled the 99th and final [Mistral](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-bugatti-mistral-blanc-eternel-hypercar-in-photos/ "The Bugatti Mistral “Blanc Éternel” Hypercar in Photos") on Thursday. The boundary-pushing roadster will be the last series-production vehicle to leave the marque’s Molsheim atelier with a W-16 in the engine bay. It’s impossible to overstate the importance of the W-16 to Bugatti’s modern history. The engine—which features four banks of four cylinders in a W configuration—has powered every single one of the brand’s vehicles since it was taken over by the Volkswagen Group in 1998. That includes its first modern hypercar, the [Veyron](https://robbreport.ph/cars/bugatti-reveals-its-1578-hp-tribute-to-the-veyron/ "Bugatti Reveals Its 1,578 HP Tribute to the Veyron"); its successor, the [Chiron](https://robbreport.ph/cars/bugatti-reveals-its-1578-hp-tribute-to-the-veyron/ "Bugatti Reveals Its 1,578 HP Tribute to the Veyron"); and their many derivatives. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/final-bugatti-mistral-02.webp) Bugatti Mistral “The Last of Its Kind” *Bugatti* But times are changing. Earlier this year, [Porsche sold off its 45 percent stake in Bugatti Rimac](https://newsroom.porsche.com/en/2026/company/porsche-bugatti-rimac-stakes-42221.html)—which is what Bugatti became after merging with Rimac in 2021—ending VW Group’s control over the automaker. In addition to that, the company’s next car, the Tourbillon, will be its first to feature the company’s new hybrid powertrain, which mates a three-foot-long, naturally aspirated V-16 with a trio of electric motors. Which is why the final Mistral is also the final Bugatti, at least of the series-production variety (more on that in a bit) to feature a W-16 engine. Aptly dubbed “The Last of Its Kind,” the $5 million roadster is finished in a two-tone finish that combines Pearl with Sparkle. The interior, meanwhile, is done up in Magnolia and Grey Carbon Matt leather and features the signature of the automaker’s founder, Ettore Bugatti, stitched into each headrest. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/final-bugatti-mistral-05.webp) Inside the Mistral “The Last of Its Kind” *Bugatti* As eye-catching as the Mistral is on the outside, its most beautiful feature remains its 8.0-liter W-16. The mechanical masterpiece produces 1,578 hp and 1,180 ft lbs of torque. Thanks to all that grunt the car can rocket from zero to 62 mph in 2.4 seconds and can hit a top speed of 282 mph. That last figure isn’t just a theoretical target either. The one-off Mistral World Record hit the mark in the fall of 2024, making it history’s fastest open-top production car. While the Mistral represents the last official W-16 that Bugatti will build, there is, of course, a loophole. Those who’ve been up enough cache with the brand, and have extremely deep pockets, can commission a vehicle with the engine through the company’s new one- and few-off division, Programme Solitaire. In fact, the team’s first two cars, the [Brouillard](https://robbreport.ph/cars/meet-the-bugatti-brouillard-a-new-one-of-a-kind-hypercar/ "Meet the Bugatti Brouillard, a New One-of-a-Kind Hypercar") and FKP Hommage, both feature the mill. ***Click [here](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-last-of-its-kind-bugatti-mistral-in-photos/) for more photos of the final Bugatti Mistral***. ## FAQs ### Why is the final Bugatti Mistral significant? The 99th and final Bugatti Mistral marks the end of the marque’s W-16 era. It is the last series-production Bugatti to leave the Molsheim atelier with the 8.0-liter, quad-turbocharged engine that has powered the brand’s modern hypercars since the Veyron. ### How fast is the Bugatti Mistral? The Bugatti Mistral produces 1,578 hp and 1,180 ft lbs of torque, allowing it to accelerate from zero to 62 mph in 2.4 seconds. A Mistral World Record reached 282 mph in 2024, making it the world’s fastest open-top production car. ### Will Bugatti continue building cars with the W-16 engine? Bugatti will no longer use the W-16 in its regular production models, as the forthcoming Tourbillon introduces a hybrid V-16 powertrain. However, select clients may still commission one- or few-off W-16 vehicles through Bugatti’s Programme Solitaire division. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.*[](https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/photos-final-bugatti-mistral-last-w16-engine-1238475547) **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** bugatti, News --- ### [Poltrona Frau's 2026 Collection, "True Over Time" Celebrates Authenticity Through the Years](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/design/poltrona-fraus-2026-collection-true-over-time-celebrates-authenticity-through-the-years/) **Published:** July 21, 2026 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** To choose something that lasts, to value timelessness over novelty, and to pursue continuity rather than the ephemeral—these principles have long shaped the idea of authentic craftsmanship. [Poltrona Frau](https://robbreport.ph/tag/poltrona-frau/ "poltrona frau")‘s 2026 collection, titled *True Over Time*, embodies that philosophy. Unveiled during Milan Design Week, the collection debuted at the Italian furniture house’s flagship store on Via Manzoni 30, just steps from landmarks including the Pinacoteca di Brera, Teatro alla Scala, and the Duomo di Milano. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/PF26-Milano-flagship-store-27.webp) For the occasion, the historic Palazzo Gallarati Scotti was transformed into an immersive exhibition. The various spaces within the flagship were reimagined through a visual narrative conceived by Studio Brigolin Baschera and styled by Simona Cremascoli, expressing authenticity as a defining principle of the Poltrona Frau universe. “*True Over Time* expresses the idea that the most authentic luxury lies in choosing furnishings that do not age, but rather gain value, enriched by stories, emotions, and memories,” said Poltrona Frau chief executive Nicola Coropulis. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/PF26-Milano-flagship-store-11.webp) Visitors are first welcomed by the living area, where the new Archibald Sofa System is paired with the Baldwin coffee tables by Ceccotti Collezioni, both designed by Jean-Marie Massaud. This latest evolution of the Archibald family introduces more generous proportions, sculptural silhouettes, and refined stitching that reflect today’s changing lifestyles, while the Baldwin tables bring greater versatility and functionality to the composition. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/PF26-Milano-flagship-store-24.webp) Displayed alongside them is the new DomusCove, a freestanding double-sided shelving system by Dante Bonuccelli, accompanied by two lighting designs. The first, Tullissè, created with Swiss studio Atelier Oï, features intertwined Pelle Frau leather straps that evoke the delicate folds of a ballerina’s tutu. The second, Gio Ponti Oro, revives an archival floor lamp distinguished by its tiered brass-anodized aluminium structure. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/PF26-Milano-flagship-store-22.webp) Further into the showroom, the night area introduces the LieLow bed by Faye Toogood. Its defining feature is a dramatic semi-circular headboard upholstered in Pelle Frau leather, complemented by matching bedside tables available with either drawers or open shelving that echo the bed’s sculptural language. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/PF26-Milano-flagship-store-10.webp) Nearby, Bonuccelli’s DressCove Night System continues the exploration of storage as architecture. The modular wardrobe combines shelves, drawers, and display elements into a sculptural composition, anchored by the oversized Kubaya poufs placed at its centre. Providing contrast is the special-edition Albero GFF100 bookcase, created to mark the centenary of designer Gianfranco Frattini’s birth. It combines shelves crafted from the original Palissandro Santos with a structure in American Walnut Brown, paying tribute to one of Poltrona Frau’s enduring design icons. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/PF26-Milano-flagship-store-38.webp) In the dining area, the Abigail table debuts with a new “Ombra di Caravaggio” marble top, supported by four tapered solid-wood legs. Its restrained silhouette allows it to pair effortlessly with a wide variety of seating, including the Archibald Slim dining chairs and the marble-finished Zabriskie cabinet displayed alongside it. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/PF26-Milano-flagship-store-16.webp) The Gallery serves as the exhibition’s cultural centrepiece. Here, visitors encounter the Archibald Delicate Balance Armchair, reinterpreted by American artist Shepard Fairey in a limited edition of just 200 pieces. Presented beneath museum-style lighting, the chair is accompanied by text from the artist describing the inspiration behind the collaboration. Also on display are objects from the Beautilities collection, functional accessories that combine utility with artistry, including the Shiwa vases developed with Japanese ceramic artist Yuki Nara. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/PF26-Milano-flagship-store-40.webp) The Gallery also houses the Poltrona Frau Archive. Inscribed across one wall are key terms that define the house’s craft—from *Ago Curvo* and *Capitonné* to *Imbottitura* and *Pelle*—referencing specialised stitching techniques, upholstery methods, and the leather for which the company is renowned. Videowalls throughout the space show artisans cutting, folding, and stitching materials by hand, illustrating what Poltrona Frau describes as the “intelligence of the hands”: knowledge acquired over decades and passed from one generation of craftsmen to the next. At Poltrona Frau, authenticity is ultimately presented not simply as an aesthetic, but as a way of thinking. Throughout the Via Manzoni flagship, every object and every detail argues that the finest design does not merely endure—it acquires meaning over time. *The Furnitalia showroom is located at 30th Street corner Rizal Drive, Crescent Park, West BGC Taguig City, Philippines. Visit their website [here]().* ## FAQs ### What is Poltrona Frau’s *True Over Time* collection? *True Over Time* is Poltrona Frau’s 2026 furniture collection, unveiled during Milan Design Week. It celebrates timeless design, craftsmanship, and furniture intended to gain meaning through years of use. ### Where was the *True Over Time* collection launched? The collection debuted at Poltrona Frau’s flagship store on Via Manzoni in Milan during Milan Design Week, with Palazzo Gallarati Scotti transformed into an immersive exhibition. ### What are the highlights of the new collection? Key introductions include the Archibald Sofa System, LieLow bed, DomusCove shelving system, DressCove Night System, Abigail dining table, Archibald Delicate Balance Armchair by Shepard Fairey, and new Beautilities accessories. ### Who designed the new pieces? The collection features work by Jean-Marie Massaud, Dante Bonuccelli, Faye Toogood, Atelier Oï, Gio Ponti, Shepard Fairey, and Yuki Nara, among others. ### Where can you buy Poltrona Frau in the Philippines? Poltrona Frau is available through Furnitalia, located at 30th Street corner Rizal Drive, Crescent Park, West BGC, Taguig City. **Categories:** Design, Home & Design --- ### [Remaining Real: The BMW 7 Series Returns to First Principles](https://robbreport.ph/cars/truly-neue-classe-bmw-7-series-returns-to-first-principles/) **Published:** July 20, 2026 **Author:** Carl Cunanan **Content:** We recently sat down with [BMW](https://robbreport.ph/tag/bmw/ "bmw") designers and engineers to talk about the new BMW 7 Series and the i7 and how it’s pulling from the Neue Klasse vision and program. Even though it is more of a model update than a whole new car, we were kind of surprised both in terms of what they told us and what we saw, and from there, how we interpreted what they told us. First, they explained that the [Neue Klasse program](https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/company/neue-klasse.html) is not just a vision for a model change or a design philosophy change, but rather it is relatively all-encompassing within the whole company. It’s not just about what they produce, it’s about how they work, how they produce things, and how they take their vision outwards to others. Changing for a changing environment, but still bringing forward what they believe is truly BMW. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/P90636141_highRes_bmw-i7-60-xdrive-04-.webp) *BMW* The new 7 is stunning and, as many BMWs are, somewhat divisive in terms of whether or not people like the look. BMW calls it the most extensive model update ever, and when we asked the team what it believes defines the new 7, its team gave us the following answers. ### BMW Says the New 7 Series Is “Monolithic.” What Does That Mean? They said it’s monolithic. Now, we already know this is a massive car, and the word monolith fits that, but I think they mean the whole car kind of flows together as one, as opposed to some of the 7’s designs from the past, which included a lot more venting that broke up the shape. Or even the Chris Bangle design era, which had very obvious flames and curves and waves in the body shape. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/P90638676_highRes_bmw-740-xdrive-04-20.webp) In the new 7, things feel smooth, connected and holistic. There are very definite curves to the car, but it’s not pulling your eye to them, instead, they support the overall vision. ## How Neue Klasse Is Changing the BMW 7 Series Next, they talked about the use of technology and how BMW is trying to use technology to pull things ever forward, because in their mind, the modern world expects the highest levels of technology to be at par with the highest levels of luxury. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/P90636121_highRes_bmw-740-xdrive-04-20.webp) *BMW* So while this is a model life update, they added things they learned from producing fully new cars, such as the expansive information panel that stretches from left to right on the car dashboard. It is technically a heads-up display, but it’s low, so it doesn’t really go onto the windscreen itself. It’s very bright, with a very high contrast, which of course you can adjust, and it’s highly useful, while at the same time not being all that intrusive. This is an example of the Neue Klasse vision that they have brought forward to this car, even though it is not a full model change. They also talked about the increased ability to give customers exactly what they want because the 7 Series is available as fully electric, in diesel or in petrol, in hybrid or in hydrogen, or, if they wish, even as a V8. Then, of course, there are the choices for interiors, as they want to make these cars as bespoke as the customers want. So for what BMW talks about in terms of the new 7 Series, it is those three key points that the brand believes are the most important and show the unique combination of both luxury and technology. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/P90636114_highRes_bmw-740-xdrive-04-20.webp) *BMW* Now, I had the car to myself, and then had discussions with those designers and engineers separately. After I was done, BMW’s head of communications came up to me and said, “I heard what you said, and that was very different from what we said, but you’re also right.” BMW talks about the monolithic look as being something new, but I see it as going back to the most basic tenets of design and holistic vision in that it is minimalist, achieving this with minor details and shapes and flows and finishes that don’t draw attention to themselves, but rather, support the whole vision. So yes, this creates a luxury aesthetic and approach, but also reminds people of what made BMW big to begin with. ## Why Technology Has Always Been Part of Luxury The next point was technology. And while BMW says technology as luxury is a new thing, what I pointed out to them was that technology was always sought after by the most powerful in the community and in the world. If you look at the world’s fairs, for example, they always highlighted the latest technology, and drew the deepest pockets and the most wealthy patrons. With watches and with timekeepers, it was always a badge of honor when a town or a patriarch or a king got the newest pocket watch or town clock because this was the cutting-edge technology at the time. So in that case, the fact that technology is combined so easily with luxury isn’t a new thing. It’s been there for a very long time. ## BMW’s New Approach to Personalization ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/P90636126_highRes_bmw-740-xdrive-04-20.webp) *BMW* The third point we were discussing was customization. BMW can put whatever color or leather scheme or paint or insignia the right customer will want on their car. I look at it once again as something we’ve seen in the past, where the wealthy had very personal embellishment on weapons or coaches or on the armor adorning the walls in their castles. So yes, all of these things are the key points that BMW is pushing out in terms of how its new 7 Series combines technology and design and luxury into what it believes is a pinnacle product for super premium sedans. ## The Real Meaning Behind the New BMW 7 Series But I think BMW is just going back to exactly what we’ve always liked about the brand. Very technology focused, but using that technology to achieve what we as enthusiasts want. Taking its vision and interpreting it with the latest abilities of production and design and mechanicals, but still something we can interpret and use the way we want to. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/P90636119_highRes_bmw-740-xdrive-04-20.webp) *BMW* So while the 7 is as familiar as it should be, given its stature in the market, it is also a signal. BMW has made a lot of drastic changes to what it’s doing and how its vehicles look with models like the [iX3](https://robbreport.ph/tag/ix3/ "iX3"), with whole new visions and looks and experience. It is also, thankfully, still recognizing that while it may need to reinterpret what makes BMW special in the premium automotive world, it has to make sure its core draw, its core identity, remains real. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report Philippines’ [Design Issue, June 2026](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-june-2026-the-design-issue/).* ## FAQs ### Why does BMW call the new 7 Series “monolithic”? BMW uses “monolithic” to describe a cleaner, more integrated design language with fewer visual interruptions, allowing the flagship sedan’s proportions and surfaces to read as a cohesive whole. ### What is Neue Klasse? Neue Klasse is BMW’s next-generation platform and design philosophy, encompassing vehicle architecture, technology, sustainability, manufacturing and user experience across future models. ### Is the new BMW 7 Series fully electric? The 7 Series is offered with multiple powertrains depending on market, including fully electric, plug-in hybrid, petrol, diesel and, in the future, hydrogen-based technology. ### How has technology changed in the new BMW 7 Series? The latest 7 Series adopts technologies inspired by Neue Klasse, including an expansive driver information display, enhanced digital interfaces and greater personalization. ### Why is customization important to BMW’s luxury strategy? BMW views personalization as an essential part of modern luxury, allowing customers to tailor everything from materials and finishes to colors and specifications to suit individual tastes. **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** bmw, BMW Series 7, Neue Klasse --- ### [This Luxe New Experience Gives You Exclusive Access to Madrid’s Michelin-Starred Restaurants](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/madrid-michelin-food-tour-by-elysian-tales/) **Published:** July 20, 2026 **Author:** Chadner Navarro **Content:** A four-hour itinerary that stops in four restaurants in central [Madrid](https://robbreport.com/tag/madrid/) is, practically speaking, a food tour. But for Marwa Preston, a Microsoft alum turned hospitality pro who launched the Europe-based tour company [Elysian Tales](https://elysiantales.com/) in May, the category fails to capture the curated luxury experience she puts together. This is no bar crawl with snacks. Does a standard food tour typically start in the kitchen of a [Michelin](https://robbreport.com/tag/michelin/)-starred restaurant, where guests get to meet chefs over a scene-setting aperitivo? “What I’m aiming to do in four hours is let people see the city’s food scene from every angle,” Preston says, “not just one slice of it.” In many ways, Elysian Tales is more a rapid-pace foodie immersion. Led by a local host who knows *everything* about a city’s culinary landscape, these private sessions—currently bookable in [Lisbon](https://robbreport.com/tag/lisbon/), Madrid, and [Barcelona](https://robbreport.com/tag/barcelona/), with Paris to come—are crafted to show off what makes a neighborhood delicious through four types of restaurants. Starting at [Encanto](https://www.encantojoseavillez.pt/en/) in Lisbon or [Atempo](https://atemporestaurant.com/en/) in Barcelona might just help justify Elysian Tales’s 400€ (per person) price tag. “It’s not just watching a working kitchen, it’s being part of it—using the tweezers to finish your own dish while chatting with the chef,” Preston says. “There’s a magic in actually being in it that’s hard to capture in words.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/elysian-tales.webp) Elysian Tales takes you inside a chef’s kitchen to share a bite, a drink, and a laugh. *Elysian Tales* In Madrid’s Justicia and Chueca neighborhoods, where the company was founded, this happens at [Saddle](https://saddle-madrid.com/en/), just before dinner service begins. Guests are escorted to the kitchen where they’re handed a glass of Corpinnat, a premium wine within the world of Cava. Within seconds, a tower of butter from Normandy in the shape of a cone appears out of nowhere; it arrives with bread from a local bakery called [Panic](https://panicmadrid.com/). Preston says there’s usually a waitlist for this sourdough. Here, you get as much as you want. But to make the 45-minute visit more interactive, you get to help assemble the *menestra*, a traditional vegetable stew from northern Spain, plated at Saddle like a delicate work of art. Preston reveals that before Elysian Tales, the restaurant had never invited diners to eat in its kitchen before, but she insisted on that level of access and the team at Saddle came through. Now, across the entire brand, which recently expanded into Lisbon and Barcelona, all tours set off in a Michelin kitchen. “What we built with Saddle set the tone for what we now expect from every restaurant we work with,” Preston says. The next two stops in Madrid explore opposing sides of how a city eats. There’s the traditional bar to sample a few small plates of food typical to the destination—house-marinated Andalusian olives, croquetas de cocido—followed by a larger “meal” at hotspots like [Roostiq](https://madrid.roostiq.com/) and [Raza](https://razamadrid.com/). Preston reveals that it’s the former that’s been the most difficult to organize. She focuses on *tabernas* in Spain, *tascas* in Lisbon, and when she launches in Paris in the fall, bistros, where guests can still feel history not just through food but also ambience and decor. Preston wants guests to dine somewhere authentic, where locals actually go, that’s beautiful and has kept its charm—“and where English isn’t the dominant language,” Preston says. “The world is moving in a different direction, and places like that are slowly being lost, so what we’re doing is finding the last ones standing and celebrating them.” In Madrid’s [Carmencita](https://tabernalacarmencita.es/), a relic from the 19th century with handpainted tiles covering the walls and tables topped with marble, it’s all about a little vermouth (served in glasses exclusively chosen for Elysian Tales diners), delicate pieces of Cantabrian anchovies, a bowl of Russian salad, and housemade beef pâté, an uncommon recipe these days. If the second location looks to tradition and heritage, the third is all about securing tables that are hard to get right now. Preston says these are usually personal choices, the restaurants where she would take visiting friends. In the Spanish capital, it’s the sexy, dimly lit [Charrúa](https://www.charruamadrid.com/), an Uruguayan steakhouse serving, along with beautifully prepared meat, the juiciest tomatoes in town. At nearby tables, there might be a romantic date happening or a lively family in for a celebratory dinner. The vibe definitely tells you that you’ve landed somewhere everyone wants to go. The itinerary ends with a nightcap in a cocktail bar (in Madrid that’s in the maximalist Bar Manero) where an element of play is introduced. “Instead of asking guests what they normally drink, we show them perfumes, play them songs, sometimes show them art,” Preston explains, “and read their mood from that to build them a cocktail.” Maybe this is why Preston is reluctant to call Elysian Tales a tour operator. The experience provides a great deal of hospitality to ensure everything happens smoothly. (Hosts are constantly exchanging messages to address last-minute dietary concerns, for instance.) And there’s no shortage of storytelling, whether it’s about the neighborhood itself or the dishes being sampled, including the focus on zero-waste and kilometer-zero practices. There’s no ordering involved; Preston and her team work directly with the restaurants to identify what would best represent them and the destination, whether that’s a stewed-pork *bifana* sandwich in Lisbon or [Franca Barcelona](https://www.francabarcelona.com/)’s take on chef Alain Passard’s Huevo Passard, a delicate egg dish spiked with a Catalan liqueur called ratafia. Preston says guests appreciate the element of surprise—and not having to make a single decision for four hours. If there’s one component that most likens Elysian Tales to a typical food tour, it’s the walking, and that’s why Preston confines the program to one or two neighborhoods—so her guests won’t have to trot from restaurant to restaurant for more than 15 minutes. For those with mobility issues or simply don’t want to tolerate a humid summer night in Madrid or tackle the hills in Lisbon, cars can be arranged. While these tours are most often requested at night, they can be done during the day, too, featuring many of the same restaurants. Access, as they say, is everything. How else do you pop into the kitchen of Quique Dacosta’s [Deessa](https://www.mandarinoriental.com/en/madrid/hotel-ritz/dine/deessa) for 45 minutes to enjoy a glass of bubbles before slithering off to your next stop? You’ll need Elysian Tales for that. “With the timing and logistics we run, the venues know exactly when we arrive and leave,” she says, “meaning they agree to terms with us they wouldn’t with a regular guest.” *Elysian Tales runs nights in Lisbon, Barcelona, and Madrid, with Paris coming in fall 2026. From around $460 (400* *euros).* ## FAQs ### What is Elysian Tales? Elysian Tales is a private culinary experience that takes guests through four carefully selected restaurants in a single neighborhood. Each four-hour itinerary combines Michelin-starred kitchen access, traditional local dining, a sought-after restaurant, and a personalized cocktail stop. ### Where is Elysian Tales available? Elysian Tales currently operates in Madrid, Lisbon, and Barcelona. The company plans to launch its Paris experience in fall 2026. ### How much does an Elysian Tales experience cost? Elysian Tales experiences start at approximately €400, or about $460, per person. The price includes a fully curated itinerary, food and drinks at four venues, a local host, and access that regular diners typically cannot arrange. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Food & Drink **Tags:** Barcelona, Feature, Lisbon, Madrid, Michelin, Michelin Star --- ### [33 Rolex Terms Every Watch Collector Should Know, From Frog Foot to Bark Finish](https://robbreport.ph/watches/33-rolex-terms-every-watch-collector-should-know-from-frog-foot-to-bark-finish/) **Published:** March 25, 2026 **Author:** Oren Hartov **Content:** So you saved up for your first [Rolex](https://robbreport.ph/tag/rolex/ "rolex"), and you decided to go the “vintage” route. But now, a problem — what the hell are all these weird terms and phrases being bandied about? “Frog foot” and “gilt” and “tropical” and “Bart Simpson”—it sounds like the frenzied mutterings of some drunken cartoon character in a contemporary production of *Alice In Wonderland*. How exactly does all this relate to watches, and to Rolex watches, more specifically? Here’s the thing: Rolex aficionados love this stuff. It’s like a secret, coded language that signals that someone else is an insider, that that person loves horological esoterica as much as the next nerd. But it’s also not that complicated, for a variety of reasons, not least of which is that we’ve compiled a cheat sheet for you. Now, the next time you see that vintage watch dealer, you can be sure that you’ll be on an equal footing. Kinda. At the least, they’ll know that you are someone who cares enough about the subject to sweat the details. NOTE: What we’re cataloging here is the language of the obsessive and the collector. Think of it as the only Rolex glossary you’ll ever need. ## Essential Rolex Terminology ## **2-Line** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/rolex-submariner-14060.webp) Rolex Submariner 2-Line 14060 *Photo: Courtesy Crown & Caliber* A dial with only two lines of text above the 6 o’clock marker, such as certain Ref. 14060 Submariners without denoted Chronometer certification. Some prefer the uncluttered looks of these dials. ## **4-Lin**e ![Rolex 16803 Two-Tone Submariner](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Rolex-16803-Submariner.jpeg) Rolex 16803 Two-Tone Submariner Bob’s Watches A dial with four lines of text. On a Ref. 14060M Submariner, for example, this would add the chronometer certification to the model name and depth rating. ## **Bark Finish** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Rolex-Bark-Finish-Bracelet.webp) Rolex Day-Date With a Bark Finish Bracelet *Photo: Bob’s Watches* A feature of certain President bracelets in which the gold material is etched to look like bark. ## **Big Crown** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/bigcrown03.webp) 1955 Rolex “Big Crown” Submariner 6200 *Photo: Tropical Watch* Certain early Submariners featured an oversized, 8mm winding crown—these include references 6200, 6538, and 5510. ## **Coronet** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/rolex-coronet-on-cellini-moonphase.webp) The Rolex Coronet sits at 12 o’clock on a Cellini Moonphase watch *Photo: Rolex* The Rolex crown logo. ## **Cyclops** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/rolex-gmt-master-2-cyclops-lens.webp) A Rolex GMT-Master II with a cyclops lens over the date aperture. *Photo: Rolex* A watch crystal with a built-in magnifier for the date, first released in 1948 on a Datejust model and patented in 1952. Originally these were made of acrylic and were part of the crystal; later (and current) sapphire models feature a Cyclops manufactured separately and affixed to the main crystal. ## **Double Swiss Underline** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/rolex-daytona-double-swiss-underline.webp) The Double Swiss Underline dial on a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona. *Photo: Sotheby’s* A particular dial on the first Daytona Ref. 6239 that features an underline beneath the word “Cosmograph” and two “SWISS” signatures—one above the 6 o’clock marker, and one below the minute track, which is partially covered by the watch’s rehaut. ## **Eagle Beak** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Rolex-Submariner-Ref-5512-Eagle-Beak.webp) Rolex Submariner Ref. 5512 with Eagle Beak crown guards. *Photo: HQ Milton* A crown guard style found on certain Ref. 5512 Submariners from the late 1950s/early 1960s in which the guards are shaped like eagles’ beaks. (As opposed to the square style that preceded them, or the pointed style that followed.) ## **Explorer Dia**l ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/bigcrown01.webp) 1955 Rolex “Big Crown” Submariner 6200 *Photo: Tropical Watch* A dial featuring the Explorer I’s distinctive mix of dash, Arabic and triangular markers. This dial appeared on certain earlier Submariners such as the Ref. 6200 and certain 5513s. ## **Feet First** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/vintage-rolex-submariner-5513-feet-first-dial-1972.webp) Vintage Rolex Submariner 5513 “Feet First” Dial (1972) *Photo: Courtesy Bob’s Watches* A dial in which the depth rating begins with feet rather than meters, i.e. “660ft=220m.” This may indicate that the watch in question—generally a Sub—was destined for the American market, but this is collector guesswork. ## **Frog Foot** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Rolex-Explorer-Ref-1016-Frog-Foot-Dial.webp) Rolex Explorer Ref. 1016 with a Frog Foot Dial *Photo: Bulang & Sons* A particular type of Rolex coronet (crown) found on certain Rolex sport watches (reference 1016s, 1655s, etc.) made in the late 1960s through the mid-1970s, in which the coronet is wider and looks like the foot of…well….a frog. ## **Ghost Bezel** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Rolex-GMT-Master-Ref-1675-Ghost-Bezel.webp) Rolex GMT Master Ref. 1675 Ghost Bezel *Photo: Bob’s Watches* An aluminum bezel in which the coloring has faded—especially from black to blue or grayish. ## **Glossy Gilt Dial** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/vintage-rolex-gmt-master-1675-gilt-glossy-dial-1966.webp) Rolex GMT Master Ref. 1675 with a Glossy Gilt Dial *Photo: Bob’s Watches* A type of early Rolex dial in which the underlying brass dial blank is exposed, yielding text and other features (such as minute tracks, etc.) that looks golden in hue. These types of dials were eventually replaced by matte, and then by glossy dials with white printing and applied white gold surrounds. ## **HEV** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/rolex-sea-dweller.webp) Rolex Sea-Dweller *Photo: Rolex* The “helium escape valve,” which features on certain Rolex Professional models such as the Sea-Dweller. This one-way valve allows helium molecules to escape the watch during decompression, which prevents the crystal from flying off the watch. (Yes—this is an actual problem—if you’re a saturation diver.) ## Jubilee ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RR_Rolex_Collectors_Terms_Update_jubilee.webp) Rolex GMT Master II on a Jubilee Bracelet *Photo: Rolex* This bracelet type, launched by Rolex in 1945 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the brand, is now an icon of watchmaking, freely imitated by other watchmakers both large and small. It still comes as standard fare on many Rolex models, perhaps most famously on the Datejust — the model on which it was launched. With its tapered, five-link design, it has a more sophisticated and dressy aspect than its cousin, the Oyster bracelet. ## **Matte Dial** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Rolex-Matte-Dial.webp) A Rolex Submariner with a Matte Dial. *Photo: HQ Milton* A dial in use on Rolex sport watches (and others) from the mid-late 1960s through the mid-1980s. These did away with the “gilt” printing of the earlier gilt-gloss dials and instead featured a flat black surface with white text and painted tritium indices. ## **Maxi Dial** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Rolex-Submariner-Ref-5513-Maxi-Dial.webp) Rolex Submariner Ref. 5513 with a Maxi Dial *Photo: Bob’s Watches* A dial that features oversized lume plots for increased legibility. ## **Mercedes Hands** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Rolex-Ref-124273-Oyster-Perpetual-With-Mercedes-Hands.webp) Rolex Ref. 124273 Oyster Perpetual with Mercedes Hands *Photo: Rolex* This is a unique Rolex handset featured on many references whose minute hand has a round portion divided into three equally sized portions—much like the Mercedes logo. (The first Sub to feature this handset is the Ref. 6204 from 1954.) ## **Meters First** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Rolex-Submariner-Ref-5512-Meters-First-Dial.webp) Rolex Submariner Ref. 5512 with a Meters First Dial *Photo: Bob’s Watches* A dial in which the depth rating gives meters before feet, i.e. “200m=660ft.” ## **Neat Font** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Rolex-Ref-5512-Neat-Font-Dial.webp) Rolex Ref. 5512 with a Neat Font Dial *Photo: Bob’s Watches* A dial style in which the printing is executed in a script that has been described as more standardized and “neater.” (Older Subs often feature printing that looks distinctly hand-drawn and messy.) Certain Ref. 5512 Subs feature such dials. ## Nipple Dial ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RR_Rolex_Collectors_Terms_Update_nipple_dial.webp) Rolex GMT Master with a Nipple Dial *Photo: AP Watches* Certain vintage GMT-Master and Submariner models in yellow gold or two-tone feature black or blue dials in which the hour indices — also crafted from gold — protrude from the dial surface and are filled with luminous materials. No longer produced by the brand, the “nipple dial” can be found on references made from the mid-1950s through the mid-1980s. (Note that this dial type cannot be found on all-steel watches.) ## **Oyster** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/rolex-oyster-perptual-day-date-ref-6510_6511.webp) *Photo: Davide Parmegiani* A highly water resistant case with a screw-down crown and screw-down caseback released in 1926 and featured on most Rolex watches ever since. (Currently, only the dressy Cellini doesn’t feature an Oyster case.) ## Oyster (Bracelet) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RR_Rolex_Collectors_Terms_Update_oyster.webp) Rolex’s Oyster Perpetual “Celebration” Watch on an Oyster Bracelet *Photo: Oyster* Produced initially by specialist bracelet makers in the 1930s before seeing production move full in-house, the Oyster bracelet is another icon of Rolex design. With its three-link construction, the shape is both robust and elegant in its simplicity, and is commonly found on tool watches such as the Submariner and the Explorer. Due to its long presence in the Rolex catalog, myriad types of Oyster exist, with different collectors preferring different types. ## **PCG (Pointed Crown Guards)** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Rolex-Square-vs-Pointed-Crown-Guards.webp) Rolex Submariners with Square (left) and Pointed Crown Guards *Photo: Bob’s Watches* A crown guard style in which the crown guards are pointed, as opposed to squared or “eagle’s beak” guards. These can be found on Ref. 5512 Subs from roughly 1959-1963. ## Rainbow ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RR_Rolex_Collectors_Terms_Update_rainbow.webp) Rolex Cosmograph Daytona “Rainbow” Ref. 116599RBOW *Photo: Wrist Aficionado* Describes a watch in which the bezel is set with a multi-colored array of precious stones arranged in a rainbow pattern. Most often seen on the Cosmograph Daytona, “rainbow” watches (such as the Ref. 116599RBOW) have become increasingly popular with both women and men during the 2020s. (Certain Day-Date models have rainbow-colored hour indices rather than gem-set bezels, but generally aren’t referred to as “rainbow” watches.) ## **Small Crown** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/small-crown-rolex.webp) *Photo: Sotheby’s* This term generally refers to early Subs that featured a smaller winding crown, such as the references 6204, 6205, 6536/1, and more. ## **Spider Dial** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Rolex-Ref-16800-Spider-Dial.webp) Rolex Submariner Ref. 16800 With a Spider Dial *Photo: Bob’s Watches* A type of glossy dial in which the lacquer coating has developed fine cracks, aka “crazing,” resulting in a spider web-like appearance. Though a definite defect, certain collectors are attracted to this look. ## **Stella Dial** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/https___hypebeast-1.webp) Rolex Stella Dials *Photo: Bob’s Watches* A brightly colored, lacquered dial found on certain Day-Date watches from the 1970s and made for Rolex by a company called Stella. These were primarily meant for the Middle Eastern market. ## **Swiss Exclamation Point Dial** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Rolex-Ref-1675-Swiss-Exclamation-Point.webp) Rolex GMT Master Ref. 1675 with a Swiss Exclamation Point *Photo: Sotheby’s* A dial in which a small, circular lume plot below the vertical, rectangular one at 6 o’clock forms what looks like an exclamation point, which is joined by a “SWISS” signature below the chapter ring. This dial featured on Subs, Explorers, and GMT-Masters in the late 1950s/early 1960s for a time. ## Swiss Only ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RR_Rolex_Collectors_Terms_Update_swiss_only_dial.webp) Rolex Submariner “Swiss Only” *Photo: HQ Milton* Rolex transitioned from tritium lume to LumiNova, a non-radioactive compound, in 1998 or thereabouts, at which point it began signing dials “SWISS.” In 1999, it upgraded from LumiNova to SuperLumiNova, and once again began signing dials “SWISS MADE.” Thus, the so-called “Swiss only” is a transitional—and relatively rare—dial that was only in production for roughly a year. ## **Super Case** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Rolex-Submariner-Ref-116610-with-a-Super-Case.webp) Rolex Submariner Ref. 116610 with a Super Case *Photo: Bob’s Watches* Sometimes mistakenly called a “maxi case,” this describes a Submariner or GMT-Master II case with fatter lugs and a larger bezel, giving the impression of a larger watch even though certain Super cases measure 40mm in diameter like their predecessors. ## **Tapestry Dial** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Rolex-Ref-18238-Tapestry-Dial.webp) Rolex Ref. 18238 with a Tapestry Dial *Photo: Rolex* A dial that features vertical ridges. Sometimes found, for example, on 5-digit Datejusts from the late 1970s/early 1980s. ## **Tropical** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/tropicaldialrolexes.webp) Four tropical dial Rolexes offered at Bob’s Watches. *Photo: Bob’s Watches* A black dial that has turned brown due to degradation of the paint used, possibly due to UV exposure, humidity, moisture, etc. These dials are highly desirable if even in their coloration. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** rolex, Watch Collector --- ### [10 Men's Swim Trunks for Your Next Summer Getaway](https://robbreport.ph/style/10-mens-swim-trunks-for-your-next-summer-getaway/) **Published:** March 24, 2026 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** Summer in the Philippines has finally arrived. With the coming Easter weekend (and, for many, the first of the summer’s many holidays), and Araw ng Kagitingan extending the reprieve, the season unfolds as a sequence of long weekends best spent near water. Wardrobes shift accordingly. Loose linen replaces structure and swimwear becomes a weekend bag staple. A quick drive to Batangas, a flight out to Palawan, or an afternoon on a sunbed at home, each calls for the right pair of trunks. ## **Polo Ralph Lauren Men’s Traveler Classic Swim Trunk (Newport Navy)** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/POLO-203033181.webp) *Photo: Rustan’s* Proof that keeping it simple always pays off. Polo Ralph Lauren’s Traveler trunk keeps things trim at 5.75 inches, with a navy that works for a swim as well as on dry land for impromptu cocktails. Consider it the Riviera uniform for men who prefer a cooler, more understated vibe. *[Available at Rustans](https://rustans.com/products/polo-ralph-lauren-mens-5-75-inch-traveler-classic-swim-trunk-newport-navy)* ## **Hermès “Metal au Carré” Canvas Swim Trunks** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/metal-au-carre-swim-trunks-658101H41U-worn-2-0-0-800-800_g.webp) *Photo: Hermes* [Hermès](https://robbreport.ph/tag/hermes/ "hermes"), as we all know, rarely does casual. The “Metal au Carré” print turns a swim trunk into a conversation piece. The kind of pair that suggests you planned it all out. *[Available at Hermes](https://www.hermes.com/us/en/product/metal-au-carre-swim-trunks-H658101H41ULA/)* ## **Vilebrequin Sunny Streets Swimwear** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Group6_35fa3bbf-bff5-405f-8cdf-320640920085.webp) *Photo: Vilebrequin* Vilebrequin’s charm lies in its refusal to take summer too seriously. “Sunny Streets” leans into playful nostalgia—sun-drenched hues, postcard optimism—without losing its tailored discipline, reminiscent of the summers those early Spike Lee films used to depict. For the man who understands that good taste can, occasionally, afford to smile. *[Available at Signet](https://thesignetstore.com/collections/swimwear/products/mens-swimwear-sunny-streets-ms0h3f06)* ## **Versace Printed Swim Shorts** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/90_ABU05020-A233170_A7900_14_PrintedSwimShorts-Versace-online-store_3_1.webp) *Photo: Versace* If subtlety is your thing, this might not be it. As one may expect, Versace’s printed swim shorts arrive fully dialed up, with baroque florishes, bold color, and a certain Mediterranean bravado. Best worn somewhere equally theatrical, where the pool is less for laps and more for being seen. *[Available at Versace](https://www.versace.com/ph/en/men/underwear-beachwear/swimwear/printed-swim-shorts/ABU05020-A233170_A7900.html?_gl=1*1jz8bhz*_up*MQ..*_gs*MQ..&gclid=Cj0KCQjwpv7NBhCzARIsADkIfWwHrapCn5wvd0BaY3oECdArk8Bkl04KWWAXWRkdECisZqSfCDbhMZIaAuXnEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds&gbraid=0AAAAADnzP0Z2lvAPoRPDpAgvhO7wZLU-X)* ## **Off-White Arr Surfer Swim Shorts** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/22103288_53280279_1000.webp) *Photo: Farfetch* Streetwear goes offshore. Off-White’s Arr Surfer shorts carry the brand’s graphic language into saltwater territory, balancing technical ease with a knowing edge. Ideal for the man who treats the shoreline more as a kind of extension of his urban sensibilities. *[Available at Farfetch](https://www.farfetch.com/ie/shopping/men/off-white-arr-surfer-swim-shorts-item-22103288.aspx?lang=en-US&size=19&clickref=1011lCf44oaL&utm_source=laurenlyst&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=PHUK&pid=performancehorizon_int&c=PHUK&clickid=1011lCf44oaL&af_siteid=laurenlyst&af_cost_model=CPA&af_channel=affiliate&is_retargeting=true)* ## **Dolce & Gabbana Leopard-Print Swim Shorts** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/26526386_57425373_1000.webp) *Photo: Farfetch* Animal instinct, tailored. Dolce & Gabbana’s leopard print trades discretion for pure confidence. It’s a high-risk, high-reward proposition—best worn by someone who understands that on certain beaches, more is more. *[Available at Farfetch](https://www.farfetch.com/ph/shopping/men/dolce-gabbana-leopard-print-swim-shorts-item-26526386.aspx)* ## **Jacquemus The Puntini Striped Swim Shorts** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/25E255SW013-2407-2BM_04-scaled.webp) *Photo: Jacquemus* Jacquemus excels at making simplicity feel strangely academic. The Puntini’s stripes are crisp, almost architectural, with proportions that flatter without announcing themselves. It’s a piece that suggests you’ve thought about summer, albeit not too obviously. *[Available at Jacquemus](https://www.jacquemus.com/en_ph/the-puntini-swimsuit/255SW013-2407-2BM.html)* ## **Frescobol Carioca Copacabana Sport Swim Shorts** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/1018-04_Rio_Copacabana_Swim_Shorts_Navy_84f50a3a-94d0-4a7e-aecd-8f412ec495eb-scaled.webp) *Photo: Frescobol Carioca* In a nutshell: Rio, distilled. Frescobol Carioca channels the geometry of Copacabana into a pair of sport shorts that feel both athletic and refined. Lightweight, purposeful, and stylish, built for mornings that begin with a swim and end somewhere far more social. *[Available at Fresco Bolcarioca](https://www.frescobolcarioca.com/products/rio-sport-copacabana-swim-navy-blue?srsltid=AfmBOopUz0UU9qcBHj_By7er1bkCRk6x6bQgYDP1RxHlH2_TUxKyR-Er)* ## **JW Anderson Abstract-Print Swim Shorts** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/25759941_58015381_1000.webp) *Photo: Farfetch* For those who prefer their beachwear with a conceptual bent. JW Anderson’s abstract print positions itself as wearable modern art. It’s unpredictable, slightly irreverent, and entirely deliberate (kind of like a Cecily Brown painting in that regard). For those who find the ordinary a little too easy. *[Available at Farfetch](https://www.farfetch.com/ph/shopping/men/jw-anderson-abstract-print-swim-shorts-item-25759941.aspx)* ## **Etro Floral Paisley Swim Shorts** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/etro-245254.webp) *Photo: Etro* Etro’s paisley is practically a signature, here in sun-ready florals that feel both bohemian and exacting. It’s a print with history, and ideal for the traveler who collects destinations the same way others collect patterns. *[Available at Etro](https://www.etro.com/ph-en/floral-paisley-swim-shorts-MRPB000199SASU2X0885.html)* **Categories:** Fashion, Style **Tags:** hermes, JW Anderson, Off-Whit, Off-White, Polo Ralph Lauren, summer, Versace, Vilebrequin --- ### [Visiting Art Basel Hong Kong 2026? Here's How to Navigate the Fair's Key Sectors](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-collectibles/visiting-art-basel-hong-kong-2026-here-is-how-to-navigate-the-fairs-key-sectors/) **Published:** March 24, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** [Art Basel Hong Kong](http://artbasel.com "Art Basel Hong Kong") returns at the end of the week—and as a carefully engineered system. As the fair rethinks scale, history, and digital practice, it shifts away from sheer visual overload and toward a more structured approach, organizing its program across sectors that each operate with a distinct logic. Rather than navigating booth by booth, consider starting with the fair’s key sectors, where the strongest curatorial thinking is concentrated. At one end, Encounters expands outward, anchoring the fair with large-scale installations shaped by a new curatorial framework. Kabinett, by contrast, pulls inward, offering tightly staged presentations that foreground historical depth and thematic precision. Between them sits Zero 10, making its Asia debut as a platform for digital art, signaling a more serious integration of new media into the fair’s core program. Here’s a map around these key sectors to guide you through the fair. ## Encounters ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Parag_Tandel__Talisman_for_Coastal_Futures_8__2024_Courtesy_of_t-2240x3191.webp) Parag Tandel, Talisman for Coastal Futures 8, 2024. *Photo: Courtesy of the artist and Tarq/Art Basel* Dedicated to large-scale projects that move beyond the traditional gallery booth, Encounters returns as a central sector of Art Basel Hong Kong, now under a newly expanded curatorial structure. The 2026 edition is led by Mori Art Museum Chief Curator Mami Kataoka. She is joined by Isabella Tam, Alia Swastika, and Hirokazu Tokuyama. This year’s presentation features 12 large-scale works, organized through a curatorial framework based on the Five Elements—space (ether), water, fire, wind, and earth—each mapped across different areas of the convention halls. The structure is meant to create spatial rhythm, guiding how audiences move through the installations. Among the highlights is a multimedia textile landscape by Suki Seokyeong Kang, representing space/ether, presented by Kukje Gallery. The work translates choreography into woven form, extending Kang’s ongoing exploration of movement and structure. On the other hand, representing water, Parag Tandel’s yarn-based installation—presented by Tarq—draws from ancestral ties to the sea. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/The_Volcanic_Island__detail___2023__Woven_plastic_and_cotton_thre.webp) The Volcanic Island (detail), 2023. *Photo: Courtesy Mizuma Art Gallery/MIYAJIMA Kei/Art Basel* Meanwhile, fire is articulated through the ceramic practice of Masaomi Yasunaga, whose glazed sculptural forms, presented by Lisson Gallery, appear almost geological in their formation. Interestingly, the Filipino presence is also felt within the sector, with [Geraldine Javier](https://robbreport.ph/tag/geraldine-javier/ "geraldine Javier") presenting monumental eco-printed fabric columns resembling trees. Shown by [Silverlens](https://robbreport.ph/tag/silverlens/ "silverlens") and aligned with the element of earth, the work reflects Javier’s longstanding engagement with nature, memory, and transformation. Encounters extends beyond the fair floor this year. At Pacific Place’s Park Court, Christine Sun Kim presents “A String of Echo Traps” (2022–2026), a site-specific digital animation installation exploring echo, translation, and sound. The work is accompanied by a sound composition and presented by White Space, with support from Swire Properties. ## Kabinett: Focused Histories, Sharper Context ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Shen_Liang__Shan_Shui__2022_Courtesy_of_the_artist_and_Lin___Lin-1.webp) Shen Liang, Shan Shui, 2022. *Photo: Courtesy of the artist and Lin & Lin/Art Basel* Kabinett, which is dedicated to focused thematic presentations staged within participating galleries’ booths, returns in 2026 with 35 projects, 23 of which spotlight historical and contemporary artists from the Asia-Pacific. Among the must-sees from this sector is a series of luminous, hand-painted glass lightboxes by Judy Chicago, presented by Jessica Silverman, which distills the artist’s longstanding engagement with light, color, and feminist iconography into a more intimate format. At P.P.O.W., Dinh Q. Lê’s 1998 installation Damaged Gene revisits the enduring trauma of war through children’s clothing and pacifiers. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/s6280My_waters_rest-2.webp) Janine Antoni, My waters rest. *Photo: Courtesy of Rossi & Rossi/Art Basel* Beijing Commune, likewise, presents a meditative architectural installation by Ma Qiusha, bringing together two recent bodies of work that explore interiority and spatial perception, while Annely Juda Fine Art offers a curated selection of early works by Christo, underscoring the gallery’s decades-long relationship with the artist. Regional modernism also comes into focus. Thai pioneer Tang Chang is represented through a suite of abstract paintings presented by gdm, situating his practice within the broader evolution of Southeast Asian abstraction. Elsewhere, Meyer Riegger Wolff stages a joint presentation of sculptural works by Jeewi Lee and Francisco Tropa, examining relics, material transformation, and the passage of time. ## Zero 10: Digital Art Enters the Fair’s Core Program ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Tim_Yip__Lili__Large_scale_installation__450_cm_H_Courtesy_of_th-1-2240x1494.webp) Tim Yip, Lili *Photo: Courtesy of the artist and Asprey Studio* Art Basel’s global digital initiative Zero 10 makes its Asia debut in Hong Kong this year, following its launch at Art Basel Miami Beach in December 2025. Positioned as a platform for art of the digital era, the program signals a more deliberate integration of digital practices into the fair’s commercial and curatorial framework. The title references *0,10*, Kazimir Malevich’s landmark 1915 exhibition in Petrograd. Zero 10 adopts that same premise, which positions itself a reset point for how digital art is exhibited, contextualized, and ultimately collected. Curated by Eli Scheinman and presented by GoTone Privilege Club, the sector brings together 14 exhibitors, including Art of This Millennium (AOTM), Art Blocks, Asprey Studio, bitforms gallery, BottoDAO, and TAEX, among others. The presentations reflect the expanding vocabulary of digital art. At AOTM, DeeKay’s animated works draw from the visual language of early video games to explore psychological states, blending nostalgia with contemporary digital storytelling. Asprey Studio stages a cross-medium dialogue between AI, sculpture, installation, and traditional ink painting, featuring works by All Seeing Seneca, Qu Leilei, and Tim Yip. Materiality remains a key thread here. Silk Art House presents a silver sculptural project by Jack Butcher examining systems of value, while Onkaos features a participatory blockchain-based work by Robert Alice that reinterprets digital provenance through the lens of East Asian seal traditions. *More information on Art Basel Hong Kong [here](https://www.artbasel.com/).* **Categories:** Art & Collectibles **Tags:** art basel, Hong Kong, luxury travel, Mori Art Museum --- ### [How to Charter a Superyacht: Everything You Need to Know About Booking a High-Seas Vacation](https://robbreport.ph/guide-to/how-to-charter-a-superyacht-everything-you-need-to-know-about-booking-a-high-seas-vacation/) **Published:** March 24, 2026 **Author:** Julia Zaltzman **Content:** The Beckhams do it. Jeff Bezos does it. Leonardo DiCaprio even did it last month. Chartering a [yacht](https://robbreport.ph/tag/oyster-yacht/ "oyster yacht") has become many celebrities’ favorite way to get away from it all, whether lounging on sunbeds or snorkeling remote atolls. According to reports, there are around 14,000 yachts available for charter in the world today. The global charter fleet keeps on growing, which means there is a charter-yacht vacation out there to suit everyone. Ranging from 80- to over 450 feet, from the Caribbean to the Mediterranean to the South Pacific, elegant sailing yachts, high-performance motoryachts, explorer yachts with expansive deck spaces and award-winning gigayachts with armadas of water toys are available. If you’ve never dipped your toe in the charter waters before, let us walk you through the need-to-know details of how to charter a yacht successfully and have the time of your life. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/1-Stern-MY-AHPO-EXT-Guillaume-Plisson-_J3A8132-2.webp) Your chariot awaits. The welcoming swim platform of the new superyacht Ahpo, available through Moran Yachts. *Photo: Courtesy Guillaume Plisson* ## **How to Choose the Right Yacht to Charter** ### **Consult the Pros—Talk to a Broker** The biggest question for first-time charterers is where to begin. The tried-and-tested method is to engage the help of a reputable charter broker. It’s their job to understand what you would like to get from the charter and then matchmake your preferences with the most suitable yacht. “Engaging a professional charter broker is free and they are key to ensuring your holiday is stress-free,” Alexandra Groom, charter broker at Worth Avenue Yachts, told *Robb Report*. “Professional charter brokers have access to exclusive databases with stringent membership, communication and ethics rules, meaning they are most likely to be able to find you the right yacht in the right location, even if what you require is off market.” “Make sure your broker gets to know you and your family,” adds Nick Trotter, chairman of the charter committee of MYBA The Worldwide Yachting Association. “Finding the right broker is often via word of mouth, so ask your friends, ask people you trust, find out what they’ve done and who they’ve done it with. The communication between you and your broker is paramount because the broker represents you, they’re acting on your behalf, so you need to be able to articulate your vision.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/9-Benetti_yacht_for_charter_Lana_21908.webp) The upper-deck pool on the 351-foot Lana chartered via Fraser Yachts. *Photo: Courtesy Benetti Yachts* Neal Hornsby, co-founder and CEO of Yomira, advocates finding out about your broker’s eco-credentials, too: “Can they offset your carbon footprint from the charter, teach the kids about the marine environment or perhaps involve you in local conservation projects if you are keen to participate during your time aboard? The right broker for you is the broker that you not only connect with, but most importantly has the credibility to back up their advice.” You can find a listing of charter brokers and companies that adhere to global guidelines at the [MYBA](http://www.myba-association.com/en/homepage.cfm), the yachting industry’s technical and ethics guide, as well as that of the [International Yacht Brokers Association](https://iyba.yachts/). ### Booking With Apps For those who feel safer behind a screen, several different online platforms, such as [Ahoy Club](https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/chartering-a-yacht-2798140/), [Yotha](https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/new-yacht-charter-app-yotha-launches-2824848/) and Borrow a Boat allow you to scroll and book your yacht. This flexible approach embraces a younger generation of digitally minded charterers. That said, hailing a $10 taxi ride with Uber is much less risky than booking a $500,000 charter on your iPhone. So be sure you have contact info for a live human in case anything goes wrong on your charter vacation. ### Finding the Right Crew for Your Needs Equally as important when choosing a yacht is making sure the crew are a good fit. If you have children in tow, you’ll want a family-friendly crew who can keep them entertained. If you’re traveling with a group of active friends, having crew who double as watersports instructors is a great benefit. Or maybe you’ve been dreaming of a gastronomic itinerary that features a Michelin-caliber chef on board? A broker will go over all your options. June Montagne, charter consultant at IYC, recommends requesting references on the crew prior to making your final decision. “Your crew are far more important than your yacht,” she told *Robb Report*. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/9-Screen-Shot-2022-04-19-at-53946-AM.webp) The 446-foot Flying Fox is the world’s largest charter yacht. Charter guests have multiple decks and interior spaces for privacy. For a sense of scale, note the size of the couple on the upper-deck lounge. *Photo: Courtesy Imperial Yachts* ### **Picking Your Yachting Destination** An important element of any charter is knowing where you would like to vacation. This will also heavily influence the yacht that you end up chartering. Different yachts are based in different locations and usually move throughout the year, so if you have your heart set on experiencing *Lady E*’s brand-new beach club for spring break, you’ll be cruising the Indian Ocean. If you’re more interested in exploring UNESCO World Heritage sites along Croatia’s coastline, then *GECO,* which cruises the Eastern Mediterranean in summer, would be a smart option. “Decide on your group’s makeup and whether or not you have a particular destination in mind,” Katya Hall, IYC sales and charter consultant, told *Robb Report*. “It’s fine if you don’t—your broker will propose yachts in multiple locations and walk you through highlights of every destination.” The most common migration is the Mediterranean in the summer and the Caribbean in the winter. However, you will also find yachts cruising the waters of Central and South America, Antarctica, the Pacific islands, Northern Europe and even Costa Rica. In 2021, the Amalfi Coast in Italy and the Greek islands were among the most popular summer charter destinations. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/4-Burgess-VICTORIOUS_10000573_vb1905760.webp) The recently launched 278-foot Victorious is one of the brand-new charter yachts on the water. Available through Burgess. *Photo: Courtesy Burgess Yachts* ### **Choose a Vessel That Fits Your Plan—and the Occasion** Most yachts carry the basic water toys and tenders for being towed and simple snorkeling exploration. But some yachts carry specific equipment, from personal submarines, decompression chambers for scuba diving, inflatable slides and even Hammam saunas and snow rooms. Does your charter have a theme? Or maybe you want to celebrate a birthday? Just be sure the yacht caters for your needs, whether planning a party with a DJ or hosting a business meeting. “A yacht charter opens up destinations in ways that staying in a hotel can’t,” says Groom. “Instead of being restricted by transport links and journey times, you can start at one part of a coastline and end at another, taking in multiple islands, villages or bays in one short week, all from the comfort of your yacht. Even if a particular coastline is new to you, your captain will ensure that your trip focuses on the elements that are most important to you.” If you want to keep the yacht on the move, its speed, size, draft depth and flag will determine how many stops you can make. For example, cruising in the Bahamas requires a shallow draft if you want to visit out islands like the Exumas, though plenty of ports have deeper waters. “A yacht with stabilizers is key for first time charterers if they haven’t experienced the sea before,” advises Lotte Barker-Hahlo, charter broker at Burgess. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/9-Maltese-Falcon-Screen-Shot-2022-04-19-at-54136-AM.webp) The forward mast of the iconic sailing yacht Maltese Falcon doubles as a nighttime movie screen. *Photo: Courtesy Edmiston* ## Why Yacht Size Matters The duration of the trip and number of guests is another consideration. One week for family and a second week for friends? Or maybe you’re planning a three-week itinerary to island hop your way around the Florida Keys. Charter brokers usually list pricings per week and most charter yachts are certified to carry 12 guests, plus crew. If you plan to vacation with more than that, you will need a PYC- or SOLAS-class yacht, which is licensed for up to 36 passengers. Yachts such as 278-foot *Victorious*, an explorer vessel capable of circumnavigating the world, has 12 staterooms for 24 guests plus crew. Guest cabin configurations tend to be varied and flexible. The principal (person who booked the charter) will typically take the master suite. But yachts with large VIPs, cabins with bunks designed for kids, and twin cabins with a Pullman bed make sleeping arrangements tailored to suit your group easy. Don’t forget to include in your count any personal assistants, babysitters or other security guards. And if anyone in your party has concerns about limited mobility, factoring an elevator or stair-climber into your criteria early on is a must. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/3-Benetti_yacht_for_charter_11-11_4578.webp) Toys are a major consideration when looking for a superyacht to charter. A lot of fun will be off the boat. Benetti‘s 11.11 via Y.CO. *Photo: Courtesy Benetti Yachts* ## **When to Book** Once you’ve identified which yacht you prefer in your chosen destination, be sure not to leave booking until the last minute. Just like any other vacation, chartering over the summer holidays, Christmas and popular events such as the Monaco Grand Prix makes for the high-demand season. “Only book when you’re ready!” says Hornsby. “But as with any holiday periods, July/August and Christmas/New Year are always in high demand so an early conversation with your broker is recommended. There are always some great deals to be done in the quieter months, but lead-in time is key, particularly as we emerge from a Covid world.” Booking your charter at the last minute could mean you’re unable to secure your first, second or even third preference. If the timing and the yacht are both important, book a year in advance. If you are flexible with both dates and the yacht, most brokers can find a yacht for you. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/3-Burgess-JOY_00007704_vb1013935.webp) Family time aboard the 230-foot Joy, available through Burgess Yachts. *Photo: Courtesy Burgess Yachts* ## **Privacy and Personalization** Privacy and discretion form the backbone of yachting. Builders usually don’t share who the owner of a yacht is, nor do the brokers or crew. If you have concerns about the confidentiality of high-profile guests during your charter, requesting your charter broker to sign an NDA is an option. As with all elements of a bespoke yacht charter, the choice is yours, from dietary needs and favorite cocktails to service etiquette and daily activities. If you or your travel partners are inclined to remain plugged in, most yachts feature high-speed Wi-Fi, allowing you to keep in touch as much or as little as you would like. For those keen to get out and explore, options range from shopping for local artisan goods, taking a cooking class or dropping anchor in one cove all day to dive and fish. It’s up to you how you spend your time, just be sure to give the crew a heads-up so they know what to be prepared for. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/6-Burgess-RUYA_00008729_vb706076.webp) Pools and Jacuzzis are an expected feature among most superyacht charters. Here, aboard the 136-ft. Ruya. *Photo: Courtesy Burgess Yachts* ## Yacht Charter Costs: What Should You Expect to Pay? The final step is the contract. Most brokers use the MYBA contract or something similar. All these decisions lead down to the bottom line: How much does it cost? “Ask for all expenses involved,” says Montagne. “Does the charter fee include expenses or are they are additional? Is there any tax or VAT payable? What percentage is acceptable in the area you will be chartering? What about liability and trip cancellation insurance?” All these points need to be considered. As an example, for the 2021 summer season, the 160-foot Rossinavi *EIV* superyacht, with five cabins and nine crew chartered in the Mediterranean from approximately $280,000 per week. The overall price varies with fuel consumption (staying in port or cruising), location (France or Greece), the number of people you are traveling with, food and drink, as well as activities. Adding in food and drink; expenses for docking, fuel and other fees; and tips will tack roughly 30 to 50 percent of the charter rate to your trip. So, if you were on *EIV* for a week last summer, it most likely cost you between $364,000 and $420,000 depending on how often the yacht moved, how many bottles of rosé you went through, and what kind of gratuity you left the crew for your incredible stay on board. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/4-excellence-webvb1905164.webp) Superyacht Excellence lives up to its name, as one can see from the indoor/outdoor living spaces. *Photo: Courtesy Burgess Yachts* ## How Yacht Size and Destination Determine Price When it comes to costs, the size of the yacht matters. A smaller yacht will cost less, while the 446-foot *Flying Fox*, one of the largest charter yachts on the market accommodating 25 guests and with an unprecedented 4,300-square-foot two-floor spa, charters from around $3,400,000 per week. Certain destinations, such as Patagonia or Kamchatka, may bring a different set of fees if you intend on heli-skiing, while heavily protected locations like Antarctica and the Galapagos require permits confirmed in advance. Wherever you cruise, you will heavily rely on the knowledge, professionalism and help of the crew, so it goes without saying that the service tip is a crucial fee that should factor into your expenses. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/3-burgess-VICTORIOUS_10000573_vb1905125.webp) Spas and massage therapists are standard on most of the larger charter vessels. The spa on Victorious is unusually lavish. *Photo: Courtesy Burgess Yachts* ## How Much to Tip the Crew MYBA suggests five to 15 percent as customary, though it’s left up to your discretion to reward an exceptional crew with a larger amount if you think that’s fair, or a smaller amount if the service hasn’t been up to par. In terms of how to hand the tip over, standard procedure is to leave the gratuity with the captain at the end of your stay so he or she can divvy among the various crew members you may or may not have seen, based on their duties. All that’s left is to prepare to have a vacation of your lifetime. “There is nothing that compares to spending time on the water with your family and friends,” says Hall. “It’s about enjoying watersports, having exquisite meals and discovering magical spots of the world along the way.” *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Boats, Guide To **Tags:** Benetti, burgess, charter, fraser yachts, imperial yachts, Lurssen --- ### [Magnus Walker Is Auctioning Off a Treasure Trove of Porsches. Here Are the 7 Best.](https://robbreport.ph/cars/magnus-walker-is-auctioning-off-a-treasure-trove-of-porsches-here-are-the-7-best/) **Published:** March 23, 2026 **Author:** Howard Walker **Content:** The automotive world’s Urban Outlaw is selling-off part of his iconic collection of landmark Porsches. Yes, [Magnus Walker](https://robbreport.ph/the-luxe-dispatch/intercontinental-to-return-to-manila-the-magnus-walker-rare-porsche-sale-jim-irsays-historical-rock-n-roll-collection-more/ "InterContinental to Return to Manila, Magnus Walker’s Rare Porsche Sale, Jim Irsay’s Historic Rock N’ Roll Collection & More") has commissioned RM Sotheby’s to auction 18 cars and around 140 lots of rare [Porsche](https://robbreport.ph/the-story-of/10-fascinating-facts-you-never-knew-about-porsche/ "10 Fascinating Facts You Never Knew About Porsche") parts and memorabilia. All with no reserve. “To me, this is all about clearing space, both mentally and physically. I turn 60 next year and I’m at the point where I need to open up a new chapter in my life in terms of what’s coming next,” the globally renowned Porsche collector and builder tells *Robb Report*. He’s quick to add, however, that he’s hanging on to 15 of his most-prized signature cars and continuing to be very much a part of the Porsche–collector community. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2002-Porsche-911-GT2_Magnus-Walker.webp) Magnus Walker walking away from his 2002 Porsche 911 GT2, one of the lots at his RM Sotheby’s online auction starting on March 18. *Photo: Forest Casey, courtesy of RM Sotheby’s* “The auction is all about giving people the opportunity to experience what I’ve experienced. I bought my first Porsche in 1992 when I was 25 years old, and it was a dream come true,” says Walker (no known relation to this writer, mind you). “But it has reached a point where this out-of-control hobby has come to define who I am. It has taken me a while to get to this point where I’m ready to let some of them go.” Walker says there are auction lots for all pocketbooks—from a 1979 Porsche 928 with an estimate of $10,000 to $15,000, to a super-rare 1976 911 Carrera 2.7 MFI with a $250,000 estimate. The [*Magnus Walker: The Outlaw Collection* ](https://rmsothebys.com/auctions/mw26/)online auction kicks off March 18 with bidding ending March 25. Here are the seven cars, in chronological order—and in Walker’s own words—that we find most compelling. ## **1965 Porsche 911** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/1965-porsche-911-magnus-walker-1-w.webp) *Photo: Darin Schnabel, courtesy of RM Sotheby’s* “This is a car I chased for quite some time. It’s only the 310th 911 ever built and was delivered to Brumos Porsche in Jacksonville, Fla., in early ’65 after being built in late ’64. It’s one of the first half-dozen 911s that Brumos imported into the country, which makes it a very rare and significant car. I bought it in 2009—it took nine months to do a deal with the owner—and it currently sits in what I’d call a “Gentleman Racer” livery of silver, slate gray, burgundy, and bronze gold, rolling on 15 x 6-inch Fuchs wheels. I even managed to source one of my favorite ’70s Jackie Stewart steering wheels for it. There’s nothing like hearing that 2.0-liter flat-six rev to 6,000 \[rpm\], and shift with that rifle-bolt-action. To me, these short-wheelbase cars are the best of the breed; they are the lightest 911s, and the most responsive.” Estimate: $150,000 to $200,000 ## **1966 Porsche 911** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/1966-porsche-911-magnus-walker-2-w.webp) *Photo: Darin Schnabel, courtesy of RM Sotheby’s* “There’s something really special about this car. It’s pure and simple, unrestored, unmodified, and pretty much all original. It’s one of the first short-wheelbase 911s I acquired—I wasn’t necessarily looking for a green car, but this came up in Seattle. I’ve owned it since 2009. It’s one of those cars that’s a great example of engaging all the senses. At 80 mph, it’s moving around because it’s on these 70-series tires that are pretty narrow. There’s body roll, body flex, and it just dances around. It’s a lot of fun because it always feels faster than it is. It’s a 911 in its purest, most original form. It’s been repainted once, and I changed the original Fuchs wheels, which were not period-correct, to these gray powder-coated steelies. But the carpets are original, so is the black leatherette, and the wood steering wheel looks like it’s had 47 years of use. I’ve put quite a few miles on this car, and every time I drive it, it feels like stepping back in time.” Estimate: $100,000 to $150,000 ## **1967 Porsche 911 S** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/1967-porsche-911-S-magnus-walker-3-w.webp) *Photo: RM Sotheby’s* “I’ve always had a soft spot for the 911 S. I’ve owned seven of them, including, at one point, five at the same time. And this car has a pretty interesting story behind it. I saw an ad for it back in 2009 but didn’t chase it because, while it was a numbers-matching car, it wore these turbo flares. On short-wheelbase cars, they make a 911 look short and narrow, not muscular and beefy. But after I bought the car and brought it back to LA, we found it still had its original fenders. The turbo flares had simply been welded on top. So we were able to de-turbo-flare it while keeping the original fenders. The other thing I noticed early on was that the car felt zippier than a regular 2.0-liter ’67 S. Turns out, the original engine had been punched out to 2.3-liters. In my years of ownership, we’ve added some of my signature features, like drilled door handles, the hand-painted “meatballs” numbers, and a rare set of concave Outlaw wheels. It has a lot of character.” Estimate: $150,000 to $200,000 ## **1968 Porsche 911 Urban Outlaw Starter Kit** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/1968-Outlaw-Starter-Kit-Magnus-Walker-porsche-4-w.webp) *Photo: RM Sotheby’s* “This has got to be my favorite lot of everything that I’m selling. It’s a build-it-yourself Outlaw Starter Kit where you can put together your own version of a short-wheelbase, sport-purpose, R-inspired 911 hot rod. What you get is a 1968 911 L bodyshell, original color Banana Yellow. Then there’s a ’69 911 S 2-liter long-block motor, a rare, early 901 transmission, early Scheel bucket seat, replacement dash, and a great patinaed decklid and front hood. There are also four Minilites, some brake rotors, Bilstein shocks, and a fiberglass front bumper. Yes, some assembly is required, and sure, it’s gonna need some paint and bodywork and one or two parts. But it’s a great opportunity to build your dream hot rod. As a bonus, I’m even throwing in a special-edition MOMO Prototipo steering wheel, as well as a pair of my Nike SB Dunk “277” sneakers and an Urban Outlaw hat. Good luck!” Estimate: No Reserve ## **1976 Porsche 911 Turbo** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/1976-porsche-911-Turbo-5-w.webp) *Photo: Darin Schnabel, courtesy of RM Sotheby’s* “For me, the significant thing about my Minerva Blue Euro 930 Turbo is that it debuted my Outlaw Wheel collaboration with the boys from Fifteen52 here in LA. The wheel itself is a sort of reinterpretation of the original Fuchs, done with outlaw style. We debuted it in 2014 and it still looks great. The car itself is a Swiss-delivery Euro 930, with sunroof-delete. It has a bit more power than the U.S.-spec version—260 hp compared to 240. Somehow it does make it feel a little bit quicker, and certainly a lot rowdier thanks to the semi-custom exhaust we added. It has this loud, raspy sound, with lots of turbo hissing and whirling. When it came out of the factory, it had an all-white interior, which seemed a little loud for a Swiss delivery. We reupholstered the front seats in blue leather and corduroy. The Turbo is still the Porsche model most people picture when they think of a 911.” Estimate: $175,000 to $200,000 ## **1976 Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 MFI** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/1976-porsche-911-MFI-6-w.webp) *Photo: Forest Casey, courtesy of RM Sotheby’s* “This car is just a remarkable piece of Porsche history, and arguably one of the rarest cars I own. It’s a 911 2.7 MFI, meaning that it has the exact same Bosch mechanical fuel-injection motor you would find in the Holy Grail 1973 911 RS Carrera. It’s one of only 113 cars that were built just before the switch to the Carrera 3.0. Drive it and it has a hard-edged induction snap and razor-sharp throttle response that the later, electro-mechanical CIS-equipped 911s could never fully replicate . . . It has the SC Carrera flares and the Carrera side script, and we added a ducktail and new seats. But this car is all about that engine. It’s going to be a hard car for me to part with.” Estimate: $200,000 to $250,000 ## **2002 Porsche 911 GT2** “The significance of the 911 996 GT2 is simple. It was Porsche’s first water-cooled, two-wheel-drive, manual-transmission turbo. And they only made 184 of them in 2002 for the U.S. market. This was the beginning of the water-cooled era, and arguably as significant as the introduction of the 1964 911, or 911 Turbo in ’75. People still haven’t woken up to the real significance of the 996s and how they’re still so undervalued. I bought this car in 2020, and it has a remarkable color combination of black over special-order Natural Brown leather. And everything is covered in this peanut-butter-colored leather—the headliner, shift knob, even the a/c vents. This is actually Porsche’s last two-wheel-drive GT2 and is intoxicating to drive with that 3.0-liter turbo giving a big sledgehammer wallop push. It’s the most-expensive Porsche I’ve ever purchased by quite a bit, and was probably too nice for me.” Estimate: $125,000 to $150,000 *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** Collector Cars, Feature, magnus walker, market, porsche, rm sotheby;s --- ### [InterContinental to Return to Manila, Magnus Walker's Rare Porsche Sale, Jim Irsay's Historic Rock N' Roll Collection & More](https://robbreport.ph/the-luxe-dispatch/intercontinental-to-return-to-manila-the-magnus-walker-rare-porsche-sale-jim-irsays-historical-rock-n-roll-collection-more/) **Published:** March 20, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** This week in luxury sees a mix of strategic repositioning and notable releases across sectors. [Marriott](https://robbreport.ph/?s=marriott) continues to refine its hospitality portfolio with developments in Hawaii, while InterContinental signals its return to Manila with a long-term project. In India, The Leela expands into nature-led luxury with a new resort acquisition in Coorg. On the auction front, Magnus Walker’s Porsche collection and select pieces from the Jim Irsay Collection head to market, highlighting continued demand for collectibles with strong provenance. ## Magnus Walker’s Porsche Collection Heads to Auction ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Porsche-collector-modifier-Magnus-Walker-opener.webp) *Photo: RM Sotheby’s* A selection from Magnus Walker’s storied garage heads to auction, offering buyers a chance to acquire that same irreverent spirit as part of the *Outlaw Collection*. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/1965-porsche-911-magnus-walker-1-w.webp) *Photo: Darin Schnabel, courtesy of RM Sotheby’s* Highlights include a 1976 Porsche 911 Turbo, equal parts brute force and cultural icon, alongside a razor-sharp 1976 Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 MFI, prized for its mechanical purity. Even a 1968 Porsche 911 “Urban Outlaw” starter kit—complete with Walker’s signature provenance—makes the cut. *Place your bids [here](https://rmsothebys.com/auctions/mw26/lots/).* ## The Leela Bets Big on Coorg ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Hero-1_1920x950_2.webp) The Leela Palace Bengaluru *Photo: The Leela* The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts is doubling down on India’s growing appetite for nature-led luxury, acquiring a resort in Coorg for up to ₹560 crore (approximately P380 million). Set in the mist-laced hills of Karnataka, the property is expected to lean into low-density design. So yes, expect private villas, expansive decks, and architecture that dissolves into the landscape rather than competes with it. ## InterContinental Returns to Manila ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Intercontinental_Hotel_Ayala_Center_EDSA_Cor_Ayala_Ave_Makati_2012-11-2240x1680.webp) Designed by National Artist Leandro Locsin, it held the distinction of being the longest-running international chain hotel in the Philippines. *Photo: Patrick Roque* InterContinental is making its way back to Manila, carrying with it the memory of its former home in Makati. For decades, the property set the tempo for the city’s idea of international luxury before its quiet exit in 2015. This new iteration, slated within a mixed-use development, arrives with a longer horizon and a different brief. Less nostalgia, more calibration. The timeline stretches into the next decade, signaling confidence rather than haste. *More information [here](https://www.ihgplc.com/en/news-and-media/news-releases/2026/intercontinental-returns-ihg-brings-worlds-first-and-largest-luxury-hotel-brand-back-to-manila).* ## The Jim Irsay Collection Goes on Tour—and Under the Hammer ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2026_NYR_24627_0031_000kurt_cobain_the_fender_mustang_guitar_used_in_the_music_video_for_nirv125049-scaled.webp) The Fender Mustang guitar Kurt Cobain used in Nirvana’s music video for the 1991 single “Smells Like Teen Spirit” sold for US$6.9 million (approximately P412 million). *Photo: Christie’s* Part rock ‘n’ roll archive, part Americana fever dream, the Jim Irsay Collection sent select pieces to auction, with total sales closing at US$84 million (approximately P4.7 billion). Collectors encountered artifacts that became witnesses to some of music history’s most pivotal moments. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2026_NYR_24627_0043_000original_typescript_scroll_for_the_monumental_first_draft_of_on_the_ro125305-2240x3008.webp) The original typescript scroll for the first draft of Jack Kerouac’s On the Road sold for US$12,135,000 (approximately P713,000). *Photo: Christie’s* Highlights included David Gilmour’s famed Black Strat, Bob Dylan’s electric guitar from the 1965 Newport Folk Festival, and handwritten lyrics from Prince. Irsay notably first gained prominence as a collector in 2001, when he acquired the 120-foot scroll on which Jack Kerouac typed the original draft of his seminal novel, *On the Road*. ## St. Regis Stakes Its Claim in Kapalua Bay ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Wien_01_Hotel_Imperial_a.webp) Hotel Imperial in Vienna, Austria is part of Marriott International’s Luxury Collection. *Photo: Wikimedia Commons* Marriott International is sharpening its luxury portfolio in Hawaii, with plans to convert the Resort at Kapalua Bay into a St. Regis. The shift suggests a softer, more residential take on island luxury. Expect low-slung architecture, generous lanais, and interiors that favor restraint over spectacle. Service, as always, will carry the weight, with St. Regis’ butler tradition anchoring the experience. **Categories:** The Luxe Dispatch **Tags:** Auctions, christie's, Intercontinental, Marriott, porsche, sothebys --- ### [The Good Life: Editors' Picks of the Week](https://robbreport.ph/leisure/the-good-life-editors-picks-of-the-week-17/) **Published:** March 20, 2026 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** *In every The Good Life: Editors’ Picks column, we round up our editors’ favorites—restaurants, cocktails, experiences, exhibits, and everything in between. Here is our latest list.* ***A Chorus Line*** **at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater, *Spring Awakening* at the Proscenium Black Box Theater** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/591969653_122183643236382532_3900760403231236089_n.webp) When people ask me what I miss most about New York, it’s heading to TKTS on a slow day, and watching a Broadway show on my own. Because I used to need but a single ticket, I usually managed to get a plum seat at the last minute. I love a good musical. Luckily for me, I saw two excellent ones last week. First was the dazzling opening night at Theatre Group Asia’s production of “A Chorus Line” directed by Emmy Award-winner Karla Puno Garcia. It’s the 50th anniversary of the musical, and the Manila production features a powerhouse ensemble of Filipino and Filipino-American performers who are referred to as triple threats. They can sing, dance, and act. And they do so marvelously. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/17695767031104x5-Spring-Awakening-Poster.webp) Went into Sandbox Collective’s production of “Spring Awakening” not knowing what to expect, and what a surprise. The intimacy in the Black Box at the [Proscenium Theater](https://robbreport.ph/tag/the-proscenium-at-rockwell/ "The Proscenium at Rockwell") is the perfect setting for the show that brings the audience closer to the passionate actors and the coming-of-age musical set in 19th century Germany that could very well be in 21st century Philippines. Some characters are heartbreakingly naive and tentative, others are more curious and bold. We were riveted and silent in some parts, moved to laughter and even tears in others. And we were on our feet at the end. – *Yvette Fernandez, Chief of Editorial Content* A Chorus Line *is showing at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater at Circuit Makati through March 29*. *Hippodromo St, Makati City, 1630 Metro Manila.* *[(02) 7908 3524](https://www.google.com/search?q=samsung+performing+arts+theater&oq=samsung+performing&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqCggAEAAY4wIYgAQyCggAEAAY4wIYgAQyDQgBEC4YrwEYxwEYgAQyBggCEEUYOTIHCAMQABiABDIHCAQQABiABDIHCAUQABiABDIHCAYQABiABDIHCAcQABiABDIHCAgQABiABDIHCAkQABiABNIBCDQ4MTFqMGo3qAIIsAIB&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#)* *Spring* Awakening *is at the Proscenium Black Box Theater at Rockwell Makati through March 22.* *Proscenium at Rockwell, Estrella, Rockwell Center, Makati City, Metro Manila* ## **Toma Toma** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-19-at-65354-PM.webp) *Instagram* It’s not even a month old, but Toma Toma has already made its mark on Manila’s cocktail scene. At the helm is its owner/founder/mixologist [Arcadius Rybak](https://robbreport.ph/tag/arcadius-rybak/ "arcadius rybak"), who, after an impressive tenure at Hong Kong’s best bars, decided to settle in the Philippines to continue to design the bar programs of leading establishments here and abroad as well as begin his next project. (Coincidentally, Rybak has also appeared in four episodes of Robb Report Philippines’ Bar None, sharing recipes for the [Sidecar](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/bar-none/bar-none-sidecar/ "Bar None: A Sidecar With a Zesty Twist of Calamansi, Dalandan, and Dayap"), [Tommy’s Margarita](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/bar-none/bar-none-a-tommys-margarita-gets-a-bold-sour-kick-from-this-surprising-local-fruit/ "Bar None: The Tommy’s Margarita Gets a Bold, Sour Kick from This Surprising Local Fruit"), [Bramble](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/bar-none-bramble/ "Bar None: The Bramble Meets Bignay"), and [Piña Colada](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/bar-none/bar-none-pina-colada/ "Bar None: If You Like Piña Coladas…") with a Filipino twist.) That project is now realized in Toma Toma, a bar/eatery/restaurant/lounge in Green Sun at Chino Roces, Makati. It’s a place that defies categorization, because the drinks in the cocktail menu, with both seasonal and classic options, are the star, but so is the food, inspired by local *ihaw-ihaw* culture. Rybak’s love and excitement about the Philippines and its local produce is contagious, and is obvious in the whole range of cocktails highlighting regional fruits and local salts and vinegars, like a drink made with green mango, spicy suka, tultul salt, mezcal, and onion lambanog; or another made with kamias, codial made from Sagada pine needles, dalandan kosho, and gin. There are inventive takes on classic cocktails like the Lambatini, which combines lambanog and house-blend vermouths, and Bee’s Knees, made with honey from stingless bees in Laguna that actually leans more sour than sweet. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/IMG_2672-2240x3982.webp) Bee’s Knees. The food is just as wonderfully surprising. Turns out, the food program was developed with Metiz’s Stephan Duhesme, and are all winners, like the Chicken Balls that are a take on tinola, carrying over the flavors of spring onions and ginger. One of the standouts is the oyster mushroom skewer drizzled with an inasal emulsion. Best of all, it’s a place that is beautiful and elegant but doesn’t aspire to be intimidating. It’s relaxed and earthy, decorated with rattan and bamboo and tables made with slabs of wood from Pampanga. If only I lived down the street (oh, the lucky people in Dasmarinas Village), it would be the perfect place for a quick drink after work before heading home. I don’t want to jinx anything, but let’s just say I wouldn’t be surprised to see Toma Toma topping a few important lists this year. – *Kimberly Rocha-Delgado, Digital Editor* *Toma Toma is located at Green Sun, 2285 Chino Roces Ave, Makati City, 1232 Metro Manila*. ** ## **Briana Swann at The Jazz Club at Aman New York** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Scenes-from-Jazz-Club-8-2240x1440.webp) The Jazz Club at Aman New York. Courtesy of The Jazz Club Wishing I was in New York this week to catch the latest installment of The Jazz Club at Aman to be held on Friday, March 20. This edition features Briana Swann, a rising voice on the city’s jazz scene, with a set shaped alongside Maja Olivares-Co, the force behind the series. What I appreciate about this program is how it makes jazz feel accessible. The repertoire moves across genres with familiar songs. *The Man I Love*, *Night and Day*, and *Stormy Monday* stays rooted in blues. There’s also a thoughtful mix of pop and soul with *Natural Woman*, *Ain’t No Sunshine*, and *Crazy*, alongside reflective pieces *Amazing Grace* and *How Glad I Am*. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-19-at-45416-PM.webp) Briana Swann. *Courtesy of Aman NY* One of the most personal touches is *Dahil Sa ‘Yo*, a Filipino love song that feels right at home in this lineup. It’s the kind of show that brings different audiences together, whether you’re there for jazz standards or more familiar contemporary tracks. It’s the kind of night I wish I could have seen in person. Maybe in the fall! – *Alicia Colby Sy*, *Lifestyle Editor* *The Jazz Club is located in Aman New York. Private Entrance at 9 West 56th Street, New York.* **Categories:** Leisure, The Good Life: Editors' Picks **Tags:** A Chorus Line, aman new york, arcadius rybak, Black Box, cocktails, samsung performing arts theater, Spring Awakening, the jazz club, The Proscenium at Rockwell --- ### [Inside Louis Vuitton’s Exclusive Extravaganza to Debut Its New High Jewelry Collection](https://robbreport.ph/style/jewelry/inside-louis-vuittons-exclusive-extravaganza-to-debut-its-new-high-jewelry-collection/) **Published:** May 5, 2026 **Author:** Paige Reddinger **Content:** Recently the path to purchase an object of desire has become just as important as the object itself. At the unveiling of [Louis Vuitton](https://robbreport.ph/tag/louis-vuitton/ "Louis Vuitton")’s Mythica high jewelry collection, the Parisian house took VIP guests on an epic voyage to Marrakech. The brand arrived teaming with trunks, tableware, plenty of custom decor (including LV’s floral motif executed in floating pedals in an accent pool in the spa, for example), and, of course, jaw-dropping gems in extraordinary settings. Top clients were entertained at the Royal Mansour and La Mamounia—two famously luxe hotels in the city considered to be the best of the best. Upon arrival, guests were greeted at the entrance of the two hotels where seven-feet-tall stacks of Louis Vuitton trunks decorated flanked the entrances and served as lobby centerpieces. Even pillows with LV Star Monograms were created to match the existing furniture in the hotels and, for example, in La Mamounia’s spa even decorated an accent pool in the waiting room in a floating arrangement of white florals in the same motif. No detail was spared with Louis Vuitton tableware decorating every dining experience from lunches to dinners. The culminating event took place roughly a 45-minute drive into the Agafay desert to the new five-star hilltop hotel [Kasbah D’If](https://www.kasbahdif.com/). Guests arrived to the sprawling location welcomed by greeters in traditional garb on horseback and a female group of traditional singers. Local male Gnawa performers surrounding a pool within an outdoor atrium then entertained guests as they twirled their tarboushes (hats with long colorful tassels) and clapped qrabqebs (metal hand instruments) and beat traditional tabals (drums). But that was just the beginning . . . an alfresco runway show overlooking the sunset introduced the jewels on models. After, guests climbed a set of stairs to the rooftop where a sprawling dinner tables were set up beneath a full moon and fire pits flickered in decorative accent pools. As dinner was served complete with LV tableware, napkins, and even custom Star Monogram iron-worked folding campaign chairs with tassels fires alighted in long horizontal pits framing the tables and atop the tips of the fortress-like building to signal another display of jewels on the models. Just before desert, a procession of men bearing torches alerted guests to yet another spectacle: The event culminated in an extraordinary cascade of white fireworks that would put even the largest July 4th celebration to shame. As the race to capture the attention of top high jewelry clients heats up, Louis Vuitton is making it clear it aims to smoke any competition. ![Group of people in formal wear standing on a tiered outdoor stage as fireworks light the night sky above them.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/GROUPSHOT_LOUIS_VUITTON_MYTHICA_COLLECTION_-_LOUIS_VUITTON_HIGH_JEWELRY-1.webp) Louis Vuitton Mythica Collection debut in Morocco *Photo: Louis Vuitton* To say that guests were transported, would be an understatement. “We feel grateful to have been here tonight, here to celebrate our mythical collection, our mythical desert, Agafay desert here around us, and this kasbah, which has really something special, something magic, and you feel it in the air,” Pietro Beccari, CEO and chairman of Louis Vuitton said during a speech at the dinner. “And talking about myths, we celebrate a second form of travel, because Mythica is all about imagination. It’s all about the travel and the journey of the mind, of our fantasies, the traditions, the legends, the mysteries, the magic, the passionate saga in an explosive mix of storytelling and also savoir faire.” He also called attention to the thousands of hours artisans spent creating the collection (detailed for the pieces below) and the billions of years it took to form the stones in the collection. “Their journey is not over,” he noted. “Their journey will continue in the form of a unique and special jewelry piece that will be part of your family’s generation after generation, and their beauty will be eternal, and this beauty will continue to live on and celebrate the savoir faire, the myths and the spirit of travel of Louis Vuitton.” Living up to the fanfare created to introduce them, the new Mythica creations did in fact illicit gasps of awe. From the groundbreaking fluorescent diamonds that light up under UV rays in the Spell collection to the jaw-dropping size of the colorful gems on the Sirius necklace to the extraordinary craftsmanship of the intricate and time-consuming gradient snow setting of diamonds on the leaf-like forms of the Fortune necklace, it was hard not to feel hypnotized by Louis Vuitton’s high jewelry odyssey. ## Louis Vuitton Sirius Necklace ![Diamond-studded necklace with alternating emeralds and sapphires set in pavé-diamond halos on a black background, showcasing blue and green stones.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Louis-Vuitton-Mythica-High-Jewelry-Sirius-Necklace.webp) *Photo: Louis Vuitton* Six tourmalines, three aquamarines, and four tanzanites totaling a 249.31 carats, this heavyweight necklace was easily a highlight in the collection’s many showstoppers. It appears more like a crown for the neck, than anything else but these gems—with their royal-like sizing—weren’t the only part of the story. The shells that cradle each stone are also set with fully pavé stones of green emeralds, blue sapphires, and tourmalines in LV Monogram star patterns on the reverse side. In total, 1,494 hours of work went into its creation. The Sirius subcollection also includes two aquamarine and tourmaline bracelets set in a mesh design with sapphires, emerald, and tourmaline pavé stones, as well as three rings and four pairs of earrings. ## Louis Vuitton Mesmerism Necklace ![Diamond-encrusted rope necklace with a square emerald pendant hanging center](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Louis-Vuitton-Mythica-High-Jewelry-Mesmerism-Necklace.webp) *Photo: Louis Vuitton* From afar, the incredible 17.18-carat Colombian emerald with its incredibly rich hue infused with hints of blue appears to be the instant focal point of the Mesmerism necklace but step closer and you will notice the incredible intricacy of a voluminous mesh crafted from minute interconnected diamond-set LV Monogram Flower forms. It culminates in a loop with a 3.03-carat LV Monogram Flower-cut diamond from which the emerald is hung. The piece feels at once modern and timeless. It is accompanied by 17 pieces combining emeralds and diamonds including six rings, three bracelets, two earrings, and a brooch. ## Louis Vuitton Fortune Necklace II ![Gold bracelet set with lustrous pearls and pavé diamonds on a black reflective surface, elegant jewelry display](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Louis-Vuitton-Mythica-High-Jewelry-Fortune-Necklace_a9c46a.webp) *Photo: Louis Vuitton* The Fortune subcollection is the largest within Mythica and the headlining necklaces within are the most arresting of the entire array of new jewels. This choker embraces 25 large gold pearls in a range of pink to green underlying hues totaling a 511.28 carats. Set in a line, they are encircled by two 18-karat yellow-gold leaves set with orangey yellow and white diamonds. It took 1,830 hours to craft. ## Louis Vuitton Fortune Necklace I ![Gold layered diamond-encrusted choker necklace on a black background, with a central diamond accent and intricate band design.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/fortune_necklace_louis_vuitton_mythica_collection_-_louis_vuitton_high_jewelry_copy_720.webp) *Photo: Louis Vuitton* The most talked-about necklace at the reveal, this Fortune necklace wowed with its sculputral form which encircles the neck and collar bone. The 18-karat gold leaves are set with 4,700 diamonds in a gradient of hues from Fancy Vivid orangey yellow to white in a snow setting. The leaf-like forms swirl around the neck while seductively showing off hints of skin. At its center is a 5.12-carat D IF Louis Vuitton Star-cut diamond. It is nothing short of spectacular. Unsurprisingly it required extra work culminating in 2,860 hours of craftsmanship. The Fortune collection includes 21 pieces and is, according to Louis Vuitton, a hint of what’s to come in the next chapter. For now at least, this is *the* piece to own in the Mythica collection. ## Louis Vuitton Fortitude Necklace ![Diamond necklace with a large blue gemstone pendant on a black background.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Louis-Vuitton-Mythica-High-Jewelry-Fortitude-Necklace_2498af.webp) *Photo: Louis Vuitton* An 821.14-carat cushion step-cut blue zircon commands attention on the Fortitude necklace, with no visible connector it appears to magically rest beneath the 18-karat white-gold collar set partially in a snow setting of white diamonds and on the other side, set in an arrangement mimicking the house’s Damier pattern. A single slight curl of diamond set rope curls around the necklace for a subtle hint of interest. Another triple strand necklace in 18-karat white gold set with 50 carats of white diamonds and nine cushion step-cut zircons ranging from 25.01 to 6.03 carats, also highlights this subcollection. ## Louis Vuitton Spell Necklace ![Elegant bracelet with alternating blue and clear stones, plus a red gemstone flower accent on the side, set against a black background.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Louis-Vuitton-Spell-Necklace.webp) *Photo: Louis Vuitton* For those that prefer a little extra technical magic, the Spell collection includes diamonds with a fluorescent, blue-tinged glow that ignite under UV lighting—a high jewelry first according to Louis Vuitton. But even without the party trick, the Spell necklace entrances with diamonds arranged in a Damier pattern accented with alternating round discs featuring 65.97 round-cut cat’s eye moonstones or flourescent diamonds arranged in the Louis Vuitton Monogram Flower motif. Each disc is backed in black ceramic for impact. Offset on the right is 44.13 carats of imperial orange-pink topazes surrounding a diamond LV Monogram Star diamond. This subcollection includes nine pieces with five rings, two pairs of earrings, and one bracelet rounding out the set. ## Louis Vuitton Enigma Necklace ![Diamond necklace featuring a multi-gemstone pendant: blue cabochon, pearl-like bead, and a large blue gemstone in intricate diamond settings on a black background](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Louis-Vuitton-Mythica-Collection-Enigma-Necklace.webp) *Photo: Louis Vuitton* Certainly a bold piece both in size and silhouette, the Enigma necklace is a confident arrangement of a baby blue cabochon cat’s eye topaz of 27.12-carats, a white cabochon cat’s eye topaz of 29.69 carats, and a massive 52.55-carat aquamarine all dangling in file from a 3.56-cara LV Monogram Star-cut diamond. Each stone is encircled by diamond frames in a varying rope-like patterns. The collar comes in two rows of diamonds in the house Damier pattern with crossing sections of diamonds to tie them together. Adding to its impact, it can be transformed to be worn 10 different ways and required 1,532 hours of work. It is accompanied by a ring and two pairs of earrings to complete a suite. ## Louis Vuitton Whisper Necklace ![Diamond necklace with intricate looped pavé design and a blue teardrop pendant against a black background.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Louis-Vuitton-Mythica-High-Jewelry-Whisper-Necklace.webp) *Photo: Louis Vuitton* The tiny swirling 18-karat white-gold diamond-set whips that coil around the Whisper necklace culminate in a rare 11.56-carat royal blue pear-shaped step-cut sapphired dangling from a 4.11-carat D FL Louis Vuitton Monogram Star-cut diamond. The incredible intricacy of molding and setting the intricate form of the necklace took 1,850 hours of craftsmanship. It is accompanied by a suite of other cloud-like creations including four necklaces, six earrings (including a spectacular ear cuff), and two bracelets. ## Louis Vuitton Conquest Necklace ![Diamond necklace with red rubies and white diamonds on a black background, elegant and sparkling centerpiece jewelry. (Informative)](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Louis-Vuitton-Mythica-High-Jewelry-Conquest-Necklace.webp) *Photo: Louis Vuitton* Set with lines of tiny 18-karat white-gold and yellow-gold arrows outlined in onyx and framing a row of 20 vivid-red rubies totaling 21.86-carats interspersed with baguette and round-cut diamonds, the Conquest is a fierce display of power. A larger ruby acts as the centerpiece beneath a 1.07-carat LV Monogram Star-cut diamond. It required 1,200 hours of work. Part of a suite of 11 jewels, Conquest also features pieces with yellow diamonds, like a 4.05-carat yellow diamond custom-cut into an LV Monogram Star-cut diamond, for example. ## Louis Vuitton Totem Necklace ![Luxurious gold and diamond collar necklace on a black background. (Informative)](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Louis-Vuitton-Mythica-High-Jewelry-Toteme-Necklace.webp) *Photo: Louis Vuitton* Set in 18-karat yellow and white gold and diamonds, the Totem necklace is arguably a piece that could be worn day-to-night. The collar necklace is ornate enough for the evening but subtle enough for the right moment during the day. It is punctuate by two gold cuffs on either side and otherwise pulls in the cloud motif in gold seen in the Whisper pieces, as well as the requisite house V symbold executed in white gold and diamonds. Interestingly, this subcollection also features an ornate pen as well as eight other pieces, including two amphora pendants, decorated in the same motifs. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Jewelry **Tags:** high jewelry, La Mamounia, Louis Vuitton, Royal Mansour Marrakech --- ### [Manila's Most Worth-Your-Time Live Shows This Coming May and Beyond](https://robbreport.ph/leisure/entertainment/manilas-most-worth-your-time-live-shows-this-coming-may-and-beyond/) **Published:** May 8, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** Manila’s performance calendar this season is running on memory. The coming weeks bring kundiman inside a prewar heritage house, Burt Bacharach filtered through Ryan Cayabyab’s brain, OPM anniversaries, and one Swedish tribute act that sold out before most people finished reading the announcement. Here are some shows and concerts to watch this month. ## Mga Awit ng Pag-ibig at Kundiman ![Theatrical scene: a man in a white shirt and red pants sits on the floor beside a raised platform with a body under a white sheet; a bottle and mic lie on the platform.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/arthur-espiritu-242.webp) *Photo: Facebook/Arthur Espiritu* Arthur Espiritu, Filipino-American tenor and genuinely world-class voice, comes home for his first all-kundiman concert. He is joined by soprano Stefanie Quintin-Avila and pianist Najib Ismail for an evening drawn from a National Commission for Culture and the Arts-backed recording project preserving Filipino art songs. The program pulls from Abelardo, Santiago, de Guzman, Cuenco, Celerio, and Espino. Proceeds go toward conserving MiraNila itself, a 1929 heritage estate that does half the atmospheric work before anyone opens their mouth. *Happening on May 14 at Gallery MiraNila, Quezon City. More information [here](https://www.instagram.com/gallerymiranila/).* ## Jessica Sanchez Live in Manila ![Promotional poster for Jessica Sanchez concert in Manila: silhouette of a woman against a sunset with bold white text detailing the event date and venue (16 May 2026, Araneta Coliseum).](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/69fb1119ea4c6c32d439c7cc_Jessica-Sanchez_Banner.webp) Twenty years ago, Jessica Sanchez was an 11-year-old who auditioned for America’s Got Talent and didn’t make the finals. Last September, she returned to the same stage nineteen years later —this time as a married mother of a newborn daughter—and won the whole thing. Now she’s coming home. On May 16, presented by Wilbros Live, Sanchez takes the stage at the Araneta Coliseum for her first solo Philippine concert since 2019. Joining her is a lineup that reads like a roll call of OPM royalty: Gary Valenciano, Regine Velasquez, Martin Nievera, Morissette, Darren Espanto, James Reid, and, most recently confirmed, Vice Ganda. Sanchez and Morissette recently released a duet, “Stronger Than Before,” which the two are expected to perform together live for the first time at the show. *Buy tickets [here](https://ticketnet.com.ph/event-detail/JESSICA-SANCHEZ).* ## MaestroClass: What’s It All About? ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Proscenium-Theater-Burt-Bacharach-Main-KV--2240x3915.webp) *Photo: Rockwell* Ryan Cayabyab turns his MaestroClass series toward Burt Bacharach, which is either an obvious choice or a very smart one (well, probably both). Jett Pangan, Bituin Escalante, Gigi De Lana, Sofronio Vasquez, and Baihana perform across three nights at the Proscenium. The format promises not just the songs but some unpacking of how they work—the odd meters, the unexpected turns, the technical mischief hiding beneath all that emotional neatness. Bacharach made difficulty sound effortless, which is a neat trick, and Cayabyab is one of the few people qualified to explain it. *Happening on May 15 to 17 at Proscenium Theater, Rockwell Center Makati. More information [here](https://www.theprosceniumbyrockwell.com/proscenium-theater.html).* ## A Sitti Anniversary Concert: 20 Years of Para Sa Akin ![Promotional poster featuring a woman in a red gown dancing against a blurred city-night background, with the show title and date across the image.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/A-Sitti-Anniversary-Concert_-20-Years-of-Para-Sa-Akin.webp) *Photo: Newport* Sitti marks two decades of her debut with a milestone concert joined by Gary Valenciano, Ebe Dancel, Ice Seguerra, Jason Dhakal, Nyoy Violante, Princess Velasco, Richard Poon, and RJ Jacinto. The show stays in her lane, encompasing bossa nova, and romance, among others, which is exactly the lane her audience showed up for. Some concerts ask you to stand. This one asks you to exhale. That is not a criticism. *Happening on May 17 at Newport Performing Arts Theater. More information [here](https://tickets.newportworldresorts.com/).* ## ABBA Revisited ![ABBA Revisited concert poster with a gold glitter title and four grayscale performers; event on May 20 at 8 PM, Newport Performing Arts Theater.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/ABBA-Revisited.webp) *Photo: Newport* Already sold out, which surprises no one. The North American tribute act has been performing internationally since the early 2000s, running through the obvious and irresistible cannon: “Dancing Queen,” “Mamma Mia,” “Take a Chance on Me.” Tribute shows occupy a strange space between karaoke and séance, but ABBA’s catalog was practically engineered for communal surrender. At a full Newport, platform boots are optional but spiritually encouraged. *Happening on May 20 at Newport Performing Arts Theater. More information [here](https://tickets.newportworldresorts.com/).* ## Ngayon at Kailanman: The Music of Canseco ![Poster for Ngayon at Kailanman: The Music of Canseco, featuring Basil Valdez, Kuh Ledema, Jona, Mark Bautista, Rita Daniela, Leah Navarro, Anthony Castelo, and Dulce; June 13, 2026 at Newport Performing Arts Theater.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Ngayon-at-Kailanman_-The-Music-of-Canseco.webp) *Photo: Newport* George Canseco’s songs occupy prime real estate in the Filipino sentimental imagination. “Ngayon at Kailanman,” “Ikaw,” and the rest of the melodrama have, after all, survived every shift in taste and streaming algorithm. Basil Valdez, Kuh Ledesma, Leah Navarro, Dulce, JONA, Mark Bautista, and Rita Daniela make up a lineup that spans generations, which is kind of the whole point. Expect big voices, bigger feelings, and very little emotional moderation. *Happening on June 13 at Newport Performing Arts Theater. More information [here](https://tickets.newportworldresorts.com/).* **Categories:** Entertainment **Tags:** Arthur Espiritu, Gallery MiraNila, George Canseco, Newport Performing Arts Theater, Proscenium Theater, Ryan Cayabyab --- ### [Alpine Switchbacks, Conrad's Greek Debut, an Aman's Return & More](https://robbreport.ph/the-luxe-dispatch/alpine-switchbacks-a-louis-vuitton-desert-conquest-conrads-greek-debut-a-famed-islands-return-more/) **Published:** May 8, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** Some weeks are slower than others. Fortunately, this wasn’t one of them. A hotel group hands you the keys to a sports car and sends you through the Alps, Conrad makes its Greek debut in one of Athens’ most storied addresses, Regent Seven Seas proposes 150 nights across seven continents, Louis Vuitton takes over the Moroccan desert for a jewelry collection, a Montenegrin island legend quietly unlocks its gates after five years, Phillips puts a CHF5 million Patek on the block, and Diageo opens a bottle older than most people in the room. ## Preferred Hotels & Resorts Takes to the Alps ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Preferred-Hotels-Resorts-Adds-15-New-Member-Prop.webp) *Photo: Preferred Hotels & Resorts* Preferred Hotels & Resorts is trading lobbies for switchbacks. Launching this July, the Preferred Experience is a five-day Alpine driving escape through Germany and Austria, with just 20 guests, high-performance sports cars, and passes like Hahntennjoch and Gerlos threading through Tyrol, Styria, and Chiemgau. Overnights include stays at Hotel Bayerischer Hof, Interalpen-Hotel Tyrol, Imlauer Hotel Schloss Pichlarn, and Das Achental. Explore Munich to Munich, with fine dining and spa stops in between. *From €10,990 (Php780,000) per person. More information [here](https://preferredhotels.com/).* ## The Ilisian Takes the Place of the Hilton in Athens ![Large curved modern hotel building with many balconies and a rooftop garden visible at the top, viewed from the street level outside.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/image001.webp) *Photo: Conrad* Conrad Hotels & Resorts makes its Greek debut inside one of Athens’ most storied addresses. The Ilisian opens in the former Hilton Athens, featuring 278 rooms and with modernist bones intact, including Yannis Moralis’s sculpted marble façades. The broader complex brings residences, restaurants, wellness, retail, and the House of NYNN private members’ club. New additions include Athens’ largest outdoor pool and the city’s first grande brasserie, with Galaxy Bar reimagined as Galaxy Dispensary and Galaxy Supper Club arriving later this year. *Book via the Hilton Honors app or the hotel [website](https://www.hilton.com/en/brands/conrad-hotels/).* ## 150 Nights, Seven Continents, Zero Excuses ![Sailboat anchored in bright turquoise lagoon with a lush green island and jagged mountain in the background under a partly cloudy sky](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/regent-seven-seas-bora-bora.webp) You’ll make a spot in Bora Bora, among other locales. *Regent Seven Seas Cruises* Regent Seven Seas Cruises is redefining the long vacation. Its [Eras of Exploration 2029 World Cruise](https://robbreport.ph/travel/this-bonkers-150-night-world-cruise-will-take-you-to-all-7-continents/ "This Bonkers 150-Night World Cruise Will Take You to All 7 Continents") carries 700 guests aboard the refurbished, all-suite Seven Seas Mariner across all seven continents in 150 nights, covering 70 ports, 13 overnights, 37,000 nautical miles. The route spans the Amazon, Antarctica, Bora Bora, Bali, Mumbai, Petra, Dubai, Jerusalem, and Rome. All-inclusive fares cover 326 shore excursions and Epicurean Enrichment Studio programming. *From $99,999 (Php6,050,000) per guest, departing Miami. Read more [here](https://robbreport.ph/travel/this-bonkers-150-night-world-cruise-will-take-you-to-all-7-continents/).* ## Mythica, Marrakech, Mayhem ![Group of people in formal wear standing on a tiered outdoor stage as fireworks light the night sky above them.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/GROUPSHOT_LOUIS_VUITTON_MYTHICA_COLLECTION_-_LOUIS_VUITTON_HIGH_JEWELRY-1.webp) Louis Vuitton Mythica Collection debut in Morocco *Photo: Louis Vuitton* [Louis Vuitton](https://robbreport.ph/tag/louis-vuitton/ "Louis Vuitton") took over Marrakech for Mythica. Top clients moved through the Royal Mansour and La Mamounia before a finale at Kasbah D’If in the Agafay desert. Picture horseback greeters, Gnawa performers, a sunset runway show, rooftop dinner, torchlit procession, and a lot of fireworks. The jewels matched the spectacle: the 249.31-carat Sirius necklace, emerald-led Mesmerism, sculptural Fortune necklaces, the 821.14-carat zircon Fortitude, and Spell’s UV-fluorescent diamonds. *Read more [here](https://robbreport.ph/style/jewelry/inside-louis-vuittons-exclusive-extravaganza-to-debut-its-new-high-jewelry-collection/).* ## Five Million Reasons to Be in Geneva ![Gold wristwatch with a world-time dial, city names around the bezel, colorful central map, and a brown leather strap.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/phillips-patek.webp) This rare yellow-gold Patek Philippe Ref. 2523 World Time, with a cloisonné enamel South America dial, is one of two known and estimated above CHF5 million. *Photo: Phillips* Phillips gives collectors a reason to clear their Geneva calendars this coming weekend, specifically from May 9 to 10. The headline lot is a 1953 Patek Philippe Ref. 2523 “Polychrome Two-crown World-time” in yellow gold—cloisonné enamel dial, South America map, one of two known examples in that configuration—estimated above CHF5 million. The broader sale covers F.P. Journe, Rolex, Richard Mille, and 200-plus vintage and contemporary pieces. *More information [here](https://www.phillips.com/detail/patek-philippe/231940).* ## Montenegro’s Most Mythic Address Is Back ![Fortified island town with red-tiled roofs atop stone walls overlooking calm blue sea.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/aman-montenegro-2424-2240x1144.webp) *Photo: Aman* Aman Sveti Stefan is coming back. The fortified Montenegrin island resort, with its stone cottages, Adriatic drama, decades of celebrity lore, is reportedly reopening July 1 after five years away, with Villa Miločer and Aman Spa on the mainland returning May 22. It sure seems that the Adriatic’s most glamorous holdout is done holding out. *More information [here](https://www.aman.com/resorts/aman-sveti-stefan).* ## Ghosts in the Glass ![Six dark bottles with copper bands lined up on a rocky ledge, a scenic mountain landscape in the background, part of a whisky collection.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Diageo-Rare-Series-FT.webp) Diageo’s new Rare Series draws from its 10 million-cask archive for a rotating collection of ultra-rare Scotch, debuting with five distilleries, bottles from $900 to $6,350, and only 122 allocations for the U.S. *Photo: Diageo* Diageo has just opened the vaults. *Rare Series*, its new prestige single-malt collection, spans five bottles aged 34 to 55 years, led by Glenury Royal 1970—the oldest single malt Diageo has ever released, drawn from a distillery that no longer exists. Talisker, Caol Ila, Clynelish, and Blair Athol round out the lineup, all pulled from Diageo’s deep reserves. *More information [here](https://www.diageorareandexceptional.com/us/rare-series).* **Categories:** Jewelry, Leisure, The Luxe Dispatch, Travel **Tags:** Auctions, Diageo, hilton, Louis Vuitton, News, Phillips, preferred hotels & resorts, Regent Seven Seas Cruises --- ### [The 20 Best Watches at the Met Gala, From Jay-Z’s Patek Philippe to The Rock's $3.3M Jacob & Co.](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-20-best-watches-at-the-met-gala-from-jay-zs-patek-philippe-to-the-rocks-3-3m-jacob-co/) **Published:** May 7, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** The [Met Gala](https://robbreport.ph/tag/met-gala/ "Met Gala") has expanded beyond a fundraiser for the museum’s Costume Institute to fashion’s biggest night, with A-listers and designers going all out with extravagant ensembles. The event once again ran like clockwork on the first Monday in May. Attendees embraced this year’s theme, “fashion is art,” inspired by the Met’s *Costume Art* exhibition, wearing lavish outfits and dazzling accessories, many of which would not look out of place in a museum. Some of the watches we spotted on the red carpet were works of art, too. Rami Malek’s rare [Cartier Crash](https://robbreport.ph/watches/every-cartier-watch-unveiled-at-watches-and-wonders-from-new-roadsters-to-the-perfect-tortue/ "Every Cartier Watch Unveiled at Watches and Wonders, From New Roadsters to the Perfect Tortue"), for instance, features an asymmetrical case that is reminiscent of the melted clocks in Salvador Dalí’s 1931 Surrealist painting, *The Persistence of Memory*. Tyriq Withers and Finn Wolfhard’s new Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso cocktail watches tip a rather elegant hat to the [Art Deco](https://robbreport.ph/tag/art-deco/ "art deco") movement. Russell Wilson’s Jacob & Co. Astronomia showcases a mini sculpture of a planetary system. Dwayne Johnson’s Jacob & Co. Billionaire III is a gem-set masterpiece, with more than 700 diamonds covering the case, bracelet, and skeletonized dial. And Maluma’s Bulgari Octo Finissimo is a true feat of micro-watchmaking, measuring 37 mm wide and 6.35 mm thick. Below are our favorite watches at the 2026 Met Gala. ## Dwayne Johnson: Jacob & Co. Billionaire III ![Diamond-studded rectangular wristwatch with exposed gears and blue hands, fully encrusted with clear stones on a white background.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Dwayne-Johnson-Jacob-Co-Billionaire-III.webp) Dwayne Johnson brought the bling, wearing a $3 million Jacob & Co. Billionaire III set with 714 emerald-cut white diamonds totaling nearly 130 carats. ## Luke Evans: Hublot Big Bang Unico ![Left panel: a man in studded brown leather with a cap tipping his hat; right panel: a diamond-encrusted luxury wristwatch with a black strap.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Luke-Evans-Hublot-Big-Bang-Unico-.webp) *Julian Hamilton/Getty Images, Hublot* Luke Evans capped off a custom Palomo look with a high-jewelry Hublot Big Bang Unico featuring a white-gold case adorned with 334 diamonds totaling 17.2 carats. ## Rami Malek: Cartier Crash ![Left: a man in a black double-breasted coat with a fur collar and star brooch at a formal event, and right: a melting-style Cartier wristwatch with a black leather strap.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Rami-Malek-Cartier-Crash.webp) *Mike Coppola/Getty, Cartier* Rami Malek paired a dramatic Saint Laurent ensemble with a coveted platinum Cartier Crash from 1992. ## Bad Bunny: Cartier Cloche ![Left: gray-haired man in a black suit with a large bow on the red carpet; right: gold Cartier wristwatch with a black leather strap.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Bad-Bunny-Cartier-Cloche.webp) *Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty for The Met Museum/Vogue, Sotheby’s* Bad Bunny was nearly unrecognizable as he stepped out as an aged version of himself, accessorizing with a cane and a yellow-gold Cartier Cloche from 1996. ## Morgan Spector: IWC Portugieser Perpetual Calendar ![Bearded man in black at a formal event with photographers in the background, shown beside a luxury wristwatch.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Morgan-Spector-IWC-Portugieser-Perpetual-Calendar.webp) *Jamie McCarthy/Getty, IWC* Morgan Spector went for a subtle shine, wearing an IWC Portugieser Perpetual Calendar with a white gold case and a Dune-colored dial. ###### Skepta: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin ![Man on a red carpet wearing a white graphic jacket with black designs and sunglasses, posing for photos.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Skepta-Audemars-Piguet-Royal-Oak-Jumbo-Extra-Thin.webp) *Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty for The Met Museum/Vogue, Audemars Piguet* Skepta shone bright on the carpet, wearing a yellow-gold Audemars Piguet Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin bedazzled with no less than 1,528 brilliant-cut yellow sapphires totaling over 10 carats. ## Tyriq Withers: Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds ![Two-panel product photo: left shows a silver rectangular wristwatch with a mesh band and green bezel; right shows a fashion model wearing a sheer black shirt with a watch on his wrist.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Tyriq-Withers-Jaeger-LeCoultre-Reverso-Tribute-Monoface-Small-Seconds.webp) *Mike Coppola/Getty Images, Jaeger-LeCoultre* Tyriq Withers debuted a brand-new Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso on the red carpet. The cocktail watch is crafted in white gold and adorned with emeralds. *Stranger Things* star Finn Wolfhard wore the same, but with sapphires instead of emeralds. ## Connor Storrie: Omega Constellation Observatory ![Gold wristwatch with a textured metal band and round gold face shown against a white background, front view of the timepiece.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Connor-Storrie-Omega-Constellation-Observatory-.webp) *Mike Coppola/Getty, Omega* Connor Storrie looked très chic, wearing Saint Laurent and a new Omega Constellation Observatory in Moonshine gold on Moonshine. ## Anderson .Paak: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Anderson-Paak-Audemars-Piguet-Royal-Oak-Jumbo-Extra-Thin-Openworked-1-1.webp) *Mike Coppola/Getty, Audemars Piguet* Rapper Anderson .Paak strapped on a striking Audemars Piguet Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin Openworked with a white-gold case and bracelet and a contrasting gray openworked dial. ## Lisa Manobal: Bulgari Serpenti Spiga ![Woman in a sheer white wedding dress and veil posing outdoors, with long dark hair styled and jewelry visible in the background (left panel). The right panel shows a diamond-encrusted Bvlgari Serpenti watch with a coiled, snake-like bracelet and blue-accented face.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Lisa-Bulgari-Serpenti-Spiga-.webp) Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty for The Met Museum/Vogue, Bulgari K-pop sensation Lisa wore one of the more dramatic creations: a sculpted, veiled gown accented by two sculptural arms—one of which had a diamond-encrusted Bulgari Serpenti Spiga wrapped around it. ## Nicholas Hoult: Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Perpetual ![Left: luxury dress watch with white dial and brown leather strap; right: man in a black leather jacket wearing a wristwatch.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Nicholas-Hoult-Vacheron-Constantin-Traditionnelle-Perpetual.webp) Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty for The Met Museum/Vogue, Vacheron Constantin Nicholas Hoult kept it cool and classy, pairing Prada with a white-gold Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin. ###### Maluma: Bulgari Octo Finissimo ![Collage showing a man in a black glittery jacket posing at a event, alongside a silver Bulgari wristwatch, highlighting luxury style accessory.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Maluma-Bulgari-Octo-Finissimo.webp) *Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty for The Met Museum/Vogue, Bulgari* Maluma flexed the latest Bulgari Octo Finissimo, which features a smaller 37 mm case in titanium, an opaline titanium dial, and a new ultra-thin automatic movement. ## Angela Bassett: Glashütte Original ![Left: woman in a bright pink strapless gown at a red-carpet event; right: gold rectangular wristwatch with a slim link band and white dial.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Angela-Bassett-Glashutte-Original-1.webp) *Mike Coppola/Getty, Glashütte Original* Angela Bassett wore a gorgeous Prabal Gurung-designed gown inspired by Laura Wheeler Waring’s *Girl in a Pink Dress* artwork currently on display at the Met. On the wrist, she opted for a dainty vintage Glashütte Original from the 1970s. ## Russell Wilson: Jacob & Co. Astronomia Meteorite ![Rose-gold skeleton watch with diamonds and a blue strap beside a man in a white suit with gold wing epaulettes and multiple chains.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Russell-Wilson-Jacob-Co-Astronomia-Meteorite.webp) *Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty for The Met Museum/Vogue, Jacob & Co.* Russell Wilson flexed an otherworldly Jacob & Co. Astronomia Meteorite with a miniature solar system at the center. ## Irina Shayk ![Woman on a red carpet wearing a jeweled, harness-style top and layered necklaces, with photographers in the background.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Irina-Shayk.webp) *Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty for The Met Museum/Vogue* Baring it all in just a black skirt, most of Irina Shayk’s custom Alexander Wang look is actually made of… watches. The model wore two watches cuffed on each arm, plus a watch as a choker—increasingly becoming a favorite red-carpet trend—but the real wow factor is in her sculptural bralette with watches used as straps and a halter. Wang noted, “She’s got time today.” ## Paul Anthony Kelly: Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon ![Two-panel image: left shows a man in a burgundy velvet suit on a red carpet wearing a silver wristwatch; right is a close-up of a pink-dial luxury watch with a textured pink strap.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Paul-Anthony-Kelly-Vacheron-Constantin-Overseas-Tourbillon.webp) *Jamie McCarthy/Getty, Vacheron Constantin* Paul Anthony Kelly gave a pop of color, wearing a titanium Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon with a burgundy dial. ## Jay-Z: Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime ![Man in a black tuxedo at a formal event beside a luxury silver wristwatch with a black leather strap.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Jay-Z-Patek-Philippe-Grandmaster-Chime.webp) *Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty for The Met Museum/Vogue, Patek Philippe* Jay-Z looked as sharp as ever, pairing Louis Vuitton with a multimillion-dollar Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime (Ref. 6300). ## Justin Jefferson: Hublot Big Bang ![Left: a man in a black tuxedo at a formal event, smiling for the camera; right: a rose-gold skeleton watch encrusted with diamonds and a black leather strap](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Justin-Jefferson-Hublot-Big-Bang-1-1.webp) *Julian Hamilton/Getty Images, Hublot* NFL star Justin Jefferson strapped on a glitzy high-jewelry Hublot Big Bang crafted in luminous King Gold and covered with diamonds. ## Colman Domingo: Omega Constellation ![Collage: left panel shows Will Smith in a bright multicolor argyle sweater at a red carpet event; right panel is a close-up of a gold Omega Constellation watch with Roman numerals and date.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Colman-Domingo-Omega-Constellation.webp) *Mike Coppola/Getty, Omega* Colman Domingo once again nailed the red carpet, pairing a bright Valentino ensemble with a classic 1980s Omega Constellation “Manhattan” from the Swiss watchmaker’s museum. ## Serena Williams: Audemars Piguet Selfwinding Perpetual Calendar ![Left: silver luxury wristwatch with an exposed mechanism; right: woman in a metallic silver gown on a red carpet, wearing a watch.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Serena-Williams-Audemars-Piguet-Selfwinding-Perpetual-Calendar-1-1.webp) *Mike Coppola/Getty, Audemars Piguet* Serena Williams’s Audemars Piguet collection doesn’t miss. To complement her Grecian-inspired metallic dress by Marc Jacobs, she chose the new open-worked Selfwinding Perpetual Calendar, letting the watch make a statement. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** Angela Basset, audemars piguet, bulgari, cartier, Cartier Cloche, cartier crash, Colman Domingo, Connor Storrie, hublot, IWC Portugieser Perpetual Calendar, Jacob & Co., jaeger-lecoultre, Jay-Z, Lisa Manobal, Luke Evans, Maluma, Met Gala, Morgan Spector, octo finissimo, Omega, Patek Philippe, Rami Malek, royal oak, Serena Williams, Serpenti, Skepta, Traditionnelle Perpetual, Tyriq Withers, Vacheron Constantin --- ### [Every Mercedes S-Class, Ranked](https://robbreport.ph/cars/every-mercedes-s-class-ranked/) **Published:** March 19, 2026 **Author:** Sean Evans **Content:** Since the nameplate was formalized in 1972, the S-Class has served as one of the automotive industry’s most [closely watched test beds](https://robbreport.ph/cars/mercedess-luxe-new-s-class-might-rival-your-bentley/ "Mercedes’s Luxe New S-Class Might Rival Your Bentley"). What first appears in Stuttgart’s Sonderklasse–“special class”—becomes standard everywhere else in short order. Anti-lock braking systems, rear seat airbags, electronic stability control, automated emergency braking, Magic Ride Control; all debuted in an S-Class. Here, we rank all seven generations on the only question worth asking: is it truly special? Not merely expensive, not absurdly well-equipped, but the kind of car that makes arriving somewhere feel like an occasion and driving somewhere feel like a privilege. The S-Class has always been the choice of presidents and potentates, of chauffeur fleets and car enthusiasts. It’s the rare machine that works equally well from any seat. Some generations live up to this promise more than others. ## 7. W220 (1998–2005): The Awkward Teen Years ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RR_20260304_Mercedes_S_Class_Generations_W220.webp) *Photo: Mercedes* The W220 arrived 26 years on—OK, it’s technically *not* a teen—and featured uncertain design and uneven execution. It heralded a series of new features, including Airmatic air suspension, wheel-input COMAND infotainment system, though both received usability demerits. (*Consumer Reports* originally classified the W220’s overall reliability as “poor,” before later amending it to “average.”) The saving grace was under the bonnet: the 2003 S65 AMG’s honking 604HP V-12? This gratuitous mill remains one of the great engine options in the sedan’s history. The forbidden fruit was a 70-unit run of 2001’s S63 AMG V-12 (with 438HP), only offered in Europe and Asia. ## 6. W140 (1991–1998): The Boxy Years ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RR_20260304_Mercedes_S_Class_Generations_W140.webp) *Photo: Mercedes* The angular W140 screams power broker in a double-breasted suit, yakking into a brick of a cell phone, while carrying a briefcase the size of a small country. It’s an unapologetically large, overengineered beast. And it cost Mercedes dearly. The W140 reportedly cost a billion dollars to develop. While the expenses ballooned, so did the timeline, meaning the W140 hit the market 18 months late. BMW’s shock V12 debut forced Mercedes engineers back to the drawing board. Then again, it was the start of Merc’s own V12, so that evens out the scales. It had Rolls-Royce-level touches, including double-pane windows and self-closing doors. What it struggled with was sales; it arrived at the start of a global recession and was priced 25 percent higher than its predecessor, underperforming in units moved. ## 5. W221 (2005–2013): The Redemption Years ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RR_20260304_Mercedes_S_Class_Generations_W221.webp) *Photo: Mercedes* The W221’s design aesthetic is unmistakably of its era, yet it holds up. Those comely fender flares, the angular head and taillamps that have presence; this is the Mercedes that made stepping out of one feel like a statement again. Or driving. Technological leaps included the Distronic Plus adaptive cruise control, Pre-Safe braking systems, and infrared Night View Assist, all helpful, welcome features, as was the 26 percent boost in power in the various engines. The 536HP 5.5L V-8 was a proper workhorse that sounded divine. The optional Designo interior packages elevated the cabin to something approaching bespoke, too. After the W220, the W221 restored the brand’s reputation for quality and desirability. ## 4. W222 (2013–2020): The Upper Limit ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RR_20260304_Mercedes_S_Class_Generations_W222.webp) *Photo: Mercedes* The W222 arrived after the competent W221 and made its predecessor feel like a warm-up act. Magic Body Control—a camera-assisted suspension system that reads the road surface 50 feet ahead and adjusts damping in real time—was the W222’s signature trick, and it worked as advertised, sopping up road imperfections. The AMG S65’s bi-turbo V12 was the last truly excessive thing Mercedes would offer in this class, a swan song for purists and enthusiasts. The interior, particularly in long-wheelbase Maybach guise, was so thoughtfully executed that passengers routinely forgot they were moving at unrestricted Autobahn speeds. ## 3. W116 (1972–1980): The Founding Father ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RR_20260304_Mercedes_S_Class_Generations_W116.webp) *Photo: Mercedes* The W116 deserves reverence. The car that gave the S-Class its name and set the framework for every generation that followed. Its upright, almost parliamentary stance established a design language that Mercedes would spend the next two decades refining. We have the W116 to thank for advancing road safety; it had the first anti-lock braking system ever offered in a production car. The 4.5-liter V-8 was robust and authoritative, just what a flagship sedan of its era demanded. This was Mercedes at its most confident; a car that knew precisely what it was, made no apologies for it, and turned out to be right. ## 2. W223 (2020–Present): The Future Is Now ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RR_20260304_Mercedes_S_Class_Generations_W223.webp) *Photo: Mercedes* The current-generation S-Class is one of the most bleeding-edge production automobiles. The MBUX Hyperscreen—a single curved display stretching the full width of the dashboard—immerses the drivers in advanced controls while giving passengers a first-class entertainment suite. Rear-axle steering sharpens a car this size in ways that defy its footprint. The 48-volt mild-hybrid system makes the powertrain feel seamless in a way that pure combustion no longer can. The available Burmester 4D surround sound system fills the cabin with music—and vibrates through the seats, making the listening experience physical. The Energizing Comfort system coordinates climate, ambient lighting, fragrance, and massage functions into a unified wellness program, which means you can spend four hours in the seat and arrive feeling better than when you left. ## 1. W126 (1979–1991): The Gold Standard ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RR_20260304_Mercedes_S_Class_Generations_W126.webp) *Photo: Mercedes* The second-gen W126 is, for a certain generation of enthusiast, the platonic ideal of a luxury sedan. It ran for twelve years—the longest production run of any S-Class—and sold nearly 900,000 units. It was sober and handsome in a way that didn’t shout, built to standards that made used examples last for hundreds of thousands of miles without complaint. Taxi fleets in Europe ran them into the ground and then kept running them. They still look handsome on any concours lawn. That combination of longevity, stateliness, and build quality is what makes it the gold standard, the S-Class that all others, however brilliant, still chase. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** Feature, mercedes, mercedes benz, Mercedes S-Class, mercedes-benz, sedans --- ### [The Good Life: Editors' Picks of the Week](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/the-good-life-editors-picks-of-the-week-18/) **Published:** May 7, 2026 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** *In every The Good Life: Editors’ Picks column, we round up our editors’ favorites—restaurants, cocktails, experiences, exhibits, and everything in between. Here is our latest list.* ## **Yawaragi, Hotel Okura** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/photo_2026-05-05-131126.webp) As I get older, I find that I’m drawn more and more to traditional comfort dishes over whatever modern culinary experiments are called nowadays. The new grill menu at Yawaragi, set in the pretty atrium fifth-floor lobby at Hotel Okura, draws from yaki, the Japanese approach to cooking over heat, with two different ways to enjoy it. Kushiyaki focuses on skewers cooked over binchotan, the white charcoal known for its steady, high heat that enhances natural flavors. Various cuts of chicken, seafood, and other ingredients arrive straight from the grill, seasoned simply with salt or brushed with a light glaze. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/photo_2026-05-05-131116.webp) Meanwhile, ishiyaki brings the cooking to your table. Slices of A5 Saga wagyu, known for its marbling and richness, are served with a heated stone, allowing you to cook each piece exactly the way you want it. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/photo_2026-05-05-131122.webp) Traditional favorites such as agemono, donburi, and ramen round off the menu. Have a bottle of beer which pairs well with the char from the grill, and well, everything else. Hotel Okura is at Newport World Resorts. The Yawaragi Grill Menu is available for lunch on Mondays and Tuesdays, and dinner from Sunday to Thursday. – *Yvette Fernandez, Chief of Editorial Content* *For room or dining reservations and more information: +63 2 5318 2888; fb@hotelokuramanila.com; hotelokuramanila.com/offers/koibumi* ## **Venchi** at SM Mall of Asia ![Brightly patterned gift boxes and ribbons stacked on a pink background into a festive display.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Venchi-Chocolate-Gift-Boxes-for-Mother_s-Day-1.webp) For over 145 years, Venchi has built its name on quality, consistency, and a very Italian seriousness about chocolate. A brand does not last that long by treating sweets casually. When the invite to the opening of its newest boutique in SM Mall of Asia, as someone with a sweet tooth, I of course made room in my calendar. It is the brand’s largest Chocogelateria in the country to date. On the right is the “My Venchi Mix” section, a colorful wall of chocolates where you can pick, mix, and fill your bag with whatever catches your eye. Move further in and you get the gelato counter and its seating area, a new addition for Venchi’s Chocogelaterias in Metro Manila. ![Assorted small chocolate bars placed on a white menu card inside a curved glass display, with Venchi and Gianduotto labels visible.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/IMG_8436-2240x2987.webp) Our host walked us through six of Venchi’s signature pieces, starting with the Granblend Venezuela Milk, creamy and easy to pop into the mouth, then moved to the Cremino Pistachio, a velvety gianduja layered with lightly salted pistachio. The Gianduiotto Ricetta Originale followed, made from Venchi’s historic 1878 recipe, before the Chocoviar 75 percent, a dark chocolate filling covered in a dark chocolate shell and my personal favorite of the flight. The Milk Hazelnut Ingot kept things classic with whole Piedmont hazelnuts, while the Dark Pearl finished the tasting with a toasted Piedmont hazelnut wrapped in dark chocolate. ![Ice cream cone with a pink scoop and chocolate-dipped base, paired with a bowl of purple cubes on a lavender background.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Ube-Gelato-Philippine-Exclusive-2-2240x3022.webp) I tried Venchi’s Philippine-exclusive Ube gelato ahead of its May 1 launch. That made me one of the lucky few to taste it before everyone else, and with ube having its moment around the world, it feels like the right flavor at the right time. My recommendation is to try the Ube on its own first before the other flavors. My other favorites were the plant-based Gianduiotto Extra Dark, which was surprisingly very rich for a gelato without milk, and the Piedmont Hazelnut. On that note, Venchi’s SM Mall of Asia opening comes just in time for Mother’s Day. If you’re looking for something sweet to bring home for your mom, or yourself, Venchi offers the Murrine Flower Orange Two Trays, Murrine Metal Tin, Murrine Hamper, and Murrine Pencil Case, each packed with signature chocolates and dressed up in colorful packaging. Lucky for me, my mom has a sweet tooth too. I guess I got it from her! – *Aica Dacuno*, *Managing Editor* *Venchi is located at the 2nd Level, SM Mall of Asia Main Mall, Seaside Blvd, Pasay City.* ## *Jesus Christ Superstar* at Solaire ![Male singer with microphone on a multi-level stage, crowd reaching toward him under bright spotlights.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/1761719640947Jack-Hopewell-and-the-company-of-the-North-American-Tour-of-Jesus-Christ-Superstar-Photo-by-Evan-Zimmerman-for-MurphyMade-2-2240x1489.webp) Most musicals want to be loved. Jesus Christ Superstar has always wanted to start an argument. Born as a concept album before Broadway ever got its hands on it, Rice and Lloyd Webber’s rock opera has spent five decades being too loud for the purists and too theological for the rock crowd. Somehow, that’s exactly what makes it endure. The Olivier Award-winning reimagination arrives in Manila this May for a limited run at The Theatre at Solaire. If you’ve only ever known this show from the 1973 film or a high school production, prepare to reconsider it entirely. Originating at London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre before tearing through the West End, North America, and Australia, this is the version that reminded the world why the piece was controversial in the first place. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Jesus-chrsit-superstar.webp) Timothy Sheader’s direction and Drew McOnie’s choreography strip the biblical epic to its bare emotional voltage—the final days of Christ told through the eyes of Judas, landing somewhere between arena concert, spiritual crisis, and political drama. The score is the thing, and hearing “Gethsemane” live is reason enough to go. But few shows can still make ancient history feel like breaking news. – *Bryle Suralta, Features Editor* Jesus Christ Superstar *runs until May 31 at The Theatre at Solaire, Parañaque. Tickets from P1,900 to P7,000 via TicketWorld.* **Categories:** Dining, Entertainment, Food & Drink, Leisure **Tags:** Chocolate, grill, Jesus Christ Superstar, venchi, Yawaragi --- ### [The 18 Best Watches at the Oscars](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-18-best-watches-at-the-oscars-from-michael-b-jordans-vintage-piaget-to-timothee-chalamets-favorite-urban-jurgensen/) **Published:** March 19, 2026 **Author:** Shannon Adducci **Content:** The Academy Awards have long been Hollywood’s biggest night, and with that distinction comes the expectation of a certain level of pomp and circumstance on its red carpet. Gowns are grander, tuxedos are sleeker, the jewelry has more sparkle. Everything is pressed, polished, and amplified. This year’s Oscars red carpet had just as much opulence as its predecessors. But on the wrist, watches showed an uncharacteristic level of variety. Instead of sticking with the tradition of a classic dress watch (known for its leather strap, clean dial, elegant numerals, and slim design), many attendees opted for a little something extra as a reflection of personal style. The trend echoes the timepieces that have been walking the red carpet all season, starting with the bevy of [“look-at-me” watches at the Golden Globes](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-16-best-watches-at-the-golden-globes-from-glen-powells-omega-to-jacob-elordis-cartier/ "The 16 Best Watches at the Golden Globes"). At the Oscars, this trend expanded, reflecting an even broader sense of creativity and personal style, both on the wrist and in head to toe looks. That meant something as simple as a metal bracelet or the round-but-not-round shape of Gabriel Leone’s Bulgari Octo Roma. It could be an unexpected complication, as seen in Timothée Chalamet’s Urban Jürgense’s UJ-2, with its double-wheel natural escapement, or Kumail Nanjiani’s Vacheron Constantin Overseas, done in rose gold with an ultra-slim tourbillon skeleton. Personal style also took center stage in design; take Ryan Coogler’s Cartier Tank à Guichets with its ticket-window aperture, an archival revival that was one of the biggest debuts of the past year. Michael B. Jordan continued to show his inclination for vintage pieces with a Piaget Protocole from the ‘70s. Shaboozey’s Chopard L’Heure du Diamont ticked the full-on, diamond-studded box, while Hudson Williams, Pedro Pascal and Usher all wore timepieces that are categorized for and typically worn by women. Here, a closer look at the variety of watches on the Oscars red carpet this year. ## 1. Ryan Coogler’s Cartier Tank à Guichets ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Untitled-design-32.webp) *Photo: Getty Images; Cartier* It’s fitting that a director known for his unconventional approach to Hollywood would choose Cartier’s Tank à Guichets, an archival design from the brand that was revived again last year with a twist. His limited-edition platinum version took the original layout and rotated it for a new spin on the design. “Guichets” is French for the type of ticket window that would sell movie tickets — even more apropos for the box office success of “Sinners.” ## 2. Timothée Chalament’s Urban Jürgensen’s UJ-2 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Untitled-design-45.webp) *Photo: Getty Images; Urban Jürgensen* The *Marty Supreme* star capped off his awards-season romance with Urban Jürgensen in the brand’s UJ-2 (a creation by master independent watchmaker Kari Voutilainen) by wearing it with an all-white tuxedo and a handful of rings. ## 3. Michael B. Jordan’s Vintage Piaget Protocole ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Untitled-design-44.webp) *Photo: Getty Images; Etsy* The Best Actor winner continued his run on vintage watches (remember that Audemars Piguet Bamboo he wore last month?) with a Piaget Protocole, a vintage style from the 1970s with a pavé diamond dial and black leather strap. ## 4. Kumail Nanjiani’s Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon Skeleton ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Kumail-Nanjiani-Vacheron-Constantin.webp) *Photo: Getty Images; Vacheron Constantin* The actor and comedian is known for his watch game and continued his track record with a Vacheron Constantin Overseas in rose gold with a skeletonized tourbillon that measures just 5.65 millimeters in thickness. Its tourbillon cage is inspired by the brand’s Maltese cross logo. ## 5. Josh Groban’s Patek Philippe Nautilus ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Untitled-design-33.webp) *Photo: Getty Images; Patek Philippe* The singer’s classic Nautilus Ref. 5726/1A-014 with annual calendar, day, date and month apertures, moon phase, and sweep seconds prove why the complicated watch continues to be such a hot-ticket for collectors—the elite power watch looks just as good with a tux as it does with a pair of jeans. ## 6. Hudson Williams’s Bulgari Serpenti Tubogas ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Untitled-design-43-1.webp) *Photo: Getty Images; Bulgari* The *Heated Rivalry* star continued his penchant for pushing the sartorial envelope by adding one of Bulgari’s iconic [Serpenti](https://robbreport.ph/watches/bulgari-and-mbf-just-dropped-a-wild-serpenti-watch-for-men/ "Bulgari and MB&F Just Dropped a Wild ‘Serpenti’ Watch for Men") Tubogas flexible coiled watches to his Balenciaga look. Watch industry insiders have long been speculating when Bulgari would put the Serpenti on a male celebrity and its fitting it would land on the wrist of one of the hottest actors in Tinseltown. ## 7. Felix Kammerer in Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Untitled-design-50.webp) *Photo: Getty Images; Vacheron Constantin* The Austrian actor’s Traditionnelle with perpetual calendar and precision moon phase was a serious choice for the red carpet; it also gave depth and coolness to Kammerer’s chocolate suiting and silk shirt. ## 8. Kieran Culkin in Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph King Gold ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Untitled-design-51.webp) *Photo: Getty Images; Vacheron Constantin* Like Miles Caton, the actor chose the watchmaker’s Classic Fusion, letting its satin-finished gold punctuate a bold suiting choice. ## 9. Raphael Saadiq’s Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Untitled-design-47.webp) Getty Images; Audemars Piguet The music artist had a serious timepiece on hand with AP’s Code 11.59 Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Openworked, which is the first of its kind within the line, which debuted in 2019. ## 10. Wagner Moura in Omega De Ville Prestige ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Untitled-design-39.webp) *Photo: Getty Images; Audemars Piguet* Sometimes, a simple dress watch is all that’s needed, and the “Secret Agent” star and nominee’s De Ville in stainless steel proved it. ## 11. Kevin O’Leary’s Cartier Crash and Rolex Daytona ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Kevin-OLeary-Rolex-Daytona-Cartier-Crash.webp) *Photo: Diamonds East; Getty Images; Chrono24* The entrepreneur and *Marty Supreme* actor wore not one but two watches on the red carpet. The first: a Rolex Daytona Ref. 116509 in 18-karat white gold with rubies on the bezel and hour markers and diamonds on the case. The other, a Cartier Crash Skeleton in platinum with skeleton bridges coated in black varnish and burgundy-hued indexes. (His diamond-encrusted card holder necklace is custom Tiffany & Co.) ## 12. Lewis Pullman’s Omega De Ville Prestige ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Untitled-design-34-1.webp) *Photo: Getty Images; Omega* Sometimes a really great colored dial is enough to stand out; as was the case with Lewis Pullman’s domed PVD dark blue dial. ## 13. Shaboozey’s Chopard L’Heure du Diamant ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Untitled-design-38-1.webp) *Photo: Getty Images; Chopard* The Nigerian-American singer’s fully diamond-set Chopard L’Heure du Diamant fit right in with his diamond lapel pins and pearl earrings. Typically a woman’s watch, this piece looked confident on the artist and perfectly complemented his statement-making look. ## 14. Pedro Pascal’s Chanel Boy-Friend ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Untitled-design-36.webp) *Photo: Getty Images; Chanel* [Chanel](https://robbreport.ph/tag/chanel/ "Chanel") doesn’t make menswear, and while it does make a handful of men’s timepieces they often take a backseat to the women’s offering, but that didn’t stop the *Mandalorian* actor from wearing both from the French fashion house. Pascal paired one of the brand’s runway floral lapel pins with its Boy-Friend watch in gold with a delicate quilted pattern calfskin strap. ## 15. Usher in Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Rendez-Vous Classic Night & Day ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Untitled-design-42-1.webp) *Photo: Getty Images; Jaeger-LeCoultre* The music artist is known for a personal style that’s elegant with just a hint of sparkle and old Hollywood glamour. His [Jaeger-LeCoultre](https://robbreport.ph/tag/jaeger-lecoultre/ "jaeger-lecoultre") Rendez-Vous perfectly captured that feeling with its stylized black numerals and understated diamond bezel, which is typically sold as a women’s piece. ## 16. Gabriel Leone’s Bulgari Octo Roma ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Untitled-design-41-1.webp) *Photo: Getty Images; Bulgari* The *Senna* stars’ Octo Roma has just enough verve for the red carpet, with its rounded octagonal shape. It stood out while still looking sleek and understated. ## 17. Miles Caton’s Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph Titanium King Gold ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Untitled-design-37.webp) *Photo: Getty Images; Bulgari* The *Sinners* actor stood out in a burgundy tuxedo, made even more compelling with a sporty Hublot Classic Fusion chronograph in a satin-finished titanium with a rubber strap. ## 18. Delroy Lindo in Omega ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Untitled-design-48.webp) *Photo: Getty Images* The actor and Oscar nominee has a long and impressive resume—but his unreleased Omega has us even more intrigued. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** Oscars, Watch Collector --- ### [How the Rolex Datejust Became the Crown’s Most Recognized Watch](https://robbreport.ph/watches/how-the-rolex-datejust-became-the-crowns-most-recognized-watch/) **Published:** March 18, 2026 **Author:** Oren Hartov **Content:** By the close of the Second World War, [Rolex](https://robbreport.ph/tag/rolex/ "rolex") had been producing its famous waterproof Oyster case for close to 20 years, and its Perpetual automatic movements for nearly 15 years. The potent combination of these two important horological developments led to the [Oyster Perpetual](https://robbreport.ph/tag/oyster-perpetual/ "oyster perpetual"), a series of highly water resistant, automatically-wound timepieces that would be adopted into all manner of famous tool watch collections in the intervening decades. In addition to marking the close of the bloodiest conflict in human history, 1945 also signified 40 years since the founding of Hans Wilsdorf’s famous watch company. To celebrate four decades of innovation and achievement, the brand released a special solid-gold Oyster Perpetual reference, the 36 mm 4467, with a date complication and a multi-link bracelet that it dubbed “Jubilee.” While it may be taken for granted now, this reference represented the world’s first automatic, waterproof chronometer wristwatch with a date function. Soon—and following some important changes—it would come to be known as the Datejust. While for many, the word “Rolex” immediately calls to mind the [Submariner](https://robbreport.ph/tag/submariner/ "submariner"), [GMT-Master](https://robbreport.ph/watches/is-the-steel-rolex-pepsi-gone-for-good/ "Is the Steel Rolex ‘Pepsi’ Gone for Good?"), and [Cosmograph Daytona ](https://robbreport.ph/tag/cosmograph-daytona/ "cosmograph daytona")models, it’s in fact the Datejust that has been the best-selling Rolex collection for much of its history and it is, therefore, the most widely recognized model from the brand. Less expensive in certain configurations than its Professional-collection cousins, the Datejust offers elegant looks, a handy date complication, myriad dial and metal configurations, and the choice of Jubilee, Oyster, or President bracelets. Considered by many to be a “dress watch” despite its heavy metal bracelet and thicker case, it’s able to carefully bridge the gap between everyday and more formal timepieces. Available since nearly the beginning of its long history in two-tone steel and gold, it’s also perhaps the watch most associated with that particular aesthetic. Bringing together numerous Rolex innovations, the Datejust was, in the eyes of company founder Hans Wilsdorf, a type of ultimate Rolex. Indeed, numerous world leaders and celebrities of the mid-20th century were gifted or wore the model: Winston Churchill, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Martin Luther King were all seen with one on their wrists. (Churchill was in fact presented with Rolex’s 100,000th Certified Chronometer—which happened to be a Datejust.) Delving into every possible configuration of the Datejust would be a nigh-impossible undertaking—delineating numerous important references and their key attributes, however, is eminently doable, and offers an instructive illustration as to why this classic watch model has so admirably stood the test of time. While other models and model families have come and gone, the Datejust remains steady, predating every other Rolex collection with the exception of the Oyster Perpetual itself, of which it is a variation. In a world in which products are introduced and retired at alarming speed, the Datejust—which turns 80 in 2025—has exhibited remarkable longevity. There’s little doubt that it will continue to do so. **NOTE:** Rolex production dates are approximate due to overlapping production of various reference numbers. Rolex production during the mid-20th century was an iterative process that often saw countless minute changes to dials, cases, and parts within a single reference, thus making it exceptionally difficult to catalog each and every change. ## Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref. 4467 (~1945-1959) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RR_20250604_Datejust_History_4467.webp) *Photo: Bonhams; Oliver & Clarke* Introduced by Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf at the Hôtel des Bergues in Geneva (now the Four Seasons), the Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref. 4467 did not in fact say “Datejust” anywhere on the dial—that would come later. Available in yellow or rose gold and measuring 36 mm in diameter, its cal. A295 automatic chronometer-certified movement necessitated a protruding caseback that collectors would subsequently name “Ovettone” or “Big Bubbleback.” The early innovations, however—a date display, a milled bezel that allows Rolex engineers to easily screw it down onto the case, and the new Jubilee bracelet—were present and accounted for. Dial, index, and date wheel colors differed throughout the reference’s run. **Reference:** 4467 **Diameter:** 36 mm **Movement:** Rolex Cal. A295 automatic **Price on Secondary Market:** $18,000-$22,000+ ## Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref. 5030/5031 (~1948-1950) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RR_20250604_Datejust_History_5031.webp) *Photo: Sotheby’s* Produced for a short time around 1949/1950, the references 5030 (smooth bezel) and 5031 (engine-turned bezel) introduced the option of a two-tone steel and gold Rolesor case to the Datejust collection—an option that remains an important aspect of the model today. Available also in rose or yellow gold, it still featured the protruding caseback of the ref. 4467 due to the presence of the A295 automatic movement. And like the ref. 4467, it could be had in a cream or black dial. Some late-production references appear with the word “Datejust” on the dial, though scholarship seems to agree that it was the later 6105 that first featured this distinction. **Reference:** 5030/5141 **Diameter:** 35.5 mm **Movement:** Rolex Cal. A295 automatic **Price on Secondary Market:** $15,000-$50,000 ## Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust ref. 6104/6105 (~1950-1953) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RR_20250604_Datejust_History_6105.webp) The references 6104 (smooth bezel) and 6105 (engine-turned bezel), available in yellow and pink gold—and, in some extremely rare circumstances, in left-hand crown configurations—came with a variety of dials. In addition to white or black, diamond-studded dials were also available. This generation of Datejust saw Rolex transition from a “Swiss Made” to “Swiss” signature; it is also the first reference (according to many sources) to feature the word “Datejust” on the dial. Dial text configurations vary from example to example: Some feature “Officially Certified Chronometer” or “Chronometer Officially Certified” across two lines, while others use three. **Reference:** 6104/6105 **Diameter:** 36 mm **Movement:** Rolex Cal. A296/Rolex Cal. 745 automatic **Price on Secondary Market:** $14,000-$19,000 ## Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust ref. 6309/6609 “Thunderbird” (~1954-1959) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Rolex-Datejust-Turn-O-Graph-Thunderbird-Ref-1625.webp) *Photo: Analog Shift* This interesting reference combines a fairly standard 1950s-type Datejust with a rotating bezel for tracking elapsed time. (The Turn-O-Graph, introduced in 1953 and quickly followed by the Submariner, was the first Rolex tool watch to feature a rotating bezel.) The “Thunderbird” name derived from Rolex’s association with the U.S. Air Force Demonstration Squadron, which was founded in 1953. Available in precious metals in black or white dials, it also came in steel (ref. 6609) with a white gold bezel—a configuration that would become a Datejust signature with the introduction of the ref. 1601 in 1958. Note also the ornate nature of the bezel itself, which features elegant millwork between the 10-minute indices. **Reference:** 6309/6609 **Diameter:** 36 mm **Movement:** Rolex Cal. 743/Rolex Cal. 1065 automatic **Price on Secondary Market:** $10,000-$40,0000 ## Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust ref. 16XX Series (~1958-1977) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RR_20250604_Datejust_History_1601.webp) *Photo: Analog Shift* Perhaps the most iconic of the vintage Datejust references debuted in the late 1950s with the 16XX series, which included smooth-bezel (1600), fluted bezel (1601), engine-turned bezel (1603), and other variants. The ref. 1601, in stainless steel with a white gold fluted bezel, is particularly beloved: This unique combination allows for a (relatively) affordable watch despite the presence of precious metal. The previous Datejust generation (6XXX) had jettisoned the “Bubbleback” caseback in favor of a flat caseback due to the presence of a new movement—this was carried over to the 16XX series. The famed “cyclops” window, introduced in 1955, likewise appeared on these watches (and all later Datejust generations). Baton hands also appeared in the 16XX series. **Reference:** 1600/1601/1603/1605/1607 **Diameter:** 36 mm **Movement:** Rolex Cal. 1570/1575 automatic **Price on Secondary Market:** $4,000-$6,000 ## Rolex Oysterquartz Datejust (1977-2004) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RR_20250604_Datejust_History_Oysterquartz.webp) *Photo: Wind Vintage* A singular aberration in the otherwise automatic Datejust line, the Oysterquartz Datejust was powered by Rolex’s own quartz movement. Unlike its brethren, it came with a distinctive integrated bracelet and a more angular case architecture rooted in its 1970s birth decade. (This highly accurate movement tech also provided both quickset date adjustment and hacking seconds.) In production for over 25 years, the Oysterquartz Datejust (and Day-Date) models were revolutionary, boasting both high-tech engines and design while still maintaining classic 36 mm proportions. In 2004, Rolex discontinued the Oysterquartz Datejust, reverting to all mechanical production. **Reference:** 17000/17013/17014 **Diameter:** 36 mm **Movement:** Rolex Cal. 5035 Oysterquartz **Price on Secondary Market:** $4,000-$6,000 ## Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust ref. 16XXX (~1977-1988) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RR_20250604_Datejust_History_16014.webp) *Photo: Tropical Watch* The 16XXX-series Datejust lost the previous generation’s iconic “pie pan” stepped dial but added some welcome improvements—namely, the new Cal. 3035 movement allowed for quickset date adjustment and featured a faster beat rate of 4 Hz (28,800 vph). Available with fluted, engine-turned, or bark bezels, these watches came with steel, yellow gold, or two tone Rolesor cases and featured a wide variety of dials. (“Tapestry” and “linen” patterns are among the more interesting versions.) This series was also the last to feature acrylic crystals, after which Rolex switched to modern sapphire crystals. 16XXX-series watches shipped on either Jubilee or three-link Oyster bracelets. **Reference:** 16000/16013/16014/16014/16018/16030/16078 **Diameter:** 36 mm **Movement:** Rolex Cal. 1570/1575 automatic **Price on Secondary Market:** $4,000-$6,000 ## Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust ref. 162XX (1988-2004) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RR_20250604_Datejust_History_16234.webp) *Photo: Amsterdam Vintage Watch* The 162XX-series 5-digit Datejust, upgraded with sapphire crystal and powered by the Cal. 3135 movement, still features many characteristics that vintage lovers adore: drilled lugs, stamped end links, and—at least earlier in the production run—tritium lume. Available in smooth, fluted, or engine-turned bezels, it was the late Datejust series to feature the latter bezel type, which was then phased out by Rolex. Once again, dial and metal configurations were legion: Everything from diamond to applied Arabic indices made an appearance, and colors included all manner of subdued or ostentatious hues, depending on the reference. (Those looking for a classic configuration with modern convenience are well served by the ref. 16234 in steel with a white gold bezel and a silver dial.) **Reference:** 16000/16013/16014/16014/16018/16030/16078 **Diameter:** 36 mm **Movement:** Rolex Cal. 1570/1575 automatic **Price on Secondary Market:** $4,000-$6,000 ## Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust II ref. 1163XX (2009-2016) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RR_20250604_Datejust_History_116334.webp) *Photo: Phillips* The Datejust II saw Rolex increase the size of its signature date-equipped watch with an upsized 41 mm case and the Cal. 3136 movement. Available only on an Oyster bracelet, it came in steel with a white gold bezel or yellow or rose gold with matching bezels. Due to its larger proportions, it featured a proportionally upsized dial with thicker indices, a thicker bezel, and an overall beefier look. The Chronometer-certified Cal. 3136, meanwhile, offered modern features such as a Parachrom hairspring, Paraflex shock absorbers, and hacking, while a wide variety of interesting dials were available. Still, Rolex would discontinue this model after just seven years, replacing it in 2016 with the Datejust 41—a size that still exists in the modern Datejust collection. **Reference:** 1163XX **Diameter:** 41 mm **Movement:** Rolex Cal. 3136 automatic **Price on Secondary Market:** $8,000-$14,000 ## Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 41 1263XX (2016-Present) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RR_20250604_Datejust_History_126300.webp) *Photo: Rolex* Rolex discontinued the Datejust II and replaced it with the similar Datejust 41 in 2016. Though references within both sub-families are similar, there are noticeable differences: The case, lugs, bezel, and even dial indices are all slightly thinner on the Datejust 41, making for a slightly more refined appearance. And while the Datejust II was only available on the Oyster bracelet, the Datejust 41 also comes on Jubilee. Furthermore, in addition to steel, two-tone White Rolesor, and two-tone Yellow Rolesor, the Datejust 41 also comes in Everose Rolesor. Both smooth and fluted bezels are available in each Datejust 41 configuration, while a wide variety of dials is available in each metal. The current-gen Rolex movement powering the lineup is the Cal. 3235. **Reference:** 1263XX **Diameter:** 41 mm **Movement:** Rolex Cal. 3235 automatic **Price:** $8,500+ ## Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust ref. 126234-0051 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RR_20250604_Datejust_History_126234_0051.webp) *Photo: Rolex* The modern incarnation of the classic 36 mm Datejust doesn’t look all too different from the 16XX series born in the late 1960s. A ref. 126234-0051, for example, features an Oystersteel case with a Jubilee bracelet, a white gold fluted bezel, a screw-down crown and caseback, and an automatic, chronometer-signed Rolex movement. This particular execution features a gorgeous mint green dial in a sunray finish with applied Chromalight indices and hands. Available in several other dial colors—and on an Oyster bracelet, should you prefer—it’s the same classic Datejust that the world fell in love with in the mid-20th century, save for its upgrades with more modern features and technical upgrades. **Reference:** 126234-0051 **Diameter:** 36 mm **Movement:** Rolex Cal. 3235 automatic **Price:** $9,550 *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** datejust, Evergreen, rolex, watch collectoir, Watch Collector --- ### [Here Are the Cocktails (& Recipes) Lorenzo Antinori of Bar Leone Created for the Oscars](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/here-are-the-cocktails-recipes-lorenzo-antinori-of-bar-leone-created-for-the-oscars/) **Published:** March 16, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** As the film industry concludes its biggest night, the bar program for the [Governors Ball](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/heres-what-wolfgang-puck-is-serving-hollywood-stars-on-oscars-night/ "Here’s What Wolfgang Puck Is Serving Hollywood Stars on Oscars Night") that immediately follows the Oscars awards ceremony is something [Lorenzo Antinori](https://robbreport.ph/tag/lorenzo-antinori/ "Lorenzo Antinori") will likely never forget. Invited by the Academy, Antinori was tasked to create four bespoke cocktails to serve at the ball. With his brother, Charles Joly, also of [Bar Leone, named The World’s 50 Best Bars No. 1 in 2025](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/lorenzo-antinori-on-bar-leone-and-how-simplicity-and-authenticity-is-the-perfect-mix-for-success/ "Lorenzo Antinori: On Bar Leone and How Simplicity and Authenticity Make the Perfect Mix"), Antinori designed a quartet of cocktails built around Don Julio tequila. Titled Best in Show, The Golden [Margarita](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/bar-none/bar-none-a-tommys-margarita-gets-a-bold-sour-kick-from-this-surprising-local-fruit/ "Bar None: The Tommy’s Margarita Gets a Bold, Sour Kick from This Surprising Local Fruit"), Maestro Martini, and The Sequel, the drinks were served to Hollywood’s biggest names, with Joly and Antinori spending the entire week leading up to the 66th Governors Ball preparing thousands of ingredients to ensure every glass is as polished as the ceremony itself. ## Best in Show ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/9385851-Best-in-Show-2240x1494.webp) *Courtesy of Don Julio* 1 ounce Tequila Don Julio Blanco 1/2 ounce Italian aperitif 1/3 ounce dry vermouth Dash of elderflower liqueur 1/2 ounce cucumber syrup 2/3 ounce fresh lime juice 1 1/2 ounce sparkling water Long cucumber slice and Mexican salt for garnish **Directions:** Add all the ingredients into a tall highball glass with ice and give it a stir. ## The Golden Cut Margarita ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/9385851-Golden-Cut-Margarita-2240x1494.webp) *Courtesy of Don Julio* 1 oz Tequila Don Julio Reposado Dash of gin 1/4 oz fresh lime juice 1/2 oz simple syrup 2 dashes grapefruit bitters Toasted baby corn for garnish **Directions:** Pour all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Stir, and then strain into a rocks glass over a large format ice cube. Garnish with toasted baby corn. ## Maestro Martini ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/9385851-Maestro-Martini-2240x1494.webp) *Courtesy of Don Julio* 1 1/4 oz Tequila Don Julio 70 Cristalino Añejo 3/4 oz bianco vermouth 1/8 oz pineapple amaro 1/8 oz banana liqueur 7 drops salt water Clove orange peel for garnish **Directions:** Pour all ingredients in a shaker filled with ice. Shake and strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with a clove orange peel. ## The Sequel ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/9385851-The-Sequel-2240x1494.webp) 1 1/2 ounces Tequila Don Julio 1942 1 1/2 ounces Oaxacan coffee cold brew 1/3 ounce Piloncillo cinnamon cacao syrup 5 drops salt water 3 dashes vanilla bitters **Directions:** Pour all ingredients in a shaker filled with ice. Shake and strain into a coupe glass with gold vanilla edible paint streaked along the side. **Categories:** Entertainment, Food & Drink, Leisure, Spirits **Tags:** Academy Awards, bar leone, Charles Joly, Governor's Ball, Lorenzo Antinori, Oscars --- ### [8 Terry Cloth Garments for a Retro-Chic Summer](https://robbreport.ph/style/8-terry-cloth-garments-for-a-retro-chic-summer/) **Published:** March 17, 2026 **Author:** Eric Twardzik **Content:** You’ve likely found yourself in this situation: Freshly showered, wrapped in a, plush-to-the-touch towel, and wondering why you can’t just stay like that all day. With certain exceptions (a very, very lazy Saturday?) you can’t, but there is the next best option: to go about your day in towelling. Towelling, also referred to variously as terry, terrycloth or terry cotton, is precisely what it sounds like: a woven fabric, typically cotton or cotton-blend, commonly used to make towels. Such a specialization is thanks to its characteristic weave, which results in long, protruding loops that absorb water while also lending it a pleasingly tactile touch and a raised appearance. While similar fabrics had been made for millennia, towelling in its modern form came about in 1850, when the English towel manufacturer Christy found a way to produce the looped fabric on an industrial scale. Beyond the bath, the fabric found popularity among vacationers in the wake of WWII, when it was employed to make polos, resort shirts and other styles meant to be worn poolside. In what might be considered the fabric’s high-water mark, Sean Connery turned up in *Goldfinger* wearing a playsuit made from baby blue towelling. The fabric retains its Slim Aarons appeal today and continues to turn up in polos or lounge shorts, though some more creative labels have dared used it to craft guayaberas and even [safari](https://robbreport.ph/tag/safari/ "safari") shirts. In the interests of keeping cool and staying dry, we’ve helpfully scouted out 11 notable examples on the market below. ###### Unfeigned Long-Sleeve Tee ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RR_20250710_Toweling_Unfeigned.webp) *Photo: Unfeigned* Both the terry cloth polo and the sailor tee are associated with mid-century travel at its jet-setting best, thanks to the photos of Slim Aarons and films like *To Catch a Thief.* The two styles finally collide in the form of this long-sleeved striped tee from the Madrid-based Unfeigned, which has made it up in a soft, organic cotton-blend toweling. [Available on unfeigned: Php 5,140](https://unfeignedgear.com/collections/tops/products/basic-long-sleeve-t-shirt-terry) ## **Bugatchi French Terry Polo Shirt** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RR_20250710_Toweling_Bugatchi.webp) *Photo: Bugatchi* While founded in Montreal, Bugatchi has long looked to Europe for inspiration, and its French terry polo shirt is no exception. The three-button style, which features a pleasantly looped texture on its interior but remains smooth to the touch outside, can easily be imagined hanging from a chaise lounge somewhere in the South of France. [Available on BUGATCHI: Php 7,735](https://www.bugatchi.com/products/french-terry-polo-shirt-navy) ## PML Polo Long Sleeve Chenille ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RR_20250710_Toweling_PML.webp) *Photo: PML* Don’t get tripped up by the descriptor of this long-sleeved PML polo being *chenille:* that’s just French for caterpillar, which perfectly captures the raised, fuzzy texture of the cotton toweling fabric used to make it. A buttonless placket and a spread collar further accentuate its smarter appeal. [Available ON PML: Php 9,920](https://pmlclothing.com/products/polo-green-chenille-long-sleeve) ## Bryceland’s Towel Shirt Crepe ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RR_20250710_Toweling_Brycelands.webp) *Photo: Bryceland* Backward-looking in only the best of ways, vintage-obsessed Brycleand’s aims to reproduce the more refined resortwear of an earlier era. One way it does so is with this ‘60s-inspired towel shirt which features a vintage French voile-cotton for its facing but is lined with soft terry cloth toweling. [Available on Bryceland: Php 16,070](https://www.brycelandsco.com/collections/towel-shirt/products/towel-shirt-crepe) ## Orlebar Brown Griffith Relaxed Fit Towelling Lounge Shirt in Latte ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RR_20250710_Toweling_Orlebar_Browne.webp) *Photo: Orlebar Brown* A part of Orlebar Brown’s 007 Gold Collection, which pays homage to 1964’s *Goldfinger* and 1974’s *The Man with the Golden Gun*, the Griffith toweling shirt is modeled after a style worn by Roger Moore in the latter film. While its creamy color and cropped hem are in-line with its cinematic inspiration, Orlebar Brown’s iteration favors a more discreet Capri collar in place of the very big, very ‘70s collar sported on-screen by Moore. [Available on Orlebar Brown: PHp32,677](https://orlebarbrown.com/en-us/products/griffith-shirts-280428) ## Sid Mashburn Knit Marquez Shirt White Terry ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RR_20250710_Toweling_Mashburn.webp) *Photo: Sid Mashburn* This iteration of Sid’s Marquez shirt—its own house-take on the guayabera—is made from a sustainably weighted Peruvian pima cotton terry cloth. Sporting the traditional four patch pockets and cut short enough to be worn untucked, it’s best complemented by swim trunks and a responsible amount of SPF. [Available on Sid Mashburn: Php 13,490](https://shopmashburn.com/products/sid-mashburn-knit-marquez-shirt-white-terry-s76602) ## Frescobol Carioca Augusto Terry Cotton Shorts ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RR_20250710_Toweling_Frescobol.webp) *Photo: Frescobol Carioca* Inspired the laidback, sun-soaked style of Rio de Janeiro—and its most famous beach-based paddleball game, Frescobol—most everything Frescobol Carioca makes is meant to be worn near a body of water. Its Augusto shorts are no exception, made from 100% organic terry cotton and finished with an easy elasticated waist closure. [Available on Frescobol Carioca: Php 13,490](https://www.frescobolcarioca.com/products/augusto-terry-cotton-shorts-navy-blue) ## Mr P. Organic Terry Cotton Terry T-Shirt ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RR_20250710_Toweling_Mr_P.webp) *Photo: Mr P.* While frequently fabricated as a polo shirt, toweling tees are in strangely short supply. Fortunately, Mr Porter’s house label Mr P. has stepped up to remedy this inequity with a simple crewneck T-shirt made from organic cotton terry. [Available on Mr. Porter: Php 7,795](https://www.mrporter.com/en-us/mens/product/mr-p/clothing/plain-t-shirts/organic-cotton-terry-t-shirt/1647597357561582) *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Style **Tags:** men's fashion, News, summer --- ### [Mercedes Just Unveiled One of the World’s Most Luxurious Vans](https://robbreport.ph/cars/mercedes-just-unveiled-one-of-the-worlds-most-luxurious-vans/) **Published:** March 16, 2026 **Author:** Sean Evans **Content:** A [Mercedes-Benz](https://robbreport.ph/tag/mercedes-benz/ "mercedes benz") Jet Sprinter is what you take to the Met Gala to make a serious entrance, or what you use to get your entourage from your Tribeca townhouse to Teterboro in time for wheels up. With builds that start at $200,000 and climb over a half-million—plus the donor vehicle cost—this type of rolling luxury was reserved for Hollywood, hedge fund, or oligarch types. Until now. With its new VLE, Mercedes is making an all-electric Jet Sprinter van for the everyday consumer. The VLE is the first vehicle built on Mercedes’ new modular Van Architecture, which allowed engineers to rethink the interior from scratch. The result is a rolling first-class suite with a drag coefficient of just 0.25—remarkable for something this spacious—with a design aesthetic of low-slung grand tourer meets people mover. The downward sloping roofline, arc-shaped taillights integrated into an aerodynamic rear bodywork, and a bold illuminated grille give the VLE a handsome presence. The shimmering bronze model we checked out in Stuttgart featured monoblock rims, a combination that sounds like it doesn’t work in this application, yet it does. Superbly. ## A Backseat You’ll Fight Over After the doors automatically slide open and you step inside, someone will likely have to force you to leave. The new Sky View panoramic roof—a single unbroken pane of glass running from the B-pillar all the way to the rear—floods the cabin with light and creates a sense of openness. Surround ambient lighting wraps every occupant from cockpit to third row, while the furniture-inspired interior design and multiple individualization options ensure no two cabins need look alike. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/26C0010_084-e1773087792472.webp) The back seat is where it’s at in the Mercedes-Benz VLE. *Photo: Mercedes-Benz AG – Communications & Marketing* The seat portfolio is where things get genuinely indulgent. Mercedes offers three types of rear seating, topped by the Grand Comfort Seat: an electric throne with an integrated pillow, lumbar support, massage function, calf support, and wireless charging. Plush and supportive, you sink into the leather as the heated massager warms and kneads your body. The wireless charging phone cradle, attached to the armrest, feels like something from a NASA operations center; functional, precise, and thrilling to use. Electrically adjustable seats go a step further with Mercedes’ “Remote Variable Rear Space” feature, allowing the infotainment system or the Mercedes-Benz app to reposition the seats between four pre-set modes. Those include maximum luggage space (“Baggage”) to CEO-grade legroom (“Executive”). And riders will no longer be relegated to the third row; it’s properly comfortable there, even for the long-legged. With the second row seat fully backward and occupied by a 6’3” Mercedes van rep, this 6’2” author was able to sit comfortably in the third row without kissing his knees once. (This does come at the expense of luggage. Transport a family of giants and watch the decently large truck space shrink considerably.) For the rear passengers, the showstopper is the optional MBUX Rear Space Experience: a retractable 31.3-inch panoramic screen—ratio 32:9, resolution 8K—that lives hidden in the headliner above the front seats. Say “Hey Mercedes, start the cinema experience” and the screen glides out, the electric seats recline, the window shades draw, and the cabin transforms into a mobile movie theatre. This sequence will make you feel, briefly, like you’re living in a movie rather than watching one. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/26C0010_041-e1773087575463.webp) The Mercedes-Benz VLE from above, highlighting its roof. *Photo: Mercedes-Benz AG – Communications & Marketing* The Burmester 3D Surround Sound System backs it all up with 22 speakers and Dolby Atmos. More than 40 apps are available onboard, including Disney+, RIDEVU from Sony Pictures Entertainment, and support for Bluetooth gaming controllers. For those who wish to work, an integrated eight-megapixel camera makes video conferencing crisp and easy. And yes, you can split the screen into two views, so each rear seat occupant can enjoy their own experience. ## 700 Kilometers of Range and a 15-Minute Top-Up The VLE runs on an 800-volt electrical architecture paired with a new 115 kWh NMC battery. Mercedes quotes a WLTP range of over 700 kilometers (roughly 435 miles), and with 300-plus kilowatt DC fast charging, you can add up to 320 kilometers of range in 15 minutes. The top-spec VLE 400 4MATIC will push 305 kW through all four wheels and hit 62 mph in 6.5 seconds, which are not numbers you expect to read about a van that seats eight. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/26C0010_264-e1773087893445.webp) Some of the screens on the Mercedes-Benz VLE. *Photo: Mercedes-Benz AG – Communications & Marketing* ## Tech That Does the Driving for You The backseat is clearly where it’s at, but behind the wheel has perks, too. The cockpit features the optional MBUX Superscreen—a single glass panel concealing a 10.25-inch driver display, a 14-inch central screen, and a 14-inch front-passenger entertainment display. Given the VLE’s footprint, Mercedes loaded it with semi-autonomous assistance systems that make piloting it far less demanding than you’d expect. Every model ships with a sensor array of 10 cameras, five radar sensors, and 12 ultrasonic sensors tied to a water-cooled high-performance computer. The optional MB.DRIVE ASSIST package enables cooperative steering, semi-autonomous motorway cruising via Distance Assist DISTRONIC, and Lane Change Assist. Parking and low-speed maneuvering are where the VLE’s engineering choices are most helpful. The standard rear-axle steering with a seven-degree lock angle shrinks the curb-to-curb turning circle to just 35 feet—comparable to the compact CLA sedan—while the more direct front-axle steering ratio means fewer turns of the wheel to execute a full U-turn. The VLE will park itself and automatically reverse out of the spot, too. It took three tries during our demo, but the VLE did ultimately back into a parking spot between two cars properly. It left the spot cleanly each time, though. The VLE goes on sale globally with the rear-wheel-drive 300 electric variant leading the launch, followed shortly by the all-wheel-drive 400 4MATIC. Pricing has yet to be confirmed, but expect the grand limousine to carry a suitably grand price tag, starting above $80,000. ***Click [here](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-mercedes-vle-in-photos/) for more photos of the Mercedes-Benz VLE.*** *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** Feature, mercedes, mercedes benz --- ### [These Easter Eggs Are Inspired by Monet, Picasso, and Van Gogh](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/these-easter-eggs-are-inspired-by-monet-picasso-and-van-gogh/) **Published:** April 1, 2026 **Author:** Nicholas Ong **Content:** Holy Week in the Philippines carries its own gravity, marked by reflection and the return to the table with family. [Easter](https://robbreport.ph/tag/easter/ "easter"), when it arrives, shifts that mood toward something lighter: a celebration that still holds meaning, but allows for a sense of occasion. At Makati Shangri-La Manila, that impulse takes form first in chocolate presenting a series of [Easter eggs](https://robbreport.ph/tag/easter-eggs/ "Easter eggs") inspired by Monet, Picasso, and Van Gogh, confections designed as objects meant to sit at the center of a gathering and serve as an enjoyable treat. Across the hotel, the tone stays steady with familiar formats lightly adjusted for the season. Beyond the eggs, this year’s Easter Garden festivities lean into a series of well-placed options: afternoon tea, a long lunch, or something sweet for takeaway. ## 1. Chocolate Eggs ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2026-Sinfully-Easter-Eggs.webp) *Makati Shangri-La Manila* A Palette of Spring turns Easter eggs into something you might hesitate to break. Inspired by Monet, Picasso, and Van Gogh, the pieces (₱1,680 nett) sit comfortably on a table before they’re eaten, which is half the appeal. ## 2. Afternoon Tea ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2026-Easter-Afternoon-Tea.webp) *Makati Shangri-La Manila* At the Lobby Lounge, the Easter Garden Afternoon Tea (₱1,988++) is built for an unhurried afternoon. A mix of savories and sweets is enough to keep the table engaged, perfect for an intimate gathering. ## 3. A Sumptuous Buffet ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2026-Easter-Circles-Buffet-2240x1489.webp) *Makati Shangri-La Manila* At Circles Event Cafe, A Feast in Bloom (₱2,687.30++) does what a buffet should: give everyone something they want, especially after a carefully observed Lenten season, at a broad spread fitting a family lunch. ## 4. The Sunday Roast, No Explanation Needed ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Sage-Grill-Sunday-Roast.webp) *Makati Shangri-La Manila* At Sage Grill, the Sunday Roast (₱2,588++) is exactly what it sounds like—prime rib, Yorkshire pudding, and a glass of Shiraz. It’s the most straightforward option on the list, and arguably the most satisfying. ## 5. Something to Bring Home ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2026-Easter-Hot-Cross-Buns.webp) *Makati Shangri-La Manila* At Sinfully, the Easter Confections range from hot cross buns to whole cakes, starting at ₱60 nett for a bun to a whole carrot cake with a chocolate rabbit and candy carrots atop. It’s the easiest way to extend the day—take a box home, and the holiday lingers a little longer. *Order Easter confections at Sinfully [here](https://boutique.shangri-la.com/shop.php?region=phmnl&cat=Easter&sub_cat=Easter%20Confections&hotel=SLM&name_sort=asc&price_sort=desc&recommend_sort=true).* *More information about dining at the hotel [here](https://www.shangri-la.com/manila/makatishangrila/).* **Categories:** Dining, Food & Drink **Tags:** Buffet, Circles Buffet, easter, Easter eggs, Makati Shangri-La Manila, Sage Grill --- ### [8 Fascinating Facts You Never Knew About McLaren](https://robbreport.ph/cars/8-fascinating-facts-you-never-knew-about-mclaren/) **Published:** April 1, 2026 **Author:** Bob Sorokanich **Content:** Most exotic car companies get into racing as a way to promote their road-going vehicles. [McLaren](https://robbreport.ph/tag/mclaren/ "mclaren") went about things in the opposite direction, gathering decades of racing experience before building a single street-legal car. Today, McLaren is just about the only high-end automaker left that doesn’t build a sport-utility vehicle—the company’s 2024 lineup is made exclusively of two-door, two-seat, mid-engine supercars. Here’s everything you need to know about this hyper-focused British brand. ## A British Company Named for a Kiwi ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/brucemclaren-e1715198584926.webp) McLaren Automotive is named for Bruce McLaren, a New Zealand-born racing driver and engineer who spent most of his career in England. Bruce McLaren became a Formula 1 driver in 1959, and launched McLaren Racing in 1963. A talented and successful driver, McLaren and co-driver Chris Amon drove the Ford GT40 that won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966, part of Ford’s iconic 1-2-3 photo finish. The McLaren Formula One team is the second-oldest and second most successful team competing in the series (behind Ferrari). Tragically, Bruce McLaren died in a crash at Goodwood in 1970 while testing a race car of his own design ## McLaren and Formula 1 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/jameshuntmclaren-e1715198668327.webp) *Photo: Getty Images* McLaren Racing entered its first [Formula One](https://robbreport.ph/tag/formula-one/ "formula one") Grand Prix in 1966, and while the team has had a long history in IndyCar and Can-Am, it is first and foremost known as a Formula One constructor. The team has won twelve F1 Championships with seven drivers and has fielded some of the greatest names in the sport. Emerson Fittipaldi, James Hunt, Niki Lauda, Alain Prost, Ayrton Senna, Mika Häkkinen, and Lewis Hamilton have all won F1 Championships while driving for McLaren. ## The First McLaren Road Car ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/gordonmurraymclaren-e1715198642155.webp) *Photo: Pascal Rondeau* Gordon Murray, a South-African-born race-car engineer, joined McLaren Racing in 1986 as Technical Director. Under Murray, McLaren won four Formula One Drivers’ Championships and Constructors’ Championships in a row, from 1988 to 1991. Also in 1988, Murray and team principal Ron Dennis began work on the first McLaren road car. Murray had long dreamed of building a sports car with the driver’s seat in the middle, allowing for ideal vision around left- and right-hand corners as well as perfect weight distribution. In 1992, Murray and Dennis unveiled the now-legendary McLaren F1, the first road-going vehicle to wear the McLaren name. ## Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/mercedes-benz_slr_2008_wallpapers_2-e1715198822245.webp) *Photo: Mercedes-Benz* After the F1, the next road-going vehicle to wear the McLaren name was a collaboration with Mercedes-Benz. The two companies had been working together since 1995, when Mercedes began supplying engines for the McLaren Formula One team. Debuting for the 2004 model year, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren was a modern tribute to the legendary Mercedes 300 SL “Gullwing.” The SLR McLaren gets power from a 617-hp supercharged V8 sitting entirely behind the front axle, with even more powerful special editions coming in later years. The wildest version of all was the Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss, a limited-edition tribute to the legendary British racing driver that had no windshield or roof. ## The Legend of the McLaren F1 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/mclarenf1-e1715198733339.webp) *Photo: McLaren* Envisioned as the ultimate sports car, the McLaren F1 showcased technology that McLaren had innovated in Formula One. It was the first street-legal sports car built with a full carbon-fiber monocoque chassis; with 618 hp from a 6.1-liter BMW V12, it held the record for most powerful production car for more than a decade. In 1993, the McLaren F1 set a production-car top-speed world record, reaching 231 mph at Nardo; five years later, the F1 shattered its own record, recording a two-way average of 240 mph at Volkswagen’s Ehra-Lessein test track. Murray never intended to take the F1 racing, but after numerous customer requests, McLaren adapted the car for competition. The resulting McLaren F1 GTR took first, third, fourth and fifth place at the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans, despite making 27 hp less than the street-legal car due to Le Mans horsepower limits. From 1992 to 1998, McLaren Cars built 106 examples of the F1, including 71 road cars, 28 race cars, and seven prototypes. ## A New Generation ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2104-McLaren12C-e1715198491888.webp) *Photo: McLaren* While McLaren played a pivotal role in developing the SLR, McLaren Cars itself went dormant when the last McLaren F1 rolled off the assembly line in 1998. The division was revived in 2010 as McLaren Automotive, just in time for the company to introduce its second-ever road car, the MP4-12C. This car, launched in 2011 and renamed “12C” a year later, set the formula for every McLaren road car that would follow: A two-door, two-seat supercar built around a carbon-fiber monocoque, with a twin-turbo V8 engine behind the passenger compartment sending power to the rear wheels. ## Hypercar Wars ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2226-McLarenP1Bahrain-e1715198517184.webp) *Photo: Patrick Gosling* In 2013, McLaren introduced the P1, meant to demonstrate the next paradigm in performance vehicles. This was the era of the hybrid hypercar, with the plug-in P1 going up against the Ferrari LaFerrari and Porsche 918 Spyder. All of these ultra-machines used electric motors to add an extra dose of torque to the gasoline-powered engine—in the P1’s case, totaling 903 horsepower. ## Today, and Tomorrow ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/9835-McLarenSpeedtail-e1715198553264.webp) *Photo: McLaren* Currently, McLaren divides its road-going vehicles into three categories. The GTS is luxuriously appointed for all-day driving comfort while still living up to McLaren’s racing heritage. The Artura and 750S are fully-fledged supercars, ready to attack a back road or a track day. The Ultimate Series includes ultra-limited-production models like the Senna, Speedtail, and Elva, with eye-watering performance and jaw-dropping price tags. No matter what comes next from McLaren, expect it to be heavily influenced by the company’s half-century-plus of competing at the highest levels of motorsports. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US*. **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** mclaren, racing --- ### [7 Must-See Art Shows This Month That Evoke Reflection for a Hopeful Future](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-collectibles/7-must-see-art-shows-this-month-that-evoke-reflection-for-a-hopeful-future/) **Published:** March 16, 2026 **Author:** Jodie Jose **Content:** No matter where you’re standing–be it from the top floor of a towering edifice in the city, or from the coast of some fishing village, or inside a cathedral before a crucifix–it isn’t difficult to gather that the world is in need of some miracle to save it from the brink of collapse. And for this month’s shows, artists continue to act like the prophets that they are, cautioning society of its destructive tendencies as seen in the shows of Pete Jimenez ([Finale Art File](https://robbreport.ph/tag/finale-art-file/ "finale art file") Gallery) and Manuel Ocampo, MM Yu and Romeo Lee (Blanc Gallery). The art scene itself is pervaded with its own unresolved issues and is brought to the fore by Robert Langenegger (Blanc Gallery), containing its own actors captured by Raena Abella (ArtInformal Gallery). These days, art has become all the more vital for humanity to spur reflections and inspire action that could sway our fate to a brighter future. Here is a list of shows that invite us to do just that: ## ***To Seek. To Surrender. To Stay* at Artinformal Gallery** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Art-Informal.webp) Photographer Raena Abella turns to the 9th-century process of ambrotype to render the faces that animate the Philippine contemporary art scene. The method moves against the grain of the present movement and asks its sitters to remain before the camera for thirty, sometimes sixty seconds, long enough to feel the duration of being looked at. The photographs arrive without the familiar vocabulary of contemporary ways of capturing images; there is an absence of bright saturated colors, romantic flares, and small technical seductions. For viewers, this may be disorienting and this is precisely why this show is worth viewing. *The exhibition runs through April 9. For more information, visit * ## ***You are the Apple* at Finale Art File** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Finale-Pete-JImenez-2240x1680.webp) Many view the archipelago that is our country as some paradise—abundant fragments of land teeming with wildlife, vegetation and a Filipino populace of different regions, sustained and nourished by the vast almighty sea. And yet, the pressing issue of water scarcity exists. In this show, Pete Jimenez likens the Philippines to the garden of Eden. Through sculptures of thirty or so tanks crushed and emptied, Jimenez illustrates the greed of humanity’s consumption. From afar, one may view the form of the sculpture as reminiscent of the fruit from which Adam and Eve took their fall. Jimenez calls for action guided by empathy to all bodies and creatures that bring life. *The exhibition runs through March 31. For more information, visit * ## ***Taga-Silim* at Finale Art File Gallery** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Finale-Mac-Valdezco-2240x1680.webp) Mac Valdezco is a curious artist who is fervently committed to finding the unsung techniques thread, cords, and strings can intrigue her viewers. Her inquiry for this show is inspired by the way light reveals itself through outstretched branches and variegated contours of leaves. Sticking to an achromatic palette for her sculptural abstract works, she amplifies the mystic albeit easily dismissed as banal quality of light. *The exhibition runs through March 31.* For more information, visit ## ***Peak and End* at Vinyl on Vinyl Gallery** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/VOV-2240x2239.webp) How conscious are we when it comes to remembering and experiencing the self? Isha Naguiat draws from the psychologist Daniel Kahneman who details the distinction between the two processes and asserts that the remembering self highlights and interprets the peak and end of an experience, thereby influencing future actions. For the artist, whose practice hinges on memory as a constant theme, the act of remembering manifests in her body of work for this show in woven photographs printed twice, with the second traced by embroidery symbolizing reflection. In so doing, the artist invites her viewers to move through them and witness moments recalled. *The exhibition runs through April 7. For more information, visit * ## ***Intonarumori (noisemakers)* at Blanc Gallery** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Blanc.webp) The saying “The future is now,” is portrayed by the powerhouse trio of Manuel Ocampo, MM Yu, and Romeo Lee in this show through Hello Kitty mutants, autocannibalism, and urban marks that reflect Manila’s “devious dirty charm.” The title of the show, which means ‘noisemaker,’ is drawn from a piece by Luigi Russolo, who lived during the height of the industrial age when mechanical shrieks and clangs began reverberating throughout the globe. The artists find themselves in a position similar to Russolo where life in contemporary Philippines is defiled and defined by apocalyptic tendencies by a people and have now made it their fate. Through a compelling collision of photography and painting laced by the grotesque, the artists augments the tragedy of Filipinos today. ## ***Art Purgatory* at Blanc Gallery** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Blanc1.webp) Robert Langenegger maintains a streak of art that is viscerally jarring, questionably “considerate” and religiously referential to Biblical images and texts–which is perhaps why we need him in the contemporary art scene in the Philippines. He is unafraid to touch on niche realities without the automatic dogmatic impulse one finds in exhibits that tread similar lines. The art world is one such niche rife with the cyclical emails to institutional bodies requesting support, ornamental trophies, long lines of “emerging artists” and free beers. Langgenegger tackles the limbo nature of this realm with the objective of “\[neutralizing\] something negative… and \[regurgitating\] it into pretty little artworks for the public to judge and decipher at their leisure.” *The exhibition runs through March 28. For more information, visit * ## ***Smokescreen* at Provenance Gallery** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Provenance.webp) In recent times, the truth has become a slippery fish escaping to the murky waters of a lake rather than a stone bearing the sharp marks of its history. Where facts and documentation should be made available with unmitigated transparency lies the most muddled and manipulative of devices and entities that conjure a false image of honesty and verity to further confuse a populace that is already distracted. To Geovanni Abing, today’s post-truth society is cloaked with the thick smoke engineered by those in positions of power. Perhaps the most interesting facet of this show is the artist’s use of papercut techniques combined with acrylic washes that create a soft translucent effect to his collages, imitating the effect of smoke when it spreads through a city. *The exhibition runs from March 21 through April 13. For more information, visit * **Categories:** Art & Collectibles **Tags:** art, Artinformal, blanc gallery, finale art file, Gallery Roundup, Pete Jimenez, Provenance Art Gallery, vinyl on vinyl --- ### [How Luggage Became a Luxury Status Symbol](https://robbreport.ph/travel/how-luggage-became-a-luxury-status-symbol/) **Published:** March 30, 2026 **Author:** Justin Fenner **Content:** Couli Jobert seems perfectly content not to encounter too many pieces of Globe-Trotter [luggage](https://robbreport.ph/tag/luggage/ "luggage") when she’s at the airport—a curious stance, given that she serves as the English heritage brand’s creative director. But to hear her tell it, the rarity of these painstakingly handmade cases, which start at $1,695 for a carry-on and top out at $5,595 for a large checked bag, is part of their claim to fame. “I think it makes you unique,” she says over Zoom from her office in Paris, noting that hers sport the brand’s distinctive brick-red hue. “When I travel, people stop me and say, ‘Wow, beautiful color…. What is this luggage?’ ” Increasingly, well-designed, eye-catching carry-ons and checked cases signal more about you than about your destination. Luggage has become a luxury status symbol—even for commercial jet-setters—a style statement on par with limited-edition sneakers and hard-to-get handbags. In place of ubiquitous black-nylon rollers, attention-grabbing suitcases that telegraph wealth and taste are now de rigueur in private hangars and public concourses. The preponderance of high-end bags on the market tracks with a dramatic shift in how frequently the well-heeled travel. According to recent research from [Resonance](https://resonanceco.com/), a Los Angeles–based consulting firm, nearly one-third of the wealthiest 1 percent of U.S. households took between six and 11 leisure trips in 2025, up from 15 percent in 2022. (Average Americans take fewer than three such journeys annually.) The firm estimates that the top 10 percent of American earners will spend an eye-watering $544 billion on vacations in this year. Hence the demand for well-made luggage from brands including Louis Vuitton, a perennial favorite, or stylish metal cases from the insider maker Fabbrica Pelletterie Milano, which have now constant companions for U.H.N.W. travelers. Carl Friedrik, another favorite, has made a name for itself on the HBO helipad dramas *Succession* and *Industry*. And then, of course, there’s Rimowa, the hyper-popular German maker known for its rolling aluminum trunks—and ironclad lifetime guarantee. “I mean, in Paris during fashion week, I think I counted 27 Rimowas on one flight,” says Nolan Meader, a New York City–based personal stylist and fashion consultant who flies with one of his own up to 40 times a year. “Now that people are traveling more, they want things that are reliable and convenient, but also, it is a bit of a status thing.” Of course, the real flex is [chartering your own flight](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/these-new-apps-help-you-book-a-private-jet-in-just-30-seconds-and-bypass-brokers/ "These New Apps Help You Book a Private Jet in Just 30 Seconds—and Bypass Brokers")—avoiding check-in-desk fatigue, security lines, and concern about overweight luggage altogether. At that level, Meader points to the rarefied travel bags from Hermès, such as the leather-clad R.M.S. Cabin Suitcase or the men’s HAC, an oversize take on the Birkin that has been spotted in the hands of Pharrell Williams, Travis Kelce, Lionel Messi, and David Beckham. “I feel like those are probably more conducive to having a private plane than to, you know, being stuffed in an overhead compartment,” Meader says. ## 1. Rimowa ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RR_Luxury_Luggage_1.webp) *Rimowa* While Rimowa’s aluminum rollers are approaching airport ubiquity, its leather-wrapped Distinct Cabin ([$3,525](https://www.rimowa.com/us/en/luggage/collection/distinct/cabin/80153501.html)) feels far more exclusive. ## 2. Globe-Trotter ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RR_Luxury_Luggage_4_0826f4.webp) *Globe-Trotter* Globe-Trotter’s lightweight, durable rollers ([from $1,695](https://us.globe-trotter.com/collections/luggage)) are made from a patented, vulcanized fiberboard with leather accents. ## 3. Louis Vuitton ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RR_Luxury_Luggage_2.webp) *Louis Vuitton* [Louis Vuitton](https://robbreport.ph/tag/louis-vuitton/ "Louis Vuitton")’s Keepall 50 ([$2,630](https://us.louisvuitton.com/eng-us/products/keepall-bandouliere-50-monogram-canvas-000695/M41416)) has been turning heads in transit since it was introduced in 1930. ## 4. Fabbrica Pelletterie Milano ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RR_Luxury_Luggage_6.webp) *Fabbrica Pelletterie Milano* Fabbrica Pelletterie Milano’s Bank Spinner ([from $1,975](https://us.fpm.it/collections/all)) uses old-school leather straps to secure your belongings. ## 5. Carl Friedrik ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RR_Luxury_Luggage_5.webp) *Carl Friedrik* Carl Friedrik unveiled its first aluminum carry-on ([$895](https://www.carlfriedrik.com/collections/carry-on-luggage?srsltid=AfmBOoqMWl6qE_inavzqW5yUuhoYnAatNP1ryNQn2x8gUZgejKibeXpU)) in March. ## 6. Hermès ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RR_Luxury_Luggage_7.webp) *Hermès* [Hermès](http://Hermès)’s R.M.S. Cargo Cabin Suitcase ([$24,200](https://www.hermes.com/us/en/product/r.m.s-cargo-cabin-suitcase-H087834CMAA/)) blends leather, canvas, and skateboard-style wheels. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Fashion, Style, Travel **Tags:** Carl Frederick, Globe-Trotter, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, luggage, Rimowa, Spinner --- ### [The Galleries We Love at Art Basel Hong Kong 2026](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-collectibles/the-galleries-we-love-at-art-basel-hong-kong-2026/) **Published:** March 28, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** At [Art Basel](https://robbreport.ph/tag/art-basel/ "art basel"), you have three days, perhaps four if you skip the VIP dinners where the wine is excellent but the conversation is about shipping logistics. You will walk miles, develop opinions about lighting, and at some point stand before a work of genuine significance while thinking only about where to find those elusive water dispensers. There are two ways to “do” Basel weekend. The first is through the laminated floor plan and military pace that leaves you seeing nothing; or the second, admitting you cannot see everything and deciding, with surgical precision, where to aim your attention. So consider this a field guide for the time-pressed and the aesthetically overstimulated—the booths and programs where the work actually rewards the looking, and where you might, if you’re lucky, forget to check your phone! ## Max Hertzler: Andre Butzer, Eleanor Swordy, and Albert Oelen ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/4f41963c-789d-4731-ab78-adcf8d474a9b-2240x3982.webp) “Aribert Heim” (2025) by André Butzer *Photo: Bryle Suralta* When we think of Andre Butzer, we think of someone who invented “Science-Fiction Expressionism” to fuse Munch’s angst with Disney’s utopia, his NASAHEIM universe oscillating between despair and hope. Complementing him are Eleanor Swordy’s structured paintings like musical compositions, as her figures mediate through tools—bowstrings, hoses—that mirror the painter’s own implements. Albert Oelen, whose hallucinatory ceramics sort of defy the medium’s decorum with their grotesque, polychrome, and gleefully unhinged forms, punctuate the showcase. Together, they form a triad united by a shared and audacious refusal of polite taste. ## Flowers: Movana Chen, Jakkai Sirbutr, and Luka Yuanyuan Yang ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/b21ee57b84375b2ea68642db20925c516a7f14f8-868x1157-1.webp) Jakkai Siributr, Despatch (2024-25). *Photo: the artist, courtesy of Flowers Gallery* Flowers titled their booth Tapestries of Togetherness, a fitting description for three artists who treat textiles as testimony. Movana Chen’s “KNITerature” shreds books and maps into woven installations, transforming language into fabric. Jakkai Sirbutr embroiders intricate tapestries narrating Thailand’s difficult history, often collaborating with displaced Shan communities. Meanwhile, Luka Yuanyuan Yang excavates forgotten histories of Chinese women performers in 20th-century America, recovering voices erased by the Chinese Exclusion Act. All three practice what a not-to-be-named curator calls “palimpsestic approaches.” ## Ora-Ora: Henry Chu, Krista Kim, and Huang Yulong ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Untitled-design-66-2240x2240.webp) “HeartSpace,” Biometric Installation Series by Krista Kim. *Photo: Ora-Ora* Ora-Ora’s twentieth-anniversary booth, *HalluciNation*, is a maximalist proposition. Krista Kim, pioneer of the “Techism Manifesto,” debuts *HeartSpace*, an immersive screen translating visitors’ heartbeats into waves of light. Henry Chu, the engineer-turned-tech artist, counters with *A(bsurd) and D(istortion)*, where geopolitical news feeds corrupt Bach’s harmonies, rendering listeners powerless in real time. Huang Yulong’s bronze centaur, *On My Way*, marries Jingdezhen craftsmanship with streetwear swagger, while ink masters Huang Dan, Nina Pryde, and Xiao Xu remind us that classical materials remain astonishingly elastic. Technology and tradition here are not opposing forces but collaborators in the hallucinatory present. ## Drawing Room Manila: Gerry Tan, Soler Santos, and Ged Unson Merino ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/657757418_18462589585097060_3506406091790867680_n.webp) *Photo: Drawing Room Manila* Drawing Room Manila assembled four generations of Philippine practice around a single proposition: materials remember what history chooses to forget. Ged Unson Merino’s monumental textiles—printed, stitched, embroidered—function as living archives of his migration between Manila, Bogotá, and New York. Next to them, Cian Dayrit reworks tapestry’s aristocratic lineage into banners of political critique, subverting a medium once reserved for territorial power. Soler Santos merges painting with photography and found materials, transforming urban decay into a quiet elegy. And of course, Gerry Tan, the conceptual trickster, anchors the booth with his deadpan inquiries into how images accumulate and erode. The thread is material. The argument is memory. ## Catinca Tabacaru and Nome: Cian Dayrit, Terrence Musekiwa, Youssra Raouchi ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Untitled-design-64-2240x2240.webp) “Fever Dream” (2025) by Youssra Raouchi *Photo: Bryle Suralta* Dayrit, the Filipino multidisciplinary artist, works with a cartographer’s precision and a revisionist’s agenda—his maps and tapestries overlay colonial infrastructures with contemporary political borders, revealing how power has merely changed uniforms. Musekiwa, a Zimbabwean sculptor based in South Africa, transforms salvaged industrial materials—think rusted barrel lids, discarded piping—into figurative works that seem to exhume. Then there’s Raouchi, the Egyptian-French artist whose textile-based practice involves painstakingly unraveling and re-stitching found garments, effectively unmaking and remaking personal histories. ## Mizuma: Tasaki Taro, Ari Bayuaji, and Yamamoto Ryuki ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/IMG_2621-2240x1680.webp) Ari Bayuaji for Encounters *Photo: Mizuma* Ari Bayuaji transforms discarded fishing nets from Bali into luminous tapestries through *Weaving the Ocean*, a community-driven project also featured in Encounters. Alongside him is Tasaki Taro, who crafts ceramic figures where mechanical forms meet biological softness, their awkward charm quietly meditating on peace. Yamamoto Ryuki, meanwhile, renders Shiba dogs, Angora rabbits, Buddhist symbols, and more with the same monumental hyperreal devotion he once reserved for self-portraits. Process—weaving, firing, observing—inevitably unites them. ## COHJU: Shinya Azuma ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Untitled-design-62-2240x2240.webp) *Photo: Bryle Suralta* Shinya Azuma draws ironically from news broadcasts, social media, and daily life, then translates these images to canvas with aggressive, unpretentious, and rather (un)serious brushwork. His peculiar color sense—clashing primaries, synthetic pinks—and chunky paint texture create a visual language somewhere between meme and manifesto. The subjects range from wealth inequality to sexual intimacy, rendered with satirical, self-deprecating humor that stops you cold. ## Gallery Baton: Yuchi Hirako ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/basel-5353-2240x2240.webp) *Photo: Bryle Suralta* Hirako’s recurring “tree-man” (that uncanny human body topped with pine or fir, antlers included) functions as his surrogate, evolved from Japanese *kodama* folklore. Working across painting and sculpture, he stages domestic scenes where these figures read, lounge with cats, or tend houseplants. The effect is neither whimsy nor environmental sermon, but something more interesting: an open-ended inquiry into how nature becomes “indefinitely mediated and domesticated in contemporary culture. ## Encounters-Specific: Steph Huang, Hu Yijnping, and Geraldine Javier ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/657170859_18570537871008067_5272344679869097570_n.webp) *Photo: Silverlens* Steph Huang, a Taiwanese-British artist, transforms everyday objects like bamboo steamers, fluorescent tubes, and broken glass into sculptural puzzles about labor, migration, and the overlooked poetry of the quotidian. Hu Yinping’s decade-long “Hu Xiaofang” project commissions knitted works from rural Sichuan women, paying fair wages to subvert the devaluation of “women’s craft” and “women’s time.” Geraldine Javier, the Filipina multidisciplinary artist represented by Silverlens, presents monumental eco-printed fabric columns resembling trees—her signature technique using rust, leaves, and natural dyes to embed the landscape itself into the work. All three use humble materials to assert that making is also a form of witnessing. ## Victoria Miro: Grayson Perry, Mario Berio, Milton Avery, and Hernan Bas ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Untitled-design-63-2240x2240.webp) “A Private Morning” (2020) by Hernan Bas *Photo: Bryle Suralta* Turner Prize winner Grayson Perry’s ceramic pots deliver social critique with the wit of a satirist and the craft of a master, observations disguised as vessels. Mario Berio’s vibrant abstractions, on the other hand, channel postwar Italian energy through swaths of unprimed canvas soaked in dye. Milton Avery, the quiet American colorist, anchors the showcase with flattened forms that anticipated Rothko. Hernan Bas then contributes his signature melancholic dandies, which are figures suspended in narratives of longing and decadence. An improbable quartet whose conversation transcends generations. ## P21: Yaerium Ryu ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/p21-peter-2240x2240.webp) *Photo: Bryle Suralta* Yaerium Ryu presents *Peter*, a solo project centered on a fictional Neanderthal man whose imagined excavation becomes a meditation on painting itself. Through archaeological and museological imagery—fossil-like forms, vitrine-like displays, surfaces that mimic stone or sediment—Ryu examines how images can become physical records of time. Here, the canvas is a dig site. Gesture, labor, and surface memory accumulate like geological strata. The conceit is clever but never gimmicky: by inventing an ancient subject, Ryu asks what it means for contemporary painting to leave traces worth unearthing. **Categories:** Art & Collectibles **Tags:** art basel, Art Basel HK, Drawing Room Manila, Galleries, Gallery Baton, Mizuma, News --- ### [HK Art Week Edition: Art Central, What to See at Art Basel, Sotheby's and Christie's Big Splashes & More](https://robbreport.ph/the-luxe-dispatch/hong-kong-art-week-edition-art-central-artists-to-see-at-basel-sothebys-and-christies-big-splashes-more/) **Published:** March 27, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** Hong Kong Art Week is in full swing. Across a few tightly packed days, fairs, auctions, and luxury houses converge into something closer to an ecosystem than an event, where looking and buying begin to blur. Art Basel Hong Kong trims excess into structure, while Art Central leans into curatorial clarity and cross-disciplinary ambition. Around them, the auction houses move with confidence—Sotheby’s and Christie’s doubling down on blue-chip certainty, Phillips widening the field altogether. What emerges is a market all in on calibration, so yes, it’s sharper, more selective, and increasingly shaped by Asia’s own cultural pedigree. ## **Art Central Marks Its Second Decade With a Broader Cultural Play** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Art-Central-2026-FP-2240x1260.webp) *Courtesy of Art Central* Returning to Hong Kong’s Central Harbourfront from March 25 to 29, [Art Central enters its eleventh edition](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-collectibles/art-central-2026-returns-to-hong-kong-with-new-curators-major-installations-and-over-100-galleries/) with over 100 galleries and 500 artists, alongside a sharpened curatorial direction under Enoch Cheng and Zoie Yung. New features like *Central Stage* spotlight institutionally recognized names, while large-scale installations and digital-forward commissions—particularly Kaitlyn Hau’s motion-capture work—signal a shift beyond the booth. *More information [here](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-collectibles/art-central-2026-returns-to-hong-kong-with-new-curators-major-installations-and-over-100-galleries/).* ## Art Basel Hong Kong 2026 Guide ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/market-outlook-ubs-basel-art-2240x1260.webp) *Photo: Art Basel* Returning this week, [Art Basel Hong Kong](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-collectibles/visiting-art-basel-hong-kong-2026-here-is-how-to-navigate-the-fairs-key-sectors/) trades reorganizes its sprawl into tightly defined sectors. *Encounters* expands outward with large-scale installations under Mami Kataoka’s elemental framework, while *Kabinett* pulls inward with historically grounded, sharply edited presentations. Making its Asia debut, *Zero 10* signals a more serious commitment to digital practice, folding new media into the fair’s commercial core. Anchored by blue-chip galleries yet increasingly shaped by [Asia-Pacific narratives](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-collectibles/art-basel-hong-kong-2026-guide-part-2-asian-artists-you-cant-miss/), this year’s edition leans more visibly into its regional strength. ## Sotheby’s Packed Evening Auctions ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/christies-zhan-fe.webp) “Mask Series No. 21” (1994) by Zeng Fanzhi, oil on canvas *Photo: Sotheby’s* Across the aisle at Sotheby’s Hong Kong, its Modern & Contemporary Evening Sale leans into names that carry their usual aura—Mark Rothko’s meditative color fields, Yayoi Kusama’s ever-liquid market appeal, and David Hockney’s crisp, unmistakable gaze. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/kusama-pumpkin-christies-2414.webp) “Pumpkin” (1998) by Yayoi Kusama, acrylic on canvas *Photo: Sotheby’s* A signature pumpkin by Kusama, estimated in the tens of millions, anchors the sale with familiar magnetism. Auction ends on March 29. *Place your bids [here](https://www.sothebys.com/en/digital-catalogues/modern-contemporary-evening-auction-hk1691).* ## Christie’s Superstar Spring Sale ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/richter-afsaf.webp) “Abstrakte Skizze (664-3)” (1988) by Gerhard Richter, oil on canvas *Photo: Christie’s* At Christie’s Hong Kong, confidence takes a familiar form: names you don’t need to explain. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/zhou-ki-christies-2r4235r.webp) “18.03.63” (1963) by Zao Wou-Ki, oil on canvas *Photo: Christie’s* The upcoming 20th/21st Century sales ending tomorrow gather a reassuring roster, including Claude Monet’s light-drenched ease, Yayoi Kusama’s endlessly collectible infinity, Zao Wou-Ki’s lyrical abstraction, and the perennial gravity of Pablo Picasso. Really, it’s an all-star lineup engineered less for surprise than for certainty. *Place your bids [here](https://www.christies.com/en/events/hong-kong-auctions/what-is-on).* ## Phillips’ Big Push During Hong Kong Art Week ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/230204_001.webp) Chanel Diamond and Sapphire Wristwatch, ‘Camellia’, Ref. H1188 *Photo: Phillips* Phillips sharpens its strategy with a jewelry sale that feels like a calculated diversion. Think a Cartier Art Deco bracelet with the kind of geometry that still reads modern, a serpentine Bvlgari choker that leans unapologetically Roman, and Colombian emeralds vivid enough to compete with anything on canvas. Staged alongside Art Basel Hong Kong, the sale captures collectors already in acquisition mood. *Place your bids [here](https://www.phillips.com/auction/HK060126).* **Categories:** The Luxe Dispatch **Tags:** art basel, Auctions, christie's, Phillips, sothebys --- ### [Growth (With Conditions): The Art Market's Uneven 2026 Outlook](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-collectibles/growth-with-conditions-the-art-markets-uneven-2026-outlook/) **Published:** March 27, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** It was in 2022 that the art market broke records left and right at both the [auction](https://robbreport.ph/tag/auction/ "auction") and gallery levels. In the past three years, however, it’s entered a sort of prolonged cooling phase. In fact, auction sales fell 7% to $25.1 billion in 2023, followed by further declines in 2024, as rising interest rates, tighter liquidity, and a broader pullback in discretionary spending dampened the speculative fervor that had defined the early part of the decade. While recent fall auctions and art fairs have signaled a return of confidence, the effects of that three-year contraction remain tangible. Nowhere has this been felt more acutely than in the mid-tier gallery sector, where a steady cadence of closures since 2022 has unsettled the infrastructure that sustains working artists. And yet, it is often dealers, collectors, and institutions who shape the narrative of recovery. Against this backdrop, the latest Art Basel and [UBS Global Art Market Report](https://www.artbasel.com/stories/the-art-basel-and-ubs-global-art-market-report-2026) frames 2025 as a return to growth, with global sales rising 4% to $59.6 billion. But this is not a simple rebound. It is, rather, a market that has become more selective, more concentrated, and increasingly shaped by forces beyond its control. ## A Return to Growth, But on Tighter Terms ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/basel-ubs-market-report-2240x1400.webp) *Photo: Art Basel* The headline figures suggest resilience. Dealer sales rose 2% to $34.8 billion, while public auction sales climbed 9% to $20.7 billion, driven by renewed activity in the second half of the year. Yet this growth remains uneven and incomplete, with total sales still below their 2022 peak. Costs, meanwhile, continue to rise faster than revenues. Dealers reported operating expenses increasing by around 5%, tightening margins even as sales stabilize. Dr. Clare McAndrew, founder of Arts Economics, underscores the fragility beneath the recovery. “It continued to operate in a volatile geopolitical environment, particularly regarding cross-border trade,” noted Dr. McAndrew, pointing to tariffs, policy uncertainty, and “trade fragmentation” as persistent pressures shaping pricing and supply. Even where direct impacts are limited, the broader climate of protectionism is altering behavior. “A wider shift toward protectionism and more domestically focused sales also poses longer-term risks,” she adds, particularly for a market historically dependent on global circulation. All these argue that the market has lost tolerance for excess. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/download-2240x884.webp) “Three Studies of Lucian Freud” (1976) by Francis Bacon sold for US$3.82 million *Photo: Sotheby’s* If there is a clear engine driving this return to growth, it is the high end. Sales of works above $10 million surged, with the United States—still the largest market at 44% of global sales—benefiting disproportionately. New York, in particular, has reasserted itself as the center of gravity for trophy works, accounting for the vast majority of top-tier auction results. These reflect a market where confidence has returned selectively. Collectors are still willing to spend, but with greater scrutiny and preference for works that carry institutional weight. [Art Basel](https://robbreport.ph/tag/art-basel/ "art basel") CEO Noah Horowitz describes this shift as both strategic and structural. “2025 marked a return to growth for the art business and a strategic inflection point in its continued evolution,” he says, noting that dealers have refined their programs “with clear intentionality,” while art fair-related sales have strengthened. Confidence, in other words, has been rebuilt, deliberately. Yet beneath this strength lies a narrowing base. The number of buyers per dealer has declined to its lowest level since 2021, with the steepest drops among smaller galleries. Private sales have fallen by 5%, and mid-tier dealers continue to face pressure. The market is expanding in value while contracting in participation. At the lower end, demand remains active but constrained. Smaller dealers have seen growth in some segments, but increasingly rely on local buyers as international transactions become more complex and costly. ## A Market Reshaped by Structural Change ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/phillips-decade-one-auction.webp) *Photo: Phillips* Geography reveals further asymmetries. While the US, UK, and China still account for 76% of global sales, regional performance is uneven. China’s marginal growth reflects deeper economic uncertainty, particularly tied to its real estate sector, while Hong Kong’s internationally oriented market faces heightened vulnerability to global volatility. France, by contrast, posted a 9% increase, signaling a localized resurgence within Europe. But the more consequential changes are structural. Art fairs have regained prominence, accounting for 35% of dealer turnover—their highest share since 2022—as galleries double down on in-person engagement. Online sales, once accelerated by necessity, have declined to $9.2 billion, with high-value transactions returning decisively to physical settings. Horowitz frames this as part of a broader shift. “As the market recalibrates within a more disciplined range, sustained growth will depend on bringing exceptional works to market, deepening client relationships, and broadening participation across the global ecosystem,” he says. The emphasis here is telling: fewer works, better quality, stronger relationships. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/picasso-3243.webp) “Femme dans un rocking-chair (Jacqueline)” by Pablo Picasso was sold in 2023. *Photo: Christie’s* At the same time, longer-term forces are beginning to reshape the market’s foundations. Chief among them is the so-called “Great Wealth Transfer,” which will see more than $83 trillion pass between generations in the coming decades. UBS Global Wealth Management Chief Economist Paul Donovan describes this as a “profound structural shift,” one that is already influencing collecting patterns. “As wealth increasingly moves into the hands of women and younger collectors,” Donovan adds, “family dynamics, collecting motivations, and philanthropic priorities” are evolving. This is reflected in the rising representation of female artists, now at parity in primary market galleries, and in a broader diversification of the collector base. And yet, as with much else in the current market, progress remains uneven. At the highest levels, disparities persist, and the concentration of value among a relatively small group of artists and buyers remains pronounced. Even optimism reflects such caution. While 43% of dealers expect sales to improve in 2026, expectations are tempered by the realities of a more complex operating environment. As McAndrew notes, cross-border trade has remained “broadly stable,” but its future trajectory remains uncertain—and with it, the market’s capacity for sustained growth. **Categories:** Art & Collectibles **Tags:** art basel, Art Market, Galleries, UBS --- ### [Shorter Routes, Sharper Choices: Where to Travel When Long-Haul Feels Uncertain](https://robbreport.ph/travel/shorter-routes-sharper-choices-where-to-travel-when-long-haul-feels-uncertain/) **Published:** April 13, 2026 **Author:** Nicholas Ong **Content:** Long-haul travel has always carried a degree of unpredictability, but recent conflicts have made that more palpable. Airspace closures, rerouted flights, and extended travel times have begun to affect schedules and, in a broader sense, decision-making. It’s not as though travel is completely off the table; rather, travel for many now means staying comfortably closer to home—choosing destinations within a few hours’ reach, where time is spent on the ground rather than in transit. What emerges is a different kind of itinerary: shorter routes, fewer stops, and destinations that might be close to the Philippines but still give that sense of wonder, discovery, and the romance of travel. In Southeast Asia and the wider region, this shift brings a set of properties into focus—places exotic and give an air of escape, rich with culture, heritage, history, and nature. Here are some suggested destinations for your next trip; for some destinations, we’ve chosen some luxurious city-center accommodations where land transport or a quick speedboat ride will take you to a nearby nature or beach paradise. ## **Laos: Rosewood Luang Prabang** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/RWLPB_3-0_Brand-com_Assets_Hilltop_Tent_009.webp) Rosewood Set along the Nam Dong river valley, Bill Bensley-designed Rosewood Luang Prabang unfolds like a village hidden within the forest. The property draws from Laotian heritage—hilltop villas, tented pavilions—that feels worlds away from any urban center, nestled within a UNESCO site. *More information [here](https://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/luang-prabang).* ## ****Japan: Azuma Farm Koiwai**** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/04_Rooms_Garden-Villa01.webp) A room at the Garden Villa. *Courtesy of Azuma Farm Koiwai* Opening this month, [Azuma Farm Koiwai ](https://robbreport.ph/travel/from-aman-to-the-farm-adrian-zechas-latest-move-heads-inland/ "From Aman to the Farm: Adrian Zecha’s Latest Move Heads Inland")shifts the idea of luxury inward—toward land, seasonality, and rural Japan. Set within one of the country’s oldest working farms, it offers a more grounded counterpart to Japan’s better-known city and coastal stays. The experience is structured around agriculture and place, where time follows the logic of the landscape rather than the clock. *More information [here](https://azumafarms.com/).* ## ******Thailand: Siri Sala, Bangkok, and Samujana, Koh Samui****** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-13-at-104146-AM.webp) Siri Sala makes a strong case for staying in Bangkok differently—privately, and by the water. Set along the Bangkok Noi canal, the villa reworks a cluster of century-old Thai houses into a six-suite residence arranged around a courtyard, complete with a saltwater pool and full staff. It’s not a hotel in the conventional sense but a fully serviced home, with a private chef, curated activities, and even arrival by boat via its own pier. For fans of the show The White Lotus, you may recognize Siri Sala as a key location in last season’s edition. ![Samujana Villas](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Samujana-Villas-3.webp) *Samujana Villas* [Samujana offers a different take on island living](https://robbreport.ph/travel/a-weekend-at-the-white-lotus-without-the-drama/ "A Weekend at The White Lotus, Without The Drama"), trading resort density for private, expansive villas overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. Each residence feels self-contained, with architecture that privileges light, air, and uninterrupted views. It’s an easy base for exploring Koh Samui, but equally compelling if you choose not to leave at all, and just like Siri Sala, a key location for some plot points of last season’s The White Lotus. *More information on Siri Sala [here](https://www.sirisala.com/); Samujana [here](https://samujana.com/).* ## ********Philippines: Nay Palad Hideaway, Siargao******** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2nd-pic_2411-NAYPALAD-20241109-DJI_20241109001645_0179_D_MVC3P-Enhanced-NR_EDITABLE-1-2240x1425.webp) *Nay Palad Hideaway* Nay Palad remains one of the country’s most distinctive escapes, where design, service, and setting align effortlessly. Days are unstructured by design—surf, sail, or simply let time pass between meals and sea. It’s a place that resists over-programming, allowing the island itself to dictate the pace. *More information [here](https://naypaladhideaway.com/).* ## **********Singapore: Capella Singapore**, Sentosa******** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/singapore-destination-accommodation-04.webp) Capella occupies a rare position in Singapore: secluded within Sentosa yet minutes from the city. The restored colonial buildings and contemporary villas create a sense of retreat without removing you from the island’s energy. It works as both a pause and a base—equally suited to staying in or stepping out. *More information [here](https://capellahotels.com/en/capella-singapore).* ## ************Indonesia: Nihi Sumba************ ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/raja-mandaka-nihi-sumbajpg.webp) *Nihi Sumba* Remote even by Indonesian standards, Nihi Sumba is defined as much by its location as by its philosophy. The resort balances raw landscape—open coastline, rolling hills—with a deeply immersive approach to experience, where one can explore the island observe its rich flora and fauna or participate in unique outdoor activities like swimming with horses. Learn to weave ikat, how to cook Japanese food, improve your backhand in classes with guest practitioners. *More information [here](https://nihi.com/).* ## **************Palau: Four Seasons Explorer************** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Palau-FP-2240x1260.webp) The Four Seasons Explorer sails through Palau’s Rock Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Less a resort, more floating luxury hotel, the [Four Seasons Explorer](https://robbreport.ph/travel/four-seasons-explorer-luxury-meets-the-wild/ "Four Seasons Explorer: Where Luxury Meets the Wild") navigates Palau’s archipelago from its best vantage point: a beautifully appointed 11-suite yacht. Days are shaped by the sea—diving, snorkeling, and moving between remote marine environments few ever reach. *More information [here](https://www.fourseasons.com/explorerpalau/).* ## ****************Malaysia: The Datai Langkawi**************** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/aerial-view-3-hero-shot.webp) Set between rainforest and sea, The Datai remains one of the region’s most stunning properties. A private footpath leads you to Datai Bay’s white sand beach, considered one of the top 10 beaches in the world by National Geographic. The 10-million-year-old pristine Malaysian rainforest is rich with flora and fauna, naturally: Dusky langurs, Great hornbills, and Sunda colugos are some of the prized sightings you can experience during your stay. *More information [here](https://www.thedatai.com/).* ## ******************Cambodia: Amansara, Siem Reap****************** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Amansara_Gallery_8.webp) Amansara offers a measured counterpoint to the intensity of Angkor. Housed in a former royal residence, it pairs architectural clarity with proximity to one of the world’s most significant historical sites. Your day’s itinerary can easily include early morning temple visits, long afternoons, and a return to stillness. *More information [here](https://www.aman.com/resorts/amansara).* ## **Vietnam: Regent Phu Quoc** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/DJI_0087_2-2240x1494.webp) Regent Phu Quoc brings a more polished, contemporary lens to the island’s rapidly evolving hospitality scene. Villas are expansive, service is calibrated, and the beachfront setting does much of the work. It’s a strong option for those who want to stay in a place with a focus on wellness. *More information [here](https://phuquoc.regenthotels.com/).* ## Taiwan: Silks Place Taroko ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/unnamed.webp) Silks Place Taroko sits within Taroko National Park, offering direct access to one of Taiwan’s most dramatic landscapes—marble gorges, river systems, and mountain air. It’s immersive without being remote to the point of difficulty, striking a balance between access and seclusion. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/hotspring_list_03.webp) For those staying in Taipei, Villa 32 offers a smaller, more discreet alternative centered on private hot spring experiences, which you can enjoy in-suite. *More information on Silks Place Taroko [here](https://taroko.silksplace.com/en/); Villa 32 [here](https://www.villa32.com/en).* ## **Hong Kong: Lantau Island (The Upper House + Tai O / Cheung Sha as base pairing)** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/7f99ca-1920-x-970_-01.webp) Lantau reframes Hong Kong entirely—fishing villages, quiet beaches, and slower, coastal movement. Pairing a stay at The Upper House in Central with time on Tai O in Lantau creates contrast: city precision followed by open space. It’s a reminder that even in one of the world’s densest cities, escape can sit just beyond the skyline. *More information on The Upper House [here](https://www.upperhouse.com/en/hongkong/); Tai O [here](https://www.taioheritagehotel.com/).* **Categories:** Travel --- ### [Love Martinis? Try One of These Cocktails Next](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/spirits/love-martinis-try-one-of-these-cocktails-next/) **Published:** April 10, 2026 **Author:** Jason O’Bryan **Content:** For the past five years, we’ve been diving deep into the world of [cocktails](https://robbreport.ph/tag/cocktails/ "cocktails"), with bartender Jason O’Bryan—now the lead mixologist at Michelin three-star Addison—building an incredible library of the best drinks around. Over that time we’ve explored the history, people, and places that have created endless variations on the core cocktail templates. We love writing about the classics and also the best variations on the the template they lay out. The Martini is no exception. So whether you love vodka or [gin](https://robbreport.ph/tag/gin/ "gin"), we’ve got some twists on the enduring classic. But let’s begin with the original. ## Martini ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/cold_martini.webp) *Photo: Rick Barrett/Ambitious Studio/Unsplash* James Bond has attempted to convince us that the Martini is a vodka drink, but the word “Martini” exclusively referred to a mixture of gin and vermouth for the first half of its life. And while vodka Martinis can be charming all their own, the aromatic complexities of gin and vermouth lock into each other like a vacuum seal, and render the cocktail’s 130-year dominance immediately clear. We include the most straightforward variation below, but you can also see read two other riffs on the [Martini](https://robbreport.ph/tag/martini/ "Martini"). - 2.25 oz. Tanqueray 10 or Aviation Gin - 0.75 oz. Dolin Dry Vermouth Add ingredients to a mixing glass with ice. Stir well for 10 seconds (if using small ice) to 25 seconds (if using very large ice), strain into a cocktail or Martini glass, and garnish with a lemon peel. ## Tuxedo No. 2 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Tuxedo_No_2.webp) *Photo: MaximFesenko/iStock/Getty Images Plus* If the Martini is a tailored suit, then the Tuxedo No. 2 is, well, a tuxedo. It’s a dressed-up Martini—or perhaps dressed down, more on that in a moment—but in either case it’s a Martini with a bit of extra panache. It trades the Martini’s diamond-like clarity and simplicity for the resonant depth of maraschino and the punch of absinthe—a bold act, perhaps, but also one that earns the cocktail its name. - 2 oz. gin - 0.75 oz. dry vermouth - 0.25 oz. maraschino liqueur - 2 dashes absinthe - 1 dash orange bitters (optional) Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice. Stir for about 10 seconds (if using small ice) or up to 30 seconds (if using large ice), until cold. Strain into a stemmed cocktail glass, express the oils of a lemon peel over the top and garnish with the peel and, if desired, a cocktail cherry. ## Poet’s Dream ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/ambitious-studio-rick-barrett-martini-unsplash.webp) *Photo: Ambitious Studio-Rick Barrett/Unsplash* Though many people love a Vodka Martini, there’s a fundamental flaw in their construction compared to the gin version. That being that without the botanicals of gin, the vermouth has little to play with in the glass when paired up with just vodka. But there is a way to make it better. Meet the Poet’s Dream, a Vodka Martini with a subtle kiss of spiced sweetness from the French herbal liqueur Bénédictine. Fittingly, the original Poet’s Dream is a gin drink, from the 1931 *Old Waldorf-Astoria Bar Days* by Albert Stevens Crockett, but it’s the vodka version that really stands apart. It’s the smallest touch of Bénédictine—80 proof, honey-sweet, with cinnamon, nutmeg, citrus, and herbs—that brings the whole thing together, the cocktail dry and bracing, but charmed by the botanicals of the vermouth, which find a dancing partner in the spices of the liqueur. It’s a Vodka Martini without an identity crisis, one that doesn’t fight against its namesake, and that can embrace its full self. - 2 oz. vodka - 0.75 oz. dry vermouth - 0.25 oz. or less Bénédictine Add all ingredients to a mixing glass, add ice, and stir for 10 to 15 seconds (if you have small ice) or 25 to 30 seconds (if you have big ice). Strain off the ice into a cocktail glass or coupe, and garnish with a lemon peel. ## Olive Oil Martini ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/OOM-THumb-Web-1.webp) Courtesy Cocktails made with fat-washed spirits have been around for nearly 20 years now, with the pioneers at New York’s PDT creating a bourbon Old Fashioned infused with the flavor of real bacon. It only made sense for the fat-washing trend to come to other classics like the Martini as well, with olive oil being the fat used. We’ve tried countless Olive Oil Martinis over the years and never really found one we’ve liked. That was until we tried one with fresh, high-quality olive oil. The oil you use is so vital that the infused spirit is not even worth making if you aren’t reaching for the good stuff. If you do have great olive oil, you will have an excellent drink. - 2 oz. Olive Oil–Washed Ford’s Gin - 0.35 oz. Cocchi Americano - 0.15 oz. Lustau Amontillado Sherry Add all ingredients to a mixing glass, add ice, and stir briskly for 10 to 20 seconds (longer for bigger ice, shorter for smaller). Strain into a Martini or coupe glass, and garnish with three high-quality olives and, if you feel like it, a few drops of olive oil. ## Alaska Cocktail ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Alaska_Cocktail.webp) *Photo: bhofack2/iStock/Getty Images Plus* While many people refer to the Alaska Cocktail a Martini variation, it could also be classified as a Gin Old Fashioned: It’s spirit, bitters, and a sweetener, except in this case, the sweetener is 80 proof. However, there’s no rich oak-aged whiskey to cushion the blow here—it’s the crystalline purity of gin, cold and clean like a mountain top, only softened and deepened by the inimitable honeyed complexity of the Chartreuse. The golden liqueur plays off the spirit like sun off snow, bringing some herbal warmth through the bracing chill. It’s a high-stakes game, but drink one, and the appeal of high stakes games start to make a little more sense. - 2.25 oz. gin - 0.75 oz. Yellow Chartreuse - 1 dash orange bitters Stir on ice for 20 to 30 seconds. Strain off ice into chilled coupe glass, and garnish with a lemon peel. ## Vesper ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Vesper.webp) *Photo: Mario Marquardt Jr./iStock/Getty Images Plus* We know the Vesper comes from *Casino Royale,* the first James Bond novel, penned into modest fame by Ian Flemming in 1953 and shoved onto the global stage by Daniel Craig in 2006. We know both the proportions and the preparation, spelled out with unusual alacrity by Bond himself: “In a deep Champagne goblet… three measures of Gordon’s \[gin\], one of vodka, half a measure of Kina Lillet. Shake it very well until it’s ice-cold, then add a large, thin slice of lemon peel.” We also know it’s named for his alluring companion, Vesper Lynd. This drink, as described by 007 himself, is ludicrous. It’s four ounces of high-octane booze and although it’s all booze, it’s shaken when the rules of cocktails deem it should be stirred. So we played with the proportions a little bit and held onto the shaking to help mitigate the booziness a bit. - 2.25 oz. Tanqueray Gin - 0.75 oz. Smirnoff 100 Proof Vodka - 0.375 oz. Tempus Fugit Kina l’Aero d’Or Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker. Add ice, shake hard for 10 to 12 seconds, strain up into a large martini or cocktail glass and garnish with a lemon peel. ## Arsenic and Old Lace ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/arsenic_old_lace_gin_cocktail.webp) *Photo: Wirestock/iStock/Getty Images Plus* This variation on the Martini, named for a stage production that came out in 1941, highlights the incredible versatility of gin. The Arsenic and Old Lace is what would happen if you took the resonant clarity of a Martini, and gave it, as we write, “a floral punch from creme de violette and a piquant zing of absinthe.” These two accent marks—a quarter and an eighth of an ounce, respectively—utterly change the character of the drink. - 2 oz. gin - 0.75 oz. dry vermouth - 0.25 oz. creme de violette - 0.125 oz. (barspoon) absinthe Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice. Stir well for 10 seconds (if using small ice) to 25 seconds (if using very large ice), strain into a cocktail glass or coupe, and garnish with a lemon peel. ## Martinez ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/martinez_cocktail.webp) *Photo: 5PH/iStock/Getty Images Plus* Properly constructed, a Martinez is plush with Italian vermouth but still prickly with gin, enjoying the diamond-clarity of a Martini but with the silken luxuriousness of a Manhattan. More than the Martini or the Manhattan, the Martinez evokes that Gilded Age, an echo of a long past era reflected in the quantity of vermouth and the unusual character of maraschino. I always find myself craving one around Springtime, when it’s somehow both warm and cold simultaneously and you have no idea how to dress yourself, and when the in-between things feel just right. - 1.5 oz. gin - 1.5 oz. sweet vermouth - 0.25 oz. maraschino liqueur - 1 dash orange bitters Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice and stir for 15 to 20 seconds. Strain up into a coupe or cocktail glass and garnish with a lemon peel. ## Freezer Martini ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/cold_martini_lemon_twist.webp) *Photo: Charles Wollertz/iStock/Getty Images Plus* Faced with the request to make a Martini that was simultaneously very cold and bracingly strong, legendary bartender Salvatore Calabrese was in a bind. To get it colder you have to stir it on ice longer, but this melts more ice and makes it less “dry.” He tried to navigate this for several days, before solving his puzzle with a bit of unconventional thinking—what if you kept the gin and the glassware in the freezer and just poured it straight like that, and kept the ice out of it entirely? In that moment, Calabrese planted the seed that would become the Freezer Martini. His version, now called the Duke’s Martini, is still served there to this day, and is so strong it could resurrect the dead—the Duke’s Martini is something like a five-ounce measure (that’s a fifth of a bottle) of undiluted gin, poured straight from the freezer with just a whisper of vermouth, and even its many passionate defenders would probably admit it’s a little insane. But the Freezer Martini technique can and has been adapted to more standard specifications, and to absolutely wonderful results. You pre-batch with gin and vermouth, pre-dilute with a specified amount of water, and put it in the freezer to chill. In a few hours, you have an entire bottle of Martinis, perfectly balanced to your taste, and ready to go at a moment’s notice. With this, you are never more than 15 seconds from a perfect Martini in your hand. Dangerous? Perhaps. Revolutionary? Also, yes. *Measurements to fill one, standard sized, 750ml bottle.* - 13.5 oz. Tanqueray 10 Gin (2.25 oz. for single serving) - 4.5 oz. Dolin Dry Vermouth (0.75 oz.) - 7.25 oz. filtered water (0.9 oz.) Carefully add all ingredients to an empty 750ml bottle. Seal the bottle, and invert five to 10 times to ensure ingredients are fully mixed. Put the bottle in the freezer and wait several hours to fully chill. When ready to serve, pour three ounces into a chilled glass, and express the oils from a lemon peel over the top of it. ## Pornstar Martini ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/pornstar_martini.webp) Courtesy Every year, the U.K.-based Difford’s Guide publishes a list of what they call the World’s Top 100 Cocktails. It’s not an opinion piece, or an editorial endorsement—when they say “top” they mean by popularity, the list is ranked by web traffic, and is therefore objective and purely democratic. And what was [No. 1 for 2025](https://www.diffordsguide.com/g/1127/worlds-top-100-cocktails/1-20)? The eternal Margarita, or the hip Negroni, or the trendy Carajillo? Nope. It’s the Pornstar Martini, crowned in the top spot for an incredible eighth year in a row. Now, the name may sound salacious, but it’s actually an outstanding drink. Invented by bartender Douglas Ankrah at Townhouse in London, it’s made from vodka, vanilla, and passion fruit. In the video above O’Bryan takes this 20-year-old recipe and updates it with more modern techniques so the Pornstar Martini is even easier for home bartenders to make. - 1.5 oz. vodka - 0.75 oz. lime juice - 0.75 oz. vanilla syrup - 0.75 oz. passion fruit liqueur or passion fruit syrup Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake hard for eight to 10 seconds. Strain into a martini glass, and garnish with a lime wheel, a lime peel, or, if you’re feeling rich, a half passion fruit bobbing in the top of the drink. Serve alongside a sidecar of Champagne or other sparkling wine, if you wish. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Food & Drink, Spirits **Tags:** cocktail, Cocktail Recipe, gin, vermouth, vodka --- ### [How This Turks and Caicos Home Was Transformed Into the Ultimate Entertaining Oasis](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/homes/how-this-turks-and-caicos-home-was-transformed-into-the-ultimate-entertaining-oasis/) **Published:** April 8, 2026 **Author:** Andrew Sessa **Content:** When [Nathan Turner](https://nathanturner.com/) set out to reimagine and expand a longtime client’s Turks and Caicos residence, he kept one insight front and center. “These are people who entertain a lot,” he says. The empty nesters planned to host their children, along with a steady rotation of friends and relatives. “The house would be full.” Often. After a gut renovation—overseen by local firm Coast Architects—of the existing tropical modern structure and the addition of a similarly styled wing that more than tripled the original square footage, the property now counts nine bedrooms. “Times that by two, and there could easily be 18-plus people in the house,” Turner says. With that in mind, the Los Angeles–based designer approached the project as though he were creating a boutique hotel. That mindset shaped everything. Turner put as much focus on private refuge as on communal gathering. It may sound counterintuitive in a house designed for entertaining, but as anyone who has ever taken an extended family vacation knows: Time apart makes time together that much sweeter. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/RR_Turks_HD_7.webp) A mural by Los Angeles–based artist Abel Macias nods to the island’s natural surroundings, linking the original building to the new wing and connecting the ground floor to the primary-suite penthouse via the staircase. *Photo: Stephen Karlisch* For starters, each bedroom functions as a self-contained suite, complete with a generous bath, cozy seating area, minibar, and outdoor lounge. Most bedrooms even have a dedicated, well-stocked linen closet, so guests never need to track down a host or a housekeeper. “We really thought about the guest experience,” Turner explains. While the rooms share a cohesive language, they all have their own personality. “One is more neutral, one has more blue, and we leaned into different patterns.” The only bedroom upstairs, the primary suite has positively presidential aspirations. Spanning 1,129 square feet, it comprises a spacious seating area, a small kitchenette, private laundry facilities, and a large sundeck. “Even people who entertain still like a quiet moment,” Turner says, noting that the project appears in his new book, *[I Love Decorating](https://www.amazon.com/Nathan-Turners-Love-Decorating-Thoughtful/dp/141978398X?asc_source=web&asc_campaign=web&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Frobbreport.com%2Fshelter%2Fhome-design%2Fturks-and-caicos-home-renovation-nate-turner-1237679737%2F)*. “Here, they can stay in their own little suite if they want to and prepare themselves for the day.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/RR_Turks_HD_1.webp) Designer Nathan Turner at the residence. *Photo: Stephen Karlisch* There’s plenty awaiting them outside. Slightly set back from a sweeping crescent of powdery private beach, the waterfront property now features twin pools with a capacious hot tub in between them, a shaded conversation pit, a white-gravel bocce court, and a fully equipped outdoor kitchen and bar. Lush patios and gardens by Philadelphia landscape designer [Jen McGowan](https://www.jenmcgowangardens.com/) guide you from house to shore. “What we tried to do,” says the project’s lead architect, Coast cofounder Chris Davies, “was to bring the outside to the house and the house to the outside.” Glass expanses and sliding walls dissolve boundaries, while Turner’s mix of tactile natural materials and warm neutrals echoes the setting without resorting to Caribbean cliché. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/RR_Turks_HD_6.webp) In the adult-centered dining area of the addition, a soaring wooden ceiling is hung with a trio of oversize string pendant lamps from Bone Simple Design. *Photo: Stephen Karlisch* “My clients aren’t really traditionalists,” notes Turner, who previously completed homes for the East Coast–based couple in California and Florida. “They lean much more modern. So, we weren’t going to be doing, say, a painted Bahamian-style house with shutters.” Still, Turner believes a house should acknowledge its surroundings. Here, that meant clean lines and restraint, with nothing so bold that it would compete against the majesty of the natural surroundings. And since Tropicália prints and bright colors were off-limits, he targeted depth through texture: honey-toned white-oak, honed marble, fossil-flecked coral stone, nubby bouclés, woven wicker, and string. “When you layer different textures, it stands out,” Turner says. “It’s almost something you can feel before you see it.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/RR_Turks_HD_2.webp) The great room on the ground floor, designed for the clients’ two sons, pairs a pool table with a custom walnut Ping-Pong table from Sean Woolsey Studio. *Photo: Stephen Karlisch* As those elements came together, Turner had another realization: “Because the house is literally indoor-outdoor, and the walls just open up to the outside,” he explains, “I said, ‘You know what? Blue is going to be a neutral for us. We’re going to use the colors we see right outside.’ ” And so he did: Azure, sapphire, and cerulean anchor the interiors, mirroring the horizon beyond the glass. The entry sets the tone for this approach. Instead of wallpaper, which would falter in salty sea air, Turner clad the walls in handmade cream-colored ceramic tiles whose curves, angles, and undulating surfaces create a captivating, abstract topography from floor to ceiling. These form the backdrop for a 1960s Pierre Chapo sideboard topped by a pair of contemporary, blue-glazed lamps by Milan fashion designer–turned-potter [Miri Mara](https://www.mirimara.com/). Woven-jute shades echo the palm-frond-framed mirror just behind. Even though the palette is almost entirely muted, Turner promises the overall effect is anything but: “There’s great interest as soon as you walk in.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/RR_Turks_HD_3.webp) A secondary entrance foyer is anchored by a Pacama wooden chest and a circular Made Goods mirror. *Photo: Stephen Karlisch* Two distinct entertaining zones underscore the home’s hotel-like ethos in different ways. The more formal living room occupies most of the ground floor in the addition; Turner conceived it as an adult-oriented area for the clients and their friends. In the original structure, a more relaxed lounge serves the couple’s college-age sons and their crew, channeling the elevated rec-room vibe of a resort bar. In the younger set’s domain, Turner painted the walls and vaulted wooden ceiling soft white and paired honed Napoli marble and saw-cut coral stone with vintage midcentury pieces. Deep-marine blues run throughout, from the rug to the upholstered chairs to the lower halves of the dome-shaped woven-reed lamps suspended above. To bring in a bit of fun, he commissioned a walnut Ping-Pong table from California artisan [Sean Woolsey](https://seanwoolsey.com/?srsltid=AfmBOor2OLL1M8cA5kUHv6OGYUj73ggzCtPBZySAUdhDq0SeyNTX9Soo) and positioned it beside the richly grained contemporary pool table. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/RR_Turks_HD_5.webp) A new pool by Coast Architects has a shaded conversation pit for a break from the sun. *Photo: Stephen Karlisch* This space sits clear across the house from the adults’ living room, which makes it easy for “the kids to be in there rowdy and loud and have their own food,” Turner says with a laugh. “It’s all outdoor performance fabric, because there are going to be teenage boys everywhere…. This two-wings-of-the-house situation has served everyone really well.” Across the home, serenity reigns. Beneath a soaring wooden ceiling hung with a trio of dramatically oversize string lamps, Turner softened the blues and dialed up the tactile richness, establishing a more mature, cosseting mood. In one of the two seating areas, a vintage French plaster artwork hangs above a custom sofa, joined by a Danish tile-topped cocktail table by ceramicist Tue Poulsen and a prized 1950s faux-primitive cushioned wooden armchair by midcentury masters Guillerme et Chambron. On the other side of the room, a 15-foot white-oak dining table–designed to seat 14 or more—draws the eye out through the room’s sliding-glass walls and frames a view that stretches past the patio and pool to the sand and sea. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/RR_Turks_HD_9.webp) A ground-floor guest bedroom (one of eight) with easy access to the pool area is outfitted with a Lawson-Fenning Chiselhurst bed, a custom sofa in Holland & Sherry Galena linen, and white-oak paneling. *Photo: Stephen Karlisch* For all the restraint elsewhere, Turner allowed himself one bold flourish. “I knew I wanted to do some kind of big mural, but we didn’t know where,” he recalls. Eventually, he found the ideal opportunity in the long, curving walls of the sunlit stairway that connects the original building to the new wing and the sprawling ground floor to the primary-suite penthouse. ## “When you layer different textures, it stands out. It’s almost something you can feel before you see it.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/RR_Turks_HD_4.webp) An en suite guest bathroom features Graff faucets and striking blue-and-white tile throughout. *Photo: Stephen Karlisch* Los Angeles–based artist [Abel Macias](https://www.abelmaciasstudio.com/) was then given free rein. “I love working with creatives and artists, and I understand the process so I’m very hands-off. \[Macias\] came down with supplies, but we had no plan,” Turner says. “I showed him the house, my schemes, what was going in, and he spent a day or two exploring the island.” From there? “He just wings it.” Macias fell for the forms of the large seaweed fronds he found on the beach, then painted a scene depicting them mingling with a fantastical menagerie of oversize birds, fish, and other sea life, all in a vibrant palette of blues, greens, and yellows. The imagery climbs to the ceiling, transforming a transitional space into a moment of theater. “It’s maybe sort of an extravagant thing to do in a pass-through, but it’s also a really nice nod to where we are,” Turner notes. As for the owners, they don’t seem at all disconcerted by this colorful indulgence. The boutique-hotel concept suits them, Turner says. “They can pile people in, but they’re just as happy when they’re just four.” For a designer, that balance is the ultimate endorsement. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Homes **Tags:** Design, home, Magazine, turks and caicos --- ### [The Greatest Mercedes-Benz SLs in History](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-greatest-mercedes-benz-sls-in-history/) **Published:** April 8, 2026 **Author:** Brett Berk **Content:** The SL class is [Mercedes-Benz](https://robbreport.ph/cars/10-fascinating-facts-you-didnt-know-about-mercedes-benz/ "10 Fascinating Facts You Didn’t Know About Mercedes-Benz")’s longest-running nameplate, dating back to 1954. It started with the racing-inspired 300 SL, which appeared like a portent from some wondrous future. A convertible version was unveiled simultaneously at the New York Auto Show, and the model has followed the same basic recipe ever since: a sports car hosting the marque’s most powerful engines, leading-edge technology, and luxury materials, built stolidly for cruising the world’s most exclusive postal codes. As a supplement to this venerable formula, Mercedes engineers and designers have created special versions of every iteration of SL, slathering them with alluring dosages of *more*, adding power and/or enhanced fitments, to create special, typically limited-edition, variants. Here’s a look at the greatest SLs from each of the model’s seven generations. ## First Generation (W198), 1954 through 1963: The 300 SL Alloy Coupe ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/RR_Mecerdes_Benz_SL_Roundup_W198-w.webp) *Photo: Mercedes-Benz* With its soaring gullwing doors, direct-injected inline-six racing engine, and slippery teardrop shape, the initial SL was already unlike anything on the road. Produced in limited numbers—only around 3,250 coupes and roadsters were made over a nine-year run—it has become a seven-figure blue-chip collectible, with concours-quality examples now routinely selling for over $2 million. For the truly discerning privateer racer, though, Mercedes-Benz built 29 lightweight examples of the classic coupe, substituting aluminum for the “normal” 300 SL’s steel body panels, as well as adding a sport suspension, Rudge racing wheels, and a higher-powered engine. These cars are so rare, and come to market so infrequently, that a junkyard “barn find” example recently sold for over $9 million. ## Second Generation (W113), 1963 through 1971: W113/12 6.3-Liter V8 Prototype ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Mercedes-Benz-V8-Pagoda-Prototype_w.webp) *Photo: Mercedes-Benz* In contrast to its high-strung race-inspired forebear, the second-generation SL was more of a boulevard cruiser, with a softer suspension, a delicate concave-roofed design that gave the car its “Pagoda” nickname, and more traditional six-cylinder power plants that, at launch, produced nearly 100 hp less than that in the hottest version of the Gullwing. To remedy this seeming deficiency in power, the marque’s then-head of racing, Erich Waxenberger, set up a skunkworks program to create a more potent Pagoda. To do this, he stuffed the monster 247 hp 6.3-liter V-8 from the automaker’s 600 (W100) limousine into the SL’s nose. The big engine weighed down the car’s front end too much, adversely affecting the SL’s ride and handling. As a result, a production version was never made, and the prototype was, like many project cars, sent to the scrapper. ## Third Generation (R 107), 1971 though 1989: The 500 SL Rally Car ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/RR_Mecerdes_Benz_SL_Roundup_500SL_Rally-w.webp) *Photo: Mercedes-Benz* In the middle years of its third-generation SL’s record-setting 18-year run, Mercedes decided to go rally racing—an off-road sport characterized by raucous, unruly competition and rooster tails of gravel. Mercedes-Benz initially utilized the extended-wheelbase-coupe version of the R107, the so-called SLC (C 107), because of its stiffer chassis. But Mercedes thought it stood a chance with the convertible as well, since the droptop was shorter and more nimble. So, four versions of its most potent European-spec roadster, the 500 SL, had output from the 5.0-liter eight-cylinder mill bumped from 237 hp to 300 hp, substituting in different transmission ratios to allow quicker acceleration. Each car had its weight pared down by over 500 pounds, and was equipped with an aluminum roll cage and a string of hood-mounted headlamps. Unfortunately, wanting to focus on profit-yielding production cars rather than money-burning racing, Mercedes-Benz brass pulled the plug on these cool rally racers before the season even started. ## Fourth Generation (R129), 1988 through 2001: SL 73 AMG ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/RR_Mecerdes_Benz_SL_Roundup_SL73_AMG-w.webp) *Photo: Mercedes-Benz* AMG was founded in the late 1960s as an independent shop specializing in enhancing the performance and individuality of Mercedes vehicles. The company was so good at what it did, that, in the 1990s, Mercedes and AMG entered into an official partnership. At the end of that decade, in 1999, as the fourth-generation SL was entering its twilight years, the speed freaks at AMG decided to create a special SL hotrod. Following a well-honed formula, they implanted the marque’s biggest and most powerful engine—a bored-out version of the 6.0-liter V-12 from the range-topping [S-Class](https://robbreport.ph/cars/every-mercedes-s-class-ranked/ "Every Mercedes S-Class, Ranked") luxobarge—and built the car around it. Displacing a gratuitous 7.3-liters, and producing a tire-shredding 525 hp, the SL 73 AMG is capable of accelerating from zero to 60 mph in less than 4.5 seconds on its way to a top speed of over 190 mph. Fewer than 50 examples were made, at a price of $178,000 (nearly $320,000 today), and they are so desirable that even a middling version sold last year for $610,000. ## Fifth Generation (R 230), 2001 through 2011: SL 65 AMG Black Series ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/RR_Mecerdes_Benz_SL_Roundup_SL65_Black_Series-w.webp) *Photo: Mercedes-Benz AG* Following its corporate incorporation into Mercedes-Benz, AMG decided to create a boutique internal studio that would focus on more extreme performance vehicles. The result of this, in 2006, was the so-called “Black Series,” an occasional line of extremely powerful, limited-production, track-focused cars. This 2008 SL was the third car in this lineup, and it was a doozy. The model variant was powered by a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V-12 that thumped out 670 hp, enough to speed it from zero to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds, en route to a 200 mph top speed. But even more outrageous was the wild carbon-fiber body kit that included absurdly flared fenders front and rear—wide enough to accommodate 325-series rubber in the back—a lightweight hood and trunk lid, and a somewhat sacrilegious (for an SL) fixed roof. Only 350 were made, and top-tier examples now sell for over $400,000. ## Sixth Generation (R 231), 2013 through 2020: SL 63 AMG “World Championship 2014 Collector’s Edition” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/RR_Mecerdes_Benz_SL_Roundup_SL63_AMG_World_Championship_Collectors_Edition-w-.webp) *Photo: Mercedes-Benz AG* Mercedes-Benz’s dominance of [Formula 1](https://robbreport.ph/tag/formula-1/ "formula 1") in the 2010s—helmed by masterful driver [Lewis Hamilton](https://robbreport.ph/tag/lewis-hamilton/ "lewis hamilton")—is well known. Less known is this 2014 car, one of only 19 made to celebrate Hamilton’s victory in that year’s racing championship. In fact, each car was a one-of-one individual expression, with special details connecting it to one of the 19 racetracks included in that season’s Formula 1 circuit. All were black and gold, inside and out, and all included an upgraded 585 hp twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V-8, a racing helmet worn by Lewis Hamilton, a Lewis Hamilton Edition IWC watch, a Formula 1 compendium book signed by Lewis Hamilton, and an invitation to the first race of the 2015 season. Each car cost around $400,000 at the time. ## Seventh Generation (R 232), 2022 through Present: Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/RR_Mecerdes_Benz_SL_Roundup_SL680_Monogram-w.webp) *Photo: Mercedes-Benz AG* This exquisite roadster is not the most powerful version of the current SL—that honor belongs to the hybrid 603 hp SL 63 S E Performance we told you about in [this roundup of glorious convertibles](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-25-most-expensive-convertibles-in-the-world/ "The 25 Most Expensive Convertibles in the World"). However, at an estimated price of $250,000, it is the most expensive. And with a 577 hp twin-turbo V-8 under its hood, it’s no slouch, able to accelerate to 60 mph in around 3.8 seconds. [Robb Report’s 2026 Car of the Year: The 10 Contenders](https://robbreport.ph/cars/robb-reports-2026-car-of-the-year-the-10-contenders/ "Robb Report’s 2026 Car of the Year: The 10 Contenders")Speaking of hood, you’ll readily be able to recognize this top-tier SL by the imprints on its long snout, which is covered in a tessellation of Maybach icon monograms—branding that extends to just about every other surface of the vehicle. Like the Maybach-ized version of the all-electric GLS S.U.V., this ultimate SL enhances its luxury by diminishing its utility and removing the back row of seats. With fancier leathers, a cushier ride, and extra sound-deadening material, it’s a plush cruiser that was a contender in [*Robb Report’*s 2026 Car of the Year contest](https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/lists/2026-car-of-the-year-1237510660/). *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** classic cars, Collector Cars, convertibles, market, mercedes benz, mercedes-AMG, mercedes-benz --- ### [Here Is Every New Rolex Released at Watches and Wonders](https://robbreport.ph/watches/here-is-every-new-rolex-released-at-watches-and-wonders-2/) **Published:** April 16, 2026 **Author:** Allen Farmelo **Content:** This year, [Rolex](https://robbreport.ph/tag/rolex/ "rolex") is celebrating 100 years of the Oyster, the watch—or watch case, to be more precise—that quietly remains the hub around which the brand’s line-up has revolved for a full century. That a watch could be submerged was astounding enough in the 1920s to cause throngs to gape at the Oyster cleverly displayed ticking away in a fishtank in store windows, and in 1927, Mercedes Gleitz wore a Rolex Oyster during a 10-hour swim across the English Channel, a feat of which Rolex made great marketing use. The term Oyster still dominates Rolex nomenclature, as any fan of the brand knows, with the word “Perpetual” added along with auto-winding in 1931. If you own a Rolex, you likely own an “Oyster case,” and you also likely own an Oysterflex rubber strap and/or three-link Oyster Bracelet, perhaps made of Oystersteel. The ubiquity of the term should be clear enough. This year, it is little surprise that Rolex has leaned into the Oyster Perpetual line to create the 2026 novelties, with some subtle and not so subtle editions on offer. Other notable introductions include clever new movement for the revived Yachtmaster II, a new alloy for a special Day-Date, and several unique celebratory models that will be very desirable and very hard to get. Let’s dive in and discover what’s new for this year from the Crown. ## Oyster Perpetual 36 (Jubilee Edition) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Rolex-Oyster-36-Jubilee-Edition.webp) *Photo: Rolex* Clearly this is going to be the watch everyone is clamoring for this year, and it’s likely going to be hard to get. With a technicolor lacquer dial that reminds us of something Andy Warhol might have had a hand in creating, the OP 36 Jubilee Edition is a study in dialmaking expertise. It would be difficult to explain how technically challenging it would have been to get all of those colors interwoven so perfectly in lacquer, which is effectively a rather fussy paint. Each color has to be applied individually, and to get it all aligned is, well, let’s just say that task is suited to the Swiss watchmaking temperament. We will never know exactly how Rolex did it (the brand is notoriously secretive about manufacturing processes, and pretty much everything else). The watchmaker is telling us that the “Jubilee motif” seen here is reminiscent of the late 1970s celebratory models. At 36 mm, this watch is going to fit pretty much everyone, and if previous “special dial” editions of the Oyster Perpetual tell us anything, these will be made in limited supply and allocated only to the most loyal clients of the brand. Two other dial variations are offered in mauve and black, which should prove easier to come by. **Case** **Size:** 36 mm **Case Material:** Oystersteel (stainless steel) **Price:** $6,750 ## Oyster Perpetual 41 (100 Years) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Rolex-Oyster-Perpetual-41.webp) *Photo: Rolex* The hardcore Rolex nerds (present company included) will instantly notice that this watch sports a gold bezel and crown (a.k.a. two-tone colloquially or, in Rolex speak, Rolesor), but the bracelet is 100 percent Oystersteel (stainless steel). Two things to note here: This is a nod to early Oyster watches, and this configuration is also entirely novel for modern Rolex, making this model highly collectible. There’s more to distinguish this model, of course, but it’s all subtle. Below the 6-o’clock marker we find “100 Years” printed as a quiet nod to the 100th anniversary of the Oyster, and “100” also appears on the winding crown. Touches of green, the color Rolex drags out for all anniversary models, adorn the watch face, specifically the Rolex logo and the five-minute markers outside the batons around the outside of the dial. Again, this is going to be one of those watches everyone will want a taste of and very few will get to own. We’re calling this the pick of the litter this year, with its subtle appearance and quiet nods of exclusivity upon closer inspection. Well played, Rolex. **Size:** 41 mm **Material:** Yellow gold and Oystersteel (stainless steel) **Price:** $9,650 ## Datejust 41 Green Ombre ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Rolex-Datejust-Ombre-Green-Dial.webp) *Photo: Rolex* Following with the green celebratory theme, this model is not entirely new, but the color and configuration certainly is. We’ve seen ombre dials in the Datejust 41 before and they are stunning. This green-ombre dial brings the anniversary colorway to center stage, and packages it up with a white-gold and steel Rolesor case and bracelet. It may be hard to appreciate at first glance why this watch is so special, but that’s down to the classic theme of Rolex’s celebration this year. We’re willing to bet the green-ombre dial is going to come and go as swiftly as this anniversary year, and that subtle white-gold and steel two-tone metal is a stealth-wealth touch that will make this watch sparkle with a depth that steel just can’t achieve on its own. Again, very well played, Rolex. This one will be a classic. **Case** **Size:** 41 mm **Case** **Material:** white gold and Oystersteel (stainless steel) **Price:** $11,650 ## The Yachtmaster II ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Rolex-Yachtmasters.webp) *Photo: Rolex* The Yachtmaster II disappeared quietly about a year ago, and now it’s back—and no, it’s not the III, just the II again, oddly enough. Rolex’s sailing watch is a count-down chronograph with a programmable timing function for the difficult task of nailing the start of a sailing race. That may sound like something you don’t need, even if you are a racer of sailboats, but this Rolex is a mechanical marvel of horological interest. First of all, one now programs the countdown function via the lower pusher on the side of the case, and the countdown minute- and seconds-hands now turn counterclockwise, which is a more intuitive configuration for tracking receding time. Getting anything to run backwards in a watch that is otherwise running clockwise requires reverse-gear mechanisms that are beyond the scope of this article to explain. However, you can likely imagine easily enough that it’s not a simple thing to execute, and that Rolex did it while also making this watch thinner than its predecessor is in keeping with the brand’s commitment to technical excellence. The nerds among us will be talking about Calibre 4162 for years to come. You can get this one in Oystersteel or solid yellow gold. **Case Size:** 44 mm **Case Material:** Oystersteel (stainless steel) or yellow gold **Price:** $20,300 in steel; $57,800 in yellow gold ## Day-Date 40 in Jubilee Gold ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Rolex-Day-Date-Special-Edition-2026.webp) *Photo: Rolex* We’ve seen other brands play with the color of standard yellow gold, and now it’s Rolex’s turn. At first glance, Jubilee Gold may look like yellow gold, but upon closer inspection we can see that this is a more muted alloy, one which Rolex tells us is “glowing with tones of tender yellow, warm grey, and soft pink.” However one describes it, this metal is new and, indeed, different. Paired here with a pale-green Aventurine dial, the effect immediately recalls the Stella dials of the 1970s, but the overall effect is less saturated. Diamonds are featured as hour makers, and the bracelet is, as it should be for any Day-Date, the [President](https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/lists/rolex-day-date-guide-1237586374/) model. This is one of those watches we know Gen Alpha will be bidding up at auction in 2046 as nostalgia for the early 21st-century Rollies kicks in. Chances are Rolex will not make a lot of these very special Day-Dates. **Case** **Size:** 41 mm **Case** **Material:** Jubilee Gold **Price:** TBD ## Cosmograph Daytona in Rolesium ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Rolex-Daytona-Special-Edition-2026.webp) *Photo: Rolex* Rolesium, the two-tone steel and platinum combo, was first used in the Yachtmaster in 1999, and this is the first time it has appeared in a Daytona. It’s hard enough to get your hands on any Daytona, but this one is going to be pretty much impossible to get. As with all things Daytona, it’s the little details that get collectors excited. Here we have the tachymeter scale numerals presented horizontally, a nod to the original Daytonas. And in another rarity for Rolex, the movement is visible through a sapphire rear window framed in platinum. This is something the watchmaker has been leaning into lately, with the dressy 1908 models showing their movements first, then last-year’s [Land-Dweller](https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/rolex-land-dweller-most-significant-watch-1236445533/) showing off its innovative movement. Purists may object, but Rolex’s modern movements are quite lovely to behold. Other details include the enameled dial with what Rolex is calling a “metallic effect,” and this is paired with an anthracite gray Cerachrom bezel surrounded by a platinum ring. Everything about this watch exudes exclusivity through subtle nods to the history of the Daytona. **Case Size:** 40 mm **Case** **Material:** Rolesium (Oystersteel and platinum) **Price:** TBD ## Oyster Perpetual 28 and 34 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Oyster-Perpetual-28-mm-and-34-mm.webp) *Photo: Rolex* These watches use materials previously unavailable in a Rolex, specifically the stone hour markers at 3, 6, and 9 and the “stone lacquered” dials. They’re also mostly satin finished, which softens the appearance of the gold in a manner that feels commensurate with this year’s overall subtlety. The 28 mm model is offered in yellow gold with a green dial and heliotrope markers. Variants with dials in black, turquoise with diamonds and mother-of-pearl with diamonds are also available at slightly higher prices. The 34 mm model is offered in rose gold (Everose) with a blue lacquered dial and dumortierite markers. A black variant as well as brown dial and diamonds and mother-of-pearl dial with diamonds are also available at slightly higher prices. **Case Size:** 28 mm and 34 mm **Case** **Material:** yellow gold and Everose **Price:** $30,000 for 28 mm, $38,100 for 34 mm *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** News, rolex, watches & wonders --- ### [Every Cartier Watch Unveiled at Watches and Wonders, From New Roadsters to the Perfect Tortue](https://robbreport.ph/watches/every-cartier-watch-unveiled-at-watches-and-wonders-from-new-roadsters-to-the-perfect-tortue/) **Published:** April 15, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** Talk about a shapeshifter. Over the past century, [Cartier](https://robbreport.ph/tag/cartier/ "cartier") has skillfully created a bevy of fascinating case silhouettes, from the square-shaped Santos-Dumont to the rectangular Tank to the circular Pebble and Ballon Bleu. It is continuing to experiment in 2026, unveiling new novelties at [Watches and Wonders](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-boldest-most-exciting-new-timepieces-at-watches-and-wonders-2026/ "The Boldest, Most Exciting New Timepieces at Watches and Wonders 2026") that put a fresh spin on some of its most iconic forms. The Roadster, the automotive-inspired racing watch originally produced from 2001 to 2012, returns with a more streamlined shape. The Tortue has been reimagined with a slightly rounder profile. The Baignoire has been covered with the Clous de Paris motif, bringing an edgy, angular touch to the signature sinuous curves. Last but certainly not least, the new Myst introduces a novel bead-like form. Other new releases retain classic cases but still offer something fresh. The latest Santos-Dumont, for example, features a flexible mesh bracelet that’s surprisingly comfortable. In addition, the Privé lineup marks its 10th edition with thoughtful updates to the Tank, Tortue, Crash, and Cloche, elevating recognizable shapes with new materials, colorways, and even movements. You can check out all the new Cartier watches below. ## Baignoire ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Cartier-Baignoire.webp) *Cartier* The Baignoire—French for “bathtub”—debuted in the 1950s and has been given a splashy upgrade for 2026. The entire timepiece—the oval case, the dial, and the bracelet—is decorated with the Clou de Paris motif, which has appeared on Cartier watches and jewelry for over a century, but not quite like this. The striking geometric design (comprised of many small, hand-polished pyramids), contrasts the watch’s signature curves, creating a striking juxtaposition on the wrist. The Baignoire comes in two yellow-gold versions, one of which is reverse set with hundreds of brilliant-cut diamonds—171 on the case and bracelet, 100 on the dial—for added sparkle. **Case Size:** 19.3 mm **Case Material:** Yellow gold **Movement:** Quartz **Strap:** Yellow gold **Price:** TBC ## Myst ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Cartier-Myst.webp) *Cartier* Cartier’s dual mastery of watches and jewelry is on full display within the Myst. The newcomer nods to the jewelry watches created under the direction of Jeanne Toussaint in the early 1930s, with a sculptural form that is guaranteed to draw attention. “The new Myst de Cartier watch is all about volume and movement,” Pierre Rainero, director of image, style, and heritage at Cartier, said in a statement. And boy does it move: the clasp-less bracelet expands and contracts thanks to its innovative interior architecture. Both the dial and the bracelet are covered in diamonds, with 30 hours of setting work required for the bracelet alone. The Myst comes in two variations: the yellow-gold example features lines of hand-painted black lacquer and a pop of onyx on the dial, while the white-gold iteration is decked out with even more diamonds (986 stones on the case and bracelet, plus 45 on the pavé dial). **Case Size:** 15.4 mm **Case Material:** Yellow gold or white gold **Movement:** Quartz **Strap:** Yellow gold or white gold **Price:** TBC ## Santos-Dumont ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Cartier-Santos-Dumont.webp) *Cartier* Even small changes can make a massive difference with watches. Case in point: Cartier’s latest Santos-Dumonts are equipped with a new bracelet that gives them a completely different and decidedly cool vintage vibe. Inspired by the maison’s early 1920s designs, the bracelet is more “beads of rice” than Milanese, with 394 individual links across 15 rows rather than a traditional mesh. It measures just 1.15 thick, resulting in fantastic flexibility and a silky-smooth feel. “The new Santos-Dumont emphasises its resemblance to the original shape, and the bracelet, at once fluid and precious, is an expression of contemporary elegance,” Rainero adds. Cartier has added the bracelet to three 31.4 mm models—for now, at least—all of which are powered by the manually wound Caliber 430 MC. All other Santos signatures remain: a square-shaped case with visible screws, the cabochon crown, and a dial featuring Roman numerals and a railway minute track. The standout of the trio is a limited edition that pairs a yellow-gold case and bracelet with a gilded obsidian dial, reflecting what Cartier describes as the dandy style of Alberto Santos-Dumont, the Brazilian pilot for whom the house made the first Santos in 1904. The other yellow-gold and platinum versions both feature classic silvered dials. **Case Size:** 31.4 mm **Case Material:** Yellow gold or platinum **Power reserve:** 43 hours **Strap:** Yellow gold or platinum **Price:** TBC ## Roadster ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Cartier-Roadster.webp) *Cartier* The Cartier Roadster is back by popular demand. The automotive-inspired racing watch, which was produced from 2001 to 2012, has become highly coveted on the secondary market—and the maison says it’s had collectors request its revival. The Roadster 2.0 takes design cues from the original, with a tonneau-shaped case, a speedometer-esque dial, an integrated conical crown, and a headlight-shaped date magnifier. It did receive a few subtle upgrades, though, including a more streamlined case, four rivets on the bezel, and a fresh, more flexible bracelet with the signature QuickChange system. The newcomer is offered in two case sizes: 38 mm and 34.9 mm. The large is fitted with the Caliber 1847 MC, while the medium is equipped with the Caliber 1899 MC. Material options include steel, yellow gold, or a combination of gold and steel. There are seven new references in total, with prices ranging from $9,300 to $57,000. **Case Size:** 38 mm or 34.9 mm **Case Material:** Steel, yellow gold and steel, or yellow gold **Power reserve:** 42 hours or 38 to 40 hours **Strap:** Steel, yellow gold and steel, or yellow gold, plus alligator or rubber **Price:** Medium steel $9,300, large steel $10,200, medium steel and gold $18,300, large steel and gold $20,000, medium gold $18,300, large gold $57,000 ## Cartier Privé ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Cartier-Prive-Crash.webp) *Cartier* Cartier’s annual Privé releases are for the die-hard collectors, offering modern reissues of legendary archival pieces. This year’s tribute—or 10th Opus, as Cartier is calling it—comprises two separate collections of three pieces each. The first, aptly named the Trio Exceptional, sees the Tank Normale, the Tortue Chronographe Monopoussoir, and the Crash Squelette reimagined in one of the house’s go-to colorways: platinum and burgundy. In addition to platinum cases and burgundy accents, all three feature a ruby cabochon on the crown and contrasting blued steel hands. New in-house movements have been added to both the Tortue and the Crash, with the latter showcasing the new 1967 MC caliber in spectacular skeletonized fashion within the iconic asymmetric case. The Tank, on the other hand, has been given a mechanical movement and a swish, seven-row bracelet, making it reminiscent of a 1930s model, according to Cartier. The second line, Privé La Collection, includes a Tank Normale, a Cloche de Cartier, and a Tank Cintrée—all of which feature yellow-gold cases, complementary golden dials with apple-shaped blued steel hands, casebacks engraved with the watch’s silhouette, and gray alligator straps. All three are powered by manually wound movements, too. **Case Size:** Various **Case Material:** Platinum or yellow gold **Strap:** Burgundy or gray leather **Price:** TBC, with Crash limited to 150 ## Tortue ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Cartier-Tortue.webp) *Cartier* The Tortue, the turtle-shaped watch that Louis Cartier first produced in 1912, has been reimagined multiple times over the past century—in the late 1920s, the early 2000s, and again in 2024—but it has been given yet another revamp for 2026. The newest Tortue features a slightly more rounded case, with softer, more generous lines than previous iterations. Cartier has unveiled a collection of five references for everyday wear, along with an “evening version” and two stunning métiers d’art watches. All eight showcase the new shape and are powered by the in-house calibre 430 MC, but offer varying degrees of glitz and glamor. The daily beaters, available in small or mini size, come in yellow, white, and rose gold, with diamonds on the bezel of the latter two. The platinum evening version is also decked with diamonds. That sparkle pales in comparison to the Panthère Mêtiers d’Art Tortue. Offered in white or yellow gold, the limited edition features an incredible tableau of a panther caught in the rain. (Both the panther and the droplets are rendered in champlevé enamel, which stretches from the dial across the case.) “I am particularly proud of the enamelling, which extends from the dial to the case middle and demonstrates a rare level of skill passionately maintained by our craftsmen at the Maison des Métiers d’Art,” Karim Drici, senior vice president and chief operating officer at Cartier, said in a statement. To top it off, quite literally, the piece is covered with intricate enamel droplets and adorned with two precious gems for the panther’s eyes. Only 100 of each version will be made. **Case Size:** 20.9 mm (mini), 26.7 mm (small), 33 mm (evening version), 34.8 mm (métiers d’art watch) **Case Material:** Yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, or platinum and white or yellow gold **Power reserve:** 43 hours **Strap:** Blue, red, gray, or green alligator **Price:** Small gold $13,900, mini white gold $21,400, small white gold $28,700, mini rose gold $19,900, small rose gold $26,800 *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches --- ### [The Boldest, Most Exciting New Timepieces at Watches and Wonders 2026](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-boldest-most-exciting-new-timepieces-at-watches-and-wonders-2026/) **Published:** April 15, 2026 **Author:** Paige Reddinger **Content:** It is that time again: Watches & Wonders is underway in Geneva, and the annual flood of headline-making releases has begun in earnest. As in years past, many of the fair’s most closely watched debuts are not wholesale reinventions, but revisions of familiar models—adjusted proportions, reworked case sizes, and new expressions of long-established complications. Even so, a little magic has crept into the proceedings, with some brands concealing their cleverness in plain sight and others putting more of the horological art on display. One of the fair’s smartest sleights of hand comes courtesy of Parmigiani Fleurier. At first glance, the new Tonda PF Chronograph Mystérieux looks almost disarmingly spare: a clean three-hander in the elegant house style that defines the line, with no subdials to give the game away. But press the monopusher at 7:30, and the watch reveals its trick—what Parmigiani is calling a world’s first: chronograph hands that appear only when needed, then disappear again entirely, a reimagining of one of watchmaking’s most familiar complications that feels genuinely unexpected. Vacheron Constantin, meanwhile, has delivered the sort of crowd-pleasing debut collectors tend to obsess over. The new Overseas Self-Winding Ultra-Thin Calibre 2550 follows in the lineage of the boutique-only Ultra-Thin 2000V, but ups the ante with a platinum case, a striking salmon dial, and an ultra-slim movement that packs an impressive amount of mechanical sophistication into just 2.4 mm. Elsewhere, refinement has taken the form of reduced proportions. The move toward smaller watches shows no signs of slowing, with Bulgari offering a 37 mm edition of its Octo Finissimo and H. Moser & Cie. introducing 34 mm and 28 mm versions of its Streamliner, both still powered by self-winding mechanical movements. Neither loses anything in the transition: the Octo Finissimo retains its distinctive geometry, while the Streamliner remains unmistakably Moser in its stripped-back purity. While many of the 2026 novelties favor measured evolution, not every brand opted for restraint. Jaeger-LeCoultre, TAG Heuer, and Hermès are among the maisons exploring skeletonized and open-worked dials, giving the week some welcome visual flourish. This year’s lineup suggests that subtlety may carry the day, but there is always room for a little theater. Below, see how both share the stage. ## A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar “Lumen” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/A-lange-sohne-lange-1-tourbillon-pc-lumen.webp) *Photo: A. Lange & Söhne* Since its introduction in 1994, the instant horological classic known as the Lange 1 has provided its German maker an ideal platform for iteration and refinement. Case in point: The new Lange 1 Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar “Lumen,” which will be available in a limited edition of just 50 pieces. The technically audacious reference is powered by an all-new movement, the L225.1 caliber, whose perpetual calendar won’t need to be corrected until March 2100. (It also has Lange’s first 18 carat white gold central rotor and platinum centrifugal mass that achieve 50 hours of power reserve.) Perhaps most impressive, though, is its bold, glowing design. The semi-transparent sapphire dial allows for a look at the intricate finishes on the new caliber and also makes it easy for its luminous elements (the oversize date, the moon phase, and the leap year indicator displayed in an aperture at six o’clock) to charge. **Case Size:** 41.9 mm **Case Material:** Platinum **Strap:** Black Alligator **Power Reserve:** 50 hours ## A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Annual Calendar ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/a-lange-sohne-saxonia-annual-calendar.webp) *Photo: A. Lange & Söhne* Another classic model updated with an entirely new movement, the new Saxonia Annual Calendar somehow refined one of this brand’s most elegant timepieces. Its slim, 36 mm case (offered in either white or pink gold) is powered by the new self-winding L207.1 caliber, which is so complex that it only requires one manual adjustment each year (when February turns to March). The finish and decoration, always a highlight of Lange’s intricate timepieces, is where this model really shines. The moon phase, tiny as it is, is decorated with an astounding 428 stars; the ends of the hour markers hare been updated to resemble pyramids; and each of the three subdials has been painstakingly decorated with filigreed azurage, which gives each of them a three-dimensional effect. Flip the model over and the polished aesthetic language continues: you can get lost looking at the delicate finishes on nearly every element of the movement. **Case Size:** 36 mm **Case Material:** 18k white or pink gold **Strap**: Brown Alligator **Power Reserve:** 60 hours ## Bulgari Octo Finissimo 37 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/RR_Watches_Wonders_2026_BVLGARI-_OCTO_FINISSIMO_104089_104120_104250_104351.webp) *Photo: Bulgari* Bulgari’s Octo Finissimo has been getting thinner and thinner, but now it is shrinking in case dimensions, too. The newest iteration is smaller and lighter than its predecessors, with a 37 mm case and an overall weight of just 65 grams. That means it is more comfortable on the wrist than the previous [40 mm references](https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/bulgari-octo-finissimo-movement-sketches-1235545252/). Interestingly, the new in-house movement (caliber BVF 100) is thicker than the one in the 40 mm models but takes up less overall space. The new models are powered by a more efficient micro-rotor developed with help from the brand’s experience developing its Piccolissimo and Solotempo ladies’ movements. The caliber showcases high watchmaking finishes, with Côtes de Genève on the bridges and mainplate. That meticulous craftsmanship, of course, extends to the architectural, geometric case and bracelet. The Octo Finissimo 37 comes in sandblasted titanium, satin-polished titanium, and 18-karat yellow gold. The fourth of Bulgari’s new 37 mm Octo Finissimo models, ref. 104250, hides a surprise in its slim sandblasted titanium case: a minute repeater with two hammers, powered by the brand’s BVL 362 manufacture manual winding ultra-thin movement. Talk about stealth wealth. “By reinterpreting the Octo Finissimo codes with this new dimension,” says Jean-Christophe Babin, CEO of LVMH Watches and CEO of Bvlgari, “we have created a timepiece that goes beyond technical prowess to fully embrace the contemporary art of living.” Sign us up! **Case Size**: 37 mm **Case Material**: Sandblasted titanium (104089 and 104250), yellow gold (104120) and polished titanium (104351) **Power Reserve**: 72 hours **Strap**: Titanium and yellow gold bracelets **Price**: $16,600 (104089), $48,300 (104120), $17,400 (104351), and price upon request (104250) ## Bulgari Octo Finissimo Ultra Tourbillon ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Bulgari-Octo-Finissimo-Ultra-Platinum.webp) *Photo: Bulgari* Bulgari, the masters of micro complications, are at it again, unveiling the thinnest ever platinum tourbillon this year. In November, Bulgari picked up a Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève award for its Octo Finissimo Ultra Tourbillon, a titanium watch with a thickness of just 1.85 mm. Now, a platinum version limited to 10 pieces hits the market, distinguished by the blue tone of its skeletonized dial. The new model takes design cues from the record-setting [Octo Finissimo Ultra Tourbillon](https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gallery/watches-wonders-2025-best-new-watches-1236430295/rr_bvlgari_ww_octo_finissimo/), but Eagle-eyed collectors will spot the decorative details that set this limited edition apart beyond its heftier weight. The same, ultra-thin 1.85 mm mechanical movement (the manually wound tourbillon caliber BVF 900) remains, but showcases new decorative details, including a mainplate with galvanic treatment, a steel ratchet wheel engraved with geometric decoration, and a bracelet combining satin-brushed and polished finishes. The limited edition also features a new blue hue on the skeletonized dial, making it a little brighter and bolder than its monochromatic, all-gray predecessor. A mere 10 pieces will be produced. But the key point to remember about this most precious of Finissimos is that it remains the world’s thinnest flying tourbillon. **Case Size:** 40 mm **Case Material:** Satin-polished platinum **Power Reserve:** 42 hours **Strap:** Satin-polished platinum **Price:** Limited to 10, price TBC ## Bulgari Serpenti Aeterna ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Bulgari-Serpenti-Aeterna.webp) *Photo: Bulgari* When the [Bulgari Serpenti Aeterna](https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gallery/watches-wonders-2025-best-new-watches-1236430295/rr_bvlgari_ww_serpenti_cuff/) debuted at Watches & Wonders last year, we considered it to be one of the more subtle bracelet-watches in the Roman jeweler’s famous snake-inspired collection, thanks to its simple, solid bracelet and highly stylized serpent head. The two newest references are anything but subtle, though. The rose-gold example is almost entirely covered in colored gemstones—emeralds, sapphires, tourmalines, you name it—with white diamonds appearing only on the perimeter and the pavé-set dial. The 122 vibrant gems come in a variety of cuts and sizes, resulting in a kaleidoscopic composition that commands attention. The technicolor timepiece took 225 hours of work to complete, with 185 hours devoted to stone selection and more than 60 hours spent on setting. The yellow-gold iteration swaps bright hues for bright whites, with a few lines of diamonds on the head and tail plus mother-of-pearl on the dial. **Case Size:** 24 mm **Case Material:** Rose gold or yellow gold **Movement:** Quartz **Strap:** Rose gold or yellow gold **Price:** TBC ## Bulgari Serpenti Tubogas Studs ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/bulgari-serpenti-tubogas-studs.webp) *Photo: Bulgari* Bulgari has given us many twists on the Serpenti over the years, but the latest versions of the bracelet-watch may be the edgiest yet. The four newcomers showcase “clou” studs on their flexible Tubogas bracelets, with the pyramidal facets juxtaposing the signature curves and bringing a new dimension to the iconic sinuous silhouette. Some studs are also gem-set for extra sparkle. Two out of four are crafted in a mix of yellow gold and steel, one is made of rose gold and steel, and one is entirely yellow gold. All four feature either stone or mother-of-pearl dials, which, of course, are bang on trend. The two-tone versions are paired with shimmering mother-of-pearl, deep-blue sodalite, or bright-green malachite, while the all-gold example is combined with bold red carnelian. Rounding out the designs are diamond-encrusted bezels and rubellite-set crowns. **Case Size:** 35 mm **Case Material:** Steel and gold or yellow gold **Movement:** Quartz **Strap:** Steel and gold or yellow gold **Price:** TBC ## Chanel J12 Superleggera ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/chanel-j12-superleggera.webp) *Photo: Chanel* Chanel typically adheres to a “less is more” mantra, but decided “more is more” at Watches & Wonders this year. The French maison has unveiled a myriad of timepieces, including at least eight new versions of the J12. This particular piece is part of the Superleggera—or “super light” in English—line. Launched in 2005, the collection comprises lightweight chronographs that combine impressive performance with elegant aesthetics. The newest addition is the sportiest and sleekest yet, according to Chanel. It is almost entirely black, but subtle contrasts in finishes and materials add depth. The 42 mm case combines matte black ceramic and black-coated steel, while the black lacquered dial is brushed at the center and azure on the borders. All that black is juxtaposed with a new bezel ring made of satin-finished steel, the red arrow on the date window at 4 o’clock, and other red accents. Flip it over, the exhibition caseback spotlights a COSC-certified automatic movement—the Caliber 12.1 that Chanel developed with Kenissi in 2019—featuring, you guessed it, a black-coated oscillating weight. **Case Size:** 42 mm **Case Material:** Matte black ceramic and steel with black coating **Power Reserve:** 70 hours **Strap:** Matte black ceramic **Price:** TBC ## Chanel J12 Golden Black ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/chanel-j12-golden-black.webp) *Photo: Chanel* Remember that song “Black and Gold” from the early 2000s? Well, we deem it the unofficial anthem for these two J12s. Both limited editions feature black ceramic cases and bracelets, blackened steel bezels, and contrasting yellow-gold accents, creating a striking juxtaposition of light and dark on the wrist. The 28 mm “mini” version is equipped with a fixed bezel and a quartz movement, while the 42 mm “maxi” is fitted with a unidirectional, rotating bezel and the Caliber 12.1. The COSC-certified automatic movement—produced by Kenissi, the Swiss manufacturer co-owned by Tudor and Chanel—features a matching gold-plated oscillating weight that shines through the transparent caseback. The sapphire crystal on the back is also inscribed with “limited edition,” according to the house. **Case Size:** 28 or 42 mm **Case Material:** Polished or matte black ceramic **Power Reserve:** 70 hours **Strap:** Polished or matte black ceramic **Price:** Limited edition, price TBC ## Chanel J12 Diamond Tourbillon ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/chanel-j12-diamonds-tourbillon.webp) *Photo: Chanel* How do you highlight a diamond-set flying tourbillon? With more diamonds, according to Chanel. The house has unveiled a new iced-out J12, with baguette-cut diamonds encircling the singular Caliber 5. Each stone was made-to-measure, much like Chanel couture, and carefully arranged on the open-worked dial to draw the eye to the complication at 6 o’clock. Introduced at [Watches & Wonders](https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/watches-and-wonders-1234670325/) in 2022 after three years of development, the movement features a specially cut 0.18-carat diamond at the center and 26 brilliant-cut diamonds on the tourbillon cage. That isn’t all in terms of bling, though. Yet more stones adorn the 18-karat white gold on the case, bezel, bracelet, crown, and, yes, even the hands. In total, the watch boasts 701 diamonds collectively weighing 39.17 carats. It is limited to 12 pieces. **Case Size:** 38 mm **Case Material:** 18-karat white gold **Power Reserve:** 40 hours **Strap:** 18-karat white gold **Price:** Limited to 12, price TBC ## Chanel Monsieur Lion Tourbillon Black Edition ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/chanel-monsieur-lion-tourbillon-black-edition.webp) *Photo: Chanel* Coco Chanel herself began incorporating lions into her designs in the 1920s, as it was her favorite animal, her star sign, and a symbol of power and protection. It has appeared on Chanel buttons, clasps, jewelry, and even watch movements. In 2023, Chanel expanded Monsieur collection—the maison’s dedicated high-watchmaking line for men that debuted in 2016—adding a model featuring a new flying tourbillon (Caliber 5.1) topped with a lion’s head. It followed up with a platinum version in 2025 and has now unveiled an all-black riff. If the first was Mufasa, consider this one Scar. The case, bracelet, and dial are all black, resulting in a simple, monochromatic aesthetic that lets that lion at 6 o’clock take the focus. The mini sculpture was laser-engraved in a block of titanium, resulting in an extraordinary level of detail. The piece is limited to 55, with that exclusivity inscribed on the sapphire crystal caseback. **Case Size:** 42 mm **Case Material:** Matte black ceramic and steel with black coating **Power Reserve:** 72 hours **Strap:** Black nylon with black calfskin trim and lining **Price:** Limited to 55, with price TBC ## Chopard Alpine Eagle 41 XPS ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Chopard-Alpine-Eagle-41-XPS.webp) *Photo: Chopard* Chopard has recently been working on taking the Alpine Eagle collection to new heights, adding references with new complications and high watchmaking finishes. The latest addition builds on the [first 41 XPS](https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/best-new-watches-2023-watches-and-wonders-1234822739/) that debuted at Watches & Wonders in 2023, showcasing a 41 mm Lucent steel case that is just 8 mm thin, a textured dial inspired by an eagle’s eye, a small seconds indicator at 6 o’clock, and a chronometer-certified movement (L.U.C Calibre 96.40-L) within. Both the movement and case are also finished to the Poinçon de Genève standards, as with the previous version. This iteration did, however, gain a redesigned bracelet with a new comfort adjustment system integrated into the clasp. With a simple pull and push, the bracelet can extend by up to 5 mm, meaning the wearer can quickly tailor the fit to the situation. The newcomer also features a new Champagne-like hue known as “Mountain Glow” on the dial, which evokes the sun’s rays hitting the Alps. **Case Size:** 41 mm **Case Material:** Lucent steel **Power Reserve:** Approximately 65 hours **Strap:** Lucent steel **Price:** On request ## Chopard L’Heure du Diamant ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/chopard-l-heure-du-diamant.webp) *Photo: Chopard* Chopard’s L’Heure du Diamant timepiece has been reimagined countless times over the years, taking on different shapes, materials, and [complications](https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gallery/watches-wonders-2025-best-new-watches-1236430295/rr_ww_chopard_298617_4001/). The newest reference, like all others in the line, was inspired by a 1970s jewelry watch and also pays homage to the maison’s stone artistry, which dates back to the 1960s. A 30.5 mm cushion-shaped case in 18-karat ethical gold frames a deep black onyx dial topped with diamond-set indexes and hands. More sparkle comes from the bezel, which features no less than 4.4 carats of diamonds in Chopard’s signature crown-setting. Even more stones can be found on the crown and the buckle of the black alligator strap. Inside lies an in‑house 09.01‑C self‑winding mechanical movement that beats at a frequency of 25,200 vph (3.5 Hz) and offers a power reserve of 42 hours. The newcomer is yet another testament to Chopard’s skill in the realms of watches and jewelry. **Case Size:** 30.5 mm **Case Material:** 18-karat ethical white gold **Power Reserve:** 42 hours **Strap:** Black alligator **Price:** TBC ## Chopard LUC 1860 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/chopard-luc-1860.webp) *Photo: Chopard* Even Chopard is nostalgic for the ‘90s. The Swiss watchmaker has introduced a second continuation model of the L.U.C 1860 that debuted in 1997. (It unveiled the first tribute piece at Watches & Wonders in 2023.) Created in honor of the 30th anniversary of Chopard Manufacture in Fleurier, the newcomer retains the proportions and design of the original but showcases modern innovations developed over the past three decades. The chronometer-certified L.U.C Calibre 96.40-L at the heart, for example, is a direct evolution of the first movement conceived and produced by the Fleurier manufacture 30 years ago. As with the original, the modern successors feature a compact 36.5 mm case, though it is crafted in Lucent Steel rather than precious metal. This particular iteration is distinguished by an “Areuse Blue” dial, with the deep blue hue an homage to the river that runs near the manufacture. The hand-guilloché face is decorated with a sunburst pattern, further accentuated by a satin-brushed chapter ring, a minute track, and a small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock. The watch is paired with a gray grained calfskin strap. **Case Size:** 36.5 mm **Case Material:** Lucent steel **Power Reserve:** 65 hours **Strap:** Gray grained calfskin **Price:** TBC ## Grand Seiko Spring Drive SBGZ011 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Grand-Seiko-Spring-Drive-SBGZ011.webp) *Photo: Grand Seiko* You don’t have to go chasing waterfalls because Grand Seiko is bringing the beauty of one directly to your wrist. The newest Spring Drive watch to join the Japanese brand’s Masterpiece collection showcases an incredibly intricate pattern inspired by the Tateshina Waterfall in Shinshu, the region of central Japan where all Grand Seiko Spring Drive and quartz watches are made. The dial is hand-engraved with countless lines that take many different directions yet flow together like water. The signature 4GS case, crafted in platinum, bears the same mesmerizing lines, with Zaratsu polishing and brushed finishing adding to the interplay with light. The hands and hour markers are made of 14-karat white gold, creating a stark contrast and ensuring legibility. Similarly, the lettering and minute markers are carved into the dial to help them stand out among the surrounding lines. Inside lies Grand Seiko’s thinnest SpringDrive movement to date—the manual-winding Caliber 9R02—which measures a svelte 4 mm thick, but offers an impressive 84-hour power reserve. It is beautifully decorated and can be appreciated via the transparent caseback. **Case Size:** 40 mm **Case Material:** Platinum **Power reserve:** 84 hours **Strap:** Black crocodile or Kyoto leather **Price:** Limited edition of 50, $84,000 ## Grand Seiko Spring Drive SLGB006 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Grand-Seiko-Spring-Drive-SLGB006.webp) *Photo: Grand Seiko* Another Spring Drive, another breathtaking dial. For this limited edition, Grand Seiko has taken inspiration from a sun pillar, a rare atmospheric phenomenon in which emerging sunlight reflects off ice crystals suspended in the air. That is likely to occur in the frost-covered forest near the Grand Seiko studio in Shinshu, where all Spring Drives are made. The jet-black dial is adorned with countless gold-colored specks that sparkle just like those crystals. More gold appears on the hands, markers, crown, and case, balancing the black on the dial and strap. On the reverse side, the exhibition caseback reveals the Caliber 9RB2 with a bridge decorated in a special finish inspired by the frost-covered forest trees. The movement carries a new U.F.A. (Ultra Fine Accuracy) designation, with a level of precision (±20 seconds per year) that means it performs as good as it looks. **Case Size:** 44.3 mm **Case Material:** 18-karat yellow gold **Power reserve:** 72 hours **Strap:** Black crocodile **Price:** Limited edition of 80, $43,600 ## Grand Seiko SBGD228 Red Lion ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Grand-Seiko-SBGD228-Red-Lion.webp) *Photo: Grand Seiko* You may not guess by looking at it, but the Grand Seiko SBGD228 is inspired by a lion. The iced-out limited edition, part of the Masterpiece collection, showcases over 250 diamonds and brilliantly shining Mozambique garnets, but only two lion-centric touches. Inside the 18-karat rose gold case lies an 18-karat white-gold dial with wine-red mother-of-pearl at the center and gems on the periphery. The garnets sit amid hundreds of white diamonds as the hour markers, ensuring the watch is not only beautiful but legible. The diamonds on the lugs extend outward as a nod to the lion’s sharpened claws. There is also a lion emblem displayed on the caseback. The animal has been the Japanese watchmaker’s symbol since the early days, representing nobility and strength. That strength is perhaps best shown in the in-house Caliber 9R01 beating inside, which offers an extraordinary power reserve of approximately eight days (192 hours). It may not scream “lion,” but it certainly makes a statement. **Case Size:** 44.5 mm **Case Material:** 18-karat rose gold **Power reserve:** 192 hours **Strap:** Red crocodile **Price:** Limited edition of eight, $273,000 ## H. Moser & Cie Endeavour Perpetual Calendar Concept Tantalum ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/H-Moser-Endeavour-Perpetual-Calendar-Concept-Tantalum.webp) *Photo: H. Moser & Cie* Paring things down to a minimum is a specialty at Moser and this year it turned its eye to its Endeavour Perpetual Calendar to refine it even further. For the new tantalum model, the watchmaker removed its branding and indices and slimmed down its hour and minute hands for an even sleeker look. Instead of the bright blue and ombre salmon dials of its existing Endeavour Perpetual Calendars, Moser went a step further to create the sunburst-pattern dial in tantalum as well. Tantalum is notoriously difficult to work with because it’s extremely dense and “gummy,” meaning it resists clean cutting, quickly wears down tools, and requires slow, precise machining. On top of that, it retains heat and is hard to finish, making it challenging to achieve the crisp lines and polished surfaces expected in high-end watch cases. Of course, that’s the exact kind of challenge watchmakers love. But the real reason the material keeps popping up is its color: Tantalum offers a distinctive blue-gray tone with a soft, almost matte luster that sits between steel and platinum. While purists may hate the date window, this is an otherwise sleek design that Moser would do well to capitalize on. **Case Size:** 42 by 13.1 mm **Case Material:** Tantalum **Power Reserve:** 7 days **Strap:** Hand-stitched gray nubuck alligator leather **Price:** $94,500 ## H. Moser & Cie Streamliner Mini ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/H-Moser-Cie-Streamliner-Mini.webp) *Photo: H. Moser & Cie* Honey, I shrunk the watch! Is this the year everyone goes mini? It’s certainly starting to seem that way. Earlier this year, Audemars Piguet introduced its Royal Oak mini to much fanfare and now H. Moser & Cie is offering a more minute version of its popular Streamliner model. The watch now comes in 34 mm and 28 mm sizing, both still equipped with self-winding mechanical movements. With no logo, no indices, and no central seconds, this is pure Moser minimalism. But of course, there’s always a bit of dial pizzazz: both are frosted via a manual engraving process and come in burgundy or silver as the backdrop to the Super-LumiNova-accented hour and minute hands. The dial and the unique form of the Streamliner speak for themselves. As always with Moser, if you know, you know. **Case Material:** Steel **Power Reserve:** 60 hours **Strap:** Steel bracelet **Price:** $27,600 ## H. Moser & Cie Streamliner Pump ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/H-Moser-Cie-Streamliner-Pump.webp) *Photo: H. Moser & Cie* H. Moser & Cie. leans into its irreverent playbook with a collaboration that bridges horology and sneaker culture, teaming up with Reebok to reinterpret the ’90s Pump—this time as a mechanical winding system. The brand reworked its HMC 500 movement into a manual caliber powered not by a traditional crown but by an anodized aluminum pusher at 8 o’clock, with each press delivering one hour of power reserve, visibly tracked on the dial. Housed in the Streamliner case, the watch pairs genuine technical ingenuity with a sense of play, channeling the same subversive spirit behind Moser’s past provocations—from the Swiss Alp to the cheese-cased Swiss Mad Watch. The result is a piece that underscores the brand’s philosophy: serious watchmaking, executed with a wink. The bonus? Clients will receive a special Reebok Pump sneaker made for the collaboration. **Case Size:** 40 mm x 11.4 mm **Case Material:** Forged quartz in white or black **Power Reserve:** 40 hours **Strap:** Rubber **Price:** $39,900, limited to 250 pieces in each variation ###### Hermès H08 Squelette ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Hermes-H08-Skeleton.webp) *Photo: Hermès* Hermès sharpens its horological ambitions this year with a skeletonized take on its H08—an evolution that signals where the maison is headed. While openworked watches can often skew overly ornate or illegible, creative director Philippe Delhotal leans into restraint, stripping the design back with an architectural, urban-inspired approach that keeps the dial clean and highly legible, aided by Super-Luminova-coated hands and numerals. Executed in titanium—lightweight but notoriously difficult to machine—the watch is powered by a new-generation caliber, the H1978S, which boosts the power reserve to 60 hours and is engineered for real-world durability, from 10-bar water resistance to shock and wear simulations equivalent to a decade of use. It’s a notable shift for Hermès, pairing its design-first ethos with increasingly robust mechanics, and arrives amid a broader investment in its Swiss manufacture—underscoring the brand’s growing ambition as a serious player in high watchmaking. **Case Size:** 39 mm **Case Material:** Titanium with black DLC coating **Power Reserve:** 60 hours **Strap:** Rubber **Price:** $21,500 ## Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Moonphase Impact ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/RR_Watches_Wonders_2026_Hublot_Spirit_of_Big_Bang_Moonphase_Impact_group.webp) *Photo: Hublot* Never one to shy away from pushing materials to their limits, Hublot continues its experimental streak with the Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Impact. The tonneau-shaped model debuts a first for the brand: diamonds set directly into sapphire, one of the hardest materials on Earth. Achieved through painstaking laser machining and hundreds of hours of finishing, the 20-piece Sapphire Jewellery edition features 145 fancy-cut diamonds radiating across the bezel and dial in the brand’s fragmented “Impact” motif. Two additional versions accompany it—a sapphire reference accented with rare crystallized osmium and an All Black ceramic edition marking the 20th anniversary of Hublot’s stealthy design concept—each powered by the skeletonized cal. HUB1770 automatic movement with moonphase and Big Date displays. **Case Size:** 42 mm **Case Material:** Sapphire crystal **Power Reserve:** 50 hours **Strap:** White-lined rubber strap **Price:** $543,000 ## Hublot Big Bang Reloaded Kylian Mbappe ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/RR_Watches_Wonders_2026_Hublot_Big_Bang_Reloaded_Kylian_Mbappe.webp) *Photo: Hublot* Blending football star power with high-performance watchmaking, Hublot teams up with French phenom (and brand ambassador) Kylian Mbappé for the new Hublot Big Bang Reloaded Kylian Mbappé. Limited to 200 pieces, the chronograph reflects the forward’s signature blend of speed and confidence, pairing a 44 mm white ceramic case with a King Gold bezel engraved with his personal mantra: “Trust Yourself.” A skeletonized dial reveals the brand’s in-house HUB1280 Unico flyback chronograph movement—an integrated caliber known for its front-facing column wheel and robust construction—while subtle details reference Mbappé’s iconic No. 10. Delivered with interchangeable straps, the watch channels the energy of the pitch into Hublot’s unmistakable “Art of Fusion” design language. **Case Size:** 44 mm **Case Material:** White ceramic **Power Reserve:** 72 hours **Strap:** Interchangeable fabric Velcro strap or black-and-white rubber strap **Price:** $30,000 ## Hublot Big Bang Tourbillon Impact High Jewelry One Million ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/RR_Watches_Wonders_2026_Hublot_Big_Bang_Tourbillon_Impact_High_Jewellery_One_Million.webp) *Photo: Hublot* If there’s one thing Hublot has never been shy about, it’s excess—and the new Hublot Big Bang Tourbillon Impact High Jewellery One Million leans into that reputation with gusto. Conceived as both a horological showpiece and a gem-setting tour de force, the watch surrounds its central flying tourbillon with a swirling “Impact” motif formed from nearly 500 diamonds totaling roughly 44.6 carats. Baguette- and fancy-cut stones radiate outward in a complex, three-dimensional architecture that requires hundreds of hours of meticulous setting. Housed in a 45 mm white gold Big Bang case and powered by the hand-wound cal. HUB9015 with a robust five-day power reserve, the result is a million-dollar statement piece that fuses high jewelry spectacle with serious watchmaking. **Case Size:** 45 mm **Case Material:** 18-karat white gold **Power Reserve:** 120 hours **Strap:** Black rubber and alligator leather **Price:** $1,205,000 ## IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Ceralume ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/IWC-Big-Pilots-Watch-Perpetual-Calendar-Ceralume.webp) *Photo: IWC* Though the good folks at IWC Schaffhausen are no strangers to exotic materials, the new Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Ceralume may be their most visually striking experiment yet. Limited to 250 pieces, the 46.5 mm watch debuts the brand’s proprietary luminous ceramic technology within its famous pilot’s watch line, blending ceramic powder with Super-LumiNova pigments to create a fully glowing case. Paired with a white luminous dial and matching rubber strap, the effect is dramatic: By day, you have a study in monochrome whites and greys; by night, an intense blue glow. Inside beats the manufacture Calibre 52616, whose Pellaton winding system delivers a considerable seven-day power reserve. **Case Size:** 46.5 mm **Case Material:** Ceralume luminous ceramic **Power Reserve:** 168 hours **Strap:** White luminous rubber **Price:** $76,300 ## IWC Ingenieur Perpetual Calendar 41 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/IWC-Ingenieur-Perpetual-Calendar-41.webp) *Photo: IWC* The Gérald Genta-inspired Ingenieur continues its modern revival at IWC with the new Ingenieur Perpetual Calendar 41 in titanium. Pairing the integrated-bracelet design with one of the brand’s most famous complications, it boasts a 41 mm Grade 5 titanium case and bracelet whose sandblasted and satin-finished surfaces emphasize the sharp geometry of the model’s lines. A matte grey “grid”-pattern dial hosts the calendar indications and moon phase, while inside beats the *manufacture* Calibre 82600 automatic movement with Pellaton winding and ceramic components for durability. The result is a surprisingly lightweight QP that feels entirely at home in a contemporary “luxury sports watch” context. **Case Size:** 41.6 mm **Case Material:** Grade 5 titanium **Power Reserve:** 60 hours **Strap:** Integrated titanium bracelet **Price:** $44,000 ## IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar ProSet Le Petit Prince ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/IWC-Big-Pilots-Watch-Perpetual-Calendar-ProSet-Le-Petit-Prince.webp) *Photo: IWC* The latest take on IWC’s storybook-themed “Le Petit Prince” line introduces a new generation of perpetual calendar technology. The Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar ProSet Le Petit Prince pairs a 42 mm stainless steel case with a deep blue dial and matching aesthetic cues that have long defined the series. Inside, the manufacture Calibre 82665 powers IWC’s new gear-based Perpetual Calendar ProSet system, which allows the calendar to be adjusted both forward and backward via the crown—a notable leap in usability for one of watchmaking’s most complex complications. A stainless steel bracelet with the EasX-CHANGE system is included, along with an additional blue rubber strap. **Case Size:** 42 mm **Case Material:** Stainless steel or Ceramic **Power Reserve:** 60 hours **Strap:** Stainless steel bracelet (additional blue rubber strap included) or white rubber strap **Price:** $38,800 for steel; $41,600 for ceramic ## IWC Portofino Automatic Day & Night 34 Le Petit Prince ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/IWC-Big-Pilots-Watch-Perpetual-Calendar-ProSet-Le-Petit-Prince-1.webp) *Photo: IWC* The first Portofino to join the whimsical “Le Petit Prince” lineup from IWC Schaffhausen arrives in the form of the Portofino Automatic Day & Night 34 Le Petit Prince. Housed in a compact 34 mm stainless steel case, the watch pairs a deep blue sunray dial with gold-plated hands and applied indices, giving the otherwise restrained dress watch a touch of warmth. At 6 o’clock, a rotating day-and-night display completes one full revolution every 24 hours, with the Little Prince himself standing atop the moon—a poetic nod to Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s beloved tale. Powering the watch is the automatic IWC *manufacture* Calibre 35180. **Case Size:** 34 mm **Case Material:** Stainless steel **Power Reserve:** 50 hours **Strap:** Blue calfskin strap **Price:** $7,200 ## Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Grande Tradition Tourbillon Jumping Date ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Jaeger-LeCoultre-Master-Grande-Tradition-Tourbillon-Jumping-Date.webp) *Photo: Jaeger-LeCoultre* The new Master Grande Tradition Tourbillon Jumping Date from Jaeger-LeCoultre showcases an impressive evolution of the brand’s Calibre 978, a movement that previously earned accolades in chronometry competitions. The 42 mm timepiece, housed in 18-karat pink gold, features an open-worked dial that prominently displays its intricate tourbillon and innovative jumping date mechanism. The deep blue enamel barleycorn patterned dial is complemented by applied hour markers and an independent 24-hour disc for an additional time zone. Limited to 100 pieces, this watch beautifully marries contemporary elegance with the technical mastery for which the “the watchmaker of watchmakers” is known. **Case Size**: 42 mm **Case Material**: 18-karat pink gold **Power Reserve**: 45 hours **Strap**: Black alligator leather **Price**: TBC ## Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Hybris Inventiva Gyrotourbillon À Stratosphère ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Jaeger-LeCoultre-Master-Hybris-Inventiva-Gyrotourbillon-A-Stratosphere.webp) *Photo: Jaeger-LeCoultre* The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Hybris Inventiva Gyrotourbillon À Stratosphère marks a groundbreaking advancement in multi-axis tourbillon technology. Driven by Calibre 178, the distinctive-looking timepiece features a triple-axis tourbillon with exceptional precision, despite weighing a wispy 0.78 grams. As the inaugural release in the Hybris Inventiva line, it highlights single, unprecedented complications. The watch’s artistic essence is amplified by the Métiers Rares finishes, including guillochage and enamel, decorating the movement—so much so that it’s all but impossible to tell where the movement ends and the dial begins. Limited to just 20 pieces, the model epitomizes Jaeger-LeCoultre’s legacy of horological excellence spanning nearly two centuries. **Case Size**: 42 mm **Case Material**: Platinum **Power Reserve**: 72 hours **Strap**: Blue alligator leather **Price**: TBC ## Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Hybris Mechanica Ultra-Thin Minute Repeater ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Jaeger-Le-Coultre-Master-Hybris-Mechanica-Ultra-Thin-Minute-Repeater.webp) *Photo: Jaeger-LeCoultre* Let’s start with the simple fact of what Jaeger-LeCoultre’s new Master Hybris Mechanica Ultra-Thin Minute Repeater Tourbillon is: a flying tourbillon combined with a minute repeater in an astonishingly slim design, measuring just 5 mm thick within an 8.25 mm case. Notable features include artistic open-worked sapphire bridges that enhance visibility and a peripheral winding system that maintains its sleek profile. The watch’s fully integrated movement reflects the brand’s storied legacy in creating chiming watches and ultra-thin calibres. Made in just 10 examples, it’s the ultimate in horological rarities. **Case Size**: 41.4 mm **Case Material**: 18-karat pink gold **Power Reserve**: 42 hours **Strap**: Brown alligator leather **Price**: TBC ## Laurent Ferrier Sport Traveller ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Laurent-Ferrier-Sport-Traveller.webp) *Photo: Laurent Ferrier* The new Laurent Ferrier Sport Traveller brings the Geneva-based brand’s refined take on travel watches into its contemporary Sport collection. Housed in a lightweight 42 mm Grade 5 titanium case with an integrated bracelet, the watch pairs a stealthy opaline anthracite dial with the brand’s signature Assegai-shaped hands and dual-time functionality. Local time can be adjusted instantly via two pushers on the case flank, allowing the hour hand to jump forward or backward in one-hour increments without stopping the movement. Powering the watch is the new LF275.01 micro-rotor automatic caliber, offering over three days of autonomy and finished to the meticulous standards expected of the *maison*. **Case Size:** 42 mm **Case Material:** Grade 5 titanium **Power Reserve:** 72 hours **Strap: Integrated** Grade 5 titanium bracelet **Price:** $49,000 ## Panerai Luminor 8 Giorni PAM01733 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/RR_Watches_Wonders_2026_PANERAI_PAM01733.webp) *Photo: Panerai* If you prefer your watches to look old but function like new, the Luminor 8 Giorni from Panerai is for you. The model is housed in a new “Brunito” steel case—the name, Italian for “burnished,” refers to a surface treatment that mimics the appearance of an instrument aged over time. Inspired by a 1960s watch, Ref. 6152/1, the 44 mm piece, slimmed down from the original 47 mm, retains the Luminor’s iconic case construction. It also boasts an impressive eight days of power reserve, thanks to its hand-wound P.5000 manufacture calibre. For a timepiece that wears its history on the surface, there’s no question that the underlying mechanism is modern to its core. **Case Size**: 44 mm **Case Material**: Brunito steel case **Power Reserve**: 8 days (192 hours) **Strap**: Light brown calf leather **Price**: $11,300 ## Panerai Luminor 31 Giorni PAM01631 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/RR_Watches_Wonders_2026_PANERAI_PAM01631.webp) *Photo: Panerai* If eight days of power reserve sound remarkable, try quadrupling that. The new Luminor 31 Giorni—engineered by Panerai’s Laboratorio di Idee, part of the research and development department at the brand’s Neuchâtel manufacture—builds upon the watchmaker’s decades-old legacy of producing tool watches with exceptional power reserves. Encased in Panerai Goldtech, a proprietary red-hued alloy made of gold and copper, with a dash of platinum and silver for improved hardness, the model runs on the brand’s new hand-wound skeleton movement, P.2031/S. Devised to provide a month of autonomous power, the mechanism requires precisely 128 turns of the crown before it’s fully wound. **Case Size**: 44 mm **Case Material**: Panerai Goldtech, a proprietary 18-karat red-gold alloy **Power Reserve**: 31 days (744 hours) **Strap**: Black alligator strap **Price**: $107,000 ## Panerai Luminor PAM01731 and Luminor Destro PAM01732 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Panerai-Lumnior-PAM-01731-and-Destro-01732.webp) *Photo: Panerai* Panerai celebrates its 20th century roots as a supplier of timepieces to the Italian Navy with two new steel Luminors that bear all the hallmarks of the brand’s expertise in functional design, including robust cases, high-water resistance, luminous dials, and hand-wound movements built to take a beating. The only difference between the two is the placement of their crowns. The Destro edition features the crown and protective bridge on the left side of the case. **Case Size**: 44 mm **Case Material**: Polished steel **Power Reserve**: 72 hours **Strap**: Brown calf leather **Price**: $9,200 ## Panerai Luminor PAM01735 and Luminor Forged Titanium PAM01629 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Panerai-Luminor-PAM01735-and-Luminor-Forged-Titanium-PAM01629.webp) *Photo: Panerai* Diehard Panerai fans will appreciate its two new 47 mm Luminor models. Not only are they throwbacks to the brand’s 1960s heyday as a naval supplier, they’re also reminiscent of its rediscovery in the late 1990s, when the Italian watchmaker kicked off the mania for oversized timepieces. The Luminor PAM01735, crafted in polished steel, features an ivory matte sandwich dial enhanced by a ‘tropical’ gradient varnish that evokes the charm of vintage dials. The limited-edition Luminor Forged Titanium PAM01629, on the other hand, marks Panerai’s first execution in innovative forged titanium (note the distinctive wave-like pattern on its 47mm case). Both watches are powered by the robust P.3000 hand-wound movement, offering a three-day power reserve and core Luminor details, including, of course, the model’s iconic crown-protecting bridge. **Case Size**: 47 mm **Case Material**: Steel (PAM01735) and forged titanium (PAM01629) **Power Reserve**: 72 hours **Strap**: Brown and beige calf leather **Price**: $12,400 (PAM01735) and $23,600 (PAM01629) ## Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda FF Chronograph Mystérieux ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/RR_Watches_Wonders_2026_Parmigiani_Tonda_PF_Chronograph_Mysterieux.webp) *Photo: Parmigiani* At first glance, the Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Chronograph Mystérieux looks almost disarmingly simple—a clean three-hander with the restrained elegance that defines the Tonda PF line. But press the monopusher at 7:30 and the watch reveals its trick: a chronograph that quite literally appears and disappears. The concept builds on an idea first explored in the 2022 Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF GMT Rattrapante, whose second time-zone hand hides beneath the main hour hand until needed, preserving the dial’s minimalist aesthetic. Here, the new manufacture calibre PF053 deploys three rhodium-plated chronograph hands across the dial when activated, then withdraws them entirely when the sequence ends, restoring the watch to a serene display of civil time. It’s a clever rethinking of one of watchmaking’s most familiar complications—proof that even a chronograph can still surprise. **SPECS:Case Size:** 40 mm **Case Material:** Stainless steel **Power Reserve:** 60 hours **Strap:** Stainless steel bracelet **Price:** $44,600 ## Piaget Altiplano Concept Tourbillon ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/RR_Watches_Wonders_2026_PIAGET_Altiplano.webp) *Photo: Parmigiani* Long a pioneer of ultra-thin watchmaking, Piaget continues to push boundaries with the Piaget Altiplano Ultimate Concept Tourbillon. The headline release is a warm brown cobalt model paired with honey-hued tiger’s eye, integrating ornamental stone into the watch’s astonishing 2 mm-thick architecture—an engineering feat that requires the stone to be mounted directly onto structural movement components and finished with tools as fine as a 0.15 mm needle. Powering the timepiece is the manual-winding caliber 970P-UC, featuring a one-minute peripheral tourbillon and a 40-hour power reserve. Beyond this flagship version, Piaget revives its 1960s “Style Selector” concept, offering clients a choice of case colors and ornamental stones—including tiger’s eye, blue sodalite, jade, and onyx—bringing a customizable decorative dimension to one of the world’s thinnest tourbillon watches. **Case Size:** 41.5 mm **Case Material:** Brown cobalt **Power Reserve:** 40 hours **Strap:** Alligator leather **Price:** Price upon request ## Piaget Andy Warhol ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/RR_Watches_Wonders_2026_PIAGET_Warhol_group.webp) *Photo: Parmigiani* In 2024, Piaget officially renamed the Black Tie watch the “Andy Warhol” in recognition of its famous pop-artist owner, a noted Piaget collector who owned at least seven timepieces from the Swiss brand. Housed in a cushion-shaped case and often fitted with rare and striking stone dials, the elegant dress watch now features an in-house automatic movement, replacing the Beta 21 quartz calibre that powered the original models in the 1970s. This year, Piaget introduced three new references to expand the collection: the first, set in a 45 mm rose-gold case with concentric gadroons and baguette-cut diamonds, features a striking bronzite dial; two others—one in 18-karat pink gold with a *Clous de Paris* bezel and a chatoyant bull’s-eye dial, and another in 18-karat pink gold with a gadroon bezel and a blue quartz dial—are equally compelling. **Case Size:** 45 mm **Case Material:** Pink or rose gold **Power Reserve:** 40 hours **Strap:** Alligator leather strap **Price:** $TBD ## Piaget Polo 79 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/RR_Watches_Wonders_2026_PIAGET_Polo79.webp) *Photo: Parmigiani* Few watches capture the unapologetic glamour of the late ’70s and ’80s quite like the Piaget Polo 79, first introduced in 1979 as a bold “bracelet watch” whose signature gadroons flowed seamlessly across case, dial, and bracelet. Revived in 2024 by Piaget in full yellow gold—and followed by a white gold version in 2025 and a two-tone version in early 2026—the model continues its modern comeback with a fresh white-gold execution. Here, the 38 mm case and integrated bracelet are rendered entirely in 18-karat white gold and paired with a rich blue sodalite dial accented by polished gadroons, giving the design a cooler, more contemporary feel while preserving the Polo’s unmistakable architecture. Inside beats Piaget’s ultra-thin automatic caliber 1200P, a micro-rotor movement that underscores the brand’s longstanding mastery of slim mechanical watchmaking. **Case Size:** 38 mm **Case Material:** 18K white gold **Power Reserve:** 44 hours **Strap:** Integrated 18K white gold bracelet **Price:** $TBD ## Piaget Sixtie High Jewelry Cuff ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/RR_Watches_Wonders_2026_PIAGET_Sixtie_High_Jewelry_Cuff_Watch.webp) *Photo: Parmigiani* Since the 1960s, Piaget has used vibrant hardstone dials to transform watches into miniature works of art, a tradition now revived across its latest high-jewelry creations. Among them is the Sixtie High Jewelry Cuff, which reinterprets the Maison’s softly trapezoidal Sixtie design as a sculptural cuff watch rendered in rose gold. The 26 × 24mm case features the Swiss firm’s signature Décor Palace engraving and diamonds, framing an iridescent opal dial whose shifting colors echo the free-spirited glamour of the Piaget Society era. Paired with an articulated bracelet and powered by a *manufacture* quartz movement, it’s a vivid reminder that for Piaget, horology has long been inseparable from the art of jewelry-making. **Case Size:** 26 × 24 mm **Case Material:** Rose gold with diamonds **Power Reserve:** N/A (quartz) **Strap:** Articulated bracelet **Price:** $TBD ## Roger Dubuis Excalibur Biretrograde Perpetual Calendar ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/roger-dubuis-excalibur-biretrograde-perpetual-calendar.webp) *Photo: Roger Dubuis* Roger Dubuis has taken the Excalibur to astronomical new heights. The latest perpetual calendar to join the flagship collection features an astronomical moonphase display at 6 o’clock that tracks the Moon’s orbital cycle around Earth, showing its waxing and waning almost exactly as it appears in the sky. Inside the 40 mm pink-gold case lies a new in-house automatic movement (Caliber RD850) that combines a revamped perpetual calendar with a fresh month corrector and the signature biretrograde display with the astronomical moonphase complication. The latter follows the lunar cycle much more closely than the standard moonphase mechanism—29 days, 12 hours, and 45 minutes versus an approximate 29.5 days—meaning it will stay accurate for around 122 years rather than two or three. The newcomer, as with all models in the Roger Dubuis lineup, has earned Poinçon de Genève certification, signifying top-tier construction, finishing, and performance. **Case Size:** 40 mm **Case Material:** 18-karat pink gold **Power reserve:** 60 hours **Strap:** “Astral Blue” calfskin leather **Price:** TBC ## Roger Dubuis Excalibur Biretrograde Calendar ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/roger-dubuis-excalibur-biretrograde-calendar.webp) *Photo: Roger Dubuis* Roger Dubuis is reaching for the stars at Watches & Wonders this year, unveiling new novelties inspired by the sky above. This particular steel piece is a fresh take on the Excalibur Biretrograde Calendar that the maison released in Geneva last year, featuring a new “Cosmic Blue” hue on the dial that represents the sky darkening from day to night. As with the original model, the newcomer pays homage to the biretrograde display that debuted in 1996. The “bi” in biretrograde reflects the two indications working in tandem to show the day and date, with angled skeletonized hands moving along the elliptic scales before immediately returning to zero at the end of their cycle. Parts of the in-house automatic movement (Caliber RD840) can be spotted on the dial, contrasting the blue and complementing the steel case and bracelet like a shining star in the night sky. **Case Size:** 40 mm **Case Material:** Stainless steel **Power reserve:** 60 hours **Strap:** Stainless steel **Price:** TBC ## TAG Heuer Monaco Evergraph ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/RR_Watches_Wonders_2026_Tag_Heuer_Monaco_Evergraph_lead.webp) *Photo: TAG Heuer* With the Monaco Evergraph, TAG Heuer pushes its signature square chronograph into decidedly experimental territory. Powered by the new Calibre TH80-00, the watch introduces a compliant chronograph mechanism built around flexible bi-stable components that replace many of the traditional levers and springs used to start, stop, and reset the chronograph. Developed within the TAG Heuer Lab and realized in partnership with Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier, the movement beats at 5 Hz and features the brand’s TH-Carbonspring oscillator for enhanced magnetic resistance. The openworked architecture places the barrel, gear train, and escapement dial-side, transforming the Monaco’s familiar square silhouette into a technical showcase for the brand’s latest experimentation. **Case Size:** 40 mm **Case Material:** Grade 5 titanium (natural or black DLC-coated) **Power Reserve:** 70 hours **Strap:** Rubber strap **Price:** $TBD ## Ulysse Nardin \[Super\] Freak ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/ulysse-nardin-super-freak.webp) *Photo: Laurent Xavier Moulin* Time-only watches, by nature, are simple, conveying just time and no more, but Ulysse Nardin doesn’t do simple. The Swiss watchmaker has unveiled a new version of its flagship timepiece, the avant-garde Freak, which it claims is the most complicated time-only watch ever made. With a name that would make Rick James proud, the \[Super\] Freak is equipped with an entirely new in-house movement comprising the world’s first automatic double tourbillon, the first seconds display of any Freak, and, of course, the signature flying carousel with a transparent blue hour disc. Powering those complications is a newly patented “Grinder” system, which Ulysse Nardin says is the most efficient automatic winding system ever developed. Four years in the making, the new model is also fitted with the world’s smallest gimbal and vertical differential, both of which improve overall performance. Each timepiece is assembled from start to finish by a single watchmaker over 60 hours, with more than 70 percent of the components finished by hand. It will be limited to just 50 examples. **Case Size:** 44 mm **Case Material:** White gold **Power Reserve:** 72 hours **Strap:** Gray rubber **Price:** Limited to 50, $361,600 ## Vacheron Constantin Overseas Self-Winding Ultra-Thin Calibre 2550 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Vacheron-Constantin-Overseas-Selfwinding-Ultra-Thin-2550.webp) *Photo: Vacheron Constantin* Seven years in the making, Vacheron Constantin’s new Overseas Self-Winding Ultra-Thin Calibre 2550 follows the direct lineage of the Caliber 1120 once housed in the Overseas Ultra-Thin 2000V that collectors have been begging the brand to bring back. Its predecessor was a boutique-only edition and came in white gold. The new release ups the ante in platinum with a salmon dial in 39.5 mm. The new Calibre 2550 measures just 2.4 mm, about the thickness of two stacked credit cards. But don’t let its extreme thinness fool you. The mechanism packs quite a bit into its slender format, including an innovative architecture combining a micro-rotor, a suspended double barrel and a compact single-level gear train—not to mention 80 hours of power reserve. With its clean dial sans date and its fancy new dressings, the piece is the embodiment of classic gentlemanly style. **Case Size**: 39.5 mm **Case Material**: 950 Platinum **Power Reserve**: 80 hours **Strap**: Dark beige alligator strap **Price**: $120,000 ## Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/RR_Watches_Wonders_2026_Vacheron_Constantin_Historiques_American_1921.webp) *Photo: Vacheron Constantin* The Historiques American 1921 is a dress watch of distinction. Based on a small series of driving watches introduced to the American market in 1921, at the outset of the Roaring Twenties, the model was housed in a cushion-shape case and featured an unusual dial, offset by 45 degrees from the standard perpendicular—all the better for seeing the time when your hands are on the steering wheel. Reintroduced in 2008, the modern Historiques collection now includes 18-karat pink gold editions measuring 36.5 mm and 40 mm with a new grained silver dial featuring blue markings and hands, introducing a new generation of drivers to the collection’s “classic with a twist” style. **Case Size**: 36.5 mm and 40 mm **Case Material**: 18-karat pink gold **Power Reserve**: 65 hours **Strap**: Dark blue calf leather **Price**: $45,000 for 40 mm, $37,200 for 36.5 mm ## Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time Cardinal Points ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/RR_Watches_Wonders_2026_Vacheron_Constantin_Overseas_Dual_Time_Cardinal_Points_group-1.webp) *Photo: Vacheron Constantin* Thirty years after its introduction, Vacheron Constantin’s seminal Overseas collection welcomes four new dual time models that celebrate the notion of travel. Offered in a choice of four dial colors symbolizing the cardinal compass points (white = north, brown = south, green = west and blue = east), the pieces are crafted entirely in titanium. They continue a tradition that started in 2019, when the brand introduced an Overseas Dual Time prototype in a titanium case with a dark grey grained dial, created for photographer and explorer Cory Richards, who tested it during his ascent of Mount Everest. Due to collector demand, the brand followed up in 2021 with the Overseas “Everest” Dual Time and Chronograph limited to just 150 pieces. This introduction finally heralds the unlimited production (of course, getting your hands on one, however, still won’t come easily.) The Cardinal Points editions are equipped with a manufacture movement, Calibre 5110 DT/3, that displays two time zones, AM/PM, and the date. Symbolically speaking, they herald a new direction at Vacheron Constantin. **Case Size**: 41 mm **Case Material**: Titanium **Power Reserve**: 60 hours **Strap**: Titanium bracelet and two rubber straps **Price**: $41,300 ## Van Cleef & Arpels Lady Retrouvailles Célestes and Lady Rencontre Céleste ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Van-Cleef-Arpels-Lady-Rencontre-Celeste-Lady-Retrouvailles-Celestes.webp) *Photo: Van Cleef & Arpels* Van Cleef & Arpels has an affinity for a romantic story to depict in its Poetry of Time pieces and this year it turns to the East Asian tale of Vega and Altair (or Niulang and Zhinu)*.* In the love story, Vega, a weaver princess, and Altair, a cowherd, fall deeply in love and, as a result, neglect their duties. As punishment, they are separated by the Milky Way and allowed to reunite only once a year, on the seventh day of the seventh month. Their story is celebrated during Tanabata, when people write wishes on paper strips and hang them on bamboo to mark their brief celestial reunion. In Lady Recontre Céleste (or Lady Celestial Encounter), the scene of the two lovers uniting is depicted against a star-studded sky with the their hands clasped together. The white-gold figures are surrounded by sparkling clouds set in plique-à-jour enamel and dotted with diamonds. Their faces are formed by two rose-cut diamonds and they gaze at each other beneath a diamond-set moon. The dial is adorned in glazed champlevé and grisaille enamel, a sapphire crescent, and beads executed in miniature painting. The scene of the manual-winding watch is framed in a white-gold case set with diamonds. Its counterpart, Lady Retrouvailles Céleste (or Lady Heavenly Reunion) depicts the white-gold and diamond-accented figures with their arms outstretches as if anticpating their reunion. Here they are placed in a scene of mauves and pinks with a dial in champlevé enamel, a crescent in mauve sapphires, and clouds in plique-à-jour enamel and diamonds set in enamel. This love scene comes set in an 18-karat yellow gold and diamond case. They may be unapologetically feminine, but these timepieces are rooted in the best of Switzerland’s centuries old métiers d’art techniques. **Case Size:** TBC **Case Material:** 18-karat white gold for the Lady Rencontre Céleste and 18-karat yellow gold for the Lady Retrouvailles Céleste **Power Reserve:** TBC **Strap:** Alligator leather **Price:** Price upon request ## Van Cleef & Arpels Ludo Secret ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Van-Cleef-Arpels-Ludo-Secret.webp) *Photo: Van Cleef & Arpels* The Ludo traces back to 1934 at Van Cleef, when the maison introduced the bracelet under artistic director Renée Puissant, naming it after Louis “Ludo” Arpels. Inspired by a belt, its articulated links and buckle clasp also sometimes concealed a secret watch. Last year, the house brought a Ludo timepiece in the same 18-karat yellow-gold form accented in pink sapphires around the Art Deco curves (squeezing them together reveals the mother-of-pearl dial beneath). Now its come with a version in blue sapphires. It may be an easy update, but the coveted watch is quite hard to come by. **Case Size:** N/A **Case Material:** 18-karat yellow gold **Power Reserve:** N/A quartz movement **Strap:** 18-karat yellow-gold bracelet **Price:** Upon request ## Van Cleef & Arpels Midnight Jour Nuit Phase de Lune ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Van-Cleef-and-Arpels-Midnight-Jour-Nuit-Phase-de-Lune.webp) *Photo: Van Cleef & Arpels* Within the 42 mm white-gold Midnight Jour Nuit Phase de Lune case is the signature poetic day–night display seen in previous models in the Jour Nuit collection, but this time it comes paired with a technically precise lunar complication. As the guilloché golden sun yields to a white mother-of-pearl moon across a murano-glass aventurine sky via a 24-hour rotating disc, the Moon itself subtly shifts to reflect its true 29.5-day cycle. Even when hidden behind the dial’s horizon, the Moon can be summoned on demand via a pusher, triggering a full rotation of the dial to reveal its current phase—an interplay of astronomical accuracy and theatrical animation that defines the maison’s approach to horology. Although unisex in design, the size of the timepiece suggests this year, Van Cleef & Arpels was perhaps thinking of something for its male clientele or those looking with larger wrists. It still offers some of the storytelling the house is known for but in the paired-down design of this particular collection. Turn it over and the watch offers a perspective of the cosmos from the lunar vantage point, with an engraved white-gold caseback evoking the Moon’s topography and a sapphire crystal—set over the oscillating weight—painted with Earth and miniature planets against a guilloché backdrop. **Case Size:** 42 mm **Case Material:** 18-karat white gold **Power Reserve:** TBC **Strap:** Alligator leather **Price:** Price upon request ## Van Cleef & Arpels Heure d’Ici & Heure d’Ailleurs ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Van-Cleef-Arpels-Heure-dici-Heure-dailleurs.webp) *Photo: Van Cleef & Arpels* The Van Cleef & Arpels Heure d’Ici & Heure d’Ailleurs dual time zone watch with jumping hours and a retrograde minutes mechanism was designed by Pierre Arpels in 1949, but its modern design has endured decades since. The latest iteration takes some of the design codes of the current collection with a white gold case and white dial and introduces some subtle and not so subtle twists. Now housed in an 18-karat rose-gold case, the two hour apertures are now framed in 18-karat rose gold trapezoidal shapes instead of the circular openings of its predecessor. The automatic movement was also entirely redeveloped to offer 65 hours of power reserve instead of 48 hours. But what immediately captures the attention is the richly colored dial. The company’s in-house enamellers began by looking at precious stones, specifically rubies, which exhibit cool tones underneath despite outwardly warm hues. After many tests, they were able to replicate this duality in a deep amber-brown executed in enamel. The result is a captivating tone that shifts with the light. At 38 mm, this is another male-skewed offering from the house this year. **Case Size:** 38 mm **Case Material:** 18-karat rose gold **Power Reserve:** 64 hours **Strap:** Alligator leather **Price:** Price upon request ## Zenith G.F.J. Bloodstone & Tantalum ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/RR_Watches_Wonders_2026_Zenith_GFJ_group.webp) *Photo: Zenith* Following the award-winning debut of the G.F.J. in 2025, Zenith expands the chronometry-focused collection with two distinct executions built around the revived Calibre 135. The 39.5 mm watch—a modern re-engineering of the legendary observatory-trial movement—appears in a warm 18-karat yellow-gold model with a bloodstone dial and in a far rarer tantalum edition limited to just 20 pieces featuring a black onyx center and diamond indices. In both cases, the hand-wound movement retains its oversized balance, Breguet overcoil, and classical architecture while delivering COSC-certified precision and a healthy 72-hour power reserve—proof that midcentury chronometry still has plenty to say in the modern era. **Case Size:** 39.5 mm **Case Material:** Yellow gold or tantalum **Power Reserve:** 72 hours **Strap:** Alligator leather **Price:** $51,900 (gold); $83,400 (tantalum) ## Zenith Chronomaster Sport Skeleton Chronograph ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/RR_Watches_Wonders_2026_Zenith_Chronomaster_Sport_Skeleton_Chronograph.webp) *Photo: Zenith* If there’s one movement synonymous with high-frequency chronographs, it’s the El Primero—and with the new Chronomaster Sport Skeleton, Zenith puts its most famous engine fully on display. The 41 mm chronograph features a tinted sapphire dial that reveals the openworked Calibre 3600SK, whose 5 Hz beat rate allows the central chronograph hand to circle the dial every 10 seconds for direct reading of 1/10th-second intervals via the ceramic bezel. The model arrives in several executions: two stainless steel versions with black or green ceramic bezels, a rose-gold reference on rubber, and a 10-piece rose-gold limited edition set with baguette-cut diamonds. It would seem that skeletonization can *indeed* be synonymous with elegance! **Case Size:** 41 mm **Case Material:** Stainless steel or 18-karat rose gold **Power Reserve:** 60 hours **Strap:** Steel bracelet or rubber strap (depending on version) **Price:** $16,700+ ## Zenith Chronomaster Sport MOP ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/RR_Watches_Wonders_2026_Zenith_Chronomaster_Sport_MOP.webp) *Photo: Zenith* Two-tone chronographs have long walked a fine line between sport and dress—and with the latest Chronomaster Sport, Zenith leans into that duality. Limited to just 50 pieces, the 41 mm model pairs a stainless steel case with an 18-karat rose-gold bezel, crown, and pushers, while a luminous mother-of-pearl dial plays host to the brand’s signature overlapping tri-color registers. Inside beats the high-frequency El Primero 3600 automatic chronograph, complete with a column-wheel and horizontal clutch architecture visible through the sapphire caseback, as well as a silicon escape wheel for improved durability and precision. The result is a versatile take on the brand’s flagship chronograph that balances mechanical pedigree with a touch of polish. **Case Size:** 41 mm **Case Material:** Stainless steel and 18-karat rose gold **Power Reserve:** 60 hours **Strap:** Two-tone steel and rose-gold bracelet (additional rubber strap included) **Price:** $20,100 *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** Feature, Watch Collector, Watches, watches & wonders --- ### [The Secret Ingredient Helping Guys Grow Their Hair Back](https://robbreport.ph/style/grooming/the-secret-ingredient-helping-guys-grow-their-hair-back/) **Published:** May 12, 2026 **Author:** Adam Hurly **Content:** Exosomes are right up there with peptides and growth factors as the buzziest ingredient in wellness. They work wonders on the skin, so much so that exosome treatments are now a fixture in advanced clinics, usually offered alongside laser resurfacing, microneedling, and PRP. So it’s no wonder that at the ingredient has migrated upward, offering a real solution to hair loss and thinning for guys who aren’t responding to more traditional treatments. Here is a quick download on what exosomes are, and how they can help you achieve thicker, fuller [hair](https://robbreport.ph/style/grooming/10-hair-growth-supplements-thatll-actually-make-your-hair-look-thicker-healthier-and-less-gray/ "10 Hair Growth Supplements That’ll Actually Make Your Hair Look Thicker, Healthier, and Less Gray")—if you know where to look and what to ask for. ## What Kind of Results You Can Expect (and Who They’re For) ![Man in a white bathrobe looks at himself in the bathroom mirror, styling his hair with both hands](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_Exosomes_Hair_Loss_Results.webp) *Photo: Getty Images* The earlier you start your exosome treatment journey, the more successful it’s likely to be. “Even if the hair is dormant, the actual follicle has to be in place,” Vila Nova says. “Neither stem cells, exosomes, nor synthetic therapies will create hair where it does not exist.” Depending on where you are in your hair regrowth journey, you may need to frame your approach to exosome therapies as getting the safest results, rather than overnight miracles. “Seek clinics who have more than one option, who understand and articulate limitations (not just marketing claims), and who tailor the plan to your biology, goals, and risk profile.” Make sure they know you, in addition to knowing their exosome product. ## How Exosome Treatments Work for Hair Growth (and Where They Fit) ![Clinician performing a scalp treatment with a blue-tipped handheld device on the patient's head, a syringe visible nearby.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_Exosomes_Hair_Loss_How_It_Works.webp) *Photo: Getty Images* Exosomes are a terrific clinical-grade solution if you’re experiencing any kind of hair thinning or shedding. In clinical settings, exosomes are injected into the scalp. They’re typically used as part of a broader treatment plan, often alongside PRP (plasma injections that use your body’s own growth factors for a follicle boost), or even microneedling. Similar to PRP, oral supplements, and laser therapies, exosomes should be seen as hair growth boosters, rather than as a standalone solution. They should not substitute for heavily researched treatments like minoxidil or finasteride, though they do serve as a high-level option for people who want to avoid those two drugs. ## What Are Exosomes, and What Are They Actually Doing in the Scalp? ![Close-up illustration of round cellular structures enclosed in transparent bubbles, floating in a blue background, suggesting microscopic cells at high magnification.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_Exosomes_Hair_Loss_Explained.webp) *Photo: Getty Images/Science Photo Libra* Exosomes are used in regenerative medicine to influence how cells communicate with one another. It’s best to associate two key words with exosomes: “regenerative” and “messengers.” Trichologist [Ricardo Vila Nova](https://www.instagram.com/2122ricardovilanova/), who operates the [212.2 hair clinics](https://ricardovilanova.com/) across London, Lisbon, and the Middle East, describes it in these terms: “Exosomes fundamentally re-discipline cellular performance. They are paramount for cell-to-cell communication, enhancing and transporting essential biomolecules—proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids—between cells.” When exosomes reach a target cell, they deliver those signals and biomolecules to help dial down inflammation, support repair processes, and shift follicles into a more active growth phase. This is even more vital as we age, as cellular signaling becomes less efficient, with fewer and weaker exosomes. The restored communication helps keep things working “normally” for longer. Lately, you’ll see exosomes marketed in lots of topical skincare products, too. But be wary: “The effectiveness of exosomes depends on how they are administered,” says Vila Nova. Topical solutions are not nearly as useful as those injected into the skin in a clinical setting. You need these things to get deep beneath the skin in order to do their best work. ## How Often You’ll Need to Get Exosome Injections ![Healthcare worker administers an injection to a man lying on his back, near the neck/jaw area, with gloved hands and a syringe.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_Exosomes_Hair_Loss_Frequency.webp) *Photo: Getty Images* Treatment frequency typically depends on your starting point and your specific biology. If you’re looking to restore lost density, you might need to get these injections as frequently as every two months. Once your baseline improves, you can taper off and do them less frequently, “between two to four times per year,” says Vila Nova. But like any hair growth treatment, you need to keep up some kind of high-level hair retention routine in order to maintain thicker, fuller results. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Grooming **Tags:** Grooming, hair, hair growth, haircare --- ### [Tracing the Human Condition: 7 Exhibitions to See This May](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-collectibles/tracing-the-human-condition-7-exhibitions-to-see-this-may/) **Published:** May 11, 2026 **Author:** Jodie Jose **Content:** Galleries across Metro Manila launch light, tender, and witty exhibitions that touch on themes of mortality, memory, and imperfection–universal phenomena shared by everyone daily and in small pockets that shape each person distinctly. Erika Mayo (Provenance Gallery) and Allan Balisi (Mo\_Space Gallery) discuss how we are porous creatures inevitably shaped by connections and spaces. Mac Eparwa (Space Encounters Gallery) conjures a fictitious ecology inspired by our country’s experience of typhoons. Meanwhile, artists at Modeka gallery courageously let play lead their experimental collaborations. Lena Cobangbang playfully reframes the cemetery as a site with fiber. From these shows, one might tread otherwise serious and difficult themes with ease as artists creatively meander through them. ## ***Beneath Familiar Branches* by Jemima Yabes at Mo\_Space** ![Poster announcing Jemima Yabes: Beneath Familiar Branches (25 Apr–24 May 2026) with a close-up of green leaves and red berries on a light header background.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/MO-Space_Jemima-Yabes.webp) In the midst of summer, Jemima Yabes brings to the fore the graceful capacity of the small things of nature to invoke memories that rest within the inner landscape of our beings. The *Alatiris* and *Bougainvillea* are small and not unlike any other thing in nature that is versed with birth and decay, but to the artist, these flora remind her of her childhood as well as her life in the university, memories of both having morphed over time; the branches from which the artist’s hands plucked blossoms only remain a memory in her mind. *The exhibit concludes on May 24. For more information, visit [https://www.instagram.com/mo\_space/](https://www.instagram.com/mo_space/)* ## *Child World Grotto* by Ana Verayo and Ernest Concepcion at Modeka Gallery ![Poster advertising an art show by Ana Verayo and Ernest Concepcion with a colorful abstract collage; date May 16, 2026 and venue Modekaart, Makati City/Makati area mentioned on poster.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Modeka-Gallery-ANA-VERAYO-ERNEST-CONCEPCION-MAY-2026-POSTER.webp) A collaboration between Ana Verayo and Ernest Concepcion, the show is experimental and open in approach to forms, colors, compositions, and meaning. Sheer belief in tools and instinct lead the artists, allowing for flaws to arise without shame nor judgement. ![White-walled art gallery with large botanical paintings on both sides and a central hanging floral scroll installation.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Mo-Space-Exhibition-Shot.webp) In this light, the duo probes into the personal and ephemeral role of art as tools of expression rather than attempts at perfection. **The exhibition runs from May 16 to June 6. For more information, visit ** ## *All the Raindrops in the World* by Mac Eparwa at Space Encounters Gallery ![Poster for an art exhibition with ornate white typography over a colorful underwater-like scene of twisting vines and small creatures, title 'All Embraces the Known World'.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Space-Encounters-Mac-Eparwa.webp) Mac Eparwa is an artist that possesses a knack for building worlds, ecologies, and stories in his practice. In this show, he brings the reality of the Philippines as an archipelago and as a flood-prone country into a fictitious world wrought with its own adventures, evils, and quests. Those who have been fortunate to see his shows in previous years are familiar with the artist’s affinity to inject life into his characters, creating a dynamic scene full of humor. Retaining this quality, the works demonstrate Eparwa’s growing mastery in conjuring intriguing compositions in his worlds. *The exhibition concludes on June 5. For more information, visit * ## *Formica* by Erika Mayo at Provenance Gallery ![Poster for Erika Mayo Formica: peach background with a painting of a woman in a yellow dress facing a round mirror.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Provenance-Gallery-Erika-Mayo.webp) Erika Mayo is perhaps one of the most compelling emerging painters of the Philippine art scene today. In 2023, Mayo’s works at the Art Fair Philippines under Orange Project gained traction for its raw, colossal (each panel measuring 4 x 6 ft), and mystical representation of the complexity of womanhood in the family unit. In this show, the artist focuses on the slow decay administered from cemented habits and routines that circulate at home. *The exhibition concludes on May 30. For more information, visit * ***Human Noise* by Yusk Imai at Modeka Gallery** ![Poster for 'HUMAN NOISE' by YUSK, featuring a mechanical robotic hand sculpture and the MODEKA logo; event dates 05.16.2026–06.06.2026 nearby address text at bottom left.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Modeka-Gallery-YUSK-IMAI-POSTER-MAY-2026.webp) Brazilian-Japanese artist Yusk Imai brings his visual language of meticulous repetition to the Philippines in his solo show that focuses on the idea of imperfection. Using tools fabricated by the artist himself, his works bring a heightened level of human element in his figures, compositions and textures. Sharp and detailed, Imai’s works–though appearing mechanical in terms of palette–attest to our ability as individuals to reach excellence without losing touch with the tender aspect of our humanity. *The exhibition runs from May 16 to June 6. For more information, visit * ***Salamander* by Allan Balisi at** **Mo\_Space** ![Exhibition poster for Allan Balisi and Salamander (Apr 25–May 24, 2026) showing a person from behind in a patched jacket against a light gray background.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/MO_Space-Allan-Balisi.webp) Regaining footing when a limb is lost is Allan Balisi’s main theme for his debut show at Mo\_Space. Taking inspiration from the salamander and its ability to regenerate limbs to replace the severed ones, Balisi turns this into an analogy on our capacity to adapt to various conditions, persons, and environments. ![Two large framed portraits on a dim gallery wall under spotlights: left shows a person viewed from behind in a light jacket with patches; right shows a woman in a patterned dress looking down.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/MO_Space-Exhibition-shot.webp) For the artist, this meant turning a meditative stance toward the spaces he inhabits, such as punk and underground events and subcultures. *The show concludes on May 24. For more information, visit [https://www.instagram.com/mo\_space/](https://www.instagram.com/mo_space/)* ***Almost Paradise* by Lea Cobangbang at Bunso Gallery** ![Foggy hillside scene with a dirt path and green shrubs; white text reads 'almost paradise' with the date 05.03.2026 and 'LENA cobangbang' overlaying the mist.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Bunso-Gallery-Lena-Cobangbang.webp) Many artists tackle transcience of life in their works, but Lena Cobangbang does it with a peculiar reverence to the spaces that hold them. The cemetery is a site not often visited, reasons for which may vary but generally fall under the hesitation around death and those who have surrendered to it. Cobangbang, however, does so with verve. ![Abstract area rug with bright green, blue, and yellow geometric patches and a silver triangular inset.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Lena-Cobangbangg-Terratorial-Piecings-146330-N-1209895-E-45-x-345-inchesAcrylic-Yarn-on-Monks-Cloth-Wool-on-Felt-2026-1-1.webp) Invoking images of various cemeteries from maps and charts, she returns them in renditions of fiber and watercolor. This show frames the grave as a coordinate in nature that is most familiar with the cycle of life and death. *The exhibition concludes on May 31. For more information, visit * **Categories:** Art & Collectibles **Tags:** Ana Verayo, Ernest Concepcion, Jemima Yabes, Lena Cobangbang, mo_space, modeka, Provenance Gallery --- ### [Christie's Magnificent Jewels Preview, HSNY's 160th Anniversary Auction, Results From the Amelia Sale & More](https://robbreport.ph/the-luxe-dispatch/christies-magnificent-jewels-preview-hsnys-160th-anniversary-auction-results-from-the-amelia-sale-more/) **Published:** March 13, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** Over the past week, the world of high living has produced its usual mix of spectacle and substance, from storied hotels reopening their doors to auctions where a single digit can command millions. Here’s what caught our attention this week. ## Christie’s Previews Magnificent Jewels Geneva Auction ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/christies-2342.webp) A Tiffany & Co. Jean Schlumberger Gold and Diamond Feather Bracelet *Photo: Christie’s* [Christie’s](https://robbreport.ph/tag/christies/ "christie's") has begun previewing highlights from its upcoming Magnificent [Jewels](https://robbreport.ph/style/jewelry/ "Jewelry") sale in Geneva, one of the most closely watched jewelry auctions of the year. Early standouts include exceptional Golconda diamonds, Burmese rubies, and signed vintage pieces from Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/christies-24.webp) This diamond ring is expected to fetch around US$350,000 *Photo: Christie’s* Geneva remains the epicenter of high-jewelry auctions, where collectors compete fiercely for stones with provenance, rarity, and size, often pushing prices comfortably into eight-figure territory. *See the full catalogue [here](https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/jewels-online/lots/3936).* ## The Historic Huntington Hotel Reopens in San Francisco ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/0x0.webp) *Photo: The Huntington Hotel* After a years-long silence atop Nob Hill, [San Francisco](https://robbreport.ph/tag/san-francisco/ "San Francisco")’s storied Huntington Hotel has reopened its doors. First built in 1924 and long considered one of the city’s most discreet grand dames, the landmark property recently emerged from a comprehensive renovation that refreshed guest rooms while preserving its old-world character. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/bed-1080x1080-1.webp) *Photo: The Huntington Hotel* The reopening restores a piece of San Francisco hospitality history, along with the beloved Big 4 Restaurant, where politicians, financiers, and visiting dignitaries once plotted their next moves over martinis. *Book your stay [here](https://www.thehuntingtonhotel.com/).* ## Dubai’s “Most Noble Number” Charity Auction Raises Millions Dubai has a way of turning even license plates into luxury collectibles. At the emirate’s annual “Most Noble Number” charity auction, a selection of ultra-rare vehicle plate numbers and premium mobile numbers drew fierce bidding, raising more than AED 91 million (approximately Php 1.4 billion) in a single evening. The star lot, the coveted plate number DD5, fetched roughly AED 35 million (approximately Php 566 million), while other coveted digits climbed comfortably into seven-figure territory. The proceeds support the UAE’s Ramadan charitable initiatives. ## Horological Society of New York Reveals Lots for 160th Anniversary Auction ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/0140177814081-Set-WingsofHopeLimitedEdition1-2240x1493.webp) A Big Crown Wings of Hope Limited Edition Watch & Oris x Yankees Experience, Donated by Oris *Photo: HSNY* The Horological Society of New York is marking its 160th anniversary with a charity auction that reads like a love letter to watchmaking. Set to take place during the society’s gala at The Plaza Hotel, the sale includes rare timepieces, bespoke watchmaking experiences, and collector-grade curiosities donated by leading brands. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/DSC_2352_sRGB-2240x3356.webp) A Signed Octa Reserve De Marche with date Wall Clock, Donated by F.P. Journe *Photo: HSNY* Among the highlights are exclusive watches and one-of-a-kind horological experiences designed specifically for the event. As the oldest watchmaking guild in the United States, HSNY has spent more than a century championing education and craftsmanship, and this anniversary auction ensures the next generation of watchmakers keeps ticking. *See the full catalogue [here](https://hs-ny.org/2026-auction).* ## Broad Arrow Auctions Drives Strong Results at Amelia Car Week ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2005-porsche-carrera-gt.webp) A 2005 Porsche Carrera GT sold for $6,715,000 *Photo: Broad Arrow Auctions* Collector cars once again proved their enduring appeal at Broad Arrow Auctions’ Amelia sale, where a carefully curated lineup of blue-chip machines brought in more than $111 million (approximately Php 6.59 billion). Among the headline moments was a 1995 Ferrari F50, which thundered past expectations to sell for over $5 million (approximately Php 297 million), while a pristine Ford GT and several rare Porsche models also commanded strong bids. *The full results [here](https://www.broadarrowauctions.com/news/Broad-Arrow-Realizes-Most-Successful-Auction-in-the-History-of-Amelia-Car-Week-with-111-Million-in-Total-Sales).* **Categories:** The Luxe Dispatch **Tags:** Auctions, christie's, dubai, Horological Society of New York, Huntington Hotel --- ### [Every New Patek Phillippe Released at Watches and Wonders](https://robbreport.ph/watches/every-new-patek-phillippe-released-at-watches-and-wonders/) **Published:** April 15, 2026 **Author:** Stephen Watson **Content:** [Patek Philippe](https://robbreport.ph/tag/patek-philippe/ "Patek Philippe")’s 2026 collection feels less like a reset and more like a carefully crafted refinement. Twenty new references, each one reinforcing the idea that evolution is the house style. Complications become more expressive, simple watches become sharper, and even the most technical pieces take on a clearer point of view. There’s a real range here. A celestial watch that tracks sunrise and sunset. A Cubitus that steps into grand complication territory. An alarm that chimes instead of buzzes. And, quietly anchoring it all, a renewed focus on craft, from rare handcrafted automata to some of the cleanest Calatravas in years. And then there’s the anniversary. Fifty years of the Nautilus, marked by four limited editions that return to the essentials. White gold, platinum, ultra-thin calibers. No theatrics, just reverence. It’s a reminder that even the most disruptive design eventually becomes a classic. ## 1. Celestial Sunrise and Sunset Ref. 6105G-001 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Patek-Philippe-6150G.webp) *Photo: Patek Philippe* Patek Philippe expands one of its most poetic complications by adding something entirely new. The Celestial now displays sunrise and sunset times, layered into its familiar rotating sky chart. The effect is subtle at first glance, but transformative once you realize what’s happening. This is no longer just a map of the heavens. It’s a daily cycle made visible. The dial remains the centerpiece. A deep blue sky in motion, tracking sidereal time, lunar phases, and now the arc of daylight itself. The technical achievement sits beneath the surface, including a patented system that allows the time and solar indications to adjust together. It’s complex, but it reads as calm. **Case size:** 47 mm **Case material:** White gold **Water resistance:** 30 m **Strap:** Black composite **Movement:** Caliber 240 C LU CL LCSO ## 2. 50 Years Nautilus Desk Clock Ref. 958G-001 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Patek-Philippe-Nautilus-958G-001.webp) *Photo: Patek Philippe* And then Patek Philippe does something unexpected. The Nautilus becomes a desk clock. Same case language, same horizontal dial, but scaled up and reimagined as an object rather than a watch. Inside is an eight-day manually wound movement, complete with day, date, and power reserve. The hinged back opens to reveal the mechanics, turning it into something closer to a mechanical instrument than an accessory. It’s unusual, slightly eccentric, and very Patek. A nod to the past, but also a reminder that the Nautilus was never meant to be predictable. **Case size:** 50.65 mm **Case material:** White gold **Water resistance:** Dust and humidity protected (not water resistant) **Strap/Bracelet:** None (desk clock format) **Movement:** Caliber 31-505 8J PS IRM CI J ## 3. 50 Years Nautilus Ref. 5610/1P-001 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Patek-Philippe-Nautilus-5610-1P-001.webp) *Photo: Patek Philippe* This is the quiet standout. A 38 mm platinum Nautilus that returns to the medium size, something collectors have been asking for without quite saying it. The proportions shift just enough to feel different. More compact, more focused. Like the others, it sticks to hours and minutes. The platinum case adds presence, while the signature diamond at nine o’clock marks the material in the most discreet way possible. It’s understated, but intentional. **Case size:** 38 mm **Case material:** Platinum **Water resistance:** 30 m **Bracelet:** Platinum bracelet **Movement:** Caliber 240 ## 4. 50 Years Nautilus Ref. 5810G-001 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Patek-Philippe-Nautilus-5810G-001.webp) The second take on the Jumbo shifts the tone slightly. Same case, same movement, same stripped-back display. But here, the bracelet is replaced with a composite strap, and the dial features baguette-cut diamond markers. It changes the feel more than expected. A bit sportier, a bit more relaxed, but still precise. The diamonds are subtle, integrated into the design rather than sitting on top. It’s a reminder that the Nautilus has always balanced utility and polish. **Case size:** 41 mm **Case material:** White gold **Water resistance:** 30 m **Strap:** Navy composite with cream stitching **Movement:** Caliber 240 ## 5. 50 Years Nautilus Ref. 5810/1G-001 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Patek-Philippe-Nautilus-5810-1G-001.webp) For the 50th anniversary, Patek Philippe returns the Nautilus to its purest expression. The Reference 5810/1G-001 keeps things simple: hours and minutes only, no date, nothing to interrupt the line. What remains is the design itself. The case, the bezel, the horizontal dial. All of it comes forward. In white gold with a full bracelet, it carries more weight than the original steel versions, but the ultra-thin caliber 240 keeps the profile remarkably slim. The blue sunburst dial, with its familiar embossing, feels almost unchanged, which is the point. This is about refinement, not reinvention. **Case size:** 41 mm **Case material:** 18-karat white gold **Water resistance:** 30 m **Bracelet:** Integrated white gold bracelet **Movement:** Caliber 240 ## 6. Cubitus Perpetual Calendar Skeleton Ref. 5840P-001 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Patek-Philippe-5840P-001.webp) *Photo: Patek Philippe* Cubitus makes its most serious move yet. The 5840P-001 introduces the first grand complication to the collection, featuring a fully skeletonized perpetual calendar. The square movement isn’t a gimmick. It’s a new foundation with staying power. Everything is aligned—case, movement, dial. The monochrome finishing keeps it restrained, while the large moonphase adds a sense of scale. It’s technical, but it reads perfectly. **Case size:** 45 mm **Case material:** Platinum **Water resistance:** 30 m **Strap:** Navy composite **Movement:** Caliber 28-28 Q SQU ## 7. “The Crow and the Fox” Hours and Minutes on Demand Automaton Ref. 5249R-001 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Patek-Philippe-5249R-001.webp) *Photo: Patek Philippe* Patek loves surprises! Here is a wonderful example where Patek Philippe lets itself be playful, but only just. The 5249R-001 is the brand’s first automaton wristwatch in modern history, inspired by a 1958 museum piece. Time isn’t always visible. You have to ask for it. Press the pusher, and the dial comes alive. The fox indicates the hours, the crow drops the minutes. It’s a small mechanical theater, executed with extreme precision. Around it, the dial is crafted from layers of engraved gold, requiring well over 100 hours of work. Wow, oh wow! **Case size:** 43 mm **Case material:** 18-karat rose gold **Water resistance:** 30 m **Strap:** Brown alligator **Movement:** Caliber 31-260 PS HMD AU ## 8. Minute Repeater Perpetual Calendar Haute Joaillerie Ref. 5374/400P-001 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Patek-Philippe-5374-400P-001.webp) *Photo: Patek Philippe* This is where things get rare. A minute repeater with perpetual calendar, set with Paraiba tourmalines and an iridescent mother-of-pearl dial. Only a handful will exist. It’s as much jewelry as it is watchmaking. A perfect example of Patek having a little fun and showing off. Why? Because they can.. **Case size:** 42 mm **Case material:** Platinum **Water resistance:** 30 m **Strap:** Alligator **Movement:** Caliber R 27 Q ## 9. Minute Repeater Ref. 7047G-001 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Patek-Philippe-7047G-001.webp) *Photo: Patek Philippe* The minute repeater gets a more contemporary setting. The 7047G pairs one of Patek’s most traditional complications with a design that feels almost industrial. A navy dial with a subtle carbon texture gives it edge, while the movement remains as refined as ever. The repeater is thin, precise, and built for clarity. The touches of orange are unexpected and cool. **Case size:** 38 mm **Case material:** 18-karat white gold **Water resistance:** 30 m **Strap:** Alligator **Movement:** Caliber R 27 PS ## 10. Split-Seconds Chronograph Perpetual Calendar Ref. 5204G-010 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Patek-Philippe-5240G-010.webp) *Photo: Patek Philippe* One of Patek Philippe’s most complete watches, slightly recalibrated. The 5204G-010 keeps the flyback chronograph and perpetual calendar intact, but shifts the tone with a navy dial and sportier red topstitched strap. It’s still a serious watch. But it feels more wearable, less formal, without losing any of its technical depth. **Case size:** 40 mm **Case material:** 18-karat white gold **Water resistance:** 30 m **Strap:** Blue composite **Movement:** Caliber CHR 29-535 PS Q ## 11. Chronograph Perpetual Calendar Ref. 5270P-015 / 016 / 017 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Patek-Philippe-5270P-015.webp) *Photo: Patek Philippe* Three new versions of a modern classic. The 5270P continues to define the perpetual calendar chronograph, now with gradient lacquer dials in charcoal, blue, and red. The colors shift the mood, but the architecture remains. It’s still one of the most balanced dials, providing tons of information in a sporty, cool package. All in platinum, no less. **Case size:** 41 mm **Case material:** Platinum **Water resistance:** 30 m **Strap:** Alligator **Movement:** Caliber CH 29-535 PS Q ## 12. Annual Calendar Moon Phases Ref. 5396R-016 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Patek-Philippe-5396R-016.webp) *Photo: Patek Philippe* If the 4946G looks forward, the 5396R-016 looks inward. This is the Annual Calendar in its most classical form, released to mark 30 years of the complication. A sand-beige sunburst dial and rose gold case keep everything warm, balanced, and restrained. The dial is pure Patek: day and month apertures at 12, date at 6, and a 24-hour subdial with moonphase. Inside, the caliber 26-330 S QA LU 24 delivers the same ease of use, requiring one correction per year. **Case size:** 38.5 mm **Case material:** Rose gold **Water resistance:** 30 m **Strap:** Dark brown alligator leather **Movement:** Caliber 26-330 S QA LU 24 ## 13. In-Line Perpetual Calendar Ref. 5236P-011 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Patek-Philippe-5236P-011.webp) *Photo: Patek Philippe* The in-line perpetual calendar remains one of Patek Philippe’s most quietly radical ideas. Day, date, and month are aligned in a single aperture. This new version leans into understatement. Silver tones, clean layout, almost nothing to distract from the easy-to-read display. **Case size:** 41 mm **Case material:** Platinum **Water resistance:** 30 m **Strap:** Alligator **Movement:** Caliber 31-260 PS QL ## 14. Annual Calendar Moon Phases Ref. 4946G-001 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Patek-Philippe-4946G.webp) *Photo: Patek Philippe* Patek Philippe refines its most practical complication with a lighter, more contemporary touch. The new 4946G-001 pairs a white gold case with a cool blue-gray “shantung” dial and an unexpected denim-textured strap, shifting the Annual Calendar away from formality and toward everyday wear. Powered by the self-winding caliber 26-330 S QA LU, it still requires just one adjustment per year. A familiar complication, rethought for how people actually dress now. **Case size:** 38 mm **Case material:** 18-karat white gold **Water resistance:** 30 m **Strap:** Blue-gray calfskin “denim” strap **Movement:** Caliber 26-330 S QA LU ## 15. Date Sweep Seconds Ref. 5227G-015 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Patek-Philippe-5227G-015.webp) *Photo: Patek Philippe* A return to the essentials for Patek purists. The 5227G-015 is pure Calatrava, with a polished white officers’ gold case and a warm salmon color rose-gilt dial. Nothing unnecessary. Just proportion, finishing, and balance. A timeless classic, when less is definitely more. **Case size:** 39 mm **Case material:** White gold **Water resistance:** 30 m **Strap:** Brown alligator **Movement:** Caliber 26-330 S C ## 16. Ladies Calatrava Ref. 7200/50G-001 / 012 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Patek-Philippe-7200-50G-012.webp) *Photo: Patek Philippe* Two mechanical Calatravas that lean into light. Sand beige or ice blue, both with a feminine, almost luminous quality. They’re simple, pretty, and very discreet. Slim, elegant, and easy to wear. **Case size:** 34.6 mm **Case material:** 18-karat white gold **Water resistance:** 30 m **Strap:** Calfskin or alligator **Movement:** Caliber 240 ## 17. Golden Ellipse Ref. 5738G-001 / 3738/100G-014 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Patek-Philippe-5738G-001.webp) *Photo: Patek Philippe* The Golden Ellipse returns with color. Olive green dials that shift depending on the light, paired with the familiar elliptical case. It’s a quiet update, but an effective one. The iconic 70s shape still feels unique and timeless as ever. **Case size:** Jumbo and Medium **Case material:** White gold **Water resistance:** 30 m **Strap:** Green calfskin **Movement:** Caliber 240 ## 18. World Time Ref. 7129J-001 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Patek-Philippe-7129J-001.webp) *Photo: Patek Philippe* World Time returns with a bit more attitude. Reference 7129J-001 pairs a 36 mm yellow gold case with a rich carmine-red dial, hand-guilloché in a basketweave pattern. It’s bold, but still precise. The architecture is unchanged: city ring, 24-hour disk, and instant readability across all time zones. The ultra-thin caliber 240 HU keeps things slim, while the pusher at 10 o’clock allows seamless time-zone jumps. Classic Patek, just turning up the heat! **Case size:** 36 mm **Case material:** Yellow gold **Water resistance:** 30 m **Strap:** Carmine red alligator leather **Movement:** Caliber 240 HU *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** annual calendar, nautilus, Patek Philippe, Watch Collector --- ### [Toyo at #71, Celera at #100 in Asia's 50 Best Restaurants 2026 Extended List](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/toyo-at-71-celera-at-100-in-asias-50-best-restaurants-2026-extended-list/) **Published:** March 13, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants has released its [extended 51–100 ranking for 2026](https://www.theworlds50best.com/stories/News/asias-50-best-restaurants-2026-the-51-100-list.html), offering an early preview of the region’s dining hierarchy ahead of the main awards ceremony later this month. [Toyo Eatery](https://robbreport.ph/tag/toyo-eatery/ "toyo eatery") returns to the list at No. 71 while [Celera](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/reimagining-taste-celera/ "Celera: Reimagining Taste, Rediscovering Identity") appears at No. 100 as one of this year’s new entries. Toyo Eatery has long been a fixture in the rankings for its contemporary approach to Filipino cuisine, while Celera’s inclusion signals growing international attention toward the country’s dining landscape. Both were part of [Robb Report Philippines’ Best of the Best: Dining list last October](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/best-of-the-best-2025-dining/ "Best of the Best 2025: Dining"). This year’s extended ranking also introduced several new names alongside familiar ones. Celera is among the first-time entries, joining a group of 12 newcomers in this list that includes Beijing’s Chef 1996, Chengdu’s Co-, and Shenzhen’s Fumée, reflecting the growing diversity of cities represented on the list. Seoul, in particular, strengthens its presence with multiple restaurants across the 51–100 range, while Kuala Lumpur’s Dewakan makes one of the more noticeable climbs compared to last year. There are also a few shifts among returning names, with some former Top 50 regulars now appearing in the extended list, a reminder that the ranking tends to move fluidly from year to year as new restaurants open and the region’s dining scene continues to evolve. The full Top 50 will be revealed on March 25 in Hong Kong, where the final placements—and any further surprises—are expected to draw close attention from chefs and diners alike. ## Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 — 51–100 list 51 Den, Tokyo 52 Chef 1996, Beijing 53 Baan Tepa, Bangkok 54 San, Seoul 55 Solbam, Seoul 56 Born and Bred, Seoul 57 Alla Prima, Seoul 58 Thevar, Singapore 59 Burnt Ends, Singapore 60 Goh, Fukuoka 61 Mume, Taipei 62 Dewakan, Kuala Lumpur 63 Sushi Shunji, Tokyo 64 Silks House, Taipei 65 Fumée, Shenzhen 66 Papa’s, Mumbai 67 Samrub Samrub Thai, Bangkok 68 Ta Vie, Hong Kong 69 Co-, Chengdu 70 Vea, Hong Kong 71 Toyo Eatery, Manila 72 Sushi Saito, Tokyo 73 The Table, Mumbai 74 Soigné, Seoul 75 Inja, New Delhi 76 Cenci, Kyoto 77 Meta, Singapore 78 Peach Blossoms, Singapore 79 Ensue, Shenzhen 80 Jade Dragon, Macau 81 Villa Aida, Wakayama 82 Kataori, Kanazawa 83 Farmlore, Bengaluru 84 Xin Rong Ji (Xinyuan South Road), Beijing 85 Jin Sha, Hangzhou 86 Anan Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City 87 Jungsik, Seoul 88 Andō, Hong Kong 89 Gēn, Penang 90 Amber, Hong Kong 91 Côte by Mauro Colagreco, Bangkok 92 Respiración, Kanazawa 93 Dewaya, Nishikawa 94 Ministry of Crab, Colombo 95 Gaa, Bangkok 96 Haoma, Bangkok 97 L’évo, Nanto 98 Kwonsooksoo, Seoul 99 Fiotto, Busan 100 Celera, Makati City **Categories:** Dining, Food & Drink **Tags:** asia's 50 best restaurants, celera, Toyo --- ### [Christie's Record-Setting 5.5ct Diamond, a $100-Million Rothko on Sale, Very Expensive Whisky Problems at Bonhams & More](https://robbreport.ph/the-luxe-dispatch/christies-record-setting-5-5ct-diamond-a-100-million-rothko-on-sale-very-expensive-whisky-problems-at-bonhams-more/) **Published:** May 15, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** This week, the room is expensive and the light is good. Sotheby’s opens spring auction season with a Rothko expected to fetch up to $100 million. Christie’s Geneva closed a record-setting blue-green diamond at $17.3 million. Belmond brought a Renaissance convent back to life above Florence. Lake Como is about to become the world’s most beautiful traffic jam. Eight lucky photographers are heading to Patagonia. And Bonhams Hong Kong is giving Japanese whisky collectors a two-bottle problem with no easy answer. ## The $100 Million Rothko Anchoring Sotheby’s Biggest Week of the Year ![Abstract red painting featuring two dark rectangular blocks, one near the top and one near the bottom, creating a vertical composition.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/download-2240x3313.webp) The Rothko in question. *Photo: Sotheby’s* Sotheby’s is kicking off spring auction season with the Modern and Contemporary Sales open at the Breuer on May 14, headlined by *Robert Mnuchin: Collector at Heart*, a single-owner evening sale estimated above $130 million. The crown jewel is a Mark Rothko titled “Brown and Blacks in Reds,” expected to land somewhere between US$70 and US$100 million. The Now & Contemporary Evening Auction, on the other hand, follows with Warhol’s Brigitte Bardot, de Kooning’s “Untitled III,” and a major Basquiat waiting in the wings. *More information [here](https://www.sothebys.com/en/articles/editorial-highlights-from-new-yorks-now-contemporary-sales-may-2026).* ## This Blue-Green Diamond Just Sold for $17.3 Million ![Teal pear-shaped gemstone set in a halo of large square-cut diamonds on a silver ring](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/christries-523525.webp) Christie’s Ocean Dream, a 5.5-carat fancy vivid blue-green diamond, sold for $17.3 million in Geneva, more than doubling its 2014 sale price and easily clearing its presale estimate. The result looked even sharper beside Sotheby’s 6-carat fancy vivid blue diamond, which failed to sell the day before. *Photo: Christie’s* Christie’s Geneva didn’t need a lot of lots to have a big week. The Ocean Dream—a 5.5-carat triangular-cut diamond and, by all accounts, the largest fancy vivid blue-green diamond ever to come to auction—sold for CHF 13.5 million, roughly $17.3 million, and blew past its CHF 7 to 10 million estimate without breaking a sweat. Found in Central Africa in the 1990s, the stone had been waiting for the right room. Suffice it to say, it found one. ## Belmond’s Florentine Hillside Escape Just Got Its Best Renovation in Centuries ![Villa with ivy-covered wall and a manicured garden overlooking a valley and distant city skyline, with red chaise lounges on the lawn.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/cb5e0d3b681de6746976efa6c06c4c1f-1500x1000jpg.webp) *Photo: Belmond* Villa San Michele has been watching Florence from the hills of Fiesole for centuries. After 18 months, Belmond’s former Renaissance convent is back with 39 reimagined rooms, a Spa by Guerlain, refreshed terraced gardens, wellness programming with La DoubleJ, and Antesi—an eight-table restaurant led by Chef Alessandro Cozzolino. The old stones remain. They’ve just been joined by Cipollino marble and the kind of polish that makes history feel newly expensive. ## The World’s Most Beautiful Car Show Returns to Lake Como ![Red vintage race car on a trailer with its large front grille visible, driver in goggles in the cockpit, lush green background.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/CDE_2025_GM_3200-1-2240x1493.webp) Last year’s “Best of Show” *Photo: BMW* Lake Como has seen a lot of elegance. This week it gets 50 historic automobiles to match. The Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este runs May 15 to 17, with BMW Group Classic and Villa d’Este staging one of the collector-car world’s most refined rituals—prewar opulence, speed-dressed 1930s machinery, extravagant 1950s coachwork, all competing for the Trofeo BMW Group Best of Show. Public days at Villa Erba, a racing exhibition, and two BMW world premieres round it out. *More information [here](https://www.concorsodeleganzavilladeste.com/blocks/home).* **andBeyond Is Taking Eight People to Patagonia** ![Snow-capped mountains under a grey sky with an orange autumn forest in the foreground.] ,Oops](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/South-America-Small-Journey-Timothy-Fall-Five-2240x1493.webp) *Photo: Timothy Fall/andBeyond.com* andBeyond’s new eight-day photographic expedition hits Patagonia in April 2027, which will be limited to eight guests, led by photographer and filmmaker Timothy Dhalleine. The itinerary moves through Torres del Paine, Pucón, and the Araucanía region, with viewpoints above Grey Glacier, flights over volcanic landscapes, and a final Lightroom session at andBeyond Vira Vira Lodge. *Read more [here](https://robbreport.ph/travel/this-is-the-patagonia-most-travelers-never-see/).* ## A Very Expensive Problem for Japanese Whisky Collectors ![Three wooden whiskey boxes with two bottles in front, set against a dark backdrop. One bottle labeled in Japanese rests on the left, a larger bottle on the right.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Yamazaki-50-Year-Old-Karuizawa-52-Year-Old-Cask-5627-1960-Treasure-Ship-2240x1679.webp) A rare pairing of Japanese whisky royalty: Yamazaki 50-Year-Old and Karuizawa 52-Year-Old Cask #5627, 1960 “Treasure Ship,” both heading to auction at Bonhams Hong Kong on May 30. *Photo: Bonhams* Bonhams Hong Kong is offering a very specific kind of trouble on May 30. First, a Yamazaki 50-Year-Old made exclusively for Club Natsume, signed by Master Blender Shinji Fukuyo, is estimated at HK$2.8 to 4.2 million. Beside it, the Karuizawa 52-Year-Old Cask #5627 “Treasure Ship,” the oldest Karuizawa ever released, one of just 41 bottles, estimated at HK$2.2 to 3.2 million. One closed distillery, one custom Suntory commission. Place your bids [here](https://www.bonhams.com/auction/32527/the-legendary-japanese-whisky-yamazaki-50-year-old-club-natsume-and-karuizawa-52-year-old-cask-5627-1960-treasure-ship/). **Categories:** Art & Collectibles, Jewelry, The Luxe Dispatch, Travel **Tags:** andBeyond, belmond, Bonhams, christie's, four seasons, luxury travel, News, sothebys --- ### [The 10 Best Luxury Hotels in Paris](https://robbreport.ph/travel/the-10-best-luxury-hotels-in-paris/) **Published:** April 14, 2026 **Author:** Lindsey Tramuta **Content:** Few people come to [Paris](https://robbreport.ph/tag/paris/ "Paris") to sleep, but they do come for an experience, and the city’s thousands of hotels know how to deliver just that. Across arrondissements, from the monument-dense center to the quieter residential pockets, grand Palace properties rub shoulders with restored *hôtels particuliers* and sharp boutique hotels where Parisians linger. Some have undergone significant renovations as recently as 2025; others have quietly elevated their dining, spa, and wellness programming without losing what made them iconic in the first place. In no particular order, here are the 10 best luxury hotels in Paris in 2026. ## Ritz Paris ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/ritz-paris-suite-impecc81riale-c2a9-vincent-leroux-17.webp) *Photo: Vincent Leroux* **Award**: Most legendary When César Ritz, alongside culinary legend Auguste Escoffier, opened[ his hotel ](https://www.ritzparis.com/)on the Place Vendôme in 1898, he set out to create the finest hotel in the world. Not only did he succeed in redefining what a hotel could be, complete with the radically novel features for the era—electricity on every floor! private bathrooms!—but it also holds true more than a century later. The now-mythical cast of characters includes Proust, Coco Chanel, who made the hotel her primary home for 30 years and has a suite named in her honor, and Ernest Hemingway, who inspired not only one of the world’s most recognizable cocktail bars but a commemorative suite, too. Today, it’s Hollywood and small-screen A-listers who pass through the Ritz’s revolving front door year-round and into one of 142 rooms and suites dressed up in creams, blush pinks, and soft blues, with Louis XV furnishings, brocade textiles, pastoral paintings, and golden swan-shaped faucets and bathtub taps. Guests have ample choice for drinking and dining, from the one-Michelin-starred contemporary restaurant Espadon run by Eugénie Béziat, the Bar Vendôme (which never has a quiet night, especially with live thematic music dinners on Wednesdays), the Salon Proust for tea time, and the Ritz Bar—helpful when the Hemingway is, invariably, packed to the gills. **Best amenity:** The Ritz Club and Spa, a private member’s fitness and wellness club also open to hotel guests, including a 52-foot pool (beneath a painted sky), a David Mallett hair salon, and a new partnership with La Prairie, which adds seven facial treatments, including two for men, a signature treatment, and an exfoliating treatment, to the pampering options. **Can’t-miss experience:** Guests can arrange a day with the head chef of the[ École Ritz Escoffier](https://www.ritzparis.com/ecole-ritz-escoffier/cooking-classes), the hotel’s prestigious, on-site cooking school, beginning with a market tour before returning to the property for a hands-on cooking class. *From $2,400/Php144,290* ## Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/RWCRI_Salon-Marie-Antoinette-2Reto-Guntli.webp) *Photo: Reto Guntli* **Award:** Most over-the-top Originally built for Louis XV in 1758,[ Hôtel de Crillon](https://www.rosewoodhotels.com/fr/hotel-de-crillon) has anchored the northwestern corner of Place de la Concorde ever since. So much has happened within its walls: Marie Antoinette was a regular for piano lessons. The 1778 Franco-American Treaty of Amity and Commerce was signed in some of its rooms. Madonna shacked up in the Bernstein suite for months at a time. As over-the-top as it was for Parisians well into the aughts, it needed a refresh—one that came from the visionary architect-artistic director Aline Asmar d’Amman over the course of a four-year restoration. She infused a kind of poetic opulence, big on comfort, that has made its common areas *the* place to be and be seen for travelers and Parisians. There are 78 rooms and 46 suites, including two Karl Lagerfeld apartments the late designer co-designed with d’Amman (which includes an all-marble bathroom that looks as if it was cut from one single block) and the Sense, A Rosewood Spa pool, lined with more than 17,000 gold mosaic tiles and lit from above by a glass skylight. Ceramic walls surround the pool, created by New York–based artist Peter Lane, that made us think of Monet’s *Water Lilies*. Nonos & Comestibles marks superstar chef Paul Pairet’s return to Europe after decades in Shanghai, while the Jardin d’Hiver is a plush cocoon for all-day dining, tea time, and late-night drinks that spill over into what might just be Paris’s most exquisite hotel bar, Bar Les Ambassadeurs. **Best amenity:** Hard to beat having an on-site pastry shop and tea salon. Butterfly Pâtisserie offers individual-sized works of delicious art from the hotel’s pastry chef, Matthieu Carlin—ideal when you have a packed itinerary and aren’t able to settle in for a full tea-time experience. **Can’t-miss experience:** Did we mention the most beautiful hotel bar in Paris? Bar Les Ambassadeurs has it all: soaring marble walls, a frescoed ceiling, chandeliers draped in metal chains for an unexpected rock-and-roll edge, and live music year-round to go with exceptional seasonal cocktails and a sharp selection of grower champagnes. *From $2,081/Php121,330* ## La Réserve Hôtel & Spa ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/deluxe-suite.webp) *Photo: La Réserve* **Award:** Most intimate Forty rooms and suites, no conventional lobby, and plenty of intimate salons make[ La Réserve](https://www.lareserve-paris.com/en/), which opened in 2015 in a transformed Napoléon III-era mansion near the Champs-Élysées, more like a private club. That intimacy has drawn a reliable clientele that finds the scale of the city’s other palace hotels too imposing and impractical. The cocooning effect is helped along by Jacques Garcia’s interiors, layered with taupes and burgundies, velvet and lacquer (and some 6,000 meters of damask silk thrown in the mix), into a hideaway that’s both ornate and relaxing. The Nescens spa is perhaps the only area of the hotel that isn’t lavish and tasseled—though Garcia’s love for red is still very much intact—and offers a nice break from the scene upstairs. Because as discreet as the salon, Pagode restaurant, Gaspard bar, and Veranda seafood restaurant are, it’s consistently a who’s who of local cultural figures and celebs passing through. **Best amenity:** The Duc de Morny Library, a wood-paneled space with an open, working fireplace, lined with books and dressed in green velvet, reserved exclusively for guests. Block time in your luxuriating schedules to settle in for hours with a glass of wine or a cup of the house hot chocolate. **Can’t-miss experience:** A three-Michelin-star lunch or dinner at Le Gabriel, the jewel box of a fine dining restaurant overseen by the prodigiously talented chef Jérôme Banctel, whose cooking is anchored in France but visibly shaped by Japanese and Turkish techniques (and eschews butter and cream). *From $2,086/Php125,410* ## Saint James Paris ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Saint-James-Paris-Bar-Bibliotheque-1.webp) *Photo: Saint James Paris* **Award:** Most discreet [The only château-hotel ](https://www.saint-james-paris.com/fr/)within city limits sits behind iron gates near the Porte Dauphine in the 16th arrondissement, at a clear remove from most tourists. Built on the former private residence of statesman Adolphe Thiers, it became a scholarship foundation in 1892 before reinventing itself as a London-style private members’ club in the 1980s. The vibe can still be felt within the hotel’s townhouse-style scale and countryside-chic design. Several years ago, star designer Laura Gonzalez brought a garden-inspired, neoclassical refresh to the property, which includes 48 rooms and suites, two standalone pavilions, and a separate villa with four fully serviced apartments, some with private terraces and gardens. Dining-wise, guests are spoiled: there’s Bellefeuille, the hotel’s Michelin-starred winter garden restaurant, for sophisticated farm-to-table cooking; an outdoor Versailles-style pergola for grilled dishes in the warmer months; and the Library lounge, a hushed, English-style bar housed in a former student library. It’s stocked floor to ceiling with leather-bound books, offers a creative cocktail menu, a wonderful tea-time experience, and privacy: it’s mostly reserved for hotel guests and private members. **Best amenity:** One of only two Guerlain spas in Paris, with Greco-Roman decorative details. The space spans two floors, has three treatment rooms, and one of the most breathtaking pools for practicing your backstroke as sunlight shines through. **Can’t-miss experience:** Spend time in more than an acre of garden without ever leaving the property. Admire the roses, rhododendrons, and ferns, and visit the greenhouse in peace and quiet. *From $811/Php48,757.32* ## The Four Seasons George V ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Penthouse-Suite-GeorgeV_Ambroise-Tezenas_02.webp) *Photo: Ambroise Tézenas* **Award:** Best F&B Opened in 1928 on the avenue that bears its name, the[ George V](https://www.fourseasons.com/) has long been the most lavish palace hotel in a city brimming with them. The Four Seasons property, with 243 rooms, including 60 suites that are more like apartments, is as grand and palatial as ever, with 17th-century Flanders tapestries, Louis XVI-style furnishings, and a mix of classic and contemporary works of art. Old-world elegance is playfully disrupted by Jeff Leatham’s monumental floral installations (made up of 11,000 flowers each week, to be exact). At the end of 2025, architect Pierre-Yves Rochon completed a full renovation and upgrade of every room—the first since his 1999 redesign—without the property ever closing its doors. F&B is really the star of the hotel, though, with six Michelin stars across three restaurants. Le Cinq, chef Christian Le Squer’s three-starred spot, remains one of the defining expressions of French haute cuisine; L’Orangerie under chef Alan Taudon offers a plant-forward menu built around French sauces; and Le George, led by Italian chef Simone Zanoni, rounds out the experience with a Mediterranean menu. **Best amenity:** A toss-up between the spa, which certainly earns its reputation (there’s a 55-foot pool, marble hammam, and six treatment rooms stocked with high-tech Swiss brands for anti-aging and regenerative pampering), and the breakfast spread, which includes the usual features and a few rare items like local pollen and honey, an intriguing vegan butter, and olive-oil brioche. **Can’t-miss experience:** Get outside and join the hotel’s intimate running group. Each morning, hotel staff lead a small group of guests on a six-mile run through a just-waking Paris. You’ll get pristine landmarks, empty streets, and an elevated heart rate. *From $2,800/Php168,336* ## Le Grand Mazarin ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/HLGM_Vincent-Leroux_piscine_2023-5.webp) *Photo: Vincent Leroux* **Award:** Most playful [Le Grand Mazarin](https://www.legrandmazarin.com/) marks a milestone for Maisons Pariente, the family group behind Crillon le Brave, Le Coucou, and Lou Pinet, as its first urban hotel. Swedish designer Martin Brudnizki’s maximalist touch makes it memorable and certainly the most eclectic in the portfolio. Located in the Marais, a few blocks from the Seine, the name nods not to Cardinal Mazarin himself but to the literary salons of his era, when the great thinkers, performers, and artists of 17th-century Paris gathered in lavish settings. Brudnizki translates that spirit into baroque details, floral frescoes, and beds with Aubusson-style tapestries that double as canopies across 61 rooms and suites. The effect is resolutely whimsical and fun. The restaurant Boubalé extends that fun with a festive menu rooted in Levantine and Mediterranean tradition; it gets ramped up in the adjacent bar and, especially, at Le Petit Bazaar, a basement speakeasy-meets-dance party led by a DJ who sets the rhythm until 2 a.m. Thursday through Saturday. **Best amenity:** One of the more unique minibar selections in Paris: locally sourced snacks, Café Joyeux coffee, and a premium skincare selection delivered to your room within 30 minutes. **Can’t-miss experience:** Leave the high energy behind and relax in the small-but-mighty wellness area that includes the hotel’s star feature: an ethereal striped mosaic-tiled pool and jacuzzi crowned by a vaulted, frescoed ceiling by the artist Jacques Merle. *From $665/Php9,980* ## Maison Proust ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/MP-103-2.webp) *Photo: Benjamin Rosemberg* **Award**: Most romantic Romance and Marcel Proust may not be obvious bedfellows, but [this two-year-old boutique property](https://www.maison-proust.com/) in the North Marais was designed by Jacques Garcia to bring the two together. In a restored six-story hotel particulier, Garcia’s signature Belle Epoque style unfolds in dimly lit salons, a lavish bar and winter garden, and a library alcove with more than a thousand rare books, pre-dating Proust’s death, arranged beneath a domed gold-leaf painted ceiling that nods to the Opéra Garnier. Upstairs, impressionists, writers, socialites, and painters who moved in Proust’s orbit, from Sarah Bernhardt to Emile Zola and Claude Monet, lent their names to a room or suite. All are appointed with plush carpets, moulded ceilings, period artwork, and bathrooms lined in Córdoba leather, with lampshades bearing excerpts from *In Search of Lost Time.* **Best amenity:** The sexy Moorish-inspired La Mer spa, with its 65-foot heated pool, hammam, and sauna, can be privatized for an hour each day of a stay. Not into a swim? There are three treatment rooms for personalized massages and facials. **Can’t-miss experience:** A few Friday evenings each month, Colin Field, the Hemingway Bar’s legendary mixologist for 30 years, returns to shake a short menu of his own cocktails and hold court with devoted regulars. *From $1,104/Php66,380* ## Peninsula Paris ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/pen-loiseau-blanc-evening-2.webp) *Photo: Peninsula Paris* **Awards:** Best Eiffel Tower views / best rooftop If grandeur and luxury were measured in gold leaf, crystal, and contemporary art per square meter, the [Peninsula Paris](https://www.peninsula.com/en/paris/5-star-luxury-hotel-16th-arrondissement) would set the standard. The 1908 Beaux-Arts building on Avenue Kléber, steps from the Arc de Triomphe, carries a remarkable history: Gershwin composed *An American in Paris* within its walls, and the Paris Peace Accords ending the Vietnam War were signed here before it became the Peninsula in 2014. It has delivered a master class in service and contemporary comfort ever since, with its own blinged-out fleet of limos, a Rolls-Royce Phantom II and Mini Coopers, and 200 sophisticated rooms and suites, each dotted with works of art. Bonus: they are also the most generously proportioned in Paris, with five of the 34 suites boasting private rooftop gardens. Dining and summer imbibing on the rooftop (panoramic views guaranteed) are a big draw for well-heeled Parisians. You’ll find them packed into the Kléber bar made historic by Henry Kissinger, digging into refined Cantonese fare at Lili, and indulging in tea time at Le Lobby. But the standout is the double-Michelin-starred L’Oiseau Blanc, a showcase for chef David Bizet’s contemporary French cooking, with unobstructed skyline views. **Best amenity:** Luxury is in the details, like the nail polish dryer hidden in each room’s vanity, and personalized accessories for furry guests. **Can’t-miss experience:** One of several food-focused experiences run through the Peninsula Academy, from a rooftop garden tour with chef David Bizet to a family-friendly pastry-making class with chef Anne Coruble. *From $1,900/Php114,228* ## Cheval Blanc Paris ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Cheval-Blanc-Paris_-Facade_Oliver_Fly_Photography_4-2025.webp) *Photo: Oliver Fly* **Award:** Biggest ‘wow’ factor When LVMH opened Cheval Blanc Paris in September 2021, it completed the transformation of La Samaritaine—the Belle Époque department store the group restored on the banks of the Seine—into one of the most architecturally ambitious hospitality projects in Parisian history. The 72 rooms and suites, designed by Peter Marino, right down to the armchairs and coffee tables, showcase tone-on-tone residential luxury, each drawing its color palette and textures from jaw-dropping river views through every bay window. There’s more color and character in each of the four on-site restaurants, including the three-Michelin-starred Plénitude, led by chef Arnaud Donckele (with a year-long wait list and menu built around sauces); the modern bar-brasserie Le Tout Paris and Langosteria, both with wraparound balconies, and a mindblowing kaiseki experience at Hakuba. **Best amenity:** In-room: the walk-in hammam showers. Everywhere else: the baked goods, pâtisseries, and chocolates prepared by one of the city’s most talented chefs, Maxime Frédéric, and his team. If given the choice at breakfast, get the waffle. **Can’t-miss experience:** Don’t fret if you can’t get into Plénitude. You can indulge at the Dior spa instead by booking one of 48 different treatment options and taking a dip in the 100-foot infinity pool—the largest of any Paris hotel by most measures. *From $2,400/Php144,290* ## Le Bristol ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Le-Bristol-Paris-Suite-Paris-663_cguwM.webp) *Photo: Le Bristol* **Award:** Most Parisian Judging by the Parisians who regularly hold court at Café Antonia, come for cocktails after dark, and book treatments at Spa Le Bristol by La Mer, it’s indisputable: [Le Bristol](https://www.oetkerhotels.com/fr/hotels/le-bristol-paris/) is the most Parisian of the city’s Palace hotels. Yet it has always attracted the foreign and famous: Charlie Chaplin and Rita Hayworth spent a few nights. Now it’s Leonardo DiCaprio and Gillian Anderson checking in, along with smart travelers from around the world enchanted by its old-world grandeur, picturesque English-style courtyard garden, and famously good service. Named for the 18th-century Bishop Frederick Hervey, 4th Earl of Bristol, it has been setting the standard for luxury since it opened in 1925 (and has been privately owned by the Oetker Collection since 1978). The 190 rooms and suites are done up with 18th-century French aesthetics and antique furnishings. No room is the same, but most lean into the house palette of blush and powder blue, and all are generously sized (at least 325 square feet) with oversized beds, showers, and bathrooms. That classic vibe extends to the three-starred restaurant Epicure, now run by chef Arnaud Faye, a charming kids’ club, and plush seating areas where you might catch Socrates, the resident Burmese cat, on the move toward his next comfortable spot to sleep. **Best amenity:** The stunner of a rooftop indoor (and heated) pool, wrapped in wood paneling like a 1920s luxury liner. Expansive windows bring you sweeping views over Paris as you lounge in your robe or flex with a few backstrokes. **Can’t-miss experience:** Artisanal craft is taken very seriously here: the baking team mills their own flour, chocolate and bread are made in-house, and cheese ages on site. Sample it all at one of the hotel’s restaurants, pick up provisions at the adjoining gourmet shop, or head into the cellars for a private tasting, where sommeliers preside over more than 10,000 bottles, many of them rare. *From $2,100/Php126,252* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Travel **Tags:** Best of, Feature, France, hotels, Paris --- ### [Wrecked Your Supercar? Here’s Everything You Need to Know About Getting It Fixed.](https://robbreport.ph/cars/wrecked-your-supercar-heres-everything-you-need-to-know-about-getting-it-fixed/) **Published:** May 13, 2026 **Author:** Basem Wasef **Content:** It’s a balmy 73 degrees Fahrenheit as you trip the light fantastic with your 1,000 hp dream machine and its seemingly endless grip, when—BAM!—it happens: your perfect [supercar](https://robbreport.ph/guide-to/how-to-drive-a-supercar-everything-you-need-to-know-before-getting-behind-the-wheel/ "How to Drive a Supercar: Everything You Need to Know Before Getting Behind the Wheel") life is shattered into shards of high-grade carbon fiber. Whether you’ve binned it at a track day or been bumper-car’d by a texting teen, how to handle the aftermath can be confounding. Who do you call? What do you say? And how do you run damage control on the post-wreck scenario? Fear not, as we navigate the curious world of [supercar](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-50-greatest-sports-cars-of-the-21st-century/ "The 50 Greatest Sports Cars of the 21st Century") repair. ![Black-and-white photo of an early 1900s open-cockpit race car on a dusty dirt road, driver steering as a wheel flies off to the right.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/10-5.webp) The unexpected happens. The key is remaining in control after the fact. *Photo: National Motor Museum/Heritage Images/Getty Images* ## Is the Supercar Worth Fixing? The very first question following any high-dollar ding is the seemingly simple one of whether the damage is significant enough to deem the car a complete loss, or merely an expensive but repairable ouch. Of course, multimillion-dollar vehicles are near impossible to total, as the cost to repair becomes incremental to the overall value. But oftentimes the call isn’t so cut and dry. Ray Shahi, vice president of Sterling Collision Centers and owner of Newport Beach [Ferrari](https://robbreport.com/tag/ferrari/)/Maserati Collision Center in Southern California, has literally seen it all when it comes to exotic-car wrecks. His facility is factory certified by [Bugatti](https://robbreport.ph/tag/bugatti/), Ferrari, [McLaren](https://robbreport.ph/tag/mclaren/), Porsche, Rolls-Royce, and others to perform work on virtually every ultra-high-end model imaginable. He cites a recent incident involving the 19-year-old son of an owner of a [McLaren 720S Spider](https://robbreport.ph/cars/mclarens-new-supercar-is-an-ode-to-its-historic-1995-win-at-le-mans/ "McLaren’s New Supercar Is an Ode to Its Historic 1995 Win at Le Mans"), and an unplanned meeting with a curb during a joyride, to illustrate the vagaries of supercar mishaps. What might have appeared to be relatively minor damage to untrained eyes turned out to be significant enough to condemn the $326,000 convertible as a total loss. ![Close-up of a luxurious black car interior, highlighting the steering wheel, center console, and stitched leather seats and panels.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/21-2.webp) What may seem like a minor incident behind the wheel could hide significant structural compromise. *Photo: National Motor Museum/Heritage Images/Getty Images* For lesser incidents—say, a parking-lot scrape or a love tap at a stoplight—the options become more nuanced. But a common refrain is a general distrust of vehicles that have been wrecked before resale. “If it’s not a total write-off, nobody wants a car that has had an accident, or even a respray,” says collector Andrew Zalasin, who counts a number of rare Ferraris and Porsches in his stable. But he walks that back a bit by adding, “That’s less so now than ever because people are driving their cars,” alluding to the trend towards actually using, not cosseting, expensive machines that also happen to contain serious investment potential. “The idea of diminution of value is a problem,” Zalasin says, referring to would-be buyers viewing cars with a flawed history as damaged goods, thereby resulting in less demand and lowering resale value. ![Black vintage race car with the number 12 on the hood and front-end damage at a car show. сут](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/25.webp) This 1963 AC Cobra shows off battle scars received during a race at the 2015 Goodwood Revival. *Photo: Michael Cole/Corbis via Getty Images* Naturally, there are exceptions to every rule. Consider outliers like the Ferrari 250 GTO, which holds holy-grail status among collectors. Only 36 examples of the curvy sports car were built, almost all of which were at some time raced, wrecked, and repaired. Because accident history is all but guaranteed, on the rare occasion that one surfaces for sale, the repair records are a moot point. There are also unusual examples, like the McLaren F1 crunched by Elon Musk; the current custodian insists that the previous owner’s well-publicized wreck only adds to the value of his already coveted steed. The economies of scale are, of course, unique to the microcosm of exotic cars. Paris Mullins, O’Gara Coach’s director of Motorsport and Special Projects, cites a Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé that suffered a fender bender while on loan to a well-known R&B singer. “It was repaired beautifully,” says Mullins, “but we obviously had to disclose it.” When it came time to sell the Rolls, its street value was more subjective than a spreadsheet might suggest. “People forget that the discount has to be proportionate,” Mullins continues. “So, let’s say I tell you that we’re going to discount 30 grand from this $500,000 Rolls Drophead, when the accident repairs were maybe only 20 grand; \[many\] people would say, ‘I’d rather have a perfect car.’ But how about 40 grand? 50 grand? It can get to the point where the discount has to be so ridiculous because they’d rather just buy something new.” ![Front view of a red-and-black Bugatti sports car driving in a city street, with a bus and other cars behind.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/31.webp) Rather than sequester their high-dollar investments in static collections, a growing number of supercar owners are driving them regularly, accepting the risk of damage. *Photo: Martyn Lucy/Getty Images* ## Should You Get Your Insurance Company Involved in Supercar Repair? Your supercar in question was obviously insured, right? (Please tell us it was insured.) Moving past that awkward question, the hows and whys of insurance coverage can get tricky when we’re talking about upper-echelon models. “Many owners pay for repairs in cash and don’t run it through insurance in hopes that it doesn’t show up on the Carfax,” says Mullins. “But obviously, that gets very ugly if that ends up getting found out. When a car goes in for service, we often find all kinds of masking tape or weird lines, and realize the car has been repainted. It’s very tricky. The sad thing is, there are times when it comes out better than original.” Mullins cites a running joke about Ferraris of yore, before the Italian brand upped the quality of its manufacturing process. “Oh, this Ferrari has definitely been in an accident,” the old quip goes. “Look at how good the paint is.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/9-3.webp) Finding the right insurance is imperative. Fortunately, there are more viable options than ever. *Photo: STR/AFP via Getty Images* Planning ahead can avoid a world of pain when it comes to investment preservation in the topsy-turvy world of exotic-car ownership. Collectors agree there are more options than ever in terms of insurance policies, now that [supercars](https://robbreport.ph/tag/supercars/) have reached a broader audience. “The world of insurance has changed,” notes Zalasin. “Because there were fewer supercars 10 or 15 years ago, people were more concerned about reporting \[their accidents\] to insurance. Today, there are fewer owners who are real car people, and new supercar owners are less knowledgeable about the cars they own.” That said, more common options like agreed-value policies and diminution-of-value clauses can help owners recoup lost values due to accidents. An even harsher sting is felt when a premium is paid for an exclusive vehicle that literally goes up in flames. Just ask collector Alejandro Salomon, who paid roughly $500,000 over sticker price for a McLaren Senna, only to see it self-immolate 11 days after purchase. “Word to the wise; don’t skimp on your coverage,” advises collector Drew Coblitz. “I know quite a few people who undervalue their cars. If you get into an accident, you’ve just screwed yourself.” While there have never been more insurers willing to cover supercars, it’s important to stipulate that a reputable specialist in high-end makes performs the repairs. “As a matter of right, insurance companies allow you to choose your shop,” adds Zalasin. “They may have some recommendations, but they can’t tell you where to go.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/37-1.webp) “Don’t skimp on your coverage,” advises collector Drew Coblitz. *Photo: William Potter/Getty Images* Regardless of whether your car is taken to a dealership or an independent repair shop, chances are that the work will be performed by an independent entity that’s on contract with the dealership—which is just as well. “I’d rather take my car to an artisan whose sole purpose is body and paint, not service,” emphasizes Zalasin. “It used to be that the dealer controlled the narrative, but, in most instances, independent shops are better.” ## What to Expect When You’re Expecting a Supercar Repair Let’s state the obvious before we get further into the nitty-gritty about supercar repairs: sending your beloved exotic to the car spa isn’t quite the same thing as getting a workaday commuter vehicle taken out of commission from its day-to-day duties. “These are not modes of transportation,” says Mullins. “These are wants, not needs.” ![Vintage open-wheel race car with the number 12 overturned on grass beside a canal; three men in period clothing inspect the wrecked car.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/38.webp) Unless you are currently in a race, keep your expectation of repair time in perspective to keep frustration at bay. *Photo: H. F. Davis/Topical Press Agency/Getty Images* That said, the frustration of car repair in the ultra-premium market has been exacerbated by the recent strains of the pandemic. Shahi says the process sometimes takes between two and seven months to complete, namely because of the scarcity of parts. A prolonged absence can lead to a change of heart. “A lot of times, owners don’t want their cars back,” he says, suggesting that they’d rather move on to another acquisition rather than wait it out for their current one to be fixed. A common concern with such costly machines is whether they can be as good as new following their restoration. Oftentimes, the resulting work actually enhances the already high production quality provided by the factory. Shahi mentions that the [Lamborghini](https://robbreport.ph/tag/lamborghini/) Huracán Super Trofeo EVO race cars he fixes are often given added reinforcements, which help them become stiffer and more responsive. And then there’s the often-told story of actor Rowan Atkinson’s McLaren F1, which he crashed. It reputedly drove better than new following a $1.4 million repair job at the marque’s in-house McLaren Special Operations (MSO) division. ![Police officer in a high-visibility jacket stands beside a severely damaged maroon car crashed on the roadside, with a white sheet covering something near the front of the vehicle.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/23-1.webp) Rowan Atkinson’s McLaren F1 after the actor spun it off the road and hit a tree in 2011. *Photo: Paul Franks/newsteam/Getty Images* ## A Very Particular Set of Skills A car is a car is a car, though some are a tad more special than others. Consider the case of supercars that incorporate carbon-fiber tubs, visible carbon-fiber skins (which are book matched), and the layer cake of exclusive materials and finishes that make putting Humpty Dumpty back together again a daunting task indeed. The exponential growth in complexity of construction means repair shops must keep pace with those changes. Consider the so-called “woodpecker,” a machine designed to tap carbon-fiber monocoques in order to detect cracks and fractures that might compromise structural integrity. “Well, that wasn’t 100 percent accurate,” recalls Shahi, who went on to upgrade to an ultrasound machine that can help determine whether or not carbon fiber is repairable with far more precision. “Flying doctors used to use them,” he says, referring to the $120,000 imaging machine, “but now we’re trained and do it ourselves.” ![Two technicians in a workshop repair a car engine, one using a screwdriver while the other watches nearby, computer monitor in the background.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/35-1.webp) Bugatti specialists at work at the marque’s headquarters in Molsheim, France. *Photo: Patrick Hertzog/AFP via Getty Images* However, just because a shop is authorized to perform extensive restorations on expensive cars doesn’t mean the work is always done without consultation from the manufacturer. While most such jobs are outsourced to independent shops, when it comes to the $20 million+ McLaren F1, for example, McLaren’s MSO division and its Philadelphia service center remain the end-all to repairs. Mullins says that, in rare cases, factory representatives sometimes travel to independent facilities to “give the blessing” on the project. “It really depends on the situation and the car, because everyone escalates things differently. Bugatti handles things on a Chiron differently than Ferrari would on a Roma, or McLaren would on a P1 or a Speedtail.” Advanced construction techniques yield spectacular visuals, though they’re sometimes so ambitiously executed that the finished product can eek through the final inspection stage with an undetected flaw. That’s exactly what happened with a Bugatti Chiron whose carbon skin had a nearly imperceptible blemish. Rather than dispatch the work to an outside entity, Bugatti had the vehicle flown back to the factory in Molsheim, France, and reapplied the entire rear section of the car. “\[The owner\] loved the way it was handled,” Mullins recalls. “Of course, it was unfortunate, but he now loves his car and drives the everlasting piss out of it.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/40.webp) A car is a car is a car, though some are a tad more special than others. *Photo: Martyn Lucy/Getty Images* When the dollars and cents are finally accounted for, and the mental profit/loss numbers tabulated, it’s important to let go and consider yourself fortunate. “Hey look,” Mullins points out with a bit of perspective. “This thing saved your life . . . at the end of the day, your health and safety are the most important things. These are just objects.” *Basem Wasef is an automotive journalist and author of the book* Speed Read Supercar*, which explores the history, technology, and design of the world’s most exciting vehicles.* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** bugatti, Ferrari, lamborghini, mclaren, supercars --- ### [A Piece of the Eiffel on Auction, Orient Express' New Venice Hotel, & a Cartier Crash Breaks Records](https://robbreport.ph/the-luxe-dispatch/a-piece-of-the-eiffel-on-auction-orient-express-new-venice-hotel-a-cartier-crash-breaks-records/) **Published:** May 1, 2026 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** The market has a tell this week. A Parisian auction house stakes its season on a staircase. A century-old train brand checks into a palazzo. Mercedes quietly retires the combustion sedan. And a watch that looks like it melted breaks the record books. The thread running through all of it: provenance is back, and it’s pricing accordingly. ## Artcurial’s Paris Season Bets on Objects That Tell a Story ![Granite bust of an ancient Egyptian man wearing a nemes headdress with a calm, front-facing expression.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/25102100-345B.webp) An Egyptian granite bust of a Treasurer, bearing an inscription from the mid-18th Dynasty (though the sculpture itself may predate it). A quiet study in endurance, where stone outlasts both title and time. Estimate: €60,000–80,000 *Photo: Artcurial* This May, Artcurial isn’t chasing the obvious. The Paris house has quietly assembled a sale season anchored by a section of the original Eiffel Tower staircase. Around it, the season unfolds across antiquities, Islamic and Egyptian art, and 20th-century design. ![Brown industrial spiral staircase with riveted steel posts, curved railing, and a central column on a concrete floor.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/design-escalier-tour-eiffel-artcurial.webp) The restored section of the spiral staircase. *Photo: Artcurial* It’s a confident counterpoint to the market’s current mood. While much of the auction world continues to pour energy into watches and jewelry, [Artcurial](https://www.artcurial.com/en) is leaning toward objects with deeper roots: things that live at the crossroads of art, design, and lived history. Provenance over liquidity. Narrative over novelty, basically. ## Orient Express Returns to Venice as a Palace Hotel ![Opulent hotel lobby or grand living room with blue velvet sofas, gold chandeliers, large columns, and lush plants.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/orient-express-venezia-6.webp) *Photo: Giulio Ghirardi* The [Orient Express has arrived in Venice](https://robbreport.ph/travel/orient-express-just-opened-an-opulent-new-hotel-in-venice-heres-a-look-inside/ "Orient Express Just Opened an Opulent New Hotel in Venice—Here’s a Look Inside") not by rail, but through a 15th-century palazzo. Palazzo Donà Giovannelli opens with 47 rooms inside a restored noble residence in Cannaregio, trading spectacle for intimacy. Guests arrive by private boat, move through frescoed halls and a dramatic octagonal staircase, and into spaces that echo the brand’s golden-age heritage. Backed by Accor and LVMH, the hotel extends Orient Express into a broader ecosystem of trains, yachts, and now destination properties. *Read more [here](https://robbreport.ph/travel/orient-express-just-opened-an-opulent-new-hotel-in-venice-heres-a-look-inside/ "Orient Express Just Opened an Opulent New Hotel in Venice—Here’s a Look Inside").* ## Mercedes-Benz Electrifies Its Core Sedan ![Silver luxury sedan driving down a city street past a blue storefront, with motion blur on the wheels and background side.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2027-mercedes-benz-c-class-01.webp) 2027 Mercedes-Benz C-Class EV *Photo: Mercedes-Benz* The Mercedes-Benz C-Class EV marks a decisive shift for Mercedes: its most important volume sedan is now fully electric. Built on a new 800-volt platform, the C400 4Matic pairs roughly 480 hp with up to 400 miles of range and ultra-fast charging that can add over 200 miles in minutes. The design stays intentionally familiar, but the interior leans hard into tech, with a sweeping Hyperscreen and AI-driven interface. It’s a sign that Mercedes is repositioning the C-Class as the entry point to its electric future. **Read more [here](https://robbreport.ph/cars/mercedes-benz-just-unveiled-its-all-electric-c-class-heres-a-first-look/).** ## Cartier Crash Sets a New Ceiling for Design-Led Watches ![Gold-toned Cartier wristwatch with a melted, teardrop-shaped dial and brown leather strap](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Cartier-Crash-London-1987-3.webp) The Cartier Crash has officially crossed into a new tier of collectibility. At a recent Sotheby’s sale in Hong Kong, a rare example sold for roughly $1.99 million, setting a new record for the maison. First introduced in 1967 by Cartier London, the Crash has always been an outlier—its warped, almost surreal case really more sculpture than timepiece. That distinction is now its advantage. As collectors move away from purely technical watches, design seems to be becoming the primary value driver today. **Read more [here](https://robbreport.ph/watches/this-ultra-rare-cartier-crash-just-sold-for-a-record-2-million/ "This Ultra-Rare Cartier Crash Just Sold for a Record $2 Million").** **Categories:** The Luxe Dispatch **Tags:** cartier, mercedes benz --- ### [Inside the Stylish, Real-Life Homes of ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/homes/inside-the-stylish-real-life-homes-of-the-devil-wears-prada-2/) **Published:** April 30, 2026 **Author:** Abby Montanez **Content:** Call it a return to form—with better clothes, bigger stakes, and even sharper [real estate](https://robbreport.ph/tag/real-estate/ "real estate"). Nearly two decades after *The Devil Wears Prada* turned publishing offices and Upper East Side townhouses into objects of obsession, *The Devil Wears Prada 2* is stepping back into that world on a much bigger stage. The sequel hits theaters May 1, reuniting Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci, with David Frankel back in the director’s chair. This time around, the story doesn’t stay in one place. It moves between Manhattan, Milan, and Lake Como—expanding on the original’s brief Paris detour but keeping New York at its core. Miranda Priestly is now navigating the slow unraveling of print media, going head-to-head with her former assistant Emily Charlton. Andy Sachs, meanwhile, returns as a more seasoned editor—no longer the outsider, but not fully back in Miranda’s inner circle either. The city once again doubles as a living set—spanning Midtown offices, SoHo storefronts, and Brooklyn bars—while the story stretches outward to Italian villas, Long Island mansions, and real fashion week runways. And the scale is noticeably bigger. Streep recently told Stephen Colbert that there was no budget squeeze on the sequel, and it’s evident in the lineup of filming locations already surfacing ahead of the premiere. Based on early footage and on-the-ground reports, we’re already spotting a slate of seriously pricey properties—suggesting that the clothes may be the hook, but the real estate might leave the biggest impression. ## 1. Andy Sachs’s Apartment ![Multi-story brick building with numerous exterior metal fire escapes on a bustling urban street. storefronts line the ground floor, including a smoke shop sign.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/andy-sachs-apartment.webp) *Photo: Google Maps* Before the glow-up, there’s 252 Broome Street. In the first movie, Andy’s Lower East Side walk-up—shared with boyfriend Nate (Adrian Grenier)—is all cramped quarters, mismatched furniture, and zero closet space for couture. It’s very much a starter apartment. But with a bigger salary and a far more established career in *The Devil Wears Prada 2*, Andy has upgraded, but the question is, where? Filming suggests she hasn’t strayed too far from her downtown orbit. Hathaway was spotted around SoHo and, more tellingly, across the river in Brooklyn—hinting at a possible shift. One scene places her outside Long Island Bar. In the footage, Andy walks alongside a new love interest (sorry, Nate), spinning down the street in front of the bar’s vintage signage. However, we’ll have to see whether it’s a full-on move or just a momentary detour. ## 2. Miranda Priestly’s Townhouse ![Three-story townhouse with decorative arches on the second floor, a black entry door, and potted plants, with scaffolding and a green awning on the right amid trees.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/miranda-townhouse.webp) *Photo: Google Maps* If Andy’s apartment is a starter home, this is the endgame. In the first movie, East 73rd Street is where Miranda’s arc really unfolds. The Upper East Side townhouse feels intimidating in the way only very expensive real estate can—big rooms, high ceilings, everything perfectly in place. In real life, it’s exactly as you’d expect. The limestone-and-marble residence sits just off Park Avenue on a prime Upper East Side block, spanning roughly 12,000 square feet with seven bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, and even a private basketball court. The longtime owners were hedge fund mogul Craig Effron and his wife, Caryn, who purchased the home for $8.8 million more than two decades ago. It ultimately sold for $26.5 million in 2023 to Mustafa Rahmi Koç, longtime chairman of Koç Holding—very much a Miranda-level buyer. For the sequel, production returned to the same East 73rd Street block. The swanky townhouse has popped up elsewhere on screen, too. It reappeared in *And Just Like That…* as the home of Carrie Bradshaw‘s fictional *Vogue* editor Enid. The overlap is almost too perfect—two editor-in-chiefs and one very specific kind of Upper East Side abode. ## 3. James Holt’s Bachelor Pad ![Street view of a row of storefronts: brick upper floors, large black-framed ground-floor windows, a white door marked 56, two potted topiary plants, and a metal fire escape casting shadows above.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/james-holt-apt.webp) *Photo: Google Maps* In the first movie, 56 Crosby Street is the home of rising fashion designer James Holt (Daniel Sunjata), one of *Runway’s* featured talents. Andy is sent there to pick up a sketch for an upcoming look, but instead winds up at an industry party where she meets journalist Christian Thompson (Simon Baker). The loft earns its screen time. In real life, it’s a full-floor SoHo spread with 13-foot ceilings, cast-iron columns, and oversized windows that flood the space with light. When it came on the market for $8.65 million last year, the home leaned fully into luxury, with high-end finishes, a Boffi kitchen outfitted with Viking and Miele appliances, a marble bath, and custom millwork throughout. It [sold](https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/56-Crosby-St-APT-2A-New-York-NY-10012/55500983_zpid/) in January 2026 for $9.1 million. ## 4. Long Island Estates ![Brick manor with multiple chimneys and gabled slate roofs on a manicured hilltop, surrounded by trees by the water.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/billy-joel-centre-island-estate.webp) *Photo: Google Maps* In *The Devil Wears Prada 2*, the story pulls away from Manhattan and into the ultra-private waterfront pockets of Long Island, where production was spotted filming at a sprawling $8.3 million estate on Centre Island Road. Crews reportedly took over the gated property with a white event tent stretched across the grounds and tight security in place. A glimpse of Andy inside the chef’s kitchen in the trailer confirms that at least some interior scenes were filmed on-site. In addition, a helicopter shot in the teaser sweeps low over Oyster Bay, dropping Miranda and Andy at a sprawling waterfront compound that eagle-eyed viewers—or real estate insiders—may recognize as the former estate of Billy Joel. The 26-acre MiddleSea property, recently traded for around $35.75 million after initially asking closer to $50 million, comes with nearly 2,000 feet of private shoreline, multiple residences, and its own helipad. There’s no official word on how the two estates are used in the sequel. The Joel compound reads as the ultimate exterior flex, while the nearby Centre Island home could offer up enviable interiors. Or the film could be splitting the difference, using one as Miranda’s weekend residence and the other as an event backdrop. ## 5. Villa del Balbiano ![Stately villa framed by stone pillars and topiary, with a central fountain leading to the entrance amid a manicured garden and distant mountains.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Villa-del-Balbiano.webp) *Photo: Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images* Lake Como gets its fashion moment in *The Devil Wears Prada 2*, with filming centered on the storied Villa del Balbiano. According to [local reports](https://italianismo.com.br/en/gravacoes-de-o-diabo-veste-prada-2-bloqueiam-rodovia-na-italia/), production took over the 16th-century palazzo in Tremezzina, even triggering road closures along the Regina state road, with additional scenes shot nearby in Brienno and Argegno. The trailer leans into the setting, too—offering a quick glimpse of Andy and Emily arriving by boat, gliding across the lake toward the villa’s grand facade. Originally built in the late 1500s by Tolomeo Gallio, the estate has grown into one of the largest private homes on Lake Como, spanning more than five acres. The grounds deliver classic Italian luxury—formal gardens, a pool, private pier, and boathouse—all set against lake views. Inside, six suites by Jacques Garcia sit among antique-filled living quarters, with original 17th-century frescoes still intact. Marble bathrooms, gilded mirrors, and crystal chandeliers complete the picture. Villa del Balbiano is also a familiar face on screen, having starred in *House of Gucci*—and, in a twist, it briefly crossed into the rental market following the film’s release. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Homes **Tags:** Brooklyn, Evergeen, Feature, Lake Como, manhattan, milan, New York City, Paris, real estate, Soho --- ### [Shenzhen’s Breakout Watch Brand Has Collectors Talking](https://robbreport.ph/watches/shenzhens-breakout-watch-brand-has-collectors-talking/) **Published:** April 30, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** For generations, fine [watchmaking](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Fine-Watchmaking-scaled.webp "Fine Watchmaking") has been a Swiss story in a lot of ways. The industry defined what a great watch was supposed to be. So when Behrens, an independent brand from Shenzhen, walked into [Watches and Wonders Geneva](https://robbreport.ph/tag/watches-and-wonders/ "watches and wonders") this April to take its place alongside Rolex, Audemars Piguet, and Patek Philippe, it became one of the more interesting storylines at the summit. Behrens became the first Chinese independent watchmaker to exhibit there. It didn’t present itself as a novelty brand nor was it received as a diplomatic gesture toward diversity, but as a brand that had spent more than a decade building the kind of horological credibility that buys a seat at that particular table. Center stage was the Pupil Ultralight family, drawing on motifs from the ancient Shu civilisation, Behrens’ designers translate the “Bronze Diamond Eye” into a triangular layout on the BM09 calibre, distilling a 3,000-year-old culture filtered through a movement so skeletonized it seems to barely exist. ![Skeleton smartwatch with exposed gears inside a square, distressed metal case and gray strap against a dark background.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/682440665_1122019660988049_12815185862535880_n.webp) The Behrens Pupil Ultralight watch *Photo: Behrens* The industry was especially surprised by the non-limited titanium Pupil Ultralight 14G (an astonishingly feather-light 14 grams, priced at $9,200), and two extremely scarce Pupil Ultralight 8G editions crafted from a Lightweight Monolayer Graphene Hybrid with gold flecks, each limited to nine pieces and priced at $33,800. The 8G models, at about eight grams on the case alone, possess jumping hour mechanics, a 45-hour reserve, and a day/night indicator flashing Behrens’ signature asymmetric ‘Hu’ case. The experience of wearing it, according to those who tried it on the floor in Geneva, was closer to wearing nothing at all. The collaborations are equally considered: a co-creation with the Russian independent master Konstantin Chaykin, and a recent partnership with Vianney Halter (a Swiss watchmaker widely regarded as one of horology’s great eccentrics) produced the KWH Master Series, a piece that signals Behrens’ geographical and intellectual arrival. ## A Short History of Behrens ![Metallic, gear-filled eye sculpture on a white gallery wall, with illuminated Chinese characters above; a few visitors stand in the foreground.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/672651780_1104251209431561_1785497008233215775_n.webp) The Pupil Ultralight watch’s complication in focus at Watches and Wonders *Photo: Behrens* Lin Bingqiang, who founded Behrens in 2012, came from high-end jewelry design and education before pivoting into watches, with an aesthetic sensibility first, mechanical ambition second. The name itself pays homage to Peter Behrens, the German industrial design pioneer who argued that function and beauty weren’t competing values and that a turbine hall could be considered a temple. That philosophy landed in a city perfectly suited to realize it. Shenzhen’s industrial ecosystem gave Behrens access to CNC machines, 3D printers, and a full prototyping department. So what might take a competitor a year to develop, Behrens does in three months. Speed, in a craft usually measured in centuries, turns out to be its own kind of power. What Behrens makes with that speed is genuinely unusual. In the Rotary, one of the brand’s breakthrough pieces, twin rotors inspired by the Wankel engine developed for Mazda serve as hour and minute indicators across a skeletonized dial, so the whole mechanism runs like a miniature race car powertrain on your wrist. ![Luxurious square watch with exposed gears and red jewels, strapped to a textured gray band against a starry night backdrop.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/660444338_1084647538058595_1045469262680772453_n.webp) The KWH, developed with Swiss independent master Vianney Halter *Photo: Behrens* It earned a GPHG nomination. So did the Apolar, which features a rotating Earth with an orbiting Moon tracking an accurate 27.32-day lunar cycle, which is an astronomical complication with the visual drama to match. These are not complications borrowed from a Swiss playbook; they seem to have been conceived by someone who looked at conventional watch design and decided that watchmaking could move towards another direction. Meanwhile, the KWH, developed with Swiss independent master Vianney Halter, tells the time through a patented micro-chain mechanism—a seven-dot pixel snake rotating continuously around the dial, with minutes and power reserve on rotating cylinders inspired by vintage electricity meters. The movement runs 870 components, 170 jewels, twin barrels, and a 72-hour power reserve. The original 18 pieces sold out instantly at $44,800 each. A second edition in tantalum and ceramic followed. For the collector who has been paying attention, none of this is surprising. Behrens has been stocked by The Hour Glass, the Southeast Asian retailer with one of the sharpest independent watch edits in the world, for some time now. ![Close-up of a luxury watch dial featuring a blue moon-phase disc and moon image, with a circular date scale around the edge.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/663207672_1088717437651605_3374437357524303959_n.webp) Detail on the Behrens X Vianney Halter KWH limited edition watch *Photo: Behrens* Auction prices have ranged up to nearly $28,400 for a Perigee, a watch that retailed for considerably less; it’s the kind of secondary market behavior that signals genuine collector demand, not marketing. The brand’s entry-level Original series starts under $5,000, meaning the conversation is accessible before it becomes expensive. What Behrens represents, ultimately, is something the watch world has needed for a while: a high-complication independent that didn’t learn the rules from Switzerland, because it grew up somewhere else entirely. Its references are ancient Chinese civilizations, Japanese rotary engines, the Nokia Snake game, and interstellar travel. Its complications are things no one asked for, which is exactly what the best complications have always been. *More information [here](https://www.behrenswatches.com/).* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** Behrens, watches and wonders --- ### [Inside George and Amal Clooney’s $50 Million Property Portfolio](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/homes/inside-george-and-amal-clooneys-50-million-property-portfolio/) **Published:** March 13, 2026 **Author:** Abby Montanez **Content:** Few couples combine star power, smarts, and style quite like George and Amal Clooney. George, 62, is an actor, director, and producer whose career has earned him two Oscars and, most recently, a Tony nomination for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play for *Good Night, and Good Luck*, along with decades of Hollywood acclaim. He’s dazzled audiences in cinematic landmarks including *Ocean’s Eleven*, *Up in the Air*, *Michael Clayton*, *Gravity*, and *The Descendants*, and has been a longtime brand ambassador for Omega, proving his wrist game is as strong as his acting chops. Beyond the screen, the Oscar winner has built an equally impressive business empire. He co-founded [Casamigos](https://robbreport.ph/tag/casamigos/ "casamigos") with friends Rande Gerber and Mike Meldman in 2013 and sold the tequila brand to Diageo four years later in a whopping $1 billion deal. Since then, Clooney and his Casamigos partners have reunited to launch a new non-alcoholic beer venture. He also runs his own production company, Smokehouse Pictures, and has secured major endorsement deals with brands like Nespresso and Fiat. Amal, 46, is a human rights lawyer and barrister celebrated for defending freedom of speech, refugees, and international justice on the global stage. Married since 2014, the pair are parents to eight-year-old twins Ella and Alexander, and together they command a combined net worth estimated at around $550 million. It’s no surprise that their accomplishments spill over into the spaces they call home. From the couple’s iconic Lake Como villa in Italy to a sprawling French country estate, a chic property along the River Thames in England, and multiple residences in New York City and Kentucky, the Clooneys have curated a truly global real estate portfolio worthy of their A-list status. Their past homes are just as noteworthy. George sold his longtime Studio City residence in 2024 for $14.5 million to newlyweds Olivia Culpo and Christian McCaffrey, ending an era. Meanwhile, a property he owned in Los Cabos, Mexico, alongside Gerber and Cindy Crawford, changed hands in 2015, proving that even his former escapes are high-profile. Below, we’ve rounded up the Clooneys’ most notable residences—from the serene vineyards of France to the bustling streets of New York—offering a glimpse into how one of the world’s most celebrated couples chooses to live. ## Italy ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/george-clooney-Villa-Oleandra.webp) *Photo: GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP via Getty Images* George first set his sights on Lake Como in the early 2000s, dropping millions to snag Villa Oleandra, an 18th-century residence in the tiny commune of Laglio on the lake’s western branch. Depending on who you ask, he paid somewhere between $7 million and $10 million, and the sprawling 25-room villa definitely needed some TLC when he bought it from the American Heinz family. Over the years, George and Amal have expanded their Lake Como footprint by picking up adjacent properties, including Villa Margherita, turning the estate into one of the largest private compounds on the lake—now topping 100,000 square feet The villa itself is a perfect mix of old-world charm and modern luxury. There’s an outdoor pool, tennis courts, a fully equipped gym, a home theater, a huge garage for George’s vintage motorcycles, and two boat docks. It’s also become a hotspot for A-list entertaining, with guests over the years including Jennifer Aniston, Matt Damon, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, Adam Sandler, and Laura Dern. And yes, parts of *Ocean’s Twelve* were filmed right on the property. Villa Oleandra is more than just a glamorous getaway—it’s sentimental, too. It’s where George and Amal first met when his friend brought her by on their way to Cannes. And despite the occasional rumor about a $107 million sale, George has made it clear: the villa isn’t going anywhere. ## U.K. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/george-clooney-Aberdash-House.webp) *Photo: GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP via Getty Images* George and Amal purchased Aberdash House in 2014, shortly after their engagement. The 17th-century Georgian manor sits on a 5.5-acre private island in the quaint village of Sonning on the River Thames. Before the Clooneys acquired it, the property had [reportedly](https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887323844804578530740028093984#5) been owned in the late 1990s by banker Omar Bayoumi, who was captivated by the exclusivity of the largest residential island in the Thames. Bayoumi modernized the estate with a gym, a spa complex, and an entertainment room outfitted with invisible speakers, along with 14 CCTV cameras. Spanning roughly 8,948 square feet, the Grade II-listed home today features 10 bedrooms, eight full bathrooms, and two half baths, as well as Doric columns, mahogany parquet floors, and Georgian moldings. Accessible by boat or a discreet wooden bridge hidden behind electronically monitored gates, the secluded estate is designed for both leisure and entertaining. George and Amal added privacy trees, a pool house dubbed the “party zone,” a circular yoga studio, and a private boathouse, according to *[People](https://people.com/home/george-and-amal-clooney-aberlash-house-in-england/)*. Inside, George has a “postwar study,” Amal enjoys a light-filled office with faux leather-bound research books, and the 16-seat screening room—complete with candy jars and a popcorn machine—is a family favorite. ## New York City ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/george-clooney-nyc.webp) *Photo: Mike Coppola/Getty Images for RFR* In October 2016, George and Amal purchased a midtown Manhattan condo at 100 East 53rd Street for $14.75 million. Perched on one of the highest floors of a 63-story building designed by Foster + Partners, the unit is said to span 3,385 square feet with three bedrooms and three-and-a-half bathrooms, loft-style ceilings, and expansive walls of windows. The location proved ideal for the couple, placing them near the United Nations, where Amal occasionally handled human rights cases, and Columbia Law School, where she was teaching at the time. During his Broadway run in *Good Night, and Good Luck*, George [reportedly](https://pagesix.com/2025/06/11/celebrity-news/inside-george-clooneys-pad-at-mandarin-oriental-residences/) stayed in a fully furnished apartment at the Mandarin Oriental Residences, Fifth Avenue, featuring two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Amenities in the ultra-luxury building include a rooftop pool with cabanas, a spa, a Technogym-equipped fitness center, a salon and yoga studio, as well as private treatment rooms where residents can receive services from celebrity facialist Ivan Pol. ## France ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/george-clooney-Aberdash-House-1.webp) *Photo: Arnold Jerocki/Getty Images* The Clooneys made France their primary residence in 2021, purchasing Domaine du Canadel, an 18th-century Provence wine estate, for €7 million ($8.3 million). Nestled in the village of Brignoles—just minutes from Brad Pitt’s Château Miraval and not far from George Lucas’s Château Marguï—the sprawling 425-acre property offers a 10,000-square-foot main house, olive groves, a lake, a boules pitch, a tennis court, and a pool. The farmhouse itself was extensively remodeled in 1993 by Bruno Lafourcade, one of Southern France’s most sought-after restoration specialists, who preserved the estate’s original charm while modernizing it. Elsewhere, the formal gardens are decked out with lavender paths, terraces, and intimate sitting areas. George has spoken candidly about raising their twins away from the glare of Hollywood, explaining to *[Esquire](https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/movies/a68136276/george-clooney-jay-kelly-interview-2025/)* that life on a French farm offers a sense of normalcy and freedom from fame. Since settling in, the Clooneys have fully embraced the Provençal lifestyle, turning part of their estate into a working vineyard. The property includes a 25-acre vineyard and an additional 10 acres of vines planted two decades ago by winemaker Laurence Berlemont. Together, the Clooneys and Berlemont released their first white and rosé wines in spring 2024. ## Kentucky ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/george-clooney-kentucky.webp) *Photo: Arden S. Barnes/For The Washington Post via Getty Images* Before he was Hollywood royalty, George was a Kentucky kid with small-town roots. The actor has long kept ties to his home state and, according to [reports](https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/20/theater/george-clooney-broadway-good-night-good-luck.html), maintains a residence near his parents, Nick and Nina Clooney, who still live in Augusta. Though the exact location of the couple’s Kentucky home remains private, and details about when they purchased it or how much they paid are unclear, George has spoken fondly about returning to farm life. In a February 2025 interview with the *New York Times*, he said, “Growing up in Kentucky, all I wanted to do was get away from a farm, get away from that life. Now I find myself back in that life. I drive a tractor and all those things. It’s the best chance of a normal life.” The property is believed to be close to the family’s longtime hometown along the Ohio River, where George spent his formative years and still occasionally visits. For the actor who’s owned estates around the world—from Lake Como to Provence—Kentucky remains a reminder of where it all began. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Homes, Properties **Tags:** aman clooney, casamigos, Evergreen, Feature, France, george clooney, italy, new york, real estate, United Kingdom --- ### [The Complete Guide to the Rolex Oyster Bracelet, From 1948 to Present](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-complete-guide-to-the-rolex-oyster-bracelet-from-1948-to-present/) **Published:** April 29, 2026 **Author:** Oren Hartov **Content:** This guide explains the [Rolex](https://robbreport.ph/tag/rolex/ "rolex") [Oyster](https://robbreport.ph/tag/oyster/ "Oyster") bracelet, especially as it pertains to the [Submariner](https://robbreport.ph/tag/submariner/ "submariner") [dive watch.](https://robbreport.ph/tag/dive-watch/ "dive watch") While collecting watches like the [Rolex GMT Master](https://robbreport.ph/tag/gmt-master/ "GMT Master"), the [Daytona](https://robbreport.ph/tag/daytona/ "daytona"), Submariner and others will always be the main focus—and even though the prices on Rolex sport watches have been falling lately as pandemic collectors leave the scene—the “correct” or “incorrect” Oyster bracelet can make or break a specific Rolex acquisition. Condition is one thing: Those loose pins that hold the links together can cause the bracelet to sag and rattle, or even fall apart. However, for collectors it’s even more important that the Oyster bracelet historically matches the watch you’re collecting—that it is, as the Rollie-heads say, “correct for that reference.” If you’re going to collect Rolex, and especially the Submariner, it’s paramount to understand the Oyster bracelet for this reason. While some might argue that the Jubilee bracelet is just as iconic than the Oyster bracelet, and the President bracelet more refined, none can deny the ubiquity of the Oyster design. Indeed, it’s been copied by more watch companies than perhaps any other bracelet, and the Oyster bracelet continues to be used on Rolex models across the brand’s catalog. Seventy-plus years after its introduction, owning one is still considered a rite of passage amongst collectors. ![Three Rolex Submariner watches with metal bracelets on a mustard background; left gold-toned, center silver, right silver with black dials and date windows, all with rotating bezels.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Rolex-1680-Header-Shopping-Time-Submariner.webp) The Submariner on an Oyster bracelet is perhaps the most iconic visage offered from Rolex. *Photo: Tropical Watch, Matthew Bain, HQ Milton* Instantly recognizable for its three-piece links, robust construction, and flowing lines, the Oyster bracelet has been successfully paired with myriad Rolex models since its introduction in the 1940s—though we would argue that its best and most famous partnership has always been with the Submariner, Rolex’s flagship dive watch. Because while a Sub on a NATO strap, a rubber strap, or even on leather or a Jubilee bracelet is still a Sub, one paired with an Oyster bracelet is an *icon*. “The Oyster bracelet is arguably one of the keys to Rolex’s success since the 1940s and 1950s,” says noted vintage watch dealer and expert Eric Wind. “It was integral with the birth of the Submariner, [Explorer](https://robbreport.ph/tag/explorer/ "explorer"), GMT-Master, and Daytona. While it was originally a design by Gay Frères in the 1930s, it really found its calling with Rolex adopting it on those sport models in the 1950s and 1960s. It has evolved to go from thin rivet models to the solid, much heavier Oyster bracelets we know today.” Without delving too far into the weeds of every minute change to the Oyster bracelet over the years (and there have been many of those), we’re going to examine those references that were specifically paired to the Submariner. This guide should up your Rolex collecting game considerably. Perhaps the next time you glance down at the Rolex dive watch on your wrist, you’ll be inclined to pay this humble hunk of metal the respect it deserves. ## A Brief History of the Oyster Bracelet Initially, Rolex watches were sold on leather straps, with bracelets being an add-on accessory that could considerably raise the final price—in the 1930s, for example, customers could choose the Bonklip-style bracelet from Switzerland’s premier bracelet producer, Gay Frères. This Bonklip bracelet had lightweight steel links and straight end links. As Gay Frères was then an independent company, many other brands’ watches were also available on such bracelets. (Note that in 1998, when Rolex acquired Gay Frères in its entirety, the Oyster bracelet became an entirely in-house, Swiss-made product.) ![Close-up of a silver stainless steel watch band with a brushed deployment clasp, viewed diagonally.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Bonklip-bracelet.webp) The Gay Frères Bonklip bracelet is the predecessor to Rolex’s Oyster bracelet. *Photo: Joseph Watches* Yet, as with [many things Rolex](https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/rolex-acting-like-rolex-again-1235577443/), the Oyster bracelet didn’t emerge fully formed from the Earth’s womb on a single day to the fanfare of trumpets and the singing of angels. Rather, the Oyster bracelet evolved throughout the early part of the 20th century, taking the form of iterative configurations. This is where a collector needs to start paying close attention, as making sure you’ve got the right bracelet is as important as matching the paperwork and box to your collectible watch. ![Close-up of a vintage Rolex Oyster Precision wristwatch with a cream dial and metal link bracelet.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Rolex-Speedking-on-Bonklip-bracelet.webp) Rolex Speedking “Bubbleback” ## The Oyster Bracelet With Straight End-Links (1948-1951) In 1945, Rolex patented the Jubilee bracelet, which celebrated the *maison’s* 40th anniversary. Just a few years later, in 1947, it followed this up by patenting the Oyster, which made its first appearance in the Rolex catalog in 1948. A simple design consisting of three links—the center link being wider than the flanking pieces—it first featured straight end links. This made it easy to affix to a variety of watch models, but the overall effect was a less custom-seeming and form-fitting bracelet. ![Two-tone metal wristwatch with a gold bezel and silver bracelet resting on light fabric surface.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Rolex-Bubbleback-on-Straightlink-GF-Oyster-Bracelet-Bulang-.webp) Rolex Oyster Perpetual “Bubbleback” reference 3133 on early Oyster Bracelet. *Photo: Bulang & Sons* At first, it was chronographs and the famed “Bubblebacks” that received these Oyster bracelets. (The “Bubbleback,” so called due to its protruding caseback, was an early version of the waterproof, automatic, Oyster Perpetual watch.) ## The Oyster Bracelet with Curved End Links (1952) In 1952, however, the Crown introduced curved, form-fitting end links, marking a significant change that saw the Oyster bracelet produced in a variety of references for different watch models, including the Submariner, GMT-Master, and Explorer. At this time bracelets were sometimes made in the U.S.A. or Mexico for tax reasons, but since Rolex’s 1998 acquisition of Gay Frères Oyster bracelets are purportedly all Swiss-made. ![Close-up of a metal watch band clasp with a protruding pin held between fingers](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Rolex-Oyster-Curved-Endlink-on-Early-Oyster-Perpetual-Bracelet.webp) Curved end links on an early Oyster Perpertual bracelet from Rolex. *Photo: Wind Vintage* ## First Generation Oyster Bracelets on the Submariner (1953-1966) When viewed head-on, Oyster bracelets from the ‘50s through the modern era look rather similar—but turn one on its side, and the differences become more apparent. With the launch of the Submariner in 1953, two bracelets were offered that represent the earliest iterations of the now-famous accessory. ![Close-up of a worn stainless steel watch band being held between fingers, showing scratched links.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Rolex-7206-Flushfit-Riveted-Bracelet-Oyster.webp) Oyster Bracelet 7206 Riveted “Flushfit” *Photo: Wind Vintage* ## Oyster Bracelet 7206 Riveted “Flushfit” The reference 7206 was a riveted model with “Flushfit” end links, in which each hollow link is held together with a visible rivet. ## Oyster Bracelet 7206 Stretch-Rivet “Flushfit” Another option was the 6636 “stretch-rivet” model (also with “Flushfit” end links), which has an ingenious, spring-loaded mechanism that allows each link to separate slightly from its neighbors. (The stretch-rivet bracelet, in production from roughly 1953-1966, had a tendency to catch hair in between the links and proved not to be terribly sturdy.) Both of these models featured a fold-over clasp with a large Rolex coronet. ![Curved metal watch band laid in an arc on a rough concrete surface.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Rolex-6636-Flushfit-Oyster-Bracelet.webp) Rolex 6636 “stretch-rivet” Oyster Bracelet (also with “Flushfit” end links) *Photo: Wind Vintage* ## Second Generation Oyster Bracelet with Folded Links (1967-Mid 1970s) By roughly 1967, the reference 7836 “folded-link” Oyster bracelet joined the market, replacing the earlier rivet-style models. Rather than a hollow link held together with rivets, the folded-link consists of a piece of steel folded over on itself several times, which is inherently stronger than the rivet design. ![Close-up of stainless steel watch band links being held between fingers, showing the joints and brushed metal surface.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/7836-Foleded-End-Links-Oyster-Bracelet.webp) Rolex reference 7836 “folded-link” Oyster bracelet *Photo: Wind Vintage* Note that the reference 9315 from roughly 1969, introduced on the Sea-Dweller and Submariner, featured a special diver clasp, while the reference 9316, from the same time and also with a diver clasp, was seen only on the Sea-Dweller. ![Close-up of a brushed stainless steel Rolex watch bracelet clasp with the crown logo visible](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/9315-Divers-Clasp-on-Rolex-Oyster-Bracelet.webp) Diver’s Clasp on Rolex Oyster Bracelet reference 9213 *Photo: Wind Vintage* ## Third Generation Oyster Bracelet with Solid Links (1972-2000) In the mid-1970s—1972 by some collectors’ estimation, slightly later by others—the folded-link Oyster bracelets had been replaced by the first solid-link versions, which constitute the most robust (and still-used) of Rolex’s sport bracelet designs. Adding a zero to the previous generation reference numbers results in the reference 78360, which featured a folding clasp. The reference 93150, which featured a diver clasp, shipped on the Submariner and was available as an option on the GMT-Master and Explorer, as well. ![Close-up of a metal watch bracelet being held by a finger, with a pin emerging between links into view.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Rolex-93150-Oyster-Bracelet.webp) Note the solid links used on the reference 93150 Rolex Oyster bracelet. This added weight to the package. *Photo: Wind Vintage* The reference 93160 likewise featured a diver clasp and was paired with the Sea-Dweller. ## Fourth Generation Oyster Bracelet with Solid End Links (2000-2010) Around the turn of the millennium, Rolex began outfitting its Oyster bracelets with solid end links, which made for a more solid attachment point to the watch head. While Rolex watches previously featured holes in the side of each lug through which a tool could be used to eject the spring bars and remove the bracelet, the brand did away with these holes around 2003-2004, which resulted in another change to the end link design. ![Close-up of a metal watch clasp held by fingers, showing engraved '801' and small crown marks.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Solid-End-Link-on-rolex-Oyster-Bracelet-Luna-Oyster.webp) Solid 801 endlink on a mid-2000s oyster bracelet *Photo: Luna Oyster* End links, it should be noted, have their own numerical coding designation, allowing one to easily check whether a set is “correct” for a given bracelet or watch reference. ## Fifth Generation Oyster Bracelet with Oysterlock and Glidelock (2010-present) Today, the Oyster bracelet references available with the Submariner are the 92700 (Submariner) and 97200/97203/97208/97209 (Submariner Date). What are the differences? The metal used in the bracelet, which is denoted by the last number in the code: Watches and matching bracelets are available in: Steel (Oystersteel), Everose gold and steel, yellow gold and steel, rose gold, platinum, yellow gold, and white gold. ![Close-up of a stainless steel watch clasp and linked bracelet, showing the folding deployment mechanism.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Rolex-Glidelock-system-on-Oyster-Bracelet.webp) Rolex Oysterlock and Glidelock System on Oyster bracelet *Photo: Rolex* The Oysterlock, which comes standard on the Submariner bracelet, uses a folding safety clasp, cover, and safety catch, while the Glidelock extension system allows the bracelet length to be extended in 2 mm intervals in order to fit over a wetsuit—or even a swollen wrist after a flight or a salty meal. ## **Rolex Submariner Oyster Bracelets and Specs at a Glanc**e **NOTE:** All lug widths are 20mm. **Reference** 7206, riveted links, introduced ~1953 **Reference** 6636, expanding riveted links, introduced ~1953 **Reference** 7836, folded links, introduced ~1967 **Reference** 9315, folded links, diver clasp, introduced ~1969 **Reference** 78360, solid links, introduced mid-1970s **Reference** 93150, solid links, diver clasp, introduced ~1975 **Reference** 92700 / 97203 / 97208 / 97209, solid links, Oysterlock and Glidlock on clasp, introduced 2010 *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** bracelet, bubblerack, dive watch, explorer, GMT Master, Jubilee, Oyster, Perpetual, rolex, Sportswatch, submariner --- ### [Here’s Where Wealthy Travelers Are Actually Headed in Greece](https://robbreport.ph/travel/heres-where-wealthy-travelers-are-actually-headed-in-greece/) **Published:** April 29, 2026 **Author:** Yulia Denisyuk **Content:** The paths to [Greece’s](https://robbreport.ph/tag/greece/ "greece") most iconic destinations—islands like Santorini and Mykonos—are well trod for good reasons: the contrast between the deep-blue Aegean Sea and the bright-white Cycladic villages is a sight to behold. But for travelers looking for something a little less expected, these four destinations, home to mountain retreats, artist-in-residence programs, and philosopher sessions, reveal the true meaning of Greek luxury. ## The Peloponnese Peninsula A few hours outside of [Athens](https://robbreport.ph/tag/athens/ "athens"), the Peloponnese peninsula in southern Greece attracts a [significantly smaller number of visitors](https://news.gtp.gr/2025/05/08/greece-welcomed-40-7-million-visitors-in-2024-tourism-revenue-tops-e21-6-billion-final-data/#) than the country’s most popular destinations, but [the momentum is growing](https://news.gtp.gr/2025/10/13/tourism-in-the-peloponnese-surges-with-double-digit-growth-in-january-august-2025/). Home to ancient cities of Olympia and Sparta, the peninsula today offers hikes in its sacred forests and access to miles of uncrowded coastlines. “Last year, the peninsula’s Costa Navarino was at the top of nearly every Greece itinerary we designed,” says Csilla Dali, whose luxury outfitter [Evyssa Vacations](https://www.evyssavacations.com/) organizes bespoke trips for clients. “This year, however, we are seeing a shift. Travelers are increasingly drawn to places that feel more grounded and deeply connected to their surroundings.” Perched atop Mount Mainalo in the densely forested central Arcadia region, [Manna](https://www.mannaarcadia.gr/) is a high-altitude sanctuary operating since 2023; the former sanatorium with 32 rooms and suites was meticulously restored by Athens-based [K Studio](https://k-studio.gr/project/manna/). Founder Statis Batagias dreamt of reviving Manna ever since he played in the abandoned building as a child. “Our philosophy is ‘Inhale the forest. Exhale everything else,’” he explains. ![Neutral-toned bedroom with a seating area: cream armchair, small round coffee table, and a low wooden cabinet by a large window.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/manna_619-Edit.webp) A former sanitorium has been reborn as Manna, a woodland retreat atop Mount Mainalo. *Photo: Ana Santl* On the empty western Peloponnese coast, Nikos Karaflos turned a former currant winery into the [Dexamenes Seaside Hotel](https://dexamenes.com/). Guests stay in restored wine fermentation tanks meters away from the Ionian Sea, and the newly opened Seaview Terrace suites feature panoramic sea views under pergola-like canopies. “Dexamenes exists in a part of Greece that still feels raw and deeply connected to its agricultural and cultural roots,” says Karaflos. The programming includes pop-up suppers in a 1920s silo tank and the Full Moon, No Moon dining series (held only during these two lunar phases) that reinforce the ephemeral, cyclical nature of living on the coast. ## Crete Admittedly, the massive island on the country’s southern edge is one of its most popular vacation destinations. Visitors often head to the port towns of Chania and Elounda, yet Crete has plenty more to see farther afield. The island’s eastern region of Lasithi is home to dramatic gorges, small mountain villages, Europe’s largest natural palm forest—and fewer crowds. Here, [Minos Beach Art Hotel](https://www.minosbeach.com/) stretches across a mile of private shore in Mirabello Bay. Hiding in a labyrinth of gardens and more than 50 art installations, private bungalows and three-bedroom villas with freshwater pools overlook Crete’s curving, mountainous coastline. The island’s first 5-star luxury hotel runs a thriving artist-in-residence program, and its artistic legacy stretches back over half a century. (While filming his 1964 mystery, *The Moon-Spinners,* Walt Disney stayed at Minos Beach with his crew.) At the award-winning La Bouillabaisse Restaurant, chef Kyriakos Mylonas buys local fish directly from the island’s fishermen, transforming the day’s catch into cuttlefish gnocchi or sea bass grilled and deboned tableside. ![Row of white modern villas along a rocky shoreline, turquoise water in the foreground and hills in the background in a sunny coastal scene.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/DSC06200.webp) Minos Beach Art Hotel stretches across a mile of private shore in Mirabello Bay. *Photo: Yulia Denisyuk* On Crete’s remote southern part, adult-only [Numo Ierapetra](https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/herniqq-numo-ierapetra-beach-resort-crete/) from the Curio Collection is another hideaway worth a nearly two-hour drive from the island’s Heraklion airport. Located near Europe’s southernmost town of Ierapetra, the resort, which opened in 2021, organizes horseback riding sessions on its secluded beach facing the Libyan Sea. At night, the open-air cinema screens films against the imposing backdrop of the rugged Thripti mountain range. This June, Greece’s first safari-inspired tented retreat opens inside a hidden bay near the pink-sand Elafonisi Beach, often named one of the best beaches in the world, on the southwestern part of the island. Designed by Cretan architect [Eirini Apostolaki](https://www.archtify.com/), [The Revery](https://www.thereverycrete.com/) will feature 24 luxury tented pavilions and suites carved into a cliff, while the two-level [Revery Villa](https://www.thereverycrete.com/stay/the-revery-villa) will provide 1,400 square feet of absolute privacy. The retreat arranges visits to remote local monasteries to taste monastic wine and private helicopter transfers to skip the 3.5-hour ride to Elafonisi from the Heraklion airport. (Rates starting from €600.) ## Epirus Only [5 in every 100 travelers](https://news.gtp.gr/2025/05/08/greece-welcomed-40-7-million-visitors-in-2024-tourism-revenue-tops-e21-6-billion-final-data/#) to Greece come to the remote mountainous region of Epirus in the country’s northwest. Set between the Ionian Sea and the Pindus, the country’s largest mountain range dubbed “the spine of Greece,” the region of virgin forests and limestone peaks is quietly becoming a staple for experience-driven itineraries. For her clients seeking to go beyond the Greek islands, Evyssa Vacations’ Dali organizes exclusive truffle hunting outings in Metsovo, home to the Vlach shepherd community; stays atop a private mountain at the [Grand Forest Metsovo](https://www.grand-forest.gr/); and visits to Meteora monasteries in the nearby Thessaly. “Epirus offers a completely different perspective of Greece, with alpine scenery, a sense of seclusion, and a strong connection to local cultures,” adds Dali. Along the under-the-radar Epirus Coast, the hill-top [Elix retreat](https://www.marbella.gr/accommodation/deluxe-suite-private-pool/) with one Michelin key has been operating in the remote Parga area since 2021. The five-star property’s double-aspect suites include a wraparound terrace and in-suite infinity pools on Karavostasi beach, with private boat jaunts to the nearby island of Corfu. ## Athens ![Outdoor patio chair with cushion on a deck, facing ancient stone columns amid trees and distant mountains.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/drz_anthology_5256.webp) Boutique five-star Anthology of Athens is within steps of the Acropolis, directly facing the Temple of Olympian Zeus. *Photo: Christos Drazos* The buzzy, gritty Greek capital has fully come into its own as a luxury destination in the past five years. And only 30 minutes from the capital, the Athens Riviera is a nearly 40-mile stretch of the southern suburbs alongside the Saronic Gulf, where properties like [Astir Palace](http://astir.gr/) have welcomed affluent residents of the capital and those in the know for decades. The Riviera’s quick access to the Aegean Sea and must-try experiences like dinner at Greece’s only two-Michelin-starred venue, [Delta](https://deltarestaurant.gr/), in Piraeus or stays at [Aesthesis](https://www.oneandonlyresorts.com/aesthesis), a One & Only resort that opened in 2024 on 50 acres of a protected forest reserve in Glyfada, can’t be beat. In the city center, the five-star boutique [Anthology of Athens](https://www.anthologyofathens.com/) by the award-winning [Elastic Architects](https://elasticarchitects.com/projects/anthology-of-athens/) has been arranging secluded luxury stays steps from the Acropolis since late 2024. Directly facing the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the hotel’s 18 suites are decorated with Tinian marble, gold accents, and walnut wood, and provide uninterrupted views of the city’s most famous landmark. This spring, the boutique will launch Anthology Dialogues, a series of private, scholar-led sessions with the city’s leading historians, philosophers, and thinkers. With topics ranging from stoicism to Greek identity, the inaugural conversations are hosted by Professor Despina Iosif, a historian specializing in the Greco-Roman world (€180 per 45-minute session, booked through the hotel). *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Travel **Tags:** athens, greece, Peloponnese --- ### [6 Luxurious Ways to Enjoy Japan’s Cherry Blossom Season](https://robbreport.ph/travel/6-ways-to-enjoy-japans-cherry-blossom-season-in-style/) **Published:** March 12, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** For a brief window between late March and early April, [Japan](https://robbreport.ph/tag/japan/ "japan") hosts one of the world’s most beloved phenomenons. Cherry blossoms, or *sakura*, parade within the country in delicate shades of pink. The centuries-old tradition of *hanami*, or blossom viewing, transforms parks, riverbanks, and temple grounds into open-air salons for picnics and quiet contemplation. For the 2026 season, several luxury properties are turning the fleeting season into a travel experience. From sleek urban hotels in [Tokyo](https://robbreport.ph/tag/tokyo/ "tokyo") to riverside *ryokan* in Kyoto and lantern-lit gardens in Aomori, these stays pair prime blossom viewing with thoughtful cultural touches. Consider these the most stylish ways to catch Japan in bloom. ## The Tokyo Edition, Ginza: A Design-Forward Hanami Base ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/fsggds.webp) An unparalleled rooftop view *Photo: Marriott* Set in the heart of Tokyo’s most glamorous district, The Tokyo Edition Ginza offers a refined take on the cherry blossom stay. The hotel’s Sakura Package pairs the city’s seasonal theatrics with a polished urban retreat. Guests begin each day with breakfast at Sophie at Edition before heading out armed with a bespoke Urban Hanami Map, a guide to some of Tokyo’s most picturesque blossom spots that range from historic parks to sakura-lined boulevards. Evenings return to the hotel with a Sakura-themed cocktail and an exclusive blossom-inspired in-room amenity. It’s all a simple enough formula, really: explore the city’s ephemeral beauty by day, retreat to contemporary calm by night. *More information [here](https://www.marriott.com/offers/sakura-package-off-213363/tyoeb-the-tokyo-edition-ginza).* ## The Tokyo Edition, Toranomon: Cherry Blossoms With a Skyline View ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/tyoet-tower-suite-7219-hor-clsc.webp) The Tokyo Skytree in sight. *Photo: Marriott* Across town, The Tokyo Edition Toranomon delivers a different perspective (quite literally, we’d say). Perched high above the city with sweeping views toward Tokyo Tower, the property’s Sakura Package frames *hanami* through floor-to-ceiling windows and serene interiors. Breakfast is served at The Blue Room, while evenings unfold with Sakura cocktails at the Lobby Bar. Like its Ginza counterpart, the stay includes an Urban Hanami Map and a seasonal in-room amenity. For travelers who prefer their cherry blossoms paired with skyline drama, Toranomon provides the ideal perch. *More information [here](https://www.marriott.com/offers/sakura-package-off-213361/tyoet-the-tokyo-edition-toranomon).* ## Hoshinoya Kyoto: Riverside Hanami in Arashiyama ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/HOSHINOYA-Kyoto_Sakura-themed-confectionery-and-refreshments-2240x1494.webp) A sakura-themed menu at Hoshinoya *Photo: Hoshino Resorts* Sure, Kyoto’s Arashiyama district is legendary during blossom season. But Hoshinoya Kyoto sits just far enough upstream to feel blissfully removed from the crowds. Reached by boat along the Ōi River, the property offers rooms overlooking wooded slopes and riverside sakura. Evenings are spent on the Hanazakura Terrace beneath illuminated weeping cherry trees, where seasonal dishes are served as part of a spring-focused menu (picture cherry sea bream sashimi and bamboo shoot rice). The following morning might include sakura tea in the Floating Tea Room or a private breakfast cruise aboard Hisui, the property’s cedar-and-cypress houseboat drifting through the Ran-kyō Gorge. *More information [here](https://hoshinoresorts.com/en/hotels/hoshinoyakyoto/).* ## Kai Tsugaru: Lantern-Lit Blossoms in Northern Japan ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/KAI-Tsugaru_The-water-garden-is-lit-in-the-spirit-of-hana-akari-with-floating-lights-and-lanterns-2240x1493.webp) The water garden *Photo: Hoshino Resorts* Farther north in Aomori Prefecture, cherry blossoms arrive later, often peaking in early to mid-April. KAI Tsugaru transforms the wait into an atmospheric evening ritual with its “Harumachi Sakura Lantern Terrace.” In the property’s Tsugaru Four Seasons Water Garden, lanterns crafted from Tsugaru Vidro glass and Kanayama-yaki pottery illuminate the ponds in the soft glow known as *hana*–*akari*—the light reflected from blossoms at dusk. Guests enjoy small seasonal bites featuring snow-stored apples, warm cider, and chilled soups while taking in the glowing garden. *More information [here](https://hoshinoresorts.com/en/hotels/kaitsugaru/).* ## Aomoriya: Festival-Inspired Hanami and Onsen ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Aomorya_Nebuta-lanterns-light-the-indoor-sakura-promenade-at-Aomoriya-2240x1493.webp) Nebuta lanterns adorn the halls *Photo: Hoshino Resorts* Also in Aomori, Aomoriya celebrates spring with the exuberant “Tange Hanasaka Matsuri,” an indoor hanami festival designed to keep the mood alive even when the weather turns cold. A lantern-filled hall anchored by a towering *Nebuta* figure recreates the spirit of blossom season with more than 200 apple-blossom lanterns overhead. Outside, guests can soak in an onsen beneath an illuminated cherry tree—a pairing of hot spring steam and drifting petals that feels quintessentially Japanese. *More information [here](https://hoshinoresorts.com/en/hotels/aomoriya/).* ## Kai Anjin & Kai Ito: A Sakura Bus Tour Along the Coast ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Kai-Anjin-Kai-Ito_Guests-ride-an-open-top-bus-through-tunnels-of-cherry-blossom-1-2240x1680.webp) Back to the basics: How about a three-hour bus tour? *Photo: Hoshino Resorts* On the Izu Peninsula, Kai Anjin and Kai Ito take guests directly into the blossoms with the Sakura Open Bus Tour. The three-hour journey winds through tunnels of cherry trees toward Sakura no Sato near Mount Ōmuro, home to more than 1,500 trees spanning 40 varieties. Guests dine beneath the blossoms on hanami bento before returning to the ryokan’s coastal hot springs. After a soak overlooking Suruga Bay, seasonal cherry drinks in the lounge provide a fitting finale to a day spent chasing petals. *More information [here](https://hoshinoresorts.com/en/hotels/kaianjin/).* **Categories:** Travel **Tags:** Hoshinoya Tokyo, japan, KAI Tsugaru, luxury travel, News, Sakura, tokyo, Tokyo Edition --- ### [The 10 Best Luxury Hotels in Barcelona](https://robbreport.ph/travel/the-10-best-luxury-hotels-in-barcelona/) **Published:** May 18, 2026 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** The multicolored mosaics and swirling stonework of maverick architect Antoni Gaudí may be one of the most famous attractions in Barcelona, but the Catalan capital is also home to some of [Spain’s](https://robbreport.ph/tag/spain/ "spain") most luxurious, and superbly designed, hotels. You’ll find everything here from lavish, city-centre grande dames to neo-Gothic mansions to cutting-edge skyscrapers with spectacular sea views. If that wasn’t reason enough to visit [Barcelona](https://robbreport.ph/tag/barcelona/ "Barcelona"), 2026 marks the centenary of Gaudi’s death and the completion of his most iconic work, [La Sagrada Familia](https://sagradafamilia.org/en/). The city is also home to no fewer than 28 [Michelin](https://robbreport.ph/tag/michelin/ "Michelin")-starred restaurants, several of which are in Barcelona’s top hotels. So, in no particular order, these are 10 of the best hotels in the city right now. ## Sea Views: Hotel Arts ![Hotel room with a large window showing an ocean view, a white bed, and a sitting area by the window.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/MARRIOT_ARTS_BARCELONA_JUN_25_1901_39977_HIGH.webp) *Photo: Marriott International* Barcelona was once called “the city that turned its back on the sea” but that changed in 1992 when the landmark Hotel Arts opened to coincide with the 1992 Olympics and the regeneration of the city’s port. The first of the city’s new generation of luxury hotels, the 44-story skyscraper with its Pompidou Centre–like facade, all exposed steel and glass lattice, looks out to the Mediterranean and Frank Gehry’s glimmering, copper-toned, outsized fish sculpture. The 432 rooms and 44 suites have recently undergone a major revamp by design studio Meyer Davis in understated neutral taupes and grays, but it’s the sea views that really have the wow factor. With five restaurants—including the superb, two-Michelin-starred Enoteca by superstar Catalan chef Paco Perez— and two pools, you won’t want to leave. **Best amenity:** The Club lounge (which serves complimentary snacks and light meals to Club-level guests all day) and the rooftop spa both have spectacular views, as does the spellbinding, 220-square-meter Art Suite. **Can’t-miss experience:** Enoteca! And its wine pairings. Look out for dishes like chop suey of langoustines—the tender langoustines come in a rich fish velouté topped with a halo of fluffy coriander and alfalfa foam—or green peas with baby scallops and green caviar. The organic 2023 Malvasía de Sitges Vinya La Plana from the local Catalan Penedès wine region marries blissfully with the langoustines. *From $577* ## Palatial Style: El Palace ![Luxurious dining room with blue upholstered seating, long wooden tables, and a grand chandelier centerpiece.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Amar-Barcelona-Restaurant-Interior-2.webp) *Photo: Carlos Garralaga* With its grand staircases, gilded ceilings, and parlor palms, Barcelona’s original luxury haunt first opened in 1919 as the Ritz hotel on one of the city’s major avenues. Since then it has hosted everyone from Salvador Dalí and the Rolling Stones’ Ronnie Wood—both of whom have Suites named after them—to Pablo Picasso, Frank Sinatra, John Wayne, Sofia Loren, Michael Douglas, and Pierce Brosnan. In 2005 it was reborn as El Palace and has undergone numerous revamps since then, so it’s not at all fusty. The 114 rooms, including 24 junior suites, six superior suites, and five deluxe suites, feature lofty ceilings and marble bathrooms. For truly palatial style, the six Art Suites—including Salvador Dali’s favorite and another designed by Ronnie Wood—have grand fireplaces, vast walk-in closets, and Roman-style mosaic tubs. Dining options include the superb Amar, as well as a large rooftop terrace with a restaurant, garden, and pool. At the award-winning Mayan spa on the first floor, you can indulge in stress-banishing massages using volcanic rocks and medicinal herbs. The hotel also has its own luxury speedboat if you fancy seeing the Barcelona skyline from the water. Choose from a day out on the SeaRay SDX 270 or savor a three-hour sunset cruise with a bottle of Ruinart or Brut Reserve cava. **Best amenity:** The hotel’s Amar restaurant is run by Rafa Zafra, a former chef at Ferran Adria’s legendary three-Michelin-starred El Bulli—five times voted the World’s Best Restaurant. Sample seafood in the grand midnight-blue dining room. **Can’t-miss experience:** Named after Ronnie Wood, the Bluesman Cocktail Bar in the hotel’s basement is all red velvet, leather chesterfields, and 1920s chandeliers. Come for the top cocktails and a boogie (or the adjacent cigar cellar with humidors) and you might just run into a Rolling Stone. *From $490* ## Understated Glamor: The One Barcelona ![Rooftop pool deck with loungers, umbrellas, and towels, overlooking a city skyline under a clear blue sky.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/15_HTORooftopPool1.webp) *Photo: Roger Mendez* Some hotels shout their deluxe credentials from the rooftop, but The One is all about discreet luxury. The hotel’s 88 rooms, including 25 suites created by award-winning design studio Jaime Beriestain, are understated in ivory, dove gray, and the occasional dash of teal velvet, with Egyptian cotton bed linens and goose down comforters. The spacious bathrooms, meanwhile, *exude* luxury with black marble vanity units and 18-carat gold faucets. Gaudi’s monumental La Pedrera apartment building is less than five minutes’ walk away, as is Barcelona’s leafy shopping avenue, Passeig de Gracia, with its designer boutiques and Gaudí’s Casa Battló. **Best amenity:** If your limbs are weary from sightseeing, the small basement spa with its sauna, steam room, treatment rooms, and heated pool is the perfect place to revive them. The roof terrace also has an outdoor pool and restaurant/bar with views of Sagrada Familia. **Can’t-miss experience:** The vast Sagrada Familia Suite has a private terrace with views of, you guessed it, Sagrada Familia—not to mention a hot tub, sun loungers, and an outdoor shower. There’s also a 1,200-square-foot Penthouse Suite with its own, even larger, private terrace. *From $500* ## Contemporary Opulence: Mandarin Oriental Barcelona ![Luxurious hotel suite living area with a king bed, navy headboard, white and orange pillows, and a blue ottoman near the foot of the bed.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/21Mandarin-Oriental-Barcelona-Mandarin-Junior-Suite-1.webp) *Photo: George Apostolidis* From the moment you step onto the Mandarin Oriental’s fashion runway-like entrance bridge, you know you’re going to be in for a glamorous ride. High ceilings, ornately sculptural die-cut screens, and thick carpets set the tone in the lobby, while the 120 rooms (including 20 suites) are less flashy but similarly plush. The vast Garden Suite also has its own private garden with sun loungers and dining area. When it comes to food and drink you’re spoiled for choice with three restaurants, including one on the rooftop, an all-day brasserie, and the Michelin-starred Moments. The Bankers’ Bar is lined with vault drawers, calling back to the building’s origins as the headquarters of a 1950s bank. **Best amenity:** The hotel’s expansive basement spa has a huge heated pool alongside a relaxation area, sauna, steam rooms, and treatment rooms. **Can’t-miss experience:** The last thing you expect to find in the midst of Barcelona’s most famous shopping avenue is a tranquil oasis, but that’s what the elegant Mimosa gardens delivers, with sun loungers and a bar available in the summer. *From $1,062* ## Fine Dining: Monument ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/MH-FACHADA_1339.webp) *Photo: Monument* Gourmands travel from around the world to savor Monument’s three-Michelin-starred temple of gastronomy: Lasarte, run by Basque culinary superstar Martin Berasategui and Paolo Casagrande. There’s more, however, to the hotel than just the restaurant. With a vibe that’s part Court of King Arthur, part New York loft, Monument is set in a neo-Gothic 19th-century mansion at the top of Passeig de Gracia, just yards from Gaudí’s UNESCO-listed La Pedrera (“The Quarry”) apartment block. Meanwhile, the 84 rooms are very much 21st-century chic with exposed brick walls, black sofas, and curved wooden wardrobes. The slate gray marble bathrooms have hexagonal tiling in a nod to the Gaudí-designed tiles on the sidewalk outside. The supremely comfortable beds have Egyptian cotton linens, 100 percent goose-down comforters and a choice of top quality pillows, while Diptyque bathroom products add a further touch of luxury. The basement spa is a favorite among discerning locals, especially its facials. **Best amenity:** The 13 Monument Suites facing Passeig de Gracia have balconies directly facing La Pedrera. **Can’t-miss experience:** Lasarte is one of Barcelona’s most exceptional restaurants, complete with a knockout wine list. Look out for the chef’s table experience with curated music to accompany the supremely elegant dishes. *From $433* ## Historic Grandeur: Cotton House ![Luxurious library lounge with ornate gold-trimmed ceiling, tall bookshelves, and a central wooden door behind seating area.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/LIBRARY_COTTON-HOUSE02.webp) *Photo: Marriott International* Originally built in the 19th century as a private mansion on one of Barcelona’s most prestigious avenues, this fantastically grand neoclassical *palacio* still has the feel of a stately home with painted ceilings, parquet flooring, antiques and modern art. Previously the headquarters of Barcelona’s powerful Cotton Producers Guild (hence the name), the building was revamped by top Catalan interior designer Lázaro Rosa-Violán before opening in 2015 as a Marriott Autograph Collection hotel. The 83 rooms are elegant yet warm, with ivory-toned walls and touches of teal, and products from luxury Italian brand Ortigia. The Ottoman, Damask, and Vichy suites are especially grand with parquet floors, frescoed ceilings, and balconies facing out to the main Gran Via Avenue. **Best amenity:** With top-class Mediterranean food and a laid-back but elegant vibe, the Cotton House’s rooftop bar and restaurant have become hot ticket on their own. There’s also a saltwater pool and a library fit for an afternoon whisky. **Can’t-miss experience:** Recalling the building’s textile industry heritage, the hotel offers a bespoke gentlemen’s tailoring service courtesy of top Barcelona couturier Santa Eulalia (Barcelona’s equivalent of a Savile Row tailor). *From $500* ## Panoramic City Views: Nobu Barcelona ![Upscale dining room with round tables, brown leather chairs, and warm orange ceiling lighting overlooking a city skyline at sunset through floor-to-ceiling windows.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Hero-Image-Restaurant-.webp) *Photo: Nobu Barcelona* A converted 1970s office block tower by the city’s major train station may not seem an obvious location for a luxury hotel, but there’s a sense of zen-like calm from the moment you arrive at Nobu Barcelona. It’s all in the elegant details: Japanese-style warm woods pair nicely with stylish contemporary Catalan design and Gaudí-style mosaics, from the lobby to the 259 spacious guest rooms. It’s the upper-floor suites, though, with their floor-to-ceiling windows and city-sweeping views that will take your breath away. As you’d expect, the food and beverages are also superb—there’s a choice of three restaurants, including the flagship Nobu. There’s also a fully equipped gym and a spa that does sleep massages using products from Kloris, a London-based CBD brand. The city’s Gothic quarter is only about 15 minutes away by taxi or Metro; the hotel can also organize private Gaudí tours. **Best amenity:** Barcelona’s tallest open-air hotel rooftop, complete with a plunge pool, has almost 360-degree views of the city and DJ sessions in the summer. **Can’t-miss experience:** The panoramic views are equally impressive at the 23rd-floor restaurant, where you can sample the excellent buffet breakfast or enjoy Nobu’s reliably top-class menu. Star dishes include Nobu’s own specialities and those inspired by Barcelona’s coast. *From $294* ## Plant-Based Fine Dining: Almanac ![Balcony seating area with a round black table, two red chairs, and potted plants along a wooden screen; sliding glass door to the living room.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Almanac_Barcelona_Terrace_Suite-25.webp) *Photo: Almanac* Open in 2018, the sleek Almanac in the heart of Barcelona’s downtown is one of the newer kids on the proverbial block, and it’s already standing out. Cleverly converted from two office blocks, the high central atrium and contemporary décor—all monochrome marble with gold accents and statement lighting—comes courtesy of top Catalan design studio Jaime Beriestain (see also: Cotton House; The One Barcelona). The 60 spacious rooms and 30 suites are all equally stylish with luxurious, 300-thread-count bed linen and high-tech Japanese lavatories. The Artist’s Suites come with their own private terraces and gifts of signed lithographs by contemporary artists. If you need a private chauffeur, the hotel will arrange one. You can also cool down in the plunge pool; try mixologist cocktails at the Azimuth bar; or enjoy a quick workout in the 24-hour gym. **Best amenity:** The hotel’s rooftop terrace has stellar city views—take a closer look with the provided binoculars. **Can’t-miss experience:** Michelin-starred chef Rodrigo de la Calle dishes up a primarily plant-based fine dining menu at the popular Virens. Locally sourced vegetables make up 80 percent of each dish and the wine or nonalcoholic pairings are particularly good. *From $350* ## Sightseeing: Gothic Quarter Exploration: Grand Hotel Central ![Rooftop pool viewed from a wooden cabana, with lounge chairs and a city skyline in the distance.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/1-Grand-Hotel-Central-Rooftop-Sauna.webp) *Photo: Isolda Delgado Mora* Barcelona’s top hotels tend to fall into one of two camps—either grand 19th-century buildings or super modern ones—but the Grand Hotel Central is neither. Originally built as a private mansion in the 1920s on one of the city’s major avenues, just moments away from the city’s Gothic cathedral and Picasso Museum, the hotel was given a deluxe makeover in 2024. The chic new interiors highlight the building’s original high-ceilinged grandeur with outsize contemporary sculptures and lofty columns in the lobby. The 147 rooms, including six spacious junior suites and six master suites, ooze glamour. Additional luxuries include Marshall Bluetooth speakers and bathroom products from upscale Barcelona brand Carner. There’s also a small spa and the young staff are super helpful. **Best amenity:** If wandering the streets of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter has left you hot and weary, there’s no better place to cool down than on the hotel’s rooftop terrace with its bar, restaurant, and 32-foot infinity pool. **Can’t-miss experience:** The hotel’s ground-floor restaurant Can Bo serves *great* seasonal and locally sourced tapas and Catalan dishes, alongside an excellent wine list in a swish dining room. Don’t miss the garlicky grilled cuttlefish with parsley or the porcini mushroom and eggplant cannelloni. *From $260* ## Hotel Ohla ![Modern lounge with black walls covered in white moon-face sculptures, beige curved sofa, round coffee table, and gray ottomans on circular rug.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/hotel-ohla-1.webp) *Photo: Hotel Ohla* If you’re visiting Barcelona you’re most likely going to visit the Gothic Quarter, as well as the famous Ramblas and Gaudí buildings—and the Hotel Ohla is within easy walking distance of all three. Originally home to Barcelona’s first department store, there’s a sense of quirky drama in the high-ceilinged lobby with its black walls and ceramic white masks. The 74 rooms have a more minimal feel with white walls, wooden flooring, and dashes of black and violet. The hotel also has two restaurants: one for casual but contemporary tapas as well as the Michelin-starred Caelis. **Best amenity:** Pillow menus are nothing new but the Ohla staff will offer you not just a selection of pillows but also a choice of fabrics, including percale cotton, linen, or satin, as well as a range of pillow scents. **Can’t-miss experience:** The rooftop terrace has a bar and pool with lovely views over the Gothic Quarter. *From $524* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Travel **Tags:** Barcelona, Best of, Feature, hotels, spain --- ### [The 15 Coolest Watches With Green Dials to Buy Now](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-15-coolest-watches-with-green-dials-to-buy-now/) **Published:** May 18, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** Green dials seem to be popping up everywhere at the moment, but the truth is, watches with them have been around for quite some time. [Piaget](https://robbreport.ph/tag/piaget/ "piaget") began crafting malachite faces back in the 1960s, with [Rolex](https://robbreport.ph/tag/rolex/ "rolex") and [Audemars Piguet ](https://robbreport.ph/tag/audemars-piguet/ "audemars piguet")embracing stone dials by the ‘70s. The trend really gained momentum when Rolex launched the Submariner “Hulk” (Ref. 116610LV) in 2010, though. [Patek Philippe](https://robbreport.ph/tag/patek-philippe/ "Patek Philippe") further popularized the color, releasing a white-gold Aquanaut (Ref. 5168G) with an embossed khaki dial in 2019, followed by a Nautilus with an olive dial in 2021. Other luxury watchmakers swiftly followed suit, with the market turning a sea of green by 2024. Today, pretty much every maison has a reference dressed in the hue. AP has returned to its roots, adding that classic malachite to the modern Royal Oak. Similarly, Rolex has revisited aventurine, putting the stone on a new Day-Date 40. Jaeger-LeCoultre, on the other hand, has showcased the hue in grand feu enamel on the latest Reverso Tribute, and Patek made traditional racing green the backdrop of a grand complication watch. Below are 15 of the coolest green-dial watches currently on the market. # Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding ![Gold-toned luxury wristwatch with a green dial and octagonal bezel, featuring exposed screws and a linked bracelet (Audemars Piguet).](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/audemars-piguet-royal-oak-selfwinding.webp) *Photo: Audemars Piguet* This [newly released](https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gallery/five-incredible-new-watches-from-audemars-piguets-first-big-drop-of-1237552994/rr_20260203-ap-drop-malachite/) [Royal Oak](https://www.audemarspiguet.com/com/en/watch-collection/royal-oak/15513BA.OO.1320BA.01.html) lets the malachite be the star, with the face entirely free of the fancy complications that AP loves. That gorgeous green is complemented by 18-karat gold, which appears on the 41 mm case, the integrated bracelet, and the hands and markers. It retails for $81,900. ## Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute ![Two Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso watches on black leather straps, left with a green textured dial and right with an artsy panel on the dial](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Jaeger-LeCoultre-Reverso-Tribute-2.webp) *Photo: Jaeger-LeCoultre* Jaeger-LeCoultre doubled down on green with its newest [Reverso Tribute](https://www.jaeger-lecoultre.com/us-en/watches/reverso/reverso-tribute/reverso-tribute-enamel-hokusai-kiyotaki-waterfall-q39334t8). This white-gold limited edition showcases the hue on both sides in quite a spectacular fashion. One dial features a patterned hand-guilloché base topped by green grand feu enamel, the other displays a miniature grand feu enamel reproduction of a Katsushika Hokusai artwork. JLC says it takes up to 100 hours of meticulous work to complete the entire watch. It is limited to 10 examples, with price upon request. ## Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Tourbillon ![Green-dial luxury wristwatch with a tourbillon, silver case, and green leather strap resting on notebooks.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Vacheron-Constantin-Traditionnelle-Tourbillon.webp) *Photo: Vacheron Constantin* This [Traditionnelle Tourbillon](https://www.vacheron-constantin.com/us/en/collections/traditionnelle/6000t-000p-h025.html) is the very definition of simple yet striking, pairing a relatively small and classically shaped 41 mm platinum case with a deep green sunburst dial and white-gold accents. This specific shade further accentuates the Maltese cross-shaped tourbillon cage positioned at 6 o’clock and the movement within. The Calibre 2160/1 is worth showcasing, too, given it is immaculately finished and offers an impressive 80-hour power reserve. Price on request. ## Glashütte Original Sixties Chronograph Annual Edition ![Green dial wristwatch with brown suede strap and silver case photographed on black background, close-up detail included crown and pushers.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Glashutte-Original-Sixties-Chronograph-Annual-Edition.webp) *Photo: Glashütte Original* Released in 2021, this [Glashütte Sixties](https://www.glashuette-original.com/en/watches/vintage/sixties-chronograph-annual-edition-1-39-34-05-22-04/) chronograph is something of an oldie but a goodie, with a handcrafted lacquered dial that transitions from vibrant green to dark black thanks to a dégradé effect. These incredible faces are produced at a specialized dial-making facility in Pforzheim, Germany, requiring much meticulous work to come to fruition. The green centerpiece is complemented by a 42 mm steel case and brown calfskin strap. You can pick one up for $9,600. ## IWC Big Pilot’s Watch ![IWC pilot-style wristwatch with green dial, moon phase window, multiple subdials, and green strap.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/iwc-big-pilots-watch.webp) *Photo: IWC* If you want a big dose of green, go for [IWC’s Big Pilot’s Watch](https://www.iwc.com/gb-en/watches/pilot-watches/iw503608-big-pilots-watch-perpetual-calendar). This iteration features a hefty 46.2 mm case in steel and an information-packed dial in a smart racing green. The face shows comprehensive calendar information, including the date, day, month, four-digit year, and a perpetual moon phase for both hemispheres. What else do you need? You can pick one up for $36,500. ## Omega Seamaster 300 ![Green dial Omega Seamaster diver's watch with a unidirectional bezel and green strap, shown on a black background.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/omega-seamaster-300-.webp) *Photo: Omega* Rolex and AP aren’t the only watchmakers turning to stone. Omega gave the legendary 1950s [Seamaster 300](https://www.omegawatches.com/watch-omega-seamaster-300-co-axial-master-chronometer-41-mm-23493412199001) dive watch a luxury makeover, adding a 42 mm platinum-gold case, a green ceramic bezel, and most importantly of all, a mesmerizing malachite dial with white-gold hands. It retails for $58,000. ## Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe ![Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe dive watch with green dial, green bezel, and metal bracelet.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/blancpain-fifty-fathoms-bathyscaphe.webp) *Photo: Blancpain* This [Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe](https://www.blancpain.com/en/fifty-fathoms/bathyscaphe-5000-0153-01s) puts a luxurious spin on military, combining diving performance with elegant aesthetics. The 43.6 mm piece is crafted entirely in hand-finished black ceramic, save for the sunburst green dial and the green ceramic on the unidirectional bezel. Something else that will make other collectors green with envy is the five-day power reserve. The diver retails for $26,000. ## Cartier Santos ![Cartier wristwatch with a green sunburst dial, Roman numerals, stainless steel case, and green leather strap](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Cartier-Santos.webp) *Photo: Cartier* The Santos does green so well, with a sleek steel case and bracelet wrapping around a graduated emerald-hued dial featuring sword-shaped steel hands. If you prefer just a splash of color, there is a skeletonized Santos with green bridges that form Roman numerals. The regular [Santos](https://www.cartier.com/en-us/watches/collections/santos-de-cartier/santos-de-cartier-watch-CRWSSA0062.html) retails for $8,650, while the [open-worked iteration](https://www.cartier.com/en-us/watches/collections/santos-de-cartier/santos-de-cartier-skeleton-watch-CRWHSA0028.html) costs $34,700. ## Louis Vuitton Tambour Street Diver ![Louis Vuitton automatic wristwatch with an olive green dial, black inner ring, and silver case on a green strap.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/louis-vuitton-tambour-street-diver.webp) *Photo: Louis Vuitton* The [Tambour Street Diver](https://us.louisvuitton.com/eng-us/products/tambour-street-diver-automatic-44mm-steel-nvprod4600021v/QA173A) already has a distinctly sporty feel, but this particular 44 mm steel reference features an “Urban Green” dial that adds another layer of ruggedness. The military-esque khaki is contrasted with splashes of black on the unidirectional rotating flange and small seconds counter at 6 o’clock. The rubber strap showcases the same two-tone colorway, with a black “Louis Vuitton” running across the green. The piece retails for $6,950. ## TAG Heuer Formula 1 Solargraph ![Tag Heuer Formula 1 Solargraph watch with a mint green dial, diamond hour markers, and a date window at 3 o'clock.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/tag-heuer-formula-1-solargraph.webp) *Photo: TAG Heuer* The dial on this [newly released](https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/tag-heuer-formula-1-solargraph-watches-1238012121/) [Formula 1 Solargraph](https://www.tagheuer.com/us/en/timepieces/collections/tag-heuer-formula-1/38-mm-th50-00/WBY111B.BA0042.html) can be credited with elevating the entry-level model. The pastel green opaline face features eight diamond-set indexes—a first for the Formula 1 line—adding a slightly luxurious touch to an otherwise utilitarian design. The 38 mm case and bracelet are both steel, while the green bidirectional bezel is made of the watchmaker’s proprietary bio-polamide plastic (TH-Polylight). You can pick one up for $2,800. ## Patek Grand Complications ![Green-dial luxury wristwatch with chronograph sub-dials, day/date window, and moon phase on a black leather strap.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/patek-grand-complications_864bfe.webp) *Photo: Patek Philippe* Patek says the lacquered green dial on this [grand complication watch](https://www.patek.com/en/collection/grand-complications/5270p-014) (Ref. 5270P-014) evokes “the bodywork of the finest automobiles.” We can’t help but think of the British Racing Green on a Jaguar E-Type. The sleek platinum case, concave bezel, and fluted lugs recall the car’s elegant lines, too. The mechanics are as impressive as a four-wheeler’s, with the movement combining a perpetual calendar and a chronograph. It will cost you $242,561. ## Chopard Alpine Eagle 41 AM ![Stainless steel wristwatch with a green textured dial, date window at 3 o'clock, and brushed bezel style accessory.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/chopard-alpine-eagle-41-am.webp) *Photo: Chopard* This particular [Alpine Eagle](https://www.chopard.com/en-us/watch/298600-3038.html) showcases a fresh “moss green” hue achieved through a PVD treatment on the brass dial. Enhancing that color is a motif inspired by the eagle’s iris, stamped onto the dials of all pieces in the line. Also on the face is a small magnet with a line through it, as this is the first reference in the collection to feature an anti‑magnetic balance spring, giving it increased resistance to magnetic fields. It retails for $17,100. ## Rolex Day-Date 40 ![Rose-gold Rolex watch with a green dial, diamond markers, and a fluted bezel on a reflective surface.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/rolex-day-date-40.webp) *Photo: Rolex* Everyone may have been talking about the new “Jubilee Gold” on this newly released [Day-Date](https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/lists/new-rolexes-2026-watches-wonders-1237817899/day-date-40-in-jubilee-gold/) (Ref. 228235JG), but we’re obsessed with the aventurine dial. The Crown started experimenting with this stone in the 1970s and revisited it in 2023. This time, the aventurine is an elegant pale green, though, which pairs perfectly with the warm alloy on the 41 mm case, bezel, and bracelet. The off-catalog piece is priced at $62,700. ## H. Moser & Cie Streamliner Small Seconds ![Stainless steel wristwatch with a vibrant green dial on a blue background, resting on a textured surface.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/h-moser-cie-streamliner-small-seconds.webp) *Photo: H. Moser & Cie* Moser’s latest [Streamliner Small Seconds](https://h-moser.com/product/streamliner-small-seconds-6500-1201/) certainly packs a punch, with a fumé grand feu enamel dial in an eye-catching lime green hue. The back is almost as striking, with the sapphire spotlighting an in-house automatic movement (HMC 500) featuring contemporary Moser finishing. Rounding out the design is a 39 mm cushion-shaped case and an integrated bracelet in steel. The boutique exclusive is priced at 30,000 Swiss francs, or about $39,500. ## Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Skeleton ![Silver skeleton wristwatch with visible gears on a gradient gray background, head-on view on a metal bracelet accessory.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/parmigiani-tonda-pf-skeleton.webp) *Photo: Parmigiani Fleurier* The dial on this [Tonda PF Skeleton](https://www.parmigiani.com/en/watches/tonda-pf-skeleton-steel-slate-green/) is actually the top of the open-worked movement, which is colored in a subtle slate green and vertically satin-finished for extra pizazz. Surrounding that is a platinum bezel, a 40 mm steel case, and a matching steel bracelet. It is strictly limited to 50 pieces, with each one priced at 65,000 Swiss francs, or roughly $83,100. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** audemars piguet, Evergreen, jaeger-le coultre, rolex, Vacheron Constantin --- ### [How to Drive a Supercar: Everything You Need to Know Before Getting Behind the Wheel](https://robbreport.ph/guide-to/how-to-drive-a-supercar-everything-you-need-to-know-before-getting-behind-the-wheel/) **Published:** April 28, 2026 **Author:** Basem Wasef **Content:** Your company just IPO’d, you’re ready to dump the family truckster, and your significant other has given you the go-ahead: you’re finally ready dive into the supercar lifestyle you’ve been dreaming of since you were a car-obsessed kid. What you didn’t know is that your freshly minted acquisition is more than a bit daunting. Your new ride has awkward ergonomics, controls that look more at home in a spaceship than a road car, and enough power on tap to launch you into hyperspace. What do you do, what do you *not do,* and how do you avoid becoming internet famous for all the wrong reasons? Swing up those scissor doors, climb inside, and buckle up. This is our guide to everything you wanted to know about driving a supercar, but were afraid to ask. ![Open-top luxury sports car interior with black and yellow seats, steering wheel, and center console.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/02_rr_coty_lambo2-51827-pm.webp) This is not a spaceship, just the otherworldly cockpit of a Lamborghini Huracán EVO Spyder. *Photo: Robb Rice* ## The Vintage Will Change the Driving Experience [Supercars](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-50-greatest-sports-cars-of-the-21st-century/ "The 50 Greatest Sports Cars of the 21st Century") can change your life—just ask collector Drew Coblitz. “I’ve helped a lot of people who’ve dreamed about finally buying their first real “toy,” and it’s really something else when they finally acquire it,” he says. “I get to watch people revert back to their child-like self for a brief moment, and that happiness and freedom is really special.” Assuming you’re embarking on this journey for the first time, let’s first settle on one key distinction: Are you acquiring a poster car from your childhood—say, a 1960s Lamborghini Miura, a 1970s [Ferrari](https://robbreport.com/tag/ferrari/) Berlinetta Boxer, a 1980s Lamborghini Countach, a 1990s [McLaren](https://robbreport.com/tag/mclaren/) F1? Or are you seeking a brand-new model from the latest ultra-high-end marque? Your path will differ dramatically depending on the vintage. ![Silver exotic sports car with butterfly doors raised, revealing red interior, parked outdoors on a paved surface.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Sothebys_Sealed_MCLAREN_F1_059.webp) The McLaren F1, like this unique 1998 example that sold privately through RM Sotheby’s in 2022, was a poster car for many, and will often command eight figures. *Photo: RM Sotheby’s* Sergio, a supercar collector who wishes to keep his last name anonymous, counts a panoply of classic and modern-day exotics in his stable. He says, “While I love the relative reliability of modern [supercars](https://robbreport.ph/tag/supercars/ "supercars") compared to their predecessors, there’s a huge divide between modern and classic. I find the classics much more rewarding to drive and own.” The SoCal-based collector does, however, qualify his statement. “My [McLaren 720S](https://robbreport.ph/cars/mclarens-new-supercar-is-an-ode-to-its-historic-1995-win-at-le-mans/ "McLaren’s New Supercar Is an Ode to Its Historic 1995 Win at Le Mans") and [911 GT3 Touring](https://robbreport.ph/cars/multiple-choice-porsche-gt3/ "The Porsche 911 GT3 is a Niche Icon with Endless Choice") are much easier to drive and can run circles around my ’80s and ’90s time capsules. They also do too much for the driver in terms of shifting for you.” He adds that the GT3 Touring’s manual transmission has rev-matching and hill-control features that make it closer to a paddle shifter than a conventional manual gearbox. “The smells, sounds, and analog joy of pushing a Ferrari 512 TR through its gears cannot be matched by anything modern,” he insists, while admitting that their charms come at a significant cost. “I had to hire my exotics mechanic as a full-time employee,” he says, “but it allows me to drive these classics as they were meant to be, without the concerns of reliability.” ![Red Ferrari 512 TR with the driver's door open, black leather interior visible in a white studio setting.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4-2.webp) For some, nothing new compares to pushing the gears of a car like this 1993 Ferrari 512 TR, which sold through Bonhams in 2021. *Photo: Photo by Ted Seven, courtesy of Bonhams.* For Dr. Saman Soleymani, a North Florida–based collector, the type of power plant is key. “Older Ferraris like the 430 and 458 are naturally aspirated and sound amazing, so they give you that extra thrill,” he says, noting that the distinction has influenced his purchasing patterns. “It’s one of the major reasons that I don’t own any \[new\] Ferraris; I like Lamborghinis because, outside of their SUV, everything they make is naturally aspirated, which adds a completely different level of sensation and experience to driving the car.” However, it appears that Soleymani is willing to make some notable exceptions. Among his incoming acquisitions are a Pagani Utopia (whose V-12 is fed by two turbochargers) and a Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport (whose 16-cylinder engine features no fewer than four turbos). The bottom line is to experience a variety of configurations and consider how you resonate with the different visceral rewards each deliver. ## **Be a Control Freak** Old-school supercars are more likely to feature archaic driver controls that include conventional toggles, switches, and dials, as opposed to more technologically focused interfaces. That’s not to say that classic supercars are intuitive, as many incorporate cryptically labeled sliders and dials. But the digital maze of modern controls can be equally perplexing. For example, Soleymani points out that his [Pagani’s](http://Pagani) mirror controls are embedded into the multimedia system’s touchscreen menu. Considering the massive blind spots presented by most supercars, setting the mirror position takes on a supremely important part of the pre-drive ritual. ![Luxurious car interior with a wood-rimmed steering wheel, chrome gauges, and a glossy center console.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/5-w-GettyImages-1290365847.webp) The dazzling yet daunting array of controls present in the Pagani Huayra. *Photo: Christopher Evans/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald via Getty Images* If your supercar is modern enough to be equipped with a nose-lift system, we advise you to learn it, use it, love it: this novel bit of kit can make the difference between gliding by uneventfully, or ignominiously scraping your front end on a steep driveway. The lift hardware typically uses electric stepper motors to raise the nose’s clearance over curbs and inclines, while more advanced systems are capable of memorizing GPS locations and automatically engaging so your seven-figure investment doesn’t get damaged from something akin to the flight of fantasy in *Ferris Bueller’s Day Off*. When it comes to vehicle dynamics, supercars typically feature a far more complex array of driver modes than so-called normal cars. For instance, models from McLaren manage their complex driving systems through two dials labeled “P” and “H”—short for Powertrain and Handling. To complicate matters, they’re only responsive when the nearby Active button is selected, with additional Aero, Manual, or ESC Off buttons embedded within each dial. Further elevating the complexity are neighboring buttons like Launch and Winter. ![Close-up of a Ferrari cockpit: steering wheel with yellow prancing horse emblem, digital gauges, and carbon fiber dashboard.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/ferrari-f8-tributo-e1557160235578.webp) Ferrari’s red manettino, seen here (lower right) on the steering wheel of an F8 Tributo, selects the various drive modes. *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* Ferrari’s steering wheel–mounted manettino offers more streamlined controls but scatters all manner of other dials, switches, and buttons around it, like a bogglingly complex Formula 1 wheel. You’ll want to study up on the effects of each setting, as well as Ferrari’s wonderfully mystifying Bumpy Road button, which softens the magnetorheological shock absorbers for—you guessed it, bumpy roads. ## **Light Shows and Warnings** The supercar newbie might be confused by the Christmas-tree array of lights and indicators that signal various states of stability and traction control. However, if said driver is attempting to loosen the reins on the electronic nannies that keep obscene amounts of power in check, they are advised to proceed with extreme caution. “If you’re not someone that has done any kind of performance driving in a controlled environment, you should definitely start with baby steps,” advises Soleymani. “\[Disabling safety systems\] can be a recipe for disaster; it’s why we see so many people get into a new car and wrecking on the way out of a dealership.” ![Maroon sports car badly damaged in a grassy area, doors and roof ripped open, interior exposed near a roadside.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/20-w-GettyImages-120370178.webp) The electronic nannies are in place to, well, keep you out of this one. *Photo: Getty Images* Certain warning lights might come uninvited, as modern supercars are notoriously high-strung and finicky. And many older models are all but guaranteed to flash warnings from time to time. “I’ve found that my older Ferraris and Lambos will often throw a check-engine light after not being driven for a while,” says Sergio, “but they usually stop their pouting after a few redlines and eventually deliver a warning light–free experience.” ## **Where the Rubber Meets the Road** Now that you’re properly situated (and have hopefully selected a mild driving mode that doesn’t unleash all of your supercar’s prodigious horsepower all at once), you’ll want to focus on the task of driving—while resisting the urge to fiddle with all those buttons, showboat at low speeds with scissor doors swung up to the sky, or shoot gratuitous selfies. Despite copious electronic safety nets, supercars do not suffer fools because they accumulate speed so rapidly and their tires can quickly exceed the limitations of their grip. Add the x-factor of low temperatures or wet conditions, and your high-powered steed can become an out-of-control projectile in a hurry. ![Vintage open-cockpit race car #50 powers through a water barrier, creating a spray as spectators line the track in the background.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/40-w-GettyImages-567809393.webp) Wet conditions can put more than a damper on your drive day, especially behind the wheel of an exotic. *Photo: GP Library/Universal Images Group via Getty Images* “You want to check the weather an extra four times before going out, as you don’t want to get stuck 40 miles from home in a low, wide car touting 500+ hp and wide semi-slick tires that love a good hydroplane opportunity,” asserts Coblitz, who speaks with a level of specificity that appears to suggest personal experience. The Philadelphia resident also advises vigilance against iffy road conditions. “It takes one bad pothole to have a really bad day,” he warns. “Especially on newer cars that have sophisticated suspensions and a lot of carbon bodywork. If you really nail something, you could be looking at a huge bill.” Coblitz also cites tactical motivations, like hunting for the perfect parking spot to avoid potential damage, as par for the course when driving these fierce, but sometimes vulnerable, machines. ## **Don’t Be a Jerk** Logistics aside, there are a multiplicity of sociological implications—beyond not making an ass out of oneself by crashing—to consider when piloting a high-dollar, high-performance machine. “There will always be people who will assume you’re a totally self-indulgent wiener,” says Coblitz, “and honestly, they could be right,” he adds. “But as long as you’re happy and not endangering others when you drive, who cares?” Once you’re underway, you’re likely to find that supercars are less than ideal at coping with the perils of everyday drivers in the real world. Thing is, there’s a good chance that those who are driving workaday vehicles are neither impressed by, nor terribly cognizant of, your iconically badged beauty. Then there are some who might not notice your thoroughbred because they’re high above traffic in an SUV, while you’re hunkered down, low to the ground. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/17-w-GettyImages-144021496.webp) A supercar for the daily commute? Proceed at your own peril. *Photo: ROMEO GACAD/AFP/GettyImages* The only drivers more dangerous than those who are blissfully unaware, are those who are supercar spotters—ones who will stop at nothing to grab a snapshot of your vehicle with their cellphone. I’ve personally witnessed enough one-handed lane wandering from others attempting to immortalize a rare model that I’ve felt in danger of being bumped into more times than I can count on both hands. Therein lies yet another paradox: the unbearable truth that, try as you may to savor the sweet, sweet power and spine-tingling handling of an exotic, public roads will all but certainly leave you wanting more. “Ninety percent of the time, you’ll be presented with the road you wanted to drive on with not a lot of traffic, but someone in a very slow car will manage to turn in front of you,” says Coblitz. Ever the optimist, he also adds, “The flip side is this teaches you how to get pretty zen with yourself, after the initial cursing and anger have passed.” ## **Supercar Together** Though the vast majority of supercars are driven on traffic-clogged boulevards, their race-inspired hardware is best experienced on a racetrack. That said, most high-end carmakers offer track-based experiences where enthusiasts can enjoy the brand’s portfolios within curated, heavily controlled environments. Some locations are fixed—think, Ferrari’s factory circuit in Fiorano, Italy—while others visit locales like the Dolomites or the Arctic Circle, where maneuvering on ice and snow can help finesse the finer points of precision driving. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/wol15367.webp) Supercars can foster a powerful sense of community. *Photo: Jason H. Harper.* Even further down the experiential rabbit hole are rallies, poker runs, and organized drives that have a way of putting these extraordinary machines into a comprehensible context. “There is a benefit of planning drives with groups of like-minded collectors,” says Coblitz. As a journalist and supercar enthusiast, I can personally vouch for the camaraderie that comes with communing with fellow petrolheads (including Coblitz, Sergio, and Soleymani) at everything from classic events like the Mille Miglia and Colorado Grand to high-speed adventures such as the Sun Valley Tour de Force and even posh getaways like O’Gara Coach’s Desert Escape. ![Driver in a race car wearing a Bell helmet with a mounted action camera, giving a thumbs up to the camera/observer.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/100-w-Screen-Shot-2023-07-06-at-44942-PM.webp) Clearly not a neophyte, automotive journalist Basem Wasef participating in the Sun Valley Tour de Force. *Photo: Sun Valley Tour de Force* So, while it’s easy to get caught up in the intrigue of climbing into a fighter jet–like speed machine seemingly designed for the sole purpose of vehicular shock and awe, the best kept secret about supercars is that there’s a world of enjoyment to be had when it’s shared with a social network of enthusiasts. “Aside from being fun, it’s a great way to engage with others who share a similar passion,” Coblitz says. “You end up meeting some incredibly amazing people this way.” *Basem Wasef is an automotive journalist and author of the book* Speed Read Supercar*, which explores the history, technology, and design of the world’s most exciting vehicles*. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars, Guide To **Tags:** Ferrari, lamborghini, mclaren, pagani, supercars --- ### [Lessons and Legacies: Jorge Araneta, A Lifetime at the Table](https://robbreport.ph/profiles/lessons-and-legacies-jorge-araneta-a-lifetime-at-the-table/) **Published:** April 27, 2026 **Author:** Yvette Fernandez **Content:** Jorge Araneta says he first learned how to appreciate French wine after an introduction from a good friend, Julio, a wine collector. “I started drinking wine in high school, but it was Julio who taught me how to drink good French wine. He’s a great wine collector, and I learned a lot from him,” says Jorge, as we walk about his office, looking down at the vistas of Araneta City, the 35-hectare development he’s been leading as head of the Araneta Group since 1970. ## *Video:* His friend, Julio, just happens to be Julio Iglesias, the most commercially successful Spanish singer in the world, having sold more than 300 million records in 14 languages worldwide. At Jorge’s invitation, Julio has performed multiple times at the Araneta Coliseum at Araneta City since the 1970s, and they have shared many excellent bottles of wine over the decades. For Jorge, welcoming the world has long been second nature, dating back to the opening of the Araneta Coliseum in 1960, when, for several years, it was recognized as the largest covered coliseum in the world. The origins of Araneta City were sparked when Jorge’s father, J. Amado Araneta, the family patriarch, was working on Bahay na Puti, the family residence in Cubao in the 1950s. Next door was a large lot owned by the Radio Corporation of America, with multiple radio towers used during the Second World War. But the war was over, and Amado envisioned how a new development could be built on the sprawling property, and he went for it. “After he bought the land, my father went on a trip to Europe, and he was inspired by the Colosseum in Rome, and he said, ‘I’m going to build one like that,’ and he did—the first major development in the area,” says Jorge. “My father’s mantra, his focus was ‘how to serve the most number of people at the lowest possible cost.’ That was the Coliseum,” says Jorge. “When we opened the Coliseum, the fee was only one peso to watch a world-class fight—Flash Elorde vs. Harold Gomes. One peso!” ![Three adults posing together outdoors, wearing sunglasses; left man in white T‑shirt and cross necklace, center man in white outfit with dark jacket, right woman in a patterned jacket.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/jorgearaneta_incontent-008.webp) Julio Iglesias, center, with Jorge and Stella Araneta, is one of the top 10 bestselling music artists in history. He’s performed multiple times at the Araneta Coliseum. The Araneta Coliseum was the stage for one of the last century’s most talked-about fights, the Muhammad Ali–Joe Frazier “Thrilla in Manila,” broadcast live by satellite from the Big Dome to a global audience in 1975, and still part of boxing lore today. Jorge, his father’s only son, says he always knew he would one day take over the business, and never, ever even considered another life path. “I learned by osmosis, by being around my father all the time,” says Jorge, who reminisces about spending time with his father at the office after classes at La Salle High School. J. Amado and his wife were in Europe when Martial Law was declared in 1972, and they decided to stay in New York for the long haul instead of coming back to Manila. Thus, the reins of Araneta City were completely handed over to Jorge; he was 36 years old. ![Jorge Araneta](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/jorgearaneta_incontent-003.webp) *Joseph Pascual* “The biggest challenge of my life was Martial Law. Everything was on hold. We started to build again only in 1986,” says Jorge. And they never stopped. Over the decades, Araneta City has expanded and modernized, reflecting the way consumers spend their leisure hours. New towers have joined familiar landmarks; retail spaces expanded, residences built. ![Under-construction circular domed building with scaffolding around the exterior against a cloudy sky.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/jorgearaneta_incontent-009.webp) The Araneta Coliseum was inaugurated on March 16, 1960 with the World Junior Lightweight Championship fight. The underdog Filipino boxer Gabriel “Flash” Elorde knocked out American champion Harold Gomes in front of an audience of 30,000 people. Over the years, sports champions, beauty queens, and legendary performers such as Nat King Cole, the Jackson 5, Eric Clapton, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, and Bruno Mars have passed through the doors of the Coliseum, now branded the Smart Araneta Coliseum. For the Araneta family, backstage corridors at the Coliseum became informal receiving rooms, and dinners at their home stretched into the early hours of the morning. Excellent food and wine have always been part of the family’s hospitality, making their esteemed guests feel comfortable and welcome. From the executive offices, we head over to Wine Cellar, Jorge’s newest venture, at the Gateway Mall. Jorge, now 90, exudes youthful vigor and zeal as he strides about the space, introducing us to the latest project integrated into his food hall concept, World Kitchens. ![Muhammad Ali and Jorge Araneta](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/jorgearaneta_incontent-007.webp) The legendary “Thrilla in Manila” on October 1, 1975 at the Araneta Coliseum pitted undisputed champion Muhammad Ali, pictured in photo with Jorge Araneta, against former champion Joe Frazier III for the heavyweight championship ofthe world. For generations, people have come to Araneta City for ice skating dates, concerts, boxing matches, Ateneo-La Salle, and now Ateneo-UP basketball games, with meals shared with friends and family before or after. And while in the past, the head of the family or the dinner host made unilateral restaurant choices, today’s diners expect range, speed, and the freedom to follow individual appetites. World Kitchens answers that transition with an abundance of choice. “The idea behind World Kitchens is simple. Each restaurant is run by the chef who owns it. They invest in their own place, they have a stake in it, and we provide the common areas and the infrastructure. I thought it was a good model, so we went with it,” he says, of the idea pitched to him by another friend, Singaporean food and beverage expert Andrew Tan Hock Lai. The 700-seat, full-service food hall dining concept at Araneta City’s Gateway Mall 2 features 15 different show kitchens run by international chefs. The space is massive, with an area of 2,500 square meters, and yet there are tables tucked away in nooks and corners for those who prefer privacy. ![Jorge Araneta photographed by Joseph Pascual](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/jorgearaneta_incontent-001.webp) *Joseph Pascual* Earlier, at a glorious lunch, we dined on jamon iberico from Jorge’s personal stash, otoro rolls from Kuro Maguro, a beautifully lacquered dry-aged Peking duck from 18 Jade, sous vide Iberico char siew from HK Ma’s Bistro, and cochinillo and foie gras from chef Gale Sun at Asador de Manila, among others. Plates arrived in quick succession as we were on a tight schedule, drawing approving smiles from around the table. Chefs emerged from their counters, proudly introducing their dishes, watching our reactions with pleasure, urging more tastes, before heading back to their kitchens. Jorge says he dines at World Kitchens regularly. “I’m here almost every day. I try one kitchen at a time,” he says. “What I like is that people can come here with family or office mates and everyone can order what they want. If you go to a single restaurant, you’re limited. If it’s Chinese, you eat Chinese. If it’s Japanese, you eat Japanese. Here we have Chinese, Japanese, American, Spanish, Indian, French—you name it, we have it.” “They’re all my favorites. That’s why they’re here,” he says simply. ![Jorge Araneta at World Kitchens](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/jorgearaneta_incontent-004.webp) Jorge Araneta at World Kitchens, a new dining concept at Gateway 2. *Joseph Pascual* Regulars are used to seeing Jorge out and about, with no signs of slowing down. As an owner, his hands-on presence is reassuring. He walks around on his own, pausing when something catches his eye, saying hello and greeting colleagues, checking in the way seasoned experts do. He clearly takes pleasure in his observations, curious about what conversations have been about and what is working. “To support World Kitchens, we needed wine. And wine is something I personally enjoy, so I said, why not?” Jorge says. Jorge’s concept for World Cellar is to make wine more accessible. “In the last decade, you can already see more people drinking wine in the Philippines, especially the young,” he says. “The new generation likes to try things they see on television or online. They’re curious.” “All over the world, you go to a restaurant and order a bottle, you pay three or four times the retail price at a wine store. That’s the practice. I think it’s too much. Why should you pay triple just because someone else opens it?” he says. “Here we add about 50 percent. If a bottle costs Php 1,000 in a store, here it’s just Php 1,500, not Php 3,000. I think that will encourage more people to drink wine when dining. I want this to be a place where people come, drink wine, enjoy, and don’t have to pay too much.” Jorge says World Cellar has about 500 labels, with prices ranging from a thousand pesos to 20 or 30 thousand pesos and more. “Young people are interested in New World wines—America, Australia, South Africa, Argentina, Chile,” says Jorge. “I want people to understand when they walk in that they have a huge choice. There is no other place in Manila with 500 labels from different regions and vineyards. Maybe you see 100 or 200 somewhere else, but not this.” To help guests navigate through so many choices, the team at World Cellar highlights smaller selections. “When you come in, you don’t have to go through everything. You can pick from a selection, and there are different price levels,” he says. “We’re planning tastings and appreciation sessions. But education is not the most important thing. What’s important is that people drink and enjoy.” Bottles of wine from Jorge’s own personal collection, moved from his private cellar at home to a private room at World Cellar, are also available for the more discerning. ![Rows of wine bottles on metal racks in a wine cellar, with a red central display case.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/jorgearaneta_incontent-006.webp) *Joseph Pascual* “I only buy what I like. I don’t collect for the sake of collecting. Over the years, it has grown into a serious collection,” he says. “I personally like to drink French wine, Burgundy and Bordeaux. I have bottles from Lafite, Latour, Margaux, Haut-Brion, and Mouton—the Big Five. I also like Champagne very much. Champagne is always a celebration.” “I celebrate life.” Jorge says he has no plans to ever retire. “I want to continue what my father started, and to maintain that,” he says. “And then I will just fade away, like an old soldier.” “I want my own legacy to be a foundation, to help people, something that will be eternal, not something that will be limited by human frailty. I still have to figure out what’s most needed by our people. The idea is to give back. Again, what will affect the most people. That will be the focus. With my wife. It will be called The George and Stella Araneta Foundation.” “That’s a scoop,” he says, his eyes twinkling. Cheers. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report Philippines’ [Food and Drink Issue, April 2026.](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-april-2026-the-food-drink-issue/)* **Categories:** Dining, Food & Drink, Profiles, Wine **Tags:** Araneta City, Jorge Araneta --- ### [The 11 Coolest Watches People Actually Wore at Watches & Wonders, From Piaget to Rolex](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-11-coolest-watches-people-actually-wore-at-watches-wonders-from-piaget-to-rolex/) **Published:** April 24, 2026 **Author:** Justin Fenner **Content:** There’s no shortage of horological firepower in the booths at [Watches & Wonders](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-boldest-most-exciting-new-timepieces-at-watches-and-wonders-2026/ "The Boldest, Most Exciting New Timepieces at Watches and Wonders 2026"), the world’s largest horological tradeshow that happens annually in Geneva. But to think that the only interesting watches you’ll see at the fair are behind vitrines or under a strict press embargo would be, well, wrong. In fact, some of the most interesting pieces you’ll find at the fair are on the wrists of its attendees. What separates them from the newest releases is that they’ve had time to acquire a real emotional resonance, which makes them not merely objects worth coveting, but also meaningful parts of people’s lives. Take the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso that dealer Derek Mon bought to celebrate hitting 100,000 subscribers on YouTube or the A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 that menswear designer Wesley Smith sold six other timepieces to acquire. Two of the people we spoke with had a hand in designing the watches they were wearing in the halls of the Palexpo convention center. Below, a closer look at what the fair’s attendees actually wore—and what each special timepiece means to its owner. ## Erika Ratini, WatchMissGMT ![Rolex Daytona chronograph on a wrist with a black dial and stainless steel bracelet, showing three subdials and a tachymeter bezel.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Erika-Ratini-Rolex-Daytona.webp) Justin Festejo **What are you wearing today?** My Rolex Daytona, the Ref. 126500. **How long have you had this watch, and what made you want to add it to your collection?** I actually just got into racecar driving. I really wanted to learn how to drive manual, so I picked up a manual Mazda Miata and learned how to drive it. It’s just kind of fueled my fire for racing, and I felt like I needed a Daytona. **So unlike every guy with a Daytona, you’re actually using it for its intended purpose.** It might be hard with the speeds that I’ve hit already, you know, with the screw-down pushers, but yes, definitely it’s necessary when you’re in the automotive field. ## Yoni Ben-Yehuda, Head of Watches, Material Good ![Skeleton wristwatch with pink dial and exposed gears on a white strap, worn on the wrist.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Yoni-Ben-Yehuda-Vanguart-Material-Good.webp) *Justin Festejo* **What watch are you wearing today?** Today I’m wearing the Vanguart x Material Good limited-edition Orb in pink ceramic and titanium, limited to 25 pieces. It’s a flying tourbillon with the ability to move from manual to automatic mode, and a new watch for the brand and a new watch for us. And it’s the first timepiece to ever have the MG monogram on it. **Given that this is something you helped create, where does it rank in your collection?** Any timepiece that I get to design is a really big deal for me, and falls to the top of the pantheon of my paltry but growing collection. There is nothing in the world I would trade this watch for. My children can fight over which one of them gets this watch. ## John Vorwald, Executive Editor, *Robb Report* ![Gold Patek Philippe wristwatch on a black leather strap, worn on a light-skinned wrist with cuffed shirt sleeve visible.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/John-Vorwald-Patek-Philippe-3697R.webp) *Justin Festejo* **What’s on your wrist today, boss?** Today I’m wearing the Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref. 3796R in rose gold. Also known as the “pink-on-pink.” **What made you want to add this to your collection?** One of them came up for auction, and [we wrote about it for *Robb Report*](https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gallery/sleepers-phillips-hong-kong-watch-auction-this-weekend-1235623007/), and when I saw the picture in the story, I just stopped. I thought it was so beautiful that I tracked the auction. I didn’t buy the piece from that sale, but from that point forward, I just kept looking for them until I found one. **Where would you say it ranks in your collection?** It’s a clear-cut number one for me. I just love everything about it: the crisp minimalist profile, the small seconds, the pink-on-pink configuration. And, of course, the proportions—the case is 30.5 mm and it’s only 7 mm thick. It’s the kind of piece that feels like it would fit into the 1930s but also feels totally at home and modern in 2026. **Is there anything you’d trade it for?** No. In fact, the very nice dealer who sold it to me called me a year later asking to buy it back and offered me a profit, and I turned him down. ## Teddy Baldasarre, Dealer ![Wristwatch with teal dial and stainless steel bracelet on a dress shirt cuff](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Teddy-Baldesarre-IWC-Ingenieur.webp) *Justin Festejo* **What watch are you wearing today?** Today I’m wearing the IWC Ingenieur. This is the aqua dial version, 40 mm. It goes back to the SL case from 1976, designed by [Gerald Genta](https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gerald-genta-2864111/). I absolutely love this piece. **Where would you say it ranks in your current collection?** Right now, it is probably my most worn this year. I don’t know if I could rank all my babies, but this is up there for at least this year. **Is there any watch you’d trade this watch for?** No, no. When I acquire a piece, it’s all about the intention of wanting to own it forever. I’m not someone who trades frequently with my watches. ## Cameron Barr, President, Craft and Tailored ![Vintage Rolex Submariner wristwatch on a man's left wrist with a black dial and rotating bezel, metal bracelet.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Cameron-Barr-Rolex.webp) *Justin Festejo* **What’s on your wrist today, Cam?** Today on the wrist, I’m wearing a pretty rare and interesting Rolex Submariner from 1965. What you’ll notice is that it has what’s referred to as an Explorer dial, so pretty rare variant that you don’t find all that often. These watches were produced for what’s commonly referred to as the Commonwealth market, so primarily the U.K. and Canada, and we’re thinking that it may have been kind of like a test dial. It’s kind of more reminiscent of military dials, or Rolex’s field watches, similar to the Explorer. But this watch actually came out of London, and it actually retains its original box, its original paperwork, which is kind of uncommon for a watch like this. In my collecting career, and as a dealer in this space, it’s only the fourth one that I’ve ever seen. **If you had to rank it in the context of your current collection, where would it be?** It’s like, top 10 in terms of sports watches. I would say that this is probably in the top three rarest pieces within the collection, for sure. **Would you trade this for anything?** This one checks a lot of boxes for me. I have very eclectic taste when it comes to watches I like dress watches, I like sports watches, I like avant-garde pieces. I think in terms of Rolex sports watches in steel, this is probably the pinnacle. ## Mark Cho, Founder, The Armoury ![Classic analog wristwatch with a silver textured dial and blue hands on a black leather strap](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Mark-Cho-Credor-Goldfeather.webp) *Justin Festejo* **What are you wearing today?** Today I’m wearing my Credor Goldfeather. This was part of Credor’s re-release of the Goldfeather series from a few years ago. They only released this one in Japan. It’s one of, if I can read it properly, one of 12 in platinum, with this beautiful engraved pattern on the front, and a beautifully engraved feather on the back as well. **Is there anything you’d trade this watch for?** I am very fond of this watch, so probably not. But there have been a lot of beautiful things at Watches & Wonders this year. ## Elliot Hammer, Watch Designer, The Armoury ![Close-up of a vintage-style analog wristwatch with a beige dial, blue hands, black numerals, and a black leather strap on a wrist wearing a dark sleeve.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Elliot-Hammer-Naoya-Hida-Lettercutter.webp) *Justin Festejo* **What’s on your wrist today?** Today, I’m wearing the [Naoya Hida Lettercutter](https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/the-armoury-naoya-hida-collaboration-1234681960/) that I designed with Mark Cho that came out a few years ago. **It has to be great to design your own watch. What did you want to achieve with this reference?** So the inspiration from this was Kano San, the engraver at Naoya Hida. He engraves all of the numerals by hand. And I, coming from a design background, really loved typography, so I actually did a stone carving course on the island of Portland, just off the south coast of the U.K., where they carve into that white stone that most of London is made of. And that got me thinking about architectural numerals and lettering. And the people who actually do that are called letter cutters. Hence the name of the watch. ## Derek Mon, Dealer, Carat & Co. ![Silver rectangular wristwatch with a mesh band on a man's wrist, beside a silver bracelet, under a blue suit cuff.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Derek-Mon-JLC-DuoFace.webp) *Justin Festejo* **What’s on your wrist today?** Today I’m wearing my Jager-LeCoultre Reverso DuoFace in the medium size. I have it here on this nice mesh bracelet, and I’m wearing it on my right wrist because I’m trying on tons of watches here at the show, so I need my left wrist to be empty. The nice thing about this watch is that you can flip it over, and here I have New York time, so I can check in on my wife and daughter at home. And then here I have Geneva time, so I can always be on time for my meetings. Except this one, which I’m late to. **Where does this watch rank in your current collection?** Oh, this is definitely a top five. I actually made a video talking about how I would never sell this watch. The story, when [my YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/@MinuteMon) hit 100,000 subscribers, I wanted to give myself a nice milestone gift. I’ve always wanted a JLC Reverso in my collection, and I wanted to connect it with something meaningful. **Would you trade this for any other watch?** I would not trade it for anything right now. I mean, if I want something else, I’ll just hit another milestone! ## Wesley Smith, Founder and Creative Director, Standard H ![Silver A. Lange & Söhne wristwatch with white dial, Roman numerals, large date window at 1–2 o'clock, and small seconds subdial on a brown leather strap, worn on a wrist.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Wesley-Smith-A-Lange-Sohne.webp) *Justin Festejo* **What watch are you wearing today, and when did it join your collection?** I’m wearing a Lange 1, and I’ve had it for two years, almost to the day. I was traveling to Paris and saw it, and I went back there to buy it six months later. **Where would you say this watch ranks in your collection?** I wear it 80 percent of the time. That’s pretty high up there. I sold six watches to buy this watch. ## Yolanda Edwards, Editor, *Yolo Journal* ![Gold bracelet watch with a rectangular Roman numeral dial on a person’s wrist (close-up).](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Yolanda-Edwards-Cartier-Tankisseme.webp) *Justin Festejo* **What watch are you wearing today, and how long have you had it?** Today I am wearing a Cartier Tankisseme. I’ve had this watch for probably five or six years. I’d seen it for ages on different friends’ wrists, and was just coveting it for at least, like, 20 years. And then I asked Matt, my husband, like, if you ever find one I need that watch. And so he gifted it to me for my birthday. **If you had to rank this watch’s place in your collection, where would it be?** Number one. Matt will justify his watch purchases by saying, “We can share it.” But this is really mine. We don’t share it. And it’s my favorite watch. ## Matt Hranek, Editor, *W.M. Brown Magazine* ![Gold Piaget wristwatch with a segmented bracelet on a man’s wrist, white dress shirt cuff visible at left.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Matt-Hranek-Piaget-Polo.webp) *Justin Festejo* **What’s on your wrist today?** I am wear a Piaget Polo, a vintage piece from the ’80s. I thought it would look good with the yachting outfit that I decided to wear this morning. **How long has it been in your collection?** I just got this watch. I actually bought it for scrap. A dealer I know on 47th Street happened to have this piece when I walked in there. As a kid growing up in the ’80s, this was, for me, one of the most iconic watches. There were friends of my dad’s who actually had versions of this watch. I coveted it so much that I actually bought a fake one on Canal Street in the ’80s. I think I still have that in a drawer up at my mom’s house, but now I am super happy to own an original. **What do you like about it? What made it a must-buy, other than wanting one when you were a kid?** I mean, it’s really kind of a jewelry piece, right? It’s this kind of gold bangle, and I convinced my wife, Yolanda, that we should buy it, because I think it’s a piece that we can share. And I think for me, it’s kind of a summer watch: deep tan, Amalfi Coast, those vibes. I couldn’t be happier to own it. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** watches & wonders --- ### [Great Bones? Why the Skeletonized Movement Stole the Show at Watches & Wonders](https://robbreport.ph/watches/great-bones-why-the-skeletonized-movement-stole-the-show-at-watches-wonders/) **Published:** April 23, 2026 **Author:** Justin Fenner **Content:** The vast majority of watches keep their movements hidden behind the dial. But some of the most compelling timepieces unveiled at this year’s annual [Watches & Wonders](https://robbreport.ph/tag/watches-and-wonders/ "watches and wonders") tradeshow in Geneva were designed to put their inner workings on display. Skeleton watches—presented by brands from [Audemars Piguet](https://robbreport.ph/tag/audemars-piguet/ "audemars piguet") to [Zenith](https://robbreport.ph/tag/zenith/ "zenith")—are those rare horological products that remove portions from the dial (or forgo a dial altogether) to allow wearers a closer look at the movement itself. Producing them is a difficult feat in watchmaking. It requires taking away as much metal from the inner plates as possible, without compromising function or durability. It also means carefully finishing such a movement so that it’s beautiful enough to merit looking at in all its glory. [Cartier](https://robbreport.ph/tag/cartier/ "cartier") Prive’s new Crash Squelette (the French word for Skeleton) is a great example of this: its Roman numeral hour markers are actually bridges reaching out from the mainplate, which were painstakingly hand-hammered to fit the contours of the platinum case. Audemars Piguet’s new [Établisseurs collection](https://robbreport.ph/watches/audemars-piguet-drops-3-watches-for-its-new-atelier-des-etablisseurs/ "Audemars Piguet Drops 3 Watches for Its New Atelier des Établisseurs") also offers a skeletonized timepiece, called the Établisseurs Nomade. The combination pocket watch and table clock is emblematic of the collection’s raison d’être: to ensure that centuries-old watchmaking skills are handed down to a new generation of horologists. The Nomade’s movement was skeletonized entirely by hand using a hacksaw. “Today, 99.99 percent of movements are prepared mechanically,” said Sébastian Vivas, Audemars Piguet’s heritage and museum director, in an interview with *Robb Report* deputy editor Paige Reddinger. “But this is a know-how we want to preserve… For chamfering, hand openworking, lapidaries, there’s no school anymore, so if you want to learn this know-how that is very precious and very rare, you must be very adventurous.” But some skeleton watches are a little more subtle. Patek Philippe’s new Cubitus Perpetual Calendar Skeleton, the first perpetual calendar in the Cubitus line, has laser-cut strips taken out of its dial. They mimic the striped look of earlier versions of the watch, and slightly obscure the skeletonized movement that powers the reference. It’s a design decision that means you’d have to let someone really, really close to understand exactly what’s on your wrist—and that might be the biggest flex of all. For a look at the skeleton watches that stood out at [Watches & Wonders](https://www.watchesandwonders.com/en/geneva-2026/event) 2026, keep scrolling. ## Patek Philippe Cubitus Perpetual Calendar ![Patek Philippe wristwatch with a blue striped dial, silver case, and blue fabric strap with white stitching](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Patek-Philippe-5840P-001-1.webp) *Photo: Patek Philippe* The [Cubitus](https://robbreport.ph/watches/patek-philippe-cubitus-is-worthy-of-all-the-attention/ "Patek Philippe Cubitus is Worthy of All the Attention") collection’s first grand complication is a clear indication of the design’s staying power. Housed in a 45 mm platinum case, the fully skeletonized perpetual calendar movement was designed to fit the square format. It’s discreetly hidden behind a blue PVD dial that has laser-cut strips removed to allow a glimpse of the new caliber 28-28 Q SQU. While other skeletonized watches are designed to make the movement the star, this model is a confident departure from that norm—and a suggestion that, in theory at least, its wearers don’t necessarily need to show off. **Case size:** 45 mm **Case material:** Platinum **Water resistance:** 30 m **Strap:** Navy composite **Movement:** Caliber 28-28 Q SQU ## Audemars Piguet Établisseurs Nomade ![Three views of a skeleton-pocket watch on a faceted black geometric pedestal, gold inner dial visible on each angle.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Audemars-Piguet-Etablisseurs-Nomade-1.webp) *Photo: Audemars Piguet* [Audemars Piguet’s Établisseurs collection](https://robbreport.ph/watches/audemars-piguet-drops-3-watches-for-its-new-atelier-des-etablisseurs/ "Audemars Piguet Drops 3 Watches for Its New Atelier des Établisseurs") was conceived as a platform for keeping hard-won horological expertise alive for a new generation of watchmaking talents. The brand publishes the names of every artisan involved in the creation of the pieces. In the case of the Nomade—part table clock, part pocket watch, part pendant—that means 18 individuals, including two watchmakers, two movement designers, three coordinators, and a dial maker, among others. This is the first of five variations set to debut throughout the remainder of the year. What sets this object apart, other than its looks, is that its skeletonized movement was made by hand using a hacksaw, following a design developed by Julien Martel and Claudio Dos Santos. It’s one of the most conceptually original pieces shown at the fair. **Établisseurs Nomade**: **Watchmakers**: Aline Gagneux, Joris Lavanchy; **Designer**: Ludovic Python; **Dial makers**: Mario Senape; **Gemologists and stone cutters**: Mario Senape; **Case designer and manufacturer**: Emmanuel Dessuzinge; **Movement designer**: Julien Martel, Claudio Dos Santos; **Blank manufacturer**: Marco Tedeschi, Alexandre Burkhard; **Hand bevelling**: Jérôme Besançon; **Shaped sapphire crystal**: Alexis Bernard; **Project initiation**: Ilaria Resta; **Direction**: Claudio Cavaliere, Sébastian Vivas; **Coordination**: Nikolaas Dockx, Claude Meylan, Kevin Quaresma. ## Panerai Luminor 31 Giorni ![Rose gold skeleton watch with black leather strap, exposed gears and large 12/6 numerals, date window at 3 o'clock](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/RR_Watches_Wonders_2026_PANERAI_PAM01631-1.webp) *Photo: Panerai* We didn’t need further proof that [Panerai](https://robbreport.ph/tag/panerai/ "panerai") can show off its horological muscle beyond its dive watches, but the Giorni does exactly that. It required seven years of research and development, which resulted in a new hand-wound skeletonized movement, the P.2031/S. Its 276 components achieve a power reserve of 31 days; if it weren’t for the patent-pending torque limiter, it could actually go to 36. What’s perhaps most impressive about it is that it is the world’s first watch to get 31 days with its crown, not an external tool. The watch is housed in a 44 mm case made of Goldtech, the manufacture’s proprietary gold alloy. **Case Size**: 44 mm **Case Material**: Panerai Goldtech, a proprietary 18-karat red-gold alloy **Power Reserve**: 31 days (744 hours) **Strap**: Black alligator strap **Price**: $107,000 ## Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Moonphase Impact ![Three luxury Hublot watches with a squared, tonneau-shaped case and cracked-crystal dials: left and right in transparent/clear finishes with light-gray straps, center in all-black with a black strap.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/RR_Watches_Wonders_2026_Hublot_Spirit_of_Big_Bang_Moonphase_Impact_group-1.webp) *Photo: Hublot* If the skeletonized movement weren’t impressive enough on its own, Hublot’s intrepid gem-setting takes this new reference over the top. For the first time in the brand’s history, its manufacture managed to set diamonds into sapphire crystal, one of the hardest materials on the planet, which, in fact, must be machined with diamond-tipped tools. Two other editions, in black ceramic and a combination of sapphire and osmium, also deploy the fragmented Impact motif. **Case Size:** 42 mm **Case Material:** Sapphire crystal, black ceramic **Power Reserve:** 50 hours **Strap:** White or black rubber strap ## Zenith Chronomaster Sport Skeleton Chronograph ![Skeleton-dial chronograph wristwatch with a black rubber strap and blue subdial accents.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/RR_Watches_Wonders_2026_Zenith_Chronomaster_Sport_Skeleton_Chronograph-1.webp) *Photo: Zenith* For the first time, the El Primero movement is letting it all hang out. The new Chronomaster Sport Skeleton’s main dails and subdials are skeletonized, giving the beloved tri-color design a steampunk energy. The caliber 3600 SK is mesmerizing to watch, with its central chronograph hand lapping the dial every 10 seconds, but don’t be surprised if you get distracted by the beauty of its inner workings. **Case Size:** 41 mm **Case Material:** Stainless steel or 18-karat rose gold **Power Reserve:** 60 hours **Strap:** Steel bracelet or rubber strap (depending on version) **Price:** $16,700+ ## Cartier Privé Crash Squelette ![Heart-shaped skeleton wristwatch with blue hands and visible gears, on a brown leather strap against a beige background.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Cartier-Prive-Crash-1.webp) *Photo: Cartier* One of the watch world’s most recognizable cases gets a new, revealing look—and a fresh movement. [Cartier](https://robbreport.ph/watches/every-cartier-watch-unveiled-at-watches-and-wonders-from-new-roadsters-to-the-perfect-tortue/ "Every Cartier Watch Unveiled at Watches and Wonders, From New Roadsters to the Perfect Tortue") developed the caliber 1967 MC specifically to handle the curves of the Crash, turning the skeletonized bridges into Roman numerals that stretch out from the movement itself. Each bridge is hand-hammered in a time-consuming two-hour process, so it makes sense that the Parisian house will only be making 150 of these covetable models. **Case Size:** 45.34 mm x 25.18 mm **Case Material:** Platinum **Movement:** Manual **Strap:** Burgundy alligator ## Hermès Slim d’Hermès Squelette Lune ![Hermès skeleton wristwatch with a blue dial, visible gears, and a blue leather strap](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Hermes-Slim-dHermes-Squelette-Lune.webp) *Photo: Hermès* This upgraded version of [Hermès’s](https://robbreport.ph/tag/hermes-2/ "Hermès") elegant Slim watch is stunning when you’re looking at it head-on, but turn it at an angle, and the chamfered edges inside sparkle like a fireworks display as they catch the light. The skeletonized movement, made by Vaucher, features a dual hemisphere display at 6 o’clock. It’s a clear nod that the watch-collecting community is truly global—and a suggestion that this one should come on the road wherever you’re traveling next. **Case Size:** 39.5 mm **Case Material:** Platinum or titanium **Power Reserve:** 48 hours **Strap:** Blue alligator (platinum), gray alligator (titanium) *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** Watch Collector, watches & wonders --- ### [Here's Your Beach Bag Essentials Checklist For Sun (and Splash!) Protection](https://robbreport.ph/style/beach-bag-essentials/) **Published:** May 15, 2026 **Author:** Ria de Borja **Content:** The modern beach kit is no longer just about [style](https://robbreport.ph/style/ "Style"). It’s also about longevity and intelligent design. Today’s best beach bag essentials integrate advanced textiles, skincare-grade SPF, and technical craftsmanship into their products while maintaining visual polish. ## For Him and Her: Sunscreen ![Augustinus Bader The Sunscreen SPF 50 bottle with white body and orange band and logo text visible on frontoar.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/the-sunscreen-packshot-0306.webp) While best suited on shore, Augustinus Bader The Sunscreen SPF 50 is a must, a rare crossover of clean formulation and biotech skincare. Powered by the brand’s TFC8 complex, you could say this sunscreen also serves as treatment. It’s also lightweight and invisible. *Available [here](https://augustinusbader.com/int/en/the-sunscreen-spf-50).* ## For Her: Rashguard ![Black long-sleeve zip-front top with scalloped hem and stand collar (knit fabric)](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/NorthseaRashguardFlat.webp) This North Sea Rashguard by Marysia rash guard is engineered like performance gear and is arguably the most stylish way to wear full UV protection. It’s made for those who prefer a slightly more sporty look but with a hint of cool in its scalloped edges–a brand signature. *Available [here](https://marysia.com/products/north-sea-rashguard-in-black?srsltid=AfmBOorLcFkzycahBqp8IAmHeXMZo0hgLqF3bTLQpfbZbSHhDpdWhBTB).* ## For Him: Vilebrequin Moorea Printed Swim Trunks ![Blue swim shorts with a turquoise turtle print and a drawstring waistband, mid-thigh length visible at center pose.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/P01175626.webp) A modern classic that’s equally at home poolside or on deck, Vilebrequin Moorea printed swim trunks are sure to have you gliding in the water stylishly. Born in St Tropez and famously known along global coasts, Vilbrequin is the quintessential brand for men’s trunks. *Available [here](https://www.mytheresa.com/int/en/men/vilebrequin-moorea-printed-swim-trunks-blue-p01175626?dplink=true&utm_source=sea_pla&utm_medium=google&utm_campaign=google_sea&chn=sea_shopping&src=google&cmp=17370050298&tarea=row&tar=&ag=&ptyp=&feed_num=P01175626-2&gclid=CjwKCAjwwpDQBhAuEiwAa-4Wo2tDojiuzZCHL0W4RaG_Qu8OKUSzt956XsTOUtDgkC7POlp8Z6zCLRoCkj8QAvD_BwE&gbraid=0AAAAAD3Pw-nr9ohwGti71BZT23aaQV5V7&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17381462549&gbraid=0AAAAAD3Pw-nr9ohwGti71BZT23aaQV5V7&slink_id=5308f1db-186e-4c51-947e-819c4bf6de59).* ## For Him: Light Waterproof Jacket ![Dark navy lightweight zip-up jacket with high collar, front zipper, and subtle color-block panels on sides; curved hem at bottom.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/35FC2100-FB00-4086-886B-78B7C21B00BC_FAQ6968_B620_ZOOM.webp) Engineered against wind while retaining the house’s signature refinement, the [Loro Piana](https://robbreport.ph/tag/loro-piana/ "loro piana") Mei Bomber Jacket is made from technical rip stop treated with the house’s trademarked Storm System for protection against the elements. This jacket will protect you from sea spray as well as the sun. It contains a mesh lining and a drawstring base. *Available [here](https://ii.loropiana.com/en/spring-summer/man/mei-bomber-jacket-FAQ6968_B620.html).* ## For Him and Her: Beach Towel ![Teal hardcover book cover featuring an embossed heraldic crest in the center.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/FAP3939_707D_ZOOM.webp) Ultra-soft but densely woven for durability, the Loro Piana Crest Beach Towel absorbs efficiently without bulk, and looks like it belongs on a superyacht. Crafted from organic cotton terry that reverses to a velour side, take it poolside to get a tan or dry yourself after a short swim. *Available [here](https://ii.loropiana.com/en/at-home/textile/beach-towels-and-pillows/crest-beach-towel-FAP3939_707D.html).* ## For Him: Lightweight Sun LayerFrame Shirt LS Men’s by Arc’teryx ![Light gray heathered long-sleeve crewneck sweater on a neutral backdrop, shown from chest to hips.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/F25-X000007258-Frame-Shirt-LS-Dark-Cocoon-Heather.webp) Yes, it’s made of merino, but Frame Shirt LS Men’s by Arc’teryx will also protect you from the sun. Available at Arc’teryx Aspen or online, this long-sleeved shirt is versatile, providing comfort across a range of temperatures, whether you’re headed to the mountains or a cooler-temperature shoreline. Its yarns provide comfort, odor resistance, temperature regulation, and moisture management, while a nylon core makes it durable. *Available* [*here*](https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/mens/frame-shirt-ls?search=Arc%E2%80%99teryx+Veilance+Frame+LS+Tee). ### For Her: Swim Cover-up ![Missoni multicolor chevron knit poncho with a deep V-neck, shown on a light background.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/MC23SQ05BR014F-SM9WV-1.webp) This iconic Missoni long caftan cover-up with a micro pixel-effect zigzag pattern has coverage, airflow, and unmistakable visual identity. The quintessential cover-up at the beach, yacht or poolside, its stylishness is popular around the globe. It also goes from day to night effortlessly. *Available [here](https://www.missoni.com/en-ph/long-caftan-cover-up-with-micro-pixel-effect-zigzag-pattern-multicoloured-MC23SQ05BR014FSM9WV.html).* ### For Her: Sun Hat ![Beige straw sun hat with a white ribbon featuring black polka dots, placed on a light background.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/w2000_q80-e1778751122803.webp) The Tom Ford Raffia Wide Brim Hat gives off pure French Riviera energy with maximum shade, immaculate construction, and instant recognition. It’s accessorized by a polka-dot scarf at the crown, giving the design an elegant feel. Keep shade under the sun with this classic yet playful hat. Available [here](https://www.net-a-porter.com/en-ph/shop/product/tom-ford/accessories/wide-brim/raffia-wide-brim-hat/46376663163051932). ### For Him: Sun Hat ![Stacked woven straw hats with frayed edges and a black cord on a white background, beachy and casual look.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/35199702_67108231_2048-scaled-e1778751215666.webp) Made of 100 percent raffia with a frayed edge and leather strap, the Kijima Takayuki Crushed Sun Hat is where precision Japanese craftsmanship meets style and comfort. Perfect for hot or cold climes, this sun hat offers full protection. It’s all-weather gear that can only be described as dapper. *Available [here](https://www.farfetch.com/ph/shopping/men/kijima-takayuki-crushed-sun-hat-item-35199702.aspx).* ### For Her: Visor ![Close-up of a Dior visor with a repeating monogram pattern and a dark blue band reading 'CHRISTIAN DIOR PARIS' across the front.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/P00574241.webp) A futuristic shield with couture edge, where full facial coverage doesn’t compromise style, the DiorClub V1U Visor in blue is inspired by masks worn by artists. It will surely turn heads at the beach. *Available [here](https://www.mytheresa.com/int/en/women/dior-eyewear-diorclub-v1u-visor-blue-p00574241).* ### For Her: Splashproof Bag ![Close-up view of a white handbag with a curved handle and stitched straps, focusing on the bottom half of the bag](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/m_5000449485_01.webp) The Arco Rubber Tote is one of [Bottega Veneta](https://robbreport.ph/tag/bottega-veneta/ "bottega veneta")’s smartest stealth-tech-cum-luxury pieces, a beach-to-yacht tote that translates the house’s iconic luxury language into molded rubber. Discreet, tactile, and fully functional, it protects essentials without sacrificing design. *Available [here](https://www.holtrenfrew.com/en/Products/Womens/Womens-Bags/Tote-Bags/BOTTEGA-VENETA-Mini-Arco-Intrecciato-Rubber-Tote-Bag/p/20219354001?srsltid=AfmBOoqtyPS55qQ611GjGKwqNDLCdJT0f3bbf4JQn9otD24uWo4xC2pN).* **Categories:** Fashion, Grooming, Style **Tags:** Arc’teryx, Augustinus Bader, bottega veneta, loro piana, Missoni, tom ford, Vilebrequin --- ### [Stylish Pairs of Loafers to Slip Into This Spring](https://robbreport.ph/style/footwear/stylish-pairs-of-loafers-to-slip-into-this-spring/) **Published:** April 22, 2026 **Author:** Eric Twardzik **Content:** Laces—who needs them? Certainly not the men who’ve ditched their oxfords and brogues in favor of that most casual category of non-sneaker shoe, the loafer. Its earliest example can be traced back to English shoemaker Raymond Lewis Wildsmithm who in 1926 designed a simple, slip-on leather house shoe for King George VI. But the most recognizable style of loafer originated in Aurland, Norway, in 1930, when one Nils Gregoriussen Tveranger decided to combine the techniques of traditional Native American moccasin construction with the design of a simple shoe worn by local fisherman. The easy-wearing style was a hit with international travelers, and by 1936 Maine’s G.H. Bass began to produce a similar design under the name “Weejun,” a slangy shortening of “Norwegian.” Weejuns soon caught on with Northeastern prep school students, who were said to store pennies in the shoe’s diamond-shaped saddle slot, giving birth to the penny loafer. It became ubiquitous sight on the feet of American college students and jazz musicians, both of whom prized it for its easy, laid-back appeal. In the years to come the design would be updated with a tassel detail by Alden and a brass snaffle bit by Gucci but would remain at its heart breezy and casual. At a time when such qualities are more prized (and socially acceptable) than ever, the loafer remains an essential [footwear](https://robbreport.ph/style/footwear/ "Footwear") category a century after its creation. To that end, we’ve gathered some of the worthiest examples of the style today, from established makers like Alden and Gucci to newcomers including August Special and Morjas. ## Alden Burgundy No.8 Shell Cordovan Tassel Loafer ![Black patent leather tassel loafer with a low black sole, shown in profile against a white background, interior tan lining visible.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/RR_20260415_Loafers_Alden.webp) *Photo: Alden* Alden is a legendary name in American shoemaking, having continuously produced footwear in Middleborough, Mass., since 1884. In that time, they’ve originated dozens of styles, but none may be more infamous than their tassel loafer, whose wearers George H.W. Bush famously blamed for his electoral defeat in 1992 (Bill Clinton earned the vote of “Every lawyer that every wore a tasseled loafer,” Poppy quipped). Politics aside, there is a certain jauntiness to the style, which combines the dressier and more tapered shape of the maker’s Aberdeen last with its titular decorative detail. And it’s arguably never better than when it’s made from eggplant-purple No.8 shell cordovan sourced from Chicago’s legendary Horween Leather Co. [Buy Now ON ALDEN: $967](https://jpress.com/products/alden-cordovan-tassel-moccasin-burgundy) ## **Crockett & Jones Harvard 2** ![Brown leather penny loafers on a white background with wooden shoe trees inside.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/RR_20260415_Loafers_Crockett__Jones.webp) *Photo: Crockett & Jones* The Harvard 2 is C&J’s nod to the scholastic appeal of the penny loafer. The English maker has built it on its 376 last, which is notable for combining a rounded toe and a close-fitting heel (good news for anyone who plans to wear them sans-socks). Optimized for travel, the Harvard 2 also features a soft and flexible milled calf upper, and a discreet rubber “city sole” more friendly to rain-slicked streets. [Buy Now ON CROCKETT & JONES: $890](https://us.crockettandjones.com/collections/harvard/products/harvard-2-walnut-milled-calf) ## **Morjas the Ivy Loafer** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/RR_20260415_Loafers_Morjas.webp) *Photo: Mr Porter* As far as footwear is concerned, it doesn’t get much more Ivy than the penny loafer—and few loafers are as Ivy as this aptly named style from Morjas. It recaptures the sporty, easygoing appeal of mid-century penny loafers via considered design choices like a shorter vamp, a more rounded toe shape, and a 360-degree welt—factors that make it just as wearable with a pair of jeans or dress trousers. [Buy Now ON Mr Porter: $420](https://clicks.trx-hub.com/xid/pmc_0aaa4_robbreport?q=https%3A%2F%2FMrPorter.prf.hn%2Fclick%2Fcamref%3A1011l8sUZ%2Fpubref%3ARR%2Fdestination%3Ahttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.mrporter.com%252Fen-us%252Fmens%252Fproduct%252Fmorjas%252Fshoes%252Floafers%252Fthe-ivy-leather-penny-loafers%252F46376663162944998&p=https%3A%2F%2Frobbreport.com%2Fstyle%2Ffootwear%2Flists%2Fbest-loafers-1238007778%2F&ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F&event_type=click&trx-iid=iid1776766653709bgg) ## **Gucci Men’s Horsebit 1953 loafer** ![Black leather loafer with gold horsebit detail on the vamp (men's dress shoe)](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/RR_20260415_Loafers_Gucci.webp) *Photo: Mr Porter* Alternatively loved or loathed, the bit loafer exists as an entire footwear sub-category today. But it originated in 1953 with Gucci, which first had the idea of applying a brass decoration shaped like a horsebit snaffle where the pennykeeper would otherwise lie. In time, it would become a favorite of both Wall Street yuppies and London’s “Sloane Ranger” set. Gucci offers over a half-dozen varieties of bit loafers today, including the “1953” model that faithfully reproduces the details and dimensions of the original. [Buy Now ON Mr Porter: $1,090](https://clicks.trx-hub.com/xid/pmc_0aaa4_robbreport?q=https%3A%2F%2FMrPorter.prf.hn%2Fclick%2Fcamref%3A1011l8sUZ%2Fpubref%3ARR%2Fdestination%3Ahttps%253A%252F%252Fmrporter.com%252Fen-us%252Fmens%252Fproduct%252Fgucci%252Fshoes%252Floafers%252Fhorsebit-1953-leather-loafers%252F30629810019776715&p=https%3A%2F%2Frobbreport.com%2Fstyle%2Ffootwear%2Flists%2Fbest-loafers-1238007778%2F&ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F&event_type=click&trx-iid=iid1776766653709bgg) ## **August Special Augie Type-S** ![Pair of brown leather loafers photographed on a light surface, viewed from the side and slightly front-facing.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/RR_20260415_Loafers_August_Special.webp) *Photo: August Special* Loafers are a particularly nostalgic footwear category, with many models hearkening back to a particular moment in the style’s history. By contrast, newcomer August Special has created something wholly new with its flagship Augie loafer. Made in Italy from supple calfskin with a hand-sewn vamp stitch, it’s at once minimal and elegant. But its most intriguing feature may be its padded foam midsole, which is cleverly wrapped in tonal calf leather and provides sneaker-like comfort. [Buy Now ON AUGUST SPECIAL: $590](https://augustspecial.com/products/augie-s-maduro-calf?variant=51175372882218) ## **Edward Green Piccadilly Suede Penny Loafers** ![Brown suede penny loafer with a strap across the vamp and a low stacked heel on a white background.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/RR_20260415_Loafers_Edward_Green.webp) *Photo: Edward Green* There’s a debate about whether loafers are ever a proper complement to a suit—but there’s no question that Edward Green’s Piccadilly pennies can hold their own with the sharpest of tailoring. Chalk it up to the Northampton-made style’s sleeker topline, more angular shape and chiseled toe. Prior to construction, its leather soles are tanned on a mixture of oak, spruce and mimosa bark that upgrades their quality of comfort and durability. [Buy Now ON MR PORTER: $1,520](https://clicks.trx-hub.com/xid/pmc_0aaa4_robbreport?q=https%3A%2F%2FMrPorter.prf.hn%2Fclick%2Fcamref%3A1011l8sUZ%2Fpubref%3ARR%2Fdestination%3Ahttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.mrporter.com%252Fen-us%252Fmens%252Fproduct%252Fedward-green%252Fshoes%252Floafers%252Fpiccadilly-suede-penny-loafers%252F1647597356618247&p=https%3A%2F%2Frobbreport.com%2Fstyle%2Ffootwear%2Flists%2Fbest-loafers-1238007778%2F&ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F&event_type=click&trx-iid=iid1776766653709bgg) ## **Rancourt Beefroll Penny Loafers Color 8** ![Pair of dark brown leather loafers with tan stitched sole, shown from above/side angle for product detail.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/RR_20260415_Loafers_Rancourt.webp) *Photo: Edward Green* Rancourt’s “Beefroll” loafer—so-called because of the leather rolls on each side of its pennykeeper—is the penny loafer at its most casual and laid-back. Made in Maine with a genuine moccasin construction, the style is left unlined and built from a pliant, supple “pull up” leather that will mold to the foot with wear. As that leather naturally stretches over time, the maker recommends that the style be ordered a half-size down from the wearer’s typical size. [Buy Now ON RANCOURT: $328](https://www.rancourtandcompany.com/collections/penny-loafers/products/beefroll-penny-loafers-color-8-chromexcel) *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Footwear, Style **Tags:** Evergreen, loafers, Menswear, shoes --- ### [Everything You Need to Know About Collecting Vintage Jewelry](https://robbreport.ph/style/jewelry/everything-you-need-to-know-about-collecting-vintage-jewelry/) **Published:** March 11, 2026 **Author:** Victoria Gomelsky **Content:** Antique and vintage jewelry has never been hotter—just ask the owners of [Lang Antiques](https://www.langantiques.com/), a 53-year-old mecca for period jewels located in the heart of San Francisco (at 309 Sutter Street, just off Union Square), where soaring demand lifted sales in December to their highest total ever. The reasons for the category’s blockbuster performance are at once general (the fine jewelry market has seen a dramatic uptick in sales since 2020) and specific to the particulars of buying vintage. These include the fact that, for all intents and purposes, vintage jewels are one-of-a-kind; they’ve been crafted using age-old techniques and are meant to endure through the ages; and, given their pre-owned nature, they are the epitome of sustainable, their carbon footprints effectively at zero. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/1-Store-Front-Window.webp) Lang Antiques Storefront Window *Photo: Lang Antiques* The through-line that connects every piece of jewelry worth collecting “is the story behind it,” says Suzanne Martinez, co-owner of Lang Antiques. She joined the business as an experienced gemologist and appraiser in 1992, the year after co-owner Mark Zimmelman, a third-generation gem and jewelry dealer from L.A., purchased it from founder Jarmilla Lang. “Things have really changed in the last few years,” Martinez says. “People are much more aware of the artist-jewelry of the 1960s and ’70s — designers like Andrew Grima. That whole period has become really hot.” *Robb Report* asked Martinez and Nicole Corsini, Lang’s marketing director, about the most collectible and trending styles, periods and makers in the vintage jewelry market circa 2022. Below is a hit-list of their top recommendations. ## **Periods Worth Noting** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/David-Webb-Rams-Head-Bangle-40-3-10804-1.webp) David Webb Diamond, Emerald and Ruby Rams Head Bracelet in Yellow Gold *Photo: Lang Antiques* Jewels from the perennially sought-after [Art Deco](https://robbreport.ph/tag/art-deco/ "art deco") era are a no-brainer. Dating roughly from 1919 to 1939, the Deco years—named for the influential Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes, held in Paris in 1925—yielded a much-loved style of jewelry characterized by geometric motifs, stylized patterns and clean lines rendered using a prodigious use of diamonds. The period’s inherently minimalistic aesthetic has been revisited time and again by scores of contemporary jewelers who are in thrall to its timeless look and classic proportions, but the most collectible pieces are the OG styles of the 20th century, featuring signatures from a familiar cohort of mostly French brands, including [Boucheron](https://robbreport.ph/tag/boucheron/ "boucheron"), [Cartier](https://robbreport.ph/tag/cartier/ "cartier") and Van Cleef & Arpels. That said, Martinez urges buyers to assess jewels from the period with “an appreciation for quality and workmanship” as opposed to an obsession with brand names. “We have a lot of pieces that are not signed that are better than signed pieces,” she says. “It could have come out of the same workshop as Cartier. People need to look beyond the signature.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ruser-freshwater-pearl-diamond-jellyfish-pin-pendant-necklace_6_120-91-31-Enhanced-Edit.webp) Ruser Freshwater Pearl and Diamond Jellyfish Brooch/Pendant *Photo: Lang Antiques* If Deco is a perennial favorite, the current darling of the vintage scene is the elaborate gold and gem-set jewelry of the 1960s and ’70s, such as the bestiary of designs that emerged from David Webb’s New York City atelier (like this [ram’s head bracelet](https://www.langantiques.com/david-webb-ram-s-head-bracelet.html)) or anything by Grima, the British jeweler whose use of traditional materials such as gold and gemstones was secondary to his artistic vision (“He’s on everybody’s radar right now,” says Martinez). ## **Makers Worth Rememberin**g ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/tiffany-co-art-deco-french-cut-diamond-and-calibre-emerald-bracelet_4_40-8-10801.webp) Tiffany & Co. Art Deco Diamond and Emerald Bracelet *Photo: Lang Antiques* Behind every great jeweler of the 20th century was a great workshop. And now, some of those behind-the-scenes manufacturers are getting their due. Chief among them, says Martinez, is [Oscar Heyman](https://www.oscarheyman.com/), the 110-year-old New York City firm that manufactured jewelry for [Tiffany & Co.](https://robbreport.ph/watches/tiffany-co-just-dropped-new-watches-inspired-by-jean-schlumbergers-iconic-enamel-bangles/ "Tiffany & Co. Just Dropped New Watches Inspired by Jean Schlumberger’s Iconic Enamel Bangles"), Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/oscar-heyman-carre-cut-diamond-line-bracelet_3_40-1-10575.webp) Oscar Heyman Diamond Bracelet *Oscar Heyman* “Now there’s a lot of buzz around the company,” she says. “They’re part of a bigger story.” The same goes for a handful of well-regarded American firms that operated in Newark, New Jersey, a jewelry manufacturing center from the mid-19th century to the early 20th century—such as the Art Nouveau specialist Krementz, whose delicate jewels (like this [14k gold and pearl brooch](https://www.langantiques.com/art-nouveau-pearl-diamond-and-enamel-pin-by-krementz.html)) “will hold their value,” according to Martinez. ## **Styles Worth Wearing** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Rihanna-Lang-MetGalaAfterparty.webp) Oscar Heyman Diamond Bracelet *Oscar Heyman* Bracelets, especially the linear diamond-set styles of the Deco period, are having a moment at Lang, thanks in no small part to Rihanna, who wore a stack of three platinum and diamond bracelets from Lang Antiques to the after-party for the 2021 Met Gala. “When the queen of the Met Ball picks a vintage style, it definitely brings awareness and visibility to the category,” Corsini says. “We always have interest in Deco, but the bracelets heated up after that.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Art-Deco-Jabot-Pin-50-1-10183.webp) Art Deco Emerald and Diamond Jabot Pin *Oscar Heyman* Brooches are another trending category, among both men and women. “As red carpets have evolved and men are getting interested in fashion, a brooch might be the first piece a man ventures to wear after his watch,” says Corsini. Beyond the red carpet, however, most buyers are interested in pieces that are wearable, be they Zodiac medallions from the 1960s and ’70s, chunky gold Victorian chains and lockets that have appeal as both stylish accessories and objects of sentimental value or bold gold Retro bracelets from the 1940s that have “beautiful textures and interesting shapes,” says Corsini. ## **Stones Worth Investing In** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Gents-Colombian-Emerald-Ring-30-3-11750-1.webp) Gentleman’s 5.35-Carat Emerald Ring *Oscar Heyman* When it comes to gemstones, emeralds are in especially high demand. “People are getting very sophisticated in their questions about treatments,” says Corsini. One stellar example in the Lang collection is an 18k yellow gold gentleman’s ring from the 1970s set with a 5.35-ct. Colombian emerald. “I wouldn’t call it an art piece of jewelry,” says Martinez. “I’d call it a house for the emerald.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/art-deco-6-61-carat-emerald-and-diamond-pendant-necklace_4_90-1-10958.webp) Art Deco Diamond Pendant with a 6.61-carat Emerald *Oscar Heyman* The collection also includes a platinum pendant centered on a 6.61-ct. egg-shaped emerald framed by concentric diamond-set rings that Lang acquired from the collection of a Los Angeles dealer who recently passed away. “He used to collect the best of the best, from the 1950s on,” says Martinez. “Dealers saw everything that was fabulous and if you were in Los Angeles, you saw all the Hollywood jewels, the real McCoy.” All of which serves as a reminder that when it comes to vintage jewels, the most valuable aspect of a piece isn’t the gem material, the gold or even the maker, but the mileage you get out of telling, and re-telling, its story. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Jewelry **Tags:** Antiques, cartier, Feature, Jewel at Changi, jewelry, sustainability, vintage --- ### [Stuart Fear on Stewarding The Glendronach’s 200-Year Legacy](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/spirits/stuart-fear-on-stewarding-the-glendronachs-200-year-legacy/) **Published:** April 21, 2026 **Author:** Robb Report Singapore **Content:** As Keeper of the Quaich for The Glendronach, Stuart Fear occupies a role that is part storyteller and part custodian. In a time when the [whisky](https://robbreport.ph/tag/whisky/ "whisky") world continues to chase novelty, Fear speaks instead of continuity, of Highland spirits, Spanish sherry oak, and the time-honoured methods that have shaped the distillery for two centuries. As the Glendronach marks its bicentennial this year with the house’s oldest release to date, the Aged 56 Years, Fear sees this milestone as a reminder of what must be carried forward. ![The Glendronach 56-year whiskey bottle beside a wooden display cask against a red velvet backdrop.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/GD_56YO_Hero_Bottle-Box_Portrait-1.webp) The Glendronach 56-year whiskey bottle. As interest in The Glendronach continues to grow across Asia, that story of continuity appears to resonate more widely than ever. In conversation with Robb Report Singapore, Fear reflects on what defines the house beyond its richly sherried style, what the Bicentennial Commission represents, and why, even after 200 years, the best things in whisky still take time. ## What feels most important to protect or uphold as The Glendronach turns 200 years old? For 200 years, the distillery has been dedicated to creating the finest Highland spirit and maturing it exclusively in Spanish sherry oak. We have always been known for our sherry cask mastery, and moving forward, we will continue to follow heritage and traditions that have seen The Glendronach succeed for two centuries. ## What, in your opinion, truly defines the house’s character beyond its celebrated sherry style? In the whisky world, we now see a lot of American oak being used to season sherry casks; at The Glendronach, we still exclusively mature in the finest Spanish sherry oak. We predominantly mature in two types of sherry: Oloroso, which is drier, nuttier, and adds warmth to the base of our whisky, and Pedro Ximénez, which brings forth a delicious sweetness to the top notes of fruit. We spend a great deal sourcing these casks from Jerez in Spain, but it’s all necessary if you want to ensure the richest and most decadent whisky for future generations. ## What does The Glendronach’s Aged 56 Years say about how the house wants to mark 200 years of legacy? This is the oldest whisky we have ever released, coming from our oldest vintage, a 1968. It is a testament to our unwavering dedication to sherry cask mastery, and can now stand as the pinnacle of The Glendronach distillery. ![Man with a beard leaning in, closely inspecting a large piece of industrial machinery in a workshop](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/JHP_5772-1.webp) ## With only 200 bottles, a 1968 vintage, and a cabinet crafted as a kind of ceremonial housing, the commission feels almost archival in spirit. Do you see releases like these as a celebration of the past, or a way to define how The Glendronach enters its third century? It is both, really. In Scotch whisky, we only have today because of what was done in the past. Every drop we produce now is for future generations to enjoy, and that is why we adhere to our traditions and heritage to ensure each future bottle of The Glendronach is as good as it is today. No one in 1968 would have imagined that the whisky they handcrafted would spend over half a century in our Highland warehouses, or that 56 years later people around the world, including in Southeast Asia, would be celebrating it during our 200th year. ## What part of The Glendronach’s story remains underappreciated, or needs to be told more? For many years now, the whisky world has been fixated on cask maturation, and increasingly more distilleries are experimenting with sherry cask finishes to meet market demand. However, a sherry cask can only do so much. The spirit you put into the cask determines the future. Our Highland spirit is known for its rich and robust nature, and that higher viscosity makes it ideal for long maturation in Spanish sherry oak. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/20241002-EHH06085PhotoBySaufiNadzri-1.webp) *Courtesy of Sauf Nadzri* ## What would you like drinkers in this region to take away from your stewardship of The Glendronach’s history? In the modern day, things are constantly evolving and changing. Technology moves quickly, trends come and go, and the overall noise can feel deafening. The Glendronach is about slowing down, taking time to appreciate heritage and tradition, and understanding that the best things in life take time. Even our 12-year-old single malt is the accumulation of 200 years of mastery. *More information on The Glendronach Distillery [here](https://www.glendronachdistillery.com/).* **Categories:** Food & Drink, Spirits **Tags:** Stuart Fear, The Glendronach, whisky --- ### [Royal Pineda Designs the Ultimate Travel Companion](https://robbreport.ph/style/royal-pineda-designs-the-ultimate-travel-companion/) **Published:** March 11, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** For the longest time, luxury in the Philippines meant looking outward, to Paris ateliers, Milanese leather houses, Swiss watchmakers, and the like. But a subtle shift from this has been happening the past few years. Filipino designers, it seems, are beginning to define luxury on their own terms. The Royal Atlas, a collaboration between architect Royal Pineda and Fino Leatherware, captures the changing times perfectly with a collection shaped by indigenous weaving traditions, architectural discipline, and the confidence of a [design](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/design/ "Design") culture that takes ownership of what it is. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Royal-Pineda-and-Black-Atlas-Overnighter-3-2240x2800.webp) Pineda standing with the Black Atlas Overnighter *Photo: Before Deadlines* Pineda, whose work weaves together modernism with vernacular Filipino influences, approached the project by beginning with the practical. “I always design things that are relatable to me, something that I can use every day,” Pineda says. “As an architect, I wanted something that I can use everyday—from the site to the office, the city to the airport and other destinations. Functionality is very important for me.” Among his most notable works is the Clark International Airport, indicative of such utilitarian thought. The terminal’s sweeping roofline echoes the silhouette of the Zambales mountain range, while its warm palette and the use of lahar subtly reference the region’s volcanic terrain. In nearby New Clark City Athletics Stadium and the New Clark City Aquatics Center, meanwhile, the architect again turned to nature and tradition, drawing inspiration from Mount Pinatubo and the geometry of the humble fish trap to shape structures that feel both fresh and unmistakably Filipino. ## Evolving Ideas of Luxury ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Brown-Atlas-Overnighter-2240x2800.webp) The Brown Atlas Overnighter *Photo: Before Deadlines* In the case of the Royal Atlas collection, travel is central to the bag’s identity, and the name itself suggests a cartographic metaphor. The bag isn’t just meant to carry objects but also experiences accumulated over time, with an emphasis leaning towards the owner’s journey: full-grain leather that records its owner’s trips, artisanal construction that reveals rather than hides the hand of the maker, and design that prioritizes longevity over novelty. Interestingly, it was on a quiet street in Germany that the idea started to take shape. A photograph captured an unlikely moment of national pride. The esteemed Filipino architect stood on a curb, a leather overnight bag at his side. The bag was not one of the usual European suspects. Instead, it was made by the Philippine leather house. For Dr. Rommel Bautista, Fino’s founder, the image was quietly revelatory. “For someone of his caliber, it was striking and refreshing to me that Royal would choose a locally made bag over the usual luxury brands,” he later recalls. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/pineda-first-version.webp) Pineda carrying the first version of what would later become the Royal Atlas collection. *Photo: Before Deadlines* The collaboration with Fino results in what its design team calls an “architect’s bag.” In a poetic way, it traverses disciplines and environments, the way its owner does on the regular through construction sites, airports, boardrooms, and studios. That means thoughtful proportions, durable full-grain leather, and compartments designed for real work without sacrificing style. More importantly, it means an object shaped by a philosophy rather than a trend. The Royal Atlas draws a lot from guiding principles like nature, peace, and variety, things that underpin Pineda’s own architectural practice. In a sense, such an approach is a kind of facsimile of architecture’s very relationship with materials, where stone, wood, and steel are valued not just for appearance but for how they age. Creases deepen, edges soften, and over time, the bag becomes less pristine and more personal. ## Weaving the Contemporary and the Indigenous Perhaps the most compelling aspect of the Royal Atlas lies in its cultural roots. The bag’s design draws heavily from the *pasiking*, this traditional Cordilleran backpack woven from bamboo, rattan, and nito vine. Used for centuries by communities in Northern Luzon to transport crops and goods across mountainous terrain, the *pasiking* embodies a form of design intelligence that predates contemporary industrial design. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/1d-2240x1503.webp) A closer look on the detail of the Atlas Overnighter. *Photo: Before Deadlines* Pineda’s interest in weaving traditions runs deep. “I was searching for something authentic and came across the ancient weaving skills of Filipinos,” he explains. Rather than replicate indigenous craft directly, the Royal Atlas translates its logic into leather. The bag’s most distinctive feature—a pattern called the “Royal Weave”—is created by punching precise slots into full-grain leather panels before threading strips through them diagonally. The process demands exceptional precision, according to Fino, where even a minor mistake means discarding the entire panel. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Royal-atlas-how-its-made-2240x1260.webp) The bag’s most distinctive feature—a pattern called the “Royal Weave”—is created by punching precise slots into full-grain leather panels before threading strips through them diagonally. *Photo: Beyond Deadlines* The result is a surface with unusual depth and dimension, more sculptural than it is decorative. It has functional advantages, too, of course. The woven structure allows the leather to breathe and adds a measure of water resistance. There’s also something to be said about its form and structure. Beyond the weave, the bag’s details carry their own charm. The sides taper to frame the brand’s minimalist logo. Straps form an A-shaped divider, inspired by nautical navigation tools, reinforcing the Atlas theme of travel and direction. “It is not just about aesthetics,” Pineda says. “It’s structure, dimension, depth all woven together. Every detail is formed by intention.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Atlas-Clutch-2-2240x2801.webp) The Atlas as a clutch. *Photo: Before Deadlines* The Royal Atlas was conceived as a companion for the modern Filipino professional. Picture someone whose daily life moves fluidly between creativity and discipline. “It is for creative Filipinos who are proud to carry their identity through cities, airports, studios, and landscapes,” Pineda notes. That ethos informs the broader Atlas collection, which includes an overnighter, tote, crossbody, and clutch. Each piece is produced in limited quantities and individually numbered. Architects like Pineda tend to believe that good design reveals itself slowly. The Royal Atlas works the same way. In an elevator pitch, we can say it is simply a well-made bag. Spend enough time with it, however, and we begin to notice the structure, the history, the references, and the quiet intelligence behind its form. Much like the bridges, pavilions, and buildings Pineda envisions, really—only this one fits in the overhead compartment. *Royal Atlas Collection is available in [Fino Leatherware](https://finoleatherware.com/) boutiques located at Trinoma, Mistukoshi Mall BGC, Power Plant Mall, Robinsons Magnolia, Alabang Town Center, Estancia, Podium, Shangri-La Plaza, and Glorietta.* **Categories:** Style **Tags:** FINO, leather goods, Royal Pineda --- ### [5 Laser Caps That’ll Help Your Hair Look Thicker and Healthier](https://robbreport.ph/style/5-laser-caps-thatll-help-your-hair-look-thicker-and-healthier/) **Published:** April 21, 2026 **Author:** Adam Hurly **Content:** You’d be hard-pressed to find a guy who doesn’t want to keep the hair he has—or get back some of what he’s lost. And we all want it to look as full and healthy as possible. There are a lot of solutions out there: minoxidil and finasteride, PRP, [hair](https://robbreport.ph/tag/hair/ "hair") growth supplements, and laser caps. But some are more supplemental in nature, and laser caps largely fall into that category. That’s not a knock on them — I’ve been using one for the better part of a decade and consider it essential to my routine — but it’s about knowing what expectations to set for different parts of your hair-retention and hair-maxxing goals. Low-level laser therapy, or LLLT, is the clinical name for these diode-based devices, and as NYC dermatologist [Dr. Robert Finney](https://www.instagram.com/robertfinneymd/?hl=en) (founder of [Soho Skin and Hair Restoration](https://www.sohoskinandhair.com/)) puts it, the key word in low-level laser therapy is *low*. Still, despite some measured skepticism around LLLT as a whole, Finney’s view is that at-home devices compete surprisingly well with far more expensive clinical treatments, and offer many of the same potential benefits at a fraction of the cost. ## How LLLT Is Designed to Work Here’s a word we won’t ask you to memorize beyond reading this article: photobiomodulation. Instead, you just need to know how it works to understand LLLT. As Finney explains, “our hair follicles have photoreceptors that can be activated by certain wavelengths of light, which help support follicle vascularity and health. That activation can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which is higher in androgenetic alopecia (male pattern hair loss).” In other words, the goal is to improve the environment around the follicles you still have by enhancing circulation and reducing inflammation, thereby helping fortify them. ## Lasers vs. LEDs You might notice that different laser caps aren’t advertising lasers at all. Instead, they might be touting LEDs. The key difference is in their wavelengths… the nanometers. Lasers emit a single precise wavelength (630 nanometers); LEDs emit a broader range clustered around a target wavelength, making lasers more precise while LEDs are more diffuse. “If it is LED, it has mostly 630 nm, but will also contain rays that are close to but not quite up to 630,” says Finney. In theory, that precision gives lasers an edge. “In the event that we know the exact wavelength for a specific task, laser will always outperform LED,” he says. But in practice, the science is still evolving. For that reason, Finney places less emphasis on choosing one over the other and more on whether the device delivers the right kind of red light, at the right energy, in a way that’s easy to use consistently. (Subtext: in a way that keeps you in the habit, in order to yield potential results.) ## What to Look for in a Laser Cap / LLLT Device First things first: Make sure your potential device targets male-pattern hair loss (by promising follicle-boosting benefits). And start by comparing its nanometers against Finney’s advice: “Ensure it has red light between 625 nm to 660 nm with fluence ranges in the 2–8 J/cm² and pulsed rather than continuous.” Beyond that, he’s less concerned with headline specs like diode count. (I always thought something in the high 200s and into the 300s was imperative, but Finney says “more diodes” hasn’t been shown to change much.) What does matter is whether the light actually reaches the scalp, though. And thus the design of the cap is most important. “If you have hair in the path of the laser or LED, guess what? It isn’t penetrating the skin of the scalp effectively,” he says. “In order to photobiomodulate, it should be as close to flush on the scalp as possible.” All of this reinforces the key argument: LLLT is a supporting player. Used consistently alongside proven treatments, it can help optimize follicle health and improve results at the margins. Used alone, it’s unlikely to justify any investment. So remember: If a device calls for five minutes daily or 30 minutes a few times a week, that cadence is tied to how the device delivers energy. Skip sessions, or freelance your own schedule, and expectations need to be adjusted accordingly. Like anything in the hair-retention game, results hinge on consistency. ## The 5 Best Laser Caps for Hair Growth Below, a closer look at the caps worth trying—based on personal reviews and an incisive look at each helmet and cap’s stats. ## Best Overall: Bauman Turbo LaserCap ![Bauman Medical laser hair therapy helmet with a battery pack and flexible curved treatment bands.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/RR-Laser-Hair-Growth-Caps-Baumann.webp) *Photo: Bauman* **Laser or LED?** Laser **Diodes:** 300 (650nm) **Cadence:** 5 minutes daily **Key Features:** Folds flat for travel, full scalp coverage, well ventilated, high-power battery, built to mimic in-clinic power in a wearable format I have a yearslong relationship with my Bauman TURBO, and even penned a love letter to it on this very site. This one’s portability, breathability, maximum coverage, and ease of daily integration all make it my go-to. It’s the fastest of the lot and requires just 5 minutes daily. It doesn’t turn off automatically, so be sure to set your time or watch the clock. They also offer various frame sizes so you can custom-fit the cap to your head. I love any device that lasers the rear of my head too, because hey, I want those follicles as enriched as possible too, even if they aren’t going to fall out from male pattern loss. [Buy Now: $5,200](https://dralanbauman.com/products/bauman-turbo-lasercap?aff=12) ## Best Features: CurrentBody Red Light Therapy Hair Growth Helmet ![White LED facial therapy helmet with pink light panels and cushioned inner band (brand: CurrentBody Skin)](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/RR-Laser-Hair-Growth-Caps-CurrentBody.webp) *Photo: CurrentBody* **Laser or LED?** LED **Diodes:** 120 (620-660nm) **Cadence:** 10 minutes daily **Key Features:** Lightweight helmet comes in medium and large sizes, full-scalp coverage, integrated timer, and built-in Bluetooth headphones Is it the most juice-up device on this list? No, not in terms of diodes, or speed, or lasers. But in terms of evening integration? Yes, definitely. This astronaut-like helmet features padded Bluetooth headphones that make it easy to get lost in your music, podcast, or movie while you incorporate the 10-minute LED session. Most guys should opt for the large helmet unless you know your head is on the smaller/medium side. [Buy Now: $860](https://us.currentbody.com/products/currentbody-skin-led-hair-regrowth-device?variant=40782978220129) ## Best Hybrid: iRestore Elite ![Black helmet with red trim and a wired control module for at-home hair growth treatment](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/RR-Laser-Hair-Growth-Caps-iRestore.webp) *Photo: iRestore* **Laser or LED?** Hybrid **Diodes:** 500 (300 lasers, 200 LEDs; 625 / 655 / 680nm) **Cadence:** 12 minutes daily **Key Features:** Triple-wavelength output, reputable clinical alignment, the wireless version costs $99 more and is worth it I more or less associate iRestore with “highly networked inside clinics,” and I say that favorably, as I like that many professionals align with this brand. That cosign goes a long way for me, and even though it’s a 12-minute runtime compared to 5 or 6 minutes for other examples on this list, I still find it easy to integrate into a nightly regimen. Its sensor turns off when it’s not on your head, and automatically shuts off after. I’ll give it bonus points, too, for not trying to be an actual hat; it’s an at-home helmet, and that’s just a fact. [Buy Now: $2,700](https://www.irestorelaser.com/products/laser-hair-growth-system-elite) ## Best Value: GroWell Cap ![Black baseball cap with a white circular logo on the front and a red glow under the brim, viewed from a slight angle.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/RR-Laser-Hair-Growth-Caps-Growell.webp) *Photo: Growell* **Laser or LED?** Hybrid **Diodes:** 63 (650nm) **Cadence:** 25 minutes, three or four times weekly **Key Features:** Soft-cap design (wear it under a hat), removable light insert, adjustable fit, automatic sensor (only turns on if worn, turns off when removed), various color options If you want an easy buy-in for your first LLLT device, then look to GroWell’s wonderful value. It has the sensors to only be on when you’re wearing the cap, and it’s easy to fit the flat light panel inside the cap when it arrives; that cap is soft and more flexible that most others in this category, and together it feels like you could travel easily with them, even if you choose to remove the light panel and lay it flat while the cap gets condensed too. It must be said that this one has far fewer diodes and is a hybrid LED device requiring 25 minutes of use per session, but that’s the whole “low-cost” tradeoff: If you have your nightly TV shows, cooking, books, etc, it’s an easy way to add some follicle fortification to your winding down. You can also choose from a few different colors for your cap. [Buy Now: $1,100](https://growellcap.com/product/growell-cap/) ## Best for Most Guys: KeraFactor Laser Cap ![Black baseball cap with embroidered logo reading 'LikerFactor' and 'Skincare for Hair' on the front panel.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/RR-Laser-Hair-Growth-Caps-Kerafactor.webp) *Photo: KeraFactor* **Laser or LED?** Laser **Diodes:** 302 (650nm) **Cadence:** 6 minutes, three or four times weekly **Key Features:** Flexible cap, automatic sensor (only turns on if worn, turns off when removed) This is the perfect “down the middle” device that checks all the boxes: it still feels like an upgrade, it gives you over 300 diodes, and it’s as easy to slip on as a baseball cap. I even love the hard, zip-up hat-shaped shell it comes in, so things don’t get smushed in travel. It senses when it’s on your head, so you won’t get any blinding lights in your eyes before or after, and it automatically turns off after each timed use. [Buy Now: $1,900](https://shop.mykerafactor.com/products/keraflex-laser-cap) *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Grooming, Style **Tags:** Grooming, hair growth, haircare, robb recommends, shop --- ### [The 10 Best Luxury Cars You Can Still Buy With a Manual Transmission in 2026](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-10-best-luxury-cars-you-can-still-buy-with-a-manual-transmission-in-2026/) **Published:** March 11, 2026 **Author:** Bryan Hood **Content:** It’s a sad fact that the manual transmission, while unlikely to go fully extinct anytime soon, is becoming increasingly rare. Driving culture is changing, and so are driving habits; cars are also going electric, so finding a new three-pedal car can be tough, if still not impossible. In the American market, the list of automakers that have abandoned stick shift for good is a lot longer than those that haven’t and includes [Mercedes](https://robbreport.ph/cars/10-fascinating-facts-you-didnt-know-about-mercedes-benz/ "10 Fascinating Facts You Didn’t Know About Mercedes-Benz"), [Audi](https://robbreport.ph/tag/audi/ "Audi"), [Ferrari](https://robbreport.ph/cars/ferrari-goes-electric-with-ferrari-luce-the-real-question-is-what-carries-forward/ "Ferrari Goes Electric With Ferrari Luce. The Real Question Is What Carries Forward."), Lamborghini, Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Lexus, Jaguar, Maserati, and Aston Martin, to name several. Those that are still hanging on are some of the diehards: Porsche and BMW, of course, though also Cadillac. All-encompassing luxury among the remaining manual upmarket cars tends not to be the highest priority, and instead, driving dynamics and power are for the hardcore buyers who still want to row their own in a modern car. It’s hard to imagine Porsche or BMW, to take two examples, ever fully abandoning manual transmissions, though it’s also inevitable, in the same way, that old technologies in car manufacturing have always given way to new ones. That’s progress, but also a function of sales, with fewer and fewer stick shift buyers long term. Those still left will have to enjoy what offerings they have while they can. ## **10**. Most Comfortable: Acura Integra ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/acura-integra-2026-7-e1772564798355.webp) *Photo: MIRO* Acura’s reborn Integra may lack the iconic styling and two-door coupe variant of its much-loved ’90s predecessor, but it’s still an incredible driver’s car, including the super quick and super sharp Type S variant. The standard car and its 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine remain uber-engaging thanks to its typically Honda-precise six-speed manual transmission. The Integra Type S, meanwhile, takes everything that’s great about the Civic Type R — its 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, brilliant suspension, and surgically precise gearbox — and puts it into a slightly more refined, comfortable, and grown-up package. It’s the only way to get heated seats with that drivetrain. The Type S also adds fender flares and more aggressive front and rear fascias. Inside, you get much more supportive seats, a great dash, nice materials, and that epic ELS sound system. And the optional manual transmission of course, all at a price that won’t break the bank. **In production since:** 1985 **Top powertrain option:** 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (Type S) **Power:** 320 hp and 310 ft lbs of torque **Zero to 60 mph:** 5.1 seconds **Top speed:** 135 mph **Starting price:** $34,195 ## 9. Best Daily Driver: BMW M3 and M4 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/P90399287_highRes_the-new-bmw-m3-compe-e1709309544474.webp) *Photo: Daniel Kraus* Everything about BMW’s G8x-generation M3/M4 is angry. From the furious front-end styling to the barely restrained 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six drivetrain and even those hateful M Carbon bucket seats, everything is aggressive. But we love how this M3/M4 drives and we love the fact that you can still get them with a manual transmission. Unfortunately, the only way to get an M3 or M4 with three pedals is to go for the base version, rather than a Competition or xDrive model, but even in their tamest form with a mere 473 horsepower, the M3 and M4 are mighty machines that will let you dissect any road with the utmost precision, and being BMWs, you’ll do it in comfort. Neither feels like a penalty box and as long as you stay away from the M carbon buckets with their very aggressive crotch-busting bump, you’ll be happy to drive them daily, too. **In production since:** 1986 (2014 for the M4) **Top powertrain option:** 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged six-cylinder **Power:** 473 hp and 306 ft lbs of torque **Zero to 60 mph:** 3.9 seconds **Top speed:** 155 mph **Starting price:** $79,750 (M3)/$83,550 (M4) ## 8. Best Convertible: BMW Z4 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/P90536232_highRes_the-new-2025-bmw-z4-e1772651212383.webp) *Photo: Tom Kirkpatrick* Want a sporty roadster that offers row-it-yourself driving with a premium cockpit? Look no further than the BMW Z4. Not only is this generation of Z roadster one of the best ever, but from a technology and driving dynamics perspective, it makes the previous version look like it came from another age. While we lament the lack of a true M variant of the Z4 these days, the six-cylinder M40i version, which is available with a stick shift, makes 382 horsepower and is plenty quick. Sure, the Z4 isn’t as competent a sports car as, say, Porsche’s 718 models, but it’s not miles off either, and having the option of a manual transmission helps cement that. **In production since:** 1989 **Top powertrain option:** 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged six-cylinder (M40i Handschalter) **Power:** 382 hp and 369 ft lbs torque **Zero to 60 mph:** 3.9 seconds **Top speed:** 155 mph **Starting price:** $71,125 ## 7. Most Convenient: Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2024-cadillac-ct4-v-blackwing-100-e1772651357393.webp) *Photo: Cadillac* The CT4-V Blackwing often gets overshadowed by its bigger, V8-powered sibling, but it’s a wicked competent, super quick sports sedan in its own right and shouldn’t be ignored. The 3.6-liter turbocharged V6 with its 472 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque never feels like a slouch and pairs well with the six-speed. As a bonus, Cadillac gave the CT4-V Blackwing both automatic rev-matching and shift-without-lift technology. Both of these are super fun, and the former is mega convenient on the street, especially in non-performance driving situations. **In production since:** 2021 **Top powertrain option:** 3.6-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 **Power:** 472 hp and 445 ft lbs of torque **Zero to 60 mph:** 3.9 seconds **Top speed:** 189 mph **Starting price:** $63,600 ## 6. Best American-Made Option: Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2024-cadillac-ct5-v-blackwing-100-e1772651457221.webp) *Photo: Cadillac* The CT5-V Blackwing will likely go down as one of history’s greatest sports sedans. This is largely due to GM’s decision to put the nearly perfect supercharged LT4 V-8 from the C7 Corvette Z06 in it, though here it’s tuned to 668 horsepower and 659 pound-feet. GM also made the undeniably excellent decision to offer it with a ten-speed automatic transmission, and, more excitingly, a six-speed manual. The sensation of ripping through six forward gears with the LT4’s stentorian roar echoing off a canyon wall is one of the best in motoring. Cadillac does not sell nearly as many of these as it might like, but the world is arguably better because Cadillac went through with it at all. And the fact that it continues to be underappreciated is better for buyers, too. **In production since:** 2021 **Top powertrain option:** 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 **Power:** 668 hp and 659 ft lbs of torque **Zero to 60 mph:** 3.4 seconds **Top speed:** 200 mph **Starting price:** $100,695 ## 5. Best Compact Pick: Lotus Emira ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/emiralimited99t.webp) *Photo: James Arbuckle/Lotus* Lotus is normally associated with lightness, not luxury, but the Emira is a little special in this respect. The last internal combustion Lotus is not only exquisite to look at and almost unbelievably sharp and direct to drive, but it also has one of our favorite drivetrains: the 3.5-liter Toyota-sourced supercharged V-6 paired with a deeply involving and mechanically pleasing six-speed manual transmission. Sure, it’s carried over from the old Evora GT, but why make changes when nothing is broken? (The Emira is available with an AMG-sourced turbocharged four-cylinder outside of the U.S.) That’s because the transmission really is special. It’s very notchy and accurate. The shifter is well-weighted, and it feels like it’s moving on a flat plane as you shift, rather than as an extension of a pivot point. It’s a little unusual at first, but with very little adjustment on the driver’s part, you’ll find yourself banging gears with speed and confidence. If this is the last manual transmission we’ll ever see from Lotus, at least it’s a great one. **In production since:** 2022 **Top powertrain option:** 3.5-liter supercharged V-6 **Power:** 400 hp and 310 ft lbs of torque **Zero to 60 mph:** 4.2 seconds **Top speed:** 180 mph **Starting price:** $106,900 ## 4. Best Retro Style: Nissan Z ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/zman.webp) *Photo: Nissan* The (no longer so) new Nissan Z’s sleek retro-style design isn’t its only throwback feature. The Japanese marque’s latest sports car also comes with an optional manual transmission, which is a bit of a surprise since its sibling, the R35-generation GT-R, only comes with a dual-clutch. A stick-shift is available on two of the three Z models currently on sale, the Sport and Performance. While it’s more than a little disappointing that the range-topping Nismo isn’t available with a manual, drivers who like to change through the gears themselves will still have a blast in the lesser model’s mill, a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 that produces 400 hp and 350 ft lbs of torque. That’s more than enough pep to push the car from zero to 60 in 4.5 seconds and to a top speed of 155 mph. **In production since:** 1969 **Top powertrain option:** Twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 **Power:** 400 hp and 350 ft lbs of torque **Zero to 60 mph:** 4.5 seconds **Top speed:** 155 mph **Starting price:** $42,970 ## 3. Most Iconic: Porsche 911 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/carrerat01.webp) *Photo: Porsche* Even in its more tame forms, the Porsche 911 is an unbelievable sports car that feels exquisitely built and carefully engineered. It’s available with a few different engine options, ranging from the base turbocharged flat-six as found in the enthusiast-favorite Carrera T trim, which makes less than 400 horsepower, to the 500-horsepower naturally aspirated 9,000 rpm screamer found in the GT3, GT3 RS, and S/T models. Unfortunately, for 2025 at least, only the first of those is available with a good old-fashioned manual transmission. The 992.2-generation Carrera T promises to be a blast to drive. Its six-speed manual gearbox sends the 388 hp and 331 ft lbs of torque produced by the engine to the rear wheels, allowing the vehicle to sprint from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds and to hit a top speed of 183 mph. Not bad for one of the iconic model’s “lesser” variants. **In production since:** 1964 **Top powertrain option:** 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged six-cylinder (Carrera T) **Power:** 388 hp and 331 ft lbs of torque **Zero to 60 mph:** 4.3 seconds **Top speed:** 183 mph **Starting price:** $140,950 ## 2. Best for Enthusiasts: Toyota Supra ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/supraman.webp) *Photo: Toyota* In case the last five years haven’t made it abundantly clear: the Toyota GR Supra is for enthusiasts. Although the latest version of the legendary nameplate didn’t launch with a manual in 2019, it’s been available as an option for the last few model years. Every version of the coupe is available with a stick, the most powerful of which comes with a BMW-sourced turbo-charged 3.0-liter inline-six that generates 382 hp and 368 ft lbs of torque, can hit 60 mph in under four seconds, and tops out at 155 mph. The manual has also been a hit, at least as the nameplate is concerned. Within the first year of it being available as an option, 1,216, or roughly 47 percent, of Supra buyers opted for a stick-shift. At a time when manuals account for less than two percent of vehicles sold in the U.S., that’s really saying something. **In production since:** 1978 **Top powertrain option:** 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder **Power:** 382 hp and 368 ft lbs of torque **Zero to 60 mph:** 3.9 seconds **Top speed:** 155 mph **Starting price:** $58,300 ## 1. Best Overall: BMW M2 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2024-bmw-m2.webp) *Photo: Wilsons Auctions* BMW is one of the biggest remaining manual transmission holdouts, and of the three current models available with three pedals, we love the M2 (and its 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six) best. The most recent styling update is only slightly less hostile-looking than its bigger M3/M4 siblings, but it’s hard to argue with how well the M2 drives. Like most BMW manuals since the dawn of time, the gearshift in the M2 is accurate, and well-weighted but lacks some of the precision of manuals from Honda or Porsche. Still, the fact that you can still row your own in a BMW M product is pretty sweet, and we genuinely hope that this is a trend that the folks in Munich plan to continue. **In production since:** 2016 **Top powertrain option:** 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged six-cylinder **Power:** 473 hp and 406 ft lbs of torque **Zero to 60 mph:** 4.1 seconds **Top speed:** 177 mph **Starting price:** $70,000 *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** Acura, bmw, cadillac, Feature, Lotus, manual transmission, porsche, Toyota, toyota supra --- ### [The Good Life: Editors' Picks of the Week](https://robbreport.ph/the-good-life-editors-picks/the-good-life-editors-picks-of-the-week-19/) **Published:** May 21, 2026 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** **In every The Good Life: Editors’ Picks column, we round up our editors’ favorites—restaurants, cocktails, experiences, exhibits, and everything in between. Here is our latest list.** ## *Flora de Filipinas* Porcelain Collection by Maison de Rivoli ![Elegant blue and gold table setting with nested plates and a floral center plate on a beige tablecloth.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/DSC08338.webp) Lately, I have found myself coveting pieces that make everyday rituals feel more meaningful which is exactly why I cannot stop thinking about *Flora de Filipinas*, a new porcelain collection from Maison de Rivoli, the French Filipino luxury house that celebrates heritage and craftsmanship. ![Elegant blue-gold table setting with floral centerpiece and crystal glassware on a white tablecloth](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/DSCF9061.webp) Developed in collaboration with Royal Limoges, the oldest porcelain manufacturer in France, the collection pays tribute to the Philippines through the lens of its rich botanical heritage. The designs are lifted from *Flora de Filipinas*, an archive of botanical illustrations dating back to 1877, giving each plate and serving piece a sense of history. ![Blue gift box with gold lettering beside a navy-rimmed plate with botanical print, placed near a white bouquet of flowers as a present.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/DSCF9972.webp) I love how the collection balances refinement with identity. It carries the elegance associated with classic French porcelain, yet feels unmistakably anchored in the Philippines. In many ways, it reflects what Maison de Rivoli does best: highlight cultural heritage through beautifully made objects that feel both timeless and personal. – *Alicia Colby Sy, Lifestyle Editor* *Maison de Rivoli is located on the second floor of The Peninsula Hotel in Makati.* ## *Master Class* Produced by Philippine Opera Company ![Courtesy of Philippine Opera Company Master Class Poster](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/master-class-philippine-opera-company-2240x1260.webp) Courtesy of Philippine Opera Company I’m excited to see *Master Class* at the RCBC Plaza Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, especially following the rave reviews surrounding Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo’s turn as Maria Callas. Terrence McNally’s Tony Award-winning play—widely regarded as one of modern theater’s great backstage dramas—follows the legendary soprano as she conducts a series of classes for young opera students, though the real subject is artistry, ego, discipline, and the cost of greatness. ![Female singer on a red-lit stage, one hand raised toward the audience with a dark backdrop of vertical panels.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Myra-Ho-B80A2725-1-2240x1682.webp) Courtesy of Philippine Opera Company/Myra Ho Directed by Jaime del Mundo, the production also features performances by Louie Angelo Oca as accompanist Manny Weinstock, Alexandra Bernas as one of the students, Sophie de Palma, and Arman Ferrer playing another student, Anthony Candolini. Much of the conversation so far has centered on Lauchengco-Yulo’s performance, which many have described as commanding, funny, and deeply moving. – *Kimberly Rocha-Delgado, Digital Editor* *Master Class runs until May 30 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati, with Friday and Saturday evening performances and weekend matinees.* *[Purchase tickets here.](https://ticket2me.net/MASTERCLASS?fbclid=IwY2xjawR6UVVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFrVFl2Tmhsc2I5SldVSUc4c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHrKDpN7EG97vI10FYb0J9zWwjx_NODcWf3las7hcl0UHNYhroVSWVU8L_L_s_aem_Cr-PZwI_-pmbclRhS6k4GQ&queueittoken=e_t2meprod~q_00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000~ts_1779266234~ce_true~rt_disabled~h_9d7b7f473efa0553f786436d26615b1380f858af40d4a006e779c75edc864e2e)* ## Michel Couvreur French Whisky ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/IMG_3553.webp) A Frenchman deciding it isn’t all about terroir? We opened a surprisingly smooth entry-level (for the house, anyway) French whisky from Michel Couvreur. Couvreur decided in 1978 to focus on specially chosen casks to bring the proper life to spirits, and now chooses and treats every cask specially and specifically. They cork, wax, and label every bottle by hand. ![Underground wine cellar with wooden barrels stored on metal racks along a damp stone wall.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/IMG_3555.webp) Run today by his son-in-law Cyril Deschamps and cellar master Jean-Arnaud Frantzen, Michel Couvreur make a special case of every cask, with their last production pre-sold in a hundred year old cask borrowed from a sherry maker. It’s literally hard to get—everyone who bought has to wait 12 years for their one bottle. – *Carl Cunanan, Cars and Watches Editor* *Visit the website [here](https://michelcouvreur-whisky.com/en/).* **Categories:** Entertainment, Food & Drink, Home & Design, Homes, Leisure, Spirits, The Good Life: Editors' Picks **Tags:** France, Maison de Rivoli, Maria Callas, Porcelain, whisky --- ### [13 Pairs of Leather Sneakers You Can Wear With Almost Anything](https://robbreport.ph/style/13-pairs-of-leather-sneakers-you-can-wear-with-almost-anything/) **Published:** May 20, 2026 **Author:** Michael Stefanov **Content:** Around the mid-to-late aughts, you’d be hard-pressed to go anywhere in N.Y.C. without seeing a pair of sleek, minimalist leather sneakers. I was immediately drawn to these streamlined silhouettes for their understated cool, and I found they complemented jeans and tailored trousers with equal style. Interestingly, it wasn’t all that long ago that pairing sneakers with tailoring was considered a fashion faux pax. They were aesthetically just more casual and reserved for athletic or leisurely activities. Forward-thinking individuals throughout history, however, from John Lennon’s late-era [Beatles](https://robbreport.ph/leisure/vinyls-and-visuals-9-coffee-table-books-every-music-collector-needs/ "Vinyls and Visuals: 9 Coffee-Table Books Every Music Collector Needs") to David Beckham, paved the way for men to embrace sneakers with their buttoned-up looks, and today, it’s perfectly commonplace to see guys sporting dress sneakers with suits on red carpets. Today, such footwear is widely considered an essential component of a modern wardrobe. I respect those who are passionate about sneaker culture. However, that is not my forte; I gravitate towards the timeless appeal of Chuck Taylors, the retro charm of New Balance, and, today, the enduring appeal of a classic leather sneaker. These styles are discreet yet approachable, elegant yet versatile. Common Projects was pivotal in popularizing the so-called dress sneakers, making them fashionable and luxurious, and brands such as Greats and Koio further propelled them to the masses. The style’s appeal was undeniable, and many designers followed suit. At trade shows such Pitti Uomo, esteemed Italian luxury brands soon crafted their interpretations of the look. Even heritage British shoemakers, renowned for robust brogues and monk straps, delved into sleek leather and suede iterations. Every brand had its rendition, and their ubiquity was no accident—the best leather sneakers embody timelessness and add understated elegance to any outfit. With time, the silhouettes have become more refined, the linings and footbeds more comfortable. Better materials are used with sustainability in mind, and the color options run the gamut. However, there are a few things to look for in the best dress sneakers. **Material:** While canvas and nylon or mesh are standards in casual [footwear](https://robbreport.ph/style/footwear/ "Footwear"), a certain elegance comes with leather or suede for dressier sneakers. These elevated textiles add a touch of refinement and luxury, echoing the sophistication of traditional dress shoes. Vegan leather is also growing in popularity. **Silhouette:** Like their leather-soled counterparts, dress sneakers should embody a slimmer profile for a refined aesthetic, almost resembling a derby-style shoe. Their elegance lies in embracing minimalism, streamlined sophistication, and a slender sole, contrasting casual footwear’s more robust and multi-paneled design. Opting for a low-top design is typically the easiest and most versatile choice; however, hi-tops made from the right materials and silhouette can also achieve a buttoned-up look. **The Details:** Although black, white, navy blue, or rich brown are the most versatile and standard colorways, leather sneakers should ideally be in neutral tones and subdued hues that aren’t flashy and lend themselves to tailored refinement. Except for discreet logos, dress sneakers skip excessive branding and technical perforations. Flat laces in a horizontal bar further tailor the look—the opposite of the crisscross patterns or fastenings of more casual sneakers. ## Common Projects Original Achilles Leather Sneakers ![Navy blue low-top sneaker with a black sole and gold numbers along the heel.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_20260518_Leather_Sneakers_Update_Common_Projects.webp) *Photo: Mr Porter* Common Projects was among the first to bring luxury leather dress sneakers into the cultural zeitgeist, transforming them into fashion statements with their streamlined silhouettes, muted tonal colorways, and iconic gold lettering—a subtle yet distinctive flex. The founders originally conceived the Achilles sneakers for their personal use during the summer, recognizing a gap in the market for a refined yet casual option. Besides looks, the quality is inherent; their sneakers are handmade in the Marche region of Italy, utilizing traditional artisan techniques inherited from the factory’s previous specialization in leather dress shoes. The Achilles is a timeless investment, versatile enough to complement a suit, jeans, or shorts with equal sartorial flair. **Date of Brand Origin:** 2004 **Material:** Leather and rubber **Silhouette:** Low-top **Fit:** Narrow [Buy Now on Mr Porter: $565](https://clicks.trx-hub.com/xid/pmc_0aaa4_robbreport?q=https%3A%2F%2FMrPorter.prf.hn%2Fclick%2Fcamref%3A1011l8sUZ%2Fpubref%3ARR%2Fdestination%3Ahttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.mrporter.com%252Fen-us%252Fmens%252Fproduct%252Fcommon-projects%252Fshoes%252Flow-top-sneakers%252Foriginal-achilles-leather-sneakers%252F4068790126622113&p=https%3A%2F%2Frobbreport.com%2Fstyle%2Ffootwear%2Flists%2Fbest-leather-sneakers-1238094119%2F&ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F&event_type=click&trx-iid=iid1779156302458iii) ## Berluti Stellar Venezia Leather Sneakers ![Brown leather low-profile sneaker with white sole and black laces, shown from the side and slightly angled.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_20260518_Leather_Sneakers_Update_Berluti.webp) *Photo: Berluti* Berluti’s labor-intensive hand-dyed leather treatment, known as patina, is a familiar sight in the world’s style capitals. This pair of sneakers, which really lives up to its name, gives the distinctive look a little extra mileage by pairing it with a comfortable, lightweight leather sole. Plus, the chisel-shape toe is a lot more forgiving than your standard pair of oxfords. **Date of Brand Origin:** 1895 **Material:** leather and rubber **Silhouette:** Low-top **Fit:** Regular [Buy Now on Mr PorteR: $1,920](https://clicks.trx-hub.com/xid/pmc_0aaa4_robbreport?q=https%3A%2F%2FMrPorter.prf.hn%2Fclick%2Fcamref%3A1011l8sUZ%2Fpubref%3ARR%2Fdestination%3Ahttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.mrporter.com%252Fen-us%252Fmens%252Fproduct%252Fberluti%252Fshoes%252Flow-top-sneakers%252Fstellar-venezia-leather-sneakers%252F46376663162869795&p=https%3A%2F%2Frobbreport.com%2Fstyle%2Ffootwear%2Flists%2Fbest-leather-sneakers-1238094119%2F&ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F&event_type=click&trx-iid=iid1779156302458iii) ## Tod’s Sneakers in Nubuck ![Beige leather sneaker with white toe cap and gum brown outsole on a white background.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_20260518_Leather_Sneakers_Update_Tods.webp) *Photo: Tod’s* Inspired by vintage basketball shoes, these sneakers blend the best of Tod’s capabilities (leatherworking and making peerlessly comfortable Italian shoes) with a touch of Americana. It’s hard not to like the easygoing blend of leather with a high rubber outsole and toe cap, but the gommino sole is what will make you want to reach for this pair again and again. **Date of Brand Origin:** 1984 **Material:** Nubuck and rubber **Silhouette:** Low-top **Fit:** Regular [Buy Now on Tod’s: $945](https://www.tods.com/us-en/Sneakers-in-Nubuck/p/XXM59L0IY20V633D13/) ## Zegna Triple Stitch Secondskin Slip-On Sneaker ![Navy blue slip-on sneakers with white rubber sole viewed from side, casual footwear for men or women](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_20260518_Leather_Sneakers_Update_Zegna.webp) *Photo: Zegna* When envisioning slip-on sneakers, the classic curved toe, one-piece design typically comes to mind. Zegna elevates this concept with its new Triple Stitch low-top sneakers. Crafted from fine, supple leather that is incredibly soft to the touch, these sneakers mold to your proportions over time, offering impeccable comfort with each wear. Made from specially selected Secondskin calf leather for enhanced flexibility, they are designed to feel like, you guessed it, second skin. The triple cross elastic vamp is subtly hidden, lending these sneakers an air of formality with slip-on ease. **Date of Brand Origin:** 1910 overall. 2019 for Sneakers. **Material:** Leather and rubber **Silhouette:** Low-top **Fit:** Regular [Buy Now on Zegna: $1,590](https://www.zegna.com/us-en/shoes/sneakers/product.blue-triple-stitch-secondskin-sneakers.36185702/) ## Brunello Cucinelli Deerskin Sneakers ![Pair of cream leather sneakers with tan suede heel tabs and gum-colored rubber sole](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_20260518_Leather_Sneakers_Update_Brunello_Cucinelli.webp) *Photo: Brunello Cucinelli* Man, what can’t Brunello Cucinelli do? The maestro of Italian sprezzatura transformed deerskin, a leather typically used for gloves, into a uniquely appealing pair of sneakers. Because of the material’s ability to conform to the skin, this pair will be comfortable right out of the box. Its slim rubber sole and leather lining will only enhance how they feel on the feet. **Date of Brand Origin:** 1978 **Material:** Leather and rubber **Silhouette:** Low-top **Fit:** Regular [Buy Now on Brunello Cucinelli: $1,250](https://shop.brunellocucinelli.com/en-us/men/shoes/sneakers/deerskin-sneakers-261MZUKSGJ336CZX01.html) ## Canali Nuvola Leather Sneakers ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_20260518_Leather_Sneakers_Update_Canali.webp) *Photo: Canali* Canali’s new Nuvola sneakers are a confident step forward from a brand best known for its tailoring. The style is designed for maximum lightness and comfort, meaning you won’t get weighed down if you wear these sneakers all day long. This pair, made from sheep leather, is mounted on a practical rubber sole, so it can handle whatever your day throws at you. **Date of Brand Origin:** 1934 **Material:** Sheep leather and rubber **Silhouette:** Low-top **Fit:** Regular [Buy Now on Canali: $650](https://us.canali.com/canali-nuvola-leather-sneakers-491213ra01019015/p) ## Allen Edmonds Hawthorne Reserve Lace-Up Sneaker ![Dark brown leather sneaker with a smooth finish and textured heel, flat sole, and lace-up design for men’s casual wear](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_20260518_Leather_Sneakers_Update_Allen_Edmonds.webp) *Photo: Allen Edmonds* Allen Edmonds has long produced some of the best dress shoes made in the United States. And recently, its sneakers have gotten stronger, too—in large part due to the arrival of creative director Nick Wooster. This pair, from the company’s high-end reserve collection, blends Italian leather with just a hint of crocodile at the heel for a luxe look. They’re the best thing to come out of Wisconsin since Miller High Life. **Date of Brand Origin:** 1922 **Material:** Leather, crocodile, and rubber **Silhouette:** Low-top **Fit:** Regular [Buy Now on Allen Edmonds: $750](https://www.allenedmonds.com/product/mens-hawthorne-reserve-lace-up-sneaker-3032368/deep-brown-calf-and-genuine-croc-ec4502597) ## Greats The Royale 2.0 Sneaker ![Gray low-top sneaker with a white rubber sole, shown in profile view on a white background.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_20260518_Leather_Sneakers_Update_Greats.webp) *Photo: Greats* Greats burst onto the footwear scene in 2014 with their high-quality leather dress sneakers, and their iconic Royale sneaker is a staple for countless menswear enthusiasts. The new 2.0 version boasts several upgrades: it’s been redesigned with ergonomic dimensions to enhance fit and shape, and it is now slimmer and true to size without needing a break-in period. The collar padding has been increased for improved comfort, and a molded footbed featuring antimicrobial properties, lined with soft nappa leather, gives optimal support. These sneakers promise style and comfort for all your upcoming summer hang. **Date of Brand Origin:** 2014 **Material:** Leather and rubber **Silhouette:** Low-top **Fit:** Regular [Buy Now on Greats: $199](https://www.greats.com/products/the-royale-2-0-ash-grey-mens) ## Koio Capri Sneakers ![Black low-top sneaker with a white thick sole and black laces on a plain background, side view.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_20260518_Leather_Sneakers_Update_Koio.webp) *Photo: Koio* Like the Achilles or the Royale, Koio’s Capri sneaker has cemented its status as a staple in the dress sneaker category. Handcrafted in Tuscany, Italy, it boasts a sleek, slim silhouette. The tightly stitched construction provides water resistance, while waxed cotton laces and hand-painted edges display exquisite craftsmanship. Koio excels in tonal aesthetics, with beautifully washed-out, unique colorways that blend the soles and uppers, resulting in highly wearable yet distinct everyday dress sneakers. **Date of Brand Origin:** 2015 **Material:** Leather and rubber **Silhouette:** Low-top **Fit:** Regular [Buy Now on Koio: $265](https://www.koio.co/products/capri-onyx-mens?variant=41538652766377) ## Zvelle Ray Sneaker ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_20260518_Leather_Sneakers_Update_Zvelle.webp) *Photo: Zvelle* Although low-top leather sneakers typically lend themselves to a dressier silhouette, this hi-top version from luxury newcomers Zvelle warrants equal sartorial praise. Made in Italy from buttery deerskin leather, with tonal laces and a contrasting off-white sole, these sneakers exude a refined, retro aesthetic. The texture of the deep, rich brown leather and sleek silhouette suggests pairing them with your favorite navy unstructured suit or light blue jeans. **Date of Brand Origin:** 2015 **Material:** Deerskin and rubber **Silhouette:** High-top **Fit:** Regular [Buy Now on Zvelle: $650](https://zvelle.com/collections/ray-sneaker/products/ray-sneaker-suede?variant=41956016160835) ## Veja Campo Sneaker ![White Veja sneakers with blue heel accents and a tan gum sole, side V logo visible on the shoe side.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_Best_Leather_Sneakers_VEJA.webp) *Photo: Veja* French sneaker brand Veja is hard to miss, with its iconic V logo on the side of sneakers as recognizable as the Comme Des Garçons Heart or the Converse Star. Beyond their chic designs, what sets Veja apart is its strong commitment to sustainability. Their bovine ChromeFree leather, sourced from farms in southern Brazil, undergoes an innovative tanning process that eliminates chrome, heavy metals, and dangerous acids. This eco-friendly approach reduces water usage by about 40 percent and salt by 80 percent, while the water used in the process is recyclable. Veja’s sustainable ideals are even in the details– from recycled EVA and rubber soles to organic cotton laces. **Date of Brand Origin:** 2005 **Material:** Chrome-free leather and rubber **Silhouette:** Low-top **Fit:** Regular [Buy Now on Veja: $175](https://www.veja-store.com/en_us/p/campo-leather-white-black-CP0501537.html) ## On The Roger Advantage Sneaker ![White low-profile running sneaker with a light gray On logo on the mid-side and a chunky sole.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_20260518_Leather_Sneakers_Update_On.webp) *Photo: On* The tennis-inspired Rogers Advantage combines form and function with its clean lines, minimal stitching, and matte finish. This sneaker ensures comfort and performance by featuring a mesh fabric tongue for a technical touch and a TPU-injected Speedboard that enhances flexibility. With concealed CloudTec technology for comfort and flex grooves supporting the natural movement of your feet, this sneaker is tailored for those who want a sneaker they can dress up or down while leading a very active lifestyle. **Date of Brand Origin:** 2020 **Material:** Faux leather and polyester **Silhouette:** Low-top **Fit:** Regular [Buy Now on On Running: $160](https://www.on.com/en-us/products/the-roger-advantage-m-3mf3064/mens/white-white-shoes-3MF30641200) ## SuitSupply Light Brown Sneakers ![Beige suede sneakers with white rubber sole and lace-up front, side view on white background, pair of casual shoes](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_20260518_Leather_Sneakers_Update_Suitsupply.webp) *Photo: SuitSupply* SuitSupply emerged in 2000, offering men stylish, accessible custom suits. Since then, it has expanded into a full lifestyle line, ranging from knitwear to evening wear and sneakers, with its chic, sartorial slant. These light brown suede dress sneakers will bring casual style to any tailored look and add elegance to jeans or chinos. They have a leather lining, flat waxed laces, and a rubber sole, which will pair well with linen trousers or light-wash jeans alike. It’s important to note that suede should be treated with a water-resistant spray and brushed periodically for cleaning and maintenance. **Date of Brand Origin:** 2000 **Material:** Suede and rubber **Silhouette:** Low-top **Fit:** Regular [Buy Now on Mr Porter: $229](https://suitsupply.com/en-us/men/shoes/light-brown-sneaker/FW14047.html) ## Morjas The Sneaker 02 ![Navy suede low-top sneaker with a white rubber sole, shown in side profile.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_20260518_Leather_Sneakers_Update_Morjas.webp) *Photo: Morjas* Morjas, the Swedish shoe brand that’s taking the shoe rotations of stylish guys by storm, has long since proven it’s great at making some of the best-value dress shoes you can find. Its younger sneaker program is no less well developed, as evidenced here by its second-generation style. Hand made in Portugal, these offer a clean look and a low-profile silhouette designed to play well with your weekend fare or help you put your best foot forward on casual days at the office. Plus, we can’t help but admire that the brand suggests you put shoe trees in these too, just like you do with your wingtips. **Date of Brand Origin:** 2017 **Material:** Suede and rubber **Silhouette:** Low-top **Fit:** Regular [Buy Now on Morjas: $290](https://www.morjas.com/us/product/the-sneaker-02-navy-suede/) *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Footwear, Style **Tags:** leather sneakers, robb recommends, rubbershoes, shoes, shop, sneakers --- ### [5-Star Hotel Prices Are Soaring, but Is the Service Keeping Up With the Costs?](https://robbreport.ph/travel/5-star-hotel-prices-are-soaring-but-is-the-service-keeping-up-with-the-costs/) **Published:** March 9, 2026 **Author:** Jake Emen **Content:** [Hotels](https://robbreport.ph/tag/hotels/ "hotels") faced a number of hardships as they began reopening in the wake of Covid, including a need to make up for lost revenue, a yo-yoing approach to ongoing restrictions and operating principles, and difficulty recruiting staff, everywhere from entry level to upper management. That was balanced out in part by two huge boons: pent-up consumer demand (travelers were eager to take vacations—and spend big to do so), and an understanding from those consumers that the industry was a bit of a mess and we’d all need to grin and bear it while taking those coveted trips. Now, several years down the road, there’s a growing sense that much of the hotel scene hasn’t recovered in full. Instead, consumers have been experiencing a steady rise in nightly rates and a prolonged period of decline in standards for service and hospitality. I travel 365 days a year as a nomadic journalist, so there are always highs and lows, but lately, the lows have been…memorable. There was the swanky, five-star European city hotel inundated with mosquitos, despite the front desk’s assurances otherwise. And the new five-star lake hotel with four-digit room prices and décor reminiscent of an Ikea catalog or college dorm. I started to question what really constitutes “five stars” these days. The most jarring experience, though, came during a stay at a five-star boutique hotel along Mexico’s Riviera Maya. Severe food allergies were relayed to the front desk, butler, and kitchen on numerous occasions. After a room service breakfast was delivered, a further call was made back to the kitchen to ensure allergy safety, with the team giving its blessing. Half an hour later, a nervous staff member called back hoping against hope that we didn’t eat the food that she just confirmed as safe, but actually, well, wasn’t. Thankfully, our own suspicions stopped us from eating the meal, but how is it that such a serious blunder, in this case at the risk of a medical emergency, can be made at this level of hotel? “Service is indeed being called into focus across the industry,” says Olivier Lordonnois,[ Aman](https://www.aman.com/)’s managing director for the Americas. “At its core, service is about the genuine connection between staff and guests. In a world that is rediscovering the importance of human interaction, I believe we are at a pivotal moment in restoring the art of meaningful hospitality.” ## **How has the service gotten so bad?** It’s clear that service and hospitality are down across the board, even at five-star properties. But who or what is to blame, and why is the issue so persistent? “Post-pandemic, there has been a general downturn in service everywhere, and the issue doesn’t lie so much with a change in priority, spend, nor focus on luxury hotels, but rather the post-pandemic labor pool,” says Jack Ezon, founder and CEO of[ Embark Beyond](https://www.embarkbeyond.com/), a luxury travel company and[ Virtuoso](https://www.virtuoso.com/) agency. “Hospitality was not only the hardest hit, but the hardest to come back.” Even if a hotel hasn’t changed its written objectives on service or staffing, the difference can still be seen and felt immediately. “I’ve detected a drop in enthusiasm, and I believe staffing and training are the two keys to providing a stellar guest experience,” says Jessica Gorman, a luxury travel advisor with[ Concierge Curated Travel LLC](https://www.globaltravelcollection.com/travel-agent/291702/jessica-gorman), an independent affiliate of[ Global Travel Collection](https://www.globaltravelcollection.com/). “The devil is in the details, so if your team members don’t have the tools to perform and exceed in their roles, the guest experience suffers.” While some might feel as if five-stars should be in a superior position thanks to rigorous training programs, talent retention, and overall investment, in some cases, the luxury tier comes back to haunt them. Prices have skyrocketed and yet consumers feel as if they’re getting the short end of the stick. “Exorbitant rates at luxury hotels exacerbate an already compromised hospitality industry,” Ezon says. “Now that demand has cooled, rates set an expectation of a level of luxury that is almost impossible to deliver on in this environment.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/fsh_2864_philip-bischoff.webp) Mixologist Philip Bischoff takes “good spirits” seriously at the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River. *Photo: Courtesy of Four Seasons* ## **Finding the bright side** That’s not to say that there’s no such thing as excellent service nowadays. Many independent, family-owned properties continue to shine, and certain brands have been able to maintain their sparkling reputations, with options such as[ Four Seasons](https://www.fourseasons.com/),[ Park Hyatt](https://www.hyatt.com/brands/park-hyatt), Aman, and[ Belmond](https://www.belmond.com/) remaining top notch. Ezon points to an experience at the[ ](https://www.bulgarihotels.com/en_US/milan)[Bvlgari Milano](https://www.bulgarihotels.com/en_US/milan) as one worthy of highlighting thanks to attentive service from the breakfast crew, while the 20-room[ Villa Passalacqua](https://www.passalacqua.it/en/) also delivered a standout experience with the attuned, anticipatory service provided by its team. “It redefines all superlatives,” he says. For Gorman, it was the personalized greetings and friendly service provided by the[ Four Seasons Bangkok](https://www.fourseasons.com/bangkok/). “I am a firm believer that the biggest wow for a guest costs the least amount of money,” she says. After working for 13 years with[ The Ritz-Carlton](https://www.ritzcarlton.com/) prior to becoming a travel advisor, she’s also a believer in that brand’s particular approach. “I will always remember an unofficial motto we had in addition to all the standards: ‘Our product is our service.’” ## **The hallmarks of a true five-star hotel** There’s an enormous gap between a five-star hotel on paper, one that meets the technical requirements regarding amenities, and a true five-star, one that meets the unwritten expectations for fantastic service. This is a customer-first, make-a-difference philosophy to hospitality; it’s anticipatory and designed to surprise and delight the guest. At the[ Aman New York](https://www.aman.com/hotels/aman-new-york), which opened in August 2022 in Manhattan’s historic Crown Building, little memorable moments might include being whisked away from the lobby for a prompt check-in process in your suite, receiving a personalized gift based on your plans in the city, or having an artistic caricature of your visage inserted into a monogrammed luggage tag. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Aman_NewYork.webp) At Aman New York, attention to detail is paramount. *Photo: Aman Resorts* Sure, guests have access to the indulgent, cutting-edge three-story spa and enjoy a killer view from any of its 83 massive, elegant suites. They can secure in-demand spots for a world-class omakase dinner at Nama or a seating at the sultry jazz club. But it’s the bespoke attention and thoughtful add-ons—a fully complimentary minibar, including bottles of Champagne—that make it feel like you don’t need to worry about a thing. *That* makes the most impact. “There are several core reasons for our success: we invest deeply in our training programs, and we also give our team the creative freedom to tailor each interaction to the individual, encouraging them to take ownership of each guest experience to ensure our personalized service not only meets but exceeds our guests’ expectations at every touchpoint,” Lordonnois says. Such a gap between what you might call a faux five-star, and what you might consider a five star-plus or true five-star, is monumental in scope. “Genuine care and comfort and a personalized experience define luxury hospitality,” Gorman says. “The ability to not have to think during a hotel stay; that everything is simply taken care of for you, before you even have to ask.” The small moments of unforgettable care, the incredible attention to detail, and the savvy anticipation of a need before it transpires are what separate run-of-the-mill hotels from something truly exceptional that you’re bound to book again and again. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/villa_passalacqua_02.webp) The 20-room Villa Passalacqua on Lake Como “redefines all superlatives,” says Jack Ezon. *Photo: Courtesy of Concierge Auctions* The word “exceptional” comes up a lot in conversation with hotel experts. “Exceptional service, to me, is about meeting the guest exactly where they want to be at that particular moment in time,” Lordonnois says. “It involves the emotional intelligence to attune to subtle shifts in their needs or desires. It is our ambition to put ourselves in our guest’s shoes to anticipate their needs in order to personalize the experience at the level that truly defines exceptional hospitality.” “The hallmark of exceptional service is measurable in how special you make a guest feel,” Ezon says. “That is obviously subjective, but it usually helps when you can be proactive in anticipating the needs of a guest, focus on solutions, and do something meaningful for them—something that says they are important, you heard them, you understand them.” After all, there are plenty of stylish Airbnbs travelers can book if aesthetics and comfort were the only aims, and they can save a great deal of money while doing so. But a great hotel is more than the design of its room or lobby, isn’t it? “People pay a premium to stay in a hotel for the service,” Ezon says. Ezon describes the difference between what he views as the “hardware” of a hotel, its physical presence and style and amenities, and its “software,” everything that’s actually running the show. “It is the soul and the service that you remember,” he says. “They remember a smile. They remember a connection. They don’t remember the silk brocades or chandeliers.” *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Travel **Tags:** aman resorts, belmond, Feature, four seasons hotel and resorts, hotels, park hyatt --- ### [9 Fascinating Facts You Never Knew About Range Rover](https://robbreport.ph/the-story-of/9-fascinating-facts-you-never-knew-about-range-rover/) **Published:** March 9, 2026 **Author:** Bob Sorokanich **Content:** The [Range Rover](https://robbreport.ph/tag/range-rover/ "range rover") name is simultaneously associated with world-spanning adventure and high-fashion opulence. SUVs wearing the Range Rover badge have conquered the most unforgiving off-road terrain and ferried celebrities and VIPs to posh red-carpet events. This dichotomy is a feat that few automakers have achieved, and Range Rover’s history helps to explain how the model became so dominant today. Here’s everything you need to know about Range Rover. ## Land Rover Vs. Range Rover ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/GettyImages-1406717151-e1716385799499.webp) *Photo: Tim Graham* First things first: Range Rover is the model name, and Land Rover is the manufacturer. So, technically, if you’re driving a Range Rover, the official registration paperwork will describe it as a [Land Rover](https://robbreport.ph/tag/land-rover/ "Land Rover") Range Rover. The confusion begins with Rover, a British company that started out building bicycles in the 1880s, then expanded into [motorcycles](https://robbreport.ph/motorcycles/ "Motorcycles"). In 1901, Rover built its first automobile, and the company continued as an automotive brand until 2000. In 1948, the Rover company built its first four-wheel-drive vehicle, which was named Land Rover. After several changes in ownership and management, Land Rover Ltd. was launched as its own standalone company in 1978. Through most of its history, Land Rover has also had a long relationship with Britain’s royal family. ## The First Range Rover ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/lrheritageseriesi86in195401.webp) *Photo: Range Rover* From the end of World War II until the late 1960s, Rover built a single off-road utility vehicle, the Land Rover—often referred to as Series I, II, or III, and the precursor to the long-lived Land Rover Defender. In 1967, Rover began building prototypes for a larger four-wheel-drive vehicle, and in 1970 the first mass-production Range Rover was unveiled. From the beginning, the Range Rover was revered for its modern styling compared to the rough, rudimentary Land Rover—an early Range Rover was even displayed at the Louvre Museum in Paris as an example of stellar modern industrial design. ## The Road Rover Experiment ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/roadrover1-e1716385900741.webp) *Photo: Land Rover* After World War II, Rover focused on building conventional passenger cars and a small number of Land Rover utility trucks. The company briefly considered a new type of vehicle, something that today we would understand as an early attempt at a crossover SUV. The “Road Rover” project used the rear-wheel-drive chassis from a Rover P4 sedan, paired with a taller, roomier, boxier body inspired by the Land Rover. Various Road Rover prototypes were built throughout the 1950s, but the concept never led to a production vehicle. ## Early Simplicity ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/rrrwales121-e1716386090648.webp) *Photo: Nick Dimbleby* From 1970 to 1981, the Range Rover was simply viewed as a larger, roomier alternative to the Land Rover. In this era, four-wheel-drive vehicles were expected to be rugged and capable, prioritizing off-road prowess over any thought of luxury. For the first 11 years of production, the Range Rover was only available as a two-door, with very few luxury appointments, a four-speed manual transmission, and an interior made of durable vinyl and plastics. The vehicle was technologically revolutionary, using modern coil-spring suspension instead of old-fashioned leaf springs, and offering permanent four-wheel drive and disc brakes front and rear—all of which set it apart from most other four-wheel-drive vehicles of the time. But it would take a few years for the Range Rover to morph into a luxury vehicle. ## The First Four-Door Range Rover ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/GettyImages-543891810-e1716385723755.webp) Before 1981, if you wanted a four-door Range Rover, your only option was an aftermarket conversion. Numerous companies recognized that a four-door Range Rover could be an appealing family vehicle, and eventually, the Land Rover company agreed. The first factory-built four-door Range Rover was introduced in 1981, largely based on the aftermarket conversions built by Swiss luxury-car converter Monteverdi. The four-door Range Rover was such a smash hit, [Land Rover](https://www.landrover.ph/our-vehicles) dropped the two-door Range Rover in England after 1984, though it was sold in other European markets for another 10 years. ## Range Rover Moves Upmarket ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/pictures_land-rover_range-rover_1986_3-e1716389696203.webp) *Photo: Range Rover* After the introduction of the four-door Range Rover, the model began a steady move out of the utility-vehicle segment and into luxury territory. Leather upholstery and an automatic transmission became available in 1984; a redesigned dashboard and wood interior trim came in 1985. The exposed door hinges of early models were soon hidden for a more refined exterior, and dashboard switches from Austin and Rover luxury sedans were soon incorporated into the Range Rover’s interior. Officially, Range Rovers were not sold in America until 1987, but grey-market imports were common. 1992 saw the introduction of the Range Rover LWB, with a wheelbase stretched by eight inches to add legroom for rear-seat passengers. ## The Expanded Range Rover Universe ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/land-rover_range-rover-sport_2013_photos_12-e1716385773696.webp) *Photo: Nick Dimbleby* In 2005, Land Rover introduced its first Range Rover variant, the Range Rover Sport. Initially based on a modified version of the smaller Land Rover Discovery platform, the Range Rover Sport adapted styling cues from the full-size Range Rover to a smaller, nimbler platform. In 2011, Land Rover added another model with the Range Rover Evoque, a subcompact crossover SUV that, at one point, was available in three-door, five-door, and convertible variants. In 2017, Land Rover introduced a fourth Range Rover variant, the sleek and aerodynamic Range Rover Velar. ## Revolution of 1995 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RR_2-Second_Generation_Lineage_Side_Profile_261021_02-e1716385965834.webp) *Photo: Range Rover* The first-generation Range Rover was sold for nearly 25 years, with continual small improvements but no major redesigns. That changed with the unveiling of the 1995 Land Rover Range Rover, known internally as “P38.” Unlike the first-generation Range Rover, the P38 was designed from the start as a luxurious, high-end vehicle, with height-adjustable air suspension, Connolly leather upholstery, and in later models, optional satellite navigation. During production of the P38 Range Rover, the Land Rover company was sold to BMW, then later taken over in 2000 by Ford. ## Third Generation ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RR_3-Third_Generation_Lineage_Side_Profile_261021_03-e1716386012386.webp) *Photo: Range Rover* The third Range Rover generation, known as L322, cemented the model’s image as a high-luxury vehicle. Designed under BMW, the L322 shared drivetrain and electronic components with the E38-generation BMW 7-series and the E39-generation BMW 5-series. This was the first Range Rover to exclusively offer an automatic transmission, and one of the first SUVs in the world to offer fully independent suspension front and rear. Three-zone climate control, panoramic sunroofs, rear-seat DVD players, touchscreen nav systems, and backup cameras all proved that the Range Rover was now firmly in the luxury segment. In later years, supercharged V8s making up to 503 hp were available. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars, The Story Of **Tags:** cars, Feature, Land Rover, range rover --- ### [Why Serious Collectors Actually Love the AP x Swatch](https://robbreport.ph/watches/why-serious-collectors-actually-love-the-ap-x-swatch/) **Published:** May 22, 2026 **Author:** Victoria Gomelsky **Content:** Even though thousands, if not tens of thousands, of words have already been written about the [AP x Swatch collab](https://robbreport.ph/watches/audemars-piguet-x-swatch-royal-pop-watches-in-photos/ "Audemars Piguet x Swatch Royal Pop Watches in Photos")—including product-focused deep dives into the pocket-watch-slash-bag-charm and scathing reviews of its [troubled roll-ou](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-ap-x-swatch-watch-is-now-listing-for-thousands-online-after-in-store-chaos/ "The AP x Swatch Watch Is Now Listing for Thousands Online After In-Store Chaos")t at Swatch stores this past weekend—we reached out to some of the industry’s most astute collectors and analysts to gauge their reaction to the [Royal Pop](https://www.swatch.com/en-us/royal-pop.html) since its official introduction on May 16. The experts with whom we spoke were unanimous: The collection—with its candy-colored bioceramic cases, hand-wound Sistem51 movement, and $400 price tag—is a win for the luxury watch trade. “What makes this launch so compelling is that it potentially creates an entirely new entry point into a brand that, for most consumers, has historically felt out of reach,” Quaid Walker, CEO of luxury watch marketplace Bezel, said in a statement. “A base-model Royal Oak starts around $30,000 today—and often trades higher in the secondary market—so a collaboration like this fundamentally changes who gets to participate in the brand story.” (Read on for Walker’s off-the-cuff remarks to *Robb Report*.) The debate over who gets to participate is precisely what Jason Gong, founder of the watch community Complecto, found most remarkable about the launch. In a [blog](https://www.complecto.co/stories/what-ap-x-swatch-reveals-about-access%2C-anxiety%2C-and-watch-culture) entitled “What AP x Swatch Reveals About Access, Anxiety, and Watch Culture,” he writes that the collab has become “a referendum on what people believe luxury is supposed to protect.” (See below for his fresh takes, too.) For the record, Gong is a fan. “For millions of people, this watch is going to be the first time they’ve ever seen, handled, or even considered a pocket watch,” he says. “It gives folks an opportunity to learn about this world. Even if only a few dig deeper, that’s a win. The fact that it’s a manual-wind movement, that’s also a win. Most people aren’t thinking about movements. Now you’re introducing them to a manual-wind movement that will require them to interact and experience the watch in a different way. That’s what I love about the collab. It’s forcing people to experience watchmaking.” ## William Massena, collector and founder of [Massena Lab](https://massenalab.com/) “I’m assuming that in 20 or 30 years, someone will say, ‘I remember when this watch came out. It made me love [watches](https://robbreport.com/tag/watches/).’ If it makes kids dream about watchmaking, like I did when I was 7 years old, it’s all good. I don’t really give a s\*\*\* about the value of the watch deteriorating because some guy made a plastic one. All I care about is that kids are talking about watchmaking. “For me it’s the experience, the queuing, the hype. Besides the flippers, I do hope there will be teenagers trying to buy one.” ![Audemars Piguet x Swatch Collaboration](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/AP_Swatch_RoyalPop_Blue_Green.webp) ## Jason Gong, collector and founder of the watch community [Complecto](https://www.complecto.co/) “The watch is beside the point. I was more interested in the reactions I was seeing online, which were fairly predictable. It was reminiscent of what we saw with Omega and Swatch four years ago, but on steroids. All the baggage that [the Royal Oak](https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/audemars-piguets-royal-oak-history-1234669410/) carries—it’s so much more prevalent and visible in pop culture as an object of desire and signaling than [the Speedmaster.](https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gallery/omega-speedmaster-guide-1236896946/) “From a marketing perspective, it’s very successful, because it’s the only thing people have been talking about for a week and a half. I had dozens of people calling me. What I also saw, especially in the comments, were the detractors. ‘This is going to cheapen AP’s brand; I’m going to sell my Royal Oak.’ But even more so, people started to take these moral positions, making judgments about people: ‘They want one just so they can pretend they own an AP.’ Or, ‘This is something for the masses, this is not for collectors.’ “When you dig below the surface, it comes down to this classicism and gatekeeping that permeates the industry. It’s something I’ve always felt and experienced. Even 10 to 15 years ago, when AP and the Royal Oak started to become part of the mainstream narrative, when athletes and entertainers started wearing them, it was interesting to see the community reaction. It was so strong when it was a Black athlete or entertainer. If it was a gem-set watch, there was always a negative comment about the perceived customer. It’s very telling about the industry. “All this judgment is often masked as reverence for the craft and culture. All these attempts by ‘collectors’ or some in the connoisseur sphere to act as if they have some sort of moral high ground, that some people don’t deserve access to these items. Or there’s a qualification: ‘They’re not worthy, they’re not knowledgeable.’ It’s coded language. What are people really up in arms about? It has nothing to do with the collab existing. It’s the people that feel threatened that the masses could acquire an object that attributes value to their station in the world.” ## Gee Li, [collector](https://www.instagram.com/honestcondition/), New York City “The way AP did this was pretty smart. The way they combined really bright colors with the material into a pocket watch carves a pretty clear difference with the luxury Royal Oak. But it still keeps the design language for a person who’s experiencing the brand for the very first time. “It’s been interesting to see a pretty big division across the different watch groups I’m a part of. My own personal opinion is that this is a fun and affordable way for a large portion of new watch collectors to engage with a brand that was originally out of reach. I’ve had coworkers randomly ask me about this watch. In fact, my wife’s coworkers have asked her to ask me about this watch since they know I’m a [watch collector](https://robbreport.com/tag/watch-collector/).” ###### ********Henry Flores, founder of** [**Classic Watch Club**](https://www.instagram.com/classic_watch_club/?hl=en)**, New York City******** ![A close up of the Lan Ba dial.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/audemars-piguet-swatch-royal-pop-lan-ba-dial.webp) “I think it’s a fun piece for those looking for the opportunity to own something by AP at a fraction of the cost. I don’t think it will negatively affect AP as the two client bases are totally different. I own two APs and would still buy another if given the opportunity.” ## Brian Gartside, [collector](https://www.instagram.com/thethinwrist/), New York City “The thing I really like about the AP x Swatch collab is that it takes the design language of [Gerald Genta](https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gerald-genta-2864111/), something that so far has only existed at a price point that’s far beyond the reach of the average person, and makes it available to a truly mass audience. “The decision to make them pocket watches is a really great way to jump on the whole bag-charm trend and release something that feels authentic to AP without meaningfully eroding their brand equity in the Royal Oak line. But by far what I’ve been most interested in has been the overwhelming reaction to the collab, from both outside and inside our niche hobby collector space. “At this point, we’ve all seen the videos on Instagram, reminiscent of those early 2000s Black Fridays, and I’ve been blown away by how far outside our hobby the hype for these watches went (made all the more incredible by them being pocket watches). That people were lining up five or six days before the release really shows the amount of cultural cache that a brand like AP has, and also how many people out there are clearly eager to speculate on watches. Within the hobby, what has really fascinated me is the arms race on social media between all the various strap companies, all desperately racing to be first to market with conversion kits to turn these AP Swatches into wearable wristwatches. And honestly, a lot of them look absolutely fantastic. To the point where I will probably actually get one now (once the stampeding stops, anyway).” ## Quaid Walker, CEO, [Bezel](https://shop.getbezel.com/) “It’s just an amazing moment for watches. The fact that the mainstream news is talking about watch collabs right now, that’s awesome. That just means that more people are entering the hobby. More people are going to be obsessed here. More people are hearing about it. “When we actually saw the real renderings, and saw they went with a pocket watch, and learned that all of AP’s profits are going to the pursuit of watch skills and watchmaking scholarships and things like that—I think AP played this really elegantly. “The fact that getting a piece of that is drawing people to fight each other in line and malls—I would have thought that for Rolex, but it’s interesting to see that the literacy is really there and people really are aware of these brands and people really lust for them. The only negative is seeing human beings act crazy to get something in the short term and the fact that the majority of the initial buyers are going to be resellers. “There are so many facets to watch collecting. Some people are in line because it’s a moment of hype and flex they can add to their lives. Or they’re there because they have all of the expensive APs and it’s fun to have the coolest new thing. And some people are there because they’re die-hard Swatch buyers. Everyone is there for a different reason, but they all want to have the watch on their wrist in some capacity. I always celebrate these moments when watches go full pop-culture mainstream. Because all that does is elevate the watch world. There’s no world where less people care about watches because of this. For me, as long as everyone’s okay and no one gets hurt, I think it’s a really big positive. It’s making the market a little bit wider for more folks to play in the space.” ## Joyce Solano, [collector](https://www.instagram.com/crownthewatch?igsh=aGQ0dGdkOWppaHpj&utm_source=qr), New York City “I’ve been collecting since about 2015 and have had several Royal Oaks in my collection—and I’m pretty proud of having had a long, established connection with AP to get those. The thought of democratizing the brand is exciting. I knew it would never be a wristwatch. I knew it would be a wearable of some sort. But I was taken aback by the insane amount of A.I. imagery that proliferated across the internet. “I have never had a single person outside my watch groups who’s ever commented or recognized my Royal Oaks and now I expect that to change. As a woman who rides the New York City subway, I may be more thoughtful about how I wear my APs. “\[Regarding the comments that the collab will devalue APs\] I think it’s the opposite: There’s a lot of speculative buying. And there will be perceived value. If you can’t even get the $400 piece of plastic, then the perceived value of something in the five- or six-figure price goes up. “I would buy one. I have a collection of Swatches already—from Snoopy to Keith Haring—and to me this is a perfect blend of ’80s nostalgia with a brand I feel a personal connection with. Would I sacrifice days of sleep for it? No. Would I spend $4,000 on it? No. But us watch collectors know that building a relationship with a boutique could take years—we know to be patient.” *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** audemars piguet, Collaboration, swatch --- ### [Here's a Guide to Watches and Wonders Geneva 2026](https://robbreport.ph/watches/heres-a-guide-to-watches-and-wonders-geneva-2026/) **Published:** March 9, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** Each spring, Geneva becomes the capital of [watchmaking](https://robbreport.ph/watches/how-luxury-houses-are-defining-themselves-in-modern-watchmaking/ "How Luxury Houses Are Defining Themselves in Modern Watchmaking"). For one week, collectors, journalists, retailers, and enthusiasts gather to see the year’s most important releases in haute horlogerie. [Watches and Wonders](https://robbreport.ph/tag/watches-and-wonders/ "watches and wonders") Geneva has effectively become the industry’s central stage, replacing Baselworld as the moment when the world’s major watchmakers reveal their newest creations and set the tone for the year ahead. The 2026 edition, running April 14 to April 20, promises one of the largest gatherings yet, bringing together 66 watchmaking houses in a single exhibition and expanding its activities across the city of Geneva itself. ## Why Watches and Wonders Matters ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/WandW2025_01_In-the-Salon-2240x1494.webp) *Watches and Wonders* For the watch industry, Watches and Wonders functions as both marketplace and stage. It is where brands debut their most significant complications, introduce new calibres, and reveal the aesthetic direction that will shape watch design for the coming year. For visitors, the appeal is simpler. In one place—and over the course of one week—Geneva becomes the center of a craft that has long balanced engineering, artistry, and tradition. And for anyone fascinated by mechanical timekeeping, there are few places in the world where so many extraordinary watches can be encountered at once. ## Where and When It Happens ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/WandW2025_03_In-the-Salon-2240x1494.webp) *Watches and Wonders* Watches and Wonders Geneva takes place at Palexpo, the large exhibition complex located just outside Geneva’s city center near the airport. The venue address is Route François-Peyrot 30, 1218 Le Grand-Saconnex, with the event occupying Halls 2, 4, 5, and 6. The fair runs for seven days. For the first half of the week, April 14 – 17, the exhibition halls are reserved for watch industry professionals, including retailers, brand executives, and the press. The final three days (April 18-20) allow the public to enter the Salon and experience the launches firsthand. Opening hours are generally 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with the final day closing earlier at 5:00 p.m. ## Ticket Prices and Access ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/WandW2025_05_In-the-Salon-2240x1494.webp) *Watches and Wonders* Tickets for the public days must be purchased online in advance, as the organizers do not sell tickets at the venue. Pricing varies depending on the day and visitor category: **Single-Day Passes, Saturday and Sunday:** - Normal rate (25–60 years): CHF 70 (Php 5,323) - Young visitors (12–25): CHF 40 (Php 3,042) - Seniors (60+): CHF 60 (Php 4,563) **Single-Day Pass: Monday** - Normal rate: CHF 50 (Php 3,802) - Young visitors: CHF 30 (Php 2,282) - Seniors: CHF 40 (Php 4,563) **Multi-Day Tickets: Weekend Pass (Saturday & Sunday)** - Normal rate: CHF 120 (Php 9,125) - Young visitors: CHF 60 (Php 4,563) - Seniors: CHF 90 (Php 6,844) **Three-Day Pass (Saturday–Monday)** - Normal rate: CHF 160 (Php 12,166) - Young visitors: CHF 80 (Php 6,083) - Seniors: CHF 120 (Php 9,125) Children under 12 can attend free of charge, though they still require registration. Public tickets also include free access to Geneva’s UNIRESO public transport network, allowing visitors to travel between the city and Palexpo using their event pass. ## **The Premium Package** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/WandW2025_04_In-the-Salon-2240x1494.webp) *Watches and Wonders* For collectors seeking a more specialized visit, Watches and Wonders offers a Premium Package, priced at CHF 550 (Php 41,820) per person and available on any of the public days. The package transforms the visit into a guided experience and includes: - Priority access to the Salon - A private entrance and dedicated accreditation - Access to a VIP lounge with buffet lunch and refreshments - Guided tours led by watch experts - Reserved parking at Palexpo - Priority booking for brand presentations and product showcases. For collectors and enthusiasts hoping to see complicated watches up close—or secure time inside the often crowded brand booths—the premium option offers a more relaxed way to navigate the exhibition. ## The Brands to See ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/WandW2025_104_AMBIANCE_Day2-2240x1495.webp) *Watches and Wonders* The exhibition floor brings together the world’s most influential watchmakers, from historic maisons to experimental independents. In 2026, 66 brands will participate, including industry leaders such as: - Rolex - Patek Philippe - Cartier - Vacheron Constantin - A. Lange & Söhne - Jaeger-LeCoultre - Chanel - Hermès - IWC - Panerai - Ulysse Nardin - Grand Seiko The exhibition is known not only for flagship brands but also for its representation of independent watchmaking and experimental mechanical design. ## New Brands Joining the Salon The 2026 edition also introduces 11 new exhibitors, expanding the fair’s reach across different segments of watchmaking. Among them is Audemars Piguet, the historic Swiss manufacturer from Le Brassus, whose arrival marks one of the most significant additions to the show. The other newcomers include: - BEHRENS - Bianchet - B.R.M Chronographes - Charles Girardier - CORUM - Credor - Favre Leuba - L’Epée 1839 - March LA.B - Sinn Spezialuhren Together, they reflect the increasingly diverse nature of the modern watch industry—from traditional Swiss houses to niche mechanical innovators. ## What Happens Inside the Salon Beyond simply viewing watches, the Salon has evolved into a broader cultural and educational platform. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/WandW2025_06_In-the-Salon-2240x1495.webp) *Watches and Wonders* Visitors can attend brand presentations, explore exhibitions such as The LAB, which showcases new technologies in watchmaking, and visit curated installations designed to explain the mechanics behind complications and movement architecture. The program also includes guided tours, panel discussions, and live demonstrations where watchmakers present the techniques behind their craft. The goal is to make the complex world of haute horlogerie more accessible while still preserving its aura of precision and tradition. ## Watches and Wonders “In the City” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/WandW2025_07_In-the-City-2240x1494.webp) *Watches and Wonders* Increasingly, the fair extends well beyond the exhibition halls. Through its “In the City” program, Watches and Wonders organizes events across Geneva during the same week. Boutiques host watchmaking demonstrations, cultural venues stage exhibitions, and public spaces transform into meeting points for enthusiasts and collectors. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/WandW2026_02_Montreux-Jazz-Club-x-WWGF-2240x1494.webp) *Watches and Wonders* The 2026 edition expands this concept further with evening events along Lake Geneva. In partnership with the Montreux Jazz Festival, organizers will stage live music performances and DJ sets at a dedicated venue along the lakefront promenade, turning the watch fair into a broader cultural celebration. Boutiques throughout the city will also extend their opening hours, creating a week-long itinerary where watchmaking can be experienced both inside and outside the Salon. *More information [here](https://www.watchesandwonders.com/en/geneva-2026/event).* **Categories:** Guide To, Watches **Tags:** geneva, watches and wonders, Watches and Wonders 2026 --- ### [Christie’s Billion-Dollar Night, Eric Clapton’s Pateks, the Maldives’ New Private-Island Escape & More](https://robbreport.ph/the-luxe-dispatch/christies-billion-dollar-night-eric-claptons-pateks-the-maldives-new-private-island-escape/) **Published:** May 22, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** The market is supposed to be nervous. Someone forgot to tell the bidders. Christie’s just cleared $1.346 billion in a single art week, Phillips is posting record watch auction totals, and Joseph Lau is uncorking the last of a cellar most collectors would trade a kidney for. Elsewhere, a $400 pocket watch is reselling at $6,000, BMW is retiring its last proper roadster, and a private island in the Maldives has finally found a hotel worthy of the address. Another week, another reminder that luxury does not really do restraint. Here is what moved. ## A Private Island Finally Gets the Hotel It Deserves ![Overwater bungalow with thatched roof and red walls, deck seating, and an umbrella over turquoise water.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/V-Villas-Maldives-at-Mirihi-MGallery-Collection_21-2240x1493.webp) *Photo: MGallery* [MGallery Collection](https://robbreport.ph/tag/mgallery/ "MGallery") has arrived in the [Maldives](https://robbreport.ph/tag/maldives/ "Maldives"), and it has chosen well. V Villas Maldives at Mirihi sits on its own island in South Ari Atoll, a 30-minute seaplane ride from Malé. Forty-two villas fan out across the beach and lagoon, with new overwater options offering private pools and butler service. Studio Gronda handled the interiors, pulling from Maldivian textures, coral-inspired ceramics, and sun-bleached timber to avoid the usual resort-neutral aesthetic. Rates from US$600. *Book a stay [here](https://mgallery.accor.com/en/hotels/C4Z3.html).* ## Christie’s Reminded Everyone That Trophy Art Still Plays by Its Own Rules ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/christies-rothko-1245.webp) Mark Rothko’s No. 15 (Two Greens and Red Stripe), 1964, sold for $98.4 million at Christie’s New York, a new auction record for the artist. *Photo: Christie’s* The market has been cautious, but Christie’s was not. Its 20th and 21st Century Art week in New York closed at $1.346 billion, with Jackson Pollock’s *Number 7A, 1948* leading at $181.2 million. Records fell for Constantin Brancusi, Mark Rothko, Joan Miró, Alice Neel, and Donald Judd, a reminder that blue-chip provenance tends to make its own weather regardless of what the broader market is doing. For a house with 259 years on the clock, this one still counts among its biggest. *More information [here](https://www.christies.com/en/stories/20th-21st-century-new-york-auction-results-may-2026-711b4e1e516a402898ec8ba45f42123d).* ## One of the Great Cellars Takes Its Last Bow ![Three wine bottles with red foil caps stand upright on a blue backdrop; each has a white oval sticker reading '2001' above labels that say Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru (wine).](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/HGK-24462-05222026-1.webp) *Photo: Christie’s* Joseph Lau has been selling off his wine collection in stages, and Christie’s Hong Kong is staging the finale on May 22. The centerpiece is 33 lots of Henri Jayer Vosne-Romanée Cros-Parantoux spanning 1991 to 2001, several bottles tracing back to Christie’s own landmark 2012 Jayer sale. The supporting cast reads like a greatest-hits of Burgundy and Bordeaux: Romanée-Conti, d’Auvenay, Lafite, Latour, Mouton, Pétrus, Le Pin, Lafleur, Cheval Blanc. For serious collectors, this is the room to be in. *Place your bids [here](https://www.christies.com/en/auction/iconic-wines-from-joseph-lau-part-v-the-final-part-31119/overview).* ## Phillips Follows a Record Geneva With Hong Kong ![Gold rectangular wristwatch with cream dial, black numerals, and brown leather strap; Patek Philippe branding visible on dial.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/233150_001.webp) Patek Philippe Ref. 5109R-001 Gondolo in pink gold with a cristal rose dial, small seconds, and applied Breguet numerals. *Photo: Phillips* Phillips closed its Geneva Watch Auction: XXIII at CHF 74.8 million, roughly $96.3 million, the highest total a watch sale has ever posted. Rather than rest on that, it’s heading straight to Hong Kong for The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XXII on May 30 and 31, bringing together Patek Philippe, Rolex, F.P. Journe, and independent watchmaking names for a collector market that is still very much chasing the rare thing at the right moment. *More information [here](https://www.phillips.com/watches).* ## The Little Pocket Watch That Started a Small Riot ![Pink and red Swatch pocket watch with a white textured dial and red hands](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/AP_Swatch_RoyalPop_Red_Pink-1.webp) The Audemars Piguet x Swatch Royal Pop pocket watch in pink and red. *Photo: Swatch* Swatch and Audemars Piguet’s Royal Pop pocket watch arrived, and the crowds did too. The candy-colored bioceramic collaboration, priced between $400 and $420, drew lines so long at Swatch boutiques in New York, Paris, and London that police were called in to manage them. It is now turning up on resale platforms at $6,000. *Read more [here](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-ap-x-swatch-watch-is-now-listing-for-thousands-online-after-in-store-chaos/).* ## BMW Closes the Roadster Chapter ![Black BMW convertible sports car in a studio with a red gradient background, front three-quarter view with the top down.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/bmw-z4-final-edition-01.webp) *Photo: BMW* The Z4 is finished. The final one rolled out of Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria, as a Final Edition in Frozen Black, fitted with a 382 hp twin-turbo inline-six and, mercifully, a six-speed manual. It is a proper send-off for a car that carried BMW’s two-seat convertible identity for more than two decades, leaving the brand without a roadster for the first time in over thirty years. The 4 Series convertible picks up the open-air duties from here. *Read more [here](https://robbreport.ph/cars/bmw-has-ended-production-of-the-z4-after-nearly-25-years/).* ## Eric Clapton’s Pateks Are Changing Wrists This Summer ![Patek Philippe chronograph watch with a brown leather strap resting on a French document, with a fountain pen and a metal case nearby.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Patek-Philippe-Ref-5004G-020-Eric-Clapton-2.webp) The Patek Philippe Ref. 5004G-020. *Photo: Phillips* Phillips’s New York Watch Auction: XIV runs June 13 and 14, and the headline act belongs to [Eric Clapton](https://robbreport.ph/watches/eric-claptons-rare-patek-philippe-could-fetch-up-to-1-4-million-at-auction/)‘s former collection. The anchor lot is possibly unique Ref. 5004G-020, a white-gold perpetual calendar split-seconds chronograph with a rose dial, estimated at $700,000 to $1.4 million. His Nautilus “Jumbo” Ref. 5711/1A-010 is also on the block. Beyond Slowhand’s wrist, the sale includes an F.P. Journe Chronomètre à Résonance “Souscription,” a Rolex Daytona “John Player Special,” and a Patek Ref. 1518. *Check out the lots [here](https://www.phillips.com/auction/NY080126).* **Categories:** The Luxe Dispatch **Tags:** Auctions, audemars piguet, bmw, Christies, MGallery, News, Phillips --- ### [Our 10 Favorite Beach Towels to Buy Now](https://robbreport.ph/style/our-10-favorite-beach-towels-to-buy-now/) **Published:** May 26, 2026 **Author:** Ria de Borja **Content:** Who doesn’t love a good beach towel? Whether it’s plush and wraps around the body like a good hug, or even when it’s less luxurious but nevertheless absorbs every particle of water, a towel for the beach, poolside, or sailing is a practical and necessary addition to your [beach essentials](https://robbreport.ph/style/beach-bag-essentials/ "Here’s Your Beach Bag Essentials Checklist For Sun (and Splash!) Protection"). Here, we give you a few of our favorites. ## **Loro Piana La Piscina Beach Towel** ![Art print of a tropical pool scene with tall palm trees, pink striped umbrellas, and sun loungers along the pool edge.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/D1E22DFB-0CEF-40B1-A71A-9EBF11D32E1F_FAR0008_J2EB_MEDIUM.webp) This is luxury at its most refined. Composed of linen and cotton jacquard, the Loro Piana La Piscina Beach Towel is designed with the ease of summer days by the pool in mind. Its motif is perfect poolside in a resort or vacation home, but its special finish, treated to ensure its hues remain vibrant, is as yacht-ready as they come. Shop [here](https://ii.loropiana.com/en/at-home/textile/beach-towels-and-pillows/la-piscina-beach-towel-FAR0008_J2EB.html). ## Hermès Panthere au Soleil Beach Towel ![Rectangular rug with an orange border, showing a stretching leopard motif and a blue abstract fan, Hermès Paris in the corner.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/panthere-au-soleil-beach-towel-104875M-04-flat-wm-1-0-0-800-800_g.webp) The [Hermès](https://robbreport.ph/tag/hermes-2/ "Hermès") Panthere motif is transformed into beach form. Plush and impeccably crafted, the Hermès Panthere au Soleil beach towel is recognizably and unmistakably Hermès—replete with cheeky design. Use this poolside at a fun and stylish outing. Shop [here](https://www.hermes.com/us/en/product/panthere-au-soleil-beach-towel-H104875Mv04/). ## Frette Oasis Beach Towel ![Beige towel with a fringed edge and a dark striped border along one corner.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/3FR6864D0317_2N33_03.webp) From one of Italy’s great textile houses, this towel balances exceptional softness with hotel-grade craftsmanship. It’s a perfect complement to the brand’s Oasis Outdoor Collection, and has fringed edges. Whether you’re by the sea or by the pool, this towel will give you both quality and comfort. Shop [here](https://www.frette.com/en_US/oasis-beach-towel-stone-black.html). ## Missoni Home Giacomo Towel 100X150 ![Folded multicolor chevron-pattern blanket with zigzag stripes in rainbow colors.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/1G3SP99826-T59-1-scaled-e1779711954860.webp) The iconic zigzag of [Missoni](https://robbreport.ph/tag/missoni/ "Missoni") is rendered in velour cotton in the Missoni Home Giacomo Towel 100X150. Bold, graphic, and synonymous with Mediterranean summer culture, this towel can be used both poolside or to wrap yourself post-bath after a day by the ocean. Show off your summer vibes and style. Shop [here](https://www.missoni.com/en-us/giacomo-towel-100x150-multicoloured-1G3SP99826T59.html). ## The Row Large Flower Towel ![White quilted mattress cover folded into a square on a light background](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/8208P78WHTF_4618ab29-3c83-411e-b451-891ada2df72d_1200x-e1779711615847.webp) Understated to the point of near anonymity, The Row Large Flower Towel is an elegant towel in soft cotton with a flower pattern. Made with an immaculate finish, its appeal lies in its understated luxury. Use it on the yacht or post-shower after a long day traversing waters–and feel at peace. Shop [here](https://www.therow.com/en-ap/products/large-flower-towel-white). ## Kids’ Beach Towel Blue Dior Oblique Cotton Terry Jacquard ![Tall light-blue padded envelope standing upright on a white background, textured surface with a repeating pattern](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/4WBM23TOWIY575_E01.webp) Children and parents alike will love the plush material, which feels almost like a stuffed toy, to dry up after a swim. The Oblique motif brings immediate visual recognition, while the cotton construction keeps it firmly within luxury territory. Shop [here](https://www.dior.com/en_ph/fashion/products/4WBM23TOWI_Y575?indexName=dev_product_en_ph&objectID=4WBM23TOWI_Y575&query=towel&queryID=9831afbc9526b4ac5a1c85e98ee70cce). ## Prada Striped Cotton Beach Towel ![Navy and white striped scarf with fringe at the ends, Prada Milano logo partially visible on the fabric.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/cq5damweb_hebebed20002000.webp) Sporty, monochromatic, and sharply executed, Prada’s interpretation of a beach towel looks like it’s made for lounging about on deck. Fabricated with artisan-level craftsmanship and rich with a timeless elegance, it’s nothing if not sophisticated engineering in a towel. It’s also decorated with the Prada lettering logo to give it pizazz. Shop [here](https://www.prada.com/ww/en/p/striped-cotton-beach-towel/OX2009_9L3_F057G_V_OOO). ## Abyss Habidecor Cannes Beach Towels – Curcuma (870) ![Close-up of an orange cushion with a black-and-white striped border on a white background.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Abyss-Cannes-Beach-Towels-Silo-Curcuma-870_5000x.webp) Favored by ultra-luxury hotels and residences, this Portuguese-made towel is exceptionally dense, absorbent, and indulgent underfoot and against skin. The Abyss Habidecor Cannes Beach Towels – Curcuma (870) is a bright addition to any day by the pool or at the beach. A striped ivory and black woven border add visual appeal to the soft and cozy towels. Shop [here](https://flandb.com/collections/all/products/abyss-cannes-beach-towels-curcuma-870). ## Bottega Veneta Striped Jacquard Beach Towel ![Vertical-striped abstract painting with alternating black, white, burgundy, and gold bands; artist's signature along the right edge.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/814097V5TQ05259_A.webp) Textural sophistication meets fashion authority in the Bottega Veneta Striped Jacquard Beach Towel. Made in the cloud, fondant, and lava colorways, the towel translates beautifully on the shore, deck, and poolside. Its lush feel and muted tones keep things simple yet luxurious. Shop [here](https://www.bottegaveneta.com/en-en/stripe-jacquard-beach-towel-cloud-fondant-lava-814097V5TQ05259.html). ## Louis Vuitton Trunks And Bags Beach Towel ![Blue Louis Vuitton booklet with circular logo and city names in a travel-theme design (Tokyo, Rome, London, Paris, etc.).](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/louis-vuitton-trunks-and-bags-beach-towel-M98663_PM2_Front-view-2240x2240.webp) It’s an unapologetic luxury object: oversized, velvety, and unmistakably Vuitton. Designed less for practicality alone than for full visual impact at poolside or onboard, it offers a distinctive combination of summertime elegance and heritage design. The iconic Monogram pattern is combined with a signature inspired by the Louis Vuitton’s history as a luggage brand. Shop [here](https://ph.louisvuitton.com/eng-ph/products/trunks-and-bags-beach-towel-s00-nvprod7670145v/M98663). **Categories:** Fashion, Style **Tags:** Abyss, beach towel, bottega veneta, dior, Frette, Hermès, loro piana, Louis Vuitton, Missoni, prada, The Row --- ### [Surrealism at Christie's, Fine Watches at Sotheby's, the Rolex China Sea Race & More](https://robbreport.ph/the-luxe-dispatch/surrealism-at-christies-sothebys-fine-watches-sale-in-hong-kong-the-rolex-china-sea-race-more/) **Published:** March 6, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** From the [auction](https://robbreport.ph/tag/auction/ "auction") rooms of London to the runways and hotel lobbies shaping tomorrow’s [travel](https://robbreport.ph/travel/ "Travel") and fashion landscape, this week’s headlines reveal an industry constantly reinventing itself, which can either go subtly or spectacularly. ## **Surrealism Returns to the Spotlight at Christie’s** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2026_CKS_24181_0113_000rene_magritte_la_jeunesse_illustree055150-2240x1549.webp) “La jeunesse illustrée” (1937) by René Magritte, Oil on Canvas, 19 x 27 ¼ in. (48.2 x 69.2 cm.) *Photo: Christie’s* [Christie’s](https://robbreport.ph/tag/christies/ "christie's") is once again indulging its taste for the uncanny. This week in London, the auction house stages the 25th edition of its *Art of the Surreal* evening sale, a tightly curated affair devoted to the movement that made melting clocks and impossible landscapes feel oddly rational. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/masson-christies-x.webp) “Oedipe” (1939) by André Masson, Oil on Canvas, 13 x 16 1⁄8 in. (33 x 41 cm.) *Photo: Christie’s* Works by René Magritte, Max Ernst, and Dorothea Tanning headline the catalogue. For collectors, the appeal is clear: few genres age as well as Surrealism, whose dream logic—much like the art market itself—continues to defy explanation. *More information [here](https://www.christies.com.cn/en/auction/the-art-of-the-surreal-evening-sale-30992/overview).* ## Sotheby’s Courts Collectors With a Fresh Round of Watch Auctions ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Patek-sothebys.webp) Patek Philippe, Celestial, Reference 6102 | A pink gold astronomical wristwatch with date, sky chart, phases and position of the Moon and time of Meridian passage of Sirius and the Moon, Circa 2023 *Photo: Sotheby’s* [Sotheby’s](https://robbreport.ph/tag/sothebys-2/ "Sotheby's") has opened bidding for its latest *Fine Watches* sale in Hong Kong, bringing together coveted references from Patek Philippe, Rolex, and Audemars Piguet. As ever, the draw lies in the details: rare dials, impeccable provenance, and the quiet thrill of mechanical perfection changing hands. *Place your bids [here](https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2026/fine-watches-10).* ## Thom Browne Laces Up With ASICS ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/A_M05_SHOT_04_024_V7_RGB_150_1300x1764_e5b5ae0a-b5ee-4331-8376-31892b92978f.webp) *Photo: Thom Browne* Thom Browne has never been one to shy away from a good uniform now, has he? Even when it involves running shoes. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/A_M05_SHOT_01_131_V18_LR_1300x1764_07d614f8-e97a-493d-a417-07c7eaa07f20.webp) *Photo: Thom Browne* The designer’s latest collaboration with ASICS reimagines the cult-favorite ASICS Gel‑Kayano 14 through Browne’s distinctly tailored lens. Think technical performance wrapped in disciplined minimalism, finished with the house’s signature tricolor detailing. *More information on the new releases [here](https://www.thombrowne.com/blogs/archive/thom-browne-x-asics).* ## **Hilton Reimagines a Gold Coast Landmark** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Hotel_Entrance.webp) *Photo: Imperial Hotel* Hilton is giving one of Australia’s most flamboyant addresses a second act. The former Palazzo Versace Gold Coast—long synonymous with baroque indulgence—will undergo a sweeping transformation before reopening as part of Hilton’s LXR Hotels & Resorts portfolio. The redevelopment aims to refine the property’s exuberant heritage into something a touch more contemporary. ## **Rolex Concludes the China Sea Race** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/rolex-china-sea-race-2240x1420.webp) *Photo: Rolex China Sea Race/Andrea Francolini* The Australian boat Alive has just reached the finish line at Subic Bay and has claimed the Line Honours at the Rolex China Sea Race 2026. The biennial offshore challenge, co-organized by the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, saw the fleet depart Hong Kong last Wednesday, bound for Subic Bay, tracing one of Asia’s most demanding blue-water routes. As long-time partner and official timepiece of the event, Rolex again anchors the race in the tradition of precision and endurance that defines offshore sailing. Location awarding was held on March 8 at the Subic Bay Yacht Club, while the official awarding will be held on March 18 at the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club. **Categories:** Art & Collectibles, Fashion, Style, The Luxe Dispatch, Travel **Tags:** Auctions, Christies, hilton, Hyatt, rolex, sothebys, thom browne, Versace --- ### [The Good Life: Editors' Picks of the Week](https://robbreport.ph/the-good-life-editors-picks/the-good-life-editors-picks-of-the-week-20/) **Published:** May 29, 2026 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** *In every The Good Life: Editors’ Picks column, we round up our editors’ favorites—restaurants, cocktails, experiences, exhibits, and everything in between. Here is our latest list.* # Diptyque’s Five New Signature Wax Candle Fragrances I’ve always loved the aroma of brewing coffee. It fills my senses and awakens me, even if I can’t imbibe any caffeine. So I’m tickled that Diptyque has added five new fragrances to its herbarium of scents for its signature wax candle, with over half a century of perfume-making expertise and tradition. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Diptyque-Cafe.webp) One of them is Café, with the notes of percolating coffee and wood. Pair it with a fruity, vegetal Rhubarbe candle, and suddenly the scent of coffee and freshly baked pie permeates my home. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Diptyque-Ortie.webp) Diptyque’s other new scents are Ortie (nettle) a fresh green fragrance, nutty, woody Sesame Noir, and Shiso, which evokes the scent of a Japanese herb garden. Meanwhile, the candle’s glass vessel has been redesigned, with an oval-shaped ridge tracing the ends of its black-and-white label, featuring its trademark dancing letters and its address at 34 Boulevard Saint- Germain. – *Yvette Fernandez, Chief of Editorial Content* *Shop Diptyque [here](https://rustans.com/collections/diptyque?srsltid=AfmBOorj2Tp1bCdQ1xLNTyFeUPLEUjpuiDezoahcnn9ev4KKjGyJrvfu).* ## Josh Boutwood’s Osteria Pop-Up at Balmori Suites, Rockwell Center ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/lasagna2-1.webp) Lasagna. *Osteria* I was thrilled to return to Osteria at Balmori Suites in Rockwell Center, especially after how much I enjoyed chef [Josh Boutwood’s](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/bar-none/bar-none-josh-boutwood/ "Bar None: Josh Boutwood") pop-up in the same space last September. This limited run, happening now until June 28, is even more special since he now returns to it as a chef with two Michelin starred restaurant, [Helm](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/the-magic-of-helm/ "The Magic of Helm"). The menu is rooted in Italian comfort food at its best, where great ingredients and simplicity in preparation take center stage. Every dish feels thoughtful without trying too hard, letting the flavors speak for themselves. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/mussels-e1780037637324.webp) Mussels. *Osteria* One of my absolute favorites are the mussels, which are best enjoyed with a side order of Boutwood’s famous sourdough bread and butter. The bread alone is worth ordering, perfect for soaking up every last bit of the sauce. I also loved the shaved zucchini salad, lightly dressed with olive oil and parmesan cheese. It was fresh, clean, and balanced, the kind of dish that seems very simple but leaves a lasting impression. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/zucchini-1-e1780037766582.webp) Zucchini salad. *Osteria* The roast chicken with fennel was another standout, deeply comforting and beautifully cooked, while the bucatini amatriciana delivered exactly what you want from a classic pasta dish, rich, satisfying, and full of flavor. To end the meal, the tiramisu was excellent, light enough after a hearty meal but still indulgent. Osteria captures the kind of Italian dining I always crave, warm, unfussy, and centered on honest cooking. It is the sort of place that makes you want to linger at the table just a little longer. *For more information, head to Josh Boutwood’s IG account @popupsbyjoshboutwood*. *For reservations, please call + 63 945 516 7151* ## Sake Selections at Sakagura ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/045791jpgthumb_12801280.webp) Ever since watching [sake sommelier and educator Chan Tran’s *Bar None: Understanding Sake* masterclass](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/bar-none/bar-none-understanding-sake/ "Bar None: Understanding Sake"), I’ve been fascinated by how a drink made from the same handful of ingredients—rice, water, yeast, and koji—can express itself so differently from bottle to bottle. A recent sake flight at Sakagura’s omakase brought that lesson into sharp focus. Located at One Bonifacio High Street, it brought back memories of those tiny Tokyo eateries in backstreets my friends and I would get lost in. The lineup moved from crisp and delicate to rich and expressive, with each pour revealing a distinct personality. There was the clean, food-friendly precision of Kubota Senjyu Ginjo, the bright acidity of Hiraizumi Maruhi No. 77, and the elegant aromatics of Miyakanbai Junmai Daiginjo. Ninki-Ichi Gold Junmai Daiginjo offered a softer, more polished profile, while Kuromatsu Senjo provided depth and structure without overwhelming the palate. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/K01N015053_20210217094228.webp) What impressed me most was how effortlessly the flight adapted to the meal. (But even Chan told me that one bottle works just as well throughout a meal.) One sake sharpened the sweetness of a glossy fillet of shima aji, or striped jack fish; another stood up to a rich bowl of udon; yet another found common ground with wagyu beef. Rather than competing with the food, each seemed to reveal a different facet of it. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Miyakanbai_Junmai_Daiginjo_bottle-scaled-1-2240x1264.webp) For anyone still convinced sake belongs in a single category, this flight serves as a reminder that it may be one of the most versatile drinks at the table. *Sakagura Sake/Izakaya Bar’s 8 Course Chef’s Omakase is Php4,995+ plus Php1,995 for the sake pairing, offered daily from 6:30PM-8:30PM at One Bonifacio High Street by Ayala Malls, BGC. For reservations, call 0956 029 4791* **Categories:** Dining, Food & Drink, Fragrances, Spirits, Style, The Good Life: Editors' Picks --- ### [A Cut Above: The Jewelry Houses That Patented Their Own Diamond Cuts](https://robbreport.ph/guide-to/a-cut-above-the-jewelry-houses-that-patented-their-own-diamond-cuts/) **Published:** May 28, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** A diamond cut, for most of history, belonged to no one. It was geometry, a shared language, available to any cutter with the skill to execute it. That began to change in the twentieth century, when a handful of jewelry houses realized that a proprietary cut was something that could be owned, protected, and worn as a form of brand identity as legible as a logo—and that the most unforgeable signature a house could put on a stone was the shape of the stone itself. Even if the patents are expensive to secure and harder to sustain commercially than they are to announce, with experts noting, too, that unusual cuts can fetch lower prices on the secondary market, the appeal hasn’t faded. Proprietary diamond geometry has become one of high jewelry’s subtle status signals: instantly recognizable to those who know what they are looking at. Here are some of the most significant proprietary cuts to know. ## Royal Asscher Diamond Company: The Original Asscher Cut and The Royal Asscher Cut ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Asscher-Cut.webp) A ring bearing a diamond in an Asscher cut. In 1902, Joseph Asscher created the world’s first patented diamond cut: a square step-cut with 58 step-cut facets, a small table, high crown, and steep pavilion with cut corners, founded on a geometry that produces an infinite depth of reflected light. The company held its exclusive patent until the Second World War, when the business was seized. The patent was dissolved, allowing the cut to enter the public domain and be replicated, often inconsistently, by anyone. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/asscher-1.webp) A Royal Asscher-cut diamond. Nearly a century later, in 2001, Edward and Joop Asscher patented the Royal Asscher Cut, featuring 74 facets built on the original architecture, the facet count drawn from the family’s earlier cutting of the Cullinan II (the Second Star of Africa, now set in the Imperial State Crown). [The house has since added the Royal Asscher Oval, Cushion, and Brilliant cuts, all patented.](https://royalasscher.com/pages/royal-asscher-diamonds) ## Tiffany & Co.: Lucida, True, and Novo ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/tiffany-lucida-.webp) A ring featuring a Lucida-cut diamond. The Lucida, introduced in 1999 and now discontinued, was a square mixed cut combining a step-cut crown with a brilliant-cut pavilion. It had 50 facets and was named after the brightest star in a constellation. The Novo followed, a cushion-cut inspired by the house’s own 128.54-carat Tiffany Diamond. It was engineered with the same facet count as a round brilliant to maximize light return. At present, Novo has been expanded [to represent a whole line of diamond jewelry at Tiffany & Co., ](https://www.tiffany.ca/search/?q=Novo)regardless of the diamond’s cut. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Tiffany-True.webp) A Tiffany True diamond. “True” has become a collection of jewelry by Tiffany & Co. regardless of cut, same with Novo. The current cut is the True, launched in 2018, also a mixed cut with a step-cut crown and brilliant pavilion, but built for fire rather than the depth the Lucida favored. These days, the Tiffany & Co. True, just like the Novo, refers to a whole line of diamond jewelry with diamond shapes in different kinds of cuts. ## Garrard: The Eternal Cut ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Garrard-The-Eternal-Cut.webp) Designed by master cutter Gabi Tolkowsky—whose great-uncle Marcel established the mathematics of the modern brilliant cut—the [Eternal Cut](https://jewelleryoutlook.com/eternal-cut-is-exclusive-to-garrard/) has 81 facets, 24 or 25 more than the brilliant cut. These facets are focused around the culet (the base of the stone) and features a petal design at its centre that intensifies reflected light. Available from 0.40ct to 50ct, Garrard describes its diffused brilliance as the opening of a flower or sunlight on soft waves. ## Asprey: The Asprey Cut ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Asprey-Cut.webp) Also developed with Gabi Tolkowsky, the Asprey Cut is a contemporary interpretation of the cushion cut that played a central role in the relaunch of the British luxury house in 2004. The Asprey cut has 61 facets and limited to stones that are colored between D to G with clarity between flawless and VS2. They are identifiable by experts who look for the “A”s that are engraved on one side of the cushion. ## David Yurman: The Signature Cut ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/David-Yurman-The-Signature-Cut.webp) A cut that took two years in development, the [David Yurman Signature Cut ](https://www.davidyurman.com/wedding/dy-signature-cut.html)is a 58-faceted cushion cut engineered with a hearts-and-arrows precision (a term that refers to the same flawless alignment of facets in a brilliant cut) that the house claims gives it the highest refractory brilliance of any cushion-cut diamond in the world. Advanced cutting technology combined with traditional hand-finishing produces a stone whose internal symmetry is only visible under magnification. Through a loupe, one can distinguish David Yurman’s signature on the girdle. ## Chaumet: The Taille Impératrice ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Chaumet-The-Taille-Imperatrice.webp) Chaumet’s 88-facet [Taille Impératrice](https://www.instagram.com/reels/DA5SKhVNCE4/) cut was inspired by the hexagonal shapes of the house’s Bee My Love collection. The name, Empress Cut, locates it squarely within Chaumet’s historical identity as jeweler to Napoleon’s court. At 88 facets, it exceeds the standard brilliant by 30, each additional facet an argument that more, in this case, is demonstrably better. ## Louis Vuitton: The Flower Cuts and The Monogram Star [Louis Vuitton](https://robbreport.ph/tag/louis-vuitton/ "Louis Vuitton") has made the most sustained commitment to proprietary cutting of any fashion house. The original Flower Cuts, a rounded-cut flower and a pointed-cut flower, each with between 61 and 77 facets, took over three years to develop and were cut at Lili Diamonds in Tel Aviv. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Louis-Vuitton-The-Flower-Cuts-and-The-Monogram-Star.webp) A diamond in the LV Monogram Star cut. The house followed those with the [LV Monogram Star](https://eu.louisvuitton.com/eng-e1/stories/lv-diamonds-collection#rings), a 53-facet cut in the form of a four-pointed star with tapered ends, traced to the 1896 monogram flower fabric George-Louis Vuitton created to deter forgery of his trunks. Developing the Monogram Star’s symmetry took years of research; only the finest rough stones qualify, as the cut exposes flaws that a conventional shape might conceal. ## Jacob & Co.: The Angel Cut ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Jacob-Co-The-Angel-Cut.webp) Developed over two full years and unveiled to mark the brand’s 40th anniversary, the Angel Cut is a 37-facet patented cut; the number of facets was chosen to reflect the 37 years of marriage between founder Jacob Arabo and his wife Angela, after whom the cut is named. It debuted set across the dial of the [Billionaire Double Tourbillon](https://robbreport.ph/watches/jacob-co-s-latest-billionaire-watch-is-adorned-with-hundreds-of-new-angel-cut-diamonds/ "Jacob & Co.’s Latest Billionaire Watch Is Adorned With Hundreds of New ‘Angel-Cut’ Diamonds"), where 98 Angel Cut diamonds totalling 51.13 carats cover the case. ## Mellerio: The Mellerio Cut ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Mellerio-The-Mellerio-Cut-2240x2240.webp) Founded in 1613, Mellerio is the oldest family-owned jewelry house in Europe, which makes it, by some distance, the oldest on this list. The [Mellerio Cut](https://www.mellerio.fr/collections/mellerio-cut?srsltid=AfmBOoo1SY8ysAca42yzZrOaHF-U1QwlRgJ9Qty6B6rn2o3ZCzTPV-0x) debuted in 2005 with 57 facets (24 on the crown, 33 on the pavilion) and produces an ovoid silhouette, an oval set within an ellipse. It’s a shape the house traces to the Sancy Diamond, a well-known, storied, ovoid diamond gifted to Marie de Medici, which in the 20th century found itself in the possession of the Astor family for over 70 years until the Louvre bought it for $1 million dollars in 1978. As current president Laure-Isabelle Mellerio has put it, four centuries in the service of the diamond deserved a cut of its own. ## William Goldberg: The Ashoka ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Kwiat-The-Ashoka.webp) The Ashoka is an elongated cushion-cut with 62 facets, and while it’s closely associated with Kwiat, the fourth-generation New York diamond house founded in 1907, it was actually first introduced by [William Goldberg](https://www.williamgoldberg.com/ashoka-jewelry/) in 1999 and trademarked with the US Patent and Trademark Office. That being said, [Kwiat](https://kwiat.com/ashoka-diamond-collection?srsltid=AfmBOoo-pe5sJvpHwJ4q4zQd6vqsI-cgjqfNntnUZaamRzx7j5Pww4C0) is the exclusive US distributor of the Ashoka. The cut is named after Ashoka Maurya, a 3rd-century B.C. Buddhist warrior-emperor. **Categories:** Guide To, Jewelry **Tags:** Ashoka, Asprey, Asscher, Chaumet, diamond, Garrard, Jacob & Co., Kwiat, Louis Vuitton, Mellerio, tiffany & co. --- ### [The 7 Best Wines to Pair With Steak](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/the-7-best-wines-to-pair-with-steak/) **Published:** March 6, 2026 **Author:** Mike DeSimone **Content:** When we ask friends what wine they would pair with a [steak](https://robbreport.ph/guide-to/the-ultimate-guide-to-the-best-cuts-of-steak/ "The Ultimate Guide to the Best Cuts of Steak"), their obvious answer is red. But what might not be as obvious is that not all red wines pair perfectly with steak. There’s a bit of basic chemistry involved when choosing the right wine. Tannins, which are compounds in wine present in grape seeds, grape skins, and oak barrels offer a drying or astringent quality on the tongue and gums. Steak’s natural levels of fat and protein provide a lubricating or moist feeling so that when wine and steak combine in the mouth the astringent and moist qualities strike a balance and create an enjoyable sensation. Then science kicks in: Molecules in the steak’s fat make the tannins more pliable and produce softer, smoother sensations, while the wine’s tannins mellow out the fat and thereby coax more flavor out of the meet. Who said chemistry and science weren’t fun? Cabernet Sauvignon and grilled steaks are the ultimate partnership, so we’ve included four for you to enjoy. But Barolo, Côtes du Rhone, and Zinfandel are also great matches. While Barolo can only come from Piedmont and Côtes du Rhone can only come from France we particularly like this Zinfandel from Sonoma. So when you’re at the steakhouse or making a big slab of beef at home, reach for one of these great wines that pair with [steak](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/the-ultimate-guide-to-wagyu-beef-the-worlds-most-luxurious-steak/ "The Ultimate Guide to Wagyu Beef, the World’s Most Luxurious Steak"). ## Michele Chiarlo 2020 Cerequio Barolo ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Michele_Chiarlo_2020_Cerequio_Barolo_Piedmont_Italy.webp) *Photo: Michele Chiarlo* The first time we had dinner with [Michele Chiarlo](https://www.michelechiarlo.it/en/) over 15 years ago, we realized we were with a mover, shaker, and an innovator in the traditional world of Barolo winemaking. We were sad to hear of his passing in 2023 having reached 88 years dedicated to wine but are happy to know his son Stefano has taken the reins. His 2020 Cerequio Barolo is as beautiful as ever with aromas of black cherry, cassis, rose petals, and just a hint of lifted peppermint. It is voluptuous on the palate with flavors of licorice, black currant, cherry, and rolled tobacco leaf swathed in silky tannins. ## Lamborn Family Vineyards 2023 Somers Ranch Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Lamborn_Family_Vineyards_2023_Somers_Ranch_Zinfandel_Dry_Creek_Valley_Sonoma_California.webp) *Photo: Lamborn Family Vineyards* The Lamborn family has been making wines in Napa Valley and have remained a small family winery producing quality wine for the last five decades. Many of their wines are made by superstar winemaker Heidi Barrett but for this Sonoma Zinfandel they enlisted Heidi and Bo Barrett’s daughter, Chelsea, and we think she’s done an amazing job. This 100 percent Zinfandel is made from fruit grown in a single vineyard at Somers Ranch in Sonoma’s Dry Creek Valley. Aged in 25 percent new American oak for 18 months before bottling, it is garnet-purple in the glass and has enticing aromas of red raspberry, Bing cherry, and red plum. Flavors of blueberry, black plum, dark chocolate, and a touch of black licorice are wrapped in velvety tannins that dissipate into a finish that goes on and on. ## Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon St. Helena ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Spottswoode_Estate_Vineyard_amp_Winery_2022_Cabernet_Sauvignon_St_Helena_Napa_Valley_California.webp) *Photo: Spottswoode* Founders Jack Novak and Mary Weber Novak fell in love with Spottswoode Estate on a trip to Napa Valley. They are one of the first families to introduce organic grape growing in Napa Valley and Mary was one of the first women to bring their daughters into a Napa Valley family wine business. Their 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon has lifted aromas of crushed violet and cedar followed by black raspberry and red plum. It has plush, rounded tannins and flavors of mixed dark berries, cassis, and black plum. ## Chappellet 2022 Pritchard Hill Estate Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Chappellet_2022_Pritchard_Hill_Estate_Vineyard_Cabernet_Sauvignon_Napa_Valley_California.webp) *Photo: Chappellet* In 1967 Molly and Donn Chappellet purchased their Pritchard Hill estate and started planting vines after consulting with Napa wine legend André Tchelistcheff. One of the first families to cultivate grapes at high altitude in the valley, they were pioneers in what is today considered normal winegrowing. We’ve been fans of their wines for years and particularly enjoyed the 2022. It has aromas of ripe cherry, black raspberry, graphite, and espresso bean with fine tannins and flavors of black raspberry, cassis, black cherry, crushed violet petals, and with just a touch of espresso in the long finish. ## Baldacci Family Vineyards 2018 Stella Knight Vineyard Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Baldacci_Family_Vineyards_2018_Stella_Knight_Vineyard_Calistoga_Cabernet_Sauvignon.webp) *Photo: Baldacci Family Vineyards* Baldacci Family Vineyards was founded by Brenda and Thomas Baldacci in 1998 and today their son Michael continues the legacy of fine winemaking, striving to craft bottles that reflect the distinct terroir in which they are grown while maintaining strict sustainability standards. His 2018 Stella Knight Vineyard is made from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes grown in Calistoga. It has heady aromas of tobacco leaf, saddle leather, cassis, and hints of graphite. Upon first sip you immediately notice voluptuous tannins and full-bodied mouthfeel with strong minerality and flavors of black cherry, dark plum, brown baking spices, and blueberry. But stock up while you can, as only 812 cases made. ## Paul Jaboulet Aîné 2022 Domaine de Roure Crozes Hermitage Rouge ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Paul_Jaboulet_Aine_2022_Domaine_de_Roure_Crozes_Hermitage_Rouge_Cotes_Du_Rhone_France.webp) *Photo: Paul Jaboulet Aîné* Paul Jaboulet Aîné purchased Domaine de Roure from the Roure family in 1996. Located in the famed Tain l’Hermitage it is one of the oldest estates there; the Syrah vines, planted in 1945, are now over seven decades old. The grapes for this delicious wine were hand-picked and sorted, then fermented for three weeks before prolonged ageing in 20 percent new French oak barrels for one year. Although the 2022 is perfect to uncork and enjoy with a ribeye, it can age for up to 20 years. It has aromas of cherry, tobacco, and crushed violet and flavors of black cherry, red raspberry, and plum. ## Lail Vineyards 2023 Blueprint Cabernet Sauvignon ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Lail_Vineyards_2023_Blueprint_Cabernet_Sauvignon_Napa_Valley_California.webp) *Photo: Lail Vineyards* Legendary California vintner Robin Lail is a staunch supporter of sustainable vineyard practices and in 2019 was made the U.S. Ambassador the Porto Protocol, a worldwide organization that fosters transparency and leadership on climate initiatives. To that end Robin produces Blueprint wines to celebrate healthy and sustainable vineyard practices alongside winemakers Philippe Melka and Maayan Koschitzky. Blueprint Cabernet Sauvignon is dark red in the glass with aromas of cassis, cocoa powder, and blueberry. It has supple and rounded tannins and flavors of cherry, raspberry, and black currant. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Food & Drink, Wine **Tags:** barolo, Cabernet Sauvignon, steak, syrah, zinfadel --- ### [Everything You Need to Know About the Rolex Day-Date](https://robbreport.ph/the-story-of/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-rolex-day-date/) **Published:** March 4, 2026 **Author:** Oren Hartov **Content:** [Rolex](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-new-rolex-land-dweller/ "The New Rolex Land-Dweller"), one of the most recognizable luxury brands in the world, crafted a legacy based upon the marriage of two relatively simple yet hugely important technologies: Namely, the Oyster case and the Perpetual automatic movement with 360-degree winding rotor. It was the simple watches that resulted from this marriage—the [Oyster Perpetual](https://robbreport.ph/watches/rolex-is-releasing-its-first-authorized-history-of-the-oyster-perpetual-datejust/ "Rolex Is Releasing Its First Authorized History of the Oyster Perpetual Datejust") itself, the Explorer, the Submariner, and others —that cemented the brand’s reputation as a maker of reliable, robust, and highly accurate tool watches. Nevertheless, Rolex did dip its toes into more complicated watchmaking in the mid-20th century: From chronographs such as the refs. 4113 and 3525 to the triple-calendar moonphase ref. 8171 and Oyster-cased ref. 6062, these creations have become hugely collectible pieces—but no small part of that collectability stems from their rarity, and from the fact that Rolex largely stopped making such complicated fare by the 1950s. But the Swiss marque had a trick up its sleeve—a model simpler than the aforementioned calendar watches that would come to define the brand in the mind of millions of consumers around the world. In 1956, Rolex debuted the Oyster Perpetual [Day-Date](https://www.rolex.com/watches/day-date/all-models?group=0), a precious-metal watch with the day of the week displayed in an arc at 12 o’clock; a magnified date window at 3 o’clock; an Oyster waterproof case; and an automatic, chronometer-certified movement. The first automatic, chronometer-certified wristwatch in the world to display the day and date thusly, it was available in several different languages — these would eventually total 26—and was beautifully sized and styled. Soon, its matching “President” bracelet would gain nearly as much fame as the watch itself, lending its name to the entire package and becoming synonymous in the minds of many with opulence and wealth. The “President” nickname was an apt one: The Day-Date was quickly seen on the wrists of American presidents such as Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, and Donald Trump. Athletes such as Jack Nicklaus and LeBron James; actors such as Jacob Elordi and Jennifer Aniston; musicians such as John Mayer and Bono—all across the world, celebrities have adopted this gold or platinum timepiece as their own. As the only Rolex model solely available in precious metals, it has a unique place in the Crown’s catalog as a signifier of wealth and status, and is often used as a prop or a trope in television and films for this reason. (For a fun evening, count the number of Day-Dates seen in any given episode of *The Sopranos*.) Over the years, a dizzying array of special dials and configurations have been seen on this sparkling model: From burled wood to precious stones to the beautiful colored “Stella” references of the 1970s and 1980s, these Day-Dates are incredibly varied and nuanced, resulting in a veritable collector’s paradise of compelling options. Beginning around $8,000-$10,000 for a vintage four-digit reference on a strap and continuing into “If You Have to Ask” territory for special off-catalog or double-signed references, the Day-Date is most certainly *not* beginner’s horological fare . . . but if bought correctly, it could very well constitute a one-watch collection. **How to Use This Guide** While attempting to catalog every possible Day-Date configuration from the past 70 years would be a fool’s errand, examining significant references from each *generation* is eminently doable. Below you’ll find an example reference of each along with a pricing reference for that generation and specifics about its aesthetic and technical considerations. Keep in mind that the earliest generations are fairly rare and accurate pricing information is thus tougher to pin down. Four- and five-digit watches, however, are much more abundant and can be had from knowledgeable dealers. Rolex’s CPO program also forms a convenient entry point into collecting the Day-Date. ## Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date Ref. 6510/6511 (1956-1957) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/rolex-oyster-perptual-day-date-ref-6510_6511.webp) *Photo: Davide Parmegiani* The references 6510 (smooth bezel) and 6511 (fluted bezel) debuted in 1956. Making use of a patented new mechanism, the Day-Date was the world’s first automatic chronometer featuring both the day of the week spelled out in full as well as the date on the dial. Launched on the brand’s Jubilee bracelet —which debuted in 1945 on the Datejust in celebration of the brand’s 40th anniversary—the references 6510 and 6511 featured water-resistant 36 mm Oyster cases in yellow gold with either champagne or black dials. The automatic cal. 1055 movement was found sometimes faulty, and was updated in the subsequent reference, the 6611 that debuted one year later in 1957. **Reference:** 6510; 6511 **Diameter:** 36 mm **Movement:** Rolex cal. 1055 automatic ## Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date Ref. 6611 (~1957-1959) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/rolex-oyster-perptual-day-date-ref-6611.webp) *Photo: Oliver & Clarke* It was the ref. 6611 that was first fitted with the now-famous, precious-metal “President” bracelet—a bracelet that would shortly give the watch itself its unofficial nickname. The ref. 6511 wasn’t terribly far removed from the previous references, though the dial now sloped at the edges in a “pie pan” configuration and the handset changed from alpha to dauphine. The automatic cal. 1055 was upgraded with a Micro-Stella balance and corrected the date advancement issues of the previous generation. A series of just six pieces of ref. 6611 in stainless steel are thought to have been made as prototypes but never put into serial production. **Reference:** 6611 **Diameter:** 36 mm **Movement:** Rolex cal. 1055 automatic (w/Micro-Stella balance) **Price on Secondary Market:** $12,000+ ## Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date Ref. 180X Series (~1959-1977) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/rolex-oyster-perpetual-day-date-ref-180x.webp) *Photo: Oliver & Clarke* When someone thinks of the Day-Date, they’re invariably picturing a ref. 1803 or similar. Launched at the tail end of the 1950s and produced for some two decades, it was the final Day-Date reference to feature both a pie-pan dial as well as an acrylic crystal—two hallmarks of vintage Day-Date collecting—and the final reference powered by a movement without a quickset function for either the day or the date windows. (This generation also featured hollow-link President bracelets, which contributes further to the vintage feel of the 180X-series watches.) Nevertheless, the 180X did introduce the baton handset now common to all Datejust references. Hacking seconds, meanwhile, was introduced in this series in the early 1970s. **Reference:** 180X **Diameter:** 36 mm **Movement:** Rolex cal. 1555; 1556 automatic **Price on Secondary Market:** $14,000 ## Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date Ref. 180XX Series (~1977-1988) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/rolex-oyster-perpetual-day-date-ref-180xx_504ecb.webp) *Photo: Oliver & Clarke* Several notable changes, both aesthetic and internal, marked the transition to the five-digit ref. 18038 and similar watches: The pie-pan dial was retired in favor of a flat variant; the acrylic crystal of previous generations was upgraded to scratch-resistant sapphire; and the new cal. 3055 movement now featured a 4 Hz beat rate, a 48-hour power reserve, and a quickset date function. (Though not a quickset *day* function—that would come later.) In addition to a classic configuration with yellow gold case, fluted bezel, and champagne dial, the 180XX series also included variants with smooth bezels, diamond-studded dials, and tree bark-like finishes. The President bracelet on this series featured solid end links. **Reference:** 180XX **Diameter:** 36mm **Movement:** Rolex cal. 3055 automatic **Price on Secondary Market:** $15,000+ ## Rolex Oysterquartz Day-Date Ref. 190XX Series (~1977-2004) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/rolex-oysterquartz-day-date-ref-190xx.webp) *Photo: Hairspring* Though Rolex had worked with a consortium of other Swiss makers to develop the Beta 21 quartz movement, it abandoned that project in the early 1970s and developed its own in-house calibers. The cal. 5055 was used in a new Oysterquartz-powered series of yellow and white gold Day-Date references introduced in 1977, of which the ref. 19018 is emblematic: Housed in an angular 36 mm case with a unique integrated bracelet with polished center links, it features a fluted bezel and a dial in either champagne, white, or black. (Special burled wood-dialed versions were also produced.) Startlingly accurate, the thermo-compensated cal. 5055 and its successors were nevertheless sunsetted in 2004 when Rolex transitioned back to an all-mechanical catalog. **Reference:** 190XX **Diameter:** 36 mm **Movement:** Rolex cal. 5055 Oysterquartz **Price on Secondary Market:** $15,000+ ## Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date Ref. 182XX Series (~1988-2000) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/rolex-oyster-perpetual-day-date-ref-182.webp) *Photo: Oliver & Clarke* This series, launched as the successor to the 190XX but concurrent with the Day-Date Oysterquartz line, finally featured what came to be known as the “double-quickset” function: The crown could be used to rapidly adjust both the date and the day display, making for rapid setting after the watch had been sitting unwound. By the time this series debuted, the day wheel was available in 26 languages, meaning that myriad different markets all across the world were well served. Though the ref. 18238 constitutes the classic yellow-gold configuration, numerous dial types were available, among which is a handsome, glossy white example with applied indices, an outer railroad minute track, and luminous tritium plots. **Reference:** 182XX **Diameter:** 36 mm **Movement:** Rolex cal. 3155 automatic **Price on Secondary Market:** $16,500+ ## Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date Ref. 118XXX Series (2000-2019) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/rolex-oyster-perpetual-day-day-ref-118.webp) *Photo: Bob’s Watches* Small changes are what underscore the evolution to the 118XXX-series of Day-Date: The watch’s President bracelet received solid links and a new clasp, while the dial was given an engraved rehaut signed “ROLEX” several times around its perimeter in order to head off counterfeiting. (This series was also available on a matching Oyster bracelet.) The cal. 3155 movement, still in use from the previous generation of Day-Date, was updated in 2015 to Rolex’s own chronometer specification of +/- 2 seconds per day. Furthermore, in 2005 Rolex introduced its proprietary Everose gold, a mix of gold, copper, and platinum that takes on a distinctive pinkish hue—this metal then became available within the Day-Date collection. **Reference:** 118XXX **Diameter:** 36 mm **Movement:** Rolex cal. 3155 automatic **Price on Secondary Market:** $25,000+ ## Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date II Ref. 2182XX (2008-2015) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/rolex-oyster-perpetual-day-date-ref-2182XX.webp) *Photo: Bonhams* In keeping with the trends in the early 2000s, Rolex introduced a larger version of the Day-Date in 2008. The so-called “Day-Date II” now measured 41 mm in precious metals (yellow, white, and Everose gold or platinum) with a matching President bracelet, giving it significant heft and wrist presence. Powered by the automatic cal. 3156 with 48 hours of power reserve, it featured a slightly more prominent bezel and lugs to maintain proportion with its larger diameter. This short-lived reference was succeeded by a 40 mm model that still lives alongside the standard 36 mm Datejust in the Rolex catalog. The ref. 218206 in platinum is notable for its ice-blue dial option, which was introduced in 2013. **Reference:** 2182XX **Diameter:** 41 mm **Movement:** Rolex cal. 3156 automatic **Price on Secondary Market:** $36,000+ ## Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 40 Ref. 228XXX (2015-Present) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/rolex-oyster-perpetual-day-date-40-ref-228.webp) *Photo: Rolex* After the relatively short-lived Day-Date II, Rolex introduced the Day-Date 40 in 2015. Its new cal. 3255 presented notable technological innovations including a Parachrom hairspring, Chronergy escapement, and a 70-hour power reserve. The slimmed-down proportions still offer the consumer a larger Day-Date size but brought the bezel and lug proportions more in line with those of the classic 36 mm model. Ceramic spacers in the solid-link President bracelet prevent stretching, while laser-etched dial options offer a wider aesthetic variety to the buyer. Metal options are still the three varieties of gold plus platinum, while fluted and two varieties of diamond-set bezels are available. Dial varieties are myriad, and the date window is available in 26 languages. **Reference:** 228XXX **Diameter:** 40 mm **Movement:** Rolex cal. 3255 automatic **Price:** $44,200+ ## Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 36 Ref. 1282XX (2019-Present) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/rolex-oyster-perpetual-day-date-36-ref-1282.webp) *Photo: Rolex* The 1282XX series is the current 36 mm Day-Date, the modern evolution of the original 65XX from the 1950s. Outfitted, like the 40 mm version, with the Rolex cal. 3255 automatic movement, it comes in a wide variety of materials, bezels, dials, and more. Of all the Rolex models, it’s perhaps the most difficult to parse, with all manner of both catalog and off-catalog (i.e. special request) versions cropping up in the market. Today, with the obsession with gem-set and so-called “rainbow” watches, the ref. 128235-0050 strikes a particular chord: Housed in an Everose case with a matching President bracelet, it features a fluted bezel, a fully diamond-paved dial, and 10 baguette-cut rainbow sapphires for hour markers. **Reference:** 1282XX **Diameter:** 36 mm **Movement:** Rolex cal. 3255 automatic **Price:** $40,200+ *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** The Story Of, Watches **Tags:** day-date, explainer, rolex, the story of, Watch Collector --- ### [Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Has Become a New Luxury Playground for Wealthy Travelers](https://robbreport.ph/travel/saudi-arabias-red-sea-has-become-a-new-luxury-playground-for-wealthy-travelers/) **Published:** June 2, 2026 **Author:** Lauren Keith **Content:** The wind whips through my hair as the gleaming new fiberglass speedboat accelerates out of the calm bay and into open waters, striped in shades of turquoise, in defiance of the name. Surveying the horizon, there’s not a single other boat in sight. [The Red Sea](https://www.visitredsea.com/en) is our proverbial oyster. The sun rose just a few hours earlier, and now offers a kiss of heat before my Galexea dive instructor and I zip up our wetsuits and plunge into the cool azure depths. [Saudi Arabia](https://robbreport.ph/tag/saudi-arabia/ "Saudi Arabia")’s Red Sea destination is emerging as the newest frontier in luxury tourism. Previously undeveloped and difficult to access—Saudi Arabia only launched its first tourist visa in 2019—this region, about 310 miles (500 kilometers) north of the country’s second-largest city Jeddah, remains off the radar for many international travelers—giving adventurers who venture here the thrill of discovery like nowhere else does in the world. Spanning nearly 11,000 square miles (or 28,000 square kilometers, an area only slightly smaller than Belgium), the Red Sea contains more than 90 natural islands and pairs pristine coral reefs with a new generation of ultra-luxe design-forward hotels, the first such properties in any of the nine countries that surround this body of water. There’s also a game-changing adventure district, [ADRENA](https://www.redseaglobal.com/en/our-destinations/the-red-sea/adrena/), as well as Saudi’s first 18-hole championship golf course found on an island. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Shura-Links-Clubhouse.webp) Shura Links Clubhouse. *Photo: Shura Island* ## Sighting Shebara The speedboat and its four passengers—the captain, the skipper, my aforementioned scuba instructor and I—are cruising along the water when a mirage seems to appear in the distance, strung out like giant pearls floating on top of the sea. The captain slows our speed as we approach [Shebara](https://www.shebara.sa/en/), a resort set on a remote island with out-of-this-world rooms shaped like mirrored bubbles. Laced together like an elegant necklace by boardwalks, their polished stainless-steel exteriors reflect the water and the sky with cinematic precision. Inside, rooms are designed to mimic docked superyachts, while marshmallow-white sofas rest behind the pods, whose individual infinity pools gaze out to the sea from their private perches. It’s a profound vision of the future, and one deeply connected to its locale. The speedboat carries on for a few minutes to Al Haria, today’s dive site. My dive-logging app has never heard of it. Google searches I make later confirm that this location is seriously off the world’s radar. We jump into the water next to rocky pinnacles that drop more than 20 meters down to the seabed, and the current pushes us past forests of colorful hard and soft coral until we’re enveloped in a school of hundreds of neon-blue Red Sea fusilier fish. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Galaxea-Diving-2-2048x1366-1.webp) Diving among the fish. The Red Sea is one of the planet’s most extraordinary—and extraordinarily under-appreciated— marine ecosystems. Some 15 percent of its fish species are found nowhere else on Earth, and it’s home to one of the world’s longest continuous coral reef systems, which stretches for some 1,200 miles (2,000 kilometers). The sea is connected to the Indian Ocean only through the narrow Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and this relative isolation has allowed species to evolve independently over thousands of years, contributing to the Red Sea’s high levels of endemism and ecological uniqueness. Distinctive environmental conditions, meanwhile, abound: The Red Sea is among the warmest and most saline seas on Earth because of intense evaporation, minimal rainfall and the fact that almost no rivers flow into it. Because its corals have evolved under these challenging conditions, marine scientists believe they may be more resilient to warming oceans than reefs in other parts of the world. It’s evident here, at a dive site where sightings include masked puffers (mostly gray save for a raccoon-like black mask around its bulging eyes) and a pair of sassy clownfish cleaning themselves in a Medusa-like anemone. Returning to the surface feels like a life-changing experience has been cut short. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/The-Red-Sea-EDITION-aerial.webp) The Red Sea EDITION. *Photo: The Edition* ## Private Paradise Next on the agenda is the St. Regis Red Sea Resort. Set on the [Ummahat Islands](https://www.redseaglobal.com/en/our-destinations/the-red-sea/ummahat-island/), St. Regis was the first property to open at the Red Sea destination, just over two years ago. We’re miles from the mainland, so guests can arrive only by speedboat, yacht, helicopter, or seaplane. Two wings of overwater villas flare out from the far sides of the island, its shape reminiscent of that of Italy, some specifically angled for prime sunset views. The calming design from Japanese architect Kengo Kuma instils a sense of peace, complemented by the villas’ light wood and white color scheme that’s daubed with splashes of ocean blues. On the white-sand beach, the sole four-bedroom Presidential Villa comes with its own cinema room and miniature library. The resort’s nearest neighbor, on a separate island and not visible from the bay, is Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, one of only nine worldwide and the first in the Middle East. Nearly a third of its villas are built over the water, shaded by wooden sculptures that resemble shells. The Reserve Masters lead experiences in yoga and wildlife sightings of blue-spotted rays, hawksbill turtle nests and the aptly named (but, sadly, critically endangered) halavi guitarfish, while resident experts at Conservation House serve as ambassadors to connect visitors to Saudi culture through local art and history. After dark, a guided astronomy session is a must—peering up at the nujuma (which means “stars” in Arabic) through a powerful telescope with little interference from light pollution is a truly edifying experience. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/The-Red-Sea-EDITION_Beach.webp) Seaside lounging at the Red Sea EDITION. *Photo: The Edition* Back on the bay, I’m at WAMA, Red Sea Global’s watersports brand with a hub at the St. Regis Red Sea. Its curious name is a contraction of the English and Arabic words for water, while its underlying philosophy falls in line with the Red Sea’s laudable sustainability efforts. It offers overwater activities that don’t require petrol and are run entirely on wind, human or battery power, including sailing, windsurfing, glass-bottom kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. I decide to try my hand at riding an electric sea scooter, a device I’d never even heard of before, let alone used. It’s similar to an e-foil, a motorized surfboard that propels you on top of the water once you reach high speeds, but this model comes with handlebars for balance. I learn the ropes under the watchful eye of an instructor who turns me loose, and we’re soon riding figure-of-eights around one another (the tumble into the sea feels inevitable when it finally happens). ## Shura Island: The Heart of the Red The center of gravity, when it comes to the Red Sea’s status as a hub of world-class sustainable tourism, is set to be [Shura Island](https://www.redseaglobal.com/en/our-destinations/the-red-sea/shura-island/): an epicenter of top-class tourism offerings, linked to the mainland by a nearly 1.5-mile-long bougainvillea-lined bridge. When complete, this island will be home not only to 11 resorts—the design of each inspired by a different type of coral found in the Red Sea—but also Shura Links, an 18-hole championship golf course, plus a yacht marina and the Village, a spectacular promenade replete with retail venues, plus dining and entertainment options. A handful of the hotels have already swung open their doors to guests, and I’m checking in at SLS The Red Sea, whose boldly mischievous personality is immediately evident in the pink lobby cafe where I’m greeted by a unicorn statue with an ice-cream cone as its horn. Outside, the signature SLS duck, an oversized rubber ducky-style sculpture sitting plumb in the pool—painted in colorful swirling patterns by Saudi contemporary artist Heba Ismail—is another sign of the playful spin on luxury to come. And not the only one. Sculpted monkeys swinging from the signs pointing to my two-bedroom beachfront suite also hint at impending quirkiness. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/SLS-The-Red-Sea-aerial.webp) *Photo: The Edition* Inside, I’m drawn immediately to the floor-to-ceiling living room doors that frame a private plunge pool and my own stretch of white sand overlooking a sheltered inlet. As sunset draws near, I stroll aimlessly along the beach, which is littered with shells. I don’t see any footsteps from other guests, only the faint prints left by tiny fiddler crabs that scurry out of the way as I approach. Other luxury brands, including the Raffles, Four Seasons, Fairmont and Rosewood, are set to open outposts on Shura Island later this year. My stay at [SLS The Red Sea](https://slshotels.com/the-red-sea/)—which opened in mid-December last year—coincides with the opening night of its sleek Japanese restaurant Floating World, with its open kitchen and tables illuminated with large barrel-like paper lanterns. Plates of spicy edamame, beautifully cut sashimi and nigiri, panko-coated shrimp, and cooked-to-perfection sirloin and broccolini are all worth circling on the menu for future reference, as are the delicate strawberry and cheesecake mochi that round the sitting off. Southeast of here, on the other side of the Shura Links—a championship golf course designed by famed architect Brian Curley—is the Red Sea EDITION: a resort which takes a high-end minimalist approach to its suite decor in cream, white, and natural wood that lets the landscape of native seagrass and mangroves dotted along the beach outside do the talking. I settle onto a cushioned seat on the furnished outdoor terrace to soak it all in. That evening’s candy-floss skies are the perfect welcome to Jiwa Beach Club, a low-lit Bali-inspired dinner spot that opens just before sunset. Many of the restaurant’s tables are dug right into the sand on the beach. It’s a dining setting where satay skewers and egg-topped nasi goreng will tingle the tastebuds with just the right level of spiciness, while three fire dancers cast a spell over diners with twirling torches and acrobatic moves. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/InterContinental-The-Red-Sea-Resort.webp) InterContinental The Red Sea Resort by IHG. *Photo: IHG* The first stop the next morning is ADRENA, a five-mile drive north of Shura Island in the Red Sea’s adventure district. Part water park, part beach club, part extreme sports hub and part watersports school, the development has a three-story tower at its centre, the view from which takes in Saudi Arabia’s largest surf pool, where the waves are finely tuned by a technician and dialed into the specific skill set of the surfer. Nearby, a group of teenage boys try their luck on a slackline over a pool six-and-a-half-feet deep before cajoling each other up to the cliff diving platforms. Elsewhere, a couple of skaters from Spain slide their boards across the ramps and rails. The sense of just how much there is to do in this part of the world—the length of the scale between lazing and becoming ultra-active—is palpable. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Adrena_Final_1.webp) Surfing at Adrena. *Photo: Adrena* ## Sea Meets Desert Sand One of the most intriguing features of the Red Sea is that the experience encompasses so much more than secluded islands, untouched coral reefs, and lazy days on a yacht deck. The geographical diversity is a true eye-opener. An excursion guaranteed to bring this home to the Red Sea visitor is a jaunt to Desert Rock Resort. Found about a 25-mile drive inland from Shura Island, this exceptional sanctuary—owned and managed by [Red Sea Global Hospitality](https://www.redseaglobal.com/en/), the same home-grown group as Shebara—isn’t visible as you approach by car, so subtly does its uncanny architecture camouflage it amongst the granite peaks of the mountainous desert valley in which it lies. Many of the rooms at this ultra-luxe hideaway dangle from rocky ledges, are sandwiched between cliff crevices or are embedded like caves in the interior of the mountains, connecting guests intimately with the landscape. For the ultimate retreat, a three-bedroom Royal Villa is hidden away in an otherwise off-limits section of the valley. As I walk into my cave suite, I lightly brush my hands along the speckled rock wall as I’m compelled forward by the aquamarine water of my private infinity pool, contrasting with the camel-colored desert punctuated with dark volcanic mountains. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Desert_Rock_002.webp) Desert Rock. *Photo: Desert Rock* Desert Rock actively encourages exploration and adventure. Reaching a strategically placed sundowner spot called the Observatory involves crossing a cable suspension bridge (don’t dare look over the edge) and then climbing 600-plus steps on a steeply winding boardwalk that’s bolted into the rock face. The exertion is worth it for the aptly named 1001 Stars mocktail—made with a base of pineapple-infused vanilla tea—that awaits those who make it, and get to enjoy the drink as the sun sets and the first star shimmers overhead in the darkening sky. Once the darkness of the night has fully blanketed the property, it’s time to head to another of the resort’s rooftop perches for a lesson in Arab astronomy. We easily find Orion, one of the most recognizable constellations in the night sky, but the story passed down through ancient Arab tradition says the figure is not of a man hunting, as the Greeks told the West, but a woman wearing a belt of pearls caught in a tragic love story. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/WAMA-Kayaking-through-mangroves-1.webp) Kayaking through mangroves. *Photo: St. Regis* ## Conservation at Its Core Each of the Red Sea resorts has its own distinct personality, but what threads them all together is the region’s overarching, unwavering focus on sustainability to preserve the very reason why travelers visit this destination in the first place: its profound and immense natural beauty, and deeply ingrained cultural singularity. Preservation of both is foremost in the mindset of its custodians. Less than one percent of the region’s land is set to be developed, and visitor numbers will be capped. Operations are powered by wind and solar energy (the latter is obviously not in short supply in Saudi Arabia) and high-end electric vehicles, such as blue- and coral-colored Mercedes- Benz EQS, provide guest transfers on land. The Red Sea destination promises barefoot luxury that leaves a light footprint, redefining what an upscale [travel](https://robbreport.ph/travel/ "Travel") experience can be. This new vision of luxury remains firmly rooted in faultless service and astounding architectural design, but also weaves in a profound connection to place and the thrill of experiencing it just as the world is starting to sit up and take notice. Few places on the planet combine extraordinary natural beauty with such ambitious aims. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Desert_Rock_007.webp) Desert Rock. *Photo: Desert Rock* ## Getting There As visitors arrive at [Red Sea International Airport](https://www.redseaglobal.com/en/our-destinations/the-red-sea/red-sea-international-airport/) (RSI), they are welcomed with a warmth that embodies the region’s spirit of “Hafawa”—a core Saudi cultural value which can be summed up as generosity and a cordiality towards guests. Travelers are then transported to their resorts through carbon-neutral mobility options across land, sea and air. Red Sea International Airport welcomes direct flights from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dubai, and Doha, and one-stop connections from major European cities including London, Paris, Rome, Milan, Berlin, Frankfurt, Barcelona, Madrid, Almaty, and Moscow: the destination is quickly becoming one of the most accessible escapes in the region. From RSI, Shura Island is just an hour’s drive across Saudi Arabia’s longest overwater bridge, linking guests directly to the vibrant hub of the Red Sea. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Travel **Tags:** Red Sea, Saudi Arabia, travel --- ### [What Are the Best Luxury Sunscreens for Men? 6 Top SPF Picks](https://robbreport.ph/style/grooming/what-are-the-best-luxury-sunscreens-for-men-6-top-spf-picks/) **Published:** June 2, 2026 **Author:** Aica Dacuno **Content:** Men’s [grooming](https://robbreport.ph/style/grooming/ "Grooming") isn’t what it used to be. A basic shave and quick rinse no longer cover it, and most routines now include a few extra steps. Cleanser, serum, maybe a cream for the eyes. All of that helps, of course, but one factor still outweighs the rest: The sun, which has a way of undoing more than most products can keep up with. Ultraviolet exposure, or UV, remains the primary driver of premature aging, from fine lines to uneven tone, and it builds up whether you’re at the [beach](https://robbreport.ph/style/beach-bag-essentials/ "Here’s Your Beach Bag Essentials Checklist For Sun (and Splash!) Protection") or just out for the day. The upside is that it’s also one of the easiest factors to manage, and one of the few that makes a visible difference over time. Daily sunscreen helps protect skin from UV damage, which dermatologists identify as one of the [leading causes of premature skin aging](https://robbreport.ph/leisure/health-wellness/spas-are-leaning-into-science-based-treatments-more-than-ever-before/ "Spas Are Leaning Into Science-Based Treatments More Than Ever Before"), including wrinkles, pigmentation, and loss of firmness. Sunscreen used to be situational. Now, it’s the baseline. If you’re only using one product, this is the one doing the heavy lifting. Here are our top picks. ## Sisley-Paris Sunleÿa Anti-Aging Sun Care SPF 50+ ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Sisley-1.webp) Part sunscreen, part age defence, this high-performance SPF combines broad-spectrum filters with its G+ complex (Hypnea musciformis, biosaccharides, adenosine), plus vitamin B3 to target fine lines, support firmness, and even tone. It disappears quickly and leaves skin better prepared for the sun. [Available at Rustan’s](https://rustans-thebeautysource.com/en/product/sunleya-face-cream-spf-50-new/) ## La Mer The Broad Spectrum SPF 50 UV Protecting Fluid ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/La-Mer-SPF.webp) La Mer’s take on sunscreen does what you’d expect, and then leans into what the brand does best. The formula is anchored by Miracle Broth, its long-fermented, sea-derived signature, meant to keep skin balanced while doing its job. The pitch is simple: Protection you’ll actually use, with a finish that makes it easy to keep using. [Available at Rustan’s](https://rustans-thebeautysource.com/en/product/la-mer-the-spf-50-uv-protecting-fluid-pa/) ## La Prairie Cellular Swiss UV Protection Veil SPF 50 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/la-prairie-cellular-swiss-uv-protection-veil-spf50.webp) This is SPF as a finishing layer. La Prairie’s Protection Veil is designed as the final step, sitting over everything with broad-spectrum filters, antioxidant complexes, and enough hydration to hold its own. [Available at Rustan’s ](https://rustans-thebeautysource.com/en/product/la-prairie-cellular-swiss-uv-protection-veil-spf-50/) ## Augustinus Bader The Sunscreen SPF 50 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Augustinus-Bader.webp) Alongside protection, you get Augustinus Bader’s TFC8 complex working behind the scenes to keep your skin looking more even and less visibly worn over time. Fully vegan, too, just in case you’re looking. [Available at Augustinus Bader](https://augustinusbader.com/int/en/the-sunscreen-spf-50?mm_rf=mm_5c211fda1de7134156f0) ## Shiseido Future Solution LX Universal Defense SPF 50 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Shiseido.webp) Shiseido crafted this around its ingredients. Enmei herb extract anchors the formula, paired with a Golden Mushroom Complex and a mix of Japanese botanicals, making it as much about maintaining skin condition and resilience as it is about protection. By resilience, we also mean it holds up in the water for close to an hour, if you decide to take it for a swim. [Available at Shiseido](https://www.shiseido.com/us/en/future-solution-lx-universal-defense-spf-50-0730852213104.html?cgid=men) ## Lancome UV Expert Aqua Gel SPF50 PA++++ ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/lancome.webp) The holy grail of all aqua gel sunscreens. It leaves no white cast, cools your skin on contact, and is built to handle pollution even when you’re crunching a few minutes of exercise during the day. Made for those who aren’t used to the usual mineral sunscreen texture and scent. [Available at Rustan’s](https://rustans-thebeautysource.com/en/product/uv-expert-aqua-gel-spf50-pa/) **Categories:** Grooming, Style **Tags:** anti-aging, Augustinus Bader, La Mer, la prairie, Lancome, shiseido, Sisley, sunscreen --- ### [11 Luxury Sandals and Resort Shoes to Pack for Your Next Beach Escape](https://robbreport.ph/style/footwear/11-luxury-sandals-and-resort-shoes-to-pack-for-your-next-beach-escape/) **Published:** June 1, 2026 **Author:** Ria de Borja **Content:** ‘Tis the season…to go beach-hopping and boat-skipping. In this blisteringly hot weather, seeking shore and sand is the ultimate respite. You don’t need to pack much, but make sure that you wear the proper shoes. When the sand gets in between your toes, shake it out leisurely, [cocktail](https://robbreport.ph/tag/cocktail/ "cocktail") (or beer) in hand, wearing one of the pairs we’ve chosen. All are stylish to enough to ensure your feet don’t just feel cool but also look chic. Pick a pair, and plan that trip! ## All-Around Favorite For Her: Prada Bos Taurus Leather Flip-Flop Sandals ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/10634171-e1780192936487.webp) No Content. No Content. Prada is still the benchmark, no matter who wears it. The [Prada](https://robbreport.ph/tag/prada/ "prada") Bos Taurus Leather flip-flops have clean lines and a stylish restraint. Made of calf leather, its absence of frou-frou and frills are sure to keep your feet cool in the hottest climes. It’s perfect for strolling around, too. *Available [here](https://versaloro.com/products/prada-black-calf-leather-bos-taurus-flip-flop-sandals-2?srsltid=AfmBOoo65aarsn82G7XHrAs_Yn8HrvXusQbQ9Z0-Fdq0ZsIcdctMGme2).* ## Understated Luxury For Her: Loro Piana Vera Leather Sandals ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/D30A4CCC-A4A4-4D4E-9A3A-F68636466E97_FSW0352_H1A0_MEDIUM-e1780192850469.webp) This ultra-refined calfskin thong sandal is fabricated with discreet, elite craftsmanship. Made of buttery leather and practically invisible branding, this understated pair is for made for those who precisely *don’t* want to show off. It also comes in a heeled version, perfect to wear for a little spring in your step. *Available [here](https://ii.loropiana.com/en/shoes/woman/vera).* ## Offshore-Ready For Him: Hermès Chypre Sandal ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/chypre-sandal-222100Z-02-front-wm-1-0-0-800-800_g.webp) Who doesn’t love a shoe that can be both classic and fun? It’s also practical. Available in 37 colors, the [Hermès](https://robbreport.ph/tag/hermes-2/ "Hermès") Chypre Sandal for men transitions from deck to shoreline without missing a beat. It has a durable sole and fits securely. *Available [here](https://www.hermes.com/us/en/product/chypre-sandal-H222000ZH01390/).* ## Wear Anywhere, For Her: The Row Dune Classic Ginza Sandal ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/F1839L825IVBLF_1200x-e1780192736948.webp) This is the sandal to beat all sandals, with minimal lines and an elevated construction. The Row Dune Classic Ginza Sandal is a favorite of buyers and editors alike. It is, after all, styled in typically chic but understated [The Row](https://robbreport.ph/tag/the-row/ "The Row") fashion. It’s design will have people admiring your feet–but they’ll never know where you bought it from. You can take this shoe from the resort to beyond the cabana, and even use them on summer evenings. *Available [here](https://www.therow.com/en-ap/products/dune-classic-ginza-ivory-black).* ## Luxury Slide for Him: Brunello Cucinelli Suede Crossover Slides ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/261MZUSOLY327CAY70_F-e1780192678133.webp) Soft suede and technical rubber combine for something refined enough for lunch yet practical enough for marina terrain in the [Brunello Cucinelli ](https://robbreport.ph/tag/brunello-cucinelli/ "brunello cucinelli")Suede Crossover Slides. The soft material assures comfort, while the crossover design adds a classic and fashionable feel. Here you find understated luxury at its finest, crafted with the expertise the brand is known for. *Available [here](https://shop.brunellocucinelli.com/en-ph/men/shoes/slides-flip-flops/suede-slides-261MZUSOLY327CAY70.html).* ## Metallic Look For Her: Prada Metallic Leather Thong Sandals ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/cq5damweb_hebebed20002000-1-e1780192599420.webp) This pair of high-shine silver leather sandals transforms beachwear for evening territory. Made of mirrored leather, it gives a jewelry-like effect on the foot—perfect for brunch service all the way into sunset dressing. You can wear this pair on any occasion and with most colors, changing only your clothing to fit your mood. *Available [here](https://www.prada.com/ww/en/p/metallic-leather-thong-sandals/1Y395O_3AU1_F0118_F_005).* ## Textural Pair for Her: Valentino VLogo Signature Slide Sandal In Raffia 60mm ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/VLogo-Signature-Slide-Sandal-In-Raffia-60mm-e1780192547876.webp) Whether in Portofino or Amanpulo, these Mediterranean-inspired, casual, and unmistakably [Valentino](https://robbreport.ph/tag/valentino/ "valentino") sandals will bring a pop of chic to any outfit. Made of raffia with a bit of a heel, it makes traveling to the beach and beach towns look and feel refined. Pair them with a caftan or with shorts and a bikini top. Whatever you wear, you’ll not only be taller but also be more stylish, guaranteed. *Available [here](https://www.valentino.com/en-ph/product-vlogo-signature-slide-sandal-in-raffia-60mm-WS0HA6THQ_DAD).* ## Log0-Forward, for Her: Valentino VLogo Rockstud Calfskin Thong Sandal 05mm ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Rockstud-Calfskin-Thong-Sandal-05mm-e1780192265185.webp) Valentino’s signature gold rockstud reads like jewelry. As a thong sandal, it’s a shortcut: your accessories for the day are halfway done. Made from calfskin, Valentino VLogo Rockstud Calfskin Thong Sandal 05mm in black looks like the little sister of the heeled version that has been popular for over a decade. Wear it on the sand by the shore or on the deck by the yacht and you have a sure pair of winning feet. Available [here](https://www.valentino.com/en-ph/product-rockstud-calfskin-thong-sandal-05mm-WS0QD3MRI_0NO). ## High Fashion, Pretty Pair for Her: Bottega Veneta Riva Leather Thong Sandal ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/261241010_0600-2240x2800.webp) [Bottega Veneta ](https://robbreport.ph/tag/bottega-veneta/ "bottega veneta")brings shape and surface into play with this colorful and textured pair of sandals. Adorned with colorful little floral appliques, it’s best worn on deck with little splash or to lunch or cocktails at the resort bar. Match it with a caftan or a matching-print top and shorts for the prettiest effect. *Available [here](https://www.luisaworld.com/products/riva-heel-flower-bottega-veneta-261241010?_pos=1&_sid=5f96a8b1a&_ss=r).* ## Understated Glamor for Her: Gianvito Rossi Juno Thong 05 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/G3239505CUONPSMEKO_1-scaled-e1780192434786.webp) No Content. A soft structure and handwork detail give it a quiet, almost bespoke feel, while the color is sure to make heads turn. The squared-toe flat has knotted details. The elastic ankle strap leather matches the rest of the shoe, while its padded tubular straps bring the style up a notch. Perfect for dancing on the sand while holding a cocktail, you can even wear this shoe to a wedding, matched with the perfect floral dress. *Available [here](https://www.farfetch.com/ph/shopping/women/gianvito-rossi-knotted-flat-sandals-item-22938386.aspx?lang=en-US&size=12&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_keywordid=&pid=google_search&af_channel=Search&c=22828872213&af_c_id=22828872213&af_siteid=&af_keywords=&af_adset_id=&af_ad_id=&af_sub1=&is_retargeting=true&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22838566225&gbraid=0AAAAADsmKHTOrIKhxqMKdchCLRjIQZpA2&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlerQBhDMARIsAB16H-UEkjaHBK7Bh0mKVDuYzpmwu8XeRSQqj40Fqg8NKVtjO1PnInOGL-EaAll7EALw_wcB).* ## Versatile Pair for Him: Loro Piana Summer Walk Loafers ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/1-633d82e6-e1780192317475.webp) These aren’t sandals but they may as well be. Made with understated and impeccable structure, they’re perfect for both onboard wear and coastal travel. Easily transfer to the sand from your travels, no shoe change required, and inhale the cool breeze. If you want to enjoy your resort before heading out into town, this comfortable pair is the perfect companion. From beach to yacht to Vespa, don’t miss out on this perfect shoe. *Available [here](https://cocoetloco.com/products/loro-piana-summer-walk-loafers?variant=43121138368611&country=AR¤cy=AED&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic).* **Categories:** Footwear, Style **Tags:** beach, bottega veneta, footwear, Gianvito Rossi, Hermès, loafers, loro piana, prada, Sandals, The Row, valentino --- ### [11 Stylish Wallets Worthy of Holding Your Black Card](https://robbreport.ph/style/11-stylish-wallets-worthy-of-holding-your-black-card/) **Published:** March 4, 2026 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** What looks cooler? Hovering your phone over a card reader waiting for the right “beep,” or reaching into your pocket to produce a beautiful piece of leather that’s grown softer and developed a unique patina with time? There’s a right answer here, and it’s the latter. At a time when cash is on the wane, carrying a wallet has itself become a statement of style and substance, not unlike wearing a hand-wound mechanical watch when you could check the time on a screen. Wallets also offer an opportunity to work exotic leathers like alligator into your wardrobe, and support artisans who continue to practice traditional techniques like saddle stitching, a process by which each thread is hand-sewn using two needles so that they lock independently, meaning that if one stitch comes undone, the whole job won’t unravel. From royal warrant-holding English heritage brands to [Florentine](https://robbreport.ph/style/fashion/demetria-genius-at-work/ "Shoulder to Shoulder: A Portrait of Craft, Community, and the Making of a Demetria Bag") artisans to American upstarts, we’ve scoured the field to find the best wallets below. ## Chester Mox #90 American Alligator/French Chèvre Leather Bifold Wallet ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RR_20260224_Wallets_Chester_Mox.webp) *Photo: Chester Mox* Founded in 2009, Chester Mox makes leather goods in California, utilizing old-world techniques like hand-sewn saddle stitching and hand-painted edges. Its #90 bifold is available in a dozen shades of genuine American alligator hide and lined in the customer’s choice from among 18 different colors of French goatskin. [Buy Now ON CHESTER MOX: $1,350](https://chestermox.com/products/90-american-alligator-bifold-wallet) ## Ettinger Bridle Hide Coat Wallet ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RR_20260224_Wallets_Ettinger.webp) *Photo: Ettinger* Royal warrant-holder Ettinger continues to champion the traditional coat wallet, cut tall but narrower so as to fit into the spacious pockets of an overcoat. Its bridle leather model easily accommodates eight card slots stacked vertically on one side, with three horizontal dividers on the other that fit unfolded banknotes. [Buy Now ON ETTINGER: $405](https://ettingerlondon.com/products/bridle-hide-coat-wallet-with-8-c-c) ## RRL Leather Envelope Wallet ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RR_20260224_Wallets_RRL.webp) *Photo: RRL* At a time when carrying paper currency is increasingly antique, RRL’s envelope wallet leans into the vintage feel. Made from vegetable-tanned Italian leather that’s been burnished by hand for a worn-in look, it closes with a silver-finished snap. [Buy Now ON RALPH LAUREN: $225](https://www.ralphlauren.com/men-accessories-small-leather-goods/leather-envelope-wallet/0045360849.html?utm_source=CSE&utm_medium=GooglePLA_2376163339637_21121101245_160495426295&utm_source=CSE&utm_medium=GooglePLA_2376163339637_21121101245_160495426295&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21121101245&gbraid=0AAAAADvCVODUU2X9PnoTss_6wPPvzQWy0&gclid=CjwKCAiAwNDMBhBfEiwAd7ti1K0N-SPAf7KP3VnTLLAOeK35HeSwBWS9DPFcdwzADgMCfZ3muoIToRoCAOQQAvD_BwE) ## Métier Inside Out Wallet ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RR_20260224_Wallets_Metier.webp) *Photo: Métier* Métier excels at proposing new shapes and functions for its leather bags and accessories, a feat it’s pulled off again in the case of its Inside Out Wallet. Made from grained buffalo leather, it features a zipped pocket on one side and exterior snap-closure pockets on the other, while still being able to hold banknotes within. [Buy Now ON Métier: $750](https://us.metier.com/products/inside-out-wallet-buffalo-black?variant=41134205304866¤cy=USD&tw_source=google&tw_adid=723284195707&tw_campaign=21951976023&tw_kwdid=pla-424362632136&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21951976023&gbraid=0AAAAACh-LklX1f2txHmp3tMZpf3VR8iAH&gclid=CjwKCAiAwNDMBhBfEiwAd7ti1ADE7b3Nfs0W0klpmzNqUu-Ey_5Mk5bHTMV9QgykONRr9st6p9qmthoCfvQQAvD_BwE) ## Homer Tri-Fold Leather Wallet ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RR_20260224_Wallets_Homer.webp) *Photo: Homer* Montecito-based Homer makes rugged yet elegant leather goods from beefy vegetable-tanned leather that will pick up a unique patina over time. Its tri-fold wallet features nine card slots and a full-length bill compartment and boasts hand-finished edges and reinforced stitching. [Buy Now ON HOMER: $365](https://www.homermaker.com/collections/leather-wallets/products/tri-fold-leather-wallet) ## Dunhill Alfred Bifold Patina Wallet ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RR_20260224_Wallets_Dunhill.webp) *Photo: Dunhill* Dunhill’s saddle-stitched Alfred bifold is made from soft calfskin that’s been hand-finished for a two-tone effect. A leather tab sealed with a piece of silver in an engine-turned pattern ensures it closes securely. [Buy Now ON DUNHILL: $850](https://www.dunhill.com/en-us/product/wallets-and-small-leather-goods/alfred-4cccp-billfold-patina-calf-DU25R2507NC001.html?utm_source=google&utm_source_platform=SA360&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=A-DUNHQ-US-EN-BR_PMAX_AW24-PROL-FY25-MTP-MTC-PLA-AUC-PU-LXA-GG-BR-RICL7B9MA8I&utm_id=21652681122&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21652683537&gbraid=0AAAAADtsaXDt8NIUTKhgxaq-FVoczoHER&gclid=CjwKCAiAwNDMBhBfEiwAd7ti1Kfii3RIWI345O1ZXfUvqOqMjcSm8JMZr03yaEB9NZm18YbnYZ9p8hoCa3QQAvD_BwE) ## Gurkha Compact Wallet No. 397 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RR_20260224_Wallets_Ghurka.webp) *Photo: Gurkha* Ghurka’s No. 397 wallet is tidy but well-built, featuring four card slots and made from a vegetable-dyed Italian leather marked by the brand’s signature vintage finish. To leave your own mark, ask for your initials to be stamped on the interior when you check out. [Buy Now ON GHURKA: $235](https://ghurka.com/products/compact-wallet-no-397-vintage-tan-leather) ## Sid Mashburn Card Holder Cognac Glazed Alligator ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RR_20260224_Wallets_Sid_Mashburn.webp) *Photo: Sid Mashburn* This five-slot card holder from Sid might be small, but it makes the very most of its minimal dimensions by being made from alligator hide in the USA. Compared to the very shiny version often applied to shoes and belts, this glazed hide feels much more understated. [Buy Now ON SID MASHBURN: $350](https://shopmashburn.com/products/sid-mashburn-card-holder-cognac-glazed-alligator-s67939?variant=41594951696570&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20047036483&gbraid=0AAAAADBZP-jOGFWgSFGHN_rDeB4Lb7Nmp&gclid=CjwKCAiAwNDMBhBfEiwAd7ti1CB8a4v1GxRcgc76sEwel4bDo7yeAPWsqyXB6G5Zp9HRduVzHE59zBoCrXMQAvD_BwE) ## Il Micio Soft Card Wallet ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RR_20260224_Wallets_Il_Micio.webp) *Photo: Sid Mashburn* Japanese-born, Florence-based shoemaker Hidetaka Fukaya founded Il Micio (Italian for “the kitten”) in order to preserve traditional bespoke techniques, to the tune of more than $3,000 for each pair. However, he also crafts small leather goods, like this lightweight goat leather card wallet with ingeniously placed slots and compartments. [Buy Now ON NO MAN WALKS ALONE: $295](https://nomanwalksalone.com/products/soft-card-wallet-teck-brown-goatskin?currency=USD&variant=40494392934564&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&stkn=5dad766fd428&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17682664531&gbraid=0AAAAADtYpyAlnwBojiE-m32Ru7uOKyGIx&gclid=CjwKCAiAwNDMBhBfEiwAd7ti1L13G59IYolr9LDxP_V-rAcMJK9ChguyoUmrY9Dmnt0ZjqGA5hxxHxoCuAkQAvD_BwE) ## Il Bisonte Feniglia Men’s Bi-Fold Wallet ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RR_20260224_Wallets_Il_Bisonte.webp) *Photo: Il Bisonte* Florence’s Il Bistonte is famous for making its leather goods from components sourced within a 30 km radius of its Tuscan workshop. Out of this remarkably tight supply chain come creations like its Feniglia bifold crafted from unlined, natural leather. [Buy Now ON IL BISONTE: $220](https://www.ilbisonte.com/en-usa/products/sbw005pv0005na106gx) ## Tom Ford Full-Grain Leather Billfold Wallet with Money Clip ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RR_20260224_Wallets_Tom_Ford.webp) *Photo: Tom Ford* Made from full-grain sheep leather, Tom Ford’s billfold features a gold-tone money clip that keeps bills organized internally and also acts as the wallet’s spine. For guys who still carry lots of cash, this one is hard to beat. [Buy Now ON MR PORTER: $690](https://www.mrporter.com/en-us/mens/product/tom-ford/accessories/billfold-wallets/full-grain-leather-billfold-wallet-with-money-clip/46376663162835392) *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Style **Tags:** Evergreen, leather goods, Menswear --- ### [The 50 Greatest Ferraris of All Time, Ranked](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-50-greatest-ferraris-of-all-time-ranked/) **Published:** June 1, 2026 **Author:** Will Sabel Courtney **Content:** [Ferrari](https://robbreport.ph/tag/ferrari/ "Ferrari") isn’t just one of the automotive world’s icons; it’s one of the best-known luxury brands on the planet, period. Its Prancing Horse logo (which, incidentally, stems from the same origins as Porsche’s own equine badge mascot) has been seen billions of times by billions of people. The name has become synonymous with performance, style, wealth, and power. Ferrari arguably commands a pop cultural respect beyond any other automaker, and many of its examples, whether [supercars](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-18-best-new-supercars-of-2025-2/ "The 18 Best New Supercars of 2025") or [sports cars](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-50-greatest-sports-cars-of-the-21st-century/ "The 50 Greatest Sports Cars of the 21st Century"), command values to match. Did your parents ever tell you that cars were a bad investment? They clearly didn’t know what was coming out of the factory gates in Maranello, Italy. While the world still processes the debut of the [all-electric Ferrari Luce](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-all-electric-ferrari-luce-in-photos/ "The All-Electric Ferrari Luce in Photos"), we’ve put together a list of the 50 greatest Ferrari production models to date, which means no race cars, no track-only specials, and no one-off or limited-run custom builds made for a single buyer. You may not agree with our order, or even our picks, but you’d be hard-pressed to find a better two-and-a-half-score roster of cars ever made by a single marque. ## 50. Purosangue ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_20250512_Greatest_Ferraris_Purosangue.webp) *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* Even Ferrari couldn’t resist the siren call of the S.U.V. forever, not when buyers were snapping up the Lamborghini Urus, Bentley Bentayga, and Rolls-Royce Cullinan like they were going out of style. But Maranello insisted on going about the idea in its own way. The resulting crossover, debuted in 2022, is closer in size to a Subaru Crosstrek than any conventional sport-ute, and its 715 hp V-12 makes power the old-fashioned way, through revs and magic rather than forced induction. Sure, it has all-wheel drive and four doors—but it’s a Ferrari first, and everything else second. ## 49. F355 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_20250512_Greatest_Ferraris_F355.webp) *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* Created as a heavy refresh of the 348 model introduced in the late 1980s, the F355 appeared in 1994 and carried the folding-headlamp look all the way up to the edge of the 21st Century. Many of the tweaks were focused on making the car a little more civilized and comfortable, but the F355’s real claim to fame was that it was the first production car to use a sequential manual gearbox inspired by Formula 1, which allowed shifts to be executed via paddles behind the wheel, and the clutch pedal was ditched entirely. ## 48. Amalfi ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_20250512_Greatest_Ferraris_Amalfi.webp) *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* The latest of Ferrari’s front-engined V-8 gran turismos is, technically speaking, Maranello’s entry-level car, although the brand would likely insist that the actual starter Ferrari is a used Ferrari. But the [Amalfi](https://robbreport.ph/cars/ferraris-new-amalfi-spider-supercar-is-a-drop-top-stunner/ "Ferrari’s New Amalfi Spider Supercar Is a Drop-Top Stunner"), introduced this past July, is even more elegant and refined than the sleek Roma that preceded it, and its twin-turbo 3.9-liter V-8 makes a more than adequate 631 hp. ## 47. 612 Scaglietti ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_20250512_Greatest_Ferraris_612_Scaglietti.webp) *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* Inspired by the 375MM found further down this list, the 612 Scaglietti of 2004 has an exterior that’s almost too pure, going without any obvious or ostentatious aerodynamic effects in favor of a classically clean design. It’s a proper four-seater, which means it is sizable for a coupe, but its 533 hp 5.7-liter V-12 provides more than enough thrust to fulfill its mission of crossing continents in speed to rival a bullet train. ## 46. 599 GTB Fiorano ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_20250512_Greatest_Ferraris_599_GTB.webp) *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* Following up a car like the 550 Maranello / 575M would be a challenge for any marque, so Ferrari doubled down on what it knew best: the V-12 engine. Displacement grew a tad, to an even 6.0 liters—but more notably, output leapt from the 575M’s 508 hp to 612 hp. The 2006 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano also wound up being the final regular series V-12 car to offer a traditional manual gearbox, and while most buyers chose the paddle-shift transmission instead, those few six-speed sticks now command whopping multiples of their original price on the used market. ## 45. 250 Europa GT ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/50-Greatest-Ferraris-Europa-GT-1.webp) *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* Ferrari’s 250 series helped define the carmaker, delivering hit after hit from the early 1950s all the way into the mid-1960s. The Europa GT version that debuted in 1954 boasts a feature none of its siblings can claim, however: it was the first car out of Maranello to be considered a *gran turismo*, an elegant high-speed coupe tailored more for long, fast blasts on highways than attacking a road course. That body style, and the ever-so-slight shift in focus away from pure competition machines and more towards road use, has been a signature of Ferrari’s lineup ever since. ## 44. 208 GTB / GTS Turbo ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_20250512_Greatest_Ferraris_208_GTB.webp) *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* Somewhat unremarkable in many ways, at least by Ferrari standards, this machine makes the list by virtue of being the first turbocharged road car out of Maranello. While most parts of the world could buy a Ferrari 308 with a 2.9-liter V-8, a few countries—Italy included—had begun heavily taxing cars with engines above 2.0 liters by the early 1980s, so Ferrari responded by making a 2.0-liter V-8 and calling the car the 208. That proved a dog, so the automaker quickly added turbos in 1982. It was the first time the power-enhancing technology would be used on a Ferrari, but far from the last. ## 43. Mondial ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_20250512_Greatest_Ferraris_Mondial.webp) *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* Mid-engined cars with more than two seats are a rarity these days, but they were a staple of Maranello’s lineup for a couple of decades, eventually terminating with the Mondial. The model, debuted in 1980, went through several refreshes over its 13-year life, with the engine’s displacement rising from 2.9 liters to 3.4 liters, and output climbing from 210 hp to 300 hp. The final version, the Mondial t, also offered a transmission type now left to history: a clutch-less stick shift, where the driver operates the lever as in a regular manual, but the car handles the clutching behind the scenes. ## 42. SF90 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_20250512_Greatest_Ferraris_SF90.webp) *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* Marking a new entry into the series-production lineup when it arrived in 2019, the SF90 carved out a space above the likes of the F8 but below the rare hypercars. Ferrari’s first series-production plug-in hybrid, it’s fit with a 4.0-liter turbocharged V-8 and three electric motors to pump out 986 hp. That, as well as all-wheel drive and a new eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox, make it quick enough to do the zero-to-60 mph dash in 2.0 seconds, according to independent testing. ## 41. Dino 206 GT ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_20250512_Greatest_Ferraris_Dino_206_Gt.webp) *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* Purists can quibble about whether a Dino counts as an actual Ferrari (it does), but there’s no arguing that the 1967 Dino 206 GT, named after Enzo’s dearly departed son, is a breathtakingly styled model. It also marked the arrival of Maranello-made offerings with six-cylinder engines, which would go on to see a resurrection at Ferrari in the 21st Century after [Formula 1](https://robbreport.ph/cars/driven-by-legacy-fascinating-father-son-duos-in-formula-1/ "Driven By Legacy: Fascinating Father-Son Duos in Formula 1") switched over to V-6 hybrids. ## 40. 296 GTB ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_20250512_Greatest_Ferraris_296.webp) *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* When the time came to replace the long-running 458/488/F8 series, Maranello made an unorthodox decision to ditch the V-8 layout of those models and replace it with a plug-in-hybrid, twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 setup. Sure, weight climbed a bit over its predecessor, but the maximum output of 819 hp for the 296 GTB, introduced in 2021, more than made up for the difference. The 296 GTB also features performance tech and tricks such as a new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and a Chassis Dynamic Sensor. The latter measures movement in three dimensions and predictively tweaks the myriad electronics for maximum performance. ## 39. 375 MM ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_20250512_Greatest_Ferraris_375_MM.webp) *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* While it may technically have been a racing machine, the 1953 Ferrari 375 Mille Miglia (MM) came into existence in those halcyon days when the line between competitive track cars and street-legal machines was blurry, to say the least. Ingrid Bergman drove one, ordered special with a unique body by her director husband. Its 4.5-liter V-12 pumps out a mighty (for the era) 335 hp, with performance aided by the fact that the car weighs less than a ton without fluids. ## 38. F60 America ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_20250512_Greatest_Ferraris_F60_America.webp) *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* Throughout the 1990s, 2000s, and 2010s, Ferrari refrained from building traditional open-top variants of its front-engined V-12 sports cars, instead making unique variants in smaller quantities with massaged looks (and, of course, a higher price). The F60 America, unveiled in 2014, was the last of this series, using the F12berlinetta to create a 10-off run of roadsters with a handsome, unique design and a very neat, asymmetrically colored cabin . . . as well as a $2.5 million price. ## 37. 488 Pista ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_20250512_Greatest_Ferraris_488_Pista.webp) *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* The regular 488 was, in effect, just a midlife update of the 458 with a newly turbocharged engine. Then, in 2018, its sharpened Pista variant distinguished itself with gleefully extroverted styling designed to increase downforce. The Pista is also 200 pounds lighter and carries a version of Ferrari’s 3.9-liter turbo V-8 making 710 hp, 40 hp more than the “regular” 488 GTB and GTS. It would be the last of the sharpened mid-engined V-8 variants, as the subsequent generation never offered such a model, and the one after that ditched eight-cylinder power altogether. ## 36. 275 GTB / GTS ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_20250512_Greatest_Ferraris_275_GTB.webp) *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* Ferrari’s second generation of proper front-engined two-seat GT cars helped define the effortless cool that swept up so much of culture in the mid-1960s. The 1964 Ferrari 275 GTB and GTS boast Pininfarina-penned bodies that ooze sex appeal, particularly in “long nose” form. A 3.3-liter V-12 making 276 hp is under the hood, mated to a five-speed transmission that, for the first time, was located in the rear for better weight distribution. Ultimately, though, it’s those looks that land the 275 here. ## 35. 400 GT ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_20250512_Greatest_Ferraris_400.webp) *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* While the 365 GT4 2+2 may have brought Maranello’s four-seat V-12 gran turismo properly into the 1970s, it was the changes that came with the change in name to 400 GT that refined the concept to perfection in 1976. The 400 GT was smoother and cleaner, and for the first time, there was no need to shift in a Ferrari; while a five-speed stick was on offer, the carmaker also offered a version with a three-speed automatic, courtesy of General Motors. ## 34. 308 GTB / GTS ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_20250512_Greatest_Ferraris_308.webp) *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* The successor to the Dino once again wore the Prancing Horse, and with it came eight-cylinder power, of course. But while it’s the bodies of its predecessors were characterized by swinging curves circa the 1960s, the 308 GTB of 1975 was all straight lines, from its roof to the NACA ducts in its flanks to the sloping front hood with foldaway headlamps. While other Ferraris would go on to outperform it, few would match its cultural cache, as the 308 jumped to fame as the hero’s ride on eight seasons of *Magnum, P.I*. ## 33. 340 America ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_20250512_Greatest_Ferraris_340_America.webp) *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* As the name might have made clear, Ferrari’s America series of models were made with the United States and Canada in mind. This run of front-engined, V-12 powered coupes and convertibles stretched for more than 15 years, but it was the inaugural one, the 1950 Ferrari 340 America, that led the charge, showing just how much opportunity there was in the American market for [Enzo’s](https://robbreport.ph/cars/inside-universo-ferrari-ferarris-immersive-exhibition-of-the-ferrari-legacy/ "Inside Universo Ferrari, Ferarri’s Immersive Exhibition of the Ferrari Legacy") racing-bred machines. ## 32. 12Cilindri ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_20250512_Greatest_Ferraris_12Cilindri.webp) *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* The latest member of Maranello’s exclusive front-engined, two-seat V-12 club, the [12Cilindri](https://robbreport.ph/tag/12cilindri/ "12cilindri") was announced in 2024. It stands out with a Daytona-inspired design that includes a mandatory black band between its retro-modern headlamps. But the heart and soul of any 12-cylinder F-car is under its hood, and the 6.5-liter motor here is one for the ages: not only does it make 819 hp without any electrical or forced induction help, but it revs all the way to a 9,250 rpm in the process. ## 31. 458 Italia ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_20250512_Greatest_Ferraris_458.webp) *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* When it launched in 2009, the 458 Italia proved once and for all that Ferrari had learned the hard lessons imparted to it by the Acura NSX over a decade before. Honda’s supercar had proven that world-class dynamics and performance could coexist with an easy-to-drive nature, and while Ferrari’s F355 and 360 before it made some progress towards that end, it was only with the 458 that the goal was fully achieved. One key to that was the new dual-clutch paddle-shift transmission, replacing the sequential manual gearbox known for harsh shifts in many circumstances. The new transmission responded more quickly and reduced involuntary head banging in the car’s cabin. ## 30. Ferrari 250 GT/E ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_20250512_Greatest_Ferraris_250_GT_E_67a698.webp) *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* While Maranello is known first and foremost for proper two-seat sports cars, the Ferrari lineup usually has at least one model in the mix capable of carrying four people, albeit with varying degrees of comfort. That line was pioneered by the 1960 Ferrari 250 GT/E, also known as the 250 GT 2+2. Power comes from, of course, a front-mounted V-12, this one making 236 hp. Nearly 1,000 examples were made over the machine’s three-year lifespan—a massive number for the company at the time, and a fiscal lifeline to the small sports-car builder. ## 29. FF ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_20250512_Greatest_Ferraris_FF.webp) *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* The successor to the 612 Scaglietti, the 2011 Ferrari FF was quite removed from the front-engined V-12 four-seaters the marque had made before. Yes, the engine remained a 12-cylinder mounted up front, but to improve space and practicality, Ferrari ditched the coupe body for a shooting brake—a three-door station wagon. Oh, and for the first time in a production car out of Maranello, the V-12’s power went to all four wheels. The unconventional name was an allusion to that, the initials standing for “Ferrari Four;” it’s best not to think about the fact that the car’s proper name, then, is Ferrari Ferrari Four. ## 28. 812 Superfast / GTS ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_20250512_Greatest_Ferraris_812.webp) *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* Effectively a heavy-duty, front-to-back update of the F12berlinetta, the [812](https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/ferrari-812-superfast-most-powerful-prancing-horse-ever-produced-265605/) premiered in 2017—built upon everything about its predecessor while adding more to the mix. The coupe version resurrected the unmistakably awesome name of “Superfast;” the droptop GTS marked a return to series-production, open-top front-engined V-12s from Maranello, offering a folding power hardtop to let the sun and engine noise in. Either way, drivers can bask in the glory of the car’s 6.5-liter mill making 789 hp at 8,500 rpm. ## 27. 599 SA Aperta ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_20250512_Greatest_Ferraris_599_SA_Aperta.webp) *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* The only way to have an open-top 599, other than being connected enough for a one-off or handy enough to work a Sawzall, was to snap up one of the 80 examples of the SA Aperta, debuted in 2010 to celebrate father-and-son designers Sergio and Andrea Pininfarina. The engine came from the extreme 599 GTO and the exhaust from the even more extreme 599XX track car, but the removable soft top suggested a far less hardcore mission. (Though the V-12 no doubt sounded incredible with the top gone…) ## 26. 365 GT4 BB ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_20250512_Greatest_Ferraris_365_GT4_BB.webp) *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* The first in the line of Berlinetta Boxers (hence the “BB” in its name), the 1971 Ferrari 365 GT4 BB saw the arrival of the flat-12 engine found in the marque’s racers of the era. Between the new engine design and mid-mounted positioning, the car marked a drastic change from the 365 GTB/4 Daytona it replaced, and the design shifted enough to make it clear that this wasn’t your daddy’s Ferrari. ## 25. 250 LM ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_20250512_Greatest_Ferraris_250_LM.webp) *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* Not to be confused with the front-engined V-12 series of 250s (Ferrari nomenclature can get messy), the 1963 Ferrari 250 LM was a mid-engined Prancing Horse made to enable Maranello to homologate its new GT racing car in the early 1960s. Racing’s governing body wasn’t having it, forcing the car to compete in the more extreme prototype class instead. It never wound up selling well, even by 1960s Ferrari standards, but it did point the way toward the mid-engined future of the brand while looking absolutely gorgeous in the process. ## 24. Monza SP1 / SP2 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_20250512_Greatest_Ferraris_Monza.webp) *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* Having found quite a bit of success building one-offs for its most exclusive clientele, Ferrari found itself asking if it could thread the needle between those bespoke builds and the series-production models with unique limited-run machines. The resulting line was dubbed “Icona,” and the 2018 Ferrari Monza SP1 and SP2 were the first fruits of that labor. Effectively 812 Superfast barchettas beneath the skin, the looks are unlike any other modern F-car, thanks to a lack of a windshield—and, in the case of the SP1, a single seat. ## 23. 125 S ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_20250512_Greatest_Ferraris_125_S.webp) *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* Only two examples of the 125 S, Ferrari’s first car with its own in-house engine, were ever built, and while they were technically made for racing, their limited number and the free-form nature of the postwar Italy they emerged from back in 1947 allow for enough wiggle room that it sneaks onto the list. It, of course, used a V-12, but the engine displaced just 1.5 liters; then again, considering it weighed under a ton, even with two people aboard, its 118 hp was enough to help it win six races its debut year, including the Grand Prix of Rome. ## 22. 456 / 456M ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_20250512_Greatest_Ferraris_456.webp) *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* Perhaps no Ferrari has ever looked as elegant as its final 2+2 gran turismo of the 20th century. Penned by fabled Italian design house Pininfarina, the 1992 Ferrari 456 and its midlife update, the 1998 Ferrari 456M, would look equally at home in the 1960s or today, with swept-back lines and the refined proportions only a front-mounted V-12 could bring. For only the second time to that point, one of Maranello’s ponies offered a conventional automatic transmission, but that four-speed gearbox, while convenient, made it more difficult to fully appreciate the joys of the 436 hp, 5.5-liter 12-cylinder engine. ## 21. 360 Modena ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_20250512_Greatest_Ferraris_360.webp) *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* With the arrival of the 21st century in sight, Ferrari realized it was time to finally put away the old bones of the 348/F355 and create an all-new mid-engined car. A new aluminum chassis was developed, the V-8 saw revisions that pushed it to the brink of 400 hp, and the whole suite of wonders was wrapped in a sultry new body that ditched the flip-up headlight trend for good. The 1999 Ferrari 360 Modena and the 2000 Ferrari 360 Spider also saw the six-speed automated manual gearbox begin to take precedent over the gated stick, with most buyers opting for the faster, F1-inspired shifts of the paddles. ## 20. F12berlinetta ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_20250512_Greatest_Ferraris_F12berlinetta.webp) *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* The 2012 Ferrari F12berlinetta replaced the 599 GTB, making up for its predecessor’s visual oddities by being clad in some of the most elegant bodywork to come out of Pininfarina’s studio in ages. Its 6.3-liter V-12 delivers 730 hp, vastly overpowering the likes of its closest competitor, the Aston Martin Vanquish, and its dual-clutch gearbox was, at the time, far superior to the sequential manuals found in past flappy paddle Ferraris. But of course, it could still fulfill the grand touring part of its super-GT brief, coming with an elegant, comfortable interior ideal for crossing continents, even at 200 mph. ## 19. 430 Scuderia ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_20250512_Greatest_Ferraris_F430_Scuderia.webp) *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* “The Scud,” as the 2007 Ferrari 430 Scuderia became known, was in many ways a refinement of the recipe set by the previous 360 Challenge Stradale: take the brand’s mid-engined V-8 car, cut mass, add power. The former involved a 220-pound weight-loss program, while the latter brought the 4.3-liter V-8 to 503 hp. But the 430 Scuderia saw the arrival of the electronic limited-slip differential out back, which helped actively push power where needed to give the car an impressive boost in agility. ## 18. F12tdf ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_20250512_Greatest_Ferraris_F12tdf.webp) *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* One glance at the 2015 Ferrari F12tdf made it clear this was a car that came to dominate, from its sharklike maw up front to the 250 GTO–inspired gills on its bulging fenders. Its 6.3-liter V-12 makes 769 hp, but more crucial to its character, Ferrari designed it to be a little sketchier in turns than most of its creations, only to use its new rear-wheel steering system to steady the TdF’s hand. To this day, it’s known as a mean machine that’s more likely to bite the hand that feeds it than most newer Ferrari models, which only adds to its reputation and appeal. ## 17. 458 Speciale ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_20250512_Greatest_Ferraris_458_Speciale.webp) *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* To set apart the more aggressive version of the 458 Italia, Ferrari chose to use something of a cheeky name. Of course, the moniker of the 2013 Ferrari 458 Speciale was hardly the only thing special about this sports car. Its 4.5-liter V-8 was dialed up to punch out 597 hp at a 9,000 rpm, while the aerodynamics were revised to both increase downforce when wanted and reduce drag when that was preferred, as well as make the car look even nastier. And a new feature called side-slip control enabled even novice drivers to slide through corners like Ken Block. ## 16. 365 GTB/4 “Daytona” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_20250512_Greatest_Ferraris_365_GTB_4_Daytona.webp) *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* The final member of Ferrari’s original run of front-engine-V-12 two-seaters, the[ Ferrari 365 GTB/4 “Daytona”](https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/first-ferrari-365-gtb-4-prototype-auction-1234838287/) still looks unique to this day. Though it appeared in 1968, its headlights and shrink-wrapped sheetmetal now look purely 1970s, hinting at how big an influence it had on the world of automotive design. Its 4.4-liter V-12 pumps out 347 hp, enough to push the car to a top speed of 174 mph, if the driver was brave enough. In convertible GTS/4 form, it also had a role in early seasons of *Miami Vice*—although a rebooted Corvette was used for most of the shots, leading Maranello to ask show creator Michael Mann to destroy it. The choice of a rocket launcher, presumably, was not Ferrari’s. ## 15. 360 Challenge Stradale ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_20250512_Greatest_Ferraris_360_Challenge_Stradale.webp) *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* The 2003 Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale marked the start of a new tradition for Maranello—creating standalone, razor-sharpened variants of its mid-engined mainstream (or at least as mainstream as a Ferrari can be) machines. To create it, Ferrari took the regular 360 Modena and shaved off all the weight it could, tossing out sound deadening material, replacing glass with plexiglass, and trading body panels, wheels, seats, and even power-train parts for lighter versions. The 3.6-liter V-8 delivers 419 hp at 8,500 rpm, but putting its punch in perspective also requires remembering the car weighs just a ton and a half. ## 14. 599 GTO ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_20250512_Greatest_Ferraris_599_GTO.webp) *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* It may simply look like the regular 599 GTB, though wearing gently revised bodywork, but the 2010 Ferrari 599 GTO—the third Prancing Horse to wear the GTO badge—is in fact a raging beast of a road car that ranks among the most aggressive front-engined sports cars ever sold in showrooms. Closely related to the 599XX track machine, it weighs in around 220 pounds less than its more conventional GT counterpart, yet its 6.0-liter V-12 puts out an extra 50 hp for a menacing 660 hp. (It’s also, in this author’s opinion, the best-looking front-engined Ferrari ever.) ## 13. F80 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_20250512_Greatest_Ferraris_F80.webp) *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* The latest Ferrari hypercar, just unveiled in 2024, represents a sea change versus its range-topping predecessors. Those cars made do with V-8s or V-12s, but the F80’s internal-combustion power plant counts just six cylinders within its 3.0-liter displacement. It’s also the first of its elite breed to boast all-wheel drive instead of rear-wheel-only propulsion, thanks to a pair of electric motors up front—one for each wheel. The total output of 1,184 hp, however, remains unquestionably impressive—as does the cutting-edge aerodynamics that can deliver more than 2,300 pounds of downforce. ## 12. Enzo ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_20250512_Greatest_Ferraris_Enzo.webp) *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* When it came time to build the next car in the line established by the venerable F40 and F50, Maranello chose a name that set the standard incredibly high by giving it the moniker of the automaker’s founder, Enzo Ferrari. The 2003 Enzo model was the first Ferrari supercar to use active aerodynamics, which were wrapped up in rolling origami bodywork unlike any car from the brand before. And, naturally, nothing less than *Il Commendatore’*s beloved V-12 would do, in this case a new 6.0-liter version with an output of 651 hp and the ability to rev to 8,200 rpm. ## 11. Daytona SP3 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_20250512_Greatest_Ferraris_Daytona_SP3.webp) *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* When the LaFerrari launched, many fans complained that the hybrid hypercar would have been better if unencumbered by the electrical half of its power train. Well, Maranello gave them something close to that with the 2021 Ferrari Daytona SP3, the second car in the exclusive Icona series. Built on a modified LaFerrari chassis, its 829 hp, 6.5-liter V-12 engine sits amidships of a body designed as a retro-modern take on the brand’s 1960s-era Le Mans racers. It currently holds the record for most expensive new Ferrari sold at auction, with one selling for charity at the 2025 Monterey Car Week for $26 million. ## 10. 550 Barchetta Pininfarina ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_20250512_Greatest_Ferraris_550_Barchetta_Pininfarina.webp) *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* Ferrari’s history has plenty of convertibles, but few true barchettas, a term which sounds like a crunchy Italian appetizer but actually refers to an open car without any sort of folding top. The 2000 Ferrari 550 Barchetta Pininfarina—the first open-top 12-cylinder of any type from the marque in decades until then—came with a manually affixed emergency cloth lid meant for limping home in the rain. Yet the Barchetta Pininfarina was meant to be driven topless, with nothing but air and the engine note of its 478 hp, 5.5-liter V-12 tickling the driver’s ears. As for top speed, that’s 186 mph. ## 9. 550 Maranello / 575 M ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_20250512_Greatest_Ferraris_550_Maranello.webp) *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* Yes, in this case, the mainline production car is ahead of its limited-run convertible version on the list. The reason is that the 1996 Ferrari 550 Maranello’s arrival was one of the heralds of the Ferrari of today, the one building cars with both world-beating performance and everyday usability. It marked a return to the front-engined V-12 cars that originally defined the brand, melding the classic layout with a design that paid homage to the past without ever being retro. The 2002 Ferrari 575M Maranello facelift that followed merely tweaked around the edges; improving on a car so close to perfect was nearly impossible. ## 8. Testarossa ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_20250512_Greatest_Ferraris_Testarossa.webp) *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* In spite of Ferrari’s many legendary machines, there’s simply no car more closely associated with the marque than the [Testarossa](https://robbreport.ph/uncategorized/the-new-redhead-the-ferrari-849-testarossa-reminds-us-that-it-was-always-about-the-engine/ "The New Redhead: The Ferrari 849 Testarossa Reminds Us That It Was Always About the Engine"). One of a handful of Maranello’s cars to go without a number in its name, it boasts an aesthetic that became an instant classic, and remains an icon of design to this day—helped in no small part by the car’s appearances in the TV show *Miami Vice* and the *Out Run* video game. And the 4.9-liter flat-12 engine’s 380 hp gave it enough punch to back up its streamlined looks; the car that appears to be doing 100 mph standing still can actually top out at around 180 mph. ## 7. F50 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_20250512_Greatest_Ferraris_F50.webp) *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* Following in the tire marks of the F40 was no easy task, so the 1995 Ferrari F50 took a slightly different tact. The ridiculous proportions were similar, but the new car looked more organic and slippery than the brutalist F40. While the 1980s supercar used forced induction and eight cylinders, its 1990s successor opted for a naturally aspirated 4.7-liter V-12 that makes 513 hp at 8,500 rpm. And while Maranello made more than 1,200 examples of the F40 (over thrice the planned output), the company held fast on the numbers for its F50, building just 349 examples to ensure it stayed rare in perpetuity. ## 6. Ferrari 250 GT California Spider ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_20250512_Greatest_Ferraris_250_Spider.webp) *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* This droptop’s place in the top 10, admittedly, is in part due to its supporting role in the film *Ferris Bueller’s Day Off*—a part so iconic, Lewis Hamilton edited himself into the movie to celebrate his signing with the Scuderia. But even without the help of John Hughes and Matthew Broderick, the 1957 Ferrari 250 GT California Spider would belong on any list of great Ferraris; the gorgeous Scaglietti bodywork is enough to see to that. ## 5. 288 GTO ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_20250512_Greatest_Ferraris_288_GTO.webp) *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* Remarkably, Ferrari’s lineup seemed too tame in the early 1980s, what with the likes of nearby Lamborghini blowing everyone’s minds with the Countach. But in a twist, rather than compete by using a V-12 like Lambo (and like Ferrari had long put in its most powerful cars), Maranello decided to turn to turbocharging, which had proven extremely effective in Formula 1. The end result, the 1984 Ferrari 288 GTO, was the 308 GTB turned up to at least 11, with far more aggressive styling and a 2.9-liter V-8 that, thanks to forced induction, cracked out 395 hp. ## 4. LaFerrari ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_20250512_Greatest_Ferraris_LaFerrari.webp) *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* Only one Ferrari could ever be worthy of simply being named “The Ferrari,” and it was the company’s 2010s-era hypercar. Maranello’s first hybrid, the Ferrari LaFerrari combines a 6.3-liter V-12 with an electric motor to put it within spitting distance of 1000 hp, all wrapped in exotic bodywork that looks straight out of a Marvel movie. One of the clear stars of the second era of hypercars, the LaFerrari would still be legendary if it were revealed today; the fact that it came out in 2013 makes it even more remarkable. ## 3. 166 Inter ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_20250512_Greatest_Ferraris_166_Inter.webp) *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* Enzo cut his teeth making race cars, and that’s where his heart always lay, but the Ferrari of today wouldn’t exist without the company’s very first proper gran turismo, the 1948 Ferrari 166 Inter, designed first and foremost for use on the road. Its frame, engine, and suspension were shared with the racers of the day, but buyers could choose from a variety of coach builders to sculpt the body they wanted, putting plenty of visual distance between it and the cars competing at Le Mans. ## 2. 250 GTO ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_20250512_Greatest_Ferraris_250_GTO.webp) *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* The 250 series produced plenty of greats, but the GOAT of its line is unquestionably the Ferrari 250 GTO introduced in 1962—the first Ferrari to ever wear those three letters huddled together. The road car was made so the endurance racer could meet homologation standards, and its 296 hp V-12 made it a beast on track and street alike. But it was the flowing, sensual bodywork that made it a true legend. Combine all that with its rarity (only 36 were made), and the fact that they sell for mid-to-high eight figures doesn’t seem as shocking as it might. ## 1. F40 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_20250512_Greatest_Ferraris_F40.webp) *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* The last car that Enzo ever personally approved and created to celebrate four decades of Maranello road cars, the 1987 Ferrari F40 also created the entire category of the modern supercar. Even 40-plus years after its arrival, the fact that its twin-turbo V-8 squeezes 477 hp out of just 2.9 liters seems remarkable. Its claimed top speed of 201 mph made it the first production car to break the double-century mark. It looked like nothing that had come before, and nearly every automaker on Earth has been trying to equal its cool ever since. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** classic cars, Collector Cars, Ferrari, sports cars, supercars --- ### [The 10 Coolest New Watches That Dropped in February](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-10-coolest-new-watches-that-dropped-in-february/) **Published:** March 2, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** The watch industry enjoyed many “firsts” in February, with the world’s top watchmakers debuting new movements, materials, and models this month. Audemars Piguet unveiled [several fresh references](https://robbreport.ph/watches/5-incredible-new-watches-from-audemars-piguets-first-big-drop-of-2026/ "5 Incredible New Watches From Audemars Piguet’s First Big Drop of 2026"), including a novel model inspired by a 1929 jumping-hour watch that combines classic Art Deco elegance with modern horological technology. The Neo Frame Jumping Hour is equipped with the Swiss watchmaker’s first self-winding jumping hour movement (Caliber 7122). That isn’t the only caliber that caught our eye. [Richard Mille dropped a piece](https://robbreport.ph/watches/richard-milles-new-1-94-million-watch-can-track-the-time-and-score-of-soccer-matches/ "Richard Mille’s New $1.94 Million Watch Can Track the Time and Score of Soccer Matches") with an innovative movement that can track the time and score of soccer matches. Coincidentally, the tourbillon inside the new RM 41-01 was developed in partnership with AP. On the material front, IWC unveiled an all-black Portugieser Chronograph in “Ceratanium” (or ceramicized titanium). H. Moser & Cie. went ceramic for the first time, releasing a Streamliner in the increasingly popular scratch-proof material. Richard Mille incorporated a material made from volcanic rock on the aforementioned RM 41-01. And Louis Vuitton added De Bethune’s signature blued titanium to a new collab travel watch. Below are the best watch releases of the month. ## Toledano Chan b\\1.3r ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/toledano-chan-b-1-3r.webp) *Toledano Chan* Buzzy indie watchmaker Toledano Chan sent more ripples through the watch world in February, unveiling a fourth sculptural wristwatch with a dazzling dial. The new b/1.3r cuts the same architectural silhouette as the original b/1, with a case inspired by Marcel Breuer’s iconic Brutalist building at 945 Madison Avenue and Rolex’s King Midas. It also features the same integrated bracelet and Destro (left-sided) crown as its predecessors. The b/1.3r is the first of the quartet to be crafted in titanium, rather than stainless steel, though. It is also the first to eschew the traditional stone on the face in favor of a precious metal. The watch showcases a novel “ripple dial,” with an 18-karat gold surface shaped like water. Limited to just 350 pieces, the b/1.3r is priced at [$10,200.](https://www.exquisitetimepieces.com/toledano-chan-b1-3r-18k-gold-dial-titanium.html) Best be quick if you want it: The b/1 sold out in 45 minutes. ## Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Micro-Rotor Agave Blue ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/parmigiani-fleurier-tonda-pf-micro-rotor-agave-blue.webp) Parmigiani Fleurier [Parmigiani Fleurier](https://robbreport.ph/tag/parmigiani/ "parmigiani")’s Tonda PF collection got bigger—and maybe even a little bolder—in February. The two latest additions to the line are a new take on the Tonda PF Micro-Rotor No Date that debuted at Watches and Wonders in 2024. As the name suggests, the time-only design omits the signature date window at 6 o’clock, creating an even more minimalist aesthetic. The 40 mm newcomers showcase a new “agave blue” hue on the hand-guilloché dial that subtly changes throughout the day, according to Parmigiani. The watchmaker’s signature grain d’orge motif also interacts delicately with light. [One](https://www.parmigiani.com/en/watches/tonda-pf-micro-rotor-no-date-steel-agave-blue/) is presented in stainless steel (23,700 Swiss francs/about $30,000), [the other](https://www.parmigiani.com/en/watches/tonda-pf-micro-rotor-no-date-rose-gold-agave-blue/) (pictured) in 18-karat rose gold (58,000 francs/$74,800). Take your pick. ## H. Moser & Cie. Streamliner Tourbillon Concept Ceramics ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/h-moser-cie-streamliner-tourbillon-concept-ceramics1.webp) H. Moser & Cie. has finally embraced the ceramic trend, unveiling its first timepiece in the highly durable material. The new [Streamliner Tourbillon Concept Ceramic](https://h-moser.com/product/streamliner-tourbillon-6805-2100/) features a 40 mm cushion-shaped case and integrated bracelet in anthracite gray ceramic, with alternating polished and satin-finished surfaces. At the center, the eye-catching red fumé grand feu enamel dial is free of indices and logos, allowing the flying tourbillon (the trusty caliber HMC 805) at 6 o’clock to pull focus. It’s yet another fun spin on the iconic Streamliner, priced at 89,000 Swiss francs (about $115,000). ## Louis Vuitton x De Bethune LVDB-03 GMT Louis Varius ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/louis-vuitton-de-bethune-lvdb-03-gmt-louis-varius.webp) Louis Vuitton [Louis Vuitton](https://robbreport.ph/tag/louis-vuitton/ "Louis Vuitton") continued its *haute horlogerie* hotstreak in February, presenting 12 limited-edition travel watches and a handcrafted sympathique clock in partnership with the ever-disruptive De Bethune. The [LVDB-03 GMT Louis Varius](https://uk.louisvuitton.com/eng-gb/stories/louisvuittonxdebethune) watch tips a hat to De Bethune’s Starry Varius collection, with a blued titanium case and a starry night sky at the center of the dial. It nods to Louis Vuitton watches, too, with a 45 mm Taiko case and Tambour markings. The dial displays local time on a 12-hour disc, a second time zone in 24-hour format, a jumping date, and a day/night indicator. Inside beats a manually wound De Bethune movement called the DB2507LV. A total of 10 watches will be offered at €375,000 (approximately $442,600) each, while two will be sold as a set with the LVDB-003 Sympathique Louis Varius clock for €4 million (approximately $4.72 million). ## IWC Portugieser Chronograph Ceratanium ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/iwc-portugieser-chronograph-ceratanium.webp) *IWC* IWC took its most popular model to the dark side in February, releasing an entirely black [Portugieser Chronograph](https://www.iwc.com/us-en/watches/portugieser/iw371631-portugieser-chronograph-ceratanium) in “Ceratanium” (or ceramicized titanium). Developed in-house, this new material combines the lightness and strength of titanium with the scratch-resistance of ceramic. It also has a distinctive dark metallic finish that will no doubt draw attention to the wrist. In addition to the Ceratanium case, crown, and pushers, the watch features a black dial with black accents and a black rubber strap. Even the sapphire crystal on the exhibition caseback looks as if it has a black tinge, though you can still clearly see the familiar in-house 69355 Caliber. “The all-black execution is different from anything we have ever done before,” Christian Knoop, creative director at [IWC](https://robbreport.ph/tag/iwc/ "IWC"), said in a statement. The black beauty retails for $14,600. ## IWC x George Russell Pilot’s Watches ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/iwc-x-george-russell-pilots-watches.webp) IWC Move over, [Lewis Hamilton](https://robbreport.ph/tag/lewis-hamilton/ "lewis hamilton"). IWC teamed up with another Formula 1 racer in February, dropping two new timepieces designed in partnership with George Russell. The limited editions both feature 41 mm cases crafted in black zirconium oxide ceramic, matching black dials, pops of blue in the same hue as the Mercedes driver’s helmet, and titanium casebacks engraved with his starting number (63). “By incorporating my signature blue colour that has accompanied me during most of my career as a racing driver, as well as my 63 logo, these watches feel truly personal and unique to me,” Russell said in a statement. Both are limited to 1,063 pieces. The [Pilot’s Watch Automatic 41](https://www.iwc.com/us-en/watches/pilot-watches/iw328107-pilots-watch-automatic-41-george-russell) (pictured) costs $8,900, while the [Chronograph](https://www.iwc.com/us-en/watches/pilot-watches/iw389411-pilots-watch-chronograph-41-george-russell) is priced at $12,900. Russell has already been spotted in the Pilot’s Watch Automatic 41. ## Audemars Piguet Neo Frame Jumping Hour ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/audemars-piguet-neo-frame-jumping-hour.webp) *Audemars Piguet* Audemars Piguet gave us a blast from horology’s past in February, [unveiling an entirely new model](https://robbreport.ph/watches/5-incredible-new-watches-from-audemars-piguets-first-big-drop-of-2026/ "5 Incredible New Watches From Audemars Piguet’s First Big Drop of 2026") based on a 1929 jumping-hour watch. “The [Neo Frame Jumping Hour](https://www.audemarspiguet.com/com/en/collections/neo-frame-collection.html) is a nod to Audemars Piguet’s pioneering role in developing the first jumping hour watches in the 1920s,” Sébastian Vivas, AP’s heritage and museum director, said in a statement. The watch combines a sleek Streamline Moderne aesthetic with the latest horological innovations. Housed in a 32.6 mm pink-gold case, the sapphire dial shows two apertures for the hours and trailing minutes. The vintage-inspired design is juxtaposed with cutting-edge mechanics. Inside lies the *maison’s* first self-winding jump hour movement, the Caliber 7122, which ticks along at 4 Hz and offers a 52-hour power reserve. The automatic movement incorporates a special shock-absorption system to prevent accidental hour jumps and, of course, showcases *haute horlogerie* finishing. The newcomer will set you back $71,200. ## Ulysse Nardin Freak x Gumball 3000 Edition 2 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ulysse-nardin-freak-gumball-3000-edition-2.webp) *Ulysse Nardin* Another year, another [Ulysse Nardin](https://robbreport.ph/tag/ulysse-nardin/ "ulysse nardin") and Gumball 3000 collab. For the third consecutive year, the Swiss watchmaker has released a Freak timepiece in honor of the 3,000-mile supercar rally. As with the other Freaks, the limited edition eschews the traditional dial and hands, with time instead indicated by a deconstructed movement. (Hours are shown on a rotating disc, while minutes are displayed on a flying carousel.) The colorway of previous versions remains, with a 43 mm black DLC-coated titanium case juxtaposed with pops of Gumball orange. The new [Edition 2](https://www.ulysse-nardin.com/watches/freak/2303-270le-2b-gum-3a) does have some unique features, though: The hour disc is made of Carbonium, with carbon fibers and orange epoxy resin combining to create a trippy Damascus steel-like pattern that is unique to every piece. The minute wheel is also framed by an orange Super-LumiNova ring for the first time. Limited to 150, the watch is priced at $46,400. ## Richard Mille RM 41-01 Tourbillon Soccer ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/richard-mille-rm-41-01-tourbillon-soccer_19bfe8.webp) *Richard Mille* Richard Mille dropped [the ultimate World Cup companion](https://robbreport.ph/watches/richard-milles-new-1-94-million-watch-can-track-the-time-and-score-of-soccer-matches/ "Richard Mille’s New $1.94 Million Watch Can Track the Time and Score of Soccer Matches") in February. The Swiss watchmaker’s new [RM 41-01 Tourbillon Soccer](https://www.richardmille.com/collections/rm-41-01-soccer) can track the time and score of any given match, keeping you clued in from kick-off to the final whistle. That is all thanks to a new titanium movement that was developed in partnership with Audemars Piguet over five years. Caliber RM41-01 is equipped with both a tourbillon and a flyback chronograph, as well as two new complications: a match-time indicator and a mechanical goal counter. Aesthetically, the watch retains the signature tonneau-shaped case and skeletonized dial. It comes in two versions: One has a dark blue Quartz TPT (Thin Ply Technology) case, the other has a red Basalt TPT case. The latter is a new, highly durable material that is derived from volcanic rock. Both variants are limited to 30 pieces and priced at $1.94 million. ## Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon Titanium ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/vacheron-constantin-overseas-tourbillon.webp) Vacheron Constantin It’s been four years since [Vacheron Constantin](https://robbreport.ph/tag/vacheron-constantin/ "Vacheron Constantin") unveiled the first all-titanium Overseas Tourbillon, but we finally have another iteration in the strong yet lightweight material. The [newcomer](https://www.vacheron-constantin.com/gb/en/collections/overseas/6000v-210t-h179.html) is much like the 2022 version, with a 42.5 mm case, a Maltese cross-inspired bezel, and sapphire crystals front and back. The two dials couldn’t be more different, though. The 2022 model had a fully skeletonized face, whereas the 2026 release features a deep red sunburst dial. The bold hue makes the one-minute tourbillon at 6 o’clock really pop, drawing your eye to the second Maltese cross and the ruby at the center of the open-worked tourbillon cage. The piece is available exclusively through boutiques, with price upon request. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** audemars piguet, H. Moser & Cie., IWC, Louis Vuitton, Toledano Chan, Tourbillon, ulysse nardin, Vacheron Constantin --- ### [Gwyneth Paltrow and Pharrell Open Up the Vault, Ferraris at the Cavallino Classic, Cambodia Steps Into Luxury Wellness & More](https://robbreport.ph/the-luxe-dispatch/gwyneth-paltrow-and-pharrell-open-up-the-vault-ferraris-at-the-cavallino-classic-cambodia-steps-into-luxury-wellness-more/) **Published:** February 27, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** From Palm Beach concours lawns to Beverly Hills auction rooms and onward to the jungles of Cambodia and the shores of Phu Quoc, this week’s dispatch spans collectible Ferraris, celebrity vault sales, high-jewelry drops, and next-gen wellness sanctuaries redefining escape. ## Ferrari’s Greatest Hits at the 35th Cavallino Classic ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2026-Cavallino-Classic-field-.webp) *Photo: Cavallino Classic* If there is a winter court for the prancing horse, it convenes in Palm Beach. The 35th Cavallino Classic gathered more than 360 [Ferraris](https://robbreport.ph/tag/ferrari/ "Ferrari") at The Boca Raton over Presidents’ Day weekend, turning manicured lawns into a rolling archive of Maranello’s greatest hits. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/CavallinoPalmBeach2025_lm_03969-1-2240x1494.webp) *Photo: Cavallino Classic* Pre-war thoroughbreds and V-12 grand tourers shared turf with modern hypercars, while a 1956 410 Superamerica and a 1948 166 MM Berlinetta claimed top concours honors. *More information [here](https://cavallino.com/pages/palm-beach?srsltid=AfmBOord_IL3Y_hfek1KWeVMOH3wvIzpKtTo_XVk5kNlRdqWhbGb7ZP4).* ## Fusion Resorts Sets Its Sights on Phu Quoc ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Vietnam-e1771835473393.webp) *Photo: Fusion Resorts* Fusion Resorts is staking its claim on Vietnam’s emerald-belt coast with Fusion Resort Phu Quoc. Slated to open in 2027, the concept promises a blend of barefoot luxury and [wellness](https://robbreport.ph/tag/wellness/ "wellness")-centric design. Set on a pristine swath of South Phu Quoc’s shoreline, the property will fuse open-air pavilions, sea-facing sanctuaries, and the brand’s signature all-spa-inclusive ethos, where bespoke treatments are not an add-on but part of the day’s itinerary. Think morning yoga overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, sunset sound-bath sessions, and a culinary program as nice as its hammam and plunge pools. ## Cambodia’s First Luxury Wellness Resort Heralds a New Era of Eco-Chic Escape ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/697c2762aa0122ce4bed13bb_COMP-Pic-1a-p-2000.webp) *Photo: Samanea* Cambodia has quietly elevated its wellness game with the debut of Samanea Wellness Resort, an eco-luxury sanctuary tucked into the verdant Cardamom Mountains. A thoughtful fusion of sustainable design and holistic wellbeing, with villas that open to jungle vistas, nature-led therapies inspired by indigenous flora, and immersive forest bathing experiences. Planners are betting on a new generation of travelers who want luxe comfort minus the carbon hangover. *More information [here](https://www.samanea-wellnessresort.com/).* ## Pharrell Williams Turns High Jewellery Into Collector Currency ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/JPLA1224345_01_update2-2240x2240.webp) Jacob & Co. Diamond Five Time Zone Royal Collection Watch *Photo: Joopiter* Pharrell Williams is auctioning off some of his most beloved pieces for *Objects of Brilliance*, a curated online auction of 30 personal high-jewelry pieces now live through March 5, 2026. Hosted on his *Joopiter* platform, the sale showcases bespoke creations executed with Jacob & Co., each piece, its own testament to Pharrell’s encyclopedic taste. On this rare occasion, one of a kind is actually an understatement. *Place your bids [here](https://www.joopiter.com/auctions/the-collection-of-pharrell-williams-jacob-arabo?utm_source=Klaviyo&utm_medium=email&_kx=cGwxiQmNtOPEL-VFGOhJ6Q.SL9mF3&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnLHAQGKx8g9kem4MuwrMtYwK_ZPNo3nNi4ncXeqtg4iUJ__0bc-VeQEkyl3Y_aem_FaIBgYjJgPYH8rHxBE1QQA).* ## Gwyneth Paltrow for Julien’s Auction ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/e967fd44-14c7-4da2-acc8-b790d825c228.webp) 1999 Ralph Lauren Collection Academy Gown Illustrations (With Image) *Photo: Julien’s Auctions* Gwyneth Paltrow is letting collectors inside the closet—and the living room. Julien’s Auctions has unveiled *Bold Luxury: Gwyneth Paltrow Lexicon of Style & The Archival Edit*, a tightly curated sale of the actor-entrepreneur’s personal fashion, furnishings, and design treasures. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/d7b81d62-2838-4e29-b1fc-d999bb7c8a80.webp) Spring 2004 Chanel Pink Tweed Jacket *Photo: Julien’s Auctions* Taking place March 24 to 25, 2026 at The Peninsula Beverly Hills, with online bidding now underway, the auction spans couture gowns, archival pieces from storied houses, and interiors that reflect Paltrow’s well-documented chic minimalism. *Place your bids [here](https://www.juliensauctions.com/en/auctions/bold-luxury-gwyneth-paltrow-lexicon-of-style-the-archival-edit).* **Categories:** The Luxe Dispatch **Tags:** Celebrities, Ferrari, Fusion Resorts, Julien's Auctions, News, Samanea Wellness Resort --- ### [The Good Life: Editors' Picks of the Week](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/the-good-life-editors-picks-of-the-week-21/) **Published:** June 4, 2026 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** *In every The Good Life: Editors’ Picks column, we round up our editors’ favorites—restaurants, cocktails, experiences, exhibits, and everything in between.* *This week’s list is centered on Old Manila, which has always been The Peninsula Manila’s most storied table. The Michelin-selected restaurant, with its Art Deco interiors and cream, gray, and black motifs, remains one of the most elegant dining rooms in the city.* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/3122-PMN_Shot23-OldManila02-02-1.webp) ## Yvette Fernandez, Chief of Editorial Content Old Manila and The Peninsula Manila have been part of our collective memory for the last 50 years. I remember how our uncle and aunt took us there for dinner when we were in our pre-teens so we could practice our table manners at a fine dining restaurant. To this day, no matter how often we dine elsewhere, my heart still flutters when we’re at Old Manila. The menu has gone through various iterations with different chefs, and the current one is an excellent one. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photo_2026-06-03-144747.webp) I enjoyed the roasted French pigeon breast and confit leg with beetroot, berries, argan oil, and hibiscus in a sansho pepper jus. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Ile-Flottante-2240x2337.webp) Ile Flottante. I’m really not a dessert person, but how could I resist the classic floating island with local citrus and crisp hazelnut praliné, set in a pool of crème Anglaise and the pretty little meringues that made up the vacherin? ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Le-Vacherin-3-2240x1493.webp) ## Alicia Colby Sy, Lifestyle Editor Like many, I tend to look back at Old Manila with a great bit of nostalgia and fondness. I’ve seen it through many iterations and reinventions of itself , and I must say the recent meal I had there is my favorite in recent memory. The menu, while grounded in French technique, is fresh and I already know that another visit must happen soon. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Le-Poireau-3-2240x1493.webp) Standout appetizers for me include the Le Poireau, slow-cooked leeks with black truffle dressing, celeriac, and poached quail egg with parmintiere soup and morel mushroom. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/IMG_3263-2240x2551.webp) Another one is the L’Oreiller pate en croute made with duck magret, iberico pork, foie gras, black trumpet mushrooms and dried fruit and nuts. The bouillabaisse was also quite enjoyable. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Le-Boeuf-4-2240x1493.webp) I was very much in a “meat mood” and thought the Le Boeuf dish was perfectly executed. A 180-day grain-fed seared piece of Omugi beef , served with pomme Anna, was delightful, and satiated my craving for a nice piece of red meat. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photo_2026-06-03-144753.webp) While I thought the dessert selection was delicious (and I sampled my fair share of offerings!), the must-order for me will always be chocolate profiteroles filled with vanilla ice cream and drizzled with a silky chocolate sauce. As a last course, I think it’s actually the perfect “French Exit!” ## Kimberly Rocha-Delgado, Digital Editor There are restaurants that you go to for food, and others you go to for feeling, but Old Manila delivers both reliably. There is something about the room and its being tucked inside the Peninsula that makes the outside world recede completely—a quality I have found myself valuing more and more of late. Through the years, it has been an easy go-to for anniversaries, milestones, and even for turning ordinary Tuesday evenings into something special. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/IMG_3724.webp) The reassuring thing is that the cooking continues to justify the occasion. A modest leek is given star treatment in Le Poireau, accompanied by black truffle dressing, celeriac, quail egg, and morels; a blue crab bisque from the Visayas arrives with Oscietra caviar and Isigny crème fraîche. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/La-Bouillabaisse-3-2240x3360.webp) Another favorite is La Saint-Jacques: confit scallops brightened with poached William pear, pomelo, osmanthus, and citrus hollandaise. I’ve already decided on when my next visit will be, as well as who’ll be my companion (my niece, to celebrate her graduation)—but what to order next time is proving a far more difficult decision! *For reservations, call +63 2 8887 2888*. *Visit the website and browse their menus [here](https://www.peninsula.com/en/manila/hotel-fine-dining/old-manila).* **Categories:** Dining, Food & Drink **Tags:** Fine Dining, Michelin Selected, old manila, the peninsula manila --- ### [10 Fascinating Facts You Never Knew About Porsche](https://robbreport.ph/the-story-of/10-fascinating-facts-you-never-knew-about-porsche/) **Published:** February 27, 2026 **Author:** Bob Sorokanich **Content:** [Porsche](https://robbreport.ph/tag/porsche/ "porsche") has long stood at the pinnacle of automotive achievement. The automaker has won the 24 Hours of Le Mans 19 times—more than any other competitor—and has successfully competed in everything from rally racing to Formula 1. The history of [Porsche](https://www.porsche.com/pap/_philippines_/) vehicle production is equally impressive, as the company rose from the rubble of World War II to become one of the most widely recognized luxury and performance brands in the world today. Let’s dive into the history of Porsche with 10 facts you might not have known about the German brand. ## Porsche Was Founded by an Ex-Mercedes Engineer ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ferdinandporsche-e1715715746746.webp) *Photo: Keystone* Ferdinand Porsche was born in 1875 in what is now the Czech Republic. Despite the fact that he had little formal education, from an early age Porsche was recognized as a brilliant engineer. In 1901, Porsche built the world’s first gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle, a motorized carriage that used a Daimler internal-combustion engine to generate power for electric motors in the wheels. Soon, Porsche was hired as technical director of Stuttgart-based Daimler, where he worked on Mercedes race cars including the hugely successful Mercedes-Benz SSK. ## Engineering Consultant ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/vwbeetle-e1715716172775.webp) *Photo: Fox Photos* In 1931, Ferdinand Porsche launched the company that still bears his name today. It wasn’t a car-building operation: Dr. Ing h.c. F. Porsche GmbH was a consulting agency, supplying design and engineering expertise to various automakers. Soon after launching his company, Ferdinand Porsche received an assignment directly from German Chancellor Adolf Hitler: A project to build a simple, durable, affordable vehicle that could be purchased by everyday Germans, codenamed Volkswagen, or “people’s car.” ## Porsche and World War II ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/porschehitler-e1715716110285.webp) *Photo: Topical Press Agency* Ferdinand Porsche unveiled the first Volkswagen prototype in 1935; in 1939, the Volkswagen factory began production, with Ferdinand Porsche appointed as an executive. As part of his work with the government of Nazi Germany, Porsche renounced his Czechoslovak citizenship, joined the Nazi Party, and became a member of the SS paramilitary group. Ferdinand Porsche contributed to the design and engineering of Nazi tanks and troop transport vehicles, and after World War II ended, he was arrested for war crimes including the use of forced labor, serving 20 months in prison in France. ## Porsche Begins Building Its Own Cars ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/porsche356-e1715715891227.webp) *Photo: DOMINIK HILDEBRANDT* Following the end of World War II, Ferdinand Porsche’s son, Ferry, sought to build a sports car according to his father’s vision. In 1947, the first examples of the Porsche 356 were assembled in a small sawmill in Gmünd, Austria, where the Porsche family had moved operations to avoid Allied bombing. The 356 bore some resemblance to the Volkswagen, and like that vehicle, it used a rear-mounted four-cylinder engine along with some other VW components. ## The 901, Or Rather, The 911 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/911_all-e1715715720115.webp) *Photo: Porsche* Porsche built several versions of the 356 until 1965, but by the end, the vehicle was badly out-of-date. Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, grandson of the company’s founder, designed a new rear-engine sports car, this time with an air-cooled six-cylinder engine. The company intended to call this model 901, which was the internal code-name for the project, but Peugeot owned the trademark on all three-digit model numbers with a zero in the middle, so the name was swiftly changed to 911. ## The 917 Launches a Racing Dynasty ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/porsche917-e1715715926231.webp) *Photo: Wesley* Porsche found racing success with the 356, 911, and various competition-only prototypes, but the automaker’s rise to motorsport dominance began with the 917. First shown publicly in 1969, the 917 was the brainchild of Ferdinand Piëch, a grandson of Ferdinand Porsche who would later go on to lead the entire Volkswagen Group. The race car used an air-cooled mid-mounted flat-12 engine, and it was so compact, the driver’s feet sat ahead of the front axle. After some early developmental troubles, the 917 became a dominant endurance racer, winning the 24 Hours of Daytona, the Monza 1,000km, the Spa-Francorchamps 1000 km, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans back-to-back in 1970 and 1971. The 917 was a monster, reliably cresting 230 mph at Le Mans in an era when the typical racing prototype couldn’t break 200, and it launched Porsche on a path to becoming the winningest manufacturer in Le Mans history. ## 911’s Near Death and Resurrection ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/porsche_911-sc_1982_pictures_1-e1715715824798.webp) *Photo: Porsche* The late 1970s were difficult for sports car companies, and in 1980 Porsche had its first year of financial losses. The 911 had gone without significant updates and was slated for cancellation, with the front-engine, V8-powered 928 intended to replace it. Newly-appointed CEO Peter Schutz, who was born in Germany but was raised in the U.S., realized that the impending death of the 911—considered the quintessential Porsche sports car—was contributing to low morale at Porsche. Schutz walked into the office of chief Porsche engineer Helmuth Bott, where a chart showed continued production of the 928 and 944, and the end of 911 production in 1981. In a scene that has become legend, Schultz took a marker from Bott’s desk, extending the 911’s line off the chart, onto the office wall, and out the door—signifying that the 911 would never be canceled. “Do we understand each other?” Schultz asked, and Bott nodded in the affirmative. ## The World-Beating 959 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/porsche_959_1987_photos_1-e1715715856667.webp) *Photo: Porsche* In 1986, Porsche unveiled a supercar that shared the general shape of the 911, but was shockingly advanced in nearly every way: The 959. Developed to compete in Group B rally racing, the street-legal 959 had a twin-turbo engine making 444 horsepower, Kevlar composite bodywork, wide-body fenders, and all-wheel drive. It soon became the fastest production car in the world, sprinting from zero to 60 in 3.7 seconds and reaching a 197-mph top speed. ## Water For the 911 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/porsche996-e1715715987369.webp) *Photo: Porsche* Amazingly, from 1963 to 1997, Porsche never undertook a full redesign of the 911. In 1998, a brand-new sports car emerged. Internally known as Type 996, the all-new 911 had a completely redesigned body shell and an all-new flat-six engine that, for the first time, was cooled by water rather than air. Early 996s shared their front bodywork and some interior panels with the more affordable mid-engine Boxster, causing some controversy among Porsche fans, but today the 996 is considered the model that saved the Porsche 911. ## SUVs, Sedans, and the Future ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/porschemacan-e1715716146464.webp) *Photo: Porsche* In 2002, Porsche introduced the Cayenne, the automaker’s first sport-utility vehicle. A few years later, in 2009, the four-door Panamera luxury sedan was launched. Today, Porsche’s best-selling model is the Macan, a small SUV, with the Cayenne not far behind. The automaker also sells an all-electric sport sedan, the Taycan, and is moving toward the future with plans for hybrid and all-electric sports cars. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars, The Story Of **Tags:** cars, porsche --- ### [What the Car and Watch Industries Are Betting On Next](https://robbreport.ph/cars/what-the-car-and-watch-industries-are-betting-on-next/) **Published:** June 2, 2026 **Author:** Carl Cunanan **Content:** We had another very busy few days that brought us across the spectrum of both the automotive and watch industries. Meetings with [Audi](https://robbreport.ph/tag/audi/ "Audi"), Porsche, Toyota, Minerva, and emerging luxury players in Vietnam revealed three themes increasingly shaping the future of luxury: electrification without compromise, renewed interest in mechanical craftsmanship, and the rapid rise of Southeast Asia as a luxury market. ## Audi S5 and Q3 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Audi-S5-2240x1260.webp) On Friday, we met with Audi to look over two of its new vehicles: the S5 and the Q3. The S5 is Audi’s classic sports sedan—fast, elegant, and chosen by those who appreciate the marque’s characteristically taut handling and performance without needing excessive flash. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Audi-Q3.webp) The Audi Q3. The Q3, meanwhile, is a compact SUV for those who want the Audi experience and functionality but do not require a larger vehicle. ## The Nürburgring 24 Hours Watch Party With Toyota and Lexus ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/R63R9291.webp) Masando Hashimoto, President of Toyota Motor Philippines, at the watch party. Over the weekend, we were with Toyota and [Lexus](https://robbreport.ph/tag/lexus/ "lexus"), watching the start and finish of the gruelling Nürburgring 24 Hours, in which Toyota’s global president, Akio Toyoda, was racing once again. Being the Nürburgring, there were challenges along the way, but the team ultimately crossed the finish line. ## Minerva, One of the Few True Manufactures ![Minerva Watch](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Artboard-2.webp) By Monday, we were in Singapore for a meeting with Minerva. Minerva is a historic watchmaker that many consider one of the few true manufactures. The company is separating some of its operations from its parent company, Montblanc, under Richemont. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2026-06-01-153106.webp) With Laurent Lecamp, Managing Director of Montblanc Watch Division and CEO of Minerva, wediscussed its future plans and how it intends to bring its pieces to collectors and enthusiasts around the world. ## The Porsche Museum to See the Transaxle Era Exhibition and Drive Porsche’s Fastest 911—the Porsche 911 Turbo S ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/carlweb-june-2-SP-2240x2240.webp) By Wednesday, we were in Stuttgart at the Porsche Museum for a walkthrough of its new Transaxle Era exhibition. The transaxle cars—from the 924 onward—departed from Porsche’s traditional rear-engine layout by placing the engine in front and the drive at the rear. This created better balance and served as a stepping stone toward vehicles such as today’s Panamera and Cayenne. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2.webp) From Stuttgart, we drove Porsche’s fastest 911 ever—the new [911 Turbo S](https://robbreport.ph/cars/porsches-new-911-turbo-s-is-here-and-its-a-hybrid/ "Porsche’s New 911 Turbo S Is Here—and It’s a Hybrid") with its three-electric-motor T-Hybrid system—to Munich. The following day, we drove the newly released Cayenne Coupé Turbo Electric. This SUV-coupé produces more than 1,100 horsepower and is a very different animal from other Porsches, yet it retains the holistic feel that enthusiasts expect from the marque. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1.webp) Both vehicles can comfortably exceed 250 km/h on unrestricted sections of the Autobahn—the Cayenne Coupé Turbo Electric has a rated top speed of 260 km/h, while the 911 Turbo S reaches 322 km/h—and both accelerate to 100 km/h in just 2.5 seconds. They represent two very different interpretations of Porsche’s identity. ## VinFast The following Monday, we found ourselves in Vietnam. We were there to speak with the very young company VinFast about how it has achieved such rapid expansion on the global stage. VinFast is not yet aiming at the highest end of the market, but it is an excellent example of how quickly Vietnam has evolved as a consumer of luxury goods and how rapidly it has established itself in the automotive world in less than a decade. I was particularly interested in visiting Vietnam because, over the last year, I have been working with the country in relation to luxury goods and the watch industry. I find its communication strategies among the most forward-thinking and cohesive currently in execution. Vietnam’s luxury market and community have already advanced beyond many others while maintaining a remarkable level of refinement and curation despite the speed of their growth. From a business development perspective, I foresee spending as much time in Vietnam in the coming years as we have historically spent in China. Funnily enough, while walking through the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart, I heard a Japanese voice call out, somewhat questioningly, “Carl?” It turned out to be Masando Hashimoto, President of Toyota Motor Philippines, whom I had been with only a few days earlier at [Lexus](https://robbreport.ph/tag/lexus/ "lexus") Manila. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2026-06-01-152431.webp) Carl Cunanan and Masando Hashimoto. He was at the Porsche Museum because he was heading to the Nürburgring. I was there because I was about to test the new 911 Turbo S and the Cayenne Coupé Turbo Electric. We could not quite determine which one of us was luckier. **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** Akio Toyoda, Audi, Audi Q3, Audi S5, lexus, Masando Hashimoto, Minerva, Nürburgring 24 Hours, porsche, porsche 911 turbo s, Porsche Museum, Toyota, Vinfast --- ### [The 10 Coolest New Watches That Dropped in May](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-10-coolest-new-watches-that-dropped-in-may/) **Published:** June 3, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** It felt like the whole watch world was talking about the Swatch and Audemars Piguet collab throughout May, with the new [Royal Pop pocket watch](https://robbreport.ph/watches/audemars-piguet-x-swatch-royal-pop-watches-in-photos/ "Audemars Piguet x Swatch Royal Pop Watches in Photos") popping off online and [in stores across the globe.](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-ap-x-swatch-watch-is-now-listing-for-thousands-online-after-in-store-chaos/ "The AP x Swatch Watch Is Now Listing for Thousands Online After In-Store Chaos") But there were plenty of other releases of note this month. AP itself unveiled a limited-edition Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon in partnership with Tokyo-based jewelry and fashion brand Ambush. Jaeger-LeCoultre debuted three dazzling new Reverso cocktail watches, two of which were first spotted on the wrists of Tyriq Withers and Finn Wolfhard at the Met Gala, along with a limited-edition Reverso Hybris and an exclusive Duometre Heliotourbillon Perpetual. Breitling let fly fresher, more refined versions of the iconic Chronomat sports watch, with actor Austin Butler, NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo, and soccer star Erling Haaland fronting the campaign. [Panerai](https://robbreport.ph/tag/panerai/ "panerai") dropped a skeletonized Submersible GMT featuring an ultra-lightweight titanium case. Urwerk released the third and final UR-10 SpaceMeter, farewelling the model less than a year after launch. Glashütte Original gave us another Sixties Annual Edition with a groovy dial. Last but certainly not least, [H. Moser & Cie.](https://robbreport.ph/watches/h-mosers-new-endeavour-flyback-chronograph-hides-three-complications-in-plain-sight/ "H. Moser’s New Endeavour Flyback Chronograph Hides Three Complications in Plain Sight") rolled out a Streamliner Small Seconds with a gorgeous green dial. Below are the best watch releases of the month. ## Urwerk UR-10 Spacemeter Blue ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/urwerk-ur-10-spacemeter-blue.webp) *Photo: Urwerk* Urwerk is saying goodbye to the [UR-10 Spacemeter](https://robbreport.ph/watches/how-urwerks-otherworldly-new-watch-tracks-movement-in-the-cosmos/ "How Urwerk’s Otherworldly New Watch Tracks Movement in the Cosmos") in style. The indie watchmaker, founded by Martin Frei and Felix Baumgartner in 1997, dropped the [third and final iteration](https://www.urwerk.com/collections/ur-special-projects/ur-10-spacemeter) of the model this month. First unveiled in 2025, the aptly named Spacemeter measures the distances our planet travels across the time-space continuum. The counter at 2 o’clock shows every 10 km the Earth covers in its daily rotation, the subdial at 4 o’clock indicates every 1,000 km the Earth travels on its solar orbit, and the register at 9 o’clock combines both trajectories to display every 1,000 km of rotation and 64,000 km of solar orbit on two synchronized scales. On the reverse side, a peripheral hand traces the hours on a 24-hour scale, reflecting the full rotation of Earth. Urwerk previously released two limited editions with titanium cases and either gray or black dials. The newest iteration retains the titanium case but has a bold blue face. “With the UR-10, we wanted to broaden the perspective, to remind us that we live aboard a celestial body in constant motion,” Frei said in a statement. This final blue edition seemed the most fitting to us, because it naturally places this timepiece in its true setting: space.” Limited, again, to 25 pieces, the final edition retails for 70,000 Swiss francs, or about $88,9000. ## Audemars Piguet x Swatch Royal Pop ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/audemars-piguet-swatch-royal-pop.webp) *Photo: Swatch* What would our May roundup be without [this particular collaboration](https://robbreport.ph/watches/audemars-piguet-swatch-royal-pop/)? Audemars Piguet and Swatch teamed up to release a new pocket watch this month, causing quite the stir online and [IRL](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-ap-x-swatch-watch-is-now-listing-for-thousands-online-after-in-store-chaos/ "The AP x Swatch Watch Is Now Listing for Thousands Online After In-Store Chaos"). Inspired by the AP’s high-end Royal Oak collection and Swatch’s more accessible Pop line, the aptly named [Royal Pop](https://robbreport.ph/watches/audemars-piguet-x-swatch-royal-pop-watches-in-photos/ "Audemars Piguet x Swatch Royal Pop Watches in Photos") features a candy-hued bioceramic case and a matching colorful strap. The octagonal silhouette and tapisserie dial evoke Gérald Genta’s original 1970s Royal Oak, while the palette is pure 1980s Swatch. Inside lies a new version of Swatch’s Sistem51 caliber. There are eight Pops in total, with each one able to fit different casings. They retail for between $400 and $420. ## Panerai Submersible GMT ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/panerai-submersible-gmt.webp) *Photo: Panerai* Panerai dove even deeper into watch tech this month, unveiling a new [Submersible GMT](https://www.panerai.com/gb/en/collections/watch-collection/submersible/pam01495-submersible-gmt.html) at the bleeding edge of innovation. The newcomer pairs a fully skeletonized movement (caliber P.4001/S) with a large yet light titanium case to reduce overall weight and improve performance. The 47 mm case is created with Titanium DMLS (Direct Metal Laser Sintering), the 3-D-printing process that uses high-powered lasers to melt and fuse titanium powder to build metal parts layer by layer. Cases in titanium DMLS are approximately 25 percent lighter than those in standard titanium and 50 percent lighter than those in steel, according to Panerai. The tool watch also offers water resistance up to 1,640 feet, a unidirectional rotating bezel for precise dive timing, a robust three-day power reserve, a versatile GMT function, and the watchmaker’s patented polarized date display that hides everything except the date. “The new Submersible GMT PAM01495, with its advanced technical features, is the direct result of the relentless dedication and pioneering work undertaken by our R&D department in Neuchâtel,” Alessandro Ficarelli, chief marketing and product officer of Panerai, said in a statement. “This 47 mm high-tech DMLS titanium case encapsulates the pillars of our DNA—water resistance, power reserve, robust construction, and superior luminosity—which are continually upgraded to offer uncompromised performance. The watch will be available exclusively in Panerai boutiques and will retail for $50,300. ## Jaeger-LeCoultre Reversos and Duometre Heliotourbillon Perpetual ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/jaeger-lecoultre-reverso-tribute-monoface-small-seconds-or-deco-cocktail.webp) *Photo: Jaeger-LeCoultre* Jaeger-LeCoultre picked quite the moment to debut the latest Reversos, with the cocktail watches first appearing at this year’s Met Gala on the wrists of actors Tyriq Withers and Finn Wolfhard. The three references are a fresh, slightly more glitzy take on the Reverso Tribute Monoface “Or Deco” watch from 2025, showcasing the same sleek, rectangular case, gorgeous Milanese mesh bracelet, and grained dial with the classic railway-style minute track, Dauphine hands, and hand-applied hour markers. But what sets them apart from last year’s reference is the precious stones. The two white-gold iterations are adorned with [emeralds](https://www.jaeger-lecoultre.com/us-en/watches/reverso/reverso-tribute/reverso-tribute-monoface-small-seconds-q713313j) or [sapphires](https://www.jaeger-lecoultre.com/us-en/watches/reverso/reverso-tribute/reverso-tribute-monoface-small-seconds-q713311j), while the [rose-gold example](https://www.jaeger-lecoultre.com/us-en/watches/reverso/reverso-tribute/reverso-tribute-monoface-small-seconds-q713211j) is topped with rubies. Each style is limited to 30 pieces, with prices on request. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/jaeger-lecoultre-reverso-tribute-monoface-or-deco-solo-tempo-.webp) The Reverso Tribute Monoface “Or Deco Solo Tempo.” *Photo: Jaeger-LeCoultre* JLC didn’t stop there. The watchmaker also released two riffs on the 2025 “Or Deco.” One is basically the same but finished in 18-karat white gold; the other is decked out in the same pink gold but is smaller and closer to the size of the original Reversos from the 1930s. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/jaeger-lecoultre-reverso-hybris-artistica-calibre-179-pegasus.webp) The Reverso Hybris Artistica Calibre 179 Pegasus. *Photo: Jaeger-LeCoultre* On the high-watchmaking front, JLC added a new Reverso to the Hybris series. The limited edition features an image of Pegasus, the majestic, winged stallion from ancient Greek mythology, engraved on the case. JLC says this is the first Reverso to have a fully engraved case. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/jaeger-lecoultre-duometre-heliotourbillon-perpetual.webp) The Duometre Heliotourbillon Perpetual. The watchmaker also unveiled a successor to the Duometre Heliotourbillon Perpetual from 2024. This iteration of the mind-bogglingly complex timepiece is finished in platinum rather than pink gold, adding an extra layer of exclusivity. ## H. Moser & Cie. Streamliner Small Seconds ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/h-moser-cie-streamliner-small-seconds_30545c.webp) *Photo: H. Moser & Cie* H. Moser & Cie. gave us another fun spin on its flagship Streamliner this month, unveiling a [new iteration](https://h-moser.com/product/streamliner-small-seconds-6500-1201/) with a fumé grand feu enamel dial in an eye-catching [lime green](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-15-coolest-watches-with-green-dials-to-buy-now/ "The 15 Coolest Watches With Green Dials to Buy Now"). Housed within a 39 mm cushion-shaped steel case, the minimalist dial features only a small seconds display at 6 o’clock, meaning nothing detracts from that bright hue. Flip it over, and the sapphire gives a full view of the in-house automatic movement (HMC 500) with contemporary Moser finishing. Rounding out the design is a sleek integrated bracelet in steel. The boutique exclusive is priced at 30,000 Swiss francs, or about $39,500. ## Breitling Chronomat ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Breitling-Chronomat-Collection.webp) *Photo: Breitling* Breitling let no fewer than 22 new [Chronomats](https://www.breitling.com/us-en/collections/chronomat/?srsltid=AfmBOor-mKOHPzQS8-1ErEAcjgij3z-OjndYJvatxO61dGuSwirYYYVd) fly in May. The legendary sports watch, originally made for the Italian Air Force’s aerobatics team in the 1980s, has been given a modern makeover, with the new references showcasing slimmer cases, cleaner dials, and a more integrated bracelet design. The lineup includes a thinner, more wearable version of the flagship Chronomat B01 42 chronograph, a new time-and-date Chronomat featuring a 40 mm case and the in-house B31 movement, and smaller 36 mm variants showcasing fancy touches such as mother-of-pearl dials and diamond-set bezels. Prices range from $5,950 to $49,900. ## Glashütte Original Sixties Annual Edition ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/glashutte-original-sixties-chronograph-annual-edition_792755.webp) *Photo: Glashütte Original* Glashütte Original unveiled a downright groovy Sixties Annual Edition for 2026. As with the previous references in the line, the latest edition pays tribute to the Swinging Sixties with a vintage-inspired design, but features a fresh purple dial with a luminous finish. It was, like all the others, produced at a specialized dial-making facility in Pforzheim, Germany, requiring much meticulous work to come to fruition. To start with, thin strips of bronze were stamped and milled to create a pattern that evokes the parallel grooves of a vinyl record. The dial is then carefully domed and given a galvanic coat of gold, before translucent purple lacquer is applied by hand and fired in a kiln. That striking purple centerpiece is complemented by a 42 mm steel case and a black fabric strap, with an automatic movement (Calibre 39-34) beating inside. Price TBC. ## Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/audemars-piguet-royal-oak-concept-flying-tourbillon.webp) *Photo: Audemars Piguet* Swatch isn’t the only one Audemars Piguet has been working with. The Swiss watchmaker also teamed up with Yoon Ahn and Verbal, the two cofounders of the Tokyo-based jewelry and fashion brand Ambush, on a limited-edition [Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon.](https://robbreport.ph/watches/audemars-piguets-new-royal-oak-concept-flying-tourbillon-comes-with-a-bold-pop-of-red/ "Audemars Piguet’s New Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon Comes With a Bold Pop of Red") The 38.5 mm titanium timepiece features a partially open-worked black aventurine dial with a flying tourbillon at 6 o’clock. The top of the tourbillon cage has been anodised in red—a first for AP—adding a splash of color to an otherwise quite dark design. “Red has always been a powerful color for us, while the tourbillon cage represents the heart of the watch—the force that keeps everything in motion,” Verbal said in a press statement. “Red evokes the Earth’s core: the origin point, the source of energy and, ultimately, the beginning of how we measure time itself.” Limited to just 150 examples, [the piece](https://www.audemarspiguet.com/com/en/watch/APxYV.html) is priced at 176,800 Swiss francs, or about $225,000. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** audemars piguet, Chronomat, Glashütte, H. Moser & Cie., jaeger-le coultre, jaeger-lecoultre, News, Panerai Submersible, Royal Pop x Swatch, Streamliner, Urwerk, Watches of the Month --- ### [A Patek Breaks Auction Records, the Return of Auction Napa Valley, Ferrari's New EV & More](https://robbreport.ph/the-luxe-dispatch/bonhams-may-watch-sale-record-the-return-of-auction-napa-valley-ferraris-controversial-new-ev-more/) **Published:** June 5, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** Luxury had a busy week polishing its many mirrors. [Patek Philippe](https://robbreport.ph/tag/patek-philippe/ "Patek Philippe") complications changed hands in Hong Kong, six French hotels ascended to palace status, and Christie’s formally elevated the handbag to collectible. Elsewhere: Richard Mille drapes tourbillons in 1,400 gems apiece, Ferrari’s first EV arrives with five seats and 1,035 horsepower, and the Red Sea begins its slow conversion into the industry’s next gilded frontier. ## Bonhams Hong Kong Sets House Record at May Watch Sale ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Romain-Gauthier-Prestige-HMS-RefMON00009-RefMON00010-1-2240x2987.webp) Two Romain Gauthier Prestige HMS semi-skeletonised wristwatches led strong results: a pink gold Ref. MON00009, circa 2016, achieved HK$486,400 (US$62,000), while a rare platinum Ref. MON00010, also circa 2016, sold for HK$639,000 (US$81,500). *Photo: Bonhams* Bonhams Hong Kong wrapped its *Watches: Rare and Iconic Horological Legends* sale on May 31 with a new house record, totaling HK$41 million on a 98 percent sell-through rate. A Patek Philippe Grand Complications Ref. 5016P-018, circa 2010, led the room at HK$8.894 million, setting a world auction record for the reference. Independent watchmaking held its own, with Maîtres du Temps, Romain Gauthier, and Greubel Forsey among the stronger performers. ## France Adds Six Properties to Its Palace Hotel Roll ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/jcr_content.webp) Bulgari Hôtel Paris *Photo: Bulgari Hotels* France has expanded its palace hotel roster to 33, awarding the coveted designation to Bulgari Hôtel Paris, Cheval Blanc Paris, Fouquet’s Paris, Four Seasons Hotel Megève, Hôtel Martinez in Cannes, and Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa. Created in 2010 and administered by Atout France, the label recognizes exceptional five-stars for location, service, heritage, and international prestige. Thirteen of the 33 now sit in Paris. ## Christie’s New York Sale Puts Collectible Handbags Online ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/christies-bags-edits-535.webp) A Hermès Shiny Rose Tyrien Niloticus Crocodile Birkin 30 with Palladium Hardware, 2012, brings the maison’s signature silhouette into vivid, high-gloss color. *Photo: Christie’s* Christie’s *Handbags Online: The New York Edit* is open for bidding through June 11, led by a Matte White Himalaya Niloticus Crocodile Birkin 30 with Palladium Hardware, estimated at $90,000 to $120,000. Hermès, Chanel, and Dior round out the broader offering, while a dedicated run of around 20 Fendi Baguettes adds some pop cultural weight, including two formerly from Elizabeth Taylor’s collection and rare embellished designs from the 1990s and 2000s. *More information [here](https://www.christies.com/en/calendar).* ## Richard Mille Unveils a 12-Piece High-Jewelry Tourbillon ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/richard-mille-rm-hj-02-blue.webp) Richard Mille’s RM HJ-02 In-House Automatic Tourbillon arrives as an ultra-limited collection of 12 pieces across blue, pink, violet, and green. Each watch carries 1,399 precious and ornamental stones set across the Art Deco-inspired tonneau case and matching buckle, with nearly 700 hours spent on preparation and placement alone. Powering it all is the new skeletonized CRMT2 automatic tourbillon calibre in white gold, with a 50-hour power reserve. *Read more [here](https://robbreport.ph/watches/richard-milles-dazzling-new-high-jewelry-watches-are-each-adorned-with-1399-gems/).* ## Ferrari’s First EV Arrives with 1,035 Horsepower and Jony Ive ![Red Ferrari sports car seen from the side in a dark studio setting, highlighting its sleek profile and gold brake calipers.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Ferrari-Luce-1a.webp) The all-electric Ferrari Luce is a four-door that seats five occupants while delivering 1,035 hp. *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* Undeterred by the backlash, Ferrari has entered its EV era with the Luce, a four-door, five-seat electric model unveiled in Rome. It delivers 1,035 hp, over 770 lb-ft of torque, a 2.5-second sprint to 62 mph, and an estimated 329-mile range. Designed with Jony Ive, Marc Newson, and LoveFrom, the cabin leans analog despite the powertrain. Pricing starts at €550,000, placing Ferrari’s first electric firmly in ultra-luxury territory. *See the photos [here](https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/all-electric-ferrari-luce-in-photos-1238189033/ferrari-luce-24/).* ## Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Is Redefining Destination Luxury ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/The-Red-Sea-EDITION_Beach.webp) Seaside lounging at the Red Sea EDITION. *Photo: The Edition* More than 90 untouched islands, coral reefs, and a deliberate cap on visitor numbers are making Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea one of ultra-luxury travel’s most watched new frontiers. The St. Regis Red Sea Resort, Nujuma a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, SLS The Red Sea, The Red Sea EDITION, and Desert Rock are already open, with Raffles, Four Seasons, Fairmont, and Rosewood bound for Shura Island. Less than one percent of land is slated for development. *Read more [here](https://robbreport.ph/travel/saudi-arabias-red-sea-has-become-a-new-luxury-playground-for-wealthy-travelers/).* **Categories:** The Luxe Dispatch **Tags:** auction, Christies, Ferrari Luce, Saudi Arabia, travel, Watches --- ### [How Oak Affects the Flavor of Wine](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/wine/how-oak-affects-the-flavor-of-wine/) **Published:** June 5, 2026 **Author:** Mike DeSimone **Content:** It’s been said that right behind grapes, wood is the second most important ingredient in making wine, at least for those wines that are fermented and aged in oak barrels. Unlike the hundreds of grape varieties that are regularly made into wine, when it comes to oak, there are two main choices: American and French. And while both types of barrels are indeed made from oak trees, the two countries grow distinct species that bring different qualities to the wine in contact with them. [France](https://robbreport.ph/tag/france/ "France") is home to two species, *Quercus rubra* and *Quercus petraea*, which have a fine grain, while the *Quercus alba*, or American white oak, features a wider grain. Hailing from forests throughout the French countryside including Alliers, Limousin, Nevers, and Tronçais, French oak imparts a silkier texture than its American counterpart as well as soft clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, and coffee flavors and light hints of vanilla alongside smooth or polished tannins. American oak, which transmits more profound notes of caramel, toffee, coconut, espresso bean, cocoa powder, a more intense level of vanilla, and bolder tannins, is grown in states including Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin. ## French Oak ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/RR_20250915_Quintessa_bottle.webp) *Photo: Quintessa* In [Burgundy](https://robbreport.ph/tag/burgundy/ "burgundy"), members of the Latour family were barrel makers before becoming vintners, and today Maison Louis Latour continues that tradition by crafting its own barrels. The only winery in Burgundy to have its own in-house cooperage, Louis Latour uses about half of the 3,500 French oak barrels it produces annually and sells the balance to producers of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay around the world. “French oak’s fine grain and subtle character make it ideal for the balanced, terroir-driven wines of Maison Louis Latour,” says Eléonore Latour, vice president and 12th generation family member. “For our Chardonnays, French oak complements natural richness and minerality. For our Pinot Noirs, it adds depth and a supple mouthfeel while preserving delicate fruit and spice. Ultimately, it enhances what nature provides, never overpowering it.” French oak isn’t just used to make wines in France; like many of the grapes from that country that are now grown around the world, its barrels can be found anywhere that wine is made. We recently spot-checked the technical details of more than 100 high-end Napa wines, and of those that specified what type of oak they used, almost every single one used barrels sourced from France. At Quintessa, winemaker Rebekah Wineburg says the personality of American oak is too brash and bold for the type of wine she makes. Referring to the sweeter, more pronounced flavors that can dominate the palate, she tells *Robb Report*, “Those characteristics can be wonderful in certain styles, but for Quintessa, which is all about elegance and a sense of place, they would feel out of step. Our goal is to let the vineyard speak, and French oak gives us the nuance and restraint to do that.” Italian winemaker Tommaso Cortonesi also employs French oak for his Cortonesi Poggiarelli Brunello di Montalcino, using 500-liter (132 gallon) barrels rather than the 228-liter (60 gallon) pièce bourguignonne favored by Latour. Cortonesi’s single-vineyard grand cru site imbues his wine with a naturally powerful and refined tannin structure and “French oak tonneaux help to highlight that profile, bringing out Poggiarelli’s finesse and elegance,” he says. He prefers the bigger barrels due to the required two-year aging requirement for Brunello. “The larger volume allows for a gentler exchange between wine and wood, maintaining balance and freshness.” ## American Oak ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/RR_20251118_French_vs_American_Oak_Penfolds.webp) *Photo: Penfolds* Far from the U.S., American oak barrels are a mainstay at many Australian wineries, especially those that specialize in [Shiraz](https://robbreport.ph/tag/shiraz/ "Shiraz"). “The generous fruit weight and texture of Shiraz can readily absorb even 100 percent new American oak, leading to balance rather than dominance,” says Penfolds chief winemaker Peter Gago. While many of the wines made at Penfolds use French oak, its flagship Grange has been matured in new American oak hogsheads—300-liter (79 gallon) barrels—since it was launched in 1951. “American oak contributes a unique aromatic and structural framework that has become part of Grange’s DNA,” Gago says. “It imparts distinctive characters that integrate effortlessly with South Australian Shiraz’s ripe, dark fruit profile.” Closer to home, one of California’s most renowned wineries, Ridge Vineyards, holds steadfast to the commitment to American oak first championed by original head winemaker Paul Draper. Current head winemaker John Olney explains that in the 1960s when Ridge began, very few producers were aging their wine in standard 225-liter barrels. “Most wine was stored in large upright wooden tanks frequently made from redwood,” he says. Although many of Draper’s contemporaries began sourcing French barrels, fearing that American oak could be too aggressive, “Paul felt strongly that using French oak with the American Cabernet could leave a wine looking like an imitation Bordeaux,” Olney says. “The belief that Montebello could stand on its own aged in American oak solidified Ridge’s position.” A leader in sustainability, Ridge’s use of American oak barrels also limits its transportation-based carbon footprint. ## Why Choose? ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Maison_Louis_Latour_cooperage.webp) *Photo: Maison Louis Latour* Due to the different qualities imparted by the two types of oak, many winemakers worldwide mature their wine in a combination of French and American barrels. Esteemed Rioja winery Muga ages its Prado Enea Gran Reserva in 80 percent French oak and 20 percent American sourced from northern New York and Ohio. While historically many modern Rioja producers use only American oak, winemaker and technical director Isaac Muga Palacín points out that the oak he buys from central France and the Loire Valley “provides a finesse and elegance that no other oak in the world offers.” With an on-site cooperage, Muga makes its own French oak barrels and buys its American barrels fully formed. “We believe that a Gran Reserva aged in 100 percent American oak would be more rustic, and we would lose some of the complexity we have today,” Muga explains. “The choice of oak depends entirely on the desired stylistic outcome,” Gago says. “Oak choice is a winemaking tool enabling greater stylistic separation and character.” Both have their place in the world of winemaking, and whether you prefer the elegance of France or the bold assertiveness of American, a well-oaked wine is always a treat for the senses. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Food & Drink, Wine **Tags:** burgundy, France, napa valley, Oeno Files, Winemaker --- ### [10 Hair Growth Supplements That’ll Actually Make Your Hair Look Thicker, Healthier, and Less Gray](https://robbreport.ph/style/grooming/10-hair-growth-supplements-thatll-actually-make-your-hair-look-thicker-healthier-and-less-gray/) **Published:** February 24, 2026 **Author:** Adam Hurly **Content:** As the language of [longevity](https://robbreport.ph/tag/longevity/ "Longevity") shifts from anti-aging to optimization, the way men think about hair is evolving alongside it. And nothing demonstrates this change quite as well as the preponderance of supplements on the market designed to help your hair look thicker, shinier, and in some cases, less gray. But the best hair growth supplements for men aren’t just well-marketed snake oil. As part of an overall hair retention strategy, these formulas can do everything from reducing the amount of dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, the hormone that leads to male pattern baldness and prostate enlargement, to helping your body handle the challenges of modern life. “Hair ages just like skin,” says Greg Ruggieri, a trichologist and hair stylist who owns New York City’s [Salon Ruggieri](https://ruggerinyc.com/). He notes that oxidative stress (basically, everyday exposure to the elements) can do real damage to your hair over time. “Antioxidants help slow that process at the follicles,” he adds. And yes, they’re great for skin too, of course. That’s part of the reason the newest entrant in this category, Nutrafol’s Men 50+, includes the potent antioxidant curcumin, alongside a battery of ingredients designed to address the biological effects of aging, not just hormonal causes of hair loss. As guys get older and testosterone levels decline, collagen production slows, cellular aging accelerates, and nutrient absorption becomes less efficient. These changes collectively weaken hair structure, slow growth, and reduce density. (Set up a subscription to these capsules, and you’ll even get a subscription to the mental health app Headspace.) Meditation time aside, Nutrafol is far from the only player in this game. But before you get to our recommendations for the hair growth supplements that actually work, here’s Ruggieri’s advice on the ingredients you should be looking for—and why they’ll make a difference in how your hair looks and grows. **Saw Palmetto:** “This is all about reducing DHT at the hair follicle,” says Ruggeri. DHT is one of the main drivers of male-pattern thinning. That’s why it shows up so often in men’s supplements. **Pumpkin Seed Extract:** Pumpkin seed extract is linked to DHT reduction as well as better blood flow to the scalp. “This one is underrated!” Ruggeri says that, in comparison to saw palmetto, which gets far more attention. **Ashwagandha and Adaptogens:** “Stress always shows up in the hair,” says Ruggeri, noting it often manifests as shedding. Adaptogens help regulate that stress response, which can reduce stress-related hair loss. Ashwagandha tends to be the banner adaptogen. **Silica and Keratin Amino Acids:** “These are more about improving hair structure,” says Ruggeri. “They don’t drive growth, but they hold it together better.” Think of them as helping hair bend instead of breaking. **Biotin and B-complex Vitamins:** These vitamins support keratin production and cellular energy, which hair needs to grow. “They are important, but only when there’s a deficiency,” Ruggeri explains. “Otherwise they’re supportive, not miraculous.” **Prebiotics and Probiotics:** This family of gut-supporting ingredients helps improve absorption of all the other ingredients in your supplement, and also helps reduce inflammation there. “If your absorption is off or you are inflamed, then it’s likely that your hair will be the messenger,” Ruggeri says. **Antioxidants and Pigment Support:** “We’re finally starting to see how oxidative stress impacts pigment,” Ruggeri says. Hair turns gray when pigment-producing cells slow down. Ingredients like copper peptide, tyrosine, and certain antioxidants are being studied for their potential benefits in preserving natural pigment. ## Nutrafol For Men 50+ ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_20260218_Hair_Supplements_Nutrafol.webp) *Photo: Nutrafol* **Key Ingredients:** Saw palmetto, ashwagandha, turmeric, copper, selenium While the original Nutrafol Men formula targets foundational drivers like DHT and stress, Men 50+ builds on that base with ingredients designed to support collagen production, cellular renewal, and nutrient uptake. The focus targets preservation of thickness, strength, and scalp coverage as hair biology shifts with age. ## Arey Not Today, Grey ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_20260218_Hair_Supplements_Arey.webp) *Photo: Arey* **Key Ingredients:** Vitamin D, copper, biotin, vitamin B, selenium, iron This supplement falls in line with Arey’s “gray-fighting” ethos. So this supplement is more for men who are noticing silver creep more than classic recession or thinning, though it certainly has those important hair-raising benefits. ## Augustinus Bader The Hair Revitalizing Complex ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_20260218_Hair_Supplements_Augustinus_Bader.webp) **Key Ingredients:** Saw palmetto, CoQ10, ashwagandha, nettle root Bader’s luxury complex offers proactive support against thinning strands, scalp disharmony, breakage, stress, and oxidative damage, as well as DHT buildup. ## The Nue Co. Growth Phase ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_20260218_Hair_Supplements_The_Nue_Co.webp) *Photo: The Nue Co.* **Key Ingredients:** Ovoderm (an eggshell membrane collagen complex designed to increase hair strength), kelp, vitamin B, vitamin E, biotin The Nue Co’s gender neutral formula boosts density, accelerates growth, and prevents breakage. ## Dr. Barbara Sturm Growth Cycle Hair Supplement ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_20260218_Hair_Supplements_Dr_Barbara_Sturm.webp) *Photo: Dr. Barbara Sturm* **Key Ingredients:** Vitamin C, pine bark extract, amino acids, biotin, vitamin D, iron This growth-optimizing and anti-shedding supplement boosts shine and strength for eye-catching, highly defined strands. ## MDhair Growth Supplements ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_20260218_Hair_Supplements_MD_Hair.webp) *Photo: MDhair* **Key Ingredients:** Saw palmetto, pygeum, nettle leaf, ashwagandha, biotin, vitamin B6, zinc, selenium, copper One of two customized supplements from MDHair, this one targets genetic and age-related thinning with a straightforward “DHT plus anti-stress plus nutrient-dense” formula. ## Vegamour Gro Ageless Gray Delay Hair Supplement ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_20260218_Hair_Supplements_Gro_Ageless.webp) *Photo: Vegamour* **Key Ingredients:** Copper, vitamin B, iron, zinc, selenium A gray-first formula that also tries to protect density by tackling stress shedding. It also promotes enhanced sleep, and we all know what beauty rest does for one’s appearance. ## Viviscalman Hair Growth Supplement ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_20260218_Hair_Supplements_Viviscal.webp) *Photo: Viviscal* **Key Ingredients:** AminoMar marine complex, vitamin C, zinc, flaxseed extract One of the go-to hair support supplements for men. This one zeroes in on density and shedding reduction without leaning hard on DHT defense. ## Act + Acre Thick + Full Capsules ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_20260218_Hair_Supplements_Act_Acre.webp) *Photo: Act + Acre* **Key Ingredients:** Bamboo extract, vitamin C, amino acids, biotin A+A’s pill is more “hair wellness and shaft strength” than it is hormonal. The ethos is for a clean, minimalist set of building blocks aimed at fullness and resilience. ## Wellbel Men For Hair ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_20260218_Hair_Supplements_Wellbel.webp) *Photo: Wellbel Men* **Key Ingredients:** Saw palmetto; lycopene; bamboo extract; vitamins A, D, and B12; selenium; copper As the name suggests, this one is explicitly targeting male customers with a “DHT + circulation/strength + antioxidant” roster of benefits (all imperative for a core men’s offering). It’s also got digestion + absorption support… yeah, we could all use a bit more of that as we age upwards. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Grooming **Tags:** Grooming, hair thickening, haircare --- ### [Horology in Haute Joaillerie: Exploring Cartier’s Evening Watch Collection](https://robbreport.ph/watches/horology-in-haute-joaillerie-exploring-cartiers-evening-watch-collection/) **Published:** December 20, 2025 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** There is poetry in the way [Cartier](https://robbreport.ph/tag/cartier/ "cartier") brings light to life. Each timepiece from the Maison’s Evening Watches collection reflects a graceful mastery that transcends craftsmanship, where horology and high [jewellery](https://robbreport.ph/style/jewelry/cartier-unveils-its-nature-sauvage-high-jewelry-collection-in-singapore/ "Cartier Unveils Its Nature Sauvage High Jewelry Collection in Singapore") intertwine in harmony. Every curve, every diamond, every polished surface reveals Cartier’s dual savoir-faire as both watchmaker and jeweller, an artistry refined through more than a century of shaping time into beauty. Since introducing its first precious watches in the 1910s, Cartier has continued to expand this tradition, merging innovation with artistry to create pieces that move as elegantly as the women who wear them. Born from Cartier’s century-old dialogue between form and function, these timepieces are more than instruments of time. They are objects of emotion, crafted to reflect the glow of an evening, the ease of refinement, and the grace of a gesture. To wear one is to take part in Cartier’s living legacy, a continual balance between mechanics and beauty. ## **The Architecture of Light** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/EXCLUPR00059_EveningWatches_300mmx240mm_RVB.webp) *Cartier* The Baignoire Bangle is a striking example of Cartier’s jewellery-led approach to watchmaking. Its bracelet is set with 552 diamonds; the oval case features 171 more. A single diamond on the winding crown punctuates the piece with subtle brilliance. Eight hours of meticulous gem-setting are required to navigate the curves and ensure every stone aligns perfectly. The result is a watch that feels like liquid light on the wrist. ## **Modern Icons in Motion** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/photo_2025-11-06-181253.webp) *Cartier* The new Baignoire also explores the art of contrast. Diamonds are arranged in two parallel lines across the case, creating a rhythmic shimmer that evokes movement even when the wrist is still. The snow-setting technique on the dial allows light to dance across 307 diamonds, showcasing Cartier’s skill in transforming jewellery into kinetic energy. ## **Sparkling Simplicity** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/EXCLUPR00061_EveningWatches_300mmx240mm_RVB.webp) *Cartier* The Tank Américaine mini and Panthère de Cartier watches demonstrate how subtlety and sparkle coexist. The Tank Américaine mini is paved with 569 diamonds, transforming a classic silhouette into a sophisticated evening piece. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/EXCLUPR00060_EveningWatches_300mmx240mm_RVB.webp) *Cartier* The Panthère de Cartier extends the Maison’s feline elegance with an all-diamond bracelet and case that captures every glimmer of light, reflecting Cartier’s mastery of both design and technique. ## **The Beauty of the Miniature** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/EXCLUPR00063_EveningWatches_240mmx300mm_RVB.webp) *Cartier* Cartier’s reinterpretation of the cocktail watch feels like a conversation between decades. Octagonal and rectangular forms meet supple bracelets paved in baguette and brilliant-cut diamonds, evoking the glamour of the 1920s with a modern sensibility. Emeralds and onyx lend depth and contrast, a nod to the Maison’s Art Deco heritage, while the faceted sapphire crystal transforms each dial into a gem in its own right. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/EXCLUPR00067_EveningWatches_300mmx240mm_RVB-2240x1792.webp) *Cartier* To own a Cartier watch is not simply owning a timepiece: they are heirlooms in motion, sculptures of light and precision that carry the Cartier signature of classic sophistication and beauty. For those who understand that true luxury lies not in excess but in execution, Cartier’s evening watches invite a return to elegance that is felt, not announced. Discover more at [Cartier.com](https://www.cartier.com/en-us/home). **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** cartier, evening watch --- ### [The Estate Makati: An Elegant, But Rigorous, Approach to Design at Apartment Ridge](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/properties/the-estate-makati-an-elegant-but-rigorous-approach-to-design-at-apartment-ridge/) **Published:** December 19, 2025 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** Towers in Manila appear almost by reflex, but very few projects can credibly claim to reshape the upper tier of residential property. In its location, construction, and long-term investment fundamentals, The Estate Makati stands firmly among them. A joint development between SM Residences and Federal Land, Inc., the tower rises on the last undeveloped parcel of Apartment Ridge, the discreet strip that has long been home to families at the center of the Philippines’ business and cultural life. The address alone carries weight; what distinguishes The Estate Makati is the decision to match that history with an unusually rigorous approach to design and construction. ## Foster + Partners and the Value of Structure The building is designed by Foster + Partners, the British architectural practice behind projects such as Hong Kong International Airport and the glass dome of the German Reichstag—schemes that must work at scale, under public scrutiny, and over decades. In Makati, the firm applies the same discipline to a 60-story residential tower. The Estate Makati is organized around a cruciform plan that goes beyond aesthetic flourish, allowing every residence panoramic views, cross-ventilation, and, critically, privacy. Units are pushed away from one another, avoiding the “window-to-window” situation common in dense business districts. The effect is to make each apartment feel like a corner unit, even high above Ayala Avenue. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-04-at-15332-PM.webp) Inside, the choice of column-free layouts is another clear, structural decision. By pushing vertical supports into the building’s core and perimeter, the developers free owners from the usual forest of internal columns. Rooms can be arranged more flexibly, and spaces can adapt as needs change, without fighting the skeleton of the building. That flexibility is reinforced by a double-slab construction system, which creates space to run services independently of structural elements. For residents, this translates into the ability to pursue more bespoke layouts or specialized installations while preserving the building’s integrity. For a project marketed as a legacy asset, the message is straightforward: the tower is built to accommodate change without compromising its frame. The façade is angled and modeled in response to the tropical climate, managing sunlight and heat while opening up long views across the commercial and residential districts around it. Across the day, the tower reads differently in the skyline as light shifts along its surfaces. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/The-Sky-GardenRGB_color0024-1.webp) ## Engineering for the Long Term Behind the architectural gestures is a substantial amount of engineering work aimed squarely at long-term reliability. The 60-story tower has been designed using advanced structural methodologies and tested against global ground motion records. The Estate Makati’s system was subjected to detailed nonlinear simulations to see how it would behave across a range of earthquake scenarios. According to the technical assessments, the building meets—and in certain aspects, exceeds—both the National Structural Code of the Philippines and international seismic standards. For buyers, many of whom are acquiring with the next generation in mind, this is the crux of the offer. The tower’s proposition is not only location and brand, but the assurance that the structure itself has been analyzed beyond minimum compliance. In a market where “luxury” is often reduced to finishes and amenities, The Estate Makati places the conversation back on fundamentals: stability, safety, and confidence in the envelope that holds everything else. ## The Last Site on Apartment Ridge Location remains the project’s most irreproducible asset. The Estate Makati occupies the final developable site along Apartment Ridge, the strip that has defined discreet high-end living in the central business district for decades. From this vantage point, residents sit within minutes of corporate headquarters, hotels, and retail corridors, but remain slightly tangential to the busiest frontages. It is, in effect, the city’s central address viewed from a half-step back. The daily routine—office, lunches, dinners, errands—can be contained within a compact radius, while home retains the quieter character of a long-standing residential enclave. ## Service as Extension of Design While much of the narrative centers on architecture and engineering, the developers are explicit that day-to-day life in the building must match the ambition of its structure. Residents can expect lifestyle services that are designed less as spectacle and more as an invisible framework around daily routines—concierge support, coordination, and operations meant to preserve privacy and ease. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-04-at-15558-PM.webp) This philosophy aligns closely with the tower’s physical language: disciplined layouts, controlled light, and an emphasis on arrival and retreat. Even private lift lobbies for every residence underscore this point. ## A Building Positioned as a Legacy Asset The Estate Makati is presented as a building conceived to last. Its design by Foster + Partners, its structural methodologies, and its position on the final lot of Apartment Ridge are all marshalled toward a single message: this is real estate meant to hold its ground—in engineering terms, in urban terms, and in the context of family portfolios that think in decades, not cycles. With structural works completed and the project moving toward full readiness, The Estate Makati is set to join the small group of residential towers that define Makati’s upper tier. For buyers looking for a property where address, structure, and long-term outlook align, it offers a clear, and finite, proposition: there will not be another site like this on Apartment Ridge. Those interested in exploring the development further may arrange a private presentation through [theestatemakati.com](https://theestatemakati.com/). **Categories:** Design, Home & Design, Homes, Properties --- ### [The 15 Best Luxury Hotels in Rome](https://robbreport.ph/travel/the-15-best-luxury-hotels-in-rome/) **Published:** June 8, 2026 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** Roman emperors like Hadrian and Diocletian covered their lavish villas in marble and built vast bathhouses that were essentially the world’s first spas, so it should come as no surprise that many of the Eternal City’s most luxurious hotels pay homage to them in one way or another. After all, the city has been drawing travelers since the days of the Roman Empire. During the Grand Tour era in the 18th century, poets, painters, and aristocrats flocked here to admire the city’s ancient ruins and baroque art and architecture—still valid reasons to visit now, though today’s travelers will find plenty of modern pleasures as well. Over the past few years, the city’s hotel scene has exploded. International hotel groups like Anantara and [Six Senses](https://robbreport.ph/tag/six-senses/ "six senses") have set up their first hotels in the city, Italian brands including [Bulgari](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/design/a-peek-at-the-craftsmanship-of-the-bulgari-hotel-in-rome/ "A Peek at the Craftsmanship of the Bulgari Hotel in Rome") and ROMEO have expanded their footprint with openings, and historic stalwarts such as the Hassler and Hotel de Russie have undergone upgrades in order to keep up with the competition. In short, there are more choices than ever. Here, in alphabetical order, are our picks for the 15 best luxury hotels in Rome right now. ## 1. Best Rooftop: Anantara Palazzo Naiadi ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/660811-Anantara_Palazzo_Naiadi_Rome_Hotel_Rooftop_Pool_20-f0c510-original-1773092107.webp) *Photo: Giovanna di Lisciandro/Anantara Hotels & Resorts* The historic hotel (c. 1887) set in a distinctive neoclassical building overlooking the Fountain of the Naiads on Piazza della Repubblica finally seems to have found the right steward in [Anantara](https://www.anantara.com/en/palazzo-naiadi-rome), a Thai brand known for luxurious spas and excellent F&B. When they took over the hotel a few years ago, they completely revamped the public spaces, starting with the lobby, where they kept the massive chandelier that hangs from the soaring ceiling but swapped out the tired furnishings for sleek, modern sofas and an elegant oval bar. Dining options now include the Michelin-starred INEO led by lauded chef Heros De Agostinis and Seen, the trendy rooftop restaurant and bar serving creative cocktails and sushi. **Best amenity:** The rooftop pool—a rarity in Rome—overlooking Piazza della Repubblica. If you’re visiting in the summer, when temperatures can soar to 95 degrees, it’s a godsend. **Can’t-miss experience:** The tasting menu at INEO is worth it for the roving bread cart alone—don’t skip the ‘sfoglia,’ a spiral-shaped savory croissant. *From $863* ## 2. Sexiest: Bulgari Hotel Rome ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/bvlgari-spa-rome.webp) *Photo: Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts* Modern opulence is the name of the game at [Bulgari Hotel Rome](https://www.bulgarihotels.com/en_US/rome)—sparkling jewelry in glass cases dazzles as you enter the lobby. Between all the marble and lacquered wood polished to a high sheen, nearly every surface shines. When designing the hotel set on Piazza Augusto Imperatore near the Spanish Steps, ACPV Architects Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel took their cues from the building’s 1940s rationalist architecture and the glory of ancient Rome, adding intricate mosaics in the bathrooms of the 114 rooms and suites and recreating patterns from the Baths of Caracalla in the indoor pool. From the ground-floor café to the rooftop bar, all the food and beverage offerings are curated by Michelin-starred chef Niko Romito, who pays homage to classic Italian dishes such as spaghetti with tomato sauce and tiramisu. **Best amenity:** The aforementioned pool is a show-stopper; it’s part of the offering at the Bvlgari Spa, a more than 10,000-square-foot oasis with outstanding treatments using Augustinus Bader’s skincare line. **Can’t-miss experience:** Sunday brunch at Il Ristorante – Niko Romito is a truly extravagant affair, with a buffet laden with oysters, salads, freshly baked focaccia, cheeses, and charcuterie—and those are just the antipasti. Pastas and mains are then brought to the table to enjoy family-style before guests are invited to the dessert room. *From $2,500* ## 3. Buzziest New Hotel: Corinthia Rome ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/CHR_Restaurants_Ocra_WhatTheFox-0014.webp) *Photo: Jonathan Maloney for What The Fox Studio* For its [Italian debut](https://robbreport.com/travel/hotels/lists/best-new-luxury-hotels-2026-1237467900/corinthia-rome-2/), the Malta-born [Corinthia](https://www.corinthia.com/en-gb/rome/) brand pulled out all the stops, starting with the location in a former Bank of Italy building in the heart of the historic center on Piazza del Parlamento. It’s sure to draw government big-wigs to Viride, the fine dining restaurant, and Piazzetta, the more casual spot in the courtyard, both by famed Milanese chef Carlo Cracco. The 60 rooms and suites are done up in soothing tones of cream and silver, with more than a dozen different types of marble used in the bathrooms. Downstairs, in the former vault, you can relax in the sauna, steam room, and dipping pool, followed by a massage featuring products by Seed to Skin, an organic Tuscan skincare line. **Best amenity:** The bar cart parked in the lounge is at the ready to deliver ice-cold martinis to your room, should a hankering strike. **Can’t-miss experience:** An aperitivo at Bar Ocra beneath its gold-leaf ceilings. Creative cocktails like the Elderflower Bloom, a refreshing combination of vodka, orange liqueur, blueberries, and elderberry cordial, accompanied by miniature supplì (fried rice croquettes) and other tasty bites is the perfect prelude to dinner at Viride. *From $1,497* ## 4. For the Crowd: Hotel de Russie ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/RFH_Hotel_de_Russie__Valadier_Suite.webp) *Photo: Rocco Forte Hotels* When it opened in 2000, [Rocco Forte’s flagship property](https://www.roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/hotel-de-russie/) was Rome’s first true luxury boutique hotel and it still retains a loyal following of locals and VIPs who return for the fabulous design, excellent food, and discreet service. Over the years, the 117 rooms and suites have been refreshed, the restaurant has been updated (both behind-the-scenes with a new kitchen and in the dining room, where new floors have been laid and frescoes painted), and the spa has been restyled. In 2025, the seasonal Aquazzura Bar debuted on the terrace adjacent to the beautiful tiered garden planted with flowers and orange trees. Revered chef Fulvio Pierangelini oversees the restaurant, which serves unfussy Italian cuisine (think ravioli cacio e pepe and sea bass served tableside). **Best amenity:** In an industry with a high turnover rate, it means a lot that there are a number of staff members who have been working here for 20+ years and have a knack for making normal people feel like celebrities and celebrities feel like normal people. **Can’t-miss experience:** Aperitivo in the outdoor courtyard of the Stravinskij Bar is especially pleasant in the spring and fall, when you can sip the hotel’s take on a spritz with their house-made version of Aperol and luxuriate in the peaceful setting. *From $1,727* ## 5. For the Views: Hotel de la Ville ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/RFH-Hotel-de-la-Ville-De-La-Ville-Suite-MA-020r-Oct-25-Copia-Copia.webp) *Photo: Mattia Aquila/Rocco Forte Hotels* Hotel de Russie’s [sister hotel](https://www.roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/hotel-de-la-ville/) is just a ten-minute stroll (and a climb up the Spanish Steps) away. Entering off the prestigious Via Sistina, home to the Trinità dei Monti Church crowning the steps, you can tell that it’s part of the Rocco Forte family, but it has its own identity. Befitting the location in what was once known as the “English Ghetto,” the hotel’s interiors nod to the Grand Tour era, with colorful Piranesi prints, antiques, and statuettes of Roman monuments. The ground-floor restaurant has been transformed into Café Ginori, while breakfast is served in the courtyard restaurant Mosaico with a full buffet and hot dishes made to order. **Best amenity:** There are a number of suites with either a small balcony or a terrace, but nothing beats the De La Ville Panoramic Penthouse, essentially an apartment with six bedrooms, three living rooms, and four spacious terraces totaling 3,853 square feet. **Can’t-miss experience:** The views from Cielo, the hotel’s rooftop bar and restaurant, are the best in the city. Go at sunset for creative cocktails (the current menu is inspired by the golden age of cinema) and panoramic views. Stay for chef Fulvio Pierangelini’s caprese salad with avocado and divine spaghetti al pomodoro. *From $1,381* ## 6. For the F&B: Hotel Eden ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Hotel-eden-Roma-Aperitif-with-view-at-Il-Giardino-Bar.webp) *Photo: Hotel Eden Roma* Originally opened in 1899, [Hotel Eden](https://www.dorchestercollection.com/rome/hotel-eden) was a favorite haunt of director Federico Fellini and actors Marcello Mastroianni and Ingrid Bergman during the *Dolce Vita* heyday. Following a rebirth in 2017, when it became part of the Dorchester Collection, it rejoined the ranks of Rome’s top luxury hotels and has since hosted VIPs and even served as a backdrop on *Emily in Paris*. The lobby wows with gold coffered ceilings, marble floors, and classic furnishings, while the Michelin-starred La Terrazza, the casual Il Giardino restaurant, and the attached bar (all on the rooftop) lean more contemporary, with sleek, modern furnishings and large windows that draw your attention to the views. Just don’t be so distracted that you miss what’s on your plate—both restaurants serve gourmet Italian cuisine by chef Salvatore Bianco, who hails from Campania and brings the flavors of Naples and the Amalfi Coast to the capital. **Best amenity:** The wall of fame, located in the stairwell between the fifth and sixth floors, displays black-and-white photos of the many famous guests who have stayed here over the years. **Can’t-miss experience:** You’re in for a fabulous evening indeed when you start with an aperitivo at Il Giardino Bar and then migrate over to La Terrazza for one of the memorable tasting menus. The staff here are among the best in the biz, especially at the bar, where they like to joke around with the guests and make sure everyone is having a good time. *From $1,568* ## 7. Best Comeback: Hotel d’Inghilterra ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Starhotrels_Hotel_dInghilterra_RM_Suite-2.webp) *Photo: Martino Dini/Hotel d’Inghilterra* Housed in a 16th-century palazzo built by the aristocratic Torlonia family, this grand dame was [named in homage to the English travelers](https://collezione.starhotels.com/en/our-hotels/hotel-d-inghilterra-rome/) who flocked there during the Grand Tour. The moment you arrive, you’ll be greeted by the doorman in a top hat—just one sign of the old-school hospitality you can expect within. A top-to-bottom renovation in 2024 brought this member of Starhotels Collezione and Small Luxury Hotels up to date while preserving its historic heritage. Antiques were restored and put in prominent places, rooms and suites were upgraded with new furnishings and fixtures, the beloved Café Romano got a facelift, and the energy infrastructure was upgraded, rendering the hotel more sustainable and making space for a new rooftop bar. **Best amenity:** The intimate library and adjacent lounge where you can admire archival images of the hotel and perhaps sip a cup of tea or something stronger. **Can’t-miss experience:** The bartender at the Café Romano Lounge Bar, an intimate space redolent of English clubs, makes an excellent martini. Sidewalk seating at the restaurant lets you watch the world go by as you dine on revisited Roman classics by talented young chef Andrea Sangiuliano. *From $863* ## 8. Family-Run: Hotel Hassler ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/hassler-rome-views.webp) *Photo: Tommy Picone/The Hassler Roma* One of the last remaining independently run, family-owned hotels left in Rome, the [Hassler](https://www.hotelhasslerroma.com/) is a grande dame in the truest sense of the word. Since legendary fifth-generation hotelier Roberto Wirth passed away in 2022, his twin son and daughter Roberto Jr. and Veruschka have taken the reins, embarking on an ambitious plan to refresh the property, which has been a landmark atop the Spanish Steps since it opened in 1893. They tapped French interior designer Jacques Garcia to redo part of the lobby and the Palm Court Garden. The Michelin-starred restaurant Imàgo has been restyled by local architect Andrea Marini Leandri. A new two-story spa excavated under the Spanish Steps will be revealed this fall. The 87 rooms and suites are refreshed on a rolling basis; some evoke Art Deco style, others are more classic. If views are a priority, request one of the street-facing rooms on a higher floor. **Best amenity:** An electric courtesy car is on hand to whisk guests around town—because the Spanish Steps are nice to look at but not so fun to climb, especially on a hot summer day. **Can’t-miss experience:** After a day of sightseeing, return to the hotel and head up to the 7th floor terrace for a cocktail while watching the sunset. *From $1,612* ## 9. Best-Kept Secret: Hotel Vilòn ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/90453532-h1-_dsc7953.webp) *Photo: Hotel Vilòn* Tucked away on a quiet cobblestone street near the Spanish Steps, this member of Small Luxury Hotels has a cozy, residential feel. Set in a 16th-century annex to Palazzo Borghese, whose verdant gardens are visible from the rooms on the upper floors, [Hotel Vilòn](https://hotelvilon.com/en/) was designed by architect Giampiero Panepinto and set designer Paolo Bonfini, who imbued it with a bit of cinematic flair. Midcentury-mod furnishings mingle with striped tables, printed rugs, and photographs by Florentine photographer Massimo Listri in the public spaces, while rooms feature oversized botanical prints and gold accents. There are only 18 keys, so the staff are able to devote personalized attention to each guest. **Best amenity:** The young general manager, Martina Avitabile, brings a warm, feminine approach to hospitality, making guests feel truly at home. Her pleasant demeanor trickles down to the staff. **Can’t-miss experience:** Lunch or dinner in the intimate, plant-filled courtyard of Adelaide, featuring recipes drawn from executive chef Gabriele Muro’s roots on the idyllic island of Procida off the coast of Naples. *From $1,094* ## 10. Service: J.K. Place Roma ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/JKPlaceRome__4442.webp) *Photo: Christos Drazos/Leading Hotels of the World* Just down the street from Hotel Vilòn, [J.K. Place Roma](https://www.jkplaces.com/jkroma/) is a discreet, residential-feeling member of the Leading Hotels of the World carved out of a former architecture school. Designed by acclaimed architect Michele Bönan, it feels more like the home of your very chic Roman friends than a hotel, with marble statues, potted palms, club chairs, and coffee table books by Assouline. There are plenty of places to relax, from the living room to the library lounge, where you can sip an espresso macchiato or a Negroni. JKCafé serves club sandwiches and Caesar salads in addition to classic Roman pastas and mains. You’re sure to get a good night’s sleep atop the beds swathed in silky soft sheets and monogrammed pillows. **Best amenity:** The staff really go the extra mile, making an effort to get to know guests and attend to their every need. They also have the connections to arrange exclusive experiences, like private shopping at the nearby designer boutiques on Via dei Condotti. **Can’t-miss experience:** Borrow one of the hotel’s e-bikes for a ride along the Tiber or the gravel paths of the idyllic Villa Borghese park. Just watch out for aggressive Roman drivers. *From $1,153* ## 11. Locals’ Haunt: Orient Express La Minerva ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Orient-Express-La-Minervaentrance.webp) *Photo: Alexandre Tabaste* The Orient Express is synonymous with Jazz Age glamour, and the recently revived brand’s [first foray into hotels](https://robbreport.ph/travel/orient-express-just-opened-an-opulent-new-hotel-in-venice-heres-a-look-inside/ "Orient Express Just Opened an Opulent New Hotel in Venice—Here’s a Look Inside") channels that era without delving into pastiche. For [the rebirth of the historic hotel on Piazza della Minerva](https://www.orient-express.com/en/hotel/europe/italy/rome/la-minerva), just steps from the Pantheon, Accor smartly tapped rising star artist-architect Hugo Toro, who obsessed over every detail, designing Lalique-inspired carved panels on the lobby bar, bedside tables resembling steamer trunks, and even the plates used at the rooftop restaurant, Gigi Rigolatto. While other hotels include subtle references to Rome’s art and architecture, Minerva feels the most Roman of all the city’s top hotels. **Best amenity:** The rooftop restaurant and bar, Gigi Rigolatto, draws the crowds for its bird’s-eye views of the Pantheon, but the speakeasy hidden off the lobby is the late-night spot for those in the know. Forget peanuts and potato chips—the cocktails are served with homemade taralli and spiced macadamia nuts. **Can’t-miss experience:** Decompress in the spa, whose latticed wood interiors evoke an Ottoman bathhouse, with a turn in the steam bath before getting a pampering facial with products by organic Sicilian skincare line Furtuna Skin. *From $1,104* ## 12. Interior Design: Palazzo Talìa ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Palazzo-Talia-Rome.webp) *Photo: Palazzo Talìa* Filmmaker Luca Guadagnino—the man behind cult films like *I Am Love*, *Call Me By Your Name*, and *Challengers*—lent his cinematic eye to the [Palazzo Talìa](https://www.palazzotalia.com/en), housed in a former school just steps from the Trevi Fountain. As soon as you enter, you’re struck by the massive 1940s Murano glass chandelier set above a specially commissioned colorblocked carpet. Studiolucaguadagnino deftly used color throughout, to give bold character to spaces like the Aula Magna upstairs and Bar della Musa, with its ceramic polychrome bar and mirrored tiles that reflect the original ceiling frescoes. In the warmer months, Tremae Restaurant spills out into the courtyard. **Best amenity:** The magnificent Aula Magna, which has 36-foot-high frescoed ceilings, diamond-patterned floors, and ancient Roman busts, can be used for private events or closed off together with a Junior Suite and Grand Junior Suite to create the spacious Talìa Suite. **Can’t-miss experience:** Join the stylish locals for an aperitivo or late-night drinks and bites at Bar della Musa—it’s *the* place to be on Friday nights. *From $863* ## **13**. Exclusivity: Romeo Hadid Roma ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/ROMEO-Roma-Lobby-1-C-ROMEO-Collection.webp) *Photo: Giulia Venanzi/Romeo Roma* For guests who prize privacy and exclusivity above all else, this [high-design hotel ](https://theromeocollection.com/en/romeo-roma/)near Piazza del Popolo delivers. With the exception of the Alain Ducasse restaurant, all the other F&B outlets, including the casual Il Cortile restaurant, the ground-floor bar, and the rooftop Krug Terrace, are exclusively open for hotel guests, as is the Sisley Paris Spa. Much of the buzz surrounding the hotel, which opened in 2025, centered on the sleek, futuristic design by Zaha Hadid Architects, which is truly unlike anything else in the Eternal City, and the arrival of decorated French chef Alain Ducasse, but the hotel also has an impressive art collection with works by contemporary artists such as Arnaldo Pomodoro, Igor Mitoraj, and Francesco Clemente. **Best amenity:** Breakfast by Alain Ducasse is worth waking up for. It’s served a la carte, with flaky French croissants and pain au chocolat, eggs benedict, and healthy options like gravlax salmon served with buckwheat blinis and sour cream, fresh fruit, and green juice. **Can’t-miss experience:** Suit up and go for a swim in the indoor-outdoor pool, which has a glass bottom that gives you a peek at Roman ruins underneath. *From $1,740* ## 14. Best Spa: Six Senses Rome ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Six_Senses_Rome_Calidarium_and_Tepidarium_9951-ORIGINAL-1.webp) *Photo: Six Senses Rome* Thai-born wellness brand [Six Senses](https://www.sixsenses.com/en/hotels-resorts/europe/italy/rome/) has a strong focus on sustainability, which it brought to Rome for its first urban hotel and its first hotel in Italy. The design by lauded architect Patricia Urquiola appears meant to soothe, with soft hues and tactile, natural materials like travertine, wood, and linen used throughout the 96 rooms and public spaces. It definitely feels like an urban oasis set on Via del Corso, the city’s busiest shopping thoroughfare. Breakfast and all-day dining are served on the ground floor at Bivium, while the seasonal Notos Rooftop offers a menu of tempting cocktails and creative Mediterranean plates. **Best amenity:** The expansive, two-story spa is one-of-its-kind in Rome, with offerings that go way beyond the standard massages and facials. There’s a wet area inspired by ancient Roman baths, biohacking therapies, yoga, and an alchemy bar where you can create your own body scrub. **Can’t-miss experience:** Zone out and recalibrate your energy during a sound healing meditation or check in for a multi-day program focused on improving your sleep quality. Compression boots get the blood flowing in tired legs—especially useful if you’ve just come off a long flight. *From $1,345* ## 15. Old-School Cool: St. Regis Rome ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Lumen-Garden-.webp) *Photo: Lorenzo Ducci/The St. Regis Rome* Founded by César Ritz (yes, that Ritz) in 1894, the [St. Regis](https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/romxr-the-st-regis-rome/overview/) just off Piazza della Repubblica got a sophisticated glow-up courtesy of Pierre-Yves Rochon in 2018 and feels fresher than ever. Original frescoes were restored, marble was polished, and the color scheme was lightened up with a silver-and-blue palette accenting the white and cream walls. Lumen Cocktails & Cuisine in the lobby lounge is the hotel’s all-day dining destination serving everything from breakfast to after-dinner drinks, with afternoon tea in between. For an intimate tête-à-tête, snag one of the booths in the sapphire-blue library lounge. The hotel also contains an outpost of contemporary art gallery Galleria Continua and has an impressive collection of sculptures scattered throughout the public spaces. **Best amenity:** The signature St. Regis butler service is a major perk. Butlers are on call 24/7 to handle tasks like packing and unpacking, organizing wardrobes with amenities, preparing tea, providing kids’ turndown amenities, and recommending premieres and exhibitions in town. **Can’t-miss experience:** Lumen hosts a number of activations and events throughout the year, including concerts by the St. Regis Orchestra, DJ sets, Easter brunch, and art openings. But even if there’s nothing special planned during your stay, you can always catch the daily Champagne Sabering ritual followed by live music and dinner. *From $1,243* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Travel **Tags:** Best of, Evergreen, hotels, italy, rome --- ### [Here’s Why Bang & Olufsen’s $1,500 Earbuds Are Worth It](https://robbreport.ph/tech/audio/heres-why-bang-olufsens-1500-earbuds-are-worth-it/) **Published:** December 17, 2025 **Author:** Bryan Hood **Content:** No piece of [audio](https://robbreport.ph/tech/audio/ "Audio") equipment has evolved more in recent years than the in-ear headphone. Earbuds, especially those without wires, have always been more convenient than over-ears, but now, thanks to increasingly small drivers, they also sound as good. There’s no pair this is more true of than Bang & Olufsen’s new earbuds, the Beo Grace. The Danish company’s latest caused a stir when they were announced in September. It wasn’t their design, aluminum construction, or long-lasting battery life that got people talking; it was the [$1,500 ](https://www.theverge.com/news/783590/bang-olufsen-beo-grace-earbuds-pricing-availability)[price](https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/bang--olufsens-beo-grace-earbuds-will-cost-you-1500-103012904.html). I’ve since spent a few weeks with the Beo Grace, using them to listen to music on walks, drown out the subway during my commute, and relax at the end of the day. They’re impressive by any metric, but read on to find out whether or not they justify their cost. ## Audio Performance ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/bang-and-olufsen-beo-grace-4-1.webp) The Bang & Olufsen earbuds and charging case. Bang & Olufsen This year’s Robb Report Audio Awards showed that there are several in-ear headphones that offer excellent sonic performance, like the Bowers & Wilkin Pi8 and the Technics EAH-AZ100. But none of them can match Beo Grace. Incredibly, listening to music on Bang & Olufsen’s latest doesn’t feel all that different from slipping on the brand’s top-of-the-line over-ears, the $2,200 Beoplay H100. Each ’bud features a 12 mm titanium driver covered by a precision-milled aluminum grille that delivers audio that is powerful, rich, and startlingly clear. Whether I was listening to Rosalía’s boundary-pushing pop, Kali Malone’s austere chamber arrangements, or Earl Sweatshirt’s fuzz-drenched rap, the music came through sounding lively and detailed. Fidelity-obsessed audiophiles will find something to quibble with, but everyone else will be wowed. The Beo Grace has five pre-set Sound Modes that you can cycle through on the company’s app—including a surprisingly useful podcast setting—along with a Spatial Audio feature that actually makes some recordings feel more immersive. You can also create your own mode, giving you access to the brand’s easy-to-use BeoSonic equalizer. ## Noise Cancelling and Battery ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/bang-and-olufsen-beo-grace-1.webp) The earbuds feature Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation, which includes a TrueTransparency setting. Bang & Olufsen Headphones aren’t just expected to sound good in 2025. They also need to produce something close to pure silence. I found the Beo Grace’s Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) are just as effective at blocking out environmental din as the Bose Ultra QuietComfort Earbuds. Working with six studio-grade microphones, the software offers five levels of ANC; the lowest, TrueTransparency, might make you forget you’re wearing earbuds. That last setting was particularly useful while on the phone, since it negated the echo of my voice. Unfortunately, ANC can’t be turned off, though I, someone prone to eardrum suck over prolonged periods, found this easy to deal with. Battery life was also stellar. Bang & Olufsen says its headphones offer up to four and a half hours of listening time between charges, a number that can be boosted to 17 hours if you’re using them with the charging case. A five-minute charge is all you need for two-and-half hours of listening time, too. Beo Grace was designed to last, and because of this its custom battery management system was designed to surpass 2,000 charging cycles, four times more than is standard. ## Look and Feel ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/bang-and-olufsen-beo-grace-2.webp) The earbuds feature a sculpted, jewelry-inspired look. Bang & Olufsen Bang & Olufsen is known for placing an emphasis on how its products look, and the Beo Grace doesn’t stray from that in the slightest. Sure, they have those ubiquitous stems—just like ever-popular Apple AirPods Pro and the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Eleven—but their sculpted, jewelry-inspired look ensures they stand out. At first, I thought the polished aluminum was a little too much, but I’ve really come around to it. The earbuds, which are made entirely of aluminum except for the silicone eartip, are also light. This makes it easier to get the right fit since you don’t have to worry about them shifting around too much, which was an issue with the Beoplay Eleven. The touch controls are also reliable, including the Neartap feature, which has you tap the skin in front of your ear to increase or decrease the volume. Finally, I loved the pearl-blasted charging case, which not only doesn’t feel like an afterthought but is also actually nice to hold in your hand. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/bang-and-olufsen-beo-grace-3.webp) The case, like the earbuds, is made from aluminum. Bang & Olufsen There’s no way around it: The Bang & Olufsen Beo Grace are expensive. But they’re also the best pair of wireless earbuds I’ve used over the last few years. They both look and feel great, and sound just like a pair of top-rate over-ears. Their promised battery life also suggests that buying them is more of an investment than a splurge. If you don’t want to have to worry about buying another pair of in-ear headphones in a year or two, the Beo Grace is the choice. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Audio, Tech **Tags:** bang & olufsen --- ### [The 7 Best Luxury Station Wagons to Buy Right Now](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-7-best-luxury-station-wagons-to-buy-right-now/) **Published:** February 23, 2026 **Author:** Bryan Hood **Content:** No vehicle class has been more affected by the rise of the SUV than the station wagon. The body style was dealt a serious blow by the introduction of the minivan in the 1980s before being finished off a decade later by the larger, more versatile people movers. In 2024, *[Car and Drive reports](https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a64218329/wagon-market-analysis/)*, just one percent of vehicles sold in the U.S. were wagons. Despite this, some life is still left in the body style—especially in the luxury segment. Longroof lovers have Europe to thank for this. Marques like Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and Volvo continue to bring long-roof models to market. They’ve also, in recent years, finally started bringing over the high-performance wagons enthusiasts have coveted for so long, like the [Audi RS 6 Avant Performance](https://robbreport.ph/cars/practical-and-powerful-the-audi-rs-6-performance/ "Practical and Powerful: The Audi RS 6 Performance") and [BMW M5 Touring](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-new-bmw-m5-vs-v8-plug-in-hybrids/ "The New BMW M5 Vs. V8 Plug-In Hybrids"). The options aren’t exactly plentiful, but there’s enough choice out there to find the perfect wagon for you. (Note: The Volvo V90 was previously on this list, but the V90 was discontinued globally in 2025. The V60 Cross Country also seems to be on its way out as well, at least in America, though, for now, it’s still listed on Volvo’s website.) ## 7. Most Versatile: Mercedes-Benz E 450 4MATIC All-Terrain ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/eallterrain.webp) *Photo: Mercedes-Benz* [Mercedes-Benz](https://robbreport.ph/tag/mercedes-benz/ "mercedes benz") wasn’t about to let Audi have all the wagon fun. In 2023, the luxury marque announced that it was bringing a long-roof variant of the redesigned E-Class to the U.S. The standard version is the E450 4Matic All Terrain, an attractive wagon that you can take off-road with confidence. It may not look as rugged as Audi’s A6 Allroad, but this Merc’s 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six and all-wheel-drive system make it a match for all but the most punishing of terrain. It’s also got some pep, with its mill pumping out 375 hp, enough to push it from zero to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds. **In Production Since:** 1993 **Powertrain:** 3.0-liter turbocharge inline-six **Power:** 375 hp and 369 ft lbs of torque **Zero to 60 mph:** 4.6 seconds **Top Speed:** 130 mph **Starting Price:** $71,600 ## 6. Best Sports Car Alternative: BMW M5 Touring ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/m5touring00.webp) *Photo: Fabian Kirchbauer/BMW* Sometimes, if you wish for something hard enough, it happens. Just ask the [BMW](https://robbreport.ph/tag/bmw/ "bmw") enthusiast who’s been praying the company would bring one of its vaunted M5 wagons, currently known as the [M5 Touring](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-new-bmw-m5-vs-v8-plug-in-hybrids/ "The New BMW M5 Vs. V8 Plug-In Hybrids"), to the U.S. Well, after three long decades, it’s finally happening. The company began teasing the M-badged long roof earlier this year before pulling back the curtain on the vehicle during Monterey Car Week. And the fearsome estate car does not disappoint. The M5 Touring is an aggressively styled beast, with some legitimate everyday functionality thanks to its 57.6 cubic feet of “flexible load-carrying capacity.” The big story here, of course, is the twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 lurking under the hood. The mill produces 717 horses, which is enough to rocket the wagon from zero to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds to a top speed of 190 mph. **In Production Since:** 1992 (2025 in the U.S.) **Top Powertrain Option:** Twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 **Power:** 717 hp and 738 ft lbs of torque **Zero to 60 mph:** 3.5 seconds **Top Speed:** 190 mph **Starting Price:** $122,675 ## 5. Best for Off-Roading: Audi A6 Allroad ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/a6allroad.webp) *Photo: Audi* The Audi A6 Allroad may lack the flat-out performance of the RS 6 Avant Performance, but it is the more versatile of the marque’s current wagons (the A4 Allroad was discontinued after 2024). That’s because the cult-favorite model, which was introduced at the tail end of the last century, was designed specifically for off-roading. It’s powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 that makes 335 hp and 369 ft lbs of torque, which is sent to all four corners via Audi’s trademark quattro all-wheel-drive system. It’s not as visually striking as the Autobahn-conquering RS6 Avant, but its raised ride height, chunky protective cladding, and all-terrain tires make it a welcome alternative to the brand’s sometimes generic-looking SUVs. **In Production Since:** 1999 **Powertrain:** 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 **Power:** 335 hp and 369 ft lbs of torque **Zero to 60 mph:** 5.4 seconds **Top Speed:** 130 mph **Starting Price:** $70,500 ## 4. Best Electric Option: Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_Porsche_Taycan_Cross_Turismo.webp) *Photo: Porsche* Porsche lost a wagon model when the model year calendar flipped from 2023 to 2024, but the one that is left is still pretty impressive—and the only fully electric option you can currently buy in the U.S. As has been the case now, the automaker offers four [Taycan](https://robbreport.ph/cars/porsche-just-unveiled-a-stealthy-new-black-edition-of-the-taycan/ "Porsche Just Unveiled a Stealthy New Black Edition of the Taycan") wagons, each of which carries the Cross Turismo name. Although each is impressive, the pick of the quartet is the Turbo S Cross Turismo, which, in classic Porsche Turbo fashion, is a beast. It’s two E-Performance electric motors combine to produce a hair-raising 938 horses and 818 ft lbs of torque. Thanks to that, this all-wheel-drive speed machine can hit 60 mph in under three seconds. Yes, under three seconds. **In Production Since:** 2019 **Powertrain:** Dual permanently excited synchronous powertrain motors **Power:** 938 hp and 774 ft lbs of torque (Turbo S Cross Turismo) **Zero to 60 mph:** 2.4 seconds **Top Speed:** 155 mph **Starting Price:** $112,000 ## 3. Best Looking: Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid Wagon 4MATIC+ ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/mercedes-amg-e-53-hybrid-wagon-16-w.webp) *Photo: Mercedes-Benz AG – Communications Marketing* The Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid Wagon is more than just a high-performance variant of the standard E-Class longroof. It’s another beast entirely, thanks to a hybrid powertrain. The new setup pairs a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with an electric motor that combine to pump out 577 hp (604 hp in Race Start mode) and 553 ft lbs of torque. Thanks to all that oomph, the AMG E 53 Hybrid Wagon can sprint from zero to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 174 mph. But no matter how fast it’s going, the wagon looks good. It’s been given the AMG treatment, which means it sports a more sculpted look than the standard E-Class, making it one of the best-looking entries in its class. **In Production Since:** 2005 **Powertrain:** 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with an electric motor **Power:** 577 hp (604 hp in Race Start mode) and 553 ft lbs of torque **Zero to 60 mph:** 3.8 seconds **Top Speed:** 174 mph **Starting Price:** Est. $95,000 ## 2. Best SUV Alternative: Volvo V90 Cross Country ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_Volvo_V90_Cross_Country.webp) *Photo: Volvo* The bigger of Volvo’s two wagons, the [V90 Cross Country](https://www.volvocars.com/us/cars/v90-cross-country/), is a mid-size option for drivers who want to always have plenty of cargo room at the ready. In the case of this surprisingly stylish wagon, that means you’ll have access to 69 cubic feet of room, which is more than enough for most of us. It’s not a performance wagon by any stretch of the imagination, but thanks to its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with a mild hybrid system, it can still hit 60 mph in 6.1 seconds. And, as the “Cross Country” part of its name may have given away, it has all-wheel drive. **In Production Since:** 2016 **Top Powertrain Option:** TK **Power:** 295 hp and 310 ft lbs of torque **Zero to 60 mph:** 6.1 seconds **Top Speed:** 112 mph **Starting Price:** $60,995 ## 1. Best Overall: Audi RS 6 Avant Performance ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_Audi_RS_6_Avant_Performance.webp) *Photo: Audi* No automaker seems more committed to the idea of the performance wagon than Audi. The German marque has been building the kind of longroofs enthusiasts lust after since the 1980s. There’s no model that better fits this bill stateside right now better than the RS 6 Avant Performance. Not only is it an Audi that looks sharp, but it’s also powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 that generates a brutish 621 hp and 627 ft lbs of power. Thanks to all that oomph, which is routed to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, the wagon can sprint from zero to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds and hit a top speed of 155 mph, two numbers that help explain why it costs over $125,000. **In Production Since:** 2002 **Powertrain:** Twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 **Power:** 621 hp and 627 ft lbs of torque **Zero to 60 mph:** 3.3 seconds **Top Speed:** 155 mph **Starting Price:** $126,600 *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** Audi, bmw, Feature, mercedes, mercedes benz, porsche, Volvo --- ### [The 13 Best Holiday Cocktails to Mix This Season](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/the-13-best-holiday-cocktails-to-mix-this-season/) **Published:** December 16, 2025 **Author:** Jason O’Bryan **Content:** Despite what the marketing teams may say, there’s no such thing as an “Easter Cocktail.” Nor, for that matter, are there designated cocktails for President’s Day, Purim, or the Autumnal Equinox. But the December holidays? You could buy a different book on “Holiday Cocktails” every day and you’d run out of shelf space before you ran out of drinks. December just hits different. No one ever tells you to “get in the spirit” of Arbor Day but getting into the spirit is practically what the month of December is all about—it’s cold and the sun sets at like 2 p.m. and so everything about our rituals is there to inspire a little seasonal cheer, from the lights to the gifts to the legion of cocktails offering themselves up for a bit of warmth. December is here to invite you to indulgence, to treat yourself. Holiday shopping and visiting family isn’t necessarily a stress-free experience but put both palms around a mug of a well-made Mulled Apple Cider and tell us this isn’t the most magical time of year. Our favorite holiday cocktail list is stacked with old favorites. This time of year, is all about tradition, so whether it’s the liquid hug of a Hot Toddy or a big crowd-pleasing bowl of Spiced Tequila Punch, here are 13 cocktails to have and share this upcoming month. ## Aged Eggnog ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/eggnog_nutmeg.webp) *Photo: bhofack2/iStock/Getty Images Plus* [Eggnog](https://robbreport.com/food-drink/spirits/best-eggnog-recipe-bourbon-cognac-rum-1234585129/) is a hard sell because most people have only had the bad kind, those boring and occasionally gross cartons that line the dairy section of the supermarket every December. Not to overstate it, but this is a tragedy. Eggnog is an aged spirit mixed with eggs, cream, sugar and spices. Do you like ice cream? Great, you’ll like Eggnog. Honestly the only substantial difference between [rum](https://robbreport.com/tag/rum/) ice cream and Eggnog is that the Eggnog has too much alcohol to freeze. It’s liquid dessert. It’s the physical manifestation of treating yourself to, ounce-for-ounce, one of the most outrageously delicious things you can drink. It’s the kind of double-barrel decadence that, one month from now when your New Year’s resolutions have you mainlining adaptogens and doing YouTube yoga, you can look back with a satisfied smile, knowing that you made the most of your Holidays. So enjoy the season and make one now. - 12 egg yolks - 18 oz. white sugar - 36 oz. whole milk - 24 oz. heavy cream - 12 oz. [aged rum](https://clicks.trx-hub.com/xid/pmc_0aaa4_robbreport?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pjtra.com%2Ft%2F8-11928-152170-171064%3Fsid%3DRR--%26website%3D253400%26url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.reservebar.com%252Fproducts%252Fmount-gay-black-barrel-rum%252FGROUPING-46040.html&p=https%3A%2F%2Frobbreport.com%2Ffood-drink%2Fdining%2Flists%2Fbest-christmas-cocktails-recipes-1237400472%2F&ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F&event_type=click&trx-iid=iid1765762710268hfh) - 12 oz. [Cognac](https://clicks.trx-hub.com/xid/pmc_0aaa4_robbreport?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pntrs.com%2Ft%2F8-11928-152170-171064%3Fsid%3DRR--%26website%3D253400%26url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.reservebar.com%252Fcollections%252Fcognac&p=https%3A%2F%2Frobbreport.com%2Ffood-drink%2Fdining%2Flists%2Fbest-christmas-cocktails-recipes-1237400472%2F&ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F&event_type=click&trx-iid=iid1765762710268hfh) - 8 oz. [bourbon](https://clicks.trx-hub.com/xid/pmc_0aaa4_robbreport?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pntrac.com%2Ft%2F8-11928-152170-171064%3Fsid%3DRR--%26website%3D253400%26url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.reservebar.com%252Fproducts%252Fwoodford-reserve-kentucky-straight-bourbon-whiskey-holiday-edition-2023%252FGROUPING-2230185.html&p=https%3A%2F%2Frobbreport.com%2Ffood-drink%2Fdining%2Flists%2Fbest-christmas-cocktails-recipes-1237400472%2F&ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F&event_type=click&trx-iid=iid1765762710268hfh) - ½ tsp. salt *Separate the eggs and keep the whites to use somewhere else—like a merengue or your Whiskey Sour. Using an immersion blender or mixer, beat the yolks with the sugar in a large mixing bowl until the mixture lightens in color. Add dairy to a large bowl, then add the liquor and salt, then slowly beat in the egg mixture. Pour into glass jar or bottle and store in the fridge indefinitely. To serve, pour about 5 oz. into a small glass and garnish with some freshly grated nutmeg. Serves 24.* ## Palo Santo ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/palosanto_e85996.webp) *Photo: Justin Festejo* The problem with adding smoke to your cocktails is that it’s a blunt tool that’s so easy to use wrong. When you’re out at a bar and see the glass cloche filled with smoke lifted to reveal a drink inside, it’s a pretty safe bet that the cocktail will not be good. Smoking a cocktail like that is far too imprecise. But there is a better way to smoke your cocktail and in an episode of our *Cocktails for Grown Ups*, we show you how to do it. First, we demonstrate how you can smoke your syrup if you’re making a bunch of smoky drinks. Second, we show you our method when you’re making just one drink at a time. The smoky cocktail in question here is the [Palo Santo](https://robbreport.com/food-drink/spirits/best-smoked-old-fashioned-recipe-palo-santo-cocktail-1236165542/), one created for the Michelin three-star restaurant Addison. - 2 oz. Buffalo Trace Bourbon - 0.25 oz. cinnamon syrup - 0.125 oz. St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram - 3-4 dashes Fee Brothers Aztec Chocolate Bitters *Combine ingredients in a mixing glass with ice and stir for 10 to 25 seconds (shorter for small ice, longer for big ice). Then, put a piece of palo santo wood on a non-reactive surface (stainless steel, a cast iron pan, or just a larger piece of different wood) and burn it with a blowtorch until it starts to smoke. Invert your glass over the smoke and let it infuse there for eight to 10 seconds, then flip the glass right-side-up, allowing the smoke to escape. Then add ice to a rocks glass and strain the drink over that fresh ice, and garnish with an orange peel.* ## Spiced Tequila Punch ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/best_holiday_punch_recipes.webp) *Photo: Heami Lee* In the world of [tequila](https://robbreport.com/food-drink/spirits/lists/50-best-tequilas-21st-century-1236451829/), it’s the raw brightness of the blancos that garners most of the attention, but when you get into the añejos—tequilas that have slumbered in oak barrels for a few years—you open up a whole new world of potential. You could have a lovely time just drinking Manhattan variations with añejos and sherry instead of whiskey and vermouth, but add some fresh citrus and cinnamon in a large format, and introduce your guests to the deeply spiced luxuriousness of aged agave spirits. - 6 oz. spiced syrup - 18 oz. añejo tequila - 6 oz. Amontillado sherry - 6 oz. lemon juice - 30 oz. chilled cinnamon tea *To make the spiced syrup take 1⁄2 cup sugar, 4 oz. water, four to six cloves, two to four allspice berries and one star anise pod, and combine in a small pot over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Reduce to simmer, covered, for five minutes, then remove from heat and let cool. Once the spiced syrup has been off heat for about five to 10 minutes, peel six lemons and add the peels to spiced syrup, then stir briefly. Let cool to room temperature, then strain out solids. Combine spiced syrup with the rest of the liquids and chill. When it’s time to serve, pour mixture into a large serving bowl and add a very large piece of ice. Garnish with cinnamon sticks, star anise pods and orange wheels.* ## Espresso Martini ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/mr-black-coffee-liqueur.webp) *Photo: Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur* One of the biggest problems with an [Espresso Martini](https://robbreport.com/food-drink/spirits/espresso-martini-recipe-vodka-coffee-cocktail-1234575487/) has been that so few restaurants (let alone homes) have espresso, and aren’t going to get it—we just simply weren’t willing to do the work to make this drink great. But the past decade has done us two favors: It has given us better liqueurs and made cold brew (ice coffee’s stronger big brother) universally available. Suddenly, it’s easy to make the Espresso Martini great, as cold brew has a much longer shelf life than espresso, and is incalculably easier to procure. This has allowed the Espresso Martini—the version that isn’t bad—to be democratized and modernized at the same time. This updated take has an arching dynamic complexity, a deep coffee richness and a sweetness held very much in check. It’s a delightful little drink to have with dessert, if you’d like something stiffer than just a cappuccino with your pie. - 1 oz. vodka - 1 oz. Mr. Black Cold Brew Liqueur - 1 oz. cold brew concentrate - 0.25 oz. simple syrup *Add ingredients to shaker tin, and shake well over ice. Strain up into a coupe or cocktail glass, and garnish with three coffee beans.* ## Mulled Apple Cider ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/hot-cider-patrick-fore-unsplash.webp) *Photo: Patrick Fore/Unsplash* The [Hot Mulled Apple Cider](https://robbreport.com/food-drink/spirits/mulled-hot-apple-cider-whiskey-recipe-1234585126/) cocktail is the most labor-intensive on this list, but even in this august company, it might be the tastiest. It’s also pure fall: Apples are at their very best right now, and we insist that juicing them, mulling the juice with spices and spiking it with Irish whiskey “warms you from the inside in a way you otherwise can only get by watching videos of soldiers coming home to their dogs.” It seems like everyone on the internet has a Mulled Apple Cider recipe and a lot of them get the main points wrong, so check out the instructions [here](https://robbreport.com/food-drink/spirits/mulled-hot-apple-cider-whiskey-recipe-1234585126/), and then do yourself a favor and make it. *Designed for an 8 oz. mug—scale up as needed* - 1.5 oz. Irish whiskey - 4.5 oz. hot mulled apple cider - 1 oz. unsweetened half-whipped heavy cream *Pour whiskey and cider into a pre-heated mug, leaving a little less than one inch of room from the rim. Gently pour half-whipped unsweetened cream so it layers on top. Garnish with a pinch of ground cinnamon.* ## Boozy Hot Chocolate ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/hot_chocolate_shche_team_unsplash.webp) *Photo: Shche Team/Unsplash* Say less. For many if not most, the phrase “[Boozy Hot Chocolate](https://robbreport.com/food-drink/spirits/best-boozy-hot-chocolate-recipe-1234650754/)” is enough for a “yes, please.” It is also, we discovered through rigorous testing, “a robust and durable template, one that practically begs for customization and there’s no one best way to do it.” You could just add a shot of whatever’s closest in reach to microwaved Swiss Miss and it would still be pretty good, but we spent some time decoding how to really make it shine. - 6 oz. milk or cream - 45 g semi-sweet chocolate chips (weight is a much more accurate measure in this instance) - 1 tsp. sugar - 1.5 oz. [reposado](https://clicks.trx-hub.com/xid/pmc_0aaa4_robbreport?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pjatr.com%2Ft%2F8-11928-152170-171064%3Fsid%3DRR--%26website%3D253400%26url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.reservebar.com%252Fproducts%252Fcasamigos-reposado%252FGROUPING-46076.html&p=https%3A%2F%2Frobbreport.com%2Ffood-drink%2Fdining%2Flists%2Fbest-christmas-cocktails-recipes-1237400472%2F&ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F&event_type=click&trx-iid=iid1765762710268hfh) or añejo tequila *Pre-warm your mug with some hot water. Add all ingredients (except alcohol) to a small saucepan over low heat and stir, taking care not to scald the milk. Empty the hot water from your mug and add 1.5 oz. alcohol. Once all the chocolate is dissolved and the temperature is where you want it (usually about 150 degrees—milk scalds at 170), pour hot chocolate into mug, stir briefly to combine and garnish with as many baby marshmallows as will fit.* ## Brandy Alexander ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Brandy_Alexander.webp) Consider the Brandy Alexander, a cocktail so old the mere mention of it invites the images of grandparents and gramophones. The Brandy Alexander is brandy (Cognac, usually, that most celebrated type of brandy), crème de cacao, and cream. Almost as early as you can find it mentioned you can find it insulted and dismissed—in 1930’s host guide *Shake Em Up,* authors Virginia Elliot and Phil D. Strong lump it into a category for “tender young things who have just been taken off stick candy,” and offer that you can use crème de cacao to “make them up some kind of \[drink\] and push them under the piano to suck on it.” The reliably grumpy David Embury, in 1948, calls it “deadly” because it “taste\[s\] harmless,” and waves it off as “a futile waste of good liquor.” If you catch yourself nodding along, I have a question for you: Have you ever actually tasted a Brandy Alexander? If you had, you’d already know that the Brandy Alexander is not just worth your time but is in fact shockingly delicious, and one of the best things you can have after a meal. There is, of course, a way to make it too sweet, but increase the measure of Cognac just a touch and the drink becomes locked into balance, a decadent delight, the chocolate and cream round and deeply satisfying, all driven by the Cognac’s powerful oak and fruit. - 1.5 oz. Cognac or brandy - 1 oz. cream - 1 oz. crème de cacao *Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake hard for eight to 10 seconds. Strain off the ice into a cocktail or coupe glass, and garnish with a shave of fresh nutmeg.* ## Peanut Malt Flip ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Peanut_Malt_Flip_WebsiteThumb.webp) *Photo: Danny Mirabal* The [Peanut Malt Flip](https://robbreport.com/food-drink/spirits/best-peanut-malt-flip-recipe-eggs-cream-scotch-cocktail-1234651206/) sounds weird. A glance at the ingredients looks weird. And this apparent strangeness is one of its principal charms, because make one for yourself and you’ll find it doesn’t taste strange in the slightest—just pure, decadent deliciousness. The scotch gives body, cream gives richness, and as for the Peanut Butter, we write, “the peanut butter is what makes it art.” - 2 oz. [scotch](https://clicks.trx-hub.com/xid/pmc_0aaa4_robbreport?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gopjn.com%2Ft%2F8-11928-152170-171064%3Fsid%3DRR--%26website%3D253400%26url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.reservebar.com%252Fproducts%252Fthe-macallan-sherry-oak-12-years-old%252FGROUPING-43861.html&p=https%3A%2F%2Frobbreport.com%2Ffood-drink%2Fdining%2Flists%2Fbest-christmas-cocktails-recipes-1237400472%2F&ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F&event_type=click&trx-iid=iid1765762710268hfh) - 1 oz. cream - 0.75 oz. simple syrup - 1 tbsp. peanut butter - 1 egg *Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker, seal tight and shake without ice for about five seconds to whip and emulsify the egg. Add ice and shake for 10 to 12 seconds, strain into a large coupe or wine glass and garnish with some freshly grated nutmeg over the top.* ## Revolver ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Revolver_Cocktail.webp) *Photo: Ambitious Creative Co./Rick Barrett/Unsplash* In 2004 in San Francisco, everyone who was doing “mixology” was leaning into the region’s year-round availability of fresh produce, so the city’s cocktails were full of things like satsuma mandarins and fennel bulbs and garnished with fistfuls of lemon balm. Jon Santer, with his [Revolver](https://robbreport.com/food-drink/spirits/best-revolver-recipe-bourbon-coffee-liqueur-cocktail-1234792648/), went a different way. This dark and broody Old Fashioned variation is, we claim, “among the best cocktails in the neo-classic pantheon,” and comes with a bonus kick of caffeine to help keep the night going. - 2 oz. bourbon - 0.5 oz. coffee liqueur - 2 dashes orange bitters *Add all ingredients to a rocks glass over a large piece of ice and stir. Garnish with a flamed orange peel or a regular orange peel.* ## Olive Oil Martini ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/OOM-THumb-Web.webp) *Photo: Courtesy* Cocktails made with fat-washed spirits have been around for nearly 20 years now, with the pioneers at New York’s PDT creating a bourbon Old Fashioned infused with the flavor of real bacon. It only made sense for the fat-washing trend to come to other classics like the Martini as well, with olive oil being the fat used. We’ve tried countless [Olive Oil Martinis](https://robbreport.com/food-drink/spirits/olive-oil-martini-fat-washed-gin-1236175140/) over the years and never really found one we’ve liked. That was until we tried one with fresh, high-quality olive oil. The oil you use is so vital that the infused spirit is not even worth making if you aren’t reaching for the good stuff. If you do have great olive oil, you will have an excellent drink. - 2 oz. Olive Oil–Washed Ford’s Gin - 0.35 oz. Cocchi Americano - 0.15 oz. Lustau Amontillado Sherry *Add all ingredients to a mixing glass, add ice, and stir briskly for 10 to 20 seconds (longer for bigger ice, shorter for smaller). Strain into a Martini or coupe glass, and garnish with three high-quality olives and, if you feel like it, a few drops of olive oil.* ## Hot Toddy ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/hot-cider-patrick-fore-unsplash.webp) *Photo: Patrick Fore/Unsplash* The [Hot Toddy](https://robbreport.com/food-drink/spirits/best-hot-toddy-recipe-whiskey-1234583126/) is the ultimate winter drink. Some drinks are so foundational to our understanding of mixed beverages that they’re less invented than discovered, like fire itself. Some Hot Toddys are like Whiskey Sours (whiskey, citrus, sweetener and hot water) and some are like Old Fashioneds (whiskey, sweetness, spice and hot water), but either way, the Hot Toddy is like whiskey chicken soup, the perfect drink to displace any physical or emotional chill. - 2 oz. whiskey - 0.75 oz. lemon juice - 0.75 oz. honey/ginger - 4-6 oz. boiling water *Boil water. Pour boiling water into a mug, to pre-warm it. After a minute, empty water, add ingredients (see below), top with boiling water and garnish with a lemon or orange slice studded with cloves and/or a cinnamon stick.* ## Old Cuban ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/old_cuban_cocktail.webp) *Photo: bhofack2/iStock/Getty Images Plus* [The Old Cuban](https://robbreport.com/food-drink/spirits/best-old-cuban-recipe-how-to-make-rum-champagne-cocktail-1234620913/)—aged rum, lime, simple syrup, and mint, with Angostura Bitters and Champagne—is very often described as a combination of a French 75 and a Mojito, but we think that’s not quite right. Both of those latter cocktails are pure brightness, while the vanilla from the aged rum and the spice from the bitters in the Old Cuban moves it from poolside to inside as if under a slowly twisting ceiling fan in a smoky room, long narrow beams of light through the wooden shutters. It is the darker side of refreshing, the more alluring and seductive side, and has our vote for one of the best cocktails invented in the last 20 years. - 1.5 oz. aged rum - 0.75 oz. lime juice - 0.75 oz. simple syrup - 6-8 mint leaves - 2 dashes Angostura Bitters - 2 oz. sparkling wine *Add all ingredients except wine to a cocktail shaker with ice, shake well for 10 to 12 seconds and strain into a flute or stemmed cocktail glass. Top with wine and garnish with a mint leaf or sprig.* ## Clyde Common Eggnog ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/p186kt8jli1asbv7q53cqskitma1.webp) *Photo: Teri Fisher; Styling by Jenny Park* Back when legendary bartender Jeffrey Morgenthaler was still behind the stick at the dearly departed [Clyde Common](https://robbreport.com/food-drink/dining/most-influential-cocktail-bars-america-2881336/), one of the many recipes he developed was his tequila- and sherry-based take on the yuletide classic. So if you’d like to switch up from bourbon to tequila for your eggnog, give this one a try, from his tome *[The Bar Book: Elements of Cocktail Technique](https://www.amazon.com/Bar-Book-Elements-Cocktail-Technique/dp/145211384X/?asc_source=web&asc_campaign=web&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Frobbreport.com%2Ffood-drink%2Fdining%2Flists%2Fbest-christmas-cocktails-recipes-1237400472%2F)*. - 2 large eggs - 6 tbsp. superfine sugar - 2 oz. añejo tequila - 2.5 oz. amontillado sherry - 6 oz. whole milk - 4 oz. heavy cream - Freshly ground nutmeg for garnish *In a blender or stand mixer on low speed, beat eggs until smooth. Slowly add sugar until incorporated and dissolved. Slowly add tequila, sherry, milk, and cream. Refrigerate overnight and serve in small chilled cups. Dust with fresh nutmeg before serving.* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Food & Drink, Spirits **Tags:** Bourbon, Cocktail Recipe, cocktails, Evergreen, gin, rum, whiskey --- ### [The 11 Most Expensive Bugattis of All Time](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-11-most-expensive-bugattis-of-all-time/) **Published:** December 12, 2025 **Author:** Sean Evans **Content:** When automotive luxury meets ultimate performance, Bugatti sets the standard. From its founding in 1909 by Ettore Bugatti through its revival by Volkswagen Group in 1998, the marque’s been exceptional at delivering class-leading, record-breaking machines that redefine what’s possible—and that only a handful can afford. Fitting, then, that for some Bugatti models, only a handful are made. Ralph Lauren and his Type 57SC Atlantic coupe may hold the crown for most valuable Bugatti, but the modern era has produced its own set of multimillion-dollar marvels. Here, the most expensive Bugattis created since the brand’s resurrection in the Nineties, ranked by their original sticker prices, though actual transaction prices often soar far higher, given market premiums and bespoke finishing work commissioned by owners. (Note: we’re only including cars that have entered production, so the $4.6 million Tourbillon will take its place halfway down the list when deliveries begin in 2026.) ## 11. Bugatti Veyron Super Sport — $2.4 Million ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Bugatti-veyron-super-sport-e1763063857181.webp) *Photo: Bugatti* When it launched in 2010, the Veyron Super Sport held the production car speed record at 267.856 mph until recently. With 1,183 horsepower, the distinctive horseshoe grille, and only 48 units produced, it represented the pinnacle of next-generation Bugatti engineering. It’s electronically limited to 258 mph to prevent the tires from failing, though there was a five-unit run of Veyron Super Sport World Record Edition vehicles with the electronic limiter disabled. ## 10. Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse — $2.5 Million ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/carbonvitesse00.webp) *Photo: Bugatti* Want to go ungodly quickly while feeling the wind in your hair? You want the [Grand Sport Vitesse](https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/rare-bugatti-veyron-grand-sport-vitesse-auction-1235642854/), a targa version of the Veyron Super Sport. Nothing changed in the powertrain, and the top speed was lowered—electronically—to 233 mph, but that didn’t stop all 92 units from selling out. ## 9. **Bugatti Chiron — $2.6 Million** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/bugatti-chiron-e1763063500174.webp) *Photo: Bugatti* When the Veyron’s run of 450 units concluded, after a decade of production, its successor, the Chiron, arrived in 2016. The legendary W16 engine produces 1,479 horsepower in the Chiron, which managed a complete sell-out of all 500 production units in half the Veyron’s time, over five years. ## 8. **Bugatti Chiron Sport — $3.26 Million** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/bugatti-chiron-sport-e1763063313495.webp) *Photo: Bugatti* The Sport variant enhances the standard Chiron’s dynamics, making it more track-ready without manipulating the powertrain. A weight reduction of 40 pounds, firmer suspension tuning, and the option for a distinctive Sky View roof—dual glass panels that offer slightly more headroom—all differentiate it from a standard Chiron. ## 7. **Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport — $3.3 Million** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/chironpursport.webp) *Photo: Bugatti* Limited to 60 units, [the Pur Sport](https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/bugatti-chiron-pur-sport-2902991/) prioritizes agility over outright speed. Shorter gear ratios, magnesium wheels, and a reduction of 110 pounds (from the Chiron; it’s 60 pounds lighter than the Chiron Sport) turn the grand tourer into a canyon carver. The distinctive rear wing and side air intakes signal its track-focused intentions. ## 6. **Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ — $3.9 Million** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Bugatti-Chiron-Super-Sport-300-4-w.webp) *Photo: Bugatti* Born from Bugatti’s record-breaking 304.773 mph run, only 30 examples of the Super Sport 300+ were produced. The longtail body—nearly 10 inches longer than the Pur Sport—reduces drag while increasing stability at extreme speeds. Each Super Sport 300+ bears a plaque commemorating the historic achievement at Ehra-Lessien. ## 5. **Bugatti Bolide — $4.7 Million** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/01-BUGATTI-Feel-The-Track-e1741876527148.webp) *Photo: Bugatti* Initially conceived as a track-only concept, [the Bolide became reality with 40 planned production units](https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/bugatti-creating-4-68-million-production-version-of-bolide-car-1234631036/). This stripped-down track scalpel weighs just 2,734 pounds while producing over 1,600 horsepower. It’s HANS-system compatible, and features a six-point racing harness, and other race-ready bits, including central wheel locking. ## 4. Bugatti Mistral — $5 Million ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Bugatti_Mistral_2.webp) *Photo: Bugatti* [The Mistral](https://robbreport.ph/cars/heres-how-bugatti-tests-its-hypercars-before-their-final-delivery/ "Here’s How Bugatti Tests Its Hypercars Before Their Final Delivery") represents Bugatti’s final W16-powered model and its return to open-top motoring. Limited to 99 examples, the roadster combines the Chiron’s mechanical foundation with bodywork inspired by the 1934 Type 57 Roadster Grand Raid. The windshield wraps around the A-pillars, giving an impressive visor view for the driver, while the X-shaped taillights are iterative of the Bolide’s rear. ## 3. Bugatti Divo — $5.8 Million ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/opener-w-_6aac28.webp) *Photo: Bonhams|Cars* Named after French racing driver Albert Divo, this track-focused hypercar sacrifices some top speed for superior handling. Limited to 40 units—all of which went to existing Chiron owners—the Divo spent two years in development, engineers making refinements all over the chassis, including a massive rear wing and front splitter. With 198 pounds more downforce than the Chiron, it lapped the Nardò test track eight seconds faster than its sibling. ## 2. **Bugatti Centodieci — $8.3 Million** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/bugatti-Centodieci-e1763062699784.webp) *Photo: Bugatti* This hypercar celebrates the EB110’s 30th anniversary with radical bodywork that channels the angular 1990s supercar. Each of the ten units produced packs 1,600 horsepower from the familiar W16 engine, with active aerodynamics and a top speed of 236 mph. The wedge-shaped silhouette and distinctive LED light signature make it instantly recognizable as Bugatti. ## 1. Bugatti La Voiture Noire — $19 Million ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/bugatti-la-voiture-noire4.webp) *Photo: Bugatti* A one-of-one that went to a still-unknown owner, La Voiture Noire pays homage to Jean Bugatti’s lost Type 57 SC Atlantic. This carbon fiber-drenched masterpiece features a handcrafted body, an 8.0-liter quad-turbo W16 producing 1,479 horsepower, and six exhaust pipes—presumably seven wouldn’t fit. Unveiled at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, it became the most expensive new car ever sold. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** bugatti, Bugatti Chiron, Feature, hypercar, Supercar, supercars --- ### [Agnes Gund's Collection at Christie's, an LV 'Hotel' in Bangkok, a New Victor Hugo-Inspired Private Club in Paris & More](https://robbreport.ph/the-luxe-dispatch/the-agnes-gund-collection-at-christies-an-lv-hotel-in-bangkok-a-new-victor-hugo-inspired-private-club-in-paris-more/) **Published:** February 20, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** From museum-caliber [art](https://robbreport.ph/tag/art/ "art") consignments to destination-led [travel](https://robbreport.ph/travel/ "Travel") milestones, the market continues to shift toward experiences defined as much by cultural narratives as by acquisitions. This week’s dispatch moves from a $123-million philanthropic auction at Christie’s to Louis Vuitton’s new “hotel” in Bangkok, while Paris welcomes the arrival of the multi-concept Hotel L’Aventure. ## The $123-Million Agnes Gund Collection Heads to Christie’s ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Rothko-No.webp) Mark Rothko, No. 15 (Two Greens and Red Stripe). *Photo: Courtesy of Christie’s* A landmark philanthropic consignment is poised to anchor the spring auction season as [Christie’s](https://robbreport.ph/tag/christies/ "christie's") prepares to present roughly $123 million in masterworks from the celebrated collection of Agnes Gund, led by pieces from Mark Rothko, Cy Twombly, and Joseph Cornell. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Cornell-Untitled-Medici-Princess-1285x2048-1.webp) Joseph Cornell, Untitled (Medici Princess), 1948. *Photo: Courtesy of Christie’s* Slated for May, the offering reflects the sustained resilience of the blue-chip postwar market, where collectors continue to direct capital toward museum-quality works distinguished by rarity, provenance, and historical weight. *More information [here](https://www.christies.com/en/events/the-collection-of-agnes-gund).* ## Hotel L’Aventure Opens as Paris’ New Lifestyle Hospitality Concept ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/68aecf90481d500541dd6ac9_club-laventure.webp) *Photo: Hotel L’Aventure* A new chapter in experience-led hospitality arrives in the French capital with the debut of Hotel L’Aventure, a multi-concept club and [hotel](https://robbreport.ph/tag/hotel/ "hotel") destination that merges boutique accommodations, elevated dining, and members-style nightlife under one roof. Inspired by Victor Hugo’s seminal poem “The Legend of the Ages,” the property positions itself as the district’s newest cultural hub. Glamorous interiors balance contemporary Parisian refinement with a club-like social energy, while curated culinary and entertainment programming positions the venue as a budding gathering point for those in search of a little extra mystique in their evenings. *More information [here](https://www.laventurehotel.com/en).* ## Louis Vuitton Debuts Monogram Anniversary “Hotel” Pop-Up in Bangkok ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/lv-hotel-bangkok-day-facade-e1771072815941-1600x900-1.webp) *Photo: Louis Vuitton* [Louis Vuitton]() has unveiled an immersive hotel-inspired pop-up in Bangkok, transforming a century-old residence in the historic Yaowarat district into a four-storey experiential showcase celebrating the 130th anniversary of the Maison’s iconic monogram. The installation—part of a global series staged previously in Seoul, New York, and Shanghai—marks the concept’s Southeast Asian debut. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/LV-Hotel-Bangkok-Speedy-1930-Room.webp) *Photo: Louis Vuitton* Designed as a theatrical “hotel,” the space features themed rooms dedicated to signature handbags, including the Keepall, Speedy, Alma, Neverfull, and Noé, alongside experiential elements such as a monogram-themed concierge, customization services, and a Champagne bar inspired by the Noé bag’s heritage. *Booking information [here](https://hotel-bangkok.louisvuitton.com/).* **Categories:** The Luxe Dispatch **Tags:** AlUla, Auctions, christie's, Disney Cruise Line, Hotel L’Aventure, Louis Vuitton --- ### [Blackstone Buys Four Seasons SF, Jackie Kennedy's Election Coat Up for Auction & More](https://robbreport.ph/the-luxe-dispatch/the-luxe-dispatch-blackstone-buys-four-seasons-sf-jackie-kennedys-election-coat-up-for-auction-an-exit-at-versace-and-more/) **Published:** December 12, 2025 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** Luxury closed the week with a flurry of decisive moves, from major hotel plays to historic pieces entering the auction spotlight. InterContinental brings barefoot luxury to the Red Sea with a new resort built for yacht arrivals and coral-blue mornings. Blackstone snaps up the Four Seasons San Francisco, betting on the city’s return to form. Jackie Kennedy’s election-night coat steps into the auction spotlight. Meanwhile, [Versace](https://robbreport.ph/tag/versace/ "Versace") enters a creative transition post-Prada, and [Dusit](https://robbreport.ph/profiles/tomas-lorenzo-believes-true-success-is-measured-by-improving-lives/ "From Town To Country: Tomas Lorenzo Believes True Success is Measured by Improving Lives") eyes Bataan as the next beachfront destination to watch. Consider this your compass for what matters now in ultra-luxury. ## InterContinental Comes to the Red Sea ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/intercontinentalhotelsgroup-vietnam-2240x2240.webp) *Photo: InterContinental Hotels Group* InterContinental plants its flag on the Red Sea with a new resort on Shura Island. The property leans into privacy and indulgence with spacious villas, private pools, dedicated butler service, and [yacht](https://robbreport.ph/tag/yacht/ "yacht")-ready access for those who measure holidays in soft landings and salt on skin. Sustainability sits at the core, too, with coral conservation programs and low-impact architecture threading eco-consciousness into high glamor. With Saudi Arabia’s luxury tourism ambitions accelerating, this opening positions the Red Sea as a compelling new rival to the Maldives and Oman for warm-water escapes. ## Blackstone Buys San Francisco Four Seasons ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/sf-four-seasons-2240x2240.webp) *Photo: Four Seasons* Blackstone has acquired the Four Seasons San Francisco in a US$130 million deal, signaling renewed confidence in high-end urban hospitality. The 277-room property has long been considered one of the city’s premier addresses for business travelers, power diners, and weekend escapists. It now enters a new era under one of the world’s most aggressive real estate players. It’s a strategic bet on the city’s rebound, banking on the return of tech wealth, convention traffic, and luxury leisure. Expect refreshed spaces, elevated programming, and an eye toward experiential luxury as competition tightens among top-tier West Coast hotels. ## Jackie Kennedy’s Election Coat Up for Auction ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/kennedy-coat-24324-2240x2240.webp) The coat was said to have been worn by other pregnant women close to Kennedy. It was “passed from one to another as a cherished maternity garment.” *Photo: Sotheby’s* Jackie Kennedy’s violet election-night coat is entering the auction floor at Sotheby’s, offering collectors a rare chance to own a piece of American style history. Kennedy is said to have worn it while she was eight months pregnant during John F. Kennedy’s 1960 victory. In fact, the double-breasted wool coat also appeared on the cover of *Life* magazine and helped cement Jackie’s reputation as a fashion icon even before she became First Lady. Sotheby’s will present the piece as part of its Handbags & Fashion sale, where provenance and cultural legacy are expected to fuel serious bidding. *More information [here](https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2025/handbags-accessories-3/jacqueline-kennedy-onassis-violet-wool-coat-worn).* ## A Shakeup at Versace ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/versace-5353-2240x2240.webp) *Photo: Marek Śliwecki* Versace enters a period of change as creative director Dario Vitale prepares to leave less than nine months after taking the helm. The news follows [last week’s announcement](https://robbreport.ph/the-luxe-dispatch/the-luxe-dispatch-an-island-in-fiji-up-for-grabs-prada-buys-versace-and-more/ "The Luxe Dispatch: An Island in Fiji Up for Grabs, Prada Buys Versace, and More") of Prada Group’s US$1.4-billion acquisition of the house. His exit comes after delivering only one collection. We can say that the move signals a strategic reset, as Prada begins shaping Versace’s next chapter. The industry now watches for who will take creative command and how the brand will balance its high-octane glamor with Prada’s precision-focused luxury approach. It seems as though a new aesthetic direction, possible restructuring, and fresh energy on the runway is on the way. A more competitive Versace perhaps? ## A New Dusit Thani in Bataan ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/dusit-3535-2240x2240.webp) *Photo: Dusit Hotels & Resorts* Dusit International is expanding its Philippine footprint with ASAI Camaya Coast, a new lifestyle-luxury resort rising along Bataan’s increasingly polished shoreline. Set to be opened in 2029, the project will bring roughly 150 rooms and suites surrounded by powdery beaches, diving sites, and rolling coastal landscapes. It’s an appealing draw for Manila weekenders and regional travelers seeking design-forward relaxation without leaving the country. The hotel should offer much of the brand’s signature Thai-Filipino hospitality blend, contemporary interiors, and dining that leans into local provenance. With Camaya Coast developing into a full leisure estate, this opening positions Bataan as an emerging destination. **Categories:** The Luxe Dispatch **Tags:** Auctions, Blackstone, dusit thani, four seasons, Intercontinental, luxury travel, real estate, sothebys, Versace --- ### [ART SG 2026: Singapore’s Premier Fair Sharpens Its Global Edge](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-sg-2026-singapores-premier-fair-sharpens-its-global-edge/) **Published:** December 11, 2025 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** In January, Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands turns into a high-gloss engine for contemporary culture as ART SG returns for its fourth edition. This year, S.E.A. Focus will be held under the same roof for the very first time, resulting in a single, consolidated fair with serious gravitational pull. With a roster of one hundred and six exhibitors from more than 30 countries and territories, ART SG shows that Southeast Asia and its collectors are firmly at the center of the global conversation. The gallery list alone reflects the fair’s ambition. Global blue-chip names such as White Cube, Thaddaeus Ropac, neugerriemschneider, and Goodman Gallery return to Singapore. Meanwhile, newcomers like Castelli Gallery and Ashvita’s add further weight to the international roster. On the regional front, stalwarts like Ames Yavuz, STPI, Richard Koh Fine Art, Gajah Gallery, and Haridas Contemporary anchor a Southeast Asian core that feels increasingly confident on the world stage. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/art-sg-64646-2240x2240.webp) *Photo: Art SG* One of the most notable evolutions of the 2026 edition is the streamlined visitor experience. A single ticket now grants access to both ART SG and S.E.A. Focus at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre. The latter arrives with a distinct curatorial thesis, *The Humane Agency*, curated by John Z.W. Tung with artistic consultation from STPI’s Emi Eu. The direction casts artists as agents of compassion in an era defined by conflict, ecological volatility, and the restless movement of people across borders. It is a theme well-matched to the region’s artistic temperament, long rooted in the politics of place. ## Expansive Programming According to the Art Basel and UBS Survey of Global Collecting, Singapore-based collectors are increasingly drawn to emerging talent, with especially strong participation from women collectors, and 81% of high-net-worth respondents are optimistic about the global art market over the next six months. That optimism manifests in a new ART SG FUTURES Prize presented by UBS, a US$10,000 award for an emerging artist in the FUTURES sector, and in the continued presence of the UBS Art Collection onsite. In 2026, the collection presents Melati Suryodarmo’s “I Love You” (2007), a five-hour, single-channel performance work that turns a simple phrase into an act of desire and emotional strain, perfectly pitched to an audience attuned to both conceptual rigor and collector value. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/ames-yavuz-43434-2240x2240.webp) Ames Yavuz has had a strong presence in the Philippines over the past few years. In the past, it has featured contemporary Filipino artists like Elmer Borlongan and Isabel and Alfredo Aquilizan around the world. *Ames Yavuz* Institutional buys are also built into the fair’s architecture. The SAM ART SG Fund, for example, returns with SG$150,000 earmarked for acquisitions into Singapore Art Museum’s collection of international contemporary art seen through a Southeast Asian lens. Last year’s fund enabled SAM to purchase key works by Kim Yun Shin, Kapwani Kiwanga, and Lêna Bùi, signaling that museum-level validation, as well as future exhibition visibility, can be decided on these floors in real time. Adding to that is a new performance art sector, curated by Rockbund Art Museum’s X-Zhu Nowell, which introduces live works by Singaporean artist John Clang. Known for intimate readings and table-based installations, Clang turns turn astrology and domestic ritual into a participatory script for fair-goers. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/gajah-gallery-3535-2240x2240.webp) Gajah Gallery in Singapore. Recently, it opened a new space in Manila at Pioneer Street, Mandaluyong City. Its inaugural exhibition Confabulations: A Fantasy of the Real is curated by Joyce Toh. *Photo: Gajah Gallery* Beyond Marina Bay Sands, Rockbund and ART SG will transform The Warehouse Hotel on Robertson Quay into Wan Hai Hotel: Singapore Strait, an immersive exhibition exploring archipelagic thinking and maritime identity through film, installation, and performance. The line-up includes regional heavyweights like Ho Tzu Nyen, Martha Atienza, Ming Wong, and Robert Zhao, alongside performances by Joshua Serafin and others. Further afield, The Institutum teams up with India’s Hampi Art Labs to present ecologically driven works by Robert Zhao and Atul Bhalla, developed in the UNESCO World Heritage landscape of Hampi. The new TVS Initiative for Indian and South Asian Contemporary Art introduces a dedicated pavilion, *South Asia Insights*, bringing galleries such as Vadehra Art Gallery, Sakshi Gallery, and LATITUDE 28 into the mix and tightening Singapore’s ties to South Asia’s rising collector class. ## Filipino Galleries in the Spotlight ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Nicole-Coson-Featured-Image-2240x1503.jpg) Nicole Coson is one of ART SG’s featured artists. *Courtesy of Silverlens* For collectors tracking the trajectory of Filipino art, ART SG 2026 offers a chance to see how these practices sit within wider Indo-Pacific crosscurrents, dialoguing with Indonesian performance, Thai conceptualism, and South Asian photo-based work across a single, tightly curated floor. Within that ecosystem, Filipino voices continue to punch above their weight. S.E.A. Focus and ART SG will host key Manila-linked galleries, including Silverlens, The Drawing Room, Artinformal, and Gajah Gallery’s Manila outpost, alongside others in the regional circuit. Artist-wise, the 2026 edition already names London-based Filipino artist Nicole Coson among its highlighted talents, an interesting sign of how Filipino practices now circulate fluently between Southeast Asia and Europe. ![pacita abad](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Pacita-Abad_Portrait.jpg) Pacita Abad. *Courtesy of Silverlens* In previous editions, ART SG and S.E.A. Focus have showcased works by Benedicto “BenCab” Cabrera, Kristoffer Ardeña, and Monica Delgado, while [Silverlens](https://robbreport.ph/tag/silverlens/ "Silverlens") brought Pacita Abad and Turner Prize–shortlisted Pio Abad into the Singapore frame. Earlier this year, a Jigger Cruz work sold at ART SG for around US$28,000, underscoring the market appetite for Filipino contemporary painting among regional and international buyers alike. So in between VIP previews and talks, we might find ourselves studying a Coson work at Silverlens, tracing the brushwork of a Filipino painter at The Drawing Room, or watching a performance unfold in the Warehouse Hotel lobby before drifting back to a suite overlooking the bay. *ART SG will be held at Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Center, Singapore from January 23 to 25, 2026, with a VIP Preview and Vernissage on Jan 22. Tickets sold [here](https://artsg.com/tickets)*. **Categories:** Art & Collectibles, Home & Design **Tags:** Ames Yavuz, Art SG, Artinformal, BenCab, Goodman Gallery, Pio Abad, SEA Focus, silverlens galleries, STPI, the drawing room, UBS --- ### [An Island in Fiji Up for Grabs, Prada Buys Versace & More](https://robbreport.ph/the-luxe-dispatch/the-luxe-dispatch-an-island-in-fiji-up-for-grabs-prada-buys-versace-and-more/) **Published:** December 5, 2025 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** Collecting, whether islands, maisons, or heirlooms, is equal parts drama and desire. A private island in Fiji hits the auction block with no reserve, a rare freehold jewel promising 27 acres of Pacific escape. [Prada](https://robbreport.ph/tag/prada/ "prada"), meanwhile, takes a bold billion-dollar step into fashion consolidation with its acquisition of Versace. Back home, history and horology is engraved in gold, as Leon Gallery readies a politically charged [Patek Philippe](https://robbreport.ph/tag/patek-philippe/ "Patek Philippe") gifted by the Marcoses to Senator Gil J. Puyat. ## A Private Island in Fiji Heads to Auction ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/fiji-island-new-2240x2240.webp) *Photo: Platinum Luxury Auctions* If the year needed one final flourish of escapist dreaming, it’s this. Wavi Island in Fiji heads to auction this December with no reserve. Rare for the region, the island offers 27 acres of lush Pacific serenity. What makes the island even more intriguing is the fact that it’s freehold, granting true ownership rather than a lease-to-lifetime arrangement. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/wavi-island0535-2240x2240.webp) *Photo: Platinum Luxury Auctions* The island even arrives turnkey with its own private bridge to Vanua Levu, a signature villa, marina, and full utilities already in place. It’s easy to imagine it as a private family haven, a boutique resort, or perhaps even a quiet off-grid sactuary for one. *More information [here](https://www.vladi-private-islands.de/en/islands-for-sale/for-sale/pacific-ocean/fiji/wavi-island).* ## Prada’s Billion-Dollar Versace Play ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/prada-milan-3434-2240x2240.webp) *Photo: Pavel Gromov* In a move that reshapes the continental fashion landscape, Prada has officially acquired Versace in a landmark deal estimated at over US$1.4 billion. The move unites two of Italy’s most electric maisons (and former rivals) under one roof. Expect to see a combination of Prada’s manufacturing muscle and global retail infrastructure and Versace’s maximalist glamor and pop-cultural mythology. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/versace-5353-2240x2240.webp) *Photo: Marek Śliwecki* Direct implications for the brands’ accessories and leather goods may be felt soon enough. These high-margin categories are where Prada excels, and Versace’s Medusa-rich heritage can be sharpened into a better product. With refreshed creative chapters and revitalized archives, we’re getting perhaps the most compelling dual-aesthetic story in luxury fashion today. ## A Gift From the Marcoses for Sale at Leon ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/patek-marcos-puyat-2240x2240.webp) *Photo: Leon Gallery* Leon Gallery is closing the year with a timepiece that carries more than just mechanical precision. At its Kingly Treasures Auction this coming December 6, a vintage 18-karat white gold Patek Philippe Ref. 3671/1 once owned by Senate President Gil J. Puyat will go under the hammer. The intrigue lies in its provenance—a gift from Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/patek-marcos-puyat-35-2240x2240.webp) *Photo: Leon Gallery* The timepiece is complete with a caseback engraving from Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos, dated September 1, 1967, on Puyat’s 60th birthday. It enjoys a rare convergence of horology and Philippine political history, gifted at a moment of apparent stability, years before Martial Law would redraw the national narrative. We may read the heirloom as a gesture of esteem or a calculated instrument of alliance-building. *More information [here](https://leon-gallery.com/stories/rare-1967-patek-philippe-gifted-by-marcoses-to-senate-president-gil-puyat-set-to-headline-leon-gallerys-year-end-auction).* **Categories:** The Luxe Dispatch **Tags:** Auctions, Fiji, leon gallery, luxury travel, prada, Versace --- ### [A Century in Sound With Bang & Olufsen's New Collection](https://robbreport.ph/tech/a-century-in-sound-with-bang-olufsens-new-collection/) **Published:** December 22, 2025 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** A hundred years is a rare milestone, especially in consumer tech. Oftentimes, trends in this area age fast and form factors fade quicker than our old playlists. Yet [Bang & Olufsen](https://robbreport.ph/tech/audio/bang-olufsen-and-saint-laurent-revive-a-70s-era-turntable/ "Bang & Olufsen and Saint Laurent Revive a ’70s-Era Turntable") arrives at its centennial celebration with something few brands can claim. Its language of sound and design has resisted time, aging beautifully into greater refinement. To mark the moment, the Danish maison unveils the Centennial Collection. At the heart of it are three core pieces dressed in a rich palette of Century Red, Chestnut Brown, and Century Blue, each threaded with brushed aluminum and inscribed with the founders’ motto, “A never failing will to create only the best.” So how do the trio stack up? Consider this the cue for a closer listen to each piece. ## Getting Personal With the Beoplay H100 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/bang-olufsen-1-2240x2240.webp) The Beoplay H100, as seen at the Bang & Olufsen dinner party held at Gallery By Chele. *Photo: Bang & Olufsen/Bridges PR* Headlining the Centennial Collection is the Beoplay H100 Century Brown, an everyday luxury headset that feels specifically conceived for Manila’s rhythms: those late-night edits, early flights, the slow crawl of EDSA at dusk. We love how it cultivates an environment rather than simply playing music. Beneath the sculptural exterior, titanium drivers tuned to Dolby Atmos standards deliver a spacious, breathy soundstage with room to breathe. Voices float midair, cymbals shimmer, and bass lands with a quick, articulate punch that anchors the track without muddying detail. While many noise-canceling headphones compress dynamics, the H100 stays generous and open across genres. Wrapped in deep Century Red leather with Chestnut Brown trims and hints of Century Blue, it feels more like a design object than a gadget, something you’d place beside a Montblanc and a crystal paperweight. Functional, absolutely. But stylish enough to look purposeful even when the music stops. [**BUY NOW**](https://livinginnovations.ph/products/beoplay-h100) ## The Beosound A5 Weave ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/bang-olufsen-44-2240x2240.webp) The Beosound A5, as seen at the Bang & Olufsen dinner party held at Gallery By Chele. *Photo: Bang & Olufsen/Bridges PR* If the H100 is personal, the Beosound A5 Century Weave is communal. It’s built for kitchens, balconies, lanais, and the spaces where people simply linger and lounge. Fire up a playlist and what begins as background quickly becomes a full-bodied presence. Dual drivers deliver a rich midrange that gives guitars a woody texture and pianos a clear, ringing tone, while vocals retain air and intimacy. The bass reaches deeper than expected for its size, warm and rounded without overpowering conversation. Portable yet statement-making, the A5 offers Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, wireless charging, and battery life long enough to last from brunch into sundown. Its paper raffia weave in beige and Chestnut Brown softens the brushed aluminium frame, while the Century Red leather handle adds just the right touch of color. On weekends it sets the mood; on slow evenings it holds the room like a subtle, steady heartbeat. [**BUY NOW**](https://livinginnovations.ph/products/beosound-a5-1) ## Architectural Depth of the Beosound A9 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/bang-olufsen-232-2240x2240.webp) The Beosound A9, as seen at the Bang & Olufsen dinner party held at Gallery By Chele. *Photo: Bang & Olufsen/Bridges PR* Finally, there is the Beosound A9 Century Blue Edition, the sculptural centerpiece of the Centennial lineup and a speaker that practically demands a room worthy of its voice. Often described as audio that behaves like art, the 5th generation A9 arrives dressed in Kvadrat’s Centennial Cadence fabric, a deep interplay of Century Blue and Chestnut Brown stretched across a circular frame that recalls, let’s say, mid-century furniture. Beneath its textile surface sit seven drivers that animate space with cinematic presence. The low-end is cavernous yet controlled, powerful enough to carry an orchestral swell without distortion, while mids remain full and textured. Strings shimmer, guitars bloom, and subtle field recordings feel startlingly real. Highs are airy and extended, giving cymbals and percussive details a clean, un-fatiguing sheen. Stereo imaging is wide and convincing, turning the room into an acoustic stage. Finished with three solid aluminum legs crafted in Factory 5 in Struer, this edition is more than a speaker. Simply put, it is *the* piece you design a room around. A century of craft distilled into three pieces that speak fluently to contemporary homes and discerning ears. Bang & Olufsen’s Centennial Collection is only interested in continuity. *Available now in limited numbers at Bang & Olufsen Shangri-La Plaza and Bang & Olufsen Rockwell. More information [here](https://livinginnovations.ph/pages/bang-olufsen-philippines).* **Categories:** Audio, Tech **Tags:** bang & olufsen, Beoplay H100, Beosound A5, Beosound A9, Gadgets, Sound, Tech --- ### [The Ultimate Guide to Serving Cocktails This Holiday Season](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/spirits/the-ultimate-guide-to-serving-cocktails-this-holiday-season/) **Published:** December 5, 2025 **Author:** Jason O’Bryan **Content:** Holiday entertaining has evolved, but one truth remains: [cocktails](https://robbreport.ph/tag/cocktails/ "cocktails") turn an ordinary evening into an occasion. Their history is rooted in this idea—transforming basic ingredients into something greater through balance, craft, and a bit of theater. The modern bar cart may be sleeker, the spirits more polished, yet the appeal is unchanged: a thoughtful drink signals care, generosity, and attention. Should you be hosting a gathering, these tips should bring your vision into reality and increase the luster of your drinks without requiring nerd-level homework. Cocktails are not, and have never been, strictly necessary, but in a way that’s what makes them shine. It’s the frame around a picture or the frosting on a cake, or dressing up for date night even if it’s just you and your spouse—they’re the definition of making an effort. Crafting, serving, sipping a great drink is one of the million small choices that add up to the difference between surviving and thriving. To that end, we’re here to help with recipes for can’t-fail cocktails and spirits. ## Make a Low-Alcohol Punch to Start the Night ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AdobeStock_3554295.webp) *Photo: Adobe* Punch has too many positives to ignore: It’s easy, it’s precise, it’s all pre-made and it remains the quickest way to get a glass in someone’s hand. Keep it on the lower-alcohol side, and it’s the perfect opening salvo to ease into the night. Instead of a big bowl, pre-dilute it and keep it ice-cold in large, sealable bottles. With an empty glass in hand, your guest can be poured the punch as if it’s a bottle of wine. **Personal Punch** - 5 oz. Suntory Roku gin - 5 oz. Fino or Manzanilla sherry 3.5 oz. lemon juice - 3.5 oz. grapefruit juice - 2.5 oz. simple syrup - 2.5 oz. Amaro Meletti - 0.25 oz. absinthe - 9 oz. cold water *Stir well. Pour into a one-liter bottle with a stopper. Serve ice-cold.* ## The Best Gin for Serving Martinis ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Monkey-47-Schwarzwald-Dry-Gin.webp) *Photo: Monkey 47* There’s nothing like a good martini. It is, and has been for 100 years, the touchstone of elegance. Bracing and ice-cold, with a diamond-like brilliance, from the first sip to the last it has the clarity of a bell ringing on a cold night, and making a perfect one for your guests is the quickest liquid way to bring refinement to your party. The best tool to make an outstanding martini is the right gin, and without a doubt one of the finest is Monkey 47. It eschews the structured juniper backbone of most gins (go for Tanqueray No. 10 if you want that kind of martini) and instead is all silky finesse. If Tanqueray is a linebacker, Monkey 47 is a soccer midfielder, lithe and capable, with more gears and a softer touch. Bottled at 94 proof and even with nearly four dozen ingredients, this gin feels synergistic, each sip delicate and fascinating, with chamomile and evergreen and citrus and tea tree and cucumber and on and on and on. It’s almost hauntingly complex. Wine critic Robert Parker called it the greatest gin he has ever tasted. Try it 5:1 with Dolin Dry Vermouth, stirred, and a lemon peel. Or, for that matter, use it in a gimlet or French 75. A happy corollary of a gin that’s ideal for martinis is that it’s ideal for most everything else, too. ## Tips on Hiring a Private Bartender ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Split-Template-1-20.webp) *Photo: Valentino Longo* There’s only one guaranteed way to make sure you won’t be spending all night making drinks for your guests, and that’s to get someone else to do it. Hiring a talented bartender outsources not only the drink making but also the drink planning, juicing, syrup making, setup and break-down, to say nothing of the anxiety of worrying about all those details. If you want proper cocktails for your party, finding the right bartender can be a little tricky. The straight catering types have heaps of event experience but exactly zero experience making balanced craft cocktails. Not much better are the newly minted bartenders, who make respectable drinks in controlled environments but don’t know how to improvise with non-professional equipment. ## Your Private Bartending Options **Elite:** If you’re in or around a major city, there is probably a mixology event company available for hire. It’ll have a website, sleek photos and detailed pricing structure (though the prices won’t be on its site). These are almost uniformly professional operations that will meet or exceed your expectations. They have mobile ice buckets that accommodate drainage, Instagram-ready signs for the bar, precious/elaborate garnishes, etc. They’re also usually wedding-grade expensive. **Professional:** Go to your favorite cocktail bar and bartender (or message them on Facebook or Instagram) and ask them if they work events. Everyone’s on a side hustle right now: If yours isn’t, he or she probably knows someone who is. They won’t have a website but will bring as much (and possibly more) personality, professionalism and talent to your event. Make sure they’ve worked a few events before so they know where the potential pitfalls are, and work with them to build bespoke drinks for your party. To prep, they may need to take the night off from work, so you’ll have to compensate for that at least. On the plus side, you’ll be helping out your favorite local expert, and it’ll almost certainly be much less money than the Elite choice. **Amateur:** If you feel comfortable pre-batching your cocktails so that all your enlisted help needs to do is pour something from a single bottle, then any warm body over 21 will do. With sufficiently pre-batched cocktails, as long as someone can put ice in a glass, they can bartend your event. ## A Showstopping Cocktail ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/queens-park-swizzle.webp) *Photo: Courtesy of Adobe Stock* The nicest thing you can say about the Queen’s Park Swizzle is that it tastes as good as it looks. It’s one of those drinks that force you to do a double take. If your other cocktails could get jealous, they would be jealous of the Queen’s Park Swizzle. At its core, it’s just a mojito—not exactly a winter phenomenon—but made richer by aged rum and heavily spiced by a float of Angostura, the legendary cocktail bitters. The arresting presentation and the festive color scheme, not to mention it’s fairly easy to make, scream events. The only special thing you’ll need is crushed ice, which will require a container that drains so it doesn’t turn into a sloshy mess. If you have that, deploy this drink at your next event, and watch the heads turn. As for style of rum: It’s not too prescriptive here; most aged rums taste good. Try the muscular depth of Rhum Barbancourt Réserve Spéciale or Appleton Estate 12, or the friendly richness of Angostura’s own 1919 rum. **Queen’s Park Swizzle** - 2 oz. aged rum - 0.75 oz. lime juice - 0.75 oz. simple syrup - 5 dashes Angostura bitters - 6 to 10 mint leaves *Gently muddle mint leaves in the bottom of a tall glass. Add rum, simple syrup and lime juice, and fill halfway with crushed ice. Swizzle or stir until the glass frosts, then fill with crushed ice and top with three to five dashes of Angostura bitters. Garnish with mint crowns, and serve with a straw.* ## Batch Cocktails So You Can Enjoy Your Own Party Sometimes you want to show off your drink-making skills but don’t want to spend your whole party mixing drinks. So borrow a trick from your favorite bar and batch your ingredients ahead of time. You’ll have impressive cocktails fast and still be able to mingle. Sugar, water and alcohol are what’s called “miscible” with each other, which means once they’re combined, they’ll stay mixed until the end of time. Just as a bottle of liqueur isn’t sweeter or stronger on the bottom than it is on the top, so your pre-mixed, pre-bottled Manhattan or negroni will stay perfectly mixed, ready to pour, forever. In fact, if it contains aromatic ingredients (such as vermouth), it will actually mature and improve with age. Here are a few tips to make your cocktails as easy as twisting a cap: If it’s a bottle guests can pour themselves, put some unscented hand sanitizer nearby. Thanks, 2020. Measure everything into a large container, and stir well for 20 to 30 seconds. If you don’t want to have to shake or stir drinks to order, you still need to account for dilution. So add water to the recipe ahead of time, and chill well to serve. If you’re serving your cocktail on ice, measure your batch and add 20 percent of that volume as water. If you’re serving it straight up, add 30 to 35 percent water. If you’re adding citrus, add it the day of and agitate the batch before pouring, as citrus has tiny particles that sink to the bottom. Make small signs or labels so your guests aren’t chasing you down wondering which bottled cocktail they’re looking at. ## **A Non-Alcoholic Spirit Everyone Will Want to Drink** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Lyre-Spiced_Cane_Spirit_RGB.webp) *Photo: Lyre’s* Of all the bottles you can buy stoppered with a cork, who would guess the most dynamic and exciting is the one with no booze? The market for nonalcoholic spirits has exploded with innovation over the last two years, and perhaps best in class is the Australian brand [Lyre’s](https://manila-wine.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=lyre%27s). It was early to grasp that you need a little fire if you’re going to imitate alcohol: Lyre’s infuses its spirits with small amounts of oak tannins, bitterness and/or spice, yielding a drinkable and surprisingly accurate impersonation of everything from American whiskey to Amaretto. Try the spiced “rum” mixed with Coke, or the “vermouth” and “Campari” for an N/A Americano. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Food & Drink, Spirits **Tags:** cocktails, Feature, gin, Martini, Tanqueray --- ### [Afternoon Tea, Alpine Chalets: Here Are 10 Last-Minute Luxury Bookings to Celebrate Christmas and New Year in Style](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/afternoon-tea-alpine-chalets-here-are-10-last-minute-luxury-bookings-to-celebrate-christmas-and-new-year-in-style/) **Published:** December 22, 2025 **Author:** Annie Asistio **Content:** ’Tis the season to be jolly, as Christmas and New Year finally arrive. While many traditions center on celebrating the holidays in the comfort of home—with warm, home-cooked meals, mugs of tsokolate, and the familiar ritual of gift-giving—what if you’re looking for a change of scene? Here are our 10 standout favorites, from bespoke dining menus and seasonal décor to exclusive celebrations designed to make year-end moments feel both effortless and unforgettable. No matter where you are in the world, from Metro Manila and Negros Occidental to Hong Kong, Singapore, and Los Angeles, these ten luxury hotels offer distinct ways to celebrate the festive season. ## Shangri-La: Festive Traditions in the City ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/SLFM_Festive_Raging-Bull-Chophouse-Bar_Set-Menu-2240x2697.webp) The set menu at Shangri-La The Fort’s Raging Bull Chophouse & Bar. *Shangri-La The Fort* Spending the holidays at the center of the city can be overwhelming, but [Shangri-La The Fort](https://robbreport.ph/tag/shangri-la-the-fort/ "Shangri-La The Fort"), Manila, located in the heart of Bonifacio Global City, offers a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle. Dining options provide tailored seasonal offerings and holiday feasts, from High Street Café’s festive afternoon tea and dinner buffets, and Michelin-selected Canton Road’s refined Cantonese menu, to Raging Bull Burger’s limited-edition Meat Rebel Claus—a holiday burger featuring double Angus beef patties and melted Gruyère cheese. For those seeking an exclusive experience, Samba features Peruvian-inspired festive menus alongside private cabana dinners for two and a lively poolside countdown to welcome 2026. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/SweetEnchantments-1-2240x1493.webp) Apart from a once-in-a-lifetime Swarovski-themed afternoon tea, Makati Shangri-La Manila offers enchanting Christmas-themed confections. *Makati Shangri-La Manila* Meanwhile, Makati Shangri-La, Manila goes beyond festive dinners with a Swarovski-inspired experience through The Enchanted Crystals Afternoon Tea, available daily. Guests can indulge in an array of savory and sweet selections, sip sparkling wine, and even enjoy a chance to win a Swarovski piece with every order. On New Year’s Eve, the hotel transforms the Lobby Lounge into a vibrant celebration complete with music, gourmet bites, and a sparkling toast to 2026. ; ## Solaire: Symphony of the Stars ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/solaire-lea-and-raymond-2240x1260.webp) *Solaire* Theater lovers and music aficionados are in for a treat this New Year’s Eve, as Solaire ushers in 2026 with a spectacular musical gala, *Symphony of the Stars*. The evening features legendary Lea Salonga and OPM icon Raymond Lauchengco, under the musical direction of maestro Gerard Salonga. Guests can expect a night of nostalgic, world-class performances paired with a lavish international buffet—setting the tone for a truly elegant welcome to the new year. ## Manami Resort: Sleigh Bells and Sea Breezes ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DSC_2171-1-1.webp) Manami Steering away from traditional winter-themed celebrations, Manami Resort in Sipalay, Negros Occidental offers a sun-kissed coastal retreat where guests can celebrate the holidays surrounded by pristine beaches, gentle ocean breezes, and the relaxed rhythm of island life. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DSC_2108-2240x1495.webp) Its in-house restaurant, Dayaw, presents a festive dining experience inspired by holiday flavors, alongside a signature beverage, the “Merry Melon Glow,” inspired by the hues of a coastal sunset. Guests can also enjoy Dayaw’s Noche Buena feast on Christmas Eve, as well as a New Year’s Eve dinner at Lingaw featuring Mediterranean-inspired dishes. [manamiresort.com](https://manamiresort.com) ## Waldorf Astoria Osaka: Tiffany Blue–Themed Christmas ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Waldorf-Astoria-Osaka-x-Tiffany-Co-Partnership-2.webp) Waldorf Astoria Osaka Holiday travel takes on a new level of glamour at Waldorf Astoria Osaka with its luxurious festive offerings. In collaboration with Tiffany & Co., the hotel transforms Peacock Alley—its lounge and bar on the 29th floor—into a Tiffany Blue–themed Christmas wonderland. Holiday décor in the brand’s signature hue is paired with details inspired by the sophistication of Manhattan. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Waldorf-Astoria-Osaka-x-Tiffany-Co-Partnership_Afternoon-Tea-3.webp) Waldorf Astoria Osaka Guests can enjoy a specially curated afternoon tea featuring exclusive savory and sweet selections, alongside New York–inspired holiday cocktails. ## Raffles Hotel Singapore: Festive Dining Experience ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Raffles-Singapore-Festive-.webp) Beyond its celebrated spa and amenities, Raffles Hotel Singapore entices guests with an array of exclusive festive dining experiences across its restaurants and bars. The Grand Lobby hosts a refined, festive afternoon tea, featuring foie gras pâté with Amur caviar on crispy brioche, crab éclairs with Calvados Waldorf cream, and classic egg sandwiches infused with winter black truffle. At Butcher’s Block, fire and flair take center stage during Christmas Eve dinner, with standout dishes such as Lomi Lomi kombu-cured big eye tuna, kalua pork confit, and Huli-Huli dry-aged duck paired with heirloom beets. For festive libations, The Writers Bar and Long Bar—the birthplace of the iconic Singapore Sling—serve Christmas-inspired cocktails including Yuletide Punch, classic Eggnog, and the sparkling Christmas Bliss. ## Cordis Hong Kong: International Indulgence for the Festive Season ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Alibi-i%E7%AF%80%E6%97%A5%E5%8D%8A%E8%87%AA%E5%8A%A9%E6%97%A9%E5%8D%88%E9%A4%90-Christmas-Semi-buffet-Brunch-2240x1493.webp) Cordis Cordis Hong Kong invites guests to experience cross-cultural holiday traditions throughout the season. Alibi – Wine Dine Be presents a Czech-inspired festive feast and New Year’s Eve countdown, featuring a Euro-centric menu co-curated by Executive Chef Mark Mak and Petr Král, Executive Chef of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic in Prague. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/The-Garage-Bar%E6%98%9F%E7%A9%BA%E7%87%92%E7%83%A4%E7%9B%9B%E6%9C%83-Festive-Set-at-The-Garage-Bar-2240x1493.webp) Cordis Meanwhile, The Garage Bar offers a surf-and-turf selection, from New Zealand rock oysters to a BBQ platter of lamb chops, teriyaki salmon fillet, and king prawns. Beyond dining, Cordis elevates the festive experience at its award-winning Chuan Spa, with specially curated holiday treatments such as the “Festive Ritual” and “Glowing Sparkle.” ## Dorchester Collection: From Alpine Escapes to Al Fresco Gatherings ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-22-at-105102-AM.webp) For an authentic alpine holiday experience, Dorchester Collection’s Hôtel Plaza Athénée in Paris opens its alpine-themed winter chalet in La Cour Jardin. Guests enjoy exclusive access to a private ice rink, skating under the stars, followed by a private dinner featuring a curated menu—from Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame 2018 and Normandy raclette to the hotel’s signature chocolate fondue. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-22-at-105542-AM.webp) In Los Angeles, The Beverly Hills Hotel offers festive moments at its iconic Polo Lounge, with holiday brunches and dinners running from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve. Fridays and Saturdays feature afternoon tea with handcrafted pastries served on fine china, while reimagined signature desserts appear closer to Christmas. Young chefs are also invited to decorate their own holiday cookies to take home. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-22-at-105116-AM.webp) At Hotel Bel-Air, festive dining is paired with seasonal film screenings on the expansive Front Lawn, complete with popcorn, chocolate, and candy beneath twinkling lights. For a more exclusive experience, private fire pits accommodating up to six guests are also available. **Categories:** Dining, Food & Drink, Travel **Tags:** beverly hills hotel, dorchester collection, Hong Kong, hotel bel air, lea salonga, Makati Shangri-La Manila, manami resort, plaza athenee, raffles hotel singapore, raymond lauchengco, Shangri-La The Fort, solaire, Waldorf Astoria, waldorf astoria osaka --- ### [The Ten Lots at Leon Gallery's Spectacular Mid-Year Auction to Bid For](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-collectibles/the-ten-lots-at-leon-gallerys-spectacular-mid-year-auction-to-bid-for/) **Published:** June 8, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** Every major auction has its headliners, but the most compelling sales are often defined by the breadth of stories they tell. Leon Gallery’s Mid-Year Auction moves effortlessly between Philippine history, modernism, contemporary art, and decorative arts, offering collectors the chance to acquire everything from a rediscovered Anita Magsaysay-Ho and an early BenCab to one of the country’s rarest surviving historical documents and an extraordinary nineteenth-century Manila Aparador. These are the ten lots we would probably bid on ourselves. ## Lot 30: Anita Magsaysay-Ho, *Five Senses* (1950) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/30.webp) Anita Magsaysay-Ho’s *Five Senses* is more than a rediscovered masterpiece—it marks the artist’s first major award and a pivotal moment in Philippine modernism. Unseen publicly for over 70 years, the painting won Second Prize at the landmark 1950 AAP competition that cemented the ascendancy of the modernists. Its rarity, historical importance, and impeccable provenance make it one of the sale’s most significant works—and is surely on many a serious collector’s list. *Starting bid: Php16,000,000.* ## Lot 40: BenCab, *Sabel Series* (1967) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/40.webp) Few figures in Philippine art are as enduring as Sabel. This early 1967 example is particularly compelling for its restraint, stripping away the dramatic flourishes often associated with the series in favor of a more introspective portrait that reveals the emotional depth at the heart of BenCab’s enduring masterpiece. *Starting bid: Php1,800,000.* ## Lot 123: Karen Ocampo-Flores, Mark Justiniani, Joy Mallari, and Federico Sievert, *Untitled* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/123.webp) This untitled piece brings together Karen Ocampo-Flores, Mark Justiniani, Joy Mallari, and Federico Sievert in a rare 1996 collaborative painting that turns family into a dreamlike allegory. Floating over a midnight clock, an intertwined couple gathers symbols of birth, hope, and home: a rose, a womb, children, a distant house, and a glowing star. The result is a dense, lyrical meditation on time, creation, and intimacy. *Starting bid: Php1,400,000.* ## Lot 19: Jigger Cruz, “Give Me Some Bones” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/19-1.webp) Jigger Cruz’s “Give Me Some Bones” captures the artist’s furious dialogue with art history. Beneath its slashes, smears, and torn frame sits a buried classical image, reduced to a contested ground for Cruz’s “aggressive archaeology.” Paint becomes both weapon and excavation tool, disrupting the authority of Western painting while exposing its stubborn traces. The result is raw, layered, and defiantly alive. *Starting bid: Php2,700,000.* ## Lot 64: Manuel Ocampo, *Untitled* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/64.webp) Manuel Ocampo turns a central vase into a fractured field of symbols, blackened heads, angular lines, and unstable forms. The image feels ornamental at first, then increasingly disquieting, suggesting erasure, anonymity, and historical trauma. Through crude abstraction and deliberate visual chaos, Ocampo channels his long-running concerns with colonial memory, religion, identity, and the grotesque. *Starting bid: Php1,000,000.* ## Lot 50: Danilo Dalena, *Ano Kamo?* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/50.webp) Plucked from his Pakil Series, Danilo Dalena’s “Ano Kamo?” turns a familiar Pakil street scene into a sharp portrait of Filipino social life. Set outside the old stone church of St. Peter of Alcantara, the work captures two elderly men caught in a conspiratorial exchange: gossip, rumor, perhaps even fake news. With humor and bite, Dalena transforms idle talk into a modern parable on calumny, community, and national habit. *Starting bid: Php2,000,000.* ## Lot 21: Raffy Napay, *Untitled* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/21.webp) Raffy Napay’s 2016 work draws the viewer into a dense forest of paint, thread, and fabric, where foliage twists into a living web. At its center, a nest becomes both refuge and mystery: a fragile home suspended within the larger pulse of nature. Through layered greens, browns, reds, and blues, Napay turns the forest into a meditation on shelter and belonging. *Starting bid: Php500,000.* ## Lot 97: A Copy of the Malolos Constitution ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/97.webp) One of the foundational documents of the Philippine nation, the Malolos Constitution established Asia’s first republican constitution and laid the framework for democratic government, civil rights, and the separation of church and state. Connected to the revolutionary congress convened by Emilio Aguinaldo in 1898, it’s one of the few surviving documents associated with the event and represents an extraordinary piece of Philippine political history. *Starting bid: Php500,000.* ## Lot 22: Manila Aparador (c. 1825–1850) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/22.webp) This gorgeous late-neoclassical Manila Aparador exemplifies the sophistication of early Filipino furniture-making. Executed in richly burled narra and kamagong with silver fittings and refined line inlay, it reflects influences ranging from French Empire and Louis XVI to German Biedermeier. Comparable examples are scarce, particularly with strong provenance, making this an important survivor from the homes of Manila’s nineteenth-century elite and one of those rare pieces that only a few possess. *Starting bid: Php1,000,000.* ## Lot 52: Fernando Amorsolo, *Puerta Real de Bagumbayan* (1938) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/52.webp) Painted during Fernando Amorsolo’s artistic prime, *Puerta Real de Bagumbayan* captures one of Intramuros’ most historic landmarks bathed in the artist’s signature sunlight. Created the same year he became acting director of the UP School of Fine Arts, it offers collectors both historical resonance and classic Amorsolo appeal—and steps away from subjects that include people in the vista, which makes it stand out among the other stunning Amorsolo lots. *Starting bid: Php1,400,000.* *Visit Leon Gallery’s website [here](https://leon-gallery.com/home).* **Categories:** Art & Collectibles **Tags:** auction, leon gallery --- ### [The 18 Coolest New Watches That Dropped in November](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-18-coolest-new-watches-that-dropped-in-november/) **Published:** December 3, 2025 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** Our favorite watchmakers gave us some horological humdingers this month. Many newcomers were presented during the undeniably glamorous and increasingly important [Dubai Watch Week](https://www.dubaiwatchweek.com/), which saw more than 90 brands come together and exhibit at Burj Park. To give you a taste, the folks at Ulysse Nardin and Urwerk unveiled a co-branded marvel aptly named Ur-Freak, De Bethune debuted a perpetual calendar and a double-sided GMT, and [Chopard](https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/chopards-luc-grand-strike-dubai-watch-week-1237366270/) revealed its most complicated timepiece yet. Outside of the event in the UAE, Blancpain returned to high horology with a [$2 million chiming watch](https://robbreport.ph/watches/blancpain-returns-to-high-horology-with-the-2-million-grande-double-sonnerie/ "Blancpain Returns to High Horology With the $2 Million Grande Double Sonnerie"). Omega launched the fourth generation of its Seamaster Planet Ocean collection at a gala party in Miami. Jaeger-LeCoultre dropped not one but four new references, including two limited-edition Master Ultra Thins. Breitling revealed a gold collection for the holiday season. Roger Dubuis created a one-off and a limited edition in honor of its Swiss founder. And, to top it off, Vacheron Constantin unveiled a new series of Les Cabinotiers watches that pays homage to astronomy and the odysseys of ancient times. Below are the best watch releases of the month. ## Hublot Big Bang Unico Winter and Big Bang Ahmed Seddiqi ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/hublot-big-bang-unico-winter-.webp) *Photo: Hublot* Hublot dropped two very *cool* Big Bang Unicos this month. The 42 mm [winter editions](https://www.hublot.com/en-gb/watches/big-bang/big-bang-unico-winter-sapphire-42-mm) pay homage to the chilliest season, with icy white and glacier blue tones. “From the ice of Zermatt to the energy of Aspen, from powder mornings to fire-lit nights, they capture the spirit of winter in a bold, festive style,” Hublot CEO Julien Tornare says. One showcases a transparent sapphire case, while the other features a titanium case and a white ceramic bezel. Both share the same striking openworked dials. The *coolest* part—sorry, we’ll stop now—is that the in-house self-winding movement (HUB1280 Unico flyback chronograph) is now equipped with a snowflake-shaped oscillating weight that is visible through the caseback. The sapphire edition costs $80,500, while the titanium version retails for $26,300. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/hublot-big-bang-ahmed-seddiqi-75th-anniversary.webp) *Photo: Hublot* Hublot, like many of the top brands at Dubai Watch Week, also unveiled limited editions in honor of Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, the family-owned luxury watch retailer that founded the event in 2015. The folks at Hublot took it one step further, though, dropping two commemorative timepieces celebrating the 75th anniversary of Ahmed Seddiqi and the 20th anniversary of the Big Bang. Both feature dials with Arabic numerals and self-winding movements with solid-gold oscillating weights engraved with a special Seddiqi logo. The first is crafted in full black ceramic, limited to 10 pieces, and priced at $28,600, while the second is made of titanium, limited to 25 examples, and retails for $25,200. ## Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/omega-seamaster-planet-ocean-fourth-generation.webp) *Photo: Omega* Omega made a splash in Miami this month, revealing the fourth generation of its [Seamaster Planet Ocean](https://www.omegawatches.com/en-gb/watches/seamaster/planet-ocean/the-collection/product) collection. The seven new models take design cues from the original that debuted in 2005, but feature a new case design, an updated movement, and new strap options. Some also showcase a brighter shade of orange on the ceramic bezel. Perhaps more importantly, the helium valve of previous iterations has been removed and a flatter crystal added to create a thinner case. (It now measures 13.79 mm thick instead of the previous 16.1 mm.) “The new Planet Ocean is still a diving watch but it’s also an elegant watch,” Omega CEO Raynald Aeschlimann told *Robb Report*. The new references start at $8,600. ## De Bethune DB25 Perpetual Sky and DB Kind of Two Jumping GMT ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/de-bethune-db-kind-of-two-jumping-gmt.webp) *Photo: De Bethune* It was a De Bethune kind of month, with the Swiss watchmaker releasing not one but two timepieces. The first, known as the DB Kind of Two [Jumping GMT](https://www.debethune.ch/collections/db-kind-of-two/jumping-gmt-dbk2v1) ($235,000), displays two time zones across two distinct faces. (The contemporary dial shows the hours around a balance wheel at 6 o’clock and the minutes around the periphery, while the classic guilloché dial features the second time zone.) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/de-bethune-db25-perpetual-sky.webp) De Bethune DB25 Perpetual Sky *Photo: De Bethune* The second is a new 40 mm version of the [DB25 Perpetual Sky ](https://www.debethune.ch/journal/db28xs-yellow-tones)($145,000), with this iteration of the perpetual calendar featuring a titanium case and the signature starry dial with day, date, and month indications plus the brand’s patented spherical moon phase. ## Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin and Rendez-Vous ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/jaeger-lecoultre-master-ultra-thin-moon-date.webp) *Photo: Jaeger-LeCoultre* Jaeger-LeCoultre decided to give two of its models a makeover in November, releasing new versions of the [Master Ultra Thin](https://www.jaeger-lecoultre.com/us-en/watches/master-ultra-thin) and [Rendez-Vous](https://www.jaeger-lecoultre.com/us-en/watches/rendez-vous) watches. Starting with the limited-edition Master Ultra Thin Moon (pictured top) and Master Ultra Thin Date: Both are limited to 800 pieces and feature a fresh, grained dial in a copper hue. Plus, each are equipped with the Calibre 925 and 899, respectively. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/jaeger-lecoultre-rendez-vous-moon.webp) Jaeger-LeCoultre Rendez-Vous Moon *Photo: Jaeger-LeCoultre* With the Rendez-Vous, a total of 64 elements have been modified (including significant technical upgrades). The new 34 mm Rendez-Vous Night & Day is offered in all steel, steel with a diamond-set bezel, and 18-karat pink gold with a diamond-set bezel, while the new 34 mm Rendez-Vous Moon is offered in steel or 18-karat pink gold with a diamond-set bezel. Prices for all are available upon request. ## Chopard L.U.C. Grand Strike ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/chopard-luc-grand-strike.webp) *Photo: Chopard* Chopard’s newest release is sure to strike a chord with collectors. The new L.U.C Grand Strike is the most complicated chiming watch from the Swiss maison, featuring, for the first time, a grand sonnerie, plus a petite sonnerie, a minute repeater with proprietary sapphire crystal gongs, and a tourbillon. All that is packed into a 43 mm 18-karat ethical gold case, with a dial-less display allowing the wearer to fully appreciate many of the 686 components in the in-house, hand-wound movement (calibre L.U.C 08.03-L). The newcomer, unsurprisingly, took 11,000 hours of research and development to come to fruition and carries both COSC and Poinçon de Genève certifications. It’s not a limited edition, but only approximately three pieces will be made per year. Price upon request. ## Breitling Gold Capsule Collection ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/breitling-gold-capsule-collection.webp) *Photo: Breitling* Breitling is helping horophiles shine bright this holiday season, releasing a gold capsule collection comprising three Navitimers and three Premiers. All six references are crafted in 18-karat red gold and showcase dial colors and movements that have never before been combined. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/breitling-premier-b21-chronograph-tourbillon-42.webp) Premier B21 Chronograph Tourbillon 42 *Photo: Breitling* The pick of the bunch is the [Premier B21 Chronograph Tourbillon 42](https://www.breitling.com/us-en/watches/premier/premier-b21-chronograph-tourbillon-42/RB21204A1C1P1). The limited edition, which is available only in the U.S. and Canada, features a striking new blue gradient dial with a central chronograph seconds hand and a 60-minute counter at 6 o’clock and a mesmerizing tourbillon at 12 o’clock. Developed with movement specialist La Joux Perret, the B21 caliber unites the complexity of a tourbillon with the precision of a chronograph. “The Premier B21 Chronograph Tourbillon 42 is the ultimate expression of Breitling’s design expertise and technical mastery,” says Thierry Prissert, president of Breitling USA. The North American exclusive is limited to 75 and retails for $75,000. ## TAG Heuer Formula 1 Chronograph x Senna and Monaco ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/tag-heuer-monaco-split-seconds-chronograph-air-1.webp) Premier B21 Chronograph Tourbillon 42 *Photo: TAG Heuer* TAG Heuer tipped a hat—or helmet, perhaps—to Formula 1 in November, dropping four new racing-inspired chronographs. Two are contemporary takes on the original [Monaco](https://www.tagheuer.com/us/en/timepieces/collections/tag-heuer-monaco) that debuted in 1969. Both showcase square-shaped titanium cases and skeletonized movements, but that is largely where the similarities end. The first, known as the Air 1 (price upon request), features a sleek, sculpted case created using a new “Selective Laser Melting” technique, while the second ($11,600) features lume elements on the dial that evoke the neon lights at the night races of F1. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/tag-heuer-formula-1-chronograph-x-senna.webp) TAG Heuer Formula 1 Chronograph x Senna *Photo: TAG Heuer* The other two are part of the watchmaker’s long-running [Senna series](https://www.tagheuer.com/gb/en/special-edition/formula1-senna.html) that honors famous F1 driver Ayrton Senna. The titanium 44 mm ($5,850) and the steel 43 mm ($2,700) both showcase the same bright-green and yellow hues that graced the Brazilian’s helmet, plus other Senna-inspired touches. ## Louis Vuitton Escale ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/louis-vuitton-escale-turquoise.webp) *Photo: Louis Vuitton* Louis Vuitton showed off some incredible ornamental stonework this month, unveiling two limited-edition Escale watches with decorative minerals for dials. One puts turquoise front and center; the other, malachite. The 40 mm platinum case also showcases a monolithic ring crafted from the same mineral that appears on the face, adding an unexpected pop of color to the profile. The lugs, bezel, caseback, and crown are all platinum, while the new Saffiano leather strap is Arroyo gray on the turquoise model and Rainforest green on the malachite reference. Both time-only newcomers are equipped with a self-winding mechanical movement (Caliber LFT023) with a power reserve of 50 hours. Each one is limited to 30 pieces. The [malachite design](https://us.louisvuitton.com/eng-us/products/louis-vuitton-escale-automatic-40mm-platinum-and-malachite-nvprod6720060v/W3PTC1) is priced at $64,500, while the turquoise piece is not yet listed on the website. ## Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers La Quête ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/vacheron-constantin-les-cabinotiers-la-quete-cosmica-duo-grand-complication.webp) *Photo: Vacheron Constantin* Vacheron Constantin went all out for its 270th anniversary, unveiling a new series comprising 13 unique (or “Les Cabinotiers”) and highly complex timepieces. Aptly titled [La Quête](https://www.vacheron-constantin.com/gb/en/watches/cabinotiers/the-quest.html), or “the quest” in English, the line reflects the Swiss watchmaker’s ongoing pursuit of excellence. Inspired by astronomy and ancient odysseys, each piece is a feat of haute horlogerie that combines technical innovations and grand complications with decorative arts, such as engraving, enameling, gem-setting, and miniature sculpture. One standout is the Cosmica Duo—Grand Complication, a double-sided, reversible watch with 24 complications, including a minute repeater, a tourbillon, and impressive astronomical functions. One dial spotlights the stars above, while the other highlights a dazzling new movement (Calibre 2756-B1) with 1,003 components. Prices available upon request. ## Roger Dubuis Hommage La Placide and Sukoon Al-Layl ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/roger-dubuis-hommage-la-placide-.webp) *Photo: Roger Dubuis* Roger Dubuis first introduced the Hommage collection in 1996 to honor the watchmakers who influenced him. The latest two additions to the line are a tribute to Dubuis himself, though. The first, the [Hommage La Placide](https://www.rogerdubuis.com/gb-en/watches/hommage/la-placide-38mm-rddbho0612), pays homage to his calm nature. (La Placide, French for “the calm,” was actually his childhood nickname.) It features a 38 mm pink-gold case, a “Léman Blue” dial inspired by the calm waters of Lake Geneva, and a new biretrograde perpetual calendar (RD1472 caliber) that combines two famous Dubuis movements. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/roger-dubuis-hommage-sukoon-al-layl.webp) Roger Dubuis Hommage Sukoon Al-Layl *Photo: Roger Dubuis* The second, the [Hommage Sukoon Al-Layl](https://www.rogerdubuis.com/watches/hommage/sukoon-al-layl-38mm-rddbho0611), evokes the serenity of a nighttime desert as another nod to his calm demeanor. (The name actually translates to “the serenity of night.”) This piece showcases a 38 mm platinum case, a layered dial that combines guilloché, lacquer, and mother of pearl, and the same RD1472 caliber. The La Placide is limited to 28 examples and priced at $132,500, while the Sukoon Al-Layl is a one-off boutique exclusive. ## Gérald Genta Gentissima Oursin ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/gerald-genta-gentissima-oursin-41-meteorite-dial.webp) Roger Dubuis Hommage Sukoon Al-Layl *Photo: Gérald Genta* Gérald Genta has taken the [Gentissima Oursin](https://www.geraldgenta.com/horological-creations/gentissimaoursin41/bluemeteorite/) into new, extraterrestrial territory. The sea urchin-inspired timepiece—designed by Genta in 1994, then released in three variations in 2024—has been reimagined with a bold new meteorite dial. The house unveiled not one but two pieces decked out in the asteroid-derived material. One has blue meteorite on the face; the other, green. Both come fitted with rubber straps in complementary hues. They also feature 41 mm titanium cases, making them larger than the six 36.5 mm references in the lineup. Both are priced at 25,000 Swiss Francs (or about $30,900) and will be made at Louis Vuitton’s esteemed La Fabrique du Temps watch manufacture. (LVMH, the owner of Louis Vuitton, acquired Gérald Genta indirectly when it purchased Bulgari in 2011.) ## Ulysse Nardin × Urwerk Ur-Freak ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/ulysse-nardin-urwerk-ur-freak2.webp) *Photo: Ulysse Nardin/Urwerk* Ulysse Nardin and Urwerk created what could be your—or should we say “ur?”—dream watch this month. The aptly named [Ur-Freak](https://www.ulysse-nardin.com/en-gb/watches/freak/2413-500le-2a-ur-3b) doesn’t just showcase the design DNA of the two Swiss watchmakers; it also marries their respective mechanical mastery by incorporating Urwerk’s signature satellite system for indicating the time with Ulysse Nardin’s incredible in-house silicon tech. The 44 mm titanium timepiece also features an entirely new mechanical movement co-developed by the brands. The Caliber UN-241 is notably equipped with a silicon oscillator that operates at a frequency of 3Hz and offers an utterly freakish 90 hours of power reserve. Limited to 100 pieces, the Ur-Freak retails for $122,200. ## Blancpain Grande Double Sonnerie ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/blancpain-grande-double-sonnerie-1.webp) *Photo: Blancpain* Blancpain celebrated 190 years in style, unveiling [its most complex watch to date](https://robbreport.ph/watches/blancpain-returns-to-high-horology-with-the-2-million-grande-double-sonnerie/ "Blancpain Returns to High Horology With the $2 Million Grande Double Sonnerie"). Eight years in the making, the [Grande Double Sonnerie ](https://www.blancpain.com/en/grande-double-sonnerie)signals the maison’s return to the upper echelons of high horology. The grand complication combines grande and petite sonnerie, a minute repeater, a flying tourbillon, and a retrograde perpetual calendar in one rather wearable 47 mm gold case. It also features the world’s first dual-melody four-tone system that allows it to play either a Westminster chime or a bespoke sequence composed by Eric Singer of Kiss. Available in white or pink gold, the newcomer is priced at 1.7 million Swiss francs (or about $2 million). Production will be limited to two pieces each year. ## H. Moser & Cie. Streamliner Perpetual Moon Concept Meteorite ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/HMoser-Streamliner-Perpetual-Moon-Concept-Meteorite.webp) *Photo: H. Moser & Cie.* H. Moser & Cie.’s new [Streamliner](https://h-moser.com/product/streamliner-perpetual-moon-6270-1200/) is out of this world. Unveiled during Dubai Watch Week, the newcomer pairs a sleek steel case and integrated bracelet with a gorgeous gold-hued meteorite dial. Crafted specifically from the Gibeon meteorite, the face undergoes a meticulous treatment that accentuates the natural Widmanstätten pattern, according to the brand. It is further enhanced with Moser’s signature fumé effect. Inside lies a self-winding version of the perpetual moon phase caliber that H. Moser previously introduced as a hand-wound movement. The automatic HMC 270 caliber has a three-day power reserve and a moonphase accuracy of one day per 1027 years. The watch will cost you 35,000 Swiss francs (or about $43,300). *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** blancpain, breitling, chopard, hublot, jaeger-le coultre, Louis Vuitton, Omega, tag heuer, ulysse nardin, Vacheron Constantin, Watches --- ### [The Gift Guide: The Athlete](https://robbreport.ph/leisure/sports/the-gift-guide-the-athlete/) **Published:** December 3, 2025 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** There’s a certain kind of athlete who appreciates equipment beautifully designed with rigor and tools that perform without shouting for attention. This list is for them. Beyond high-performance machines and objects that make recovery an art form, these gifts meet the disciplined aesthete-athlete exactly where they thrive, from warm-up to cool-down. ## **1. BMW x Sipaboards Electric Stand-Up Paddleboard** (approximately Php263,000) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/sipaboards-bmw-tourer-electric-3.webp) [BMW’s collaboration with Sipaboards](https://robbreport.ph/boats/bmws-latest-ev-is-a-standup-paddleboard-you-can-ride-for-up-to-7-hours-on-a-charge/ "BMW’s Latest EV Is a Standup Paddleboard You Can Ride for Up to 7 Hours on a Charge") transforms paddleboarding from a casual weekend hobby into something far more technical. The eSUP’s built-in motor adds thrust when needed—ideal for long coastal routes or choppy conditions—while still allowing the rider to engage every muscle group. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/sipaboards-bmw-tourer-electric-1.webp) Inflation is automatic, hull lines are sleek, and stability is remarkably precise. It’s a watercraft for the athlete who values silence, strength, and scenery in equal measure. *Order the paddleboard [here](https://bmw.sipaboards.com/product/bmw-tourer-electric/).* ## **2. Impervia Gravel E-Bike by PĀRD Design** (approximately Php1,092,000) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMPERVIA-1-2240x1856.webp) Engineered in the Netherlands and custom-built like a piece of industrial art, the Impervia Gravel E-Bike blends power with endurance over mixed terrain. Its carbon frame absorbs vibration without sacrificing responsiveness (and light at 15kg; the aluminum version is only 18kg), while the motor’s assist feels natural rather than intrusive. For the rider who thrives on long climbs and spontaneous detours, this is a machine that expands the definition of distance. *More information [here](https://parddesign.com/impervia-gravel-e-bike-en/).* ## **3. Angel 8500 Cold-Press Juicer** (Php157,400) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG_4129-2-2_901a1648-bfa9-4cde-bedc-073ecd8fd2de_1400x.webp) Recovery begins in the kitchen, and few machines handle nutrients with the precision of the Angel 8500. Using twin stainless-steel gears (that it’s a juicer with zero plastics and 100% stainless steel is an important feature), it extracts juice with remarkable efficiency, keeping enzymes and micronutrients intact. Whether the athlete prefers celery, ginger shots, or chlorophyll-heavy blends, this is the kind of tool that becomes part of a daily ritual—clean, quiet, and built like lab equipment. *Available via [Angel Juicer](https://angeljuiceramerica.com/collections/angel-juicers-1/products/cold-press-slow-angel-8500-premium#).* ## **4. Hermès “Macao” Mahjongg Set** (Php756,000) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-02-at-50931-PM.webp) Every dedicated athlete understands that rest is its own discipline, and that longevity depends as much on exercising the mind as it does on exercising the body. [Hermès](https://robbreport.ph/tag/hermes/ "hermes")’ Macao mahjongg set brings this to the table, pun not intended, and a sense of leisure without sacrificing craft. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-02-at-50921-PM.webp) Tiles, racks, and dice are housed in fine leather and hand-finished wood—the kind of object that winds down a training day with friends, strategy, and a bit of lighthearted competition. It’s sport of a different sort, rendered the Hermès way. *Available at [Hermès](https://www.hermes.com/us/en/product/macao-mahjong-game-H313029Mv01/). Visit the Hermès boutique at Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Makati City, [+63 917 595 6942]() and [+63 7757 8940]()* ## **5. Loewe x On: Running Apparel** (Price varies) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-02-at-50753-PM-2240x985.webp) A collaboration rooted in motion, not novelty. [Loewe’s](https://robbreport.ph/tag/loewe/ "loewe") sculptural eye meets On’s technical know-how in pieces that move cleanly, breathe well, and feel as good on a run as they do post-training. Cloud-like cushioning (for the aptly-named sneaker, Cloudsolo), engineered knitwear, and aerodynamic fabrics create a wardrobe that adapts from long runs to travel days. Ideal for the athlete who wants performance without compromising style. *Available at [Loewe](https://www.loewe.com/int/en/pd/stories-collection/loewe-on-running.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=LOEWEMODA_FLG_PHL_ON-RUNNING_OTH_OTHER_ON-GOING_TR_BRAN_GTAD_CRD_ENG_USD_MXMT_&utm_id=23095629839&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23095629839&gbraid=0AAAAADCQMWd3p-gxKjgs-cr-ePqrYnVrH&gclid=Cj0KCQiAubrJBhCbARIsAHIdxD8ov_yR8_DAFRK2-_p6qyxC7isUqTXglzRH8IBLW-IeQngLxRIvDl8aAnZVEALw_wcB). Loewe boutiques are located at Level 1 Shangri-La Plaza East Wing, EDSA Corner Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City, +02.8245-9049 and Greenbelt 3, Makati Ave., Makati City.* ## **6. Prada Canvas Drawstring Duffle** (Php148,300) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-02-at-50540-PM.webp) [Prada’s](https://robbreport.ph/tag/prada/ "prada") canvas duffle is the antithesis of the overbuilt gym bag: lightweight yet structured, casual yet cool, and so easy to carry. The drawstring design allows for quick access to layers, shoes, or towels. It’s the perfect companion for pilates or a tennis or pickleball match, as well as a weekend training retreat. *Available at [Prada](https://www.prada.com/eu/en/p/canvas-drawstring-duffle-bag/2VY011_2CYA_F04MO_V_OOO). Prada boutiques are located at 2-04 & 2-06 The Shoppes, Solaire Resort & Casino, 1 Aseana Avenue, Entertainment City, Paranaque City, [+63270037669](tel:+63270037669); and 141B, Greenbelt 4, Ayala Center, Makati City, [+63286543356](tel:+63286543356)* ## **7. Honma x Malbon Golf Clubs** (approximately Php1,171,000) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/mensprem002_grande-1.webp) Honma’s Japanese craftsmanship meets Malbon’s sporty style in a set that balances performance with personality. The irons are forged with Honma’s renowned precision, delivering a buttery feel at impact, while Malbon’s signature detailing adds charm without gimmickry. For the [golfer](https://robbreport.ph/style/9-of-the-best-items-to-elevate-your-golf-game/ "9 of the Best Items to Elevate Your Golf Game") (man or woman; there’s also a set made especially for women) who has everything—but still wants a set that tells a story. *Available via [Honma](https://us.honmagolf.com/collections/malbon-x-honma-collaboration/products/malbon-x-honma-mens-premium-set).* ## **8. PENT PX-55 Pilates Mat** (approximately Php200,000) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/PENT_PX_55_mat_gorna_czesc.webp) This is pilates equipment redesigned further: crafted from natural leather and premium foam, PENT’s PX-55 mat provides firm, supportive cushioning with a surface that ages beautifully over time. It’s substantial, architectural, and transforms at-home practice into something closer to a private studio. *Available via [Pent](https://www.pentfitness.com/products/px-55-mat%E2%84%A2?srsltid=AfmBOooxwhhVUPIVJRedwdMPX1TA4yVT8cqn-FMpXvqzcUAzWLeNiRhN) in various finishes.* ## **9. Paragon Studio Credenza Gym System** (approximately Php1,500,000) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-02-at-50207-PM.webp) Paragon Studio hides a complete strength-training setup inside a handcrafted credenza—originally custom-created for a [superyacht](https://robbreport.ph/tag/superyacht/ "Superyacht")—discreet enough for a one (or even a penthouse in the city), functional enough for actual training. Behind the cabinetry sit free weights, resistance tools, and accessories arranged with almost obsessive order. This is luxury fitness for the athlete who refuses to compromise space for their workout. *Available via [Paragon Studio](https://www.paragonstudio.co.uk/product/credenza-complete-package/)*. ## **10. Bang & Olufsen BeoGrace Earphones** (approximately Php88,000) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/bang-and-olufsen-beo-grace-4.webp) Training demands rhythm, and B&O’s BeoGrace delivers it with clarity and a sculptural silhouette. Designed for movement, the earphones stay secure through sprints, lifts, and cooldowns, while active noise cancellation keeps outdoor runs focused. Crisp, warm, and detailed, the sound profile feels more like a private concert than a playlist. *Available at [B&O](https://www.bang-olufsen.com/en/us/earphones/beograce) and through [Living Innovations](https://livinginnovations.ph/).* **Categories:** Leisure, Sports --- ### [Supersize Me: How Supervillas Are Outshining Top Luxury Resorts](https://robbreport.ph/travel/supersize-me-how-supervillas-are-outshining-top-luxury-resorts/) **Published:** December 29, 2025 **Author:** Mark Ellwood **Content:** High in the Costa Rican hills, a short drive from the surf mecca of Dominical, sits the new Lamangata estate. The 12,000-square-foot villa has six ocean-facing suites, a teakwood yoga studio, a [spa](https://robbreport.ph/tag/spa/ "spa"), an infinity pool with an Olympic-size swim lane, and even a grove of fruit trees to supply its kitchens. This oversize, over-the-top property—yours for $80,000 (Php 4.7 million) a week—is emblematic of a growing travel trend: the supervilla. These lavish lodges are larger and more amenity-rich than a typical luxury vacation rental but smaller than a boutique hotel. “It’s your own resort that you never have to leave,” says Jason Squatriglia, a *Robb Report* Travel Master. “You don’t have to venture out if you don’t want to.” The emergence of this category is driven by a newfound focus on “celebration travel”: trips organized for milestone birthdays, family reunions, and the like. Accordingly, most supervillas have at least six bedrooms and sit on ample plots of privacy-enhancing land—which also makes it easier to outfit them with hotel-style facilities. “They’re built for hospitality, not necessarily as homes,” says Kevin Jackson of EXP Journeys, another Travel Master, who has booked five supervilla vacations for clients this year. The appeal is understandable: “There’s just something about being on your own timetable and doing whatever you want,” he adds. “For the luxury traveler, that’s gold.” Safety is another factor, adds Squatriglia. Staying at a supervilla means you can wear what you want and behave how you please. “You can have one too many drinks and leave your tennis bracelet, sandals, and Birkin by the pool, and you don’t have to worry whether they will be there in the morning,” he explains. The luxury-rentals platform Le Collectionist says it has added 70 supervillas to its range of offerings in the past three years, many in hot spots such as Ibiza, Tuscany, and Greece. What might keep the trend going are the converted guests who now want to build supervillas themselves. One of Jackson’s clients “stayed in a few and asked me, ‘Where can I build my own?’ ” he says. They’re now considering a ranch-style property in a rugged, horse-friendly location, though an exact setting hasn’t been selected. “We’re in the process of deciding right now.” Until your own vision takes shape, these rarefied retreats offer a taste of what’s possible. ## The Terraces, Mustique ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/09_RR_GDS_T-TERRACES-0157.webp) *Photo: Courtesy* This nine-bedroom hilltop villa was built for advertising legend Mary Wells Lawrence in the 1980s, but more recent additions have turned it into a uniquely lush getaway. Its 17-acre plot features three pools, a guest cottage, and a stand-alone entertainment building with its own cinema, billiards room, and bar. *From $150,000 (Php 8.8 million) per week* ## Bighorn Lodge, British Columbia ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/09_RR_GDS_T-BH-2016-4-scaled.webp) *Photo: Daniel Stewart* If you want to go straight from your chopper to the slopes, try this eight-bedroom superchalet in the heart of Revelstoke, Canada’s ski country. It has 15,000 square feet of living space; its own helipad for easy arrival, departure, and heliskiing; and, crucially, a cocktail bar for après-ski unwinding. *From $90,000 (Php 5.3 million) per week* ## Villa Avellana, Costa Rica ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/09_RR_GDS_T-Avellana_BAJA_193.webp) *Photo: Andres Garcia Lachner* The 33,000-square-foot home has its own private park and beachfront, as well as a 42-foot yacht to cruise the waters off Peninsula Papagayo. Its large communal areas are one reason Jackson recommends it to clients. During a recent multigenerational trip, “the principal, his mother, his wife’s family, they were all enjoying it at their leisure—they felt free,” he says. *From $182,000 (Php 10.7 million) per week* ## Villa Coachella, Saint-Tropez ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/09_RR_GDS_T-VILLA_COACHELLA_-67.webp) *Photo: Courtesy* “If someone could build some more \[villas\] in Saint-Tropez, they would be worth their weight in gold,” Squatriglia jokes of the in-demand hot spot. This standout nine bedroom retreat is only a five-minute drive from the city center, but you might not want to leave: It’s served by a 24/7 concierge team and has a private vineyard. *From about $80,000 (Php 4.7 million) per week* ## La Dacha, Cabo San Lucas ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/09_RR_GDS_T-La_Datcha-1.webp) *Photo: Courtesy* Jackson calls this “massive home tucked into the cliff right there on a beautiful beach” one of his favorites—but its 10 bedrooms, spa, and full-time personal trainer aren’t the biggest draws. You can spend a week aboard its namesake expedition yacht for an extra $1 million (Php 58.8 million). *From $245,000 (Php 7.3 million) per week* ***This article originally appeared in [Robb Report Philippines’ Travel Issue, December 2026](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-december-2025-the-travel-issue/).*** **Categories:** Travel **Tags:** Costa Rica, Feature, luxury travel --- ### [The Gift Guide: Style for Her](https://robbreport.ph/style/fashion/the-gift-guide-style-for-her/) **Published:** December 2, 2025 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** What guides the taste of a Robb Report Philippines woman? A devotion to quality, a love of enduring design, and a sharp instinct for the exceptional. Her style is intuitive, precise, and assured, shaped by the designers, artisans, and ateliers that move her, favoring quality over flash and quantity. A gift for her is an object that will transcend trends or generations and is a gesture of understanding: of her sensibility, her appetite for beauty, and the stories she chooses to carry. This edition of our Gift Guide gathers jewels crafted by Filipino visionaries, heirlooms in the making from global maisons, covetable pieces from fashion’s most storied houses, and singular experiences that exceed the realm of possessions. Nothing here is “on-trend.” Fine jewelry, haute horlogerie, wardrobe icons, and once-in-a-lifetime moments—and yes, it includes a car in Ferrari red. ## **1. Kristine Dee Bangles** (Price upon request) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG_54923-e-retouched-1.webp) Kristine Dee’s Ceramik bracelets combine bold geometry with a softness that comes from her mastery of form. Her pieces have the rare ability to be both sculptural and deeply wearable, not to mention dainty; yet substantial enough to anchor an outfit, and, whether worn solo or stacked, bring a clarity of design that appeals to women with a strong personal aesthetic. They are pieces for someone who gravitates toward contemporary lines and art-forward silhouettes. *By appointment only. +639178950816* ## **2. Paul Syjuco Zambian Emerald and Black and White Diamond Earrings** (Price upon request) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Paul-syjuco-Zambian-emerald-pear-and-white-and-black-diamonds-1.webp) [Paul Syjuco’s](https://robbreport.ph/style/jewelry/paul-syjuco-fine-jeweler-a-quarter-of-a-century-on/ "Paul Syjuco, Fine Jeweler: A Quarter of a Century On") work celebrates sculptural precision and quiet glamour—an approach that has earned him a devoted following among women who favor pieces that feel modern yet timeless. These emerald earrings are a perfect example: elegant in proportion, meticulously engineered, and designed to catch light with subtle brilliance rather than excess. Syjuco’s hand as a designer is unmistakable—clean lines, architectural intent, and an understanding of how jewelry should *move* with the wearer. It’s a gift for the woman who leans toward refinement rather than spectacle, and who appreciates independent Filipino craftsmanship at an international level. *Aum by Paul Syjuco is located at the Basement Shopping Arcade, The Peninsula Manila, Ayala cor. Makati Ave, Makati City, Metro Manila. [0905 219 2948](https://www.google.com/search?q=paul+syjuco+peninsula&oq=paul+syjuco+peninsula&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTINCAEQLhivARjHARiABDIICAIQABgWGB4yCAgDEAAYFhgeMggIBBAAGBYYHjIICAUQABgWGB4yCAgGEAAYFhgeMgoIBxAAGIAEGKIEMgoICBAAGIAEGKIE0gEIMzA3MGowajSoAgCwAgE&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#)* ## **3. Patek Philippe Twenty~4 (4910/1201R-010)** (Php3,160,000) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-01-at-30540-PM.webp) The [Patek Philippe](https://robbreport.ph/tag/patek-philippe/ "Patek Philippe") Twenty~4 is the definitive watch for the woman who recognizes craftsmanship as the ultimate luxury. Rendered in rose gold with diamond-set details, the Twenty~4 is a spectacular watch, but its rectangular case and classic bracelet speak to a woman who prefers longevity over novelty, and a design grammar grounded in the traditions of Geneva watchmaking. Whether for a milestone or as an heirloom to pass down, it’s a watch chosen not for a trend but for a lifetime. *Available at Patek Philippe, Unit 03 Ground Floor Greenbelt 3 Esperanza Street, Ayala Center, Makati City.* ## **4. Ferrari 849 Testarossa** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/849_Testarossa_16x9_01_36369e08-3ceb-4bbb-b573-93dc6f36b1de.webp) *Ferrari* For the woman who prefers her style paired with speed, the [Ferrari 849 Testarossa](https://robbreport.ph/uncategorized/the-new-redhead-the-ferrari-849-testarossa-reminds-us-that-it-was-always-about-the-engine/ "The New Redhead: The Ferrari 849 Testarossa Reminds Us That It Was Always About the Engine") offers a different dimension of luxury: power expressed with grace. A masterpiece of engineering, the 849 reimagines the Testarossa lineage through a hybrid V8 architecture capable of extraordinary performance. It is sensuous in silhouette, emotional in sound, and uncompromising in capability. As a gift, it signals admiration of the highest order—and an understanding that style extends far beyond the wardrobe. *Via [Velocita Motors, Inc.](https://manila.ferraridealers.com/en-GB). Columbia St. Northeast Greenhills, San Juan City, Philippines, [+639171464439](tel:+639171464439)* ## **5. Preferred Hotels & Resorts: Milan Fashion Week Experience** (from Php6,800,000) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-01-at-35245-PM.webp) Beyond being just another trip, this is an entry into the inner chambers of Italian fashion. Hosted at the Armani Hotel Milano, the Tailored by Armani experience includes a three-night stay in the Presidential Suite, daily breakfast, and signature Armani/Dolci amenities. But the true magic lies in the exclusives: a personalized invitation to an Armani fashion show (with three weeks’ advance booking), a Made-to-Measure or Made-to-Order session that includes two bespoke outfits worth up to €12,000, and a private guided visit to Armani/Silos. Wellness and dining are woven in with the house’s precision—beginning with a Crema Nera couple’s treatment at Armani/Spa, a beauty consultation with an Armani Beauty expert, a gourmet in-suite dinner by Executive Chef Francesco Mascheroni, and signature cocktails at the iconic Bamboo Bar. Timed to any of the 2026 fashion week cycles in Milan—January, February–March, June, or September—it’s the dream immersion into the cultural engine of style itself, defined by Armani. *More information [here](https://livelikealegend.preferredhotels.com/armani-hotel-milano/p/1).* ## **6. Cartier Clash \[Un\]limited Watch** (approximately Php7,800,000) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-01-at-43806-PM.webp) There are watches, and then there are [Cartier](https://robbreport.ph/tag/cartier/ "cartier") jewelry watches—their specialty. Cartier’s Clash \[Un\]limited watch is a work of high jewelry disguised as timekeeping. Fusing spikes, soft curves, and gemstone color in a way only Cartier can choreograph, the watch’s rhodiumized 18K rose-gold case is set with brilliant-cut diamonds and glows with additional diamonds and touches of tsavorite. Coral, spinels, and chrysoprase introduce an unexpected, almost playful palette—an audacity balanced by Cartier’s precise geometry. Its bracelet alone holds 603 brilliant-cut diamonds (9.23 carats), transforming the watch into a jewel that moves with the wearer, catching light with every turn of the wrist. Beneath the artistry lies a discreet quartz movement and Cartier’s signature rose-finish sword-shaped hands. A spectacular statement for evening, and one of the maison’s most compelling expressions of modern femininity. *Order though Boutique Cartier, Ground Floor, Greenbelt 3, Esperanza Street Corner Makati Avenue, Makati City or [online](https://www.cartier.com/en-us/clash-unlimited-watch-CRWJMB0004.html).* ## **7. Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger Bird on a Rock Pendant** (approximately Php7,900,000) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/73247055_PDT_SIO2X1.webp) One of the most collectible designs in American jewelry history, Jean Schlumberger’s [Bird on a Rock ](https://robbreport.ph/style/jewelry/when-legends-take-flight-tiffany-co-reimagines-schlumbergers-bird-on-a-rock/ "When Legends Take Flight: Tiffany & Co. Reimagines Schlumberger’s Bird on a Rock")is whimsical, iconic, and steeped in legend. This iteration—crafted in platinum and 18k yellow gold with a radiant green tourmaline, diamonds, and pink sapphires—feels joyous and utterly statement-making. It’s a gift for a woman with confidence and charm, someone who embraces color, scale, and designs with storied heritage. *At Tiffany & Co. boutiques: Unit 18B, Ground Level, Greenbelt 3, Makati City; Unit 126, Level 1, NuStar Resort and Casino, Cebu City; Unit 2-09a, The Shoppes at Solaire, Solaire Resort and Casino, 1 Aseana Avenue, Entertainment City, Paranaque City.* ## **8. Vintage Bulgari “Allegra” Ring, Nicole Whisenhunt** (Price upon request) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/18k-Gold-gem-set-BVLGARI-Allegra-ring-2240x3358.webp) While Nicole Whisenhunt is a jewelry designer all her own, she has also expanded her line to include covetable vintage and antique jewelry perfect for those who want pieces that are unique and are considered true finds. Fresh from the treasure hunts that takes Whisenhunt all around the world, this ring set with different colored gemstones is by [Bulgari](https://robbreport.ph/tag/bulgari/ "bulgari") and is quite the knockout. *Whisenhunt Fine Jewelry is located at the R2 Level of Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Center, Makati City. [(02) 8838 3422](https://www.google.com/search?q=nicole+whisenhunt+boutique&oq=nicole+whisenhunt+boutique&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIHCAEQABiABDIHCAIQABiABDIICAMQABgWGB4yBwgEEAAY7wUyCggFEAAYgAQYogQyCggGEAAYgAQYogTSAQgzNzE3ajBqOagCALACAQ&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#)* ## **9.** Le Damier de Louis Vuitton Double Ring, Yellow Gold and Diamonds (approximately Php813,000) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/LV-le-damier-ring-2240x1260.webp) [Louis Vuitton](https://robbreport.ph/tag/louis-vuitton/ "Louis Vuitton")’s Le Damier ring marries the house’s heritage motif with contemporary jewelry design, resulting in a powerful geometric statement in gold and diamonds. Its graphic architecture feels modern yet timeless, suited for women who prefer bold rings without giant gemstones and yet still carry a sense of maison history. This is the kind of piece that stands on its own—sleek, confident, and designed to be worn often. *At Louis Vuitton boutiques: Ground Floor, Greenbelt 3, Esperanza Street, Makati City,[+632 8540 2001](); Solaire, Ground Floor, The Shoppes at Solaire, Solaire Resort and Casino, 1 Aseana Avenue, Entertainment City, Paranaque City, [+632 8540 2001](); NuStar Resort and Casino, Cebu City ,[+632 8540 2001]().*[](https://en.louisvuitton.com/eng-nl/point-of-sale/philippines/louis-vuitton-manila-greenbelt-makati) ## **10. Max Mara “Berlina” Coat** (approximately Php264,000) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-01-at-51117-PM.webp) The Berlina coat, crafted in iconic camelwool, embodies everything that has made [Max Mara ](https://robbreport.ph/style/leaders-of-luxury-marilou-pena-koa/ "Leaders of Luxury: Marilou Peña-Koa")synonymous with intelligent luxury, but in an unexpected sleeveless silhouette, which may make it a wardrobe cornerstone she doesn’t have *yet*. It’s designed to last decades, not seasons, and is as timeless as it gets. *The Max Mara boutique is located at Esperanza Street, Ayala Center, Makati City. [+63271162354](tel:+63271162354)* ## **11. Dior Lady Art Bag** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/marc-quinn-lady-diors-1.webp) Three Dior Lady Art bags by Marc Quinn. *Photo courtesy of Dior/James Robjant* Each edition of the *Lady Art* series transforms [Dior’s](https://robbreport.ph/tag/dior/ "dior") iconic Lady Dior into a collectible canvas, interpreted by contemporary artists. It’s fashion, but also art; a collaboration between couture heritage and global creativity. For the woman who appreciates pieces with narrative depth and artistic point of view, this bag becomes both accessory and objets d’art. Every season, the Lady Art collection is limited—and often sold out upon release—making it a treasure worthy of the most discerning recipient. *More information [here](https://www.dior.com/en_ph/fashion/dior-lady-art).* **Categories:** Fashion, Style **Tags:** cartier, Ferrari, Louis Vuitton, max mara, nicole whisenhunt, Patek Philippe, paul syjuco, preferred hotels & resorts, tiffany & co. --- ### [A Record-Breaking Lalanne Hippo, Kering Unloads Major Real Estate & More](https://robbreport.ph/the-luxe-dispatch/a-record-breaking-lalanne-hippo-kering-unloads-major-real-estate-more/) **Published:** December 26, 2025 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** The year’s closing stretch serves as a reminder that luxury, at its peak, still thrives on some good theatrics. From a surrealist hippo that rewrote the rules of collectible design to a Chanel bag that transformed runway wit into auction gold, the market showed its appetite for the unexpected. Elsewhere, Kering treated Fifth Avenue real estate as both asset and stage, while Sotheby’s planted a confident flag in Abu Dhabi, drawing a new generation of global collectors. Together, these moments sketch a luxury landscape increasingly defined by bold bets, crossover appeal, and the enduring power of objects that command attention and, yes, a lot of capital. ## The Hippopotame Bar Reemerges in Historic Fashion ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/hippo-auctions.webp) *Photo: Sotheby’s* In quite the moment for both the design and the auction worlds, François-Xavier Lalanne’s Hippopotame Bar—a one-of-a-kind, hand-wrought copper creation—commanded US$31.4 million at Sotheby’s New York, shattering pre-sale expectations all the while setting a new global record for a design object at auction. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/hippo-sothebys-343-scaled.webp) François-Xavier Lalanne, Hippopotame Bar, pièce unique, as seen in 1976. *Photo: Sotheby’s* Commissioned in 1976 for the French heiress and patron Anne Schlumberger, the quirky yet impeccably crafted hippo-shaped bar sparked a fierce bidding duel, ultimately tripling its high estimate. This sale further underscores the surging appetite for rarified pieces that marry function and an audacious imagination. ## The Chanel XXL “Shopping Basket” Bag Stuns at Auction ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/christies-chanel-shopping.webp) *Photo: Christie’s* We love an unexpected twist on haute couture. The Chanel XXL “shopping basket” bag, with its whimsical lambskin and chain trim, comes from the house’s 2014 runway. And recently, it fetched a whopping US$152,400 at Christie’s online auction, marking a new record for a Chanel bag at auction. More than a cheeky nod to everyday utility, the piece has become a testament to the power of those conversation-starting accessories in the luxury resale market lately. It seems as though collectors are now chasing iconic intrigue as much as they do classic cachet. ## **Kering Makes a Big Property Move** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Hopital_Laennec_Rue_de_Sevres_Paris-1-2240x1260.webp) The Kering headquarters (former Hôpital Laennec) in Paris. *Photo: Wikimedia Commons* Kering moved decisively on Fifth Avenue this week, finalizing a US$900 million partnership with private-equity firm Ardian and selling a 60% stake in its prized New York retail property. The deal injects roughly US$690 million in fresh capital into the French luxury group while allowing it to retain a meaningful foothold on one of the world’s most powerful shopping corridors. Rather than retreat, Kering just unlocked value from real estate while safeguarding long-term prestige for maisons like Gucci, Saint Laurent, and Balenciaga. It’s a calculated play that underscores how luxury conglomerates now treat trophy property as both brand theatre and balance-sheet leverage. ## Sotheby’s Bets Big on Abu Dhabi ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/download-2240x884.webp) “Three Studies of Lucian Freud” (1976) by Francis Bacon sold for US$3.82 million *Photo: Sotheby’s* Sotheby’s made a bold debut in the Gulf last week with its first-ever Abu Dhabi Collectors’ Week, a four-day festival of auctions and exhibitions that generated US$133.4 million in sales. The event drew in global collectors to the Emirates’ shores. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Patek_FourWatches-asfsaf-2240x1261.webp) This Patek Philippe Star Caliber 2000 set is as rare as it gets. *Photo: Sotheby’s* From a $25.3 million McLaren F1 and a US$11.9 million Patek Philippe Star Caliber 2000 set to record-setting Hermès Birkins and rare jewels, the week confirmed Abu Dhabi’s ascent as a must-stop luxury capital for cars, watches, handbags, and, yes, art. Nearly one-third of bidders were said to have been under 40, too, which sort of highlights a generational shift in the collector landscape. *More information [here](https://www.sothebys.com/en/series/abu-dhabi-collectors-week).* **Categories:** The Luxe Dispatch **Tags:** Auctions, balenciaga, Chanel, François-Xavier Lalanne, Kering, mclaren, sothebys --- ### [The Gift Guide: The Auto Aficionado](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-gift-guide-the-auto-aficionado/) **Published:** November 28, 2025 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** It can be quite a challenge to find a gift for the person who recognizes an engine note the way others recognize a melody, and who believes a perfect curve—whether in leatherwork or on an Alpine road—is its own form of poetry. But at Robb Report Philippines, we are always up for it. We’ve included two of Robb Report Philippines’ Best of the Best, one for driving and one for being driven in, *objets* that make the everyday drive special, and one-of-a-kind experiences on the world’s most coveted circuits. This list is crafted for the true auto aficionado—the collector, the connoisseur, the lifelong student of speed and design. ## 1. Lamborghini Temerario (Prices start at approximately Php22,000,000) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Lamborghini_Temerario_5.webp) Lamborghini’s new Temerario, Robb Report Philippines’ Best of the Best, is the kind of gift that thrills and rewrites what a modern supercar can be. Powered by an all-new twin-turbo V8 paired with three electric motors, the Temerario delivers a hybridized surge of power that feels both futuristic and unmistakably Lambo. The centerpiece is its astonishing 10,000-rpm redline—an engine speed typically reserved for race cars and almost unheard of in road-legal production machines. The result is a driving experience that CEO Stephan Winkelmann described as “an endless wow,” a phrase that feels almost understated once you consider the car’s dynamic chassis, reengineered suspension, and the unmistakable Lamborghini roar taken to stratospheric heights. *Exclusively distributed by PGA Cars, *201 EDSA, Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila.** ## 2. **Lexus LM 350h (Price varies on customization)** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/my24-lm-gallery-ext-02-d-1600x667-1.webp) The Lexus LM 350h is a sanctuary on wheels, built for those who value comfort over horsepower. Its refined spindle body and polished chrome details project understated luxury, while the hybrid system ensures effortless, whisper-soft motion. Inside, advanced suspension tech keeps the cabin remarkably calm, making every ride feel insulated and composed. Whether in a four- or seven-seat layout, the LM offers executive-level comfort with configurable seating and a serene, ultra-spacious interior, perfect for the person who prefers to be driven. *Available at [Lexus Philippines](https://www.lexus.com.ph/).* ## 3. **John Lobb Bespoke Driving Loafers** (Price upon request) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/by-request-2016-fit.webp) Bespoke driving loafters are the pinnacle of gentleman-driver elegance. Commissioned in St. James’s, London, John Lobb’s bespoke driving loafers are shaped around a personal last—hand-carved for the recipient and made from leathers chosen specifically for feel, flexibility, and hold while driving. Clients can request rubber pebbled soles, contrast piping, initials, or exotic hides. The experience includes fittings with master craftsmen and results in a pair of shoes that makes every journey a bit more grand. *More information at [John Lobb](https://www.johnlobb1849.com/possibilities-of-bespoke).* ## 4. **Diptyque Car Diffuser in Fleur d’Oranger** (Php5,500) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/diptyque-car-fleur-d-oranger-orange-blossom-insert-CARDIFFO-2.webp) A stocking stuffer that turns every drive—no matter how routine—into something a little more special. Diptyque’s car diffuser will subtly fill the cabin with the house’s signature Fleur d’Oranger: bright, luminous, and delicately floral, capturing the softness of Mediterranean orange blossoms warmed by the sun. Unlike typical fresheners, this uses cold-diffusion technology to maintain purity of scent, releasing fragrance slowly with airflow rather than overwhelming the senses. For the driver who appreciates refinement in all forms, it’s a small but meaningful luxury: the sensory equivalent of a perfectly detailed interior or an immaculately tuned engine. *Available at [Rustan’s](https://rustans.com/products/diptyque-car-diffuser-with-fleur-doranger-orange-blossom-insert).* ## 5. **Hermès Bespoke Car Interior Commission** (Price upon request) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Hermes-5.webp) *Maxime Horlaville* Rivalling only the Temerario as perhaps the most extravagant gift on this list, an interior reimagined by Hermès’ master artisans is once-in-a-lifetime experience. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Hermes-2.webp) *Maxime Horlaville* With hand-stitched leather panelling and custom upholstery, steering wheels, trim, and luggage to match, Hermès transforms a car’s cabin into a couture-level environment. *More information [here](https://www.hermes.com/us/en/content/186736-institutional-campaign-2019/).* ## 6. **Atlas of Car Design by Phaidon** (Php6,400) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/71fl2dHoCSL_SL1500_.webp) A beautiful, comprehensive tribute to the world’s most iconic automobiles, Phaidon’s *Atlas of Car Design* maps the evolution of automotive style across continents and decades, from Art Deco streamliners to modern hypercars. More than a coffee-table book, it’s a global survey of the ideas, designers, and engineering breakthroughs that shaped automotive culture as we know it. Rich photography, historical depth, and authoritative commentary make it an essential reference for the collector who enjoys understanding the lineage behind the machines in his garage. It’s a book meant to be displayed, leafed through, and returned to—an object of beauty in its own right. *Available on [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Atlas-Car-Design-Worlds-Iconic/dp/1838665994).* ## 7. **Balenciaga x Automobili Lamborghini Clutch** (approximately Php115,000) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/8119012ABZX1000_F-2240x2240.webp) Two houses known for bold silhouettes and radical design join forces in this high-octane collaboration, also part of [Robb Report Philippines’ Best of the Best list](https://robbreport.ph/style/best-of-the-best-2025-style/). We love the utility of the sleek clutch with automotive-inspired charms that channels the adrenaline of Lamborghini’s visual language of sharp lines, futuristic profiles, and unapologetic attitude. Perfect for the driver who lives the lifestyle as much as the machine. *The [Clutch](https://www.balenciaga.com/en-us/balenciaga-%7C-automobili-lamborghini-clutch-with-charms-black-8119012ABZX1000.html) is available at Balenciaga.* ## 8. **F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Shams Suite Experience (December 8)** by F1 Experiences (Prices start at Php307,000) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-27-at-33946-PM-e1764229244747.webp) It’s not too late in the season or too early for Christmas for the holy grail for any Formula 1 devotee: VIP access to the electric, desert-lit crescendo of the racing year. The Shams Suite package places guests inside one of Yas Marina’s most exclusive hospitality lounges with gourmet dining, premium track views, and insider programming. Beyond the race itself, and beyond simply spectating, ticket holders enjoy pit-lane walks, driver appearances, and curated paddock moments ordinarily inaccessible to the public. *Book your tickets [here](https://f1experiences.com/2025-abu-dhabi-grand-prix/shams-suite-3-days).* ## 9. **“Rare Cars”** by Assouline (Php150,000) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/rare-cars-1600x900-1.webp) A tome worthy of the world’s most meticulously curated coffee tables, *[Rare Cars](https://robbreport.ph/cars/rare-cars-by-assouline/ "Wheels of Wonder: Rare Cars by Assouline")* features lavish photography, archival material, and storytelling that celebrates the automotive unicorns collectors chase for decades. There are sections on concept legends and impossibly early prototypes as well as coach-built masterpieces, and the book captures machines defined by cultural significance and not just scarcity. Hand-bound and printed on luxury stock, it’s both reference material and *objet*: a statement of taste that signals deep appreciation for the best of automobiles. *Available at [Univers](https://univers.ph/)* *or online at [Assouline](https://www.assouline.com/products/rare-cars).* ## 10. **Scale Models (1:8 or Bespoke)** by Amalgam Collection (Prices start at Php110,000) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/laferrari-hands-on-_Custom-1300x867-1.webp) The closest one can get to owning a car without taking delivery of the original, Amalgam’s museum-grade scale models are engineered with the same obsessive detail as the vehicles they represent—accurate down to stitching, switchgear, and the curvature of every panel. For collectors, these models are heirloom pieces displayed like sculpture; for enthusiasts, they offer the pleasure of “owning” everything from a LaFerrari to a McLaren F1 LM at 1:8 scale. Their bespoke program goes even further, recreating one’s personal car (perhaps one’s first car? A classic car that has become a family heirloom?) with total fidelity. *More information [here](https://www.amalgamcollection.com); for bespoke services, click [here](https://www.amalgamcollection.com/pages/bespoke-models).* ## 11. **Cartier Clash de Cartier Precious Sunglasses** (approximately Php2,137,000) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-27-at-34326-PM.webp) For the driver who commands a certain kind of presence, perhaps they’re up for some wearable jewelry: hand-set diamonds, sculptural metalwork, and Cartier’s unmistakable design language. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-27-at-34337-PM.webp) Beyond craftsmanship, they offer optical precision and extraordinary clarity, ideal for long drives under blazing sun, and are a gift that merges automotive style with haute joaillerie. *Available to order at Cartier, Ground Floor, Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Makati City and [online](https://www.cartier.com/en-us/bags-and-accessories/sunglasses/clash-de-cartier-precious-sunglasses-CRESP00024.html).* ## 12. **Porsche Experience Center in Shanghai** (Price varies) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/1fe661c8452c4f11af8b2e92a11c.webp) The Porsche Experience is a masterclass in performance driving within Porsche’s most advanced global facility. Guests train with Porsche-certified instructors inside GT cars and track machines, learning precision braking, cornering, oversteer control, and high-speed handling across multiple environments. For the enthusiast who wants to *feel* the engineering rather than simply admire it, this is the ultimate adrenaline gift—and one that deepens driving skills for life. *More information [here](https://pec-shanghai.cn/en/event/104).* **Categories:** Cars --- ### [At Dubai Watch Week, Industry Leaders Confront a New Reality—and Reveal the Path Forward](https://robbreport.ph/watches/at-dubai-watch-week-industry-leaders-confront-a-new-reality-and-reveal-the-path-forward/) **Published:** November 28, 2025 **Author:** Paige Reddinger **Content:** At [Dubai Watch Week](https://robbreport.ph/watches/chopard-just-unveiled-its-most-complicated-watch-yet-at-dubai-watch-week/ "Chopard Just Unveiled Its Most Complicated Watch Yet at Dubai Watch Week"), which is increasingly becoming one of the watch industry’s most important events, the most serious conversations weren’t about limited editions or new watches. They centered on something far bigger: how watchmaking will navigate the economic, political, and generational turbulences now pressing in from all sides. During a CEO roundtable featuring Audemars Piguet’s Ilaria Resta, Chopard’s Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, Breitling’s Georges Kern, and Hublot’s Julien Tornare, followed by a rare joint appearance from Rolex CEO Jean-Frédéric Dufour and Dubai Watch Week founder and Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons CEO Mohammed Seddiqi, a candid picture of the industry emerged. This year made clear that leadership is thinking generationally, not just quarterly. The future will depend on talent, training, and transmitting savoir-faire. And companies are looking to younger demographics, women, and even new regions such as India to expand their foothold. Those that will remain steadfast to their purpose and bullish in their messaging could have the opportunity to come out of these turbulent times stronger than ever. So, what’s the takeaway for collectors? The watches you buy today—whether from a heritage house or an ambitious independent—are born out of the most competitive environment in recent history. As a result, the leaders of the field are doubling down on craft, on engineering, on expertise, and on the very people who will build the watches we’ll be collecting 20 years from now. And what comes out of it could be the best sign for the future of mechanical watchmaking yet. Below, are some of the takeaways from these conversations. ## **Tariffs Are Only the Surface of the Storm** The [U.S. tariffs](https://robbreport.ph/watches/swiss-watch-exports-surged-in-april-as-the-threat-of-higher-u-s-tariffs-loom/ "Swiss Watch Exports Surged in April, as the Threat of Higher U.S. Tariffs Loom") sent shockwaves through the Swiss industry earlier this year, but there is a glimmer of hope in the recent announcement these levies are to be reduced to 15 percent down from 39 percent. Nevertheless, the leaders onstage agreed the issues run much deeper. ## **Ilaria Resta, Audemars Piguet** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/ilaria-resta-audemars-piguet.webp) Ilaria Resta, CEO of Audemars Piguet; the AP Royal Oak RD5 Resta described the current environment as “a perfect storm,” driven not only by tariffs but by the price of gold, the strengthening Swiss franc, and global political uncertainty. Even with tariffs lightening, she cautioned that unpredictability is far from over. ## **Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, Chopard** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Karl-Friedrich-Scheufele.webp) Karl-Freidrich Scheufele, co-CEO of Chopard. *Photo by Christopher Pike/Getty Images* Scheufele echoed the sentiment. Although a 15 percent tariff is “more reasonable,” he noted this period ranks among the most challenging he’s seen in his decades-long career. Still, the U.S. remains critical for [Chopard.](https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/chopards-luc-grand-strike-dubai-watch-week-1237366270/) “It has not been catastrophic,” he said of business stateside. ## **Georges Kern, Breitling** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/georges-kern-breitling.webp) Georges Kern, CEO of Breitling; the Breitling Premier B21 Tourbillon Kern pointed to China’s real-estate slump and economic strain in Europe as other factors outside of U.S. trade policy. Still, he sees upside: “The glass is half full… there’s an improvement in the States.” ## **Julien Tornare, Hublo**t ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Julien-Tornare.webp) Julien Tornare, CEO of Hublot. *Photo by Christopher Pike/Getty Images* Tornare broadened the lens—this isn’t just watches. Luxury as a whole is weathering pressure. But downturns, he argued, are also moments when strong brands seize opportunity: “It’s now that you can gain market share… really work hard for your brand.” **Why it matters:** Tariff talk can feel abstract, but these leaders are saying the quiet part out loud: pricing, allocations, and availability will remain volatile. Yet historically, periods like this have also yielded the most creative, ambitious watchmaking—because only the brands with commitment and clarity push forward. ## **The Industry’s Playbook for Resilience** If the first half of the conversation diagnosed the turbulence, the second half outlined the strategy. ## **Ilaria Resta: Purpose Over Panic** Resta emphasized the importance of staying the course. “Your destination, your purpose, your mission should stay true no matter what the external conditions are.” She also highlighted a demographic shift collectors should note: “The average age of the first purchase of mechanical watches is going down… We see more new target clients getting interested, like women, and there are geographical white spaces such as India.” Dubai Watch Week’s noticeably strong turnout from the Indian subcontinent underscored her point. ## **Georges Kern: Only the Strong Climb** Kern offered the most pointed assessment, comparing the industry’s moment to a steep incline in cycling (one of his hobbies). “Everybody can cycle flat… very few \[excel\] in the mountains.” Then he invoked Warren Buffett’s well-known line: “Only when the tide goes out do you discover who’s been swimming naked.” In other words: strategy, discipline, and identity—not hype—will dictate which brands remain relevant. ## **Karl-Friedrich Scheufele: Think in Decades, Not Quarters** Scheufele reminded the audience that meaningful watchmaking by nature is a long-term venture. “If you are planning to launch a new movement . . . this may take five to 10 years.” Chopard’s advantage, he noted, comes from being a family company with the flexibility to pursue long-term vision even when the numbers soften—an implicit contrast to publicly traded groups. “We do have more leeway, and you can say, ‘Okay, I’m putting this through’ even if the numbers are not the right ones right now, because we believe in the future success of what we decided to do.” **Why it matters:** The greatest differentiator is long-term commitment. Brands investing now—into R&D, métiers d’art, complications, and vertical integration—will shape the next decade of watchmaking. ## **Jean-Frédéric Dufour: Investing in the Future of Watchmaking Itself** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/rolex-ceo-landdweller.webp) Jean-Frédéric Dufour, CEO of Rolex; the watchmaker’s Land-Dweller, its first all-new model line since the Sky-Dweller in 2012. The most anticipated moment came when Rolex CEO Jean-Frédéric Dufour—who rarely speaks publicly—took the stage with Mohammed Seddiqi. His presence alone signaled the significance of Dubai Watch Week and the Seddiqi family’s influence. Dufour addressed rumors and realities around Rolex’s evolving retail stance. While the brand acquired Bucherer in 2023, he reaffirmed that Rolex remains committed to its network of partners—even as the company shifts selectively into new retail expressions, such as its upcoming Fifth Avenue flagship (which, unfortunately, meant pulling out of its long-term retail partnership with the iconic Wempe boutique on the same stretch of Manhattan real estate) and a standalone [Hamptons boutique](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-hamptons-just-got-a-stunning-new-rolex-boutique-heres-a-look-inside/ "The Hamptons Just Got a Stunning New Rolex Boutique—Here’s a Look Inside") operated by London Jewelers. But the heart of his message was on a broader, more inclusive, goal. ## **On Education and Training** “We have… a college and more than 500 applicants in 26 different areas of expertise,” he said, referring to Rolex’s training programs. Crucially, he added: “We know not all of these young kids will stay with us—some will work for other brands. We don’t really care. It’s an investment we do for the future.” ## **On Innovation and R&D** Dufour revealed that Rolex’s R&D department employs more than 2,000 engineers—a staggering figure that partially reveals the sheer breadth and influence of the brand. ## **On Inspiration and Public Engagement** He stressed the importance of major watch events: “They want to work for an industry that makes them dream,” citing the influence of big public events like Dubai Watch Week and Watches & Wonders that help spread the word. The watch industry’s biggest existential threat isn’t just tariffs, China, or currency swings—it’s the shortage of skilled watchmakers and engineers. Rolex is effectively underwriting the pipeline that will keep mechanical watchmaking viable for the next century. The largest watch brand in the world is betting heavily the industry’s future. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches --- ### [The Ultimate Guide to the Best Cuts of Steak](https://robbreport.ph/guide-to/the-ultimate-guide-to-the-best-cuts-of-steak/) **Published:** November 28, 2025 **Author:** Mary Squillace **Content:** Whether dining out or in, there’s nothing quite like a juicy slab of [beef](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/the-ultimate-guide-to-wagyu-beef-the-worlds-most-luxurious-steak/ "The Ultimate Guide to Wagyu Beef, the World’s Most Luxurious Steak") on your plate. This only leaves the question: What are the best cuts of steak? Do you go for a melt-in-your-mouth filet mignon, or a hunk of ribeye that would draw the envy of your caveman ancestors? Or perhaps the unsung flank steak would hit the spot in an unexpected way? The best cut of steak is ultimately going to depend on your personal taste. But because it can be difficult to keep straight your tomahawks from your T-bones, we’ve made it easy for you to decode them by helping you understand what part of the cow they come from, how they taste and how to prepare them. Don’t set foot into a [steakhouse](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/the-9-best-steakhouses-in-the-world-according-to-michelin/ "The 9 Best Steakhouses in the World, According to Michelin") or your favorite butcher shop before brushing up on your beef cuts. From the high-end (think: your filets and porterhouses) to oft-overlooked butcher’s cuts (hi there, hanger steak), here are the best cuts of steak, explained. ## Filet Mignon, Bone-In Filet, Tenderloin, and Chateaubriand ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Filet_Mignon.webp) *Photo: Claudia Totir/Getty Images* The filet is the first of what makes up the Holy Trinity of steaks—filet, strip, and ribeye. “The filet is probably the safest cut. Meaning that no matter where you get it, it’s going to be tender,” says Katie Flannery, butcher and COO at Flannery Beef. When it comes to tenderness or toughness, think about how much the muscle a cut of steak comes from works. The less a muscle is used, the more tender the steak is going to be. Filet comes from the tenderloin, which is located in the middle of the animal, right next to the cow’s vertebrae. “It’s where you put the saddle on the cow, if you were to put a saddle on the cow,” she says. “They’re not doing gymnastics. They’re not moving their lower backs much, so filet muscle get almost zero use during the animal’s lifetime. That’s why it’s so tender.” But while filet ranks high on tenderness, it’s not going to pack as much of a flavor punch as other cuts of steak. “Fat is flavor,” says Hilary Henderson, the former chef de cuisine at Cut by Wolfgang Puck in Beverly Hills. “You’re not going to get an intense beefy flavor from the filet simply because it doesn’t have the fat content.” This is why you’ll likely see the filet in a beef Wellington or doctored up with a sauce or demi-glace “It takes well to a heavy heat sear and kind of a lower temperature roast,” says Chris Pandel, executive chef at Swift and Sons in Chicago. “Realistically it’s best eaten medium rare and even closer to rare, given the opportunity.” Though the compact little filet mignon that graces so many restaurant menus isn’t the only cut of meat from this part of the cow. It comes from a larger primal cut, explains Henderson. “That’s where you get your bone-in filet. “With a bone attached what you’re getting is a more intense flavor,” she says. “It’s been said that the bone helps hold in the juices.” And if you see Chateaubriand on the menu, that just means an extra-large portion of tenderloin, usually enough to feed two. ## Ribeye, Cowboy Steak, Tomahawk Steak, and Ribeye Cap ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Cowboy_Ribeye.webp) *Photo: LauriPatterson/Getty Images* For those who don’t fear fat, the heavily marbled ribeye has flavor to spare. “I like to push the ribeye for anyone who loves steak,” Flannery says. “It tends to have more internal fat than the filet and the New York. For anybody who shies away from fat, I’d say stick with filet or New York.” Ribeye runs along the back of the animal, and it has a couple muscles on it. The two most important muscles are the actual ribeye itself, which is usually well marbled and is also surrounded by a couple of layers of connective tissue and fat. Then running along the top of it is the ribeye cap. “Cap steak is like the best steak on the entire animal. If you take it off by itself it’s unreal,” Pandel says. “It’s well marbled, it’s a lifter muscle so it’s used a ton, which gives you a rich, beefy flavor.” Thanks to the high fat content, a ribeye is a great contender for the [grill](https://robbreport.com/food-drink/dining/grill-steak-home-marc-forgione-1234621055/). “It craves smoke and charcoal,” Henderson says. If you’re feeling extra rustic, consider a cowboy steak, which is often used to refer to a bone-in ribeye, or the tomahawk steak, which is a bone-in ribeye with a french-cut bone, where the meat is cleaned away from the bone largely for aesthetic purposes. ## Sirloin, Strip Steak, New York Strip, Kansas City Steak and Shell Steak ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Strip_Steak.webp) *Photo: Burcu Atalay Tankut/Getty Images* The New York strip—which you may hear referred to as a sirloin, Kansas City steak, or a shell steak—is like the Miss Congeniality of steaks: It’s got something for everyone. “The primal cut is a strip loin,” Henderson explains. “That’s where the strip steak part comes from. New York steak is a strip steak is a sirloin. Then to call it a Kansas City means the bone’s in.” The New York strip comes steak comes from essentially the lower mid-portion of the back where the cow’s ribs end. “Those muscles, while it’s still part of the loin, is a little more dense of a cut than the ribeye,” Pandel says. Pandel thinks of the New York strip as the steak-eater’s steak. “It’s got great texture, it’s got a good chew to it, it’ll eat well at rare; it’ll eat well at medium-rare; it’ll eat well at medium.” It falls between the filet and ribeye on both the tenderness and flavor scales, presenting solid middle ground. “It’s the perfect cut for somebody who doesn’t know what they want,” Flannery says. Like a ribeye, a New York strip steak tastes great on a hot grill, but your best bet may be whipping out your cast-iron skillet. “Because the New York strip is usually a pretty even cut, it has a lot of surface area, and it does well on a cast-iron pan on high and medium-high heat,” Pandel explains. He suggests searing it on high heat, letting it rest, and basting it with butter and aromatics. “What’s nice about the New York is it has a lot of external fat that runs along the outer edge of the steak, so someone who doesn’t want to have that much fat can cut it off.” She likes to cook a New York strip with the fat to boost the flavor and then trim the fat before eating it. “I usually give the fat to the dogs, she says. “It’s win-win.” ## Porterhouse and T-Bone ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/holy_grail_upper_prime_porterhouse-1-4654.webp) *Photo: VeselovaElena/Getty Images* The porterhouse and T-bone are another best-of-both worlds option because they include two cuts: the filet and strip. But what’s the difference between a porterhouse and a T-bone? Here’s a bit of a brain-bender to chew over (pun intended): All porterhouse steaks are T-bone steaks, but not all T-bones are porterhouses. A T-bone refers to that (you guessed it) T-shaped bone that cradles tenderloin on one side and strip loin on its other. The tenderloin that the filet comes from is torpedo-shaped, rather than a uniform cylinder. Toward the rump end of the tenderloin, you’re going to get larger filets from the more bulbous side than the tapered end. Conversely, cuts from the rib end will be smaller, so porterhouses are going to be cuts from the rump-end of the animal. To be considered a porterhouse, the filet portion must be at least 1.25 inches in diameter. Since they feature two different cuts of steak, porterhouses are notoriously difficult to nail at home. The exterior portions tend to get overcooked, while parts of the meat closer to the bone have the tendency to be rare, and the discrepancy can be disconcerting, says Pandel. “The most important thing to know is you have to know that those two cuts are going to cook differently and you’ll have to make a compromise,” Henderson says. ## Delmonico ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/delmonicos_180_day_dry_age_steak_credit-brogan_and_braddock_02.webp) *Photo: Brogan and Braddock* Legend has it that the Delmonico cut originated at the famed steakhouse by the same name. It’s a variation on the ribeye. As you go from the middle of the cow’s back toward the shoulder or the chuck area, there’s a spot where the shoulder blade starts to tuck into where the ribeye is. That’s where you’ll find the Delmonico steaks. “They usually have a couple of extra muscles from the shoulder entwined in the actual steak itself, which gives you a much more interesting texture,” Pandel says. “Those muscles lean toward a beefier flavor. Shoulder muscles are used all the time and has more connective tissue and more intramuscular fat.” It’s safe to prepare Delmonico steaks in the same way you’d prepare a ribeye, but keep in mind that the further you get into the chuck, the more time the meat might require. ## Hanger Steak ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/hanger_steak.webp) *Photo: Vladimir Mironov/Getty Images* Once you get beyond the traditional steakhouse cuts, you venture into the territory of butcher’s cuts. “If you can find them in a prime grade, you are totally safe knowing it’ll be a phenomenal cut,” Flannery says. “As you go lower in grade levels, you’ll see a much faster decline in overall quality.” Hanger steak comes from the muscle that acts as the piston of the cow’s diaphragm—it helps the animal’s lungs move up and down. “You may think it’s going to be tough, but it’s got a massive tendon that does all the heavy lifting,” Flannery says. In other words: The hanger’s just along for the ride, making for a tender cut of meat. The tricky part is that sometimes they’re sold with that sinewy tissue intact. “If you purchase a hanger and it still has that tendon, after you cook it up one bite would be life-changing, but another, if you started chewing Monday, you wouldn’t be done until Friday,” Flannery says. Something else to keep in mind: The texture of a hanger steak can make it difficult to accurately estimate the steak’s doneness. It tends to be bouncier than other cuts, which makes the steak temperature finger test less reliable. A couple other pointers: Hanger steak requires a long rest time, so be sure to rest it at least half the time you cooked it for, Pandel advises. “If you slice it to early, it has a tendency to leave all its juices on the cutting board,” he says. And speaking of slicing, “Because it’s a wide-grain muscle it’s important you slice against the grain, otherwise the whole thing will be very chewy and unpleasant to eat.” ## Flank Steak ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Flank_Steak.webp) *Photo: VeselovaElena/Getty Images* Depending on what kind of animal your flank steak comes from, flank steak may be well marbled or it can be lean. They’re relatively thin, so they do well with a quick grill or sear. Due to the long striation and connective tissue, the flank takes well to a marinade, which can help break it down, and making the texture more tender and palatable, according to Pandel. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Food & Drink, Guide To **Tags:** Feature, Michelin, steakhouse, Steaks --- ### [A Record-Shattering Frida Kahlo, a New Landmark Aman in Beverly Hills & More](https://robbreport.ph/the-luxe-dispatch/the-luxe-dispatch-a-record-shattering-frida-kahlo-a-new-landmark-aman-in-beverly-hills-and-more/) **Published:** November 28, 2025 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** This week captures a pivotal moment in the global luxury landscape, where art, property, and publishing converge to signal shifting hierarchies. From the rarefied heights of the auction house to the reimagining of urban prestige across three continents, such dispatches trace a world in which luxury is no longer defined solely by possession, but rather by narrative and cultural authorship. Frida Kahlo’s record-shattering sale of “El sueño (La cama)” signals a profound recalibration within the art market. In parallel, ground breaks on One Beverly Hills, a US$10-billion Aman-anchored sanctuary poised to reconfigure the very grammar of Los Angeles living. Then we have Dubai’s skyline welcoming a new narrative as Mumbai-based Sunteck Realty asserts its global ambition with a flagship ultra-luxury development in the city’s most tightly held terrain. Completing this week’s narrative is the launch of Robb Report India, which showcases the maturation of the country’s ultra-high-net-worth demographic. ## Kahlo rewrites the auction history Frida Kahlo’s “El sueño (La cama)” has just rewritten history. At a [Sotheby’s](https://robbreport.ph/tag/sothebys-2/ "Sotheby's") evening sale in New York, the haunting 1940 self-portrait achieved an extraordinary US$54.7 million, surpassing the long-standing benchmark set by Georgia O’Keeffe’s “Jimson Weed/White Flower No. 1,” which commanded US$44.4 million in 2014. The result establishes a new auction record for any work by a woman artist, reaffirming Kahlo’s enduring sovereignty within the modern canon. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/9475.webp) “El sueño (La cama)” by Frida Kahlo, 1940 *Photo: Courtesy of Sotheby’s* The sale further cements her position as one of the most singular cultural figures of the 20th century. In “El sueño,” Kahlo distills her lifelong engagement with pain and vulnerability into an almost hypnotic psychological tableau. It depicts the artist resting upon a floating bed while a dynamite-bound skeleton hovers overhead, a surreal meditation on mortality and corporeal fragility painted during a pivotal chapter of her life. Yet, this moment transcends headline numbers. It marks a subtle but significant recalibration in the auction ecosystem, where collectors are increasingly privileging modern works of historic consequence and emotional resonance over speculative contemporary offerings. ## **One Beverly Hills on the rise** Ground has officially broken on One Beverly Hills, the US$10-billion master development poised to redefine Beverly Hills’ luxury landscape. This landmark project, notably anchored by [Aman](https://robbreport.ph/tag/aman/ "aman"), will introduce the brand’s first West Coast hotel alongside two sculptural towers of Aman-branded residences. The move positions the enclave as a rare fusion of hospitality and curated lifestyle. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/cain-2-2240x2240.webp) *Photo: Cain* Spread across 17.5 acres at the coveted intersection of Wilshire and Santa Monica Boulevards, One Beverly Hills will encompass a 78-suite Aman hotel and a private Aman Club exceeding 100,000 square feet. Complementing these are destination dining and retail concepts, and even an expansive network of botanical gardens designed to evoke Aman’s trademark serenity within a distinctly metropolitan framework. Residences are projected to begin at approximately US$20 million (penthouses are said to rise beyond US$40 million). ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/aman-beverly-hills-1.webp) *Photo: Foster + Partners* For the ultra-high-net-worth buyer, One Beverly Hills offers a fully realized ecosystem where privacy and privilege intersect with experiential refinement. With completion timed ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, the project presents a decisive shift toward resort-style living embedded within the city’s most storied terrain. ## **Sunteck Realty’s first foray into Dubai** Mumbai-based Sunteck Realty Ltd has officially entered the UAE market. Recently, the renowned developer announced the launch of its international arm and an ambitious ultra-luxury residential project in Downtown Dubai, one of the city’s most tightly held and exalted districts. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/asfasf-2240x2240.webp) *Photo: Sunteck Realty* Anchored on a rare 2.5-acre parcel in proximity to the Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall, the development marks Sunteck’s first foray beyond India. Among its most heralded projects include Signia Pearl and Signia Isle, both of which are part of India’s larger ultra-luxury property segment. This expansion just positions it confidently within Dubai’s elite cadre of global developers. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/infinity-pool-signia-2240x2240.webp) Signia Waterfront’s infinity pool. *Photo: Sunteck Realty* The multi-billion-dirham project forms the vanguard of a broader expansion pipeline set to unfold over the next three years, blending high-end residences with design-forward architecture and carefully curated lifestyle amenities. Its partnership with regional specialist MAS Real Estate further signals an intent to fuse international sensibility with tactical local insight. It’s a strategy that has increasingly proven vital within Dubai’s competitive ultra-prime landscape. ## **Robb Report launches in India** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/RR-India-Cover.webp) Pacho Jaipur for Robb Report India’s inaugural cover *Photo: Robb Report India* *Robb Report* has formally established its Indian edition under RPSG Lifestyle Media. The move marks marking a decisive acknowledgment of India’s rapidly expanding ultra-wealth class, as well as its renewed appetite for refined living. The launch positions India as a fully realized cultural player within the global landscape of prestige and connoisseurship. *Robb Report India* promises a meticulously curated editorial vision spanning supercars, private aviation, fine horology, destination travel, art, design, and rare collectibles—all deftly reframed through an Indian lens. From palatial heritage estates and contemporary design ateliers to bespoke craftsmanship and immersive experiences, the publication operates simultaneously as a global authority and a local chronicle of taste. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/amaan-ayaan-2240x2240.webp) Amaan Ayaan during the launch event. *Photo: Robb Report India* Its debut was celebrated with quite the soirée at The Leela Palace Udaipur. The gathering brought together Indian royalty, industrialists, visionaries, and cultural tastemakers, serving as a symbolic affirmation of the magazine’s mission to define luxury lifestyle. **Categories:** The Luxe Dispatch **Tags:** aman, Auctions, luxury travel, real estate, sothebys, Sunteck Realty --- ### [The Good Life: Editors' Picks of the Week](https://robbreport.ph/the-good-life-editors-picks/the-good-life-editors-picks-of-the-week-nov-27-25/) **Published:** November 27, 2025 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** *In every The Good Life: Editors’ Picks column, we round up our editors’ favorites—restaurants, cocktails, experiences, exhibits, and everything in between. Here is our latest list.* ## ***Art Deco: Modernity and Design in the Philippines, 1925–1950* at the National Museum of Fine Arts** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/photo_2025-11-27-114502.webp) I spent a recent Saturday afternoon at the National Museum of Fine Arts for the opening of “Art Deco: Modernity and Design in the Philippines, 1925–1950.” The [exhibition](https://robbreport.ph/tag/art-exhibition/ "art exhibition") gathers more than 300 objects from over 40 collections, offering a remarkable look at Philippine Art Deco during the two and a half decades that marked the country’s golden age of industrial and agricultural progress leading up to World War II. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/photo_2025-11-27-114459.webp) Arnulfo Dado, Head of Architectural, Arts, and Built Heritage at the National Museum of the Philippines flanek and Ivan Man Dy. Presented by the museum’s Architectural Arts and Built Heritage Division, headed by Arnulfo Dado, and co-curated by Ivan Man Dy and Miguel Rosales, the show drew a crowd dressed in Art Deco–inspired outfits, curators included. They led guests through the two galleries that house the exhibition, setting the tone for an afternoon steeped in glamour and history. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/photo_2025-11-27-114511.webp) [Art Deco](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/design/timeless-glamour-the-art-deco-revival-in-design/ "Timeless Glamour: The Art Deco Revival in Design"), of course, traces its origins to the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris. It arrived in the Philippines during the American colonial period, first transforming the architectural landscape and later influencing sculpture, fashion, visual arts, and graphic design. – *Yvette Fernandez*, *Chief of Editorial Content* *Ground Floor, National Museum of Fine Arts Building, P Padre Burgos Ave, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila*. *Website: * ## The Fortunate Son ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Copy-of-KIM_5164-2240x1493.webp) The Fortunate Son’s subscription boxes come in three tiers and arrive quarterly. *The Fortunate Son* I admit I’m surrounded by men in the family and in my friend group who appreciate good clothes, well-made objects, and small luxuries, but who have no desire to shop for them. So when The Fortunate Son, a subscription service by The Tiño Group, launched last Saturday, I immediately thought it would make for a great gift. What makes it all so interesting is its range. It goes beyond wardrobe upgrades and steps into the pantry, bar cart, and gentleman’s chest, assembling menswear, accessories, and lifestyle items (for example: pastas made with heirloom grains, balsamic vinegar, D.O.P., of course, and small-batch gin distilled in Calabria) around each member’s preferences—all gathered after a private onboarding session. Each subscriber chooses from three tiers: The Pioneer, for men “refining their style”; The Heirloom, which leans toward craftsmanship with heritage; and The Legacy, a collector-level selection of high-quality pieces built for long-term use. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Copy-of-KIM_6364-2240x3360.webp) Kozo Kawamura, designer and owner of Colony Clothing. *The Fortunate Son* At its debut, The Fortunate Son included Colony Clothing, a Singapore-based label known for clean lines, Japanese workmanship, and a global sensibility. Their Ultrasuede safari jackets, overshirts, and tailored layers offer the comfort of technical fabric with the refinement of menswear classics—ideal for men who travel frequently or simply prefer pieces that work almost everywhere. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/The-Fortunate-Son-gift-set-2240x1260.webp) The lifestyle boxes go beyond the wardrobe and include artisanal pantry essentials and small-batch gin from Italy. *The Fortunate Son* Alongside Colony Clothing was Mono, a collection of artisanal pantry and bar essentials sourced from Italian families who have kept their craft alive for generations. Expect Laudemio’s vibrant olive oil, Tirrena’s heritage wheat pasta, Acetaia La Bonissima’s aged balsamic vinegar, Mokaflor’s Florence-roasted coffee, and Captain Santor’s aromatic Southern Sea gin. These aren’t typical grocery finds, which make having them on-hand extra special. What ties everything together is the ease, packing it all into one streamlined experience. For the man who wants quality without the hunt, it’s a quarterly delivery that feels both personal and polished. – *Kimberly Rocha-Delgado, Digital Editor* *Sign up for the subscription [here](https://thefortunateson.co/).* ## Bahay Kubo Plate Collection by Toyo Eatery x Atin ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/BK-Plate_01.webp) *“Bahay Kubo, kahit munti, ang halaman doon ay sari-sari.”* Those familiar words and melody always bring me back to childhood and somehow capture the richness of home. So when I first saw the Bahay Kubo Plate Collection**,** a limited-edition collaboration between [Michelin](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/michelin-guide-in-the-philippines-live-updates/ "A Night of Stars: The Complete List From the Michelin Guide Philippines")-starred [Toyo Eatery](https://robbreport.ph/tag/toyo-eatery/ "toyo eatery") and Philippine homeware brand Atin**,** the song echoed instantly in my mind. It felt like stepping back into a familiar garden, one rich with stories, ingredients, and the quiet pride of being Filipino. The limited-edition series celebrates the spirit of the Filipino garden in two beautiful forms: a Dinner Set of four plates and a Grand Serving Platter. Each piece is adorned with finely drawn illustrations of the vegetables named in the folk song, transforming a beloved childhood tune into something tactile and enduring. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/BK-Plate_02.webp) What makes the collaboration feel especially natural is Atin**.** The brand has long been known for creating plates, diffusers, and home pieces inspired by Filipino themes such as Philippine fruits, vegetables, flora, fauna, and other botanical elements that remind us of who we are. Their designs feel like small love letters to the Philippines’ natural abundance, which makes them the perfect partner for a Bahay Kubo collection. For Toyo, the *Bahay Kubo* dish has been part of their story since opening in 2016, becoming a signature dish that mirrors their philosophy by honoring indigenous ingredients and local flavors deeply rooted in Filipino tradition with both creativity and ingenuity. These new Bahay Kubo plates offer a thoughtful reflection on identity and place, and serve as a quiet reminder that every meal worth having is one gently seasoned with poetry and nostalgia. – *Alicia Colby-Sy, Lifestyle Editor* *Available at [Toyo Eatery](https://toyoeatery.com/) and select [Kultura](https://www.kulturafilipino.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopw1fCRfDcV0MXqOoaj7vpty0oJ5mFyYzJK-IsHBVkstYNhPDVE) stores*. **Categories:** Art & Collectibles, Style, The Good Life: Editors' Picks **Tags:** art deco, atin, national museum of fine arts, toyo eatery --- ### [The Gift Guide: The Watch Lover](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-gift-guide-13-gifts-for-watch-enthusiasts/) **Published:** November 27, 2025 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** Few enthusiasts are as discerning—or as delightfully difficult to shop for—as the true watch lover. Their world is built on precision, provenance, and (sometimes) obsession: the way a movement hums, the feel of a case back against the wrist, the story tucked inside every complication. This season, we assembled a selection that meets them at their level: rare books, exquisite storage, ultra-secure vaults, and experiences only the most devoted collectors will appreciate. For the aficionado who knows that horology is a worldview, these gifts go beyond the dial—they honor the rituals, the architecture, and the lifelong romance of mechanical time. Of course, we have watches. Scroll all the way to see our Watches editor’s top watch picks. ## 1. **Wolf: Axis 3-Piece Watch Winder (₱123,000)** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/wolf-watch-winder-.webp) A watch winder is a practical luxury—unless it’s a Wolf, in which case it becomes a statement of respect for the collection itself. Wolf’s patented “lock-in cuff” system and precise rotation technology ensure mechanical watches keep their rhythm with absolute accuracy. This Axis 3-Piece Winder in copper goes beyond storage and serves as a handsome display case. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/469416-3.webp) *Casa Euro* With supple leather, industrial detailing, and integrated storage for straps and tools, it suits collectors who see their watches not as objects but as living machines that deserve proper care. It’s ideal for the traveler, the investor, or anyone with a growing rotation of automatics. Its listed price is Php123,000, but it’s on sale in Casa Euro—grab it now at Php86,100. *Available at [Casa Euro](https://casaeuro.ph/products/wolf-axis-3-piece-winder-with-storage-copper).* ## 2. & 3. **Assouline: *The Impossible Collection of Watches* + Ultimate Bookstand (₱106,998 + ₱99,938)** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Assouline-impossible-book-of-watches-1.webp) *Assouline* Assouline’s *The Impossible Collection of Watches* is the definitive coffee-table tome for anyone who speaks the language of calibers and complications. From early chronographs to modern haute horlogerie icons, this hand-bound volume captures 100 of the most important timepieces ever created. Paired with the Ultimate Bookstand in pebbled leather, it transforms into a centerpiece—part design object, part museum display. For the collector who already owns “everything,” this duo offers what few gifts can: perspective, history, and an anthology of the horological greats that shaped the very meaning of luxury. The Impossible Collection of Watches *is available at [Assouline](https://ap.assouline.com/products/the-impossible-collection-of-watches-2nd-edition?srsltid=AfmBOop53IHLCx5MJhQlwdcugnqfiquymWa4ohb_gT8op-lwRcWTQ8JA&country=PH).* *The bookstand is available at [Univers](https://univers.ph/shop/collector-ultimate-bookstand-42890?color=20&size=253).* ## 4. **VIP Tickets to Watches & Wonders Geneva (Price upon request)** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/WandW2025_002_Ambiance_Day5.webp) *Watches and Wonders* This is probably the only I.O.U. that will never seem like an afterthought. The ultimate pilgrimage for any watch enthusiast, Watches & Wonders is where the industry unveils its future. VIP access elevates that experience into something almost ceremonial: private previews, maison presentations, guided exhibits, and intimate conversations with watchmakers. It’s the closest one can get to timekeeping’s inner sanctum, a once-in-a-lifetime immersion that transforms a collector into an insider and perfect for the enthusiast who wants to understand and witness them at their inception. Wrap this as a trip for two with a lovely hotel stay and you’re all set, or see #8. *Learn more [here](https://www.watchesandwonders.com/en/geneva-2026).* ## 5. **Louis Vuitton 3-Watch Case in Monogram Eclipse (Approximately ₱82,300)** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/LV-watch-case.webp) *Louis Vuitton* For the collector who refuses to travel without their favorites, Louis Vuitton’s Monogram Eclipse Watch Case is the elegant answer. Structured, secure, and unmistakably LV, the signature Eclipse canvas holds three watches and blends modernity with heritage. It’s a beautifully finished, functional heirloom—one that turns the simple act of carrying watches into a luxurious ritual. *Book an appointment at the Louis Vuitton store in Greenbelt Makati. G/F, Greenbelt 3, Esperanza Street, Makati Avenue, Makati. +632 8540 2001.* ## 6. **Audemars Piguet: *The Art of Watchmaking* (**Approximately **₱5,600)** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/audemars-piguet-the-watch-book-2240x2240.webp) *Audemars Piguet* This beautifully crafted AP publication is a rare window into the universe of one of haute horlogerie’s most storied maisons. Part brand history, part technical deep dive, *The Art of Watchmaking* traces AP’s evolution—from the Vallée de Joux to the global icons that shaped modern watch culture. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AP-book--2240x2240.webp) Richly photographed and thoughtfully written, it’s ideal for enthusiasts who want to connect more deeply with the maison behind the Royal Oak, the perpetual calendars, and the cutting-edge R&D that defines the brand today. *Available via [Audemars Piguet](https://www.audemarspiguet.com/com/en/news/origins/brand-book-the-art-of-watchmaking.html) or [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Watch-Stories-Savoir-Faire/dp/208045322X/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.t2y0ZAUciqQsOt_4n-fxnXb4zOB2xRr7ASXg_0wBzPPfRzhPQovRP_5koSNDpj4w7YGkOfDOdx-fcGmrYjz0C2wZQ7bv9IqBq-eNpXJavbpvSwf70eGpEr1660hQoWTg81A1xxU2bAtrgBHuF_3Lqjt7qnFHPX6ABOM-Kzy2V3Iexe1ZpFFj-RUQ7Gnnb4Tr2ZDk3JhA8nvwR_6tbKUo40yAwpNB8ZdB4NL0weabavo.MKzwKaOE2S-JuUKV5qj6B5Qt1TcHaz41vxHS2345ilg&dib_tag=se&keywords=audemars+piguet+book&qid=1764127868&sr=8-1).* ## 7. **Orient Crown 16-Piece Watch Safe + Winder (₱624,000–₱2,100,000)** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/PRE-ORDER_16PieceWatchWinderwith2Drawers.webp) *Orient Crown/Casa Euro* This is a crown jewel for the serious collector: Orient Crown’s watch safe combines high-security engineering with elegant presentation. Integrated winders, customizable drawers, silent motors, and a fortified build designed to protect both mechanical watches and the stories they carry. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/PRE-ORDER_16PieceWatchWinderwith2Drawers_1.webp) *Orient Crown/Casa Euro* It is equal parts vault and gallery, offering humidity control, tamper detection, and museum-grade display. For collectors with grand complications, limited editions, or investment-grade pieces, this is a statement of stewardship—and an heirloom in itself. *Available at Casa Euro by[ pre-order](https://casaeuro.ph/products/pre-order-16-piece-watch-winder-with-2-drawers).* ## 8. **Abercrombie & Kent Bespoke Watch Tour in Geneva (Price upon request)** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/anokhi-de-silva-bFDLzdLHjHo-unsplash.webp) *Anokhi De Silva/Unsplash* A bespoke horology journey by Abercrombie & Kent is the pinnacle of experiential gifting. Guests enjoy private tours of independent workshops, visits to watchmaking ateliers typically closed to the public, and hands-on sessions with artisans. Curated to personal interests—grand complications, finishing crafts, or independents—this tour brings the world of Swiss watchmaking to life. For the true devotee, it’s the closest thing to entering the soul of Swiss haute horlogerie. *Learn more [here](https://www.abercrombiekent.com/tailormade-journeys).* ## 9. **Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF GMT Rattrapante “Verzasca”** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/GMT2025PDPCarouselBig3.webp) *Parmigiani* For a dress watch, I would choose the Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF GMT Rattrapante Verzasca. I think it is a watch that completely stands on its own as an elegant piece because the GMT hand fits under the regular hour hand when not in use, but comes out as needed and still looks elegant. I initially would have thought the blue face would have been nicer until I actually saw the tone on the more green Verzasca pieces. – *Carl Cunanan* ## 10. **Rolex Land-Dweller 40mm in Platinum** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-26-at-23334-PM.webp) For a more sporty watch, I would probably go with the 40 millimeter Rolex Land-Dweller in platinum. The blue on that dial is just enchanting. It is available in a 36, which might be a better size for many, but the shaping and the way everything fits in the 40 just, to me, works better, and it fits on the wrist wonderfully. Again, this is a watch that can be elegant as well as sporty. And platinum doesn’t call as much attention as the gold pieces. – *Carl Cunanan* ## 11. & 12. ****Patek Philippe 6301P-001 Grande et Petite Sonnerie Minute Repeater**** (Php95,021,000) and **Patek Philippe 5531G-001 Minute Repeater World Time** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-26-at-23545-PM.webp) *Patek Philippe 6301P-001 Grande et Petite Sonnerie in Minute Repeater* When people ask what would be my ultimate watch, I have to say I tend to go with the Minute Repeaters of Patek Philippe because they are just above and beyond everything else on the horological planet. I don’t know if I would go for the relative simplicity of aesthetic of the 6301P-001 Grande et Petite Sonnerie in Minute Repeater or with the wonderfully-evocative 5531G-001 Minute Repeater World Time Rare Handcrafts. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-26-at-24603-PM.webp) They both have their own unique soul. And you’re really not going to see (or hear) them on anybody else. These are watches that only certain people are going to be able to have, it’s really about a journey more than it is about a piece. And if you think that journey is about money, it’s not. – *Carl Cunanan* ## 13. **Vacheron Constantin Soleria Ultra Grand Complication** ![Vacheron Constantin](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/vacheron-constantin-les-cabinotiers-solaria-ultra-grand-complication-dial-2jpg.webp) *Vacheron Constantin* Another wonderful journey in the watchmaking industry is when you have Vacheron Constantin make one of their special watches from the Les Cabinotiers program. You end up with a one- piece-only watch, and it is a long process when you and their designers and watchmakers get together and figure out exactly what it is you want. These can be pieces like the recently released Solaria Ultra Grand Complication, but really It’s completely open to you. One thing to note here is that if you have one of the truly unique and groundbreaking watches , be ready to lend it to Vacheron Constantin for an exhibit sometime. That much beauty deserves to be shared. – *Carl Cunanan* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** gift guide, Watches --- ### [Every Single Porsche Cayman, Ranked](https://robbreport.ph/cars/every-single-porsche-cayman-ranked/) **Published:** November 26, 2025 **Author:** Bryan Hood **Content:** The [Porsche Boxster](https://robbreport.ph/cars/every-porsche-boxster-ranked/ "Every Porsche Boxster, Ranked") may have helped save the famous German automaker, but it was its sibling, the hard-top Cayman, that helped establish the marque’s other sports car as one of the best of the century. The car made its debut in 2005, one year after the second-generation Boxster, as the Cayman S. Porsche took everything that made the roadster great—a peppy, mid-mounted flat-six and excellent driving dynamics—and added a fixed hard-top. Despite this being the only major difference between the cars, they have managed to feel distinct from one another since the very beginning, something that has become even more pronounced during the Cayman’s third generation. After decades and three generations (987, 981, and 982) later, the Cayman has established itself as one of the most beloved Porsches of all time. Next year will see the launch of the car’s next iteration, which will be the first to feature an all-electric powertrain (though an ICE-powered variant will be offered), so what better time to rank all 17 distinct Caymans to roll off the line over the last 20 years? ## 17. Porsche 987 Cayman ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/porsche-987-cayman.webp) *Photo: Porsche* As with its sibling, the Boxster, there are no truly bad Caymans, but something has to come in last in a comprehensive ranking. The first base-level Cayman—which was, strangely, the second version to hit the market—launched in 2006 with a 2.7-liter flat-six that made 242 hp, though that mill would be replaced by a 2.9-liter mill that kicked in an additional 19 hp with a mid-cycle refresh in 2009. It’s a solid sports car through and through, but really just a rough draft of what the Cayman would become. ## 16. Porsche 987 Cayman Porsche Design Edition 1 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/porsche-987-cayman-design-edition-1.webp) *Photo: Porsche* The Porsche Design Edition 1 is really more of an appearance package than a full-fledged variant. Based on the first-generation Cayman S, the variant paired a glossy black paint job with matte black Porsche Design graphics. The coupe also came with a matching briefcase containing products designed by the studio, including sunglasses, a watch, and a pocket knife. It was also somewhat rare, with just 777 examples leaving the factory between 2007 and 2008. ## 15. Porsche 981 Cayman ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/porsche-981-cayman.webp) *Photo: Porsche* The differences between the first and second Boxster may have been subtle, but the same can’t be said about the Cayman. The second Cayman arrived in early 2013, as a 2014 model, with a new body, longer wheelbase, and redesigned interior that was closer to that of the 991-series 911. It again came with a 2.7-liter flat-six, which made 271 hp, which was 10 hp more than its predecessor. ## 14. Porsche 982 718 Cayman ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/porsche-982-718-cayman.webp) *Photo: Porsche* The base model 718 Cayman may be the least capable—a truly relative phrase in this case—member of the car’s third generation, but it’s still an excellent car anyway you look at it. The biggest change between it and its predecessor—besides 718 being added to its name at the time of its 2018 debut—is its new 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-four. The mill may be smaller than any of the six-cylinders that came before it, but it still makes a more than respectable 296 hp and 280 ft lbs of torque. ## 13. Porsche 987 Cayman S Sport ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/porsche-987-cayman-s-sport.webp) *Photo: Porsche* In 2009, Porsche decided that it was time for the Cayman S to get a variant of its very own. The S Sport launched as part of the Cayman’s first-generation mid-cycle refresh and offered more power than the earliest version of the coupe, with its 3.4-liter flat-six making 315 hp. It was also available in two colors that had been previously reserved for the 911 GT3 RS, Bright Orange and Signal Green, along with the usual array of Cayman hues. It was in production for a single model year, during which time just 700 examples were built. ## 12. Porsche 981 Cayman S ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/porsche-981-cayman-s.webp) *Photo: Porsche* The second-gen Cayman S, like the standard version of the car, debuted in early 2011 as part of Porsche’s 2012 model class. The big difference between it and the entry-level coupe is a mid-mounted 3.4-liter flat-six that makes 321 hp, or 6 hp more than the refreshed version of its predecessor. This is also the point where critics and sports car lovers really started to fall for the Cayman’s trademark driving dynamics. ## 11. Porsche 982 718 Cayman S ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/porsche-982-718-cayman-s.webp) *Photo: Porsche* The latest 718 Cayman S was introduced in the spring of 2016. As with past generations, the difference between it and the third generation’s base model was found in the engine bay. Whereas the base model is powered by a 2.0-liter flat-four, the more potent S variant features a 2.4-liter four-pot that makes an extra 49 hp, bringing the total to 345 hp. It’s far from the most powerful or fastest third-gen Cayman, but when equipped with a seven-speed PDK gearbox and the Sport Chrono package, it can still sprint from zero to 62 mph in just four seconds flat. ## 10. Porsche 982 718 Cayman T ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/porsche-982-718-cayman-t.webp) *Photo: Porsche* The third-generation 718 Cayman T, like the 987 R, is a model specifically marketed at the purists. It features the same 2.0-liter flat-four as the base car but comes with several performance upgrades standard. These include a retuned suspension, a limited-slip differential, and the Sports Chrono package that is normally a premium add-on. Cosmetic changes include a special decal package, the short shifter from a GT4, and door pull straps instead of handles. ## 9. Porsche 987 Cayman S Black Edition ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/porsche-987-cayman-s-black-edition.webp) *Photo: Porsche* The 987 Cayman S Black Edition’s name is as apt as it is misleading. Yes, the variant is an exclusive all-black variant, but it’s also not your typical first-gen Cayman S. That’s because the car was powered by the 3.4-liter flat-six from the Cayman R, a mill that boosted output to to 325 hp. It’s also the rarest Cayman of them all, not including one-offs, with just 500 examples leaving the factory in 2011. ## 8. Porsche 981 Cayman GTS ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/porsche-981-cayman-gts.webp) *Photo: Porsche* The first Cayman generation has its fair share of variants, but it wasn’t until the second that they really started to feel distinct from one another. The generation’s first truly high-performance model was the GTS, which was introduced in 2014. In addition to a more aerodynamic body, it featured a more potent flat-six and a passive sport suspension that dropped its ride height by three-fourths of an inch. Thanks to these changes, the car could accelerate from zero to 62 mph in as little as 4.6 seconds, making it the quickest Cayman up until that point. ## 7. Porsche 992 718 Cayman GTS ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/porsche-982-718-cayman-gts.webp) *Photo: Porsche* There was plenty of grumbling about Porsche’s decision to swap out the Cayman’s flat-six for a flat-four at the beginning of its third generation. But that mill was still plenty potent, and never more so than in the second iteration of the GTS. Launched in late 2017, the high-performance variant came with a 2.5-liter turbocharged six-cylinder mill that made 360 hp, which was 15 hp more than the S variant. Thanks to the added grunt, the model was the first Cayman to reach 60 mph in under four seconds. ## 6. Porsche 987 Cayman R ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/porsche-987-cayman-r.webp) *Photo: Porsche* The Cayman has been one for the enthusiasts since the very beginning, and the R was the most hardcore variant from its first generation. Not only was this version of the coupe 121 pounds lighter than the Cayman S, but it also featured a lower suspension and a tuned 3.4-liter flat-six that made an era-high 325 hp. Rounding things out was a subtly revised aero kit and a graphics package that included “Porsche” logotype decals along the bottom of the doors. ## 5. Porsche 987 Cayman S ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/porsche-987-cayman-s.webp) *Photo: Porsche* The first-generation Cayman S is far from the best iteration of the car, but it is the most important. That’s because the model, which launched in 2005 as part of the brand’s 2006 model year lineup, was the very first Cayman. Slotting in above its sibling, the Boxster S, the hard-top arrived with a 3.4-liter flat-six that made 291 hp, though that number was bumped up to 315 hp following a mid-cycle refresh. For the first three years it was on the market, it was also only available with a manual gearbox. ## 4. Porsche 992 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/porsche-982-718-cayman-gts-4-0.webp) *Photo: Porsche* It only took four years for Porsche to finally equip the third-generation Cayman with a flat-six again, which made its return in 2019 with the 992 GT4. One year later, the marque unveiled a refreshed (and third) version of the GTS, which, as its name may have given away, features a 4.0-liter six-cylinder mill. Available mated to either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, the engine makes a robust 395 hp, thanks to which the car can sprint from zero to 60 mph in as little as 3.8 seconds. ## 3. Porsche 991 Cayman GT4 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/porsche-981-cayman-gtr.webp) *Photo: Porsche* The RS was the second-gen Cayman at its very best. The variant, which debuted in 2015, was the first track-oriented (but street-legal) version of the coupe. It wore a more exaggerated aero package, had a lower ride height, and tipped the scales at less than 3,000 pounds. It’s most significant performance upgrade was a detuned version of the 3.8-liter flat-six from the 911 Carrera S. That mill, which was the most potent in Cayman until that point, was mated, exclusively, to a six-speed manual gearbox and capable of pushing the car to a top speed of 183 mph (an even more hardcore Cayman RS Clubsport would see release before the end of the generation, but it wasn’t road legal). ## 2. Porsche 982 718 Cayman GT4 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/porsche-982-718-cayman-gt4.webp) *Photo: Porsche* Porsche took its time in unveiling the follow-up to the second-generation’s beloved GT4 variant. The high-performance model wouldn’t reappear until 2019, three years into the coupe’s third generation debuted, but it made quite the entrance when it did. The track-oriented (but still street-legal) model swapped out the standard version’s peppy four-cylinder for a 4.0-liter flat-six identical to that found in the open-top [718 Spyder](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-50-greatest-sports-cars-of-the-21st-century/ "The 50 Greatest Sports Cars of the 21st Century"). The naturally aspirated mill makes 414 hp, which comfortably made it the most powerful Cayman ever at the time of its release. It wouldn’t hold that record for long, though. ## 1. Porsche 982 718 Cayman GT4 RS ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/porsche-982-718-cayman-gt4-rs.webp) *Photo: Porsche* In 2021, two years after the third-generation GTR debuted, Porsche decided that it was finally time to give the Cayman the RS treatment. Not only is the 718 Cayman GTR RS the best Cayman, it’s also one of the best sports cars of this century. Its naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat six makes 493 hp, 332 ft lbs of torque, and redlines at 9,000 rpm. Add in an aero kit that increased downforce by 25 percent, and you have yourself a car that can lap the infamous Nürburgring Nordschleife 23 seconds faster than its predecessor. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** boxster, cars, Feature, porsche, Porsche Cayman --- ### [The First Tokenized Luxury Hotel & a Record-Setting Rolex](https://robbreport.ph/the-luxe-dispatch/the-luxe-dispatch-the-first-tokenized-luxury-hotel-intercontinental-enters-vietnam-and-a-record-setting-rolex-in-dubai/) **Published:** November 21, 2025 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** In the upper stratosphere of luxury, the definition of value is shifting. We are no longer confined to craftsmanship alone but rather shaped increasingly by the expanding geographies of wealth. In the Maldives, the future of hospitality took a bold turn as an unprecedented intersection of blockchain finance and five-star indulgence emerges. Meanwhile, InterContinental’s debut in Ha Long Bay demonstrates the region’s ascent as Asia’s next ultra-luxury coastal capital. Then, in Dubai, an ultra-rare Rolex Reference 4113 shatters expectations with a record-setting sale. Welcome to the week’s most consequential moves in the world of ultra-luxury. ## Trump’s Maldives Resort Goes Crypto ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/trump-tower-jeddah-2240x2240.webp) The Trump Tower in Jeddah, another collaboration with Dar Global. *Photo: Dar Global* The [Maldives](https://robbreport.ph/tag/maldives/ "Maldives") has long been the stage for marquee hospitality debuts. Still, few arrivals have generated the kind of intrigue now surrounding the forthcoming US$300-Million Trump International Hotel Maldives. Scheduled to open in 2028 and developed in partnership with Saudi-listed luxury firm Dar Global, the 80-villa resort pairs traditional over-water opulence with an interesting financing model. It’s a new blueprint that pushes the boundaries of how ultra-luxury real estate can be owned, traded, and experienced, really. At the heart of the project is a bold proposition: up to 70% of the development will be financed through blockchain-based tokens. This move allows qualified investors to purchase digital shares of the resort’s underlying asset, marking the first time a globally recognised luxury hotel brand has embraced tokenization at this scale. It sort of signals a merging of prestige hospitality and decentralized finance that would have seemed improbable just a few years ago. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/maldives-636-2240x2240.webp) *Photo: Pexels* The resort itself promises the brand’s signature treatment, from expansive villas and private pools to curated dining offerings and a wellness program tailored to high-net-worth travelers. However, what sets this project apart is not its villas, but its value architecture. Tokenisation transforms the resort from a traditional hospitality venture into a hybrid luxury-investment product—part real estate, part digital asset. ## An InterContinental in Ha Long Bay Vietnam’s ascent into the realm of ultra-luxury hospitality continues with the introduction of InterContinental Halong Bay Resort in a landmark opening that redefines what high-end travel in the region can look like. Set against the otherworldly mythic limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay, the resort is conceived as an elegant dialogue between nature, heritage, and contemporary design. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/intercontinentalhotelsgroup-vietnam-2240x2240.webp) *Photo: InterContinental Hotels Group* The architecture is credited to the global integrated design firm WATG, evidenced by a low-slung, coastal modernism that amplifies the surrounding views rather than competes with them. Meanwhile, inside are P49Design layers textures and motifs that nod to Vietnamese craftsmanship: woven bamboo, lacquer finishes, and silhouettes inspired by traditional basket boats. The result is a resort that feels deeply connected to place without relinquishing the polished restraint expected of the InterContinental marque. Across its 275 rooms, suites, and private villas, guests can expect expansive balconies, open-plan sanctuaries, and a material palette that feels quietly indulgent. Six dining venues anchor the F&B program, ranging from elevated Vietnamese cuisine to Mediterranean-inspired coastal dining. A destination spa, lakeside pools, curated excursions, and a signature Club InterContinental lounge round out the experience. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/halong-bay-wtag-2240x2240.webp) *Photo: WTAG* Long a favorite among adventure-leaning travelers, Vietnam is now entering the orbit of those who seek resort luxury on par with Thailand, Bali, and the Maldives. The InterContinental’s arrival signals confidence in the UNESCO heritage site as a stage for world-class hospitality. ## A Rare Rolex Shatters Records in Dubai In a landmark moment for the luxury-asset class last week, a rare [Rolex](https://robbreport.ph/tag/rolex/ "rolex") Reference 4113 achieved a world-record hammer price of US$4.72 million at auction in Dubai. The timepiece, which comes from the 1940s, is one of only 12 that were ever made. It should be noted, too, that only 9 of these are known to survive today. It is now the 9th-most expensive Rolex in history. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/rolex-4113-auction-dubai-2240x2240.webp) *Photo: FutureGrail* The Reference 4113 has long been regarded as a grail for connoisseurs of precision and provenance. What makes the piece so singular is its engineering and provenance. It remains the only split-seconds chronograph ever produced by Rolex, with a 44 mm case size that defied the era’s norms. Beyond mechanics, its lineage is wrapped in motorsport heritage. This sale exceeds the prior record for the model by more than US$1.2 million, serving a clear message that serious collectors are increasingly committing capital to ultra-rare watches that combine historical importance and investment-grade scarcity. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/rolex-4113-dubai-record-2240x2240.webp) *Photo: FutureGrail* Offered by specialist auction house FutureGrail during an elegant preview at the Bvlgari Yacht Club, the sale underscored the shifting geography of luxury timepiece collecting. In the Middle East’s burgeoning ecosystem of ultra-wealthy buyers, Dubai again asserts itself as a credible auction powerhouse right before the beginning of Dubai Watch Week. **Categories:** The Luxe Dispatch **Tags:** Dar Global, FutureGrail, Ha Long Bay, Intercontinental, luxury travel, rolex, Trump International Hotel --- ### [8 Best Luxury After-Sun Treatments for Skin Recovery](https://robbreport.ph/style/grooming/8-best-luxury-after-sun-treatments-for-skin-recovery/) **Published:** June 10, 2026 **Author:** Ria de Borja **Content:** Who wants to spend a day under the sun but end it with red and burning skin? If you’re like us, you’ll have prepared for both pre-sun exposure and also have an arsenal for post-sun exposure. ([Don’t forget the *during*.](https://robbreport.ph/style/grooming/what-are-the-best-luxury-sunscreens-for-men-6-top-spf-picks/ "What Are the Best Luxury Sunscreens for Men? 6 Top SPF Picks")) We’ve chosen the best treatments for when you’ve ended that blissful day spent on deck, by the pool or in the water. ## **Best Overall After-Sun Recovery Serum**: Augustinus Bader The Serum ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/serum-new-sku-packshot1-1.webp) Although this serum isn’t technically marketed as after-sun care, it’s one of the strongest luxury recovery formulas available. The TFC8 complex supports repair, hydration, and skin resilience after environmental stress–which translates to the best care after a day of sun exposure. Don’t use it sparingly. *Available [here](https://augustinusbader.com/int/en/the-serum).* ## **Best Classic After-Sun Treatment**: Clarins Soothing After Sun Balm With Antioxidants ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-05-19-at-110926-AM.webp) A French Riviera classic, Clarins Soothing After Sun Balm With Antioxidants is designed for deep hydration specifically to calm post-sun skin–without the heaviness. Made for the face and body, it promises to hydrate skin for 48 hours and promote the intense tan you’ve been working on. Slather it on after an energizing shower. *Available [here](https://www.clarinsusa.com/en/soothing-after-sun-balm/80094059.html).* ## **Best Clinical After-Sun Repair**: Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector After Sun Intensive Recovery Emulsion ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/shiseido-006779sx_01-1.webp) This is Japanese skincare precision applied to post-UV recovery. The cooling and lightweight emulsion is engineered to replenish moisture loss after heat and exposure. It can be used on the face and body, and nourishes the skin while soothing any irritation that may have arisen from sun exposure. *Available [here](https://www.sweetcare.com/ph/shiseido-suncare-after-sun-intensive-recovery-emulsion-p-006779sx?st=01).* ## **Best Ultra-Luxury Recovery Cream**: La Mer The Moisturizing Soft Cream ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/La-Mer-The-Moisturizing-Soft-Cream.webp) Who doesn’t love La Mer? La Mer The Moisturizing Soft Cream is just the kind of product frequent travelers and yacht regulars keep within reach after long hours in salt, wind, and sun. It has a rich barrier support with unmistakable La Mer sensoriality, and the quality you’ve grown accustomed to over the years. *Available [here](https://rustans-thebeautysource.com/en/product/la-mer-moisturizing-soft-cream/).* ## **Best Botanical After-Sun Treatment**: Sisley Paris Restorative Facial Cream ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/121800_01.webp) Powered by shea butter and botanical extracts, this recovery-focused skincare with a true French luxury pedigree has all the ingredients you need to care for your skin post-sun exposure. It’s known for its soothing and nourishing properties, and has a creamy texture perfect for all skin types. *Available [here](https://www.sisley-paris.com/en-US/restorative-facial-cream-100158.html?srsltid=AfmBOoox2VK45TL4V0aXDwcvJGURoTnSYhI9NN1-30dp7BCKFJhsBoZe).* ## Best Lightweight Recovery Gel: Chanel Hydra Beauty Micro Gel Crème ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/hydra-beauty-micro-gel-creme-fortifying-replenishing-hydration-1-7oz-packshot-default-133360-9580728221726.webp) Cooling, fresh, and ideal in humid climates where richer creams feel excessive, Chanel Hydra Beauty Micro Gel Crème uses something called microfluidic technology. The White Camellia flower is preserved in micro-bubbles until the moment of application, when its enriching properties are released. The formula mixes the freshness of water and the lightness of a gel, and is perfect for all skin types. *Available [here](https://www.chanel.com/us/skincare/p/133360/hydra-beauty-micro-gel-creme-fortifying-replenishing-hydration/).* ## Best Recovery Skin Beads: Dior Prestige Le Micro-Caviar de Rose ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Y0996097_C099600295_E01_ZHC-1.webp) Designed for regeneration and recovery, with a texture that feels closer to a spa treatment than conventional skincare, Dior Prestige Le Micro-Caviar de Rose contains 17,000 rose micro-pearls and 22 Rose de Granville micro-nutrients in one pump. It can be used as an anti-aging treatment and works wonders if used on a regular basis. Apply gently. *Available [here](https://www.dior.com/en_int/beauty/products/dior-prestige-le-micro-caviar-de-rose-Y0996097.html) and at Dior [boutiques](https://www.dior.com/fashion/stores/en_ie/philippines).* ## Best Minimalist Luxury Recovery Cream: Aesop Sublime Replenishing Night Masque ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Aesop_Skin_Sublime_Replenishing_Night_Masque_60mL_Web_Front_2000x2000px.webp) Botanical-forward and understated, with enough hydration and calming properties to work beautifully after prolonged sun exposure, Aesop Sublime Replenishing Night Masque is the perfect hydrating mask for all skin types. According to its description on the website, it’s an “overnight redeemer enhanced with Vitamins B, C, E and F.” *Available [here](https://www.aesop.com/skin-care/exfoliants-masks/sublime-replenishing-night-masque/SK67.html) and at [Aesop boutiques](https://www.aesopskincare.ph/pages/stores?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=13950617915&gbraid=0AAAAABPc3dYCzCi2YWp16mz51wxWaJ-bT&gclid=CjwKCAjw857RBhAgEiwAI-1yKBeM3WwBOLckKhwl2WexT8Oqmnq3BMsoI9cYepz-AKWb7L9XTLFrYhoCfiQQAvD_BwE).* **Categories:** Grooming, Style **Tags:** Aesop, Augustinus Bader, Chanel, dior, La Mer, shiseido, Sisley Paris --- ### [9 Stellar Champagnes to Pop This New Year’s Eve](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/wine/9-stellar-champagnes-to-pop-this-new-years-eve/) **Published:** December 29, 2025 **Author:** Jeff Jenssen **Content:** It may seem slightly cliché, but sparkling wine should be served at any and every New Year’s Eve party. Whether you’re celebrating the end of a tough year or looking forward to starting the next one, [Champagne](https://robbreport.ph/tag/champagne/ "champagne") helps mark the turning of the calendar in style. An excellent bottle or two shared with family, friends, or someone special will set the right tone as the clock strikes midnight. It allows you to toast your successes and acknowledge everything you accomplished in 2025. Whether you go for a non-vintage fizz that represents a consistent house style or a vintage Champagne that celebrates an exceptional year in the vineyard, bubbles will set you on the best path forward in 2026. Here are nine amazing bottles worth popping at any end-of-year do. ## Krug 173eme Edition Grand Cuvee Brut ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Krug_173eme_Edition_Grand_Cuvee_Brut_Champagne_France.webp) Krug was founded in 1843 by Joseph Krug, and although it is now majority owned by Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy, family member Olivier Krug can still be found at the *maison* and at various events around the world. This enticing Champagne represents the 173rd edition of Krug Grand Cuvee. It has complex aromas of Fuji apple, caramel, freshly baked bread, and a touch of lifted cedar wood. Small bubbles and bright acidity lead you to flavors of apple, stone fruit, and brioche. ## Lallier NV Ouvrage Extra Brut ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Lallier_NV_Ouvrage_Extra_Brut_Champagne_France.webp) Founded by René Lallier in 1906, Champagne Lallier now uses two impressive sites in the iconic Grand Cru region of Champagne: a production facility in Oger, Côte des Blancs, and the maison in Aÿ, which houses the aging cellar. The house sources grapes from its grand cru vineyards in Aÿ, Avize, Verzy, Chouilly, Cramant, Mesnil-sur-Oger, as well as premier cru and cru vineyards in the region. Lallier Ouvrage is a lovely non-vintage Champagne boasting aromas and flavors of green apple, brioche, and toasted almond. ## Charles Heidsieck 2014 Blanc des Millenaires ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Charles_Heidsieck_2014_Blanc_des_Millenaires_Champagne_France.webp) Charles Heidsieck’s grand uncle founded the house of Heidsieck et Cie in 1785, 37 years before his birth, but at the age of 29, Charles chose to start his own company, and Champagne Charles Heidsieck was born. Today, the house is under the stewardship of the Descours family, whose goal is to introduce the brand internationally and globally. Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millenaires 2014 is 100 percent Chardonnay and has aromas of baked apple, white peach, and freshly baked bread. It has delicate bubbles and flavors of peach, chalk, white flowers, and a touch of salinity in the finish. ## Veuve Clicquot 2018 La Grande Dame ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Veuve_Clicquot_2018_La_Grande_Dame_Champagne_France.webp) One of France’s best-known winemakers, Barbe-Nicole Clicquot Ponsardin, was widowed at the age of 27 and took over her late husband’s Champagne business. She is known as one of France’s first businesswomen and is credited with a few firsts in the world of Champagne. Visitors to Veuve Clicquot can tour the UNESCO World Heritage-listed cellars, stroll among the vines, and have a picnic on the estate grounds, offering one of the best tourism experiences in the region. La Grande Dame 2018 has ethereal aromas of kumquat, pear, marzipan, and white flowers, followed by flavors of toasted almond, peach, and apple with balanced acidity and a continuous stream of fine bubbles. ## Mandois NV Brut Origine ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Mandois_NV_Brut_Origine_Champagne_France.webp) Mandois Champagne was founded in 1735 and remains proudly family-owned nine generations later. In 1905, Victor August Mandois moved the house to the premier cru village of Pierry, near Epernay, where it remains today, and began producing Champagne and aging it in ancient cellars situated below the footprint of the village church above. Mandois currently owns over 85 acres of vines spread over 12 villages and produces Champagne from Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, and Pinot Noir. Mandois Brut Origine has delicate aromas of white flowers, citrus pith, and Granny Smith apple that translate to the palate with flavors of brioche, white stone fruits, and crisp acidity in the finish. ## Louis Roederer 2018 Philippe Starck Brut Nature ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Louis_Roederer_2018_Philippe_Starck_Brut_Nature_Champagne_France.webp) Louis Roederer inherited his Champagne house in 1833, and instead of buying grapes like many *maisons* at that time, he started purchasing land to plant his own vineyards. After his death, his son Louis Roederer II continued in his father’s footsteps and began exporting bottles to the United States and to Russia, specifically for the Russian royal family. This stunning Champagne is a collaboration between the house and Philippe Starck, who designed the modern label. It has a steady stream of tiny bubbles and aromas of freshly baked bread, white stone fruits, and citrus blossoms. It is well-balanced and features flavors of apple, peach, and toasted hazelnuts. ## Palmer & Co 2015 Grands Terroirs ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Palmer_amp_Co_2015_Grands_Terroirs_Champagne_France.webp) One of the newest maisons in Champagne, Palmer & Co is only 75 years old but relies on the expertise and generational knowledge of the seven original founding families. Palmer & Co is a leader in sustainable grape growing and winemaking and continues to focus on soil maintenance and vine nutrition. Lively in the glass, 2015 Grands Terroirs has aromas of orange flowers, caramelized pineapple, and freshly baked bread. Well balanced in the mouth with zesty acidity, it has flavors of dried apricot, acacia flower, grapefruit zest, and gooseberry. ## Delamotte NV Blanc de Blancs ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Delamotte_NV_Blanc_de_Blancs_Champagne_France.webp) Francois Delamotte founded his eponymous house in 1760 and brought his two sons, Alexandre and Nicolas-Louis, into the family business. After Napoleon Bonaparte’s conquest of Malta, Nicolas-Louis returned to Reims from his home in Malta to manage the family’s exports with the singular goal of making Delamotte available in every major city in Europe and eventually the world. Delamotte NV Blanc de Blancs is 100 percent Chardonnay that offers steady columns of bubbles and a foamy mousse. It has aromas of acacia flowers, lemon zest, and freshly baked focaccia that carry on to the palate with pronounced flavors of stone fruits and citrus blossoms highlighted by bright acidity. ## Ruinart 2013 Dom Ruinart ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ruinart_2013_Dom_Ruinart_Champagne_France-1.webp) It is widely accepted that Dom Thierry Ruinart’s love of bubbly wine inspired his nephew Nicolas to create what many scholars believe to be the first Champagne house in 1729. This stunning Champagne is named in Dom Thierry’s honor. Dom Ruinart 2013 has notes of freshly toasted hazelnuts and almonds with aromas of ripe stone fruits and just-baked pastry crust. It is lively with balanced acidity in the mid-palate with flavors of kumquat, grapefruit pith, freshly ground white pepper, and a touch of saline in the finish. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Food & Drink, Wine --- ### [Here Are the Biggest Winners of the GPHG, the Oscars of Watchmaking](https://robbreport.ph/watches/here-are-the-biggest-winners-of-the-gphg-the-oscars-of-watchmaking/) **Published:** November 17, 2025 **Author:** Thor Svaboe **Content:** The[ Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève ](https://robbreport.ph/watches/what-else-we-do-at-the-dhorlogerie-de-geneve-academy/ "What Else We Do at the d’Horlogerie de Genève Academy")(GPHG) stands out as a global celebration of watchmaking, earning its nickname as Oscars of horology. This year, at the storied Bâtiment des Forces Motrices in Geneva, the GPHG Foundation honored innovation, craftsmanship, and design across more than a dozen categories. Since its founding in 2001, the event has become a vital showcase for the year’s most compelling timepieces, and for this 24th edition, the 29 jury members did not have an easy task. Within all 15 categories, the challenges of the market have proven a strong instigator of creativity, with nominated watches including the prestige of established maisons like Audemars Piguet, Louis Vuitton, and Chopard. But the creative fire of the independents offered strong competition, as seen in the results. The 29 jury members are an eclectic mix of media, retailers, and watchmaking brands without nominated pieces, guided by the steady hand of jury president [Nick Foulkes](https://robbreport.ph/watches/6-legendary-names-you-need-to-know-from-the-world-of-watchmaking/ "6 Legendary Names You Need to Know From the World of Watchmaking"). This year’s edition captured a rich mix of heritage and experimentation, from platinum-cased elegance to stripped-back artisanal creations, and the trend of integrated bracelets is still visible, though modernized rather than vintage-inspired. It all culminated in a night that underscored the future-proof direction of haute horlogerie. Among the notable highlights, the artisanal strength of LVMH’s Genevan watch manufacturing at La Fabrique du Temp was dominant. Louis Vuitton was the only brand with five nominations, with family brands Gérald Genta, Daniel Roth, and Tiffany & Co. also in the running. Here is a spoiler alert, but an early prediction for a part-home win for the debut brand Urban Jürgensen came true, with two of the brand’s debut watches nominated. Its revived Danish-Swiss legacy and U.S.-driven energy have created a much-talked-about trio of watches and proved a success at this year’s GPHG. The brand is co-CEOed by U.S.-based Alex Rosenfield and GPHG stalwart Kari Voutilainen, and we caught up with an elated Alex Rosenfield after the ceremony. “To be honored by the GPHG for our first collection of the new generation of UJ is a huge honor,” he says.” When we acquired UJ, we did so with great admiration for the company’s history and for the Swiss watch industry.” Rosenfield is also aware that they were new to this world, saying, “As Americans, we were outsiders, and the kindness and warmth with which we have been welcomed and embraced means so much to me and my family.” But we are getting ahead of ourselves, so here are all the night’s biggest winners in turn. ## Aiguille d’Or: Breguet Classique Souscription ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Breguet-Classique-Souscription.webp) *GPHG* The Aiguille d’Or prize is equivalent to the Oscars’ Best Picture. Presented by last year’s winner, IWC CEO Chris Granger-Herr, the Aiguille d’Or is not on the nomination list but is chosen by the jury as the most significant piece among all entries, which this year went to Breguet. The Classique Souscription is a 40 mm epitome of classicism, and a single-handed purist vision. The prize was accepted by a visibly moved Gregory Kissling of Breguet, who thanked his collective team of craftsmen. The meaning of Aiguille d’Or implies a “golden peak” of watchmaking, and the minimal perfection of the Classique Souscription is this and more, with a movement architecture directly inspired by the architecture of the first Souscription watches signed by Abraham-Louis Breguet. ## Ladies’: Gerald Genta Oursine ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Gerald-Genta-Oursine.webp) *GPHG* Debates on unisex watch design aside, there was an unmistakeable femininity in all watches nominated in the Ladies’ category. Enjoyably, the fiery rebirth of the Gérald Genta Oursin—originally a 1994 design for his wife—won out for its outré flamboyance. With a matte yellow-gold case set with a myriad polished fire opals, it lives up to its French name for a sea urchin, with the mythical watchmakers Michel Navas and Enrico Barbasini on stage to accept the award. Barbasini thanked the jury and Jean Arnault for proposing the rebirth. Himself and Navas have come full circle from working for Genta to now being entrusted with keeping his iconic spirit alive at LVMH’s manufacture La Fabrique du Temps. ## Ladies Complication: Chopard Imperiale Four Seasons ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Chopard-Imperiale-Four-Seasons.webp) *GPHG* The audacious [Imperiale Four Seasons](https://robbreport.ph/watches/chopard-newest-imperiale-watch-is-a-colorful-ode-to-the-seasons/ "Chopard’s Newest Imperiale Watch Is a Colorful Ode to the Seasons") takes Chopard’s expertise in Mètiers d’Art and gem setting to a glittering conclusion, with Caroline Scheufele proudly accepting the award on behalf of the family, before inviting her brother Karl-Friedrich to join her on stage, underlining the Imperiale’s creation as a cooperative effort. This is the first time a Ladies Complication from Chopard has won, and within its dial lies a rotating disc that completes a full revolution over 365 days, evoking the gentle cycle of the seasons. ## Time Only: Daniel Roth Extra Plat ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Daniel-Roth-Extra-Plat.webp) Purity of purpose is a term that aptly describes this category, with a bare minimum of markings and hands to show the time—watches with a singular purpose. The winning Daniel Roth exemplifies exquisite formality in rose gold, emphasizing the details within the unmistakable shape of the eclectic brand. As the second winner reborn under LVMH’s wing, it was presented by Rexhep Rexhepi, the famed independent watchmaker who has collaborated with Louis Vuitton. The prize was once again accepted by masters of the craft, Michel Navas and Enrico Barbasini, who vigorously emphasized the collective efforts at la Fabrique Du Temps. ## Men’s: Urban Jürgensen ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Urban-Jurgensen-UJ2.webp) Similar to the Time Only category, but with minimal complications such as a date or power reserve, this category often prolongs jury debates, and for good reason. The UJ-2, which at its heart features a double-wheel natural escapement, is one of the three debut watches from Urban Jürgensen. Alex Rosenfield came to the stage with Kari Vuotilainen, who accepted, visibly elated to be part of relaunching the 250-year-old brand, while acknowledging the big responsibility of fielding a modern watch that carries the original brand’s design codes. Rosenfield joined him, thanking the new watchmaking team in Biel for forming a brand that is just starting its next chapter and will try to live up to the legacy of Urban Jürgensen. ## Men’s Complication: Bovet 1822 Recital 30 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Bovet-1822-Recital-30.webp) *GPHG* Auro Montanari, a.k.a. Goldberger presented the award for Men’s complication to Bovet’s Pascal Raffy, for an innovative watch with a selective timezone display. Raffy came onto the stage, saying he was very moved by the award, explaining the birth of the idea of this watch in the pandemic, and his three children contributing to the colors and vintage inspiration. The[ Recital 30](https://www.bovet.com/news/robb-report-2025/) has a 42 mm titanium case and its information-packed display allows world travelers to accurately display the global time zones during the four time periods of the year. ## Iconic: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Audemars-Piguet-Royal-Oak-Perpetual-Calendar.webp) *GPHG* Perhaps not the easiest to define, the Iconic category this year featured a wide range of watches, from retro to wild futurism, all with immense wrist presence. Mechanical innovation came to the fore, and the reimagined 41 mm [Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar](https://robbreport.ph/watches/audemars-piguets-game-changing-new-perpetual-calendar-can-be-set-with-a-single-crown-2/ "Audemars Piguet’s Game-Changing New Perpetual Calendar Can Be Set with a Single Crown") rendered in the brand’s proprietary Sand Gold was a worthy winner. Featuring the brand-new Calibre 7138, CEO Ilaria Resta was immensely proud to receive the prize for what is an important evolution of the Genta icon, and fittingly, in their 150th Anniversary year. ## Tourbillon: Bulgari Octo Finissimo Ultra Tourbillon ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Bulgari-Octo-Finissimo-Ultra-Tourbillon.webp) *GPHG* The Tourbillon is a centuries-old regulating organ that will easily distract the owner from time itself, and remains the ultimate complication. Bulgari has mastered it within the wafer-thin [Finissimo](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-boldest-most-exciting-new-timepieces-at-watches-and-wonders-2025/ "The Boldest, Most Exciting New Timepieces at Watches and Wonders 2025"), in its honed, perennially record-breaking form. Boss Jean-Christophe Babin accepted the award with a lot of emotion, acknowledging the importance of a flying tourbillon within the exceptionally thin mastery devised by product creation executive director for Bulgari, Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani. For Babin it was a fitting way to mark his own 25 years in the watch industry, thanking colleagues, well knowing he won’t be there for another 25. But the Finissimo will be, and probably still breaking records. ## Mechanical Exception: Greubel Forsey Nano Foudroyante ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Greubel-Forsey-Nano-Foudrayante_315c78.webp) The Nano Foudroyante is, at 37.9 mm, much smaller (even demure) compared to what we are used to from the brand. But don’t be fooled: At the heart of this timepiece lies a disruptive idea—nanomechanics, the control of energy at the nanojoule scale within a mechanical movement. Michel Nydegger, Greubel Forsey’s young CEO, joked about taking full credit for other people’s work, work that he deeply respects and admires. With a smile he thanked the 130 Greubel Forsey watchmakers, finishers and engineers, as well as Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey who started the company, for a well-deserved prize. ## Chronograph: Angelus Chronographe Télémetre ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Angelus-Chronographe-Telemetre.webp) Angelus is the sister brand of high-complication master Arnold & Son, and in this 37 mm monopusher chronograph, it has hit the right vintage notes. The grained, white-nickel dial with applied markers features a mid-century design and information-packed graphics. It represents the smallest Angelus model, featuring a slim, sweeping case that houses a hand-wound movement with a 42-hour power reserve. CEO Pascal Bechu can be proud of what is a distinctive, near-perfect vintage chronograph, with a balanced dial featuring recessed small seconds at 9 o’clock and a 30-minute totaliser at 3 o’clock, powered by the A5000 calibre—a technical cornerstone for Angelus. ## Sports: Chopard Alpine Eagle 41 SL Cadence 8HF ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Chopard-Alpine-Eagle.webp) *GPHG* In a hotly contested category, the Alpine Eagle stood out with its modernity, and mostly as a stand-out piece within the Chopard range. We have been used to the 2019-revived Alpine Eagle appearing as a bona fide alternative to integrated bracelet grails like the Nautilus and Royal Oak, but this is very different, a fact acknowledged by the jury. Chopard’s Karl-Friedrich Scheufele accepted the award on behalf of a creative team that has transformed the dressy sports watch into a stealthy player in ceramicized titanium, powered by the cutting-edge high-frequency, chronometer-certified Chopard 01.14-C movement, much lighter than its predecessor, thanks to a mainplate and bridges also made of ceramicised titanium. ## Chronometry: Zenith G.F.J. Calibre 35 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Zenith-GFJ-Calibre-35.webp) CEO Benoit de Clerck has every right to be proud of Zenith’s achievements this year, accepting the award for their new-for-2025 halo model, celebrating its 160th Anniversary. The G.F.J. Calibre 35 offers pure inspiration from the past, with a brand-new movement named after the 1865 founder, Georges Favre-Jacot, and his quest for absolute perfection. And the brand didn’t hold back on the artisanal flourish: the G.F.J is housed in a polished platinum case, featuring a lapis lazuli dial encircled by a brick guilloche pattern, and an inset small seconds subdial at six o’clock rendered in blue mother-of-pearl. ## Jewelry: Dior La D de Dior Buisson Couture ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Dior-La-D-de-Dior-Buisson-Couture.webp) Far from chronometric perfection, this is a watch made for pleasure—which is why one barely notices the hands for telling the time. The dazzling gem-set flora of the Dior makes a sparkling case for being fashionably late thanks to its extraordinary gem setting. The prize was accepted by Dominic Bacs, general manager of Dior Central Eastern Europe, in recognition of an exceptional work of art created by the brand’s artisans. He made it clear that it was an honor to accept the award on behalf of Dior, to be nominated and chosen, and he offered special thanks to Victoire de Castellane, artistic director of Dior Joaillerie, for creating this tribute to Monsieur Dior’s love of his garden. ## Artistic Crafts : Voutilainen 28GML Souyou ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Voutilainen-28GML-Souyou.webp) *GPHG* Presented by Rowing Blazers founder Jack Carlson, the Metiers d’Art or Artistic Crafts prize went to multiple GPHG-award winner Kari Vuotilainen, for a watch boasting a maddeningly intricate artwork of a dial featuring Japanese lacquer, seashell fragments and gold sheets and powder, all competing against a meticulously decorated movement. Vuotilainen was visibly proud of what is a very special timepiece, a GMT with a deceptively easy crown push-adjusment—a creation born of working with artists in Japan—including lacquer artist Tatsio Katamura. Each dial takes over a thousand hours to produce. ## Petite Aiguille: M.A.D.2 Green ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/MBF-MAD-2.webp) *GPHG* These two prizes stand out in a world of mortgage-sized price tags, offering a chance to sample creative watchmaking at affordable prices. With young brands jostling for attention, the raffle-available M.A.D. Editions brand of MB&F’s Max Büsser was designed by Eric Giroud, and represents a superbly affordable entry ticket to Busser’s avant-garde world. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** Angelus, audemars piguet, bovet, bulgari, chopard, chopard imperiale four seasons, daniel roth, dior, gerald genta, GPHG, Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève, greubel forsey, M.A.D.2, nick foulkes, octo finissimo, royal oak perpetual calendar, Urban Jürgensen, voutilainen, zenith --- ### [A Collector’s Guide to Rolex Bubbleback Watches, From 1931 to the 1950s](https://robbreport.ph/watches/a-collectors-guide-to-rolex-bubbleback-watches-from-1931-to-the-1950s/) **Published:** December 29, 2025 **Author:** Oren Hartov **Content:** Watch collecting is no less prone to the cyclical zeitgeist of the fashion, music, or art worlds, and if you need proof, look to the wrists of high-vis celebrities such as Tyler the Creator and [Timothée Chalamet](https://robbreport.ph/tag/timothee-chalamet/ "timothee chalamet"). who have been showing us the trend toward smaller watches. These dudes are wearing Cartiers so petite that they would’ve faced expulsion from the horological sandbox in the early 2000s or, more recently, from hangs with neophyte pandemic collectors and crypto bros who were crazy for big sports watches. The point being that smaller watches are very much in vogue, and, as concerns us here, most of the great ones are nearly a century old. And there’s been a bit of pricing turmoil for [Rolex](https://robbreport.ph/tag/rolex/ "rolex") collecting lately. Rolex’s sport models are dropping in value, while the dressier Rolex Day-Date 36 keeps skyrocketing in value—but the even-smaller Rolex Bubblebacks exist as if in a realm of the own, away from the swaying prices of more recent models. As folks finally begin to understand the appeal of a smaller, more elegant watch that is *framed* by your wrist, rather than one that envelops it, the savvy collector will seek out an old watch that the world largely forgot during my lifetime, but that I’m very happy to say is is ripe for a comeback: Namely, the Rolex Bubbleback. ## What *Is* the Rolex Bubbleback? ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Two-Rolex-Bubbleback-Watches_ebea2c.webp) Two Rolex Bubblebacks. *Analog:Shift* “Bubbleback,” like “Pepsi” (of GMT-Master fame), is not an official [Rolex](https://robbreport.ph/tag/rolex/ "rolex") name. “Bubbleback” is a fun nickname for the earliest generation of Oyster Perpetual watches that Rolex began producing in 1931 and continued making through the early 1950s. Like many Rolex products, the Bubbleback didn’t spontaneously materialize out of thin air like half the characters in the Book of Genesis. Rather, it was the product born of constant refinement of non-Rolex-developed inventions into a singular product that was marketed in an ingenious way. Let’s step back in horological history even further… The early search for a waterproof watch case began during the era of the pocket watch in the the 19th century—Dennison, a British firm, secured a patent in the UK in 1872 for a waterproof case, while Ezra Fitch (of Abercrombie & Fitch fame) secured two in 1878 and 1881 in the U.S. In 1883, Alcide Droz & Fils developed the *Imperméable* waterproof pocket watch based upon these principles, and in 1917, two Royal Navy submarine commanders took a step into modernity with the first waterproof wristwatch. While they weren’t successful in marketing it, its screw-down caseback and bezel—both of which used compressible gaskets—paved the way for Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf to come in and do his thing. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Early-Rolex-Oyster-Perpetual-Watch.webp) And early Rolex Oyster watch. *Rolex* In 1925, Paul Peregeaux and Georges Perret provided the final piece of the waterproof puzzle in the form of Swiss patent No. 114948—namely, a crown that could be screwed down. Wilsdorf managed to acquire this patent, and in 1926, he registered his own patent No. 120848, combining the screw-down crown with a screw-down caseback and bezel in the Oyster waterproof case. Wilsdorf was on to something here, but there was one problem: Customers were unused to the idea of the screw-down crown and would forget to secure it before using the watch in and around the water, resulting in numerous complaints to Rolex dealers about their “faulty” watches. But what if the crown didn’t *need to be interacted with*—what if it could be set once, and then left alone? This, of course, would necessitate the inclusion of an automatically-wound movement. In 1923, John Hardwood had developed such a movement, but the firm he set up to manufacture it failed at the onset of the Great Depression. In 1931, Wilsdorf once again swooped in and improved upon Harwood’s “bumper” design with a rotor — as developed by Aegler, movement supplier to Rolex — that moved through 360 degrees. Rather than developing an elegant, streamlined, and thin automatic movement from scratch, he chose instead to fit his automatic rotor and winding assembly atop a conventional hand-wound movement, enclosing it in an Oyster case and dubbing the whole shebang “Oyster Perpetual.” The winding rotor necessitated a protruding caseback to accommodate its bulky form, which collectors would later nickname “Bubbleback.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Early-Rolex-Oyster-Perpetual-Aucomatic-Movement.webp) An early Rolex-branded movement by Aegler. *Aegler* But what might seem like a lazy approach to watch construction was actually a stroke of genius: Customers could still hand-wind their watch if desired as they got used to the new automatic movement, but necessary interaction was reduced to a minimum—and thus many fewer complaints of “faulty” watches came across Rolex’s desk. At the same time, watchmakers were already familiar with the underlying architecture of the hand-wound base calibers, meaning the Bubblebacks were easily serviceable. This, combined with their robust build quality and wide range of attractive dial sizes, case materials, and strap and bracelet options, made it simple for Rolex’s brilliant marketing team to peddle the Bubbleback to the watch-buying public. In 1933, the first Bubbleback reference 1858 with the Rolex cal. 520 movement and a three-piece 32mm case design hit the shelves. Rolex continuously iterated upon the overall character of the Oyster Perpetual, swapping out the three-piece case for a simple two-piece design in 1936 with the debut of the references 3131 and 3132. The Bubbleback was available in three sizes, including a 24mm ladies’ version introduced in 1941 that used the cal. 420 movement. (A transitional “Big Bubbleback” or “Semi-Bubbleback” housed in a 34mm case could be considered the direct ancestor of the Datejust, introduced in 1945, while a “boy’s size” in 30mm was somewhat smaller than the average mid-size Bubbleback.) In addition to stainless steel housings, watches were offered in 9 ct, 14 ct, and 18 ct yellow or rose gold cases in solid as well as two-tone construction. In his excellent collector’s tome [“The Vintage Rolex Field Manual ‘Chevalier Edition,’”](https://www.vrfm.io/) author Colin A. White documents no fewer than 172 distinct Bubblebacks, including variations of otherwise identical reference numbers in different metals as well as “slash” references (1578/7 and 1578/8, for example). This helps tremendously to limit the playing field somewhat while still accounting for a wide and fascinating variety of watches for the interested collector. Reference numbers conveniently begin in the 1,000-series (ref. 1858, for example) and continue sequentially through the 8,000-series. (There is no 7,000-series however.) The sheer variety of available dials, when combined with cases of different metals and sizes, makes for a veritable collector’s paradise. ## The Demise, Resurgence, Re-Demise, and (Possible) Re-Resurgence of the Bubbleback ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Rolex-Bubbleback-Watch.webp) Rolex Bubbleback watch. *Analog:Shift* Following the debut of the 34mm “Air” line of automatic Oyster Perpetual models that honored War-time RAF pilots—“Air-King,” “Air-Tiger,” etc.—plus the emergence of the 36mm “Big Bubbleback” and the Datejust in 1945, Rolex moved away from the smaller 32mm Bubbleback into larger-diameter designs. By the time the 36mm Explorer debuted in 1953, the Bubbleback was a relic of the past. However, renewed collector interest in the 1980s — a time before the explosion of interest in stainless steel sports watches—saw the Bubbleback ascend to new heights, with prices far outstripping those of [Daytonas](https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/buying-a-new-rolex-daytona-is-now-impossible-1235706195/) and [Submariners](https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/rolex-submariner-book-1235862215/). “Between maybe 1985 and 1990, the Bubbleback was absolutely the cat’s meow,” says Ken Jacobs, proprietor of L.A.’s Wanna Buy a Watch and an expert dealer of roughly 40 years. “A cool watch in those days meant a vintage watch with charm and character and history, whereas modern watches were largely about function, and not about an aesthetic. At this time, the sport models — which then displaced the Bubblebacks — were not yet popular, or surely not in the American market. Maybe in the late ‘80s or early ‘90s, we began seeing a transition into all the sport models.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Rolex-Bubbleback-Watch-2_9a42e3.webp) Rolex Bubbleback Reference 3131. *Wind Vintage* These days, this seems unthinkable, but at the time, significant collectors prized the Bubbleback’s variety of dial configurations and *relatively* large size, which was emphasized by elements such as hooded lugs and the famed “bubble” caseback, which sat the watch higher off the wrist. As of the 2020s, Bubblebacks form a largely overlooked segment of the Rolex collector’s market, with prices relegated, in many cases, to the sub-$5K mark—though the very best examples can trade hands for well over $10,000. Their relatively small size *may* make them poised for a comeback given the recent shift to unisex designs and smaller dimensions, though it should be noted that due to the age of Bubbleback movements and the restrictions on sale of parts to third parties, servicing these watches is a costly endeavor. (Indeed, it might be said that collecting “cheap” vintage Rolex is actually a wealthy man’s game: A $3,000 watch that costs $1,000 to fix and must be regularly serviced every few years begins to quickly lose its “affordability” angle.) Jacobs isn’t exactly bullish on a Bubbleback revival. “The repair of these watches is more and more challenging because of the inaccessibility of parts and watchmakers who don’t want to take it \[these repairs\] on,” he says. “The most common part that wears on these movements is the auto axle, which is the post and the accompanying mechanisms that support the auto-winding rotor. That rotor turns 360 degrees—there’s a little gear on that rotor that engages another gear which is always winding the mainspring of the watch. So that thin little axle that supports that heavy weight is what gets worn out on these watches.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Rolex-Bubbleback-on-Straightlink-GF-Oyster-Bracelet-Bulang-.webp) Rolex Bubbleback on Oyster straight-link bracelet. *Bulang & Sons* Finding excellent Bubbleback examples will also take some work: Peruse the websites and Instagrams of the country’s top vintage Rolex sellers—places like Wind Vintage, 10 Past 10, Second Time Around, and Wanna Buy a Watch — and you’ll rarely find any Bubblebacks. When you do, the dials will often have been refinished. In fact, longtime dealer [Eric Wind](https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/rolex-submariner-oyster-bracelet-complete-guide-1235855011/) once asserted that only roughly 1 in 15 or 20 Bubblebacks with the particularly coveted “California” dial is likely original. (The Rolex “Error Proof” dial—with half Arabic and half Roman-numeral markers in radium—which dates to the Second World War era, was often refinished by a business in Los Angeles called Kirk Rich Dial Company, which still exists today. In the 1980s, before originality was so widely prized in vintage watches, owners would take their California-dial Bubblebacks to Kirk Rich, which has the dies necessary to reprint the dials of thousands upon thousands of watches. Someone somewhere began calling the “Error Proof” dial the “California” dial, and the name has since stuck.) The long and short of collecting the Bubbleback, it would seem, would be not to try it unless one is well capitalized and extremely patient. Jacobs explains more: “It all hinges on the movement. In the 1960s, Rolex introduced the 1500-series caliber—1520 and 1530 were non-chronometer movements, and the 1560, 1565, and 1570 were the chronometer-rated movements. This is the movement in virtually all Rolex watches from, say, 1959 until roughly 1980. The Air-King, the Oyster Perpetual, the Datejust, all the sport models. In 1980, they moved to the cal. 3035 movement, which has a quickset-date function. So the 1500-series movements are plentiful because they used it across all these models.” In other words, if you like the *idea* of a Bubbleback but prefer something a bit easier to service, try Rolex watches made after roughly 1960. (34mm Air-Kings, Oyster Perpetuals, and similar models are a good bet.) And if you absolutely *must* have that vintage Bubbleback—maybe one with a coveted “California” dial—do your research, buy the seller, and prepare yourself mentally, emotionally, and financially for a wild ride. The benefits of owning such an incredible, historical model may well outweigh the costs, however. After all, the entire history of the self-winding, water-resistant wristwatch as we know it today largely started with the Bubbleback. ## 1. Rolex Bubbleback Reference 1858 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Rolex-Bubbleback-Watch-3_1e6cfd.webp) *Vintage & Prestige* The very first Bubbleback (more technically, the very first Oyster Perpetual) reference, the 1858 is an important if little-known timepiece in Rolex’s long and storied watchmaking history. Powered by the automatic cal. 520 movement and fitted in a three-piece, 32mm Oyster case, it can be found in both stainless steel and gold in a wide variety of dial configurations. - Diameter: 32 mm - Movement: Rolex cal. 520 automatic - Case Material: Stainless steel or gold ## 2. Rolex Bubbleback Reference 3131 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Rolex-Bubbleback-Watch-2_9a42e3-1.webp) Vintage & Prestige A smooth-bezel reference produced in various grades of yellow or rose gold, the 3131 was the first Bubbleback to feature a two-piece Oyster case. Featuring either an engine-turned or a fixed, smooth bezel, it came in a variety of dial configurations as well as different handsets. (Luminous pencil handsets are common, but solid *feuille* handsets and rarer spade types are also seen.) - Diameter: 32 mm - Movement: Rolex cal. 620 automatic - Case Material: Yellow or rose gold ## 3. Rolex Bubbleback Reference 3595 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Rolex-Bubbleback-Reference-3595.webp) Christie’s The reference 3595 was the first Bubbleback reference to feature the so-called “California” dial, one in which the upper indices are Roman and the lower are Arabic. (Such a dial, introduced by Rolex in 1942 and called “Error Proof,” was evidently intended to increase legibility.) The 3595 was produced in two-tone steel and gold (either rose or yellow) and featured sub-seconds and a smooth bezel. - Diameter: 32 mm - Movement: Rolex chronometer-certified automatic - Case Material: Steel and yellow or rose gold two-tone ## 4. Rolex Bubbleback Reference 3065 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Rolex-Bubbleback-Watch-3_1e6cfd.webp) Models with “hooded” lugs—which cover the area where the strap attaches to the watch—are some of the most desirable of the Bubbleback family. With production beginning in the late 1930s, the 3065 went through several iterations and is available in steel, yellow gold, rose gold, or two-tone steel and rose gold cases. All feature smooth bezels except for the 3065/7 in yellow gold, which features an engine-turned bezel. - Diameter: 32 mm - Movement: Rolex chronometer-certified automatic - Case Material: Steel; yellow gold; rose gold; steel and rose gold two-tone ## 5. Rolex Bubbleback Reference 3725 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Rolex-Bubbleback-Reference-3725.webp) *Bonhams* The 1940s-era 3725 in either rose gold or stainless steel and yellow gold two-tone features a striking engine-turned bezel with round and trapezoidal hour indices. One of the more striking of the available dial configurations features a salmon-colored dial with luminous pencil hands and Arabic indices that matches the rose gold case. - Diameter: 32 mm - Movement: Rolex chronometer-certified automatic - Case Material: Steel and yellow gold two-tone; rose gold *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Guide To, Watches **Tags:** bubbleback, collector's guide, rolex --- ### [The 5 Most Exciting Watches in Phillips’s December Auction, From Francis Ford Coppola’s F.P.Journe to a Sultan’s Rolex](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-5-most-exciting-watches-in-phillipss-december-auction-from-francis-ford-coppolas-f-p-journe-to-a-sultans-rolex/) **Published:** November 14, 2025 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** Fresh from holding the [most lucrative watch auction](https://robbreport.ph/watches/inside-the-highest-grossing-watch-auction-in-history/ "Inside the Highest-Grossing Watch Auction in History") in history, [Phillips](https://robbreport.ph/tag/phillips/ "Phillips") has announced the full catalog for another epic sale. The upcoming [New York Watch Auction: XIII](https://www.phillips.com/auction/NY080225), taking place from December 6 to 7, will feature 146 timepieces of exceptional quality, rarity, and provenance. The undisputed star of the sale is Francis Ford Coppola’s [unique F.P.Journe FFC prototype](https://robbreport.ph/the-luxe-dispatch/the-luxe-dispatch-two-titans-of-cinema-two-stunning-collections-on-auction/ "The Luxe Dispatch: Two Titans of Cinema, Two Stunning Collections on Auction"), which is expected to fetch in excess of $1 million. Six other watches from the Hollywood heavyweight’s personal collection will also go under the gavel, alongside two incredible pieces by legendary independent watchmaker Philippe Dufour. The Duality and Simplicity, both the first in their series, are expected to hammer down for up to $2 million and $700,000, respectively. The sale will also include an assortment of rarities from heritage brands such as Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Omega, plus some magnificent creations from the leading independent makers. “This season’s offerings reflect the extraordinary creativity and technical mastery of independent watchmakers and established brands, as well as the enduring passion collectors have for horology and the stories behind each timepiece,” Paul Boutros and Isabella Proia of Phillips said in a statement. All the auction grails will be on display at 432 Park Ave from December 3 to 5. In the meantime, you can check out the five best lots below. ## Francis Ford Coppola’s F.P.Journe FFC Prototype ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/FPJourne-Francis-Ford-Coppola-FFC-2.webp) Francis Ford Coppola made François-Paul Journe an offer he couldn’t refuse at his Napa Valley winery in 2012: Let’s create a wristwatch that uses a human hand to display time. Journe immediately got to work, spending years developing the [FCC Prototype](https://robbreport.ph/the-luxe-dispatch/the-luxe-dispatch-two-titans-of-cinema-two-stunning-collections-on-auction/ "The Luxe Dispatch: Two Titans of Cinema, Two Stunning Collections on Auction") before unveiling it in 2021. The unique piece features a platinum case and a blackened titanium hand that displays the hours through finger gestures. It is, of course, also engraved with “Francis Ford Coppola” in honor of the filmmaker. The FFC is the first and only F.P.Journe born out of an idea that came from someone other than Journe himself. Estimate: In excess of $1 million ## Philippe Dufour Duality ‘No. 01’ ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Philippe-Dufour-Duality-No-1.webp) Unveiled in 1996, the Duality was Philippe Dufour’s second wristwatch but was equally as groundbreaking as his first. It was the first wristwatch in history to be equipped with a double escapement, featuring two independent balance wheels regulated through a central differential. Dufour originally intended to produce 25 examples, but the sheer complexity of crafting the movement meant only 10 were made. This example is one of only two known pieces presented in white gold, according to Phillips. It is also emblazoned with the extraordinary serial number of 01. Estimate: $1 million–$2 million ## Philippe Dufour Simplicity ‘No. 01’ ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Philippe-Dufour-Simplicity-No-1.webp) Introduced in 2000, the Simplicity was an homage to the golden age of Swiss watchmaking. Every single part of the movement was finished by hand to Dufour’s exacting standards, putting the piece at the pinnacle of independent haute horologie. This particular example also holds the distinct honor of being the first 37 mm watch Dufour ever produced, bearing the holy grail serial number 01 on the movement. Featuring a pink gold case and white lacquer dial, the Simplicity is elegant in its simplicity. Estimate: $350,000–$700,000 ## Rolex Ref. 8171 ‘Padellone’ ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Rolex-Ref8171-Padellone.webp) Rolex’s Reference 8171 is affectionately known as the *Padellone* (Italian for “large frying pan”) because its 38 mm case was considered big when the watch was unveiled in 1949. Such proportions have rendered the vintage model extremely coveted among collectors. Originally delivered in 1952, this example was hardly ever worn and thus retains sharp edges and crisp facets. Even the engraved case number and Rolex coronet are still perfectly intact on the caseback. The dial is equally pristine, with the original grainé surface only showing minor signs of aging, according to Phillips. To top it off, the piece is fitted with a period-correct Gay Frères bracelet. Estimate: $250,000–$500,000 ## Rolex Ref. 6265 Cosmograph Daytona ‘Khanjar’ ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Rolex_Ref6265-Cosmograph-Daytona-Khanjar.webp) This Rolex Daytona (Ref. 6265) is one of the luxury timepieces commissioned by the Sultan of Oman, Qaboos bin Said al Said, and presented as a gift of state. These watches feature the Omani royal crest (the Khanjar) on the dial or caseback, making them extremely rare and highly collectible. This particular Rollie is the only black-dialed Ref. 6265 to feature a green Khanjar emblem within the 12-hour subsidiary register and a “Big Red” Daytona logo at 6 o’clock, making it possibly unique, according to Phillips. It was gifted to a career U.S. Air Force officer who later served as a personal pilot to the Dubai royal family. It was presented to him in 1970 and has stayed in the family ever since. Estimate: $250,000–$500,000 **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** cosmograph daytona, duality, F.P. Journe, Francis Ford Coppola, khanjar, padellone, philippe dufour simplicity, rolex --- ### [The 15 Best Luxury Hotels in New York City](https://robbreport.ph/travel/the-15-best-luxury-hotels-in-new-york-city/) **Published:** November 14, 2025 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** You can’t throw a mustard-covered pretzel in New York City without hitting a hotel. There are about 700 of them in the city, but only a few are truly luxurious. Designer details, out-of-the-box amenities, Michelin-starred chefs, sumptuous suites, tony locations, and highly personalized service are all de rigueur. While many of N.Y.C.’s best inns are century-old institutions, very prominent newcomers are testing the old standbys’ ability to stay fresh. (In fact, many of the city’s [legacy hotels have undergone full-scale renovations](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/design/inside-the-spending-frenzy-to-renovate-new-yorks-most-legendary-hotels/ "Inside the Spending Frenzy to Renovate New York’s Most Legendary Hotels"), with billions being pumped into the Waldorf Astoria alone.) “I think it was long overdue to keep up with other places around the world who have reputations as being incredible hotel cities, such as London and Paris,” Josh Alexander,[ a luxury travel advisor](https://www.globaltravelcollection.com/travel-agent/104687) with ProTravel International, a Virtuoso agency, told *Robb Report*. “New York City was falling behind.” In short: It’s a race to up the ante that has resulted in “six, even seven star hotels,” said Lesser, although there isn’t any regulated definition of what those stars mean. And as Michelin Keys get doled out to hotels and resorts for the first time, *Robb Report* decided it was also time to dust off our list of the best hotels in New York City right now, with some extra help and attention from our expert Travel Masters. You may notice a few iconic spots, like the Plaza and Mandarin Oriental with its stellar Central Park views, missing from this list. Though they remain cherished in the city, the guest rooms need a refresh; we expect them back in the mix soon. Others, like the Faena, were too new for inclusion. In no particular order, these are the 15 best luxury hotels in New York City in 2025. ## The Mark ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/the-mark-hotel-new-york-city.webp) *Photo: Francesco T* **Award**: Best Crowd Housed in a 1927 landmark building renovated in 2009, [the Mark](https://www.themarkhotel.com/) oozes Upper East Side. With 106 rooms, 44 suites, and three penthouses—including [the largest in New York City](https://robbreport.com/travel/hotels/the-mark-hotel-penthouse-new-york-city-2842323/) at 10,000 square feet—designer Jacques Grange has created modern French flair within its walls. But above and beyond that, a stay here gives guests unparalleled perks. There’s special access to Bergdorf Goodman goods via concierge, should you suddenly feel the urge for the perfect pair of Louboutins. Or live like a Kennedy and hire the Mark sailboat, a luxe 70-foot vessel. Sightseeing, anyone? Borrow from a fleet of chic, Mark-branded bikes, or, for the more sedentary, jump in one of their pedicabs. Michelin three-star chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten is at the helm of the Mark Restaurant, open super late for post-theater munchies, while Parisian restaurant Caviar Kaspia recently joined the Mark’s roster. For the pampered pooch, amenities include chef curated room service. Bonus: You’re just a few paw prints from Central Park. **Best amenity**: Parents, rejoice: The hotel keeps a fleet of custom Maclaren strollers to loan out to guests. Plus, in season and for the inner child in us all, there’s a fabulous “Haute Dog Cart” by Jean-Georges. **Can’t-miss experience:** It’s got to be whizzing up Madison Avenue on one of their signature N+ Mercedes-Benz Formula E Team e-bikes. **What our Travel Masters say:** “There’s nothing like a classic. The Mark has been a fixture in the city for nearly 100 years and shows no signs of slowing down.” *—Jason Squatriglia, luxury travel advisor for Embark Beyond* *From $900* ## The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/RR_20250630_Best_NYC_Wine_Lists_Dowlings_at_The_Carlyle.webp) *Photo: Durston Saylor* **Award:** Locals’ Haunt Built in 1930, [the Carlyle](https://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/the-carlyle-new-york) has imprinted itself into the zeitgeist of the city, and its 192 rooms have long offered guests “discretion.” Expect lots of Art Deco black and white, with recent updates from names such as Thierry Despont. Some of the 92 suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic vistas, and the Presidential Suite serves up 360-degree views of the city. The classic dining room was renamed and reopened in 2021 as Dowling’s at the Carlyle. There’s 200 pieces of art adorning its walls, and food curated by executive chef Moosah Reaume is lauded. And while the Plaza has Eloise, the Carlyle has Madeline—Bemelmans Bar, complete with a 24-karat-gold leaf-covered ceiling, features work from artist and author Ludwig Bemelmans, who created the beloved books. Featuring live music every night, it’s a hideaway haunt that will make you feel like a local. **Best amenity**: You can pick up some pretty awesome wallpaper at The Carlyle Wallshoppe. It’s based on the hotel’s whimsical decor (one roll has little martini glasses and olives on a pink background). Accent wall, anyone? **Can’t-miss experience**: Speaking of martinis, the master class at the Bemelmans Bar will turn you into expert shakers and stirrers. **What our Travel Masters say:** “Still the perennial spot for old New York luxury. \[And it\] has had quite a renaissance of interest in a younger crowd the past several years.” *—Sunil Metcalfe, Black Tomato* *From $825* ## Crosby Street Hotel ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/crosby-street-hotel-two-bedroom-crosby-suite-1107-1.webp) *Photo: Simon Brown* **Award:** Most Creative London-based hotelier Kit Kemp’s [Crosby Street Hotel](https://www.firmdalehotels.com/hotels/new-york/crosby-street-hotel/) in Soho is a celebrity magnet year-round, downright crawling with A-list guests during Fashion Week and a second home to magazine editors in search of a stylish meeting space (or a much-needed Negroni). Join them in the expansive Sculpture Garden, reserved for guests, or linger beneath the pendant lights sipping coffee or afternoon tea in the bar/restaurant. Upstairs, 86 rooms and suites come brimming with color, texture, and personality in true Kit Kemp style; the two-bedroom, 1,500-square-foot Crosby Suite is a welcome haven in shades of green, with breathtaking views of Lower Manhattan. **Best amenity:** Each room—with its slick writing desk, floor-to-ceiling windows, amazing natural light, and 24-hour room service—begs guests to hunker down and finish that novel. **Can’t-miss experience**: Come during Fashion Week, when beautiful people sip Champagne over lunch in the garden. **What our Travel Masters say:** They didn’t always agree on what hotel should make the cut, but when it came to Crosby Street, they were unanimous. *From $975* ## Waldorf Astoria New York ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Waldorf-Astoria-New-York_Peacock-Alley_Hilton.webp) *Photo: Joe Thomas* **Award**: Best Comeback Some hotels are renovated—others are reborn, as was the case for the historic Waldorf Astoria, which shut for eight years and received a multi-billion-dollar refurbishment to ensure its legacy for the next 100 years. Down from 1,400 rooms to 372 residences and 375 rooms and suites—including the gobsmacking penthouse—the hotel feels alive, and staff have a new skip in their step. The front of house team will happily tell anyone, be it U.N. dignitary in town for Climate Week or a wandering tourist, about the property’s historic elements: the Art Deco influence still in tact, original marble pillars and Waldorf Clock (commissioned by Queen Victoria in 1893), the well-preserved *Wheel of Life* mosaic with its 148,000 hand-cut marble tiles. A stateliness and elegance imbue rooms and suites, all completely gutted and done in soothing creams, blues, and grays, inviting guests to take a breather and maybe even enjoy a bath (there are tubs in many guest rooms, a true luxury in N.Y.C.). Venture downstairs to dine at American brasserie Lex Yard, led by chef Michael Anthony of Gramercy Tavern, or kaiseki-style restaurant, Yoshoku; and always save time for some people watching in Peacock Alley. **Best amenity:** The world’s largest Guerlain spa and fitness center with 16 treatment rooms, a new Longevity and Wellness program, an arctic snow cave, and men’s and women’s steam rooms. **Can’t-miss experience**: Happy hour in Peacock Alley is a treat, especially when the pianist settles behind the keys of an actual Cole Porter piano and rips out a cover of Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso.” **What our Travel Masters say:** “This iconic hotel’s return has instantly elevated the Midtown scene. With impeccable service and beautifully restored interiors, the Waldorf Astoria once again stands as one of Manhattan’s most legendary addresses.” *—Stacy Fischer-Rosenthal, President of Fischer Travel* *From $1,100* ## The Fifth Avenue Hotel ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/RR_Worlds_Greatest_Hotels_2024_The_Fifth_Avenue_Hotel-1.webp) *Photo: The Fifth Avenue Hotel* **Award:** Best F&B A spot on Fifth Avenue isn’t just an address, it’s a legacy to live up to—and that goes double for a hotel and triple for a new, independent hotel (like this one) with something to prove. If you then go the extra step of naming your hotel something as generic and provocative as [the Fifth Avenue Hotel](https://www.thefifthavenuehotel.com/), you damn well better deliver even more. Luckily, owner Alex Ohebshalom and designer Martin Brudnizki have delivered in the form of a reborn McKim, Mead & White building attached to a new 24-story glass tower on 28th Street. Nodding to all that history is an eclectic, at moments psychedelic, design with 43 suites, including a Flaneur penthouse tricked out with an outdoor soaking tub and a Japanese garden that overlooks the city skyline. **Best amenity:** Book a suite and get a hotel credit of $200, American breakfast for two, and a VIP welcome amenity. **Can’t-miss experience**: You don’t need to be a guest to get in on the madness. Just swing by the Portrait Bar for Osetra caviar and a hot dog au poivre or stop in Café Carmellini for its *risotto del giorno* and a drink from the roaming martini trolley. **What our Travel Masters say:** “Great independent hotel in N.Y.C. with bold interiors and excellent F&B offerings, including the swanky Portrait Bar, bringing style to NoMad.” *—Stacy Fischer-Rosenthal* *From $895* ## The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/surrey-penthouse.webp) *Photo: Noë & Associates with V1* **Award:** Best of 2025 The Surrey, built in 1926 on East 76th Street just off of Fifth Avenue and Central Park, landed on Robb Report’s [Best in Travel](https://robbreport.ph/travel/best-of-the-best-2025-travel/ "Best of the Best 2025: Travel") of the Year for good reason: “This Upper East Side grande dame, which will celebrate its centenary in 2026, has undergone an extraordinary overhaul thanks to Malta-based Corinthia Hotels. The group took over operations here as part of its worldwide expansion after Reuben Brothers bought the property. A mere minutes’ walk from Central Park and around the corner from the just-reopened Frick Collection, this is the kind of place where you stay to blend in, not stand out. Designer du jour Martin Brudnizki didn’t bring his signature glitzy sparkle to this project. Instead, his approach channeled the aesthetic of a classic six into the 100 rooms here, with calming wood-toned walls, marble double vanities, cozy Frette bathrobes, and homey touches like a vase of fresh flowers on each desk and house-made dog treats. Don’t worry about honking horns and urban hubbub, either: Even on the lower floors, the soundproofing is superb and the hotel seems insulated from the outside world.” **Best amenity:** An oasis-like 2,500-square-foot Sisley spa, with distinctive touches including a regenerative salt wall **Can’t-miss experience**: Lobster Spaghetti alla Chitarra at Casa Tua, an Italian restaurant and elite private members’ club that has outposts in Miami Beach, Aspen, and Paris. The ground-floor restaurant is open to the public while the private members club is on the second floor. **What our Travel Masters say**: “The uptown, upscale gem that we didn’t know the UES was missing! While there is no shortage of luxury hotels in N.Y.C., The Surrey has quickly become one of the best hotels to see and be seen in New York City.” *—Jason Squatriglia* *From $1,000* ## The Lowell ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/0005-TheLowell_April2016v2.webp) *Photo: Courtesy of the Lowell* **Award:** Best Indie On the Upper East Side, the Art Deco [Lowell](https://www.lowellhotel.com/) was purpose-built as a hotel in 1927. Designed by Henry Stern Churchill, it likes to boast that “within these walls, novels have been penned, plays have been scrawled, and scripts have been studied.” It’s certainly a rarity in that it’s privately owned, by Dina De Luca Chartouni and her husband Fouad, who headed up a $25 million renovation in 2017 in collaboration with interior designer Michael S. Smith (highlight reel includes the Obama White House) and architect Mark Pinney (think Harrods, Armani, and Burberry). Its 74 rooms and suites include two-bedroom suites and a penthouse, which rocks three terraces and a Poggenpohl kitchen. Original wood-burning fireplaces throughout the property help make it feel as if you’re in your own stunning city abode. Particularly enchanting: Marjorelle restaurant, which features an outside terrace inspired by the Yves Saint Laurent gardens in Marrakech, evoked by palm fronds and pops of cobalt blue. **Best amenity**: Dedicated staff that go above and beyond. The concierge and personalization services begin before you even get there — a rep will reach out for your wants and wishes prior to arrival. **Can’t-miss experience**: Pretending you’re with Jacques Majorelle in Marrakech at his eponymous bar, drinking a White Negroni. **What our Travel Masters say:** “Super discreet, incredible service, effortlessly elegant and chic.” *—Sunil Metcalfe* *From $1,110* ## Aman New York ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Aman_NY_Pool.webp) *Photo: Robert Rieger* **Award**: Most Exclusive If sanctuary is what you seek, look no further than the eastern-inspired [Aman New York](https://www.aman.com/hotels/aman-new-york). Housed on floors seven through 14 in the 1921 Crown Building, with its signature green and gold embellished turret, the Aman has quickly established itself as an oasis of calm. The hotel opened to acclaim in 2022 after an overhaul by architect Jean-Michel Gathy, drawing inspiration from the company’s southeast Asian properties. The 83 all-suite property features abodes that are among the biggest in the city—up to 2,800 square feet—and feature highlights such as fireplaces (a rarity in N.Y.C.), soaking tubs, and steam showers. You’ll feel transported out of the city with a visit to Nama—a restaurant exclusive to hotel guests, residents, and Aman members—which serves up Japanese washoku cuisine—dine in either the indoor karesansui rock garden, or on the outdoor terrace. Or take a personal wellness journey in a Spa House, with Hammam or Banya that has its own treatment room, living area, and terrace, complete with hot bath and cold-plunge pool. Canopies allow for year round use, should you wish to brave the New York winter chill. **Best amenity:** The Jazz Club is hard to find, hip, buzzing with big names and dripping with artisanal cocktails. **Can’t-miss experience**: Arva’s executive chef will take you on an early morning tour of Union Square’s market, explaining how to select the best fresh produce and cheeses. Your picks will be served up in a bespoke dining experience that evening, using all the sourced ingredients. It’s a chef’s kiss. **What our Travel Masters say:** “A private oasis in the middle of the concrete jungle. Whether you’re going for a last-minute staycation or an extended business trip, the hotel is perfectly located in the heart of the city so that you can get where you need to be just as quickly as you can unwind, relax and reset upon your return.” *—Jason Squatriglia* *From $1,750* ## The Whitby Hotel ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/whitby-170524_f_tw_1600_0243_lowres.webp) *Photo: The Whitby* **Award:** Most Stylish (Midtown) Hotel The sister property to Soho’s Crosby Street Hotel, [the Whitby](https://www.firmdalehotels.com/hotels/new-york/the-whitby-hotel/) arrived on West 56th Street in 2016 with a flourish: Kit Kemp’s signature design along with beautifully curated private rooms fit for “candlelit dinners, cocktail parties, meetings, launches or live performance.” Speaking of live performances, the event programming remains a draw, complete with jazz and oyster nights, art tours and exclusive access to MoMA. A-listers will head to the top-floor Whitby Suite—a perfect party pad with two master bedrooms, floor-to-ceiling windows, a spacious drawing room, and two wraparound terraces with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. Downstairs, the hotel’s orangery, theater, library, and bar are bound to bring in a fashionable crowd, too. **Best amenity:** Like what you see in the suite? Buy the complete bed set—mattress, duck feather duvet, pillows, linens, and bedspread—via the hotel’s website. **Can’t-miss experience**: For New Year’s Eve, snag one of the hotel’s gorgeous Terrace Suites featuring white marble bathtubs and an impressive balcony, and you’ll get a private viewing of the New York City fireworks. **What our Travel Masters say:** “This hotel brings a burst of personality to Midtown, with the signature Firmdale charm felt the moment you walk in. It strikes the perfect balance, sophisticated enough for Midtown, yet playful, cozy, and stylish.” *—Stacy Fischer-Rosenthal* *From $825* ## The St. Regis New York ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/StRegis_NY.webp) *Photo: The Whitby* **Award:** Old-School Cool If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to dramatically lop off a Champagne cork using a sword (and who hasn’t?) head to Midtown and check into the [St. Regis](https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/nycxr-the-st-regis-new-york/overview/?scid=f2ae0541-1279-4f24-b197-a979c79310b0), where private “art of sabrage” master classes can be arranged. That’s just for starters: The landmark Beaux Arts property, founded more than a century ago by John Jacob Astor, oozes class, with rich purple drapes and gold accents across its 183 rooms and suites, fulfilling any inner royal dreams. To coincide with the hotel’s 120th anniversary in 2024, the St. Regis unveiled renovations to its lobby, King Cole Bar, and Drawing Room, reports J[ake Emen for Robb Report](https://robbreport.com/travel/hotels/nyc-iconic-hotel-renovations-1237201818/). The iconic bar—where, in 1934, bartender Fernand Petiot became the patron saint of the hungover by inventing the Bloody Mary—has been refreshed while preserving its deep history. It’s packed with locals nightly, attracting queues of devotees waiting to grab a bar stool and gaze at the restored Maxfield Parrish *Old King Cole* mural. The Drawing Room in front of the bar is now a stylish but relaxed lounge serving $36 lobster rolls and bacon cheddar burgers. La Maisonette, a cafe open for breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea, also made a re-entrance following a 20-year closure. **Best amenity**: The butler service here is legendary, and ingrained into the very fabric of the hotel. **Can’t-miss experience:** The Evening Ritual was invented by Mrs. Astor in the 1900s, marking the transition from day to evening by the aforementioned slicing of champagne bottles. It still takes place every weekend at King Cole Bar. **What our Travel Masters say:** Simply put, “it still slaps.” *From $1,035* ## Baccarat Hotel New York ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/TheBarat-Baccarat-HotelNewYork.webp) *Photo: Courtesy of the Baccarat* **Award**: Best Interior Design True luxury: phones at [the Baccarat](https://www.baccarathotels.com/) have a button marked “Champagne.” Press it (and you will) and your favorite vintage will arrive served in namesake flutes. The whole 114-room hotel, which takes the first 12 floors of the midtown building, is draped in French flair, thanks to Paris-based interior design firm Gilles & Boissier, with calm grays and lots of sparkle—there are 17 custom chandeliers, and a 125-foot-wide, crystal-like curtain veils the lower levels. Their art collection spans 250 years, and if that’s not enough, MoMa is just across the street. You can peek at it from Le Bar (featuring a 60 foot bar) and Le Jardin terrace. Other highlights are an indoor pool and a Spa de la Mer. If you want some Baccarat crystal to take home (who doesn’t?) the hotel’s new 53rd Street Boutique has you covered. **Best amenity**: The hotel’s art is museum quality, and spans the 250 years since Baccarat was founded in 1764. **Can’t-miss experience**: The Spa de la Mer actually has sounds of the sea piped in as you luxuriate in their exquisite eponymous products. **What our Travel Masters say:** “Lovely spa, pool, nice rooms, gorgeous public spaces.” *—Jules Maury* *From $895* ## Hotel Barrière Fouquet’s New York ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Hotel_Barriere.webp) **Award**: Sexiest The latest in [this storied French brand](https://www.hotelsbarriere.com/en/collection-fouquets/new-york.html) of upscale hotels, the 19th-century building spans three blocks, and the refurb is designed to blend “Parisian panache with Tribeca cool.” Designer Martin Brudnizki has done just that. The 97 rooms and suites feature lavender tones for a calm retreat, with tall windows and plush furnishings. Fouquet’s Penthouse is spread over two floors and has antiqued furniture, lacquered walls, and multiple terraces. But, as you might expect from a French endeavor, food is at the forefront. Michelin three-star Chef Pierre Gagnaire (owner of six Michelin-star restaurants around the world including in Paris and St Barts) oversees the Fouquet’s New York restaurant menu, offering a French brasserie with a new world twist. The La Vaux, a stunning rooftop bar exclusive to guests, echoes an Art Deco Parisian terrace garden, with scalloped umbrellas, pink striped chairs, and climbing flowered trellises. Bring on the Bollinger. **Best amenity**: Thoughtfully curated in-room treats like Julie Macklowe’s signature whiskey “The Macklowe” and Kourtney Kardashian’s “Lemme Sleep” gummies help to make you feel right at home from the moment you walk in. **Can’t-miss experience**: The rooftop is a favorite in the summer, and the spa offers a serene escape year-round. Private screenings of favorite films in the Cannes Cinema, where you’ll relax on velvet seats that are more like chaise lounges. **What our Travel Masters say:** Embrace what Jules Maury calls the “whimsical, very insider, very sexy spaces.” *From $1,100* ## 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/1-hotel-brooklyn-bridge_relaxation-pool_evening_with-chairs.webp) *Photo: James Baigrie* **Award**: Best View The best Manhattan views are from outside the city, and that’s what guests of [this waterfront hotel](https://www.1hotels.com/brooklyn-bridge) in Dumbo can enjoy. Like its sister hotel, 1 Central Park, the brand is “mission driven,” and the name of the game is serene, upscale eco-consciousness. The tread-lightly traveler will appreciate that almost half of the hotel was built with reclaimed materials, including heart pine beams from the Domino Factory, making for sweet suites. The 194 rooms, including 29 suites, brings nature in, with bleached wood and native greenery, and the cloudlike mattresses are organic cotton. Head to Harriet’s Rooftop for some farm-to-table bites, local beers, sustainable wines, and even a plunge pool, as you take in those sweeping views. A complimentary Audi e-tron is available and electric car charging is free. Bought too many clothes to take home? Leave behind any excess threads to go to a local housing charity, and feel even better about your stay. **Best amenity**: The lobby is a secret neighborhood coworking spot, with locals camped out at reclaimed wood tables, sipping a latte or fresh-pressed juice from Neighbors cafe, where the food is homegrown and small batch. **Can’t-miss experience**: On the weekend, Harriet’s runs a Night Shift, with local DJs spinning. Pair with a glass of vino from wineries with BIPOC and women owners. **What our Travel Masters say:** Hip, relaxed, and with easy access to Lower Manhattan, this hotel gives you every reason to cross the East River. *From $449* ## Warren Street Hotel ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/warren-street-hotel-nyc.webp) *Photo: Firmdale Hotels* **Award:** Most Playful We know, we know—*three* Firmdale hotels on one list? Believe it: These truly are among the best and brightest in N.Y.C., shifting the paradigm of a Manhattan hotel. Warren Street is the newest Kit Kemp entry, as of 2024, and it brings an artistic spirit within blocks of 1 World Trade Center. The 69-room hotel was once an open-air parking lot among Tribeca’s warehouses; now it’s a riot of color, with special emphasis on their signature powder blue, and some 700 artworks including handwoven, totem-like towers by the Argentinian designer Cristián Mohaded welcoming guests on arrival. Each room is individually designed with floor-to-ceiling windows, and some, like the Warren Terrace Suite, have lushly landscaped terraces that feel like English gardens in miniature. **Best amenity:** Though there isn’t an onsite fitness center or spa, guests receive passes to [Nexus](https://www.nexusclubny.com/), a private club around the corner on Church Street with a gym and [Naturopathica](https://www.naturopathica.com/pages/spa-and-healing-center) spa. **Can’t-miss experience**: Afternoon tea served on Kit Kemp-designed Tall Trees fine bone china. **What our Travel Masters say:** “Personally, I love all Kit Kemps stuff.” *—Jules Maury* *From $1,065* ## Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/warren-street-hotel-nyc-1.webp) *Photo: Ritz-Carlton New York* **Award**: Best Rooftop Putting on [the Ritz](https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/nycro-the-ritz-carlton-new-york-nomad/overview/) here means embracing the city, not escaping it. Open in 2022, the 50-story, all-glass block, 250-room hotel has a wealth of designers behind it, including the Rockwell Group. The goal was to blend the hotel into the electricity of the city, from a vibrant lobby to the stunning Nubeluz rooftop bar, where you can see the city from a veritable lightbox 500 feet up. Inside the hotel, downtown facing rooms have Empire State views, and all feature creams and gold, with signature statements like zany modern chandeliers. Michelin-starred chef José Andrés has made a home here with a curated Mediterranean mezze medley at Zaytinya. New this summer—and much anticipated—is a New York branch of the Bazaar, where Andrés shows his Spanish roots with tapas and, in this instance, Japanese fusion. **Best amenity**: Lush bathrooms include supplies by Diptyque, with a signature scent, Philosykos, which evokes fig trees. **Can’t-miss experience**: Forget mimosas and boring brunch and go for the weekend Mezze and Magnum at Zaytinya, featuring a three-course prix fixe menu and a large bottle of wine. **What our Travel Masters say:** Great rooms, great views, great potential as long as the service stays five-star. *From $1,000* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Travel **Tags:** 1 hotel brooklyn bridge, aman, aman new york, Baccarat Hotel New York, crosby street hotel, Fifth Avenue, Hotel Barrière Fouquet’s New York, New York City, ritz-carlton, rosewood, the carlyle, the fifth avenue hotel, the lowell, the mark, The St. Regis New York, the surrey, The Whitby Hotel, travel, waldorf-astoria, Warren Street Hotel --- ### [LVMH Making Moves, Taste Studios Is Back, Mellon Blue Makes History at Christie's & More](https://robbreport.ph/the-luxe-dispatch/the-luxe-dispatch-lvmh-making-moves-lexus-manilas-new-home-mellon-blue-makes-history-at-christies-and-more/) **Published:** November 14, 2025 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** From boardroom strategy to blue-chip jewels and avant-garde hospitality, the week’s biggest stories show the global luxury market holding its poise and its imagination even amid shifting tides. The worlds of high horology, haute gemology, and more converge, indicating a compelling mix of power plays and poetic indulgences. LVMH sharpens its horological prowess with a strategic stake in La Joux-Perret. Christie’s, meanwhile, sets the stage with a vivid blue diamond worthy of its own mythology. Regent Phu Quoc elevates experiential dining into a cinematic art form. Meanwhile, Lexus Manila reintroduces itself with a new space. ## LVMH Buys Stake in La Joux‑Perret ![Louis Vuitton’s Savoir Rêver Exhibit in Manila](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-16-at-11.57.5-2240x1258.jpg) LVMH is tightening its grip on the upper echelons of Swiss [watchmaking](https://robbreport.ph/watches/ "Watches"). The luxury titan’s watch division announced that it had acquired a minority stake in La Joux-Perret, one of Switzerland’s most respected movement and component manufacturers. La Joux-Perret remains independent, but the partnership gives LVMH privileged access to the kind of high-precision manufacturing that underpins serious horology. The timing is telling. With the global watch market navigating softening demand in China and tariff pressures in the United States, brands with secure movement pipelines are better positioned to weather volatility. For LVMH Maisons such as TAG Heuer, Hublot, and Zenith, this move strengthens their various technical capabilities while ensuring more control over innovation cycles. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Hublot-Classic-Fusion-Chronograph-UEFA-Champions-League-Titanium.webp) *Denis Hayoun/Hublot* For collectors and industry observers, this acquisition reads as a subtle but decisive play. In an era where vertical integration and supply-chain security increasingly define competitive edge, LVMH is investing where it matters most. ## “Mellon Blue” Sets Christie’s Third-Highest Blue Diamond Sale A landmark moment in haute jewelery: a 9.51-carat pear-shaped fancy vivid blue diamond, also known as the “Mellon Blue,” sold for approximately US $25.6 million at [Christie’s](https://robbreport.ph/tag/christies/ "christie's") in Geneva. It marks the house’s third-highest price ever recorded for its kind. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/christies-mellon-blue-1-2240x2240.webp) The record-setting Mellon Blue *Photo: Christie’s* Once owned by American arts patron Rachel “Bunny” Mellon—who built a legacy that spans horticulture, philanthropy, and old-money elegance—the gem exudes such a rarity. Christie’s praised the stone’s “superb color and extraordinary purity,” qualities that define the uppermost tier of colored-stone collecting. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/christies-mellon-blue-45-2240x2240.webp) *Photo: Christie’s* While the sale met the pre-auction estimate of US $20 to 30 million, it nevertheless reflected a cautious air within the [luxury-gem segment](https://robbreport.ph/guide-to/how-to-build-an-investment-grade-jewelry-collection/ "How to Build an Investment-Grade Jewelry Collection"). Geopolitical headwinds and a muted Chinese market weighed on bidding momentum. The Mellon Blue’s performance reaffirms vivid-color diamonds as enduring ultra-luxury assets, albeit signaling a more tempered tone. Rarity alone no longer guarantees a record leap. Rather, it preserves value above the fray. ## The Return of Regent Phu Quoc’s “Taste Studio” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/taste-studio-1-2240x2240.webp) AC3 Studio makes use of scenography, video mapping projections, motion design, kinetic lighting and interactive installations to curate deeply immersive experiences. *Photo:Regent Phu Quoc* Nestled on the shimmering shores of Phú Quốc Island, the resort’s signature immersive dining experience turns theatrical this November. The fourth edition of *Taste Studio* unfolds under the theme “A Spectrum of Contrasts,” inviting just 32 guests for an intimate, multi-sensory journey. This dinner is a choreography of cuisine, craft, and culture. Guests start with a welcome cocktail, then move through five meticulously crafted courses by Executive Chef Francesco Andreoni and his team. Each plate paired with live performance by choreographer Sabra Johnson, visual projections by Paris-based AC3 Studio, and the delicately poised paper art of Trúc Chỉ, all underscored by the sonic fusion of Hanoi trio Limebócx. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/sabra-johnson-2-2240x2240.webp) Winner of “So You Think You Can Dance” (USA) Sabra Johnson will be performing, as well. *Photo: Regent Phu Quoc* The concept explores dualities—light and shadow, mountain and sea, tradition and innovation—anchored in Vietnamese philosophy and the natural drama of Phú Quốc’s UNESCO-designated biosphere backdrop. *Taste Studio* will be held from November 28 to 30, 2025. *More information [here](https://phuquoc.regenthotels.com/regent-phu-quoc-presents-taste-studio-spectrum-contrasts).* ## The Lexus Manila Gallery [Lexus](https://robbreport.ph/tag/lexus/ "lexus") officially opened its new Manila Gallery in Bonifacio Global City. The three-story facility, complete with a roof deck, reflects the brand’s *omotenashi* philosophy—Japanese hospitality rooted in anticipation and grace. Designed in collaboration with Casa Architects, the Lexus Manila Gallery combines architectural sophistication with warmth and tactility. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/lexus-manila-gallery-3-1-2240x2240.webp) Natural wood, stone, and leather dominate the interiors, while sustainable features such as low-VOC paints, energy-efficient lighting, and renewable finishes underscore the brand’s commitment to eco-conscious craftsmanship. The result is a space that feels less like a dealership and more like a sanctuary for our most discerning motorists. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/lexus-manila-gallery-1-2240x2240.webp) The showroom guest area. *Photo: Lexus Manila* On the third floor, guests can even enjoy a golf simulator, a curated coffee bar exclusive to the Gallery, and a personalized concierge service. “The opening of the new Lexus Manila Gallery shows our commitment to creating better experiences for our customers,” Lexus Philippines President Masando Hashimoto said in his opening speech. “It is a place where innovation meets hospitality.” **Categories:** The Luxe Dispatch **Tags:** Auctions, Chrstie's, lexus, LVHM, Taste Studios --- ### [The 9 Coolest New Watches That Dropped in December](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-9-coolest-new-watches-that-dropped-in-december/) **Published:** January 5, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** The world’s top watchmakers embraced the spirit of giving last holiday season, giving collectors both new models and revamped classic watches in December. Breguet entered into new horological territory, presenting a high-frequency tourbillon that can beat at a blistering rate of 10 Hz, or double the industry standard. Urwerk debuted its third and [final UR-230](https://robbreport.ph/watches/how-urwerks-otherworldly-new-watch-tracks-movement-in-the-cosmos/ "How Urwerk’s Otherworldly New Watch Tracks Movement in the Cosmos"), introducing a newly developed composite ceramic with shimmering reflective elements. Vacheron Constantin unveiled two diamond-less versions of the [Traditionnelle Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin](https://robbreport.ph/watches/vacheron-constantin-just-unveiled-its-traditionnelle-perpetual-calendar-ultra-thin-without-diamonds/ "Vacheron Constantin Just Unveiled Its Traditionnelle Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin Without Diamonds") and the first gem-set Overseas, taking sparkles from one collection and adding them to another. That’s not all. A. Lange & Sӧhne and Jacob & Co. both reimagined old favorites in fresh colorways, with one incorporating “honeygold” and the other weaving in blue PVD steel and neon yellow. Last but not least, Roger Dubuis and TAG Heuer released reimagined references with trusted, long-time collaborators. Below are the best watch releases of the last month of 2025. ## Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle and Overseas ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/vacheron-constantin-traditionnelle-perpetual-calendar-ultra-thin.webp) *Charles-Elie Lathion/Vacheron Constantin* In a season typically full of sparkle, Vacheron Constantin went against tradition and unveiled its first non-gem-set [Traditionnelle](https://www.vacheron-constantin.com/gb/en/watches/all-collections/traditionnelle.html) watches in the 36.5 mm case size. Introduced at Watches and Wonders in 2022, the original Traditionnelle Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin was positioned as a high-complication women’s watch with a mother-of-pearl dial and a diamond-set bezel. The new references are more gender-neutral, with silver-toned opaline dials and simple gold cases. Inside lies the in-house self-winding movement (Calibre 1120 QP) with a perpetual calendar and a moon phase. The first is 18-karat pink gold ($100,000), the second is 18-karat white gold ($100,000), and the third is 18-karat white gold with a diamond-set bezel ($102,000). All three carry a special emblem in honor of the maison’s 270th anniversary. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/vacheron-constantin-overseas-high-jewelry.webp) Vacheron Constantin Overseas High Jewelry. *Vacheron Constantin* VC didn’t ditch gems completely in December, though. The watchmaker dropped two high-jewelry versions of the 35 mm [Overseas](https://www.vacheron-constantin.com/gb/en/watches/all-collections/overseas.html) timepiece that was unveiled in 2023. Presented in either 18-karat white or pink gold, the newcomer is adorned with 1,430 brilliant- and baguette-cut diamonds totaling 12.58 carats. Stones run across the case, dial, bracelet, and buckle, creating a truly dazzling statement on the wrist. The beating heart is an in-house self-winding movement (calibre 1088/1) with a 40-hour power reserve, which displays the hours, minutes, central seconds, and date. Price on request, of course. ## TAG Heuer x Fragment Carrera Chronograph ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/tag-heuer-fragment-carrera-chronograph.webp) *TAG Heuer* TAG Heuer and Fragment are at it again. The Swiss watchmaker and Hiroshi Fujiwara’s streetwear brand unveiled a third collab timepiece in December. As with the co-branded references released in 2018 and 2020, the new [Carrera chronograph](https://www.tagheuer.com/gb/en/collection-carrera/carrera-chronograph-fragment.html) has been totally Fragment-fied with Fujiwara’s signature pared-back design and high-contrast black-and-white palette. A riff on the vintage Heuer “glass box” Carreras from the 1960s, the newcomer features a 39 mm steel case, a black opalin dial, a white curved flange, and a steel beads-of-rice bracelet with a black PVD-coated center link. Fragment’s lightning bolt logo appears on the custom date disc and sapphire caseback, while the brand name sits at 6 o’clock. Inside beats an in-house automatic movement (Calibre TH20-00) with an impressive 80-hour power reserve. Limited to 500, the chrono is priced at $9,050 but is currently sold out online. ## Urwerk UR-230 ‘Black Star’ ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/urwerk-ur-230-black-star.webp) *Urwerk* Urwerk’s third and final UR-230 model, the “[Black Star](https://www.urwerk.com/collections/ur-satellite/ur-230),” is supposed to emulate the imagined collapse of a star in which light vanishes, before returning in random flashes. The 44.8 mm case is crafted from a newly developed laminated composite ceramic that is illuminated with sparkling dots, resulting in a vibrant black-light texture. “This black is not there to conceal. It breathes. It makes light appear in a setting of shadows,” says Urwerk’s artistic director and cofounder Martin Frei. The case is accompanied by a black DLC titanium caseback, creating what Urwerk describes as a “mechanical safe” for the calibre UR-7.30. The movement features the brand’s signature wandering hours display with 3-D retrograde minutes, as well as a dual turbine system that regulates—or can even deactivate—automatic winding. Limited to just 35 pieces, the Black Star is priced at $198,000. ## Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Classic ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/jaeger-lecoultre-master-control-classic.webp) *Jaeger-LeCoultre* Jaeger-LeCoultre knows a lot can happen in horology in 30 years. That is perhaps why the Swiss watchmaker has unveiled a larger, more technically advanced version of the Master Control timepiece that it released in 1995. The aptly named [Master Control Classic](https://www.jaeger-lecoultre.com/us-en/watches/master-control/master-control-classic-q4008520) showcases the same elegant, minimalistic aesthetic as the original, with a steel case, a silver-colored sunray dial, elongated triangular indexes, Dauphine hands, and a brown ostrich strap. It is, however, two millimeters larger than its predecessor, with a 36 mm diameter that makes it slightly more versatile. It is also equipped with the latest version of the Calibre 899. The self-winding movement has been refined over the past two decades, with the newest iteration offering a 70-hour power reserve and greater stability in timekeeping. The newcomer was, of course, tested under JLC’s 1,000-Hour Control protocol—that explains the name—with extensive checks carried out across six weeks to ensure quality and precision. Limited to 500 examples, the new reference costs $8,950. ## Breguet Expérimentale 1 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/breguet-experimentale-1_cc2ae6.webp) Breguet Breguet shifted up a gear in December, unveiling its first high-frequency tourbillon. The debut piece in a new collection from the brand’s research and development department, the [Expérimentale 1](https://www.breguet.com/250/en/experimentale-1/) takes design cues from the Marine collection and Breguet timepieces from the 1800s, but has a fresh caliber at its core. The high-frequency (10 Hz) tourbillon, which features a magnetic escapement with constant force delivered to the balance, beats at a blistering rate of 10 Hz, or 72,000 vph. That is more than double the industry standard of 4 Hz, or 28,800 vph, with most traditional tourbillons running at a frequency of 2.5 Hz, or 18,000 vph. The watch also boasts a high chronometric rating, with a guaranteed accuracy of +/- 1 second over 24 hours. It looks good, too, with a 43.5 mm pink-gold case and a sapphire dial that provides a full view of the new Caliber 7250. Limited to 75 examples, the Expérimentale 1 costs a cool 320,000 Swiss francs, or about $405,000. ## Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Pirelli Mexico Edition ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/roger-dubuis-excalibur-spider-pirelli-mexico-edition.webp) *Roger Dubuis* Roger Dubuis rolled out another collab piece with long-time partner Pirelli this month. The [limited-edition chronograph](https://www.rogerdubuis.com/gb-en/watches/excalibur-spider/pirelli-flyback-chronograph-mexico-rddbex1186) pays homage to motorsport in Mexico, showcasing the colors of the Mexican flag. As with previous cobranded creations, the watch comes with a rubber strap made from parts of Pirelli tires that have competed in actual races. It also features a stealthy 45 mm black carbon case and a striking open-worked dial that spotlights the ingenious mechanics within. The racing-inspired movement (caliber RD780) includes two patent-pending innovations: one is a 120-degree rotating minute counter with a tripartite hand that carries the digits 0, 1, and 2 across a fixed scale of 0-9, the other is a second braking system that is integrated into the vertical clutch. Limited to only 28 examples, the chronograph is priced at $101,500. ## A. Lange & Sӧhne Lange 1 Daymatic ‘Honeygold’ ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/a-lange-sohne-lange-1-daymatic-honeygold.webp) *A. Lange & Sӧhne* A. Lange & Sӧhne gave us a little glitz and glamour in December, releasing the [Lange 1 Daymatic](https://www.alange-soehne.com/eu-en/timepieces/lange-1/lange-1-daymatic-honeygold/lange-1-daymatic-honeygold-in-750-honeygold-320-050) in its signature “Honeygold.” Everything from the 39.5 mm case to the lugs, pushers, and crown is crafted from the watchmaker’s proprietary blend of 18-karat yellow gold alloy. Flip it over, and the automatic movement (Caliber L021.1) shines bright, too, with a 22-karat gold rotor that is engraved with the brand’s logo. The dial, meanwhile, showcases a rich brown hue, matching subdials, and Honeygold accents. In addition to an hour-and-minute display and a subsidiary seconds indicator, the face is equipped with an oversized date window and a retrograde day-of-the-week indicator. The elegant newcomer is limited to 250 numbered examples, with price available upon request. ## Jacob & Co. Epic X Sport ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/jacob-co-epic-x-sport-blue-neon.webp) *Jacob & Co.* There was no missing Jacob & Co.’s new release this month. The latest [Epic X Sport ](https://jacobandco.com/timepieces/epic-x-sport/blue-pvd-steel-neon-yellow)showcases a bold colorway, combining a blue PVD steel case, a navy diamond-patterned dial, and a neon yellow rubber strap. At the heart of the 41 mm timepiece lies the caliber JCHA01, with an in-house rotor that keeps time effortlessly and offers a 70-hour power reserve for weekend-proof autonomy. You can also expect everyday reliability and extreme precision even after days spent off the wrist, according to the American outfitter. Price upon request, but expect to pay in the five figures. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** A. Lange & Sӧhne, breguet, Fragment, Jacob & Co., jaeger-lecoultre, roger dubuis, tag heuer, Urwerk, Vacheron Constantin --- ### [All the Big Winners at the 2025 Golden Vines, the Oscars of the Wine World](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/wine/all-the-big-winners-at-the-2025-golden-vines-the-oscars-of-the-wine-world/) **Published:** November 14, 2025 **Author:** Tori Latham **Content:** Some say that the Golden Globes is the booziest award show, but those people probably haven’t been to the [Golden Vines](https://liquidicons.com/the-golden-vines). Organized by the company [Liquid Icons](https://liquidicons.com/), the so-called “Oscars of fine [wine](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/wine/ "Wine")” celebrates the crème de la crème of the wine and spirits industry. The fifth edition of the awards took place Saturday evening at the Faena Forum in Miami, marking the first time the event has been held in the United States. Over about five hours and many, many more glasses of wine, the nine awards were doled out to wine producers from around the world. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Golden-Vines_David-Ajala.webp) The actor David Ajala hosted the evening, which took place at the Faena Forum in Miami. *Photo: Aaron Davidson/Getty Images for the Golden Vines* Throughout the evening, the British actor David Ajala served as master of ceremonies, even getting some guests to join him onstage for a quick boogie. The multi-course dinner was cooked up by Kyle and Katina Connaughton of the Michelin three-star SingleThread in California: A savory duck-liver parfait was paired with the sweet Château d’Yquem 2022, while guinea-hen katsu was accompanied by Château Lafite Rothschild 1989 poured out of a show-stopping Imperial bottle. And with the opening dish—an assortment of seafood bites meant to give a taste of both Sonoma and Miami—the attendees were the first to sample the Dom Pérignon 2008 Plénitude 2 before its global release next year. As for the awards themselves, the nine trophies were voted on by a panel of 830 experts, including Master Sommeliers and WSET Diploma holders. A testament to the global nature of the event, the winners hailed from California (Harlan Estate, Best Fine Wine Producer in the Americas) to Australia (Henschke, Best Fine Wine Producer in the Rest of the World). “I’d like to tell you a story that begins 180 years ago with a German-speaking refugee called Johann Christian Henschke arriving in South Australia,” said Johann Henschke, the label’s current winemaker, when accepting the award. “His family’s desperate pursuit of religious freedom had freshly taken its toll, with his wife and two of four children dying during that fateful journey from Europe. His belief and resilience drove him forward, starting a family again and selling his first wines from the Barossa’s Eden Valley in 1868. Six generations later, I stand before you in Miami—in the latest chapter of this story—to receive this award that my ancestor Johann could have never thought possible.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Golden-Vines_Aiyana-Lee-1.webp) The singer Aiyana-Lee performed a handful of songs, including her recent one from the new Spike Lee film “Highest 2 Lowest.” *Photo: Aaron Davidson/Getty Images for the Golden Vines* The two biggest awards of the evening stayed squarely in Europe, though: The Best Fine Wine Producer went to Spain’s Vega Sicilia, and the Hall of Fame award was handed to Jean Trimbach of France. Liquid Icons is based in England, and several presenters and winners called out Arsenal as they took to the podium. (Next year’s ceremony will, in fact, take place in London.) Ajala also ended the night by leading the crowd in Arsenal’s “North London Forever” chant. (The North London club played against Sunderland on Saturday evening, with the final score 2-2.) Ajala wasn’t the only one belting out tunes, either: British American singer Aiyana-Lee performed a handful of songs about halfway through the award announcements, including “Highest 2 Lowest,” which she wrote with her mother for the new Spike Lee film of the same name. It may not have been a Hollywood awards show like the Golden Globes, but the Golden Vines had all the same glitz and glamour—and, probably, better drinks. ## Golden Vines 2025 Winners - The Golden Vines Frédéric Panaïotis Sustainability Award: Corison Winery, California - The Golden Vines Grant Macdonald Best Fine Wine Producer in Europe Award: Weingut Egon Müller, Germany - The Golden Vines Akerman Best Fine Wine Producer in the Americas Award: Harlan Estate, California - The Golden Vines Maison Mura Best Fine Wine Producer in the Rest of the World Award (Australasia, Africa, Asia & Middle East): Henschke, Australia - The Golden Vines *Robb Report* World’s Best Fine Wine Producer Award: Vega Sicilia, Spain - The Golden Vines Slate Aviation World’s Best Rising Star Award: Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines, South Africa - The Golden Vines Amorim Cork Innovation Award: Rosa Kruger, The Old Vine Project, South Africa - The Golden Vines Gérard Basset Foundation Hall of Fame Award: Jean Trimbach, France - The Golden Vines Bacchus World’s Best Rare Spirit Brand Award: The Macallan, Scotland *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Food & Drink, Wine **Tags:** Eden Valley, Golden Vines, Harlan Estate, Liquid Icons --- ### [Inside the Highest-Grossing Watch Auction in History](https://robbreport.ph/watches/inside-the-highest-grossing-watch-auction-in-history/) **Published:** November 13, 2025 **Author:** Thor Svaboe **Content:** With three exceptional lots leading the charge, Phillips’s latest watch auction underscored a decade of record-setting performance. Marking 10 years of redefining the auction landscape, the Decade One: Geneva 2015–2025 celebrates a transformative decade under Aurel Bacs and Alexandre Ghotbi. From record-breaking hammer prices to elevating scholarship, Phillips has taken watch collecting to new heights. Last weekend, the two-part auction in Geneva became the highest-grossing watch auction in history. On the eve of the Decade One auction weekend, on Friday, November 7, we asked Bacs’s to give us his highlights. “As I don’t have a crystal ball, it is a very difficult task to select and predict which lots will be the hottest to watch this weekend,” Bacs said. “So, I gave it a thought, and I have a list that shows the beautiful landscape of watchmaking today,” he told us. “Lot 18 represents the 20th century and the brand that is the gold standard in our industry, Patek Philippe, the Gilbert Albert (ref 3424/1), and lot 34 is a Rolex, the golden pagoda, a spectacular gold ‘Paul Newman.’” The two-day auction included items from the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries. The catalogue was also heavy on modern independents like F.P. Journe, but how does this sale represent his decade with Phillips? “It feels like we started yesterday,” said Bacs with enthusiasm. “Those 10 years went by, I don’t know how quickly, it seems like a matter of minutes. We still live every day as if we are a start-up, and we still have butterflies every morning when we go to the office.” Watching Bacs on the podium when the *Mona Lisa* of vintage watches, the [Patek Philippe steel ref. 1518](https://robbreport.ph/watches/this-17-6-million-patek-philippe-just-became-the-most-expensive-wristwatch-ever-sold-at-auction/), appeared around 4 p.m. on Saturday, his excitement was contagious. We witnessed bidders interrupt Bacs mid-flow to offer their million-dollar-laden paddles, quickly seeing the vintage Patek Philippe record beaten to the tune of $17.6 million. After two days in Geneva, all lots were sold for a total of $83,018.538, setting a record as the highest-grossing watch auction in history. Of course, the Crown was, as usual, in the list of heavy hitters. Among Rolex results, the brand proved its enduring allure with a circa 1967 Daytona “Paul Newman” Ref. 6239 Golden Pagoda in 18-karat yellow gold, which achieved CHF 1,079,500 ($1,340,000)—a world record for its configuration and a testament to its condition. The circa 1971 Daytona Ref. 6263 “Paul Newman, Oyster Sotto” in stainless steel followed closely at CHF 1,391,000 ($1,728,000). Independent watchmaking also took a spotlight, led by the one-of-a-kind Ferdinand Berthoud Naissance d’Une Montre 3, selling for CHF 1,270,000 ($1,576,000)—a world record for the brand. Its sale celebrates a years-long initiative in traditional craft, with proceeds supporting the preservation of horological savoir-faire for future generations. For this year’s fall auction season, the standards are well and truly set. Nevertheless, Patek Philippe and F.P. Journe stole the show. Here are the top three lots by value, all selling well above their estimates and reflecting an eclectic market. ## Patek Philippe 1943 Ref. 1518, Sold for $17,631.075 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Phillips-Patek-Philippe-Ref-1518-1.webp) *Photo: Phillips* The ref. 1518 in steel is the Ferrari GTO of vintage watches and had an estimate of CHF 8 million+ ($9.9 million). Selling for over $17.6 million this weekend, it is the [most expensive vintage Patek Philippe](https://robbreport.ph/watches/this-17-6-million-patek-philippe-just-became-the-most-expensive-wristwatch-ever-sold-at-auction/) ever sold at a for-profit auction (which excludes the famous $31 million Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime that sold at the Only Watch charity in 2019). Unveiled in 1941, Patek Philippe’s ref. 1518 marked a seismic shift in watchmaking as the world’s first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph. With its balanced dial and timeless proportions, it became the archetype of a genre and defined Patek’s mastery of complications. Over its 14-year production run, just 281 pieces were made, most in yellow gold, with around 20 percent in pink gold, and only four known in stainless steel. With its crisp lines and ironically utilitarian alloy, this example stands apart as the first steel 1518 ever produced, according to scholars. Three of the four share consecutive case numbers from 1943, adding to the intrigue surrounding their creation. Experts still debate why these high-complication pieces were manufactured in steel. We will never know whether it was a wartime necessity, a special commission, or, in fact, an experiment. Whatever the motive, the 1518 has solidified its place as both a technical milestone and a legend of enduring rarity. ## Patek Philippe 1947 Ref. 1518, sold for $4,432,000 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/patek-philippe-ref-1518-pink-dial.webp) *Photo: Phillips* Lot 144 in the Decade One auction went under the hammer for CHF 3,569,000 (approximately $4,432,000 at exchange rates at the time), and its “pink on pink” visage came in as the second-highest lot at over $4 million. With an estimate between CHF 1.2 million ($1,488,000) and CHF 2.4 million ($2,976,000), the second rarest of the 281 Patek Philippe ref. 1518s produced is an endgame watch for collectors worldwide. With its rich, warm tones, the detail-packed dial stands out and proves why the ref. 1518 has set the standards for a long line of successors that spans the timelines of Pateks, like the ref. 2499 and 3970, right up to the current ref. 5270. Throughout the 14-year production of the ref. 1518, watches cased in pink gold were either fitted with a silvered dial or, in rare instances, with a pink dial. Only 14 examples of this exact case-and-dial combination are known, making it one of the rarest and most exclusive complicated Patek Philippe wristwatches for collectors to acquire. ## F.P. Journe 2000 Chronomètre à Résonance Souscription, Sold for $4,133,000 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/fp-Journe-chronometre-a-resonance-souscription.webp) *Photo: Phillips* The third-most-valuable watch sold by an exuberant Bacs this weekend underlined the rise of the independents, especially auction-room darling F.P. Journe. In fact, of the top five watches sold by value, two were F.P. Journes. This 2000 F.P. Journe Chronomètre à Résonance Souscription No. 2 achieved CHF 3,327,000 (approximately $4,133,000), vigorously beating its estimate of CHF 450,000 to CHF 900,000. With its clean lines and platinum case, this dual-time watch by François-Paul Journe was his second “Souscription” model, inspired by the 18th-century French royal clockmaker Antide Janvier’s double-pendulum clocks. This 25-year-old F.P. Journe, from the original owner, offers insight into independent horological history as the second subscription Resonance (bearing number 002) and the only subscription model to appear on the auction market. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** Auctions, F.P. Journe, Patek Philippe, Phillips --- ### [The Good Life: Editors' Picks of the Week](https://robbreport.ph/event-coverage/the-good-life-editors-picks-of-the-week-13/) **Published:** November 13, 2025 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** *In every The Good Life: Editors’ Picks column, we round up our editors’ favorites—restaurants, cocktails, experiences, exhibits, and everything in between. Here is our latest list.* ## Christmas at The Peninsula Manila ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/photo_2025-11-12-102055.webp) *The Peninsula Manila* Everyone has their own memorable Peninsula Manila moments. There’s simply no other place like the city’s grande dame. In my case, it was the setting of our high school graduation ball, so till this day, 40 years later, my forever friends celebrate our birthdays with breakfast in the lobby. At this time of year, the hotel goes all out with holiday cheer. The giant tree is trimmed with red and gold and ablaze with lights, with the halls and balconies in matching finery. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/photo_2025-11-12-102109.webp) *The Peninsula Manila* Of course, in the Philippines, the holidays are always celebrated with song. Every Friday evening, at 7 p.m., The Lobby reverberates with Christmas carols by some of the city’s most beloved choirs. Have a drink, or two, or more. November 14: Centro Escolar University Singers Manila November 21: Servus Dei Vocal Ensemble November 28: MAPUA Cardinal Singers Afterward, head over to dinner at Old Manila or Spices. The Michelin guide recently named them “Selected” restaurants in its very first Philippine edition. – *Yvette Fernandez* *More about The Peninsula Manila’s Christmas events [here](https://www.peninsula.com/en/manila/5-star-luxury-hotel-makati).* ## The National Gallery of Singapore’s 10th Anniversary ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/1-Gallery-Turns-10.webp) *National Gallery of Singapore* If only I could go this weekend, I’d be on the first flight to Singapore. The National Gallery Singapore is one of my favorite museums in the world, and this weekend, it is marking the milestone with a bang, transforming its elegant halls into a festival of art, music, food, and performance. Ten exhibitions, including *Into the Modern: Impressionism from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston*, the largest showcase of French Impressionism ever staged in Southeast Asia, are free to the public. On Saturday, local band HEjiRA takes over the Padang Atrium for Sunset Sessions, followed by KCAE After Dark: Grown-Ups Only!, where the Keppel Centre for Art Education transforms into an adults-only playground of installations. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/natl-gallery-of-singapore-turns-10-2240x1260.webp) *National Gallery of Singapore* The celebrations continue the next day with *Gallery Rave: Day Edition*, featuring Exposure Therapy, where the first 100 guests will get a free cup of matcha and choux pastry. Families can join art activities and an animal-themed hunt through the Gallery’s collection with *Paws & Paint*. Meanwhile, *Sketch Chapter: 10th Anniversary Edition* invites visitors to draw freely across the museum’s spaces. The Birthday Bash Market features collaborations with brands like Leica, and of course, food trucks offering treats like ice cream sandwiches, bites from Old Chang Kee, Milo, and more. Sounds like a smashing 10th birthday party! – *Kimberly Rocha-Delgado, Digital Editor* *More about the National Gallery’s celebrations [here](https://www.galleryturns10.sg.).* ## Saicho Sparkling Tea ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/JohnnyStephensPhotography-14_1020xprogressive.webp) *Johnny Stephens/Saicho* I recently discovered Saicho Sparkling Tea, and I have to say, I’m completely hooked. Made in the United Kingdom, Saicho captures the best of both worlds: British craftsmanship meets the timeless art of Asian tea traditions. Each bottle of tea is elegant, nuanced, refreshingly complex, and offers the sophistication of champagne without the alcohol. What makes Saicho so special is the way it’s crafted. Each tea is first cold-brewed to draw out delicate aromas and layered flavors, then finished with a touch of grape juice to achieve that crisp, bubbly finish. The result? A drink that feels as festive as wine, but refreshingly different. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Darjeelingbox_1020xprogressive.webp) Each tea is single-origin. There’s Darjeeling, a black tea from the foothills of the Himalayas, with tasting notes of ginger, mandarin orange, and warm wood spices , and is wonderful alongside roasted meats or vegetables. Hojicha, a roasted green tea from Shizuoka, Japan, carries deep, toasty notes of nori seaweed, hazelnut, and chestnut, pairing beautifully with sushi or even a heart mushroom risotto. And then there’s Jasmine, a light green tea from Fujian, China, delicately floral with hints of apple, lychee, and vanilla, making it perfect with creamy desserts. Elegantly bottled, it makes a stunning gift in its colorful packaging. Saicho is served in fine dining restaurants around the world and is the perfect choice for anyone seeking an alcohol-free indulgence that feels truly special. – *Alicia Colby-Sy, Lifestyle Editor* *Available at Dominion Cellar, 38 Jupiter Street, Bel-Air , Makati* **Categories:** Art & Collectibles, Dining, Events, Food & Drink, Spirits --- ### [The 10 Best Cars We Drove in 2025, From Audi’s Superb Concept C to Bugatti’s Maximalist Mistral](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-10-best-cars-we-drove-in-2025-from-audis-superb-concept-c-to-bugattis-maximalist-mistral/) **Published:** January 2, 2026 **Author:** Robb Report **Content:** What a time to be a motoring enthusiast. The power-train buffet is open, and it’s all you could ever hope to feast on. This year, *Robb Report’*s editorial team and our distinguished contributors crisscrossed the globe to drive the premier models recently introduced by the world’s leading luxury and high-performance marques, as well as examples from boutique restoration houses. The diversity of the field reviewed attests to the automotive industry’s present holding pattern when it comes to deciding on whether electrification should come at the exclusion of internal combustion, or if there’s room for both methods of propulsion in the market, either independently or in the increasingly promising hybrid middle ground. The following selections are a cross section of this everything’s-on-the-table time period, from Ferrari’s new halo hybrid to Bentley’s latest V-8-powered S.U.V.—its most powerful to date—to an all-electric concept intended to map Audi’s road ahead. Here, a condensed synopsis of our favorite road tests in 2025. ## Bentley Bentayga Speed ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Bentley_Bentayga_Speed_1.webp) *Bentley Motors Limited* Bentley’s most powerful Bentayga yet comes with all-wheel steering, can reach a top speed of 193 mph, and bolts from zero to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds. Oh, did we mention that it has a new Dynamic setting that allows it to drift? Well, it does. Acceleration, agility, and power were on full display as we tested it in Montana, even taking it on trail at the 9,200-acre Jumping Horse Ranch. The majesty of the scenery was given added gravitas by the Bentayga’s new 641 hp, 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8—an engine choice that speaks to the current uncertainty shaping the automotive landscape. Yet for all its athleticism, the Bentayga hasn’t abandoned civility. In Comfort or Bentley mode, the ride is expectedly genteel, the cabin poshly dressed in two-tone leather and new diamond quilting developed solely for this latest Speed variant. ## Audi Concept C ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Audi_ConceptC_1.webp) *Audi AG* Audi—a marque held in high regard by other automakers—has long produced models that are benchmarks in understated yet elegant design and performance. Audi seems to have lost some of that juice, though, when it comes to the adoption of electrification, as it has diluted its identity through too many EV options, many of which don’t move the needle aesthetically. That script is being flipped with its new Concept C prototype that we put through its paces in the Italian Dolomites. The superb handling—neutral and direct, with excellent body control and massive grip—should come as no surprise when you remember that this automobile could perhaps share the same platform as that of the future electric Porsche Boxster (we will have to wait and see). And while no specifics were given as to the eventual production version, we have every reason to believe that it could deliver more than 1,000 hp. ## Ford Mustang GTD ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/spiritofamerica00.webp) *Ford Motor Company* Ford has come up with many limited-edition variants of its famed Mustang model over the years, each ostensibly special in its own way, but there has never been anything like the new 815 hp Mustang GTD. The wing on the back of the GTD is active, flipping up at speed, just like the drag reduction system (DRS) on a Formula 1 car. It not only helps enable this machine’s top speed of 202 mph, but also turns heads every time you pull up to a traffic light. As to be expected, Track is the most extreme of the GTD’s six drive modes, but, unlike track-only cars, the GTD feels almost playful as you safely push its limits. Admittedly, while equally compliant on public roads, the GTD is a lot less happy at lower speeds, and the same will hold for you. ## Corvette ZR1 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/opener-w-1.webp) *General Motors* On an oval track in Germany, General Motors president Mark Reuss drove a Corvette ZR1 to 233 mph, the highest top speed in history for a stateside production vehicle. The most improbable part? This American hypercar is one that anyone can buy at their local Chevy dealer, built in Kentucky with no production limits or multiyear waiting lists. The ZR1 is fit with a high-revving 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 with 1,064 hp and 828 ft lbs of torque—numbers that seem to add up to internal-combustion-engine overkill and intimidation, especially in a rear-wheel-drive sports car. Specs include a 2.3-second launch to 60 mph from a standstill, and a 9.6-second quarter-mile sprint done at 150 mph. Oh, and there’s that Bugatti-like 233 mph top speed. We drove it at Circuit of the Americas, and, yes, the ZR1 feels faster than the Batmobile running late for a costume party at Wayne Manor. ## Aston Martin Vantage Roadster ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/opener-w-_a76d19.webp) *Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings PLC* Aston refreshed the Vantage sports car last May, bumping its mighty AMG V-8’s output to 656 hp. Fast forward one year and the good people of Gaydon have descended upon the Ritz Carlton in Palm Springs to allow *Robb Report* to have a go in the brand-new Vantage Roadster. As you might expect, the convertible version of the model gets the same upgrades as the Vantage coupe—which finished second in *Robb Report’*s 2025 Car of the Year contest. The first thing that struck us about the Vantage Roadster was the ride quality. Around town, on the highway, and deep into the canyons, the Roadster rides great. In fact, the ride is more subtle and compliant than that of the new Porsche 911 GTS Cabriolet, the Vantage’s longtime bogey. Pushed hard for hours on idyllic twisting roads, the Vantage Roadster never so much as put a wheel wrong. ## Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Ferrari-12Cilindri-Spider.webp) *Ferrari S.p.A.* Ferrari’s direct successor to its 812 Superfast, the 12Cilindri counts larger-than-life flagships as its predecessors, among them the straked Testarossa and the 365 GTB/4 Daytona, whose nose is similarly styled. This alfresco version brings minimal disruption to the coupé’s slinky silhouette, and is powered by a 6.5-liter V-12—a hulking monument to thrust, producing 819 hp and 500 ft lbs of torque. As we cruised through Portugal’s coastal roads at mellow speeds, the convertible felt sedate, the only clue to its elevated presence being the head-swiveling reactions from locals and the visceral joy it seemed to bring to children. The other side of the 12Cilindri comes when the road opens with enough space to fully exploit the incredible range of the V-12: with the top down and the gas pedal depressed, there is seemingly nothing that can stop the flow of power between the quicksilver shifts. ## RML GT Hypercar Prototype ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RML-GT-Hypercar-5-w_b06468.webp) *Max Earey, courtesy of RML* What happens when you take the 992.1-generation Porsche 911 Turbo S, reimagine it in carbon fiber and give it another 300 hp? Well, that’s exactly what the RML Group—a UK-based team of motorsport engineers that have been building race cars for more than 40 years—set about to find out. The result is the RML GT Hypercar (GTH) delivering 920 hp, which is more than the Porsche 918 Spyder. The sensation behind the wheel is a head-spinning blast of boost akin to igniting a jet afterburner. Even in this age of absurdly accelerative EVs, it still feels wild. The official numbers are zero to 60 mph in 2.4 seconds and a 205 mph maximum. And with its aggressive aerodynamics, including a massive rear wing, the car generates a maximum downforce of 2,035 pounds. Starting at $665,000 (plus donor car), the GTH will comprise only 39 examples. ## Aston Martin Vanquish Volante ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/opener-w-_11e5ea.webp) *Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings PLC* The closed-top version of the all-new Vanquish appeared stateside last year, and, because convertibles are proliferating in the ultra-luxury market, the droptop’s debut was inevitable. The Volante has gained only 200 pounds in convertible guise, while retaining everything else we love about the Vanquish coupe. The Vanquish convertible shares its 824 hp, 5.2-liter twin-turbo V-12 engine, eight-speed ZF torque-converter automatic transmission, trick limited-slip electronic differential, and front-mid engine/rear-wheel-drive power-train layout with its closed-top counterpart. Aston claims that the Vanquish Volante has a top speed of 214 mph and the ability to cover zero to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds, matching that of the coupe. While we did not attempt to meet the former, we can attest to the seat-of-the-pants accuracy of the latter. As for handling, it strikes an exquisite balance between suppleness and tethering grip, even in the sportiest settings. ## Ferrari F80 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RR_Ferrari_F80_Hybrid_2-1.webp) *Lorenzo Marcinnò, courtesy of Ferrari S.p.A.* To call this 1,184 hp street-legal Prancing Horse magnificent feels like an understatement, but then the new F80 unleashes more power than any road-going Ferrari to leave the factory in history and distills everything the marque has learned in nearly 80 years. As with Maranello’s 499P and 296 GTB, the F80 carries a compact 3.0-liter 120-degree V-6. But unlike the others—or any production car apart from the Porsche 911 GTS—it uses energy derived from the battery to power two massive electric turbochargers spinning at 160,000 rpm. Straight-line performance is staggering: zero to 125 mph in a claimed 5.3 seconds, and zero to 60 in a mere 2.0. And while plenty of modern hypercars are absurdly quick, few offer the F80’s level of control: It invites total confidence. Understandably, all 799 examples have been presold starting at $3.73 million apiece. ## Bugatti Mistral ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Bugatti_Mistral_2.webp) *Daniel Wollstein, courtesy of Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.* Bugatti’s 1,578 hp Mistral is an ode to open-air motoring that recently set a roofless speed record of 282 mph and starts at about $5.8 million. Introduced in 2022, with all 99 examples already spoken for, the model began deliveries this past February, giving *Robb Report* the chance to pilot one. No matter how many hypercars you’ve driven, the maximalist Mistral still astounds with its breathtaking power at any throttle opening. Brush the accelerator and you’re whisked away; press it a mere quarter down and you’re flying; flatten it and, well, Godspeed on your catapult to the horizon—62 mph arrives in 2.4 seconds. The experience not only highlights the uniqueness of the W16 but also underscores the immense forces that allow the Mistral to reach nearly 300 mph with the top down—a mind- (and wind-) blowing feat that cements it as the fastest roadster on the planet. Here’s the [full review](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-bugatti-mistral-blends-herculean-ferocity-with-a-calm-minimalist-cockpit/ "The Bugatti Mistral Blends Herculean Ferocity With a Calm, Minimalist Cockpit"). *This article originally appeared at Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** aston martin, Audi, Bentley, best cars, bugatti, corvette, Ferrari, ford --- ### [14 Fascinating Facts You Never Knew About Lamborghini](https://robbreport.ph/cars/14-fascinating-facts-you-never-knew-about-lamborghini/) **Published:** November 12, 2025 **Author:** Sean Evans **Content:** Born into a family of grape farmers, Ferruccio [Lamborghini](https://robbreport.ph/tag/lamborghini/ "lamborghini") was far more interested in mechanics than cultivating crops. After a stint in the Italian Air Force during World War II, he melded his passion with that of his family’s business when he started building tractors for working the fields. Lamborghini’s innovations were a smashing success and he was soon wealthy enough to afford the pinnacle of automotive engineering: a Ferrari. But he quickly found issues with the vehicle that he wanted to address with *il Commendatore* himself, Enzo Ferrari. In 1962, Lamborghini drove to the factory in Maranello and told Ferrari that his clutch wasn’t quite right. Ferrari’s rumored rebuke? Somewhere along the lines of: “The car is fine. You just don’t know how to drive it.” Incensed, Lamborghini vowed to make a perfect car, far better than anything from Ferrari. A year later, [Automobili Lamborghini](https://www.lamborghini.com/en-en) was founded in Sant’Agata Bolognese. What emerged from that assembly line would forever better the automotive world. Unveiled under the banner Automobili Ferruccio Lamborghini, the 3.5-liter V-12-powered coupe had a power train designed by the famed Giotto Bizzarrini. The “350” represented the engine displacement, while the “GT” signified it was a grand tourer. The V? That stood for “Veloce,” the Italian word for “fast.” Alas, it was never completed as a drivable car because the body panels wouldn’t fit around the engine. Lamborghini did go on to create his first mass-market vehicle, the 350 GT, in 1964. A total of 120 examples were made. Here are 14 more interesting facts about Lamborghini. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/2.webp) A restored 1964 Lamborghini 350 GT. *Photo: Courtesy of Automobili Lamborghini* ## **Lamborghini’s logo, a charging bull, has a double meaning** Ferruccio was born on April 28, 1916, giving him the zodiac sign of the Taurus, a bull. Furthermore, Ferruccio was a big fan of Spanish bullfighting, which is why the logo captures the moment before the beast springs forth. ## **In 1966, the stunning Miura emerged as Lamborghini’s first supercar** The marque really landed on the map when it debuted the Miura at the 1966 Geneva Motor Show. The mid-engined machine was designed by Bertone and less than 770 units were built between 1966 and 1973. Miura, by the way, was the name of a famous Spanish breeder of fighting bulls. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/1.webp) A Miura on display at the 1966 Geneva Motor Show. *Photo: Magic Car Pics/Shutterstock* ## **The Urraco debuted right when the production run of Miuras ended** Urraco, which translates to “little bull,” is a 2+2 sports car that was a historically significant model. Not because it was super powerful or performance-oriented (The Urraco maxed out with a 3.0-liter V-8, good for 247 hp), but because it started a line of “more affordable” Lamborghinis. The Urraco’s successor was the Silhouette, then came the Jalpa, then the Gallardo and finally the [Huracán](https://robbreport.ph/tag/huracan/ "huracan")—a model still currently selling. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/3.webp) The Urraco. *Photo: Magic Car Pics/Shutterstock* **The Huracán sold as much as the Gallardo, but in half the time** It took the Gallardo a decade before the 14,022nd vehicle rolled off the assembly line in 2013. The same number of Huracáns had been created only five years after the model line began. ## **The Huracán Evo thinks about the driver—a lot** The Huracán Evo boasts a neat first: Lamborghini Dinamica Veicolo Integrata. This predictive technology taps into the vehicle’s ECU, controlling all aspects of the car’s behavior, while measuring all driver inputs. This helps anticipate the driver’s next move and the car can alter its setup on the fly to ensure a perfect dynamic response. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/lamborghini_huracan_evo_arancio052-1-e1556026876814.webp) The 2020 Lamborghini Huracán EVO. *Photo: Photo by Charlie Magee, courtesy of Automobili Lamborghini* ## **The Huracán Performante is the spec you might most covet** In this tune, the 5.2-liter naturally aspirated V-10 generates 631 hp and 443 ft lbs of twist, a nice boost from the 602 hp and 413 ft lbs in the base LP610-4 Huracán. It has a zero-to-60 mph time of less than 2.9 seconds and tops out at 202 mph. In 2017, the Huracán Performante set a Nürburgring-Nordschleife lap record in 6:52. (For reference, the Porsche 918 Spyder ran it in 6:57 and Lamborghini’s own Aventador turned in a 6:59.) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/lamborghini-hurucan-performante.webp) The Hurácan Performante.*Photo: Lamborghini* ## **There’s also a Huracán Polizia version** The Italian Highway Patrol uses a Huracán with police badging and a lightbar on the autostradas in and around Bologna. The vehicle is also used whenever blood or human organs require urgent and speedy transportation. There’s another Huracán in use by Rome’s highway patrol division as well. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/5.webp) The Huracán Polizia presented to Italian law enforcement.*Photo: Courtesy of Automobili Lamborghini* ## **The Aventador SVJ was the biggest bull in Lamborghini’s ring** The successor to the Murciélago, the Aventador packs a 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V-12 that will wake the dead. Available are 690 horses and 509 ft lbs of torque, which is plenty enough to get the Aventador hauling to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds or less. Step up into the SVJ, however, and everything goes insane. Those letters stand for “Super Veloce Jota,” or Super Fast Race Car, since Jota refers to a racing class in the FIA’s appendix J. Only 900 units were promised. ## **The Aventador SVJ broke a lap record at the Nürburgring-Nordschleife in 2018** The Aventador SVJ features a ton of weight-saving carbon fiber and titanium to help keep it light. In addition, its engine gets tweaked up to 759 hp and 531 ft lbs of torque so that the car can hit 60 mph in less than 2.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 219 mph. It bested Porsche’s 911 GT2 RS at the Nürburgring-Nordschleife, [turning in a scorching 6:44 lap time](https://www.lamborghini.com/fr-en/nouvelles/aventador-svj-sets-nurburgring-lap-record-ahead-its-unveiling). ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/11.webp) The Aventador SVJ setting the lap record at Nürburgring.*Photo: Courtesy of Automobili Lamborghini* ## **Lamborghini’s best-seller is an SUV** With a versatile chassis and adaptable suspension, the Urus can tackle everything from snow to sand to a full-blown racetrack. It debuted in 2017 and was instantly a hit. In 2019, its first year of full market availability, Lamborghini’s SUV sold nearly 5,000 units, bolstering the marque’s overall global sales by 43 percent over the prior year. Under the hood is a modified version of Audi’s 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 that’s tuned to 641 hp for the Urus. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/10.webp) The Urus in Rome.*Photo: Courtesy of Automobili Lamborghini* ## **When it debuted, the Urus concept had a V-10** The Urus was first shown at the 2012 Beijing Auto Show, and engineers had borrowed a 5.2-liter V-10 from the Gallardo for the affair. It was theoretically rated to 592 hp and had an all-wheel-drive system. The sharp lines and angles in the exterior bodywork were a nod to the company’s flagship Aventador. ## Lamborghini almost didn’t survive The graveyard of dead supercar companies is a crowded one, and for many years in the late 1970s and 1980s it looked like Lamborghini might be among there, too, having gone into receivership in 1977 and, around a decade later, getting scooped up by Chrysler. Back then, Lamborghini was making just 450 cars a year. But the Countach, and then the Diablo, saved it. In 1998, Lamborghini ended up in the hands of the Volkswagen Group and Audi and hasn’t looked back ever since. ## The Diablo made some concessions for comfort, believe it or not The Countach [was famously a bear to drive](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQndMc4_RQU), as difficult as it was to operate as it was nice to look at. With the Diablo, Lamborghini tried to do better for the driver, offering more comfortable seats, better front and rear visibility, air conditioning, and even bespoke luggage for the very small trunk, though features varied by model. The Diablo was also expensive, or [around $239,000 for the Diablo VT in 1995](https://www.nytimes.com/1995/03/12/automobiles/behind-wheel-lamborghini-diablo-vt-you-know-mr-vader-fast-you-were-going.html?searchResultPosition=1), some $500,000 today, more than even the very best Porsches back then. By then, the Diablo was already helping Lamborghini turn the tide. ## The Lamborghini Gallardo tried to be even more driver-friendly The Gallardo, built beginning in 2003, was intended to be a notch below the Murciélago in performance, price, and style of door opening, a Lamborghini with creature comforts that one could also, possibly, commute with in a pinch, if one’s Volvo was in the shop or if one merely wanted to send a message to colleagues at the office. The Gallardo had all-wheel-drive and also an automatic transmission with paddle shifters optional, and bespoke luggage, too. No one would call it an ideal daily driver but the Gallardo was an enormous success, regardless, with more than 14,000 built. Historically speaking, that was almost mass market for Lamborghini. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars, The Story Of **Tags:** cars, lamborghini --- ### [5 Furnishings With Eye-Catching Metallic Finishes](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/5-furnishings-with-eye-catching-metallic-finishes/) **Published:** November 11, 2025 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** No longer limited to skulking around on a bar cart, metallic finishes like aluminum and brass are in the midst of a dazzling comeback. From sinuous [lounge chairs](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/best-of-the-best-2025-design/ "Best of the Best 2025: Design") to sculptural [lighting](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/best-of-the-best-2025-design/ "Best of the Best 2025: Design"), these pieces are like jewels for the home: polished, reflective, and designed to catch the light. ## Interconnect Candle Holder, Audo Copenhagen ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Audo_Copenhagen_Candle_Holder.webp) *Photo: Courtesy of Audo Copenhagen* Candlesticks were once status symbols for the glitterati. (Case in point: the ormolu versions at Versailles.) Designed by [Colin King](https://www.colinking.com/) and available in painted steel, bronzed brass, or polished brass (above), the Interconnect takes an ancient necessity and turns the stationary object into something kinetic in spirit, reminiscent of artist Alexander Calder’s creations. “Simple forms become exaggerated, and what emerges is an object with a simplicity that speaks volumes,” King says. *[$690 as shown](https://us.audocph.com/products/interconnect-candle-holder?srsltid=AfmBOoqzYogZXmMxwwFsJJC0OQaswt8j7SnY7kyzmfmMaP5oZ5txldGt)* ## Lampe Arche, Axel Chay, The Future Perfect ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Future_Perfect_Lampe_Arche.webp) *Photo: Courtesy of The Future Perfect* Raised along the shores of Côte Bleue, Axel Chay takes inspiration from the Mediterranean Sea. His Lampe Arche, made to order in France of aluminum and glass, feels a bit like a mooring post as imagined by a yacht designer, thanks to its gleaming surface. “Silver just keeps finding its way back into the conversation,” says David Alhadeff, founder of the Future Perfect, which carries the lamp. “You see it in Bauhaus and Deco, in tubular steel, in the glamour of the ’80s—it has always been a marker of big design moments. What’s exciting is it carries all that history and still feels incredibly fresh right now.” *[$7,130](https://www.thefutureperfect.com/product/lighting/table-floor-lamps/table/lampe-arche/?srsltid=AfmBOoqQ2K32Nychv5w7reGPuE3xS78SvxOXafIL0qWmM1bM_NVzw28I)* ## Poodle Armchair, Mati Sipiora ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Mati_Sipiora_Poodle_Armchair.webp) *Photo: Courtesy of Mati Sipiora* With its tubular legs and sprightly silhouette, the Poodle Armchair is meant to summon both the posture and personality of the breed for which it is named—albeit one the Jetsons might have. “I drew inspiration from films such as Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey and the visionary worlds of Stanisław Lem’s novels; both informed the chair’s sense of clarity, strangeness, and timeless modernity,” says designer Mati Sipiora. Made in his father’s metal workshop in Poland, the chair has a new finish for 2025: a supple cognac-leather seat. “The warm color tempers the coolness of steel,” says Sipiora. *[From about $1,715](https://matisipiora.com/product/poodle-armchair-stainless-steel/?srsltid=AfmBOopNzrw6kPMC_aCOMsEaBobsDumbe5ya1ZwkQb0ivnGNgUCdWRrD)* ## Interval Coffee Table, PF Studio ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/PF_Studio_Interval_Table.webp) *Photo: Courtesy of PF Studio* Debuted in September, Pietro Franceschini’s coffee table (made in the Dominican Republic of stainless steel) is “a monolithic object that sits somewhere between rationalist sculpture and brutalist furniture,” as the Milan-based designer puts it. Indeed, this is not likely to become a catchall for books and ephemera. Instead, it is a moment in and of itself—one worth the eight-week lead time. It is, Franceschini says, “both furniture and totem, designed to provoke, not merely to serve.” *$11,705* ## Collection 02 Mimo Side Table, Atelier Tison ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AtelierTison_Mimo_Table_2.webp) *Photo: Clément Pinaut* Launched last December, Atelier Tison’s side table is brass at its sheening best. “It’s made in my workshop in Lyon, France, by me,” says designer Victor Tison. “Everything is done by hand in an artisanal way.” It is also proof that the metal doesn’t have to be literally brassy; this particular piece is almost lyrical. “What inspired the shapes was the desire for fluidity in a material as hard as metal and as noble as brass,” he explains. “My pieces have formal lines, and their aesthetic is essentially due to my metal-forming techniques.” *[Price upon request](https://www.atelier-tison.com/contact/)* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Design, Home & Design **Tags:** Art and Design, Audo Copenhagen, Furniture, The Future Perfect --- ### [The Best Watch-Inspired Accessories to Buy Now, From Clutches to Eyewear](https://robbreport.ph/style/the-best-watch-inspired-accessories-to-buy-now-from-clutches-to-eyewear/) **Published:** November 11, 2025 **Author:** Naomi Rougeau **Content:** “It was a gift,” says London-born designer Polomi Chande of the [Jaeger-LeCoultre](https://robbreport.ph/tag/jaeger-lecoultre/ "jaeger-lecoultre") Master Control Geographic on her wrist. “It’s one of two things that I’m never without, along with my \[Tiffany & Co.\] Elsa Peretti Bone Cuff.” Sentimentality is a through line in Chande’s work, and few objects feel quite so personal as a timepiece. Fortunately for watch aficionados, hers is among a number of independent brands bringing horological details to other accessories. Here, a closer look at three of the best. ## Alexanian ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Alexanian_WG_Frames.webp) *Photo: Courtesy of Alexanian* Netherlands-based Artur Alexanian began his career as a goldsmith. When he decided to pursue further studies in gemology, he realized he needed some optical assistance, so he set out to design his own frames—in 18-karat gold, of course. Soon, the specs caught the eye of [the Armoury’s Mark Cho](https://robbreport.com/style/menswear/mark-cho-the-answers-1235866348/), who, in addition to being a menswear savant, is a horology aficionado. “Ninety-nine percent of my customers are watch collectors,” says Alexanian, who makes between 25 and 50 pairs annually. “They appreciate the details, the beveling and polishing.” He certainly knows his market: Last year, the artisan sold a white-gold loupe of his own design at Christie’s in Hong Kong. *Above*: Alexanian’s 18-karat-white-gold frames with muted rims ([price upon request](https://alexanian.nl/eyewear/)). ## Polomi ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Polomi_Nox_2.webp) *Photo: Courtesy of Polomi* “If you know, you know,” says Chande, who keeps a low profile, of her elegant bags. Among the most distinctive styles—all of which are handmade in France by an Hermès alum—is the Nox clutch, which features a stainless-steel-link strap inspired by a watch bracelet that Chande discovered while sorting through her grandparents’ family heirlooms with her cousins. It took three years of R&D to get it right, but the result is worth it: The strap flexes with the same satisfying tension you might experience handling an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. *Top*: Polomi’s Nox clutch ([about $3,250](https://www.polomi.co.uk/line/nox)). ## Akoni ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/11_RR_GDS_S-COSMO.webp) *Photo: Akoni Eyewear* “As a dedicated watch collector, I am most inspired by the balance of craftsmanship and technology,” says [Akoni](https://akoni.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooF8-KP2F9DEnvdGbH_KKbwd9NGfVQC3GIOAT17eyrt5Nz6dw_j) founder Rosario Toscano, whose Rolex Submariner holds a special place. “Much like the eyewear we create at Akoni, the timepieces I admire transcend utility and are enduring companions that embody identity, craftsmanship, and personal meaning.” Handmade in Japan, Akoni styles often feature titanium, plus proprietary hinges, screws, side shields, and adjustable temples that echo the intricate inner workings of timepieces. “The Akoni customer appreciates objects where craft meets functionality, so it’s no surprise that many are also drawn to fine watches.” *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Style **Tags:** Alexanian, Polomi, style, sunglasses --- ### [The Ultimate Guide to Wagyu Beef, the World’s Most Luxurious Steak](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/the-ultimate-guide-to-wagyu-beef-the-worlds-most-luxurious-steak/) **Published:** November 10, 2025 **Author:** Mary Squillace **Content:** Wagyu beef—you know, the transcendently tender, fatty, umami-rich steak—has become as synonymous with luxury as caviar or black truffles. But no matter how many Michelin-starred menus this delicacy graces, all of the facts about Wagyu steak still tend to elude even the most seasoned diners. “It’s an extremely fascinating but confusing world,” says Joe Heitzeberg, the co-founder and CEO of Crowd Cow. Heitzeberg, who admits it wasn’t until he’d spent ample time meeting with Japanese slaughterhouse owners and farmers (his minor in Japanese at the University of Washington helped) that he felt like he truly understood Wagyu. “There’s a lot of information out there that’s not accurate, mostly unintentionally, and perhaps some intentionally,” he says. Because of the prestige associated with Wagyu and the premium price it fetches (a pound can easily run in the triple-digits), some people throw around “Wagyu” and related terms as a marketing gimmick, even if what the purveyor is selling isn’t that luxury version. So what is Wagyu beef—and why does it taste and feel unlike any other steak you’ve ever had? We’ve gathered some of the foremost experts in restaurant industry to explain. ## What is Wagyu beef? Simply put, *Wagyu* means Japanese cow, but the straightforward definition belies a subject riddled with misinformation. For starters, it’s pronounced wah-*gyoo*, not wah-*goo*, a mispronunciation that’s common even among American Wagyu farms (and that admittedly tripped up even this intrepid reporter), says Heitzeberg. And Wagyu isn’t an umbrella term for just any Japanese cow. The luxury version of Wagyu we all want on our plates refers to a specific breed of Japanese cattle with special genetic qualities. “There are four breeds native to Japan. Of those four breeds, one of the breeds is genetically unique,” Heitzeberg says. “It has a genetic predisposition to create this crazy marbling of fat on inside of muscle tissue. No other livestock does that.” Think of your average piece of steak. Chances are, it’ll have a fat cap on its outside. With Wagyu, the cow metabolizes the fat internally, so it’s integrated within the muscle. “When I eat too much food it goes to my belly, but when they eat a lot of food and they get fat, that one breed gets it on the inside of the muscle,” Heitzeberg explains. This means any other breed, even raised by an award-winning Wagyu cattle farmer in the exact same conditions as Wagyu, would not produce Wagyu beef. The result is a rich, luscious cut of beef that practically dissolves once it hits your tongue. “When you have very high-end Wagyu, you barely want to cook it. The middle you want to keep as raw as possible. But even if it were cooked medium or medium-well, it would still be juicy,” says Giuseppe Tentori, executive chef of GT Prime in Chicago. “Just slice it super thin so it melts in your mouth.” ## What’s the difference between Japanese and American Wagyu? ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/wolfgang-puck-cut-wagyu.webp) American (top three) and Japanese (bottom two) wagyu have different marbling patterns. *Photo: courtesy CUT by Wolfgang Puck* In addition to the looser rating system and divergent cattle-farming techniques, the biggest difference between American Wagyu and Japanese Wagyu is that Japanese Wagyu is purebred, where American Wagyu is crossbred. “\[American Wagyu\] is still going to be crazy marbled with intense flavor, but it’s most likely Wagyu bred with angus,” Henderson says. “Almost all of that stuff is angus beef crossbred with Wagyu in an uncontrolled, unregulated, unspecified percentage of DNA,” Heitzeberg says. “I’ve eaten my bodyweight several times over in Japanese Wagyu and American Wagyu, and I haven’t tasted anything that’s angus mixed with Wagyu at any percentage that tastes like Japanese Wagyu does at 100 percent.” Because of this, American Wagyu doesn’t have the sweet umami flavor that Japanese Wagyu does, and it never quite reaches that same melt-in-your-mouth level of marbling. Though Heitzeberg is quick to stipulate that this doesn’t mean that American Wagyu isn’t delicious. “The American stuff is wonderful. You can eat more of it,” he says. “With the Japanese stuff, because it’s so fatty and rich, most people can’t eat more than a few bites of it before it’s so overwhelming. So if you’re in the mood for a steak dinner, and you want a giant steak, you can’t really do that with Japanese Wagyu.” American Wagyu packs the familiar beefy flavor of an angus steak. “The Japanese stuff is almost like a light beer experience. You just don’t have as much of that beefy taste, and then you have that umami flavor that’s hard to describe. It’s almost like a sweetness,” Heitzeberg says. If you have the opportunity, order one of each. “Try different types of Wagyu from different countries and compare one to the other,” Tentori says. “You’ll learn something new, and you will appreciate it for more than just being so expensive.” ## Why is Wagyu so expensive? As you’ll see from our selection of favorite purveyors below, Wagyu comes at a price. But why is Wagyu beef so expensive? Part of the reason is just the time it takes to raise cattle that produce A5 Wagyu. Whereas American angus cattle is usually slaughtered at around 18 months, Wagyu breeds in Japan will live for nearly three years before heading to the abattoir. Also, while they’re alive, Japanese cattle are fed a more costly diet than their American counterparts, helping contribute to the rich marbling A5 Wagyu is known for. But some of the price really just comes down to economics 101 and the laws of supply and demand. In Japan, there are [2.5 million heads](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6039323/) of cattle while the United States has 91.9 million head, according to [current USDA figures](https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/animal-products/cattle-beef/sector-at-a-glance/#:~:text=As%20of%20January%201%2C%202022,to%2091.9%20million%20cattle%20head.). ## History of Wagyu in Japan ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/japanese-wagyu-ribeye.webp) *Photo: Photo: courtesy D’Artagnan* Cattle have been in Japan for millennia, but the Wagyu we’ve come to know started taking shape in during the Meiji Restoration beginning in 1868, when the government introduced Western influences to the nation. Part of that influence involved beef. Cattle from England, Continental Europe and Korea were imported to Japan and bred with the native stock. Eventually three major strains of black Wagyu emerged: Tajima, Fujiyoshi and Kedaka. These make up 90 percent of Japan’s herd, while the remainder are red strains of Kochi and Kumamoto. Eventually, Japan realized how prized of a breed of cattle it had created and eventually banned the export of any members of the herd, thus ensuring the very best stayed home. ## History of Wagyu in the US In 1976, Morris Whitney brought over four Wagyu bulls from Japan (named Mazda, Mt. Fuji, Rueshaw and Judo) and the American Wagyu was born. Well, more accurately it was born after the bulls were crossbred with American Angus cattle. Eventually, four Black Wagyu females were brought to the states in 1993 to allow the breeding of full-blooded Wagyu Stateside. A few hundred more followed them in the years after until in 1997, the Japanese government decreed that the Wagyu breed of cattle was a national treasure and banned the export of the breed. So American ranchers had to breed and raise with the genetic lines already introduced to America. That has led to a total herd of Wagyu in the US that’s around [40,000 total](https://www.wagyuinternational.com/global_USA.php) with about 5,000 of them being full-blood Wagyu. ## Australian Wagyu beef’s rise Outside of Japan, the largest population of Wagyu cattle isn’t in America, it’s in Australia. However, like American Wagyu, what comes from Australia is crossbred beef. Down Under, you’re not getting that ultra-fatty A5 experience that pure Japanese beef will give you. It’s still likely to have better marbling than cattle that isn’t crossbred with Wagyu though. Also in America, the Wagyu is crossbred with angus, whereas in Australia, they generally use Holsteins, which produce a more tender meat that has less of a beefy flavor than its Stateside counterparts. And in New Zealand, one ranch raises crossbred Wagyu cattle in a way that’s quite different from the Japanese. First Light’s cattle are grass-fed, not grain finished. Normally grass-fed beef is much leaner; however, the intense marbling of this Wagyu still provides enough fat that you get the best of both worlds with beefy grass-fed flavor and a grain-finished level of marbling. ## How are Wagyu cows raised and why do their conditions matter? ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/japanese-cow.webp) Japanese cows live a low-stress life. *Photo: Photo: courtesy Shutterstock* There’s a misconception that Wagyu is produced in the same way that foie gras is: The cows’ movement is limited and they’re force-fed in order to create fatty, tender meat. This couldn’t be further from the truth, according to Heitzeberg. “The number one principle is managing the stress of the animal to zero. Farmers want to make sure these animals from birth to harvest are in a stress-free environment,” Heitzeberg says. “Stress creates cortisol which will deteriorate the quality of beef.” Japanese cattle-breeders go to great lengths to give their cows a zen-like existence. They control the noise level so animals don’t scare. Farmers constantly replenish water, so there’s a steady supply of fresh, clean H2O to drink. Cows who don’t get along are separated (because what’s more stressful than grazing next to your nemesis?). And unlike some American farms where cows are left to roam free in open pastures, Wagyu cattle are kept on open-air farms where they can be carefully monitored. “\[Crowd Cow\] works with farms that will check animals every four hours. In America, if you’re in Montana with a thousand-plus acres, you may not see your animals for seven days,” he says. “They’re out there foraging on the natural Montana grasses, but you don’t know what else they’re doing.” In other words, a cow left to roam, could also be prone to stressful, cortisol-raising experiences. ## Wagyu vs. Kobe Beef You may have heard “kobe” used interchangeably with “Wagyu,” or used to tout an expensive cut of meat. So what is kobe beef? Kobe is essentially just a brand of Wagyu beef, in the same way that Nike is a brand of shoe. In order for something to be labeled as Kobe beef, first of all, it has to originate in Kobe, Japan. Then, all parties who have a hand in getting this sought-after meat to your table—from the farm to the slaughterhouse to the buyer to the restaurant—has to be licensed by the Kobe Beef Association. “Everyone is paying to be part of the thing called kobe beef,” Heitzeberg says. “But the final thing is they have to be rated A4 or A5—so everything else could be true, but if it’s an A3, you can’t call it Kobe,” Heitzeberg says. And if you see the words “American kobe” on a menu, take it as a big red flag—American kobe doesn’t exist. “Kobe is from Kobe, Japan, just like Champagne is from Champagne,” Henderson says. “To be true kobe beef, it has to be from Kobe. \[Restaurants\] cold be part of an association where they’re able to sell kobe beef, but kobe beef is not able to be produced here.” ## What does the Wagyu rating system mean? ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/wagyu.webp) A couple serious slabs of Wagyu beef. *Photo: courtesy Paige Green Photo* When you see Wagyu on a menu, chances are it’ll be alongside an A4 or A5 rating, with A5 representing the most premium level of Wagyu. There are two components that go into that rating. The first factor—the one that differentiates A’s from your B’s— is yield. “If you were a farmer and had a cow … I would give you a yield score, which tells me how much meat I’ll be able to get off the bones,” Heitzeberg explains. An “A” represents the highest meat yield, while a scrawnier cow will get a “B” rating. This part of the rating is really more for the purveyor than for those of us sidling up to a steak dinner. “What’s important isn’t that A or B, it’s that five or four,” Heitzeberg says. To understand that four or five, you need to know about another rating system: the Beef Marbling Standard (BMS) rating. The BMS is a scale of one to 12 and relates to both the amount and quality of the marbling. A rating of 12 means you’re getting the highest degree of marbling. To be rated A5, the meat must have a BMS of 8 to 12. A4 is just below that level, representing a BMS score of 6 through 8. “In the US system, we have the four grades, ranging from Select Choice to Prime,” Heitzeberg says. “A4 and A5 are picking up where Prime leaves off and goes beyond.” “If you have A5 12 Wagyu, you have the best of the best. It’s not going to get better than that, ever,” says Hilary Henderson, chef de cuisine at CUT by Wolfgang Puck in Beverly Hills, [one of America’s best steakhouses](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/the-9-best-steakhouses-in-the-world-according-to-michelin/ "The 9 Best Steakhouses in the World, According to Michelin"). However, this top-tier Wagyu is hard to come by on this side of the Pacific, she says. “Most A5 12 will be sold nose-to-tail in Japanese markets. Unfortunately, we can’t get that here in the states because it won’t pass USDA regulations on the bone.” Another thing to take into consideration is that in Japan, the rating is an intensely studied skill. To become a rater requires three years of training, and each animal is rated by three separate raters. “It’s important to understand that this rating system is a very Japanese thing. It’s highly skilled, highly regulated and highly practiced,” Heitzeberg explains. In America, there aren’t such stringent rules in place, so the rating may be employed as a gimmick. “A lot of people in America will say we’re A4 or A5, or we have a BMS score of 7, and I look at that and say, there isn’t a single person who has trained for three years…. 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While some aging-obsessed people transfuse the blood of their teenage offspring into their own, others are running away from canola oil as fast as their feet can carry them. So perhaps the legitimate research and efficacy of [peptides](https://robbreport.ph/style/grooming/from-dior-beautys-prestige-line-the-dior-eye-serum-thats-good-for-men-too/ "The Dior Eye Serum Made For Women—That’s Great For Men, Too")—a new, or new-seeming, class of health and longevity products—explains why everyone is talking about them right now. [Peptides](https://robbreport.ph/style/grooming/10-peptide-powered-serums-for-hair-thickening-and-strengthening/ "The Dior Eye Serum Made For Women—That’s Great For Men, Too") are naturally occurring. They exist in your body at this very moment. They are not foreign to your body, and they do not change how your body works. “There’s a distinction between a peptide and a drug. Drugs are either synthesized or take a natural product and change it in some way. Drugs are meant to change your physiology— peptides are meant to enhance them,” says Dr. Chris Renna, founder of [Lifespan Medicine](https://www.lifespanmedicine.com/), a preventative and longevity-focused clinic with outposts in California, Texas, and Florida. They aren’t new, either. In 1922, Frederick Grant Banting and John Macleod discovered insulin—a peptide—and its potential as a therapy for diabetes. One hundred years later, more than 100 peptides are FDA-approved, with dozens more in clinical trials and perhaps hundreds available through both legitimate and dubious sources. Searches for peptides are up 550 percent this year alone. From humble and virtuous beginnings, today, there are peptide compounds targeting outcomes like weight loss, mental health, muscle growth, cognitive performance, and virtually any other goal a person might strive for, or problem they’d like resolved. But the peptide market is murky. Relative to the number of peptides available through licensed practices and online, very few have been rubberstamped by the FDA or other regulatory bodies. The rate of discovery, research, and regulation is thoroughly misaligned, leading to the creation of a peptide gray market that exists in legal limbo, where vials of peptide compounds must be sold with “Not for Human Consumption” stamped on them. Here’s what you need to know to approach peptides in an informed, health-minded way. ## What are peptides? ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Peptides-Advitam.webp) Dr. David Shafer, standing at left, and Jamie Gabel of the Advitam Clinic, which offers peptide therapies in N.Y.C. *Photo: Advitam* Peptides are short chains of amino acids that carry out loads of normal actions in your body. They are the stuff proteins are made of, and they have various uses in medicine, cosmetics, and performance Dr. Belegui Sanchez, who spearheaded a peptide therapy program as head of the Revitalizing Medicine Health Unit at [SHA Mexico](https://shawellness.com/en/), thinks of them as “biochemical keys.” “They open up doors and pathways to allow our body to take different actions. We are activating natural responses in our body. It depends on our goals, our backgrounds, and our whole medical history to decide which doors to open,” Sanchez says. Effectively, they are the messengers of cell-to-cell communication. If you introduce more of a peptide that tells cells in your pancreas to release insulin, your body will do so and naturally stabilize its blood-sugar level. Jamie Gabel, physician assistant and clinical director of [Advitam at the Shafer Clinic](https://www.myadvitam.com/) in New York City, says the difference between peptide therapies and traditional pharmaceuticals is complex but straightforward: one is natural, one is not. He uses an example where the desired outcome is weight gain to explain. “If someone gets human growth hormone, you’re taking an exogenous or outside source of it. Whereas if I give you a growth hormone-releasing peptide, it’s going to signal your pituitary gland to get you to release your own growth hormone,” he says. “We’re initiating a natural feedback loop, rather than providing foreign materials to support a desired outcome.” ## Is it safe to take peptides? ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Peptides-Sha-Wellness.webp) The Revitalizing Medicine Health Unit at SHA Mexico offers peptide therapies as part of an overall longevity strategy. *Photo: SHA Mexico* By and large, peptides are considered safe when taken under the supervision of a healthcare professional sourcing peptide compounds from accredited pharmacies (ask about USP standardization if you’re unsure). Despite the regulatory quagmire around them, peptides are naturally occurring substances, and taking them—again, with the guidance of a clinician or medical professional—is considered safe. But every layer of expertise between you and peptides removed represents heightened risk. There are dozens of unaccredited online peptide pharmacies where, should you have a credit card and shipping address, virtually any peptide in any volume can arrive at your doorstep in under 48 hours. And though it’s common to swap info on “stacks”—the colloquial term for supplements and peptides one takes—online longevity communities and the like are not a suitable replacement for licensed clinicians. “We get the whole picture of a patient before acting at all. Pathologies, family history, labs, functional assessments. Based on that, we can consider what we might do,” Sanchez says. “Because these are natural substances, people think they can just start using them with a little research on ChatGPT or TikTok. Yes, it’s going to trigger natural responses in your body, but it’s the same as anything—too much can be toxic or detrimental to your health.” Bottom line: Do not treat yourself as a testing ground—work with a healthcare professional if you’re interested in what peptides can do for you. ## Where can I get peptides (safely)? ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Peptides-Advitam-Inset.webp) Gabel, of Advitam, with a patient. *Photo: Advitam* Work with a clinician who has studied peptides and sources peptide compounds from well-vetted compounding pharmacies. Unfortunately, peptides are available all over the internet, sourced from compounding pharmacies in regions with even less oversight than the United States. These online sellers technically sell “research-grade” peptides, which makes it legal for them to sell. “They’ll send it to you and it’ll be labeled ‘not for human consumption’ with a wink of the eye,” Renna says. “That is how they circumvent the \[legality\] issue.” Your best bet is to get your peptides through a healthcare professional working with accredited compounding pharmacies, and to use them according to that professional’s guidance. ## What are the peptides worth taking right now? Below, a guide to the shots medical professionals believe can have benefits in the right cases. ### Semaglutide (aka, Ozempic) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Peptides-Semaglutide.webp) *Photo: Getty Images* Whether you know the exact amino acid sequence that makes up your favorite compounded peptide or you just read magazines for the pictures, you know semaglutide, the technical name for the medication sold as Ozempic, Wegovy, and so on. The very brief history of semaglutide begins with its discovery and application as a diabetes therapy in 2017. In 2021, after researchers and clinicians observed significant weight loss in those taking it, it was reformulated in a higher dose for weight management and approved by the FDA. Since then, the market for the peptide has, without exaggeration, exploded. Combined, the companies behind Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus sold nearly $30 billion of the stuff in 2024. By 2030, that number is expected to exceed $100 billion. It’s a GLP-1 receptor agonist, which means it mimics a gut hormone that stimulates insulin production, suppresses glucagon, and slows gastric emptying. There’s more to it than this, but the gist is your blood sugar holds at a stable level, and you feel significantly less hungry than you might otherwise. More recently, semaglutide has been touted to solve, well, a lot. Several studies have linked it to [slowing aging](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce81j919gdjo). Others have found it has a [positive impact on patients with Alzheimer’s disease](https://www.ajmc.com/view/semaglutide-linked-to-lower-dementia-risk-in-type-2-diabetes). There’s even growing evidence for its effectiveness as a treatment for alcohol addiction. ### BPC-157 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Peptides-BPC-157.webp) *Photo: Getty Images* While GLP-1s remain the center of the public’s attention, BPC-157 is often likened to a gateway peptide, leading the health-serious toward peptides angled at optimization and longevity. Derived from our very own gastric juices, BPC-157 is known to assist in tissue repair and healing ligaments, tendons, nerves, muscles, and skin. It promotes angiogenesis, or the formation of new blood vessels, and it has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects across the body, from your joints to your gut. “There’s even been some studies to suggest it can help with normalizing blood pressure, or even protect against some brain injuries,” Gabel says. Gabel, who manages the metabolic or regenerative health needs of upwards of 450 patients, notes that the laundry list of potential benefits is one reason that makes it difficult to approach peptides with a cookie-cutter mindset. ”Because the peptides that your body makes perform many, many more tasks than people imagine,” he says. “Each one affects multiple signalling pathways.” It can also be taken orally, though it’s widely understood that orally administered peptides are far less bioavailable than the standard subcutaneous ones. ### Sermorelin ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Peptides-Sermorelin.webp) *Photo: Getty Images* Sermorelin works by nudging the receptors in your pituitary gland responsible for secreting growth hormone. And while the most common goal for taking sermorelin and other growth hormone-focused peptides is increased muscle mass, it, like all peptides, isn’t a one-trick pony. Gabel notes studies that have demonstrated growth hormone peptides may assist cells in improving cellular senescence, or the rate at which cells stop dividing. Senescence is connected to a host of age-related diseases and overall health. “Let’s say a healthy 20-year-old person’s cell encounters a problem. If it can fix it, it does. If it doesn’t, it self-destructs. When you get older, it becomes stagnant and doesn’t do either, and the more of those that add up can lead to disease and aging more generally,” Gabel says. Gabel notes that sermorelin, nor any peptide, will serve as the fountain of youth, but when used properly and under supervision, they can have a significant impact on the body. ### GHK-Cu ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Peptides-Copper.webp) *Photo: Getty Images* GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring tripeptide that stimulates collagen and elastin production, processes that slow as we age, and is among the most commonly prescribed and sought-after peptides targeting skin health and appearance. “It might be used in anti-aging treatments or post-procedure recovery. A drawback is possible irritation if a high concentration is used, so I wouldn’t recommend using copper peptides on damaged skin,” Dr. [Noah Gratch](https://www.mdcsnyc.com/provider/noah-gratch-md), board-certified dermatologist at [MDCS Dermatology](https://www.mdcsnyc.com/) in N.Y.C., says. ### Selank ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Peptides-Selank.webp) *Photo: Getty Images* While muscle growth, recovery, weight loss, and skin health are the stars of most modern peptide therapies, momentum is building behind a new—or newly popular—category: mental health. “I think for many years people were focusing a lot on losing weight or body composition \[with peptides\], but mental health plays a big role in our overall wellbeing,” Sanchez says. Known for boosting cognition and reducing anxiety, Selank is at the forefront of the nootropic peptide movement. “It can modulate brain activity and reduce hyperactivity in the brain, which can reduce anxiety and depression and rebalance dopamine receptors,” Sanchez says. “You can use them for a short period of time, too. Instead of taking medication for sleep or anxiety, nootropic peptides can be a good first attempt at fixing issues.” Plus, it’s administered with a nasal spray, which is much less of a hassle than a shot, which is how most peptides are delivered to the body. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Health & Wellness, Leisure **Tags:** peptides, wellness --- ### [The Luxe Dispatch: Mediterranean Mega-Projects, a Long-Lost AP Heads to Auction, and More](https://robbreport.ph/the-luxe-dispatch/the-luxe-dispatch-mediterranean-mega-projects-a-long-lost-ap-heads-to-auction-and-more/) **Published:** November 7, 2025 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** This week’s headlines reveal a world in the midst of bold reintroductions. Across sectors, brands and institutions are pushing past familiar boundaries, whether at sea, on land, or in the ateliers where history is meticulously shaped by hand. Explora Journeys sets sail for an ambitious new course with its first-ever Asian season. This marks an interesting shift in high-end [cruising](https://robbreport.ph/tag/cruise/ "cruise"), one that charts toward more immersive, culturally attuned travel. Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Global, likewise, looks beyond the Gulf, targeting Italy as the debut site for its first overseas luxury development. On the collecting front, Sotheby’s unveils one of the rarest [Audemars Piguet](https://robbreport.ph/tag/audemars-piguet/ "audemars piguet") pocket watches ever to hit the market, a mechanical opus dormant for over 100 years. ## Middle-East Luxury Goes Mediterranean ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/RSG-1-2240x2240.webp) *Photo: Red Sea Global* Red Sea Global (RSG) announces its first international expansion with a new flagship project in Italy. The move signals a shift away from purely domestic giga-resorts after the success of the Red Sea and Amaala. Backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, the ambitious luxury development arm looks to replicate the high-end “eco-luxury” resort formula in the Mediterranean. During the *Reuters* NEXT Gulf summit, CEO John Pagano says that the Italian venture fits its model of sustainability-forward, direct-contracted project management. This sort of bridge to the West underscores the company’s ambition to transform itself from a domestic megaproject developer into an international luxury-lifestyle force. With Italy’s unique blend of historic charm, Mediterranean ecology, and luxury cultural cachet, the stage is set for RSG to bring its signature vision of seamless, sustainability-driven development to Europe. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/image-2560x2560-34-2240x2240.webp) *Photo: Red Sea Global* While the project details remain under wraps, the announcement alone positions the company as one of the most closely watched players in global destination-making. Pagano adds that the Italian venture fits its model of sustainability-forward, direct-contracted project management. So far, RSG has awarded more than 18,000 contracts for its Saudi projects alone, a method it now aims to export to new global markets. ## Explora Journeys Sets Sail for Asia Explora Journeys presents a new course as it unveils its 2027 to 2028 Journeys Collection. Of course, the headline announcement in all of this is the brand’s first-ever Asia deployment, which will soon be led by the upcoming Explora III. The collection comes with the brand’s most ambitious set of itineraries to date. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/explora-journeys-1-2240x2240.webp) *Photo: Explora Journeys* We can expect 28 immersive voyages, calling on 47 destinations across Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore, among others. Overnight stays in cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Bali, and Ha Long Bay should also offer guests more venues for deeper, more meaningful cultural exchanges. The collection is meant to echo the brand’s ethos of slow, intentional travel, as well as its renewed focus on experiential immersion. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Explora-journeys-2-2240x2240.webp) *Photo: Explora Journeys* Beyond the region, meanwhile, Explora Journeys strengthens its global footprint with nearly 100 curated itineraries across 59 countries. Zeroing in on longer port calls, seasonal timing anchored on cherry blossoms and maple foliage, and destination-driven programming, the group continues to rethink what modern ocean luxury means. *More information [here](https://explorajourneys.com/int/en/find-your-journey?sortCriteria=%40sailfromdatetime%20ascending%2C%40priceperguest_doubleoccupancy_202%20ascending&cq=%40language%3D%3D%22en%22%20AND%20%40priceperguest_fullprice_doubleoccupancy_202%3E0%20).* ## The Most Complicated Audemars Piguet Pocket ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AP-3-2240x2240.webp) *Photo: RM Sotheby’s* Sotheby’s reveals a remarkable horological masterpiece this week. The legendary Audemars Piguet “Grosse Pièce,” regarded as the most complex AP pocket watch ever, is heading to auction. Long considered a pinnacle of early 20th-century haute horlogerie, the watch has resurfaced after more than 100 years in private collections. For collectors, it represents a fascinating blend of art, science, and rarity. Created over a century ago, this masterpiece features 18 complications, including a minute repeater, split-seconds chronograph, perpetual calendar, and a stunning astronomical display. Its celestial chart maps 315 stars and 18 constellations, as viewed from the night sky above London. The Grosse Pièce, in many ways, exemplifies the craftsmanship and astronomical precision that defined Audemars Piguet’s golden era. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AP-4-2240x2240.webp) *Photo: RM Sotheby’s* The Grosse Pièce’s reemergence marks a significant moment for the heritage-watch market and a highlight of this auction season. It also illuminates the legacy of Audemars Piguet as a maker deeply conversant with the cosmos, mathematics, acoustics, and artistry. The piece is expected to fetch between US$500,000 and US$1 million this December. Of course, we’re betting it’s going to be worth much, much more. *More information [here](https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2025/important-watches-2/grosse-piece-no-16869-an-extraordinary).* **Categories:** The Luxe Dispatch --- ### [Gold Rolexes, Purple Hublots: How This 26-Year-Old MotoGP Racer Built a Bonkers Watch Collection](https://robbreport.ph/watches/fabio-di-giannantonio-watch-collection/) **Published:** November 7, 2025 **Author:** Erik Shilling **Content:** In 2024, when Fabio Di Giannantonio made it to [MotoGP](https://www.motogp.com/)—the most prestigious motorcycle racing series in the world—he bought himself a watch to mark the occasion, and not just any watch: a [Rolex GMT-Master](https://robbreport.ph/watches/here-is-every-new-rolex-released-at-watches-and-wonders/ "Here Is Every New Rolex Released at Watches and Wonders") II that has always been one of his favorites. He added the watch to a collection that now has about a dozen timepieces, including several other Rolexes and watches from [Audemars Piguet](https://robbreport.ph/watches/audemars-piguet-gave-its-new-royal-oak-chronograph-a-light-touch-literally/ "Audemars Piguet Gave Its New Royal Oak Chronograph a Light Touch—Literally"), [Hublot](https://robbreport.ph/tag/hublot/ "hublot"), and [Breitling](https://robbreport.ph/tag/breitling/ "breitling"). “I always try to buy a watch for a reason,” he said. Di Giannantonio grew up in a “completely normal” family in Rome, where his father sold fish while harboring a passion for watches on the side. His father had an obsession for motorcycle racing, too, and Di Giannantonio was 6 when he got his first pocket bike. “When I was a kid, I was watching many, many races with my father,” he said. He started racing in a MotoGP rookie series when he was 16, and, by the time he was 20, he was racing in Moto2, the feeder series for the big show. Now in MotoGP, his ascent represents the fulfillment of a dream for his whole family. He travels the world to race for the VR46 Racing Team, an up-and-comer in a sport that is competitively ruthless. His dad stays at home and is locked in for every hour of every race in “full commitment,” as Di Giannantonio puts it. And then, off the track, there are the watches, a secondary pursuit that has, at the age of 26, already turned into a serious collection. The first watch he purchased was a Rolex Submariner Date at the end of 2019, not long after he turned 21. “It was a proud moment,” he said; he also bought his manager a Rolex, too, a black-and-blue GMT-Master II, nicknamed Batman. And that was just the beginning. ## Rolex Submariner Date ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Day0_DiGiannantonio_MotoGP_R11_Sachsenring_2025-37-e1758910012274.webp) *Photo: Moto GP* Di Giannantonio often wears his Rolex [Submariner](https://robbreport.ph/tag/submariner/ "submariner") Date. He also owns a red-and-blue GMT-Master II “Pepsi”; a steel Rolex Sky-Dweller with a blue dial; another white gold Rolex with diamonds on an Oysterflex bracelet; a full yellow gold Rolex [Daytona](https://robbreport.ph/tag/daytona/ "daytona") “Paul Newman” with a black dial; a steel [Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph](https://robbreport.ph/watches/audemars-piguet-gave-its-new-royal-oak-chronograph-a-light-touch-literally/ "Audemars Piguet Gave Its New Royal Oak Chronograph a Light Touch—Literally") with a green dial; a steel [TAG Heuer ](https://robbreport.ph/tag/tag-heuer/ "tag heuer")Monaco “Steve McQueen”; a steel Breitling Top Time, nicknamed “Zorro”; and an aluminum Hublot Big Bang Unico Summer Purple. ## Rolex GMT Master II ‘Pepsi’ ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/gmtmasteriipepsi-e1759516014382.webp) *Photo: Rolex* Di Giannantonio has a red-and-blue Rolex GMT-Master II, which is known as “Pepsi.” He has a story behind each of his watches, which he says is part of the fun of showing them off, in addition to the basic pleasures of owning something beautiful. He also makes a point of wearing them, and not collecting just to collect. “I collect them, and I really use them,” he said. ## Rolex Sky-Dweller ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/skydwellerblue-e1759515495265.webp) *Photo: Rolex* Di Giannantonio has a steel Rolex Sky-Dweller with a blue dial. He uses protective film on his watches so they don’t get marked up from use. “I treat them like babies,” he said, using a case for storage where they all must be in “perfect position.” In that way, he’s a little different from his father, who likes to obsess over materials and design, because, for Di Giannantonio, it’s more about aesthetics. ## Tag Heuer Monaco Steve McQueen ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/139675_DramaV2_UC321484.webp) *Photo: Phillips* Di Giannantonio’s collection includes a vintage “Steve McQueen” Heuer Monaco. There are a few other riders who enjoy watches almost as much as Di Giannantonio does, notably Fabio Quartararo, though Di Giannantonio said with a laugh that Quartararo—thought to be one of the highest-paid MotoGP riders—has tastes that run a little more expensive than his own. “I \[already\] spend too much on watches,” Di Giannantonio said. ## Rolex GMT-Master II ‘Root Beer’ ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Day0_DiGiannantonio_MotoGP_R15_Catalunya_2025-08-e1758909933269.webp) *Photo: Moto GP* Fabio Di Giannantonio wearing his Rolex GMT-Master II “Root Beer.” ## Rolex “Paul Newman” Daytona ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/rolexdaytonapaulnewman-e1759515445421.webp) *Photo: Rolex* Di Giannantonio has a full yellow gold Rolex “Paul Newman” Daytona with a black dial. ## Breitling Top Time ‘Zorro’ ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/breitlingtoptimezorr-e1759515397968.webp) *Photo: Breitling* The MotoGP rider has a Breitling Top Time “Zorro” reintroduced in 2020 and based on the ’60s original with the distinctive dial. ## Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/audemarspiguetroyaloakgreen-e1759515343647.webp) *Photo: Audemars Piguet* Giannantonio has an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph with a green dial. On his wishlist still: an Audemars Piguet Bamboo and an Audemars Piguet “Owl,” because he’d like to add a vintage watch or two to his collection. ## Hublot Big Bang Unico Summer Purple ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/big-bang-unico-summer-purple-lifestyle-shot_1-e1759515286133.webp) *Photo: Hublot* One of his more out-of-the-box choices is his eye-popping Hublot Big Bang Unico Summer Purple. ## TAG Heuer Aquaracer ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/TAG_Heuer_Aquaracer_Professional_200_Solograph_.webp) *Photo: TAG Heuer* His father kickstarted the habit, giving him a TAG Heuer Aquaracer when he turned 18 as a coming-of-age present and because he wanted to pass on his love for watches to his son. “He didn’t want to give me a big \[expensive\] watch,” Di Giannantonio said. “He wanted to give me a nice watch.” Di Giannantonio tries to measure watches in such moments, like when he gifted his father a watch that he long coveted, a Breitling Emergency, which has a built-in distress beacon. His father had always wanted it but could never afford it. “It was on his mind forever,” Di Giannantonio said. Last year, for Christmas, Di Giannantonio gave him a shoe box with the watch inside. His father thanked him for the shoes, before discovering the Breitling inside. “When he opened it,” Di Giannantonio said, “he closed it immediately and started to cry.” *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** audemars piguet, breitling, hublot, rolex, tag heuer, Watches --- ### [The 9 Best Steakhouses in the World, According to Michelin](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/the-9-best-steakhouses-in-the-world-according-to-michelin/) **Published:** November 7, 2025 **Author:** Jeremy Repanich **Content:** Across America, the [steakhouse](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/savoring-smith-amp-wollensky-steakhouse/ "Savoring Smith & Wollensky") has become an institution, a place where big slabs of beef are given the sheen of refined décor and service. They’re the kind of restaurant that’s able to meld an air of fine dining and comfort food. But for as much as Americans love steakhouses, [Michelin](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/michelin-guide-in-the-philippines-live-updates/ "A Night of Stars: The Complete List From the Michelin Guide Philippines") is very particular about the ones it will give its stamp of approval. After all, there are more Michelin three-starred restaurants in America than there are one-starred steakhouses in the entire world. The precursors to steakhouses as we know them today—chophouses—opened in London in the 1690s, catering more to a working-class clientele. They ventured across the pond to New York City with a similar aim, but in the U.S. there was also the “Beefsteak,” which were big meat-filled banquets that served the Big Apple’s upper crust. Eventually, the modern steakhouse was born in Gotham, with higher-quality cuts than a chophouse and diners of the same elevated social class as the Beefsteak attendees. Places like [The Old Homestead](https://www.theoldhomesteadsteakhouse.com/dinner-menu/) in Manhattan, which arrived in 1868, started popping up in the city. Eventually, they spread across the country and cities with meatpacking bonafides like Chicago established their owned steakhouse traditions too. While there’s a comfort to the classic steakhouse, plenty of proprietors have pushed the envelope by experimenting with aging, sourcing high-quality beef from around the world, incorporating global flavors, and playing with live-fire cooking. Michelin has taken notice, too. The gourmet bible has been handing out stars of late to steakhouses. Here are the eight around the world that the tire company has deemed “worthy of a stop.” ## Cote, New York City ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Cote-Las-Vegas-1.webp) *Photo: Cote Korean Steakhouse* We start in New York, where restaurateur Simon Kim and executive chef David Shim launched the Korean barbecue and American steakhouse mash-up that’s been imitated across the country. The restaurant (one of our 10 Best New Restaurants in America when it opened) has an in-house aging room and every table comes equipped with a smokeless grill where a server sears beef to perfection. Cote’s signature is the generous Butcher’s Feast that comes with an array of banchan, an egg souffle, and two stews to accompany a selection of four cuts of beef that include the diamond-cut galbi short rib. The meal is capped with a cup of soft serve and a soy caramel. *Cote website: * ## Cut by Wolfgang Puck, Singapore ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RR_Michelin_Steakhouses_Cut.webp) *Photo: Cut by Wolfgang Puck* While the ubiquitous celebrity chef no longer boasts a Michelin star at his flagship Cut in Beverly Hills, Wolfgang Puck’s global steakhouse empire still has the guide’s stamp of approval in Singapore. At the restaurant that’s held a star since 2016, chargrilled steaks are finished in a 1,200-degree broiler, while the famous onion rings are just as crispy as you’d hope. Beef connoisseurs will be seriously spoiled for choice thanks to Kagoshima bone-in craft Wagyu, coveted Japanese “Snow” beef from Hokkaido, and heritage breeds such as Red Poll and Longhorn. It’s also a reminder of the global reach this icon of the kitchen still has. *Cut website: * ## Kali, Los Angeles ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/kali-steak-los-angeles.webp) *Photo: Wonho Frank Lee* For nearly a decade, Kali served chef Kevin Meehan’s modern California cuisine, garnering a Michelin star for his tasting menu and a la carte fare. But this year Meehan reimagined the space and the offerings and leaned into a steakhouse suffused with a little old Hollywood glamour. The steakhouse staples are here from the wedge salad to the shrimp cocktail to the ample selection of beef. And so far Michelin has been willing to take this journey with Meehan and the team, acknowledging the remodel in the guide while this new incarnation of Kali retains its star. *Kali website: * ## A Cut Steakhouse, Taipei, Taiwan ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/acutsteakhousetaiwan_ribeye-1.webp) Photo : A Cut Steakhouse In the 2023 edition of Michelin’s Taiwan guide, A Cut Steakhouse, located inside the Ambassador Hotel Taipei, joined the ranks of more than 40 restaurants with a star on the island. Offering both a tasting menu and a la carte, the jewel of its prix fixe comes from one of California’s best beef purveyors: Flannery. Diners are given the choice of a bone-in ribeye, dry aged for 30 days or the same cut aged for 21 days with Islay scotch. The a la carte offerings include beef from America, Australia, and Japan, along with steakhouse classic sides like whipped potatoes, sauteed mushrooms, and a baked potato. *A Cut Steakhouse website: * ## Capa, Orlando, Fla. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RR_Michelin_Steakhouses_Capa.webp) *Photo: Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts* The Four Seasons Orlando is home to Capa up on the 17th floor; so, yes, there are views of Disney World’s fireworks show. But chef Malyna Si—the only female chef helming a Michelin-starred restaurant in Florida—does plenty to hold your attention to the table. This Spanish-influenced steakhouse starts diners with an assortment of tapas from croquetas with ham and caramelized onions to classic pan con tomate. Steaks are prepared over a hickory-fired grill with the restaurant’s Creekstone porterhouse arriving at the table with Capa steak sauce, salsa verde, and pickled shishitos, while the Platinum X Wagyu short rib from Texas enjoys a Rioja glaze. *Capa website: * ## Gwen, Los Angeles ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/dry-aged-steaks-photo-by-ray-kachatorian.webp) *Photo: Ray Kachatorian* Chef Curtis Stone closed his little jewel box of a Michelin-starred tasting menu restaurant in Beverly Hills, Maude, in 2024, and it looked like his Hollywood steakhouse would [shutter](https://la.eater.com/restaurant-closings/285075/michelin-starred-gwen-is-closing-in-hollywood-and-moving-to-the-westside) as well and relocate to a different part of Los Angeles. However, fans of the Michelin-starred destination for live-fire cooking expressed their support and Gwen will remain in its beautiful space that is also a high-end butcher shop. Named for Stone’s grandmother, Gwen’s menu includes an array of cuts from Creekstone Farms, including a 36-ounce ribeye that has been aged for 36 days. That big, beefy boy can ordered alongside some housemade charcuterie, lobster toast, duck fat potatoes, and octopus al pastor. *Gwen website: * ## Beefbar, Hong Kong ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RR_Michelin_Steakhouses_Beefbar.webp) *Photo: Beefbar* Monte Carlo-based Riccardo Giraudi Hospitality Concepts has dozens of restaurants worldwide, with the crown of the jewel being the steak-focused Beefbar, which has also spanned the globe, including a New York outlet that opened in the spring of 2024. Despite global acclaim their Hong Kong branch is the only one to have ever merited a Michelin star. Diners come for top-class cuts from farms in the U.S., Australia, Japan, Korea, and more. Their best seller is a ribeye cap, which the kitchen has developed a cooking technique where chefs broil the steak and then chargrill it to ensure that crust is king. Big spenders hit up the Hyogo Tajima filet from Kobe at a cool $120 per 3 oz. *Beefbar Hong Kong website:[ https://beefbar.com/hong-kong/](https://beefbar.com/hong-kong/)* ## Niku Steakhouse, San Francisco ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RR_Michelin_Steakhouses_Niku.webp) *Photo: Niku Steakhouse* Japanese Wagyu aficionados know that few spots can match the luxe Niku Steakhouse in San Francisco’s Design District. A 16-seat counter lets guests catch executive chef Dustin Falcon—formerly of the French Laundry—work his magic on both a binchotan charcoal and wood-fired yakiniku grills. World class Wagyu comes from Japan, Australia and the U.S., while a deep wine list features plenty of Napa and Sonoma selection alongside a deep bench of Burgundy and Bordeaux. The carnivorous offerings don’t stop with the main course, as a Wagyu fat browning with Wagyu fat caramel graces the dessert menu. *Niku Steakhouse website: * ## Cote, Miami ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Cote_miami.webp) *Photo: Andre Mathur* We finish as we started with Cote, this time down in Miami’s Design District. Unlike the New York flagship, the South Florida outpost is open for lunch with specials geared for the middle of the day. But just as in N.Y.C., proprietor Simon Kim and chef David Shim indulge in the finest beef—American Wagyu, A5 Japanese, and dry-aged USDA Prime—with delicious Korean accompaniments like kimchi Wagyu “paella,” fermented soy stew, and house-smoked crispy pork belly. If you’re going really big on the night, make sure to indulge in the Grand Plateau seafood tower, and the restaurant’s signature Steak and Eggs, where hand-cut filet mignon tartare caviar and toasted milk bread. Will we see more Cote outposts on future best steakhouse lists? That really depends on whether Michelin decides to go back to Las Vegas to rate Kim, Shim, and Co.’s new Cote at the Venetian. *Cote Miami website: * *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Dining, Food & Drink **Tags:** a cut steakhouse, beefbar, capa, cote, Dining, Food and Beverage, gwen, Michelin, niku steakhouse, steak, steakhouse --- ### [World's 50 Best Hotels 2025: The Best in the Art of Stay](https://robbreport.ph/travel/worlds-50-best-hotels-2025-the-best-in-the-art-of-stay/) **Published:** November 5, 2025 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** Luxury lingers in the scent of white tea on marble floors, the hush of linen against an ocean breeze, and especially in the intimacy of a service that feels almost telepathic. Every year, The World’s 50 Best Hotels celebrates the delicate mastery of places that transcend hospitality, becoming prime destinations of memory, architecture, and art among its most discerning guests. At the top of this year’s list sits [Rosewood Hong Kong](https://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/hong-kong). Crowned The World’s Best Hotel 2025, it’s a deserving return to the summit for Asia, and certainly a triumph of design as diplomacy. Towering over Victoria Harbour, the Rosewood distills the city’s contradictions into a hotel experience that feels as contemporary as it is timeless. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/rosewood-hotels-hk-2240x2240.webp) Rosewood Hong Kong was designed by the world-renowned architecture firm Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF). *Photo: KPF* ## A New Lexicon of Luxury Spanning 22 countries and 32 cities, the 2025 list reads like a cartography of modern indulgence. The perennial European heavyweights—Passalacqua on Lake Como, Le Bristol and Hôtel de Crillon in Paris, Claridge’s and The Connaught in London—still exude the kind of grandeur that has long defined the old-world lexicon of luxury. But what’s most fascinating this year is the continued rise of Asia and the Middle East, now fully cemented as the vanguard of contemporary hospitality. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/mandarin-hotel-bangkok-2240x2240.webp) The Mandarin Hotel Bangkok was the first hotel (then known as The Oriental) built in Thailand in 1876. *Photo: Wikimedia Commons* The Philippines’ next-door neighbor, Bangkok, in particular, continues its remarkable streak, with Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River and Capella Bangkok taking the second and third spots, respectively, joined by the ever-iconic [Mandarin Oriental Bangkok](https://robbreport.ph/travel/here-are-the-hotels-in-asia-awarded-with-three-michelin-keys/ "Here Are the Hotels in Asia Awarded With Three Michelin Keys") at seventh. These properties have come to redefine the city’s relationship with its natural environment, transforming the Chao Phraya into a corridor of serenity and design innovation. It’s the kind of elegant arms race that benefits travelers most. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/royal-the-atlantis-2240x2240.webp) Atlantis The Royal in the evening. *Photo: Pexels* Then there’s Dubai with the shimmering Atlantis The Royal at sixth place, making its dazzling debut. When we think of the hotel, we see an ode to spectacle and scale where architectural bravado meets meticulous detailing. Fellow Dubai newcomer The Lana, on the other hand, proves that subtlety can coexist with excess, embracing warm minimalism in contrast to its more flamboyant peers. Elsewhere in the Middle East we get [Royal Mansour in Marrakech](https://robbreport.ph/travel/best-of-the-best-2025-travel/ "Best of the Best 2025: Travel") at 13th, which remains the embodiment of hand-crafted Moroccan luxury, punctuated by its medina-inspired courtyards echoing the very soul of the city. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/marakesh-2240x2240.webp) *Photo: Royal Mansour* More than design or cuisine, we’ve seen, too, that the world’s best hotels today emphasize consciousness. Singita – Kruger National Park (No. 40) continues to be a benchmark for ecological immersion, while Soneva Fushi (No. 28) in the Maldives proves yet again that sustainability and sophistication can share the same space. Even the grande dames of luxury are evolving. Raffles Singapore (No. 5) feels freshly reborn after its meticulous restoration while The Upper House in Hong Kong (No. 10) has become the pinnacle of urban serenity. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/soneva-fushi-2240x2240.webp) Overwater villas at Soneva Fushi are among the most sought-after stays in the world. *Photo: Soneva* ## New Entrants and the Evolution of Taste Among the many surprises for this year are the strong performances of relative newcomers like Desa Potato Head in Bali at the 18th spot, The Emory in London at 32, and [Bulgari Roma](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/design/a-peek-at-the-craftsmanship-of-the-bulgari-hotel-in-rome/ "A Peek at the Craftsmanship of the Bulgari Hotel in Rome") at 22. Their success hints at a broader narrative, where the future of luxury creatively marries heritage and reinvention. In Desa Potato Head’s case, sustainability becomes not just a virtue but a visual language. Its architecture, which is actually crafted from reclaimed brick and concrete, frames Bali’s sunsets like living art, while its zero-waste philosophy challenges traditional definitions of indulgence. The Calile in Brisbane at number 34 continues this shift toward “urban resort” living, blurring the line between leisure and locality with terracotta-toned serenity. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/janu-tokyo-2240x2240.webp) *Photo: Janu* Japan, likewise, cements its dominance in design-driven hospitality. Bulgari Tokyo, Aman Tokyo, Janu Tokyo, and The Tokyo Edition Toranomon all made it to the top 50. Each hotel beautifully showcases a different facet of Japanese precision, one that marries modernity with meditative restraint. Together, they form a constellation of calm in the world’s busiest metropolis. Europe, for its part, surprises with its quiet introspection. The Hôtel du Couvent in Nice (No. 27), a converted 17th-century convent, exudes the kind of spiritual minimalism that contrasts sharply with the grandeur of Parisian landmarks. In Italy, Hotel Il Pellicano (No. 26) and Bulgari Roma trade marble for mood, offering a subtler, more cinematic form of coastal glamour. Here is the full list: 1. Rosewood Hong Kong, Hong Kong 2. Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River, Bangkok, Thailand 3. Capella Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand 4. Passalacqua, Lake Como, Italy 5. Raffles Singapore, Singapore 6. Atlantis The Royal, Dubai, UAE 7. Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand 8. Chablé Yucatán, Chocholá, Mexico 9. Four Seasons Firenze, Florence, Italy 10. The Upper House, Hong Kong 11. Copacabana Palace, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 12. Capella Sydney, Sydney, Australia 13. Royal Mansour, Marrakech, Morocco 14. Mandarin Oriental Qianmen, Beijing, China 15. Bulgari Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan 16. Claridge’s, London, UK 17. Four Seasons Astir Palace, Athens, Greece 18. Desa Potato Head, Bali, Indonesia 19. Le Bristol, Paris, France 20. Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, Dubai, UAE 21. Cheval Blanc Paris, Paris, France 22. Bulgari Roma, Rome, Italy 23. Hôtel de Crillon, Paris, France 24. Rosewood São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil 25. Aman Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan 26. Hotel Il Pellicano, Porto Ercole, Italy 27. Hôtel du Couvent, Nice, France 28. Soneva Fushi, Maldives 29. The Connaught, London, UK 30. La Mamounia, Marrakech, Morocco 31. Raffles London at The OWO, London, UK 32. The Emory, London, UK 33. Maroma, Riviera Maya, Mexico 34. The Calile, Brisbane, Australia 35. The Lana, Dubai, UAE 36. Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, Monaco 37. Janu Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan 38. The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, India 39. One&Only Mandarina, Riviera Nayarit, Mexico 40. Singita – Kruger National Park, South Africa 41. Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, Hong Kong 42. Hotel Bel-Air, Los Angeles, USA 43. The Mark, New York, USA 44. Las Ventanas al Paraíso, Los Cabos, Mexico 45. The Tokyo Edition Toranomon, Tokyo, Japan 46. Hotel The Mitsui, Kyoto, Japan 47. Estelle Manor, Witney, UK 48. Grand Park Hotel Rovinj, Rovinj, Croatia 49. Hotel Sacher Vienna, Vienna, Austria 50. Mandapa – A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Bali, Indonesia **Categories:** Travel **Tags:** atlantis the royal, luxury travel --- ### [The 16 Coolest New Watches That Dropped in October](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-16-coolest-new-watches-that-dropped-in-october/) **Published:** November 5, 2025 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** Many of us have started winding down for the year, but not the world’s top watchmakers. Quite the contrary, they wound up presenting well over 25 timepieces this month. (More if you count small aesthetic upgrades.) October had so many new watch releases, in fact, that we had to cut some of the less important ones from this list for the sake of brevity. Some brands entered into bold new horological territory. [Richard Mille](https://robbreport.ph/tag/richard-mille/ "richard mille") dropped a world timer with an ingenious time-zone setting mechanism. Urwerk revealed a watch that measures the distances our planet travels across the time-space continuum. Audemars Piguet rolled out the first [Royal Oak](https://robbreport.ph/watches/audemars-piguet-gave-its-new-royal-oak-chronograph-a-light-touch-literally/ "Audemars Piguet Gave Its New Royal Oak Chronograph a Light Touch—Literally") with a flyback chronograph and a flying tourbillon. Last but certainly not least, Hublot and Daniel Arsham released a titanium sculpture for the wrist with a splash-shaped sapphire dial. Other brands gave existing models a twist with new techniques and materials. Ulysse Nardin decked out the Freak S in blue and red enamel, Panerai presented the Luminor in sandblasted black ceramic, and Cartier finally delivered the titanium Santos that collectors have been waiting for. In a similar vein, [Louis Vuitton revived its first wristwatch](https://robbreport.ph/watches/how-louis-vuitton-is-reviving-its-coveted-monterey-watch-from-the-1980s/ "How Louis Vuitton Is Reviving Its Coveted Monterey Watch From the 1980s") with a fresh design and new movement, Vacheron Constantin reimagined the Grand Lady Kalla with colored stones, and TAG Heuer gave the Carrera Chronograph Extreme Sports an upgrade with rose gold and a GMT complication. And that’s just scratching the surface. Below are the best watch releases of the month. ## Hublot MP-17 MECA-10 Arsham Splash Titanium Sapphire ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/hublot-mp-17-meca-10-arsham-splash-titanium-sapphire.webp) *Photo: Hublot* Daniel Arsham is at it again. The American artist, who is known for collaborating with luxury brands such as Porsche, Dior, Tiffany & Co., and Rimowa, has unveiled another watch with Hublot. As with the previous MP-16 Arsham Droplet pocket watch, the new MP-17 Meca-10 Arsham Splash Titanium Sapphire—it’s a mouthful, we know—was inspired by organic, fluid forms found in nature. At the center of a round 42 mm titanium case lies a splash-shaped sapphire dial that spotlights various components of the in-house Meca-10 manual movement. The iconic “Arsham Green” can be found on the hands, markers, and numerals, adding another arty element to the piece. “This collaboration with Hublot explores the fluidity of time through a case inspired by the perfect geometry of a water droplet, crafted using Hublot’s Meca-10 movement,” Arsham said in a statement. “The watch’s transparent structure captures the clarity and motion of water, suspended, precise, and always in flux.” The watch is limited to only 99 pieces, with price upon request. ## Audemars Piguet Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Chronograph RD#5 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/audemars-piguet-royal-oak-jumbo-extra-thin-selfwinding-flying-tourbillon-chronograph-rd-5.webp) *Photo: Audemars Piguet* [Audemars Piguet](https://robbreport.ph/tag/audemars-piguet/ "audemars piguet")’s Research and Development department debuted another watch at the bleeding edge of horology this month. Five years in the making, the newcomer—we’ll just call it RD#5 to keep things easy—is the first Royal Oak to combine a flyback chronograph with a flying tourbillon. It also features a new movement (Caliber 8100) with a reimagined reset mechanism and chrono pushers that are as easy to press as the buttons on an iPhone. AP has managed to squeeze all that innovation into a titanium “Jumbo” case that is actually a relatively small 38 mm. The integrated bracelet, crown, and caseback are also titanium and incorporate high-tech bulk metallic glass (BMG) for lightness, durability, and brilliance. The RD#5 also has the AP signature in cursive, as well as a Petite Tapisserie dial, “bathtub” hands and hour markers, dual chronograph registers at 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock, and that spectacular flying tourbillon at 6 o’clock. The watch retails for 260,000 Swiss francs, or about $325,000. ## Cartier Santos de Cartier Titanium ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Cartier-Santos-de-Cartier-Titanium.webp) *Photo: Cartier* [Cartier](https://robbreport.ph/tag/cartier/ "cartier") decided to reimagine an icon of 20th-century horology in the metal of 21st-century watchmaking, unveiling the classic Santos de Cartier in hardwearing titanium. Created for pilot [Alberto Santos-Dumont](https://robbreport.ph/watches/taylor-swift-got-engaged-while-wearing-a-cartier-santos-demoiselle/ "Taylor Swift Got Engaged While Wearing a Cartier Santos Demoiselle") in 1904, the original Santos was designed to be both practical in flight and stylish on the wrist. The newest iteration also balances form and function, retaining the elegant, square-shaped design while incorporating a material that is both lighter and stronger than steel. Both the 39.8 mm case and interchangeable bracelet are made of matte, bead-blasted titanium and contrasted by a white dial and black spinel crown. The movement remains unchanged, with the in-house automatic 1847 MC caliber providing a 40-hour power reserve and a date function. The sports watch will be available starting November 1 for $11,500. ## Breitling x Wempe Navitimer B02 Chronograph 41 Cosmonaute ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/breitling-x-wempe-navitimer-b02-chronograph-41-cosmonaute.webp) *Photo: Breitling/Wempe* Another month, another Wempe collab. The German luxury watch retailer, known for working with the likes of [Chopard](https://robbreport.ph/tag/chopard/ "chopard"), [Parmigiani Fleurier](https://robbreport.ph/tag/parmigiani/ "parmigiani"), [Girard-Perregaux](https://robbreport.ph/tag/girard-perregaux/ "girard-perregaux"), and Ulysse Nardin, has teamed up with Breitling to create a limited-edition reimagined Navitimer B02 Chronograph 41 Cosmonaute featuring a 41 mm steel case, a striking green dial with a 24-hour scale in Super-LumiNova “Old Radium,” gold-plated hands, and a brown alligator strap. It is also engraved with “Wempe Signature Collection” and “One of 50” on the caseback. Beyond aesthetics, the in-house, hand-wound 02 caliber offers an impressive 70-hour power reserve, a chronograph, date display, and logarithmic slide rule. It’ll cost you $10,100. ## Hermès Arceau On Air! ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/hermes-arceau-on-air-.webp) *Photo: Hermes* How do you celebrate the opening of a new boutique? Drop a new watch—that’s what [Hermès](https://robbreport.ph/watches/hermes-le-temps-suspendu-when-time-stands-still/ "Hermès Le Temps Suspendu: When Time Stands Still") did, anyway. The French maison unveiled a limited edition this month to celebrate its first location in Nashville, Tennessee. Part of the storied Arceau line, the new On Air! pays homage to Music City with a miniature painting of four guitars on the dial. Designed by artist Carine Brancowitz, the incredibly detailed, brightly colored quartet stands in front of a sapphire background that looks like a vinyl record. The in-house H1912 movement drives the hands over the guitars and the grooves of the record, adding movement to the music-themed tableau. The On Air! is presented in two colorways—blue and red—with only two numbered pieces available of each for $69,800 a pop. ## H. Moser Streamliner Tourbillon Pierre Gasly ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/HMoser-Streamliner-Tourbillon-Pierre-Gasly.webp) *Photo: H. Moser* Pierre Gasly may currently be 18th in the Formula 1 standings, but he is front and center at H. Moser. The Swiss watchmaker has designed two limited-edition [Streamliner tourbillons](https://h-moser.com/pg10-x-hmc/) with the Alpine driver to commemorate his career on the track. Gasly is said to have “shaped every detail,” selecting textures, colors, and materials. The chocolate fumé dial, for example, reflects his preference for understated tones. Both 40 mm pieces are crafted in 5N red gold and feature the HMC 805 automatic caliber with a flying tourbillon at 6 o’clock. The sport-chic edition ($98,500) is presented on a chocolate rubber strap, while the collector’s edition ($148,500) has a gold bracelet and a ruby at 10 o’clock in a nod to Pierre’s racing number. The latter is limited to, you guessed it, 10 examples. ## Louis Vuitton Monterey ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Louis-Vuitton-monterey.webp) *Photo: Louis Vuitton* [Louis Vuitton gave collectors a blast from the past](https://robbreport.ph/watches/how-louis-vuitton-is-reviving-its-coveted-monterey-watch-from-the-1980s/ "How Louis Vuitton Is Reviving Its Coveted Monterey Watch From the 1980s") in October, taking its first wristwatch from the 1980s into the present day with a new model called the [Monterey](https://us.louisvuitton.com/eng-us/products/louis-vuitton-monterey-automatic-39mm-yellow-gold-nvprod6260229v/W0YG11). The limited edition takes design cues from the LV I and LV II that the French fashion house debuted in 1988. Created by Italian designer and architect Gae Aulenti, these references—nicknamed Monterey as a nod to the English pronunciation of *montre* (French for “watch”)—were reminiscent of vintage pocketwatches, but they offered world time, G.M.T., and date display (LV I) or date and time plus an alarm function (LV II). The newcomer showcases the same pebble-like, lugless case and 12 o’clock crown as its predecessors, as well as a classic white grand feu enamel dial with red and blue railroad minute tracks, black Arabic indices, and the signature skeletonized-syringe hands in red lacquer. The insides are dramatically different, though: The two originals were powered by quartz movements, while the modern successor is equipped with an automatic calibre (LFTMA01.02) produced in-house at La Fabrique du Temps. The Monterey is also only offered in yellow gold, whereas the LV I and LV II also came in white gold and black or green ceramic. Limited to 188 pieces, the Monterey retails for $53,000. ## Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/omega-speedmaster-dark-side-of-the-moon-grey-side-of-the-moon.webp) *Photo: Omega* It’s one small announcement from Omega, one giant win for Speedmaster lovers. The Swiss watchmaker revealed no less than seven new versions of the Speedmaster [Dark Side of the Moon](https://www.omegawatches.com/en-gb/watches/speedmaster/dark-side-of-the-moon/catalog) this month. The latest iterations of the ceramic Speedy showcase slimmer profiles, improved Co-Axial calibers, and fresh dial designs. Our pick is the “Grey Side of the Moon.” Inspired by the observation Jim Lovell made during the Apollo 8 mission in 1968 that the Moon’s surface is “essentially gray,” the piece features a laser-ablated lunar surface that is visible through the open-worked gray dial, the skeletonized Calibre 3869 movement, and the sapphire caseback. It is a slightly lighter take on the otherwise very dark Speedy. Even lighter is the new Speedmaster Milano Cortina ($6,800) that [Omega](https://robbreport.ph/tag/omega/ "Omega") just released in honor of the Winter Olympics. ## Panerai Luminor GMT Ceramica ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Panerai-Luminor-GMT-Ceramica.webp) *Photo: Panerai* The [Panerai](https://robbreport.ph/tag/panerai/ "panerai") Luminor has, ironically, gone very dark. The iconic sports watch, originally developed for the Italian Navy to ensure telling the time was possible in the dark, has been released in sandblasted black ceramic for the first time. The new [Luminor GMT Ceramica](https://www.panerai.com/gb/en/collections/watch-collection/luminor/pam01460-luminor-gmt-ceramica.html) (PAM01460) is also smaller than other models in the line, with a cushion case that measures 40 mm rather than the standard 44 or 47 mm. The dial is in the signature sandwich-style, with a black sunburst finish over a white Super-LumiNova X2 plate. Super-LumiNova is also used on the markers and hands, so no need to worry about legibility even with all that black. You can clearly see the hours, minutes, seconds, date, and, of course, the second time zone. Flip it over, and the smoked sapphire caseback gives a view of the Caliber P.900/GMT automatic movement. The black beauty is priced at $15,800. ## Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Sport Chronograph Longhorn ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/parmigiani-fleurier-tonda-pf-sport-chronograph-longhorn.webp) *Photo: Parmigiani Fleurier* [Parmigiani](https://robbreport.ph/tag/parmigiani/ "parmigiani") Fleurier’s latest release is the watchmaking equivalent of a touchdown. Created in collaboration with the [Forty First Foundation](https://41st.org/), the [limited edition](https://www.parmigiani.com/en/stories/two-worlds-one-spirit/) pays homage to the University of Texas and its beloved Longhorn team. The watch is a riff on the Tonda PF Sport Chronograph that debuted in 2023, with a few special touches in honor of the ‘Horns. The silver dial is accented with UT Austin’s iconic orange, while the 42 mm caseback is engraved with the Longhorn logo. It is limited to just 50 examples, with 40 pieces in stainless steel and 10 in rose gold. This marks the first time the Tonda PF Sport has been offered in both metals with an integrated bracelet. (Each watch also comes with two rubber straps in cream and orange.) Proceeds from the sale of the limited edition will help the aforementioned non-profit support the university. To reserve your piece, contact UTPFwatch@41st.org. ## Richard Mille RM 63-02 Automatic Worldtimer ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/richard-mille-rm-63-02-automatic-worldtimer-.webp) *Photo: Richard Mille* Richard Mille’s latest release is quite literally a fresh spin on the world timer. Unlike traditional versions that require a crown or pushers to adjust the time, the new [RM 63-02 Automatic Worldtimer](https://www.richardmille.com/historical-models/rm-63-02-automatic-worldtimer) uses a rotating bezel. The wearer can select a city with a simple twist to instantly enter the desired time zone. The ingenious mechanism simultaneously adjusts the local time to that of the destination at 12 o’clock and updates the time for the 23 other cities on the bezel. That means the wearer can instantly determine the local time at any desired spot. The RM 63-02 is hefty at a round 47 mm case in 5N red gold, and also comes with a titanium caseband, a red gold bezel, and a white elastomer strap. It also features a sapphire dial that offers glimpses of the in-house automatic Caliber CRMA4. The piece is limited to 100 pieces, with price available upon request. ## TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Extreme Sport ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/tag_heuer_carrera_extreme_sport_push.webp) *Photo: TAG Heuer* TAG Heuer dropped not one but three Carreras this month. The trio is part of the Extreme Sport series that the Swiss watchmaker unveiled in 2024. These models put an extreme spin on the classic 1960s race watch, incorporating skeletonised dials, hefty cases, and dizzying mechanics. The latest additions include a [rose-gold chronograph](https://www.tagheuer.com/us/en/timepieces/collections/tag-heuer-carrera/44-mm-th20-00/CBU2051.FT6273.html) ($22,650), a [limited-edition tourbillon](https://www.tagheuer.com/us/en/timepieces/collections/tag-heuer-carrera/44-mm-th20-09-cosc/CBU5051.FT6272.html) celebrating the 75th anniversary of Formula 1 ($46,00), and a [Twin-Time chronograph](https://www.tagheuer.com/bg/en/timepieces/collections/tag-heuer-carrera/44-mm-th20-02/CBU2084.FT6297.html) ($9,300) with an additional GMT complication and a TAG-first, dual-color ceramic bezel. At least one reference comes racer-approved, too: Max Verstappen wore the F1-themed Extreme Sport while celebrating his win at the United States Grand Prix. ## Urwerk UR-10 SpaceMeter ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Urwerk-UR-10-SpaceMeter.webp) *Photo: Urwerk* Urwerk’s newest release may look rather simple—at least by Urwerk standards—but don’t let that fool you. The aptly named [UR-10 SpaceMeter](https://www.urwerk.com/collections/ur-special-projects/ur-10-spacemeter) measures the distances our planet travels across the time-space continuum. The counter at 2 o’clock shows every 10 km the Earth covers in its daily rotation, the subdial at 4 o’clock indicates every 1,000 km the Earth travels on its solar orbit, and the register at 9 o’clock combines both trajectories to display every 1,000 km of rotation and 64,000 km of solar orbit on two synchronized scales. On the back of the case, a peripheral hand traces the hours on a 24-hour scale to reflect the full rotation of the Earth. Nothing simple about that. The 45 mm titanium timepiece is offered with a black or gray PVD dial, with only 25 of each available for $94,000 a pop. ## Vacheron Constantin Grand Lady Kalla ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Vacheron-Constantin-Grand-Lady-Kalla-2025.webp) *Photo: Vacheron Constantin* Vacheron Constantin brought the frost in October, adding three new gem-set beauties to the Kallista series of high jewelry watches. VC unveiled the original Kallista in 1979, with the $5 million one-off taking the title of the most expensive watch at that time. It presented several Kalla variations over the subsequent years, before releasing the Grand Lady Kalla as a watch and necklace combo in 2024. The three newest iterations of the [Grand Lady Kalla](https://www.vacheron-constantin.com/gb/en/watches/exceptional-timepieces/grand-lady-kalla.html) introduce colored stones: the two white-gold models are adorned with 49.72 carats of sapphires or 49.85 carats of rubies, respectively, while the platinum option is dripping with 35.72 carats of emeralds. Each model also showcases 39.4 carats of diamonds across a fully gem-set watch, a jewel piece, a three-row rivière-style bracelet, and a sautoir necklace. All pieces can be interchanged, adding extra versatility. Price upon request, naturally. ## Ulysse Nardin Freak S Enamel ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Ulysse-Nardin-Freak-S-Enamel-Red_cc263c.webp) *Photo: Ulysse Nardin* Ulysse Nardin is on an enameling hot streak: The Swiss watchmaker recently showcased the centuries-old technique on a Freak X, and now it’s doing the same on a Freak S. The two new limited editions feature enamel discs in either vibrant [turquoise blue](https://www.ulysse-nardin.com/en-gb/watches/freak/2513-500le-3ae-tur-3a) or [deep ruby red](https://www.ulysse-nardin.com/en-gb/watches/freak/2513-500le-6ae-red-3a), adding even more pizzazz to the already striking 45 mm behemoth. As with all Freaks, the S has no hands, no dial, and no crown, but rather the signature flying carousel complication that displays the time via the rotating movement. The S also houses myriad innovations, including a double oscillator and the world’s smallest mechanical differential. Each new edition is limited to 50 examples and has a retail price of 153,000 Swiss francs, or about $192,000. ## Glashütte Original Senator Meissen ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/glashutte-original-senator-meissen.webp) *Photo: Glashütte Original* Glashütte Original went patriotic and pretty in October, releasing a trio of limited-edition watches created in collaboration with fellow German brand and noted porcelain maker Meissen. The three [Senator Meissen](https://www.glashuette-original.com/en/watches/senator/senator-meissen-1-36-16-01-05-01/) timepieces feature, you guessed it, hand-painted porcelain dials in various shades and designs. The first two variants showcase Meissen’s ornamental “Mystic Maison” pattern on white and green, respectively. The third (pictured) features a collage with flower and animal motifs from the house’s iconic “Dekorwelten” crater vase. All three references have 40 mm red-gold cases, solid gold hands, alligator straps, and the in-house Caliber 36. The Mystic Maison White and Green models are each limited to 150 pieces worldwide ($30,300), while the Collage edition is limited to just eight pieces globally ($36,400). *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US*. **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** cartier, hermes, hublot, Vacheron Constantin, Watches --- ### [The 50 Greatest Sports Cars of the 21st Century](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-50-greatest-sports-cars-of-the-21st-century/) **Published:** November 5, 2025 **Author:** Erik Shilling **Content:** Sports cars are famously undefinable, encompassing a broad array of roadsters, four-door cars, coupes, [grand tourers](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/best-of-the-best-2025-wheels/ "Best of the Best 2025: Wheels"), [supercars](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-18-best-new-supercars-of-2025-2/ "The 18 Best New Supercars of 2025"), and even some straight-up race cars. Power, or lack thereof, is not a useful metric because a Mazda Miata is a sports car, and so is a [Porsche](https://robbreport.ph/tag/porsche/ "porsche") 918 Spyder, but not a Bugatti Veyron, which is a hypercar. Space isn’t a useful metric either, since many sports cars have more than two seats; price might be an even worse guide. What a sports car is, instead, is primarily a vibe: Chevy Corvettes and [Porsche 911s](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-porsche-911-gts-is-the-hybrid-youve-been-searching-for/ "The Porsche 911 GTS is The Hybrid You’ve Been Searching For") are the archetypal sports cars, and almost every modern sports car can trace its roots there. Defining the greatest sports cars ever made presents a deeper challenge, inviting a certain degree of madness. We think the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL is the best that’s ever been done, for example, unless it’s the McLaren F1, or the Acura NSX. For this list, we’ve selected the greatest of this millennium, an era when supercars became the new sports cars and hypercars became the new supercars. Porsche, not surprisingly, has the biggest presence of any manufacturer on the list, with [Ferrari](https://robbreport.ph/tag/ferrari/ "Ferrari") and [Lamborghini](https://robbreport.ph/tag/lamborghini/ "lamborghini") tied for a distant second. Likewise, other German and Italian automakers are well-represented, along with American, Japanese, French, Austrian, and British manufacturers. There are no Korean automakers on this list, but given their ambitions, we don’t expect that to remain the case for long. A panel of 10 experts voted, selecting from a long list of over 100 cars, with *Robb Report* editors refining the rankings to produce the final product you see below. The top four cars were unanimously selected by the panel. Some notable cars that didn’t make the cut include the Lamborghini Huracán Performante, the BMW 3.0 CSL, the Cadillac CTS-V, the Venturi Fétish, and several versions of the Porsche 911. Perhaps because it’s undefinable, sports cars will probably always have a place in the landscape of new automobiles, even as internal combustion engines head for the exits and all-electric cars becoming increasingly the norm, such has been sports cars’ continuing enduring appeal. And, still, the easiest way for any manufacturer, new or old, to make a big splash is to create a new sports car that’s undeniable. — *Erik Shilling* ## 50. Volkswagen R32 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Volkswagen-Golf_R32-e1760562707566.webp) *Photo: Volkswagen* A stroke of brilliance occurred in 2005 when Volkswagen added the R32 V6 to its Golf model lineup. In 2007, it came stateside as a three-door (two doors plus a hatchback) model with a limited production run of 5,000 examples, and was available only through 2008. Sporty but understated—no spoilers or boy-racer nonsense—it’s powered by a 247 hp, 3.2-liter V-6 engine, is shifted through a dual-clutch automatic gearbox, and features all-wheel drive. While not as powerful as some of the contemporary competition, it’s a competent and luxurious little coupe that was popular then and has become a hot collectible today. — *Robert Ross* ## 49. KTM X-Bow ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/KTM-X-Bow-e1760562486868.webp) *Photo: KTM* There were tons of startup sports car manufacturers in the years before the Great Recession, all of them fantastically extravagant. It should be little surprise that the KTM X-Bow came out just as the bubble was about to burst, debuting only a few months before Lehman Brothers went bankrupt. With the driver almost totally exposed in the carbon fiber chassis, these trackday specials were hyperminimal and almost completely unconcerned with practicality. About as close to a motorcycle as possible, they came from Austrian bike manufacturer KTM. — *Raphael Orlove* ## 48. Lamborghini Murciélago LP-640 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/20-w-2008-Lamborghini-Murcielago-LP640-Roadster_1241817.webp) *Photo: RM Sotheby’s* The Murciélago has never been subtle. Everything about the Diablo’s successor connoted “industrial strength,” from the hand feel of the shifter to the heft of the clutch pedal. Most examples, however, were equipped with the electronic paddle-shift e-Gear system, antithetical to the persona of Lamborghini’s last, great old-school supercar. The suspension was more supple than one had a right to expect, because really, the LP640 was all about its 6.5-liter, naturally aspirated V12 engine that produced 640 hp and revved gloriously to 8,000 rpm. Just under 4,000 examples of all Murciélago variants were made from 2002 to 2010, with the LP-640 and LP-640 Roadster built from 2006 until the end of the model run. — *RR* ## 47. Alfa Romeo 4C ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/alfa-romeo-4c-e1761073992251.webp) *Photo: AJ Mueller* Alfa Romeo’s 4C Coupé was unveiled in 2013 and built at the Maserati factory in Modena through 2019. A Spyder version was introduced in 2015 and made until 2020, when the 4C took a final bow. With only about 9,100 units made, the 4C has since become a very collectible piece of Alfa Romeo history. Its construction was as exotic as any supercar’s, featuring a monocoque tub, with carbon fiber body panels to keep the car’s weight below 2,500 pounds. The mid-engine, rear-wheel drive layout used a 1.75-liter, turbocharged inline-4 engine that made 237 hp and shifted brilliantly through a 6-speed, twin-clutch automatic transmission. A curb weight of just 2,487 lbs made the 4C one of the most brilliant-handling sports cars ever. — *RR* ## 46. Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/amg-gtblackseries-e1760562178115.webp) *Photo: Mercedes – Benz – Global Communications* When AMG started tuning its tuner cars with the Black Series, it only had already-existing Mercedes models to work with. They were fantastic, but always a little compromised. The Mercedes-AMG GT was the first car designed from the ground up by AMG, and the resulting Black Series was a monster. It’s a front-engine sports car that will break 200 mph. Unhinged. — *RO* ## 45. Porsche 718 GT4 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/2021Porsche718CaymanGT4.webp) *Photo: Porsche* The original Boxster was a [brilliant turn for Porsche](https://robbreport.ph/cars/every-porsche-boxster-ranked/ "Every Porsche Boxster, Ranked"), taking the company back to something small and retro. Being fast wasn’t as important as being fun. But Porsche is a company of hot rodders, and couldn’t leave it alone, steadily ramping up performance. Even so, the 2019 718 GT4 was a shock with a 4.0-liter flat six. The junior car had gotten seriously adult. It made sense. The 718 of the 2010s had gotten about as big as a 911 of the 1990s. — *RO* ## 44. Porsche 992 S/T ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/porsche911st-e1760561930115.webp) *Photo: Porsche* The S/T is an interesting sidebar in the history of the 911. First, Porsche made all of its GT3 911s more and more extreme. Then it backed them off with the R and then the Touring. And then it ramped them back up again with the S/T, sharp and loud and raw to drive, just without the look-at-me stripes and wings you don’t really need on a back road. Of the latter 911s, this might be Goldilocks. — *RO* ## 43. Aston Martin DB9 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/aston-martin-db9-e1761071118457.webp) *Photo: Sean Gallup* The DB9 ushered [Aston Martin](https://robbreport.ph/tag/aston-martin/ "aston martin") into the 21st century. A fresh design by Ian Callum and Henrik Fisker, it was initially powered by a 450 hp, 5.9-liter V-12 engine that grew in output over the model’s 12-year run. It was the *Robb Report* 2005 Car of the Year winner for good reason, establishing an entirely new design language for the marque that is still evident in the current models. It was also a modern car—not an adaptation of Jaguar’s XK-8, as was its predecessor, the DB7. About 16,500 were made from 2004 through 2016, with the Volante convertible appearing in 2005. Today, these are about the best bargain in the pre-owned exotic arena. — *RR* ## 42. Ford GT (2016) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/gtmkii.webp) *Photo: Bonhams* Ford’s GT is perhaps the most significant American GT race car of the 21st century, winning its class at Le Mans in 2016, 50 years after the Blue Oval’s first overall victory with the Ford GT40. Purpose-built and not long on luxury, its design featured lots of lightweight carbon fiber and a compact 3.5-liter aluminum V-6 that was developed in tandem with Ford’s F-150 Raptor pickup. The first Ford GTs made 647 hp at 6,250 rpm in street trim—upped to 660 hp for 2020—with 550 lbs-ft of torque at 5,900 rpm through a Getrag 7-speed dual-clutch transaxle. The “truck engine that won Le Mans” gave the GT a top speed of 216 mph, with a sub-three-second zero-to-60 time. — *RR* ## 41. TVR Sagaris ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/TVR-Sagaris-2004-e1760561644551.webp) *Photo: Bonhams* When TVR was jamming huge engines into dainty little sports cars in the 1960s, it was standard practice. There were plenty of Shelby Cobras and Sunbeam Tigers to make it seem normal. By the mid-2000s, that kind of context had changed. TVR had become more than a little extreme, and it leaned in with the Sagaris. It was as wild to look at as it was to drive, a celebration of TVR’s straight-six engine developed in-house. It didn’t last long. After building a little over 200 cars, TVR ceased production and hasn’t ever quite gotten going again. — *RO* ## 40. Subaru Prodrive P25 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/prodrivep25.webp) *Photo: Race Cars For You* It might look like one of the World Rally Championship Imprezas that Prodrive campaigned with unforgettable success in the 1990s, but the tech in this revival is thoroughly modern. With three highly tuned differentials, cutting-edge software, and a six-speed sequential, it justified the half-million-dollar price Prodrive asked in 2023. Those revisions are not just under the skin – the body has been redone in carbon fiber. — *RO* ## 39. Renault Sport Clio V6 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/renault-sport-clio-v6-e1760561333343.webp) *Photo: Renault* French automakers have a long history of building impeccably-designed hot hatchbacks with jewel-like handling. The Sport Clio V6 of the turn of the Millennium is not one of those cars. Just as it had been with the Renault 5 Turbos of the ‘80s, dropping an engine behind the front seats proved more than even the best engineers could tame. But cars don’t have to be tame to be fun. Dumb in the best way, these were apparently a total handful to drive. — *RO* ## 38. Chevy C8 Corvette Z06 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/c8z06convertibleauction.webp) *Photo: Barrett-Jackson* There are faster versions of the mid-engine Corvette, sure, but this is the one with the naturally-aspirated flat-plane crank V8 and RWD. It’s the one that Corvette benchmarked against the great Ferrari 458. It’s the clearest vision of what a Corvette with the engine behind the driver can be. — *RO* ## 37. Volkswagen XL1 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/volkswagen_xl1_2013_wallpapers_1-e1760560928290.webp) *Photo: Volkswagen* Few people have driven an XL1, the most fuel-efficient car ever to reach production at 0.9 L/100 km or 260 mpg. VW only made 200 of these carbon-fiber streamliners. I got lucky one afternoon in 2013, and I was shocked at how raw and racy it felt. It makes sense – this car reaches back to the tradition of low-drag efficiency competitions of the ‘80s and ‘90s. Just don’t mistake its fuel efficiency for economy. VW wanted about $150,000 for these things when they went on sale. — *RO* ## 36. Ferrari 458 Speciale ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/ferrari458-e1760557774583.webp) *Photo: Ferrari* Ferrari’s 458 Italia was the *Robb Report* Car of the Year in 2011. Building on that winning foundation, the 458 Speciale, built from 2013 to 2015, exceeded the limits of any other Ferrari V-8 of the period. It’s powered by what was Ferrari’s most potent, naturally aspirated V-8 engine back then, a mid-rear-mounted 4.5-liter producing 596 hp and winding to a dizzying 9,000 rpm redline. Its incredible 14.0:1 compression ratio remains the highest ever achieved in a naturally aspirated V-8. Extreme and specific in its intent, the 458 Speciale begged the question as to whether most drivers could avail themselves of its capabilities. But as a Prancing Horse for the track, it had no equal in Ferrari’s stable at the time. — *RR* ## 35. BMW i8 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/i8-9.webp) *Photo: Howard Walker* The hybrid-electric powered [BMW](https://robbreport.ph/tag/bmw/ "bmw") i8 had a shape paying homage to BMW’s iconic M1 supercar of the late 1970s, but with elegant doors designed to fly up and out. Its 50/50 weight distribution and low center of gravity assured great handling, making the i8 a capable and engaging sports car in its own right. Though designed as a 2+2, the cabin was best left to the pleasure of front occupants. Its powertrain was an efficient combination of a rear-mounted twin-turbocharged, 1.5-liter, inline three-cylinder gasoline engine and a front-mounted 131 hp electric motor, delivering a combined output of 362 hp and instant torque. About 20,500 units were made from 2014 to 2020. — *RR* ## 34. Lamborghini Gallardo ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/lamborghinigallardo-e1760557308981.webp) *Photo: Antonio Vigarani* For all of its iconic cars, Lamborghini didn’t have an easy time during the ‘80s and ‘90s, getting bought and sold more times than anyone cares to remember. When the current owner, VW Group, stepped in, Lambo got some stability and went on a tear of modern classics. The little jewel that was the Gallardo, was a perfect example. Wider but not much bigger than a VW Beetle, it shoehorned in a wailing V10 and a gated manual transmission. Seek out the Superleggera model, if you can. — *RO* ## 33. Honda NSX-R (NA2) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/2003-honda-nsx-r-2-e1748357606260.webp) *Photo: Broad Arrow* You can talk about the brilliance of the NSX’s design and construction, pushing creaky icons like Ferrari and Lamborghini to get their acts together, or discuss its reliability or practicality. But to drive one is to wipe its history from your mind. This is one of the greatest road cars ever produced, with steering that reads the pavement like it’s braille. It hardly changed over its production run. It never had to. — *RO* ## 32. Maserati MC20 Stradale ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/maserati-gt2-stradale-e1760556900760.webp) Recently morphed into the MCPura, Maserati’s original MC20, introduced in 2020 and made through 2025, was the first rear-mid-engined Maserati since the rare MC12 built in 2004 and 2005. The latter is essentially a Ferrari Enzo wearing a Trident, a V-12 homologation special that’s a thinly veiled racer. The MC20, by comparison, is a civilized but serious supercar powered by a 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V-6 engine called “Nettuno.” Good for 621 hp and a rousing good time, the coupe was the *Robb Report* editors’ Car of the Year pick for 2023. A retractable-hard-top version called MC20 Cielo (Italian for “sky”), was introduced in 2022, and is essentially the same car for those with a penchant for an open-top experience. — *RR* ## 31. Porsche 911 Dakar ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/final911dakar05.webp) *Photo: Porsche* For all of Porsche’s history in endurance racing (and a lone F1 constructor’s win at Rouen ‘62), the 911 has been a titan in the dirt, clobbering rivals all through the ‘70s in the World Rally Championship, and racing with great success through the ‘80s in rally raids. This Dakar version calls back to that history, though it’s probably too expensive for anyone to take off-road. — *RO* ## 30. Porsche Cayman GT4 RS ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/porsche-cayman-gt4-rs-e1761074416210.webp) *Photo: Porsche* This was the first of Porsche’s line of mid-engine sports cars to be an RS, with a level of tuning and refinement in line with the best 911s Porsche could build. The highlight is that Porsche routed the intakes up and out the side windows of the car, just behind your ear. The intake noise is all-encompassing. You forget everything else, even how good it drives on the road and track. — *RO* ## 29. Porsche 911 GT3 Touring 991.2 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/porsche-911-gt3-with-touring-package-_1_.webp) *Photo: Porsche* Porschephiles may vocally spar as to which is the most interesting modern-era 911, but the 991.2 series GT 3 Touring—built from 2018 through 2019 —often comes out as the one to drive. Smaller by inches than the current 992 series, and with a real analog tachometer to boot, it combines the best attributes of its spoiler-decked GT3 sibling without the “look-at-me” rear wing, suitable for the track but useless for a car pressed into civilian service. The 4.0-liter engine, absent any forced induction, delivers the essence of flat-six excitement, expressed by 500 hp and a scorching 9,000 rpm redline. No Turbo variant, then or now, does that. Available only with a six-speed manual transmission, the GT3 Touring gives an authentic nod to its Porsche patriarch, the 1973 Carrera RS. — *RR* ## 28. Porsche 997 GT3 RS 4.0 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Porsche911.webp) *Photo: Collecting Cars* The evolution of an evolution of an evolution of an evolution, the “four liter” became a legend the moment it debuted in 2011. The engine and chassis trace their roots back to the mid-1990s, steadily refined year after year until this apotheosis. It is compact and raw in a way that no 911 has ever been since. — *RO* ## 27. Ariel Atom ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/ariel-atom-e1760556036236.webp) *Photo: Ariel* By stripping off all the giant wings (and all the bodywork entirely) from your usual trackday specials, Ariel somehow hit on something that was more fun than serious. It worked in ways that its siblings in the Naughties trackday special revival never did. Things like a Radical couldn’t match its vibe. Its lesson is one that automakers are still learning today. — *RO* ## 26. Lotus Elise ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Lotus-Elise-2004-e1760555358502.webp) *Photo: Lotus* The original Elise was a revolutionary car, made out of bonded aluminum too thin to weld. The second-generation car, by contrast, was an evolution, but a rare sequel that outdid its predecessor. Its electric windows were actually lighter than the old crank ones, and the Yamaha-designed Toyota 1ZZ outdid the old Rover four-cylinder, too. — *RO* ## 25. Caterham 7 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/caterham-seven-e1760476575436.webp) *Photo: Caterham* British marque Caterham Cars Ltd. started building its Caterham 7 in 1973 after acquiring rights for production of the Lotus Seven—that awesome adult go-kart made from 1957 through 1972. As light as 1,200 pounds, the Caterham 7 can be amply powered by any engine short of that from a Briggs & Stratton lawnmower. Dozens of power plants have been used throughout its lifespan, from the same mill found in the Suzuki Hayabusa superbike to small-displacement V-8s, but a classic combination is a Ford Duratec inline-four delivering about 280 hp. Conceived by Lotus-founder Colin Chapman as a race car pure and simple, the Lotus Seven and its spiritual successor the Caterham, proved so successful that the cars have been banned repeatedly for their dominance on the track. All the more reason to want one. — *RR* ## 24. Toyota GR Supra ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/suprafinal01.webp) *Photo: Toyota* Some enthusiasts cried out that this fifth-generation car wasn’t a real Supra. Under the skin, it shares its platform and engine with the BMW Z4, and it’s built on the same assembly line in Austria. It’s a far cry from its made-in-Japan predecessors. But those complaints wash away when you drive one. They’re weapons when modified for track use, too, and that BMW engine can make big, big power. — *RO* ## 23. Ferrari F12 Berlinetta ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Ferrari-F12berlinetta-2013-e1761074642188.webp) *Photo: Ferrari* The F12 is a funny car. Ferrari already knew that taking the F140 V-12 out of the Enzo and sticking it in a front-engine GT gave it too much power. They figured that out with the 599. What did Ferrari do when it was time to replace that car? They gave it even more power, uprating that F140 engine to 730 hp at over 8,000 RPM. Utterly manic, the F12 is Ferrari at its best. — *RO* ## 22. Nissan R34 GT-R M-Spec Nür ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/nissan-skyline-gt-r-m-spec-nur-e1761075096374.webp) *Mecum* Unlike the Nissan GT-R R35, built from 2007 to 2025, the first five generations of Skyline GTs were barely exported beyond Japanese shores. The most coveted remains the Skyline GT-R M-Spec Nür (for Nürburgring), the final evolution of the fifth-generation GT-R R34, made from 1995-2002. Nür production reached just 1,003 units, only 285 of which were the ultimate M-Spec version. Setting it apart was the RB26DETT engine, based on Nissan’s N1 racing powerplant. Coupled to a 6-speed manual transmission, the inline 6-cylinder developed about 330 hp, though it was conservatively advertised as having only 276 hp. With its steering wheel on the right side of the dashboard, this rarest of JDM models is the best reason ever to learn how to shift with your left hand. — *RR* ## 21. Dodge Viper SRT-10 ACR ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/dodge-viper-srt-10-acr-e1760476181147.webp) *Photo: Dodge* The Dodge Viper makes any Chevrolet Corvette seem as refined as grandpa’s Cadillac. First-generation Vipers (1991 through 2002) grew marginally more civilized over a decade, but the original cars were essentially rag-top roadsters in the hair-shirt tradition of the Shelby Cobra. The second-generation of the SRT10 ACR (American Club Racer) variant, a coupé built from 2008 to 2010 and powered by a 600 hp V-10 engine, is among the most classic Vipers. By 2013, Dodge’s most potent model was under the SRT (Street and Racing Technology) division. That third and final generation (2013 through 2017) was sophisticated by comparison to its predecessors, although drivers still had to stir their own six-speed gearbox and work a massive clutch pedal. About 32,000 examples of the Dodge Viper in total were made throughout the model’s 26-year run. — *RR* ## 20. Jaguar F-Type ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/ftype24.webp) *Photo: Jaguar* Made from 2013 to 2024, the [Jaguar](https://robbreport.ph/tag/jaguar/ "jaguar") F-Type saw many coupe and convertible variants through its long life, with almost 88,000 units made. Ian Callum’s brilliant original design received a facelift in 2021, which, like many facelifts, did no favors for the patient. The pick of the F-Type litter was the F-Type SVR, the fastest Jag since their 212 mph XJ220 supercar of the 1990s. Probing 200 mph territory and playing hardball in the big-cat league, only 1,875 coupés and convertibles were made from 2016 to 2020. The F-Type SVR was a baby supercar, with a 575 hp, 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine and all-wheel drive that tamed the feral handling of the earlier rear-wheel drive F-Types. — *RR* ## 19. Chevy C6 Corvette Z06 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/corvettec6.webp) *Photo: RM Sotheby’s* Corvette’s head designer has gone on the record saying that the C6-generation Z06 was a problem for his team. When they were developing its supercharged follow-up, the ZR1, they struggled to make it any faster, even with all the added power of a supercharger. The C6 Z06, then, was the car that finally dragged the Corvette into putting the engine behind the driver. That makes it the zenith of the long line of front-engine ‘Vettes. — *RO* ## 18. BMW 1M ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/P90069705_highRes_bmw-1-series-m-coupe-1-e1760475787349.webp) *Photo: BMW* BMW’s 1 Series M Coupe was one of the most remarkable BMWs ever made. BMW M engineers developed it using plenty of E92 M3 parts, including the 335 hp, 3.0-liter inline 6 engine, 6-speed manual transmission, brakes, and suspension. The broad-shouldered 1M was as wide as the M3 but 10 inches shorter and about 600 pounds lighter. Made for only the 2011 model year, the 1 Series M Coupe was always a rare car, with 6,309 built and just 740 sold in the U.S. It lives in that nether region that separates a collector car from a modern automobile, handily keeping up with the best and brightest of today’s models. As a historic marker for the BMW brand, it’s hard to imagine a car that performs more brilliantly, looks as great, is as reliable, and offers such a pure analog driving experience. — *RR* ## 17. Aston Martin V8 Vantage ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/v8c.webp) *Photo: Bonhams* When it was introduced in 2005, *Robb Report* called the V8 Vantage “one of those cars that upends the notion that an automaker’s most expensive vehicle is necessarily its most desirable.” Aston’s most accessible model made 380 hp with a 4.3-liter naturally aspirated engine, and after two decades of evolution, today’s Vantage delivers 656 hp from a 4.0-liter twin-turbo, Mercedes-AMG-derived V8. What the Vantage has been from the beginning is the sharpest-handling sports car in Aston’s lineup; a compact two-seater aiming straight for targets like the Porsche 911. And it’s hard to argue that, whatever the vintage, few cars look better than an Aston Martin. — *RR* ## 16. Ferrari 296 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/specialea.webp) *Photo: Ferrari* Ferrari started experimenting with hybrid road cars all the way back in 2009, when the Prius was still the butt of jokes. It took a long time for the Ferrari to get its hybrids right, first with the stunning V12 LaFerrari of 2013, and trickling down to this midengine mainstay in 2022. Don’t be fooled by its V6; it sounds incredible, it shares a great deal with the triple Le Mans-winning 499P prototype, and the 296 drives like nothing else. — *RO* ## 15. Acura NSX ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Acura-NSX-2005-e1761075455371.webp) *Photo: Acura* The original [Honda](https://www.honda.com/) NSX, marketed in America as an Acura, spanned model years 1991 to 2006. All shared a similar appearance, distinguished mostly by pop-up headlamps that replaced fixed units in 2002. The car was years ahead of any competition, with the first all-aluminum unit-body, chassis subframes, and suspension of any production car. Assembled by a team of special technicians at a dedicated facility in Tochigi, Japan, the NSX offered a neurosis-free driving experience on a daily basis. Rear-mid-engined and weighing only 3,153 pounds, the NSX was a relative lightweight. The final cars equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission were powered by a 3.2-liter, 290 hp transversely mounted V6 engine, spooling up effortlessly to an 8,000 rpm redline. — *RR* ## 14. Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/mercedes-benz-sls-amg-8.webp) After more than a half-century, the gullwing doors came back with the 2010 SLS AMG, an obvious throwback to the 1955 300SL. The SLS was also the first Mercedes-Benz developed entirely by AMG, which at the time, was the marque’s only sports car with an all-aluminum body, chassis, and engine—a 6.2-liter V-8. Unlike its costly McLaren-built AMG predecessors that over-promised and under-delivered, the SLS was a gimmick-free supercar that could acquit itself as a real-world daily driver. The SLS Roadster was made from 2011 to 2014, and a final Black Series finished the SLS lineup in 2015. Altogether, about 12,000 units of all variants were produced. — *RR* ## 13. Bentley Continental GT Supersports ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/coty-bentley-e1760475457249.webp) *Photo: Courtesy Bentley* A mainstay of drivers looking for a well-mannered powerhouse with stunning but civilized performance, [Bentley’s Continental GT ](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-new-bentley-continental-gt-speed/ "More Bentley Than Ever: Getting to the Heart of the New Continental GT Speed")has been the perfect stealth supercar ever since its launch in late 2003. The Continental GT Supersports, introduced in 2009 and in limited production through 2011, scratched a more urgent performance itch verging on the indecent. With a 621 hp, W-12 engine and 204 mph top speed, it was the fastest and most powerful production Bentley at the time. All about contrasts, it even jettisoned the rear seats in deference to saving weight. Like a romping rhino, the Supersports skirted the limits of decent behavior with an urge to charge every now and again. — *RR* ## 12. Tesla Roadster ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/roadster01.webp) *Photo: Courtesy Bentley* The battery-electric [Tesla](https://robbreport.ph/tag/tesla/ "tesla") Roadster sports car, based largely on the mostly unloved Lotus Elise, was launched in 2008 and built through 2012. In retrospect, it’s a brilliant concept and a car aimed at early adopters with a grand vision of a different kind of sports car. That car is good for about 244 miles of EV range on a pack of lithium-ion batteries, and it paved the way for Tesla’s domination of the EV segment ever since. With 248 hp and instant torque, the Roadster scoots to 60 mph in under four seconds with a shiftless (single speed) transmission. It remains a collectible curio today. — *RR* ## 11. BMW M3 E46 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/bmw-m3-e1760475273598.webp) *Photo: BMW* We look back on the E46 as the end of an era. Compared to today’s performance cars, it is remarkably analog, but when it debuted, it was a technical marvel. The CSL version of 2003 and 2004 was a high point, with an of-its-time single-clutch paddle shift transmission and advanced engine tech running its straight six engine with individual throttle bodies. Stripped down like a GT3 RS, it was shocking like no M car since. — *RO* ## 10. Nissan GT-R (R35) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Nissan-GT-R-e1760475140564.webp) *Photo: Nissan* Since 1969, Nissan’s Skyline GT-R, while never officially available in North America, has been Japan’s most formidable sports car nameplate. In 2007, that car morphed into an all-wheel drive monster and descended Stateside with a vengeance. Simply called the GT-R (no longer Skyline), it earned the nickname Godzilla because of its brutal performance and its appetite for decimating far costlier competitors. The GT-R enjoyed an impressive run through 2025. In 2020, Nissan commemorated 50 years since the first GT-R with the Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition. Under the hood was a 3.8-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 engine assembled by its own master technician, with output bumped to 600 hp in the Track and NISMO Editions. — *RR* ## 9. McLaren MP4-12C ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/2012-mclaren-mp4-12c-ex-lewis-hamilton-e1745332590443.webp) *Photo: Broad Arrow* When, in 2011, McLaren called its first series-production car the MP4-12C—a fitting name for a robot but not a luxury sports car—some had little hope that the company would survive with such an engineering-driven mentality. Yet that mindset may be a clue as to the marque’s success in the years since. In retrospect, the MP-4 was brilliant, proof of the concept that carbon—not plastics, as proclaimed in *The Graduate*—was the key to the future. McLaren’s home-brewed 3.8-liter V-8, with twin turbochargers and 592 hp, sired a dynasty of brilliant eight-cylinder mills. The body was by Frank Stephenson, a real designer’s designer. The 12C’s dihedral doors, which swoop up and out as on the McLaren F1, were a pragmatic solution then and a McLaren signature today. — *RR* ## 8. Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/huracan-sterrato-e1760474884434.webp) *Photo: Lamborghini* Year after year, Lamborghini churned out faster and more track-focused versions of its “baby” model, the Hurácan, until it looked like it had just peeled off the Mulsanne Straight. In 2024, Lambo took a hard left with this rally raid version, following extensive testing in desert dunes around the globe. There might be faster Hurácans on a race track, but in the real world, the Sterrato is more fun. — *RO* ## 7. Mazda ND Miata ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/24MY-MX-5-6-e1760390942436.webp) *Photo: Mazda* The Mazda Miata was a game-changing sports car at its introduction in 1989, when the initial NA series showed the world that a (then) $14,000 roadster could deliver more smiles and entertainment-per-dollar than probably any car ever made. Mazda proceeded to up the ante through four generations, all with the same design brief but made more sophisticated over time. The ND series, launched in 2015, is the modern formula: a lightweight platform + four-cylinder power + few frills = maximum fun. Today, its 181 hp, 2.0-liter engine works wonders in collaboration with a finely tuned chassis, a comfortable cockpit, and an endearing design. A coupe or retractable-hard-top roadster—there is no wrong choice—offers a pure and unpretentious sports-car experience that’s a rarity in today’s complicated automotive world. — *RR* ## 6. Ford GT (2005) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/10-w-AM24_024-2006-Ford-GT-Heritage_002.webp) *Photo: Ryan Merrill* America’s first modern supercar was brutally honest, robust, and a little raw, without the delicate build of the era’s Italian supercars. Camilo Pardo, under the direction of J Mays, designed the GT40 to pay homage to Ford’s original GT40 that mopped up Ferrari and swept Le Mans in 1966, followed by consecutive victories from 1967 to 1969. Dwarfing its predecessor and three inches taller, the Ford GT made no pretense of being a racing machine like the car that inspired it. Ford’s GT was a home run for the company, with a total of 4,038 examples built for model years 2005-2006. A first-class collectible 20 years on, the Ford GT is a blast to drive, and a reminder that the more analog a car is, the more fun it can be. — *RR* ## 5. Porsche 918 Spyder ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/918ws03.webp) *Photo: Sotheby’s Sealed* Porsche’s [918 Spyder](https://robbreport.ph/cars/every-porsche-boxster-ranked/ "Every Porsche Boxster, Ranked") could still be considered the most advanced Porsche on every level. The rarest, fastest, quickest and surely most costly production car to come from Stuttgart, the 918 was also the most groundbreaking. The hybrid powertrain developed almost 900 hp from two electric motors and a 4.6-liter V8 engine that catapulted the machine—at first in silence—with blistering velocity wholly inappropriate for public roads. Wide, low, and absent any space for luggage, the 918 remains one of the truly iconic supercars ever made. A mere 918 series-production examples were built from 2013 to 2015, and are valued today from $1.5M to $3.9M. — *RR* ## 4. Alpine A110 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/a110-e1760381514624.webp) *Photo: Alpine* The A110 takes all of Renault’s experience making amazing hot hatchbacks and distills it into a tiny, mid-engine sports car. Alpine fizzled out in the ‘90s, so the A110 is a reboot to France’s great sports car marque, with legendary campaigns in endurance racing and rallying. A couple of hundred pounds lighter than the last car to wear an Alpine badge, the A110 is a retro remake that actually works. People still rally them in Monte Carlo, too. — *RO* ## 3. Honda S2000 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Honda-S2000-e1760390490382.webp) *Photo: Honda* It only takes a minute behind the wheel to fall in love with the S2000. Every control is perfect, from the six-speed manual transmission to the unadorned steering wheel, and the view is incredible over the low hood and instrument gauges, complete with a rev counter redlining at 9,000 RPM. These cars are sensational, liberating Honda’s engineering excellence from the tyranny of front-wheel drive. — *R*O ## 2. Lexus LFA ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/lfa01.webp) *Photo: Bring a Trailer* The [Lexus](https://robbreport.ph/tag/lexus/ "lexus") LFA has always been an outlier in the supercar hall of fame, a flash-in-the-pan that came and went before its impact even had a chance to sink in. Toyota created a supercar to rival all the usual suspects from Italy, Germany, and the UK. Only 500 units were produced between 2010 and 2012, with 436 “regular” examples and 64 “Nürburgring Package” models. The LFA’s design came straight out of the racecar engineer’s textbook, with lots of aluminum, titanium, and magnesium sharing the parts count with plentiful carbon-fiber reinforced plastic. Powered by a front-mid-mounted, 4.8-liter V10 engine, it could rev to 9,000 rpm and was described by Toyota engineers as having the “roar of an angel.” Regrettably, there has been no Lexus successor to fill the LFA’s shoes. — *RR* ## 1. Audi R8 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/audir8.webp) Subtle in appearance compared to other supercars, the [Audi](https://robbreport.ph/tag/audi/ "Audi") R8, inspired by Lamborghini’s Gallardo, came to America in 2008, followed by a spyder the next year. Initially powered by Audi’s 4.0-liter V8 engine, a 5.2-liter V-10 became available in 2009. The first generation received a facelift for 2012, and the second generation, sharing the Lamborghini Huracán platform, was launched in 2015, powered only by a V-10. With nearly 46,000 examples built between model years 2007 and 2024, there are plenty to go around, from the first V-8s to the final R8 V-10 Performance. If two seats are sufficient, this could be your daily driver. — *RR* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** Audi, Ferrari, honda, huracan, ktm, lamborghini, lexus, luxury cars, maserati, mazda, mercedes-AMG, murcielago, porsche --- ### [A Complete History of the Cartier Tortue](https://robbreport.ph/the-story-of/a-complete-history-of-the-cartier-tortue/) **Published:** November 5, 2025 **Author:** Oren Hartov **Content:** Many new to the hobby of [watch](https://robbreport.ph/watches/ "Watches") collecting are unfamiliar with [Cartier’s](https://robbreport.ph/tag/cartier/ "cartier") history as a watchmaker and simply dismiss the *maison* out of hand as a [jeweler](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/best-of-the-best-2025-jewelry/ "Best of the Best 2025: Jewelry"). But this would be to miss out on a host of [compelling models](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-boldest-most-exciting-new-timepieces-at-watches-and-wonders-2025/ "The Boldest, Most Exciting New Timepieces at Watches and Wonders 2025") that have had an outsized impact on horology for well over a century. To wit: The Cartier Tortue, a lesser-known watch within the company’s portfolio that proves [Cartier](https://robbreport.ph/tag/cartier/ "cartier")’s horological bona fides many times over. By the time Louis Cartier designed the [Tank](https://robbreport.ph/tag/cartier-tank/ "cartier tank") in 1917 during the throes of the First World War, his *maison* had already released three other notable wristwatches: The Santos-Dumont in 1904, the Tonneau in 1906, and the Tortue in 1912. But while the Santos-Dumont and Tonneau are largely associated with the time-only simplicity more typical of Cartier’s elegant and streamlined designs, the Tortue (from *tortue à pattes,* or “tortoise on legs”) would quickly sprout *proverbial* legs and take on sophisticated [complications](https://robbreport.ph/watches/vacheron-constantin-just-unveiled-the-worlds-most-complicated-wristwatch/ "Vacheron Constantin Unveiled the World’s Most Complicated Wristwatch"): By 1928, the collection featured both monopusher chronograph and minute repeater complications, and in more recent decades, a host of other versions. In the early years of producing wrist watches, Cartier didn’t manufacture its own movements — indeed, many significant models from myriad brands were produced with calibers sourced from specialist movement makers such as Valjoux, Lemania, and others. Cartier, for its part, initially purchased movements from the leading watchmakers of the day; however, in the 1920s, it partnered with Edmund Jaeger (of what would become Jaeger-LeCoultre) to form the European Watch & Clock Company, a new business that supplied movements solely to Cartier. This forward-thinking and intrepid decision would furnish Cartier with a steady supply of movements both simple and highly complicated for serially produced as well as specialized timepieces. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Cartier-EWC-Onyx-Lever-Watch-1925-Soethbys.webp) A movement built by European Watch & Clock Co. (a.k.a. Jaeger Le Coultre) for Cartier in the 1920s. *Sotheby’s* ## The Tortue Monopoussoir Long before the days of the now-common dual-button chronograph — one in which the top pusher starts and stops the chronograph, and the bottom pusher resets it — single-button (“monopusher”) models were the norm. Contrary to common wisdom, a monopusher is in fact easier to produce than a two-pusher chronograph (first pioneered by Breitling). In 1928, Cartier released the Tortue Monopoussoir, a positively diminutive timepiece that clocked in at just 25 mm wide by 35 mm lug-to-lug. Despite its small dimensions, however, it was an impressive piece of work both within and without: Its elegant, curved shape and smooth bezel did indeed resemble a tortoise as viewed from above, while the pusher in question was contained within the crown, making for a streamlined look with nothing to break its silhouette. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Tortue-Monopoussoir-1930s-Phillips-1.webp) A Cartier Tortue Monopoussoir, circa 1930. *Phillips* A silver dial with round *chemin-de-fer* outer minute track, Cartier’s famous Roman numerals, and a blued steel Breguet handset were joined by two small registers: a 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, and a running seconds indicator at 9 o’clock. Powered by a hand-wound European Watch & Clock Co. movement with a column wheel and horizontal clutch, this model was produced in an exceedingly small run of less than 15 pieces. (One hammered at [Phillips](https://watchesbysjx.com/2021/05/highlights-phillips-geneva-watch-auction-xiii.html) in 2021 for CHF 189,000, or around $211,000 at conversion as of this writing.) ## The Tortue Minute Repeater It’s positively startling to think that Cartier was producing a minute-repeating wristwatch merely a decade after the conclusion of the First World War—the event that catalyzed the acceptance of the “wristlet” among men—but such is the business and design acumen of the Parisian *maison.* To this day, a minute-repeater, or chiming watch, is largely considered the most complicated to produce. Indeed in 1928, the same year it birthed the *Monopoussoir*, Cartier released a minute-repeating Tortue capable of audibly chiming the time. Measuring 30mm x 33mm in yellow gold, its case was broken by a discrete slider on its left flank that triggered the repeater function, while its movement was built by European Watch & Clock Company. An example belonging to a New York City stockbroker sold at Antiquorum in 2002 for CHF 312,500, or around $349,000. ## CPCP Era By the 1974, the Cartier family had sold the business’s various branches in Paris, New York, and London. Production dramatically increased from just a few thousand pieces per year to multiple six-figures by the end of 1970s—a time that coincided with the onset of “the Quartz Crisis” as relatively inexpensive, highly precise quartz-powered offerings such as Must de Cartier came to market to fight with conterfeits. However, by the 1990s, the *maison* was preparing to reintroduce its heritage designs and refocus on mechanical horology, which it did by debuting the Collection Privée Cartier Paris (abbreviated “CPCP”) in 1998. Through collaboration with watchmakers both within and outside of the Richemont Group ([Jaeger-LeCoultre](https://robbreport.ph/tag/jaeger-lecoultre/ "jaeger-lecoultre"), [Piaget](https://robbreport.ph/watches/piaget-andy-warhol-collage-watch/ "The Watch That Warhol Might Have Collected Twice"), [Girard Perregaux](https://robbreport.ph/watches/timeless-innovation-the-legacy-of-girard-perregaux/ "Timeless Innovation: The Legacy of Girard-Perregaux"), and others), Cartier offered both limited and non-limited (though low-production) runs of classic models, including the Tortue. However, it was collaborations with horological masters Jedi Renaud & Papi and Techniques Horlogères Appliquées (THA) that would yield some of the most stunning references. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Tortue-Monopoussoir-CPCP.webp) An 18K yellow gold Cartier Tortue Monopoussoir from the CPCP era. *Mr. Watchley* Most notable is the CPCP take on the Tortue Monopoussoir: Released in white, yellow, and pink gold, it was powered by the hand-wound 045 MC caliber developed by THA, a firm founded by none other than star watchmakers Denis Flageollet, Vianney Halter, and [François-Paul Journe](https://robbreport.ph/the-luxe-dispatch/the-luxe-dispatch-two-titans-of-cinema-two-stunning-collections-on-auction/ "The Luxe Dispatch: Two Titans of Cinema, Two Stunning Collections on Auction"). Debuting in 1999 before A. Lange & Söhne’s Datograph ushered in a new era of in-house chronograph movement production, the new Monopoussoir, with its exclusive caliber, paved the way for a fresh focus on high-end movement development. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Cartier-Tortue-Monopoussoir-Tourbillon.webp) The Tortue XL Tourbillon Chronographe Monopoussoir in platinum. *Christie’s* Other complicated CPCP Tortues were no less notable: The Perpetual Calendar, powered by the caliber 9421 MC, featured a Dubois Dépraz calendar module, a hand-guillochéd dial, and a four-subdial array. (Like all CPCP watches, its dial was signed “Cartier Paris” in a reference to the brand’s deepest watchmaking history.) The Tortue XL, meanwhile, featured an outsized date as well as an 8-day power reserve courtesy of Jaeger-LeCoultre, while the Tortue XL Day and Night boasted a delightful, oversized day/night indicator and the automatic caliber 9904 MC. If these weren’t enough to get one’s heart rate up, the Tortue XL Tourbillon Chronographe Monopoussoir and Tortue Minute Repeater were masterworks of *haute horlogerie,* their 9431 MC and movement 909 MC movements the products of Renaud & Papi. (Except for the yellow and pink gold minute repeaters, which used the caliber 9401 MC based upon an ébachue from Frederic Piguet.) ## The In-Between Years Following the discontinuation of the CPCP program in 2008, Cartier launched the Tortue Perpetual Calendar powered by the automatic caliber 9422 MC in 2010. Rather than release a dedicated 100th anniversary model in 2012, the *maison* instead released several Tortue models between 2012 and 2013: The Tortue XL with outsized date and sub-seconds, was powered by the automatic caliber 9602 MC, while the Tortue XXL Multiple Time Zones, an interesting take on the travel watch, used the automatic caliber 9914 MC. Several smaller ladies models followed in late 2013/early 2014. Beginning with the Tortue XL, you’ll notice a few key differences between it and its CPCP ancestor: For one thing, the guilloché pattern on the dial appears slightly more prominent on the 2013 release; for another, the outsize date has been moved from an admittedly awkward 7 o’clock on the CPCP version to a more harmonious 12 o’clock. Sub-seconds are likewise relocated from 5 o’clock to 6 o’clock and given a guilloché treatment, and the power reserve indicator is absent entirely. Despite its lack of a *chemin de fer* minute track—arguably a Cartier signature, though it of course features on myriad other watches from numerous brands—the 2013 Tortue XL is no doubt a more balanced design. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Cartier-Tortue-Perpetual-Calendar.webp) Cartier Tortue Perpetual Calendar from circa 2012. *Christie’s* The Tortue Perpetual Calendar, launched in 2010, measured a hefty 41.2mm in diameter and featured a combination leap year and month indicator at 12 o’clock, a retrograde day indicator across the dial center, and a radial date indicator along the dial periphery. With blued steel Breguet hands, a *chemin de fer* minute track, black Arabic indices, and a cabochon-set crown, the Tortue Perpetual Calendar certainly identifies as a Cartier, but the partially skeletonized movement revealing the automatic caliber 9422 MC beneath gives it a more avant garde bent. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Multiple-Time-Zones-1.webp) The Cartier Tortue XXL Multiple Time Zones. *Fine Watch Bank* Finally, the Tortue XXL Multiple Time Zones rethinks the standard world timer display in a distinctly Parisian manner: Below a depiction of the globe in the dial center is an hour track with with daytime and nighttime hands for displaying home time, while a set of Breguet hands indicate local time conventionally. A cleverly designed system allows the user to select, via a pusher on the case flank, an available time zone and even differentiate between winter and summer in accordance with the local hemisphere. (A small display in the case makes this surprisingly easy.) Powered by the automatic 9914 MC movement with 283 components, this is a large, complicated Tortue in the spirit of the original 1920s-era iterations. ## Cartier Privé While Cartier discontinued the Collection Privée Cartier Paris in 2008 (somewhat quietly and perhaps unofficially), it reconstituted it beneath the “Privé” collection in 2017, within which the *maison* focuses on one historic model each year. Much to collectors’ delight, 2024 proved to be the year that Cartier focused on the Tortue, releasing several limited editions: A modern Monopoussoir produced in 200 numbered examples in platinum and yellow gold; a time-only, two-handed version also limited to 200 examples in platinum and yellow gold; and a platinum-cased, diamond-set version limited to 50 examples. *Robb Report’s* then editor-in-chief chose the brand new Tortue as his best-of for Watches & Wonders. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Cartier-Tortue-Monopusher-and-Time-Only-2024.webp) The 2024 Cartier Tank Monopoussoir and time-only variants. *Cartier* The modern Monopoussoir retains the rough case dimensions as its earlier CPCP cousin, clocking in at 34.8 mm wide and 10.2 mm thick. Opaline white dial, *chemin de fer* minute track, black Roman (yellow gold version) or rhodium-plated (platinum version) numeral indices, blued steel Breguet hands, guillochéd subdials, and a cabochon-set crown are all present and accounted for. This being a thoroughly modern execution, however, the column wheel-activated, hand-wound caliber 1928 MC is visible via a sapphire caseback. Geneva striping and other finishing techniques abound, and the entire movement is shaped to fit the watch’s unique shaped case. The time-only Tortue, measuring 32.9 mm in diameter, likewise features a white opaline dial with *chemin de fer* minute track, black Roman (yellow gold version) or rhodium-plated (platinum version) numeral indices, Breguet hands, and a cabochon-set crown. They do not, however, feature any guilloché, and their minute track is situated at the dial periphery like on the 1928 minute repeater, rather than within the hour track as on the CPCP time-only watches. The Breguet hands, rather than being blued steel, match the case metal of each reference. ## **The Future** of the Tortue ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Tortue-Medium.webp) Cartier Tortue Medium. *Cartier* With its curvaceous case, elegant dial, and easy adaptability to house multiple complications and suit different metals, the Tortue is easily one of Cartier’s most compelling and versatile horological platforms. More than a century old, it’s a design that only now seems to be attracting the attention it so deserves, with auction prices heating up as younger collectors discover the wonders of CPCP-era pieces and the rarity of early 20th-century originals. With scholarship around the Tortue finally catching up to the levels that surround the Santos-Dumont, Baignoire, and certain iterations of the [Tank](https://robbreport.ph/tag/tank-a-guichets/ "tank a guichets"), we can be sure to see continued interest in this fascinating collection—as well as, hopefully, more new iterations from Cartier itself. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** The Story Of, Watches **Tags:** cartier, Watches --- ### [Road Test: The New Maserati MCPura Cielo Combines Precision Performance With Convertible Cool](https://robbreport.ph/cars/road-test-the-new-maserati-mcpura-cielo-combines-precision-performance-with-convertible-cool/) **Published:** November 3, 2025 **Author:** Lawrence Ulrich **Content:** Some buyers of Italian [supercars](https://robbreport.ph/tag/supercars/ "supercars") reflexively focus on a badge: [Ferrari](https://robbreport.ph/tag/ferrari/ "Ferrari"), then [Lamborghini](https://robbreport.ph/tag/lamborghini/ "lamborghini"). But in 2022, [Maserati](https://robbreport.ph/tag/maserati/ "maserati") reminded us that there’s another Italian car company, with a rich 108-year history and a respected name, but one that has been tarnished by missteps and muddled strategies in recent years. That powerful reminder of former glory came in the form of the Maserati MC20, the Robb Report editors’ choice for Car of the Year in 2023. And why not? It’s a legitimate supercar with classic Mediterranean curves, a lightweight carbon-fiber monocoque, and a unique, charismatic personality. Now, as the Stellantis-owned Maserati switches things up again, reversing plans to become an all-electric brand, the MC still plants a tricolor flag for what Maseratis are meant to be: Rakish, romantic, high-performing, and 100-percent Italian. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/maserati-cielo-ai-aqua-rainbow-2-w.webp) Driving the Maserati MCPura Cielo in Italy. Maserati S.p.A. The name is now MCPura, but this lightly updated 2026 model doesn’t stray from that MC20 formula. Where some modern supercars look like testosterone-fueled racers that took a wrong turn from Le Mans, the MCPura coupe remains a breath of fresh air. And that’s especially the case in the [convertible](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-25-most-expensive-convertibles-in-the-world/ "The 25 Most Expensive Convertibles in the World") MCPura Cielo I drove along Italy’s Ligurian coast. It was also the identical Cielo that Maserati unveiled at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, and again at The Quail during Monterey Car Week. ## **What’s New for 2026** While the 2026 MCPura is new, it’s not a major departure from the MC20. Differences include a redesigned front bumper that adds a note of aggression, a nod to the track-centric GT2 Stradale model. That bumper accentuates the Maserati’s alluring, shark-like snout. It’s available in a gloss-black finish, or carbon fiber. At the rear, a new bumper envelops a subtle pair of exhaust outlets, atop a reshaped diffuser that better directs air from the fully enclosed underbody. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/maserati-cielo-ai-aqua-rainbow-3-w-.webp) The interior is defined by Alcantara and new laser-etched upholstery. Maserati S.p.A. Inside, drivers cradle a new flat-topped steering wheel, also inspired by the GT2 Stradale. It’s wrapped in Alcantara, the faux suede from Italy, as is seemingly every available surface in a standard “All-Alcantara” treatment. Coupe buyers can choose a carbon-fiber steering wheel with shift lights—always a helpful touch—tracing its upper rim. Full Alcantara seats are another striking option, versus standard leather bolsters with Alcantara inlays. ## **Design** The MCPura Cielo is an Italian cinema star among sports cars, inside and out: Effortlessly beautiful, memorable in its details. But never tacky or overdone. As many collectors of classic cars would agree, the world needs more sports cars that prioritize form, rather than pure function. Having brought the MC’s dashing silhouette to life, Maserati made sure to not screw it up. The cabin is equally convincing, a refreshing alternative to the *Top Gun*-cockpit fantasies of some supercars. This interior is airy and rich, with a relaxed GT vibe and winning details: Leather door pulls worthy of designer luggage, a tricolor-flag emblem that seemingly flutters on the passenger dash, artful paddle shifters in a choice of aluminum or carbon fiber. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/maserati-mcpura-ai-aqua-rainbow-5-w_80c960.webp) Our test car featured the stunning Al Aqua Rainbow paint scheme, which contains special pigments that create a subtle rainbow prism effect under sunlight. Maserati S.p.A. This show car flaunted the growing role of Fuoriserie, Maserati’s customer personalization program, with a striking-yet-tasteful array of exterior and interior flourishes. Prospects can even order this identical car, including its stunning Al Aqua Rainbow paint, with special pigments that create a subtle rainbow prism effect under sunlight. It’s one of 30 Fuoriserie paint colors, in addition to 10 standard MCPura paints. Among standard shades, “Night Interaction,” blends plum and deep blue in a two-layer, color-shifting effect. It’s so alluring that one can overlook the florid paint name. Laser-etched seat graphics, in a range of patterns, are another customizable touch. My convertible flashed Fuoriserie’s magenta body accents, embedded with blue mica, that elevated the Cielo’s style like Harry Winston jewelry at the Met Gala. Those included a signature Trident badge on the Maserati’s snout, repeated on the C-pillars and the wheel caps of the 20-inch forged alloys. ## **Power Train and Other Hardware** Other supercar competitors have stuck with V-8s, or supplemented V-6 power with a bump of electric hybrid boost. Maserati stays loyal to its trusty Nettuno V-6. This 3.0-liter twin-turbo uses racing-style pre-combustion chambers, with two spark plugs per cylinder, to generate 621 hp and 538 ft lbs of torque. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/maserati-mcpura-ai-aqua-rainbow-4-w.webp) The model is fit with Maserati’s Nettuno engine, a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 power plant making 621 hp. Maserati S.p.A. Butterfly doors bring the drama, along with reassuring glimpses of exposed carbon fiber on a featherweight monocoque designed with noted race manufacturer Dallara. The body is all-composite as well. Yet the model isn’t a paragon of lightness overall, with a dry weight of 3,404 pounds for the coupe and 3,564 pounds for the convertible: Not bad, but not McLaren-light. A 10.25-inch touchscreen may spark debate, with its obvious family debt to Stellantis, Maserati’s corporate parent. Defenders will argue that the Google-based infotainment system is more intuitive than that found in many supercar rivals. But few will defend Maserati’s decision to put the Cielo’s convertible roof controls on that screen, rather than a trusty analog switch. ## **Performance** With that convertible top stowed, on a picture-perfect Italian morning, the MCPura showed it hasn’t lost its raffish charm. The Nettuno engine, connected to an eight-speed, dual-clutch transmission, urges the Maser to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds, and allows for a top speed of 202 mph. When matched with a relaxed GT setting, the transmission upshifts too eagerly in full Automatic mode. But the gearbox shifts fluidly everywhere else, best conducted by those oversized paddle shifters. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/maserati-cielo-ai-aqua-rainbow-8-w.webp) The MCPura Cielo covers zero to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds, and has a top speed of 202 mph. Maserati S.p.A. An adaptive suspension offers an especially broad spectrum between GT-style comfort and, in its full Corsa mode, wild-eyed performance. This includes giving the car the ability to break those rear tires loose—much like a Shelby Mustang by way of Modena. Yet the car doesn’t aim to be the most ludicrously powered machine, or the most ferocious on track. A [Ferrari 296 GTB](https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/review-ferrari-296-gran-turismo-berlinetta-gtb-1234674911/) or [McLaren 750S](https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/mclaren-750s-spider-2025-robb-report-car-of-the-year-1236203394/) are objectively faster, and include more digital technology to lay down monstrous power with no slippage from the rear wheels. But that doesn’t mean Maserati’s diva can’t perform. The MCPura steers like Italian olive oil, simultaneously smooth and spicy, a signature of our favorite Italian cars. Push harder, and the Maserati reminds you it’s a carbon-fiber-intensive vehicle, with its rigid backbone, lithe feel, and eagerness to plunge deep into corners. Dialing up that Corsa setting makes maximum engine boost available on demand, sharpens the throttle, firms the suspension, and throws active exhaust valves open at all times. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/maserati-mcpura-cielo-7-w.webp) The MCPura steers like Italian olive oil, simultaneously smooth and spicy. Maserati S.p.A. The MCPura segues onto the Autostrada, backdropped by the Apuan Alps that loom unusually close to this ocean coast and sugar-sand beaches. The scene set, this supercar does its cinematic best—albeit more John Frankenheimer than Fellini. Strafing the highway at speed, it never loses its graceful bearing. With the Cielo’s top down and that uncommon V-6 engine perched behind one’s noggin, the whispers and sighs of its dual turbochargers only add to the charm. ## **Is it Worth it?** Supercar pricing is more relative than ever, especially when a 1,071 hp Corvette ZR1 can be had for around $182,000 to start. Maserati says the MCPura will start from $246,000, or $281,000 for the Cielo. That’s roughly on par with a McLaren Artura V-6 hybrid, another carbon-chassis supercar, but a good $20,000 less than a Porsche 911 Turbo S. Things rise rapidly from there, including an all-new [Lamborghini Temerario](https://robbreport.ph/cars/huracan-who-lamborghinis-new-temerario-hybrid-blends-agility-with-refined-ferocity/ "Huracán, Who? Lamborghini’s New Temerario Hybrid Blends Agility With Refined Ferocity") hybrid whose base price may brush $390,000. In any language, Maserati’s residual values have been nothing to write home about. Yet one may say the same about many McLarens, Aston Martins, or Bentleys of late. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/maserati-cielo-ai-aqua-rainbow-6-w_c6af27.webp) Maserati claims that the MCPura Cielo will start at $281,000. Maserati S.p.A. Bottom line: This is one of the prettiest supercars on the planet, reason enough for a style-conscious buyer to fall for an MCPura. It’s also a more capable performer than some supercar aficionados might expect. And it all comes with a generous slice of la dolce vita*,* the kind of charisma and personality that’s hard to put a finger on, but impossible to fake. ## **Specifications ### **Vehicle Type - Mid-engine coupe and convertible ### **In Production Since - 2026 ### **Power Train - Twin-turbocharged, DOHC, 24-valve, 3.0-liter V-6 - Output: 621 hp, 538 ft lbs of torque ### **Performance** - Zero to 60 mph: 2.9 seconds - Top Speed: 202 mph ### **Base price: - $246,000 (coupe); $281,000 (Cielo convertible) **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** maserati --- ### [Collecting Antiquities Has Never Been So Fraught. Here’s How to Do It the Right Way.](https://robbreport.ph/guide-to/collecting-antiquities-has-never-been-so-fraught-heres-how-to-do-it-the-right-way/) **Published:** November 3, 2025 **Author:** Julie Belcove **Content:** The scene is the invitation-only preview of the European Fine Art Fair, colloquially known as [TEFAF](https://www.tefaf.com/fairs/tefaf-new-york), in New York in May. A savvy American collector who has known his way around the art world for decades is admiring a headless torso, gracefully chiseled in marble. All that’s left of the statue’s arms is a rough chunk above the right buttock, believed to be the remnant of a hand. The dealer, an elegant Parisian, carefully rotates the millennia-old figure on its turntable pedestal. “We have photographs of it before 1970,” he rushes to tell the collector—a claim that might sound like a non sequitur to the uninitiated but has become (faulty) shorthand in the antiquities trade for “legal to sell.” After a recent barrage of headlines about archaeological [artifacts](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-collectibles/ "Art & Collectibles") seized from humiliated collectors and museums, dealers criminally indicted for trading in smuggled goods, and countries of origin agitating for the return of such pieces, valuable antiquities have become a hot topic, so to speak. It’s no wonder that some collectors are feeling skittish and dealers defensive: Navigating the art world can be daunting enough without the fear of law enforcement knocking on your door with a search warrant. And yet interest in artifacts—whether from ancient Greece, the Roman Empire, Egypt, sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, Asia, or Indigenous cultures—hasn’t abated. Unlike past eras, when scholarly collectors prided themselves on being among the foremost experts on narrow categories, today many collectors of contemporary art have begun to pepper their Warhols and Princes with Roman mosaics or Chinese Buddhas. At TEFAF, a handful of plum antiquities dealers are ensconced among the Gagosians and Paces of the world. It was a contemporary-collecting couple, for example, who were drawn to a large, strikingly colorful image of the Egyptian goddess Amentet on a sarcophagus panel dating to about 700 B.C.E., on prominent display at the stand of [Charles Ede](https://www.charlesede.com/). Even their art adviser seemed to be a novice in the category, Charis Tyndall, a director of the London gallery, tells *Robb Report* as she keeps an eye on browsing fairgoers, “and he said, ‘What questions should I be asking?’ ” After Tyndall gave the adviser a crash course in condition (the pigment is all original; the wooden backing completely restored by the gallery’s conservator to prevent the plaster from crumbling) and provenance (the dealer has a Belgian certificate of authenticity from 1978, five years before Egypt banned the sale of such treasures), the couple promptly bought the piece, which was listed for about $223,000. Naivete, combined with high demand and high risk, can produce an explosive cocktail—making the question of how to collect this type of material, both legally and ethically, an urgent one. The answers provided by lawyers, museum professionals, art historians, dealers, and collectors are complex and nuanced. But it’s instructive to first understand how we arrived at today’s precarious moment. ## **A Matter of Ancient History** For centuries—millennia, really—ancient objects dug out of the ground or plundered in war mostly fell under the heading “finders, keepers.” The Romans carted home countless statues after conquering Greece in the 2nd and 3rd centuries B.C.E. When the British sacked Benin in 1897, they brought along a curator to sift through the ruling oba’s exquisite bronzes. Attitudes began to change around the turn of the 20th century, at least on the part of colonized countries whose priceless treasures were decorating the galleries and salons of Europe and the United States. In 1906, the Ottoman Empire decreed that all cultural artifacts discovered on its territory belonged to the state, a law that modern-day Turkey has cited in its quest to recover missing material. Other nations followed suit through the course of the century, though some archaeologically rich countries were decidedly late to the game. Before Egypt enacted its ownership law in 1983, one dealer quips, a tourist could buy and legally export an authentic piece of history as a souvenir from a low-rent Cairo gift shop. As onetime colonies gained independence, awareness of the issue grew, along with concerns among academics that the market was incentivizing the destruction of archaeological sites. The [UNESCO](https://www.unesco.org/en) 1970 Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property established unenforceable guidelines, though many erudite collectors and renowned museums weren’t too bothered by such cultural-heritage protections. Thomas Hoving, who served as director of the [Metropolitan Museum of Art](https://www.metmuseum.org/) from 1967 to 1977, boasted in his memoir that his address book was chock-full of “smugglers and fixers.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Art_Crimes2.webp) Illustration by Nash Weerasekera Then came the Washington Conference Principles on Nazi-Confiscated Art, in 1998. Though it dealt with a particular regime and era, it had outsize influence on the larger debate and led to a series of bilateral agreements between the U.S. and 29 other nations regarding repatriation of misbegotten art. Soon after, the antiquities field was rocked by a series of scandals: Well-known dealer Frederick Schultz was sentenced to 33 months in prison for trading in stolen Egyptian artifacts; respected [Getty Museum](https://www.getty.edu/museum/) curator Marion True was brought to trial in Rome for allegedly conspiring to traffic in looted art (charges were eventually dismissed after the statute of limitations expired); and, perhaps most consequentially, following the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003, roughly 15,000 pieces were looted from its [National Museum](https://www.theiraqmuseum.com/). By 2008, the [Association of Art Museum Directors](https://aamd.org/) had drafted new rules putting the onus on institutions to research their acquisitions with rigor and to insist on provenances traceable at least as far back as 1970 (the year of the UNESCO Convention), though loopholes remain. As misdeeds came to light, so too did an unprecedented public inventorying of museum holdings: The digital age saw institutions creating online databases of their collections, giving art lovers and curious foreign governments alike near-instant access to the whereabouts of countless objects. “At that moment, things really shifted because museums were being held accountable in ways that they hadn’t before,” says Victoria Reed, senior curator for provenance at the [Museum of Fine Arts, Boston](https://www.mfa.org/). “You can’t hold on to stolen looted artwork for very long if your entire collection and the provenance are online—at least, that should be how it works,” she says. Many museums, the MFA included, ended up returning several pieces to their homelands. ## **Why Are Antiquities So Dicey Now?** A host of related sociopolitical factors have reframed the field of antiquities in the past five or six years. On a visit to Burkina Faso in 2017, French President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged the magnitude of African artifacts in European museums and vowed to restitute many from France. His speech was a strikingly high-level admission of the unique impact of cultural heritage. Social-justice movements such as Black Lives Matter have also forced many Western nations to reexamine their relationships to former colonies. Demands to repatriate museumgoer magnets such as the Benin Bronzes and the Parthenon Marbles—requests once considered laughable in many quarters—have been gaining traction. The issue has even seeped into the popular consciousness, with the first *Black Panther* movie featuring a retributive museum heist of Wakandan objects, and comedian John Oliver devoting an episode of his show *Last Week Tonight* to museums’ refusals to return ancient or sacred objects. But the weightiest factor may be the Manhattan district attorney’s Antiquities Trafficking Unit and Matthew Bogdanos, its single-minded leader. As a Marine colonel stationed in Iraq when the National Museum was looted, Bogdanos persuaded his superiors to let him investigate. After recovering thousands of purloined pieces, he wrote a book, *[Thieves of Baghdad](https://www.amazon.com/Thieves-Baghdad-Marines-Greatest-Treasures/dp/1596911468?asc_source=web&asc_campaign=web&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Frobbreport.com%2Fshelter%2Fart-collectibles%2Fhow-to-collect-antiquities-1234865819%2F)*, won a National Humanities Medal for his efforts, and returned to the D.A.’s office determined to stop the illegal trade of antiquities. As a state, not federal, prosecutor, Bogdanos has kept his approach intriguingly simple, relying mainly on New York law governing the possession of stolen goods. In essence, if an object was excavated and exported without a license after a country had a national ownership law in place, said object could be considered stolen property. Under this theory, Bogdanos has seized dozens of pieces from the Met, among them a grand, headless statue widely believed to come from Bubon, in what is now Turkey. It was Bogdanos’s team that negotiated an unprecedented lifetime ban on collecting in lieu of prosecution for billionaire Michael Steinhardt, who in 2021 also relinquished 180 antiquities worth an estimated $70 million. And it’s his office that seized some 89 items from the collection of Shelby White, a longtime board member at the Met, which has a gallery of Greek and Roman art bearing her name and that of her late husband, Leon Levy. When some of the objects were repatriated to China in May, Bogdanos noted that White had cooperated fully and that prosecutors had found no evidence of criminality on her part—no doubt a measure of comfort in an otherwise humiliating turn of events. ## **Law and Order** Despite its frequent citation, 1970 is an ethical demarcation, not a statutory one. On the topic of restitution, the American legal landscape is a patchwork of enough dates, bilateral import agreements, and lists of affected material to make most people’s eyes glaze over. Then there are those foreign-ownership laws, which could render a smuggled object stolen property. “So 1970 isn’t a magic protective shield that’s going to guarantee you’ll never have any headaches from acquiring this piece,” says Elizabeth Marlowe, professor of art history and museum studies at Colgate University. One assurance that a seller isn’t breaking a national cultural-heritage law is an export license. “However, I’ve never seen an antiquity on the market with a real export permit \[from its country of origin\],” says the MFA’s Reed, the preeminent provenance researcher according to many expert opinions. It’s a lesson the Met learned the hard way, when Kim Kardashian posted a photo of herself [standing next to a gold sarcophagus](https://www.thecut.com/2021/10/kim-kardashian-helped-get-a-stolen-coffin-back-to-egypt.html) at the Met Gala, and online sleuths recognized the piece as one looted from Egypt in 2011. Authorities determined the museum’s $4 million purchase in 2017 had come with a sham export license, printed with a name for Egypt that was obsolete by the year listed. “My opinion is the Met should have been able to figure out it was a fake export license,” says law professor Patty Gerstenblith, director of the Center for Art, Museum and Cultural Heritage Law at DePaul University. “Presumably they have people on staff who can read Arabic and who know the history of Egypt. To me that’s kind of basic. You probably could have found it on Wikipedia.” The coffin is now back in Egypt, and the Met, after a series of additional embarrassing incidents, announced this past spring that it would beef up its provenance research staff with four additional hires. In an open letter, Met director Max Hollein noted that a tiny fraction of its 1.5 million objects are in question and defended the museum for having a “longstanding history in the rigorous review of our collection and, when appropriate, the return of art.” ## **The Best Defense Is a Good Offense** Most experts agree that collecting while staying on the right side of the law is possible. The key is to act in good faith and make every attempt to verify that the antiquity in question meets the legal threshold: The days of accepting the assertion, whether from a dealer or an auction house, that an object came from “the collection of a gentleman” are long gone. “Nobody’s ever going to sell you something and tell you there’s a problem,” Reed warns. “So it’s up to the buyer to probe a little bit deeper.” That’s not always easy. In Gerstenblith’s experience, it’s not uncommon to see an authentic antiquity sold with a made-up history designed to mask its illegal export. “I believe there has been a real growth in fake provenance documentation,” she says. “As the emphasis on providing documentation has increased, there’s more fake stuff out there.” Several experts say many dealers have responded to the stricter regulations by providing increasingly vague information—namely, obscuring the country of origin. “Everybody might know this object was stolen, but as long as we don’t know who it was stolen from, then it’s \[treated as\] totally fair game,” Marlowe says. “So UNESCO 1970 didn’t have any teeth. All it did was ensure from that point forward dealers were very, very careful to scrub any information about what the source country is. And they got more and more careful about doing that.” In dealers’ defense, dozens of modern-day nations now occupy the footprint of the Roman Empire, making exact identification a tall order in many cases (plus, goods were regularly transported and traded). Similarly, pieces from, say, India and Nepal can be hard to differentiate. Tyndall also notes that for years, keeping detailed ownership histories was not standard industry practice unless an item had been in an important collection, which might boost its value; collectors often tossed paperwork. “No one cared,” she says. “Now, of course, the first thing people ask, before they even ask the price, is, ‘What’s the provenance?’ ” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Art_Crimes3-1.webp) Illustration by Nash Weerasekera Tyndall spends much of her time on provenance research (“a bore, I have to say”) when she’d far prefer researching the objects themselves. “It’s almost as though there’s been a reversal of the burden of proof,” she grumbles. Legally, that’s not the case. “The legal standard doesn’t require \[buyers\] to do anything,” says Tom Kline, a prominent art lawyer who has represented clients across the spectrum of the issue. “Dealers are expected to have a higher standard of diligence, but the average collector is not required to exercise diligence.” Still, he says, it can help: When Kline represented Michael Steinhardt in [a well-publicized civil dispute with Turkey](https://www.reuters.com/world/turkey-cannot-recover-ancient-stargazer-idol-christies-us-court-2023-03-08/) over a small figurine nicknamed Stargazer, the fact that “the court found that he was diligent, and Turkey was not diligent”—the piece had long been exhibited at the Met and repeatedly published before Turkey finally sued—aided Steinhardt’s cause. It also helped that Turkey could not prove that Stargazer, which was traceable to 1961, had been illegally excavated after its 1906 ownership law (though the excavation of a looted object is rarely recorded). “It’s far better for the possessor to be able to say, ‘I hired an expert, I checked the literature, I talked to some museums: I followed best practices.’ ” “What I see is ultra-high-net-worth individuals not understanding the degree of risk that they’re taking on with a purchase,” Kline continues. “It’s not that they’re evil, it’s that the current environment requires more. A collector would be well-advised to hire someone to go through the collection. There’s much more research that can be done than people generally understand. Maybe \[the antiquities\] went through an auction house or a dealer; maybe they were published somewhere. Get all the documents the seller has. A seller’s identity is often kept confidential as a matter of market practice, and that’s problematic. The seller has privacy rights, but the buyer needs to establish a chain of title when they sell or donate or die and the object goes to their heirs. So we sometimes try to negotiate that the seller will be disclosed after the purchase and only for purposes of use in a resale.” That ability to offload the object down the line may well require rigorous documentation, particularly as regulations—and mores—fluctuate. “If a collector wants to donate to a museum,” Reed says, “they’re going to have to know what standards the museums are upholding.” As Kline points out, heirs are often less fascinated by urns and cylinder seals than their parents but get stuck with them. “They have a collection that’s not well documented, and they have to cope with it,” he says. “Objects outlive people, so there needs to be some kind of succession plan. Sell, give, donate, return. Those are the options.” Those, or commit to their being family heirlooms. Of course, a vague backstory doesn’t necessarily equate with a sordid past; sometimes research can erase any misgivings about an object’s legality. In one case study offered by Reed, an Egyptian limestone sculptor’s model was for sale in 2014 with a scant provenance lacking both an exhibition history and a bibliography. A previous owner was identified as “Meiss Collection, USA, acquired before 1975,” though with neither a first name nor a city. The most compelling tidbit was an inventory number, which “sounded to me a lot like a museum loan number,” she recalls. “I knew the format was familiar, and so I sent inquiries around to a few of our sister institutions, and as it turned out, this piece had been on loan to the [Fogg Art Museum](https://harvardartmuseums.org/) over at Harvard as early as 1954. The person who owned it and lent it was the art historian Millard Meiss, who died in 1975.” “It seemed like this object had no paper trail,” Reed adds. “But in fact, with a little bit of digging, we could construct an ownership history back to 1954. We ended up purchasing it, and it’s now in the collection.” Gary Vikan, the former longtime director of the [Walters Art Museum](https://thewalters.org/) in Baltimore, suggests taking a photo of the object and sending it to the cultural attaché of any potential source country’s embassy in Washington. “Do your homework, don’t buy the story of the dealer, figure it out for yourself,” he says, adding, “Be prepared to lose.” (Kline warns that disseminating a photo can also open up a can of worms, including a demand for repatriation, even years later.) Collectors with research chops and ample time could try checking publications, sales records, and exhibition lists on their own. Circumstantial evidence, such as biographical or travel information, can also prove helpful. An independent conservator should be able to assess whether an object has had restoration work, and finding that the style and materials are consistent with, say, 19th-century practices could support claims that the object was unearthed long ago—and not secreted out of the country last month. There may be other physical breadcrumbs as well. At her TEFAF stand, Tyndall shows me a fascinatingly odd Greek terra-cotta sculpture, circa 3rd century B.C.E., with the head of a beautiful girl, the gaunt chest of an old woman, and the muscular back of a full-grown man. The back also bears signs of having left Italy in the 18th century—remnants of the same red wax that she describes as “their export stamp”—and have therefore been kept in place. ## **The Real Deal** Sometimes lost in the brouhaha over provenance is the question of authenticity. Beyond the obvious (seemingly valuable pieces being offered online at fire-sale prices), there are plenty of fake items on the antiquities market mistakenly, not maliciously. “This material has been copied for hundreds of years,” Tyndall notes. “You’d go on the grand tour and you’d buy a tourist trinket. Someone who doesn’t know what they’re looking at might go, ‘Oh look, it’s really old.’ Well, it is—it’s 300 years old, but it’s not 3,000 years old.” Further complicating matters is the degree of restoration. Tyndall recommends obtaining a condition report. “Most of this stuff has been restored,” she explains. “It’s not a problem, but you don’t want to have an unpleasant surprise when you find that half of your statue has been made up.” Even seasoned curators and prolific collectors have been duped. One of the more infamous recent cases involved the [Museum of the Bible](https://www.museumofthebible.org/), the passion project of Hobby Lobby’s Green family. Among their missteps was the purchase, reportedly for many millions, of what turned out to be 16 forged fragments of the Dead Sea Scrolls. “They thought that because they were good at business, they would be good at buying antiquities, and they weren’t—they were terrible,” says Vikan, who submitted a proposal for organizing the museum’s program, which was rejected. “They were embarrassed all over the place for buying those Dead Sea Scrolls.” The fragments eventually underwent extensive scientific testing, which found, among other things, that they were made of ancient leather, not tanned parchment like the authentic examples held in the [Israel Museum](https://www.imj.org.il/en)—and that the ink was applied when the leather was already ancient, not new. ## **The Ethicist’s Dilemma** For some in the field, certain categories of material are off-limits—period. “I would start with the premise that \[we shouldn’t have\] objects that are sacred to other communities: Hopi kachina dolls and masks; bodies, like skeletons and skulls; stone sculpture from shrines in Nepal and Cambodia and India; religious icons that were until recently in a small regional church in Italy,” says Marlowe, the art historian. “Objects that are still under worship—I don’t think there’s an ethical way for people to acquire those. That seems like an incredibly obvious thing to say, and yet it hasn’t been how this issue has been thought about, and still isn’t.” Marlowe suggests that to avoid incentivizing unsanctioned digs and smuggling, one could collect “humble objects where the country of origin is not going to want them back.” Speaking over Zoom, she reaches for a broken chunk of pottery, an amphora handle that was a gift from her dissertation adviser. “He should not have taken it,” she quickly clarifies. “It’s meaningful to me because he gave it to me when I passed my \[Ph.D. exam\]. Even if I knew where it was from, they’re not going to ask for it back.” But such commonly found pieces occupy a gray area. Rural Italians have been known to use ancient vessels discovered in their fields to store rice or sugar. “Archaeologists would certainly say humble objects are just as important to the historical record as the big fancy statues, and we don’t want those things leaving their archaeological contexts,” Marlowe notes. “We need those contexts to be as complete as possible in order to extract the maximum amount of historical information.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Art_Crimes4.webp) Illustration by Nash Weerasekera For some collectors, committing to appreciate and preserve an artifact passes the ethical test. “History is more fluid than people want to say it is,” says Jack Shear, a photographer and philanthropist. Shear has been a collector of all manner of things since boyhood and, drawn to their history and their awe-inspiring age, began adding ancient pieces to his trove shortly after meeting his late husband, the celebrated contemporary artist Ellsworth Kelly, nearly 40 years ago. First, Kelly gave Shear a Neolithic jade *bi,* a Chinese disc with a hole in the center, and over time they assembled a small group of the symbols of heaven. Together they also acquired lingams (phallic carvings representing the Hindu god Shiva) from India, Southeast Asia, and Indonesia, and Kelly collected Edina bird stones and banner stones from the Mississippi Valley Basin that are 3,000 to 5,000 years old. “Ellsworth called them the first American abstraction,” Shear says. Over the past few years, he’s bought a couple of 1st- or 2nd-century C.E. Roman pieces from Galerie Chenel at TEFAF. “Antiquities are a touchstone to the past,” Shear muses. “When you walk by something that’s 2,000 years old, it has to change you in a way.” He says he doesn’t take any extraordinary precautions, instead trusting the vetting process at TEFAF, though he admits, “I don’t know how strenuous it is, and I don’t know if it’s just PR.” But in his view—and that of several dealers who spoke to *Robb Report*—the issue of repatriation can be oversimplified and taken to foolish extremes. Shear recently donated 75 Tibetan *thangkas* dating from the 17th to 19th centuries to Williams, Vassar, and Skidmore colleges, the last of which opens an exhibition of the rolled paintings at the [Tang Teaching Museum](https://tang.skidmore.edu/) on August 19. He was irked when a woman came to a public talk and argued that they should be restituted. “And then it’s like, ‘You understand that the Chinese are in Tibet, and they actually destroyed probably at least 80 percent and maybe 90 percent of Tibetan objects when they came in ’59?’ ” Shear says. “There were people fleeing with these *thangkas,* and the Dalai Lama has said, ‘Thank God for Western collectors who have kept Tibetan culture alive through these artifacts.’ At a certain point it gets a little bit ridiculous.” ## **Future Imperfect** The cumulative scandals have altered the market. “Pieces with a very good provenance are becoming much more expensive, and those without are becoming much less,” says Tyndall. “There is this huge split.” But the fallout is also existential. UNESCO’s cutoff year of 1970 is arbitrary, most agree, as are the dates of diplomatic agreements. Should these deadlines govern possession of some of the world’s greatest treasures? Is there a moral defense to holding on to tens of thousands of objects? To giving them back? With the steady migration of peoples, do these ancient artifacts rightfully belong to the world at large? “My fear is that the counterbalance, mainly the value of museums and, by extent, of collectors, is being lost,” says Vikan, who is president of the Committee for Cultural Policy, a small think tank that advocates for the controlled exchange of cultural property. “There is no counter voice that’s very effective now saying that in a world that’s cosmopolitan, as people cross borders, as ideas cross borders, art should cross borders. It should be done in a regulated and respectful manner.” Tyndall rhapsodizes about living with antiquities, touching them, and laments, “If they aren’t added to, collections die, become stale. People stop studying them, and that’s detrimental to the academic study of the ancient world.” Shear finds connection through his transcultural, multi-era trove. “An antiquity moves forward when you don’t,” he says. “It shows that life goes on and that objects pass from one person to another and that we are only caretakers of history.” On a sunny, breezy day in June, I’m strolling along the Left Bank, directly across the Seine from [the Louvre](https://www.louvre.fr/en), with its innumerable treasures from every corner of the world, when I spot the gallery that was offering the Roman torso at TEFAF. I see the lissome, limbless body through the front window, so I go inside. The rough patches where the head and arms broke away contrast with the smooth stone surface polished by the artist, making the 2,000 intervening years feel viscerally real. It’s a tangible piece of history, and it can be yours for around $650,000. **Categories:** Art & Collectibles, Guide To, Home & Design **Tags:** Antiques, Art and Design, Cairo, egypt --- ### [The Luxe Dispatch: Two Titans of Cinema, Two Stunning Collections on Auction](https://robbreport.ph/the-luxe-dispatch/the-luxe-dispatch-two-titans-of-cinema-two-stunning-collections-on-auction/) **Published:** November 1, 2025 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** We turn our gaze toward New York this week, as two cinematic icons’ collectibles are put on the auction block. At [Bonhams](https://robbreport.ph/tag/bonhams/ "Bonhams") and [Phillips](https://robbreport.ph/tag/phillips/ "Phillips"), the private worlds of Gene Hackman and Francis Ford Coppola are unveiled through the objects that defined their creative lives, from paintings and sculptures to beautiful timepieces that blur the line between art and autobiography. At Bonhams, *The Gene Hackman Collection: A Life in Art* reveals the actor’s quiet reverence for form and feeling. Thirteen works by modern masters, including those of Rodin, Avery, and Diebenkorn mirror the Oscar winner’s own gravitas and restraint. Across town, Phillips presents Coppola’s visionary collaboration with [F.P. Journe](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/best-of-the-best-2025-watches/ "Best of the Best 2025: Watches"). The FFC Prototype is a one-of-one mechanical marvel conceived from a single, brilliant question: Can a human hand tell time? Interestingly, the duo had actually collaborated together on Coppola’s Oscar-winning 1974 ouvre, *The Conversation*. Together, these auctions distill a century’s worth of creative ambition. Each piece has become a witness to the discipline, curiosity, and genius of two of Hollywood’s most enduring figures. ## Gene Hackman’s Final Curtain This coming November, Bonhams New York unveils a deeply intimate portrait of one of cinema’s most enigmatic figures. *The Gene Hackman Collection: A Life in Art* collection features 13 works by masters such as Auguste Rodin, Milton Avery, and Richard Diebenkorn. Best known for his Oscar-winning performances in *The French Connection* and *Unforgiven*, the actor’s artistry extended well beyond the big screen. The collection reveals quite an eye for tension, composition, and emotional restraint. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/rodin-gene-hackman-bonhams-2240x2240.webp) “Buste colossal de Saint Jean-Baptiste” by Auguste Rodin. *Photo:Bonhams* Notably leading the November 19 live auction is Avery’s “Figure on the Jetty” (estimated at around $500,000 to 700,000), a luminous meditation on solitude that once hung in Hackman’s very own Santa Fe home. This is complemented only by Diebenkorn’s “Green” (1986), an etching from his famed *Ocean Park* series, and a monumental Rodin bronze, to name a few. Hackman’s collecting was said to have begun in earnest after his retirement. During this time, he would turn to painting, writing, and sculpture himself. His studio notebooks, annotated catalogues, and personal artworks (even offered in two accompanying online sales) suggest a man perpetually in search of form and meaning, as he explored various media. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Green-gene-hackman-bonhams-2240x2240.webp) “Green” by Richard Diebenkorn. *Photo: Bonhams* Together, these offerings chart the contours of a private life shaped by artistic rigor and cinematic gravitas. Bonhams’ Andrew Huber adds, “Hackman’s approach to collecting mirrors his craft—measured, instinctive, and profoundly human.” In death as in life, Gene Hackman remains the consummate storyteller, even when the medium is canvas instead of celluloid. *More information [here](https://www.bonhams.com/auction/32210/the-gene-hackman-collection-a-life-in-art/).* ## Francis Ford Coppola’s Horological Epic In filmmaking, Francis Ford Coppola transformed the language by marrying operatic grandeur with intimate psychology. It was with his narrative ambition that he redefined how time unfolded on the screen. Now, time itself takes on a new form in The New York Watch Auction: XIII, as Phillips, in association with Bacs & Russo, unveils Coppola’s personal F.P. Journe FFC Prototype. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/fpjourne-coppola-2240x2240.webp) F.P.Journe FCC Prototype. *Photo: Phillips* Expected to fetch over $1 million, the FFC Prototype began as a question posed by Coppola to François-Paul Journe at the filmmaker’s Inglenook estate in 2012: “Has a human hand ever been used to tell time?” From that spark emerged a watch unlike any other. A kinetic sculpture powered by Journe’s Octa 1300.3 movement, its articulated hand is inspired by Ambroise Paré’s 16th-century prosthetic “Le Petit Lorrain.” The fingers unfurl to indicate each hour, blending anatomy, invention, and poetry. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/caseback-fpjourne-coppola-2240x2240.webp) A closer look at the prototype’s caseback. *Photo: Phillips* Made in only two examples (one for Coppola, one retained by Journe), the prototype represents the sole instance of an F.P. Journe design conceived by someone other than the master himself. Its provenance, engraved with Coppola’s name, reads like a script written in gears and steel. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/patek-coppola-auctions-2240x2240.webp) Patek Philippe World Time ref. 5130G. Photo: *Phillips* Alongside the FFC, six timepieces from Coppola’s private collection, including his platinum Chronomètre à Résonance gifted by his late wife Eleanor, and rarities from Patek Philippe, Blancpain, and IWC. For collectors, this is no mere auction but a convergence of art forms: where horology meets auteurship, and where Coppola and Journe turn the measure of hours into the cinema itself. *More information [here](https://www.phillips.com/press/release/phillips-to-offer-hollywood-legend-francis-ford-coppolas-unique-fpjourne-ffc-prototype-wristwatch).* **Categories:** Art & Collectibles, The Luxe Dispatch, Watches **Tags:** Bonhams, Francis Ford Coppola, Gene Hackman, Phillips --- ### [A Night of Stars: The Complete List From the Michelin Guide Philippines](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/michelin-guide-in-the-philippines-live-updates/) **Published:** October 30, 2025 **Author:** Alicia Colby-Sy **Content:** The arrival of Michelin in the Philippines is more than a milestone—it’s a celebration of the creativity, skill, and passion of Filipino restaurants and chefs. As Philippine restaurants stand shoulder to shoulder with the best in the world, our dining tables are recognized as destinations worth traveling for. For Filipino food lovers, this is indeed a magical moment to savor, and one that certainly signifies the country’s culinary rise on the global gastronomic stage. Earlier this evening, the Philippine culinary scene shimmered as it welcomed the debut of the Michelin Guide for Manila and Environs, and Cebu**.** The grand ballroom of the Marriott Hotel at Resorts World Manila**,** where the awarding ceremony took place, was alive with camaraderie and celebration as chefs, restaurateurs, lifestyle personalities, and members of the local and international media gathered to witness the Philippines take its rightful place on the world’s culinary map. Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco noted, “We are revealing that our greatest treasure is our people: their creativity, warmth, and generosity of spirit. In the Philippines, food and hospitality are our way of life; the Filipino table has always been a place of welcome and belonging, for flavors tell the story of who we are, rooted in indigenous traditions, enriched by the produce from our islands and shaped by centuries of cultural exchange.” She continued, “The arrival of the Michelin Guide affirms that excellence thrives across our islands.” As International Director of The Michelin Guide, Gwendal Poullennec, said in his opening remarks, inspectors selected over 100 restaurants in Manila and Cebu across their distinctions. Following the award ceremony, guests were treated to a cocktail reception where chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants around the world, and from the newly recognized Filipino Michelin establishments, showcased their craft in bite-sized perfection. Among them were Tim Flores and Genie Kwon of *Kasama* in Chicago, Vicky Cheng of *Wing* and *VEA* in Hong Kong, Guillaume Galliot of *Caprice* in Hong Kong, and Darren Teoh of *Dewakan* in Malaysia. Their presence at the occasion brought a genuine sense of shared passion as chefs gathered not just to impress, but to connect over a universal love of food. Here’s the full list. ## **Michelin** **Stars** ### **Two – Excellent Cuisine (Worth a Detour)** [Helm](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/the-magic-of-helm/ "The Magic of Helm") ### **One – **High-Quality Cooking (Worth a Stop)**** [Asador Alfonso](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/skip-the-traffic-savor-the-view-restaurants-in-the-philippines-you-can-fly-into/ "Skip the Traffic, Savor the View: Restaurants in the Philippines with Helipads") [Celera](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/reimagining-taste-celera/ "Celera: Reimagining Taste, Rediscovering Identity") [Gallery by Chele](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/a-tribute-to-the-coconut-in-the-new-menu-at-gallery-by-chele/ "The New Menu at Gallery by Chele Is a Tribute to the Coconut") [Hapag](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/flavors-from-the-edge-breaking-bread-with-our-western-mindanao-kin-at-hapag/ "Southern Comfort: Breaking Bread With Our Western Mindanao Kin at Hapag") Inatô [Kasa Palma](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/how-manilas-top-chefs-discovered-their-passion-and-their-first-michelin-experience/ "How Manila’s Top Chefs Discovered Their Passion—and Their First Michelin Experience") Linamnam [Toyo Eatery](https://robbreport.ph/robb-report-philippines-access/a-new-era-of-luxury-the-robb-report-philippines-launch/ "A New Era of Luxury: The Robb Report Philippines Launch") ## Michelin Green Star Distinction [Gallery by Chele](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/best-of-the-best-2025-dining/ "Best of the Best 2025: Dining") ## Michelin Selected Restaurants 12/10 Abli Aida’s Chicken [Antonio’s](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/the-expanding-culinary-world-of-antonios/ "The Expanding Culinary World of Antonio’s") ATO-AH Aurora Automat Aya Benjarong [Blackbird](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/best-of-the-best-2025-dining/ "Best of the Best 2025: Dining") BUTCHER BOY Cantabria by Chele Gonzalez Canton Road Carmelo’s Steakhouse Chie Chie’s Pancit Batil Patung China Blue Cirkulo COCO Cru Steakhouse Deo Gracias DIP El Poco Cantina (Malate) Ember Enye by Chele Gonzalez Esmeralda Kitchen Fong Wei Wu Fresca Trattoria Ginza Nagaoka Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill Goxo House of Lechon [Iai](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/inside-iai-a-culinary-gem-redefining-kappo-dining-in-manila/ "Inside Iai: A Culinary Gem Redefining Kappo Dining in Manila") [Juniper](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/11-casual-spots-by-manilas-top-fine-dining-chefs/ "From Haute Cuisine to Comfort Plates: 11 Casual Spots by Manila’s Top Fine-Dining Chefs") Kamakura Kei Kodawari (Salcedo) Lantaw (Compostela) Locavore (Taguig) Lola Helen Lore [Lusso (Legazpi)](https://robbreport.ph/profiles/remembering-margarita-fores/ "Remembering Margarita") Mamacita Man Ho Maya [Metiz](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/best-of-the-best-2025-dining/ "Best of the Best 2025: Dining") Mireio MODAN Now Now Oak and Smoke [Offbeat](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/offbeat-bistro-where-nostalgia-meets-innovation/ "Offbeat Bistro: Where Nostalgia Meets Innovation") Old Manila Origine [Osteria Antica](https://robbreport.ph/leisure/the-good-life-editors-picks-of-the-week-3/ "The Good Life: Editors’ Picks of the Week") Pablo Papillon Pares Pares (N. Escario Street) People’s Palace Ramen Ron Sala Seva Sialo Socarrat Spices Steak and Frice Summer Palace Super Uncle Claypot Tandem Taupe Terraza Martinez The Test Kitchen Txanton Uma Nota Umu Yamazato ## Bib Gourmand – **Excellent Value (High-Quality Meals at Reasonable Prices)** Abaseria Deli & Cafe Bolero Brick Corner Cabel COCHI CUR8 Em Ha Noi Esmen [Halong](https://robbreport.ph/the-good-life-editors-picks/the-good-life-editors-picks-of-the-week-12/ "The Good Life: Editors’ Picks of the Week") Kumba La Pita Lampara Lasa Los Tacos Manam at the Triangle Morning Sun Eatery Palm Grill (Diliman) Pares Batchoy Food House Pilya’s Kitchen Sarsa SOME THAI [Taqueria Franco](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/11-casual-spots-by-manilas-top-fine-dining-chefs/ "From Haute Cuisine to Comfort Plates: 11 Casual Spots by Manila’s Top Fine-Dining Chefs") The Pig and Palm The Underbelly Your Local ## Young Chef [Don Baldosano](https://robbreport.ph/tag/don-baldosano/ "Don Baldosano") for Linamnam ## Service Award [Erin Recto](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/wine/hapag-earns-the-2025-wine-spectator-award-of-excellence/ "Hapag Earns the 2025 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence") ## Exceptional Cocktails Benjamin Leal, Uma Nota **Categories:** Dining, Food & Drink **Tags:** Michelin, michelin guide --- ### [The Good Life: Editors' Picks of the Week](https://robbreport.ph/the-good-life-editors-picks/the-good-life-editors-picks-of-the-week-12/) **Published:** October 30, 2025 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** *In every The Good Life: Editors’ Picks column, we round up our editors’ favorites—restaurants, cocktails, experiences, exhibits, and everything in between. Here is our latest list.* ## Marina Cruz Art Exhibition, *Fractured Fabric*, at Silverlens Galleries ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/IMG_1220.webp) Marina Cruz, Unpredictability of Repetitions (2024). Oil on canvas, 78.15h x 58.86w x 1.97d in/ 198.5h x 149.5w x 5d cm. Marina Cruz’s brushstrokes mirror threads, each one painstakingly woven into another and another, till they form a pattern, and later, pieces of fabric that come together as a rumpled dress. Cruz is known for her paintings of garments found in her family closets. Frayed play clothes her grandmother sewed for her apos as children, using old sacks of flour; her mother’s worn baptismal dress. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Marina-Cruz_Studio-Photo_2025_A.webp) Marina Cruz in her studio. *Silverlens Galleries* For her ongoing [exhibit](https://silverlensgalleries.com/), Fractured Fabric, at the Manila outpost of [Silverlens Galleries](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/best-of-the-best-art/ "Best of the Best 2025: Art"), Cruz still uses the clothing as inspiration, but focuses on their textures: holes torn in unraveling cloth, a rumpled pocket, an astonishing pattern of colored balls on what appears to be a stained, ripped bedsheet. The paintings are mesmerizing, drawing the viewer ever closer to study the minute details on canvas. – *Yvette Fernandez, Chief of Editorial Content* ## **Hálong** at Legaspi Village, Makati ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Dining-Photo-3-2240x1493.webp) I’m a little late to this party. Hálong has been open for a while now and remained one of those under-the-radar restaurants I’ve always wanted to try. After visiting a couple of Saturdays ago, I can’t wait to return. (Often.) It caught me by surprise in its dishes’ sheer concentration of flavor and masterful balance, the tightrope which Chef Cara Davis treads impressively. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/halong-chef-lapu-lapu-2240x1260.webp) (Left) Lapu-lapu: lemongrass, yuzu kosho, coconut. (Right) Chef Cara Davis. *Hálong* Davis has a chef’s résumé that reads like a passport stamped in kitchens that shape palates: Alinea and Eleven Madison Park in the U.S., Arzak in San Sebastián, Restaurant Story in London, then Arca and her own Mestixa in Tulum. That breadth shows. Her plates are small, yes, but they arrive like little gifts—each one a conversation between continents, filtered through the language of modern technique. There’s uni toast that hums with saline sweetness, crab tinga tostada that feels like an edible postcard from Mexico, shrimp ceviche that flickers with acidity, and lapu-lapu that tastes as if it’s been coaxed, not cooked, into tenderness. Do not miss the octopus carpaccio! Even the chicken wings were dialed in! ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Baby-Corn-2-2240x1493.webp) Baby Corn. *Hálong* The space itself mirrors the cooking: elegant but never stiff. Rattan and solihiya weave warmth through the clean lines, while service glides with a kind of care that doesn’t smother, rare in the city. There’s an ease to the experience. Did I mention I want to go back? ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Uni-Toast-3-2240x1493.webp) Uni toast: umeboshi, cilantro, umami butter. *Hálong* We’re a city with a lot of deserving, mainstream favorites, yet while Hálong is tucked into the city’s dining scene with little fanfare, it won’t be for long. Davis is talented, and lets flavor lead. If the measure of a great meal is the urge to return with someone whose taste you trust, then consider this a strong recommendation. – *Kimberly Rocha-Delgado, Digital Editor* ## Wasachi Tea Café Opens in Power Plant Mall ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/IMG_1221.webp) As a lover of all things [tea](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/7-of-the-worlds-most-prized-teas/ "7 of the World’s Most Prized Teas"), finding a good cup of matcha is always on my mind. While the matcha trend has been sweeping through the Philippines, not all cups or glasses I have tried have been satisfying. I was quite happy to discover Wasachi, a matcha café that opened in Rockwell, Power Plant Mall last week. Wasachi is the real deal! ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Wasachi1-2240x1260.webp) Founder Takuma Yamanaka prepares a Cold Mango Matcha Latte. *Wasachi* Located on the mall’s third level and adjacent to the newly renovated Fully Booked store, Wasachi is the brainchild of former marketing and branding executive, Takuma Yamanaka, and has been brought to the Philippines by Jaime and Chris Daez. Manila marks Wasachi’s second location, with a third planned in Yamanaka’s native Kyoto later this year. First opened in 2024, Wasachi Tokyo is a nondescript 10-seater café that is challenging to find. Serving the highest-grade matcha from around [Japan](https://robbreport.ph/tag/japan/ "japan"), has already earned praise from many culinary creatives including Michelin-starred Chef Daniel Calvert of Sézanne, who calls Wasachi’s matcha latte the best in Tokyo. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/W23_Wasachi_Dessert-Sample-sizes-2240x3360.webp) Matcha desserts at Wasachi. *Wasachi* At Wasachi, matcha comes in many forms: pure matcha, matcha latte, sencha, all available hot or iced, plus a Philippine-exclusive, a Cold Mango Matcha Latte. And if you want a little twist, the matcha affogato, a scoop of ice cream doused in warm matcha, is a must-try. A good cup of matcha is all about the color and taste. At Wasachi, the matcha comes in a vibrant hue. It is smooth and perfectly balanced—far less bitter than many others I’ve tried. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/W22_Wasachi_Tomato-and-Whipped-Feta-Tartine-2240x1493.webp) Tomato and Whipped Feta Tartine. *Wasachi* But it’s not just drinks. The matcha-forward pastries made locally are also delightful. I found myself torn between sampling the matcha mascarpone tiramisu, matcha cheesecake, pistachio matcha éclair, chocolate and matcha mousse cake, and an array of cookies in matcha, hojicha, and kurogoma flavors. So, I did what I needed to do and tasted them all! If you are looking for something savory to enjoy with your matcha, there’s avocado toast or a tomato and whipped feta tartine that are also available. – *Alicia Colby-Sy, Lifestyle Editor* *[Wasachi](https://www.instagram.com/wasachi_ph/), 3rd level, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell, Makati*. ## Tohoku Drippers Drip Pack Assortment ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-30-at-95902-AM.webp) Because they are as influenced by personality and location as wines, exploring independent coffee shops and roasters is wonderfully engaging. These beans and drip bag sample packs came from the coffee-loving town of Morioka two hours northeast of Tokyo by Shinkansen and the jump-off point for a visit to the Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi. Packs are great ways to sample unique flavors as well as make very nice gifts for those that appreciate coffee and all its nuances. And the interactions almost transcend language barriers. – *Carl Cunanan, Cars and Watches Editor* *Also available online at * **Categories:** Art & Collectibles, Dining, Food & Drink, The Good Life: Editors' Picks --- ### [Apéro: A French Chef Teaches Us How It's Done](https://robbreport.ph/guide-to/apero-hour-like-a-french-chef/) **Published:** October 29, 2025 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** To the French, there’s a moment in the day when time slows down: not for dinner, not quite for leisure, but for something lighter, looser, and entirely social. It’s called apéro, short for apéritif, and it’s the kind of ritual that resists translation. Its spirit travels well, and in Manila it finds an easy home at [Dr. Wine](https://www.instagram.com/drwine.poblacion/?hl=en) for the pre-dinner hour—then, when appetites open, the night can slide naturally into dinner, and at Dr. Wine, expect an authentic French one. “As for apéro,” says Romain Escande, Executive Chef of Dr. Wine Poblacion, “it isn’t just about having a drink before dinner. It’s a part of everyday life in France. It’s when people slow down, connect, and enjoy the little things.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Terrine-de-foie-gras1.webp) Terrine de foie gras at Dr. Wine. Beyond after-dinner drinks, Dr. Wine offers authentic and sumptuous French dining. *Dr. Wine* Often cast as an after-dinner haunt—late conversations, [one more bottle](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/wine/ "Wine"), the low thrum of Poblacion—Dr. Wine is just as persuasive at the table: silky sauces, tender meats, soups to tuck into (the onion soup is a must!), and considered cooking; wines from a deep and fairly priced cellar, and an overall ease of a townhouse bistro. It carries the apéro temperament from first pour to last—distinctive yet convivial, genuinely unhurried. It’s an address any Francophile would claim as their own, a reminder that an easy elegance and warmth is the kind of ambience any restaurant aspires to. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/le-jardin3.webp) Le Jardin is a wing of the restaurant with a Provencal feel. *Dr. Wine* In France, apéro is almost instinctive. You pour something light—[wine](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/best-of-the-best-2025-wine/ "Best of the Best 2025: Wine"), perhaps, or a simple [cocktail](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/bar-none/bar-none-sidecar/ "Bar None: A Sidecar With a Zesty Twist of Calamansi, Dalandan, and Dayap")—lay out a few snacks, and settle in for conversation. “You open a bottle of wine, serve some simple snacks, and hang out,” Escande continues. “It doesn’t have to be fancy. What matters is the mood.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/natalie-behn-4XTXxJl4NQw-unsplash.webp) There’s something so stylish about simplicity, and apéro hour is an apt example. *Natalie Behn* That mood is deeply social but never contrived. “People will meet for apéro with one group of friends, then head off to dinner with another,” he says. “It’s built into our lives. I still have an apéro with my grandmother when I visit her. It’s not about the food—it’s about being together.” ## The Mood, Not the Menu If the apéro has a philosophy, it’s this: unhurried pleasure. It’s the opposite of efficiency, the antidote to the modern rush. “Happy hour usually feels rushed,” Escande notes. “People are trying to squeeze in cheap drinks before the clock runs out. A cocktail party is more dressed-up and structured. Apéro is different. It’s casual. It’s relaxed. No dress code, no pressure.” You don’t even need a special setting. “You can have it at your kitchen table, out on the balcony, or even in the park. You don’t need an occasion,” he says. “It’s about slowing down, enjoying something simple, and being with people you like.” That casualness is key. Apéro isn’t an event to plan, but an atmosphere to fall into. ## How to Apéro Like a French Chef “You don’t need much,” Escande insists. “Just a few good things.” Start with the drinks. “Go with something light. A [dry white wine, a chilled rosé,](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/best-of-the-best-2025-wine/ "Best of the Best 2025: Wine") or a Kir if you’re in the mood for something a little sweet,” he suggests. “An Aperol Spritz works well, too. Honestly, any drink you love can work. I personally enjoy a good glass of Chablis, or if I want something different, a classic Negroni.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/francesco-liotti-qDFvFum-ILo-unsplash-1.webp) Apéro is more about company than charcuterie. *Francesco Liotti* For the food, simplicity is non-negotiable. “Think something easy to share,” says Escande. “Saucisson, olives, cornichons, and a couple of cheeses, like a soft Camembert and a hard Comté or Tomme. Add some crusty bread or crackers. Maybe a tapenade or some rillettes to spread. You don’t need to cook—just mix flavors and textures.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Brie-a-la-truffe1.webp) Brie a la truffe, at Dr. Wine. *Dr. Wine* If you’re having apéro alone, the formula still holds. “Then you get to make it exactly how you like it,” he says. “A glass of [wine](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/bar-none/bar-none-jeannie-cho-lee-wine-journey-and-her-love-of-burgundy/ "Bar None: Jeannie Cho Lee, Master of Wine, Tells of Her Wine Journey and Love for Burgundy"), a few olives, a slice or two of your favorite cheese, and some good bread. Maybe a little saucisson or some nuts. Keep it light. It’s not about making a big production. It’s about taking a moment for yourself. I actually enjoy having an apéritif solo, to be honest.” ## Hosting the Perfect Apéro If there’s a rule to follow, it’s not about taste—it’s about tempo. “Apéro is meant to whet your appetite, not fill you up,” Escande explains. “Keep the flavors light, salty, maybe a little fatty, but not rich. Stay away from anything too sweet or too spicy. The idea is to wake up the palate and leave people looking forward to the meal, not feeling like they’ve already had it.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/camille-brodard-f6Wpz1QPFZI-unsplash.webp) *Camille Brodard* He’s equally precise about atmosphere: “Keep it simple. This isn’t a dinner party. No need to impress anyone. Set things up ahead of time so you can actually enjoy it with your guests. Make sure the drinks are cold. Take the cheese out early so it’s not straight from the fridge. Mix up the textures—salty, creamy, crunchy. Use real glasses and plates whenever you can. Light a few candles. Play something low-key in the background. And most importantly, relax. If you’re at ease, your guests will be too.” ## A Filipino Twist Even halfway across the world, the apéro finds a natural home in the Philippines. “[Chicharon](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/a-new-chapter-in-filipino-fine-dining-told-through-bacon-at-baken-1104/ "A New Chapter in Filipino Fine Dining, Told Through Bacon at Baken 1104") for the crunch, definitely,” Escande suggests. “Pair it with a little spiced vinegar and you’re good. Kinilaw with some corn chips also works—it’s refreshing, acidic, and has bite. A bit controversial, maybe, but laing on crackers instead of rice would be nice too.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/main-dining3-1.webp) Dr. Wine’s main dining area. *Dr. Wine* Filipino conviviality meeting French ease is an inspired match. “You’re not following any rules,” he says. “You’re creating a moment. If the flavors are good and the mood is right, people will want to stay a little longer.” And that, in the end, is the essence of apéro: it’s not about the drink in your hand or what’s on the table, but about that fleeting, beautiful in-between, when the day exhales, the company is good, and time itself takes a seat beside you. *Dr. Wine Poblacion is located at 5921 Algier, Poblacion, Makati City; Dr. Wine BGC is located at Parklane, Forbestown Road, BGC, Taguig City.* **Categories:** Dining, Food & Drink, Guide To **Tags:** apero, dr. wine, romain escande, wine --- ### [How Manila’s Top Chefs Discovered Their Passion—and Their First Michelin Experience](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/manilas-top-chefs-passion-michelin-experience/) **Published:** October 28, 2025 **Author:** Alicia Colby-Sy **Content:** Manila’s food cognoscenti are holding its breath. The Michelin Guide, one of the most respected and revered global dining guides, is officially entering the Philippines with its first-ever edition covering Manila and Environs, and Cebu. Anticipation is high as whispers circulate about which restaurants will earn coveted stars, how many will be recognized, and which establishments will also receive the Michelin Bib Gourmand for excellence at a value. The official announcement and awarding will take place Thursday, October 30, at the Marriott Hotel Ballroom, Resorts World Manila, bringing international culinary prestige to the country’s capital. Founded in France in 1900 by brothers André and Édouard Michelin, the Michelin Guide originally served as a travel and dining guide for motorists. Over more than a century, it has grown to cover over 40 destinations worldwide, becoming synonymous with culinary excellence. Its hallmark is strict impartiality: inspectors dine anonymously, pay for their meals, and no restaurant can pay to be included. The guide’s star system is globally recognized: One Star: High-quality cooking worth a stop; Two Stars: Excellent cooking, worth a detour; and Three Stars: Exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey. When awarding stars, inspectors consider the quality of ingredients, mastery of techniques, harmony of flavors, the chef’s personality in the cuisine, and consistency across visits. Beyond stars, the guide also highlights value through the Bib Gourmand, recognizing restaurants that offer high-quality meals at reasonable prices, and bestows special awards for achievements such as Opening of the Year, Service, Sommelier, and Young Chef awards. However, Michelin’s arrival is much more than a ceremonial moment. Its arrival places Filipino cuisine firmly on the global culinary map, simultaneously acknowledging its creativity and diversity. It also promises to boost food tourism, attracting international travelers eager to experience the flavors of Manila and beyond, and Cebu. Filipino dishes will now stand shoulder to shoulder with other world-renowned cuisines, garnering recognition that has long been deserved. As chefs and restaurateurs across the city wait with bated breath, we asked some of Manila’s foremost culinary industry talents about their professional journey and their first experience at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Many spoke of early inspiration, the thrill of discovering flavors at the highest level, and the drive to bring world-class standards back to their own kitchens. ## Josh Boutwood, Chef, Helm ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/josh-boutwood.webp) Ever since I was young I had an almost magnetic attraction to the kitchen—yet I tried to veer away and take up architecture. Ultimately, it sucked me back in. I absolutely [love what I do](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/the-magic-of-helm/ "The Magic of Helm") and can’t imagine doing anything else. My very first apprenticeship at 16 was at a Michelin restaurant and I was captivated by the precision and care that went into each dish. It was from the very get-go that I said to myself, I want a restaurant like this. ## Bruce Ricketts, Chef, Iai ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-01-17-at-11000-e1738565864724-1600x899-1.webp) I first knew I wanted to become a chef when I saw that hard work and obsessiveness were key elements in making good food. I was able to relate and [felt at home](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/inside-iai-a-culinary-gem-redefining-kappo-dining-in-manila/ "Inside Iai: A Culinary Gem Redefining Kappo Dining in Manila") in the kitchen. My first Michelin experience was at Le Bernardin in New York. I remember being fascinated by the idea of seeing fish paired with red wine sauces, which was unusual to me at that time, as well as raw shellfish dishes that made me understand what elegance and restraint meant. Prior to my meal there I would geek out on Eric Ripert’s cookbook, so it was exciting to be able to experience the restaurant and compare what I imagined to how it actually was. ## JP Cruz, Chef , Inato ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Chef-JP-Cruz-1.webp) Cooking has always been something I was deeply curious about. Like many chefs, my first exposure came from my mother’s cooking when I was young, and that’s where my fascination with food started. Even though I wasn’t sure what career path to take back then, cooking was the one thing that felt meaningful to me apart from spending most of my time in front of the computer. I also spent time working in different kitchens around the city, but the moment I truly felt committed to becoming a chef was when I started working with [Chef Jordy Navarra](https://robbreport.ph/tag/jordy-navarra/ "jordy navarra"). His genuine passion for food and his generosity in sharing knowledge about food, restaurants, and experiences inspired me to grow. It made me realize that being a chef is so much more than just cooking and feeding people. It’s about curiosity, creativity, connection, and so much more. My first Michelin experience was around 10 or 11 years ago when Jordy and I dined at Robuchon au Dôme in Macau. I remember tagging along on May’s (Navarra) business trip to Hong Kong & Macau, which gave us the chance to try it out. It was my first true fine dining experience. White tablecloths, stunning interiors, elegant tableside service, and impeccable food and hospitality. Everything about it left a lasting impression and opened my eyes to what dining at the highest level could be. Despite being very different from the food I was used to, some dishes felt surprisingly familiar and comforting, which brought me a lot of joy. ## Aaron Isip, Chef, Kasa Palma ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/photo_2025-10-28-081352.webp) I have always loved cooking since high school, but I realized I wanted to become a chef only after university. At 21, I left for Paris to study and train under some of France’s master chefs. I knew I was going to be a chef when I moved to France—it felt like it was what I was meant to do; my *raison d’être*. My first Michelin experience was my very first job at the two-star then—Apicius, under renowned French chef Jean-Pierre Vigato. It was a surreal experience working in the grand kitchen of a hôtel particulier owned by acclaimed film director Luc Besson. ## Jorge Mendez, Chef, Modan ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Modan.webp) Cooking has always been a part of my family’s story, and as a child, I loved helping my mom in the kitchen. From a young age, around 10, I realized that [becoming a chef was my true passion](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/first-taste-mugen-ramenya-ramen-bar/ "First Taste: Mugen Ramenya") and dream. My first Michelin star experience in 2016 was truly unforgettable, as I had the pleasure of savoring a beautiful pasta dish crafted by the talented Nico Romito at il Ristorante. It was a moment of culinary wonder that deeply touched me. ## Miko Calo, Chef, Coquette by Miko Calo ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Screen-Shot-2025-01-29-at-12432-PM.webp) I took Hotel and Restaurant Management in college as my last resort. I didn’t really know what I wanted to do; I just knew which school I wanted to attend. Fortunately, I didn’t pass initially. During my first week of kitchen lab classes, I realized that cooking was my true future. By my first semester, I had already decided to pursue further studies after college and [build a career in fine dining](https://robbreport.ph/profiles/all-roads-lead-to-home/ "Miko Calo: All Roads Lead to Home"). I visited my cousin in London, and we had dinner at La Cuisine de Joel Robuchon (now closed) for her birthday. This was the year before I was going to start culinary school in Paris. Before the meal ended, I told myself and my cousin, “l’m gonna work here after school.” Two years later, I was working there. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Hapag-chefs.webp) ## Thirdy Dolatre, Chef & Partner, Hapag My first memory of cooking was at the age of seven, frying eggs alongside my Tita, who taught me the basics. Back in school, I didn’t really excel academically, but whenever it came to cooking class or home economics, I found myself fully engaged and excited. Even when visiting friends’ houses, I’d end up raiding their pantry and whipping up dishes with whatever I could find—kind of “market basket challenge” using canned goods and fridge leftovers. Despite my fascination with food, I didn’t immediately see it as a viable career option. Cooking wasn’t considered glamorous back then; it was viewed as a blue-collar job. Plus, I came from a family of dentists, so I naturally thought I’d follow in their footsteps. Everything changed in the summer of 2009 when my brother Paolo—who once dreamt of becoming a chef himself—encouraged me to take the Kitchen Discovery Course at CCA Manila. That experience lit a spark in me. I was completely immersed, and for the first time, I saw that this passion could become my profession. If that summer hadn’t happened, I’d probably be in a dental clinic today, living a quiet and peaceful life, which is worlds apart from the chaos of running a kitchen! Kidding aside, cooking and making people happy through food and hospitality truly changed my life. It’s my love language to serve and nurture others through my craft. I feel incredibly fortunate that what I love most—[sharing joy and connection through food](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/flavors-from-the-edge-breaking-bread-with-our-western-mindanao-kin-at-hapag/ "Southern Comfort: Breaking Bread With Our Western Mindanao Kin at Hapag")—is also what I get to call my career. My first Michelin experience was staging at Benu, a three-Michelin-star restaurant in San Francisco. After years of working in Manila’s local restaurant scene, where I learned to hold down a station, lead a brigade, and navigate the line, stepping into a Michelin kitchen was a complete shock to the system. The level of focus required was intense. Every single detail mattered. You had to ask the right questions, take meticulous notes, and never make the same mistake twice. Every second counted because the kitchen ran with such lean precision and a limited number of staff. What I love is that they don’t overhire stages just to make the kitchen run. What struck me most, though, was that despite the rigorous training, the environment wasn’t toxic. I got scolded and the chefs pushed me hard, but always with purpose—they wanted me to understand why things were done a certain way. That deeper understanding of technique and intention shaped how I wanted to run my own kitchen later on. The cherry on top came after months of working through every station: sitting down to experience the full menu as a diner. It was a surreal experience tasting dishes I had helped create, now plated and served with such artistry. That night made me realize the beauty of what we do: working tirelessly behind the scenes, then watching it all come together in a single moment of joy for someone else. It was an eye-opening and humbling experience that deepened my respect for what Michelin dining represents. ## Erin Recto, Head Sommelier & Partner, Hapag My curiosity for [wine](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/wine/ "Wine") started when I lived in Portugal, visiting wineries with my mom and discovering how a glass of vinho verde could brighten something as simple as spicy piri piri chicken. It was my first real glimpse of how wine and food could speak to each other. Over time, I realized that being a sommelier could be more than technical knowledge— it could be a bridge between cultures. As a Filipino, I wanted to tell stories that connected our food and hospitality to the wider world, and it’s what has cemented my desire to pursue this path seriously. My first Michelin experience was dining at Fu Ho in Hong Kong—a meal that showed me how refinement and restraint could coexist with deep cultural roots. A few years later, I had the opportunity to work briefly at Arola in Penha Longa during my internship, which offered a glimpse into the discipline and quiet precision that a Michelin restaurant demands. Experiencing both sides, as a guest moved by tradition and as a young professional behind the scenes, has shaped how I understand hospitality and the many ways excellence can be expressed. ## **Kevin ‘Nav’ Navoa, Chef & Partner, Hapag** When I was a kid, we would go to visit our family in San Diego where my mom’s side of the family ran a Filipino restaurant/bakery and I was introduced to a typical Filipino restaurant in the US. They served the basic dishes such as adobo, lechon, paksiw, chicharon bulaklak, hot pandesal, cheese rolls, etc. My mom loved to to bake and cook. I noticed how every time we were at the restaurant she would actually get in these plastic aprons and make a cake for a customer. So it meant that my sister and I, on some days, would end up hanging around the restaurant, in and out of the kitchen, just playing. I realized this was one of my core memories as a kid that gave me my first experience in a restaurant setting. One morning, and still in San Diego, I decided to make garlic fried rice and I had this itch where I felt the need to make it really taste good and I wanted my uncles to try what I cooked. I had realized years and years later this was my first experience cooking for someone and had that itch in my chest to focus and cook to the best of my ability for someone else. This was actually my first time “cooking with the heart.” Now I make anything and still get the same feeling today. My first Michelin experience came from a restaurant I once worked at. After my stint there, I returned as a guest and I was blown away by the service and the way each dish was presented. They weren’t a Michelin starred restaurant yet, but to me, it already felt like the raw, genuine essence of what a starred restaurant should be. Fast forward a few years, and they now hold two Michelin stars. I went back to dine again, and their standards were just as high, if not even higher. They’ve refined their cuisine, grown more confident in their identity, and truly came into their own as a restaurant. ## Colin Mackay, Chef, Blackbird and Sala ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/BOTB-LAUNCH-EVENT_PORTRAIT_037-e1761542654574.webp) I embraced and enjoyed working with food from my teenage years, but it was not until I lived in Hong Kong during the early 90’s that I found myself actually having to cook professionally as a caterer for private dinners. That experience provided the confidence for me to open [Sala](https://salarestaurant.com/) on arriving in Manila in 1997. My first Michelin experience was a four-hour lunch at The Fat Duck in Bray in 2001. I remember delicious food, theatrical, perfect service, and an unassuming comfortable space. It was my most memorable meal for all the right reasons! ## Jordy Navarra, Chef, Toyo Eatery ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Jordy_2.webp) It was when I started casually cooking for my girlfriend at the time (now my wife), that I became curious on how things were made and the components that made a good dish. That made me research more about food. I knew I wanted to keep learning about it. My first Michelin experience was The Ledbury in London! ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Copy-of-_MG_4402.webp) ## Nicco Santos, Chef, Celera I think it clicked for me when I realized that cooking is a lot more than just making food look and taste good. It’s the way food can tell stories, carry memories, and bring people together around a table. I saw how a dish could connect different cultures, or remind someone of home, or spark conversation between strangers. When I understood that cooking could be a language—one filled with emotion, identity, and intention—that’s when I knew this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. My first Michelin experience was actually quite casual at a small tapas place in Singapore. Nothing overly grand or intimidating. It felt intimate, honest, and deeply thoughtful. The flavors were simple, but they were precise. There was so much intention behind every plate without the need to make it feel luxurious. It opened my eyes to the idea that excellence doesn’t have to be loud. It can be quiet, humble, and deeply human. I think that experience shaped the way I approach cooking today—where heart and story matter just as much as technique. ## Quenee Vilar, Chef, Celera I’ve always been surrounded by food and great cooks at home. My family would often cook and eat together at my lola’s house, creating some of my fondest memories. But it wasn’t until my 4th-year high school elective that I truly discovered my passion for cooking. That class opened my eyes to the art of food, and it was then that I realized I wanted to get my hands dirty and explore different flavors. For me, cooking with a great team is just as important as cooking for myself. I realized this especially when I joined my mentor and partner, Nicco, at Your Local. It was an eye-opening experience. I discovered that [I enjoy cooking](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/reimagining-taste-celera/ "Celera: Reimagining Taste, Rediscovering Identity") even more when I’m surrounded by people who share the same goals and passion for food. My first Michelin experience was when we were studying for our first collaboration at Hey Handsome. I remember going around Singapore, trying out Michelin-recommended restaurants, and being surrounded by world-renowned chefs. It was an incredible feeling—inspiring, humbling, and unforgettable. What made it even more special was getting to know the chefs outside their restaurants, learning about their personalities and what inspires them. For me, that’s what truly defined my first Michelin experience. ## Tippi Tambunting, Chef, M Dining ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/IMG_1200.webp) When I was 16 I started a home-based food business selling baked products and bottled pasta sauces called Saltine. It was then I realized I wanted to be a chef. My sister was living in New York at that time and she brought me to Poughkeepsie to do a campus tour in the Culinary Institute of America. My maternal grandparents loved to travel and eat in all these fancy restaurants and I was lucky to be part of it. As far as I remember, even at 10 years old, we would frequent Tokyo, New York, and San Francisco, and hold an annual family trip to Hong Kong with the whole clan on Christmas where the itinerary would revolve around our meals. All these restaurants seemed somewhat the same to me; what would differ was the cuisine, how the table was set, and if it had a tablecloth or not. On my 2nd year of culinary school we had a break, and I went to Paris to meet with up with friends. A friend’s mom invited us to dinner and all they said was that we had to dress up for a fancy dinner. We were brought to L’Arpège. I was blown away by the experience. It was only after my culinary gastronomy class that I knew the difference. I appreciated everything even more and understood the whole dining experience. ## Tom Bascon, Chef, M Dining ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/tom-bascon.webp) Honestly, I didn’t think I was going to be a chef. You see, I was born and raised with my parents in the food/service industry. Witnessing firsthand how hard it was—running a hotel, restaurant and catering business—I decided to study business and be as far away from the family business as possible. But somehow, food found a way to pull me back in. Happy with my decent-paying 9-5 job, I never stopped being curious about food. Though I cooked and ate quite a bit during my free time, I still didn’t think I could make a career out of it. That all changed in the early 2000s. My epiphany happened in a friend’s restaurant in Dallas. I walked into that kitchen, and the hair in my arms stood up. I told myself, This is what I want to do. Mind you, that was not the first commercial kitchen I entered, but I haven’t looked back since. When I was in NYC, Michelin only made its initial appearance in 2006. Living on a cook’s salary then, Michelin-starred restaurants were not part of the budget, unless it was New York Restaurant Week. Though that wasn’t necessarily bad, it wasn’t a Michelin experience either. My first true Michelin experience didn’t happen until recently. In 2017, my wife and I visited Lasarte in Barcelona and Casa Perbellini in Verona. Both experiences, though very different, were amazing, especially Perbellini. ## **Tony Boy Escalante, Chef, Antonio’s** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/ST_Robb-Report-Antonios-PGA_Capture_0099.webp) I realized I wanted to be a chef by accident. When I was traveling, I realized I wasn’t just drawn to the food, I was fascinated by the whole restaurant experience. I liked watching how everything came together, the cooking, the service, the atmosphere. That’s when I knew this was something I wanted to do. The first Michelin restaurant that really made an impact on me was Noma in Copenhagen. It was a different level from what we do here, something that wouldn’t be easy to sustain in the Philippines because we don’t have the same kind of tourism or transient market to sustain that kind of operation. I was blown away by the ingredients and the way they executed everything. The restaurant was by the marketplace and the water, the kitchen was open, and you could see how calm and organized they were while assembling the dishes. **Categories:** Dining, Food & Drink **Tags:** Michelin --- ### [The Good Life: Editors' Picks of the Week](https://robbreport.ph/leisure/culture/the-good-life-editors-picks-of-the-week-22/) **Published:** June 12, 2026 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** ###### *Man of La Mancha* by Repertory Philippines ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/01-MLM-2240x3150.webp) Opening night at Repertory Philippines’ Man of La Mancha directed by Nelsito Gomez was such a treat. Veteran actor Nonie Buencamino is Don Quixote, the Lord of La Mancha, and he is stellar as always. We sympathized with the chivalrous self-declared knight, and Nonie moved us with his mix of strength and vulnerability, humor and heartbreak. He brought humanity to the man the world saw as mad. The rest of the cast was just as remarkable: Katrine Sunga as the tavern wench Aldonza, Marvin Ong as Sancho Panza the loyal sidekick, Steven Hotchkiss as Padre, Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante as Antonia, Tarek El Tayech as Innkeeper, Alfredo Reyes as Carrasco. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/08-MLM-2240x2800.webp) The cast of Man of La Mancha. *Repertory Philippines* The musical is set within a prison cell that evoked a detention center for immigrants from all over. Miguel de Cervantes/Don Quixote made them remember what it was like to hope. Every time I’d glance at Mom during the show, she was smiling and her eyes were alight. She’s always loved the song, “The Impossible Dream.” And in this current toxic environment, the message resonates even more. To fight the unbeatable foe, no matter how hopeless, to fight for the right, without question. The world will be better for this. – *Yvette Fernandez, Chief of Editorial Content* *[Buy your tickets here.](https://premier.ticketworld.com.ph/shows/Show.aspx?sh=MANOLM26)* ## Kawayan de Guia and Louie Cordero exhibit, “Interpsychic Colony,” in MO\_Space ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photo_2026-06-03-130458.webp) *Interpsychic Colony No. 35*, Louie Cordero and Kawayan de Guia (2026). Acrylic on paper, 26.5 x 34 inches. At [MO\_Space](https://robbreport.ph/tag/mo_space/ "mo_space"), [Kawayan de Guia](https://robbreport.ph/tag/kawayan-de-guia/ "kawayan de guia") and Louie Cordero reunite for Interpsychic Colony, the duo’s third collaborative exhibition. As expected, we get a wild and vivid collision of two image-making practices shaped by comics, pulp fiction, folklore, political satire, and the absurd. Across 40 works, the artists are seen here building a dystopian visual language that feels playful on the surface yet increasingly anxious underneath. Created between Kitma, Baguio and Cuenca, Batangas, the works were passed back and forth, with each artist reworking the other’s images until authorship begins to blur. That exchange gives the exhibition its title and its charge: an “interpsychic” process where memory, humor, history, and personal mythology mutate into shared terrain. De Guia and Cordero turn nostalgia into something unstable, using pop-cultural excess and grotesque wit to reflect on cultural exhaustion, recolonization, and survival. – *Bryle Suralta, Features Editor* *“Interpsychic Colony” runs through June 28, 2026, in the gallery’s Main Room*; *[MO\_Space](https://www.mo-space.net/) is located at the 3rd floor, MOs Design Bldg, B2 9th Avenue, Bonifacio High Street, Taguig*, *Metro Manila*. *Inquiries: +63 2 84036620* ## Slo.Villa Restaurant, Hanoi ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/slovilla-photo-2240x1260.webp) A surprise breakfast just after we landed in Hanoi turned out to be the defining meal to start the trip. A place called Slo.Villa restaurant did some great fresh pho breakfasts and walked us through our choices of taste and spices. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photo_2026-06-03-130551.webp) It was a quaint place on a busy street, not overly luxurious, but had the flavor of both place and time. A walk through of how they said proper coffee should be prepared topped it all off. *The restaurant is located at 16 Lý Thường Kiệt, Cửa Nam, Hanoi, Vietnam, 100000*. *Visit their Facebook profile [here](https://web.facebook.com/slovillarestaurant16ltk/?_rdc=1&_rdr#).* **Categories:** Art & Collectibles, Culture, Dining, Entertainment, The Good Life: Editors' Picks **Tags:** From Repertory Philippines' stirring production of Man of La Mancha and a provocative contemporary art exhibition in Taguig to a memorable breakfast stop in Hanoi, kawayan de guia, Louie Cordero, Man of La Mancha, Mo_ Space, repertory philippines, Slo.Villa --- ### [Inside the Spending Frenzy to Renovate New York’s Most Legendary Hotels](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/design/inside-the-spending-frenzy-to-renovate-new-yorks-most-legendary-hotels/) **Published:** October 27, 2025 **Author:** Jake Emen **Content:** As ballyhooed as New York’s many iconic and historic [hotels](https://robbreport.ph/tag/hotels/ "hotels") are, for decades they’ve been mostly sizzle, not a lot of steak. The most exciting city stays have been newer properties, like the beautifully curated, artistic [Fifth Avenue Hotel](https://www.thefifthavenuehotel.com/), or the sleek, contemporary style and service of wellness-led[ Aman New York](https://www.aman.com/hotels/aman-new-york). Yet within the last few years, NYC has seen a cascade of long-planned, highly anticipated renovations. “I think it was long overdue to keep up with other places around the world who have reputations as being incredible hotel cities, such as London and Paris,” says Josh Alexander,[ a luxury travel advisor](https://www.globaltravelcollection.com/travel-agent/104687) with ProTravel International, a Virtuoso agency. “[New York City](https://robbreport.ph/tag/new-york/ "new york") was falling behind.” The starry list of NYC hotels that have completed rejuvenations is (in alphabetical order) include: The Carlyle (reopened in 2021 after three years), Hotel Chelsea (reopened in 2022 after 11 years), Four Seasons Midtown (reopened in November 2024 after four years), Park Hyatt (remained open during a 2024 renovation), the Peninsula (remained open during a 2024 renovation), St. Regis (remained open besides public spaces, which reopened in August 2024 after renovation), The Surrey (reopened under the Corinthia banner in October 2024), W Union Square (relaunched in September 2025), and the Waldorf Astoria (reopened July 2025 after 8.5 years). Whew. Do any of these revamps live up to the hype? To say that there’s pressure involved in getting this right—the legacies at stake amid a jam-packed, competitive arms race, to say nothing of the monetary investment —is an understatement. “We received tons of letters from New Yorkers saying, ‘Don’t you dare this mess up,’” says Dino Michael, senior vice president and global head for Hilton’s luxury brands, of the enormous eight-and-a-half-year[ Waldorf Astoria New York](https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/nycwawa-waldorf-astoria-new-york/) project. ![waldorf astoria](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Waldorf-Astoria-New-York_Peacock-Alley_Hilton.webp) A new Peacock Alley, fit for strutting. *Joe Thomas* The classic hotel, at its current Park Avenue address since 1931, reduced its room count from 1,400 to 375 rooms and suites, along with 372 residences, while retaining its Gilded Age grandeur: the 148,000 marble tiles in the circular “Wheel of Life” mosaic in the Park Ave lobby; Cole Porter’s “High Society” grand piano; the reassembled Waldorf clock tower, first commissioned by Queen Victoria in 1893, and so much more. “We haven’t lost any of the magic,” Michael says. Renowned lobby bar Peacock Alley is back in action, with a cocktail program now spearheaded by New York bartending icon Jeff Bell of[ Please Don’t Tell](https://www.pdtnyc.com/) fame. It’s a spot for New Yorkers to honor a big occasion, for celebrities to come and flaunt their status, and for tourists to recline and get a taste of it all. When a storied hotel succeeds with such a face lift, it’s a moment for all of the above to rejoice, and it appears that the Waldorf Astoria has managed to achieve that goal. After almost a decade on the shelf—and construction costing a reported $2 billion—they better hope that they did. ## The key to success starts in the kitchen There’s a common thread through the most successful of these overhauls: Build a top-tier food and beverage program, attract the locals, and the tourist dollars and international prestige will follow. “Even if you’re not staying \[in the hotel\]—if you’re just living or working in New York—you want to go for the restaurant or the bar,” Alexander says. “They’re making these gathering places, and that’s what they’re getting right.” Alexander calls out several of the completed rebirths for their success on this front. “Look at what Rosewood has done with[ The Carlyle](https://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/the-carlyle-new-york) (from $895) and Bemelmans Bar, taking these types of iconic old school spots and making them cool and hip again,” he says. A stiff Bemelmans martini while enjoying a night of live music is now a hallmark of a classy NYC night out. The bar somehow straddles the line between regular’s haunt and tourist attraction. He also shouts out The St. Regis (from $895), which spruced up the legendary King Cole Bar to coincide with its 90th anniversary, and the hotel’s 120th anniversary, last fall. The iconic bar—which also happens to be the home of the original, proto-Bloody Mary, the Red Snapper—has been refreshed while preserving its deep history. It’s packed with locals nightly, attracting queues of devotees waiting to grab a bar stool and gaze at the restored Maxfield Parrish *Old King Cole* mural, or for a chance to observe the hotel’s nightly Champagne sabrage ritual. ![waldorf astoria 3](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/King-Cole-Bar-1.webp) Grab a seat at King Cole Bar to admire the restored Maxfield Parrish Old King Cole mural. As part of the overhaul, The St. Regis renovated its lobby, as well as the Drawing Room in front of the bar, transforming it into a stylish but relaxed lounge serving $36 lobster rolls and bacon cheddar burgers. La Maisonette, a cafe open for breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea, also made a re-entrance following a 20-year closure. King Cole Bar and Peacock Alley are true attractions, elevating the updated hotels and—dare we say—making Midtown cool again. “Midtown, rightfully so, has long been thought to be kind of dead after 6 p.m. with no good restaurants or bars. It’s great for New York and the hotel industry to begin changing that,” Alexander says. ”People want to come and stay in Midtown and the Upper East Side now.” An unexpected winner from this round robin of renos is the[ W New York – Union Square](https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/nycnu-w-new-york-union-square/overview/) (from $650), which celebrated the completion of its $100 million renovation spearheaded by the Rockwell Group this September. It may not have the same legacy as the Waldorf Astoria or the St. Regis, but it does call the 1911 Beaux-Arts Guardian Life building home, and has been an Union Square institution in its own right for the past quarter century. W New York – Union Square is now the brand’s global flagship—the torchbearer for [W Hotels](https://robbreport.com/tag/w-hotels/)’ transition from a neon-drenched, early aughts party vibe to a more sophisticated, mature look and feel that emphasizes luxury as much as lifestyle. “It’s almost becoming a showroom of what we believe is the benchmark for the brand,” says George Fleck, senior vice president and global brand leader for W Hotels, Edition, and St. Regis. Food and bev are at the heart of the project here as well, including the Living Room, which morphs from daytime cafe to evening lounge, and the new Guardian Rooftop, complete with a retractable roof for all-season revelry. On the ground floor is Seahorse, operated by Mercer Street Hospitality, a modern seafood brasserie with both streetside and lobby entrances. Fleck notes that, in New York, “you’re competing against some of the most incredible culinary offerings in the world,” so they do an “intense market study” to find their niche before renovating. When New York decides to do something, it does it big, and the revamp of the city’s luxury hotel scene is no exception. “I love that so many New York hotels are getting these renovations because it really helps lift the entire market,” says Fleck. [The world’s best are watching.](https://robbreport.ph/travel/here-are-the-hotels-in-asia-awarded-with-three-michelin-keys/ "Here Are the Hotels in Asia Awarded With Three Michelin Keys") *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Design **Tags:** hotels, luxury travel --- ### [Every Porsche Boxster, Ranked](https://robbreport.ph/cars/every-porsche-boxster-ranked/) **Published:** October 27, 2025 **Author:** Bryan Hood **Content:** Even Porsche itself will admit that the beginning of the 1990s was a [“very difficult period”](https://newsroom.porsche.com/en/2021/history/porsche-boxster-25-years-the-people-behind-23357.html) for the company. The “excessively high” cost of building four vehicles that didn’t share major components at once was catching up with the company, and there was talk of it being swallowed up by a larger, more profitable automaker like so many of its peers. But then the Boxster came along to help rescue the day. Introduced in 1996, the Boxster was unlike anything else the German automaker was building at the time. The mid-engine, two-seat roadster—the marque’s first model developed as a roadster since the [914](https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/porsche-914-retrospective-1236891884/)—may have been its own distinct vehicle, but it shared parts with other models, most notably the 996-generation [911](https://robbreport.ph/tag/porche-911/ "porche 911") that would debut the next year. This helped reduce costs without sacrificing quality, allowing the automaker to price the vehicle more accessibly than its previous full-fledged sports cars. Nearly three decades and four generations (986, 987, 981, and 982) later—not to mention birthing the Cayman, a hard-top spin-off—it’s safe to say that the Boxster has been a rousing success. Next year will see the launch of the car’s fifth generation, the first that will feature an all-electric powertrain (though ICE-powered variant will be offered), so what better time to rank all 23 distinct Boxster models to roll off the line up until now. ## 23. Porsche 987 Boxster ![porsche 987](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/porsche-987-boxster.webp) *Photo: Porsche* Let’s get this out of the way first: there are no bad Boxsters as far as we’re concerned. But something had to fill the 23rd on spot this list, and it’s the base-model 987. More powerful and capable models would be released during the nameplate’s generation, along with others, but that doesn’t stop this Boxster from being an attractive-looking, open-top sports car that remains fun to drive. ## 22. Porsche 982 718 Boxster ![porsche 982](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/porsche-982-718-boxster.webp) *Photo: Porsche* The most radical change that the Boxster has undergone up until now was when its name was changed with the launch of the 982 in 2016. The car is now known as the 718—a reference to the Porsche that won the Targa Florio race in 1959 and 1960—with the Boxster and Cayman names denoting the vehicle’s body style. That’s not the only change, though. The car also got a new turbocharged flat-four that makes 296 hp. ## 21. Porsche 982 718 Boxster Style Edition ![porsche 982](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/porsche-982-718-boxster-style-edition.webp) *Photo: Porsche* The 982 Style Edition is the car above with a fancy appearance package. The option tacks around $5,000 onto the car’s price tag, hood and door stripes, black tail pipes, and 20-inch wheels. It’s a slick-looking car, no doubt, but otherwise identical to the standard model. ## 20. Porsche 986 Boxster S ![porsche 986](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/porsche-986-boxster-s.webp) *Photo: Porsche* It didn’t take long for the Boxster to get its first performance variant. The S, which was introduced in 2000, four years after the car’s debut, featured an upgraded 3.2-liter flat six. The extra half-liter of displacement allowed the mill to bump output up 30 hp to 247 hp, which took nearly a second off its zero-to-60-mph time and upped its top speed to 162 mph. ## 19. Porsche 981 Boxster ![porsche 981](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/porsche-981-boxster.webp) *Photo: Porsche* Sometimes the third time really is the charm. Just look at the Boxster, the purest essence of which might be the 981. When it debuted in 2012, the 981 arrived with a revised design that brought its look more in line with the 911 and 918 Spyder, a more rigid chassis, and a new 2.7-liter flat-six rated at 260 hp. It may not be the most important standard Boxster—more on that one later in this list—but the 981 is essential. ## 18. Porsche 987 Boxster S ![Porsche 987](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/porsche-987-boxster-s.webp) *Photo: Porsche* The Boxster was the rare long-running model that arrived almost fully formed. Because of this, the second generation 987, which launched in 2004, was more of a refinement than a reimagining. Just look at the step-up Boxster S model. It again featured a 3.2-liter flat-six that now makes 276 hp. That engine would be upgraded during the 2009 mid-cycle refresh to a 3.4-liter unit, which added 30 hp more to the total output (306 hp). ## 17. Porsche 987 Boxster “USA” GT3 RS Orange ![Porsche 987](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/porsche-987-boxster-usa-gt3-rs-orange.webp) *Photo: Porsche* Its name may suggest otherwise, but the 987 Boxster “USA” GT3 RS Orange was just a design package when it came down to it. The North American-only model dressed up the second-gen Boxster or Boxster S in a bold orange paint job and added an extendable rear spoiler and exclusive badging. It was also quite rare, with just 502 examples (two more than originally intended) getting the treatment. ## 16. Porsche 987 Boxster S Black Edition ![Porsche 987](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/porsche-987-boxster-s-black-edition.webp) *Photo: Porsche* The 987 Boxster S Black Edition was more than just a sinister design package. The variant, which dressed up the zippy roadster in a black-out colorway, also featured a power boost. The 3.4-liter flat-six in the variant, which was limited to just 987 examples, makes 320 hp, thanks to which the car could sprint from zero to 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds. ## 15. Porsche 981 Boxster S ![Porsche 981](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/porsche-981-boxster-s.webp) *Photo: Porsche* It’s a testament to how good the Boxster’s third generation was that it’s easy to forget the 981 S. The debut of a GTS model pushed it down the pecking order, but don’t let that make you think it’s anything other than a very good sports car. Its 3.4-liter flat-six makes 311 hp and 266 ft lbs of torque, more than enough to push it from zero to 60 in under five seconds when equipped with Porsche’s Sport Chrono Package. ## 14. Porsche 982 718 Boxster S ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/porsche-982-718-boxster-s.webp) The Boxster S may only be a mid-range variant, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s lacking when it comes to power. Just look at the most recent iteration, which debuted alongside the nameplate’s fourth generation in 2016. Like the base model, the 718 Boxster S trades a flat-six for a turbocharged four-pot, but that mill is still potent enough to push output all the way to 345 hp. ## 13. Porsche 986 Boxster S 550 Spyder 50th Anniversary Edition ![Porsche 550 spyder](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/porsche-986-boxster-s-550-spyder.webp) *Photo: Porsche* Porsche took the opportunity, during the last year of the Boxster’s first generation, to celebrate one of its greatest race cars, the 550. Each example of the cumbersomely named Boxster S 550 Spyder 50th Anniversary Edition was finished in GT Silver Metallic, had Cocoa Brown leather interior, and rode on a set of two-tone 18-inch Carrera wheels. It was also rare, with just 1,953 examples leaving the factory, only 500 of which were shipped to the U.S. ## 12. Porsche 987 Boxster S RS 60 Spyder ![Porsche 987 spyder](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/porsche-987-boxster-rs-60-spyder.webp) *Photo: Porsche* This Boxster S RS 60 Spyder was designed to celebrate Porsche’s 1960 win at the 12 Hours of Sebring. The 2007 variant was available in one color, GT Silver Metallic, with one interior option, Carrera Red leather, and came with 19-inch SportDesign alloy wheels. It also came with a sport exhaust that boosted output to 299 hp. Interestingly, despite its name, it wasn’t a true Boxster Spyder, as that model, which we’ll get to in a moment, wouldn’t see a release for two more years. ## 11. Porsche 987 Boxster Spyder ![Porsche 987 boxster spyder](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/porsche-987-boxster-spyder.webp) *Photo: Porsche* Here’s when the list starts to get fun. For the first 13 years of its life, the Boxster had proven itself to be a fun sports car, but with the debut of the 987 Spyder variant in 2009, it proved itself to be so much more. The second-generation range-topper was the lightest Porsche available at the time of its release. Add in a six-cylinder mill that makes 316 hp, and you have yourself a car that can really move. ## 10. Porsche 982 718 Boxster T ![Porsche boxster](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/982-718-boxster-t_043aba.webp) *Photo: Porsche* The Boxster eventually won over enthusiasts—its continued availability as a stick shift helps—but even with that in mind, the 718 Boxster T is still one for the purists. Debuting in 2020, the variant is a base model with some fun add-ons, like a sport suspension, limited-shift differential, and a six-speed manual, and no filler. It’s the Boxster at its streamlined best. ## 9. Porsche 982 718 Boxster GTS ![Porsche 982 Boxster](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/porsche-982-718-boxster-gts.webp) *Photo: Porsche* Nothing at Porsche will ever have the gravitas of the 911, but the car now known as the 718 has narrowed the gap a tad over the last two generations. A broadening of the lineup has helped, especially the addition of GTS models for both the Boxster and Cayman. The fourth-generation Boxster GTS, which was sold between 2017 and 2019, may only be powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder, but it’s still a capable mill that can pump out 360 hp and 317 ft lbs of torque. ## 8. Porsche 982 718 Spyder ![Porsche 982](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/porsche-982-718-boxster-spyder.webp) *Photo: Porsche* Since its debut in 2009, the Spyder has consistently been the most hardcore Boxster available. The fourth-generation model (and third Spyder overall) is a true speed machine, combining more aggressive styling with loads of power. Unlike other versions of the 718, which traded a six-cylinder for a four-cylinder, the variant, which launched in 2020, is powered by a 4.0-liter flat-six that makes well over 400 horsepower. ## 7. Porsche 987 Boxster S Porsche Design Edition 2 ![Porsche 987 boxster](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/porsche-987-boxster-s-porsche-design-edition-2.webp) *Photo: Porsche* Why is a second-gen Boxster S so high on this list? Because the Porsche Design Edition 2, with its white monotone livery, is the rarest version of the roadster released to the public. Only 500 examples rolled off the line in 2008, the only year the model was offered for sale. ## 6. Porsche 982 718 Boxster 25 Years ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/porsche-982-718-boxster-25-years.webp) *Photo: Porsche* The Boxster has been used to pay tribute to some of Porsche’s greatest cars, but it wasn’t until 2021 that the model got a chance to celebrate itself. The 718 Boxster 25 Years was released that year to celebrate the nameplate’s first quarter century. Based on the fourth-gen GTS, the limited-edition variant features a 4.0-liter flat six that makes 394 hp and a design inspired by the Boxster concept that was first shown at the 1993 Detroit Auto Show. Of the nameplate’s many special editions, this one is the best. ## 5. Porsche 986 Boxster ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/porsche-986-boxster.webp) *Photo: Porsche* The 986 Boxster isn’t the best version of the mid-engine roadster, but it is, without a doubt, the most important. Prior to the vehicle’s release in 1996, it wasn’t clear if Porsche customers wanted a more accessible sports car, since prior attempts had led to mixed results. The first-gen Boxster proved they did, as long as those savings didn’t come at the cost of quality. That’s why the car is a mainstay of the brand’s lineup nearly three decades later. ## 4. Porsche 981 Boxster GTS ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/porsche-981-boxster-gts.webp) At the time of its release, in 2014, the 981 Boxster GTS was the most powerful Boxster ever. It would only hold onto this title for a year—the third-generation Spyder would beat it—but that doesn’t make the higher-performance variant any less impressive. Powered by a 3.4-liter flat-six that makes 325 hp, the Boxster’s first of three GTS models was capable of reaching a top speed of 172 mph. ## 3. Porsche 982 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/porsche-982-718-boxster-gts-4-0.webp) *Photo: Porsche* It’s already been established that the fourth-gen 718 Boxster GTS is a great car, but the GTS 4.0 variant took things to another level. Launched in 2020, this version of the 982 comes with a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat six that makes 395 hp, or 35 hp more than its immediate predecessor. Thanks to the extra grunt, the car can sprint from zero to 60 in as little as four seconds flat and reach a top speed of 182 mph. ## 2. Porsche 982 718 Spyder RS ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/porsche-982-718-boxster-spyder-rs.webp) *Photo: Porsche* Looking for the most powerful and fastest Boxster? Look no further than the fourth-generation Spyder RS. Released in 2022, the most hardcore Boxster of them all is an elite sports car through and through. Its 4.0-liter flat-six makes a hair-raising 493 hp and 332 ft lbs of torque. Even more impressive is that the roadster can reach 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds and a top 196 mph, performance figures that would have sounded impossible back when the Boxster debuted in 1996. ## 1. Porsche 981 Boxster Spyder ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/porsche-981-boxster-spyder.webp) *Photo: Porsche* It’s not the most powerful or rarest Boxster of them all, but it’s hard to argue with the 981 Spyder being the best. Debuting in 2015, the third-generation range-topper, like its predecessor, was the lightest Porsche on offer at the time of its release. That was far from all the high-performance model had going for it. Its 3.8-liter flat-six, which came mated exclusively to a six-speed manual, makes a more than respectable 370 hp and 310 ft lbs of torque. It’s also plenty fast, sprinting to 60 mph in under 4.5 seconds and able to reach a top speed of 180 mph. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** boxster, cars, porsche --- ### [The Luxe Dispatch: Louis Vuitton x Takashi Murakami, Eight Decades of Dior, and More](https://robbreport.ph/the-luxe-dispatch/the-luxe-dispatch-louis-vuitton-x-takashi-murakami-eye-decades-of-dior-and-more/) **Published:** October 25, 2025 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** This week belongs to the visionaries: the maisons, artists, and collectors who remind us that craft, at its highest form, *is* culture. In an age obsessed with speed, exhibitions demand seeing, feeling, and understanding beauty in its most exacting forms. As Art Basel Paris 2025 hums, Takashi Murakami and [Louis Vuitton](https://robbreport.ph/tag/louis-vuitton/) reconstruct the Grand Palais into a luminous dreamscape where art and fashion converge. At Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Galerie Philippe Perrin and curator Valérie Cueto stage a masterclass in taste and connoisseurship. Across the world, in Singapore, UBS House of Craft x Dior explores couture’s legacy through Brigitte Niedermair’s exquisite lens. ## UBS and Dior Bring Haute Couture’s Legacy to Asia ![Dior X UBS](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/dior-ubs-1-2240x2240.webp) Christian Dior by Yves Saint Laurent. Rose rouge dress in red organza. Haute Couture Spring-Summer, 1959. *Brigitte Niedermair* After a dazzling run in New York, *UBS House of Craft x Dior* makes its Asian debut in Singapore this November. The expanded exhibition unfolds across the New Art Museum Singapore, transforming the space into an evocative archive of Dior’s artistic lineage. Visitors can expect a collection that offers a striking marriage between fashion history and contemporary art. Fashion titan Carine Roitfeld and photographer Brigitte Niedermair explored select looks that honor Dior’s eight decades of visionary design. Weaving together the worlds of haute couture, photography, and fine craftsmanship, the showcase maps out the maison’s evolution. The creations displayed at the show come from all seven of Dior’s creative directors, from Christian Dior and Marc Bohan to Raf Simons and Maria Grazia Chiuri. Each is reimagined through Niedermair’s photographic lens. Of course, a special tribute to Kim Jones is included, as well. ![Dior X UBS](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/dior-ubs-bts-2240x2240.webp) *Marie-Laure Dutel* The partnership also marks an extension of UBS’s *House of Craft* initiative, which explores mastery across couture, horology, and gastronomy. This time, UBS makes the most out of Dior’s elegant meditation on legacy and vision. *UBS House of Craft x Dior is open to the public from November 21 to 23 at the New Art Museum Singapore. Registration is free and open to the public [here](https://www.ubs.com/sg/en/wealthmanagement/about-us/craft/hoc-sg/registration.html).* ## The Eye of the Collector: Perrin x Cueto For connoisseurs of the extraordinary, the Parisian season of Art Basel Paris is about to receive another delightful chapter. The *Eye of the Collector: Perrin x Cueto* brings us an interesting collaboration between renowned dealer Philippe Perrin and celebrated curator-advisor Valérie Cueto at Galerie Philippe Perrin (98 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré). ![Galerie Philippe Perrin](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-12-at-70158-PM.webp) *Galerie Philippe Perrin* The gallery is transformed into the imagined salon of a timeless aesthete whose collecting spans centuries and continents. Some of the more notable pieces shown include an 18th-century Italian Mazarin desk that sits beside a suit of samurai armor, a surrealist Max Ernst cage-bed that engages in dialogue with works by Man Ray and Salvador Dalí, and a Jean Dubuffet assemblage that answers a Louis XIV console. Accompanying these are 6o more pieces from artists and designers like Odilon Redon, Niki de Saint Phalle, François-Xavier Lalanne, Diego Giacometti, and Emmanuel Tarpin, as well as international tribal artifacts from Indonesia, Japan, and Mexico. ![Jean Dubuffet for Galerie Philippe Perrin](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-23-at-60531-PM.webp) “L’homme à la toque” (1956) by Jean Dubuffet. Designed as part of the official Matignon Saint-Honoré programme for Art Basel Paris, the show seamlessly blurs the lines between decorative arts and fine art, furniture and sculpture, history and the avant-garde. With Cueto’s erudite lens and Perrin’s collector instinct, the immersive mise-en-scène offers a unique take on collecting as an art form itself. *The Eye of the Collector exhibition runs through December 20, free for registered visitors.* ## Louis Vuitton x Takashi Murakami ![LV Capubloom](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/art-basel-LV-booth-capubloom-2240x2240.webp) The Capubloom at Louis Vuitton’s Art Basel booth. *Louis Vuitton/Rodrigo Carmuega.* At Art Basel Paris 2025, Louis Vuitton reclaims its throne at the crossroads of art, design, and haute craftsmanship with Artycapucines VII—Louis Vuitton x Takashi Murakami. Presented beneath the vaulted grandeur of the Grand Palais’s Balcon d’Honneur, the installation unfurls as a vivid dreamscape: an eight-meter octopus of light and lacquer, imagined by Murakami, its illuminated tentacles sweeping across the floor in a kaleidoscopic tide of “Superflat Jellyfish Eyes.” Within this phosphorescent realm, eleven limited-edition Capucines bags emerge as objets d’art—each one reflective of Murakami’s pop-cosmic imagination and Louis Vuitton’s artisanal mastery. Highlights include the Capucines Mini Mushroom, adorned with a hundred hand-embroidered 3D mushrooms, and the Capucines East West Dragon, echoing the mythic energy of Murakami’s iconic “Dragon in Clouds Indigo Blue.” ![LV x TM Capusplit](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Capusplit-and-Mini-Autograph-2240x2240.webp) A side-by-side comparison of the Capusplit and the Capucines Mini Autograph. *Louis Vuitton/Rodrigo Carmuega* Anchored by the new “Cherry Blossom Plush Ball” sculpture—a tender nod to his early 2000s Vuitton collaboration—this seventh Artycapucines chapter reads as both homage and evolution. Two decades after redefining the Monogram, Murakami and Vuitton once again blur the line between art and luxury, transforming the Grand Palais into an aquarium of wonder—an ode to imagination, precision, and play at its most sublime. Read our full feature *[here](https://us.louisvuitton.com/eng-us/stories/artycapucines-murakami).* **Categories:** The Luxe Dispatch **Tags:** Art and Design, art basel, Louis Vuitton --- ### [The Patek Philippe Gondolo Serata “Zebra” Is a Study in Art Deco Refinement](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-patek-philippe-gondolo-serata-zebra-is-a-study-in-art-deco-refinement/) **Published:** October 24, 2025 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** In the softly lit world of ultra-luxury horology, the [Patek Philippe](https://robbreport.ph/tag/patek-philippe/ "Patek Philippe") Gondolo Serata has earned quite the reputation for its cinematic appeal. Its softly curved silhouette, punctuated by an [Art Deco](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/design/timeless-glamour-the-art-deco-revival-in-design/ "Timeless Glamour: The Art Deco Revival in Design") temperament, always seemed destined for candlelit rooms and those intimate, whispered conversations. Now, Patek Philippe is reintroducing this icon in rose gold. But this time, the maison is rekindling its playfulness with a dial unlike any before. As sculptural as it is seductive, Patek Philippe’s new Gondolo Serata “Zebra” captures the maison’s rare balance between high watchmaking and high jewelry. The sapphire crystal canvas engraved with a zebra motif dances with shadow and light. Presented in Geneva this October, the fresh release reimagines the Gondolo Serata as a contemporary jewel for the wrist, merging Art Deco sensuality with Patek Philippe’s unrivaled craftsmanship. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Patek-Philippie-Gondola-Zebra-2-2240x2240.webp) Ninety-four spessartite gemstones in gradients of cognac to tangerine trace the rose gold case, emphasizing its fluid, “waisted” silhouette. Photo: Patek Philippe. When it debuted in 2006, the Gondolo Serata stood apart from the competition for its curvaceous form and guilloché mother-of-pearl dial framed in diamonds. In contrast, the 2025 “Zebra” edition, cast in rose gold, reinvents this legacy with an interesting visual motif and a new technical artistry that speaks to Patek Philippe’s creative evolution. The manufacturer, known for its mastery of métiers d’art, extends its command of engraving and enameling techniques to sapphire crystal, which is a material rarely used with such expressive flair. ## Nature as Abstraction What truly arrests the eye at first glance is, undeniably, the dial. Its exquisite volume provides a new dimension in terms of depth. Inspired by the cloisonné enamel dial of the Golden Ellipse Ref. 5738/50G-023 from the 2022 Rare Handcrafts collection, the “Zebra” distills natural patterns into delicate abstraction. Likewise, its sapphire crystal dial, engraved and black-varnished on both sides, reveals a hypnotic play built on contrast. ![Patek Gondolo Zebra](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Patek-Philippe-Gondolo-Zebra-3-2240x2240.webp) Rose gold leaf hands sweep across applied Breguet numerals—grace notes of tradition amid a more modern dial. Photo: Patek Philippe. Through black metallization and delicate layers of white varnish found on the dial’s underside, Patek Philippe achieves a visual illusion of rhythm, as if it’s referencing the living shimmer of light that bathes a zebra’s coat under the moonlight. The applied Breguet numerals at 12 and 6 o’clock, and the rose gold leaf hands, glide with such a measured grace, too. Texture is further emphasized through the richly dimensional background. Of course, true to its name, the Serata (the Italian word for “evening”) is a masterclass in radiance. We get 94 brilliant-cut spessartite gemstones, totaling 2.02 carats, framing the case in a double gradient of warm hues, shifting from a beautiful deep cognac to tangerine. This sort of tonal choreography further intensifies the case’s cambered silhouette and “waisted” architecture (reminiscent of the feminine figure it was designed to adorn). On the other hand, a secondary row of gemstones along the lower curvature accentuates its sculptural asymmetry. This creates an interesting dialogue between symmetry and sensual tension that ultimately defines the Gondolo lineage. ## An Ode to Modern Femininity and Timeless Form ![Patek Gondolo Zebra](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/image-2560x2560-8-2240x2240.webp) Finished with a satin-white calfskin strap, the Serata “Zebra” transforms the evening watch into a study of sculptural sensuality and precision craft. Photo: Patek Philippe. Measuring 28.6 by 40.85 millimeters, the rose gold case is both compact and commanding. The attention to detail extends to the finishing of its quartz caliber E15, whose components are executed with the same precision as Patek Philippe’s mechanical movements. This, in itself, underscores the maison’s long-honored philosophy that beauty and perfection reside not only in complexity but in the unseen discipline of craftsmanship. While the dial, case, gemstone, and glass define most of the piece, it still needed the proper podium to exhibit them. That’s where the white satin-finish calfskin strap comes in, closing with a rose gold pin buckle bearing the Patek Philippe logo. It serves as an understated punctuation to an otherwise theatrical composition. The result is a watch that just transcends its function. We can argue that it transforms into an objet d’art, an heirloom that bridges generations of aesthetic codes. In a horological landscape where minimalism often masquerades as sophistication, the “Zebra” goes against the tide of the times. It asserts something rarer: sensual exuberance with technical restraint. It is an homage to the woman who wears complexity lightly, the modern collector whose sense of time is both ornamental and profound. [Patek Philippe](https://robbreport.ph/tag/patek-philippe/ "Patek Philippe") is simply reaffirming the place of beauty in precision, detailing the emotion in its engineering. The Gondolo Serata “Zebra,” as it seems, embodies an evening distilled in gold, light, and rhythm. **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** Patek Philippe, Watches --- ### [The Art of Celebration With the Philippine Cocktail Fiesta](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/spirits/the-art-of-celebration-with-the-philippine-cocktail-fiesta/) **Published:** October 24, 2025 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** By the time mid-November rolls around, Manila will be in full boozy swing. The inaugural Philippine Cocktail Fiesta is happening from November 17 to 23, and with it, the capital city will be kicking off a nationwide celebration of craft, culture, and community that’s set to place the country firmly on the global cocktail map. Across Asia, after all, cocktail culture has evolved into a serious art form. From the avant-garde bar scenes of Hong Kong and Singapore to the community-driven spirit of Taipei and Bangkok, cities have begun defining their own liquid identities. The Philippines, long admired for its hospitality, singular ingredients, and creative warmth, is finally claiming its place among them by bringing the world’s best mixologists to Manila. ## The Best of Contemporary Mixology “It’s not just about cocktails. It’s about identity,” says Tatum Ancheta, festival director and founder of DrinkCollectiv. “In our travels, we saw how festivals abroad unite their bar communities and elevate their craft. We wanted to bring that same energy home.” Spearheaded by DrinkCollectiv.com and DBWY (Drinks Be With You), the celebration is led by a homegrown bar community that has been quietly shaping the local scene through grassroots events and mentorship. Together, they’re curating a week that feels less like a trade event and more like a cultural homecoming. “We’re going to be bar-hopping around the city. These are all your award-winning bars welcoming each and everyone of you to the best of the city, from cocktail pairings to talks and workshops!” Ancheta notes. ![spirits library for the philippine cocktail fiesta](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Spirits-Library-2240x2240.webp) The Spirits Library. DrinkCollectiv. That intention is distilled in the word “fiesta.” Fiestas in the Philippines are a sacred ritual of gratitude and belonging, and also an act of joy that spills into the streets. It’s this distinctly Filipino generous, unpretentious, deeply communal way of celebrating that the festival seeks to bottle and share with the world. Nearly 100 bars across Metro Manila—from Makati’s The Curator and The Spirits Library to Quezon City’s The Grasshopper Bar and BGC’s the Back Room—will open their doors for a week of takeovers, collaborations, and exclusive menus. Solaire Resort Entertainment City, the official host partner, will anchor the festivities, hosting international guests and events across its restaurants and lounges. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/bar-leone-2240x2240.webp) World’s Best Bar 2025 Bar Leone and its founder Lorenzo Antinori is part of the lineup. *DrinkCollectiv* The lineup reads like a who’s who of contemporary mixology, including Lorenzo Antinori, fresh from Bar Leone’s recent win as [The World’s Best Bar 2025 (the first bar in Asia to do so](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/spirits/the-50-best-bars-in-asia-for-2025-ranked/ "The 50 Best Bars in Asia for 2025, Ranked")); Yangdup Lama, the industry icon behind India’s Sidecar; and Hong Kong’s Antonio Lai, the innovator of “multisensory mixology.” Alongside them, various top bars from Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia will showcase the region’s evolving palate, from the spice-laced aromatics of Penrose to the minimalist precision of Cat Bite Club. ## Cocktail Pairings and Beyond ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/mark-lloyd-wing-lei-bar-1-2240x2240.webp) Wing Lei Bar Head Mixologist Mark Lloyd is joining, as well. *DrinkCollectiv* The Fiesta also reimagines what fine dining looks—and tastes—like. A series of cocktail-pairing dinners will see culinary artistry and liquid craftsmanship meet on equal footing. Among them: Bar Leone at Solaire’s Finestra, Three X Co from Kuala Lumpur joining Uma Nota for a playful Brazilian-Japanese crossover, and Wing Lei Bar from Macau pairing with chef Sau del Rosario at Café Fleur. Each experience is designed to showcase the chemistry between local flavors and global technique. “Most likely, people are going to whip out their lists to map out who they want to see and where they want to go. The majority of the events where the experts will be sharing their insights will be happening in Solaire Resort North and Entertainment City,” explains DrinkCollectiv Co-Founder Icy Marinas. True to its collaborative spirit, the week’s most meaningful impact may lie in its daytime programs. A series of masterclasses and panels will gather global voices to discuss craft, sustainability, and storytelling in the modern bar world. Talks like “Love Local” and “The Power of Community” will explore how regional flavors and cultural exchanges can elevate the industry from within. ![uma nota manila](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Uma-Nota-2240x2240.webp) Uma Nota Manila is offering sumptuous cocktail pairings at the festival. She adds: “The biggest names are going to be housed here. The number one bar in the world, the biggest bartenders, and the other masterclasses will be here. So as early as now, our advice is to get your Fiesta Passports ready, mark your calendars, and choose the activities and people you want to see.” In a region that takes its mixology seriously, the Philippines is ready to remind everyone that great drinks are about more than technique or pedigree. They’re about generosity, storytelling, and spirit, in every sense of the word. For enthusiasts, the Fiesta Passport offers guided access to the city’s top bars, complete with exclusive cocktails, privileges, and collectible keepsakes. It’s a luxe invitation to taste Manila’s many, many moods. *The Fiesta Passport is [available via Klook](https://www.klook.com/en-US/activity/180114-the-philippine-cocktail-fiesta/). Visit [thecocktailfiesta.com](https://thecocktailfiesta.com) to learn more about the Passport.* **Categories:** Food & Drink, Spirits **Tags:** cocktails, Drinks, Food and Beverage --- ### [The 7 Best Watches of the Week, From Patrick Mahomes’s Hublot to Will Arnett’s Rolex](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-7-best-watches-of-the-week-from-patrick-mahomess-hublot-to-will-arnetts-rolex/) **Published:** October 24, 2025 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** Cartier continued to dominate the red carpet this week, with four of Hollywood’s leading men wearing the Parisian jeweler’s dainty timepieces at their respective events. Jeff Goldblum, Oscar Isaac, and Jacob Elordi pulled out different iterations of the Tank, while Paul Mescal gave us a blast from the horological past by rocking a vintage Gondole. At least four gents defied the small Cartier trend, though. Actors Will Arnett and Bradley Cooper attended the *Is This Thing On?* headline gala at the London Film Festival, wearing watches by Rolex and Louis Vuitton, respectively. We also spotted Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes in Hublot’s playful Takashi Murakami-themed tourbillon and Lionel Messi in Audemars Piguet’s bold gold [Royal Oak](https://robbreport.ph/watches/audemars-piguet-gave-its-new-royal-oak-chronograph-a-light-touch-literally/ "Audemars Piguet Gave Its New Royal Oak Chronograph a Light Touch—Literally"). Below are the best watch flexes of the week. ## Paul Mescal: Vintage Cartier Gondole ![Paul Mescal](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Paul-Mescal-Vintage-Cartier-Gondole.webp) Photo : Getty/Cartier Paul Mescal has become the poster boy of small Cartiers, previously busting out a Tank LC, a Privé Tank Normale, a Tank Chinoise, and an Incurvé, to name but a few. (He is an ambassador, hence the loyalty.) The vintage Gondole he wore to the *Hamnet* screening at the London Film Festival may be his best choice yet, though. First released in the early 1970s as part of the Louis Cartier Collection, the Gondole was a stylish, yellow-gold outlier with an elongated, oval case—available in both vertical and horizontal orientation—a smooth, stepped bezel, and a simple white dial with blued-steel hands. Mescal paired the piece (Ref. CRWVVI0120) with complementary 18-karat yellow-gold Cartier accessories, including a Juste un Clou earring and a C de Cartier pin. ## Bradley Cooper: Louis Vuitton Tambour ![Bradley Cooper](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Bradley-Cooper-Louis-Vuitton-Tambour-Blue.webp) Photo : Getty/Louis Vuitton Bradley Cooper looked as sharp as ever at the *Is This Thing On?* headline gala during the London Film Festival this week. The actor-turned-director paired a classic black suit and white shirt with his favorite Louis Vuitton watch. Released in 2023 with Cooper himself fronting the campaign, the aptly named Tambour Steel is a sporty riff on the 2002 original. The [sleek timepiece](https://us.louisvuitton.com/eng-us/products/tambour-automatic-40mm-steel-nvprod4540025v/W1ST20) features a 40 mm steel case, an integrated steel bracelet, and a bold blue dial with white-gold hands, applied Arabic numerals, and a small-seconds display at 6 o’clock. (It also comes with a more subdued gray face.) It will set you back $20,800. ## Lionel Messi: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Ultra Thin ![Lionel Messi](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Lionel-Messi-Audemars-Piguet-Royal-Oak-Perpetual-Calendar-Ultra-Thin.webp) Lionel [Messi](https://robbreport.ph/tag/lionel-messi/ "lionel messi") has, once again, made horophiles green with envy, sporting an incredible Audemars Piguet before the match between Inter Miami and Atlanta United. The mysterious reference appears to be a yellow-gold version of the Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Ultra Thin with a striking smoked green dial. (We reached out to AP for more details and are awaiting a response from HQ.) The face showcases three subdials, including the month and leap year at 3 o’clock, the date at 6 o’clock, and the day at 9 o’clock. You’ll also find a day/night indicator at 9 o’clock and a moon phase indicator at 12 o’clock. ## Oscar Isaac: Cartier Tank ![Oscar Isaac](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Oscar-Isaac-Cartier-Tank-Louis-Cartier.webp) Photo : Getty/Cartier Apparently, *Frankenstein* and Cartier go hand in hand. Oscar Isaac rocked a Tank Louis Cartier at the *Frankenstein* headline gala during the London Film Festival. (His co-star, [Jacob Elordi](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-7-best-watches-of-the-week-from-timothee-chalamets-urban-jurgensen-to-romeo-beckhams-ap/ "The 7 Best Watches of the Week, From Timothée Chalamet’s Urban Jürgensen to Romeo Beckham’s AP"), who was recently named a Cartier ambassador, also wore a Tank to the event.) Released in 2022, this reference features a medium 25.5 mm case made of 18-karat yellow gold, a minimalist black dial with gold sword-shaped hands, a beaded crown set with a synthetic cabochon-shaped spinel, and a black alligator strap. Priced at $14,800, the elegant watch has been given the tick of approval by A-listers, including Paul Mescal, Rami Malek, and Dwyane Wade. ## Patrick Mahomes: Hublot MP-15 Takashi Murakami Tourbillon ![Patrick Mahomes](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Patrick-Mahomes-Hublot-MP-15-Takashi-Murakami-Tourbillon.webp) Photo : Hublot/Getty Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has proved he is no wallflower, rocking the Hublot x Takashi Murakami [MP-15 tourbillon](https://www.hublot.com/en-gb/watches/exceptional-timepieces/mp-15-takashi-murakami-tourbillon-sapphire-42-mm) ahead of his game against the Detroit Lions last Sunday. Unveiled in November 2023, the [timepiece](https://robbreport.ph/watches/ "Watches") features a case shaped like the Japanese artist’s floral motif with 12 petals made entirely of sapphire. It is also equipped with a central skeletonized flying tourbillon, with hours and minutes indicated by the tips of two hands that run peripherally. The co-axial construction means the hands literally pass beneath the tourbillon cage, creating another cool effect on the wrist. With just 50 pieces available, the limited edition was originally priced at $316,000. ## Will Arnett: Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea ‘James Cameron’ ![Will Arnett](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Will-Arnett-Rolex-Sea-Dweller-Deepsea-James-Cameron.webp) Photo : Getty/Rolex Will Arnett tipped a hat to one of the world’s greatest filmmakers at this year’s London Film Festival, wearing the Rolex [Sea-Dweller Deepsea](https://www.rolex.com/watches/deepsea/m136660-0005) “James Cameron” to the *Is This Thing On?* headline gala on Tuesday evening. First released in 2014, this model is inspired by the experimental Deepsea Challenge that Cameron took on his 35,787-foot descent to the Mariana Trench in 2012. It features an Oystersteel case, a Cerachrom bezel in black ceramic, and a distinctive, two-tone gradient dial that runs from brilliant blue to dark black in honor of Cameron’s quest to the deepest place on Earth. Redesigned versions were released in 2018 and 2022, respectively. It is difficult to say exactly which reference Arnett is wearing, but the one (Ref. 136660) currently listed on the Crown’s website is priced at $15,020. ## Jeff Goldblum: Cartier Tank ![Jeff Goldblum](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Jeff-Goldblum-Cartier-Tank.webp) Photo : Getty/Cartier It’s not just young stars whipping out Cartiers. Legendary actor Jeff Goldblum sported a Tank de Cartier during an event at the Grammy Museum in L.A. on Tuesday evening. He has actually worn a few different variations of the watch over the decades, but this time opted for a reference with a large yellow-gold case, an alligator strap, and a white dial with the classic railtrack and black Roman numerals. You can expect to pay around $12,000 for a similar example. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** audemars piguet, best watches, bradley cooper, cartier, cartier tank, gondole, hublot, jeff goldblum, lionel messi, Louis Vuitton, oscar issac, paul mescal, rolex, sea-dweller, tambour, will arnett --- ### [The 10 Best, Most Luxurious Private Airport Terminals Around the World](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/the-10-best-most-luxurious-private-airport-terminals-around-the-world/) **Published:** October 21, 2025 **Author:** Daniel Cote **Content:** In the roaring 1920s, barnstorming and flying circuses featuring wing walkers and aerial acrobatics soared in popularity. Pop-up airstrips were created in rural communities throughout the United States to support biplanes, like the Curtiss JN-4, used in these traveling air shows. Toward the end of the decade, though, the novelty faded but the FBOs (fixed-based operations) that they created have lived on. In the last five years, many have morphed from clean but utilitarian stopping points where pilots could grab a cup of coffee between flights, or aircraft owners could do a quick Zoom call before heading on a business trip. Signature Aviation, acquired several years ago by Cascade Investment (Bill Gates’ investment arm), the Blackstone Group and Global Infrastructure Partners, has invested many millions into infrastructure, with 80 ongoing projects across its global network. Many FBOs have maintenance and service facilities attached. Other privately held businesses, such as Clay Lacy Aviation, [Flexjet](https://robbreport.ph/tag/flexjet/ "flexjet"), and Atlantic Aviation, have invested in large, modern campuses. On the commercial side, a growing number of private terminals, away from the airports, now serve business- and first-class passengers. The PS collection started in Los Angeles, but has expanded to Atlanta, Dallas/Fort-Worth, and Miami. In Latin America, BTG Pactual Terminal at São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport becomes that region’s first such offering for commercial airline passengers. These new private terminals are starting to resemble five-star hotels in terms of accommodations and service. Think full spa, private suites, caviar and Champagne in a boutique lounge, all-day fine dining, and a chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce dropping you off to board your departing flight. Here are 10 of our favorite ultra-luxurious private FBOs around the world. ## Awal Private Terminal, Bahrain ![Awal Private Terminal, Bahrain](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RR_20251013_MV_1.webp) Originally built in the 1960s, Bahrain’s Awal Private Terminal underwent a full renovation several years ago that modernized the palatial interior. Operated by Hala Bahrain, its eight opulent private lounges are individually curated to suit a range of tastes and social functions—from sleek contemporary to classic, executive-inspired designs. Its palace-sized common lounge delivers plenty of light through a full-length glass atrium. Tall ceilings with stepped soffits and large circular, staggered halo lighting resemble a grand lobby at a five-star hotel. Livingroom zones with opulent furniture provide travelers with space to socialize or work. The private terminal has a dedicated prayer room. There is an immigration and police screening area and car service between the terminal and departing/arriving flights. Support services are available for aircraft crew and passengers, as well as business travelers. Oh, there’s also a duty-free shopping experience. ## Million Air FBO, White Plains, N.Y. ![Million Air FBO, White Plains, N.Y.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Million-Air-Handout-Photos-HPN-Pilots-Loungejpg.webp) Million Air’s White Plains [FBO](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/best-of-the-best-2025-wings/ "Best of the Best 2025: Wings") at Westchester County Airport is just 35 miles from Wall Street, offering a centralized stop or stay-over for business or private jet travelers in New York region. Founded in 1984 by Mary Kay Cosmetics, this FBO is one of Million Air’s 36 locations worldwide, all vying to create a unique experience built on luxury appointments and service. This award-winning, $70 million redevelopment project began in 2016 with a unique two-story terminal featuring an open-air hospitality lounge and a stone fireplace, which looks more like a modern ski lodge than a full-service FBO. Inside the terminal, amenities include a hospitality bar, a business center, theater rooms, conference rooms, a flight-planning center, a pilot lounge, Mercedes E-Class crew cars, and a golf simulator. Arriving flights pull into an indoor, climate-controlled valet area, which is capable of handling large, long-range business jets, such as a Gulfstream 650. Luxury abounds. Even the 50,400-square-foot hangar was built with heated floors to minimize weather-related flight delays. The FBO also has an on-site U.S. Customs clearance service. ## Jetex VIP Terminal, Dubai ![Jetex VIP Terminal, Dubai](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Private_Terminals_Dubai_Jetex.webp) Private cigar lounges, [Rolex](https://robbreport.ph/tag/rolex/ "rolex") timepieces, and contemporary and elegant lounges with the world’s first airside transfer in a Rolls-Royce are just some of the highlights for the award-winning Jetex VIP Terminal in Dubai. Aiming for five-star luxury, this terminal could be the flashiest FBO in the world, featuring fully equipped business centers, boardrooms, and unique, ergonomic sleeping pods, as well as private-shower suites and a curated library stocked with magazines and books. The executive lounge spans approximately 16,000 square feet, offering refined spaces designed by Zaha Hadid for guests to relax in style. The Jetex team handles onsite customs, immigration, and all other logistics of travel. ## Farnborough Airport, London ![Farnborough Airport, London](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RR_20251016_MV_2.webp) Farnborough Airport, the birthplace of British aviation, remains the U.K.’s only business aviation-focused airport, blending history with upscale features for discerning travelers. This modern, elegant, and purpose-driven FBO offers business travelers a myriad of bespoke services, including stylish and spacious lounges with refreshments, meeting spaces, soundproof snooze rooms with massage chairs, a modern gym, and a nearby partner hotel called Aviator. The list of celebrities and executives who have flown in and out of Farnborugh includes Tom Cruise and Ana de Armas, Steven Spielberg, Bill Gates, Rupert Murdoch, and former Google CEO Eric Schmidt. The FBO offers a dedicated Pet Travel Scheme (PETS), which simplifies travel with pets in and out of the airport without the need for quarantine. Chauffeurs offer direct transport from the aircraft to the terminal. Early next year, Flexjet will also complete its own private terminal that includes a reception area for clients and the Red Label Academy for training its staff. ## Hong Kong Business Aviation Centre, Hong Kong ![Hong Kong Business Aviation Centre, Hong Kong](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RR_20251013_MV_3.webp) In September, the award-winning Hong Kong Business Aviation Centre completed the first phase of a major renovation estimated at over $64 million. Designed for privacy and efficiency, the FBO features Asia’s first 86-foot (column-free) Sky Canopy, extending from the terminal to the apron so travelers have a sheltered, weather-protected pathway from the terminal to the aircraft. Reimagined VVIP suites and an airy, upscale VIP lounge are now part of the facility. The renovation includes children’s play areas, private meeting rooms, and event spaces for external brand collaborations. With upgraded one-stop customs and new immigration and quarantine facilities, the terminal’s improvements will double Hong Kong’s handling capacity. A new efficient boarding and disembarking service allows total privacy during the three minutes it takes for departing or disembarking. The FBO is considered one of the most advanced in Asia. ## Jet Aviation, Dubai ![Jet Aviation, Dubai](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RR_20251013_MV_6.webp) This year’s refurbishment of Jet Aviation’s FBO at Executive Terminal in Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai South brings a fresh look to an airport that could end up being one of the largest and busiest in the world. The contemporary furniture and spa-like amenities were designed to meet the aesthetic and functional needs of business travelers. Executive lounges, conference rooms, a prayer room, crew lounges, flight-planning facilities, and duty-free shopping are among the amenities at this FBO. Services also include private immigration and customs support. Jet Aviation also operates an FBO at Dubai International Airport, which was refurbished in 2025, and includes base and line maintenance for both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. ## ExecuJet, Cape Town, South Africa ![ExecuJet, Cape Town, South Africa](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RR_20251013_MV_2.webp) Cape Town’s ExecuJet FBO is one of the most stylish on the continent. Its distinctive safari-chic design, panoramic views of Table Mountain, and VIP lounges were created for comfort and privacy. Conference rooms, boardrooms, gourmet catering, and shower facilities are part of the modern building. Its concierge service can source select wines, arrange a private shopping experience, or even sundowners on a private yacht. The FBO terminal also supports customs and immigration assistance for VVIP, diplomatic, or corporate flights. ## PS Los Angeles ![PS Los Angeles](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RR_20251016_MV_1.webp) In 2017, [PS](https://robbreport.com/travel/hotels/lax-private-suite-introducing-luxurious-lounge-to-enhance-travels-1234624228/) (Private Suite) first opened its FBO terminal at Los Angeles International Airport to deliver “the world’s most exclusive airport experience.” It has since expanded to Atlanta, with private terminals anticipated next year in Miami, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Paris. The PS terminal in L.A. is discreet, secure, and lavish. The terminal is situated at the southern edge of the airfield, far from the congestion of its main commercial airline terminals. Two curated experiences are available, including 12 spacious suites that offer relaxation or workspace, complete with showers and complimentary toiletries. The lounge, called the Salon, includes luxe seating, a bar, and private all-day dining options. Spa and barber services are also available. A team of PS agents handles the logistics as well, from baggage handling to private TSA screenings and on-site customs and immigration services. When your flight is ready to board, a chauffeur escorts you across the tarmac in a BMW. ## PS Miami ![PS Miami](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RR_20251016_MV_3.webp) PS is bringing its L.A. approach east. In Miami, the private terminal will combine historic 1960s Pan American Airways architecture with luxury suites, private lounges, and a wellness-focused design, positioning it as one of the country’s most stylish FBOs. The redesign of this midcentury-modern landmark, once dubbed the “Taj Mahal of Miami,” will retain much of its historic charm, including gold paneling, iconic reflecting pools, Pan Am logos, and the facade’s unique interior and exterior architectural details. The redesigned space will offer members a fully private lounge with a bathroom, daybed, entertainment center, stocked pantry, and private balcony overlooking a courtyard. The Salon features a full bar and gourmet meals. Chauffeured transport is available before and after a flight. PS Miami is slated to open in 2026. ## BTG Pactual Terminal, São Paulo, Brazil ![BTG Pactual Terminal](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RR_20251013_MV_7.webp) BTG Pactual Terminal in São Paulo also recently introduced the private air terminal for commercial passengers to South America. With São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport reporting more than 40 million passengers per year, BGT Pactual offers an oasis from the busy terminals. The company expects to cater to wealthy local air travelers but also business executives and tourists from outside Brazil. Besides the tall glass window overlooking the runways, the facility features lounges, suites, meeting rooms, and a special Dom Perignon suite, along with a menu prepared by chef Ivan Ralston. Like the PS Suites, the service includes direct-to-aircraft transfer in a Volvo electric vehicle, or helicopter transfers to São Paulo’s center to avoid the city’s infamous gridlock traffic. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Aviation **Tags:** luxury travel --- ### [The 7 Best Watches of the Week, From Timothée Chalamet’s Urban Jürgensen to Romeo Beckham’s AP](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-7-best-watches-of-the-week-from-timothee-chalamets-urban-jurgensen-to-romeo-beckhams-ap/) **Published:** October 14, 2025 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** As far as watch flexes go, they may not get any better than Cartier faithful Timothée Chalamet casually rocking an Urban Jürgensen UJ-2 on the streets of New York this week. Urban Jürgensen is one of those IYKYK brands. The Danish-Swiss watchmaker was founded in Copenhagen over two and a half centuries ago, but was relaunched earlier this year with the help of master independent watchmaker Kari Voutilainen. The time-only UJ-2 is one of three six-figure models Urban Jürgensen released in June with the rebrand, meaning Chalamet has truly captured the watch zeitgeist. Another surprising watch choice came from Romeo Beckham. The English model, son of soccer legend David Beckham and former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham, sported a vintage Audemars Piguet Bamboo at the Singapore Grand Prix. Produced from the 1970s to the ‘90s, Bamboos come in three sizes (27mm, 22mm, and 20mm) that are all far smaller than the Rolexes and Richard Milles that young Becks typically sports. His example is also made almost entirely of solid 18-karat gold, adding an extra layer of exclusivity (and beauty). Hats off to the two youngins for challenging the horological status quo. Below are the best watch flexes of the week. ## Tonatiuh: Zenith Defy Skyline Sapphire ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Tonatiuh-Zenith-Defy-Skyline-Sapphire.webp) *Getty/Zenith* Tonatiuh is set to shine on the big screen alongside Jennifer Lopez in *Kiss of the Spider Woman*. He shone bright on the streets of New York City this week, too, wearing a dazzling Zenith adorned with 45 baguette-cut blue sapphires. Released in 2023, the [Defy Skyline Sapphire](https://www.zenith-watches.com/int/product/defy-skyline-16-9300-3620-51-i001) features a 41mm, octagonal-shaped steel case with a faceted, sapphire-set bezel and a blue-toned sunburst dial covered in the Swiss watchmaker’s iconic four-pointed star. Powered by the in-house El Primero 3620 high-frequency automatic movement, the piece shows Zenith’s very first 1/10th of a second indicator at 9 o’clock and a date window at 3 o’clock. The boutique-exclusive costs $29,000. ## Tom Brady: Patek Philippe Nautilus Travel Time ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Tom-Brady-Patek-Philippe-Nautilus-Travel-Time.webp) Getty/Patek Philippe Retired NFL star and serious watch collector [Tom Brady](https://robbreport.ph/watches/tom-brady-wears-a-jacob-co-watch-decked-in-yellow-sapphires-to-the-super-bowl-2/ "Tom Brady Wears a Jacob & Co. Watch Decked in Yellow Sapphires to the Super Bowl") pulled out a classic Patek for the opening of his CardVault store in New York on Tuesday. Released in 2021, the [Nautilus Travel Time Chronograph](https://www.patek.com/en/collection/nautilus/5990-1r-001) in 18-karat gold with a blue sunburst dial (Ref. 5990/1R-001) follows a stainless steel model (Ref. 5990/1A) that was launched in 2014. A jet-setter’s best friend, the watch combines a flyback chronograph, indications for two time zones, and an analog date at 12 o’clock synchronized with local time. Two different sets of rose-gold hands show the local hours and the hours at home, while day and night displays for home and local time sit at 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock, respectively. This bestie will cost you $152,503. ## Timothée Chalamet: Urban Jürgensen UJ-2 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Timothee-Chalamet-Urban-Jurgensen-UJ-2.webp) Getty/Urban Jürgensen Timothée Chalamet is venturing into bold new wristwatch territory. The Cartier faithful, who counts a Tank Cintrée, Panthère, and Crash in his collection, wore a newly released Urban Jürgensen timepiece at the New York Film Festival on Monday. Designed by master independent watchmaker Kari Voutilainen, the time-only [UJ2](https://urbanjurgensen.com/products/uj-2#uj-2) features a 39mm case available in either platinum or rose gold and a guilloché dial with a small seconds display at 5 o’clock and a power reserve indicator at 12 o’clock. It is also equipped with a double-balance-wheel natural escapement (Caliber UJ-2) that provides a power reserve of 52 hours. Chalamet opted for a platinum example with a custom orange strap. The UJ2 retails for 105,000 Swiss francs, or approximately $128,000. ## Ryan Reynolds: Panerai Radiomir ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Ryan-Reynolds-Panerai-Radiomir.webp) Getty/Panerai Ryan Reynolds must have a thing for green. (Maybe it’s a throwback to the *Green Lantern*?) We spotted him wearing an emerald-faced Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch last year and a green-dialed Panerai Radiomir this week. Green was all the rage in horology in 2024, so he’s pretty much on trend. Released in 2019, this iteration of the Radiomir (PAM00995) features a hulking 45 mm steel case, a “Military” green dial, and a brown calf leather strap. Powered by the in-house caliber P.4000, a.k.a. Panerai’s thinnest automatic movement, the three-hander has centrally mounted hour and minute hands and a small seconds hand at 9 o’clock. It also offers an excellent three-day power reserve (72 hours). It originally retailed for $12,000. ## Romeo Beckham: Audemars Piguet Bamboo ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Romeo-Beckham-Audemars-Piguet-Bamboo.webp) *Getty/Audemars Piguet* Romeo Beckham isn’t following in his father’s footsteps—with regards to watches, at least. He showed off an Audemars Piguet instead of David Beckham’s favorite [Tudor](https://robbreport.ph/tag/tudor/ "tudor") at the Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday. Not just any AP, either: It was a coveted vintage Bamboo. Produced from the early 1970s to the late 1990s, Bamboo watches were available in three sizes (27mm, 22mm, and 20mm) and in white or yellow gold. They all have a distinctive integrated bracelet that resembles stalks of bamboo, hence the line’s name. Beckham’s is a yellow-gold example with an “AP” patterned dial. You can pick up a similar piece on Chrono24 for five figures. ## **Jacob Elordi: Cartier Panthère de Cartier** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Jacob-Elordi-Cartier-Panthere-de-Cartier.webp) *Getty/Cartier* Jacob Elordi wore an 18-karat gold Cartier Panthère to the L.A. premiere of Frankenstein on Monday, following in the footsteps of fellow Hollywood leading man Timothee Chalamet, who has since moved on to a more horologically advanced realm with his new Urban Jürgensen UJ-2. The Australian actor is yet another example of a tall-framed man wearing a small Cartier on a slim bracelet.​​ Keith Richards famously rocked gold Panthère throughout the ‘80s, and more recently, the dainty watch has been spotted on Giveon, Colman Domingo, and, of course, Chalamet. Small Cartiers have also been embraced by Dwayne Wade, Paul Mescal, Tyler, the Creator, and Joseph Quinn. Looks like the small watch trend is here to stay. You should get used to Elordi in Cartier, too: He was just named a brand ambassador for the Parisian jeweler. His small, yellow gold and steel [Panthère](https://www.cartier.com/en-us/watches/collections/panthere-de-cartier/panthere-de-cartier-watch-CRW2PN0018.html) retails for $9,750. ## Daniel Craig: Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Daniel-Craig-Omega-Seamaster-Aqua-Terra.webp) *Getty/Omega* Daniel Craig may have relinquished the role of James Bond, but he’s still repping 007’s favorite watch brand. The British actor wore an Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra to the screening of Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery at the BFI London Film Festival on Wednesday evening. The certified chronometer makes a statement on the wrist, showcasing a 41 mm symmetrical case and bracelet in the watchmaker’s 18-karat Sedna gold (rose gold alloy) and a silvery dial with a distinctive horizontal “teak” pattern inspired by the decks of luxury sailboats. Craig’s example has more stripes on the face than the one currently on the [Omega website](https://www.omegawatches.com/en-us/watch-omega-seamaster-aqua-terra-150m-co-axial-master-chronometer-41-mm-22050412102001), meaning that he likely has an earlier version. The reference retails for $43,500. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** audemars piguet, cartier, daniel craig, Omega, omega seamaster, panerai, Patek Philippe, romeo beckham, ryan reynolds, timothee chalamet, Tom Brady, tonatiuh, Urban Jürgensen, zenith --- ### [56 Extraordinary Father's Day Gifts for Every Kind of Dad](https://robbreport.ph/gift-guide/56-extraordinary-fathers-day-gifts-for-every-kind-of-dad/) **Published:** June 17, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** Buying for fathers presents a unique challenge. Some insist they need nothing. Others have already acquired everything. The best gifts, then, are rarely about necessity. They are objects, experiences, and indulgences that reflect who they are: a collector, an adventurer, a traveler, a reader, a bon vivant, or simply someone who appreciates exceptional craftsmanship. This year, Robb Report’s Father’s Day Gift Guide brings together 56 extraordinary ideas spanning watches, whisky, automobiles, menswear, travel, design, technology, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re shopping for a father who dreams of piloting an aircraft, sailing open water, building a library of first editions, or simply enjoying a great bottle of Scotch, these gifts offer something far more valuable than utility: the opportunity to celebrate a life well lived. ## A Meyers Manx 2.0 EV ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Meyers-Manx-20-EV.webp) For the father with a beach house, few gifts capture the spirit of leisure quite like a Meyers Manx. The iconic dune buggy has been reimagined for a new era, turning every coastal drive into a reminder that the best luxuries are often the most fun. *Price upon request and configuration. More information [here](https://meyersmanx.com/).* ## A Baccarat Louxor Whiskey Decanter ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Louxor-Whiskey-Decanter.webp) Referencing by Baccarat’s celebrated Louxor collection by Thomas Bastide, this crystal whiskey decanter transforms a favorite spirit into a display-worthy ritual, and is probably a fun, niche choice for a father who loves ancient Egypt, which was Bastide’s inspiration for the collection. *Php168,600. Buy the decanter at Casa Euro [here](https://casaeuro.ph/products/louxor-whiskey-decanter?_pos=6&_fid=b34f8caf5&_ss=c).* ## Polo Ralph Lauren Men’s Custom Fit Linen Shirt ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Polo-Ralph-Lauren-Mens-Custom-Fit-Linen-Shirt.webp) Breathable 100% linen and a trim silhouette make this Polo Ralph Lauren shirt a reliable addition for a father’s off-duty rotation. *Php12,500. Available at [Rustans](https://rustans.com/products/polo-ralph-lauren-mens-custom-fit-linen-shirt-2).* ## A Land Rover Defender Octa ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Land-Rover-Defender-OCTA-2240x1260.webp) Built for fathers who embrace adventure without compromising on luxury, the Defender OCTA delivers extraordinary performance on any terrain. It is equally at home navigating city streets, country estates, or remote coastlines. *Approximately Php27,000,000. More information [here](https://www.landrover.ph/defender/defender-110/octa).* ## A Pair of Ray-Ban Aviator Chromance Sunglasses ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Aviator-Chromance-Sunglasses-58-Gold.webp) Few accessories are as timeless as the Ray-Ban Aviator. This Chromance edition updates the iconic silhouette with enhanced lens clarity and contrast, making it as practical for daily wear as it is enduringly stylish. *Php22,000. Available at [Rustans](https://rustans.com/products/ray-ban-aviator-chromance-sunglasses-58-gold).* ## A Signed First Edition of The Unfair Advantage by Mark Donohue ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/A-Signed-First-Edition-of-The-Unfair-Advantage-by-Mark-Donohue.webp) Widely regarded as one of the greatest motorsport books ever written, Mark Donohue’s memoir remains essential reading for serious car enthusiasts. A signed first edition combines literary significance, racing history, and collectability in a way few automotive books can match. *Available [here](https://www.ebay.com/itm/406731293065?_skw=A+Signed+First+Edition+of+The+Unfair+Advantage+by+Mark+Donohue&epid=6038842801&itmmeta=01KV50Q37H2WJSXSEXT6HS633Y&hash=item5eb3130189:g:cTsAAeSwgE9ppRA9&itmprp=enc%3AAQALAAABAGfYFPkwiKCW4ZNSs2u11xA5tfQ1k9crSQMX5jnD2B1LzJUAB28BOGPnvjoJm9yCOJK0ZvhGSGPMydsJmfkHGdboGZSQCs14x5fkGjLDHx0PkSWtUdVi9jghtGKNEtN%2BqRMl%2Ff2Ll7fJOmD8ev1bBwDSDcGHi6VsenbMEcsyhGc%2FNn1hYfO1quIpeD%2B8h8Sq0aqJ8hVhWJCsfDRzv6oVjW3E1o2zFpcfpI0jn1RmBsPyudYMVPgyD%2F6wAdaoRGBZrZ59ZQC0A0%2BlkPAkBgF2qjGWGlhpoeAdWogEjXDh1Pi8Zxc1enVNeOZTLuiU3Wwf1obQkXKdUs%2FQc0CXdx6tAI0%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR_iz3KDZZw).* ## Maison Francis Kurkdjian OUD Extrait de Parfum ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Maison-Francis-Kurkdjian-OUD-Extrait-de-Parfum.webp) There are scents that pass through a room, and then there is oud. Maison Francis Kurkdjian makes sure this one overstays in the best way possible with its OUD Extrait de Parfum. For dads who want a little more sophistication in their fragrance rotation. *Php27,250. Available at [Rustans](https://rustans.com/products/maison-francis-kurkdjian-oud-extrait-de-parfum?_pos=29&_fid=594c9b31b&_ss=c).* ## A Steak Dinner at Brontë Restaurant ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Treat_your_dad_to_a_fine_dining_experience_with_a_view_of_the_Makati.webp) Sometimes the best gift isn’t an object but an evening well spent. A reservation at Brontë, just opened last month, offers a modern take on steakhouse cooking, a warm atmosphere, and the increasingly rare luxury of uninterrupted time together. *Reserve a table by calling +63 908 872 8584.* ## Talarico Umbrellas Full Length Bamboo Umbrella ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Talarico-Umbrellas-Full-Length-Bamboo-Umbrella-1.webp) Talarico has been making umbrellas since 1860, still using bamboo, fine silks, and a craft passed down through four generations. It’s a practical object with serious lineage. Best for dads who like to be prepared for anything. *Php62,800. Available at [Signet](https://thesignetstore.com/collections/umbrellas/products/full-length-bamboo-umbrella-mt5-herringbone-twill-regimental-stripes).* ## A Bespoke Pool Table by Blatt Billiards ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/A-Bespoke-Pool-Table-by-Blatt-Billiards.webp) Founded in New York in 1923, Blatt Billiards creates custom pool tables for some of the world’s most discerning collectors. Designed to complement the architecture and interiors of a home, each piece is handcrafted to become both a game table and a lasting work of art. *Price upon request and configuration. More information [here](https://blattbilliards.com/collections/pool-tables?srsltid=AfmBOorKS3E37JSpCZZA4eMiPZr0Isc3GBagPNzPSUl5ApoZM0nZp4WD).* ## Tod’s Men’s Loafers in Suede ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Tods-Mens-Loafers-in-Suede.webp) Tod’s slipper-style loafers in soft suede are a classic choice, especially when finished with cord piping and an embossed rubber outsole. Perfect for the father who moves through the day, from quick errands to long lunches. *Php60,050. At [Tod’s](https://www.tods.com/ww-en/Loafers-in-Suede/p/XXM59L0KJ40RE0S415/).* ## An Univers Gift Card ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Univers-Gift-Cards-2240x3360.webp) For fathers whose interests are constantly evolving, a Univers gift card offers the freedom to choose. Whether it’s a new outfit, design objects, collectibles, or lifestyle essentials, the pleasure is in discovering something unexpected. *Available in denominations of Php5,000, Php 10,000, Php15,000, and Php20,000.* *Shop gift cards [here](https://univers.ph/gift-cards).* ## A Birth-Year Rolex Day-Date ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Rolex-Day-Date.webp) Few gifts feel more personal than a watch made in the year a dad was born. Combining vintage character, horological significance, and sentimental value, a birth-year Rolex Day-Date is a wearable heirloom that becomes more meaningful with every passing year. *Vintage editions available at [Sotheby’s](https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/luxury/watches/watch/rolex/day-date).* ## Saic Firenze Croc Belt with Brass Buckle ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Saic-Firenze-Croc-Belt-with-Brass-Buckle-2240x2800.webp) Saic Firenze by Hiroyuki Murata brings Japanese discipline to Florentine leatherwork, resulting in a crocodile belt made for a father who appreciates things that age well. Php44,100. Available at [Signet](https://thesignetstore.com/collections/belts/products/croc-belt). ## *The Watch Book: Rolex—Next Generation* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/The-Watch-Book-Rolex-Next-Generation-Next-Generation-Hardcover.webp) Part history, part collector’s guide, this beautifully illustrated volume chronicles Rolex’s latest chapter. It’s a fitting addition to the library of anyone fascinated by the world’s most influential watchmaker. *Php7,488. Available in [Fully Booked](https://fullybookedonline.com/books-fashion-fashion-accessories-the-watch-book-rolex-next-generation-next-generation-hardcover-by-gisbert-l-brunner.html).* ## A Custom Longboard by Legendary Hawaiian Shaper, Dennis Pang ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/A-Custom-Longboard-by-a-Legendary-Hawaiian-Shaper.webp) A handcrafted longboard is equal parts sporting equipment and sculpture. Custom-shaped and finished to suit its owner, it becomes a lasting symbol of life vacationing by the sea. *Price upon request and configuration. More information [here](https://www.surfboardfactoryhawaii.com/shapers/dennis-pang/?srsltid=AfmBOoreBgf_kIyPCDCZjhNezVyFN_BcxM6UpIthuYGIz4GfHXS7_j68).* ## Word of Mouth WWII Jeans SJ411 Indigo Jeans ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Word-of-Mouth-WWII-Jeans-SJ411-Indigo-Jeans-2240x2800.webp) Word of Mouth is a one-man denim label from Rome that produces every pair of 50s-cut jeans by hand in a small basement workshop near the Colosseum. A gift that feels personal because it literally is. *Php24,400. Available at [Signet](https://thesignetstore.com/collections/belts/products/croc-belt).* ## Oura Ring 5 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Oura-Ring-5.webp) The Oura Ring 5 may be the most discreet gadget on this list, but it packs over 50 health metrics into a polished titanium band. Many dads have a habit of saying they’re “fine” all the time, but this ring checks if they actually are! *Php29,990. Shop [here](https://oura.enable.ph/products/oura-ring-5-silver).* ## A **Loewe Canvas and Suede Camp Cap** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Loewe-Camp-cap-in-canvas-and-suede-e1781592417320.webp) Loewe transforms a casual staple into a luxury essential through refined materials and impeccable construction. Crafted in canvas and suede, it’s an understated piece that speaks more to discernment than logos. *Php43,500. Buy the Loewe cap [here](https://www.loewe.com/usa/en/men/accessories/hats/camp-cap-in-canvas-and-suede/K820358XA2-1628.html).* ## Faure Le Page Dream Bag 55 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Faure-Le-Page-Dream-Bag-55-2240x2240.webp) This Travel Dream Bag 55 from Fauré Le Page is a reliable travel companion built in durable Scale Canvas. Its size gives dads enough room for a weekend getaway or a long-haul vacation with the family. *Php144,500. Available at [Faure Le Page](https://faurelepage.com/products/travel-dream-bag-55?variant=47401420030235).* ## A Restored Vintage Chris-Craft Runabout ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/A-Restored-Vintage-Chris-Craft-Runabout.webp) Beautifully restored wooden runabouts from the golden age of American boating remain among the most elegant vessels ever built. Whether cruising across the bay or displayed at a waterfront property, a vintage Chris-Craft is a statement of craftsmanship and nostalgic style. *Prices start at $13,500. Shop Chris-Craft [here](https://absoluteclassics.com/collections/vintage-chris-craft-boats?srsltid=AfmBOoozcBde46k0MyjkjeCfZzqW-Y6iICmTfI_0QxCwUfSlv7AvxjRk).* ## *The Macallan Sherry Oak 30 Years Old* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Macallan_30_Year_Old_2023Sherry_2048x2048.webp) For the father who appreciates patience as much as craftsmanship, the The Macallan Sherry Oak 30 Years Old is one of Scotch whisky’s most revered expressions. Matured exclusively in sherry-seasoned oak casks for three decades, it delivers remarkable depth, complexity, and elegance—making it a gift worthy of a milestone Father’s Day. *Php539,999. Available at [Singlemalt.ph](https://www.singlemalt.ph/products/macallan-30-years-old-sherry-oak).* ## Montblanc Notebook Large Saffiano Leather Lined Pages ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Montblanc-Notebook-Large-Saffiano-Leather-Lined-Pages.webp) In the age of technology, nothing replaces the habit of writing things down. Montblan’s saffiano leather notebooks bring that ritual back for dads who still love to keep every note, thought, or memory on paper. *Php8,300. Available at [Rustans](https://rustans.com/products/montblanc-notebook-large-saffiano-leather-lined-pages?pr_prod_strat=e5_desc&pr_rec_id=0933a0a1c&pr_rec_pid=7990083747979&pr_ref_pid=8147490734219&pr_seq=uniform).* ## A Family “Staycation” at Mandarin Oriental Makati, Manila ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Mandarin-Oriental-Makati-Manila-FP-2240x1260.webp) The greatest luxury for many fathers is uninterrupted time with family. They also say that the best time at a vacation are the days leading up to it. Gift an exciting dose of anticipation with a staycation [at the new Mandarin Oriental Makati, Manila](https://robbreport.ph/travel/hotels/mandarin-oriental-makati-manila-in-photos/ "Mandarin Oriental Makati, Manila In Photos"). Combining spacious accommodations and exceptional dining, take Pa to one of the most nostalgic and anticipated hotel openings of the year. *The hotel is open for reservations and opens officially on December 14. Reserve in advance [here](https://www.mandarinoriental.com/en/manila/makati).* ## A Full Collection of **New York Times Games Crosswords** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Fully-Booked.webp) For the father who enjoys a challenge, this collection of crosswords offers hours of rewarding distraction. It’s a simple pleasure that encourages curiosity, concentration, and a little healthy competitiveness. *Each day-of-the-week volume is available for purchase separately at Php785 at [Fully Booked](https://fullybookedonline.com/books-games-activities-new-york-times-games-tuesday-crosswords-50-easy-puzzles-spiral-bound-by-the-new-york-times.html).* ## A Chess Set by Asprey ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/A-Custom-Chess-Set-by-Asprey-2240x2223.webp) Far from an ordinary board game, Asprey’s chess sets are handcrafted works of art. Created using precious materials and tailored to the owner’s tastes, they become treasured collectibles in their own right. *Php465,000. Shop chess sets [here](https://www.asprey.com/en-intl/products/hanover-chess-board-set-in-saddle-leather?v=1&variant=43655054262319).* ## Officine Universelle Buly 1803 Sur Son 31 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Officine-Universelle-Buly-1803-Sur-Son-31.webp) Officine Universelle Buly 1803’s Sur Son 31 includes shaving cream, aftershave, dental floss, and a personalized comb, leaving only the bon mot to its owner. *Available at [Officine Universelle Buly](https://buly1803.com/products/sur-son-31).* ## A Subic Sailing School Course ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/sailboat_in_sea_on_background_of_mountains_2026_03_25_01_25_56_utc.webp) Learning to sail combines technical skill, patience, and adventure in equal measure. A sailing course offers not just a new hobby, but access to an entirely different way of experiencing the water. It’s a great bonding activity, too! *More information [here](https://www.subicsailing.com/sailing-school).* ## A Geoffrey Parker Backgammon Set ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Geoffrey-Parker-Backgammon-Set.webp) Handcrafted in England and customizable down to the smallest detail, a Geoffrey Parker backgammon set transforms a beloved pastime into a collectible object. It is designed to be enjoyed across generations. *From Php312,000. Shop [here](https://www.geoffreyparker.com/).* ## Chapal A-1 Suzy Jacket ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Chapal-A-1-Suzy-Jacket.webp) A French-made A-1 jacket in suede sheep leather, with ribbed cuffs and hem that give it structure and shape. Its roots in military and aviation history makes for a great conversation starter. *Php231,000. Available at [Signet](https://thesignetstore.com/products/jacket-suzy).* ## An Angeles City Flying Club “**Pilot for a Day” Experience** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Cessna-172.webp) For a dad who has ever looked up at an aircraft and wondered what it would be like at the controls, this experience delivers the answer. Under professional supervision, participants can take to the skies and experience the thrill of flight firsthand. It’s a great gift for a father who may have always wanted to be a pilot, but never had time to. Now, he has every excuse for some time to take off, literally! *More information [here](https://www.facebook.com/angelesflying/).* ## A Cigar Humidor by Elie Bleu ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Bespoke-Cigar-Humidor-by-Elie-Bleu.webp) Regarded as one of the world’s finest makers of humidors, Elie Bleu combines meticulous craftsmanship with timeless design. For fathers who enjoy cigars, it is a gift that will be appreciated every single day. *Prices vary with capacity and start at Php177,440. Shop Elie Bleu humidors [here](https://eliebleu.com/en/collections/coffrets-cigares).* ## A Racing Lesson from the **Toyota Gazoo Racing Academy** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Racing-Courses.webp) The Toyota Gazoo Racing Academy allows enthusiasts to sharpen their skills on the track with guidance from professional instructors. It’s an exhilarating gift for fathers who appreciate precision engineering and performance driving. *More information [here](https://toyota.com.ph/tgrphilippines/tgr-academy).* ## A First Edition of The Last Grain Race by Eric Newby ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/A-First-Edition-of-The-Last-Grain-Race-by-Eric-Newby.webp) For fathers drawn to adventure, travel, and the romance of the sea, a first edition of Eric Newby’s celebrated memoir is a meaningful treasure. It is the kind of gift that gains character with age and becomes more valuable with every retelling of its stories. *Buy [here](https://www.abebooks.com/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=32213986787).* ## *The Basketball History of New York Knicks* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/The_Basketball_History_of_New_York_Knicks_Daily_News_Edition.webp) This commemorative newspaper collection chronicles the defining moments of one of basketball’s most storied franchises. Rich in nostalgia and historical detail, it’s a meaningful gift for lifelong Knicks supporters, and a very timely one. *Php4,400. Buy [here](https://www.historic-newspapers.com/en-ph/products/the-basketball-history-of-new-york-knicks-daily-news-edition?srsltid=AfmBOooGYggaRvl9l0x7KHZjsvcx-0QxbhGi3RmdCYnGAPPW0Fc2UiXB).* ## A Leather-Bound Family Archive ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/John-Donne-POEMS-1639Bound-and-ready-for-FIRSTS-Londons-Rare-Book-Fair-opening-next-week-a.webp) A bespoke volume bound by Sangorski & Sutcliffe containing restored photographs, letters, family stories, and historical documents is a meaningful, personal touch. Commissioned from archivists and bookbinders, it transforms a family’s history into a collectible object that can be passed from generation to generation. *Price upon request. Order [here](https://www.instagram.com/sangorskiandsutcliffe/).* ## A Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Patek-Philippe-Golden-Ellipse-FP-2240x1260.webp) Inspired by the Golden Ratio, the [Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse](https://robbreport.ph/the-story-of/patek-philippes-golden-ellipse-the-mathematics-of-beauty-on-the-wrist/ "Patek Philippe’s Golden Ellipse: The Mathematics of Beauty, On the Wrist") remains one of watchmaking’s most elegant expressions of proportion. More than five decades after its debut, it continues to prove that true design rarely goes out of style. Perhaps, if your father has a Calatrava, this is the next Patek must-have on his list. *Price upon request. Shop the references at[ Lucerne Luxe](https://lucerneluxe.com/patek-philippe/#!/Collection/Golden-Ellipse).* ## A Custom-Made Cocktail Cabinet ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/A-Custom-Made-Cocktail-Cabinet.webp) Designed around a father’s favorite spirits, cigars, and glassware, a bespoke cocktail cabinet transforms a personal passion into a lasting statement piece. A Philippine-made, rattan-and-lacquer set by E. Murio is classic, whether installed in a study, beach house, or entertaining room, and it easily becomes the center for family celebrations and conversations for years to come. *Price upon request. Contact E. Murio [here](https://www.emurio.com/).* ## A Wrensilva Turntable ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/wrensilva-studio-01.webp) Part high-fidelity audio system, part handcrafted furniture, a [Wrensilva turntable](https://robbreport.ph/tech/audio/wrensilvas-new-studio-packs-a-turntable-speakers-and-record-storage-into-one-elegant-console/ "Wrensilva’s New Studio Packs a Turntable, Speakers, and Record Storage Into One Elegant Console") is designed to be seen as much as heard. It brings together craftsmanship, technology, and the pleasure of listening, and is certainly something that would look cool in his library. *Php597,300. Order [here](https://wrensilva.com/products/studio).* ## A Bottle of ****Royal Salute 38-Year-Old Stone of Destiny**** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Royal-Salute.webp) Aged for nearly four decades, Royal Salute’s Stone of Destiny is a whisky that rewards patience and craftsmanship. Rich, complex, and exceptionally rare, it’s a bottle suited to marking life’s most important occasions, and doesn’t Father’s Day fall easily into that category? *Php59,900. Buy a bottle [here](https://manila-wine.com/royal-salute-38-years-old-blended-malt-scotch-whisky-1).* ## *Football: The Impossible Collection* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Football-Book.webp) For the father who can recite World Cup lineups from memory, Assouline’s *Football: The Impossible Collection* is less a book than a museum between covers. Hand-bound and filled with the sport’s most defining moments, it celebrates the players, matches, and stories that shaped football history. *Php104,340. Available at [Assouline](https://ap.assouline.com/products/football-the-impossible-collection).* ## ***Cartier Santos*** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/CARTIER_2025_SANTOS_EDITORIAL_SERIES_STILL_MEN_03_CRWSSA0089_PRESSE_24x30_CMYK.webp) Santos de Cartier LM in luminous steel. *Photo: Cartier* Few watches carry fatherly authority as quietly as the Cartier Santos. A classic dress-sport piece for the dad who prefers polish over performance theater. Shop [here](https://stores.cartier.com/philippines/makati-city/esperanza-street-corner-makati-avenue). ## *Creed Aventus Eau de Parfum* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Creed-Aventus.webp) *Photo: Rustan’s* Creed Aventus remains one of modern perfumery’s most recognizable power scents, built around crisp fruit, smoke, woods, and a boardroom sort of confidence. Shop [here](https://rustans-thebeautysource.com/en/product/creed-aventus). ## *Rolex Explorer* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Rolex-Explorer-Ref-1016-Frog-Foot-Dial.webp) Rolex Explorer Ref. 1016 with a Frog Foot Dial *Photo: Bulang & Sons* The Rolex Explorer is the less obvious Father’s Day Rolex, which is exactly its appeal. It suits the dad whose taste leans toward utility and, of course, machinery. Shop [here](https://lucerneluxe.com/). ## *Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/JLCREVERSO.webp) *Photo: Jaeger-LeCoultre* The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso is for the father with taste, patience, and perhaps a drawer full of linen shirts. It remains one of watchmaking’s most elegant acts of understatement. Shop [here](https://www.jaeger-lecoultre.com/us-en/boutiques/asia/philippines/makati-city/jaeger-lecoultre-boutique-manila-greenbelt-156893). ## *Bvlgari Aluminium or Octo watch* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Bulgari-Octo-Finissimo-Ultra-Tourbillon.webp) *GPHG* Bvlgari brings a sportier Italian charge to the luxury watch category, whether through the casual graphic snap of the Aluminium or the architectural force of the Octo. For the fathers who like a little more Roman attitude to their things. *Shop* [*here*](https://www.bulgari.com/en-int/storelocator/country-region/philippines/manila/the-shoppes-unit-2-03-ground-level-solaire-resort-entertainment-city)*.* ## *Louis Vuitton Neo Wallet Trunk Monogram Eclipse* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2000.webp) *Photo: Louis Vuitton* Small but serious, the Louis Vuitton Neo Wallet Trunk Monogram Eclipse turns the everyday pouch into a miniature hard-sided trunk. A gift for the dad who treats even his essentials like luggage with a passport. *Shop* [*here*](https://ph.louisvuitton.com/eng-ph/products/neo-wallet-monogram-eclipse-nvprod4170089v/M20954)*.* ## *Louis Vuitton Squire PM Monogram* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/louis-vuitton-M28951_PM2_Front-view.webp) *Photo: Louis Vuitton* The Louis Vuitton Squire PM Monogram is a sharper everyday carry for the father who still insists on bringing a tablet, documents, and three backup plans. It lands somewhere between a business bag and an heirloom accessory. *Shop* [*here*](https://ph.louisvuitton.com/eng-ph/products/squire-pm-monogram-nvprod7310167v/M28951)*.* ## *Hermès belt kit/Etrivière-style belt* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/f130ee3c22d395a49afad10b114af772_fec46657-7265-4694-bc71-0f7f9e07ca77.webp) *Photo: Hermes* A Hermès belt is the kind of gift that does its work quietly, then keeps doing it for years. This belt kit or Etrivière-style piece feels practical and polished. *Shop* [*here*](https://www.hermes.com/us/en/find-store/philippines/manila/hermes-manila-IIWMOPCB/)*.* ## Tiffany & Co. men’s bracelet or signet ring ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/signet-ring-23525.webp) *Photo: Tiffany* Tiffany & Co.’s men’s jewelry offers a cleaner route into luxury gifting, especially for dads who prefer one strong piece over a full display. *Shop* [*here*](https://www.tiffany.com/stores/en/philippines/manila-greenbelt-3-682)*.* ## Montblanc Meisterstück 149 fountain pen ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/foutain-pain.webp) *Photo: Rustan’s* The Montblanc Meisterstück 149 is the old-school power object of the list: a pen that makes even signing a receipt feel ceremonial. It’s an heirloom gift for the father who still believes handwriting says something. *Shop* [*here*](https://rustans.com/collections/montblanc/writing-instruments_fountain-pen?srsltid=AfmBOorTi496MhfpwGXsGDG86xUVfoR1Ud0zevyngqprVFWcCdiEvI1X)*.* ## Montblanc Extreme 3.0 Thin Document Case ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2991737_3.webp) *Photo: Rustan’s* The Montblanc Extreme 3.0 Thin Document Case gives executive gear a sharper, more modern edge. Built for the dad whose workday still involves meetings and a lot of paper etiquette. *Shop* [*here*](https://rustans.com/products/montblanc-extreme-3-0-thin-document-case-1) *at Rustan’s.* ## Leica M11/Q-series Camera ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/120-20208_Leica_M11_Monochrom_Summilux_50_front_1080x1080_800x_d9be9af2-5775-4747-ba52-1f38ef779d23-1000x1000-1.webp) *Photo: Leica Store Philippines* For the dad who has recently “taken up photography,” Leica is how the hobby becomes a lifelong affliction. An M11 or Q-series camera gives him every reason to disappear during family trips in search of better light. *Shop* [*here*](https://leica-store.ph/)*.* ## RIMOWA Original Cabin ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/RIMOWA-Original-Cabin.webp) The RIMOWA Original Cabin is for the father who travels often enough to care about what rolls beside him. *Head to [RIMOWA](https://www.rimowa.com/ww/en/storedetails/makati-city/rimowa-store-greenbelt-5-77).* ## Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H100 headphones ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/bang-olufsen-1-2240x2240.webp) The Beoplay H100, as seen at the Bang & Olufsen dinner party held at Gallery By Chele. *Photo: Bang & Olufsen/Bridges PR* The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H100 headphones make private listening feel properly luxurious, with sculptural design and serious audio credentials. They are ideal for the dad who wants some much-deserved solitude. *Listed at ₱124,200 through [Living Innovations](https://livinginnovations.ph/collections/bang-olufsen-1).* ## Rémy Martin Louis XIII Magnum ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/r_my-martin-louis-xiii-15l-magnum.webp) *Photo: Remy Martin* Rémy Martin Louis XIII Magnum is the wild-card gift: less bottle, more declaration. This inevitably belongs to the father who has everything except perhaps a cognac grand enough to stop the room. Shop at *[Manila Wine](https://manila-wine.com/remy-martin-louis-xiii-1-5l-magnum-fine-champagne-cognac)*. **Categories:** Gift Guide, Leisure **Tags:** Father's Day, gift guide --- ### [The World’s 50 Best Bars List for 2025 Just Dropped](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/the-worlds-50-best-bars-list-for-2025-just-dropped/) **Published:** October 10, 2025 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** The best place to sip a Negroni may be Hong Kong, not Italy. [Bar Leone](https://www.barleonehk.com/), an Italian-themed watering hole in the city’s buzzy Central district, scored first place in the World’s 50 Best Bars list this year. The 17th edition of the annual list was announced at an awards ceremony in Hong Kong on Wednesday evening, marking the first time a bar in Asia has claimed top position. Bar Leone opened less than three years ago, but has been crowned Asia’s best bar for the past two years. It also clinched second place in the World’s 50 Best Bars list last year. The brainchild of Roman bartender Lorenzo Antinori, Bar Leone is an ode to the neighborhood bars of Rome and is focused on *cocktail popolari*, or “[cocktails](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/bar-none/ "Bar None") for the people.” To that end, the cocktail menu is a regularly updated Google Doc that details full recipes to ensure each drink is accessible to all. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Bar-Leone-cocktail-alt.webp) *William Reed* Antinori, who has worked in top-tier hotel bars across Europe, has eschewed the complexity of modern mixology in favor of straightforward, unpretentious tipples that spotlight quality local ingredients. Guests can sip Yuzu Negronis and Olive Oil Sours and savor snacks like mortadella focaccia and smoked olives, with the venue offering a taste of the Eternal City in the center of Hong Kong. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Bar-Leone-team-alt.webp) [Mexico City’s Handshake ](https://robbreport.com/food-drink/spirits/worlds-50-best-bars-handshake-speakeasy-1235965151/)Speakeasy, which topped the list last year, was relegated to second place but retained the title of best bar in North America. Barcelona hotspots Sips and Paradiso landed in third and fourth, while London favorite Tayēr + Elementary nabbed fifth. Another London legend, Connaught Bar, came sixth, followed by Moebius Milano in Milan, Line in Athens, Jigger & Pony in Singapore, Tres Monos in Buenos Aires, and Alquímico in Cartagena. New York City remains the cocktail mecca of the Americas, with four Big Apple bars making this year’s list, including the East Village’s Superbueno (rising 15 places to 12), the West Village’s Sip & Guzzle (39), the Lower East Side’s Double Chicken Please (41), and FiDi’s Overstory (46). New Orleans also represented the U.S., with Jewel of the South scraping in at 44. Rankings aside, Mexico City’s Bar Mauro was named One to Watch, New York’s Sip & Guzzle was crowned Best New Opening, Sydney’s Tigra + Disco Pantera received the Best Bar Design award, Penang’s Backdoor Bodega secured the Best Cocktail Menu award, and Greece’s Baba au Rum took the Legend of the List award. The World’s 50 Best list is voted on by more than 800 experts in the beverage industry, including bartenders, consultants, writers, and cocktail specialists. You can check out the full list below. ## The World’s 50 Best Bars list for 2025 1. Bar Leone, Hong Kong 2. Handshake Speakeasy, Mexico City 3. Sips, Barcelona 4. Paradiso, Barcelona 5. Tayēr + Elementary, London 6. Connaught Bar, London 7. Moebius Milano, Milan 8. Line, Athens 9. Jigger & Pony, Singapore 10. Tres Monos, Buenos Aires 11. Alquímico, Cartagena 12. Superbueno, New York 13. Lady Bee, Lima 14. Himkok, Oslo 15. Bar Us, Bangkok 16. Zest, Seoul 17. Bar Nouveau, Paris 18. Bar Benfiddich, Tokyo 19. Caretaker’s Cottage, Melbourne 20. The Cambridge Public House, Paris 21. Satan’s Whiskers, London 22. Locale Firenze, Florence 23. Tlecān, Mexico City 24. Tan Tan, São Paulo 25. Mirror Bar, Bratislava 26. CoChinChina, Buenos Aires 27. Baba au Rum, Athens 28. Nouvelle Vague, Tirana 29. Hope & Sesame, Guangzhou 30. Danico, Paris 31. Scarfes Bar, London 32. Svanen, Oslo 33. Sastrería Martinez, Lima 34. Panda & Sons, Edinburgh 35. Röda Huset, Stockholm 36. Mimi Kakushi, Dubai 37. Salmon Guru, Madrid 38. Coa, Hong Kong 39. Sip & Guzzle, New York 40. Drink Kong, Rome 41. Double Chicken Please, New York 42. Maybe Sammy, Sydney 43. 1930, Milan 44. Jewel of the South, New Orleans 45. Virtù, Tokyo 46. Overstory, New York 47. The Bar in Front of the Bar, Athens 48. The Bellwood, Tokyo 49. BKK Social Club, Bangkok 50. Nutmeg & Clove, Singapore **Categories:** Food & Drink, Spirits **Tags:** bar leone, world's 50 best --- ### [8 Must-See Art Exhibits in Manila to See this June](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-collectibles/8-must-see-art-exhibits-in-manila-to-see-this-june/) **Published:** June 16, 2026 **Author:** Jodie Jose **Content:** A pulsating energy of fervence for climate justice, stamina for traditional craft, and a recalling of reverence for life and light reverberates through the shows across Metro Manila galleries. Here are eight of them to see this June. ## *Radiating, Fusing, Dissolving*: Various Artists at The Drawing Room ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/UndergroundGallery-RadiatingDifussing.webp) Artist-curator Dominic Mangila brings together a roster of young painters to investigate light, an enduring beauty of nature that artists have aspired to translate onto canvas, and lately, to an electrifying element that powers graphic images in screens. This exhibition is not short of names that have recently garnered attention from collectors despite their nascent launch into the scene: Matina Partosa, Gelo Cinco, Gia Luistro, Bianca Pe, and Joanno, amongst others. *Up to July 11. For more information, visit The Drawing Room’s [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/drawingroommanila/).* ## *Interpsychic Colony*: Louie Cordero and Kawayan de Guia at MO\_Space ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Interpsychic-Colony-MO_Space.webp) Even in their individual practices, [Louie Cordero and Kawayan De Guia share a long-occupation with the absurd ](https://robbreport.ph/leisure/culture/the-good-life-editors-picks-of-the-week-22/ "The Good Life: Editors’ Picks of the Week")and how one might create a collage interspersing it with elements from reality. This led to a merging not only of symbols from the tangible and from their streams of consciousness, but also their process for the show. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/CorderoxDeGuia-Inpsychic-Colony-No3.webp) This show is for the comic geeks who frequent hole-in-the-wall hubs like Cubao Expo, Greenhills, and Makati Cinema Square with their vintage imports and retro sensibilities. *Up to June 28. For more information, visit MO\_Space’s [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/mo_space/).* ## *Munininop*: Randy Gawwi, Dehon Taguyungon and Gail Vicente at MO\_Space ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/munininop-MO_Space.webp) Cobbling traditions in craft, rituals, and the domestic, the three-person show of Randy Gawwi, Dehon Taguyungon and Gail Vicente resists the shadow of post-pandemic apprehensions in matters of creating sanctuaries. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Gail-Vicente-A-Seat-at-the-Table-Diptych.webp) A Seat at the Table by Gail Vicente. Showcasing embroidered and sculptural works, this show finds the sacred in the mundane and sheds a light on what it means to be a villager in order to keep a home. The home is sanctuary, a site for collective dreaming of the future. *Up to June 28. For more information, visit MO\_Space’s [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/mo_space/).* ## The Coconut Tree Methodology | Silverlens ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/MarthaAtienza-Exhibit-shot.webp) In Martha Atienza’s long-running mission to make clear the atrocities on earth, sky, and sea implicated by its “nurturers”, this exhibition zeroes in on [the coconut as the harbinger of coastal erosion that has been unfolding in the Bantayan islands of Cebu](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-collectibles/martha-atienzas-new-silverlens-show-traces-the-politics-of-a-disappearing-shore/ "Martha Atienza’s New Silverlens Show Traces the Politics of a Disappearing Shore"). Atienza puts into the spotlight the systemic failure of the political network to serve the fisherfolk, to hear the voices of our indigenous brothers and sisters, and to counter the degradation of ecologies that protect their homes. *Up to July 11. For more information, visit Silverlens’ [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/silverlensgallery/).* ## *Echo*: Pam Quinto at Underground Gallery ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/UndergroundGallery-PamQ.webp) Pam Quinto is an artist in pursuit of the complex-self, its relations to the world outside it, and its metaphorical manifestations in things like caves, which figure in *Echo.* In this show, the artist draws from a recent spelunking experience that led to an awakening: Before the construction of houses borne out of a more stable grasp of nature, life was once sheltered by something as primal as caves, unpolished and simply found. *Up to July 1. For more information, visit this [link](https://www.instagram.com/underground.gallery/?hl=en).* ## *Confluence of Her*: Various Artists at Modeka ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/ModekaGallery-ConfluenceofHer.webp) To say that women through history have been flattened to the point of erasure is almost no argument today, and many women artists, poets, scientists, and entrepreneurs, among other occupations, have to remind society of their multiplicity as beings. Such is the raison d’etre of the artists in this show where their distinct voices echo, free of obligation, summarizing to its viewers what it means to be a woman in their personal, specific ways. Up to July 4. For more information, visit this [link](https://www.instagram.com/modeka.art/). ## *Bridging the Gap 2* at Provenance Art Gallery ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/ProvenanceGallery-BridgingtheGap.webp) Provenance brings together a total of 80 contemporary Filipino artists in the second year of their annual rotational show, *Bridging the Gap*. Under a single banner, the works of the participating artists will be displayed in rotation, bringing together pieces from a mix of emerging, mid-career and established practitioners for a set time period. For its June rotation, needleworks by Marionne Contreras, Maricar Tolentino, and Jan Sunday join the ensemble along with works by painters Jericho Moral, Gene Paul Martin, and Gelo Cinco. Also in June: three-dimensional pieces by Ioannis Sicuya, Pete Jimenez and Cianne Xavier. *Up to August 31. For more information, visit this [link](https://www.instagram.com/provenanceartgallery/).* ## *Looks Cute But Nasty*: Maria Joena Zoleta at Bunso Gallery ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/BunsoGallery-Zoloeta.webp) Maria Joena Zoleta’s practice runs on the convoluted ties of motherhood which, as this exhibition shows, is also unavoidably tied to marriage and its historical roots in state and religion. In her collection, the artist channels shocks of angst in her use of pink, coupled with neon and pastel applications to make images that are anything but innocent. Through her works, she glares with unrestrained irreverence at the unification of church and Philippine state that withholds freedoms (like divorce) to women. *Up to July 2. For more information, visit this [link](https://www.instagram.com/bunso.gallery/).* **Categories:** Art & Collectibles **Tags:** art, exhibitions --- ### [How to Build an Investment-Grade Jewelry Collection](https://robbreport.ph/guide-to/how-to-build-an-investment-grade-jewelry-collection/) **Published:** October 7, 2025 **Author:** Jill Newman **Content:** When a Middle East royal recently let it be known that he was looking to invest upwards of $100 million in gemstones, word spread quickly and soon more than one well-connected dealer was jetting to the region with heavily insured valises. What might be most intriguing about this royal’s request is not the nine figures at play or even that all that cash was to be stashed in diamonds, rubies, and the like, but rather that this kind of high-dollar venture is not uncommon; in fact, it’s a growing trend. Top brokers say that since the start of this year, which has been marked by chaotic global events, more and more clients have been looking to invest in hard assets—namely [jewelry](https://robbreport.com/tag/jewelry/) and loose stones. Jewelry, after all, has long been a safety net. When currencies were devalued and stock markets plummeted, a top-quality diamond or other precious gem remained global currency. That still holds true today. “With bank and crypto failures and inflation, I definitely see more interest from clients who are thinking of jewelry as a store of wealth,” says Lee Siegelson, the current proprietor of the [century-old New York dealer](https://siegelson.com/) specializing in vintage pieces and rare stones that bears his family name. When someone has tens of millions to invest, historically experts have advised putting it into fancy-colored diamonds and untreated rubies, emeralds, and sapphires—essentially the equivalent of blue-chip stocks. For those who have followed that advice, relax: Their stability hasn’t changed. But as the number of billionaires expands exponentially and people who were never serious collectors seek to diversify their portfolios with jewels, the most prized gems are becoming scarcer. And that’s driving a shift in the market. New opportunities are emerging, and new collectors are embracing a very different approach to jewels than that taken by their parents. They still want rare pieces, of course, but they’re after bijoux they can wear and enjoy, not banish to a vault. A notable example of this change in attitudes was the record-breaking sale of the Estrela de Fura ruby, which fetched $34.8 million at [Sotheby’s](https://www.sothebys.com/en/) in June 2023. Unquestionably magnificent with fiery-red brilliance, the 55-carat sparkler was the largest gem-quality ruby ever to hit the block. But it had been discovered in a Mozambican mine, which raised eyebrows among the cognoscenti. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/75257163_RG_MAIN1X1.webp) Bird on a Rock wrap ring in platinum and gold with turquoise and diamonds by Tiffany. $125,000. *Tiffany* Previously, for a ruby to be considered investment-worthy, it simply had to be unearthed from the ancient Mogok Stone Tract of Myanmar (formerly known as Burma). But the reality today is, if you want a sizable, untreated, pigeon’s blood (a designation that describes the richest red hue) Burmese ruby or a pair of 10-carat D-flawless diamond earrings from India’s historic Golconda mines, known for producing the world’s purest stones, plan to spend months (or years) tracking them down—and then expect the prices to be commensurate with the rarity. The Burmese ruby that wore the auction crown before the Estrela de Fura sold for $30.3 million in 2015—only $4.5 million less, despite being under half the carat weight. Only a small coterie of dealers, including Siegelson, have access to the most desirable untreated gems and pedigreed jewels. Securing one is akin to searching for a Picasso or a Giacometti: Some of the best examples may never come up for sale publicly, quietly trading hands between collectors. When the call that something interesting has surfaced comes, the dealers are ready to jump on a plane at a moment’s notice. It might not be offered again, Siegelson says. Another name familiar to insiders is Martin Travis, owner of London-based [Symbolic & Chase](https://s-c.com/), who advises investors and collectors as well as museums. His clients include a half dozen families who have each spent $10 million to $50 million on pieces over the past 10 to 15 years, and they’re still adding to their caches. While he won’t discuss the specifics of his clients’ collections, it would be easy to surmise that they are among the lucky handful to possess pieces by the elusive designer Theodoros, as Travis serves as one of the jeweler’s few agents. Acquiring one-of-a-kind pieces by Theodoros, who creates [a very limited selection](https://s-c.com/artists/88-theodoros/) per year, or by other hot contemporary designers grants a collector entrée to a very exclusive club. The éminence grise remains Joel A. Rosenthal, a.k.a. JAR, an American living in Paris whose whimsical, intricate creations are the holy grail of recent decades. Other serious collectors are following in the tradition of Elizabeth Taylor and Lily Safra, passionate aficionados who were among a set of women who built well-rounded troves that ticked all the boxes. Qatar’s Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah Al Thani, for instance, assembled the world’s largest collection of Mughal Empire treasures at lightning speed, beginning in 2009, when he was still in his 20s. Highlights of his 6,000 historic jewels and objects have been exhibited at the [Metropolitan Museum of Art](https://www.metmuseum.org/) and the [Victoria and Albert Museum](https://www.vam.ac.uk/) in London over the past decade. Regardless of whether your motivation is profit, collection-building, or merely possessing a show-stopping trinket to wear with abandon, approach the field with the same clear-eyed logic you would your stock or real-estate portfolio—and with the following key categories in mind. ## **Untreated Colored Gemstones** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-07-at-21835-PM.webp) Ruby and cluster diamond necklace by Harry Winston. *Harry Winston* With the right provenance—namely Burma, Colombia, and Kashmir—colored stones are almost guaranteed to hold their value. But provenance alone isn’t enough. The gems must be verified as natural, meaning they have not been treated to enhance their color or quality. The difference in price between a treated and an untreated stone could be millions. “You can’t walk into a store and easily find untreated Colombian emeralds or Kashmir sapphires,” Travis explains. “An untreated sapphire that comes out of the ground that color is significantly rarer and more desirable—and will only get rarer and more valuable.” An example of the great disparity in value: A two-stone ring with an untreated 4.95-carat Colombian emerald paired with a D-flawless diamond of equal size is priced over $1 million at [Stephen Russell](https://stephenrussell.com/) in New York. Emeralds that are treated to hide imperfections are often worth roughly 40 percent less than untreated gems, says Russell Zelenetz, a partner in the business. Don’t expect prices to peak anytime soon, says Moris Hadjibay, an owner of [Bayco](https://bayco.com/), his family’s New York–based company, which has been in business 42 years. When a client recently inquired about investing in gemstones, Hadjibay recommended an untreated-exceptional-ruby ring and matching earrings (the set sold for around $3 million). “You can’t replace them,” he says. Though these rubies are Burmese, Hadjibay notes that the Estrela de Fura was no anomaly; top-quality rubies from Mozambique are increasingly appealing to collectors. Another stone to watch in his view: Paraíba tourmaline, known for its Windex-blue hue. But it still doesn’t come close to the prestige of rubies, emeralds, and sapphires. ## **Diamonds** Investment-quality fancy-colored diamonds continue to command record prices. Bolstering the demand for pink diamonds, in particular, is the fact that the world’s main source, the Argyle mine in Western Australia, became depleted and closed in 2020 with much fanfare. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-07-at-21223-PM.webp) Colored diamond, diamond and ruby ballerina ring by Boucheron. *Sothebys* [Tiffany & Co.](https://www.tiffany.com/) has solidified its position as one of the world’s top consumer sources for rare diamonds since being acquired by LVMH in 2021. It now has the buying power to secure first dibs on some of the best stones coming to market directly from the mines, such as a 71-carat fancy-vivid-yellow rough it purchased this year from the Ekati mine in Canada, where it was uncovered. Before even working on the stone, Tiffany chief gemologist Victoria Reynolds privately showcased it to a select few clients with the taste and means to consider acquiring it. Finally it was cut and faceted into two elongated emerald stones, one over 20 carats and the other over 15 carats; the buyers will collaborate with the house’s designer to set them in bespoke pieces. Tiffany also acquired 35 pink diamonds this year from the Argyle mine—among the last lots uncovered. As for colorless diamonds, the most reliable investment is Golconda Type IIa diamonds, known as the purest, most transparent and beautiful specimens from India’s Golconda mines. India was the world’s only diamond source for 2,000 years, and Golconda delivered the finest examples until the mines were depleted and closed in the 18th century. (The main excavators of diamonds today are Botswana, South Africa, Namibia, Canada, and Russia.) Golconda produced stones with a total lack of nitrogen, the element that gives diamonds a yellowish tinge, and classified them as Type IIa. Word of caution: Travis says misinformation on what’s actually a Golconda Type IIa abounds. Type IIa diamonds have, on occasion, been unearthed elsewhere and mislabeled as Golconda, but only stones originating in the Indian mines may bear that name. Scientific testing can identify Type IIa diamonds, but only old-cut diamonds mined hundreds of years ago can be considered Golconda. ![Faune et Flore de Cartier earrings, paved. $111,000. Cartier](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-07-at-20840-PM.webp) Faune et Flore de Cartier earrings, paved. $111,000. *Cartier* For the most bang for your buck, experts advise investing in a D-flawless diamond over a larger stone of even slightly lesser quality. The designation remains rare and historically has not only held its value but also continued to rise in price. A similarly sized F-color VVS1 diamond, which to the untrained eye looks identical to a D-flawless, is worth 30 to 40 percent less. Take note, however: The market for extra-large diamonds—over 100 carats—has softened, says Travis, because new X-ray technology at the mines identifies top-quality rough before it goes through the crusher. Once a novelty, big high-quality diamonds are now popping up more often, and subsequently, the prices aren’t as robust. As ever, trends are being set by those with the vision to break away from the mainstream. Vintage diamonds, for example, are currently being sought by a coterie of aesthetically minded collectors looking for understated—and under-valued—pieces. These stones tend to have larger facets and a softer glow than the ultra-sparkly round-cut diamonds so often seen today. Quig Bruning, Sotheby’s head of jewels, Americas and EMEA (Europe, the Middle East, and Africa), reports looking for a 10-carat old-cushion-cut diamond ring at the behest of a client who wanted to gift it to his wife for her 60th birthday. Bruning tracked down one from an international dealer for about $1 million. “These are hard to find because they were cut a century ago by candlelight and have a real charm, and nobody is cutting the same way today,” he says. Bruning clearly had the right contacts—but also a little luck. A collector would be wise to keep an open mind rather than fixate on a specific stone, which can turn out to be impossible to locate. Sometimes a rare opportunity appears out of the blue. That was the case when Travis was scouting fruitlessly for a pair of diamond earrings for a client. Instead, he uncovered a 35-carat pear-shape old-cut diamond from 1910 on a pendant, which the client purchased for nearly $2 million. “It was too beautiful to pass up,” he says. ## **Pedigreed and Signed Pieces** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Jewelry_Feat5.webp) Siegelson’s Drexel Heart, a 31-carat Golconda-diamond ring by Harry Winston. Steven DeVilbiss Signed pieces from the premier jewelry houses—such as [Cartier](https://www.cartier.com/), [Van Cleef & Arpels](https://www.vancleefarpels.com/), and [Boucheron](https://www.boucheron.com/)—remain hot commodities, especially prime examples from the Art Deco period. “Not all Cartier Deco bracelets are equal,” says Siegelson. “There are great ones and some not so great.” It’s the nuances in proportion, the layout of the stones, and the shapeliness of its curve around the wrist that delineate one from the other. “And there’s a big difference in price and lasting value between them.” For those with a taste for the bold, his inventory includes a [Cartier](https://robbreport.ph/tag/cartier/ "cartier") carved-coral and diamond ring, circa 1945, which stands out for its large scale and exceptional artisanship. A [Suzanne Belperron](https://belperron.com/) 1950s ring with stacked aquamarines is considered collectible because of the sculptural and modern style rather than the value of the stones; it has a contemporary flair that its owner can wear every day. The right provenance can make for an exciting surprise in the collectors’ market. In June 2023, Sotheby’s sale of four 1940s gold Van Cleef & Arpels ballerina brooches fetched $203,000 against an estimate of $40,000 to $60,000. The consignor had purchased them at Sotheby’s in the 1980s for about $2,500. Pedigree, however, entails more than the mine and the designer. Hailing from a vaunted collection also carries weight. Then there are holy-grail pieces, such as Siegelson’s Drexel Heart Diamond: a 31-carat D-color internally flawless heart-shaped Golconda diamond in a signed Harry Winston setting. Valued at $7.5 million, it belonged to the prominent Drexel family of bankers from Philadelphia and comes with a dossier of documentation, which ups its value exponentially. ## **Natural Pearls** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Jewelry_Feat4.webp) Assael 117-carat Melo Melo pearl and white-diamond pendant set in platinum. Courtesy of Assael Pearls It’s hard to name a renowned collection that hasn’t contained natural pearls, which form in the wild and are extremely rare. (Cultured pearls, by contrast, are grown on farms; the vast majority of pearl jewelry is made with this less expensive variety.) The Basra Sea, the primary source of natural pearls, was depleted a century ago, so nearly all those available today are at least that old. Further fueling the scarcity, the Asian market has been especially devoted to these stones, which can take years to develop inside oysters. A client of Rahul Kadakia, [Christie’s](https://www.christies.com/en) international head of jewelry, recently tasked him with acquiring two historical natural-pearl pieces that he’d read about. One of the select few dealers with exceptional access, Kadakia knew the family who owned them. “He absolutely wanted these pearls, and only these pearls,” Kadakia says, adding that he brokered a deal for $8 million. “I told him, ‘It’s a bit on the high side,’ but he wanted them.” And if the merely hard-to-obtain is not thrilling—or pricey—enough, set your sights on the elusive Melo Melo pearls, which over the course of decades form in the wild within the large sea snail of the same name found (infrequently) in the South China and the Andaman Seas, with the finest specimens coming from Vietnam. The most coveted are the size of gumballs, with a bright-orange hue and a polished surface that exhibits flamelike patterns. “Melo Melo pearls are beautiful one-of-a-kind gems that come completely from nature. It is not possible to culture them,” says Peggy Grosz, senior vice president and creative director of Assael, which specializes in pearl and coral jewelry. “The large ones are extremely rare and valued precisely for their rarity, as well as their exclusive sunny orange color and their porcelaneous sheen.” Almost impossible to find, they are on many collectors’ wish lists. “About one in every several thousand Melo Melo sea snails will produce a pearl of any notable size,” says Grosz. “The rarity and beauty of these pearls, especially the large ones, can drive prices to dizzying heights.” You might be able to pick up a small Melo Melo for $20,000, but the larger, more graphic pearls approach $1 million. To get your hands on one, put out feelers to dealers and auction houses, but be prepared to wait. And wait. ## **Signature Style** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/hemmerle_creations_brooch_0244_19_web.webp) Rose brooch made with diamonds, aluminum, and white gold. *Hemmerle* The right assortment of stones will form a nice baseline for a collection, but what makes a trove stand out are the unique pieces that reflect the collector’s individual aesthetic. It’s never a mistake to have something by Cartier or [Boucheron](https://robbreport.ph/tag/boucheron/ "boucheron"), but the small independent jewelers—who blend imaginative designs and obsessive craftsmanship with extremely limited production—can elevate a greatest-hits list to Hall of Fame status. Viren Bhagat, [Hemmerle](https://hemmerle.com/), and [Taffin](https://www.taffin.com/) all have solid followings, but you already know that. And there are rumors that the 80-year-old Joel Rosenthal of JAR has stopped producing new works. So who should you be keeping tabs on today? One candidate for next-level status is [Ana Khouri](https://www.anakhouri.com/), who creates around 35 pieces a year and is known for juxtaposing priceless stones with humble materials, such as setting exceptional colored diamonds in streamlined designs made from wood and rock crystal. “Clients will say, ‘I want a pink diamond, but I want to wear it every day,’ ” she says. It might be a $5 million to $15 million stone, but they don’t want to keep it in the safe. Word about [Forms](https://formsjewellery.com/), a private salon in Hong Kong annually releasing about 100 innovative designs with exceptional gemstones and unusual materials, is also getting out. “Our collectors already have diamonds and colored gemstones, and they come here for something different,” says Forms director Flora Wong. Those eye-catching pieces include large hoop earrings made with rings of diamonds and agate from Mesopotamia and a fossilized-dinosaur ring with a rare blue sapphire. Clients can watch the master craftsmen at work on their pieces in the on-site studio. Sotheby’s is spotlighting contemporary designers whose creations its specialists believe have staying power, including [Cora Sheibani](https://www.corasheibani.com/), who makes playful aluminum and jeweled potted-plant and cake rings, and Sabba, known for bold and colorful oversize earrings. Positioned alongside art and other collectibles, these smaller jewelers are being introduced to clients who otherwise might not be jewelry buyers. This month, for instance, the auction house will showcase [Fernando Jorge](https://www.fernandojorge.co.uk/)’s marble and diamond pieces during the modern- and contemporary-art sales. Not everyone wants sparkle. For those looking for museum-worthy pieces with a story, Travis recently started buying ancient intaglios, which, he says, were as expensive as Venetian palazzos during the 18th century, when the jewels were highly collectible. “There is an awakening and awareness of intaglios, and we are seeing prices creeping up,” he says. New collectors are changing the once-sacrosanct rules: A great ruby doesn’t have to originate in Myanmar’s Mogok mines, and bigger diamonds aren’t always more desirable. The thrill is in the hunt for the most exceptional stones on the planet and discovering exciting new talents designing pieces coveted for their contemporary beauty and distinctive style. For all but the pure speculators, the rest is gravy. “People usually buy jewels because they love them,” says Hadjibay. “And if they purchase the right piece, then the odds are in their favor that its value will increase over time.” *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Guide To, Jewelry, Style **Tags:** boucheron, cartier, diamond, golconda, harry winston, paraiba, pearls, van cleef and arpels --- ### [Timeless Glamour: The Art Deco Revival in Design](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/design/timeless-glamour-the-art-deco-revival-in-design/) **Published:** October 7, 2025 **Author:** Alicia Colby-Sy **Content:** Celebrated for its bold geometry, rich materials, and luxurious aesthetic, Art Deco is characterized by symmetrical patterns, sleek lines, rounded silhouettes, and the use of polished metals, glass, exotic woods, and plush fabrics. Embodying a timeless blend of elegance and modernity, this revival is evident across interiors—from statement lighting fixtures and sculptural furniture to decorative details. Designers today are embracing Art Deco’s iconic motifs and sophisticated craftsmanship, adapting them to suit modern lifestyles while preserving the style’s distinctive flair and grandeur. ## **Amburgo Baby Armchair by Baxter** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Baxter-Amburgo-Chair.webp) Designed by Paola Navone, the Amburgo Baby Armchair reinterprets the classic elegance of a traditional lounge chair for contemporary homes. It balances heritage and modern design with flowing lines, a curved wraparound backrest, and generous padding—hallmarks often associated with Art Deco’s emphasis on comfort, graceful forms, and timeless elegance. *Available at [Kuysen](https://www.kuysen.com/)* ## **Button Light by Baxter** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Baxter-Button-Lights.webp) Designed by Federico Peri, the Button Light features vertical lines and comes in round or oval shapes, with two sizes for creative combinations that add a stylish, distinctive touch. This LED wall light is crafted from metal and glass and emits a soft, indirect glow—ideal for enhancing the ambiance of living rooms, bedrooms, or dining areas. Reflecting Art Deco style, the Button Light showcases circular geometry, luxurious materials, and a symmetrical, sculptural form that embodies the movement’s glamour. *Available at [Kuysen](https://www.kuysen.com/)* ## **Canapé Appartement Sofa by Cassina** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/cq5damthumbnail22002200.webp) Designed by Le Corbusier for his Paris residence, the Canapé Appartement is a refined three-seater that pairs a sleek, chrome-plated frame with feather-filled cushions. It delivers structure and exceptional comfort, blending modernist rigor with timeless luxury. Available in leather and other premium upholstery, the sofa fits seamlessly into modern Art Deco interiors—clean lines, rich materials, and sculptural elegance—making it a standout in any sophisticated space. *Available at [Casa Bella](https://www.casabellahomeandliving.com/)* ## **Gatsby Light by Henge** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/HENGE-Gatsby.webp) The Gatsby Light captures the essence of Art Deco with its geometric form and layered glass elements, creating a captivating interplay of light and shadow. A smooth metal frame and glass shades convey sophistication and lasting refinement. Perfect for modern Art Deco interiors, the Gatsby Light serves as a striking centerpiece, bringing strong visual impact and warm, atmospheric lighting to any space. *Available at [Casa Bella](https://www.casabellahomeandliving.com/)* ## **Airtight Light by Henge** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/HENGE-Airlight.webp) Crafted from Murano glass, the Airtight pendant embodies Art Deco’s spirit with bold geometry and exceptional Italian craftsmanship. Clean lines and balanced symmetry highlight the period’s celebration of meticulous detail, sophistication, and innovative design. As a captivating centerpiece, this chandelier brings artistic distinction and refinement to contemporary interiors. *Available at [Casa Bella](https://www.casabellahomeandliving.com/)* ## **Beizier Sofa by Minotti** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Minotti-BEI%C2%81ZIER-06_ph_Paola_Pansini.webp) The Beizier sofa combines modernity with classic Art Deco elegance through a refined silhouette and plush materials. A low backrest, feather-down cushions, and rounded armrests blend comfort with streamlined design. Available in premium fabric or leather, it is further elevated by polished metal feet that add a touch of geometric sophistication. *Available at [Living Innovations](https://livinginnovations.ph/)* ## **Yves Round Sofa by Minotti** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Minotti-YVES-ROUND-03.webp) Designed by Hannes Peer for Minotti, the Yves Round Sofa blends comfort with Art Deco inspiration through its bold circular shape, balanced proportions, and refined details. Continuous lines and plush cushions echo the style’s focus on symmetry, luxurious materials, and sculptural form. Upholstered in premium fabric or leather, its rounded silhouette brings strong visual presence to interior spaces. *Available at [Living Innovations](https://livinginnovations.ph/)* ## **Yves Console Table by Minotti** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Minotti-YVES-CONSOLE-TABLE-03_ph_Paola_Pansini.webp) Designed by Hannes Peer, the Yves Console Table embodies modern Art Deco with clear geometry, symmetry, and luxurious materials. The thick top is offered in select stones or Canaletto walnut veneer, carefully contoured and polished. Sturdy aluminum legs come in black chrome, champagne chrome, or brass plating—combining elegance with durability. A striking, versatile centerpiece for entryways, living rooms, or hallways. *Available at [Living Innovations](https://livinginnovations.ph/)* ## **Vanity Fair Chair by Poltrona Frau** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Poltrona-Fraus-Vanity-Fair-armchair-8.webp) Initially designated “model 904” and known since 1984 as the Vanity Fair, this iconic armchair by Renzo Frau has become a symbol of Poltrona Frau’s identity. First produced in 1930, its bold curves, symmetrical proportions, and meticulous craftsmanship exemplify key Art Deco characteristics, uniting elegance with modernity. A scaled-down two-thirds “Baby” edition and a matching ottoman are also available. *Available at Furnitalia* ## **Duo High Drawer Chest by Poltrona Frau** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Poltrona-Frau_Ceccotti-Collezioni_DUO-Collection_Chest-of-Drawers_Mario-Ciampi-2.webp) Designed by Roberto Lazzeroni for Poltrona Frau and Ceccotti Collezioni, the Duo drawer unit features six spacious drawers, a touch-illuminated open compartment, and an optional sliding organizer. Expertly crafted from ash wood with a range of finishes, its geometric structure, balanced proportions, and refined materials echo the timeless sophistication of Art Deco design. *Available at [Furnitalia](https://furnitalia.com.ph/)* ## **Orlando Furioso Table by Promemoria** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/promemoria-orlando-furioso-dining-table-r.webp) The Orlando Furioso Table is a refined example of modern Art Deco. Clean lines and a sculptural base reflect the movement’s emphasis on symmetry and elegance, while rich woods and polished metal accents add a sense of opulence. Blending classic motifs with contemporary minimalism, it serves as a dining or statement piece—bringing functional beauty and a touch of glamour to any space. *Available at [Living Innovations](https://livinginnovations.ph/)* ## **Classics by Charles Rennie Mackintosh for Cassina** Celebrated Scottish designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh was an architect known for fusing simplicity and elegance in both his buildings and the furniture he created. His innovative approach combined geometric forms with delicate, nature-inspired details, leaving a lasting mark on early modern design. Rooted in Art Nouveau and the Glasgow School, his distinctive use of stylized shapes and bold graphic lines helped pave the way for the crisp lines and ornamental modernism that later defined the Art Deco era. ### **Willow 1 Chair by Cassina** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Cassina-Willow-.webp) Cassina’s edition of Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s design for Glasgow’s famed Willow Tea Rooms, the Willow 1 features a high, semi-circular backrest that frames the sitter with layered geometric and floral motifs typical of Mackintosh’s style. The base combines beech plywood with ash veneer, and the seat cushion is upholstered in bespoke green or beige fabric. *Available at [Casa Bella](https://www.casabellahomeandliving.com/)* ### **Hill House Chair by Cassina** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Cassina-Hill-House-.webp) A sculptural statement piece in Cassina’s “I Maestri” collection, the Hill House Chair is a faithful reproduction of the 1902 design by Charles Rennie Mackintosh for Hill House in Scotland. Crafted from solid ash with a beech webbed seat upholstered in plush velvet, its dramatic high back features a grid of striking vertical and horizontal lines inspired by Japanese minimalism. *Available at [Casa Bella](https://www.casabellahomeandliving.com/)* ### **Berlino Table by Cassina** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Cassina-Berlino-Table.webp) Designed in 1905 by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, the Berlino table is a classic example of understated elegance and timeless craftsmanship. Made from warm cherry wood, its sleek silhouette conceals a smart extension system beneath the surface—simply lift the center and add a leaf (or two) to adapt the table to your space. *Available at [Casa Bella](https://www.casabellahomeandliving.com/)* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report Philippines’ [Watches and Jewelry Issue, August 2025.](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-august-2025-the-watches-and-jewelry-issue/)* **Categories:** Design, Home & Design **Tags:** art deco, baxter, cassina, charles rennie mackintosh, Design, henge, kuysen, le corbusier, living innovations, minotti, poltrona frau --- ### [A Collector’s Guide to the Rolex Air-King, From 1945 to Present](https://robbreport.ph/watches/a-collectors-guide-to-the-rolex-air-king-from-1945-to-present/) **Published:** January 7, 2026 **Author:** Allen Farmelo **Content:** Collecting [Rolex](https://Rolex) watches is, for many, their sole horological pursuit. Few watch companies provide such a satisfyingly complete and ample array of compelling and iconic watches scattered across the planet, from weird little design-forward dress watches like the Rolex King Midas to icons of world-record-setting derring-do like the Explorer, GMT Master, [Daytona](https://robbreport.ph/tag/daytona/ "daytona"), and Submariner. But the Air-King is humbler, usually smaller, and far less complicated (mechanically and culturally)—which is exactly why the Air-King is so well suited to the quiet luxury of this post-pandemic moment when even modern Rolex is chilling out and acting like Rolex again. Rolex launched the Air collection in 1945 as a tribute to the pilots of World War II, and as a prescient offering to the soon-emerging jet-set. The Air collection included the Air-King, Air-Giant, Air-Lion and Air-Tiger, but only the Air-King survived this initial launch. Excluding a short interruption in 2014, the Air-King has been continuously produced since 1945, such that there is a seemingly endless supply of vintage, neo-vintage and pre-owned Air-Kings available at any time. It can be a lot to sort through. Like many Rolex models of the mid-20th century, the Air-King was part sports watch and part dress watch. The sports watch characteristics originally included the waterproof stainless steel Oyster case and robust shock resistance, both of which were improved incrementally over the decades. In 1953, the Air-King got an automatic winding movement and at the surprisingly late date of 2007 it acquired chronometer-grade precision. The dress watch characteristics originally included a relatively small, lugged case, a plain stainless-steel bezel, a simple dial, and time-only functionality. Compared to the venerable Datejust (1945) and Day-Date, the Air-King was a modest proposal. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Two-four-digit-Rolex-Air-King-Watches.webp) Two four-digit Rolex Air-Kings at 34 mm, one in steel (L) and one with gold cap (R). “Precision” and “Super Precision” on the dials, respectively, indicate different movements, the latter bring chronometer-certified. Rolex has always been an industrial watchmaker, meaning that the company makes as few interchangeable parts as possible and builds multiple products from them. The Air-King, therefore, was a close cousin to the Oyster Perpetual and Milgauss (at times identical other than dial designations), as well as the Rolex Explorer I (which was originally just 2 mm larger than the Air-King and later the same size). These similarities have remained relatively stable throughout the years, as Rolex hasn’t altered its modular production schemes. When collecting any Rolex model, it is always helpful to understand what differentiates four-digit, five-digit and six-digit reference numbers. If you’re not familiar with the “digits,” here is the basic scheme (though not every model conforms to these dates exactly). - Four-digit serial numbers: ~1945 to 1978 - Five-digit: 1979 to 2000 - Six-digit: 2000 to present Most of the significant changes from the different digit eras have affected watches more complicated than the Air-King, like the Datejust, as well as dive watches, like the Submariner and Sea-Dweller. The Air-King did, however, see changes in case-size and in the movement over the years, and of course the dials varied quite a lot. Though the Air-King changed less than other models, the digit designations still delineate meaningful eras among collectors, especially the jump from five- to six-digit with the Air-King. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Four-Digit-and-Six-Digit-Rolex.webp) A four-digit (L) and a six-digit (R) Rolex Air King. *Photo: Rolex* This guide aims to be as exhaustive as possible, but we humbly submit that there is always something new to learn. The Air-King’s history is rife with rumors, misinformation, and weird exceptions to most of the rules one might try to establish. This is largely true of any Rolex model, and the confusion is largely the result of Rolex being an industrial juggernaut that used interchangeable parts willy-nilly without keeping records. Where there’s a rule about a Rolex, there’s an exception. The confusion is especially rife during “transition years” when Rolex upgraded components, but not until the old supply was depleted, with the result being some odd concoctions with old and new parts together in one watch. Transitional years usually follow a digit change, four to five, and five to six. Another confusing issue is that the Air-King sometimes shared reference numbers with other models that featured different dials. We will do our best to flag these topics when possible. Below is everything we can share about the Air-King to get you started—or, perhaps, just better sorted—on your journey into one of the most iconic Rolex models. ## Air-King Reference 4925, Manual-Wind, Center-Seconds (1945-1953) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/4925_Swisswatches.webp) *Photo: Swiss Watches* The 4925 is the one that started it all. It was a simple, stylish, sporty watch that was ready for the burgeoning jet-set lifestyle of the post-war era. The 4925 is a must-have for any Air-King enthusiast. Here are the core features. - 34mm Stainless Steel Oyster case with 50 meters water resistance, screw-down crown and drilled lugs set 19mm apart - Leaf hands in gold, blued second hand - Acrylic crystal - Caliber 10.5 movement with 15 jewels, frequency of 18,000vph, manually wound, time-only with central seconds - Dial – white eggshell with gold applied Arabic numerals, italicized printed font reading ‘ROLEX’ under that ‘OYSTER AIR-KING’ and a printed Rolex logo. ## Air-King Reference 4499 (1946-1953) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/4499_Blackbough.webp) *Photo: Black Bough* The 4499 is almost identical to the 4925, except it utilizes an upgraded 17 jewel 10.5 caliber and “PRECISION” printed on the dial. Note: It is possible to find other Rolex Oyster models with this reference number, something we will see happen at various points in the history of the Air-King. ## Air-King Reference 4365, Manual-Wind, Sub-Seconds (1945-1953) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Rolex-Air-King-Reference-4365.webp) *Photo: Bonhams* This reference can be found as an Air-Lion, Air-Giant and as an Air-King. This differs from the above 4925 for having its seconds on a sub-dial at six o’clock and the word “PRECISION” above that sub-dial. Other than the movement configuration and variance on the dial printing, the 4365 is identical to the reference 4925 above. ## Air-King Reference 6552 (1953-1957) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Rolex-Air-King-Reference-6552.webp) *Photo: Getty* The 6552 Air-King set the template for the next five decades. The venerable caliber 1030 was more accurate and durable than its predecessors and was used in Explores and no-date Submariners throughout the four-digit era. - 34mm Stainless Steel Oyster case. 50m water resistance, screw-down crown and drilled lugs with 19mm spacing - Acrylic crystal - Automatic caliber 1030 with 25 jewels, frequency of 18,000vph, time-only with central seconds. - Alpha hands (a kind of long leaf-shape common on Rolexes of the 1950s) - Dial includes white eggshell paint, script-style Air-King logo and “Super Precision,” both an applied ROLEX and coronet (crown) logo, and either stick markers or 3 , 6 , and 9 in Arabic with supporting arrow markers. - 3-link Oyster bracelet (a history of which you can find here) Ryan Gosling has often been seen wearing a reference 6552 like the one pictured above. ## The Elusive 6652 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/The-Elusive-Rolex-Air-King-6552.webp) *Photo: Getty, Farmelo* We have seen mention of an Air-King 6652 in various articles and forums, but we can’t find anything to confirm these claims. As far as we know the 6652 was never produced as an Air-King. Rolex expert Eric Wind told *Robb Report*, “I don’t remember seeing a 6652 ever and have never had one, so I don’t have much to contribute. Perhaps it was a myth or urban legend that just kept repeating over the years.” ## Air-King Reference 5500 (1957-1989) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Rolex-Airk-King-5500-White-and-Black-.webp) *Photo: Vintage Watch Center* The Air-King reference 5500 defies the four-digit limits, extending its run for an impressive 32 years, and overlapping with many other models that had already transitioned into five-digit reference numbers (such as the Submariner and GMT Master). This reference sees a few stylistic tweaks over the 1960s, and collectors will be careful to mind those changes and try to make sure they’re getting an all-original model that wasn’t given service parts (especially hands). However, as we see often with transitional Rolex models, the occasional anomalous example might just be like that from the factory—but remain leery of anyone assuring you of such a claim. Here are the specifications of the 5500, with as many updates features as we could find. - 34mm Stainless Steel Oyster case. 100m water resistance, screw-down crown and drilled lugs with 19mm lug spacing - Acrylic crystal - Alpha hands from 1950s – into the late ‘60s, and baton hands with pointed ends starting in the late ‘60s. - Two movements ran concurrently: The 1520 used 26 jewels and operated at a frequency of 19,800vph, offering time-only with a center seconds. It includes flat hairspring and a stick regulator, and was not chronometer-graded. Caliber 1530 used either 25 or 26 jewels, beat at a frequency of 18,000vph, and was also time-only with center seconds, and included a Breguet over-coil hairspring and Microstella regulator, making it suited for the chronometer-grading it received. - Dials: “PRECISION” indicates the Cal. 1520. “SUPER PRECISION” indicates the Cal. 1530. Applied stick hour indicators and coronet. White, black gilt, salmon, blue, gray, silver (the most common), 3,6,9 dials. Co-branded dials include Tiffany & Co., Domino’s Pizza, Intairdril, Winn-Dixie ‘Safe Driver’ dial, given to truck drivers with a great safety record. - Bracelets – Oyster 3-link: 7205 – up until 1967, 7835 – 1967 to 1975, 78350 – 1975 to end of run. Please note that transition years can find watches with either bracelet, and that many watches will have replacement bracelets that won’t appear to match the year of production. ## 36 mm Air-King Reference 5504 (1958-1964) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Rolex-5504-Air-Kings.webp) *Photo: Vintage Watch Center* The 36mm Air-King 5504 was basically an Explorer I with a different dial and hands. Concurrently, Rolex also produced the 5504 36mm Oyster Perpetual. All three are essentially the same watch, with different dials. The Air-King versions are the least common of the three, but by no means uncommon. Here are the specifications of the 5504. - 36mm Stainless Steel Oyster case. 100m water resistance, screw-down crown and drilled lugs with 20mm lug spacing - Acrylic crystal - Alpha hands - Automatic caliber 1530, 25 jewel frequency 18,000, time-only, center seconds. - Dial: white egg-shell or black-gilt, both with applied stick markers and “SUPER PRECISION” to indicate the COSC-certified 1530 movement. - Reference 78360 3-link Oyster bracelet. ###### Air-King Reference 5501 (1959-1978) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Rolex-Air-King-5501-Wind-Vintage-Bobs-Watches.webp) *Photo: Bob’s Watches, Wind Vintage* The Air-King gets a bit of Datejust magic in 1960 with the introduction of the reference 5501. Gone is the smooth stainless-steel bezel, upgraded to a fluted gold one that resembles the Datejust. The 5501 shares most other characteristics with the 5500, however. Here are the main characteristics. - 34 mm Stainless Steel Oyster case, gold fluted bezel. 100m water resistance, screw-down crown and drilled 19mm lugs. - Acrylic crystal - Automatic cal. 1520, 26 jewels (Note, US 17 Jewels, because import regulations) frequency 19,800, time only - Alpha, then moving to baton/pencil hands. - Dial will read “Swiss” and then moving to “T Swiss T” (along the same timeline as the 5500). Dials were silver, champagne, and sometimes slate. There is a lot of variation with dials on the 5501, as we would expect with such a long run. Most marked ‘OYSTER PERPETUAL AIR-KING’ ‘PRECISION’ (hand-written script AIR-KING) but we will see Tiffany signed, ‘EXPLORER’ marked (with Alpha hands) and even some only ‘OYSTER PERPETUAL AIR-KING’ - Over its 19 years, the 5501 can be seen with two tone oyster bracelets reference 6635 and 7205 and later the two-tone 62523 Jubilee. ## 40-Micron Gold-Capped Air-Kings ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Gold-Capped-Air-King-5501-Rolex.webp) *Photo: Antiquorum* These watches come to us in a number of overlapping references, but are essentially the same watch with differences in the movements. The references of gold-capped Air-Kings are: - 5506 (1960 – 1964) - 5516 (1960 – 1965) - 5502 (1960 – 1965) - 5520 (1960 – 1970) Gold-capping is a method in which gold is rolled onto the stainless-steel case to form a thick covering. For Rolex, gold-capped watches are something of an outlier, only appearing on Air-Kings and Oyster Perpetuals during the 1960s. - 34 mm stainless-steel Oyster case, gold-capped at 40 microns with 100m water resistance, screw-down crown and drilled 19mm lugs - Acrylic crystal - Reference 5506, 5516, 5502 use caliber 1530 with 25 jewels, a frequency of 18,000vph. Reference 5520 uses caliber 1520 with 26 jewels and a frequency of 19,800vph. Bot offer time-only with central seconds. As always, caliber 1530 watches are marked “SUPER PRECISION” and caliber 1520 “PRECISION.” - All use Alpha hands except the reference 5520, which sports baton hands. All hands are and markers are gold. - Dials are most commonly silver, but you will find champagne and black examples. - The gold capped Air-Kings used the capped 78351 Oyster bracelet. ## Air-King Date Reference 5700 and 5701 (1959-1988) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Air-King-Date-Rolex-Reference-5700.webp) *Photo: Harmony Jewelers, Bulang & Sons* There was a time when Rolex produced 34 mm models with date complications. Sadly that time has passed, but if these little gems interest you, the 5700 and 5701 are something to look at, and they represent a somewhat uncommon—if not entirely rare—niche of Rolex where good value is still possible. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Air-King-Date-Script-Logo-Rolex.webp) The script-style logo remains on the Air-King Date. - 34mm Stainless Steel case (5701 used a gold-fluted bezel and crown) with 100m water resistance, screw-down crown and drilled 19mm lugs. - Acrylic crystal - Automatic caliber 1525 (based on 1520) with a frequency 19,800, with time and date, (not quick-set) - Like the 5500 the 5700 started with Alpha hands and moved over to the baton/pencil hands in the mid sixties. - Both the 5700 and 5701 came with white, silver, black and champagne dials. Both marked “PRECISION” and they continued with the hand-written script, this time “AIR-KING-DATE” The hands and markers on the 5700 are stainless steel and on the 5701 are gold. - 6636 Oyster bracelets, replaced in the nineteen seventies with the 78350. The 5701 also came in a 5701/3 model, this time with a smooth bezel. ## Air-King Reference 14000 (1989-1999) and 14000M (2000-2006) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Rolex-Air-King-14000-References.webp) *Photo: Debonair Watches, Bob’s Watches* We are deep in [neo-vintage territory](https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/neo-vintage-watches-how-to-collect-them-1235624589/) with the 14000. The Air-King is beginning to look like something we would recognize today. In are sapphire crystals, hacking movements and a new hand-set, one in which the pencil tips are gone, as are the drilled lugs. The Air-King now has the same baton hands as the Datejust or Oyster Perpetual, making it both more modern and more like its cousins. The “M” designation indicates a “modified” version that has an upgraded movement that includes a Parachrom hairspring and COSC chronometer certification. The higher quality movement still gets the dial designation “PRECISION.” The Air-King gets a little more playful with the dials now in white, black, silver, salmon, blue and with some 3-6-9 versions and even Roman numeralsThe 14000 (M) is found on the 78350 3-link Oyster bracelet. - 34mm Stainless Steel case 100m water resistance, screw-down crown and non drilled 19mm lugs - Sapphire crystal - 14000 Automatic cal. 3000, 27 jewel, frequency 28,800, hacking. 14000M cal. 3130, 31 jewels, frequency 28,800, hacking (M for modified, referring to the upgrade in movement, including the new Parachrom hairspring) both time only - Early models marked “T Swiss T” used Tritium luminescence, while we see “Swiss Made” with the change to Luminova in 1998. ## Air-King Reference 14010 (1991–2001) and 14010M (2000–2006) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Rolex-Air-King-14010.webp) *Photo: Bob’s Watches* These references are essentially the same as the 14000 references above, but with an engine-turned (that is, machine-engraved) steel bezel. ## Air-King Reference 114234 (2007 – 2012) and 114200 (2007–2014) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Rolex-114200-and-114234-Air-King.webp) *Photo: Bob’s Watches* The Air-King only had two models as a 6-digit reference before it took a two-year hiatus between 2014 and 2016. It would be hard to overstate the difference between the earlier Air-Kings and the six-digit references. All dials are marked “SWISS MADE” and used Rolex’s Chromalight lume. A wide variety of colors were on offer: green, blue, salmon, champagne, white, black and also with roman numerals and exotic dials, including a two-tone version with applied Arabic numerals. There are even some gem-set dials out there (which may be aftermarket, and we can’t confirm that just yet). Hands are the baton type we first saw in the 14000 and are in white gold. The 114234 has an added white gold fluted bezel, giving it an even fancier visage. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Rolex-Air-King-142000-.webp) Two wildly different dial variants of the Air-King 114200 show the design-versatility of a time-only watch. *Photo: Rolex* - 34mm Stainless Steel case 100m water resistance, screw-down crown and non-drilled 19 mm lugs. The 114234 includes white gold fluted bezel. - Sapphire crystal - Automatic caliber 3130 with 31 jewels, a frequency of 28,800vph, hacking, and chronometer certification ## Air-King Reference 116900 (2016–2022) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Rolex-Ai-King-116900.webp) *Photo: Rolex* After two years without an Air-King Rolex came back with something so different that one might wonder why it is named Air-King. Gone was an easy-wearing 34 mm everyday watch, and in was a 40 mm sports watch. It all started in twenty fourteen when Rolex produced two “dashboard dials” for the Bloodhound SSC supersonic car. It was these dash instruments that inspired the Air-King reference 116900, using the same design language and colorway. The 116900 was much more like the Milgauss (they share the same movement, case, antimagnetic inner case). And the new Air-King was less like the Datejust or Oyster Perpetual in purpose and function. The Air-King now comes with a single matte black dial, still with the hand-script “AIR-KING” and “OYSTER PERPETUAL SUPERLATIVE CHRONOMETER OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED” stacked like a modern Rollie. The controversial dial mixes hour markers with a seconds/minute timing scale, which many people denigrate as “un-Rolex.” The 116900 came with the Rolex Mercedes hands in white gold and a Rolex-green second hand, complete with a sporty luminescent pip. This Air-King is probably as far from what we had come to know as an Air-King as we could imagine, but it reinvented and revived a model that had been around in basically one form since the 6552 in 1953. - 40mm Stainless Steel case 100m water resistance, screw-down crown, non drilled 20mm lugs and antimagnetic inner case - Sapphire crystal - Automatic cal. 3131, 31 jewels, frequency 28,800, hacking, chronometer certified, time only ## Air-King Reference 126900 (2022–Present) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/rolex-Air-King-126900.webp) *Photo: Rolex* The 126900 is the current Air-King model. With this release Rolex leaned more into the tool watch space. The Milgauss-style case was replaced by one more akin to the GMT II (indicating Rolex’s modular production approach, as the Milgauss itself was also cancelled). This new case is a little less rounded and now includes crown guards. The movement has been upgraded, now with the Chronergy escarpment, giving less wear, hence more reliability. Rolex has rolled out this technology into its various watches over the last few years. One other difference, one you may not even notice at first glance, is that the the “5” on the dial is now an “05.” The 3-6-9 and inverted triangle at 12 are filled with Chromalight, much like the contemporary Explorer I. - 40mm Stainless Steel case 100m water resistance, screw-down crown, non drilled 20mm lugs and antimagnetic inner case - Sapphire crystal - Automatic cal. 3230, 31 jewels, frequency 28,800, hacking, chronometer certified, time only *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** Air King, daytona, rolex, submariner, Vintage Watch, Watch Collector, World War --- ### [Forget Longevity. The Next Frontier of Wellness Is Learning to Rewire Your Mind.](https://robbreport.ph/leisure/health-wellness/forget-longevity-the-next-frontier-of-wellness-is-learning-to-rewire-your-mind/) **Published:** June 16, 2026 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** The new status symbol in [wellness](https://robbreport.ph/leisure/health-wellness/ "Health & Wellness") isn’t six-pack abs, a cold plunge, or a biological age score that flatters the ego. It’s a faster brain at 4 p.m. In a decade in which high performers are chasing [longevity](https://robbreport.ph/tag/longevity/ "Longevity") with peptides, cryotherapy, hyperbaric oxygen, glucose monitors, and hormone panels, the conversation is beginning to shift. Living longer isn’t enough. The new goal is to stay decisive, emotionally regulated, creative, and mentally quick in a world that seems to accelerate exponentially. That’s fueling a boom in cognitive fitness programs at [spas](https://robbreport.ph/tag/spas/ "Spas") and [hotels](https://robbreport.ph/travel/hotels/ "Hotels") around the globe, from cognitive “add-ons” at medical wellness resort and industry leader [SHA Wellness Clinic](https://shawellness.com/en/) in Spain and Mexico to Clinique La Prairie’s week-long [Brain Potential Program](https://www.cliniquelaprairie.com/programs/brain-potential/) in Montreux, Switzerland, developed in 2024 in conjunction with the neuroimaging research group at Lausanne University Hospital. With both of these programs, better cognition comes in a spectacular setting—it helps make any lifestyle interventions go down smoother. Other resorts are dipping a toe into the space, such as Larry Ellison’s [Sensei](https://sensei.com/sensei-story/) Porcupine Creek properties outside Palm Springs and in Lana’i, Hawaii, which just launched a two-session Cognitive Foundations program in April. And after several brain health retreats, Six Senses now runs a one-day [Mind Your Brain program ](https://www.sixsenses.com/en/wellness-spa/personalized-wellness/mind-your-brain/)at several of its properties, from Fiji to the Seychelles, claiming to combat everything from brain fog to mental fatigue with activities like brain games, yoga, sound baths, and meditation. Brain health is now being treated less like a late-life concern and more like a performance metric alongside VO2 max, lean muscle mass, sleep efficiency, and metabolic health. ## “You rarely understand your brain, do you?” As the pace of work has accelerated, many in the C-suite struggle to keep up. Deloitte’s 2024 [workplace well-being research](https://www.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/topics/talent/workplace-well-being-research-2024.html) found that of the 3,150 C-suite executives and managers surveyed, at least four in 10 workers, managers, and executives “always” or “often” feel exhausted or stressed. Among the C-suite, 71 percent said they would seriously consider taking a job with another company if it better supported their well-being. Another 2025 survey by executive coaching organization Vistage reported that 71 percent of CEOs have experienced some level of burnout in the past year, with 7 percent saying they face it nearly every day. At SHA, the pivot to the brain began long before “cognitive optimization” became a luxury buzz phrase. “We created this area over 12 years ago,” says Alejandro Bataller, managing partner of SHA Wellness Clinics. At the time, clients were more focused on physical health; cognitive health had a sort of stigma, viewed by many as just a treatment for early-stage dementia. Now, Bataller says SHA is getting younger, healthy guests dealing with constant work demands who just want to stay as sharp as they can for as long as they can. “They are looking for cognitive efficiency and resilience,” Bataller says. “They are looking for ways to optimize their cognitive capabilities.” For Darren Yates, a 59-year-old London housing executive who has been to SHA Spain twice for its longevity program, the cognitive add-on was just a curiosity. However, after learning more about how his brain functions, cognitive health has become another metric he’s tracking, along with his LDL cholesterol, workouts, and hours of sleep. During one cognitive session, he was hooked up to brain-monitoring technology while watching a documentary and speaking with a specialist. “She said, ‘Your alpha waves are off the scale,’” Yates recalls. He wasn’t sure what that meant, but two days later, he returned for a harder session involving maze-like screen tests. “You don’t actively do the puzzle—the brain is doing it for you,” he says. “I found it very interesting. You rarely understand your brain, do you?” Yates learned that he scored high on the stress resiliency scale—meaning he can handle a lot of stress, but it’s still bad for him. The neurological consult also changed Yates’s view of sleep, nutrition, and the consequences of running on fumes. “Whatever, however much you train, unless you give yourself real quality sleep, you’re only ever working at 60 or 70 percent,” he says. He has since changed several daily habits: Yates starts his morning with miso soup and a vegetable-based breakfast; he’s more deliberate about switching off his phone and cutting down on multi-tasking; and he plans to return to SHA annually for a health reset and brain check-in. “It has changed a lot of things in my life,” he says. “If I went back, I’d have an hour-long \[brain\] session every day.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/SenseiLanai.webp) Seeking mindfulness at Sensei Lanai. At Sensei, the approach is intentionally less clinical and more lifestyle based. Its newly introduced Cognitive Fitness Collection, priced at $750 per person as an à la carte addition to a stay, begins with the foundations: sleep, stress, movement, nourishment, learning, and social connection. Guests complete cognitive-skills assessments that analyze the brain’s processing speed, visual memory, and executive functioning, then move into personalized drills and strategies. “We were very thoughtful in terms of how we wanted to create the balance between technology and data,” says Meaghan Carlson, vice president of brand and marketing at Sensei. The idea was to use technology to provide “hard proof” around things like processing speed, visual memory, and executive functioning, and how simple levers like sleep, nutrition, and breathwork can affect that performance. “There are no two sessions that are alike,” says Trevor Tellin, an executive performance coach who runs the Cognitive program for Sensei. “Someone may want to be more present. Someone may want to remember details in meetings. Someone else is incredibly competitive and wants to push and get better.” At many resorts such as SHA, the $1,500 cognitive pack goes a step further with transcranial electric stimulation (TES) and vagus nerve stimulation to get guests out of fight-or-flight mode and into a state of calm, as well as tech-based cognitive drills that track things like processing speed and short-term memory with simple games to gauge areas of weakness. Breathwork, movement, nutrition, sleep education, and, in some clinics, near-infrared light or photobiomodulation (red-light therapy) round out the treatments. While doctors and neurologists are on call at some resorts (including SHA), some programs and treatments may be more hype than help. Spending on mental wellness has accelerated faster than the evidence base, encompassing everything from spa retreats to brain supplements, smartphone apps, and at-home devices. The Global Wellness Institute, which only began tracking mental wellness in 2020, estimates the industry will grow from $180 billion (in 2022) to $330 billion by 2027. For now, cognitive fitness remains mostly a complement to broader executive health retreats: a layer placed atop longevity medicine, burnout recovery, sleep repair, nutrition, and movement. But it’s likely to become a core tenet. A generation of leaders who once measured success by endurance is realizing that endurance without clarity is a poor bargain. “In general, it’s stress and sleep” executives need to work on, says Tammy Pahel, vice president of spa and wellness at Carillon Miami Wellness Resort, which runs circuits to address both in its 70,000-square-foot spa. “If those things are not addressed, longevity isn’t in your future.” To be sure, comprehensive cognitive-fitness programs are still in their infancy, and promising better cognitive performance might be overselling. These retreats are, however, offering something subtler, and perhaps more valuable: a chance to see how the nervous system is performing before it fails, to recover before collapse, and to build the habits that make high output sustainable. For CEOs used to running companies from the neck up, the next frontier of luxury wellness may be learning how to run the brain itself. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Health & Wellness, Travel **Tags:** Feature, Longevity, Six Senses Resorts and Spas, Spas, wellness --- ### [The 10 Best Watches at the NBA Finals, From Jay-Z’s Patek to Karl-Anthony Towns’s Jacob & Co.](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-10-best-watches-at-the-nba-finals-from-jay-zs-patek-to-karl-anthony-townss-jacob-co/) **Published:** June 15, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** The [NBA](https://robbreport.ph/leisure/sports/assoulines-basketball-book-is-a-special-look-through-nba-history/ "Assouline’s Basketball Book is a Special Look Through NBA History") Finals have us in a chokehold. The New York Knicks clinched a 107-106 win over the San Antonio Spurs in Game Four on Wednesday night, making a record comeback from 29 points and putting their first championship since 1973 well within reach. The watch flexes during the Finals have been equally gripping, with A-listers and players alike flexing enviable wristwear courtside. The pieces we spotted from Game One to Four span the full spectrum of watchmaking, from the highly complicated to the classic and sporty. [Jay-Z](https://robbreport.ph/tag/jay-z/ "Jay-Z") showed off a Patek Philippe Sky Moon Tourbillon, Knicks stars Josh Hart and Karl-Anthony Towns sported six-figure Jacob & Co. stunners, [Timothée Chalamet](https://robbreport.ph/tag/timothee-chalamet/ "timothee chalamet") rocked a groundbreaking Urban Jürgensen, DJ Khaled donned a coveted, off-catalog [Audemars Piguet Royal Oak](https://robbreport.ph/tag/royal-oak/ "royal oak"), Fat Joe flexed the playful Rolex Day-Date “Emoji,” and Jerry Seinfeld strapped on the iconic Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute. Check out the best watches we spotted at the NBA Finals below. ## Fat Joe: Rolex Day-Date “Emoji” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/fat-joe-rolex-day-date-emoji.webp) Al Bello/Getty, Rolex Fat Joe gave us a blast from Rolex’s not-so-distant past at Game Three, wearing the Day-Date “Emoji” the Crown released in 2023. The piece, available in white, yellow, or rose gold, famously features a colorful puzzle-like dial and a date window showing 31 emojis. Yellow-gold examples, like the rapper’s, cost around $300,000 on sites like Chrono24. ## Jay-Z: Patek Philippe Sky Moon Tourbillon ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/jay-z-patek-philippe-sky-moon-tourbillon.webp) Al Bello/Getty, Phillips Jay-Z strapped on a suitably flashy Patek Philippe Sky Moon Tourbillon (Ref. 5002G-010) for Game Three. It ranks among the most complicated wristwatches ever created, featuring no fewer than 12 complications. A similar example sold for roughly $2.3 million at a [Phillips auction](https://www.phillips.com/detail/patek-philippe/HK080319/845) in 2019. ## DJ Khaled: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Ultra Thin ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/dj-khaled-audemars-piguet-royal-oak-perpetual-calendar-ultra-thin.webp) Al Bello/Getty, Wristcheck DJ Khaled likely made fellow watch collectors green with envy at Game Three, wearing an off-catalog Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Ultra Thin rumored to be limited to just 50 examples and reserved for VIP clients. (We’ve also spotted the rarity on the wrists of Lionel Messi, Tom Brady, and Corey Gamble.) Crafted from 18-karat yellow gold, the piece features a striking smoked-green dial that sets it apart from the gold-faced production model (ref. 26586BA). ## Karl-Anthony Towns: Jacob & Co. Opera Godfather ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/karl-anthony-towns-jacob-co-opera-godfather.webp) Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty, Jacob & Co. Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns tipped a hat to a cinematic masterpiece at Game Three, wearing Jacob & Co.’s [*Godfather*-inspired timepiece](https://jacobandco.com/timepieces/opera-godfather?srsltid=AfmBOooQrKAhY5Nh-TgeKAvdkYR-LQ8Gdi83WStSPP73ZjBqeK_kSNha). The rarity, limited to 36 and priced at $460,000, can actually play the soundtrack from the Francis Ford Coppola classic. ## Jalen Brunson: Rolex Day-Date ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/jalen-brunson-rolex-day-date.webp) Gregory Shamus/Getty, Rolex Knicks guard Jalen Brunson kept things classic for Game Two, turning up in what looks like a white-gold [Rolex Day-Date](https://www.rolex.com/en-us/watches/day-date/m228239-0004) with a bright black dial. It retails for $54,200. ## Jerry Seinfeld: Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/jerry-seinfeld-breitling-navitimer-cosmonaute.webp) Ross D. Franklin/AP, Breitling Jerry Seinfeld showed he is well and truly a Breitling guy at Game Four, strapping on what appears to be a [Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute](https://www.breitling.com/us-en/watches/navitimer/navitimer-b02-chronograph-41/PB02301A1B1A1/) with a 24-hour dial. This model was famously created for NASA astronaut Scott Carpenter, becoming the first Swiss wrist-worn chronograph in space on May 24 1962. You can pick one up for $12,650. ## Josh Hart: H. Moser & Cie. Pioneer Centre Seconds Spiced Aqua ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/josh-hart-h-moser-cie-pioneer-centre-seconds-spiced-aqua.webp) Gregory Shamus/Getty, H. Moser & Cie. Knicks guard Josh Hart coordinated his watch with his team uniform for Game Two, wearing a steel [H. Moser & Cie.](https://h-moser.com/en/pioneer/pioneer-centre-seconds-spiced-aqua-steel-black-dlc-3201-1205) Pioneer Centre Seconds Spiced Aqua with a blue fumé dial and a bold orange rubber strap. You can pick one up for $20,200. ## Josh Hart: Jacob & Co. Bugatti Chiron ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/josh-hart-jacob-co-bugatti-chiron.webp) Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty, Jacob & Co. Hart took things up a gear for Game Three, strapping on a rose-gold Jacob & Co. [Bugatti Chiron](https://jacobandco.com/timepieces/bugatti-chiron-tourbillon?srsltid=AfmBOop0ENEwUk5lQ8xEQ-Kn9OQ1boJ5Ry7tjqv7_w7ZYK3zLpD5srb8) watch worth $445,000. The bonkers timepiece, limited to 72 examples, features a mini working W-16 inside, because of course it does. ## Spike Lee: Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/spike-lee-omega-seamaster-planet-ocean-600m.webp) Al Bello/Getty, Omega Loyal Knicks supporter Spike Lee strapped on an [Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M](https://www.omegawatches.com/en-gb/watch-omega-seamaster-planet-ocean-600m-co-axial-master-chronometer-gmt-45-5-mm-21592462203001) in the team colors for Game Four, with the 45.5 mm piece decked out in a mix of blue and orange ceramic. ## Timothée Chalamet: Urban Jürgensen UJ-1 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/timothee-chalamet-urban-jurgensen-uj-1.webp) Dustin Satloff/Getty, Urban Jürgensen Timothée Chalamet showed off his go-to [Urban Jürgensen](https://robbreport.ph/tag/urban-jurgensen/ "Urban Jürgensen") courtside during Game Four. One of three six-figure models the Danish-Swiss watchmaker released in June 2025 as part of a rebrand, the UJ-1 is a wristwatch take on a legendary oval pocket watch, with a flying tourbillon coupled with a remontoir and detent escapement, begun by the late Derek Pratt of Urban Jürgensen and finished by his protégé, Kari Voutilainen. It comes in silver or [rose gold](https://urbanjurgensen.com/products/uj-1) like Chalamet’s, with both limited to 25 and priced at 368,000 Swiss francs or approximately $448,663. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report U.S.* **Categories:** Watches --- ### [The 10 Best Concept Cars of 2025](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-10-best-concept-cars-of-2025-from-lexuss-all-electric-lfa-to-buicks-otherworldly-orbit/) **Published:** January 7, 2026 **Author:** Erik Shilling **Content:** Concept cars are famously easy to make for anyone with access to a computer, or even just some clay, or even just an imagination, which is why car startups are plentiful but with a failure rate approaching 100 percent. For established automakers, concepts are a [more serious enterprise](https://robbreport.ph/cars/11-concept-cars-from-the-last-decade-that-deserve-to-be-made/ "11 Concept Cars From the Last Decade That Deserve to Be Made"), frequently previewing the future of the brand or specific models, while allowing company designers to have some fun. This year, we saw new concepts from virtually all of them, from [Audi](https://robbreport.ph/tag/audi/ "Audi") to [Mercedes](https://robbreport.ph/tag/mercedes/ "mercedes") to [Toyota](https://robbreport.ph/tag/toyota/ "Toyota") and beyond. One big theme was EVs, as it has been for the past several years, because while customer demand — and regulatory insistence — for EVs is currently ebbing, the long-term story remains clear. EVs will be a big part of the future of transportation and, indeed, currently are, even if that future also now seems to include a heavy mix of the old, too. Or mild hybrids. Or extended-range EVs. Or all of the above, since automakers have given themselves maximum flexibility on this front, fashioning vehicles that can handle multiple different kinds of powertrains. Beyond those (admittedly not so enthralling) discussions is the fact that concepts, at their core, offer fantasy-grade fun. Rarely does a concept truly bomb, like Jaguar’s brand-changing concept from this time last year. More often, concepts are an opportunity for automakers to show off the cars they might produce if they didn’t have to think about practical considerations like safety, packaging, regulations, or marketing and production costs. Within every automaker, there are opposing forces, the engineers and the designers, and the concepts are for the designers. (Car engineers do not say they oppose designers; they say, instead, that they are merely realists.) That is to say, almost everyone loves concepts because they represent possibility. Here are our favorite concepts from this past year, in rough order of preference. ## 10. Toyota Century Coupe ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/century-coupe-concept-1.webp) *Photo: Toyota* What better way for Toyota to celebrate spinning its Century nameplate off as its own ultra-luxury sub-brand than with an outlandish concept? The Century Coupe is unlike any other vehicle to bear its name over the last six decades, and that’s *exactly* what makes it so exciting. The high-riding grand tourer is big and brash—and surprisingly forward-thinking—just like the Rolls-Royce Spectre, and signals that the latest addition to Toyota’s portfolio of brands is aiming for the very top. —*Bryan Hood* ## 9. Mercedes Concept AMG GT XX ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/25C0162_001-source-e1750946045296.webp) *Photo: Mercedes-Benz Group AG* The Mercedes Concept AMG GT XX was unveiled in June and shown off at Pebble Beach in its metallic flesh, a 1,341-horsepower hypercar that can also charge enough battery power in five minutes to get up to 248 miles of range. Both numbers are big if true, and because this is Mercedes, are very likely underestimations if anything. The headline numbers are overwhelming, but also, strangely, normal, and are a measure of how common 1,000+ horsepower is. The charging number is a measure of how little any of us still get range anxiety. Much faster charging is on the way, and the world’s charging network keeps getting bigger, too. — *Erik Shilling* ## 8. Buick Electra Orbit ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2025-Buick-Electra-Orbit-Concept-China-Press-Photos-Exterior-009-Side-Rear-Three-Quarters-Close-Up-1536x864-1-e1754577369622.webp) *Photo: Buick* The Buick Electra Orbit was something genuinely surprising, in that, first of all, it was a reminder that Buick is still alive and kicking, and, second, that Buick is still capable of making something so unabashedly different. The Electra Orbit also may never happen, like many a concept before it. But Buick would do well to think this big about the cars that do, and, hopefully, take some cues from the 18-foot-long, 6-foot-wide luxury boat with 2-foot wheels. We all still need to forget about the Cascada somehow. — *ES* ## 7. Genesis Gran X Equator ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/granx01.webp) If Genesis really wants to change the way it’s viewed by the car-buying public, the Gran X Equator is a fantastic way to start. The marque’s first adventure vehicle prototype made its debut at this year’s New York International Auto Show. It’s a futuristic-looking off-roader with a smooth, sophisticated shape that rides atop a giant set of 24-inch beadlock wheels. But what really sets the high-riding 4×4 apart is its interior. The blue-and-tan cabin has a charming throwback vibe, forgoing a giant touchscreen found in the marque’s current crop of vehicles and replacing it with vintage-style digital gauges, physical buttons, and a crystal ball shifter. —*BH* ## 6. Peugeot Polygon ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/peugeot-polygon-concept-5-e1763479432187.webp) *Photo: Peugeot* “Futuristic” is a word that gets thrown around a lot when discussing concepts, but it’s really the only way to describe the Peugeot Polygon. The hatchback prototype’s angular shape and neon-bright lighting package give it the look of a car from a racing video game set decades from now. The bold design choices aren’t exclusive to the exterior, either. The colorful, four-seat cabin features a rectangular steering wheel called the “Hypersquare,” which looks more like the yoke you’d find in a Formula 1 race car than anything street legal. —*BH* ## 5. Genesis Magma GT Concept ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/genesis-magma-5-e1763739841423.webp) *Photo: Genesis* The Genesis Magma GT Concept is the Korean luxury marque’s first pure supercar concept and the basic building block for what Genesis hopes will be a long, long future of going to head-to-head with BMW M, Mercedes-AMG, Porsche, and Lexus F, luxury performance car standard bearers. The Magma GT Concept is a good start, with a V-8 that makes 670 horsepower and scissor doors, a car that sets a marker and is also unfinished. The production version might even go hybrid by the time it’s ready, or stick with the V-8, perhaps just to prove its bona fides. For fans of luxury performance cars, there aren’t many things more exciting than a new challenger. — *ES* ## 4. BMW Concept Speedtop ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/speedtop02.webp) *Photo: Stephan Bauer/BMW* BMW found a way to make the Concept Skytop from last year even more striking—add a roof. The German marque brought a hard-top version of the two-door dubbed the Speedtop with it to the 2025 edition of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, the same car show where the original roadster debuted one year prior. The new prototype has all the style and flair of its predecessor. That’s not all the two vehicles have in common, though. BMW also plans to build 70 examples of the concept, all of which have already sold out. —*BH* ## 3. Audi Concept C ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Audi_ConceptC_5.webp) *Photo: Courtesy of Audi* The Audi Concept C fills a TT-sized hole in Audi’s lineup, offering a preview of a replacement for a car that was as beloved as Audis get. Well, not exactly, as Audi says that the Concept C is actually not a replacement for the TT but “somewhere between the TT and the R8.” It is true that the Concept C will never be the TT; nothing can ever be the TT except a TT. The Concept C, however, looks promising enough, and hopefully in a few years we’ll be talking about it in the same breath. — *ES* ## 2. Renault Filante Record 2025 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/renault25primary.webp) *Photo: Renault* This year had its fair share of absurd concepts, but none were as ridiculous as the Renault Filante Record 2025. The French marque’s prototype has a stretched-out, Art Deco-inspired exterior that calls to mind the Batmobile from Tim Burton’s Batman films. The automaker also thinks its “sculpture in motion” has what it takes to become the most efficient EV of all time. Although there appear to be no plans to put the coupe into production, one example has been built to pursue history. By at least one metric, it’s already achieved this goal. In late December, the lightweight speed machine drove 626 miles on a single charge in under 10 hours. —*BH* ## 1. Lexus LFA Concept ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/lexus-lfa-concept-2-2-e1764984996453.webp) *Photo: Erik Shilling* The Lexus LFA Concept debuted under special circumstances, at a special event not two months removed from the Japan Mobility Show, where Toyota had thought about debuting the next iteration of its legendary sports car but decided better of it. The car didn’t disappoint, even though much of it had been seen before, first at The Quail, and then at the Japan Mobility Show itself, before it had a name. The car will also not hit roads until later this decade, and Toyota will spend the years in between perfecting it. Well, getting close at least. — *ES* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** Audi, bmw, Buick, genesis, lexus, mercedes, renault, sports cars, Toyota --- ### [Best Luxury Beard Trimmers for Men in 2026](https://robbreport.ph/style/grooming/best-luxury-beard-trimmers-2026/) **Published:** June 18, 2026 **Author:** Ria de Borja **Content:** Not long ago, a beard trimmer was little more than a utilitarian appliance hidden in a bathroom drawer. The item has undergone a transformation—the finest models are now crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum, fitted with Japanese steel or DLC-coated blades, powered by professional-grade motors, and finished in gleaming gold, titanium, or chrome. Facial hair maintenance has become a style and engineering statement, much like [horology](https://robbreport.ph/watches/ "Watches"), [hi-fi audio](https://robbreport.ph/tech/audio/ "Audio"), and automotive design. Here’s a list of the best, from all-metal professional trimmers found in elite barbershops to meticulously engineered grooming tools that cost several hundred dollars. Whether you’re sculpting a designer beard or maintaining a perfectly groomed five-o’clock shadow, here’s proof that the finest of the finest can be found in even the smallest daily rituals. ## 1. BaBylissPRO® FXONE™ GOLDFX Trimmer ![BaBylissPRO® FXONE™ GOLDFX Trimmer](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-15-at-120400-PM.webp) The FXONE GoldFX represents the next evolution of grooming tools. Built around BaBylissPRO’s innovative modular platform, it features a swappable battery system that delivers uninterrupted performance while offering the flexibility demanded by discerning users. Wrapped in a striking all-metal gold finish, the trimmer combines bold aesthetics with exceptional precision. Its ergonomic design sits comfortably in the hand, while the high-torque motor and ultra-sharp blade system make quick work of everything from crisp beard lines to intricate detailing. *Php15,098.15. Available [online](https://babylisspro.com/fxone-goldfx-trimmer/FX799G.html?srsltid=AfmBOoosmMPFJcVYBxvHMaf8C05IjlEDAeGOjBMwGbXM4xydxvLL0W9K).* ## 2. Wahl Gold Cordless Detailer Li ![Wahl Gold Cordless Detailer Li ](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/71cimSimtnL_SX522_.webp) The Wahl Gold Cordless Detailer Li is designed for precision work, from razor-sharp beard lines to intricate detailing. Its extra-wide T-blade delivers clean, accurate cuts and can be adjusted to zero-gap for an exceptionally close finish. The trimmer is powered by a lightweight lithium-ion battery that provides up to 100 minutes of cordless runtime on a single charge, while corded operation ensures uninterrupted use when needed. An LED indicator keeps tabs on battery life, and the weighted charging stand offers a secure, compact home for the tool between sessions. Finished in a striking gold colorway, the Detailer Li balances style with practicality. Its slim, ergonomic shape sits comfortably in the hand, giving users maximum control when edging beards, mustaches, and hairlines. A selection of attachment combs, along with blade oil, a cleaning brush, and a blade-alignment tool, round out a package that remains one of the most respected detailing trimmers in the professional grooming world. *Php14,086.90. Available [online](https://www.wahl.co.uk/product/gold-5-star-cordless-detailer/).* ## 3. Bio Trim Everything Bundle Beardscape V2 Black ![Bio Trim Everything Bundle Beardscape V2 Black](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/71x2h4BhiML_AC_SX679_.webp) The Brio Beardscape has earned a loyal following for its innovative ceramic blade system, which stays sharper longer and generates less friction than traditional stainless-steel blades. The result is a smoother, more comfortable trim with less heat buildup during extended grooming sessions. Capable of tackling everything from light stubble to dense, coarse beards, the Beardscape delivers impressive cutting power without pulling or snagging. Its combination of precision, comfort, and durability makes it one of the most thoughtfully engineered grooming tools available for serious beard wearers. *Php11,152.12. Available [online](https://www.amazon.com/Brio-Everything-Beardscape-Breadscape-Adjustable/dp/B0DXLFWVY5).* ## 4. Tondeuse Panasonic à tête en T | ER-XT70 Or ![Tondeuse Panasonic à tête en T | ER-XT70 Or ](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/P041362_1.webp) A gold-finished Japanese-engineered detailing trimmer that blends minimalist design with surgical trimming precision, Panasonic’s premium grooming hardware tends to lean toward understated technical sophistication rather than overt flash. Its slim profile and narrow neck provide exceptional visibility, making it easier to create sharp lines, clean fades, and detailed contours around the beard, hairline, and ears with confidence. The trimmer is equipped with Panasonic’s proprietary 45-degree blades, engineered to cut cleanly and efficiently even through thick, coarse hair. It’s a grooming tool that delivers professional-level accuracy while remaining remarkably easy to handle. *Php14,074. Available [online](https://www.pro-duo.fr/electro-materiel/tondeuses/tondeuse-panasonic-%C3%A0-t%C3%AAte-en-t-%7C-er-xt70-or/P041362.html).* ## 5. BaBylissPRO® RoseFX+ All-Metal Lithium Outlining Trimmer ![BaBylissPRO® RoseFX+ All-Metal Lithium Outlining Trimmer](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-15-at-121506-PM.webp) This stylish iteration of BaBylissPRO’s All-Metal Collection builds on the brand’s professional pedigree with a more powerful N1 brushless motor, extended battery life, and convenient USB-C charging. The trimmer feels substantial in the hand while delivering the performance expected from one of the industry’s leading barbering brands. The upgraded motor provides consistent cutting power without dragging or snagging. Combined with its long cordless runtime and modern design, it’s a tool that is at home a well-appointed grooming setup. *Php12,077.40. Available [online](https://babylisspro.com/rosefx-outlining-trimmer/FX787NRG.html?srsltid=AfmBOopCJSQbiSFAzg43h689uHX6xbvqtdPs6a4PxVsHc5ZrOcOpNgSF).* ## 6. The Beardbrand Utility Beard Trimmer ![Beardbrand Utility Beard Trimmer](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/ut_d4738bfb-0410-40d3-9bf1-6775c2c303ee.webp) A design-centric enthusiast trimmer from one of the most respected premium beard-culture brands in the world, Beardbrand is positioned this less like an appliance and more like a lifestyle object for dedicated beard enthusiasts—it’s minimalist, tactile, and highly curated. Crafted with premium materials and a refined finish, the Beardbrand Utility Trimmer is designed for those who appreciate both performance and thoughtful design. Its adjustable blade offers a versatile cutting range from 1mm to 20mm, making it equally suited to maintaining a close-cropped beard or shaping longer facial hair. One of its standout features is an impressive 240-minute battery life, enough to last for weeks, if not months, between charges for most users. Frequent travelers will also appreciate the built-in travel lock. *Php7,545.23. Available [online](https://www.beardbrand.com/products/utility-beard-trimmer?srsltid=AfmBOoo0F0rnrN_UGS9FNfEQdK1o8CDxgymkLpqIztSJ4fyqGpB7JUff).* ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is the best luxury beard trimmer in 2026? The best luxury beard trimmers combine premium materials, powerful motors, and precision blades. Leading options include the BaBylissPRO FXONE GoldFX, Wahl Gold Cordless Detailer Li, and Brio Beardscape V2. ### Are expensive beard trimmers worth it? Premium beard trimmers often offer better blade quality, stronger motors, longer battery life, and more precise cutting performance than entry-level models, making them a worthwhile investment for frequent grooming. ### What features should I look for in a beard trimmer? Key features include high-quality blades, adjustable cutting lengths, long battery life, ergonomic design, cordless operation, and enough power to cut through thick or coarse facial hair without pulling. ### Which beard trimmer is best for precision detailing? Trimmers with T-blades, such as the Wahl Gold Cordless Detailer Li and Panasonic ER-XT70, are particularly well-suited for creating sharp beard lines, clean edges, and detailed grooming work. ### How often should you replace a beard trimmer? A high-quality beard trimmer can last several years with proper maintenance. Regular cleaning, blade lubrication, and replacing worn blades when necessary will help maintain optimal performance. **Categories:** Grooming **Tags:** beard trimmers --- ### [The 15 Best Watches at the Critics Choice Awards](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-15-best-watches-at-the-critics-choice-awards-from-rolex-to-audemars-piguet/) **Published:** January 6, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** The stars descended on Santa Monica on Sunday evening for the 2026 Critics Choice Awards. *One Battle After Another* was the biggest winner of the night, scoring awards for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay. Timothée Chalamet was crowned Best Actor for his turn in *Marty Supreme*, while Jessie Buckley was named Best Actress for her role in *Hamnet*. *The Pitt* and *The Studio* dominated in the TV field, notching three awards each. On the fashion front, some celebrities ditched the traditional black tuxes: Tramell Tillman wore a hand-embroidered ivory Anamika Khanna suit, Sterling K. Brown sported a snappy red-velvet Brunello Cucinelli number, and Michael B. Jordan donned a burgundy Louis Vuitton ensemble. Others, like Adam Scott and Paul Mescal, rocked classic tailored looks by Dolce & Gabbana and Gucci, respectively. [Omega](https://robbreport.ph/tag/omega/ "Omega") was the watchmaker of choice for the evening, with at least seven gents strapping on Seamasters, Speedys, and the like. Some A-listers, however, dressed their wrists with something a little different: Adam Brody showed off a gorgeous rose-gold [Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-jaeger-lecoultre-reverso-rings-with-new-brilliance/ "The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Rings with New Brilliance"), Paul Mescal flexed an elegant [Cartier](https://robbreport.ph/tag/cartier/ "cartier") Tortue, and Michael B. Jordan flaunted a coveted vintage [Audemars Piguet](). Below are the best watches at this year’s Critics Choice Awards. ## Wagner Moura: Omega De Ville Tresor ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/wagner-moura-omega-de-ville-tresor.webp) *Getty/Omega* Wagner Moura paired a relaxed yet refined Zegna ensemble with an elegant, iced-out Omega De Ville Tresor. This [particular example](https://www.omegawatches.com/en-us/watch-omega-de-ville-tresor-co-axial-master-chronometer-40-mm-43518402102001) ($14,500) features a 40 mm stainless steel case, a diamond-paved bezel, a domed opaline silvery dial, and a black leather strap. ## Ike Barinholtz: Rolex Milgauss ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/ike-barinholtz-rolex-milgauss.webp) *Rolex/Getty* Ike Barinholtz showed off a Rolex Milgauss (Ref. 116400-002) as he collected the trophy for Best Supporting Actor in Comedy Series for his work in *The Studio*. The discontinued steel anti-magnetic watch is famously equipped with a vibrant orange lightning bolt-shaped second hand. ## Stellan Skarsgård: Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Shades ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/stellan-skarsgard-omega-seamaster-aqua-terra-shades.webp) *Omega/Getty* Stellan Skarsgård brought a splash of color to the carpet, opting for an [Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Shades](https://www.omegawatches.com/en-us/watch-omega-seamaster-aqua-terra-shades-co-axial-master-chronometer-34-mm-22053342010001) ($19,500) with a 34 mm case in the watchmaker’s 18-karat Moonshine Gold and a lacquered dial in a striking lagoon green. ## Michael B. Jordan: Vintage Audemars Piguet ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/michael-b-jordan-vintage-audemars-piguet.webp) *Getty/Watch Collectors UK* Michael B. Jordan was arguably the best-dressed gent of the evening, wearing custom Louis Vuitton and a coveted vintage Audemars Piguet. The [1980s stunner](https://watchcollectors.co.uk/products/audemars-piguet-vintage-wrist-watch-1970s-34mm-manual-wind-18k-white-yellow-gold?srsltid=AfmBOooY2_KSfA7PUXdcTC73BnnbqfUKDapwSryOG_A0GZsKYORj2whg) features a yellow-gold dodecagon-shaped case, a gold-colored dial with diamond markers, and a two-tone gold bracelet in alternating white and yellow gold. ## Brian Tyree Henry: Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/brian-tyree-henry-omega-speedmaster-moonwatch-professional.webp) *Getty/Omega* Brian Tyree Henry topped off a glitzy Giorgio Armani number with a gold Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional. Crafted in the watchmaker’s signature Sedna gold, this [reference](https://www.omegawatches.com/en-us/watch-omega-speedmaster-moonwatch-professional-co-axial-master-chronometer-chronograph-42-mm-31060425001001) ($48,000) showcases a 42 mm asymmetrical case, a black step dial, and the famous dot over 90 on the anodised aluminium bezel ring. ## Justin Hartley: Rolex Day-Date 40 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/justin-hartley-rolex-day-date-40.webp) Justin Hartley brought a little glitz and glamour to the carpet, strapping on a [Rolex Day-Date](https://www.rolex.com/en-us/watches/day-date/m228238-0042#/m228238-0042/dial) with a yellow-gold case, a black diamond-set dial, and a gold bezel and bracelet. ## Timothy Simons: TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/timothy-simons-tag-heuer-carrera-chronograph.webp) *Getty/TAG Heuer* Timothy Simons sported a stealthy [TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph](https://www.tagheuer.com/us/en/timepieces/collections/tag-heuer-carrera/44-mm-th20-00/CBN2A5A.FC6481.html#queryID=abc49ab56cdeb6f59834da56f713384f) ($8,200) at last night’s ceremony. The 44 mm steel piece has a black dial, bezel, and strap, which is contrasted by 18-karat rose gold accents. ## Jeff Goldblum: Blancpain Villeret Ultraplate ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/jeff-goldblum-blancpain-villeret-ultraplate.webp) *Getty/Blancpain* Jeff Goldblum looked downright dapper in a tux, bow tie, and [Blancpain Villeret Ultraplate](https://www.blancpain.com/en/villeret/villeret-ultraplate-6651-1127-55b) ($12,900). This particular reference is simple yet striking, with a 40 mm steel case, a white dial, and a black alligator strap. Equally as striking is the 100-hour power reserve you get from the automatic movement. ## Gabriel Luna: Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Gabriel-Luna-Omega-Speedmaster-Moonwatch-Professional.webp) *Omega/Getty* Gabriel Luna demonstrated the beauty of juxtaposition on the red carpet, pairing a white jacket and contrasting black trousers with a two-tone [Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional](https://www.omegawatches.com/en-us/watch-omega-speedmaster-moonwatch-professional-co-axial-master-chronometer-chronograph-42-mm-31020425099001) ($20,400). The bi-color model combines stainless steel and 18-karat Sedna Gold, creating an eye-catching statement on the wrist. ## Sterling K. Brown: Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/sterling-k-brown-omega-seamaster-aqua-terra.webp) *Getty/Omega* Sterling K. Brown showed why coordination is key on the red carpet, pairing a red velvet tuxedo jacket by Brunello Cucinelli with a burgundy-dialed [Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra](https://www.omegawatches.com/en-us/watch-omega-seamaster-aqua-terra-150m-co-axial-master-chronometer-38-mm-22020382010002) ($14,500). ## Adam Brody: Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/adam-brody-jaeger-lecoultre-reverso-tribute-monoface-small-seconds.webp) *Getty/Jaeger-LeCoultre* Adam Brody gave us a blast from Jaeger-LeCoultre’s past, wearing a [Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds](https://www.jaeger-lecoultre.com/us-en/watches/reverso/reverso-tribute/reverso-tribute-monoface-small-seconds-q713216j) ($44,400). The contemporary pink-gold reference pays homage to the 1930s original, with the traditional rectangular case and elegant Art Deco design. ## Charlie Hunnam: Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/charlie-hunnam-omega-seamaster-aqua-terra.webp) *Getty/Omega* Charlie Hunnam accented a sharp, all-black ensemble with an [Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra](https://www.omegawatches.com/en-us/watch-omega-seamaster-aqua-terra-150m-co-axial-master-chronometer-41-mm-22010412103006) ($7,400). This 41 mm steel-on-steel piece is distinguished by a mesmerizing lacquered turquoise dial that was inspired by the ocean. ## Leonardo DiCaprio: Rolex Land-Dweller ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/leonardo-dicaprio-rolex-land-dweller.webp) Leo busted out [his trusty](https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gallery/best-watches-lewis-hamilton-richard-mille-leonardo-dicaprio-rolex-1237037476/leonardo-dicaprio-rolex-land-dweller/) [Rolex Land-Dweller](https://www.rolex.com/en-us/watches/land-dweller/m127234-0001) ($15,350) for this year’s ceremony. Released at Watches and Wonders in March, the [revolutionary new model](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-new-rolex-land-dweller/ "The New Rolex Land-Dweller") showcases some 18 patented innovations, plus a striking honeycomb dial and a fresh integrated bracelet. ## Michael Chernus: Omega De Ville Prestige ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/michael-chernus-omega-de-ville-prestige.webp) *Omega/Getty* Michael Chernus kept things classic with a double-breasted tux and a two-tone steel-and-gold [Omega De Ville Prestige](https://www.omegawatches.com/en-us/watch-omega-de-ville-prestige-co-axial-master-chronometer-date-hand-42-mm-43423422210001) ($10,000). The star here is the sun-brushed green PVD dial, which features a railway minute track, alternating Roman numerals, and a date ring in a satin finish. ## Stephen Graham: Rolex Daytona ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/stephen-graham-rolex-daytona-ref-116520.webp) *Getty/Rolex* Stephen Graham picked up the award for Best Actor in a Limited Series with a Rolex Daytona (Ref. 116520) on his wrist. This particular iteration pairs a steel case, bracelet, and bezel with a simple white dial. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** blancpain, Critics' Choice Awards, jaeger-le coultre, land-dweller, Omega, rolex, Seamaster Aqua Terra, tag heuer --- ### [Road Test: Bentley’s Continental GT S Hits the Sweet Spot in Plug-In-Hybrid Performance and Presentation](https://robbreport.ph/cars/road-test-bentleys-continental-gt-s-hits-the-sweet-spot-in-plug-in-hybrid-performance-and-presentation/) **Published:** June 17, 2026 **Author:** Robb Report **Content:** [Bentley’s](https://robbreport.ph/tag/bentley/ "Bentley") success in recent years is largely due to the way it combines respect for old-school tradition and British craftsmanship with a competitive eye toward modern luxury trends. That strategy saw the 2025 Continental GT adopt a downsized, hybrid V-8 power train in place of the iconoclastic W12 engine that had burnished [Bentley](https://www.bentleymotors.com/en/apps/locate.bentley-manila.retailer-6322.html)’s reputation as a builder of extravagant and exclusive machines. With cylinder counts settled, [Bentley](https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/lists/best-bentley-continentals-21st-century-1237282666/) now cements this fourth-generation model’s appeal with the new 2026 Continental GT S coupe and GTC S convertible. Our test Bentley looks right at home in the courtyard of the Ranch, a new luxury resort and spa in Hudson Valley. Its English-style mansion was originally a wedding gift from J.P. Morgan to his daughter—who married the great, great grandson of Alexander Hamilton. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2026-Bentley-Continental-GT-S-1.webp) The new Bentley Continental GT S in the marque’s Kingfisher color scheme. *Photo: Bentley Motors Limited* Today’s nepo babies and self-made up-and-comers alike might gravitate to the Continental GT’s lordly style and baronial luxury. That’s even more true for the S versions, whose smartly retuned chassis heightens Bentley’s signature blend of serenity and speed. ## What’s New for 2026 Bentley’s “S” badge adorns a 671 hp coupe and convertible that offer performance-minded buyers a more focused and spirited Continental GT, though these latest variants sit below the Mulliner version or 771 hp [Continental Speed](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-new-bentley-continental-gt-speed/ "More Bentley Than Ever: Getting to the Heart of the New Continental GT Speed"). The S model’s graceful body plays up sporty elements in black, with “Beluga” colored exterior mirrors and 22-inch, ten-spoke swept wheels in a choice of gloss black or brightwork trim. Black extensions adorn door sills. Sculptural, dark-tinted “Precision” headlamps bring a fresh design to their interior elements, with similar dusky shading for lovely oval taillamps whose stacked LEDs seem to float in liquid crimson. Inside, there’s a unique two-tone color split for throne-like front seats and rear jump seats, with standard Dinamica—akin to nubby Alcantara—dressing seat inserts and door trim. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2026-Bentley-Continental-GT-S-2.webp) Bentley’s new Continental GTC S in Glacier White. *Photo: Bentley Motors Limited* ## **Desig**n The Bentley Continental GT’s silhouette still has the power to stun, with its superformed aluminum panels (and a composite trunk lid) elegantly draped over a monocoque of steel and aluminum. But it’s the intimate, high-design interior that seals the deal, from its royal scepter–like shifter and rich wood veneers to unblemished hides sourced from Scandinavian bulls. Bentley claims its clients can choose from among 46 billion possible combinations of features and options, without even enlisting the marque’s additional bespoke services. One tasteful choice is patterned aluminum trim to envelop the dash and doors, hand-engraved with a guilloche technique, similar to what’s employed on a high-end watch case. (The carbon-fiber trim on our convertible tester seemed more boy-racer than Bentley). Organ-style metal vent pulls, fortunately, are one constant. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2026-Bentley-Continental-GT-S-3.webp) The intimate, high-design interior is replete with a royal scepter–like shifter, rich wood veneers, and unblemished hides sourced from Scandinavian bulls. *Photo: Bentley Motors Limited* ## Power Train and Other Hardware We miss the rolling thunder and exclusivity of the Volkswagen-designed W12 that marked Bentley’s remarkable revival in the early 2000’s. But the Bentley’s V-8 hybrid power train is inarguably stronger and more energy efficient. An electric motor, integrated between the engine and transmission, provides a nearly invisible helping hand, delivering 188 hp. Mated with a twin-turbocharged, 4.0-liter V-8, the hybrid system generates 671 hp and 686 ft lbs of torque. Compared to the Continental GT’s previous 12-cylinder mill, that’s an additional 45 hp and 24 more ft lbs of torque. And that heady thrust is available across a much wider powerband. A plug-in charge port on the driver’s-side flank can send up to 7.2 kW to a 25.9 kWh battery. Figure roughly 3.5 hours to recharge the modest-sized pack from 10 percent to 80 percent. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2026-Bentley-Continental-GT-S-5.webp) The electric motor and 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 combine to deliver 671 hp and 686 ft lbs of torque. *Photo: Bentley Motors Limited* Inside, Bentley’s rotating screen pivots through three positions on the dashboard, including a jewellike trio of knurled analog gauges. The unique features hide a center touchscreen the way an architect’s home keeps prosaic televisions out of sight. Unfortunately, there’s no hiding the Audi-based, hand-me-down screen interface, a low-resolution, tedious affair that’s crying out for an overhaul. The driver’s screen fares better, including useful map views. ## Performance We recently drove a standard Continental GT coupe on some of these same Hudson Valley roads, including the roller-coaster ridges of the Shawangunks. And from the first snaking curves, these S models displayed subtle-yet-noticeable gains in body control and handling. Mash the gas, and the V-8 emits a bellow so rich you’d swear it was burning fine Armagnac rather than premium unleaded. An available $14,600 titanium exhaust system from the supplier Akrapovič pumps up the volume. With the electric motor filling every chink in the engine’s armor, the Bentley squats under throttle and rockets like a luxury locomotive. The old W12 was never this responsive. An eight-speed, dual-clutch automated gearbox operates discreetly. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2026-Bentley-Continental-GT-S-6.webp) Compared to the Continental GT’s previous 12-cylinder mill, this hybrid power train provides an additional 45 hp and 24 more ft lbs of torque. *Photo: Bentley Motors Limited* Bentley claims that these S versions feature its most advanced chassis design yet. And dialing the Bentley into Sport mode unlocks virtually all the performance gains over standard models. Twin-valve dampers and air springs firm up well beyond the levels of standard Continentals. Ride height lowers by 0.4 inches. Sportier calibrations manage the anti-roll bars, stability control, rear steering, an electronic limited-slip differential, and brake-based torque vectoring. Three stability-control settings include a Dynamic mode that allows for more playful oversteer before systems intervene, and reduces torque sent to the front wheels to amplify rear-wheel propulsion and handling feel. Rear steering can apply just over 7 degrees of countersteer at parking speeds, and 4.2 degrees for enhanced cornering control. Above 60 mph, front and rear wheels turn in tandem to ensure stability—a good thing in a GT that can storm to 191 mph. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2026-Bentley-Continental-GT-S-7.webp) Three stability-control settings include a Dynamic mode, which allows for more playful oversteer. *Photo: Bentley Motors Limited* More than ever, the Continental GT, in S guise, can almost convince you it’s a sports car due to its surprisingly engaging handling and more steering feel than strictly necessary. The coupe’s 5,421-pound curb weight, or a hulking 5,811 pounds for the convertible, become nearly theoretical constructs: Both versions drive as if they weigh far less. A creamy ride and a blissfully isolated cabin comprise the icing on an already rich cake. In calmer moments, an e-mode helps the Bentley drive entirely on electricity, and at speeds up to 87 mph. Drivers can also reserve that hybrid battery power for when they want it. The EPA-estimated range for the plug-in hybrid is 30 miles, though Bentley insists a 50-mile estimate under Europe’s WLPT standards is closer to reality. Our test drives of both standard and S models suggest Bentley is correct, though we have not performed a full range test on battery power alone. Still, charge faithfully, and you’ll likely find that the Bentley clearly has enough range to handle modest commutes or local errands with a virtuous circle of style and emissions-free operation. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2026-Bentley-Continental-GT-S-4_dbab5e.webp) With the electric motor filling every chink in the engine’s armor, the Bentley squats under throttle and rockets like a luxury locomotive. *Photo: Bentley Motors Limited* ## Is It Worth It? Starting from a shade over $296,000, our GT S coupe reached $351,155 with a selection of options. That included a 2,200-watt Naim audio system, at $10,525, that ranks among the sweetest-sounding units in automobiles. A few options seem to pad the price without delivering commensurate value, such as a “Touring Specification.” Priced at $10,525, it consists largely of driver assistance features—adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking, and lane guidance—that are routine on many Hyundais or Toyotas. (Night vision and a head-up display are also part of that package). Our GTC S convertible, starting from $325,150, reached $404,510 with options. That said, these S models do represent serious value by Bentley’s standards, making them the easy choice for any Continental prospect with a sporting mindset. The S coupe asks only a $7,400 premium over a standard model, with an $8,200 upcharge for the S convertible. These Bentleys are also compelling rivals to an [Aston Martin DB12](https://robbreport.ph/cars/robb-reports-2026-car-of-the-year-the-10-contenders/ "Robb Report’s 2026 Car of the Year: The 10 Contenders"), Ferrari Roma, or [Ferrari Amalfi](https://robbreport.ph/cars/ferraris-new-amalfi-spider-supercar-is-a-drop-top-stunner/ "Ferrari’s New Amalfi Spider Supercar Is a Drop-Top Stunner"). And unlike the 12-cylinder predecessors that have been put to pasture, these hybrid V-8 Continentals avoid any gas-guzzler tax. Add the increased power and zestier performance, and we call that progress. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2026-Bentley-Continental-GT-S-8.webp) The Continental GT S and GTC S start at $296,150 and $325,150, respectively. *Photo: Bentley Motors Limited* ###### **Specification**s **Vehicle Type - Front-engine, all-wheel-drive coupe and convertible **In Production Since - 2025 **Power Train** - Twin-turbocharged, DOHC, 32-valve, 4.0-liter V-8, with integrated electric motor - Output: 671 horsepower, 686 ft lbs of torque **Performance** - Zero to 60 mph: 3.3 seconds - Top Speed: 191 mph **Base price: - $296,150 (GT S coupe); $325,150 (GTC S convertible) *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.*[](https://robbreport.com/?post_type=pmc-gallery&p=1238334051/) **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** Bentley, Continental GT, Continental GT S, plug-in hybrid, Review --- ### [A Stunning $2.18-Million Ruby, Toyota’s Le Mans Victory, Rolex's Century in Shanghai & More](https://robbreport.ph/the-luxe-dispatch/a-stunning-2-18-million-ruby-toyotas-le-mans-victory-rolexs-century-in-shanghai-more/) **Published:** June 19, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** This week’s Luxe Dispatch spans a record-breaking Burmese ruby, Toyota’s return to the top at Le Mans, and Bentley’s latest Mulliner creation. We also remember Patek Philippe’s Philippe Stern, step inside Rolex’s centenary exhibition in Shanghai, revisit Maserati’s racing heritage, and look ahead to Noma’s Copenhagen comeback. ## A Burmese Ruby Shatters Its Estimate at Bonhams ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Untitled-design-2026-06-18T132930739-2240x2240.webp) *Photo: Bonhams* A Burmese ruby and diamond necklace sold for $2.18 million at Bonhams’ Exceptional Jewels sale in New York, more than 20 times its $100,000 to $150,000 estimate. The piece centers on an oval-cut, 5.02-carat ruby ringed by baguette and brilliant-cut diamonds, with roughly 39 carats total. The result helped push the 153-lot auction to $9.48 million, with 98 percent sold by value. ## Toyota Returns to the Top at Le Mans ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/85908-tjm2613ju297-1-2240x1493.webp) *Photo: Bonhams* Toyota reclaimed [Le Mans](https://www.24h-lemans.com/en)‘ top prize at the 94th 24 Hours, ending Ferrari’s three-year winning streak. Kamui Kobayashi, Mike Conway, and Nyck de Vries drove the No. 7 GR010 Hybrid to victory, edging the No. 20 BMW by 10.9 seconds. Toyota’s No. 8 car took third; Ferrari finished fifth. The win marked Toyota’s sixth Le Mans triumph and Kobayashi’s second, restoring the manufacturer to the top of the Circuit de la Sarthe after its last win in 2022. ## Remembering Philippe Stern’s Generational Vision ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Philippe-Stern-Patek.webp) *Patek Philippe* Philippe Stern, the former president who guided Patek Philippe into the modern era while preserving its traditions, died June 15 at 88. Watches Editor Carl Cunanan remembers him through quieter moments. A smile shared as Cunanan’s young son watched a watchmaker at work; an old coin that helped Stern recognize it was time to hand the company to his son, Thierry. *Read more [here](https://robbreport.ph/watches/philippe-stern-passion-responsibility-generational-vision-and-a-smile/).* ## Rolex Marks a Century of the Oyster in Shanghai ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Oyster-at-100-Rolex-FP-2240x1260.webp) Rolex marks the Oyster’s 100th anniversary with The Oyster Story, an immersive exhibition at Shanghai’s West Bund Dome. It traces the invention that transformed the brand and watchmaking, pairing historical timepieces with panoramic films and archival material on Rolex’s proprietary alloys and dialmaking. Visitors can explore the Oyster and Superlative pavilions, a library, and a cinema honoring founder Hans Wilsdorf, alongside displays on the earliest Oyster watches’ refined, compact design. *The Oyster Story runs through June 28, 2026. Read more [here](https://robbreport.ph/watches/rolex-celebrates-100-years-of-the-oyster-with-a-landmark-shanghai-exhibition/).* ## Noma Begins a New Chapter in Copenhagen ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/noma-reopening.webp) *Photo: Ditte Isager* Noma will reopen in Copenhagen on August 5, months after ending service and a controversial Los Angeles residency. The restaurant will introduce a new menu each month, drawing on ingredients, landscapes, and ideas. René Redzepi remains creative director but leaves daily operations following allegations about his past leadership. Annika de Las Heras becomes CEO, Mette Bring Søberg leads research and development, and Pablo Soto serves as executive chef. *Priced at $675 per person. Read more [here](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/noma-will-reopen-in-copenhagen-and-rene-redzepi-will-still-be-involved/).* ## Maserati Brings Its Racing Heritage Back to the 1000 Miglia ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/RR-Feature-Photos-31-2240x1260.webp) *Photo: Maserati* Maserati returned to the 1000 Miglia with a 1953 A6 GCS/53 that competed in five editions of the original race. Owner Igor Zanisi and his daughter Lara drove the historic racer along the 1,900-kilometer Brescia–Rome–Brescia route with support from Maserati Classiche. Their entry also honored Formula 1 pioneer Maria Teresa de Filippis on the centenary of her birth. Four current Maserati models joined as support cars, wearing liveries inspired by the Tipo 26, A6 1500, 250F, and 3500 GT. *Read more [here](https://robbreport.ph/cars/maserati-brought-its-racing-heritage-back-to-the-1000-miglia/).* ## Bentley Gives the Continental GT S a Bespoke Makeover ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2026-Bentley-Continental-GT-S-4_dbab5e.webp) With the electric motor filling every chink in the engine’s armor, the Bentley squats under throttle and rockets like a luxury locomotive. *Photo: Bentley Motors Limited* Bentley has unveiled its first Continental GT S Bespoke Edition by Mulliner, limited to 100 numbered examples across coupe and convertible configurations. Six colorways distinguish the 2027 edition, each paired with a satin center stripe, black 22-inch wheels, and self-leveling badges. Cabins pair Jet Black leather with exterior-matched accents, dark chrome detailing, mood lighting, and perforated upholstery. Performance is unchanged, with the hybrid V-8 producing 671 hp and reaching 60 mph in 3.3 seconds. Bentley plans a new Bespoke Series each year. *Read more [here](https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/2027-bentley-continental-bespoke-edition-mulliner-1238362564/).* **Categories:** The Luxe Dispatch **Tags:** Auctions, Bentley, Bonhams, le mans, maserati, News, Noma, rolex --- ### [How Art Handlers & Logistics Specialists Move the Philippines' Most Valuable Art](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-collectibles/how-art-handlers-and-logistics-specialists-move-the-worlds-most-valuable-artworks/) **Published:** June 24, 2026 **Author:** Ria de Borja **Content:** In the world of art collecting, the logistics of moving art is a specialized discipline. For every masterpiece hanging in a private residence, every [museum](https://robbreport.ph/tag/museum/ "museum") loan crossing continents, and every acquisition arriving from an international auction house, there is an invisible network of specialists working behind the scenes to ensure the irreplaceable works arrive exactly as intended. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Art-transporters-FP-2240x1260.webp) Amy Lee Barnard Acquiring a work by Juan Luna, [Fernando Zóbel](https://robbreport.ph/tag/fernando-zobel/ "Fernando Zobel"), Yayoi Kusama, or Antony Gormley is only the beginning. The greater challenge often lies in literally moving the piece, whether the destination is a penthouse in Singapore, a museum in Europe or a collector’s residence in Manila. Climate control, museum-standard packing, customs documentation, conservation protocols, and installation requirements all become part of the ecosystem. “When galleries like ours ship artworks overseas for fairs and international exhibitions, these art transport companies know exactly what is necessary for shipping the artworks: first, in taking it out of the country, and second, in entering the country where they will be taken to, whether in North America, Europe, or Asia,” says Silvana Diaz, owner of [Galleria Duemila](https://galleriaduemila.com/Home), one of the Philippines’ most respected art galleries. ![Silvana Ancelotti-Diaz. Courtesy of Galleria Duemila](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-23-at-125648-PM.webp) Silvana Ancelotti-Diaz. *Courtesy of Galleria Duemila* ## The Hidden Industry Behind Great Collections Over the past four decades, [Asian Tigers Group](https://asiantigersgroup.com/) has handled works by some of the country’s most celebrated artists, supporting exhibitions and institutional projects across the globe. Among its most notable assignments was overseeing the transport and installation of the Vatican’s La Pietà Collection at the Metropolitan Museum Manila in the 1990s. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/image-2-1.webp) *Courtesy of Asian Tigers Group* According to Asian Tigers, the exhibition marked the first time the treasures had been moved from the Vatican. The company has also managed the movement of Juan Luna’s *Spoliarium* within the National Museum, coordinated the export and return of Luna’s *Parisian Life*, and supported international exhibitions by National Artists BenCab and Kidlat Tahimik. ## Moving the Irreplaceable ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/IMG_6459.webp) *Courtesy of Asian Tigers Group* States Virginia Lane, Vice President, Treasurer and CEO of Asian Tigers Philippines, “Art handlers \[like us\] are responsible for the safe, professional handling of works of art, and are experts in all aspects of packing, installation, and de-installation for local and international moves. We offer a complete package in handling artwork \[which includes\] packing and crating as per museum or gallery standards. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Asian-Tigers-Philippines.webp) “Contemporary art versus art made by art masters or national artists differ in terms of documentation requirements for export, as well as in the packaging materials required and handling,” Lane explains. “While both necessitate professional care, the primary difference lies in complying with customs regulations in both the origin and destination countries in the case of international shipments.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/galeria-paloma-pop-up-exhibit.webp) Galeria Paloma’s gallery model is centered around travelling exhibitions and pop-up events. Handling fragile and irreplaceable art object is one of its most important priorities. Galeria Paloma Georgia Chu, director of [Galeria Paloma](https://www.galeriapaloma.com/), a gallery whose model is centered around traveling exhibitions and pop-up events, explains that artworks originating from the Philippines by contemporary Filipino artists are subject to specific clearances by the National Commission for Culture and the Art (NCCA) for export. “As a gallery, we procure and facilitate the documentation needed, like the Certificates of Authentication, Letters of Agreement between exporting and receiving parties, notarized application forms, Letters of Intent, photographs,” she explains. “The NCCA is very quick to process the permits, provided the application is complete, straightforward, and above board.” ## The New Luxury: Trust ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Crown-Worldwide-Movers.webp) For [Crown Worldwide Movers, Inc.](https://www.crownrelo.com/philippines/en-ph/office/manila), whose Fine Art division serves collectors, galleries, and institutions throughout the region, the role extends far beyond the fundamental: transportation, site assessments, custom crating, condition reporting, secure transport, customs coordination, and climate-controlled storage. “It’s not just about the logistics,” says James Enciso, Crown’s Workspace and Moving Services Manager. “It’s about confidence, discretion and trust at every stage.” ## What Separates Art Logistics Specialists From Traditional Movers “These logistics and freight providers are professional companies who also know exactly what has to be used to pack different art pieces: framed paintings, ceramics, sculptures, glass, objects and more,” explains Diaz. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Galleria-Duemila.webp) An exhibition view at Galleria Duemila. *Galleria Duemila* A fragile glass sculpture presents vastly different requirements from a monumental bronze work, while paintings on canvas may react differently to temperature compared to works on paper. Historic objects often require conservation oversight and contemporary installations can involve dozens of components that must be assembled precisely. “Older art can be brittle, dry, or cracked,” explains Lane. “Light exposure must be strictly limited to prevent fading, particularly for works on paper or textiles.” Damage can happen via improper packing materials, building access challenges, and inexperienced handling during installation, among other things. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/prachi-gautam-p70TAnqHfeo-unsplash-1.webp) *Prachi Gautam* Enciso says humidity changes, non-archival packing materials, and last-mile delivery constraints are some of the most underestimated threats to valuable works. These details separate a standard premium mover from a true fine-art logistics specialist. “The distinction lies in specialization and mindset,” Enciso says. “We have an art-first approach.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/IMG_6457.webp) *Courtesy of Asian Tigers Group* For galleries, collectors, and institutions, the expertise of moving art has become indispensable. Lane explains their clients’ mindset: “Discerning art patrons value their precious works of art, which cannot be replaced like general cargo. They will trust only a professional, specialized fine arts handler with many years of experience and understanding of the irreplaceable works of art they handle, store, and transport. We listen, understand and learn their concerns about art handling and we value their inputs. They sharpen our eyes for details of art handling techniques. We apply the new knowledge and skill gained and seriously include these concerns in the way we handle the artwork.” Unlike luxury goods, rare [automobiles](https://robbreport.ph/cars/ "Cars"), or fine [jewelry](https://robbreport.ph/style/jewelry/ "Jewelry"), many artworks are fundamentally irreplaceable. It’s why white-glove handling has evolved from a premium add-on into an industry standard, dependent on a level of coordination most collectors and viewers never see. Whether a work is traveling from Manila to Madrid, [Singapore](https://robbreport.ph/tag/singapore/ "singapore") or [New York](https://robbreport.ph/tag/new-york/ "new york"), the journey of the artwork must be as carefully considered as its destination. **Categories:** Art & Collectibles **Tags:** art, art handling, Asian Tigers Group, Crown Worldwide Movers, Galleria Duemila, James Enciso, logistics, Silvana Diaz, Victoria Lane --- ### [The Cities Shaping Wealth, Culture, and Influence Now](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/properties/the-new-geography-of-luxury-the-cities-shaping-wealth-culture-and-influence/) **Published:** June 22, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** For decades, luxury revolved around a familiar axis: London, Paris, and New York. They were the capitals of finance, fashion, collecting, hospitality, and influence. Today, however, wealth is increasingly mobile. Family offices span continents, collectors travel constantly, and luxury brands are following capital rather than tradition. According to the [a Henley Private Wealth report](https://www.henleyglobal.com/publications/henley-private-wealth-migration-report-2025/great-wealth-flight-millionaires-relocate-record-numbers), a record 165,000 millionaires are expected to relocate internationally in 2026, accelerating the redistribution of wealth across regions. The result is a new geography of luxury. More and more, the future of luxury is being shaped by cities that sit closer to new wealth, emerging influence, and shifting patterns of global mobility. From Singapore and Dubai to Seoul and Riyadh, these are the cities redefining what luxury looks like in the twenty-first century. ## Singapore ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Nassim-Road.webp) A close view of Nassim Quattro, one of the low-density residential developments on Nassim Road in Singapore, which only has four luxury units, each fetching up to SGD7,000 per square foot or up to Php3,000,000 per square meter. ### Why It Matters Now: Singapore has become the preferred base for many of Asia’s wealthiest families, combining political stability, private banking expertise, and global connectivity. If there is one city that best represents luxury’s future, it may be Singapore. The city-state has emerged as Asia’s premier hub for family offices, wealth management, luxury real estate, and private banking. It was ranked the world’s most expensive city for “living well” in the 2025 Julius Baer Global Wealth and Lifestyle Report for the third consecutive year. According to the Monetary Authority of Singapore, the number of single-family offices surpassed 2,000 in 2024. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Trophy-Residence-Les-Maisons-Nassim.webp) Les Maisons Nassim, with units priced at upwards of SGD42,000,000 or almost Php 2 billion. Luxury here is defined by the infrastructure that supports wealth itself. Private banks, investment firms, concierge healthcare providers, elite schools, and ultra-prime residences have become as important as luxury boutiques. For globally mobile families, Singapore is steadily where wealth lives, not merely where it shops. ### Luxury Snapshot **Strength:** Private wealth and family offices **Residential Enclave:** Nassim Road **Trophy Residence:** [Nassim Quattro](https://www.nassim-quattro.com/), one of the low-density residential developments on Nassim Road in Singapore, which only has four luxury units, each fetching up to SGD7,000 per square foot or up to Php3,000,000 per square meter; [Les Maisons Nassim](https://www.shuntakgroup.com/en/business/property/portfolio/1063), whose units are priced upwards of SGD42,000,000 or almost Php 2 billion. **Notable Trend:** Singapore was ranked the world’s most expensive city for “living well” in the 2025 Julius Baer Global Wealth and Lifestyle [Report](https://www.juliusbaer.com/en/spotlight/global-wealth-and-lifestyle-report-2025/). ## Dubai ![Bulgari Resort and Residences](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Jumeirah-Bay-Island.webp) Bulgari Resort and Residences located in Jumeirah Bay Island, Dubai, often referred to as “Billionaires’ Island.” ### Why It Matters Now: The city has become one of the world’s leading destinations for entrepreneurs, investors, and internationally mobile wealth. Dubai has evolved from a luxury playground into luxury headquarters. Entrepreneurs, family offices, investors, and founders continue to relocate to the emirate, drawn by favorable tax policies, strategic geography, and world-class infrastructure. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Bulgari-Lighthouse-Dubai.webp) Bulgari Lighthouse Dubai. According to Henley & Partners, the UAE continues to attract more millionaire migrants than any other country in the world. Luxury brands view Dubai not simply as a retail market but as a long-term base for affluent residents whose businesses, investments, and lifestyles span multiple continents. While tourism is robust in Dubai, these days it’s more about residency, influence, and access. ### Luxury Snapshot **Strength:** Wealth migration **Residential Enclave:** Jumeirah Bay Island, often referred to as “Billionaires’ Island” **Trophy Residence:** [Bulgari Lighthouse Dubai](https://www.bulgarilighthouse.com/) apartments have entry prices starting at $3.6 million (Php 218 million) for a 1-bedroom apartment, and up to $135 million (Php 8.2 billion) for a mansion on the property. **Notable Trend:** The UAE continues to attract more millionaire migrants than any other country globally. ## Abu Dhabi ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Saadiyat-Island.webp) Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi. ### Why It Matters Now: The emirate is emerging as one of the world’s most ambitious centers for culture, institutional wealth, and ultra-prime development. While Dubai often attracts the spotlight, Abu Dhabi is building a different kind of luxury capital. Anchored by sovereign wealth, long-term planning, and cultural investment, the city is positioning itself as a global center for art, hospitality, and high-end living. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Nobu-Residences-Abu-Dhabi.webp) Nobu Residences Abu Dhabi. Saadiyat Island has become the focal point of that strategy, bringing together museums, luxury resorts, branded residences, and some of the region’s most significant real-estate projects. Unlike many luxury destinations built around consumption, Abu Dhabi’s influence stems from the scale of capital shaping its future. For investors, collectors, and developers, it is one of the most closely watched luxury markets in the world. ### Luxury Snapshot **Strength:** Sovereign wealth and cultural infrastructure **Residential Enclave:** Saadiyat Island **Trophy Residence:** [Nobu Residences Abu Dhabi](https://nobu-residences.com/) has 1-bedroom apartments that typically start at AED 7.6 million or Php126 million up to penthouses and Sky Villas with prices up to AED 155 million or Php 2.6 billion. **Notable Trend:** Billions of dollars continue to be invested in cultural institutions, branded residences, and luxury tourism developments. ## Seoul ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Cheongdam-dong.webp) Cheongdam-dong in Seoul’s Gangnam district, known for luxury shopping and high-end fashion brands. ### Why It Matters Now: Luxury brands have come to view Seoul as both a major consumer market and a testing ground for future trends. Seoul has become one of the world’s most influential luxury capitals despite its relatively modest size. South Korean consumers are among the highest luxury spenders on a per-capita basis, and in recent years, global brands have debuted products, exhibitions, and collaborations in the city before rolling them out elsewhere. Beyond purchasing power, Seoul exerts outsized influence through fashion, beauty, entertainment, and design. K-pop stars and Korean actors have become some of luxury’s most powerful ambassadors, shaping tastes and purchasing behavior far beyond South Korea’s borders. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Eterno-Cheongdam.webp) Eterno Cheongdam is officially the most expensive residential tower in Seoul. Beyond its spending power, Seoul is an indicator (and influencer) of where luxury culture is headed next. ### Luxury Snapshot **Strength:** Luxury consumption and cultural influence **Residential Enclave:** Cheongdam-dong, sometimes called “Beverly Park Circle,” an area known for its UHNW residents and luxury retail. **Trophy Residence:** [Eterno Cheongdam](https://en.namu.wiki/w/%EC%97%90%ED%85%8C%EB%A5%B4%EB%85%B8%20%EC%B2%AD%EB%8B%B4) set the record as South Korea’s highest-priced multi-unit dwelling; a 464.11 square-meter unit was valued at 32.52 billion won or Php 1.3 billion. **Notable Trend:** South Korea remains one of the world’s highest luxury-spending markets on a per-capita basis. ## Hong Kong ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/The-Peak.webp) The multi-level shopping mall in the Peak. ### Why It Matters Now: Despite growing competition from Singapore, Hong Kong remains indispensable for collectors, financiers, and cross-border wealth. Predictions of Hong Kong’s decline have repeatedly proven premature. The city remains one of Asia’s most important centers for auctions, wealth management, luxury retail, and collecting. Its unique position between mainland China and global markets continues to sustain its relevance. Christie’s and Sotheby’s have both deepened their presence in the city, while watch and art auctions regularly achieve some of the highest prices in the region. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Mount-Nicholson.webp) Mount Nicholson is one of the most coveted, luxury residential enclaves in The Peak. For luxury brands seeking access to Chinese wealth, Hong Kong remains one of the most important gateways in Asia. ### Luxury Snapshot **Strength:** Collecting and finance **Residential Enclave:** The Peak at Hong Kong Island, enduringly one of Asia’s most expensive and prestigious neighborhoods. **Trophy Residence:** [Mount Nicholson](https://www.nanfung.com/en/property/hong-kong/mount-nicholson/) properties range from HK$400 million (Php3.1 billion) to HK$1.4 billion (Php10.8 billion). **Notable Trend:** Hong Kong remains one of the world’s leading auction markets and a critical bridge between Chinese and global capital. ## Riyadh ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Diriyah.webp) At-Turaif District in Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. ### Why It Matters Now: Few cities are investing more aggressively in luxury infrastructure than Riyadh. Driven by Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, Riyadh is rapidly expanding its cultural, hospitality, entertainment, and real-estate sectors. The city is investing heavily in museums, tourism projects, luxury developments, and lifestyle destinations designed to attract both capital and visitors. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Diriyah-Private-Residences.webp) Diriyah Private Residences. Unlike older luxury capitals that inherited their status over generations, Riyadh is attempting to build its influence within a single generation. The scale of investment is transforming not only the city itself but also the broader luxury landscape of the Middle East. ### Luxury Snapshot **Strength:** State-backed luxury development **Residential Enclave:** Diriyah **Trophy Residence:** Branded residences like [Raffles Residences Diriyah ](https://www.diriyahcompany.sa/en/diriyah-living/raffles)or [Armani Branded Residences](https://www.harrods.com/en-gb/c/stories/lifestyle/diriyah-armani-residence?srsltid=AfmBOorMPGnoS7rwJezot9N6Enozjgu3hO2qklAVWVLHtQ3SvB2P14xH) often start around $1.47 million, or approximately Php 90 million, while 5-bedroom villas in Al Yasmin or Al Narjis range between SAR 5 million to over 12 million, or Php 81 million to Php 194 million. **Notable Trend:** Hundreds of billions of dollars are being invested across hospitality, tourism, culture, and luxury infrastructure projects. ## Bangkok ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Wireless-Road.webp) Wireless Road in Bangkok. ### Why It Matters Now: Bangkok has become Asia’s capital of luxury hospitality, wellness, and lifestyle travel. Few cities have done more to redefine contemporary luxury hospitality. The city consistently attracts global attention through its hotel scene, destination dining, wellness programs, and branded residences. Properties such as Capella Bangkok, [Mandarin Oriental Bangkok](https://robbreport.ph/tag/mandarin-oriental-bangkok/ "mandarin oriental bangkok"), and [Four Seasons](https://robbreport.ph/tag/four-seasons/ "four seasons") Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River have helped position the city as a destination in its own right rather than merely a stopover. Now that luxury revolves around experiences rather than possessions, Bangkok has become one of the industry’s most influential laboratories. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/98-Wireless.webp) 98 Wireless. The city demonstrates how hospitality, wellness, and lifestyle can shape luxury as powerfully as finance or fashion. ### Luxury Snapshot **Strength:** Hospitality and wellness **Residential Enclave:** Wireless Road, or literally, “Radio Road”, gets its name from the historic Saladaeng Radiotelegraph Station, built in 1913 and one of Thailand’s earliest radio transmitter stations located on the prestigious 2.1km stretch. Wireless Road is also referred to as Bangkok’s “Billionaire’s Row”. **Trophy Residence:** [98 Wireless](https://www.superagent.co/en/blog/98-wireless-bangkok-review-of-the-citys-most-exclusive-address)‘ apartments fetch upwards of THB 400 million or Php 737.5 billion and up to Php 2 billion a square meter. **Notable Trend:** Bangkok has become one of Asia’s most important destinations for luxury hospitality and branded-residence investment. *Prices approximate.* **Categories:** Home & Design, Properties **Tags:** 98 Wireless, Abu Dhabi, Armani Branded Residences, bangkok, Bulgari Lighthouse Dubai, dubai, Eterno Cheongdam, Hong Kong, Les Maisons Nassim, Luxury Neighborhoods, Mount Nicholson, Nassim Quattro, Nobu Residences Abu Dhabi, Raffles Residences Diriyah, riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Seoul, singapore, south korea, The Peak --- ### [The Complete History of the A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 Watch](https://robbreport.ph/the-story-of/the-complete-history-of-the-lange-1-watch/) **Published:** June 22, 2026 **Author:** Oren Hartov **Content:** V.E. Day, May 8th, 1945. Germany has surrendered to the Allies. In the final chaotic hours of the War, Soviet fighter-bombers attack a retreating German column in Glashütte, destroying the factory of a local watchmaker, A. Lange & Söhne. Established by Ferdinand Adolph Lange in 1845, his eponymous business had lasted—spookily—exactly one-hundred years. Following Soviet occupation, the business was nationalized as Mechanik Lange & Söhne VEB in 1948 and later absorbed into Mechanik Glashütter Uhrenbetriebe (GUB) in 1951. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Lange-Workshop-Older.webp) A. Lange & Söhne manufacture prior to World War II. *Photo: A. Lange & Söhne* But for the dream of one man, that might’ve been the end of the Lange story. Walter Lange, born in Dresden in 1924, always hoped to take over ownership of his family’s business. However, in 1942 he was conscripted into the German military and badly injured on the Russian front in 1945. Arriving back in Glashütte in April of that year, he was cruelly witness to the destruction of the Lange *manufacture.* He fled his prescribed fate at the hands of the Russian occupation—that of a uranium miner—and found refuge in West Germany. Plans to start a new watch company using his family name there were unsuccessful. However, Walter Lange was a patient man. Following German reunification in 1990, he approached Hartmut Knothe, a Lange factory veteran, to reestablish his family business. Lange then brought in Günter Blümlein, head of [I.W.C.](https://robbreport.ph/tag/iwc/ "IWC") and [Jaeger-LeCoultre](https://robbreport.ph/tag/jaeger-lecoultre/ "jaeger-lecoultre"), and an old hand in Swiss watchmaking, to advise the new venture, secure funding, and help develop a fresh product line. A. Lange & Söhne was incorporated on December 7th, 1990—exactly 145 years to the day after Lange’s great-grandfather Ferdinand Adolph Lange established the company in 1845. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Lange-1994-four-watch-released.webp) From the 1994 re-launch of A. Lange & Söhne. The Lange 1 is on the left. *Photo: A. Lange & Söhne* In October of 1994, Lange, Blümlein, and watch seller and author Martin Huber debuted the first four new A. Lange & Söhne models to the world in the Royal Palace near the Semperoper opera house in Dresden. The location was significant: Three of the new models featured a novel, dual-disc “outsize date” complication inspired by the Five-Minute Clock in the Semperoper—a clock designed by master watchmaker Johann Christian Friedrich Gutkaes, Ferdinand Adolph Lange’s master. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/ALS_345_036_F_Lange_1_Perpetual_Calendar_2023.webp) Lange 1 Perpetual Calendar from 2023 maintains the dial layout of the original from 1994. *Photo: A. Lange & Söhne* These new models—the Saxonia dress watch, the Arkade rectangular ladies’ watch, the Lange 1, and the Tourbillon “Pour le Mérite”—quickly took the horological world by storm for their in-house movements, unique dial layouts, novel complications, and the expert-level finishing. But it was the Lange 1—a watch whose round, precious-metal case contained an oddly asymmetric dial arrangement—that came to define modern A. Lange & Söhne, rendering the marque synonymous with the very idea of *haute horlogerie* not only in Germany, but throughout the world. ## The Lange 1 Case A veteran of the German and Swiss watchmaking worlds, Günter Blümlein had a significant hand in the shaping of the Lange 1 into the icon it became almost immediately upon its 1994 debut. A stunning amalgam of historical influence and modern engineering, it is a model that has captured the imaginations of successive collectors—one whose carefully considered proportions, sumptuous precious-metal cases, and innovative dial design endear it to all who encounter it. Though its dial is perhaps its most striking attribute, its case is no less important. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Lange-1-Case-in-Yellow-Gold-Analog-Shift.webp) The case of the Lange 1. *Photo: Analog:Shift* Upon its debut, the Lange 1 reference 101.001 measured 38.5 mm in yellow gold and featured a solid case back—to be swapped for a sapphire case back within a year. The case itself is a work of art: Measuring just 9.8mm tall, it features a polished bezel and caseback ring combined with a brushed caseband, the net effect of which is not only contrast, but a visual slimming of the watch. The notched lugs are mirror-polished, curved, and beveled, providing further contrast and lending the entire assemblage a slight pocket watch inspiration. (This surface treatment also extends to the 10 o’clock date corrector.) ## The Lange 1 Dial Beneath a sapphire crystal is the Lange 1’s *pièce de résistance,* a dial whose asymmetric layout has since been oft imitated—but never equaled. What seems at first like willy-nilly playfulness is actually carefully ordered design inspired by the rule of thirds, a governing aesthetic principle of fine arts that subdivides a canvas or object into nine equal parts along two horizontal and two vertical lines. Using this rule, objects within the “canvas” are portrayed or located along the left- or right-hand third, leaving the other two thirds vacant. The pleasing visual effect in play—a similar effect to that achieved using the golden ratio—is a large part of what gives the Lange 1’s dial its timeless quality and beauty. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/The-Lange-1-Dial-Analog-Shift.webp) The Lange 1 dial *Photo: Analog:Shift* Look again at the Lange 1 dial while keeping the rule of thirds in mind: Though the dial is obviously circular rather than rectangular, each “object” therein—the main timekeeping dial, the outsize date, the sub-seconds counter—is situated along a farthest third of the dial real estate, leaving the remainder open for the other objects. If one were to then superimpose an equilateral triangle within the dial center with its base facing right, one would find that the triangle’s corners perfectly intersect the center of each object; the power reserve then emanates from the center of the triangle’s base, facing rightward, while text is left to the dial periphery. The result is a beautiful representation of the time in almost classical Grecian proportions, yet suffused with Teutonic strength. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Lange-Dial-with-Triangle.webp) From the center of the subdials and the date window, a perfect equilateral triangle is formed. *Photo: Analog:Shift* Every detail is considered, down to the dial typography—look closely and you’ll notice that the ampersand connecting “Lange” and “Söhne” features a flattened top to better meld with the dial curvature. This dial typography is also well weighted and conveys a sense of classicism mixed with more modern sensibilities. The outsize date complication, meanwhile, has come to define Lange’s aesthetic, but its positioning on the dial is equally important: Located at 1 o’clock, its window is proportioned according to the golden mean of 1.618 and is machined from the same metal as the watch case. The rotating discs of the “digital” display actually overlap beneath the dial and can be seen as the date changes over between 10 PM and 2:30 AM. ## The Lange 1 Movement After the dial, the feature of the Lange 1 that most impressed the horological world was certainly its masterfully conceived and finished movement, the Caliber L901.0. So designated due to its 1990 development date and its position as the first Lange 1 movement, it borrowed the gear train from sister brand Jaeger-LeCoutlre’s Caliber 822, albeit in heavily modified form. Details were taken from the pocket watches once made by A. Lange & Söhne before 1945 — chief among them was a silver three-quarter plate, gold chatons, blued screws, a hand-engraved balance cock, and Glashütte ribbing, a Teutonic take on Cötes de Genève. While the three-quarter plate obscures much of the movement components, its superb finishing nevertheless excites all who come in contact with it. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Lange-Movements.webp) The movement has varied slightly over the years, but the basic architecture remains in tact. *Photo: Analog:Shift* Speaking of which: On the very first Lange 1 models, those who *did* come in contact with the movement were largely watchmakers, as a solid caseback obscured it from view. Within a year, however, Lange began transitioning to sapphire casebacks in order to offer the owner a window into the magnificent world of the highly finished movement ticking away within. (One will take immediate note of the free-hand engraving work on the balance cock—such delicate work is part of the reason that the firm makes just 5,000 or so timepieces per year.) As regards chronometry, the Caliber L901.0 features 53 jewels, features a double barrel with 72 hours of power reserve, and beats at 3 Hz. ## The Impact of the Lange 1 Despite incredible hardship, Walter Lange never allowed the dream of reviving his family business to die. Over the course of his lifetime, he waited for the right opportunity, and pounced during the reunification of Germany in 1990. Günter Blümlein, in turn, poured his heart and soul into seeing Lange revived in most dramatic fashion, as did star watchmaker Kurt Klauss and several other significant horological personalities. Ultimately, the Lange 1 was so bold, so beautiful—so distinctly *German*—that it came to define the country’s modern watchmaking. Glashütte, once the national watchmaking capital, came roaring back to life in the 1990s due in no small part to Lange’s success. (NOMOS was likewise founded in 1990 and produced Bauhaus-inspired watches at a *very* different price point than Lange, but there’s little doubt that Lange’s explosion in popularity helped solidify Glashütte’s reputation as a modern horological haven, much as it was in the 19th century.) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Lange-1-Tourbillon-Watch.webp) Lange 1 with tourbillon It is said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery: Look around and you’ll find several copycat brands who have latched onto the Lange 1 design and attempted to market it as something unique. Alas, the brainchild of Blumlein, Klauss, and Lange himself remains a design treasure—a special amalgam of classical inspiration and contemporary savoir-faire. In the years since its 1994 debut, the Lange 1 has not only evolved but spouted a wide-reaching collection, with models that include moon-phase displays, second time zone displays, tourbillons, and even perpetual calendars. While the watch’s case size has increased or decreased to accommodate these different complications, the watch’s proportions have remained largely static over the past 30 years, leading to high recognizability and instant identification of any such watch as a Lange 1. ## 1997 Lange 1 Pink Gold/Black Dial Reference 101.031 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Lange-1-Pink-Gold.webp) *Photo: The Keystone* The first instance of pink gold in the Lange 1 collection, the reference 101.031 paired its striking precious-metal case to a black dial and featured a sapphire caseback. ## 1998 Lange 1A Reference 112.021 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Lange-1-Yellow-Gold-LE.webp) *Photo: European Watch Company* This 100-piece limited edition, produced to celebrate the establishment of a second building at the Lange manufacture, featured a stunning, engine-turned gold dial and a gold case. ## 1998 Lange 1 Stainless Steel Reference 101.026 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Lange-1-Stainless-Steel.webp) *Photo: Sotheby’s* While the Lange 1—much like the Patek Philippe Calatrava—is largely a precious-metal affair, certain examples were made in steel, and are highly coveted. ## 2000 Lange 1 Tourbillon ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Lange-1-Tourbillon-Analog-Shift.webp) The first tourbillon-equipped Lange 1 celebrated the coming of the new Millennium in 2000. 250 pieces were produced in rose gold and another 100 were made in platinum. ## 2002 Lange 1 Moonphase (Cal. L901.5) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Lange-1-Moon-Phase.webp) *Photo: Luxury Bazaar* Two years after the Tourbillon debuted, Lange released a Lange 1 with a moonphase display. Retaining the 38.5mm case, it placed the display within the sub-seconds dial. ## 2003 Grand Lange 1 (Cal. L901.0) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Lange-1-Grand-Lange.webp) *Photo: Hodinkee Shop* The Grand Lange 1 upsized the original Lange 1 case to 41.9mm in order to satisfy the desires of clients who wished for a larger timepiece. The size was reduced to 40.9mm in 2012. ## 2005 Lange 1 Timezone ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Lange-1-Timezone.webp) *Photo: Analog:Shift* Yet another complication was added to the mix in 2005 when Lange debuted the Lange 1 Timezone. The two time displays can be instantly swapped using a special pusher. ## 2010 Lange 1 Daytmatic ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Lange-1-Daymatic.webp) *Photo: Analog:Shift* The Daytmatic was the first automatic Lange 1. The dial layout is flipped, and one will notice the power reserve display has been swapped for a retrograde date display. ## 2012 Lange 1 Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Lange-Perpetual-Calendar.webp) *Photo: A Lange & Sohne* This Lange 1 take on the *quantieme perpetuel* doesn’t try to fit everything within the watch’s precious dial real estate — rather, the tourbillon must be viewed via the caseback. ## 2015 Lange 1 (Cal. L121.1) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Lange-1-New-Caliber.webp) *Photo: A Lange & Sohne* In 2015, Lange updated the movement in the Lange 1 with the Caliber L121.1, which offered a more modern free-sprung balance wheel, now located next to the crown. ## 2019 Lange 1 25th Anniversary Edition Reference 191.066 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Lange-1-25th-Anniversary-Edition.webp) *Photo: A Lange & Sohne* In celebration of 25 years of Lange 1, the *maison* offered an anniversary edition limited to 250 pieces with a solid,hinged caseback depicting the *manufacture* in Glashütte. ## 2024 Lange 1 30th Anniversary Editions References 191.062 and 191.063 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/lange-1-30th-anniversary-platinum-pink-gold-pair.webp) *Photo: A Lange & Sohne* A. Lange & Söhne marked the Lange 1’s 30th anniversary with platinum and black onyx and pink-gold and blue versions, each limited to 300 pieces. Matching Little Lange 1 editions, References 181.062 and 181.063, were limited to 150 pieces each. ## 2026 Lange 1 Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar “Lumen” Reference 720.035FE ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/lange-1-tourbillon-perpetual-calendar-lumen-glow.webp) 2026 Lange 1 Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar “Lumen” Reference 720.035FE Limited to 50 pieces, this platinum model combines a tourbillon and perpetual calendar with a semi-transparent sapphire dial that allows its displays to charge under UV light and glow in the dark. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Why is the A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 considered one of the most important modern watches? Introduced in 1994, the Lange 1 helped revive German watchmaking after reunification and established A. Lange & Söhne as one of the world’s leading haute horlogerie brands. Its asymmetric dial, outsize date, and meticulously finished movement have made it a modern icon. ### What inspired the design of the Lange 1? The Lange 1’s distinctive dial follows the rule of thirds, creating a balanced yet unconventional layout. Its signature outsize date was inspired by the historic Five-Minute Clock at Dresden’s Semperoper opera house, a landmark closely tied to the brand’s heritage. ### How has the Lange 1 evolved since its launch in 1994? Over the past three decades, the Lange 1 has expanded into a family of watches that includes moon-phase models, dual-time versions, tourbillons, perpetual calendars, and anniversary editions. Despite these additions, the collection has retained the proportions and design language that made the original famous. ### What movement powers the original A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1? The original model is powered by the manual-wind Caliber L901.0, featuring a 72-hour power reserve. It integrates traditional German elements like a three-quarter plate and hand-engraved balance cock. ### Are there any stainless steel versions of the Lange 1? Yes, highly rare stainless steel variants of the reference 101.026 were produced in limited quantities during the late 1990s. These pieces remain exceptionally coveted by vintage watch collectors worldwide. *With additional reporting by Bryle Suralta.* *A. Lange & Söhne boutiques in Asia [here](https://www.alange-soehne.com/eu-en/boutiques/asia).* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** The Story Of, Watches **Tags:** A. Lange & Sӧhne, Germany, Glachutte, perpetual calendar, Tourbillon --- ### [Road Test: The Mercedes-Benz VLE Is an Impressive Luxury Van That Leaves Room for Improvement](https://robbreport.ph/cars/road-test-the-mercedes-benz-vle-is-an-impressive-luxury-van-that-leaves-room-for-improvement/) **Published:** June 24, 2026 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** While [S.U.V.](https://robbreport.ph/tag/suv/ "suv")s have raced to the forefront of sales in recent years, they’re often lacking something in the luxury space. Sure, many utility vehicles offer no shortage of visual appeal and interior refinement, but many are awkward to climb into—and cramped once you do. [Mercedes-Benz](https://robbreport.ph/tag/mercedes-benz/ "mercedes benz") has decided it can do better by reinventing a completely different segment: the luxury van. Welcome to the new VLE, which Mercedes-Benz calls a “Grand Limousine.” Yes, that’s a somewhat aspirational label for what, on the surface, looks like a dressed-up, electric minivan, but this is actually a ground-up reinvention for the automaker’s biggest of haulers. It provide a unique and impressive experience for both the driver and passengers, but it’s not quite perfect. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2028-Mercedes-Benz-VLE-1.webp) The Mercedes-Benz VLE luxury van. *Photo: Mercedes-Benz* ## Design There’s no denying the VLE’s overwhelming van-ness. While its edges have been rounded off in the name of style and aerodynamics, it has a fundamentally pedestrian shape that many will struggle to get beyond when considering this as a truly luxury machine. Ponder it for another moment, though, and you’ll quickly start to warm up to the thing. The available 22-inch Monoblock wheels add some serious curb appeal, while the detailing around the grille and star-shaped headlights ensure you see the family connection to other models from the marque. The tapered rear end is also charming, especially the vertical fins and rear lighting elements that create a shape unlike anything else on the road. It really does look good from some angles, but there are some low points too. The visible gap for the door mechanism running across the rear fenders is unfortunate, especially since more basic minivans showcase clean surfaces there. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2028-Mercedes-Benz-VLE-2.webp) The VLE has a massive amount of cargo space, up to 152 cubic feet with the seats removed. *Photo: Mercedes-Benz* The inside is far more Mercedes, especially on the Exclusive Package trim that I spent most of my time both driving and being driven in. Up front, there’s a sweeping, triple-display MBUX Superscreen dashboard surrounded by your selection of material inlays. I liked the dark-brown birch wood on the Exclusive, but buyers will have their choice of materials, even carbon fiber if they’re feeling racy. Front seats are spacious and comfortable, with ample padding as well as heating and ventilation. Visibility is generally good, too, thanks to a high seating position. My only concern is that those seats don’t recline particularly far, a slight disappointment if you wanted to kick back while charging. All the more reason to check out the second row, which, in Europe at least, can be configured with either a three-seat bench or a pair of captain’s chairs. Our van was outfitted with the top-shelf Grand Comfort Seat setup, featuring a pair of second-row seats that feel like the business-class section on a narrow-body jet. That is to say, comfortable and well-appointed, but not particularly roomy. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2028-Mercedes-Benz-VLE-3.webp) Up front in the cabin, there’s a sweeping, triple-display MBUX Superscreen dashboard surrounded by your selection of material inlays. *Photo: Mercedes-Benz* The biggest challenge is getting into those seats. There are fixed armrests on both sides, which you need to climb up and over or awkwardly swing in front of. Neither leads to a particularly graceful entrance or exit, a bit of a concern given the hopes of these vans showing up on the red carpet. Once you’re in, you have full control over powered adjustment of the seats, either via Mercedes-Benz’s traditional door-mounted controls or via a small mobile device that clips into the back of the seat ahead. Through that controller, you can also adjust seat positions and activate other amenities, including deploying the VLE’s hallmark feature: the 31.3-inch 8K ultra-widescreen display that swings down from the ceiling. Here is where you can watch movies or play games. App selection is limited, really boiling down to Disney+ and YouTube, though an HDMI input mitigates that somewhat. Microsoft Teams is also built-in, along with a camera if you need to be seen from the rear seat. All media is played back through a 22-speaker Burmester 3D sound system with Dolby Atmos support, an [audio](https://robbreport.ph/tech/audio/ "Audio") system that is smart enough to tailor the sound output based on the number of passengers in the vehicle. Sound can also be manually configured to only play up front, if, say, someone was sleeping in the back, or only in the rear, if someone’s watching a movie that the driver doesn’t need to hear. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2028-Mercedes-Benz-VLE-4.webp) The interior’s hallmark feature is the 31.3-inch 8K ultra-widescreen display that swings down from the ceiling. *Photo: Mercedes-Benz* Second-row passengers have a few other niceties, like a spindly but surprisingly sturdy fold-out table, perfect for a laptop or tablet, plus a slide-out, refrigerated compartment for keeping the refreshments chilled. There is a third row as well, easily accessed by the second-row seats sliding and folding forward. I stand six feet tall and was impressed at the amount of headroom and legroom back there. It’s not nearly as comfortable a space as the front two rows, but perfectly acceptable for even longer rides. And, no surprise, the VLE has a massive amount of cargo space, up to 152 cubic feet with the seats removed, which should be plenty enough to help an average kid move into an average dorm room. With both rows up, there’s still 28 cubic feet behind the third row, which is enough for a foursome’s worth of golf bags. ## Power Train and Hardware ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2028-Mercedes-Benz-VLE-5.webp) The North American market may only receive a dual-motor, all-wheel drive VLE 400 4MATIC with 416 hp. *Photo: Mercedes-Benz* The VLE is available with either front- or all-wheel drive internationally, but it sounds like the North American market may only receive a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive VLE 400 4MATIC with 416 hp. Those motors are powered by a battery pack—situated in the van’s floor— with a usable capacity of 115 kWh, which Mercedes says is enough for up to 435 miles on the European WLTP testing cycle. Yet that’s a bit more lenient than the American EPA test cycle. While the VLE hasn’t been subjected to the latter yet, expect an EPA rating somewhere north of 350 miles. And that battery pack charges at a maximum rate of 300 kW, which Mercedes claims is enough to pick up about 200 miles of range in 15 minutes. The VLE rides on a custom air-suspension setup with bespoke rear shocks that ingeniously tuck in on either side of the rear motor to maintain the VLE’s flat floor and cargo space. The air setup enables the VLE to raise or lower itself by 40 mm (roughly 1.5 inches). But, where other big Benz luxury rigs go up or down in the name of ground clearance, the VLE is more about aerodynamics and ease of entry and exit. For tight maneuvers, the VLE’s rear wheels can turn opposite the front by up to seven degrees, giving this big van (10 inches longer than a GLS) the turning radius of a Honda Civic. At higher speeds, the rear wheels turn in line with those at the front, boosting stability. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2028-Mercedes-Benz-VLE-6_d898ce.webp) The VLE rides on a custom air-suspension with bespoke rear shocks that ingeniously tuck in on either side of the rear motor. *Photo: Mercedes-Benz* ## Performance To be honest, I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to first drive or be driven in the VLE, since this feels like a machine targeting the chauffeur lifestyle. But behind the wheel is where my day began, and I was immediately impressed. I’ve driven—and been driven—in enough liveried vans over the years to know that throwing a few reclining seats in a cargo van does not make for a luxurious ride. They tend to bounce over the smallest of asphalt imperfections. Not the VLE. It really does glide over speed bumps and tired roads with the sort of character you’d expect of a Mercedes-Benz. That’s partly thanks to the air suspension, but much of it can also be attributed to the new chassis design built around that integral battery pack, creating a stiff platform that’s quiet and smooth. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2028-Mercedes-Benz-VLE-8.webp) The VLE glides over speed bumps and tired roads with the sort of character you’d expect of a Mercedes-Benz. *Photo: Mercedes-Benz* Smoothness is definitely the VLE’s forte. Yes, you can dial it over to Sport mode if you like, and, in this setting, the VLE 400 is properly perky, leaping forward with just a modest flex of your right ankle. But go surging into a corner and this big van feels like exactly that. It’ll sling through the corners with no shortage of grip and composure, but doing so feels neither right nor rewarding. So, I put on my pretend white gloves, dial it back to Comfort, and really enjoy wafting around the streets of Bilbao, Spain, in this ultra-luxury van. The throttle and brake pedals have a long, relaxed travel, and the steering is equally slow, making for a machine that can be easily driven in a confident, calm way. That makes for an excellent passenger experience. Considering that the van has four climate zones, I was able to dial in my perfect temperature from the big second row, where the windows drop all the way down if you want to get some air. They can also be covered by powered blinds if you’d rather catch up on some sleep or perhaps enjoy entertainment on that 31-inch display. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2028-Mercedes-Benz-VLE-9.webp) Dial it over to Sport mode, and the VLE is properly perky, leaping forward with just a modest flex of your right ankle. *Photo: Mercedes-Benz* ## Is It Worth It? Questions of value are difficult to answer with [the VLE](https://www.mercedes-benz.com/en/vehicles/mercedes-benz/vle/) for a few reasons, the most troubling being that Mercedes-Benz hasn’t committed to a price for the thing yet. Beyond that, it’s hard to know exactly who this machine is for. Despite its handsome looks and detailing, it lacks a bit of the immediate curb appeal of some of Benz’s luxury-[S.U.V. ](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-10-best-midsize-luxury-suvs-to-buy-now/ "The 10 Best Midsize Luxury SUVs to Buy Now")options, but in terms of spaciousness and appointments, it has them all beat. Will the VLE kick off a new wave of tall, long Grand Limousines in the American market? Other brands have certainly seen success with this template in other geographic segments, particularly Asia, but I can’t say for sure that Americans are ready to follow suit. What I can say, though, is that the next time I get picked up at the airport, I’d be extremely glad to see my driver pull up in a VLE. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2028-Mercedes-Benz-VLE-7_be2076.webp) As for pricing of the VLE, Mercedes-Benz has yet to publicly commit to a figure. *Photo: Mercedes-Benz* ###### Specifications - Vehicle Type: electric luxury van - In Production Since: Will commence in 2027 - Power Train: The VLE 300 has a single motor delivering 272 hp; the VLE 400 4MATIC has a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup delivering 416 hp - Battery: 115 kW (usable) - Performance: The VLE 300 can cover zero to 60 mph in 9.5 seconds / top speed of 111 mph; the VLE 400 4MATIC dispatches zero to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds / top speed of 111 mph - Pricing: TBD ***[Click here to see the Mercedes-Benz VLE in photos.](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-mercedes-benz-vle-in-photos/)*** *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** Feature, mercedes benz, Review, VLE --- ### [The 10 Best Midsize Luxury SUVs to Buy Now](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-10-best-midsize-luxury-suvs-to-buy-now/) **Published:** October 6, 2025 **Author:** Bryan Hood **Content:** The SUV has reigned supreme in the U.S. since the turn of the century, and it’s easy to see why. Once defined by school bus-sized behemoths, the class has evolved to include vehicles that combine plush comfort, forward-thinking tech, and top-notch performance into a single convenient package. This is especially true of today’s midsize luxury SUVs, which might be the single most versatile vehicle segment out there. Nearly every premium marque, from Acura to Volvo, has at least one midsize SUV in its lineup going into 2026, each of which is packed with enough features and amenities to win over even the pickiest of drivers. Whether it be the [Porsche Cayenne](https://robbreport.ph/cars/porsche-cayennes-e-hybrid-is-more-nimble-than-ever/ "Porsche Cayenne’s E-Hybrid is More Nimble than Ever") or the Lincoln Nautilus these models sport attractive designs, boast plenty of room, and offer more utility than you usually get from a luxury vehicle. What more could you want? ## Best Overall: Porsche Cayenne ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/best-midsize-suv-porsche-cayenne.webp) *Porsche* SUVs may be the go-to vehicle for families, but there’s no reason they can’t be fun. Or extremely fun in the case of Porsche’s first entry in the class, the Cayenne. Because of the German marque’s position as one of the world’s leading sports car makers, the vehicle was met with plenty of skepticism when it debuted in 2002. More than two decades later, it has more than established itself as a vehicle that delivers the same kind of performance as the 911, only with more space and cargo room. The most powerful version of the model is the Turbo E Hybrid (which starts at $162,500), which has an electrified 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 that produces 728 horses, enabling it to sprint from zero to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds. An all-electric version is expected to be added to the lineup soon, too. **In production since:** 2002 **Top powertrain option:** 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 with an electric motor (Turbo E-Hybrid) **Power:** 729 hp and 700 ft lbs of torque. **Zero to 60 mph:** 3.1 seconds **Top speed:** 190 mph **Starting Price:** $88,800 ## Best Substance Over Style: Audi Q8 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/best-midsize-suv-audi-q8.webp) *Audi* The Audi Q8, like so many of the marque’s vehicles, doesn’t make the heart race. Sure, the three-row SUV looks sportier than the Q7, but its look, both inside and out, is anything but memorable. What it does deliver, though, is one of the more enjoyable driving experiences you’ll find in the class. A big part of this is due to the turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 that lurks under the hood of the top-of-the-line RS Q8 ($138,300). That 631-hp mill is powerful enough to launch the vehicle from zero to 60 mph in under four seconds and to a top speed of 174 mph when equipped with the RS Dynamic package. **In production since:** 2018 **Top powertrain option:** Turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 (RS) **Power:** 631 hp and 627 ft lbs of torque. **Zero to 60 mph:** 3.4 seconds **Top speed:** 174 mph **Starting Price:** $75,600 ## Best Sports Car Alternative: BMW X5 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/best-midsize-suv-bmw-x5.webp) *BMW* The BMW X5 may be one of the older SUVs you’ll find on this list, but it doesn’t feel dated, even if its most recent generation debuted last decade. Instead, the design still looks sharp—especially when compared to the warthog-like XM—and the interior feels just as premium as you’d hope. The big story here, though, is the performance. The top-of-the-line X5 M Competition ($92,600) has a hybrid-assisted twin-turbocharged V-8 that pumps out over 600 horses. This version of the SUV doesn’t move like a sports car, but it’s about as close as you’ll come to one in this class. **In production since:** 1999 **Top powertrain option:** 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 with a mild-hybrid system (M Competition) **Power:** 617 hp and 553 ft lbs of torque. **Zero to 60 mph:** 3.7 seconds **Top speed:** 177 mph **Starting Price:** $67,600 ## Best Electric Option: Cadillac Lyriq ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/best-midsize-suv-cadillac-lyriq.webp) *Cadillac* Today’s Cadillac isn’t exactly at the vanguard of style, but there’s no denying that its debut EV, the Lyriq, is a sharp-looking vehicle. The first battery-powered Caddy looks thoroughly modern, especially its illuminated front fascia. The interior has a strong premium look and is extra quiet thanks to the lack of a gas-guzzling mill up front. Speaking of that, the SUV’s powertrain produces 615 hp in the new dual-motor, all-wheel-drive V-Series variant ($78,595). Thanks to that, the EV can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds, making it the quickest vehicle the marque has ever built. Range, meanwhile, tops 325 miles in the less powerful versions and comes out to 285 miles in the most potent model. **In production since:** 2022 **Top powertrain option:** Dual-motor electric powertrain (V-Series AWD) **Power:** 500 hp and 650 ft lbs of torque **Zero to 60 mph:** 3.3 seconds **Top speed:** 130mph **Range:** 326 miles **Starting Price:** $60,690 ## Best for Cushy Comfort: Genesis GV80 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/best-midsize-suv-genesis-gv80.webp) *Genesis* Genesis may not have the same name recognition as some of the other brands on this list, but it has repeatedly proven itself to be one of the more interesting luxury marques out there. The refreshed GV80 will only add to this well-earned reputation because it looks and feels like something that should cost significantly more than it does. It has a sleek design, with a more intricate grille as of the last model year, that looks at once sporty and sophisticated, while its ultra-plush interior is as elegant as they come—and now available with a small third row. It’s hard to pick a favorite cabin feature, but ours would be the dashboard’s 27-inch OLED display that includes both the instrument gauge and infotainment system. **In production since:** 2021 **Top powertrain option:** 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 (3.5T) **Power:** 375 hp and 391 ft lbs of torque. **Zero to 60 mph:** 5.7 seconds **Top speed:** 150 mph **Starting Price:** $57,700 ## Best Makeover: Infiniti QX60 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/best-midsize-suv-infiniti-qx60.webp) *Infiniti* Infiniti’s second-generation QX60, which debuted in 2022, more than delivers on the style front. The Japanese marque’s latest midsize SUV looks so much better than its predecessor and has a smooth, graceful shape with just the right amount of flair. The interior is maybe a little too understated, but looks both modern and sophisticated, something that you can’t always say about the brand’s vehicles. It’s also now available with three rows. But while the QX60 looks as good as any of the other entries on this list, it struggles to keep up from a performance standpoint. A 3.5-liter V-6 that already couldn’t muster 300 hp, has been jettisoned for a inline-four that’s even less potent. It does offer all-wheel drive as an option, though. **In production since:** 2017 **Top powertrain option:** 2.0-liter inline-four **Power:** 268 hp and 286 ft lbs of torque. **Zero to 60 mph:** 7.5 seconds **Top speed:** 120 mph **Starting Price:** $53,200 ## Most Capable: Land Rover Defender 110 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/octa.webp) *Land Rover* There seems to be a Land Rover Defender for everyone. The 110 is the pick for those in the market for a midsize SUV. Its wheelbase is 20 inches longer than the 90, and 20 inches shorter than that of the hulking 130. The company’s designers have put the extra room to good use. This Defender 110 features a comfortable cabin with enough room for an optional third row of seats. It’s also the most capable version of the nameplate in its range-topping Octa ($158,300) guise. This variant comes with a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 that produces 626 hp, comfortably making it the most powerful Defender of all time. **In production since:** 1983 **Top powertrain option:** 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 (Octa) **Power:** 626 hp and 553 ft lbs of torque **Zero to 62 mph:** 4.0 seconds **Top speed:** 155 mph **Starting Price:** $63,500 ## Best for Smooth Rides: Lincoln Nautilus ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/best-midsize-suv-lincoln-nautilus.webp) *Lincoln* There may not be a vehicle on this list more surprising than the Lincoln Nautilus. Easy to write off at launch because of its generic looks, the company’s other midsize SUV has come into its own since its second generation launched in 2024. The SUV, which is built in Hangzhou, China, features a sleek look and a spiffy cabin equipped with a dashboard-spanning 48-inch display up front. It’s far from the most powerful SUV out there, but the range-topping Black Label variant ($77,130) is available with a hybrid-assisted 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four that makes 285 hp and 295 ft lbs of torque. The best thing about this setup is that the added electric power feels seamless, something that can’t be said for all of its peers. **In production since:** 2018 **Top powertrain option:** 4.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with hybrid assist (Black Label) **Power:** 285 hp and 295 ft lbs of torque **Zero to 60 mph:** 6.6 seconds **Top speed:** 126 mph **Starting Price:** $53,995 ## Best for Families: Mercedes-Benz GLE Class ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/best-midsize-suv-mercedes-benz-gle.webp) *Mercedes-Benz* The [Mercedes-Benz](https://www.mercedes-benz.ph/plug-in-hybrids/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=search&utm_campaign=HVO25-CE12-conversion-13May25&utm_content=phev_branded_29May25&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22557710770&gbraid=0AAAAA-DlVD9UNuLQD7lO9ht0dxTxuTjvB&gclid=Cj0KCQjwrojHBhDdARIsAJdEJ_dn1MjydDDOmRzFiSi328B427D-6gpVe5aeZUOQw-JBTFepRp7OlS0aAqfzEALw_wcB) GLE Class may not have the cache of the bigger and boxier G-Wagen, but it remains one of the better all-around SUVs you can buy. Its smooth exterior is starting to feel a bit dated—it debuted in 2018—despite some subtle tweaks, but it will still turn heads on your daily commute. The tech-packed interior is opulent and spacious, and has the option of three rows (making it perfect for families, even if the last row is a bit cramped). It also delivers typically strong performance, especially if you opt for the AMG GLE 63 S 4MATIC+ ($131,800). The high-performance variant features a hybrid-assisted twin-turbocharged V-8 that pumps out over 600 horses and will push the vehicle to a top speed of 174 mph. **In production since:** 1997 **Top powertrain option:** Twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 with hybrid assist (AMG GLE63 S 4MATIC+) **Power:** 603 hp and 627 ft lbs of torque **Zero to 60 mph:** 3.7 seconds **Top speed:** 174 mph **Starting Price:** $64,750 ## Most Versatile: Volvo XC90 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/best-midsize-suv-volvo-xc90.webp) *Volvo* The second-generation Volvo XC90 is getting a bit long in the tooth having debuted in 2015, but it’s not hard to see why the Swedish automaker isn’t in a rush to change things up. The XC90—which the automaker refers to as “large” despite it clearly being midsize—offers everything you could want from the sub-class, including a sharp exterior, comfortable interior, and 85.7 cubic feet of cargo room. It also comes with two different powertrain options, the most potent of which is a plug-in hybrid 2.0-liter inline-four, found in PHEV ($77,495), that makes over 450 hp. Whatever you want from an SUV, the XC90 can do it. **In production since:** 2002 **Top powertrain option:** 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with a plug-in hybrid system (PHEV) **Power:** 455 hp and 523 ft lbs of torque. **Zero to 60 mph:** 5.8 seconds **Top speed:** 112 mph **Starting Price:** $62,345 *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** Audi, bmw, cadillac, genesis, Land Rover, porsche, suv, Volvo --- ### [Cristiano Ronaldo Is the Highest-Paid Athlete in the World: Report](https://robbreport.ph/leisure/sports/cristiano-ronaldo-is-the-highest-paid-athlete-in-the-world-report/) **Published:** June 24, 2026 **Author:** Jeremy Repanich **Content:** Lionel Messi may have more Ballon d’Or victories than [Cristiano Ronaldo](https://robbreport.ph/tag/cristiano-ronaldo/ "cristiano ronaldo") as world player of the year, but the Portuguese star remains the champion at the bank. For the fourth consecutive year—and the sixth time out of the last 11—Cristiano Ronaldo has topped [*Forbes’s* annual list](https://www.forbes.com/lists/athletes/) of the world’s highest-paid athletes. And his $300 million haul the last 12 months is bigger than ever before. Of course, a huge chunk of those earnings come from playing in the Saudi league for Al-Nassr, which paid the 41-year-old star $235 million last season, while he earned an additional $65 million off the pitch as pitchman for numerous brands including Binance, Nike, and Perplexity. Additionally, he’s an investor in a tech subsidiary of Herbalife, which he plowed $7.5 million into last year. He also has [a pretty impressive property portfolio](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/homes/inside-the-property-portfolios-of-the-worlds-biggest-soccer-stars/ "Inside the Property Portfolios of the World’s Biggest Soccer Stars"), too. The athlete who rose to second place in the rankings was also Saudi-aligned. Boxer Canelo Alvarez inked a deal to fight in [Saudi Arabia](https://robbreport.ph/tag/saudi-arabia/ "Saudi Arabia") in Riyadh and then fought again in Las Vegas later in the year, drawing the largest crowd to a match in Sin City history. His earnings from inside the squared-circle totaled $160 million, while his business ventures and endorsement deals grossed the 35-year-old fighter $10 million outside of the ring. Rounding out the top three is Ronaldo’s longtime rival [Lionel Messi](https://robbreport.ph/tag/lionel-messi/ "lionel messi"), who brought home $140 million the past year, splitting those earnings evenly between on-the-pitch and off-field activities. The 38-year-old living legend plies his trade for Miami FC and hopes to lead Argentina to a repeat as World Cup champion in 2026. The first American athlete on *Forbes’s* list comes in at No. 4, with LeBron James making $137.8 million, with a majority of that coming from off-court earnings. Below him is a fellow L.A. athlete, the Dodgers’s Shohei Ohtani, followed by Golden State Warrior Stephen Curry, Spanish golfer Jon Rahm, French soccer star Karim Benzema, Houston Rocket Kevin Durant, and F1 legend [Lewis Hamilton](https://robbreport.ph/tag/lewis-hamilton/ "lewis hamilton") rounding out the top 10. While Ronaldo is one of the oldest athletes on this list, he’s still going strong and will likely top it again in 2027 for a fifth consecutive year. But we’re pretty sure he trade a lot of this wealth to hoist the World Cup trophy this summer. ## The 10 Highest Paid Athletes in the World 2026 1. Cristiano Ronaldo, Soccer, Portugal : $300 million 2. Canelo Alvarez, Boxing, Mexico: $170 million 3. Lionel Messi, Soccer, Argentina: $140 million 4. LeBron James, Basketball, U.S.A.: $137.8 million 5. Shohei Ohtani, Baseball, Japan: $127.6 million 6. Stephen Curry, Basketball, U.S.A.: $124.7 million 7. Jon Rahm, Golf, Spain: $107 million 8. Karim Benzema, Soccer, France: $104 million 9. Kevin Durant, Baskeball, U.S.A.: $103.8 million 10. Lewis Hamilton, Formula 1, U.K.: $100 million *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Sports **Tags:** cristiano ronaldo --- ### [The 10 Best Watches at the World Cup (So Far)](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-10-best-watches-at-the-world-cup-so-far/) **Published:** June 24, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** This year’s FIFA World Cup has already seen some incredible moments, from Lionel Messi tying the all-time goals record with a thrilling hat trick to Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane each securing a brace in their openers. There have been some dazzling moments off the pitch, too, with the top players and A-list spectators alike showing off their finest timepieces at games across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Pro athletes and luxury watches go hand in hand, so it is not exactly surprising to see some of the hottest new releases at the Cup. Messi busted out Rolex’s latest Day-Date and Harry Kane flexed Patek’s new anniversary Nautilus, for example. Both pieces were only unveiled at [Watches and Wonders](https://robbreport.ph/watches/day-one-at-watches-and-wonders-2026/ "Day One at Watches and Wonders 2026") in April. Celebs have also been pulling out all the horological stops, with Jay-Z and Travis Scott strapping on rare Audemars Piguets and Michael Bublé in a coveted Rolex Daytona. Below are the best watches we’ve spotted at the 2026 FIFA World Cup (so far). ## Harry Kane: Patek Philippe Nautilus ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/harry-kane-patek-philippe-nautilus.webp) *Photo: Sebastian Frej/Getty, Patek Philippe* Before scoring a pair against Croatia, English striker Harry Kane showed off the newest [Patek Philippe Nautilus](https://www.patek.com/en/collection/nautilus/5610-1p-001). Released at Watches and Wonders in April to mark the 50th anniversary of the iconic model, the piece features the porthole-shaped case, rounded octagonal bezel, and horizontally embossed blue dial collectors have come to know and love, but, crucially, no date window. It is offered in both [white gold ($93,774) and platinum ($112,529)](https://robbreport.ph/the-story-of/patek-philippe-nautilus-exhibition-museum-geneva/ "At the Patek Philippe Museum, the Nautilus Gets the Retrospective It Deserves"), with the latter showcasing the signature diamond at 9 o’clock. We can’t tell exactly which one Kane is wearing, but it appears to be the platinum, which is certainly befitting of a captain. ## Neymar: Rolex Lady-Datejust ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/neymar-rolex-lady-datejust.webp) *Photo: Marc Atkins/Getty, Rolex* Neymar may have had to watch Brazil’s first match from the sidelines due to injury, but he did so in style with a blingy [Rolex Lady-Datejust](https://www.rolex.com/en-us/watches/lady-datejust/m279458rbr-0001) on his wrist. Released at Watches and Wonders in 2021, the small but striking yellow-gold piece features some 931 brilliant-cut diamonds across the 28 mm case, bracelet, and dial with black Roman numerals creating a punchy contrast to all that ice. You can pick one up for $181,700. ## Kylian Mbappe: Hublot Big Bang Original Seddiqi Edition ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/kylian-mbappe-hublot-big-bang-original-seddiqi-edition.webp) *Photo: Hannah Peters – FIFA/FIFA via Getty, Hublot* Before breaking France’s all-time goalscoring record in his game against Senegal, Kylian Mbappe was spotted in a sleek Hublot Big Bang. The watch is one of two limited editions the Swiss maison released at Dubai Watch Week in 2025 in honor of Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, the family-owned luxury watch retailer that founded the event in 2015. Both feature dials with Arabic numerals and self-winding movements with solid-gold oscillating weights engraved with a special Seddiqi logo. One is crafted in full black ceramic, the other is made of titanium. Mbappe opted for the titanium, which was originally limited to 25 examples and priced at $25,200. ## Lionel Messi: Rolex Day-Date ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/lionel-messi-rolex-day-date.webp) *Photo: Charlotte Wilson/Getty, Rolex* Argentine superstar Lionel Messi flexed one of the [hottest new Rollies](https://robbreport.ph/watches/here-is-every-new-rolex-released-at-watches-and-wonders-2/ "Here Is Every New Rolex Released at Watches and Wonders") before notching three goals against Algeria and tying Germany’s Miroslav Klose for the World Cup’s all-time goal-scoring record. Released at Watches and Wonders earlier this year, the [Day-Date](https://www.rolex.com/en-us/watches/day-date/m228235jg-0003) (Ref. 228235JG) in question features a new type of “Jubilee Gold” on the 41 mm case, bezel, and bracelet, along with an [aventurine dial](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-15-coolest-watches-with-green-dials-to-buy-now/ "The 15 Coolest Watches With Green Dials to Buy Now"). The Crown began experimenting with this stone in the 1970s and revisited it in 2023, but this time it is presented in an elegant pale green. The piece is priced at $65,700. ## Travis Scott: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/travis-scott-audemars-piguet-royal-oak-perpetual-calendar-cactus-jack.webp) *Photo: Jean Catuffe/Getty, Audemars Piguet* Travis Scott showed off his own creation at the game between Brazil and Morocco, wearing the watch he dropped with Audemars Piguet in 2023. The [Royal Oak](https://robbreport.ph/tag/royal-oak/ "royal oak"), or the “chocolate AP” as Scott calls it in his hit single “Meltdown,” features several nods to his brand Cactus Jack. The 41 mm case is made of a “chocolate brown” ceramic inspired by one of the label’s signature hues, while the dial is adorned with the brand’s logo and smiley-face motif. It was originally limited to 200 pieces and priced at $201,000. In addition to the regular production model, Scott and AP made a custom piece featuring a rose-gold bezel set with a rainbow of gemstones. ## Cristiano Ronaldo: Patek Philippe Nautilus Haute Joaillerie ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/cristiano-ronaldo-patek-philippe-nautilus-haute-joaillerie.webp) *Photo: Michael Regan – FIFA/FIFA via Getty, Patek Philippe* Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo may not have shone quite as brightly as expected in the match against DR Congo, but he was certainly sparkling before kick-off with an iced-out [Patek Philippe](https://www.patek.com/en/collection/nautilus/5811-1460g-001) on his wrist. Released at Watches and Wonders in 2025, the high-jewelry timepiece (Ref. 5811/1460G-001) is set with 195 baguette-cut diamonds totaling 13.27 carats and 1,285 brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 6.43 carats. Pretty much every part of the white-gold case, bezel, bracelet, and dial is covered with stones, resulting in a hefty retail price of $721,986. ## Jay-Z: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/jay-z-audemars-piguet-royal-oak-perpetual-calendar-.webp) *Photo: Ezra Shaw – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images, Phillips* Jay-Z casually flexed one of the rarest APs ever made at the game between Ivory Coast and Ecuador. Released in 1997, the limited-edition Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar (Ref. 25829TP) is made from a rare combination of tantalum and platinum, resulting in a distinctive two-tone finish. The open-worked dial is equally stunning, showing the day, date, month, leap year cycle, and moon phase. Just 16 pieces were originally released, with examples selling for over $250,000 at [auction](https://www.phillips.com/detail/audemars-piguet/CH080222/33) and on sites like Chrono24. ## Michael Bublé: Rolex Daytona ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/michael-buble-rolex-daytona.webp) *Photo: Image Photo Agency/Getty, Rolex* Michael Bublé has many a rare Rolex in his collection, but strapped on a platinum Daytona to perform before the Canada vs. Bosnia match. It appears to be the Ref. 116506 that the Crown unveiled at Baselworld 2013 to celebrate 50 years of the iconic chrono. The 40 mm piece features an ice-blue dial with three chestnut-brown subdials and a matching brown Cerachrom bezel with a tachymetric scale. It was officially discontinued in March 2023 and replaced by the updated [Ref. 126506](https://www.rolex.com/en-gb/watches/cosmograph-daytona/m126506-0001) (pictured). Bublé could be wearing the modern successor, but we know he loves a rare Daytona. The Ref. 116506 sells for around $100,000 on the secondary market, while the Ref. 126506 retails for $84,600. ## Rob Lowe: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Split-Seconds Chronograph GMT Large Date ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/rob-lowe-audemars-piguet-royal-oak-concept-split-seconds-chronograph-gmt-large-date.webp) *Photo: Matt Winkelmeyer – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images, Audemars Piguet* Rob Lowe went big for the game between the U.S. and Paraguay, sporting the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Split-Seconds Chronograph GMT Large Date. It’s a mouthful, we know. Released in 2023, the 43 mm [titanium timepiece](https://www.audemarspiguet.com/com/en/watch-collection/royal-oak-concept/26650TI.OO.D013CA.01.html) isn’t just big in size but in complications, featuring an exceptional automatic rattrapante chronograph (Calibre 4407) with the date and 24-hour GMT functions. All of which is on show thanks to the open-worked dial. It was originally priced at 170,000 Swiss francs. ## Maluma: Rolex Yacht-Master 40 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/maluma-rolex-yacht-master.webp) *Photo: Hector Vivas – FIFA/FIFA via Getty, Rolex* There was no missing Maluma as he cheered on Colombia against Uzbekistan with a striking Rolex Yacht-Master 40 (Ref. 116695SATS) on his wrist. Released in 2017, the pink-gold piece, fittingly nicknamed the “Tutti Frutti,” features a pavé diamond dial and a bezel set with a colorful assortment of trapeze-cut precious stones. You can expect to pay upward of $100,000 for one on the secondary market. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** audemars piguet, cristiano ronaldo, fifa, football, futbol, hublot, Jay-Z, Kylian Mbappe, michael buble, Neymar, rob lowe, rolex, Watches of the Week, world cup --- ### [The 25 Fastest Cars in the World, Ranked](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-25-fastest-cars-in-the-world-ranked/) **Published:** October 3, 2025 **Author:** Erik Shilling **Content:** The first production vehicle to crack 200 mph was the Ferrari F40. The year was 1987; immediately after that Italian stallion’s speedometer registered 201, the race to enter the 300 mph club began. In 2019, amid fervent competition between [Koenigsegg](https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/koenigsegg-gemera-four-seater-supercar-2903010/), [Hennessey](https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/video-hennessey-venom-f5-begins-aero-testing-1234608903/), and Bugatti, the Chiron Super Sport bested the others by a horseshoe nose, achieving a staggering 304.7 mph. In early 2020, a bevy of new hypercars was announced—[several promising at least 300 mph](https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/modified-bugatti-chiron-304-mph-2867212/). Then, in 2021, SSC North America turned a claim into reality, cementing the SSC Tuatara’s spot among the fastest ever. Meanwhile, a relatively new name, innovative Czinger Vehicles, and long-standing icon Gordon Murray have both gained momentum. And, of course, Bugatti and Koenigsegg are busy being Bugatti and Koenigsegg. So, we’re updating our list of the fastest cars in the world to show more wheeled lightning. For 2024, there’s a new number one in the race to go fastest. The competition also might be less relevant than ever, but that doesn’t make it any less serious for those vying for the title. (Three notes: our sole criterion is top speed, our floor for consideration is at least 218 mph, and unproven manufacturer claims are noted.) ## 25. Aston Martin One-77 — 220 MPH ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Courtesy-of-Aston-Martin-Lagonda-Global-Holdings-PLC.webp) *Courtesy of Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings PLC.* This limited-edition coupe from Aston Martin was capped at 77 units, though after an accident in Asia, only 76 examples remain. Beneath the long hood lies a 7.3-liter V-12 from Cosworth, good for 750 hp and 553 ft lbs of twist. That propels the aluminum-and-carbon-fiber chassis from a dead stop to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. A series of tests by Aston showed that its steed was capable of 220 mph back in 2009. ## 24. Lamborghini Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae — 221 MPH ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Diego-Vigarani-courtesy-of-Automobili-Lamborghini-SpA.webp) *Diego Vigarani, courtesy of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.* As the “Ultimae” moniker denotes, Lamborghini’s latest Aventador represents the pinnacle performance variant of an impressive supercar chassis that first debuted back in 2011. The original’s naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V-12 has transformed over the years, however, and now produces up to 769 hp and 531 ft lbs of torque—as compared to the 690 hp and 509 ft lbs of torque from the LP 700-4 of 2011. With a more subtle exterior (at least for Lamborghini) that eschews much of the aggressive aerodynamics seen on the more track-focused SVJ, the Ultimae also retains all-wheel drive and an incredibly outdated single-clutch automated seven-speed transmission. That said, it still manages a zero-to-60 mph time of 2.8 seconds on the way to a 221 mph top speed. The supercapacitor-hybrid Sian pumps out more power overall and Lamborghini has announced further plans to transition quickly toward fully electric supercars, but the Ultimae will reign as the most powerful, purely internal-combustion Aventador ever built. This year, the next generation of Raging Bulls should debut with an all-new V-12 complemented by electric motors. ## 23. Gordon Murray Automotive T.50 — 230 MPH (Claimed) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Gordon-Murray-Automotive.webp) *Gordon Murray Automotive* Gordon Murray served as designer of the McLaren F1, which set new standards for performance with a world-beating top-speed run of 240.1 mph in 1998. This was thanks to the BMW-sourced V-12 and advanced-for-the-time carbon-fiber construction. More recently, Murray founded his own eponymous marque and penned the svelte T.50 using the same recipe of a lightweight body and a naturally aspirated 12-cylinder mill. This time around, the engine was built by Cosworth to displace 4.0 liters and produce 654 hp and 344 ft lbs of torque on the way to a screaming redline of 12,100 rpm. Murray claims the T.50 can hit a top speed of 230 mph, a bit shy of the F1’s original record. But then the T.50 has a lower-displacement power plant, a curb weight of only 2,174 pounds and significant improvements in downforce made possible by a 15.7-inch fan that effectively sucks the chassis toward the ground. ## 22. Pagani Huayra — 238 MPH ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Pagani.webp) Pagani The successor to the game-changing Zonda, the Huayra comes from Italian speed master Horacio Pagani and is named after Huayra-tata, a Quechua wind god—fitting, considering the 720 hp coming from a twin-turbocharged Mercedes-AMG V-12. A seven-speed single-clutch gearbox puts down the power while delivering chunky, whiplash-inducing shifts, allowing you to scream from zero to 60 mph in a mere 2.8 seconds. ## 21. Pagani Huayra BC Roadster — 240 MPH (Estimated) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Pagani-Huayra.webp) Pagani The “BC” in the moniker of this entry is an homage to Benny Caiola, an Italian-born businessman who became a New York real estate titan. Caiola bought the first Zonda off Horatio Pagani himself, subsequently becoming a dear friend. This iteration of the open-top Huayra launched in 2019, after Pagani left the Geneva International Motor Show with five unsolicited deposits for a more aggressive version of the Huayra Roadster. The resulting machine features a new Mercedes-AMG twin-turbo V-12, tweaked to be about seven percent more powerful than the coupe version of the BC. The 791 hp output should be more than ample to rocket the $3.5 million open-top hypercar to 240 mph. ## 20. McLaren F1 — 240.1 MPH ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/McLaren-F1.webp) McLaren The iconic three-seater from McLaren was a revolutionary model from the brilliant mind of designer Gordon Murray. Built in 1993, it was the first carbon-fiber-bodied production car ever built, and featured a 6.1-liter V-12 from BMW that was good for 618 hp and 479 ft lbs of torque. For the then-expensive, now-bargain price of £500,000, you were rewarded with blistering speed: zero to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds and zero to 100 mph required just 6.3 seconds. These are simply mental performance figures, especially when you factor in that the engine is naturally aspirated. It officially set the world speed record back in 1998, and the 240.1 mph run remained top dog until 2005, when the Koenigsegg CCR bested it by all of 1 mph. ## 19. Saleen S7 Twin Turbo — 248 MPH ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Bring-a-Trailer-Saleen-S7.webp) Bring a Trailer Steve Saleen set out to build a Bugatti Veyron challenger, and this street-legal race car was the result. One of the first American mid-engined performance machines ever crafted, the Saleen S7 was 100 percent hand-built. A heavily-tweaked 7.0-liter twin-turbo Ford 351 Windsor Small Block gets bored and stroked, bestowing the handsome coupe with 750 hp. ## 18. Koenigsegg CCXR — 249 MPH ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/ccxr.webp) Courtesy of Koenigsegg Automotive AB The CCXR uses the same 4.7-liter twin-turbo V-8 mill as the CCX, but the Swedish company modded the power plant to run on E85 race gas, which shot the power from 795 hp up into the four-figure range—1,004 hp to be exact. Given the CCXR’s upgraded aerodynamics package and engine, it would be interesting to see how it performs in a proper top-speed run that’s in a straight line and not on a circular track (which is how the Koenigsegg CCR ran). ## 17. Koenigsegg Gemera — 249 MPH (Claimed) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/gemera05.webp) Courtesy of Koenigsegg Automotive AB The second hypercar from the Swedish automotive wizards to grace our list is referred to as a “mega GT” by founder Christian von Koenigsegg. That’s because it’s packing 1,700 hp, 2,581 ft lbs of torque and has four seats, each of which was designed to hold an actual human. (Thoughtfully, there’s room for the storage of one carry-on suitcase per passenger.) The sprint to 60 mph is over in 1.9 seconds—faster than you can read this sentence. ## 16. Tesla Roadster — 250+ MPH (Claimed) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/8-9.webp) Courtesy of Tesla Elon Musk launched Tesla with a coupe, so this electric Roadster is a fitting return to his roots. Only he’s turned everything up to 11. Tesla claims its 200 kwh battery pack will provide up to 620 miles of range, while a trio of motors will propel the $200,000-plus four-seat supercar to 60 mph in 1.9 seconds. With that quickness, the quarter-mile is in your rearview in just 8.8 seconds. ## 15. Aston Martin Valkyrie — 250 MPH (Claimed) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/valkyrietesting01.webp) Supercars All Day/YouTube When engineers from Aston Martin and Red Bull Racing put their heads together, the world benefits. The Valkyrie, or AM-RB 001 as it was known in development, is a fantastically wild-looking hypercar. Behind your seat, a 6.5-liter Cosworth V-12 churns out 1,160 hp, more than enough to compress your innards during the 2.3 seconds it takes to hammer to 60 mph. ## 14. McLaren Speedtail — 250 MPH ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/9835-McLarenSpeedtail-e1715198553264.webp) McLaren The rear-wheel-drive Speedtail employs a hybrid system good for 1,035 hp, and its sleek shape and lightweight carbon-fiber construction is tailor-made for its top speed of 250 mph. McLaren claims it’ll take only 12.8 seconds to go from a dead stop to 186 mph, which is an eye-watering stat. ## 13. Czinger 21C V Max—253 MPH (Claimed) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/13-2.webp) Denise Truscello/Getty Images for Wynn Las Vegas American hypercar start-up Czinger Vehicles aims to completely revolutionize the automotive industry by introducing the sustainable use of 3-D printing and AI-assisted designs in mass production. Along the way to mainstream adoption, Czinger plans to produce world-beating hypercars starting with the 21C, a unique 1+1 that already set lap records at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca and Circuit of the Americas on road-legal Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R tires. At Monterey Car Week, in August of 2022, Czinger then revealed a smoother and longer aerodynamic body for the 21C, dubbed the V Max, which reduces drag while using the same twin-turbocharged 2.88-liter V-8 paired with dual electric motors. The combination delivers a total of 1,250 hp to all four wheels. With a low dry weight of 2,756 pounds, Czinger claims the V Max should be able to sprint to 60 miles per hour in under 1.9 seconds and achieve a top speed of 253 mph. ## 12. SSC Ultimate Aero TT— 256.1 MPH ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/ssc_ultimate_aero_tt_-_1.webp) Courtesy of Wikipedia SSC North America’s 2007 Ultimate Aero TT has a Guinness Book of Records–verified top speed of 256.18 mph. That record has since been broken by others, and now belongs to its successor, the SSC Tuatara. But that doesn’t take anything away from this fully carbon-fiber behemoth. Power comes from a twin-turbocharged Corvette C5R V-8 that’s tuned to produce more than 1,100 hp and 1,094 ft lbs of torque. The rip to 60 mph is 2.7 seconds, and the task of stopping the land missile is aided by twin air brakes that pop up from the rear wings. ## 11. Rimac Nevera — 258 MPH ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/23-1.webp) Rimac Automobili With twice the power of a Formula 1 car, the ability to hit 60 mph in under two seconds and a $2.4 million sticker price, the new Rimac Nevera should intimidate even an experienced hypercar owner. Yet the automaker’s 33-year-old founder, Mate Rimac, intended his masterpiece to be a highly usable, no-fuss grand tourer. So which is it—Hyde or Jekyll? The answer from behind the wheel, amazingly, is both. The 1,914 hp Nevera is currently the world’s fastest-accelerating production car. And at full steam, the Nevera is far from the stereotype of a silent EV, with 1.4 megawatts actually screaming through the car. The noise adds to the drama, as much psychological as physical, in a way no other road car can match, making for a dangerously charismatic split personality worth every one of its seven figures. ## 10. Bugatti Veyron Super Sport — 267.8 MPH ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/1491921.webp) Here’s yet another Bugatti, this one built back in 2010 for the sole purpose of securing the accolade of fastest production car ever built. And the Veyron Super Sport achieved it, per Guinness. From the same W-16 power plant, engineers managed to eke out an additional 180 hp, bringing the grand total to 1,184 hp. To unlock the potential for max speed, you’ll need a second key that’ll give unfettered access to the engine. ## 9. Hennessey Venom GT — 270.4 MPH ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/01-hennessey-venom-gt-011.webp) Courtesy of Hennessey John Hennessey’s eponymously named performance group is obsessed with power and speed, evidenced by shoehorning as much oomph as it can into production cars from other manufacturers. Then Hennessey built his own supercar in 2014, powered by a 7.0-liter twin-turbo GM V-8 packing 1,244 hp and 1,287 ft lbs of torque. The Venom reached 270.4 mph at the Kennedy Space Center’s 3.2-mile landing strip, but only in one direction. Since both directions are required for a record-holding run, in addition to a production volume of 30 or more cars (only 13 Venoms have been sold), the Hennessey doesn’t qualify for official record books. But still, the beast has surpassed 270 mph, and that’s impressive as hell. ## 8. Koenigsegg Agera RS — 277.8 MPH ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/KoenigseggAgera.webp) Petersen Automotive Museum In November of 2017, a Koenigsegg Agera RS, running E85 fuel (meaning it was getting 1,360 hp), was driven by a factory driver to a two-way average speed of 277.8 mph on an 11-mile strip of closed road in Nevada. The car, owned by a customer who suggested the feat, actually hit 284.5 mph during the record attempt, which is staggering. At the time, it also nabbed the fastest zero-to-250 mph-to-zero metric (33.2 seconds), the highest average speed during the flying kilometer (268 mph) and for the flying mile on a public road (276.3 mph). ## 7. Bugatti Mistral — 282 MPH (Roof off) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Bugatti_Mistral_2.webp) Daniel Wollstein Just about any Bugatti will make the cut among the world’s fastest production cars, simply because the quad-turbo W-16 engine, first pioneered by the Veyron, established an entirely new era of four-figure horsepower output back in 2005. The Veyron managed a 253 mph top speed then, and Bugatti consistently upped that number through 2019, when the Chiron Super Sport 300+ managed a 304.7 mph single-direction run. But the Veyron, Chiron, Bolide, and others were all coupes—now Bugatti plans to take a new world record home to Molsheim with the Mistral roadster, which features a final application of the quad-turbo W-16 before the marque partnered with Rimac and the resultant hybridization and electrification of future models. More importantly, the Mistral required significant revisions to Bugatti’s established design language to create sufficient downforce and engine cooling to allow for an incredible top speed of 282 mph. And that’s a figure that the Mistral [somehow achieved with the roof off](https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a62906138/bugatti-mistral-roadster-282-mph-world-record/). ## 6. SSC Tuatara — 295 MPH ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/2-5.webp) Courtesy of SSC North America In October of 2020, SSC North America’s founder Jerod Shelby took his latest hypercar to a Nevada desert and hammered out a run that was touted to have averaged 316.11 mph. The internet, however, was skeptical and shredded that session’s data in short order, negating it. In January of 2021, Shelby decamped to the proving grounds at Kennedy Space Center for a redux, bringing ample recording devices and external groups to monitor. That trial resulted in a 279.2 mph speed on a northbound run, followed by the car reaching 286.1 mph on a southbound pass. Those (certified) results average to 282.9 mph, which is more than enough to notch the SSC Tuatara above the Koenigsegg Agera RS on this list. ## 5. Hennessey Venom F5 — 300+ MPH (Claimed) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/3-8.webp) Dean Smith, courtesy of Hennessey Performance Engineering Hennessey Performance Engineering’s Venom F5 picks up the baton from its older sibling and rockets away. A 6.6-liter twin-turbo V-8 pumps out 1,817 hp and 1,193 ft lbs of twist, which propels the 2,950-pound coupe to 60 mph in under two seconds. And in case you were wondering, its name is an homage to the F5 category of tornadoes, the most intense level possible on the Fujita scale. ## 4. Bugatti Chiron Super Sport — 304.7 MPH ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/1-23.webp) Courtesy of Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. The top spot for the world’s fastest supercar goes to Bugatti. In 2019, pilot Andy Wallace drove a tweaked version of the 1,600 hp, 8.0-liter quad-turbocharged Chiron Super Sport around the Ehra-Lessien track. The modifications included lengthening the body by 10 inches, lowering it, and giving it a new rear aero kit, as well as a new exhaust setup. The real heroes, however, were the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires that were x-rayed before fitment to ensure perfect structural integrity. ## 3. Yangwang U9 Xtreme — 308.4 MPH ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/GPF27462-e1758553773294.webp) Graeme Fordham The Yangwang U9 Xtreme is very likely [the world’s fastest production car, currently](https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/yangwang-u9-xtreme-worlds-fastest-production-car-1237086187/), at least among automakers that have tested their claims, in conditions that are more or less believable. In Yangwang’s case, that meant runs at ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg in Germany, where the U9 Xtreme got up to 308.4 mph, beating a previous U9 Xtreme [best of 293.5 mph](https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/yangwang-u9-xtreme-worlds-fastest-production-car-1237086187/), when it became the fastest all-electric car in the world. The new run at 308.4 mph meant that it is still the fastest all-electric car in the world, and the fastest production car, too. ## 2. Bugatti Bolide—311 MPH (Claimed) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/opener-w-_221410.webp) Josh Hway, courtesy of Gooding Christie’s Inspired by the Molsheim manufacturer’s Vision Le Mans concept, Bugatti’s Bolide combines its fantastical X-themed design language with the brand’s unprecedented W-16 power plant to yield an estimated top speed in excess of 311 mph. Bolstered by a lightweight monocoque incorporating titanium and carbon fiber, the Bolide presents a sci-fi aesthetic that complements what are hyped to be otherworldly performance figures. Those specs are promised to include a zero-to-60 mph time of less than 2 seconds. ## 1. Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut—330 mph (Claimed) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/koenigsegg-jesko-absolut-feature-e1721855866380.webp) Koenigsegg The Swedish manufacturer’s 5.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine is mated to a novel Light Speed gearbox that can handle its prodigious output, which can reach 1,600 hp when running on E85 biofuel. Even more remarkable about the Jesko is its aerodynamics, which in the limited production Jesko Attack model produce more than 3,000 pounds of downforce. Although all 125 examples of the Jesko are currently sold out, we anticipate the standard model should be able to achieve (and likely exceed) Christian von Koenigsegg’s projected top speed for it, which is 278 mph. The fastest, the Jesko Absolut, is claimed to reach 330 mph by tweaking the aerodynamics, reducing drag, and increasing stability. Koenigsegg [is expected to make a new speed run](https://www.motor1.com/news/707628/koenigsegg-plans-jesko-top-speed-run-for-2024/) with the Jesko Absolut sometime this year. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** aston martin, bugatti, Czinger, fastest cars, Gordon Murray, Hennessey, lamborghini, mclaren, Rimac, Saleen, SSC, tesla, yangwang --- ### [Inside the Property Portfolios of the World’s Biggest Soccer Stars](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/homes/inside-the-property-portfolios-of-the-worlds-biggest-soccer-stars/) **Published:** June 24, 2026 **Author:** Abby Montanez **Content:** When it comes to the world’s [highest-paid athletes](https://robbreport.ph/leisure/sports/cristiano-ronaldo-is-the-highest-paid-athlete-in-the-world-report/), footballers are in a league of their own. The world’s most popular sport is also one of its most lucrative, with elite players earning staggering sums through club contracts, sponsorships, and endorsement deals. Stars like [Cristiano Ronaldo](https://robbreport.ph/tag/cristiano-ronaldo/ "cristiano ronaldo") and [Lionel Messi ](https://robbreport.ph/tag/lionel-messi/ "lionel messi")have built fortunes that extend far beyond the pitch, transforming themselves into global brands worth hundreds of millions. Unlike many American athletes, who often put down permanent roots in places like Los Angeles or South Florida, top footballers tend to accumulate homes throughout their careers. As they move between Europe’s biggest clubs—and increasingly to the Middle East—their real estate portfolios often grow alongside their reputations. The result is a lineup of lavish properties spanning Madrid, Barcelona, Dubai, Paris, and beyond. Now, with the highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup on-going, attention is once again turning to the sports biggest stars. We’re taking a look inside the extraordinary homes they’ve amassed around the globe. ## Cristiano Ronaldo ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Cascais-.webp) *Photo: Horacio Villalobos/Corbis via Getty Images* The Al Nassr forward and captain of the Portuguese national team owns roughly [$90 million worth of real estate](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/michael-jordan-and-cristiano-ronaldo-both-fly-gulfstream-jets-with-custom-liveries/ "Michael Jordan and Cristiano Ronaldo Both Fly Gulfstream Jets With Custom Liveries") tied to nearly every stage of his career, from Madrid and Turin to Riyadh and Lisbon. His current centerpiece is a massive retirement mansion in Quinta da Marinha near Cascais, Portugal, which he began building in 2022. The estate is reportedly worth between 22 million pounds and 30 million pounds ($30 million to $38 million) and will include a glass-bottom swimming pool, spa, cinema, tennis court, and a 30-car garage built around his supercar collection. Ronaldo also owns a place in Lisbon. After purchasing an apartment in 2015 for about $2 million, he upgraded to a record-setting penthouse in 2018 for roughly $7 million. Sometime around 2010, during his Real Madrid years, he snapped up an 8,600-square-foot mansion in the Spanish capital city’s ultra-exclusive La Finca enclave, a celebrity-heavy neighborhood that has also attracted players like Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham. In 2015, Ronaldo spent another $8 million transforming a former nightclub into a seven-story waterfront family compound in his hometown of Funchal, the largest city of the Portuguese island of Madeira. And, since moving to Saudi Arabia in 2022, he has unsurprisingly extended his residential holdings into the Middle East with a waterfront mansion on Dubai’s Jumeirah Bay Island, reportedly completed in 2024, and [two villas](https://www.arabianbusiness.com/real-estate/cristiano-ronaldo-snaps-up-ultra-luxury-villas-at-saudi-arabias-red-sea) at Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve that’s accessible only by sea or air. ## Lionel Messi ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/lionel-messi-barcelona-copy.webp) *Photo: Google Earth* Messi’s real estate portfolio tops $300 million and stretches from Argentina to South Florida, Spain, and France. His longest-running home base remains his compound in Castelldefels outside Barcelona, which he bought in 2009 for around $2 million shortly after winning his first Ballon d’Or with FC Barcelona. Over time, he purchased neighboring homes to create more privacy and expanded the estate with a football pitch, spa, gym, and jersey room. In 2021, Inter Miami star and reigning World Cup champion bought a $7.3 million full-floor condo in Sunny Isles Beach’s Regalia tower and reportedly purchased additional units at the nearby Trump Royale. He dramatically expanded his Miami footprint after joining MLS in 2023, ahead of the 2026 World Cup, when he plunked down about $10.75 million for a waterfront mansion in Fort Lauderdale’s guard-gated Bay Colony neighborhood. The 10,500-square-foot home comes with dual boat docks, a resort-style pool, wellness spaces, and eight bedrooms. Around 2022, he completed a sprawling family estate nicknamed “The Fortress” in his hometown of Rosario in Argentina at a cost of roughly $4 million and also picked up a vacation compound in Ibiza for about $12.6 million. ## Neymar ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/neymar-house.webp) *Photo: Google Maps* Neymar’s homes are every bit as flashy as his public image. The Brazilian superstar, who captains Santos FC following his return to the club, owns an astronomical luxury property portfolio that stretches from Brazil to the United States and Europe to the Middle East. His history of extravagant purchases took off in 2016, when he spent about $8.5 million on a sprawling waterfront compound in Mangaratiba, outside Rio de Janeiro. The vast spread sports a helipad, yacht dock, beach volleyball court, and an underground disco club added during the pandemic. That same year he also bought a contemporary mansion in Barcelona’s Castelldefels neighborhood for $5.2 million—joining Messi in the coastal suburb after previously renting a home near Camp Nou at around $18,000 a month. His high-end rentals continued after his record-breaking move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017, where he leased a five-story mansion outside the capital for roughly $14,600 per month. By 2021, he’d expanded his Brazilian footprint again, adding a $3 million mansion in São Paulo’s upscale Alphaville neighborhood. In late 2024, he entered the South Florida market with a $26 million acquisition of a vacant waterfront parcel in Bal Harbour, where plans call for a 13,000-square-foot custom mansion. Shortly after, he made his biggest real estate splash to date, snapping up a staggering AED 200 million ($54.45 million) “Sky Mansion” penthouse in Dubai’s Bugatti Residences. Neymar’s place reportedly features a private swimming pool and a specialized private car elevator capable of transporting his vehicles directly up into his penthouse. It was also [reported](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/30879825/neymar-buys-private-island-brazil/) around this time that Neymar was looking to buy Japão Private Island, a six-acre tropical hideaway in a short helicopter flight from Rio de Janeiro. ## Harry Kane ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/harry-kane-house.webp) *Photo: David Cannon/Getty Images* Harry Kane’s real estate style leans toward old-money English estates rather than a flashy football penthouse. The England captain and Bayern Munich striker is currently building a massive neo-Georgian mansion on Surrey’s exclusive Wentworth Estate after purchasing the land in 2023 for around 6.5 million pounds. Once completed, the estate is expected to be worth roughly 20 million pounds ($25.5 million). Plans include a private cinema, spa, swimming pool, underground leisure complex, and even a rotating car platform for his luxury vehicles. Locals have [reportedly](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/38791148/england-star-harry-kane-mansion-buckingham-palace/) compared the mansion’s exterior to Buckingham Palace. Since moving to Bayern Munich in 2023, Kane has also reportedly bunked in a hilltop mansion valued near 30 million pounds ($40 million) in Munich’s wealthy Grünwald suburb. ## Kylian Mbappé ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Kylian-Mbappe-madrid.webp) *Photo: Google Earth* Having rocketed to the top of his sport, Mbappé has quickly built a luxury property portfolio that reflects his status as one of the world’s highest-paid athletes. After joining Real Madrid in 2024, the France captain purchased [Gareth Bale’s former mansion](https://www.hellomagazine.com/homes/707359/kylian-mbappe-mega-mansion-la-finca-madrid-gareth-bale-home/) in Madrid’s La Finca neighborhood for a reported 11 million euros to 13 million euros ($12 million to $13 million). The heavily secured estate spans roughly 12,000 square feet and includes indoor and outdoor pools, a cinema, a basketball court, a golf green, and a private football pitch. Mbappé also reportedly maintains a duplex penthouse in Paris valued near $10 million, keeping ties to the city where he became a global superstar with Paris Saint-Germain. ## Erling Haaland ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Erling-Haaland-House.webp) *Photo: Google Earth* Erling Haaland’s property collection is growing almost as fast as his goal tally. The Manchester City striker [reportedly ](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/38992154/erling-haaland-buys-mansion-treehouse-stables/)purchased a modern countryside estate in Cheshire in 2025 for about 6.2 million pounds ($8 million). The property includes 10 bedrooms, a private lake, stables, sprawling gardens, and plans for a four-bay garage designed to hold a supercar collection. Before arriving in England, Haaland purchased a large villa in Marbella, Spain, in 2022 for roughly $7.1 million. The modern mansion includes extensive underground living space designed for extra privacy and security. In 2023, the Norwegian star also bought a luxury apartment valued near $3.3 million inside Oslo’s Sommerro development. ## Christian Pulisic ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Christian-Pulisic-house.webp) *Photo: Google Earth* Christian Pulisic’s real estate portfolio is far more understated than many of his European counterparts. The AC Milan winger and captain of the U.S. men’s national team has quietly built a multimillion-dollar collection centered primarily in Florida. In 2020, Pulisic snagged a $1.8 million waterfront home[ in Jupiter](https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/news/local/jupiter/2024/06/26/christian-pulisic-u-s-soccer-team-captain-has-a-home-in-florida/74191231007/?gnt-cfr=1&gca-cat=p&gca-uir=true&gca-epti=z114203e009650v114203d--47--b--47--&gca-ft=129&gca-ds=sophi) with a boat dock, putting green, and swimming pool. He expanded in 2021 with a roughly $3 million equestrian-style estate in nearby Wellington, one of South Florida’s wealthiest communities. Earlier in his career, Pulisic reportedly bought a seven-bedroom home near his hometown of Hershey, Pennsylvania, in 2018 for around $940,000 before later selling it for about $1.6 million. Though he currently plays in Italy and reportedly leases an apartment in Milan’s modern CityLife district, Florida appears to be emerging as his long-term home base ahead of the 2026 World Cup in the U.S. ## Jude Bellingham ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/jude-bellingham-house.webp) *Photo: Google Earth* Jude Bellingham may only be 22, but the Real Madrid midfielder is already building a serious portfolio of luxury homes. The England star [reportedly](https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/jude-bellingham-mansion-real-madrid-legends-cristiano-ronaldo-toni-kroos/bltaa7f2fc56ef70d0a) owns a 5.5 million-pound ($7 million) mansion in Madrid’s exclusive La Finca district, where neighbors include Ronaldo and Mbappé. The six-bedroom property features a home theater, gym, swimming pool, gourmet kitchen, and golf-course views. Back in the U.K., Bellingham is also developing a large family compound near Birmingham valued around 8 million euros, Or $9.3 million. [Plans](https://www.goal.com/en/lists/jude-bellingham-new-home-real-madrid-superstar-building-eur8m-mansion-england/bltf7b809a577133e09) for the estate include separate accommodations for his parents, indoor and outdoor pools, wellness areas, a trophy room, and even a built-in barber room. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Homes, Properties **Tags:** cristiano ronaldo, Evergreen, Feature, Kylian Mbappe, lionel messi, real estate --- ### [The 13 Coolest Watches That Dropped in September](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-13-coolest-watches-that-dropped-in-september/) **Published:** October 3, 2025 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** It may have felt like all the hottest new timepieces debuted at Geneva Watch Days in early September, but the world’s best watchmakers had a few more new watches up their sleeves for later in the month. Jaeger-LeCoultre dropped not one but three new timepieces, including a dazzling 42 mm with a perpetual calendar and a flying tourbillon. Vacheron Constantin unveiled a bonkers [automation clock](https://robbreport.ph/watches/vacheron-constantins-wild-automaton-clock-tracks-earth-stars/ "Vacheron Constantin’s Wild Automaton Clock Tracks Earth & Stars") and an incredible Métiers d’Art watch to match. Roger Dubuis added another stunner to its Knights of the Round Table series. Ulysse Nardin released an American exclusive of its Blast watch in a funky green dial. That one is as insane as it sounds. Even fashion houses got in on the action, with Hermès adding two new titanium references to the H08 line. Below are the best watch releases of the month. ## Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art—Tribute to the Quest of Time ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Vacheron-Constantin-Metiers-dArt-Tribute-to-the-Quest-of-Time.webp) *Clement Rousset/Vacheron Constantin* Vacheron Constantin really treated horophiles this month, unveiling an [elaborate automaton clock](https://robbreport.ph/watches/vacheron-constantins-wild-automaton-clock-tracks-earth-stars/ "Vacheron Constantin’s Wild Automaton Clock Tracks Earth & Stars") and a métiers d’art wristwatch to accompany it. The [Tribute to the Quest of Time](https://www.vacheron-constantin.com/ww/en/collections/metiers-d-art/7200a-000g-h103.html) is a double-sided timepiece that took three years to develop and has four pending patents. The beating heart is a new manually wound movement (calibre 3670), with 512 components and some incredible complications. The front dial is adorned with a human figure whose arms indicate the time in a double-retrograde display, meaning the wearer can keep the limbs ticking continuously or let them rest in a neutral position and activate a pusher for the time on demand. The navy dial, which mirrors the constellations as seen from Geneva on the day of VC’s founding in 1755, also features a power reserve indicator and a moon phase display. The reverse dial is equally mesmerizing, with a sky chart that shows the sidereal day and tracks the constellations in real-time. The showstopper is limited to 20 pieces, with price available upon request. ## Ulysse Nardin Blast \[Free Wheel Marquetry Silicon Green\] ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Ulysse-Nardin-Blast-Free-Wheel-Marquetry-Silicon-Green.webp) *Ulysse Nardin* [Ulysse Nardin ](https://robbreport.ph/tag/ulysse-nardin/ "ulysse nardin")made the Blast even more appealing to tech heads in September, unveiling a [new version](https://www.ulysse-nardin.com/en-gb/watches/blast) of the avant-garde wristwatch. The 45 mm newcomer features a green silicon dial that evokes a printed circuit board with a marquetry pattern and silver accents. Each face is adorned with some 103 slivers of laser-cut silicon segments, creating a dazzling effect. The watchmaker’s award-winning flying tourbillon caliber UN-176 (visible at 6 o’clock) also showcases silicon, with the anchor, escapement, and balance spring all crafted from the versatile material. Most of the movement’s components are presented on the dial rather than the caseback, adding further to the complex feel. The timepiece is limited to just 10 examples and retails for $155,000. It will be sold exclusively at the Ulysse Nardin boutique at The Villa Menlo Park, presented by [Stephen Silver Fine Jewelry](https://shsilver.com/collections/ulysse-nardin/products/ulysse-nardin-blast-freewheel-marquetry-silicon-green-watch). ## Roger Dubuis Excalibur Knights of the Round Table: The Enchanter Merlin ![Roger Dubuis](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Roger-Dubuis-Excalibur-Knights-of-the-Round-Table-The-Enchanter-Merlin.webp) *Roger Dubuis* Roger Dubuis dropped a timepiece in September that is fit for a king—or wizard, rather. The [latest model](https://www.rogerdubuis.com/gb-en/watches/knights-of-the-round-table/merlin-the-enchanter-45mm-rddbex1117) in the Swiss watchmaker’s Knights of the Round Table series pays homage to the Enchanter Merlin, specifically the love he had for the Lady of the Lake. Following on from the first Merlin-themed timepiece that Roger Dubuis unveiled in 2024, the newcomer depicts the crystal palace that the wizard built for the Lady. Housed in a 45 mm pink-gold case, the dial is adorned with 56 miniature columns made from glass, white enamel, rhodium-plated gold, and pink gold. For the first time, the watchmaker has invisibly set diamonds, giving the illusion that the stones are floating above select columns. It also added a layer of ruthenium crystals to the face for extra sparkle. If all that wasn’t enough, 12 gold Arthurian knights have been positioned around the dial, acting as the Lady’s loyal protectors and hour markers. Limited to just 28 examples, the watch retails for $398,500. ## De Bethune DB28xs Kind of Blue Tourbillon ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/De-Bethune-DB28xs-Kind-of-Blue-Tourbillon.webp) *Laurent Xavier Moulin/De Bethune* In case you needed further proof that small watches are all the rage, De Bethune dropped a compact version of the [DB28 Kind of Blue Tourbillon](https://www.debethune.ch/collections/db28xs/kind-of-blue-tourbillon-db28xstb/). The newcomer is presented in an “xs format,” with a blued titanium case measuring 39 mm. That is nearly 4 mm smaller than the 42.6 mm original that debuted in 2016. Components such as the bridges, balance wheel, and dial plate showcase the watchmaker’s signature “cosmic” blue hue, which is created using thermal oxidation. The ultra-light 30-second flying tourbillon remains the focus at 6 o’clock, creating a stunning spectacle on the wrist. The model is priced at 190,000 Swiss francs ($225,000). ## Grand Seiko Tentagraph SLGC006 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Grand-Seiko-Tentagraph-SLGC006.webp) *Grand Seiko* [Grand Seiko](https://robbreport.ph/tag/grand-seiko/ "grand seiko") took the [Tentagraph](https://www.grand-seiko.com/uk-en/collections/slgc006g) to new heights in September, dropping a new two-tone iteration with a dial inspired by, once again, Mt. Iwate. (The peak is visible from [the studio](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-right-people-are-talking-about-grand-seiko/ "The Right People Are Talking About Grand Seiko") in which Grand Seiko watches are made.) Introduced in 2023 as the Japanese watchmaker’s first mechanical chronograph, the original Tentagraph featured a blue dial with a radial design meant to evoke the ridges of the Honshū mountain. The subsequent reference, which debuted at Watches and Wonders earlier this year, had a face intended to be reminiscent of Mt. Iwate covered in snow. This time around, the dial is rendered in a metallic “copper pink” hue that reflects the peak as if it were in morning sunlight. As with previous models, the 43.2 mm case is made from titanium alloy, but this version also has a bezel ring, crown, and chronograph pushers crafted from 18-karat rose gold. Limited to 300 examples, the newcomer retails for $22,600. ## Hermès H08 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Hermes-H08-Titanium.webp) *Hermès* The [Hermès](https://robbreport.ph/tag/hermes/ "hermes") watch family grew in September, with the French fashion house adding two new references to the [H08 line](https://www.hermes.com/uk/en/content/322394-hermes-h08/). The titanium newcomers retain the same 42 mm square-shaped cushion case and streamlined design as the 2021 originals, but are a little more subtle than some of their bolder predecessors. Both feature grained dials in a gray hue that complements the titanium case. One is also fitted with a titanium bracelet, rendering it almost monochromatic save for the Hermès orange on the tip of the seconds hand. The other is a little more colorful, with a black ceramic bezel, blue “Saint-Cyr” numerals and hands, and a matching blue rubber strap. (Both models come with additional strap options.) The model with a titanium bracelet costs $7,200, while the piece with blue accents and a rubber strap retails for $7,600. ## De Bethune DB25xs Starry Varius ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/De-Bethune-DB25xs-Starry-Varius.webp) *Laurent Xavier Moulin/De Bethune* De Bethune departed from its signature blue in September, releasing a new version of the [DB25 Starry Varius](https://www.debethune.ch/collections/db25/starry-varius/) at the opposite end of the color spectrum. The celestial dial depicts the starry sky and Milky Way in warm, volcanic tones, rather than cool, blue hues. That isn’t the only update the longstanding model received. The newcomer comes with a smaller 40 mm case in either mirror-polished titanium ($80,000) or rose gold ($85,000). The latter adds even more warmth. ## Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Tourbillon Enamel ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Jaeger-LeCoultre-Master-Ultra-Thin-Tourbillon-Enamel.webp) *Jaeger-LeCoultre* The masters at [Jaeger-LeCoultre](https://robbreport.ph/tag/jaeger-lecoultre/ "jaeger-lecoultre") unveiled another spectacular Master Ultra Thin in September. The [newest iteration](https://www.jaeger-lecoultre.com/us-en/watches/master-ultra-thin/master-ultra-thin-tourbillon-enamel-pink-gold-q13224e2) of the dress watch showcases a sunray guilloché dial with Grand Feu enamel in an elegant anthracite gray. That hue was developed specifically for this piece and required five layers of enamel to achieve. The steely face is adorned with a guilloché date subdial at 12 o’clock, a mesmerizing tourbillon (Calibre 978) at 6 o’clock, and pink gold markers and hands. The 40 mm case is also pink gold and fitted with a black alligator strap. The timepiece is limited to 50 examples, with the price available upon request. ## Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph UEFA Champions League Titanium ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Hublot-Classic-Fusion-Chronograph-UEFA-Champions-League-Titanium.webp) *Denis Hayoun/Hublot* Hublot celebrated a decade of being the official watch of the UEFA Champions League with a [new timepiece](https://www.hublot.com/en-gb/watches/classic-fusion/classic-fusion-chronograph-uefa-champions-league-titanium-42-mm) this month. This limited edition features a 42 mm titanium case, a blue gradient dial, and a blue leather strap with black rubber accents. The league’s logo is proudly displayed on the counter at 3 o’clock and on the strap. Each watch is presented in a custom wooden case and comes with an official miniature UEFA Champions League trophy replica. Limited to 100 examples, the chronograph costs $14,400. ## Jacob & Co. Epic X Chrono 44MM Tri-Compax Blue Camo ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Jacob-Co-Epic-X-Chrono-Tri-Compax-Blue-Camo.webp) *Jacob & Co.* Another month, another Jacob & Co. Epic X Chrono. The American watchmaker has released a [high-function version](https://jacobandco.com/timepieces/epic-x-chrono-44mm-tri-compax/blue-camo) of the watch decked out in a wild blue camo motif. The highly complex Epic X Chrono Tri-Compax has a smaller case than the original model—44 mm versus 47 mm—but houses way more parts, including a self-winding chronograph movement (Caliber JCAA12) with three registers. Every inch, from the titanium case to the rubber strap, is covered, not so subtly, in camo. Price is upon request. ## Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Enamel ‘Xu Beihong’ ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Jaeger-LeCoultre-Reverso-Tribute-Ename-Xu-Beihong-Two-Horses.webp) *Jaeger-LeCoultre* Jaeger-LeCoultre gave the [Reverso Tribute](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-jaeger-lecoultre-reverso-rings-with-new-brilliance/ "The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Rings with New Brilliance") an arty twist in September, presenting three new references in honor of the late, great Xu Beihong. Two of the timepieces ([Running Horse](https://www.jaeger-lecoultre.com/gb-en/watches/reverso/reverso-tribute/reverso-tribute-enamel-xu-beihong-q39334b3) and [Two Horses](https://www.jaeger-lecoultre.com/gb-en/watches/reverso/reverso-tribute/reverso-tribute-enamel-xu-beihong-q39334b2)) were inspired by the Chinese artist’s 1942 masterpiece *Running Together (Six Horses)*, while the third ([Standing Horse](https://www.jaeger-lecoultre.com/gb-en/watches/reverso/reverso-tribute/reverso-tribute-enamel-xu-beihong-q39334b1)) pays homage to his iconic painting *Standing Horse*. The real-life artworks have been recreated on the reverse dials in miniature enamel paintings, which JLC says took over 80 hours of work to complete. The front dials are artworks, too, showcasing grand feu enamel and guillochage. Each watch is limited to 10, with price upon request. ## MB&F LM101 EVO ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MBF-LM101-EVO.webp) *MB&F* [MB&F](https://robbreport.ph/tag/mbf/ "mb&f") gave the Legacy Machine 101 a sporty makeover in September, unveiling an [EVO edition](https://www.mbandf.com/machines/mbf-machines/legacy-machines/lm101-evo) in honor of the model’s 10th anniversary and the watchmaker’s 20th anniversary. Launched in 2014, the original LM101 was a deceptively small 40 mm timepiece that packed a striking three-dimensional movement with a “flying” balance wheel. The newcomer builds on that legacy, but is designed for more active wear, offering 262 feet of water resistance, an increased power reserve of 60 hours, a screw-down crown, an ergonomic case with a shock absorber between it and the movement, and an integrated rubber strap. The watch received aesthetic upgrades, too, including revised subdials and updated hands. The LM101 EVO is available in two titanium editions, with a salmon or green dial plate. Each retails for 62,000 Swiss francs, or about $78,000. ## Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Grande Tradition Calibre 985 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Jaeger-LeCoultre-Master-Grande-Tradition-Calibre-985.webp) *Jaeger-LeCoultre* Jaeger-LeCoultre resurrected Calibre 985 in September, dropping three new 42 mm timepieces equipped with the high-complication movement. Originally introduced in 2013 in the Master Grande Tradition Cylindrique, Calibre 985 combines a perpetual calendar and moon phase display with a flying tourbillon. The 431-part movement is, of course, the star of the new trio, occupying pride of place at 6 o’clock underneath three counters. Two models feature the same platinum cases and blue dials, but one has a [polished bezel](https://www.jaeger-lecoultre.com/us-en/watches/master-grande-tradition/master-grande-tradition-calibre-985/q5246580) and the other has a fancier [diamond-set bezel](https://www.jaeger-lecoultre.com/us-en/watches/master-grande-tradition/master-grande-tradition-calibre-985/q5246508). The [third](https://www.jaeger-lecoultre.com/us-en/watches/master-grande-tradition/master-grande-tradition-calibre-985/q5242461) is cased in 18-karat pink gold and fitted with a brown dial. Prices for all three are, you guessed it, available upon request. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** de bethune, grand seiko, hermes, hublot, Jacob & Co., jaeger-lecoultre, mb&f, roger dubuis, ulysse nardin, Vacheron Constantin --- ### [From Haute Cuisine to Comfort Plates: 11 Casual Spots by Manila’s Top Fine-Dining Chefs](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/11-casual-spots-by-manilas-top-fine-dining-chefs/) **Published:** October 1, 2025 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** Even the country’s most acclaimed chefs know that luxury doesn’t always have to come with a white tablecloth. Many of Manila’s fine-dining luminaries have expanded their culinary worlds to include more casual offshoots—places where the food is just as well-thought-out, but the atmosphere is looser, warmer, and more accessible. For diners, these spin-offs provide an approachable entry point to flavors and philosophies that otherwise belong to tasting menus and multi-course dinners. Here’s where to experience some of the Philippines’ best chefs in their more relaxed moods. ## Juniper by Josh Boutwood ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Juniper-2240x1260.webp) Right: Soy-glazed salmon, edamame, tapioca. *Photo courtesy of Juniper.* Best known for [Helm](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/the-magic-of-helm/ "The Magic of Helm"), a fine-dining restaurant with a tightly-presented tasting menu, Josh Boutwood loosens his collar at Juniper. This restaurant highlights modern cooking in a casual setting, with an impressive gin-and-tonic program at its core. Expect dishes that echo the inventiveness of Helm but in a more shareable, laid-back format—think small plates with big flavors, perfect for pairing with botanically bright cocktails. *GF Streetscape, Shangri-La Plaza, Mandaluyong. [+639274123848](tel:+639274123848)*. *[instagram.com/junipermanila](https://www.instagram.com/junipermnl/)* ## Deli by Chele by Chele González ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Deli-by-Chele-2240x1260.webp) Right: Peri-peri chicken sandwich. *Courtesy of Deli by Chele.* From the same mind behind [Gallery by Chele](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/a-tribute-to-the-coconut-in-the-new-menu-at-gallery-by-chele/ "The New Menu at Gallery by Chele Is a Tribute to the Coconut"), Deli by Chele takes the chef’s fascination with local and global ingredients and turns it into everyday indulgence. Charcuterie, sandwiches, and cheeses are the stars here, crafted with the same precision that earned González his fine-dining credentials. It’s a deli, yes—but executed with flavors that bear the chef’s signature innovation. *The Podium Mall, Ground Level, ADB Ave, Ortigas Center; Power Plant Mall, R1 Level near Rolex Store, Rockwell, Makati; SM Aura Mall, 26th Street corner McKinley Parkway, Taguig; Robinson’s Magnolia, Upper Ground Floor, New Manila, Quezon City. delibychele.com* ## Balay Dako by Tonyboy Escalante ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Balay-Dako-2240x1260.webp) Balay Dako is a sprawling restaurant made for family-style gatherings. *Courtesy of Balay Dako* Chef Tony Boy Escalante, of [Antonio’s](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/the-expanding-culinary-world-of-antonios/ "The Expanding Culinary World of Antonio’s") fame, channels Filipino hospitality in this sprawling Tagaytay favorite. Balay Dako offers traditional Filipino dishes cooked with authenticity and served in an environment that feels like a lively family gathering. It’s a far cry from the refinement of Antonio’s, but the same dedication to quality ingredients and heartfelt service permeates every dish. Don’t miss the weekend breakfast spread. *Tagaytay–Nasugbu Highway, Tagaytay City. 046.413.4866 or +63.923.726.6290. * ## La Chinesca by Bruce Ricketts ![La Chinesca in BF Homes, Paranaque, also houses Sensei, another casual-dining Japanese restaurant concept by Ricketts. Courtesy of La Chinesca.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/La-Chinesca-2240x1260.webp) La Chinesca in BF Homes, Paranaque, also houses Sensei, another casual-dining Japanese restaurant concept by Ricketts. *Courtesy of La Chinesca* While Bruce Ricketts is celebrated for the precision of [Iai](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/inside-iai-a-culinary-gem-redefining-kappo-dining-in-manila/ "Inside Iai: A Culinary Gem Redefining Kappo Dining in Manila"), at La Chinesca he shows a different side. This taqueria has a cult following thanks to its bold flavors and laid-back vibe. Must-tries include the tuna tostada and the chicharrón taco, proof that Ricketts’ mastery of technique translates as easily to Mexican street food as it does to intricate Japanese tasting plates. At the BF Homes outpost, La Chinesca shares the spotlight with Sensei, another must-visit Japanese restaurant concept by Ricketts. *181 Aguirre Ave., BF Homes, Parañaque, 0915 292 2475; The Grid Food Market, 2/F Power Plant Mall, Makati, 0905 205 9151; East Gallery Place, 28th St., BGC, 0954 304 2999[. https://lachinesca.ph/home](https://lachinesca.ph/home)* ## Sala Bistro & People’s Palace by Colin Mackay ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Sala-Bistro-2240x1260.webp) Left: Weekend brunches call for all-day bubbly and mimosas. Right: Spiced carrot hummus, grains, edamame, pickled beetroot, herbs and seeds topped with tzatziki. *Courtesy of Sala Bistro* Colin MacKay, the chef behind Sala and Blackbird, is equally adept at creating upscale yet relaxed dining rooms. Sala Bistro has long been a Makati staple for refined but accessible European cooking, while People’s Palace presents palate-friendly Thai food with flair. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Peoples-Palace-2240x1260.webp) *Courtesy of People’s Palace* Both places capture MacKay’s strength in balancing sophistication with approachability—whether it’s a curry bursting with flavor or a bistro steak that hits all the right notes. *Sala Bistro: G/F Greenbelt 3, Makati City, +63 917 8217500, [salabistro.com](https://salabistro.com/)*; *People’s Palace: Greenbelt 3, Makati City, +63 917 819 4375, [peoplespalacethai.com](https://www.peoplespalacethai.com/)*. ## Cibo by Margarita Forés ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Cibo-2240x1260.webp) Cibo’s modern take on its design, from the interiors to the menu layouts, doesn’t mean that it abandons authenticity and classic Italian recipes. *Courtesy of Cibo* Even before Pepato and Lusso, the late, great [Margarita Forés](https://robbreport.ph/profiles/remembering-margarita-fores/ "Remembering Margarita")‘ name has been synonymous with Italian elegance, what with her Cibo chain. For more than two decades, Cibo has presented Italian cuisine in a relaxed and accessible way, but always with poise. Known for its vibrant pastas, panini, and pizzas, Cibo combines the refined palate of Forés with the informality of a modern café. *Multiple locations nationwide | [cibo.ph](https://cibo.ph/)* ## Taqueria Franco by Miko Calo ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Taqueria-Franco-2240x1260.webp) *Courtesy of Taqueria Franco* From the same chef who gave us Metronome and now [Coquette](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/miko-calo-coquette/ "Why the Coquette Pop Up at Casa Buenas Is the Miko Calo Comeback We’ve Been Waiting For") at Newport World Resorts, Taqueria Franco is all about laid-back fun. It trades French finesse for vibrant, no-fuss tacos that deliver just as much technique, personality, and sophistication. The casual spot has quickly become a favorite for its bold flavors and convivial vibe—a reminder that [Calo’s](https://robbreport.ph/profiles/all-roads-lead-to-home/ "Miko Calo: All Roads Lead to Home") culinary voice thrives in both haute cuisine and the humble taco. *LPL Center (back entrance), 130 L.P. Leviste St., Salcedo Village, Makati City. + 63 945 788 6224 and +63 917 885 5561. [taqueriafranco.com](https://www.taqueriafranco.com/)* ## AzukiToyo by Toyo and Florilege and Panaderya Toyo by Jordy Navarra ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/MG_3418.webp) *Courtesy of AzukiToyo* [AzukiToyo](https://robbreport.ph/travel/the-good-life-editors-picks-of-the-week-9/ "The Good Life: Editors’ Picks of the Week") is an intimate four-seat dessert bar created in collaboration with Tokyo’s Florilège. It reimagines kakigori—Japanese shaved ice—through a distinctly Filipino lens, layering flavors like halo-halo and mais at keso. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Panderaya-Toyo-2240x1260.webp) *Courtesy of Panaderya Toyo* Though currently closed for renovations (and its space occupied by AzukiToyo), Panaderya Toyo has long been the relaxed counterpart to [Toyo Eatery](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/a-new-chapter-in-filipino-fine-dining-told-through-bacon-at-baken-1104/ "A New Chapter in Filipino Fine Dining, Told Through Bacon at Baken 1104"), the award-winning modern Filipino restaurant. Known for its sourdough pan de sal and inventive takes on local breads, Panaderya distilled chef Jordy Navarra’s culinary philosophy into something you could enjoy daily. Its eventual reopening is eagerly awaited by fans who miss its fresh take on Filipino baking. *The Alley at Karrivin, Chino Roces Ave., Makati City | [instagram.com/panaderyatoyo](https://instagram.com/panaderyatoyo)* ## Elbert’s Collective by Elbert Cuenca ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Elberts-Collective-2240x1260.webp) *Courtesy of Elbert’s Collective* Restaurateur Elbert Cuenca, the man behind the enduring and beloved Elbert’s Steak Room, extends his culinary empire with Elbert’s Collective. This concept gathers multiple casual ideas under one roof, from pizza to sandwiches, executed by the chef at its helm, Adrian Cuenca. While the setting is easygoing, the attention to casual food done well makes this a perfect place for everyday dining. *4893 Durban cor. Ebro Streets, Poblacion, Makati. +63 9176778325*. [*https://www.instagram.com/elbertscollective*](https://www.instagram.com/elbertscollective) ## Mugen Ramenya by Jorge Méndez ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/photo_2025-08-15-145126.webp) Crab ramen. *Courtesy of Mugen Ramenya* At Mōdan, [Jorge Méndez](https://robbreport.ph/tag/jorge-mendez/ "jorge mendez") builds Japanese tasting menus that highlight craft and precision. At [Mugen Ramenya ](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/first-taste-mugen-ramenya-ramen-bar/ "First Taste: Mugen Ramenya")in Maginhawa, he takes a humbler route: steaming bowls of ramen rich with long-simmered broths. The casual spot is as inviting as it is hearty, with broths simmered for hours, and while Mōdan and Mugen Ramenya are cut from different cloths, the same passion for Japanese flavors threads through both kitchens. *108-B* *Maginhawa Street, Quezon City. +63 917 123 4567 |[ instagram.com/mugenramenyaph](https://www.instagram.com/mugenramenyaph)* ## **Automat by Stephan Duhesme** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/RR-Feature-Photos-11-2240x1260.webp) Automat is a bold and contemporary take on Manila cuisine and a foil to Duhesme’s Metiz. *Courtesy of AutomatMNL* At Automat, Metiz chef Stephan Duhesme channels his fine-dining sensibilities into a more casual setting. The menu draws on bold ingredients transformed into contemporary Filipino dishes that are vibrant yet approachable. It’s a natural complement to Metiz, offering diners a different way to experience Duhesme’s culinary voice. *2nd Floor, Building A, Karrivin Plaza, 2316 Chino Roces Ave Ext, Makati 1203. * **Categories:** Dining, Food & Drink **Tags:** adrian cuenca, antonio's tagaytay, azukitoyo, balay dako, blackbird, bruce ricketts, Chele Gonzalez, cibo, colin mackay, coquette, deli by chele, elbert cuenca, elbert's collective, elbert's steak room, florilege, Gallery by Chele, jordy navarra, jorge mendez, josh boutwood, juniper, la chinesca, margarita fores, miko calo, modan, mugen ramenya, panaderya toyo, people's palace, sala bistro, sensei, taqueria franco, tony boy escalante, toyo eatery --- ### [When Legends Take Flight: Tiffany & Co. Reimagines Schlumberger’s Bird on a Rock](https://robbreport.ph/style/jewelry/when-legends-take-flight-tiffany-co-reimagines-schlumbergers-bird-on-a-rock/) **Published:** September 26, 2025 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** [Tiffany & Co.](https://robbreport.ph/style/jewelry/tiffany-co-and-its-search-for-the-best-diamonds-in-the-world/ "Tiffany & Co. and Its Search for the Best Diamonds in the World") has long stood at the intersection of heritage and artistry, where the rarest gemstones are transformed into works that transcend ornament. Among the maison’s most enduring signatures is the Bird on a Rock, a design born from the imagination of Jean Schlumberger, whose whimsical interpretations brought high jewelry into narrative form. This year, the [House](https://www.tiffany.com/) reinterprets Schlumberger’s emblem through a creation that unites its most celebrated jewel, the Tiffany Diamond. It serves as a reminder that true icons are not bound to one point in history alone. ## **A Diamond Beyond Measure** The Tiffany Diamond’s history began in 1877, when a 287.42-carat rough yellow diamond was discovered in the Kimberley Mine of South Africa. Charles Lewis Tiffany, the House’s founder, secured the stone for $18,000, an acquisition that signaled both ambition and foresight. Sent to Paris under the guidance of Chief Gemologist Dr. George Frederick Kunz, the diamond was cut into a modified brilliant with 82 facets, a departure from convention designed to heighten its fire. What emerged was a 128.54-carat gem, enduringly one of the finest yellow diamonds in existence. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Tiffany-Diamond-Timeline_Updated.webp) *Tiffany & Co.* Its importance has never rested solely on scale. The Tiffany Diamond has become a symbol of the House’s philosophy of seeking beauty above size, a testament to its commitment to artistry. Over nearly a century and a half, the gem has appeared in only a handful of settings and has been worn on four occasions: first by Mrs. Mary Whitehouse at the 1957 Tiffany Ball, then by Audrey Hepburn in publicity photographs for *Breakfast at Tiffany’s*, later by Lady Gaga at the Academy Awards, and most recently by Beyoncé in the *About Love* campaign with JAY-Z. Each moment reaffirmed its place as a jewel of rare cultural resonance. ## **Schlumberger’s Enduring Vision** Among the Tiffany Diamond’s settings, few are as emblematic as its placement within Schlumberger’s Bird on a Rock brooch in 1995. The design balanced extravagance with playfulness, presenting a diamond-encrusted bird perched atop the legendary stone. It was a creation that spoke not only of mastery but of imagination, qualities that remain hallmarks of Schlumberger’s oeuvre. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/CR58994_cv.webp) *Tiffany & Co.* ## **The Fifth Transformation** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/CR59331_cv.webp) *Tiffany & Co.* Today, the Tiffany Diamond finds new expression in its fifth design, a transformable high jewelry masterpiece requiring 1,384 hours of craftsmanship. Conceived as both brooch and pendant, the jewel features five diamond-encrusted birds encircling the central stone, each rendered with subtle variations to suggest movement. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Artboard-1-2240x1260.webp) The Tiffany Diamond finds new expression in its fifth design, a transformable high jewelry masterpiece requiring 1,384 hours of craftsmanship. *Tiffany & Co.* Where the original brooch depicted a single bird in repose, this iteration expresses flight, capturing the energy of nature while honoring Schlumberger’s vision. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Artboard-2-2240x1260.webp) The jewel features five diamond-encrusted birds encircling the central stone, each rendered with subtle variations to suggest movement. *Tiffany & Co.* The result is more than a technical triumph; it is a meditation on continuity and how heritage can evolve without relinquishing its essence. In the Tiffany Diamond’s newest incarnation, collectors and connoisseurs encounter not only a remarkable jewel, but also a legacy still evolving. **Categories:** Jewelry, Style **Tags:** bird on a rock, diamonds, tiffany & co. --- ### [Amanvari Is Now Taking Reservations for Its Baja Debut](https://robbreport.ph/travel/amanvari-is-now-taking-reservations-for-its-baja-debut/) **Published:** June 25, 2026 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** Aman is heading for the edge of Baja. Amanvari, the brand’s forthcoming sanctuary on Mexico’s East Cape, is now accepting reservations ahead of its planned opening on August 1. Set within Costa Palmas, the private coastal community on the Sea of Cortez, the resort will introduce just 18 casitas and a limited collection of Aman-branded residences to one of Baja’s most elemental stretches of coastline. Its name, drawn from the Sanskrit words for “peace” and “water,” gives guests a better sense of the mood the property is trying to create. The East Cape is much wider and more dramatic than the high-gloss Cabo most travelers know. Picture beautiful deserts, estuaries, mountains, and, of course, the sea. Amanvari sits where those landscapes meet, with views toward the Sierra de la Laguna and the deep blues of the Sea of Cortez. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/amanvari_3-1.webp) *Photo: Amanvari* Elastic designed Amanvari as a response to Baja’s terrain, with initial contribution from Heah & Co. Rather than sitting above the landscape, the casitas seem to settle into it, placed among desert vegetation, palms, and the changing coastal light. At 82 square meters each, they open generously to the outdoors, with terraces, private heated pools, outdoor showers, and living spaces arranged for the slower rhythms of the day. Fair-faced white concrete is also softened by natural stone, timber, and plaster, while bespoke furnishings and discreet technology add polish without drawing attention away from the setting. ## What Travellers Can Expect ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/amanvari-253235.webp) *Photo: Amanvari* Guests will have access to the wider Costa Palmas lifestyle, including a Robert Trent Jones II-designed golf course, organic farms and orchards, a private marina and yacht club, and miles of swimmable beachfront. Beyond the community, Baja’s East Cape opens into a more adventurous kind of luxury, such as diving near manta rays and sea turtles in Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park, heading by private boat into the Sea of Cortez for yellowfin tuna and roosterfish, or riding on horseback across beach, estuary, and desert before sunset. Dining will lean into both Aman’s global signatures and Baja’s local character. Arva, the brand’s Italian concept, will be joined by Sesui, a Japanese restaurant with a 10-seat omakase counter and à la carte tables. Luma, on the other hand, will focus on Mexican cuisine inspired by open-fire cooking and coastal traditions, while the Lounge Bar and Pool will serve more casual small bites and refreshments. Private dining will include beachside meals and multi-course experiences shaped by regional ingredients and culinary traditions. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/amanvari3256325.webp) *Photo: Amanvari* The Aman Spa and Wellness centre will also draw from Mexico’s ancestral healing rituals while reflecting the brand’s broader longevity-focused philosophy. At its heart is a contemporary take on a temazcal, the traditional sweat lodge, joined by two Hydro Houses with a banya and hammam. Six private treatment rooms, a beauty salon with head spa, outdoor relaxation areas, an open-air yoga pavilion, and a 24-hour fitness centre round out the offering. Conversely, for those who want something more permanent than a stay, Amanvari will come with Aman Residences. The homes are designed as an extension of the resort’s low-slung, landscape-led aesthetic, with expansive courtyards, private swimming pools, discreet entrances, and far-reaching views. Private services such as private chefs and housekeeping are folded into the experience, as well. *Book a stay [here](https://www.aman.com/resorts/amanvari).* ## Frequently Asked Questions ### When does Amanvari open? Amanvari is scheduled to open on August 1, with reservations now being accepted. ### Where is Amanvari located? Amanvari is located on Mexico’s East Cape in Baja, within the private Costa Palmas community on the Sea of Cortez. ### How many rooms does Amanvari have? Amanvari will feature 18 casitas, along with a limited collection of Aman-branded residences. ### What are the casitas like at Amanvari? Each casita measures 82 square meters and includes expansive terraces, a private heated pool, an outdoor shower, and indoor-outdoor living spaces. ### What restaurants will Amanvari have? Amanvari’s dining venues will include Arva, Aman’s Italian concept; Sesui, a Japanese restaurant with a 10-seat omakase counter; and Luma, a Mexican restaurant inspired by open-fire cooking and coastal traditions. ### What wellness facilities will Amanvari offer? The Aman Spa and Wellness centre will include six private treatment rooms, a contemporary temazcal, two Hydro Houses with banya and hammam, outdoor relaxation areas, an open-air yoga pavilion, and a 24-hour fitness centre. ### What can guests do around Amanvari? Guests can access Costa Palmas’ golf course, marina, yacht club, organic farms, orchards, and swimmable beaches, as well as diving, fishing, horseback riding, and off-road excursions across Baja’s East Cape. **Categories:** Travel **Tags:** Amanvari, Baja, East Cape, luxury travel, News --- ### [The 8 Most Exciting Yachts at This Year’s Cannes Boat Show](https://robbreport.ph/boats/the-8-most-exciting-yachts-at-this-years-cannes-boat-show/) **Published:** September 16, 2025 **Author:** Julia Zaltzman **Content:** This year’s [Cannes Yachting Festival](https://www.cannesyachtingfestival.com/en-gb.html#/) wrapped up yesterday with an impressive number of vessel debuts among the 700 [yachts](https://robbreport.ph/tag/yachts/ "Yachts"), crowds estimated at about 55,000 for its six-day run, and, of course, the stunning Mediterranean backdrop. It was a strong opening to the international yachting season. Cannes has made a substantial effort over the years to develop the show into zones that make more sense for visitors, including the Sailing Area and Power Boat Marina in Port Canto, and the Superyacht Extension in Vieux Port. This was the second year of the Innovation Route, which is a trail of boats and products that either have innovative designs or sustainability components—or both. The first Innovation Route Awards gave companies like SEA.AI show recognition with its AI-controlled Watchkeeper system while also recognizing Vaan Yachts’ 49-foot sailboat Vaan R5, which is almost totally (95 percent) built of recycled aluminum and circular materials for its unusually low environmental impact. Benetti’s B.Yond 37M Motopanfilo also gained the Special Jury Award for its retro look in a modern hull. The MODX 70 catamaran won the Sustainable and Responsible Technology award. This space-age cat was among the yachts that we saw and loved at this year’s Cannes. Here are eight of our favorites. ## Benetti ‘Juno’s 7’ ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Benetti-Yachts-Junos-7-Profile.webp) *Benetti Yachts* *Juno’s 7*, the first example of the Class 44M series and the largest composite yacht in Benetti’s fleet, turned out to be a standout design by Giorgio Cassetta. It was also a big showstopper at Cannes. Cassetta’s exterior featured a large social area on the foredeck, a convertible beach club (separate from the tender garage) and its most unusual selling point—an upper sundeck that spans over 1,000 square feet. The interior includes salons and staterooms finished with pale woods, mineral-resin surfaces, and FSC-certified elm floors. But its most important detail is the one you can’t see. The yacht’s advanced soundproofing, accomplished through floating floors and bulkheads, acoustic foams and absorbers, and other technical features, keeps engine decibels, wave banging and vibration at minimal levels. Combined with the elegance, that extra technical bit of sophistication lifts *Juno 7*‘s onboard livability to another level. ## Prestige M7 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Beneteau-Group-Prestige-M7-Power-Catamaran.webp) *Prestige Yachts* Packing 2,152 square feet of living space aboard a 58-foot yacht is no mean feat, yet that’s what the Prestige M7 offers. It highlights an obvious benefit to choosing a multihull over a monohull, “especially when the design has derived from a motoryacht architecture, rather than than that of a sailboat,” Jean-Francois Lair, Prestige’s brand director, told *Robb Report* during a tour of the vessel. The overall design by Garroni Design Studio features a light-and-beamy open plan aft deck and a loft-style living space that wouldn’t feel out of place in Miami. However, perhaps the most exciting feature is the reversed staircase in the main salon: It’s been engineered 180 degrees to face the interior. It’s a radical design alteration that came from the desire to make the stairs feel safer, more protected and with better interior circulation, all without encroaching on the outdoor living space. Living space is also at a premium in the main-deck master suite, which in addition to a bed, closet and sizable ensuite, contains a large lounging sofa and an even larger corner office. ## CDM ‘Project T’ ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/CDM-Yachts-Project-T-Exterior.webp) *CDM Yachts* The exterior of CDM’s 148-foot *Project T* has that brand’s stylish explorer look, but designer Giorgia Cassetta was tasked with creating an unusual interior layout by devoting the lion’s share of the main deck to the owners and placing four guest suites on the lower deck. Essentially, the owners enjoy a full-beam apartment with his-and-hers ensuites, a dressing room, lounge and side balcony. The interior’s contemporary artwork and warm décor give it a modern look. The owner-favorite layout shows how this Italian yard can modify spaces within its existing hull shapes. ## Majesty 100 Terrace ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/GulfCraft-Majesty-100-Terrace-Yacht-Exterior_07c939.webp) *Gulfcraft Majesty Yachts* This yacht’s most innovative feature is part of the name. The outdoor bow lounge aboard the Majesty 100 Terrace is directly accessed from the master suite, creating a cozy, private outdoor nest cocooned within the bow. The relaxing space can be configured as a coffee-table setup or for breakfast dining and, according to Alexander Souabni, global head of marketing at Gulf Craft Group, was a huge selling point for the owner who purchased the yacht. “We created the bow terrace to give a unique sense of privacy to a 100-footer,” he told *Robb Report*. The feature occupies what is typically a storage or technical area, yet remains accessible to the crew when the anchor, mounted on a remote-controlled platform, has to be weighed. Side steps link the Terrace to the bridge deck for sunbathing or a dip in the Jacuzzi. Other key features of the yacht include a large skylight amidships that brings light and height to the main staircase, and generous deck space at the stern, where folding side platforms enlarge the aft-deck beam to more than 26 feet across, and modular seating with movable backrests can service the swim platform and convert to aft dining. ## Ocean Development MODX70 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Ocean-Development-MD70-Sustainable-Sailing-Catamaran.webp) French builder Ocean Development stepped ten years into the future with this 70-foot sailing cat. It’s equipped with systems that will provide 100-percent renewable energy, thanks to proprietary Aeroforce wings, electric motors, hydrogeneration and 750 square feet of solar panels. The boat also looks stylish, with the 75-foot-high wings (each with 1,300 square feet of sail area) delivering 20-knot top end with zero carbon emissions. The five-stateroom layout, with space for two crew, can be customized with the owner’s choice of décor and interior layout. The MODX70 was one of the most exciting yachts at the show. ## Sanlorenzo SD132 ‘Andiamo’ ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Sanlorenzo-Yachts-SD132-Andiamo-Exterior_e4c6d2.webp) *Sanlorenzo Yachts* Sanlorenzo’s 133-foot *Andiamo*, the largest composite, semi-displacement yacht built by the Italian shipyard, made a striking appearance at Cannes, thanks to its bronze paint job. It’s the flagship of the Italian builder’s SD132 range, which is defined by an asymmetric layout. That felt particularly successful aboard *Andiamo*. A formal dining table starboard and lounge seating portside give the main salon a residential vibe. Earthy, tactile fabrics, including a textile wall designed to look and feel like stone, enhance the yacht’s individual aesthetic. In the master suite, the owner’s decision to locate the ensuite forward allows for two separate entrances on either side of a full-sized bathtub. Smooth marble countertops are paired with rough, cement-like finishes for an industrial touch and what Zuccon International Project, the vessel’s designers, describe as “stylistic language inspired by the colors of the earth and nature.” The jewel among the multiple deck areas and social spaces is the aft beach club, with lounge seating, drop-down terraces and a TV-equipped bar. ## Bellini Astor 58 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Bellini-Astor-58-Yacht-Exterior-Foldout.webp) Whoever said that blue and green should never be seen together clearly couldn’t seen how Bellini’s Astor 58 looked on the az8re Med at Cannes. One of five stock colors, the owner chose green in multiple shades. The exterior paired with an equally contemporary interior, complete with lime-green trims, of course, and high ceilings. Norberto Ferretti, founder of the famed Ferretti Group, consults for the builder on the concept and hull design, and therefore brought a sense of Italian pedigree. True to form, sociability and outdoor dining sits at the heart of exterior layout with a fully equipped wet bar in place of a large interior galley that serves the massive fold-down platform. Powered by Volvo Penta 950 twin engines with IPS drives, the Astor 58 hits a top speed of 36 knots and cruises at 27 knots. ## Van der Valk ‘Lalabe’ ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/VanderValk-Yachts-Lalabe-Profile.webp) *Van der Valk Yachts* There were several elements helped turn our heads with Van der Valk’s full custom aluminum yacht, *Lalabe* (foreground), at Cannes. First and foremost, the aft deck’s fold-down side terraces. The owners chose to compromise on the size of the main salon to afford as much outer deck space as possible, resulting in a vast aft terrace with sofas and tables. The main salon therefore feels more akin to a sky lounge, while the bridge-deck salon can be used as a cozy four-season garden with sliding glass doors that partially open on three sides. *Lalabe* is based on the same hull platform as the builder’s *Lady Lene*, which the owners visited at the Cannes Yachting Festival in 2022. By adding five extra feet to *Lalabe*, they found it would accommodate their multigenerational family. “The owners were involved in all aspects of this build, from the choice of materials to limiting the yacht’s length to 115 feet to make it easy to berth in marinas,” Yoeri Bijker, Van der Velk’s commercial director, told *Robb Report* during a tour. Generous accommodations for eight crew, a large galley with a residential feel, and custom safety features for the owners’ young grandchildren were also requirements, along with flexible guest accommodations to futureproof the yacht for charter. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Boats --- ### [9 Fascinating Facts You Never Knew About Bentley](https://robbreport.ph/cars/9-fascinating-facts-you-never-knew-about-bentley/) **Published:** June 25, 2026 **Author:** Bob Sorokanich **Content:** Bentley is a legend among English carmakers. The company, founded more than 100 years ago, has put its winged logo on some of the most beautiful, luxurious, and powerful vehicles to grace the world’s roads. These days, Bentley is also in the process of going all-electric, but, in many ways, business for Bentley is better than ever, driven largely by the popularity of the Bentayga, Bentley’s SUV, though the company remains proud that its deepest roots are in racing, on top of decades of experience making some of the world’s most luxurious roadgoing cars. That’s reflected in today’s Bentley, too, with around a third of sales in 2022 being its Continental and Continental GT, a model name that has been around at Bentley since 1952. A similar proportion of Bentleys sold are Flying Spurs, with a majority of those sold in the U.K. being hybrids. That is a hint to Bentley’s future, as it transitions into an EV company. Bentley has said the future of Bentley [is all-electric](https://www.cnbc.com/2024/03/19/bentley-delays-all-ev-plan-past-2030-amid-vehicle-development-issues.html), if not by 2030 then within a few years after. Bentley’s first all-electric is thought to be coming sometime in 2025, and will be a new evolution for a resilient company that has survived for over a century through adaptation and also, in many ways, not adapting at all. Bentley is still just one of a handful of ultra-luxury car marques, with Rolls-Royce its primary competitor, along with, to a lesser extent, Mercedes-Maybach. It didn’t start that way, though; Bentley’s earliest days were full of scrappy racing determination. Let’s look at the history of Bentley to understand more about how this revered car company ended up where it is today. ###### Bentley’s founder raced motorcycles and worked on railroads ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/GettyImages-2637161-e1713979438141.webp) *Photo: Topical Press Agency* Walter Owen Bentley, who went by “W.O.”, had a fascinating career before founding his car company. Born in London, at 16 years old he took an apprenticeship with the Great Northern Railway to learn how to design and manufacture locomotives. As a young man, he raced motorcycles, joining Indian Motorcycles’ factory racing team in 1910 and competing twice at the Isle of Man TT. But soon, his fascination with cars would draw him away from motorcycles and the railroad. ## A paperweight inspired Bentley to design car engines ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/GettyImages-593360001-e1713979495990.webp) *Photo: Hulton Archive* In 1912, W.O. and his brother Horace (who went by “H.M.”—the family loved their initials) started Bentley and Bentley, a dealership selling French-built DFP cars. While touring the DFP factory, W.O. noticed an aluminum paperweight on a tabletop, which inspired him to design lightweight aluminum pistons for a DFP race car. The modified car set multiple speed records at Brooklands race track in 1913 and 1914. ## Bentley’s first engines powered WWI fighter planes ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/GettyImages-3094871.webp) *Photo: Terry Disney* When World War I broke out in 1914, W.O. Bentley collaborated with the Royal Naval Air Service to put his aluminum-alloy piston design into aircraft engines. The lightweight pistons helped engines run cooler and faster, improving performance and reliability. With engineering assistance from the Royal Navy, W.O. designed the BR1 engine that powered most of the Sopwith Camel fighter planes used by British forces. W.O. was awarded the MBE for his contribution to the British war effort. ## Bentley launched with massive racing success ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/GettyImages-3434584.webp) *Photo: Fox Photos* In 1919, W.O. opened the doors of Bentley Motors Limited in London. From the start, his car company had a singular focus on racing. The first production Bentley automobile was delivered in 1921, but Bentley’s earliest successes were on the racetrack. A Bentley took 13th place in the 1922 Indianapolis 500, and Bentley won the 24 Hours of Le Mans five times between 1924 and 1930. ## The Bentley Boys ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/GettyImages-3431279.webp) *Photo: Central Press* During the 1920s, Bentley became the automaker of choice for a raucous group of wealthy British car enthusiasts and racing drivers that would become known as The Bentley Boys. This crew included professional racing drivers, horse racers, playboys, millionaire heirs, and daredevils. The Bentley Boys entered their cars in races throughout Europe, bolstering the company’s image for building fast, tough machines. The most famous of these stunts was when Woolf Barnato, heir to a diamond fortune and then the chairman of Bentley, raced his 6 ½ Litre Bentley against The Blue Train, a luxury train line that ferried wealthy English customers between Calais and the French Riviera, and won. ## There was a secret takeover by Rolls-Royce ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/GettyImages-3432686.webp) *Photo: Central Press* The market crash of 1929 severely reduced the market for expensive automobiles, and by 1931 Bentley was bankrupt. Rival companies bid for the chance to take over Bentley, but the winning bid was placed by an organization called British Central Equitable Trust. Only after the deal was completed was it revealed that British Central Equitable Trust was actually bidding on behalf of rival British automaker Rolls-Royce, which would maintain control over Bentley until 1970. From the 1930s to the early 2000s, most Bentley models were largely based on Rolls-Royce offerings. ## Volkswagen took over in 1998 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/GettyImages-693206-e1713980552877.webp) *Photo: Scott Olson* In 1998, BMW moved to purchase Rolls-Royce. The transaction was complicated, in part because Rolls-Royce was operating a carmaker, an airplane engine maker, a military equipment supplier, and Bentley, among other holdings. As part of the arrangement, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars was separated from Bentley, with the latter company being sold to Volkswagen. ## Bentley returns to Le Mans in 2001 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/GettyImages-1997766-e1713980732845.webp) *Photo: Clive Rose* Bentley had withdrawn from racing in 1930, but under Volkswagen ownership, the company returned to racing. The EXP Speed 8 was a mid-engine closed-cockpit race car competing in the LMGTP class. The Speed 8 debuted at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2001, and won the race outright in 2003. ## The last W12, and the electric future ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Batur-750PS-Engine-1-e1713980921535.webp) *Photo: Clive Rose* In April 2024, Bentley [built its last W12 engine](https://www.bentleymedia.com/en/newsitem/1428-bentley-announces-end-to-12-cylinder-engine-production-with-the-most-powerful-version-ever), after selling more than 100,000 examples of the compact and complex 12-cylinder. The change came as part of Bentley’s commitment to becoming a [fully electric automaker by 2030](https://www.bentleymotors.com/en/about-bentley/beyond-100/coming-this-way.html), launching one new EV each year starting in 2025. For AEO/SEO/GEO, I’d make the FAQs answer the broad questions people are actually asking about Bentley—not just this article. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Who founded Bentley? Bentley was founded by Walter Owen Bentley (W.O. Bentley) in 1919. An engineer and racing enthusiast, he built the company around high-performance luxury automobiles inspired by his experience designing aircraft engines during World War I. ### Why is Bentley famous? Bentley is renowned for combining handcrafted luxury with racing performance. The marque won the 24 Hours of Le Mans five times between 1924 and 1930, returned to win again in 2003, and today is known for models such as the Continental GT, Flying Spur, and Bentayga. ### Who owns Bentley today? Bentley Motors has been part of the Volkswagen Group since 1998. Before that, the British marque was owned by Rolls-Royce for much of the twentieth century following its acquisition in 1931. ### Is Bentley becoming an electric car company? Yes. Bentley plans to transition to a fully electric lineup during the 2030s. The company has already ended production of its iconic W12 engine and is introducing electrified and fully electric models as part of its Beyond100 strategy. ### Why are Bentley cars considered ultra-luxury vehicles? Bentley vehicles are known for their handcrafted interiors, bespoke customization through Mulliner, powerful performance, and over a century of engineering and motorsport heritage. Each model combines traditional craftsmanship with advanced automotive technology. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** Bentley, cars, Feature --- ### [10 Peptide-Powered Serums That’ll Help Thicken and Strengthen Your Hair](https://robbreport.ph/style/grooming/10-peptide-powered-serums-for-hair-thickening-and-strengthening/) **Published:** September 11, 2025 **Author:** Adam Hurly **Content:** Peptides have long been a fixture in [skincare](https://robbreport.ph/style/grooming/ "Grooming"). They signal cells to produce more collagen and repair visible damage. Their role in hair care is relatively new to the market, but the principle is similar: peptides act as messengers, supporting scalp and follicle health so hair can grow in a stronger, more resilient environment. Instead of being positioned as a cure for thinning, peptide serums for hair are marketed as daily scalp care. Think of them the way you might think of moisturizers or antioxidants for the skin; peptides do not replace proven medical treatments like minoxidil or finasteride, but they can improve the scalp’s condition and may help slow shedding. Here, peptides aren’t about miracle growth. They are about protection, support, and extending the longevity of what you already have. ## **How Peptides Work** Peptides are short chains of amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. In skincare, they tell cells to do things like make more collagen or reinforce the skin barrier. On the scalp, their signaling role takes a different form. “In hair, peptides improve the follicle’s environment and support,” says Greg Ruggeri, a New York–based trichologist (a specialist in hair and scalp health) and owner of [Salon Ruggeri](https://ruggerinyc.com/). They improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and strengthen the follicle’s environment, giving existing hair a healthier foundation to grow. “They are not a direct regrowth switch, but a supportive nudge,” Ruggeri explains. There is early clinical research around certain peptides, particularly copper peptides and biomimetic signal peptides, which mimic the body’s natural growth factors. (More on those and other key terms, below.) The key is that peptides are not drugs. They are cues to the scalp that can help maintain healthier conditions, giving existing follicles better odds of producing hair. ## **Understanding the Lingo** Peptides, even if you’re someone who reads ingredient labels for a living, are among the more confusing ingredients. If you need some clarity, it helps to know these key terms: Copper peptides: Best known for improving blood flow, reducing inflammation, and signaling repair. These are among the most studied for scalp health. (Though you’ll find them in skincare too.) Biomimetic peptides: Lab-made versions of natural signaling molecules that mimic growth factors, designed to “speak the same language” as the body. Signal peptides: A broader category that includes copper and biomimetic versions. These are the peptides that send cues for repair, vascular support, or follicle maintenance. Growth factor–mimicking peptides: A newer class, still aspirational, that aims to imitate the body’s complex growth factors without requiring biologic materials. ## **How Hair-Targeting Peptides Differ From Skincare Peptides** In skincare, peptides are prized because they can “talk” to skin cells in ways other ingredients cannot. Certain peptides signal fibroblasts to ramp up collagen and elastin production, while others reinforce the skin barrier or calm inflammation. Unlike ingredients that deliver hydration or exfoliation directly, peptides act as messengers, triggering biological processes that help skin repair itself. Again, peptides in hair density products will zero in on vascularity and inflammation, as well as something called the “extracellular matrix” that surrounds and nourishes the follicle; this is a network of proteins and sugars that regulates how nutrients, oxygen, and signals reach the follicle. A healthy matrix is pliable and nourishing, while a compromised one can starve the follicle of what it needs. Peptides can help strengthen or remodel this matrix, making it a more favorable environment for hair to anchor and grow. This makes peptide serums more like scalp skincare than hair regrowth tonics. They can help slow loss by reducing environmental stressors on the scalp (in my book, that’s their best benefit), or by boosting the signals that encourage stronger growth. But they should not be confused with pharmaceutical treatments. “Peptide serums shine as scalp skincare,” Ruggeri says. “They protect follicles, maintain strand health, and slow loss.” And he reinforces his main point again: “But, they don’t promise dramatic regrowth.” Set expectations accordingly. ## **Peptides for Your Hair vs. Peptides for Your Scalp** Peptides have a second role in haircare that often causes confusion. Many conditioners, masks, and repair products list peptides on the label, but these are formulated for the strand itself, not the follicle. Strand-focused peptides, often larger in size, work like patching agents: they bind to weak spots in the cuticle, reinforce elasticity, and reduce breakage. This is why they appear in strengthening or repairing treatments. Scalp serums, on the other hand, rely on smaller signal peptides that can interact with the skin’s biology. Their goal is not cosmetic repair, but to influence the follicle’s environment and improve the odds of healthy growth. Both uses are valid, but only the scalp-directed versions are relevant to hair preservation. ## **How Effective Are Peptides for Hair Growth?** It bears repeating: The best way to think about peptide scalp serums is as an investment in scalp health. Or as Ruggeri puts it, “Great maintenance, but not the main event.” Fit the peptides into a broader regimen (one that may include prescription treatments, supplements, or in-office procedures). Don’t pin your hopes on them as a standalone fix. Their greatest value is in daily-use products, applied directly to the scalp, where they can do their work over time. I tend to recommend using them in the evening on a clean scalp, same time as you may apply a topical minoxidil, if you’re using that for hair retention, too; rinse it all out in the morning and it shouldn’t impact your hair styling routine. If hair length is a priority for you, peptide serums provide especially practical support since they ultimately suit long-term upkeep. ## The Best Peptide Serums for Hair Loss Here are the scalp peptide serums I recommend incorporating into your regimen. ### Nutrafol Hair Serum for Men ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/RR_20250828_Peptide_Hair_Serums_for_Men_nutrafol.webp) Hair-thickening mainstay [Nutrafol](https://share.google/gssqm1G3rgPiNyF0C) uses ashwagandha exosomes in this serum. That plant-based delivery system pairs with Irish moss peptides and red ginseng, thus targeting stress- and inflammation-related thinning. ### Patricks RD2 Hair Loss Serum for Men ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/RR_20250828_Peptide_Hair_Serums_for_Men_patricks.webp) [Patrick’s](https://share.google/2pjUMuuV7Zu9T6vV8) positions this as a pharmaceutical-strength option for those among us who are ready to invest in an intensive nightly regimen. With 24 percent actives across five patented complexes (plus caffeine and biotin peptides), this serum drives visible thickening over time. ### Plated Skin Science Hair Serum ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/RR_20250828_Peptide_Hair_Serums_for_Men_plated.webp) This Robb Report US Grooming Awards [winner](https://platedskinscience.com/products/hair-serum?srsltid=AfmBOookQpDol084NFOWyv14FkHgSFgJ2d4uUZictV-k1stOazTLKr3e) uses platelet-derived exosomes to help stimulate dormant hair follicles back into action. But it also uses an ingredient called Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-20 amide, a bio-mimetic peptide that combats graying and can lead to darker, thicker-looking hair over time. ### Caldera+Lab The Hair Serum ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/RR_20250828_Peptide_Hair_Serums_for_Men_caldera.webp) This [serum](https://calderalab.com/products/the-hair-serum?srsltid=AfmBOooGI4aEwBjxgD7iBS1SZY3jOPYoAmGIvz6i9rmO3gWvEQLjyF2L&selling_plan=18622709847&variant=41624594808919) is anchored in plant-derived exosomes, claiming one billion per dropper. Pair that with biomimetic peptides, and you’ve got a non-greasy hair-raising recipe for success. ### Nécessaire The Scalp Serum ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/RR_20250828_Peptide_Hair_Serums_for_Men_necessaire.webp) [Nécessaire’s](https://necessaire.com/products/the-scalp-serum-travel?srsltid=AfmBOorYbhP6sajNCKyzReerVEtTM69dzfuxfL1iC3L3TcjdDOX8cg2P) serum emphasizes scalp health first. It pairs a concentrated 5% Capixyl peptide blend with hyaluronic acid, making it one of the few peptide serums that doubles as a hydrating scalp treatment. ### Act+Acre 3% Stem Cell Peptide Hair + Scalp Treatment ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/RR_20250828_Peptide_Hair_Serums_for_Men_act_scre.webp) Unlike most serums, [this one ](https://actandacre.com/products/apple-stem-cell-serum?srsltid=AfmBOoqJuAIZ58JlxOgfmmFeeMu4ZnUONdIEg7JYJVT0bE-ZcI-MM6P5)is cold-processed to preserve potency. It uses a 3% stem cell peptide complex plus caffeine. Clinical trials report reduced shedding and improved visible density in as little as 12 weeks. (And when it comes to hair density, we do love clinical proof.) ### Pura D’Or Hair Thinning Therapy Energizing Scalp Serum ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/RR_20250828_Peptide_Hair_Serums_for_Men_pura_d_or.webp) [Pura D’Or’](https://purador.com/collections/thinning-hair-solutions)s scalp spritz leans on a wide ingredient deck: copper peptides, apple stem cells, pea protein, catalase, cayenne, and caffeine. It differentiates itself by addressing thinning through multiple pathways rather than relying on peptides alone. ### Briogeo Destined for Density Peptide Hair Serum ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/RR_20250828_Peptide_Hair_Serums_for_Men_briogeo.webp) [Briogeo](https://www.briogeohair.com/) leans into natural actives, pairing peptides with biotin and circulation-boosting caffeine. The emphasis here is on daily density support for hair texture and strand strength. ### The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/RR_20250828_Peptide_Hair_Serums_for_Men_ordinary.webp) A benchmark entry point for peptide-powered solutions: [The Ordinary](https://theordinary.com/) democratized the category by combining five peptide complexes found in luxury serums into one serum. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Grooming, Style **Tags:** hair, hair strengthening, hair thickening, peptides --- ### [The Carter Collection Arrives at Auction, Minor Hotels Enters Ushuaia, Ferrari Royalty at Mecum Kissimmee & More](https://robbreport.ph/the-luxe-dispatch/the-carter-collection-arrives-at-auction-minor-hotels-enters-ushuaia-ferrari-royalty-at-mecum-kissimmee-more/) **Published:** January 9, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** Capital continues to move with conviction at the very top of the market. From a presidential archive poised to rewrite auction history and a once-in-a-generation Ferrari crossing the block, to bold hospitality plays stretching from India’s commercial hubs to the edge of Patagonia, luxury’s appetite for permanence shows little sign of softening. It seems the market is rewarding provenance and the confidence to think long-term, valuing selectivity rather than excess. ## Carter’s Private Collection Auction Set to Make History ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/carters-collection.webp) “The Hornet’s Nest” by Jimmy Carter, the Private Collection of President and Mrs. Jimmy Carter. *Photo: Christie’s* A quietly monumental sale is coming into view. This January, Christie’s will present the private collection of President Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter—an archive that traces American institutional memory in many ways. Spanning rare Americana, historic documents, and deeply personal artifacts, the sale is expected to command between as much as US$120 million. *More information [here](https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/american-collector-including-property-mr-mrs-john-d-rockefeller-3rd/lots/3949).* ## Minor Hotels Brings Anantara to the “End of the World” in Ushuaia ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/minor-hotels.webp) Wolseley Hotels in London is part of the Minor Hotels portfolio. *Photo: Minor Hotels* Luxury hospitality is heading to the edge of the map. Minor Hotels has announced the debut of its flagship luxury brand, Anantara, in Ushuaia, Argentina, often dubbed the “end of the world.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/premium_photo-1697729901052-fe8900e24993-2240x1258.webp) Aerial view of Buenos Aires. *Photo: Unsplash* Slated for Patagonia’s dramatic southern frontier, the resort signals the growing appeal of remote, high-concept destinations that privilege experience over proximity. Think of it as a bold expansion into ultra-immersive travel, where isolation, landscape, and narrative become the ultimate luxury amenities. ## Ferrari Royalty Takes Center Stage at Mecum Kissimmee 2026 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/62-ferrari-gto-white-mecum.webp) It’s quite literally one of a kind. *Photo: Mecum Auctions* Few auction lots carry the gravitational pull of a Ferrari 250 GTO. Even fewer, still, when it’s the only one finished in factory white. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/0x0-15.webp) The headline lot of Mecum Kissimmee 2026. *Photo: Mecum Auctions* The 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO “Bianco Speciale” headlines the Ferrari-heavy Bachman Collection at Mecum Kissimmee 2026, alongside an extraordinary roster of modern and classic Maranello icons. From F40s and Enzos to historically significant GTs, the offering reads like a greatest-hits archive of automotive royalty, poised to command eight-figure attention. *More information [here](https://www.mecum.com/auctions/kissimmee-2026/).* ## Artcurial Paris Auctions Signal a Refined Start to the Year ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/D25110331-003-A_BT250862_039_BRI__RVB-HDef-bis.webp) Ice Cube Chopard by De Grisogono *Photo: Artcurial Paris* Paris opens the auction calendar with its customary understatement. Artcurial’s January sales bring together fine watches, jewelry, and design objects that favor connoisseurship over spectacle. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/D25109238-002-A_BT250978_001_BRI__RVB-HDef-bis.webp) Cartier Art Deco *Photo: Artcurial Paris* Known for surfacing discreetly exceptional pieces (often with European provenance and quiet rarity), Artcurial’s Paris auctions continue to attract collectors who value refinement over empty flash. Interestingly, the house’s measured approach feels increasingly aligned with where the upper end of the market is heading as we start the year. *More information [here](https://www.artcurial.com/en).* **Categories:** The Luxe Dispatch **Tags:** Artcurial Paris, Auctions, Christies, Mecum Kissimmee, Minor Hotels, Nirma Group --- ### [Our Wine Editors’ 10 Favorite Bottles of 2025](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/wine/our-wine-editors-10-favorite-bottles-of-2025/) **Published:** January 9, 2026 **Author:** Mike DeSimone **Content:** If tasting [wine](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/wine/ "Wine") sounds like your idea of a dream job—to be honest it is—just remember that we also have to pay meticulous attention to what’s in our glass, sniffing, swirling, and spitting while taking painstaking notes. As we set up our tastings and accept invitations to events throughout the year, we know that we are starting out with the true cream of the crop, but even so out of the 7,000 wines that crossed our lips this year a handful emerged as being head and shoulders above the rest. It’s hard to put a finger on exactly what qualities earn a glass the distinction of being considered among the best we tasted, but often the circumstances—the place it is enjoyed and the people we are with—turn an excellent pour into an exceptional one. Here are the 10 best wines we tasted in 2025. ## Conti Marone Cinzano 2019 Lot 1 Brunello di Montalcino ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RR_Conti_Marone_Cinzano_1.webp) *Photo: Conti Marone Cinzano* When we wrote earlier this year that this is the wine that is going to make Brunello cool again, we were dead serious. From what has been called a textbook-perfect vintage, this small-batch, single-vineyard Brunello made by Santiago Cinzano (whose family owns Col d’Orcia) and Dr. Donato Lanati (of Giacomo Conterno fame) has flavors of ripe summer cherry and dried cranberry wrapped in brilliant acidity and polished tannins. We tasted it before it was released with Cinzano, a charming young aristocrat who in addition to being a passionate winemaker is a brilliant storyteller. ## Domaine Caroline Frey 2022 Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Domaine_Caroline_Frey_2022_Corton_Charlemagne_Grand_Cru_Burgundy_France.webp) *Photo: Domaine Caroline Frey* A unicorn wine that will never be released under this label, this came to us before winemaker Caroline Frey announced she was stepping away from her role here and at family owned La Chapelle Hermitage, Paul Jaboulet Aîné, and Château La Lagune due to health reasons. (Working with a reduced workload, she will continue to make wine at her family’s estate in Switzerland.) As we would not be writing about it, we decided to open Frey’s Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru on the beach with wine-loving friends while sharing a seafood paella. We knew it was going to be good, but this is truly one of the best wines of Frey’s career. Its bold stone fruit flavors and smooth texture turned lunch at the beach into a special occasion beyond anyone’s expectations. It will eventually be released under the Domaine Frey label, but this is the first and last vintage that was bottled with Caroline’s name on the label after the change from Château Corton C. ## Delaire Graff 2020 Botmaskop Bordeaux Style Red Blend Stellenbosch ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Delaire_Graff_2020_Botmaskop_Bordeaux_Style_Red_Blend_Stellenbosch_South_Africa.webp) *Photo: Delaire Graff* We have always loved visiting the wine regions of South Africa and were lucky enough to get there again this past spring. We first visited Delaire Graff 15 years ago when we were researching our book *Wines of the Southern Hemisphere* and must say that we’re completely impressed with the renovations and upgrades they have done since then. Now home to a hotel, spa, winery, and acclaimed restaurant, it’s a one stop destination for food and wine lovers. The winemaking team led us through a tasting of their entire portfolio, and we were duly impressed with their Botmaskop Bordeaux style red blend. If we closed our eyes we would have thought that we were drinking a fine red from Bordeaux and not a South African blend. Named for the Botmaskop Mountain closest to the winery, this blend of the usual five Bordeaux varieties including Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Merlot, and Malbec had aromas and flavors of black raspberry, dark cocoa, five spice powder, and cassis. ## Champagne Henri Giraud Arro 400 Ans ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Champagne_Henri_Giraud_Arro_400_Ans_Champagne_France.webp) *Photo: Champagne Henri Giraud* Every February, the center of the oenophile world is Wine Paris—a great place to see old friends, share a few meals, go to tastings, and learn more about new wineries and winemakers. We had tasted Henri Giraud Champagne before but hadn’t done a deep dive into the producer, so when a friend introduced us to them with only 10 minutes remaining on the final day they invited us into their private trade show salon behind heavy black velvet curtains. We met four family members including the cellar master and tasted a few of their wines, but when the conversation turned to food and became more friendly than professional the cellar master, Sebastien, grabbed a magnum of their Arro 400 Ans and popped the cork. He explained that this was only the third bottle opened out of the 400 he produced and was honored to open it for us. We spent the next hour laughing and telling stories in both French and English and only stopped when we heard a large crash that seemed like it was five feet away. When we peeked out of the curtains, we found that the workers had dismantled most of the trade booths around us and the security guards were patiently waiting to escort all six of us to the exit. ## Taylor Fladgate 1975 Single Harvest Port ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Taylor_Fladgate_1975_Single_Harvest_Port_Porto_Portugal.webp) *Photo: Taylor Fladgate* Tasted blind in our office with other 30-, 40-, and 50-year-old Ports, the Taylor Fladgate 1975 Single Harvest Port was clearly the best of the bunch. This transformative wine is made in the tradition of a tawny port, but instead of blending aged wines from multiple years, it is crafted only from grapes harvested in 1975 in the *colheita* style. Dark tea colored in the glass it has enticing aromas of toasted hazelnuts, butterscotch, dried apricot, mint, and tobacco leaf. Its sweetness is perfectly balanced by bright acidity to showcase flavors of holiday baking spices, English toffee, and dried fruits. It is bottled in a frosted glass flask and presented in an elegant wooden case; it now has a prominent place in our wine cellar. ## Domaine de la Romanée-Conti 2002 Échezeaux Vosne Romanée ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Domaine_de_la_Romanee_Conti_2002_Echezeaux_Vosne_Romanee_Burgundy_France.webp) *Photo: Domaine de la Romanee Conti* In June, billionaire industrialist and renowned wine collector [William I. Koch](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/wine/one-of-the-worlds-greatest-wine-collectors-is-auctioning-off-prized-bottles/ "One of the World’s Greatest Wine Collectors Is Auctioning Off Prized Bottles") auctioned of a sizable chunk of his collection for $28.8 million. But before in went under gavel at Christie’s, we got a sneak peek of the sale and got to taste through some of Koch’s numerous gems. While many of the wines were outstanding, this DRC really lit up both of our palates. Although the color had gone a little towards brick and there was a touch of leather on the nose, its bold flavors of cranberry and red plum with notes of chocolate and dried thyme were extraordinarily bright. The vivid finish is all the proof you need that well-crafted Pinot Noir can age beautifully under the right conditions. ## Biblia Chora 2018 Biblinos Macedonia ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Biblia_Chora_2018_Biblinos_Macedonia_Greece.webp) *Photo: Biblia Chora* The recently opened Estiatorio Milos Restaurant in Singapore’s [Marina Bay Sands](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/wine/the-worlds-best-wines-marina-bay-sands/ "Want to Taste the World’s Best Wines? This Singapore Hotel Stocks Them All.") is the newest in Costas Spiliadis’ global empire of Greek restaurants. Alongside the Athenian Lobster Pasta, we were shocked when the wine director opened a bottle made from a grape that DNA testing revealed was unlike any other Greek grape variety. It was a match made in heaven—or Mount Olympus in this case. Made from an unidentified red variety from the Pangaion mountains in Macedonia, this stunning was matured in French oak barrels for 12 months and offered complex aromas of ripe red fruits, cedar, wildflower, and vanilla. It was soft on the palate with a pronounced spice that stood up to the spicy tomato sauce in the pasta. ## Cardinale 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Cardinale_2021_Cabernet_Sauvignon_Napa_Valley_California.webp) *Photo: Cardinale* Winemaker Chris Carpenter explained that due to the wildfires of 2020, the 2021 Cabernet crop in Napa Valley was down around 30 percent, adding incredible concentration to Cardinale—and all of Napa’s Cabernet Sauvignon—that year. We tried this in the newly renovated Cardinale tasting room alongside the 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014, as the affable Carpenter talked us through the vintages. While the library bottlings were incredible as well, this was an absolutely gorgeous example of a fruit-and-chocolate laden Cabernet Sauvignon layered with fresh acidity and polished tannins. ## Martinborough Vineyards 2019 Marie Zelie Reserve Pinot Noir ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Martinborough_Vineyards_2019_Marie_Zelie_Reserve_Pinot_Noir_Martinborough_Wairarapa_New_Zealand.webp) *Photo: Martinborough Vineyards* We attended the Toast Martinborough Wine, Food, and Music Festival in January and our Kiwi friends definitely know how to throw a great party, with excellent bands along the way and wineries opened for tastings and snacks. You can walk or ride the shuttle bus, but the whole atmosphere is designed just to have a good time with your friends. As you can imagine, we tasted quite a few excellent wines, but Martinborough Vineyards 2019 Marie Zelie Reserve Pinot Noir really stood out. Named for Marie Zelie Hermance Frere, one of the first French settlers to plant Pinot Noir here, it had the perfect balance of freshly picked red fruits, dried strawberry, cranberry, spice, lemon zest, and pomegranate all wrapped in a silky tannic sheath. We took a few bottles back to Wharekauhau, the stunning Relais & Chateau property where we stayed and enjoyed them with dinners at their two Michelin starred restaurant over the next few days. Too bad only 1,471 bottles were produced. ## Grange La Chapelle 2021 Syrah Shiraz ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Grange_La_Chapelle_2021_Proprietary_Red_Blend_Rhone_Syrah_and_Australian_Shiraz.webp) *Photo: Penfolds* We were literally among the first people in the world to taste this phenomenal mashup between two of the world’s best Syrahs, Penfolds Grange and La Chapelle. Blended by acclaimed winemakers Peter Gago and Caroline Frey, it was presented by the two at an intimate press dinner at the Paris Mint featuring side-by-side pairings of some of the best vintages from both houses. Showcasing the powerful side of La Chapelle and the elegance of Grange, this one-of-a-kind collaboration between the Rhône Valley and Australia offered a glimpse into the power of breaking the rules. The idea of this wine came out of multiple conversations between Gago and Frey, who are good friends and who have admired each other’s wine for years. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.[](https://us.penfolds.com/blogs/news-collaborations/grange-x-la-chapelle?_pos=1&_psq=grange+la&_ss=e&_v=1.0)* [](https://foleycellars.co.nz/products/martinborough-vineyard-br-marie-zelie-reserve-pinot-noir-2019-br-i-1-bottle-i)[](https://www.wine.com/product/cardinale-cabernet-sauvignon-2021/2535250?s=linkshare&cid=aff_linkshare&siteID=TnL5HPStwNw-RYz96Z%2AwNUoAZF17pW04yA#promoBarModal) [](https://ballsquarefinewines.com/shop/product/biblia-chora-pangeon-biblinos/59cabdd70b2f3c692d272a0e?option-id=6e9d20f306964981e37f5c2182c48b2f142afff0e0f51beb0fe2957cfcf8860a) [](https://www.winebid.com/BuyWine/Item/Auction/67263/2002-Domaine-de-la-Romanee-Conti-Echezeaux) [](https://www.famillegiraudhemart400ans.com/en) [](https://www.famillegiraudhemart400ans.com/en) [](https://www.wine.com/product/delaire-graff-botmaskop-2020/1628445?s=linkshare&cid=aff_linkshare&siteID=TnL5HPStwNw-xoVn7t9my5a1bbQx98fY6g) [](https://arvi.ch/en/domaine_caroline_frey/corton_charlemagne/2022/75-cl) **Categories:** Food & Drink, Wine **Tags:** Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon, Macedonia, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, wines --- ### [The 25 Most Expensive Convertibles in the World](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-25-most-expensive-convertibles-in-the-world/) **Published:** September 10, 2025 **Author:** Bryan Hood **Content:** There’s no class of car that says fun quite like the convertible. Thanks to their open-top design, convertibles, cabriolets, roadsters, speedsters, spiders, or whatever you want to call them, are the automotive equivalent of letting your hair down. Sure, driving a coupe can be a blast, but get rid of the roof (and, in some cases, the windshield) and the experience is even more visceral. But, as anyone who’s gone on vacation lately can tell you, fun rarely comes cheap. Turning the sophisticated Ferrari Roma coupe into its Spider variant involved more than simply chopping off its roof. Changes needed to be made to the design and structure of the sports car to ensure it remained road-worthy (meanwhile, engines in other models sometimes need to be made less potent). That’s why open-top vehicles often come at a premium, especially in the case of supercars, like the Bugatti Mistral, which were specifically developed to reach speeds in excess of 250 mph. With that in mind, here are the 25 most expensive convertibles currently on the market, from the Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series to the Rolls-Royce Droptail. ## 25. Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series — $225,000 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/maybachsl03.webp) The Mercedes-Benz SL has been the most glamorous convertible you can buy since making its debut as a roadster back way back in 1957. But the latest version of the iconic nameplate, the Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series, takes things to decadent new heights. Introduced last summer, the range-topper comes loaded with all the luxury details people expect from a Maybach, including a unique two-tone finish, a patterned hood, and plenty of chrome trim. It’s not just a car to be seen in, either. It may not be as much of a speed demon as the AMG SL 63 it’s based on, but its twin-turbocharged V-8 still makes 577 hp. **Debut:** 1957 **Powertrain:** 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 **Power:** 577 hp and 590 ft lbs torque **Zero to 60 mph:** Four seconds **Top Speed:** 160 mph ## 24. Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X Quail Silver Limited Edition — $241,000 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/zr1xquailsilver02.webp) Chevrolet promised the shift to a mid-engine layout would allow the eighth-generation Corvette, a.k.a. the C8, to compete with the best sports cars coming out of Europe. There is no model that is truer of than the range-topping ZR1X, which offers supercar performance at a fraction of the price (though with a starting price of $249,000, it’s still the most expensive ‘Vette yet). It’s hard to pick a favorite feature about the two-door, which can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in under two seconds, but the fact that it’s available as a convertible is certainly up there. **Debut:** 2025 **Powertrain:** 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 and an electric motor **Power:** 1,250 hp and 973 ft lbs of torque **Zero to TK mph:** Under two seconds **Top Speed:** 233 mph ## 23. Porsche 911 Spirit 70 — $249,000 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/spirit707.webp) Most of us think of the Porsche 911 as a coupé, but the iconic sports car has been available with a removable targa top since 1967 and as a full-fledged convertible, or cabriolet, since 1981. The most expensive open-top model of the nameplate’s 992.2 generation is the Spirit 70 variant, which was unveiled earlier this year at the Shanghai Motor Show. Based on the current Carrera GTS Cabriolet, it features an Olive Neo Green finish and several disco-era details, like a bold graphics package and seats with Pasha inserts. The convertible is also powered by a hybrid-assisted 3.6-liter flat-six boxer engine that makes 532 hp. **Debut:** 1967 (1981 as a cabriolet model) **Powertrain:** 3.6-liter flat-six boxer and an electric motor **Power:** 532 hp and 449 ft lbs of torque **Zero to 60 mph:** 3.1 seconds **Top Speed:** 194 mph ## 22. Aston Martin DB12 Volante — $272,000 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/6-w-Aston-martin-DB12-Volante-w-.webp) Aston Martin wants to give its customers choices. With the exception of its most exclusive models, the British sports car maker almost always offers coupe and convertible versions of its grand tourers. The DB12, which debuted in 2023, is no different. The open-top Volante actually looks more sophisticated than its hard-top counterpart. It also may be more fun to drive—even if it is a tad slower. The long-nosed two-door is powered by a twin-turbocharged V-8 that makes 671 hp. **Debut:** 2023 **Powertrain:** 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 **Power:** 671 hp and 590 ft lbs of torque **Zero to 62 mph:** 3.7 seconds **Top Speed:** 202 mph ## 21. McLaren Artura Spider — $281,000 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/1-w-McLaren_Artura_Spider-Monaco-212.webp) Entry-level models tend to lack the most high-end features, but not the McLaren Artura. The British automaker’s most accessible supercar was the first built on its lightweight McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture platform and only its third hybrid. The electrified powertrain pairs a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 and an E-Flux motor that combine to make a very respectable 671 hp. The Artura is also the first electrified, series production McLaren offered as an open-top Spider model. **Debut:** 2022 **Powertrain:** 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 and an electric motor **Power:** 671 hp and 531 ft lbs of torque **Zero to 62 mph:** 2.9 seconds **Top Speed:** 205 mph ## 20. Ferrari Roma Spider — $282,000 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/4-w-Ferrari-Roma-Spider-w.webp) The Ferrari Roma may be on the way out, but, for now, it is still available as a convertible. Although the elegant grand tourer debuted in 2020, the open-top Spider variant didn’t arrive on the scene until 2023. In doing so, it became the front-engine Prancing Horse sold with a soft-top for over a half-century. But there’s more to the car than this piece of trivia, though. It’s also powered by a twin-turbocharged V-8 that makes over 600 horses, thanks to which it can accelerate to 62 mph in under three-and-a-half seconds. **Debut:** 2023 **Powertrain:** 3.9-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 **Power:** 612 hp and 571 ft lbs of torque **Zero to 62 mph:** 3.4 seconds **Top Speed:** 199 mph ## 19. Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed – $300,000 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/purespeed00.webp) Mercedes’s first Mythos model, the AMG PureSpeed, doesn’t just forego a roof; it also skips the windscreen. The resulting ultra-exclusive vehicle—which does feature a Formula 1-inspired HALO system—is one of the best-looking speed machines currently on the market. But a unique look isn’t all this two-seater has to offer. It also has a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 that makes 577 hp sitting in its engine bay. The two-seater can reach speeds approaching 200 mph, though you may want to wear the included helmet if you plan on pushing it that hard. **Debut:** 2024 **Powertrain:** 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 **Power:** 577 hp and 590 ft lbs of torque **Zero to 62 mph:** 3.6 seconds **Top Speed:** 196 mph ## 18. Lamborghini Huracán Evo Spyder — $310,000 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/evospyder.webp) Lamborghini has already announced that it’s moving on from the Huracán—and even unveiled its successor, the Temerario—but you may still be able to find the open-top Evo Spyder out there if you’re lucky. The wedge-shaped supercar looks almost identical to every other Huracán released after the model’s mid-cycle refresh, with one key difference: it’s missing a roof. If anything, that makes it an even better-looking vehicle. The Huracán Evo Spyder’s naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V-10 is also pretty impressive, able to pump out 640 horses. **Debut:** 2016 **Powertrain:** 5.2-liter V-10 **Power:** 640 hp and 443 ft lbs of torque **Zero to 62 mph:** 2.9 seconds **Top Speed:** 202 mph ## 17. McLaren 750S Spider — $337,000 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/750sspider.webp) If, for some reason, the open-top McLaren Artura isn’t enough for you, the British sports car maker has another series-production convertible on offer: the 750S Spider. The last of the company’s cars to be powered solely by an internal-combustion engine looks awfully similar to its predecessor, the aggressive 720S, with the exception of its redesigned front and rear ends. Don’t let its good looks blind you to the charms of its ICE powertrain, though. The 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 churns out 740 hp, thanks to which it can reach a speed of up to 206 mph. And, if all that wasn’t impressive enough, it was also Robb Report US’s Car of the Year in 2025. **Debut:** 2023 **Powertrain:** 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 **Power:** 740 hp and 590 ft lbs of torque **Zero to 62 mph:** 2.8 seconds **Top Speed:** 206 mph ## 16. Bentley Continental GTC Mulliner — $377,000 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/gtcmulliner.webp) The most expensive convertibles tend to be supercars, or, at the very least, high-performance sports cars. Not the [Bentley Continental GTC](https://www.bentleymotors.com/en/models/continental-gtc.html), though. The open-top version of the British marque’s long-running grand tourer is a luxury vehicle through and through. This is especially true of the dazzling Mulliner variant, which ups the glamour with bespoke details and loads of premium materials. The range-topper can also move pretty well, thanks to the new “Ultra Performance” hybrid V-8 that makes 760 hp. **Debut:** 2005 **Powertrain:** 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 and an electric motor **Power:** 760 hp and 738 ft lbs of torque **Zero to 62 mph:** 3.2 seconds **Top Speed:** 177 mph ## 15. Ferrari 296 Speciale A — $450,000 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/specialea.webp) Wish the Ferrari 296 was even sportier? Well, you’re in luck. Earlier this year, Ferrari announced plans for a high-performance variant called, naturally, the 296 Speciale. The latest version of the two-door, which is available as a coupe and convertible, weighs less and features a more sculpted exterior that produces 20 percent more downforce. Its 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 has also been tuned so that it produces an additional 36 hp, boosting the plug-in hybrid’s total output to 868 hp. Not bad at all. **Debut:** 2021 **Powertrain:** 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 and an electric motor **Power:** 868 hp and 557 ft lbs of torque **Zero to TK mph:** 2.8 seconds **Top Speed:** 205 mph ## 14. Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider — $475,000 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/opener-w-_6d820d.webp) Meet the 12Cilindri, the company’s latest flagship V-12. At a time when the rest of the industry, including Ferrari, is moving towards electrification, the 12 Cilindri is a throwback to the way things used to be. No, it doesn’t have a manual transmission—oh to dream!—but it is a front-engined grand tourer with a design that’s athletic and sophisticated. Of course, the real story here, as the name underscores, is the 12-cylinder engine beneath the vehicle’s long hood. The 6.5-liter mill pumps out 819 horses and 500 ft lbs of twist. Thanks to that, the two-seater can sprint hit 62 mph in under three seconds. This Prancing Horse is also available as a convertible, though it does cost 10 percent more than its hard-top counterpart. **Debut:** 2024 **Powertrain:** 6.5-liter V-12 **Power:** 819 hp and 500 ft lbs of torque **Zero to 62 mph:** 2.9 seconds **Top Speed:** 211 mph ## 13. Aston Martin Vanquish Volante — $490,000 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Aston_Martin_Vanquish_Volante_01-e1742997392690.webp) Aston Martin’s latest flagship grand tourer, the third-generation Vanquish, is a beast dressed up in a classy suit. As good as the car looks, especially in its open-top Volante guise, the real story can be found underneath its hood. There you’ll find a beefy twin-turbocharged V-12 that makes 824 hp and 738 ft lbs of torque. Thanks to all that oomph, the muscular convertible can hit 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds and tops out at 214 mph. It can even retract its soft-top roof in under 15 seconds, as long as you’re traveling less than 31 mph. **Debut:** 2013 **Powertrain:** 5.2-liter twin-turbocharged V-12 **Power:** 824 hp and 738 ft lbs of torque **Zero to 60 mph:** 3.3 seconds **Top Speed:** 214 mph ## 12. BMW Skytop — $540,000 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/skytop05.webp) Not all concepts are just for show. From the time BMW unveiled the Concept Skytop at the 2024 Villa d’Este Concorso d’Eleganza, it heavily hinted that the stunning vehicle would go into production as a limited-run model if there was enough demand. Well, there was, and deliveries of the Skytop are expected to begin later this year. We’re still waiting for final mechanical details, but BMW has said that the car, which is based on the M8 Convertible, will feature the most powerful V-8 in the automaker’s portfolio. **Debut:** 2024 **Powertrain:** 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 **Power:** n/a **Zero to TK mph:** n/a **Top Speed:** n/a ## 11. Ferrari SF90 Stradale Spider — $575,000 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/sf90spider.webp) Purists hate it when a beloved automaker tries to shake things up. This is doubly true when the marque in question is Ferrari. Still, we find it hard to imagine there’s anyone who’s still skeptical of the SF90 Stradale. The brand’s first plug-in hybrid and all-wheel-drive sports car looks like it’ll be one of the defining cars of its era. That’s because the vehicle pairs a brash and angular design with next-level performance. In fact, the SF90 Stradale launched as the most powerful Ferrari of all time, with a combined 986 hp (769 of which comes from its twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8). And if you enjoy feeling the wind blow through your hair, just know that the convertible delivers the same jaw-dropping performance. **Debut:** 2019 **Powertrain:** Twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 and three electric motors **Power:** 986 hp and 590 ft lbs of torque **Zero to 60 mph:** 2.0 seconds **Top Speed:** 155 mph ## 10. Ferrari SF90 XX Stradale Spider — $930,000 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/stradalespider.webp) We’ve reached the point in our list where prices take a noticeable jump. It’s fitting that the car ushering in this leap is the SF90 XX Stradale, which—as the name may have given away—is a more extreme version of the previous entry on this list, the SF90 Stradale. The limited-run variant, which is available as a coupe or roadster, has a reworked electronic system and a more aerodynamic body that creates loads more downforce. It’s also got an upgraded hybrid powertrain that pumps out 1,016 horses, allowing the car to zip from zero to 60 mph in just 2.3 seconds, which is 0.2 seconds faster than the car it’s based on. **Debut:** 2023 **Powertrain:** Twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 and three electric motors **Power:** 1,016 hp and 593 ft lbs of torque **Zero to 60 mph:** 2.2 seconds **Top Speed:** 199 mph ## 9. McLaren Elva — $1.7 Million ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/elva.webp) The McLaren lineup may feel overly indebted to the F1 at times, but the marque isn’t afraid to try new things. Just look at the marque’s fifth Ultimate Series model, the [Elva](https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/drive-review-mclaren-elva-1234621836/), which was inspired by the open-top race cars developed by Bruce McLaren in the 1960s. In addition to its unique look, the limited-run model shares a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8—as well as a seven-speed seamless-shift gearbox— with the Senna that produces a hair-raising 804 horses. Thanks to all the power, the brand’s speedster can spring from zero to 62 mph in 2.5 seconds and reach 203 mph. **Debut:** 2020 **Powertrain:** Twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 **Power:** 804 hp and 590 ft lbs of torque **Zero to 60 mph:** 2.8 seconds **Top Speed:** 203 mph ## 8. Bentley Speed Six Continuation — $2 Million ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/speedsix01.webp) There is no bigger outlier on this list than the Bentley Speed Six Continuation. The hand-built vehicle, which was first announced in 2022, is a meticulous recreation of the marque’s Le Mans-winning race car from 1929 and 1930, built using the same tools and manufacturing techniques utilized nearly a century ago. The 1-of-12 car hasn’t been outfitted with modern conveniences, and its six-cylinder engine isn’t exactly potent anymore, but it’s hard to imagine anyone questioning the gorgeous racer’s seven-figure price tag. **Debut:** 2023 **Powertrain:** 6.5-liter inline-six **Power:** 205 hp and **Zero to 60 mph:** n/a **Top Speed:** 112 mph ## 7. Gordon Murray Automotive T.33 Spider — $2.4 million ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/t33spider.webp) Gordon Murray designed the McLaren F1, so he knows a thing or three about supercars. Just look at his eponymous marque’s second model, the T.33, which has all the makings of a car we’ll still be talking about years from now. The slinky coupé has a more restrained design than either the F1 or GMA’s debut, the T.50, but it’s still a sight to behold. It also may not be as potent as its predecessor, but its Cosworth-built V-12 still generates a spritely 607 horses and 332 ft lbs of torque. You can also get it with a manual gearbox, which will almost certainly make it the kind of car that purists lust over. And unlike the F1, it is available as a spider. **Debut:** 2023 **Powertrain:** 3.9-liter V-12 **Power:** 607 hp and 332 ft lbs of torque **Zero to 62 mph**: n/a **Top Speed:** 200+ mph ## 6. Hennessey Venom F5 Roadster — $3 million ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/opener-w-Hennessey-Venom-F5-M-Roadster-01_0ca060.webp) Hennessey Performance wasn’t content just tuning other brands’ vehicles. In 2017, the Texas-based shop announced plans to design, develop, and build a high-performance sports car of its very own. The resulting Venom F5—named after the most powerful grade of tornado—is exactly the kind of beast you’d expect from the storied tuner. It has a slick design that doesn’t feel overly indebted to Italian supercars and is powered by the twin-turbocharged 6.6-liter Fury V-8. The mill, which is connected to an automated manual gearbox, kicks out 1,817 horses and 1,193 ft lbs of twist. It’s because of this that Hennessy thinks its first original vehicle, which is available as a coupe or roadster, can become the world’s fastest production car. **Debut:** 2020 **Powertrain:** Twin-turbocharged 6.6-liter V-8 **Power:** 1,817 hp and 1,193 ft lbs of torque **Zero to 60 mph:** 2.5 seconds **Top Speed:** 311 mph ## 5. Koenigsegg Jesko — $3 Million ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/jesko.webp) Koenigsegg was always going to have trouble following up the Agera, but the Jesko has done an able job living up to the reputation of its predecessor. The aggressive supercar, which features a removable roof, is powered by a rear-mid-mounted twin-turbocharged V-8 that produces 1,280 hp and 738 ft lbs of torque. Fill the tank with E85 instead of regular pump gas, and those numbers balloon to 1,600 horse and 1,106 ft lbs of twist. Of course, performance isn’t all the vehicle has to offer. It also has a beautiful shape that allows it to slice through the air and a tall rear spoiler that increases downforce. **Debut:** 2021 **Powertrain:** Twin-turbocharged 5.8-liter V-8 **Power:** 1,600 hp and 1,106 ft lbs of torque **Zero to 60 mph:** 2.5 seconds **Top Speed:** 256 mph ## 4. Pagani Huayra Roadster BC — $3.5 Million ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/RR_Pagani_Huayra_Roadster_BC.webp) Only Pagani could look at the Huayra Roadster and see a car that needed to be reimagined. The Huayra Roadster BC is the track-only version of the company’s second hypercar, and as such, it’s one of the most ridiculous entries on this list. The vehicle has a more aerodynamic body—the modifications produce over 1,100 pounds of downforce—as well as a monocoque made from a carbon-titanium material that’s lighter than that featured in the standard version of the open-top speed machine. The Roadster BC also features a modified version of the Huayra’s AMG-sourced V-12 that produces 791 hp and 745 ft lbs of torque. **Debut:** 2019 **Powertrain:** 6.0-liter V-12 **Power:** 800 hp and 774 ft lbs of torque **Zero to 60 mph:** 3.3 seconds **Top Speed:** 238 mph ## 3. Bugatti Mistral — $5 Million ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/mistral01.webp) Bugatti doesn’t just build hypercars; it builds luxury hypercars. Of those currently still rolling off the line, the Mistral is the most glamorous of the bunch. It’s a stunning roadster based on the Chiron that breathes new life into the French marque’s discontinued second model with its more muscular stance. It’s also the brand’s final car that will feature its trademark W16. And thanks to that 1,577-hp mill, there’s a good possibility the Mistral could become the world’s fastest open-top production car before all is said and done. **Debut:** 2024 **Powertrain:** 8.0-liter quad-turbocharged W-16 **Power:** 1,578 hp and 1,180 ft lbs of torque **Zero to 60 mph:** 2.4 seconds **Top Speed:** 261 mph ## 2. Pagani Huayra Codalunga Speedster — $7 Million ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/codaspeed00.webp) It’s amazing how much a couple of key adjustments can change something. Just look at the Huayra Codalunga Speedster. The Italian marque’s latest creation looks almost identical to the long-tailed coupe it shares a name with, bar one major exception: it has no roof. That change gives the speed machine an even more graceful air than it had before, especially when finished in metallic mint green like the initial show car. The changes between the two Codalungas aren’t limited to the superficial, though. The open-top hypercar’s naturally aspirated 6.0-liter V-12 has also been given a tune that boosts output to 852 hp and 811 ft lbs of torque. Pagani plans to build twice as many speedsters as coupes, though that only increases the production run to a meager 10 units. **Debut:** 2025 **Powertrain:** Naturally aspirated 6.0-liter V-12 **Power:** 852 hp and 811 ft lbs of torque **Zero to 60 mph:** 2.8 seconds **Top Speed:** 217 mph ## 1. Rolls-Royce Droptail — $30 Million ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/droptail02.webp) How do you follow up on something like the Boat Tail? If you’re Rolls-Royce, you design something even more extravagant—and commit to building four distinct variations of it. That car is the Droptail, an open-top grand tourer inspired by classic yachts and hot rods. Each of the coachbuilt V-12s has an all-new aluminum space frame chassis, makes extensive use of wood trim, and comes with its own custom timepiece that doubles as a watch. Three Droptail have been unveiled so far—the La Rose Noire, the Amethyst, and the Arcadia—with one more still on the way. As with the Boat Tail, which was rumored to be the world’s most expensive new car when it debuted, Rolls-Royce won’t say how much the vehicles cost, but they’re believed to be just as expensive if not more. **Debut:** 2023 **Powertrain:** Twin-turbocharged 6.75-liter V-12 **Power:** 563 hp and 625 ft lbs of torque **Zero to 60 mph:** 4.8 seconds **Top Speed:** 155 mph *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars --- ### [Here Are the Stunning Timepieces at the Watches & Jewelry Issue Launch](https://robbreport.ph/watches/here-are-the-stunning-watches-at-the-watches-jewelry-issue-launch/) **Published:** September 10, 2025 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** At the [launch](https://robbreport.ph/event-coverage/time-taste-and-refinement-the-inaugural-presidential-suites-dinner-series/ "Time, Taste, and Refinement: The Inaugural Presidential Suites Dinner Series") of *Robb Report Philippines’* [Watches & Jewelry Issue](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-august-2025-the-watches-and-jewelry-issue/), the evening was about more than fine dining and conversation; it was also a showcase of horological taste. Guests arrived wearing classic timepieces like the [Patek Philippe](https://www.patek.com/en) Calatrava and [Cartier’s](https://www.cartier.com/en-us/home) enduring Santos appearing in multiple iterations, including the historic and discontinued Demoiselle, [now made mainstream-famous by Taylor Swift](https://robbreport.ph/watches/taylor-swift-got-engaged-while-wearing-a-cartier-santos-demoiselle/ "Taylor Swift Got Engaged While Wearing a Cartier Santos Demoiselle"). There were statement-making icons like the Omega Speedmaster Snoopy and the stunning Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time, while an A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Perpetual, relatively rare due to the brand’s limited production runs, and a Patek Philippe Nautilus encircled with diamonds reminded everyone why the watch remains much more a symbol of craft and design mastery than of status. What stood out most, however, was the way these pieces were worn: reflecting a kind of connoisseurship that prizes discretion over display. Together, the wristwear formed a glittering constellation of design, history, and prestige, perfectly suited to the occasion. ## Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/WJ-Issue-Launch_Watches_20.webp) ## Patek Philippe Nautilus Date, Sweep Seconds ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/WJ-Issue-Launch_Watches_2.webp) ## Omega Speedmaster Snoopy ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/WJ-Issue-Launch_Watches_21.webp) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/WJ-Issue-Launch_Watches_12.webp) ## Cartier Santos-Dumont ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/WJ-Issue-Launch_Watches_10.webp) ## Cartier Santos-Dumont ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/WJ-Issue-Launch_Watches_4.webp) ## Patek Philippe Calatrava ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/WJ-Issue-Launch_Watches_18.webp) ## Vacheron Constantin Overseas Titanium ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/WJ-Issue-Launch_Watches_9.webp) ## Rolex Submariner ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/WJ-Issue-Launch_Watches_11.webp) ## Jaeger-Le Coultre Reverso Duoface ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/WJ-Issue-Launch_Watches_8.webp) ## A. Lange and Söhne Datograph Perpetual ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/WJ-Issue-Launch_Watches_6.webp) ## Patek Philippe Nautilus Annual Calendar, Moon Phases ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/WJ-Issue-Launch_Watches_3.webp) ## Patek Philippe Calatrava Travel Time ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/WJ-Issue-Launch_Watches_14.webp) ## Rolex Oyster Perpetual Two-Tone ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/WJ-Issue-Launch_Watches_19.webp) ## Patek Philippe Nautilus Perpetual Calendar ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/WJ-Issue-Launch_Watches_.webp) ## Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/WJ-Issue-Launch_Watches_5.webp) ## Cartier Santos Demoiselle ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/WJ-Issue-Launch_Watches_17.webp) *Photos by Ed Simon of Kliq* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** a. lange & sohne, calatrava, daytona, demoiselle, jaeger-lecoultre, nautilus, Omega, overseas, oyster perpetual, Patek Philippe, perpetual calendar, rolex, rolex submariner, santos, santos-dumont, snoopy, speedmaster, u-boat, Vacheron Constantin, Vacheron Constantin Overseas --- ### [The 16 Best Watches at the Golden Globes](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-16-best-watches-at-the-golden-globes-from-glen-powells-omega-to-jacob-elordis-cartier/) **Published:** January 13, 2026 **Author:** Justin Fenner **Content:** If the first major red carpet of 2026 is any indication, the “look at me” watch is back. At Sunday night’s [Golden Globes](), boldfaced names from Mark Ronson to Marlon Wayans paraded an impressive number of eye-catching horological references, from established brands such as [Audemars Piguet]() and [Jaeger-LeCoultre](https://Jaeger-LeCoultre), as well as harder-to-find fare from the Urban Jurgensens of the world. But what each of them had in common was an eye-catching quality that rendered the wrists of the nominees, presenters, and others at the awards show hard to take your eyes off. Take Dwayne Johnson’s diamond-set [Chopard](https://robbreport.ph/tag/chopard/ "chopard") Alpine Eagle, a model that’s a qualified attention-getter even when it’s rendered only in stainless steel. Or Jacob Elordi’s skeletonized [Cartier](https://robbreport.ph/tag/cartier/ "cartier") Tank Normale—a fitting choice for an actor celebrated for his performance in *Frankenstein*, given how much the film explores the architecture and mechanics that make humans so unique. Even [Omega](https://Omega), which dominated the event by getting its wares on a long list of stylish, talented guys, sent some of its boldest pieces out for the night. While Marlon Wayans and Timothy Simons’s wrists practically dripped with gems, George Clooney went simpler, choosing a stainless steel Seamaster Aqua Terra watch with a bright turquoise dial. Against the backdrop of his classic tuxedo (and the rich red carpet) the watch was hard not to miss. And when you’re wearing something that’s this well-made, you want people to notice it. Here, a look at the other models that made us take notice. ## Dwayne Johnson’s Chopard ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Dwayne-Johnson-Golden-Globes-2026-Chopard.webp) Dwayne Johnson’s old stage name, The Rock, could also easily be the nickname for the Chopard Alpine Eagle the actor chose to wear with his custom Ralph Lauren Purple Label tuxedo. In reality, the watch is called the Frozen Summit—where else are you going to find this much ice?—so named because the $1 million, one-of-eight watch is set with over 29 carats of diamonds. ## Adam Scott’s Vacheron Constantin ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Adam-Scott-Golden-Globes-2026-Vacheron-Constantin.webp) Adam Scott (nominated for his leading role in *Severance*) took the updated classic approach, opting for a rust-colored evening jacket and Vacheron Constantin’s delightfully modernist take on the QP watch, its Traditionnelle Perpetual Calendar Ultra-thin. ## Glen Powell’s Omega ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Glen-Powell-Golden-Globes-2026-Omega.webp) Few people had a better 2025 than Glen Powell. If the solid gold Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra he chose for the Golden Globes is any indication, few people are going to have a better 2026. ## George Clooney’s Omega ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/George-Clooney-Golden-Globes-2026-Omega.webp) With his classic Giorgio Armani tuxedo, George Clooney might have gone a different direction and chosen a watch that flew under the radar. But this Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra and its bright, turquoise dial give his look an insouciant quality: a little off kilter, but entirely appropriate. ## Jacob Elordi’s Cartier ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Jacob-Elordi-Cartier-Golden-Globes-2026.webp) Elordi, who starred alongside Oscar Isaac in the 2025 adaptation of *Frankenstein*, chose a stylish, diamond-set Cartier Prive Tank Normale with a skeletonized platinum case set with diamonds. It’s a shame you couldn’t see more of the rare model underneath a custom double breasted suit crafted for the actor by Bottega Veneta. ## Adam Brody’s Jaeger-LeCoultre ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Adam-Brody-Golden-Globes-2026-JLC.webp) Adam Brody, nominated for his star turn in *Nobody Wants This*, wore a model plenty of collectors would love to get their hands on: Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds in 18 k pink gold. ## Charlie Hunnam’s Jaeger-LeCoultre ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Charlie-Hunnam-Golden-GLobes-2026-JLC.webp) Case in point: Charlie Hunnam (nominated for his performance in *Monster: The Ed Gein Story*) walked the red carpet wearing the exact same watch as Adam Brody. Great minds. ## Colman Domingo’s Omega ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Colman-Domingo-Golden-Globes-2026-Omega.webp) Colman Domingo is easily one of the best-dressed guys in Hollywood, and his ensemble at the Golden Globes helped prove it. His Omega Speedmaster 38 on an alligator strap with a diamond-set bezel was the ideal accompaniment to lapel accented with sparkle. ## Timothee Chalamet’s Urban Jurgensen ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Timothee-Chalamet-Golden-Globes-2026-Urban-Jurgensen.webp) Timothee Chalamet has been sporting watches from Urban Jurgensen, the Danish watch brand that was revived in 2025 after years lying dormant, since it came back on the scene. The UJ-2, with its platinum case and elegant silver dial, is a winning choice for the actor, nominated for his turn in the 1950s drama *Marty Supreme*. ## Kumail Nanjiani’s Vacheron Constantin ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Kumail-Najiani-Golden-Globes-2026-Vacheron-Constantin.webp) Kumail Nanjiani might have been nominated for his standup comedy special *Night Thoughts*, but his red-carpet look was serious: An Emporio Armani look built around a maroon one-button peak lapel velvet dinner jacket, and Vacheron Constantin’s Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin in white gold. ## Marlon Wayans’s Omega ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Marlon-Wayans-Golden-Globes-2026-Omega.webp) Marlon Wayans chose an Omega Speedmaster with a diamond-set bezel to work with his Giorgio Armani evening look, whose jacket featured its own dose of sparkle, courtesy of a Swarovski crystal trim. ## Mark Ronson’s Audemars Piguet ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Mark-Ronson-Golden-Globes-2026-Audemars-Piguet.webp) Mark Ronson, nominated for Best Original Song for his work on *Avatar: Fire and Ash*, lit things up with a solid gold Audemars Piguet Royal Oak “Frosted Gold” watch. Its 34 mm size proves good things really do come in small packages. ## Wagner Moura’s Omega ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Wagner-Moura-Golden-Globes-2026.webp) It’s hard to find nicer guys than Wagner Moura, who was nominated for Best Actor in a Motion Picture for his performance in The Secret Agent. His choice of an Omega Deville Tresor 40 mm with a diamond-set bezel speaks to his appreciation of understated elegance. ## Tramell Tillman’s Audemars Piguet ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Tramell-Tillman-Golden-Globes-2026-Audemars-Piguet.webp) Tramell Tillman, who was nominated for his supporting role in Apple TV’s hit show *Severance*, chose one of Audemars Piguet’s most interesting models, the Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin Openworked. Cut from 18 karat white gold, it’s as elegant as it is intriguing. ## Timothy Simons’s Omega ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Timothy-Simons-Golden-Globes-2026-Omega.webp) Timothy Simons, another star of Nobody Wants This, chose a striking Omega Speedmaster 38 with a gem-set bezel. Tempered with his daring brown evening jacket, its brown alligator strap and rich chocolate dial almost fade into the background. Almost. ## Jake Lacy’s Jaeger-LeCoultre ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Jake-Lacy-Golden-Globes-2026-JLC.webp) Jake Lacy may have chosen the evening’s most subtle and elegant timepiece, Jager-LeCoultre’s Reverso Tribute Duoface Small Seconds in stainless steel. It’s a fitting complement to his understated dinner jacket, which has just a touch of piping on its lapel for visual interest. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* *Photographs from Getty* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** Celebrities, Celebrity Watches, Golden Globes --- ### [The 7 Best Superyacht Beach Clubs on the High Seas](https://robbreport.ph/boats/the-7-best-superyacht-beach-clubs-on-the-high-seas/) **Published:** September 9, 2025 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** Beach clubs have become a barometer of luxury in the world of the [superyacht](https://robbreport.ph/tag/superyacht/ "Superyacht"). Shipyards and designers are becoming increasingly focused on the seaside living space, adding everything from flashy bars to supersized pools to slabs of marble in a bid to outshine competition. The glitzy amenity can be traced back to the early 1990s, when Blohm + Voss launched the 344-foot *[Lady Moura](https://www.yachtcharterfleet.com/luxury-charter-yacht-22875/lady-moura.htm)*. The game-changing megayacht featured one of the industry’s first beach clubs, with side balconies changing how the owner could access the yacht from the water. Designs have continued to evolve over the past 35 years, with the beach club becoming a focal point on newer vessels. The seven standouts included on this list demonstrate the versatility of the aft space and the differing approaches to aesthetics. The beach club on Bilgin’s *Leona*, for example, pays homage to Ancient Greece with frescoed walls, marble floors, and sculptures of mythological figures. At the other, more modern end of the spectrum, the beach club on Benetti’s *Luminosity* evokes an art gallery with sculptural lights and an ultra-reflective, stainless-steel swimming pool. The one thing that unites all seven is a sense of luxury. ## “Luminosity” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/benetti_luminosity.webp) *Benetti* Benetti ventured into modern-art territory with the beach club on the 353-foot *Luminosity*. The decidedly contemporary space is equipped with a huge, sculptural light fixture, an ultra-reflective, stainless-steel swimming pool, and a plunge pool covered in acrylic “ice cubes.” Even with that slightly gallery-esque vibe, the club is geared toward relaxation. It features a large TV and a lounge for cozy movie nights, as well as a dining nook for casual meals with family and friends. It is also equipped with shell doors on the port and starboard sides that open directly out to the water, meaning calming ocean swims are always on the cards. ## “Leona” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Leona_1.webp) *Bilgin Yachts* Inspired by Ancient Greece, the beach club on Bilgin’s 263-foot *Leona* is fit for a god. The extravagant space features decorative frescoed walls, shiny marble floors, and a starry “night-sky” ceiling. At the center, a huge tiled pool measuring nearly 29 feet is surrounded by sculptures of Aphrodite of Milos and other mythological figures. On the starboard side lies a bar embellished with amethyst and agate; on the port side is a hookah room with fold-down sea terraces. From the beach club, you can also access the swim platform or the main deck’s infinity pool if you prefer to relax in the water alfresco. ## “Ahpo” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/AHPO.webp) *Lürssen/Guillaume Plisson* The beach club on Lürssen’s 378-foot *Ahpo* remains one of our favorites because it is simply so versatile. The giant, indoor-outdoor space, which was created by shifting the toy garage forward towards the bow, features a swanky bar, a large lounge area with a TV, and a plunge pool. Swimming, binge-watching, imbibing: you can do it all here. The club is also home to a nature-inspired spa with a hammam, massage room, and beauty salon, making it incredibly easy to unwind on the seas. Speaking of the sea, the adjoining swim platform provides direct access to the water. ## “Energy” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Energy_MS-6794.webp) *Fraser* The beach club on the 255-foot Amels superyacht *Energy* is proof that sometimes it is best to keep things simple. The open-air space is only equipped with a beautiful, back-lit bar and a huge L-shaped sofa, but that still means guests can lounge about with a cocktail in hand and take in the sea views. The swim platform is a mere few steps away, should the urge for a swim strike. Also nearby is a spa, a beauty salon, a gym, a sauna, and a hammam for all that R&R. If you like the beach club, it can be yours: Energy is currently up for sale with Fraser and Burgess for €199 million, or about $232 million at the current exchange rate. ## “Eternal Spark” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Eternal_Spark.webp) *Ocean Independence* Bilgin decided to give a spa-like twist to the integrated beach club on the 163-foot *Eternal Spark*, outfitting it with a Finnish sauna, an ice fountain, a dayhead, and a shower to keep seafarers refreshed and relaxed on the water. Other highlights of the sunken oasis include a high-tech entertainment system and a stylish, marble-topped bar that is perfect for both upscale soirees and casual hangouts. The swim platform is only steps away, too, so you can take a dip in the ocean whenever you please. Bilgin is clearly adept at creating beach clubs that stand out from the rest. ## “Renaissance” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Renaissance_.webp) *Burgess* Champagne bucket? Check. Huge TV? You betcha. The beach club on Freier’s 367-foot *Renaissance* has everything a seafarer needs for a good time, including a dining area with a large six-seat table, multiple lounges overlooking a sizable screen, and a fancy bar with plenty of space for your crew. It also has openings on three sides and leads to a transom Z-lift, making entering the water a breeze. As with the rest of the superyacht, the space was designed by British studio Bannenberg & Rowell and exudes elegance. Think gleaming marble, intricate mosaic, and rich wood. ## “Sophia” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/sophia.webp) *Burgess* Feadship flipped the script with the 318-foot *Sophia*. Instead of putting a pool at the center of the sea-level beach club, the Dutch yard placed one above it. A true work of art, the glass-bottomed pool throws interesting lights, colors, and shapes onto all below. Not to mention, those sitting below get to watch those swimming above. The club itself has a nautical feel, with a palette of blue and white hues contrasting rich dark wood. It is outfitted with a large bar and ample plush seating, ensuring everyone is comfy during cocktail hour. There is plenty of room for entertaining, too: With the transom and side terraces open, the club almost doubles in size. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Boats **Tags:** Superyacht --- ### [Watch-World Predictions for 2026, According to 5 Experts](https://robbreport.ph/watches/oracle-time-watch-world-predictions-for-2026-according-to-5-experts/) **Published:** January 9, 2026 **Author:** Victoria Gomelsky **Content:** The past 12 months have given the watch world plenty to fret about: punishing tariffs, staggering gold prices, confusing economic signals, a weakened dollar. “We are kind of in the perfect storm,” Georges Kern, chief executive of [Breitling](https://robbreport.ph/tag/breitling/ "breitling"), said during a roundtable discussion at Dubai Watch Week. “In my 30 years in the industry, this situation has been the most complicated. I’m a cyclist. Everyone can cycle flat. You see who is performing when going uphill.” Will the road level out in 2026? How will tariffs evolve? Will the watch auction market continue to elevate F.P. Journe into the stratosphere? What will Rolex introduce at [Watches and Wonders](https://robbreport.ph/tag/watches-and-wonders/ "watches and wonders")? Will the obsession with shaped cases and stone dials wane? These are just some of our questions. For answers, we reached out to a handful of trusted sources. Here’s what they told us: ## **Oliver R. Müller, founder,** [**LuxeConsult**](https://www.luxeconsult.ch/) **in Aubonne, Switzerland** “We are finishing a year that many hadn’t expected to be as challenging as it was in the end. Unfortunately, 2026 won’t bring the magic twist that some are trying to talk into reality. China is still suffering mainly from a real estate crisis impacting luxury consumption and the U.S. market won’t be growing as strongly as it did for the last four years. The positive news is that brands are a lot more creative than they used to be both in design and mechanical conceptions. Competition is tough because there are too many brands competing for a shrinking number of clients. “The long-term trends haven’t changed for a decade; they are premiumization and polarization. A handful of brands—the ‘Big Four’ (Rolex, Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, and Richard Mille) plus Cartier—are over performing the market and capturing more than half of it. This performance is hiding the vast number of brands that are underperforming and struggling. Those with a strong brand, clearly identifiable icons, and coherent pricing will continue to move forward. The others will have to choose: Adapt quickly or keep explaining that ‘the recovery is coming.’” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/alange-and-sohne-ssong-watch.webp) Sean Song predicts that 2026 will include the rise of A. Lange & Sohne watches on the secondary market. *Photo: S.Song Watches* ## **Sean Song, vintage and pre-owned watch dealer,** [**S.Song Watches**](https://www.ssongwatches.com/) **in Kuala Lumpur** “In 2026, design-driven watches will continue to dominate even more so as rare and unusual vintage shapes will begin to emerge. Watches with unique case finishes, special dials, and intricate bracelets will be very popular. Vintage ladies’ watches seem to be an untapped market with extremely decorative and intricate designs from the ’70s and ’80s remaining very accessible. “I also think 2026 will see the reemergence of A. Lange & Söhne watches in the used market, especially early and rare examples. For the last few years, retail prices of new, high-end watches from Patek, Vacheron, and Lange have been sky high, with the used Lange market being significantly soft. I think collectors will finally notice the huge gap in pricing and pounce on what are, essentially, low quantity, extremely well-finished watches. A special mention goes to early Langes on Wellendorf bracelets. In my opinion, these are some of the most beautifully intricate bracelets ever made.” ## **Paul Engel, collector and founder,** [**Aircooltime**](https://www.aircooltime.com/) **in Colorado** “Looking ahead to 2026, I expect to see more consistently renewed strength for truly iconic, top condition vintage Rolex sport models after several years of broader market softness. Condition and originality in the vintage space—particularly for brands like Patek Philippe and Rolex—will continue to drive meaningful price separation at the top end. The price of gold is also likely to have an impact, especially on less-collected brands and references. “While my focus is vintage, the modern market bears watching: The rapid rise of F.P. Journe may begin to cool a bit after the dramatic auction results of 2025. We’ve also seen elevated prices for some independent brands without long track records, and as the segment matures, I expect greater price discrimination in favor of independents with proven history, reputation, and market presence.” ## **Asher Rapkin, cofounder,** [**Collective Horology**](https://collectivehorology.com/) **in Ventura, California** “In 2026, I suspect we will see changes in ownership on the indie front. This could cut both ways—in some ways, independents with tremendous ability and potential that have been put under financial pressure due to the economic realities of 2025 may seek additional funding, and maybe even be up for purchase. Depending on who purchases them, this could result in a massive cash influx that leads to tremendous innovation, or it could lead to some seriously poor outcomes if the people who invest take the brand in directions that collectors dislike in pursuit of profitability. Fine watches are, above all, art and when art and finance collide, it’s anyone’s guess what will happen. Personally, I’m hopeful that some consolidation will lead to more security for watchmakers.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/audemars-piaget-material-goods.webp) The Cobra from Audemars Piaget. *Photo: Material Goods* ## **Yoni Ben-Yehuda, head of watches,** [**Material Good**](https://materialgood.com/) **in New York City** “We’ll continue to see color—bold colors, unexpected colors. Brands are becoming a bit more playful with their animations of dials and cases and their use of alternative materials—and alternative materials with color—so I think that will continue. People are going to get a little more emboldened. That’ll be fun because collectors, especially in the United States, are really enjoying things that look and feel different than the norm. “Independent brands will continue to penetrate the market and the zeitgeist of collecting in a meaningful way, and more so in the next few years as the younger independents become more established in their watchmaking abilities and also established in their infrastructure and supply chain, etc. “I also think we’ll see some new vintage timepieces featured in the collecting orbit. I feel like we’re giving away the secret sauce a little bit, but I think you’re going to see a huge resurgence of Bamboo watches from Audemars Piguet along with [the Cobra—the 5403 reference](https://materialgood.com/products/audemars-piguet-cobra-5403)—in several different iterations. Those are starting to creep into the mainstream. Also, a continued look towards some forgotten complications like jumping hours and second time zones, dual times, travel times, GMTs.” *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** Aircooltime, LuxeConsult, S.Song, Watch Collector, Watches --- ### [5 Remarkable Formula One and Watchmaker Partnerships](https://robbreport.ph/watches/5-remarkable-formula-one-and-watchmaker-partnerships/) **Published:** September 5, 2025 **Author:** Katrina Montinola **Content:** Formula One, known as the highest class of open-wheel single-seater racing, is more than just the pinnacle of motorsport. A global stage with only the most elite drivers, cutting-edge engineering, and storied circuits, it’s the rare arena where excellence isn’t optional—it’s a requirement. It’s hardly surprising that the world’s most prestigious watch houses are eager to claim their place on the grid. Many top maisons have been involved in the sport one way or another, from timepieces spotted on the wrists of drivers to full-throttle team sponsorships. Below, we explore the most iconic collaborations—a treat for those who live for both motorsport and masterful watchmaking. ## **IWC and Mercedes-AMG Petronas** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IWC.webp) Left: IWC serves as a sponsor of the fictional Expensify APX GP F1 Team.Right: The Pilot’s Performance Chronograph 41 *Photos courtesy of IWC Schaffhausen* IWC Schaffhausen’s involvement in Formula 1 became more known among the general public through the recent [*F1* movie](https://robbreport.ph/leisure/entertainment/brad-pitts-new-f1-movie-just-got-its-first-full-trailer/) starring Brad Pitt. Eagle-eyed viewers may have noticed that IWC sponsored the fictional Expensify APX GP F1 Team, with its logo plastered on the car’s front wing. Since 2013, IWC Schaffhausen has been the Official Engineering Partner of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team. The Swiss maison’s involvement in the sport coincided with none other than Lewis Hamilton, then a Mercedes driver, taking on the role of producer for the *F1* film. IWC boasts the rare distinction of having its timepieces worn by two Formula One World Champions: the seven-time titleholder Hamilton and Nico Rosberg, who spent eleven and six years with the team, respectively. The 12-year partnership has also seen the creation of two team watches. The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Edition (ref. [IW388108](https://www.iwc.com/us-en/watches/pilot-watches/iw388108-pilots-watch-chronograph-41-edition-mercedes-amg-petronas)) comes in the signature teal color of the German team, while the Pilot’s Performance Chronograph 41 (ref. [IW388306](https://www.iwc.com/us-en/watches/pilot-watches/iw388306-pilots-watch-performance-chronograph-41-mercedes-amg-petronas)) has a 41-millimetre Ceratanium® case, sleek black strap, and nickel noir finishing. ## **Richard Mille and Ferrari** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/RM.webp) The RM 43-01 timepiece.*Photos courtesy of Richard Mille* Richard Mille’s high-tech timepieces are often likened to racing machines for one’s wrist. “Richard Mille has always, since its inception, been viewed as the F1 of watchmaking, the inspiration of materials and technology found in Formula One being applied to produce extremely technical, ergonomic, and light timepieces,” said [Tim Malachard,](https://www.forbes.com/sites/yjeanmundelsalle/2021/08/12/independent-watch-brand-richard-mille-on-its-collaboration-with-ferrari/) the brand’s Marketing Director. The Swiss watch house’s presence in Formula One is thus not just understandable, but expected. In 2021, Richard Mille replaced Hublot as the partner of Scuderia Ferrari. The multi-year partnership with Ferrari has resulted in the joint development of exclusive, limited-edition watches. These have been seen on the wrists of Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz Jr., and, more recently, Lewis Hamilton. Among these watches is the [RM 43-01 Tourbillon Split-Seconds Chronograph Ferrari,](https://www.richardmille.com/collections/rm-43-01-ferrari) released earlier this year, and dubbed a [“Ferrari on the wrist.”](https://www.ferrari.com/en-EN/magazine/articles/richard-mille-RM-43-01-timepiece) The RM 43-01 is an homage to Maranello’s racing DNA. With only 150 pieces created (75 pieces in Carbon TPT® and 75 pieces in microblasted titanium and Carbon TPT®), the limited-edition watch is indeed as coveted as a Ferrari itself. ## **Girard-Perregaux and Aston Martin** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/GP.webp) The Laureato Chronograph Aston Martin Edition​.*Photos courtesy of Girard-Perregaux* When [Aston Martin](https://robbreport.ph/?s=aston+martin) returned to Formula One in 2021, now sporting the iconic British racing green, it boasted a new partnership with Girard-Perregaux. “This was not merely a case of putting Aston Martin’s name on one of our watches. This watch is the impressive outcome of two companies synergistically working together,” said [Patrick Pruniaux](https://www.girard-perregaux.com/ch_en/aston-martin), the watch house’s CEO. The partnership between the Swiss watch manufacturer and British racing team has yielded eight co-designed timepieces, each accentuated by a remarkable shade of green. The Laureato Chronograph Aston Martin Edition (ref. [81020-21-3398-1CM](https://www.girard-perregaux.com/row_en/81020-21-3398-1cm.html)​), in particular, is housed in a 42-mm titanium case and is endowed with a distinct green dial. The dial is iridescent—depending on the light, it can either appear as a subtle sea green or a light ombré. This was achieved through 15 thin layers of automotive paint, executed to perfection. ## **TAG Heuer and Ayrton Senna** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/TAG.webp) The TAG Heuer 6000 Series Senna Edition*Photos courtesy of TAG Heuer* Who better embodies TAG Heuer’s slogan than Ayrton Senna himself? In a 1990 interview, the three-time Formula 1 World Champion stated, “I’m not designed to come second or third. I’m *designed to win.*” Decades after his death, Senna’s impact on the Swiss watchmaker remains. Their relationship began with Senna’s move to McLaren-Honda in 1988. After clinching the World Championship, Senna became the brand’s golden boy and ambassador. At the beginning of the 1989 season, Senna was spotted wearing the TAG Heuer Series [2000 Automatic Chronograph](https://www.tagheuer.com/ph/en/vintage-collection/tag-heuer-2000-series.html) (ref. 165.806), with a 37 mm stainless steel and gold-plated case. Later in the year, Senna became fond of the [S/EL Chronograph](https://www.tagheuer.com/ph/en/vintage-collection/vintage-tag-heuer-sel.html) (ref. S25.706C/CG1123), which he wore on and off the racetrack. In 1994, merely days before his fatal accident, it was said that Ayrton had finally agreed to launch the [Senna-edition 6000 Series](https://www.tagheuer.com/int/en/vintage-collection/tag-heuer-6000-series.html). While his death initially delayed the watch’s launch, the Senna Foundation later decided to proceed with the timepiece, with part of the sales going to Ayrton’s foundation. ## **Tudor and Racing Bulls Formula One Team** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Tudor.webp) The Black Bay Chrono*Photos courtesy of Tudor* While Tudor is more famously known for crafting rugged tool watches for military use and deep-sea divers, the brand’s impact extends to the world of motorsport. In the 1960s, Tudor sponsored the Japan-based Tudor Watch Racing Team, which featured legendary drivers Jiro Yoneyama and Tomohiko Tsutsumi. Though less publicized, this chapter exemplifies Tudor’s longstanding connection to performance and speed. Tudor recently entered the Formula One scene with its sponsorship of the [Racing Bulls Formula One Team](https://www.tudorwatch.com/en/partnerships/visa-cash-app-rb-formula-one-team). Though Racing Bulls, or VCARB, as they’re known among fans, is a relatively young team, the lineup shows great promise, with French driver Isack Hadjar clinching his [first podium](https://www.espn.ph/f1/story/_/id/46121634/rookie-isack-hadjar-labels-1st-f1-podium-unreal) at the recent Dutch Grand Prix. The watchmaker’s red shield appears on the car’s front wing—signalling a partnership that’s as strategic as it is symbolic. At the center of this partnership is the [Black Bay Chrono](https://www.tudorwatch.com/en/watch-family/daring-watches/m79377kn-0001), a striking limited-edition timepiece. The racing white dial is surrounded by a prominent blue ring and is housed in a full carbon fiber case. The timepiece mirrors the 2025 VCARB livery. Only 2,025 pieces were produced, each individually numbered and distinct in its own way. **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** cars, Ferrari, formula one, girard-perregaux, IWC, mercedes, richard mille, tag heuer, tudor, Watches --- ### [Four Seasons Explorer: Where Luxury Meets the Wild](https://robbreport.ph/travel/four-seasons-explorer-luxury-meets-the-wild/) **Published:** September 1, 2025 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** When describing Palau, paradise is a word that rolls off the tongue easily. The waters of Palau are impossibly clear, shifting from pale turquoise to deep cobalt, mirroring limestone cliffs that rise like ancient monuments from the sea. Palau kingfishers and swiftlets, two of 13 species endemic to Palau, fly unbothered above the trees, and the air is still and silent, the kind that hushes even your thoughts. As I slip through the surface of the warm water of the Ulong Channel, “paradise” suddenly feels too soft a word for what the ocean offers here. The moment I steady my gaze, I’m surrounded by schools of parrotfish, Moorish idols, and butterflyfish moving with busy purpose. Neon corals are heaving with the current, with tiny fish taking shelter in even tinier nooks, and giant clams whose deep indigo and teal rims, speckled with flecks of mint green and fuchsia, slam shut as I swim by. A pair of Napoleon wrasse glides past. Below me, a shark emerges from the blue. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/PME_086.webp) Snorkeling and other activities offer a rich experience for non-divers. As strange as it seemed below sea level, Palau also feels familiar. The Philippines and Palau share the same tropical climate and an energy that only island nations possess. Still, even our geological birth story is the same, both owing their rugged topography and rich marine diversity to the ancient tectonic activity of the Pacific Ring of Fire, where shifting plates have sparked volcanic eruptions and undersea uplift, creating volcanic island chains, deep ocean trenches, and reefs. Our shared roots further intertwine in the Spanish colonial era, when the Philippines was colonized by Spain and Palau subsequently made part of the Spanish East Indies, later colonized by various foreign powers. Today, Palau has a population of 21,000 (including expats) with a democratic government, operating under a presidential system and a compact of free association with the United States. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/PME_141.webp) A visit to Airai Bai, a 100-year-old meeting house, is included in on-land activities. But Palau manages its own internal affairs, the most remarkable of which is its commitment to environmental preservation. Palau has long been a leader in marine conservation, with initiatives like the world’s first shark sanctuary in 2009 and the Palau National Marine Sanctuary in 2020, which protects 80% of its exclusive economic zone from fishing and mining. Upon arrival, visitors must sign the “Palau Pledge” stamped onto their passports, signaling their entrance to hallowed ground and affirming their responsibility to respect the environment. Far from being a trendy, modern ideal imposed by policy, these measures are guided by a centuries-old way of life, summated by the core Palauan value, omengull, centered on respect and responsibility for nature. More than just environmental awareness, omengull reflects a cultural ethic: the belief that people are stewards, not owners, of the land and sea. It guides everything from fishing practices to how visitors are welcomed. From a young age, Palauans are taught to take care of the environment even before they learn to take care of themselves—and this worldview underpins Palau’s pioneering conservation efforts and reinforces the idea that preservation is not a marketing ploy or strategy; it is identity. *Omengull* is just as present aboard the [Four Seasons Explorer](https://www.fourseasons.com/explorerpalau/), even though it’s far from the rugged or stripped-down experience one might expect from a typical liveaboard. Instead, it’s a floating sanctuary that marries the Four Seasons’ signature hospitality with a deep respect for the environment it sails through. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/PME_001.webp) The [dining](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/ "Dining") program emphasizes local sourcing where possible, minimizing waste and showcasing the richness of the Pacific’s bounty with restraint and care. We had, of course, a lot of seafood. By seven o’clock in the evening, the aroma of lobster over a hot grill wafts through the al fresco dining area, beckoning guests to dinner. There would be plenty of fresh tuna, served in a ceviche or a poke bowl, or snapper steamed with aromatics. Root-to-stem cooking is meticulously practiced; nothing from a pumpkin is discarded, for example, its seeds and skin finding their way into the menu, and deliciously. Guests are gently welcomed into this ethic not through lectures or rigid rules, but by subtle, consistent example. The crew speaks of marine life with wide-eyed enthusiasm, as if the miracle of what lies beneath the surface has just been revealed to them. Ikoo, the onboard videographer, accompanies every dive, filming the same channels time and again, but when he returns from every excursion, he speaks as though it were his first. Midday, brief presentations by a resident marine biologist educate guests on different topics, like Palau geology or spawning—an event that seasoned divers from all over the world travel to Palau to witness. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/PME_094.webp) The Explorer Suite. It’s omengull in action: not a set of instructions, but a way of being. Here, the greatest privilege isn’t just witnessing beauty, but participating in its protection. Unlike most liveaboards that run on fixed itineraries, the Explorer offers uncommon flexibility: guests can embark and disembark any day. Your journey can be as short as a few nights, perfect for sampling Palau’s sites high on any diver’s bucket list: the Blue Corner to spot hundreds of species of fish, dolphins, orcas, or hammerhead sharks; the German Channel to swim with the manta rays; or WWII wrecks in Pelelieu, depending on where the Explorer is anchored when you embark. One can also take the recommended six- or seven-night loop that explores the archipelago in totality, both above and below the water, including a visit to Airai Bai, a 100-year-old bai (meeting house) decorated with stunning, mythical motifs, or the Badrulchau Stone monoliths, both on Babeldaob Island. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/PME_153.webp) A suite onboard the Explorer. As someone who isn’t a certified diver, I was admittedly wary about joining a liveaboard, but the Four Seasons ensures that itineraries for non-divers are just as rewarding. My days were as packed as the divers’, and I could choose to make my itinerary as hectic or as leisurely as I wanted. I snorkelled twice a day, once visiting Mandarin Fish Lake, swimming under a limestone arch into a cove where cabbage coral was abundant and teeming with life. While I didn’t see any Mandarin fish (they are notoriously shy), corals, clams, schools of other fish, and the exhilaration of seeing colors, patterns, and combinations I never knew existed more than made up for it. As a Four Seasons resort, albeit a floating one, the Explorer is fully and luxuriously equipped with the brand’s signature service, comfort, and attention to detail. I packed light, because on the Explorer, they have all the gear you need, from mask to fin. Before I could even grip the swim ladder of the tender at the end of a snorkel, my fins would be slipped off my feet and mask removed. I watched as divers stood by while the attentive staff strapped them into their gear and tanks. When we returned from our expeditions, my fellow “explorers” and I were greeted by lemongrass-scented cold towels, fizzy lemonade, and the port manager, Zack, eager to hear about our adventures. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/PME_165.webp) Spa services are offered on-board or offshore. Each of the 10 staterooms and the expansive Explorer Suite (with its wraparound view and private sundeck) is surprisingly spacious and fully equipped. From the rainfall shower to the Four Seasons’ signature beddings (which, I can personally attest, provide the kind of sleep that is no less than therapeutic), everything is designed with the Four Seasons experience in mind. It makes it tempting to stay onboard: there is an indoor and outdoor bar, fresh snacks within arm’s reach, a library, satellite Wi-Fi, a spa, even a TV if you must, but the ocean calls. Birding at seven in the morning? Why not? On our last night, the group dwindled to a total of four. We were chatting with the staff, joking around, congratulating one of them on a promotion. Kaan, the diver in the group, showed us his videos from two dives that day: torrents of silvery fish that stretched from the bottom of the ocean all the way up to the surface, stalactites on a cave dive, a turtle, and a shark or two. Ikoo, the onboard videographer, whipped out his own laptop, showing us his best footage since he joined the Explorer, and we marveled at his poetic cinematography and good luck. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/PME_095.webp) Paddleboards, kayaks, and other water sports equipment are on-hand and available for use. The boat rocked gently as we lingered on the deck. By the time our trip was coming to an end, the crew felt like old friends. Maybe it was because of the close quarters, maybe it’s that Four Seasons stamp, but they were truly the warmest group I’d ever met. Inexplicably, for someone who never thought of herself as keen about snorkelling or diving, I found myself aching for one more swim. Paradise suggests perfection without effort, but it is not without effort that Palau remains one. The sea surrounding these islands carries depth, history, and power—its beauty is not accidental, but fiercely protected. What looks like untouched wilderness is the result of generations of care, of values passed down, of omengull: the deeply held belief that nature is not ours to use, but ours to respect. The ocean here is pristine not because it has been spared, but because it has been defended, patiently, continually, and with deep love. It doesn’t invite escape; it invites reverence. Palau is paradise, but it is also a compelling success story. The ocean doesn’t owe us safety. Or wonder. To swim in it, to live around it, is to submit, and it’s the unspoken truth you learn quickly in Palau: you are a guest. I see a whisper of a fish the size of a prayer and say my own, like a pilgrim at the edge of something holy. – *Kimberly Rocha-Delgado* ## Onboard the Explorer The Four Seasons Explorer is a 39-meter luxury catamaran that functions as a floating five-star resort. With only 11 cabins, it offers the exclusivity of a private yacht and the polish of the world-class hotel brand, complete with Four Seasons-trained staff and signature service. **How to get to Palau:** Direct flights are available from Manila to Koror and back via United, twice a week. **Itinerary:** Guests can embark and disembark any day of the week, but we recommend its full six-night itinerary across Palau’s most breathtaking natural sites. Highlights include the UNESCO-listed Rock Islands, the legendary Jellyfish Lake, and diving in the Blue Corner or German Channel—two of the world’s top dive spots. Guests can snorkel, kayak, swim, or enjoy tender rides to remote beaches and cultural sites such as traditional bai meeting houses, ancient monuments, and WWII shipwrecks. **Diving program:** A fully-equipped PADI 5-star dive center onboard allows for up to three dives a day with expert guides; non-divers can get certified onboard. Don’t bother to bring your gear; they have everything from masks to sunblock. **Not a diver?** Palau’s vibrant reef systems, hidden lagoons, and inland lakes offer equally compelling snorkeling and paddleboarding experiences. Fishing excursions and guided nature walks on uninhabited islands are also offered. **Cruise control:** Guests enjoy well-appointed staterooms with panoramic windows, a spa treatment room, an indoor lounge and bar, and al fresco dining under the stars. The executive chef creates rotating menus inspired by local Palauan ingredients and global flavors, tailored to guests’ preferences, and all included in your stay. **Five-star service:** With a low guest-to-crew ratio, the experience feels deeply personal. Attentive but discreet, the multilingual crew includes dive instructors, a wellness therapist, a private chef, and naturalist guides—ensuring every day flows with ease and flexibility. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report Philippines’ [Watches and Jewelry Issue, August 2025.](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-august-2025-the-watches-and-jewelry-issue/)* **Categories:** Travel **Tags:** explorer, four seasons explorer, palau, scuba diving --- ### [Some of the Best Jewelry at the Golden Globes...Were Worn by Men](https://robbreport.ph/style/jewelry/some-of-the-best-jewelry-at-the-golden-globes-were-worn-by-men/) **Published:** January 20, 2026 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** In the last few centuries, some of the most memorable pieces of jewelry have adorned famous (and infamous) women–think Queen Victoria, the Duchess of Windsor, Marie Antoinette, Josephine Bonaparte. But go back a few more millennia and the precious gems and metals that pharaohs, emperors, datus, and ancient kings donned on the daily might challenge that notion. Last week, celebrities at the Golden Globe Awards walked the red carpet in their most splendid [finery](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-16-best-watches-at-the-golden-globes-from-glen-powells-omega-to-jacob-elordis-cartier/), but it was the jewelry that adorned men’s necks, wrists, and lapels that arguably stole the spotlight and kept people talking. Is jewelry beyond watches, cufflinks, and tuxedo studs only a trend, or is stunning jewelry on men a revival that’s here to stay? Is this a look destined to remain within rarefied circles—or will it eventually trickle outward? We’ll have to see. Here were the night’s most head-turning eye candy, and the men who wore them. ## Coleman Domingo in Boucheron ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Boucheron.webp) Colman Domingo just signed with Boucheron, and what a debut. While he sported an ear clip and rings from the jewelry house, the most jaw-dropping pieces were the leaf brooches cascading from his shoulder to the end of his lapel, from Boucheron’s upcoming Histoire de Style collection. He also wore a diamond-encrusted [Omega](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-16-best-watches-at-the-golden-globes-from-glen-powells-omega-to-jacob-elordis-cartier/ "The 16 Best Watches at the Golden Globes, From Glen Powell’s Omega to Jacob Elordi’s Cartier"). ## Connor Storrie in Tiffany & Co. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Connor-Storrie-Tiffany-Co.webp) Connor Storrie, in Saint Laurent, wears a storied piece: the maison’s iconic Bird on a Rock. ## Hudson Williams in Bulgari ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Hudson-Williams-Bvlgari.webp) Hudson Williams wore his Giorgio Armani tuxedo with Bulgari jewelry: a diamond-set Serpenti necklace and watch, two matching Serpenti Viper rings, another four-band B.zero1 ring, and a pair of B.zero1 earrings. ## Kumail Nanjiani in Fred Leighton ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Kumail-Nanjiani-Fred-Leighton.webp) Kumail Nanjiani wore Art Deco Fred Leighton jewels—namely, a diamond jabot brooch and matching cufflinks—on the lapel of his Emporio Armani burgundy velvet coat. ## Oscar Isaac in Bulgari ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Oscar-Isaac-Bvlgari.webp) Oscar Isaac brightened up his black suit with a yellow gold Bulgari Octo Finissimo and a brooch set with two tanzanites. ## Timothée Chalamet in Cartier ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/timothee-chalamet-cartier.webp) Timothée Chalamet wore a Panthère de [Cartier](https://robbreport.ph/tag/cartier/ "cartier") pendant necklace and an Urban Jürgensen UJ-2. ## Tramell Tillman in Boucheron ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Tramell-Tillman-Boucheron.webp) Tramell Tillman, in [Zegna](https://robbreport.ph/style/fashion/why-alessandro-sartori-may-be-menswears-most-distinctive-designer/ "Why Alessandro Sartori May Be Menswear’s Most Distinctive Designer"), wore [Boucheron](https://robbreport.ph/tag/boucheron/ "boucheron")’s diamond-set Plume de Paon brooch and rings, as well as an Audemars Piguet watch in matching 18kt white gold. ## Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in Chopard ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/af63103bae9d9db78740361941812fbc31-dwayne-johnson2xrverticalw570.webp) Johnson stuck to [Chopard](https://robbreport.ph/tag/chopard/ "chopard") for the night, wearing a diamond-encrusted watch and an 18-carat white gold brooch with diamonds. ## Paul Downs in Boucheron ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/CULT_STY_CELEB_Golden-Globes-2026_Paul-W-Downs_IMG_4X5.webp) Boucheron seems to be the winning maison of the night, with many of the most dramatic brooches by the jewelry house. ## Benny Blanco in Neil Lane ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/SnapInstato_613008907_18557089870060387_3364377096061307770_n.webp) Blanco wore diamond-encrusted Neil Lane bracelets a necklace. ## Patrick Schwarzenegger in Dolce & Gabbana ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/SnapInstato_613735188_18553845664044485_3650632846287866843_n.webp) Zoom in: there’s a bee pin positioned atop the floral brooch, originally from Joan Rivers’ estate. ## Orlando Bloom in Giardini Segreti ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/SnapInstato_614924947_18552338278062835_3413968661005400630_n.webp) Bloom wore a floral Giardini Segreti brooch in 18K white gold and white diamonds by Pasquale Bruni. ## Michael B. Jordan in David Yurman ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/SnapInstato_615561953_18556692448048592_7031673892024466119_n.webp) One of the night’s most understated looks belonged to Jordan, wearing a white gold starburst design with diamonds by David Yurman. ## Snoop Dogg in Talia Coles ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/SnapInstato_615701268_18612384997038084_7264093458797134728_n.webp) Snoop wore a brooch that looked like a crest or coat of arms, in yellow gold with a center pearl. **Categories:** Jewelry, Style --- ### [10 Fascinating Facts You Didn’t Know About Mercedes-Benz](https://robbreport.ph/cars/10-fascinating-facts-you-didnt-know-about-mercedes-benz/) **Published:** September 1, 2025 **Author:** Bob Sorokanich **Content:** [Mercedes-Benz](https://robbreport.ph/tag/mercedes/ "mercedes") isn’t just a legendary luxury automaker—it’s the original automaker. Modern-day Mercedes can trace its roots back to the very first automobile, constructed in 1886. Since then, the company has been an innovator, a trendsetter, a racing juggernaut, and a global status symbol. The Mercedes SL is *the* Mercedes in the minds of many; or maybe it’s the G-Wagen; or, for many, the S-Class, or, for many others, it’s any one of the incredible AMGs produced over the years. Or their favorite Mercedes is a C-Class hand-me-down that’s getting on in years now and needs rust repair but will always be where their Mercedes story started. There is, in other words, a Mercedes for almost everyone, which is how Mercedes likes it. The Mercedes-Benz story started in the 19th century when, in 1886, a German engineer named Carl Benz received what’s believed to be the world’s first patent for a wheeled carriage powered by a gasoline engine. His invention, creatively named the Benz Patent-Motorwagen, went on sale in 1888, becoming the first commercially available automobile. (Steam-powered carriages had been attempted since the mid-1700s, but they proved dangerous and impractical and were never commercially viable.) The Patent-Motorwagen had three wheels, a tiller instead of a steering wheel, and no roof or dashboard, but the 954-cc single-cylinder engine set the format used in nearly every gasoline-powered automobile to this day. Still. Here’s everything you need to know about Mercedes-Benz, from the company’s earliest days to its latest and greatest vehicles. ## Carl Benz’s wife took the first car road trip ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Motorwagen_Serienversion.webp) *Public Domain* Even after his patent was approved, Carl Benz’s company had financial struggles. Folks just weren’t ready to plunk down the equivalent of $5,000 to buy Benz’s unproven contraption. Carl’s wife, Bertha, helped to change that. In 1888, Bertha and her sons Eugen and Richard snuck a Patent-Motorwagen out of the workshop and drove it from the Benz home in Mannheim to visit Bertha’s family in Pforzheim, a 66-mile trip that took all day. It was the first car trip, and the first automotive marketing stunt: the Patent-Motorwagen drew crowds wherever it was seen. The publicity helped the Benz company flourish. ## The meaning of the three-pointed star ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Screenshot-2024-04-17-at-30344-PM.webp) *Mercedes-Benz* By 1926, Carl Benz’s company had merged with Daimler, another German firm specializing in gasoline engines, to form Daimler-Benz, which sold automobiles under the Mercedes-Benz brand. Daimler began putting a three-pointed star logo on its cars as early as 1910, but the star-in-a-circle version we know today was registered in 1937. The three points of the star represent land, sea, and air—everywhere Daimler hoped to put its internal-combustion engines into service. ## Mercedes was named for a racing driver’s daughter ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/mercedes-benz_35_hp_1901_images_1-e1713380931702.webp) *Public Domain* Emil Jellinek was an Austrian businessman who built a profitable business distributing early Daimler automobiles to high-society customers. But his obsession was racing, and he competed under a pseudonym: “Monsieur Mercedes,” after his daughter, Mercedes Jellinek. In 1900, Jellinek ordered a revolutionary car from Daimler, and insisted that it be called “Mercedes.” The [Mercedes 35 HP](https://mercedes-benz-publicarchive.com/marsClassic/en/instance/ko/Mercedes-35-hp.xhtml?oid=5901) is widely considered the first modern automobile, setting the paradigm that would define cars for the next half-century, with the driver sitting behind a front-mounted engine that powered the rear wheels. The 35 HP was dominant in early racing, and ever since then, Daimler cars have all worn the Mercedes badge. [](https://www.kargo.com/privacy) ## The founder of Porsche started his career at Mercedes-Benz ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/GettyImages-84510002.webp) AFP Years before Ferdinand Porsche founded the legendary sports-car company that bears his name, he was a Daimler engineer. Porsche started his career in Austro-Daimler, an Austrian subsidiary of the German engine-maker, in 1906. In 1923, Porsche left the Austrian firm to become Daimler’s technical director at its headquarters in Stuttgart. A few years later, Porsche proposed that Mercedes-Benz should build a small, lightweight car. When this idea was turned down, Porsche left the company, eventually launching a consulting firm specializing in automotive design and engineering. Porsche’s company collaborated with the Nazi German government to create the Volkswagen, and in 1948, introduced the first sports car to wear the Porsche badge. ## Mercedes abandoned racing after a disastrous crash killed 84 people ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/GettyImages-2660280.webp) Fox Photos Mercedes-Benz was involved in racing from the very start, and after World War II, the company was highly competitive around the world. But in 1955, a gruesome crash at the 24 Hours of Le Mans brought Mercedes’ motorsports involvement to an immediate halt. A slow-moving car swerved in front of Mercedes driver Pierre Levegh, who had no time to react. The Mercedes hit the slower car, flipped in the air, and landed in a crowd of spectators, killing 85 people and injuring more than 120. Mercedes disbanded its factory-backed racing efforts, and did not return to motorsports until 1989. ## Mercedes put early efforts into safety ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/M-Frontal-v08091P0102-e1713381718964.webp) Mercedes-Benz In the post-war era, Mercedes-Benz put enormous effort into improving vehicle safety. In 1951, Mercedes began developing crumple zones to absorb energy in a crash while protecting vehicle occupants. In 1958, the automaker started performing crash-tests on every new production model, and in 1970, Mercedes began developing anti-lock brakes. ## AMG moves in-house ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/mercedes-benz_e-klasse_1986_images_1-e1713381998562.webp) *Mercedes-Benz* Two former Mercedes engineers launched AMG in 1967. Initially, the company specialized in racing engines, but soon it was developing upgrade packages for Mercedes-Benz road cars. In 1986, AMG turned the Mercedes-Benz E-Class luxury sedan into the 360-horsepower Hammer, at the time the fastest sedan ever made. While AMG was completely independent of Mercedes for years, Daimler bought a majority of the company in 1999, and took over completely in 2005. Today, AMG develops high-performance versions of nearly every vehicle in the Mercedes-Benz lineup. ## The most expensive car ever sold is a Mercedes ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/2-12.webp) *Mercedes-Benz AG* In 2022, an extremely rare Mercedes-Benz shattered records, becoming the [most expensive](https://www.hagerty.com/media/market-trends/the-top-30-most-expensive-cars-ever-sold-at-auction/) car ever sold at auction. The 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe was one of two prototypes of what would become the 300 SLR Gullwing. Sold for $142 million, the Mercedes more than doubled the hammer price of the previous record-holder. The car had long been kept in a Mercedes museum, and the company dedicated the proceeds from the sale to creating a [scholarship](https://media.mbusa.com/releases/the-most-valuable-car-in-the-world-mercedes-benz-300-slr-uhlenhaut-coupe-sold-for-an-all-time-record-price-of-135-million-eur-to-establish-mercedes-benz-fund) fund. ## The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren was a grand touring supercar ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Mercedes-Benz-SLR_McLaren-2004-1280-a77ea15c0e830ab23205304ab13fcbc9ea-e1723564803304.webp) *Mercedes* Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren was first unveiled in concept form at the 1999 North American International Auto Show in Detroit as the Mercedes-Benz Vision SLR, a very late ’90s sort of moonshot that took everyone a bit by surprise. When it finally went into production it was the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, a front-engined grand tourer that also happened to redefine supercars in the process, because it was a front-engined grand tourer that also happened to be a supercar. It cost $455,000 and was a pinnacle of design and power at the time, not surprising given McLaren’s racing pedigree but a bit more so given Mercedes’. Production ended in 2009 with the SLR Stirling Moss, and, these days, they go for around what they sold for originally. Time will tell if that lasts. ## The Maybach 62 Landaulet was almost a good idea ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Maybach-Landaulet_Concept-2007-1280-7773048115590216c3789edb405a48374e-e1724178998452.webp) When DaimlerChrysler relaunched Maybach in 2002 with its first production cars, the 57 and 62, they had visions of competing with Rolls-Royce and Bentley in the very highest echelon of automotive luxury. That required making cars that stood out, like the 62, which was extra-long, almost limousine in length. For a time, the novelty of it all carried the brand somewhat, though by the time the 62 Landaulet was revealed in 2007, some of the shine was beginning to fade. The 62 Landaulet was a car with some historical precedent, with an open rear for passengers to be driven al fresco. It was met with polite bemusement, just 22 were made, and by 2012 that version of Maybach was dead entirely, relaunched later as a sub-brand of Mercedes. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** mercedes, mercedes-benz --- ### [Luxury in Flight: Private Jets Styled to Reflect Personal Style](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/luxury-in-flight-private-jets-styled-to-reflect-personal-style/) **Published:** August 29, 2025 **Author:** Michael Verdon **Content:** Despite the dominance of grays, beiges, and off-whites in the cabins of private jets, there’s a new sense of liberation in the air. Bright, stylish, and bespoke interiors are gaining altitude, thanks to designers long eager to break from the corporate status quo. [Natalie Rodríguez](https://www.natalierodriguez.design/)’s “Solrise” (pictured above) is her vision for a BBJ 787-8, a Boeing Dreamliner variant used by heads of state and V.V.I.P.s. For the 2,458-square-foot interior, the San Antonio–based designer envisioned more of a five-star hotel than a flying boardroom, complete with lounges, dining areas, a primary suite, and a lavish bar. Olive and juniper accents, dark Emperador marble, and antiqued metalwork offset neutral fabrics and muted veneers, evoking a theatrical sense of sunrise. “We used cove and wash lighting in the ceiling’s circular motifs, as well as under-seat illumination, to create a layered, almost cinematic feel,” Rodríguez says. Other designers are bringing expressive style to smaller business jets. As part of [Flexjet’s Red Label series](https://flexjet.com/red-label/), the new “Volare” interior aboard a Gulfstream G650 draws inspiration from the iconic Riva yacht. According to Flexjet chair Kenn Ricci, the series also includes a Bentley-themed interior and will eventually feature cabins influenced by LVMH brands—part of an $800 million private-equity deal Ricci recently inked with the luxury giant. “Customers and prospects, they love these interiors because they’re fun,” says Ricci, who also designed Flexjet’s new $50 million headquarters. He adds that competitors are beginning to offer more artistically customized cabins as well. Jet owners—from celebrities like Paris Hilton to entrepreneurs—are embracing interiors that reflect their personalities. Miami Beach–based Ibrahim and Ryann Al-Rashid’s bold Praetor 600 cabin bucks the old adage that conservative interiors bolster resale value. In fact, since taking delivery, they’ve already received several offers to buy the super midsize. Ricci believes the pipeline of creativity will only expand. In a recent design contest, Flexjet received more than 150 entries, including the winner, “Carolina,” focusing on a natural landscape, and another interior inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture. “Any four or five of \[the top finalists\] could’ve been the winner,” he says. “There’s no shortage of good ideas out there.” ## Gulfstream G650 “Volare” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/RR_Gulfstream_Volare.webp) *Courtesy of Flexjet* The Gulfstream’s “Volare” interior (Italian for “to fly”) was born from [Flexjet’s](https://robbreport.ph/tag/flexjet/ "flexjet") close relationship with [Riva Yachts](https://robbreport.ph/tag/riva/ "Riva"). The stylized design evokes the glamour of 1960s-era Rivas with the use of mahogany and holly for the wood panels, hand-stitched leather piping, and metallic trim. But aircraft weight limits required techniques that hadn’t been used in private aviation. Flexjet sourced a machine that could shave mahogany into ultrathin veneers, then steamed the wood into shape and finished it with 17 coats of varnish to mirror the high-gloss luster of a classic Riva Aquarama. ## Gulfstream G650 “Houndstooth” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/RR_Gulfstream_Houndstooth.webp) *Courtesy of Sarah Mespelt Larrañaga* An oversize-houndstooth motif on the tail and engine intakes of this Gulfstream—inspired by the owner’s home decor—sets the tone for this interior. Designer [Sarah Mespelt Larrañaga](https://sarahlarranaga.com/) echoed the bold pattern in the cabin’s carpet, giving the space a whimsical Alice in Wonderland vibe. Intricate seat stitching extends the theme throughout, adding depth and continuity. The exterior was the project’s greatest challenge, according to Larrañaga; the tail art required multiple iterations before being hand-painted to get the desired look. ## Embraer Praetor 600 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/RR_Embraer_Praetor.webp) *Courtesy of Embraer* With materials like Icicle Shimmer Fusion, Aeronappa Hawthorn, and TAJ Cowhide Blue Jewel, Ibrahim and Ryann Al-Rashid’s super midsize jet is anything but traditional. Working closely with [Embraer’s](https://robbreport.ph/tag/embraer/ "embraer") design team, the Miami couple sifted through hundreds of color and fabric options before settling on a contemporary aesthetic that didn’t date or bedazzle the cabin. The piéce de rèsistance is a navy-blue Cambria wool and silk carpet, with rose-gold stitching, meant to depict the Amazon rainforest morphing into a circuit board—the symbolic fusion of nature and technology. “We’d already gone through 30 different rug concepts, but they all seemed a little loud,” Ryann says. “This one had a beautiful pattern that was also really impactful.” ## Gulfstream G650 “Carolina” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/RR_Gulfstream_Carolina.webp) *Courtesy of Flexjet* This pastoral interior pays tribute to the 150-year-old Avenue of Oaks in Mount Pleasant, S.C., and was conceived by the father-and-son duo of Youngmin and Woojae Sohn—a professional designer and an Embry-Riddle student. “The oaks on the rear bulkhead were entirely hand-drawn to show the detail,” says Woojae, who hopes to become a U.S. Air Force pilot. Tree branches extend across the ceiling, the carpet suggests a flowing river, and the table is an abstract topographical map in this imaginative ode to the outdoors. Dappled lighting, a tufted lounge, and muted-gold fabric at the rear of the executive seats complete the concept. The calming design is slated for production as part of [Flexjet’s Red Label fleet](https://flexjet.com/red-label/). *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Aviation **Tags:** Business Jet, embraer, flexjet, jets, private jet --- ### [The Complete History of Piaget Watches](https://robbreport.ph/the-story-of/the-complete-history-of-piaget-watches/) **Published:** January 19, 2026 **Author:** Oren Hartov **Content:** Few watchmaking concerns have been on the lips of as many collectors, casual buyers, and editors in 2024 as [Piaget](https://robbreport.ph/tag/piaget/). Celebrating 151 years of operation, the distinctive Swiss *maison* has long made beautiful timepieces, but due either to the big birthday, or the emergence of the Polo 79, or its masterfully thin Altiplano line, the [small watch trend](https://robbreport.ph/watches/what-watch-collectors-really-want-right-now-report/ "What Watch Collectors Really Want Right Now: Report")—or, more likely, all of the above—Piaget has re-emerged recently as a sheer force of nature. Indeed, it’s nearly impossible to escape the gravity of Piaget’s wares both modern and vintage, with celebrities posing with them on red carpets around the world, and collectors waxing poetic about the merits of the Polo. And with good reason. Piaget, though it produces both beautiful [watches](https://robbreport.ph/watches/ "Watches") as well as [stunning jewelry](https://robbreport.ph/watches/piaget-jewelry-watches-150th-anniversary/ "Piaget’s New High Jewelry Reinforces Its Watchmaking Mastery"), is known particularly for its artful combination of both disciplines—one in which ultra-thin movements are paired with *haute joaillerie* in a manner few other makers can match. Let’s examine together the history of this most fascinating of *maisons.* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Piaget-Factory-in-Switzerland.webp) Piaget manufacture. *Piaget* ## In the Beginning Like many older watchmaking concerns, Piaget was founded as a family business by an enterprising young Swiss—in this case, 19-year old George-Édouard Piaget. George-Édouard set up shop in La Côte-aux-Fées, in the Swiss Jura, in 1874 and began crafting clock and pocket watch movements with skill and precision. Soon after his son Timothée took over the small concern in 1911, he expanded into wristwatch movement production, which began taking over market share from pocket watches following the First World War. (Pocket watches were still in vogue through the 1940s, however—the *maison’s* first timepiece was in fact a pocket watch, produced in 1926.) In 1943, during the midst of the Second World War, “Piaget” was trademarked—a milestone that preceded the founding of a new *manufacture* in La Côte-aux-Fées in 1945. In 1946, Piaget attended its first Swiss Watch Fair, known later as Baselworld. ## The First Ultra-Thin Movements (1950s) Piaget wouldn’t remain solely a movement producer for long: Brothers Gérald and Valentin, the third generation of the Piaget family to run the business, oversaw the development and release, in 1957, of the groundbreaking Calibre 9P, a 2mm-tall hand-wound, ultra-thin movement. Hot on the heels of this exciting development, in 1960 the brand released the micro rotor-powered, 2.3 mm-tall Calibre 12P, the thinnest automatic movement in the world. Rather than supply these movements to other watchmakers, the *maison* capitalized on its own ingenuity: Opening Salon Piaget in Geneva, the company began crafting precious-metal housings for its ultra-thin movements that combined jewelry making and horology in exquisite form. And, importantly, Piaget kept these ultra-thin 9P and 12P movements to itself, offering exclusivity and elegance unlike any other watch brand. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/9P-Caliber-of-Piaget.webp) Piaget ultra-thin 9P movement. *Piaget* ## High Society (1960s) By 1963, Piaget was supplying its sumptuous, ultra-thin gold watches to the world’s rich and famous: Elizabeth Taylor, Sophia Loren, and Jackie Kennedy all wore dazzling Piaget watches with precious-metal cases and semi-precious stone dials; [Andy Warhol](https://robbreport.ph/watches/how-andy-warhol-amassed-one-of-the-worlds-most-formidable-watch-collections/ "How Andy Warhol Amassed One of the World’s Most Formidable Watch Collections"), ever the consummate collector of beautiful things, owned several Piaget timepieces. Coin watches, ring watches, and brooches and other jewelry also entered the collection, all of which took advantage of the brand’s rare vertical integration that allowed it to smelt its own gold. (Piaget even offered its clients watch and jewelry customization services.) In an interesting precursor to the collaborative and brand ambassador culture of the 2010s and 2020s, Piaget partnered with Salvador Dali as early as 1967, attaching the artist’s name to a watch collection. ## Quartz and the Piaget Polo (1970s) As the Quartz Crisis took hold in the 1970s, family-owned Piaget was nimble enough to read the writing on the wall: Signing on with a consortium of Swiss watch brands, it helped develop the electronic Beta 21 movement, fitting it within elegant, stepped-case dress watches. However, the Beta 21 did not conform to the *maison’s* ultra-thin modus operandi, so in 1976, Piaget launched the Calibre 7P, a quartz-powered movement of its own design. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Piaget-Polo-Watch.webp) Piaget Polo Watches. *Piaget* Meanwhile, while Gérald Genta was designing the Royal Oak for Audemars Piguet and the Nautilus for [Patek Philippe](https://robbreport.ph/tag/patek-philippe/ "Patek Philippe"), Piaget sensed it needed its own luxury sports watch contender. Developing a precious-metal timepiece with an integrated bracelet, it outfitted its new ultra-thin “jewelry watch” with the new 3.1mm-thick Calibre 7P. When the *maison’s* agent for the Americas insisted that a watch needed a *name* in order to succeed—previously, Piaget watches merely had reference numbers—it decided upon the “Polo,” launching it in 1979. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Piaget-Warhol-Watch.webp) Andy Warhol’s Piaget watch. *Piaget* Containing between 132-136 grams of gold, this was a model that put the “luxury” in “luxury sports watch.” Indeed, while quartz technology was putting entire watchmaking concerns out of business, it was helping Piaget thrive. At the same time, Yves Piaget, a fourth-generation family member and trained gemologist, had taken over the company’s leadership; his “Piaget Society” gatherings brought celebrity clients together with other high rollers to cement the Piaget name in the minds of the well-to-do. ## Modern Piaget (1980s – 2000s) Even so, with consolidation beginning to take hold in the industry, the Piaget family sold the business to Vendôme Group in 1988, which would later become known as Richemont. It continued to make the Polo until roughly 1990, by which point it had produced roughly 4,000 to 6,000 examples of what was, for the time, an extraordinarily expensive timepiece. (Beginning MSRP was around $20,000, or roughly $80,000 today.) The 1990s themselves saw the launch of several new collections, including Possession, Limelight, Tangara, and Miss Protocole. By 2001, Piaget opened a new atelier in Plan-les-Ouates, where watchmaking and jewelry making professionals gather to design new models and collections. (Movements are still made in La Côte-aux-Fées.) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Piaget-Watches-in-Stone-Dials.webp) Piaget is well known for producing stylish thin watches with stone dials, now highly collectible. ## Record Setting (2010 – present) In 2010, Piaget celebrated the 50th anniversary of the ultra-thin automatic Calibre 12P by releasing a new collection that broke two world records—that of the thinnest automatic movement in the world (2.35mm) and the thinnest automatic watch in the world (5.25mm)—in the form of the Altiplano, named for South American plains that informed the case shape. Measuring 43mm, this first Altiplano would prove a watershed design for the *maison,* spearheading the way for a succession of thinner and thinner pieces that merged cutting-edge watchmaking and design in a manner unmatched by perhaps any other watchmaker save [Bulgari](http://Bulgari). Continual refinement would follow: The Altiplano 900P, released in 2014, claimed the title as the then-thinnest mechanical watch in the world at just 3.65mm tall. Meanwhile, the manually-wound Calibre 670P—a 4.6mm-tall, tourbillon-equipped movement which Piaget likewise housed within an Altiplano case — debuted in 2017. One year later, the experimental Altiplano Ultimate Concept claimed the title as the world’s thinnest wristwatch at just 2mm tall. (Though *this* record has since been beaten by Bulgari—then Richard Mille, then Bulgari again—Piaget outfitted the “A.U.C.” with a flying tourbillon in 2024 while maintaining the impressive 2mm thickness, thus clinching the title of world’s thinnest tourbillon-equipped wristwatch.) In order to achieve this impressive feat of watchmaking, Piaget integrated case and movement into a single component. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Piaget_Altiplano.webp) *Courtesy of Piaget* ## The Current Landscape Let us rewind a moment. Back in 2016, Piaget reinvigorated the Polo with the introduction of the “S” collection, the first Polo iterations made in stainless steel. Fitted with manufacture calibers, they retailed for far less than their competitors from the likes of Audemars Piguet and Patek Philippe, and paved the way for the expansion of a collection that would allow Piaget to compete in the modern luxury sports watch market. But the *maison* didn’t ignore its heritage either: Earlier this year, it released the Polo 79, a 38mm yellow gold reissue of the watch that kept the brand competitive during the Quartz Crisis. Containing nearly 200g of gold and powered by the ultra-thin Piaget Calibre 1200P1—an *automatic* movement with micro-rotor—it retails for $73,000. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Piaget_Polo.webp) The modern Polo 79 made a huge splash when it was released in 2023. Clément Rousset As of this writing, a sort of Piaget fever has taken hold of the watch market. In addition to dedicated brand ambassadors such as Michael B. Jordan, stylish men such as Lil Nas X and Usher have worn older Piaget pieces to galas, awards ceremonies, and debuts. Vintage and pre-owned dealers such as Analog:Shift and Wind Vintage are stocking or selling precious-metal Piagets fitted with semi-precious stone dials—and what’s most surprising is that it’s *men* who are largely springing for these dainty, colorful pieces, many of which were made for womens’ wrists. With its eyes set firmly on the future of ultra-thin watchmaking via Altiplano, and collectors’ interests set firmly in the past via the value-laden, colorful Polo and Emperador watches of the 1960s, ‘70s, and ‘80s, there’s no doubt that Piaget has taken over the horological zeitgeist. The only pertinent question at this point is: What’s next for Piaget? *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** The Story Of, Watches **Tags:** piaget --- ### [Escape the Philippine Rainy Season at These Five South Pacific Luxury Destinations](https://robbreport.ph/travel/5-luxury-south-pacific-destinations-to-visit-beyond-bora-bora/) **Published:** June 29, 2026 **Author:** Ria de Borja **Content:** While the Philippines enters its rainy season, much of the South Pacific is enjoying one of its best times to [travel](https://robbreport.ph/travel/ "Travel") to. Across [Fiji](https://robbreport.ph/tag/fiji/ "Fiji"), French Polynesia, the Cook Islands, Samoa, and Vanuatu, the dry season brings sunny days, lower humidity, calmer seas, and excellent conditions for diving, sailing, hiking, and beach holidays. Bora Bora may be the South Pacific’s most famous destination, but it is only one part of a region that stretches across thousands of islands. Beyond its iconic overwater villas are secluded lagoons, private-island [resorts](https://robbreport.ph/tag/resorts/ "resorts"), volcanic landscapes, and deeply rooted Polynesian cultures that offer equally compelling reasons to make the journey. Here are five of the South Pacific’s best luxury destinations to visit during the dry season, along with the resorts worth booking. ## 1. Cook Islands: The South Pacific’s Best-Kept Secret Scattered across nearly two million square kilometers of ocean northeast of New Zealand, the Cook Islands is one of the South Pacific’s most under-the-radar luxury destinations. Unlike many of its neighbors, the archipelago has resisted large-scale resort development, and has an atmosphere of intimacy and authenticity. At its heart are two islands: Rarotonga, the lush volcanic center of local life, and Aitutaki, which contains a lagoon that’s considered among the most beautiful in the world. The Cook Islands are perfect for travelers who value easy, slow days. Go snorkeling among giant clams and vibrant coral gardens, or paddleboarding over waters so clear they seem unreal. On Rarotonga, take hikes on jungle-covered peaks with panoramic ocean vistas. Spend the evenings enjoying Polynesian feasts and cultural performances. ## Where to Stay in the Cook Islands ### Pacific Resort Aitutaki ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Pacific-Resort-Aitutaki.webp) *Photo: Pacific Resort Aitutaki* [Pacific Resort Aitutaki](https://www.pacificresort.com/aitutaki/) is known to be the best resort in the nation because of its location—right by a picturesque lagoon. The views from beachfront villas will make guests forget all about the hustle and bustle of their regular, daily lives. Personalized services reinforce the feeling of a private retreat. *Approx. starting rate for two: US$1,200 (PHP71,000) per night* ### Te Manava Luxury Villas & Spa ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/te-manava-bedroom.webp) *Te Manava* Located on Rarotonga’s tranquil southeast coast, [Te Manava Luxury Villas & Spa](https://www.temanava.com/) offers spacious beachfront and garden villas with private pools. Its combination of privacy, contemporary comforts, and easy access to the island’s natural beauty makes it a favorite. *Approx. starting rate for two: US$660 (PHP40,000) per night* ### Nautilus Resort Rarotonga ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Nautilus-Resort-Rarotonga.webp) *Photo: Nautilus Resort Rarotonga* [Nautilus Resort ](https://www.nautilusresortrarotonga.com/)combines sleek Polynesian-inspired design with private plunge pools and bespoke experiences. *Approx. starting rate for two: US$835 (PHP50,500) per night* ## 2) Fiji: The South Pacific’s Luxury All-Rounder With more than 330 islands scattered across the South Pacific, Fiji can be labeled the region’s most versatile luxury destination. It also offers an irresistible blend of world-class hospitality, private-island exclusivity, adventure, and wellness retreats. Mamanuca and Yasawa islands are popular for yachting, diving, snorkeling, surfing, and luxury travel. Wellness seekers will find an abundance of spas inspired by indigenous traditions, while golfers will find courses to enjoy. ## Where to Stay in Fiji ### Laucala Island ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Laucala-Island.webp) *Photo: Laucala Island* One of the world’s most exclusive private-island retreats, [Laucala](https://www.laucala.com/) offers just a handful of villas spread across a sprawling tropical paradise. Guests enjoy a championship golf course, equestrian facilities, farm-to-table dining, and complete privacy. *Approx. starting rate for two: US$5,000 per night (PHP302,500) per night* ### Six Senses Fiji ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Six-Senses-Fiji.webp) *Photo: Six Senses Fiji* [Six Senses Fiji](https://www.sixsenses.com/en/hotels-resorts/asia-the-pacific/fiji/fiji/) combines sustainability with elevated luxury. Spacious villas, holistic wellness programs, and easy access to some of Fiji’s best surf breaks make it a favorite. *Approx. starting rate for two: US$850–$2,500+ (PHP51,425–PHP151,250+) per night* ### Kokomo Private Island Fiji ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Kokomo-Private-Islands.webp) Kokomo Private Island Set amid the pristine waters of the Kadavu Islands, [Kokomo Private Island Fiji ](https://www.kokomoislandfiji.com/)is celebrated for its beachfront villas, private residences, exceptional diving, and personalized service. The resort seamlessly blends barefoot luxury with world-class dining and unforgettable marine experiences. *Approx. starting rate for two: US$1,300 (PHP78,650) per night* ## 3) French Polynesia: The Gold Standard of Tropical Glamour French Polynesia is often called the South Pacific’s crown jewel. Spread across 118 islands and atolls halfway between Australia and South America, the territory has become synonymous with overwater villas, private-island retreats, and breathtakingly cinematic vistas. Beyond lounging in an overwater villa, French Polynesia offers mounds of opportunities for exploration. Dive with sharks and manta rays in Rangiroa, sail across Bora Bora’s legendary lagoon, hike through Moorea’s emerald valleys, or indulge in French-Polynesian cuisine overlooking crystalline waters. Sunset catamaran cruises and private-island picnics elevate every experience. ## Where to Stay in the French Polynesia ### The Brando ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/The-Brando.webp) *Photo: The Brando* Located on the private atoll of Tetiaroa which was once owned by Marlon Brando, [this ultra-exclusive retreat](https://thebrando.com/) has become the benchmark for luxury in the South Pacific. Sustainability, privacy, and understated elegance are its core values. *Approx. starting rate for two: US$3,500–$4,000+ (PHP211,750–PHP242,000+) per night* ### The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/The-St-Regis-Bora-Bora-Resort.webp) *Photo: The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort* Among Bora Bora’s most iconic addresses, the [St. Regis](https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/bobxr-the-st-regis-bora-bora-resort/overview/) is renowned for expansive overwater villas, dedicated butler service, and spectacular views of Mount Otemanu. *Approx. starting rate for two: US$1,500–US$3,300 (PHP90,750–PHP199,650) per night* ### Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/four-seasons-bora-bora-.webp) *Four Seasons Bora Bora* The [Four Seasons Bora Bora](https://www.fourseasons.com/borabora/) is renowned for its luxurious overwater bungalows, impeccable service, and stunning views of Mount Otemanu. Guests can enjoy world-class dining, spa treatments, and a wide range of water-based adventures. *Approx. starting rate for two: US$4,390 (PHP265,624) per night* ## Honorable Mentions: Samoa and Vanuatu ### Samoa: Polynesia’s Soulful Escape Located in the heart of Polynesia, east of Fiji and west of the Cook Islands, Samoa is one of the South Pacific’s most serene destinations. Rich in Polynesian traditions and blessed with dramatic natural landscapes, it offers a slower, more meaningful lifestyle. Local culture remains central to everyday life. Visitors can explore volcanic coastlines, swim beneath waterfalls hidden in lush rainforests, visit traditional villages, and witness the spectacular ocean blowholes, where waves crash into a coastal sea cave, forcing water and air upward and out through a vertical opening. This creates majestic, geyser-like spouts. Beach days are complemented by opportunities to encounter the locals. ## Where to Stay in Samoa ### Seabreeze Resort ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Seabreeze-Resort.webp) *Photo: Seabreeze Resort* [Seabreeze Resort](https://seabreezesamoa.com/) overlooks a turquoise lagoon and delivers the sort of quiet luxury that feels increasingly difficult to find. *Approx. starting rate for two: US$350–US$390 (PHP21,175–PHP23,595) per night* ### Taumeasina Island Resort ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Taumeasina-Island-Resort-2240x1680.webp) *Photo: Taumeasina Island Resort* [Taumeasina Island Resort ](https://www.taumeasinaislandresortsamoa.com/)offers contemporary villas, sweeping ocean views, and easy access to nature and culture. *Approx. starting rate for two: US$186–US$260 (PHP11,253–PHP15,730) pet night* ### Sinalei Reef Resort & Spa ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/sinalei.webp) Sinalei [Sinalei Reef Resort & Spa](https://sinalei.com/) blends traditional Samoan charm with upscale comforts. Oceanfront villas, lush tropical gardens, and a renowned spa create a relaxing retreat. *Approx. starting rate for two: US$661 (PHP40,016) per night* ## Vanuatu: The Final Frontier of Barefoot Luxury East of Australia and northeast of New Caledonia, Vanuatu is one of the South Pacific’s least commercialized destinations. Comprising roughly 80 islands, it has extraordinary natural beauty. For visitors seeking adventure, Vanuatu is refreshingly untamed. Witness the fiery spectacle of Mount Yasur, one of the world’s most accessible active volcanoes, dive historic shipwrecks, kayak through crystal-clear blue spaces, or explore dense tropical forests and remote beaches. Cultural encounters with local communities will add depth to your journey. ## Where to Stay in Vanuatu ### Ratua Private Island Resort ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Ratua-Private-Island-Resort.webp) *Photo: Ratua Private Island Resort* An ultra-private retreat featuring heritage Indonesian teak villas, [Ratua](https://ratua.com/) offers a distinctive blend of sustainability, exclusivity, and island charm. *Approx. starting rate for two: US$461 (PHP27,896) per night* ### The Havannah Vanuatu ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/The-Havannah-Vanuatu.webp) Known for exceptional service and tranquil waterfront villas, [The Havannah Vanuatu ](https://thehavannah.com/)has earned a devoted following among travelers seeking peace and privacy. *Approx. starting rate for two: US$600–US$900+ per night (PHP36,300–PHP54,450+) per night)* ### Tamanu on the Beach ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Tamanu-on-the-Beach.webp) [Tamanu on the Beach ](https://www.tamanuonthebeach.com/)is a boutique beachfront property where wellness, local culture, and understated luxury come together in a beautifully relaxed setting. *Approx. starting rate for two: US$246 (PHP14,904) per night* ## Frequently Asked Questions ### When is the best time to visit the South Pacific from the Philippines? The South Pacific’s dry season generally runs from May to October, making it one of the best times to visit from the Philippines. During these months, destinations such as Fiji, French Polynesia, the Cook Islands, Samoa, and Vanuatu enjoy sunny weather, lower humidity, calmer seas, and ideal conditions for diving, sailing, hiking, and beach holidays. ### Which South Pacific destination is best for luxury travelers? It depends on the type of luxury experience you’re seeking. French Polynesia is renowned for iconic overwater villas and ultra-luxury resorts, Fiji offers private islands and world-class wellness retreats, the Cook Islands provide a quieter, more intimate escape, while Samoa and Vanuatu are ideal for travelers looking for authentic culture and unspoiled natural beauty. ### Is Bora Bora the only luxury destination in the South Pacific? No. While Bora Bora remains the South Pacific’s most famous destination, the region offers many equally rewarding luxury escapes. Travelers can experience the secluded lagoons of the Cook Islands, Fiji’s exclusive private islands, Samoa’s rich Polynesian heritage, and Vanuatu’s volcanoes and untouched beaches. ### Which luxury resorts are worth booking in the South Pacific? Some of the region’s standout luxury resorts include The Brando, Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, and The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort in French Polynesia; Laucala Island, Kokomo Private Island Fiji, and Six Senses Fiji; as well as Pacific Resort Aitutaki in the Cook Islands, Seabreeze Resort in Samoa, and Ratua Private Island Resort in Vanuatu. ### Which South Pacific destination is best for privacy and seclusion? For travelers seeking privacy, the Cook Islands, Laucala Island in Fiji, The Brando in French Polynesia, Ratua Private Island Resort in Vanuatu, and Seabreeze Resort in Samoa offer some of the South Pacific’s most exclusive and tranquil luxury experiences, combining low visitor numbers with exceptional natural beauty. **Categories:** Travel **Tags:** Bora Bora, Fiji, French Polynesia, luxury travel, wellness --- ### [Our Favorite Wellness and Longevity Retreats in Asia](https://robbreport.ph/leisure/our-favorite-wellness-and-longevity-retreats-in-asia/) **Published:** January 19, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** Longevity has become luxury’s most serious indulgence as of late. And that’s in spite of all the, err, noise. While a small but vocal fringe has reduced the conversation to performative biohacking and headline-friendly excess (ehem, that *one* tech bro who wants to live forever), the real story lies elsewhere. Behind closed doors, serious capital, credible science, and refined hospitality are driving meaningful advances in how we restore our health. Strip away the theatrics, and longevity emerges as quite the considered investment. Across Asia, a new class of wellness retreat has emerged. From jungle hideaways and desert oases to medical-wellness compounds staffed by specialists, the following retreats represent the region’s most elevated answers to the question of how well—and how long—we want to live. ## Chiva-Som, Thailand ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Chiva-Som-Tai-Chi-Pavilion-Outdoor-Pool.webp) A benchmark of longevity since the 1990s, Chiva-Som remains a gold standard for structured, results-driven wellness. Programs are built around measurable outcomes, drawing from physiotherapy, fitness, nutrition, and holistic medicine under one disciplined umbrella. Guests commit to multi-day immersions tailored to stress, aging, weight management, or recovery, supported by discreet villas and a famously serene coastal setting. *More information [here](https://www.chivasom.com/en/chiva-som-hua-hin/).* ## Kamalaya Koh Samui, Thailand ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/lap-pool-kamalaya-thailand.webp) *Photo: Kamalaya Koh Samui* Set against limestone cliffs and tropical forest, Kamalaya pairs spiritual heritage with modern longevity science. Its Longevity House introduces functional medicine diagnostics, IV therapies, ozone, and hyperbaric oxygen, layered seamlessly atop Eastern healing traditions. Days here unfold at a gentler pace than more clinical retreats, with meditation, breathwork, and plant-forward cuisine anchoring the experience. There’s enough science to satisfy the bio-curious, and enough soul to remind guests that aging well is as much emotional as it is biological. *More information [here](https://kamalaya.com/).* ## RAKxa Integrative Wellness, Thailand ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RAKxa-Facilities-3-e1760091191564.webp) The VitalLife Scientific Wellness Centre at RAKxa. *Photo: RAKxa Integrative Wellness* RAKxa occupies a rare middle ground between hospital-grade medicine and resort-level discretion. Located in Bangkok’s green lung, the retreat emphasizes diagnostics—genetic testing, metabolic assessments, integrative consultations, etc.—before prescribing tailored programs that blend Western medicine with traditional therapies. Sleek villas, privacy-first design, and quietly exacting service ensure the experience never feels clinical. It’s the executive class’ idea of longevity, we suppose: treatments are precise, data-led, and uncompromising, softened only by nature and an unhurried sense of calm. *More information [here](https://rakxawellness.com/).* ## Six Senses Vana, India ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Wellness_Yogasala_1.webp) *Photo: Six Senses* At the foothills of the Himalayas, Six Senses Vana offers a disciplined immersion into ancient healing systems. Ayurveda, yoga, mindfulness, and Tibetan medicine form the backbone of personalized programs guided by resident physicians and therapists. Architecture is noticeably minimal, almost monastic, really. Vana’s strength lies in its coherence: every element, from cuisine to daily rhythm, is aligned toward balance and longevity, making it one of Asia’s most quietly transformative retreats. *More information [here](https://www.sixsenses.com/en/hotels-resorts/asia-the-pacific/india/vana/).* ## COMO Shambhala Estate, Indonesia ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/shambhala-retreat-3535.webp) COMO Shambhala Estate in Bali has earned recognitions like the Michelin Key 2025 and the Exquisite Awards’ Best Wellness Resort for 2025 and 2023. *Photo: COMO Shambhala Estate* COMO Shambhala Estate delivers wellness with polish rather than austerity. Guests choose from curated “paths” addressing detox, fitness, stress, or mindfulness, each supported by a deep roster of international practitioners. Villas are expansive, cuisine is clean yet indulgent, and the atmosphere remains social enough for couples or small groups. It is less medical than some peers, but what it lacks in that department is made up for by interesting customization. It’s ideal for those seeking longevity gains without surrendering the pleasures of high design and gracious living. *More information [here](https://www.comohotels.com/bali/como-shambhala-estate).* ## Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som, Qatar ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/hzulal.webp) Treatments here are based on Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine (TAIM). *Photo: Zulal* Zulal introduces a distinct regional lens to the global wellness conversation through Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine. Programs integrate prophetic medicine, nutrition, movement, and modern diagnostics within a refined desert setting. As a Chiva-Som–backed property, structure and credibility are assured, but the cultural specificity gives Zulal its edge. It is a retreat that feels both pioneering and rooted, offering a new vocabulary for longevity shaped by heritage, science, and a deep respect for holistic living. *More information [here](https://zulal.com/en/).* ## Chenot Palace Gabala, Azerbaijan ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/gabala-hotel-winter.webp) *Photo: Chenot* Purpose-built around the Chenot Method, this destination health retreat takes a highly controlled approach to detox and regeneration. Guests undergo extensive diagnostics before entering tightly managed programs combining medical oversight, hydrotherapy, and biophotonic nutrition. The mountain setting provides drama and isolation, reinforcing a sense of reset. Chenot Palace is unapologetically prescriptive, appealing to those who prefer their wellness decisive and data-backed. *More information [here](https://www.chenot.com/chenot-palace/gabala/).* **Categories:** Health & Wellness, Leisure **Tags:** Chenot Palace Gabala, chiva som, Como Shambhala Estate, Kamalaya Koh Samui, Longevity, RAKxa Integrative Wellness, Six Senses vANA, wellness, Zulal Wellness Resort --- ### [The Good Life: Editors' Picks of the Week](https://robbreport.ph/style/the-good-life-editors-picks-of-the-week-aug-26-25/) **Published:** August 26, 2025 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** ## The Whitney Bag by Max Mara ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/WHITNEY-BAG-10TH-ANNIVERSARY-STILL-LIFE-7_Canaletti_Alluminio.webp) *Max Mara* Celebrated the tenth anniversary of The Whitney Bag with [Marilou Peña Koa](https://robbreport.ph/style/leaders-of-luxury-marilou-pena-koa/ "Leaders of Luxury: Marilou Peña-Koa") and her team at the Max Mara [Greenbelt](https://www.ayalamalls.com/main/malls/ayala-greenbelt) store last week. The Whitney Bag was launched at the opening of the Whitney Museum of American Art in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District back in 2015, a cantilevered building designed by architect Renzo Piano. The Whitney is on my list of go-to places whenever I’m in New York, where I can lose myself in the huge space filled with contemporary works by American artists before heading off to the greenery of the High Line. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/large_large_658049c.webp) The Whitney Bag’s design was inspired by the facade of the museum. *Courtesy of The Whitney Museum* The Whitney Bag’s vertical ribbing was inspired by the facade of the building, and was created by Max Mara in collaboration with the Renzo Piano Building Workshop. It’s now part of the permanent collection of the New York Fashion Institute of Technology museum. – *Yvette Fernandez, Chief of Editorial Content* *The Max Mara boutique is located at Greenbelt 3, Esperanza Street, Makati.* ## Motorcycles: The Impossible Collection (2nd Edition) by Assouline ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/RR-Feature-Photos-4-2240x1260.webp) Since their invention in the nineteenth century, motorcycles have always symbolized freedom and quickly became cultural icons, embodying speed, rebellion, artistry, and design. *Motorcycles: The Impossible Collection* celebrates this two-wheeled speed devil and is an update from the first edition, gathering 100 of the most exceptional bikes of the 20th and 21st centuries, from Peter Fonda’s *Easy Rider* chopper to Evel Knievel’s Harley-Davidson XR750. This edition, just dropped on the website today, adds more recent marvels like the Dodge Tomahawk, Shinya Kimura’s Spike, and even the Bat Pod from *The Dark Knight Rises*. Written by veteran automotive journalist Nicolas Stecher and artist-designer Ian Barry, the book is as much about culture as it is about feats of engineering. Each page features the machines that shaped eras and captured imaginations, which makes it a must-have in any passionate motorcyclist’s library. – *Kimberly Rocha-Delgado, Digital Editor* *Available via [assouline.com](https://assouline.com) or ordered through Univers at Greenbelt.* ## Tokyo Manila New York Jazz at The Jazz Club, Aman New York ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-25-at-14924-PM.webp) *Aman New York* I’m getting ready to spend another autumn in [New York,](https://robbreport.ph/tag/new-york/ "new york") and, as always, my calendar is booked with diverse culinary adventures and rich cultural experiences. To start off the season is the highly anticipated “Tokyo Manila New York Jazz” at The Jazz Club at [Aman New York](https://robbreport.ph/tag/aman/ "aman"). This musical celebration will run for two nights, Thursday and Friday, September 11-12, 2025. Produced by interior designer, Maja Olivares-Co, the evening will feature a dynamic five-piece ensemble that brings together exceptional talent from the Philippines, Japan, and America in a cross-cultural collaboration that is set to explore the robust intertwining jazz traditions of these three major cities. This special artist line-up showcases renowned Tokyo-based Filipino jazz vocalist Charito, whose award-winning albums and collaborations with legends like Michel Legrand have earned her top honors from Swing Journal. She is joined by accomplished Japanese musicians: pianist Yuki Arimasa, bassist Yoshiki Yamada, and drummer Yosuke Nagayama. Completing the international ensemble is the talented American saxophonist, Adam Hutcheson. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-25-at-14938-PM.webp) *Aman New York* “This soulful journey through rhythm and culture features a diverse repertoire including beloved American jazz standards, reimagined renditions of traditional Filipino love songs, and contemporary Japanese pop hits, celebrating jazz as a truly global language through the diverse backgrounds and experiences of these accomplished musicians,” says Olivares-Co. It promises to be a NYC evening to remember. – *Alicia Colby-Sy, Lifestyle Editor* *For more information please email reservations@thajazzclub.com* **Categories:** Culture, Entertainment, Fashion, Leisure, Style **Tags:** aman new york, max mara, the jazz club, the whitney bag, the whitney museum --- ### [Watches and Wonders Geneva 2027 Adds Breitling, Universal Genève, and Damiani](https://robbreport.ph/watches/watches-and-wonders-geneva-2027-adds-breitling-universal-geneve-and-damiani/) **Published:** June 26, 2026 **Author:** Nicholas Ong **Content:** Every industry reaches a point when participation becomes an expectation, and for Swiss watchmaking, that point increasingly appears to be [Watches and Wonders Geneva](https://robbreport.ph/tag/watches-and-wonders/ "watches and wonders"). When the world’s leading luxury watch fair returns from April 5 to 11, 2027, it will welcome four notable newcomers—Breitling, Damiani, Gallet, and Universal Genève—underscoring the event’s growing influence over how the industry presents itself to collectors, retailers, journalists, and enthusiasts. The announcement is significant because it reinforces a broader shift that has been unfolding over the past decade—as evidenced further by more brands are joining the fair. What began as the successor to SIHH has evolved into the industry’s central meeting point, where the world’s leading maisons launch new collections, unveil technical innovations, and set the agenda for the year ahead. ## Why New Brands Joining Watches and Wonders Matters Among the most notable additions is House of Brands, which brings together Breitling, Gallet, and the recently revived Universal Genève under one umbrella. Universal Genève’s debut is likely to attract particular attention. Long regarded by collectors as one of the twentieth century’s most important watchmakers, the historic manufacture has generated renewed interest since its revival, making its first appearance at Watches and Wonders one of the event’s most anticipated moments. Italian luxury jeweller Damiani will also exhibit for the first time, reflecting the increasingly close relationship between high jewelry and fine watchmaking as collectors continue to seek exceptional craftsmanship across both disciplines. ## What to Expect at Watches and Wonders Geneva 2027 The 2027 edition will follow the now-established format. The first part of the week will be reserved for retailers, journalists, and industry professionals before opening to the public from Friday through Sunday. Visitors can also experience In The City, the event’s expanding programme across central Geneva. Boutique activations, exhibitions, cultural events, and immersive watchmaking experiences will once again transform the city into an extension of the Salon itself, inviting both seasoned collectors and newcomers to engage more closely with the craft. For collectors, the increasing concentration of leading brands under one roof offers an unrivalled opportunity to discover the year’s most important releases in a single destination. For the watch industry, it reinforces Geneva’s position as the capital of contemporary watchmaking each spring. Organizers say additional announcements will follow in the coming months. Even so, the trajectory is already evident. As more prestigious maisons choose to unveil their newest creations together rather than independently, Watches and Wonders continues to strengthen its role as the event that defines the future of modern watchmaking. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### When is Watches and Wonders Geneva 2027? Watches and Wonders Geneva 2027 will take place from **April 5 to 11, 2027**, at Palexpo in Geneva, Switzerland. The event will begin with industry-only days before opening to the public from Friday through Sunday. ### Which brands are joining Watches and Wonders 2027? The 2027 edition will welcome Breitling, Damiani, Gallet, and Universal Genève as new exhibitors. Breitling, Gallet, and Universal Genève will participate under the newly formed House of Brands. ### Can the public attend Watches and Wonders Geneva? Yes. While the first part of the event is reserved for industry professionals, the final three days are open to the public. Visitors can also participate in the **In The City** program, which features exhibitions, boutique events, and watchmaking experiences across Geneva. ### Why is Watches and Wonders important to the watch industry? Watches and Wonders is the world’s leading luxury watch fair, where major Swiss and international watch brands unveil their latest collections, announce innovations, and meet retailers, collectors, journalists, and enthusiasts from around the world. ### What is the In The City program at Watches and Wonders? The **In The City** program extends Watches and Wonders beyond the exhibition halls into central Geneva, offering public access to watchmaking workshops, cultural events, boutique activations, and immersive experiences throughout the week. *More about Watches and Wonders 2027 in the official [site](https://www.watchesandwonders.com/en).* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** watches and wonders, Watches and Wonders 2027 --- ### [6 Legendary Names You Need to Know From the World of Watchmaking](https://robbreport.ph/watches/6-legendary-names-you-need-to-know-from-the-world-of-watchmaking/) **Published:** August 20, 2025 **Author:** Oren Hartov **Content:** Watch collecting has never been more popular—or bigger business. What was unthinkable in the 1990s or early 2000s when many vintage [Rolexes](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-new-rolex-land-dweller/ "The New Rolex Land-Dweller") traded for a few-thousand dollars has come to pass: The deeply idiosyncratic, highly nerdy, and ever-fascinating world of collectible horology is now a cultural juggernaut with an endless scroll’s worth of coverage topping the sartorial headlines. The days when only you and your pedantic friends knew the difference between 14060 and 16610 [Submariners](https://robbreport.ph/tag/submariner/ "submariner") are long in the rearview mirror. But while it’s the watches themselves that often take center stage in this story of mechanical innovation and the ebb and flow of cultural relevance, there are a handful of personalities without whom we’d have long ago ditched our wrist wear. Everybody knows the name of Gérald Genta, the gifted Swiss industrial designer from whose pen stemmed the [Royal Oak](https://robbreport.ph/tag/royal-oak/ "royal oak"), Nautilus, and countless other important designs. But what of the other folks whose influence reverberates down through the decades—the movement designers, conglomerate owners, and brilliant marketers who revived an ailing industry? What follows are just a handful of the many people who, though not all household names, made horological waves that are still being felt today. ## Carole Forestier-Kasapi ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/RR_20250812_Important_Watch_World_Personalities_Carole_Kasapi.webp) *Photo : TAG Heuer* In 1997, a young movement designer fresh out of technical college won the Prix de la Fondation Abraham-Louis Breguet for an unconventional, centrally mounted carousel movement. Adopted by Ulysse Nardin’s brilliant technical director Dr. Ludwig Oechslin into the Freak, it helped launch the career of an unsung hero in contemporary watch design. After spending 15 years as head of movement creation at Cartier—where she oversaw such brilliant creations as the complicated Astrocalendaire and the Panthère Joueuse, among others—Carole Forestier-Kasapi jumped ship for TAG Heuer where she holds the position of Movements Director and also oversees development of the brand’s high-end offerings. If you’ve ever seen the special Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph created for Only Watch in 2021, you know her work. These movements follow the embrace and development of new technologies by Forestier-Kasapi and her team, foremost of which are carbon nanotube hairsprings to combat magnetism. Collaboration with specialists is also part of her remit and has resulted in the creation of the brand’s lightest-ever chronograph movement, the titanium Calibre TH81-00 developed with Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier. But it’s also projects such as the workhorse TH20-22 column wheel chronograph movement fitted into the brand’s Carrera Glassbox—which can be modified with one of 12 complications—that owe their genesis to Forestier-Kasapi. A brilliant engineer, Forestier-Kasapi was awarded the Prix Gaïa—a coveted prize for watchmaking excellence presented by Musée International d’Horlogerie (MIH), in 2021. ## Günter Blümlein ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/RR_20250812_Important_Watch_World_Personalities_Gunter_Blumlein.webp) *Photo : A. Lange & Söhne* No discussion of important watch-world personalities would be complete without the presence of Günter Blümlein. Born in 1943, he grew up in post-War Germany and became an engineer, rising to head of the watch division within Diehl, a German industrial group and then-owner of the watchmaker Junghans. His career then took him to VDO Schindling AG, which acquired IWC and Jaeger-LeCoultre in 1978—in 1980, he was appointed head of the newly minted watch division called “Les Manufactures Horlogères” (LMH).” It was in this position that Blümlein was able to oversee the restructuring of Jaeger-LeCoultre and IWC, where he focused on a return to mechanical watchmaking in the wake of the quartz crisis and a concerted marketing effort targeting men with innovative case materials and more affordable complications. Later, he helped Walter Lange to relaunch his family business [A. Lange & Söhne](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-boldest-most-exciting-new-timepieces-at-watches-and-wonders-2025/ "The Boldest, Most Exciting New Timepieces at Watches and Wonders 2025") in 1994—a move that continues to influence high watchmaking today. Blümlein later helped negotiate Richemont’s acquisition of LMH, leading to the luxury juggernaut’s current ownership of IWC, JLC, and Lange. After becoming head of its watchmaking division, he passed away in 2001 at the age of 58. Responsible for the ascendancy of IWC to one of the watch world’s top tool watch manufacturers; the resurgence of the [Reverso](https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/horological-historian-nick-foulkes-just-released-an-encyclopedic-new-book-dedicated-to-the-iconic-jaeger-lecoultre-reverso-1234603074/) after a long dormancy; the rebirth of Lange and the development of the [Lange 1](https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/lists/a-lange-sohne-lange-1-watch-complete-history-1235953303/) and many other important models, Blümlein was a force of nature whose accomplishments are felt even by those who never had the chance to meet or work with him. ## Nicolas Hayek ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/RR_20250812_Important_Watch_World_Personalities_Nicolas_Hayek.webp) *Photo : Getty Images; Swatch* Born in Beirut, Lebanon, in 1928, Nicolas Hayek married a Swiss national and moved to Switzerland in the early 1950s. After working as an actuary and in management consulting, he rose to manage the Société de Microélectronique et d’Horlogerie (SMH Group), which was created out of the merger of two failing Swiss watch firms, ASUAG and SSIH, in 1983. (The business later changed its name to the Swatch Group in 1998.) It was the Swatch Group, with its affordable, plastic-cased, battery-powered watches, that ironically saved the Swiss watch industry during the quartz crisis. In offering an alternative to the Japanese competition, it infused the Swiss horological landscape with the capital necessary to begin a renaissance in mechanical watchmaking. Hayek steered the Swatch Group through vision and sheer force of personality. His insistence upon building and maintaining in-house manufacturing capabilities, focusing on affordability in his product lines, spending handsomely on marketing, embracing new technologies to create economies of scale, and never outsourcing the building of the lower-cost segment of the market to the Far East made Switzerland into a horological powerhouse once again. After putting a sub-$100 Swatch on the wrist of, well, just about everyone in the 1980s and 1990s, he built the Swatch Group into one of the industry’s main conglomerates comprising brands such as Longines, Hamilton, Tissot, Rado, Blancpain, and Omega. In 2024, the Group did $6.7B in revenue, with Hayek’s son, Nicolas Jr, at the reins. Not bad for a company built on the back of a $40 plastic-cased watch! ## Évelyne Genta ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/RR_20250812_Important_Watch_World_Personalities_Evelyn_Genta.webp) *Photo : David M. Bennett; Gérald Genta* That Gérald Genta is today a household name—well, at least within the rarefied circles of haute horlogerie—is due in no small part to the work of his widow, Évelyne Genta. Along with her daughter Alexia, Evelyne Genta established the Gérald Genta Heritage Association to preserve his legacy as the designer of some of the world’s most famous models—plus thousands of more lesser known or completely unrealized designs. But long before her husband’s death in 2011 and the establishment of the foundation, Évelyne helped run her husband’s eponymous brand: From 1983 through 1999, she oversaw an operation employing 250 people across two factories in Switzerland, supervising finance, marketing, sales, and more. It’s safe to say that if not for her, the Genta name might never have traveled so far and so widely as it has—known now to old horological hands as well as to young collectors just starting out on their journeys. ## Kurt Klaus ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/RR_20250812_Important_Watch_World_Personalities_Kurt_Klaus.webp) *Photo : IWC* Born in 1934, the nonagenarian Kurt Klaus is one of the most important watchmakers from the golden age of 20th-century mechanical horology. Beginning his career at the International Watch Company in 1957 in the firm’s service department, he would later move into movement development, spending an incredible 29 years (1970-1999) designing new calibers. When the quartz crisis threatened mechanical watchmaking in the 1970s, Klaus was tasked with developing pocket watch complications. However, it was the development of a perpetual calendar wristwatch that would change the course of IWC’s trajectory: The Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar Chronograph ref. 3750, launched at the Basel fair in 1985, consisted of just 81 components and was completely crown-set. This revolutionary design would later be adopted into the [Portugieser](https://robbreport.ph/tag/portugieser/ "Portugieser") Perpetual Calendar ref. IW5021 and expanded upon with the Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month ref. IW3761. In addition to his famous perpetual calendar, Klaus also developed split-second, world time, depth gauge, and other sophisticated mechanisms culminating in the Il Destriero Scafusia in 1993, then the world’s most complicated wristwatch. Long after his retirement, Klaus continues to give lectures and workshops and was a conspicuous, nattily dressed presence when the brand opened its new manufacture in Schaffhausen in 2018. Working for a single watchmaker in a formal capacity for 42 years — and for several more decades in an advisory capacity — Klaus’s unwavering career is almost unheard of today. That he continues to work in watchmaking at nearly 100 years old is testament to his unwavering commitment to the art of mechanical horology. ## François-Henry Bennahmias ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/RR_20250812_Important_Watch_World_Personalities_Francois_Henry_Bennahmias.webp) Photo : Audemars Piguet Today, [Audemars Piguet](https://robbreport.ph/tag/audemars-piguet/ "audemars piguet") is a household name and one of few multi-billion dollar watch companies—and much is due to the efforts of one man, François-Henry Bennahmias. A former semi-pro golfer, the Paris-born Bennahmias worked for several companies in the luxury industry before coming on board AP in 1994. Working in sales in the French market—going retailer to retailer with suitcases full of watches and having trouble securing orders, as he has explained in his own words—he later moved up the ranks with positions in European and Asian markets. But it was his appointment to the head of the brand’s North American operation that kickstarted his rapid ascendancy—and the company’s rise to the top of the horological heap. Opening flagship boutiques in major markets and creating limited-edition watches with celebrities such as Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jay-Z, he helped turn the Royal Oak into one of the most desirable timepieces ever made. Returning to HQ in 2012 and becoming global CEO in 2013, Bennahmias oversaw the development and launch of AP’s Code 11.59 collection in 2018, one that has helped the brand to expand its focus beyond the R.O. In 2017 he opened the first AP House—a clubhouse-like events and retail space concept—in Milan, and has since expanded to other markets all over the world. While Bennahmias departed the brand in 2023, his effect upon AP’s business is undeniable: From $6M in annual turnover in the U.S. market in the mid-1990s to $2.4B in global revenue in 2023, Audemars Piguet is a force of nature within the horological sphere, a position it continues to enjoy under the leadership of new CEO Ilaria Resta. There’s little doubt that without the influence of François-Henry Bennahmias, the company would be in a very different position today. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** a. lange & sohne, audemars piguet, blancpain, carole forestier-kasapi, evelyne genta, francois-henry bennahmias, gunter blumlein, IWC, kurt klaus, nicholas hayek, Omega, rolex, swatch --- ### [Collectors' Cars in Abu Dhabi, Aman in Baja, Bulgari Goes Blue, Paris Fashion Week Heats Up & More](https://robbreport.ph/the-luxe-dispatch/aman-arrives-in-baja-bulgari-goes-blue-paris-fashion-week-heats-up-more/) **Published:** June 26, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** High summer has a way of making luxury reveal its true priorities. This week, those priorities look like privacy, scarcity, and spectacle, preferably with a sea view. Aman is taking reservations for its Baja debut, Bulgari has cooled its record-thin perpetual calendar in blue titanium, and Hermès and LVMH are back in the courtroom. Elsewhere, Paris Men’s Week is testing fashion’s new creative order, Four Seasons is preparing to polish Mykonos, and RM Sotheby’s is keeping collector cars moving into July. ## Baja Gets the Aman Treatment ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/amanvari-253235.webp) *Photo: Amanvari* Aman’s long-awaited Baja debut is finally open for bookings. Amanvari will welcome guests from August 1 within Costa Palmas on Mexico’s East Cape, bringing just 18 casitas to a wilder, quieter side of the peninsula. Each 82-square-meter [retreat](https://www.aman.com/resorts/amanvari) is designed for indoor-outdoor living, with terraces, private heated pools, outdoor showers, and views shaped by desert, mountain, and sea. *Read more [here](https://robbreport.ph/travel/amanvari-is-now-taking-reservations-for-its-baja-debut/).* ## Blue Period for a Thin Legend ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Bvlgari-2026_Bvlgari-Octo-Finissimo-Perpetual-Calendar_104175103200104262_001_cre.webp) *Photo: Bulgari* Bulgari has given the Octo Finissimo Perpetual Calendar a cooler register. The record-thin complication now comes dressed in monochromatic blue titanium: blue PVD case, varnished dial, tightly ordered calendar displays, all at 40mm wide and 5.80mm thick. Inside, the BVL 305 runs at 2.75mm while managing date, day, month, leap year, and retrograde display. *Read more [here](https://robbreport.ph/watches/bulgari-dresses-its-record-thin-perpetual-calendar-in-monochromatic-blue/).* ## The Handbag Wars Reopen ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/christies-bags-edits-535.webp) A Hermès Shiny Rose Tyrien Niloticus Crocodile Birkin 30 with Palladium Hardware, 2012, brings the maison’s signature silhouette into vivid, high-gloss color. *Photo: Christie’s* Luxury’s most famous family feud is back in court. Hermès heir Nicolas Puech is pursuing claims tied to shares that once anchored his fortune, drawing LVMH, Bernard Arnault, and fashion’s longest ownership battle back into public view. Hermès proves once more that it has always been the purest scarcity machine in the business. ## Paris Men’s Week Gets Its Heat Check ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/pen-loiseau-blanc-evening-2.webp) *Photo: Peninsula Paris* Paris Fashion Week Men’s runs through June 28, and the stakes are higher than usual. The week has become a test of luxury’s new creative order, with Dior, Givenchy, Celine, Hermès, and Saint Laurent each carrying different expectations into their shows. Some houses are chasing renewal. Others are defending territory. The real question is whether menswear can give the broader luxury market the charge it needs after a difficult cycle. Around here, tailoring, spectacle, celebrity, and retail pressure are all walking the same runway. ## Mykonos Gets the Four Seasons Treatment ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/four-seasons-mykonos-pool.webp) *Photo: Four Seasons* Mykonos has never lacked character. What it has sometimes lacked, however, is polish. Four Seasons is arriving to provide the latter, with its new hotel above Kalo Livadi Bay expected to open to guests shortly. Suites, villas, restaurants, a wellness program, and private coastal access, all calibrated for travelers who want the scene without the rough edges. *Book a stay [here](https://www.fourseasons.com/mykonos/).* ## Collector Cars Roll Into High Summer ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/9289dfac0439904d9a2fa59592d0d678cbaf6d97.webp) A Ferrari for the next generation of tifosi. This 126C4 “Junior” children’s car wears bodywork inspired by Ferrari’s 1984 Formula 1 contender, complete with a race number 27 livery nodding to Michele Alboreto’s Belgian Grand Prix win that same year. Offered without reserve, it carries an estimate of $20,000 to $30,000. *Photo: RM Sotheby’s* RM Sotheby’s is keeping collector-car season moving well into July. *The Abu Dhabi Collectors’ Edit* runs online through July 10, and The Tegernsee Auction lands in Germany on July 4. The timing suits the mood. Summer draws out the garage romantics, the concours faithful, and the buyers who still believe a great machine can be both passion and portfolio. Provenance and condition will drive serious attention, along with the kind of cars that look better parked outside a villa than inside a spreadsheet. *More information [here](https://rmsothebys.com/auctions/0726/).* ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is the biggest luxury news this week? This week’s biggest luxury stories include Amanvari opening reservations for its Baja debut, Bulgari releasing a blue titanium Octo Finissimo Perpetual Calendar, the Hermès-LVMH ownership saga returning to court, Paris Men’s Week continuing through June 28, Four Seasons preparing to open in Mykonos, and RM Sotheby’s collector-car auctions running into July. ### When will Amanvari open in Baja? Amanvari is expected to welcome guests from August 1 within Costa Palmas on Mexico’s East Cape. The resort will feature just 18 casitas, each designed for indoor-outdoor living with terraces, private heated pools, outdoor showers, and views of the desert, mountains, and sea. ### What is special about Bulgari’s blue Octo Finissimo Perpetual Calendar? Bulgari’s new Octo Finissimo Perpetual Calendar comes in monochromatic blue titanium, with a blue PVD-coated case and blue varnished dial. The watch measures 40mm wide and just 5.80mm thick, while its ultra-thin BVL 305 movement measures only 2.75mm. ### Why is the Hermès-LVMH ownership saga back in the news? The Hermès-LVMH saga has returned to public view because Hermès heir Nicolas Puech is pursuing claims tied to shares that once formed a major part of his fortune. The dispute again places Hermès, LVMH, and Bernard Arnault at the center of one of luxury’s most closely watched ownership battles. ### Why does Paris Fashion Week Men’s matter this season? Paris Fashion Week Men’s matters this season because several major houses are under pressure to show creative momentum. Dior, Givenchy, Celine, Hermès, and Saint Laurent are all part of a wider test of whether menswear can help energize the luxury market after a more difficult cycle. ### What is new with Four Seasons in Mykonos? Four Seasons is expected to open a new hotel above Kalo Livadi Bay in Mykonos. The property will bring suites, villas, restaurants, wellness programming, and private coastal access to travelers who want the island’s energy with a more polished luxury-resort experience. ### What RM Sotheby’s auctions are happening in early July? RM Sotheby’s is keeping collector-car season active with the Abu Dhabi Collectors’ Edit running online through July 10 and The Tegernsee Auction taking place in Germany on July 4. Both events are expected to draw attention from collectors focused on provenance, condition, and rare automotive design. ### What luxury trends connect this week’s stories? This week’s stories point to three major luxury trends: privacy, scarcity, and experience. Amanvari and Four Seasons Mykonos reflect the demand for controlled resort environments. Bulgari and RM Sotheby’s speak to collectible value. Hermès and Paris Men’s Week show how brand authority and creative direction still shape the market. **Categories:** The Luxe Dispatch **Tags:** aman, dior, four seasons, hermes, luxury travel, Paris Fashion Week --- ### [Ferretti Will Launch 8 Yachts at Cannes This Year—Here’s a Look at Each One](https://robbreport.ph/boats/ferretti-will-launch-8-yachts-at-cannes-this-year-heres-a-look-at-each-one/) **Published:** August 19, 2025 **Author:** Michael Verdon **Content:** The Ferretti Group will have eight new yachts showing at next month’s Cannes Yachting Festival. This will be the most launches of any of the larger builders, though it’s in line with Ferretti’s announcement last year at Cannes that it would introduce 25 new models from 2024 to 2026. The Italian builder is able to host this many world premieres because it has seven very different brands, starting with the stylish and historic Riva marque, which just launched its largest build to date. At Cannes, Riva will have four new models ranging from the 38-foot commemorative Riva Cento edition to its 112 Dolcevita Super, which has one of the most innovative layouts of any superyacht in its class. Its flybridge line will debut the Ferretti Yachts 800 while also showing the Ferretti Yachts 940 that launched in July at the Venice boat show. The Itama 54 is also a fresh departure for that brand, which has seen a comeback in the last four years after being dormant for a decade, while Pershing is also seeing a new direction with its GTX 70, a family boat with the performance DNA. The Wally brand will also have sailing and motoryachts on display at Cannes, and there will also be a Custom Line on the charming Cannes Vieux Port. The Cannes show will run from September 9 to 14. ## Riva 112 Dolcevita Super ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/2-Riva-112-Dolcevita-Super.webp) *Photo : Riva Yachts* The sleek profile of the latest in Riva’s superyacht series is part of the brand’s DNA and quite different from the 110-foot model launched in 2018. But the experience is more about how the designers recreated the space, both inside and out. The 635-foot rear cockpit includes a beach club that encompasses about half of the total area. It can be expanded via bulwarks that create side terraces beyond an already generous 23’5” beam, turning it into a platform near the water. Above, the flybridge measures an even more impressive 660 square feet, and is divided into a rear social area with loose furniture (it can be cleared to make a dance floor), a mid-deck cocktail bar with stools and a retractable television beside a central lounge. The interior has two possible layouts—one with the dining area aft near the cockpit and a lounge in the center, or a more conventional configuration with the dining area in the center. The full-beam owner’s suite has twin walk-in closets along with large wide windows to enhance the natural light. Its twin 16V 2000 MTUs deliver a top end of 25.5 knots. ## Ferretti Yachts 800 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/RR_20250808_MV_2.webp) *Photo: Ferretti Yachts* This 80-footer will be the culmination of what Ferretti calls the “range renewal” of its flybridge series, which started seven years ago. The 800’s exterior came from Filippo Salvetti’s drawing board, with the interior by IdeaeItalia. The vessel fits in nicely in the middle of a tk-model range, with the Ferretti Yachts 500 at one end and the 100-foot Ferretti Yachts 1000 at the other. The 800 was designed to feel like the larger vessel, with details like a slatted hardtop on the flybridge, large, residence-like salon, and full-beam master suite. The flybridge’s 430 square feet shows that Salvetti squeezed every inch out of the exterior for social spaces. Despite its size, it’s not a slowpoke. With its MAN 1550s, it has a reported top speed of 27 knots, and 24 knots cruise, and with the optional MAN 1800s, those speeds jump to 31 knots, 27 cruise. ## Pershing GTX70 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/2-PershingGTX70.webp) Photo : Pershing Yachts [Pershing’s](https://robbreport.ph/boats/how-pershing-has-evolved-over-the-past-40-years/ "How Pershing Has Evolved Over the Past 40 Years") entry-level model in its GTX series was created by Vallicelli Design, with strategic input from the Ferretti Group’s engineering department and product strategy committee. The 70-footer is defined by both its looks—a sleek exterior and sporty rounded superstructure—and top speed of 35 knots, thanks to three Volvo Penta D13-IPS1200 engines that produce 2,700 hp. Its three-stateroom design allow owners and guests can enjoy weekend cruising, while the exterior promotes gracious outdoor living in the large beach-club area, or up on the sport bridge. The design team focused specifically on making the social areas larger, so the interior and exterior are, respectively, 10 and 30 percent larger than its competitors’ models. Both the rear cockpit, with its foldout bulwarks, and the sundeck offer exceptional space. ## Itama 54 ![Photo: Itama Yachts](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/RR_20250808_MV_1.webp) Photo: Itama Yachts This new model is the middle child of the Ferretti brand’s performance-yacht line, just behind the Itama 62RS. It offers the same iconic style and Italian elegance, but with greater comfort in the social areas above and below decks. The concept and naval architecture come from the Ferretti Group Product Strategy Committee, led by Piero Ferrari, and the Group’s Engineering Department. Tommaso De Luca did the interior design and exterior styling. One of the big innovations is a dual-cockpit layout, creating a space with two C-shaped lounges where there is usually just one. That means 10 people can split into separate groups. The helm station includes a space-age seat and floating dashboard that adds to the vessel’s sense of style. Belowdecks are two cabins, two heads, a galley and dinette. ## Ferretti Yachts 940 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/2-Ferretti-Yachts-940.webp) Photo : Ferretti Yachts Officially launched in July at the Venice International Boat Show, this second offering from Ferretti Yachts will have a much larger audience at Cannes. It’s significant since it’s the first wide-body design in this range. Like the Ferretti Yachts 800, the 940’s exterior was designed by Filippo Salvetti and its interior came from IdeaeItalia, with the same upscale residential feel as the smaller sibling. The five-stateroom layout combines large windows and light-colored furniture that are anchored by darker wood paneling and accents. Standard power of twin 2,000 hp MAN V-12 engines deliver a top speed of 25 knots, with a friendly 21-knot cruising speed. The optional 2200 hp MANs push the cruise to 23 knots and top end to 27 knots. ## Riva Aquariva Special ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/2-Riva-Aquariva-Super.webp) *Photo : Riva Yachts* Calling this a launch is a bit of a stretch, but the latest version of the Aquariva Special will soon be trading on two-and-a-half decades of elegant design, so it’s justifiable that any design modifications are major. And, given that it has a direct connection to the iconic Riva Aquarama, it wouldn’t be an over-reach to call this design “timeless,” since 300 units have been built in 24 years. The modifications include fresh bow navigation lights, a new double-glass spherical windscreen that enhances the Aquariva’s aerodynamic profile, and a larger stern platform for easier access to the water (a nice, modern effect that was missing from the classic Rivas). The latest Special also comes in new colors with more refined “chiaroscuro” effects, as the company calls it, noting that it looks different in multiple light conditions. Powered by a 370hp Yanmar 8LV, the Aquariva Special hits an impressive 41.5 knots, and cruises at 36 knots. ## Riva 58 Capri ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/2-Riva-58-Capri.webp) Photo : Riva Yachts This open sport yacht is a fresh model line for Riva, having evolved from the 56’ Rivale platform but also taking inspiration from the 68 Diable. It has both Riva’s sleek sculpted exterior lines, but adds a fixed hardtop that extends about midway through the cockpit, with a retractable electric bimini that extends to the rear. The stern garage can be configured for either a Williams 325 tender or a smaller Turbojet Williams 285, along with a Seabob. The interior includes three cabins, two for the owner and guests, and one for the crew. The new 58 can be powered by either twin 1000hp or 1200hp MANs, giving it a top speed of 33 or 37 knots, respectively. ## Riva Cento ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/2-Riva_Cento.webp) Photo : Riva Yachts This is much more than the typical limited-edition model that many boatbuilders create to celebrate the 100th unit of a model. This Rivamare 38, one of modern Riva’s bestsellers, offers new colors, including interior color choices of a light-colored biscuit or more traditional Riva aquamarine and white. But it also has features such as an electro-hydraulic hatch at the stern that transforms into a beach club, with chaise longues, storage for fenders and Seabobs, and a retractable gangway. In the forward cockpit, the C-shaped sofa turns into a large sunbathing area, thanks to electric table that raises and lowers. In the cabin, the dinette transforms into a double berth for the salon, which is even brighter than the original version with its redesigned skylight and larger side windows. Powered by twin Volvo Penta D6 440 Aquamatic Duoprop DPIs, the Cento hits a top speed of 40 knots. **Categories:** Boats **Tags:** cannes, ferretti, itama, Pershing, Yachts --- ### [The Most Luxurious Stays and Retreats in New Zealand](https://robbreport.ph/travel/the-most-luxurious-stays-and-retreats-in-new-zealand/) **Published:** August 18, 2025 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** Where else in the world can you sip Champagne on a cliff edge, then heli-hop to a glacier in time for lunch? New Zealand has become one of the planet’s most coveted playgrounds for travelers who expect adventure and now, more than ever, luxurious experiences that involve relaxing trails and the rejuvenating power of surrounding oneself with nature. With lodges and [retreats](https://robbreport.ph/leisure/health-wellness/ "Health & Wellness") carved into alpine valleys and estates perched high above the Pacific, each stay offers not just accommodations, but a unique and lasting memory of one of the most far-flung, romantic, and idyllic archipelagos. These are the hotels, lodges, and wellness resorts where privacy comes standard, service feels like second nature, and the scenery is nothing short of healing. ## **Rosewood Kauri Cliffs** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/RWNKC_Rooms_Kauri-Cliffs-Four-Bedroom-Villa_Exterior-1_web_WIDE-LARGE-16-9-2240x1259.webp) *Rosewood Kauri Cliffs* Set on 6,000 acres overlooking Matauri Bay, Rosewood Kauri Cliffs is one of New Zealand’s most iconic luxury lodges. The property combines sweeping ocean views, three private beaches, and an 18-hole championship golf course consistently ranked among the best in the world. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/RWNKC_Main-Lodge_Green-Room_Art_WIDE-MEDIUM-4-3.webp) *Rosewood Kauri Cliffs* Guests retreat to private suites with open fireplaces and oversized verandas, while the spa is nestled right at the edge of a totara forest. *Book a stay at * ## **Rosewood Cape Kidnappers** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/RWNCK_Exteriors_Property-Scenic-1_web_WIDE-MEDIUM-4-3.webp) *Rosewood Cape Kidnappers* Perched dramatically on the edge of Hawke’s Bay, Rosewood Cape Kidnappers is as much about the landscape as it is about luxury. The property spans 6,000 acres of rugged farmland that drops into the Pacific, with one of the most scenic golf courses in the world winding along the cliffs. ![The lounge at the four-bedroom villa. Rosewood Cape Kidnappers](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/RWNCK_Rooms_Hawkes-Bay-Four-Bedroom-Villa_Lounge-5_web_WIDE-MEDIUM-4-3.webp) The lounge at the four-bedroom villa. *Rosewood Cape Kidnappers* Guests can explore working sheep and cattle stations, observe the diurnal kākā slip back into the forest at sunset, or simply settle into elegant lodge suites that merge rustic charm with polished sophistication. *Book a stay at * ## **Rosewood Matakauri** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/RWNMK_Destination_Property-Scenic_Lifestyle_Aerial-2_web.webp) *Rosewood Matakauri* Just minutes from Queenstown yet seemingly in its own world, Rosewood Matakauri sits on the shores of Lake Wakatipu with views of The Remarkables mountain range. The design is modern yet warm, with private villas offering fireplaces and panoramic glass walls to frame the alpine vistas. Adventure is at your doorstep, from heli-hiking and jet boating, or for a more laid-back stay, sign up for private vineyard tours, capping your evening with some of the country’s finest contemporary cuisine. *Book a stay at * ## **Treetops Lodge & Estate** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/RR-Feature-Photos-2240x1260.webp) *Treetops Lodge & Estate* Hidden within a 2,500-acre wilderness near Rotorua, Treetops Lodge & Estate is where luxury meets New Zealand’s geothermal heartland. The lodge offers fly-fishing, wilderness safaris, and access to secluded hot springs. The estate itself is home to wild deer, rivers, and more than 40 miles of hiking trails. Inside, the lodge channels natural grandeur with open stone fireplaces, timber beams, and handcrafted detail at every turn. *Book a stay at * ## **Blanket Bay** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/lodge_night_stars-2000x1334-1.webp) *Blanket Bay* Often described as “the ultimate alpine escape,” Blanket Bay sits on the shores of Lake Wakatipu at the gateway to Fiordland and Mt. Aspiring National Park. This is classic lodge luxury at its finest: stone-and-timber architecture, roaring fireplaces, and views that stretch from turquoise waters to jagged peaks. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Blanket-Bay-Villa-Fire-Pit-1024x659-1.webp) *Blanket Bay* Helicopter adventures to Milford Sound or heli-skiing runs can be arranged directly from the property, making it a favorite of international jetsetters. *Book a stay at * ## **Huka Lodge** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/huka-exterior-final-03-228188-1.webp) *Huka Lodge* For a century now, Huka Lodge has been the definition of discreet luxury in New Zealand. Located on the banks of the Waikato River near the Huka Falls, it’s got pedigree: it has hosted royalty, dignitaries, and Hollywood elite through the years. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/huka-lodge-terrace-final-02-228182-1.webp) The terrace at Huka Lodge. *Huka Lodge* Its lush gardens, riverside suites, and famously polished service have kept it at the top of any list of world’s greatest lodges, and after closing down in 2024 for a full, NZD$25 million renovation, it was relaunched last March to much celebration. The cuisine is as legendary as the setting, with dining locations ranging from intimate wine cellars to terraces beside the river. *Book at * ## **Wharekauhau Country Estate** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Whare_Lodge_Hero-2.webp) *Wharekauhau Country Estate* Just outside Wellington, Wharekauhau Country Estate delivers a taste of Edwardian elegance against the backdrop of Palliser Bay. The 5,000-acre working sheep station feels like a world unto itself, with dramatic cliffs, black sand beaches, and rolling pastures. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Whare_Lodge_Interior-8-2240x1491.webp) *Wharekauhau Country Estate* Inside, the lodge is all about stately charm—crackling fireplaces, antique furnishings, and expansive suites designed for total privacy. Guests can balance farm tours and horseback rides with wine tastings from nearby Martinborough vineyards. *Book at * ## **Otahuna Lodge** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/otahuna-history-hero.webp) *Otahuna Lodge* Otahuna Lodge, near Christchurch, is a masterclass in heritage luxury. Built in 1895 for Sir Heaton Rhodes, a high-profile pioneer of Canterbury, and his wife Jessie, the Victorian mansion is surrounded by 30 acres of gardens and retains its historic grandeur while offering every modern comfort. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Rhodes-Hero-1920.webp) The Rhodes Suite at Otahuna Lodge. *Otahuna Lodge* With just seven suites, the lodge delivers an intimate experience where gourmet dining—centered on seasonal produce from its own gardens—is a highlight. The sense of history, elegance, and seclusion is unlike anywhere else in New Zealand. *Book at * ## **The Lindis Lodge** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-18-at-62222-PM.webp) Accommodations include the Pods, a stone’s throw away from the main lodge. *The Lindis* In the remote Ahuriri Valley, The Lindis Lodge is perhaps New Zealand’s boldest architectural statement. The low-profile structure curves into the valley floor, almost disappearing into the landscape. Inside, the design is sleek and contemporary, with glass walls framing endless views of tussock grasslands and star-strewn skies. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/RR-Feature-Photos-1-1-2240x1260.webp) Breathtaking views from the private suites of The Lindis. *The Lindis* Guests can horseback ride, fly-fish in crystal-clear rivers, or simply immerse themselves (fancy a heli ride to a picnic in the snow?) in one of the most pristine, untouched settings in the country. *Book at * ## Maruia River Retreat ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IMG_0211-e1755522027343.webp) Indulge in yoga or Finnish sauna sessions, or meditative walks that take you to soak in some of the best views in the world. *Maruia River Retreat* Maruia River Retreat, run by Cristina Pastrana Holopainen and Chef Lasse Holopainen, is a hidden sanctuary within 500 acres of native beech forest that recently earned Qualmark’s 5-star rating and Gold Sustainable Business Award for its luxury and sustainability ethos. With just seven private villas, the retreat offers yoga, spa rituals, forest bathing, and river hot tubs, alongside Chef Lasse’s cuisine, often hailed as a highlight of the stay. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IMG_0210.webp) *Maruia River Retreat* Recognized by *Condé Nast Traveler*, *Vogue* *Traveler*, and *Tourism New Zealand* as one of the country’s top wellness experiences, it sets a new benchmark for regenerative tourism. *Book at[ https://www.maruia.co.nz/](https://www.maruia.co.nz/)* **Categories:** Travel **Tags:** blanket bay, cape kidnappers, huka lodge, lodge, maruia river retreat, matakauri, new zealand, otahuna lodge, rosewood, rosewood kauri cliffs, the lindis, treetops lodge and estate, wharekauhau country estate --- ### [A Pâté en Croûte Worth the Trouble](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/pate-en-croute-luis-locsin/) **Published:** July 17, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** A pâté en croûte looks almost architectural once it’s sliced. That’s part of the trick. Few dishes in classical [cuisine](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/ "Dining") hide their labor *this* elegantly. Beyond the neat cross-section is a rigorous four-day sequence of curing, grinding, seasoning, folding, lining, baking, resting, draining, and filling. [Chef Luis Locsin ](https://www.instagram.com/lululocsin/)likes that the dish hides its difficulty so well. Or perhaps, more accurately, he likes that it doesn’t hide it from him. *(Article continues after the video.)* ***Video:*** Locsin speaks of pâté en croûte with the wary affection of someone who knows how quickly it can punish confidence. Too much fat dulls the palate. A weak farce turns the slice timid. One crack in the pastry can send hours of work leaking onto the tray. At this point, he’s made close to a hundred of them, chasing the dish through every possible failure point: the seasoning, the pastry, the fat, the aspic poured only when the pâté is ready to receive it. Success is never guaranteed. Push too little and the whole construction falls flat. Push too hard and every bite pays for it. Something almost always goes wrong, and that seems to be part of the appeal. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/ST_RR-Luis-Locsin_May-22-2026_0199.webp) *Sonny Thakur* There’s an easy line to draw between Luis Locsin and his grandfather, National Artist Leandro Locsin, but the more useful connection is their method. The elder Locsin could take the idea of the humble bahay kubo and turn it into the Cultural Center of the Philippines, keeping that sense of lift and lightness. Luis, likewise, works with more perishable materials. In pâté en croûte, he takes a rustic French form built on offal, fat, pastry, and preservation, then tries to make it feel precise, composed, and somehow inevitable. The version he favors now leans classical French, with chicken hearts and liver, cured pork loin, foie gras, port-soaked apricots, toasted almonds, pickled green peppercorns, brandy, parsley, and warm spices doing their slow, rich work (all the good stuff). He has gone elsewhere before, making Chinese-leaning versions, Filipino-inflected ones, even a pâté built around Japanese curry powder, sake, and mirin. But he keeps returning to the old-world framework because constraint gives the experimentation its charge. “If you work within the framework of the old school flavor profile,” he says, “you can be creative in different ways.” The limits are what make it interesting. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/ST_RR-Luis-Locsin_May-22-2026_1083.webp) *Sonny Thakur* Fat has its own logic. The wrong kind coats the palate and buries the flavor. The right kind, cured separately and folded back in, survives the bake, giving the slice its marbled interior without smothering it. The pastry is just as deliberate. Drier than most hot-water crusts, it’s built to hold its crispness and crumble more like a biscuit than bread. An egg-yolk wash gives it color, a scalpel gives it detail, and the oven gives it that deep lacquered sheen. It’s part of the argument, really. With its pastry, mathematics, charcuterie, timing, and theater, pâté en croûte gives Locsin an object worthy of pursuit. It must be technically correct, visually exact, and, after all that, still delicious. The dish has no patience for approximation. But then again, neither does he. Here’s how his pâté en croûte comes together. ## Step By Step: ### *Step 1* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/ST_RR-Luis-Locsin_May-22-2026_0215.webp) *Sonny Thakur* Pork, chicken liver, chicken hearts, and other cuts are seasoned with salt, alcohol, herbs, and warm spices to build the farce. ### *Step 2* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/ST_RR-Luis-Locsin_May-22-2026_0228.webp) *Sonny Thakur* Foie gras, cured pork loin, apricots soaked in port, toasted almonds, and pickled green peppercorns are readied for layering. ### *Step 3* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/ST_RR-Luis-Locsin_May-22-2026_0243.webp) *Sonny Thakur* The base meat mixture is ground, seasoned, and adjusted for the right balance of lean meat, fat, texture, and flavor. ### *Step 4* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/ST_RR-Luis-Locsin_May-22-2026_0340.webp) Locsin prepares his own dry hot-water crust, designed to stay crisp and crumble more delicately than a traditional bready shell. ### *Step 5* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/ST_RR-Luis-Locsin_May-22-2026_0557.webp) *Sonny Thakur* The dough is rolled out and fitted into the mold, creating the structure that will hold the pâté together during baking. ### *Step 6* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/ST_RR-Luis-Locsin_May-22-2026_0703.webp) The farce and inclusions are packed into the pastry in deliberate layers, building both flavor and the finished cross-section. ### *Step 7* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/ST_RR-Luis-Locsin_May-22-2026_0906.webp) *Sonny Thakur* The pâté is enclosed, brushed with egg yolk, scored with a scalpel, and baked until deeply golden and varnished-looking. ### *Step 8* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/ST_RR-Luis-Locsin_May-22-2026_0093.webp) *Sonny Thakur* After baking, the pâté is cooled, drained of excess fat, and filled with mushroom-based aspic to bind the slice together. ## FAQs ### What is pâté en croûte? Pâté en croûte is a classical French charcuterie dish made by enclosing a seasoned meat filling, or farce, inside pastry. Once baked and cooled, aspic is poured into the crust to fill any gaps and bind the finished slice. ### How long does Luis Locsin’s pâté en croûte take to make? Luis Locsin’s pâté en croûte takes around four days to complete. The process includes curing and grinding the meat, preparing the pastry and inclusions, baking the pâté, resting it, draining excess fat, and filling it with aspic. ### What ingredients are in Luis Locsin’s pâté en croûte? Locsin’s classical French version combines chicken hearts and liver, cured pork loin, foie gras, port-soaked apricots, toasted almonds, pickled green peppercorns, brandy, parsley, and warm spices inside a crisp hot-water crust. *This article orignally appeared in Robb Report’s Design issue.* **Categories:** Dining, Food & Drink, Genius at Work **Tags:** Feature, Genius At Work, Luis Locsin, Pate En Croute --- ### [Pharrell Williams Takes Louis Vuitton Surfing for Spring-Summer 2027](https://robbreport.ph/style/pharrell-williams-takes-louis-vuitton-surfing-for-spring-summer-2027/) **Published:** June 30, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** Pharrell Williams has taken Louis Vuitton to the water’s edge. For the house’s Spring-Summer 2027, its creative director builds an entire collection around the mythology of surf culture (minus the board shorts and beach clichés). Williams was said to have been interested in the rhythm around the sport of surfing, and so Louis Vuitton went all in on the ocean theme, from water-repellent tailoring and neoprene wetsuits to sea-washed leathers, shell embroidery, and monograms that seemed to be refracted through heat and spray. Perhaps the most striking expression of the runway is the Acid Rain Monogram, a psychedelic reworking of Louis Vuitton’s classic motif scattered with bright, dreamlike Flower Monogram elements. It appears on everything, from garments, accessories, and bags, to hard-sided pieces and shoes. Conversely, its companion, Damier Acid Rain, folds surf and skate graphics into the brand’s chequerboard heritage. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/LOUIS_VUITTON_MENS_SPRING_SUMMER_2027_LOOK_4.webp) Look 4 from Louis Vuitton Men’s SS27 pairs a black leather jacket and matching shorts with an LV Monogram cap, striped socks, black sneakers, and a Damier Acid Rain pouch. *Photo: Louis Vuitton* The World of Waves motif expands on that idea through the collection’s sense of movement. Mapping surf destinations around the globe with handwritten, marker-like notes, the pattern appears across linings, scarves, and exceptional bags, turning the surfer’s search for the perfect break into a Louis Vuitton travel code. Away with yacht-club polish and in with sun-chased restlessness, if you will. ## What Made Waves ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/LOUIS_VUITTON_MENS_SPRING_SUMMER_2027_LOOK_12.webp) Of note, too, were the conch-shaped bags in water snake, shell bags in leather and Epi leather, a globe-shaped canvas bag marked with the World of Waves motif, and even a sea turtle-shaped jewelry trunk in classic Monogram Canvas. *Photo: Louis Vuitton* The strongest ideas come where performance and polish collide. High-performance neoprene wetsuits, made with authentic suppliers in the South of France, are spliced with Monogram elements and 1980s surfwear colors. Tailoring, meanwhile, keeps Louis Vuitton’s dandy line intact while loosening its attitude. Three-button suits, for instance, arrive in sea-centric shades and sun-faded Prince of Wales checks, some lined, of course, in the World of Waves design. Outerwear carries the same charge, as well. A scarlet neoprene-and-wool blouson is lined in Monogram mesh and finished with a surfboard-shaped metal zip puller. Surf jackets, on the other hand, are reimagined in cashmere and wool blends, while shearling details nod to the boots surfers wear after leaving the water. Garment-dyed M65 jackets and M51 coats only deepen the weather-worn mood. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2_-_VICTOR_WEMBANYAMA.webp) Victor Wembanyama, the NBA’s reigning Defensive Player of the Year, steps out in Louis Vuitton Men’s SS27 wearing a taupe suit, white shirt, black leather loafers, rectangular sunglasses, and a green LV Monogram backpack. *Photo: Louis Vuitton* The bags are where the fantasy is at its most extravagant. The Speedy P9 appears in reversible summer colors such as lagoon, sunset, coral, and basalt, while the Sea Wonders Speedy P9s are covered in three-dimensional hand-embroidered beading depicting multicolor reefs, requiring around 170 hours of handwork. Liquid Python pieces, lacquered to mimic the surface of the sea, extend across bags and trunks, complete with plexiglass handles filled with liquid. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/LOUIS_VUITTON_MENS_SPRING_SUMMER_2027_LOOK_2.webp) Louis Vuitton Men’s SS27 layers a Damier-inspired chunky knit cardigan over a cobalt shirt, finished with black trousers, slip-on sneakers, and a small LV leather pouch. *Photo: Louis Vuitton* Louis Vuitton’s exceptional trunks push the oceanic theme into collectible territory. One Courrier Lozine 110 is made from wood and mother-of-pearl marquetry, while another depicts a coral reef using more than 1,500 strips of leather. Beyond the wardrobe, a Pinarello bicycle brings performance engineering into the Louis Vuitton universe. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/LOUIS_VUITTON_MENS_SPRING_SUMMER_2027_BACKSTAGE_1.webp) Backstage at Louis Vuitton Men’s SS27, a glowing LV Monogram hard-sided trunk captures the collection’s water’s-edge mood, with sunset tones, travel hardware, and the house’s classic trunk-making codes. *Photo: Louis Vuitton* A custom fragrance by Jacques Cavallier Belletrud and Pharrell injects a little more oceanfront mood into the atmosphere. The soundtrack, also produced by Williams, completes the immersion, carrying the audience from the hush of waves into orchestration. Really, the fun lies in watching Louis Vuitton imagine the surfer as the world’s most exquisitely dressed nomad. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is Louis Vuitton’s Spring-Summer 2027 Men’s Collection about? Louis Vuitton’s Spring-Summer 2027 Men’s Collection by Pharrell Williams is built around surf culture, translating the rhythm of wave-chasing, repair, travel, salt-worn clothing, and oceanfront life into tailoring, bags, accessories, trunks, scent, and sound. ### Who designed Louis Vuitton’s Spring-Summer 2027 Men’s Collection? The collection was designed by Pharrell Williams, Louis Vuitton’s men’s creative director. ### How does Pharrell Williams interpret surf culture for Louis Vuitton? Pharrell approaches surf culture less as a literal beach wardrobe and more as a complete lifestyle. The collection draws from wetsuits, board wax, sun-faded clothing, repaired garments, shoreline souvenirs, surf maps, and the restless search for the next wave. ### What is the Acid Rain Monogram? The Acid Rain Monogram is a psychedelic reworking of Louis Vuitton’s classic Monogram, animated with bright, scattered Flower Monogram elements. It appears across clothing, bags, shoes, accessories, and hard-sided pieces. ### What is the Damier Acid Rain motif? Damier Acid Rain combines Louis Vuitton’s chequerboard Damier heritage with the graphic language of surf and skate culture, creating a black-and-white motif finished with Acid Rain Monogram elements. ### What is the World of Waves motif? The World of Waves motif maps surf destinations around the globe with handwritten, marker-like notes. It appears on linings, scarves, and exceptional bags, turning the surfer’s pursuit of the perfect break into a Louis Vuitton travel code. ### What were the standout clothing pieces in the collection? The standout pieces include high-performance neoprene wetsuits made with suppliers in the South of France, three-button suits in sea-centric shades, technical tailoring with water-repellent materials, a scarlet neoprene-and-wool blouson, cashmere-blend surf jackets, and garment-dyed parkas with a weather-worn finish. ### What bags stood out from Louis Vuitton Spring-Summer 2027 Men’s? Key bags include the reversible Speedy P9 in summer shades such as lagoon, sunset, coral, and basalt; the Sea Wonders Speedy P9 covered in three-dimensional reef beading; Liquid Python bags lacquered to mimic the sea’s surface; and sculptural shell, conch, globe, and sea turtle-shaped bags. ### What makes the Sea Wonders Speedy P9 special? The Sea Wonders Speedy P9 is crafted in denim with calfskin lining and covered in three-dimensional, hand-embroidered beading that depicts multicolor reefs. Each piece requires around 170 hours of handwork. ### What exceptional trunks were shown in the collection? Louis Vuitton presented ocean-inspired exceptional trunks including a Courrier Lozine 110 made with wood and mother-of-pearl marquetry and another crafted from more than 1,500 strips of leather to depict a vibrant coral reef. ### Did the collection include pieces beyond clothing and bags? Yes. The show included a Pinarello bicycle created with Pharrell Williams and Louis Vuitton, a custom ocean-inspired fragrance by Jacques Cavallier Belletrud and Pharrell, and a soundtrack produced by Williams that combined waves, choir, orchestration, and new music. ### Why is Louis Vuitton Spring-Summer 2027 Men’s significant? The collection stands out because it turns surf culture into a full luxury universe. Instead of simply borrowing beach imagery, Pharrell uses the ocean as a design language for performance tailoring, handwork, exotic materials, collectible trunks, and immersive showmaking. **Categories:** Style **Tags:** Louis Vuitton, News, Paris Fashion Week --- ### [The 50 Best Bars in Asia for 2025, Ranked](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/spirits/the-50-best-bars-in-asia-for-2025-ranked/) **Published:** July 21, 2025 **Author:** India Brown **Content:** Bar Leone is on a hot streak. The Hong Kong [watering hole](https://g.co/kgs/HXgqQfQ) took home the gold for this year’s 50 Best [Bars](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/spirits/ "Spirits") in Asia ranking, topping the list for the second year in a row. Seoul’s Zest and Singapore’s Jigger & Pony also retained their spots at No. 2 and No. 3 from 2024. Bar Leone shocked the drinks world last summer when it dethroned Hong Kong’s three-time winner Coa, barely a year after opening. Prized for its simplicity and known for outstanding Negronis and Olive Oil Sours, Bar Leone is a Roman-inspired aperitivo bar led by Italian native Lorenzo Antinori. The cofounder cut his teeth bartending in London and Seoul before joining award-winning Argo in Hong Kong’s Four Seasons—also known as No. 11 on this year’s list. Bar Leone emerged as an ode to the laidback watering holes of Rome, serving Hong Kong a taste of the Eternal City with bar snacks like mortadella focaccia, anchovy and parsley oil crostino, and smoked olives. “Our concept is so simple. We really tried to go back to the beauty of simplicity,” Antinori said in an interview with [Bloomberg](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-07-15/asia-s-50-best-bars-2025-bar-leone-in-hong-kong-tops-ranking-again). “That is probably something that people were craving, and I think that’s the reason why we got rewarded.” Antinori recently partnered with Spain-based Simone Caporale to open a second venue in Hong Kong this summer, inspired by the golden ages of Cuba and Miami in the 1970s. Montana, named after the cocktail, serves classics like the daquiri and El Presidente. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/RR_Singapore_Bar_Roundup_Jigger_and_Pony.webp) Singapore’s Jigger & Pony.Jigger and Pony Caporale is no stranger to fame for his expertise in slinging spirits. He was previously with London’s Artesian at The Langham, the world’s best bar from 2012 to 2015, and helped create Sips in Barcelona in 2021—which placed first on the [World’s 50 Best Bars in 2023](https://www.theworlds50best.com/bars/the-list/sips.html), and third last year. With these two teaming up, Bar Leone can expect some in-house competition. Outside of Hong Kong, Bangkok had some notable entries with seven bars in the top 50, including the debut of Dry Wave Cocktail Studio at No. 5, and Bar Us at No. 4, which jumped 17 spots from last year. Seoul also had two spots in the top ten, with Zest taking the silver and Bar Charm at No. 6. Indian nightlife also found success this year, with New Delhi’s Lair, a new entry, coming in at eighth place, followed by Soka at No. 28, Boilermaker at No. 30, ZLB23 at No. 31 and Bar Spirit Forward at No. 37. The best bars in Asia ranked 51 to 100 this year were announced [earlier in the month](https://www.theworlds50best.com/stories/News/asias-50-best-bars-2025-51-100-list.html), and included 14 new entries. The list is determined by over [300 anonymous voters](https://www.theworlds50best.com/bars/asia/about) in the region, spanning four regions and covering 26 destinations across the continent. Here are all the winners for 2025. ## The 50 Best Bars in Asia for 2025 1. Bar Leone, Hong Kong 2. Zest, Seoul 3. Jigger & Pony, Singapore 4. Bar Us, Bangkok 5. Dry Wave Cocktail Studio, Bangkok 6. Bar Cham, Seoul 7. Hope & Sesame, Guangzhou 8. Lair, New Delhi 9. Bar Benfiddich, Tokyo 10. Penrose, Kuala Lumpur 11. Argo, Hong Kong 12. Modernhaus, Jakarta 13. Alice, Seoul 14. Smoke & Bitters, Hiriketiya, Sri Lanka 15. Three X Co, Kuala Lumpur 16. CMYK, Changsha, China 17. Coa, Hong Kong 18. Virtù, Tokyo 19. BKK Social Club, Bangkok 20. Vender, Taichung, Taiwan 21. MO Bar, Shenzhen 22. The St. Regis Bar, Jakarta 23. Offtrack, Singapore 24. Nutmeg & Clove, Singapore 25. Yakoboku, Kumamoto, Japan 26. G.O.D, Bangkok 27. Penicillin, Hong Kong 28. Soka, Bengaluru 29. Vesper, Bangkok 30. Boilermaker, Goa 31. ZLB23, Bengaluru 32. The Savory Project, Hong Kong 33. Gokan, Hong Kong 34. Carrots Bar, Jakarta 35. Barc, Kathmandu, Nepal 36. Punch Room Tokyo, Tokyo 37. Bar Spirit Forward, Bengaluru 38. Cosmo Pony, Jakarta 39. Bar Trigona, Kuala Lumpur 40. The Public House, Taipei 41. To Infinity & Beyond, Taipei 42. Moonrock, Tainan, Taiwan 43. Opium, Bangkok 44. Cat Bite Club, Singapore 45. Native, Singapore 46. Lamp Bar, Nara, Japan 47. Reka, Kuala Lumpur 48. Bar Sathorn, Bangkok 49. Bar Libre, Tokyo 50. Le Chamber, Seoul **Categories:** Food & Drink, Spirits **Tags:** asia's 50 best --- ### [Driven By Legacy: Fascinating Father-Son Duos in Formula 1](https://robbreport.ph/cars/driven-by-legacy-fascinating-father-son-duos-in-formula-1/) **Published:** June 12, 2025 **Author:** Katrina Montinola **Content:** Landing a seat in Formula 1 is no easy feat. With only 20 seats to compete for, aspiring drivers face fierce competition for limited opportunities. It takes having the right connections, strong sponsorship backing, and extraordinary skill to prove that you’re one of the best drivers in the world. For a racecar driver, making it to [Formula 1](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-2025-formula-1-season-is-here-heres-everything-you-need-to-know/) is the ultimate achievement—so having *two* generations from the same family at the highest level of motorsport is an even rarer accomplishment. Interestingly, Formula 1 history has featured several father-and-son duos, showing that sometimes, racing prowess truly runs in the blood. ## **Max and Jos Verstappen** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Verstappen-Formula-1.webp) *Formula One* It won’t surprise many that the reigning World Champion comes from racing roots. [Max](https://robbreport.ph/boats/9-sleek-superyachts-owned-by-f1-racers-from-max-verstappen-to-lewis-hamilton/) is open about his father Jos’ strict training regime. He claimed that on one cold day during his karting career, the older Verstappen compelled him to keep practicing even if his fingers were too cold to grip the steering wheel properly. The strict training program evidently worked, as Max now boasts four consecutive World Drivers’ Championships. His father spent eight years in Formula 1, with two podiums. ## **Damon and Graham Hill** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Hill-London-Evening-Standard.webp) *London Evening Standard* With three World Drivers’ Championships between them, Damon and Graham Hill are perhaps the most decorated pairing on this list. Nicknamed “Mr. Monaco,” Graham Hill won the 1962 and 1968 championships with BRM and Lotus, respectively. Following in his father’s footsteps, Damon Hill was crowned champion in 1996 with Williams. This made him the first son of a World Champion to have won the title as well. His only serious competitor for the title was Jacques Villeneuve, also the son of an F1 driver. ## **Jacques and Gilles Villeneuve** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Villeneuve-Allan-de-la-Plante.webp) *Allan de la Plante* Though he only spent five years in Formula One, Gilles Villeneuve cemented himself as a Ferrari legend. He achieved six wins and 13 podiums for the Prancing Horse. His fatal accident at the 1982 Belgian Grand Prix was especially tragic as fans felt he could one day be a champion—it was clear to many that the Villeneuve name deserved an F1 title. Enter his son Jacques, who in 1997 became the first rookie to achieve four Grand Prix victories in his debut season, and the first to finish runner-up overall. He would win the Championship the following year (after a rivalry with Michael Schumacher), becoming Canada’s first F1 World Champion. ## **Nico and Keke Rosberg** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Rosberg-Mercedes-F1-e1749535998840.webp) *Mercedes F1* One can imagine how the Rosberg family’s trophy shelf looks with two World Drivers’ Championships on display. Keke Rosberg, racing under the Finnish flag, was crowned champion in 1982 with Williams, while the younger Rosberg, who chose to race under the German flag, won the title in 2016. While having an F1 Champion for a father put a lot of pressure on Nico, he credits his father for his success. “So many people were watching me, judging me, and saying: ‘Is he as good as his dad?’” he shared [last year](https://www.juliusbaer.com/en/insights/wealth-insights/family/nico-rosberg-driving-family-wealth-into-the-future/#:~:text=Nico%20Rosberg%20has%20inherited%20more,family%20wealth%20while%20helping%20others.). “I think, in the end, it made me more resilient and really helped me to become a world champion myself.” The two Rosbergs famously took the track together in 2018, driving their championship-winning cars at the Monaco Grand Prix. ## **Nelson and Nelsinho Piquet** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Piquet-Picasa.webp) *Picasa* The Brazilian racing legend Nelson Piquet competed in Formula One from 1978 to 1991. He famously won three Championships in 1981, 1983, and 1987, marked by a heated rivalry with British driver Nigel Mansell. Many consider Piquet to be the second-best Brazilian driver in F1 history, after Ayrton Senna. The younger Piquet’s F1 career was not as fortunate–he spent two years in Formula One, being dropped midway through the 2009 season. Nelsinho’s short-lived F1 career was not without its controversies. At the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, Nelsinho crashed his car, initially describing the incident as a “simple mistake.” However, it was later revealed that he had done so deliberately in order to help his teammate Fernando Alonso win the race. The scandal effectively ended Nelsinho’s time in Formula One. ## **Michael and Mick Schumacher** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Schumacher-Mercedes-F1.webp) *Mercedes F1* Having the famous surname wasn’t easy for Mick Schumacher, whose father, Michael, is dubbed one of F1’s greatest drivers. Mick was said to have used his mother’s maiden name during his karting days to avoid attention. Nevertheless, his father was a heavy influence in his love for motorsport, calling him his “biggest inspiration.” Michael spent more than 20 seasons in Formula One, and boasts seven Championships—a record he shares with [Lewis Hamilton](https://robbreport.ph/cars/lewis-hamilton-wants-to-make-a-new-ferrari-supercar-inspired-by-the-f40/). While the younger Schumacher only spent two years at the top flight, he was crowned Formula 2 Champion in 2020. He was also under the Ferrari Driver Academy, citing his father’s ties with the team as a significant reason for joining. **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** cars, formula one, lewis hamilton, max verstappen --- ### [The 16 Coolest New Watches That Dropped in June](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-16-coolest-new-watches-that-dropped-in-june/) **Published:** July 3, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** Half the year has passed, but the world’s top watchmakers certainly haven’t run out of steam. The new releases just keep coming, with at least 15 maisons unveiling timepieces in June. The sixth month is synonymous with warmth and brightness, hence why many houses opted for bold, colorful designs. We’re looking at you, Moser, and your Pioneer Centre Seconds Sun Berry. Some, like Hublot and [Audemars Piguet](https://robbreport.ph/tag/audemars-piguet/ "audemars piguet"), debuted entire summer-inspired lines, in fact. Other brands revamped old faithfuls: [Ulysse Nardin](https://robbreport.ph/tag/ulysse-nardin/ "ulysse nardin") gave the Freak a slimmer, smarter, and more mechanically advanced movement, thereby allowing for a smaller, more compact case. Vacheron Constantin updated the Traditionnelle with an optimized perpetual calendar that provides a bonkers 70-day power reserve. And Bulgari reimagined the ultra-thin Octo Finissimo Perpetual Calendar in blue PVD. Others, like MB&F, delivered something entirely new: a watch that turns into a robot. Below are the best watch releases of the month. ## Richard Mille RM 64-01 Tourbillon Colnago ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/richard-mille-rm-64-01-tourbillon-colnago.webp) *Richard Mille* Richard Mille went tandem with Colnago in June, dropping a new collab timepiece inspired by the Italian manufacturer’s legendary race bikes. Developed in close collaboration with Colnago’s designers, the [RM 64-01](https://www.richardmille.com/collections/rm-64-01) shares the same complex tubular construction as the RM 012, but with a few cycling-specific touches. The case is crafted in lightweight white quartz TPT and accented by red gold and azure blue quartz TPT. That same trio of colors can be spotted on Colnago’s own C68 bike. The skeletonized RM64-01 caliber, meanwhile, takes cues from Colnago’s bike frames, focusing on lightness, transparency, and volume. The tourbillon at 7 o’clock mirrors a bicycle’s drivetrain, while the star-shaped design on the titanium upper bridges pays homage to Colnago’s Master steel bike from the ‘80s. The watch is limited to 50 pieces, with price upon request. ## Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Summer ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/audemars-piguet-royal-oak-offshore-summer-.webp) *Audemars Piguet* Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak Offshore is already a perfect fit for summer, with a bold, sporty design inspired by high-performance offshore racing yachts. This season’s [six variations](https://www.audemarspiguet.com/com/en/watch/royal-oak-offshore-summer-2026.html) are even more suited to sunny weather, with vibrant colorways that range from hot pink to bright aqua. The first three are 42 mm chronos powered by the Calibre 4404. Crafted in either steel or titanium, each one features a black or gray Mega Tapisserie dial with accents in turquoise and yellow, pink, or orange. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/audemars-piguet-royal-oak-offshore-summer-2.webp) The Royal Oak Offshore 37 mm with a titanium case, pink dial, and diamond-set bezel. *Audemars Piguet* The next three are 37 mm chronos powered by the newly introduced Calibre 6401. They come in either pink gold or titanium with tapisserie dials in pink, aqua, and light blue and diamond-set or plain bezels. The 37 mm pieces start at $41,100, while the 42 mm examples are priced at $42,500. ## Chopard Mille Miglia GTS Power Control Grigio-Blu ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/chopard-mille-miglia-gts-power-control-grigio-blu.webp) *Chopard* [Chopard](https://robbreport.ph/tag/chopard/ "chopard") was the world sponsor and official timekeeper of the [Mille Miglia](https://robbreport.ph/watches/chopard-just-unveiled-two-new-watches-in-honor-of-the-mille-miglia/ "Chopard Just Unveiled Two New Watches in Honor of the Mille Miglia") for the 38th time this June. To mark the occasion, the Swiss watchmaker dropped a [limited edition](https://www.chopard.com/en-gb/watch-universe/mille-miglia-universe.html) inspired by the famous Italian endurance rally. The timepiece features a 43 mm case in Chopard’s signature Lucent Steel and a “Grigio-Blu” dial reminiscent of a dashboard with a power-reserve indicator shaped like a fuel gauge. The dial is crafted from brass and topped with a grained blue-gray finish that recalls the asphalt on the track. The beating heart is the in-house COSC-certified Caliber 01.08‑C, which offers a 60-hour power reserve and a stop-seconds function. To top it off, the black textile strap has a rubber lining with a tyre-tread motif. The watch is limited to 250 numbered pieces, with price upon request. ## Urwerk UR-120 Blue Planet ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/urwerk-ur-120-blue-planet.webp) *Urwerk* Urwerk gave a final salute to UR-120 in June, unveiling the third and final iteration of the space-inspired timepiece. The new [UR-120 Blue Planet](https://www.urwerk.com/collections/ur-satellite/ur-120) features the same distinctive two-part case and satellite display as its predecessors, but showcases a beautiful blue colorway with pops of contrasting gold. (Previous examples have been colored gray or black.) The blue PVD coating on the titanium and steel case results in a dark navy finish. That deep hue is echoed on the strap and dial, creating an almost monochromatic aesthetic. All the bells and whistles remain, including, yes, the satellite that splits apart to recreate Spock’s iconic Vulcan salute from Star Trek. Limited to just 20 pieces, the Blue Planet is priced at $156,000. ## Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Twin Beat Perpetual Calendar ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/vacheron-constantin-traditionnelle-twin-beat-perpetual-calendar-2.webp) *Vacheron Constantin* You would think a two-month power reserve would be enough, but not for Vacheron Constantin. The Swiss watchmaker has unveiled a new version of the [Traditionnelle Twin Beat Perpetual Calendar](https://www.vacheron-constantin.com/gb/en/watches/novelties/traditionnelle-twin-beat-perpetual-calendar.html) that offers an incredible 70 days of autonomy. First released in 2019, the original Twin Beat introduced a groundbreaking movement that allowed the wearer to switch between two regulating frequencies for the first time. Switching from the 5 Hz Active mode to the low-frequency 1.2 Hz Standby mode meant the movement kept ticking for 65 days, or just over two months. That innovation earned the watch top honors in *Robb Report’s Best of the Best* issue in 2019. The Caliber 3610 QP has since been optimized, resulting in a five-day gain. In addition to the revamped movement, the 42 mm platinum newcomer features a fresh open-worked dial that puts all those incredible inner workings on display. Price upon request. ## Ulysse Nardin Freak \[X\] ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/ulysse-nardin-freak-x.webp) *Ulysse Nardin* After 25 years, Ulysse Nardin is toning down the [Freak](https://www.ulysse-nardin.com/watches/freak?category_uid=MTU%3D). The Swiss watchmaker has downsized the revolutionary wristwatch to make it more wearable. Unveiled in 2001, the Freak introduced entirely new architecture, eschewing the regular dial, hands, and crown in favor of a flying carousel complication that displays the time via a rotating disc. The Freak \[X\] was released in 2018 as a more accessible successor. The latest iteration of the \[X\] is even more compact and comfortable, with a redesigned case that measures 41 mm instead of 43 mm and a new glassbox sapphire crystal. To achieve this, Ulysse Nardin refined and simplified the movement. The new UN-232 caliber incorporates a fresh DIAMonSIL escapement, along with a silicon balance wheel and hairspring to improve precision, efficiency, and durability. Despite the streamlined design, the movement offers an impressive 72-hour power reserve. The latest \[X\] is available in three colorways—two in recycled steel, one in rose gold—with nine interchangeable strap options. The steel pieces cost $41,200 and $42,400, respectively, and the gold is priced at $64,000. ## Hublot Big Bang ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/hublot-big-bang-summer-1.webp) *Hublot* Hublot opted for pastels this summer, dropping a new line of [Big Bangs](https://www.hublot.com/en-gb/hublot-loves-summer) in sun-washed hues. The first two ceramic pieces are almost identical, with pink and mint green ceramic cases and sky blue ceramic bezels and straps. The movements are entirely different, though: one features the Unico Flyback chronograph, the other showcases an automatic tourbillon. The 42 mm chrono, limited to 200 and priced at $34,300, has a matte pink dial with mint tones. The 44 mm tourbillon, limited to 10 pieces and priced at $119,000, sports a transparent pink sapphire crystal dial that spotlights the mechanics within. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/hublot-big-bang-summer-2.webp) The Big Bang in petrol blue. *Hublot* Hublot also introduces three monochrome Big Bangs in peach, mint, and petrol blue ceramic. Ranging from 33 mm to 42 mm, they start at $15,500. ## Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Date ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/jaeger-lecoultre-polaris-date.webp) *Jaeger-LeCoultre* Honey, Jaeger-LeCoultre shrunk [the Polaris Date](https://www.jaeger-lecoultre.com/us-en/watches/polaris/polaris-date-q9128981). The Swiss watchmaker has unveiled a smaller version of the 42 mm steel dive watch that first debuted in 2018 as a modern successor to the iconic 1968 Memovox Polaris. The newcomer features a more compact 40 mm steel case with a reduced 12.9 mm profile, allowing it to fit a wider range of wrists. The dark blue gradient lacquer dial showcases a rotating inner bezel for measuring elapsed time, making it both elegant and practical. The beating heart is the Caliber 899, which offers a 70-hour power reserve. It will set you back $10,400. ## Bulgari Octo Finissimo Perpetual Calendar ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/bvlgari-octo-finissimo-perpetual-calendar.webp) *Bulgari* [Bulgari](https://www.bulgari.com/en-int/) was feeling blue this month, [unveiling the Octo Finissimo Perpetual Calendar in a chic navy hue](https://robbreport.ph/watches/bulgari-dresses-its-record-thin-perpetual-calendar-in-monochromatic-blue/ "Bulgari Dresses Its Record-Thin Perpetual Calendar in Monochromatic Blue"). The 40 mm newcomer has the same svelte architecture as the original from 2021—which famously won the prestigious Aiguille d’Or at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève and set a world record for thinness—but features a PVD-treated titanium case instead of straight titanium. That results in a gorgeous blue across the case, which is complemented by a matching dial and leather strap. The only real departure from the color is the gray indices on the dial and the steel crown. Inside, the BVL 305 movement offers all the perpetual calendar functions plus a 60-hour power reserve yet measures just 2.75 mm thick. The blue beauty is priced at $88,000. ## Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Sport Chronograph Ultra Cermet Morning Blue ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/parmigiani-fleurier-tonda-pf-sport-chronograph-ultra-cermet-mineral-blue.webp) *Parmigiani Fleurier* Parmigiani Fleurier’s latest [Tonda PF Sport Chronograph](https://www.parmigiani.com/en/tonda-pf-sport/) is as strong as it is beautiful. The sporty 42.5 mm timepiece is crafted in the Swiss watchmaker’s proprietary Ultra-Cermet, a composite material that blends the best parts of ceramic and titanium. It, of course, has that refined Parmigiani feel, with an elegant new “Morning Blue” hue on the strap and chronograph counters. The transparent caseback spotlights the highly decorated in-house, COSC-certified automatic movement (PF070), which offers a 65-hour power reserve. You can pick one up for $48,800. ## H. Moser & Cie. Pioneer Centre Seconds Sun Berry ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/h-moser-cie-pioneer-centre-seconds-sun-berry.webp) *H. Moser & Cie.* Moser delivered a perfectly splashy timepiece for summer. The new [Pioneer Centre Seconds](https://h-moser.com/en/pioneer/pioneer-centre-seconds-sun-berry-3201-1203) features a punchy “Berry Purple” fumé dial with contrasting “Electric Yellow” on the inner flange, hands, and rubber strap, making for a real statement on the wrist. The face shows no logos, indices, or fancy complications, allowing the color to be the focus. There are still serious mechanics at play, with the in-house automatic movement (Caliber HMC 201) providing an impressive 72-hour power reserve. It can be spotted via the exhibition caseback. The piece retails for 14,500 Swiss francs, or about $17,900. ## De Bethune DB25xs Sand Winds ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/de-bethune-db25xs-sand-winds.webp) *De Bethune* De Bethune is usually all about blue, but the Indie watchmaker went yellow for summer. The new DB25xs Sand Winds, an “extra small” take on the classic [DB25](https://www.debethune.ch/collections/db25/), features a gorgeous golden dial that was created using two of the maison’s exclusive finishing techniques. The titanium on the face was subject to natural oxidative heat treatment and then adorned with random guilloché, resulting in a mesmerising hypnotic shimmer akin to ripples of wind on sand. Rounding out the piece is a 40.6 mm titanium case, a hand-wound movement (Caliber DB2005), and a brown leather strap. It retails for $85,000. ## Blancpain Ladybird Tribute ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Blancpain-Ladybird-Tribute-1.webp) *Blancpain* Blancpain marked the centennial of Marilyn Monroe’s birth in a fittingly dazzling fashion, dropping [a new line of high-jewelry timepieces in honor of the late Hollywood star](https://robbreport.ph/watches/blancpain-just-unveiled-a-diamond-covered-watch-collection-inspired-by-marilyn-monroe/ "Blancpain Just Unveiled a Diamond-Covered Watch Collection Inspired by Marilyn Monroe"). The seven pieces in the [Ladybird Tribute collection](https://www.blancpain.com/en/Ladybird-Tribute) take cues from Monroe’s own Art Deco-styled Blancpain, with sleek, rectangular cases and elegant opaline dials. Each one is set with 85 diamonds totaling just shy of 1.4 carats and features one letter of Monroe’s first name engraved in the caseback. Inside lies an in-house manual movement (Caliber 510) with a 52-hour power reserve. The seven each have a double-wrap calf strap in distinctive Pantone hues that range from Peach Bud to High Risk Red. They are priced at $54,300 a pop. ## Girard-Perregaux Laureato Fifty ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/girard-perregaux-laureato-fifty-collection.webp) *Girard-Perregaux* Girard-Perregaux isn’t done celebrating the Laureato just yet. The watchmaker just added[ four new references to the Laureato Fifty line](https://robbreport.ph/watches/girard-perregaux-just-unveiled-4-new-sporty-laureato-fifty-watches/ "Girard-Perregaux Just Unveiled 4 New Sporty Laureato Fifty Watches"), which debuted in 2025 to mark the model’s 50th anniversary. The quartet retains the slick ‘70s styling of the original, with an octagonal bezel, tonneau-shaped case, and an integrated bracelet, but each is fitted with a new in-house movement (caliber GP4800) featuring 10 different finishes plus a 60-hour power reserve. Some also showcase a striking blue enamel dial—the first to be made in-house—with a “Clous de Paris” motif that adds extra texture. “The Laureato endures through the strength of its architecture: a measured balance of lines and the movement within, naturally evolving with depth, presence and enduring character,” Marc Michel-Amadry, managing director of Girard-Perregaux, said in a statement. The steel pieces range from 36 mm to 39 mm, with prices starting at $23,100. ## MB&F HM12 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/mb-f-hm12.webp) *MB&F* MB&F pushed the design envelope even further in June, dropping a six-figure watch that doubles as a toy robot. Dubbed the most exclusive MB&F ever, the [HM12](https://www.mbandf.com/machines/mbf-machines/horological-machines/hm12) is limited to just 12 pieces in three colorways—all of which were sold to VIP collectors before it even debuted. The dial acts as the robot’s “face,” with the two “eyes” being the discs for the jumping hours and minutes. The flying tourbillon at 12 o’clock is “the brain,” and a micro rotor at 6 o’clock is the “mouth.” Turning the crown on the left activates a face shield that partially covers those features. The watch can become a robot in no time, with a quick-release system that enables the straps to be removed and mobile lugs that allow the face to be inserted onto the accompanying body. The robot’s wrists, elbows, and shoulders move, too, so you can play with it on your desk. It even has a “rocket launcher” that doubles as a UV flashlight to spotlight the lume on various parts. The HM12 is priced at $384,000. ## Breguet Tourbillons ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/breguet-classique-tourbillon-7357.webp) Classique Tourbillon 7357 *Breguet* [Breguet](https://robbreport.ph/tag/breguet/ "breguet") celebrated the tourbillon’s 225th birthday in style, unveiling four new takes on legendary timepieces. The first, known as the [Classique Tourbillon 7357](https://www.breguet.com/en/watches/classique/classique-tourbillon-7357/7357bh1h386), takes design cues from the Ref. 3350, a.k.a. the first modern tourbillon wristwatch by the Swiss watchmaker, but features an entirely new movement (Cal. 187B) with a substantial 60-hour power reserve. It comes in platinum ($203,300) or 18-karat Breguet gold ($184,800). Next up, the [Classique Tourbillon Sidéral 7255](https://www.breguet.com/en/watches/classique/classique-tourbillon-sideral-7255/7255bh2y9vu) is an updated take on the first Breguet with a flying tourbillon, showcasing a 38 mm case, an aventurine Grand Feu enamel dial, and an open-worked movement (Cal. 187M1) with a “mystery” design. Again, it comes in platinum ($294,400) or Breguet gold ($268,400). The third piece, the [Marine Tourbillon Équation Marchante 5887](https://www.breguet.com/en/watches/marine/marine-tourbillon-equation-marchante-5887/5887ptys5wvsl), celebrates Breguet’s ties to the French Royal Navy, featuring a caseback with a hand-engraved image of the 18th-century ship *Royal Louis*. The front is equally impressive, with the 43.9 mm platinum case housing a hand-guilloché dial showing the sky over Paris on the exact date (June 26, 1801) that Breguet was granted a patent for the tourbillon. (Clients can opt to customize the sky to the location, date, and time of their choice.) In addition to a tourbillon, the piece also houses a perpetual calendar and displays a running equation of time. The limited edition retails for $385,900 with strap or $489,400 with bracelet. Last but not least, the [Tradition Tourbillon 7047](https://www.breguet.com/en/watches/tradition/tradition-tourbillon-7047/7047ptyy5zusl) has been given a modern makeover, with blue hues across the dial, movement, and strap. Inside, the Cal. 569 combines Breguet’s tourbillon with Leonardo da Vinci’s fusee-and-chain mechanism. Limited to 25, the piece is priced at $325,200. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What were the best new watch releases in June? June brought a wide range of major watch releases, from the Richard Mille RM 64-01 Tourbillon Colnago and Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak Offshore Summer editions to the slimmer Ulysse Nardin Freak \[X\], Bulgari’s blue Octo Finissimo Perpetual Calendar, and MB&F’s robot-like HM12. ### Which luxury watch brands released summer-inspired models in June? Audemars Piguet, Hublot, H. Moser & Cie., De Bethune, and Bulgari all leaned into summer-ready designs with bold colors, pastel ceramics, blue PVD finishes, berry-purple dials, and golden sand-inspired textures. ### What was the most unusual watch released in June? MB&F’s HM12 was the most unusual June release. Limited to just 12 pieces, the six-figure timepiece doubles as a toy robot, with a dial that forms the robot’s face, removable straps, articulated limbs, and a UV flashlight built into its “rocket launcher.” ### Which June watch release had the longest power reserve? Vacheron Constantin’s updated Traditionnelle Twin Beat Perpetual Calendar stood out with an extraordinary 70-day power reserve, improving on the original model’s 65-day autonomy through an optimized Caliber 3610 QP movement. ### What materials are used in the Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Sport? The Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Sport utilizes proprietary Ultra-Cermet, an advanced composite material that successfully blends the lightweight strength of titanium with the extreme scratch-resistance of ceramic. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** audemars piguet, blancpain, bulgari, chopard, hublot, parmigiani, richard mille, Watch Collector --- ### [The Rise of the Architectural Sauna](https://robbreport.ph/leisure/the-leading-sauna-makers-for-your-homes-wellness-sanctuary/) **Published:** January 21, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** [Wellness](https://robbreport.ph/tag/wellness/ "wellness") has long migrated from the spa to the private residence, and in recent years, one ritual has risen above the rest: the sauna. There was a time when we associated saunas with Nordic cabins or gym locker rooms. But these days, the modern sauna has been reborn as an architectural centerpiece in the world’s most refined homes. The allure is grounded as much in science as it is in lifestyle. Regular sauna bathing has been associated with stronger cardiovascular performance, improved circulation, and measurable reductions in blood pressure, among other benefits. Exposure to sustained heat prompts vasodilation, relaxing the blood vessels and encouraging the body to respond in ways similar to moderate physical exertion. Over time, consistent use has also been linked to decreased inflammation, faster muscle recovery, deeper sleep, and a sharpened sense of mental clarity. This simple cleansing ritual is now embraced as a longevity tool, the kind that appeals deeply to high-net-worth homeowners investing in preventative wellness. These spaces are increasingly positioned alongside wine cellars and screening rooms as essential components of the modern estate. In such residences, the sauna becomes an intimate, cocooned environment where design, material, and technology converge. Listed here are the world’s leading bespoke sauna makers, the firms that transform heat into high art. ## Tylö & TylöHelo: Scandinavian Legacy, Tailored Precision ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Tylo-Reflection_Hero.webp) *Photo: Tylo* Few names carry as much authority in sauna culture as Tylö and its sister brand TylöHelo. With roots stretching back to Sweden and Finland (the birthplace of sauna tradition) the group has mastered the delicate balance between heritage craftsmanship and customization. For residential clients, TylöHelo offers fully bespoke builds designed to integrate seamlessly into private wellness suites, penthouses, and estates. Expect precision-cut Nordic timber interiors, frameless glass walls, concealed LED lighting, and whisper-quiet heaters engineered for both dry and steam formats. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Tylo-Hotel-Rivefrton_0068-2-Redigera-2240x1679.webp) *Photo: Tylo* Their ability to tailor dimensions and finishes makes them a favorite among architects designing spa-level amenities within city residences. The result is what we would expect from feels unmistakably Scandinavian aesthetics: minimalist and warm. *More information [here](https://tylo.com/).* ## KLAFS: German Engineering Meets Sculptural Forms ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/csm_KLAFS-EASY_saunieren_595583edef.webp) *Photo: KLAFS* If Tylö represents tradition, KLAFS represents the haute couture of sauna design. The German brand has spent decades elevating the sauna into a sort of technical marvel, collaborating closely with various architects to craft sculptural spaces that feel closer to gallery installations than wellness rooms. KLAFS’ bespoke residential saunas are defined by their obsessive attention to detail. Custom wood selections range from Canadian hemlock to hand-finished walnut, often paired with stone, bronze, or smoked glass. Their proprietary climate systems allow precise humidity and temperature control, while integrated sound, aromatherapy, and chromotherapy features create a fully immersive experience. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/csm_KLAFS-Sauna-S11-Ambiente_72290d3bb3-2240x840.webp) *Photo: KLAFS* Although we can say that what truly distinguishes KLAFS is its penchant for spatial ingenuity. The brand is known for retractable and hidden sauna systems that disappear into walls—ideal for ultra-luxury apartments where every square meter must justify itself. *More information [here](https://www.klafs.com/).* ## Harvia Custom: Finnish Purism for Modern Homes ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/1677485964-harvia_ventura_sauna_cabin_shv1620_shv2020_f9.webp) The Ventura Sauna Cabin by Harvia. *Photo: Harvia* Harvia remains one of Finland’s most respected sauna manufacturers, and its custom division caters to the growing demand for tailored residential installations. Its reverence for traditional Finnish sauna culture informs bespoke designs that integrate beautifully into modern luxury spaces. Harvia’s custom saunas emphasize authenticity. Think clean lines, natural wood grains, and powerful heaters that deliver the intense, enveloping warmth prized in Nordic bathing. Clients can commission unique layouts, too, from panoramic glass fronts to outdoor sauna pavilions overlooking private gardens or pools. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/1741943177-harvia_cilindro_wkpc20s_f1.webp) A Harvia cabin with the brand’s Cilindro heater. *Photo: Harvia* Where Harvia excels is in delivering a deeply traditional experience within modern architecture. Their builds often feel understated yet powerful. *More information [here](https://www.harvia.com/en/).* **Categories:** Health & Wellness, Leisure **Tags:** Harvia Custom, KLAFS, spa, Tylo, wellness --- ### [The Perfect Pair: Jewelry For Him and Her](https://robbreport.ph/style/jewelry/the-perfect-pair-jewelry-for-him-and-her/) **Published:** May 19, 2025 **Author:** Katrina Montinola **Content:** ## **CARO WILSON** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/4-1.webp) *Courtesy of Caro Wilson* Through various jewelry pieces, [Caro Wilson](https://carowilson.shop/) celebrates the cultural richness and heritage of the Philippines. The brand’s pieces are inspired by the country’s diverse regions, combining traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design. Its Cordillera collection, in particular, is an ode to the weaving techniques and precious materials found in the region. Using 18-karat gold and sterling silver, pieces are milled, cut into delicate strips, and intricately handwoven. The result is a one-of-a-kind work of art that is sure to be among the most unique pieces in your jewelry collection. ### **For Her: Cordillera Ring** The widespread appeal of the original collection inspired the creation of the Cordillera ring, the same finely handwoven herringbone band now designed to adorn your finger. Like the bracelets, the rings are available in various precious materials, including silver, 18-karat gold in yellow, red, pink or white, and 22-karat yellow gold. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-21-at-35806.webp) ### **For Him: Cordillera Bracelet in All 18 Karat Gold** Imagine 18-karat gold strips handwoven in a herringbone pattern, stylishly wrapping around your wrist before ending in a white gold-hammered toggle. This [Cordillera bracelet](https://carowilson.shop/collections/cordillera)–one of several styles in the collection–is made to fit the wearer’s wrist size and personal preference. You can even choose to interweave different colors of 18-karat gold, truly making the piece your own. ## **JEWELMER** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-15-at-64637.webp) *Courtesy of Jewelmer* [Jewelmer’s](https://jewelmer.com/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19974343352&gbraid=0AAAAACuCkCTTtIvzd4AOTLrtwm_qFO-aB&gclid=Cj0KCQjwoZbBBhDCARIsAOqMEZWJjZobQAVHWNyvvxKtChHxZNQiBNegthYyI-heynm0SLzGm2_u5sEaAjY8EALw_wcB) pieces capture the unique beauty of the South Sea pearl, the Philippine national gem. The brand was founded in 1979 by Jacques Branellec, a French pearl farmer, and Manuel Cojuangco, a Filipino entrepreneur. Jewelmer’s heritage is a unique one—a combination of French high jewelry tradition, precious Filipino materials, and expert craftsmanship. ### **For Her: Les Classiques Bracelet** The Les Classiques bracelet showcases an oval champagne pearl ensconced in an 18-karat gold bangle. It’s a classic beauty you’ll never want to take off. ### **For Him: Pamana Brooch** Stand out at any gathering with the Pamana Brooch, a stunning ode to the Philippine islands. A golden South Sea pearl and 2.2-carat pavé diamonds are intricately set in an 18-karat gold brooch. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/6-1-1.webp) Courtesy of Jewelmer ### **For Her: Spring Blossoms Necklace** This 18-karat gold necklace captures the essence of springtime with a distinct Filipino flair. It features three lustrous South Sea pearls and radiant diamonds intricately arranged to form spring blossoms. Because pearls are naturally formed—making each one unique—every necklace is one of a kind. ### **For Him: Mon Secret Bracelet** Perfectly complementing Les Classiques is Jewelmer’s Mon Secret Bracelet. Black leather is braided into a sophisticated band, with a golden South Sea pearl set in 18-karat yellow gold accents. ## **LE DAMIER DE LOUIS VUITTON** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1-3.webp) *Courtesy of Louis Vuitton* Though not as well known as LV’s monogram flower, the Damier (French for “checkerboard”) motif was recently revived with [Le Damier de Louis Vuitton](https://eu.louisvuitton.com/eng-e1/stories/le-damier). Francesca Amfitheatrof, Louis Vuitton’s artistic director for Watches and Jewelry, used the pattern of squares etched in gold surrounding small sparkling diamonds. “It is a diamond collection that is not just about the stones but the pattern that they create,” she said of the jewelry line. The pieces from this collection complement one another and are perfect for the most stylish of couples. ### **For Her: Yellow Gold and Diamond Earrings** These small yellow gold hoops are each set with 48 diamonds, elegantly arranged in rows that imitate the Damier motif. The clean, classic design gives it a timeless look, making these earrings an everyday pair that never goes out of style. ### **For Him: Yellow Gold and Diamond Medium Bracelet** This is more than your classic bangle, with gold and diamond squares endlessly alternating across your wrist. The band of yellow gold set with 54 diamonds grants a gentleman an air of sophistication, and perfectly complements his partner who wears other pieces from the collection. ## **CALATRAVA COLLECTION BY PATEK PHILIPPE** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/3-2.webp) *Courtesy of Patek Philippe* Watch enthusiasts hold varying opinions. Some favor bold, eye-catching designs, while others champion the appeal of square cases. Yet, the legacy of Patek Philippe’s [Calatrava collection](https://lucerneluxe.com/our-brands/patek-philippe/#!/Collection/Calatrava) proves the everlasting refinement of the round wristwatch, a classic representation of the watch house’s style. While trends may come and go, the round wristwatch never goes out of fashion—it’s the perfect accessory for the timelessly elegant couple. ### **For Her: Calatrava 4997 in Rose Gold** Among Patek Philippe’s line of sophisticated women’s timepieces is the self-winding Calatrava Reference 4997. Presented in rose gold with a striking purple satin finish strap, this piece is a standout model of the collection. The dial, embellished with a concentric wave pattern, gives the timepiece a captivating sense of depth. The purple hue complements the warm rose gold tones. The bezel is intricately set with 76 diamonds. ### **For Him: Calatrava 5227 in Rose Gold** The Calatrava Reference 5227R features a sleek ivory-lacquered dial with classic gold-applied hour markers. The timepiece features an alligator hide strap and refined prong buckle. This self-winding, water-resistant piece perfectly pairs with the 4997. ## **ICE CUBE BY CHOPARD** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/5.webp) Courtesy of Chopard Since its introduction in 1999, the Ice Cube collection by [Chopard](https://www.chopard.com/en-intl/jewellery-ice-cube-jewellery) has continually reimagined modern design with the use of small ‘ice’ blocks. The cube, as the collection’s core motif, enhances the uniqueness of the jewelry’s surface. The Ice Cube collection is an ode to geometric perfection and the play of light. ### **For Her: Rose Gold Cuff** Though at first glance, it may seem like a simple repeating motif, each cube slightly differs in cut and height. When light meets the cuff, the resulting refraction is a beautiful display. This cuff combines 18-karat rose gold with elegant white diamonds, undoubtedly sophisticated, effortlessly wrapping your wrist in an embrace. ### **For Him: Rose Gold Pendant** White diamonds are delicately set in an 18-karat rose gold pendant, with light reflecting off its facets. Simple and light, but effortlessly stylish. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report Philippines’ [Car Issue](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-may-2025-the-car-issue/)*, *May 2025.* **Categories:** Jewelry, Style **Tags:** Caro Wilson, chopard, jewelmer, Louis Vuitton, Patek Philippe --- ### [Here’s Why Ferrari Mondials Can Still Be a Bargain on the Secondary Market](https://robbreport.ph/cars/heres-why-ferrari-mondials-can-still-be-a-bargain-on-the-secondary-market/) **Published:** July 1, 2026 **Author:** Erik Shilling **Content:** [Ferrari](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-50-greatest-ferraris-of-all-time-ranked/ "The 50 Greatest Ferraris of All Time, Ranked") is the ne plus ultra of supercar brands, perhaps even car brands full-stop, with profits higher than ever and volumes, too. Its aura even extends to some of their least-loved models, like the Mondial. For any other automaker, the Mondial—a V-8 grand tourer that has never been a poster on anyone’s wall —might be simply forgotten by collectors, in the same way that many Jaguars of the 1980s and 1990s have been. But because the Mondial is a [Ferrari](https://robbreport.ph/tag/ferrari/ "Ferrari"), prices have remained low but stable, propped up in part by the allure, for buyers, of simply owning a car from the marque. “Ferrari is one of the top ten if not top five brands across all of the industry,” Barney Ruprecht, vice president of auctions for Broad Arrow, told us in an interview. “It is an incredibly well-positioned brand that is not going to suffer in the short, immediate term.” The Mondial was built for 13 years, and today is a bit of an oddity, even if it wasn’t at the time: a mid-engine car with four seats, or a so-called 2+2 configuration, signaling that the two rear seats will likely only be comfortable for children and luggage. The model came with V-8s, starting with a 2.9-liter, 214 hp engine in 1980. In 1983, power was increased to 230 hp, later topping out at 300 hp with a 3.2-liter V-8 by the end of the model’s run. Those numbers were respectable but not impressive at the time, and impressed even less a few decades later. But for [cars](https://robbreport.ph/cars/ "Cars") that weighed around 3,100 pounds, those figures aren’t too shabby in terms of real-world performance. Ruprecht said recent auctions of the Mondial that have reached six figures were less about mileage and the uniqueness of the cars themselves, like the liveries. Ferrari sold the model originally for something in the neighborhood of $65,000, or a little under a quarter of a million dollars in today’s money. That positioned it not quite as the “affordable” Ferrari that it is remembered as but more along the lines of the current [Roma](https://robbreport.ph/tag/ferrari-roma/ "Ferrari Roma")—an entry-level Ferrari that costs around $250,000 and could get you into the company’s good graces for future, more-desirable purchases down the line. Mondial prices have been mostly going down since then relative to inflation, with many examples sold in the past few years in the $40,000 to $80,000 range, [according to Bring a Trailer](https://bringatrailer.com/ferrari/mondial/). The finest examples, though, still fetch a good number, and Broad Arrow said in 2024 concours-quality Mondials increased by 24 percent in value, from about an average of $45,000 to around $55,000. Here’s a look at a few recent sales: ## 1990 Ferrari Mondial t Cabriolet ![1990 ferrari mondial t cabriolet](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1990-ferrari-mondial-t-cabriolet-side.webp) This 1990 Ferrari Mondial t Cabriolet comes in nice dark-green hue. *Broad Arrow Auctions* This example sold for $112,000 [at a recent Broad Arrow auction](https://www.broadarrowauctions.com/vehicles/gi26e_r0025/release). It was in mint condition, had a single-owner and full service record history. The convertible is also painted Verde Scuro, a rare color for Mondials and and a quite attractive dark-green hue. Around 34,000 miles are on the odometer, which suggests that the Mondial was used just enough to keep it firing. The new owner can also explain to their friends how unusual an open-top, four-seat, mid-engine Ferrari is. ## 1985 Ferrari Mondial Quattrovalvole Cabriolet ![1985 Ferrari Mondial Quattrovalvole Cabriolet](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1985-ferrari-mondial-quattrovalvole-cabriolet.webp) This car is equipped with a 2.9-liter V-8. *Bring a Trailer* This example sold for $32,000 on [Bring a Trailer in April](https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1985-ferrari-mondial-quattrovalvole-cabriolet-8/), a European version of the Mondial later sent to the US. Painted in Rosso Corsa, rear damage is listed in the car’s history. Some original parts have also been replaced, like the speedometer and tachometer, and it has 51,000 miles on the odometer, which means that it has been well-used. It appears the seller started the auction with a higher reserve price before lowering it as bids came in. It is equipped with the 2.9-liter V-8 making 230 horsepower. ## 1986 Ferrari 3.2 Mondial Cabriolet ![1986 Ferrari 3 2 Mondial Cabriolet](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1986-ferrari-3-2-mondial-cabriolet.webp) This Mondial, produced just a year after the Bring a Trailer example, [fetched a little under four times the price](https://www.broadarrowauctions.com/vehicles/am25_r113/1986-ferrari-3-2-mondial-cabriolet), or $123,000. That figure is a result of the 1986 car having the more powerful 3.2-liter engine, making 270 horsepower. This Mondial also has just 49 miles on the odometer and comes in Rosso Corsa, with a full service history. Broad Arrow says it’s one of the “best-preserved” Ferrari Mondials in existence, so it likely represents the top of the market for now, and the new owner is also likely to think that it will go up in value. It’s hard to bet against Ferrari, in other words, even when the model is a car that can sometimes cost as much as a brand-new Camry. The future is looking like more of the same. “Ferrari is an anomaly in terms of brand, pricing, performance, everything,” Ruprecht said. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is the Ferrari Mondial? The Ferrari Mondial is a four-seat (2+2), mid-engine grand tourer produced from 1980 to 1993. Unlike most Ferraris, it combined everyday usability with Ferrari’s V-8 performance, making it one of the marque’s most practical classic models. ### Why is the Ferrari Mondial considered Ferrari’s most affordable classic? The Mondial has historically been less sought-after than iconic models such as the Testarossa or F40, keeping prices relatively accessible. Many examples trade between US$40,000 and US$80,000, although exceptional, low-mileage cars or rare specifications can exceed US$100,000. ### Is the Ferrari Mondial a good investment? While the Mondial has lagged behind other Ferraris in value appreciation, well-preserved examples have shown increasing interest among collectors. According to Broad Arrow, concours-quality Mondials rose about 24 percent in value in 2024, suggesting that the best cars may continue to appreciate. ### Which Ferrari Mondial is the most collectible? The most collectible Mondials are late-production 3.2-liter and Mondial t models, particularly cabriolets with low mileage, complete service histories, and rare factory colors. Originality, condition, and documented ownership remain the biggest drivers of value. ### Why do collectors still buy the Ferrari Mondial? Collectors are increasingly drawn to the Mondial because it offers one of the most accessible entry points into Ferrari ownership while retaining the marque’s heritage, engineering, and driving experience. Its unusual combination of a mid-engine layout and four seats also makes it one of the most distinctive Ferraris ever built. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** Ferrari, Mondial, vintage cars --- ### [Forget Massages. These 13 Medical Spas Want to Help You Extend Your Life](https://robbreport.ph/travel/13-medical-spas-want-to-help-you-extend-your-life/) **Published:** May 9, 2025 **Author:** Nicole Hoey **Content:** The concept of longevity—extending both lifespan and quality of life through lifestyle practices—has never been more prevalent. According to health assessment specialist Dr. Sabine Donnai, the term gained significant traction during the Covid-19 pandemic. “I think it made a lot of people much more aware that they can take charge of their health,” she told Robb Report. Donnai is the founder of Viavi, a health management company that evaluates clients based on personal data ranging from DNA to lifestyle habits. While Covid helped mainstream the idea, longevity’s roots stretch further back. Even before the pandemic, the concept had moved beyond sterile doctors’ offices into luxurious spaces that feel more like five-star resorts (and some are). Around the world, medical spas staffed with certified doctors and equipped with state-of-the-art facilities offer personalized health programs designed to optimize your physiology. These centers go far beyond massages and facials; they conduct medical-grade testing—including blood work—to build tailored regimens aimed at extending lifespan, detoxifying body and mind, and regenerating overall health. In Switzerland, the Kusnacht Practice’s BIO-R approach evaluates clients on a biomolecular level to address chronic diseases, aging, and psychiatric conditions. Also in Switzerland, the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz offers hyperbaric oxygen therapy to reduce inflammation and boost energy production. Meanwhile, Chenot Palace Weggis, alongside its sister locations across the world, applies its renowned 50-year-old Chenot Method—a detox regimen that combines specialized treatments and diet plans—to eliminate toxins and promote overall wellness. As Donnai points out, true success comes from individualized care, not a one-size-fits-all solution.”That’s why I set up Viavi: How can I actually really help an individual identify their risks? What do they need to change to really optimize their health and their well-being for as long as possible? . . . How can I give an individual a strategy for their health? The world’s leading medical spas are answering those questions. Ahead, discover 13 spas and centers delivering premium, personalized health assessments, and strategies designed to help you live longer—and better. ## **Buchinger Wilhelmi | Überlingen, Germany** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1-buchinger-wilhelmi.webp) *Winfried Heinze* Therapeutic fasting is Buchinger Wilhelmi’s claim to fame, and the German clinic doesn’t disappoint. The process calls for you to eat about 200 to 300 calories a day throughout your stay (the recommended residency is at least 10 days for the effects to take hold properly), allowing your body to live off its fat reserves and leading to a massive regeneration—a.k.a., a giant reboot—of your cells and tissues. And this isn’t just a method to shrink your waistline: The pros at Buchinger say that fasting is able to improve your quality of life both now and in the future, acting as a safeguard against aging. In fact, one of our editors considers himself a convert to the process. Soon enough, you may be a believer, too. *From about $1,500 for three nights in a Standard room* ## **Kusnacht Practice | Zollikon, Switzerland** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2-Kusnacht-Practice.webp) *Kusnacht Practice* No medical-spa list would be complete without mentioning the Kusnacht Practice. In one of its offerings, the world-renowned Swiss center is all about BIO-R (aka Bimolecular Restoration), a medical approach that combines the powers of advanced diagnostics, biotechnology, and extreme personalized health care to give you, among other things, the gift of longevity. That means doing a deep dive into your physical and mental health to find out what will work best for the changes you need most. You could also embark on treatments for addiction, mental illnesses, and many others. *From about $143,000 per week* ## **Palace Merano | Merano, Italy** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/3-PalaceMerano.webp) *Palace Merano* An Italian hub for all things longevity, Palace Merano blends all the five-star excellence you expect with the care and treatments you deserve. The most important thing at this locale, as with many others, is your well-being, both mental and physical. Its Revital Center blends Traditional Chinese Medicine, using the discipline’s five forms of energy to identify the most prevalent within your body, and Western Medicine, helping to revitalize your body against any persnickety problems. That means embarking on a deep cleanse and an overall reset, aided by top tech. *From about $3,700 for a five-night Detox and Longevity Program* ## **SHA | Altea Bay, Spain** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/4-SHA-Spain.webp) *SHA Wellness Clinic* At SHA, you’ll be living by the SHA Method. And it’s a process worth your devotion, as the practice is proven to show effective results in the shortest amount of time across all categories, including regenerative medicine, cognitive health and well-being, functional and longevity medicine, and more. The 360-degree approach, as the brand calls it, aims to extend your life expectancy—and help you live all those years in the best quality possible. And you can pick which program is best for you under the practice (all personalized just for you, of course): The Recover and Energize, for example, helps you achieve peak vitality, return to homeostasis, and reduce stress. *From about $6,800 for the four-day Recovery and Energize Program, with a Deluxe Mountain View room inclusive of the SHA nutrition plan* ## **Hilton Head Health | Hilton Head, South Carolina** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/6-HiltonHead.webp) *Hilton Head Health Wellness Resort & Spa* Not all the best medical spas are in Europe. Hilton Head Health is nestled in—you guessed it—the tony Hilton Head, South Carolina. Lauded for its weight-loss programs, the property also wants to imbue you in lasting wellness, practices you can take home and use far beyond your stay within its walls. Check out its JumpStart Retreat to help meet those goals; the longer you stay, the more tailored your experience will become. Even better, the folks at HHH gave its wellness program an overhaul at the top of this year for the first time since its inception, creating a more personalized opportunity to better yourself inside and out. *From $2,250 for a three-day stay* ## **Sensei Lanai | Lanai City, Hawaii** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/SenseiLanai.webp) *Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort/Austin John* Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison’s expansion into hospitality includes the tropical Sensei Lanai. Under the Four Seasons umbrella, the secluded Hawaiian locale’s excellent service is a given, but it’s the wellness formula here that stands out. Before you even step on the property, you’ll be sent a WHOOP wearable strap (a health tracker) to gather intel on your sleep, fitness, and recovery abilities. Upon your arrival, you’ll meet with a member of staff for an overall health examination. From there, your personalized experience is born, dedicated to striking a balance between Move, Nourish, and Rest—a trio called the Sensei Way. A cherry on top: A round-trip, semi-private flight from the larger Honolulu is included, making it that much easier to plan your stay. *From $1,355 per night for single occupancy and $1,950 for double occupancy under the Optimal Wellbeing Program. Five-night minimum.* ## **Grand Resort Bad Ragaz | Bad Ragaz, Switzerland** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/GreatResortBadRagaz.webp) *Grand Resort Bad Ragaz Helenabad* Grand Resort Bad Ragaz was destined to be a health-centric retreat: Huntsmen discovered the historic spring that lets guest enjoy the property’s thermal waters all the way back in 1242. Over time, the Swiss location developed into the health hub (and five-star accommodations) we see today, cementing itself in the medical-spa sphere. If you can tear yourself away from those scrumptious springs, try its Smart Aging program—with ozone therapy sessions and skin analyses—or its Detox and & Health Cleansing plan—with lymphatic drainage on the menu. New on the menu? Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, meant to boost your body’s immune system and offer up shorter regeneration phases. *From about $600 per night, single occupancy* ## **Chenot Palace Weggis | Weggis, Switzerland** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/9-ChenotPalaceWeggis.webp) *Chenot Palace Weggis* The aging process can be slowed down—if you have the right help, of course. Look no further than the Chenot Method, a 50-year-old practice that has made Chenot Palace Weggis a name known not just in the Swiss medical spa community, but around the world. The method takes your body’s natural functions and framework and gives them some support with its various treatments, allowing you to heal right from within. The program also uses biomarkers, its advanced diagnostics, to see just how much your lifestyle affects your body—the way you live influences your health by 80 percent, according to Chenot. Its seven-night programs aim to help you reach ultimate vitality by rebalancing your mind, body, and spirit. *Programs from $6,044 a week; accommodation from $450 per night* ## **Palazzo Fiuggi | Fiuggi, Italy** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/10-PalazzoFiuggi.webp) *Tyson Saldo* The basis of Palazzo Fiuggi’s ethos is a tree; much like the leafy giants, we humans need a strong root system to sustain our healthiest life. The Italian medical spa has plenty of programs to help strengthen your foundation, which use treatments such as a Dexa whole body scan, a carotid ultrasound, and more paired with wellness activities. Food, of course, is as important as any medical procedure; your custom nutrition plan will be fueled by biodynamic and sustainable organic ingredients, as well as vegetables plucked right from the property’s garden. And the natural springs in Fiuggi, known for their purifying and healing properties, reflect the work the Palazzo team is undertaking to help you live a better life for much, much longer. *From about $3,300, including accommodation, full board, and a three-night program with treatments* ## **RAKxa | Bang Nam Phueng, Thailand** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/11-RAKxa.webp) RAKxa “Rakxa” translates to “to preserve” or “to heal” in English, and that’s exactly what you can expect from your stay at RAKxa in Thailand. The aim here is to get your body, mind, and lifestyle in perfect harmony, something that can be achieved via its Hormonal Rebalance, Detox, and other programs. A Longevity Lab Checkup will give you a body blueprint, covering everything from a toxic heavy metal screening and liver enzyme test to cardiovascular testing. It’s that test that will be the crux of your personalized program, designed to tackle any issues that may arise. *From about $7,000 for a five-night Detox program* ## **Lanserhof Tegernsee | Waakirchen, Germany** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/12-lanserhof-tegernsee.webp) *Alexander Haiden* A stay at Lanserhof Tegernsee is about your whole self—that means the mind, the body, and the spirit. The way to align this trio at this German practice starts in your gut; from there, the program helps ignite a regeneration of your body via fasting. First, though, comes the comprehensive examination to assess your current state of well-being. Then, the fasting begins, supported by movement therapies (think swimming or yoga), a curated diet made just for you, and some physical therapy mixed in. And you’ll be leaving the property equipped with the proper tools to aid in sustainable prevention—perhaps the most helpful takeaway of all. *From $8,940, seven-night minimum* ## **Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa | Baden-Baden, Germany** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/13-BrennersPark.webp) *Brenners Park* Germany’s Brenners Park runs the gamut of medical-spa treatments: Think everything from detox offerings to medical fitness regimes. Its signature, though, is its Ultimate Medical Health package, and its downright forensic. Here, you’ll get the ultimate inside look at your, well, insides, including an in-depth lab analysis—including urine and stool studies—a heart examination, a full-body MRI, and more. In addition to those tests, you’ll undergo two treatments to clear out your intestines and two more to increase the amount of oxygen that’s transported in the blood. At the end of the process, you’ll meet one-on-one with a pro from the medical team to go over your results—and determine how best to adapt your lifestyle to make any needed changes. *From about $46,500 for the 10-day Ultimate Medical Health package* ## **Revivo Wellness Resort | Bali** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/14-Revivo-Vitality-Center.webp) Revivo Already a bastion of wellness, Revivo Wellness Resort is upping the ante on its offerings in 2025: The Bali property just opened its Vitality Centre this past December. There, you can focus on all things longevity wth a wide variety of treatments. Choose to engage in pulsed electromagnetic therapy, which penerates deep into your tissue to decrease inflammation and promote detoxification. Or perhaps the team will set you up in some lymphatic-drainage compression boots. No matter which treatments you choose, you can expect custom-tailored meals to enjoy throughout you stay. The environs also help calm your nervous system, too, thanks to the nearly 40 hectares of lush forest. *From about $700 per night* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Travel **Tags:** luxury travel --- ### [At Po & Pilar, Bruce Ricketts Serves Us a Rich Family Story](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/at-po-pilar-bruce-ricketts-serves-us-a-rich-family-story/) **Published:** July 3, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** For *Just The Way My \_\_\_\_ Made It*, Po & Pilar is asking chefs to leave their usual signatures behind. The restaurant’s new takeover series invites guests to build a menu around someone who shaped their appetite, memory, and, of course, way of seeing food. Bruce Ricketts opens the series with a four-course dinner centered around some time-honored Cantonese favorites. At its core, his *Just The Way I Made It For My Dad* concept is about cooking the kind of meals he wishes he could make for his father now. “It’s my memories with my dad on different occasions, compiled into a four-course meal,” says Ricketts. “These are dishes we both love and that I wish I could prepare for him now that I know how to cook.” That relationship gives the dinner its emotional vantage point. Before Ricketts became one of Manila’s defining modern Japanese chefs, he trained first as a martial artist and worked with his father as a hand-to-hand combat instructor for the United States Armed Forces. He later cooked in San Diego before returning to Manila at 21, eventually opening Sensei, La Chinesca, Mecha Uma, and Iai. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/bruce-rickettsportriat.webp) The man behind the menu, in his element *Po & Pilar* Family, in this context, is specific rather than sentimental. For Ricketts, it comes from a life where discipline, work, and inheritance appear to have met early. That may also explain why this dinner will not simply feel like Iai transplanted into another room. “Because this is more memory-based and instinct-driven, it will definitely be dishes I haven’t done at Iai,” he says. “These are ideas that are near and dear to my heart.” That departure is exactly what Po & Pilar co-founder Jericson Co wanted from the series. “We’ve been part of the guest shift hamster wheel,” Co says. “We present tried-and-true drinks from The Curator, or the incoming guest does a tried-and-true set from their menu. While those are fun, I think what we have here is a little more intimate. We can tell a specific story. It’s a nice break and a challenge to riff on things we love.” Co remembers meeting Ricketts at an industry event and recognizing a fellowship of sorts around culinary mischief, playful and difficult at times. “I remember the first time I met Bruce and immediately clocked that he’s our kind of crazy,” he says. “It was fun to see him play with ideas and with his food.” Future editions will bring other guests into the Po & Pilar kitchen and behind its bar to explore their own formative relationships through food and drink. “I want guests to walk away dreaming of what they’d cook and riff on for the people most valuable to them,” notes Co. # A Memory in Four Courses ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Wagyu-Fried-Rice.webp) The menu opens with **Wagyu Fried Rice**, a comfort course with a touch of ceremony. It has the familiar pull of rice, fat, and heat, but the grains stay distinct, catching bits of beef and browned edges beneath a generous blanket of molten, gratinated cheese. Nostalgic in the best sense, the kind of dish that understands how to make neighborhood fried rice feel newly indulgent. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Cantonese-Style-French-Pigeon1.webp) The Cantonese-Style French Pigeon, cooked to perfection. *Po & Pilar* The Cantonese-style French Pigeon and Iberico Rib Asado give the menu its center of gravity. This pigeon dish noticeably is derived from the pleasures of Cantonese roast duck, with burnished skin and cleanly carved pieces arranged inside a ring of cucumber. That crisp, cool border does real work, cutting through the bird’s richness with some crunch and a faint green bitterness. The flavor moves through soy, malt, spice, and roasted depth, with the pigeon bringing something darker and more mineral compared to duck. Hard not to see the appeal. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Iberico-Rib-Asado.webp) The Iberico Rib Asado *Po & Pilar* The Iberico Rib Asado is the menu’s decadent proposition, a run of lacquered pork, rendered fat, and caramelized edges. Basil and cilantro cut through with a spiced-up, peppery lift, keeping the sweetness from sitting too heavily on the palate. It feels like asado after a few clever interventions, still familiar at heart, just anchored by this smoky quality, deepened by the glaze, then lifted by the brightness of the herbs. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Mango-Sago.webp) The Mango Sago *Po & Pilar* Punctuating the menu is a reimagined Mango Sago, with its lush, tropical sweetness. The cream and sago soften it into a gentler rhythm. Crisp cinnamon shards top off the dish, which, interestingly, keep it from becoming a little too predictable, adding crackle and contrast to all that fruit and silk. With Ricketts, *Just The Way My \_\_\_\_ Made It* begins with a father, and with an idea that has a longer aftertaste. Sometimes the meal you most want to cook is the one you learned how to make too late. *[Po & Pilar](https://poandpilar.com/) is located at 227 Salcedo Street, Legazpi Village, Makati City.* *Book a reservation today.* ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is Po & Pilar’s Just The Way My *\_\_* Made It series? Just The Way My *\_\_* Made It is Po & Pilar’s new takeover series that asks chefs and guests to create menus inspired by someone who shaped the way they eat, cook, remember, or experience food. Instead of serving their usual signatures, each guest builds a more personal menu around memory, influence, and relationships. ### Who is opening Po & Pilar’s new takeover series? Chef Bruce Ricketts of Iai opens the series with Just The Way I Made It For My Dad, a four-course dinner inspired by his father and the meals they shared. The menu includes Wagyu Fried Rice, Cantonese-style French Pigeon, Iberico Rib Asado, and a reimagined Mango Sago. ### What inspired Bruce Ricketts’ menu for Just The Way I Made It For My Dad? Bruce Ricketts’ menu is inspired by memories of his father and the dishes they both loved. Rather than bringing over the style of Iai, Ricketts created a memory-driven menu built around Cantonese favorites, family influence, and the food he wishes he could cook for his father now. **Categories:** Dining, Food & Drink **Tags:** bruce ricketts, Food, Iai, News, Ooma, Po & Pilar --- ### [10 Watches to Gift this Mother’s Day](https://robbreport.ph/watches/10-watches-to-gift-this-mothers-day/) **Published:** May 8, 2025 **Author:** Katrina Montinola **Content:** While finding the perfect Mother’s Day gift may pose a challenge, there is one timeless classic considered time and time again: a stylish [watch](https://robbreport.ph/watches/). Not only are watches an ideal accessory for any mom, but they serve as a practical gift that can be used every day. Watches also serve as a reminder of the person who gave them, which makes choosing the perfect watch for a loved one a worthy pursuit. Below is a list of top options to consider this Mother’s Day. ## **Rolex Lady Datejust in Oyster and Everose gold** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Rolex-Lady-Datejust.webp) This Rolex Datejust is a familiar model, made special with its delicate rosé color and diamond-set dial. The gold and steel bracelet, equipped with an Oysterclasp, the Easylink comfort extension link–also exclusive to Rolex–feels comfortable on the wrist. The grooved dial reflects light with every movement, emanating a unique glow when worn. With a signature Jubilee bracelet, one can’t go wrong with this piece. *Inquiries can be made at* [*Lucerne*](https://lucerneluxe.com/product/rolex-collection/lady-datejust/m279381rbr-0004/?location=M337%2058R,%20Lakandula%20Street,%20Diliman,%20Quezon%20City,%20Metro%20Manila,%20Philippines&radius=5)*.* ## **Patek Philippe Calatrava 4997 in rose gold** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Patek-Calatravs.webp) *Photos courtesy of Patek Philippe* For those who favor a touch of color on their wrist, Patek Philippe’s classic line of round wristwatches is a worthy option. Enter the Calatrava Reference 4997, presented in rose gold with a striking purple satin finish strap. The dial features a concentric wave pattern, captivating the wearer and giving the timepiece a captivating sense of depth. The bezel is intricately set with 76 diamonds, as precious as the one receiving it. *Inquiries can be made at* [*Lucerne*](https://www.patek.com/en/collection/calatrava/4997-200R-001)*.* ## **Gucci Interlocking Watch** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Gucci-Interlocking-watch-29mm.webp) *Photos courtesy of Gucci* This timepiece by Gucci features a 29 mm case with 8 diamonds and pink-gold details–a classic combination. The stainless steel bracelet makes this a quintessential accessory for all occasions. The Swiss-made watch, powered by a quartz movement, is embellished with the signature interlocking G logo–perfect for the effortlessly stylish mom. *This is available at* [*Gucci*](https://www.gucci.com/us/en/pr/jewelry-watches/watches/watches-for-women/gucci-interlocking-watch-29mm-p-796857I16F01108)*, Greenbelt 4.* ## **IWC Portugieser Chronograph** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/IWC-e1746709265148.webp) *Photos courtesy of IWC* There are those who prefer a contemporary leather strap, which is where the IWC Portugieser Chronograph comes to play. The 41-millimeter stainless steel case houses sapphire glass with an antireflective coating on both sides. A classy black alligator leather strap makes the watch easy to match and ideal for most occasions. *Inquiries can be made at* [*Lucerne*](https://www.iwc.com/at/de/watch-collections/portugieser/iw371604-portugieser-chronograph.html)*.* ## **Piaget Sixtie Watch** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Piaget-Sixtie-Watch-e1746709480219.webp) *Photos courtesy of Piaget* Perfect for the mother who favors a retro sense of style, this unique watch pays tribute to the 1960s, which Piaget dubs its Golden Age. “A Piaget watch is first and foremost a piece of jewellery,” said Yves Piaget, and the Sixtie is proof of this. The 29 mm trapeze-shaped case is elegantly complemented by a satin-brushed dial, with an option for a diamond-set bezel. An elegant bracelet, which comes in steel and 18-karat rose gold, adorns the wrist, channeling a classic sense of femininity. *Inquiries can be made at* [*Piaget*](https://www.piaget.com/ww-en/watches/sixtie/steel-rose-gold-watch-g0a50301)*.* ## **Vacheron Traditionnelle Perpetual Calendar** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Vacheron-Traditionnelle-Perpetua-e1746709315444.webp) Photos courtesy of Vache A standout from the Traditionnelle collection, this 36.5 mm model captures Vacheron’s mastery of ultra-thin complications. The mother-of-pearl dial, adorned with golden pink opaline moons and stars, is framed by a gem-set bezel. Each detail—meticulously finished by hand—evokes timeless grace and celestial beauty. As it feels light on the wrist, it’s an ideal option for a mother constantly on the move. Inquiries can be made at [Vacheron Constantin Greenbelt 5.](https://lucerneluxe.com/our-brands/vacheron-constantin/) ## **Tudor Black Bay 58** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Tudor-e1746709351504.webp) *Photos courtesy of Tudor* With a striking color, this Burgundy model from Tudor is definitely a statement piece that is worth a double look. This new edition of the Black Bay 58 has all the functional and design elements that make the “Big Crown” more than a diving watch. A nod to the 50s, this 39 mm steel timepiece blends the old and new. *Inquiries can be made at* [*Lucerne*](https://www.tudorwatch.com/en/watches/black-bay-58/m7939a1a0ru-0001)*.* ## **Rolex Day-Date 36** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Rolex-Day-Date-36.webp) *Photos courtesy of Rolex* Another noteworthy Rolex, this Day-Date 36 comes in a pink dial. The watch is made even more precious with its diamond-set bezel. There’s an undeniable touch that is present through the pink color and the placement of perfectly-cut diamonds throughout the timepiece. *Inquiries can be made at* [*Lucerne*](https://lucerneluxe.com/product/rolex-collection/day-date/m128399tbr-0029/?location=M337+58R,%20Lakandula%20Street,%20Diliman,%20Quezon%20City,%20Metro%20Manila,%20Philippines&radius=5)*.* ## **Panerai Luminor Due Luna Goldtech** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Panerai.webp) Known for withstanding the extreme conditions–from mountain adventures to journeys below sea level—Panerai watches are perfect for the most adventurous of mothers. The 38 mm Panerai Goldtech case frames an elegant mother-of-pearl dial. As with all Panerai models, this timepiece is water-resistant, glows in the dark, and can withstand 50-meter depth. The shiny blue alligator bracelet, of course, makes this piece a standout piece of jewelry. *Inquiries can be made at* [*Lucerne*](https://lucerneluxe.com/our-brands/panerai/)*.* ## **G-Frame Watch by Gucci** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/G-Frame-watch-14x34mm.webp) *Photos courtesy of Gucci* There are those who advocate for square watches, with good reason. Sleek and contemporary, they craft a unique but immediately fashionable look. Gucci’s 14×34 mm rendition is dainty on the wrist and effortlessly feminine. The pink dial features diamonds and Roman indexes, blending heritage details with a modern case shape. *This is available at* [*Gucci*](https://www.gucci.com/us/en/pr/jewelry-watches/watches/watches-for-women/g-frame-watch-14x34mm-p-817097I16F08591?srsltid=AfmBOooj7Sui4QSIM_gHKk9TcOkivTAtPVc41yQGlAPRJXshjRDtRbKB)*, Greenbelt 4.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** panerai, Patek Philippe, rolex, tudor, Vacheron Constantin, Watches --- ### [Inside Taylor Swift’s $150 Million Property Portfolio](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/homes/inside-taylor-swifts-150-million-property-portfolio/) **Published:** May 8, 2025 **Author:** Abby Montanez **Content:** When Taylor Swift isn’t lighting up stadiums or sparking headlines with her professional football-playing boyfriend Travis Kelce, she’s orchestrating a real estate empire that rivals even the most seasoned property moguls. The Grammy-winning songstress, who achieved billionaire status in 2023, largely thanks to the immense success of her blockbuster Eras tour, has crafted an impressive portfolio of residences valued at over $150 million, from the bustling streets of Manhattan to sun-soaked Beverly Hills. Much like her music, Swift’s homes are eclectic, polished, and unmistakably her. There’s the storied Rhode Island mansion that’s played host to her legendary Fourth of July parties—star-studded affairs attended by the likes of Emma Stone, Blake Lively, and Gigi Hadid—a sleek Nashville penthouse nodding to her country roots, and plenty more in between. Though she’s not known to have acquired any homes in the U.S. in a number of years, the Cruel Summer singer reportedly scooped up a home in London recently and has proven she’s equally as adept at navigating the world of ultra-luxury real estate as she is at conquering the charts. Let’s take a closer look at all the homes that anchor Swift’s glamorous yet grounded lifestyle. ## **Hendersonville Hideaway** Long before she filled stadiums and dominated the charts, Swift’s real estate journey began in Hendersonville, Tennessee, where her family relocated in 2003 to support her budding music career. In March 2004, they purchased a 6,800-square-foot waterfront home for $790,000. Set on over an acre along the Cumberland River, the spacious abode features four bedrooms and five bathrooms, offering serene views and quiet privacy just outside Nashville. Still owned by Swift’s parents, the property remains a sentimental cornerstone of her early years. ## **Nashville Condo** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2-1.webp) In 2009, Taylor Swift bought her first home, a $1.99 million penthouse in Nashville.Jason Kempin/Getty Images At just 20 years old, Swift made her first real estate move with the purchase of a luxury penthouse condo in Nashville’s upscale Adelicia building. Picked up in 2009 for $1.99 million, the 4,100-square-foot Music City crash pad features three bedrooms and four-and-a-half bathrooms, with soaring floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views of Music Row. Swift personally designed the interiors in a whimsically girlie, shabby-chic-meets-Alice-in-Wonderland style. ## **Forest Hills Home** It was long before the crossover entertainer added another Southern gem to her real estate portfolio with the $2.5 million purchase of a stately Greek Revival estate in Nashville’s exclusive Forest Hills neighborhood in mid-2011. Set on six manicured acres, the 5,600-square-foot main residence includes four bedrooms and four and a half bathrooms, complemented by a 2,000-square-foot guesthouse. The elegant interiors feature vaulted ceilings, herringbone wood floors, and marble fireplaces. The grand estate, nicknamed Northumberland, is still owned by Swift and is where her mother Andrea resides. ## **Rhode Island Mansion** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/3-1.webp) The singer’s $17.75 million Rhode Island mansion was once owned by Rebekah Harkness.Matthew J. Lee/The Boston Globe via Getty Images Perched atop the highest point of Watch Hill, Swift’s sprawling Rhode Island estate is one of her most iconic purchases. Hoovered up in April 2013 for $17.75 million, the 11,700-square-foot mansion boasts seven bedrooms, nine bathrooms, eight fireplaces, and panoramic views of Block Island Sound and Montauk Point. The historic property was once home to eccentric heiress Rebekah Harkness, whom Swift immortalized in her 2020 track The Last Great American Dynasty. Known for hosting legendary Fourth of July parties at the estate, Swift is reportedly undertaking a $1.7 million expansion—a new bedroom suite, additional bathrooms, and a full kitchen renovation—solidifying the estate’s status as a coastal palace befitting pop royalty. ## **New York City Penthouses** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/4.webp) Swift’s [Tribeca](https://robbreport.com/tag/tribeca/) holdings include two penthouses bought in 2014 for $19.95 million.Google Earth Swift’s Tribeca takeover began in 2014, when she purchased two adjacent penthouses from Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson for a combined $19.95 million. The penthouses—one about 5,900 square feet with seven bedrooms and five baths, the other roughly 2,400 square feet with three bedrooms and three-and-a-half baths—were seamlessly combined into a sprawling 10-bedroom, 10-bathroom duplex complete with a billiards room and sweeping staircase. In November 2017, Swift expanded her domain, purchasing a 3,500-square-foot, three-bedroom loft on the building’s second floor for $9.75 million from financier Jeremy Phillips. ## **Beverly Hills Estate** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/6-1.webp) In 2015, Swift bought a historic Georgian Revival mansion in Beverly Hills for $25 million.Google Earth Having already owned a couple of homes in L.A., in September 2015, Swift set her sights on a storied slice of Hollywood history: an 11,000-square-foot Georgian Revival estate in Beverly Hills formerly owned by legendary film producer Samuel Goldwyn. The $25 million mansion, built in 1934, comprises seven bedrooms and six bathrooms. Swift successfully petitioned the Beverly Hills City Council in 2017 to designate the home as a historic city landmark. Of the three Los Angeles homes Swift has owned over the years, this pedigreed residence stands as the crown jewel. ## **Tribeca Townhouse** In September 2017, Taylor Swift added a Tribeca trophy to her real estate portfolio, snapping up a historic townhouse for $18 million. The 5,148-square-foot, 27-foot-wide residence—once owned by disgraced French diplomat Dominique Strauss-Kahn—was purchased via Euro Tribeca LLC, a shell company tied to Swift’s longtime real estate attorney. Built in 1915 and masterfully renovated by architect Leopoldo Rosati, the three-story home features four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a gym, a spa with a steam bath, radiant-heated limestone floors, and a paparazzi-proof garage. A Japanese glass wall frames the planted terrace, ensuring privacy and serenity in the heart of downtown Manhattan. ## **For So Long, London** Rumor has it that in 2023, Swift quietly snapped up a £10 million (roughly $13 million) home in one of North London’s most exclusive enclaves. Swift is no stranger to U.K. real estate—she’s previously rented homes in the Cotswolds and famously shared a Primrose Hill townhouse with ex-boyfriend Joe Alwyn. But this time, numerous unconfirmed reports say she’s officially pulled the trigger, turning her long-running love affair with the British capital into something a little more permanent. The spread, reportedly once owned by an English politician, is undergoing significant renovations, with planning documents hinting at a private compound that includes a swimming pool and an orangery. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Entertainment, Home & Design, Homes **Tags:** new york, real estate, TAYLOR SWIFT --- ### [The 11 Best Japanese Whiskies to Buy Now](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/the-11-best-japanese-whiskies-to-buy-now/) **Published:** January 23, 2026 **Author:** Jonah Flicker **Content:** If you’re in the market for the best Japanese whisky available, there are some factors to consider. A few years ago, many distilleries and brands signed onto guidelines set by the Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association, an attempt to more clearly define the category. In the past, some bottles labeled as Japanese whisky actually contained whisky produced in Scotland or other countries. This new agreement labels those as “world whiskies,” with the requirement that true Japanese whisky be distilled and aged in Japan (among a few other rules). There are different styles of Japanese whisky to consider, including single malts, blends, peated, grain, and different cask finishes. The good news is that there are many excellent Japanese whiskies out there, so we’ve put together this list to help steer you towards some of the best bottles to buy in different categories. Happy hunting, and cheers. ## Best Overall Japanese Whisky: Hakushu 12 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Hakushu_12.webp) *Photo: Suntory* Suntory, the biggest name in Japanese whisky, operates two different malt whisky distilleries, as well as one that makes grain whisky. While the company’s Yamazaki operation has a very popular, high-quality lineup, its Hakushu facility is arguably making even better whisky. Located in the mountains outside of Tokyo, the distillery produces gently smoky and brightly flavored single malts, with the 12-year-old anchoring the portfolio. Green apple, lemon, vanilla and caramel notes intermingle, making this a whisky you won’t soon forget. ## Best Single Malt: Yoichi Single Malt 10-Year-Old ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Nikka_Yoichi_10.webp) *Photo: Nikka Whisky* Nikka removed the age statements from its Yoichi whisky brand more than a decade ago in 2015 (Yoichi is one of the two distilleries operated by Nikka, the other being Miyagikyo). So the return of Yoichi Single Malt 10-Year-Old a few years back was a big step for the company, which is second only to Suntory as far as sales and name recognition. This 10-year-old expression is a lovely single malt, with notes of stone fruit, honey, oak, and caramel on the palate making it a must try for anyone interested in the category. ## Best Blended Japanese Whisky: Mars Iwai 45 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Mars_Iwai_45.webp) *Photo: Mars Whisky* One of the best Japanese blends comes from Mars Shinshu, which holds the title of being Japan’s highest elevation whisky distillery. This expression is distilled in Nagano at Mars’ Komagatake Distillery, and at 90 proof (hence, the 45 in the name referring to the ABV), it’s stronger than the core expression. This is a blend of whiskies aged in ex-bourbon barrels, mostly grain with some malt in the mix, that is a great choice to use in cocktails but good enough to sip on its own as well. ## Best Grain Japanese Whisky: Nikka Coffey Grain ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Nikka_Coffey_Grain_Whisky.webp) *Photo: Nikka* Nikka Coffey Grain is made from a mashbill that is mostly comprised of corn, as opposed to a single malt which is made from 100 percent malted barley. This is a Japanese whisky for bourbon lovers, produced in continuous column stills instead of pot stills and matured in American ex-whiskey barrels. The liquid is full of notes of caramel, vanilla, fruit, and butterscotch, with a bit of spice on the finish. Try this next to the Coffey Malt from Nikka to really see the difference in styles. ## Besk Cask Finish Japanese Whisky: Iwai Tradition Sherry Cask Finish ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Iwai_Sherry_Cask.webp) *Photo: Mars Whisky* While not nearly as common a practice as it is in the world of scotch, Japanese whisky is sometimes finished in sherry casks. This blend from Mars Whisky takes the original Iwai Tradition expression and finishes it in sweet Pedro Ximenez sherry barrels for nearly a year, imbuing the whisky with notes of raisin, fig, and baking spice. If you’re a fan of the Macallan, give this bottle a try to see how differently the styles of whisky react to this type of secondary maturation. ## Best Cask Strength Japanese Whisky: Asaka Bourbon Cask Reserve ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/asaka_single_malt_japanese_whisky.webp) *Photo: Asaka* Bourbon Reserve Cask was the first release from [Asaka](https://robbreport.com/food-drink/spirits/asaka-single-malt-california-wine-japanese-whisky-1234741280/) available here in the U.S. when it came out a few years ago. This batch was bottled at a hefty cask strength of 61 percent ABV, or “genshu” as it’s referred to on the label (a term that is usually used for unfiltered sake). The whisky is non-chill filtered, has no color added, and was limited to just 480 bottles from the two barrels used for this release. Look for notes of mango, pineapple, vanilla custard, and lemon zest on the palate. And don’t be afraid to add a few drops of water to open this high-proof whisky up. ## Best Age Statement Japanese Whisky: Yamazaki 12 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/230316_01_SUNTORY_YAMAZAKI-12_CROPPED_H.webp) *Photo: Suntory* This is the bottle that started the journey into the world of Japanese whisky for so many people, a classic expression aged for 12 years that is as dependable and solid a pick as you can find. Yamazaki 12, produced by Suntory at its eponymous distillery, has become more expensive and rare over the years, but it’s still worth buying when you can find a bottle. This flagship expression has been around since 1984, and has a nice balance of malt, spice, and fruit notes on the palate. ## Best World Whisky: Nikka From the Barrel Extra Marriage ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Nikka_From_The_Barrel_Extra_Marriage.webp) *Photo: Nikka* [Nikka](https://robbreport.com/food-drink/spirits/japanese-whisky-nikka-yoichi-ten-year-old-single-malt-1234837031/) From the Barrel Extra Marriage is a riff on the original expression which arrived here in the U.S. in 2018. To celebrate the whisky’s 40th anniversary, [Nikka](https://robbreport.com/food-drink/spirits/nikka-japanese-whisky-discovery-series-1234753075/) decided to extend the time that the components in the blend are married together before bottling (hence, the name). From the Barrel is actually a world whisky because it incorporates whiskies that were not distilled in [Japan](https://robbreport.com/tag/japan/), and therefore does not meet the (still totally voluntary) guidelines that define Japanese whisky. The majority of those components, which number more than 100, are malt and grain whiskies from two of [Nikka](https://robbreport.com/tag/nikka/)‘s distilleries, Yoichi and Miyagikyo, but there are also component whiskies distilled in Scotland in the mix. ## Best Japanese Whisky Under $50: Toki Black ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Toki_Black_Whisky.webp) *Photo: Suntory* Suntory launched its non-age statement blended whisky, Toki, a few years ago. The intention for this affordable expression was to be used in cocktails, [specifically highballs](https://robbreport.com/food-drink/spirits/best-japanese-whisky-highball-rescipe-1234625097/), and it served that purpose well. But last year Suntory launched Toki Black, a smokier version of the original. It’s a blend of malt and grain whisky, with the most prominent component—flavor-wise—being peated malt whisky from Hakushu, along with some grain whisky produced at that distillery (a first for Suntory). The result is a whisky that is arguably better than the original, but still very affordable. ## Best Japanese Whisky Under $100: Fuji Single Malt ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Fuji_Single_Malt.webp) *Photo: Fuji* Fuji introduced this new single malt to its U.S. portfolio last fall, adding to a lineup that included a single grain whisky and a blended whisky. The whisky is made at the Fuji Gotemba Distillery from a mashbill of 100 percent malted barley and aged in a variety of casks, including American white oak and French oak red wine barrels, before being bottled at 92 proof. This is a great new Japanese single malt that will cost you less than 100 bucks, a relative bargain in a world of extremely high-priced age statement expressions. ## Best Splurge Japanese Whisky: Hibiki 21 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/hibiki-21.webp) *Photo: Suntory* Suntory’s Hibiki label is one of the best in the blended whisky category. The company discontinued the 17-year age statement expression a while back, and while there are some more affordable non-age statement expressions to try, the 21-year-old (now the youngest age statement in the lineup) is absolutely worth the splurge. Of course, you could really step up your game and try the 30 or [40-year-old versions](https://robbreport.com/food-drink/spirits/suntory-hibiki-40-japanese-whisky-1235893129/), but for about a thousand bucks this whisky, which is a blend of liquid from all three of Suntory’s malt and grain distilleries, delivers in terms of flavor and texture. ## How We Selected Our Japanese Whisky ### What is Japanese whisky? As mentioned in the introduction, there are some guidelines set by the Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association that define Japanese whisky, but these are not yet legally binding (most major producers voluntarily follow them, however). The rules are as follows: malted grain must be in the mashbill, along with other cereal grains; the water used must be from Japan; all production steps must take place in Japan; the whisky must be aged for a minimum of three years; caramel coloring is allowed to be used (similar to scotch); and whisky must be bottled at a minimum of 80 proof. ### How should you drink Japanese whisky? The short answer is however you like it—there is no wrong or right way to enjoy Japanese whisky. That being said, it’s a good idea to at least taste it neat to really discover its character. From there, drink it however you like—over ice, with some water added, or in any cocktail you can think of, with the most popular being the classic highball. ### How did we choose the Japanese whisky on this list? We considered different factors when picking these whiskies, with the emphasis being on taste. Because after all, despite a bottle’s availability or the hype surrounding it, that is the most important thing. Tasting Japanese whisky involves a combination of sensations, including the nose, palate, mouthfeel, and finish. And each category has different characteristics, so part of the process is to consider how an individual pick fits into its style overall. The bottles on this list represent the best whiskies based on all of these options, providing a good overview of selections you can easily purchase in person or online that are good examples of each individual category. ### Why should you trust us? [Jonah Flicker](https://robbreport.com/author/jonah-flicker/) has been writing about whiskey and other spirits for over a decade, visiting distilleries around the world to meet the people behind the bottles and find out more about their stories. He is a judge for the John Barleycorn Awards and New York World Wine and Spirits Competition and leads private tastings, and his work has appeared in many national other lifestyle outlets besides *Robb Report*, including *Esquire*, *Food & Wine*, *Men’s Journal*, CNN, *USA Today* and more. - [Best Overall Japanese Whisky: Hakushu 12](https://clicks.trx-hub.com/xid/pmc_0aaa4_robbreport?q=https%3A%2F%2Fgo.skimresources.com%3Fid%3D87443X1569519%26xs%3D1%26url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.reservebar.com%252Fproducts%252Fhakushu-12-year-old-single-malt-japanese-whisky%252FGROUPING-42201%26sref%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Frobbreport.com%252Ffood-drink%252Fspirits%252Flists%252Fbest-japanese-whisky-brands-1237508036%252F&p=https%3A%2F%2Frobbreport.com%2Ffood-drink%2Fspirits%2Flists%2Fbest-japanese-whisky-brands-1237508036%2F&ref=&event_type=click&trx-iid=iid1768982183123hgc) - [Best Single Malt: Yoichi Single Malt 10-Year-Old](https://www.missionliquor.com/products/nikka-yoichi-10-year-old-japanese-single-malt-whisky-750ml-limit-1) - [Best Blended Japanese Whisky: Mars Iwai 45](https://www.saratogawine.com/product/mars-shinshu-whisky-iwai-45-750ml/?srsltid=AfmBOoofHhce-GMDRSY-DXDXsvm_-RuAmFEQSCgKJxJYVy3RUizA8nB1Nos) - [Best Grain Japanese Whisky: Nikka Coffey Grain](https://www.bottleshop.com/products/13595092/nikka-coffey-grain-whisky?) - [Besk Cask Finish Japanese Whisky: Iwai Tradition Sherry Cask Finish](https://winechateau.com/products/whisky-iwai-tradition-sherry-cask-mars-distillery) - [Best Cask Strength Japanese Whisky: Asaka Bourbon Cask Reserve](https://canalponds.com/shop/product/yamazakura-asaka-single-malt-bourbon-cask-reserve-batch-no-japanese-whisky/62e1a8b636613a49f01aa478?option-id=a332da7fe13c9e6d51e85f78e1bcc119fb1d0f81741e061c36490b8b96896869) - [Best Age Statement Japanese Whisky: Yamazaki 12](https://clicks.trx-hub.com/xid/pmc_0aaa4_robbreport?q=https%3A%2F%2Fgo.skimresources.com%3Fid%3D87443X1569519%26xs%3D1%26url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.reservebar.com%252Fproducts%252Fyamazaki-12-year-old-single-malt-japanese-whisky%252FGROUPING-43667%26sref%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Frobbreport.com%252Ffood-drink%252Fspirits%252Flists%252Fbest-japanese-whisky-brands-1237508036%252F&p=https%3A%2F%2Frobbreport.com%2Ffood-drink%2Fspirits%2Flists%2Fbest-japanese-whisky-brands-1237508036%2F&ref=&event_type=click&trx-iid=iid1768982183123hgc) - [Best World Whisky: Nikka From the Barrel Extra Marriage](https://nikkawhiskyusa.com/products/nikka-from-the-barrel-extra-marriage?srsltid=AfmBOop0uVBb9BMoUwA7RIFPigKfIwJL2JjtMYpML0H0v6BnrxeoeCm_) - [Best Japanese Whisky Under $50: Toki Black](https://clicks.trx-hub.com/xid/pmc_0aaa4_robbreport?q=https%3A%2F%2Fgo.skimresources.com%3Fid%3D87443X1569519%26xs%3D1%26url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.reservebar.com%252Fproducts%252Ftoki-black-japanese-whisky%252FGROUPING-2540851%26sref%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Frobbreport.com%252Ffood-drink%252Fspirits%252Flists%252Fbest-japanese-whisky-brands-1237508036%252F&p=https%3A%2F%2Frobbreport.com%2Ffood-drink%2Fspirits%2Flists%2Fbest-japanese-whisky-brands-1237508036%2F&ref=&event_type=click&trx-iid=iid1768982183123hgc) - [Best Japanese Whisky Under $100: Fuji Single Malt](https://www.winex.com/fuji-japanese-whisky.html) - [Best Splurge Japanese Whisky: Hibiki 21](https://clicks.trx-hub.com/xid/pmc_0aaa4_robbreport?q=https%3A%2F%2Fgo.skimresources.com%3Fid%3D87443X1569519%26xs%3D1%26url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.reservebar.com%252Fproducts%252Fhibiki-21-year-old-japanese-whisky%252FGROUPING-243140%26sref%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Frobbreport.com%252Ffood-drink%252Fspirits%252Flists%252Fbest-japanese-whisky-brands-1237508036%252F&p=https%3A%2F%2Frobbreport.com%2Ffood-drink%2Fspirits%2Flists%2Fbest-japanese-whisky-brands-1237508036%2F&ref=&event_type=click&trx-iid=iid1768982183123hgc) *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.[](https://www.reservebar.com/products/hibiki-21-year-old-japanese-whisky/GROUPING-243140?utm_source=pepperjam&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=21181&clickId=5360609512)*[](https://www.winex.com/fuji-japanese-whisky.html) [](https://clicks.trx-hub.com/xid/pmc_0aaa4_robbreport?q=https%3A%2F%2Fgo.skimresources.com%3Fid%3D87443X1569519%26xs%3D1%26url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.reservebar.com%252Fproducts%252Ftoki-black-japanese-whisky%252FGROUPING-2540851%26sref%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Frobbreport.com%252Ffood-drink%252Fspirits%252Flists%252Fbest-japanese-whisky-brands-1237508036%252F&p=https%3A%2F%2Frobbreport.com%2Ffood-drink%2Fspirits%2Flists%2Fbest-japanese-whisky-brands-1237508036%2F&ref=&event_type=click&trx-iid=iid1768982183123hgc) [](https://nikkawhiskyusa.com/products/nikka-from-the-barrel-extra-marriage?srsltid=AfmBOop0uVBb9BMoUwA7RIFPigKfIwJL2JjtMYpML0H0v6BnrxeoeCm_)[](https://www.bottleshop.com/products/13595092/nikka-coffey-grain-whisky?) [](https://www.missionliquor.com/products/nikka-yoichi-10-year-old-japanese-single-malt-whisky-750ml-limit-1) **Categories:** Food & Drink **Tags:** Evergreen, Japanese whisky, Nikka, Suntory, whisky --- ### [The 4 Best Destinations to Visit by Bush Plane, From Australia to Tanzania](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/the-4-best-destinations-to-visit-by-bush-plane-from-australia-to-tanzania/) **Published:** May 6, 2025 **Author:** Michael Verdon **Content:** Whether it’s threading around jagged mountain peaks, puddle-hopping a chain of far-flung isles, or making the final approach to that exclusive lodge left off every map, travel to some of the world’s most pristine locations is often possible only by small aircraft. Yet such isolated and difficult terrain is what makes these oases so relatively untouched in the first place—and another reason why they’re not to be missed. Here, four destinations best visited by bush plane. ## Sheldon Chalet | Alaska ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2.webp) *Courtesy of Sheldon Chalet* Located in south-central Alaska’s Halibut Cove, Ridgewood Wilderness Lodge can be reached by floatplane with Northwind Aviation. Abundant wildlife, salmon fishing, hiking, and kayaking are part of the lodge’s attractions. At the other extreme, [Sheldon Chalet](https://www.sheldonchalet.com/) is accessed only by helicopter—arranged in-house—as it’s perched on an outcropping in the Don Sheldon Amphitheater in Denali National Park. The only sign of civilization for miles, its hexagonal structure has an observation deck for viewing not only the alpine wonderland but also the heavenly aurora borealis. ## Southern Ocean Lodge Kangaroo Island | Australia ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/3.webp) *Courtesy of Southern Ocean Lodge* Since 1977, Air Adventure has created bespoke packages for guests aboard its Pilatus PC-12, visiting hidden havens across Australia. A five-day trip could include the popular 12 Apostles coastal landmark and Kangaroo Island’s [Southern Ocean Lodge](https://southernoceanlodge.com.au/) and then a flight inland to Australia’s outback for exceptional views of the Uluru monolith from [Longitude 131’s](https://longitude131.com.au/destination/) luxurious backcountry structures. That can be followed with another flight for an unexpectedly upscale lunch in Parachilna (with its population of two) at the restored Prairie Hotel. As a destination, Australia never ceases to amaze, with dramatic desert, tropical, and even subtropical backdrops. ## Minaret Station | New Zealand’s South Island ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/6.webp) *Courtesy of Minaret Station* Those who watched the *Lord of the Rings* film series will recall the raw, ever-changing beauty of New Zealand’s South Island. Lodges, reachable only by chopper or small plane, such as those from Pelorus Air, create a circuit for both golfers and wine aficionados as well as for hikers looking to explore peaks, glaciers, and deep-river gorges à la hobbits Frodo and Sam. Boutique accommodations include Blanket Bay, [Minaret Station](https://minaretstation.com/), and Fiordland Lodge, featuring exceptional cuisine paired with some of the South Island’s most dramatic vistas. ## Singita Sasakwa Lodge | North Tanzania ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/45.webp) *KarinSchermbrucker* Two tony safari experiences are accessible in Tanzania via bush plane, which Safari Air Link can provide. Modeled on an Edwardian manor house, Singita Sasakwa Lodge overlooks the Singita Grumeti reserve, a 350,000-acre concession beside Serengeti National Park. The stylized cottages have verandas with savanna views right out of The Lion King. The 10-suite Mwiba Lodge, by contrast, overlooks a rocky gorge on the Arugusinyai River, with a freshwater spring attracting elephants, rhinos, and buffalo. Both lodges have spas to enhance the local environment’s grounding effects. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US*. **Categories:** Aviation, Travel **Tags:** luxury travel --- ### [From Bulgari to Louis Vuitton: Every New Timepiece Unveiled at LVMH Watch Week](https://robbreport.ph/watches/from-bulgari-to-louis-vuitton-every-new-timepiece-unveiled-at-lvmh-watch-week/) **Published:** January 23, 2026 **Author:** Paige Reddinger **Content:** ## Bulgari Tubogas Manchette ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Bulgari-Tubogas-Manchette.webp) *Photo: Bulgari* Although the Tubogas bracelet took root in the 1940s at Bulgari, the Italian maker looked to 1974 to realize this stunning high jewelry timepiece. But its construction proved no simple feat. While its geometry is the same as the original, the gem-set design is entirely new. Each section of the coil had to be meticulously set with 11.98 carats of diamonds, while 1.06 carats of spessartites, 1.05 carats of citrines, 0.87 carats of rubellites, 0.62 carats of peridots, 0.63 carats of amethysts, and 0.59 carats of topazes are scattered throughout. But for a watch of this magnitude, Bulgari required an equally robust movement. The watch is powered by the Lady Solotempo Automatic BVS100, which also equips the Serpenti Tubogas and Serpenti Seduttori. The minute mechanical caliber measures just 19 mm by 3.9 mm and manages to pack in 102 components. It weighs a mere 5 grams, but boasts a 50 hour power reserve and operates at a high frequency of 21,600 vph. It’s proof that Bulgari considers its female clients above a simple quartz movement—offering craftsmanship at every level. **Price:** Upon request **Material:** 18-karat yellow gold, diamonds, spessartites, citrines, rubellites, peridots, amethysts, topaz **Size:** 135 mm ## Bulgari Maglia Milanese Monete ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Bvlgari-Maglia-Milanese-Monete-Secret-Watch.webp) *Photo: Bulgari* Bulgari’s Monete jewelry—first introduced in the ’60s, wildly popular again in the ’80s, and experiencing a new generation of admirers now—is nothing short of legendary. You won’t find them easily available in the modern lineup and that’s for good reason: they’re incredibly difficult to source and make. The line’s signature coins date, naturally, back to Roman times and the one on this singular Maglia Milanese Monete watch dates specifically to 198-297 AD and depicts Emperor Caracalla surrounded by an octagonal frame of diamonds. Adding to its historic touch is a beautiful Milanese bracelet—an Italian goldsmithing craft dating back to the Renaissance but made popular in watches during the 19th century. Surprisingly, the bracelet is a first at the house of Bulgari and the first time for a pin buckle, adding to the provenance of the piece. Beneath its hunter-style case is a timepiece with a mother-of-pearl dial and diamond hour markers surrounded by sun-ray engraving. It is powered by the Piccolissimo BVP100, the world’s smallest round caliber with a diameter of 13.50 mm, a thickness of 2.50 mm, and a weight of 1.9 g, comprising 102 components. The movement was introduced in 2022, but now appears with a sapphire crystal case back and winding crown. **Price:** Upon request **Case material:** 18-karat rose gold and diamonds **Size:** 135-145-155 mm or 160-170-180 mm ## Daniel Roth Extra Plat Rose Gold Skeleton ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Daniel-Roth-Skeleton.webp) *Photo: Daniel Roth* After reviving Daniel Roth’s eponymous business in 2023, Louis Vuitton has been steadily releasing novelties that capture the master watchmaker’s love for both the tourbillon as well as the extra-thin mechanical movement. In the new Daniel Roth Extra Plat Rose Gold Skeleton, LV—and its in-house watchmaking arm, La Fabrique du Temps—imagines the Extra Plat in an openworked version in which the movement’s beauty is revealed in full. Said movement, the hand-wound cal. DR002SR, was developed specifically for this watch; though based upon the extant DR002, it utilized freshly designed bridges and plates designed in 18K 5N rose gold, which matches the watch’s double-ellipse case—a signature of the Daniel Roth *maison*. Beautifully finished and proportioned, it’s evidence of Roth’s personal philosophy that considered the extra-thin movement as a complication in its own right. **Price:** CHF 85,000 **Case Material:** Rose gold **Size:** 35.5 mm ## Gérald Genta Geneva Time Only Marrone and Grafite ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Gerald-Genta-Geneva-Time-Only.webp) *Photo: Gérald Genta* In a sequel to the Geneva Minute Repeater from last year’s Geneva Watch Days, Gérald Genta is dropping two time-only interpretations of its beautiful Geneva watch. Housed in a 38 mm tonneau-shaped case in rose or white gold, it features a single lug paired to a calfskin leather strap in stunning dial-matching tones, a stepped bezel, and a mix of polished and satin surfaces. An outer railroad minute track in white follows the shape of case, while an inner grained section in brown (rose gold case) or grey (white gold case) is set with applied rose gold indices and matching pencil hands. Measuring just 8.15 mm and powered by the Zenith Elite cal. GG-005P automatic movement, it’s a lovely opening salvo to 2026, and should be on the short list for the year’s best dress watches. **Price:** $25,000 **Case Material:** 18-karat rose gold or white gold **Size:** 38 mm ## Hublot Big Bang Unico SR\_A ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Hublot-Big-Bang-SR-Samuel-Ross.webp) *Photo: Hublot* Having partnered with Hublot to design three Big Bang Tourbillon references, lauded British multi-disciplinary artist, creative director, and fashion designer Samuel Ross is now trying his hand at the Swiss marque’s Big Bang Unico chronograph platform. The aptly named Big Bang Unico SR\_A combines many of Ross’s signature design codes into a sleek limited-edition of 200 pieces: In addition to its monochromatic bent, the watch also boasts a honeycomb motif throughout the skeletonized dial and structured rubber bracelet, which serves to reduce both visual as well as physical weight. “There’s always been this focus on utility,” Ross says of the through line in his various design disciplines. Military chronographs in particular played a role in his early thinking about watches—something that surfaces, albeit subtly, in the tactical, all-black aesthetic of the Big Bang. “That whole perspective of personifying adventure and affirming a sense of self through practical use sticks out; this idea of utilitarian watches, of performance watches, is always something that has existed within my periphery.” **Price:** $31,200 **Case Material:** Ceramic **Size:** 42 mm ## Hublot Big Bang Tourbillon Novak Djokovic GOAT Edition ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Hublot-Big-Bang-Tourbillon-Novak-Djokovic.webp) *Photo: Hublot* This funky set of three differently-colored tourbillon watches celebrates Hublot brand ambassador Novak Djokovic, the tennis’s undisputed G.O.A.T. Composed of a special composite derived from Djokovic’s recycled Lacoste polos and tennis rackets, it’s available in shades that celebrate his wins on three different types of surfaces: green for grass, orange for clay, and blue for hard courts. Beyond the eye-catching case material—which is complemented by a white rubber strap with accents that match the case color—each features a dial inspired by tennis rackets: What appears to be a lattice-like network of “strings” is actually a single filament just 0.55 mm thick that snakes its way across the mainplate; the movement’s barrel, meanwhile, delivers 72 hours of power reserve. Individually numbered but not limited, the GOAT Edition will be available in an initial run of 101 pieces. **Price:** $95,000 **Case Material:** Composite/Titaplast **Size:** 44 mm ## Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph Europa League ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Hublot-Classic-Fusion-Chronograph-UEFA-Europa-League-Titanium-Carbon.webp) *Photo: Hublot* If you’re a huge fan of European football, this piece is for you. Hublot has been a licensee and official timekeeper of the UEFA Europa League since 2015, but in the last decade it has only released two limited editions tied to the game. This year, brings a satin-finished and polished titanium chronograph, limited to 50 pieces, rings in the new year. Decked in the UEFA’s official colors, it sports a carbon bezel with fleck of orange micro-glass fibers surrounding a black dial. Due to the construction of the bezel, each one is unique based on the pattern the fibers produce. On the subcounter at 3 o’clock is the UEFA logo. Powered by the UB1153 automatic chronograph movement with a Swiss lever escapement, it operates at a frequency of 28,800 vph and has approximately 48 hours of power reserve. As CEO Julien Tornare puts it in a press statement ahead of LVMH watch week, the idea is to strike a balance between die hard fans of the UEFA and European football and those that are simply drawn to the watch as an everyday timepiece. **Price:** $14,800, limited to 50 **Case Material:** titanium **Case Size:** 42 mm by 11.9 mm ## Hublot Classic Fusion Sage Green Editions ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Hublot-Classic-Fusions-Sage-Green-Editions.webp) *Photo: Hublot* The new sage green watches in Hublot’s Classic Fusion line offer a welcome softer side to the watchmaker’s offering. The muted green tone has been gaining popularity for its versatility that marries a vintage feel that still seems contemporary. The bonus is the color can appeal across genders…which may make your case for buying a new watch just a tad more compelling when convincing a significant other. All three models come in titanium, but are offered in different sizing options in 33 mm, 42 mm, and 45 mm. The smallest model comes with a diamond bezel, ostensibly aimed at women, but equally appealing for a man wanting a smaller timepiece with a little extra pizzazz. There is a time-only version for someone that likes the vibe of the classic fusion, but prefers a more minimalist look and then there’s the more macho 45 mm chronograph that will likely appeal to Hublot’s more standard clientele. But what the sage green does for the line is offer something that could appeal to someone who wouldn’t normally be drawn to the often bolder offerings from the brand. **Price:** $12,300 for the chronograph; $8,900 for the titanium model; $10,500 for the titanium model in diamonds **Case material:** titanium **Case Size:** 45 mm for the chronograph; 42 mm for the titanium model; 33 mm for the titanium model with diamonds ## Hublot Big Bang Coal Blue Editions ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Hublot-Big-Bang-Coal-Blue-Editions.webp) *Photo: Hublot* Hublot has never exactly been shy about color—this is the brand that helped turn high-tech ceramics into a full-on rainbow—but its latest Big Bang and Spirit of Big Bang introductions take a more intriguing route. Enter Coal Blue, a new shade developed specifically for four fresh references that feels less “poolside” and more “storm cloud over the Alps.” It’s a nice pivot for the Big Bang family, which has historically leaned into high-saturation brights, and it gives the collection a lighter swagger while still evoking the brand’s sporty, bold vibe. The color arrives across two core pillars of the line: the 43 mm Big Bang Original Unico and the 42 mm Spirit of Big Bang, both featuring a new solid dial stamped with a geometric, carbon-fiber-inspired pattern that adds depth via alternating polished and satin-finished squares. The Unico version keeps things firmly in Hublot’s modern lane with its in-house flyback chronograph movement and three-day power reserve, while the Spirit’s high-frequency chronograph brings extra kinetic energy to the tonneau-shaped case. Rounding out the quartet are two diamond-bezel options—the 33 mm Big Bang One Click and 32 mm Spirit of Big Bang—that let Coal Blue play against flashes of light and steel. Sometimes toning it down looks like turning it up. **Price:** Big Bang Coal Blue 43 mm $19,400; Spirit of Big Bang Coal Blue 42 mm $22,900; Big Bang One Click Coal Blue Diamonds 33 mm $14,800; Spirit of Big Bang Coal Blue Diamonds 32 mm $20,800 **Case material:** titanium **Case size:** Big Bang Coal Blue 43 mm; Spirit of Big Bang Coal Blue 42 mm; Big Bang One Click Coal Blue Diamonds 33 mm; Spirit of Big Bang Coal Blue Diamonds 32 mm ## Hublot Big Bang Original Unico ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/HUBLOT_BIG-BANG-ORIGINAL-UNICO-2.webp) *Photo: Hublot* After the Big Bang celebrated its 20-year anniversary in 2025, the Hublot staple is getting an upgrade with the brand’s first in-house Unico chronograph movement, first unveiled in 2010. The caliber integrates a column wheel, a dual clutch structure, a silicon escapement, an optimized gear train, and a skeletonized tungsten rotor open-worked in the shape of an H. It now comes with a sapphire crystal caseback for a better view of the Unico movement—which offers 72 hours of power reserve—at work. The overlook remains true to the Big Bang’s roots, but sizing now comes in 43 mm—which sits in the middle of the previous 41 mm and 44 mm sizing. Smoother lugs, softer finishing, and beveled edges are also part of the new equation for the Big Bang. Topping it off is a dial in carbon pattern with elevated counters and tone-on-tone rehauts. The strap also integrates the brands One Click system to easily switch between styles. For the Big Bang Unico debut, there are four models in the brand’s signature high-tech materials: black ceramic a.k.a Black Magic with a black ceramic bezel, titanium with a titanium bezel, titanium with a black ceramic bezel, and King Gold with a black ceramic bezel. Here, Hublot is living up to its famous tagline as mastering “the art of fusion,” offering its core collectors some of its best hits in one watch. **Price:** Black Magic $21,700; Titanium $19,400; Titanium Ceramic $20,600; King Gold Ceramic $37,800 **Case Material:** Black Magic, Titanium, Titanium and Ceramic, King Gold and Ceramic **Case Size:** 43 mm ## Louis Vuitton Escale Tiger’s Eye ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Louis-Vuitton-Escale-Tigers-Eye.webp) *Photo: Louis Vuitton* The resurgence of stone dials shows no sign of stopping and it’s not hard to see why. Louis Vuitton’s Escale Tiger’s Eye timepiece makes a compelling case for their beauty. It follows the release of last year’s Escale watches in turquoise and malachite, both cased in platinum and limited to 30. This year’s version, also limited to just 30, comes in a yellow-gold case for the first time. While stone and casing preferences in the lineup appeal according to personal taste, the tiger’s eye most closely mimics the warm hues of house’s long lineage of leather goods. If it appears easy to just throw a new color stone dial into a case, think again. At La Fabrique des Boîtiers, the case-making atelier at La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton, watchmakers must sculpt each ring of the tiger’s eye to microscopic tolerances before being hand-polished. The material’s densely packed, fibrous structure makes it extraordinarily difficult to machine. Then, just matching the dial to the case and carefully aligning it within requires meticulous adjustment before assembly. Needless to say, that’s why so few are produced and why you won’t find many of these Escale Tiger’s Eye watches out in the wild. **Price:** $54,500, limited to 30 **Case Material:** 18-karat yellow gold **Size:** 40 mm ## Louis Vuitton Escale Twin Zone ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Louis-Vuitton-Escale-Twin-Zone.webp) *Photo: Louis Vuitton* Unlike traditional timekeepers with two time zones, the Escale Twin Zone offers two sets of hands instead of just an extra hour hand. The problem with the standard is that it doesn’t account for the 30- and 45-minute offset time zones of certain regions such as India, Australia, and New Zealand, to name just a few. Here, there are two sets on hands mounted on a single axis. The independently adjustable minute hand allows for precise adjustment of the minutes across all time zones. The solid hands indicate the second time zone, while the skeleton hands indicate home time. The skeleton hands, however, can be hidden for a single time zone reading when the wearer is not traveling and prefers a cleaner look. All adjustments are made via the crown and the day/night indicator, linked to home time, is located at 12 o’clock. There are two different version available. The first is an 18-karat pink-gold model on an Arroyo gray calf leather strap with a silvery dial in a grid-style globe pattern, where the meridians and parallels are engraved and polished. In the platinum version, the globe pattern is repeated on aventurine and framed in 170 baguette-cut diamonds on the bezel and 120 baguette-cut diamonds on the flange. Consider it plenty of reason to grab your timekeeper and your trunks and jet out of town. **Price:** $57,500 in pink gold; $229,000 in platinum **Case material:** 18-karat pink gold or platinum **Case size:** 40 mm by 12.52 mm ## Louis Vuitton Escale Worldtime and Worldtime Flying Tourbillon ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Louis-Vuitton-Escale-Worldtime-and-Escale-Worldtime-Flying-Tourbillon.webp) *Photo: Louis Vuitton* Louis Vuitton is a company built on luxury travel, so its practically a requirement to have a world timer watch. This year, two new versions are presented in the Escale collection: a Worldtime and Worldtime Flying Tourbillon, both in platinum and with 62 hours of power reserve. Escale, by the way, means “stopover” in French. The Escale Worldtime has been around since 2014, but what makes the 2026 versions more elevated are not only their elite case metal, but also the new blend of high horology and métiers d’arts techniques. Each of the 24 flags on both models—executed to look like the brand’s famous Damier pattern—are painted by hand in 35 colors with fine-tipped brush, for example. In the tourbillon version, the flags are done in grand feu enamel. The biggest difference between the two, however, lies at their center. In the Worldtime, a grained blue dial plays to the texture of Louis Vuitton’s historic Monogram canvas. A flying tourbillon in a star-shaped Monogram flower design, holds court on the other. Adding the flying tourbillon in conjunction with the rotating city disc required extra consideration by the development team in integrating the two complex mechanisms so that exceptional precision could be achieved within the shared space. Both feature new calibers, the LFT V012.01 for the Worldtime and the LFT V005.01 for the Worldtime Flying Tourbillon. They both share 62 hours of power reserve, the world time function, day/night indicator, 24 time zones indicator, jumping hours, and minutes. Jumping up to the Flying Tourbillon version, however, will cost you about two-and-a-half times more the price of the Worldtime. Just how high will you fly? **Price:** $94,500 for the Worldtime; $239,000 for the Worldtime Flying Tourbillon **Case material:** platinum **Case size:** 40 mm by 10.33 mm for the Worldtime; 40 mm by 12.8 mm for the Worldtime Flying Tourbillon ## Louis Vuitton Camionnette ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Louis-Vuitton-Camionettes_b6d07b.webp) *Photo: Louis Vuitton* Inspired by the brand’s early-20th-century Camionnette delivery trucks, this miniature table clock channels the bygone romance of the vehicles journeys from Asnières HQ to clients and boutiques. The fully functioning piece comes with a balance wheel visible in the cabin like a tiny mechanical engine under glass. Time is displayed via two rotating cylinders tucked under the hood, all powered by a bespoke manual-wind movement developed with L’Epée 1839 that delivers an eight-day power reserve. Add in the saffron-and-sibylline-blue livery, Monogram flower details, and even a little removable and functional trunk riding in the back, and you’ve got a collectible that feels equal parts haute horology and childhood fantasy—only this one comes with 215 components and a license plate that reads “LV 1854.” A higher-end version executed in gilded metal, diamonds, and sapphires will also be available for an undisclosed price. Regardless of which one you choose, perhaps offering it as a gift with a little something extra in the trunk isn’t such a bad idea for a very special someone. Valentine’s Day is, after all, around the corner. **Price:** $67,500 for the standard version; price upon request for the gem-set premium version **Material:** Monogram canvas, brass, wood, steel, blue aluminum, and rubber tires; gilded metal, diamonds, sapphires, monogram canvas, brass, wood, and rubber tires **Size:** 18 cm high by 35.3 cm long ## TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph 41 MM ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TAG-Heuer-Carrera-Chronograph.webp) *Photo: TAG Heuer* When TAG Heuer debuted its Carrera Chronograph in the new Glassbox case back in 2023, fans of the classic racing watch were delighted: With a clever few tweaks to the model’s signature inner flange—the bit that carries the chronograph’s outer timing scale—the brand was able to maintain legibility whilst displaying a wealth of information. For those who loved the Glassbox’s aesthetics and preferred something with a bit more heft than its 39 mm dimensions are able to offer, there’s a new 41mm execution that’s sure to capture their attention: Present and accounted for are the smaller version’s double- or triple-register chronograph and lovely beads-of-rice bracelet, but upsized slightly to cater to the modern wrist. Flip the case over, meanwhile, and a small Victory Wreath design is engraved into the lower right-hand lug—a subtle nod to the brand’s long and storied racing heritage. **Price:** CHF 7,500 **Case Material:** Stainless steel **Size:** 41mm ## **TAG Heuer Carrera Split-Seconds Chronograph** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TAG-Heuer-Carrera-Split-Seconds-Chronograph.webp) *Photo: TAG Heuer* For the first split-seconds complication within the Carrera collection, TAG Heuer adopted the cal. TH80-00 automatic movement it developed with Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier and modified it into the TH80-01. Visible via a smoked dial, it allows the wearer to time two events simultaneously via dual central-seconds hands and a dedicated pusher at 9 o’clock, while 65 hours of power reserve keep it wound all weekend long and 10 different finishing techniques provide interest for the horological cognoscenti. Beating at 5Hz and packing 350 movement components, the TH80-01 is proof that TAG Heuer takes movement design *very* seriously—but the watch itself is no slouch, either: Measuring 42 mm in stainless steel and given plenty of red, black, and white accents, it certainly looks the part of a racing chronograph—which is where the Carrera has its 1960s automotive roots—and is an objectively handsome timepiece. **Price:** CHF 110,000 **Case Material:** Stainless steel **Size:** 42 mm ## TAG Heuer Carrera Seafarer ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TAG-Heuer-Carrera-Seafarer.webp) *Photo: TAG Heuer* In 1949, Heuer was approached by Walter Haynes, president of Abercrombie & Fitch—then one of the United States’s most prominent outdoor retailers—about making a watch that could track and indicate the tides. The resulting timepiece, the Seafarer, remained a fixture in the Abercrombie & Fitch catalog through the 1970s before being retired as Abercrombie itself shuttered. In August of 2024, TAG Heuer partnered with Hodinkee to revive a limited-edition run of Carrera Chronograph Seafarer pieces within the brand’s Glassbox case; now, it’s bringing forth a non-limited version called, simply, the TAG Heuer Carrera Seafarer. Sized at 42 mm and boasting an opaline dial with teal accents, it features the Seafarer’s signature tide indicator at 9 o’clock, which is controlled by a dedicated pusher on the left-hand case flank. Using this, it’s possible to track both high and low tide—still crucial information for hunters, fishermen, and other outdoorsmen. **Price:** CHF 8,300 **Case Material:** Stainless steel **Size:** 42 mm ## Zenith Defy Skyline 36 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Zenith-Defy-Skyline-Silver-Dial-36.webp) *Photo: Zenith* For those who love the Defy Skyline’s angular, dodecagonal lines but prefer a smaller silhouette, the 36mm three-hander version is just the ticket. Already available in deep blue, ice blue, pastel green, and pastel pink, it now comes in a versatile silver version that meshes beautifully with the dial’s four-pointed star motif, making for a highly wearable everyday watch with sporty bona fides. (In addition to 100 meters of water resistance, it also features a quick-change system that allows one to swiftly swap the steel bracelet for an additional black rubber strap.) Powered by Zenith’s Elite cal. 670 automatic movement running at 4 Hz and featuring a 50-hour power reserve, the new colorway is available with either a standard brushed bezel or a diamond-studded version that complements the icy tones of the geometric dial. **Price:** $9,400-$13,300 **Case Material:** Stainless steel **Size:** 36 mm ## Zenith Defy Skyline Tourbillon ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Zenith-Defy-Skyline-Tourbillon-2.webp) *Photo: Zenith* Having debuted in 2022, the Defy Skyline collection—which is based upon the original Defy from 1969—has quickly grown into a wide-ranging and varied lineup of both time-only and highly complicated pieces. The new Defy Skyline Tourbillon Skeleton—the first skeletonized tourbillon in the collection—is a fine example of Zenith’s avant-garde, tech-forward design: Housed in a 41 mm rose gold case, it features an openworked movement with blue PVD bridges and a one-minute tourbillon at 6 o’clock that oscillates at an incredible 5 Hz. With its rhodium-plated bezels and star-shaped configuration, it makes for quite the visual feast. That it boasts 100m of water resistance and a 50-hour power reserve is merely icing on the cake. **Price:** $103,700 **Case Material:** Rose gold **Size:** 41mm ## Zenith Defy Revival A3643 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Zenith-Defy-Revival.webp) *Photo: Zenith* Quirky and distinctive, the Zenith Defy Revival updates a vintage Zenith reference with modern manufacturing techniques but maintains the original’s comfy dimensions and character. The new A3643 is particularly cool: Given a handsome silver dial with rhodium-plated, applied indices, a matching hands, and Zenith’s signature 4:30 date window, it features a smooth bezel set with an octagonal case, a prominent winding crown without crown guards, and Zenith’s signature “ladder” bracelet (which was originally made by Gay Frères) along with a second rubber strap. Liberally coated in Super-LumiNova, it’s water resistant to a whopping 300m and features an automatic Zenith Elite cal. 670 packing 50 hours of power reserve. For someone who loves avant-garde design, there could scarcely be a better everyday watch. **Price:** $7,800 **Case Material:** Stainless steel **Size:** 37 mm ## Zenith Defy Skyline Skeleton ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Zenith-Defy-Skyline-Skeleton.webp) *Photo: Zenith* Keeping with the black ceramic theme, the newest take on the Defy Skyline Skeleton offers a dark case and bracelet paired with a gold-tone, skeletonized movement—a contrast inspired, according to Zenith, by a city’s skyline seen at night. The net effect is certainly futuristic and sleek, with the El Primero cal. 3620 SK’s star-shaped bridges gleaming against the watch’s inky dodecagonal bezel. Offering 55 hours of power reserve, silicon components, high-frequency operation, and resolution down to 1/10th of a second via the sub-second register at 6 o’clock, the Defy Skyline Skeleton packs plenty of visual punch, while 100m of water resistance ensures that it can more than hold its own during daily wear. And just in case you were afraid that the skeletonized dial means a loss of legibility, fear not: There’s plenty of Super-LumiNova SLN C1 to ensure easy low-light use. **Price:** $18,900 **Case Material:** Ceramic **Size:** 41 mm *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Jewelry, Style, Watches **Tags:** bulgari, hublot, Louis Vuitton, LVMH, tag heuer, Watch Collector --- ### [Transitional Taste: Inside the Warm, Art-Filled World of Pam Gonzales Lopez](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/homes/transitional-taste-inside-the-warm-art-filled-world-of-pam-gonzales-lopez/) **Published:** July 14, 2026 **Author:** Alicia Colby-Sy **Content:** The creative instincts of Pam Gonzales Lopez first stirred to life in the [homes](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/homes/ "Homes") where she grew up, where domesticity revolved around the quiet art of homemaking. “I grew up seeing my mom and my grandmothers on both sides constantly fixing their houses,” Pam recalls. “When I was maybe eight or nine, I remember asking, ‘Lola, can I bring in this plant?’ Then I would place it in the center of a coffee table.” That familial culture of editing, arranging, and breathing life into spaces stayed with her. While many designers trace their inspiration to formal education or foreign influences, Pam’s creative roots are proudly homegrown. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/JAR_7323a.webp) “It was quite commonplace, especially in Dumaguete,” Pam says. “Even among other relatives, fixing up the home was a shared passion. But back then, there was no talk of professional interior designers. It was simply the mothers and grandmothers creating their own worlds. And I grew up in that atmosphere.” When Pam eventually moved to Manila, that innate eye for composition naturally led her into the worlds of Philippine fashion and luxury retail. After building a successful career working with established brands, she eventually ventured into her own businesses before becoming deeply involved in the enterprises of the family she married into—most notably through collaborations with her mother-in-law. “She’s actually my boss,” Pam says with a laugh. “We get along really well!” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/JAR_7354a.webp) Her work with her mother-in-law, across hospitality, dining, and retail, included the rebranding of Rustan’s Flower Shop into what is now [Floret](https://www.floret.ph/). “We expanded the original concept, so now there’s Floret Fresh, Floret Home, and Floret Events.” Yet for someone whose career has long revolved around defining taste for others, Pam’s most personal undertaking became the creation of a sanctuary for her own young family. To build a structure capable of housing a growing collection of art and artifacts, she turned to acclaimed architect Anna Sy. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/JAR_7302a.webp) Natural light and greenery filter through nearly every part of the ground floor, thanks to the home’s central courtyard garden. Sy initially envisioned an expansive, open residence, while Pam—mindful of the property’s proximity to EDSA—preferred something more sheltered and intimate. The final result is a thoughtful compromise: a light-filled home organized around a central courtyard garden that allows nature to filter into nearly every part of the ground floor. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/JAR_7307a.webp) “I didn’t want the architecture to feel too modern,” Pam explains, her preferences clearly rooted in the organic textures and rustic warmth of her childhood. “I describe my aesthetic as transitional. You’ll find 15th-century pieces from an old church in Spain mixed with mid-century and 1970s furniture and objects. Somehow, it works—for me at least.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/JAR_7369a.webp) To bring cohesion to the layered interiors, Pam later enlisted interior designer Eric Paras. “I love his eye,” she says. “He helped lay out the furniture and source key pieces. I would find things on 1stDibs, send them to him, and ask for his thoughts. We’re completely aligned, and he gravitates toward mid-century as well, but always with warmth and comfort.” What leaves guests breathless are the art and collectibles that Pam and her husband have gathered through the years. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/JAR_7268a.webp) “My husband Quito and I were both collecting even before we got married,” Pam says. “Eventually he stopped because of work and everything else he had to attend to, while I continued because I truly enjoy collecting. I go to art fairs here and abroad, and through them I’ve met people in the art scene. I feel very lucky that I’m able to do this—and that my husband allows me to.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/JAR_7316a.webp) Drawing from her own creative impulses, Pam staged pieces to create conversations throughout the rooms. That sensibility reveals itself immediately upon entry. The foyer glows with warm reflected light from a monumental artwork that anchors the wall, complemented by the soft gold patina of a sculptural drop light and an accent table nearby. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/JAR_7279a.webp) Beyond it lies a seating area where guests encounter the full expression of Pam’s aesthetic philosophy. Works by Manuel Ocampo, Chati Coronel, and Gaston Damag invite closer inspection, while designer furnishings, vintage finds, and ethnographic objects complete the narrative. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/JAR_7362a.webp) Near the staircase leading to the private quarters, a corridor culminates in Pam’s powder room, a dramatically lit tribute to female artists with a mural hand-painted in gold. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/JAR_7294a.webp) Another hallway opens into the formal dining room, where warm metallic finishes cast an ambient glow across the space. In the adjacent kitchen, Pam insisted on incorporating a countertop into the island, transforming it into an informal dining area that has since become a favorite gathering place for her children and their friends. When entertaining, the same space effortlessly shifts into a cocktail bar before guests drift into an adjoining lounge area. Except for a portion of the garden that remains an evolving project, the home feels fully realized, much to Pam’s delight. “I love this house,” she says. The place is undeniably refined, even luxurious. But beyond its impeccable layering of art and design, what lingers most is its sense of warmth and familiarity—a quality that perhaps traces all the way back to the gracious, lovingly tended homes of Pam’s childhood. *This article originally appeared in [Robb Report Philippines’ Design Issue, June 2026.](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-june-2026-the-design-issue/)* ## Frequently Asked Questions ### 1. Who designed Pam Gonzales Lopez’s home? Pam Gonzales Lopez collaborated with acclaimed architect **Anna Sy**, who designed the residence around a central courtyard garden that brings natural light into nearly every part of the ground floor. Interior designer **Eric Paras** later helped refine the furnishings and spatial composition. ### 2. What is Pam Gonzales Lopez’s interior design style? Pam describes her style as **transitional**, combining centuries-old antiques with mid-century and 1970s furniture, contemporary art, and ethnographic objects. The result is a home that balances warmth, comfort, and collected sophistication. ### 3. What art can be found in Pam Gonzales Lopez’s home? The home features works by notable Filipino artists including **Manuel Ocampo**, **Chati Coronel**, and **Gaston Damag**, alongside antiques, vintage furniture, and collectibles gathered over many years by Pam and her husband, Quito. ### 4. How did Pam Gonzales Lopez begin collecting art? Pam says she and her husband both collected art before they married. While her husband eventually stepped back, she continued attending art fairs in the Philippines and abroad, building relationships within the art community and expanding the family’s collection. ### 5. What makes Pam Gonzales Lopez’s home unique? Rather than following a single design trend, the home layers architecture, art, antiques, and contemporary furnishings to create spaces that feel deeply personal. Organized around a lush courtyard and designed for entertaining, it reflects Pam’s belief that luxury should feel lived in, warm, and welcoming. **Categories:** Homes **Tags:** Anna Sy, Eric Paras, Floret, Pam Gonzales Lopez --- ### [The 8 Best and Latest Sleep Innovations For Your Most Restful Night Yet](https://robbreport.ph/leisure/health-wellness/the-best-sleep-technologies-for-the-most-restful-2026/) **Published:** January 22, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** For most of us, sleep had always been something overlooked, or, at least, negotiable. But these days—and now that age has caught up on us—sleep has emerged as one of the most valuable and elusive resources of modern life. Now that most of our waking hours are defined by constant stimulation, travel, and performance, uninterrupted, high-quality sleep has become a luxury in its own right. Scientific consensus now places sleep alongside hydration, nutrition, and movement as a non-negotiable pillar of health, with mounting evidence linking adequate sleep to immune resilience, metabolic regulation, cognitive performance, emotional stability, and long-term longevity. Chronic sleep deprivation, by contrast, has been associated with increased risks of cardiovascular disease, neuro-degeneration, diabetes, and accelerated aging. As research continues to underscore sleep’s role in cellular repair, hormonal balance, and brain detoxification, the pursuit of better rest has shifted from [wellness](https://robbreport.ph/leisure/health-wellness/ "Health & Wellness") trend to essential infrastructure; it’s no less fundamental than drinking enough water. For those with the means to optimize their environments, sleep is no longer something that simply happens at the end of the day: it’s something increasingly engineered, protected, and invested in. Here are some of the best technologies to make your sleep this year the best you’ve ever had. ## **1. Eight Sleep Pod 5 Ultra Smart Sleep System** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-18-at-104434-PM-2240x1255.webp) The Eight Sleep Pod 5 Ultra is among the most advanced sleep tech ecosystems on the market in 2026, converging climate control, intelligent bio-tracking, and adaptive comfort into a single platform. Designed by Eight Sleep, the system replaces a traditional mattress with a smart mattress cover, hub, and base that work together to modulate temperature, reduce snoring, track sleep stages, and deliver personalized rest support across the night. What sets the Pod 5 Ultra apart is its dual-zone water-based climate control, which lets each sleeping partner customize their side’s temperature independently—cooling or heating from 55°F to 110°F as needed—while AI-driven sensors adapt in real time to movements and physiological markers. The Base component adds zero-gravity support and gentle elevation, which, combined with embedded soundscapes and anti-snore elevation profiles, aims to reduce disturbances and enhance restorative sleep cycles. The accompanying app provides detailed analytics on sleep stages, heart rate, and breathing rhythms, allowing users to better understand and improve their rest. *More at * ## **2. Chilipad Dock Pro Bed Cooling System** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/dock_pro_pdp_desktop_hero_final_02_2000x944_c2e97dde60-scaled-e1768747314386-2240x823.webp) The Chilipad Dock Pro, created by Sleepme, is a premium temperature-regulating sleep system that turns any existing mattress into a climate-controlled sleep environment. Unlike many smart beds that integrate tech into the mattress itself, the Dock Pro uses a separate water circulation system, so you don’t need to buy a full mattress, just this contraption: a thin pad that sits atop the mattress and channels water at programmable temperatures (roughly 55°F–115°F) throughout the night, ensuring consistent thermal comfort that aligns with your sleep needs. Its strength lies in precise temperature control and flexibility—sleep cooler during warm months and warmer when nights are cold—and the ability to schedule temperature adjustments for different parts of the night, helping optimize sleep onset and maintenance. The system can be controlled via the Sleepme app or directly on-device and includes dual-zone options for partners with differing thermal preferences. Water-based cooling and heating also tend to operate quietly compared to air-based systems, and the Dock Pro’s removable pad is machine washable for easy care. Temperature regulation is a known sleep driver, and targeted cooling in particular has been linked with faster sleep onset and fewer awakenings. *More at * ## **3. Circadian Lighting Systems for Sleep Optimization** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/hotel-bed-lighting.webp) Circadian lighting refers to lighting solutions designed to support the body’s internal clock, a.k.a. the circadian rhythm, by aligning artificial light with natural day-night patterns. Research shows that light exposure timing can profoundly influence sleep quality and timing: blue-rich, bright light in the morning promotes alertness and reinforces daytime rhythm, while warmer, softer light in the evening supports melatonin release and prepares the body for restorative sleep. Contemporary circadian lighting systems adjust both intensity and spectral composition throughout the day, increasing brightness and cooler tones during active hours and shifting toward amber hues at night to minimize circadian disruption. This approach can be integrated into smart home setups, commercial fixtures, and bedroom lighting schemes, reinforcing natural cues that help regulate sleep onset and wakefulness. ([In some first-class and business-class airplane cabins, this is a new and must-have offering.](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/new-lighting-system-to-eliminate-jet-lag-from-long-flights/ "New Lighting System to Eliminate Jet Lag From Long Flights")) While many manufacturers now offer products labeled as “circadian lighting,” core technology generally revolves around *dynamic* control of color temperature and brightness to mimic the progression of sunlight. *Circadian lighting solutions at * ## **4. Oura Ring 3** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-18-at-103451-PM.webp) Wearable sleep tech has evolved from simple movement monitors to comprehensive physiological tracking platforms. Devices like the Oura Ring 3 remain leaders in this domain by measuring heart rate, heart rate variability, body temperature, respiratory rate, and sleep stages with high precision, all from a comfortable, ring-form design. These devices generate nightly sleep scores and long-term trends, giving users actionable insights into sleep quality, recovery status, and lifestyle impacts. While multiple brands compete in this space, the Oura platform distinguishes itself through validated sleep staging algorithms and rich contextual feedback on lifestyle factors such as stress and readiness scores. Pairing wearable data with environmental tech (e.g., temperature-controlled beds and circadian lighting) creates a holistic view of sleep health that’s increasingly central to comprehensive sleep optimization strategies. *More at * ## **5. Non-Wearable Bedroom Sleep Sensing Systems (Withings Sleep Analyzer)** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/sleep_profile.webp) As sleep tracking evolves, one of the most compelling shifts is toward contact-free monitoring. The Withings Sleep Analyzer is a thin sensor placed discreetly under the mattress, tracking sleep without requiring the user to wear or charge anything. Using “ballistocardiography,” a non-invasive method that tracks tiny body movements created by the heart pumping blood, it detects micro-movements produced by heart rate and breathing to estimate sleep duration, sleep cycles, respiratory rate, snoring, and nighttime interruptions. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/wirthings.webp) Because the system operates passively, adherence is high, making it especially useful for long-term sleep trend analysis rather than nightly performance scoring. Notably, the Sleep Analyzer has received medical certification in parts of Europe for sleep apnea detection, reflecting the increasing overlap between consumer sleep tech and clinical monitoring. Data is viewed via the Withings app, with optional smart-home integrations that allow lighting or temperature to respond to sleep and wake cycles. *More at * ## **6. Advanced Bedding Materials: Weighted and Smart Textiles (Baloo Living, TEMPUR)** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Pebble-White-3_1144x1430_3e53bfcf-1e3d-4861-981f-0a20d61b3ea1.webp) Baloo Living weighted blanket. *Baloo Living* Some of the most effective sleep innovations are happening not in devices, but in materials. Weighted bedding, popularized by brands like Baloo Living, applies gentle, evenly distributed pressure across the body, which is a technique known as deep pressure stimulation, associated with improved relaxation and reduced nighttime restlessness in certain individuals. Premium weighted duvets distinguish themselves through breathable construction, using glass microbeads and natural cotton shells to prevent heat retention. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-18-at-102824-PM-2240x1251.webp) Meanwhile, established sleep brands such as TEMPUR continue to refine pressure-relieving foams and textiles that contour to the body while minimizing motion transfer, an important factor for uninterrupted sleep. Emerging smart textiles also incorporate phase-change materials, which absorb and release heat as body temperature fluctuates, helping maintain thermal stability without electronics or apps. *More at and * ## **8. Sensory Modulation Devices for Sleep: the Apollo Neuro** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/man-wearing-apollo-wearable.webp) Sensory modulation devices address sleep through the nervous system, rather than the sleep environment. Apollo Neuro is a wearable that delivers gentle, patterned vibrations to the skin, stimulating mechanoreceptors that signal safety to the brain. The aim is to reduce stress-dominant physiological states that interfere with sleep onset and depth. Rather than inducing sleep directly, Apollo Neuro focuses on autonomic regulation, supporting parasympathetic activity associated with rest and recovery. Users select modes via an app—such as Sleep, Calm, or Recover—while the device works quietly in the background. Because tactile stimulation operates below conscious awareness, it can be less disruptive than audio or light-based sleep aids. As interest grows in vagal tone, heart-rate variability, and nervous-system resilience, sensory modulation devices represent a body-first approach to sleep optimization. *More at * **Categories:** Health & Wellness, Leisure **Tags:** sleep, Tech --- ### [The Good Life: Editors' Picks of the Week](https://robbreport.ph/the-good-life-editors-picks/the-good-life-editors-picks-of-the-week-14/) **Published:** January 23, 2026 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** *In every The Good Life: Editors’ Picks column, we round up our editors’ favorites—restaurants, cocktails, experiences, exhibits, and everything in between. Here is our latest list.* ## Les Misérables at The Theater at Solaire ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/photo_2026-01-23-112143.webp) *GMG Productions* First watched Lea Salonga as Eponine on Broadway back in 1993. Visited her in London to watch her recreate the role on the West End, singing “On My Own” as she pined away for her clueless Marius. Later, she again broke the hearts of New York audiences as the hapless Fantine, a mother willing to go to all lengths and sink to all depths, to keep her child alive. And now Lea’s back home for the Manila leg of the Les Miserables World Tour Spectacular, going full circle as she plays Eponine’s mother, Madame Thénardier, the uncouth innkeeper’s wife. And she does it robustly, raunchily, with coarse aplomb and unbridled glee. Paired with Red Concepcion as the brash, toothless Thénardier, they bring the house down with hoots, laughter, and applause. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/sfx7950-1.webp) Filipino talents Rachelle Ann Go as Fantine, and Emily Bautista as Éponine, round off the show with their powerful vocals and expressive renditions. Geronimo Rauch won us over with his empathy and dramatic tenor voice as Jean Valjean. I must say though it was the severe intensity of Jeremy Secomb, who brilliantly plays the singleminded Javert, that kept me riveted throughout the show. The full live orchestra atop the barricades, the lighting, and the projections complete the emotionally charged, engaging performance. Heard the shows are completely sold out till the end of the tour, but who knows, you may just be able to do a Thénardier and pilfer one from an early bird buyer. – *Yvette Fernandez, Chief of Editorial Content* *More information at * ## Bulgari Eternal: Vimini Collection ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Lisa-Manobal-Bvlgari.webp) There were many stunning pieces on the stars at the recent Golden Globes, but what caught my attention was Lisa Manobal’s yellow gold and black choker, an unexpected choice. As it turns out, that night was the worldwide unveiling of [Bulgari](https://robbreport.ph/tag/bulgari/ "bulgari") Eternal, the jewelry house’s reimagining of archival designs, and Bulgari Global Ambassador Lisa’s choker was from the launch of its first chapter, the Vimini collection. Featuring a woven pattern—”vimini” means “wicker” in Italian, an illusion cleverly executed by segments that taper at the ends and, in some pieces, linked together by round, pavé-set diamonds—the collection is inspired by a bracelet made by the maison in the 1940s. What’s even more unexpected is the use of an innovative Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coating over gold, giving the design a bit of an edge. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/bulgari-vimini--2240x1260.webp) *Bulgari* I’d say that the collection, which also features earrings and rings that feature the same pattern in solid yellow gold, is poised to become a classic. – *Kimberly Rocha-Delgado, Digital Editor* *Learn more at * **Categories:** Culture, Entertainment, Jewelry, Leisure, Style, The Good Life: Editors' Picks **Tags:** bulgari, lea salonga, les miserables --- ### [Ennismore’s Expansion, Dolce & Gabbana Resort in Miami, Christie's Under Scrutiny](https://robbreport.ph/the-luxe-dispatch/ennismores-power-plays-dolce-gabbanas-new-miami-luxury-resort-christies-under-scrutiny-more/) **Published:** January 23, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** The global luxury economy continues to move at full throttle, even as the terrain beneath it shifts. This week’s developments span the full spectrum of high-end business, from Ennismore’s fast-growing hospitality empire to Dolce & Gabbana’s foray into branded real estate in Miami, and Dar Global’s $10 billion bet on Saudi Arabia’s next generation of trophy assets. Meanwhile, Saks Global’s bankruptcy filing underscores the strain on traditional retail, and a legal challenge facing Christie’s brings renewed attention to transparency at the top of the art market. ## Ennismore’s Global Growth Surge ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Mondrian-Maldives.webp) Mondrian Maldives *Photo: Ennismore* Ennismore has quietly emerged as one of hospitality’s most agile power players, rolling out an ambitious slate of more than 35 hotels and 20 new food-and-beverage concepts for 2026 as its global portfolio surpasses 200 properties. Highlights include the much-anticipated return of Delano Miami Beach, complete with reimagined poolside villas and the revival of its iconic Rose Bar, alongside new openings in Mexico City, London, Paros, and Cape Town. ## Saks Global Bankruptcy Shakes Luxury Retail ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2026-01-14T210749Z_3_LYNXMPEM0D15E_RTROPTP_4_SAKS-GLOBAL-BANKRUPTCY-REALESTATE-2240x1493.webp) *Photo: Market Screener* Saks Global, the parent of Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and Bergdorf Goodman, has entered Chapter 11 protection in what stands as one of the most consequential moments in modern luxury retail. Burdened by debt from its 2024 Neiman Marcus acquisition and slowing demand across the sector, the group has secured a US$1.75 billion financing package to sustain operations while it restructures. The filing underscores a broader recalibration in how luxury is bought and sold, as brands increasingly favor direct relationships with high-spending clients over traditional department-store channels. ## Dolce & Gabbana’s Miami Luxury Resort Vision ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Dolce__Gabbana_Store_51396804775-1-2240x2314.webp) *Photo: Wikimedia Commons* Dolce & Gabbana brings its unmistakable Italian glamor to South Florida with a headline-making luxury resort in Miami, developed alongside Prime Investment Group and Michael Stern. The project channels the house’s fatto a mano ethos into architecture, interiors, and service, fusing couture craftsmanship with contemporary design and Miami’s coastal energy. ## Dar Global, Trump Organization Launch More Saudi Developments ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/trump-tower-jeddah-2240x2240.webp) The Trump Tower in Jeddah, another collaboration with Dar Global. *Photo: Dar Global* Dar Global has joined forces with the Trump Organization on a US$10 billion slate of Trump-branded developments across Riyadh and Jeddah, marking one of the most ambitious luxury real-estate plays in Saudi Arabia to date. The pipeline spans a Trump National Golf Course and Trump International Hotel in Diriyah, alongside mixed-use residential and commercial projects in Jeddah. Anchored to Saudi Vision 2030 and bolstered by new foreign-ownership laws, the partnership targets global investors eager to secure trophy assets in what is fast becoming the Middle East’s most closely watched luxury market. ## Christie’s Disclosure Under the Spotlight ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/picasso-3243.webp) “Femme dans un rocking-chair (Jacqueline)” by Pablo Picasso was sold in 2023. *Photo: Christie’s* A high-stakes legal drama has gripped the art world as collector Sasan Ghandehari has taken Christie’s to the English High Court, alleging the auction house failed to disclose that the Picasso’s “Femme dans un rocking-chair (Jacqueline)” had been owned by a convicted drug trafficker before its 2023 London sale. Ghandehari’s suit claims Christie’s misrepresented the provenance by implying the prior owner had died and omitting the fact that José Mestre Fernández had been convicted of cocaine trafficking, information he says would have altered his decision to guarantee the purchase. The case could force top houses to rethink transparency and due-diligence practices at the highest tier of the market. **Categories:** The Luxe Dispatch **Tags:** Auctions, christie's, Dar Global, dolce & gabbanna, Ennismore, Saks Global --- ### [Every Ritz-Carlton Reserve Hotel, Ranked](https://robbreport.ph/travel/every-ritz-carlton-reserve-hotel-ranked/) **Published:** January 27, 2026 **Author:** Jake Emen **Content:** You can count the number of Ritz-Carlton Reserve hotels on two hands. They are the pinnacle of the entire global Marriott Bonvoy portfolio (which numbers in the 10,000s these days). Room counts are low, anticipatory service is high, and above all else, each is set in a remarkable location and designed in a way that highlights its surroundings. Last April’s opening of Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the tropical coastal hillsides of Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica, marked the eighth entrant into the collection. Having already visited four of the Reserves, I embarked on an ambitious schedule to visit the remaining four before the end of 2025, completing the full set as if it was a merit badge or video game quest. Marriott Bonvoy representatives told me they didn’t know a single person, whether brand superfan or corporate team member, who has visited all eight of the Reserves. I’d be the first, if I could get it done. This might not be Guinness World Records–worthy, but it was good enough for me. The journey took me across Asia—to Bali, Thailand, Japan, and China—and on to Saudi Arabia, then closer to home: Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, and Mexico. Like any good quest, there were obstacles to overcome, and in this case, Chinese visas to procure. But achievement unlocked: I visited them all prior to the debut of Siari in Riviera Nayarit, the ninth and newest Ritz Reserve. I guess I better book a trip to Puerto Vallarta. Uh oh, here we go again… ## Which Ritz-Carlton Reserve is the best? For my money, send me back to Phulay Bay in Thailand. It’s the original RCR and the standard bearer for this hyper-personalized service. Each property has its merits and a personality of its own, though. While they all specialize in immersive experiences, some lend themselves better to certain kinds of trips, be it a romantic sojourn or an adventure-filled getaway for the whole family. Read on for my ranked list of Ritz-Carlton Reserves: ## 1. Phulay Bay, Krabi, Thailand ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/phulay-bay-ritz-carlton-reserve.webp) *Photo: Ritz-Carlton Reserve* ### **Best for: that unbeatable ‘wow’ factor** [Phulay Bay](https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/kbvrz-phulay-bay-a-ritz-carlton-reserve/overview/) means “where the mountain meets the sea,” and the lush 30-acre property is sandwiched between two national parks at the edge of Phang Nga Bay, where limestone karsts rise out of the Andaman Sea. Home to the famed Phi Phi islands, this part of Thailand is well loved for its tropical beaches and turquoise water. Each of the 54 villas and pavilions has been built at an enormous scale. A Royal Beach Villa may have around 5,000 square feet of combined indoor-outdoor space. The bed is the widest I’ve ever seen—at an absurd 13 feet across, it’s akin to the width of two side-by-side kings—and private pools are large enough to do laps. It feels like you’ve woken up in a fairy tale and you’re sleeping in the giant’s quarters. The only risk here is being late for your massage appointment or a one-on-one session with their in-house wellness guru, Master Aniket. This type of serene, unspoiled setting, combined with over-the-top luxury (like bathrooms akin to personal hammams), and warm, dedicated service from a butler who will remember your favorite snacks, defines the Reserves. Fittingly enough, Phulay Bay was the first member of the portfolio and remains the standard bearer for the brand. *From $1,007.* ## 2. Mandapa, Bali, Indonesia ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/mandapa-ritz-carlton-reserve.webp) *Photo: Richard Bryant* ### **Best for: a gourmet getaway** With its own temple set among rice terraces,[ Mandapa](https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/dpsub-mandapa-a-ritz-carlton-reserve/overview/?scid=f2ae0541-1279-4f24-b197-a979c79310b0) is a Bali dream writ large in the dense jungle of Ubud. Its 60 suites and villas are filled with traditional ikat (dyed textiles), and everything is classical Balinese, from the architecture and materials—thatched peak roofs and dark teak wood—to the focus on outdoor space. Mandapa takes on the feel of a sacred site, though one that’s designed to allow you to indulge. The spa is made up of a collection of treatment villas where guests can choose among multiple robes and sarongs. The sound of the river rushing through the property provides a tranquil and therapeutic backdrop. Eating well is how I often prefer to indulge. Here, it started every day with breakfast—served all day—and a plate of nasi goreng, paired with fresh tropical fruits and strong Balinese coffee. Dinner is a seven- or nine-course set menu at Kubu, where European fine-dining techniques are meshed with local ingredients and flavors. Sawah Terrace explores Indonesian and Balinese culinary heritage, with all the spicy sambal and dips you’re craving. Hilltop Ambar is *the* spot for a cocktail, preferably a coconut-aged Negroni—where the beverage is matured in an actual coconut, as opposed to a small barrel—enjoyed with a sensational view of the tranquil rice paddies below. *From $1,320.* ## 3. Dorado Beach, Puerto Rico ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/dorado-beach-ritz-carlton-reserve.webp) *Photo: Richard Bryant* ### **Best for: an elegant weekender** Here’s the move. You pop down to Puerto Rico with a direct flight to San Juan, check into[ Dorado Beach](https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/sjudo-dorado-beach-a-ritz-carlton-reserve/overview/) for a couple of nights, and proceed to live like a Rockefeller. Literally. Laurance Rockefeller acquired the 1,700-acre property in the 1950s and set about establishing what we now refer to as an eco-resort, a unique concept for the time. There’s an unmistakable post-war, gilded glamour to the place, though the property has been brought up to modern specs, too, with the latest in creature comforts ranging from lavish bathrooms with indoor-outdoor showers and soaking tubs, and a signature property-wide scent of lemongrass and ginger. Sustainability efforts have always been core to the hotel, including LEED Silver Certification and the Jean-Michel Cousteau Ambassadors of the Environment program, which offers hands-on educational and conservation experiences designed to foster an awareness of and appreciation for its precious ecosystem. There are pristine sandy beaches and nature trails galore, and a revered, century-old ficus tree in front of Spa Botánico. Guests receive their own cruising bikes to explore as they please, following weaving paths that connect each of the hotel’s 11 low-slung buildings that seem to blend into the idyllic tropical mangroves and palms. *From $1,095.* ## 4. Nujuma, The Red Sea, Saudi Arabia ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/nujuma-ritz-carlton-reserve.webp) *Photo: Ritz-Carlton Reserve* ### **Best for: a spectacular setting for cultural exploration** Talk about an entrance: Your trip to [Nujuma](https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/ejhrz-nujuma-a-ritz-carlton-reserve/overview/) in Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea starts with a brisk, 27-minute seaplane flight over impossibly bright blue water to a set of private islets. This is a Maldivian type of escape, with overwater villas set atop myriad hues of aqua and turquoise. Yes, in Saudi Arabia. Wooden boardwalks and bike paths connect its 82 villas and other areas of the resort. Those cerulean seas aren’t just for show. The 14-mile Al Jadir outer reef—the fourth-largest barrier reef in the world—is a short speedboat ride away; thick walls of coral offer channels to swim, dive, and snorkel for an almost cave-like experience. Cultural exploration is central to the property: Nujuma’s Conservation House offers a range of classes and conversations, including chats with Ohoud Mosuyly, the hotel’s full-time culture and heritage experience manager. A nighttime astronomy session delivers a bedouin interpretation of the stars in some of the clearest starry skies I’ve seen. Nujuma means “your stars,” so being welcomed to Nujuma is akin to being welcomed to the celestial skies themselves. *From $2,250.* ## 5. Nekajui, Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/nekajui-ritz-carlton-reserve.webp) *Photo: Ritz-Carlton Reserve* ### **Best for: adventure and family fun** [Nekajui](https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/lirrz-nekajui-a-ritz-carlton-reserve/overview/) doesn’t just offer a loaded range of activities—it’s seemingly designed with jungle adventures in mind. Guests go from room to room across a suspended walking bridge in the treetops, and a steep funicular leads down to the beach. A taste of adventure on your way to the multi-tiered, thermal water–fed infinity pool, perhaps? There are even three treetop tents: safari-style lodging with private pools, outdoors showers, and expedition furniture. That’s just where the fun begins. Via dedicated excursion operator Papagayo Explorers, there’s an adrenaline-soaked activity for every member of the family, while the separate Camp Nekajui program caters to children ages four to 12. Sign up for the Aerial Park, a few minutes away within the Peninsula Papagayo complex, with several rope courses and half a dozen ziplines. There’s also UTV off-roading, kayaking, mountain biking, and archery. That said, if the parents want to let the kids go off exploring while they unwind at the Nimbu Spa, home to the largest hydrotherapy pool in the region, that doesn’t sound too shabby, either. *From $1,525.* ## 6. Rissai Valley, Jiuzhaigou, China ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/rissa-valley-ritz-carlton.webp) *Photo: Ritz-Carlton Reserve* ### **Best for: seclusion in nature** [Rissai Valley](https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/jzhrz-rissai-valley-a-ritz-carlton-reserve/overview/) is where you go when you want to escape it all. Put the cellphone down, close the laptop, and soak up the renowned beauty of Jiuzhai Valley National Park, a 180,000-acre nature reserve. The 87-villa Reserve is situated in a prime vantage point to appreciate the scene, and there’s perhaps no better place to do than your spa-grade bathroom. A sunken gray stone soaking tub large enough to lie across sits in front of floor-to-ceiling windows. Dragon spruce trees fill the landscape among crystalline lakes, deep valleys, and soaring 15,000-foot mountains in the near distance. Guests are encouraged to explore the outdoors, whether it’s a scenic stroll to admire flowers in bloom or a more arduous full-day hike. The fresh mountain air will do wonders for whatever ails you, as will the fortifying menu that changes with the seasons. *From $1,475.* ## 7. Zadún, Los Cabos, Mexico ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/zadun-ritz-carlton-reserve.webp) *Photo: Ritz-Carlton Reserve* ### **Best for: treating yourself to wellness** At[ Zadún](https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/sjdzr-zadun-a-ritz-carlton-reserve/overview/), R&R and wellness comes to the forefront, thanks to Spa Alkemia—a 30,000-square-foot wellness center where you could easily spend a full day, then sign up to come back the next morning. At the heart of the spa is a massive hydrotherapy pool, with multiple stations to soothe those aches and pains, along with sauna and steam rooms, a lounge and relaxation areas. In addition to Mayan wellness rituals, the standout offering is what’s known as a Savasana room. It’s one of the few of its kind in the world, taking the idea of a sound bath—trippy enough on its own, for those who have had the pleasure of trying it—to the extreme, in a room purpose-built to deliver a sensory experience unlike any other. The actual floors vibrate you into out-of-body, meditative bliss. Each guest at [Zadún ](https://robbreport.com/travel/resorts/inside-zadun-the-ritz-reserves-splashy-cabo-answer-to-aman-1234860272/)is catered to by a personal concierge who’s always a text message away. They’re known here as *tosoani*, which translates to “dream watcher” in the Indigenous Nahuatl language. That’s just the type of person you want to have your back during a luxury getaway, isn’t it? *From $999.* ## 8. Higashiyama Niseko Village, Niseko, Japan ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/higashyama-niesko-village-ritz-carlton-reserve.webp) ### **Best for: a romantic retreat** [Higashiyama Niseko Village](https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/ctsrz-higashiyama-niseko-village-a-ritz-carlton-reserve/overview/) makes Hokkaido’s beauty the star of the show. Mount Yotei—a known lookalike for Mount Fuji—lurks out the windows of the Reserve’s 50 rooms, with unobstructed views thanks to a location on an otherwise unused portion of the swarming Niseko Village ski area. Onsen life is a major portion of the stay here, and in the winter, drifts of pristine fresh snow rest beside the hot waters, mist wafting in the air. It’s ideal for cozying up with someone special and letting the rest of the world melt away. Maybe you hit the slopes for Niseko’s famed powder—and make use of the property’s ski-in/ski-out access—or maybe you put on your robe and the “do not disturb” sign and spend the day using your in-room, deep-set stone soaking tub. When you’re ready to brave the world, head as far as the lobby. Sit by the fireside with a cocktail or a glass of wine to whet the appetite before dinner at Sushi Nagi, the seven-person sushi counter hidden within the larger Yukibana restaurant. Hokkaido’s seafood is on full display during an omakase masterclass. *From $602.* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Travel **Tags:** Evergreen, hotels, ritz carlton, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, travel --- ### [The 15 Best Luxury Convertibles to Buy Right Now](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-15-best-luxury-convertibles-to-buy-right-now/) **Published:** April 30, 2025 **Author:** Brett Berk **Content:** As the warmer weather sets in, convertible tops can finally retract. At present, the [luxury-car](https://robbreport.ph/cars/) market is spoiling us, and our committed skincare regimen, with a startling plethora of quick, sporting, and sybaritic six-figure droptops. And they not only come in all sorts of shapes and configurations, but also with a range of gas, electric, and hybrid options. “Convertibles have stayed fairly consistent at about .5 percent of all new vehicles sold to consumers each year,” says Alexander Edwards, president of Strategic Vision, a research and consulting firm that conducts hundreds of thousands of surveys with new car buyers annually. “However, those over $100,000 seem to have jumped significantly in 2020 from just a few vehicles, to 13 percent of the convertible market. That has increased to 22 percent in 2022, and has stayed there till today.” The reason for this growth, according to Edwards’ data, is twofold. First, at the start of the pandemic, fully loaded and more profitable convertibles were among the only droptops being produced, as only their economic demographic of consumers was still actively in the roadster market. Then, based on positive feedback, this high-end segment became vibrant and stable. “Essentially, consumers didn’t know what they were missing out on, and now they look for it,” Edwards says. These buyers break down into two main categories, psychographically, Edwards says. About 40 percent of purchasers are what is known as “Best Performers.” These are true enthusiasts who want the best in the segment. The second largest group, at about 30 percent of buyers, are the “Status Seekers.” They want people to look at them—and appreciate how much they are into speed and performance. The latter segment is unlikely to diminish anytime soon. “These buyers are particularly loyal, often mentioning multiple purchases from the same brand or model line,” Edwards says. “This loyalty underscores the strength of brand identity and customer love within the segment,” something luxury automakers crave and would be silly to relinquish. With all of this in mind, here—in ascending order of price—are some of our favorite roof-optional rides in production. ## **Chevrolet Corvette Convertible** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2-8.webp) *Chevrolet* Chevy’s “Plastic Fantastic” Corvette offers a startling mix of variants for the eighth generation of its fiberglass-bodied two-seat convertible, and they’re each so different that we feel obligated to call them all out. The Corvette eRay Convertible (starting at $113,595) is a blisteringly fast all-wheel-drive hybrid, combining a 495 hp V-8 with a 160 hp electric motor; 60 mph arrives from a stop in 2.5 seconds. The Corvette Z06 Convertible is a focused sports car, with a 670 hp V-8 that revs like a Ferrari; with all that power driving just the rear wheels, it hits 60 mph in 2.7 seconds. Then there’s the Corvette ZR1 Convertible (shown above and starting at $184,995)—a ridiculous track monster with a twin-turbocharged, 1,064 hp version of the Z06’s power plant, a rear wing better suited to an airplane, and enough added ductwork to crowd a plumbing van. We’ll see if it can hit 60 mph without melting its tires and wheels. *Starting at $120,795* ## **BMW M8 Competition Convertible** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/3-6.webp) *BMW Group* BMW’s big two-door convertible has been on the market since 2019, outlasting rivals like Mercedes-Benz’s S63 Cabriolet (RIP). Its life may expire in 2026, but it perseveres into its twilight solely in compelling Competition form, in which its snarling twin-turbo V-8 produces 671 hp. Coupled with all-wheel drive, this model variant is capable of an absolutely eruptive 2.5-second blast to 60 mph from a standstill, making the M8 droptop a performance bargain. In addition, it features minatory good looks and clean styling left over from before BMW designers lost their minds. It’s time to grab one before they’re gone. *Starting at $150,975* ## **Aston Martin Vantage Roadster** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/4-5.webp) *Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings PLC* This new “entry-level” Aston, and its forthcoming droptop sibling, is key to proving and disseminating the brand’s upmarket/up-powered strategy. We haven’t tried the convertible yet, but the gorgeous coupe surprised and enchanted us with its razor-sharp moves, its 3.5-second rush to 60 mph, the raucous soundtrack from its 656 hp twin-turbo V-8, and its exquisite interior. Aston has long been benchmarking the Porsche 911 here, and with this latest Vantage, it finally shows. It’s great to see Aston differentiating its lineup this way. *Estimated starting price of $200,000* ## **Maserati GranCabrio Folgore** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/5-5.webp) *Maserati S.p.A.* Maserati’s GranCabrio Folgore follows a similar recipe as the Bentley Continental GTC. With a four-place cabin and power sent to all four wheels, the model also yields a zero-to-60 mph time of around 3 seconds. But the similarity ends there. Where the British Bentley is stately and blunt in its appearance and affect, the Italian Maserati is sinuous and lithe. As for the Folgore suffix in its name, which means “lightning” in Italian, the moniker indicates that this is the 818 hp, fully electric version of the trident brand’s sensual grand tourer (a 542 hp gasser is also available.) With an 83 kWh battery, it will go 233 miles on a charge. *Starting at $206,995* ## **Mercedes-AMG SL 63 S E Performance** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/6-4.webp) *Mercedes-Benz AG* Like the Porsche 911, Mercedes-AMG’s SL comes in seven convertible variants priced over six-figures. Again, we selected the most bahn-burning. This plug-in-hybrid version incorporates a 4.8 kWh battery, which is good for only seven miles of EV range, but adds 201 hp to the standard 603 hp V-8, allowing sub-2.5-second sprints to 60 mph. With all-wheel drive, and all manner of seat, steering wheel, armrest, and neck heaters, along with power-enabled wind deflectors, this roadster is ideal for rollicking top-down runs to the lake house, mountain house, or beach house, in any season. *Starting at $208,300* ## **Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/7-5.webp) *Porsche* AG Porsche produces seven convertible variants of its 911, each with different features and performance, and all priced over $100,000. But we favor the top-tier 911 Turbo S, which includes an obstreperous and audacious 640hp, twin-turbo flat-six engine in is lumpy rear. Although that output is the lowest on this list, when coupled with the car’s class-leading sub-two-ton curb weight, and all-wheel drive, it’s enough to hurl the sporty convertible from zero to 60 mph in a world-blurring 2.2 seconds. At that velocity, the wind may not only be in your hair, it may remove it. Wear a hat. *Starting at $245,495* ## **Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/8-5.webp) *Mercedes-Benz AG* For those Benz SL aficionados more attuned to ultimate luxury than performance, Mercedes-Maybach offers this highly branded boulevard cruiser. Tattooed on its hood, roof, seats, grille, headlights, wheels, and elsewhere with the marque’s layered-M monogram—like a giant Louis Vuitton handbag—there will be no mistaking it for any other SL. The Maybach model also loses the SL’s vestigial back seat and receives all manner of suspension and sound insulation to deliver a cushier ride. It should be noted, however, that its 577 hp V-8 will still propel the car to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. *Estimated starting price of $250,000* ## Aston Martin DB12 Volante ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/9-5.webp) *Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings PLC* Aston Martin has gone upmarket, attempting to benchmark Bentley on luxury and Ferrari on performance. The DB12—the latest in the British brand’s 75-year line of DB-monikered cars—splits the difference between these two touchstones. It offers a booming 671 hp twin-turbo V-8, which is good for a 3.3-second rip from zero to 60 mph, as well as a gorgeously appointed cabin. As for that interior, it features an all-new—and surprisingly functional—Aston infotainment interface. And it’s all complemented by the quick-retracting top that adds to the joyous rush of driving the car on mountain roads, or blasting along oceanfront boulevards. *Starting at $271,825* ## **Ferrari Roma Spider** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/10-5.webp) *Ferrari S.p.A.* With “only” 612 hp from its twin-turbo V-8, Ferrari’s Roma Spider is the least potent of the marque’s current offerings, and the least potent on this list. But when a car looks this good, it doesn’t need to show off its strength. (Its output still enables a run from zero to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds.) Subtle and elegant, the Roma Spider harkens back to mid-20th century Ferrari convertibles, with a cheerfully sneering face, a curvaceous bodyline, and strong rolling fenders. Its soft top isn’t as insulating as the retractable hardtops found on its siblings, but there’s a simple solution: leave the top down. *Starting at $277,970* ## **McLaren Artura Spider** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/11-2.webp) *McLaren Automotive* McLaren’s near monomaniacal focus is on decreasing mass so its cars’ potent power plants push them further, faster. For the Artura Spider, its entry-level convertible supercar, that means a lightweight plug-in hybrid system that combines with a twin-turbocharged V-6 to produce 690 hp. The Artura is the first model in the British marque’s lineup to feature its new McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture (MCLA) platform, which the new 750S flagship has been subsequently built on. And while the Artura is not the “sportiest” McLaren, it still manages to race to 60 mph in just 3 seconds, and it sprints through straightaways and turns like a high-powered go-kart, always eliciting joy. *Starting at $281,008* ## **Bentley Continental GTC** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/12-1.webp) *Bentley Motors Limited* Bentley’s fourth-generation, 2+2-seat, all-wheel-drive droptop has been enhanced by a plug-in hybrid power-train configuration. The setup combines a twin-turbocharged V-8 with an electric motor to yield a combined 771 hp, enough to catapult the car from zero to 60 mph in around 3 seconds. And the 21.8 kWh battery is capable of 40 miles of range. With the top down, you can really enjoy the bombastic grumble of the exhaust note, or, if you’re in nature (or affecting stealth) the whisper rush of EV power. Either way, the hulky three-ton convertible crushes roads with alacrity and precision, and never fails to get noticed. *Starting at $336,350* ## **McLaren 750S Spider** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/13.webp) *McLaren Automotive* You want a sportier McLaren convertible? Here it is. Its mid-mounted, twin-turbocharged V-8 makes 740 hp, which, when combined with just 3,200 pounds of vehicular mass, results in an almost violent 2.3-second acceleration from zero to 60 mph. The rush turns every freeway onramp into the starting grid and back straight of a Formula 1 race. With the top down, this kind of velocity also acts as temporary cosmetic surgery, which is useful as the wrinkly smile lines derived from driving this two-seat sports car may otherwise become permanent. Such standout styling and performance make it no surprise that the 750S earned our crown as Robb Report’s 2025 Car of the Year. *Starting at $337,195* ## **Ferrari 296 GTS** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/14.webp) *Ferrari S.p.A.* The Prancing Horse marque has slowly been hybridizing its convertible lineup, first in the $2.2 million La Ferrari Aperta of 2016, then in the $600,000 SF90 Spider in 2021, and now in the 296 GTS. Anyone who feared that electrical integration would impact negatively on the precise driving experience delivered by machines from Maranello has, by now, been proven incorrect. The 296 GTS may be our favorite Ferrari hybrid so far, with an explosive 819 hp capable of pushing the lively two-seater to 60 mph from a standstill in under 2.5 seconds. But it’s on twisty roads where this car’s magnetic capabilities really shine. *Starting at $379,950* ## ****Aston Martin Vanquish Volante**** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/15.webp) *Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings PLC* Saving the best Aston for last? The new Vanquish elevates the marque’s performance chops with an 823 hp twin-turbo V-12 that allows the car to cover zero to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds, a metric that just bests that of the Vantage. But it also brings a level of sumptuousness that rivals the Bentley Continental GT, with unique and redolent textured leathers. It is almost impossible to appreciate the allure of its carbon-fiber body in photos. The Vanquish coupe is long, low, wide, and mean, but also ludicrously lovely and delicate. We expect the forthcoming convertible to add sunshine to our infatuation. *Estimated starting price of $465,000* ## ******Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider****** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/16.webp) *Ferrari S.p.A.* The Doh-dech-chi Chi-lin-dri’s traditionalism is right there in the name, derived from the anachronistically profligate (though melodious) 12-cylinder mill making 830 hp. And as is the case with every Ferrari grand tourer produced since the marque’s founding in 1947, that engine is housed in a long hood up front. In accordance with convention, the motor drives only the rear wheels, but is still good for launching the 12Cilindri Spider from zero to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds. A complex mechanism for retracting and hiding the small hardtop roof coexists with a trunk out back that’s just large enough to hold one’s compact luggage. *Starting at $510,000* *This article originally appeared in [Robb Report US.](https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/15-high-performance-convertibles-roundup-1236496900/5-ferrari-12cilindri-w/)* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** aston martin, Bentley, Convertible, Ferrari, mclaren --- ### [The Coolest (and Craziest) Watches at the NFL Draft](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-coolest-and-craziest-watches-at-the-nfl-draft/) **Published:** April 30, 2025 **Author:** Justin Fenner **Content:** It’s a uniquely exciting prospect to learn that you’re about to become one of the world’s most high-profile (and highly compensated) professional athletes. So it’s no surprise that the young men at Thursday’s first round of the NFL Draft, held at Green Bay’s Lambeau Field, would celebrate the moment with seriously impressive [watches](https://robbreport.ph/watches/) on their wrists. Though some of the athletes dressed with what can only kindly be described as the exuberance of youth, we were surprised by the relative restraint most of the league’s newest recruits exercised. To wit: while there were plenty of watches positively dripping with diamonds (added through the oft-ridiculed process of after-market customization), many were fairly restrained. Cam Ward, the number one pick and incoming quarterback for the Tennessee Titans, wore what was arguably the most accessible watch of the day: a two-tone Rolex Datejust with a domed bezel on an Oyster bracelet. Ditto Mason Graham, who bucked the prevailing choice, Rolex, and instead selected an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak in stainless steel with a sedate black dial. Perhaps, as the saying goes, the kids really are alright. Below, a closer look at the stylish (and outlandish) horology we saw. ## Cam Ward: Rolex Datejust ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2-7.webp) Getty Images/Rolex The University of Miami player paired a Hugo Boss suit with a classic Rolex Datejust in stainless steel and yellow gold. It’s a relatively sedate look, and a signal that he takes the opportunity to captain the Tennessee Titans as seriously as it is. ## Travis Hunter: Rolex Day-Date ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/3-5.webp) *Getty Images/Rolex* Real men do wear pink—and not just on their backs. Heisman winner Travis Hunter chose an Everose gold Rolex Day Date for the occasion, becoming the number two pick. He’s headed to the Jacksonville Jaguars as a wide receiver and cornerback, and we hope he’ll take some of his style with him during the move. ## Mason Graham: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/4-4.webp) *Getty Images/Audemars Piguet* It’s understandable that most young collectors would reach for a classic or professional model from Rolex. Graham, who’s joining the Cleveland Browns as a defensive tackle, went for Gerald Genta’s generation-defining Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. ## Ashton Jeanty: Rolex Datejust ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/5-4.webp) *Getty Images/Rolex* The newest Las Vegas Raiders running back may have a completely individual sense of style—who else do you know is wearing Crocs with a smoking jacket?—but his conventional choice of a sharp Datejust tells us there’s a classic elegance lurking underneath that massive lapel pin. ## Will Campbell: Rolex ‘Bluesy’ Two-Tone Submariner Date ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/6-3.webp) *Getty Images/Rolex* Campbell, who is heading from Louisiana State University to the New England Patriots as an offensive tackle, matched the exuberance of his double-breasted suit with a two-tone Rolex “Bluesy” Submariner Date. It’s a lot of look, but the watch alone would have many collectors green with envy. ## Tetairoa McMillan: Gold Rolex Day-Date ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/7-4.webp) *Getty Images/Rolex* McMillan is joining the Carolina Panthers as a wide receiver, but he’s already caught a really great watch. The Rolex Day-Date 40 has elegant Roman numeral indexes, and it’s all-gold look is bang on trend. ## Jihaad Campbell: Rolex Day Date ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/8-4.webp) *Getty Images/Frost NYC* Jihaad Campbell’s [blue-on-blue Rolex Day Date](https://www.frostnyc.com/products/rolex-day-date-40-presidential-platinum-228206-ice-blue-roman-dial-dome-bezel) is a discontinued design, but it speaks to a sophisticated mindset. It’s a solid platinum watch, and the domed bezel (in place of the more conventional fluted option) shows that Campbell—a new linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles—understands the material is statement enough on its own. ## Shemar Stewart: ??? ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/9-4.webp) *Getty Images* We could spend days talking about the diamond pendant and bracelets Stewart wore (they were made by New Jersey’s own Al the Jeweler), but we haven’t yet been able to identify the watch he’s wearing. The freshly appointed Cincinnati Bengals edge rusher is wearing something like a mashup of an Audemars Piguet Royal Pak and a Patek Philippe Nautilus. Watch this space. ## Matthew Golden: Custom Cartier Santos ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/10-4.webp) *Getty Images* Cartier has a long history of making jewelry watches, but Golden, who’s heading to the Green Bay Packers as a wide receiver, appears to have customized his Cartier Santos with more stones than you can shake a stick at. ## Abdul Cartier: Custom Rolex Sky Dweller ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/11-1.webp) *Getty Images* Abdul Carter, clearly not a wallflower, wore a highly customized Rolex Sky Dweller set with a glittering array of diamonds. It’s a high-flying choice for the incoming New York Giants edge rusher. ## Malaki Starks: Customized Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/12.webp) *Getty Images* Another draft pick, another endorsement of pink. Starks, who is headed to the Baltimore Ravens as a safety, also went for a customized classic: an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak set with diamonds and a sparkling pink dial. We get it, Malaki! Joining the Baltimore Ravens is going to make you really, really rich! *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** rolex, Watches --- ### [Forms and Thresholds: Exhibits to See Now](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-collectibles/forms-and-thresholds-exhibits-to-see-now/) **Published:** January 27, 2026 **Author:** Jodie Jose **Content:** January closes as artists across galleries begin the year by returning to fundamentals–graphite, clay, the body, space–only to stretch them into charged reflections and iterations on identity, labor, and survival. This month’s exhibitions continue to the next, moving between the intimate and the collective, inviting viewers to linger longer and to find themselves in the art before them. Here are some of those that are must-sees, including two of the largest art fairs in the country happening next month. ## **Art Fair Philippines 2026** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/banspon_afp2026_mobile.webp) Art Fair Philippines returns and relocates to Circuit Makati, a move that signals both expansion and renewal for the country’s premier art fair. Expect a dynamic mix of local and international galleries presenting works that span painting, sculpture, installation, photography and digital media. Beyond the fair days itself, 10 Days of Art spills into the city as a gesture to remind us that art doesn’t end at the gallery doors. *From February 6 to 8. More info at *. *Sign up for VIP Collectors’ Preview tickets [here](https://robbreport.ph/rsvp/collectors-preview/).* ## **ALT Philippines 2026** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/DSC07211-1.webp) Set to be held at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia, ALT Philippines 2026 continues to champion a slower, more considered way of looking. Organized by the 9 galleries of the ALT Collective– Artinformal, Blanc Gallery, The Drawing Room, Galleria Duemila, Finale Art File, Mo\_Space, Underground, Vinyl on Vinyl and West Gallery–the fair prioritizes curatorial depth and meaningful exchange over sheer scale, though this year’s expanded space certainly allows the works to breathe. With special projects and a focus on emerging voices, ALT feels like an ongoing conversation that rewards lingering. *From February 12 to 15. More info at * ## **Carbon | Bunso Gallery** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Carbon-Bunso-Gallery.webp) Graphite and charcoal are seen as mediums of beginning in the practice of art. It is also the junction of the long-time friends and artist trio Lyra Garcellano, Jonathan Ching, and Christina Dy who have decided together to challenge themselves in this fundamental drawing tool for the kick-off show of Bunso Gallery. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Christina-Dy-Impossible-Shape-1-63-x-214-inches-Charcoal-on-Paper-2025-scaled.webp) Christina Dy, “Impossible Shape 1,” charcoal on paper. 2025. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Lyra-Garcellano-The-Last-House-Standing-Series-House-1-1875-x-2575-Inches-Graphite-pencil-on-Paper-2025.webp) Lyra Garcellano, “The Last House Standing,” graphite pencil on paper. 2025. For those familiar with the artists, this show comes with a tinge of excitement as each artist consistently creates the most arresting of works in their distinct, individual ways. *Until February 1. More info at * ## **Everything, Nothing, and Something’s | Artinformal Gallery** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Everything-Nothing-Somethings-VOV.webp) Rap Carloto basks in the chaos of urban streets that mirror the overloaded reality of unending social and political issues for many Filipinos. Philippine history and culture have been rife and crossed with forces that leave a nation drowning in its penurious condition and confusing identity–all ultimately blending into a nothingness of the everyday. *Until February 11. More info at * ## **Common Street | Blanc Gallery** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Common-Street-Blanc-Gallery.webp) Franz Vocalan renders the bustle of the streets in oeuvres crowded with cut images, paint drips and arresting textures that mirror the complexity of the lives that pass and share the street daily. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Franz-Vocalan-Bahay-ng-Paga-48-x-60-inches-Oil-Acrylic-Pastel-and-Silicone-on-Canvas-2026-1.webp) Franz Vocalan, “Bahay Ng Sa Paga,” Oil, acrylic, pastel, and silicone on canvas. 2026. What might one see in his neighbor’s garage as they walk along the row of houses? What might these objects tell of the people living inside? Vocalan puts these together in canvases massive enough to be felt by his viewers. *Until January 31. More info at * ## **The Poets and the Mundane | Mo\_Space** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Veronica-Peralejo-MO_Space.webp) Clay is a humble gift from the earth to artists such as Veronica Peralejo, who finds the material a worthy conduit between her subconscious and the material world. For the artist, the tactility and process that come with molding clay are grounding and surprising, as it often blossoms to variations that make up the visual compositions for her assemblages. *Until February 8. More info at [https://www.instagram.com/mo\_space/](https://www.instagram.com/mo_space/)* ## **Vast When You’d Expect Insular | Mo\_Space** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Kelli-Maeshiro-MO_Space.webp) Kelli Maeshiro is a perpetual ponderer of spaces–the interior of a vase, the shifting emotions between lovers, the corners and walls inside homes. The artist focuses on how absence produces meaning, and brings this concept to the gallery where artist and viewer exchange. Rather than the traditional mounting of works up on walls, Maeshiro anchors her works to the ground as a quiet protest, perhaps to the conventional vertical-orientation often seen in such spaces. *Until February 8. More info at [https://www.instagram.com/mo\_space/](https://www.instagram.com/mo_space/)* ## **Myth // Making | Artinformal Gallery** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Myth-Making-Artinformal.webp) Mervy Pueblo and Atsuko Yamagata draw from their individual cultures–Filipino and Japanese–to map the fluctuating terrains of identity, belonging, and inherited stories that shape peoples. Pueblo borrows from the Ukiyo-e masters of Japan to render the lives of Overseas Filipino Worker. Yamagata, on the other hand, is inspired by her current place of residence, Nakanoho, Gunma, and its folklore, familiarizing herself with this new locale after years of living in Sapporo and Manila. *Until February 11. More info at * ## **Body. Work** | **Vinyl on Vinyl** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/BodyWork-VOV.webp) Artist and curator Tekla Tamoria brings together word and art in this show that concerns itself with the transmutation of meaning between a poem by Alfonso Manalastas and the works of Marz Aglipay, Jezel Wee, and Tekla Tamoria, whose practices were chosen for their distinctive mediums: ink, clay and fabric. The show emphasizes on the tedious labor of love that accompanies the creative spirit, bringing meaning to form and vice versa. Until January 30. More info at **Categories:** Art & Collectibles, Home & Design --- ### [The 10 Best Celeb-Owned Superyachts, From Steven Spielberg’s ‘Seven Seas’ to Max Verstappen’s ‘Unleash the Lion’](https://robbreport.ph/boats/the-10-best-celeb-owned-superyachts-from-steven-spielbergs-seven-seas-to-max-verstappens-unleash-the-lion/) **Published:** April 23, 2025 **Author:** Julia Zaltzman **Content:** There’s only one thing wilder than building the world’s first hydrogen-powered [superyacht](https://robbreport.ph/boats/the-10-most-expensive-charter-yachts-on-the-high-seas/), and that’s selling it before taking delivery. Bill Gates’s 387-foot Feadship Breakthrough was five years in the making before the former Microsoft CEO decided to sell it in 2024. Gates, whose reasons for selling are open to speculation, is one of the most famous tech stars to have built and owned a superyacht. Other tech titans include Google co-founder Sergey Brin, whose newest Lürssen-built Dragonfly (formerly Project Alibaba) features a double-folding platform system that converts into a versatile beach club. WhatsApp founder Jan Koum, already the owner of two superyachts, Mogambo and Moonrise, as well as two support vessels, Power Play and the shadow cat Nebula, will expand his fleet to five when he takes delivery of a 263-foot Abeking & Rasmussen later this year. And it’s not just tech moguls who like to look hot on yachts. Hollywood actor Nicole Kidman, fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger, and business magnate Lawrence Stroll (whose newest 262-foot Feadship Faith arrived just in time for this year’s F1 season) have all dived headfirst into yacht ownership. Spanish actor and sailing enthusiast Antonio Banderas keeps a cruising yacht permanently berthed in his home city of Malaga, and the list of sports personalities who love to be afloat is as long as Tom Brady’s quarterback career, including Brady himself, Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham, Lionel Messi, and Tiger Woods. Here are our favorite top 10 celebrity-owned yachts. ## **JK Rowling, ‘Samsara’** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2-4.webp) *Photo: Y.CO* The 290-foot superyacht Samsara bears no resemblance to the Durmstrang ship, a magical square-rigged sailing boat that features in the film Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, yet author JK Rowling can claim ownership of both. JK Rowling acquired the yacht, originally built for Eric Schmidt as Infinity and later sold to Brett Blundy, who renamed it Cloud 9, in 2023 and called it Samsara. It’s an apt name, which comes from the Sanskrit word meaning “wandering” or “world,” as the yacht is accompanied by a 226-foot Amels Sea Axe explorer called Intrepid, the builder’s largest ever yacht support vessel, which is equipped with a helicopter hangar, a dive center, and ample storage. Samsara has a 16.4-foot circular swimming pool, a cutting-edge cinema, and a tranquil beach club. ## **David Geffen, ‘Rising Sun’** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/3-1.webp) *Photo: Lürssen* Having raked in billions with blockbuster hits like Shrek 2 and Kung Fu Panda 4, American film producer David Geffen splashed $590 million on the equally epic 453-foot superyacht Rising Sun—the largest and most expensive boat on this list. He bought shares in the yacht when it still belonged to original owner Larry Ellison before acquiring it in full in 2010. Guests of the Bannenberg-designed yacht often include Leonardo DiCaprio, Disney’s Bob Iger, and Oprah Winfrey, who have made best use of the yacht’s movie theater, spa, wine cellar, and helipad. ## **Max Verstappen, ‘Unleash The Lion’** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/4-1.webp) *Photo: Mangusta* The newest celebrity on this list is Red Bull Racing F1 driver Max Verstappen, who treated himself to a $15 million Mangusta GranSport 33 to celebrate his fourth consecutive world championship earlier this year. The 27-year-old envisioned his success as he commissioned the yacht, named Unleash The Lion, two years beforehand. As a resident of Monaco, he’s spoilt for coastline and anchorages, while his guests can make themselves at home in the yacht’s spacious sundeck, beach club, and multiple lounging areas. While the Mangusta’s respectable 26-knot top end is no comparison to the blistering speeds of Formula 1, the GranSport 33 is one of the first large yachts to benefit from the new semi-planing edition of Volvo Penta IPS1350 (four smaller engines, rather than two large ones). ## **Diane von Furstenberg, ‘Eos’** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/5-1.webp) *Photo: Lürssen* Not only is Eos, owned by fashion queen Diane von Furstenberg and her husband Barry Diller, the only sailing yacht on this list, but at 305 feet it’s also one of the largest sailing boats in the world and one of only two built by Lürssen. The three-masted schooner enjoys an interior penned by François Catroux that is befitting of the Parisien catwalks, with leather furnishings, floor-to-ceiling mirrors, and statement artworks. ## **U2’s The Edge, ‘Cyan’** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/6-1.webp) *Photo: Burgess Yachts* U2 fans, eat your heart out. Not only is this 160-foot Codecasa, owned by David Howell (better known as the Edge) capable of sleeping up to 10 groupies, but it’s available for charter with Burgess, which is the yachting equivalent of being invited to use his home for a BBQ. It has been kept in mint condition since its 1997 delivery and is known for having one of the best outdoor cinemas on any yacht. Other rock-star amenities include a sun-deck Jacuzzi, a dedicated gym, and a crew of 11 ready to wait on guests. ## **Fernando Alonso, Sunreef 80 Eco** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/7-2.webp) *Photo: Sunreef Yachts* In 2022, Sunreef Yachts hosted two-time Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso onboard its Sunreef 80 Power Eco in Cannes. It proved to be a fruitful exercise for the yard as a year later Alonso, who commands one of the highest salaries on the F1 grid, took delivery of his own $5.69 million custom electric boat. He is the second sports star to enjoy a Sunreef solar-powered yachts, following tennis ace Rafael Nadal, who acquired his Sunreef Great White in 2020. ## **Steven Spielberg, ‘Seven Seas’** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/8.webp) *Photo: Oceanco* Steven Spielberg is another movie giant with a penchant for yachting who took delivery of his Oceanco, the 358-foot Seven Seas, in the summer of 2023. Known during its build as Project Y720, it’s the fourth-largest project delivered by the Dutch shipyard to date. According to the yard, the owner played “an integral role” in the design of his yacht, which is penned by Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design in collaboration with American designer Molly Isaksen for the interiors. Spielberg’s 1975 hit movie Jaws was the first major motion picture to be shot on the ocean, giving rise to one of the most quoted lines in film history, “You’re going to need a bigger boat.” It seems the director finally took heed. ## **Jackie Chan, 150-foot JinLong** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/9.webp) *Photo: Getty Images, JinLong* Kung fu legend and Hollywood actor Jackie Chan likes to keep things down-low, so much so that the name of his yacht remains unknown. He upgraded from a 125-foot Ruiying boat to his current 150-foot JinLong yacht in 2019. It’s the Chinese shipyard’s flagship yacht, designed by Dutch studio Mulder Design with three decks, a helipad, a sundeck with a wet bar, and a hot tub. The “upscale 80s” interior has dark wood cladding, a cinema, gym, sauna, and a karaoke room for entertainment into the early hours. ## **Roberto Cavalli, ‘Freedom’** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/10-1.webp) *Photo: Cerri Cantieri Navali* Think leopard-print furnishings, monogrammed decks, and gilded ceilings, and you pretty much have Roberto Cavalli’s yacht, Freedom. The Italian godfather of fashion kept his ostentatious interior hush-hush until the yacht’s 2018 delivery. His signature selection of exotic prints and bold leather finishes on the interior reflect his strong personality, as per his fashion creations. However, the designer claims the yacht’s jet-black exterior and tinted windows are inspired by Batman’s Batmobile, an idea that is further endorsed by the yacht’s 40-knot top speed, powered by three water jet engines. ## **Tony Parker, ‘Infinity Nine’** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/11.webp) *Photo: AvA Yachts* Tony Parker’s yacht, Infinity Nine, is named after the number “9” on the back of the former pro basketball player’s San Antonio Spurs jersey. The 115-foot Kando 110 built by AvA Yachts features a custom interior with “light, contemporary decor” chosen by the star and his wife, who put the yard through a “rigorous selection process.” Parker, who retired in 2019, has plenty of spots to kick back and relax, including a beach club, upper deck gym, and Jacuzzi on the flybridge. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Boats **Tags:** celebrity, Superyacht --- ### [Sacred Suites: The 5 Best Hotels for Your Next Wellness Retreat](https://robbreport.ph/leisure/health-wellness/sacred-suites-the-5-best-hotels-for-your-next-wellness-retreat/) **Published:** April 17, 2025 **Author:** Katrina Montinola **Content:** More discerning travelers are discovering that hotels are destinations in and of themselves. While sightseeing and exploring a new city bring their own thrills, there’s something truly restorative about staying at a property that provides ample space and enriching activities for one to truly unwind. From Italy to Indonesia, countless resorts and hotels provide amenities and programs tailored to help guests decompress and reconnect. Whether it’s a guided meditation session or a suite perfect for contemplation found just at the river’s edge, these stays promise to grant one the relaxation and a sense of stillness to nourish the soul. Below is a curated list of stays that deserve your attention. ## **Eremito in Umbria, Italy** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Eremito.webp) *Photo courtesy of Eremito* Located in the majestic Umbrian Valley, [Eremito](https://www.eremito.com/en/) is an eco-retreat housed in a restored 13th-century monastery. Found just in front of a Unesco Biosphere Reserve, it offers guests an ideal sanctuary to reconnect with nature. Eremito’s contemplative spaces, rooted in Franciscan minimalism, are designed to encourage guests to fully focus on their restorative journey. Picture candle-lit rooms and faint Gregorian chants preserving an atmosphere of tranquility. The rooms, known as *celluzze*, are purposefully simple (expect a break from television), yet discreetly equipped with modern comforts. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Eremito-2.webp) *Photo courtesy of Eremito* The eco-retreat offers monastic Mediterranean meals, with organic vegetables and herbs grown in its own garden. Eremito features a relaxation area, entirely dug out from rock, where a rejuvenating steam bath awaits. The retreat also offers yoga and meditation sessions, with a serene yoga room overlooking the surrounding hills. Marcello Murzilli, Eremito’s founder, describes it as “a place where one can regenerate oneself, finding again the priorities of life maybe lost in the day-to-day living.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Eremito-3.webp) *Photo courtesy of Eremito* ## Six Senses Vana, Dehradun, India ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Six-Senses-Vana.webp) *Photo courtesy of Six Senses Vana* Nestled in the serene foothills of the Himalayas lies [Six Senses Vana](https://www.sixsenses.com/en/hotels-resorts/asia-the-pacific/india/vana/stay/), a refuge for those seeking holistic wellness, seamlessly integrating Ayurveda, yoga, Tibetan medicine, and natural healing therapies. Six Senses Vana’s commitment to providing the highest standards of wellness is evident. It is among the few retreats in the world to offer Sowa Rigpa—Tibetan traditional medicine—practiced under the guidance of Men-Tsee-Khang, the Tibetan Medicine Institute. Here, the retreat’s doctors and therapists are trained, and medicinal preparations are carefully sourced. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Six-Senses-Vana-3.webp) *Photo courtesy of Six Senses Vana* Six Senses Vana’s commitment to providing the highest standards of wellness is evident. It is among the few retreats in the world to offer Sowa Rigpa—Tibetan traditional medicine—practiced under the guidance of Men-Tsee-Khang, the Tibetan Medicine Institute. Here, the retreat’s doctors and therapists are trained, and medicinal preparations are carefully sourced. Designed by Spanish architectural company Esteva i Esteva, the retreat features 66 rooms and 16 suites, thoughtfully designed to evoke a sense of peace and harmony. Spacious terraces, floor-to-ceiling windows, and forest views fuse to grant guests their own sanctuary. ## **Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Bali-at-Sayan.webp) *Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Sayan* A mere four-hour flight from Manila, the [Four Seasons Sayan](https://www.fourseasons.com/sayan/) is a paradise in the literal sense of the word–guests have to cross a dramatic suspension bridge to reach the resort. The retreat rests between two rivers, and lies just 15 minutes away from Bali’s Ubud district. The resort’s 42 villas feature private pools and spacious terraces, all providing ultimate privacy and comfort. Inside, rare collections of Indonesian art are on display to set the atmosphere. Guests have the option to stay in riverfront villas to elevate their experience. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Bali-at-Sayan-3.webp) *Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Sayan* Dining options are aplenty, whether you prefer Indonesian cuisine with hillside views, Mediterranean dishes by the river, or a curated meal within the confines of your villa. Riverside Balinese cooking classes, private rafting experiences, and chakra ceremonies are just some of the on-site activities available for guests. The resort’s [Niskala Wellness Retreat](https://www.fourseasons.com/sayan/offers/wellness-retreat/), in particular, provides a much-needed reset. The retreat adheres to the Balinese philosophy of niskala–the practice of recognizing things that are unseen, but whose influence can be felt or experienced. Over the course of three days, guests experience traditional healing practices, yoga, contrast therapy, and spa treatments. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Bali-at-Sayan-4.webp) *Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Sayan* ## **Shou Sugi Ban House in New York** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Shou-Sugi-Ban.webp) *Photo courtesy of Shou Sugi Ban House* Opened in 2019, [Shou Sugi Ban House](https://shousugibanhouse.com/) is the Hamptons’ premier wellness destination. The thirteen-room destination is a mere two-hour drive from New York City. Heavily influenced by wabi-sabi, the property’s simplistic interiors exhibit appreciation for the natural world. Picture cozy Japanese-inspired minimalist spaces, in line with the retreat’s namesake, Shou Sugi Ban–an ancient Japanese technique of charring wood to make it more resilient. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Shou-Sugi-Ban-2.webp) *Photo courtesy of Shou Sugi Ban House* Shou Sugi Ban House offers several wellness programs for guests, including guided meditation, bespoke fitness plans, and shamanic healing. A particular highlight is the retreat’s Inner Journey with Jessica Forsythe, a Master Energy Healer and Spiritual Guide. The two-night program, consisting of restorative yoga, sound therapies, and Reiki, is designed to heal the nervous and glandular systems. ## **Amanemu in Ise-Shima, Japan** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Amanemu-.webp) *Photo courtesy of Amanemu* Tucked away in the forested hills of Ise-Shima, [Amanemu](https://www.aman.com/resorts/amanemu) is a tranquil sanctuary that intertwines wellness and Japanese tradition. The ryokan-inspired onsen resort’s villas boast views of Ago Bay, with secluded garden courtyards providing guests with ultimate privacy. Spacious day beds and private verandas seamlessly fuse indoor and outdoor living. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Amanemu-2.webp) *Photo courtesy of Amanemu* The resort offers an immersive healing experience centered around natural hot springs and holistic wellness. The world-class Aman Spa at Amanemu offers a variety of treatments, taking advantage of the surrounding hot springs. Amanemu’s individualised wellness programs, led by highly qualified health professionals, aid guests in achieving specific wellness goals. Immersions are focused on stress management, cleansing, and overall health. Guests can participate in daily guided meditation sessions, with the privilege of enjoying Zen-inspired gardens and tranquil spaces overlooking the Ago Bay. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Amanemu-3.webp) *Photo courtesy of Amanemu* **Categories:** Health & Wellness, Leisure, Travel **Tags:** health, luxury travel, wellness --- ### [A Brief History of Lamborghini SUVs, From the Rambo Lambo to the Urus](https://robbreport.ph/the-story-of/a-brief-history-of-lamborghini-suvs-from-the-rambo-lambo-to-the-urus/) **Published:** January 29, 2026 **Author:** Will Sabel Courtney **Content:** There’s no debate that Lamborghini is [best known for building sports cars](https://robbreport.ph/cars/14-fascinating-facts-you-never-knew-about-lamborghini/ "14 Fascinating Facts You Never Knew About Lamborghini"). In fact, ask the average person on the street, and that’s all they’ll know about the company. But while the low-slung likes of the Miura, [Diablo](https://robbreport.ph/tag/lamborghini-diablo/ "lamborghini diablo"), and Aventador may be the automaker’s most famous products, there’s another category where Lamborghini has a rich history: sport-utility vehicles. The 62-year-old carmaker has, in fact, been in the [SUV](https://robbreport.ph/tag/suv/ "suv") business in one form or another for 48 years. And even though not every off-roader ever made in Sant’Agata Bolognese has seen its way into showrooms, every one of its high-riding creations is an unforgettable part of the company’s wild history — and has informed later vehicles to come from Lamborghini. This is the history of Lamborghini’s SUVs. ## 1977: The Lamborghini Cheetah Sets the Stage ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/lamborghini-cheetah-e1747086114759.webp) *Photo: Lamborghini* While the SUV craze didn’t truly begin its inexorable rise until the end of the 1980s, Lamborghini’s first dalliance with the category kicked off at least a decade earlier, in the disco era, and it came about in an unusual way for the small Italian carmaker: via the Pentagon. At the time, the United States armed forces were looking for a new vehicle capable of carrying troops across whatever landscapes wars — be they cold or hot — might throw at America. Casting a wide net, they commissioned a prototype from a company called Mobility Technology International, which came to Lamborghini and subcontracted with them to build the beast. The resulting Cheetah was, frankly, an ungainly machine, more like an oversized four-wheel ATV than a Ford Bronco or Mercedes G-Wagen. It lacked doors, or much of a roof, and instead of one of Lamborghini’s mighty motors, it was powered by a 5.9-liter V-8 from Chrysler — this well before that company bought Lambo in 1987 — that was placed out by the rear axle, connected to a three-speed automatic. The quad headlamps were the only thing even somewhat recognizable as a Lamborghini piece, looking much like those of the era’s Jarama gran turismo. It may have been made by the same people building the Countach, but the Cheetah was, well, no cheetah. In spite of its spare body, the truck weighed around 4,500 pounds, which proved too much for the 180-hp eight-pot to move briskly, especially since it had to push all that power through a permanent four-wheel-drive system; the 0-60-mph time was reportedly around 10 seconds. Making matters worse, the tail-biased weight distribution led to bad handling. Making matters even worse: Pentagon contractor FMC threatened to sue when it saw the Cheetah at the 1977 Geneva Motor Show, claiming it was a rip-off of their attempt at a troop truck, the XR331 of 1970. Whether due to poor performance, legal concerns or other issues, the project was iced, with only one Cheetah prototype ever being built. The contract for the military’s new all-terrain truck would ultimately go to AM General in 1983, resulting in the Humvee and its civilian Hummer iterations. But Lamborghini wasn’t about to let their newfound off-road knowledge languish. ## 1981: The LM001 Refines the Idea ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/wallpapers_lamborghini_lm_1981_1-e1747086144202.webp) *Photo: Lamborghini* The Lamborghini of the 1970s and 1980 was a scrappy, hungry company, unafraid to fiddle with new ideas. The Cheetah may have gone extinct, but there was enough there to play around with. So, four years after the military machine’s debut at Geneva’s auto show, Lamborghini returned to Switzerland to reveal its civilian successor: the LM001. The basic platform looked fairly familiar, but it looked significantly more outgoing, with a broader stern boasting big air intakes and new rectilinear headlamps. The Mopar V-8 was out, and an AMC-sourced one was in for the concept, but not to much change; displacement and horsepower remained 5.9 liters and 180 hp. And since the engine was still hanging out over the back axle, handling remained atrocious. The sole car made for Geneva would prove the only LM001 to be built. If the project were to proceed beyond the concept phase; Lamborghini would need to sort out the powertrain issues that plagued the original design. ## 1986: The LM002 Arrives in Perfect Time for ’80s Excess ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/lambo-lm002-e1747086054903.webp) *Photo: Neilson Barnard* So, one year later, Lamborghini returned again to the Geneva Motor Show with an off-road concept car that fixed the glitch. Actually, it fixed both the power plant’s location and sourcing issues in one fell swoop. The SUV was redesigned as a front-engined machine, and instead of an outsourced V-8, Lamborghini plopped the Countach’s 4.8-liter V-12 into the prototype, dubbed LMA002. Weight was up, with the beefy sport-ute clocking in above 5,700 lbs, but the 12-cylinder engine’s 332 horsepower meant that was much less of a concern than it had been in previous Lambo off-road prototypes. And unlike the past versions, it now came with part-time four-wheel-drive. The production version, its name stripped down a letter to just LM002, showed up four years later as a refined version of the ’82 concept. The design had been refined, but it still clearly bore a resemblance to its predecessors. A five-speed manual shoveled power through a part-time four-wheel-drive system. Weight was up again, to almost 6,800 lbs, but the engine was also bigger; the SUV now used the latest Countach’s 5.2-liter V-12, pounding out 444 hp and 368 lb-ft of torque. And if that weren’t enough, buyers could even spec a 7.2-liter version of the Lambo V-12 that was usually reserved for powerboats and made 730 hp. Not surprisingly, it proved an instant celebrity in the extroverted 1980s. Human celebrities began snapping it up, including Tina Turner, Eddie van Halen and Sylvester Stallone, fresh off the swollen bicep showcase of Rambo: First Blood Part II. Whether due to Sly’s association with the vehicle or simply as a tribute to its power and military-derived design, the LM002 would quickly earn a nom du guerre: Rambo Lambo. No matter how many blockbusters you made, taking one home would cost around $120,000. Despite its fame, the LM002 remained rare. Production stretched out all the way until 1993, but only 301 units were built; by comparison, Ferrari built more than 1,300 F40s in the same span. Still, its combination of absurd capability — it could climb a 54º slope and do 0-60 mph in 7.7 seconds, albeit not at the same time — and appropriately fancy interior replete with leather upholstery, power windows and other frippery rarely found in SUVs of the era — made it an instant classic, a true supercar of sport-utility vehicles. But while the LM002 was still impressive in the early ‘90s, Lamborghini’s corporate health wasn’t. Its successor would have to wait until a new owner came into control. ## 2017: The Urus Takes the Lamborghini SUV Concept (Relatively) Mainstream ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/lambo-urus-e1747086085448.webp) *Photo: Neilson Barnard* The Volkswagen Group scooped up Lamborghini for the now-incredibly-reasonable price of $110 million in 1998, placing it under the command of the Audi division in a move that the German company saw as a way to bolster both the four-ring brand’s sportiness and the Italian company’s quality and technology. The investment of capital and Teutonic industriousness quickly led to improved cars: the Murcielago, then the Gallardo, then the Aventador, then the Huracan, each moved the ball further down the field and re-established Lamborghini as a premier sports car company. So it was a bit unexpected when, in late 2017, the carmaker revealed the production version of the Urus. Obviously, there was precedent for a Lambo SUV, and the company had even floated a V-10-powered Urus concept car in 2012. What made the Urus a bit of a curveball was that it was clearly built from the pieces in the VW Group’s corporate toolbox. Even the Gallardo and Huracan had been made as Lamborghinis first before being adapted for Audi as the R8; the Urus, however, used the same platform as the Porsche Cayenne, Bentley Bentayga and Audi Q7 / Q8. The new Lambo SUV also used the same twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 as those models, and the same eight-speed automatic transmission. And while it offered off-road drive modes through a boat throttle-like selector, it only came with all-wheel-drive, and couldn’t deliver the same level of go-anywhere capability as the Rambo Lambo. That said, it did certainly deliver Lamborghini-like performance. The compact boosted eight-cylinder spat out 641 hp and 627 lb-ft at launch, more than any Porsche, Audi or Bentley powered by the motor made at the time. And it very much looked the part, wearing bodywork replete with the sharp angles, crisp folds and trapezoids that defined the supercars it shared a showroom with. Hardcore enthusiasts might turn up their nose and call it a gussied-up RS Q8, but to the public, it was just another Lamborghini. And it turned out to be a popular one, at that. Demand proved insatiable, at least by Lambo levels, with Urus number 10,000 rolling off the line in mid-2020 and the 20,000th one being built about two years later, in summer 2022. Shortly after that milestone, Lamborghini rolled out the first major improvement to the Urus line, in the form of the more track-oriented Urus Performante model. Sliding in above the “base model” (which was rebranded as Urus S), the engine was pumped up to 657 hp, while weight was cut by a tad over 100 pounds and the ride and handling revamped with a sharper suspension and fixed springs in lieu of the adjustable pneumatic ones. Then, in the spring of 2024, Sant’Agata announced a midlife refresh for the Urus that brought a big change to the powertrain: the SUV was going PHEV, as part of a corporate plan to give every Lambo both a plug and a gas cap. The new Urus SE boasted a system — similar to that found in Porsche’s Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid – delivered a combined 789 hp and 700 lb-ft of torque, enough to offset the 600-plus-pound weight gain of adding an electric motor and a hefty lithium-ion battery. Yet while the new system may seem an odd choice for an outgoing, high-performance SUV often heard popping off gunshot downshifts around town, it should future-proof Lambo’s crossover against rising emissions regulations and help it maintain its place as a profit driver that lets the company keep building supercars. Indeed, the Urus has proved popular enough, it’s even begun rubbing off on the sports cars in the company’s lineup. In 2023, Lamborghini released the Huracan Sterrato, a version of the AWD V-10 supercar with a lift kit, off-road-ready tires, and SUV-style fender flares to catch flying gravel. How’s that for full circle? *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars, The Story Of **Tags:** cars, Feature, lamborghini, suv --- ### [Here's a Look at the 10 New Mandarin Oriental Exceptional Homes](https://robbreport.ph/travel/heres-a-look-at-the-10-new-mandarin-oriental-exceptional-homes/) **Published:** January 28, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** [Mandarin Oriental](https://robbreport.ph/tag/mandarin-oriental/ "mandarin oriental") has expanded its Exceptional Homes collection with ten new [private residences](https://robbreport.ph/travel/supersize-me-how-supervillas-are-outshining-top-luxury-resorts/ "Supersize Me: How Supervillas Are Outshining Top Luxury Resorts"), bringing the global total to 35 homes across 14 destinations. The additions introduce Florence, Sardinia, and Marbella as new locations for the portfolio, as well as adding one more property in Puglia. Each residence is privately owned and chosen for its location, architecture, and capacity to support Mandarin Oriental’s service model, including dedicated concierge support, private-chef options, daily housekeeping, and bespoke itineraries. Together, the homes reflect the brand’s push into [longer-stay, high-end private accommodation](https://robbreport.ph/travel/supersize-me-how-supervillas-are-outshining-top-luxury-resorts/ "Supersize Me: How Supervillas Are Outshining Top Luxury Resorts") that sits alongside its hotel and resort portfolio. “As the collection grows, our focus remains on introducing destinations that extend our global reach while maintaining the privacy, discretion, and level of service our guests associate with Mandarin Oriental,” says Philip Leighton, Head of Mandarin Oriental Exceptional Homes. Here’s a look at their 10 new additions. ## **Villa Petrucci – Florence, Italy** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/4563bbca5cd69169d1f9cc1e918d76895c2eee5f0741a63c.webp) Located moments from Florence’s most celebrated landmarks, including the Ponte Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery, Villa Petrucci occupies a privileged position in the historic center. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2da807093972f903891ffe0a2aaf89ce40519b36e4ca8863.webp) The two-villa estate pairs classical Florentine references with contemporary interiors, featuring expansive living spaces and custom furnishings throughout. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/45704b7d4f6a5217a693a22b60e0c24767e2fca5838f9757.webp) Designed for guests who value space and privacy, the property offers the scale of a private residence with the support of seamless, hotel-level service. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/a915b7fb8ad5c1b63b34be0be8c0a27a6faf0bfb375ebf1c.webp) Sleeps: 10 Bedrooms: 6 Bathrooms: 5 Pricing from: €92,233 / week *More information [here](https://www.mandarinoriental.com/en/exceptional-homes/villa-petrucci?search=exceptional-home-villa-petrucci#!/e/villa-petrucci-c445b6a7?search=exceptional-home-villa-petrucci).* ## **Villa Marzia – Capo Coda Cavallo, Sardinia** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/639bf5280e06e2c3a748e4bd5dcc6b664febb909161f829e.webp) Situated within the protected landscape of Capo Coda Cavallo, Villa Marzia offers direct access to a secluded beach and a sheltered natural harbour on Sardinia’s northeastern coast. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/113efd9792e81ebee4383231638a4fa23a151d013838c5d0.webp) The contemporary residence is defined by clean lines, open interiors, and a strong connection to its coastal setting, delivering a rare combination of privacy, seclusion, and proximity to the sea. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/80009c09c045d709039de09baee537941e9f2672f1425b1c.webp) Sleeps: 17 Bedrooms: 9 Bathrooms: 7 Pricing from: €54,000 / week *More information [here](https://www.mandarinoriental.com/en/exceptional-homes/villa-marzia#!/e/villa-marzia-544ecc84).* ## **Trullo delle Dame – Cisternino, Puglia** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/a8d1543691bd7dceafbaedefc6c82f52e476126c4bb21580.webp) Located among the olive groves of Apulia’s countryside, Trullo delle Dame is a restored trulli estate that brings together traditional architecture and contemporary interiors. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/1782452bac5f80ebe2bc3a54ae1d2d5bdd20a63f632a465e.webp) The property comprises five en-suite double bedrooms—including a master suite with an indoor bathtub and walk-in closet—along with a separate pool room, accommodating up to twelve guests in a private, rural setting. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/0beecceead4785faf9fe84158577353018dd23c034b8ca5c.webp) Sleeps: 12 Bedrooms: 6 Bathrooms: 8 Pricing from: €17,600 / week *More information [here](http://www.mandarinoriental.com/en/exceptional-homes/trullo-delle-dame).* ## **Trullo dei Pumi – Cisternino, Puglia** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/0fed4841968bcb8ea32a6305c802044d448838b65eb43b41.webp) Set within centuries-old olive groves in the Valle d’Itria, Trullo dei Pumi is a contemporary interpretation of traditional Apulian architecture. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/NoUyUiF26Tfvv8B5qUxC.webp) Iconic conical rooftops and hand-built stone walls frame minimalist interiors, creating a residence that feels rooted in rural Italy while offering a clean, modern sensibility. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/3776f909d07890907449f1ce3801de5007312131b9dce8b9.webp) Sleeps: 10 Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 6 Pricing from: €14,300 / week *More information [here](http://www.mandarinoriental.com/en/exceptional-homes/trullo-dei-pumi).* ## **Villa Paris – Nueva Andalucía, Marbella** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/6f40c79aade66c26ac2430c14faf6f2df00e5ce36f6bc468-1.webp) Located within a gated enclave in Nueva Andalucía’s Las Brisas Golf area, Villa Paris is a contemporary Mediterranean residence set against sweeping frontline golf views. Crisp white architecture defines the main villa, complemented by a separate guesthouse and open sightlines across the surrounding landscape. Sleeps: 14 Bedrooms: 7 Bathrooms: 9 Pricing from: €30,070 / week *More information [here](http://www.mandarinoriental.com/en/exceptional-homes/villa-paris).* ## **Villa Tuscany – Nueva Andalucía, Marbella** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/4f0f68318cd9154895a4de0aef06c09d9a78d4bce193661b.webp) Set within the La Cerquilla enclave of Marbella’s Golf Valley, Villa Tuscany pairs classical architecture with expansive views across the surrounding fairways. Inside, light-filled spaces combine terracotta finishes, handcrafted woodwork, and custom furnishings, creating a residence that balances provincial character with a contemporary feel. Sleeps: 12 Pricing from: €25,742 / week *More information [here](http://www.mandarinoriental.com/en/exceptional-homes/villa-tuscany).* ## **Villa Los Verdiales – Nueva Andalucía, Marbella** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/cb5fb97fd69482d0f50ca509846eec4543556c67bb1d8db2.webp) Set within the gated community of Los Verdiales, between Puente Romano and the Marbella Club and just 50 metres from the beach, Villa Los Verdiales is a modern Andalusian residence with open views across the Mediterranean toward the La Concha mountains. Contemporary architecture and streamlined interiors define the home, offering a coastal setting shaped by clean lines. Sleeps: 16 Pricing from: €42,185 / week *More information [here](http://www.mandarinoriental.com/en/exceptional-homes/villa-los-verdiales).* ## **Villa Los Angeles – Nueva Andalucía, Marbella** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/b68da88710f35d342a37330d0e9396a955b7bdd4eda32d55.webp) Set within Sierra Blanca, one of Marbella’s most sought-after hillside enclaves, Villa Los Angeles is a contemporary residence defined by bold modern architecture and expansive views stretching from the Mediterranean to La Concha. The home’s clean-lined design and open plan spaces underscore a confident, modern approach to Andalusian living. Sleeps: 12 Bedrooms: 6 Bathrooms: 7 Pricing from: €37,697 / week *More information [here](http://www.mandarinoriental.com/en/exceptional-homes/villa-los-angeles).* ## **Villa Mirage – Nueva Andalucía, Marbella** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/fa1a7d7ae5fc44e099c94adfb640462f838cbd85fcd1cc40.webp) Located within the gated enclave of Sierra Blanca, Villa Mirage is a contemporary residence shaped by light, scale, and proportion. Full-height glazing frames views of the Mediterranean and La Concha, while interiors combine natural textures and custom detailing in a clean, modern composition. Sleeps: 16 Bedrooms: 8 Bathrooms: 7 Pricing from: €26,931 / week *More information [here](http://www.mandarinoriental.com/en/exceptional-homes/villa-mirage).* ## **Villa Azur – Nueva Andalucía, Marbella** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/3754465cd6b23e22072a84b674ca26f6412c45210a83ce5c-1.webp) Located in Nueva Andalucía’s Golf Valley, Villa Azur is a modern residence designed around open, fluid indoor-outdoor living. The expansive villa features seven en-suite bedrooms alongside a sequence of generous living and entertaining spaces that open onto landscaped gardens and multiple heated pools. Sleeps: 14 Pricing from: €85,535 / week *More information [here](http://www.mandarinoriental.com/en/exceptional-homes/villa-azur).* **Categories:** Travel **Tags:** mandarin oriental, private residences, private villa --- ### [The 5 Appliances You Need for Your Kitchen](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/the-5-kitchen-appliances-you-need/) **Published:** March 31, 2025 **Author:** Katrina Montinola **Content:** It’s been said that the kitchen is the heart of the home. Given the Philippines’ rich food culture, this saying is especially true in the country. It’s important, then, for your kitchen to be stocked with only the highest quality appliances. Kitchen appliances are among the best investments you can make for your home. After all, the kitchen is where it all happens—it’s not only the space for preparing meals, but also a hub for family gatherings and entertaining guests. Whether you’re cooking, sharing a meal with a loved one, or hosting a dinner party, the kitchen plays a central role in daily life. Below, we’ve put together the ultimate list of items you’ll need for the best home kitchen–and outdoor patio, if outdoor cooking is your forte. ## Peugeot Saveurs **Elis Touch** ![An electric corkscrew](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Ellis-e1737449486854.jpg) *Courtesy of Peugeot Saveurs* Recall all the twisting and turning you needed just to open a bottle of wine. All that manual labor becomes a thing of the past with this convenient electric corkscrew. Peugeot Saveurs’ Elis Touch is a corkscrew worthy of the best bottles. All you have to do is press the corkscrew onto the bottleneck, and with the push of a button, out comes the cork. In addition to its sleek design, the Elis Touch is rechargeable, efficient, and silent. One charge cycle lasts you for up to 40 uncorkings. A charging base and foil cutter are also included for your convenience. Now, all your dinner parties will undoubtedly go smoothly, and opening a bottle has never been easier. *The Elis Touch is available at* [*Dough and Grocer.*](https://www.doughandgrocer.com/product/peugeot-elis-touch-carbone-electric-corkscrew-with-foil-cutter/) ## **Wolf ICBOG 42″ Outdoor Grill** ![Wolf Grill](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Wolf-e1737452495807.jpg) *Courtesy of Wolf and Focus Global Inc.* While cooking al fresco is always a good idea, it can quickly become a stressful experience if you don’t have the right grill. Uneven cooking and imprecise temperatures can dampen the grilling experience. With Wolf’s [ICBOG42 Grill](https://subzero-wolf.com.ph/wolf-cooking/products/42-inch-outdoor-grill), these problems go away. This 42-inch Outdoor Grill grants you close control over your food. It has four individually-contained burners that give you independent heat control, and an infrared sear zone that seals in juices and flavor. Grilling at night is no problem too–halogen lights allow you to keep an eye on your grill, while the LED-lit control knobs remain easily visible. The two-position rotisserie system rotates meat in front of an infrared burner, ensuring even cooking. The grill’s double-wall hood provides superior insulation. Crafted from heavy-duty stainless steel, this grill is built to last, ensuring years of reliable use. This grill comes comes built-in or free-standing. *Wolf is distributed by Focus Global. Book a showroom visit* [*here*](https://subzero-wolf.com.ph/) ## **Miele Generation 7000 Oven** ![Miele generation 7000 Oven](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Miele-e1737452732714.jpg) *Courtesy of Mi and Focus Global Inc.* Just *how great* can an oven get? Miele offers an answer–think of an oven that comes with recommendations from Chef [Miko Calo](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/all-roads-lead-to-home/) and Chef Tippi Tambunting. The Generation 7000 Oven cooks your food perfectly, with innovative features that improve your cooking experience tenfold. With TasteControl, the oven door automatically opens once the timer is up, allowing your dish to cool down. The oven comes with FoodView, an exclusive new feature. An integrated camera snaps a picture of your food as it cooks, which you can easily monitor from your mobile phone. With Moisture Plus, the oven’s humidity is controlled with timed bursts of steam, ensuring that your meat is tender and that your bread is fluffy. If you need to step out of the kitchen to greet your guests, the oven lets you set a Keep Warm temperature, maintaining your food’s quality. The oven also comes with non-stick surface baking trays for your convenience. Cleaning the oven is easy, as the oven turns food remains and splashes into ash for you to wipe away. With all these great features, this will be the last oven you’ll ever need. *Miele Domestic Appliances are exclusively distributed in the Philippines by* [*Focus Global Inc.*](https://miele-philippines.com/gen7000) ## **Sub-Zero Wine Fridge** ![Sub-Zero Wine Refridgerator](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Sub-Zero-e1737452826681.jpg) *Courtesy of Sub-Zero and Focus Global Inc.* All hosts know that the quality of your wine refrigerator can make or break the experience. Sub-Zero’s 30″ [Designer Wine Storage](https://subzero-wolf.com.ph/subzero-refrigeration/products/30-inch-designer-wine-storage-with-refrigerator-drawers---panel-ready) is all you’ll ever need for your precious wine bottles. It has individualized wine storage zones, allowing you to keep your reds and whites at the proper temperature. The fridge’s nine full-extension racks smoothly glide in and out, and the UV-resistant glass protects your bottles from light exposure. This fridge goes beyond storing wine. Below, two spacious drawers allow you to store cheese, cocktail garnishes, and other alcoholic beverages. On top of this, the refrigerator lets you easily customize its settings via the accessible touch control panel. *This can be purchased from Focus Global showrooms in Taguig, Makati, Mandaluyong, and Cebu.* ## **SMEG Bean to Cup Coffee Machine** ![SMEG Coffee maker](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Smeg-e1737452951661.jpg) Smeg’s Bean-to-Cup coffee machine brings the café experience to your home. With six customizable settings, this machine is perfect for lattes, cappuccinos, flat whites, Americanos, and ristrettos. The built-in milk frother creates creamy, frothy drinks without the need for extra equipment. Featuring a conical grinder that holds up to 150 grams of coffee beans, it ensures a fresh, aromatic coffee taste with every beverage. Plus, its adjustable dispenser makes it compatible with any cup or container for your convenience. *This can be purchased at Rustan’s stores or* [*rustans.com*](https://rustans.com/products/smeg-bcc12blmeu-bean-to-cup-coffee-machine-with-steam-wand-black?_pos=3&_sid=ee87b28c9&_ss=r) **Categories:** Design, Home & Design **Tags:** coffee maker, corkscrew, grill, home, kitchen --- ### [The 9 New Watches We Can’t Stop Thinking About](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-9-new-watches-we-cant-stop-thinking-about/) **Published:** January 30, 2026 **Author:** Victoria Gomelsky **Content:** January is a big month for watch enthusiasts. With LVMH Watch Week, a slew of novelties hit the market, setting the tone for the new year (check out *Robb Report*’s full coverage [here](https://robbreport.ph/watches/from-bulgari-to-louis-vuitton-every-new-timepiece-unveiled-at-lvmh-watch-week/ "From Bulgari to Louis Vuitton: Every New Timepiece Unveiled at LVMH Watch Week")). Other brands use the start of the year as an excuse to introduce new models in advance of the spring shows in Geneva. As a watch editor, I rely on January’s news to provide a guide to the kinds of products to expect in the months to come, but also to get a sense of the prevailing mood. Last year, for example, Louis Vuitton introduced a jump hour watch in its Tambour line with a beguiling guichet display that turned out to be a harbinger of jump hour models to come. In reviewing my takeaways from last year’s LVMH Watch Week, I am also reminded of the quotes that Antoine Pin, TAG Heuer’s chief executive, gave me about the state of the business. This year, Pin departed the group before watch week started, leaving the brand CEO-less. A sign of trouble at the world’s largest luxury group? Probably. For now, however, I’m content to savor the watches. Below, I’ve highlighted my favorite new introductions from a slew of brands (including two distinct watchmakers that both bear the Genta name and bask in founder Gérald Genta’s enduring legacy). ## Bulgari Maglia Milanese Monete Secret Watch ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/bulgari-maglia-milanese-monte-secret.webp) *Photo: Bulgari* For Bulgari fans accustomed to seeing new watches in the brand’s iconic Serpenti line, LVMH Watch Week held a few surprises. First and foremost was the piece the brand chose to feature on the cover of its press kit: The new [Monete secret watch](https://www.bulgari.com/en-int/stories/lvmh-watch-week.html) borrows its styling from a collection introduced in the mid-1960s, when jewelry featuring ancient coins—in this case, depicting Emperor Caracalla, c. 198–297 AD—first struck a chord with buyers. Beyond its chic dial cover, the watch stands out thanks to its supple rose gold bracelet made using the traditional art of Milanese mesh. *Che bello*! *$155,000* ## Daniel Roth Extra Plat Rose Gold Skeleton ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/daniel-roth-extra-plat-rose-gold-skeleton.webp) *Photo: Daniel Roth* An openworked version of the brand’s defining watch, the new [Extra Plat Rose Gold Skeleton](https://www.danielroth.com/watch/extraplat/extraplat-rosegold-skeleton/) is housed in Roth’s signature double ellipse case. Given that he never produced an openworked model in the Extra Plat line, however, the piece takes a fresh point of view. “Opening the movement allows its elegance to speak in a new way, while remaining faithful to Mr. Roth’s earliest ambitions and attachment to traditional high watchmaking,” says Matthieu Hegi, artistic director of La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton. On view for all to see is the manually wound calibre DR002SR, a new shaped movement manufactured entirely in-house, its slender proportions and refined finishing a testament to how Roth’s vision continues to evolve under Louis Vuitton’s ownership. *85,000 Swiss francs (about $107,688)* ## Gerald Charles Maestro 2.0 Meteorite ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/gerard-charles-meteorite.webp) *Photo: Gerald Charles* Founded by Gérald Charles Genta in 2000, Gerald Charles is a boutique brand quietly gathering momentum. Best known for its [signature Maestro case](https://www.geraldcharles.com/collections/maestro), which features an octagonal silhouette punctuated by a distinct “smile” on its bottom edge, the brand had a big presence at Dubai Watch Week. Last week, before LVMH’s new timepieces flooded the content sphere, it unveiled its [Maestro 2.0 Meteorite](https://www.geraldcharles.com/products/maestro-2-0-meteorite-silver) models, two watches bearing meteorite dials with small-seconds indicators peering through the Maestro case architecture. Available in two executions—one featuring a dark meteorite dial with red accents in a “Darkblast” steel case and the other with a silver meteorite dial with gold accents and a polished steel case—the watches take the gemstone dial trend to its most cosmic extreme. *$28,400* ## Gérald Genta Geneva Time Only ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Gerald-Genta-Geneva-Time-Only-1.webp) *Photo: Gérald Genta* A follow-up to the subtly sophisticated minute repeater that LVMH-owned Gérald Genta introduced at Geneva Watch Days in September, the new Geneva Time Only watch is housed in the same cushion-shaped case as its complicated predecessor (said to be a “softer” version of Genta’s original 1970s case) but this time, the brand has opted for a simpler approach that emphasizes the model’s “not-quite-round” form and its two tone-on-tone interpretations, one warm and the other cool. The [Geneva Time Only Marrone](https://www.geraldgenta.com/horological-creations/geneva/timeonlymarrone/) model is housed in a 38 mm rose gold case. With its grained brass dial, which features a gradient smoked effect, and brown leather strap, the model exudes a warm, slightly retro vibe. Its cooler counterpart, the Geneva Time Only Grafite, boasts a metallic appearance thanks to its white gold case and silver-shaded grained brass dial. In naming the collection “Geneva,” the house is channeling the city’s horological excellence as well as its refined international style. *25,000 Swiss francs (about* *$31,673)* ## Louis Vuitton Escale Tiger Eye ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Louis-Vuitton-Escale-Tigers-Eye-1.webp) *Photo: Louis Vuitton* While Louis Vuitton’s new Escale Worldtime watch is grabbing most of the attention, I’m partial to the line’s new [Tiger Eye model](https://us.louisvuitton.com/eng-us/products/louis-vuitton-escale-automatic-40mm-yellow-gold-and-tigers-eye-nvprod6720061v/W3YG21), a 40 mm gold timepiece with an elegant tiger’s eye dial. The gemstone dial trend may be nearing its apogee, but it’s tough to find fault with such a flawless take. *$54,500* ## TAG Heuer Carrera Seafarer ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TAG-Heuer-Carrera-Seafarer-1.webp) *Photo: TAG Heuer* Formula 1 is the big news in the TAG Heuer universe, but the brand has equal legitimacy in the world of sailing, as embodied in the newest version of its celebrated [“Skipper” regatta wristwatch](https://www.tagheuer.com/us/en/timepieces/collections/tag-heuer-carrera/42-mm-th20-04/CBS2016.EB0430.html). Inspired by a historic Heuer Seafarer model conceived by Walter Haynes, the president of Abercrombie & Fitch, the 42 mm model combines fine brushed and polished surfaces with a Champagne dial bearing “Intrepid Teal” accents on the hour and minute dials. I’m drawn to its subtle nautical design, a refreshing break from the brand’s fleet of car racing homages. *$8,800* ## Tiffany Timer ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TiffanyChronoLead.webp) *Photo: Tiffany & Co.* [Tiffany & Co. ](https://www.tiffany.com/watches/)has a long history in watchmaking, but in recent years, much of that legacy has taken a backseat to its jewelry and gemsetting expertise, as seen in the brand’s spectacular array of gem-set watches. This month, the house makes clear that it excels at traditional, masculine watchmaking with the debut of the [Tiffany Timer](https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/tiffany-co-timer-chronograph-1237510418/), a limited edition of 60 pieces that pays tribute to the 160th anniversary of its first chronograph, introduced in 1866. A customized El Primero 400 chronograph movement powers the 40 mm platinum model, which bears all the hallmarks of a Tiffany design, including a faceted crown that echoes the house’s six-pronged Tiffany Setting; the iconic Bird on a Rock, pictured sitting atop the open-worked winding rotor on the caseback; baguette diamond hour markers; and a dial bathed in unmistakable Tiffany Blue lacquer. *$55,000* ## Hublot Classic Fusion Titanium Sage Green Edition ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/hublot-sage-green.webp) The subtle pastel-green shade of Hublot’s newest [Classic Fusion collection](https://www.hublot.com/en-us/watches/classic-fusion/classic-fusion-titanium-sage-green-42-mm) feels just right for the new year. Available in three iterations, each in titanium—a diamond-set 33 mm version, a 42 mm three-handed style, and a 45 mm chronograph—the new Sage Green editions feature sunray finished dials, rubber straps, and, most seductive of all, Milanese mesh bracelets that suggest the woven threaded style is bound to be a 2026 obsession. *$9,300* ## Zenith Defy Skyline Skeleton ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/zenith-defy-skyline-skeleton_03664a.webp) *Photo: Zenith* For LVMH Watch Week, Zenith refreshed its [Defy collection](https://www.zenith-watches.com/en_us/product/defy-skyline-49-9300-3620-07-i001), relaunched in 2022, with a round of new pieces highlighting the line’s architecture, material innovation, and urban appeal, not to mention its versatility. That last quality is especially evident in the collection’s new 41 mm black ceramic and gold-toned skeleton dial model, which emanates masculine and feminine vibes in equal measure. *$18,900* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** Evergreen, Gerald Charles, hublot, tag heuer, Tiffany, Watch Collector --- ### [The Good Life: Editors' Picks of the Week](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-collectibles/the-good-life-editors-picks-of-the-week-15/) **Published:** January 29, 2026 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** *In every The Good Life: Editors’ Picks column, we round up our editors’ favorites—restaurants, cocktails, experiences, exhibits, and everything in between. Here is our latest list.* ## **10 Days of Art** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2026-ronald-ventura-1.webp) Carousel, by Ronald Ventura. February always starts with a bang as we look forward to 10 Days of Art, when public spaces around the city come alive with Philippine contemporary art. This year, among others, a dreamlike carousel by Ronald Ventura, with creatures such as a horse, a shark, a demon, and a monster, is on view at Circuit Makati. Letters of the alphabet in electric lights mingle with kindergarten school benches in a work by Isabel and Alfredo Aquilizan with The Fruitjuice Factory Studio at the fountain at Tower One in Ayala Triangle Gardens. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/photo_2026-01-29-163808.webp) An installation by Isaiah Cacnio. Kinetic, colorful works by Isaiah Cacnio take over large LED billboards across Makati, undulating, flowing, appearing, and vanishing in Between Thoughts. And the Paseo de Roxas underground walkway is filled with photographs by members of FotomotoPH, with images that celebrate self, place, and memory. Anyone want to go for a walk? – *Yvette Fernandez, Chief of Editorial Content* *See the full program at *. ## **Starlink Mini Roam** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/roam_b_hero_d-2240x907.webp) My favorite gadget is officially the Starlink Mini Roam, which has become an essential part of how I stay connected outside of the city—whether I’m tucked away in a valley somewhere, on a beach, or sailing. (Being a Digital Editor, connectivity is imperative!) The appeal is simple: it delivers satellite internet anywhere you go, without the guesswork that traditional connectivity usually demands. Launched mid-2024, I wanted to give it a year or so before recommending it, testing it out in different environments; I’m happy to report that it has exceeded my expectations. The Mini itself is compact and portable, with a footprint small enough to slip into a backpack, yet it taps into SpaceX’s constellation of low-earth-orbit satellites to deliver high-speed internet where there is none otherwise; which, unfortunately, is the case in most far-flung locales. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/roam_b_feature1_d-2240x1123.webp) The Starlink Mini kit retails at around Php30,000. Service plans vary: in the Philippines, one can sign up for a plan with 100 GB allowance at Php3,000, with unlimited options at Php5,700 per month, both without long-term contracts and with the ability to pause service when you’re off the grid (fees apply: pause modes require a monthly $5). What really surprised me was how well Roam works over water. Starlink’s Roam plans include “Ocean Mode” for use near shore and even offshore, letting you stay connected along coastal stretches (within 12 nautical miles; beyond that, one will have to sign up for one of the Maritime plans) or in bays without setting up complex antennas. It’s refreshingly plug-and-play after a quick signup on its app—a relief! – *Kimberly Rocha-Delgado, Digital Editor* *More information [here](https://starlink.com/roam).* **Categories:** Art & Collectibles, Gadgets, Tech, The Good Life: Editors' Picks **Tags:** 10 Days of Art, Starlink --- ### [Where Athletics Meets Aesthetics: All the Gear You Need That Will Up Your Game](https://robbreport.ph/leisure/sports/luxury-meets-sports-all-the-equipment-you-need/) **Published:** February 26, 2025 **Author:** Katrina Montinola **Content:** Whether you’re a dedicated athlete or a casual sports enthusiast, having the best gear is a crucial factor of your experience. Below, we’ve gathered high-end sports equipment that will take your fitness regime to new heights. ## **TUMI Pickleball Bag** ![TUMI Pickleball bag](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Tumi-e1738564223628.jpg) *Courtesy of TUMI Philippines* With Pickleball gaining widespread popularity, elevating your game requires the best gear. Tumi’s Pickleball bag has space for two paddles, two balls, and a change of clothes. Available in two refined versions, this bag features a key leash, a phone pocket, and a magnetic shoulder strap that seamlessly converts into backpack straps. You can even have your initials monogrammed, making it uniquely yours. *Check out the Pickleball Bag at* [*tumi.com*](https://www.tumi.ph) *or at TUMI Philippines stores near you.* ## ****PENT Torba Set**** ![Fitness bag](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/PENT-Torba-e1738564286984.jpg) *Courtesy of Cycling Bears* This PENT Fitness Bag is designed to carry everything you need for your workout routine. Crafted from premium genuine leather with cork accents, this sleek, durable bag features two small pockets and a spacious main compartment for easy organization. Inside, you’ll find all the essentials: a high-quality yoga mat, yoga block, and belt. A stretching roller, resistance band, stretch band, and skipping rope are also included. Available in two sophisticated color combinations—black and silver or brown and gold—this bag combines functionality with elevated style. *The* [*Torba Set*](https://www.cyclingbears.com/products/torba-set) *is available through Cycling Bears. Visit their showroom at Unit 474, Shangri-La Plaza.* ## ******Louis Vuitton Billiard Monogram MM****** ![Billiards table](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/LV-e1738564453817.jpg) *Courtesy of Louis Vuitton Philippines* Louis Vuitton’s Billiard Canvas table, as with all of the Maison’s creations, boasts expert craftsmanship, hand-painted corners, and exemplary attention to detail. It features two cues wrapped in Monogram canvas and elegant beige leather. The leather triangle has stitched and hot-stamped details. In ode to Louis Vuitton’s signature emblem, the billiard balls are stylishly decored with the Monogram flower pattern. *The* [*Louis Vuitton Billiard Monogram MM*](https://eu.louisvuitton.com/eng-e1/products/billiard-monogram-mm-monogram-nvprod2790085v/R97386) *is available through a client advisor.* ## ********Stil-Fit Flow One******** ![Rowing machine](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Flow-One-e1738564621709.jpg) *Courtesy of Cycling Bears* Stil-Fit’s Flow One, available through [Cycling Bears](https://www.cyclingbears.com/), takes your rowing experience to the next level. With its water resistance system, this machine provides you with an authentic experience, featuring the soothing sound of flowing water and dynamic resistance that adapts to your stroke intensity. The use of real water minimizes risks of injury and excessive strain, ensuring a smooth, natural motion with every row. Compact and sleek, the Flow One only occupies half a square meter of space, making it an ideal fit for any room. Choose from three elegant variations—Oak, Walnut, or Black. *The* [*Flow One*](https://www.cyclingbears.com/products/flow-one) *is available through Cycling Bears. Visit their showroom at Unit 474, Shangri-La Plaza.* ## **********PENT Raxa Set********** ![boxing gloves and punching bag](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Raxa-e1738564733443.jpg) *Courtesy of PENT* Whether you’re new to boxing or a proper enthusiast, PENT’s Raxa Set will prove to be an absolute must-have. Made from high-quality, durable leather, this punching bag and pair of gloves are meticulously crafted to provide you with the finest boxing experience. Each set is fully customizable, offering you the freedom to choose from five color options for both the main leather and accent details of your boxing gear. *PENT ships worldwide. Buy this Raxa Set at* [*pent.com*](https://www.pentfitness.com/products/raxa%E2%84%A2-set-handcrafted-leather-punching-bag-gloves?_pos=3&_sid=149710334&_ss=r)*.* ## ************Paragon Studio 1-10kg Hand Weights************ ![Weight set on a rack](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Paragon-e1738564843681.jpg) *Courtesy of Paragon Studio* Form meets function with Paragon Studio’s Hand Weights Set. The set features ten pairs of hand weights from 1 to ten kg, with the handles available in the wood finish of your choice–Oak, Iroko, American Walnut, or Blackwood. The end weights also come in either steel or bronze, giving the set a sophisticated look. For those looking for a seamless look, there is an optional freestanding rack to hold your hand weights. *Paragon Studio ships worldwide. Purchase this set at* [*paragonstudio.co.uk.*](https://www.paragonstudio.co.uk/product/1-10kg-luxury-hand-weight-set/?srsltid=AfmBOoppWyra7vs8ra5lWlYBaOpCgvD_C0MUc82VOhmrHEfjHVHffgu8) **Categories:** Health & Wellness, Leisure, Sports, Style **Tags:** fitness, health, sports --- ### [The 7 Best Bombardier Aircraft of All Time](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/the-7-best-bombardier-aircraft-of-all-time-2/) **Published:** February 21, 2025 **Author:** Daniel Cote **Content:** In 1923, at the age of 15, Joseph-Armand Bombardier built a crude but workable snowmobile. Fifteen years later, the young mechanic patented his first seven-person snowmobile. With a vision of improving transportation, Bombardier’s dream grew from helping people cross snow-covered roads in rural Quebec to becoming a leading global transportation firm across multiple segments. These days, after divesting its train, Ski-Doo snowmobile, Sea-Doo personal watercraft, and ATV divisions, Bombardier is only focused on designing and building business jets. But even just that one endeavor has been an exercise in how to lead in a highly competitive industry with [worthy competitors](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/3-private-jets-designed-for-long-range-flights-from-bombardier-to-gulfstream-2/) such as Gulfstream, Dassault Aviation, and Citation Jets. Bombardier entered aviation in 1985 with the purchase of Canadair, the leading Canadian manufacturer of Challenger wide-body jets—and grew the Challenger name to be the world’s largest-selling business jet. At the same time, Bombardier developed its Canadair Regional Jet (CRJ) program. It would soon revolutionize regional commercial air travel by connecting smaller cities with larger hubs. In 1990, Bombardier acquired the famous Learjet brand and launched the Learjet 60, which became the top-selling aircraft in its category. In 1993, the Quebec airframer would put an indelible stamp in business aviation, with the announcement of its Global Express business jet, which could fly nonstop from thousand of city pairs, such as New York to Tokyo, or Los Angeles to Buenos Aires. The ultra-long-range aircraft made its first flight in 1996 and entered service in 1999. Since then, the series of Globals (6000, 5000, 5500, 6500, and 7500) have extended private aviation’s boundaries in terms of comfort, range, and speed—its Global 8000 became the first business jet to break the sound barrier during testing in 2021. Led by Laurent Beaudoin, former CEO and chairman, and his son Pierre Beaudoin, Bombardier’s board chairman, Bombardier has manufactured a fleet of some 5,000 aircraft globally, bagging many city-to-city speed records, cabin design awards, and racking up an estimated 6,164 patents between 2009 and 2023. In 2021, it launched the Challenger 3500, with significant technical improvements on the original and highly popular Challenger 350 platform, and a year later, it announced the Global 8000, which claims the longest range, largest interior volume and fastest speed in the ultra-long-range category. Here are six of Bombardier’s most innovative and luxurious jets during its nearly 40-year history, and a seventh business aircraft that we can hopefully look forward to flying in the next 20 years. ## **Learjet 60XR** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Learjet.jpg) *Bombardier* The Learjet 23 was the most distinctive business jet of the early 1960s, based on the Swiss P-16 military jet that Bill Lear used as the model for his fast, small jet. It was made famous by owners like Frank Sinatra, Arnold Palmer, James Brown, and John Travolta. The success of the Learjet 23 was followed by the larger Learjet 35. After Bombardier purchased the brand in 1990, the aerospace giant invested heavily in the Lear brand, launching the 45, 55, 60, 70, and 75. In 1990, the Learjet 60 midsized jet had its first flight. It was an enhanced version of the Learjet 55, with a modified wing structure, lengthened fuselage, and other aerodynamic improvements. The upgraded Learjet 60XR was a variation with upgraded avionics and modifications to the cabin. Bombardier had big plans for Learjet with its 85 program, the first all-composite business aircraft. The aircraft made its first flight in 2008, but never realized commercial success. In 2015, Bombardier shuttered the program, and in 2021, it ended production of all Learjet aircraft to focus on its larger, more profitable Challenger and Global jets. Despite coming to an end, Learjet will always have a prized place in aviation history. ## **Bombardier Dash 8** ![Bombardier Dash 8](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2Dash_.jpg) *De Havilland Canada* In 1992, Bombardier acquired Boeing’s De Havilland division and, with it, the already-famous Dash 8. This turboprop aircraft still ranks as one of the most successful regional aircraft in aviation history. Because of its fuel efficiency, short-field performance, and adaptability, the Dash 8 proved to be a successful link between small commuter aircraft and regional jets. In addition to VIP and corporate transport, the Dash 8 is now being used in firefighting, maritime patrol, and cargo operations. Bombardier sold the Dash 8 program to Longview Aviation Capital, which continues to build the Dash 8-400 series for regional commuter fleets as well as firefighting and medevac purposes. ## Global Express XRS ![Global Express XRS](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2GlobalExpress.jpg) *Bombardier* In 1991, Bombardier announced a long-range business jet called the Global Express, which made its first flight in 1996. This business jet could accommodate up to 16 passengers with a range of about 6,000 nautical miles. The next iteration, called the Global Express XRS, followed in 2003, combining the best of the Global Express with the Bombardier 6000 for faster speed and longer range. Flying at Mach .82 at a range of 6,500 nautical miles, the Global Express XRS leveled up with improved takeoff performance, fast fueling capability, and the inclusion of Bombardier’s enhanced vision system. ## **Challenger 300** ![Challenger 300](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2Challenger300.jpg) *Bombardier* The popular super-mid-sized Challenger 300 was created from a clean-sheet design. The aircraft, which was certified in 2003, has undergone several iterations, including the Challenger 350 a decade later, which had an increased wingspan, higher-thrust Honeywell engines, and improved avionics suite. It is considered one of business aviation’s most popular super-mids, largely because of its reliability. In 2021, the first Challenger 3500 entered service. The award-winning interior has a voice-controlled interface to manage lighting, temperature, and entertainment. High-end options include advanced sound insulation, zero-gravity Nuage seating, and simple entertainment and communication functionality in the side panels and through a passenger’s smartphone. Configured for eight to nine passengers, the Challenger 3500 has a cruise speed of 637 mph and a range of 3,913 nautical miles. The cockpit enhancements include autothrottle, an enhanced and synthetic vision system, and steep approach capabilities. ## Global 7500 ![Global 7500](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Global-7500.jpg) Bombardier More than 200 examples of the $78 million, 19-seat Global 7500 business jet have been built, and the current Bombardier flagship has garnered more than 75 speed records. The Global 7500’s four living zones can be configured by each client, including a club suite, conference suite with dining options, and a principal suite, with a permanent bed and stand-up shower. Soleil lighting, a circadian rhythm-based cabin lighting system, includes dynamic daylight simulation. The interior has dozens of advanced features, including a professional galley. ## Global 8000 ![Global 8000](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Global-8000.jpg) *Bombardier* Expected to enter service later this year, Bombardier’s $82 million Global 8000 will fly even farther and faster than the 7500 platform it’s based on. During flight tests in 2021, “The Masterpiece” (the test aircraft’s callsign) became the fastest business jet since the Concorde, officially breaking the sound barrier. It will have an official top cruise speed of Mach 0.94, or 721 mph, with an 8,000-nautical mile range for ultra-long-range routes like Los Angeles to Singapore, and many dozens of others. With seating for up to 19 passengers, the Global 8000 has four zones in a spacious cabin measuring 8 feet wide with headroom of 6’2”. The cabin includes Ka-band worldwide internet connectivity for video conferencing and streaming. Large windows, circadian rhythm-based cabin lighting, zero-gravity seating, hospital-grade HEPA air filtration, and a cabin altitude of just 2,900 feet all help reduce jet lag for extended trips. ## Ecojet ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Ecojet.jpg) *Bombardier* The blended-wing design of the futuristic Ecojet is more than just a cool rendering. Bombardier has been working on the project for more than a decade, having flight-tested three ever-larger prototypes with the eventual goal of cutting carbon emissions in half. The team said its sixth-generation transonic wing modeling capabilities and new aircraft control architecture have made significant contributions to the design. “We’ve been working on blended-wing technology for probably about 10 years or more,” said Stephen McCullough, Bombardier’s senior vice president of engineering and product development. “There’s a lot of nice things about the smoothness of the wings and fuselage, and the fact that the body provides lift and also reduced drag.” McCullough added that the blended-wing design will add to the luxurious interior owners expect in a business jet. *This article originally appeared in [Robb Report US.](https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/gallery/best-bombardier-aircraft-1236219544/2-learjet/)* **Categories:** Aviation **Tags:** bombardier, jet, private jet --- ### [The Luxury Accessories Tennis Pros Wear, From Alex Eala and Rafael Nadal to Roger Federer](https://robbreport.ph/leisure/sports/the-luxury-accessories-tennis-pros-wear-from-alex-eala-and-rafael-nadal-to-roger-federer/) **Published:** July 6, 2026 **Author:** Ria de Borja **Content:** When [Alex Eala walked onto Center Court for her third-round match against Iga Świątek at the 2026 Wimbledon Championships](https://www.wtatennis.com/news/4530668/eala-dethrones-swiatek-at-wimbledon-to-make-new-history-for-the-philippines), millions of [tennis](https://robbreport.ph/tag/tennis/ "tennis") fans were watching history unfold. Her stunning straight-sets victory over the defending champion made her the first Filipino to reach the fourth round of a Grand Slam. Beyond her fearless groundstrokes, another detail caught the attention of viewers and fans around the globe. Framing her white Wimbledon kit were dangling [diamond](https://robbreport.ph/tag/diamonds/ "diamonds") earrings and delicate layered necklaces. Eala joins a list of professionals who show that jewelry has a place on the court. From Rafael Nadal’s featherweight [Richard Mille](https://robbreport.ph/tag/richard-mille/ "richard mille") tourbillons to Roger Federer’s carefully timed [Rolex](https://robbreport.ph/tag/rolex/ "rolex") appearances and the jewelry worn by many of today’s leading tennis players, the game’s finest accessories are designed to disappear the moment play begins. ## The Watch That Changed Everything ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/richard-mille-rm-027-carbon-tourbillon-rafael-nadal-limited-edition-richard-mille-1151361143.webp) The Richard Mille RM 027 Tourbillon Rafael Nadal. The idea of wearing a mechanical watch during a professional tennis match would have seemed absurd in the past, but Rafael Nadal transformed the relationship between haute horlogerie and professional sport through his long-running partnership with Richard Mille. Since 2010, rather than simply lending his name to advertisements, Nadal insisted on competing while wearing his watches, forcing the manufacture to rethink how a luxury timepiece should be built. ![Rafael Nadal wearing a Richard Mille RM 027 Tourbillon Rafael Nadal.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/richard-mille-rm-027-tourbillon-rafael-nadal-10257.webp) Rafael Nadal wearing a Richard Mille RM 027 Tourbillon Rafael Nadal. The result has been an series of increasingly sophisticated creations, from the original RM 027 Tourbillon Rafael Nadal to the RM 27-04, and most recently the RM 27-05 Flying Tourbillon Rafael Nadal. The latest weighs just 11.5 grams without its strap while withstanding shocks of up to 14,000 g–a feat, considering the power generated by a professional forehand. ## Federer Waits ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2277-2.webp) Roger Federer has long been synonymous with Rolex, yet tennis fans rarely saw one on his wrist during competition. Federer almost never competed wearing a watch, instead putting on a Rolex before trophy ceremonies, media appearances, and post-match presentations. The ritual became part of Federer’s image, whether he was wearing a Sky-Dweller, GMT-Master II, Datejust or other model. ## The New Generation Continues the Tradition ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/rolex-testimonees-tennis-carlos-alcaraz-rg24ac_56448.webp) Carlos Alcaraz wearing a Rolex Daytona watch. Carlos Alcaraz, another Rolex ambassador, has frequently been photographed wearing various Rolex Cosmograph Daytona references during trophy ceremonies and official appearances, while Jannik Sinner has been seen wearing a Rolex Daytona during post-match celebrations. Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic has collaborated with Hublot on the Big Bang Unico Novak Djokovic, an ultra-light watch. Like Nadal’s Richard Mille, it reflects the growing emphasis on weight reduction and technical innovation. ## The Rise of Fine Jewelry While watches tend to dominate conversations, women’s tennis has quietly demonstrated that fine jewelry can be equally compatible with elite competition. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2026-07-04T133832Z_527774268_UP1EM7411W7NZ_RTRMADP_3_TENNIS-WIMBLEDON_2026_07_04_22_33_28_3.webp) Alex Eala in delicate, dangling diamond earrings and layered, dainty gold necklaces. One of the most compelling examples is Alex Eala. During her landmark Wimbledon victory over Iga Świątek, the young Filipina paired her match outfit with tiny diamond hoop earrings and delicate layered necklaces. These subtle touches that reflected her personal style. The pieces also illustrated an important principle shared by today’s leading players: the best on-court jewelry is practically invisible. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Update_RF01_GE25083_hero.webp) Round white diamonds in platinum by Graff. Eala’s look equally captures a broader shift in jewelry. Oversized earrings, chunky bracelets, and dramatic necklaces have given way to delicate hoops, fine chains, and understated diamonds that remain secure, giving the impression of effortlessness. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/UZYZTFADXUHV3QQPKVOPOQMOG4.webp) Emma Raducanu wearing jewelry from Tiffany & Co., each piece featuring diamonds and a South Sea pearl. Eala is not alone, as Emma Raducanu has brought Tiffany & Co. fine jewelry into the spotlight through her ambassadorship. Aryna Sabalenka has shown that expressive jewelry can succeed when thoughtfully designed; at the current Wimbledon championships, Sabalenka competed wearing a custom suite of emeralds and diamonds by Material Good. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/26-df35e15c703e49b798555a74f5f97620.webp) Aryna Sabalenka wearing custom layered necklaces and bracelets by Material Good. ## The Bracelet That Gave Tennis Its Signature Jewel ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/ca71b3a04be758929643998a719abb99.webp) A tennis bracelet from Cartier, featuring 43 brilliant-cut diamonds set in platinum. Cartier Tennis’ most famous piece of jewelry owes its name to an accident. During a US Open match, Chris Evert famously stopped play after her diamond bracelet came undone. Officials paused the match until it was found. The incident became one of sport’s most memorable fashion moments, and the bracelet soon became universally known as the “tennis bracelet.” It remains one of fine jewelry’s most enduring designs. Flexible and comfortable, it embodies qualities demanded of a successful on-court accessory. ## Lessons From the Legends ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/8a15152015ac580b0c75508a2c6c75f9-scaled.webp) Andre Agassi’s signature flamboyant style on the court. While Pete Sampras was minimalist, Andre Agassi helped redefine tennis style in the late 1980s and early 1990s through earrings, bracelets, bold apparel, and an unmistakable sense of individuality. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/andre-agassi.webp) Their contrasting approaches demonstrated that there is no single formula for looking the part. ## Robb Report Recommends While Nadal’s Richard Mille represents the pinnacle of technical watchmaking, few players actually need an ultra-light tourbillon for a match. Sports watches crafted from titanium or ceramic by Rolex, Hublot, Omega, or IWC Schaffhausen prioritize durability and comfort without sacrificing mechanical excellence. ![Louis Vuitton Idylle Blossom pendant, in yellow gold.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/louis-vuitton-idylle-blossom-pendant-yellow-gold-and-diamond-Q93280_PM1_Worn-view.webp) Louis Vuitton Idylle Blossom pendant, in yellow gold. *Louis Vuitton* For jewelry, Alex Eala’s understated approach are versatile enough to move seamlessly from the tennis court to lunch or an evening out. Cartier’s Love and Juste un Clou hoop earrings embody that same philosophy, while Tiffany & Co. offers refined diamond studs, elegant chain necklaces, and the iconic tennis bracelet. **Categories:** Jewelry, Leisure, Sports, Style **Tags:** Alex Eala, jewelry, Rafael Nadal, richard mille, roger federer, rolex --- ### [The 7 Coolest New Watches That Dropped in January](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-7-coolest-new-watches-that-dropped-in-january/) **Published:** February 2, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** January turned out to be a great month for watch collectors. [LVMH Watch Week](https://robbreport.ph/watches/from-bulgari-to-louis-vuitton-every-new-timepiece-unveiled-at-lvmh-watch-week/ "From Bulgari to Louis Vuitton: Every New Timepiece Unveiled at LVMH Watch Week") went ahead again like clockwork, with nine of the French luxury conglomerate’s maisons presenting their latest creations. TL;DR: More than 20 new timepieces from Hublot, TAG Heuer, Zenith, and the like. (We’re particularly fond of Bulgari’s bejeweled Tubogas Manchette, Tiffany’s sporty Timer chronograph, TAG Heuer’s retro-style Seafarer, and Louis Vuitton’s elevated Escale Worldtime watches.) Fortunately, debuts weren’t limited to the houses helmed by Bernard Arnault. Several other watchmakers—not owned by LVMH—released noteworthy models, many of which now [live in our heads](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-9-new-watches-we-cant-stop-thinking-about/) rent-free. Piaget made every horophile of the ‘80s swoon with a new two-tone Polo. Jacob & Co. delivered both mechanics and aesthetics, unveiling the world’s fastest tourbillon and a stealthy dual-time watch with MAD Paris. Omega launched the Speedmaster Moonwatch in black and white colorways, plus a Seamaster in honor of the Winter Olympics. Gerald Charles gave us the meteorite-dialed Maestro we didn’t know we needed. MB&F introduced us to the [stunning successor ](https://robbreport.ph/watches/mbfs-stunning-successor-to-its-lm-sequential-evo-is-here/ "MB&F’s Stunning Successor to Its LM Sequential Evo Is Here")of the LM Sequential Evo. And H. Moser & Cie. dropped a new Endeavour with a skeletonized flying tourbillon. Below are the best watch releases of the month. ## Jacob & Co. x MAD Paris The World Is Yours Dual Time Zone ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/jacob-co-mad-paris-the-world-is-yours-dual-time-zone.webp) Jacob & Co. Jacob & Co. started off January by making horological history, unveiling the [world’s fastest tourbillon](https://robbreport.ph/watches/jacob-co-just-unveiled-the-worlds-fastest-tourbillon/ "Jacob & Co. Just Unveiled the World’s Fastest Tourbillon"). It then capped off the month by dropping a collab piece with MAD Paris. The Parisian customization house reimagined the World Is Yours Dual Time Zone, dressing it almost entirely in its signature black. Within the 43 mm black steel case lies a black titanium dial with an intricately engraved world map covered in hundreds of SuperLumiNova dots that glow in the dark. Jacob & Co. likens the effect to the sparkling city lights one might see from a plane at night. The two subdials, which can be set separately to show hours and minutes at home and away, feature MAD’s signature typeface. The house’s logo also appears in the Indian Ocean on the caseback. Just 101 examples will be made, with price upon request. ## MB&F LM Sequential Flyback Evo ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/mbf-lm-sequential-flyback-evo_78b10a.webp) *MB&F* MB&F gave us a stop watch on steroids in January. The [successor to the award-winning LM Sequential EVO](https://robbreport.ph/watches/mbfs-stunning-successor-to-its-lm-sequential-evo-is-here/ "MB&F’s Stunning Successor to Its LM Sequential Evo Is Here"), the [newcomer](https://www.mbandf.com/machines/mbf-machines/legacy-machines/lm-sequential-flyback-evo) is equipped with Stephen McDonnell’s innovative double chronograph but offers a new flyback function for each counter. A pusher called the Twinverter controls both chronographs at once, making it easy to start or stop them simultaneously, or start one and stop the other in tandem, or restart them while they’re running. “You could be in the kitchen making pasta on one side and putting something in the oven on the other side,” MB&F’s Charris Yadigaroglou told *Robb Report*. That isn’t the only change: The 44 mm titanium case houses a new tilted dial that is supposed to enhance readability—if you can stop staring at the innerworkings, that is. The dial plate is bright aquamarine, adding a pop of color to an otherwise steely piece. You can pick one up for $230,000. ## H. Moser & Cie. Endeavour Tourbillon Skeleton ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/h-moser-cie-endeavour-tourbillon-skeleton.webp) *H. Moser & Cie* H. Moser & Cie put yet another spin on the [Endeavour](https://h-moser.com/product/endeavour-tourbillon-skeleton-1814-0400/) in January. The classic model, which has been given minimalist dials, erasers for hands, and even a digital display, received a skeletonized flying tourbillon this month. Inside the 40 mm red-gold case, the open-worked dial spotlights the in-house Calibre HMC 814 with a one-minute flying tourbillon and a double hairspring sitting at 6 o’clock. Sapphire crystals front and back mean you can appreciate the movement from all angles. Shell out $99,600 and it’s yours. ## Hublot x Yohji Yamamoto Classic Fusion All Black Camo ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/hublot-yohji-yamamoto-classic-fusion-all-black-camo.webp) *Hublot* In addition to the many, many Big Bangs it unveiled at LVMH Watch Week, Hublot dropped a cool collab timepiece with Yohji Yamamoto in January. This is the fourth time the duo has teamed up, but the first time they have reimagined the [Classic Fusion](https://www.hublot.com/en-gb/watches/classic-fusion/classic-fusion-yohji-yamamoto-all-black-camo-42-mm). The newcomer is a study in black, a shade that Yamamoto says is “modest and arrogant at the same time.” At the center of the 42 mm black ceramic case lies a black-on-black camouflage dial with Yamamoto’s signature above 6 o’clock. The strap is another nod to the Japanese designer, with fabric and rubber reflecting his tactical couture. Flip it over, the smoked sapphire caseback glimpses the in-house automatic movement (Caliber MHUB1110). Limited to 300, the piece retails for $12,700. ## Piaget Polo 79 Two-Tone ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/piaget-polo-79-two-tone.webp) *Piaget* [Piaget](https://robbreport.ph/tag/piaget/ "piaget") started off 2026 by taking us back to the 1970s. The Swiss watchmaker dropped a [two-tone Polo](https://www.piaget.com/gb-en/watches/piaget-polo/automatic-white-and-yellow-gold-watch-g0a51150) in January to the delight of style-savvy collectors everywhere. Piaget’s Polo revival began in 2024, when it unveiled a new model based on the 1979 original. The aptly named Polo 79 was the spitting image of its predecessor, with the signature gadroons (stripes) running horizontally across the case, dial, and bracelet. It did, however, gain a larger 38 mm case, a new movement (the in-house automatic caliber 1200P1), and some other refinements. It was first offered in gold, then white gold, and now a mix of the two. Gold on gold is actually one of the original configurations from 1979. The Polo 79 Two-Tone is the most expensive of the trio, with a retail price of $91,000. ## Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch in Black and White ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/omega-speedmaster-moonwatch-in-black-and-white.webp) *Omega* Omega gave a classic chronograph the reverse panda treatment in January. The Swiss watchmaker unveiled two new iterations of the [Speedmaster Moonwatch](https://www.omegawatches.com/en-gb/watches/speedmaster/moonwatch-professional/catalog), both of which feature a fresh inverted dial. Available in steel or 18-karat Moonshine gold, the 42 mm chrono showcases a mirrored black lacquer dial with contrasting white registers and a two-tone tachymeter scale on the bezel. The minute track on the main dial is white, while minute tracks on the subdials are black. This enhances the reversed aesthetic and increases legibility, according to Omega. All other components—including the Master Co-Axial cal. 3861 inside—remain pretty much unchanged, because why mess with perfection. The gold example costs $49,300, while the steel reference retails for $10,400. ## Gerald Charles Maestro 2.0 Meteorite ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/gerald-charles-maestro-2-meteorite-.webp) *Gerald Charles* Gerald Charles took the Maestro into the stratosphere—or maybe even higher—this month, unveiling a new riff on the iconic, octagonal-shaped model. The aptly named [Maestro 2.0](https://www.geraldcharles.com/products/maestro-2-0-meteorite-silver) is the first in the collection to feature a small seconds display and also the first to be decked out with space rock (meteorite). It does, however, retain the original’s 39 mm seel case, stepped bezel, and signature “smile” at six o’clock. You can pick between two versions: one features a “Darkblast” steel case and dark meteorite dial with red accents; the other, a polished steel case and a silver meteorite dial with gold accents. Both are priced at $28,400. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** Gerald Charles, h. moser & Cie, hublot, Jacob & Co., mb&f, Omega, piaget, speedmaster, Yohji Yamamoto --- ### [8 Eye-Catching, Stylish Sunglasses to See and Be Seen In](https://robbreport.ph/style/8-mens-sunglasses-thatll-have-you-seeing-in-style/) **Published:** February 21, 2025 **Author:** Katrina Montinola **Content:** Franchises like [*Top Gun*](https://www.gq.com/story/top-gun-maverick-tom-cruise-aviator-sunglasses-sales), *The Terminator*, and *James Bond* have undoubtedly cemented sunglasses as the ultimate symbol of cool. However, it’s important to remember that these specs serve a far more critical function: protecting your eyes. When selecting a pair, protection should be your top priority—ensuring your shades block harmful UV rays and blue light. The good news is you don’t have to sacrifice style for protection. Many pairs offer high-quality UV protection and [fashionable designs](https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/best-sunglasses-brands). Read on to see our suggestions for pairs that combine fashion with function. ## **Brioni Havana Blonde Aviators** ![Brioni Havana blonde aviator sunglasses](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Brioni-e1737541838251.jpg) *Brioni* Brioni’s Havana Blonde sunglasses feature light gray lenses and are adorned with the iconic Brioni logo on both the lenses and temples, offering a sleek and refined finishing touch. Crafted in Italy, these shades combine acetate frames with slender metal temples, blending elegance with a contemporary edge. [*This pair*](https://www.brioni.com/en/gb/pr/havana-blonde-aviator-sunglasses-ODE700P3ZAC2314) *is available for purchase abroad. Check it out on brioni.com.* ## ****LV Ocean Square Sunglasses**** ![LV Ocean Square Sunglasses](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/LV-Ocean-e1737542013683.jpg) *Courtesy of Louis Vuitton Philippines* These square [sunglasses](https://eu.louisvuitton.com/eng-e1/products/lv-ocean-square-sunglasses-s00-nvprod5450118v/Z2207U) by Louis Vuitton feature dark gray tinted lenses, gold-finish metal, and a double bridge. The specs are subtly decorated with monogrammed with the signature LV icons, granting the wearer sophistication and allure. This Italy-crafted pair boasts 100% UV protection, perfect for beach trips and weekend getaways. *This pair is available at Louis Vuitton Greenbelt Makati and LV Solaire.* ## ******Christian Dior CD Diamond S3F****** ![Christian Dior CD Diamond Sunglasses](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Dior-e1737542072463.jpg) *Courtesy of Dior* Black and silver are stylishly paired in Dior’s [CD Diamond](https://www.dior.com/en_int/fashion/products/CDDMS2IXR_10A0) S3F sunglasses. The rectangular gray lenses come with sleek black acetate frames. The pair’s temples are embellished with silver and gold diamond motifs. The gold-finish metal hinge with the CD Diamond logo adds a refined, tailoring-inspired touch to the specs. *Check out this pair at Dior Philippines boutiques near you, or on dior.com.* ## **Gucci GG1730S Oval Frame Sunglasses** ![Gucci GG1730S Oval Frame Sunglasses](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Gucci-Oval-Frame-e1737542153618.jpg) Courtesy of Gucci Philippines Gucci’s [Oval Frame Sunglasses](https://www.gucci.com/int/en/pr/men/accessories-for-men/eyewear-for-men/sunglasses-for-men/round-and-oval-sunglasses-for-men/oval-frame-sunglasses-p-797523J16911717), in a dashing transparent gray, are part of their Pre-Fall 2024 eyewear collection. The temples of these specs are stylishly marked with a Gucci logo. This Japan-made pair comes with solid gray lens that give you 100% UVA/UVB protection. You can also get this pair in brown or black, making it the ideal closet essential. *This is available at Gucci.com and Gucci stores near you.* ## **Tom Ford Kemp Sunglasses** ![Tom Ford Kemp Sunglasses](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/tom-ford-e1737542218608.jpg) *Tom Ford* If you want retro aesthetic specs, Tom Ford’s [Kemp Sunglasses](https://www.tomfordfashion.com/en-us/kemp-sunglasses/FT1177.html) are the ideal choice. These navigator shades come in a unique yellow acetate frame with maroon lenses that give you 100% UV protection. This Italy-made pair’s Havana and blonde colorways deserve your consideration too. *You can check out these specs at tomfordfashion.com* ## **Prada Linea Rossa Active Sunglasses** ![Prada Linea Rossa Active Sunglasses](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/PRADA-e1737542381237.jpg) *Prad* For those who favor more coverage, you’ll want [Prada’s Linea Rossa Active Sunglasses](https://www.prada.com/ww/en/p/prada-linea-rossa-active-sunglasses/SPSA02_M1BO_FE10J_C_096). This pair features blue gradient lenses that shield until your temples. The black frames are subtly decorated with a red stripe and Prada logo, giving this pair a sporty look. *Know more about this pair on prada.com.* ## **LV Monogram Tribute Sunglasses** ![LV Monogram Tribute Sunglasses](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/LV-Monogram-Tribute-Sunglasses-e1737542283222.jpg) *Courtesy of Louis Vuitton Philippines* Louis Vuitton’s Monogram [Tribute Sunglasses](https://eu.louisvuitton.com/eng-e1/products/monogram-tribute-sunglasses-s00-nvprod5240006v/Z2449E) are crafted from premium acetate, a durable and flexible that outperforms the standard plastic. The green-tinted lenses offer 100% UV protection, in addition to a debonair, timeless appeal. This pair’s temples, decorated with gold-toned Monogram Flowers, effortlessly elevate every look. *Grab this pair at Louis Vuitton Greenbelt Makati.* ## **Saint Laurent SL 747** ![sl 747 BY saint laurent](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/YSL-1-e1737543282984.jpg) *Courtesy of Visions and Expressions* These Saint Laurent round [sunglasses](https://www.ysl.com/en-gr/pr/sl-747-803741Y99658162.html?srsltid=AfmBOopcJKHvxtMk_cklhWHGCX7bGVQAChz5D3W0UhrWClqxjO0mbKNP) combine timeless style with modern functionality. This pair features a sleek metal frame and lightweight injection structure. This pair offers 100% UVA/UVB protection to safeguard your eyes, and is compatible with corrective lenses. *This pair is available at Saint Laurent Shangri-La Plaza*. ## **Gucci GG1212S Black Sunglasses** ![Gucci GG1212S Black Sunglasses](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Gucci-GG1212S-e1737542448658.jpg) *Courtesy of Rustan’s* Channel a vintage-inspired vibe with these [sunglasses](https://rustans.com/products/gucci-eyewear-gg1212s-sunglasses-black?srsltid=AfmBOop45p8QehCy4xz7XEaYh_jAbv7lB-Cpq1nHX4j0JOxdH1ME6jzF) by Gucci. The clear-and-black acetate frame is complemented by brown clip-on tinted lenses, gracefully accented with gold wire trim. Of course, they offer 100% UV protection, making a stylish and useful pair. *Get these specs at all Rustan’s stores or Rustans.com.* **Categories:** Fashion, Style **Tags:** accessories, brioni, eyewear, gucci, Louis Vuitton, men’s clothing, style, sunglasses, tom ford, yves saint laurent --- ### [Hidden Gem in English Countryside is Newest 3-Michelin Starred Restaurant](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/the-worlds-newest-michelin-3-star-restaurant-is-tucked-away-in-the-english-countryside-2/) **Published:** February 21, 2025 **Author:** Tori Latham **Content:** The United Kingdom is on a fine-dining roll. For the second year in a row, a U.K. restaurant has been upgraded to three stars in the region’s Michelin Guide. Moor Hall, chef Mark Birchall’s spot in Aughton, Lancashire, has achieved Michelin’s highest honor in the 2025 guide, Bloomberg reported on Monday. It’s the only addition in that category, bringing the total of three-star restaurants in the U.K. and Ireland to 10. At Moor Hall, Birchall serves a produce-driven tasting menu that goes for £235 ($291) at dinner and £125 ($155) at lunch, Bloomberg noted. The dishes range from Isle of Mull scallops atop fermented grains with green tomato and caviar to local Dorset Sika deer with a ragout of forest mushrooms and liver whey sauce. ![Mark Birchall](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Michelin-U.K.-2025-Chef.jpg) Mark BirchallMark Bristol Photography & Film Farther down the list, just three restaurants were upgraded to two [Michelin stars](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/twisting-tradition-at-kasama/), Bloomberg noted. That includes two in London—Humble Chicken and the Ritz—and one in Hythe, Hide and Fox. Notably in that category, Anne-Sophie Pic’s La Dame de Pic retained its two stars, which it has held since 2020, but the restaurant will close later this week, on February 15, Bloomberg wrote. Located at the Four Seasons in London, the hotel and the chef said in a statement that they had agreed to “conclude their partnership,” which will result in La Dame de Pic disappearing from the Michelin Guide next year. As for one-star restaurants, 22 spots were awarded that honor, an increase from 18 establishments last year. Just 10 of those new additions are in London, showing that other cities in the U.K. and Ireland are making an impact on the region’s fine-dining scene, Bloomberg noted. Edinburgh, for example, had two restaurants make the cut: Lyla and Avery. Last year, no restaurants from Scotland were added to the one-star category. This year’s [Michelin ceremony](https://guide.michelin.com/gb/en/article/michelin-guide-ceremony/countdown-michelin-stars-ceremony-2025-glasgow) took place in Glasgow, as the company continues to spotlight towns outside of the major cities. That focus was reflected throughout the new additions and upgrades, with Cardiff also earning its very first Michelin star. And the expansion of Michelin honors was also evident in the cuisines represented, with the U.K.’s first stars for a Greek restaurant and a plant-based restaurant. With a whopping 220 starred restaurants in total, the U.K. and Ireland have started 2025 off with a bang. *See the full list of new Michelin-starred restaurants below.* ## **New Three-Star Restaurants** - Moor Hall, Aughton ## **New Two-Star Restaurants** - Hide and Fox, Hythe - Humble Chicken, London - The Ritz, London ## **New One-Star Restaurants** - 33 the Homend, Herefordshire - 64 Goodge Street, London - AngloThai, London - Avery, Edinburgh - Ballyfin, Laois, Ireland - Caractère, London - Cornus, London - Dosa, London - Forge, Middleton Tyas - Gorse, Cardiff - Lignum, Galway, Ireland - Lita, London - Lyla, Edinburgh - Mark Poynton at Caistor Hall, Norwich - Mauro Colagreco at Raffles London at the OWO, London - Oma, London - Plates, London - Row on 5, London - Skof, Manchester - Starling, Esher - The Morrison Room, Kildare, Ireland - Wilsons, Bristol *This article originally appeared in[ Robb Report US](https://robbreport.com/food-drink/dining/michelin-guide-2025-united-kingdom-ireland-1236203678/).* **Categories:** Dining, Food & Drink **Tags:** Ireland, Michelin, United Kingdom --- ### [The Monogram at 130: How Louis Vuitton Turned Travel Into a Luxury Signature](https://robbreport.ph/style/fashion/the-monogram-at-130-how-louis-vuitton-turned-travel-into-a-luxury-signature/) **Published:** February 2, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** For [Louis Vuitton](https://robbreport.ph/tag/louis-vuitton/ "Louis Vuitton"), [travel](https://robbreport.ph/travel/ "Travel") has always been an aesthetic discipline. Movement, in itself, can be beautiful. Function, when polished enough, can be engineered into desire. If the House has a single glyph that captures this philosophy in full, it’s the Monogram canvas—a signature so familiar it risks being mistaken for inevitability. In 2026, Louis Vuitton marks 130 years of the Monogram by reflecting on its heritage while unveiling a new generation of collections. The Monogram has become one of fashion’s rare living codes, a kind of identity system that stays fiercely protected, yet endlessly porous to interpretation. Created in 1896 by Georges Vuitton as a tribute to his father, Louis, it was also a solution to the copycat problem every successful maison eventually faces. ## A pattern that speaks across time and material ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Adopt_Louis_Vuitton_Wardrobe_trunks__Advertisement_published_in_LIllustration_on_June_13_1931_depicting_Wardrobe-scaled.webp) “Adopt Louis Vuitton Wardrobe” trunks Advertisement published in L’Illustration on June 13, 1931, depicting Wardrobe. *Photo: Louis Vuitton* Registered as a patent on January 11, 1897, the pattern was conceived not as a single motif but as a system “capable of being printed or embossed in any colour, on any surface,” from canvas and leather to paper. It built on earlier patented signatures, including the Striped canvas of 1872 and the Damier of 1888, but went further by turning protection into pure artistic expression. The patent renewals of 1905 and 1908 only confirmed what history has since made obvious. Georges Vuitton had effectively created one of the first modern logos. That duality still explains the Monogram’s strange durability. It is decorative, but it is also technical. It is indulgent, but it was born from necessity. The Monogram never belonged to a single era, really, which is precisely why it has outlived so many rivals. Conceived in a Paris animated by Neo-Gothic revival, Japonism, and the emerging language of Art Nouveau, it absorbed a city fascinated with symbolism, repetition, and structure. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Detail_of_the_personalization_L_Vuitton_Paris_on_the_lid_of_the_Ladies_Monogram_Canvas_Trunk_110__56__57_cm_1910-2240x2325.webp) Detail of the personalization “L. Vuitton Paris” on the lid of the Ladies’ Monogram Canvas Trunk. *Photo: Louis Vuitton* Its interlaced LV initials and stylized flowers feel like a meeting point between cathedral ornament and the distilled geometry of Japanese *mon*, the family crests that compress lineage into abstraction. Gaston-Louis Vuitton later described the pattern’s construction with near-architectural clarity. It reads like a blueprint, and perhaps that is the point. Over 130 years, the Monogram has proven itself endlessly adaptable without ever losing coherence. The Monogram began as a jacquard-woven linen canvas in ecru and earthy Terre de Sienne tones, producing a subtle tonal relief built for light and motion. Circa 1902, the House perfected the *pochoir* stencil technique, layering pigments by hand to sharpen precision and improve resistance to humidity and light. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Louis_Vuitton_House_Daily_Sales_Ledger_1926-2240x2733.webp) Louis Vuitton House Daily Sales Ledger, 1926. *Photo: Louis Vuitton* Then came the pivotal shift in 1959: a more supple, lightweight, waterproof canvas on a cotton base with a protective vinyl coating. This single innovation allowed Louis Vuitton to move beyond rigid trunks and expand into soft leather goods, laying the foundation for the bags that would define modern luxury. Even, let’s say, the Monogram Eclipse, which was only introduced in 2017 in graphite and black, follows that same logic. ## Travel translated into everyday mythology To open its anniversary year, Louis Vuitton turns to five Monogram bags that trace the House’s worldview across decades: the Speedy (1930), Keepall (1930), Noé (1932), Alma (1992), and Neverfull (2007). Read together, they form a quiet timeline of modern life, shaped by mobility, leisure, urban rhythm, and the understated heroism of what we carry each day. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/hrfhjth-2240x2240.webp) The Speedy. *Photo: Louis Vuitton* The Speedy, originally named the *Express*, distilled the romance of movement into a compact form. Structured yet flexible, it could be folded flat inside a suitcase and unfolded upon arrival, a small gesture that captured Louis Vuitton’s belief in travel as both practical and poetic. Introduced alongside it, the Keepall marked a more radical shift. Rigid trunks gave way to supple freedom, with a bag that was soft, spacious, and astonishingly light. Its early nickname, *Tientout*, said it plainly: a bag designed to hold everything, and to move effortlessly while doing so. The Noé began with an even simpler request from a Champagne producer. The brief was to carry five bottles, four upright and one inverted at the centre. With its rounded base and drawstring closure, the Noé became a case study in Louis Vuitton’s enduring instinct for turning a utilitarian problem into an object with lasting attitude, relaxed yet refined. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Still_life_Time_Trunk_Alma_GM.webp) The Alma *Photo: Louis Vuitton* Then came the Alma. Architectural and unmistakably Parisian, it draws on Art Deco geometry and takes its name from Place de l’Alma, where the grandeur of the 8th arrondissement meets the flow of the Seine. Its curved silhouette, double-zip closure, and sculptural handles give it a sense of quiet authority, the kind that never needs to announce itself. The story ends, for now, with the Neverfull. A modern phenomenon engineered into elegance, it is extraordinarily light yet remarkably strong, translating trunk-era logic into contemporary life and proving that everyday utility can still feel luxurious. ## The anniversary collections ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/FASHION_STORY__MONOGRAM_130TH_ANNIVERSARY-2240x1260.webp) *Photo: Louis Vuitton* If the Monogram existed only as heritage, it would belong in a museum. Instead, it has remained culturally alive through collaborations that treat it as a medium rather than a relic. From Takashi Murakami’s *Colorful Monogram* to Yayoi Kusama’s polka dots and Richard Prince’s reworkings, the pattern has repeatedly been opened to artistic interpretation. Later came Jeff Koons’ *Masters* overlays, Urs Fischer’s distortions, and landmark projects like the 1996 centennial reinterpretations and the 2014 *Celebrating Monogram* initiative, which brought together voices from fashion, art, and architecture. The anniversary collections themselves are a sort of three-part argument for why heritage still matters when handled with intelligence. The Monogram Origine Collection revisits the original 1896 pattern through a new jacquard canvas crafted from a linen-cotton blend in soft pastel hues, inspired by an archival client register. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Still_Life_Monogram_Origine_Alma_Bleu_Courrier_Rose_Ruban.webp) Monogram Origine in Alma Bleu Courrier and Rose Ruban. *Photo: Louis Vuitton* The VVN Collection is grounded in material truth, crafted from natural cowhide designed to develop a singular patina over time. Meanwhile, the Time Trunk Collection bridges past and present through trompe-l’oeil printing that recreates the textures and metallic details of historic trunks, turning memory into surface. See, after 130 years, the Monogram’s real achievement is not ubiquity, but elasticity. It has survived every attempt to reduce it—either to mere pattern or mere logo—because it was always both, and perhaps always something more. True icons stay in motion. *More information [here](https://eu.louisvuitton.com/eng-e1/women/handbags/monogram-signature/_/N-t1ci1i32).* **Categories:** Fashion, Style **Tags:** Evergreen, Features, Louis Vuitton, Monogram --- ### [The Suite Life: 4 Couple’s Spa Treatments](https://robbreport.ph/leisure/4-couples-spa-treatments-to-try-this-year/) **Published:** February 14, 2025 **Author:** Katrina Montinola **Content:** Whenever Valentine’s Day season comes, many turn to classic gifts for their loved one: chocolates, flowers, and jewelry. While one can never go wrong with these, a great way to take an extra step for your special someone is by whisking them on a [spa getaway.](https://robbreport.ph/leisure/health-wellness/x-chanel-brings-the-luxury-of-calm-to-manila/) Many of the world’s finest spas are located in Asia, which makes choosing the perfect spa a surprisingly easy feat. Travel is the ultimate gift, and below are a few of the best spas in Asia to consider for your next date. ## **Chi, The Spa at Shangri-La Boracay** ![Shangri-La Boracay](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Shang.jpg) Courtesy of Shangri-La Boracay Shangri-La Boracay treats you to a luxurious experience from the moment you land at Caticlan Airport. A hotel representative escorts you to their Mabuhay Lounge, and after a 15-minute speedboat ride, you’ll find yourself at [Chi, The Spa](https://www.shangri-la.com/boracay/boracayresort/chi-the-spa/) at Shangri-La. At Chi, guests can enjoy traditional Philippine healing practices, relaxing massages, luxurious body scrubs, and more. For couples, private villas are available for ultimate serenity and privacy. Their “Boracay Journey” treatment, in particular, offers couples 150 minutes of pure bliss. An hour-long aromatherapy massage follows an invigorating 60-minute facial. Then, a 30-minute papaya pineapple body wrap tops off the experience. Guests can trust that Chi only uses natural, locally-sourced ingredients, as they enjoy the treatments amidst the tropical gardens and ocean views that surround the spa. *You can request an appointment at [shangri-la.com/boracay](https://www.shangri-la.com/boracay/boracayresort/chi-the-spa/request-an-appointment/)* ## **Auriga Spa at Capella Hotel Singapore** ![Auriga spa at Capella hotel in Singapore](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Auriga-e1739451304588.jpg) *Courtesy of Capella Singapore* For those who find themselves in Sentosa, [Auriga](https://capellahotels.com/en/capella-singapore/wellness) isn’t to be missed. It’s the first spa in Singapore to receive a five-star status from the Forbes Travel Guide, and rightfully so. Their exclusive Couples Suite is the perfect venue to try the spa’s Unwind & Recharge Journey for Two, which treats you to over 4 hours of serenity. It starts with a calming bath ritual, followed by an intuitive wellness massage. You’ll also enjoy an anti-pollution facial, and a healthy meal curated for you. Auriga uses Margy’s Monte Carlo skincare products, which are known for their anti-aging properties. *Book this treatment [here.](https://ap.spatime.com/cpsp98297/10275190/home)* ## **Asaya at Rosewood Phuket** ![Asaya spa at rosewood in Phuket](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Rosewood.jpg) *Courtesy of Rosewood Phuket* Rosewood Hotels & Resorts is renowned for their exclusive wellness destinations, and their gem in Phuket is no exception. The resort is nestled along Emerald Bay, providing guests with a beachfront escape from the city. [Asaya at Rosewood Phuket](https://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/phuket/wellness/asaya) offers a revitalizing Couples Retreat, granting guests a secluded multi-day experience. Couples begin with the Asaya treatment of their choice, followed by interactive connection exercises. The experience is fully customizable, allowing couples to curate their ideal retreat based on their unique needs. *Know more about this experience [here.](https://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/phuket/wellness/asaya)* ## **The Farm at San Benito** ![The Farm at San Benito](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/The-Farm-2-e1739451725479.jpg) *The Farm at San Benito* Just a 90-minute drive from Manila is [The Farm at San Benito,](https://thefarmatsanbenito.com/journeys/vitality-of-the-hearts/) an eco-luxury wellness resort in Batangas, regarded as the premier health destination in the country. Their Vitality of The Hearts Treatment is just one of their many bespoke treatments, crafted to be an ideal rejuvenating experience for couples. It starts with an hour-long Cupid acupuncture session that addresses energy blockages. Then, one enjoys a 120-minute Hilot Kasuyo treatment, which includes a soothing foot floral bath, a cacao body wrap, a refreshing milk chocolate soak, and a therapeutic hilot massage that eliminates tiredness, fatigue, and disharmony. Cap off with your choice of The Farm’s Signature Cocktails. *You can know more [here.](https://www.instagram.com/thefarmatsanbenito/?hl=en)* **Categories:** Health & Wellness, Leisure **Tags:** health, spa, wellness --- ### [The 18 Best New Supercars of 2025](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-18-best-new-supercars-of-2025-2/) **Published:** February 13, 2025 **Author:** Bryan Hood **Content:** At the beginning of the decade, it was easy to wonder if old-school supercars days were numbered. Nearly every automaker of note had announced plans to at least electrify their lineups if not go all-electric by the end of the decade. Sure, marques like Aston Martin, Lamborghini, and Mercedes-Benz promised that there would still be a place for high-performance automobiles going forward, but if any class of vehicle wasn’t going to survive the electric revolution the supercar might have been it. Five years later and the supercar with its outrageous looks and boundary-pushing performance, remains alive and well, mostly gas-powered. Drivers, even those with enough money for a six- or seven-figure vehicle, haven’t turned out to be as keen on EVs as the automakers thought. It hasn’t helped that battery-powered cars and SUVs still tend to feel so much less dynamic than their ICE peers. Thanks to this resistance, and pushback on legislation that would have [sped the transition to all-electric vehicles](https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/20/climate/biden-phase-out-gas-cars.html#:~:text=The%20Biden%20administration%20on%20Wednesday,electric%20or%20hybrids%20by%202032.), plenty of big brands have walked back their plans and, in some cases, renewed their support (and investment) for combustion engines. In 2025, there will be plenty of new supercars to choose from, whether you’re in the market for a gas guzzler, a hybrid, or an EV. Here are the 18 models that those who like their vehicles bold and fast will want to look out for this year. ## Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale ![Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Alfa-Romeo-33-Stradale.jpg) *Photo: Alfa Romeo* Alfa Romeo plans to return to the upper echelons of the sports car world with a modern reinterpretation of one of its most famous models, the 33 Stradale. That car’s spiritual successor will be built by Touring Superleggera and features an update of the original’s design with bulbous fenders, a bubble cockpit, and butterfly doors. But what’s most interesting about the vehicle, which shares a platform with the Maserati MC20 (more on that in a bit), is that it will be available with either a traditional gas-powered engine or a fully electric drive unit. Regardless of which powerplant drivers opt for, expect plenty of power and performance. Alfa expects promises the car can reach 62 mph in under three seconds and top out at over 200 mph. The new model promises to be rare, too, with the company having committed to building only 33 examples. **First Announced:** 2023 **Powertrain:** 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 (gas)/Tri-motor electric powertrain (electric) **Power:** 620 hp (gas)/750 hp (electric) **Zero to 62 mph:** Under 3.0 seconds **Top Speed:** 207 mph **Range:** 240 miles (electric) **Starting Price:** $1 million ## Aston Martin Valhalla ![Aston Martin Valhalla](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Aston-Martin-Valhalla.jpg) *Photo: Aston Martin* It’s taken a long time getting here, but the Aston Martin Valhalla is finally within sight of the finish line. Aston Martin announced this past December that it will finally begin deliveries of its eagerly anticipated plug-in hybrid in 2025, six years after the vehicle was first teased as the AM-RB 003 concept at the Geneva Motor Show. The car, which you can catch a glimpse of in the 2021 James Bond film, *No Time to Die*, looks as futuristic as it did back then, but its powertrain has evolved some over the years. The setup, which was developed in conjunction with the automaker’s Formula 1 team, features a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 with three electric motors that combine to put out over 1,000 hp. That’s well over 100 horses more than the British marque promised when they showed off a near-production version of the car back in 2021. Unsurprisingly, the Valhalla will be priced around $1 million and be limited to just 999 examples. **First Announced:** 2019 **Powertrain:** 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 with three electric motors **Power:** 1,064 hp and 811 ft lbs of torque **Zero to 62 mph:** 2.5 seconds **Top Speed:** 217 mph **Starting Price:** Est. $1 million ## **BMW Skytop** ![BMW Skytop](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/BMW-Skytop.jpg) *Photo: BMW* One of the most visually striking concepts in recent memory, the BMW Skytop, is slated to go into production later this year. The big story here is the design, of course. The stunning two-seater is based on the current 8 Series convertible but sports a smooth and sophisticated look that sets it apart. We’re particularly fond of the illuminated kidney grilles (which are just the right size for once) and center spine coming off the rear deck lid. Of course, a supercar needs to do more than look good, and while we’re waiting for the official details the signs are that the Skytop will deliver. The reporting so far says that the roadster will be powered by the 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 from the M8 Competition. If this does indeed turn out to be the mill, expect an output of around 617 hp and 553 ft lbs of torque. We’re still waiting on the price, but the company’s head of design swears it’s coming. **First Announced:** 2024 **Powertrain:** 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 (reported) **Power:** 617 hp and 553 ft lbs of torque **Zero to 60 mph:** n/a **Top Speed:** n/a **Starting Price:** n/a ## **2025 Chevy Corvette ZR1** ![2025 Chevy Corvette ZR1](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Chevy-Corvette.jpg) *Photo: Richard Prince / Chevrolet* Chevrolet is ready to show once and for all that it can build a supercar that can compete with the best Europe has to offer. The new range-topping version of the C8 Corvette, the ZR1, is by far the most powerful factory-built version of the iconic nameplate yet. It is powered by a naturally aspirated 5.5-liter flat-plane-crank V-8 that pumps out a diabolical 1,064 horses. Thanks to all that power, the coupe is the quickest-accelerating ‘Vette and, even more impressively, the fastest series production American car of all time. It also looks the part, thanks to an aggressive body kit that accentuates the C8’s sharp angles and adds a giant rear wing. Best yet, it will be able to compete with Prancing Horse and Raging Bulls despite being priced far lower than them at $174,995. **First Announced:** 2024 **Powertrain:** 5.5-liter V-8 **Power:** 1,064 hp and 828 ft lbs of torque **Zero to 60 mph:** 2.3 seconds **Top Speed:** 233 mph **Starting Price:** $174,995 ## Ferrari 12Cilindri ![Ferrari 12Cilindri](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Ferrari-C.jpg) *Photo: Ferrari* For the [purists out there](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-ferrari-purosangue-is-an-suv-that-stays-true-to-ferraris-legacy/), the best Ferraris are those with a front-positioned, naturally aspirated V-12. The model that will take over that spot in the lineup this year is the aptly named 12Cilindri. The follow-up to the 812 Superfast is a grand tourer just like those the marque built its reputation on, but with enough modern flourishes to stop it from feeling like a nostalgic throwback. This includes its sculpted shape and tech-laden interior. The 12-cylinder engine the car takes its name from its pretty special. With a displacement of 6.5-liters, the naturally aspirated mill generates will over 800 horses and is a loud as you’d want a Prancing Horse to be. The $430,000 berlinetta coupe ($475,000 if you opt for the open-top Spider) is also awfully fast, sprinting from zero to 62 mph in under three seconds and reaching a top speed of 211 mph. **First Announced:** 2024 **Powertrain:** 6.5-liter V-12 **Power:** 819 hp and 500 ft lbs of torque **Zero to 62 mph:** 2.9 seconds **Top Speed:** 211 mph **Starting Price:** $430,000 ## Ferrari F80 ![Ferrari F80](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Ferrari-F80.jpg) *Photo: Ferrari* It takes something special to be considered Ferrari’s halo car. The company’s sixth such model, and immediate successor to the LaFerrari, is the F80. The new flagship is one of the boldest-looking Ferrari’s yet thanks to a low-slung design that incorporates a Daytona SP3-esque headlight visor, F40-style wheel arches, and a set of butterfly doors. Even the interior, with its staggered seating configuration, is sharp. The F80 has plenty of substance to match its style, though. At the heart of this is a hybrid powertrain that features a 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 with three electric motors. The fact that the setup is electrified, and engine has six cylinders instead of 12, may ruffle some features, but its performance shouldn’t. The F80 makes 1,184 hp and 793 ft lbs of torque, thanks to which it can rocket from zero to 60 mph in 2.15 seconds and to a top speed of 217 mph. Ferrari of plans to build just 799 examples, of which we imagine it will have little trouble selling, $4 million price tag not withstanding. **First Announced:** 2024 **Powertrain:** 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 with three electric motors **Power:** 1,184 hp and 793 ft lbs of torque **Zero to 60 mph:** 2.15 seconds **Top Speed:** 217 mph **Starting Price:** $4 million ## Ford Mustang GTD ![Ford Mustang GTD](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Ford-Mustang.jpg) *Photo: Ford Motor Company* Chevrolet isn’t the only American automaker set to a launch a supercar in 2025. Ford also has one of its own on the way and just like its longtime Detroit rival it’s based on one of its most iconic nameplates, in this case the seventh-generation Mustang. The new range-topper is called the GTD and is a street version of the company’s current GT3 race car. It’s outfitted in what is easily one of the year’s more extreme aerodynamic packages. New carbon-fiber elements include a vented hood, adjustable front flaps, and a giant, hydraulically controlled rear wing. But just as thrilling as all that is the 5.2-liter supercharged V-8 lurking under the GTD’s hood. The brawny mill pumps out 815 horse, which is 300 more than its track-only counterpart. Thanks to all that oomph, it’s little surprise the car recently became the fastest American-made car in Nürburgring history. **First Announced:** 2023 **Powertrain:** 5.2-liter supercharged V-8 **Power:** 815 hp and 664 ft lbs of torque **Zero to 60 mph:** n/a **Top Speed:** 202 mph **Starting Price:** $325,000 ## Koenigsegg Gemera ![Koenigsegg Gemera](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Koenigsegg.jpg) *Photo: Koenigsegg* This year will see Koenigsegg do something no one thought the Swedish marque was capable of; build a vehicle with room for the whole family. That’s right, Christian Koenigsegg’s latest creation, the Gemera, is the exceeding rare supercar—or “mega-grand tourer”—that has a roomy cabin, specifically one that can comfortably seat four full-sized adults (it also features two cup holders for each person). Of course, a spacious interior is far from all that’s notable about the ultra-sleek coupe. The Gemera is also powered by a 5.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 paired with a radial-flux electric motor (sadly, a planned three-cylinder version of the car was shelved last year). The duo combines to pump out a hair-raising 2,300 hp. Expect the new model to make it onto the list of the world’s fastest production cars too. The company expects it to hit 60 mph in under two seconds and reach a top speed of 248 mph. **First Announced:** 2020 **Powertrain:** 5.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 and a radial-flux electric motor **Power:** 2,300 hp and 2,038 ft lbs of torque **Zero to 60 mph:** 1.9 seconds **Top Speed:** 248 mph **Starting Price:** $1.7 million ## Lamborghini Temerario ![Lamborghini Temerario](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Lamborghini-Temerario.jpg) *Photo: Lamborghini* When the [Lamborghini](https://robbreport.ph/cars/why-lamborghini-wont-be-making-modern-versions-of-its-classic-cars/) Temerario officially launches later this year, the Italian sportscar maker’s lineup (which also includes the Aventador and Urus) will be made up entirely of hybrids. Yes, that’s right, one of the marque’s most associated with snarling internal combustion engines has fully embraced electrification (it even has an all-electric model on the way later this decade). The Huracán successor’s 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 may be joined by three electric motors, but it’s still a supercar through and through. Especially as its electrified powertrain makes over 900 horses, making it significantly more potent that any of factory-built versions of its V-10-powered predecessor. That classic Lambo wedge shape and a pair of scissor doors don’t hurt, either. **First Announced:** 2024 **Powertrain:** 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 and three electric motors **Power:** 907 hp and 759 ft lbs of torque **Zero to 60 mph:** 2.7 seconds **Top Speed:** 213 mph **Starting Price:** $360,000 ## Lexus LF-R ![Lexus LF-R](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Lexus-LF-R.jpg) *Photo: Toyota* There’s no car we know less about on this list than the LF-R and that’s exactly what may make it the most intriguing entry. There have been rumors about the hybrid sports car dating back to 2022, when Lexus’s parent company, Toyota, showed off a sporty prototype called the GR GT3 concept at the Tokyo Auto Salon. At the time there were whispers that an eventual production version could be the spiritual successor to the legendary Lexus LFA and they’ve only gotten louder in the years since. Little is known about the car at this point, other than that there is a strong belief that it will feature an electrified 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 that makes around 1,000 hp. Luckily we won’t have to wait much longer. The car is expected to make its debut, and maybe even go on sale, sometime this year. **First Announced:** 2022 (as Toyota GR GT3 concept) **Powertrain:** 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 and an electric motor **Power:** 1,000 hp **Zero to 60 mph:** n/a **Top Speed:** n/a **Starting Price:** n/a ## Maserati MC20 Folgore ![Maserati MC20 Folgore](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Maserati-MC20-Folgore-1.jpg) *Photo: Ben Sager* The Maserati MC20 has been around since the start of the decade, but this year will see the debut of its most intriguing variant yet, the all-electric Folgore. The Italian automaker has already shown it can build a sporty EV with Folgore versions of the GranTurismo and the GranCabrio—the latter of which is the world’s fastest zero-emission convertible—but the upcoming MC20 is easily the most exciting battery-powered model yet. The two-seater retains the ICE variant’s stylish exterior but features a tri-motor electric powertrain, nearly identical to the one in the all-new Alfa Romeo Stradale 33. The MC20’s drive unit will “only” produce 700 hp, compared to the 750 hp made by its cousin, but that should more than enough for any driver out there. **First Announced:** 2020 **Powertrain:** Tri-motor electric powertrain **Power:** 700 hp **Zero to 60 mph:** n/a **Top Speed:** n/a **Range:** 240 miles **Starting Price:** $260,000 ## McLaren W1 ![McLaren W1](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/McLaren-W1.jpg) *Photo: McLaren* The McLaren F1 established the blueprint for the modern-day supercar and its latest descendent, the W1, is ready to push things even further. The automaker’s third, once-in-a-generation “1” model is one of the more aggressively styled options in its class, thanks to a sharp aerodynamic design that includes a radical Active Long Tail spoiler coming off the rear. But McLaren knows that a supercar needs to do more than just turn heads, even if the W1 will have little trouble doing that. The vehicle’s all-new hybrid powertrain pairs a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 and a motorsports-grade electric motor and can produce a combined 1,258 hp and 988 ft lbs of torque. With all that power at your disposal, you’ll have be able to hit 60 mph and expect to top out well over 200 mph, which is exactly what you should expect from a vehicle that costs $2.7 million. **First Announced:** 2024 **Powertrain:** 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 and an electric motor **Power:** 1,258 hp and 988 ft lbs of torque **Zero to 60 mph:** 2.7 seconds **Top Speed:** 217 mph **Starting Price:** $2.7 million ## Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed ![Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Mercedes-AMG-PureSpeed.jpg) *Photo: Mercedes-Benz* Mercedes-Benz’s first Mythos model, the AMG PureSpeed, looks to be something truly special. The new sub-brand will be made up of ultra-exclusive vehicles that combine the best aspects of its powerful AMG and opulent Maybach models. The AMG Purespeed could go down as one of the more visually striking vehicles of the year thanks to its windscreen-less design, a Formula 1-style halo structure, and a racing-style livery. The interior, which it shares with AMG’s version of the SL roadster, includes two helmets with integrated comm systems that the driver and their passenger can use to communicate with each other at high speed. It may not be the most potent car on this list, but its 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 will still pump out 577 horses, which is strong enough to put it to a top speed just shy of 200 mph. **First Announced:** 2024 **Powertrain:** 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 **Power:** 577 hp and 590 ft lbs of torque **Zero to 60 mph:** 3.6 seconds **Top Speed:** 196 mph **Starting Price:** Est. $300,000 ## Mercedes-Maybach SL Monogram Series ![Mercedes-Maybach SL Monogram Series](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Mercedes-Maybach-SL-Monogram-Ser.jpg) *Photo: Michael A. Shaffer/Mercedes-Benz* The AMG Purespeed won’t be the only outrageous roadster released by Mercedes in 2025. Maybach’s first two-seater, the SL Monogram Series, doesn’t look much radically different from other version of the nameplate, but a closer inspection tells a different story. The car features a model-exclusive two-tone paint job, an illuminated Maybach grille, and a stunning set of multi-spoke wheels. In this guise, an already stylish vehicle more sophisticated than ever. Because it’s a Maybach it also has an ultra-luxe Crystal White Nappa leather interior that features extra sound-proofing material to ensure a quiet ride. It’s also no slouch, with its 4.0-liter twin-turbocharge V-8 producing well over 500 hp. **First Announced:** 2024 **Powertrain:** 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 **Power:** 577 hp and 590 ft lbs of torque **Zero to 60 mph:** 4.0 seconds **Top Speed:** 160 mph **Starting Price:** Est. $250,000 ## Morgan Midsummer ![Morgan Midsummer](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Morgan-Midsummer.jpg) *Photo: Nick Dimbleby/Morgan Motor Company* Boutique sports car maker Morgan isn’t the sort of name you’d normally expect to see on a list like this, but its next model, the Midsummer, feels like something all new. The dazzling barchetta is the result of a collaboration between the British marque and Pininfarina. The storied Italian coachbuilder has penned a design that recalls the pre-war roadsters Morgan is so fond of, but still manages to feel modern. The two-seater may end up offering one of the year’s most enjoyable driving experiences as well. That’s because the lightweight vehicle, which weighs in at under 2,200 pounds, is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-six that generates 335 hp, which is enough to push the $215,000 Midsummer to a top speed of 170 mph. **First Announced:** 2024 **Powertrain:** 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six **Power:** 335 hp and 369 ft lbs of torque **Zero to 60 mph:** Under 4.0 seconds **Top Speed:** 170 mph **Starting Price:** $215,000 ## Red Bull RB17 ![Red Bull RB17](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Red-Bull-RB17.jpg) *Photo: Red Bull* Red Bull is turning some of its attention away from the track in 2025. At last year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, the F1 team unveiled its first customer car, the RB17. The track-only beast is the brainchild of Adrian Newey, the legendary engineer automotive designer, who completed work on the project for moving to Aston Martin. Unsurprisingly, the RB17 look more like an F1 car tha most of its supercar peers. It wears a curvaceous carbon-composite body that look like it’ll cut through the air with ease. Just as impressive is a naturally aspirated 4.5-liter V-10 that redlines at 15,000 rpm and gets help from an electric motor. Red Bull says the hybrid setup will generate a combined 1,200 horses (we’re still waiting on a torque figure), thanks to which the car can reach a top speed of 217 mph. It may not be able to post a lap time like the RB20 that Max Verstappen drove to the driver’s championship last season, but it will come close. **First Announced:** 2022 **Powertrain:** 4.5-liter V-10 and an electric motor **Power:** 1,200 hp **Zero to 60 mph:** Under 3.0 seconds **Top Speed:** 217 mph **Starting Price:** Est. $6 million ## Tesla Roadster ![Tesla Roadster](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Tesla-Roadster.jpg) *Photo: Tesla* Supercars, more than other vehicle class, require an automaker to really push itself to its limits. Because of that, things go wrong and vehicles delayed. For proof of this, look no further than the second-generation Tesla Roadster, an all-electric supercar that was first announced all the way back in 2017 and which was supposed to go on sale in 2020. Five years later, we’re still waiting on the EV, but Tesla frontman Elon Musk claims it’s really coming this time. Still, the tech mogul has also promised the Roadster could accelerate to 60 mph in under a second and even hinted that it would be able to fly, so we wouldn’t hold our breath until Tesla announces an actual launch event. **First Announced:** 2017 **Powertrain:** Tri-electric motor powertrain **Power:** n/a **Zero to 60 mph:** n/a **Top Speed:** n/a **Starting Price:** n/a ## 2025 Toyota GR Supra A90 “Final Edition” ![2025 Toyota GR Supra A90 “Final Edition”](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/T025-Toyota-GR-Supra-A90-Final-.jpg) *Photo: Toyota* Not a supercar per se, but the final version of the GR Supra isn’t something you want to leave off a list like this. Toyota will wave goodbye to the sixth iteration of its beloved sports car in 2025, six years after bringing the beloved nameplate back from the dead. The exclusive model is powered by a specially tuned version of the BMW-sourced B58 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six that generates 429 hp and 420 ft lbs of torque. The car is also only available with a six-speed manual in case there was any question about what kind of driver it is aimed at. Other upgrades include an even louder titanium exhaust, adjustable suspension, and bigger brake calipers. There is only one problem we can see with the Supra A90 Final Edition—it’s currently only destined for Japan and Europe. We have a feeling American enthusiast will hold out hope that this changes up until the moment the last GR Supra rolls of the line. **First Announced:** 2024 **Powertrain:** 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six **Power:** 429 hp and 420 ft lbs of torque **Zero to 60 mph:** n/a **Top Speed:** n/a **Starting Price:** n/a *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** alfa romeo, aston martin, bmw, cars, corvette, Ferrari, ford, koenigsegg gemera, lamborghini, lexus, maserati, mclaren, mercedes, morgan midsummer, mustang, tesla --- ### [Omega Opens 2026 With an Olympic Icon and a Graphic Moonwatch](https://robbreport.ph/watches/two-visions-of-time-omega-marks-2026-with-an-olympic-icon-and-a-graphic-moonwatch/) **Published:** February 4, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** Apart from the [major coup that the brand scored at the Golden Globes](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-16-best-watches-at-the-golden-globes-from-glen-powells-omega-to-jacob-elordis-cartier/ "The 16 Best Watches at the Golden Globes") (with most of the stars wearing the brand on their wrists), [Omega](http://Omega) opens the year with two timepieces that capture the full breadth of its identity. One looks to the Olympic Winter Games, the other to the Moon, yet both express the same pursuit of precision and permanence. Together, they frame a brand equally fluent in sport timing and spacefaring legend. ## An Olympic Games Timepiece: Seamaster Diver 300M Milano Cortina 2026 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/5844382fc612a799629dfa13da14a01c-2000x1126-1.webp) If Omega’s long history as Official Timekeeper of the Olympic Games has proven anything, it is the brand’s ability to translate defining sporting moments into objects of permanence. With the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 approaching, Omega introduces a dedicated Seamaster Diver 300M created as a tribute to the occasion. The 43.5 mm watch takes its design cues from the Milano Cortina 2026 emblem and is delivered in a special presentation box, positioning it as both keepsake and collectible. The case is crafted in white ceramic and grade 5 titanium, pairing sleek aesthetics with a lightweight profile. Omega applies contrasting finishes across the watch, including a polished-brushed case body, sandblasted helium escape valve and crown, and a white ceramic bezel ring with a laser-ablated diving scale in positive relief. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/67d4a44022b52f41a3803d9891250647-2000x1400-1.webp) The white ceramic dial features laser-engraved frosting and a finger-trace pattern inspired by the “26” of the Milano Cortina emblem. Rhodium-plated hands and indexes filled with white Super-LumiNova ensure clarity, while a varnished central seconds hand carries a subtle blue gradient that echoes the competition logo. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/abb8fb5ad880dfa081ca6afc48d4f6b9-2000x2500-1.webp) A stamped [Milano Cortina 2026 ](https://www.olympics.com/en/milano-cortina-2026)emblem on the grade 5 titanium caseback permanently links the watch to the XXV Olympic Winter Games. Worn on an integrated white rubber strap, the Seamaster is powered by the Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8806 with a 55-hour power reserve and certification at the Swiss industry’s highest standard. The result is a professional dive watch that happens to carry Olympic symbolism expressed through contemporary materials. ## Graphic Contrast: Speedmaster Moonwatch in Black and White ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/15414b399f7ebe3117d810c971a4aad2-2000x1125-1.webp) Omega’s second major 2026 launch revisits one of watchmaking’s most storied silhouettes with a bold visual twist. Two new [Speedmaster Moonwatch models ](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-7-coolest-new-watches-that-dropped-in-january/)reinterpret the classic chronograph through an inverted black-and-white dial configuration. Both watches use the Moonwatch’s signature step dial assembled with a double-plate construction. The top plate is polished black with a varnished and lacquered finish and rhodium-plated subdial frames, while the base layer for the subdials is produced in white. Minute tracks appear in white on the main dial and in black on the subdials, reinforcing contrast and legibility. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/aff0278c7d60a0dfeb936f5b1dcfd0cf-900x1350-1.webp) The monochrome dials are paired with black ceramic bezel rings featuring white enamel tachymeter scales, along with box-form sapphire crystals treated with anti-reflective coating. Around the wrist, polished-brushed bracelets in classic Moonwatch style include Omega’s patented comfort-release adjustment system. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/5907bdfe9a9d7144729d29e3b392f8c8-2000x2500-1.webp) Collectors can choose between a stainless-steel version with rhodium-plated hands and indexes filled with white Super-LumiNova, or an 18K Moonshine™ Gold version with gold hands, markers, and subdial hands, plus a PVD Moonshine™ Gold central chronograph hand. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/dcc411179467c43583b826a5ed5d2fcb-900x1125-1.webp) Both references are powered by the Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 3861—the most advanced evolution of the legendary Calibre 321 trusted by NASA astronauts—offering Master Chronometer certification, magnetic resistance, and a five-year warranty. Perfect for those who care as much about the story as the look. **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** Moonwatch, Omega, seamaster, speedmaster --- ### [Here's Where Tomorrow's Grand Slam Champions Are Made](https://robbreport.ph/leisure/sports/heres-where-tomorrows-grand-slam-champions-are-made/) **Published:** July 6, 2026 **Author:** Nicholas Ong **Content:** [Alex Eala’s historic run at Wimbledon](https://robbreport.ph/leisure/sports/the-luxury-accessories-tennis-pros-wear-from-alex-eala-and-rafael-nadal-to-roger-federer/ "The Luxury Accessories Tennis Pros Wear, From Alex Eala and Rafael Nadal to Roger Federer") has done more than rewrite Philippine tennis. It has also drawn attention to the institution that helped shape her career: the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca. For those whose children aspire to the same achievement, that question naturally follows another. Where do the world’s best young tennis players train? The answer is no longer a simple tennis academy. Today’s leading institutions resemble luxury university campuses, combining elite coaching with sports science, international education, recovery centres, nutrition laboratories, [five-star accommodation](https://robbreport.ph/travel/hotels/ "Hotels"), and year-round tournament schedules. Parents are investing not simply in a forehand or backhand, but in an environment designed to develop professional athletes. Talent, resilience, and opportunity remain impossible to guarantee. But institutions like these offer something few others can: an environment where every conceivable advantage has already been built into the pursuit of excellence. Whether every student reaches the ATP or WTA Tour is beside the point. These academies have become destinations where excellence itself is the curriculum. ## Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar (Mallorca, Spain) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/ISM03162-scaled-1-2240x1494.webp) No academy has received more attention recently than Rafael Nadal’s campus on the island of Mallorca. Founded in 2016 beside Nadal’s hometown of Manacor, the academy has quickly become one of the world’s most sought-after destinations for junior tennis. Alex Eala is among its most distinguished graduates, having trained there from the age of 13 before embarking on her rise through professional tennis. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/DSC01100-scaled-1-2240x1494.webp) The campus reflects Nadal’s own philosophy. Discipline and humility receive as much attention as technical development. More than 45 courts—including clay, hard, and indoor surfaces—sit alongside a high-performance gym, sports medicine clinic, recovery centre, and an international school offering the International Baccalaureate curriculum. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/15-scaled-1-2240x1494.webp) Parents need not stay elsewhere. The adjacent Rafa Nadal Residence provides hotel accommodation, restaurants, wellness facilities, and access to the Rafa Nadal Museum. Annual boarding programmes typically range from €55,000 to €70,000, while intensive summer camps generally begin at around €2,000 per week, depending on programme length. They have camps for adults, too. *More information [here](https://www.rafanadalacademy.com/en/).* ## Mouratoglou Tennis Academy (Biot, French Riviera, France) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/a6adbf49-adc1-4a83-9bb3-7334db6f3779-hotelentree-BDISSOCK.webp) If Nadal’s academy reflects discipline, Patrick Mouratoglou’s campus embodies technology. The academy, founded by the coach who guided Serena Williams to 10 Grand Slam titles, sits minutes from Nice on the Côte d’Azur and combines professional tennis development with resort-style hospitality. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/062b35ed-2074-4301-86c3-b9b2a906102f-mthodologie-patrick-mouratoglou.webp) Patrick Mouratoglou. Students train using biomechanical analysis, performance tracking, sports psychology, recovery programmes, and customised nutrition. The campus also includes the Mouratoglou Hotel & Resort, allowing families to remain on site while children train. Boarding tuition generally falls between €45,000 and €65,000 annually, while week-long camps typically start around €2,000. *More information [here](https://www.mouratoglou.com/en/).* ## IMG Academy (Bradenton, Florida, U.S.A.) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/1-3.webp) If there is a Harvard of sports academies, IMG is arguably it. Its alumni include Maria Sharapova, Kei Nishikori, Tommy Haas, and countless professional athletes across multiple sports. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/4-3.webp) The scale is extraordinary. Tennis sits within a campus that also develops golfers, footballers, basketball players, baseball prospects, and Olympic athletes. Students receive academic instruction alongside physical conditioning, biomechanics, nutrition, leadership coaching, and mental performance training. Annual tuition with boarding can exceed US$90,000, placing it among the world’s most expensive sports academies. *More information [here](https://www.imgacademy.com/).* ## Juan Carlos Ferrero Equelite Sport Academy (Villena, Spain) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/academia.webp) Carlos Alcaraz’s rise has brought renewed attention to the academy founded by former world No. 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero. Smaller than many competitors, Equelite focuses on highly individualised coaching with an emphasis on clay-court development, tactical intelligence, and physical preparation. Boarding programmes generally range between €40,000 and €60,000 annually, depending on age and training intensity. *More information [here](https://ferreroacademy.com/).* ## Piatti Tennis Center (Bordighera, Italy) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/PiattiTennisCenter-27-2-1.webp) Long before Jannik Sinner became world No. 1, he developed under Riccardo Piatti’s guidance. The Piatti Tennis Center has earned an international reputation for its analytical approach to player development, combining technical coaching with data analysis, physiotherapy, strength training, and performance diagnostics. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/PiattiTennisCenter-86.webp) Rather than relying on scale, Piatti has built its reputation on precision. *More information [here](https://www.piattitenniscenter.it/en/).* ## Sánchez-Casal Academy (Barcelona, Spain) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Sanchez_Casal_Barcelona_10.webp) Few academies possess Sánchez-Casal’s history. Founded by former Spanish professionals Emilio Sánchez and Sergio Casal, the academy has helped develop generations of professionals, including Andy Murray, Svetlana Kuznetsova, Grigor Dimitrov, and Daniela Hantuchová. Its emphasis remains balanced development, integrating academics with elite tennis instruction. They also have a campus in Florida. *More information [here](https://emiliosanchezacademy.com/barcelona).* ## Chris Evert Tennis Academy (Boca Raton, Florida, U.S.A.) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/campus-facilities-and-safety-2240x837.webp) Founded by Hall of Famer Chris Evert, the academy has spent decades developing junior players through a philosophy centred on technical fundamentals, discipline, and match play. Its long-standing reputation continues to attract American and international juniors pursuing collegiate or professional tennis. *More information [here](https://evertacademy.com/)*. **Categories:** Leisure, Sports **Tags:** Alex Eala, tennis, tennis academy --- ### [The 10 Best Hair-Thickening Shampoos for Men](https://robbreport.ph/style/the-10-best-hair-thickening-shampoos-for-men/) **Published:** February 4, 2026 **Author:** Justin Fenner **Content:** If you’ve got naturally fine hair or have experienced severe[ hair thinning](https://robbreport.ph/style/grooming/10-peptide-powered-serums-for-hair-thickening-and-strengthening/ "10 Peptide-Powered Serums That’ll Help Thicken and Strengthen Your Hair"), then you’re a prime candidate for the best hair-thickening shampoos. These are products formulated to gently cleanse the hair and scalp while boosting volume and definition simultaneously (and all without overdrying your strands, to boot). This isn’t a one-size-fits-all game, though, says celebrity hairstylist [Andrea Claire](https://www.aclairebeauty.com/). “It’s important to understand your specific hair cleansing needs,” she says. “Is it just a simple fine or thinning hair situation you want to fix? Because if you add in other variables, like curly or textured hair, color-treated hair, damaged hair, then the answer isn’t so black and white.” The way many “thickening” shampoos work is by swelling the hair shaft, according to Claire. Ingredients such as chia seed and quinoa proteins flood each shaft, making every strand look plumper. Multiply that by all the hairs on your head, and your mop suddenly looks thicker to the naked eye. But those same ingredients can have a different effect on some hair types. (They can make curly hair look frizzy, so you’ve got to find a recipe that targets thin curls specifically. The same applies if your hair is dyed or damaged.) Check out our favorite hair-thickening shampoos below, which cover those various bases. And as a bonus tip, Claire offers this hair-volumizing advice: “Use a blow dryer when styling your hair to get more volume,” she says. “Good quality blow dryers have heat and airflow controls to prevent overdrying the hair and scalp.” ## Kevin Murphy Plumping Wash ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RR_Thickening_Shampoos_KM.webp) *Photo: Kevin Murphy* Whether your hair is naturally fine or increasingly growing thinner, Kevin Murphy’s shampoo makes the most of what you’ve got. Not only does this salon staple thicken your hair on contact, but it also supplements your hair retention efforts at the root. The trio of nettle, ginger root and oleanolic acid help to reduce, counter and reverse DHT damage, respectively. (DHT, or dihydrotestosterone, is a byproduct of testosterone and is the primary culprit behind male-pattern hair loss.) Meanwhile, rice proteins and amino acids pump keratin back into each strand, so you get a fortifying and nourishing wash while you flush away grime, sweat and excess oil. Remember, let it set on your scalp for 60 seconds to absorb as many of these active ingredients as possible before rinsing. ## Patricks SH1 Daily Thickening Shampoo ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RR_Thickening_Shampoos_SH1.webp) *Photo: Patricks* This shampoo uses gentle ingredients to help hair tolerate daily use—should you choose to wash every day—and its protein-packed formula also visibly thickens each strand. Don’t even get us started on its stellar ingredients roster, which includes anti-inflammatories, antioxidants, and even a couple that counter the effects of follicle shriveling due to DHT (again, this is the hormonal byproduct that is behind male-pattern shedding). ## Prose Custom Shampoo ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RR_Thickening_Shampoos_prose.webp) *Photo: Prose* Prose’s shampoo can do whatever you need it to: Want thicker hair and better volume? Tell them so. They’ll outline the recipe that goes into your unique formula, with ingredients ranging from biotin and castor oil (for strength), honey and carob seed (for density), as well as collagen and argan oil (for repair). So, while your formula may vary from the next guy’s, that’s entirely the point. Prose’s assortment caters to you specifically, since volume and density might not be the only benefits you want in a shampoo. ## Sachajuan Thickening Shampoo ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RR_Thickening_Shampoos_sachajuan.webp) *Photo: Sachajuan* The Swedes do everything better, and Sachajuan’s Thickening Shampoo is a prime example. If you keep your hair longer, this product will coat each strand to visibly smooth cuticles and bodify overall, delivering a fullness that lasts for days at a time. It also gives you a UV/heat shield to protect strands from the frizzing and frying effects of blow-drying, humidity and sun exposure. No wonder it’s a salon favorite, even on this side of the Atlantic. ## DevaCurl Low-Poo Delight Shampoo ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RR_Thickening_Shampoos_devacurl.webp) *Photo: DevaCurl* If you have fine, fragile curls, then stick with a gentle but hydrating hair wash like DevaCurl. This stuff gives hair more bounce than a basketball and flushes away oil, product buildup, and grime without any compromise to your strands’ moisture levels. It’s also a great way to reset your curls, by rebuilding definition as it cleans. ## Davines Volu Shampoo ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RR_Thickening_Shampoos_volu.webp) *Photo: Davines* Often, when people say they want thicker hair, they actually seek more volume and body (which gives the hair the appearance of fullness). Davines’ lightweight wash delivers fullness and definition in a flash, with a soft, natural glow. Suddenly, flat and lifeless hair comes alive, looking fuller instantly. ## R+Co Dry Shampoo Paste ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RR_Thickening_Shampoos_RCo.webp) *Photo: R+Co* Dry shampoo isn’t a replacement for regular shampoo, but it is a great volumizer between wash days, since daily washing isn’t typically advised. You can get dry shampoo from powders and sprays, but this styling paste is one of the more peculiar and efficient means. It soaks up excess oil at the scalp, giving hair a healthy lift. Just be sure to target the roots, which is where the oil accumulates and really starts to weigh things down. ## DS Laboratories Revita High-Performance Hair Stimulating Shampoo ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RR_Thickening_Shampoos_revita.webp) *Photo: DS Laboratories* A healthy scalp is the foundation of healthy hair growth, and the right one can maximize the potential of your follicles. DS Laboratories’ shampoo stimulates circulation in the scalp thanks to caffeine, which improves nutrient delivery to the hair follicles and promotes thicker hair growth; be sure to let it sit on the skin for a minute and to massage it in (which adds to the circulation boost). A light inclusion of ketoconazole even prevents the proliferation of fungus and its resulting itching, flaking, and inflammation. (That’s a common active ingredient in many dandruff shampoos, but in this one is lightweight enough not to parch the scalp or strands.) ## Aveda Damage Remedy Restructuring Shampoo ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RR_Thickening_Shampoos_aveda.webp) *Photo: Aveda* Packed with quinoa proteins, this shampoo helps build back damaged bonds in the hair due to heat or UV damage or dyeing, or anything else that has compromised strand quality. It uses babassu oil to lift away excess sebum, dirt, and grime, leaving hair with a healthy, natural shine and some serious eye-catching definition—quite a 180 turn from the initial damage. ## Living Proof Full Shampoo ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RR_Thickening_Shampoos_livingproof.webp) *Photo: Living Proof* Here is your go-to for thickness boosts whenever your hair is shorter than a few inches. It’s packed with peptides to help plump the hair, as well as algae extract to shield strands from further wear. Living Proof’s shampoo gives hair the same effect as a texturizing sea salt spray, paving the way for a lightweight, choppy styler like clay or fiber. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.**[](https://www.livingproof.com/products/full-shampoo?nb_offer_id=1557864&nb_publisher_sid=2116208&nb_creative_id=1&ranMID=40149&ranEAID=TnL5HPStwNw&ranSiteID=TnL5HPStwNw-65Eqn8.zVAqH6XPODAvmYw&offer=1557864&type=10&referral=linkshare&creative=1&publisher=TnL5HPStwNw)*** [](https://www.aveda.com/product/5311/16706/hair-care/shampoo/damage-remedy-restructuring-shampoo?ranMID=37315&ranEAID=2116208&utm_content=2116208&utm_source=TnL5HPStwNw&utm_campaign=1817796&ranSiteID=TnL5HPStwNw-Ec9rkI.Ltmu356x2oOp3Og&utm_medium=Affiliate)**[](https://dslaboratories.com/products/revita-shampoo)** [](https://www.randco.com/products/badlands-dry-shampoo-paste?irclickid=zN32BTTPLxycUQAX6XUb9XDyUkpSB0SnUR881M0&utm_source=impact&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=10078&irgwc=1&afsrc=1)[](http://go.skimresources.com/?id=87443X1569519&isjs=1&jv=15.7.1&sref=https%3A%2F%2Frobbreport.com%2Fstyle%2Fgrooming%2Flists%2Fbest-hair-thickening-shampoos-1237466418%2Fdavines-volu-shampoo-2%2F&url=https%3A%2F%2Fus.davines.com%2Fproducts%2Fvolu-shampoo&xs=1&xtz=-480&xuuid=af3081869a06222f68bfa72136528364&xcust=xid%3Afr1768960144788aih&xjsf=other_click__contextmenu%20%5B0%5D)[](https://www.amazon.com/DevaCurl-Low-Poo-Original-Cleanser-Moisture/dp/B097F92KR7?th=1&asc_source=web&asc_campaign=web&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Frobbreport.com%2Fstyle%2Fgrooming%2Flists%2Fbest-hair-thickening-shampoos-1237466418%2F)[](https://prose.com/products/custom-shampoo?irclickid=S6gRe7SBIxycUH8TXQRUP3ASUkpSB0wfUR881M0&ircid=11046&utm_campaign=Skimbit%20Ltd.&utm_source=impact&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_content=robbreport.com&utm_term=10078&irgwc=1&afsrc=1&nb_platform=impact&nb_adid=762694&nb_cid=11046&nb_pid=10078&nb_aname=Online%20Tracking%20Link&nb_atype=ONLINE_TRACKING_LINK&nb_asize=&nb_product_sku=&nb_partner_name=Skimbit%20Ltd.&nb_mtype=mediapartner&nb_partner_shared_id=robbreport.com)[](https://patricks.co/products/sh1-daily-thickening-shampoo-200ml?variant=29429321728023) [](https://kevinmurphy.com.au/us/en/km/products-/by-benefit-/thickening-/PLUMPING-WASH.html?utm_source=RAN&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_content=Skimlinks.com&utm_campaign=10&ranMID=52933&ranEAID=TnL5HPStwNw&ranSiteID=TnL5HPStwNw-TqrBYvy9pzu7680H2RWeqw) **Categories:** Grooming, Style **Tags:** Devacurl, Grooming, haircare, Kevin Murphy, Living Proof --- ### [9 Must-Have Luggage Picks for the Best Travel Experience](https://robbreport.ph/travel/9-luggage-picks-for-your-next-vacation/) **Published:** January 28, 2025 **Author:** Katrina Montinola **Content:** The new year means new beginnings, new experiences, and new vacations to plan. While one usually sees traveling as the ultimate de-stressor, it could actually have the opposite effect if a crucial detail goes wrong. The quality of one’s luggage is an often overlooked aspect of the travel experience. Having dependable, spacious, and high-quality luggage picks is the building block of any vacation. Without it, you could find yourself frustrated in an airport with a broken bag in hand, the tranquility of your holiday already forgotten. Being able to conveniently and safely move your belongings while you travel is an essential part of your holiday, so [having the right suitcase](https://voyagoux.com/en/blogs/voyagoux-blog-tips-inspiratie/reizen-met-een-hoge-kwaliteit-reiskoffer#:~:text=Traveling%20with%20a%20high%2Dquality%20suitcase%20offers%20many%20benefits%2C%20including,a%20hassle%2Dfree%20travel%20experience.) is a must. Below, you’ll see some of the best luggage for all your future trips. ## Montblanc #MY4810 Cabin With Front Pocket ![#MY4810 Cabin Trolley with Pocket](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/montblanc-e1736493760660.jpg) *Courtesy of Rustan’s* Although Montblanc initially gained fame for their pens, they’ve aptly established themselves as a source of high-quality luggage. Montblanc’s MY4810 cabin trolley is perfect for weekend getaways. Its durable polycarbonate material ensures that this piece is fracture-resistant while remaining lightweight, combining security and convenience. This bag comes in four classic colors to choose from, all accented with black leather trims. *Available at [Rustan’s](https://rustans.com/products/montblanc-my4810-cabin-with-pocket)* ## **Tumi 19 Degree Aluminum International Carry-On** ![Tumi 19 Degree Aluminum International Carry-On](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/tumi-e1736494752324.jpg) *Courtesy of Tumi Philippines* Tumi’s International Carry-On is the highlight of their [19 Degree Aluminum collection](https://www.tumi.ph/collections/19-degree-aluminum.html?srsltid=AfmBOoqLPjDv26oRkSiy7r6bgx6wCC5ItPQHQ-BRVs1o9SGVhdfRlsRZ), a line of expertly sculpted modern aluminum luggage picks. This piece is ideal for 3-day long trips and comes in four colors. It also comes with a Snap Latch Lock, allowing airport security to conduct emergency inspections without damaging your luggage. Like all Tumi products, this trolley gives you the option to have it monogrammed with your initials. It’s also part of the Tumi Tracer® program, ensuring that you can find your bag should it get lost. *Available at [Tumi](https://www.tumi.ph/international-carry-on-1000110033style.html)* ## **Paravel Aviator Grand** ![Paravel Aviator Grand Checked Luggage](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Paravel-e1736495169852.png) *Courtesy of Paravel* Paravel dubs its Aviator Grand as the “world’s first carbon-neutral checked luggage.” What sets the brand apart is their commitment to using recycled materials and sustainable manufacturing methods for all their products. This suitcase is made of recycled polycarbonate, recycled aluminum, and recycled vegan leather. It can fit up to 10 days worth of clothes, as well as 4 pairs of shoes. Additional features include 360° double spinner wheels, water-resistant lining, and a removable laundry bag. *Available at [Paravel](https://tourparavel.com/en-ph/products/the-aviator-grand-checked?variant=44747814469809)* ## **Louis Vuitton Horizon Business Suitcase** ![Louis Vuitton Horizon Business](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Louis-Vuitton-e1736495820190.jpg) *Courtesy of Louis Vuitton Philippines* Louis Vuitton’s Horizon 55 design goes a step further with the Horizon Business suitcase. The Monogram Eclipse canvas gives this carry-on an elegant look, in addition to its leather handles, corners, and trim. The front-zipped compartment contains two flat pockets for additional belongings. You also have the option to further personalize your trolley with a hot-stamped name tag. *Available at [Louis Vuitton](https://eu.louisvuitton.com/eng-e1/products/horizon-business-monogram-eclipse-nvprod5700047v/M47181) Manila Solaire, NUSTAR Cebu, and Greenbelt Makati* ## **Briggs & Riley Medium Expandable Spinner** ![Briggs & Riley Medium Expandable Spinner](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Briggs-and-Riley-e1736496298186.jpg) *Courtesy of Briggs & Riley* The New York-based brand is known for its free lifetime warranty, assuring customers that they take product quality seriously. Their Medium Expandable Spinner features one-touch CX® expansion-compression, which allows you to fit things in your bag before it compresses back to its original size. Important garments stay flat and wrinkle-free thanks to the suitcase’s tri-fold built-in garment pocket. Self-repairing zippers, TSA-Approved locks, and impact-resistant corner guards keep your belongings safe and sound. You can also personalize your bag by having your initials monogrammed. *Available at [Briggs & Riley](https://www.briggs-riley.com/products/medium-expandable-spinner-2?variant=39999251415082)* ## ****Carl Friedrik Trunk**** ![Trunk by Carl Friedrik](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Carl-Freidrik-e1736496497570.png) *Courtesy of Carl Friedrik* Carl Friedrik prides itself on its long-lasting products–in case you need more assurance, their trunks come with a lifelong warranty. Their heritage-inspired rolling trunk is a secure and durable piece perfect for trips up to three weeks long. For convenient packing, the trunk grants you retractable dividers, compression straps, and complimentary packing cubes. Its German-engineered Makrolon® polycarbonate shell and three TSA-approved locks keep your belongings safe and sound. Additional features include vachetta leather detailing and seamless 360° Hinomoto silent spinner wheels. *Available at [Carl Friedrik](https://www.carlfriedrik.com/int/products/trunk?srsltid=AfmBOopSOmywqkN_GBHleccMqqEbfqidkUH7rlKVECfVM2bXiYxhDfTT&colour=grey+%2F+cognac)* ## ****Tumi**** Extended Trip Expandable 4 Wheeled Packing Case ![Tumi Tegra-Lite Extended Trip Expandable 4 Wheeled Packing Case](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Tumi-1-e1736498288996.jpg) *Courtesy of Tumi Philippines* What’s it like to have a suitcase made from the same material used in armor, racecars, and sports gear? Tumi lets you know with its Tegra-Lite Extended Trip Expandable Packing Case. This checked luggage is made of Tegris®, a highly durable and lightweight material that protects your belongings from impact. Of course, this piece also allows you to monogram your initials and trace your bag in case of loss. *Available at [Tumi](https://www.tumi.ph/extended-trip-expandable-4-wheeled-packing-case-1000497870.html)* ## **Montblanc #MY4810 Happy Holidays Cabin Trolley** ![Montblanc Happy Holidays #MY4810 cabin trolley](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Montblanc-1-e1736498329424.jpg) *Courtesy of Rustan’s* Montblanc’s signature MY4810 cabin trolley is reimagined in the new Happy Holiday Capsule Collection. This ivory polycarbonate trolley is not only lightweight but also highly durable, making it the perfect travel companion for both style and function. The festive design was carefully applied using a silk-screen printing technique. *Montblanc is available at Rustan’s Makati, Rustan’s Shangri-La, Rustan’s Cebu, Greenbelt 5, and Solaire Resort Entertainment City.* ## ****Paravel Cabana Set Plus**** ![Paravel Cabana Set Plus](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Paravel-e1736498457765.jpg) *Courtesy of Paravel* They say two is better than one. Paravel’s Cabana Set gives you a medium-sized tote alongside the Aviator Carry-On Plus, perfect for trips up to a week long. The Cabana tote is made of EcoCraft Canvas®, a durable, water-resistant, and stain-repellent material made of recycled bottles. With six colors to choose from, and the option to have your tote embroidered and handpainted with your initials, Paravel allows you to truly make this luggage set your own. *Available at [Paravel](https://tourparavel.com/en-ph/products/offset-travel-set-plus?variant=44197755420849)* **Categories:** Style, Travel **Tags:** luggage, luxury travel, suitcase --- ### [How Prada, Louis Vuitton, and More Brands Are Taking Their Luxury Style to the Ski Slopes](https://robbreport.ph/style/fashion/how-prada-louis-vuitton-and-more-brands-are-taking-their-luxury-style-to-the-ski-slopes/) **Published:** February 3, 2026 **Author:** Justin Fenner **Content:** The world’s leading menswear brands have never been shy about colonizing new territory—and recently, the best are heading to the hills. The current influx of ski (and après-ski) collections from houses like [Louis Vuitton](https://robbreport.ph/tag/louis-vuitton/ "Louis Vuitton") and Canali answers an explosion of interest in mountain sports, recasting the slopes as a stage for not just technical skill but also the kind of personal style that reads as unmistakably luxurious despite the elements. “People want to invest in experiences,” says Sophie Jordan, menswear buying director at [Mytheresa](https://www.mytheresa.com/), adding that where skiing and snowboarding are concerned, “You have to have the gear to go and do that, even if you are just going to an après to have a nice time, a cocktail, or a hot chocolate on the side of a mountain.” The numbers back up that mindset. So significant is the surge in stylish guys heading off to the Alps or the Hakuba Valley that Jordan’s ski sales were dramatically higher at the start of the season. “The overall ski business is 53 percent up versus last year at this point,” she says. “But Brunello Cucinelli’s ski gear is, like, 365 percent up.” The advantage such brands have over mountain specialists like Snow Peak or Bogner? Familiarity. “You already know the fit. You already trust the brand in terms of quality and how it works,” she adds. That level of confidence matters when you’re dressing for performance as much as pleasure, so that you don’t have to learn about a new outfitter at altitude. “It’s fulfilling a need without having to really think.” Which suggests that if you opt for some of the high-end gear on these pages, you’ll have that much more energy to focus on what actually matters when you click in: perfecting your jump turn. ## 1. Prada ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Prada_Oakley_SnowHelmet.webp) *Photo: Prada* The Italian house produces one of fashion’s most established and well-respected ski and snowboarding lines. It partners with Oakley to make reliable—and stylish—helmets, arguably the essential element of a mountain look. *Linea Rossa by Oakley snow helmet, [$775](https://www.prada.com/us/en.html)* ## 2. Brunello Cucinelli ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Brunello_Cucinelli_SafariJacket_2.webp) *Photo: Brunello Cucinelli* [Brunello Cucinelli](https://robbreport.ph/tag/brunello-cucinelli/ "brunello cucinelli")’s safari-style ski jacket uses two bonded layers of wool flannel in a technique that enhances its durability without sacrificing softness. Insulation from Italy’s Thermore keeps the jacket lightweight but warm enough to handle extreme cold. *Mountain Safari jacket, [$8,900](https://shop.brunellocucinelli.com/en-us/)* ## 3. Louis Vuitton ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/LV_Pharrell_SkiCapsule.webp) *Photo: Louis Vuitton* For his first ski capsule at Louis Vuitton, Pharrell Williams aimed to splice high-performance design details with recognizable sartorial codes. This warm trucker jacket and thick, cotton-corduroy trousers transition seamlessly from après-ski to everyday winter wear once you’re home from the slopes. Above, left to right: *Corduroy and shearling mix trucker jacket, [$6,750](https://us.louisvuitton.com/eng-us/homepage), and casual corduroy pants, [$1,590](https://us.louisvuitton.com/eng-us/homepage)* ## 4. Loro Piana ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/LoroPiana_SkiJacket_Boot.webp) *Photo: Loro Piana* While some ski-focused brands default to nylon, [Loro Piana](https://robbreport.ph/tag/loro-piana/ "loro piana")’s ski jacket and salopettes are made from wool, silk, and microfiber and covered in a lightweight layer of graphene that captures body heat. Its suede hikers extend that logic with a plush shearling lining. Above, left to right: *Defender ski jacket, [$7,050](https://us.loropiana.com/en/), Bia salopettes, [$6,850](https://us.loropiana.com/en/), and Andreas boots, [$2,130](https://us.loropiana.com/en/)* ## 5. Canali ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Canali_Sweater.webp) *Photo: Canali* For a hint of graphic distinction, Canali added its freccia—or arrow—motif to this supremely cozy quarter-zip sweater, made from a spongy weave of alpaca, wool, and cotton. The gray-jacquard pattern will put you one step ahead of the guys who didn’t bother to change before those well-earned end-of-day drinks. *Mock-neck sweater, [$1,125](https://us.canali.com/)* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Fashion, Style **Tags:** brunello cucinelli, canali, loro piana, Louis Vuitton, prada, skiing --- ### [These Slim New Catamarans Are Redefining the Category. Here’s How.](https://robbreport.ph/boats/these-slim-new-catamarans-are-redefining-the-category-heres-how/) **Published:** January 19, 2025 **Author:** Michael Verdon **Content:** The opulence implied by the term “luxury power cat” has largely meant the commodious salons typical of these wide-beam motor [yachts](https://robbreport.ph/tag/yachts/). Unfortunately, such spaciousness has long come at a price that includes ungainly styling, severely narrow staterooms in the outer hulls, and squirrely handling on big seas—not to mention a lack of compatibility with many marina slips due to the form’s bulky proportions. But a handful of builders are addressing such issues with slimmer designs and the use of foils for enhanced performance. Take [Bluegame](https://bluegame.it/)’s BGM75, with a width of 26 feet seven inches, or about 25 percent of its length overall. By comparison, conventional power cats sport beams closer to 50 percent of their lengths. “This is more like a monohull that happens to have twin hulls,” says Luca Santella, Bluegame’s founder and head of product strategy. Another bonus: Thanks to naval architect [Philippe Briand](https://www.philippebriand.com/)’s design, the Bluegame catamaran requires roughly half the horsepower of a 90-foot monohull with a similar interior volume. The slimmer approach also enhances seakeeping. “In big waves, wide-beam power cats have a seesaw motion,” Santella explains, because the twin hulls can hit waves at different times, forcing the boat to rock back and forth. “Placing the hulls closer together dramatically reduces this uncomfortable feeling.” Bluegame, acquired by style-forward Sanlorenzo Yachts in 2018, used both engineers and designers from its parent company to elevate the BGM75’s layout and look. The full-beam main suite has exceptionally large windows, a side lounge, and a spacious, glassed-in ensuite, while four guest staterooms cross into the boat’s interior rather than remaining confined to the outer hulls. There’s also a full-beam garage with an automatic launch for the tender—another demonstration of how a clever interplay of form, function, and smart styling can expand the power cat’s potential. ![Voodoo Yachts XF60 interior view](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/BGM75-Salon.jpg) Bluegame’s BGM75 sports a large, open interior.Courtesy of Voodoo Yachts Polish builder Sunreef Yachts is taking a similar tack with its Ultima line, though with more curves and flash. The length of its 66 Ultima is 65 feet nine inches, while the vessel’s 23-foot nine-inch beam is about two-thirds that of its wide-body cat, the 70 Sunreef Power. Nicolas Lapp, Sunreef’s cofounder and chief technical officer, says the approach is about “merging the best attributes of monohull dynamics with multihull living space and minimizing drag.” Aiming for a 2025 launch, the Ultima 66 will be available with diesel-electric propulsion and solar panels, along with an optional hydrofoil. The XF60, the smallest member of the Xpedition Foiler line from Voodoo Yachts, has a 21-foot beam, while a combination of 1,300 hp diesels in the upgraded propulsion package and a proprietary hydrofoil blade, called the Xpedition Wing, gives it a top end of 52 mph and an impressive 1,350-mile range at 34.5 mph. “The wing raises the boat 30 inches, carrying about 50 percent of its weight,” says Mitch Pachoud, cofounder and director of the New Zealand brand, who calls such lift “the secret to running a long distance at speed.” The four-stateroom XF60 is a more buttoned-down, less “yachty” vessel than its competition, but the range is a major draw for the explorer-yacht set. The most extreme example of the svelte-multihull trend is the T-2000 Voyager from Irish builder [Safehaven](https://www.safehavenmarine.com/home), presenting a 70-foot length with a 20-foot beam. It features a racy superstructure and wave-piercing hulls. And its performance specs are riotous: Thanks to twin 1,550 hp MAN V-12 engines, it can hit 57.5 mph and has a range of 1,150 miles at 34.5 mph. The T-2000 was put to the test immediately, with its first sea trials taking place in a Force 10 storm with 55 mph winds and 20-foot waves. Retaining the multihull’s interior-volume advantage while closing the monohull’s gap in handling prowess and streamlined aesthetics? This new approach could be the cat’s meow. ## Evolution of the Species The earliest catamarans can be traced back to 1500 B.C.E.: crude vessels (essentially two logs tied together) used by islanders to navigate Austronesia. Over the past 150 years, though, these watercraft have seen supercharged change, progressing from small racing sailboats to vast, A.I.-controlled superyachts. Here, how the contemporary cat species came to dominate. ### 1500s ![Yacht illustration](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Fijan-Drua.jpg) *Illustration by Brown Bird Design* Druas—“sacred canoes” in early Fijian—were one of the first forms of advanced catamarans. Despite the name, there was nothing canoe-like about the vessels, which spanned 100 feet, could carry 200 people, and were reserved for aristocrats. Amazingly, the plank-built ships were constructed without the use of metals. ### 1916 ![Yacht illustration](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/PowerCat-Illo1.jpg) *Illustration by Brown Bird Design* Though fast-sailing catamarans came into racing in the late 1800s, Leonardo Torres Quevedo’s Binave was the world’s first power catamaran. While the twin-hulled steel vessel was essentially a Franken-boat—with a raised cabin atop pontoons—its dual engines and high-riding sponsons became the templates for modern power-cat design. ### 1950s ![Yacht illustration](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/PowerCat-Illo2.jpg) *Illustration by Brown Bird Design* Californian Ray Leger designed the first 18-foot PowerCat in the postwar era as an offshore fishing boat, as well as an antidote to his wife’s seasickness. Over the next two decades, Leger’s builds, ranging from 12 to 40 feet, attracted middle-class day boaters who wanted something that was less tippy on seas than a monohull. Power catamarans were also quickly adopted as race boats. ### 1998 ![Yacht illustration](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/PowerCat-Illo3.jpg) *Illustration by Brown Bird Design* The first motorized multihull yachts appeared in the 1990s and the aughts as tall, boxy vessels that were essentially sailing cats minus the masts. These appealed to sailors who didn’t want the manual labor of working the sails but craved a similar experience. More utilitarian than luxurious, these early cats looked awkward compared to the sophisticated designs of monohull motor yachts. ### 2021 ![Yacht illustration](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/PowerCat-Illo4.jpg) *Illustration by Brown Bird Design* At the beginning of the current decade, power cats began taking cues from motor yachts, with sleeker topsides, additional curves, and a sportier presence. Builders discovered a market of motor-yacht owners, including celebrities, who wanted to burn less fuel while enjoying more space. For the most expensive models, a colossal, luxury interior was one of the design mandates. ### 2024 ![Yacht illustration](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Sea-WolfX.jpg) *Illustration by Brown Bird Design* Builders such as Wider, Rossinavi, and Sunreef have launched custom superyachts with bolder, more streamlined looks and sustainability-minded technology. Rossinavi’s 141-foot Seawolf X, for example, uses artificial intelligence to not only manage its hybrid propulsion but also deliver real-time ways for crew and guests to reduce energy use. *This originally appeared in [Robb Report US](https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/slim-catamarans-1235786803/) and in Robb Report Philippin*es’ *Premiere Issue.* **Categories:** Boats, The Premiere Issue **Tags:** boats, catamaran, power cat --- ### [The 9 Best Running Shoes to Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions on Track](https://robbreport.ph/style/footwear/the-9-best-running-shoes-to-keep-your-new-years-resolutions-on-track/) **Published:** February 6, 2026 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** To keep the momentum going on Month Two of 2026, whether you’ve merely resolved to increase your step count for the new year or decided to train for a marathon, the situation is the same: you’re going to need some new running [shoes](https://robbreport.ph/style/footwear/ "Footwear"). Runners have come a long way since their earliest progenitors emerged in the late 19th century, in the form of spiked shoes developed by the English firm J.W. Foster & Sons. Shoes designed specifically for distance running gained traction with the public after Jesse Owens wore a pair to victory in the 1936 Berlin Olympics, and the running shoe as we know it today arrived in 1974 with Nike’s famous waffle sole. The industry has hardly remained static in the half-century since, as innovations in materials such as breathable mesh uppers, cushioning foam midsoles, and lightweight EVA outsoles have made running shoes better performing—and more comfortable—than ever. Whatever your intended mileage, we’ve assembled a team of ringers below to see it through. ## **Tracksmith Eliot Runner** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_20260105_Running_Shoes_Tracksmith.webp) *Photo: Tracksmith* Tracksmith’s Eliot Runner very much shares the classic aesthetic of the Boston-based brand, with its spare design and woven sash detail. Despite its nostalgic look, the technology is present tense, featuring a two-part Pebax system that gives it triple the thickness of a typical running shoe. [Available online at Tracksmith.](https://www.tracksmith.com/products/m-tracksmith-eliot-runner?sku=FT1004070LHGRBAW) ## **Satisfy Rocker** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_20260105_Running_Shoes_Satisfy.webp) *Photo: Satisfy* Satisfy’s Rocker is designed to follow the natural shape of the foot as closely as possible, which it does with an anatomical last that narrows at the heel and widens at the forefront, and with an asymmetrical lacing system that more closely follows the foot’s line. It also uses a breathable monomesh upper and a lugged outsole for all-terrain grip. [Available at Satisfy Running.](https://satisfyrunning.com/products/therocker-falcon?country=US&variant=9517592871240&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21717983937&gbraid=0AAAAADPfYW5hUc5R_oolgaIbajxPaz7Gx&gclid=Cj0KCQiAsNPKBhCqARIsACm01fSkRPuj5MPV43BCY9A4cDEqZZprexjZn6SQdzxbvKsCc1-IWOI53ncaApDvEALw_wcB) ## **Asics Novablast 5** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_20260105_Running_Shoes_Asics.webp) *Photo: Asics* The Asics Novablast 5 is engineered for powerful shock absorption, which it does with the maker’s proprietary FF Blast Max cushioning. Its other advantages include a breathable jacquard mesh upper and a tongue wing construction that allows for a closer fit. [Available at Asics.](https://www.asics.com/ph/en-ph/novablast-5/p/1011B974-020.html) ## **Hoka Clifton 10** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_20260105_Running_Shoes_Hoka.webp) *Photo: Hoka* The Hoka Clifton has been the built-up running brand’s flagship model for more than a decade. Its 10th iteration features an additional 3mm of heel-to-toe drop, and a double-lace lock that keeps the tongue in place. [Buy Now ON HOKA: $155](https://www.hoka.com/en/us/mens-everyday-running-gear/clifton-10/1162030.html) ## **Saucony Ride 18** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_20260105_Running_Shoes_Saucony.webp) *Photo: Saucony* Designed as a daily runner, Saucony’s Ride 18 benefits from foam cushioning redesigned to be lighter and softer than ever before. Its stretchy mesh upper keeps it breathable, and additional padding at the heel collar further enhances comfort. [Shop Hoka here.](https://www.saucony.com/en/ride-18/59943M.html?dwvar_59943M_color=S21000-140&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19929000696&gbraid=0AAAAAC_ts5nf-aYR-cgKn-CsTs1Mcm3cD&gclid=Cj0KCQiAsNPKBhCqARIsACm01fSFwD5WEZ-1I0DlFaKXAmST7thsYsQ7XgXniNAQTAeTqKzZqZKq9vUaAjliEALw_wcB#cgid=ride-18&start=1) ## **Nike Vaporfly 4** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_20260105_Running_Shoes_Nike-1.webp) *Photo: Nike* Nike’s Vaporfly 4 was created specifically for road racing, a specialization it delivers on with a lowered heel-to-toe drop and the brand’s proprietary responsive foam cushioning. Design choices including an engineered mesh upper and a thinner rubber outsole help it to achieve the lowest possible weight. [Shop Nike here.](https://www.nike.com/ph/) ## **APL Euphoria** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_20260105_Running_Shoes_APL.webp) The APL Euphoria is the next-closest thing to running barefoot, a sensation it mimics with its extremely breathable Naked Net mesh upper. Elsewhere, it retains the brand’s signature Heavenly Ride sculpted midsole, as well as zonal heel cushions and targeted midfoot stability straps. [Shop APL here.](https://www.athleticpropulsionlabs.com/collections/euphoria?srsltid=AfmBOoom1KxqPivrWchqryXNJI9rX0zQygOluVNXqWZ6b9ao6_ykhNjb) ## **On Cloudultra Pro** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_20260105_Running_Shoes_On.webp) *Photo: On* Amid their wide-scale adoption by fleece-vested finance bros, it’s easy to forget that On sneakers are designed for performance. The Swiss label’s Cloudultra Pro is no exception, and tackles trail running with a grippy lugged sole and a cushioning dual-layer midsole. [Shop on ON.](https://www.on.com/en-ph/products/cloudultra-pro-m-3mf3017/mens/pearl-juniper-shoes-3MF30174789) ## **Salomon Index .03** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_20260105_Running_Shoes_Salomon.webp) *Photo: Salomon* Salomon’s Index .03 has a strikingly clean design, with an undyed fabric upper that sits above a cushioning foam footbed and a shock-absorbing outsole. But the minimalist look isn’t all about aesthetics—it allows the shoe to be easily recycled into ski boots once its mileage is complete. [Shop here.](https://www.roadrunnersports.com/product/46374/salomon-index-03/?cc=120&s=10.5&w=D&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=PMax%3A%20%28ROI%29%20Smart%20Shopping%202.0%20-%20VIP%20Retargetting&utm_id=23084002266&utm_content=&utm_term=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23089923974&gbraid=0AAAAAD_iHE-4_mBDQ1kLJuBxDpmO2IPyE&gclid=CjwKCAiA3-3KBhBiEiwA2x7FdAx-K3xLwRC-NEd0EyUvj_QdKFUMocDQuIhXcnzd1Lc80RKXXRh2kBoC6FAQAvD_BwE) *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Footwear, Style **Tags:** Evergreen, mens wear, shoes --- ### [Diptyque’s Collection Has A Story Behind Every Bottle](https://robbreport.ph/style/grooming/fragrances/diptyques-collection-has-a-story-behind-every-bottle/) **Published:** January 16, 2025 **Author:** Katrina Montinola **Content:** [Diptyque](https://www.diptyqueparis.com/en_eu/p/fragrances/collections/the-essences-of-diptyque/set-of-5-eaux-de-parfum-les-essences-de-diptyque.html) has often drawn inspiration from the natural world. This tradition continues with their *Les Essences de Diptyque* collection. These five eau de parfum draw from coral, mother of pearl, water lilies, tree bark, and desert rose–elements which are almost scentless in their natural form, yet admired for their beauty. “To capture these elements, we collaborated with some of the most talented perfumers in the industry—Fabrice Pellegrin, Alexandra Carlin, Nathalie Cetto, and the late Olivier Pescheux,” says Jessie Dawes, Chief Marketing Officer for the Americas at Diptyque. Each creation was embellished with the work of renowned architect Nigel Peake. The engraved bottles and watercolor-adorned packaging enhance Les Essences’ sensory experience. “By distinguishing this collection, we honor nature’s rare and exquisite elements in a manner that stands apart from our existing core line.” ## Bois Corsé *Amber, Woody* ![Bois Corsé perfume by Diptyque](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/BOIS-CORSE-e1736929462851.jpg) *Courtesy of Diptyque* This collaboration by Nathalie Cetto and Olivier Pescheux marks the stability and resilience of nature. Tree bark, a natural protective shield, is the muse of Bois Corsé. Cetto says the fragrance is inspired by “the beauty of nature at its most unvarnished.” The scent is a blend of arabica, sandalwood, and tonka bean. ## Rose Roche *Floral, Citrus* ![Rose Roche by Diptyque](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Rose-Roche-e1736929548464.jpg) *Courtesy of Diptyque* In the Sahel region south of the Sahara lies the desert rose, its vibrant pink flowers thriving despite the harsh conditions. The plant is the inspiration behind Rose Roche. Fabrice Pellegrin says he “wanted to capture the primal heat of the blistering desert winds with a scent reminiscent of hot, mineral sand.” The timeless scent of Provence rose is mixed with lemon and patchouli. ## Corail Oscuro *Floral, Mineral* ![Corail Oscuro by Diptyque](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/CORAIL-e1736929630893.jpg) *Courtesy of Diptyque* What does coral *actually* smell like? Perfumer Alexandra Carlin crafts an answer by combining bourbon rose, mandarin, and a salty mineral accord. Corail Oscuro represents the vibrant red coral of the Venetian Lagoon, channeling its beauty and mystery in every exquisite drop. ## Lunamaris *Amber, Spicy* ![Lunamaris by Diptyque](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/LUNAMARIS-e1736929736534.jpg) *Courtesy of Diptyque* Lunamaris is Fabrice Pellegrin’s tribute to the mother of pearl. Accents of pink peppercorn play with the Mediterranean rockrose, both enveloped in notes of incense. “In this fragrance,” Pellegrin says, “each ingredient has its proper place, creating a radiant signature with silky subtleties.” ## Lilyphéa *Amber, Green* ![Lilyphea by Diptyque](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/LILYPHEA-e1736929794679.jpg) Courtesy of Diptyque Inspired by Claude Monet’s Water Lilies series, Nathalie Cetto and Olivier Pescheux combine refreshing cardamom, rich violet leaves, and Madagascan vanilla. The result is a relaxing and elegant fragrance. Lilyphéa embodies the aquatic plant’s captivating beauty. *This article originally appeared in the Premiere Issue of Robb Report Philippines.* **Categories:** Fragrances, Grooming **Tags:** Diptyque, eau de parfum, fragrances, Grooming, Scents --- ### [The Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 in Photos](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-vacheron-constantin-historiques-222-in-photos-2/) **Published:** January 14, 2025 **Author:** Paige Reddinger **Content:** ## Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 ![Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/VAC_Historiques_222_Still_life_6.jpg) A view of the steel Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 from multiple angles.*Vacheron Constantin* ![Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/VAC_Historiques_222_4200H-222A-B.jpg) A closeup of the Vacheron Constantin steel Historiques 222.*Vacheron Constantin* ![Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/VAC_Historiques_222_4200H-222A-B-1.jpg) A view of the sapphire crystal caseback showing off the in-house Calibre 2455/2 and gold rotor with a “222” engraving.*Vacheron Constantin* ![Vacheron Constantin Watch](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Vacheron-e1736831569639.jpg) *Vacheron Constantin* ![A Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 watch worn on a female model.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/VAC_Historiques_222_Still_life_5-2240x1494.jpg) A Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 worn on a female model.*Vacheron Constantin* ![A watchmaker places the dial of the Vacheron 222 watch on the movement during the assembly process.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/VAC_Historiques_222_4200H-222A-C.jpg) A watchmaker places the dial of the Vacheron Constantin 222 on the movement during the assembly process.*Vacheron Constantin* ![Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 in stainless steel](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/VAC_Historiques_222_Still_life_7.jpg) *Vacheron Constantin* ![Vintage advertisements for the original Vacheron Constantin 222 from the ’70s.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/VC9.jpg) Vintage advertisements for the original Vacheron Constantin 222 from the ’70s.*Vacheron Constantin* *This article originally appeared in [Robb Report US.](https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gallery/in-pictures-vacheron-constantin-historiques-1236156492/vc6/)* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** Vacheron Constantin, Watches --- ### [9 Top-Tier Men’s Wallets: Refined Style & Timeless Quality](https://robbreport.ph/style/9-high-end-mens-wallets-refined-style-timeless-quality/) **Published:** January 11, 2025 **Author:** Katrina Montinola **Content:** Consider the wallet: an underrated but incredibly important accessory that can stick with you through the years, deserving as much attention as your shoes, belt, and watch. (Its care may be overlooked, but it requires just as much maintenance as your other accessories.) Yes, they’re functional, but also a way to express your personal style, as everyone has their own [preferences](https://vonbaer.com/blogs/blog/styles-of-mens-wallets-how-to-choose?srsltid=AfmBOopR0sEzD8WkYMDWTea-mhH0i2xEYjKgsY9XUgm5n38EFsF4rlT- "preferences"): you may prefer classic leather, or a streamlined design, or tech-enhanced features, or extra storage space. Whether you carry cash or prefer cards, and whether you prioritize style or function in your accessories, a good one can make all the difference. Safe to say that having the ideal wallet is crucial for comfort, organization, and overall appearance. Here’s a list of our favorites. ## **Montblanc Meisterstück Selection Soft Wallet** ![Montblanc Meisterstück Selection Soft Wallet 4cc Coin Case Black](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Montblanc-Wallet-e1736513566943.jpg) *Courtesy of Rustan’s* This full-grain calfskin wallet gives you space for all your cards, bills, and receipts. Montblanc’s piece has four card slots, two banknote compartments, and an additional pocket fastened by a flap–it’s a classic daily companion. *Available at [Rustans.com](https://rustans.com/products/montblanc-meisterstuck-selection-soft-wallet-4cc-coin-case-black?_pos=22&_sid=f0d78d5fa&_ss=r) and Rustan’s stores.* ## **Saint Laurent Tiny Cassandre Eastwest Wallet** ![Yves Saint Laurent Cassandre East/West Wallet](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/YSL-e1736514498592.jpg) *Courtesy of Visions and Expressions PR* Saint Laurent’s Cassandre East/West Wallet is subtly decorated with the YSL initials. It comes in a classic gray-brown color, making it easy to match with any ensemble. It has two bill compartments, two inner pockets, and space for up to eight cards. This leather-lined piece will easily slide into your pocket. *Available at Saint Laurent Solaire.* ## **Swanfield by Carl Friedrik** ![Swanfield by Carl Friedrik](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Carl-Friedrik-1-e1736514562789.jpg) *Courtesy of Carl Friedrik* Known for creating [luggage](https://www.carlfriedrik.com/int/products/the-carry-on-suitcase?g_acctid=132-425-7468&g_adgroupid=140931864662&g_adid=63580692) pieces of the highest quality, Carl Friedrik’s wallets are no exception. Their Swanfield bi-fold is made of Vachetta leather, which the brand says is a vegetable-tanned, full-grain material that’s buttery to the touch. Carl Friedrik sources their Vachetta from Italy, and they add an extra surface finish to make their products more resistant to scratch. This wallet has six internal slots for your cards and bills, with a unique exterior slot that lets you quickly retrieve your most-used card. With expert design and the highest-quality material, this wallet gets better over time. *Available at* *[carlfriedrik.com.](https://www.carlfriedrik.com/int/products/swanfield-leather-card-wallet?colour=chocolate)* ## **Animalier Bi-fold Wallet by Gucci** ![Animalier Bi-fold Wallet by Gucci](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Gucci-e1736517099957.jpg) *Courtesy of Gucci Philippines* Gucci’s Animalier wallet is distinctly decorated with a Gucci logo and a metal bee detail, an icon first introduced by Gucci in the 1970s. You can also customize your wallet with Gucci’s complimentary initial embossing. The wallet is made of black-tanned leather and can hold up to eight cards. You’ll also get two bill compartments. *This wallet is available at [gucci.com](https://www.gucci.com/us/en/pr/men/wallets-and-small-accessories-for-men/bi-fold-wallets-for-men/animalier-bi-fold-wallet-p-523664DJ20T1000) and Gucci stores near you.* ## **The Cardprotector by Carl Friedrik** ![The Cardprotector by Carl Friedrik](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Cardprotector-by-Carl-Friedrik-e1736517180487.jpg) *Courtesy of Carl Friedrik* If you seek the extra protection needed in the digital age, the Cardprotector by Carl Friedrik is your best bet. This Vachetta leather-wrapped cardholder has an RFID-blocking aluminum core that protects you from digital scanning and data thieves. It also holds up to five cards internally, which you can smoothly retrieve thanks to its patented lever technology. An extra external pocket lets you hold another card or folded bill. For extra security, this piece has ultra-resilient stitching–the same style found on cars’ steering wheels. *Get this piece at [carlfriedrik.com](https://www.carlfriedrik.com/int/products/secrid-wallet?colour=cognac)* ## **Tumi Nassau Global Removable Passcase** ![Tumi Nassau Global Removable Passcase](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Tumi-Passcase-1-e1736517318833.jpg) *Courtesy of Tumi Philippines* Though they’re more known for their high-end luggage, Tumi also makes wallets that are as functional and sturdy as their suitcases. Their Global Removable Passcase comes in classic black leather and is perfect for those with more to carry. In addition to a double billfold compartment, this wallet has up to 10 card pockets and two slip pockets. When you have less to carry, you can conveniently bring the removable card case that holds six cards and an ID window. If you want to personalize your wallet, Tumi also lets you have your initials monogrammed. *You can get this at [tumi.ph](https://www.tumi.ph/global-removeable-passcase-1000497864.html) and Tumi PH stores near you.* ## **Montblanc Sartorial Wallet** ![Montblanc Sartorial Wallet](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Montblanc-Sartorial-e1736517358916.jpg) *Courtesy of Rustan’s* If you want to stray from the usual black or brown wallet, the striking blue exterior of the Sartorial wallet could be your pick. This wallet has all the space you need, while easily fitting in your pocket. You’ll have two banknote compartments, six card slots, and two additional inner pockets for additional notes. *Available at* *[Rustans.com](https://rustans.com/products/montblanc-sartorial-wallet-6cc-blue-2?_pos=1&_sid=481e2b9ac&_ss=r) and Rustan’s stores.* ## **Ferragamo Gancini Wallet** ![Ferragamo Gancini Wallet](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Ferragamo-Gancini-e1736517457386.jpg) Courtesy of Rustan’s Soft calfskin leather was carefully hammered to accentuate the natural grain in this bi-fold wallet by Ferragamo. The golden gancio complements the wallet’s cognac exterior. This wallet gives you six card slots and a wide pocket for your bills and receipts. *Available at* *[Rustans.com](https://rustans.com/products/ferragamo-gancini-wallet-hammered-calfskin-cognac-1) and Rustan’s stores.* ## **Louis Vuitton Multiple Wallet** ![Louis Vuitton Multiple Wallet](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/LV-wallet-e1736517527221.jpg) *Courtesy of Louis Vuitton Philippines* This compact Multiple Wallet by Louis Vuitton comes in four colors. The embossed LV Monogram gives this wallet a unique, trendy look. This leather piece has three card slots and two inside pockets. Its two wide compartments hold your bills, while its two side slots allow you to store receipts when you’re on the go. *You can purchase this at [LouisVuitton.com](https://eu.louisvuitton.com/eng-e1/products/multiple-wallet-g65-nvprod5340007v/M83379) or at LV stores near you.* **Categories:** Style **Tags:** leather goods, men's style, wallets --- ### [5 Incredible New Watches From Audemars Piguet’s First Big Drop of 2026](https://robbreport.ph/watches/5-incredible-new-watches-from-audemars-piguets-first-big-drop-of-2026/) **Published:** February 8, 2026 **Author:** Oren Hartov **Content:** Early each year, [Audemars Piguet](https://robbreport.ph/tag/audemars-piguet/ "audemars piguet") gathers journalists, collectors, and friends of the brand to debut its new crop of watches. Offering a rare peek behind the curtain of one of the world’s most acclaimed horological *maisons*, the gathering provides an opportunity to speak with designers, executives, and aficionados for an inside scoop on how each fresh timepiece was conceived, and manufactured. While 2025 was a particularly auspicious year—the company celebrated its 150th anniversary—2026 is no less exciting: This February, AP revealed the Neo Frame Jumping Hour, a brand new conception that reimagines a little-scene complication from the 1920s in a modern, automatic form factor. Beyond this exciting new watch, fresh versions of fan favorites such as the Royal Oak Mini and Royal Oak Self-Winding are on offer, as are skeletonized versions of the crown-adjustable Royal Oak and Code 11.59 perpetual calendars from last year. And let’s not forget the new 150e Héritage, a pocket watch crammed with nearly 50 different functions… Check out our favorite new models and references below! ## Audemars Piguet Neo Frame Jumping Hour ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_20260203-AP-Drop-Jumping-Hour.webp) *Audemars Piguet* A quick perusal of Audemars Piguet’s website conveys just how much emphasis is still placed by the maison on the Royal Oak: Of five collections, three are derived from Gérald Genta’s famed design (Royal Oak, Royal Oak Offshore, and Royal Oak Concept). In 2019, the brand launched Code 11.59, and in 2020 it introduced the Re\[Master\], a platform that reimagines vintage A.P. watches. This is why it’s particularly exciting to report that the brand is debuting a watch that fits neatly into none of these categories: Meet the new Neo Frame Jumping Hour ($71,200), a model based upon a 1929 jumping-hour watch (pre-reference 1271) that combines Streamline Moderne design influence with cutting-edge horological technology. Housed in a 32.6 mm x 34 mm 18-karat pink-gold case with a height of just 8.8 mm, it boasts horizontal gadroons on its flanks and features a black PVD-treated sapphire dial screwed directly into the case via its plate. Housing two apertures for the hours and trailing minutes, it immediately calls to mind 1920s/1930s classics such as [Cartier’s Tank à Guichets](https://robbreport.ph/watches/tank-a-guichets-by-cartier-a-century-of-modern-beauty/ "Tank à Guichets by Cartier: A Century of Modern Beauty") and similar designs from the likes of Cortebert and IWC that make use of Joseph Pallweber’s famous jump-hour system. Unlike vintage designs, however, the Neo Frame is powered by an automatic movement—AP’s first self-winding jump hour movement, the cal. 7122, which ticks along at 4 Hz and boasts a 52-hour power reserve. Incorporating a special shock-absorption system to prevent accidental hour jumps, it’s beautifully finished with ample Côtes de Genève and satin brushing finishing. ## Audemars Piguet 150e Héritage Pocket Watch ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_20260203-AP-Drop-Pocket-Watch.webp) *Audemars Piguet* If Henry Graves were alive today, there’s little doubt that the new 150e Héritage Pocket Watch (price upon request) would be at the top of his Christmas list. A (somewhat belated) celebration of the maison’s 150th anniversary, it takes the form of a spectacularly hand-engraved 50 mm platinum case with grand feu enamel dials to convey a truly stunning amount of information: 47 functions (spanning some 30 complications) include a flying tourbillon, a split-seconds chronograph with flyback capability, grande and petite sonneries with a supersonnerie, a semi-Gregorian perpetual calendar, and more. And that’s only half the story: Open its sapphire “secret” caseback and a Universal Calendar is revealed with solar, lunar, and other displays. It also displays 18 different indications, from basic calendar information (day, date, moonphase, etc.) to solstices, equinoxes, and even nine global cultural celebrations. Powering the 150e Héritage Pocket Watch is a reconfigured version of the Calibre 1000, the movement powering AP’s RD#4. Featuring no fewer than 1,140 components and 90 jewels, it runs at a vintage-esque 90 Hz and features a 60-hour power reserve and redesigned crown pushers and correctors. Unlike vintage supercomplications, this one was constructed via the use of advanced 3-D modeling techniques, ensuring optimal ease of use and comfort. Limited to just two pieces and combining haute horlogerie with incredible hand-finishing, it’s the type of product tailor-made for super-collectors, titans of industry, and those who tuly understand the meaning of “supersonnerie.” ## Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and Code 11.59 Perpetual Calendar Openworked ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_20260203-AP-Drop-Openworked.webp) *Audemars Piguet* In early 2025—just in time for the brand’s 150th anniversary—Audemars Piguet revealed a stunning [new perpetual calendar ](https://robbreport.ph/watches/audemars-piguets-game-changing-new-perpetual-calendar-can-be-set-with-a-single-crown-2/ "Audemars Piguet’s Game-Changing New Perpetual Calendar Can Be Set with a Single Crown")movement, the Calibre 7138. By integrating various calendar functions into a single plane, it remained incredibly thin; and by means of clever engineering, it combined all adjustment functionality into the crown, making for an intuitive system that slotted neatly into both the Royal Oak and Code 11.59 collections. For 2026, AP is offering openworked versions, both of which are powered by the new Calibre 7139, a skeletonized take on the cal. 7138. By removing metal via the use of EDM (electric discharge machining) and decorating its componentry via satin brushing, chamfering, and other hand-finishing techniques, the movement’s architecture is laid bare for the wearer via a sapphire dial and caseback. Housed in an 18-karat white-gold case with a black ceramic midcase, the 41 mm Code 11.59 version (118,000 CHF, approximately $151,800) strikes a dressier tone with the addition of a black alligator leather strap. The Royal Oak version (180,300 CHF, approximately $232,268), meanwhile, is composed of titanium with a high-tech BMG (Bulk Metallic Glass) bezel, caseback, and studs. The displays on both watches are organized in the European calendar mode, with the day of the week at 9 o’clock, the date at 12 o’clock, and the month at 3 o’clock, with additional peripheral week, moonphase, leap year, and 24-hour indicators rounding out the feature set. Able to account automatically for leap years, the watches—if kept wound—will next require manual correction in the year 2100. Both visually and mechanically spectacular, they represent the pinnacle of the AP’s longstanding dominance of the perpetual calendar complication. ## Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Mini ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_20260203-AP-Drop-Royal-Oak-Mini.webp) *Audemars Piguet* For those who prefer their Royal Oaks in “stackable” form, two new executions of the [Royal Oak](https://robbreport.ph/tag/royal-oak/ "royal oak") Mini are sure to delight. Launched in 2024 and based upon the original model from 1997, the Mini is a “Honey-I-Shrunk-The-Genta”-esque take on the world’s favorite luxury sports watch, complete with a bangle-esque diameter of 23 mm and a long-playing quartz movement that boasts a whopping 94-month battery life as well as a switch function to deactivate it when not in use. But don’t let the battery inside fool you—these are no “fashion watches.” Made of 18-karat pink ($46,000) or yellow gold ($38,400), they boast a mirror-polished black onyx dial with diamond-set hour markers or a white mother-of-pearl dial, respectively, with hands in matching metal. The other classic Royal Oak highlights—screw-down octagonal bezel, integrated bracelet, octagonal crown—are present and accounted for. (Keep in mind that there’s no date window on either watch…but that’s what your iPhone is for.) ## Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Self-Winding Malachite Yellow Gold 37 and 41mm ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_20260203-AP-Drop-Malachite.webp) *Audemars Piguet* In case you haven’t heard, stone dials are in. But in the event that vintage Piaget isn’t your particular brand of vodka, you might want to check out the new Royal Oak Self-Winding Malachite Yellow Gold in 37 mm and 41 mm variants. Building upon the turquoise-dial watches released in 2023, they feature 18-karat yellow-gold construction with polished green malachite dials paired with yellow-gold applied indices and luminescent hands. While the 41 mm ($81,900) version is 10.5 mm thick and is powered by the brand’s Calibre 4309 automatic movement with 70 hours of power reserve, the 37mm ($75,700) version clocks in at 9.3 mm thick and boats the Calibre 5909 with a 60-hour power reserve. Of course, each watch is unique due to the special crystalline structure of each slice of malachite. (Neither version has a date window, presumably to maintain as much of the beautiful stone’s integrity as possible.) *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** audemars piguet --- ### [Saks Cuts Ties With Amazon, Pieter Mulier Joins Versace, a New Fairmont in Vietnam & More](https://robbreport.ph/the-luxe-dispatch/saks-cuts-ties-with-amazon-pieter-mulier-joins-versace-a-new-fairmont-in-vietnam-more/) **Published:** February 6, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** Luxury is once again in a season of recalibration. Across fashion, retail, hospitality, and the auction world, the industry’s most powerful names are quietly (but decisively) redrawing their boundaries. From Saks stepping back from mass-platform partnerships, to creative leadership shifts at heritage houses, to the growing dominance of experiential travel and collectible couture, today’s luxury landscape is being reshaped by restraint, reinvention, and renewed focus on authenticity. ## Saks Ends Its Amazon Experiment ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2026-01-14T210749Z_3_LYNXMPEM0D15E_RTROPTP_4_SAKS-GLOBAL-BANKRUPTCY-REALESTATE-2240x1493.webp) *Photo: Market Screener* After a brief and uneasy courtship, Saks Global has officially shut down its luxury partnership with Amazon, signaling a strategic retreat from mass-platform retail. Launched to capture younger, digital-first consumers, the Saks on Amazon storefront struggled to reconcile speed-driven e-commerce with the exclusivity expected of luxury. The move comes amid Saks’ wider restructuring efforts, following its Chapter 11 filing earlier this year. For the industry, the breakup reinforces a hard truth: prestige brands still thrive on curation, scarcity, and service, values that remain difficult to translate at scale within algorithm-driven marketplaces. ## Pieter Mulier Becomes Versace’s New Chief Creative Officer ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Pieter-Mulier-34-2240x2240.webp) *Photo: Karim Sadli/Prada Group* Creative director Pieter Mulier is stepping down from Alaïa to join Versace, closing a defining chapter for the Parisian house while opening a new era at the Italian label. Since taking the helm at Alaïa, Mulier revitalized the brand with sculptural silhouettes, sensual minimalism, and a renewed cultural relevance that resonated with both critics and collectors, restoring the maison’s prominence on the global fashion stage. His move to Versace—arriving just ahead of Paris Fashion Week—signals a significant reshuffling among Europe’s heritage fashion houses. ## Fairmont Makes Its Vietnam Debut with Fairmont Hanoi ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ca9255e24a559fba11781db439e8af68-2240x1494.webp) *Photo: Accor* Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has officially entered Vietnam with the opening of Fairmont Hanoi, a 241-room luxury landmark in the capital’s civic district. Blending contemporary architecture with local cultural motifs, the property features multiple dining venues, expansive event spaces, and a full wellness floor. Designed to serve both international travelers and high-level business clientele, the hotel reflects Vietnam’s rising profile in the global luxury travel circuit. For Fairmont, the Hanoi debut underscores Southeast Asia’s growing importance as a destination where heritage, design, and experiential hospitality converge. ## Iconic Hotels & Resorts Launches as a Unified Luxury Brand ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/external-hotel-excelsior-0-e1770363414505.webp) Hotel Excelsior in Venice *Photo: Iconic Hotels & Resorts* Hospitality group L&R has unveiled Iconic Hotels & Resorts, unifying its international portfolio under a single luxury brand. Spanning properties across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, the new identity is designed to streamline operations while amplifying each hotel’s individuality. Iconic’s strategy focuses on experiential travel, design-led storytelling, and destination-specific service rather than standardized luxury. As boutique hospitality continues to outperform mass-market chains, the launch reflects a broader industry shift—where coherence, character, and cultural relevance now define prestige more than sheer scale. ## Records Broken at the Dior Masterpieces Auction ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/dior-masterpieces-auction-1.webp) Evening dress in painted silk, “Clochards” or “Homeless” collection by John Galliano, Spring/Summer 2000 *Photo: Maurice Auction* The Dior Masterpieces auction in Paris has cemented haute couture’s place as collectible art. Featuring 95 museum-level designs from the Mouna Ayoub collection, the sale realized a record-breaking €6,187,610—the highest total ever recorded for an auction of its kind, with standout gowns by John Galliano and Raf Simons commanding record prices. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/dior-masterpieces-auction-3535.webp) Embroidered and patchwork ensemble, “Rebel Chic” collection, Fall/Winter 2001-02 by John Galliano, Spring/Summer 2000 *Photo: Maurice Auction* More than a celebration of fashion history, the auction signals a growing appetite for couture as an investment category, where rarity, craftsmanship, and provenance rival fine art and jewelry. **Categories:** The Luxe Dispatch **Tags:** Alaia, dior, Fairmont Makati, Iconic Hotels & Resorts, Saks Global, Versace --- ### [The Good Life: Editors' Picks of the Week, Art Fair Philippines Edition](https://robbreport.ph/the-good-life-editors-picks/the-good-life-editors-picks-of-the-week-art-fair-philippines-edition/) **Published:** February 6, 2026 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** *In every The Good Life: Editors’ Picks column, we round up our editors’ favorites—restaurants, cocktails, experiences, exhibits, and everything in between. Here is our latest list*, *featuring exhibitions and pieces not to miss at this weekend’s [Art Fair Philippines](https://artfairphilippines.com/afp2026/).* ## **Pacita Abad at Silverlens, Carlo Tanseco at J. Gallery, and Rose Studio** I usually enjoy looking at a wide range of art styles and genres, but at this year’s Art Fair Philippines Collectors Preview, I found myself drawn to bold, vibrant colors in more whimsical works. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/PACITA-ABAD-Red-and-black-in-color-2003-23-colour-8-stencil-coloured-paper-pulp-on-handmade-STPI-paper-print-PA_SPI110.webp) Pacita Abad, Red and black in color, 2003. 23-colour, 8-stencil coloured paper pulp on handmade STPI paper (print). 66h x 52w in (unframed)/ 168h x 132w cm. 71.65h x 57.48w x 2.75d in (framed)/182h x 146w x 7d cm. Edition of 6 (AP 1/1). I’m a longtime admirer of Pacita Abad and her exuberant pieces that burst with color and joy. Her “Red and Black and in Color” (2003) print at Silverlens Gallery (Level 7, Booth 4) reflects Pacita’s enduring joie de vivre. My little girl and I recently read a children’s book on her life and times, which made me appreciate her work even more. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RRPhxArtFair2026_0066-2240x1493.webp) By Carlo Tanseco. Carlo Tanseco’s works always draw a crowd, with visitors to J. Gallery (Level 9, Booth 29) often chuckling at his wit. This year’s pieces are very much on point (pun intended). Following earlier series on canned goods and snacks from our childhood, Carlo’s giant sharpened pencils at his “Ibang Label” exhibit once again showcase his trademark humor. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RRPhxArtFair2026_0137-2240x3360.webp) I was also happy to catch up with Claire Thibaud-Piton, whose husband, Marc, was the French embassy’s counselor for cooperation and cultural affairs once upon a time. Claire is now a Paris-based gallerist whose Rose Studio (Booth 38) features urban art from around the world. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ARTISTES-EN-CAVALE.webp) “Artistes en Cavale” by Nasty. Distort Monster’s eye-catching murals around Metro Manila continue to delight many, and I was also particularly taken by the works of French graffiti artist NASTY, who first gained attention for covering Paris metro trains with his art. – *Yvette Fernandez, Chief of Editorial Content* ## **Max Balatbat and Tess Pettyjohn for AFP Special Projects and Hannah Reyes Morales at Tarzeer** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RRPhxArtFair2026_0015-2240x1493.webp) I was moved by Max Balatbat’s installation work, “Kapilya,” that was part of the AFP Special exhibits section (Level 6). His processes and unique approach distinctly highlights the layered grit and textured complexity of Manila’s urban landscape in both the physical surfaces and the macabre stories that lie beneath. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RRPhxArtFair2026_0150-2240x1493.webp) Tessy Pettyjohn’s flowers. Tess Pettyjohn’s stoneware flowers at her Special Projects booth (Level 6) possess a whimsical and joyful quality to them and are animated by a subtle sense of movement. They are happy and uplifting, and I just love them! ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/tarzeer-3790-h1200-q80-rz3-b75.webp) “Beira Fisher Folk” by Hannah Reyes Morales. The stunning work “Beira Fisher Folk” by Hannah Reyes Morales’s featured in her exhibition *Home Holds Still* at the Tarzeer booth (Level 7, Booth 5) immediately captivated me and I am now doing an obsessive deep dive into her work. This London-based photographer is a National Geographic Explorer and a Pulitzer Prize finalist for feature photography. – *Alicia Colby Sy, Lifestyle Editor* ## **Fernando Zóbel at Cayón, James Clar at Silverlens, Takashiro Yamamoto at Gallery Kogure, and Jon Pettyjohn at AFP Special Projects** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RRPhxArtFair2026_0052-2240x3360.webp) Fernando Zóbel, “Para el lado izquierdo de la presa,” 1980. Oil and pencil on cardboard, 67.7 cm x 48.5 cm. Since visiting [Fernando Zóbel’s exhibition at the National Gallery Singapore](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-collectibles/the-good-life-editors-picks-of-the-week-september-22-26-2025/ "The Good Life: Editors’ Picks of the Week (September 22-26, 2025)"), I’ve come to appreciate the breadth, depth, and bravery of Zóbel as he broke away from and joined the ranks of modernism, far from the representational schools of artistic thought that had defined the genre for centuries. I always look forward to Cayón (Level 7) and its gray walls—a welcome oasis in a sea of visual excitement. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RRPhxArtFair2026_0057-2240x3360.webp) James Clar, “The Shape of Silence,” 2025. LED Lights, metal, acrylic. The idea of light as a medium for sculpture isn’t new, but James Clar wows with his singular vision, original execution, and emotional depth. “The Shape of Silence” at Silverlens (Level 7, Booth 4) is a flat plane of Plexiglass, but his precise use of the medium and geometry is stunning and effective. There are works that move you but are also pieces you don’t necessarily want to possess, but this and Takashiro Yamamoto’s magnetizing pieces in Gallery Kogure, especially “Redemption,” were what I really wanted to go home with. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-06-at-93504-AM.webp) Takashiro Yamamoto, “Redemption,” 2025. Pencil, watercolor, and oil on pastel, 30 cm x 30 cm. The idea that ceramicists take a piece of earth, fashion and shape and glaze to the best of their talents, and offer all their efforts fully to fire and heat is nothing short of awe-inspiring to me. Whatever results is happenstance, a fluke of physics—and their artists know this, counting unpredictable elements as part of the medium to which they fully submit. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RRPhxArtFair2026_0030-2240x3360.webp) Jon Pettyjohn is a favorite. His work straddles function and art comfortably (like a teapot I own by the artist that’s patterned after the mythical Loch Ness monster, which I *have* used to serve tea!). His exhibit, along with his wife Tessy Pettyjohn at Art Fair Philippines’ Special Projects (Level 6), is, as always, a delight: textured surfaces and kinetic glazes in stunning form. Nothing less from someone widely recognized as the Father of Contemporary Philippine Ceramics. – *Kimberly Rocha-Delgado, Digital Editor* ## **“Manifest” by Brenda V. Fajardo, Shukado+SCENA, Triangulum, and Ames Yavuz** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RRPhxArtFair2026_0039-2240x3360.webp) Brenda V. Fajardo, “Manifest.” Brenda V. Fajardo’s “Manifest,” presented as a timely reissue, deals with the tarot as social critique, with each archetype reshuffled into a pointed meditation on power, labor, and history. The pioneering artist reminds viewers that the real reading isn’t about destiny but rather about the systems we keep pretending are fate. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RRPhxArtFair2026_0085-1-2240x1493.webp) Meanwhile, Tokyo’s Shukado Gallery brings a refined slice of Ginza connoisseurship to Art Fair Philippines, presenting standout works by Sakata Genpei. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RRPhxArtFair2026_0084-1-2240x1493.webp) The display of uncanny woodcarved animals—by turns humorous, melancholic, and strangely endearing—hover between folk innocence and psychological portraiture. Founded in 2023 by E.S.L. Chen, artist-run initiative Triangulum returns with The Perception of Self, an inquiry into identity shaped by the pressures of an increasingly digital reality. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RRPhxArtFair2026_0105-2240x1493.webp) Anchored by works from Charlie Co alongside interesting pieces from Jane Jin Kaisen and Pitchapa Wangprasertkul, the presentation frames photography, print, and painting as tools for existential reflection, quietly probing where the self ends and the algorithm begins. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RRPhxArtFair2026_0113-2240x1493.webp) Ames Yavuz is anchored by the quietly powerful works of Isabel and Alfredo Aquilizan, whose installations transform everyday materials into moving reflections on migration, labor, and collective memory. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RRPhxArtFair2026_0059-2240x1493.webp) Surrounding contributions from a cross-generational roster of artists deepen the narrative. Still, it is the Aquilizans’ meditations on community and shared survival that give the presentation its emotional and conceptual gravity. – *Bryle Suralta, Features Editor* *Photographs by Medal Elepano* **Categories:** Art & Collectibles, The Good Life: Editors' Picks **Tags:** Aquilizan, art fair philippines, Fernando Zobel, Gallery Kogure, Jon Pettyjohn, Max Balatbat, Pacita Abad, Silverlens Gallery, Tarzeer, Tessy Pettyjohn, Triangulum --- ### [The 8 Best Grand Tourers to Buy Now](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-8-best-grand-tourers-to-buy-now/) **Published:** February 6, 2026 **Author:** Will Sabel Courtney **Content:** Grand tourers evoke journeys that span nations and even continents, and while any car can take you from A to B, few can match the elegance of a sleek touring coupe that catches the eyes of all as it flies by. A true grand tourer needs to be fast, of course, but it also needs to be comfortable; you want to arrive at your destination relaxed and refreshed, not worn out from a stiff suspension and race-ready seats. A proper GT also needs to know how to navigate twisty pavement, since the best drives involve the occasional road less traveled; if you just wanted to go straight to your destination, you’d take a plane. Four doors are two too many; a true GT may have a back seat, but one meant more for occasional use or luggage than regular occupation. And while many grand tourers have convertible variants, those cars worthy of the name must wear hardtops for the right style. The ranks of these vehicles are not as rich as they once were — storied brands like Porsche and Lamborghini have long since abandoned the GT-car market — but those that remain are among some of the best such vehicles to ever roam the roads. ## Best Looking: Aston Martin DB12 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Aston-Martin-DB12-S_02-1-e1759933007432.webp) *Photo: PHILIPPRUPPRECHT* Much like the movie character who helped elevate the brand to the prominence it enjoys today, [Aston Martin](https://robbreport.ph/tag/aston-martin/ "aston martin")’s models are defined by their numbers. Normally, the automaker’s grand tourers’ alphanumeric names jump by twos between generations; the DB7 begat the DB9, which begat the DB11. But in this case, the 12 in DB12 — the first time in 54 years Aston has followed brand pioneer David Brown’s initials with an even number — subtly indicates that the model is a facelifted version of the DB11 that entered service eight years back. That said, the upgrades are more than enough to warrant a new moniker. Outside, it’s more aggressive, while the interior benefits from a substantial revamp that brings higher-quality materials and modern electronics, including (at last) a new touchscreen infotainment system. The sole engine available is a Mercedes-AMG-sourced V-8, but since it puts out more power than the DB11’s V-12, few will complain about the performance — or, in all likelihood, anything at all once they hit the open road. **In production since:** 2023 **Top powertrain option:** 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 **Power:** 671 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque **Zero to 60 mph:** 3.3 seconds **Top speed:** 202 mph **Starting price:** $251,825 ## Best Interior: Lexus LC ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2024-Lexus-LC-002-e1715880878677.webp) *Photo: Lexus* Most of the time, automotive designs wind up watered down on the path from concept car to production ride. Not so with the [Lexus LC.](https://robbreport.ph/cars/moving-upward-how-lexus-and-century-chart-a-new-path-of-innovation-and-bespoke-luxury/ "Innovation & Bespoke Luxury: Lexus and Century Chart New Path") When it landed on the streets, it did so as a carbon copy of the LF-LC concept of 2012, a seriously good thing, as the LF-LC was one of the best-looking concepts of the decade. The production LC’s runway-worthy looks — fashion or aviation, either seems applicable here — suck in the level of attention usually reserved for Ferraris, McLarens, and Lamborghinis. This is a car to look your best in, and a car well-suited for long journeys, too. The seats are all-day comfortable, and the dashboard’s asymmetrical design is designed to focus everything towards the driver for ease of use on the go. (A mild 2024 refresh fixed the interior’s Achilles’ heel, replacing the annoying trackpad infotainment system with a touchscreen setup.) And while the rarity of smooth, naturally aspirated V-8 engines like the LC 500’s makes it the enthusiast’s choice, serious road trippers might consider the hybrid V6-powered LC 500h; with a 22.2-gallon fuel capacity and an EPA rating of 33 mpg highway, it can go more than 700 miles on a tank. The LC also might [not be long for this world,](https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a65193239/lexus-lc-dead-report/) with some reports saying that production could end as soon as this year. Get it while you can, if you’re interested. **In production since:** 2017 **Top powertrain option:** 5.0-liter V-8 (LC 500) **Power:** 471 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque **Zero to 60 mph:** 4.4 seconds **Top speed:** 168 mph **Starting price:** $101,700 ## Best Powertrain Options: Maserati GranTurismo ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/21020-MaseratiGranTurismoModena-e1715881096129.webp) *Photo: Maserati* These days, the first question many of us have to ask when considering a new car is: gas or electric? After all, while there’s impressive innovation happening on both sides of the powertrain divide, many a car company forces you to decide which source of energy you prefer. If you like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, you have to take it with battery power; if you dig the Aston Martin Vantage, you’re stuck burning fuel. Not so when it comes to Maserati’s latest GranTurismo. On the internal combustion side, the GranTurismo’s Modena and Trofeo trim levels offer the brand’s the same twin-turbo V-6 found in the MC20 supercar, which is connected to an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel-drive. Should you prefer electric, there’s the GranTurismo Folgore — Italian for lightning — which delivers shocking acceleration and handling thanks to a trio of electric motors that spit out more power than a McLaren 750S. Either way, however, you score the same stellar design sure to earn admiring stares from every gearhead and a modern and luxurious cabin with room for four adults, almost comfortably, even. **In production since:** 2007 **Top powertrain option:** 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 (Trofeo) / Front- and dual rear-mounted electric motors (Folgore) **Power:** 542 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque (Trofeo) / 751 horsepower and 996 lb-ft of torque (Folgore) **Zero to 60 mph:** 3.3 seconds (Trofeo) / 2.6 seconds (Folgore) **Top speed:** 199 mph (Trofeo) / 202 mph (Folgore) **EV Range:** 280 miles **Starting price:** $147,495 ## Best Sports Car Alternative: Mercedes-AMG GT ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/1-w-24C0277_007_bff1ca.webp) *Photo: Daniel Maurer, courtesy of Mercedes-Benz AG* It’s far from the oldest entry on this list, but the [Mercedes-AMG](https://robbreport.ph/tag/mercedes-amg/ "mercedes-AMG") GT was starting to feel a bit long in the tooth in 2023. The muscular coupé hadn’t had as much as a refresh since its debut in 2014, and it was beginning to show. Thankfully, before that summer was over, the German marque unveiled the second iteration of its grand tourer. A few years on, it’s clear that Mercedes took the things that drivers liked most about the model and tried to turn them to 11. The second-gen GT doesn’t look radically different than its predecessor, but it is longer and wider. The vehicle’s design has been refined ever so slightly to account for these changes, and there’s more room inside, though trunk space leaves something to be desired in the top-of-the-line GT 63 S E Performance thanks to its hybrid system. Speaking of that model, it’s easily the most powerful GT you can buy right now. The plug-in hybrid pairs a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 with a rear-mounted electric motor that combines to produce a monstrous 805 hp and 1,047. It also has all-wheel drive, though that feature isn’t exclusive to the variant and is instead a standard feature throughout the model line. **In production since:** 2014 **Top powertrain option:** Hybrid-assisted 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 (GT 63 S E Performance) **Power:** 805 horsepower and 1,047 lb-ft of torque **Zero to 60 mph:** 2.7 seconds **Top speed:** 199 mph **Starting price:** $107,650 ## Best Value: BMW 8 Series ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/P90449437_highRes_bmw-m850i-xdrive-cou-e1759871108139.webp) *Photo: AGNIESZKA-DOROSZEWICZ* The [BMW](http://BMW) 8 Series, in 840i form, starts at below six figures yet comes with a sumptuous cabin with exquisite front thrones, a comfortable ride, and a body that looks fast standing still — features that define a proper grand tourer. It may only pack six cylinders, but what a six they are; not only can the turbo inline-six send it from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, but it also enables the 840i to squeeze 29 miles out of every gallon on the highway. Even the top-shelf M8 Competition is a good value for what it offers. The M8 offers near-supercar performance on the straights and in the curves, complete with a specially-tuned AWD system that lets you push most or all of the power to the rear wheels for tail-happy antics. That’s on top of the same blend of delightful qualities as its less-powerful siblings and still can be had well-equipped for under $150,000. The BMW 8 Series [may not be around for much longer](https://www.bmwblog.com/2025/10/07/bmw-8-series-z4-end-of-production/), but as of this writing is still on BMW’s website, so if you want one, you might have to act fast. **In production since:** 1990 (current generation since 2018) **Top powertrain option:** 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 (M8 Competition) **Power:** 617 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque **Zero to 60 mph:** 3.2 seconds **Top speed:** 190 mph **Starting price:** $95,050 ## Most Luxurious: Rolls-Royce Spectre ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/P90528750_highRes_rolls-royce-spectre-e1715880949643.webp) *Photo: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars* Few brands are better-suited to going electric than [Rolls-Royce](https://robbreport.ph/tag/rolls-royce/ "rolls-royce"). For more than a century, the Spirit of Ecstasy has built cars that prioritize smoothness, comfort, and quiet above all else — qualities that EVs lend themselves to naturally. The brand’s first electric car, the [Spectre](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Inside-the-Rolls-Royce-Black-Badge-Spectre.jpg "Inside the Rolls Royce Black Badge Spectre"), doesn’t aim to make waves amongst the Rolls faithful; rather, it simply continues to excel at the mission the brand always had, just free of tailpipe emissions. The exterior is unmistakably Rolls-Royce, but a fresher, more modern take on the classic look; the grille is slightly raked back, the headlights slimmed down, and the roofline faster and more flowing than its gas-powered Wraith predecessor. Inside, there’s the brand’s typical old-fashioned, ultra-luxury interior, with lesser emphasis on screens and greater emphasis on beautiful craftsmanship — the kind of interior that leaves you feeling better after a long journey than you did when you started. Granted, it won’t set any range records, thanks in no small part to its 6,559-lb curb weight. Then again, should you decide to take the Spectre on a long journey, it can fast-charge at up to 195 kW, adding more than 180 miles of range in 34 minutes — less time than it takes to order and eat a Nicoise salad. And you won’t have to worry about fuel getting on your hands at the pump. The Black Badge Spectre, meanwhile, is Rolls-Royce’s [most powerful car ever](https://robbreport.ph/cars/rolls-royce-just-unveiled-its-most-powerful-car-yet-2/ "Rolls-Royce Just Unveiled Its Most Powerful Car Yet"). **In production since:** 2023 **Top powertrain option:** Front- and rear-mounted electric motors **Power:** 576 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque **Zero to 60 mph:** 4.4 seconds **Top speed:** 155 mph **EV range:** 264 miles **Starting price:** $398,000 ## Best Debut: Ferrari Amalfi ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Ferrari_Amalfi_2.webp) *Photo: Ferrari* Ferrari unveiled its new [Amalfi](https://robbreport.ph/cars/ferrari-amalfi-fixes-everything-that-was-wrong-with-the-roma/ "The New Ferrari Amalfi Fixes Everything That Was Wrong With the Roma") last year, fixing everything that was wrong with the outgoing Roma, which used to be Ferrari’s entry-level sports car, albeit an entry-level car that will run you a quarter-of-a-million dollars. The Amalfi got rid of the Roma’s controversial grille, and it also got rid of the haptic buttons on the inside, replacing them with physical controls and buttons, replacing one trend with another, though the return of physical buttons in cars is a trend that’s more than welcome. Under the hood is a 3.9-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 engine that makes 631 horsepower, mated to an 8-speed dual-clutch. The top speed is 199 mph, and the zero-to-60 time is said to be 3.3 seconds. Those are minor bumps from the Roma, which topped out at 611 horsepower and got to 60 mph from a stop in 3.4 seconds. The aerodynamics are better, with more downforce generated, and the brake-by-wire system has improved stopping power over the Roma. Overall, it amounts to a mid-cycle refresh for the Roma, which was first unveiled in 2019, though Ferrari would never call it that. Ferrari would say that the Amalfi is a new Ferrari, and a damn good one at that. **In production since:** 2026 **Top powertrain option:** 3.9-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 **Power:** 631 horsepower and 561 lb-ft of torque **Zero to 60 mph:** 3.3 seconds **Top speed:** 199 mph **Starting Price:** $266,810 ## Best Overall: Bentley Continental GT ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/6-w-New-Continental-GT-Speed-1.webp) *Photo: Bentley Motors Limited* When the [Bentley Continental GT](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-new-bentley-continental-gt-speed/ "More Bentley Than Ever: Getting to the Heart of the New Continental GT Speed") debuted in 2002, it relaunched an entire marque with it. Before it, Bentley was mostly known for rebadged Rolls-Royces powered by an engine with roots in the 1950s. The Continental GT’s arrival marked the start of a new era under the Volkswagen Group’s ownership, one in which Bentley would rise to its full potential for the first time in decades. With a design that borders on timeless — it hasn’t changed that much in the past two decades, nor has it needed to — remarkable performance, and one of the most elegant and comfortable interiors found in a car, the Continental GT stands as a true 21st-century icon of the automotive realm. Unfortunately, the marque’s legendary W-12 has been discontinued, but the new plug-in hybrid-assisted 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 packs. The electrified setup packs a 771-hp punch and could elevate the GT to even greater heights. The lack of powertrain options allows you to focus on choosing between a nigh-infinite list of colors, trims, and materials that Bentley offers in order to let buyers make their dream car one of a kind. **In production since:** 2003 **Top powertrain option:** 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged W-12 (Continental GT Speed) **Power:** 650 horsepower and 668 lb-ft of torque **Zero to 60 mph:** 2.9 seconds **Top speed:** 208 mph **Starting Price:** $306,250 *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** aston martin, Bentley, bmw, Feature, gran turismo, lexus, maserati, mercedes, mercedes benz, rolls-royce --- ### [Russell Crowe Shows Off His 7 Favorite Watches Right Now on TikTok](https://robbreport.ph/watches/russell-crowe-shows-off-his-7-favorite-watches-right-now-on-tiktok/) **Published:** February 19, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** We already knew Russell Crowe was into watches, having spotted him wearing the ultra-rare off-catalog [Rolex Daytona](https://robbreport.ph/tag/daytona/ "daytona") “Le Mans” and other beauties by [Patek](https://robbreport.ph/tag/patek-philippe/ "Patek Philippe") and the like. But a new [TikTok video](https://www.tiktok.com/@igp366/video/7600881958545116424) has revealed the sheer scale of his watch collection. The New Zealand-born, Australian-raised actor, acclaimed for his performances in *Gladiator*, *The Insider*, and *A Beautiful Mind*, among other films, showed off his watches of choice for the Southern Hemisphere’s summer in a minute-long clip on the social media platform. The video was shared by an unverified account called “IGP366” that Crowe appears to have created to talk about his band, Indoor Garden Party, and watches. “Now I’m not going to show you my entire watch collection,” the actor says at the beginning of the clip. “That would take quite some time because I’m literally obsessed and have been for a long time. But this is my current rotation.” The seven timepieces span the full spectrum of haute horlogerie, with sports watches like [Omega](https://robbreport.ph/tag/omega/ "Omega") Seamasters and Rolex Daytonas sitting alongside dress watches such as the [Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-jaeger-lecoultre-reverso-rings-with-new-brilliance/ "The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Rings with New Brilliance"). Six out of the seven feature blue dials, which makes sense given this is Crowe’s summer selection. Three of the seven are Rollies, suggesting that the actor favors the Crown’s creations. But the watch Russell says he’s wearing most often? That comes courtesy of Rolex’s little brother: the 41 mm “Flamingo-blue” Tudor Black Bay Chrono. Below, we take a closer look at each piece. ## Omega Seamaster Diver 60 Years of James Bond ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Omega-Seamaster.webp) *Photo: Omega* Crowe starts by flashing the [Omega Seamaster Diver](https://www.omegawatches.com/en-gb/watch-omega-seamaster-diver-300m-co-axial-master-chronometer-42-mm-21030422003002) 300M 60 Years of James Bond, which he says he bought because he wanted him and his tennis doubles partner at the time to have a “psychological edge of wearing matching watches.” The stainless-steel timepiece is one of two commemorative editions that the Swiss watchmaker released in 2022 in honor of 007’s legacy. It features several nods to the film franchise, along with a rich blue dial inspired by the watch Bond wore in *GoldenEye*. Crowe is particularly fond of the mesh-style Milanese bracelet, adding, “It wears beautifully, man.” It retails for $9,400. ## Maurice de Mauriac Rallymaster III ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Maurice-de-Mauriac-Rallymaster-III.webp) *Photo: Maurice de Mauriac* Crowe says he’s a big fan of the Milanese bracelet, showing off a Maurice de Mauriac with the same kind of strap next. Unveiled in 2024, the [Rallymaster III](https://mdm-watches.com/p/racquet-rallymaster-iii/) is dedicated to Wimbledon and features a green dial in honor of the grass court, along with other tennis-related touches. It was limited to 100 pieces, which were each priced at a relatively modest 2,200 Swiss francs (about $2,860). ## Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/rolex-daytona.webp) *Photo: Rolex* Crowe is clearly a tennis enthusiast, pulling up a [Rolex Daytona](https://www.rolex.com/en-us/watches/cosmograph-daytona/m126518ln-0014) that he wore to Wimbledon next. Unveiled at Watches and Wonders in 2025, this contemporary, colorful take on the classic 1960s Daytona features a 40 mm yellow-gold case, a turquoise Tiffany-esque dial with black subdials, a black Cerachrom bezel with tachymetric scale, and a black Oysterflex strap. It’s priced at $40,600. “There’s just something about the Tiffany blue that really gets to me,” he says in the video, “and what I love is if you wear this with a suit, whenever it sort of sneaks out from under the suit sleeve, it always draws people’s eye.” ## Tudor Black Bay Chrono Flamingo Blue ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Tudor-black-bay.webp) *Photo: Tudor* Crowe then reveals his “daily” at the moment: the [Tudor Black Bay Chrono](https://www.tudorwatch.com/en/watch-family/daring-watches/m79360n-0024) “Flamingo Blue.” Released in 2025, the 41 mm steel chronograph channels the vibes of South Beach, Miami, with a bright blue turquoise dial. It is a favorite among celebs Mark Wahlberg and David Beckham, with Crowe stating that he reaches for it “pretty much most days of the week now.” It retails for $6,675. ## Rolex Sky-Dweller ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Rolex-skydweller.webp) *Photo: Rolex* Crowe’s next flex is a Rolex Sky-Dweller featuring a 42 mm Everose gold case and blue dial with a 24-hour rotating disc for a second time zone. “It really is a gorgeous, gorgeous watch,” he notes. This particular variation is no longer on the Crown’s website, but you can get a [similar one](https://www.rolex.com/en-us/watches/sky-dweller/m336935-000) with a blue-green dial for $60,700. ## Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Geographic ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/JLCREVERSO.webp) *Photo: Jaeger-LeCoultre* His current dress watch of choice for dinners or special occasions is the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Geographic. On the front of the steel timepiece is a patented “Grande Date” display, while on the back lies a world time complication. “So it has this beautiful little complication on the back,” he says, “but if I’m wearing this, I never think to flip it over because I just love that face.” It will set you back $22,800. ## Rolex 1908 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Rolex-1908.webp) *Photo: Rolex* Crowe finishes up by revealing the watch that really got to him this year: the [Rolex 1908](https://www.rolex.com/en-us/watches/1908/m52506-0002). Released in 2024, his particular reference showcases a 39 mm platinum case, an ice-blue dial with a guilloché rice-grain motif, and a brown leather strap. “I just absolutely love this watch,” he adds. You can pick one up for $33,600. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** Omega, rolex, tudor --- ### [The 10 Best Añejo Tequilas to Buy Right Now](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/spirits/the-10-best-anejo-tequilas-to-buy-right-now/) **Published:** February 18, 2026 **Author:** Jonah Flicker **Content:** If you’re in the market for the best añejo [tequila](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/spirits/the-50-greatest-tequilas-of-the-21st-century-so-far/ "tequila"), there are several factors to consider—even though the category is rigidly defined by law, there are differences in style, maturation, alcohol content, and even terroir to take into account when searching for this quintessentially Mexican aged spirit (we’ll dive even deeper into these differences below). The good news is that there are many excellent añejos out there for you, so we’ve put together this list to help steer you towards some of the best añejo tequila to buy in different categories. Happy hunting, and cheers. ## Our Best Añejo Tequila Picks - [Best Overall: Cazcanes No. 7 Añejo](https://clicks.trx-hub.com/xid/pmc_0aaa4_robbreport?q=https%3A%2F%2Fgo.skimresources.com%3Fid%3D87443X1569519%26xs%3D1%26url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.totalwine.com%252Fspirits%252Ftequila%252Fanejo%252Fcazcanes-no7-anejo-tequila%252Fp%252F347296750%253F%26sref%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Frobbreport.com%252Ffood-drink%252Fspirits%252Flists%252Fbest-anejo-tequila-brands-buyers-guide-1237550662%252F&p=https%3A%2F%2Frobbreport.com%2Ffood-drink%2Fspirits%2Flists%2Fbest-anejo-tequila-brands-buyers-guide-1237550662%2F&ref=&event_type=click&trx-iid=iid1770848530245hbg) - [Best Single Estate: Tequila Ocho Añejo Barrel Select Old Fitzgerald](https://lostnliquor.com/products/tequila-ocho-anejo-barrel-select-old-fitzgerald?variant=51105811366190&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google+Shopping¤cy=USD&country=US&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23519421339&gbraid=0AAAAA99mpqfEkjXhFpIHnCSs7myl9YW6e&) - [Best for Cocktails: Loca Loka Añejo](https://wineanthology.com/29950-loca-loka-tequila-anejo) - [Best Under $50: Suerte Añejo](https://shop.klwines.com/products/details/1249319) - [Best Splurge: G4 Anejo De Madera Dia de Muertos 2025 Special Edition](https://tastersclub.com/products/g4-tequila-anejo-de-madera-dia-de-muertos-limited-edition-2025?srsltid=AfmBOoqZQjIFTycC5wi1mQXubPFbnkUOhfhJIw2jF89W30gjuD1ZGArS&state=CA&view=5039) - [Codigo 1530 “Cowboys and Dreamers” Special Edition Añejo](https://clicks.trx-hub.com/xid/pmc_0aaa4_robbreport?q=https%3A%2F%2Fgo.skimresources.com%3Fid%3D87443X1569519%26xs%3D1%26url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.passionspirits.com%252Fcodigo-1530-cowboys-dreamers%26sref%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Frobbreport.com%252Ffood-drink%252Fspirits%252Flists%252Fbest-anejo-tequila-brands-buyers-guide-1237550662%252F&p=https%3A%2F%2Frobbreport.com%2Ffood-drink%2Fspirits%2Flists%2Fbest-anejo-tequila-brands-buyers-guide-1237550662%2F&ref=&event_type=click&trx-iid=iid1770848530245hbg) - [Wild Common Añejo](https://clicks.trx-hub.com/xid/pmc_0aaa4_robbreport?q=https%3A%2F%2Fgo.skimresources.com%3Fid%3D87443X1569519%26xs%3D1%26url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fcuriada.com%252Fproducts%252Fwild-common-anejo-tequila-lot-1a%26sref%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Frobbreport.com%252Ffood-drink%252Fspirits%252Flists%252Fbest-anejo-tequila-brands-buyers-guide-1237550662%252F&p=https%3A%2F%2Frobbreport.com%2Ffood-drink%2Fspirits%2Flists%2Fbest-anejo-tequila-brands-buyers-guide-1237550662%2F&ref=&event_type=click&trx-iid=iid1770848530245hbg) - [Pezuna Blanca Añejo](https://clicks.trx-hub.com/xid/pmc_0aaa4_robbreport?q=https%3A%2F%2Fgo.skimresources.com%3Fid%3D87443X1569519%26xs%3D1%26url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.reservebar.com%252Fproducts%252Fpezuna-blanca-organic-anejo-tequila%252FGROUPING-2545941%26sref%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Frobbreport.com%252Ffood-drink%252Fspirits%252Flists%252Fbest-anejo-tequila-brands-buyers-guide-1237550662%252F&p=https%3A%2F%2Frobbreport.com%2Ffood-drink%2Fspirits%2Flists%2Fbest-anejo-tequila-brands-buyers-guide-1237550662%2F&ref=&event_type=click&trx-iid=iid1770848530245hbg) - [El Tesoro Mundial Yamazaki Edition](https://clicks.trx-hub.com/xid/pmc_0aaa4_robbreport?q=https%3A%2F%2Fgo.skimresources.com%3Fid%3D87443X1569519%26xs%3D1%26url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.totalwine.com%252Fspirits%252Ftequila%252Fel-tesoro-mundial-anejo-yamazaki-edition-tequila%252Fp%252F2126271829%253F%26sref%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Frobbreport.com%252Ffood-drink%252Fspirits%252Flists%252Fbest-anejo-tequila-brands-buyers-guide-1237550662%252F&p=https%3A%2F%2Frobbreport.com%2Ffood-drink%2Fspirits%2Flists%2Fbest-anejo-tequila-brands-buyers-guide-1237550662%2F&ref=&event_type=click&trx-iid=iid1770848530245hbg) - [Mijenta Añejo Gran Reserva](https://clicks.trx-hub.com/xid/pmc_0aaa4_robbreport?q=https%3A%2F%2Fgo.skimresources.com%3Fid%3D87443X1569519%26xs%3D1%26url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.totalwine.com%252Fspirits%252Ftequila%252Fanejo%252Fmijenta-anejo-tequila%252Fp%252F349193750%253F%26sref%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Frobbreport.com%252Ffood-drink%252Fspirits%252Flists%252Fbest-anejo-tequila-brands-buyers-guide-1237550662%252F&p=https%3A%2F%2Frobbreport.com%2Ffood-drink%2Fspirits%2Flists%2Fbest-anejo-tequila-brands-buyers-guide-1237550662%2F&ref=&event_type=click&trx-iid=iid1770848530245hbg) ## Best Overall: Cazcanes No. 7 Añejo ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Cazcanes_Anejo.webp) *Photo: Cazcanes* Cazcanes is an excellent tequila brand that has been around for about a decade, but has been getting a lot more attention over the past couple of years. There’s a simple reason for that—it makes really good tequila, and this añejo is a stellar example of that aged category. The agave is cooked in an autoclave and fermented in open-air tanks, and after distillation the tequila is matured in used American whiskey barrels for 12 to 18 months. The result is a delicious añejo with notes of vanilla, maple, oak, and sweet cooked agave, and it’s one of the best you can find right now. *$130* ## Best Single Estate: Tequila Ocho Añejo Barrel Select Old Fitzgerald ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Tequila_Ocho_Old_Fitz.webp) *Photo: Tequila Ocho* There are several single-estate tequilas on the market, but one of the best (and one of the first) is Tequila Ocho. The brand is now owned by Heaven Hill, which explains this collaboration. The 2023 vintage was released in two versions made from agaves harvested from two individual estates—Rancho Corralillos and Rancho Potrero Grande. Both were then matured for a minimum of 12 months in “recently emptied” Old Fitzgerald bourbon barrels, a premium wheated bourbon produced at Heaven Hill. The tequila has notes of toasted oak, sweet vanilla, and espresso beans on the palate—and if you have a chance, you should compare both versions to see how terroir affects the flavor. *$160* ## Best For Cocktails: Loca Loka Añejo ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Loca_Loka_Anejo.webp) *Photo: Loca Loka* This tequila brand was cofounded by a pair of Indian celebrities, actor Rana Daggubati and musician Anirudh Ravichander. Still, the tequila is obviously 100 percent made in Mexico, and the añejo expression happens to be a perfect choice to use in any cocktail which you’d consider swapping out whiskey, like an Old Fashioned. This is an additive-free tequila, according to the brand, that is aged for a year in American and French oak. Notes of vanilla, spice, agave, and caramel give it a depth and complexity that can stand up to any ingredients you throw at it. *$59* ## Best Under $50: Suerte Añejo ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Suerte-Anejo2025-1200x675-1.webp) *Photo: Suerte* Añejo tequila is usually more expensive than reposado or blanco, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some high-quality options that are also affordable. If you’re looking to spend less than $50 on a bottle, give Suerte’s anejo expression a try. This brand is gaining recognition for the quality of its tequila, which is made from slow-roasted agave that is crushed with a tahona stone. The añejo is aged for a year in American and French oak ex-whiskey barrels, but the maturation doesn’t obscure its intrinsic agave character. This might be a bit more than $50 in some markets, but it’s still worth picking up a bottle. *$45* ## Best Splurge: G4 Anejo de Madera Día de Muertos 2025 Special Edition ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/G4_Anejo.webp) *Photo: G4 Tequila* G4 is a beloved brand that was founded by Felipe Camarena, part of a multi-generational family of tequila makers that are also behind some other excellent brands. This special edition comes out once a year to celebrate the Day of the Dead—and while the 2025 release is not cheap, it’s worth a splurge. This is an añejo that was aged for a year in George Dickel Tennessee whiskey barrels in the distillery’s cellar, which it has imbued it with rich chocolate and oak notes. There are four different versions available, each of which comes in a different collector’s box with colors and designs inspired by Día de Muertos. *$266* ## Best Wine Cask Matured: Codigo 1530 “Cowboys and Dreamers” Special Edition Añejo ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Codigo_Cowboy_Tequila.webp) *Photo: Codigo 1530* As any tequila drinker knows, there are whole a lot of celebrity-backed brands (too many, some would argue). One that actually makes some really good tequila is Codigo 1530, which counts country music legend George Strait as one of its founders. Codigo specializes in aging its tequila in barrels previously used to mature wine, and this limited release from last year was a fantastic example of that style. Cowboys and Dreamers was matured for two years in Napa Valley French oak Cabernet wine casks, giving it a rich, dark amber color and notes of caramelized sugar, red berries, and spiced nuts on the palate. *$130* ## Best High Proof: Wild Common Añejo ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Wild_Common_Anejo.webp) *Photo: Wild Common* Most tequila is bottled at 80 proof, the minimum strength allowed by law here in the U.S. But Wild Common’s añejo, which was first released last spring, clocks in at a much higher 94 proof (47 percent ABV). The tequila was aged for a year in ex-bourbon barrels and is bottled without the use of additives to enhance the flavor, so everything you taste comes from the interplay of agave and oak—and at that higher proof, there’s a welcome intensity on the palate and a bit of heat on the finish. *$100* ## Best Organic: Pezuna Blanca Añejo ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/PB_Anejo.webp) *Photo: Pezuna Blanca* There are several different organic tequilas to choose from, if that is a deciding factor for you. One great option that is new to the U.S. market is Pezuna Blanca, and it looks like it will make a mark in this very crowded category as it expands nationally. The añejo expression, which is aged between 15 and 18 months, comes in a deep reddish-brown ceramic bottle that the brand says was inspired by the Mexican dish mole. Look for notes of spice, chocolate, grass, and deeply cooked agave on the palate. *$84* ## Best New Release: El Tesoro Mundial Yamazaki Edition ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/El_Tesoro_Mundial_Yamazaki-1.webp) *Photo: Suntory Global Spirits* El Tesoro, which is also part of the Camarena family’s group of brands, is one of the best widely available tequilas out there. It’s owned by Suntory Global Spirits, so it should have come as no surprise that this tequila aged in Yamazaki barrels arrived last year as part of the Mundial series. The tequila spent a full year aging in 12-year-old Yamazaki casks, specifically sherry and red wine barrels that were previously used to mature whisky. It has notes of ginger, milk and dark chocolate, raisin, blueberry, and pepper on the palate, and is hands down the best new tequila release of the past year. *$185* ## Best for Sipping: Mijenta Añejo Gran Reserva ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Mijenta-Tequila-Anejo-Box-Bottle-Outside.webp) *Photo: Mijenta Tequila* Mijenta does things a bit differently than most other brands when it comes to its añejo expression, and the result is a superior sipping tequila. This anejo is aged for 18 months in four different types of casks—American white oak, French oak, acacia, and cherry. Each lot is matured separately and then blended together, as opposed to a cask finish or moving the liquid from barrel to barrel. Look for notes of dried fruit, spice, vanilla, coffee, and cooked agave on the palate of this tequila built for sipping. *$143* ## How We Selected Our Winning Añejo Tequilas ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/tequila_agave_pinas.webp) *Photo: Getty Images* ## What is añejo tequila? There are a few specific rules that define tequila as a category overall. It can only be made from Blue Weber agave, with production limited to five states in Mexico—Jalisco, where most tequila is produced, as well as Guanajuato, Michoacán, Nayarit, and Tamaulipas. In order to be labeled as 100 percent agave tequila, it must be made from—you guessed it—100 percent agave, as opposed to mixto which can include just 51 percent agave (the rest is some kind of sugar). Finally, there are a few different categories that indicate how long tequila was aged, and “añejo” means that it spends between one and three years in a barrel. ## How should you drink añejo tequila? The short answer is however you like it—there is no wrong or right way to enjoy añejo tequila. That being said, it’s a good idea to at least taste it neat to really discover its character. From there, drink añejo tequila however you like—straight up or over ice, or in any cocktail you can think of where you can swap out whiskey, including classics like an Old Fashioned or Manhattan. ## How did we choose the añejo tequila on this list? We considered different factors when picking these añejos, with the emphasis being on taste. Because after all, despite a bottle’s availability or the hype surrounding it, that is the most important thing. Tasting añejo tequila involves a combination of sensations, including the nose, palate, mouthfeel and finish. And each category has different characteristics, so part of the process is to consider how an individual pick fits into its style overall. The bottles on this list represent the best anejos based on all of these options, providing a good overview of selections you can easily purchase in person or online that are good examples of each individual category. ## Why should you trust us? Jonah Flicker has been writing about whiskey and other spirits for over a decade, visiting distilleries around the world to meet the people behind the bottles and find out more about their stories. He is a judge for the John Barleycorn Awards and New York World Wine and Spirits Competition and leads private tastings, and his work has appeared in many national other lifestyle outlets besides *Robb Report*, including *Esquire*, *Food & Wine*, *Men’s Journal*, CNN, *USA Today* and more. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Food & Drink, Spirits **Tags:** añejo tequila, Evergreen, tequila --- ### [Robb Report’s 2026 Car of the Year: The 10 Contenders](https://robbreport.ph/cars/robb-reports-2026-car-of-the-year-the-10-contenders/) **Published:** February 16, 2026 **Author:** Robert Ross **Content:** Once you’re cinched into the five-point harness and turn the ignition key, the sensory hit is immediate. The 5.4-liter V-8 erupts, the air redolent with the unmistakable scent of combustion. There’s a flicker of nerves before deploying the Tremec five-speed manual gearshift and the dread of stalling out at pit lane in front of a gallery of onlookers. One moment you’re piloting this reimagined 1965 fastback Mustang—no power steering, no filters—a glorious ode to analog driving and the golden age of American motorsport, made by the people who built its legacy. The next, you’re cocooned in an all-electric Rolls-Royce, an immaculate tour de force of silence and bleeding-edge tech, adorned by the Spirit of Ecstasy. Mentioned as a standout comparison by one of our judges, it’s a study in contrasts at the highest level of automotive expression and the type of juxtaposition that has become commonplace at *Robb Report’*s Car of the Year (COTY). For the 23rd edition, the 10 entries represented a sweeping cross section of categories and power trains that define today’s performance landscape. And while the broader new-vehicle market drifts toward uniformity, this field of contenders distinguished itself with varying degrees of design and innovation. Those qualities have guided the contest since its event-based creation in 2003, when the Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG beat out the Ferrari 575M for bragging rights. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_2026_COTY_21.webp) The 715 hp Ferrari Purosangue (left) and 789 hp Lamborghini Urus SE (right) enhance the beauty of a Fort Lauderdale beach. *Photo: Robb Rice* Both marques returned to the competition this year in new guises. Mercedes-Maybach entered with the V-8 powered SL 680 Monogram Series, the luxury division’s first two-seat model, and Ferrari fielded the V-12 Purosangue, the brand’s first four-door production car. Bentley’s latest Bentayga Speed brought eight-cylinder force, while Aston Martin’s new Vanquish carried the time-honored and tenacious 12-cylinder. Our zero-emissions contingent included the Rolls-Royce Black Badge Spectre, the Audi RS e-tron GT performance, and the polarizing Dodge Charger Daytona, a muscle car reborn as an E.V. Finally, hybrids made their case via Lamborghini’s Urus SE, while Maserati’s MC20 Cielo proved that a compact V-6 can still deliver outsize drama. As in 2025, there was also an outlier: The 460 hp OVC Grand Touring-LM Mustang became the first-ever restomod to compete at COTY, a decided counterpoint to last year’s 1,900 hp Pininfarina Battista. Testing unfolded on the private racetrack at the Concours Club in Opa-locka, Fla., where each vehicle was repeatedly put through the same series of standardized drills. Judges were asked to set aside any preconceptions or biases and evaluate how successfully each car executed its mission. Sure, personal preferences inevitably surfaced, but the process favored balanced analysis *by* potential owners *for* potential owners in the same luxury-market space. This year, though, the competition played out differently. There was little jockeying among front-runners, as the first-place finisher took a commanding lead early on and never let off the gas. Here’s how the final leaderboard looked, as told by the judges themselves. ## 10. Bentley Bentayga Speed ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_2026_COTY_14.webp) *Photo: Robb Rice* For the 2026 model year, Bentley has unveiled [its most powerful and agile Bentayga yet,](https://robbreport.ph/cars/heres-why-the-bentley-bentayga-azure-hybrid-ticks-all-the-boxes/ "Here’s Why the Bentley Bentayga Azure Hybrid Ticks All the Boxes") elevating the Speed nameplate to new heights. Sure, the exterior changes are subtle, but key engineering elements—including the engine’s calibration and the stability-control system—have been reimagined. The result is a 641 hp 5,425-pound (curb weight) S.U.V. that, with its new Dynamic setting, can actually drift. (Because why wouldn’t you?) Despite its newfound playfulness, the Bentayga Speed remains deeply luxurious inside. Bentley has long mastered the blend of power, performance, and polish, but the new Bentayga Speed now adds a fresh dose of bravado. Brian Davis praised the “amazing active rear steering through corners,” while John Cunningham noted that the “Bentayga handled the slalom section effortlessly for an S.U.V.,” even if he did observe “a lag from pedal to acceleration.” Joshua Slater was impressed across the board. “Bentley upped the game here with the Speed version,” he said, pointing out that “the new exhaust added a thrill to the experience.” He also highlighted that the “fit and finish were at the top of the competition,” and that the performance exceeded expectations. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_2026_COTY_38.webp) *Photo: Robb Rice* Yet the Bentayga failed to check all the boxes for some of the judges. “For Car of the Year, I would need a little more ‘wow’ in the drive,” said Carroll Leboeuf Jr. Jeff Mitelman agreed, calling the performance “impressive for a large, heavy car but sluggish compared to many of the others.” But while some seconded Brian Schwalbe’s view that the exterior is “looking a little dated,” most sided with Michael Tutcher, who concluded that “for an S.U.V., it’s about as sexy as it gets.” **Engine**: 4.0-liter twin- turbo V-8 **Power**: 641 hp **0-60 MPH**: 3.4 sec **Top Speed**: 193 mph **Base Price**: $284,300 **As Tested**: $415,050 ## 9. Audi RS e-tron GT performance ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_2026_COTY_3.webp) *Photo: Robb Rice* Swap in scissor doors and a two-seat cockpit, and this [Audi](https://robbreport.ph/tag/audi/ "Audi") would be a full-blown supercar rather than a practical weapons-grade four-door G.T. With 912 hp and a four-person interior ideally suited to long-distance cruising, Audi’s flagship E.V. may be the finest performance sedan on the planet. It elicited raves across the board for its sheer power and poise, and the car’s ability to fire off the line simply blew our judges away. “My eyeballs sunk in my head! An amazing car for handling and braking as well,” said Andrew Shantz. “Generally, I don’t like [E.V.s](https://robbreport.ph/tag/ev/ "ev"). This one crushes it.” Josh Diggs could have been describing a jungle cat when he called it “quick, fast, powerful,” adding that it was “unexpected in the best way possible. It accelerated like lightning.” Craig Sincock II echoed that sentiment: “I am not a fan of electric cars, and this one is impressive. Handling somehow feels more like a combustion car (in a good way).” Jeff Meisel was equally moved, claiming it was the “fastest electric car I’ve ever driven,” while Joshua Woods went a step further, calling it “electric perfected.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_2026_COTY_28.webp) *Photo: Robb Rice* Timothy Kelly praised the driving experience while flagging the cabin materials. “If you’re looking for a car that will excite your senses every time you hit the Start button, this is the car for you! Blazingly fast, a comfortable interior, and handling that seems to anticipate turns and manage them with ease,” he said. “The only fault is the plastic dash trim. But hey, the car is so amazing, will anyone ever really notice the trim?” Joseph Fath agreed that “the design and interior, especially the faux-carbon panels in the cabin, felt cheap for a $190,000 car.” Michael Wolf had a simpler reaction: “Does the RS stand for Rocket Ship?” And for Arif Babayev, it was the “best car to drive on a racetrack” thanks to its “unparalleled performance.” Sanford Nelson summed it up with a single word: “beast!” **Motor**: Dual electric **Power**: 912 hp (with launch control) **Range**: 278 miles (E.P.A. est.) **0-60 MPH**: 2.4 sec **Top Speed**: 155 mph (limited) **Base Price**: $167,000 **As Tested**: $190,690 ## 8. Rolls-Royce Black Badge Spectre ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_2026_COTY_17.webp) *Photo: Robb Rice* If the adoption of electrification required some brands to rethink their identity mid-flight, [Rolls-Royce](https://robbreport.ph/tag/rolls-royce/ "rolls-royce") touched down fully prepared. After all, silence has long been central to the marque’s appeal. Named *Robb Report*’s Best of the Best in the E.V. category this past summer, [the Black Badge Spectre](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Inside-the-Rolls-Royce-Black-Badge-Spectre.jpg "Inside the Rolls Royce Black Badge Spectre") preserves the automaker’s legendary magic-carpet-ride drive quality while dialing up the muscle. In fact, it’s the most powerful Rolls-Royce in the company’s 121-year history. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_2026_COTY_37.webp) *Photo: Robb Rice* “This car was my biggest surprise,” said Sam Herzfeld. “Sporty, yet elegant. No detail left unfinished, butter-smooth in every way.” Also unexpected was its level of performance, which is enhanced by its launch-control system—a first for Rolls—called Spirited Mode. For John Cunningham, the power delivery was akin to an out-of-body experience. “The dampening effect of being inside this masterpiece made acceleration feel like it was happening to someone else,” he explained, adding that when it came to handling, “taking turns was smooth like a Sunday jazz brunch.” And despite its testing on track—far from its intended purpose—the Spectre held its own. “Being a racer, I was most impressed by the brakes,” said Matthew Dicken. Steven Africk found it “surprisingly agile,” but Russell Potee was less convinced, citing “too much body roll.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_2026_COTY_36.webp) *Photo: Robb Rice* Dissenters, though, were extremely few, as most found it to be a souped-up sanctuary. The “quietest place I’ve ever experienced” and “the most comfortable car I’ve ever driven” were how Julio Cantillo and Robert Cossaboon, respectively, summed up their experiences with it. As for Josh Diggs, he believed it had the “best-in-class interior,” likening the drive to “sitting in a cloud that can move at the speed of light.” Carrie Kelly called it simply “the perfect car.” **Motor**: Dual electric **Power**: 659 hp **Range**: 266 miles (E.P.A. est.) **0-60 MPH**: 4.1 sec **Top Speed**: 155 mph **Base Price**: $465,000 **As Tested**: $535,550 ## 7. Maserati MC20 Cielo ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_2026_COTY_2.webp) *Photo: Robb Rice* [Maserati’s](https://robbreport.ph/tag/maserati/ "maserati") convertible MC20 Cielo channels the Italian marque’s racing heritage with a rear-mounted 621 hp twin-turbo Nettuno V-6 engine paired with active aero that helps deliver 320 pounds of downforce. Bilstein dampers and Brembo brakes sharpen agility and precision—especially in Corsa mode—giving the roadster a clear track focus. Peter Powers felt it immediately, naming the Cielo the “best- handling vehicle. Excellent track weapon.” Michael Tutcher described his time behind the wheel as a “very visceral experience. Lots of fun to drive. Wouldn’t be practical for a daily driver, because I golf too much.” Katrina Cunningham concurred, praising its “thrilling and engaging driving experience.” For Cjay Joseph, it was all about the car’s commanding grunt: “So much power and thrust…. It feels like a jet on the road.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_2026_COTY_35.webp) *Photo: Robb Rice* The cabin sparked more debate. The Alcantara-wrapped minimalism struck some as elegant; it left others underwhelmed. Josh Diggs extolled the “excellent acceleration and handling” and “compelling exterior” but said “the interior feels cheap and uninspired.” Kenneth Spiegel found the Cielo “a bit raw and unfinished.” Likewise, Timothy Kelly wrestled with mixed emotions. “Oh, how I wanted to love this gorgeous automobile! She has lines that put her into a class almost by herself. But performance failed to get me to that love affair. The transmission was rough and clunky during shifts, and the car’s handling was unimpressive.” Scott Powell similarly noted the transmission’s “inconsistent gear transition.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_2026_COTY_34.webp) *Photo: Robb Rice* Still, the Maserati had its champions. For Joseph Fath, the Cielo was a clear winner. “It had the full package: amazing exterior styling, the right balance of controls inside the cabin, best-handling road feel of all the cars I drove, and visceral acceleration. And you get all of this for $275,000. Bravissimo!” **Engine**: 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 **Power**: 621 hp **0-60 MPH**: 2.9 sec **Top Speed**: 202 mph **Base Price**: $281,000 **As Tested**: $379,040 ## 6. Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_2026_COTY_16.webp) *Photo: Robb Rice* Born from one of the most revered (and collectible) silhouettes in automotive history, the latest spiritual successor to the 1950s-era Mercedes-Benz 300 SL gains a new level of distinction as the first model to receive the full Maybach treatment—and the ultra-luxury division’s only two-seater to date. The [Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-25-most-expensive-convertibles-in-the-world/ "The 25 Most Expensive Convertibles in the World") is replete with baronial trappings: Manufaktur Crystal White Nappa leather lines the interior, while a heated Airscarf system drives open-air motoring into multiple seasons. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_2026_COTY_13.webp) *Photo: Robb Rice* It was all enough to have Julie Schwalbe name it her “surprise of the day… Its seats are smooth as butter, it handles like a tight machine, and accelerates way better than the AMG GT.” Her husband, Brian, was equally enamored, noting that “fit and finish are excellent—the interior sumptuous and comfortable.” Some of the judges, though, thought comfort came at the expense of the SL’s expected athleticism, which may have been a by-product of the suspension’s having been calibrated for more cushioning. “The car screams for attention but doesn’t deliver the elevated experience you seek from Mercedes,” Joshua Woods said. Richard Maffezzoli was put off by “too much body lean” and what he felt was “loose steering.” Perhaps more damning was Craig Sincock II’s assertion that the “performance is not that inspiring.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_2026_COTY_8.webp) *Photo: Robb Rice* Still, no one questioned the aero-inspired design. Finished in Manufaktur Garnet Red Metallic with Obsidian Black Metallic accents and subtle rose-gold details, the Maybach roadster was universally admired for its good looks. Cjay Joseph called it “refined perfection.” Mark Newman was also smitten, praising the tony two-door as “the right mix of power, luxury, and presence—one of the best G.T. cars on the market.” **Engine**: 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 **Power**: 577 hp **0-60 MPH**: 4.0 sec **Top Speed**: 161 mph (electronically limited) **Base Price**: $224,900 **As Tested**: $238,850 ## 5. OVC Grand Touring–LM Mustang ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_2026_COTY_10.webp) *Photo: Robb Rice* The 1965 Shelby Mustang G.T.350 was one of the most successful sports cars of its era, with fewer than 570 made and only 36 R-code examples destined for the track (two being prototypes). The OVC Grand Touring–LM takes an original ’65 Mustang Fastback and rebuilds it through the hands of Original Venice Crew—members of Carroll Shelby’s team. Their work has resulted in reimagined classics that have earned *Robb Report* Best of the Best accolades in 2021 and 2023. Judges relished the chance to step back six decades to feel the adrenaline rush of a pure analog machine, one now refined with better power, braking, and build quality. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_2026_COTY_4.webp) *Photo: Robb Rice* Andrew Shantz captured the contextual whiplash: “How cool was that? I had just driven the Rolls-Royce and then jumped into the OVC. It could not have been a more different experience. An honor to drive it, and massive props to the drivers of old—and \[Carroll\] Shelby—for ripping that thing around a track in anger.” Joshua Greenman found it “the perfect antidote to the homogenized modern car—the visceral feeling of driving a piece of history. All the idiosyncrasies just add to the charm.” Nearly every driver emerged with fresh respect for the muscle needed to command a ’60s-era race car. “Truly old-school and brutal. I’m glad for years of weight training before driving this beast,” said Mark Newman. Lisa Davis called the OVC a “super-fun car to drive. But not easy!” while Michael Wolf offered, “Tough drive. Cool car.” Jeff Mitelman “loved the fight against the lack of power steering and didn’t care in the least. The car felt timeless and is a true classic.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_2026_COTY_31.webp) *Photo: Robb Rice* “I would feel privileged to own one.” Carroll Leboeuf Jr. mused, “This is completely unfair. You feel absolutely honored to even sit in it. The judging categories don’t belong when grading this classic. Probably ‘Car of Century’… the previous one, of course.” And for Sanford Nelson, the verdict was clear: “This is a true showstopper… an American hero, reimagined.” **Engine**: 5.4-liter naturally aspirated V-8 **Power**: 460 hp (pump fuel) **0-60 MPH**: 6.0 sec **Top Speed**: 165 mph **Base Price**: $359,000 ## 4. Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_2026_COTY_6.webp) *Photo: Robb Rice* Who’d have imagined it? The iconic Dodge muscle car, once a gas-guzzling brute that, in Challenger guise, offered as much as 1,025 hp, has been electrified. The new Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack looks much the same as its internal-combustion-engine (ICE) forebears but churns out 670 hp from a 400- volt dual-motor system that “shifts” with a single-speed direct-drive transmission. The transition wasn’t seamless for our judges, beginning with the sound. Michael McMillan “wasn’t crazy about the ‘combustion-engine’ sound,” a sentiment seconded by Joseph Menter, who said, “I don’t like the fake ICE noises.” Timothy Kelly felt that the Daytona “seemed out of class with the other cars in this year’s competition. Acceleration was below expectations, and overall handling seemed a tad sloppy. A fun car, but \[it\] lacks a definitive raison d’être.” Julie Schwalbe was even more emphatic: “This car is just a ‘no.’ Some cars can make it as an electric or a hybrid, but leave the muscle cars alone.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_2026_COTY_30.webp) *Photo: Robb Rice* Others found more charm in its theatrics. Sam Herzfeld likened the experience to “Vegas, Disney World. ’Merica! Amazing piped-in engine noise. Felt like we were out of an episode of *The Dukes of Hazzard*. It was actually fun, especially on the straightaways. I would never own it but definitely enjoyed it much more than I anticipated.” Robert Kolt described the model as a “nice monster car.” He noted it was “big, noisy, and heavy—very positive for muscle-car fans” and praised its “fantastic price and value,” adding that it had the “best open, clean front view of any car we drove.” Yet Ryan Branning may have said it best when he stated that “the Charger Daytona Scat Pack feels like Detroit’s redemption song: muscle reborn in electrons, thunder without the guilt.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_2026_COTY_29.webp) *Photo: Robb Rice* **Motor**: Dual electric **Power**: 670 hp **Range**: 241 miles (E.P.A. est.) **0-60 MPH**: 3.3 sec **Top Speed**: 135 mph (limited) **Base Price**: $59,995 **As Tested**: $77,755 ## 3. Ferrari Purosangue ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_2026_COTY_7.webp) *Photo: Robb Rice* The [Purosangue](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-ferrari-purosangue-is-an-suv-that-stays-true-to-ferraris-legacy/ "The Ferrari Purosangue is an SUV that Stays True to Ferrari’s Legacy") breaks from every other production-line Prancing Horse in history with a simple twist: rear doors. It’s the first four-door Ferrari that has made it to market, and while it has been sold stateside since 2023, the 2026 model arrives with a new steering-wheel design that brings back mechanical buttons. The essentials stay the same—a V-12 engine, all-wheel drive, and a sporting superstition that wowed judges enough to take third place in this year’s Car of the Year competition. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_2026_COTY_11.webp) *Photo: Robb Rice* Lee Oleinick summed it up: “You expect perfection when you buy a Ferrari, and the Purosangue doesn’t disappoint. A sculptured exterior surrounds one of the finest interiors, without \[design\] overkill. And the performance? You have to keep reminding yourself you’re in an S.U.V. It’s that good.” Ryan Branning agreed, saying, “It’s less an S.U.V. and more a Ferrari that happens to seat four. The engine is a masterpiece.” And Sam Herzfeld called the Purosangue “all-around, a really great car. Amazing to be able to have a quintessential Ferrari in a four-door daily driver. Love the dual-cockpit feel.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_2026_COTY_19.webp) *Photo: Robb Rice* “You expect perfection when you buy a [Ferrari](https://robbreport.ph/tag/ferrari/ "Ferrari"), and the Purosangue doesn’t disappoint.” Not everyone was convinced. A few drivers—including longtime Ferrari owners—had mixed opinions about how the mid-front-mounted naturally aspirated V-12 handled the Purosangue’s 4,481-pound (dry weight) mass. “The drive did not live up to typical Ferrari standards,” said Thomas Mantione. Carlos Fuente III wasn’t impressed, either: “The Purosangue was one of the cars I was most excited to drive, but unfortunately, it was underwhelming. It fails to deliver the thrill you expect from a Ferrari. It’s luxurious and well-built, just missing that raw excitement.” Matthew Dicken offered a broader perspective. He “expected a bit more performance from the V-12, but as the owner of four Ferraris currently, it’s the only one I’ve driven that I could drive every day.” Others were all in. Brian Davis called the Purosangue “my clear favorite,” while John Graff was even more succinct, referring to it simply as “my fave.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_2026_COTY_12.webp) *Photo: Robb Rice* **Engine**: 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V-12 **Power**: 715 hp **0-60 MPH**: 3.3 sec **Top Speed**: More than 193 mph **Base Price**: $423,636 **As Tested**: $514,286 ## 2. Lamborghini Urus SE ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_2026_COTY_20.webp) *Photo: Robb Rice* When it was named *Robb Report’*s Car of the Year in 2018, the original [Lamborghini](https://robbreport.ph/tag/lamborghini/ "lamborghini") [Urus](https://robbreport.ph/the-story-of/a-brief-history-of-lamborghini-suvs-from-the-rambo-lambo-to-the-urus/ "A Brief History of Lamborghini SUVs, From the Rambo Lambo to the Urus") rewrote the S.U.V. rulebook with an all-terrain Raging Bull that, at the time, was in a ring all its own. Since then, the Urus has become the Italian-supercar maker’s best-selling model, one that continues to set benchmarks as competition intensifies. The SE variant lives up to that challenge as the brand’s first hybrid iteration of the Urus and its most powerful to date. “A sports car hidden under an S.U.V. body” is how James Hefelfinger viewed it. Claudia Falero went a step further, calling it a “sports car on steroids. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_2026_COTY_18.webp) *Photo: Robb Rice* The increased brawn is owed to a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 mated to an electric motor—housed within the eight-speed transmission—that combines for 789 hp and nearly 701 ft lbs of torque. “I knew it would be loud, and it was,” said Joshua Slater, “but it delivered.” Michael McMillan was so taken with the soundtrack that he joked, “Someone needs to turn that engine growl into a men’s cologne.” Ryan Branning found deeper meaning in the drive experience. “The Urus SE proves that adding voltage doesn’t subtract soul,” lauding its combination of “sheer ferocity and room for the whole family.” Chris Stout was stunned by the acceleration and said that “the hybrid makes an amazing difference.” Similarly, Julio Cantillo noted that the “hybrid supplement creates a sense of immediacy.” Michael Garber admired the “exciting, dramatic cockpit” but found the handling to be “a bit soft.” Even less bullish on the latest variant were John Graff, who “didn’t see much change from the old model,” and Carlos Fuente III, who asserted that it “feels like a downgrade from the previous model.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_2026_COTY_33.webp) *Photo: Robb Rice* “Someone needs to turn that engine growl into a men’s cologne.” The broader consensus, however, aligned with Fabricia Azevedo, who said, “Some chase the thrill of flying fighter jets; others find it behind the wheel of the Lamborghini Urus SE.” That perspective explains its second-place finish in our contest—along with Andrew Shantz’s ringing endorsement: “It’s just awesome.” **Engine**: 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 **Power**: 789 hp **0-60 MPH**: 3.4 sec **Top Speed**: 194 mph **Base Price**: $258,636 **As Tested**: $358,332 ## Car of the Year: Aston Martin Vanquish ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_2026_COTY_15.webp) *Photo: Robb Rice* For decades, Aston Martin felt like a not-so-gracefully aging Hollywood star living off the glory of a few great performances. In recent years, the proud British marque has staged a persuasive comeback. Striking design, innovative tech, and meaningful gains in craftsmanship have returned Aston to form, earning the DB12 a 2024 *Robb Report* Car of the Year title and delivering a second-place finish to the Vantage last year. This year’s [Vanquish](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-10-best-cars-we-drove-in-2025-from-audis-superb-concept-c-to-bugattis-maximalist-mistral/ "The 10 Best Cars We Drove in 2025, From Audi’s Superb Concept C to Bugatti’s Maximalist Mistral") arrived as a front-runner from day one. With 824 hp and a top speed of 214 mph, it ranks as one of the fastest production cars ever to come from the automaker. Add an interior executed with genuine artisanship, and it’s little wonder the judges overwhelmingly chose it for the top spot on the podium. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_2026_COTY_9.webp) *Photo: Robb Rice* “A beast beautifully wrapped in all things lovely,” is how Roger Cary described it. Chris Stout saw it more as a milestone. “The Vanquish is a game changer for Aston Martin,” he said. “Gone are the days of chintzy plastic interiors. This interior’s fit and finish was impeccable. The trick carbon-fiber cross post where the back seats would be is amazing and helps to manage torsional control of the body.” Brian Schwalbe noticed that the “user interfaces are intuitive, with analog buttons and switches for the most frequently used functions,” while also admiring how “the engine, drivetrain, and suspension are smooth and well-tuned, giving just the right amount of drama when wanted.” Michael Branning loved the “immediate thrust, telepathic steering, and sure-footed chassis,” and Paul Lukianov deemed it an “absolute marvel in engineering. Unlike anything I’ve ever driven.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_2026_COTY_5.webp) *Photo: Robb Rice* There were almost no dissenting opinions, save for John Graff, who cryptically concluded that it was “too British” and had “too much isolation.” Not so for Cjay Joseph, who noted it was “definitely 11 out of 10.” Joshua Woods agreed, calling the Vanquish an “instant classic.” It was also clear how Robert Cossaboon voted. “If I hadn’t just bought a \[Porsche\] GT3, I’d be in the showroom tomorrow,” he said. “Outstanding in every way.” But Mark Newman may have distilled the consensus best of all: “If you could have one sports car, this would be it.” **Engine**: 5.2-liter twin-turbo V-12 **Power**: 824 hp **0-60 MPH**: 3.3 sec **Top Speed**: 214 mph **Base Price**: $429,000 **As Tested**: $552,600 ## Course Curriculum ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_2026_COTY_23.webp) *Photo: Robb Rice* To accurately evaluate remarkable vehicles requires a crucible of the same caliber, which is why the private racetrack at the Concours Club in Opa-locka, Fla., has been our testing ground on the East Coast for the past several years. With the motorsport enclave’s two-story Pininfarina-designed event campus as home base for five days, our collective team of 117 judges set about the task of determining which of the 10 contenders was worthy of the Car of the Year title. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_2026_COTY_27.webp) Touring a full-size model of the Cirrus SR22 aircraft displayed trackside. *Photo: Luis Antonio* Each vehicle was repeatedly piloted along the two-plus-mile track, which had been divided into specific zones for exercises such as standing-start sprints, a slalom run, and an emergency-lane-change maneuver, among others—all intended to cumulatively reveal the overarching motoring experience presented by every model. Not all the boxes to be checked, though, were based on drive dynamics, as part of what makes a model memorable are its emotive touchpoints. With this in mind, our drivers were asked to consider all of the following: **Looks:** interior and exterior **Luxury and Comfort:** ergonomics, materials, and noise, vibration, and harshness **Performance:** acceleration, handling, and braking **Utility:** capacity and practicality **Intangibles:** collectibility and “wow” factor It’s through this prism that our judges were able to critique—as impartially as they could—such a multifaceted field. And while some walked away with a few biases confirmed, others found themselves drawn to unexpected entries, with the sleeper model for many being the Audi RS e-tron GT performance. But then it’s difficult not to be impressed with a sedan that delivers more horsepower than a Pagani Utopia or a McLaren Senna and that arcs through a double-apex corner with aplomb. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_2026_COTY_22.webp) Helmets were mandatory for one model. *Photo: Luis Antonio* In the end, though, the winning trifecta comprises examples from automakers willing to adapt yet still holding fast to their legacies. Yes, Ferrari’s all-electric car looms on the horizon, but its four-door Purosangue, while an acquiescence to the performance market’s demand for sport utility, celebrates the beloved V-12 in a way that we imagine even Enzo himself would have embraced. As for the Lamborghini Urus SE, its hybrid prowess and extreme versatility demonstrate why the Raging Bull is more relevant than ever. But the vote count wasn’t remotely close when it came to the victor: Aston Martin’s Vanquish enthralled both the majority of judges and *Robb Report’*s own editorial team. The latter viewed the Vanquish as not only a renaissance for the marque but also this year’s unparalleled combination of breathtaking beauty and unapologetic brawn—always a winning combination. ## **Driving Forces** After 23 editions of COTY, we know that aside from the finest automobiles, one of the keys to the annual event’s success is our collaborative relationships with some of the world’s leading luxury brands in hospitality, wine and spirits, transportation, and style. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_2026_COTY_24.webp) Louis XIII Cognac readied for a welcome toast.. *Photo: Luis Antonio* When our drivers weren’t being hosted by the 80-acre Concours Club and lunching on its menu created by Chef Brad Kilgore—formerly of Michelin-starred Alinea—they were enjoying the storied Boca Raton resort. Commemorating its centenary this year, the expansive retreat includes a 50,000-square-foot spa and an 18-hole golf course. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_2026_COTY_25.webp) A predinner tasting of Louis XIII Cognac. *Photo: Luis Antonio* Brand partners also had a major share in supercharging each judging wave. Taking teamwork to new heights was Cirrus, which showcased a full-size model of its [SR22 aircraft—equipped with Safe Return Emergency Autoland](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/the-cirrus-sr22-can-land-itself-in-an-emergency-heres-what-thats-like/ "The Cirrus SR22 Can Land Itself in an Emergency") functionality—and made it available for trackside tours. On the fashion front, eyewear atelier Akoni—founded in Switzerland and based in Japan—paired a specific model of sunglasses with each car, while custom-tailoring house Atlas Bespoke exhibited leather goods and accessories offering the same level of quality found in the Atlas Signature Duffel, which served as the Ultimate Gift Bag for this year’s Golden Globes. And supplying the post-drive toast prior to more than one wine-paired dinner was Louis XIII, whose renowned Cognac creates a lasting impression second only perhaps to that of the new friendships forged at each session. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_2026_COTY_26.webp) A contribution from Gregarious Cigars and Arturo Fuente. *Photo: Luis Antonio* Above all, however, it’s our cadre of discerning evaluators who make this automotive contest unlike any other. The roster primarily encompasses devoted readers who bring their own wealth of experience to bear, often having lived with multiple examples from the automakers represented. These participants remain the engine that drives *Robb Report’*s Car of the Year and continues to propel it forward as an industry touchstone. *Top*: Rod MacLeod (center), former Formula 3 champion and lead driving instructor at the Concours Club, gave hot laps during one lunch break. ## Partners: [Akoni](https://akoni.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoouMYn1sC-fzlbo9VYF2UCyOZC2TU7dzyaDrbsKc9LiDeaLaKqR) [Alexana Winery](https://www.alexanawinery.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqKeXhmxj2tyYawz_26HcNYhNB9uDDTPm64jTKygBsl4JzeI0de) [Arturo Fuente](https://arturofuente.com/) [Atlas Bespoke](https://atlas-bespoke.com/) [Cervantes Family Vineyards](https://cervantesfamilyvineyards.com/) [Cirrus Aircraft](https://cirrusaircraft.com/) Gregarious Cigars [Kosta Browne](https://kostabrowne.com/) [Louis XIII](https://us.louisxiii-cognac.com/) [Marciano Estate](https://www.marcianoestate.com/) Michter’s Patrimony Estate [Revana Winery](https://www.revanawine.com/)[The ](https://www.thebocaraton.com/)[Boca](https://www.thebocaraton.com/)[ Raton](https://www.thebocaraton.com/)[The Concours Club](https://theconcoursclub.com/)[Xerjoff](https://www.xerjoff.com/?srsltid=AfmBOor1JdA3pXJOYz9Xta_9IWkON3VQHMB4ZGCNlIkz8Ilga3SiuR3F) ## Judges Steven Africk Shane Ames Fabricia Azevedo Arif Babayev Emiliano Fernandez Balague John Bishop William Bishop Paul Boudos Catherine Branning Donald Branning Michael Branning Ryan Branning William Branning Andrew Bulkowski Tresider Burns Robert Jeffrey Busch Aidan Cantillo Julian Cantillo Julio Cantillo Roger Cary Vincent Catalano Scott Cohen Richard Corman Robert Cossaboon Normand Coulombe John Cunningham Katrina Cunningham Brian Davis Lisa Davis Sebastian Detullio Matthew Dicken James Diggs Josh Diggs Farah Driche Lynn Dugas Stephen Dugas Daniel Egipciaco Marcos Egipciaco Claudia Falero Ramon Falero Joseph Fath Jeremy Fleischman Carlos Arturo Fuente III Gian Fulgoni David Garber Michael Garber John Graff Joshua Greenman William Greig Kevin Gutierrez Andrew Hefelfinger James Hefelfinger Sam Herzfeld Guy Johnson Jeffrey Johnson Cjay Joseph Carrie Kelly Timothy Kelly Mark Kerslake Bob Kocher Robert Kolt Paul Kwiecinski Noel LaPorte Carroll Joseph Leboeuf Jr. Sean Lee Chris Lorenzen Alex Lukanov Paul Lukianov Alex Lundy Richard Maffezzoli Thomas Mantione Michael Markovich Viju Mathew Michael McMillan Cedric Meeschaert Jeff Meisel Rudolf Kniase Melikoff Joseph Menter Kathleen Menter Jeff Mitelman Linden Nelson Sanford Nelson Mark Newman Lee Oleinick Novella Paghera Itay Perach Russell Potee Scott Powell Peter Powers Tanya Ropp Ronald Salkow Robert Santom Andreas Schuermann Heike Schuermann Brian Schwalbe Julie Schwalbe Andrew Shantz Lionel Sims Craig Sincock II Mitchell Singer Joshua Slater Timothy Smeaton Ismael Soto Kenneth Spiegel Chris Stout Michael Tutcher Ara John Vartanian Giordana Vogel Ronald Vogel II Mia Leonarda Vukasovic Jeffrey Walker Arthur Ward IV Samuel Weeman Dawn Weems Johnie Weems Tyler Weesen Michael Wolf Joshua Woods *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** aston martin, car of the year, Ferrari, lamborghini, Magazine --- ### [Inside the Tallest Residential Building on N.Y.C.’s 5th Avenue](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/homes/inside-the-tallest-residential-building-on-n-y-c-s-5th-avenue/) **Published:** July 9, 2026 **Author:** Demetrius Simms **Content:** Dozens of 50-story-plus skyscrapers now compete for distinction among the Big Apple’s tallest residential buildings. Central Park Tower holds the top spot on West 57th Street, while a new arrival just south of the Empire State Building on Fifth Avenue ranks as the loftiest along the seven-mile strip renowned for its designer boutiques, cultural institutions, and Central Park. [262 Fifth Avenue](https://262fifthavenue.com/) rises 52 stories, or 860 feet, above NoMad (north of Madison Square Park). Five Points Development Group spearheaded the project, with design by [Meganom](https://meganom.team/) and Copenhagen-based [Norm Architects](https://normcph.com/) marking their first residential collaboration in the city. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/262_FifthAve_NYC_3.webp) High-floor residences frame open views of One World Trade Center above the Financial District. *Photo: Hayes Davidson* The pencil-thin tower contains just 26 full-floor and duplex residences and is capped by a 70-foot oculus framed by a 24-karat gold inverted arch. Renowned gold-leaf atelier [Giusto Manetti Battiloro](https://www.manetti.com/), whose restoration portfolio includes the Florence Cathedral, London’s Big Ben, and the Rockefeller Center’s Prometheus statue, was commissioned to create the beacon-like element that punctuates the building’s light-refracting white facade. On-site health and wellness options were an important factor in the building’s design, with the state-of-the-art facilities providing cardio and strength-training equipment, a spinning and yoga studio, and private treatment rooms. Indeed, “Wellness is embedded into every aspect of 262 Fifth Avenue,” press materials say, including an air filtration system with “100% fresh air circulation on an hourly basis.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/262_FifthAve_NYC_2.webp) Smooth hardwood flooring and veined stone details accentuate the residences. *Photo: Hayes Davidson* “Conceived as a collection of vertical villas, each residence possesses a distinct spatial identity shaped by orientation, natural light, proportions, and uninterrupted views across Manhattan and beyond,” press materials relay. Picture soaring ceilings, handcrafted millwork, radiant-heated flooring, plus custom kitchens and wardrobes by [Molteni&C ](https://robbreport.ph/tag/moltenic/ "Molteni&C")to start. Then consider the high-rise’s exo-core design, a structural concept that separates the building’s core from the residences, which allows them to provide open layouts and expansive living spaces with panoramic vistas. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/262_FifthAve_NYC_1.webp) A sky-high terrace provides an extraordinary setting for private occasions. *Photo: Hayes Davidson* Beyond the limited number of residences, a secure motor court ensures discretion for arrivals and departures. Five hundred and sixty feet above the city, meanwhile, a three-story terrace provides a dramatic setting for private gatherings and quieter moments above the city’s sirens and bustling foot traffic. 262 Fifth is slated to be completed by early 2027, with VIP showings now underway and an official sales launch planned for the fall. Nikki Field and Ben Pofcher of [The Field Team at Sotheby’s International Realty](https://www.sothebysrealty.com/eng/associate/180-a-df20062917391011826/the-field-team-at-sothebys-international-realty?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=organic_search_recovery), in partnership with Sotheby’s International Realty Development Advisors, are leading sales. Simplex residences are priced from $7.5 million, mezzanine residences from $8.75 million, and duplex residences from $18 million. Visit [262FifthAvenue.com](http://262fifthavenue.com/) for more information. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is 262 Fifth Avenue? 262 Fifth Avenue is a new ultra-luxury residential tower in Manhattan’s NoMad neighborhood, just south of the Empire State Building on Fifth Avenue. ### How tall is 262 Fifth Avenue? 262 Fifth Avenue rises 52 stories and 860 feet above NoMad, making it one of the tallest residential arrivals along Fifth Avenue. ### How many residences are inside 262 Fifth Avenue? The tower contains just 26 full-floor and duplex residences, giving the building an unusually private, low-density feel for a Manhattan high-rise. ### Who designed 262 Fifth Avenue? The project was spearheaded by Five Points Development Group, with design by Meganom and Copenhagen-based Norm Architects. It marks Norm Architects’ first residential collaboration in New York City. ### What is the most distinctive design feature of 262 Fifth Avenue? The tower is capped by a 70-foot oculus framed by a 24-karat gold inverted arch, created with renowned gold-leaf atelier Giusto Manetti Battiloro. ### What are the residences like at 262 Fifth Avenue? Residences are conceived as “vertical villas,” with soaring ceilings, handcrafted millwork, radiant-heated flooring, custom Molteni&C kitchens and wardrobes, open layouts, and uninterrupted views across Manhattan. ### What is an exo-core design? At 262 Fifth Avenue, the exo-core design separates the building’s structural core from the residences, allowing for more open living spaces, expansive layouts, and panoramic city views. ### What amenities does 262 Fifth Avenue offer? The building includes wellness-focused amenities such as cardio and strength-training equipment, a spinning and yoga studio, private treatment rooms, and an air filtration system with 100 percent fresh air circulation on an hourly basis. ### Does 262 Fifth Avenue offer private arrival access? Yes. The building includes a secure motor court designed to provide discretion for residents arriving and departing. ### How much do residences at 262 Fifth Avenue cost? Simplex residences start at $7.5 million, mezzanine residences start at $8.75 million, and duplex residences start at $18 million. ### When will 262 Fifth Avenue be completed? 262 Fifth Avenue is slated for completion by early 2027, with VIP showings now underway and an official sales launch planned for the fall. ### Who is handling sales for 262 Fifth Avenue? Sales are led by Nikki Field and Ben Pofcher of The Field Team at Sotheby’s International Realty, in partnership with Sotheby’s International Realty Development Advisors. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Homes **Tags:** Central Park Tower, home design, New York City, real estate --- ### [In the Swiss Watch World, Power Shifts, New Designs and Signs of Change Ahead of Spring Fairs](https://robbreport.ph/watches/in-the-swiss-watch-world-power-shifts-new-designs-and-signs-of-change-ahead-of-spring-fairs/) **Published:** February 16, 2026 **Author:** Victoria Gomelsky **Content:** The spring watch fairs in Geneva are two months out, but the first few days of February have already ushered in a slew of Swiss watch news with potentially big repercussions for different aspects of the trade. From high-profile management shuffles to new collections that hint at bigger themes, the stories that caught our eye suggest an industry in flux, as volatility in material costs, currency swings, and the ongoing luxury slowdown continue to dampen prospects for growth. Below are the headlines that caught our eye: ## **Stephen Forsey leaves the brand he cofounded in 2004.** In a recent statement posted on his [Instagram account](https://www.instagram.com/grumpyfather67/?hl=en), Stephen Forsey, cofounder of [Greubel Forsey](https://robbreport.ph/tag/greubel-forsey/ "greubel forsey"), the prestige watch brand beloved for its rarefied horological creations, said that he’d been “regrettably disengaged” from his operations at the brand and his contract had been terminated. “I have since been liberated with immediate effect,” he wrote. For an industry that values discretion, especially when it pertains to executive decision-making, the uncharacteristically candid post hinted at turmoil at the brand and left plenty of questions—particularly about what famously media-averse cofounder Robert Greubel has to say about Forsey’s forced departure. A follow-up story on [Miss Tweed](https://misstweed.com/articles/greubel-forsey-may-be-looking-for-buyers-after-forsey-exit) went on to say that Greubel Forsey “may be looking for buyers.” It’s the latest sign that the Swiss are struggling in the current climate. In January, not only did TAG Heuer announce that chief executive Antoine Pin had left the brand after just 18 months at the helm, Richemont shuffled executives at the North American divisions of IWC Schaffhausen, Panerai, Piaget, and Roger Dubuis. The luxury group also announced that it had sold its Baume & Mercier brand to the Italian luxury group Damiani. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/GF2.webp) Greubel Forsey’s Handmade 1 *Photo: Greubel Forsey* ## **Audemars Piguet’s new jump hour model affirms a budding trend.** One of the most common critiques that AP has faced for the better part of a decade is its overwhelming reliance on a single product family, the Royal Oak (which, to be fair, spawned the Royal Oak Offshore and Royal Oak Concept lines, each considered their own collections). Notwithstanding the debut of the Code 11.59 collection in 2019, AP has long placed all its eggs in the Royal Oak basket. Not anymore. At the AP Social Club press event in Le Brassus earlier this week, the brand introduced a genuine novelty: its new [Neo Frame Jumping Hour](https://www.audemarspiguet.com/com/en/collections/neo-frame-collection.html), a rectangular model in 18-karat pink gold with a sleek black sapphire dial, drawing on the brand’s art deco history. The jump hour mechanism emerged about a century ago, when “window watches” (*Montres à guichets*)—typically rectangular models featuring metal dials punctuated by a small aperture displaying numbers that “jumped” into place—embodied the era’s focus on clean lines and geometric silhouettes. In 2025, the jump hour made its triumphant return with chic new models from Louis Vuitton, Cartier, and Bremont. With AP’s entrée into the category, it’s now officially a must-have style. ## **The U.S. drove Swiss watch exports’ December recovery.** Overall, the value of Swiss watch exports in 2025 totaled 25.6 billion francs, a decline of 1.7 percent compared with 2024. The figures reflect declines in the Swiss industry’s top three markets: China (12.1 percent), Japan (5.8 percent) and the U.S. (0.5 percent). It’s worth noting, however, that exports notched an increase of 3.3 percent in December to 2.1 billion Swiss francs (about $2.7 billion) after four consecutive months of sharp declines. The monthly recovery was driven by strong growth in the U.S. (up 19.1 percent, which the federation attributed to the reduction in U.S. tariffs earlier that month), and France, which saw a 50.8 percent increase. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Rolex_Deepsea_Gold.webp) The Rolex Deepsea in gold. ## **Collected and Bezel release reports about the secondary market.** For further proof that the secondhand watch market is becoming more structured, look to two new reports published by Collected and Bezel, two platforms targeting buyers and sellers of pre-owned timepieces. In its first survey, Collected, a new San Francisco Bay Area-based platform that offers contracts and other consumer protections to buyers of secondhand watches, asked nearly 100 respondents to answer a couple dozen questions about the market for used watches, including three free-form questions, Zach Scott, Collected’s cofounder and COO, tells *Robb Report*: What’s the best thing about the secondary watch market? What’s your biggest frustration or challenge with the way the secondary watch market operates? And if you had a magic wand, what’s one thing you would change about or add to your buying and selling experience in the secondary market? “There was definitely a lot of consistency for that first question,” Scott says. “Honestly, it was resounding access to inventory, from two points of view. One was from people who may be interested in modern but aren’t interested in the AD experience”—referring to the waitlist and packaged buying that often accompanies purchases made at authorized dealers of brand such as Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet. “And then the second theme was just access to vintage. For the biggest frustration, we saw that no matter if you’re going to identify as a dealer, or as a collector who’s buying or selling, whenever you’re in the seat where you’re buying something from an unknown party, you want protection.” The Bezel report, by contrast, looked at the L.A.-based marketplace’s transactional data, authentication outcomes and ownership behavior. The report’s big highlight: “Bezel rejected 34 percent of the watches attempted to be sold in 2025. That’s a 5 percent increase from our 2024 Bezel Report (where we ended the year at a 29 percent rejection rate), and an 11 percent increase from 2023 (23 percent).” In a big picture sense, the takeaway for buyers is that the used watch market’s Wild West days are numbered as more digitally native providers—such as the repair service WatchCheck—continue to bring more trust, transparency and confidence to both buyers and sellers of pre-owned timepieces. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** Feature, greubel forsey, Swiss watches, Watches --- ### [Here's What Our Editors Recommend Not to Miss at ALT Philippines This Weekend](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-collectibles/heres-what-our-editors-recommend-you-dont-miss-at-alt-philippines-this-weekend/) **Published:** February 13, 2026 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** Art fairs reward stamina, but they reward discernment even more. With its tightly curated roster and strong gallery program, [ALT Philippines](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-collectibles/alt-art-returns-in-2026-with-expanded-exhibitions-and-new-programs/ "ALT ART Returns in 2026 With Expanded Exhibitions and New Programs"), Robb Report Philippines’ Best of the Best Awardee for the Collective category, offers plenty worth seeing at this year’s edition of ALT Art—if you know where to look. Here, our editors highlight the works, booths, and conversations that merit a closer pause (KoloWn’s “ghost\_control” figures twice), whether you’re collecting, observing market signals, or simply tracking the artists shaping the region’s contemporary voice. ## **Yvette Fernandez, Chief of Editorial Content** Enjoyed the afternoon wandering through ALT’s 5,000 square meters of exhibition spaces and projects celebrating Filipino contemporary art. This time, the works that caught my eye were those with dimension and texture. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RRPh-x-ALT_0001.webp) A giant saltine cracker made of fiber-reinforced resin and acrylic at **Finale Art File by Lindslee** resembles a favorite snack on steroids, part of a series entitled Tawid Gutom. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RRPh-x-ALT_0062-2240x3360.webp) Down at **ArtInformal**, crowds gathered around another work by the same artist: an incredibly realistic, life-size figure of a tattooed man with sweat-slicked folds of extra fat around his distended waist. Wearing tattered denim shorts and rubber slippers, he is crouched on a plastic monobloc chair in a pose that suggests exhaustion or despair. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RRPh-x-ALT_0030.webp) **“Nimbus,”** a work by **Reg Yuson** at **West Gallery**, shows heavy rocks appearing weightless, seemingly floating in the air, held up by droplets of stainless steel. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RRPh-x-ALT_0016.webp) At **The Drawing Room**, an eerie black tree with feather leaves stabilized by bird claws, created by **Lilibeth Cuenca Rasmussen**, looks like a prop straight out of a Tim Burton film. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RRPh-x-ALT_0024.webp) And at **MO\_space**, canvas bags coated in resin by **Jose Santos III** evoke both mystery and nothingness. ## **Bryle Suralta, Features Editor** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RRPh-x-ALT_0074-2240x3360.webp) At **The Drawing Room**, “**ghost\_control**” stages the contemporary worker as both operator and apparition—present in the system, yet strangely absent from the spaces that supposedly contain “work.” By turning the remote workstation into an interactive installation, the artist (the still-unmasked **KoloWn**, a Thirteen Artists Awardee) cleverly exposes how algorithmic infrastructures choreograph our rhythms of productivity while quietly dissolving the line between autonomy and surveillance. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RRPh-x-ALT_0142-2240x1493.webp) “**Amphibian Palm**” by **Lesley-Anne Cao** at **Underground Gallery** feels like a speculative organism, something midway through evolution, testing the boundaries of where life is allowed to root. The work’s quiet tension lies in its suggestion that adaptability, not stability, has become the primary survival skill of our ecological moment. It is a small but incisive reminder that the future may not favor what stands firm, but what learns to shift shape. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RRPh-x-ALT_0049.webp) In “**Still We Hope**,” **Christina Quisumbing Ramilo**‘s work presented at the Artinformal booth, constructs a staircase that promises ascent minus the promise of arrival, turning architecture into a meditation on the choreography of desire and expectation. The work captures that distinctly human feeling of reaching towards elsewhere, even when the structure of reality offers no guarantee of resolution. A kind of impossible climb to God knows where. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RRPh-x-ALT_0096-2240x1493.webp) “**Lamentations**” reminds me why **Julie Lluch** has long stood as one of my personal touchstones: few artists working today can still command the human figure with this much mythic gravity without tipping into theatrical excess. The cold-cast marble bodies at **Galleria Duemila feel** summoned (ITALS), each gesture earned, holding the weight of allegory while remaining intensely, painfully human. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RRPh-x-ALT_0099-2240x1493.webp) As the fractured panels pulse in asynchronous rhythms, the viewer of **Marco Ortiga** **(ALT Discoveries) “Unstable Waters”** is left chasing a self-image that never really settles—quite the metaphor for a moment defined by ecological disturbance and psychological drift. What Ortiga ultimately offers is this unease, a fleeting realization that even the act of seeing oneself has become subject to turbulence. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RRPh-x-ALT_0046.webp) **Roger Mond** at **Vinyl on Vinyl** mischievously collapses internet detritus, pop nostalgia, and localized translation culture into a single conceptual punchline with **“Diary\_of\_ a\_wimpy\_kid\_HD1080p\_tagalog\_dub.”** The humor lands, yes, but what lingers is the recognition of how culture actually circulates in our region. Call it an ethnography of piracy, where the bootleg file becomes the true language of contemporary spectatorship. ## **Mick Gaw, Contributor** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RRPh-x-ALT_0036.webp) Previously displayed as part of **The Drawing Room**’s Tokyo Gendai 2025 presentation, **Kelli Maeshiro’s “The Neon Sign” and “The Clouds Hung Around”** are a pair of works that belong to her “Remainders of a Shooting Star” series. The see-through cubes, which are filled with items like zipties, plastic charms and metallic strips, have a hypnotic quality. Visitors are bound to get lost in the luminescent worlds within Maeshiro’s glossy fossils. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RRPh-x-ALT_0034-e1770977244697.webp) One of the latest editions to visual artist **Clarence Chun**’s oeuvre of abstract paintings is **“On how time flies with crystal dear eyes.”** The canvas is covered in his trademark clash of vibrant tones, printer-like handpainted geometries and erratic, yet intentional, paint splatters. Chun’s work is layered not just with formal precision, but also profoundly expressive emotional potentials. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RRPh-x-ALT_0077-2240x3360.webp) In this latest iteration of their internationally exhibited “ghost\_control” series, Cebu-based **KoloWn**’s installation **“ghost\_control2026”** continues KoloWn’s urgent artistic exploration of contemporary algorithmic rhythms, how they regulate shifting labour realities between physical and cyberspace. The installation also features an interactive minigame which visitors can play with using their smartphones. *ALT Art 2026 runs through this weekend until February 15, 2026 from 11AM to 7PM at SMX Convention Center Halls 1 & 2, Mall of Asia Complex*. *For more information, visit their [website](https://altphilippines.com/).* *Photographs by Medal Elepano* **Categories:** Art & Collectibles **Tags:** ALT Philippines --- ### [ARC Gin: The Philippine Archipelago in a Bottle](https://robbreport.ph/genius-at-work/arc-gin-the-philippine-archipelago-in-a-bottle/) **Published:** July 10, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** ***Watch Episode 2 of [Genius at Work](https://robbreport.ph/genius-at-work/ "Genius at Work") below.*** By the time you arrive at ARC Gin’s facility in Calamba, the air is already perfumed. Calamansi oils misting faintly over steel tables, pomelo peels piled like gilded crescents, sampaguita, and ilang-ilang resting in shallow trays. It smells less like a factory than a kitchen mid-prep. Exactly as it should. For its founder Matthew Westfall, gin is a kind of “a blank canvas.” Juniper may define the spirit, but the remaining space (he calls it the “10 percent you can play with”) is where identity takes shape. In ARC’s case, that identity is unapologetically Filipino. The idea began not in a bar, but rather in a development career that spanned the Peace Corps, USAID, and more than two decades at the Asian Development Bank (plus a small cameo in Oliver Stone’s 1986 anti-war film *Platoon*). “This is really a development project,” Westfall says, matter-of-factly. The ambition was to build supply chains that tether small farms—from Sagada’s Benguet pine to Pangasinan mango groves—to a global market. ***Video:*** The mango, incidentally, was the final note in ARC’s now award-winning flagship. After 66 trial recipes developed with a German master distiller, it became the bridge between floral high notes and bright citrus. Creamy, rounded, unmistakably tropical, it was the ingredient that made the blend cohere. “We think you nailed it,” chefs told him during early tastings. International judges agreed. Production begins with a 450-liter German copper still (“the Rolls-Royce of craft distilling,” Westfall notes), programmed for meticulous consistency. Fresh botanicals arrive one or two days before distillation. Pomelo from Davao. Calamansi and tropical flowers from Laguna. Pine from Sagada, transported overnight by bus before dawn. They are peeled, processed, and separated. Heartier ingredients into the copper pot, delicate aromatics into a vapor basket above. A long distillation follows, slow and deliberate. “It’s almost like making soup,” Westfall quips. Heat rises gently through seven control plates before condensing into a crystalline spirit at 94.5 percent ABV. The gin then rests, batches blended and settled, before hand-labeling and individual numbering. From there, it travels to Singapore, Hong Kong, Amsterdam, and nearly 40 U.S. states, among other locations. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/arcgin_incontent-003.webp) *Bliss Mabini* If crafting the liquid is poetry, exporting it is prose. Logistics, intellectual property disputes, regulatory labyrinths. These things, Westfall admits, comprise 95 percent of the battle. “It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do in my life,” he notes. Yet the harder fight only sharpens the mission. “The ability to go storytell on behalf of the Philippines is really one of the best parts of this operation.” Tuscan juniper meets Champagne-grown winter wheat, anchored by a citrus clarity and a humid, floral warmth unmistakably of the tropics. Geography, distilled in a bottle. Here’s how ARC Gin is made. ## Step By Step: ### *Step 1* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/arcgin_incontent-004.webp) *Bliss Mabini* Fresh arrivals—citrus peels, tropical aromatics, and pantry botanicals—are staged like mise en place. ARC’s edge is timing, which is to say that ingredients land one to two days before distillation, so essential oils are still lively, not flattened by drying. ### *Step 2* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/arcgin_incontent-005.webp) *Bliss Mabini* Citrus is handled for precision. Peels are stripped clean, minimizing bitter pith while maximizing fragrant oils. Calamansi, dalandan, and pomelo, to name a few botanicals, become the bright top notes that make the gin feel sunlit and unmistakably local. ### *Step 3* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/arcgin_incontent-007.webp) *Bliss Mabini* The recipe is assembled in layers, with juniper at the core, then spice, then florals. Each is measured to balance clarity with complexity. Think of it as composing a chord where individual notes matter, yes, but harmony is the real objective. ### *Step 4* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/arcgin_incontent-008.webp) *Bliss Mabini* Botanicals, neutral spirit, and water meet inside the copper belly of the still. Copper smooths the spirit as it works, but the craft begins here. What goes in dictates what can come out in terms of structure, texture, and aromatic depth. ### *Step 5* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/arcgin_incontent-006.webp) *Bliss Mabini* The distillation is deliberately slow (an eight-hour coaxing rather than a sprint). Heat rises gradually, pulling volatile oils into vapor, then guiding them through the system for a clean, consistent expression that still tastes handcrafted. ### *Step 6* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/arcgin_incontent-009.webp) *Bliss Mabini* This is where judgment beats instrumentation. The run is tasted continuously to separate heads, hearts, and tails, keeping purity while protecting nuance. The goal is to have a refined spirit that still carries its botanical fingerprint. ### *Step 7* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/arcgin_incontent-010.webp) *Bliss Mabini* After resting and blending batches for consistency, the gin moves to the bottling line—filled, sealed, and checked with a hands-on rhythm. It’s part craft, part choreography. ### *Step 8* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/arcgin_incontent-001.webp) *Bliss Mabini* Finished bottles stand in formation, proof that a far-flung supply chain has become something tangible. From fresh Philippine botanicals to a shelf-ready spirit, each bottle reads like a stamp of the country’s finest aromas. ## FAQs ### **What is ARC Gin made from?** ARC Gin is made with a mix of traditional and Filipino botanicals, including Tuscan juniper, calamansi, pomelo, mango, sampaguita, ilang-ilang, and Benguet pine from Sagada. Its flagship gin uses mango as a key finishing note, giving the spirit a rounded, tropical character. ### **Where is ARC Gin produced?** ARC Gin is produced at the brand’s distillery in Calamba, Laguna. Fresh botanicals are sourced from different parts of the Philippines, including Davao, Laguna, Sagada, and Pangasinan, before being distilled in a German copper still. ### **Why is ARC Gin considered Filipino?** ARC Gin is Filipino in both flavor and purpose. Its botanicals are sourced from local farms, and founder Matthew Westfall built the brand around connecting Philippine ingredients, growers, and stories to a global spirits market. *This article orignally appeared in Robb Report’s Food and Drink issue.* **Categories:** Food & Drink, Genius at Work, Spirits **Tags:** ARC Gin, Features, Genius At Work, Matthew Westfall --- ### [OMEGA Opens an Immersive Pavilion in Milan Ahead of the 2026 Winter Games](https://robbreport.ph/watches/omega-opens-an-immersive-pavilion-in-milan-ahead-of-the-2026-winter-games/) **Published:** February 13, 2026 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** As Milano Cortina 2026 gets underway, OMEGA has set the tempo. The Swiss watchmaker opened its OMEGA Pavilion in Milan on February 6, inviting visitors to step inside the precision-driven world behind Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games timekeeping well ahead of the first medals being decided. Located in San Babila, at the heart of the host city, the Pavilion offers a deep dive into OMEGA’s role as Official Timekeeper of the Olympic Games, a responsibility the brand has carried since 1932. More than a retrospective, the experience is designed as a living showcase of how innovation, technology, and sport converge at the highest level. ## **A Legacy Measured in Seconds** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/OMEGA_OLY_PAVILLON_VISIT_HRES2S7A5713.webp) The Pavilion was formally inaugurated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Raynald Aeschlimann, President and CEO of OMEGA; Kirsty Coventry, President of the International Olympic Committee; and Alain Zobrist, CEO of OMEGA Timing. Their presence underscored the importance of timekeeping not just as a technical function, but as a defining pillar of fair competition. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/OMEGA_OLY_EMPTY_PAVILLON_HRES_EIMG2177.webp) For visitors, the journey begins even before stepping inside. Just outside the Pavilion, historic images and archival captions chart OMEGA’s 94-year Olympic legacy, tracing the evolution of its timekeeping innovations from early manual systems to today’s ultra-precise digital technologies. It’s a concise but powerful introduction to how the measurement of time has transformed elite sport. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/OMEGA_OLY_EMPTY_PAVILLON_HRES_EIMG2345.webp) Inside, the experience opens up into a dynamic, interactive environment filled with films, athlete profiles, technology exhibits, and photo moments that bring the Games to life. The Pavilion doesn’t simply explain how events are timed. It allows visitors to feel the speed, intensity, and pressure of competition firsthand. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/OMEGA_OLY_EMPTY_PAVILLON_HRES_ST_2S7A4602.webp) Among the most compelling activations is the chance to sit inside an Olympic bobsleigh and experience the sport through a VR simulation. The installation places guests directly into the cockpit, capturing the visceral rush of a high-speed descent while demonstrating how OMEGA’s technology tracks every fraction of a second in one of the Games’ fastest disciplines. Elsewhere, visitors can step into the frame of a freestyle skiing jump. Using AI-powered imaging, the Pavilion creates a personalized visual that makes it appear as though guests have mastered the gravity-defying sport themselves. It is a playful souvenir that bridges elite performance and everyday fandom. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/OMEGA_OLY_EMPTY_PAVILLON_HRES_EIMG9070.webp) Figure skating enthusiasts will find a more technical perspective, with an exhibit dedicated to how OMEGA captures and analyzes performance data within the sport. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/OMEGA_OLY_EMPTY_PAVILLON_HRES_ST_2S7A4660.webp) From real-time jump heights and airtime to rotations and landing speeds, the installation reveals how advanced data collection now enhances judging accuracy and competitive transparency. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/OMEGA_OLY_EMPTY_PAVILLON_HRES_ST_TS_06737.webp) Naturally, the Pavilion also showcases some of OMEGA’s most important timekeeping instruments. On display are iconic tools such as the electronic starting pistol, alongside the brand’s latest Scan’O’Vision ULTIMATE photofinish camera, a system capable of capturing up to 40,000 images per second. Together, they offer a rare, close-up look at the equipment that determines outcomes where victory is measured in thousandths of a second. Throughout the space, the emphasis remains on precision and innovation, values that define both OMEGA’s watchmaking heritage and its Olympic mission. The Pavilion positions timekeeping as a central character in the drama of sport, silent, exacting, and decisive. ## **Visiting the OMEGA Pavilion** The OMEGA Pavilion will be open to the public daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. throughout the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, from February 6 to 22 and March 6 to 15. Admission is free, making it one of the most accessible and technically impressive ways to engage with Milano Cortina 2026 ahead of the competition. For OMEGA, the Pavilion is more than a preview of the Games to come. It is a statement of continuity, reaffirming a relationship with the Olympics that has endured for nearly a century, and a reminder that in sport, as in fine watchmaking, every second truly matters. *Photos courtesy of Omega* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** Milano Cortina 2026, Olympics, Omega --- ### [Lunar New Year Edition: New Spirits, Trinidad Corcel Cigars, a Festive Bulgari Edit & More ](https://robbreport.ph/the-luxe-dispatch/lunar-new-year-edition-new-spirits-trinidad-corcel-cigars-a-festive-bulgari-edit-more/) **Published:** February 13, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** Lunar New Year continues to inspire the luxury world’s most collectible releases, as maisons and distillers unveil creations designed to mark renewal, prosperity, and forward momentum. From rare, zodiac-inspired spirits bottled in collectible decanters to festive jewelry, watches, and accessories rendered in auspicious hues, the season’s limited editions are brimming with symbolism. In this special Lunar New Year edition, we round up the standout launches, from exceptional spirits and rare collectibles to luxury drops. ## Bulgari’s Ruby Red Love Affair ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Bulgari_Paper_Origami_SerpentiSeduttori_4X5_Extend.webp) *Photo: Bulgari* [Bulgari](https://robbreport.ph/tag/bulgari/ "bulgari") presents a focused selection of collectible pieces that translate the House’s iconic codes into festive form. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Serpenti-Viper.webp) *Photo: Bulgari* A yellow-gold Horse Brooch, inspired by a 1970s archival design, leads the lineup, joined by Serpenti Viper jewels accented with vivid rubies symbolizing prosperity. Notably, the Serpenti Seduttori Automatic features a ruby-red guilloché dial and is powered by the in-house Lady Solotempo movement. Completing the offering are leather accessories, including the Serpenti Cuore 1968 bag in Light Amethyst calfskin and the miniature Cuoricino editions in Royal Ruby and Dusty Pink. *More information [here](https://www.bulgari.com/en-us/gifts/chinese-new-year-gifts?srsltid=AfmBOop3b551kBWNdTy8JQXFTAejJXbV-V6JIEB5ba9N1fWa-2pBY0ox).* ## Trinidad Corcel Gallops Into the Lunar New Year ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/YDRAY-DSC01761-1-2240x1493.webp) *Photo: Habanos, S.A.* To mark the Year of the Horse, Habanos, S.A. unveils the limited-edition Trinidad Corcel, a collectible release celebrating strength, freedom, and craftsmanship. Hand-rolled in Cuba’s Vuelta Abajo region under the Trinidad label, the medium-strength [cigar](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/cigars/ "Cigars") delivers honeyed and woody opening notes that evolve into toasted tobacco nuances before a creamy, elegant finish lasting up to 90 minutes. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/YDRAY-DSC01745-copia-2240x3360.webp) *Photo: Habanos, S.A.* Presented in individually numbered boxes of 18 with NFC authentication, the Patricios-format vitola debuted in Hong Kong and will roll out across Asia-Pacific markets in the months ahead. *More information [here](https://www.habanos.com/en/tag/trinidad-corcel-en/).* ## More Festivities Unfold at The Peninsula Manila ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-13-at-40704-AM.webp) The [Peninsula](https://robbreport.ph/tag/peninsula/ "peninsula") Manila welcomes the Year of the Horse with a series of celebratory dining and cultural experiences blending tradition and five-star hospitality. Festivities begin with the hotel’s signature Lion and Dragon Dance at The Lobby, followed by seasonal culinary offerings including the Lo Hei Prosperity Toss platter and a refined Chinese Delicacy Set featuring classic favorites. At Escolta, an expansive Lunar New Year buffet highlights dim sum, roast specialties, and auspicious sweets such as Nian Gao, while themed Mandarin Chocolate gift boxes at The Peninsula Boutique complete the celebratory experience. *More information [here](https://www.peninsula.com/en/manila/special-offers/dining/chinese-new-year-2026).* ## A Toast to Limited-Edition Bottles ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Hennessy_Lunar_New_Year.webp) *Photo: Hennessy* The Lunar New Year continues to inspire collectible releases across the [premium spirits world](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/spirits/hennessy-don-julio-and-johnnie-walker-are-all-dropping-lunar-new-year-spirits/), with maisons and distillers unveiling design-forward celebratory editions. [Hennessy](https://robbreport.ph/tag/hennessy/ "hennessy") leads with its ultra-rare Zodiac Collection: Horse Edition Cognac, limited to 50 [Baccarat](https://robbreport.ph/tag/baccarat/ "baccarat") decanters. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/remy-martin-3535-2240x2240.webp) *Photo: Remy Martin* Meanwhile, [Rémy Martin](https://robbreport.ph/tag/remy-martin/ "Remy Martin") introduces a Cognac release specifically designed with Chinese pop artist Xue Song. Beyond Cognac, Don Julio debuts a Year of the Horse 1942 tequila bottle, and [Johnnie Walker](https://robbreport.ph/tag/johnnie-walker/ "johnnie walker") presents a redesigned Blue Label edition, underscoring the holiday’s growing influence on global luxury [spirits](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/spirits/ "Spirits"). ## A Private-Island Wellness Reset ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/MAL_1644_original.webp) *Photo: Four Seasons* For a truly elevated Lunar New Year escape, [Four Seasons](https://robbreport.ph/tag/four-seasons/ "four seasons") Private Island Maldives at Voavah offers one of Asia’s most exclusive wellness sanctuaries. Set on an entire private island within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the resort’s Ocean of Consciousness Spa delivers bespoke rituals centered on breathwork, ocean-inspired therapies, and immersive mindfulness experiences. *More information [here](https://www.fourseasons.com/).* **Categories:** Cigars, Food & Drink, Jewelry, Spirits, Style, The Luxe Dispatch, Travel **Tags:** bulgari, Don Julio, four seasons, Habanos sa, johnnie walker, Remy Martin --- ### [Two Cities, One Watch: Inside Glashütte Original's Porcelain-Dial Collaboration With Meissen](https://robbreport.ph/the-story-of/story-of-glashutte-original-meissen-senator-mystic-maison-collage-watch/) **Published:** July 13, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** [Glashütte](https://robbreport.ph/tag/glashutte/ "Glashütte") Original and [Meissen](https://robbreport.ph/tag/meissen/ "Meissen"), two of Germany’s oldest craft houses, released the [Senator Meissen ](https://www.glashuette-original.com/en/watches/senator/senator-meissen-1-36-16-02-05-01/)in October 2025: a limited-edition trio of watches with hand-painted porcelain dials fired at 1,400°C, built around Glashütte’s Calibre 36-16 automatic movement. The collection marked Glashütte Original’s 180th anniversary as a watchmaker and Meissen’s 315th year as Europe’s first porcelain manufactory. Prices run from $30,300 to $36,400, with the rarest edition limited to just eight watches worldwide. Here’s what makes it one of the most unusual dial stories in watchmaking and why I found it irresistible to dive into. I’ll admit I’m coming to this a little late, having only properly clocked it this year (pun intended) at the [Lucerne Watch Week](https://robbreport.ph/tag/lucerne-watch-week/ "Lucerne Watch Week") at the [Ayala Museum](https://robbreport.ph/watches/inside-lucerne-watch-week-2026-the-watches-that-defined-this-years-showcase/ "Inside Lucerne Watch Week 2026: The Watches That Defined This Year’s Showcase"), where of course Glashutte Original’s most recent (and gorgeous) launches were displayed. I’d gone in curious about Glashütte Original mostly because of what it isn’t: in the industry, “fine watchmaking” is so often shorthand for “Swiss,” and yet, here was a storied, German manufacture holding its own. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Glashuette_Original-W13616020501-Detail-9.webp) Even the celadon background hue is hand-painted. I saw a photo of a watch with minute imperfections on its dial. Perhaps it was from my long-standing weakness for china and heritage porcelain houses or my years in the art world, but I instantly recognized that those “imperfections,” rarely seen in a watch dial were made by a brush; I also recognized the “Crossed Swords” Meissen trademark at the dial’s six o’clock. I struck up a conversation with Christine Ling, Glashütte Original’s Brand Director in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and the Philippines, who explained that yes, it was a fully porcelain dial, in collaboration with Meissen. For a watch brand to reach for that material, rather than lacquer or metal, felt like exactly the kind of intelligent, unexpected collaboration that gets me excited. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Glashuette_Original-W13616030501-Detail-8.webp) Glashütte Original x Meissen Senator watch Ref. 1-36-16-03-05-01 with a pure white dial (Mystic Maison, white). Porcelain is a material built for museum vitrines, not wrists. Dials have to be thin, and porcelain is so easily breakable, brittle, and unforgiving of error. That’s precisely what made Glashütte Original’s collaboration with Meissen rather audacious. The pairing makes more sense than it first appears. Glashütte and Meissen are both small Saxon towns roughly 30 minutes from Dresden, and both have spent centuries turning their names into shorthand for German craft—one in mechanical horology, the other in ceramics. Glashütte Original marked 180 years of watchmaking in 2025; Meissen, founded in 1710, is the oldest porcelain manufactory in Europe, predating even Sèvres and heavily inspired houses that followed it. The two brands framed the project as “A Tale of Two Cities,” leaning into that shared geography and shared obsession with craft. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Glashuette_Original-W13616030501-Detail-9.webp) An Meissen artisan handpaints a soft gray design on a pure white porcelain dial in a Glashütte Original x Meissen Senator watch Ref. 1-36-16-03-05-01 (Mystic Maison, white). ## The dials, made the hard way Each dial starts as a wafer-thin sheet of porcelain, kilned at a searing 1,400°C so it comes out flat and sturdy enough to be set into a case without cracking. Only once that base survives the kiln do Meissen’s painters begin decorating, applying lettering, Roman numerals, and ornamental motifs entirely by hand, with additional firings at 900°C between layers to build up color and depth. Because the lettering isn’t printed, no two dials are identical; each carries small variations from the artist’s brushwork. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/go-meissen_0022_1-36-16-01-05-01_Senator_Meissen_Collage_RG_LB_Packshot_2.webp) A close look at the dial of the Glashütte Original x Meissen Collage watch Ref. 1-36-16-03-05-01 (Collage). The collection comes in three variants. Two “Mystic Maison” editions (150 pieces each, in white or celadon green) feature Rococo-inspired ornamental patterns in soft grey. The third, a “Collage” edition limited to just eight watches, reproduces a riot of animals, flowers, and fruit lifted from Meissen’s Dekorwelten crater vase, arguably the most visually ambitious dial Glashütte Original has ever put into production. ## A rarer material than it looks ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Glashuette_Original-W13616020501-Desktop.webp) The watches feature a Louisiana Alligator strap. Here’s where it’s worth pausing on a common mix-up. Most watches described online as having “porcelain dials,” especially vintage American railroad pocket watches from the late 1800s and early 1900s, are actually something else: vitreous enamel fired onto a metal disc, usually copper. Collectors have called this “porcelain enamel” for so long that the shorthand stuck, but it isn’t porcelain at all. True porcelain is fired kaolin clay with no metal backing whatsoever, and it behaves completely differently on the workbench: more brittle, less forgiving, and next to impossible to produce at watch-dial scale without cracking or warping in the kiln. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/go-meissen_0025_1-36-16-01-05-01_Senator_Meissen_Collage_RG_LB_Lifestyle1.webp) This isn’t Glashütte Original’s first attempt. The brand and Meissen first collaborated on porcelain-dialed Senator models back at Baselworld 2008, including a time-only version and even a tourbillon, before letting the partnership lapse. Beyond Glashütte Original, [Vacheron Constantin](https://robbreport.ph/tag/vacheron-constantin/ "Vacheron Constantin") produced pocket watches with true porcelain dials in the early 20th century, and today, Japan’s [Credor](https://robbreport.ph/tag/credor/ "Credor"), Seiko’s high-horology line, sources hand-painted porcelain dials from Hata Mantoen Co., a historic porcelain house in Saga Prefecture. It’s a short list, and part of the reason is that almost no porcelain manufactory anywhere is set up to produce dials at that scale, which is why Glashütte Original didn’t look to Switzerland at all; it looked next door. ## What’s under the dial The mechanics hold up their end. Each Senator Meissen runs on the in-house Calibre 36-16, a bi-directional automatic movement with a 100-hour power reserve and a silicon balance spring for resistance to magnetic fields and temperature swings. Through the sapphire caseback, the finishing is classic Glashütte: a three-quarter plate with fine ribbing, a hand-engraved balance bridge, a sunburst-finished winding chain, and a skeletonized rotor in 21-karat gold bearing the brand’s double-G emblem. The cases are 18-karat red gold, 40mm across and just 10.23mm thick: slim enough that the low-profile movement lets the dial, rather than the case, carry the design. Each watch features a strap made from Louisiana Alligator leather. ## Where and how much The Mystic Maison editions are priced at $30,300; the eight-piece Collage edition runs $36,400. All three have been available since October 9, 2025, through Glashütte Original boutiques and select authorized retailers worldwide. For collectors who track dial-making as closely as movement finishing, the Senator Meissen is one of those collaborations that are as surprising as much as a “Why wasn’t this done before?” moment. It’s also a genuine test of what porcelain can survive, and what two 300-year-old crafts still have to say to each other. *Glashütte Original is officially distributed in the Philippines by [Lucerne Luxe](https://lucerneluxe.com/).* ## FAQs ### **What is the Glashütte Original Senator Meissen?** It’s a limited-edition watch collection released in October 2025, made in collaboration with MEISSEN, Europe’s oldest porcelain manufactory. The watches use hand-painted porcelain dials instead of the metal or lacquer dials typically found in fine watchmaking. ### **How much does the Senator Meissen cost?** The two “Mystic Maison” editions are priced at $30,300 each. The rarer eight-piece “Collage” edition costs $36,400. ### **How many Senator Meissen watches were made?** Three variants exist: 150 pieces each of the white and celadon-green “Mystic Maison” editions, and just 8 pieces of the “Collage” edition — making it one of the most limited releases in Glashütte Original’s current lineup. ### **What movement powers the Senator Meissen?** The in-house Calibre 36-16, a bi-directional automatic movement with a 100-hour power reserve and a silicon balance spring, visible through a sapphire caseback finished with traditional Glashütte details like a three-quarter plate and hand-engraved balance bridge. ### **Why did Glashütte Original partner with MEISSEN?** The collaboration marks two anniversaries at once: Glashütte Original’s 180th year of watchmaking and Meissen’s 315th year as a porcelain manufactory. Both brands are named after neighboring Saxon towns near Dresden, and the project was framed around that shared regional heritage of German craftsmanship. **Categories:** The Story Of, Watches **Tags:** Glashütte, Meissen, Porcelain --- ### [In the Mood to Mull: 7 Shows to Prompt Reflection in this Rainy Season](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-collectibles/in-the-mood-to-mull-7-shows-to-prompt-reflection-in-this-rainy-season/) **Published:** July 13, 2026 **Author:** Jodie Jose **Content:** The advent of the rainy season calls for a meditative mood. Not that such a state must be forced, even considering that the scent of petrichor alone is compelling enough to move our consciousness into meanderings of sorts, but should one lean into this, paying a visit to [galleries](https://robbreport.ph/tag/art/ "art") across Metro Manila might just enrich one’s contemplations. ## Juan Alcazaren’s ***Addressing the Room*** at Artinformal Gallery ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/ArtInformal-Addressing-the-Room.webp) *Artinformal* Juan Alcazaren found a home address that matches his practice in Artinformal’s Gallery 3. An awardee of the Thirteen Artists Award in 2000, Alcazaren is known for his unconventional use of found objects–monoblock, rubber boots, ironing horse, and steel scrubs among others–to create a display that strikes his viewers as familiar and yet surprising. A graduate of landscape architecture, Alcazaren’s artistic journey have turned to objects that have become his alphabet, and space, his medium. *The exhibition runs through to July 23. To learn more, visit * ## Hanna Pettyjohn’s ***New Ghosts*** at Mo\_Space ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Hanna-Pettyjohn-MO_Space.webp) All houses have their ghosts, but those that inhabit Hanna Pettyjohn’s come in the form of ceramic glazes and objects formed by the hands of her own acclaimed ceramicist parents, Tessy and Jon. Growing up in a studio that doubles as her home, Pettyjohn has adapted elements of their domestic landscape into her own paintings. Transformed and translated as references by the artist, they cue a transgenerational exchange of distinct tenderness. *The exhibition runs through to August 9. To learn more, visit [https://www.instagram.com/mo\_space/](https://www.instagram.com/mo_space/)* ## Lyndon Maglalang, ND Harn, Rom Villaseran and Valerie Chua’s *Passing Figures* at Modeka Gallery ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Modeka-Passing-Figures.webp) *Modeka* An interruption in stillness by movement is not always the shadow cast by a decision made. In this show, curator Chloe Magpayo contemplates on the inconclusive act of passing, as in space, and as one does in daily, ordinary moments. Through the works of artists Lyndon Maglalang, ND Harn, Rom Villaseran and Valerie Chua, “passing” translates to a feeling of elusiveness, channeled in their respective styles. *The exhibition runs through to August 1. To learn more, visit * ## Roberto Feleo’s *Haraya* at The Drawing Room Gallery ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/TDR-Haraya.webp) *The Drawing Room Manila* It is always a good idea to see the works of an artist such as the late Roberto Feleo. What it’s like to soak in the spirit of our archipelagic myths and histories and to evoke them through works of art with utmost dedication is epitomized in Feleo’s prolific run before his death in 2025. This rare opportunity that must, without a doubt, be taken by collectors and art enthusiasts alike. *The exhibition runs through to August 15 .To learn more, visit * ## Ioannis Sicuya’s ***At the End of the Tunnel*** at Vinyl on Vinyl ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/VoV-At-the-End-of-the-Tunnel-2240x2981.webp) Ioannis Sicuya is not afraid to confront the possibility that no light follows when the reaper arrives. Formed in epoxy, Sicuya’s wall-bound ivory altars recreate the grandiosity and scale just like those in churches carved in marble and stone. The artist, however, is deliberate in depicting debris and erosion. Displayed in the dark with light emitting from the back of his works, crumbling has never looked so marvelous in its finiteness. *The exhibition runs through to July 28. To learn more, visit * ## Kim Oliveros’ ***Night Walks*** at Finale Art File ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-13-at-23954-PM.webp) *Finale Art File* It goes without saying that even artists experience pressure. What makes them different from the rest of the flock, perhaps, is that a good amount of aimless wandering–rather than the conventional “just push through” method–is what gets them over the fence. For artist Kim Oliveros, long walks in his hometown Angono, Rizal under the blanket of the night does the job of getting him unstuck. Changes in this landscape does not escape the artist, who records them in his multi-layered paintings which he pairs with an installation of over a hundred bird sculptures. *The exhibition runs through to August 8. To learn more, visit * ## Jayme Lucas, Lymuel Bautista, and Judeo Herrera et. al: *Offset* at Boston Art Gallery ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/boston-poster2-2240x2389.webp) *Boston Gallery* A spirit of traditional Filipino realism exudes from the works of Jayme Lucas, Lymuel Bautista, and Judeo Herrera. Such quality is stretched to more contemporary variants and experimentations by other participating artists such as Marco Tabamo, Jean Viduya and Ace Navarro. In this exhibition, artists probe into the paradoxical reality and how its fragmentation–in the deluge of societal events and personal concerns–reflect a moral condition. *The exhibition runs through to July 21. To learn more, visit * **Categories:** Art & Collectibles **Tags:** artinformal gallery, Drawing Room Manila, finale art file, mo_space --- ### [Reading the Sky From Your Wrist: Inside Patek Philippe's 6105G-001 Celestial](https://robbreport.ph/watches/reading-the-sky-from-your-wrist-inside-patek-philippes-6105g-001-celestial/) **Published:** July 15, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** Five years and six pending patents went into a [Patek Philippe ](https://robbreport.ph/watches/every-new-patek-phillippe-released-at-watches-and-wonders/ "Every New Patek Phillippe Released at Watches and Wonders")grand complication that tells you when the sun will rise and set in a new release from a line the manufacture has been refining since 2002. The [Patek Philippe 6105G-001 Celestial](https://www.patek.com/en/collection/grand-complications/6105g-001) is a white gold watch from the Grand Complications collection, built around the newly developed Caliber 240 C LU CL LCSO. It’s the first Celestial model to display sunrise and sunset times, alongside a summer/winter time correction mechanism—a complication whose development spanned more than five years and produced six pending patent applications along the way. (Initial research shows that it retails for upwards of Php28,000,000.) Here’s what sets it apart from two decades of Patek’s astronomical watchmaking. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/428637-51898-2240x2240.webp) Patek Philippe has been putting the night sky on a wrist since 2002, when the manufacture introduced the original Celestial reference, the 5102. That watch established the format the line has followed ever since: a rotating sky chart showing the exact configuration of stars visible from Geneva, framed by an ellipse on the underside of the crystal, alongside moon phases and the meridian passage of Sirius. In 2012, Patek evolved the design with the 6102, enlarging the case and adding a date function via a central hand. That same year, diamond-set variants under the 6104 designation joined the lineup, aimed squarely at collectors who wanted the astronomical complication dressed in gemstones. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Patek-Philippe-Celestial-Sunrise-Sunset-SP-2240x2240.webp) The 6105G-001 breaks from that pattern in a genuinely new direction. Rather than adding decoration, Patek added function: sunrise and sunset indications, paired with a mechanism to correct both the time and those solar indications when daylight saving time shifts. It’s a complication that hasn’t appeared on a Celestial model before, and one whose five-year development window is long even by grand complication standards. ## A case built like a space capsule ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/425540-51903-2240x3139.webp) The design language is a departure too. Where earlier Celestial models leaned on Calatrava-cross engravings and traditional case finishing, the 6105G-001 wears a white gold case explicitly inspired by space modules: 47mm across, with contrasting polished and sandblasted surfaces and a textured pattern running across the case flanks and solid caseback. It sits on an integrated black composite strap with an X-shaped pattern, closed by a patented white gold fold-over clasp. The dial itself is sapphire crystal, mapping the sky as seen from Geneva, with skeletonized white gold hands finished in white varnish and a red-varnished hand marking the date around the dial’s periphery. ## What the movement does ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/patek-philippe-movement-celestial-grand-complication-2240x2240.webp) The self-winding Caliber 240 C LU CL LCSO carries an off-center 22-karat gold mini-rotor and manages an unusually long list of functions for its slim 7.93mm profile: mean solar hours and minutes, a rotating sky chart, sunrise and sunset times, the angular motion of the moon, meridian passage timing for Sirius and the moon, moon phases, and hand-set date, plus the daylight saving correction system that’s central to this reference. That density is packed into 426 components and 51 jewels, running at 21,600 vibrations per hour with Patek’s Gyromax balance and Spiromax balance spring, and offering a power reserve of 38 to 48 hours. The movement carries the Patek Philippe Seal, the manufacture’s own quality benchmark. ## Positioning within Patek’s astronomical lineage ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/425543-51903-2240x3139.webp) At its price point, the 6105G-001 sits well above the diamond-set 6104 references that preceded it, reflecting both the new movement’s development cost and its status as a fresh complication rather than a variation on an existing one. For a manufacture that has spent over two decades refining a single idea—the sky, mechanically rendered—the 6105G-001 marks the first time in the Celestial line’s history that the watch tells you not just what the sky looks like, but when it will change. *The Patek Philippe 6105G-001 Celestial is available at [Lucerne Luxe](https://lucerneluxe.com/).* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** 6105-001, Celestial, Grand Complication, Patek Philippe --- ### [Europe's Summer Fragrances Are the Best for the Philippine Rainy Season](https://robbreport.ph/style/grooming/fragrances/best-summer-fragrances-for-the-philippines-rainy-season/) **Published:** July 15, 2026 **Author:** Ria de Borja **Content:** This season, houses like [Hermès](https://robbreport.ph/tag/hermes-2/ "Hermès"), [Dior](https://robbreport.ph/tag/dior/ "dior"), [Chanel](https://robbreport.ph/tag/chanel/ "Chanel"), [Louis Vuitton](https://robbreport.ph/tag/louis-vuitton/ "Louis Vuitton"), [Diptyque](https://robbreport.ph/tag/diptyque/ "Diptyque"), Maison [Francis Kurkdjian](https://robbreport.ph/profiles/how-perfumer-francis-kurkdjian-learned-to-bottle-the-zeitgeist/ "How Perfumer Francis Kurkdjian Learned to Bottle the Zeitgeist"), [Frédéric Malle](https://robbreport.ph/style/grooming/fragrances/frederic-malles-iconic-fragrances-arrive-at-rockwell-through-a-limited-time-pop-up/ "Frédéric Malle’s Iconic Fragrances Arrive at Rockwell Through a Limited-Time Pop-Up"), [Creed](https://robbreport.ph/tag/creed/ "Creed"), [Acqua di Parma,](https://www.acquadiparma.com/en/int/?srsltid=AfmBOooE8Avw0sbvQoOufZMicDcvfOmI_k-lycqcELWsX5jhUk24e91l) and [Byredo](https://www.byredo.com/eu_en) have unveiled new fragrances or have continued to spotlight creations inspired by Mediterranean coastlines, crystalline waters, and sunlit landscapes. While these fragrances were conceived for the relatively dry warmth of Europe during its summer months, they may even be better suitably timed to the opposite hemisphere in the throes of its monsoon season. During the rainy months, this side of the world faces humidity frequently exceeding 80 percent while temperatures remain consistently high. In the world of scents, these conditions fundamentally change how perfume behaves. Bright citrus notes burst open with vibrancy, green and aromatic accords feel crisp and refreshing, while airy florals and clean musks adapt naturally to the humid air. In contrast, fragrances built around dense amber, vanilla, oud, leather, patchouli or incense, can become fuller and more enveloping. ## Climate Is the Invisible Ingredient Most luxury fragrances are first encountered under ideal conditions. Department stores and boutiques are meticulously temperature-controlled, allowing every composition to unfold exactly as the perfumer intended. Outside, however, the perfume encounters a different set of conditions. Heat is the most immediate influence. As skin temperature rises, the most volatile aroma molecules evaporate more quickly. Citrus fruits such as bergamot, grapefruit, mandarin, lemon, and yuzu bloom almost instantly. Aromatic herbs including basil, rosemary, lavender, and mint also reveal themselves immediately, giving fresh fragrances a brightness that is welcome on humid days. Humidity plays a more nuanced role. Contrary to popular belief, moisture in the air does not automatically make a fragrance last longer, but humid conditions often make a perfume feel more noticeable. ## Acqua di Parma Bergamotto La Spugnatura Eau de Parfum ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/ADPADP083372-100MLmaster1H1.webp) Among several recently launched fragrances, one ingredient appears again and again: bergamot. Calabrian bergamot, grown almost exclusively along Italy’s southern coast, is a citrus prized for its remarkable complexity. Beneath its sparkling freshness lies a floral softness and gentle bitterness. A recent release that celebrates the ingredient is Acqua di Parma Bergamotto La Spugnatura Eau de Parfum. The fragrance is inspired by the historic *spugnatura* technique, in which natural sea sponges were traditionally used during the extraction of bergamot essence, preserving the fruit’s complexity. Bright bergamot leads the composition, joined by mandarin, grapefruit and bitter orange before gradually revealing cedarwood and vetiver. The result is a fragrance that mirrors the rhythm of a tropical day. Its luminous citrus opening cuts through humid air. ## Hermès Musc Pallida ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Hermes-Musc-Pallida.webp) Hermès approaches freshness with different materials. Created by Christine Nagel for the Hermessence collection, Musc Pallida centers on precious iris pallida. Unlike most floral ingredients, iris perfume is extracted not from the flower but from the plant’s underground stem, which must be harvested and cured for several years before developing its prized buttery, powdery aroma. Paired with warm musk, Musc Pallida becomes a bright second-skin fragrance that demonstrates how freshness can emerge through softness and light. ## Paradise Without Clichés For years, tropical fragrances relied on predictable imagery: coconut, sugary fruits, creamy vanilla and beachside cocktails. Luxury houses are now creating more restrained interpretations. ### Dior Paradise ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Y0000235_E000001579_E02_RHC.webp) Created by Francis Kurkdjian, Dior Paradise draws inspiration from the almond groves surrounding Château de La Colle Noire in Provence. Radiant mandarin meets bittersweet almond before unfolding into a fresh woody fragrance softened by tonka bean. Rather than relying on sweetness, it captures the warmth of southern France. ### Chanel Chance Eau Splendide ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/1765876662595-rituel-ces_1299x974.webp) Chanel Chance Eau Splendide follows a similarly refined path. Olivier Polge opens the fragrance with vibrant raspberry before revealing rose geranium cultivated in Chanel’s own fields in Grasse, supported by powdery iris, cedarwood and white musk. ## The Luxury of Transparency ### Diptyque Orphéon ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/diptyque-orpheon-eau-de-parfum-75ml-ORPHP75C-1_697ebca2-1432-4f96-af9a-6a0aa2afae76-e1783946970565.webp) Perhaps the most influential trend in niche perfumery is the growing appreciation for more subtle fragrances, such as Diptyque Orphéon. Inspired by the legendary Paris jazz bar that once stood beside the maison’s original boutique, it combines juniper berry, cedarwood, jasmine and tonka bean into a fragrance that feels intimate and quietly nostalgic. ### Byredo Blanche Absolu ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/byr_ecom_25_absolu_blanche_27_2800x2800_copy.webp) That same understatedness defines Byredo Blanche Absolu. Aldehydes, neroli, rose absolute, violet, soft musks, cashmere woods and ambroxan create the impression of impeccably laundered linen rather than conventional perfume. In the Philippines, where heavy fragrances can quickly become oppressive, its effortless cleanliness feels particularly well-suited. ## Freshness with Character One lingering misconception is that fresh fragrances lack depth. Creations from Louis Vuitton and Creed prove otherwise. ### Louis Vuitton eLVes ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/louis-vuitton-elves-louis-vuitton-LP0418_PM1_Side-view.webp) Introduced in 2025, eLVes remains one of Louis Vuitton’s most coveted fragrances. Created by Jacques Cavallier-Belletrud, it centers on Centifolia rose from Grasse, brightened by lily of the valley and blackcurrant and peach nuances before settling into ambroxan and patchouli. The composition demonstrates how modern floral perfumery can remain elegant even in warm climates. ### Creed Wild Vetiver ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/CreedWildVetiver_Ads_353240.webp) Meanwhile, Creed Wild Vetiver revisits one of perfumery’s great classic materials through bergamot, pink pepper, blackcurrant, cedarwood, sandalwood and Haitian vetiver. Vetiver possesses an unusual duality: earthy yet airy, woody yet remarkably fresh. In tropical climates, it offers the pleasure of a rich woody fragrance while maintaining an invigorating quality perfect for daytime use. ## Quiet Luxury in a Bottle ### Maison Francis Kurkdjian Kurky ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/4_2400x.webp) At Maison Francis Kurkdjian, Kurky wraps delicate fruity nuances in luminous musks to create a fragrance that feels almost inseparable from the wearer. Inspired by Francis Kurkdjian’s childhood memories, Kurky approaches luxury with an unexpected sense of playfulness. ### Frédéric Malle Contre-Jour ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/FMContre-Jour100ml_Bottle_3519767-e1783947196160.webp) Frédéric Malle Contre-Jour, composed by the legendary Annick Menardo, arrives at a similar destination. Known for creating some of modern perfumery’s richest and most opulent compositions, Menardo exercises restraint with this fragrance. Rose absolute, everlasting flower, sandalwood and subtle spice have a warm glow yet aren’t dense. The fragrance demonstrates that richness can come through craftsmanship rather than intensity. The fragrance allows elegance even in humid conditions. These scents reveal the state of perfumery today. Freshness is defined by exceptional raw materials and the tenet that the most memorable perfumes can leave the lightest impression. In a climate like the Philippines, the evolution is a welcome progression. ## FAQs ### **Why do some perfumes smell better during the Philippine rainy season?** Warm temperatures and high humidity accelerate the evaporation of top notes while making fresh citrus, green accords, airy florals, and clean musks feel brighter and more noticeable. Heavy notes such as oud, vanilla, leather, and dense amber can become richer and more enveloping in humid conditions. ### **Which fragrance notes perform best in hot and humid weather?** Bergamot, grapefruit, mandarin, lemon, yuzu, neroli, basil, rosemary, lavender, mint, vetiver, soft woods, and transparent musks generally perform best. They remain refreshing and balanced even in tropical humidity. ### **What are the best luxury fragrances for the Philippine rainy season?** Among the standout choices are Acqua di Parma Bergamotto La Spugnatura Eau de Parfum, Hermès Musc Pallida, Dior Paradise, Chanel Chance Eau Splendide, Diptyque Orphéon, Byredo Blanche Absolu, Louis Vuitton eLVes, Creed Wild Vetiver, Maison Francis Kurkdjian Kurky, and Frédéric Malle Contre-Jour. ### **Does humidity make perfume last longer?** Not necessarily. Humidity does not automatically increase longevity, but it often makes a fragrance feel more diffusive and noticeable. Heat also causes volatile notes to evaporate more quickly, changing how a perfume develops throughout the day. ### **Why is bergamot so popular in luxury fragrances?** Bergamot offers exceptional complexity, combining sparkling citrus freshness with subtle floral and gently bitter facets. Its versatility allows perfumers to create fragrances that feel luminous, elegant, and especially well suited to warm climates, making it a recurring ingredient in many of this season’s luxury launches. **Categories:** Fragrances, Grooming, Style **Tags:** Acqua di Parma, Byredo, Chanel, Creed, Dior Paradise, Diptyque, fragrances, Frédéric Malle, Hermès, Kurky, Louis Vuitton, Wild Vetiver --- ### [7 Outstanding Rosé Champagnes to Pop This Valentine’s Day](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/wine/7-outstanding-rose-champagnes-to-pop-this-valentines-day/) **Published:** February 12, 2026 **Author:** Mike DeSimone **Content:** It’s been a long, cold winter so far and Valentine’s Day is the one wine holiday we have to look forward during the calendar’s shortest month. And what better way to celebrate with someone special than to delight your palate with some pink bubbly and its flavors of citrus peel, strawberry, red raspberry, just baked brioche, and white flowers. Rosé Champagne can be made in two different ways, either by blending or by maceration. Blended rosés are made by mixing up to 20 percent of red wine with the white wine base, while macerated rosés are produced by letting the juice of black grapes (such as Pinot Noir) sit on the skins for eight to 36 hours on the average (or longer) thus imparting a pale pink color. The longer the time, the darker the rosé Champagne. This Valentine’s Day we tasted over 40 different bottles to come up with this list of recommendations. We hope you enjoy them. ## Billecart-Salmon NV Le Rosé Champagne ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Billecart_Salmon_NV_Le_Rose_Champagne_France.webp) Nicolas Francois Billecart married Elisabeth Salmon in 1818, and the house of Billecart-Salmon was created. Their original family maison is in Mareuil-sur-Ay and soon after the marriage the couple brought in Elisabeth’s brother, Louis Salmon to assist in the family business. The house is still run by the seventh generation of the family, Mathieu Rolland Billecart. His non-vintage rosé has aromas of a floral bouquet including rose, freesia, and peony with strong whiffs of ripe red fruits. Lively on the palate it has flavors of freshly baked yeast bread, strawberry, and red raspberry. ## Lallier Brut Grand Rosé Champagne ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Lallier_Brut_Grand_Rose_Champagne_France.webp) Champagne Lallier’s history doesn’t trace back as far as most Champagne houses. Its story began in 1903 when Rene Lallier married into the well-known Deutz Champagne family. He was an active environmentalist and determined to create a line of Champagne that respected both local terroir and the environment. Champagne expert Dominique Demarville became Chef de Caves in 2021 and has taken the brand to the world stage. His Lallier Brut Grand Rosé is pale pink and has aromas of lingenberry, strawberry, and cranberry with flavors of strawberries and cream, pomegranate, and dried savory herbs. ## Gosset 2008 Celebris Rosé Champagne ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Gosset_2008_Celebris_Rose_Champagne_France.webp) Albert Gosset commissioned his cellar master Jean-Paul Mareigner to create an extraordinary line of Champagne and as a result in 1993 Celebris was born. Gosset 2008 Celebris Rosé is pale pink to salmon colored in the glass with an ample mousse and fine bubbles. It has aromas of strawberry, raspberry, white flowers, and a touch of dried Mediterranean herbs in the complex bouquet. It is lively and vivacious on the tongue with flavors of plum, raspberry, marzipan, and freshly baked brioche. ## Perrier-Jouet NV Blason Rosé Champagne ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Perrier_Jouet_NV_Blason_Rose_Champagne_France.webp) One year after their marriage in 1810 Pierre Nicolas Perrier and Rose Adelaide Jouet founded their eponymous Champagne house in Epernay. The two shared a passion for art, nature, and Champagne and set out to open a Champagne maison different from the rest and more than two hundred years later Perrier-Jouet is still known for its non-conventional nature and philosophy. Perrier-Jouet Blason Rosé Champagne is crafted from 50 percent Pinot Noir, 25 percent Chardonnay, and 25 percent Pinot Meunier. It offers aromas and flavors of dried cherry, strawberry, cranberry, and raspberry with balanced acidity and fine bubbles. ## Laurent-Perrier NV Cuvée Rosé Champagne ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Laurent_Perrier_NV_Cuvee_Rose_Champagne_France.webp) The venerable house of Laurent-Perrier was founded in 1812 and today sources grapes from more than 1,000 growers and exports their wine to more than 100 countries. Laurent-Perrier began releasing non-vintage rosé Champagne in 1968 and generally macerates its juice for 48 to 72 hours, giving it a stunning salmon pink color. Its rosé Champagne is made from 100 percent Grand Cru Pinot Noir grapes sourced from 10 villages in the Montagne de Reims region including the well-known village of Bouzy. It has vibrant bubbles with a fine and a frothy mousse and offers aromas of black cherry, red currant, red raspberry, and wild strawberry. Lively on the palate, it boasts flavors of ripe red fruits and citrus blossom. ## Moët & Chandon NV Nectar Imperial Demi-Sec Rosé Champagne ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Moet_amp_Chandon_NV_Nectar_Imperial_Demi_Sec_Rose_Champagne_France.webp) The well-known house of [Moët & Chandon](https://robbreport.com/food-drink/wine/pharrell-moet-chandon-champagne-collection-1236289380/) was founded in 1743 by Claude Moët and in 1792 his grandson Jean-Remy Moët turned the house into an internationally respected brand. We’re fans of many of their wines but decided to highlight the Nectar imperial rosé Champagne to pair with Valentine’s Day chocolates. Copper pink in the glass, it has aromas of blackberry, cassis, and dried herbs. It’s made to be purposefully slightly sweet on palate and boasts flavors of strawberry, cream, black currant, and black raspberry. Pair this delightful Champagne with foie gras, fruity desserts, or dark chocolate with nuts. ## Taittinger 2012 Comtes de Champagne Brut Rosé ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Taittinger_2012_Comtes_de_Champagne_Brut_Rose_Champagne_France.webp) In 1932 Pierre Taittinger purchased the Forest Fourneaux chateau built in 1734 and the venerable house of Taittinger was born. His descendant Pierre-Emanuel Taittinger ran the business successfully for years and we thought he would continue for many more, but in 2020 at the age of 66 he transferred management of the house to his daughter Vitalie and his son Clovis. One of our favorite rosé Champagnes, the 2012 Comtes de Champagne has about 12 percent Pinot Noir blended into the still wine base and has ethereal aromas of strawberry, pink grapefruit, blood orange peel, and fine dried herbs. It is extremely bubbly and has balanced acidity with flavors of blood orange, red raspberry, marzipan, and cranberry. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Food & Drink, Wine **Tags:** champagne, Rosé --- ### [How Private Aviation Terminals Are Being Transformed Into Luxe Enclaves](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/how-private-aviation-terminals-are-being-transformed-into-luxe-enclaves/) **Published:** February 12, 2026 **Author:** Michael Verdon **Content:** Once viewed as little more than refueling and maintenance stopovers, fixed-base operators (F.B.O.) are being transformed from facilities with spartan waiting rooms and drip-coffee machines to [ultra-swank private enclaves](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/the-10-best-most-luxurious-private-airport-terminals-around-the-world/ "The 10 Best, Most Luxurious Private Airport Terminals Around the World"). [Clay Lacy Aviation](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/best-of-the-best-2025-wings/ "Best of the Best 2025: Wings")’s new complex at John Wayne Airport in Orange County, Calif., for example, spans 41,800 square feet of office and terminal space, with garden-accented lounges and 145,000 square feet of hangars. On a more intimate scale, the Coeur d’Alene airport in Idaho is home to [StanCraft’s Jet Center](https://www.stancraftjet.com/), designed by an internationally renowned wooden boatbuilder and pairing modern F.B.O. conveniences with rustic spaces such as the Hardwood Coffee Café. These enhancements are being driven by increased demand for private jets alongside rising expectations from customers seeking five-star services. According to the Insight Partners, a New York–based research firm, the global F.B.O. market will grow from $25.55 billion last year to $41 billion by 2031. In response, today’s most sophisticated facilities offer spa-like environments complete with gyms, showers, fine dining, conference suites, and upgraded crew amenities. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Signature_FlightSupport_AZ.webp) The contemporary exterior of Signature Flight Support in Scottsdale, Ariz. *Photo: Chad Baumer* One of the biggest players in the F.B.O. makeover game is [Signature Aviation](https://www.signatureaviation.com/), which was purchased in 2021 for $4.7 billion by a consortium including Blackstone, Global Infrastructure Partners, and Cascade Investments. With about 80 construction projects underway, Signature recently opened its 16,000-square-foot showpiece terminal, PBI North in West Palm Beach, Fla. Among the prime features are a stained-glass art installation, multiple guest areas, and a family lounge. Signature’s goal is to establish a “hospitality-forward” ethos across its 200-plus locations in 27 countries. Derek DeCross, the company’s chief commercial officer, says its “scale gives travelers a consistent experience wherever they leave from or land.” Similarly, fractional provider [Flexjet](https://robbreport.ph/tag/flexjet/ "flexjet") has embarked on a series of new private terminals for owners of its elite Red Label aircraft. Flexjet, like several peers, reported record demand in the last quarter of 2025, while the fractional model—where owners purchase shares of an aircraft—was up 24 percent for the year. Six new Flexjet F.B.O.s are in the works, including a $36 million outpost in Scottsdale, Ariz., and an extravagant European gateway in Farnborough, England. “You can have a fine experience at an F.B.O., but we want to go beyond that,” says Flexjet C.E.O. Andrew Collins. “We want to control the customer experience in the air and on the ground.” [ACI Jet](https://www.acijet.com/) exemplifies how even small operators are making outsize investments. While its personal touch began more than a decade ago with complimentary Negranti ice cream, ACI has experienced growth that necessitated the construction of its modern 91,000-square-foot headquarters, which opened in 2021 at its San Luis Obispo, Calif., location. Its latest project is a $125 million 32-acre redevelopment—also at John Wayne Airport. “At all our facilities, we want to do something all the way—something with a real ‘wow’ factor,” says Bill Borgsmiller, who founded the company in 1998. “But it still needs to feel curated, personal, and passionate—not corporate.” The modern terminal will have sleeping rooms, conference rooms, a private bathroom with shower, entertainment areas, and over 90 hangars organized by jet type. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Flexjet_NJ_Terminal.webp) This Teterboro, N.J., facility is among Flexjet’s expanding network of private terminals, and the fractional provider has six more F.B.O.s on the way. *Photo: Courtesy of Flexjet* In 2023, Magellan Jets opened its first private terminal at Laurence G. Hanscom Field in Bedford, Mass., strictly for its clients. “Our core business is not selling fuel. It’s serving people,” says Anthony Tivnan, Magellan’s founder and president. Despite no financial metrics to track the return on investment, the Bedford facility has created so much goodwill that Magellan is now considering additional locations in high-traffic markets such as South Florida, Texas, and the New York metro area. Large and boutique operators alike are differentiating themselves through modern design, personalization, and luxe amenities aimed at an increasingly discerning clientele. That demand continues to fuel private aviation’s long-term growth—and the economic slipstream allowing these companies to stretch their wings. **Daniel Cote** *Top*: ACI Jet’s headquarters in San Luis Obispo, Calif., connects a modern glass-fronted terminal with a showroom hangar offering views of the jets inside. ## **Terminal Heat** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/PS_Airport_Settings.webp) *Photo: Courtesy of PS* Skipping airport chaos might be the most coveted luxury in travel. That’s the promise behind [PS](https://reserveps.com/), the Los Angeles–based private-terminal concept that lets crowd-weary travelers bypass the commercial crush. Instead, clients retreat to airport suites—with private rooms, fine dining, and on-site T.S.A. and customs clearance—before being chauffeured to their aircraft. PS currently operates terminals in Los Angeles (LAX) and Atlanta (ATL), and Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) is scheduled to open later this spring. The company is also completing renovations on the historic Pan Am building near Miami International Airport. Built in 1963 during commercial flight’s golden age, this midcentury-modern landmark was Pan Am’s regional headquarters for decades but has not been in use since the late 1990s. “When we looked at it, it was love at first sight,” says Amina Belouizdad Porter, C.E.O. of PS. “The way it was laid out worked really well for us. The 30,000-square-foot sanctuary, originally designed by Steward and Skinner, was inspired by the U.S. Embassy in India, gaining the nickname “Miami’s Taj Mahal.” While the building had limited structural appeal for an international airport, the PS application was a good fit. Aside from demolishing several walls, historical restoration-specialist and local architect Richard Heisenbottle left most of the style-defining construction intact, while PS interior designer Cliff Fong used contemporary soft surfaces to instill a modern sensibility. The team also renovated the interior courtyard’s reflecting pool (pictured left). According to Belouizdad Porter, the aim is for it all to “feel like a residence \[in\] like Coral Gables or West Palm Beach,” though she adds, “You’re also unmistakably in this Pan Am–era building. It will always have this unique sense of place.” PS MIA will open later this year. **Michael Verdon** **Categories:** Aviation **Tags:** clay lacy aviation, flexjet, Magazine, magellan gets, magellan jets --- ### [Valentine's Gift Guide: Bulgari Icons Minaudières Are as Covetable as Fine Jewelry](https://robbreport.ph/style/fashion/valentines-gift-guide-bulgari-icons-minaudieres-are-as-covetable-as-fine-jewelry/) **Published:** February 9, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** Valentine’s gifts tend to fall into familiar categories—flowers, jewelry, something wrapped in a velvet box. The [Bulgari](https://robbreport.ph/tag/bulgari/ "bulgari") Icons Minaudières sit slightly outside that pattern; they’re bags, after all, even if they are too small to accommodate a phone and designed with little interest in practicality. But trust us: Your Valentine will love it for more reasons than one. They occupy a space closer to fine [jewelry](https://robbreport.ph/style/jewelry/ "Jewelry") than to handbags, and each minaudière, while they might not be capacious enough for your phone, are vessels for books, in miniature, authored by five women honored by Bulgari as icons themselves. Conceived by Mary Katrantzou, Bulgari’s Creative Director of Leather Goods and Accessories, the Icons Minaudière collection translates five of the Roman house’s most enduring motifs into sculptural metal forms and are produced using techniques typically associated with [high jewelry](https://robbreport.ph/style/jewelry/bulgari-serpenti-infinito-exhibit/ "The Jeweller of Rome Celebrates the Serpent") (lost-wax casting, hand-applied enamel, pavé settings, and stone inlay). And, every minaudière has an even smaller version that’s no less stunning. “This collection celebrates the living heritage of Bulgari’s Icons, symbols that have transcended design to become part of our cultural language. Each minaudière was conceived not simply to hold objects, but to hold meaning, blending high craftsmanship with cultural storytelling,” says designer Mary Katrantzou. For Valentine’s Day, they make a case for gifts that feel less purchased than bestowed. ## **Serpenti Minaudière** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/LGA-Minauderie-Campaign_16x9_Evangelista-1-2240x1261.webp) The Serpenti Minaudière distills Bulgari’s most enduring emblem into a compact, sculptural form: the serpent’s head, articulated in gold-finished aluminum and brass embellished with emerald green, feroza turquoise, perla white and black enamel scales, and dark emerald crystal eyes. It is paired with *Notes on Honoring Tradition* by Linda Evangelista. ## **Monete Minaudière** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/LGA-Minauderie-Campaign_16x9_Rossellini-2-2240x1261.webp) *Bulgari* Referencing Bulgari’s long fascination with classical antiquity, the Monete Minaudière centers on a recreated Roman coin, enlarged and reframed in gold-finished aluminum and palladium antique-finished brass with a Roman-coin inspired centerpiece framed by red enamel, crystal silver-colored zirconia stones, and a red crystal closure. It is accompanied by *Notes on Listening to Nature* by Isabella Rosellini. ## **Divas’ Dream Minaudière** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/LGA-Minauderie-Campaign_16x9_Kim-Ji-Won-2-2240x1260.webp) *Bulgari* Inspired by the fan-shaped mosaics of the Baths of Caracalla, the Divas’ Dream Minaudière translates classical geometry into a curved metal shell softened by jewel inlays. The minaudière is rendered in gold-finished aluminum and palladium-finished brass embellished with dark amethyst, light amethyst, tiger eye, mother-of-pearl and dark malachite inserts, and zirconia stones. It is paired with *Notes on Cultivating Inner Calm* by Kim Ji-won. ## **Tubogas Minaudière** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/LGA-Minauderie-Campaign_16x9_Sumayya-2-2240x1261.webp) *Bulgari* The Tubogas Minaudière interprets Bulgari’s signature flexible metal technique as a coiled structure wrapped around a central, egg-like form in black lizard leather and a Serpenti Tubogas detail in gold-finished brass with zirconia accents on the head and tail. Nestled in the bag is *Notes on Finding Home* by Sumayya Vally. ## **BVLGARI BVLGARI Minaudière** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/JA-26_Verderi_Endorsed05_1920x1080_cicdlv.webp) *Bulgari* Cylindrical and graphic, the Bulgari Bulgari Minaudière channels the maison’s iconic double logo into a precise, architectural object fashioned in gold-finished aluminum and brass with intarsia mother-of-pearl inserts and a press-button closure with a mother-of-pearl clasp. The minaudière is accompanied by a specially designed miniature book, *Notes on Creating Culture* by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, perfectly designed to fit its shape. *More at [bulgari.com](https://www.bulgari.com/en-us/bags-and-accessories/bvlgari-icons/?srsltid=AfmBOopUoRaRniR9CN_o2Z4vigIoSvh8aw1vPtag31l1aolG1MGzYtjf)* **Categories:** Fashion, Style **Tags:** bulgari --- ### [Valentine's Gift Guide: 10 Thoughtful Gifts from Louis Vuitton](https://robbreport.ph/style/10-valentines-day-gifts-for-her-louis-vuitton-edition/) **Published:** February 11, 2026 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** Few houses translate romance into objects quite like Louis Vuitton. For nearly two centuries, the Maison has elevated everyday accessories into lasting symbols of affection, creating pieces designed to accompany life’s milestones for years to come. Valentine’s Day offers an ideal moment to embrace that tradition, when a handbag can become a future heirloom, jewelry evolves into a personal signature, and even the smallest luxuries carry emotional significance. This season’s selections highlight heritage monogram icons, sculptural silhouettes inspired by the House’s historic trunks, and refined accessories crafted for modern living. ## Alma BB ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Alma-BB.webp) *Photo: Louis Vuitton* Compact yet unmistakably elegant, the Alma BB balances architectural precision with everyday versatility. Its domed silhouette, a design born in the early 20th-century, lends the bag a refined presence that complements both casual and formal wardrobes. Signature monogram canvas is paired with smooth leather trim, reinforcing the House’s legacy of craftsmanship while keeping the look effortlessly modern. ## Speedy Bandoulière 20 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Speedy-Bandouliere-20.webp) *Photo: Louis Vuitton* A modern reinterpretation of one of the Maison’s most celebrated travel silhouettes, the Speedy Bandoulière 20 is designed for movement (think city errands, dinners, and weekend escapes). Its compact proportions maintain the unmistakable Speedy profile while introducing a detachable strap for versatile styling. ## Attrape-Rêves Fragrance ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Attrape-Reves.webp) *Photo: Louis Vuitton* Fragrance remains one of the most intimate luxury gifts, and Attrape-Rêves captures the poetic spirit of Louis Vuitton’s perfume collection. Bright notes of peony, cocoa, and sparkling lychee create a luminous composition that feels both romantic and contemporary. Housed in the Maison’s minimalist glass flacon, the scent becomes a sensory keepsake—one tied to memories, moments, and emotion. ## Lady LV Necklace ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Lady-LV-Necklace.webp) *Photo: Louis Vuitton* Jewelry often carries emotional resonance beyond its material form, and the Lady LV necklace delivers subtle brilliance anchored by the Maison’s recognizable initials. The clean lines allow the pendant to function either as a delicate everyday piece or a layering accent for evening looks. ## Pochette Liv ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Pochette-Liv.webp) *Photo: Louis Vuitton* The Pochette Liv offers a sleek crossbody statement tailored for the modern minimalist. Its streamlined silhouette frames the iconic monogram canvas and polished gold-tone hardware with confident restraint, letting texture and proportion drive the look. The result is an accessory that feels quietly directional rather than overtly logo-driven. ## Sneakerina Mary Jane ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/LV-Sneakerina-Mary-Jane.webp) *Photo: Louis Vuitton* Blending feminine elegance with athletic comfort, the Sneakerina Mary Jane reflects Louis Vuitton’s evolving approach to contemporary footwear. It merges the clasic Mary Jane structure with sneaker-inspired cushioning, creating a piece suited to modern lifestyles that move between formal and casual settings. The signature detailing subtly reinforces the House’s identity without overwhelming the design. ## Cosmetic Pouch PM ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Cosmetic-Pouch-PM.webp) *Photo: Louis Vuitton* Small luxuries often make the most thoughtful gifts, and the Cosmetic Pouch PM delivers both practicality and polish. Rooted in Louis Vuitton’s travel heritage, the piece is crafted in the House’s signature coated canvas, offering durability wrapped in unmistakable style. Its structured yet lightweight form keeps beauty essentials and daily valuables neatly organized inside any handbag. ## Neverfull of Love Square 90 Scarf ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Neverfull-Of-Love-Square-90.webp) *Photo: Louis Vuitton* Silk scarves remain among the most romantic gestures in gift giving, and the Square 90 captures Louis Vuitton’s artistry through intricate prints. Designed to be worn around the neck, styled on handbags, or draped across the shoulders, it offers remarkable versatility. The soft silk finish enhances movement and elegance, transforming even simple outfits. ## Doudou Vivienne MM ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Doudou-Vivienne-MM.webp) *Photo: Louis Vuitton* Ever so playful, the Doudou Vivienne MM channels the Maison’s whimsical mascot into a decorative keepsake. Crafted with attention to detail and soft textures, the piece functions as both a charm and display object, appealing to collectors who appreciate Louis Vuitton’s storytelling heritage. It adds a touch of personality to her favorite travel bags, interiors, or curated wardrobes. ## LV Baume “Nude Poetry” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/LV-Baume-Nude-Poetry.webp) *Photo: Louis Vuitton* Beauty essentials become elevated when designed through the lens of luxury, and LV Baume delivers hydration with refined presentation. The tinted balm offers subtle color enhancement while nourishing lips through a comfortable, lightweight formula. *More gift suggestions from Louis Vuitton [here](https://my.louisvuitton.com/eng-my/recommendations/valentines-day-edit).* **Categories:** Style **Tags:** Doudou Vivienne, gift guide, Louis Vuitton, Pochette Liv, valentine's day --- ### [Valentine's Gift Guide: Ladies' Watches](https://robbreport.ph/watches/valentines-gift-guide-ladies-watches/) **Published:** February 11, 2026 **Author:** Carol Besler **Content:** The best way to celebrate a woman of beauty and substance on [Valentine’s Day](https://robbreport.ph/style/fashion/valentines-gift-guide-bulgari-icons-minaudieres-are-as-covetable-as-fine-jewelry/ "Valentine’s Gift Guide: Bulgari Icons Minaudières Are as Covetable as Fine Jewelry") is with a gift that has those same qualities. A luxury watch hits just right, preferably one that straddles the line between tradition and modernity—a timeless design, but with a modern twist; and state-of-the-art chronometry but scaled to a woman’s wrist. It’s a tall order, but the ladies’ watch segment has been up to the task lately, as the 10 watches in this gift guide illustrate. They prove it’s possible to be technically sophisticated, beautiful and sized to fit, with a dash of investment potential all in one package. Their makers understood the assignment. That said, two of these watches are technically men’s models, so they’re sized a little bigger than the rest, but we love them anyway because they’re stylish and classic. ## Vacheron Constantin Traditionelle 33 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Vacheron-Constantin-Traditionelle-33.webp) *Photo: Vacheron Constantin* The [33 mm Traditionelle](https://www.vacheron-constantin.com/us/en/collections/traditionnelle/1405t-000r-h009.html) is the sized-for-women version of Vacheron’s classic time-only model. It’s an elegant day-to-night alternative to the more decorative Égerie or Lady Kalla models in the Vacheron catalog, with a touch of color and some diamonds to give it some flair. Bt’s more than superficially pretty: the 33mm Traditionelle, like the larger men’s models, is finished to Geneva Seal standards. $33,400 ## Cartier Tank Américaine ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Cartier-Tank-Americaine.webp) *Photo: Cartier* The classic Tank, designed by Louis Cartier in 1917, has had many iterations (Tank Cintrée, Tank Chinoise, Tank Française, Tank Solo). The[ Américaine](https://www.cartier.com/en-us/watches/collections/tank/tank-americaine-watch-CRWJTA0068.html) is one of the most compact, measuring 35.5 mm wide. Set with diamonds on the case and bezel, in 18-karat white gold, this version is the perfect cocktail watch, but classic enough to be a daily wear. The Roman numerals, railroad minute track, and blued hands identify it as pure Cartier. $55,000 ## Patek Philippe Twenty~4 Perpetual Calendar Ref. 7340/1R ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Patek-Philippe-Twenty-4-Perpetual-Calendar.webp) *Photo: Patek Philippe* The Twenty~4 collection has been Patek Philippe’s prominent ladies’ collection since 1999, but it has gone through a series of recent upgrades. It was a quartz collection until 2018, when it was redesigned and given an automatic movement. This Patek upped the ante year with a [perpetual calendar](https://www.patek.com/en/collection/twenty4/7340-1r-001), the brand’s speciality, was added to the collection. The green dial is an emerging trend, and looks great with the rose gold case and bracelet. $132,659 ## Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 30 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Omega-Seamaster-Aquaterra-30.webp) *Photo: Omega* Shades of purple and green keep cropping up on this season’s luxury watches. More than just a pretty face, though, the [Aqua Terra 30](https://www.omegawatches.com/en-us/watch-omega-seamaster-aqua-terra-150m-co-axial-master-chronometer-30-mm-22010302010002) contains the elite Co-Axial Master Chronometer calibre 8750, certified by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS). And it is water resistant to 150 meters. There are gold and two-tone options, with diamond hour markers and diamond set bezels. Color options, all with lacquer coatings, include pine green, grey, brown, burgundy, black, or mother-of-pearl. (The steel version here is $7,100 and [with diamonds](https://www.omegawatches.com/en-us/watch-omega-seamaster-aqua-terra-150m-co-axial-master-chronometer-30-mm-22010302060001), $7,800) ## Louis Vuitton Tambour Convergence Guilloché ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Louis-Vuitton-Convergence-Guilloche-2.webp) *Photo: Louis Vuitton* This gold power watch is the newest version of the [Louis Vuitton Convergence](https://us.louisvuitton.com/eng-us/products/tambour-convergence-automatic-37mm-rose-gold-nvprod6090080v/W9PG21) introduced last year with a dragging hours and minutes display. The Guilloché dial is rose gold, engraved the traditional way, with vintage hand-operated rose engine turning machines and lathes. The center is engraved in a pattern of undulating rays emanating from the hour and minute guichets (windows), meant to resemble the edges of clouds pierced through with sunlight. $58,500 ## Tiffany & Co. Tiffany Timer ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/TiffanyChronoLead.webp) *Photo: Tiffany & Co.* [Tiffany & Co. ](https://robbreport.ph/watches/new-diamond-set-watches-from-tiffany-co-reinvent-its-50s-era-rope-motif/ "New Diamond-Set Watches From Tiffany & Co. Reinvent Its ’50s-Era Rope Motif")once ran a watch workshop in Switzerland, where, 160 years ago, it produced a chronograph called the Tiffany Timer, hence the name of this new chronograph. The dial is created by applying 15 layers of clear lacquer over a coat of Tiffany blue-colored varnish. The movement, made by LVMH sister brand Zenith, is the El Primero 400 chronograph movement, customized with a carving on the rotor of the brand’s famous Bird on a Rock brooch. With a platinum case and baguette diamond hour markers, it’s limited to 60 pieces at $55,000 each. But if you can’t get your hands on one, there are plenty more accessible watches in the brand’s lineup accented with the signature hue. ## A. Lange & Söhne 1815 34 mm ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_WW25_Editors_Picks_Lange.webp) *Photo: A. Lange & Söhne* The [A. Lange & Söhne 1815](https://www.alange-soehne.com/us-en/timepieces/1815/1815) is one of the purist expressions of classic watchmaking. It is an elegant, commendably austere, three-hander that has long been a male collector’s favorite. Now it is available in a 34 mm version, thanks to a newly developed manual movement that is scaled for smaller wrists. It has a 72-hour power reserve and the usual superb Lange finishing. Men who prefer vintage sizing will want to share it. Price upon request ## Hublot Big Bang One Click Coal Blue Diamonds ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Hublot-Big-Bang-One-Click.webp) *Photo: Hublot* Hublot’s new [Big Bang One Click in coal blue](https://www.hublot.com/en-us/watches/big-bang/big-bang-one-click-steel-coal-blue-diamonds-33-mm) is part of the watch industry’s return to power pastels. It’s a softer side of the brand, which is typically known for bright, vibrant shades. There are four models to choose from, with tonneau or round cases ranging from 43 mm to 33 mm, with or without diamonds, priced from $14,800 to $22,900. This one is 33 mm, set with 36 diamonds and containing an automatic movement. $15,500 ## Gérald Genta Geneva Time Only ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Gerald-Geneva-Time-Only.webp) *Photo: Gérald Genta* In watchmaking circles, Geneva represents the center of luxury watchmaking, but the name that really carries weight here is [Gérald Genta](https://robbreport.ph/watches/6-legendary-names-you-need-to-know-from-the-world-of-watchmaking/ "6 Legendary Names You Need to Know From the World of Watchmaking"), the world’s most celebrated watch designer. The classic rounded cushion case of the[ Geneva Time Only](https://www.geraldgenta.com/horological-creations/geneva/timeonlymarrone/) design is based on Genta’s 1970s original, here interpreted in rose gold (Marrone) or white gold (Grafite). At 38 mm it can be worn by men as well. The time-only automatic movement is made by sister brand Zenith. 25,000 Swiss francs (about $31,673) ## Breitling Lady Premier Automatic 36 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Breitling-Lady-Premier-Automatic.webp) *Photo: Breitling* A ladies’ time-only watch with a seconds hand is an everyday classic that, in previous eras, took the form of a quartz fashion watch. This [Breitling Lady Premier Automatic in 36 mm](https://www.breitling.com/us-en/watches/premier/lady-premier-automatic-36/A10310671L1P1/?srsltid=AfmBOorm_vqDPblaWP8RFda4poqas4cD9bmoPzOoYQuRW9Z7qnUgwTik) contains Breitling’s in-house automatic caliber 10 with a 42-hour power reserve, but retains a feminine sensibility, with a colorful dial and dusting of diamonds on the lugs and bezel. It is also available in a strap in a choice of sage, dove gray or aubergine. $9,500 *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** cartier, Evergreen, Louis Vuitton, Patek Philippe, Watch Collector --- ### [The 10 Best Compact Luxury SUVs to Buy Right Now](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-10-best-compact-luxury-suvs-to-buy-right-now/) **Published:** February 11, 2026 **Author:** Will Sabel Courtney **Content:** If you want to know why the SUV has supplanted the sedan as the go-to luxury vehicle of this era, all you need to do is look at the compact segment of the class. At this point, nearly a quarter-century in, the BMW X3 offers everything its car equivalent, the 3 Series, does and more. When it comes down to it, the compact SUV is arguably the most versatile type of vehicle you can buy right now. These smaller, two-row SUVs are practical, stylish, and, increasingly, fun to drive. They’re more comfortable to ride in and load up than a sedan, and much easier to park and drive around than a larger SUV. And all you need to do is look at the Land Rover Defender 90 Porsche Macan models to see how fun they can be. It’s little surprise that practically every luxury automaker out there has a compact SUV in its lineup. And, with that in mind, here are the 10 best you can buy right now. ## Best Overall: Porsche Macan ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/porsche-macan.webp) *Photo: Porsche* There may be no better illustration of how far the SUV has come than the [Porsche](https://robbreport.ph/tag/porsche/ "porsche") Macan. When the German sports car maker’s second high-riding model arrived in 2014, it helped redefine what an [SUV](https://robbreport.ph/tag/suv/ "suv") could be. Sure, in look chic, in a way the class wasn’t necessarily used to, but it also offered sports car-like performance. More than a decade later, it remains the go-to choice for drivers looking for something that’s both fun and somewhat practical. This is especially true of the range-topping GT3 (which starts at $94,200), which makes 434 horses and can reach a top speed of 169 mph. There’s now a revised, all-electric option (which starts at $80,300) to choose from, which features more tech, more power, and even quicker acceleration. **In production since:** 2012/2024 (Electric) **Top powertrain option:** 2.9-liter turbocharged V-6 (GTS)/dual electric motors (Turbo Electric) **Power:** 434 hp and 405 lb-ft/630 hp and 833 ft lbs of torque **Zero to 60 mph:** 4.3 seconds/3.1 seconds **Top speed:** 168 mph/162 mph **Starting price:** $65,400/$80,300 ## Best for Off-Roaders: Land Rover Defender 90 V8 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/land-rover-defender-90-v8.webp) *Photo: Land Rover* The odds are good, if you know cars, you know the [Land Rover Defender](https://robbreport.ph/tag/land-rover-defender/ "Land Rover Defender"). The current Defender may have little in common with the legendary 20th-century version from a mechanical point of view, but it still excels at the same task: going just about anywhere. Its off-road prowess ranks near the top for new stock SUVs, aided by a host of tech old (low-range four-wheel-drive) and new (360-degree cameras) alike. But the new version goes about it in far greater comfort, making it better suited for those times you’re on-road … which, let’s face it, is most of the time. **In production since:** 1983 or 2019, depending who you ask **Top powertrain option:** Supercharged 5.0-liter V8 **Power:** 518 horsepower and 461 ft lbs of torque **Zero to 60 mph:** 4.9 seconds **Top speed:** 149 mph **Starting price:** $114,900 ## Best for Buyers Who Want a Sports Car: BMW X3 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/bmw-x3.webp) *Photo: BMW* Much like the 3 Series sedans that have long defined the compact luxury sedan category, [BMW](https://robbreport.ph/tag/bmw/ "bmw")’s X3 set the standard for compact luxury crossovers. BMW’s often-polarizing design language is at its best here. The two-row SUV drives with the verve and fun that we’ve come to expect from the brand without sacrificing comfort, both in terms of offering ample space for the class and luxurious features and finishes. Plus, if your inner Ricky Bobby is calling, the 393-hp X3 M50 Xdrive version ($66,500) can put many true sports cars to shame in a straight line and on a track. A new all-electric iX3, which will be the first of the automaker’s “Neue Klasse” EVs, is set to arrive later this year, too. **In production since:** 2003 **Top powertrain option:** Turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six (X3 M) **Power:** 393 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque **Zero to 60 mph:** 3.9 seconds **Top speed:** 155 mph **Starting price:** $51,300 ## Best for the Badge-Conscious: Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/mercedes-benz-glc.webp) *Photo: Mercedes-Benz* Few brands—automotive or otherwise—can claim the recognition and cred of [Mercedes-Benz](https://robbreport.ph/tag/mercedes-benz/ "mercedes benz"). Its logo has graced some of the most famous cars (and SUVs) in history and remains a signature on many of the best vehicles on sale today. Don’t let that get you thinking the Three-Pointed Star on the grille is doing all the work for the GLC-Class, though; behind it lies a thoroughly modern luxury machine, replete with an elegant interior and enough technology to impress to boot. The model is *only* available with a turbocharged inline four, something that will dismay more than a few enthusiast out. But, that mill has some pep, especially in the range-topping AMG GLC 63 S E ($86,750), where it makes over 670 horses thanks to plug-in hybrid technology. **In production since:** 2015 **Top powertrain option:** Turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four with plug-in hybrid technology (AMG GLC 63 S E) **Power:** 671 horsepower and 752 fts lbs of torque **Zero to 60 mph:** 3.5 seconds **Top speed:** 171 mph **Price:** $49,550 ## Best for Flying Under the Radar: Audi Q5 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/audi-q5.webp) *Photo: Audi* In a world full of look-at-me SUVs, the understated Q5 family stands out by not standing out. Yes, [Audi](https://robbreport.ph/tag/audi/ "Audi") has subtly slowly refined its best-selling model’s design language over three generations—the current version looks more athletic than ever—but its simple, clean lines mean it doesn’t draw attention in the way some of its edgier peers do. Sometimes, being able to pass in anonymity is good … especially if you opt for performance-oriented SQ5 ($65,400), which has a turbocharged V-6 that’s potent enough for a smaller sports car. **In production since:** 2008 **Top powertrain option:** Turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 (SQ5) **Power:** 362 horsepower and 406 ft lbs of torque **Zero to 60 mph:** 4.6 seconds **Top speed:** 155 mph **Price:** $52,800 ## Best for Exotic Car Fans: Maserati Grecale ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/maserati-grecale.webp) *Photo: Maserati* Known for decades primarily as a purveyor of borderline exotica, [Maserati](https://robbreport.ph/tag/maserati/ "maserati") has spent the last few years going mainstream — at least, by comparison. The Grecale, which arrived earlier this decade, is the clearest proof of that push yet. It may be compact and high-riding, but one look and it’s clear that it’s related to the likes of far pricier Masers like the MCPura, GranTurismo, and Quattroporte. And this little SUV will blow away many a classic Maserati — or other exotic car you idolized in your youth — thanks to a twin-turbocharged V-6 that makes well over 500 hp in the range-topping Trofeo ($102,500) variant. The all-electric Folgore model has even more pep, with its dual-motor powertrain making 550 hp, but is a tad slower. **In production since:** 2023 **Top powertrain option:** Twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 (Trofeo)/Dual electric motors (Folgore **Power:** 523 horsepower and 457 ft lbs of torque/550 hp and 605 ft lbs of torque **Zero to 60 mph:** 3.6 seconds/4.0 seconds **Top speed:** 177 mph/137 mph **Starting price:** $84,500/$119,250 ## Best for Bentley Fans on a Budget: Genesis GV70 ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/genesis-gv70.webp) *Photo: Genesis* In its brief existence, the Genesis lineup has already become renowned for both elegant design and class-leading luxury. The GV70, like its GV80 big brother, boasts the sort of stately looks that would seem at home on a Bentley — no surprise, given that Genesis designer Luc Donckerwolke used to work there —Interior materials that punch above their weight and a choice of a 304-hp turbo inline-four, a 380-hp turbo V-6, and a 483-hp all-electric version, this compact crossover feels like a six-figure ride at half the price. **In production since:** 2020 **Top powertrain option:** Twin-turbocharged V6 (3.5T)/Dual electric motors (Electrified) **Power:** 380 horsepower and 391ft lbs of torque/483 horsepower and 516 ft lbs of torque **Zero to 60 mph:** 4.6 seconds/3.8 seconds **Top speed:** 150mph/146 mph **Range:** 263 miles **Starting price:** $48,985/$64,380 ## Best for a Comfortable Ride: Lexus NX ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/lexus-nx.webp) *Photo: Lexus* The [Lexus](https://robbreport.ph/tag/lexus/ "lexus") NX is appealing on several levels—edgy design and Toyota reliability, not the least among them— but perhaps one of its biggest advantages is how comfortable it is to spend time in. The top-tier Luxury trim combines a sophisticated cabin design with premium materials, including real leather, and a surprising amount of cargo room for a vehicle of its size. It’s not a speed demon by any stretch of the imagination, but the performance-oriented F Sport variant ($52,095) produces a respectable amount of pep due to its plug-in hybrid technology. **In production since:** 2014 **Top powertrain option:** 2.4-liter inline four engine with plug-in hybrid technology (F Sport) **Power:** 304 horsepower and 317 ft lbs of torque. **Zero to 60 mph:** 6.0 seconds **Top speed:** 127 mph **Starting price:** $46,120 ## Best All-Electric Option: Cadillac Optiq ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/cadillac-optiq.webp) *Photo: Cadillac* Cadillac’s first wave of EVs has given its non-Escalade EVs a much-needed jolt of electricity. Just look at the Optiq, which is more forward-thinking and stylish than its closest gas-powered equivalent, the XT5, has ever been. The all-electric compact is also surprisingly powerful, especially now that a V-Series variant ($67,300) is available. The high-performance model has a dual-motor AWD powertrain that makes 519 hp and 650 ft lbs of torque, allowing it to sprint from zero to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds **In production since:** 2023 **Top powertrain option:** Dual electric motors (V-Series) **Power:** 519 hp and 650 ft lbs of torque **Zero to 60 mph:** 3.5 seconds **Range:** 317 **Starting price:** $54,995 ## Best for Audio Lovers: Acura RDX ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/acura-rdx.webp) *Photo: Acura* [Acura’s](https://robbreport.ph/tag/acura/ "Acura") smallest crossover, the RDX, features plenty of unique features, like the brand’s torque-vectoring Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive and an infotainment system with controls like a laptop trackpad. But its most desirable feature is the optional 710-watt ELS Studio 3D audio system, tailor-made for the car by Grammy-winning producer Elliot Scheiner and packing 16 speakers to make this compact crossover feel like Carnegie Hall. It’s so impressive that you’ll find yourself seeking out the RDX instead of your Sonos system the next time your favorite artist drops an album. **In production since:** 2006 **Top powertrain option:** Turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four (A-Spec) **Power:** 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque **Zero to 60 mph:** 6.2 seconds **Top speed:** 112 mph **Starting price:** $44,700 *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** Acura, Audi, Audi Q5, Bentley, bmw, BMW X3, cadillac, Cadillac Optiq, GLC-Class, Grecale, Land Rover Defender, lexus, Lexus NX, maserati, mercedes-benz, porsche, porsche macan, RDX --- ### [Three Itineraries Beyond Japan's "Golden Route"](https://robbreport.ph/travel/three-itineraries-beyond-japans-golden-route/) **Published:** February 11, 2026 **Author:** Mick Gaw **Content:** Along Japan’s “Golden Route” connecting [Tokyo](https://robbreport.ph/tag/tokyo/ "tokyo"), Osaka and Kyoto, the three most popular cities for international visitors, reservations for lodging and other activities have become increasingly challenging to come by. For those without insider access, many experiences remain tightly gate kept. Having been an isolationist state for most of its national history, [Japan](https://robbreport.ph/tag/japan/ "japan") opened up to a select class of foreigners at the turn of the 20th century, only to shut its gates at the onset of the Second World War. After the cessation of armed conflict, with large swaths of the imperial heartland reduced to bombed out ruins, the postwar era saw an intense reconstruction effort in which tourism took a backseat. Even after Japan’s ascension as an economic powerhouse at the tail-end of the century, it was only in 2013 that the government oriented the national economy toward the tourism sector. But the country’s most popular tourist hubs have since become overcrowded and overwhelming. For those open to see Japan in a new light, there are a plethora of other options. Here’s a set of itineraries in some of Japan’s still underrated destinations: a sprawling national park near Tokyo, a rising arts hub in Honshu island’s westernmost province, and hidden culinary and luxury offerings around Kyushu island. ## **Nikko National Park** A mere two hours outside of the nation’s capital, Nikko National Park covers over 11,000 square kilometers of flora. Originally established in 1911, the park is best known to locals as a site of Shinto and Buddhist worship. Temple structures like the 409 year old Edo period Nikko Tōshō-gū, a grand spiritual edifice dedicated to the samurai-founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, are collectively recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, with its unparalleled natural landscapes, stunning hiking trails and proximity to Tokyo, the park has begun to earn a reputation as a lowkey luxury retreat. In the early 20th century, Nikko was a popular summer destination for European diplomatic delegates and select wealthy travelers who sought for a cooler environment to wait out Tokyo’s scorching summers. To this day, the restored British and Italian Embassy Villas sit on the banks of Lake Chuzenji, the highest natural lake in the entire country. Whether visitors decide to hike around the 25 kilometers lakeside trail, or take a scenic boat ride, modern day tourists can explore onsen towns, make a pilgrimage to Nikko’s scattered network of temples and revel in the long stretches of foliage. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/The-Ritz-Carlton-Nikko-Courtesy-of-Marriot-Bonvoyjpg-1.webp) The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko. *Courtesy of Mariott Bonvoy* Though the villas and rest houses built almost a century ago no longer serve as sites of accommodation, luxury travelers can secure lodging at [The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko](https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/tyonz-the-ritz-carlton-nikko/overview/). The contemporary design of the hotel, with its floor-to-ceiling grid window panels and minimalist interiors, puts emphasis on embedding guests within the full beauty of the park’s natural treasures. All the three guest wings intentionally face Lake Chuzenji and the surrounding volcanic belt. Whether guests are in the mood for Western or Japanese options, the hotel’s [restaurants](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/ "Dining") also take advantage of the abundance of fresh produce harvested in the prefecture. ## **Hiroshima, Onomichi, and Shimanami Kaido** Less than 90 minutes away from Osaka by Shinkansen, Hiroshima still remains a relatively underrated choice for the majority of travelers. At most occupying the slot of a rushed day-trip for most foreign tourists, itinerary-planners often prioritize visiting infamous landmarks like the [Peace Memorial Park & Museum](https://hpmmuseum.jp/?lang=eng), the [Atomic Dome](https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/2202/), or [Miyajima Island](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3401.html). These monuments are certainly emblematic of the city’s storied history. These are structures which continue to preserve Hiroshima’s ancient traditions, but also contend with the traumas of nuclear devastation. Though these somber aspects of the city’s character are essential experiences, the prefectural capital offers the urban comfort and convenience typical of any Japanese cosmopolitan hub. As one of the largest cities in Southwestern Chūgoku region, it offers a lot of the same retail, cultural and hospitality amenities as Tokyo or Osaka, albeit with a much smaller crowd. Like its “Golden Route” counterparts, the city houses higher-end department store brands like Mitsukoshi and Fukuya, both of which carry Japanese and international luxury labels. Though most foodies might associate Hiroshima with street foods like Okonomiyaki, the city also hosts some of the most exclusive culinary institutions in the country. Restaurants to look out for include Tori Yamamoto, a small omakase Yakitori bar that serves prized Omi chicken breeds from Shiga prefecture. For two years in a row now, the restaurant has been part of the coveted “Hyakumeiten” or “Tabelog 100,” a locally curated list of the country’s best restaurants, compiled by its premier review site. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Shimanami-Kaido-Courtesy-of-wwwjapan-guidecom_.webp) Shimanami Kaido. *Courtesy of www.japan-guide.com* Hiroshima also serves as the perfect staging ground to reach one of Japan’s most vaunted cycling destinations: the 70 kilometer Shimanami Kaido bicycle route. Starting in Onomichi, a quaint port city 40 minutes by train from Hiroshima, the route’s 55 bridges cut through six small islands in the Seto Inland Sea, connecting Japan’s largest island, Honshu, to its smallest, Shikoku. With rentals available from companies like the world-class Taiwanese bicycle manufacturer GIANT, tourists can leisurely ride along the path hassle-free. Asides from the breathtaking seaside and island views, along Shimanami Kaido cyclists can visit a myriad of art installations, sites of buddhist pilgrimage, century-old Ryokans and onsen hot springs. ## **Fukuoka and Kyushu Island** In recent years, with local airliners offering an increased volume of flights per week, Fukuoka has become increasingly popular for Filipino travelers. Located on Japan’s southernmost Kyushu island, a stone’s throw away from the Korean Peninsula, the city welcomed more than 3 million travelers last year. Even if Fukuoka’s reputation is still dwarfed by the cultural dominance of places like Kyoto or Tokyo, its offerings are nonetheless world class. Hosting global hotel brands like [The Grand Hyatt](https://www.hyatt.com/grand-hyatt/en-US/fukgh-grand-hyatt-fukuoka?src=corp_aspac_agn_mrmjp_sem_dap_google_br_GSEM_CORP_ENG_Managed_%E9%9D%9E%E5%BC%B7%E5%8C%96_GSEM_CORP_ENG___FUKGH_%E3%82%B0%E3%83%A9%E3%83%B3%E3%83%89%E3%83%8F%E3%82%A4%E3%82%A2%E3%83%83%E3%83%88%E7%A6%8F%E5%B2%A1__fukuoka+grand+hyatt&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20409097371&gclid=CjwKCAiAv5bMBhAIEiwAqP9GuC1CP5ZTZ2lNqhBy7ahN57d5Op1JX_YnCshs63QpZUrlvm7CrRMA5hoC974QAvD_BwE) and [The Ritz-Carlton](https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/fukrz-the-ritz-carlton-fukuoka/overview/), as well as local 5-star offerings like the newly opened One Fukuoka Hotel, the city offers no shortage of luxury accommodation options. In the downtown Tenjin district, renowned department store retailers like Iwataya and Daimaru are clustered together in the busiest section of town. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Nikamaru-Haruyoshi-in-Fukuoka-Courtesy-of-Tabelog.webp) Nikamaru Haruyoshi in Fukuoka. *Courtesy of Tabelog* Fukuoka perhaps has the most to offer for gourmand travelers who plan their trips around food and drink experiences. Popularized by internationally franchised chains like Ippudo, the Hakata-style Tonkotsu Ramen enjoyed by millions on a daily basis originated on the humble street side “Yatai” stalls of Fukuoka. Legendary ramen-yas like Hakata Issou often have customers, local and visiting, lining down the block just to try a bowl. Ramen may be the most talked about food item in town, but restaurants of all kinds are serving some of the most exciting cooking in the country. Whether you are in the mood for innovative izakaya like Meshiya Koyama Parking, or a decadent yakiniku tasting menu at Hyakumeiten-awardee [Nikamaru Haruyoshi](https://www.instagram.com/nikumaru_haruyoshi/?hl=en), the city has no shortage of prize-worthy dining. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/KAI-Yufuin-Courtesy-of-Hoshino-Resortsjpg.webp) Kai Yufuin. *Courtesy of Hoshino Resorts* For those yearning for a more calming out-of-town experience, surrounding cities and towns around Kyushu island have some of the most sought after hotels, ryokans and hot springs in the entire region. In Yufuin, a small resort town 90 minutes away from Fukuoka, guests can stay at cutting edge retreats like Relais & Chateaux member Enowa Yufuin and the Kengo Kuma-designed [KAI Yufuin](https://hoshinoresorts.com/en/hotels/kaiyufuin/). The nearby city Beppu, famed for its network of three thousand hot springs sources, offers an unparalleled onsen experience. For a more traditional experience, historic institutions like Takegawara and Hyotan onsen carry on more than a hundred years of hot spring wellness traditions. More modern offerings include Galleria Midobaru and ANA Intercontinental Beppu Resort & Spa bring the city’s famed onsen experience together with a sleek modern elegance, the latter even offering suites with private onsen-style baths. **Categories:** Travel **Tags:** japan --- ### [A Porsche Cayenne That Launches at Over 1100 HP?](https://robbreport.ph/cars/a-porsche-cayenne-that-launches-at-over-1100-hp/) **Published:** July 17, 2026 **Author:** Carl Cunanan **Content:** Getting a chance to run the new [Porsche Cayenne](https://robbreport.ph/tag/porsche-cayenne/ "Porsche Cayenne") Coupe Electric was, of course, a welcome invitation for us. Especially since it came just after we had run the new [Porsche 911 Turbo S](https://robbreport.ph/cars/porsches-new-911-turbo-s-is-here-and-its-a-hybrid/ "Porsche’s New 911 Turbo S Is Here—and It’s a Hybrid"). These two cars are surprisingly similar in some ways when you look at the numbers, but very different in feel, which of course makes complete sense given that one is an [SUV](https://robbreport.ph/tag/suv/ "suv") and the other is a 911. The similarity comes from the fact that the new Porsche Cayenne Coupé Electric, as we tested it, produced over 1,140 horsepower from its full electric powertrain, allowing it to hit 100 kilometers per hour in 2.5 seconds using full overboost maximum power with launch control. This is pretty much the same number you get from the 911 Turbo S. But just as the Turbo S has broadened its range, stretching the boundaries of the comfort and dynamism it now provides, so has the new Cayenne. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/cayenne-turbo-electric-charging.webp) *Porsche* What this tells us is that Porsche is pushing higher performance across all of its model lines, while making sure buyers of these top-tier cars aren’t shortchanged on comfort. The questions we get asked more often than anything else for those that have 911 Turbo S variants in their garage are usually about comfort and refinement. They have cars like the Speedster and the [GT3 RS](https://robbreport.ph/cars/multiple-choice-porsche-gt3/ "The Porsche 911 GT3 is a Niche Icon with Endless Choice") for rawness. This is the first fully electric Cayenne. The model family that shaped the SUV segment and that Porsche calls its most versatile sports car. It’s available in the traditional SUV format, with the expected higher rear roofline, and as a coupé. The coupe now has a completely different silhouette starting from the beltline up, as opposed to the past, when the difference was only visible toward the rear. As a result, the coupe reads as clearly sportier, in vision and, once again, in how it handles. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/interior.webp) *Porsche* The new Cayenne Electric lineup comes in three powertrain models that follow the usual Porsche nomenclature. Cayenne Electric, Cayenne S Electric, and Cayenne Turbo Electric, and two body styles, SUV (which just goes unnamed as Cayenne) or Coupé (as Cayenne Coupé). The Turbo variants naturally get the most power, but the longest rated range (WLTP Combined) goes to the Coupé S Electric and Electric models, which makes sense. The coupé shapes across the board get a slightly better rated range, which may be explained by the fact that the coupé models also sit about 24 millimeters lower than standard, and, also, well, a coupé. Luggage volume, with or without the seats folded, is naturally lower in the coupés too, but again, that’s only above the beltline. What I found interesting was how different the S and Turbo Coupé electrics feel from one another especially given that people tend to lump all electrics together. I’d expected more of a gap given one is rated at 1,156 PS and the other at 666 PS on overboost maximum power and and 857 PS and 544 PS respectively, but the difference was really more about feel than outright numbers. The Turbo Coupe felt more determined and serious, while the S felt lighter and easier to drive, less physical input needed at the wheel. Keep in mind these are both fully electric systems, so everything is tuned precisely and remains highly adjustable by the individual driver. Beyond the powertrain choices, Porsche says there’s an unprecedented level of personalization available on the new Cayenne, more standard exterior colors, more interior combinations, more wheel designs, and more interior and accent packages than ever before. You can also go further through the Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur and Sonderwunsch programs if you want a true one-of-a-kind car. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/caynenne-turbo-electric-flow-display.webp) *Porsche* Among all these choices, the suspension options stand out. Picture a graph with dynamic properties toward the upper right and comfort-oriented ones toward the lower left. The new Cayenne is already well balanced on its own, coming with their adaptive air suspension and PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management). Add systems like rear axle steering available on all models or Porsche Active Ride and the PCCB Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes offered in S Electric and Turbo Electric for even more specialization and breadth of improvement. The comfort parameters can shift out a bit, but the dynamism parameters can increase more drastically. In short, you gain comfort, but you gain even more in stability and dynamism, especially at speed. The car feels softer and more stable overall, yet turns into corners more eagerly at both high and low speeds, while staying flatter and better controlled thanks to improved pitch and roll compensation and body stability. Which brings us to the real question: which of these do you actually want? The Cayenne already comes with a high level of comfort, dynamism, and, frankly, exclusivity, and all of that only increases as you move to the S or Turbo, or from SUV to Coupé. There’s no question the flagship of the range is the Cayenne Turbo Coupe Electric, but it’s built on the bones of an already stellar base. Porsche’s decision to go fully electric here follows the success of the four-door Taycan, still arguably the best sports sedan in the world regardless of powertrain. Just as with the Taycan, Porsche took the strengths of the electric platform and built around them to create a vehicle that acts like a Porsche, just a different kind of Porsche. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/cayenne-electric-interior.webp) *Porsche* One of the more eye-opening parts of the drive experience was the wireless charging system Porsche demonstrated, which worked surprisingly well. This in real life at home or work would of course depend on your electrical setup. It would replace a plug-in home charger, and rolling onto the charging pad felt like matching gates in a video game. Power flowed within five seconds and ramped up to 11 kilowatts almost immediately. The car itself can likely handle more than most home systems can deliver, but the point is that it’s seamless. You’ll forget you’re even charging. If there’s one thing Porsche does better than almost anyone, it’s understanding its enthusiasts, collectors, and buyers. As those groups grow increasingly niche, the Cayenne, and especially the Cayenne Turbo Coupe Electric, shows Porsche aiming precisely at what each of those niches wants. And yes, over 1,100 horsepower on overboost with launch control will pull you off the line harder than a lot of supercars. *More information [here](https://www.porsche.com/pap/_philippines_/).* ## FAQs ### How much horsepower does the Porsche Cayenne Turbo Electric produce? The Porsche Cayenne Turbo Electric produces up to 1,156 PS, or roughly 1,140 horsepower, with overboost and launch control engaged. ### How fast is the Porsche Cayenne Turbo Electric? The Porsche Cayenne Turbo Electric can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.5 seconds when using maximum overboost power and launch control. ### What is the difference between the Cayenne S Electric and Turbo Electric? The Cayenne Turbo Electric feels more forceful and performance-focused, while the Cayenne S Electric feels lighter and easier to drive. Both offer adaptive suspension, extensive personalization, and a balance of comfort and handling. **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** Drive, Electric Cars, porsche, Porsche Cayenne --- ### [Louis Vuitton's High Watchmaking Novelties: Fine Watchmaking as Supporting Cast](https://robbreport.ph/watches/louis-vuitton-monterey-spin-time-fine-watchmaking/) **Published:** July 17, 2026 **Author:** Carl Cunanan **Content:** [Louis Vuitton](https://robbreport.ph/tag/louis-vuitton/ "Louis Vuitton") continues to expand its [watch](https://robbreport.ph/watches/ "Watches") line in ways that are attracting both its more traditional buyers and the higher levels of fine watchmaking collectors. In many ways, this is an example of how a global luxury brand with proper watchmaking credentials can expand the market in ways a normal, traditional watchmaking company can’t, while also seeing things from different angles of the market. What we’re seeing now is growth that comes from that combination of checking the pulse of modern life while also leaning on its connection to its state-of-the-art workshop in Geneva, La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton. This is where artisans, engineers, and designers work together to bring it all to an increasingly appreciative public. One of the key watches at a recent exhibit for special friends and guests at the Greenbelt 5 Louis Vuitton boutique was a piece paying homage to something we’d already seen. [The Louis Vuitton Monterey](https://robbreport.ph/watches/how-louis-vuitton-is-reviving-its-coveted-monterey-watch-from-the-1980s/ "How Louis Vuitton Is Reviving Its Coveted Monterey Watch From the 1980s") is a limited-edition timepiece that looks back to the Maison’s first-ever wristwatch. That first wristwatch was the [LV1](https://robbreport.ph/tag/lv1/ "LV1"), later followed by the [LV2](http://LV2), a watch with an enchanting pebble shape and wonderful detail and depth to its dial. ![Louis Vuitton Monterey](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/WATCHES_MONTEREY_STILL-LIFE_IMG06_1080x1920_RVB-scaled.webp) Louis Vuitton Monterey. *Louis Vuitton* The new Monterey is much simpler on the face, but stunning in its execution. It uses a yellow gold case cradling a beautifully executed white Grand Feu enamel dial, with a fun combination of color and space, open hour and minute hands, and a crown at 12 o’clock. It nods to the original pieces but is cleaner and simpler, in step with the fact that many modern buyers aren’t looking for complications or busyness so much as something that speaks to them with elegance. The new watch uses an in-house automatic movement, as opposed to the original’s quartz, and is limited to 188 pieces. As of now, maybe 20 are left in the world. The other watches at this small gathering came from different corners of the Louis Vuitton world. ![Escale World Time Louis Vuitton](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/323138H.webp) Escale World Time. Louis Vuitton One of our favorites is the [Escale World Time](https://robbreport.ph/tag/escale-world-time/ "Escale World Time"), a wonderfully colorful piece that simultaneously displays 24 time zones and has been pulling in much of the fine watchmaking collector crowd. This piece is offered for the first time in platinum. ![Tambour Moon Mysteriouse by Louis Vuitton Tambour Moon Mystérieuse](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/4d6fa6fd-083f-4455-fe9b-a32bd8072a43.webp) Tambour Moon Mystérieuse. *Louis Vuitton* Another complication piece is the Tambour Moon Mystérieuse, which has its timekeeping mechanism aligned along a vertical line, looking like it’s floating in midair. It traces the lineage of “mysterious” movements, where the hands—and in this case the whole calibre—appear to levitate. In the past, this was done with crystal discs; today it’s created using sapphire crystal. ![Louis Vuitton Vivienne Spin Time Air](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Q1EGJY_VIVIENNESPINTIMEAIR-def2-rvb.webp) Louis Vuitton Vivienne Spin Time Air. *Louis Vuitton* There were several Tambour Spin Times on display too, with executions ranging from the beautiful to the technical, all built on the ingenious system of 12 rotating and tilting hour displays. ![Louis Vuitton Tambour Taiko Spin Time](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/gphg2025_Louis_Vuitton_Tambour_Taiko_Spin_Time_Air_Flying_Tourbillon_001_5e9c2faec4.webp) Louis Vuitton Tambour Taiko Spin Time. *Louis Vuitton* The Tambour Spin Time Air Vivienne draws on the house’s heritage and the iconic Monogram flowers. The Tambour Taiko Spin Time uses the same complication but conjures a vision of Japanese ceremonial drums. ![Louis Vuitton Bijou Secret Vivienne](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Q1K0KY_34_Front-view-P.webp) Louis Vuitton Bijou Secret Vivienne. *Louis Vuitton* Another fun play on the house’s mascot comes with the Bijou Secret Vivienne. A “secret watch” acts more like jewelry, like a bangle or bracelet, with the time-telling function exposed only on demand. On the wrist sits the well-known shape of Vivienne, the Maison’s little character and mascot. A twist of Vivienne reveals a 29 mm white gold case underneath for actually telling the time. What we’re seeing, then, is Louis Vuitton drawing on its strengths and heritage while understanding what younger, more modern buyers are looking for. The Monterey is a clear nod to the past, but younger and fresher, with the simplicity and elegance that many now look for in a piece that adds to their look rather than being their look; the Vivienne Bijou Secret operates the same way, but with a bit more playfulness and flash; then there’s the Spin Time pieces which take full advantage of the independent watchmaking expertise of La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton in Geneva, executed in two very different ways. *Visit the Louis Vuitton boutique in Greenbelt 5, Esperanza Street, Makati City.* ## FAQs ### **What is the Louis Vuitton Monterey?** The Louis Vuitton Monterey is a limited-edition reinterpretation of the Maison’s first wristwatch, now powered by an in-house automatic movement and finished with a Grand Feu enamel dial. ### **What is La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton?** La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton is the Maison’s Geneva-based watchmaking manufacture, where its high-end mechanical watches are designed and produced. ### **What makes the Tambour Spin Time unique?** Rather than conventional hands, the Spin Time displays the hours through twelve rotating cubes that flip to indicate the current hour—a patented complication developed by Louis Vuitton. ### **What is the Tambour Moon Mystérieuse?** The Tambour Moon Mystérieuse uses a transparent sapphire mechanism that creates the illusion of a floating movement, continuing the tradition of “mysterious” watchmaking. ### **Why are collectors paying more attention to Louis Vuitton watches?** Louis Vuitton combines original complications, in-house movements, exceptional finishing, and the expertise of La Fabrique du Temps, making its latest watches increasingly attractive to serious collectors. **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** Escale World Time, La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton, Louis Vuitton, Tambour Moon Mystérieuse, Tambour Spin Time Air Vivienne, Tambour Taiko Spin Time, Vivienne Bijou Secret --- ### [Cartier Marks 20 Years of Supporting Women Entrepreneurs](https://robbreport.ph/style/muse/cartier-womens-initiative-20-years/) **Published:** July 16, 2026 **Author:** Nicholas Ong **Content:** Over the past two decades, [Cartier](https://robbreport.ph/tag/cartier/ "cartier") has built one of luxury’s most consequential philanthropic programs. While the Maison is known for exceptional jewelry and watchmaking, the [Cartier Women’s Initiative](https://www.cartierwomensinitiative.com/) has become an equally enduring expression of its values—investing not in precious materials, but in women whose businesses create measurable social and environmental impact. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/30c96a94ec58e5bb2c582217aa06fb76425f8f62b9505ea490f31f4324cad1c5.webp) *Cartier Women’s Initiative* That milestone was celebrated in [Bangkok](https://robbreport.ph/tag/bangkok/ "bangkok") this June, where Cartier marked the Initiative’s 20th anniversary with its annual awards ceremony at Chulalongkorn University. Under the theme “Women Lighting the Path,” the event honoured 30 fellows from 19 countries selected for ventures addressing challenges ranging from healthcare and education to sustainability, circular economies and scientific innovation. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/b3f54e2eb8550beb68e52f10d641ed744d3d103e5eebb88509c61b87ebbd597a.webp) *Cartier Women’s Initiative* Founded in 2006, the Cartier Women’s Initiative has evolved from an awards programme into a global entrepreneurial network. It has supported 330 women entrepreneurs from 67 countries, distributed more than US$14.1 million in grants, and cultivated a community of over 520 members spanning more than 80 countries. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/10175801-exhibit-1_cover_1600x1067.webp) *Cartier Women’s Initiative* The Bangkok ceremony welcomed more than 700 guests, including entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers and members of Cartier’s international community. Hosted by broadcaster and author Sandi Toksvig, the evening featured keynote addresses from Amal Clooney, chairman of Cartier Culture and Philanthropy Cyrille Vigneron, and Thai business leader Nualphan Lamsam, all underscoring the importance of courageous leadership and expanding opportunities for women. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/71ac9c6d0824c969af062a3e83d1a9403fdac6eef8d993bb388d7e2bfea9eab2.webp) This year’s 30 fellows competed across ten categories, including nine regional awards and the Science & Technology Pioneer Award. First-place winners each received US$100,000, while second- and third-place recipients were awarded US$60,000 and US$30,000, respectively. Beyond financial support, every fellow enters a year-long development programme and gains lifelong access to the Cartier Women’s Initiative’s global network. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/8e6b9c92b8f259fb36278c746c6fc3ef40639cd2032cc401edd265c9f99230cd.webp) *Cartier Women’s Initiative* The anniversary programme extended beyond the awards. Cartier Dialogues brought together leaders including Amal Clooney, Olympian and filmmaker Ramla Ali, psychologist Lisa Orbé-Austin, and Cyrille Vigneron to examine authentic leadership, imposter syndrome and the evolving definition of strength. An accompanying exhibition traced two decades of the Initiative through the stories of women whose businesses have improved lives across sectors including biodiversity, healthcare, education and economic inclusion. ## FAQs ### **What is the Cartier Women’s Initiative?** It is Cartier’s global entrepreneurship programme supporting women-led businesses with positive social and environmental impact. ### **How long has the Cartier Women’s Initiative existed?** The program was founded in 2006 and celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2026. ### **Where were the 2026 Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards held?** The anniversary awards ceremony took place at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand. ### **How many entrepreneurs were recognized in 2026?** Thirty women entrepreneurs from 19 countries were selected as 2026 fellows. ### **What support do Cartier Women’s Initiative fellows receive?** Recipients receive grant funding, a year-long fellowship program, and lifelong access to Cartier’s international entrepreneurial community. **Categories:** Events, Muse **Tags:** Amal Clooney, cartier, Cartier Women's Initiative --- ### [BYD Just Unveiled a Boundary-Pushing Supercar That Churns Out 1,600 HP](https://robbreport.ph/cars/denza-z-supercar/) **Published:** July 16, 2026 **Author:** Bryan Hood **Content:** The new supercar by [Denza](https://www.denza.com/ph) looks like it could be something truly special. The [BYD](https://robbreport.ph/tag/byd/ "BYD")-owned luxury marque unveiled the finished Z at last week’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. The brand’s latest creation features a boundary-pushing powertrain that pumps out nearly 1,600 horses and will actually be released in Europe. The Z has mainly been teased as a [Porsche 911](https://robbreport.ph/tag/porsche-911/ "porsche 911") rival up until now, but it looks to have more in common with a supercar than a sports car. That’s because the futuristic speed machine comes equipped with a tri-motor setup (one motor up front, two in the back) that Denza says will be able to produce a shocking 1,582 hp and 914 ft lbs of torque. For the few drivers who somehow think that output isn’t enough, there’s the track-focused Racing and the range-topping Special Edition variants will make an even more ridiculous 1,971 horses. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/denza-z-05.webp) The Denza Z Racing *BYD* With that much power at its disposal, it only makes sense that the Z is fast. And quite fast at that. Denza says the standard version of the [EV](https://robbreport.ph/tag/ev/ "ev"), which will be available as a coupe and an open-top Spider, can accelerate from zero to 62 mph in 2.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 188 mph. The Racing and Special Edition, meanwhile, can reach 62 mph in just 1.7 seconds and top out at 217 mph. The company also says the last top-of-the-line Z will be the [latest Chinese EV](https://robbreport.ph/cars/xiaomis-new-ev-just-set-the-first-autonomous-speed-record-at-nurburgring/ "Xiaomi’s New EV Just Set the First Autonomous Speed Record at Nürburgring") to make a run at the Nürburgring Nordschleife lap record this fall. Of course, when it comes to EVs, power and speed aren’t the only performance numbers that matter. The Z is built on e3 platform and features its second-generation 76-kWh Blade battery. Its range isn’t spectacular—the company says the coupe has a 255-mile range, the Spider a 249-mile range, and the Racing a 236-mile range—but the pack can be taken from 10 to 97 percent capacity in just nine minutes. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/denza-z-02.webp) The Denza Z Spider *BYD* The EV features a low-slung stance and a body that Denza describes as “a living sculpture of speed.” The Racing variant doesn’t look radically different, but it does add a giant three-way-adjustable wing. Denza has yet to share images of the Special Edition, but it will wear an even more aggressive aero package made of “race-grade, dual-layer composite” that the company says will produce over 4,400 pounds of downforce. Inside, the vehicle features a driver-centric cockpit equipped with an 8.9-inch digital gauge cluster, a 12.8-inch infotainment screen, and a steering wheel with six physical buttons for easy access to features like Track and Boost mode. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/denza-z-01.webp) Inside the Z *BYD* Just as impressive as all that is how much the Denza will reportedly cost. The coupe will start at 142,900 pounds, or roughly $191,000; the Spider at 159,900 pounds, or $214,000; and the Racing at 172,900 pounds, or $231,000, according to Top Gear. The car is set to go on sale in Europe this fall, though a U.S. release is unlikely for the time being. ## FAQs ### What is the Denza Z? The Denza Z is an electric supercar from BYD’s luxury marque, Denza. It uses a tri-motor powertrain producing up to 1,582 hp in standard form, while the Racing and Special Edition variants generate as much as 1,971 hp. ### How fast is the Denza Z? The standard Denza Z can accelerate from zero to 62 mph in 2.5 seconds and reach 188 mph. The Racing and Special Edition models cut the sprint to 1.7 seconds and have a claimed top speed of 217 mph. ### How much will the Denza Z cost? The Denza Z coupe is expected to start at £142,900, or about $191,000. The Spider is priced from £159,900, while the track-focused Racing variant will start at £172,900 when European sales begin. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.*[](https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/photos-denza-z-electric-supercar-1238462406) **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** BYD, Electric Cars, News --- ### [Louis Vuitton Returns to the World Cup With a New Trophy Trunk](https://robbreport.ph/leisure/sports/louis-vuitton-trophy-trunk-fifa-world-cup-2026/) **Published:** July 16, 2026 **Author:** Nicholas Ong **Content:** [Louis Vuitton](https://robbreport.ph/tag/louis-vuitton/ "Louis Vuitton") has spent over a decade turning a hard case into one of football’s most recognizable icons. As the 104 matches by 48 teams in the [2026 FIFA World Cup](https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026), hosted for the first time across three nations—Canada, Mexico, and the United States, where 6 million fans have attended matches already—unfold in real time, the House has confirmed its role as Official Supplier and Branded Licensee, and with it, a new edition of the Trophy Trunk built to carry the tournament’s trophy onto the pitch at the final. The trunk, made at Louis Vuitton’s historic ateliers in Asnières-sur-Seine outside Paris, follows a formula the House has refined since its first Trophy Trunk appeared in 2010. Monogram canvas wraps the exterior, with two front panels hand-painted in a golden “V” that nods equally to the Vuitton name and to victory, echoing the trophy’s own gold tones. The signature leather borders, known as lozines, gold-plated brass hardware, and clasps drawn from Louis Vuitton’s 1860s trunk designs complete the exterior, while the interior is finished in light beige leather with a patch marking the Louis Vuitton–FIFA partnership. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/LOUIS_VUITTON_FIFA_WORLD_CUP_2026_TROPHY_TRUNK_SAVOIR_FAIRE_VISUALS4M.webp) *Louis Vuitton* Alongside the Trophy Trunk, the House is releasing a limited run of three companion pieces carrying the same World Cup-inspired design: a Coffret 8 Montres built to hold eight watches, a Cotteville 16 Montres aimed at serious collectors, and a Malle Courrier Lozine 110, all available with personalized initials, a detail Louis Vuitton has offered on its trunks for well over a century. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/LOUIS_VUITTON_FIFA_WORLD_CUP_2026_TROPHY_TRUNK_SAVOIR_FAIRE_VISUALS3M.webp) *Louis Vuitton* The gesture sits comfortably within Louis Vuitton’s long-running sports patronage, which dates to its 1983 tie with the America’s Cup and now spans partnerships with Formula 1, the Australian Open, the NBA, and the Olympics, among others. As Louis Vuitton CEO and Chairman Pietro Beccari put it, the trunk continues a legacy built around football’s greatest achievement, while FIFA’s Romy Gai frames the pairing as a natural fit given the trophy’s status as the sport’s most coveted prize. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/LOUIS_VUITTON_FIFA_WORLD_CUP_2026_TROPHY_TRUNK_SAVOIR_FAIRE_VISUALS2M.webp) *Louis Vuitton* The trunk itself will travel further than most of the collectors who might buy into the accompanying collection ever will—guided onto the pitch by Louis Vuitton ambassadors and a FIFA legend, ahead of a match billions will watch, whether or not they know a lozine from a lock clasp. *There will be an exclusive preview of the FIFA World Cup™ 2026 winner’s Trophy and Louis Vuitton Trophy Trunk on July 16 from 10am to 12pm at Louis Vuitton Store at 57th Street New York.* ## FAQs ### *What is the Louis Vuitton Trophy Trunk?* It’s the official bespoke case Louis Vuitton designed to carry the FIFA World Cup trophy onto the pitch during the tournament final, made at the House’s Asnières-sur-Seine workshops. ### Has Louis Vuitton made World Cup trunks before? Yes, Louis Vuitton has created Trophy Trunks for every World Cup final since South Africa 2010, including Brazil 2014, Russia 2018, and Qatar 2022. ### What else did Louis Vuitton release for the 2026 World Cup? A limited-edition collection of three trunks—a Coffret 8 Montres, a Cotteville 16 Montres, and a Malle Courrier Lozine 110—each featuring the hand-painted trophy motif and available with personalized initials. ### What is the fifa World cup? The FIFA World Cup is a football tournament featuring 48 national teams and 104 matches. This year, it’s being held at 3 different nations: Canada, Mexico, and the United States. **Categories:** Leisure, Sports **Tags:** Fifa World Cup, Louis Vuitton, Trophy, Trunk --- ### [How Alex Eala Maintains Peak Performance As She Makes Tennis History](https://robbreport.ph/leisure/sports/how-alex-eala-maintains-peak-performance-as-she-makes-tennis-history/) **Published:** July 15, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** Each homecoming feels bigger than the last for Filipino tennis sensation Alex Eala. Her most recent return is marked by another procession of appearances and supporters eager to welcome the young star carrying Philippine tennis into unfamiliar territory. This time, Eala touched down in Manila after reaching the fourth round of the 2026 [Wimbledon](https://www.wimbledon.com/) Championships, the first Filipino singles player to advance that far at a Grand Slam in the Open Era, making an impact among fans here and abroad by virtue of her skill, humility, and even her[ on-court style](https://robbreport.ph/leisure/sports/the-luxury-accessories-tennis-pros-wear-from-alex-eala-and-rafael-nadal-to-roger-federer/ "The Luxury Accessories Tennis Pros Wear, From Alex Eala and Rafael Nadal to Roger Federer"). Seeded 29th, she defeated Renata Zarazua and Maya Joint before overcoming defending champion Iga Swiatek on Centre Court. Jasmine Paolini ended her run in three sets, but the performance carried Eala to a new career-high ranking of world No. 28 and confirmed how quickly her place in the sport continues to grow. Her ascent has changed what being back in the Philippines now entails. “The situation changes every time I go home, in a good way,” Eala notes. Greater recognition brings a succession of events and appearances, leaving less time to reconnect with family and childhood friends. She speaks of those demands with gratitude, while acknowledging the personal time they increasingly require. Wimbledon may have changed the way others see her, but Eala insists it has not changed how she sees herself. She sees her biggest results as the product of preparation. Her definitive win over Swiatek lifted Eala’s record against Top 10 opponents to a remarkable 7–4, placing her among the tour’s most formidable challengers to the game’s highest-ranked players. Performances of this caliber are becoming commonplace for Eala as of late. “When I’m facing a Top 10 player, I know it’s going to be a tough match,” she said. “There is a level of focus that I need to reach, and I know if I don’t reach that, then the chances drop.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Alex-Eala-jewelry-2240x1260.webp) As stunning as her talent is on the court, Alex Eala’s choice of jewelry pieces at each match is grabbing just as much attention. The wins may draw the larger audiences, but Eala spoke just as openly about defeat. She singled out the 2025 Eastbourne final against Joint as one of the most difficult losses of her career. Eala held four championship points before falling 6–4, 1–6, 7–6(10). “I’m able to look at that match now, and I’m able to smile and laugh,” she adds. “I’m proud of that whole week, and I’m proud of myself that I was able to turn that experience into fond memories.” The increased pressure has only sharpened Eala’s mental game, though she sees emotional control as the more meaningful gain. “One thing I’ve learned about myself is how to control my emotions and how I can dictate my emotions,” she says. Confidence has become equally fundamental. “I believe in myself a lot, and I think that’s one of the foundations of my mentality and how I approach my competitions.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Alex-Eala-FP-2240x1260.webp) As stunning as her talent is on the court, Alex Eala’s choice of jewelry pieces at each match is grabbing just as much attention. *Wimbledon/AELTC/Florian Eisele* Off the court, discipline comes down to a few essentials. Tennis and gym work are fixed parts of her schedule, while proper sleep remains non-negotiable. Travel inevitably complicates the routine, so Eala tries to reset her body clock as soon as she arrives. “It gets difficult when I change time zones, but I try to fix it on the first day, so it becomes a little bit easier.” Food and sleep form the basis of her recovery, supported by a team that has remained with her through much of her rise. “I’ve had the same team for quite a while now,” she adds. “They are so intelligent, so experienced, and so understanding.” She doesn’t really follow a rigid diet, though she eats carefully and readily spends on the areas that protect her performance, including physiotherapy, massages, nutrition, medical care, and business-class travel when competition follows closely after a long flight. “Those are the kinds of investments that I put in myself for my future.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Alex-Eala_2.webp) Eala’s first week in Manila is packed with press conferences and interviews throughout. *BPI* Her influence now extends well beyond the ranking table. While she spends [most of her time in Mallorca](https://robbreport.ph/leisure/sports/heres-where-tomorrows-grand-slam-champions-are-made/ "Here’s Where Tomorrow’s Grand Slam Champions Are Made"), each visit to the Philippines gives Eala another glimpse of how many Filipinos are taking a renewed interest in the sport. “One thing that really fills my heart whenever I come back is when people come up and tell me it’s so hard to play now and it’s so hard to get a court,” she says. “Maybe the first step \[to making tennis even more popular here\] would be to have more courts.” A shortage of court time is a good problem to have. Eala now turns her attention to the North American hard-court swing, beginning with the Mubadala Citi DC Open in Washington before stops in Toronto and Cincinnati lead into the US Open, with the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya also in view later this season. “My journey in professional tennis has already been so long,” she says, “but it’s only getting started.” ## FAQs ### What did Alex Eala achieve at the 2026 Wimbledon Championships? Alex Eala became the first Filipino singles player in the Open Era to reach the fourth round of a Grand Slam. Her Wimbledon run included a Centre Court victory over defending champion Iga Swiatek before she lost to Jasmine Paolini in three sets. ### What is Alex Eala’s highest world ranking? Eala reached a new career-high ranking of world No. 28 in the WTA singles rankings following her historic fourth-round appearance at the 2026 Wimbledon Championships. ### How does Alex Eala prepare for matches and recover while traveling? Eala considers tennis training, gym work, and proper sleep non-negotiable. She adjusts to new time zones as soon as she arrives and prioritizes healthy food, physiotherapy, massages, medical care, and comfortable travel when she must compete shortly after a long flight. **Categories:** Sports **Tags:** Alex Eala, BPI, Feature, sports, tennis, Wimbledon --- ### [Tony Boy Escalante Hands Leadership of Antonio's Group to the Next Generation](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/tony-boy-escalante-hands-leadership-of-antonios-group-to-the-next-generation/) **Published:** July 14, 2026 **Author:** Nicholas Ong **Content:** After nearly 25 years leading [Antonio’s Group of Restaurants](https://www.antoniosrestaurant.ph/), chef-patron [Antonio “Tony Boy” Escalante](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/the-expanding-culinary-world-of-antonios/ "The Expanding Culinary World of Antonio’s") is stepping back from daily operations, entrusting the business to a leadership team that will oversee its continued growth while he focuses on strategic direction. The founder will step back from the day-to-day operations of the group’s renowned Tagaytay restaurants, assuming a strategic oversight role that will allow him to focus on the long-term culinary and business direction of the company while continuing to mentor its chefs and creative teams. The transition comes as Antonio’s Group appoints a new leadership team tasked with guiding the next phase of growth for one of the country’s best-known restaurant brands. “This isn’t about stepping away from what I love,” shares Tony Boy Escalante. “It’s about creating the space for the next generation to lead while I focus on the bigger picture.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/basti-escalante2.webp) Basti Escalante. *JL Javier* Leading that next generation is Basti Escalante, who has been appointed Director of Business Development. Already overseeing the group’s Metro Manila restaurant and retail concepts, he will continue expanding the brand by identifying opportunities that align with Antonio’s long-term vision. “Our promise of thoughtful hospitality, exceptional food, and genuine service hasn’t changed,” says Basti Escalante. “As we take on greater responsibility for the restaurants my father built, our focus is on honoring that legacy while thoughtfully preparing Antonio’s Group for the future. We want every guest who walks through our doors to experience the same care and excellence that Antonio’s has always been known for, even as we continue to evolve for a new generation.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/ac-agraexecutive-chef2.webp) Chef AC Agra. *JL Javier* Joining him is Executive Chef AC Agra, who now oversees the group’s culinary operations. Having spent years working in Australia’s fine-dining industry, Agra will lead menu development, maintain culinary standards, and mentor the next generation of chefs across the group’s portfolio. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/patricia-benedicto2.webp) Patricia Benedicto. *JL Javier* Completing the leadership team is Patricia Benedicto, appointed Director of Brand and Food and Beverage, where she will oversee brand development, concept creation, and food-and-beverage initiatives to ensure each guest experience reflects Antonio’s longstanding commitment to quality and hospitality. Founded in 2002 with the opening of Antonio’s in Tagaytay, the group has grown into one of the Philippines’ defining hospitality brands. Alongside Antonio’s, destinations such as [Breakfast at Antonio’s ](https://www.antoniosrestaurant.ph/breakfast-at-antonios)and [Balay Dako](https://www.antoniosrestaurant.ph/balay-dako) have helped establish Tagaytay as one of the country’s premier culinary destinations, while Metro Manila concepts including Azela and [Pedro the Grocer](https://www.pedrothegrocer.ph/) have expanded the brand’s reach. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/group2.webp) *JL Javier* Its flagship restaurant has also earned international recognition through inclusion in the Michelin Guide, further cementing Antonio’s reputation for understated luxury, exceptional cuisine, and gracious Filipino hospitality. *More information on Antonio’s Group of Restaurants [here](https://www.antoniosrestaurant.ph/).* **Categories:** Dining, Food & Drink **Tags:** Antonio Escalante, antonio's, Antonio's Group of Restaurants, balay dako, Basti Escalante, Pedro the Grocer, tony boy escalante --- ### [Inside Lucerne Watch Week 2026: The Watches That Defined This Year's Showcase](https://robbreport.ph/watches/inside-lucerne-watch-week-2026-the-watches-that-defined-this-years-showcase/) **Published:** July 2, 2026 **Author:** Carl Cunanan **Content:** The [Lucerne Group](http://lucerneluxe.com) once again brought the excitement of the global watchmaking world to Manila with the third edition of Lucerne [Watch](https://robbreport.ph/watches/ "Watches") Week. This year’s venue, the Ayala Museum, provided an elegant setting where collectors, enthusiasts, and friends of the maisons could explore the latest releases from 16 of the world’s leading watch brands. The exhibition featured not only watches introduced during [Watches and Wonders Geneva](https://robbreport.ph/watches/inside-watches-and-wonders-2025-an-editors-take/ "Inside Watches and Wonders 2025: An Editor’s Take"), but also several models unveiled after the fair, including pieces revealed globally just one week before arriving in Manila. For many of these timepieces, Lucerne Watch Week marked their first public appearance in the Philippines. More importantly, each maison presented not only its newest watches but also the heritage and philosophy behind its watchmaking. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/81008-63-3412-1CM-gallery-1-v2-9e915c.webp) Girard-Perregaux Girard-Perregaux showcased the latest additions to the Laureato family, including the much-anticipated Laureato Fifty 36mm. Alongside these contemporary releases was a thoughtfully curated selection from the brand’s museum collection, highlighting both its long history of technical innovation and its consistency in design over the decades. ![Close-up of a black-dial wristwatch with a white strap, shown from the side against a blue gradient background.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/IWC-Pilots-Venturer-Vertical-FP-2240x1260.webp) IWC presented the new [Pilot’s Venturer Vertical Drive](https://robbreport.ph/watches/pilots-venturer-vertical-drive-iwc-engineers-its-first-watch-for-human-spaceflight/), developed with a bezel-centred operating system intended for use in space while wearing gloves. The brand also introduced its latest perpetual calendar technology through the Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar ProSet Le Petit Prince, whose new ProSet system greatly simplifies calendar adjustments. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/iwc-big-pilot-venturer-and-portofino-2240x1260.webp) Pilot’s Venturer Vertical Drive (left) and Big Pilot’s Watch Perptual Calendar ProSet Le Petit Prince (right). Collectors were equally drawn to the Portofino Automatic Day & Night 34 Le Petit Prince, which translates the beloved literary classic into an elegant everyday watch. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Parmigiani-2240x1260.webp) Tonda PF Chronographe Mysterieux (left) and Tonda PF GMT Rattrapante dual time watches (right). Parmigiani Fleurier demonstrated why it continues to occupy a respected place among independent watchmakers. Standout pieces included the Tonda PF Chronographe Mysterieux, with its five centrally mounted chronograph seconds hands, and the Tonda PF GMT Rattrapante, whose hidden second time-zone hand disappears beneath the hour hand when not in use. The technical ingenuity behind both models attracted attention even from watchmakers representing other maisons. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/SLGB025_KV-2240x1493.webp) Ushio 300 Spring Drive U.F.A. dive watch in Dive Green. Grand Seiko presented what many considered among the highlights of Watches and Wonders: the Ushio 300 Spring Drive U.F.A. dive watch. Crafted in titanium and offering professional dive capability alongside the meticulous finishing for which Grand Seiko is known, the model stood apart in an increasingly crowded category. The brand also displayed nine new Evolution 9 references introduced globally only a week earlier. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/tag_heuer_monaco_CEW5181FT8123_CEW5180FT8122.webp) The Tag Heuer Monaco Evergraph. TAG Heuer continued its focus on motorsport with the Monaco Evergraph. While the iconic square case remains instantly recognisable, the real innovation lies within. A newly developed chronograph mechanism delivers crisp, satisfying operation while complementing a more contemporary open-worked design. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/5015_12B30_B52_Fifty_Fathoms_Automatic.webp) Blancpain attracted collectors with its latest Fifty Fathoms, now offered in a compact 38 mm case in either titanium or stainless steel. The decision reflects the industry’s growing appreciation for smaller watch sizes while remaining faithful to one of diving’s most historically important collections. Tudor introduced the recently launched Black Bay Chrono 39 in a bold yellow-and-black colourway, alongside favourites such as the Laguna Blue model. Many collectors also gravitated toward the Black Bay Chrono “Carbon 26,” inspired by the 2026 Visa Cash App Racing Bulls Formula One car. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/images.webp) Aston Martin Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43. Longines continued the momentum behind its highly sought-after HydroConquest collection, while Breitling showcased the Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43 Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team edition. Chopard rounded out the exhibition with the Alpine Eagle and Happy Sport collections, demonstrating the maison’s ability to combine high-level watchmaking with jewellery craftsmanship. These were only some of the highlights from Lucerne Watch Week. Beyond the latest releases, the event continues to strengthen Manila’s growing community of collectors by providing direct access to many of the world’s most significant watchmakers. True to Lucerne’s philosophy, however, the conversation has already moved beyond this year’s exhibition—to the next demonstrations, the next watchmakers, and the next chapter in bringing global horology closer to Filipino enthusiasts. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### **What is Lucerne Watch Week?** Lucerne Watch Week is an annual exhibition organized by the Lucerne Group that brings leading international watch brands to Manila, allowing collectors and enthusiasts to discover the latest timepieces and innovations. ### **Which brands participated in Lucerne Watch Week 2026?** The exhibition featured 16 watchmakers, including Girard-Perregaux, IWC, Grand Seiko, Parmigiani Fleurier, TAG Heuer, Blancpain, Tudor, Longines, Breitling, and Chopard. ### **Why is Lucerne Watch Week important for collectors?** Lucerne Watch Week gives Filipino collectors early access to many of the newest releases from Watches and Wonders Geneva and other global launches, while offering opportunities to engage directly with the brands and learn more about contemporary watchmaking. *Lucerne Watch Week is by invitation only, through to July 7 at the Ayala Museum.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** Lucerne Luxe, Lucerne Watch Week --- ### [Why Summer Has Become Watchmaking’s Favorite Season](https://robbreport.ph/watches/why-summer-has-become-watchmakings-favorite-season/) **Published:** July 14, 2026 **Author:** Victoria Gomelsky **Content:** Even in the thick of summer, Malibu can be chilly in the evenings. I was reminded of that on a sunny but wind-whipped Friday in late June, when my boyfriend, Jim, and I arrived at Villa Dume, [an $18.5 million modernist estate](https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/6889-Dume-Dr-Malibu-CA-90265/331637373_zpid/) on Point Dume, a luxury enclave beloved by surfers and elite homeowners alike. We were there to attend Hublot’s first Big Bang Summer event in California. Since 2017, the annual celebration has popped up in coastal hot spots such as Mykonos and Saint-Tropez—I can only assume the Malibu party had a much different vibe. (Cooler in more ways than one?) As we admired the sun-drenched backyard—including a front-and-center display of wristwatches with summery pastel hues, framed against the backdrop of a glamorous pool, a distant row of palm trees, and the Pacific Ocean—young women wearing chain mail gloves offered to shuck oysters for us on the spot. They wore these funny getups, complete with multiple buckets to hold the oysters, condiments, and discarded shells. I know you’re not technically supposed to eat oysters in months that don’t have the letter R, but I’m an oyster fiend, so I indulged in several helpings, topped with everything from Champagne mignonette to a dousing of mezcal. Summer 2026 had, after all, just started, and Hublot, the luxury watch brand that has made its association with summer (at least in the Northern Hemisphere) a cornerstone of its marketing, was seizing the moment. It was a good party—lively and filled with excellent people watching. Special guest Patrick Mahomes made a brief speech (“This is Hublot to me: This is creativity, this is boldness”), while collectors such as the L.A. restaurateur Jesse Gomez circulated through the crowd. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/hublot-big-bang-multi-colored-ceramic.webp) A multicolored ceramic model of Hublot’s new Big Bangs. *Hublot* In his welcome remarks, Franck Suznjevic, president of Hublot in the Americas, referred to the brand’s long-running “Art of Fusion” philosophy. “We like to mix unexpected materials, unexpected culture for the sake of creating something unique,” he said. The brand’s products certainly attest to that. Founded in 1980 by Carlo Crocco, Hublot made watchmaking history by producing the first luxury gold watch on a natural rubber strap. While Switzerland’s watchmaking establishment initially dismissed Crocco’s creation as unrefined—rubber, after all, was more associated with flip-flops and bottle stoppers than luxury timepieces—Europe’s aristocrats, King Juan Carlos of Spain among them, embraced the bold new watch, which carried a faint vanilla scent. Its corrosion resistance, lightness, flexibility, and durability only added to the appeal. Budget manufacturers quickly copied Crocco’s concept, and the major houses weren’t far behind. By the mid-1990s, rubber and similar composite materials had found their way into the sport lines of many prestige brands (Patek Philippe famously introduced the Aquanaut, its first watch to come on a rubber strap, in 1997). Fashion houses joined in too, putting their own spin on the trend: Dior’s Christal Rubber, for instance, paired a sapphire-set rubber strap with a grooved pattern meant to evoke traditional link bracelets. The industry took notice of Hublot again in 2005, when the brand introduced the Big Bang, a sports chronograph that combined gold, ceramic, Kevlar, carbon, tungsten, tantalum, and rubber in a single design. Driven by the vision of Hublot CEO Jean-Claude Biver—the legendary watch marketer who had just spent 11 years at the Swatch Group—the Big Bang reflected the concept of “fusion”—merging classic watchmaking craftsmanship with modern design sensibilities. “When tradition meets the future, then you are progressing and that’s how you keep the art alive,” Biver told [*The New York Times* ](https://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/10/style/10iht-rwnew.5213074.html)in 2007. Over the years, the Big Bang has evolved into a platform for Hublot’s most summery creations. Exhibit A: the new 42 mm Big Bang Titanium Peach Ceramic, a serious watch—powered by a self-winding Unico flyback chronograph movement—with a downright frivolous vibe. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/iwc-louis-vuitton-summer-watches.webp) IWC’s new Ingenieur Automatic 35; Louis Vuitton’s new Monterey. And I suppose that’s the point. Summer watches—officially a thing, if IWC’s new Ingenieur Automatic 35 with its “pool blue dial,” is any indication—are playful by definition. Look, for example, to Louis Vuitton’s new Monterey ceramic watches. Featured at the brand’s Men’s Spring/Summer 2027 fashion show, the pieces—one green, the other black—transform the 2025 re-edition of the Louis Vuitton Monterey in yellow gold—a contemporary but still-sober take on the house’s first wristwatch, with a Grand Feu enamel dial and an in-house automatic movement—into charm tags. Maybe that’s why watch brands are increasingly claiming summer as their season. Against the backdrop of Malibu sunsets, Mediterranean beach clubs, and wrist candy in sorbet shades, they’re selling more than a timepiece—they’re selling a state of mind, one where technical excellence doesn’t have to take itself too seriously. ## FAQs ### What is Hublot’s Big Bang Summer event? Hublot’s Big Bang Summer is an annual celebration that pairs the brand’s colorful watches with coastal destinations and seasonal experiences. Launched in 2017, the event has appeared in locations including Mykonos, Saint-Tropez, and, for the first time in California, Malibu. ### What is special about the Hublot Big Bang Titanium Peach Ceramic? The 42 mm Big Bang Titanium Peach Ceramic combines a playful pastel case with serious watchmaking. It is powered by Hublot’s self-winding Unico flyback chronograph movement, reflecting the brand’s philosophy of blending technical performance with unexpected materials and bold design. ### Why are luxury watch brands releasing more summer watches? Summer watches allow luxury brands to experiment with vivid colors, unconventional materials, and lighter moods without sacrificing craftsmanship. Models from Hublot, IWC, and Louis Vuitton show how brands are increasingly positioning watches as expressions of a seasonal lifestyle as much as precision timepieces. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** Feature, hublot, Watch Collector --- ### [This Sporty New 92-Foot Yacht Is Like a Range Rover for the Seas](https://robbreport.ph/boats/pershing-gtx90-is-like-a-range-rover/) **Published:** July 14, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** Cross a Range Rover with an Italian motor yacht, and you get the latest Pershing. The new Pershing [GTX90](https://www.pershing-yacht.com/en-us/Yachts/Model-gtx/p/6-390-644-PUB/n/Pershing-GTX90-Project), the first unit of which the Ferretti Group brand launched at the port of Fano in Italy on July 1, delivers power, comfort, and style in a 92-foot package. The model is the second-largest in Pershing’s GTX range of Sport Utility [Yachts](https://robbreport.ph/boats/ "Boats"), bigger than both the entry-level GTX70 and the GTX80 but smaller than the GTX116. Penned in partnership with Vallicelli Design studio, the newcomer is blessed with Pershing’s sporty DNA, combining a clean, contemporary silhouette with impressive performance specs. It is also clearly a GTX, with the exterior showcasing several of the line’s signatures, such as a sharp vertical bow and a slightly convex sheer line. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Pershing-GTX90-Sport-Utility-Yacht-2.webp) The first GTX90 hit the seas on July 1. *Pershing* As with other models in the series, the GTX90 capitalizes on every inch of deck space. With a beam of just under 23 feet, the yacht offers generous living quarters spread across two decks and a sportbridge. The layout is designed to connect the indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a nice sense of flow throughout. A wide door on the main deck connects the raised cockpit aft to an open-plan living area with a large bar to port, an eight-seat dining table to starboard, and a cozy salon with a C-shaped sofa at the back. A little further in, the bow is home to a helm station with three pilot chairs and an electrically operated skylight. From here, side walkways lead to a forward lounge area with a sunpad and a dinette fitted with an electric up-down table. The lower deck is dedicated to accommodation. The full-beam owner’s suite is positioned amidship, a VIP lies forward, and two guest cabins (one double, one single) sit in between. All four cabins come with en suites, of course. The lower deck also houses two double crew cabins with private bathrooms and direct access to the main galley. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Pershing-GTX90-Sport-Utility-Yacht-4.webp) The sportbridge is one of the most spacious in class. *Pershing* The standout feature is, quite fittingly, at the pinnacle. The spacious sportbridge covers 355 square feet, meaning it offers over 43 percent more deck space than the average for yachts of this size, according to Pershing. It includes a sunbathing area, a dinette, two large sofas, and a coffee table, all of which are covered by a hardtop. Another highlight is the aft cockpit, which is equipped with two swing-down side terraces that open to increase the deck space to 398 square feet. The seaside expanse offers up a lounge and a panoramic sunpad that holds two Seabobs beneath. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Pershing-GTX90-Sport-Utility-Yacht-5.webp) That isn’t the only storage on board, either. The GTX90 is the first of the smaller yachts in the range (under 100 feet) to be fitted with a double garage that can carry a Williams 395 SportJet tender and a Sea-Doo Spark Trixx jet ski. As for grunt, the GTX90 is fitted with two MAN V-12 engines delivering 2,200 hp each for a top speed of 35 knots and a range of 300 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 30 knots. It also comes with two Seakeeper 18 gyroscopic stabilizers to maximize comfort, so she’s as smooth as your Rangey. ## FAQs ### What is the Pershing GTX90? The Pershing GTX90 is a 92-foot Sport Utility Yacht positioned between the GTX80 and GTX116 in Pershing’s range. Designed with Vallicelli Design, it combines sporty performance, expansive outdoor spaces, and accommodation for up to eight guests across four en-suite cabins. ### How fast is the Pershing GTX90? Powered by two 2,200 hp MAN V-12 engines, the Pershing GTX90 can reach a top speed of 35 knots. It has a cruising speed of 30 knots and an estimated range of 300 nautical miles, while two Seakeeper 18 gyroscopic stabilizers improve comfort underway. ### What are the standout features of the Pershing GTX90? Highlights include a 355-square-foot sportbridge, an aft cockpit with fold-down terraces that expand the area to 398 square feet, and a double garage for a Williams 395 SportJet tender and Sea-Doo jet ski. Its open-plan layout also creates a strong connection between the yacht’s indoor and outdoor spaces. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Boats **Tags:** ferretti group, News, Pershing, Pershing Yachts, Yachts --- ### [Ferrari Has Finally Brought Back a Manual Transmission—Kind Of](https://robbreport.ph/cars/ferrari-12cilindri-manuale/) **Published:** July 13, 2026 **Author:** Bryan Hood **Content:** [Ferrari](https://robbreport.ph/tag/ferrari/ "Ferrari") hasn’t completely forgotten about enthusiasts. Just one month after the unveiling of the [controversial Luce EV](https://robbreport.ph/tag/ferrari-luce/ "Ferrari Luce"), the storied sports car maker is back with its first stick shift in more than a decade—sort of. The new Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale comes with a gearbox that includes both automatic and manual driving modes. The big story here is the variant’s transmission, the likes of which haven’t been seen in a Prancing Horse [since the 2012 California](https://carbuzz.com/the-last-manual-ferrari-signified-the-end-of-a-glorious-era/). Despite its name, the latest [12Cilindri](https://robbreport.ph/tag/12cilindri/ "12cilindri") doesn’t technically feature a manual gearbox. Instead, it comes with a dual-clutch unit with what Ferrari is calling a “Manuale-by-wire” system that mimics the experience of using a stick shift. There is no physical connection between the setup and the car’s V-12, but it does feature a clutch and a gated shifter with a polished steel nob that the driver can use to row through the first six of the engine’s eight gears. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/ferrari-12cilindri-manuale-06.webp) Inside the 2027 Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale *Ferrari* The new technology, which was developed in-house by Ferrari, is engineered to work like one of the marque’s traditional manuals. As long as the driver starts the car with their foot on the electronic clutch pedal, the 12 Cilindri will operate like any other stick-shift, including the ability to stall. If the driver wants a more comfortable but less engaging drive, they simply need to start the car with their foot on the brake, which opens up access to the mill’s final two gears. The driver can switch to automatic mode at any time while driving. While the 12Cilindri has a new gearbox, its engine [remains the same](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-50-greatest-ferraris-of-all-time-ranked/ "The 50 Greatest Ferraris of All Time, Ranked"). The car’s naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V-12 makes 819 hp, 500 ft lbs of torque, and redlines at 9,500 rpm. Performance between the standard and “manual” versions is the same, which the car able to sprint from zero to 62 mph in 2.9 and topping out at 211 mph. The exterior and interior also remain relatively unchanged, though the center console does feature a redesigned shifter. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/ferrari-12cilindri-manuale-04.webp) Ferrari plans to build just 1,499 examples of the variant—so you’ll need to move quickly if you want to add it to your garage. Pricing starts at 590,000 Euros, which works out to around $674,000. ## FAQs ### **Is the Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale a true manual car?** Not technically. It uses an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission with Ferrari’s “Manuale-by-wire” system, which recreates the feel of a traditional manual through an electronic clutch pedal and gated shifter. ### **How does the Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale work?** Starting the car with the clutch pedal engaged activates manual mode, allowing the driver to shift through the first six gears and even stall the engine. Starting with the brake pedal provides access to all eight gears and automatic operation. ### **How much does the Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale cost?** Pricing starts at €590,000, or approximately $674,000. Ferrari plans to produce only 1,499 examples of the limited-run model. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.*[](https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/photos-2027-ferrari-12cilindri-manuale-1238435659) **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** 12cilindri, 12Cilindri Manuale, Ferrari, News --- ### [The Porsche 911 GT3 S/C May Be the Purest Modern 911 Yet](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-porsche-911-gt3-s-c-may-be-the-purest-modern-911-yet/) **Published:** July 10, 2026 **Author:** Carl Cunanan **Content:** Is the [Porsche 911](https://robbreport.ph/cars/porsche-just-unveiled-a-new-911-gt3-inspired-by-ferdinand-alexander-porsche-himself/ "Porsche Just Unveiled a New 911 GT3 Inspired by Ferdinand Alexander Porsche Himself") GT3 S/C the last truly purist 911? Or did [Porsche](https://robbreport.ph/tag/porsche/ "porsche") simply build the car a certain kind of enthusiast has always wanted? It can be difficult to explain just how different the various Porsche 911 models really are. To many people, they’re all simply “911s.” Yet beneath that familiar silhouette lies an entire ecosystem of families—and sub-families—each developed for a distinct type of driver and collector. This year, Porsche may have unveiled its purest modern 911 yet. Whether the new [911 GT3 S/C](https://www.porsche.com/pap/_philippines_/models/911/911-gt3-s-c/911-gt3-s-c/) ultimately earns that title remains to be seen, but there is little doubt that it is the most significant addition to the 911 range in years. ![Porsche 911 GT3 S/C](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/332420_6000x4000.webp) Most notably, it is the first production 911 GT3 convertible Porsche has ever built. Since the GT3 debuted as part of the 996 generation in 1999, every production version has been a fixed-roof coupe. Nearly three decades later, Porsche has finally broken tradition. The GT3 S/C arguably picks up where the 911 Speedster left off, although it is not a direct successor. The defining difference is its fully automated soft top. It offers the convenience expected of a modern convertible while adding remarkably little weight—an achievement rarely associated with electrically operated roofs. Power comes from Porsche’s naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six, producing 375 kW (510 PS). As expected, the engineers made subtle but meaningful improvements. Revised cylinder heads and more aggressive camshafts, borrowed from the GT3 RS, sharpen response in the upper reaches of the rev range. The reward is an engine that willingly spins to 9,000 rpm. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/332410_6000x4000.webp) That soundtrack may be the GT3 S/C’s greatest party trick. With no turbochargers to mute the flat-six and no metal roof separating driver from engine, every one of those 9,000 revolutions arrives almost unfiltered. Just as welcome is the six-speed manual gearbox with its short-throw shifter. The transmission shares its final-drive ratio with both the 911 ST and the current GT3, delivering the precision and engagement enthusiasts expect. It is also around 37 pounds lighter than the seven-speed PDK fitted to a standard GT3. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/332408_6000x4000.webp) Weight reduction extends throughout the car. The roof, hood, fenders, and doors are made from carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic, while the rear anti-roll bar, connecting links, and thrust panel also use carbon fiber. Standard Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes save more than 44 pounds over cast-iron rotors, while the magnesium center-lock wheels reduce weight by a further 19 pounds. Despite its power-operated roof, the GT3 S/C tips the scales at just 3,322 pounds—only 66 pounds heavier than the previous Speedster. The roof itself deserves mention. Opening or closing in around 12 seconds, its lightweight magnesium framework creates a graceful, coupe-like roofline that flows cleanly into the rear deck. The GT3 S/C also becomes the first 911 convertible equipped with double-wishbone front suspension. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/332411_6000x4000.webp) Much of the GT3 coupe’s hardware remains intact. The same naturally aspirated engine, front spoiler, rear diffuser, rear-axle steering, and PASM Sport suspension all carry over. Ride height remains approximately 20 millimeters lower than a Carrera, while the chassis retains its track-focused adjustability. Inside, Porsche has added subtle GT3 S/C-specific touches. An open-pore walnut gear knob, Pyro Red shift pattern, Race-Tex trim, fabric door pulls, and a GT3 S/C badge reinforce the car’s analog character. Rear seats are absent, although Porsche offers a storage compartment in their place. Those seeking further exclusivity can specify lightweight folding bucket seats or the Street Style Package, which introduces bespoke design accents from Porsche’s Style Studio. Ultimately, the GT3 S/C succeeds on several levels. It is almost certain to become highly collectible as the first open-top GT3. It retains a naturally aspirated engine and a manual gearbox at a time when turbocharging, hybridization, and automation have become the norm. Yet beyond its specifications lies something more important. It is a 911 built for people who still believe driving is best experienced with both hands on the wheel, one hand on the shifter, and nothing between themselves and the sound of a flat-six climbing to 9,000 rpm. ## FAQs ### **Is the Porsche 911 GT3 S/C the first GT3 convertible?** Yes. The 911 GT3 S/C is the first production GT3 convertible Porsche has ever built. Previous GT3 models were offered exclusively as fixed-roof coupes. ### **What engine powers the Porsche 911 GT3 S/C?** The GT3 S/C uses a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six producing 375 kW (510 PS). It revs to 9,000 rpm and is paired with a six-speed manual transmission. ### **What makes the Porsche 911 GT3 S/C special?** Beyond being the first convertible GT3, it combines lightweight construction, a manual gearbox, naturally aspirated power, and an automated soft top—qualities increasingly rare in modern performance cars. **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** 911 GT3 S/C, porsche --- ### [Louis Vuitton Is Bringing Back Its Classic Car Rally This Fall](https://robbreport.ph/cars/louis-vuitton-is-bringing-back-its-classic-car-rally-this-fall/) **Published:** July 9, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** [Louis Vuitton](https://robbreport.ph/tag/louis-vuitton/ "Louis Vuitton") is reviving a decade-old tradition. The French maison is holding a classic car run in [Italy](http://Italy) this September, giving new life to an event that screeched to a halt over a decade ago. The Louis Vuitton Classic Run was kick-started in 1993, with a challenging drive through the Malaysian jungle. Subsequent races were held across China, France, Italy, and Central Europe, before the event wrapped up in 2012 with a run from Monaco through the Swiss Alps to Venice. Pietro Beccari, who was appointed chairman and chief executive officer of Louis Vuitton in 2023, took part in the Boheme Run from Budapest to Prague via Vienna in 2006, which drove him to reinstate the tradition. The upcoming Dolomites Run will take place from September 1 to 4, acting as a perfect prelude for the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix. (LVMH, the parent company of Louis Vuitton, recently inked a 10-year sponsorship deal with F1, which explains that connection.) The house is inviting the owners of 25 classic cars to take part in the four-day event. It will be free to join this time around, but collectors will be asked to contribute a participation fee in future runs. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/LOUIS-VUITTON-SERENISSIMA-RUN-2012-5-ISOLA-DI-SAN-GIORGIO.webp) The cars at the end of the Serenissima Run in Venice in 2012. *Louis Vuitton* The race will start at Villa Pisani near Venice and end in Monza, with competitors driving approximately 373 miles across two days. The designed route will snake through the Dolomites, allowing drivers to experience dramatic mountain passes, leisurely winding roads, and everything in between. Racers will have to drive at an average speed of roughly 31 mph and will be subject to time controls, passage checks, average speed trials, and regularity trials. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/LV-Classic-Serenissima-Run-2012-Bentley-425-Litre-1938.webp) A Bentley on the Serenissima Run from Monaco through the Swiss Alps to Venice in 2012. *Louis Vuitton* The journey will culminate at the Monza racetrack, where the participating racers and their vintage rides will partake in the opening of the GP. The cars will then be displayed at the Villa Reale in Monza on September 5 and 6, with members of the public free to visit and check them out. The lineup is expected to include four-wheelers by Bugatti, Maserati and Ferrari manufactured up to 1970. The race winner will be awarded a trophy designed by Dutch artist Sabine Marcelis and produced by Murano glassmaker Venini. It will, of course, be presented in a bespoke Louis Vuitton trophy trunk. ## FAQs ### What is the Louis Vuitton Classic Run? The Louis Vuitton Classic Run is a heritage motoring event first launched in 1993 with a drive through the Malaysian jungle. After runs across China, France, Italy, Central Europe, and the Alps, the event ended in 2012. Louis Vuitton is now reviving the tradition with the Dolomites Run in Italy. ### When and where will the Louis Vuitton Dolomites Run take place? The Louis Vuitton Dolomites Run will take place from September 1 to 4 in Italy. The route begins at Villa Pisani near Venice and ends in Monza, covering about 373 miles through the Dolomites before concluding at the Monza racetrack ahead of the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix. ### Can the public see the cars from the Louis Vuitton Dolomites Run? Yes. After the run, the participating classic cars will be displayed at Villa Reale in Monza on September 5 and 6. The public will be able to view the lineup, which is expected to include vintage models by Bugatti, Maserati, and Ferrari built up to 1970. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** car rally, Dolomites, Dolomites Run, italy, Louis Vuitton, News --- ### [Vacheron Constantin Just Dropped Two New Overseas Self-Winding Watches](https://robbreport.ph/watches/vacheron-constantin-just-dropped-two-new-overseas-self-winding-watches/) **Published:** July 9, 2026 **Author:** Nicole Hoey **Content:** [Vacheron Constantin](https://robbreport.ph/tag/vacheron-constantin/ "Vacheron Constantin") is proving the smaller-watch trend isn’t going anywhere. The Swiss maker has just added a pair of new, tinier Overseas Self-Winding timepieces to its lineup. The 34.5 mm duo, shrunk down from the watch’s typical 41 mm size, builds upon the models of the same size released back in 2023—and shows small timepieces still have a massive hold on the horological community. Vacheron Constantin made the new watches, done up in either 18-karat 5N rose gold or stainless steel, with smaller mens’ wrists and women in mind. You’ll still find all the beloved sporty hallmarks of the Overseas collection here, just in a more minute silhouette. One of the differences, aside from the size and material, is all in the dial. The rose-gold iteration (a.k.a. Ref. 4600V/200R-H128) has a lacquered dial done up in a sunburst satin-finish and a velvety-looking minutes track and 18-karat pink-gold hour markers and hands for a true monochromatic moment. The stainless-steel model (Ref. 4600V/200A-H127) is less matchy-matchy, with a striking deep-red lacquered dial with a sunburst center and a velvet-finished minutes track, too. The dial is also home to hour markers in 18-karat white gold, and both models have a date window perched at 3 o’lock. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/vacheron-constantin-overseas-self-winding-345-mm-steel.webp) The stainless-steel version of the new Overseas Self-Winding. *Vacheron Constantin* Flip things over, and you can catch a glimpse of Vacheron’s caliber 1088/1 through the transparent sapphire-crystal caseback. The movement, just 3.83 mm thick, offers up a 40-hour power reserve and a frequency of 4 Hz. And to make the watch fit any occasion, you can opt to fit it with three straps: a white rubber strap, a white alligator strap, and a pink-gold bracelet for the rose-gold model, and a red rubber strap, a red shiny alligator strap, and a stainless-steel bracelet for the steel variation. “The evolution of the Overseas collection has always been guided by a desire to remain in tune with contemporary lifestyles while preserving its immediately recognizable identity,” Christia Selmoni, Vacheron Constantin’s legacy and style director, said in a statement. “Introducing more compact proportions is less about revisiting the past than about broadening the ways in which the watch can be worn and experienced today.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/vacheron-constantin-overseas-self-winding-345-mm-rose-gold-caseback.webp) The stainless-steel version of the new Overseas Self-Winding. *Vacheron Constantin* *Vacheron Constantin* Many other watchmakers have shown off smaller versions of its fan-favorites since January. H. Moser & Cie., for one, debuted its Streamliner Mini at this year’s [Watches & Wonders](https://robbreport.ph/tag/watches-and-wonders/ "watches and wonders"), with both 34 mm and 28 mm sizes up for grabs. And Audemars Piguet dropped two new [Royal Oak Minis](https://robbreport.ph/watches/5-incredible-new-watches-from-audemars-piguets-first-big-drop-of-2026/ "5 Incredible New Watches From Audemars Piguet’s First Big Drop of 2026"), sitting at just 23 mm. And we’d bet we’ll see some more minute launches heading our way in 2026, too. ## FAQs ### What size are Vacheron Constantin’s new Overseas Self-Winding watches? Vacheron Constantin’s new Overseas Self-Winding watches measure 34.5 mm, making them smaller than the collection’s typical 41 mm models. The size is designed for smaller men’s wrists and women, while keeping the sporty look and identity of the Overseas line. ### What are the new Vacheron Constantin Overseas 34.5 mm models made of? The two new models come in 18-karat 5N rose gold and stainless steel. The rose-gold version features a matching lacquered dial with pink-gold hands and markers, while the stainless-steel version has a deep-red lacquered dial with 18-karat white-gold hour markers. ### What movement powers the new Vacheron Constantin Overseas Self-Winding 34.5 mm? The new Overseas 34.5 mm watches are powered by Vacheron Constantin’s caliber 1088/1, visible through a transparent sapphire-crystal caseback. The movement is 3.83 mm thick, runs at 4 Hz, and offers a 40-hour power reserve. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** News, Overseas Self-Winding, Small watches, Vacheron Constantin, Watch Collector --- ### [Frédéric Malle's Iconic Fragrances Arrive at Rockwell Through a Limited-Time Pop-Up](https://robbreport.ph/style/grooming/fragrances/frederic-malles-iconic-fragrances-arrive-at-rockwell-through-a-limited-time-pop-up/) **Published:** July 8, 2026 **Author:** Nicholas Ong **Content:** For perfume collectors, opportunities to experience Éditions de Parfums Frédéric Malle firsthand are few and far between. This month, the celebrated French fragrance house arrives at Power Plant Mall through a limited-time pop-up, bringing some of contemporary perfumery’s most influential creations to Manila through to July 31. Founded in 2000 by Frédéric Malle, the maison transformed modern perfumery by placing the perfumer—not the brand—at the center of every fragrance. Each composition bears the name of its creator, celebrating the work of some of the industry’s most respected noses, including Dominique Ropion, Jean-Claude Ellena, Maurice Roucel, Carlos Benaïm, Pierre Bourdon, and Olivia Giacobetti. The result is a collection that has become a benchmark in niche perfumery. Among its best-known creations are Portrait of a Lady, Dominique Ropion’s richly layered rose and patchouli composition; Carnal Flower, regarded as one of the definitive interpretations of tuberose; Musc Ravageur, Maurice Roucel’s sensual amber musk; and French Lover, Pierre Bourdon’s elegant woody fragrance inspired by the scent of a forest after rain. The Power Plant Mall pop-up invites visitors to discover these compositions in a dedicated space while learning about the perfumers behind them—a philosophy that has distinguished Frédéric Malle for more than two decades. *The Frédéric Malle pop-up is located at the R1 Level, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell, Makati City. For more information about Power Plant Mall’s directory and events, visit their official website, [The Rockwellist](https://therockwellist.com/).* **Categories:** Fragrances, Style, Uncategorized **Tags:** Frédéric Malle, perfumes, Power Plant Mall --- ### [Charles Leclerc Rocked His Richard Mille Collab After Winning the British Grand Prix](https://robbreport.ph/watches/charles-leclerc-rocked-his-richard-mille-collab-after-winning-the-british-grand-prix/) **Published:** July 8, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** [Charles Leclerc](https://robbreport.ph/tag/charles-leclerc/ "charles leclerc") celebrated his first victory in nearly two years in style. The Ferrari driver, who won the British Grand Prix on Sunday after a somewhat chaotic race, hoisted the trophy while wearing the watch he created with [Richard Mille](https://robbreport.ph/tag/richard-mille/ "richard mille"). Released in May 2025, the timepiece is based on the RM 72-01 flyback chronograph that launched in 2020, but features a few fresh aesthetic touches in honor of the Monegasque racer. The 40 mm tonneau-shaped case is crafted in the watchmaker’s signature Quartz TPT, with a red-over-white colorway inspired by the Monegasque flag. (Leclerc was born in Monaco in 1997 and still lives in the country.) The skeletonized dial showcases the same two hues, with pops of red on the chronograph counters and white across the bridges. In stark contrast, the black crown evokes a car tire twisting under acceleration. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/charlesleclercrichardmillerm72-01back.webp) The caseback shows off the in-house movement. *Richard Mille* Flip it over, and the exhibition caseback reveals even more of the in-house automatic movement (Caliber CRMC-1). It offers up hours, minutes, small seconds, a date display, and a flyback chronograph with an integrated function selector. The latter allows the chronograph to be reset to zero and restarted instantly with a single push of the flyback button at 4 o’clock, meaning the wearer doesn’t need to stop and reset the watch manually. The movement runs at 28,800 vph (or 4 Hz) and offers a power reserve of 50 hours. The RM 72-01 “Charles Leclerc” was limited to just 150 examples upon release, with an original retail price of $300,000. The watch is currently trading for roughly double that, listed on sites like [Chrono24](https://www.chrono24.co.uk/richardmille/ref-rm7201.htm) for around $700,000. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/leclercbritishgp.webp) Leclerc after winning the British GP. *AFP via Getty Images* Leclerc is clearly a man of great taste. In addition to loads of luxury [watches](https://robbreport.ph/watches/ "Watches"), he has amassed quite a collection of [Riva](https://robbreport.ph/tag/riva/ "Riva") yachts, taking delivery of a sleek [new 102-footer](https://robbreport.ph/boats/f1-racer-charles-leclerc-just-received-his-sleek-new-102-foot-riva-superyacht/ "F1 Racer Charles Leclerc Just Received His Sleek New 102-Foot Riva Superyacht") earlier this year. On the fashion front, he’s been spotted in pieces by high-end labels such as [Brunello Cucinelli](https://robbreport.ph/tag/brunello-cucinelli/ "brunello cucinelli"), Off-White, and Giorgio Armani. He even launched his own clothing brand, CL16, which he says combines a “refined European sensibility” with “casual elegance.” His style on the track on Sunday was equally impressive, allowing him to notch a win that has tightened up the F1 championship standings. He is currently in fourth position, trailing 71 points behind leader Andrea Kimi Antonelli. ## FAQs ### What watch did Charles Leclerc wear after winning the British Grand Prix? Charles Leclerc wore the RM 72-01 “Charles Leclerc,” a limited-edition Richard Mille flyback chronograph he helped create with the Swiss watchmaker. The piece was released in May 2025 and is based on Richard Mille’s RM 72-01 chronograph. ### What makes the Richard Mille RM 72-01 “Charles Leclerc” special? The RM 72-01 “Charles Leclerc” features a 40 mm tonneau-shaped Quartz TPT case in red and white, inspired by the Monegasque flag. It also includes Richard Mille’s in-house CRMC-1 automatic movement, a flyback chronograph, a function selector, and a 50-hour power reserve. ### How much is Charles Leclerc’s Richard Mille watch worth? The RM 72-01 “Charles Leclerc” originally retailed for $300,000 and was limited to 150 pieces. It is now reportedly trading for roughly twice its original price, with some listings around $700,000. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** formula 1, News, richard mille --- ### [Former Audemars Piguet CEO François-Henri Bennahmias Is Starting His Own Watch Brand](https://robbreport.ph/watches/former-audemars-piguet-ceo-francois-henri-bennahmias-is-starting-his-own-watch-brand/) **Published:** July 6, 2026 **Author:** Nicole Hoey **Content:** François-Henri Bennahmias is starting fresh. The former CEO that turned [Audemars Piguet](https://robbreport.ph/tag/audemars-piguet/ "audemars piguet") into a billion-dollar company just unveiled his new luxury Swiss watch brand on Tuesday. The venture is called N3W5 (pronounced “News”), in a nod to North, East, West, South, with a brand tagline stating that “We are our own compass”, per its [Instagram.](https://www.instagram.com/n3w5watches/) The new company, which will offer up mechanical [watches](https://robbreport.ph/watches/ "Watches") to the tune of around $25,000 (20,000 Swiss francs) will make its formal debut at next year’s Dubai Watch Week, [Business of Fashion reported.](https://www.businessoffashion.com/news/watches/francois-henri-bennahmias-to-launch-new-luxury-swiss-watch-brand-n3w5/) The first collection will include a round case, followed by a cushion-shaped case in the second collection that are both powered by new calibers. The timepieces will be put up for sale in 2028, and Bennahmias hopes to have made 10,000 watches in 10 years—with prices going up to 60,000 Swiss francs, or around $74,000. N3W5, though Swiss made, will be the product of a collective of talents from across the globe, N3W5 says in its first promotional video, highlighting those involved “before, during, and after the product.” One such person is Anita Porchet, a famed enamelist who has worked with the likes of Patek Philippe and Hermès. “I want to reward everyone involved in the entire ecosystem of value creation,” Bennahmias told *BoF.* The businessman had spent 25 years in total at AP, starting his career with the Swiss watchmaker in 1994. From there, he worked his way up to CEO, a position he held from 2013 to 2023. And Bennahmias had a strong impact on the company, leading the brand to notch over $1.6 billion in revenue in 2021, increasing production of its timepieces (like the ever-coveted [Royal Oak](https://robbreport.ph/tag/royal-oak/ "royal oak")), and working with A-listers like LeBron James and Serena Williams. He announced his departure from Audemars Piguet on June 22, 2022, and was succeeded by former president of Firmenich Ilaria Resta. Before embarking on this new endeavor, Bennahmias had attempted to purchase De Bethune as well as two other indie watch brands, according to Business of Fashion. Now, with around $37 million ($30 million Swiss francs) in funding from a group of private investors, he is getting the chance to build his own company, part of his group the Honourable Merchants, from the ground up. ## FAQs ### **What is N3W5, François-Henri Bennahmias’s new watch brand?** N3W5 is a new Swiss luxury watch brand founded by François-Henri Bennahmias, the former CEO of Audemars Piguet. Pronounced “News,” the name refers to North, East, West, and South, with the brand positioning itself around the idea of following its own direction in watchmaking. ### **When will N3W5 watches be available?** N3W5 is expected to make its formal debut at Dubai Watch Week next year, with its first watches planned for sale in 2028. The brand’s first collection will feature a round case, followed by a cushion-shaped case in its second collection. ### **How much will N3W5 watches cost?** N3W5 watches are expected to start at around 20,000 Swiss francs, or about $25,000. Over time, François-Henri Bennahmias expects prices to rise to as much as 60,000 Swiss francs, or around $74,000, as the brand develops its collections. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** audemars piguet, François-Henri Bennahmias, News, Watch Collector, Watches --- ### [Lamborghini Has Revealed Its Most Powerful S.U.V. Yet](https://robbreport.ph/cars/lamborghini-has-revealed-its-most-powerful-s-u-v-yet/) **Published:** July 6, 2026 **Author:** Viju Mathew **Content:** Automobili [Lamborghini](https://robbreport.ph/tag/lamborghini/ "lamborghini") has been a disruptor from the start, a tractor manufacturer that, in 1963, decided to compete with Enzo Ferrari in developing the world’s most exotic cars of the day. In the subsequent decades, founder Ferruccio Lamborghini’s eponymous marque has continued its charge with such benchmark models as the [Miura](https://robbreport.ph/cars/lamborghini-celebrates-six-decades-of-the-supercar-miura/ "Lamborghini Celebrates Six Decades of the Supercar Miura"), Countach, Aventador, and Huracán. Yet the model that’s had the most impact on the industry and the Raging Bull’s own bottom line has been a family hauler, albeit one with plenty of fury. The Lamborghini Urus S.U.V. appeared on the scene in 2017, and since its debut, other high-luxury, high-performance automakers have been chasing its success. Unfortunately for the rest of the field, the team at Sant’Agata Bolognese has just announced a new variant that’s its most powerful yet—[the Urus SE Performante](https://www.lamborghini.com/en-en/history/urus-performante), which *Robb Report* was recently given a virtual preview of by Lamborghini’s design director Mitja Borkert. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Lamborghini-Urus-SE-Performante-1.webp) The Lamborghini Urus SE Performante. *Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.* “When [Winkelmann](https://robbreport.ph/tag/stephan-winkelmann/ "Stephan Winkelmann") \[Stephan Winkelmann, Lamborghini’s global C.E.O.\] came back to Lamborghini, we said, ‘OK, we can strategically develop the car into a more elegant version, the Urus S, and into a more expressive performance version, the Urus Performante,” Borkert tells *Robb Report*. “And now, with the [Urus SE](https://robbreport.ph/the-story-of/a-brief-history-of-lamborghini-suvs-from-the-rambo-lambo-to-the-urus/ "A Brief History of Lamborghini SUVs, From the Rambo Lambo to the Urus") and the Urus SE Performante, we are doing another step on that strategy.” Referring specifically to the latest release, Borkert notes, “The car is, for me now, really the perfect Urus. It is looking very alive and very, very refreshed, and really ready for the future.” Reflective of that prescient approach is how the SE Performante further advances the 789 hp SE’s plug-in-hybrid power-train configuration. The setup comprises a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 and a synchronous electric motor—fed by a 25.9 kWh battery—that join forces to now deliver just over 800 hp and 737 ft lbs of torque, all managed by an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Those specs beat the SE by 144 hp and more than 110 ft lbs of torque. This increased brawn allows the vehicle to cover zero to 62 mph in 3.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 193.8 mph, the latter remaining the same as that of the SE. With the help of the Integrated Power Brake (IBP) system, reliant on feedback from eight sensors constantly assessing conditions and traction, brake power has, according to the press release, improved by 10 percent, and “system responsiveness” by 12 percent, compared to the solely internal-combustion-engined Urus Performante. As for the carbon-ceramic brakes themselves, they bring the vehicle to a standstill from just over 124 mph in less than 426.5 feet. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Lamborghini-Urus-SE-Performante-2.webp) The Urus SE Performante’s 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 and synchronous electric motor—fed by a 25.9 kWh battery—join forces to now deliver just over 800 hp and 737 ft lbs of torque. *Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.* Complementing the added muscle is the SE Performante’s aerodynamic features, which bring to the table what’s claimed to be 23 percent more downforce and 3 percent less drag versus the SE. “We have a very close collaboration with our aerodynamic colleagues,” says Borkert. In highlighting some of the aero elements, he first points to the “functional S-duct . . . where we take the air stream that is entering the front air intake of the car and then exiting through these two air outlets on the engine bonnet.” For Borkert, this is an important piece of refining the performance puzzle. “The S-duct is an element that, from my point of view, is also quite unique in the S.U.V. world in general. I don’t know any other S.U.V. that has this solution, because it’s really more or less what we are also doing in the [Fenomeno](https://robbreport.ph/tag/fenomeno/ "fenomeno"),” Borkert mentions, referencing Lamborghini’s 1,066 hp hybrid [supercar](https://robbreport.ph/guide-to/how-to-drive-a-supercar-everything-you-need-to-know-before-getting-behind-the-wheel/ "How to Drive a Supercar: Everything You Need to Know Before Getting Behind the Wheel"), of which only 29 examples will be built. In addition, Borkert notes that “the upper wing is the same as the \[Urus\] Performante of today . . . but you can see the carbon-fiber ducktail is higher. Then, on the lower part, we have the largest, the widest, the most expressive diffusor we have done so far for the Urus.” Along with these changes, he mentions “some rework \[by\] the aerodynamical team of the underfloor of the car.” Also imbuing the SE Performante with a more aggressive appearance is the new carbon-fiber hood. “You can see the front is pointing even more down, like a shark,” Borkert says, adding, “we have a more pointy silhouette.” That delightfully menacing aesthetic is also enhanced by a poised-to-strike stance, which has its track width expanded by 16 mm (.62 inches) and bolstered by 23-inch wheels shod in Pirelli P Zero tires. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Lamborghini-Urus-SE-Performante-3.webp) The interior takes inspiration from that of the Lamborghini Huracán STO. *Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.* Then there’s the cabin. “I thought it’s cool to take the graphical elements of the Huracán STO . . . because the [Huracán STO](https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/lamborghini-huracan-sto-debut-1234582429/) is, so far, one of our most sporty cars, and I wanted to have this connection, so when you look at the seats, when you look at the “Y” shapes, when you look at the bolsters, everything looks like it’s made to enjoy driving,” explains Borkert. It’s really keeping you in this ‘Feel Like a Pilot’ mode, and on top of that . . . the microfiber is sustainable. Called Nero Cosmus, it’s the darkest, most black microfiber we are offering in our cars . . . this is always exclusively for the Performante versions.” Along with the standard Urus drive modes of Strada, Sport, Corsa, Nevia, Sabba, and Terra for on-road, track, and off-road motoring, the SE Performante provides the same electrification-based modes premiered with the SE, those being EV Drive, Hybrid, Performance, and Recharge. But the SE Performante breaks away from the other Urus variants with a new Rally mode for more spirited driving off the beaten path. Also on hand are the Fenomeno’s 6D-sensor setup (providing a continually updating snapshot of the car’s dynamic interrelationships), the aforementioned IBP, and a host of other driver assists already common to the Urus line. “The car is incredibly capable, and it is, let’s say, beautiful—you can judge \[for\] yourself, but it is, for sure, very expressive” says Borkert. “It’s an Urus, but it’s clearly a performance version of the Urus—this is what we wanted to express with the design.” [Lamborghini](https://robbreport.ph/cars/inside-lamborghinis-most-exclusive-custom-experience-reserved-for-1-of-clients/ "Inside Lamborghini’s Most Exclusive Custom Experience, Reserved for Less Than 1% of Clients") will begin accepting orders for the Urus SE Performante as of today, though U.S. pricing has yet to be disclosed. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### **What is the Lamborghini Urus SE Performante?** The Lamborghini Urus SE Performante is the most powerful version of Lamborghini’s high-performance SUV. It builds on the plug-in-hybrid Urus SE with more than 800 hp, sharper aerodynamics, a more aggressive carbon-fiber design, and a new Rally mode for spirited off-road driving. ### **How fast is the Lamborghini Urus SE Performante?** The Lamborghini Urus SE Performante can accelerate from zero to 62 mph in 3.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 193.8 mph. Its hybrid powertrain combines a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 with an electric motor and a 25.9 kWh battery. ### **What makes the Urus SE Performante different from the regular Urus SE?** Compared with the Urus SE, the SE Performante adds more power, 23 percent more downforce, 3 percent less drag, a functional S-duct, a larger rear diffuser, a carbon-fiber hood, a wider track, and exclusive interior details inspired by Lamborghini’s sportier models. ***Click [here](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-lamborghini-urus-se-performante-in-photos/) for more photos of the Lamborghini Urus SE Performante***.[](https://robbreport.com/?post_type=pmc-gallery&p=1238414799/) **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** lamborghini, News, plug-in hybrid, suv --- ### [The Lamborghini Urus SE Performante in Photos](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-lamborghini-urus-se-performante-in-photos/) **Published:** July 6, 2026 **Author:** Viju Mathew **Content:** The team at Sant’Agata Bolognese has just announced a new variant that’s its most powerful yet—the Urus SE Performante. Click [here](https://robbreport.ph/cars/lamborghini-has-revealed-its-most-powerful-s-u-v-yet/) to read the full story. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Lamborghini-Urus-SE-Performante-1.webp) The Lamborghini Urus SE Performante. *Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Lamborghini-Urus-SE-Performante-21.webp) The Urus SE Performante is the most powerful version of the model yet. *Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Lamborghini-Urus-SE-Performante-4.webp) Mitja Borkert, design director for Automobili Lamborghini. *Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Lamborghini-Urus-SE-Performante-2.webp) The Urus SE Performante’s 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 and synchronous electric motor—fed by a 25.9 kWh battery—join forces to now deliver just over 800 hp and 737 ft lbs of torque. *Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Lamborghini-Urus-SE-Performante-3.webp) The interior takes inspiration from that of the Lamborghini Huracán STO. *Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Lamborghini-Urus-SE-Performante-5.webp) The cabin’s Nero Cosmus–colored microfiber, seen in this example, is exclusive to the Performante versions of Lamborghini models. *Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Lamborghini-Urus-SE-Performante-10.webp) The SE Performante’s aerodynamic features are responsible for a claimed 23 percent more downforce and 3 percent less drag versus the SE. *Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Lamborghini-Urus-SE-Performante-6.webp) The delightfully menacing aesthetic is also enhanced by a poised-to-strike stance, with a track width expanded by 16 mm (.62 inches). *Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Lamborghini-Urus-SE-Performante-20.webp) The SE Performante breaks away from any other Urus variants with a new Rally mode for more spirited driving off the beaten path. *Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Lamborghini-Urus-SE-Performante-24.webp) Referring specifically to the latest release, Lamborghini’s design director, Mitja Borkert, notes: “The car is, for me now, really the perfect Urus. It is looking very alive and very, very refreshed, and really ready for the future.” *Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Lamborghini-Urus-SE-Performante-23.webp) Lamborghini will begin accepting orders for the Urus SE Performante as of July 1, though U.S. pricing has yet to be disclosed. *Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** Car Collectors, electric vehicles, lamborghini, News --- ### [Inside Alexis Dupont's Cinematic World of Interiors, Craftsmanship, and Maison Ming](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/design/inside-alexis-duponts-cinematic-world-of-interiors-craftsmanship-and-maison-ming/) **Published:** July 6, 2026 **Author:** Alicia Colby-Sy **Content:** For Alexis Dupont, [design](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/design/ "Design") has always been an extension of his memory, culture, and the rituals of everyday living. Currently based in [Hong Kong](https://robbreport.ph/tag/hong-kong/ "Hong Kong"), the French designer has built a design practice defined by cinematic interiors, layered storytelling, and a personal dialogue between East and West. “My career is truly an extension of my upbringing and my formal education in France, where I studied interior architecture,” Dupont says. “This discipline exists beautifully at the intersection of pure architecture, interior design, and decoration.” ![Alexis Dupont](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/20250220_Coco_Maison-Ming_12173V2.webp) Alexis Dupont. His European approach to interior architecture continues to shape his work today, and Dupont considers spaces immersive experiences designed around human emotion and scale. He credits much of this sensibility to his childhood in France, where he grew up surrounded by abundant sources of inspiration. “My parents were deeply passionate about local architecture, old books, flea markets, and museums,” he says. “Growing up immersed in such a rich tapestry of cultural elements meant that my career naturally expanded into a practice that embraces all these interconnected disciplines.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/20250220_Coco_Maison-Ming_11817V2.webp) Today, Dupont’s world revolves around two complementary ventures housed inside a restored 1943 four-story shophouse in Hong Kong’s Tai Hang neighborhood. The first is Alexis Dupont Interiors, his architectural and interior design studio focused on high-end residential projects. The second is [Maison Ming](https://www.maisonming.com/), a collection that reflects his fascination with craftsmanship and heritage. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/20250220_Coco_Maison-Ming_11956V2.webp) “Alexis Dupont Interiors is the core of my architectural and interior design practice, where we focus on high-end, narrative-driven design for private clients,” he explains. “Maison Ming, on the other hand, is a bespoke furniture collection.” If Dupont’s design studio shapes the architecture of a lifestyle, Maison Ming supplies its emotional texture. The collection includes uniquely crafted pieces that showcase techniques such as textured woods, cast glass, silk-and-wool tapestries, coconut marquetry, shagreen, and unlacquered brass, all of which are sourced around the globe from the finest makers. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/20250220_Coco_Maison-Ming_11842V2.webp) “It is very much like haute couture for interiors,” Dupont says. That fashion-like sensibility runs throughout his aesthetic. His interiors are elegant and luxurious, but without excess; he layers historical references with contemporary restraint. “I would describe my aesthetic as cinematic, narrative-driven, and seamlessly balanced,” he says. “I don’t subscribe to fleeting trends. Instead, I aim for a quiet luxury that feels both acquired and timeless.” Among all his projects, however, the most personal remains the Tai Hang studio and Maison Ming showroom itself. Transforming the 80-year-old shophouse into a creative sanctuary became a professional milestone—one that he is particularly proud of. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/20250220_Coco_Maison-Ming_12354V2.webp) “Preserving its original fireplace, Parisian-style balcony, and Siamese-inspired windows while injecting contemporary vitality was a true labor of love,” he says. The space also embodies Dupont’s multicultural design philosophy. French in upbringing but deeply inspired by Asia, he sees his work as a constant exchange between different histories and aesthetics. “Culture and heritage are the very bedrock of my design philosophy, specifically the dialogue between East and West,” he says. “Growing up in France gave me a deep appreciation for classical proportions, romance, and the elegance of European design. However, I have a profound love for Asian culture and the multicultural fusion that defines Hong Kong.” Even the name Maison Ming reflects this duality. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/20250220_Coco_Maison-Ming_12256V2.webp) “Ming embodies the dualities of sun and moon, brightness and obscurity,” he explains. His multifaceted sensibility is perhaps what resonates most strongly with clients and visitors. Dupont says some of the most meaningful recognition comes from people’s emotional reactions to his spaces. “When visitors step into our Tai Hang studio and tell me they feel transported to the sun-drenched landscapes of southern France or a tranquil jungle, that emotional resonance is an incredible honor,” he says. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/20250220_Coco_Maison-Ming_12046V2.webp) For Dupont, the true thrill of design lies in the fleeting moments when architecture and emotion align perfectly. “Simply watching the sunlight dance through the original wooden shutters of a historic home, creating a mesmerizing interplay of light and shadow, is thrilling to me,” he says. “Breathing new life into old bones and seeing a client react to a home that perfectly reflects their own personal narrative—that is an unparalleled feeling.” ## Frequently Asked Questions ### **Who is Alexis Dupont?** Alexis Dupont is a French interior architect and designer based in Hong Kong. He is the founder of Alexis Dupont Interiors and Maison Ming, where he creates bespoke interiors and furniture inspired by European architecture and Asian craftsmanship. ### **What is Maison Ming?** Maison Ming is Alexis Dupont’s bespoke furniture collection. The pieces feature handcrafted materials such as textured wood, cast glass, shagreen, coconut marquetry, silk-and-wool tapestries, and unlacquered brass, produced by specialist artisans around the world. ### **What defines Alexis Dupont’s design philosophy?** Alexis Dupont’s work is rooted in the dialogue between East and West. Drawing from his French upbringing and his life in Hong Kong, he creates narrative-driven interiors that combine classical proportions, cultural heritage, craftsmanship, and timeless design. **Categories:** Design, Home & Design **Tags:** Alexis Dupont, Hong Kong, Maison Ming, Tai Hang --- ### [Evian at 200: Chele González Named Evian Brand Ambassador in the Philippines](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/chele-gonzalez-named-evian-brand-ambassador-in-the-philippines-as-the-french-water-marks-200-years/) **Published:** July 6, 2026 **Author:** Nicholas Ong **Content:** Natural mineral water is often the quietest element on a restaurant table. Yet in [fine dining](https://robbreport.ph/tag/fine-dining/ "Fine Dining"), what is poured into the glass is considered with the same care as what arrives on the plate. That philosophy underpins Evian’s appointment of [Chele González](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/bar-none/bar-none-chele-gonzalez/ "Bar None: Chele Gonzalez") as its new Brand Ambassador in the Philippines, coinciding with the French mineral water’s 200th anniversary. Throughout 2026, [Evian](https://www.evian.com/en_us) is marking two centuries since it first began bottling its natural mineral water in Évian-les-Bains, France, through a series of culinary collaborations and hospitality events across Asia-Pacific. Earlier this year, González travelled to the source in the French Alps, where he joined chefs from around the world to learn more about the protected spring and the fifteen-year natural filtration process that gives Evian its distinctive mineral balance. For González, the visit changed the way he viewed a product that has long been present in professional kitchens. “Every time I drink Evian now, it tastes even better,” he says. “It made me appreciate the nature and purity of Evian, and why it is a special mineral water.” That appreciation extends into his own restaurants. At the starred [Gallery by Chele](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/best-of-the-best-2025-dining/ "Best of the Best 2025: Dining"), Robb Report Philippines’ Best of the Best in Dining, and starred Asador Alfonso, water is considered part of the overall dining experience rather than an afterthought. “What we are looking for is a water that gives more life to the food,” González explains. “Having Evian at the table makes me more comfortable because I know it is the right water for my dishes.” As one of the Philippines’ most influential chefs, González has built his reputation on combining European technique with a deep understanding of local ingredients and producers. Through Gallery by Chele, [Asador Alfonso](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/asador-alfonso-offers-two-ways-to-dine-both-worth-the-detour/ "Asador Alfonso Offers Two Ways to Dine—Both Worth the Detour"), and collaborations with leading hotels including The Westin Manila, Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan, and Anya Resort Tagaytay, he has helped shape the country’s contemporary dining landscape. His appointment reflects Evian’s longstanding relationship with fine dining, where the smallest details often contribute to the overall experience. Throughout the year, González will participate in a series of culinary events and industry gatherings, including the Evian Chefs Lunch at Asador Alfonso, as part of the brand’s bicentenary programme. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### **Why was Chele González named evian Brand Ambassador?** Chele González was appointed Evian Brand Ambassador in the Philippines as part of the French natural mineral water brand’s 200th anniversary celebrations and its ongoing partnerships with leading chefs across Asia-Pacific. ### **Why is evian used in fine dining?** Fine dining restaurants often choose natural mineral water for its balanced mineral composition and neutral taste, allowing it to complement food and wine without overpowering flavors. ### **What events will Chele González participate in as evian ambassador?** Throughout 2026, González will represent Evian at culinary events and hospitality gatherings, including the Evian Chefs Lunch at Asador Alfonso, celebrating the brand’s bicentenary. **Categories:** Dining, Food & Drink **Tags:** Chele Gonzalez, Evian --- ### [Rimowa Gives Its Essential Collection a Bold New Look in Orange and Magenta](https://robbreport.ph/travel/rimowa-gives-its-essential-collection-a-bold-new-look-in-orange-and-magenta/) **Published:** July 6, 2026 **Author:** Yvette Fernandez **Content:** You’ve been there. I know I have. Standing at an airport baggage carousel after a way-too-long flight, watching a stream of black, gray, and navy suitcases circle past as you search for the one that’s yours. The tension builds as you wonder whether someone has already mistaken your bag for theirs. Time to get an orange [suitcase](https://robbreport.ph/travel/how-luggage-became-a-luxury-status-symbol/ "How Luggage Became a Luxury Status Symbol"). [Rimowa](https://www.rimowa.com/ww/en/home), of course. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/RIMOWA_Essential_Orange_Campaign_Stills__9x16_2-1.webp) *Rimowa* For a brand best known for its aluminum grooves and German engineering, color has become one of Rimowa’s most compelling forms of expression. This season, the brand introduces Orange and Magenta to its Essential collection, two saturated shades that bring fresh energy to its lightweight polycarbonate luggage. Inspired by the exuberance of Pop-era design, the colors offer two distinct personalities. Orange is bright and vibrant, while Magenta adds richness and drama. Together, they give one of Rimowa’s most recognizable collections a new visual identity without changing what has made it a favorite among frequent travelers. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/RIMOWA_Essential_Magenta_Campaign_Stills__9x16.webp) *Rimowa* Beneath the new finish, the Essential collection remains unchanged. Each suitcase is made from lightweight polycarbonate and fitted with Rimowa’s telescopic handle, multiwheel system, TSA-approved locks, and a leather luggage tag. Inside, one side closes with a full-zip compartment, while the other features the brand’s Flex Divider compression system to help keep belongings neatly organized. Every suitcase is backed by Rimowa’s lifetime guarantee. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/RIMOWA_Beautyshots_2026_Essential-Orange_Cabin_Groove_Orange_HR_1x1.webp) *Rimowa* We were recently at a dinner that launched the collection in Manila. No programs, no speeches, just colorful luggage casually parked around the room. That’s all the brand needed to do. We all fell in love with them. Just like that. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### **What are Rimowa’s new Essential luggage colors?** Rimowa has introduced Orange and Magenta to its Essential collection. Inspired by the bold colors of the Pop era, the new finishes add a vibrant look to the brand’s lightweight polycarbonate luggage. ### **What features does the Rimowa Essential collection include?** The Rimowa Essential collection features lightweight polycarbonate shells, the brand’s Multiwheel system, a telescopic handle, TSA-approved locks, a Flex Divider compression system, a zippered compartment, leather luggage tags, and a lifetime guarantee. ### **Where can you buy the new Rimowa Essential Orange and Magenta collection in the Philippines?** The collection is available at Rimowa boutiques in Greenbelt 5, Shangri-La Plaza, Power Plant Mall, The Shoppes at Solaire, and The Mall at NUSTAR Cebu. *The Rimowa Essential Cabin in Orange or Magenta (Php61,800), the Rimowa Essential Check-in M in Orange (Php71,800), the Rimowa Essential Check-In L in Magenta (Php77,800), the Rimowa Essential Trunk Plus in Orange or Magenta (Php97,800) will be available at the following RIMOWA locations: Greenbelt 5, Shangri-La Plaza, Power Plant Mall, The Shoppes at Solaire, and The Mall at NUSTAR Cebu.* **Categories:** Style, Travel --- ### [Shido Brings Japanese Dining Back to Makati Shangri-La Manila](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/shido-brings-japanese-dining-back-to-makati-shangri-la-manila/) **Published:** July 3, 2026 **Author:** Nicholas Ong **Content:** For many Manila diners, Japanese food at [Makati Shangri-La](https://robbreport.ph/tag/makati-shangri-la-manila/ "Makati Shangri-La Manila") has long been associated with Inagiku. Even years after its closure, the restaurant remains one of those names that inevitably surfaces whenever conversations turn to the city’s great Japanese dining rooms. Finally this July, occupying the former Inagiku space is the awaited Shido, which marks Makati Shangri-La’s renewed commitment to Japanese cuisine through a concept that feels contemporary without abandoning the fundamentals. Shido does not attempt to recreate Inagiku, nor should it, but for those who have missed having a serious Japanese restaurant inside the hotel, its arrival offers something that has been absent for far too long. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/SHIDO-Waterfall-Somen-Noodle-.webp) Waterfall Somen Noodle. Shido The restaurant’s name, derived from the Japanese word *shidō* (始動), means “starting in motion,” a fitting description for a dining room designed to evolve through seasonal menus, guest chef collaborations, and changing culinary experiences rather than remaining fixed in time. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/SHIDO-Chef-Daisuke-Nishimura.webp) Chef Daisuke Nishimura. *Shido* At its helm is Executive Japanese Chef Daisuke Nishimura, whose career has taken him through kitchens in Hong Kong, Bali, and Thailand before arriving in Manila. That international experience informs the menu without overwhelming it. The cooking remains recognizably Japanese, grounded in technique and ingredient quality rather than novelty. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/SHIDO-Kawaguchicko-.webp) Kawaguchicko at the bar. Shido The restaurant is divided into several distinct experiences: a sushi counter, teppanyaki, a Japanese bar, a spacious main dining room, and the robatayaki grill. ![Robotayaki in Shido. Shido](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/SHIDO-Robatayaki-Action-Shot-.webp) Robotayaki in Shido. *Shido* It is here that Shido makes its clearest statement. Robatayaki, the centuries-old method of grilling over charcoal, has always rewarded restraint more than complexity. Fish, seafood, meats, and vegetables emerge lightly kissed by smoke emanating from charcoal flown in from Japan, allowing the quality of the ingredients to remain the focus. ![Bluefin Tuna Toro Temari Sushi](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/SHIDO-Bluefin-Tuna-Toro-Temari-Sushi.webp) Bluefin Tuna Toro Temari Sushi. *Shido* The sushi is precise and confidently executed, while the teppanyaki offers the familiar theatre expected from the format without becoming overly performative. Throughout the menu, there is a welcome sense of balance. Shido is less interested in reinvention than in consistency, a philosophy that suits both the cuisine and the hotel. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/SHIDO-Tsukune-Chicken-Ball-with-Shredded-Cheese.webp) Tsukune Chicken Ball with Shredded Cheese. *Shido* One detail that may particularly interest long-time patrons of Makati Shangri-La is the possibility of a Sunday Japanese buffet. While nothing has been finalized, the hotel is exploring the idea. Should it move forward, it would undoubtedly resonate with diners who remember Inagiku’s celebrated buffet lunches, which became something of a weekend institution for many Manila families. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/SHIDO-Japanese-Souffle-Cheesecake.webp) Japanese Souffle Cheesecake. *Shido* That sense of continuity ultimately becomes Shido’s greatest strength. It acknowledges the history of the space without relying on nostalgia as its only appeal. Instead, it offers something more enduring: a well-executed Japanese restaurant that feels equally suited to a business lunch, an unhurried dinner, or a celebratory meal. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### **What is Shido at Makati Shangri-La?** Shido is Makati Shangri-La’s new Japanese restaurant, offering sushi, robatayaki, teppanyaki, a Japanese bar, and all-day dining under the direction of Executive Japanese Chef Daisuke Nishimura. ### **What should you order at Shido?** The robatayaki is the restaurant’s standout experience. Cooked over traditional charcoal, the grilled seafood, meats, and vegetables showcase Japanese cooking at its most restrained and ingredient-driven. ### **Will Shido offer Inagiku’s Sunday buffet?** Not yet. Makati Shangri-La is exploring the possibility of introducing a Sunday Japanese buffet similar to the one long associated with Inagiku, but no plans have been finalized. *Shido is located on Level 2 of the Makati Shangri-La, Manila, at the corner of Ayala Avenue and Makati Avenue, Makati City, and is open daily for lunch from 11:30am to 2:30pm and dinner fromm 6pm to 10:30pm. Reserve a table [here](https://www.shangri-la.com/restaurants-bars/manila/makatishangrila/shido/book-a-table/?cid=SLM_DLP_MIDDLE_CONTENTBOX_TACTICAL-HOTEL_SHIDO_EN-NA-CTA). Contact: (63 2) 8813 8888* **Categories:** Dining, Food & Drink **Tags:** Japanese, Makati Shangri-La Manila, Shido --- ### [The Bugatti Mistral “Blanc Éternel” Hypercar in Photos](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-bugatti-mistral-blanc-eternel-hypercar-in-photos/) **Published:** July 3, 2026 **Author:** Viju Mathew **Content:** The Blanc Éternel roadster is a 1,578 hp collaboration between the French marque and German porcelain atelier KPM. [Click here to read the full story.](https://robbreport.ph/cars/bugatti-just-unveiled-a-one-of-a-kind-mistral-hypercar/) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/BUGATTI-Sur-Mesure-KPM-1.webp) The one-off Bugatti Mistral “Blanc Éternel” hypercar, the result of a collaboration with KPM. *Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/BUGATTI-Sur-Mesure-KPM-2.webp) This 1,578 hp roadster is the latest calling card from Bugatti’s Sur Mesure division specializing in customization. *Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/BUGATTI-Sur-Mesure-KPM-10_8dfb50.webp) The idea for the exterior’s visual expression was to bring the intersection of the digital surfaces from the design process to the fore. *Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Bugatti-Veyron-LOr-Blanc.webp) Bugatti’s first project with KPM resulted in the one-of-one “L’Or Blanc” Veyron Grand Sport, which debuted on June 30, 2011. *Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/BUGATTI-Sur-Mesure-KPM-4.webp) The interior’s center armrest, speaker covers, window buttons, and gear shift are among the areas of porcelain application. *Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/BUGATTI-Sur-Mesure-KPM-3_1c0fc3.webp) On the exterior, KPM’s use of porcelain includes its own logo, the EB logo, the gas and oil caps, and accents on the engine cover. *Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/detail-BUGATTI-Sur-Mesure-KPM-21.webp) A porcelain depiction of Rembrandt Bugatti’s Dancing Elephant sculpture adorns the car. *Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/BUGATTI-Sur-Mesure-KPM-22.webp) The “Blanc Éternel” carries the same power-train configuration as the other Mistral examples—Bugatti’s 8.0-liter, quad-turbo W16 engine paired with a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox. *Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/BUGATTI-Sur-Mesure-KPM-23.webp) Regarding the integration of porcelain, Thoman Wenzel, creative director at KPM, stated in the official press release: “Refining such a sensitive material for use in a vehicle of this performance class represents a remarkable achievement in craftsmanship.” *Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/BUGATTI-Sur-Mesure-KPM-cup-20.webp) One of a limited-run of porcelain cups commemorating the recent collaboration between Bugatti and KPM. *Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/BUGATTI-Sur-Mesure-KPM-5.webp) Mesmerizing to look at, this singular Mistral stands out in a model line already limited to only 99 examples in total. *Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** bugatti, Collector Cars, News --- ### [Bugatti Just Unveiled a One-of-a-Kind Mistral Hypercar](https://robbreport.ph/cars/bugatti-just-unveiled-a-one-of-a-kind-mistral-hypercar/) **Published:** July 3, 2026 **Author:** Viju Mathew **Content:** Today’s digital techniques and yesterday’s traditional methods rarely find common ground in creative expression, yet when they do, the result can be remarkable. Enter the new W16 Mistral “Blanc Éternel” hypercar: The 1,578 hp roadster is the latest one-off calling card from the French marque’s Sur Mesure division, which specializes in customization. In this case, it also shows off [Bugatti](https://robbreport.ph/tag/bugatti/ "bugatti")’s encore collaboration with Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur Berlin (KPM), an atelier that has produced porcelain masterworks since 1763. Mesmerizing to look at, this singular [Mistral](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-10-best-cars-we-drove-in-2025-from-audis-superb-concept-c-to-bugattis-maximalist-mistral/ "The 10 Best Cars We Drove in 2025, From Audi’s Superb Concept C to Bugatti’s Maximalist Mistral") stands out in a line already limited to only 99 examples and claimed to be the finale of street-legal models powered by the W16 mill. To that end, the “Blanc Éternel” carries the same power-train configuration as the others—Bugatti’s 8.0-liter, quad-turbo 16-cylinder heart paired with a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox. And the performance specs still equate to a zero-to-62 mph time of 2.4 seconds and a top speed of 273 mph. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/BUGATTI-Sur-Mesure-KPM-2.webp) This 1,578 hp roadster is the latest calling card from Bugatti’s Sur Mesure division specializing in customization. *Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.* Those standout stats now compete with an added aesthetic that further amplifies the Mistral’s already striking design. It’s an approach first explored by Bugatti and KPM in what was dubbed the “L’Or Blanc”—a one-of-one Veyron Grand Sport unveiled exactly 15 years ago to the day. That initial partnership between the two legacy manufacturers was, in itself, innovative. “At first, it seems to be an unusual idea to use porcelain in a car, especially in the world’s fastest convertible,” Stefan Brungs, Bugatti’s director of sales and marketing said at the time, per the 2011 press release concerning the “L’Or Blanc” Veyron. “But this is what Bugatti stands for: the realization of exceptional ideas whilst striving for the utmost in quality and aesthetics. This allows us to continue Ettore Bugatti’s heritage, who himself loved to experiment with new materials.” While the “L’Or Blanc” Veyron owed its appearance to the decorative cues found on a KPM vase envisioned by designer Enzo Mari, translated as streaks of blue mixing with a white backdrop, the “Blanc Éternel” Mistral takes a more black-and-white approach, literally, and presents greater linearity. It also illuminates the digital design of the Mistral. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Bugatti-Veyron-LOr-Blanc.webp) Bugatti’s first project with KPM resulted in the one-of-one “L’Or Blanc” Veyron Grand Sport, which debuted on June 30, 2011. *Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.* Bugatti’s design director Frank Heyl and his team eschewed the use of clay models when it came to conceiving the Mistral’s styling, opting instead for a digital solution that, according to the press release, relies on manipulating “a network of precisely controlled surfaces” to bring together what is a “normally invisible patch layout.” The idea for the exterior dressing of this specific car was to bring the intersection of those surfaces to the fore with the juxtaposition of black lines—first taped off by hand—to provide the abstract zebra-like pattern. The motif continues in the cockpit, where taping and painting of the leather upholstery was also required. As for the integration of porcelain, KPM has bestowed it upon its own logo, the EB logo, the gas and oil caps, and accents on the engine cover. The material also embellishes the interior, where the center armrest, speaker covers, window buttons, and gear shift are among the areas of application. The press release notes that what makes porcelain difficult to use is the fact that its size reduces by 17 percent after its time in the furnace and curing. That variance needs to be accounted for, which, it seems, KPM has been doing to since Frederick the Great, King of Prussia, founded the operation in the 18th century. Obviously, the legacy has since grown from royal tableware to hypercar accoutrements. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/BUGATTI-Sur-Mesure-KPM-3_1c0fc3.webp) On the exterior, KPM’s use of porcelain includes its own logo, the EB logo, the gas and oil caps, and accents on the engine cover. *Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.* “Refining such a sensitive material for use in a vehicle of this performance class represents a remarkable achievement in craftsmanship,” stated Thomas Wenzel, creative director at KPM, in the aforementioned release. Less remarkable but still highlighting porcelain’s functionality is the 1,000-piece line of cups commemorating KPM’s latest creative ride with Bugatti. As for the automaker’s lineage, it began with founder Ettore Bugatti’s penchant for advancing both form and function, a seemingly familial trait shared by his father, a furniture maker, his brother Rembrandt, an accomplished sculptor, and his son Jean, an acclaimed automotive designer. With that pedigree behind its name, the Bugatti Mistral “Blanc Éternel” could exist nowhere else but the crossroads of both boundary breaking engineering and artisanship. ## FAQs ### **What is the Bugatti W16 Mistral “Blanc Éternel”?** The Bugatti W16 Mistral “Blanc Éternel” is a one-off hypercar created by Bugatti’s Sur Mesure customization division in collaboration with Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur Berlin. It combines the Mistral’s 1,578 hp W16 performance with hand-applied black-and-white design work and porcelain details throughout the exterior and interior. ### **How fast is the Bugatti W16 Mistral “Blanc Éternel”?** The “Blanc Éternel” uses Bugatti’s 8.0-liter quad-turbo W16 engine, paired with a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox. It can accelerate from zero to 62 mph in 2.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 273 mph. ### **Why does the Bugatti W16 Mistral “Blanc Éternel” use porcelain?** Bugatti used porcelain to highlight its collaboration with KPM Berlin and to connect modern hypercar design with traditional craftsmanship. Porcelain appears on the EB logo, KPM logo, gas and oil caps, engine-cover accents, center armrest, speaker covers, window buttons, and gear shift. ***Click [here](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-bugatti-mistral-blanc-eternel-hypercar-in-photos/) for more photos of the Bugatti Mistral “Blanc Éternel” hypercar***. **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** bugatti, Collector Cars, Hypercars, News --- ### [Martha Atienza’s New Silverlens Show Traces the Politics of a Disappearing Shore](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-collectibles/martha-atienzas-new-silverlens-show-traces-the-politics-of-a-disappearing-shore/) **Published:** June 3, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** Martha Atienza returns to [Silverlens Manila](https://robbreport.ph/tag/silverlens/ "silverlens") with *The Coconut Tree Methodology*, her first solo presentation with the gallery since 2020. The exhibition brings together a new body of work anchored in the artist’s long-term engagement with the Bantayan Islands in Cebu, where she was partly raised and where much of her practice continues to unfold. The Dutch-Filipino video and installation artist uses the exhibition to revisit a coastline she has documented before. In footage from 2019, an open shore appears marked by fallen coconut trees, their roots loosened by rising sea levels and coastal erosion. Meanwhile, in footage from 2026, the same stretch appears again, now with a seawall built into the landscape. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/DSC3685.webp) *Photo: Images courtesy of Silverlens Manila | New York* The before-and-after footage gives the exhibition its conceptual depth. For Atienza, the fallen coconut tree is proof that the landscape has already begun to register a crisis. From there, the work opens outward: shorelines are redrawn, communities are moved, and climate change reveals the social structures that decide who remains near the water. Atienza is concerned less with climate change as an isolated subject than with the social order it reveals. In the gallery, coconut trees, fishing nets, video, and installation elements suggest a coastline under pressure. A fisherman crouches inside an aquarium, caught between enclosure and exposure. Nearby, the sea stops functioning as backdrop and begins to read as contested ground. Nets throw ghostlike shadows across the space, while concrete appears as both safeguard and wound. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/DSC3585.webp) *Photo: Images courtesy of Silverlens Manila | New York* Atienza has filmed Bantayan since 2010, returning to it as the place from which much of her practice thinks. Her 2017 work “Our Islands 11°16’58.4” N 123°45’07.0”E,” which won the Baloise Art Prize at Art Basel, stages the Ati-Atihan festival underwater. The procession moves across a barren seafloor, folding religious ritual, political violence, and ecological depletion into a vision of Philippine history under pressure. In *The Coconut Tree Methodology*, that pressure moves back to the shoreline. The drama is quieter, but no less severe: a coast hardens, trees fall, fishing communities are relocated, tourism advances, and private development redraws the terms of life by the sea. Atienza shows Bantayan as a place where that crisis becomes social fact. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/MAtienza_CoconutTreeMethodology_04.webp) Detail views of The Coconut Tree Methodology, 2026. *Photo: Images courtesy of Silverlens Manila | New York.* Atienza’s work beyond the gallery is also central to the exhibition. In 2020, she formalized GOODLand, a Bantayan-based organization that works with communities, institutions, and local groups to archive intergenerational knowledge and apply it to the real-time effects of climate change. Among its initiatives is Adlaw sa Mga Mananagat, or FisherFolks Day, established in 2022. GOODLand also supports community efforts to secure marine protection in parts of the archipelago. The “coconut tree methodology” is Atienza’s way of staying with a place until its fractures become visible. Ultimately, climate change, it posits, is a lived condition, unfolding through the contested ties between land, labor, policy, survival, and the sea. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is Martha Atienza’s The Coconut Tree Methodology? *The Coconut Tree Methodology* is a solo exhibition by Martha Atienza at Silverlens Manila that uses video, installation, fallen coconut trees, fishing nets, and coastal imagery to examine climate change, displacement, and community life in Bantayan Island. ### Where is The Coconut Tree Methodology showing? The exhibition is on view at [Silverlens Manila](https://silverlensgalleries.com/) on Don Chino Roces Avenue Extension in Makati City. ### When does Martha Atienza’s Silverlens exhibition end? *The Coconut Tree Methodology* runs until July 11, 2026. ### Why are coconut trees important in the exhibition? For Atienza, fallen coconut trees act as material witnesses to coastal erosion, rising sea levels, and the broader social effects of climate change on Bantayan Island. ### Who is Martha Atienza? Martha Atienza is a Dutch-Filipino video and installation artist whose work explores ecology, community, development, and the relationship between people and place. She won the Baloise Art Prize at Art Basel in 2017 for *Our Islands 11°16’58.4” N 123°45’07.0”E*. **Categories:** Art & Collectibles **Tags:** art, exhibitions, Martha Atienza, News, silverlens, The Coconut Methodology --- ### [Mandarin Oriental Makati, Manila Opens December 2026: Inside the Luxury Hotel's Return](https://robbreport.ph/travel/hotels/mandarin-oriental-makati-manila-is-open-for-reservations/) **Published:** June 11, 2026 **Author:** Nicholas Ong **Content:** Mandarin Oriental Makati, Manila will officially open on December 14, 2026, marking the return of one of the world’s most prestigious luxury hotel brands to the Philippine capital more than a decade after the closure of the original Mandarin Oriental Manila. Located beside Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati’s central business district, the new hotel brings 275 rooms and suites, five restaurants and bars, an 800-square-meter spa, and one of the city’s largest luxury event spaces. When Mandarin Oriental Manila closed in September 2014, after 38 years as one of Makati’s defining addresses, it left a gap that no other property in the city quite filled. Designed by National Artist Leandro Locsin and opened in 1976 as one of several luxury hotels built to host the IMF-World Bank annual meetings that year, it had been the kind of place where the city’s business, diplomatic, and social lives converged. Heritage advocates and architects considered it among Locsin’s finest work, and the site became, for a long while, a question without an answer. That is, until now. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Mandarin-Oriental-Makati-Manila.webp) *Mandarin Oriental Makati, Manila* [Mandarin Oriental](https://robbreport.ph/tag/mandarin-oriental/ "mandarin oriental") Makati, Manila rises above Ayala Triangle Gardens at the intersection of Makati Avenue, Ayala Avenue, and Paseo de Roxas. The 98.7-metre tower, built in consultation with Leandro V. Locsin Partners, was developed in partnership between Mandarin Oriental and Ayala Land. It is built on a new site—a deliberate fresh start rather than a recreation of what came before. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Mandarin-Oriental-Makati-Manila-Hotel-Lobby-Render.webp) The hotel lobby. *Mandarin Oriental Manila, Makati* While the new lobby pays tribute to the brutalist architecture that typefied the previous hotel, Paloma Urquijo Zobel de Ayala, Creative Director of Ayala Land, explains, “The city and Makati has to evolve…there’s always that nostalgia in seeing beautiful things change. But we hope this isn’t something that is compared with the old Mandarin; this is a new Mandarin, which has its own personality and its own identity. It’s going to have its own stories, but still with the same heart of the brand.” The rooms, which start at Php29,500, have been designed around the materials and light of the Philippine landscape: natural timber tones, woven detailing, and artisanal finishes by Filipino craftsmen (including robes made with binakol fabric from Abra) that have become an Ayala Land signature. The new structure boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, and entry-level Deluxe Rooms begin at a generous 50 square meters with panoramic views over the park and city. Club-floor guests receive 24-hour butler service and dedicated lounge access—a tier of privacy that suits both the property’s positioning and the expectations of the guests it is courting. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Deluxe-Room-Twin-at-Mandarin-Oriental-Makati-Manila.webp) Deluxe Room Twin. *Mandarin Oriental Makati, Manila* The dining program spans five concepts across contemporary Cantonese, Filipino, and international cooking, as well as a whisky and cigar lounge behind the lobby. Manila’s restaurant scene has matured considerably in the decade since the original hotel closed—the Michelin Guide made its Philippine debut only in 2026, its first expansion to the country in 125 years—and the new property arrives into a city with a far more confident and discerning palate than the one it left behind. The 800 square meter spa draws on indigenous Filipino healing practices like hilot, the traditional discipline of therapeutic massage and energy realignment, and Sukob ng Manggagamot, which weaves spiritual ritual with herbal medicine and native botanicals. The spa is anchored by a 25-meter outdoor pool overlooking Ayala Triangle Gardens. Grounding a global brand in genuinely local practice, rather than generic luxury-wellness signifiers, is a choice worth noting. Few hospitality returns have been more anticipated in this part of the world. When the doors open later this year, Makati will have back something it has genuinely missed—and, if the ambition of the project is any indication, something worth the wait. *[Click here to see more photos ](https://robbreport.ph/travel/hotels/mandarin-oriental-makati-manila-in-photos/)of the new Mandarin Oriental Makati, Manila.* ## Frequently Asked Questions ### When will Mandarin Oriental Makati, Manila open? Mandarin Oriental Makati, Manila is scheduled to open on December 14, 2026. ### Where is Mandarin Oriental Makati, Manila located? The hotel stands beside Ayala Triangle Gardens at the intersection of Ayala Avenue, Makati Avenue, and Paseo de Roxas in Makati City. ### How many rooms does Mandarin Oriental Makati, Manila have? The hotel features 275 rooms and suites. ### What restaurants will Mandarin Oriental Makati, Manila have? The property will offer five dining concepts spanning Cantonese, Filipino, international cuisine, and a whisky and cigar lounge. ### How much do rooms cost at Mandarin Oriental Makati, Manila? Rates start at approximately ₱29,500 per night. *[Visit Mandarin Oriental Makati, Manila’s website here.](https://www.mandarinoriental.com/en/manila/makati)* **Categories:** Hotels **Tags:** Leandro V. Locsin, Mandarin Oriental Makati, Mandarin Oriental Makati Manila, Paloma Urquijo Zobel de Ayala --- ### [On Auction: A Vintage Patek Philippe Owned by the Man Who Built the Empire State Building](https://robbreport.ph/watches/empire-state-building-paul-starrett-patek-philippe/) **Published:** June 11, 2026 **Author:** Victoria Gomelsky **Content:** In January, Paul Boutros, deputy chairman and head of watches in the Americas at the auctioneer [Phillips](https://robbreport.ph/tag/phillips/ "Phillips"), opened his inbox to discover an email from the grandson of Paul Starrett, a master builder and trained architect who, together with his twin brother, was responsible for the construction, in 1931, of the Empire State Building. It was Boutros’s favorite kind of email: an unexpected, unsolicited tale of a watch—in this case, a rectangular yellow-gold Patek Philippe retailed by [Tiffany & Co.](https://robbreport.ph/style/jewelry/tiffany-co-and-its-search-for-the-best-diamonds-in-the-world/ "Tiffany & Co. and Its Search for the Best Diamonds in the World")—with remarkable provenance. In the email, Starrett’s grandson “explained the story of the watch, that it was sitting in the family’s drawers for decades, unworn, and he was just seeing what it may be worth,” Boutros tells *Robb Report*. “He wanted to know if we were interested in auctioning it. As soon as I received it, I couldn’t believe the story, and I immediately called him.” Boutros was able to see the watch in person during a trip to San Francisco in February, and the story only got better. “The watch looked very good in the pictures, but in the metal, I couldn’t believe how well preserved it was,” he says. See for yourself—the timepiece, [lot 27](https://www.phillips.com/detail/patek-philippe/231350) in Phillips’s upcoming New York Watch [Auction](https://robbreport.ph/tag/auction/ "auction"), is available for viewing June 10-12 at the auctioneer’s Park Avenue headquarters in advance of the sale, which takes place June 13-14. Estimated at $15,000-30,000, it’s a fine example of the intersection of 20th-century horology and history. “Patek Philippe issued an extract to us confirming it was made in 1929 and sold in November 1930, during the Great Depression,” Boutros says. The watch, which bears a Tiffany & Co. dial and a case and movement signed by Patek, Philippe & Co., was delivered a week after the Empire State Building’s mooring mast was erected and most of the façade had been completed, a little over five months before the building officially opened on May 1, 1931. “The dates line up,” Boutros says. “Starrett had just received his first major payment for the building. Tiffany & Co. was on 37th Street and Fifth Avenue back then. So he was just a couple of blocks away, on 34th Street. My belief is he wanted something to commemorate his big payday. He went to Tiffany, saw this probably in the display or maybe he ordered it.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/paul-starrett-patek-philippe-caseback.webp) The watch was kept safe by Starrett’s family for decades, and its condition testifies to that. “There’s no real degradation to the dial,” Boutros says. “It’s so clean—completely original with gorgeous applied Breguet gold numerals. There are some minor signs of aging from the environment, but all of the beautiful floral engravings on the side of the case and the lugs are perfectly crisp and intact. It’s never seen a polishing. Just perfect condition, like a dream.” Boutros notes Starrett chose a period bracelet in gold mesh to complement the watch’s oversized Art Deco gold case, comparable in style to those made by the famed Brazilian retailer, Chronometro Gondolo. “The bracelet was made by Whiteside and Blank, a prestigious jeweler based in Newark, New Jersey, who made jewelry and watches for jewelers around the United States,” Boutros says. “But their most prominent partner was Tiffany and Co. Just like Patek Philippe.” The fact that the watch has surfaced this year—the 95th anniversary of the opening of the Empire State Building and the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding—adds historical gravitas to the sale and serves as the perfect footnote to Starrett’s biography, says Boutros. “The Empire State Building was built in the depths of the Great Depression by the man who owned Starrett Brothers,” he says. “Not only did he build it beautifully, he built it ahead of schedule and under budget in about 18 months. Can you imagine building something so fast? The man was really a great American. And, of course, this is the 250th anniversary of the United States. I felt the timing was perfect for this wonderful New York story. But Paul Starrett not only built the Empire State Building, he built the Flatiron Building, another iconic building in Manhattan. He built the Plaza Hotel, which continues to be a draw to tourists. He built Penn Station, where millions upon millions of people transit through every year. He built the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. This really accomplished man chose this particular watch and took amazing care of it. You can imagine he wore it at the groundbreaking ceremony when the Empire State Building was opened in 1931.” Indeed, you can. But if there’s any doubt, just look to the caseback, which is dominated by the initials “P” and “S.” “There is much greater acceptance of initials on vintage pieces than modern watches,” Boutros explains. “With a modern watch, people want their own history. But with a vintage watch that’s lived for decades, they love the charm of engraved initials. And if someone is fortunate enough to be interested in this watch and to have the same initials, then it’s fate for them to go after it.” ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is special about the Patek Philippe watch in the Phillips auction? The watch belonged to Paul Starrett, the master builder responsible for the construction of New York’s Empire State Building. It remained in his family for decades before being consigned to Phillips. ### Who was Paul Starrett? Paul Starrett was an architect, builder, and co-founder of Starrett Brothers, the construction firm behind landmark American projects including the Empire State Building, the Plaza Hotel, Penn Station, and the Lincoln Memorial. ### When was the Patek Philippe watch made? According to an extract from Patek Philippe, the watch was manufactured in 1929 and sold in November 1930, during the Great Depression. ### Why is the watch connected to the Empire State Building? The watch was purchased while construction of the Empire State Building was nearing completion. Phillips believes Starrett may have acquired it to commemorate receiving a major payment related to the project. ### What makes the watch attractive to collectors? Beyond its historical provenance, the watch remains remarkably well preserved, retaining its original Tiffany & Co. dial, Patek Philippe movement and case, applied Breguet numerals, and crisp Art Deco engravings. ### Why does the watch have Tiffany & Co. branding? The timepiece features a Tiffany & Co.-signed dial while the case and movement are signed by Patek Philippe, reflecting the long-standing relationship between the two luxury houses. ### When and where will the watch be auctioned? The watch is being offered as Lot 27 in Phillips’s New York Watch Auction, with public viewing held at Phillips’s Park Avenue headquarters ahead of the sale. ### Why is this watch historically significant? The watch links two icons of twentieth-century history: Patek Philippe and the Empire State Building. Its ownership by Paul Starrett provides a direct connection to one of America’s most important architectural achievements. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** Empire State Building, Patek Philippe, tiffany & co. --- ### [The Koenisegg Jesko Set Two New Production Car Speed Records](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-koenisegg-jesko-set-two-new-production-car-speed-records/) **Published:** June 18, 2026 **Author:** Bryan Hood **Content:** Six years in, [Koenigsegg](https://robbreport.ph/tag/koenigsegg/ "Koenigsegg") continues to push [Jesko](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-50-most-expensive-cars-in-the-world/ "The 50 Most Expensive Cars in the World") to new heights. The Swedish hypercar specialists announced that the longest-running member of its lineup just added two more records to its list of accomplishments. It appears that we may have been underestimating the Jesko after all these years. The automaker announced the latest marks in a video [posted to YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPO08EJoCJM) over the weekend. The clip’s description states that new production car speed records for the quarter and half mile were set by the high-performance Jesko Absolut variant at the company’s airfield in Ängelholm, Sweden, on June 6, the country’s National Day. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/koenisegg-jesko-absolut-records.webp) The Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut at the company’s airfield in Ängelholm, Sweden *Photo: Koenigsegg/YouTube* With factory driver Markus Lundh behind the wheel, the Jesko Absolut was able to cover the quarter mile, or 1,320 feet, in 8.54 seconds at 190 mph. In doing so, the Jesko Absolut became the first production car to surpass 300 km/h, or 186 mph, in the quarter mile. Lundh wasn’t done, though. He continued on in the hypercar, reaching the half mile, or 2,640 feet, in 12.76 seconds at 232 mph. Making the Jesko’s records even more impressive is the fact that the vehicle is powered by a 5.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8. Yes, that mill can produce up to 1,280 hp on standard fuel and 1,600 hp on E85 bio fuel, but it doesn’t need any electric assistance to do so.. The only cars in the same neighborhood as the Jesko when it comes to quarter- and half-mile performance are the Rimac Nevera R and the McMurtry Spéirling, both of which feature multi-motor electric powertrains. The EVs are quicker than the Jesko Absolut, but not as fast, [according to *Road & Track*](https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a71590375/koenigsegg-jesko-absolut-production-car-records-quarter-mile-half-mile-speed/). The Nevera R, which has all-wheel drive, covers the quarter mile in 7.90 seconds but only at a speed of 186 mph. The Spéirling, meanwhile, covers the same distance in 7.97 seconds at 190 mph, but that’s its top speed, meaning it wouldn’t be able to keep up for the half mile. So, how was Koenigsegg able to get even more performance out of the Jesko than we’ve seen up until now. It would appear that a new software update deserves the credit for the vehicle’s latest amazing feats. The new software will soon be available to all 125 owners of the $4 million hypercar via over-the-air update. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What records did the Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut just set? The Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut set new production-car records for both the quarter mile and half mile, completing the quarter mile in 8.54 seconds at 190 mph and the half mile in 12.76 seconds at 232 mph. ### How fast is the Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut? The Jesko Absolut can exceed 232 mph in the half mile and is designed to be Koenigsegg’s fastest production car, with a projected top speed well beyond 300 mph. ### What engine powers the Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut? The hypercar is powered by a 5.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 producing up to 1,280 hp on standard gasoline and 1,600 hp when running on E85 biofuel. ### How does the Jesko Absolut compare to electric hypercars? While electric hypercars such as the Rimac Nevera R and McMurtry Spéirling accelerate quicker over the quarter mile, the Jesko Absolut achieves higher speeds and remains one of the fastest gasoline-powered production cars ever built. ### How many Koenigsegg Jesko models will be made? Koenigsegg will build just 125 examples of the Jesko, including the track-focused Attack and high-speed Absolut variants, making it one of the world’s rarest hypercars. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** Koenigsegg, McMurtry Automotive, News, Rimac Automobili --- ### [At the Patek Philippe Museum, the Nautilus Gets the Retrospective It Deserves](https://robbreport.ph/the-story-of/patek-philippe-nautilus-exhibition-museum-geneva/) **Published:** June 18, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** Few watches have experienced a reversal of fortune quite like the Patek Philippe Nautilus. Today, it is among the most recognizable watches in the world, with waiting lists that have stretched for years and auction results that regularly attract global attention. Yet when it debuted in 1976, the Nautilus was viewed by many as an act of provocation. A luxury watch made of steel, larger than its contemporaries, and inspired by the porthole of an ocean liner, it challenged nearly every convention of high watchmaking. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/PP_Museum_June_2026_DSC6860_JPEG-2240x1494.webp) In 1974, [Gérald Genta](https://robbreport.ph/tag/gerald-genta/ "gerald genta") sketched what would become the Patek Philippe Nautilus over lunch at a restaurant near the Basel watch fair, after spotting [Patek Philippe](https://www.patek.com/ "Patek Philippe") executives at a nearby table. The result, launched two years later, was one of the most consequential watch designs in history. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/PP_Museum_June_2026_DSC6838_JPEG-scaled.webp) This summer, the [Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva](https://www.patek.com/en/museum/the-patek-philippe-museum) is revisiting that remarkable story through a new thematic exhibition dedicated to the Nautilus. Launched during the museum’s Open House Weekend on June 6 and 7, the exhibition traces five decades of the collection’s history through archival material and a carefully selected group of watches that defined its evolution from “enfant terrible” to one of the defining luxury objects of the modern era. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/PP_Museum_June_2026_DSC6835_JPEG-scaled.webp) The story of the Nautilus is an interesting one. The quartz crisis of the early 1970s, ignited by Seiko’s introduction of the first commercial quartz watch in 1969, had sent shockwaves through the Swiss watchmaking industry, making mechanical timepieces seem suddenly obsolete. Patek Philippe’s response was characteristically counterintuitive. Rather than retreat into the safety of its gold dress-watch heritage, the manufacture commissioned Genta—who had already designed the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak in 1972—to create its first steel sports watch, which was, back then, a radical brief. ![Patek Philippe Nautilus poster in 1976](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1970s.webp) The Patek Philippe Nautilus poster in 1976, at its launch. Patek Philippe Launched in 1976 as Reference 3700/1, the Nautilus arrived with a case measuring 40mm in diameter and 42mm from lug to lug—considered unusually large for its era—a rounded octagonal bezel with softened corners, an integrated bracelet, and a price tag comparable to Patek Philippe’s own gold dress watches. The marketing line was as audacious as the watch itself: *“One of the world’s costliest watches is made of steel.”* The case construction was engineered with the same logic as the portholes that inspired it—a two-part design with lateral hinges and a bezel clamped by four screws, hermetically sealing the movement within. Function and form were, for once, genuinely inseparable. ![A 1980s poster at the launch of the Patek Philippe Nautilus for women.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1980s_1.webp) A poster at the launch of the Patek Philippe Nautilus for women. *Patek Philippe* The market, initially, was unconvinced. The Nautilus’s success was gradual; it wasn’t until the women’s version arrived in 1979 that the collection gained real momentum, and the men’s steel model only broke through decisively toward the end of the 1990s. The Nautilus became one of Patek Philippe’s most recognizable models, its waiting lists stretching years and its secondary market values defying gravity. The discontinued steel Reference 5711 with blue dial now trades at approximately $135,000; the final green dial edition commands around $255,000. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/PP_Museum_June_2026_DSC6848_JPEG-2240x1494.webp) One of the exhibition’s strengths is its ability to show the Nautilus not as a static icon but as an evolving family of watches. Visitors can follow the progression from the original “Jumbo” model to later references, including complicated calendars, moon-phase displays, and the landmark in-house chronograph introduced during the collection’s 30th anniversary redesign in 2006. That relaunch represented one of the most significant moments in Nautilus history, introducing updated case construction, sapphire casebacks, larger dimensions, a new rose-gold variant, and the first self-winding Nautilus chronograph. Seen together, these watches reveal how carefully Patek Philippe has managed the balance between continuity and change. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/PP_Museum_June_2026_DSC6877_JPEG-2240x1494.webp) The timing of this exhibit is significant, too: While the Nautilus officially celebrated its 50th anniversary this year, its influence extends far beyond the confines of watchmaking. The model helped establish the luxury sports watch category as we understand it today, proving that elegance and durability could coexist within a single design. The Geneva exhibition presents this historical journey alongside a curated selection of Nautilus references spanning each period of the collection’s iterations. For collectors and enthusiasts who cannot make the journey to Geneva, the exhibition runs through early 2027—ample time to plan a pilgrimage. *The Nautilus 50th Anniversary Exhibition runs at the Patek Philippe Museum, Geneva, from June 2026 through early 2027 at Rue des Vieux-Grenadiers 7, 1205 Genève, Switzerland*. *Visit their website [here](https://www.patek.com/en/museum/the-patek-philippe-museum). The four limited-edition anniversary references are available through authorized Patek Philippe retailer*, *[Lucerne Luxe](https://lucerneluxe.com/ "Lucerne Luxe").* ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is the new Patek Philippe Museum exhibition about? The exhibition explores 50 years of the Nautilus collection, tracing its evolution from its 1976 debut to its status as one of the world’s most sought-after luxury sports watches. ### Where is the Nautilus exhibition being held? The exhibition is being held at the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva, Switzerland. ### How long will the Nautilus exhibition run? The exhibition opened in June 2026 and will remain on view until early 2027. ### Why is the Patek Philippe Nautilus important? The Nautilus helped define the modern luxury sports watch category by combining high-end watchmaking with a robust steel case and everyday wearability. ### When was the Patek Philippe Nautilus first introduced? The original Nautilus Ref. 3700 was launched in 1976 and quickly became one of the most influential watch designs of the twentieth century. **Categories:** The Story Of, Watches **Tags:** Anniversary, geneva, nautilus, Patek Philippe, Patek Philippe Museum --- ### [Xiaomi’s New EV Just Set the First Autonomous Speed Record at Nürburgring](https://robbreport.ph/cars/xiaomis-new-ev-just-set-the-first-autonomous-speed-record-at-nurburgring/) **Published:** June 26, 2026 **Author:** Bryan Hood **Content:** Xiaomi is quickly becoming a fixture in the [Nürburgring](https://robbreport.ph/tag/nurburgring-2/ "Nürburgring") record books. The Chinese electronics giant’s new high-performance EV, the YU7 GT, just became the fastest autonomous vehicle in the motorsports complex’s history. That’s right, the company’s latest speed record was set without the assistance of a human driver. Early Monday, [Xiaomi](https://www.mi.com/ph/) revealed the YU7 GT had circled the Nürburgring Nordschleife, or the complex’s north loop, in 10:29.483 minutes. The time is the first official autonomous lap completed at the racing circuit, making it the new record, [according to Electrek](https://electrek.co/2026/06/22/xiaomi-yu7-gt-sets-another-nurburgring-record-with-nobody-in-the-drivers-seat/). The Nürburgring also [shared a video of the record-establishing lap](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrC_V2xdIMU) on its YouTube page. In the clip, you can see there is no one behind the wheel of the SUV as its makes its way around the 12.94-mile course. The video lacks the visceral thrills of others we’ve seen taken at the track affectionately known as the “Green Hell,” but it’s important to remember what the EV is doing: navigating its way around 73 officially recognized turns (33 left and 40 right) and over 1,000 feet of elevation changes. We’ve seen plenty of vehicles circle Nordschleife faster, but the YU7 GT isn’t exactly a slouch. On the back straightaway, it reached a top speed of 210 km/h, or 130 mph. The autonomous record is actually the second set by the YU7 GT at the Nürburgring in as many months. In late May, Xiaomi announced the EV had become the fastest SUV in the complex’s history after circling its northern loop in 7:22.755 minutes. That time beat the previous mark, which was set by an Audi RS Q8 Performance in the fall of 2024, by nearly 14 seconds. Xiaomi, which was previously best known for its smartphones, has only been building automobiles for a few years now, but it’s shown it knows what it’s doing. Its super sedan, the SU7 Ultra, was the fastest EV in the track’s history for a chunk of last year. The range-topping version of the company’s flagship SUV [looks awfully similar to the Ferrari Purosangue](https://www.topgear.com/car-news/suvs/xiaomi-yu7-gt-has-smashed-suv-record-nurburgring) and features a dual-motor powertrain that makes 990 hp. The company claims the vehicle can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in less than three seconds and hit a top speed of 190 mph. It also has an autonomous driving system designed for public roads, which suggests the system used by the record-setting example may have utilized a custom setup. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is the Xiaomi YU7 GT? The Xiaomi YU7 GT is a high-performance electric SUV from Chinese technology company Xiaomi. It is the range-topping version of the YU7 and features a dual-motor powertrain with a claimed 990 hp. ### What Nürburgring record did the Xiaomi YU7 GT set? The Xiaomi YU7 GT became the first vehicle to complete an officially timed autonomous lap of the Nürburgring Nordschleife. It finished the 12.94-mile course in 10:29.483 minutes without a human driver behind the wheel. ### Was there anyone driving the Xiaomi YU7 GT during the autonomous Nürburgring lap? No. Video of the run shows the Xiaomi YU7 GT completing the lap with no one behind the wheel, making it a driverless Nürburgring record run. ### How fast did the Xiaomi YU7 GT go during its autonomous lap? During the autonomous Nürburgring lap, the Xiaomi YU7 GT reached a top speed of 210 km/h, or about 130 mph, on the back straight. ### Why is the Nürburgring autonomous lap important? The Nürburgring Nordschleife is one of the world’s most demanding circuits, with 73 officially recognized turns and more than 1,000 feet of elevation change. Completing a full lap without a human driver is a major demonstration of autonomous performance, vehicle control, and EV engineering. ### How long is the Nürburgring Nordschleife? The Nürburgring Nordschleife is about 12.94 miles long. Known as the “Green Hell,” it is famous for its technical corners, elevation changes, and high-speed sections. ### Is the Xiaomi YU7 GT the fastest SUV at the Nürburgring? Yes. In a separate record run, the Xiaomi YU7 GT completed the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 7:22.755 minutes, making it the fastest SUV recorded at the circuit. ### What SUV record did the Xiaomi YU7 GT beat? The Xiaomi YU7 GT beat the previous SUV Nürburgring record set by the Audi RS Q8 Performance in 2024. Xiaomi’s 7:22.755 lap was nearly 14 seconds quicker. ### How quick is the Xiaomi YU7 GT from zero to 60 mph? Xiaomi claims the YU7 GT can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in less than three seconds. ### What is the top speed of the Xiaomi YU7 GT? Xiaomi claims the YU7 GT can reach a top speed of 190 mph, though its autonomous Nürburgring run topped out at 130 mph. ### Does the Xiaomi YU7 GT have public-road autonomous driving? The Xiaomi YU7 GT has an autonomous driving system designed for public roads. The Nürburgring record car may have used a custom setup for the circuit run. ### What other Nürburgring records has Xiaomi set? Xiaomi has also made headlines at the Nürburgring with the SU7 Ultra, its high-performance electric sedan. The car was previously among the fastest EVs recorded at the circuit. ### Why is Xiaomi making cars? Xiaomi is expanding beyond smartphones and consumer electronics into electric vehicles. Its Nürburgring records show how aggressively the company is trying to establish itself as a serious EV performance brand. ### Is the Xiaomi YU7 GT related to the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra? The YU7 GT and SU7 Ultra are both high-performance electric vehicles from Xiaomi. The SU7 Ultra is a sedan, while the YU7 GT is an SUV. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** electric vehicles, News, Nürburgring, Xiaomi --- ### [Swatch Is Suing Samsung for $170 Million Over Omega, Breguet and More Watch Faces](https://robbreport.ph/watches/swatch-is-suing-samsung-for-170-million-over-omega-breguet-and-more-watch-faces/) **Published:** June 30, 2026 **Author:** Nicole Hoey **Content:** The Swatch Group has just filed a trademark lawsuit against Samsung in a London court. The Swiss watchmaker, the owner of [Omega](https://robbreport.ph/watches/omega-speedmaster-moonphase-meteorite/ "Omega Speedmaster Moonphase Meteorite"), [Breguet](https://robbreport.ph/tag/breguet/ "breguet"), and more, alleged that the South Korean tech company allowed its smartwatches to showcase digital replicas of dials from its various brands, [Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/swatch-claiming-170-million-damages-against-samsung-over-trademark-infringement-2026-06-26/) reported. Swatch is seeking $170 million in damages, and says the filing is the largest trademark case of this kind ever in U.K, according to the publication. In particular, 26 digital watch apps are the subject of the suit, the *[Financial Times](https://www.ft.com/content/c08774bc-d948-416a-9abb-a6fdda645087)* reported, which were downloaded around 160,000 times in the U.K. and the E.U. That multimillion-dollar damages figure is drawn from the fees of a potential licensing agreement with Samsung and matches the prestige, reputation, and drawing power” of the brands under its umbrella, according to a June 19 filing from Swatch lawyers.Tissot chief executive Sylvain Dolla said in a witness statement that letting luxury timepieces appear on smartwatches, which he called “commodity” items, “kill\[s\] the value of the fine Swiss watch,” per the *Financial Times.* As for Samsung, the company’s lawyers said Swatch’s demands “depart\[ed\] from reality,” and were “extraordinary,” the publication reported. The brand says it removed the apps in question as soon as it became aware of the issue. Samsung and Swatch did not immediately respond to *Robb Report’*s request for comment. Closing arguments on the trail finished on Friday, with a ruling from Justice Marcus Smith expected at a later time, according to [WWD.](https://wwd.com/business-news/legal/swatch-lawsuit-samsung-watch-faces-1239035338/) The results could have a big impact in the European Union, as the lawsuit was filed back in 2019, before Brexit occurred. The findings could also light the path for a potential suit in the U.S. as well. Samsung had previously been found liable in a similar trademark case in 2022, also filed in London, involving third-party apps on its smartwatches. Swatch has had a big 2026 in many ways, breaking the internet in May with the launch of its [Audemars Piguet x Swatch Royal Pop](https://robbreport.ph/watches/audemars-piguet-x-swatch-royal-pop-watches-in-photos/ "Audemars Piguet x Swatch Royal Pop Watches in Photos") pocket watches. The launch, causing a [frenzy](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-ap-x-swatch-watch-is-now-listing-for-thousands-online-after-in-store-chaos/ "The AP x Swatch Watch Is Now Listing for Thousands Online After In-Store Chaos") both online and off, consists of eight candy-hued bioceramic timepieces with matching straps that are loosely based on the Ref. 5692, the first pocket watch from Gérald Genta. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Why is Swatch Group suing Samsung? Swatch Group has filed a trademark lawsuit against Samsung, alleging that Samsung allowed its smartwatches to display digital replicas of watch dials from Swatch Group brands. ### Where was the Swatch Group lawsuit filed? The lawsuit was filed in a London court. ### What brands does Swatch Group own? Swatch Group owns several major watch brands, including Omega and Breguet, along with other names across the luxury and mainstream watch market. ### What is Swatch Group accusing Samsung of? Swatch Group alleges that Samsung permitted smartwatch faces that copied or closely resembled dials from its watch brands. The case centers on whether those digital designs violated trademark protections. ### Is Samsung accused of making the digital watch faces itself? Based on the report, Swatch Group alleges that Samsung allowed the digital replicas to appear on its smartwatches. The available details do not state that Samsung directly designed all of the watch faces in question. ### Why do smartwatch faces matter to luxury watch brands? Watch dials are a major part of a brand’s identity. For companies like Omega and Breguet, dial layouts, logos, design codes, and visual signatures help distinguish their watches from competitors. ### What could Swatch Group want from the lawsuit? Swatch Group may seek to stop the allegedly infringing digital watch faces from appearing on Samsung smartwatches. The company could also pursue damages or other legal remedies, depending on the claims filed in court. ### Has Samsung been found liable? No. A lawsuit is an allegation, not a final ruling. Samsung has not been found liable unless a court reaches that conclusion or the companies resolve the dispute. ### Why is the case significant? The lawsuit highlights a growing tension between traditional watchmakers and technology companies as smartwatch customization becomes more advanced. It also raises questions about how luxury watch design protections apply in digital spaces. ### Could this affect Samsung smartwatch users? Potentially, but not immediately based on the filing alone. If Swatch Group succeeds, certain digital watch faces could be removed or restricted from Samsung’s smartwatch ecosystem. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** News, samsung, swatch, Watch Collector --- ### [Ferrari’s Chief Marketing Officer Has Stepped Down Amid Backlash From the Marque’s First EV](https://robbreport.ph/cars/ferraris-chief-marketing-officer-has-stepped-down-amid-backlash-from-the-marques-first-ev/) **Published:** June 30, 2026 **Author:** Bryan Hood **Content:** [Ferrari](https://robbreport.ph/tag/ferrari/ "Ferrari") is shaking things up at the top just one month after [the debut of its first EV](https://robbreport.ph/cars/ferraris-first-ev-is-finally-here-what-to-know-about-the-1035-hp-4-door-luce/). Earlier this week, the Italian sports car maker announced its longtime chief marketing and commercial officer, Enrico Galliera, is leaving the company. His role in Ferrari’s leadership group will be filled by Massimiliano Di Silvestre, who was previously the president and CE. In a press release announcing the news, the marque said Galliera, who has served as its head of marketing since 2010, “has decided to embark on a new chapter in his professional journey,” and that he informed his bosses of his intention to do so “some time ago.” His replacement, Di Silvestre, is set to begin work on July 1 and will report directly to the company’s chief executive officer, Benedetto Vigna. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Ferrari-Luce-1a_1a5f67.webp) The Ferrari Luce was unveiled to the public in late March *Photo: Ferrari* “I would like to thank Enrico for the extraordinary contribution he has made to Ferrari throughout his long career,” Vigna said of Galliera in a statement. “With passion and expertise, he has played a significant role in the Company’s growth and in strengthening the Ferrari brand worldwide. He has the gratitude of the entire Ferrari team and my personal best wishes for the future.” During his time at the company, Galliera helped the automaker strengthen its global brand, more than double deliveries, and significantly increase revenue, [according to Motor1.com](https://www.motor1.com/news/799827/former-bmw-executive-lead-ferrari-marketing/). The executive also played a major role in the launch of the marque’s first electrified model, the hybrid LaFerrari, and unveiling its first fully battery-powered model, the Luce. Ferrari’s announcement states it was the executive’s decision to leave (and [Reuters reports](https://www.reuters.com/business/ferrari-names-new-marketing-chief-after-luce-ev-debut-2026-06-23/) he informed the brand of his intention at the beginning of the year), but it’s hard not to notice that the move comes just one month after the brand’s first EV made its public debut. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Ferrari-Luce-7.webp) The EV’s look, both inside and out, has been heavily criticize *Photo: Ferrari* In a little over a month, the Luce has proven to be one of the most divisive automobiles in recent memory. The purists were always going to take issue with a Prancing Horse that had an electric powertrain instead of snarling internal combustion engine, but its unorthodox design, courtesy of Jony Ivy’s LoveFrom studio, has received just as much criticism. Some have [even compared](https://carbuzz.com/ferrari-luce-versus-nissan-leaf-electric-suvs/) the 550,000 euro EV’s look to that of the $30,000 Nissan Leaf. The backlash was so fierce that Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelman, while not referring to Ferrari by name, told CNBC that he was confident his company [made the right decision in cancelling i](https://robbreport.ph/cars/lamborghinis-ceo-feels-good-about-cancelling-its-first-ev-after-the-ferrari-luce-backlash/)ts first EV. It should be noted that while Ferrari’s stock price dipped in the immediate wake of the reveal, it has risen by more than 11 percent in the month since. The Luce could still turn out to be a success, too, but that’s a new head of marketing’s problem now. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Who is leaving Ferrari’s leadership team? Enrico Galliera, Ferrari’s longtime chief marketing and commercial officer, is leaving the company after a long tenure with the Italian automaker. He had served as Ferrari’s head of marketing since 2010. ### Who is replacing Enrico Galliera at Ferrari? Massimiliano Di Silvestre will replace Enrico Galliera in Ferrari’s leadership group. He is set to begin the role on July 1 and will report directly to Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna. ### Why is Enrico Galliera leaving Ferrari? Ferrari said Galliera has “decided to embark on a new chapter in his professional journey.” According to the company, he informed leadership of his intention to leave some time ago. ### What did Enrico Galliera do at Ferrari? During his time at Ferrari, Galliera helped strengthen the brand globally, more than double deliveries, and significantly increase revenue. He also played a role in major product launches, including the hybrid LaFerrari and Ferrari’s first fully electric model, the Luce. ### Is Galliera’s departure connected to Ferrari’s first EV? Ferrari has not said Galliera’s departure is connected to the Luce. The company stated that the decision was his and that he had informed leadership earlier, though the timing comes shortly after Ferrari revealed its first fully electric vehicle. ### What is the Ferrari Luce? The Luce is Ferrari’s first fully battery-powered model. It marks a major shift for the Prancing Horse, which has long been defined by high-performance internal combustion engines. ### Why has the Ferrari Luce been controversial? The Luce has divided Ferrari fans because of its electric powertrain and unconventional design. Some purists object to the idea of a fully electric Ferrari, while others have criticized the car’s styling. ### How much does the Ferrari Luce cost? The Ferrari Luce is reported to cost around 550,000 euros, placing it firmly in the ultra-luxury EV category. ### How did Ferrari’s stock react after the Luce reveal? Ferrari’s stock dipped shortly after the Luce was revealed, but it has since risen by more than 11 percent in the month following the debut. ### Could Ferrari’s first EV still be successful? Yes. Despite the backlash, the Luce could still become a commercial success. Ferrari’s brand strength, scarcity model, and loyal customer base may help the EV find buyers even as public reaction remains divided. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** electric vehicles, Ferrari, News --- ### [Rolex’s New Swiss Alps Store Is the World’s Highest Watch Boutique](https://robbreport.ph/watches/rolexs-new-swiss-alps-store-is-the-worlds-highest-watch-boutique/) **Published:** June 29, 2026 **Author:** Nicole Hoey **Content:** [Rolex](https://robbreport.ph/tag/rolex/ "rolex") just took your watch shopping experience to new heights. The Swiss manufacture has opened a new boutique that’s perched nearly 100,000 feet above sea level in the Swiss Alps, making it the world’s highest watch store. That means you can shop for your new [Submariner](https://robbreport.ph/tag/submariner/ "submariner"), [Land-Dweller](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-new-rolex-land-dweller/ "The New Rolex Land-Dweller"), or [Datejust](https://robbreport.ph/watches/how-the-rolex-datejust-became-the-crowns-most-recognized-watch/) surrounded by jaw-dropping panoramic views of the mountains beyond. Run by Bucherer (the world’s biggest watch retailer, which Rolex bought back in 2023), the new store is located on the sixth floor of the Titlis Tower, a former telecommunications building that has been transformed into a tourist hot spot due to its prime perch on Mount Titlis. Architect firm Herzog & de Meuron were tasked with revamped the tower itself, but inside the boutique, Rolex architects helped the Bucherer team imbue the space with the Crown’s signature style. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/rolex-boutique-titlis.webp) Inside the new Rolex boutique. *Photo: Bucherer* As a result, the around 21,000-square-foot store is anchored by a natural stone table at its center, meant to be a sculpture piece. American walnut paneling lines the walls, while Verdi Alpi marble, in a deep green hue, is a focal point. The veining found there mimics the ocean, highlighting Rolex’s connection to the sea. Other details include oak flooring and seating clad in green velvet, leather, or a neutral beige fabric. Elsewhere, shoppers can enjoy a bar and lounge, home to American walnut cases and vertical displays that show off [Rolex’s timepieces.](https://robbreport.ph/watches/here-is-every-new-rolex-released-at-watches-and-wonders-2/ "Here Is Every New Rolex Released at Watches and Wonders") And, of course, don’t forget the massive windows that let you take in those snow-capped peaks. Partitions framing the windows nod to the Crown’s [watches](https://robbreport.ph/watches/ "Watches"), too, adorned with a motif inspired by the fluting on the bezels of some of its timepieces. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/rolex-boutique-titlis-swiss-alps.webp) The breath-taking view. *Photo: Bucherer* [Rolex’s](https://lucerneluxe.com/rolex/) new spot atop the tower makes sense. With around 1.1 million people making the journey to Mount Titlis each year, famous for its year-round glacier and the world’s first revolving cable car, the location is one of Switzerland’s most popular alpine destinations for winter-sports fanatics. We’re sure more than a few of those visitors will be stopping by to check out the lofty new boutique—even as the Crown raised its prices for the second time this year. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Where is Rolex’s new highest boutique located? Rolex’s new boutique is located in the Titlis Tower on Mount Titlis in the Swiss Alps. The store sits more than 3,000 meters above sea level, making it one of the most dramatic retail locations in the watch world. ### Is this the world’s highest Rolex boutique? Yes. The new Rolex boutique at Titlis Tower is being described as the world’s highest Rolex boutique, placing the Swiss watchmaker’s retail experience high above the alpine landscape. ### Who operates the new Rolex boutique on Mount Titlis? The boutique is operated by Bucherer, the Swiss watch retailer that Rolex acquired in 2023. Bucherer runs the store inside the newly revamped Titlis Tower. ### What is the Titlis Tower? The Titlis Tower is a former telecommunications building on Mount Titlis that has been transformed into a high-altitude tourist destination. The tower now includes panoramic viewing areas, hospitality spaces, and Rolex’s new alpine boutique. ### What makes the Rolex boutique’s design special? The boutique combines Rolex’s signature retail language with alpine materials and mountain views. Inside, visitors will find American walnut paneling, Verdi Alpi marble, oak flooring, green velvet seating, and a sculptural natural stone table at the center of the space. ### Which Rolex watches can shoppers see at the Mount Titlis boutique? The boutique showcases Rolex timepieces such as the Submariner, Land-Dweller, and Datejust. The space also includes display cases, vertical showcases, a bar, and a lounge for visitors. ### Why did Rolex open a boutique on Mount Titlis? Mount Titlis attracts around 1.1 million visitors a year and is known for its glacier, alpine scenery, and revolving cable car. The location gives Rolex a highly visible presence at one of Switzerland’s most popular mountain destinations. ### Can visitors buy a Rolex at the Titlis Tower boutique? Visitors can shop and view Rolex watches at the Titlis Tower boutique. As with many Rolex retail locations, availability may vary depending on the model and demand. ### What views can shoppers see from the Rolex boutique? The boutique features large windows with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and the surrounding Swiss Alps. The design turns the store into both a retail space and a scenic alpine experience. ### Why is the new Rolex boutique attracting attention? The boutique stands out because of its extreme altitude, luxury setting, and unusual location inside a redesigned alpine tower. It gives Rolex a retail presence that feels closer to a destination experience than a traditional watch store. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** News, rolex, Swiss Alps, Watch Collector, Watches --- ### [Jaguar’s Polarizing Type 01 EV Will Make Its Debut This Fall](https://robbreport.ph/cars/jaguars-polarizing-type-01-ev-will-make-its-debut-this-fall/) **Published:** June 29, 2026 **Author:** Bryan Hood **Content:** One of the most talked-about cars in recent years is nearing the finish line. [Jaguar](https://robbreport.ph/tag/jaguar/ "jaguar") has confirmed that it will pull back the curtain on the [polarizing Type 01](https://robbreport.ph/cars/jaguars-polarizing-electric-gt-will-weigh-almost-3-tons/ "Jaguar’s Polarizing Electric GT Will Weigh Almost 3 Tons") this October, [according to *Autocar*](https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/electric-cars/confirmed-jaguar-reveal-type-01-new-york-october). The luxury marque won’t be unveiling the first of its next-gen EVs at home in the England, though. Instead, it’ll do so in New York City. It may feel like the Type 01 has been in our lives for years now, but it was only unveiled in concept form in December 2024. That means that that if the reveal does go ahead as schedule, it will come less than two years after the world first became aware of the four-door GT. Of course, that time has been filled with near constant chatter—including [from the president of the United States](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0l61d5g9ggo)—about how the upcoming vehicle looks like nothing in the storied brand’s history. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/jaguar-type-01-monaco-02.webp) The Jaguar Type 01 in Monaco *Photo: Jaguar Land Rover* But that was the whole point of the bold design. Jaguar has made clear from the very beginning that the Type 01, with its large proportions and geometric shape, is meant to be a departure (even a break) from what came before. To show its commitment to its new direction, the company even [discontinued every single one](https://robbreport.ph/cars/jaguar-just-built-its-final-gas-powered-vehicle/ "Jaguar Just Built Its Final Gas-Powered Vehicle") of its gas-powered models (sister brand Land Rover is also preparing to launch its first EVs, but will continue to offer ICE vehicles going forward). There is more to the Type 01 than its distinctive look. The brand’s first next-gen EV will feature a fully electric, tri-motor powertrain that produces 986 hp. Brute force isn’t the only performance metric that matters when it comes to EVs, though. The four-door will also be equipped with a massive 120 kWh batter pack that will give it a range of around 400 miles, though the hardware will [push the vehicle’s weight](https://robbreport.ph/cars/jaguars-polarizing-electric-gt-will-weigh-almost-3-tons/ "Jaguar’s Polarizing Electric GT Will Weigh Almost 3 Tons") to nearly three tons. We got the chance to take the vehicle for a quick spin this spring, and found the ride to be comfortable and, most importantly, dynamic. The decision to unveil the finished Type 01 in the Big Apple, after revealing its concept in Miami, also signals that Jaguar has identified the U.S. as an important market for the car. That may no longer be the sound decision it initially seemed, considering the antagonism the country’s current government has shown toward EVs and foreign-made automobiles since taking office early last year. We’ll see if Jaguar can overcome this when deliveries of the $130,000 Type 01 begin next year. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### When will Jaguar reveal the production Type 01? Jaguar is expected to reveal the production version of the Type 01 in October 2026. The unveiling will take place in New York City rather than in the U.K. ### What is the Jaguar Type 01? The Jaguar Type 01 is the luxury marque’s first next-generation electric vehicle. It is a four-door grand tourer with a bold design that marks a major departure from Jaguar’s previous gas-powered models. ### Why has the Jaguar Type 01 been controversial? The Type 01 has drawn attention for its dramatic proportions, geometric styling, and break from traditional Jaguar design language. Its look has generated widespread debate since the concept was first revealed in December 2024. ### Is the Jaguar Type 01 fully electric? Yes. The Type 01 will be fully electric and is expected to use a tri-motor powertrain producing 986 hp. ### What is the expected range of the Jaguar Type 01? Jaguar’s Type 01 is expected to offer around 400 miles of range from a 120 kWh battery pack. ### How much will the Jaguar Type 01 cost? The Jaguar Type 01 is expected to start at around $130,000. ### When will Jaguar Type 01 deliveries begin? Deliveries of the Jaguar Type 01 are expected to begin in 2027. ### Why is Jaguar revealing the Type 01 in New York? Jaguar’s decision to reveal the Type 01 in New York suggests that the U.S. is an important market for the car. The concept was previously shown in Miami, further underlining the brand’s focus on American buyers for its next-generation EV. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** electric vehicles, ev, jaguar, Jaguar Type 01, News --- ### [Porsche’s Limited Edition 911 GT3 Earls Court 51 Edition Is an Ode to Its First U.K. Car](https://robbreport.ph/cars/porsche-911-gt3-earls-court-51-edition-uk/) **Published:** June 22, 2026 **Author:** Bryan Hood **Content:** [Porsche](https://robbreport.ph/tag/porsche/ "porsche") wants everyone to know how much it values its longtime relationship with the United Kingdom. The German sports car maker has just unveiled the [911 GT3](https://robbreport.ph/cars/multiple-choice-porsche-gt3/ "The Porsche 911 GT3 is a Niche Icon with Endless Choice") Earls Court 51 Edition. The exclusive build is set to make its public debut this weekend and is meant to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the first Porsche being delivered to the U.K. The marque’s latest regional special edition is the result of a collaboration between Porsche Cars Great Britain and its Exclusive Manufakture customization department. The car’s unique look was inspired by the first British Porsche, a dark green 356 that was displayed at London’s Earls Court Motor Show in 1951. The present-day 911 GT3 is finished in a new Paint to Sample Plus color called Earls Court Green, a metallic hue that subtly changes depending on how the light hits it. Aside from the [vehicle’s](https://www.porsche.com/uk/earls-court-51-edition/) primary color, the only other signs that it is a special edition are a silver teardrop accent around the Porsche crest and a “Earls Court 1951” badge on top of the rear grille. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/porsche-911-gt3-earls-court-01.webp) Inside the Porsche 911 GT3 Earls Court 51 Edition *Photo: Porsche* The interior is just as tasteful but features a few more hints that you’re in a rare 911 GT3. The cabin is done up in a combination of Night Green and Chalk Beige leather with Paldao wood trim and corduroy seat inserts. Other model-specific details include Union Jacks embossed onto the sun visors, an Earls Court 1951 logo stitched into the headrests, and a wooden gear shifter. The car also comes with a matching Porsche Design chronograph watch, a Night Green leather weekender bag, a 1:18 scale model of the car, and a book chronicling the design and production process. The special edition is based on the 911 GT3 with Touring Package. That means that it is powered by a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six that makes 503 hp and 332 ft lbs of torque, which is routed to the rear axle via a six-speed manual gearbox (though a seven-speed PDK transmission is available as a no-cost option). Intrigued? You’ll need to live in the U.K. to buy this exclusive Porsche, and even then, you may want to reach out to the automaker today, since it plans to build just 51 examples. Each car will cost £251,951, which works out to about $333,000. *See more photos of the Porsche 911 GT3 Earls Court 51 Edition [here](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-u-k-exclusive-porsche-911-gt3-earls-court-51-edition-in-photos/).* ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is the Porsche 911 GT3 Earls Court 51 Edition? The Porsche 911 GT3 Earls Court 51 Edition is a limited-run special model created to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the first Porsche delivered to the United Kingdom. Just 51 examples will be produced exclusively for U.K. customers. ### What makes the Porsche 911 GT3 Earls Court 51 Edition unique? The special edition features a bespoke Earls Court Green paint finish inspired by the first Porsche displayed at London’s Earls Court Motor Show in 1951. It also includes exclusive interior details such as Union Jack motifs, Night Green and Chalk Beige leather, Paldao wood trim, and a matching Porsche Design chronograph. ### How much does the Porsche 911 GT3 Earls Court 51 Edition cost? The Porsche 911 GT3 Earls Court 51 Edition is priced at £251,951 (approximately $333,000). It is based on the 911 GT3 Touring and is powered by a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six engine producing 503 horsepower, paired with a six-speed manual transmission. ### What engine powers the 911 GT3 Earls Court 51 Edition? A naturally aspirated 4.0-liter engine powers this vehicle, delivering an impressive 503 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque through a standard six-speed manual transmission system. ### Where can you buy the Porsche Earls Court 51 Edition? This rare sports car is exclusively available for purchase by residents living within the United Kingdom, with production strictly limited to just 51 individual production examples. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** 911 GT3, earls court 51 edition, porsche, United Kingdom --- ### [Bulgari Dresses Its Record-Thin Perpetual Calendar in Monochromatic Blue](https://robbreport.ph/watches/bulgari-dresses-its-record-thin-perpetual-calendar-in-monochromatic-blue/) **Published:** June 25, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** Bulgari’s [Octo Finissimo](https://robbreport.ph/tag/octo-finissimo/ "octo finissimo") has always made complexity look controlled. In a category often defined by boldness, the Roman maison has built its modern watchmaking identity around sharper lines, slimmer cases, quieter surfaces, and engineering pushed almost to the point of disappearance. That philosophy takes on a new hue with the Octo Finissimo Perpetual Calendar in blue titanium, the first monochromatic blue interpretation of one of [Bulgari’s](http://bulgari.com) most important complications. Cool, architectural, and almost impossibly thin, it gives the record-setting 2021 model a more contemporary, rather evening-ready character. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Bvlgari-2026_Bvlgari-Octo-Finissimo-Perpetual-Calendar_104262_03.webp) *Photo: Bulgari* The new release has quite the shoes to fill. The Octo Finissimo Perpetual Calendar won the Aiguille d’Or at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève in 2021 and set a world record for thinness with its titanium perpetual calendar construction. Since then, Bulgari has revisited the watch in carbon gold in 2023 and rose gold in 2025. This new blue titanium version is a more natural evolution of the Octo Finissimo idea. Measuring 40 mm across and just 5.80 mm thick, the extra-thin case is crafted from sandblasted titanium with a blue PVD coating. Its blue varnished dial keeps the composition tightly controlled, offset by grey rhodium-plated hands and silvered indexes. A polished stainless steel crown with a black ceramic insert adds a precise note of contrast without breaking the watch’s monochromatic calm. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Bvlgari-2026_Bvlgari-Octo-Finissimo-Perpetual-Calendar_104262_02.webp) *Photo: Bulgari* Perpetual calendars can easily overwhelm a dial, with indications for the date, day, month, and leap year all competing for space. Bulgari keeps the layout clean and legible, placing the retrograde date across the upper half while the remaining displays sit with a graphic sense of order. Power comes from the BVL 305, Bulgari’s automatic manufacture ultra-thin movement. Measuring just 2.75 mm thick, it drives the hours, minutes, perpetual calendar, retrograde date, day, month, and leap year, with a 60-hour power reserve and a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour. A transparent case back reveals the movement, while 3 ATM water resistance gives the watch a practical edge without softening its haute horlogerie credentials. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Bvlgari-2026_Bvlgari-Octo-Finissimo-Perpetual-Calendar_104262_04.webp) *Photo: Bulgari* A matching blue alligator leather strap completes the look, secured by a polished titanium pin buckle. The choice softens the technical character of the titanium case and makes the watch feel more sartorial than severe. It’s easy to picture it under a dinner jacket cuff, really. The release also sits within a broader 2026 moment for the Octo Finissimo line. Bulgari is pushing the collection in several directions, from the newly proportioned Octo Finissimo 37 to the boundary-testing Octo Finissimo Ultra Tourbillon Platinum. *More information [here](https://www.bulgari.com/en-ph/).* ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is the Bulgari Octo Finissimo Perpetual Calendar in blue titanium? It is a new monochromatic blue interpretation of Bulgari’s ultra-thin Octo Finissimo Perpetual Calendar, featuring a sandblasted blue PVD-coated titanium case, blue varnished dial, and matching blue alligator leather strap. ### Why is the Octo Finissimo Perpetual Calendar important? The original titanium model won the Aiguille d’Or at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève in 2021 and set a world record for thinness in a perpetual calendar watch. ### How thin is the Bulgari Octo Finissimo Perpetual Calendar? The watch has a 40 mm case measuring just 5.80 mm thick. Its BVL 305 automatic manufacture movement measures only 2.75 mm thick. ### What movement powers the watch? The watch is powered by Bulgari’s BVL 305 automatic ultra-thin manufacture movement, which drives the hours, minutes, perpetual calendar, retrograde date, day, month, and leap year indications. ### What is the power reserve of the Bulgari Octo Finissimo Perpetual Calendar? The BVL 305 movement offers a 60-hour power reserve and runs at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour. ### What makes the blue titanium version different? This is the first monochromatic blue version of the Octo Finissimo Perpetual Calendar. Its blue PVD-coated titanium case, blue dial, and matching strap give the watch a more contemporary, architectural feel. ### Is the Bulgari Octo Finissimo Perpetual Calendar suitable for daily wear? Yes. Despite its haute horlogerie credentials, the watch is designed with a versatile profile, a slim titanium case, a leather strap, and 3 ATM water resistance, making it refined enough for formal wear but practical enough for daily use. **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** bulgari, News, octo finissimo, perpetual calendar --- ### [Inside the Gravity-Defying Rise of Watch Prices](https://robbreport.ph/watches/inside-the-gravity-defying-rise-of-watch-prices/) **Published:** July 1, 2026 **Author:** Victoria Gomelsky **Content:** [Watch](https://robbreport.ph/watches/ "Watches") prices, if you haven’t noticed, have gone crazy. Not just at the high-end, not just in the primary market, not just on gold models. They have increased on everything, everywhere, seemingly all at once. The phenomenon has been most notable at auction, where sales now regularly feature timepieces that break the once-rare million-dollar barrier. That’s true of small, online-only sales—such as [Marteau & Co.’s third auction this month, which set a world record for the independent watchmaker Kari Voutilainen when his Regulator Decimal Repeater sold for $1,966,718](https://auctions.marteauandco.com/Jun-2026/catalogue/0006)—as well as major global sales, like Phillips’s June auction in New York, which achieved a total of $75.8 million, including 16 watches that fetched more than $1 million, one of which was [a record-breaking F.P. Journe that hammered at over $13.9 million](https://www.phillips.com/press/release/twice-in-six-months-phillips-shatters-record-for-the-most-successful-watch-auction-in-us-history). Two days after the Phillips sale, Paul Boutros, the house’s deputy chairman and head of watches in the Americas, said even he was taken aback by the numbers. “I was thinking we had a shot at breaking $50 million overall,” he told *Robb Report*. “That was my hope—just to get to 50. And we did almost $76 million. I’m still trying to process it all.” The market for new watches is where most collectors have felt the pinch. [Rolex](https://robbreport.com/tag/rolex/), for one, has increased prices four times since January 2025. [The latest increase](https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/rolex-raises-gold-watch-prices-1238354974/), announced earlier this month on gold and two-tone models, is said to have caught people off-guard. But it’s hardly shocking in the current context. At [Watches and Wonders Geneva](https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/lists/watches-and-wonders-2026-best-new-watches-1237708115/) in April, pricing was a sore yet all-too-recurring subject—for brands and collectors alike. Many brand executives cast blame on rising costs, especially the price of gold, and the falling dollar for the spate of price increases they’ve enacted over the past year. “We took what, between 15% and 18% change of currency in one year?” Bertrand Meylan, CEO of MELB Subsidiaries, owner of the brands H. Moser & Cie. and Hautlence, says. “That’s quite unprecedented. It’s not easy to deal with. You usually try to wait and see if it’s going to stay there or not, but after a while you have no choice but to adapt.” Meylan certainly has a point. In 2022, the U.S. dollar and Swiss franc traded at near parity. At H. Moser, that meant the brand’s entry-level Pioneer model, at 14,500 Swiss francs, was roughly $14,500. Today, the same model is closer to $18,000. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/gold-rolex-daytona.webp) Rolex just increased its prices on gold and two-tone models. *Photo: Rolex* But ballooning costs aren’t the only factor contributing to the dramatic upswing in retail prices. Since the pandemic, many brands have intentionally implemented a strategy known as premiumization, which Oliver R. Müller, the founder of the watch consultancy LuxeConsult near Lausanne, Switzerland, defines as “elevating your brand so that its perceived value allows you to charge a substantial premium compared with a brand not commanding the same brand equity.” “Let’s put it bluntly,” Müller says. “The growth of the Swiss watch industry post-Covid was only marginally driven by organic growth.” And yet herein lies the paradox: Despite the seemingly never-ending price hikes, the chorus of collector complaints, and the very real sense that prices have become completely disconnected from what most buyers perceive to be watches’ true value, the market appears to be bearing the increases just fine. “It’s much easier to sell a watch at $100,000 than 10 watches at $10,000 or 100 watches at $1,000 because you’re talking to a sophisticated buyer,” William Massena, founder of Massena LAB, says. “Because the guy who buys a $100,000 watch knows what he’s buying and you don’t have to justify it.” By way of example, Massena notes that in 2023, his brand introduced a monopusher chronograph in collaboration with the independent watchmaker Sylvain Pinaud. “We did 10 watches and they were 130,000 Swiss francs a pop,” Massena says. “I sold them in 56 minutes. “Two years ago, at Geneva Watch Days, we released the Maxigraph, a chronograph monopusher made for sailing,” Massena adds. “The maker, Albishorn, reduced the thickness and added a complication on top to create a retrograde hand and a little time indicator disc. We priced it at $4,950. We thought, ‘This is going to fly, we are going to be overwhelmed with people recognizing the value of this product.’ It took me a year to sell them.” The takeaway for many brands that have had similar experiences goes something like this: “Screw value products. We’re going to the high-end.” It’s an understandable reaction, but where does it end? “We’re making watch collecting a rich man’s sport,” says Massena. “To make a case in gold, it’s $10,000. You have to sell your watch for at least $50,000 to $60,000. You still have to put a movement in there, put on a strap, ship it. At the end of the day, $50,000 to $60,000 is basically the average annual salary of an American. And a tourbillon at a quarter million dollars is basically the price of an average house.” But even the wealthiest buyers are reconsidering their purchases, says Jason Gong, the founder of the watch community Complecto. “I’m in a lot of chat groups and in so many of those groups, there’s an endless string of new watch alerts,” he explains. “It never ends. For some communities with a higher concentration of collectors who are affluent, you’re still shopping. But even people collecting at that tier—there is fatigue. Their thing is, ‘If I’m going to spend that kind of money, I’d rather spend $200,000 on a Simon Brette or Romain Gauthier, a high-end, difficult-to-acquire independent than a [Patek Philippe](https://robbreport.ph/tag/patek-philippe/ "Patek Philippe") grand complication. For collectors that have money to spend, it’s been a pivot away from the mainstream brands and their unrelenting price hikes.” Take Joyce Solano, a collector in New York City, who strikes a sanguine tone about the impact of all those hikes. “I’ve actually become a bit more experimental in trying either some of the watch brands that are more independent, or watch brands that have more of an ‘entry level,’” she says. “This has been the first year where I started to purchase Tudors. I had never considered Tudor because I thought Rolex would be my base and then I’d move up. I think it’s helped me become a little bit more diversified and my collection is better for it.” Ultimately, however, what it all suggests is that Massena’s warning may already be a reality. The question now is whether the collectors who remain—and the brands still chasing them—are enough to sustain the trade in the inevitably costlier years to come. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Why are watch prices rising so much? Watch prices are rising because of a mix of higher material costs, currency shifts, brand strategy, and sustained demand from wealthy collectors. Swiss watch executives have pointed to the rising cost of gold and the weaker U.S. dollar as major factors, while consultants also point to premiumization, a strategy that allows brands to charge more by elevating their perceived value. ### Are luxury watch prices rising only for rare or high-end models? No. Prices have increased across much of the watch market, from gold and two-tone models to entry-level pieces and auction-grade rarities. Collectors are feeling the increases in both the primary retail market and the secondary auction market. ### How much have Rolex prices increased recently? Rolex has raised prices four times since January 2025. The latest increase affected gold and two-tone models and surprised many collectors, though it fits into a broader industry pattern of rising luxury watch prices. ### What does premiumization mean in the watch industry? Premiumization is an industry strategy where watchmakers intentionally elevate their brand equity and perceived value. This allows them to demand a substantial price premium without relying on organic volume growth. ### How are luxury watch collectors reacting to price hikes? Many affluent watch collectors are experiencing fatigue. Instead of buying mainstream brands, consumers are increasingly pivoting toward independent watchmakers or exploring value-driven, entry-level luxury alternatives. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** F.P. Journe, Kari Voutilainen, Phillips, rolex --- ### [Jewelry That Moves: Why Kinetic Design Is the Next Frontier in Fine Jewelry](https://robbreport.ph/style/jewelry/jewelry-that-moves-why-kinetic-design-is-the-next-frontier-in-fine-jewelry/) **Published:** July 1, 2026 **Author:** Nicholas Ong **Content:** Fine [jewelry](https://robbreport.ph/style/jewelry/ "Jewelry") has long been defined by permanence. Diamonds are set to stay fixed, gold is fashioned to endure, and heirlooms are expected to remain unchanged for generations. Increasingly, however, designers are challenging that convention through kinetic jewelry—pieces that spin, rotate, transform, and invite interaction. Among the brands leading this evolution are [İTÄ](https://www.itajewelry.com/), founded by Inés Capó and Äfet Burcu Salargil, and [Chelsea Gabrielle Fine Jewelry](https://www.chelseagabrielle.com/), whose collections place movement at the center of their design philosophy. İTÄ’s award-winning Yarí Whirl Ring conceals engravings, gemstones, or personal symbols beneath a rotating centerpiece, while Chelsea Gabrielle’s debut *Momentum* collection allows bezel-set diamonds to spin freely within their settings. ![ITA Yari whirl ring iznik](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/YARI-WHIRL-RING_IZNIK4.webp) The award-winning Yari Iznik Whirl Ring, with white diamonds and ruby cabochons, features a rotating centerpiece. The result is jewelry designed to be handled, turned, and transformed. Rings rotate, diamonds spin, necklaces reverse, and modular elements encourage owners to engage with their jewelry long after they leave the display case. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/YARI-MULTI-GEMSTONE-PENDANT_GREEN-TOURMALINE-CABOCHON-VIEW.webp) The Yari Multi-Gemstone Pendant Nugget with green tourmalines isn’t fixed on its chain, but moves with its wearer. As the pendant turns with movement, tourmalines in other shapes set around the pendant are revealed. Charms can also be collected and placed together on a chain for a different looks. Collectors increasingly seek jewelry that offers versatility, personal expression, and exceptional craftsmanship. Movement adds another dimension, allowing a single piece to evolve through daily wear rather than serving only ceremonial occasions or placing value solely on rarity or carat weight. Drawing from their Caribbean and Istanbul heritage, İTÄ founders Inés Capó and Äfet Burcu Salargil have built a collection that celebrates craftsmanship while inviting participation from the wearer. Each piece is handcrafted in ateliers near Istanbul’s historic Grand Bazaar using 14-karat gold, enamel, and carefully selected gemstones. ![Other Yari nugget designs.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/DSC05028.webp) Other Yari Nugget designs. At the heart of the brand is the Yarí collection, where movement becomes part of the design language. The award-winning Yarí Whirl Ring features a rotating centerpiece that reveals hidden engravings, gemstones, or personal symbols with every turn, while the Yarí Nugget Charms slide and spin freely along a chain, allowing owners to continually reshape and personalize their jewelry over time. Rather than serving as simple decoration, these pieces encourage touch and interaction, transforming jewelry into something closer to an evolving keepsake. ![This Chelsea Gabrielle ring allows the center diamond to move around the rings; the bezel-set diamond is also able to rotate horizontally.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/25-2240x2240.webp) This Chelsea Gabrielle ring allows the center diamond to move around the rings; the bezel-set diamond is also able to rotate horizontally. A similar philosophy underpins the debut collection from Los Angeles-based Chelsea Gabrielle Fine Jewelry. Aptly titled *Momentum*, the collection is founded on the belief that jewelry should move with the women who wear it. For founder Chelsea Gabrielle, diamonds are meant to respond to motion—catching light, creating subtle sound, and bringing a sense of life to every gesture. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/chelsea-office-90-1.webp) That thinking led to an unconventional reinterpretation of the traditional bezel setting. Instead of locking diamonds firmly into place, Gabrielle developed settings that allow the stones to rotate freely. The collection unfolds through three families: *Orbit*, featuring spinning bezel-set diamonds; *Dualité*, with reversible necklaces and bracelets that offer multiple ways to wear a single piece; and *Métamorphose*, modular statement jewelry designed to transform alongside its owner. The effect is understated but compelling, introducing movement without sacrificing the refinement expected of high jewelry. ![Chelsea Gabrielle rings.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Rings-Editorial.webp) Chelsea Gabrielle rings. Kinetic jewelry is not entirely new—playful articulated pieces have appeared throughout jewelry history—and neither will it replace rarity and exceptional materials. But today’s designers are treating movement as another form of craftsmanship. A rotating ring, a reversible necklace, or a freely spinning diamond introduces an additional layer of engineering—one that makes the wearer part of the design itself. A single piece can move effortlessly between travel, work, formal occasions, and everyday wear while offering new ways for its owner to engage with it over time. ![A Chelsea Gabrielle bracelet. The diamonds on the right are moveable.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Bracelet-1-1-2240x2240.webp) A Chelsea Gabrielle bracelet. The diamonds on the right are moveable. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is kinetic jewelry? Kinetic jewelry is fine jewelry designed with moving elements such as rotating rings, spinning diamonds, reversible necklaces, or modular components. Rather than remaining static, these pieces invite interaction while showcasing the engineering and craftsmanship behind their design. ### Which jewelry brands are known for kinetic jewelry? Among the brands pioneering kinetic fine jewelry are **İTÄ** and **Chelsea Gabrielle Fine Jewelry**. İTÄ’s award-winning Yarí collection features rotating rings and movable charms, while Chelsea Gabrielle’s *Momentum* collection incorporates freely spinning bezel-set diamonds, reversible jewelry, and modular designs. ### Why is kinetic jewelry becoming more popular? Collectors are increasingly seeking jewelry that combines exceptional craftsmanship with versatility and personal expression. Kinetic jewelry allows a single piece to transform through movement, making it suitable for everyday wear while offering a more interactive and individualized experience. ### How does kinetic jewelry work? Kinetic jewelry relies on precision engineering integrated into traditional fine jewelry techniques. Features such as rotating centerpieces, freely spinning gemstone settings, and reversible or modular components are carefully designed to move smoothly without compromising durability or aesthetics. ### Is kinetic jewelry collectible? Yes. As designers continue to innovate through craftsmanship and engineering, kinetic jewelry is attracting collectors who value originality, artistry, and limited production. Pieces from emerging designers such as İTÄ and Chelsea Gabrielle may become especially desirable as contemporary fine jewelry continues to evolve. *Visit ITA’s website [here](https://www.itajewelry.com/). Visit Chelsea Gabrielle’s website [here](https://www.chelseagabrielle.com/).* **Categories:** Jewelry, Style **Tags:** Chelsea Gabrielle, fine jewelry, İTÄ, kinetic jewelry --- ### [Philippe Stern: Passion, Responsibility, Vision, & a Smile](https://robbreport.ph/watches/philippe-stern-passion-responsibility-generational-vision-and-a-smile/) **Published:** June 16, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** *Philippe Stern, former president of Patek Philippe and one of the most influential figures in modern watchmaking, passed away on June 15, 2026, at the age of 88. Robb Report Philippines joins the global horological community in remembering his extraordinary contributions to the craft and culture of watchmaking.* It was always hard not to be in awe of meeting Mr. Philippe Stern. He was, when I first met him, the head of [Patek Philippe](https://robbreport.ph/tag/patek-philippe/ "Patek Philippe"), and at the time he was making many changes at the family-owned independent Geneva watch house. Yet he was also remarkably disarming and friendly. Collectors at the highest level would often find themselves in circles where they might meet him, but it was in getting to know him a little better that you saw things that made everything seem more casual while, at the same time, making you realize how important he really was to the watchmaking world. I remember standing with him in Singapore after the opening of a grand exhibition. Suddenly, he started looking at something, as did everybody else. I turned to see what had caught their attention, and it was a watchmaker who had lifted a young boy onto a chair so he could watch the assembly of a timepiece. It was actually my son. I looked back at Mr. Stern, and he simply smiled. Then everyone else smiled. Many years later, that memory came up again during the reopening of Patek Philippe’s boutique just off Lake Geneva, when the company was transitioning the space from the offices he once occupied into a more public-facing showroom and showcase facility. I asked him when he realized it was time to hand over the reins to his son, Thierry Stern. He paused, thought for a moment, then smiled. “You know what? It was right over there.” He pointed to where his desk had once stood. “My desk used to be there,” he said. “Thierry would come in as a young boy, but he couldn’t touch the watches yet because he hadn’t learned. So he played with coins and other things. More recently, while we were renovating and moving things around, I found one of those old coins. That’s what got me thinking about it in a more concrete way. That maybe it was starting to be time.” Patek Philippe draws you in in a way that is very different from other watchmakers. You realize that it is, in many ways, truly a family atmosphere. There is guidance and an enormous attention to detail, but there is also warmth, friendliness, and an underlying sense of responsibility. Mr. Philippe Stern was responsible for bringing Patek Philippe into a new era while preserving not only traditional values but also traditional crafts. Many people do not understand why Patek Philippe places such emphasis on its Rare Handcrafts exhibitions each year. But it was actually Mr. Stern who believed that regularly commissioning these extraordinary pieces would help ensure that the crafts—and the craftsmen behind them—would survive for future generations. It’s hard to point to one specific thing when I think about Mr. Philippe Stern, what he accomplished, and my own interactions with him. Because it isn’t just one thing. Just as Patek Philippe’s watches are never just one thing. They are an orchestra of different skills, technologies, and traditions, each of which must be perfected individually before being brought together and conducted as a whole. It would be easy to say that Mr. Philippe Stern was that conductor. But that actually understates his role. More importantly, he was the person training the conductors we will see generations from now. He is the person who helped ensure that future generations would still appreciate that orchestra, still understand how to listen to it, and still possess the knowledge and craftsmanship needed to create it. **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** Obituary, Patek Philippe, Philippe Stern --- ### [The White Wines That Are Breaking the Rules in the Best Way](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/wine/the-white-wines-that-are-breaking-the-rules-in-the-best-way-possible/) **Published:** June 19, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** Old-World purists, avert your eyes. While most of the familiar multi-variety white cuvées are traditional blend styles from regions like Rhône Valley, Rioja, Tuscany, or Bordeaux, a handful around the globe—and especially from the New World—combine varieties that would infuriate traditionalists. Examples include California’s Restricted Proprietary White Blend, made with Chenin Blanc, Pinot Blanc, Roussanne, Albariño, Sémillon, and Sauvignon Blanc, and Clif Family x Reyna Noriega White Wine, a 50-50 blend of Chardonnay and Viognier. While many would argue that these do not even belong in the same region, let alone the same bottle, the result of these carefully thought-out blends is a delicious and complex glass of [wine](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/wine/ "Wine") that demonstrates the advantages of creativity in the winemaking process. In many cases, the wines are the result of successful planting experiments that caused winemakers to look for non-traditional combinations of the grapes they had growing in their vineyards. “We’ve planted a handful of less common varieties at this site, driven by curiosity and a desire to see how they translate in a different environment,” winemaker Gianna Ghilarducci says about the Russian River Valley Marsanne in her Restricted Proprietary White Blend. “In this case, the cooler conditions shape Marsanne into something restrained, lower in alcohol, and defined by a leaner structure with a beautiful textural layer. It brings a quiet depth to the blend while also offering an ageing potential that may surprise people.” A fan of aromatic whites, Ghilarducci says Pinot Blanc serves as the backbone of the blend, bringing a clean line of mouthwatering acidity, while Albariño lifts the aromatics with delicate florals and a subtle coastal salinity. Meanwhile, Marsanne adds weight and texture through the mid-palate, and Chenin Blanc contributes vibrancy and a bright, zesty finish. While Pinot Blanc, Marsanne, and Chenin Blanc are all French varieties native to Burgundy and the Rhône and Loire valleys, respectively, pouring a glass of this delicious and age-worthy wine would certainly elicit a finger wag and cry of *“mon dieu!”* from a Frenchman, especially with the addition of Albariño, which hails from the border of western Spain and northern Portugal. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/massican_maryam_crop.webp) *Photo: Massican* Grapes from Burgundy and the Rhône also come together in winemaker Laura Barrett’s Clif Family x Reyna Noriega White Wine, a wine and art collaboration that brings together Clif Family’s organically farmed wines with the bold artistry of Miami visual artist Reyna Noriega. Clif Family had been purchasing both Chardonnay and Viognier grapes from growers in the Oak Knoll District to make single-varietal bottles, but when they acquired their property in 2018 the team planted these two varieties along with nine others. While Rhône Viognier often emphasizes elegance, minerality, and texture, Barrett says in California it tends to bring out aromatics, richness, and fruit expression. “This contrast is why Viognier can work so well in a blend with Chardonnay in California,” she says. And although it is drinking beautifully now, as it ages, the fruit will soften, and it will become more layered and complex with a potential to drink beautifully for another five or six years. Farther north, in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, Cooper Mountain Vineyards produces a wine called Merroir White from Tocai Friulano, Pinot Gris, and Gewürztraminer, a blend that is common in northern Italy but very unusual in the United States, as it is rare to find the three varieties planted in proximity to one another here. In partnership with Hama Hama Oysters, Cooper Mountain crafted a wine to complement the flavor profile of native Pacific bivalves. “The proportions of the blend were carefully selected to enhance the oysters’ natural sweet and briny character,” explains Cooper Mountain co-owner Barbara Gross. Winemaker Gilles de Domingo says while Pinot Gris is a well-established variety in the Willamette Valley, the Tocai Friulano was planted in 2004 as a varietal exploration and ongoing experiment and that the Gewürztraminer followed in 2008 to be used as a blending component offering aromatic lift and texture. “The result is not an imitation of Northern Italy but rather a distinctly Oregon interpretation shaped by its own soils, climate, and identity,” he explains. The primary grape in these cuvées is often one that is almost unknown outside its home region. Case in point: Massican 2023 Maryam + Company, a blend of 90 percent Loureiro with 5 percent each Cortese and Falanghina. The Loureiro, a Portuguese native that is a primary ingredient in Vinho Verde, is from a vineyard in Clarksburg, Calif., whose owner discovered it on vacation and wanted to experiment with it back home; the two Italian varieties are planted in the same location. Massican founder and winemaker Dan Petroski made it with Napa Valley wine strategist Maryam Ahmed in honor of a conference she runs called Field Blends. While Massican’s prime inspiration is white wines of the Mediterranean, especially Italy, Petroski says he has never felt constrained by traditional regional rules. “Loureiro brings an herbaceous, green snap to the wine, the Cortese brings a hint of texture and mid-palate, while the Falanghina acts like a squeeze of fresh lemon on the finish,” he tell us. Another grape that’s rarely seen in the United States is Santorini native Assyrtiko, which winemaker Kristina Shideler used as the main variety in Stonestreet Winery 2025 White Blend alongside 13 percent Sémillon. “In 2020, we planted an area of our mountain estate to various white varieties to explore drought resistance on soils that were otherwise too weak for Bordeaux varieties,” she says. “It was very clear early on that Assyrtiko was the shining star with its aromatic intensity, laser-like acidity, and ability to build gorgeous texture in the winemaking.” Although as wine drinkers we are accustomed to tried-and-true formulas, especially among traditional blends, as Shideler points out, “It’s easy to put your reservations aside when something is undeniably delicious.” *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Food & Drink, Wine **Tags:** Feature, napa valley, Oeno Files, Willamette Valley --- ### [The Mercedes-Benz VLE in Photos](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-mercedes-benz-vle-in-photos/) **Published:** June 24, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** *To read about our road test, click [here](https://robbreport.ph/cars/road-test-the-mercedes-benz-vle-is-an-impressive-luxury-van-that-leaves-room-for-improvement/).* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2028-Mercedes-Benz-VLE-1.webp) The Mercedes-Benz VLE luxury van. *Photo: Mercedes-Benz* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2028-Mercedes-Benz-VLE-2.webp) The VLE has a massive amount of cargo space, up to 152 cubic feet with the seats removed. *Photo: Mercedes-Benz* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2028-Mercedes-Benz-VLE-3.webp) Up front in the cabin, there’s a sweeping, triple-display MBUX Superscreen dashboard surrounded by your selection of material inlays. *Photo: Mercedes-Benz* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2028-Mercedes-Benz-VLE-4.webp) The interior’s hallmark feature is the 31.3-inch 8K ultra-widescreen display that swings down from the ceiling. *Photo: Mercedes-Benz* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2028-Mercedes-Benz-VLE-20.webp) Second-row passengers have a surprisingly sturdy fold-out table, perfect for a laptop or tablet, plus a slide-out, refrigerated compartment for keeping the refreshments chilled. *Photo: Mercedes-Benz* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2028-Mercedes-Benz-VLE-21.webp) The available 22-inch Monoblock wheels add some serious curb appeal. *Photo: Tim Stevens* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2028-Mercedes-Benz-VLE-25.webp) The tapered rear end is charming, especially the vertical fins and rear lighting elements that create a shape unlike anything else on the road. *Photo: Tim Stevens* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2028-Mercedes-Benz-VLE-5.webp) The North American market may only receive a dual-motor, all-wheel drive VLE 400 4MATIC with 416 hp. *Photo: Mercedes-Benz* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2028-Mercedes-Benz-VLE-6_b9ca3f.webp) The VLE rides on a custom air-suspension setup with bespoke rear shocks that ingeniously tuck in on either side of the rear motor. *Photo: Mercedes-Benz AG* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2028-Mercedes-Benz-VLE-8_470659.webp) The VLE glides over speed bumps and tired roads with the sort of character you’d expect of a Mercedes-Benz. *Photo: Mercedes-Benz AG* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2028-Mercedes-Benz-VLE-9_4b9e75.webp) Dial it over to Sport mode, and the VLE is properly perky, leaping forward with just a modest flex of your right ankle. *Photo: Mercedes-Benz AG* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2028-Mercedes-Benz-VLE-22.webp) Welcome to the new VLE, which Mercedes-Benz calls a “Grand Limousine.” *Photo: Mercedes-Benz AG* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2028-Mercedes-Benz-VLE-7_b19d91.webp) As for pricing of the VLE, Mercedes-Benz has yet to commit to a figure. *Photo: Mercedes-Benz AG* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** electric vehicles, mercedes benz, News, Review, Transport, Vans, VLE --- ### [We Drove Jaguar’s All-Electric Prototype and a Few of Its Legacy Models. Here’s How They Compare.](https://robbreport.ph/cars/we-drove-jaguars-all-electric-prototype-and-a-few-of-its-legacy-models-heres-how-they-compare/) **Published:** April 13, 2026 **Author:** Erik Shilling **Content:** [Jaguar](https://robbreport.ph/tag/jaguar/ "jaguar") has been in the midst of a massive reinvention, years in the making, centered on [phasing out its gas-powered cars ](https://robbreport.ph/cars/jaguar-just-built-its-final-gas-powered-vehicle/ "Jaguar Just Built Its Final Gas-Powered Vehicle")and building a [new four-door all-electric grand tourer](https://robbreport.ph/cars/jaguars-polarizing-electric-gt-will-weigh-almost-3-tons/ "Jaguar’s Polarizing Electric GT Will Weigh Almost 3 Tons") that will weigh nearly three tons. There is a new Jaguar logo, which some purists claim to hate, and a move upmarket as well, with the new flagship model likely to start at around $130,000, putting it beyond premium and into the realm of genuine luxury. That car will fully debut in September, but the long lead-up time between its initial announcement in December 2024 until then has given doubters plenty of chance to mock the automaker’s strategy, even though it’s not as if Jaguar was exactly killing it before. Jaguar has also spent that time refining its pitch and offering journalists a sneak peek at the car’s capabilities, [including a trip to northern Sweden](https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/new-jaguar-gt-driven-it-rides-xj-drifts-f-type). This month, Jaguar hosted a further procession of journalists—including myself—at its headquarters in Gaydon, U.K., to put the prototype through some paces on its test track. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/GT_Side-Profile-e1774615163205.webp) The new Jaguar four-door GT sits in camouflage and waits to be admired. *Photo: Jaguar* Jaguar also had us do the same laps in two E-Types and two XJs, in part to counter the notion that the new all-electric four-door GT Jaguar—it has no official name yet—is a clean break with the company’s past, as had been somewhat implied. Indeed, the continuities were startling, with this all-electric four-door GT offering ride comfort that exceeded the best of Jaguar’s revered cruisers, and driving dynamics that, when compared with those of the E-Type, show just how much several decades of technological advances make a difference. “At its best, Jaguar has always delivered two characters—performance and comfort—in perfect harmony, and our new luxury GT is no different,” Matt Becker, Jaguar Land Rover’s vehicle engineering director said in a statement. “It embodies everything the brand stands for. Jaguar’s founder, Sir William Lyons, used to say that ‘driving should be a joy not a chore.’” Jaguar said that the hardware for the new EV is 100 percent done, and the software is around 70 percent completed, meaning that the car’s looks will not change significantly, nor will the vast majority of its parts. That shows how much simpler EVs are to build than gas-powered cars, with fewer moving physical parts, but also how much more complicated they are as well, with much of the new work being done by computers. Left to do, among other things, is refine how the new EV uses power to maximize grip, comfort, and the car’s range. The new four-door GT will use three electric motors to make around 1,000 brake horsepower and have a range of around 400 miles, numbers that have become the new standard, more or less, for luxury EVs. The new EV is built on its own platform, which Jaguar called a “completely irrational decision,” but one necessitated by the demands of the specs the company is aiming for. The first deliveries are slated for 2027, but Jaguar, for now, isn’t setting a precise timeline beyond the first half. Jaguar says that they did not look at competitors in building the new car, instead looked at Jaguars of the past. An internal design competition determined the winning prototype. The car also represents a shift from decades of Jaguar trying to beat the Germans at their own game—volume premium. The Jaguar XE and XF had many charms, but competing with the BMW 3 Series and 5 Series, and especially with BMW’s economies of scale, was a math problem that Jaguar simply couldn’t solve. So Jaguar decided to change the equation, and the ensuing polarizing response was exactly what the company was looking for, at least to hear Jaguar tell it. “Jaguar’s back in the conversation,” Rawdon Glover, managing director at Jaguar, said. “It was getting less and less relevant . . . We have people’s attention, and that’s a great position to be in.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/GT_10-e1774615056907.webp) The new Jaguar four-door GT takes the track alongside Jaguar classics. *Photo: Jaguar* Jaguar let the group of us test four classics from company history, including a 1978 XJ Coupé V-12 that was most similar to the new EV in terms of ride comfort. Jaguar encouraged us to drive over engineered bumps in the surface of the Gaydon track to test what is among the hardest challenges for engineers: ensuring a smooth ride over bumps on one side of the wheels. The XJ-C passed this test with aplomb, in many ways a more impressive feat than the new EV doing so. The classics also included the 41st right-hand drive E-Type ever produced, built in June of 1961. That car is powered by a 3.8-liter inline six-cylinder making 285 brake horsepower, paired with a four-speed manual transmission. The instructor suggested I shift into second gear before attempting first gear, lest I accidentally shift into reverse. While at 100 mph on the test track, the wind noise was exceptional. A 1974 Series 3 E-Type I had driven earlier in the day was significantly easier to pilot, though, as it happened, the Series 1 E-Type was the last car I drove in Gaydon, directly after taking the four-door GT prototype for a spin. The only commonalities the two shared were vaguely in shape, with the four-door GT getting up to 100 mph effortlessly, with virtually no exterior noise. The four-door GT was bigger and more comfortable in every way, a glider from the future that proved definitively that the company that built a defining car of the 1960s is now something else entirely. “This car will go when it’s ready,” Glover said. “This has to be the best Jaguar ever.” [](https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/the-new-jaguar-f%E2%80%A6hotos-1237718675/)*This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** electric vehicle, electric vehicles, Feature, News --- ### [The U.K-Exclusive Porsche 911 GT3 Earls Court 51 Edition in Photos](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-u-k-exclusive-porsche-911-gt3-earls-court-51-edition-in-photos/) **Published:** June 22, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** Porsche has just unveiled an exclusive 911 GT3 called the Earls Court 51 Edition. To find out more about the rare build, check out the [full story here](https://robbreport.ph/cars/porsche-911-gt3-earls-court-51-edition-uk/). ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/porsche-911-gt3-earls-court-04.webp) *Photo: Porsche* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/porsche-911-gt3-earls-court-01.webp) Inside the Porsche 911 GT3 Earls Court 51 Edition *Photo: Porsche* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/porsche-911-gt3-earls-court-02-1.webp) Inside the 911 GT3 Earls Court 51 Edition *Photo: Porsche* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/porsche-911-gt3-earls-court-05.webp) The Porsche 911 GT3 Earls Court 51 Edition comes with a matching Porsche Design chronograph *Photo: Porsche* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/porsche-911-gt3-earls-court-03.webp) The Porsche 911 GT3 Earls Court 51 Edition next to a 356 *Photo: Porsche* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** porsche, United Kingdom --- ### [‘Genie Blu’ Superyacht in Photos](https://robbreport.ph/boats/genie-blu-superyacht-in-photos/) **Published:** June 19, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** The vessel appears to have been delivered to Italian entrepreneur Gianluca Vacchi. Click [here](https://robbreport.ph/boats/this-new-148-foot-custom-superyacht-is-like-a-low-slung-sports-car-for-the-seas/) to read the full story. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Alia-Yachts-Genie-Blu-3.webp) The lengthy foredeck. *Photo: Alia Yachts* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Alia-Yachts-Genie-Blu-2.webp) A view of the yacht from above. *Photo: Alia Yachts* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Alia-Yachts-Genie-Blu-4.webp) The low-slung exterior. *Photo: Alia Yachts* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Alia-Yachts-Genie-Blu-Main-Salon.webp) The light and airy main salon. *Photo: Alia Yachts* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Alia-Yachts-Genie-Blu-Owner.webp) The owner’s suite. *Photo: Alia Yachts* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Alia-Yachts-Genie-Blu-VIP.webp) The VIP cabin. *Photo: Alia Yachts* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Alia-Yachts-Genie-Blu-1.webp) Genie Blu at Alia’s shipard in Antalya, Turkey. *Photo: Alia Yachts* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Boats **Tags:** Alia, Genie Blue, News, Yachts --- ### [Bentley Unveils 1-of-100 Bespoke Edition of the Continental GT S](https://robbreport.ph/cars/bentley-unveils-1-of-100-bespoke-edition-of-the-continental-gt-s/) **Published:** June 19, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** The [Bentley Continental GT S](https://robbreport.ph/cars/road-test-bentleys-continental-gt-s-hits-the-sweet-spot-in-plug-in-hybrid-performance-and-presentation/ "Road Test: Bentley’s Continental GT S Hits the Sweet Spot in Plug-In-Hybrid Performance and Presentation") is about to get even more exclusive. The British luxury marque has just unveiled a new variant of its venerable grand tourer called the Bespoke Series by Mulliner. Only 100 examples will be produced, each of which will be done up in special colors and feature an even more plush interior than usual. The Bespoke Series is [Bentley’s](http://Bentley) way of showing off the handiwork of its in-house customization division, Mulliner. The automaker plans to release a new version of the variant annually going forward, in an attempt to echo the “cadence and desirability” of a fashion house’s seasonal collections. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/bentley-continental-gt-s-bespoke-series-02.webp) 2027 Bentley Continental GT S Bespoke Edition by Mulliner *Photo: Bentley* This year’s special edition Continental GT S, which will be available as a coupe and a convertible, will be available in six color schemes: Bright Ruby Red, Manuka Orange, Midnight Prism Pearlescent, Salerno Blue, Snow Quartz/Arctic White, and Spectral Verdant. In addition to the colors, which will only be available on this series of Continentals, each car also features a Satin stripe running down the center of the vehicle and rides on a set of black 22-inch wheels with self-leveling badges. Inside the cabin, each of the special editions is equipped with seats covered in Jet Black leather with accents in Beluga and whatever color appears on the exterior. Other model-specific touches include dark chrome details, mood lighting, and a unique perforation pattern on the seat inserts and door panels. Finally, each build includes an individually numbered Bespoke Edition 2027 dashboard and sill plates. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/bentley-continental-gt-s-bespoke-series-01.webp) *Photo: Bentley* No technical details were mentioned in Bentley’s announcement, which suggests the car is identical to other Continental GT S examples. No complaints there, as the two-door, which sits between the base Continental GT and the Continental GT Speed, comes with a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 and electric motor that combine to produce 671 hp and 686 ft lbs of torque. Thanks to all that oomph, the car can rocket from zero to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds and hit a top speed of 190 mph. The Bentley Continental GT S Bespoke Edition by Mulliner will launch as part of the automaker’s upcoming 2027 model class. No price was announced, but expect something north of the coupe’s $296,150 and the convertible’s $325,150 starting prices. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** Bentley, Continental, News --- ### [How the Cucinelli Sisters Are Ushering in a New Era at Their Father’s Namesake Brand](https://robbreport.ph/style/how-the-cucinelli-sisters-are-ushering-in-a-new-era-at-their-fathers-namesake-brand/) **Published:** June 17, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** The Italians have an expression—*raccogliere una pesante eredità*—that translates roughly as “take on an important legacy.” It’s equivalent to the English idiom, “big shoes to fill.” But for [Carolina and Camilla Cucinelli](https://robbreport.ph/style/fashion/brunello-cucinellis-daughters-are-making-their-mark-on-the-family-business/ "Brunello Cucinelli’s Daughters Are Making Their Mark on the Family Business"), who have been steering their father [Brunello’s eponymous brand](https://www.brunellocucinelli.com/en/) for the last decade or so, this undertaking is a life calling. “Camilla and I actually grew up immersed in this dream of my father’s that has always underpinned our company,” Carolina, who serves as vice president and co-head women’s director, tells *Robb Report UK*. The dream she’s referring to is “humanistic capitalism:” a modus operandi that insists profit must come alongside ethics, moral responsibility, dignity—and improving the lives of your workers and community. “We try as much as possible to perpetuate the values of the company, by working for the community that lives in the village of Solomeo,” says Camilla, also vice president and co-head women’s creative director, referring to the medieval Umbrian village on whose restoration their father has spent millions. “This is why the family foundation supports the villa restorations, the theater, the amphitheater, the artistic initiatives and aims to enrich the lives of the people living there.” It is, Camilla points out, a symbiotic relationship. “It encourages this community to support the company, too, and helps us convey this ethos to new generations.” For both sisters—whose mother, Federica, was also actively involved in the family business, until her retirement aged 65—sustainability is about more than just ethical sourcing and environmental responsibility: it’s about keeping skills alive through the ages. As well as advanced tailoring methods, [Brunello Cucinelli](https://robbreport.ph/tag/brunello-cucinelli/ "brunello cucinelli") garments entail labor-intensive knitting techniques, special embroidery, and other niche crafts—monili beadwork, intarsia knitting, braided leatherwork—rooted in Umbrian tradition. All are crucial to retaining the brand’s distinctive sartorial bravado. “We always strive to keep the craftsmanship behind our products thriving,” says Carolina. “We’ve set up schools where we teach our crafts, and we pay tomorrow’s artisans to take these classes and learn. We want to give dignity back to these crafts. In this way, we can guarantee that there will be no shortage of workforce in our industry.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/MODEL_1_27_10453.webp) The new Mediterranea capsule collection. *Photo: Brunello Cucinelli* A tangible example of where the sisters are taking their father’s empire arrived last year in the form of the BC Duo bag: something of a torch-passing moment, it’s the first product to be designed by the sisters in tandem. “Carolina and I really wanted to take on this project, as it’s one that really expresses our new approach,” says Camilla. “If you actually take a look at the cuts of the leather, you can see it as if it were myself and my sister, blending together, in the form of the bag. We worked so hard singling out the materials and also the color palette. We also decided to employ different fabrics and different yarns for different seasons, and adopted some of the techniques that are used in knitwear and transferred them onto the bag, so there is a sort of dialogue between the bags’ different collections.” Further expression of Brunello Cucinelli’s direction has now arrived in the form of Mediterranea: a capsule collection for men and women, created for summer 2026, characterized by coastal charm, desert tones and an extra dash of that nonchalance par excellence Brunello devotees find so seductive. Expect light linens and shimmering silks, flowing drapes and silhouettes, and an artful interplay between classicism and subtle modernity. This is a brand whose clothing is the sartorial equivalent of that person in the room who everyone listens to, despite them never raising their voice. Mediterranea takes that knack for quiet assertiveness to new heights. “Being a no-logo brand, our design team’s challenge every season is to search the world for inspiration, then try to bring something entirely new to the market—but distinctly Cucinelli each time,” says Carolina. “That means major changes, every season, but without ever losing our identity. Adds Camilla: “Something that really stays consistent across seasons and collections for us is the fineness and preciousness of our raw materials: we have to remain known for touch, for tactility. Whether it is yarns or fabrics, that takes so much in-depth analysis. Our customers buy with the hand as well as the eye.” For both sisters, it’s more than simply a collection: it’s the latest milestone in a family odyssey. “For us, the feeling is akin to raising a child,” says Camilla. “So much challenge, so much commitment—and yet so much fun. We were never pressured to be involved with the family business. We just found ourselves in this situation, and wanting it to thrive comes naturally, because we share our father’s dream.” *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Fashion, Style **Tags:** bruno cucinelli, Camilla Cucinelli, Carolina Cucinelli, Fashion, Feature, News, style --- ### [Maserati Brought Its Racing Heritage Back to the 1000 Miglia](https://robbreport.ph/cars/maserati-brought-its-racing-heritage-back-to-the-1000-miglia/) **Published:** June 16, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** [Maserati](https://robbreport.ph/tag/maserati/ "maserati") returned to the 2026 [1000 Miglia](https://1000miglia.it/en/) with a 1953 Maserati A6 GCS/53, honoring [Formula 1 ](https://robbreport.ph/tag/formula-1/ "formula 1")pioneer Maria Teresa de Filippis on the centenary of her birth. For the 44th edition of the famous regularity race, held along the Brescia-Rome-Brescia route last weekend, the Italian marque entered a 1953 Maserati A6 GCS/53, one of the most significant cars in its competition history. The event had a special focus on historic cars that either competed in the original speed race or were produced during the same period, from 1927 to 1957. Chassis no. 2043 gave Maserati one of its closest links to the 1000 Miglia, having competed in five consecutive editions of the original speed race from 1953 to 1957. Also known as the Sport 2000, the A6 GCS/53 had one of the longest racing careers of its era, with drivers including Luigi Musso. In 2026, owner Igor Zanisi drove it alongside his daughter Lara, with support from Maserati Classiche, the marque’s official program for preserving and certifying its historic vehicles. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/MaseratiA6GCS531000Miglia2025-1-2240x1494.webp) *Photo: Maserati* Their participation also carried quite the personal tribute. Maserati and the Zanisi family honored Maria Teresa de Filippis on the centenary of her birth. De Filippis, who lived from 1926 to 2016, was a close friend of Igor Zanisi and remains an important figure in the brand’s history. In 1958, she became the first woman to qualify for and compete in a Formula 1 Grand Prix, racing at the Belgian Grand Prix in a Maserati 250F. Maserati even brought four models from its current range to the route as support cars, specifically the GranTurismo Modena, GranTurismo Trofeo, GranCabrio Modena, and GranCabrio Trofeo. Each wore a special livery inspired by an important model from Maserati history, namely the Tipo 26, A6 1500, 250F, and 3500 GT. The liveries also referenced the Trident logo used during those periods, turning the contemporary lineup into a moving homage to the marque’s design and engineering heritage. This year’s 1000 Miglia gathered more than 400 cars from 29 countries for a route of around 1,900 kilometers. The confirmed “figure-eight” course, inspired by the first 12 editions of the original speed race, included nearly 140 timed trials and passed through cities of art, mountain roads, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and other landmarks across Italy. Interestingly, one of the most significant moments for Maserati came when the route passed through Modena during the second leg. The city remains the birthplace of the Trident and the heart of Italy’s Motor Valley. **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** 1000 Miglia, maserati, News --- ### [Patek Philippe's Golden Ellipse: The Mathematics of Beauty, On the Wrist](https://robbreport.ph/the-story-of/patek-philippes-golden-ellipse-the-mathematics-of-beauty-on-the-wrist/) **Published:** June 8, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** The golden ratio—phi, or approximately 1.618—is the point at which two unequal parts of a line relate to each other in the same proportion as the whole line relates to the larger part. Euclid recorded it around 300 BCE. The Fibonacci sequence converges on it. Renaissance masters worked with it. Le Corbusier built an entire system of architectural proportion around it. What makes phi unusual as a basis for beauty is that it requires no prior knowledge from the observer. The eye recognizes the proportion as right, without being able to say why. That feeling of inevitability in the absence of explanation is, arguably, as precise a definition of beauty as we have. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/PP_3738_100G_5738G_lifestyle_VER_TIF-Patek-Press-1-2240x3359.webp) The Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse Ref. 3738/100G-014 is nearly identical to the the 5738G-001, except that it has a smaller case footprint: 3738/100G-014 at 31.1 by 35.6mm vs. the 5738G-001’s 34.5 by 39.5mm. *Courtesy of Patek Philippe* In 1968, [Patek Philippe](https://robbreport.ph/tag/patek-philippe/ "Patek Philippe") translated this principle into a watch case. [The Golden Ellipse](https://lucerneluxe.com/patek-philippe/#!/Collection/Golden-Ellipse), the manufacture’s first entirely new collection since the Calatrava of 1932, was conceived by Jean-Daniel Rubeli, then Patek’s head of design, who had previously designed similar elliptical cases for Audemars Piguet. He built the Patek proportions directly from the golden ratio: the height approximately 1.618 times the width. The context matters: advances in mass production during the 1960s meant cheaper watches could increasingly imitate luxury timepieces. Henri Stern, then-president of Patek and Thierry Stern’s grandfather, needed a design whose distinction was structural rather than decorative. The answer? Proportion itself. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/PP_5738G-001_DET_Print-High-Res-TIFF-4-2240x1679.webp) Both Golden Ellipse watches presented at Watches and Wonders are white gold and carry a sunburst olive green dial with cheveu-style hands and baton hour markers; they also both run on Caliber 240, the ultra-thin self-winding movement first introduced in 1977. Courtesy of Patek Philippe There are two accounts of how the shape came to be. Patek’s marketing maintained it was derived from the Golden Rule. Jean-Pierre Frattini, then a casemaker at the manufacture, recalled that Georges Delessert, director of the electronics department, said the initial concept came from the shape of an American highway junction seen from an airplane window. Frattini himself reconciled both: even if the road junction sparked the idea, the design process was necessarily informed by the Golden Rule. The original dial added another layer of distinction— a cobalt blue produced by dial maker Singer through vacuum plating in which cobalt and 24-karat gold were vaporized and condensed onto an 18-karat gold base, a process so novel the Swiss government’s Precious Metals Bureau demanded clarification on every step. By the end of the 1970s, the collection had grown to 65 versions. A design governed by mathematics had proven it had no expiration date. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/PP_3738_100G-014_DET_Print-High-Res-TIFF-6-2240x1680.webp) The clasp. Courtesy of Patek Philippe The two references at [Watches and Wonders 2026](https://robbreport.ph/tag/watches-and-wonders-2026/ "Watches and Wonders 2026")—the 5738G-001 and the 3738/100G-014, both iterations featuring a deep green hue—are the current expression of that same idea. Both are white gold, both carry a sunburst olive green dial with cheveu-style hands and baton hour markers, and both run on Caliber 240, the ultra-thin self-winding movement first introduced in the Golden Ellipse Ref. 3738 in 1977, at 2.53mm thick, with an off-center 22-karat gold minirotor and a 48-hour power reserve. Both share the same 5.9mm case thickness, the thinnest in the current Patek collection. The sole difference is the case footprint: the 5738G-001 at 34.5 by 39.5mm; the 3738/100G-014 at 31.1 by 35.6mm. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/PP_3738_100G-014_PRESS_Print-High-Res-TIFF-2240x1260.webp) Both watches were presented in green, both in their strap and sunburst dial. *Courtesy of Patek Philippe* The choice between them is a question of proportion in a personal sense: the relationship between the watch and the wrist it will spend its life on. The Golden Ellipse was built on the premise that beauty lives in relationship—between numbers, between forms, between an object and the person who wears it. Fifty-eight years on, that premise remains as sound as the mathematics behind it. *Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse Ref. 5738G-001, white gold, 34.5 x 39.5mm and Ref. 3738/100G-014, white gold, 31.1 x 35.6mm, price available upon request. Available through authorized Patek Philippe retailer, [Lucerne Luxe](https://lucerneluxe.com/patek-philippe/#!/).* **Categories:** The Story Of, Watches **Tags:** George Delessert, Golden Ellipse, Golden Ratio, Jean-Daniel Rubeli, Jean-Pierre Frattini, Patek Philippe, Thierry Stern --- ### [The Updated 2027 Audi Q7 and SQ7 in Photos](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-updated-2027-audi-q7-and-sq7-in-photos/) **Published:** June 15, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** Audi has just unveiled the third generation of the Q7 and its performance variant, the SQ7. To find out about the mid-size SUV, [check out the full story here.](https://robbreport.ph/cars/audi-just-overhauled-its-q7-suv-for-2027/) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2027-audi-q7-02.webp) The 2027 Audi Q7. *Photo: Audi* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2027-audi-q7-01.webp) 2027 Audi Q7 *Photo: Audi* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2027-audi-sq7-02.webp) Inside the 2027 SQ7 *Photo: Audi* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2027-audi-sq7-03.webp) The SUV comes with three rows standard. *Photo: Audi* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2027-audi-q7-03.webp) The updated Q7 and SQ7 have up to 78 cubic feet of storage space. *Photo: Audi* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2027-audi-sq7-01.webp) *Photo: Audi* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** Audi, News, Q7 --- ### [Noma Will Reopen in Copenhagen, and René Redzepi Will Still Be Involved](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/noma-will-reopen-in-copenhagen-and-rene-redzepi-will-still-be-involved/) **Published:** June 15, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** Guess who’s back. After officially shuttering its doors and partaking in a scandal-ridden residency in Los Angeles, Noma is making its return to Copenhagen this August as a full-fledge restaurant. The move comes after the former Michelin 3-star spot finally went through with its long-announced closing earlier this year. Noma says this is a “new chapter” for the location. Each month will bring forward a new menu that takes its inspiration from different ingredients, ideas, and landscapes—a switch-up from the previous three distinct menus that Noma rotated between. And there’s been a slight shakeup in leadership, though René Redzepi is still involved as a creative director of the restaurant. The chef recently came under fire when a *New York Times* journalist [interviewed](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/07/dining/rene-redzepi-noma-abuse-allegations.html) over 35 former employees who reportedly suffered psychological and physical trauma while working with Redzepi. One account included a woman who was allegedly punched in the ribs by Redzepi and subsequently fell into a counter and cut her hip. Before the article was published, the dining titan released [a statement](https://www.instagram.com/reneredzepinoma/) on Instagram to apologize to those “who had suffered under \[his\] leadership,” saying that he has worked to change his behaviors. The allegations also caused many sponsors to pull out Noma’s $1,500-a-person L.A. residency in March. Now, Redzepi will be focused on developing and leading creative projects for Noma, a move that takes him out of the daily operations of the restaurant. The rest of the new guard includes Annika de Las Heras as CEO, alongside Mette Bring Søberg, who has led the test kitchen since the last decade, as head of R&D and Pablo Soto, the head toque of Noma since 2013, as executive chef. “Our ambition remains the same as it has always been: to keep exploring, to keep learning, and to continue to become the best version of Noma we’ve ever been,” a press release announcing the reopening said. “Not just by what is on the plate, but in how we lead and think about the future.” Noma is set to open on August 5, with the menu price set at $675 per person. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Dining, Food & Drink **Tags:** Copenhagen, News, Noma, René Redzepi --- ### [Audi Just Overhauled Its Q7 SUV for 2027](https://robbreport.ph/cars/audi-just-overhauled-its-q7-suv-for-2027/) **Published:** June 15, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** [Audi](https://robbreport.ph/tag/audi/ "Audi") has decided it’s time to freshen up its mid-size [SUV](https://robbreport.ph/tag/suv/ "suv"). The German luxury marque just unveiled the third-generation Q7, which is set to launch as part of its 2027 year model class. The updated SUV features a bold redesign and new tech inside and out, along with significantly more power than before. The new Q7, [like the Q5 before it](https://robbreport.ph/cars/road-test-refreshed-audi-sq5-suv-delivers-more-power-and-precision/ "Road Test: Refreshed Audi SQ5 SUV Delivers More Power and Precision"), sees Audi continue to move its design language in a more muscular direction. This welcome change means the update features sharper lines and a more defined shape than its predecessor, which debuted all the way back in 2016 (and was refreshed in 2020). This is especially true of its performance variant, the SQ7 (pictured above), which might be the most aggressive-looking version of the SUV yet. Both the Q7 and SQ7 come with Audi’s Digital Matrix LED light for the first time in the U.S. The adaptive system’s taillights even project turn signals onto the ground, a feature that should help nearby pedestrians and cyclists alike. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2027-audi-q7-01.webp) 2027 Audi Q7 *Photo: Audi* The SUV’s interior has also been treated to a makeover. The front has two displays: one for the driver, which features an instrument cluster and center-aligned infotainment system, and another for the front passenger that comes standard. A head-up display and a panoramic sunroof with dimmable panels are available premium add-ons, while a pair of MagSafe Qi chargers comes with the base model. As in past year, the Q7 is a three-row vehicle, but the second of which can be equipped with either a three-person bench or, for the first time, two captain’s chairs. The vehicle has 78 cubic feet of storage space when the rear seats are folded, 44 cubic feet when just the back row is folded, and 15 cubic feet when all seats are in use. The updated Q7 comes with a 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 borrowed from the last-generations RS5. The mill makes 429 hp and 442 ft lbs of torque compared to 335 hp and 369 ft lbs of torque last year. Thanks to the boost the vehicle can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds. The sportier SQ7, meanwhile, features a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 that makes 591 hp and 590 ft lbs of torque. That added oomph means the SUV can hit 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds, which is pretty quick for an SUV. Both models can tow up to 7,700 pounds with Audi’s optional tow package. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2027-audi-sq7-02.webp) Inside the 2027 SQ7 *Photo: Audi* Final details have yet to be released, but the Q7 and SQ7 are expected to arrive on our shores before the end of the year. Both models will likely cost north of the $63,295 and $95,095 that their current iterations start at. *[**Click here to see more photos of the updated 2027 Audi Q7 and SQ7.**](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-updated-2027-audi-q7-and-sq7-in-photos/)* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.*[](https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/photos-2027-audi-q7-and-sq7-suvs-1238324535) **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** Audi, Audi Q7, News, suv --- ### [Rolex Celebrates 100 Years of the Oyster With a Landmark Shanghai Exhibition](https://robbreport.ph/watches/rolex-celebrates-100-years-of-the-oyster-with-a-landmark-shanghai-exhibition/) **Published:** June 12, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** We had an amazing walk through 100 years of horological history in Shanghai, where Rolex presented *The Oyster Story*. Its tale is hugely all-encompassing and quite stunning. *The Oyster Story* is a celebration of the anniversary of the invention that pushed Rolex—and indeed the watchmaking universe—forward. You walk into the West Bund Dome and suddenly you’re surrounded. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/oysterstory_2606ar_0015_2_cmyk-cmyk.webp) Wonderfully curated images and videos unfold around the interior of the dome in a continuous horizontal band, and you’re seeing landmark inventions, timepieces, and events. You’ll be transported from the top of a Swiss alp to the Mulsanne Straight at Le Mans, from aboard a racing yacht to the world of classical music, all connected to the people and causes the Rolex Foundation helps support and sustain. You could simply stand there and watch everything happen around you. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/oysterstory_2606ar_0018_cmyk-cmyk.webp) Within the huge dome is the Oyster Pavilion, which is what greets you upon entering. It’s a two-floor exhibit that walks visitors through the history of Rolex, the history of the Oyster, and the history of the people who changed the world with it. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/oysterstory_2606ar_0010_cmyk-cmyk.webp) On the watch-geek side, you’ll see pieces that are rarely available to the public outside the collections of very serious enthusiasts. Upstairs is an array of Rolex Testimonees and friends of the brand, and there’s a balcony overlooking the entire exhibition. From there, you can choose whether to go left or right—or into the cinema beside you. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/oysterstory_2606ar_0001_cmyk-cmyk.webp) If you leave the Oyster Pavilion and head left, you’ll arrive at the Superlative Pavilion. Here, visitors are guided through the technologies that come together to create modern Rolex watches. The journey begins with blocks of the brand’s proprietary alloys and continues all the way to finished cases, bezels, and bracelets. You’ll see how dials are created using everything from precious metals to natural stone, including the special designs behind the Puzzle, Celebration, and Jubilee dials. Visitors are also given a detailed look at the extensive testing required for a watch to meet Rolex’s demanding standards. At the center of the pavilion is a video presentation of another special timepiece housed at Rolex headquarters in Geneva: the brand’s atomic clock. Because, of course, Rolex has its own atomic clock. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/oysterstory_2606ar_0009_2_cmyk-cmyk.webp) Walking out of the Superlative Pavilion, you’ll arrive at the Library Lounge, which is, for a watch collector, an extraordinary treasure trove of books about the brand, its watches, and all things Rolex. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/oysterstory_2606ar_0013_cmyk-cmyk.webp) The cinema, nestled between the two pavilions, offers a beautifully produced film explaining how Hans Wilsdorf created Rolex and how the company went on to change the world. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/oysterstory_2606ar_00088_cmyk-cmyk.webp) Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the exhibition is that Rolex has assembled so many objects and stories in one place—things that the public rarely has the opportunity to see together. Rolex does not operate a public museum, so exhibitions like this are among the few occasions when visitors can experience the full breadth of the brand’s history. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/oysterstory_2606ar_0020_cmyk-cmyk.webp) It was also interesting to hear people remark on how elegant, relatively small, and classic the original watches were. The original Oyster and Oyster Perpetual, for example, look remarkably refined by today’s standards. The toughest watches in the world were not, at the time, large sports watches. Those didn’t even exist yet. The watches that changed the world were what we would now consider elegant everyday pieces. And it is that technology—from the original Oyster and Oyster Perpetual—that is being celebrated by this wonderfully educational exhibit. *The Oyster Story* is on view at the West Bund Dome in Shanghai until June 28, 2026, and it is worthy of a trip all its own. **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** exhibition, rolex, Shanghai --- ### [The One-Off ‘Toy Story 5’ Porsche 911s in Photos](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-one-off-toy-story-5-porsche-911s-in-photos/) **Published:** June 11, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** [Click here for the full story.](https://robbreport.ph/cars/porsche-just-unveiled-a-trio-of-one-off-911s-inspired-by-toy-story-5/) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/toy-story-5-porsche-911s-01.webp) *Photo: Porsche* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/toy-story-5-porsche-911s-02.webp) The Porsche 911 GT3 inspired by Buzz Lightyear *Photo: Porsche* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/toy-story-5-porsche-911s-03.webp) The Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS inspired by Jessie *Photo: Porsche* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/toy-story-5-porsche-911s-04.webp) The Porsche 911 Carrera T inspired by Woody *Photo: Porsche* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/toy-story-5-porsche-911s-06.webp) Inside the Porsche 911 GT3 RS Inspired by Buzz Lightyear *Photo: Porsche* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/toy-story-5-porsche-911s-07.webp) Inside the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS Inspired by Jessie *Photo: Porsche* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/toy-story-5-porsche-911s-08.webp) Inside the Porsche 911 Carrera T Inspired by Woody *Photo: Porsche* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/toy-story-5-porsche-911s-09.webp) Each of the one-off ‘Toy Story 5’ Porsche 911s is numbered and features a bespoke character motif *Photo: Porsche* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** Disney, News, porsche, Toy Story --- ### [Porsche Just Unveiled a Trio of One-Off 911s Inspired by ‘Toy Story 5’](https://robbreport.ph/cars/porsche-just-unveiled-a-trio-of-one-off-911s-inspired-by-toy-story-5/) **Published:** June 11, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** Buzz Lightyear and Woody have a new friend in [Porsche](https://robbreport.ph/tag/porsche/ "porsche"). The legendary German sports car maker has just unveiled three one-off 911s that will make their red-carpet debut at the premiere of *Toy Story 5*. Each of the cars, which are inspired by Buzz, Woody, and Jessie, are set to be sold to benefit charity, too. The unique 911s were crafted by Porsche’s Sonderwunsch, or Special Wishes, team. The collaboration—which is just the latest between the automaker and the studio’s parent company, Disney—is meant to be more than just a glitzy marketing ploy. The brands view it as both a creative challenge and a celebration of something important to both: storytelling. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/toy-story-5-porsche-911s-02.webp) The Porsche 911 GT3 inspired by Buzz Lightyear *Photo: Porsche* “\[Collaborating\] with the Sonderwunsch team has been about interpreting these characters through materials, color, and form—staying true to who they are without being literal,” Pixar production designer Bob Pauley said last month, when the project [was first teased](https://newsroom.porsche.com/en_US/2026/company/driven-by-imagination-porsche-and-disney-and-pixar-bring-toy-story-characters-to-life-through-911s-inspired-by-woody-buzz-lightyear-and-jessie.html) last month. “It’s a design exercise rooted in storytelling.” First up, is a [911 GT3 RS ](https://robbreport.ph/cars/multiple-choice-porsche-gt3/ "The Porsche 911 GT3 is a Niche Icon with Endless Choice")inspired by Buzz. The hardcore track beast is done up in a bold tri-color paint that echoes the look of the spaceman’s iconic suit. The colorful leather-covered interior features a bespoke character motif on the dashboard and his catchphrase “To Infinity and Beyond” inscribe on the door sills. It’s also equipped with the high-performance Weissach Package and a set of forged magnesium wheels. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/toy-story-5-porsche-911s-03.webp) The Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS inspired by Jessie *Photo: Porsche* Up next, is a 911 Targa 4 GTS inspired by Jessie. Its headline custom feature is an entirely new paint color called Jessie White Metallic that pays homage to the pearl buttons on her trademark western shirt. Highlighting the bespoke hue are 944 Cobalt Blue Metallic, Altacama Yellow, and GTS Red accents. The interior, meanwhile, is done up in custom-made Dark Night Blue, Bordeaux Red, and Pebble Grey leather. Last, but not least, is a 911 Carrera T inspired by Woody. The most traditional member of the trio is finished in a custom hue that combines Golf Blue, Dark Sea Blue, and White to mimic the patina of blue jeans. The car’s cabin is upholstered in a mixture of Brown vintage leather, denim fabric, and features a special red checkered pattern on its seat inlays. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/toy-story-5-porsche-911s-04.webp) The Porsche 911 Carrera T inspired by Woody *Photo: Porsche* The *Toy Story 5* 911s are set to make their public debut on Tuesday, during the world premiere of the film. They are also set to be the rare one-offs that will actually go up for grabs. The cars will be sold privately, with part of the proceeds going to the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the American Red Cross and Starlight Children’s Foundation. Who knows, maybe Tim Allen or Tom Hanks will decide to snag one of the bespoke rides. ***Click [here ](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-one-off-toy-story-5-porsche-911s-in-photos/)to see more photos of the one-off* Toy Story 5 *Porsche 911s.*** *This article originaly appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** 911 Carrera T, 911 GT3 RS, 911 Targa 4, bespoke, Carrera, Disney, GT3, News, porsche, Targa, Toy Story --- ### [Mandarin Oriental Makati, Manila In Photos](https://robbreport.ph/travel/hotels/mandarin-oriental-makati-manila-in-photos/) **Published:** June 11, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** [Click here to read the full story.](https://robbreport.ph/travel/hotels/mandarin-oriental-makati-manila-is-open-for-reservations/) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Mandarin-Oriental-Makati-Manila-Two-Bedroom-Presidential-Suite-Living-Area-Render.webp) The two-bedroom presidential suite. *Mandarin Oriental Makati, Manila* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Mandarin-Oriental-Makati-Manila-Two-Bedroom-Presidential-Suite-Render.webp) One of the two bedrooms in the Two-Bedroom Presidential Suite. *Mandarin Oriental Makati, Manila* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Mandarin-Oriental-Makati-Manila-Club-Lounge-Render.webp) The Club Lounge. *Mandarin Oriental Makati, Manila* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Deluxe-Room-King-in-Mandarin-Oriental-Makati-Manila.webp) The Deluxe Room King. Mandarin Oriental Makati ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Mandarin-Oriental-Makati-Manila-TB.webp) The luxurious toilet & bath with floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Mandarin Oriental Makati, Manila ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Deluxe-Room-Bathroom-Countertop-Area-at-Mandarin-Oriental-Makati-Manila.webp) Deluxe Room bathroom counter. *Mandarin Oriental Makati, Manila* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Mandarin-Oriental-Makati-Manila-Wellness-Spa-Treatment-Room-Render.webp) Spa treatment room. *Mandarin Oriental Makati, Manila* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Junior-Suite-Living-and-Dining-area-at-Mandarin-Oriental-Makati-Manila.webp) Junior Suite Living and Dining area. *Mandarin Oriental Makati, Manila* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Deluxe-Room-Twin-at-Mandarin-Oriental-Makati-Manila.webp) Deluxe Room Twin. *Mandarin Oriental Makati, Manila* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Mandarin-Oriental-Makati-Manila-Dining-Area-Render.webp) The dining area. *Mandarin Oriental Makati, Manila* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Mandarin-Oriental-Makati-Manila-Bar-Day-Render.webp) The bar, which opens to the pool. *Mandarin Oriental Makati, Manila* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Mandarin-Oriental-Makati-Manila-Grand-Ballroom-Render.webp) The Grand Ballroom is 1,000 square meters. *Mandarin Oriental Makati, Manila* **Categories:** Hotels **Tags:** mandarin oriental, Mandarin Oriental Makati Manila, Mandarin Oriental Manila --- ### [Panthella Originals at Rockwell: Where Danish Light Meets a Retro Aisle](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/design/panthella-originals-at-rockwell-where-danish-light-meets-a-retro-aisle/) **Published:** June 10, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** Designer Verner Panton, born in 1926, built his career on a fearless approach to color, form, and atmosphere. At a time when Danish design was often associated with restraint, natural materials, and functional elegance, he pushed interiors toward something more theatrical. His spaces embraced saturated hues and futuristic curves, as well as a sense of total environment that was meant to shape the room’s atmosphere. To mark what would have been Panton’s 100th year, Danish lighting house Louis Poulsen has reissued his iconic lighting fixture Panthella in its original 1971 colorways—red, orange, yellow, blue-grey, and brown—complete with the sleek chrome stand Panton specified. The collection landed in Manila through a retro, grocery-inspired pop-up, “Aisle of Light,” at Power Plant Mall that’s playful and, frankly, a little unexpected. While the grocery aisle is rarely the first place one expects to encounter a design classic, the pop-up begs to differ. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/RR-Feature-Photos-29-2240x1260.webp) *Photo: Louis Poulsen* For the installation, expect to see the familiar language of the supermarket reimagined through the lens of 1970s design. Shelves, packaging cues, and color-coded refreshments become part of an immersive tribute to one of lighting’s most recognizable fixtures. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/WhatsApp-Image-2026-05-30-at-25650-AM-1.webp) A look at the Power Plant pop-up. *Photo: Louis Poulsen* The Panthella captured that philosophy when it was first introduced in 1971. “Panthella is unique for many reasons, but especially so in how both shade and trumpet-shaped base serve as reflectors, a true testament to Verner Panton’s innovative mind,” notes Monique Faber, Chief Design Officer at Louis Poulsen. Its design allows both the shade and base to function as reflectors, creating the soft, ambient glow that helped make the piece an icon. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/PanthellaOrginals-Panthella-250-Orange-On-Oesterbro-B2C-130.webp) The Panthella in orange *Photo: Louis Poulsen* Each piece also features the sleek chrome stand, staying faithful to Panton’s 1971 vision. In the pop-up, the original colors become the organizing principle for the entire experience. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Panthella-250-ON-Outdoor-vaekshuset-Portable-10033.webp) The Panthella in green *Photo: Louis Poulsen* *Aisle of Light is on view at focus\_, R3 Level, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell until June 30, 2026. Visitors may also explore [Louis Poulsen](https://brands.focusglobalinc.com/louis-poulsen/) through its Manila showroom on the 10th Floor of Twenty-Four Seven McKinley in Bonifacio Global City.* **Categories:** Design **Tags:** events, focus global, Louis Poulsen, News, Power Plant Mall --- ### [Prada Just Unveiled the New Spacesuit NASA ​Astronauts Will Wear to the Moon](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/prada-just-unveiled-the-new-spacesuit-nasa-astronauts-will-wear-to-the-moon/) **Published:** June 10, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** [Prada](https://robbreport.ph/tag/prada/ "prada") just took another giant leap into the space industry. The fashion house has teamed up with the folks at [Axiom Space](https://www.axiomspace.com/) once again to unveil the inner-layer garment that will be donned by [NASA](https://robbreport.ph/tag/nasa/ "NASA") astronauts heading to the moon. The pair had previously unveiled spacesuits for the next lunar mission, which it debuted back in 2024. Tapping into Prada’s engineered knitting know-how, the new Liquid Cooling and Ventilation Garment (LCVG) was developed via advanced 3-D modeling techniques that help out with cooling—an highly important task, given that astronauts generate an insane amount of metabolic heat while in space. To combat this, the high-performance suit circulates cold water through a series of tubes that pass over all the major muscle groups, absorbing and carrying heat as it travels to the suit’s portable-life system. From there, the heat will be expelled into space, ensuring that the wearer remains cool during spacewalks of up to eight hours. The new layer also provides plenty of ventilation via tubes that deliver oxygen across the astronaut’s face while also washing away any exhaled CO2. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/prada-spacesuit.webp) Both the spacesuit and the inner layer make a stylish set for the cosmos. *Photo: Axiom Space* NASA astronauts will wear the new inner layer underneath the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility (AxEMU) spacesuit. The sporty-look suit was made to withstand all the extremes of space itself, including thermal temperatures, lunar dust, and more. The design is home to a helmet and visor that protect the wearer from solar radiation, along with custom gloves and boots that allow the astronauts to go on spacewalks of up to eight hours. In addition to all that tech, Prada lets its style shine through with its signature Linea Rossa red popping up all over the suit—a similar detail that can be spotted on the LCVG, too. The fashion house’s expertise with high-performance materials also helped out with the design, allowing the team to source the specialized fibers that let astronauts don the snug layer again and again on long missions. “The future of space exploration will not be built by any one entity alone, and our partnership with Prada is proof of that,” Jonathan Cirtain, Axiom Space’s CEO and president, said in a statement. “By bringing together the best in both aerospace engineering as well as luxury craftmanship and advanced product development, we have developed a garment that neither company could have created independently, and that is exactly the kind of cross-industry thinking that will define the next era of human spaceflight.” As for when astronauts are excepted to return to our celestial neighbor, NASA currently has its Artemis IV mission planned for 2028. A crew of four astronauts will hop aboard the organization’s Orion spacecraft for the journey, which will result in them spending about a week on the moon’s South Pole before heading back to Earth. If the expedition succeeds, it will mark the first time humans have stepped foot on the moon in over 50 years—and they’ll look plenty stylish while doing it. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Aviation, Fashion, Style **Tags:** NASA, News, prada --- ### [Frederique Constant Makes Its Worldtimer Even More Elegant in Simplicity](https://robbreport.ph/watches/frederique-constant-makes-its-worldtimer-even-more-elegant-in-simplicity/) **Published:** June 10, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** Swiss watchmaker [Frederique Constant](https://robbreport.ph/tag/frederique-constant/ "frederique constant") began its journey in 1988 with the vision that the processes and the results of true fine watchmaking should be shared with as many people as possible. The finishing crafts, the complications, the levels of quality that were often seen in very traditional watchmaking houses and families needed to be exposed more in order for the whole watchmaking world to continue growing. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/FC-719LBWD3DH6_Front-1.webp) Frederique Constant Ref. FC-719LBWD3DH6. *Frederique Constant* At the [Watches and Wonders](https://robbreport.ph/tag/watches-and-wonders-2026/ "Watches and Wonders 2026") event in Geneva in 2026, they took one of their most successful and appreciated pieces, their Classic Worldtimer Manufacture. Their original Worldtimer Manufacture was launched in 2012, and it gave the market a complication that was almost exclusively the domain of higher priced watches and more storied watchmakers at what was considered a more “accessible luxury” price level. The nicely-executed world map from the original is still on the new piece but is now more complete, thanks to a cleaning up of the dial. ![](https://robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/FC-719NN3H6B_Front-2240x3361.webp) The dial of the Frederique Constant Ref. FC-719NN3H6. *Frederique Constant* This year’s new watch follows the trend that watches are becoming smaller once again, but still have the crisp, clean (more clean now, actually) look that drew people to the original. The 2026 uses a 40mm case diameter that is 2mm smaller than the previous. It is also, at 12.53mm, thicker by .38mm but this is because they have created a new movement for the watch, which now has 72 hours of power reserve (up from 38). The bump up comes from the use of a longer mainspring. The new movement is completely decorated and is visible through the sapphire crystal back. You will see finishes including perl age and circular Côtes de Genève and satin brushing on the openworked rotor. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/FC-719NN3H6B_Back-2240x2838.webp) The back of the Frederique Constant Ref. FC-719NN3H6B. *Frederique Constant* A key design change for the new watch is both welcomed and challenged. They removed the date indication. This means that the dial rings and sections look more clean and complete, whereas in the past, the date subdial at 6 o’clock made its way into the 24-hour track, the city ring and part of the world map. Now it looks nicely complete and balances. However, many consider date indication a key point for travel watches. The watch is to be considered a true world timer in that it shows a display of time in 24 different zones. Align the home time or reference city at the top and the 24-hour disc indicates correct time for all the appropriate cities with appropriate day/night indication shown by the two-tone colors. ![](https://robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/FC-719BLW3H6_Front-2240x3359.webp) The dial of the Frederique Constant Ref. FC-719BLW3H6. *Frederique Constant* The new Classic Worldtimer Manufacture will have three different dial treatments, including a special 88-piece limited edition has brilliant-cut diamonds in the bezel and diamonds in the indices set against grey continents and a sunburst light blue ocean. The familiar look of grey continents in relief against navy blue oceans and a blue city disc is also available. A different look can be had with a gradient blue ocean and a light blue/dark blue 24-hour ring surrounded by an off-white city ring. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/FC-719NN3H6B_Side-2240x3201.webp) The dial and crown of the Frederique Constant Ref. FC-719NN3H6B. *Frederique Constant* The simplicity of operation that marked the earlier versions of the watch is still there. You select the city on the time zone disc by putting the crown in position 2 and, rotating counterclockwise, you set local or reference time in position 3. Many more historical world timers needed external correctors or embedded push pieces; the idea being you set the watch once at home. Frederique Constant decided early on that simplicity would perhaps be best, and sought to create their own manufacture movements as a way to get exactly what they wanted. This new piece marks their 35th manufacture movement since they began. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/FC-719BLW3H6_Back-2240x2838.webp) The reverse of the Frederique Constant Ref. FC-719BLW3H6. *Frederique Constant* In many ways, the new Classic Worldtimer Manufacture reflects the larger direction of contemporary watchmaking itself. Enthusiasts increasingly want complications that feel less performative and more integrated into daily life: slimmer proportions, cleaner dials, longer autonomy, and mechanics that do not require a manual to operate. Frederique Constant understood early that accessibility did not have to mean compromise, and the Worldtimer remains one of the clearest expressions of that philosophy. The complication itself may evoke travel across continents and time zones, but the appeal of this latest version lies in something simpler: clarity. *Frederique Constant* *watches are located at the following locations: its boutique in The Podium; Tempus in City of Dreams and SM Mall of Asia; and The Watch Store in SM City Fairview, SM City North EDSA, and SM Lanang Premier.* *Visit the website [here](https://thewatchstore.ph/?srsltid=AfmBOopsK5cUZSy2505I550CQ1OoTEkNnNJcnBoKM46UlVirDT4BIjXi).* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** Classic Worldtimer Manufacture, frederique constant --- ### [Girard-Perregaux Just Unveiled 4 New Sporty Laureato Fifty Watches](https://robbreport.ph/watches/girard-perregaux-just-unveiled-4-new-sporty-laureato-fifty-watches/) **Published:** June 9, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** [Girard-Perregaux](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-girard-perregaux-laureato-a-stunningly-simple-watch-with-full-mechanical-architecture/ "The Girard-Perregaux Laureato: Simply Sophisticated") has decided to keep the party going for the 50th anniversary of its sporty Laureato. The watchmaker just unveiled four new references within its Laureato Fifty lineup, after debuting a limited-edition timepiece late last year to ring in that 50-year milestone. And this quartet, now permanent members of the [Girard-Perregaux](https://robbreport.ph/tag/girard-perregaux/ "girard-perregaux") family, remains true to the spirit of the Laureato, with a ‘70s-inspired octagonal bezel, tonneau-shaped case, and an integrated bracelet—with a few modern tricks up its sleeve, of course. One of those is the movement. The Girard-Perregaux in-house Calibre GP4800 found here—one of three new movements unveiled by the brand since last September, in a horological flex—is home to 10 different finishes, including sandblasting, sunray finishing, circular satin-brushing, and more. The self-winding mechanical movement is also equipped with an 18-karat pink-gold oscillating weight and balance bridge—done up in the material specifically for this collection. You can see both in action for yourself via the sapphire crystal caseback. Offering up hours, minutes, central seconds, and date functions, the calibre provides 60 hours of power reserve and a frequency of 4 Hz with 163 components. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/girard-perregaux-laureato-fifty-diamond.webp) This model comes with 64 brilliant-cut diamonds. *Photo: Girard-Perregaux* The steel [Laureato](https://robbreport.ph/watches/inside-girard-perregauxs-high-complication-push-and-the-collector-first-ethos-behind-it/ "Inside Girard-Perregaux’s High-Complication Push—and the Collector-First Ethos Behind It") Fifty watches also come in the 39 mm size that debuted last fall, but there are also some new 36 mm iterations up for grabs. The star here is the 39 mm equipped with a striking blue enamel dial, the first to be made by Girard-Perregaux in-house, with a “Clous de Paris” motif that allows light to glint across the dial. The same dial design extends to the rest of the lineup, which includes both a 36 mm and a 39 mm with an 18-karat pink-gold. A silver-dial model rounds out the offerings, but this one has a bit more bling on the case thanks to 64 brilliant-cut diamonds set in the steel. Each model is also home to 18-karat solid-gold hours and minutes hands in a luminescent material and a water resistance of 150 meters. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/girard-perregaux-laureato-fifty-caseback.webp) The 18-karat rose-gold is visible through the sapphire crystal caseback. *Photo: Girard-Perregaux* “The Laureato endures through the strength of its architecture: a measured balance of lines and the movement within, naturally evolving with depth, presence and enduring character,” Marc Michel-Amadry, managing director of Girard-Perregaux, said in a press statement. The Laureto Fifty in 39 mm and 36 mm with a 18-karat pink-gold dial retails for $23,100, while the 39 mm version with the blue enamel dial is priced at $24,500. Rounding out the group is the 36 mm diamond-set model, which is priced at $24,200. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** girard-perregaux, Laureato, News, Watch Collector --- ### [Cruising the Coast in the New Lexus ES](https://robbreport.ph/cars/cruising-the-coast-in-the-new-lexus-es/) **Published:** June 9, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** When Lexus Philippines invited me to the global launch of the new Lexus ES in La Jolla, California, not far from San Diego, I was upfront in telling Mike Santos, the trip lead, that the last time I had driven more than a kilometer was 34 years ago. No worries, Mike said. I could focus on the rear-seat experience. After all, that’s how many Lexus owners across Asia experience the sedan. So that’s where I sat as we started our drive. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Lexus_ES350e_LuxuryExecutive_Sonic-Chrome_Black_011.webp) The new ES is noticeably larger than the model it replaces. Its length has increased by 165 mm to 5,140 mm, width by 55 mm to 1,920 mm, and wheelbase by 80 mm to 2,950 mm. The result: a cabin that feels more spacious, particularly for rear-seat passengers. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Lexus_ES350e_LuxuryExecutive_Sonic-Chrome_Black_042.webp) That matters particularly in the Philippines and other Asian countries, where many luxury vehicle owners spend much of their time being driven by someone else. Buyers often evaluate a car from the rear seat, paying close attention to legroom, ride quality, and how silent the cabin remains. After all, we all know how short our tempers become when we’re stuck in traffic for hours on end. Passenger comfort has always been one of the ES’s strengths, and through the years, the sedan has earned a reputation for making long journeys remarkably easy. Rear seats on some global-market ES versions can recline up to 38 degrees, underscoring how much attention Lexus paid to passenger comfort during development. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Lexus_ES350e_LuxuryExecutive_Sonic-Chrome_Black_012.webp) Not too long after being driven around, however, curiosity got the better of me. I found myself wanting to get to know the Lexus ES better from the driver’s seat. So with the encouragement of Mike and Kap Maceda Aguila, a media colleague, that’s what I did. “It’s just like riding a bike,” said Kap. “You never forget.” Apparently, I hadn’t. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/MAS21321.webp) What impressed me most was how natural the car felt, and after a few moments of awkwardness, my confidence began to build. The controls were easy to understand and the car settled into a reassuring hum almost immediately. I stepped on the accelerator and off we went, under the glorious Southern California sunshine as we rolled past the coast of the Pacific Ocean. The new ES is one of the most significant models Lexus has introduced in years, and the brand has invested heavily in this latest generation, giving it a complete redesign and, for the first time, offering both hybrid and fully electric versions. Ease of use has long been part of the ES character, and Lexus has preserved that quality while giving the car a more contemporary appearance. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/MAS21346-1.webp) Mike Santos, Robb Report Philippines’ Chief of Editorial Content Yvette Fernandez, and Kap Maceda Aguila One of the more interesting design elements is what Lexus calls the single-motion silhouette. The profile creates a long, flowing line from the hood through the roof and into the rear, making the car look lower and sleeker.The wheels are pushed closer to the corners, which contributes to a wider stance. The spindle grille that had been integrated into Lexus design for years has been substantially reworked, with a cleaner front end. The rear light bar and sculpted bodywork give the sedan a stronger presence on the road. I must admit that when it was Kap’s turn to take the wheel again, I closed my eyes for what I thought was just a second and woke up at our destination. That reaction was a strong validation of the ES’s mission. Lexus engineers devoted considerable attention to reducing noise and vibration throughout the cabin, particularly for rear-seat occupants. Sound insulation and thick rear glass contribute to a peaceful environment that encourages conversation or, in my case, an unplanned nap. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Lexus_ES350e_LuxuryExecutive_Sonic-Chrome_Black_030.webp) The interior of the ES balances technology with materials that give the cabin a distinct Japanese character. Bamboo-inspired trim stretches across portions of the dashboard and door panels, adding visual warmth. Lexus uses a Japanese 3D-printing process called Viscotecs to create an effect that gives the material unusual depth, particularly when lit at night. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Lexus_ES350e_LuxuryExecutive_Sonic-Chrome_Black_043.webp) When the vehicle starts, the illumination sequence gradually brings the cabin to life, a small touch that reflects Lexus’s continuing emphasis on omotenashi, or anticipatory hospitality. Lexus has adopted a simpler design language as a whole. Large digital displays dominate the dashboard, and there are fewer physical controls. The fit and finish reflect the attention to detail that has helped Lexus build a loyal following over the years. I was also intrigued by the responsive hidden switches, controls that remain visually concealed until the driver’s hand approaches them, preserving the clean appearance of the dashboard while maintaining easy access to key functions. Depending on specification, the ES uses aerodynamic wheel designs developed to improve efficiency while maintaining the ride comfort and silence that have long been central to the model’s appeal. The ES 350h, powered by Lexus’s latest hybrid system, delivers its performance smoothly and predictably. I felt equally at home on the winding roads above La Jolla and on the California freeways that Mike and Kap later navigated. The experience felt remarkably intuitive. The ride was smooth, and the cabin remained impressively hushed throughout the drive. I felt very much in control even when the roads began to twist and turn, and the pavement became uneven. The suspension absorbed imperfections effectively while maintaining stability. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Lexus_ES350e_LuxuryExecutive_Sonic-Chrome_Black_019.webp) All this may sound like praise from an amateur, when most motoring journalists write about performance figures and technological advancements. After all, there will always be car enthusiasts who are always looking for more power and the latest screens. But for regular, everyday drivers, the biggest plus of the new ES may be in the simplicity of driving and the confidence it bestows. And for me, after an afternoon on the road, my strongest endorsement is this: The new Lexus ES convinced me to get behind the wheel again. **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** La Jolla, lexus, Lexus ES, test drive --- ### [The 987 HP Audi Nuvolari Supercar Is the Marque’s Most Powerful Production Model Yet](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-987-hp-audi-nuvolari-supercar-is-the-marques-most-powerful-production-model-yet/) **Published:** June 8, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** Within the last 12 months or so, [Audi](https://robbreport.ph/tag/audi/ "Audi") has put its foot down decisively on the throttle when it comes to a public display of its rich legacy of innovation and performance. Within that timeframe, the marque has revealed a future-forward design language with its all-electric Concept C sports car, it entered a factory team for the 2026 Formula 1 season, and, today, Audi unveiled what it touts as “the fastest and most powerful production vehicle in the brand’s history”—the 987 hp Audi Nuvolari [hybrid](https://robbreport.ph/tag/hybrid/ "hybrid") [supercar](https://robbreport.ph/guide-to/how-to-drive-a-supercar-everything-you-need-to-know-before-getting-behind-the-wheel/ "How to Drive a Supercar: Everything You Need to Know Before Getting Behind the Wheel"). ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Audi-Nuvolari-Supercar-1.webp) The 987 hp Audi Nuvolari, the marque’s new hybrid supercar. *Photo: Audi AG* Last year, as part of our Best of the Best automotive coverage, we opined that hybridization should be the area of power-train focus, stating; “What was once perceived as a temporary fix may, however, prove to be the golden mean.” In the same essay, we quoted Jonathan Hall, head of research and advanced engineering at U.K.-based consulting group Mahle Powertrain, who noted; “When extreme performance is needed, then hybrids provide a more compelling answer.” Audi is obviously on the same page, at least for the Nuvolari. According to the official press release, the Nuvolari pairs a 4.0-liter, twin-turbo V-8—delivering 800 hp and 538.4 ft lbs of torque—with a trio of 147.5 hp (110 kW) axial flux electric motors. Two of the latter are located at the front axle and generate a total of 1,585.7 ft lbs of torque, while the remaining one is set between the eight-cylinder mill and the transmission. Juice comes from a 7.3 kWh lithium-ion battery. As for some of the key performance specs that result from this configuration, the zero-to-62 mph time is cited as 2.6 seconds, and the top speed is claimed to be greater than 217 mph—for a production Audi! (Interestingly, the 912 hp Audi RS e-tron GT Performance—[a 2026 *Robb Report* Car of the Year contender](https://robbreport.ph/cars/robb-reports-2026-car-of-the-year-the-10-contenders/ "Robb Report’s 2026 Car of the Year: The 10 Contenders")—is limited to 155 mph.) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/interior-Audi-Nuvolari-Supercar-1.webp) A first look at the intended interior suggests a study in minimalism. *Photo: Audi AG* As for the drive experience, we have no idea yet what that’s like as the cover has just been lifted, but the Nuvolari has four primary drive modes that comprise E-Hybrid (the all-electric mode), Balanced (as the name suggests, it optimizes both the pairing of the ICE power plant and electric motors), Dynamic (delivering more athleticism), and Dynamic+ (even more athleticism and visceral engagement). In addition, there is a Track Mode which can be fine-tuned for wet or dry conditions, as well a race optimization and the ability to turn the traction control off. The press release also mentions that the Nuvolari debuts Audi’s combined use of its space-frame chassis with a carbon body. Another premiere for Audi, at least on its production models, is the use of forged center-lock wheels. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Audi-Nuvolari-Supercar-5.webp) Audi claims the Nuvolari will be able to cover zero to 62 mph in 2.6 seconds and reach a top speed greater than 217 mph. *Photo: Audi AG* The body showcases active aero that has been inspired by elements found on Audi’s Formula 1 cars. This is most noticeable with the multi-positional rear wing, able to disappear completely, or elevate for either low or high downforce as required. While it’s designed to work on its own, the rear wing can also be put in a manual mode, with the driver selecting its position at will with the turn of a dial. And when it’s time to explore the car’s straight-line prowess, there’s a Drag Reduction System that can be brought into play. Also key to this supercar’s handling is the brake-by-wire setup that, per Audi’s press release, offers “precise interaction between hydraulic braking and electric deceleration.” At the front, the Nuvolari relies on 10-piston fixed-caliper carbon brakes, while at the back it has a four-piston-caliper setup. And Audi claims that enhanced brake-cooling measures present a 21 percent improvement “compared with conventional carbon-ceramic systems.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Audi-Nuvolari-Supercar-10.webp) Although the pre-production prototype was revealed today, the production model is expected to arrive in Q2 of 2027. *Photo: Audi AG* When it comes to the interior, there’s not a lot to go on at this point, other than it features a minimalist aesthetic, bolstered by carbon-fiber-supported seats. But from what we can see so far, dash controls will be more screen-driven than analog. Named after last century’s Italian racer Tazio Nuvolari, Audi’s supercar is a declaration of intent to once again wow the market with the same automotive tour de force that has long-defined the marque’s mettle. Its great hybrid hope, limited to 499 examples, is expected to be available by the middle of next year. [See the supercar photos here.](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-audi-nuvolari-supercar-in-photos/) *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** Audi, hybrid, supercars --- ### [The Audi Nuvolari Supercar in Photos](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-audi-nuvolari-supercar-in-photos/) **Published:** June 8, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** [Read the full article here.](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-987-hp-audi-nuvolari-supercar-is-the-marques-most-powerful-production-model-yet/) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Audi-Nuvolari-Supercar-1.webp) The 987 hp Audi Nuvolari, the marque’s new hybrid supercar. *Photo: Audi AG* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/interior-Audi-Nuvolari-Supercar-1.webp) A first look at the intended interior suggests a study in minimalism. *Photo: Audi AG* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Audi-Nuvolari-Supercar-5.webp) Audi claims the Nuvolari will be able to cover zero to 62 mph in 2.6 seconds and reach a top speed greater than 217 mph. *Photo: Audi AG* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Audi-Nuvolari-supercar-23.webp) Audi’s press release mentions that the Nuvolari debuts the marque’s combined use of its space-frame chassis with a carbon body. *Photo: Audi AG* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Audi-Nuvolari-supercar-22.webp) The multi-positional rear wing is able to disappear completely, or elevate to adjust for either low or high downforce as required. *Photo: Audi AG* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Audi-Nuvolari-supercar-20.webp) Named after last century’s Italian racer Tazio Nuvolari, Audi’s supercar is a declaration of intent to once again wow the market with the same automotive tour de force that has long-defined the marque’s mettle. *Photo: Audi AG* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Audi-Nuvolari-Supercar-10.webp) Although the pre-production prototype was revealed today, the production model is expected to arrive in Q2 of 2027. *Photo: Audi AG* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Audi-Nuvolari-supercar-21.webp) The Audi Nuvolari will be limited to 499 examples. *Photo: Audi AG* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** Audi, Electric Cars --- ### [NUSTAR Opens Its Private Villas to Online Booking](https://robbreport.ph/travel/nustar-opens-its-private-villas-to-online-booking/) **Published:** June 5, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** At the southern edge of Cebu City, where the coastline opens toward the Mactan Strait, NUSTAR Hotel Cebu has expanded one of the most private offerings within the Philippine luxury hospitality market: its collection of ultra-luxury villas, which can now be booked directly online through the resort’s [website](https://nustar.ph/). The villas sit within the larger NUSTAR Resort and Casino development on Kawit Point, an integrated resort complex that has increasingly positioned itself as one of the country’s most ambitious hospitality and entertainment destinations. While much of NUSTAR’s public identity has centered around gaming, dining, and large-scale leisure, the villas introduce a different proposition altogether: privacy. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Villa-3-living-area-with-staff-B-2240x1494.webp) There are three villas in total, ranging from approximately 435 to 670 square meters. Each includes expansive living spaces, multiple bedrooms, private sea-facing pools, and garden balconies designed to function more like standalone residences than hotel accommodations. The design language leans toward contemporary restraint rather than overt theatricality, combining large-format interiors with warm materials and panoramic views across Cebu’s waterfront. The move toward online booking is notable because these kinds of accommodations have traditionally operated through direct inquiries, concierge channels, or private arrangements. Making the villas digitally accessible reflects a broader shift within luxury hospitality, where even highly exclusive stays are increasingly expected to maintain the same convenience and immediacy as mainstream travel platforms—without sacrificing discretion. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/villa-3-master-bedroom-1-2240x1494.webp) The villas also extend the positioning of NUSTAR Hotel Cebu itself, which opened as the resort’s more globally positioned luxury hotel counterpart to the Filipino-led Fili Hotel. Guest accommodations within the NUSTAR Hotel already rank among the largest in Cebu, with suites, executive rooms, butler service, private lounge access, and sweeping sea views forming part of the broader hospitality program. What distinguishes the villas, however, is scale and separation. In a region where luxury hospitality has long been associated with island resorts and beachfront compounds, NUSTAR’s villas offer a more urban interpretation of private retreat living—one integrated into a larger ecosystem of restaurants, gaming, retail, wellness, and entertainment. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/villa-3-pool-1-2240x1494.webp) That larger ecosystem continues to grow. The resort now houses several high-profile dining destinations, luxury retail components, and hospitality towers, positioning itself less as a single hotel and more as a self-contained waterfront district. As luxury [travel](https://robbreport.ph/travel/ "Travel") increasingly shifts toward privacy, residential-style accommodation, and highly personalized stays, the villas appear designed for a specific type of traveler: one seeking the infrastructure and convenience of a major resort, but with the autonomy and discretion of a private home. *Reservations can be made throught [nustar.ph](https://nustar.ph/)* **Categories:** Travel **Tags:** cebu, hotel, NUSTAR --- ### [Lexus Just Scrapped Plans for Its Flagship Electric Sedan: Report](https://robbreport.ph/cars/lexus-just-scrapped-plans-for-its-flagship-electric-sedan-report/) **Published:** June 5, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** Another marque just pulled the plug on a luxury EV. [Lexus](https://robbreport.ph/tag/lexus/ "lexus") just reportedly canceled plans for a production version of the LF-ZC, a model that was meant to be the brand’s flagship electric sedan, according to [Autonews.com.](https://www.autonews.com/toyota/an-toyota-lexus-cancels-next-generation-electric-vehicle-development-lf-zc-ev-0531/) It’s just the latest marque to scrap an EV in the wake of global waning demand for electrified models. Lexus announced the concept version of the LF-ZC (which stands for Lexus Future Zero-emission Catalyst) back in 2023. The model was planned to house a next-gen voice recognition system thanks to A.I. tech, which could provide route and mode recommendations based on the driver’s daily driving patterns. Other details on the low-slung concept include its bamboo-clad interior, chose for its CO2 absorption abilities and appearance in centuries of Japanese design. Lexus isn’t halting all its electric endeavors, though, as the brand will use tech from the LF-ZC on upcoming new models, according to [Motor1.com.](https://www.motor1.com/news/797497/lexus-cancels-lf-zc-ev/) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/lamborghini-lanzador.webp) Lamborghini killed the all-electric Lanzador earlier this year. *Photo: Lamborghini* [Lamborghini](https://robbreport.ph/cars/lamborghinis-ceo-feels-good-about-cancelling-its-first-ev-after-the-ferrari-luce-backlash/ "Lamborghini’s CEO Feels Good About Cancelling Its First EV After the Ferrari Luce Backlash"), too, recently pivoted its all-electric plans: It shelved its first EV supercar earlier this year. The [Lanzador](https://robbreport.ph/cars/lamborghini-just-pulled-the-plug-on-its-first-electric-supercar/ "Lamborghini Just Pulled the Plug on Its First Electric Supercar"), a high-riding grand tourer originally set for a 2028 debut, would have churned out 1,340 HP via its two electric motors. (A hybrid iteration of the model may be on the horizon, though.) Plans for a Urus EV were also discarded, marking another change in the Raging Bull’s $1.8 billion electrification plan known as “Direzione Cor Tauri,” with a goal of offering its first EV by 2030. “Investing heavily in full-EV development when the market and customer base are not ready would be an expensive hobby, and financially irresponsible towards shareholders, customers, our employees, and their families,” Stephan Winkelmann, Lambo’s CEO, said in a *Times* interview amid the cancelation. Many other automakers, such as [Aston Martin](https://robbreport.ph/cars/aston-martin-pushes-back-the-launch-of-its-first-ev-again-2/ "Aston Martin Pushes Back the Launch of Its First EV (Again)"), have also switched up their electrification plans, with the British marque postponing its first EV back in 2025. The brand says the model will now arrive by 2030, focusing on plug-in hybrids in the interim, such as the [Valhalla](https://robbreport.ph/cars/road-test-aston-martins-new-valhalla-supercar-caresses-the-road-with-athleticism-and-power/ "Road Test: Aston Martin’s New Valhalla Supercar Caresses the Road With Athleticism and Power"). Moving forward with its all-electric agenda, however, is Ferrari. The marque unveiled its first EV, [the Luce](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-all-electric-ferrari-luce-in-photos/ "The All-Electric Ferrari Luce in Photos"), last month, a 1,035 HP four-door that’s priced at $640,000. The reveal sent the auto world aflame in part due to its look, created by former Apple design chief Jonny Ive, which critics say doesn’t fit the Prancing Horse design ethos. Amid the backlash, [Lamborghini’s Winkelmann](https://robbreport.ph/cars/lamborghini-just-pulled-the-plug-on-its-first-electric-supercar/ "Lamborghini Just Pulled the Plug on Its First Electric Supercar") said shelving his company’s own EV was the “right way to go.” Now, the marque has decided to move away from a fully electrified model and instead produce plug-in hybrid models—ever the popular move among luxury carmakers these days. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** electric vehicles, lexus, News --- ### [Here Are the Hottest Watch Trends at Las Vegas’s Jewelry Week](https://robbreport.ph/watches/here-are-the-hottest-watch-trends-at-las-vegass-jewelry-week/) **Published:** June 5, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** For anyone with a stake in the fine-jewelry business, Las Vegas jewelry week, in late May and early June, is the equivalent of [Watches and Wonders ](https://robbreport.ph/tag/watches-and-wonders/ "watches and wonders")week in Geneva. There is the main event—in this case, the JCK Las Vegas show at the Venetian Expo—as well as a host of satellite events that have, over the years, become an essential part of the ecosystem. (Full disclosure: I’m the editor-in-chief of [*JCK* magazine](mailto:https://www.jckonline.com/magazine-issue-item/summer-2026/).) The [Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show](mailto:https://lasvegasantiquejewelryandwatchshow.com/), which ran May 28-31 at the Wynn, is where you’ll find the vintage watch lovers. When *Robb Report* dropped by on opening day, we made a beeline to the Collectability booth to check out the [2026 Edition Oblique Collection](mailto:https://dennisonwatch.com/pages/edition-oblique-collectability-2026), the second collaboration between the [Patek Philippe]() resale platform and the brand Dennison, available for pre-order through June 2. Featuring two new asymmetric dial variations, each available in steel and gold-plated cases, the $790 quartz-powered wristwatches—which unite the aesthetic sensibilities of Collectability founder John Reardon and celebrated Swiss designer [Emmanuel Gueit](https://robbreport.ph/tag/emmanuel-gueit/ "emmanuel gueit")—were front and center. “I am not a designer, but I know a beautiful watch when I see one,” Reardon said. He went on to explain the asymmetric vintage model that served as inspiration for the Oblique Collection’s vintage-meets-contemporary vibe: Patek Philippe ref. 3412, designed for the brand by [Gilbert Albert](mailto:https://collectability.com/learn/gilbert-albert-the-genius-designer-who-changed-the-face-of-watchmaking/) and produced in the late 1950s and early ’60s. Albert’s enduring influence on watch tastemakers extends well beyond the Oblique collection. His legacy of creating avant-garde timepieces lives on in the growing popularity of vintage Patek Philippe [watches](https://robbreport.ph/watches/ "Watches") on gold mesh bracelets. “There’s so much attention being placed on bracelet watches and ladies’ watches,” Reardon told *Robb Report*. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/amy-rothner-for-future.webp) A secret watch from For Your Future Reference; a vintage Cartier owned by Amy Rothner. As he spoke, a stylishly dressed woman in a houndstooth blazer and wide-brimmed hat tried on a chunky yellow-gold [Patek Philippe Beta 21 model](mailto:https://collectability.com/learn/beta-21/) in the corner of the Collectability booth. “Look how perfect this is because you’re seeing it live,” Reardon said. “I mean, look at that huge watch. It’s one of the largest Patek Philippe watches made in the whole 20th century. And women are wearing them now.” Don’t for a second, however, think that smaller watches are suddenly out of fashion (the trends, according to Reardon, “are living concurrently”). In fact, small, dainty secret watches, initially produced by Patek Philippe in the 1950s, are “coming back,” he said. He brought out a 1960s gem-set secret watch—referring to jewelry-like designs that conceal a functional watch dial—featuring a blue dial hidden beneath a cluster of blue sapphires and white diamonds in mixed cuts. Among Collectability’s male clients, demand is also shifting. “There are fewer inquiries about modern Patek Philippe,” Reardon said. “And a lot of interest in pieces that are neo-vintage—really a focus from mid-late ’70s to, like, 2010.” The crux of that demand comes down to size and the fact that neo-vintage watches are housed in smaller cases. “With men, I’m seeing more of them ask about smaller watches,” Reardon said. “For example, [reference 2594](mailto:https://collectability.com/product/patek-philippe-yellow-gold-calatrava-ref-2594-5j/). I’ve been buying a lot of these because for $12,000, you get a watch that has so much Patek Philippe DNA from the 1950s that a man or a woman could wear it.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/collectability-patek-philippe-ref-3587-1j.webp) A Patek Philippe Ref. 3587/1J *Photo: Collectability* Elsewhere in Las Vegas, dealers echoed Reardon’s comments about the rising popularity of smaller timepieces, especially those with a distinctly jewelry-like essence. At the [For Future Reference Vintage](mailto:https://www.forfuturereference.com/vintage) booth at the Couture jewelry show at the Wynn, Amy Rothner, director of sales at Excalibur Estate Jewelry, an exhibitor at the antique show, wore a gold Cartier bracelet watch with a blue lapis dial, manufactured by Piaget in the 1990s. “I bought it in the antique show yesterday, and I sold it to another dealer today,” she said. Rothner brought out a couple slinky 1970s gold bracelet models by Cartier and Piaget as examples of trending styles. “It’s a bracelet that happens to tell time,” she said, pointing to the slender yellow-gold Cartier secret watch, which looked like a simple piece of jewelry. “I love the way that this Cartier has that peekaboo moment,” she said. “That beautiful bracelet—it’s so silky. “We’re really seeing a trend,” Rothner added. “A bunch of our stores have been asking for covered watches. It’s going back to that very elegant, ladylike moment where you weren’t constantly checking your watch, but you have that secret time management we all need. And to be able to be in the workforce and not checking your cell phone at a work meeting is always really important. With watches like this, you can more gracefully check the time.” Rothner reiterated the strength of the size trend. “Smaller watches, petite watches—even the small Rolex Orchids that are probably around 23 millimeters. I mean, we’re going real small.” Edward Faber, founder and co-owner of the Aaron Faber Gallery, another antique show mainstay, affirmed that. “What’s trending is micro,” he said, adding that he defined a “micro watch” as a piece, most likely produced between the 1920s and ’50s, that’s “smaller than a dime.” To illustrate what he meant, he brought out a trio of teeny-tiny 18-karat-gold bracelet watches, two round Rolexes (for $8,800 and $6,500), and a square-faced Piaget (for $6,400). “Not only are they great value, they fit into the whole stacking trend,” Faber said. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** cartier, Patek Philippe, Watch Collector, Watches --- ### [Blancpain Just Unveiled a Diamond-Covered Watch Collection Inspired by Marilyn Monroe](https://robbreport.ph/watches/blancpain-just-unveiled-a-diamond-covered-watch-collection-inspired-by-marilyn-monroe/) **Published:** June 4, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** On what would have been Marilyn Monroe’s 100th birthday, [Blancpain](https://robbreport.ph/tag/blancpain/ "blancpain") is showing why diamonds are still a girl’s best friend. The watchmaker has just unveiled a dazzling new collection of high-jewelry timepieces in honor of the Hollywood icon, bringing a touch of her glamorous style into today. The seven stunners are a revamp of Monroe’s own beloved Art Deco-styled Blancpain that landed back in the hands of the maison in 2016. The new Ladybird Tribute collection retains many of the same features as its predecessor—but Blancpain couldn’t help but add a bit more bling. The slender [watches](https://robbreport.ph/watches/ "Watches") are each set with 85 diamonds totaling 1.360 carats, including 60 brilliant cut diamonds and a pair of marquise diamonds adorning the 18-karat white-gold case, 20 brilliant-cut diamonds on the links, two diamonds on the arch attachments, and one brilliant cut diamond on the pin buckle. Monroe’s own watch, meanwhile, was home to 73 diamonds total. Blancpain also brought over the opaline dial, yellow-gold hour markers, conical hands, and that Art Deco–inspired rectangular case from the star’s timepiece. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/blancpain-ladybird-tribute-high-risk-red.webp) The front and back of the Lady Tribute in High Risk Red. *Photo: Blancpain* The lineup is powered by Blancpain’s in-house Caliber 510, a manual-winding movement that the house unveiled back in 2020. Just 2.60 mm thick, the caliber is home to 128 components that deliver a 52-hour power reserve and a frequency of 3 Hz. Each Ladybird Tribute piece also comes with one letter of Monroe’s first name engraved in the caseback, furthering the connection to the star. And the timepieces have their own double-wrap calf strap, created in an exclusive hue from the folks at Pantone to mark the occasion. The colors range from a soft peach, called Peach Bud, and a vibrant High Risk Red to more neutral tones like Star White and Black Beauty. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/blancpain-ladybird-tribute-watches.webp) Each colorway is inspired by Monroe, too. *Photo: Blancpain* Other than its appearance, of course, not much is known about the backstory of Monroe’s personal Blancpain. It was likely produced between the early 1940s and ‘50s, according to the watchmaker, and follows in the design footsteps of architectural marvels such as the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center. The original also had a double signature of both “Blancpain” on the ratchet wheel and “Rayville Watch Co.” on the lever bridge, details found on watches of the era to signify when Blancpain made pieces under the Rayville-Blancpain name. Another hallmark of the day is the watch’s double safety chain, often seen jewelry watches during that time. As for who snagged the dazzler for Monroe, that remains a mystery: She was not known to buy her own jewelry, so it’s likely someone (with good taste) bought it for her as a gift. Given Monroe’s star power, these Ladybird Tribute are sure to go fast. The new watches are each priced at $54,300, should you manage to get your hands on one. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** blancpain, celebrity, Marilyn Monroe, News --- ### [Bugatti’s Next One-Off Supercar May Be a Bolide and Tourbillon Mash-Up](https://robbreport.ph/cars/bugattis-next-one-off-supercar-may-be-a-bolide-and-tourbillon-mash-up/) **Published:** June 3, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** If you have enough money, you really can have it all. Take, for example, the latest commission being worked on by [Bugatti](https://robbreport.ph/tag/bugatti/ "bugatti")’s new Programme Solitare team. According to a new report [from The Supercar Blog](https://www.thesupercarblog.com/exclusive-next-bugatti-one-off-is-a-cross-between-the-bolide-tourbillon/), the French marque’s coachbuilding division is hard at work on a one-off that is a mashup of its Bolide (above) and [Tourbillon](https://robbreport.ph/cars/bugatti-just-made-the-new-tourbillon-hypercar-even-better/ "Bugatti Just Made the New Tourbillon Hypercar Even Better") [hypercars](https://robbreport.ph/tag/hypercars/ "Hypercars"). News that Bugatti is already at work on its Programme Solitare model shows that its well-heeled customers are clearly interested in even more exclusive vehicles to choose from. The new hypercar will be the third project from Programme Solitare, following the debut [Brouillard](https://robbreport.ph/cars/meet-the-bugatti-brouillard-a-new-one-of-a-kind-hypercar/ "Meet the Bugatti Brouillard, a New One-of-a-Kind Hypercar"), which was unveiled during last year’s Monterey Car Week, and the [F.K.P. Hommage](https://robbreport.ph/cars/bugatti-reveals-its-1578-hp-tribute-to-the-veyron/ "Bugatti Reveals Its 1,578 HP Tribute to the Veyron"), which was shown off earlier this year. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/opener-w-Bugatti-3.webp) Bugatti Tourbillon *Photo: Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S* Details, unsurprisingly, are close to non-existent at this point. An unnamed source tells the website that they believe the design of the vehicle will include elements from the track-only Bolide and Tourbillon. Some details that may carry over include the former’s X-shaped lighting package and the latter’s extra-wide horseshoe grille. It’s easy to see why the customer behind the commission would want to borrow from the two hypercars. The Bolide, which recently finished up production, is an untamed track beast with a skeletal design that’s extreme even by Bugatti’s standards. The Tourbillon, meanwhile, is the third distinct model of the marque’s modern era. It’s decidedly more restrained that the Bollide, but still features a look that’s daring, including a skeletonized, titanium-and-sapphire-glass instrument cluster inspired by Swiss watchmaking. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/brouillard03.webp) Programme Solitaire’s first build, the Brouillard *Photo: Bugatti* The website also reports that, like the previous two Programme Solitaire builds, it will be built on the Chiron platform. This means that the company’s latest one-off could feature its legendary 8.0-liter quad-turbocharged, an engine the automaker had claimed it was retiring. The Tourbillon powertrain includes a 8.3-liter V-16 *and* three electric motors. Fortunately, we shouldn’t have to wait too much longer to find out more about the news Programme Solitaire one-off. When Bugatti first announced the division last year, at the Brouillard’s unveiling, it said it intended for it to build one to two cars per year. That means that the Bolide and Tourbillon mashup could arrive before the end of the year, and maybe even before the summer is over. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** bespoke, bugatti, Hypercars, News, Programme Solitaire --- ### [H. Moser’s New Endeavour Flyback Chronograph Hides Three Complications in Plain Sight](https://robbreport.ph/watches/h-mosers-new-endeavour-flyback-chronograph-hides-three-complications-in-plain-sight/) **Published:** June 1, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** [H. Moser](https://robbreport.ph/tag/h-moser-cie/ "h. moser & Cie")‘s newest watch has a few tricks up its sleeve. The Swiss brand debuted an eye-catching timepiece this week that’s much more than the minimalist model it appears to be. The Endeavour Flyback Chronograph Dual Time Date is home to three complications—a flyback chronograph, a second time zone, and a date display—with no subdials to be found, showing off once again how the brand can create clean watches with plenty of complex, horological fun going on underneath the surface. H. Moser achieved that streamlined display by centralized all its indicators on the dial, which is done up in a striking turquoise fumé. A red hand points to the chronograph seconds, while a rhodium-plated hand shows off the elapsed minutes on the white track. The center disc, done in a Blackor fumé (also with a sunburst pattern), is where the second time zone resides, with a white arrow marking the way. You can peek at the date via an aperture at 6 o’clock, too. Elsewhere on the dial, the hands are leaf-shaped and filled with Super-LumiNova, with a tachymeter perched on the flange. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/h-moser-endeavour-chronograph-dual-time-watch.webp) The new model offers up a a flyback chronograph, a second time zone, and a date display. *H. Moser* Underneath its clean surface, the watch gets its power from its hand-wound caliber HMC 730, the new sibling to the HMC 902 (as seen on H. Moser’s ever-popular Streamliner) created in collaboration with watchmaker Agenhor. To bring HMC 730 to life, the duo actually removed the automatic winding system and the oscillating weight, a move that made it possible to add in the second time zone and date with that extra space. H. Moser kept some aspects of the HMC 902 in its new movement, such as the column wheel. And the caliber’s retrograde mechanism allows the elapsed minute hand to jump instantly using stored energy that’s released via a snail cam, making for better reading accuracy. And for all its complexity, the Endeavour Flyback Chronograph Dual Time Date surprisingly has a rather user-friendly feature up its sleeve. The date here can be adjusted both forward and backwards without risk to the movement, a rare detail for a timepiece with all these sophisticated complications in tow. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/h-moser-endeavour-chronograph-dual-time-caseback.webp) A look at the caseback. H. Moser The Endeavour Flyback Chronograph Dual Time Date, available now retails for $74,400. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** H. Moser --- ### [Wrensilva’s New Studio Packs a Turntable, Speakers, and Record Storage Into One Elegant Console](https://robbreport.ph/tech/audio/wrensilvas-new-studio-packs-a-turntable-speakers-and-record-storage-into-one-elegant-console/) **Published:** June 1, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** Convenience and quality can go hand-in-hand. Just look at Wrensilva’s new all-in-one hi-fi system, the [Studio](https://wrensilva.com/products/studio). The console features everything you need to get the most out of your music collection, including a turntable, integrated speakers, and built-in record storage. The Studio isn’t the first all-in-one media console we’ve seen from the California-based company, but it does take things to another level. Each system is handmade in San Diego and measures 31 inches wide by 17 inches deep and 33 inches tall, allowing it to fit into most rooms without dominating too much space. Located atop the device, beneath a smoked acrylic lid, is a floating turntable deck that features a frosted acrylic platter, an under-platter belt drive system, a bespoke one-piece magnesium tonearm, and an Ortofon 2M Red cartridge. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/wrensilva-studio-03.webp) The Wrensilva Studio record console *Photo: Wrensilva* Wrensilva teases the Studio as its “most versatile” record console, and it’s easy to see why. The record player is just one of its major components. The console, which is finished in natural walnut, also features a pair of two-way bass-reflex speakers powered by a 100-watt per channel Class D amplifier. Between the speakers is a door, textured for sound diffraction, that opens to reveal storage for up to 40 of your favorite records. Rounding things out is a headphone amplifier with a quarter-inch jack for those nights when you feel like listening to music after everyone else in the house has gone to bed. The Studio isn’t just for analog listening, though. The console also comes with Bluetooth and aux cable connectivity standard. Sonos integration is also available as a $900 add-on if you already use the brand’s speakers and want to listen to the Studio throughout your home. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/wrensilva-studio-02.webp) *Photo: Wrensilva* “Studio was built to fit naturally into more spaces. People want music to live with them, not turn into another thing to manage,” said Debra Salyer, Wrensilva’s cofounder and head of design, said in a statement. Despite its versatility, the Studio is Wrensilva’s most accessible record console. It starts at $9,900, which is still an investment, but is a bargain compared to the mid-range Standard, which starts at $14,900, and the range-topping M1, which starts at $18,900. Deliveries take six to eight weeks. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Audio, Design, Tech **Tags:** News, Turntables --- ### [The Richard Mille RM HJ-02 In-House Automatic Tourbillon in Photos](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-richard-mille-rm-hj-02-in-house-automatic-tourbillon-in-photos/) **Published:** May 29, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** Richard Mille just unveiled the dazzling second chapter of its high-jewelry watch collection, , the Richard Mille RM HJ-02 In-House Automatic Tourbillon. [Read here](https://robbreport.ph/watches/richard-milles-dazzling-new-high-jewelry-watches-are-each-adorned-with-1399-gems/) to learn more about the limited-edition timepieces. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/richard-mille-rm-hj-02-purple.webp) The RM HJ-02 In-House Automatic Tourbillon in Violet Variations. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/richard-mille-rm-hj-02-purple-strap-case.webp) A closer look at the strap and case. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/richard-mille-rm-hj-02-purple-strap.webp) The buckle. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/richard-mille-rm-hj-02-pink.webp) The RM HJ-02 In-House Automatic Tourbillon in Pink Pursuit. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/richard-mille-rm-hj-02-pink-case.webp) The crown. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/richard-mille-rm-hj-02-green-1.webp) The RM HJ-02 In-House Automatic Tourbillon in Green Gambit. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/richard-mille-rm-hj-02-green-dial.webp) The jewel-adorned dial. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/richard-mille-rm-hj-02-blue.webp) The RM HJ-02 In-House Automatic Tourbillon in Blue Ballet. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/richard-mille-rm-hj-02-blue-caseback.webp) The Blue Ballet caseback. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/richard-mille-rm-hj-02-blue-closeup.webp) The case. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** jewelry, richard mille --- ### [Richard Mille’s Dazzling New High-Jewelry Watches Are Each Adorned With 1,399 Gems](https://robbreport.ph/watches/richard-milles-dazzling-new-high-jewelry-watches-are-each-adorned-with-1399-gems/) **Published:** May 29, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** [Richard Mille](https://robbreport.ph/watches/richard-mille-and-f1s-ferrari-star-charles-leclerc-have-dropped-a-new-watch/ "Richard Mille and F1’s Ferrari Star Charles Leclerc Have Dropped a New Watch") is taking its [high-jewelry](https://robbreport.ph/tag/haute-joaillerie/ "haute joaillerie") watches up a notch. The Swiss maison just unveiled an uber-limited collection of 12 dazzling timepieces that double as fine jewelry on the wrist. The lineup, known as the RM HJ-02 In-House Automatic Tourbillon, comes in four colorways: blue, pink, violet, and green, each designed to show off bold hues and to play with light. In the new collection, [Richard Mille](https://robbreport.ph/tag/richard-mille/ "richard mille")’s classic tonneau-shaped case has been transformed into an explosion of color, thanks to the 1,399 precious and ornamental stones that adorned each watch. The brand’s in-house gem setting team used snow, grain, and bezel-setting techniques to play with opacity and reflection on the wrist; in total, the pros devoted nearly 700 hours throughout the painstaking process of prepping and placing all those stones. All their hard work shows in that Art Deco-inspired case (which took over a year to develop), where layered planes and asymmetrical details shine from every angle. Richard Mille, as we mentioned, made sure to have plenty of bold colorways to pick from, too. Kicking things off is Violet Variations, where you’ll find plenty of purple-hued gems paired alongside bold green stones. Pink Pursuit, meanwhile, offers up a slightly brighter colorway, with pinks, greens, and dashes of light blue. Speaking of, Blue Ballet is home to shades of blue, too, as well as some pink and orange tones. Last but not least is Green Gambit, where green and blue gems take center stage. Each timepiece also comes with a matching strap—and the gems even extend to the buckle. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/richard-mille-rm-hj-02-purple-caseback.webp) A look at the caseback. Richard Mille Of course, the new watches don’t just have a pretty face. They’re also home to Richard Mille’s new in-house automatic tourbillon calibre CRMT2. Done up in white gold, the skeletonized movement was made right alongside the watch’s case and the dial, so it could be more easily integrated into the design. You’ll find 23 jewels adorned the curves of the caliber, including the gem-set gold rotor and the barrel. The caliber also offers up a 50-hour power reserve. Richard Mille is no stranger to colorful, avant-garde timepieces. The watchmaker’s Colored Ceramics collection, which it unveiled in 2023, may lack the gemstones of its newest launch, but it’s still just as bold and bright. Taking design cues from the ‘80s, the timepiece have been spotted on the wrists of Boston Celtic Jayson Tatum. Fellow basketball player LeBron James teamed up with Richard Mille last year to unveil his own colorful creation decked out in Lakers yellow, too. ###### ***Click** [**here**](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-richard-mille-rm-hj-02-in-house-automatic-tourbillon-in-photos/)**[ ](https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gallery/rm-hj-02-in-house-automatic-tourbillon-photos-1238199471)to see more of the Richard Mille HJ-02 In-House Automatic Tourbillon** **in photos.*** *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** haute joaillerie, high jewelry, richard mille --- ### [The Macallan’s New 40-Year-Old Whisky Is a Tribute to a Record-Breaking Bottle](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/spirits/the-macallans-new-40-year-old-whisky-is-a-tribute-to-a-record-breaking-bottle/) **Published:** May 29, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** A century ago, a barrel was filled with new make spirit at the [Macallan](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/spirits/the-macallan-just-dropped-a-pair-of-tea-inspired-whiskies/ "The Macallan Just Dropped a Pair of Tea-Inspired Whiskies"), aged for 60 years, and bottled in 1986. That [whisky](https://robbreport.ph/tag/whisky/ "whisky") would go on to set a record as being the most valuable bottle of whisky to be sold at auction when it was purchased for about $2.7 million dollars in 2023 (a bottle of Irish whiskey from the Craft Irish Whiskey Co. beat that by about $100,000 a year later). To commemorate the 1926 vintage, and perhaps to one day rival its auction sale, the distillery is releasing the new Romantica Collection, which comes a single cask of whisky distilled in 1986 and aged for 40 years. *Robb Report* spoke to master distiller Euan Kennedy to find out more about this new extremely limited release. The Romantica Collection consists of 258 bottles that came from cask number 9925, a sherry-seasoned European oak barrel that spent the last 40 years maturing at the distillery, bottled at 48.6 percent ABV. Compare that to the Macallan 1926, which as mentioned before was aged for 60 years and yielded just 40 bottles (or at least that was all that was released). According to Kennedy, this project was five years in the making, and the whisky is unique in that it is actually slightly smoky, an uncommon characteristic for the Macallan. “When we received the creative brief, we knew we wanted to go with a whisky from 1986 to tell that story, and there was only one cask it could be,” he told *Robb Report*. “The whisky itself in terms of character is quite unusual for the Macallan, carrying just a touch of peat smoke. It is remarkable that you can get that sense of being transported back to a different generation through this particular cask, which is one of the reasons why we selected it.” Three artists designed the labels for the Macallan 1926—Sir Peter Blake (who designed the sleeve for *Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band* with his wife Jann Haworth), Valerio Adami, and Michael Dillon—and they have returned for this new collection as well, with each artist’s work appearing on 86 bottles. Blake’s label is a collage called “The Music Room,” meant to represent the distillery’s Easter Elchies House; Adami’s “Romantica” is a portrait of Janet ‘Nettie’ Harbinson, who was the Macallan’s custodian in 1926; Dillon’s label is “The Macallan Estate,” a painting of the distillery itself. Of course, the Romantica Collection is not a recreation of the Macallan 1926, which would obviously be an impossible task. Instead, it’s meant to evoke the spirit of the distillery at that time and to try to capture what that release meant to the Macallan. “What I love about it is that those who made the whisky at that time—Janet ‘Nettie’ Harbinson, who actually laid down the spirit in 1926—did not realize the significance this particular cask of whisky was going to have,” said Kennedy. “It is less about what the whisky meant and more about what the whisky continues to be for me… The 1926 is not something we reference every day, but when you take a step back and think about the significance of what we do today, a whisky like this is at the forefront of our inspiration and we always look to continue that legacy.” Samples of this whisky were not made available (no surprise given its rarity), but the official tasting notes are as follows: brown sugar, glazed peach, tropical lychee, dark cherries, treacle, and a subtle hint of peat on the palate, followed by lingering notes of dried fruit, leather, and cacao on the finish. The brand would not reveal what the price of the bottles will be, only that they will be sold as a set of three that includes each artist edition starting on July 30. Interested parties can contact the Macallan Client Services to find out more about purchasing a set. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Food & Drink, Spirits **Tags:** macallan --- ### [Lamborghini’s CEO Feels Good About Cancelling Its First EV After the Ferrari Luce Backlash](https://robbreport.ph/cars/lamborghinis-ceo-feels-good-about-cancelling-its-first-ev-after-the-ferrari-luce-backlash/) **Published:** May 29, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** [Ferrari](https://robbreport.ph/tag/ferrari/ "Ferrari")’s rough week has convinced [Lamborghini](https://robbreport.ph/tag/lamborghini/ "lamborghini") it made the right call. The Italian marque’s CEO, Stephan Winkelman, [told CNBC](https://www.cnbc.com/2026/05/27/ferrari-luce-backlash-lamborghini-ceo-ev.html) that the negative response to the [Luce’s unveiling](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-all-electric-ferrari-luce-in-photos/ "The All-Electric Ferrari Luce in Photos") makes him think his company was right to shelve its first EV. Instead, the company has decided to focus its resources on plug-in hybrids for the foreseeable future. Back in 2021, Winkelman unveiled Lamborghini’s ambitious electrification strategy, “Direzione Cor Tauri.” The $1.8 billion plan laid out the automaker’s intention to offer hybrid versions of all its models by 2025 and its first EV before 2030. The company has already accomplished the first goal but is unlikely to meet the second, after [cancelling the all-electric Lanzador ](https://robbreport.ph/cars/lamborghini-just-pulled-the-plug-on-its-first-electric-supercar/ "Lamborghini Just Pulled the Plug on Its First Electric Supercar")(though the high-riding GT may see release as a plug-in hybrid). The executive told the financial news network the decision was the “right way to go” for his company. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Ferrari-Luce-24-1.webp) The Ferrari Luce. *Ferrari* “Our decision to go from \[traditional internal combustion engine\] to plug-in was a very important one for us, and it worked out,” Winkelman said. “We don’t speak about our competitors . . . but everybody has their own strategy.” Lamborghini is [one of many automakers](https://robbreport.ph/cars/aston-martin-pushes-back-the-launch-of-its-first-ev-again-2/ "Aston Martin Pushes Back the Launch of Its First EV (Again)") that have backed off their previously announced EV plans in recent years. The decision cannot have been easy, as developing a vehicle tends to be a real investment, but it was one the company felt it had to make after seeing how its primary customer base responded to battery-powered vehicles at the start of the decade. “By observing the market . . . we saw that the acceptance curve \[of EVs\] for our type of customers is not increasing, and that therefore we decided to move away from a full-electric car into a plug-in hybrid,” he said. It’s easy to see why Winkelman feels confident in the decision now, even if he refused to comment directly on a competitor like Ferrari. The legendary sports car maker’s week had been defined by backlash to its $640,000 EV, which was designed by former Apple design chief Jonny Ive. The primary complaint that the EV, with its bold, aerodynamic exterior, does not look like a Prancing Horse. The company’s former chairman, Luca di Montezemolo, even [told Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/critics-give-ferrari-luce-ev-cool-response-shares-fall-2026-05-26/) the vehicle should be stripped of the company’s iconic badge. It’s not just di Montezemolo and keyboard warriors who have been put off the look of the car; Wall Street has as well. In the wake of the Luce’s debut on Monday, Ferrari stock has [fallen by 8 percent](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/27/business/ferrari-luce-electric-ev-backlash.html), leading some analysts to wonder if the company has made a rare mistake with its EV push. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** Ferrari Luce, lamborghini, Lanzador, Stephan Winkelmann --- ### [With the New RRCHF, Rexhep Rexhepi Enters His Complicated Era](https://robbreport.ph/watches/with-the-new-rrchf-rexhep-rexhepi-enters-his-complicated-era/) **Published:** May 28, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** A little over a week before [Watches and Wonders](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-boldest-most-exciting-new-timepieces-at-watches-and-wonders-2026/ "The Boldest, Most Exciting New Timepieces at Watches and Wonders 2026") opened, Rexhep Rexhepi, the celebrated independent watchmaker from Geneva, introduced an entirely new watch: a flyback chronograph called the “RRCHF,” his first new model in nearly three years. By the time I arrived at one of the five workshops he owns on Grand-Rue in Old Town Geneva—on a sunny Thursday morning during [Watches](https://robbreport.ph/watches/ "Watches") and Wonders week—to see the piece and catch up with him in person, Rexhepi had already received more than 1,700 requests. (To put that in context, his atelier makes no more than 60 watches per year.) It was a busy day for Rexhepi’s team, as they welcomed a stream of collectors and press into the cozy space, thoughtfully designed by Rexhepi and his wife, Annabelle (their book collection alone is museum-worthy). To avoid having too many people crowding the new watch at once, I was asked to wait in the greeting area on the ground floor, where a woman stood behind a table with a dazzling selection of teas (I opted for a delicious oolong). Downstairs, in the cellar, they had cleared a space to show the new timepiece with as little distraction as possible. A rectangular metal table held two silver trays with rounded, organic shapes. And that was it. While the room was so clinical it could have doubled as an operating theater, the watch, which measures 38.8 mm in diameter and 9.7 mm thick, is anything but. Available in two versions—a platinum edition with a “stormy blue” grand feu enamel dial and a rose-gold edition with a classic black grand feu enamel dial—the piece, which retails for 150,000 Swiss francs (about $193,000), exudes the warmth of its maker. Rexhepi is often called a “wunderkind,” and his pieces regularly fetch more than a million dollars on the secondary market, but in person he is far from the haughty genius one might imagine. Rather, he is kind, candid, and strikingly humble. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/rexhep-rexhepi-rrchf-5n.webp) The rose-gold edition of the new timepiece. *Photo: Rexhep Rexhepi* When Rexhepi started making watches under his Akrivia label in 2012, his first timepiece, the AK-01, was a tourbillon monopusher chronograph based on an ebauche movement. Fourteen years later, the CHF is entirely his own. From the stepped bezel and elongated lugs of its case to its gently patinated nubuck calfskin strap, everything—including the movement and the enamel dial, which emerged from the enamel workshop he opened in May 2024—has been crafted in-house. To drive home that point, he created a new dial signature for the piece: “Hgers À Geneve” (an abbreviation for “Watchmakers In Geneva”), which Rexhepi borrowed from an old Leroy pocket watch (“I thought it was very romantic”). As I admired the watch, Rexhepi explained some of his thinking. “For me, the challenge was to do something in the right proportion,” he told me. “The display for me was really, really important because I think this is how you get your identity.” As a watchmaker famously obsessed with symmetry, Rexhepi took extra care in perfecting the dial layout. At 12 o’clock you’ll find the hour-and-minutes register. The centrality of the extra-long flyback chronograph seconds hand (in a straw-yellow color) nods to his belief that the watch is, at heart, an instrument. Running seconds appear in the subdial at 7 o’clock, while the subdial at 4 o’clock features a 30-minute counter. The model’s symmetry is especially evident on the sapphire-crystal caseback, which provides a clear view of the integrated chronograph movement. “It’s not about saying it’s a show-off watch,” Rexhepi said. “You can see that it’s a complex watch. You see, the chronograph is very, very central under this big bridge.” With 320 components, the CHF is among the most complex pieces Rexhepi has made. When I asked whether the number of components mattered to him, he said his thinking had evolved. “A few years ago, we wanted to do as few components as possible because the way that we fabricate was a bit different,” he said. “Today, we use as many components as we can to do the best watch possible. So here we are more than 300 components. This is quite crazy for a chronograph. For the first one that we did, the chronograph tourbillon, we were at 200.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/rexhep-rexhepi-rrchf-front-back.webp) The sapphire-crystal caseback gives a clear view of the movement. *Photo: Rexhep Rexhepi* Rexhepi spoke about the pressure he puts on himself to make the best watch possible—and about not knowing how it might be received. I was struck by the long view he has taken on his career and what it means in the broader context of 21st-century horology. “Every time that I’m doing a watch, I’m building something and I’m not sure that people will like it,” he said. “And I think you have to have this fear. Because it’s not about selling something—it’s about, ‘What do you want people to remember?’ And for me, this is just one step. And these steps—we have not one, not two, not three. We have to have like 30, 40 steps in our journey. If you look at Journe, he’s built something incredible. And it took him 25 years.” Earlier in the appointment, a casually dressed collector from Saudi Arabia had arrived, taken a seat at the table, and quietly worked his loupe over the pieces while I continued to pepper Rexhepi with questions. Not wanting to monopolize the man of the hour (year? decade?), I asked one final question: What did the CHF signal about his future? Was it a sign of more complications to come? “As a watchmaker, you want to push yourself to do it,” Rexhepi said. “I wanted to prove to myself that I’m able to do a good complication. And the next step, to tell you the truth, is more about invention.” But the Saudi collector was prepared with a quip. “The next step,” he interjected, “is about delivery.” Touché. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US*. **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** Feature, Rexhep Rexhepi, Watch Collector, Watches --- ### [Ferrari’s First EV Is Finally Here: What to Know About the 1,035 HP 4-Door Luce](https://robbreport.ph/cars/ferraris-first-ev-is-finally-here-what-to-know-about-the-1035-hp-4-door-luce/) **Published:** May 27, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** The crowd of spectators couldn’t be sure what to make of the car, its capabilities, or how it would impact its automaker’s future, but on that particular day in May, [Ferrari](https://robbreport.ph/tag/ferrari/ "Ferrari") put the world on notice. The year was 1947, and the car was the Ferrari 125 S, which launched the Prancing Horse legacy when it gave the marque its first motorsport win at the Grand Prix of Rome. Ferrari had the same affect on those present yesterday evening when the marque again used the Eternal City as its backdrop to introduce the world to another milestone model—[the all-electric Ferrari Luce](https://robbreport.ph/cars/ferrari-goes-electric-with-ferrari-luce-the-real-question-is-what-carries-forward/ "Ferrari Goes Electric With Ferrari Luce. The Real Question Is What Carries Forward."). Maranello may not have captured lightning in a bottle to the same extent this time, but the four-door, five-seat Luce is certainly a shock at first glance. ![Red Ferrari sports car seen from the side in a dark studio setting, highlighting its sleek profile and gold brake calipers.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Ferrari-Luce-1a.webp) The all-electric Ferrari Luce is a four-door that seats five occupants while delivering 1,035 hp. *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* Sure to eclipse the multi-terrain [Purosangue](https://robbreport.ph/tag/purosangue/ "Purosangue") as the Prancing Horse’s most polarizing model, the 1,035 hp Luce is a zero-emissions statement piece intended to further demonstrate Ferrari’s maverick nature while the marque plugs into complete electrification on its own terms. “Ferrari has never been defined by what powers it. It has always been defined by what it makes you feel—that thrill, that sound, that sense of wonder—and that has never changed,” stated Ferrari’s executive chairman, John Elkann, in his opening remarks at the global reveal. The event took place within the Vela di Calatrava–Città dello Sport complex, which Elkann referred to as “a place designed to imagine the future.” Fitting, as that is the Luce’s same raison d’être. ![Two men in suits shake hands on a stage with an orange background, microphones on their faces. Wait, that's not necessary.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Ferrari-Luce-3.webp) John Elkann, Ferrari’s executive chairman (right), welcomes Ferrari C.E.O. Benedetto Vigna (left) to the stage prior to the reveal of the Luce. *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* “Ferrari Luce is not a response to change,” Elkann assured all 200-plus members of the media in attendance. “It’s a decision, a deliberate decision, to lead what comes next with clarity, with courage. Five years ago, we asked ourselves, ‘What would Ferrari be if we imagine that again from a blank sheet.’” To answer that question, the storied marque tapped into what has always helped it innovate, and that’s to collaborate. Enter the creative tour de force comprising Sir Jony Ive, Marc Newson, and their San Francisco–based design team at LoveFrom. As mentioned in our preliminary coverage of the car, the opportunity paired seamlessly with a lifelong passion for automobiles shared by both Ive and Newson. “We’ve judged at all sorts of concours events. We collect cars. I know we share very, very fond stories and memories of having restored vehicles when we were children and teenagers in England and in Australia. The opportunity to work with Ferrari together, is a really incredible and unique one,” mentioned Newson when the Luce’s interior components were revealed in February. ![Front view of a red Ferrari sports car in a dark studio, headlights on, black hood and low aerodynamic design.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Ferrari-Luce-4.webp) Both the interior and exterior design was in collaboration with LoveFrom, the team led by Sir Jony Ive and Marc Newson. *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* That was considered phase two of the debut, with the initial phase having occurred in Maranello this past October as part of Ferrari’s Capital Markets Day, which included the unveiling of the aluminum chassis and select elements of the power train. Yet the full picture is finally complete for the public as of today. The first electric car from Ferrari is also its first five-seater, presenting a platform that features four radial-flow permanent magnet synchronous motors, one at each wheel, that Ferrari touts as “derived from the F80 and drawing on expertise gained in Formula 1 and the WEC,” according to it official press release. The result is the aforementioned total output of 1,035 hp, along with just over 770 ft lbs of torque. The power-train configuration gives the 4,982.4-pound (curb weight) Luce the ability to cover zero to 62 mph in 2.5 seconds—in launch control—and top out at just over 192 mph. Juicing the automotive muscle is a 210-cell, 122 kWh battery that gives the Luce an estimated range of about 329 miles. ![Yellow luxury sports car with black roof, photographed in a dark studio background, side view near the front quarter panel. 0h5a9e1a-1a2f-4c4b-9c9e-8f2b4b6f1d7d is not included but placeholder for context.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Ferrari-Luce-5.webp) While the stylistic language of Ferrari has always been defined by sensuous curves and a motorsport-inspired appearance, the Luce reflects a fixation on drag reduction. *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* Where the Luce truly raises eyebrows, though, is its overall exterior styling, which has, at best, a very tenuous through line to the marque’s design DNA. But that was deliberate. “A well-known technology inevitably evolves towards existing stylistic solutions, while innovations always cause a challenge from the aesthetic point of view of the product,” Flavio Manzoni, the marque’s chief design officer and head of Ferrari Centro Stile, recently told *Robb Report*. “‘Creativity requires the courage to let go of certainties.’ This sentence by the German social psychologist Erich Fromm summarizes my thoughts on the need to be visionary and courageous in designing something innovative,” Manzoni went on to explain. In reference to Ive and Newson, he added, “The element to be emphasized is that non-automotive designers from the world of product design and high tech have been chosen, precisely to guarantee a result diametrically opposed to what has been achieved so far.” In that regard, LoveFrom has definitively delivered. If you were expecting a purely plug-in doppelgänger to the Purosangue, think again. While the stylistic language of Ferrari has always been defined by sensuous curves, visually seductive strakes and haunches, and a motorsport-inspired appearance, even in its grand tourers, the Luce reflects a fixation on drag reduction. To that end, its shape is born from 6,000 computational fluid dynamics simulations and roughly 330 hours of wind-tunnel testing, including 80 hours with full-size models. ![Stage at a conference with three speakers, large abstract screens, and yellow spotlight beams across the audience.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Ferrari-Luce-6.webp) Flavio Manzoni, Ferrari’s chief design officer, stands at the center of the stage as he helps introduce the all-electric Ferrari Luce in Rome. *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* With even a cursory look, one can see shades of Marcello Gandini’s wedge-like approach to automotive form, especially in the pervasive glass house, though softened nearly to the point of homogeneity. At the nose is a pronounced S-duct directing so much airflow that the wipers had to be vertically configured at the flanks of the windshield. Air is also more subtly directed through the front and rear wheel arches, and the wheels themselves (23-inch at the front and 24-inch at the back) are claimed to “reduce drag by 5 percent,” according to Ferrari. When Rolls-Royce set out to develop its first EV, [the Spectre](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Inside-the-Rolls-Royce-Black-Badge-Spectre.jpg "Inside the Rolls Royce Black Badge Spectre"), we were told the mandate was that “it’s a Rolls-Royce first, and an electric car second.” In the case of the Luce, the expected adherence to tradition has been eschewed in order to introduce a completely new facet of Ferrari in both form and function. Where the Italian automaker has been determined to hold fast to its legacy, though, is on the performance front. ![Inner view of a luxury sports car cockpit with a prominent steering wheel featuring a yellow Ferrari emblem and a large digital cluster behind it, plus a central touchscreen infotainment panel](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Ferrari-Luce-7.webp) While the exterior may not win everyone over, the interior is where the Luce sets a new benchmark, not just for Ferrari, but the industry, when it comes to the balance of digital and analog interplay. *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* To ensure Maranello’s masterful drive dynamics hold true for the Luce, a few firsts come into play with the all-wheel-drive EV. A key introduction is the Vehicle Control Unit (VCU), which oversees the motors and the active suspension, among other elements, while factoring in driver inputs. And it reviews and optimizes at a rate of 200 times per second. There’s also four-wheel steering and a new torque-vectoring system monikered Ferrari Lateral Optimization Wheeltorque, likely named so it could have the fitting acronym FLOW. Then there’s the new Torque Shift Management Engagement system, which gives the paddle shifters real purpose. The right paddle has five different power selections to shift through, while the left one offers five different levels of engine braking. To top it all off, Ferrari has given the Luce a soundtrack, available when the owner so desires—one that it asserts is not fabricated from thin air but authentic to the power train, though the specifics may leave all but ardent audiophiles stymied as to its execution. Understandable, as Ferrari notes that it took five years and nearly 25,000 miles of testing to get right. ![Open car door reveals a sleek interior with black leather seats in a sports car and a yellow brake caliper visible behind the wheel.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Ferrari-Luce-8.webp) A three-seat passenger space at the back is a first for Ferrari. *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* Yet while the exterior may not win everyone over, the interior is where the Luce sets a new benchmark, not just for Ferrari but the industry, in regard to the balance of digital and analog interplay. Again, as we previously mentioned after the interior components were debuted in San Francisco, when it comes to his work on the Luce’s interior, Ive had a principle starting point. “I never understood why, if the power source was electric, why does it follow that the interface be digital? I think that’s a bizarre and lazy assumption,” Ive mentioned back in February. “I think, particularly, as the power source affords an incredible set of opportunities, we are missing some things that we love about our old Ferraris. And so it was very clear to us that we needed to figure out as many ways as possible to viscerally and physically connect to the interface.” Exemplifying this creative approach is the control panel on the dash, specifically what Ferrari’s refers to as the “multigraph” display that can alternate between a conventional watch face, a chronograph, a compass, and the car’s launch-control indicator. Yet while each are digital displays, the three hands are crafted from anodized aluminum and are driven by three motors and intricate gearing. And at the base is an anodized handle to allow you to easily swivel the entire display as needed. As for the steering wheel and binnacle, the latter is attached to the steering column to effortlessly match wheel positioning. ![Close-up of a red Ferrari wheel: five-spoke rim, yellow brake caliper, and Ferrari emblem visible on the bodywork.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Ferrari-Luce-9.webp) The wheels themselves (23-inch at the front and 24-inch at the back) are claimed to “reduce drag by 5 percent,” according to Ferrari’s official press release. *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* The instrument cluster represents bleeding-edge applications from Samsung and its OLED tech, and the same holds true for the prevalent use of Corning glass, including the innovative application of electronic ink on the key box. The sum of the interior’s ubiquitous parts is a cabin that tells a lush tactile story with precisely machined aluminum toggles and glass buttons complementing the intuitive electronic displays. In broad brushstrokes, the cabin sets a new standard in ergonomic design and marks a return of interior grace and gravitas through increased tactile engagement. Although stateside pricing has yet to be announced, the Luce will start at 550,000 euros in Italy, so it’s by no means the marque’s entry-level model. Without having spent time spent behind the wheel yet, we can’t opine on how successfully the Luce will drive Ferrari’s future, though it is the missing piece to the automaker’s goal of what it refers to as “technological neutrality,” the ability to provide a power train and car for any use case. ![Rear view of a red Ferrari in darkness, with four circular taillights lit and a black rear panel bearing the Ferrari logo.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Ferrari-Luce-10.webp) Although stateside pricing has yet to be announced, the Luce will start at 550,000 euros in Italy, so it’s by no means the marque’s entry-level model. *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* “This has been probably one of the most exciting projects that we ever developed in Ferrari, simply because it was not just developing another model,” stated Ferrari C.E.O. Benedetto Vigna at the premiere. “This is going to be the most versatile Ferrari ever produced.” Will the Luce inspire the same aspirational obsession in a young child as that of the new [849 Testarossa](https://robbreport.ph/uncategorized/the-new-redhead-the-ferrari-849-testarossa-reminds-us-that-it-was-always-about-the-engine/ "The New Redhead: The Ferrari 849 Testarossa Reminds Us That It Was Always About the Engine") or F80. No, at least not at first sight. But perhaps the next generation of *Ferraristi* will be given their initial taste of the marque’s power and performance from the back seat of its new family hauler. For now, the Luce’s comparative silence is Ferrari’s mic-drop moment. ***Click [here](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-all-electric-ferrari-luce-in-photos/) for more photos of the all-electric Ferrari Luce.*** *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US*. **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** electric vehicles, ev, Ferrari, Luce, News --- ### [The All-Electric Ferrari Luce in Photos](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-all-electric-ferrari-luce-in-photos/) **Published:** May 27, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** Read the full story [here](https://robbreport.ph/cars/ferraris-first-ev-is-finally-here-what-to-know-about-the-1035-hp-4-door-luce/ "here"). ![Red Ferrari sports car seen from the side in a dark studio setting, highlighting its sleek profile and gold brake calipers.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Ferrari-Luce-1a.webp) The all-electric Ferrari Luce is a four-door that seats five occupants while delivering 1,035 hp. *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* ![Two men in suits shake hands on a stage with an orange background, microphones on their faces. Wait, that's not necessary.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Ferrari-Luce-3.webp) John Elkann, Ferrari’s executive chairman (right), welcomes Ferrari C.E.O. Benedetto Vigna (left) to the stage prior to the reveal of the Luce. *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* ![Front view of a red Ferrari sports car in a dark studio, headlights on, black hood and low aerodynamic design.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Ferrari-Luce-4.webp) Both the interior and exterior design was in collaboration with LoveFrom, the team led by Sir Jony Ive and Marc Newson. *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* ![Yellow two-seat sports car with a black roof photographed in a dark studio, shown from the front-right three-quarter view.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Ferrari-Luce-5_872056.webp) While the stylistic language of Ferrari has always been defined by sensuous curves and a motorsport-inspired appearance, the Luce reflects a fixation on drag reduction. *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* ![Stage at a conference with three speakers, large abstract screens, and yellow spotlight beams across the audience.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Ferrari-Luce-6.webp) Flavio Manzoni, Ferrari’s chief design officer, stands at the center of the stage as he helps introduce the all-electric Ferrari Luce in Rome. *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* ![Inner view of a luxury sports car cockpit with a prominent steering wheel featuring a yellow Ferrari emblem and a large digital cluster behind it, plus a central touchscreen infotainment panel](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Ferrari-Luce-7.webp) While the exterior may not win everyone over, the interior is where the Luce sets a new benchmark, not just for Ferrari, but the industry, when it comes to the balance of digital and analog interplay. *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* ![Open car door reveals a sleek interior with black leather seats in a sports car and a yellow brake caliper visible behind the wheel.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Ferrari-Luce-8.webp) A three-seat passenger space at the back is a first for Ferrari. *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* ![Close-up of a red Ferrari wheel: five-spoke rim, yellow brake caliper, and Ferrari emblem visible on the bodywork.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Ferrari-Luce-9.webp) The wheels themselves (23-inch at the front and 24-inch at the back) are claimed to “reduce drag by 5 percent,” according to Ferrari’s official press release. *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* ![Rear view of a red Ferrari in darkness, with four circular taillights lit and a black rear panel bearing the Ferrari logo.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Ferrari-Luce-10.webp) Although stateside pricing has yet to be announced, the Luce will start at 550,000 euros in Italy, so it’s by no means the marque’s entry-level model. *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Ferrari-Luce-24.webp) With even a cursory look, one can see subtle shades of Marcello Gandini’s wedge-like approach to automotive form, especially in the pervasive glass house. *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Ferrari-Luce-20.webp) The Luce is the missing piece to the automaker’s goal of “technological neutrality,” the ability to provide a power train and car for any use case. *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Ferrari-Luce-21.webp) A bird’s-eye view of the all-electric, four-door Ferrari Luce. *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Ferrari-Luce-23.webp) “This has been probably one of the most exciting projects that we ever developed in Ferrari, simply because it was not just developing another model,” stated Ferrari C.E.O. Benedetto Vigna at the premiere. *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** electric vehicles, ev, Luce, News --- ### [Auberge Collection Just Unveiled 9 New Luxe Safaris Lodges and Camps in Africa](https://robbreport.ph/travel/auberge-collection-just-unveiled-9-new-luxe-safaris-lodges-and-camps-in-africa/) **Published:** May 25, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** [Auberge Collection](https://auberge.com/ "Auberge Collection") is headed to the savannah. The luxe hospitality brand is making its debut in [Africa](https://robbreport.ph/tag/africa/ "africa") with nine [safari](https://robbreport.ph/tag/safari/ "safari") lodges and camps stretched across Tanzania, letting you track the Great Migration from the sweeping Serengeti to the serene Lake Manyara. The new collection brings two existing safari operators, Legendary Expeditions and Chem Chem Safari, into the Auberge fold, which gives adventurers the chance to bound from one high-end property to the next to experience the most of Tanzania’s wildlife—including elephants, zebras, and more. Kicking things off is Mwiba Lodge, located in the Greater Mwiba Protected Wildlife Area. These 10 tented suites are perched on a granite outcrop in an exclusive reserve, giving you a prime seat to look out onto the views via your own private deck. You’ll also get the chance to visit the Datoga tribe, as well as enjoy game drives and bush dinners. In the same protected area is Mwiba Plains, which places you right in the grasslands. From those seven tents and two suites, you can watch as newborn calves take their first steps. ![Wide savanna scene with golden grass, several flat-topped acacia trees, and a thatched shelter or huts on the left under a pale blue sky](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/little-chem-chem-auberge-safari.webp) A look at Little Chem Chem *Photo: Auberge Collection* Next up is Mila, which sits right in prime lion country in the Serengeti; the spot offers up sundowners in the savannah and dinner beneath the stars, too, among other adventures. For a chance at wildebeest spotting, you can head to Nysai in the Northern Serengeti, with seven tented rooms and two family suites up for grabs. Also in the Northern Serengeti is Songa, where you’ll spend days tracking herds across the riverbank. The collection continues with Legendary Lounge, which is located on a century-old coffee estate in Arusha. Here, 12 cottages will be your home base, paired with a spa and pool for a more relaxed experience. Chem Chem Lodge in Burunge Wildlife Management Area, meanwhile, is trying to root its guests in the here and now, letting activities there coincide easily with nature’s ebbs and flows. And, last but not least, are Little Chem Chem, a secluded spot that lets you watch Big Tusker elephants, buffalo herds, and tree-climbing lions roam, and Forest Chem Chem, nestled beneath a canopy that aims to bring you even closer to the nature around you—and keep an eye out for a leopard or two. “Legendary Expeditions has long set the standard for conservation-driven safari experiences, and Auberge Collection brings an equally strong commitment to place and purpose,” Dan Friedkin, chairman of Auberge Collection, said in a press statement. “Together, they represent a meaningful evolution—one that strengthens our ability to protect these landscapes, while offering guests a more connected way to explore them.” For more details on Auberge Safari, with stays ranging from $1,505 and $3,230, depending on the property, head to the brand’s [website](https://auberge.com/safari/). ***Click [here](https://robbreport.ph/travel/auberge-safari-in-photos/) to see more of the lodges and camps*** ***in photos***. **Categories:** Travel **Tags:** africa, Auberge, Auberge Resorts, News, safari --- ### [Louis Vuitton’s Newest Jewelry Watches Put a New Spin on the House’s Iconic Monogram Flower](https://robbreport.ph/watches/louis-vuittons-newest-jewelry-watches-put-a-new-spin-on-the-houses-iconic-monogram-flower/) **Published:** May 26, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** [Louis Vuitton](https://robbreport.com/tag/louis-vuitton/) wants you to enjoy some timely spring flowers. The French maison has taken the Color Blossom [jewelry](https://robbreport.ph/style/jewelry/ "Jewelry") collection into new territory, adding a timepiece inspired by the LV Monogram Flower. It is the first [watch](https://robbreport.ph/tag/watch/ "Watch") in the house’s fine-jewelry lines, underscoring its expansion from high fashion into high horology that began with the 2011 acquisition of La Fabrique du Temps watch manufacture. “We wished to reinterpret an iconic jewelry collection, presenting a women’s timepiece with a jewelry spirit,” said Matthieu Hegi, artistic director at La Fabrique du Temps. The timepiece showcases LV’s dual expertise in watch and jewelry making, combining diamonds and gemstones with a reliable quartz movement. At the center of the 26 mm pebble-shaped case lies the famous rounded quatrefoil motif. Georges Vuitton created the floral monogram in 1896, taking inspiration from the 19th-century Art Nouveau and Gothic movements and traditional Japanese family crests (or mon). The curved sapphire glass is also cut into the shape of the four-petaled flower, providing a clear view of the hardstone dial below. Rounding out the design is a flower-shaped crown and leather strap. The watch comes in four distinct styles that combine different metals and stones, including steel with white mother-of-pearl, pink gold with blush-toned mother-of-pearl, and yellow gold with turquoise amazonite. The clear standout is the pink-gold edition set with more than 100 white diamonds totaling just under a carat. “With the mother-of-pearl or hardstone dials, or a diamond-set case, there is also an inherently precious essence, which perfectly reflects the Color Blossom collection,” Hegi adds. The dials are all adorned with a railway minute track that curves around every petal to accentuate the flower’s form. Stamping the track onto each face was a technical challenge, with precise calculations needed to avoid breaking the slices of mineral or organic materials cut between just 0.3 and 0.6mm thick. The watchmakers also used precision machinery to give the stones a delicate curve reminiscent of the other pieces in the Color Blossom collection. Each dial is hand-polished at La Fabrique des Arts. The Color Blossom watch is set to arrive in boutiques worldwide on June 12. Prices start at 4,600 euros (about $5,400 at the current exchange rate) for the steel version and go up to 19,000 euros ($22,100) for the diamond-set rose-gold reference. LV is expected to release further stone variations of the watch in the coming years. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Jewelry, Watches **Tags:** Louis Vuitton --- ### [Audemars Piguet’s New Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon Comes With a Bold Pop of Red](https://robbreport.ph/watches/audemars-piguets-new-royal-oak-concept-flying-tourbillon-comes-with-a-bold-pop-of-red/) **Published:** May 25, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** Turns out the [Royal Pop](https://robbreport.ph/watches/audemars-piguet-x-swatch-royal-pop-watches-in-photos/ "Audemars Piguet x Swatch Royal Pop Watches in Photos") isn’t the only new [Audemars Piguet](https://robbreport.ph/tag/audemars-piguet/) watch on the block. The Swiss manufacturer just added yet another limited-edition [Royal Oak](https://robbreport.ph/tag/royal-oak/ "royal oak") Concept Flying Tourbillon into the fold, with just 150 examples of the 38.5 mm timepiece up for grabs. This time around, though, AP tapped Yoon Ahn and Verbal, the two cofounders of the Tokyo-based jewelry and fashion brand Ambush, to bring a dash of their own creativity to the new watch. That flair can be seen almost instantly, thanks to the bold red flying tourbillon at 6 o’clock. The complication is encased in an aluminum cage topped by an anodized red top plate, in a first for Audemars Piguet. The hue is rather eye-catching against the watch’s shimmering black aventurine dial, mirror-polished silver bevels, and 18-carat white-gold hands—and that’s the point. ![Close-up of a skeleton luxury watch showing gears, a red balance wheel, and a brushed metal case with the AP logo visible at the dial edge.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/audemars-piguet-royal-oak-concept-flying-tourbillon-yoon-verbal-dial.webp) Close-up on the dial. *Audemars Piguet* “Red has always been a powerful color for us, while the tourbillon cage represents the heart of the watch—the force that keeps everything in motion,” Verbal said in a press statement. “Red evokes the Earth’s core: the origin point, the source of energy and, ultimately, the beginning of how we measure time itself.” The semi-openworked design here also gives you a peek at the Calibre 2982, which AP crafted up just for this collab. Building on the design of its younger sibling, Calibre 2962, the new hand-wound movement offers up 72 hours of power reserve and a 3 Hz frequency. Flip things over, and the sapphire and titanium caseback will give you an even closer look at the movement. You’ll also find “Audemars Piguet,” “Y/V,” and “Limited Edition” engraved there. The titanium case, meanwhile, is home to a trifecta of sandblasted, satin-brushed, and polished surfaces. “Audemars Piguet is built on collective energy,” Ilaria Resta, AP’s CEO, said in a press statement. “Working with Yoon and Verbal offers a fresh lens on the Royal Oak Concept’s intricate architecture. Their purposeful emphasis on the tourbillon and the movement’s core elements brings the mechanics of time to the fore, reflecting our shared vision to return to the essential.” The new model is also the first in its size to have an interchangeable strap system, according to AP. As such, the watch comes with both a black and a red rubber strap (in a mosaic design to boot) that you could swap between depending on how bold you’re feeling. If you can manage to snag your hands on one, the new Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon is priced at about $225,000, or 176,800 Swiss francs. ![Close-up of a limited edition Audemars Piguet watch back, displaying gears and screws through a transparent case.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/audemars-piguet-royal-oak-concept-flying-tourbillon-yoon-verbal-caseback.webp) A view of the caseback. *Audemars Piguet* For the unversed, the linage of Royal Oak Concept watches came to life back in 2002, when AP was celebrating the anniversary of Gérald Genta’s original [Royal Oak](https://robbreport.ph/watches/audemars-piguet-gave-its-new-royal-oak-chronograph-a-light-touch-literally/ "Audemars Piguet Gave Its New Royal Oak Chronograph a Light Touch—Literally") design. From there, a long line of avant-garde timepieces was born, a way for the maison to combine high horology with more traditional design codes. That includes a flurry of experimental and innovative designs such as a black-and-white GMT Tourbillon; a timepiece inspired by your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man; and six dazzling gem-set iterations with a rainbow of colors on display. As for what design Audemars Piguet will whip up next for the collection, we’ll just have to wait and see. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** audemars piguet, royal oak, Tourbillon --- ### [Auberge Safari in Photos](https://robbreport.ph/travel/auberge-safari-in-photos/) **Published:** May 25, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** [Read the full story here.](https://robbreport.ph/travel/auberge-collection-just-unveiled-9-new-luxe-safaris-lodges-and-camps-in-africa/ "Read the full story here.") ![Outdoor dining area with canvas tents around a large shady tree on a sunny day, people seated at tables inside the tents.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/mila-auberge-safari-tent.webp) The tents at Mila. *Photo: Auberge Collection* ![Sunset over a grassy savanna with a tall tree; three people sit on a fallen log near the tree, watching the horizon.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/mila-auberge-safari.webp) A view of the Serengeti. *Photo: Auberge Collection* ![Wide savanna scene with golden grass, several flat-topped acacia trees, and a thatched shelter or huts on the left under a pale blue sky](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/little-chem-chem-auberge-safari.webp) A look at Little Chem Chem *Photo: Auberge Collection* ![Couple camping by a calm lake at sunset, with a table of drinks and gear and a backpack on the grass.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/little-chem-chem-auberge-safari-coffee.webp) A coffee break at Little Chem Chem. *Photo: Auberge Collection* ![Beige canvas glamping tent set among large trees with outdoor chairs and colorful cushions outside.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/nyasi-auberge-safari-tented-lodge.webp) A tent at Nysai. *Photo: Auberge Collection* ![Sunset over a vast savannah with a large herd of wild animals scattered across green grass and a lone safari vehicle in the distance](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/nyasi-auberge-safari-wildebeest.webp) Wildebeests on the move. *Photo: Auberge Collection* ![A hillside safari lodge with thatched-roof buildings, a poolside deck, and sun loungers overlooking rocky terrain.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/mwiba-lodge-auberge-safari-outside.webp) Wildebeests on the move. *Photo: Auberge Collection* ![Open-air lounge with a thatched roof, stone walls, and plush seating; warm lighting and greenery outside.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/mwiba-lodge-auberge-safari-interior.webp) Lounge space at Mwiba Lodge. *Photo: Auberge Collection* ![Tented shelter in a tropical jungle with palm trees and a stone wall around a small campsite.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/chem-chem-lodge-auberge-safari.webp) Chem Chem Lodge. *Photo: Auberge Collection* ![Open-air safari lounge inside a thatched tent with netting, comfy seating, and a zebra visible on the savannah beyond.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/chem-chem-lodge-auberge-safari-zebra.webp) Zebras right outside the front door. *Photo: Auberge Collection* ![White cottage with a red-tiled roof sits in a lush garden, with a cushioned outdoor sofa set nearby.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/lengedary-lodge-auberge-safari.webp) The Legendary Lodge. *Photo: Auberge Collection* ![Poolside lounge area in a lush tropical garden with palm trees and greenery surrounding a curved pool.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/lengendary-lodge-auberge-safari-pool.webp) The pool at the Legendary Lodge. *Photo: Auberge Collection* ![Aerial view of a safari lodge with a circular fire pit, pool, and brick patio amid dense green trees.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/forest-chem-chem-auberge-safari.webp) Forest Chem Chem, nestled in the trees. *Photo: Auberge Collection* ![Luxurious tent bathroom area with two sinks, mirrors, and a wooden counter, robes hanging nearby.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/forest-chem-chem-auberge-safari-tent.webp) Inside a tent at Forest Chem Chem. *Photo: Auberge Collection* ![Outdoor safari-style dinner setup in a grassy savannah, long wooden table with chairs and place settings, lanterns nearby.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/songa-auberge-safari.webp) Dining at Songa. *Photo: Auberge Collection* ![Safari camp scene with beige canvas tents under large acacia trees and chairs on a shaded veranda, person carrying a tray nearby](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/songa-auberge-resort-tent.webp) A tent at Songa. *Photo: Auberge Collection* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/mwiba-plains-auberge-safari.webp) A tent—and wildlife—at Mwiba Plains. *Photo: Auberge Collection* ![Herd of zebras grazing on a grassy savannah with wildebeests in the background under a pale blue sky.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/mwiba-plains-auberge-safari-zebras.webp) At Mwiba Plains, zebras can be found nearby. *Photo: Auberge Collection* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Travel **Tags:** africa, Auberge Resorts, News, safari --- ### [The Sleek 2027 Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door in Photos](https://robbreport.ph/cars/2027-mercedes-amg-gt-4-door-in-photos/) **Published:** May 25, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** Mercedes-AMG just unveiled the redesigned 2027 GT 4-Door. To find out more about the super sedan, [check out the full story here.](https://robbreport.ph/cars/electric-mercedes-amg-gt-4-door/) ![Front three-quarter view of a bright yellow Mercedes‑AMG sports car in a dark tunnel, with another yellow car visible in the background.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/mercedes-amg-gt-4-door-01-1.webp) The redesigned 2027 Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door *Photo: Mercedes-Benz* ![White Mercedes-AMG four-door coupe on a dark track, with black wheels and red taillights, and a red promo banner in the background.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/mercedes-amg-gt-4-door-02.webp) The redesigned 2027 Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door. *Photo: Mercedes-Benz* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/mercedes-amg-gt-4-door-04.webp) The EV has a surprisingly roomy back seat *Photo: Mercedes-Benz* ![Luxurious car cockpit with a sporty steering wheel, digital instrument cluster, and wide central touchscreen. Carbon fiber trim and cup holders in the center console show high-end details.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/mercedes-amg-gt-4-door-05.webp) Inside the 2027 GT 4-Door. *Photo: Mercedes-Benz* ![Bright yellow sports car speeding on a racetrack under a blue sky, side view.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/mercedes-amg-gt-4-door-03.webp) *Photo: Mercedes-Benz* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** Mercedes AMG, mercedes benz, News --- ### [The New, All-Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Is a 1,153 HP Super Sedan](https://robbreport.ph/cars/electric-mercedes-amg-gt-4-door/) **Published:** May 25, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** The new [Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-new-mercedes-amg-cle-53-manufaktur-edition-gives-the-coupe-even-more-attitude/ "The New Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Manufaktur Edition Gives the Coupe Even More Attitude") may not come with a V-8, but that doesn’t mean it’s lacking for power. The German luxury marque’s performance division has just unveiled the redesigned version of its coupe-style sedan. Going forward, the model will only be available with a fully electric powertrain, making it the first all-electric model in [AMG](https://robbreport.ph/tag/mercedes-amg-2/ "Mercedes AMG") history. The news is sure to make purists groan, but the tradeoff is an output that reaches into four-digit territory. Despite a rather dramatic redesign, the big story here is the new powertrain. The GT 4-Door will be built on the new AMG.EA platform and is powered by a trio of axial flux motors fed by a 106-kWh battery situated beneath the floor of the vehicle. The configuration of the motors—one on the front axle and two on the rear—give the EV a rear-biased all-wheel drive setup. Two trims will be available at launch, the GT55, which makes 805 hp and 1,328 ft lbs of torque, and the GT63, which makes 1,153 hp and 1,475 ft lbs of torque. ![White Mercedes-AMG four-door coupe on a dark track, with black wheels and red taillights, and a red promo banner in the background.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/mercedes-amg-gt-4-door-02.webp) The redesigned 2027 Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door. *Photo: Mercedes-Benz* Yes, those figures are correct. The GT 4-Door is a true super sedan. Mercedes says the GT55 can sprint from zero to 62 mph in just 2.4 seconds. The GT63? It can do the same in two seconds flat. Top speed, meanwhile, comes out to an electronically limited 186 mph for both versions. The GT 4-Door is an EV, though, so output isn’t the only performance figure of note. Mercedes says the sedan has a range of 435 miles on the forgiving WLTP test cycle, which means likely means an EPA estimate closer to 300 miles. That should be more than enough range for most drivers, but, in case it isn’t, the battery can be charged from 10- to 80-percent capacity in just 10 minutes. ![Luxurious car cockpit with a sporty steering wheel, digital instrument cluster, and wide central touchscreen. Carbon fiber trim and cup holders in the center console show high-end details.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/mercedes-amg-gt-4-door-05.webp) Inside the 2027 GT 4-Door. *Photo: Mercedes-Benz* The electric GT 4-Door does look significantly different than its predecessor. It features a sleek shape and flowing lines—it has a low drag coefficient of just 0.22 cD— that calls to mind AMG’s GT XX concept from last year. The production car’s look is a more restrained, but it’s still a sedan guaranteed to turn heads. Its lighting package, especially the illuminated Panamerica grille, also feels fresh and helps ensure that no one will mistake this EV for a jellybean. The new interior lacks some of the more futuristic touches of the concept, but it still makes clear that you are in a performance vehicle. The front, as is Mercedes’s wont, is dominated by screens, including a digital gauge cluster, an infotainment screen angled to the driver, and a dedicated passenger display. The middle display can be used to cycle through drive modes, including the new AMGFORCE Sport+, which features simulated gear shifts and a soundtrack based on the brand’s sonorous V-8. The rest of the cabin is surprisingly room, especially in the back, and everything comes covered in the premium materials you expect from the marque, including grippy microfiber on the steering wheel and supple leather on the seats. ![Bright yellow sports car speeding on a racetrack under a blue sky, side view.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/mercedes-amg-gt-4-door-03.webp) *Photo: Mercedes-Benz* Intrigued? Fortunately, the wait for the new GT 4-Door won’t be long. The GT53 is expected to go on sale later this year, with the GT63 following early next year. Pricing has yet to be announced, but outlets [like *Car & Driver*](https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a71337669/2027-mercedes-amg-gt-4-door-ev-revealed/) expect it to start at around $150,000. ***Click [here](https://robbreport.ph/cars/2027-mercedes-amg-gt-4-door-in-photos/) for more photos of the new Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door.*** *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.*[](https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/photos-2027-mercedes-amg-gt-4-door-1238126866/) **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** electric vehicles, ev, Mercedes AMG, mercedes benz, mercedes-AMG, News --- ### [Bar None: Understanding Sake](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/bar-none/bar-none-understanding-sake/) **Published:** May 22, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** [Bar None](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/bar-none/ "Bar None") is about standards, and few traditions hold themselves to higher ones than sake. In our latest episode, Certified Sake Educator and sommelier [Chan Tran of The Charming Sake](https://www.thecharmingsake.com/) breaks down what sake actually is, how to read a label, why polishing ratios matter, how temperature changes flavor, and why sake may be one of the most versatile drinks at the table today. From fermentation and craftsmanship to [cocktails](https://robbreport.ph/tag/cocktails/ "cocktails") and modern pairings, this is a masterclass in understanding sake beyond the clichés. ###### *Video:* **Categories:** Bar None, Food & Drink, Spirits **Tags:** chan tran, sake --- ### [Louis Vuitton Marks a Major Moment in the PH With Website Launch and Pop-Up](https://robbreport.ph/style/fashion/louis-vuitton-marks-a-major-moment-in-the-ph-with-website-launch-and-pop-up/) **Published:** May 22, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** [Louis Vuitton](https://robbreport.ph/tag/louis-vuitton/ "Louis Vuitton") is having a particularly active moment in the Philippines: This week, the French maison not only launched its [dedicated Philippine website](https://ph.louisvuitton.com/eng-ph/homepage), but is also hosting an exclusive collection pop-up in the Ed Calma-designed Elan by the Bay featuring several of its newest global launches across fashion, leather collections, travel, and jewelry. The pop-up is open to the public (by appointment) until May 30. The presentation functions almost like an expanded Louis Vuitton boutique experience, bringing together categories and pieces not often seen simultaneously in Manila. On display are the house’s Resort 2026 Collection, the Men’s Pre-Fall 2026 Collection, the increasingly visible Speedy P9 line, Objets Nomades, their most recent furniture line, stunning exotic leather handbags, hard-sided travel pieces, and a selection of high jewelry and fine jewelry creations. ![Three Louis Vuitton wicker handbags displayed on a market fruit stand among oranges, lemons, and apples.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/LOUIS-VUITTON-RESORT-COLLECTION-Courtesy-of-Louis-Vuitton-3Sf.webp) *Louis Vuitton* The centerpiece was Louis Vuitton’s Resort 2026 Collection, a wardrobe built around the idea of modern summer travel. The collection moves fluidly between Riviera dressing, surf references, and relaxed tailoring, combining tie-dye treatments, washed denim, silk prints, and lightweight silhouettes with the house’s more polished codes. Several pieces stood out immediately, including the woven-rattan Capucines, the vintage-inspired Speedy LV Stamp, and the Bag-Alow, a California-inflected carryall that leans into the season’s more casual mood. Accessories followed suit, from colorful jewelry and scarves and Monogram sunglasses to the updated LV Sneakerina. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/MEN_PREFALL26_TYSHAWN_JONES__%C2%A9Oliver_Hadlee_Pearch-2240x2800.webp) *Louis Vuitton* Also presented was the Men’s Pre-Fall 2026 collection by Men’s Creative Director Pharrell Williams. Photographed in New York’s Central Park and fronted by House ambassador Tyshawn Jones, the collection explores the tension between tailoring and streetwear through patchwork denim, softened workwear, knitwear, and reinterpretations of Monogram and Damier motifs. ![Yellow Louis Vuitton monogram backpack opened to reveal items inside, with LeBron James promotion text at the bottom](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/CAMPAIGN_SPEEDY_P9_YELLOW_LEBRON_JAMES_Thomas_Lagrange.webp) *Louis Vuitton* Another major focus was the Speedy P9, Pharrell Williams’ reworking of one of Louis Vuitton’s most recognizable bags, including a display of tools and materials that go into every bag’s creation. Crafted in supple calfskin and positioned as a softer evolution of the original Speedy, the P9 has quickly become one of the house’s most discussed recent launches, supported by campaigns featuring LeBron James, Jude Bellingham, Future, and Jackson Wang. *Visit the Louis Vuitton Philippines website [here](https://ph.louisvuitton.com/eng-ph/homepage). To make an appointment to visit the Louis Vuitton pop-up at Elan by the Bay, call (02) 8540 2001*. **Categories:** Fashion, Style **Tags:** Louis Vuitton --- ### [Lamborghini Celebrates Six Decades of the Supercar Miura](https://robbreport.ph/cars/lamborghini-celebrates-six-decades-of-the-supercar-miura/) **Published:** May 22, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** In March of 1966, a still-young Italian company made a rather daring decision. [Lamborghini](https://robbreport.ph/tag/lamborghini/ "lamborghini") was, at the time, best known for building tractors. Yet it had decided to change its course and enter the world of automobiles. Barely three years after producing its first car, the company felt confident enough to present a new model developed with the Bertone Group at the 1966 Geneva Motor Show. That car altered the company’s trajectory and reshaped the course of automotive history. This is the story of the Lamborghini Miura, a car that changed the automotive landscape and, arguably, created an entirely new category. Many consider it the world’s first true [supercar](https://robbreport.ph/tag/supercar/ "Supercar"). Or, using Lamborghini’s own term, a supersportscar. ![Yellow sports car races along a winding mountain road, motion blur emphasizing speed under a cloudy sky.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/lamborghini_incontent-009.webp) The car’s beginnings trace back a little bit to 1964, when a group of engineers with names that will be well known to motorsports enthusiasts today—Gian Paolo Dallara, Paolo Stanzani, and test driver Bob Wallace from New Zealand—thought about drawing from their motorsports experience and creating a road car. Specifically, a transversely mounted mid-engine layout that would rebalance traditional weight distribution and therefore transform handling and dynamics. Racing technology, but for the long, swoopy roads around them. This was all done in the workshops of Sant’Agata Bolognese, where Lamborghini still produces its cars. The architecture of this car, now relatively popular among sports car designers and buyers, was something groundbreaking back then. It was a racing platform that had never been applied to a road-legal production car. Company founder Ferruccio Lamborghini loved the project and gave it his blessing, and it became known as Project L105. ![White sports car parked on a red pavement at sunset, leaning street lamp nearby and hills in the distance.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/lamborghini_incontent-003.webp) The world first saw the beginnings of this car as a satin-black bare chassis with a 3.9-liter V12 engine mounted transversely behind where the driver would sit in November 1965 at the Turin Motor Show. The whole apparatus (with no body yet) weighed just 120 kilograms and was very different from what the public was used to seeing. At that time, it was still customary to have coach builders work on what the engineers had already drawn up and created, and so several of the best design houses approached Lamborghini about putting curves around that bare chassis. ![Lime-green Lamborghini parked on a cobblestone street beside a red building with a large stamp-themed mural on the wall.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/lamborghini_incontent-007.webp) Legend has it that Nuccio Bertone was the last one to arrive at the Turin stand and told Ferruccio that his studio would design the perfect shoe for this wonderful foot. Whether this is true or not is not exactly clear, but whatever happened worked, because this creative partnership went on to produce one of the most celebrated automobile designs ever. Now we move further into names that car enthusiasts will recognize. ![Interior of a classic car with a black dashboard, perforated steering wheel, and yellow exterior visible through the windshield,](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/lamborghini_incontent-008.webp) A young Marcello Gandini was serving as head of design for Carrozzeria Bertone. Within a few weeks, he had created a body that was just as unconventional as the bare chassis. It was low, just 105 centimeters in overall height. It was wide, flat, and predatory-looking. It had pop-up headlights that would one day become iconic, along with a distinctive fringe resembling eyelashes. It had generous air intakes needed to handle engine and braking heat, and it used black anodized trim in place of the chrome typically seen at the time. The car was relatively compact at 4.34 meters in length, made possible by the transverse engine layout. By March 1966, the completed car was ready, and the team had gone from chassis concept to finished automobile in mere months. That was what people saw in Geneva. ![Close-up of a white vehicle rear with a partial black logo and red taillight, against a blue sky with clouds.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/lamborghini_incontent-001.webp) The power plant was just as inventive and serious as everything else. It was a 3,929cc V12 with four camshafts and four Weber carburetors that, to this day, create a wonderful roar. To save space, the engine, gearbox, and differential shared a common housing. This also reduced weight. All this with no power steering. In its original P400 form, that engine produced 350 horsepower and a top speed of 280 kilometers an hour, making it the fastest production car in the world at the time. The P400S version, introduced in 1968, added 20 horsepower and refinements such as electric windows, a more sophisticated interior, and sorely needed safety features including ventilated disc brakes. ![Front view of a white and pink vintage sports car on a road, with tall trees and cloudy sky in the background and a visible license plate.",](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/lamborghini_incontent-002.webp) Other models continued to evolve, including the P400 SV, produced between 1971 and 1973. Changes occurred here as well, including revisions to the lubrication system and a widened rear axle for even greater traction. A total of 763 Miuras were built between 1966 and 1973, with at least 10 considered one-offs or special projects. Most notable among these was the 1968 Miura Roadster, an open-top version created by Bertone in lamé sky-blue paint with white leather and a red carpet—one of the most flamboyant interpretations of the car ever conceived. The Miura basically threw out the rule book and was propelled by gasoline, passion, and probably a whole lot of espresso. In many ways, it defined what Lamborghini would become. The Countach, [Diablo](https://robbreport.ph/tag/lamborghini-diablo/ "lamborghini diablo"), Murciélago, Aventador, and even today’s Revuelto—which pairs that V12 platform with an electric hybrid system—can all trace their DNA back to that original V12 experiment. ![Rear view of a yellow Lamborghini Miura on a winding road with a guardrail and blue sky above I wisps of clouds.”] ,](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/lamborghini_incontent-010.webp) This year, Lamborghini celebrates the Miura with events across the world. Perhaps the hottest invitation, if you can score one, is a dedicated Polo Storico tour through northern Italy in May, guiding Miura owners along the roads and landscapes that shaped the car’s earliest development. “The Miura embodies our DNA,” said Stephan Winkelmann, president and CEO of Lamborghini. “Bold, visionary, and always ahead of its time.” *Photos courtesy of Lamborghini* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** lamborghini, Miura, Stephan Winkelmann --- ### [The AP x Swatch Watch Is Now Listing for Thousands Online After In-Store Chaos](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-ap-x-swatch-watch-is-now-listing-for-thousands-online-after-in-store-chaos/) **Published:** May 21, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** The[ Swatch and Audemars Piguet collab](https://robbreport.ph/watches/audemars-piguet-x-swatch-royal-pop-watches-in-photos/ "Audemars Piguet x Swatch Royal Pop Watches in Photos") wound up well and truly popping off, but not necessarily in a good way. Swatch closed dozens of stores worldwide on Saturday as hordes of hopefuls tried to get their hands on the newly released [Royal Pop po](https://robbreport.ph/watches/audemars-piguet-swatch-royal-pop/)cket watch. Police had to intervene at boutiques in New York, Paris, and London, with one video on [social media](https://www.instagram.com/reels/DYZ7MW4RFDi/) showing officers appearing to use pepper spray on crowds at Roosevelt Field Mall on Long Island. French police also fired teargas to control 300 people outside a Swatch shop in Paris, according to *[The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/17/swatch-royal-pop-launch-chaos-closures)*. Hundreds of shoppers rushed Swatch stores in Times Square and SoHo in Manhattan, as reported by *[The New York Times](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/16/business/swatch-audemars-piguet-watch-launch-closures.html)*. The frenzy resulted in at least one arrest, according to the New York Police Department. The eight candy-hued bioceramic timepieces, inspired by the AP’s high-end Royal Oak and Swatch’s more accessible Pop line, were officially unveiled on May 12. Some prospective clients began camping outside of stores at that point, while others queued up at 4 a.m. on the day of release, only to be turned away by officials. ![People wait in a long queue behind metal barricades outside a colorful storefront on a busy city street with shoppers nearby.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Swatch-Store-NYC-Royal-Pop-Launch1.webp) People camping outside the Swatch store in Times Square ahead of the launch on May 16. *Photo: RAPHAELLE PELTIER/Getty* Swatch took to [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/p/DYaLe2wjpd5/?hl=en) on Sunday to ask customers not to rush stores, adding that the collection will remain available for several months. It also said lines of more than 50 people could not be accommodated in some countries. Many in the comments section lamented a perceived lack of organization from the brand. “Maybe posting this yesterday would have been a good idea…” [thewatchcaliber](https://www.instagram.com/thewatchcaliber/?hl=en) wrote. Others called for the collection to be released online. “Drop them online,” wrote [jonthrifts](https://www.instagram.com/jonthrifts/?hl=en). “One per customer.” Despite the chaos, some shoppers walked away with watches. The Royal Pops, which retail for between $400 and $420, are now popping up on sites like [Chrono24](https://www.chrono24.co.uk/swatch/royal-pop--mod3331.htm?man=swatch&modelId=3331&showpage=&sortorder=11) for up to $6,000. Such flipping was to be expected, given the hype around this particular release. Audemars Piguet is one of the hottest watch brands to date, and the collab has given aspirational collectors a chance to own an AP. The Swiss watchmaker’s Royal Oaks range from roughly $20,000 for a basic steel reference to well over $300,000 for highly complicated iterations, putting them out of the reach of the masses. Until now, that is. ![Pink and red Swatch pocket watch with a white textured dial and red hands](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/AP_Swatch_RoyalPop_Red_Pink-1.webp) The Audemars Piguet x Swatch Royal Pop pocket watch in pink and red. *Photo: Swatch* That accessibility has divided the watch world. Some experts believe it will be harmful to AP in the long term. “The ‘accessible icon’ format dilutes the brand entirely,” says CEO and founder of [SwissWatchExpo](https://www.swisswatchexpo.com/) Eugene Tutunikov. “If you want a masterclass in brand protection, look at Rolex. They are absolute business masterminds. When they want to offer accessible pricing, they use the Tudor line. They don’t make a plastic Submariner.” Others argue that it is a smart way of gaining more attention. “Swatch has already shown with Omega and Blancpain that you can put the design language in front of a bigger audience without suddenly making the real watch common,” explains Joshua Ganjei at [European Watch Co](https://www.europeanwatch.com/). “The high‑end piece stays scarce; the collab just widens the top of the funnel.” Indeed, demand for the Omega Speedmaster only increased after the Swiss watchmaker dropped a collab piece with Swatch. “Based on what we saw with MoonSwatch, these collaborations tend to boost interest in the original rather than hurt it,” adds Ganjei. “Speedmaster sales went up meaningfully after that launch, and I’d expect something similar here: a Swatch is not a replacement for a Royal Oak. If anything, it just creates more future Royal Oak buyers.” The big question mark here is around the launch itself. With online hype turning into real-life hysteria, brands may need to rethink drop culture or at least make a few tweaks. Some believe that more information before the launch could help prevent public disorder. “It would have helped if the ‘not limited edition’ info was made public before launch,” [ticktocktreasures.in](https://www.instagram.com/ticktocktreasures.in/?hl=en#) wrote on Instagram. “You caused the havoc! It was deliberate. No watch is worth people getting hurt or worse.” Others say that it is up to individuals to act correctly. “High demand, queues, exclusivity—none of these are an excuse for violence or aggression,” [string\_ting](https://www.instagram.com/string_ting/?hl=en) wrote. “That is a choice people make, and responsibility for that sits with the individuals behaving that way, not the brand.” ***Click [here](https://robbreport.ph/watches/audemars-piguet-x-swatch-royal-pop-watches-in-photos/) to see more of the Royal Pop watches.*** **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** audemars piguet, News --- ### [Louis Vuitton’s Striking New Necklace Is Adorned With 21 Mozambique Rubies](https://robbreport.ph/style/jewelry/louis-vuittons-striking-new-necklace-is-adorned-with-21-mozambique-rubies/) **Published:** May 21, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** Travel is a central theme for any [Louis Vuitton](https://robbreport.ph/tag/louis-vuitton/ "Louis Vuitton") creation, and its new array of megawatt Mythica jewels certainly ups the ante on the idea. The collection, [which was revealed in Morocco last month](https://robbreport.ph/the-luxe-dispatch/alpine-switchbacks-a-louis-vuitton-desert-conquest-conrads-greek-debut-a-famed-islands-return-more/), is intended to evoke the image of a modern-day woman who charts her own course. At its heart is [the Conquest necklace](https://id.louisvuitton.com/eng-id/stories/mythica-high-jewelry#conquest), a masterpiece that feels as though it could have been uncovered at the end of an epic voyage. Twenty-one cushion-step-cut rubies from Mozambique, totaling 21.87 carats, blaze across the collar. Rubies have long been called the king of gemstones, and these stones—chosen for their remarkable crystalline clarity—carry the kind of intensity collectors once only associated with the legendary Burmese rubies of decades past. Their vivid pinkish-red tone glows against a cascade of diamonds along sharp, directional arrow forms, imparting a sense of power. At the center sits a 1.07-carat LV Monogram Star–cut diamond—a touch that signals the necklace’s maker without shouting its origin. Finding stones worthy of such a piece was a journey in itself. The necklace is the result of four years of dedicated gemstone sourcing and more than 1,200 hours of craftsmanship. The rubies were chosen not only for their vivid color but also for their exceptional translucent quality. Rubies tend to be placed in more traditional settings, but here they appear against a sculptural backdrop of spear-like forms in three colors of 18-karat gold—yellow, white, and rose—accented with onyx. Like sparks igniting, the result is a piece that feels alive with energy rather than a dowdy relic of the past. This smart execution is just a taste of the Mythica saga. Spanning 11 themes, the [110 pieces in the collection](https://id.louisvuitton.com/eng-id/stories/mythica-high-jewelry) also include Colombian emeralds, cat’s-eye blue topaz, natural zircon, and Santa Maria–type aquamarines to bring color to both geometric and fluid shapes. Louis Vuitton has a rich history of crafting accessories for the adventure-ready, but its roots in [jewelry](https://robbreport.ph/style/jewelry/ "Jewelry") are relatively new compared with other maisons. The voyage into [high jewelry](https://robbreport.ph/tag/high-jewelry/ "high jewelry") began in 2009, but its fresh perspective has quickly established the luxury maker as a force to be reckoned with—not unlike the woman for whom it envisions its jewels. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Jewelry, Style **Tags:** haute joaillerie, high jewelry, Louis Vuitton, ruby --- ### [BMW Has Ended Production of the Z4 After Nearly 25 Years](https://robbreport.ph/cars/bmw-has-ended-production-of-the-z4-after-nearly-25-years/) **Published:** May 20, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** One of the most beloved roadsters of this century has reached the end of the line. The final BMW Z4 has rolled off the line at the automaker’s Magna Steyr factory in Graz, Austria, [according to BMW Blog](https://www.bmwblog.com/2026/05/08/bmw-z4-production-end-official/). That means for the first time in more than three decades the marque’s lineup is without a two-seat convertible. The E85 Z4 debuted way back in 2003 as the fourth member of the Z Series family. Although it was available as a coupe during the first of its three generations, the car is best known as a roadster and a throwback at that. The open-top model was bigger and more powerful than its predecessor, the compact Z3, and was available with a manual gearbox until the very end (and its demise is yet another blow to the stick shift’s future at [BMW](https://robbreport.ph/tag/bmw/ "bmw")). It also spent much of its lifetime as one of the best values in both the luxury and sports car segments. ![Side view of a black BMW convertible sports car with the top down, red brake calipers, and alloy wheels against a red gradient backdrop.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/bmw-z4-final-edition.webp) 2026 BMW Z4 Final Edition *Photo: BMW* BMW gave us plenty of warning that the Z4 was nearing its end. Last fall, the automaker revealed it would round out production of the third-gen G29 Z4 with the aptly named [Final Edition](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0453847EN/the-bmw-z4-final-edition-an-exclusive-take-on-the-iconic-roadster?language=en). The ultimate version of the roadster is available in one color, Frozen Black, dressed up with the Shadowline trim package and is powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline six that makes 382 hp and 368 ft lbs of torque. All that grunt is routed to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. The cost, regardless of gearbox: $78,675. The end of Z4 production means the Z Series has also reached the end of the road—at least temporarily. BMW has [yet to announce plans](https://www.motor1.com/news/795674/last-bmw-z4-built/) for a successor. Roadsters have been a fixture of the company’s lineup since the 1990s, though, so it wouldn’t be a complete shock to see another Z car at some point. Until then, BMW does still have one model on offer for the [convertible](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-25-most-expensive-convertibles-in-the-world/ "The 25 Most Expensive Convertibles in the World") lovers out there. The 4 Series convertible still appears to be going strong. Five version of the open-top four-seater are currently available, including the high-performance M4 Competition xDrive Convertible, with pricing starting at $61,300. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** bmw, News, Roadster --- ### [First Taste: Tadhana Manila Is Chef Frances Tariga’s Long-Awaited Homecoming](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/first-taste-tadhana-manila-is-chef-frances-tarigas-long-awaited-homecoming/) **Published:** May 20, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** Tadhana is a Filipino word that means fate or destiny, which is either a heavy thing to name a restaurant after or exactly the right one. Sitting through Chef Frances Tariga’s 14-course opening menu in Manila this month, it feels like the latter. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/AGC-0801.webp) Ensalada: spiced lavash, baba ganoush, mulberry gel. Tariga’s path back to Manila is, by any measure, a circuitous one. Born and raised in the city, she left for Dubai after culinary school, spent a year at the world’s first seven-star hotel, then moved into the private kitchen of the UAE royal family, traveling the world as their chef. From there came New York, first as private chef to Dubai’s U.N. ambassador, cooking royal events at the Waldorf Astoria, the Metropolitan Club, and The Plaza, then into the volume restaurants of the Meatpacking District: Buddakan, Catch, Megu. ![Close-up of a white plate featuring a pale round cracker with yellow and green dot decoration, plus a crispy shard and shredded ham.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/AGC-0815.webp) Kilaw: sawara, pili nut dressing, suha, olives, kamias. Along the way she competed on “Chopped,” “Beat Bobby Flay,” “Top Chef,” and most recently won Morimoto’s “Sushi Master.” She built a vegan program for an entire hospitality group, opened four concepts as culinary director, and somewhere in all of it, started Tadhana in New York—a Filipino [tasting menu](https://robbreport.ph/tag/tasting-menu/ "tasting menu") that found its audience far from home. This month, she opens the Manila chapter. ![Smiling chef wearing a white shirt and black apron behind a dark marble counter in a kitchen, with warm overhead lights above.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/AGC-1029.webp) Chef Frances Tariga. The 14-course menu reads like an index of Filipino ingredients pushed to see how far they’ll go. From the get-go, I thoroughly enjoyed the Binatog (in the form a small tart) and Pa-Kwan amuse bouche (made to look like a little cartoon mushroom), both an ode to Tariga’s vegan wife. Kwek kwek—the beloved street food of battered quail eggs—arrives as an annatto tee cup with smoked ikura and bagsik dust, its spirit intact, its execution immaculate. Ensalada is an homage to ensaladang talong, a vegetal, savory bite sandwiched between crimped spiced lavash. ![Chef pours a thin orange sauce over a small plated appetizer on a white plate, close-up view.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/AGC-0915.webp) Sinigang sa Bayabas: maya-maya (sea bream), batuan, kangkong, whipped gabi. Sinuglaw becomes a frame for wagyu, tomato nata, and egg yolk jam. Sinigang sa bayabas trades the usual souring agents for batuan, with maya maya and whipped gabi absorbing the broth’s particular tartness. ![Close-up of a white scalloped teacup filled with dark coffee on a matching saucer.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/AGC-0825.webp) Ginat-an: coconut custard, blue crab, seafood velooute, squash, kaluga caviar. The Ginat-an course is a perfectly balanced coconut custard, seafood velouté, and squash. It’s a comforting bowl, and then some, what with chunks of blue crab and kaluga caviar. ![Dark chocolate square perched on a wooden block display, with blurred background and a caramel candy nearby on a white surface.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/AGC-0869.webp) The Tinapay course featured laminated tinigib cornbread served with tinapa mousse and dalandan-sherry marmalade. Tariga’s laminated cornbread, appearing midway the service, is something Tadhana could sell off-menu. Tocilog is translated as a squab dish (of course the sweet-salty tandem works, and the squab was perfectly cooked) with silog furikake and pinakurat kosho. The Inihaw at Gulay course sealed the deal for me: slices of Iberico secreto over pickled pakbet vegetables, banana mole, and a hit of wasabi. ![Chef drizzling chocolate sauce onto a plated dessert in a busy kitchen.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/AGC-0947.webp) Chef Frances drizzles a tocino tare to accompany squab for the Tocilog course. This is what won me over: Filipinos who grew up on the dishes she references don’t make for an easy audience, and Tariga knows it. She doesn’t try to outwit the memory—she honors it, but then moves it forward by very calculated degrees (no gimmicks) and with the best ingredients because, why be boring? (“Why use any pork cut when I can use Iberico secreto?” she says.) But that restraint in execution, which is what I imagine is a difficult thing to pull off when showing off is part of the trade, balanced by the generosity in the use of ingredients and an exuberance through the dining room is the most telling thing about her as a cook. She is cooking ingredients she loves, from a country she loves, with the full weight of a career spent cooking almost everything else. (One small misfire: the faux grass lining the basket of the gorgeous and delicious petit fours reads as the kind of decorative gesture the rest of the meal has no need for. Everything else trusts the food to carry itself. It does.) ![Small piece of grilled meat with herbs on a blue speckled plate.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/AGC-0977.webp) Inihaw at Gulay: Iberico secreto, pickled pakbet vegetables, banana mole. There are moments through the opening tasting menu at Tadhana Manila when Tariga appears at the table to present a course with ceremony but also to crack a joke. The room is white-tablecloth, the service solicitous but warm, the glassware serious—and she is laughing. And us all, along with her. It sets the tone for what Tadhana actually is: a homecoming that has been a long time coming, and one its chef is visibly delighted to be having. So are we. *Tadhana is located at 389 Jupiter St., Makati 1209*, *at Le Reserve, the top floor of the Levanto Building. For reservations, click [here](https://www.opentable.com.au/r/tadhana-makati-reservations-makati-city?restref=322331&lang=en-AU&ot_source=Instagram&utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGn0CcMvt1mjsJtDLVyiFUAhNDs_IaUpKwTxOFfY6E9YYD7vJQZkbocOR9SXIg_aem_KVRODpw5vj_kSn2XvNV_GQ&utm_id=97760_v0_s00_e0_tv3).* *Photos by Kim Santos* **Categories:** Dining, Food & Drink **Tags:** Frances Tariga, La Reserve, Levanto Building, Tadhana Manila --- ### [Inside the BMW Armored Fleet Transporting Leaders at the ASEAN 2026 Summit](https://robbreport.ph/cars/inside-the-bmw-armored-fleet-transporting-leaders-at-the-asean-2026-summit/) **Published:** May 19, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** With the [ASEAN 2026 Summit](https://asean2026.gov.ph/) activities being held in the Philippines this year, there was a need for moving people around comfortably and securely. Enter [BMW](https://robbreport.ph/tag/bmw/ "bmw"): BMW Philippines just brought some heavy metal to move around and protect some heavy hitters. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/BMW-Asean-SP-2240x2240.webp) BMW is the official premium mobility partner for the ASEAN 2026 Summit, providing 125 vehicles for use during the different events. The most interesting of these are the BMW 760i Protection Sedans, which will be used for heads of state. These 25 cars are part of a global fleet that is run by BMW themselves, and these vehicles are flown around the world as needed and rented for different events. (If they are requested personally, they may be purchased from BMW Philippines with a starting cost of 50 million pesos.) ![Luxury BMW interior: red leather seat, steering wheel, and large digital dash with blue ambient lighting.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/photo_2026-05-18-104058.webp) The cars are, of course, everything you look for in a 7 Series BMW, but with added protection at different levels. They are meant to withstand rifle shots from the most powerful civilian rifles with extra armoring and 72-millimeter thick windows. There’s protection from explosive blasts from above and below and all around the car. The cars are equipped with 20-inch PAX run-flat tires and are the only OEM armored vehicles with all-wheel steering, key for quick precise movement. While weighing around four tons, it is able to accelerate from zero to 100 in 6.6 seconds and has a top speed of 220 kilometers an hour. ![Interior of a luxury car viewed from the back seats, showing red leather seats, a wide digital dashboard, and a center console with controls.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/photo_2026-05-18-104048.webp) While these 25 vehicles will be returned to be part of the BMW Global Protection Fleet, the remaining 70 BMW X3 30e xDrive PHEVs will be available for purchase in the Philippines. **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** armored car, Asean 2026 Summit, bmw --- ### [Eric Clapton’s Rare Patek Philippe Could Fetch up to $1.4 Million at Auction](https://robbreport.ph/watches/eric-claptons-rare-patek-philippe-could-fetch-up-to-1-4-million-at-auction/) **Published:** May 20, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** Eric Clapton is considered to be one of, if not the, greatest celebrity watch collectors of all time. The British singer-songwriter began accumulating rare Rolexes and vintage Patek Philippes well before it was fashionable to do so, demonstrating both impeccable taste and impressive foresight. He slowly began liquidating his collection in the early 2000s, selling off timepieces privately and at auction. Two more of his former grails will go under the gavel at [Phillips](https://robbreport.ph/tag/phillips/) New York this summer. The first is a neo-vintage [Patek Philippe Reference 5004](https://www.phillips.com/detail/patek-philippe/233451) that the [auction](https://robbreport.ph/tag/auction/ "auction") house says is “most probably unique.” Produced from 1994 to 2010, this reference combines a perpetual calendar complication with a split-seconds chronograph. Patek is, of course, known for such complication pairings, but the Ref. 5004 stands apart from other perpetual calendar chronographs of the era, such as the Ref. 3970, with a button in the crown to activate the rattrapante. Very few were made, due to the complexity of the split-seconds mechanism. This piece was part of a series of special-order Pateks commissioned by Slowhand himself. It pairs a white-gold case with a “rose” dial—the first known Ref. 5004 in this configuration to appear publicly, according to Phillips. There are believed to be just 27 white-gold examples, with only a handful of special-order dials known in this metal. The face itself shows all the calendrical complications, plus a leap year indicator, moon phase display, chronograph counters, tachymeter scale, an applied Breguet numeral 12, and dot hour markers. ![Patek Philippe chronograph watch with a brown leather strap resting on a French document, with a fountain pen and a metal case nearby.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Patek-Philippe-Ref-5004G-020-Eric-Clapton-2.webp) The Patek Philippe Ref. 5004G-020. *Photo: Phillips* The watch is fresh to market and is being offered as a full set with all original accessories. Given it is, quite possibly, one of a kind and tied to one of music’s greats, the piece is expected to fetch between $700,000 and $1.4 million at the upcoming auction. The sale also includes a [Patek Philippe Nautilus “Jumbo”](https://www.phillips.com/detail/patek-philippe/233465) (Ref. 5711/1A-010) that was sold to Clapton in 2018. This stainless-steel reference was launched in 2010 and discontinued in 2021, making it especially coveted among collectors. This particular example is offered complete and in outstanding condition, according to Phillips. As such, it is expected to hammer down for between $70,000 and $140,000. ![Silver Patek Philippe Nautilus on a property deed, with the owner’s name Mr. Eric Clapton visible beneath the bracelet.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Patek-Philippe-Ref-5711-1A-010-Nautilus-Eric-Clapton.webp) The Patek Philippe Ref. 5711/1A-010 Nautilus. *Photo: Phillips* The New York Watch Auction: XIV, taking place on June 13 and 14, features an extraordinary assortment of vintage and modern pieces by both big-name maisons and indies. Additional highlights include a one-of-20 F.P. Journe Chronomètre à Résonance “Souscription No. 7,” a Rolex Daytona “Paul Newman” with a “John Player Special” dial, and a Patek Ref. 1518. You can check out the lots [here](https://www.phillips.com/auction/NY080126). *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US*. **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** Auctions, News, Patek Philippe, Phillips --- ### [Photos: The Celia Train Car Designed by Baz Luhrmann on the Belmond British Pullman](https://robbreport.ph/travel/photos-the-celia-train-car-designed-by-baz-luhrmann-on-the-belmond-british-pullman/) **Published:** May 19, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** Celia, the [train car](https://www.belmond.com/trains/europe/uk/belmond-british-pullman/celia?srsltid=AfmBOoqlAE9d5J0vesZX04AwdafaLCb7umUD0ju2Jsnh9J5VurbGg-Kf) designed by Baz Luhrmann, can host everything from fancy dinners to dance parties. [Click here to read the full story.](https://robbreport.ph/travel/baz-luhrmann-designed-his-own-luxury-train-car-and-its-just-as-theatrical-as-youd-expect/) ![Luxurious vintage train carriage interior with a long bar, floral arrangements, and purple cushioned seating.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Celia-British-Pullman-1.webp) The bar and lounge. *Photo: Ludovic Balay/Belmond* ![Elegant vintage train dining car with floral wallpaper, arched ceiling, and a long table set with china and glasses for guests.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Celia-British-Pullman-4.webp) The dining room. *Photo: Ludovic Balay/Belmond* ![A wooden bar shelf with crystal decanters and glass bottles filled with amber liquids, plus tassels hanging from the upper shelf.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Celia-British-Pullman-2.webp) Inside the bar. *Photo: Ludovic Balay/Belmond* ![Art deco-style bathroom with a round stained-glass window, teal walls, and a cream pedestal sink with brass faucet.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Celia-British-Pullman-3.webp) One of the bathrooms. *Photo: Ludovic Balay/Belmond* ![Decorative frosted glass wall sconce with gold petal fixture mounted on wood panel, next to red velvet curtains and pink floral decor.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Celia-British-Pullman-5.webp) Some carved pansies. *Photo: Ludovic Balay/Belmond* ![A bartender in a burgundy blazer pours champagne into two coupe glasses on a marble bar, with purple flowers nearby.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Celia-British-Pullman-7.webp) *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Travel **Tags:** belmond, train --- ### [Baz Luhrmann Designed His Own Luxury Train Car, and It’s Just as Theatrical as You’d Expect](https://robbreport.ph/travel/baz-luhrmann-designed-his-own-luxury-train-car-and-its-just-as-theatrical-as-youd-expect/) **Published:** May 19, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** You can now take a ride into Baz Luhrmann’s mind. The acclaimed Australian filmmaker has created a new private dining and events carriage on [Belmond](https://robbreport.ph/tag/belmond/ "belmond")’s British Pullman, allowing travelers to experience his distinct theatrical style in real life rather than through a screen. Luhrmann teamed up with Oscar-winning costume and production designer Catherine Martin on the design. The longtime creative duo, who married in 1997, have worked together on several films, including *Romeo + Juliet*, *Moulin Rouge!*, *The Great Gatsby*, and *Elvis*, to name but a few. Together, they have established a wonderfully extravagant aesthetic that’s been translated multiple times to the big screen. Their signature maximalism and polish have been artfully incorporated into the historic British [train](https://robbreport.ph/tag/train/ "train"). Christened [Celia](https://www.belmond.com/trains/europe/uk/belmond-british-pullman/celia), the whimsical carriage is inspired by a fictional actress working in London’s West End at the height of the 1930s. The story is that she was gifted her own Pullman car following a legendary performance as Titania in Shakespeare’s *A Midsummer Night’s Dream*. That narrative is elegantly woven into every surface, material, and detail within the [carriage](https://www.belmond.com/trains/europe/uk/belmond-british-pullman/celia?srsltid=AfmBOoqlAE9d5J0vesZX04AwdafaLCb7umUD0ju2Jsnh9J5VurbGg-Kf). ![A bartender in a burgundy blazer pours champagne into two coupe glasses on a marble bar, with purple flowers nearby.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Celia-British-Pullman-7.webp) Guests can enjoy an exclusive cocktail list curated by a master mixologist. *Photo: Ludovic Balay/Belmond* The walls are lined with tri-color marquetry panels depicting the English landscape and Celia as Titania. The pansy—Titania’s symbolic flower in the Shakespeare play—appears in textiles and carvings throughout. The parquet floor further adds to that forest feel. Dramatic velvet curtains evoke the old-world luxury of the original 1932 carriage, while separating the dining room and cocktail bar. The ceiling is also covered with fabric, adding more opulence and enhancing live acoustics for performances in the entertainment space. Every element was created bespoke to Luhrmann and Martin’s exacting standards. The duo even selected the signature scent that emanates within. The entirely self-contained private carriage can comfortably accommodate up to 12 guests for everything from fancy dinners to theatrical performances to dance parties. From the moment guests make a booking, they will have direct access to a personal experience curator—a new addition that was created specifically for Celia guests, according to Belmond. Those onboard can also enjoy an exclusive cocktail list curated by a master mixologist and custom menus featuring the finest seasonal produce from across Britain. Dedicated stewards will also be on hand. Launching in early summer, Celia can be booked on all British Pullman journeys. The train primarily departs from London Victoria Station, offering several day trips across the British countryside. Rates for exclusive use of the Celia carriage start at 15,000 pounds, or about $20,500 at the current exchange rate. ***Click [here](https://robbreport.ph/travel/the-celia-carriage-in-photos/) to see more photos of Celia.*** *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Travel **Tags:** belmond, News, train --- ### [Aston Martin Just Sought Emergency Funding for the Eighth Time Since 2018](https://robbreport.ph/cars/aston-martin-just-sought-emergency-funding-for-the-eighth-time-since-2018/) **Published:** May 18, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** Life is coming at [Aston Martin](https://robbreport.ph/tag/aston-martin/ "aston martin") even faster than one of its sports cars. Things haven’t gone to plan since the British automaker was first listed on the stock market in 2016, [according to *The Telegraph*](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2026/05/10/aston-martin-could-soon-become-chinese/). They have reportedly gotten so bad that the automaker behind [our 2026 car of the year, the Vanquish,](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-aston-martin-vanquish-is-robb-reports-2026-car-of-the-year/ "The Aston Martin Vanquish Is Robb Report’s 2026 Car of the Year") may be in need of saving. Things were looking up when Aston Martin went public in 2018. Sure, James Bond’s favorite marque had already gone out of business seven times, but it was also on a run of profitable quarters and had some important new models on the way, including its first SUV and EV. There was hope within the company that it was ready to leave the sports car niche behind and graduate to being a full-on lifestyle brand, like Ferrari or Porsche. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/dbsx05.webp) The Aston Martin DBX SUV has proven to be a success for the company *Photo: Aston Martin* What a difference eight years can make. The [DBX](https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/aston-martin-dbs-s-marques-most-powerful-suv-1236700150/) SUV may have come out, and even been a hit, but nothing else has gone as predicted. Aston Martin’s value has plummeted over that time, falling from 4.3 billion Pounds, or roughly $5.76 billion, at the time of its public offering to 430 million pounds, or $576 million, today. That means around 90 percent of the company’s value has been wiped out. To make matters worse, the British newspaper reports that late last month the company sought emergency funding for the eighth time since going public, a little over two months after it had announced plans to lay off a fifth of its workforce. The injection of funding, which *The Telegraph* puts at 50 million pounds, or $67 million, came from Canadian businessman Lawrence Stroll, who is also the chairman of the Aston Martin Aramco-Honda F1 team. No one has put more money into the automaker in recent years than Stroll, whose Yew Tree consortium owns a 31 percent stake in the brand, but the paper reports there are growing questions about whether he will continue to do so. Stroll has said he remains committed to the company, which he already bailed out once before, but if he doesn’t, its future looks even cloudier. It’s not time to start planning Aston Martin’s funeral just yet, but its days as a British-run automaker may be nearing an end. After the Yew Tree consortium, Aston Martin’s biggest stakeholder is China’s Geely, followed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, and Mercedes-Benz. Geely, which owns Volvo, currently has a 14 percent stake in Aston Martin and has been accused, by Stroll, of having tried to buy the brand “on the cheap” in 2022. The conglomerate already owns a British sports car maker, Lotus, so why not add another, even more storied, one to its portfolio? *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** aston martin, bankrupt, emergency funding, News --- ### [Audemars Piguet x Swatch Royal Pop Watches in Photos](https://robbreport.ph/watches/audemars-piguet-x-swatch-royal-pop-watches-in-photos/) **Published:** May 15, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** Audemars Piguet and Swatch have finally unveiled their Royal Pop collaboration. [Click here to read the full story on the launch.](https://robbreport.ph/watches/audemars-piguet-swatch-royal-pop/) ![The Otg Ros crown Audemars Piguet x Swatch](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/audemars-piguet-swatch-royal-pop-otg-ros-close-up.webp) The Otg Ros crown. *Swatch* ![A closer look at the Orenji Hachi caseback. Audemars Piguet x Swatch](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/audemars-piguet-swatch-royal-pop-orenji-hachi-1.webp) A closer look at the Orenji Hachi caseback. *Swatch* ![The Green Eight colorway. Audemars Piguet x Swatch](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/audemars-piguet-swatch-royal-pop-green-eight.webp) The Green Eight colorway. Swatch ![A closeup of the Green Eight caseback. Audemars Piguet x Swatch. Swatch](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/audemars-piguet-swatch-royal-pop-green-eight-caseback.webp) A closeup of the Green Eight caseback. *Swatch* ![The blue-toned Lan Ba colorway.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/audemars-piguet-swatch-royal-pop-lan-ba-front.webp) The blue-toned Lan Ba colorway. Swatch ![A close up of the Lan Ba dial.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/audemars-piguet-swatch-royal-pop-lan-ba-dial.webp) A close up of the Lan Ba dial. Swatch ![The Ocho Negro colorway.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/audemars-piguet-swatch-royal-pop-ocho-negro-closeup.webp) The Ocho Negro colorway. Swatch ![Close-up of a white curved device edge with a vented grille and textured surface, against a black background.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/audemars-piguet-swatch-royal-pop-orenji-hachi-ocho-negro-1.webp) The Ocho Negro case. *Swatch* ![Colorful watch back with exposed gears in turquoise and lime, featuring the text 'Royal Pop' across the movement.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/audemars-piguet-swatch-royal-pop-bluae-acht.webp) The bright Blaue Acht. Swatch ![Close-up of a pale strap with blue stitching looping into a light-colored carabiner against a black background—safety gear detail. The strap on the Blaue Acht. Swatch](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/audemars-piguet-swatch-royal-pop-blaue-acht-strap.webp) The strap on the Blaue Acht. ![Two white pocket watches with rainbow gem accents on a dark background, one facing forward and the other showing its inner mechanism.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/audemars-piguet-swatch-royal-pop-huit-blanc.webp) ![Close-up of a white watch with exposed gears, a red dotted background, and a bold yellow 'Royal Pop' logo.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/audemars-piguet-swatch-royal-pop-huit-blanc-close-up.webp) ![Two pink Swatch Royal Pop watches, front and back views showing the dial and exposed mechanism against a dark gradient background.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/AP_Swatch_RoyalPop_Red_Pink.webp) ![Close-up of a pink handheld device with a textured metallic surface and white accents, angled against a black background.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/audemars-piguet-swatch-royal-pop-otto-rosso-1.webp) **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** audemars piguet, Collaboration, pocket watch, Royal Pop, swatch --- ### [Audemars Piguet and Swatch’s New Royal Pop Watches Are Here](https://robbreport.ph/watches/audemars-piguet-swatch-royal-pop/) **Published:** May 15, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** It’s here! The wildly anticipated [Audemars Piguet](https://robbreport.ph/tag/audemars-piguet/ "audemars piguet") x Swatch collaboration images have finally arrived ahead of its reported in-store launch on May 16. And . . . in a clever move by the duo, it comes in the form of a pocket watch. Some fans on Instagram had already predicted this twist, but regardless it’s sure to shock some that were expecting to rock it on the wrist. Will we see a procession of hype beasts wearing these so-called Royal Pops on the neck like Flava Flav or attached to Birkins like Labubus? Absolutely. But just for how long is more questionable. ![The Otg Roz.. The candy-colored Royal Pops have sent the internet into a frenzy. Swatch](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/audemars-piguet-swatch-royal-pop-pocket-watches_bbf547-1.webp) The Otg Roz. The candy-colored Royal Pops have sent the internet into a frenzy. Swatch The candy-hued bioceramic Royal Pops come in punchy Memphis Movement-style colors with matching straps. (There are eight total, with each able to fit inside different casings). Inside, they house a new version of Swatch’s Sistem51 caliber. They are loosely based on the Ref. 5692, the first pocket watch in the [Gérald Genta](https://robbreport.ph/tag/gerald-genta/ "gerald genta") design. According to Sotheby’s, these were created in a limited run in 1979 and sold between 1980 and 1985—the exact era the Swatch watch took off. And AP sent out a message by choosing a pocket watch iteration: That even the oldest forms of the craft still matter. To that end, the brand is donating 100 percent of its proceeds to an initiative supporting the transmission of watchmaking expertise to new generations of burgeoning horologists. Not everyone was hot for the hype. In fact, several watch insiders took to Instagram to voice their disgust at the collab, calling it a travesty to actual owners of a real [Royal Oak](https://robbreport.ph/watches/audemars-piguet-gave-its-new-royal-oak-chronograph-a-light-touch-literally/ "Audemars Piguet Gave Its New Royal Oak Chronograph a Light Touch—Literally"). Many felt it cheapened the brand image and a slew of memes ensued to drive home that message. ![The Orenji Hachi colorway of Royal Pop Audemars Piguet x Swatch Collaboration](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/audemars-piguet-swatch-royal-pop-orenji-hachi-front.webp) The Orenji Hachi colorway. *Swatch* The haters have hardly deterred the masses. Prospective clients have already begun camping outside of stores in an effort to secure their spot in line according to some reports. The effort will no doubt pay off. These will be instant ROI on the secondary market, far surpassing the original Omega iterations. Audemars Piguet is one of the hottest watch brands to date and the fact that this pairing was outside of the Swatch Group roster of watch brands, makes it that much more desirable. In fact, there are already Instagram influencer tutorials about how to resell them. One thing is for sure: The [Royal Pop](https://www.swatch.com/en-en/royal-pop.html) is popping off, for now at least. *[Click here to see more photos of Audemars Piguet x Swatch Royal Pops.](https://robbreport.ph/watches/audemars-piguet-x-swatch-royal-pop-watches-in-photos/)* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches --- ### [Lamborghini Just Unveiled the Sleek Revuelto NA63 Inspired by North America](https://robbreport.ph/uncategorized/lamborghini-just-unveiled-the-sleek-revuelto-na63-inspired-by-north-america/) **Published:** May 15, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** [Lamborghini](https://robbreport.ph/tag/lamborghini/ "lamborghini") is well aware that it owes its success to more than just its home country. The Italian supercar maker has just unveiled an special version of the [Revuelto](https://robbreport.ph/cars/otherworldy-the-lamborghini-revuelto/ "Otherworldy: The Lamborghini Revuelto") that celebrates North American market. The aptly named NA63 variant dresses up the company’s flagship in a livery inspired by the American and Canadian flags. Lamborghini’s home region of Europe may still be the most important to its bottom line, but North American isn’t far off. The market was the company’s second most lucrative during its record-setting 2025, accounting for 3,347, or just shy of a third, of the 10,747 vehicles that the company sold. So, what better way to mark this fact than with a special edition named after the region and the year the automaker was founded? ![Two Lamborghini Revuelto. NA63 supercars parked side by side on a dirt road in a forested mountain landscape, white with blue stripes and dark blue with red stripes.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/lamborghini-revuelto-na63-01.webp) Lamborghini The big story here is the livery. The supercar will be available in one of four colorways. The version featured most prominently in the announcement pairs Blu Marinus bodywork with Ross Mut and Bianco Monocerus Matt accents across the hood, front splitter, and side skirts. The combination is a tribute to both the red, white, and blue of the U.S. flag and the red and white of the Canadian flag. The other options include Grigio Serget with Blu Royal and Bianco Monocerus accents, Bianco Sideralis with Rosso Mars and Blu Royal accents, and Grigio Acheso with Nero Nemesis and Arancio Xanto accents. Each car also features a “63” graphic just behind the front fender. The NA63’s exterior may have been dressed up in the colors of the U.S. and Canadian flag, but its internal hardware has been left alone. We can’t imagine many people will complain. The range-topping Revuelto is powered by a 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V-12 accompanied by a trio of electric motor. The hybrid setup produces a combined 1,001 hp and 783 ft lbs of torque. The car can sprint from zero to 62 mph in 2.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 217 mph. ![Close-up of a Lamborghini Revuelto NA63 windshield with a small gray badge/sticker on the glass, with a bright headlight blurred in the background.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/lamborghini-revuelto-na63-03.webp) Each car features a numbered plaque. Lamborghini To snag the red, white, and blue Revuelto just in time for the U.S.’s 250th birthday, you’ll likely want to get in touch with your Lamborghini dealer sooner rather than later since the NA63 will be limited to just 63 examples. No price has been announced, but something north of the Revuelto’s $608,358 starting price seems likely. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars, Uncategorized **Tags:** lamborghini, NA63, revuelto --- ### [Jorge Mendez: The Measure of a Chef](https://robbreport.ph/profiles/jorge-mendez-the-measure-of-a-chef/) **Published:** May 13, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** On a day built around grand gestures, it was a simple act of kindness that revealed the true character of chef Jorge Mendez. It was Valentine’s Day, a night many reserve for a special meal. For one woman, an unplanned breakup led to her canceling her reservation at [Mōdan](https://robbreport.ph/tag/modan/ "modan"), the Japanese restaurant helmed by Mendez. She sent an honest email, making no excuses, sharing her heartbreak. *(Story continues after video.)* What happened next was unexpected. Instead of a routine cancellation, Mendez and his team responded with empathy that extended beyond the kitchen. They refunded her in full and extended an invitation to come back anytime, on Valentine’s or any other day, with no charge. “Chef wants you to still feel love in another form,” they wrote. The message was simple yet profound. No one deserves to feel alone on a day meant to celebrate it. Moments like this show what hospitality can be at its best, with food as an expression of care. The gesture captured something essential about Mendez, a chef who understands that food is about connection, comfort, and sometimes, healing. It wasn’t meant to make headlines, but it did. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/jorgemendez_incontent-001.webp) Mendez at his restaurant, Some Thai. “We just felt bad for her,” he says. “No one should be sad during Valentine’s Day.” The story resonated widely, offering a glimpse into the philosophy that has shaped Mendez’s career and guided his rise in the culinary world. After earning his culinary degree at Global Academy, Mendez honed his craft across some of the world’s most dynamic food cities, from the Philippines to Japan and Singapore. Along the way, he trained under respected mentors who each left a distinct mark on him. He learned precision and to trust his instincts. From Margarita Forés, he learned humility and the importance of treating both people and ingredients with respect. These influences would later converge in a style that is both disciplined and deeply personal. ![Male chef with a tattooed forearm, wearing a grey apron, stirring contents in a green pot on the stove.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/jorgemendez_incontent-007.webp) At home, he is a husband and father of two. That connection to family is why his food resonates, why his restaurants feel distinctly his own. “I always tell people I make food out of my memories,” Mendez says. “All of my concepts come from moments with my family. I want people to celebrate together. I always look for something I can call mine.” That way of thinking has defined every venture he’s taken on. While Mōdan may have catapulted him to wider recognition, it is far from his only achievement. ![Ramen meal with crab leg, pink swirl fish cake, and toppings in a red bowl, plus a pink frothy drink and a plate of dumplings on a dark table.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/jorgemendez_incontent-004.webp) On the menu at Mugen. Early in his career, Mendez worked closely with [Margarita Forés](https://robbreport.ph/profiles/remembering-margarita-fores/ "Remembering Margarita"), becoming one of her trusted collaborators and eventually serving as Research and Development chef for her restaurant group. He later explored Japanese comfort food through his first restaurant, Ohayo in San Juan, which he has since rolled out to other locations. This experience allowed him to reconnect with the cuisine in a more intimate, accessible way. ![Seafood hot pot with shrimp, squid, and cilantro in a red spicy broth, served in a white ceramic pot on a red surface.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/jorgemendez_incontent-002.webp) His culinary curiosity didn’t stop there. He ventured into Thai cuisine with Some Thai, a concept that reflects his affection for bold, vibrant flavors. A success from the get-go, he has since opened a second branch, and there are more on the way. Last year, he introduced two new concepts: [Mugen](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/first-taste-mugen-ramenya-ramen-bar/ "First Taste: Mugen Ramenya"), a ramen spot that quickly developed a following for its soulful bowls; and Makanai, a modern casual Japanese restaurant, where he continues to push boundaries and draw parallels to the progressive approach seen at Mōdan, while making it more approachable to a wider audience. ![Chef in a dark kitchen plating food, pouring from a pan over a bowl at a ramen counter.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/jorgemendez_incontent-003.webp) Behind the counter at Mugen. Despite the diversity of his concepts, a common thread runs through them, even as each restaurant stands on its own. “I think of my restaurants differently, they all have different stories,” he explains. “No one can have the same story as your own. That’s where uniqueness comes from.” For Mendez, Japanese cuisine holds a particularly deep emotional connection, a medium through which he expresses memory and feeling. His dishes are often guided less by recipes and more by instinct, shaped by his experiences, both personal and professional. This intuitive approach has become a hallmark of his work. ![Close-up of a tattooed forearm holding a marbled raw steak cube over a grill.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/jorgemendez_incontent-005.webp) It is perhaps this balance that earned him recognition from the Michelin Guide. Mōdan was named a Michelin Selected restaurant while Some Thai received the Bib Gourmand distinction for its quality and value. These accolades reflect his ability to reinterpret familiar Asian flavors with originality while staying true to their origin. Even so, Mendez remains focused on growth. Later this year, Mōdan is set to move from its Quezon City location to a larger, more refined space in Greenhills with expansive views. “Life has taken me beyond what I could have ever dreamed of,” he says. “I have the power to create my own empire and teach other chefs. I am not what I dreamed of, I am beyond that.” This sense of purpose extends to how Mendez approaches service, with his belief that the dining experience goes far beyond what is plated. ![Person using tongs to grill a hamburger patty over open flames on a charcoal grill](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/jorgemendez_incontent-006.webp) “When I think about service, I’m not just thinking about the food,” he says. “It’s about how we communicate with the diners and anticipate their needs, and take care of them.” It’s a philosophy he learned from Forés, whose emphasis on genuine hospitality continues to influence him today. Mendez is focused and serious when needed, but quick to put others at ease with his disarming smile. It’s a demeanor that reflects both discipline and warmth. He also credits his growth to those around him, including his junior chefs. Watching their pace and approach, he says, has taught him the value of slowing down, of being present in the process. It’s a reminder that even at the height of success, there’s always room to learn. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report Philippines’ [Food and Drink Issue, April 2026.](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-april-2026-the-food-drink-issue/)* *Photographs courtesy of Sonny Thakur* *Videography: Gian Escamillas* *Editing and Color Grading: Aqi Ticzon* **Categories:** Dining, Food & Drink, Profiles **Tags:** jorge mendez, Makanai, margarita fores, mugen, Profiles: Luminaries, Some Thai --- ### [This $400 Million Bel Air Megamansion Could Become the USA's Most Expensive Home](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/this-400-million-bel-air-megamansion-could-become-the-usas-most-expensive-home/) **Published:** May 14, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** It’s been over a decade since The One, originally touted as “the largest and most expensive urban property in the world,” made headlines when developer Nile Niami said he planned to introduce it to the market with a $500 million price tag. The Bel Air mansion wound up listed several years later for a much lower $295 million and ultimately sold at a 2022 bankruptcy auction to Fashion Nova founder and CEO Richard Saghian for $141 million—well below the record $238 million Citadel CEO and founder Ken Griffin splashed out in 2019 for a New York City penthouse. A new kid on the Bel Air block armed with a staggering $400 million sticker price is now aiming to become the most expensive home ever sold in the U.S., per [*The Wall Street Journal*](https://www.wsj.com/real-estate/luxury-homes/los-angeles-megamansion-asks-400-million-b53ad832)*,* eclipsing a 75-acre ranch in Aspen owned by California billionaires Stewart and Lynda Resnick asking $300 million and a waterfront home in Miami recently listed for $237 million. ![Elegant upscale living room with cream sofas, a dark coffee table, and a carved wooden ceiling.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/11201Chalon-400MillionHome-LR.webp) A coffer-ceilinged room with full-height windows is among the residence’s multiple living and dining areas. *Photo: Simon Berlyn* Perched on a flat eight-acre promontory overlooking the Bel-Air Country Club, downtown [Los Angeles](https://robbreport.ph/tag/los-angeles/ "los angeles"), and the Pacific Ocean beyond, the Mediterranean Revival megamansion was completed in 2018. Crafted by designer and architect [Peter Marino](https://petermarinoarchitect.com/) in collaboration with Peter McCoy of [McCoy Construction](https://petermccoyconstruction.com/), the entire spread offers a total of 39 bedrooms and 50 full bathrooms, plus another nine powder rooms, across an astonishing 70,000 square feet. Anchoring the property is the roughly 50,000-square-foot primary residence featuring numerous living rooms, dining areas, and lounges. Two kitchens, one commercial and the other for family, are supported by eight service and butler pantries. Other luxuries include a movie theater, a full spa with separate facilities for men and women, an indoor pool, a hammam, cold and hot plunges, dedicated massage suites, a gym, a Pilates studio, and a beauty salon. A separate guesthouse of about 30,000 square feet has its own kitchen and outdoor pool, along with a gym. ![Indoor luxurious pool area with turquoise mosaic columns, glass skylight, and teal-lit pool.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/11201Chalon-400MillionHome-indoorpool.webp) The extensive wellness and fitness amenities include a Moroccan-inspired indoor pool. *Photo: Simon Berlyn* A pool house and changing facilities accompany the mosaic-tiled pool, which is flanked by tiered water features and a red “Balloon Dog” sculpture by Jeff Koons. Elsewhere, the manicured grounds include a tennis court with a viewing area and an alfresco dining pavilion equipped with a pizza oven. Additional amenities are extensive, with a subterranean garage, safe rooms, three elevators, and a full suite of back-of-house spaces, including laundry rooms, art storage, and even an X-ray room. A separate gatehouse is dedicated to security and operations. According to *WSJ*, the palatial property took about 10 years to complete, at a cost of more than $350 million. It is currently owned by an entity linked to Qatar’s ruling Al-Thani family, which paid $35 million for the site in 2010. [The listing](https://jackharrisre.com/properties/11201-chalon-rd-los-angeles-ca-us-90049-26814383) for the estate, which comes with property taxes topping $1.4 million a year, is held by Jack Harris and Michael Fahimian of The Beverly Hills Estates. ***Click [here](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/the-crown-jewel-of-los-angeles-in-photos/) for more photos of the Bel Air residence.*** *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Home & Design **Tags:** Bel Air, los angeles, News --- ### [The ‘Crown Jewel of Los Angeles’ in Photos](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/the-crown-jewel-of-los-angeles-in-photos/) **Published:** May 14, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** The property has a total of 39 bedrooms, 50 full bathrooms, and another nine powder rooms across 70,000 square feet. [Click here for the full story.](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/this-400-million-bel-air-megamansion-could-become-the-nations-most-expensive-home/) ![Elegant upscale living room with cream sofas, a dark coffee table, and a carved wooden ceiling.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/11201Chalon-400MillionHome-LR.webp) A coffer-ceilinged room with full-height windows is among the residence’s multiple living and dining areas. *Photo: Simon Berlyn* ![Bright open kitchen with a marble island, light wood cabinets, and a sunny seating area by large windows with floral curtains.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/11201Chalon-400MillionHome-familykitchen.webp) A family kitchen. *Photo: Simon Berlyn* ![Professional commercial kitchen with stainless steel worktables, shelving, and copper pots lined along a central prep area](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/11201Chalon-400MillionHome-kitchen.webp) The commercial catering kitchen. *Photo: Simon Berlyn* ![Ornate mirrored hallway opening into a sunlit lounge with blue cushioned wicker chairs](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/11201Chalon-400MillionHome-ornatedetails.webp) An ornate vestibule opens to a loggia. *Photo: Simon Berlyn* ![Blue-walled living room with Moroccan-inspired furniture, tiled wainscoting, and colorful paintings on the walls.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/11201Chalon-400MillionHome-lounge.webp) A Moroccan-inspired lounge. *Photo: Simon Berlyn* ![Gold-embossed ornate kitchen cabinetry with arches and a sink, opening to a blue living room beyond.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/11201Chalon-400MillionHome-fancyroom.webp) An opulent brass-clad butler’s pantry. *Photo: Simon Berlyn* ![Indoor luxurious pool area with turquoise mosaic columns, glass skylight, and teal-lit pool.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/11201Chalon-400MillionHome-indoorpool.webp) The extensive wellness and fitness amenities include a Moroccan-inspired indoor pool. *Photo: Simon Berlyn* ![Indoor spa room with ornate tiled walls, robes on a bench, and a glass-enclosed relaxation area in the back.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/11201Chalon-400MillionHome-spa.webp) The cold and hot plunge pools. *Photo: Simon Berlyn* ![Minimalist beige room with curved plaster walls and a white rounded bench; a patterned rug hangs on the wall above.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/11201Chalon-400MillionHome-spa2.webp) The hammam. *Photo: Simon Berlyn* ![Luxurious home theater with brown leather recliners, wood paneling, and a large screen showing a black-and-white film.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/11201Chalon-400MillionHome-theater.webp) The movie theater. *Photo: Simon Berlyn* ![Modern beauty clinic treatment room with beige reclining chairs and mirrored vanity stations along a bright wall.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/11201Chalon-400MillionHome-salon.webp) The beauty salon. *Photo: Simon Berlyn* ![Balcony seating area with wicker chairs and a sofa, overlooking a city and blue ocean under a sunny sky.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Photo-Apr-26-2026-8-33-55-PM-copy.webp) A covered balcony overlooks the Pacific Ocean. *Photo: Simon Berlyn* ![Formal garden with a long cascading water fountain and symmetry, leading to a grand villa framed by olive trees and palm trees.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/11201Chalon-400MillionHome-fountains.webp) Tiered fountains behind the main home. *Photo: Simon Berlyn* ![Luxurious rectangular pool framed by palm trees and a neatly trimmed lawn on a sunny day.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/11201Chalon-400MillionHome-mainpool.webp) The main pool. *Photo: Simon Berlyn* ![Luxurious villa with a terracotta-tiled roof, teal walls, and a large outdoor pool reflecting the building.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/11201Chalon-400MillionHome-guesthousepool.webp) The guesthouse has its own pool, plus a gym. *Photo: Simon Berlyn* ![An outdoor tennis court with a central net, surrounded by hedges and a black fence, and a tiled pavilion with a red roof in the background.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/11201Chalon-400MillionHome-tennis.webp) The tennis court. *Photo: Simon Berlyn* ![Green tennis court with a net, surrounded by hedges, overlooking a city skyline.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/11201Chalon-400MillionHome-view.webp) The tennis court has skyline views. *Photo: Simon Berlyn* ![Tiered fountain with stacked colorful spheres at a luxury resort courtyard, surrounded by palm trees and teal seating beneath umbrellas, on a sunny day.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/11201Chalon-400MillionHome-fountain.webp) A courtyard is centered on a fountain embellished with a sculpture. *Photo: Simon Berlyn* ![Outdoor covered dining area with a long marble table and wicker chairs, supported by stone columns and a mosaic ceiling.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/11201Chalon-400MillionHome-alfrescodiningarea.webp) An alfresco dining area. *Photo: Simon Berlyn* ![Circular gazebo with ivy-draped iron arches, surrounded by white roses and a neatly trimmed hedge on a sunny terrace](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/11201Chalon-400MillionHome-gazebo.webp) A gazebo. *Photo: Simon Berlyn* ![Aerial view of a large Mediterranean-style estate on a hillside with multiple swimming pools, terraced gardens, and winding driveways surrounded by lush trees and hedges.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/11201Chalon-400MillionHome-aerial.webp) An aerial view of the property. *Photo: Simon Berlyn* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Home & Design **Tags:** Bel Air, los angeles, real estate --- ### [Here’s Why Watchmakers Are Revisiting Pocket Watches and Clocks](https://robbreport.ph/watches/heres-why-watchmakers-are-revisiting-pocket-watches-and-clocks/) **Published:** May 14, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** Say what you will about [Patek Philippe](https://robbreport.ph/tag/patek-philippe/ "Patek Philippe")’s new $256,315 [Nautilus desk clock](https://www.patek.com/en/collection/nautilus/958g-001), one of four timepieces the brand introduced at [Watches and Wonders](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-boldest-most-exciting-new-timepieces-at-watches-and-wonders-2026/ "The Boldest, Most Exciting New Timepieces at Watches and Wonders 2026") to mark the 50th anniversary of its Nautilus collection—commenters have called it everything from “an absolute abomination” to “seriously cool”—but one thing is clear: Finely made clocks, pocket watches, and other horological nods to a bygone era—whether decorative art objects, complex timekeeping mechanisms, or both—have re-emerged as connoisseur favorites, particularly among younger collectors. “People who have grown up with zero need for a mechanical wristwatch due to cell phones and Apple watches are naturally more inclined to ignore the practicality that you lose in a pocket watch or clock because they don’t see much practicality in a wristwatch,” Rich Fordon, Sotheby’s assistant vice president, associate specialist and head of content, watches, tells *Robb Report*. “There has to be this romanticism present for them to be interested.” That sentiment helps explain why brands best known for wristwatches have lately ventured well beyond the wrist. During Watches and Wonders in Geneva, Chopard, Chanel, and Vacheron Constantin—as well as smaller independent makers like the Japanese brand Minase—all presented timepieces designed for the home. Take Vacheron’s spectacular La Quête du Temps clock, featuring an automaton astronomer performing 144 distinct gestures orchestrated through 158 cams and a mechanical memory system linked to the clock. Chanel’s one-of-a-kind gold, ceramic, and diamond chess set, meanwhile, has two queens (black and white versions of Gabrielle Chanel, adorned in diamond tweed suits and diamond-set slingbacks) that reveal the time beneath their pedestals. These are just two examples that show how the recent wave of old-school time-telling objects, including pocket watches, stand in sharp contrast to the hype watches that dominated the pandemic-era market. ![Triptych image showing intricate astronomical clocks: left panel with a blue celestial map and gold markings, center panel a glass-domed ornate clock on a dark pedestal, right panel a complex circular mechanism with Roman numerals and gears.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Vacheron-Constantin-Clock-Main.webp) “From where I sit in the auction/secondary world and paying attention to the modern market, I see this as a throughline and a part of the reaction to the Nautilus/Royal Oak hype we saw in the market from 2020-21,” Fordon says. “If a collector isn’t wearing watches to flex anymore, it’s a natural progression to say, ‘I’m interested in things almost no one is going to see because I’m going to leave them at home,’” he adds. “I wouldn’t say it’s a raging hot market, but there is a fascination with a lot of these objects.” Chopard’s charming—and chiming—Beehive Clock, a table clock standing nearly a foot tall with seven tiers of rounded glass segments encircling a multi-level mechanical movement, stood out among the new releases for the same reason the Nautilus desk watch (Ref. 958G-001 in white gold) drew so much attention: Both were genuinely unexpected. “Patek did everything collectors were looking for with the new Nautilus wristwatches, but still, the desk clock was more interesting,” Fordon says. He contrasted the Chopard and Patek clocks with Vacheron’s La Quête du Temps (“One of the most amazing horological objects created in however many decades you want to count”) and the trio of new Jaeger-LeCoultre clocks designed in collaboration with Marc Newson, presented last month at Milan Design Week: the Atmos Hybris Artistica Tellurium, Atmos Designer Calibre 568, and the new Memovox Travel Clock. “Jaeger doing a bunch of new Atmos clocks in Milan doesn’t have the same effect as Chopard doing a beehive table clock,” he says. “Jaeger always does Atmos clocks; we know they do this. Whereas with the Nautilus desk clock and Chopard Beehive, they can garner a new audience.” ![Left: brass-and-glass spherical clockwork on a gold stand; right: octagonal pocket watch with exposed gears and decorative dial.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/chopard-minase.webp) Offerings from Chopard (left) and Minase show how clocks and pocket watches are re-emerging as collectors’ favorites. But the appeal of the unexpected—and a “return to passion,” as Sotheby’s global head of watches Geoff Hess describes the anti-hype watch phenomenon—isn’t the only reason clocks and pocket watches are finding a new generation of fans. The market for both types of timekeepers peaked in the 1970s and ’80s, when demand was largely driven by collectors of antiques. “If you owned a bunch of pocket watches and clocks, you also had a bunch of Louis IV furniture,” Fordon says. “Whereas now, with the rise of high-end wristwatch collecting, we’re starting to see a return of interest in pocket watches and clocks, this time for their horological intrigue.” The success of Sotheby’s December sale of the Olmstead Complications Collection, an 84-piece ensemble of mostly pocket watches that achieved $22.9 million, more than triple its pre-sale estimate, points to a growing phenomenon with an unexpected tie to the modern obsession with independent watchmaking. “We see more and more people going deep into the horological references of independent watchmakers,” Fordon says. At the Olmstead sale, for example, “people were bidding on and buying carriage clocks from 1800 and Earnshaw chronometers because people like F.P. Journe and Raúl Pagès and even Simon Brette—these are the influences they’re drawing on. You’re kind of buying the source. The ultimate is Breguet. Sotheby’s did a big Breguet sale last season in Geneva and F.P. Journe was in the room bidding on the most important piece. “The independents are very classically knowledgeable,” Fordon adds. “To sit down and make a watch by hand, you have to know who A.L. Breguet is. The technology for watch escapements has not changed much in the last 200 years. If you’re going to make one, that’s who you have to study.” By extension, if you’re going to appreciate a watch made by Journe and his disciples, clocks and pocket watches are the obvious, and often most affordable, place to begin. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US*. **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** chopard, Feature, Patek Philippe, Watch Collector --- ### [Lamborghini’s New Fenomeno Roadster Is the Marque’s Most Powerful Open-Top Supercar Yet](https://robbreport.ph/cars/lamborghinis-new-fenomeno-roadster-is-the-marques-most-powerful-open-top-supercar-yet/) **Published:** May 14, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** [Lamborghini](https://robbreport.ph/tag/lamborghini/) sees no reason why you should expect less from its open-top models. The Italian marque has just unveiled a new few-off supercar called the Fenomeno Roadster. The company’s latest vehicle may lack the roof of its [hard-top sibling](https://robbreport.ph/cars/lamborghini-fenomeno-hypercar-debut/ "‘It Needs Cinematic Drama’: Lamborghini’s Design Director on the 1,065 HP Fenomeno"), but it delivers the same punch. ![Front view of a blue Lamborghini-style sports car under dramatic red and blue studio lighting.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/lamborghini-fenomeno-roadster-02.webp) The few-off model is finished in Blu Cepheus with red accents *Photo: Lamborghini* Both versions of the Fenomeno are based on Sant’Agata Bolognese-based automaker’s flagship, the [Revuelto](https://robbreport.ph/tag/revuelto/ "revuelto"), making the Roadster the first open-top version of the three-year-old model. Despite this, the younger Fenomeno hasn’t just been dressed up in the same aggressive aero kit as its older sibling. The package has been re-engineered to ensure it delivers the same performance as its immediate predecessor despite the missing roof. ![Blue open-top supercar in profile view with black and red accents, on a red-lit studio floor.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/lamborghini-fenomeno-roadster-03.webp) Lamborghini Fenomeno Roadster *Photo: Lamborghini* The main change is a reworked windscreen that features an integrated carbon spoiler, which directs over the cabin and into the engine bay where it can cool the vehicle’s 12-cylinder heart (and its carbon-ceramic brakes). Anti-roll bars have also been integrated into the carbon structure behind the cabin to elegantly provide protection for the driver and their passenger, and there is a new active rear wing system meant to increase downforce and provide better stability at high speeds. Each example of the model comes finished in Blu Cepheus, a hue reminiscent of the first open-top Raging Bull, the Miura Roadster, with red accents meant to pay tribute to the city of Bologna. ![Exotic blue sports car viewed from above with open cockpit and red taillight accents in a dark studio setting](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/lamborghini-fenomeno-roadster-04.webp) Anti-roll bars integrated into the structure behind the cabin *Photo: Lamborghini* Despite the many changes made to the exterior, the Fenomeno Roadster and Coupe share the same mechanical components. The powertrain is built around a mid-mounted, naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V-12 mated to three electric motors and a 7.0 kWh battery pack. The ICE mill makes 824 hp by itself, but the hybrid system boosts total output to a hair-raising 1,065 hp, making this the most powerful open-top Lambo of all time. Thanks to all that grunt, the supercar can rocket from zero to 62 mph in 2.4 seconds, and from zero to 124 mph in 6.8 seconds, and reach a top speed of 211 mph. ![Rear three-quarter view of a blue and red futuristic sports car on a dark blue backdrop, with angular panels and glowing taillights.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/lamborghini-fenomeno-roadster-01.webp) *Photo: Lamborghini* Lamborghini plans to build just 15 examples of the Fenomeno Roadster, making it nearly twice as rare as the 1-of-29 cousin. The automaker hasn’t said how much the open-top speed machine costs, but we expect it will be priced significantly higher than the Revuelto, which already starts at $608,358. [](https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/photos-few-off-lamborghini-fenomeno-roadster-1238055336)*This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** lamborghini, News --- ### [Dominion Cellar's World of Wine](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/dominion-cellars-world-of-wine/) **Published:** April 24, 2026 **Author:** Alicia Colby-Sy **Content:** In the city’s already crowded dining scene, Dominion Cellars has taken a different approach. Rather than positioning itself solely as a dining destination or wine bar, it was conceived as something far more comprehensive. Founded by spouses Bill Yuen and Roxanne Lee, both longtime and passionate wine drinkers, Dominion was created with the clear intention to build a space to serve the full spectrum of wine culture, from discovery and retail, to dining, collecting, and ultimately building a wine community. *(Story continues below.)* ***Video:*** Dominion is designed for people who genuinely love wine. The ground floor introduces that philosophy with a retail space built around both range and depth across the world’s most important wine regions. Guests can browse casually yet still sense the seriousness of the cellar. Bottles from California, Champagne, and Bordeaux form the backbone of the collection, while the portfolio continues to expand into Burgundy and Spain, ensuring that both classic and emerging producers find a place on their shelves. ![Bottle of Austin Hope 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon on a white table, red wine being poured into a stemmed glass, with a white flower in a silver vase to the left and a dark, padded backdrop behind.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/dominioncellar_incontent-006.webp) *Jar Concengco* American wines, in particular, are a strong focus. Dominion carries a number of labels that are often difficult to access, even in Napa Valley itself. Bottles such as Brion and Lithology, which typically require allocations and waiting lists in the United States, are available alongside widely admired California expressions like Austin Hope, Darioush, and Whitehall Lane, all of which are wines that have long resonated with Filipino drinkers. The cellar also reflects the influence of some of Napa’s most respected winemakers. Names such as Heidi Barrett, the original winemaker behind Screaming Eagle, appear through projects like Lamborn, while celebrated figures including Thomas Rivers Brown and Philippe Melka represent the caliber of producers Dominion seeks to champion. Alongside these icons, the collection also highlights rising talent, including Julien Fayard, whom many consider one of the next great stars in the world of cult Napa wines. The goal is not simply to showcase prestige bottles, but to strike a balance between established legends and the next generation of exceptional producers. ![Elegant dining room with white-clothed tables, wine glasses, and wooden chairs in warm ambient lighting.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/dominioncellar_incontent-002-1.webp) Jar Concengco But Dominion is more than a wine shop. Inside the retail space is a casual dining bistro, where the menu has been developed to complement the wines on offer. Guests can sit down for approachable dishes, enjoy a glass, or pick up premium ingredients to take home. The deli itself reflects the same attention to quality found in the wine selection. Serious cuts of beef, including Mayura and Sanchoku Wagyu, sit alongside respected cheeses such as those from Point Reyes, while indulgences like Royal Caviar Club caviar, served in Michelin-starred restaurants in Hong Kong, provide an added layer of luxury. The idea, as the founders explain it, is simple: If you are opening a great bottle of wine, the food beside it should be equally worthy. An appealing feature for guests is the fluid relationship between the retail shop and the dining spaces. Should a bottle on the shelf catch your attention, it can easily become part of your meal. Guests who purchase wine from Dominion’s retail collection are welcome to enjoy it in the bistro or restaurant without corkage, encouraging exploration and discovery rather than limiting the experience to a traditional restaurant wine list. ![Two chefs pose in a dining area: one seated in a black apron, the other standing with arms crossed against a wood-paneled wall.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/dominioncellar_incontent-007.webp) The kitchen is led by chef Carlos Garcia (right) of Black Pig, who helped develop the menu alongside resident chef Jorn Fonseca (left). *Jar Concengco* Upstairs, the atmosphere shifts into something more refined. The dining room offers a more considered setting where cuisine and wine share equal importance. The kitchen is led by chef Carlos Garcia of Black Pig, who helped develop the menu alongside resident chef Jorn Fonseca. Menu highlights include dishes such as a popular cavatelli with black truffles, grilled jamon iberico and dry-aged steaks from exclusive meat purveyors such as Mishima Reserve, Snake River Farms, and Ohmi, as well as well-executed fish entrees such as a filet of turbot served with asparagus and shaoxing velouté. ![Plated white fish fillet in creamy orange sauce, garnished with greens and herbs on a textured white plate](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/dominioncellar_incontent-003.webp) Filet of turbot with asparagus and Shaoxing velouté. *Jar Concengco* While the tone remains relaxed rather than formal, the restaurant invites diners to linger over meals where the pairing of food and wine take center stage. A dedicated wine bar provides a space for tastings complete with proper glassware and wine service, in an environment designed to encourage curiosity and exploration. ![Sliced roasted duck with brown sauce on a white oval plate](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/dominioncellar_incontent-004.webp) Dominion Cellar’s signature 20-day aged, air-dried Peking duck in two preparations, slow roasted and as a leg confit over sofrito rice. *Jar Concengco* Dominion’s design also recognizes that wine is inherently social. Throughout its two floors, a range of private dining rooms allows the venue to host gatherings of various sizes. Intimate groups of 10 can gather for private tastings, while larger celebrations, corporate dinners, or milestone events can be accommodated in rooms that expand to host 20, 40, or even up to 80 guests. The flexibility of these spaces reinforces the idea that Dominion is as much about community as it is about wine itself. For serious collectors, however, the most distinctive element of Dominion lies in its private members’ club. Membership is tied directly to securing a wine locker, wine cage, or larger storage space within a carefully maintained, temperature-controlled cellar. Once enrolled, members receive an RFID access card that allows them to access their personal collections in a secure environment. Beyond storage, membership also unlocks access to their members-only lounge, along with privileges such as discounts on wine purchases, priority access to events, and preferred reservations for the private rooms. It creates not only a place to store wine, but fosters a sense of belonging for collectors. ![A round white serving platter with a black tin of caviar in the center, surrounded by small bowls of chopped herbs, pickles, onions, sauces, chips, and a side dish of fried items.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/dominioncellar_incontent-005-1.webp) *Jar Concengco* Dominion does not employ a resident sommelier, and that decision is entirely by design. Instead, the wine program is guided by a team of experienced wine drinkers and collectors, including the founders themselves. For Yuen and Lee, years spent drinking, studying, and collecting wine have shaped a perspective grounded in real-world experience. It is this practical knowledge that informs how Dominion arrives at its selection and engages with its guests. Ultimately, Dominion enters the dining landscape as a complete wine destination. It is a place where retail, dining, collecting, and community intersect into a seamless lifestyle experience. Whether one arrives to browse the cellar, enjoy a casual meal, host an event, or store a personal collection, Dominion invites guests to experience wine not as an occasional indulgence, but as an enjoyable part of everyday life. *Dominion Cellars is located in 38 Jupiter Street, Bel-Air, Makati City. Reservations: 09088939463* *This article originally appeared in [Robb Report Philippines’ Food & Drink Issue, April 2026.](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-april-2026-the-food-drink-issue/)* *Writer: Alicia Colby-Sy* *Editor & Color Grading: Aqi Ticzon* *Videography: Gian Escamillas* *Photography: Jar Concengco* **Categories:** Dining, Food & Drink, The Good Life: Editors' Picks **Tags:** Dominion Cellar, wine --- ### [Jaeger-LeCoultre and Marc Newson Just Dropped a New Line of Atmos Clocks](https://robbreport.ph/watches/jaeger-lecoultre-and-marc-newson-just-dropped-a-new-line-of-atmos-clocks/) **Published:** May 13, 2026 **Author:** Taylor Stoddard **Content:** At [Milan Design Week](https://www.yesmilano.it/en/milano-design-week), just following [Watches and Wonders](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-boldest-most-exciting-new-timepieces-at-watches-and-wonders-2026/ "The Boldest, Most Exciting New Timepieces at Watches and Wonders 2026"), [Jaeger-LeCoultre](https://robbreport.ph/tag/jaeger-lecoultre/) staged *The Perpetual Timekeeper*, a sprawling two-floor exhibition dedicated not to wristwatches, but to Atmos clocks—the mysterious, glass-encased objects that have quietly occupied one of the most intriguing corners of the maison’s history since 1928. The fascination around Atmos comes from the [clock’s](https://robbreport.ph/tag/clock/ "clock") improbable mechanics. Originally invented by Swiss engineer Jean-Léon Reutter in 1928, the Atmos operates using tiny fluctuations in air temperature. A change of just one degree Celsius can power roughly two days of operation, eliminating the need for winding or batteries. Even in today’s era of hyper-connected technology, it still feels faintly impossible. For a brand best known today for icons like the [Reverso](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-jaeger-lecoultre-reverso-rings-with-new-brilliance/ "The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Rings with New Brilliance"), the exhibition made a compelling case that its Atmos is not merely a decorative side chapter. It remains one of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s most technically poetic achievements, and increasingly one of its richest canvases for decorative arts, sculptural experimentation and contemporary collaboration. In Milan, Jaeger-LeCoultre smartly avoided presenting the Atmos as a relic of engineering nostalgia. Instead, the exhibition positioned it as a living object—one that continues to evolve through contemporary collaborations and savoir-faire. ![Man in a light green blazer gazing at a glass-encased astronomical clock on a pedestal in a museum exhibit.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Jaeger-LeCoultre-Atmos-Hybris-Artistica-Tellerium-Clock.webp) Marc Newson inspects his Atmos Hybris Artistica Tellerium clock design for Jaeger-LeCoultre at Salone in Milan. *Photo: Jaeger-LeCoultre* That approach was especially visible in the [Marc Newson](https://robbreport.ph/tag/marc-newson/ "marc newson") pieces. The Australian designer has worked with Jaeger-LeCoultre on Atmos reinterpretations since 2008, and the newest editions shown in Milan leaned into his signature futuristic minimalism without sacrificing the clock’s almost meditative presence. Displayed throughout Villa Mozart alongside Newson-designed furniture and objects, the clocks felt entirely at home within the broader creative context of Salone del Mobile. “You feel the duty, because it is one thing to come into a maison born 193 years ago, and the Atmos clock 98 years ago, but it’s another thing to keep your relevance,” Jérôme Lambert, CEO of Jaeger-LeCoultre, told *Robb Report* on the responsibility of nurturing the brand’s many disciplines and métiers d’art. “And the maison has remained so genuine that it naturally attracts people like Marc and talents like we have in our workshop. It’s very hard to work for a genius maison—to be capable of being what you say you are, and to every day build along these elements.” ![Round silver desk clock with blue hands on a brown leather pad, set against a warm bronze gradient background.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Jaeger-LeCoultre-Memovox-Marc-Newson-Travel-Clock.webp) Jaeger-LeCoultre x Marc Newson Memovox Travel Clock. *Photo: Jaeger-LeCoultre* Walking through the exhibition in Milan felt less like touring a traditional horological showcase and more like entering a living archive. More than 30 Atmos clocks—including hand-painted vessels with miniature renderings of Klimt works and instruments encased in Baccarat crystal—spanning nine decades were presented alongside travel clocks, desk objects, heritage designs, and five newly unveiled creations, including the collaborations with Newson. “The Atmos, being something that can live forever, I guess is a very interesting mental challenge for Marc,” Lambert shared. “There is a very strong motivation to interact with objects that will not be obsolete.” Just the night before toasting to the partnership over dinner, Newson noted that he felt proud that he got to work with an object that “will never end up in a pile of landfill”—something that can continue to be passed on with stories and emotion. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Jaeger-LeCoultre-Memovox-Marc-Newson-Travel-Clock-1.webp) Jaeger-LeCoultre has discovered that its wristwatch client and Atmos client often complement each other—perhaps discovering the brand through one category before growing to appreciate the other. Both have earned cult followings, though the type of collector obsessed with acquiring these clocks may come as a surprise. Some proudly own assortments well into the double digits. “We have a client that has a collection on one wall made of more than 50 Atmos,” Lambert shared. “He built a wall about ten meters tall in his house, and every single part holds an Atmos.” Lambert added that while the client is geographically challenging to get to, he still plans to pay him a visit. ![Luxurious glass-front mantel clock with blue geometric side panels and exposed silver gears in the center.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Jaeger-LeCoultre-Atmos-Regulateur-Wood-Marquetry-Clock_23556d.webp) Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos Régulateur wood Marquetry Clock. *Photo: Jaeger-LeCoultre* Jaeger-LeCoultre has long treated its clocks not only as functional design objects, but also as creative laboratories. Throughout the 20th century, the maison embedded timekeeping into desk accessories, folding travel objects, architectural miniatures, and sculptural home pieces that reflected the aesthetics of their respective eras. Seen together, they reveal a playful and experimental side of the brand often overshadowed by its wristwatch output. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** Atmos, clock, jaeger-le coultre, Marc Newsom, News, reverso, Watch Collector --- ### [Against the Heat: 7 Must See Shows in Manila This April](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-collectibles/against-the-heat-7-must-see-shows-in-manila-this-april/) **Published:** April 20, 2026 **Author:** Jodie Jose **Content:** April signals the onset of the familiar summer heat, its languor often settling over the city with a near-predictable weight. Yet across Metro Manila’s galleries, the season unfolds otherwise. Rather than yielding to torpor, artists and galleries reflect a sustained urgency to engage with the conditions shaping the present. Artists in Vinyl on Vinyl gallery probe the instability in a society rife with misinformation, while Is Jumalon critiques man’s obsession with control over nature in her solo exhibition at Silverlens. At Artinformal, Jan Sunday reminds us to cultivate our inner santums, while the Aquilizans’ collective, Fruitjuice Factori Studio, weaves a post-apocalyptic world where the human race has gone extinct. In this light, one might come to reconsider the value of the humanities in a time of continuous turmoil on a variety of levels. ***Topography of Seeing* at Silverlens Gallery** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Silverlens-Is-Jumalon-Exhibit-shot.webp) *Courtesy of Silverlens Gallery* Landscape, perhaps the most overdetermined genre in art history, is often bound to ideals of order and repost. In her solo exhibition, Is Jumalon refuses both, stripping the genre of its stabilizing tropes of pastoral calm and coherence. What is left before the viewer is the unruly visual friction that is closer to nature’s character. Inspired by childhood memories of Mount Pulong Bato in Zamboanga, Jumalon pulls together the expansive breadth of nature: death and life, destruction and beauty. *Show runs until May 16. For more information, visit their [website](https://silverlensgalleries.com/).* ***Play* at Silverlens Gallery** ![Colorful knitted sculptures hang from the ceiling in a white gallery, forming rainbow loops and tentacle-like strands across the space.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Silverlens-Play-exhibit.webp) *Courtesy of Silverlens Gallery* With Play, Jeniffer Wofford, Jake Verzosa, and Aze Ong turn to the basketball court as both subject and communal structure. A colonial import that has since become a defining feature of Philippine public life, the court is recast here as a spatial residue that is absorbed, normalized and rarely interrogated. Through photographs, non-schematic paintings, and fiber, the artists trace this inherited site through a postcolonial lens that shapes social interaction and collective memory. **Show runs until May 16. For more information, visit their [website](https://silverlensgalleries.com/).** ***Where is the End of the Line?* at Bunso Gallery** ![Framed abstract artwork featuring a dark, speckled surface with white and brown circular spots scattered across it.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/BunsoGallery-Zeus-Bascon-Stellar-Cigarette-Drawing-1175-x-9-inches-Mixed-Media-on-Paper-2020.webp) Zeus Bascon, *Stellar Cigarette Drawing,* 11.75 x 9 inches, Mixed Media on Paper 2020. Courtesy of Bunso Gallery In a climate that privileges constant production, Franco Mamaril, Gabe Tiano, and Zeus Bascon propose an artistic refusal to the pressures of exhibiting. Resisting the imperative of completion and novelty that arises when artists put up a show, the body of works on display are fragmented, returned, or unresolved. Incompletion is not framed as deficit but rather as a method that foregrounds duration and the uneven rhythms of creating. *Show runs until April 30. For more information, visit * ***Glimpse* at Modeka Gallery** ![Poster for the GLIMpSE exhibition at MODEKA ART SPACE, listing artists and venue address with gallery logos.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Modeka-Glimpse.webp) *Courtesy of Modeka* Under the banner of Fruitjuice Factori Studio, the collective led by Alfredo and Isabel Aquilizan stages a speculative inventory of mass extinction. Banal artifacts of contemporary anthropocentric living are recasted as estranged remnants within a post-human horizon. The tone is dry and occasionally sardonic, but the underlying proposition is sharp: the infrastructure of everyday life may ultimately outlast the systems that produced them. *Show runs until May 9. For more information, visit their [website](https://modeka.space/).* ***Secret Garden* at Artinformal Gallery** ![Poster for 'Jan Sunday: Secret Garden' with a framed surreal eye-filled artwork on a black background; exhibition dates April 16–May 14, 2026, Gallery 3, Makati (The Alley at Karrivin).](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Artinformal-Secret-Garden.webp) *Courtesy of Artinformal Gallery* Jan Sunday turns further inward, extending her textile practice into a more introspective register. The “garden” in her works speak of the holding that is our inner lives, necessitating care and cultivation though unseen, and therefore, easily forgotten. The works convey the meditations of the artist whose personal truths revealed themselves over the making of the works. *Show runs until May 14. For more information, visit their [website](https://www.artinformal.com/).* ***Signal Collapse: After the Feed* at Vinyl on Vinyl Gallery** If recent years have underscored anything, it is the instability of information as a shared ground. Against a backdrop of ongoing global and national political turbulence involving various powerful figures of the state on whom are cast pervading criticisms and doubt on integrity, the exhibition considers how narratives are produced, circulated, and distorted. The artists look into the conditions that sustain them through algorithms, feedback loops, and the collapse of trust. *Show runs until May 6. For more information, visit their [website](https://www.vinylonvinylgallery.com/).* ***Shaping Motivation* at Vinyl on Vinyl Gallery** ![Poster titled Shaping Motivation with a row of circular hand images and lines forming a geometric layout; event on Vinyl on Vinyl, April 11, 2026, with list of authors and venue details.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/VOV-Shaping-Motivation.webp) *Courtesy of Vinyl on Vinyl* Framed as a meditation on continuity, this group exhibition approaches artistic practices as a porous, negotiated act. Led by an awareness that creating is never entirely self-contained, the artists in the show frame creating as relational and often dependent on forms of access and exchange. To continue is to persist and to remain open to things that influence and interrupt, as much as to the shifting conditions that shape what can be made and how. **Show runs until May 6. For more information, visit their [website](https://www.vinylonvinylgallery.com/).** **Categories:** Art & Collectibles **Tags:** art exhibit, art exhibition, Is Jumalon, modeka, silverlens galleries, vinyl on vinyl --- ### [The Enduring Light of Takazawa Candles](https://robbreport.ph/the-good-life-editors-picks/the-enduring-light-of-takazawa-candles/) **Published:** April 1, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** Candlelight has always played a special role in human life, but few makers embody both history and craftsmanship as deeply as Takazawa Candle, a Japanese candle maker whose tradition of handcrafted, plant-based candles stretches back to the late 19th century. What stands out about Takazawa’s candles beyond their being decorative objects is a blend of heritage technique, unique materials, and a nature-oriented design philosophy that have helped preserve an artisanal craft few contemporary brands can match. ***Video:*** Takazawa Candle was established in 1892 in Nanao, Ishikawa Prefecture, on Japan’s Noto Peninsula, a region historically known for maritime trade and traditional crafts. The company takes pride in its location, a place where candle making became a local industry centuries earlier because of easy access to raw materials and waterways that facilitated distribution throughout Japan. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Scene03.webp) Takazawa candles are odorless and offer a clean burn, which makes them the preferred choice for some Japan-based Michelin restaurants. *Courtesy of Takazawa Candle* The craft itself draws from the ancient Japanese tradition of wa-rousoku, or traditional Japanese candles. This style traces its lineage back to the Nara period (710–794 AD) when candles arrived in Japan with the introduction of Buddhism. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/imagecut_credit_takazawacandle_06.webp) *Courtesy of Takazawa Candle* Unlike most modern candles made from paraffin or soy blends, Takazawa uses natural substances like sumac (haze) wax, rice bran wax, and rapeseed (canola) oil wax, which are all sustainably sourced plant derivatives. These waxes are unscented and made from plant-based materials, which offer a clean burn with minimal soot and odor, aligning with contemporary preferences for natural, low-impact living practices. They also make ideal tabletop candles for restaurants, used in several Michelin-starred Japanese restaurants. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Factory05.webp) Each candle’s wa-rousoku wick, unique and unlike the cotton cores typical in Western candles, are hand-constructed from traditional Japanese washi paper wrapped around dried rush and sometimes silk fibers, forming a hollow center. This structure allows oxygen to flow through the core, enabling a bigger, brighter flame and more efficient combustion—a hallmark of Takazawa candles. *Courtesy of Takazawa Candle* Aside from the clean burning wax, contributing to a flame quality that is both bright and pure is each candle’s wa-rousoku wick. Rather than the cotton cores typical in Western candles, Takazawa wicks are hand-constructed from traditional Japanese washi paper wrapped around dried rush and sometimes silk fibers, forming a hollow center. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/nanao1.webp) *Courtesy of Takazawa Candle* This structure allows oxygen to flow through the core, enabling a bigger, brighter flame and more efficient combustion—a hallmark of Takazawa candles. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Factory04.webp) Takazawa candle wicks. *Courtesy of Takazawa Candle* The production process remains largely hands-on and artisanal. Craftspeople set wicks into molds, pour melted wax, allow it to set, and finish each candle by hand. With such a high demand for candles all over the world, most candle production has become industrialized, which makes Takazawa’s devotion to centuries-old methods rarified. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Factory06.webp) An artisan hand-pours wax. *Courtesy of Takazawa Candle* In contemporary lifestyle discussions, candlelight is often linked with wellness practices such as meditation and relaxation. Takazawa Candle’s offerings dovetail with this trend precisely because their products promote more than mere fragrance or décor. Because of their engineering, Takazawa candles burn slowly and evenly, with sizes calibrated to burn for specific durations. In traditional Japanese households, this consistency allowed candles to function as informal clocks—an attribute that still holds today. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Scene02.webp) Tazakawa candles are meant to burn for a specific duration, which makes for a rather elegant timer. *Courtesy of Takazawa Candle* Takazawa Candle is not alone in Japan, but it is the oldest and most respected, and among a diminishing number of workshops still practicing this lineage at scale. Its survival speaks less to revival than to continuity: Why abandon what already works? ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-02-at-55453-PM-2240x752.webp) *Courtesy of Takazawa Candle* *Footage and photography courtesy of Takazawa Candle* *Editing and Color grading: Aqi Ticzon* **Categories:** Home & Design, The Good Life: Editors' Picks **Tags:** candles, Takazawa candle --- ### [Cecile Licad: Beyond the Standing Ovation](https://robbreport.ph/profiles/cecile-licad-beyond-the-standing-ovation/) **Published:** March 25, 2026 **Author:** Yvette Fernandez **Content:** Cecile Licad has been up before dawn to take the only direct flight to Virac, Catanduanes, where she is scheduled for an outreach concert the next day, the last in a string of performances around the Philippines. The acclaimed [New York](https://robbreport.ph/tag/new-york/ "new york")-based pianist and former child prodigy has been performing almost nonstop for the last few weeks. Yet she is wide awake and giddy at the prospect of exploring a new place she’s never been to before. She joins the dancers who welcome her outside the Virac Airport arrival hall, takes a photo with bunches of bananas growing on a plant, and asks if she can take a tricycle ride at some point during the trip. (*Story continues after video.)* ###### *Video:* On the way to her hotel, she asks the van driver to pull over at a deserted beach cove. She steps out, breathes in the sea air, and stares out at the sparkling waters embraced by rocks crowned with trees. “How much time do we have?” she asks her travel companion. “About 15 minutes,” comes the reply. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Cecile-Licad-with-PPO-Concert-2025-photo-by-Kiko-Cabuena-3.webp) Cecil Licad performing with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra last year. *Courtesy of Cecil Licad/Kiko Cabuena* Cecile nods, heads back to the van to pull out her swimsuit from her luggage, ducks behind the seats to make a quick change, and is soon bobbing about in the sea. In just under a quarter of an hour, she’s back in the van, eyes alight, hair wet, clothes back on, albeit damp. “Thanks, I needed that,” she says. “As a musician, people assume I have a glamorous life traveling, but I’ve never really seen places,” she told us in an interview a few weeks earlier. “When I go to a city, I go to the hall, I go to the piano, and I have to work. So I have no time to look at places. People ask me, ‘Oh, how is Italy?’ I don’t know!” At the provincial capitol for a courtesy visit, Cecile peruses souvenir items at different stalls. She picks up a broomstick and, giggling, mounts it like a witch and hobbles about to the delight of the vendors and others around. “I feel like I’m still a kid,” Cecile said. “I never had a childhood, a real normal one, because I was always practicing.” Cecile’s mother, Rosario, was a piano teacher, and her father, Jesus, a doctor, wanted all his children—three older sons and Cecile—to be musically inclined. She says the family all shared a bedroom, which her father’s best friend had wired with a cassette recorder that played the music of the greatest composers and musicians all day and all night long. She fell asleep to music, woke up to it, lived with it. “We started out by reading notes. We had a blackboard near our dining table, and after breakfast, my mother would draw a staff and notes. I was just a child, maybe two years old, fascinated by the board and the chalk. I liked what I was seeing, so apparently I learned first. And then, since my mother was teaching students all day, I was there crawling around under our upright piano, the music was always in my ears.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Cecile-Licad-by-Patrick-Diokno.webp) *Courtesy of Patrick Diokno* Not long after, little Cecile remembers being in a nice dress and playing “Dance of the Fairies” and “By the Sea” at a recital. “My family always liked narratives, telling stories through music. That interested me. It was like reading books, but instead it was listening to music,” she says. At 5, Cecile says she was already very stubborn and refused to learn piano from her mother, so they enrolled her with a new teacher, Rosario Picazo. “I loved my teacher, I looked forward to all my lessons, I became such a diligent, disciplined student,” Cecile says. “But even then, I already had my own mind—I’ve always had my own mind—and I’d already do my own thing. My mother would sit behind me and pinch me in the back very discreetly, reminding me to follow my teacher. One day, I said ‘Ouch! Stop it!’ so my teacher would know. I wanted to do my own thing. That’s very important to who I am now. When I’m learning something, I need to learn to like it how I like it.” Cecile says she was told she learned faster and faster, till she made her debut as a soloist with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra at the age of 7. At 11, she was accepted into the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. “It was hard for me. I was a child here eating taho and street food, and then suddenly I was in a different country. So basically, I didn’t talk for about a year. People thought it was because I didn’t speak English, but I did. I just refused. I just wanted to speak Tagalog. I was just practicing mostly. The school gave me a Steinway Grand and I practiced every day,” she says. “It was a very quiet life. I lived three blocks from the school. I walked there every day. My mother was with me, and she cooked rice for me every day. You can’t take Filipino food away from me till now,” she says. “My training was quite rigorous then,” she says of her time with her teachers Rudolf Serkin, Seymour Lipkin, and Mieczysław Horszowski. At 13, she became a soloist for the Philadelphia Orchestra, playing a movement from a Rachmaninoff concerto. “I’m glad I learned those pieces at a young age,” she says. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Cecile-Licad-with-Maestro-Grzegorz-Nowak-and-the-Philippine-Philharmonic-Orchestra-3.webp) Cecile Licad with Maestro Grzegorz Nowak and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra. Through the years, Cecile has performed with many major orchestras around the world, including the New York Philharmonic with Zubin Mehta, the Chicago Symphony with Claudio Abbado, and the Boston Symphony with Seiji Ozawa. When she was 15, Serkin, the director of the Curtis, as well as a legendary concert pianist, decided to move to Vermont and start the Institute for Young Performing Musicians, focusing on gifted students whom he wanted to teach. He invited Cecile to join him, and she accepted. “My teacher was a legendary concert pianist, so he’d travel, and he’d call me and say, ‘Can you learn Chopin’s 12 Études next week?’ You know that’s the hardest thing, a nightmare for all pianists. They’re some of the hardest pieces even now. He was probably kidding. But you know me, as a Filipino, I take things seriously. I had something inside me that if I learned something, I had to do my best to learn it and to play it. I practiced 13 hours a day. That’s the way my character is.” Under Serkin’s tutelage, Cecile became the first musician in a decade to win the Leventritt Foundation Gold Medal, joining the ranks of esteemed talents Van Cliburn, Pinchas Zukerman, and Itzhak Perlman. She was 19 years old, one of the youngest to ever receive the prestigious award. It gave her instant international recognition and practically set in stone her lifetime career as a professional musician wowing audiences in concert halls across the globe for over four decades. Hailed by *The New Yorker* as “a pianist’s pianist,” she more recently elicited high praise from the *New York Classical Review* for her Carnegie Hall concert in December of 2024. Her discography is extensive, including a recording of Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 2 and Saint-Saëns’ Piano Concerto No. 2 with the London Philharmonic conducted by André Previn, which won the piano and orchestra works category of the Grand Prix du Disque Frédéric Chopin by the Chopin Society in 1985. She has also recorded concertos with major orchestras and conductors, chamber works, and collaborations for labels such as Sony and Hyperion, showcasing her dynamic technique. As we write this, she is back home in the Philippines, at the tail end of a month-long tour, which started with “The Pianist’s Pianist,” a concert at the Metropolitan Theater presented by Rustan’s, continuing the legacy of the late Nedy Tantoco, one of Cecile’s patrons. Nedy’s son Anton spearheaded the fundraising project as chairman of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra Society. It was followed by performances in Quezon City, Antipolo, Baguio, and Iloilo. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/IMG_6275.webp) Medal Elepano The trip to Virac is bittersweet. Like many of her previous outreach concerts, it had been arranged by arts and culture journalist Pablo Tariman, her longtime friend for close to five decades, to help bring her [music](https://robbreport.ph/tag/music/ "Music") to audiences around the country. In Virac, Pablo had worked with the local government to promote arts and culture in the province, known as the Land of the Howling Winds due to the frequency of typhoons. It is also referred to as Happy Island, due to its joyful vibe. Pablo passed away on the eve of Cecile’s trip to his beloved hometown, a trip he had been looking forward to for months, but alas, could not be part of. Fortunately, Cecile had visited him at the hospital a week earlier. Pablo had long before made arrangements for what Cecile would do in Virac, including lunch at one of his favorite restaurants, where we were served kilawing tanigue, cocidong lapu-lapu, laing, and other local delicacies, a menu Pablo had specifically planned, knowing Cecile’s penchant for Filipino food. They had first met in the Bicol region as well, at the Cagsawa Ruins, in Albay, in 1975, when Cecile was 14, and he was 26. Pablo later listened to her perform in Legazpi City, with a train click-clacking and hooting on the track, but he was entranced by her music nonetheless, and he wrote extensively about her career since. At the Virac concert, where members of his family were present, Cecile dedicated the evening to him. The mood that night was far from somber; it was exuberant, in fact, a celebration of Pablo’s life and the pianist he adored. The local government had opened the concert to locals from various sectors, distributing free tickets. In the audience were coconut farmers and fisherfolk, the earliest to arrive at the venue, excited for their first classical concert. They said they planned to head home as soon as the concert was over to get a few hours of sleep before heading out to sea in the wee hours of the morning, hoping for a good catch. There were doctors, lawyers, abaca farmers, tricycle drivers, students, teachers—anyone who wanted to attend. The organizers said they had to add more seats on the day itself due to many more requests. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Cecile-Licad-3.webp) The audience was unencumbered and unhindered by Western classical music concert etiquette as they watched Cecile’s fingers dance, fly even, across the keys, her mouth tut-tut-tutting, the rest of her body moving intensely, passionately along. They applauded and cheered in between movements, clapped and tapped their feet in time to the music, even hummed along to the encore performance of Chopin’s Étude in E, more popularly known to Filipinos as “No Other Love.” Cecile brought the audience to their feet in applause and cheers seven times throughout the evening, as one of her companions pointed out. “I don’t care about the standing ovations. I do care that they were riding with the music. I could feel their energy, so I got into it too. I always play with feeling, but this was a special kind of feeling. It was amazing,” Cecile says the next morning, as she awaits her flight back to Manila. “Music is a universal tool that brings people together and can be appreciated by everyone.” “They weren’t afraid of showing their emotions. I was thinking, this audience is quite sophisticated. When they liked it, they clapped. It didn’t need to be a familiar Filipino piece. They were humming. I didn’t expect it with the Schumann. They were clapping during Beethoven. It just shows that music can reach anyone, and is a powerful tool. I was telling myself, if Beethoven were alive, he would love that they were clapping while I was playing. He would say, ‘Yeah! They like my music!’” *This article originally appeared in Robb Report Philippines’ [Success Issue, February 2026](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-february-2026-the-success-issue/).* *Photography: Medal Elepano* *Videography: Gian Escamillas* *Coloring, Editing, and Production: Aqi Ticzon* *Writer: Yvette Fernandez* *Makeup and Hair: Lourd de Veyra* **Categories:** Entertainment, Profiles **Tags:** cecil licad, Music, Piano, Profiles: Legends --- ### [Genius at Work: Ascot Chang](https://robbreport.ph/genius-at-work/genius-at-work-ascot-chang/) **Published:** March 20, 2026 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** What does mastery look like behind the scenes of luxury? In our pilot episode of Genius at Work, we step inside Ascot Chang, Robb Report Philippines’ [Best of the Best in Shirting](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/best-of-the-best-2025-style/ "Best of the Best 2025: Style"), and the [Hong Kong]() tailoring house that has spent nearly half a century perfecting the art of the custom shirt. From reading the subtle shifts in how men want to dress to maintaining the uncompromising standards of craftsmanship that define true bespoke, Ascot Chang reveals the discipline required to remain relevant—and exceptional—across generations. In luxury, genius often reveals itself through consistency: a relentless commitment to quality, an instinct for what clients seek, and the patience to refine a craft over decades. ***Video:*** *Director: Kenneth Dimaano Producer: Anton Molina Video Editor and DOP: Jomar Allan Interviewer: Yvette Fernandez Production Associate: Megan Lim, Jhezrylle Roxas Writer: Kimberly Rocha-Delgado Multimedia Artist: Aqi Ticzon* **Categories:** Fashion, Genius at Work, Style **Tags:** Ascot Chang, bespoke, Bespoke tailoring, best of the best, shirt, Shirting --- ### [Louis Vuitton’s Escale au Mont Fuji Turns a Pocket Watch Into a Moving Landscape](https://robbreport.ph/watches/louis-vuittons-escale-au-mont-fuji-turns-a-pocket-watch-into-a-moving-landscape/) **Published:** March 13, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** For most of modern history, the pocket watch was the original personal timekeeper. Gentlemen carried them in waistcoats, retrieving them with a practiced gesture, but soon enough, the wristwatch eventually displaced it—first through convenience, later through habit. ###### *Watch the video:* In haute horlogerie, however, the pocket watch survives, though more as an heirloom or antique curiosity. A small circle of watchmakers has continued to explore the format, maybe due to a little bit of nostalgia, but also because it offers something modern wristwatches rarely can: space. With a larger case diameter and fewer ergonomic constraints, it allows the integration of complications and artistic flourishes that would be impractical—or simply invisible—on the wrist. (Historically, this is why many of the most complicated watches ever made were pocket watches.) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/LV-Escale-au-Mont-Fuji-SP-2240x2240.webp) The dial is almost entirely a miniature landscape rendered through engraving, enamel, and automaton mechanics. *Louis Vuitton* [Louis Vuitton](https://robbreport.ph/tag/louis-vuitton/ "Louis Vuitton")’s Escale au Mont Fuji belongs squarely in that tradition. The piece transforms the format into something closer to a moving tableau: its dial is almost entirely a miniature landscape rendered through engraving, enamel, and automaton mechanics, continuing a series (previous editions featured Paris and the Amazon) that treats destinations as narrative settings. And then, housed in a white-gold case with a bezel set with 60 baguette-cut sapphires, is a movement that combines a minute repeater with a tourbillon. All in all, it required more than 1,000 hours of work across watchmaking, engraving, and enamel. On a spring dawn depicted in Escale au Mont Fuji, a river runs through a landscape of pink and blue enamel skies. A wooden fishing boat travels slowly from right to left, carrying several Louis Vuitton trunks, and advances in small increments; the trunks aboard it open and close to reveal tiny [Louis Vuitton Monogram](https://robbreport.ph/style/fashion/the-monogram-at-130-how-louis-vuitton-turned-travel-into-a-luxury-signature/ "The Monogram at 130: How Louis Vuitton Turned Travel Into a Luxury Signature") flowers, while a gold compass rose turns above it the whole scene. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/POCKET_WATCH_MONT_FUJI_SF_1600x2000_8.webp) *Louis Vuitton* At the stern stands Ebisu, the fisherman deity from [Japanese](https://robbreport.ph/tag/japan/ "japan") folklore associated with prosperity. The engraver responsible for the figure worked at a scale measured in millimetres, and under magnification, the details become visible: the folds of his robe, the curve of his moustache, the quiet expression across his face. Beneath his arm rests a tai sea bream, its eyes and scales cut into the metal with a fine burin. A fishing rod extends forward from his hand, and a net drapes over the edge of the boat. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/POCKET_WATCH_MONT_FUJI_SF_1600x2000_1.webp) The master engraver created several of his own tools from pieces of metal shaped by hand, adapting them to the unusually small scale of the components. *Louis Vuitton* It’s no surprise that the watch required extensive work from the artisans responsible for engraving and enamel. The master engraver created several of his own tools from pieces of metal shaped by hand, adapting them to the unusually small scale of the components. The figure of Ebisu alone required numerous passes to define the contours of his clothing and the features of his face. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/POCKET_WATCH_MONT_FUJI_SF_1600x2000_5.webp) *Louis Vuitton* Nine [cherry blossom ](https://robbreport.ph/travel/6-ways-to-enjoy-japans-cherry-blossom-season-in-style/ "6 Ways to Enjoy Japan’s Cherry Blossom Season in Style")appliqués were sculpted in yellow gold and finished with layers of pink enamel, with branches swaying through the automaton mechanism and their weight strictly within limits—they move as part of the automaton, so even a slight imbalance could affect the mechanism beneath them. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/POCKET_WATCH_MONT_FUJI_SF_1600x2000_7.webp) *Louis Vuitton* Enamel provides the colour and atmosphere of the dial. Artisans used several techniques, including grand feu, champlevé, paillonné, and miniature painting. The sky required thirty-three enamel colours layered across the surface in successive firings. Each layer passed through a kiln before the next could be applied, a process repeated around forty times. Notably, the river uses paillonné enamel to create its reflective surface. Instead of placing strips of gold leaf beneath the enamel, the enameller used a single sheet of silver leaf, producing a continuous shimmer that suggests moving water. Mount Fuji rises above it in delicate gradients, its slopes fading into mist where the sky meets the mountain. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/WATCHES_MONT_FUJI_STILL_LIFE_1600x2000-3.webp) *Louis Vuitton* The Escale au Mont Fuji’s artistic aspects is complemented by an equally fastidious manual-winding LFT AU14.03 calibre, developed at La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton in [Geneva](https://robbreport.ph/tag/geneva/ "geneva"), and consists of 561 components which required about 500 hours to assemble and finish. Watchmakers beveled approximately 700 internal angles by hand, producing sharp edges capable of catching light across the bridges. Some of the work occurs in places most owners will never see: screws receive mirror polishing, and the ratchet wheel, carved into a concave shape, required weeks of shaping and finishing. Gold appears in unexpected places, including the prongs that hold the jewels and elements of the tourbillon structure itself. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/WATCHES_MONT_FUJI_STILL_LIFE_1600x2000-2.webp) Louis Vuitton Where does one tell time, though? It’s on the reverse side of the watch rather than the dial, where a mechanical structure is displayed. The movement combines a minute repeater with the automaton module that animates the dial, while a tourbillon rotates within the mechanism, a complication historically associated with pocket watches and once intended to counter the effects of gravity on a movement’s accuracy. In high style, the watch arrives with leather pieces that reference Louis Vuitton’s origins in travel goods. One is a bespoke [trunk](https://robbreport.ph/style/fashion/le-voyage-des-lumieres-is-louis-vuittons-most-poetic-holiday-odyssey-yet/ "Le Voyage des Lumières Is Louis Vuitton’s Most Poetic Holiday Odyssey Yet") built at the house’s historic workshop in Asnières, while the other is a doctor-style bag derived from a design first introduced in 1906 for early automobile travel. Both appear in pale blue leather that echoes the colours of the dial. Few collectors will ever carry a pocket watch as their daily timekeeper, and fewer still need one capable of chiming the hours while animating a miniature landscape. Yet the appeal lies precisely there: freed from the constraints of practicality, the pocket watch becomes a format where watchmaking can stretch toward detail, imagination—and yes, a delicious excess—in ways the wrist rarely permits. **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** Engraving, Escale, japan, Louis Vuitton, Monogram, Mount Fuji, pocket watch, Trunk --- ### [Bar None: Chele Gonzalez](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/bar-none/bar-none-chele-gonzalez/) **Published:** February 20, 2026 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** What does mastery look like after the awards have been won? In our latest episode of Bar None, Chef Chele Gonzalez, the chef behind Gallery by Chele and Asador Alfonso, among others, speaks about building a restaurant identity rooted in the Philippines, leading with responsibility rather than ego, and why curiosity remains the engine behind his creative process. From long hours in the kitchen to the calm required in moments of pressure, Gonzalez shares what it takes to sustain excellence at the highest level—and why kindness may be the most powerful tool in a chef’s arsenal. ###### *Video:* *Director: Kenneth Dimaano* *Lifestyle Editor: Alicia Colby Sy* *Digital Editor & Writer: Kimberly Rocha-Delgado* *Producer: Aqi Ticzon* *& Anton Molina* *Production Associate: Megan Lim* *Videographer, Video Editor, and Colorist: Gian Escamillas* *Photographer: Bliss Mabini* **Categories:** Bar None, Food & Drink **Tags:** asador alfonso, bar none, Chele Gonzalez --- ### [Aboard the Galeon 620 Fly, "Beach Mode" Is a Way of Living](https://robbreport.ph/boats/aboard-the-galeon-620-fly-beach-mode-is-a-way-of-living/) **Published:** February 10, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** When [yacht](https://robbreport.ph/tag/yacht/ "yacht") design begins to borrow its cues from residential architecture rather than maritime convention, the results can feel rather radical. That is precisely the territory being explored by Hong Kong-based design firm [In Situ & Partners](https://www.insituandpartners.com/), which has partnered with Polish yacht builder [Galeon Yachts](https://www.galeon.yachts/) to design the brand’s interior language across multiple models, bringing a contemporary, globally attuned sensibility to onboard living while preserving Galeon’s reputation for engineering rigor and modular innovation. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/FD_BP_4933-1.webp) Led by founder and principal Yacine Bensalem alongside interior design director Philippe Grasset, In Situ & Partners conceives yacht interiors as fluid environments, closer in spirit to modern apartments or boutique residences. The result is a balance of technical performance and visual warmth. “Our goal was to reinterpret traditional yacht codes through a contemporary lens, blending high-performance marine finishes with the warmth and detailing you’d expect in a private residence or luxury retail environment,” says In Situ & Partners founder & principal, Yacine Bensalem. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/MC_BP_5079-eucalyptus.webp) At a material level, the palette blends high-gloss marine lacquers and mirror-polished stainless steel with walnut, teak, and eucalyptus wood, punctuated by curved lines, shadow gaps, and integrated, invisible lighting. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/PC_BP_5340_Panorama.webp) The collaboration debuted with the [Galeon 640 Fly](https://www.galeon.yachts/yachts/640-fly) and has since expanded into a broader design program. To date, In Situ & Partners has completed six yacht designs, including five models within the Fly series and the newer [570 Sky](https://www.galeon.yachts/yachts/570-sky), with additional Skydeck models currently in development. The partnership signals more than a one-off styling exercise; it reflects a long-term shift toward a cohesive, design-led identity. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/MC_BP_5061_Panorama1.webp) A centerpiece of the collaboration is the Galeon 620 Fly, where owners can choose from five décor themes—Ocean, Amber, Terra, Pearl, and Ivory—each inspired by natural tonal atmospheres. Interior signatures include rounded cabinetry, ambient lighting, and concealed air-conditioning vents that allow ceilings and wall surfaces to read as uninterrupted planes. Additionally, there are subtle flourishes: a French-inspired herringbone floor pattern, a textured technical mesh headboard in the master suite, and eucalyptus wood detailing that introduces texture without visual heaviness. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/MD-Aft_BP_5131.webp) The soft furnishings and textiles continue this perspective. Interiors incorporate Pinton plush carpeting, Kvadrat textiles, and Kettal bar stools designed by [Patricia Urquiola—the celebrated designer who was also a Robb Report Philippines’ Best of the Best awardee in 2025](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/best-of-the-best-2025-design/ "Best of the Best 2025: Design"). The inclusion of Urquiola’s work situates the yacht within a broader design conversation, connecting marine interiors to the world of contemporary furniture and collectible design. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/FD_BP_5228.webp) The saloon is laid out for openness, with a C-shaped sofa and adaptable table on one side and a bar counter opposite, complete with a concealed television and an opening window that connects directly to the waterside. Forward, an open galley with a central island flows naturally into the helm, with side access to the foredeck and airflow designed to move cleanly through the yacht. Below deck, owners can choose a three- or four-cabin arrangement, anchored by a full-beam master suite, with separate crew quarters aft. Exterior details are no slouch, either: the 620 Fly introduces an updated “beach mode” concept featuring three drop-down terraces, one on the starboard side on the main deck and two flanking the hydraulic swim platform, that expand the aft cockpit and bring owners closer to the water. Closer to the water: isn’t that the dream? ***Video:*** *Video and photos courtesy of In Situ & Partners* **Categories:** Boats **Tags:** Galeon Fly, In Situ & Partners, yacht --- ### [Bar None: Josh Boutwood](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/bar-none/bar-none-josh-boutwood/) **Published:** December 19, 2025 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** What does it take to build a world-class restaurant? In this episode of Robb Report Philippines’ Bar None, [Josh Boutwood](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/best-of-the-best-2025-dining/ "Best of the Best 2025: Dining"), chef of the two-Michelin-starred restaurant [Helm](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/first-taste-monochromatic-2025-at-helm/ "First Taste: Monochromatic 2025 at Helm"), reflects on what defines excellence in the kitchen: discipline, restraint, and leadership. Boutwood discusses why he favors clarity over complication and the principle that shapes the culture in the kitchen: no hierarchy or ego. Boutwood reveals how meticulously crafted plates come together—and how excellence is sustained, night after night. ***Video:*** **Categories:** Bar None, Dining, Food & Drink **Tags:** josh boutwood, Michelin --- ### [Bar None: Jeannie Cho Lee, Master of Wine, Tells of Her Wine Journey and Love for Burgundy](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/bar-none/bar-none-jeannie-cho-lee-wine-journey-and-her-love-of-burgundy/) **Published:** May 23, 2025 **Author:** Alicia Colby-Sy **Content:** Jeannie Cho Lee didn’t set out to become one of the most respected voices in the world of wine. Her journey began not with ambition, but with quiet curiosity. “I never intentionally tried to become a Master of Wine,” she says. “It was something that evolved organically.” That evolution would lead her to become Asia’s first Master of Wine, an award-winning author, educator, and one of the most influential figures in the global wine community. Today, she continues to shape how the world drinks and thinks about wine. This past March, Cho Lee brought her insight and expertise to Manila, hosting a series of exclusive events in partnership with [Artisan Cellar Door ](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/perfect-pairings-artisan-cellar-doors-new-look-and-exclusive-dinners-with-master-of-wine-jeannie-cho-lee/ "Perfect Pairings: Artisan Cellar Door’s New Look and Exclusive Dinners with Master of Wine Jeannie Cho-Lee")in Makati. Wine lovers gathered in the newly-added dining room of the popular wine retailer for intimate Burgundy dinners and masterclasses with Cho Lee, exploring the region’s two famed areas Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune—each revealing a spectrum of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay expressions. A Champagne masterclass rounded out the guided tastings. From structured lectures to sensorial wine dinners, her visit was less about instruction and more about immersion. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/jeanniecholee.webp) *Courtesy of Jeannie Cho Lee* Her voice is gentle yet exacting, her insights layered like the wines she reveres. Whether she’s describing her first transcendent sip of a 1982 Château Talbot as a 19-year old at Oxford or waxing lyrical about under-the-radar producers in the Côte Chalonnaise, Cho Lee speaks with the clarity of someone who knows the map well but is still eager to explore. “The most valuable lesson I’ve learned in wine is to be humble,” she shares. For her, wine is never static; it evolves vintage by vintage, bottle by bottle, just as she has as a [connoisseur](https://jeanniecholee.com "connoisseur") who still sees opportunity to learn in every glass. **Video:** *Filmed on location at Artisan Cellar Door.* ***EDITORIAL TEAM*** *ALICIA COLBY-SY Lifestyle Editor* *KIMBERLY ROCHA-DELGADO Digital Editor* ***PRODUCTION TEAM** KENNETH DIMAANO Post-Production Director* *JOMAR SOLANIA Video Editor and Colorist RENZO LUMANOG Associate Producer ANTON MOLINA Producer* *THIRTYSIX-O MEDIA Video Team* *ARJAY ZURITA* *Hair and Make-up* **Categories:** Bar None, Food & Drink, Wine **Tags:** artisan cellar door, burgundy, burgundy wine, jeannie cho lee --- ### [Bar None: If You Like Piña Coladas...](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/bar-none/bar-none-pina-colada/) **Published:** April 11, 2025 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** ***Welcome to Bar None, where Robb Report Philippines delves into the world of wines, spirits, and everything in between. From vineyards to distilleries, classic cocktails to bold new creations, we uncover the flavors, traditions, and techniques that make every drink unforgettable.*** *In this episode—and throughout the four-part launch of Bar None—award-winning mixologist Arcadius Rybak reimagines classic cocktails with a Filipino twist, using local ingredients he has come to love. Cheers!* *To see all Bar None videos, click [here](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/bar-none/ "Bar None").* The Piña Colada is pure tropical escapism in a glass—sunshine, surf, and soft-focus postcards from the Caribbean. Like all good cocktails, it comes with its own set of origin stories, the most widely accepted version being that it was created by Ramón “Monchito” Marrero, a bartender at the Caribe Hilton in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in 1954. However, another Puerto Rican restaurant, Barrachina, insists it was their own bartender, Don Ramón Portas Mingot, who created it around the same time. In fact, a marble plaque just outside their entrance boldly proclaims it the birthplace of the Piña Colada, for all skeptical tourists to see. Still, other stories take us back even further: there exists a record that Puerto Rican pirate Roberto Cofresí mixed a blend of rum, coconut milk, and pineapple juice as early as the 1800s and gave rounds of it to his crew to keeps spirits up and avoid a mutiny. Of course, no cultural cocktail moment would be complete without a ’70s soft rock anthem. Who doesn’t remember “Escape (The Piña Colada Song)” by Rupert Holmes—the 1979 soft rock anthem that, as *Food & Wine* put it, “turned a cheesy song about the scandalous exploits of two horrible people in a relationship into a cocktail punchline”? Love it or hate it, the song lodged the drink permanently in pop culture—and in every pool bar in the world. However, in this iteration, the Piña Colada gets a makeover. Arcadius Rybak, formerly the Director of Bars Asia-Pacific for Rosewood Hotels and instrumental in putting their flagship’s bar, Darkside, on the global map, substitutes guyabano for pineapple. “Guyabano isn’t used much by bartenders in drinks,” says Rybak. “It should be, in a drink like a Piña Colada or a gin fizz. “I think it should be highlighted more because of its creaminess that balances out its acidity. Compared to the pineapple, it has more refreshing and creamier notes, and still very tropical.” Whatever version of the drink you subscribe to, this one brings its own island story—Filipino, bold, and refreshingly new. **Recipe:** 50ml white rum 150ml guyabano juice 15ml lime juice 20ml coconut cream Add all the ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake thoroughly. Pour into a tall glass filled with ice and garnish with a pineapple leaf. *Filmed on location at Makati Shangri-La Manila.* *Grooming by Gery Penaso for *Estée Lauder**. *PRODUCTION TEAM THIRTYSIX-O MEDIA Video Team KENNETH DIMAANO Post-Production Director* *JOMAR SOLANIA Video Editor and Colorist RENZO LUMANOG Associate Producer ANTON MOLINA Producer KIMBERLY ROCHA-DELGADO Writer ARCADIUS RYBAK Guest Host KATRINA MONTINOLA Additional Support JUAN TICZON Additional Support ENZO SANTOS Photographer* **Categories:** Bar None, Food & Drink **Tags:** arcadius rybak, bar none, cocktail, pina colada --- ### [Bar None: A Sidecar With a Zesty Twist of Calamansi, Dalandan, and Dayap](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/bar-none/bar-none-sidecar/) **Published:** April 4, 2025 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** ***Welcome to Bar None, where Robb Report Philippines delves into the world of wines, spirits, and everything in between. From vineyards to distilleries, classic cocktails to bold new creations, we uncover the flavors, traditions, and techniques that make every drink unforgettable.*** *In this episode—and throughout the four-part launch of Bar None—award-winning mixologist Arcadius Rybak reimagines classic cocktails with a Filipino twist, using local ingredients he has come to love. Cheers!* *To watch Episode 1: The Tommy’s Margarita Gets a Bold, Sour Kick from This Surprising Local Fruit, click [here](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/bar-none/bar-none-a-tommys-margarita-gets-a-bold-sour-kick-from-this-surprising-local-fruit/).* *To watch Episode 2: The Bramble Meets Bignay, click [here](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/bar-none-bramble/).* The sidecar is truly a classic drink in every sense, with a little lore, a little mystery, and a lot of turn-of-the-20th-century attitude. It was invented around the time of World War I, and Harry MacElhone of [Harry’s New York Bar](https://www.diffordsguide.com/bars/O93qRz/harrys-new-york-bar-paris) is widely acknowledged to have created the cocktail. Yet, even MacElhone himself gave credit to Pat MacGarry of a certain Buck’s Club in London (Harry’s is in Paris) in his 1922 edition of “The ABC of Cocktails.” But in subsequent editions, he seems to have been contented with giving himself the credit. In any case, an even more intriguing mystery is the origin of the name “sidecar” itself. Some stories cite that the person for whom it was first made always arrived in a sidecar, a vehicle popular in those days; some others say it’s called so because the glass is sugared on only one side; and yet Dale DeGroff, author of the book “The Craft of Cocktail,” says it simply references the drink left in the shaker after straining, which is then poured into a shot glass and served on the side. “For this sidecar recipe, I used a blend of calamansi, dalandan, and dayap juice,” says Arcadius Rybak. As the former Director of Bars Asia-Pacific for Rosewood Hotels, he played a key role in elevating Darkside, the brand’s flagship bar in Hong Kong, to global recognition. Now based in the Philippines, he leads his own consultancy, Good Vibes Only, sharing his expertise across the industry and continuing his signature of reimagining classic cocktails by mixing in Filipino ingredients. “It makes it a little sweeter, more fruity,” he says. Whatever the origins are of the drink, here we add another plot twist—a Filipino, citrusy twist, that is. ***Watch the video:*** **Recipe:** 45ml cognac 30ml triple sec or Cointreau 15ml blend of calamansi, dayap, and dalandan juice Prepare a coupe, cocktail, or martini glass by running a slice of dalandan or dayap onto half of the outer side of the glass and rolling it on some granulated sugar. Pour all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker and add ice. Shake until the surface of the shaker is frosty, and double strain the cocktail mixture into the glass. *Filmed on location at Makati Shangri-La Manila.* *Grooming by Gery Penaso for Estée Lauder*. *PRODUCTION TEAM THIRTYSIX-O MEDIA Video Team KENNETH DIMAANO Post-Production Director* *JOMAR SOLANIA Video Editor and Colorist RENZO LUMANOG Associate Producer ANTON MOLINA Producer KIMBERLY ROCHA-DELGADO Writer ARCADIUS RYBAK Guest Host KATRINA MONTINOLA Additional Support JUAN TICZON Additional Support ENZO SANTOS Photographer* **Categories:** Bar None, Food & Drink **Tags:** arcadius rybak, bar none, cocktail, sidecar --- ### [Bar None: The Bramble Meets Bignay](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/bar-none-bramble/) **Published:** March 29, 2025 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** ***Welcome to Bar None, where Robb Report Philippines delves into the world of wines, spirits, and everything in between. From vineyards to distilleries, classic cocktails to bold new creations, we uncover the flavors, traditions, and techniques that make every drink unforgettable.*** *In this episode—and throughout the four-part launch of Bar None—award-winning mixologist Arcadius Rybak reimagines classic cocktails with a Filipino twist, using local ingredients he has come to love. Cheers!* *To watch Episode 1: The Tommy’s Margarita Gets a Bold, Sour Kick from This Surprising Local Fruit, click [here](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/bar-none/bar-none-a-tommys-margarita-gets-a-bold-sour-kick-from-this-surprising-local-fruit/).* Light, fruity, and distinctly Filipino, bignay wine is a hidden gem in the world of local wines. Made from the small, deep-red bignay (or bugnay) berries native to the Philippines—which turn black when ripe—this wine boasts a sweet profile with notes of blackberry and cranberry. “I stumbled upon bignay wine through research,” says Arcadius Rybak, a mixologist of nearly twenty years. Until a few years ago, Rybak served as Director of Bars, Asia-Pacific for Rosewood Hotels, steering Darkside, the brand’s flagship bar in Hong Kong, to the top of the world’s most prestigious lists. Today, he runs his own consultancy firm, Good Vibes Only, based in the Philippines. “My friend Ken told me about it, too,” he adds, referring to Ken Alonso, founder of [Proudly Promdi](https://proudlypromdi.com/), a local distributor of Philippine-made wines and spirits. The inspiration was immediate: Rybak recognized bignay berries’ similarities to blackberries and instantly connected them to the Bramble, a British cocktail created in the 1980s by legendary London bartender Dick Bradsell. Bradsell sought to capture the essence of springtime in Britain and his childhood memories of blackberry-picking. The Bramble combines gin, lemon juice, sugar syrup, and crème de mûre (blackberry liqueur) to create a perfectly balanced, fruit-forward cocktail. Over the years, it has become a modern classic, loved for its refreshing yet sophisticated flavor—typically served over crushed ice. In Rybak’s twist, bignay wine offers a lighter alternative to crème de mûre, which is thick, syrupy, and rich. While the original is always a delight, Rybak notes that shaking things up is an essential part of a bartender’s craft. ***Watch the episode:*** **Recipe:** 50ml gin 30ml lemon juice 20ml sugar syrup 2 bar spoons of bignay wine a slice of lemon, to garnish Add all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker and add cubed ice. Shake until the surface of the shaker is frosty. Prepare a rock glass filled with crushed ice and pour the cocktail mixture into the glass. Add a splash of bignay wine to the top (a dash, or to your preference) and garnish with a slice of lemon. *Filmed on location at Makati Shangri-La Manila.* *Grooming by Gery Penaso for Estée Lauder*. *PRODUCTION TEAM THIRTYSIX-O MEDIA Video Team KENNETH DIMAANO Post-Production Director* *JOMAR SOLANIA Video Editor and Colorist RENZO LUMANOG Associate Producer ANTON MOLINA Producer KIMBERLY ROCHA-DELGADO Writer ARCADIUS RYBAK Guest Host KATRINA MONTINOLA Additional Support JUAN TICZON Additional Support ENZO SANTOS Photographer* **Categories:** Bar None, Food & Drink, Spirits **Tags:** arcadius rybak, bignay wine, bramble, bugnay wine, cocktails, wine --- ### [Bar None: The Tommy's Margarita Gets a Bold, Sour Kick from This Surprising Local Fruit](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/bar-none/bar-none-a-tommys-margarita-gets-a-bold-sour-kick-from-this-surprising-local-fruit/) **Published:** March 21, 2025 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** ***Welcome to Bar None, where Robb Report Philippines delves into the world of wines, spirits, and everything in between. From vineyards to distilleries, classic cocktails to bold new creations, we uncover the flavors, traditions, and techniques that make every drink unforgettable.*** *In this episode and in the rest of the four-part launch of Bar None, award-winning mixologist Arcadius Rybak takes classic [cocktails](https://robbreport.ph/tag/cocktails/ "cocktails") and gives them a Filipino twist by employing local ingredients that he has come to love. Cheers!* Kamias is a fruit often relegated to the sidelines of Filipino cuisine—used mainly in dishes and stews as a souring agent or tucked away in backyard trees–its culinary potential largely neglected, much more so in mixology. Unlike citrus fruits, which enjoy a well-established place in cocktails, kamias’ sharp, almost astringent tartness is rarely considered. Arcadius Rybak is incredulous. Rybak, best known for steering famed watering holes such as Zuma and Darkside in Rosewood Hong Kong to the top of the world’s most prestigious lists, can’t help but marvel at how easily this oddly shaped green fruit is overlooked. In the Philippines, kamias is often dismissed as a mere childhood snack, enjoyed with a sprinkle of rock salt. Yet to Rybak, it quickly registered as uniquely tangy and floral, its profile offering an intriguing alternative to lime, bringing a complex, crisp, mouth-puckering depth to drinks. “The Philippines has so many sour agents apart from just citrus,” he cites. This multi-dimensional aspect of local ingredients has him bewitched, talking in-depth about the many applications of ube, for example, or complementing guyabano with rose extracts. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/RR-Feature-Photos-14-1-2240x1260.jpg) Arcadius Rybak; in Bar None’s first episode, a Tommy’s Margarita–and a Tommy’s Margarita with a local twist. Arcadius Rybak’s journey behind the bar began in Poland as a hotel management undergrad before starting his career in the F&B industry across Europe. His career’s decisive moment arrived when James Shearer of Zuma offered Rybak a post in Hong Kong, on the spot; there, he played a pivotal role in elevating Zuma’s bar program before steering Darkside at Rosewood to international acclaim as its Director of Bars, Asia-Pacific. It was in 2022 when he moved to the Philippines, establishing a consultancy company called Good Vibes Only, which he runs today. “The Philippines has so much to offer, and the reason why I like using Filipino ingredients in cocktails is to highlight its natural treasures,” explains Rybak. He acknowledges that the food scene has been very robust, but the drinks scene–in which he has forged very tight relationships–has much more ground to cover, or rather, much more ahead to gain an audience mostly preferring traditional concoctions. Which brings us to today’s episode, where Rybak gives a sour kick to a Tommy’s Margarita recipe not with citrus, but with the aforementioned kamias. A Tommy’s Margarita is a modern take on the classic Margarita, distinguished by its use of agave nectar instead of orange liqueur (like Cointreau or Triple Sec). This substitution gives the cocktail a cleaner, more agave-forward flavor while maintaining the balance of sweet, sour, and strong. The drink was created in the early 1990s by Julio Bermejo, the bar manager at Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant in San Francisco, California, who was a tequila enthusiast and wanted to showcase 100% agave tequila while simplifying the recipe to highlight its depth. By replacing the traditional orange liqueur with agave nectar, he created a fresher, more tequila-centric Margarita, which quickly gained a cult following. Today, Tommy’s Margarita is recognized as a modern classic, even earning a spot on the official International Bartenders Association (IBA) cocktail list. Rybak creates a reinvention of the classic, putting kamias on center stage, proving that, sometimes, great things are found right in your own backyard. ***Watch the first episode here:*** **Recipe:** 2 ounces tequila blanco 1 ounce kamias juice (processed in a juicer and strained) 3 bar spoons of agave syrup Mix all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Double strain into a rocks glass and add a large ice ball or cube. Garnish with sliced kamias, or, should you be so inclined, kamias powder made by dehydrating the fruit and turning it into a powder in a food processor. *Filmed on location at Makati Shangri-La Manila.* *Grooming by Gery Penaso for *Estée Lauder**. *PRODUCTION TEAM THIRTYSIX-O MEDIA Video Team KENNETH DIMAANO Post-Production Director* *JOMAR SOLANIA Video Editor and Colorist RENZO LUMANOG Associate Producer ANTON MOLINA Producer KIMBERLY ROCHA-DELGADO Writer ARCADIUS RYBAK Guest Host KATRINA MONTINOLA Additional Support JUAN TICZON Additional Support ENZO SANTOS Photographer* **Categories:** Bar None, Food & Drink, Spirits **Tags:** agave syrup, arcadius rybak, cocktail, kamias, margarita, tequila, tequila blanco, tommy's margarita --- ### [Pharrell Unveils Limited-Edition Champagne Collection With Moët & Chandon](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/wine/pharrell-just-unveiled-a-limited-edition-champagne-collection-with-moet-amp-chandon/) **Published:** March 4, 2025 **Author:** Abby Montanez **Content:** Moët & Chandon and Pharrell are popping off with an exciting new collaboration. The French [Champagne](https://robbreport.ph/tag/champagne/) producer has teamed up with Pharrell Williams for a limited-edition collection that’s all about reimagining birthday celebrations. Launching on March 1, the Moët & Chandon [Pharrell Williams](https://robbreport.ph/tag/pharrell-williams/) Limited Edition Collection brings together the Grammy winner’s signature creativity and the Maison’s diverse sparkling wine portfolio. A key symbol of this collaboration is the bow, an iconic design element from Moët’s archives. First introduced in 1892, the bow represents unity and joy and is reinterpreted in the collection’s eye-catching designs. The collab features several exclusive offerings, including redesigned 750 ml bottles of Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut and Nectar Impérial Rosé. These bottles come in striking colors—gold, midnight blue, deep red, and white—emblazoned with Williams’s white dotted lettering and a pearled monogram of his initials, PW. ![pharrell champagne](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/pharrell-champagne.jpg) For collectors, the Bow Capsule Collection offers magnum-sized bottles, including the 2013 Grand Vintage, encased in an oversized, detachable fabric bow adorned with pearled beads, crafted by Parisian embroiderers Atelier Baqué Molinié. The pinnacle of the collection is the Jewel Masterpiece with only 30 hand-crafted pieces available. The mirrored chrome bottle, embellished with 89 embossed relief pearls by artist Astrid de Chaillé, is topped with an oversized bejeweled bow made of 7,310 pearls, requiring 300 hours of handwork. The detachable bow doubles as a brooch. Presented in a Midnight Blue wooden case with Williams’s signature, each piece is priced at approximately $31,200 and is available in the Philippines through the Moët Hennessy private sales service. [Moët & Chandon](https://robbreport.ph/tag/moet-&-chandon) has long been the go-to Champagne for birthday toasts, gracing celebrations of royalty and cultural legends in music, sports, and film alike. From Paul Newman’s 40th in 1965 to Scarlett Johansson’s 30th in 2014 and Roger Federer’s yearly family gatherings, Moët has marked some of the most memorable milestones. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/pharrell-williams-moet-1.jpg) “The best part about a birthday are the people who want to celebrate it with you. When I was old enough to toast with Champagne for the first time, Moët & Chandon was my point of reference. I suppose it’s just a tradition, it’s the ritual,” Williams said in a statement, who is the men’s creative director of Louis Vuitton, also owned by LVMH. *The Moët & Chandon Pharrell Williams Limited Edition Collection will be available in the Philippines in June.* *Photographs courtesy of Moet Hennessy Southeast Asia*, *photographed by Anthony Seklaoui* *This article originally appeared in [Robb Report US.](https://robbreport.com/food-drink/wine/pharrell-moet-chandon-champagne-collection-1236289380/)* **Categories:** Food & Drink, Wine **Tags:** champagne, moet & chandon, moet hennessy, pharrell williams --- ### [Defining Sprezzatura Through Aurelia Residences](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/properties/defining-sprezzatura-through-aurelia-residences/) **Published:** March 3, 2025 **Author:** Marco Sumayao **Content:** The Italians have a word for everything chic, and when it comes to elegance, few are as evocative as *sprezzatura*. Described as “grace without effort”, “measured nonchalance”, and “a stylish sense of ease”, the word has come to be associated more with a particular aura rather than a verbal definition – you’ll simply know it when you see it. This is certainly the case with Aurelia Residences, an award-winning, ultra-luxury development by Shang Robinsons Properties, Inc., a joint venture between Shang Properties, Inc. and Robinsons Land Corporation. Located at the heart of Bonifacio Global City and designed by architects from internationally renowned firm SOM (Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill), with interior design by FM Architettura, the exclusive residence embodies *sprezzatura* in every aspect while paying homage to Filipino artistry and tradition. ***Take a tour of Aurelia Residences:*** Every unit is a blend of eclectic natural textures using local materials – wood, granite, and slate floors; marble kitchen counters; and mosaic bathroom fixtures, to name a few – all harmonizing to deliver a sense of elegance that is vivid, refined, and world-class in undeniably Filipino fashion. Each space within the residence was planned to provide for its residents’ needs in organic fashion, underscoring the importance of ease in the Aurelia Residences experience. Living and dining areas offer generous floor space to accommodate discerning lifestyles, and extend towards roomy terrace areas that allow one to unwind in the open air. Kitchens with extensive workspaces facilitate cooking for grand dinner parties just as easily as they would late night solo snacks, while a cozy cafe nook off to the side allows one to greet every morning in serenity. ![Aurelia Facade](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Aurelia-Facade-Render-2.jpg) All bedrooms were designed to feel like homes within the home, with ample space for vanities, remote offices, and breakfast corners. Ensuite bathrooms provide maximum comfort for one’s most private moments; roomy window-side bathtubs allow one to luxuriate under the glow of sunset on days where a little extra pampering is appreciated. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/pj107_masterbed_03-FM_1.jpg) Interior design by FM Architecttura Nestled in a corner of every unit is a private family room, where parents can enjoy precious moments with their children uninterrupted by guests and visitors. For residents who prefer a child-free lifestyle, the room offers endless other possibilities. But what truly creates that sense of effortlessness that *sprezzatura* embodies are the floor-to-ceiling picture windows that make each residence breathe more easily. The unique three-petal architecture that gives Aurelia Residences its signature form fully maximizes the view that its location affords – without compromising the privacy expected of luxury homes. To the north, a view of Bonifacio Global City itself, an electric hub of lifestyle, business, leisure, and culture brimming with light and life. To the southwest, the lush greeneries of Manila Polo Club, Forbes Park, and Manila Golf Club, along with the tranquility of Manila Bay on the horizon. To the east, open skies as far as the eye can see, overlooking in the distance the pristine beauty of Laguna Bay. ![3 bedroom Aurelia Residences](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/3BR-Signature-Living-FM_1.jpg) Interior design by FM Architettura Aurelia Residences’ location at the most sought-after address in Metro Manila also affords residents’ the luxury of convenience, with everything needed for a well-curated life a mere stone’s throw away. Aside from the aforementioned golf and polo clubs for sport, the area is also home to many of the metro’s boldest, most innovative restaurants; the Maybank Performing Arts Center; St. Luke’s Medical Center; and some of Metro Manila’s most prestigious international schools. True to the spirit of *sprezzatura*, getting the rich lifestyle one deserves requires little to no effort when living at Aurelia Residences. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/The-Spiral-Staircase-FM.jpg) Interior design by FM Architecttura Building upon this are the high-end amenities exclusive to all residents. The Canopy Room is a multipurpose function room that exudes elegance in every corner, while the luxury home cinema caters to cinephiles with its top-of-the-line audiovisual systems and supremely comfortable seating. The private gym gives residents a place to work on their fitness and socialize, while vibrantly designed play areas offer the same for children. A 40m pool and an abundance of sitting lounges invite residents and their guests to unwind at every opportunity. The lobby itself serves as an extension of the home, delighting guests with works and installations by some of the Philippines’ most inspiring artists. ![Aurelia Residences Dropoff](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Drop-OffFM_1.jpg) Interior design by FM Architecttura With only 285 bespoke residences within its walls, Aurelia Residences does away with the stresses of living in more crowded environs, all while keeping one close to work, play, and life. Both in terms of its architecture and the lifestyle it inspires, the development is *sprezzatura* manifest – a home designed to be effortless and elegant. And with units ready for turnover soon, living the good life is closer than ever. Learn more about Aurelia Residences at [this link](https://www.aureliaresidences.com/). **Categories:** Home & Design, Properties **Tags:** robb report partnerships, robinsons land corporation, shang properties, shang robinsons properties inc --- ### [Jezzel Wee and the Finitude of Ceramics](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-collectibles/jezzel-wee-and-the-finitude-of-ceramics/) **Published:** February 20, 2025 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** There’s an organic unpredictability that comes with clay. Jezzel Wee has built a ceramics practice on such spontaneity, borrowing from the ebb and flow of nature and sound. For the artist, clay is a meditation on process, materiality, and connection. Her pieces do not simply sit in space; they invite us to participate. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Jezzel-Wee-Art-Fair-Philippines-2025-5.jpeg) **‘Pagbulong,’ a Sequel** At ArtFairPH/Projects 2025, Wee again urges the public to indulge in careful introspection with her exhibit, “Pagbulong.” Inspired by Daruma dolls, it’s an extension of sorts of her first “Wishing Dolls” series in 2018. “My concern then was that I had just come from Japan, and I felt that a lot of people had wishes for me,” she says of the period. “So these dolls already had pupils with drawn marks. I felt that the weight or the gift given to me by people at the time carried their wishes for me.” A departure from the silent admiration traditional sculptures demand, Wee’s wishing dolls are meant to be played with. When shaken, the sound they produce, a gentle rattling, is not just some auditory element but a shared ritual of optimism. “But for myself, it felt like my own wish was uncertain. With this exhibition, I wanted to invite people to make their wishes—maybe for themselves or for others—while they focus on their doll,” Wee explains. “So I guess it’s about that experience of realizing that we are not alone in hoping for better things.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Jezzel-Wee-Art-Fair-Philippines-2025-4.jpeg) **An inclination toward wood firing** Wee’s approach to ceramics is deeply influenced by her three-year apprenticeship in Japan, where she was trained under the master potter Ryoji Matsumiya of Tsugaru Kanayama-yaki. It was also here that she developed a kinship with wood-fired kilns, which she has carried over to the classes she handles at the University of the Philippines – College of Fine Arts. “I have a bias when it comes to firings. I tell my students that I’m biased toward wood firing and wood kilns because those were the kilns I handled in Japan,” she says. “Wood firing can create predictable effects on your work, but you need to visualize how the flame will flow. Because when you stoke the wood inside the kiln, you can see the fire almost dancing—that’s the part that excites me.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Jezzel-Wee-Art-Fair-Philippines-2025-2.jpeg) Of note, too, in “Pagbulong” are the prehistoric pottery patterns found in the pieces. Wee incorporates porcelain inlays—a direct reflection of her academic pursuits. “For \[these pieces\], I played with the color of the clay and the glazes that me and my partner formulated. My current state is what influenced the surface design, choice of glazes, and the color of the clay body.” **The pursuit of pottery** Wee is currently taking her Master’s in Archaeology. Here, she bridges the gap between her practice and its place in the larger context of the history of pottery. She notes how her studies have reshaped her perspective on local clays and earthenwares. As the ceramic art movement gains more traction in the Philippines, she expects to see more young ceramicists have a better grasp of not just valuable techniques, but the beauty of clay’s making and tradition. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Jezzel-Wee-Art-Fair-Philippines-2025-6.jpeg) “Since I’m teaching, I want to be able to teach the history of our pottery. In the \[College of\] Fine Arts, the focus is usually on forms, aesthetics, and process, but what about the history of the medium? I want to deepen my understanding of earthenware, so I want to discover the connection between those aspects,” she states. “I also want my students to understand and appreciate that part of Philippine history—how rich our clay resources are and how we have these earthenware artifacts.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Jezzel-Wee-Art-Fair-Philippines-2025.jpeg) Much like any great ceramicist, Wee is keenly aware of the ephemeral nature of clay, and how it informs the entire responsibility of working with ceramics. “Clay is limited. It can last for hundreds of years, but eventually, it will disappear,” Wee concludes. “With that in mind, I need to use clay mindfully. I don’t waste it. It should not be thrown away.” *[Art Fair Philippines 2025](https://artfairphilippines.com/afp2025/), 10AM to 9PM, Ayala Triangle Gardens, February 21-23, 2025.* *Photography by Joseph Pascual* *Video and editing by Gian Escamillas* **Categories:** Art & Collectibles, Profiles **Tags:** art fair philippines, in the studio, jezzel wee --- ### [A New Era of Luxury: The Robb Report Philippines Launch](https://robbreport.ph/robb-report-philippines-access/a-new-era-of-luxury-the-robb-report-philippines-launch/) **Published:** February 15, 2025 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** [Robb Report Philippines](https://robbreport.ph) has arrived. The launch of its Premiere Issue was celebrated with an unforgettable weekend at Amanpulo from February 7 to 9—a three-day affair that brought together a distinguished group of guests for a series of exceptional moments, from private cruises and island activities to the eagerly awaited launch party, all thoughtfully designed by Robb Report Philippines and presented with exclusive experience partner, Security Bank. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/RRPH-Launch-Day-2-Batch-465-1-1-2-1.jpg) ***Watch the highlights:*** **Friday: Exclusive Flights, a Warm Welcome, and Curated Dining Experiences** On Friday morning, guests were whisked away on exclusive chartered flights to the island, starting their journey with a hearty breakfast by Deli by Chele at the Amanpulo Lounge in the A. Soriano Hangar. Before takeoff, they were treated to a selection of New York-style pastrami sandwiches, pulled pastrami cheesemelt sandwiches, and smoked salmon sandwiches made to order, as well as exquisite viennoiserie pastries and freshly squeezed juices. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/RRPH-Launch-1-57-1-1-2240x2800.jpg) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/RRPH-Launch-1-83-1-1.jpg) As the plane touched down on the island, guests were treated to cool, refreshing coconut juice, the perfect sip to unwind after the scenic, just-over-an-hour flight. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/RRPH-Launch-1-94-1.jpg) Guests were then escorted to their beautifully appointed beachfront casitas, each offering an intimate escape with panoramic views of the shore. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/RRPH-05-2240x1792.jpg) Carefully curated was a welcome gift from the Robb Report Philippines team. Handmade, beautifully crafted, woven straw bags–a signature of globally-renowned accessories brand Aranaz–awaited its guests. L’Occitane’s coveted Almond Shower Oil and Shiseido’s luxurious skincare collection for both men and women—including the award-winning Ultimune line, infused with powerful, patented antioxidants—ensured guests were pampered and protected while soaking up the sun. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/RRPH-06-2240x1792.jpg) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/RRPH-Launch-Drone-Images2-1.jpg) That evening, welcome cocktails took place at The Pier, where guests gathered as the sun dipped below the horizon. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/RRPH-16-2240x1792.jpg) Fine libations were created with wines by Moet Hennessy and liquor by Pernod. Over lively conversation, guests sipped on tipple like Royal Salute 21 on the rocks and Martell XO enjoyed neat. A favorite was the Pamalican Royale, a local take on the Kir Royale and made with Mumm Cordon Rouge. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/RRPH-12.jpg) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/RRPH-Launch-3-8.jpg) Served with the free-flowing drinks was an array of delectable hors d’oeuvres like foie gras choux and wild mushroom tartlets. Though the day offered ample opportunity for guests to mingle at their own pace, it was in the intimate setting of The Pier that true connections were made. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/RRPH-14.jpg) Out-of-town guests, like **Tak Man Hong**, founder and chief executive of Nexus Media and publisher of Robb Report Hong Kong, were warmly welcomed by the Robb Report Philippines team. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/RRPH-Launch-3-43-1-2240x2800.jpg) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/RRPH-Launch-3-25-2240x2800.jpg) As twilight descended, the soft glow of the sunset enveloped the scene, creating an unmistakable sense of place that made guests feel as though they had stepped into something truly special. The festivities had only just begun. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/RRPH-Launch-3-81-2240x2800.jpg) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/RRPH-Launch-Drone-Images21-1.jpg) After sunset, guests were driven to different dining experiences across stunning locations around the island. A menu prepared by Amanpulo chef Alan Kwan began with a flavorful crab and coconut soup, followed by an arugula salad dressed with various local citrus like kiat kiat, and slices of avocado. The main course was an expertly executed surf-and-turf, with grilled prawns, grilled rib-eye cap, and roasted purple sweet potatoes brushed with Choron butter. Dessert was a velvety biscoff cookie and chocolate tart topped with torched marshmallow fluff. Some couples had a romantic four-course dinner date on the beach, their tables softly illuminated by lanterns with wicker shades, creating a warm, intimate atmosphere. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/RRPH-Launch-Day-1-Batch-434.jpg) A breathtaking dinner setting was created for eight on the island’s airstrip, transforming the space into a dramatic dining experience. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/RRPH-21.jpg) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/RRPH-Launch-Day-1-Batch-483-1.jpg) Another group gathered at Gary’s Nest, a scenic hilltop retreat nestled within a lush garden, where vibrant discussions flowed. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/RRPH-Launch-Day-1-Batch-450-1.jpg) Intimate, elegant, and carefully planned by Robb Report Philippines, these dinners were a wonderful way to cap off the first day of celebrations. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/RRPH-18.jpg) **Saturday: Bespoke Adventures, Restful Retreats, and the Dawn of a New Era** The next day was just as leisurely, yet still as carefully planned–guests pre-selected various activities to engage in around the island. Some guests chose active water sports like Hobie cat sailing, snorkeling, and kite surfing. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/RRPH-25.jpg) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/RRPH-Launch-1-4-1.jpg) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/RRPH-Launch-2-44-2-1-1-e1739406574100.jpg) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/RRPH-Launch-1-59-2.jpg) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/RRPH-Launch-1-67-1.jpg) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/RRPH-32.jpg) Other guests chose activities centered on touring the island, discovering Amanpulo’s wildlife and scenery through hikes, private and serene sunrise cruises, and awe-inspiring turtle spotting. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/RRPH-Launch-1-26-1.jpg) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/RRPH-Launch-2-21-2.jpg) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/RRPH-10.jpg) Leisurely pursuits were enjoyed as well. Long lunches filled with engaging conversation continued through to the afternoon, while some basked under the sun, beachside. Others indulged in a peaceful afternoon of relaxation at the spa. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Lunch-Photo.jpg) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/RRPH-Launch-Drone-Images8-3.jpg) As evening fell, the much-anticipated official launch celebrations kicked off with a lively cocktail hour at the island’s lush Picnic Grove. Modern Media Group Inc. COO **Anne Bernisca** began the celebrations officially, sharing the vision behind the publication. “Our CEO, Archie \[Carrasco\], has always believed that we deserve a media brand that truly represents luxury. Our team at Modern Media Group has finally turned this vision into a reality. We couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to celebrate this milestone with.” A speech from Executive Vice President and Head of Retail Banking **Rahul Rasal** of Security Bank followed. “I would like to extend, very heartily, my congratulations to Robb Report Philippines for yet another successful event,” Rasal said. “I think you are making this a habit,” he added warmly. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Rahul-2.jpg) Guests were then escorted to a beachside dinner, where a long table was adorned with elegant South African protea flower centerpieces and softly illuminated by candles. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/RRPH-Launch-Day-2-Batch-324.jpg) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/RRPH-Launch-2-Drone-Shot-25.jpg) **Archie Carrasco**, publisher of Robb Report Philippines and CEO of AGC Power Holdings Corp., addressed the guests, formally marking the debut of the magazine with a few, but meaningful, words. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/AGC.jpg) “Tonight marks a momentous occasion, not just for us at AGC Power Holdings Corp., but also for the entire landscape of luxury media in the Philippines. We are the 18th international edition of the globally-renowned authority on luxury,” said Carrasco. “For decades, Robb Report has been the definitive voice in creating the finest experiences, innovations, and craftsmanship the world has to offer,” Carrasco continued. “And now, with its arrival in the Philippines, we take pride in presenting the same exceptional standard of storytelling but with a distinct perspective–one that highlights Filipino excellence, global sophistication, and a commitment to a life well-lived.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Yvette-3.jpg) The enduring signature of the Robb Report point-of-view was on the forefront at the launch. Robb Report Philippines’ Chief of Editorial Content **Yvette Fernandez** noted, “Robb Report Philippines is proud to be a part of a global legacy brand that continues to define the world of luxury.” **Kimberly Rocha-Delgado** is the publication’s digital editor, while **Carl Cunanan** heads the Cars and Watches section. **Alicia Colby-Sy** is editor of Lifestyle. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Anne.jpg) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/RRPH-Launch-Day-2-Batch-5-31.jpg) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/RRPH-Launch-Day-2-Batch-445-1.jpg) The sumptuous seven-course Filipino dinner was meticulously crafted by Toyo Eatery’s Chef Jordy Navarra, Chef JP Cruz, general manager May Navarra, and assistant Clyde Zafra, who flew in from Manila for the occasion. Renowned as a five-time awardee of The Best Restaurant in the Philippines by Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, Toyo Eatery was the perfect choice to deliver an exceptional dining experience for Robb Report Philippines. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/RRPH-Launch-Day-2-Batch-423.jpg) “Beach trips around the Philippines don’t seem complete if there is no ihaw or kamayan involved, so doing a kamayan-style setup felt right for this dinner,” Navarra said, explaining the inspiration behind his menu. Four exquisite starters began the dinner, which, of course, featured seafood, befitting the coastal setting: a kilaw of tuna; a surprising, delightful clam dish in a layered, melt-in-your-mouth custard dish; and crabmeat, served with gata and palapa, a spicy-sweet condiment whose recipe originates from the Maranao of Lanao del Sur. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/RRPH-Launch-Day-2-Batch-417.jpg) For the main courses, he took inspiration from cherished Filipino beach fare, featuring delicately steamed shrimp, crispy pork hock, and grilled pork alongside crunchy dilis, kalkag, fish bones, and pinindang. The dishes were punctuated by thinly sliced green mango and bagoong. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/RRPH-Launch-Day-2-Batch-5-41-1.jpg) “Cooking at Amanpulo was an amazing experience for us, and the team was really inspired by the setting,” Navarra said. “It was the first time we got to bring our kamayan to the sand, and it couldn’t have been more perfect.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/RRPH-Launch-Day-2-Batch-430.jpg) A selection of fine wines from Terroir Wines was thoughtfully chosen to complement Chef Jordy’s menu. To accompany the final course, a rich and indulgent port was served with Navarra’s exquisite creations: a refreshing cold dessert, Tostadong Bigas at Buko; a decadent Dulce de Leche at Tsokolate truffle; and luscious, buttery silvanas. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/RRPH-Launch-Day-2-Batch-439-1-1.jpg) At dinner, a breathtaking drone show, unveiling Robb Report Philippines’ tagline, “Luxury Without Compromise,” followed by a stunning fireworks display, illuminated the night sky. The spectacle, arranged by Southlinks Estate, added an unforgettable touch to the evening’s celebrations. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/RRPH-Launch-2-Drone-Shot-23.jpg) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/RRPH-Launch-Day-2-Batch-6-19-2-1.jpg) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/RRPH-36.jpg) The highlight of the weekend was the unveiling of the magazine’s first cover, a work by National Artist Bencab. The artwork, “Ilustrado,” is from the artist’s *Larawan* series based on turn-of-the-20th-century colonial photography, a fitting image of the discerning and sophisticated Filipino global citizen. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/ofc.jpg) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Bencab-2.jpg) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/RRPH-Launch-Day-2-Batch-460.jpg) After dinner, drinks were served at the Beach Club, where guests lounged and enjoyed the evening, staying long into the night. **Sunday: Extraordinary moments, exceptional memories**. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Drone-Island.jpg) The following day, after enjoying a few more island activities and a leisurely breakfast, guests departed for Manila, bidding farewell to the island paradise. As a parting gesture, guests were presented with a luxurious Dior gift box from Robb Report Philippines, featuring the exquisite Dior La Collection Privée Esprit de Parfum and a La Collection Privée candle. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/RRPH-Launch-1-2-1.jpg) With its stellar launch, Robb Report Philippines has officially arrived on our shores to curate the best of the Philippines’ and the world’s most exceptional experiences, delivering a seamless blend of global and local perspectives that speak directly to the tastes of its Filipino audience—and luxury without compromise. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/RRPH-Launch-2-Drone-Shot-46-1.jpg) *Exclusive Experience Partner:* *Security Bank* *Special thanks to: Southlinks Estate Our heartfelt gratitude to: Amanpulo Resort Toyo Eatery Aranaz Toka Wines Terroir Wines Shiseido L’Occitane* *Principal photography by Kim Santos and Excel Panlaque* **Categories:** Events, Robb Report Philippines Access **Tags:** access, amanpulo, events, jordy navarra, robb report philippines launch, security bank, toyo eatery --- ### [This Is the Patagonia Most Travelers Never See](https://robbreport.ph/travel/this-is-the-patagonia-most-travelers-never-see/) **Published:** May 12, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** There is a version of Patagonia that most travelers never experience. Autumn offers a more revelatory encounter, when the lenga forests copper over, lake surfaces go mirror-still, and the granite towers of Torres del Paine seem to hover between worlds. This is the Patagonia andBeyond wants guests to see: quieter, slower, and more cinematic. Its new small-group photographic expedition, limited to eight guests, is anchored by a deceptively simple premise: the best images are made by those willing to slow down. ![Modern wooden house with large glass doors and a seating area, set in a landscaped yard with a snow-capped mountain in the background.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/South-America-Chile-andBeyond-Vira-Vira-Lodge-Villa-Exterior-2240x1495.webp) Vira Vira Lodge Villa *Photo: Timothy Fall/andBeyond.com* “Patagonia has a way of reminding you that the landscape is always in charge,” says Pedro Barraza, andBeyond’s Managing Director for South America. “This journey is about slowing down enough to really see it.” Best known for pairing exceptional comfort with conservation-driven travel across Africa, Asia, South America, and Antarctica, the luxury adventure company now turns that philosophy toward Torres del Paine, giving guests the time, space, and expert guidance to truly see the landscape before trying to capture it. ![Snow-capped mountains under a grey sky with an orange autumn forest in the foreground.] ,Oops](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/South-America-Small-Journey-Timothy-Fall-Five-2240x1493.webp) *Photo: Timothy Fall/andBeyond.com* Over eight days in April 2027, guests are invited to move from Santiago into the national park. This covers working viewpoints above Grey Glacier, tracing the Serrano River, and sitting with the light on Lake Pehoé. From there, they will be heading north to Pucón and the Araucanía region, where volcanic ridgelines and ancient araucaria forests open up an entirely different grammar of scale. A scenic charter flight, meanwhile, offers a rare aerial perspective. An Adobe Lightroom session at andBeyond Vira Vira Lodge rounds out the week, giving guests space to sit with what they’ve made. ![Cozy hotel room with a lit stone fireplace, wood panel walls, and a striped red chair beside a small table with a champagne bucket and glasses.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/South-America-Chile-andBeyond-Vira-Vira-Lodge-Hacienda-Master-Bedroom-Fire-Place-2240x1495.webp) The Hacienda master bedroom *Photo: Timothy Fall/andBeyond.com* The journey is hosted by Timothy Dhalleine, a French photographer and filmmaker who has lived in Patagonia since 2013. His portfolio spans the breadth of Chile, from the Atacama to the southern ice fields, and his recent work includes *The Present*, an award-winning documentary following a young man with Huntington’s disease cycling from Mexico to Patagonia, and a film chronicling legendary climber Sir Chris Bonington’s return to Torre Central del Paine, 62 years after his historic first ascent. *Under Dhalleine’s guidance, the expedition an experiential photography workshop and an extended exercise in attention. Rates begin from USD 16,890 per person. More information [here](https://www.andbeyond.com/).* **Categories:** Travel **Tags:** andBeyond, Chile, News, Patagonia, travel --- ### [F1 Racer Charles Leclerc Just Received His Sleek New 102-Foot Riva Superyacht](https://robbreport.ph/boats/f1-racer-charles-leclerc-just-received-his-sleek-new-102-foot-riva-superyacht/) **Published:** May 12, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** Charles Leclerc may not have won the F1 Miami Grand Prix on Sunday, but he still had a reason to celebrate this week. The Ferrari driver, who went from a potential podium finish to being classified eighth after a last-lap crash and a post-race penalty, received his new [Riva](https://robbreport.ph/tag/riva/ "Riva") [superyacht](https://robbreport.ph/tag/superyacht/) on Thursday during a special ceremony at the Italian shipyard. The Monegasque racer clearly has an affinity for the Ferretti Group brand, previously taking delivery of the 48 Dolceriva *[Monza](https://robbreport.ph/boats/9-sleek-superyachts-owned-by-f1-racers-from-max-verstappen-to-lewis-hamilton/ "9 Sleek Superyachts Owned by F1 Racers, From Max Verstappen to Lewis Hamilton")* and the 82 Diva *Sedici*, among other yachts. (Riva is also an official sponsor and partner of the Ferrari F1 team, with the shipyard logo appearing on Leclerc’s helmet and race car.) His new 102 Corsaro Super is bigger and, dare we say, better than his previous Rivas, though. ![Couple dressed in white posing on a boarding ramp beside a large luxury yacht named Riva](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/charles-leclerc-riva-102-Corsaro-Super.webp) Charles and his wife, Alexandra, receiving their yacht at Riva’s La Spezia shipyard. *Photo: Riva* “Charles’s passion for Riva, which is of course reciprocal, is a testament to quality and beauty that we welcome with boundless joy,” Ferretti Group CEO Alberto Galassi said in a [statement](https://www.riva-yacht.com/en-us/News-and-events/Detail/t/Riva-celebrates-the-La-Spezia-launch-of-the-20th/y/2026/n/2566). “If such a formidable driver and icon of style and elegance chooses once again one of our boats, it means that Riva, and in this case the magnificent 102 Corsaro Super, offers unrivalled standards of beauty, liveability and technology.” Unveiled in 2021, the [102 Corsaro Super](https://www.riva-yacht.com/en-us/Model/p/2-301-456-PUB/n/Riva-102'-Corsaro-Super) is based on the popular 100 Corsaro but is longer and more luxurious. The first unit launched in 2022, with Leclerc’s the 20th to hit the water. Penned in partnership with long-time Riva collaborator Officina Italiana Design, the flybridge yacht cuts a sleek, dynamic silhouette with sporty lines and expansive glazing. ![A sleek luxury motor yacht viewed from above, traveling forward through deep blue water with white wake trailing behind.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/riva-102-Corsaro-Super-3.webp) The bow of the 102 Corsaro Super. *Photo: Riva* The semi-custom 102-footer reflects Leclerc’s personal taste. The driver decorated the exterior with pieces by Italian luxury furniture brand Minotti and cushions by Thai silk specialist Jim Thompson. He also put his own spin on the flybridge, adding a bespoke bar with an oversized grill, an induction hob, two fridges, and an ice maker. Below, the beach club is complemented by a customized hauling ramp for launching and recovering water toys. The refined, contemporary interior is decked out with furniture and furnishings by Poliform, tableware by Christofle, bedding and linen by Frette, and a specially designed Bang & Olufsen sound system. Leclerc himself picked various custom details, such as the door handles and the elegant Corian Calacatta Greige acrylic throughout. The primary is, of course, fit for racing royalty, with an adjoining en suite covered with polished Calacatta Vagli Oro marble. As for grunt, the 102 Corsaro Super is more powerful than Leclerc’s Ferrari but obviously not as fast. It is equipped with two MTUs capable of producing 2,638 hp, giving the yacht a cruising speed of 24 knots and a top speed of 28 knots. Who needs an F1 trophy when you have a Riva? *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Boats **Tags:** ferretti group, News, Riva, Superyacht --- ### [Longines and the Discipline of Continuity](https://robbreport.ph/watches/longines-and-the-discipline-of-continuity/) **Published:** May 11, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** The watch company Longines has an amazingly continuous history; the name Longines actually comes from the long meadows in and around the area in which it has stayed for almost two centuries, and indeed, the words Les Longines appear on a map from the early times. What also figures prominently in the property where the headquarters stand are very early images of the watchmakers, craftsmen, suppliers, and the like, who had picked the same little tree-lined path we took from the train station to the Longines facility ourselves. ![Open green field with a white building complex and red roofs at the edge, row of bare trees, and forested hills in the distance](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Outside-Longines-HQ_1-2240x1680.webp) *Longines* Its location by the meadows and nearby rivers is what allowed Longines to take their watchmaking expertise and ramp it up using hydraulic physical (as opposed to electric) power by harnessing water flow. This, in turn, allowed it to make more watches while still keeping the higher levels of quality that it wanted. ![Watchmaker's hand uses tweezers to place tiny gears on an exposed watch movement inside a green compartment box with multiple sections.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Longines-Heritage-Workshop_7.webp) *Longines* That it has remained in the same plot of land for almost 200 years is especially important because it still has its store of knowledge, information, and very surprisingly, parts. It uses these to keep both historic and personal pieces going, especially those that can’t be replicated because the original materials are no longer used for watchmaking. Yet, it is a treasure trove in so many ways—even the handwriting on every little box tells you it’s from a whole different time period. ![Two hands sort small metal findings and beads from clear plastic compartments in a jewelry workshop, with a blue lid container on the right.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Longines-Heritage-Workshop_2.webp) Even with parts available, Longines tries its best to repair instead of replace parts because it only has so many. Also, it has the longest-lasting and still-used trademark in the Swiss watch industry. ![Old wooden cabinet filled with rows of bound ledgers and books, open ledger on a polished desk in front, vintage tools nearby with a ladder to the side.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Longines-Museum_21.webp) *Longines* Furthering its enduring, long history, the museum has libraries full of order books dating back to the very first ones, which is what allows Longines to authenticate and document almost any of its previous pieces. This is very rare in the industry; it attributes its ability to keep this tradition alive to the fact that it never moved, and therefore, never lost the ability to store all the parts that would someday become so valuable. ![Close-up of an antique wooden workbench with metal calipers and carving tools, beside an open book showing handwritten notes](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Longines-Museum_27.webp) Tools displayed at the museum. *Longines* The nearby town of St-Imier still quaintly rings the town clock at noon and is almost more of a crossroads than a town center. The area is known for agriculture, skiing, and horse raising, which explains why the company has long been involved in supporting those sports. Later, it took that knowledge as human and equine power turned into engines and internal combustion, and eventually, aviation. In many ways, the company has stuck to its guns, not trying to push too far upward as many have. Yet, they still have this unassailable position in the modern Swiss and global watch industry—all while going to work surrounded by pastures, meadows, and forests. **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** longines --- ### ["Topography of Seeing" is Is Jumalon’s Ode to Nature’s Mystique ](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-collectibles/topography-of-seeing-is-is-jumalons-ode-to-natures-mystique/) **Published:** May 11, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** We Filipinos possess a distinctive sensibility toward nature, and while our art history has been profoundly shaped by Western traditions, many artists, writers, and filmmakers have worked to decolonize their gaze in order to unearth ways of seeing that are more closely attuned to our own identity. Among the many subjects explored by artists, our relationship with nature is especially vital. As a country abundant in flora, this richness has inevitably shaped our *diwa*, giving rise to reverence through stories about mountains, rivers and unseen spirits and entities that dwell within forests. It is customary, for instance, to say “Tabi tabi po,” so as to avoid disturbing these presences and inviting misfortune. In this light, our folk perception of nature stands in contrast to the Western tendency to frame it as something controlled or subdued. Yet, with the rise of modernization and the spread of globalized routines and cultures, this affinity risks dissolution. Many city dwellers may even pass through life without ever truly encountering nature in its raw grandeur, and merely get the polished versions of it in tourist destinations designed for man’s comfort. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/1-_J9A8995-1.webp) *Courtesy of Silverlens Manila | New York* In *Topography of Seeing*, Is Jumalon depicts nature in that rawness, drawing inspiration from the landscape of her hometown in Zamboanga, she reimagines the genre of landscape. Moving away from its Western tradition of depicting nature as tame and placid–prior to the championing of the sublime by Romantic artists–she instead presents it as mystical, unruly, and even treacherous. This approach aligns with the broader arc of her practice, which experiments with form and perception, pushing the boundaries between what is visible and what is visceral. **Your childhood of being surrounded by rich narratives tied to culture and nature is unique. Can you share a core memory of when you felt this way as a child that you still hold onto now?** Jumalon: A core memory I still hold on to is how much time I spent outside as a child. I used to play until past sunset, sometimes wandering farther than we were supposed to. On the way home, I had to pass by rows of coconut trees and several nuno sa punso. It would already be so dark, and sometimes the only thing guiding me home was the small flame from a lighter used as a flashlight. In nature, there are all sorts of sounds: the wind moving through the trees, insects, rustling you can’t really explain. As a child, your imagination fills in the rest. That feeling really stayed with me. I think it shaped the way I see nature now, something beautiful, alive, mysterious, and sometimes slightly unsettling. **Landscape is a genre that Filipino painters of both classical and modern traditions alike take on in their practices, influenced by Western Art. Growing up ensconced in the ‘unruliness’ of nature such as those in your hometown, can you recall your earliest sentiments upon encountering the pastoral representations of Filipino landscapes?** When I first encountered those kinds of landscape paintings, I remember feeling that they were very still and peaceful. The nature I grew up around did not always feel that way to me. It felt alive and unpredictable. There were stories, warnings, strange sounds at night, and a feeling that certain places carried presence or mystery. Growing up, it often felt less like I was simply looking at nature and more like I was exploring the insides of it. So while I appreciated the beauty of pastoral landscapes, I think I naturally gravitated toward images of nature that felt more emotional, uncanny, or psychologically charged, closer to how I actually experienced it growing up. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/4-_J9A9001.webp) *Courtesy of Silverlens Manila | New York* **When creating works that recall your hometown, what sources do you draw from (ex. memory, photographs, etc.)? What is your process usually like?** A lot of it begins when I spend time in nature, especially when I go hiking or forest bathing. That’s usually when ideas come to me. I become fascinated by textures, patterns, and the feeling of peering into nature closely because the more I look, the more landscapes I seem to find within it. Sometimes I collect twigs, leaves, or seeds. That’s part of how I study nature or get to know it more intimately. I also like bringing my camera with me so I can document certain moments, textures, or formations that stay with me. My process usually starts with my own photographs. From there, I cut and rearrange them into collages, then redraw and eventually paint them. That repetition becomes a way of investigating the subject, almost like spending more time inside it. Along the way, I allow accidents to happen through cracks, textures, or unexpected bends in the material. Lately, I’ve also been returning to painting in a more raw and naive way instead of trying to overly refine everything. I think that kind of crudeness carries more immediacy and honesty. **You describe the terrain of Mount Pulong as a ‘dual soul’ that embodies multiple polarities that mold your view and experience of life. How does embracing these polarities enrich your humanity? What does it mean to do that in these tumultuous times?** I think embracing those polarities allows me to become more accepting of contradiction, uncertainty, and change. It embodies opposing feelings at once. It can feel comforting and frightening, intimate and unfamiliar. Growing up around that kind of environment shaped the way I understand life and people as something layered and constantly shifting. In a time where everything feels very polarized and people are pressured to simplify themselves or choose sides immediately, I think there is value in sitting with complexity. Nature taught me that opposing forces can coexist. Something can be gentle and dangerous at the same time. I think embracing those dualities makes me more open, more observant, and more compassionate toward both myself and others. ![Woman with short black hair and glasses stands with arms crossed in front of a vibrant abstract painting in a gallery room, wearing a black top.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Artist-photo-courtesy-of-the-artist.webp) *Courtesy of the artist,* **How do you imagine people *see* nature through your works?** At first, people might feel unsure of what they are looking at. There is familiarity, but also something layered and not immediately readable. Over time, it opens up and they begin to move through it more personally, like exploring a landscape rather than just viewing it. I like them to tether the work to their own experience and fill in the blanks. Perception and emotion shift depending on who is looking. Ultimately, it is about how internal and external environments overlap. My paintings are personal refuges, but I hope they can also become shared ground. Topography of Seeing *runs until May 16 at Silverlens Gallery. For more information, visit * **Categories:** Art & Collectibles **Tags:** art exhibit, Is Jumalon, silverlens --- ### [The Redesigned 2026 BMW iX3 in Photos](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-redesigned-2026-bmw-ix3-in-photos/) **Published:** May 11, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** Read about the redesigned 2026 BMW iX3 [here](https://robbreport.ph/cars/bmws-neue-klasse-ix3-can-travel-434-miles-on-a-single-charge/). ![Blue BMW SUV driving along a winding coastal highway with rocky hills in the background at sunset light.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/newix301.webp) The 2026 BMW iX3 *Photo: BMW* ![Front view of a dark BMW driving on a winding desert road at sunset with rocky hills in the background.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/P90615614_highRes_the-new-bmw-ix3-50-x.webp) The EV features redesigned kidney grilles *Photo: BMW* ![Blue SUV driving along a coastal highway at sunset with the ocean in the background, in motion.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/P90615620_highRes_the-new-bmw-ix3-50-x.webp) The 2026 BMW iX3 in profile *Photo: BMW* ![BMW interior with white steering wheel and a large central touchscreen, ocean view outside the windows, blue ambient lighting.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/P90615629_highRes_the-new-bmw-ix3-50-x.webp) Inside the SUV *Photo: BMW* ![Futuristic BMW cockpit with a large tablet-style central screen, circular steering wheel, and ambient blue lighting against a sunset horizon outside the windshield, showcasing an advanced electric interior design.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/P90615628_highRes_the-new-bmw-ix3-50-x.webp) The new iX3 features the full-width Panoramic iDrive guage cluster *Photo: BMW* ![Rear passenger cabin of a modern car with light gray perforated seats and headrests, black door panels, and rear air vents nearby.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/P90615663_highRes_the-new-bmw-ix3-50-x.webp) The cabin can seat up to five adults *Photo: BMW* ![Blue BMW electric SUV seen from the rear three-quarter on a coastal highway with a sea and mountains in the distance, sunset lighting.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/P90615618_highRes_the-new-bmw-ix3-50-x-1.webp) The EV’s dual-motor powertrain makes 473 hp. *Photo: BMW* ![Front three-quarter view of a blue BMW SUV driving along a coastal highway with the sea on the left and rocky cliffs in the background.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/P90615625_highRes_the-new-bmw-ix3-50-x.webp) The 2026 BMW iX3 will be able to travel 400 miles on a single charge. *Photo: BMW* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** bmw, cars, electric vehicles, News --- ### [BMW’s ‘Neue Klasse’ iX3 Can Travel 434 Miles on a Single Charge](https://robbreport.ph/cars/bmws-neue-klasse-ix3-can-travel-434-miles-on-a-single-charge/) **Published:** May 11, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** It looks like [BMW](https://robbreport.ph/tag/bmw/ "bmw") is going to deliver on its promises. The German luxury automaker has finally opened the order books for the iX3, the first of its eagerly anticipated “Neue Klasse” EVs. That means the vehicle configurator has gone live, revealing the SUV’s official range and how much it will cost. Back when BMW unveiled the battery-powered version of its compact SUV last fall, the marque said it was targeting a range of around 400 miles for the vehicle. The configurator lists a range of 383 to 434 miles for the EV. The upper figure is attainable by fitting the EV with 20-inch wheels wrapped in summer tires, which are available as a no-cost option, while the all-season version of the same tires delivers the lower figure. Opting for larger wheels does affect the range, but nowhere near as dramatically as we’ve seen from other battery-powered vehicles. The iX3 has a range of 398 miles when optioned with 21-inch wheels with summer tires, 399 miles when optioned with 21-inch wheels with all-season tires, and 392 miles when optioned with 22-inch wheels with summer tires. ![Silver SUV driving along a mountain road with a guardrail and rocky hills under cloudy skies.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/bmw-ix3-02.webp) Deliveries of the 2027 BMW iX3 will begin this fall *Photo: BMW* The iX3 isn’t the longest-range EV on the market—that would be the latest iteration of the Lucid Air Grand Touring, which can travel up to 512 miles on a single charge—but it is near the top of its class. In case drivers still feel a little anxiety about the 400-ish-mile figure, BMW has revealed that the EV’s battery can be charged from 10 to 80 percent with a 21-minute charge. If that’s too long, roughly 185 miles of range can be added after 10 minutes connected to a DC fast charger. The launch of the configurator also means we now how much the iX3 will set drivers back. Only one version of the EV will be available at launch, the iX3 50 xDrive, and it will start at $62,850. That price, [as BMW Blog points out](https://www.bmwblog.com/2026/05/06/2027-bmw-ix3-price-range-revealed-us-configurator/), positions it squarely between the gas-powered X3 30 xDrive, which starts at $52,650, and the performance-oriented X3 M50 xDrive, which starts at $67,850. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/P90615618_highRes_the-new-bmw-ix3-50-x.webp) *Photo: BMW* The iX3 is a BMW, though, so there are also plenty of add-ons to consider. Some of the available options include a standalone heated steering wheel (which adds $200 to the cost), perforated Merino leather ($1,500), and M Sport Professional Package ($4,000), which an M sport aero package, upgraded brakes, and a special steering wheel. An iX3 with all the available bells and whistle would cost just shy of $86,000. Those interested in securing their 2027 iX3 can [reserve theirs through the automaker’s website](https://www.bmw.com.ph/) now. All they need to do is configure their SUV, submit all relevant information to a BMW dealer of their choosing, and pay a $1,000 deposit. Deliveries of the EV are scheduled to start this fall. ***Click [here](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-redesigned-2026-bmw-ix3-in-photos/) to see more photos of the 2027 BMW iX3.*** *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** bmw, electric vehicles, iX3, News --- ### [McLaren’s New Track-Only Hypercar Is Even More Powerful Than the Race Car It’s Based On](https://robbreport.ph/cars/mclarens-new-track-only-hypercar-is-even-more-powerful-than-the-race-car-its-based-on/) **Published:** May 8, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** Sometimes the rules really are holding us back. The British performance specialists have finally unveiled their latest [Le Mans racer, the MCL-HY](https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2026/endurance/2027-fia-world-endurance-championship-hypercar-and-track-car-revealed/). Even more exciting, though, is the customer version, the MCL-HY GTR, which may be the more hard-core of the duo since it doesn’t have the rules. ![Top-down view of a futuristic orange, white, and gray race car with a large rear wing and sleek cockpit.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/mclaren-mcl-hy-gtr-03.webp) Both McLaren MCL-HYs feature a carbon-fiber body designed to be as aerodynamic as possible *Photo: McLaren* With the success [McLaren](https://robbreport.ph/tag/mclaren/) has achieved in Formula 1 over the last two years, it’s little wonder that the marque is ready to give the 24 Hours of [Le Mans](https://robbreport.ph/tag/le-mans/) another go. Despite taking the overall checkered flag in 1995, the automaker has precious little experience at the famous race. That’ll change next year, though, when McLaren Racing rejoins the top class of the FIA World Endurance Championship. The ultra-sleek MCL-HY, which will be driven by Mikkel Jensen with support from Gregoire Saucy and Richard Verschoor, is powered by a hybrid-assisted 2.9-liter V-6 that’ll pump out a combined 697 hp. ![Two race cars—orange and gray—lean into a curve on a sunlit track at sunset, chasing the apex.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/mclaren-mcl-hy-gtr-02.webp) The McLaren MCL-HY GTR (left) and MCL-HY *Photo: McLaren* The race car, which was shown off in a livery Papaya inspired by the McLaren M6A prototype from the 1960s, is a true speed machine, but the customer version takes things even further. That’s because the MCL-HY GTR won’t be subject to any road or race regulations. The primary result of this is the automaker has retained the race car’s six-cylinder but chosen to forgo the FIA-required hybrid system. The mill, unburdened by the extra hardware and competitive restrictions, is even more potent, generating as much as 720 hp. ![Silver and black high-performance race car with orange accents parked in a bright white studio.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/mclaren-mcl-hy-gtr-00.webp) *Photo: McLaren* Not only is the customer version more powerful than the race car, it’s also lighter. McLaren hasn’t said how much the final MCL-HY GTR will weight, but it will be less than Le Mans’s minimum 2,271-pound limit. That means it’s already superb power-to-weight ratio will be even better. ![Orange and white prototype race car with a large rear wing parked in a bright indoor garage, sunlight streaming through windows, red taillights glowing.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/mclaren-mcl-hy-gtr-05.webp) Deliveries of the MCL-HY GTR are expected to start before the end of 2027 *Photo: McLaren* McLaren has yet to mention a price tag for the MCL-HY GTR, but you can expect it to be one of the less-accessible vehicles the automaker has in the works. The company has previously said the car will only be offered to hand-picked “VIP” clients through its Project: Endurance program. Testing will begin later this month, with deliveries slated to begin before the end of 2027. [](https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/the-potent-mclaren-mcl-hy-gtr-in-photos-1238038479/)*This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** le mans, mclaren, News --- ### [This New Star Wars-Themed Gigayacht Concept Is a Star Destroyer for the Seas](https://robbreport.ph/boats/this-new-star-wars-themed-gigayacht-concept-is-a-star-destroyer-for-the-seas/) **Published:** May 7, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** The Force has once again made it all the way to the high seas. British design studio ThirtyC has unveiled another [superyacht](https://robbreport.ph/tag/superyacht/) concept in honor of Star Wars Day, continuing a tradition that it started over a decade ago. “We did our first one when we opened the studio in 2015,” studio founder and creative director Rob Armstrong previously told *Robb Report*. “We felt like we were injecting a bit of fun into our industry. Most of us knew *Star Wars* while growing up, so it seemed like a good way to add some light humor to what can sometimes become very serious superyacht projects.” The “May the 4th be with you” phrase, reportedly coined when Margaret Thatcher won the election on May 4, 1979, stems from the 1977 classic *Star Wars: A New Hope*, in which General Jan Dodonna famously says to the rebel pilots, “May the Force be with you.” It has since morphed into an unofficial holiday, allowing fans to celebrate the famed space saga in all manner of ways—including with, yes, superyachts. ![Futuristic white luxury yacht at sunset on calm seas, with a helicopter on the right deck and angular glass windows along the hulls.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/ThirtyC-Star-Wars-Gigayacht-1.webp) The sharp bow. *ThirtyC* Every year, [ThirtyC](https://www.thirtyc.com/) drops a *Star Wars*-themed concept on the franchise’s special day. It has done everything from superimposing Darth Vader, Princess Leia, and Chewbacca onto million-dollar superyachts and tenders to putting the iconic razor crest ship from *The Mandalorian* on the back of Lürssen’s 476-foot *Nord*. This year, the firm has revealed a giant 492-foot [gigayacht](https://robbreport.ph/tag/gigayacht/) inspired by the Empire’s iconic Star Destroyers, which have appeared in all three main *Star Wars* trilogies, starting with the famous opening scene of *A New Hope*. The yacht cuts the same wedge-shaped silhouette as the spaceship, with sharp, angular lines running from bow to stern. That arrow-like design would allow it to “cut through water like a lightsaber through a blast door,” according to the studio. In place of the typical steel, aluminum, or GRP, glass covers much of the exterior, creating a futuristic feel and ensuring epic views from the interior. ![Large white multi-deck luxury yacht docked in a busy marina at sunset, surrounded by numerous smaller boats with a cityscape and hills in the background.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/ThirtyC-Star-Wars-Gigayacht-3.webp) Thirty-C Speaking of the interior, the exact layout “classified by the Imperial Senate,” ThirtyC says. There are, however, accommodations for a “full legion” of guests and crew. The captain’s quarters are positioned high within the superstructure on the bridge deck, providing the perfect vantage point for an admiral. The yacht is also fitted with a hidden hangar for tenders and Jet Skis, should you need to make a quick escape. Armstrong told *Robb Report* that each year it becomes more challenging to outdo the last design, which has us wondering just what is in store for May 4, 2027. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Boats **Tags:** Gigayacht, Star Wars, Superyacht, ThirtyC --- ### [This Luxe New Hotel in Portugal Has 43 Elegant Villas—Each With Their Own Pool](https://robbreport.ph/travel/this-luxe-new-hotel-in-portugal-has-43-elegant-villas-each-with-their-own-pool/) **Published:** May 6, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** It was a friend who originally brought Gonçalo Pessoa to Comporta, a sleepy holiday destination for the Portuguese about an hour south of Lisbon. The pal had a place in the beach town for quite some time and had long been pestering the former TAP Air pilot to stop by and see the area’s unparallelled beauty and tranquility for himself. Pessoa and his now-wife eventually ventured to Comporta in 2001, and that one visit was all it took for him to be hooked. “It was the anti-Algarve,” he tells *Robb Report*. “It really was the opposite; it was untouched. It was nature at its best, simplicity, authenticity. It had it all.” So he and his family, at first, set out to build their own personal villa in the area, snatching up 42 acres of land amid the peaceful dunes, forests and rice fields that form a truly unique environment. The idea quickly turned into a hospitality venture, though, when Pessoa realized “there were beautiful people coming to, you know, discover the region . . . but they didn’t have any place to stay.” And so Sublime was born in 2014 as a boutique [hotel](https://robbreport.ph/tag/hotel/) with just 14 rooms, eventually turning into a five-star mainstay that took Comporta from an under-the-radar destination to a tony Portuguese hot spot for the international jet-set. The venture has grown to include striking villas inspired by the landscape, suites with biological pools (sans chemicals), and restaurants galore—and even a sister property in Lisbon. Now the brand is expanding yet again, *Robb Report* can exclusively report, with a new arm: Sublime Sand, which officially opens its doors today. ![Modern wooden villa with a central peaked roof, outdoor loungers and umbrellas around a rectangular pool.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/sublime-sand-villa.webp) A closer look at Sublime Sand’s villa. *Photo: Sublime Sand* At the new piece of the property, you can expect to find 43 striking villas (with rates starting from around $1,400 per night), each with their own private pool and indoor-outdoor fireplaces to help you make the most of the stunning surroundings. The landscape-inspired design of the original hotel, which gives a modern twist to traditional Comporta architecture, extends here, done up by Lisbon-based firm Fragmentos in partnership with Sublime’s original architect, José Charrua. Inside, meanwhile, you can expect minimalist textures and designs, neutral hues, and a focus on indoor-outdoor living courtesy of Andringa Studio, alongside durable, high-quality furniture sourced from Indonesia. And the difference between the old and new guard? Sublime Terracotta, Sand’s predecessor, is focused more on couples, offering up an elegant, mature retreat. The new hotel, meanwhile, will be a vibrant hub for families, perfect for a multi-generational vacation, as well for larger group travels, whether it be for business or pleasure. “And this is why we say that now we have the best of three worlds, because we can accommodate three different worlds that sometimes would have difficulty being together” otherwise, Pessoa says. In an unusual move for a boutique property, Sublime is home to nine restaurants across its portfolio, with a Japanese number on the way next year; Pessoa is personally inclined to all things culinary, hence the emphasis. “We want our guests that stay in our property to have multiple options and to keep them as much as possible inside our universe,” he says. New to the dining roster with Sublime Sand’s opening are Beefbar, an acclaimed mean eatery that started in Monte Carlo and has since spread across the globe, and Davvero, an elegant import from Sublime Lisbon that is known for its Italian cuisine. Among its other food spots, you can find Sadu, a Portuguese culinary hub full of traditional dishes that’s named for the river upon which it sits; the Food Circle, a 14-seat ode to live fire cooking where you’ll dine among over 200 species of herbs and vegetables grown right on the property; and Sem Porta, which serves classic dishes from around the globe. ![Open-concept living and dining area with a central fireplace pillar, beige sectional, and glass walls showing a wooden outdoor patio.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/sublime-sand-villa-interior.webp) Inside, the villas are full of natural tones and materials. *Photo: Sublime Sand* In terms of activities, [Sublime](https://www.sublimehotels.pt/en/stay/sublime-comporta/the-resort/) has its own beach club perched right on the sea, located about four miles from the hotel itself (with the property providing transportation to and from, of course.) Elsewhere, you’ll find a dedicated Kid’s Club with its own pool, a spa, multiple gyms, and new tennis and padel courts. And to cater to those larger groups, whether it be a wedding or a business trip, Sublime Sand has room for 450 people to mill about at its event space. Most of all, Pessoa hopes within the vibrant, lively hotel, guests will be able to bond with themselves and their fellow travelers and find in a true sanctuary. “During our crazy days, we don’t have time to be among the ones we treasure most, and for the ones traveling in groups, to connect with their business partners or to their associates,” he says. “This can be a place of connection and also of enjoyment.” *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Travel **Tags:** hotel, News, portugal, travel --- ### [Hermès’s Bold New Skeleton Watch Is Solidifying the Brand’s Horological Cred](https://robbreport.ph/watches/hermess-bold-new-skeleton-watch-is-solidifying-the-brands-horological-cred/) **Published:** May 6, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** It’s shaping up to be a big year for watchmaking at [Hermès](https://robbreport.ph/tag/hermes/ "hermes"). The French luxury house is carving out new territory with [a skeleton model for its H08 collection](https://www.hermes.com/us/en/product/hermes-h08-squelette-watch-42mm-W408393WW00/). It’s not the first time the line has received an elevated movement—a chronograph monopusher was introduced in 2023—but it does suggest the direction in which the brand is moving its offering. Many high-end watchmakers make skeletonized models, but it’s surprisingly fitting for the maison. The design was invented in the 18th century in France, not Switzerland, and, figuratively speaking at least, it plays into the brand’s “less is more” ethos. “When I speak about the house’s DNA, it’s really about restraint,” creative director of Hermès Horloger Philippe Delhotal tells *Robb Report*. “That is, we prefer to take things away rather than add them, in order to achieve something very simple, very understated.” But refining a watch to its bare bones is formidable. Despite the removal of material, the architecture can result in a busy design and potentially make reading the time difficult. Hermès approached the issue with a minimal execution inspired by urban buildings instead of the more-baroque curves often found in this style. The hands, as well as the applied Arabic numerals, are coated in Super-LumiNova for extra visibility. The open-worked dial and case are made from titanium, adding an extra challenge to the manufacturing process. Although lightweight and robust, the material is notoriously difficult to machine, requiring more work to achieve the angles. ![Skeleton-dial wristwatch with glowing blue numerals and blue strap, Hermes Paris, against a dark backdrop.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_Hermes_H08_Squelette_1.webp) Super-LumiNova accents on the dial provide legibility in the dark. *Photo: Courtesy of Hermès* The structure also necessitated a new movement. The caliber H1978S—a numerical reference to the year Hermès set up its watchmaking facilities in Biel, Switzerland—is an improved version of its predecessor that ups the power reserve from 50 hours to 60. Its durability was tested in a simulation mimicking 10 years of wear to ensure it would withstand the test of time. This means that unlike other fragile skeleton timepieces, this watch can be worn while skiing, running, biking, or swimming (it’s water-resistant to 100 meters and comes with a screw-down crown). “This is the first time this new-generation movement is entering our collections, and it is entering through a skeleton and through a titanium movement,” says Hermès Watchmaking C.E.O. Laurent Dordet. “All of our future movements will not be in titanium nor in skeleton, but they will be from this generation of movement—more performative, more robust, resistant to anti-magnetism, etc.” The watch is part of a broader push to elevate Hermès’s horological credentials. When *Robb Report* visited its manufacture in Switzerland in February for a sneak peek at the timepiece, the company was mid-construction on a sprawling addition to its facility that will produce cases and dials, building more than 75,000 square feet onto the existing 43,000-square-foot space and welcoming an additional 100 employees to the 300-strong headcount. Just an hour’s drive away, [Vaucher](https://vauchermanufacture.ch/en/), in which Hermès has held a minority stake for more than two decades, creates its movements. The respected manufacture also supplies calibers to top-tier watch brands such as [Richard Mille](https://robbreport.ph/tag/richard-mille/ "richard mille"), [Parmigiani Fleurier](https://robbreport.ph/tag/parmigiani-fleurier/), and [Audemars Piguet](https://robbreport.ph/tag/audemars-piguet/). ![Back view of a black-toned wristwatch with a bright blue rubber strap and visible mechanical movement through the case back, Hermes Paris branding.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RR_Hermes_H08_Squelette_3.webp) The open-worked design of Hermès’s new H08 Squelette allows a view of its movement from either side. *Photo: Courtesy of Hermès* As a lifestyle brand, Hermès’s approach to watchmaking remains distinct: Design and creativity come first, with technical performance following. In Switzerland, the order is often reversed, and that difference can be a strength rather than a limitation. “But you know, at Hermès we don’t do things like the others,” Delhotal says with a smile. That difference is resonating—particularly in the U.S., where Dordet says the H08 has become one of the brand’s strongest timepieces. With the introduction of a more ambitious skeleton model, Hermès is proving that it can hold its own even in the most exacting corners of Swiss watchmaking. The watch is [$21,600](https://www.hermes.com/us/en/product/hermes-h08-squelette-watch-42mm-W408393WW00/) on the international website. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** audemars piguet, hermes, Magazine, parmigiani, richard mille, Watch Collector --- ### [Bugatti’s Bonkers New One-Off Mistral Was Inspired by a Dragonfly](https://robbreport.ph/cars/bugattis-bonkers-new-one-off-mistral-was-inspired-by-a-dragonfly/) **Published:** May 6, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** [Bugatti](https://robbreport.ph/tag/bugatti/ "bugatti") was inspired by a certain nimble insect for its latest custom creation. The marque just unveiled a new one-off [Mistral](https://robbreport.ph/tag/mistral/ "mistral") that takes design cues from a dragonfly today. The striking blue beauty comes from the team at its Sur Measure atelier, where customers can craft even more specialized versions of [Bugatti’s](https://www.bugatti.com/ "Bugatti’s") supercars. And this ride isn’t the only insect-inspired vehicle in the marque’s repertoire. The owner of the new Mistral “Fly Bug” previously dreamed up three other cars inspired by creatures in nature: the Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse “Hellbug,” the Chiron “Hellbee” and the Divo “Lady Bug.” ![Blue leather interior of a luxury sports car with a circular steering wheel and carbon-fiber accents featuring a Bugatti emblem at the center.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/bugatti-w16-mistral-fly-bug-wheel.webp) The wheel. *Photo: Bugatti* For the fourth addition to the client’s collection, Bugatti drew from the dragonfly’s iridescent wings and quick speed. As a result, the “Fly Bug” is adorned with its own bespoke paint called Dragonfly Blue, one that shifts from blue to turquoise depending on the light. The car also sports a spotted ellipse pattern that grows darker as you head toward the rear; and, for the first time in the marque’s history, its Macaron oval emblem makes an appearance as part of the graphic on the car’s flank, a choice suggested by the owner that was a rather demanding task, Bugatti says. ![Blue convertible sports car in a studio setting with a blue and black dotted wrap and matching blue rims, side view showcasing low profile and sleek design.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/bugatti-w16-mistral-fly-bug-side.webp) The ellipsis design gets darker as it heads toward the rear. *Photo: Bugatti* The eye-catching blue hue extends to the interior, too. There, Bugatti crafted an exclusive material—leather laid over Alcantara in a geometric design—just for this ride, which also gives the inside a 3-D effect. That ellipse pattern can be seen across the door panels also, and, in another first for the marque, the graphic covers both the door panel face and the armrest area. Overall, it took Bugatti months to bring the complex “Fly Bug” to life. ![Side view of a blue and black convertible sports car with turquoise accents on a white studio background.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/bugatti-w16-mistral-fly-bug-rear.webp) The Bugatti W16 Mistral “Fly Bug.” *Photo: Bugatti* Aside from all that detailed design work, this Mistral is equipped with all its usual specs. The maximalist ride, priced from around $5.8 million, can hit a top speed of 282 mph (in a record for an open-top road car upon its launch) and dart to 62 mph in just 2.4 seconds. The car is also home to that W-16 engine, of course, which produces a cool 1,600 hp. And with Bugatti building just 99 examples of this beastly beauty (all of which are spoken for), we’re sure there’s more stunners waiting to make their debut. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US*. **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** bugatti, cars, News --- ### [Here Are Some Ways to Celebrate Mother's Day At The Peninsula Manila](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/celebrate-mothers-day-at-the-peninsula/) **Published:** May 5, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** There is an art to celebrating someone well, and it usually involves the kind that sets aside an afternoon, a table, a room, and says, simply: this is entirely for you. This May, [The Peninsula Manila](https://robbreport.ph/tag/the-peninsula-manila/ "the peninsula manila") makes that case with characteristic grace, assembling a program of dining experiences and an overnight retreat in honor of Mother’s Day on May 10. ![Woman in a green floral dress holds a teacup beside a gold, three-tiered platter of pastries, macarons and drinks at a tea service.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Mothers-Day-Afternoon-Tea.webp) The Peninsula Manila The culinary offerings run throughout the month. At The Lobby, afternoon tea (Php2,890) is available daily from May 1 to 10—elegant, and precisely the kind of mid-afternoon pause that mothers will always welcome. Pair this with a “Baking Memories with Mom” cake decorating class on May 10, and your afternoon is all set (Php6,490; make the reservation now, as only 10 slots are available). ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Mothers-Day-Bouquet-scaled.webp) *The Peninsula Manila* There’s also a Mother’s Day Brunch in Escolta on May 10 (Php4,990 for adults and PHP 2,500 for children under 12). Old Manila, the hotel’s most storied dining room, offers a four-course lunch and dinner from May 8 to 10 at PHP 5,500—*Robb Report Philippines*‘ editors recently sampled the new menu, and the verdict is that it’s the kind of meal that justifies clearing the calendar entirely. A Peninsula Boutique pop-up at The Lobby, running May 1 to 10, offers cakes, chocolate art pieces, pastries, and flowers. ![Hotel room with a white bed and wooden headboard, a nightstand holding a phone and flowers, and a doorway to a seating area in the background.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Premier-Suite-Bedroom-Editorial-2240x1400.webp) *The Peninsula Manila* Of course, staying on an overnight package with “Celebrating Her: Honoring Mothers in our 50th Year” is where the hotel’s hospitality instincts are most fully expressed. Rates begin at Php22,099 for a Grand Deluxe Room and Php27,499 for a Premier Suite, with inclusions that read like a day designed entirely around her: a floral welcome amenity, afternoon tea, daily buffet breakfast at Escolta, access to the pool and Fitness Centre, and Peninsula Time—the hotel’s flexible check-in and check-out arrangement that may be the most favorite detail of all. Suite guests additionally enjoy access to the Gallery Club Lounge, with culinary offerings throughout the day from breakfast through evening cocktails. She’ll love it. *For reservations, call +63 2 8887 2888 or visit [peninsula.com](https://www.peninsula.com/en/manila/5-star-luxury-hotel-makati).* **Categories:** Dining, Food & Drink, Leisure **Tags:** Makati, Mother's Day, the peninsula manila --- ### [Singular Manila: Spain, Dressed for Dinner](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/singular-manila-spain-dressed-for-dinner/) **Published:** May 5, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** Spain has one of those cuisines that Filipinos believe they already know; nearly four centuries of colonial history will do that. And yet, sitting down to the tasting menu at Singular, Fernando Alcalá and Edu Fuentes’ restaurant in BGC, is a reminder of how much of Spain remains unknown to us: the interior plains of Castilla-La Mancha, the Moorish coastline of the Mediterranean, the Alboran seashore of Málaga. Focused and well-meaning, Singular serves the Spain that most Spaniards carry in their memory: regional and specific. And, in Alcalá’s hands, as calculated as a toreador head-to-head with the bull. (Singular doesn’t rest on Spanish clichés, but I can’t promise I won’t.) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Private-Room-Singular-2240x1659.webp) The private room at Singular. *Singular* Fernando Alcalá did not take the conventional route to head chef through culinary school. A former law student from Marbella, he came to cooking late and is entirely self-taught. The accolades he’s received in his career since has proven it was worth the pivot: by 2019, the industry had taken notice. That year, he was named Cocinero Revelación at Madrid Fusion, a recognition that announced him as one of the most compelling new voices in the country. His restaurant Kava in Marbella earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand shortly after and a Repsol Sun in 2021. In Manila, his other, more casual concept Bolero received a Bib Gourmand distinction in 2025 and a place in the Michelin Guide. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Snack1.webp) A trio of snacks that sets the tone immediately—a bollo preñao, the stuffed bread roll of Asturias; mejillones en escabeche, mussels cured in the vinegar-bright brine; a serranito de pastrami, Alcala’s wink at Andalucia’s beloved bocadillo. *Singular* At Singular, the atmosphere is calm and low-lit, its interior design spare and tends toward mid-century modern, punctuated with a scattering of well-worn books with creased spines, rotary telephones, and other vintage objects on shelves, intimating that while we’re expected to see more modern cuisine on the tables, there’s a history it hews to. There’s a bar on the left that serves classic cocktails but also a well thought out selection of inspired cocktails with Spanish twists, of course, like the Sobremesa that references carajillo, and the Albero the rebujito, a straightforward drink I have surprisingly begun to appreciate more than sangria on these hot summer days. ![Dark, modern dining room with wooden tables and light-colored chairs, a circular window in the back, and a blurred passerby walking by.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Gallery.webp) *Singular* The most brightly-lit area is the glossy, green-tiled kitchen. Open kitchens are really only for theater, and its usual regimented coldness quite honestly makes me tense, but I rather liked that instead of Singular’s cooks keeping to their stations in a soldierly fashion, I noticed that they would sometimes gather in small groups, usually led by Fuentes, over a dish, consulting with each other, deep in thought and conversation. (You don’t hear them.) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/ATUN-CON-PIPIRRANA-Y-AJOBLANCO.webp) Atun con Pipirrana y Ajoblanco. *Singular* There are two menus: the 7-course Raices (“roots”; Php4,890+) and the 10-course Horizontes (“horizons”; Php7,980+). An a la carte menu lists a selection of dishes from Horizontes that one can order to supplement the shorter menu. Both the long and short menus read like a road trip through the parts of Spain that tourists rarely reach with one roundtrip ticket, each opening with a trio that sets the tone immediately—a bollo preñao, the stuffed bread roll of Asturias; mejillones en escabeche, mussels cured in the vinegar-bright brine; a serranito de pastrami, Alcalá’s wink at Andalucia’s beloved bocadillo, bite-sized and nowhere else made more dainty. ![Creamy sauce is poured over a plated dish of diced pork, snap peas, greens, and red edible flowers in a white bowl.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/CABALLA-EN-ADOBO-CON-GAZPACHUELO.webp) Caballa en Adobo con Gazpachuelo. *Singular* What follows is a confident, unhurried procession through the country’s coastal and interior traditions. The Atún con Pipirrana y Ajoblanco pays homage to the almadrabas of Cádiz, the ancient, hand-operated (and celebrated for its sustainability) bluefin tuna traps of the Strait of Gibraltar, pairing the fish with a delicious and delightfully frozen version of the cold almond-and-garlic soup of Moorish Andalucía. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/CORDERO-ASADO-CON-LECHUGA-ALINADA.webp) Cordero Asado con Lechuga Alinada. *Singular* Next is the Caballa en Adobo con Gazpachuelo, Spanish mackerel cured in vinegar and spice, paired with a luscious clam emulsion, referencing the broth that has sustained working people along the Málaga coast for centuries. The exquisite Cordero Asado con Lechuga Alinada, grilled savory and tender lamb with lettuce and fermented grapes follows. Then the Mero Asado: grouper over creamy caldero rice with a pepitoria of almond, chicken, and squid—a dish that carries the full weight of Mediterranean Spain in its broth well. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/MERO-ASADO-ARROZ-DE-CALDERO-Y-PEPITORIA.webp) Mero Asado Arroz de Caldero y Pepitoria. *Singular* At this point, we were served the additional courses we ordered as I couldn’t resist the squab, and my companion, the lobster, which isn’t part of the Raices menu we chose. Each one is not to miss and only reveals something more personal still. The Sopa de Pescado de Mi Madre con Langosta—which translates to “my mother’s fish soup with lobster” and, not stopping there, topped with sea urchin—is the most nakedly autobiographical thing on the menu: a dish that takes one of the humblest, most domestic forms in Spanish cooking, with Alcalá honoring his mother by crowning it with a rich sauce and the finest things the sea can offer. The Pichón Asado con Escabeche de Naranja, squab with sausage and a sharp orange-and-vinegar sauce, belonging to the tradition of Spanish game cookery, was perfectly cooked and succulent; I was so glad I ordered this extra. Together, these two courses are the clearest statement of what Alcalá is doing at Singular: not modernizing Spanish food so much as honoring its deepest instincts, albeit dressed for a different room. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/CERDO-EN-ORZA-CON-BERZA-GADITANA.webp) Cerdo en Orza con Berza Gaditana. *Singular* The Cerdo en Orza, where Ibérico pork is slow-cooked (for lack of a better description, perhaps can be described as prepared like confit) with dollops of velvety, flavorful pureed carrot and chickpeas on which a cocido broth is poured over. Cocido is really a pot dish, a rustic, hearty stew and one of my favorite things at a Sunday lunch, but here, it’s transformed by the quality of the meat and the patience of the technique. And then, dessert: Plátano de Canarias, a roasted banana, corn, and rum ice cream enrobed in white chocolate, shaped and painted to look like the real thing. ![Close-up of a decorative white scalloped plate with an orange circular motif and a yellow accent with dark green speckles.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/PLATANO-DE-CANARIAS-2240x1493.webp) Platano de Canarias. *Singular* What Singular does brilliantly is dress the vernacular in evening clothes—taking the food of Spanish grandmothers and market stalls and rendering it with the technique of a chef who has clearly spent decades understanding those dishes before deciding how to remake them. The tasting menu is, in the end, an act of translation: from the rustic to the polished, from the roadside to the white tablecloth. I must admit that while the traditional stews and soups that are reworked in the menu into sauces and emulsions are so good, so flavorful, and so spot-on, they’re so polished (disciplined?) that throughout the meal, I wondered if it was losing that soul, that feel of the comforting, slow-cooked, wood-fired, hands-in-the-pot spirit of Spanish home cooking. But if it does, even if for a millisecond, it’s not entirely unwelcome, either, because Alcalá’s cleverness and intelligence, not to mention his command of narrative and pacing in both storytelling and in his menu, impress. ![Two chefs in white aprons stand behind a marble kitchen counter in a modern restaurant kitchen, smiling at the camera.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/CHEF-2.webp) Chef Edu Fuentes and Chef Fernando Alcala. *Singular* What one finds oneself hoping, having eaten Alcalá’s elegant takes and Fuentes’ successful executions, is that one day they turn the tables entirely: set aside the tasting menu for an evening and cook the Spain they grew up eating. Not the trip through regions, but the arrival into a home that smells like garlic and almonds, like stews slowly bubbling over the stove, like fish curing in salt, and like lamb over a pit, its aroma and smoke blowing in through the windows. Alcalá has already shown us how well he knows Spain, but now we want to eat at his mother’s table—although, maybe, this is how he has orchestrated the *corrida* all along. *The Palace, 11th Ave, corner 38th St, Uptown Bonifacio, Taguig, 1634 Metro Manila. 0917 309 8027. [singular.ph](https://singular.ph/)* **Categories:** Dining, Food & Drink **Tags:** BGC, Edu Fuentes, Fernando Alcala, Singular Manila --- ### [Why Watches and Jewelry Are Stealing the Spotlight at Auction](https://robbreport.ph/watches/why-watches-and-jewelry-are-stealing-the-spotlight-at-auction/) **Published:** May 5, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** For a long time, fine art was the undisputed headliner of the auction world. Sure, jewelry and watches had their moment in the catalogue (cue some headline featuring a glittering Cartier piece made for a beautiful cover image) but they were rarely *the* story. They were treated as the supporting cast in many ways. That’s changing these days, and the shift isn’t subtle. While the art market claws its way back from two bruising years, luxury categories, watches and jewelry, in particular, have slowly become the auction world’s most reliable growth engines. The numbers tell the story plainly enough. Global art sales edged up 4 percent in 2025 to an estimated $59.6 billion, according to the Art Basel and [UBS Global Art Market Report 2026](https://www.ubs.com/global/en/our-firm/art/art-market-research.html), and public auction sales improved 9 percent to $20.7 billion. A recovery, yes, but one that needs further context. It follows a 2024 in which the global art market fell 12 percent and auction sales cratered by 25 percent. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/phillips-decade-one-auction.webp) *Photo: Phillips* Luxury, nonetheless, hasn’t needed to be careful. [Christie’s](https://press.christies.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/e711cb9b6180e212a569ebb6e3f3045f.pdf) posted $6.2 billion in projected global sales for 2025, up 6 percent overall, but its luxury cluster—jewelry, watches, handbags, wine, and their kin—surged 17 percent to $795 million. That’s more than double the growth rate of its total auction business, and it left the 20th and 21st Century Art category, which rose a respectable 6 percent, looking a little like the quieter sibling at the dinner table. Likewise, [Sotheby’s](https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/12/17/christies-and-sothebys-end-2025-with-increased-sales-thanks-to-luxury-goods-trophy-lots-and-private-deals) told a nearly identical story. Its luxury division climbed 22 percent in 2025 to $2.7 billion, which is the highest total in the company’s history for the category. Watch sales hit a record $193.6 million, up 22 percent, while worldwide jewelry revenue rose 18 percent to $317.7 million. [Phillips](https://www.phillips.com/article/164672423/year-in-review-2025-phillips-in-association-with-bacs-and-russo), long the room where serious watch collectors feel most at home, surpassed $290 million in annual watch sales, also a house record. During its spring season alone, it sold $113.8 million worth of watches with a 99 percent sell-through rate, a figure that would make most art specialists quietly uncomfortable. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/download-2240x884.webp) “Three Studies of Lucian Freud” (1976) by Francis Bacon sold for US$3.82 million *Photo: Sotheby’s* So what’s actually happening here? Three things, mostly. The first being legibility. A great painting can be canonical and still be nearly impossible to price in a jittery market. But a vintage [Patek Philippe](https://robbreport.ph/watches/this-17-6-million-patek-philippe-just-became-the-most-expensive-wristwatch-ever-sold-at-auction/) or a signed Cartier jewel comes with a clearer grammar, so to speak: model, reference, metal, stone, provenance, production numbers, comparable past results. There’s still taste and myth and genuine emotion involved, but there’s also a shared vocabulary that makes pricing feel less like guesswork in a sense. The second is portability. Watches and jewelry compress value into something that can be worn, insured, transported, and understood across borders. Now that we’ve reached a period of sustained, high interest rates and geopolitical uncertainty, that matters more than it once did, where a museum-worthy canvas may define a room or a rare Rolex can cross a border in a carry-on bag. The third is audience, and this may be the most important factor of all. Christie’s also reported that luxury was once again its primary entry point for new buyers in 2025, accounting for 38 percent of first-time buyers, ahead of 20th and 21st Century Art at 33 percent. Nearly half of all new bidders and buyers were millennials or younger. The pipeline into auction culture is no longer necessarily a painting. It may be a [Cartier Crash](https://robbreport.ph/watches/this-ultra-rare-cartier-crash-just-sold-for-a-record-2-million/), a Van Cleef & Arpels necklace, or a diamond with the kind of provenance that makes understatement seem rude. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/christies-mellon-blue-1-2240x2240.webp) The record-setting Mellon Blue *Photo: Christie’s* The individual moments have been suitably theatrical. Christie’s sold the Mellon Blue—a 10.57-carat fancy vivid blue diamond—for $25.6 million in Geneva, the highest jewelry lot sold at auction in all of 2025. A Winter Egg by Fabergé, meanwhile, achieved $30.2 million in London, setting a new auction record for the maker. These are the lots that people talk about. Of course, none of this actually signals the end of art’s reign. The 2025 recovery, modest as it is, suggests the market is finding its footing. But the center of gravity at auction is genuinely evolving. The so-called “trophy economy” has broadened its definition of what a trophy can be. Art still carries the weight of cultural capital, and perhaps always will. But watches and jewelry now offer something that sits comfortably beside it: scarcity and value that don’t require a white cube to make their case. **Categories:** Art & Collectibles, Jewelry, Watches **Tags:** Auctions, christie's, explainer, News, Phillips, UBS --- ### [The Answers With Eric Dee](https://robbreport.ph/profiles/the-answers-with-eric-dee/) **Published:** May 5, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** Some entrepreneurs build companies, while others shape entire lifestyles around the way people live. For Eric Dee Jr., co-founder of the Sunnies brand alongside his wife Bea Soriano and business partners Georgina Wilson, Martine Cajucom, and Jess Wilson, the vision has always been to create beauty in the everyday. What began as a stylish eyewear concept has since evolved into a multifaceted brand spanning beauty, eyewear, sustainable drinkware, and dining—each venture guided by the belief that good design should feel approachable, joyful, and seamlessly integrated into daily life. ![Man in a beige suit stands in a doorway, smiling in a retro-colored showroom with patterned walls and furniture visible in the background.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/EricDeeJr_20260204_0157.webp) Sheila Catilo This philosophy mirrors much about Dee himself. With easy charisma and a warm smile, he carries the relaxed confidence of someone who genuinely enjoys what he does. At the heart of his work is a deep interest in design, particularly interiors and architecture. This sensibility naturally informs the Sunnies universe, where well-considered spaces, bold colours, and tactile materials create environments that feel modern yet welcoming. Beyond the creative energy that fuels Sunnies, Dee’s world is deeply rooted in family. Happily married to Soriano, he is a devoted father to their two young children, with another on the way. Much of his free time is spent traveling with their extended family and creating shared memories. Dee often credits his father, hospitality entrepreneur Rikki Dee, as his mentor—shaping his entrepreneurial instincts and showing him how to build teams, nurture ideas, and celebrate the people behind the brands. ![Desk scene with an orange lamp and a red lampshade atop a chessboard filled with white and brown chess pieces against a dark green wall and wooden background.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/20260204_0006_cropped.webp) Architecture and interior design are keen interests of Dee. *Sheila Catilo* More recently, the family has discovered a shared enthusiasm for tennis. Dee approaches the sport with the same spirit he brings to business—playful, but grounded. **What’s the first thing you do in the morning?** Look at my calendar and check my dashboards. **What apps do you use the most?** Sunnies, Microsoft Teams, and WhatsApp. **How would you describe your personal style?** Comfortable, timeless, and made to last. **What do you still do analog?** I sketch ideas by hand. It’s still the clearest way for me to think and explain. **Where do you seek design inspiration?** Travel. I observe how people live, move, and interact with spaces around the world. **Where do you look for knowledge on business and technology?** Business organizations, forums, and conversations within my family. **If you could learn a new skill, what would it be?** Using AI tools more intelligently and purposefully. **What’s your exercise routine?** Strength training four times a week, tennis twice a week. ![Red tennis racket with two neon-yellow tennis balls resting on the strings, on a green grass court near white boundary lines.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/AdobeStock_515485366.webp) **Favorite restaurant at the moment?** Mesa, Tim Ho Wan, and Llaollao. **Favorite hotel?** Any hotel with a great tennis court. La Residencia, Passalacqua and Six Senses stand out. **What have you done recently for the first time?** Scaled and operated a growing business across multiple countries at the same time. **Who is your dealer and what do they source for you?** A wood furniture maker who’s amazing at building pieces based on what I design. **Last film you paid to see?** “Sinners.” **Last streaming binge?** “The Beauty.” **What’s the recent thing you regret not buying?** Gold! **Who do you admire most?** My dad. He’s always been my mentor and my standard. ![Three people in formal outfits posing for a photo in front of a red velvet arch and Christmas trees with lights at a holiday display.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/photo_2026-03-27_11-22-20.webp) **What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?** My dad always says you have to be ready for the rainy days. I keep this in mind in terms of how aggressive we are, our expansion, and our risk appetite so we may sustain the business for the long term. **What advice do you wish you hadn’t followed?** “Always give 110%.” I’ve learned that pacing yourself is what allows you to perform at a high level over time. **What is worth paying for?** Time and memories. **In another life, what would you be doing professionally?** I would probably be an interior designer or architect. **What do you crave most at the end of the day?** A game of Monopoly Deal with my kids before they head to bed. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/pexels-anete-lusina-4792368.webp) *This article originally appeared in Robb Report Philippines’ [Food and Drink Issue, April 2026.](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-april-2026-the-food-drink-issue/)* **Categories:** Profiles **Tags:** Eric Dee, Eric Dee Jr., Sunnies, the answers --- ### [This Bonkers 150-Night World Cruise Will Take You to All 7 Continents](https://robbreport.ph/travel/this-bonkers-150-night-world-cruise-will-take-you-to-all-7-continents/) **Published:** May 4, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** To spend nearly half a year on a [cruise](https://robbreport.ph/tag/cruise/ "cruise") ship is a life goal for some (less so for landlubbers), and nowadays, travelers have more options than a breakfast buffet. At [least 10 major cruise lines](https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles/best-world-cruises) offer months-long itineraries that circle the globe, and the routes continue to get longer, [more luxurious](https://robbreport.ph/boats/luxury-hotels-are-launching-elevated-cruise-ships-and-calling-them-yachts-but-are-they/ "Luxury Hotels Are Launching Elevated Cruise Ships and Calling Them ‘Yachts.’ Are They?"), more in-depth, and yes, more expensive. The all-suite, all-inclusive Regent Seven Seas has even one-upped itself with its latest announcement: In 2029, the recently refurbished *Seven Seas Mariner* will take 700 luxury travelers to all seven continents, stopping in 70 ports with 13 overnight stays in destinations such as Bali, Lima (Callao), [Singapore](https://robbreport.ph/tag/singapore/ "singapore"), and Sydney. Billed as the “Eras of Exploration 2029 World Cruise,” Regent’s path will follow “the great arcs of human discovery—tracing modern marvels and ancient empires to seafaring legends and storied civilizations,” per a news release. The 150-night journey starts in Miami, Florida, with an overnight stay at a swanky hotel and pre-trip gala, before setting sail for South America. The *Seven Seas Mariner* will travel *through* the continent, down the Amazon River, before making for Antarctica like modern-day Shackletons and Scotts. From there, it’s on to explore the rich cultures of Polynesia—including overnights in Bora Bora and Tahiti—before Australia’s Sydney Opera House beckons like a beacon. ![Sailboat anchored in bright turquoise lagoon with a lush green island and jagged mountain in the background under a partly cloudy sky](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/regent-seven-seas-bora-bora.webp) You’ll make a spot in Bora Bora, among other locales. *Regent Seven Seas Cruises* After Oz, it’s over to Southeast Asia and the ancient temples of Bali and Thailand, then across the Indian Ocean to Mumbai in pursuit of stories of Indian dynasties. Arabian history gets its due at Jordan’s sacred Nabatean city of Petra, Egypt’s Luxor (Safaga), and the city of record-breaking skylines and superlatives, Dubai. For the final stretch of the whopping 37,000 nautical-mile trip, the cruise will overnight in the holy city of Jerusalem (Haifa) before departing for the Mediterranean coast, wrapping up in—where else?—Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy. “We are delighted to announce the latest iteration of our iconic World Cruise, which has been inspired by history’s most intrepid explorers and the paths of legendary adventures,” said Wesley D’Silva, president of Regent Seven Seas Cruises, in a statement. “The 150-night *Eras of Exploration* World Cruise will be an unforgettable experience that taps into the true essence of travel and adventure; we are looking forward to bringing our discerning guests onto this journey in the most luxurious and all-inclusive way possible.” ![Interior of a grand cathedral dome with gold and blue mosaics, intricate coffering, and arched windows letting in light.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/regent-seven-seas-rome.webp) Rome is also on the itinerary. *Regent Seven Seas Cruises* Let’s talk about those luxuries: Consistently ranked among the best luxury cruise lines in the world, Regent includes all shore excursions in the price—a fairly astonishing 326 adventures on this cruise. History buffs will revel in the dozens UNESCO World Heritage Sites visited, while foodies can check out the new onboard [Epicurean Enrichment Studio](https://www.rssc.com/news/details?newsid=327131), created by executive chef Kathryn Kelly as a chance to connect to the local cultures through cuisine. The culinary theater has programmed five key pillars: Epicurean Passport Series, Chef’s Circle, Chef’s Table, Chef-Led Epicurean Enrichment Tours, and Chef-Hosted Dining. Meanwhile, the suites have been refreshed as of 2025, including fully redesigned marble bathrooms for Signature, Grand, Mariner, Seven Seas and Horizon Suites. *Fares for the 150-night voyage start from $99,999 per guest for a Deluxe Veranda Suite, up to $344,999 per guest for a Signature Suite. The 2029 World Cruise opens for reservations on April 1, 2026, and guests will be able to pre-register their interest from March 25, 2026, by visiting [RSSC.com/2029-World-Cruise](https://www.rssc.com/2029-World-Cruise), calling 1-844-4REGENT (1-844-473-4368).* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Boats, Travel --- ### [Time, Motion, and Meaning: Longines' New Dive Watch, the BMW i3, and Japan's Art Islands](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-collectibles/time-motion-and-meaning-longines-new-dive-watch-the-bmw-i3-and-japans-art-islands/) **Published:** May 4, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** March started with watches, moved through a range of new cars, and ended on the [art](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-collectibles/ "Art & Collectibles") islands of Naoshima and Teshima in [Japan](https://robbreport.ph/tag/japan/ "japan"). It began with a trip to [Bangkok](https://robbreport.ph/tag/bangkok/ "bangkok") for the long-established watchmaking company Longines to review the new [dive watch](https://robbreport.ph/tag/dive-watch/ "dive watch"), the HydroConquest, which has made a notable impact on the enthusiast scene. There’s much to discuss about Longines, as we visited their factory and saw a supply of parts dating back more than 100 years, along with the very first order books recording buyers and commissions, and we’ll discuss this at length later on. ![Close-up of a Longines HydroConquest watch with a blue dial, black bezel, and a stainless steel mesh bracelet.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/hydroconquest-l3-788-4-99-6-detailed-view-1662x2000-5-14997c-2240x2696.webp) *Longines* A week later, we headed to Munich, where combined meetings and discussions during [BMW](https://robbreport.ph/tag/bmw/ "bmw") Group stakeholder presentation days commenced, along with hands-on experience with several new cars—some of which we cannot yet discuss. What we can speak about is their new facility, effectively a redevelopment of their long-standing site. BMW Plant Munich has been embedded in the city for decades, which has constrained expansion. The company has had to continuously adapt the plant as it grew. We were among the first to tour the new facility, which is coming fully online and will eventually operate as an electric-only plant. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/P90632487-lowRes-2240x1259.webp) BMW We were also present for the unveiling of the new BMW i3, alongside additional 3 Series models in the pipeline. Of particular interest to Robb Report readers is the treatment of the new 7 Series, which benefits from the Neue Klasse vision and technology. The 7 Series has long been divisive due to its strong design stance, but the latest iteration, with its updated exterior and interior approach, is seen by some as cleaner and more resolved, while others view it as a softening of its previous strengths. ![Blue BMW i3 driving along a coastal mountain road with a sea view and rocky cliff on the right.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/P90632488-lowRes-2240x1259.webp) *BMW* Personally, it feels like a meaningful step forward—one that gives the car a clearer identity within the luxury sedan segment. Particularly notable is the interior treatment, which combines a heads-up display with a low, wide information screen across the dashboard. It is both unobtrusive and intuitive, and may signal a shift toward prioritizing the in-cabin experience over exterior statement. The final leg of the month was a week-long trip to Japan’s art islands—Naoshima and Teshima. These islands are not what one might expect. Built upon former mining towns, they have been transformed by foundations into spaces that house significant works and installations, and at at the same time are supporting selected artists at a high level. In many ways, they remain relatively undiscovered, though infrastructure is evolving. ![Dense forested hillside with a small gray building and white roof, a winding path, and a river at the bottom.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/valleygallery-2240x1493.webp) The Valley Gallery. Benesse Art Site Naoshima What stands out is how the experience reframes art beyond just an object to own, but rather as something to engage with and share. The influence of Tadao Ando is present throughout, yet seamlessly integrated into the landscape. This sensibility aligns closely with what we observed in conversations with Grand Seiko, where the emphasis is on a philosophy distinct from European traditions by being firmly planted in nature, subtlety, and immersion. One particular experience stands out: a walk up a hill, through a garden, and into a mountainside entrance that opened into a sequence of spaces shaped by Ando’s characteristic use of light and concrete. Moving through these rooms—some open to the elements—we eventually arrived, after several transitions, at a gallery housing a large Monet painting, accompanied by four others. The space was naturally lit, though protected. Those who had visited before noted that the experience shifts depending on time of day, season, and even weather. For them, it revealed technical detail—the brushstrokes. For me, it was more about contrast: light and shadow, movement through space, and the gradual reveal of the work itself. It is clearly an experience that rewards repeated visits. ![Spacious contemporary art gallery with large glass walls, concrete surfaces, and colorful abstract paintings along the right wall; wooden floor and a mezzanine balcony above.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/250201-104631.webp) Benesse Art Site Naoshima One of the things I appreciated about Robb Report when I first encountered it was its ability to bring readers into places they might not otherwise access—without reducing them to product or price. It was about understanding, appreciation, and experience. This month reflects that approach: a watchmaker that preserves centuries-old components rather than replace them; an automotive company navigating change while defining its future; and an art experience that shifts the way we think about value, patronage, and engagement. **Categories:** Art & Collectibles, Cars, Travel, Watches **Tags:** art, bmw, japan, longines, museum, Naoshima, Tadao Ando, Teshima --- ### [Pilot's Venturer Vertical Drive: IWC Engineers Its First Watch for Human Spaceflight](https://robbreport.ph/watches/pilots-venturer-vertical-drive-iwc-engineers-its-first-watch-for-human-spaceflight/) **Published:** May 4, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** When [IWC Schaffhausen](https://robbreport.ph/tag/iwc/ "IWC")‘s advanced engineering division, XPL, set out to create the Pilot’s Venturer Vertical Drive, they did something almost unfashionable in an industry that prizes heritage above all else: they started with a blank sheet of paper. The result, unveiled at [Watches and Wonders in Geneva this past April](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-boldest-most-exciting-new-timepieces-at-watches-and-wonders-2026/ "The Boldest, Most Exciting New Timepieces at Watches and Wonders 2026"), is unlike anything the Schaffhausen manufacture has produced in its 157-year history, because it was conceived entirely around the demands of human spaceflight; it’s the first IWC watch certified for use aboard a commercial space station. It is utilitarian but beautiful, of course in that severe, purposeful way of things designed to survive conditions that would destroy lesser objects. ![Close-up of an IWC Schaffhausen wristwatch with a blue-accented dial, rotating bezel, and white strap against a dark gradient background.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/IWC-Pilots-Venturer-Vertical-SP-2240x2240.webp) IWC Schaffhausen Its certification comes from [Vast](https://www.vastspace.com/), the California-based company building Haven-1, which is slated to become the world’s first commercial space station when it launches in 2027. Engineers at Vast’s Long Beach headquarters subjected the watch to vibration tests exceeding the forces astronauts experience during launch (up to 10g’s) and evaluated its materials for compatibility with the Haven-1 environment. The engineering logic behind the design is irresistibly elegant. Astronauts on spacewalks wear pressurized gloves, so a traditional crown, that small, serrated knob that has governed mechanical watches for over a century, becomes useless in that context. IWC’s solution is a patent-pending rotating bezel system that transmits movement to the winding stem through a clutch mechanism they call the Vertical Drive. A rocker switch on the case side toggles between functions: winding the movement, setting the mission reference time, adjusting the home time zone. ![Man standing on a metal railing stairway in a modern interior, with a large globe image visible in the foreground.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/1920_328601_vast_spacestation_02_v03.webp) *IWC Schaffhausen* The dial, too, is a study in disciplined problem-solving: it’s in matte black to eliminate reflections and has a 24-hour hand running from 00:00 to 24:00, a necessity born from the peculiar rhythm of orbital life when astronauts aboard a space station can witness up to 16 sunrises in a single Earth day, rendering the conventional AM/PM distinction meaningless. (They live by GMT.) The watch accommodates this, while still allowing the wearer to track a second time zone, useful both 400 kilometers above the Earth and in the rather more terrestrial context of a long-haul flight from Manila to Geneva. Materially, IWC has been equally uncompromising. The case is white zirconium oxide ceramic, which has a near-diamond hardness. The bezel and caseback are [Ceratanium](https://robbreport.ph/watches/dark-is-cool-dark-is-fast-the-iwc-portugieser-chronograph-goes-all-black/), IWC’s proprietary alloy that weds titanium’s lightness with ceramic’s resistance to scratches and temperature extremes. The strap is FKM fluorinated rubber, chosen for its UV resistance and thermal insulation, as temperatures in low Earth orbit swing from 100°C in direct sunlight to -150°C in shadow. Power comes from the newly developed calibre 32722, an automatic movement with a 120-hour reserve and an integrated GMT module. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/1920_iw328601_mood2.webp) There’s a thin ring of blue on the dial’s inner scale—the color of Earth’s horizon as seen from orbit. *IWC Schaffhausen* What IWC has produced is not a space-themed watch but a real tool, one that happens to express a distinct and considered beauty: rounded edges, a stark black-and-white palette, a thin ring of blue on the dial’s inner scale (the color of Earth’s horizon as seen from orbit). It wears its purpose lightly, and its poetry even more so. *Available at [Lucerne](https://lucerneluxe.com/brand/iwc-schaffhausen/) boutiques.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** IWC, IWC Schaffhausen, Pilot's Venturer Vertical Drive, Pilot's Watch, space --- ### [Ferrari’s New Purosangue Handling Speciale Is Even More Nimble and Aggressive](https://robbreport.ph/cars/ferraris-new-purosangue-handling-speciale-is-even-more-nimble-and-aggressive/) **Published:** May 4, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** Perhaps both the most polarizing and highly anticipated model in [Ferrari’](https://robbreport.ph/tag/ferrari/ "Ferrari")s history, [the Purosangue](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-ferrari-purosangue-is-an-suv-that-stays-true-to-ferraris-legacy/ "The Ferrari Purosangue is an SUV that Stays True to Ferrari’s Legacy") debuted in 2022. And while Maranello refers to the model as its “first four-door, four-seater,” everyone else calls it Ferrari’s first S.U.V. Yet even its critics have to admit that its presentation and performance are certainly worthy of the badge. Case in point: roughly three years after it began selling stateside, the model finished third in [*Robb Report’*s 2026 Car of the Year contest](https://robbreport.ph/cars/robb-reports-2026-car-of-the-year-the-10-contenders/ "Robb Report’s 2026 Car of the Year: The 10 Contenders"). Now, this Prancing Horse has been given an even more athletic step with the just-announced Handling Speciale variant. ![Red luxury sports car parked on a scenic road with a lake and green hills in the background.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Ferrari_Purosangue_Handling_Speciale-1.webp) The Ferrari Purosangue Handling Speciale. *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* Admittedly, this news doesn’t move the needle the way some of the marque’s other recent reveals have, most notably the F80 and the [849 Testarossa](https://robbreport.ph/uncategorized/the-new-redhead-the-ferrari-849-testarossa-reminds-us-that-it-was-always-about-the-engine/ "The New Redhead: The Ferrari 849 Testarossa Reminds Us That It Was Always About the Engine"). It does, though, mean that the family-hauler [Enzo](https://robbreport.ph/cars/inside-universo-ferrari-ferarris-immersive-exhibition-of-the-ferrari-legacy/ "Inside Universo Ferrari, Ferarri’s Immersive Exhibition of the Ferrari Legacy") never envisioned offers a nimbleness he likely never imagined. After all, the Purosangue delivers 715 hp from a 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V-12, covers zero to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds, and has a top speed of more than 193 mph. ![Red Ferrari Purosangue parked on a winding road at sunset, with hills and trees in the background.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Ferrari_Purosangue_Handling_Speciale-7_0d01f4.webp) The family-hauler that Enzo never envisioned offers a nimbleness he likely never imagined. *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* Those metrics were enough to have one of our Car of the Year judges call it “a quintessential Ferrari in a four-door daily driver.” Even the body styling belies its nature, as the discreet rear coach doors seem to vanish depending on the angle of view. What couldn’t be hidden, however, was the Purosangue’s 4,481-pound dry weight, which is where the new configuration comes into play. ![Luxurious black leather interior of a sports car with a multifunction steering wheel, digital instrument cluster, and center console controls, seen from the passenger side.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Ferrari_Purosangue_Handling_Speciale-2-1.webp) According to Ferrari’s press release, “the in‑cabin sound has likewise been optimized.” *Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* The Handling Speciale spec has been developed to bolster the Purosangue’s responsiveness, namely with suspension refinements and a fine-tuning of the eight-speed dual clutch transmission. According to Ferrari’s official press release, some of the revisions are to “the calibration of the active suspension, designed to reduce body movements by 10 percent and deliver a distinctly more compact feel.” Impressive already in regards to performance, the base Purosangue had another one of our judges opine that “you have to keep reminding yourself you’re in an S.U.V. It’s that good.” ![Red sport SUV cruising along a narrow rural road with green fields, tall cypress trees, and distant hills.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Ferrari_Purosangue_Handling_Speciale-5_08a76c.webp) Suspension refinements and a fine-tuning of the eight-speed dual clutch transmission seem to comprise the majority of enhancements.*Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.* As for the transmission, Ferrari asserts that its “shift strategies have also been revised, with quicker response times and more decisive gear changes . . .”, mentioning too that manual shifting will also “feel more sporting.” And to complement the additional robustness, Ferrari says “the in‑cabin sound has likewise been optimized,” though it’s vague as to what that entails. The marque is slightly less vague when it comes to the aesthetic cues that differentiate the Handling Speciale version. Per the press release, we know that the wheels have “a dedicated design and new diamond‑cut finish,” that there are matte-black exhaust tips, and that the Prancing Horse logo at the back is in black. Those are at least a few of the callouts to the configuration. The [Ferrari Purosangue](https://www.ferrari.com/en-EN/auto/ferrari-purosangue) Handling Speciale follows improvements already made among the competition, such as Aston Martin’s 717 hp DBX S and Bentley’s latest [Bentayga](https://robbreport.ph/tag/bentayga/ "bentayga") Speed—the latter now capable of drifting. We’ve mentioned before that the Purosangue is a thoroughbred with more saddle space and the ability to run unbridled when the road ends. The Handling Speciale, at least on paper, only spurs that sentiment on. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** Ferrari, News, Purosangue, suv --- ### [Land Rover’s New Ultra-Luxe Range Rover Is Available by Invitation Only](https://robbreport.ph/cars/land-rovers-new-ultra-luxe-range-rover-is-available-by-invitation-only/) **Published:** May 1, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** [Land Rover](https://robbreport.ph/tag/land-rover/ "Land Rover")’s most luxe vehicle is about to get a lot more exclusive. The British 4×4 specialist has just unveiled the [Range Rover](https://robbreport.ph/tag/range-rover/ "range rover") SV Ultra, a new top-of-the-line version of is most beloved models. The special edition features more exquisite details than ever before and a boundary-pushing audio system—but it will available by invitation only. ![Luxurious car interior with light-gray leather seats and a wide center console between front seats](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/land-rover-range-rover-sv-ultra-04.webp) The Land Rover Range Rover SV Ultra’s SV Electrostatic Sound system uses integrated speakers to turn the vehicle into a concert hall on wheels *Photo: Land Rover* There are few vehicles more synonymous with luxury over the last half century than the [Range Rover](https://robbreport.ph/the-story-of/9-fascinating-facts-you-never-knew-about-range-rover/ "9 Fascinating Facts You Never Knew About Range Rover"). The SV Ultra, which, as the name may have given away, will sit above the SV and SV Black in the model lineup, aims to take things to another level with a host of upgrades, including unique finishes and premium materials, that combine to make it the cushiest Landy yet. ![Front view of a silver Range Rover showing the grille and headlight on the right side of the image](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/land-rover-range-rover-sv-ultra-01.webp) The Land Rover Range Rover SV Ultra is finished in Titan Silver with Satin Platinum Atlas and Silver Chrome accents *Photo: Land Rover* The upgrades, at least from the outside, are surprisingly subtle. The range-topping variant is available in an exclusive finish dubbed Titan Silver, which resembles liquid metal thanks to a combination of fine aluminum flake and advanced pigment technology. The magnificent hue is complemented by Satin Platinum Atlas and Silver Chrome accents on the trim and badging. Rounding things out is a set of 23-inch alloy wheels finished in Platinum Silver and secured by the automaker’s new center caps. ![Close-up of a Bentley alloy wheel with a multi-spoke design and central B emblem.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/land-rover-range-rover-sv-ultra-02.webp) The Land Rover Range Rover SV Ultra rides on 23-inch alloy wheels *Photo: Land Rover* The difference between Range Rovers becomes a little clearer inside the SV Ultra. The cabin is covered in duo-tone Orchid White and Cinder Grey Ultrafabric upholstery. The luxe, leather-free material features laser-crafted patterns and combines with rattan palm veneer and an open-poor finish to give the space a more cohesive look and feel. But the headline feature of the interior what [Land Rover ](https://www.landrover.ph/ "Land Rover ")is calling the world-first SV Electrostatic Sound system. The setup uses 21 lightweight electrostatic speakers integrated into each “Body and Soul” seat and other areas of the cabin, like the headliner and floor, to turn the vehicle into a concert hall on wheels. ![Light gray luxury car interior with a large central touchscreen and sleek console.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/land-rover-range-rover-sv-ultra-03.webp) Inside the Range Rover SV UItra *Photo: Land Rover* The Range Rover SV Ultra will be available with two powertrains, a hybrid-assisted 3.0 flat-six that makes 454 hp and a 4.4-liter V-8 that makes 519 hp, at launch, and an all-electric setup later down the road. No pricing has been announced, but something well north of the SV’s $219,500 starting price seems likely. Regardless of the price, you’ll have to wait for an invite from Land Rover itself if you want to buy the SUV. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars --- ### [This Ultra-Rare Cartier Crash Just Sold for a Record $2 Million](https://robbreport.ph/watches/this-ultra-rare-cartier-crash-just-sold-for-a-record-2-million/) **Published:** May 1, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** A crazy [Cartier](https://robbreport.ph/tag/cartier/ "cartier") timepiece has fetched an equally crazy price at auction. An [ultra-rare Crash](https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2026/important-watches-4/crash-a-rare-and-iconic-yellow-gold-distorted-oval) hammered down for 15.6 million Hong Kong dollars (approximately $1.99 million at the current exchange rate) at Sotheby’s [Important Watches](https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2026/important-watches-4) sale in Hong Kong on Friday, becoming the most valuable Cartier wristwatch ever sold, according to the [auction house](https://www.instagram.com/p/DXjwbNyjqG3/?hl=en). A 1973 Cartier London Baignoire and a 1967 Cartier London Tank Normale also set records at the auction. The vintage grails are part of one horophile’s unprecedented 300-piece Cartier collection, which will be auctioned off at several Sotheby’s auctions from April to December. The Crash, believed to be one of only three examples made in 1987, appears to have been purchased by Valuence Holdings CEO Shinsuke Sakimoto. “It is truly an honor to become part of the story of this remarkable piece,” he wrote on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/p/DXkiQrxkgOp/?img_index=1). The Japanese businessman and luxury resale mogul also bought the original 1984 [Hermès Birkin bag](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-collectibles/icons-in-the-flesh-jane-birkins-birkin-and-ferris-buellers-sweater-go-to-sothebys/ "Icons in the Flesh: Jane Birkin’s Birkin and Ferris Bueller’s Sweater Go to Auction"), formerly owned by Jane Birkin, for a record $10.1 million at Sotheby’s last June. ![Gold-toned Cartier wristwatch with a melted, teardrop-shaped dial and brown leather strap](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Cartier-Crash-London-1987-3.webp) The dial with the distorted Roman numerals. *Photo: Sotheby’s* Created by Jean-Jacques Cartier, head of Cartier London at the time, and designer Rupert Emmerson, the original crash was released at the height of the Swinging Sixties. It is rumored to have been inspired by a melted Baignoire Allongée recovered from a car crash or by Dalí’s 1931 painting, *The Persistence of Memory*, but the truth is, it was a last-ditch effort by the then-struggling jewelry house to appeal to trendy Londoners. The early models were manufactured by hand at the Bond Street workshop and hence are often emblazoned with “Cartier London” on the dial, while later versions (from the ‘90s onward) were produced in Paris. This particular example is one of an exceptionally small number of special Crashes made in London in the late ‘80s. Exact production numbers remain unclear, but Cartier’s Geneva archives from 2017 suggest that it is one of only three pieces specially commissioned in 1987. It features the signature melted case in yellow-gold, a white asymmetrical dial with the trademark distorted Roman numerals and the coveted Cartier London name, a sapphire-set crown, a gold caseback with more London hallmarks, and a brown leather strap. Inside lies a Jaeger-LeCoultre movement (calibre 841) signed by Cartier. It was originally expected to hammer down for between 3.2 million and 6 million Hong Kong dollars ($400,000 and $800,000), but eclipsed that pre-sale estimate in a fierce, nine-minute bidding war, becoming the most expensive Cartier watch in the world. The record was previously held by another London Crash that sold for $1.65 million in 2022. The result underscores the enduring appeal of the surrealist-style timepiece. ![Back view of a gold Cartier watch with a brown leather strap, case back engraved with Cartier London and serial marks](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Cartier-Crash-London-1987-2.webp) The caseback is inscribed with Cartier London. *Photo: Sotheby’s* The scarcity and exceptionally high value of the Crash have cemented it as a must-have among A-listers and collectors, with everyone from Jay-Z and Tyler, the Creator to Tom Brady and Bad Bunny strapping it on. As such, the Cartier odd-ball is now not only obscenely overpriced but very much over-worn. It is not clear whether Sakimoto will wear his or not. His company, Valuence Holdings, announced it would exhibit the aforementioned record-breaking Birkin, rather than resell it, so perhaps the Cartier will also wind up in a museum. Time will tell. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** cartier, cartier crash, News, sothebys --- ### [Jaguar Land Rover Just Issued the Biggest Recall in Its History](https://robbreport.ph/cars/jaguar-land-rover-just-issued-the-biggest-recall-in-its-history/) **Published:** April 30, 2026 **Author:** Bryan Hood **Content:** [Jaguar](https://robbreport.ph/tag/jaguar/ "jaguar") [Land Rover](https://robbreport.ph/tag/land-rover/ "Land Rover") just made history—but not the kind it wanted to. The beleaguered automaker just issued a recall for over 170,000 hybrid SUVs because of an electrical issue that can cause them to lose drive power. To make matters worse, there is currently no fix for the issue. According to the official recall report, which was [published on April 17](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V248-5125.pdf), the source of the problem is the DC-DC converter in the 48-volt hybrid system of the recalled vehicles, which can fail due to a faulty boost control microchip. Within 10 seconds of the failure, the vehicle will display a “Stop Safely Electrical Fault Detected” message, and its 12-volt system will begin losing charge. If the driver does not obey the warning, the vehicle will eventually shift into neutral, display a gearbox failure warning, and come to a stop. Once it does, the engine will shut down and the battery will eventually lose the power needed to keep other systems, including the exterior lights, running, which increases the risk of a collision. ![Luxury electric SUV in dark gray/blue, shown in a three-quarter front view under blue studio lighting](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/jaguar-i-pace.webp) The Jaguar I-Pace is one of several JLR SUVs affected by the recall *Photo: Jaguar Land Rover* The notice states 170,169 vehicles with hybrid systems built between November 2020 and January 2024 are affected by the issue, [making the recall the biggest](https://carbuzz.com/jaguar-land-rover-largest-recall/) since Jaguar and Land Rover merged in 2008. The affected Jaguars include 2021 to 2022 E-Pace and the 2021 to 2024 I-Pace. The affected Land Rovers include the 2020-2024 [Defender](https://robbreport.ph/tag/land-rover-defender/ "Land Rover Defender"), the 2021 to 2024 Discovery, the 2020 Discovery Sport, the 2020 to 2024 [Range Rover](https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/fascinating-facts-range-rover-1235625079/), the 2019 to 2024 Range Rover Sport, the 2020 to 2023 Range Rover Evoque, and the 2021 to 2024 Range Rover Velar. The NHTSA notes JLR became aware of the issue in September 2024 and concluded that it did not “did not pose an unreasonable risk to safety.” But following additional reports, the agency told the automaker it viewed the matter as “one of a safety nature rather than customer satisfaction.” The company has received 5,952 reports involving DC-DC converter replacements, but these have resulted in no accidents or injuries. As of press time, JLR is still working to fix the issue and there is no timeline for when it will be solved. The recall is the latest issue to beset JLR. Over the last year alone, the company [lost hundreds of millions of pounds](https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/nov/14/jaguar-land-rover-loss-cyber-attack) because of manufacturing issue caused by a cyber-attack, [delayed the debut](https://robbreport.ph/cars/jaguars-polarizing-electric-gt-will-weigh-almost-3-tons/ "Jaguar’s Polarizing Electric GT Will Weigh Almost 3 Tons") of the next-generation Jaguar EV, and was forced to temporarily [pause production at its Solihull factory](https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-lancashire-65212984) in England because of a fire. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US*. **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** jaguar, Land Rover Defender, range rover --- ### [Ferrari’s Hotly Anticipated 100-Foot ‘Flying’ Yacht Is Almost Here](https://robbreport.ph/boats/ferraris-hotly-anticipated-100-foot-flying-yacht-is-almost-here/) **Published:** April 28, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** [Ferrari](https://robbreport.ph/tag/ferrari/ "Ferrari") is gearing up to launch the Prancing Horse of the seas. The Italian marque revealed the livery of the new [Hypersail ](https://www.ferrari.com/en-EN/hypersail)during Milan Design Week, with the 100-foot foiling yacht expected to hit the seas later this year. Unveiled in June 2025, the Hypersail is engineered for offshore racing, which Ferrari chairman John Elkann says is perhaps “the ultimate expression of endurance.” It strikes a delicate balance between form and function, with Ferrari’s design studio working closely with the in-house engineering team and French naval architect Guillaume Verdier to create a stylish [sailing](https://robbreport.ph/tag/sailing/ "sailing") yacht that can perform at competition. The Hypersail reflects the design DNA of the nameplate, with a sleek carbon-fiber exterior that delivers in terms of aesthetics as well as aerodynamics and hydrodynamics. It, of course, takes cues from Maranello’s finest: The streamlined silhouette evokes the proportions of the Monza SP1/SP2, while the coachroof recalls the lines of the Le Mans-winning Hypercar 499P. ![Foiling sailboat with black sail and yellow hull branding, named HyperSail, gliding above blue water with sponsor logos.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Ferrari-Hypersail-Livery-2.webp) The sleek carbon-fiber hull. *Photo: Ferrari* The livery also nods to Prancing Horses past. It combines a new gray tone, known as “Grigio Hypersail,” with the iconic “Giallo Fly” yellow. The latter bright hue—inspired by the helmet famously worn by driver Luigi Musso—first appeared on the 275 GTB. The yellow runs across the cabin, foils, and hull lines, creating a contrast against the gray that mirrors the color separation on the 512 BB. All surfaces, developed directly by the in-house design studio, ensure maximum technical efficiency, just like Ferrari’s four-wheelers. The marque says the Hypersail will feature the “most advanced offshore sailing technology,” too. It will be equipped with foils that lift the hull above the waves, allowing it to “fly” over the water with less drag and more speed than a traditional planing yacht. The Hypersail may fly more smoothly than other foilers on the market, with the monohull stabilizing on three points of contact. It will use a canting keel as the support for one of the foils, with the other two contact points being a foil on the rudder and the two lateral foils. ![Futuristic hydrofoil sailboat skimming above the ocean with a yellow-accent hull and long foils beneath.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Ferrari-Hypersail-Livery-1.webp) The innovative foils. *Photo: Ferrari* The yacht will also be fitted with a flight control system shaped by technology from the automotive industry. Foiling yachts typically run software that adjusts the foils hundreds of times a second to maintain safe, level flight. To top it off, Ferrari claims the Hypersail will be the first 100-foot yacht in the world to be entirely self-sufficient. Solar panels will be integrated into the deck and hull sides, allowing the yacht to generate energy from the sun. It can get further grunt from the sails, of course. ![High-speed black-sailed racing catamaran with yellow trim and Ferrari branding gliding over blue water](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Ferrari-Hypersail-Livery-3.webp) The livery combines “Grigio Hypersail” gray with “Giallo Fly” yellow. *Photo: Ferrari* “Hypersail is a vessel unique in scale and technology, engineered to deliver peak performance within an environment as singular and unpredictable as the ocean,” Matteo Lanzavecchia, head of vehicle engineering at Ferrari and chief technology officer of Hypersail, said in a [statement](https://www.ferrari.com/en-BI/corporate/articles/ferrari-reveals-the-hypersail-livery). “This is achieved through its core concept: foiling, made possible by a sophisticated control system, leveraging the expertise gained from our automotive developments, and powered by energy recovered from renewable sources such as wind, solar, and motion.” The yacht is currently under construction in Italy, with launch expected sometime in 2026. The project is also on show from now until April 26 at the Ferrari flagship in Milan. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Boats **Tags:** Ferrari, News, sailing yacht --- ### [When Did Dinner Become a Serious Commitment?](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/when-did-dinner-become-a-serious-commitment/) **Published:** April 27, 2026 **Author:** Alicia Colby-Sy **Content:** There was a time, not too long ago, when I happily signed up for [tasting menus](https://robbreport.ph/tag/tasting-menu/ "tasting menu") the way some people sign up for marathons: with optimism, curiosity, and a slightly questionable understanding of what lay ahead. I didn’t just want dinner, I wanted an experience, a journey. I wanted to surrender to the procession of bites, broths, foams, and culinary musings. I wanted to be told a story. And for a while, it was thrilling. But lately, I’ve noticed something shifting. Many [fine-dining](https://robbreport.ph/tag/fine-dining/ "Fine Dining") restaurants across the United States and Europe are pivoting away from the all-encompassing tasting menu. Even in parts of Asia, [Hong Kong](https://robbreport.ph/tag/hong-kong/ "Hong Kong"), notably, there’s a visible softening of the format. Restaurants that once seemed inseparable from their multi-course identities are rediscovering the appeal of à la carte. And honestly, I understand why. Because I’ve changed too. Luxury for me now is how I choose to spend my time, and a tasting menu is quite a commitment. And then there’s the food. Tasting menus are often described as “light,” which feels like a technical truth rather than a lived one. Yes, each course is small. But 10 to 14 small courses or more, plus a beverage pairing that is rarely small, adds up. Somewhere around course six, I can feel my palate starting to blur. By course 12, I’m no longer tasting with enthusiasm, I’m tasting out of obligation. The final dishes, often the most intricate or meaningful, arrive when I’m already full, already saturated, already done. At this point, I’ve learned a small trick: share the wine pairing. It helps. Slightly. To be clear, I still see the value of tasting menus. At their best, they are the purest expression of a restaurant’s identity and are a guided journey through a chef’s philosophy, technique, and imagination. I appreciate that. I really do. But I also feel the trade-off more acutely now. When I sit down for a tasting menu, I’m giving up control. I eat what I’m given, in the order it’s given, at the pace the kitchen decides. There’s no room for craving or for choice. Sometimes that’s exciting. Other times, it’s frustrating. There are nights when I don’t want a curated journey, I just want to eat what I feel like eating, in the amount I feel like eating, and leave when I feel like leaving. There’s also a kind of fatigue that comes with the format. It’s expensive, time-consuming, and occasionally leans toward more spectacle than I would like. With so many courses, even the most exciting and inventive chefs risk a certain monotony. Not every dish can be a revelation, but in a tasting menu, every dish seems to carry that expectation. And then there’s a subtler pressure I didn’t notice at first: the pressure to be a good diner. To pay attention. To react appropriately. To understand what’s being presented. I find myself nodding thoughtfully, trying to identify flavors, making sure I’m not missing the point. Dining becomes a kind of performance, where I’m not just eating. I’m participating. Appreciating. Interpreting. It’s engaging but also exhausting. Some nights, I don’t want to decode my dinner. I just want to enjoy it. This performance extends to the table itself. A tasting menu changes the rhythm of a meal. Conversations start and stop as plates arrive and explanations begin. Someone is always being served, or cleared, or briefed on what they’re about to eat. I’ve had dinners where a story was mid-sentence when a course landed, and by the time the explanation ended, the moment had passed. The meal becomes a series of interruptions rather than a continuous shared experience. It may be immersive, but not always in the way I want. In Manila, I can see why tasting menus are everywhere. We’re in a moment. There’s energy, ambition, and a sense that the world is watching. Chefs are in full expression mode, showcasing their ideas, their techniques, their heritage. There’s a lot of reflection drawing from memory, from culture, from personal history to present Filipino cuisine in a way that feels both deeply personal and globally relevant. It’s exciting to witness. But sometimes I find myself wondering if we are seeing who the chefs really are, or what they think will impress. I don’t mean that cynically, but I mean it as a genuine question. Because the tasting menu, by design, can become a stage. And on that stage there’s a temptation to present a highlight reel rather than a personal story, and for me, the most memorable tasting menus are the ones that feel personal. They are not just technically impressive, but emotionally resonant. I want to understand the flavors, not just admire the technique. I also find myself thinking about something less discussed: waste. Not in the kitchen, but at the table. I’ve had meals where I was full halfway through but kept going out of politeness, or guilt, or the sense that I should finish. And when I couldn’t, I left behind dishes I would have otherwise enjoyed under different circumstances. Generosity is such a core part of Filipino hospitality, but sometimes that generosity tips into excess. And excess, however well-intentioned, isn’t always sustainable. Sometimes more is not better, it’s just more. Maybe this is why I find myself drawn to restaurants experimenting with hybrid formats. Shorter tasting menus. Prix fixe options with choices. À la carte menus alongside a more structured experience. Spaces where you can decide how deeply you want to engage. It feels like a more modern kind of hospitality, one that trusts both the chef and the diner to make choices. Because when I find a chef or a restaurant I love, I don’t want it to be a once-in-a-while experience. I want to return. I want to crave a dish and know I can come back for it. I want to bring different friends, order different things, and build a kind of familiarity over time. I want a relationship with a restaurant, not just a memory of it. Tasting menus, for all their brilliance, make that difficult. They are inherently occasional. They turn restaurants into destinations rather than places you can fold into your regular life. And while that makes them special, it also makes them distant. I don’t think tasting menus should disappear. They have a rightful place and I acknowledge that many people still seek out this type of experience. And when tasting menus are done well, they can be extraordinary. But I don’t think they should be the only option. Sometimes, I still want the marathon. But more often now, I just want a really good meal, on any given day, on my own terms, on my own time, and with the certainty that I can come back again soon. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report Philippines’ [Food and Drink Issue, April 2026.](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-april-2026-the-food-drink-issue/)* **Categories:** Dining, Food & Drink **Tags:** Field Notes, tasting menu --- ### [Road Test: Aston Martin’s New Valhalla Supercar Caresses the Road With Athleticism and Power](https://robbreport.ph/cars/road-test-aston-martins-new-valhalla-supercar-caresses-the-road-with-athleticism-and-power/) **Published:** April 27, 2026 **Author:** Viju Mathew **Content:** The gentleman sitting next to me in the helicopter is monitoring both the pilot’s flight path and the weather from an app on his phone. But evaluating data, plotting the optimal course, and navigating it successfully is second nature to fellow passenger Adrian Hallmark, [Aston Martin](https://robbreport.ph/tag/aston-martin/ "aston martin")’s new C.E.O. As we approach [Circuito de Navarra](https://www.circuitodenavarra.com/es), about 40 miles outside Pamplona, not even the din of the rotors can drown out the cacophony of anticipation in my head. Waiting below, after all, is a 2.6-mile racecourse and the British automaker’s 1,064 hp [Valhalla](https://robbreport.ph/tag/valhalla/ "Valhalla"). Starting at about $1.05 million and limited to 999 examples, the new flagship of Aston’s renaissance is also its most technically advanced production model to date—a fact that becomes clear the moment you slip into the cockpit. The low-slung seating position, with heels nearly aligned to hips, takes its cue from motorsport, while the driver’s view is framed by prominent wheel arches that seem to sit at chest level. Yet Aston’s talent for high-touch interior refinement remains intact. (Though I find the lack of analog instrumentation a misstep.) ![Teal and black high-performance sports car speeding along a race track with yellow brake calipers visible](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/AstonMartin_Valhalla_5.webp) The 3,648-pound (dry weight) hybrid, able to generate 1,322 pounds of downforce, demonstrates its performance prowess at Circuito de Navarra’s 2.6-mile track. *Max Earey* What’s less traditional is the profuse hybrid output, channeled through four drive modes—EV, Sport, Sport+, and Race. Of the last, Hallmark tells *Robb Report*, “If you put it in Race mode the whole time, you could technically never charge the car with the plug-in, because it captures so much energy.” The bulk of the muscle comes from an 817 hp 4.0-liter flat-plane-crank twin-turbo V-8 paired with two independent electric motors at the front wheels and a third in the gearbox of the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. Juiced by a 6.1 kWh battery, each of the three can spin at nearly 19,000 rpm. The combined power delivery is evenly doled out on Navarra’s main straight, as the 3,648-pound (dry weight) [supercar](https://robbreport.ph/tag/supercars/ "supercars") dispatches zero to 62 mph in a claimed 2.5 seconds, running out of room before coming anywhere close to its electronically limited top speed of 217 mph. Central to the carbon-fiber outlier’s performance is its sculpted shape and active aerodynamics—including a deployable rear wing that contributes to the more than 1,322 pounds of total downforce, and a Formula 1–derived drag reduction system (DRS). And while a bit of turbo lag is perceptible when getting back on the throttle after a hairpin, it’s momentary. ![Luxury sports car interior with carbon fiber steering wheel and orange leather trim, Aston Martin emblem visible on the center cap.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/AstonMartin_Valhalla_6.webp) The interior balances motorsport ergonomics with tactile sophistication, including carbon-fiber racing seats dressed in leather. *Max Earey* So, too, is the time it takes the brake-by-wire system to scrub speed, thanks to carbon-ceramic stoppers acting on forged-alloy wheels dressed in custom Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. (Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 AML summer tires were used on the road.) That grip is reinforced by a litany of electronic nannies, all of which translate to an assuring sense of control and eagerness to discover more of the Valhalla’s powerfully balletic nature. Where Aston’s mid-engine milestone distances itself from its 1,139 hp [Valkyrie sibling ](https://robbreport.ph/tag/valkyrie/ "valkyrie")is in its ability to display a more genteel demeanor in public. In Sport mode, the marque’s latest benchmark in aesthetics, athleticism, and approachability begins to feel almost like a grand tourer, with a suspension unexpectedly cossetting. And as the Valhalla caresses the road at speed, it competes with the stunning landscape itself for anyone fortunate enough to catch sight of it. ![Rear three-quarters view of a blue-teal Aston Martin Valkyrie race car on a track, rear wing up and neon-yellow accents visible.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/AstonMartin_Valhalla_1.webp) The car’s active aero includes a deployable rear wing and a Formula 1–inspired drag-reduction system. *Max Earey* Interestingly, the Basque country and the brand share a certain common ground: a legacy of beauty and a strong cultural identity, each shaped by periods of tumult—whether it’s the region’s long fight for independence or [Aston Martin](https://www.astonmartin.com/en)’s ongoing struggle for financial autonomy. From behind the wheel of the [Valhalla](https://robbreport.ph/tag/valhalla/ "Valhalla"), though, it seems both have redefined themselves brilliantly. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** aston martin, Supercar, supercars, Valhalla --- ### [The Art of Caring for a Patek Philippe](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-art-of-caring-for-a-patek-philippe/) **Published:** April 27, 2026 **Author:** Carl Cunanan **Content:** One of the things I enjoy most is the point when eyes are opened, whether they’re mine or someone else’s, and they suddenly see something they didn’t really appreciate before. A time I always remember as a wonderful eye-opening moment for myself was when I was at the [Patek Philippe](https://www.patek.com/en) manufacture in Geneva, a huge and very modern facility on the outside. We were walking through an area where they work on all the important and vintage pieces, from their own collection as well as from the very important collections of owners and collectors. Off to one side was an older gentleman who was sitting at a desk that was perhaps a fourth filled with twigs and small branches of trees. ![Luxurious showroom lobby with cream seating, a round flower table, and a Patek Philippe display wall.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/patekphilippe_incontent-007.webp) The Patek Philippe service center has Patek *Philippe* I, of course, had to ask why this was the case, and their explanation was quite surprising. He was responsible for doing particular finishing on the vintage watches and components. He used certain wooden tools and surfaces for this finishing, and he didn’t really feel any supplier was up to the task. And Patek Philippe obviously agreed with him. He’d go out into the forest and choose and then cut the wood he decided was best. He’d then shape it himself to craft the shapes and pieces that would be used as surfaces to rub against the components and pieces that would go on to have the circular graining or perlage (or in French, cerclage) you see on the finest of timepieces. ![Close-up of a white gear with teeth and red adjustment levers on a white lab bench.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/patekphilippe_incontent-002.webp) *Patek Philippe* Accuracy, precision, and repeatability may define the system, but vision, passion, craftsmanship, and yes, love still carry it forward. Another eye-opening moment I experienced recently with Patek Philippe was when it reopened its Singapore Service Center. I liked this because there were people who actually asked me why they were there, and why it was important that they understand what, in their mind, was effectively a repair shop. ![Close-up of gloved hands adjusting a precision micrometer on a small circular metal piece held in a green vise, during detailed work.",](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/patekphilippe_incontent-010.webp) *Patek Philippe* Then I saw their eyes widen when they realized that even the simplest of mechanisms had far more and far smaller pieces than they expected. And observed how their eyes lit up when they saw the different tools, and jigs, and pieces that were needed just to open and hold properly things like the case back, or a component, or a gear. We watched how the different levels of testing were done and how the different ways were used to make sure watches were properly sealed or at different levels of water protection. ![Bright watchmaking workshop with multiple workbenches, precision machines, and blue-and-white cabinets on both sides.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/patekphilippe_incontent-005.webp) *Patek Philippe* One of the more interesting techniques I had never seen before was how they were starting to use, at this level, laser welding of precious metal to help restore watch cases and bracelets that had been banged or damaged in everyday life of the wearer. This requires a high level of training just for the new laser equipment, accessible only after you’ve already reached high levels of watchmaking expertise. The facility in Singapore is one of only 13 around the world at this level of accreditation and operation, although it’s arguable there isn’t really anyone else at this particular level, because the Singapore shop was recently awarded the top performer of an already elite group. ![Gloved hands polishing a gold ring on a jewelry polishing wheel in a workshop environment](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/patekphilippe_incontent-011.webp) *Patek Philippe* I say at this level because there are levels above and below this one that different facilities, such as boutiques, will be allowed to operate. Patek Philippe is working to make sure boutiques and certain points of purchase are allowed to do smaller services, such as checking or changing bracelets or batteries or straps. Then, if they are not authorized to go further, they’d hand it to one of the 13 facilities. If none of the 13 can do the job, they’ll ship the watch back to Geneva. ![Gloved hands place a wristwatch into a precision testing instrument for quality control.",](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/patekphilippe_incontent-012.webp) *Patek Philippe* The delineating factor here is primarily the level of complication of the watch itself or the level of work needed to be done. We have, of course, seen this service center grow. It was always something special for those who’d bring their watches over, and it was always friendly. But perhaps befitting the higher level of mainstream interest in watches in the world, it’s now a much more luxurious experience. That includes areas where we can have coffee or chat, or just go through some of the books on Patek Philippe and see some of the pieces. ![Close-up of a watchmaker's desk with a small watch movement on a green mat and gloved hands handling components under a glass dome nearby](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/patekphilippe_incontent-013.webp) *Patek Philippe* Many who’ve been in the world of fine watchmaking for a while understand the complication and craftsmanship involved, and even those who’ve been interested for quite some time learn something new all the time. What I like most of all is that this world and industry and craft that many of us have loved for a very long time is now becoming more appreciated by others, and not just because of brand names or prices or hype. People are increasingly recognizing the extraordinary level of handwork, ingenuity, detail, and dedication. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report Philippines’ [Food and Drink Issue, April 2026.](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-april-2026-the-food-drink-issue/)* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** Patek Philippe, Service Center, singapore --- ### [Mercedes-Benz Just Unveiled Its All-Electric C-Class—Here’s a First Look](https://robbreport.ph/cars/mercedes-benz-just-unveiled-its-all-electric-c-class-heres-a-first-look/) **Published:** April 24, 2026 **Author:** Bryan Hood **Content:** The [Mercedes-Benz C-Class ](https://robbreport.ph/cars/10-fascinating-facts-you-didnt-know-about-mercedes-benz/ "10 Fascinating Facts You Didn’t Know About Mercedes-Benz")just got a much-needed jolt of electricity. The German luxury marque has just unveiled the all-electric version of its long-running compact sedan. The four-door features a bold design, a slew of exciting new technology, and a 350-mile range. The new C-Class [EV](https://robbreport.ph/tag/ev/ "ev") is distinct from both its gas-powered sibling and Mercedes’s other battery-powered cars. A longer wheelbase means its sleeker than the former, while sharper lines give it a more defined shape than the latter. The most eye-catching detail is the giant illuminated faux grille, which it shares with it SUV equivalent, the GLC, that sits at its nose and is winged by a headlights with a star motif. It, along with its fastback-style roofline and large rear, won’t be to everyone’s liking, but it’s a much more visually striking vehicle than the jellybean-like EQE and EQS. ![Silver luxury sedan driving down a city street past a blue storefront, with motion blur on the wheels and background side.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2027-mercedes-benz-c-class-01.webp) 2027 Mercedes-Benz C-Class EV *Photo: Mercedes-Benz* The interior is also dominated by a giant glowing feature. Here, it’s the 39.1-inch Hyperscreen, which stretches from one end of the dashboard to the other and includes the instrument cluster, infotainment system, and a passenger display. The driver also has access to an augmented reality head-up system, that projects an 18-inch display onto the front windshield. The rest of the cabin is covered in premium materials, including a fully vegan upholstery option, and features more legroom, headroom, and cargo space than the gas-powered C-Class. Rounding things out is a panoramic glass roof that comes standard. The first electric C-Class, the C400 4Matic, features a dual-motor powertrain. The setup, which includes one motor on the front axle and another equipped with a two-speed transmission on the rear, makes 482 hp and 590 ft lbs of torque, which is split to all four wheels. That’s enough power to rocket the car from zero to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds, while it tops out at a computer-controlled 130 mph. ![Inside a luxury car: wide curved digital dashboard, steering wheel with Mercedes logo, and tan leather seats.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2027-mercedes-benz-c-class-03.webp) Inside the electric G-Class *Photo: Mercedes-Benz* The EV gets its juice from a battery with 94 kWh of usable capacity. Mercedes says the sedan can travel 472 miles on a single charge, but that estimate was reached using the more forgiving WLTP testing standard. Outlets like *[Car and Driver](https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a71054145/2027-mercedes-benz-c-class-ev-revealed/)* and [Motor1.com](https://www.motor1.com/news/793402/2027-mercedes-c-class-electric-debut/) suggest the EPA’s range estimate will be closer to 350 miles. An 800-volt architecture will allow for DC fast charging, so no one should have range anxiety about this EV. The car will also feature regenerative smart braking and an optional Airmatic suspension system with intelligent dampers. An on-sale date has yet to be announced, but the new G-Class EV is expected to launch during the first half of 2027. We’ll also have to wait for pricing info, but well north of the gas-powered C-Class 4Matic’s $51,650 starting price seems likely. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** C-Class, electric vehicles, mercedes-benz, News --- ### [This New 213-Foot Explorer Yacht Concept Can Be Configured for Work or Play](https://robbreport.ph/boats/this-new-213-foot-explorer-yacht-concept-can-be-configured-for-work-or-play/) **Published:** April 23, 2026 **Author:** Nicole Hoey **Content:** This new [superyacht](https://robbreport.ph/tag/superyacht/ "Superyacht") is something of a triple threat. Canada-based ER Yacht Design just unveiled its latest concept vessel, a 213-foot explorer that’s mean to whisk you away on remote adventures, scientific research expeditions, and extended voyages around the globe. As such, the concept, which still retains all the hallmarks of a luxury yacht, aims to offer beyond what a traditional explorer can—and its *Super-Expedition* moniker certainly matches that ethos. To help cater to its future owners’ whims, the 213-footer is designed with a removable modular system, which means the superyacht can be tailored to the adventure at hand. Pre-made units, whether it be additional guest cabins, scientific labs, storage, or other specialized modules can be added or removed via the vessel’s onboard crane; from there, the parts are simply locked into place onboard with predetermined foundations, with plug-ins for electricity and plumbing built right in. So whether you’re hoping for a trip based on watersports, exploration, or helicopter adventures, *Super-Expedition* aims to have options abound for all your needs in seamless, adaptable system. ![White luxury motor yacht sailing on calm blue sea with a helicopter on its aft deck.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/er-yacht-design-super-expedition-explorer-concept-helipad.webp) The concept’s modular system means you can make each journey its own. *Photo: ER Yacht Design* Take the aft deck, for example. The concept offers just over 4,000 square feet of open space there (unusual for a yacht of this size, according to ER Yacht Design), which can be outfitted with a 33-by-26-foot infinity pool that converts into a helipad, tenders spanning up to 50 feet, and a submarine. Plus, the deck can also be home to more toys, expedition vessels, and some of those removable accommodation units. In terms of permanent deck cabins, though, the vessel has space for 10 guests across four rooms, including one VIP option, all housed with its sleek, elongated profile. ER Yacht Design is no stranger to making striking yachts for the seas. Earlier this year, the company unveiled *Logos,* a vessel that’s meant to appear as though it’s moving even when it’s at anchor. That effect is achieved via its sculpted superstructure, which is done up in aerodynamic lines and shapes for that constantly in-motion look. Onboard, meanwhile, the yacht offers up a large beach club with a massive pool, a wide swim platform, and fold-down bulwarks—a space you won’t want to move from in the slightest. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Boats **Tags:** explorer yachts, marine, News, Superyacht --- ### [These New 4K Projectors Will Add Some Much-Needed Contrast to Your Home Theater Setup](https://robbreport.ph/tech/electronics/these-new-4k-projectors-will-add-some-much-needed-contrast-to-your-home-theater-setup/) **Published:** April 23, 2026 **Author:** Bryan Hood **Content:** XGIMI is ready to give your home theater setup a boost—in more ways than one. The Chinese technology company is about to release a new flagship line of 4K [projectors](https://robbreport.ph/tag/projectors/ "projectors"), called the Titan Noir, that produce an image as immersive as those at your local cinema. The series is made up of three stylish devices that place more of an emphasis on contrast than we’re used to seeing from their peers. Home theater projectors, especially those of the 4K variety, have come a long way in recent years. Even accessibly priced entrants in the class can produce and image that’ll make you feel like you’re watching *Dune: Part Two* or *Spider-Man: No Way Home* at your local multiplex. Despite the jump in quality, there’s one area where these projectors still lag behind premium TVs: contrast. Because of this, you need to use your projector in a pitch-dark room to really get the most out of it. ![IMAX Enhanced home theater projector with a large front lens and striped black body mounted on a metal stand.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/xgmi-titan-noir-pro.webp) XGIMI Titan Noir Pro 4K Projector *Photo: XGIMI* But not the Titan Noir series. Each member of the trio produces a 4K image that is bright and colorful but also depicts an accurate amount of contrast. The projectors come equipped with the company’s Dual Intelligent Iris system, which features two physical iris modules that control light output in real time, resulting in inky blacks that are anything but washed out. The system adjusts scene by scene, too, ensuring the image always looks as crisp and colorful as it was intended to. You may still want to turn off the lights when movie time rolls around, but a little ambient light won’t affect the experience as much. All three projectors—a group that include the entry level Titan Noir, the mid-range Titan Noir Pro, and the fully loaded Titan Noir Max—come with a RGB triple-laser light source, a projection size of up to 300 inches, and a 240 Hz refresh rate, meaning they can each be used for gaming. The difference between the trio comes down to brightness and contrast, with the range-topping model reaching up to 7,000 ISO lumens and offering a 10,000:1 contrast ratio. Each projector also features a slick, minimalist design that will blend into practically any room and Harmon Kardon-tuned audio. ![Living room with a large wall-mounted screen showing a surfer holding a board at the beach, beige seating, and a minimalist neutral design.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/xgmi-titan-noir-01.webp) Each of the new 4K projectors can produce a bright, colorful image. *Photo: XGIMI* XGIMI will launch a Kickstarter for the Titan Noir series on April 23. Pricing for the projectors ranges from $3,999 to $5,999, though early bird discounts will be available. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Electronics, Tech **Tags:** News, projectors, XGMI --- ### [The Return to Feel: Lexus IS Sharpens the Connection Between Driver and Machine](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-return-to-feel-lexus-is-sharpens-the-connection-between-driver-and-machine/) **Published:** April 23, 2026 **Author:** Carl Cunanan **Content:** There are brands that make a car better without feeling the need to announce it. They have that particular kind of confidence. The new [Lexus](https://robbreport.ph/tag/lexus/ "lexus") IS reflects that. The companies making the key decisions in the automotive world right now are not necessarily the loudest ones. They are the ones that have learned to adjust quickly, with discipline, and with real conviction about who they are and who they are building for. In that context, the arrival of the latest Lexus IS, announced in the final months of 2025 and coming to market in 2026, is important, but it also says rather more than its modest billing might suggest. This is not a segment-redefining revolution. Lexus has not framed it that way, and rightly so. What it is, instead, is a lucid and considered answer to a question the broader industry has been fumbling: The market has shifted toward crossovers and electrification. So where does that leave a rear-wheel-drive sport sedan with a naturally aspirated engine, one built around the connection between driver and machine? The IS, now entering its third decade, makes that case more persuasively than ever. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/lexus_incontent-004.webp) Lexus The Lexus IS debuted in 1999, built on the bones of the Japanese market Toyota Altezza, a sports sedan that had developed a devoted following in touring car racing across Asia and Europe but had yet to make its mark in the crucial United States market. It was meant to prove that Lexus, a brand whose reputation had been built almost entirely on whisper-quiet mechanical refinement, could also stir the soul. When Lexus first arrived in 1989, its promise was specific and audacious: smoother V8s than the Americans, more reliable engineering than the Europeans, and luxury delivered at a level the market had not seen before. The original LS 400 made good on that promise so convincingly that it genuinely unsettled the establishment. But serenity, however well executed, is not the same as engagement. The IS was Lexus’s answer to that distinction, a car designed not to insulate the driver from the road, but to put them in direct conversation with it, albeit within a more luxurious context. That was a significant bet for a marque so committed to silence. It paid off. Over 25 years and three generations, the IS has sold more than 1.3 million units in over 40 countries. ![Lexus car interior with red and black leather seats, steering wheel, and center console.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/lexus_incontent-005.webp) *Lexus* There is something interesting about how Lexus, and Toyota culture more broadly, approaches improvement. It happens constantly, and it is often done without announcement. This is both an engineering virtue and a commercial peculiarity, and understanding it is essential to understanding what the 2026 IS represents. In a previous IS generation, Lexus introduced a meaningful and substantive technology-based upgrade to the chassis and driving mid-cycle. The engineering work was genuine. The result was real. And Lexus said essentially nothing about it publicly. No campaign. No press release. The car was simply better. The only people who noticed were those who drove both versions back to back, putting the IS alongside the BMW 3 Series and other benchmark sport sedans on real roads and real tracks. Suddenly the cars were carrying more speed through corners. Lap times were tightening. And the car still felt unmistakably like a Lexus, the comfort and refinement intact, the luxury uncompromised. They had done something technically difficult and chosen not to celebrate it publicly. It reveals something true about the company’s hierarchy of priorities: The work matters more than the announcement. For those who pay close attention, it also creates a kind of trust. A Lexus improved in silence is still improved. The 2026 Lexus IS debuted in September 2025 and should arrive at dealers through 2026. Lexus is not exactly calling it a new car; that framing is deliberate and worth taking seriously. Their language speaks of improvement along a journey, of refinement as an ongoing discipline rather than a destination. That is a very Toyota way of thinking, and in this context it functions as a statement of confidence: They believe they have something worth perfecting. ![Rear view of a silver Lexus IS 350 F SPORT showing the spoiler and red taillight accent](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/lexus_incontent-006.webp) *Lexus* The lineup has been focused. Listed at the launch were the IS300h and the IS350. Lexus spoke more about how it was using technologies than about the specifics of the powerplants. The h model follows a very successful and proven hybrid lineage, while the 350 remains internal combustion only. Full specifications will likely be released on a considered timeline rather than all at once, and will probably be increasingly market-specific. What this signals, intentionally, is that Lexus is comfortable with the conversation unfolding over time, and that the car is strong enough to sustain interest without relying on a single data dump at launch. On the dynamics front, Lexus has gone deep in precisely the area where it matters most for this car’s identity. In an enthusiast world increasingly anxious about the erosion of driving feel, and about the creeping electronic mediation between the human and the road, the 2026 IS moves in the opposite direction. The steering system has been completely redesigned, adopting a rack-parallel configuration with a variable gear ratio engineered for linearity. The language is technical, but the outcome is tactile. Behind the wheel, inputs are answered honestly. The wheel communicates rather than merely responds, and the low-speed numbness that plagues many electric steering systems has been addressed with real seriousness. ![Close-up of a silver multi-spoke Lexus alloy wheel with a low-profile tire.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/lexus_incontent-012.webp) *Lexus* The suspension calibration has been revised throughout, with attention not just to how the car behaves under load, but to how it composes itself when that load is released. The way the steering returns to center, the way the chassis settles after a direction change—these are the calibration details that separate a car that feels engineered from one that feels alive. Lexus has committed to the latter. It is the sort of work they have done before, including the quiet but significant mid-cycle change mentioned earlier. The interior has been designed with a clarity of intent that mirrors the chassis work. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/lexus_incontent-013.webp) *Lexus* A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster now faces the driver, paired with a matching 12.3-inch touchscreen beside it that replaces the previous 8-inch display. Two large screens placed side by side represent a legitimate challenge for any interior designer. There is a risk of technological intrusion into a space that should prioritize connection, something that we are seeing far too often in other cars. Lexus has addressed this by treating the screens as features of the architecture rather than its focal points. The dashboard has been redesigned to receive them, not merely accommodate them. The climate controls, critically, remain physical. There is a row of dedicated buttons that can be operated without removing one’s eyes from the road. New trim options mentioned at launch include Forged Bamboo ornamentation, a material that uses natural fiber variation to produce a distinctive shadowing effect Lexus calls In-ei, a reference to the Japanese concept of graduated shadow. It is a subdued detail, the kind that reveals itself slowly with familiarity. A new interior color option, Prominence, is intended to bring warmth and balance, an interesting contrast to the car’s sporty and energetic character. The expected and specifically tuned Mark Levinson audio system will be available as well, completing an interior package that has earned the right to call itself genuinely premium. ![Side view of a silver luxury sedan with dark alloy wheels in a gray studio setting.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/lexus_incontent-011.webp) *Lexus* The powertrain strategy of the 2026 IS is a product decision made in direct alignment with the philosophy Akio Toyoda has pushed publicly and consistently. Toyota and Lexus will produce the best powertrain for the specific driver and the specific use case, rather than insisting that a single technological path is best for everyone. The IS 350, with its possible combustion V6, will serve one kind of driver. The hybrid, whose specifications are still forthcoming, will serve another. Both are valid. Both should be excellent. The IS hybrid has historically been well-received, not as a compromise between efficiency and performance, but as a genuinely distinct driving experience that complements rather than replaces the pure combustion version. Lexus understands that these are not the same car for different buyers; they are different cars for buyers who know exactly what they want. ![Lexus car interior with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, red contrast stitching, digital instrument cluster, and center console screen.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/lexus_incontent-007.webp) *Lexus* The decision to release technical information incrementally rather than comprehensively at launch is also worth noting. It is increasingly common today. Part of it is strategy, sustaining momentum by stretching the story over a longer period toward the sale date and beyond. But it also reflects something more adaptive: the acknowledgment that even companies that must plan years in advance need to remain more flexible than they once thought necessary. Holding back specifications preserves options. It allows planning and agility to coexist, which is not as easy as it sounds. Lexus has always been precisely who it is. That has not always been a commercially comfortable position. The IS exists because the company decided to build a sport sedan that would feel the way a Lexus should feel, and then committed to that decision across generations. The stated design philosophy for this car is to improve the dialogue between man and machine. That phrasing, in 2026, is almost quaint. It is also exactly right. There is a generation of buyers increasingly interested in feel, in authenticity, and in genuine engagement with the objects they choose to spend their money on. They are not looking to be managed by their technology. They want to use it. They want, in the oldest and most essential sense, to drive. The IS, sharpened, refined, and more communicative than ever, is built for exactly them. It is the whole point. **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** lexus, Lexus IS --- ### [This 28.88-Carat Jwaneng Is the Star of Sotheby's Luxury Week](https://robbreport.ph/style/jewelry/this-28-88-carat-jwaneng-is-the-star-of-sothebys-luxury-week/) **Published:** April 22, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** Our concept of collecting is evolving, and [auction](https://robbreport.ph/tag/auction/ "auction") houses are moving along with it. At [Sotheby’s](https://robbreport.ph/tag/sothebys-2/ "Sotheby's"), that shift takes shape in Luxury Week, a multi-city series of sales spanning Hong Kong, Geneva, London, Paris, and New York. The format brings together high [jewelry](https://robbreport.ph/style/jewelry/ "Jewelry"), [watches](https://robbreport.ph/watches/ "Watches"), handbags, wine, and other categories into a single, curated offering, reflecting how today’s collectors engage across disciplines rather than within a single lane. The series folds together live theatre and digital access with ease, mirroring the habits of a new generation of buyers who are as comfortable bidding from a phone as they are raising a paddle in a saleroom. The breadth is deliberate: high jewelry sits alongside handbags, watches, and wine as adjacent expressions of value. Still, even within that spectrum, certain lots exert a gravitational pull. This season, it begins with a diamond. ![Diamond being inspected with a loupe over a gemology report showing 'Flawless' and 'Excellent' ratings.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/HK1712_DKDCH_EN3jpg.webp) The standout diamond of the season at Sotheby’s, Lot 1668 features the De Beers Jwaneng 28.88—an unmounted 28.88-carat D Flawless Type IIa stone. *Photo: Sotheby’s* The De Beers Jwaneng 28.88 arrives with quite the pedigree. Cut from a 114.83-carat rough diamond unearthed in Botswana’s Jwaneng mine, the stone now exists as a 28.88-carat round brilliant of D color and Flawless clarity. Being a Type IIa diamond, it belongs to the chemically purest class, a category that historically accounts for only a small fraction of the world’s most important stones. Irresistible, really. If the Jwaneng diamond represents a kind of unheard-of purity, the season’s colored stones offer something closer to personality. A 7.63-carat fancy blue diamond ring pairs crystalline depth with a VVS1 clarity, while a 4.63-carat fancy intense purplish pink diamond leans into saturation, its violet undertones adding some interesting dimension. ![Green beaded multi-strand necklace with a diamond-encrusted bird pendant on a red textured box; colorful gem accents and a teardrop pendant.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/SOTHEBYS-CARTIER-TUTTI-FRUTTI-NECKLACE-HK1712_DKBPN_T1_EN2jpg.webp) Lot 1805 presents a Cartier Tutti Frutti necklace, composed of pavé diamond parrots, carved emeralds, rubies, and sapphires, set along three strands of emerald beads and finished with a briolette diamond pendant. *Photo: Sotheby’s* Likewise, Kashmir sapphires make an appearance. Mined briefly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it remains among the most coveted precisely because there aren’t going to be any more in existence. The 15.33-carat example offered this season, untreated and vividly blue with the velvety “silk” that defines the origin, in a sense, feels like a closed chapter of an old world. Colombian emeralds operate differently. Their internal gardens (those inclusions that would be flaws in any other stone) become signatures of identity. Signed pieces make authorship explicit. A Cartier Tutti Frutti necklace stands as one of the sale’s defining highlights, folding Mughal-inspired carved gemstones into a distinctly Parisian rhythm. Yes, the motif is familiar, but its pavé diamond parrots, emerald beads, and a briolette pendant coalesce into something that pays homage to its legacy. ![Two suede handbags with fluffy off-white shearling trim, a large brown tote and a smaller gray clutch on a neutral backdrop.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/H-SOTHEBYS-TEDDY-KELLY-HK1715_Marketing_05jpg.webp) Lot 527 features an Hermès Teddy Kelly 35 Retourne in Veau Doblis with Ebene Box accents, while Lot 633 offers a Teddy Mini Kelly II in Chamois Grizzly Gris Caillou paired with Etoupe Swift leather. *Photo: Sotheby’s* The same principle extends, perhaps unexpectedly, to handbags. Hermès’ Broderie Collage Kelly 25 Sellier, constructed from Swift leather and panels of alligator and crocodile in an almost painterly arrangement, remains a knockout piece. Elsewhere, Teddy Kelly variants introduce texture and levity, while the playful and slightly surreal Kelly Doll reminds collectors that even the most codified icons can still accommodate humor. *The [High Jewellery live sale ](https://www.sothebys.com/en/auction-catalogue/2026/high-jewelry-hk1712?s=intro)takes place tomorrow, 23 April in Hong Kong, alongside online auctions for Fine Jewellery (15–29 April) and Handbags and Accessories (14–28 April).* **Categories:** Jewelry **Tags:** auction, Auctions, diamonds, high jewelry, Jwaneng, Kelly, News, sothebys --- ### [The New Ford Mustang GTD Just Destroyed the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X’s Nürburgring Time](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-new-ford-mustang-gtd-just-destroyed-the-chevrolet-corvette-zr1xs-nurburgring-time/) **Published:** April 22, 2026 **Author:** Bryan Hood **Content:** Another week means another boundary-pushing lap time for [Ford](https://robbreport.ph/tag/ford/ "ford"). The Detroit giant announced the [Mustang](https://robbreport.ph/tag/mustang/ "mustang") GTD Competition is now the second fastest American-made car in Nürburgring history after it lapped the complex’s Nordschleife track in 6:40.835 minutes. In doing so, the variant beat the previous GTD record by more than 11 seconds. Ford Racing and Multimatic factory driver Dirk Müller was behind the wheel of the GTD Competition when it achieved the sixth fastest time on the Nürburgring Nordschleife’s [pre-production/prototype leaderboard](https://nuerburgring.de/info/nuerburgring/records) on March 24. The motorsports complex’s northern loop is better known to enthusiasts as the “Green Hell,” and with good reason, since the 12.94-mile circuit has 73 officially recognized turns (33 left and 40 right) and over 1,000 feet of elevation changes. That GTD Competition’s time only trails the Ford GT Mk IV as far as American cars are concerned, after the supercar circled the same track in 6:15.977 minutes one week later (though that time was announced earlier). Second place isn’t a bad place to be, especially since the ‘Stang beat the American car in third, the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X, which went around the track in 6:49.275 minutes last summer, by more than eight seconds. Fourth is the original GTD, which [lapped the northern loop in 6:52:072 minutes](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVni4kUCy6s) last spring. Unsurprisingly, the muscle car has undergone several changes to help it shave more than 11 seconds off its previous benchmark. The GTD Competition features a 5.2-litre supercharged V-8 that’s even more potent than the mill found in the original model. Ford isn’t ready to say how powerful it is just yet, other than to say that it surpasses the first GTD’s 815 hp output. The car also features an even more aggressive aero kit, more lightweight parts (including a set of magnesium wheels), and a set of high-performance tires that provide increased grip. The GTD Competition may be a pre-production/prototype by Nürburgring standards, but Ford has announced plans to sell the high-performance Mustang. The press release announcing the feat said the vehicle will be sold in “strictly limited, serialized quantities” in North America. We don’t know when that will be, or how much the model will cost, though something well north of the GTD’s $327,960 base price seems very likely. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** ford, mustang, News, nurburgring --- ### [This Louis Vuitton Watch Resets Itself Overnight—Here’s How](https://robbreport.ph/watches/this-louis-vuitton-watch-resets-itself-overnight-heres-how/) **Published:** April 22, 2026 **Author:** Carl Cunanan **Content:** An extraordinary amount of vision and craftsmanship has gone into the creation of a watch that will exist in only 12 pieces. [Louis Vuitton](https://robbreport.ph/tag/louis-vuitton/ "Louis Vuitton") has always been about the journey, and this is an excellent example of how that journey has extended into watches and watchmaking. The result is [the LVDB-03](https://eu.louisvuitton.com/eng-e1/stories/louisvuittonxdebethune), a collaboration between Jean Arnault of Louis Vuitton and the independent Swiss manufacturer De Bethune, guided by master watchmaker Denis Flageollet. ![Louis Vuitton x Bethune](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/lvxbethune_incontent-015.webp) *Louis Vuitton* Each of the 12 sets pairs a wristwatch with a sympathique clock—a concept rooted in classical watchmaking traditions in which the clock serves as both companion and regulator for the watch. The project also reflects the broader arc of Louis Vuitton’s watchmaking ambitions. A pivotal moment came with the integration of La Fabrique du Temps, the independent manufacturer whose technical expertise and creative vision have become central to the brand’s horological identity. In the years since, Louis Vuitton has steadily produced more ambitious timepieces—some technically complex, others defined by clarity and elegance. ![Close-up of a blue watch case back revealing its intricate gears and balance wheel against a dark blue background.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/lvxbethune_incontent-016.webp) *Louis Vuitton* That commitment to the craft was further reinforced in 2023 with the launch of the Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives, an initiative designed to support and spotlight the next generation of independent watchmakers. The Louis Vuitton x De Bethune LVDB-03 Louis Varius Project represents the third collaboration in this series. De Bethune, founded in 2002 by Denis Flageollet and David Zanetta, has earned a reputation for combining centuries of watchmaking tradition with a distinctly contemporary aesthetic. Flageollet himself has served on the Louis Vuitton Watch Prize committee since its inception. The wristwatch is the LVDB-03 GMT Louis Varius. It is a GMT function watch housed in the Tambour Taiko case in 45-millimeter blued titanium. It is a manual-winding watch powered by De Bethune’s caliber DB2507LV. The watch displays hours and minutes, a second time zone, a day/night indication, and a jumping date. A unique map of stars at the center of the dial discreetly aligns to reveal the letters LV integrated into the constellation. That dial is surrounded by a spherical day-and-night indicator that completes two full rotations every 24 hours, offering a continuous and intuitive reading of time across zones while traveling. It has a five-day power reserve and must be wound manually—something many consider part of its appeal. When you return home, the experience changes. The watch is not simply set aside or placed back into a case—even if it comes with several beautifully made ones, as expected from Louis Vuitton. Instead, it is placed in the LVDB-03 Sympathique Louis Vuitton clock. The idea of the sympathique dates back to 1795, when Abraham-Louis Breguet created a system in which a clock could regulate and reset a companion timepiece, at a time when fixed clocks were the most accurate reference. These were originally designed for pocket watches, long before wristwatches became part of everyday life. ![Woman in a beige sleeveless vest opens a large, LV-patterned silver box with a rounded inner mechanism on a workshop table.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/lvxbethune_incontent-019.webp) *Louis Vuitton* Louis Vuitton brings this concept into the present with a design that feels both technical and expressive. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/lvxbethune_incontent-004.webp) *Louis Vuitton* The clock itself has the presence of a small globe, with hints of the instruments once used on old sailing ships. When the watch is placed into its cradle, the crown aligns precisely with a hidden mechanism inside the clock. Over the course of the evening, the clock resets the watch to exact time and winds it fully. Every two hours, a finely engineered system adjusts the display, gradually bringing it into perfect alignment. By morning, the watch is fully wound and precisely set. ![Close-up of a mechanical watch movement with blue accents, being adjusted by wooden tweezers.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/lvxbethune_incontent-008.webp) *Louis Vuitton* What makes this remarkable is how seamlessly it works with a wristwatch. There is no need for adjustment. You simply place the watch into the clock and leave it overnight. By the time you pick it up again, it is ready for the next journey. There are, of course, countless details that only a handful of people will ever fully experience. After all, it is made for just 12 collectors. The words “Louis cruises with Denis” are engraved on the movement, along with the individual limited-edition number. The movement itself brings together modern innovation and classical watchmaking in equal measure. The balance wheel is crafted from blue titanium, while the escape wheel is made of silicon. De Bethune’s proprietary triple pare-chute shock absorption system adds another layer of refinement, designed to protect the movement with precision and elegance. ![Close-up of brass clockwork: interlocking gears, pins, and support posts.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/lvxbethune_incontent-011.webp) *Louis Vuitton* What most will notice, however, are the visual cues that signal the hand of De Bethune and Denis Flageollet. The architecture of the movement is defined by a hand-polished titanium deltoid bridge and a finely finished balance bridge, each framing the mechanism with sculptural clarity. The surfaces carry a contemporary reinvention of Côtes de Genève. On the dial, the celestial theme returns. The map of stars is created through an exclusive artisanal process developed by De Bethune Manufacture. White gold pins are set by hand into micro-perforations of varying sizes, creating depth and luminosity. This is further enriched by the application of fine gold leaf, giving the dial a glow that shifts with the light. ![Close-up of hands adjusting an antique nautical sextant with an ornate silver frame and an orange circular dial.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/lvxbethune_incontent-006.webp) *Louis Vuitton* Encircling this is the spherical day-and-night indicator, completing two full rotations every 24 hours. Polished indices and tambour-style numerals reflect Louis Vuitton’s design language, while the faceted hands echo the deep blue tones of the dial and case. When winding the watch, the crown reveals a slightly different texture. The knurling is designed to engage cleanly with the clock’s mechanism, ensuring the connection between watch and sympathique remains precise, seamless, and free from wear. The top dome opens to reveal a deep blue interior, surrounded by a band of twinkling stars. The clock has its own time-telling markings, but beneath them lies intricate hand-worked engraving depicting different modes of travel. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/lvxbethune_incontent-007.webp) *Louis Vuitton* Acclaimed Belgian illustrator François Schuiten, known for his imaginative worlds, has collaborated with Denis Flageollet and Louis Vuitton before, including illustrations for their travel books. This collaboration draws from early 19th-century dioramas, presenting three landscapes of exploration: a steam train crossing a viaduct, hot-air balloons above the African savannah, and sherpas ascending steep mountains. These miniature worlds encircle the mechanism and rotate slowly. The set ultimately becomes an interpretation not just of the journey, but of how the journey shapes you. And when you return home, placing the watch into its clock offers a moment to pause—and to take it all in. **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** clock, Louis Vuitton, Louis Vuitton x De Bethune LVDB-03, sympathique --- ### [Orient Express Venezia in Photos](https://robbreport.ph/travel/orient-express-venezia-in-photos/) **Published:** April 21, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** Orient Express has opened its second hotel inside a lavish 15th-century Venetian palazzo. [Click here to read the full story.](https://robbreport.ph/travel/orient-express-just-opened-an-opulent-new-hotel-in-venice-heres-a-look-inside/) ![Colorful Venetian buildings line a narrow canal, with striped mooring poles by the water and bright blue sky above.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/orient-express-venezia-4.webp) The hotel facade. *Photo: Giulio Ghirardi* ![Luxurious living room with pastel blue walls and a glass vase of purple lavender on a round black coffee table.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/orient-express-venezia-7.webp) The living room. *Photo: Giulio Ghirardi* ![Restaurant dining area with round tables set for service, beige chairs, wine glasses, and purple flower arrangements along mirrored walls.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/orient-express-venezia-5.webp) The hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, La Casati. *Photo: Giulio Ghirardi* ![Opulent living room with blue walls, a crystal chandelier, plush velvet couches, and tall floral arrangements in marble vases.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/orient-express-venezia-8.webp) Calle Meraviglia, the cultural salon. *Photo: Giulio Ghirardi* ![Luxurious living room with a curved beige sofa, decorative cushions, and a glass chessboard centerpiece in front of ornate green doors.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/orient-express-venezia-1.webp) Inside the Cherubini Suite. *Photo: Giulio Ghirardi* ![Luxurious marble bathroom with double pedestal sinks, gold faucets, and a veined marble tub.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/orient-express-venezia-9.webp) A suite bathroom. *Photo: Giulio Ghirardi* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Travel **Tags:** orient express, Venetian Palazzo, Venezia --- ### [Orient Express Just Opened an Opulent New Hotel in Venice—Here’s a Look Inside](https://robbreport.ph/travel/orient-express-just-opened-an-opulent-new-hotel-in-venice-heres-a-look-inside/) **Published:** April 21, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** [Orient Express](https://robbreport.ph/tag/orient-express/ "orient express") is strengthening its foothold in the boot-shaped country. The hospitality heavyweight, which has branched out beyond luxury trains and into [yachts](https://robbreport.ph/boats/orient-expresss-massive-sailing-yachts-will-head-to-the-mediterranean-and-northern-europe-in-2027/ "Orient Express’s Massive Sailing Yachts Will Head to the Mediterranean and Northern Europe in 2027") and [hotels](https://robbreport.ph/travel/the-orient-expresss-first-hotel-just-opened-in-the-heart-of-rome/ "The Orient Express’s First Hotel Just Opened in the Heart of Rome"), just opened a second property in [Italy](https://robbreport.ph/tag/italy/ "italy"). The new [Orient Express Venezia](https://www.orient-express.com/en/hotel/europe/italy/venice/orient-express-venezia) is housed within the lavish Palazzo Donà Giovannelli in the historic Cannaregio district of [Venice](https://robbreport.ph/tag/venice/ "Venice"). Thankfully, that is one of the quieter quarters of the city. The 15th-century palazzo, owned by the Arsenale Group, stands proudly where two canals meet along the Rio di Noale. It was originally built in 1436, but has been entirely reimagined by architect and interior designer Aline Asmar d’Amman as a hotel for the first time in nearly six centuries. Charming original features have been restored and a refined contemporary elegance woven in, with old-world Venetian craftsmanship sitting alongside more modern touches. ![Colorful Venetian buildings line a narrow canal, with striped mooring poles by the water and bright blue sky above.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/orient-express-venezia-4.webp) The hotel facade. *Photo: Giulio Ghirardi* The building itself is steeped in history. In the mid-19th century, architect Giovanni Battista Meduna added Neogothic and Baroque flourishes to the interior, creating a theatrical feel that remains today. In 1847, the palazzo reopened as a stage for salons, debates, and grand receptions. Patinated walls, carved surfaces, and painted frescoes reflect that layered past, while precious natural stones, embossed leathers, and moiré silks add a sense of luxury. Guests may arrive directly by boat through the Gothic water gate, setting a perfectly dramatic tone for the stay. The palazzo’s lobby, once an open stone courtyard, has been transformed into an opulent living room with sculpted wood paneling, rich velvet upholstery, and spectacular bespoke Murano chandeliers throughout. Through a gallery with a rotating selection of contemporary works lies a secret garden with antique gates opening to sophisticated tents lit by Venetian lanterns. Upstairs are 47 rooms, suites, and residences, each showcasing restored murals, sculptural ceilings, and views of gardens and canals. Spanning up to 1,560 square feet, the six Signature Suites are decked out with 19th-century frescoes, gilded salons, marble fireplaces, and tall windows, evoking the glitz and glamor of a bygone era. ![Luxurious bedroom with a canopy bed and draped linen, ornate painted ceiling, and a pale blue loveseat at the foot of the bed.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/orient-express-venezia-2.webp) The Colori Persi Suite. *Photo: Giulio Ghirardi* Beyond the accommodation, Heinz Beck Venezia offers fine-dining fare by Michelin three-star chef Heinz Beck, the all-day restaurant La Casati serves up more relaxed dishes, and the Wagon Bar slings signature cocktails and Venetian cicchetti in a plush Art Deco-esque setting inspired by the Orient Express lounge cars. Other highlights include a spa steeped in ancient Roman thermal rituals and an extravagant ballroom for events. The Venetian outpost is the second hotel Orient Express has opened in Italy, following the debut of the [first location in Rome with La Minerva in 2025](https://robbreport.ph/travel/the-orient-expresss-first-hotel-just-opened-in-the-heart-of-rome/ "The Orient Express’s First Hotel Just Opened in the Heart of Rome"). It also rolled out [a new train](https://robbreport.ph/travel/italys-first-luxury-train-takes-you-to-the-medieval-city-of-siena/ "Italy’s First Luxury Train Takes You to the Medieval City of Siena") in the country last year. These launches are part of a wider effort to put Italy at the forefront of luxury travel. You can visit the [Orient Express Venezia](https://www.orient-express.com/en/hotel/europe/italy/venice/orient-express-venezia) website to book your stay. ***Click [here](https://robbreport.ph/travel/orient-express-venezia-in-photos/) to see more photos of the hotel.*** *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Travel **Tags:** italy, News, orient express, Venice --- ### [Art Central 2026 Returns to Hong Kong With New Curators, Major Installations, and Over 100 Galleries](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-collectibles/art-central-2026-returns-to-hong-kong-with-new-curators-major-installations-and-over-100-galleries/) **Published:** March 19, 2026 **Author:** Nicholas Ong **Content:** Art Central returns to Hong Kong this March for its eleventh edition, marking the fair’s second decade with an expanded program that brings together more than 100 galleries and over 500 artists from across Asia and beyond. Taking place from March 25 to 29, 2026 at the Central Harbourfront, with a VIP preview on March 24, the fair continues to position itself as one of the defining events of Hong Kong Art Month. This year’s edition introduces new curatorial leadership, with Enoch Cheng overseeing curated gallery presentations and Zoie Yung leading the creative program. Both curators aim to situate Asian contemporary art within broader global conversations while maintaining a strong connection to Hong Kong’s cultural ecosystem. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Zoie-Yung-Curator-of-Art-Central-2026-Image-courtesy-of-Art-Central-2240x3360.webp) Zoie Yung, Curator of Art Central 2026. *Courtesy of Art Central* Among the major additions is Central Stage, a new feature highlighting artists who have recently gained institutional recognition through museum exhibitions, biennials, or major commissions. Participants include the Tokyo collective Side Core, Iranian-American artist Elnaz Javani, Lithuanian installation artist Marta Frėjutė, Indonesian pioneer Arahmaiani, South African painter Esther Mahlangu, and photographer Arno Rafael Minkkinen. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Marta-Frejute-It-all-looked-like-things-and-wonders-described-in-the-story-of-Amadi-2020-Wood-organic-glass-print-100-x-50-x-50-cm-Photo-by-A-Vasilenko-Courtesy-of-the-artist-and-Meno-Parkas-Gallery.webp) Marta Frėjutė, *It all looked like things and wonders described in the story of Amadi*, 2020. Wood, organic glass, print, 100 x 50 x 50 cm. *Photo by A. Vasilenko/Courtesy of the artist and Meno Parkas Gallery* Beyond the gallery booths, the fair continues to emphasize ambitious installations and experimental work. The Yi Tai Sculpture and Installation Projects sector will present large-scale pieces that extend beyond traditional stand formats, including new works by Hong Kong artists and international practitioners exploring memory, technology, and the changing nature of urban life. The 2026 creative program, curated by Yung, turns its attention to the influence of digital culture, artificial intelligence, and shifting social behavior on contemporary art. Highlights include a major commission by Hong Kong artist Kaitlyn Hau, whose large-scale installation uses motion capture and real-time visuals to explore the relationship between the body, technology, and perception. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Kaitlyn-Hau-Treading-the-Nebula-scene-visual-demo-still-from-Recursive-Feedback-Ritual-001-2026-Realtime-computational-sculpture-715-%C3%97-830-%C3%97-300-cm-Courtesy-of-the-artist-2240x1402.webp) Kaitlyn Hau, Treading the Nebula’ scene visual demo still from Recursive Feedback Ritual 0.01, 2026. Realtime computational sculpture, 715 × 830 × 300 cm. *Courtesy of Kaitlyn Hau* Performance, video art, and talks will also play a larger role this year, with works examining themes such as virtual identity, migration, communication, and the accelerating pace of modern life. The programme reflects the fair’s growing ambition to function not only as a marketplace but as a platform for dialogue across disciplines. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/illy-Art-Collection-by-John-Armleder-Courtesy-of-illycaffe_4.webp) Illy Art Collection by John Armleder. *Courtesy of illycaffè* Partner-led projects further expand the experience. UOB will present a large-scale ink installation by Hong Kong artist Ling Pui Sze inspired by microscopic imagery, while curated showcases from Macao and Indonesia highlight regional artistic developments. Visitors can also expect hospitality collaborations, pop-up bars, and dining concepts designed to make the fair as much a social destination as an art event. As Hong Kong continues to reaffirm its position as Asia’s leading art hub, Art Central’s second decade signals a shift toward broader international reach while keeping its focus firmly on discovery. With new artists, new formats, and a growing emphasis on cross-disciplinary work, the 2026 edition aims to reflect the evolving landscape of contemporary art in the region. *For more information on Art Central, visit their [website](https://artcentralhongkong.com/).* **Categories:** Art & Collectibles **Tags:** Art Central, Hong Kong --- ### [Royal Enfield’s First Electric Motorcycle Is Finally Here](https://robbreport.ph/motorcycles/royal-enfields-first-electric-motorcycle-is-finally-here/) **Published:** April 21, 2026 **Author:** Bryan Hood **Content:** It’s taken its time, but Royal Enfield’s first electric motorcycle is finally ready for its moment. The world’s oldest motorcycle maker officially launched its new battery-powered sub-brand, Flying Flea, in India earlier this week, [according to Electrek](https://electrek.co/2026/04/10/royal-enfields-launches-first-electric-motorcycle-and-finally-reveals-its-price/). The company’s first electric [bike](https://robbreport.ph/tag/motorcycle/ "motorcycle") is the C6, which pairs a heritage-inspired look with modern-day technology. The new e-moto line, which was first announced back in 2024, takes its name from one of the manufacturer’s most famous motorcycles, the Flying Flea, a 125cc field bike that was air-dropped alongside British paratroopers during World War II (the brand’s logo references this past). But that’s not the only way in which the two-wheeler has influenced Royal Enfield’s next chapter. The company’s first two battery-powered models, the C6 and the upcoming S6, were also designed to be as lightweight and versatile as possible, just like their namesake. ![Black motorcycle on a display stand in a showroom, side view.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/royal-enfield-flying-flea-c6-storm-black.webp) Royal Enfield’s Flying Flea C6 in Storm Black. *Flying Flea/Facebook* The C6 may not be as spartan as the original Flying Flea, but it still sports a stripped-down retro design. Unlike so many e-motos, there’s nothing futuristic about the bike’s look, and it could even be mistaken for a Royal Enfield’s midcentury two-wheeler were it not for the missing combustion engine. Despite this, it still features a faux fuel tank that acts as a cover for the vehicle’s battery and its charging port. Two colorways will be available at launch: the more traditional Flea Green (seen up top) and the sinister Storm Black. The C6 will be powered by a 15.6 kW permanent magnet synchronous motor that produces up to 60 ft lbs of torque. That’s enough grunt to push the bike from zero to 37 mph in just 3.7 seconds, with a top speed of 71 mph. That’s more than enough to get you around town and suggests the bike may be suited to medium-length commutes. The specs, which were only made public this week, do raise some questions, though. The battery is said to have 3.91 kWh of usable capacity, which is on the low side as far as e-motos are concerned. Because of that the claimed 96-mile range seems rather ambitious. Electek and [outlets like Gear Patrol](https://www.gearpatrol.com/motorcycles/royal-enfield-flying-flea-c6-specs/) suggest the real-world range may actually be half that figure, if not lower. The company says charging the battery from 20 to 80 percent capacity will take a little over an hour. Despite this, the Flying Flea C6 should prove to be an intriguing option to those for an e-moto to get around the city. The bike is starting at around $3,000 in India, but we’ll have to see if that price changes if it is eventually brought to our shores. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Motorcycles **Tags:** motorcycle, Royal Enfield --- ### [Why This Spring Sale May Be the Most Consequential Design Auction in Years](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/design/de-gunzburg-at-sothebys/) **Published:** April 21, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** When Sotheby’s brings the de Gunzburg collection to the block this April 22nd, it does so with more than 120 works and a $43 million estimate. The real significance lies in how this sale positions 20th-century design as the main event. Works from that period have more decisively entered blue-chip territory as of late, underscored by Sotheby’s record $31.4 million sale of the Lalanne Hippo Bar last December. Now it presents the collection at a wider scale. Unlike most private collections shaped by trend or proximity, the de Gunzburg holdings take a curatorial approach from the outset. Installed across multiple homes but anchored in their Jacques Grange-designed [New York City](https://robbreport.ph/tag/new-york/ "new york") apartment, the works were acquired with a collector’s discipline rather than a decorator’s instinct. Many insiders are treating it as a sort of thesis on 20th-century French [design](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/design/ "Design"). ![Bright living room with a bold yellow sculpted head on a pink cabinet, next to a gray-blue sofa and a wooden coffee table displaying red and black vases, atop a purple patterned rug.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Q9Lk7fDCqBbpG6fNfvvaAY-1600-80jpg.webp) A glimpse inside Jean and Terry de Gunzburg’s New York apartment, where many of the collection’s pieces were first lived with and acquired. *Photo: Annie Schlechter, courtesy Sotheby’s* At the center of the sale is a group of 15 gilt-bronze mirrors by Claude Lalanne, originally commissioned for the Paris home of Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé. Even with a high estimate of $15 million, it still feels as though that they might exceed expectations, considering that all things [Lalanne](https://robbreport.ph/tag/lalanne/ "Lalanne") have taken on near-mythic status. Works by Jean-Michel Frank, Jean Royère, André Groult, and Alexandre Noll also appear as part of an ongoing conversation about material and form. Many of these pieces are expected to push toward the $1 million mark, a figure that would have seemed aspirational for design even a decade ago. ![Green antiqued cabinet with drawers and panel doors sits against a pale pink wall, a white abstract sculpture in the center niche, and a colorful painting above.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/hwJttzCDpVYLon5FHGswHY-1600-80jpg.webp) A green shagreen-clad cabinet by André Groult, dating to the 1920s *Photo: Annie Schlechter, courtesy Sotheby’s* Among the more striking is the green shagreen-clad cabinet by Groult, dating to the 1920s. With an estimate around $800,000, it sits below the sale’s flashier lots, but arguably captures the intellectual core of the collection more precisely. Groult’s work is all about the economy of form (luxury expressed through material rather than ornament) and the cabinet’s lacquered green surface, with its subtle, almost reptilian texture, is a study in surface tension. Then there are the striped sideboards by Royère, executed in ash, walnut, and ebony veneer, each expected to approach the $1 million mark. Royère has always occupied an interesting position in the market. Too playful for strict modernists. Too refined for pure whimsy. Nevertheless, that ambiguity is precisely what makes these works resonate today. ![Living room seating area with two mauve armchairs facing a gilded fireplace and an abstract framed artwork above it in a tall, stylish room.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/guntzer-2424.webp) The library brings together a painting and ceramics by Pablo Picasso, a pair of 1940s armchairs by Paul Dupré-Lafon, and a rug by Jean Lurçat, among other carefully chosen pieces. *Photo: Annie Schlechter, courtesy Sotheby’s* Equally compelling are the pair of mahogany cabinets by Noll from 1946, with a high estimate of $1 million. Noll’s work often blurs the line between furniture and sculpture, and these cabinets are no different. Carved with a sensitivity that borders on the organic, these objects are shaped as much by intuition as by design logic. They serve as a counterpoint to the polish of [Art Deco](https://robbreport.ph/tag/art-deco/ "art deco") and the elegance of Royère. Provenance, of course, plays its part. Terry de Gunzburg’s long tenure at YSL Beauty lends a personal dimension to key acquisitions, while Jean de Gunzburg’s background as a molecular and cell biologist—and his lineage within the storied Gunzburg family—adds an extra layer of intellectual framing to the narrative around the auction. Sotheby’s has spent the past several seasons building momentum in the design category, punctuated by headline-grabbing results for works by Les Lalanne and a growing appetite among collectors for objects that sit somewhere between sculpture and function. *More on the catalogue [here](https://www.sothebys.com/en/series/collection-of-jean-terry-de-gunzburg-design-masters#email).* **Categories:** Design **Tags:** Auctions, de Gunzburg collection, Design, Lalanne, News, sothebys --- ### [Porsche Just Unveiled Its New 911 GT3—and It’s a Manual-Only Convertible](https://robbreport.ph/cars/porsche-just-unveiled-its-new-911-gt3-and-its-a-manual-only-convertible/) **Published:** April 20, 2026 **Author:** Bryan Hood **Content:** [Porsche](https://robbreport.ph/tag/porsche/ "porsche") is ready for the return of the sun and warm weather. The German sports car maker unveiled a new GT3 variant called the S/C on Tuesday. The convertible is the first open-top version of the high-performance model and will come standard with a manual transmission. ![Red sports car (convertible) speeding along a winding mountain highway with forested hills in the background.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2027-porsche-911-gt3-sc-01.webp) *Photo: Porsche* Since its debut in 1999 as part of the 996 series, the GT3 has been available exclusively as a hard-top coupe. That changes with the S/C, which stands for Sport Cabriolet (the car is unrelated to the old 911 SC, or Super Carrera). ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2027-porsche-911-gt3-sc-04-1.webp) *Porsche* From the front, the coupe and convertible versions of the street-legal race car look the same, with the difference only becoming clear when you view the vehicle from an angle and see that it lacks a roof. It’s been replaced with a fully automatic lightweight fabric top that stows away in a compartment located just behind the two-seat cabin. Lightweight hydraulic roof actuators mean that the top can be opened or closed in just 12 seconds at speeds of up to 31 mph. ![Red Porsche 911 GT3 Cabriolet with gold wheels, parked in a minimalist studio setting under soft lighting.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2027-porsche-911-gt3-sc-03.webp) The 2027 Porsche 911 GT3 S/C *Photo: Porsche* Whether or not the convertible top has lightweight components, its inclusion adds weight to a car. This is a problem for a model like the GT3 which is famous for being a lightweight speed machine. To make up for the addition, the S/C borrows several components from the 911 S/T, including a carbon-fiber-reinforced hood, fenders, and doors. ![Red leather sports seat and red seat belt in a gray convertible interior, with red stitching and a GT3 RS badge on the rear panel](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2027-porsche-911-gt3-sc-06.webp) *Porsche* These modifications, along with ceramic-composite brakes and staggered magnesium wheels (20 inches up front, 21 inches in the back), mean the S/C tips the scales at 3,322 pounds, which, [*Car and Driver* points out](https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a71006465/2027-porsche-911-gt3-sc-revealed/), is within the same ballpark as the GT3 Touring’s 3,267-pound curb weight (the standard GT3 weighs 3,130 pounds). ![Close-up of a Porsche interior featuring a six-speed manual gear shifter with red-stitched leather surrounding the console.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2027-porsche-911-gt3-sc-02.webp) The 911 GT3 S/C is only available as a manual. *Photo: Porsche* The GT3 S/C will be powered by the same naturally aspirated 4.0-liter boxer engine found in the standard and Touring versions. The mill pumps out 502 hp and 331 ft lbs of torque, all of which is routed to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual, and redlines at 9,000 rpm. Porsche didn’t release performance figures, but the more civilized Touring can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds. ![Red leather sports car seats with plaid fabric inserts, visible center console and gear shifter inside a sleek coupe.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2027-porsche-911-gt3-sc-05.webp) *Porsche* The GT3 S/C will cost $275,350, or roughly $40,000 more than the coupe, when it goes on sale later this year. We don’t know exactly when that will be yet, but deliveries are expected to begin before the fall. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars --- ### [Jacob & Co. Just Unveiled Its Newest ‘Godfather’ Watch, and It’s Strictly Business](https://robbreport.ph/watches/jacob-co-just-unveiled-its-newest-godfather-watch-and-its-strictly-business/) **Published:** April 20, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** Jacob & Co. has finally given us a proper sequel to the Godfather-themed timepiece it debuted in 2019. The aptly named Godfather II is another homage to [Francis Ford Coppola](https://robbreport.com/tag/francis-ford-coppola/)‘s acclaimed 1970s gangster films, but it is even more mechanically advanced than the original. In fact, the New York-based watch and jewelry maker claims it is the only musical watch that can play two melodies, though it seems the Christophe Claret Orchestra achieved this feat in 2016. *The Godfather* was the first movie Jacob & Co. founder Jacob Arabo saw when he came to America from Uzbekistan and became the inspiration for one of his largest horological endeavors. “When I came to the U.S. in 1979, I was 14 and didn’t speak the language,” he recalls. “It took me two years to afford a movie ticket.” Jacob & Co. entered into a partnership with Paramount Pictures in 2019, acquiring the rights to the award-winning [film](https://robbreport.ph/leisure/entertainment/ "Entertainment") and releasing the Opera Godfather. It has since released a handful of dazzling iterations, but The Godfather II represents the start of an entirely new narrative. ![Rose gold rectangular wristwatch on a man’s wrist, black dial with gold hands, worn over a houndstooth-patterned jacket cuff beside a white shirt cuff.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/jacob-co-the-godfather-ii-watch3.webp) The Godfather II on the wrist. *Photo: Jacob & Co.* The limited edition is powered by a fresh in-house movement (JCAM62 caliber) with an entirely new melody selector complication at 10 o’clock that allows the wearer to choose between two snippets of Nino Rota’s world-famous score by pressing a pusher at 8 o’clock. One is the ubiquitous main theme tune, the other is the song that plays during the wedding scene. Each melody plays for 15 to 20 seconds and can be repeated up to 10 times on a single wind. (The Opera Godfather only played the theme song.) That is all possible thanks to an intricate music box system at the heart of the JCAM62 caliber. The streamlined movement also incorporates a one-minute flying [tourbillon](https://robbreport.ph/tag/tourbillon/ "Tourbillon") and dual power reserve indicators—one of which tracks the energy available for the music box. All those complex inner workings are impressively housed in a new Art Deco-inspired case, with a rectangular shape that distinguishes it from the circular original. It is also smaller than the Opera Godfather, measuring 42 mm rather than 49 mm, and presented in rose gold rather than white gold. ![Back view of a rose-gold Jacob & Co. The Godfather II watch with a black leather strap and engraved case.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/jacob-co-the-godfather-ii-watch2.webp) The caseback. *Photo: Jacob & Co.* The successor is overall more refined. The black lacquer dial, which nods to the film’s noir aesthetic, has been simplified, with only a few references to Don Corleone. (A silhouette of his face and a red rose like the one on his lapel at his daughter’s wedding.) The caseback features engraved bullet holes and a piano-shaped sapphire opening that glimpses the music box inside. “I wanted The Godfather II timepiece to offer a different take on the musical timepiece concept,” adds Arabo. “We designed a refined, 1930s-inspired case and spent three years developing a movement that could play two melodies while remaining wearable.” The new watch will be limited to 74 pieces in honor of *The Godfather II’s* release date, with each one priced at $440,000. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** film, Francis Ford Coppola, jacob and co., News, Watch Collector --- ### [The Rolex China Sea Race: The Crossing to Subic Bay](https://robbreport.ph/boats/the-rolex-china-sea-race-the-crossing-to-subic-bay/) **Published:** April 17, 2026 **Author:** Yvette Fernandez **Content:** The sky was overcast and a light drizzle hung over Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour as the fleet of offshore racing yachts lined up along the starting line for the [Rolex](https://robbreport.ph/tag/rolex/ "rolex") China Sea Race 2026. Sails were hoisted and trimmed as crews edged their boats into position. At the starting horn, the yachts accelerated past the vibrant city skyline and into open water, beginning the 565-nautical-mile crossing to Subic Bay in the Philippines. It was a dreary Wednesday morning, and the crews knew the next three or more days could bring shifting monsoon winds, steep waves in heavy seas, and perhaps unexpected twists of fate that make the crossing a test of preparation, navigation, and stamina. The race, organized by the Royal Hong Kong [Yacht](https://robbreport.ph/tag/yachts/ "Yachts") Club, first started in 1962 and has long been regarded as one of Asia’s most demanding offshore competitions. It ranks among the longest offshore yacht passages regularly contested in Asia, requiring crews to sail continuously for several days and nights. ![Sailboats race on Victoria Harbour with Hong Kong's skyline in the background under a cloudy sky.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/rolexyacht_incontent-010.webp) *Rolex* It forms part of Rolex’s long-standing partnership with the world of sailing. Since the late 1950s, the Swiss watchmaker has championed perseverance and resilience in yachting across all its forms—from prestigious yacht clubs to pioneering feats of exploration, legendary offshore races, and its most successful sailors. It is also the Title Sponsor of 15 major international events, including the annual Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and the biennial Rolex Fastnet Race. The 2026 Rolex China Sea Race was moved forward from April to March to take advantage of the north-east monsoon. Throughout much of the crossing, crews reported sustained winds of 25 to 28 knots with gusts reaching 30 knots. ![Yellow spinnaker with a bold black bulldog wearing sunglasses sails over the sea, a racing sailboat in view.",](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/rolexyacht_incontent-005.webp) Tiger Mok’s *2 Easy. Rolex* Race Chairman Hugues de Saint Germain said it was the right decision and the event was a great success. “Although three boats retired, all remaining boats finished within two to three days—much faster than in previous years,” he said. “We’re very pleased that moving the race forward by a month delivered the improved conditions we hoped for.” Several teams praised the conditions, calling this the fastest China Sea Race they had ever experienced. “I’ve been doing this race since 1982, for so many years. I think this is the fastest race we’ve ever done,” said veteran sailor and Moonblue 2 owner Peter Churchouse. Offshore racing is held on open sea, usually over long distances and outside sheltered coastal waters. In many ways, it’s considered the ultimate test of sailors, combining boat reliability, navigation strategy, weather routing, crew endurance, and teamwork. ![Sailboats race in choppy water near a city skyline on a cloudy day; sails show 'Standard Insurance' branding.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/rolexyacht_incontent-007.webp) Ernesto Echauz’s Standard Insurance Centennial V, Nie Hua’s TP 52 Happy Go, and Standard Insurance Centennial VII. Rolex Sailors deal with strong winds, large waves, and shifting weather systems. Crews usually rotate through watch systems, taking breaks to nap in short shifts. In one of the fastest and most demanding editions of the Rolex China Sea Race, Seawolf secured a historic triumph, finishing on Friday evening and winning IRC Overall on a corrected time of 71 hours, 43 minutes, and 35 seconds. It marked the first time a Chinese Mainland yacht has won the IRC Overall title in the race’s history. For skipper Yan Yu Ye, the win represented the culmination of years of persistence. “We’ve always believed we could win. After five attempts, each with lessons learned, this victory means a lot,” Yan said. “The conditions were tough with strong winds and some damage, but we were lucky to have a steady breeze most of the way. Only near the finish did we fall into a wind hole, but the team pulled through.” ![Sailboat with a Rolex flag at the stern; crew member on the deck raises a fist in celebration.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/rolexyacht_incontent-014.webp) *Rolex* Navigator Campbell Murray Field credited the team’s preparation and international crew. “We had a multinational team that worked well together. We studied the course, set a clear strategy, and mostly stuck to it,” he said. “The final approach required a few adjustments, which was frustrating after a fast crossing, but nothing caught us off guard.” Line honours—the first yacht to finish the course—went to the Australian entry Team Alive–Rampage, an R/P 66 skippered by Duncan Hine. Crossing the finish line off Subic Bay after 49 hours, 55 minutes, and 46 seconds, the yacht completed one of the fastest passages in recent editions of the race, narrowly missing their longstanding record set in 2016. The race carried particular resonance for Philippine sailors, with Subic Bay as the finish line for the fleet. Its sheltered harbor has welcomed hundreds of offshore sailors completing the demanding passage across the South China Sea, making the country a familiar part of the race’s history. ![Sailing yacht in a race, angled on choppy water with crew in red jackets; black mainsail reads ALIVE.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/rolexyacht_incontent-004.webp) *Rolex* Among the Philippine entries were the yachts of Ernesto Echauz, a veteran offshore racer competing in his 14th Rolex China Sea Race. He is the skipper of the R/P 75 Standard Insurance Centennial V, which made its third appearance in the event, continuing a campaign that has become one of the most recognizable Philippine programs on the Asian offshore circuit. Echauz also fielded the Centennial VII in the race, with both yachts flying the Philippine flag. “We’re glad to be here. Hong Kong is the marine capital of Asia, the center for yachting. There’s no other place,” Echauz said the day before the race. “We’re very proud to be able to represent the Philippines, and we also thank the host Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, which is the best club in the world. So it’s not only when we are able to sail back to the Philippines that we’re proud to be Filipino, but every time we sail, every time we’re here.” ![Ernesto Echauz in a white polo shirt and black cap stands with arms folded beside a Rolex China Sea Race banner on the wall.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/rolexyacht_incontent-001.webp) Ernesto Echauz. *Rolex* Echauz, a former president of the Philippine Sailing Association, has twice had his name engraved on the China Sea Race Trophy and previously made history in 2023 as the first Filipino sailor to claim Line Honours in the race. His crew for this edition was composed entirely of members of the Philippine national sailing team. Meanwhile, Franco Cutrupia’s Solaris 60 Fenice placed second in IRC Overall on its debut in the Rolex China Sea Race, while Stefan Filip’s Neo 400+, Neo One, secured third place after another strong performance. The crossing also produced a milestone for the event. Tiger Mok, who won over the media with his wide smile and self-deprecating candor, became the first sailor ever to complete the Rolex China Sea Race solo, guiding his yacht *2 Easy* across the finish line after 3 days, 6 hours, and 30 minutes at sea. ![Smiling man in a white polo with arms crossed, standing in front of a Rolex China Sea Race banner.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/rolexyacht_incontent-003.webp) Tiger Mok. *Rolex* “To be the first person to race the Rolex China Sea Race solo is really unique. This race is tough enough double-handed; doing it single-handed this edition wasn’t easy, but it exceeded my expectations. Things aligned and I made it. It’s very hard but achievable,” said Mok when he arrived at Subic Bay. “The mental challenge was the biggest. Physically it was manageable because I tried to be safe and take small steps—doing things one at a time before the weather hit,” he said. “But mentally it was really stressful: the weather and unexpected gear malfunctions always seem to happen during a race, no matter how much you test.” ![Sailing yacht leans into a turn near a yellow Rolex buoy in open water, with a crew member at the helm and rigging visible.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/rolexyacht_incontent-009.webp) Tiger Mok of *2Easy*. *Rolex* “That keeps your head racing. When I saw the finish line approaching, it felt unreal. Logically I knew I could do it, but emotionally it was a mix. I’m still processing it,” he said. Double-handed honours went to the Sun Fast 3600 *Zesst*, sailed by Henning Mueller and Adrian Stromski. Mueller was delighted to record the fastest elapsed time as a double-handed entry. “We went into the race with confidence—Adrian and I have sailed double-handed in Hong Kong for many years,” he said. “Although we planned to rely on the autopilot, we ended up hand-steering almost the entire time. The autopilot struggled in the waves and wasn’t set up for such conditions, so one of us had to be on the helm and mainsheet constantly. It was exhausting, but we managed it together.” Rolex’s long association with sailing helps explain the enduring prestige of events like the Rolex China Sea Race. The partnership reflects a shared emphasis on precision, preparation, and resilience, qualities that matter as much on open water as they do inside a mechanical timepiece. ![Team of sailors posing with a large trophy and a Rolex plaque at a China Sea Race event.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/rolexyacht_incontent-002.webp) The crew of Seawolf, which won the IRC Overall title, skippered by Yan Yu We. *Rolex* By the time the final yachts reached Subic Bay, crews had endured nearly three days of constant motion, short sleep cycles, heavy weather, and the steady concentration required by offshore racing. “This race was tough for us—it really made me question why I put myself through this kind of suffering,” said *Zoe’s Guard* skipper Johnson Yuen. Still, once he reached the finish line, the trials were momentarily forgotten. “I’m looking forward to joining more offshore races in the future,” he said. **Categories:** Boats, Leisure, Sports, Watches **Tags:** Hong Kong, rolex, Rolex China Sea Race, Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, Subic Bay, Tiger Mok --- ### [Asador Alfonso Offers Two Ways to Dine—Both Worth the Detour](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/asador-alfonso-offers-two-ways-to-dine-both-worth-the-detour/) **Published:** April 19, 2026 **Author:** Alicia Colby-Sy **Content:** A Michelin star often comes with a simple definition. One star, according to the Michelin Guide, denotes “a very good restaurant in its category” and is a place worth stopping for if you happen to be nearby. Some restaurants exceed that definition. They are worth the detour. [Asador Alfonso](https://robbreport.ph/tag/asador-alfonso/ "asador alfonso") is one of them. What began as a pandemic-era project—initially serving as an escape to a bucolic setting—has since evolved into something far more enduring, far more indelible. Over the past few years, the now one-Michelin-starred restaurant has grown in reputation, attracting guests who arrive with very different expectations. While some seek out the calm structure of fine dining, others are in search of a gathering place for long meals with family and friends. Rather than forcing these experiences to coexist in a single room, chefs [Chele Gonzalez](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/bar-none/bar-none-chele-gonzalez/ "Bar None: Chele Gonzalez") and Rodrigo Osorio made a thoughtful decision to separate them entirely. ![Pile of thinly sliced raw beef arranged in a circle on a white marble plate.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/asadoralfonso_incontent-004.webp) Jamon de Wagyu. *Asador Alfonso* Today, Asador Alfonso offers two distinct ways of experiencing its cuisine. Guests are given the choice of how they want to dine—and it is a meaningful one. This duality reflects an understanding of how people eat today. Some days call for structure and focus. Others call for laughter and long conversations over a table filled with food. While I would usually opt for the latter, the new tasting menu is an experience I wanted to explore. On the ground level, Alfonso Roasting Room serves a relaxed, à la carte menu designed for generous meals meant to be shared. Families and friends gather around large tables and shared plates. The atmosphere is warm and animated. ![Chef Rodrigo Osorio in a beige apron holding a bouquet of yellow flowers in a vegetable garden on a sunny day.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/asadoralfonso_incontent-005.webp) Chef Rodrigo Osorio. *Asador Alfonso* Upstairs, however, is where the restaurant’s most focused expression unfolds, offering a refined tasting journey. The experience begins outdoors, where guests are welcomed with drinks and delicate bites in a striking structure that appears to float within the property’s lagoon. Among the offerings, a small pot of crab potato salad topped with salmon roe stands out, hinting at the care and creativity that will follow. ![Chef Chele Gonzalez in a white uniform and gray apron leans on a marble counter in a modern wooden kitchen, smiling at the camera.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/asadoralfonso_incontent-003.webp) Chele Gonzalez. *Asador Alfonso* The journey continues across the grounds into the Carlo Calma–designed structure, where the second floor hosts the formal dining room, now entirely dedicated to the tasting-menu experience. The high-ceilinged space is designed with restraint: white-clothed tables are set with ample distance between them, while the open kitchen allows chefs to move freely without disrupting the room. Asador Alfonso’s tasting menu unfolds as a structured narrative. Guests may choose between two formats: *Heritage*, a six-course menu, or *Journey*, a more expansive ten-course experience. Both draw from the traditions of Spanish roasting, guided by seasonality and ingredient-led cooking. Produce is sourced locally and from abroad, often from Spain, allowing each dish to reflect the clarity of its origins. Courses arrive with a strong visual sense. One dish, a composition of crab and roe, is as precise as it is expressive. Another, the *molleja y guisante Lagrima*, surprises even this confessed non–sweetbreads enthusiast: sweetbreads with black truffle, snow peas, and a perfectly cooked egg yolk, yielding something velvety and deeply satisfying. ![Brown lentils in a dark skillet, topped with three shrimp as garnish](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/asadoralfonso_incontent-001.webp) Arroz de Gamba Rojo. *Asador Alfonso* Spanish roots come through most clearly in the signature paella with carabinero shrimp and in the classic asador dishes. The suckling pig carries the richness of traditional roasting, while the suckling lamb arrives with a simple salad of greens and red onion, the vinaigrette cutting through the meat’s depth. Each dish reinforces the idea that here, innovation is present but tradition remains intact. The menu continues with moments of contrast and detail. The jamón de Wagyu, made from A5 Japanese beef, is richly marbled. It is served alongside a hot béchamel croquette drawn from a family recipe—chef Chele’s mother’s. Paired with sourdough and anchovy butter, the result is both indulgent and exacting. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/asadoralfonso_incontent-006.webp) Verdura de Temporada. Asador Alfonso The *Verdura de Temporada* offers a quieter study: roasted artichokes, leeks, fennel, and a celeriac toffee purée, arranged with care and finished with a fresh green sauce. Even for a diner familiar with tasting menus, the balance feels considered. Dessert closes the experience on a high note. A flan topped with grated manchego stands out—sweet, savory, and well paired with the digestifs crafted onsite to end the meal. *Reservations: * *This article originally appeared in Robb Report Philippines’ Food & Drink Issue, April 2026.* **Categories:** Dining, Food & Drink **Tags:** Alfonso, asador alfonso, Cavite, Chele Gonzalez, Michelin, One-Star, Rodrigo Osorio --- ### [Audemars Piguet Drops 3 Watches for Its New Atelier des Établisseurs](https://robbreport.ph/watches/audemars-piguet-drops-3-watches-for-its-new-atelier-des-etablisseurs/) **Published:** April 17, 2026 **Author:** Paige Reddinger **Content:** At [Watches and Wonders Geneva](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-boldest-most-exciting-new-timepieces-at-watches-and-wonders-2026/ "The Boldest, Most Exciting New Timepieces at Watches and Wonders 2026"), [Audemars Piguet](https://robbreport.ph/tag/audemars-piguet/ "audemars piguet") is taking a different approach to novelty. The brand is introducing an entirely new atelier—one that looks as much to the 18th century as it does to the future. Called the Atelier des Établisseurs, the initiative revives the historical établissage system, in which independent artisans produced individual components that were later assembled into finished timepieces. Now, Audemars Piguet is reinterpreting that model through a collaborative platform that brings together both in-house specialists and external craftspeople to co-create highly limited watches. “It’s not about reproducing the past,” Sébastian Vivas, Audemars Piguet’s heritage and museum director, tells *Robb Report*. “It’s about taking the best of that structure—the flexibility, the creativity—and combining it with the best of today to bring something new.” Each of the three inaugural pieces involves roughly 15 key contributors, from watchmakers and engravers to designers and engineers. But unlike traditional Swiss watchmaking, where many of these roles remain behind the scenes, Audemars Piguet is naming them (we have listed their names below). “In the past, even the watches were not signed,” Vivas says. “The people behind them were there—but ignored. We wanted to compensate that and bring more transparency.” Many of the techniques featured in the project are increasingly rare. Vivas stresses that if the knowledge is not celebrated and transmitted it could disappear. He cites one glass cutter, who works on restoring old pocket watches. “There’s only one that we know at the moment,” he says. “So if he doesn’t transmit it, it disappears—all the glasses will be in a sapphire, but it doesn’t make sense for a pocket watch from the 19th century, and it would be extremely expensive to produce.” Many of these techniques aren’t even taught in watchmaking schools according to Vivas. “For chamfering, hand openworking, lapidiairies, there’s no school anymore, so if you want to learn this know-how that is very precious and very rare you must be very adventurous, because as a young man, a young woman, you start learning, but you know you will not have any diploma because it doesn’t exist.” One way to ensure these crafts endure is, quite simply, to give them work and that is the point of the new project. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Audemars-Piguet-Establisseurs-Galets.webp) Audemars Piguet Établisseurs Galets *Photo: Audemars Piguet* The Atelier des Établisseurs debuts with three distinct creations, each exploring a different dimension of craft and design. Établisseurs Galets translates the natural forms of the Vallée de Joux into a pebble-shaped 18-karat yellow-gold watch with a turquoise stone dial and fluid bracelet set with alternating tiger’s eye and turquoise stones, each with their own singular shape. What’s more is the Calibre 3098—derived from the extra-thin 9-line Calibre 3090 (AP’s first movement developed and manufactured in-house in 1999)—follows the shape of the case and features bridges grained by hand. It is assembled, adjusted, and cased by a single watchmaker. Five variations in different stone combinations will be available this year. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Audemars-Piguet-Etablisseurs-Peacock.webp) Audemars Piguet Établisseurs Peacock *Photo: Audemars Piguet* Établisseurs Peacock pushes into automaton territory as a secret watch whose wings and head unfold to reveal a hand-engraved dial in translucent enamel hidden beneath. When closed it is a finely engraved 18-karat white-gold beetle, but with a simple push it reveals the hand-crafted peacock. “When you push at the back, it opens the two wings and the neck and the head come up, and also the case,” Vivas says. “And for that the system to close, to open with the springs so that it’s done smoothly and securely . . . it’s extremely challenging.” It is so difficult to execute that Vivas says the team will need until the end of the year until it is ready to be produced. Three variations will be available in 2027. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Audemars-Piguet-Etablisseurs-Nomade.webp) Audemars Piguet Établisseurs Nomade *Photo: Audemars Piguet* His personal favorite, however, is the Établisseurs Nomade, which looks at once futuristic and antique, underscoring the project’s focus to preserve endangered techniques while pushing them forward. The Nomade transforms from a pocket watch into a table clock and features a movement skeletonized entirely by hand using a traditional hacksaw. Hand-skeletonizing a movement in this way can take up to a month—and leaves no margin for error. “Today, 99.99 percent of movements are prepared mechanically,” he notes. “But this is a know-how we want to preserve.” The outer dial is made of natural stone and slips into an architectural case made of a bevelled metal mesh and faceted stones. Like the Galets, five variations with different combination of stones will be available in 2026. As for the movements, both the Nomade and the Galets use the Calibre 3098. They may look different at first glance, but according to Vivas only the shape of the main plate and bridges have been transformed on each. The position of each axis, wheel, balance, etc. remain the same. The Nomade houses the Calibre 7501—an adaptation of the 7121, made in 2022 for the Royal Oak Jumbo. “We took away the rotor self-winding system, the date and we reshaped the position of the axis so that now it’s more symmetrical,” Vivas explains. “But we did not change any of the main components, we did not recalculate the forces and the frictions and everything, because everything was already done, calculated and perfect. It looks different but in fact, it’s the same movement for a watchmaker.” Nevertheless, it was no small endeavor. The project was ultimately born out of a conversation, between Vivas and Audemars Piguet CEO, Ilaria Resta, around two historical pieces the company was interested in buying. Noting how extraordinary they were, Resta asked if they might redo them. “I explained her that these watches were made during a period when we were établisseurs,” Vivas recalls. “An établisseur is a small structure, mostly of watchmakers working with many different partners who produce the parts of the watch and who co create them. And if we want to come back to this creativity in terms of shapes, the best way would be to also reintroduce this structure that is more flexible, that is working with very small, independent craftspeople who are, most of them, unknown. And also to include the crafts people inside the company who are talented and who sometimes don’t have this playground to participate in the development of the watches.” The project, of course, expanded into a much larger operation over the course of two years. Vivas concedes that it is an investment, but insists it’s more an investment of time. “It’s not a commercial project,” he says. “It’s a project to explore new horizons in terms of shapes, in terms of craftsmanship, and to support the craft.” So far, mission accomplished. In an industry often defined by secrecy and scale, the Atelier des Établisseurs offers something rarer: a reminder that watchmaking, at its core, is still a collective craft. Below are the artisans employed for each creation: **Établisseurs Galets:** **Watchmakers**: Aline Gagneux, Joris Lavanchy; **Jewellers**: Nadia Morgenthaler, Mathieu Rigault; **Designer**: Xavier Perrenoud; **Dial makers**: Mario Senape, Pablo Brenlla; **Stone cutter**: Mario Senape; **Case designer and manufacturer**: Theo Massaoutis; **Movement designer**: Arthur Gallezot; **Blank manufacturer**: Marco Tedeschi; **Decoration and graining**: Luca Soprana; **Hand bevelling**: Nathalie Jean-Louis; **Project initiation**: Ilaria Resta; **Direction**: Claudio Cavaliere, Sébastian Vivas; **Coordination**: Nikolaas Dockx, Claude Meylan, Kevin Quaresma. **Établisseurs Peacock:** **Watchmakers**: Aline Gagneux, Joris Lavanchy; **Jeweller**: Ywan Kuntzle; **Designer**: Kenan Geraud; **Secret mechanism conception**: Giulio Papi; **Case manufacturer**: FabLab Le Sentier; **Engraving and decoration**: Guy Froidevaux; **Gemsetting**: Sylvain Vandel; **Movement designer**: Arthur Gallezot; **Machining and blanks**: Ricardo Monfardino; **Dial enamelling**: Vanessa Lecci; **Côtes de Genève**: Luca Soprana; **Hand bevelling**: Nathalie Jean-Louis; **Shaped sapphire crystal**: Alexis Bernard; **Project initiation**: Ilaria Resta; **Direction**: Claudio Cavaliere, Sébastian Vivas; **Coordination**: Nikolaas Dockx, Claude Meylan, Kevin Quaresma. **Établisseurs Nomade**: **Watchmakers**: Aline Gagneux, Joris Lavanchy; **Designer**: Ludovic Python; **Dial makers**: Mario Senape; **Gemologists and stone cutters**: Mario Senape; **Case designer and manufacturer**: Emmanuel Dessuzinge; **Movement designer**: Julien Martel, Claudio Dos Santos; **Blank manufacturer**: Marco Tedeschi, Alexandre Burkhard; **Hand bevelling**: Jérôme Besançon; **Shaped sapphire crystal**: Alexis Bernard; **Project initiation**: Ilaria Resta; **Direction**: Claudio Cavaliere, Sébastian Vivas; **Coordination**: Nikolaas Dockx, Claude Meylan, Kevin Quaresma. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** audemars piguet, Feature, Watch Collector, watches and wonders --- ### [Why Bordeaux Is Winning Over Younger Wine Drinkers](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/why-bordeaux-is-winning-over-younger-wine-drinkers/) **Published:** April 17, 2026 **Author:** Mike DeSimone **Content:** When we made our predictions for what we could expect from the [wine](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/wine/ "Wine") world in 2026, here’s one we didn’t see coming: Restaurants in the United States are doing a booming business selling [Bordeaux](https://robbreport.ph/tag/bordeaux/ "Bordeaux") to their clients, especially younger ones. Kevin Flannery, the owner and sommelier at Vinile Chophouse in New York, first tipped us off the phenomenon when he casually mentioned that customers who normally bought bottles of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon in the $600 range were bypassing them in favor of more accessible wines from Bordeaux. Although in the moment it may have seemed strictly anecdotal, we have found it often signals that there is a real movement afoot. Flannery and his wife Sofia, vice president of wine and spirits at Vinile and sister restaurant Vinyl Steakhouse, find the sweet spot for their clientele is in the $125 to $400 range on the wine list. “Right now, this is where Bordeaux offers some of the most compelling value—wines of exceptional quality at prices that still feel fair for what’s in the bottle,” he tells *Robb Report*. Offering a relaxed approach to the modern steakhouse, Vinyl and Vinile have a team of eight sommeliers who under Sofia’s direction are “constantly searching for Bordeaux that truly overdelivers, especially bottles under $200 that can genuinely surprise and impress even experienced drinkers.” That’s exemplified by Chateau Quintus 2015 Le Dragon De Quintus from St. Emilion, on the list at $159. “The wine was stunning, and I couldn’t believe my eyes when I realized we could price this wine for well under $200,” he says. Emily Parrish, beverage manager at elegant Greek-inspired eatery Avra Madison in Manhattan, attributes her customer’s interest in Bordeaux to a “concerted effort on the part of the producers to make the wine more accessible.” She counted herself among the younger consumers that had overlooked Bordeaux until a trip there changed her perception of the region and its wines. And she’s finding that her young clients are gravitating to Bordeaux as well, without having to be guided toward wines from the region by a sommelier. Among the bottles on Avra Madison’s list is Anseillan, a wine from the estate adjoining Château Lafite Rothschild, which is owned by DBR Lafite and is made by the same team. Describing Anseillan as “supple with softer edges than some of the other Pauillacs, which makes it more food friendly,” Parrish sells it for $225 and recommends pairing it with steak, lamb chops, or tuna. She finds a wine like this that’s “made by the big guys” is a great way for diners to “dip their toes in without diving into the deep end.” She explains that the pedigree of wines from domains owned by one of the great houses “bring some of these smaller properties to the forefront and makes them a viable option for folks looking for value.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/RR_20260404_Bordeaux_Restaurants_Lassegue_c10a08.webp) A bottle of Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Château Lassègue. *Photo: Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Château Lassègue* While the general consensus might be that wine lovers in any post-baby-boom generation would overlook Bordeaux in favor of trendier appellations, Parrish notes even among millennials Bordeaux often sells itself and clients rely on her expertise to home in on a specific bottle. “There are people who have their heart set on a specific village and just need my assistance picking out the one that they will enjoy,” she tells *Robb Report*. Flannery says he’s noticed a pronounced mindset shift among his younger clients, whom he says have less of a “show-off” mentality driving their decisions: “They’re open to guidance, trusting the team to lead them toward the best value rather than simply the highest price. They understand that price doesn’t always equate to quality, and they’re far more interested in discovery than status.” It helps that Bordeaux has been able to maintain fair pricing despite ongoing inflation. “That consistency in value is starting to earn it renewed respect on wine lists, especially among this younger audience,” Flannery says. In Washington, D.C., Winn Roberton, head sommelier at Bourbon Steak D.C., has also seen an uptick in Bordeaux sales “after a short period of decline.” “I think both younger consumers and buyers have recognized the fact that Bordeaux can still span all price points and keep quality across the board,” he tells *Robb Report.* He offers his clients Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Château Lassègue, whose “rich lush fruit coupled with the gritty tannin make it a great pairing for fattier cuts like Wagyu and ribeye.” Although Bourbon Steak D.C.’s regular clientele includes collectors who Roberton says “know the chateaus and vintages inside and out,” Bordeaux is also an easy sell to those who are less familiar with its wines. Roberton finds it important to highlight better vintages as he moves down the price scale within Bordeaux and knows that being able to talk about the estate’s “neighborhood” within the region when discussing a particular bottle it is also a valuable tool. “Château Lassègue, for example, shares some of the same great soil as Château Pavie and Troplong Mondot, yet hits our wine list at a fraction of the cost,” he says. Interestingly, in a recent email exchange on another topic with Hortense Bernard, co-owner and director of marketing at Millesima, one of the world’s largest and most important retailers of wine from Bordeaux, she expressed concern about the ongoing relevance of its wine. She thinks although “Americans love Bordeaux wines,” it’s hard to introduce to consumers because “it is not trendy” so they don’t have an opportunity to try it when dining out. “How do you introduce younger consumers to Bordeaux if they are not in restaurants?” she wrote. In a twist that nobody saw coming, there are plenty of bottles of Bordeaux on American wine lists, and diners are finding them with no trouble at all. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Food & Drink, Wine **Tags:** Bordeaux --- ### [Rolls-Royce Just Unveiled a Stunning New Convertible](https://robbreport.ph/cars/rolls-royce-just-unveiled-a-stunning-new-convertible/) **Published:** April 17, 2026 **Author:** Viju Mathew **Content:** During a late afternoon this past October in Goodwood, England, at an airfield that was formerly a staging ground for the Royal Air force during World War II, a massive hangar was shrouded in mystery and redolent with a sense of anticipation. The relatively small, international group allowed through security, including *Robb Report*, had already signed non-disclosure agreements and knew that photography was verboten. It was as if the attendees had travelled back in time to the early 1940s and given clearance to learn of a new secret weapon. In many ways, that was precisely what was happening. On that day, however, as the interior’s darkness surrendered to moody atmospheric light, what was showcased had been developed to combat the homogeneity defining much of the current automotive market, while returning the motor car to the status of statement piece. It’s a charge that [Rolls-Royce](https://robbreport.ph/tag/rolls-royce/ "rolls-royce") has been leading for the last 122 years. Now that the marque has declassified the model, its finally time to share what we witnessed—Rolls-Royce’s Project Nightingale concept. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Rolls-Royce-Project-Nightignale-1.webp) Project Nightingale, Rolls-Royce’s all-electric convertible concept, will begin deliveries as a limited-edition production model in 2028. *Photo: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars* Since the automaker ceased production of its popular Dawn model in 2023, its lineup has been missing a convertible. But this concept is not a reimagined resurrection of Goodwood’s best-selling roadster to date, as the all-electric two-seat droptop is approximately the same dimensions as [the flagship Phantom](https://robbreport.ph/cars/rolls-royce-phantom-centenary/ "Meet the New $3 Million Rolls-Royce Phantom Centenary"), but very much its own take on the marque’s Architecture of Luxury spaceframe chassis. As for the power-train configuration and other engineering information, that will be disclosed by Rolls-Royce at a later date. Nightingale also introduces Rolls-Royce’s Coachbuild Collection, a new line of limited-production models that, as with Project Nightingale, will be uniquely designed and developed for a select number of patrons. Highly valued clients already, each will have been personally invited by Rolls-Royce to be a prospective owner. In the case of Project Nightingale, that number is constrained by the fact that only 100 examples of the commanding convertible will be built. Although the price has not been made public, it has been announced that deliveries of the production version will commence in 2028. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Rolls-Royce-Project-Nightignale-2.webp) Highly valued clients have been personally invited by Rolls-Royce to be prospective owners of the production version. *Photo: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars* “We have our series motor cars, so Phantom, [Spectre](https://robbreport.ph/tag/spectre/ "spectre"), Ghost, and Cullinan. We then have private collections . . . that stimulates clients to build their commissions, but that’s within the series cars,” Chris Brownridge, global C.E.O. of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, explains to *Robb Report*. “Now we have the next story of the building, which is Coachbuild. At the top, it’s one of one, and underneath that, it’s where we show you what *we* can produce.” The latter is what Project Nightingale premieres. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Rolls-Royce-Project-Nightignale-4.webp) The car’s most eye-catching feature is arguably its tapered posterior. *Photo: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars* The moniker harkens back to Henry Royce’s enclave in the French Riviera, specifically the residence where his designers would stay, which was known as *Le Rossignol*, translated as “nightingale.” According to the marque, the vehicle takes inspiration from what’s referred to in its press release as the “high-speed experimental ‘EX’ Rolls-Royces of the 1920s,” especially the singular 16EX and 17EX of the period. Homage is paid in Nightingale’s blue exterior paint scheme that contains red particulate, the latter color being used in the badging of the EX cars of yore—a tradition that carries through to this concept’s badging as well. Project Nightingale, measuring 18.9 feet in length, features a prominent front end brandishing the famed Pantheon grille—a signature of Rolls—that spans nearly three feet in width and is bookended by extremely distinctive, vertical slivers of illumination that comprise the headlights. Anchoring the anterior is a carbon-fiber apron accented by chrome. As the press release states, “A single hull line runs continuously along Project Nightingale from front to rear, inspired by the line that separates a yacht’s hull from its superstructure.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Rolls-Royce-Project-Nightignale-6.webp) A total of 10,500 lights subtly but stunningly envelop the cabin. *Photo: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars* The car’s most eye-catching feature is arguably its tapered posterior. The body styling behind the occupants is reminiscent of last century’s striking nautical aesthetic incorporated into what have become coveted collector cars today, and which has been seen more recently in the appropriately named Rolls-Royce Boat Tail one-off from 2021. Not noticeable at first, but equally captivating, is what Rolls calls the Piano Boot—the cantilevered trunk lid that opens to the side like, well, the top of a piano. Further enhancing the vehicle’s already imposing yet compelling presence are 24-inch wheels—the biggest any Rolls has rolled on—showcasing a visual dynamic suggestive of jet turbines, or, as Rolls-Royce cites, “propellers of a yacht.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Rolls-Royce-Project-Nightignale-5_f7c2b0.webp) The interior is dressed in upholstery of Charles Blue complemented by the colors Grace White, Deep Navy, and Peony Pink, as well trim of open-pore Blackwood. *Photo: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars* Unlike the Dawn, which has room for four, the interior of Project Nightingale fits only two, but in baronial fashion. According to the marque, its designers listened to the actual songs of the model’s namesake bird and then made a creative interpretation of the sound waves. The result is the Starlight Breeze feature, which comprises 10,500 lights that subtly but stunningly envelop the cabin. Initially hidden, the rotary controller—emblazoned with the Spirit of Ecstasy icon—is revealed when the armrest retracts upon entry. Activated by a button, the armrest slides further back to present a compartment for storing valuables, while a small luggage set will fit behind the occupants by way of another concealed space. The interior is dressed in upholstery of Charles Blue complemented by the colors Grace White, Deep Navy, and Peony Pink, as well trim of open-pore Blackwood. Capping it all off, literally, is a retractable soft-top roof comprised partially of cashmere. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Rolls-Royce-Project-Nightignale-7.webp) Further enhancing the vehicle’s already imposing yet compelling presence are 24-inch wheels. *Photo: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars* The marque’s director of design, Domagoj Dukec, tells us that the goal was “a real car that is mind blowing.” Dukec adds that “it’s not just the shape you see; that’s one thing . . . we have to make sure, when you want to create a new business, that you design the experience behind,” mentioning too that the car “also has to be \[a\] brand shaper.” To that end, the Coachbuild Collection will also include numerous opportunities for owners to partake in curated travel that ties into each model’s theme. To better facilitate this new line, Rolls-Royce is embarking on a major expansion at its headquarters in Goodwood. With an estimated cost of well over $405 million, it will include an approximately 430,500-square-foot building set to be finished in 2029. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Rolls-Royce-Project-Nightignale-8.webp) The retractable soft-top roof is comprised partially of cashmere. *Photo: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars* In light of the new Coachbuild Collection, we asked Brownridge how Rolls-Royce balances embracing its legacy with looking ahead. “We are a luxury brand, and therefore it is very important that we respect our heritage. But that doesn’t mean we keep building things that talk to the heritage,” he tells us. “We also need to innovate and speak to the future as well. And I think Nightingale is a perfect example of that.” *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** Coachbuild Collection, rolls-royce --- ### [Watch Dealer Eric Wind and Designer Marc Newson Just Unveiled a Line of Colorful Hourglasses](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/watch-dealer-eric-wind-and-designer-marc-newson-just-unveiled-a-line-of-colorful-hourglasses/) **Published:** April 16, 2026 **Author:** Nicole Hoey **Content:** The best collaborations can often take a little time—just ask Eric Wind. After purchasing his first HG Timepiece hourglass, made by storied designer [Marc Newson](https://robbreport.ph/cars/ferrari-goes-electric-with-ferrari-luce-the-real-question-is-what-carries-forward/ "Ferrari Goes Electric With Ferrari Luce. The Real Question Is What Carries Forward."), back in 2020, the watch savant and owner of Wind Vintage (and one of our Masters of Luxury) remained enamored with the piece for years. Now, Wind has teamed up with the very man behind the design to unveil his own colorful new collection of hourglasses. The HG Timepiece hourglass and its sculptural silhouette made its debut in 2010. As of late, the company has switched from using steel nanoballs to tell time (like the ones inside Win’s own hourglass, which had a copper hue) to using larger titanium nanoballs. The swap not only makes the pieces more visually striking, but it offers up both a more dramatic sound and the ability to transform the nanoballs into more colors via a heating process. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Wind-Vintage-Marc-Newson-3.webp) And, since Wind’s favorite color is green, it only made sense to incorporate the hue in his collab. After approaching the HG Timepiece team, Wind and Newson began a two-year journey of research to get the shade of green just right. And the hourglasses now up for grabs here also have a clearer glass than previous offerings. “If you had told me a few years ago that I would be collaborating with Marc Newson, I would have told you that you were joking,” Wind said in a [blog post](https://www.windvintage.com/blog/wind-vintage-x-marc-newson-green-titanium-nanoball-hg-timepieces). “Marc Newson is a legend, and I would argue the greatest living industrial designer. From chairs to cars to watches to clocks to knives to pens to jackets to his famous hourglasses, everything Marc touches is special.” The Wind Vintage HG Timepieces are available in limited quantities for the general public, priced at CHF 17,500 (around $22,000) for the five-minute model, CHF 27,900 (nearly $35,000) for the 10-minute iteration, and CHF 63,500 (around $79,000) for the 30-minute option. And if you manage to snag one, you’ll be in good company: Wind has all three of the hourglasses in his collection, while Newson chose to add the 30-minute model to his personal treasure trove. For inquires for purchase, email info@windvintage.com. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Design, Home & Design --- ### [Day One at Watches and Wonders 2026](https://robbreport.ph/watches/day-one-at-watches-and-wonders-2026/) **Published:** April 15, 2026 **Author:** Carl Cunanan **Content:** Instead of talking about all the press release details that everyone got their hands on at 0:01 Geneva Time on Tuesday morning, let’s look at how [Watches and Wonders Geneva 2026 ](https://robbreport.ph/watches/heres-a-guide-to-watches-and-wonders-geneva-2026/ "Here’s a Guide to Watches and Wonders Geneva 2026")felt, how the show felt, and how the watches feel. Once the doors opened, it instantly felt busy with a lot of excitement in the air, largely because people from all over the world, who work within this relatively small environment, come together. You start seeing friends and colleagues as we all funnel into one area, and you actually don’t talk about watches. You talk about your kids, your family, and what your flight was like (we were all topsy-turvy with everything from flight rescheduling and Lufthansa’s sequential strikes). Some arrived early to do manufacture tours before the show, while others will tour them afterwards. I am usually asked to do manufacturer visits in between the days of the show, but I’ve stopped doing that because it just takes too much time away from the main fair. I’ll be visiting manufacturers and bringing some people to the Patek Philippe Museum, the rare handicrafts exhibits and the like after the show. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/WWG26_159_ambiance_Day1.webp) *WWGF/KEYSTONE/Magali Girardin* Walking in, you’re used to things like the huge Rolex booth—and when I say booth, we’re talking about a two- to three-story building that looks like a huge bank vault. Beside it is the Patek Philippe booth with its curved white, almost luminescent, structure, with Mr. Stern’s office on the second floor so he sees everybody who walks up and down. These are things we’re used to; and those facilities, including those by Chopard and Tudor, are somewhat enclosed. When they open up on the public days this weekend, guests can walk through certain areas to see the exhibits. Then we look at other brands who use similar structures as opposed to building their own, so they focus on getting visual impact in the inside. When you turn the corner, for example, to see Panerai or IWC or Grand Seiko or Hermès, you suddenly see stunning interiors and installations. At Panerai, you see huge bubbling vats of liquid that partly look oceanographic and partly science fiction. IWC feels like it’s shuttling you through cutting-edge space travel with wide open spaces. Grand Seiko has a beautiful, almost sculptural installation where, as you walk in or go anywhere near it, you see small glowing globes that act in a circle moving up and down. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/WWG26_005_Booth_Day1.webp) Hermes stand during the Watches and Wonders GENEVA, in Geneva, Switzerland, this Tuesday, April 14 2026. The largest watchmaking event of the year bringing together the leading names of the industry from April 14 to April 20, 2026 at Geneva Palexpo. *WWGF/KEYSTONE/Magali Girardin* Hermès has an artist-designed setup inspired from the clockwork mechanisms used in theater backdrops, but you see it all, exposed, in front of you: weights and ropes pulling screens of different kinds up and down. Tag Heuer has two wonderful race cars, one from Formula One and one with one of the old Gulf livery sports cars. Vacheron Constantin makes you look up because they’ve put amazing mural work on their ceiling. Jaeger-LeCoultre always does something interesting in the center of their booth, but surrounds that with different smaller areas where the team explains the different kinds of crafts that the house applies to their watches. When someone asked me if I still get excited going to Watches and Wonders, I said, “Yeah, because I can still walk around a corner and see something amazing.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/WWG26_156_ambiance_Day1.webp) *WWGF/KEYSTONE/Magali Girardin* Then, of course, there are the watches. When I see all the assessments being made right now, I can clearly tell they were all written from press kits, before the event happened. Very few people get their hands on the watches, and they’re all trying to make an impact that, in today’s world, is meant to get your attention and hit an algorithm. Everyone you see on social media, for example, is standing in front of Rolex because that gets the most attention and the most hits. And articles tend to say the same thing, which is that the watch houses are playing safe, and that there are no groundbreaking innovations. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/WWG26_018_booth_Day1.webp) WWGF/KEYSTONE/Magali Girardin But the thing is, there *are* groundbreaking innovations; they’re just not looking at them. Patek Philippe made its first ever sunrise, sunset complication visible on a wristwatch, and because it chose to have a particular date indication, had to slightly realign the dates so everything was in balance. Grand Seiko just made arguably the most well finished, most accurate, technically capable 300 meter dive watch ever, and this at a time when everyone is complaining that dive watches are all trying to look like Rolex Submariners. Credor, new to the show, presented pieces whose text on the dial is hand painted, then showered with platinum dust, lacquered, then finished again. Parmigiani has taken their hidden complications and vision of private luxury even further by creating a monopusher chronograph that, when activated, operates with five hands on a single column, but is also just a beautifully clean watch. And this has just been a slow day one. **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** watches and wonders, Watches and Wonders 2026 --- ### [Bentley’s Next-Gen Bentayga Won’t Be an EV, After All](https://robbreport.ph/cars/bentleys-next-gen-bentayga-wont-be-an-ev-after-all/) **Published:** April 16, 2026 **Author:** Bryan Hood **Content:** A new version of the best-selling [Bentley](https://robbreport.ph/tag/bentley/ "Bentley") is on its way. The second iteration of the [Bentayga](https://robbreport.ph/cars/heres-why-the-bentley-bentayga-azure-hybrid-ticks-all-the-boxes/ "Here’s Why the Bentley Bentayga Azure Hybrid Ticks All the Boxes") will launch in 2028, [reports *Autocar*](https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/new-bentley-bentayga-due-2028-high-performance-phev). The SUV won’t be an EV as originally expected and will instead be a plug-in hybrid. The Bentayga has been a massive success for Bentley ever since its debut in 2015. The luxury SUV, which was refreshed in 2020, has consistently been the British marque’s best-selling model and accounted for nearly half of its sales last year. Because of this, there’s plenty of interest in how the vehicle will change in its next generation. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/bentley-bentayga-02.webp) Bentley Bentayga S. *Bentley* Fortunately, we won’t have to wait long to find out. The next version of the SUV will arrive in 2028, according to the British automotive magazine. This, in itself, is not that surprising; what is, though, is that it will be the first of the company’s next-generation of plug-in hybrids. There had been an expectation that the next Bentayga would be all-electric. This was because it was set to be built on corporate sibling Porsche’s advance Sport version of parent company Volkswagen Group’s SSP platform. This architecture has since been delayed by Porsche because of lower-than-expected demand, so the new Bentayga will now be built on the PPC platform. This setup, which is used by the current [Porsche Cayenne](https://robbreport.ph/cars/porsche-cayennes-e-hybrid-is-more-nimble-than-ever/ "Porsche Cayenne’s E-Hybrid is More Nimble than Ever") and upcoming Audi Q9, which can accommodate a range of combustion engines and a plug-in hybrid system. Because of this, Bentley CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser says his company will not have to “force people to change from a combustion engine or plug-in hybrid car to an electric car” before they are ready. The executive views plug-in hybrid technology as the best way to prepare the automaker for 2035, when legislation will go into effect mandating that all cars sold in the U.K. and 90 percent sold in the E.U. need to be fully electric. Little is known about the next Bentayga beyond this, but *Autocar* suggests that its electrified powertrain will feature a 3.0-liter V-6, just like today’s plug-in hybrid variant. Output is also expected to be similar to the current 456 hp and 516 ft lbs of torque. Representatives for Bentley did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The all-electric Bentayga isn’t the only EV that has been effected by changes at Volkswagen Group. Bentley no longer plans to release five pure battery-powered models by 2030, though the company’s first, currently known only as the Luxury Urban EV, is still expected to make its debut later this year. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** bentayga, Bentley --- ### [Tiffany Just Unveiled a New High Jewelry Line Inspired by Nature](https://robbreport.ph/style/tiffany-just-unveiled-a-new-high-jewelry-line-inspired-by-nature/) **Published:** April 16, 2026 **Author:** Nicole Hoey **Content:** As spring begins to bloom, so does Tiffany & Co.’s latest collection. The American house just unveiled the spring launch of its new high-[jewelry](https://robbreport.ph/style/jewelry/ "Jewelry") collection today. The dazzling lineup is known as the Blue Book 2026: Hidden Garden catalog, which was brought to life by Tiffany’s SVP, chief artistic officer Nathalie Verdeille; the new offering takes motifs from famed designer Jean Schlumberger and imbues them with modern touches of flora, fauna, and other fantastical elements pulled from Mother Nature. In tune with the season, the Hidden Garden collection focuses on transformation and movement, which can be seen in the jewelry’s creatures, twirling, sculptural wines, and other geometric shapes. The idea of metamorphosis is aptly displayed in the Butterfly story, which shows off unenhanced padparadscha and Montana sapphires that form the creature’s wings, alongside fancy vivid yellow diamonds or white oval diamonds to create the butterfly itself. For the Monarch offering, Tiffany pulls from a Schlumberger necklace design with a hidden butterfly on display, surrounded by vines and foliage handcrafted in platinum, 18-karat yellow gold, and pavé diamonds, with cushion-cut sapphires from Sri Lanka and Madagascar. A matching pair of earrings, meanwhile, shows off D-color, internally flawless Type IIa emerald-cut diamonds of over 10 total carats. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/tiffany-and-co-blue-book-secret-garden-high-jewelry-line.webp) Hidden Garden takes its cues from all sorts of flora and fauna. *Tiffany & Co.* Elsewhere in the collection, you’ll find a new take on [Schlumberger’s Bird on a Rock](https://robbreport.ph/style/jewelry/when-legends-take-flight-tiffany-co-reimagines-schlumbergers-bird-on-a-rock/ "When Legends Take Flight: Tiffany & Co. Reimagines Schlumberger’s Bird on a Rock") design. This time, the feathered friends are perched beside magnificent cushion-cut Santa Maria-hued aquamarines, from Brazil, with custom-cut chrysoprase beads in a bright green acting as their backdrop; the most eye-catching is a necklace adorned with an over-22-carat-aquamarine. Other animal-centric offerings throughout the lineup include the Paradise Bird, which has a creature sat upon a vibrant gem, from Mexican fire opal to Ethiopian blue chalcedony, on each brooch; the Parrot, which pulls from many of Schlumberger’s 1960s parrot brooches, with blue and purple sapphires abound; and the Bee, where a honeycomb-inspired design shines brightest next to a ring adorned with a D-color, internally flawless Type IIa oval diamond of over 10 carats (and plenty of hidden creatures buzzing around, too.) Moving into flora, the Jasmine design pulls from a Schlumberger creation from 1961-62 (a necklace made for philanthropist Bunny Mellon, according to [*Town & Country*](https://www.townandcountrymag.com/style/jewelry-and-watches/a70955526/tiffany-blue-book-collection-2026-details/)), showing off platinum braiding and D-color, internally flawless Type IIa cushion-cut diamonds. Twin Bud, meanwhile, takes its cue yet another Schlumberger design, done up in either vivid unenhanced Zambian emeralds or bright-cut and cut-down diamonds that are surrounded by entwined, sculptural vines to mimic a pair of flowers ready to blossom. Rounding out the offering are Bloom, Marguerite, and Palm. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/tiffany-and-co-blue-book-hidden-garden-earring-brooch.webp) The lineup is filled with earrings, brooches, and more, and are often adorned with colorful gems. *Tiffany & Co.* “Blue Book 2026: Hidden Garden reflects our continued commitment to creativity, craft, and the highest standards of gemology,” Anthony Ledru, Tiffany’s CEO, said in a press statement. “This collection—one of Tiffany & Co.’s most important traditions for over a century—honors the legacy of Jean Schlumberger while demonstrating how we continue to evolve it for today’s high jewelry client. Under Nathalie Verdeille’s creative leadership, and in close collaboration with our gemologists and artisans, we are pushing the boundaries of design and technical excellence.” Last year, Tiffany & Co. chose to dive into the marine world for its Blue Book 2025 lineup. That collection, called Sea of Wonder, included pieces like a striking necklace set with diamonds with icy-blue and sea green cuprian elbaite tourmalines from Mozambique as well as a ring adorned with a very rare Paraìba cuprian elbaite tourmaline. As for where Tiffany will draw inspiration for its 2027 Blue Books, we’ll just have to wait and see. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Jewelry, Style --- ### [Meet the Filipino Finalists of This Year's Sovereign Asian Art Prize](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-collectibles/meet-the-filipino-finalists-of-this-years-sovereign-asian-art-prize/) **Published:** April 15, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** Each year, the Sovereign Asian [Art](https://robbreport.ph/tag/art/ "art") Prize brings together a shortlist of mid-career artists from across the Asia-Pacific region. The latest shortlist includes Filipino artists Alvin Zafra, Joey Cobcobo, and Josephine Turalba, whose works point in markedly different directions, signaling how varied contemporary practice in the Philippines has become. In the case of Zafra, his practice is grounded in material, not as surface or finish, but as a way of tracing the systems embedded in objects: labor, circulation, value. His works often take from the everyday, reworking familiar objects and substances into forms that feel deliberately unresolved. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Alvin-Zafra_A-Turn-of-Events_Burgundy-Street_2025-scaled-e1775648420561.webp) “A Turn of Events” by Alvin Zafra, presented at Burgundy Street (2025) for artinformal, features white and red pebbles on sandpaper, measuring 25.13 x 31.5 inches (63.83 x 80.01 cm), framed. *Photo: Sovereign Asia Art Prize* When we think of Zafra’s vision, nothing is overstated, but nothing is neutral either. We begin to notice how things are put together, where they might have come from, and what kinds of economies they’ve passed through. That sense of texturized control is what gives the works their edge. We could argue that Zafra, in a way, embeds and assigns critique throughout his subjects. Cobcobo, by contrast, leans into the immediacy of painting. His canvases are dense, often charged with gesture, where figures emerge only to destabilize. Faces blur, bodies compress, spaces collapse into themselves. There’s a palpable tension in the surface, as if the act of painting is doing the work of holding something together that is already on the verge of dissolving. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Joey-Cobcobo_Artwork-scaled-1.webp) Joey Cobcobo’s “IKA-8 UTOS: WAG KANG KUKURAP (Thou Shall Not Steal),” a 145 × 145 cm mixed media work on canvas, was nominated by Rica Estrada Uson. *Photo: Sovereign Asia Art Prize* What makes Cobcobo’s work land is that it never settles into expressionism for its own sake. The distortion isn’t meant to be decorative. You get the sense that the figure, as an image, is being tested, pushed to see how much it can carry before it gives way. In that sense, the work reads less as representation and more as pressure. Turalba, on the other hand, moves along a different axis altogether. Her practice sits between painting and object, often incorporating thread, resin, and layered surfaces that refuse to stay flat. Up close, the works reveal a kind of slow construction—materials inscribed in, suspended, sometimes partially obscured. There’s a tactile quality to them, but also a sense of distance, as if what we’re seeing has already passed through several stages of transformation. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/DSC9541-1-2240x1680.webp) Turalba returned to Art Basel Hong Kong earlier this year, presenting four new works—Waterworks, PolySea, Fins and Verdicts, and Strait Lines—in her second showcase with 10 Chancery Lane Gallery, extending her inquiry into oceanic imaginaries. *Photo: Before Deadlines* Time plays a different role here. Where Zafra’s work points to systems and Cobcobo’s to psychological intensity, Turralba’s accumulates. Layers build into one another, suggesting memory, or the imagery of such, as something sedimented. There’s no singular aesthetic thread here, no unified “Filipino” position being presented. It’s indicative of a scene that is no longer trying to cohere for the sake of recognition. Last year’s edition offers a useful point of reference. The prize was awarded to Arpita Akhanda, whose work stood out for its layered engagement with history, gender, and image-making. Her win emphasized the prize’s tendency to favor practices that are both conceptually grounded and materially resolved. Filipino artists have figured prominently in past editions, as well. Artists such as Leeroy New, Patricia Perez Eustaquio, and Marvin Cruz have, over time, translated the visibility of the prize into greater international recognition and expanded opportunities for their work. Within the framework of the Sovereign Art Foundation, that divergence becomes more apparent. The prize’s structure, spanning exhibition, judging, and auction, brings these works to a broader audience beyond local circuits. It places Filipino artists in direct conversation with their peers across Asia, offering a clearer sense of where their practices sit within a regional context. *Public voting for the [Sovereign Asian Art Priz](https://www.sovereignartfoundation.com/the-sovereign-asian-art-prize-2/)e is now open. Support Alvin Zafra, Joey Cobcobo, and Josephine Turralba by casting your vote.* **Categories:** Art & Collectibles **Tags:** Asia Art Archive, News, Sovereign Art Prize --- ### [BMW Says Its Hydrogen-Powered iX5 Prototype Can Go 385 Miles on a Single Tank](https://robbreport.ph/cars/bmw-says-its-hydrogen-powered-ix5-prototype-can-go-385-miles-on-a-single-tank/) **Published:** April 15, 2026 **Author:** Bryan Hood **Content:** [BMW](http://BMW) is preparing for a future that isn’t entirely battery-powered. The German luxury marque has just unveiled a new flat tank system for the hydrogen-powered iX5. The revised design increases tank capacity, pushing the SUV’s range to well over 350 miles. It may seem like BMW has focused most of its attention on its next generation of “Neue Klasse” EVs, but the company has actually been working on a hydrogen-powered alternative since 2022. The vehicle, which is based on the mid-size iX5, features a futuristic propulsion system developed in collaboration with Toyota that includes electric motors and a hydrogen fuel cell. The idea has been to create an ultra-efficient system that produces zero emissions and can be refueled quickly. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-system.webp) The BMW Hydrogen Flat Storage System *Photo: BMW* That vehicle, when it does finally arrive, will feature BMW’s aptly named Hydrogen Flat Storage System. The setup features seven high-pressure tanks reinforced with carbon-fiber composite, connected in parallel, and integrated into the frame of the vehicle. The new configuration, in which the tanks are interconnected as opposed to separate, boosts total hydrogen capacity to at least seven kilograms, whereas the current concept maxes out at just six kilograms. Because of this, the driving range is boosted to roughly 385 miles, an increase of 85 miles. Refueling from empty, meanwhile, takes just five minutes, which is just a fraction of the amount of time it takes to recharge an EV, even one with fast-charging capabilities. The new flat tank system isn’t just more efficient than the previous hydrogen fuel system; it also takes up less space. BMW says the setup fits into a metal enclosure that is the same size as the one that holds the battery in the standard iX5 without protruding into the cabin of the vehicle. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/bmw-ix5-hydrogen-concept.webp) The BMW iX5 Hydrogen Concept *Photo: BMW* “Our new storage concept allows us to fit the hydrogen drive system into the new X5 precisely and in a way that saves space,” Joachim Post, member of BMW’s Board of Management, said in a statement. “Think of it as installation Tetris: every customer gets the drive system best suited to their needs and a true BMW X5 with no compromises.” Although a firm sales date has yet to be set, BMW continues to say the iX5 Hydrogen will arrive in 2028. If the company is able to stick to this time table, that means that customers will likely be able to buy an X5 with their powertrain of choice—pure gas power, hybrid, battery electric, and hydrogen—by decade’s end. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** bmw, electric vehicles, hybrid, News --- ### [‘Virtuosity’ Superyacht in Photos](https://robbreport.ph/boats/virtuosity-superyacht-in-photos/) **Published:** April 14, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** The second [superyacht](https://robbreport.ph/tag/superyacht/ "Superyacht") in the 74Steel series offers something entirely different than the first. Click [here](https://robbreport.ph/boats/meet-virtuosity-the-new-243-foot-superyacht-with-a-living-tree-rising-through-two-decks/) to read the full story. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Virtuosity-2-1.webp) The sleek exterior. *Photo: Sanlorenzo* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Virtuosity-6.webp) The aft decks. *Photo: Sanlorenzo* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Virtuosity_Aquarium-1.webp) The aquarium. *Photo: Sanlorenzo* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Virtuosity_Main-Saloon-2.webp) The main salon. *Photo: Sanlorenzo* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Virtuosity_Ocean-Lounge-2.webp) The ocean lounge. *Photo: Sanlorenzo* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Virtuosity_Owners-Cabin-.webp) One of the two owner’s suites. *Photo: Sanlorenzo* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Virtuosity_Owners-Deck-.webp) The reflection pool off the owner’s suite. *Photo: Sanlorenzo* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Virtuosity_Upper-Deck.webp) The upper deck dining area. *Photo: Sanlorenzo* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Boats **Tags:** sanlorenzo --- ### [Meet ‘Virtuosity,’ the New 243-Foot Superyacht With a Living Tree Rising Through Two Decks](https://robbreport.ph/boats/meet-virtuosity-the-new-243-foot-superyacht-with-a-living-tree-rising-through-two-decks/) **Published:** April 14, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** [Sanlorenzo](https://robbreport.ph/tag/sanlorenzo/ "sanlorenzo")’s new *Virtuosity* is the second [superyacht](https://robbreport.ph/tag/superyacht/ "Superyacht") in the 74Steel series, yet it offers something entirely different than the first, such is the beauty of bespoke. More than four years in the making, the 243-footer shares the same technical foundations—steel hull, aluminum superstructure, and hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system—as the inaugural hull the Italian yard launched last October, but has been radically personalized by the owner. (There were reportedly 18 months of calls between them and the yard before the design phase even started.) It boldly claims four industry firsts, including a living tree rising through two decks, an underwater aquarium in the hull, a waterside “ocean resort,” and an architectural reflecting pool. The vessel, which will rank alongside its predecessor, *Silver Fox*, as the largest in Sanlorenzo history once launched, was commissioned in collaboration with Fraser Yachts and developed by the in-house style department, with ​​Zuccon International Project shaping the exterior and Studio Paolo Ferrari leading the interior design. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Virtuosity-2.webp) The steel hull and aluminum superstructure. *Photo: Sanlorenzo* *Virtuosity* showcases a more assertive silhouette than *Silver Fox*, eschewing a vertical bow in favor of a sleek arrow-shaped design. That sporty aesthetic is balanced with the shipyard’s signature elegance, resulting in a yacht that feels modern and edgy yet classic. “With the 74Steel *Virtuosity* we embraced a true change of scale, but above all a change of perspective,” designer Bernardo Zuccon said in a statement. The interior architecture was completely reimagined, too. “74Steel *Virtuosity* represents a decisive step forward in the way we conceive space on board,” Sanlorenzo CEO Tommaso Vincenzi added. “From the integration of living nature to the transformation of technical volumes into experiential environments, every choice stems from a clear architectural vision.” The centerpiece of the main deck is a Ficus Nitida that rises through an oval void of approximately 172 square feet to the upper deck. Two lateral skylights channel natural light downward, nourishing the tree and creating a bright, airy atmosphere. Gardens are actually becoming more and more common on superyachts, but this will be one towering tree. Sanlorenzo says the entire yacht grew around this living feature, though it is far from the only showstopper onboard. On the lower deck lies a striking aquarium of roughly 376 square feet. A partially submerged glazed section of the hull creates a window below the waterline, affording guests a cinematic view of the marine landscape. Such underwater lounges are growing in popularity, with yards such as [Feadship](https://robbreport.ph/tag/feadship/ "feadship") embracing the trend. The aquarium is part of a wellness area comprising a hammam, sauna, massage room, cryotherapy, and a relaxation area with an opening terrace. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Virtuosity_Aquarium.webp) The aquarium. *Photo: Sanlorenzo* The lower deck is also home to the “ocean resort,” or glorified beach club, which stretches 59 feet from the swim platform to the first bulkhead. That results in nearly over 2,400 square feet of real estate, making it 40 percent larger than the beach club on Silver Fox. It is equipped with fold-out platforms, a large glass-bottom pool, and a lounge with a DJ booth, meaning seafarers can play with water toys by day and cut shapes by night. Back inside, a triple-height lobby with a staircase and lift connects the main deck to the two decks above. The main salon unfolds around that Ficus, offering up comfy seating and a bar. On the starboard side lies a custom wine cellar, while forward are two guest cabins, one VIP, and an owner’s suite with a rotating bed that swivels to create more space in the dressing room and en suite. Upstairs, the bridge deck is outfitted with a winter garden, a formal dining area, and a bar. Two additional guest cabins, the captain’s cabin, and the wheelhouse can also be found on this deck, along with a touch-and-go helipad and sport deck. A few more stairs up, the owner’s deck features a cinema lounge and a second owner’s suite that opens onto a reflecting pool with a sunpad at the center. Higher still, the sundeck holds a gym, another pool, and an al fresco entertaining area. In terms of decor, a light palette inspired by the Mediterranean is paired with soft curves and continuous surfaces, giving the living quarters a calm, flowing feel. Studio Paolo Ferrari also worked with Sanlorenzo on creating custom furniture that is a cut above the usual sofa. Sanlorenzo has not said when *Virtuosity* will hit the seas. It has, however, shared that multiple units of the 74Steel are currently in production. ***Click [here](https://robbreport.ph/boats/virtuosity-superyacht-in-photos/) to see all the photos of Virtuosity.*** *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Boats **Tags:** News, sanlorenzo, Superyacht --- ### [An Insider’s Preview of an Exclusive New Concours d’Elegance in Rome](https://robbreport.ph/cars/an-insiders-preview-of-an-exclusive-new-concours-delegance-in-rome/) **Published:** April 14, 2026 **Author:** Ben Oliver **Content:** Despite being the capital of the country which has produced more beautiful, desirable cars than any other, [Rome](https://robbreport.ph/tag/rome/ "rome") has not hosted a concours d’elegance since 1960. The [Anantara Concorso Roma](https://www.anantaraconcorsoroma.com/en/) planned to change that last year, but it was cancelled at short notice as the Eternal City mourned the passing of Pope Francis. But a year’s delay will make the inaugural event even bigger and better than was originally planned. It finally takes place on April 18 and 19, and *Robb Report* was given an exclusive preview of the new event and its venues. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1964-Ferrari-250-LM-Front-10.webp) This 1964 Ferrari 250 LM was another Prancing Horse to win at Le Mans, and will be one of the star entries at Rome’s first concours since 1960. *Photo: Darin Schnabel, courtesy of RM Sotheby’s* Fittingly, the new concours will only feature Italian cars, with 68 on display in the gardens of the Villa Borghese, one of Rome’s most beautiful green spaces with views across the city. Restricting the entrants to domestic models doesn’t limit the quality or variety, given that they’re Italian. The concours’ 11 classes run from Zagato-bodied [Alfas](https://robbreport.ph/tag/alfa-romeo/ "alfa romeo") from the 1920s to the Ferrari 499P—the latter winning Le Mans three times a century later. Other standout cars include two more Le Mans–winning Prancing Horses, the 1963 Ferrari 275P Fantuzzi and the 1964 Ferrari 250 LM. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Anantara-Concorso-Roma-2026-Lancia-Aurelia-B24-convertibles-and-Anantara-Palazzo-Naiadi-Rome-Facade-1.webp) A lineup of Lancia Aurelia B24 convertibles further beautifies the front of the Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome hotel. *Photo: Anantara Concorso Roma* The stunning 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B is another star turn: it won this year’s prestigious Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award, chosen annually from the cars which won the previous year’s most recognized concours events around the world. This new event will be aiming to join those ranks. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1964-Ferrari-250-LM-rear-view-14.webp) The 1964 Ferrari 250 LM, a visually stunning car from any angle. *Photo: Darin Schnabel, courtesy of RM Sotheby’s* In addition to the headline cars, there will be a knowing selection of more left-field, rare-groove Italian makers represented, including vehicles from Bizzarrini, Siata, and Cisitalia. A 1993 Bugatti EB 110 GT sneaks in as the marque, French by origin, was made in Italy at the time. And there’s even a Fiat in the form of the one-off 1957 500 Spider Allemano. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1963-Ferrari-275P-2.webp) The 1963 Ferrari 275P Fantuzzi that will be a concours entry. *Photo: Anantara Concorso Roma* The event is the brainchild of Bill Heinecke, founder of the Minor International hotel group and a longtime classic-car collector. The group’s gorgeous Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome is the event’s headquarters and main source of accommodations. Packages to stay at the Anantara or Minor International’s other Rome hotels sold out fast to collectors and concours regulars, but tickets to the event itself are still available at €95 (approximately $110) per day. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/C-0560-Alfa-Romeo-8C-2900-B-Stabilimenti-Farina-3.webp) This 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B, named the Peninsula Classics Best of the Best in January, will also be showcased in Rome. *Photo: Anantara Concorso Roma* The names associated with the new concorso also suggest that it will be worth the entry fee. The chief judge is Dr. Adolfo Orsi, scion of the family which once controlled Maserati, assisted by honorary judges Lorenzo Ramaciotti—the legendary Pininfarina and Fiat designer—and Jean Todt, former Ferrari C.E.O. and president of the FIA. Exhibitors include Nicola Bulgari, who keeps part of his vast car collection in an underground garage in central Rome, and sponsors include Swiss bank UBS, [Gulfstream](https://robbreport.ph/tag/gulfstream/ "gulfstream"), [Richard Mille](https://robbreport.ph/watches/richard-milles-new-1-94-million-watch-can-track-the-time-and-score-of-soccer-matches/ "Richard Mille’s New $1.94 Million Watch Can Track the Time and Score of Soccer Matches"), and RM Sotheby’s. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/FERRARI_499P_2026_front_51-6.webp) Also at the Anantara Concorso Roma will be this Ferrari 499P, which was the overall winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2023. *Photo: Anantara Concorso Roma* Jeremy Jackson-Sytner, the event’s director and known as “Mr. Concours,” also helped establish the stateside exhibition ModaMiami and the “royal” concours, which was first held at Windsor Castle. “The appeal of this event is going to be Rome, at every level,” noted Jackson-Sytner, when asked how this concours will differ from the others he has curated. “It’s the magic of Rome, the Romans, their appreciation of Italian cars, their love of antiquity, the lifestyle of Rome— including the food—and having the Anantara Palazzo Naiadi as a base.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Anantara-concorso-roma-5.webp) The Anantara Concorso Roma will be held in the center of the Eternal City, allowing for convenient access to a host of amenities. *Photo: Anantara Concorso Roma* What Jackson-Sytner also considers a key component to its success is the event’s accessibility and convenient location. “We’re also lucky because we’re right in the center of the city,” he mentions. “Very few events like this are held in the center of the capitol. People are going to come here for far more than just the cars.” [](https://robbreport.com/?post_type=pmc-gallery&p=1237734069/)*This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** Anantara Concorso Roma, Collector Cars, concours, News, rome --- ### [Indie Watchmaker Rexhep Rexhepi’s First Eponymous Chronograph Is a Stunner](https://robbreport.ph/watches/indie-watchmaker-rexhep-rexhepis-first-eponymous-chronograph-is-a-stunner/) **Published:** April 13, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** [Rexhep Rexhepi ](https://www.rexheprexhepi.com/)is expanding his eponymous lineup. The Kosovo-born independent watchmaker, who founded Akrivia in 2013 but has released three pieces under his own name over the past decade, just unveiled his first self-titled [chronograph](https://robbreport.ph/tag/chronograph/ "Chronograph"). The [Rexhep Rexhepi Chronograph Flyback](https://www.rexheprexhepi.com/collections/chronographe-flyback-platine) (RRCHF) is equipped with an entirely new in-house movement designed to “unite technical innovation with refined aesthetics,” according to the watchmaker. At just 9.7 mm thick, the RRCHF is one of the slimmest chronographs on the market. To achieve such slender proportions, Rexhepi had to rethink the movement’s architecture. The hand-wound caliber, which features a flyback chronograph and a jumping-minute counter, was built around asymmetrical architecture that gives it that quintessentially Rexhepi feel. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/rexhep-rexhepi-chronograph-flyback-3.webp) The Rexhep Rexhepi Chronograph Flyback in rose gold. *Photo: Rexhep Rexhepi* The rest of the watch is equally elegant. Inspired by midcentury design, the handmade case features a double-stepped bezel and sharply bevelled lugs and pushers. The dial takes design cues from the Chronomètre Contemporain—the first eponymous watch Rexhepi released—with a layout that evokes vintage pocket watches. The focus is on the chronograph functions, with a single second hand at the center and an outer track that marks the seconds. The hours and minutes are shown on an off-centre subdial at 12 o’clock, while the running seconds sit at 4 o’clock and the chrono’s minute counter at 7 o’clock. Crafted in traditional grand feu enamel, the dial is adorned with smoked sapphire counters that glimpse the hand-finished movement beneath. The exhibition caseback also affords a full view of the chronograph elements. The caliber delivers an impressive 72-hour power reserve. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/rexhep-rexhepi-chronograph-flyback-2.webp) The caseback of the platinum version. *Photo: Rexhep Rexhepi* The RRCHF comes in two versions, both showcasing new color combinations for the maison. One features a [platinum case](https://www.rexheprexhepi.com/collections/chronographe-flyback-platine), a “storm blue” dial, and a light gray leather strap; the other, a [rose gold case](https://www.rexheprexhepi.com/collections/chronographe-flyback-rose-gold), a black dial, and a taupe leather strap. Like all of Rexhepi’s creations, the new RRCHF won’t be easy to get your hands on. The main reason is that he makes fewer than 50 timepieces per year. It is not known how many RRCHF watches will be produced, but both versions are priced at 150,000 Swiss francs, or about $188,000. Rexhepi rarities also sell for a premium on the secondary market, given they are in such high demand. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** Akrivia, Chronograph, News, Rexhep Rexhepi --- ### [The New Audi RS 5 Avant: A Big, Powerful Wagon That Now Handles Even Better](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-new-audi-rs-5-avant-a-big-powerful-wagon-that-now-handles-even-better/) **Published:** April 10, 2026 **Author:** Carl Cunanan **Content:** [Audi](https://robbreport.ph/tag/audi/ "Audi") has always been firmly planted in a very special place in the automotive enthusiast and collector world because of how it has combined the look and practicality of a wagon platform with seriously good handling and increasingly powerful motors. It is great to see that it is still doing that with the newly announced Audi RS 5 Avant. While the sport wagon world may have started as something meant to be practical, in many ways that is no longer the case. These wagons now hit a very particular niche and in many markets, the wagon platform outsells the more standard sedan platform, even if otherwise they have the upgraded engines and power plants. And it isn’t about practicality. It’s about look. And soul. ![Audi](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/A260204_medium-1-2240x1494.webp) *Audi* The new RS 5 Avant uses a 2.9 liter V6 twin turbo and combines it with a plug-in electric motor. And Audi being Audi, it’s putting in new technologies: the rear transaxle features the world’s first regular-production use of electromechanical torque vectoring, which basically means the car is hugely more “pointable” and grippy when you want it to turn. It’s called Quattro with Dynamic Torque Control. What is happening with this electromechanical torque vectoring system is that reacts more quickly and precisely, and more intelligent in how it does so. It can shift the torque around in milliseconds and it can create these differences of torque in the rear wheels, regardless of how the power is applied. For the let’s-have-some-fun driving side, what it means is you can come into a corner and step on the accelerator hard and the car will have all four wheels scrambling to push you out of that corner fast—but in a way that allows you to deliver as much power as possible, as opposed to just wasting it. Unlike mechanical systems, this one is actually working whenever the car is operating, including deceleration or braking as well, so you will be able to change your attitude as you go around that corner even more precisely than before. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/A260372_medium-1-2240x1491.webp) This new technology, of course, needs a huge amount of control. The heart of this system is the high-performance computing platform or the HCP1. This central control unit works on the drivetrain and suspension and compares what it knows about what the vehicle is doing with what it thinks the driver is doing in terms of steering, braking, accelerating, and the like. What will be interesting to see is how this works when you go into a curve and try to do a rapid movement that would normally unbalance a car. Sometimes—ok, a lot of the time—this unbalance is induced on purpose because you want to set the car up for the exit and slide around a bit. Audi says that their system will be taking all of this into account, anticipating what is needed so it is ready, much more quickly. While Audi is very, very known for balance, driving, and handling, it has often been the sport wagons that had the benefit of the huge engines because they were sometimes looked at as more straight line machines than curve cutters. This is the company that put a 5.2 Liter, normally aspirated V10 based on the engine architecture of Lamborghini’s Gallardo in an S6 Avant and created the world’s most powerful station wagon. It also once used a 4.8 liter V8 built for them in Northampton rather than Munich, because Cosworth made it for them: screaming speed and a wonderfully throaty roar that would tend to surprise the supercar boys who didn’t know their stuff. They do like their wagons fast. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/A260299_medium-1-2240x1680.webp) *Audi* With this new quattro dynamic handling system in place comes what could really be considered next-level handling and dynamic precision along with all the power and torque coming from the twin-turbo V6 plug-in hybrid. At the same time, it also makes this type of fun more accessible to different types of drivers. In the same year that they enter Formula 1 with a regulated powerplant design that is starting to be a bit controversial across all teams (while still making points in their first-EVER F1 race) Audi put something on the road to remind everyone how much it really knows about trying new things. **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** Audi, RS 5 Avant, Wagon --- ### [Inside Rolex’s Reef Restoration Effort in Thailand](https://robbreport.ph/watches/what-goes-on-inside-rolexs-perpetual-planet-initiative-in-thailand/) **Published:** April 10, 2026 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** In the Gulf of [Thailand](https://robbreport.ph/tag/thailand/ "Thailand"), coral reefs once bloomed in dense, iridescent gardens. Now, rising temperatures bleach them into ghostly white expanses, erasing ecosystems in real time. On Koh Mak and Koh Kood in Trat Province, the stakes are especially immediate. Its reefs define livelihoods and supply food, as well as protect coastlines from the sea. The [Rolex](https://robbreport.ph/tag/rolex/ "rolex") Perpetual Planet Initiative was created to address these challenges. Since Rolex’s founding, the house has aligned itself with exploration, most evident in its storied partnership with National Geographic Society. In recent years, however, the brand has leaned more toward stewardship. Launched in 2019, the project now encompasses more than 30 partners across oceans, landscapes, and scientific research, each working toward a shared goal of safeguarding the planet’s future. In Thailand, that approach has brought together two of its long-standing partners, Mission Blue, founded by legendary oceanographer Sylvia Earle, and Coral Gardeners, led by Titouan Bernicot. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/ppi_cgxse_2511tm_0388.webp) A coral species in the Gulf of Thailand, where warming waters have driven some of the most severe bleaching events in recent memory. *Photo: Rolex/ Tim McKenna* The meeting of Earle and Bernicot in Thailand represents a convergence of generations, methodologies, and philosophies in ocean conservation. Earle, who has spent over 7,500 hours underwater across a career spanning decades, has long championed the protection of critical marine ecosystems through Mission Blue’s network of “Hope Spots.” These are ecologically vital areas identified for their biodiversity and importance to local communities. Bernicot, by contrast, belongs to a younger wave of conservationists, one that blends grassroots action with technological innovation and digital advocacy. Together, they explored the reefs surrounding Koh Mak and Koh Kood, working alongside local communities newly trained by Coral Gardeners to restore damaged ecosystems. What Bernicot has built in Thailand marks a significant expansion of his organization’s ambitions. After establishing a presence in French Polynesia and later, Fiji, this Southeast Asian outpost signals a shift toward a more global network of reef restoration hubs. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/ppi_cgxse_2511tm-_0414.webp) Diving with Sylvia Earle, Titouan Bernicot hands over a coral specimen for inspection. Securing her support, and Hope Spot status, would bring global attention to the reefs’ restoration. *Photo: Rolex/ Tim McKenna* Central to this effort is the introduction of Coral Gardeners’ first land-based coral nursery in the region, now the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia. Designed to accommodate the Gulf’s remarkable biodiversity, the facility can house up to 40 tanks and cultivate as many as 50,000 corals, including species not previously handled by the organization. Complementing this are ocean-based nurseries and restoration sites capable of growing over 10,000 corals annually. The first generation of cultivated corals has already reached maturity, ready to be replanted onto nearby reefs. “I fell in love with that tangible action of planting corals,” says Titouan Bernicot, founder and CEO of Coral Gardeners. “Being a gardener underwater is the coolest thing on earth. The fish are like your co-workers. You create new habitats and in weeks and months you see your impact growing.” Yet beyond the technical achievements, the partnership is also working toward something more systemic. Following Earle’s visit, the team has initiated the process of nominating Koh Mak and Koh Kood as official Hope Spots under Mission Blue. Should the designation be granted, it would mark the first in the Gulf of Thailand, elevating the region’s global profile and strengthening the case for long-term protection. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/ppi_cgxse_2511tm_0368.webp) Coral hanging in the underwater nursery in Thailand. *Photo: Rolex/ Tim McKenna* Within this ecosystem, both Earle and Bernicot occupy distinct but complementary roles. Mission Blue has helped expand the number of Hope Spots from just 50 to more than 160 worldwide, covering over 55 million square kilometres of ocean. Many of these sites have already achieved or are progressing toward formal protection, contributing to the global ambition of preserving 30 percent of the world’s seas by 2030. Coral Gardeners, meanwhile, operates at a different scale but with equally tangible impact. Since its founding in 2017, the organization has planted more than 200,000 corals across its sites, combining scientific research with a strong digital presence aimed at engaging younger audiences. Its methods are deliberately hands-on. Fragments of resilient corals are cultivated in nurseries, monitored over time, and then replanted into degraded reefs, where they begin the slow process of rebuilding entire ecosystems. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/ppi_cgxse_2511tm_0221.webp) “Our goal is to become the most advanced coral reef restoration programme on the planet, and to open international branches in every ocean where local communities restore their reef ecosystems,” adds Bernicot. *More information [here](https://www.rolex.org/rolex-awards/environment/emma-camp).* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** Coral Reefs, News, rolex, Rolex Perpetual Planet Initiative --- ### [First Taste: Filipino Gelateria Kariton, Born in Melbourne, Returns to Manila](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/first-taste-filipino-gelateria-kariton-born-in-melbourne-returns-to-manila/) **Published:** October 23, 2025 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** When one thinks of gelato, one thinks Italy. But at [Kariton](https://www.karitonsorbetes.com/), the Melbourne-born brand now in Molito, Alabang, the compass points firmly to the Philippines. Kariton, Tagalog for “cart,” honors the sorbeteros who shaped Filipino ice cream. “Dirty” ice cream, once dismissed, has been reclaimed as a badge of ingenuity. Anchored in hand-cranked traditions that birthed halo-halo, buko pandan, queso, and ube, Kariton steers gelato towards a distinctly Filipino canon. Think champorado, San Fernando’s LBS cheese bread, or pili nut butter & jam in creamy scoops–nostalgic flavors executed with fine-dining discipline. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/0E2A6947E.webp) PBJ or pili nutbutter jelly: roasted pili and peanut gelato, pili nuts, pinipig polvoron crumble, red wine, muscat grapes confit, pili nut sauce. *Kariton* Kariton itself was a result of ingenuity, resourcefulness, and resilience. Born in Melbourne’s hard lockdown, when [restaurants](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/ "Dining") went dark and chefs Minh Duong (of Maha Melbourne) and John Rivera (formerly of Lûmé, and who founded acclaimed Askal Melbourne), found themselves abruptly idle. They resolved to make something that, as Duong put it, “makes people happy,” at a moment when the city most needed it. “And what makes people happy more than gelato?” he said. It’s a question their first tubs of ube halaya, mango float, and turon gelato answered on contact. The initial week’s drop of 700 tubs sold out, which they hand-delivered to customers that included Erwan Heussaff, temporarily residing in Melbourne with his wife and newborn during the lockdown. “I came back yearly to Melbourne, and when they opened their first brick-and-mortar store in 2022, I was kind of shocked, really,” Heussaff says. “The energy was so high—it was packed at 9 p.m. The menu was in Filipino; there was no vanilla on the menu. I thought: This is a different kind of representation.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/0E2A7486E3-2240x3360.webp) Clockwise from left: Taho Soft Serve, Ubehave, Pinoyreo, and Buko Pandan. *Kariton* Heussaff says that what hooked him was how front-and-center the culture was, which what made it work and what made it singular in Melbourne. Conversations soon turned to scale. “We had big plans, but if we were going to start anywhere, it had to be the Philippines—to bring it home,” he adds. “We also knew the risk: what plays as ‘Filipino’ abroad is judged differently here, where everyone knows the food.” They needn’t have worried. Back on home ground, the flavors gained a clear edge. Buko Pandan, Turon, Mango Float, and Durian Chiffon gelato, among others, were sharpened by fresh, local produce rather than frozen or processed stand-ins. Heussaff describes Kariton’s process as “farm to gelato,” and, as exemplified by the ethos of his media platform Featr, he’s connected the brand with small producers and rare ingredients across the Philippines like the highly-regulated pili nut or the elusive dayap. “It’s about connecting people to living culture,” he says. “You don’t just watch a story about dayap or pili nuts; you taste it for yourself.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/0E2A7447E-2240x3360.webp) Turon: banana gelato, muscovado butterscotch, langka, candied sesame spring roll wrapper shard. *Kariton* Any chef will attest that quality begins with the ingredients. In Rivera and Duong’s hands, those ingredients become gelato that resists dessert’s usual escalation–sweeter, richer, louder–in favor of clarity and balance. Take Cheesemossa: burnt kesong puti folded into a fior di latte base with crumbs of Pampanga’s LBS cheese bread and shavings of queso de bola. It’s loaded, yet nothing shouts–unctuous, salty-sweet, and decadent, but proportioned so cleanly you keep going back for more. Pili Nutbutterjelly could have slipped into PB&J cliché; instead, red wine and muscat-grape confit add lift and length. Most can’t tell the tweak, but they’ll feel the freshness it brings. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/0E2A6946E.webp) Cheesemossa: fior de latte gelato, burnt kesong puti cheesecake chunks, LBS cheesebread pieces, quezo de bola crumble. *Kariton* Kariton’s Champorado gelato was one of Chef Minh’s toughest challenges. “You’re talking about rice, chocolate, and salted fish; that’s already a lot,” he says. “You can’t just throw those together. It has to make sense.” After eight trials, he found the missing note. “I used buttermilk. It gave a little tang, the lactic flavor of evaporated milk, without the heaviness.” (Plus, the added hint of dried fish cleverly incorporated through patis and made into butterscotch.) Just when one might consider their tendency towards Filipino flavors to be obvious, it surprises with intelligence and techniques honed in fine-dining kitchens. With all that’s in-store (literally speaking), it’s easy to overlook the semi-freddo, but don’t skip them. They’re exceptional and also this writer’s favorites. Yemabon layers malted milk semifreddo with a miso-infused yema paste and two salted-egg pâté breton cookies, half-dipped in caramelized white chocolate; Pinoyreo sandwiches vanilla semifreddo between plush chocolate crinkles; Sylvies stack brown-butter semifreddo with cashew praline and a delicate cashew dacquoise, a take on sylvanas. Each one hits a home run. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/R0000686-2240x3360.webp) At Molito, customers drift in, families and friends drawn to the pastel counter. They sample the taho soft serve (a vegan offering of soy soft-serve complete with oolong pearls and arnibal), the Four Seasons sorbet, and the Buko Pandan gelato that tastes somehow truer than the real thing. Somewhere between the cool sweetness and the exacting craftsmanship, they can taste what Kariton set out to do: to turn memory into flavor and make something deeply delicious but distinctly Filipino, one scoop at a time. *Molito Compound Commerce Ave, Muntinlupa, Metro Manila. Click [here](https://www.instagram.com/karitongelato.ph/?hl=en) to visit their Instagram.* **Categories:** Dining, Food & Drink **Tags:** gelato --- ### [A Collector’s Dream Cellar Heads to the Block at Acker’s April Hong Kong Sale](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/wine/a-collectors-dream-cellar-heads-to-the-block-at-ackers-april-hong-kong-sale/) **Published:** April 8, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** As we all know, provenance is everything in high-stakes collecting, even with fine [wine](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/wine/ "Wine"). And on April 11, Acker Merrall & Condit returns to [Hong Kong](https://robbreport.ph/tag/hong-kong/ "Hong Kong") with a sale that leans heavily on it. To be staged at the JW Marriott Hotel, the [auction](https://robbreport.ph/tag/auction/ "auction") brings together nearly 1,000 lots anchored by what the house describes as “one of the world’s most important private cellars.” It is a collection as “immaculate” as they come, built on the kind of depth, scale, and near-pristine condition that’s hard to come by in the wine-collecting world. The backbone, of course, is Bordeaux, and it arrives in quite a force. The Chairman’s Collection spans more than 300 lots, with a clear emphasis on the modern greats (2009 and 2010), alongside a formidable roster of First Growths. Lafite, Latour, Mouton Rothschild, and Pétrus, in particular, are presented across formats that move from standard bottles to double magnums and imperials. Many remain in original wooden cases, banded and untouched, a detail that signals both authenticity and long-term custodianship. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/acker-3535.webp) An en suite guest bathroom features Graff faucets and striking blue-and-white tile throughout. *Photo: Acker* Vertical holdings, large-format acquisitions, and a reliance on ex-château sourcing point to a collector who understood early that great wine is as much about patience as it is about access. The inclusion of Duclot case assortments reflects this—those tightly curated expressions of Bordeaux’s elite estates—further sharpening that impression. Burgundy, by contrast, operates on a different register. Where Bordeaux basks in scale, Burgundy is much more scarce. Domaine de la Romanée-Conti anchors the sale’s selection, with La Tâche and Montrachet among the highlights, while producers such as Leroy and Rousseau add interesting wrinkles to the bidding. Notable here is the single bottle of 1959 Rousseau Chambertin, which stands out not just for its rarity, but for how it bridges different eras of winemaking, preserved with care and now reintroduced into circulation. There are large-format Montrachets, carefully cellared whites, and equally neat bottles. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/acker-2424.webp) Lot 35. Krug Clos du Mesnil 2000. Precision and power, layered with citrus, minerality, and spice. 6 bottles in OWC. Est. HK$48,000–64,000. *Photo: Acker* Beyond France’s two dominant regions, the sale broadens into Rhône and Champagne, where the selections lean toward insider benchmarks. Guigal’s celebrated La-La wines and Jaboulet’s Hermitage La Chapelle offer Rhône at its most iconic, while Selosse champagnes cater to a more knowing audience (collectors who value more nuance in their glasses). A second tranche of the sale, titled “From Europe with Love,” introduces another collector’s perspective. It’s smaller in terms of the overall portfolio, but no less compelling, reading as a cellar that you know was built on those old-world ideas of legacy. Here, older Bordeaux vintages from 1953, 1959, and the benchmark 1961s surface alongside mature Burgundy and thoughtfully cellared Champagne. There is a looseness to this grouping, which makes it fun, a sense that these were wines meant to be opened as much as they were meant to be kept. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/acker-5.webp) Lot 245. Rousseau Chambertin 2002. Earth, spice, and red cherry in full voice. 8 bottles per lot. Est. HK$160,000–220,000. *Photo: Acker* The two collections offer a clear contrast. One is methodical, almost architectural in its construction; the other feels more personal, shaped by individual histories and moments of acquisition. With speculation in the global wine market now cooling, the shift may ultimately prove healthy. Acker’s April sale, particularly in Asia, should offer a telling read on where the market is heading this year. *Sign up and place your bids [here](https://www.ackerwines.com/wine-auctions/).* **Categories:** Wine **Tags:** Acker's, Auctions, burgundy, Lafite, wines --- ### [Since 1969, Every Crewed Lunar Mission Has Carried Omega—Artemis II Included](https://robbreport.ph/watches/since-1969-every-crewed-lunar-mission-has-carried-omega-artemis-ii-included/) **Published:** April 8, 2026 **Author:** Nicholas Ong **Content:** As Artemis II returns to Earth, it’s clear that the mission has already done what it set out to prove: humans can travel farther than they have in half a century—and come back on a trajectory propelled by physics and engineering. It looped around the Moon’s far side for a full systems test: launch, navigation, life support, communications blackout, and high-speed re-entry, all with astronauts onboard. If the next mission is meant to return humans to the lunar surface, Artemis II is the proof that the machinery—and the people—can get there and back reliably, a reminder that deep space is once again within operational reach. Inside the Orion capsule, the environment is unmistakably modern—digital displays, automated systems, layers of redundancy. And yet, one object on each astronaut’s wrist was visibly strapped outside their orange suits while they boarded—on Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen—connecting the mission directly to its predecessors: the Omega Speedmaster X-33. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/32915000.webp) *Omega* Issued from NASA’s inventory of flight-qualified hardware, the X-33 is the latest evolution of a watch lineage that dates back to the 1960s, when the Speedmaster was certified for manned spaceflight and went on to accompany astronauts through lunar missions since 1969. While the original mechanical Speedmaster remains qualified for Extra Vehicular Activity (EVA—walking on the moon), the X-33 has become the standard issue instrument for use *inside* the spacecraft. Unlike its mechanical predecessors, the X-33 is a quartz, multifunction instrument developed with astronaut input. The Artemis II version features a lightweight grade 2 titanium case and bracelet, designed to remain unobtrusive in zero gravity, along with a sapphire crystal designed for clarity under varying light conditions. Its digital interface supports mission timing functions including elapsed time tracking, phase monitoring, and programmable alarms. These are obviously not decorative, although we earthlings have to admit that all in all, just like the successful mission, it’s all pretty cool. **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** Artemis II, Omega, Speedmaster X-33 --- ### [Audemars Piguet’s Complicated New Pocket Watch Can Date Holidays For the Rest of the Century](https://robbreport.ph/watches/audemars-piguets-complicated-new-pocket-watch-can-date-holidays-for-the-rest-of-the-century/) **Published:** April 8, 2026 **Author:** Oren Hartov **Content:** While it’s hard to imagine the return of the top hat or the monocle, the [pocket watch ](https://robbreport.ph/tag/pocket-watch/ "pocket watch")never quite went the way of the horological dodo—at least not completely. “As collectible curios, displays of technical prowess, historical or personal mementos—or simply as art objects—quality pocket watches are once again gaining traction with younger generations of watch enthusiasts,” says James Lamdin, founder of [Analog:Shift](https://www.analogshift.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopCqfApRIl2UPwkYc5ZHHeO-4X_czOhYlYlN882Tw0YS2xXI4cT) and vice president of pre-owned and vintage timepieces for the Watches of Switzerland Group USA. And though these timekeepers may have taken a back seat to wristwatches during World War I, their larger size and capacity to house multiple complications makes them an ideal proving ground for maisons eager to show off their watchmaking chops. Enter [Audemars Piguet](https://robbreport.ph/tag/audemars-piguet/ "audemars piguet")’s 50 mm [150 Heritage Ultra-complication Universal Calendar](https://www.audemarspiguet.com/com/en/watch-collection/150-heritage/75150PT.OO.01.html) Ref. 75150PT.OO.01 pocket watch, designed by the house’s director of watch conception Giulio Papi to fit within the small secondary pocket often found on blue jeans. One might expect a timepiece housing some 47 functions and 30 complications to fight the confines of your average pair of Levi’s, but its surprisingly compact profile is the result of careful consideration. The new Calibre 1150 was designed using 3-D modeling such that nearly all functions are easily engaged and adjusted via three pushers fitted within and flanking the crown, while all calendar functions are displayed via dedicated apertures in order to minimize visual clutter. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/AP_Heritage_UCUC_2.webp) The complex Calibre 1150 was designed using 3-D modeling. *Photo: Courtesy of Audemars Piguet* A completely hand-engraved case depicting portraits of the maison’s founders and a dedicated 150th anniversary logo gives way to a stunning 18-karat-white-gold dial covered in translucent-blue grand feu enamel. The white-gold indices, also hand-engraved, and star trails, evoking the night sky, are joined by 18-karat-pink-gold hands, a visible flying-tourbillon cage, a dual-register split-seconds flyback chronograph, and a semi-Gregorian perpetual calendar. But this is only half the story, as opening the caseback reveals the watch’s Supersonnerie soundboard, which is constructed of sapphire crystal to offer a view of the movement. Finally, housed inside the caseback is the pièce de résistance: the universal calendar. Effectively a mechanical calculator, this complication—operating independently from the new movement—uses the Gregorian calendar as a reference to coordinate solar, lunar, and lunisolar cycles via eight complications including 18 indications such as: year, leap year, month, date, week number, moon phase, and seasonal markers like solstices and equinoxes. It can also tell you the dates of nine cultural celebrations: Christmas, Saint John’s Day, Ramadan, Diwali, Rosh Hashanah, Pesach, Vesak, Easter, and Chinese New Year. All is controllable via a simple bidirectional wheel that resets the indications instantaneously and remains synchronized from 1900 through 2099. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/AP_Heritage_UCUC_4.webp) The platinum case flank includes hand-engraved images of the company’s founders and workshops. *Photo: Courtesy of Audemars Piguet* This niche mechanical array of celestial esoterica emanated from a conversation in 2023 between Papi and Ilaria Resta, Audemars Piguet’s C.E.O. They noticed the growing interest in pocket watches from collectors, so they decided to conceive a modern iteration bringing together as many watchmaking skills as possible in recognition of the company’s 150th anniversary last year. Just 20 months after showing Resta his first sketch in January of 2024, Papi had a working prototype; finally, by early 2026, two examples had been produced in platinum—one for the Audemars Piguet museum, and one to be sold to an important collector. (Eight more pieces produced in 18-karat white gold, a softer material that is significantly easier to shape, will be available later this year.) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/AP_Heritage_UCUC_3.webp) The achievement is another exercise by Audemars Piguet in showing it is far more than a one-trick pony—it can and does offer more than the Royal Oak. “I think A.P. is much more multifaceted than it has been over the last few years,” says Resta. “There is an appetite for complexity, but wearable complexity—they don’t want a watch that goes in a drawer. They want to have a watch they can see, to live \[with\] every day, but that has mechanical interest for them. So that’s the avenue for us—a very livable, complicated watch with no constraint of shape.” All of which suggests that the humble watch pocket may yet have a future. Play your cards right, and the most inconsequential detail in your wardrobe could be your biggest flex yet—a discreet way to wear one of the most sophisticated timekeepers ever made. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** audemars piguet, Magazine, pocket watch, Watch Collector --- ### [Three Chefs, One Night at Celera](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/three-chefs-one-night-at-celera/) **Published:** April 7, 2026 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** Celera’s Nicco Santos and Quenee Vilar welcome Zor Tan of Singapore-based Born into their kitchen tonight for a one-night-only collaboration. Both Celera and Born hold one Michelin star. It brings together chefs from two cities with a shared interest in how Southeast Asian cuisine continues to evolve, and where it might go next. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/photo_2026-04-07-173315.webp) Zor Tan. *Michelin* The menu brings together Celera’s pan-Asian approach and Born’s contemporary Chinese cooking, shaped by Tan’s “Circle of Life” philosophy. It departs from Celera’s regular offerings and will be served only for the evening. Expect the interplay of Sichuan heat with the sweet-salty balance familiar in Filipino cooking, where Tan’s precision meets Celera’s more expressive style. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Copy-of-_MG_4402.webp) Queenie Villar and Nicco Santos of Celera. *Miguel Nacianceno* The event opens The Star Course Series, presented by UnionBank of the Philippines and Visa, which focuses on one-off collaborations with Michelin-starred kitchens across the region. The series continues in May at Gallery by Chele, with Chele González, Carlos Villaflor hosting Gerard Villaret Horcajo of Elements, Inspired by Ciel Bleu, known for its French cuisine with Japanese influences. **Categories:** Dining, Food & Drink --- ### [Forget Crocodile. This New One-of-a-Kind Handbag Is Made From Lab-Grown ‘T-Rex Leather.’](https://robbreport.ph/style/forget-crocodile-this-new-one-of-a-kind-handbag-is-made-from-lab-grown-t-rex-leather/) **Published:** April 8, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** Who needs cow hide? Your next tote could be made from dinosaur. A [luxury handbag](https://www.vml.com/news/worlds-first-t-rex-leather-product-unveiled-a-luxury-handbag-designed-by-enfin-leve) crafted using a new type of “T-Rex Leather” was unveiled at the Art Zoo Museum in Amsterdam yesterday, underscoring the rise of lab-grown leathers. The biomaterial was developed by creative agency VML—which co-created the Mammoth Meatball in 2023—in collaboration with the Organoid Company and Lab-Grown Leather. The team says the leather was engineered using reconstructed dinosaur collagen and brought to life without harming a single animal. Scientists started by extracting fossilized collagen sequences from Tyrannosaurus rex fossils found in the U.S., then reconstructed the remaining genetic information to form a complete collagen blueprint. This fully synthesized DNA was inserted into an unidentified “carrier” animal’s ​cell to produce collagen that was turned into leather. The team says the resulting material is “structurally identical to traditional leather,” but is traceable, biodegradable, cruelty-free, and eco-friendly. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/T-Rex-leather-handbag-2.webp) The bag on display in Amsterdam’s Art Zoo Museum. *Photo: VML* The T-Rex Leather was then sent to techwear specialist Enfin Levé to be turned into a handbag. Founded by Polish designer Michal Hadas, the Berlin-based label specializes in crafting high-performance clothing in innovative, technical fabrics, making it particularly well-suited for this project. The end product showcases a striking deep teal hue, a sleek, angular silhouette, and three decorative incisions that look a little like dinosaur scratch marks. It is difficult to categorize it as a “luxury bag,” given that we can’t inspect the quality or finish. It is also hard to say whether “T-Rex Leather” is an appropriate name for the material, with some scientists outside the project expressing scepticism about the term since other animals are needed to produce it. Dutch vertebrate paleontologist Melanie During of the Vrije Universiteit ​Amsterdam told [Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/science/dinosaur-collagen-used-create-one-of-a-kind-handbag-2026-04-02/) that collagen can ​persist in dinosaur bones ⁠only as fragmented traces, which cannot be used to recreate T. rex skin or leather. Still, those ancient T.Rex collagen sequences are intrinsic to the new leather. Several start-ups are already offering low-impact, man-made alternatives to traditional fibers, with houses such as [Hermès](https://robbreport.ph/tag/hermes-2/ "Hermès") embracing mushroom leather to meet a growing demand for sustainable luxury. T-Rex Leather will be made available to luxury brands in the future, with details on purchasing and supply released in due course. It will initially be used for high-end accessories, with long-term plans to roll it out beyond fashion and into other sectors, such as automotive. The T-Rex Leather bag will be displayed alongside a colossal T.Rex skeleton at the museum until May ​11, after which it will be auctioned off with a reported starting price of more ​than half a million dollars. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Style **Tags:** handbag, leather goods, luxury handbag, News --- ### [Movement to Memory: Ballet Philippines’ "Paglalakbay" This Weekend](https://robbreport.ph/leisure/entertainment/movement-to-memory-ballet-philippines-paglalakbay-this-weekend-at-the-solaire-theater/) **Published:** April 7, 2026 **Author:** Nicholas Ong **Content:** Movement has always been central to [ballet](https://robbreport.ph/tag/ballet/ "Ballet"), but in [Ballet Philippines](https://robbreport.ph/tag/ballet-philippines/ "ballet philippines")’ *Paglalakbay: The Journey of the Sea People*, it carries a different weight. Premiering April 10–12, 2026 at The Theatre at [Solaire](https://robbreport.ph/tag/solaire/ "solaire"), the company’s new full-length work turns to one of the region’s oldest narratives: the Austronesian migration, and the long passage toward what is now the Philippines. Choreographed by Artistic Director Mikhail Martynyuk, with a libretto by Sheree Chua, the piece traces the journey of early sea-faring communities as they move toward Batanes, the northernmost islands of the country. Rather than rely on literal imagery, Martynyuk builds a movement language shaped by environment—by wind, terrain, and the open line of the sea. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/PAGLALAKBAY-02-scaled.webp) *Ballet Philippines* What emerges is less a linear narrative than a sustained act of returning. In *Paglalakbay*, the past travels with the dancers, carried in shifts of balance and repetition of gesture. Light and scenography extend this idea, creating a visual field that suggests wind and earth. “We wanted the stage design to emulate the key visuals and movement of the Batanes landscape — waves crashing on the shore, jagged rock beaches, wild winds hitting the grass eroding soil from cliffs,” says Filipino contemporary fine artist Leeroy New, Production Designer of the ballet. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/PAGLALAKBAY-09-2240x2904.webp) *Ballet Philippines* Expect the staging to echo present Filipino life, tracing long histories of migration to the more immediate patterns of departure and return for our fellow countrymen. *Tickets are available by filling out this* [form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeiOF4zZCF_1nJ6uPIGTdkE9_qQqPL36jPEhj2ef2gDTX68Bg/viewform), *at [Ticketworld](https://premier.ticketworld.com.ph/shows/show.aspx?sh=PTEJOI26), through the box office at the Solaire Theater, Level 2*, *or through Ballet Philippines at [+639063723393](tel:+639063723393) or [+639692828308](tel:+639692828308)* **Categories:** Culture, Entertainment, Leisure **Tags:** Ballet, ballet philippines, solaire --- ### [Maybach Is Giving Mercedes’s New Van an Ultra-Luxe Makeover](https://robbreport.ph/cars/maybach-is-giving-mercedess-new-van-an-ultra-luxe-makeover/) **Published:** April 7, 2026 **Author:** Erik Shilling **Content:** The [Mercedes-Benz](https://robbreport.ph/cars/10-fascinating-facts-you-didnt-know-about-mercedes-benz/ "10 Fascinating Facts You Didn’t Know About Mercedes-Benz") VLE promised to be one of the world’s most luxurious vans, but probably not the most luxurious, since the brand said this week it will be making a Maybach version, too. It actually won’t be a van at all, but a “grand limousine.” The [Mercedes-Maybach](https://robbreport.ph/tag/mercedes-maybach/ "Mercedes Maybach") VLS will deliver an “exceptional rear-seat experience,” Mercedes says, emphasizing that the car will be aimed at executives with drivers, luxury car services, and the like. If this car ever makes it to the track, it will be as a team ferry. The automaker did not release many details beyond that, nor did it even show a photo, except for a teaser image that shows the Mercedes-Maybach logo attached to the new van. One thing buyers can definitely expect, though, are screens in the form of a “new level of digital sophistication.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/26C0010_039-e1773087438348.webp) *Mercedes-Benz AG – Communications & Marketing* There will be premium materials, too, and design details that might even rival Rolls-Royce in their level of sophistication. The idea is to create a bubble for rear passengers, or an “extraordinary private lounge.” Mercedes did not mention powertrain specs, but the VLS will probably feature the VLE’s planned 409-horsepower electric motor and have a range somewhere north of 400 miles. Charging will be something to watch as well, and the VLS will likely follow the VLE in getting hundreds of miles of charging in less than 15 minutes in the right conditions, using 800-volt technology. The VLS, as an [EV](https://robbreport.ph/tag/ev/ "ev"), looks like an especially attractive proposition for the segment, since EVs are well-suited for short trips in quiet comfort, as opposed to screaming around a track or settling in for long road trips. Mercedes also did not mention a price for the Maybach VLS, or estimate when it might reach customers, though deliveries for the VLE are set to begin in 2027 and wouldn’t be a surprise if the VLS arrives around the same time. As for price, the VLE will likely reach six figures in the more expensive trims, and thus the VLS will likely be at least that much, if not significantly more. The world’s finest car services are probably already reaching for their checkbooks. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** mercedes, Mercedes Maybach, Van --- ### [Ocean Alexander Just Unveiled Two New Superyachts With Enviable Sundecks and Pools](https://robbreport.ph/boats/ocean-alexander-just-unveiled-two-new-superyachts-with-enviable-sundecks-and-pools/) **Published:** April 7, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** It’s double trouble at [Ocean Alexander](https://oceanalexander.com/). The Taiwanese shipyard has unveiled not one but two [superyachts](https://robbreport.ph/tag/superyacht/ "Superyacht"), completing the Puro series that it first presented in March 2024. The new [30P](https://oceanalexander.com/yachts/30p/) and [40P](https://oceanalexander.com/yachts/40p/) (pictured top) bookend the existing [35P](https://oceanalexander.com/yachts/35p/), with the three models united by a shared design DNA yet offering slightly different cruising experiences. “The completion of the Puro Series is a defining moment for Ocean Alexander,” yard president Johnny Chueh said in a statement. “From the beginning, the ambition was to create more than a single model. We wanted to build a family of yachts with a clear identity, one that speaks to owners around the world who value beauty, craftsmanship, and true capability.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Ocean-Alexander-30P-5.webp) The exterior of the 30P. *Photo: Ocean Alexander* Created in partnership with Italian designer Giorgio M. Cassetta and naval architect Andrea Agrusta, the Puro series puts a fresh spin on luxury, eschewing excess and fleeting trends in favor of a pure, timeless aesthetic. “Every line has intention, and every space is meant to feel natural and inviting,” Cassetta adds. “Seeing all three yachts together is especially meaningful because the design story now feels complete.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Ocean-Alexander-30P-4.webp) The foredeck lounge on the 30P. Ocean Alexander Measuring just under 104 feet, the 30P is billed as a “globally minded take on the motor yacht.” At 132 feet, the 40P is larger and more commanding, offering additional space and slightly flashier features. Spanning 114 feet, the 35P sits squarely between the two. All three showcase the same four-deck layout, with a breezy sundeck at the pinnacle. Each one can sleep up to 10 guests, offering a full-beam owner’s suite with dual bathrooms on the main deck, along with two VIPs and two twins on the lower deck next to the crew quarters. The main deck is home to the salon, dining room, and galley, the bridge houses a lounge and an alfresco dining area aft, and the sundeck is equipped with an open-air lounge and bar. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Ocean-Alexander-40P-4.webp) The owner’s suite on the 40P. *Photo: Ocean Alexander* There are subtle differences between the three, though. The 40P has a versatile space in the lower deck that can be used as a dive room, gym, or spa. That same spot is a dive store on the 30P and a beach club on the 35P. The new 30P and 40P have beach clubs, too, but they are open rather than enclosed. The pool’s positioning also changes slightly with each model. The 40P is graced with a striking infinity-edge pool aft; the 30P also has a pool aft, but it is a little more modest; and the 35P has a pool in the bow. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Ocean-Alexander-40P-3.webp) The foredeck lounge on the 40P. Ocean Alexander Another major difference is propulsion. The 30P and 35P are both equipped with twin MAN engines rated at 2,000 hp, while the 40P packs two more powerful MANs that can produce 2,600 hp. The top speed and range of each model have not been shared by the yard. Both the 30P and 40P are set to make their world debut at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in late 2026. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Boats **Tags:** Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, News, Ocean Alexander, Superyacht, taiwan --- ### [Maricar Tolentino Stitches the Invisibility of Creative Labor at Mo_Space](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-collectibles/maricar-tolentino-stitches-the-invisibility-of-creative-labor-at-mo_space/) **Published:** April 6, 2026 **Author:** Jodie Jose **Content:** It was easy to imagine the artist sewing hours upon hours through the night, considering how much thread it took to create the fabric works that now cascade along the walls of [Mo\_Space](https://robbreport.ph/tag/mo_space/ "mo_space") Gallery. But imagining doesn’t quite cut close to doing the work. When a viewer enters a gallery, there is an unsaid anticipation that a flurry of images and colors greets one’s eyes. Maricar Tolentino’s [show](https://robbreport.ph/tag/art-exhibit/ "art exhibit"), */hour,* did the opposite, and in so doing, successfully brought a spectator’s attention to the process behind her practice. To be acquainted with Tolentino’s works is achievable even when one has only seen a piece alone (perhaps in a group show). I emphasize the word “achieveable,” as it is almost impossible to merely be acquainted with them once you have entered a space engulfed by her charged display of powerful oeuvres materialized in compact wads of fabric. Such an encounter sears itself into one’s consciousness deeply that by the time you face another work by Tolentino–even in a group show–your bones can tell it is by her. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Close-up-of-Kinsenas-2240x1680.webp) Close up of “Kinsenas,” by Tolentino. Up until now, the artist doused viewers with the strength of fiber, presenting visceral, and, in some instances, subtly brutal vignettes that tackled themes of womanhood, domesticity, and labor. As an effect, this created a formulaic approach in many viewers, hounding the artist with questions on what her work was *about.* Realizing this did not fare well in her mind, Tolentino relieved her woven pieces of narrative from colors and images altogether. Tolentino says she’s noticed that when her works have images, viewers ask what they are are or what they mean. The length of time it takes to make is secondary. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/530-hours-2240x2987.webp) “530 Hours” by Tolentino. The artist experimented with how big of a work she can make with the conventional number of eight working hours in a day. What resulted was a 12” x 9.5” piece, not much larger than a sheet of short bond paper. She made a total of 15 pieces of the same size, referencing the payroll practice of dividing an employee’s paycheck. But Tolentino is not an employee and neither is her practice bolstered by the mechanisms of a normal career. For artists, working hours are longer, more grueling, and don’t always guarantee a good financial return. Tolentino named her works according to the number of hours she spent making them. Her largest is entitled “530 hours.” Sewing has been thought to be a meditative process for many artists, and to an extent, it truly is. For Tolentino, however, she says it felt as if she was driven to the edges of her sanity, and that she almost lost her mind. She says that while some may describe the process as meditative, for her it was quite painful. The artist does not conceal this in the final output. As if in a spirit of rebellion, knots jut out of the ivory swathes of cotton that make the works, cancelling all possible notions that a smooth and clean surface was attempted by the artist. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Maricar-Tolentino-in-her-Studio.webp) Maricar Tolentino, in her studio. Throughout the show, Tolentino unveils the plight many artists shared today. She says she used white so they are invisible and blend in with the gallery walls that are usually white, too. Any honest viewer will admit that most works only enthrall them for a mere few seconds before they recede to the walls of the gallery and into the back of their minds. In recent years, a gallery show only runs for an average of four weeks, but preparing for one takes significantly longer. For a solo show such as */hour*, it took sometime between a year to six months, working through weekends and holidays. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Works-from--modeka-_dear-future-me_.webp) Tolentino’s works from “Dear Future Me” at Modeka. In all of this, Tolentino points to the historical and unconscious underpinnings of labor and the (de)valuation of it based on cultural prejudices. Needlework, embroidery, and sewing had not always been an accepted medium in the fine arts, which carries on even today, with artists struggling to make fabric works more “sellable” and “appealing” to collectors. Many have relegated it to domestic work, where the “domestic” is perceived to be less significant in a patriarchal and capitalist-driven order. What does this now mean to the body that labors within such a space? How does one judge the labor of homemakers, helpers, and artists? Tolentino spells these out without saying a word. In an erasure of visual language and through the materiality of her process, */hour* invites its viewers to consider the weight of invisible work. */hour runs until 19 April at Mo\_Space Gallery*. *Photos courtesy of Jodie Jose* **Categories:** Art & Collectibles **Tags:** art exhibit, Maricar Tolentino, mo_space --- ### [Dark Is Cool, Dark Is Fast: The IWC Portugieser Chronograph Ceratanium Goes All-Black](https://robbreport.ph/watches/dark-is-cool-dark-is-fast-the-iwc-portugieser-chronograph-goes-all-black/) **Published:** April 6, 2026 **Author:** Carl Cunanan **Content:** A bold new [Portugieser](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-iwc-eternal-wins-the-oscar-of-watchmaking/ "The IWC Eternal Wins the Oscar of Watchmaking"), in all-black Ceratanium, has been literally thrust into the limelight on the wrist of well-known watch enthusiast Ed Sheeran while in concert at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, which is a surprising way to launch a watch known for classic elegance and minimalism. It was also just seen at the Grand Prix in Japan on the wrist of Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team Principal and CEO [Toto Wolff](https://robbreport.ph/watches/toto-wolff-iwc-schaffhausen-watch-goes-to-auction/ "A Special Charity Auction for a Special—and Rather Sturdy—Watch"). The new watch has gotten around in all the right circles, it seems. The [IWC](https://robbreport.ph/tag/iwc/ "IWC") Portugieser has always had an important place in both the history of IWC and the history of watchmaking itself. The story begins in 1939, when Portuguese merchants approached IWC Schaffhausen for a wristwatch with serious accuracy. Normally this was the reserve of marine chronometers and pocket watches, not those that would go on the wrist. So the rather large wristwatch was created and named after those that requested it: the Portugieser. The family continues to this day, which can be somewhat challenging: The elegant and clean dial, the large case size, and the somewhat architectural look are all very classic, but also tend to appeal to a very specific type of buyer. Yet, when it first came out, the watch was indeed a game-changer. ![Toto Wolff wearing the IWC Portugieser Chronograph Ceratanium® (Ref. IW371631) at the F1 Grand Prix in Japan. IWC](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/IWC_Toto-Wolff-wearing-IWC-at-F1-Grand-Prix-of-Japan-2026-scaled.webp) Toto Wolff wearing the IWC Portugieser Chronograph Ceratanium® (Ref. IW371631) at the F1 Grand Prix in Japan. *IWC* The watch family changed over the years and added a chronograph complication in 1998 that indeed expanded its fan base. It had two vertically arranged subdials and an inner flange with a quarter-second scale. Still though, the watch was classically elegant and looked more towards history than the modern world. The brand new Portugieser Chronograph Ceratanium (Ref. IW371631) is the first all-black version in the model’s history, and it arrives as a limited edition of just 1,500 pieces. The key point of this new edition is Ceratanium, IWC’s proprietary material that fuses the lightweight robustness of titanium with the scratch-resistance of ceramic, fired at high temperatures to achieve a distinctive dark metallic finish. The 41mm case, crown, and pushers are all rendered in this advanced material. It is light, virtually indestructible, and visually stunning. Creative Director Christian Knoop says IWC intended the all-black execution to reduce the watch to pure form. The black dial, black applied Arabic numerals, black hands, and black appliqués create a study in monochromatic discipline. The quarter-second scale and indices add a visual feel that seems almost tactile. The strap that accompanies it is black rubber with a square pattern. Inside the watch is the IWC-manufactured calibre 69355, a mechanical chronograph movement with a column-wheel control mechanism for precise pushbutton feedback and an automatic double-pawl winding system, good for 46 hours of power reserve. **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** Ceratanium, Chronograph, IWC, Portugieser --- ### [When the Best Tech Is Their People, the BMW Odour Lab Relies on Noses](https://robbreport.ph/cars/when-the-best-tech-is-their-people-the-bmw-odour-lab-relies-on-noses/) **Published:** April 6, 2026 **Author:** Carl Cunanan **Content:** We had just spent four days with [BMW](https://robbreport.ph/tag/bmw/ "bmw") going over everything from their Annual Investor and Media Presentation Program and the launch of their new BMW i3 to meetings with their designers and to the sneak peeks of several new vehicles that will be unveiled throughout the year. All of that, of course, was heavily controlled and embargoed. We weren’t allowed to bring in any cameras or recording equipment at all so we have no photos other than what they give us. What was surprising, though, was that this also applied to what they call the Odour Lab. When they’d asked me if I wanted to go, I thought it was a bar, but it turned out to be a very key component of how BMW makes the experience just like BMW. As enthusiasts, we know how BMWs feel and how they are supposed to feel, both in terms of handling and in terms of tactile feel, such as when we grip the steering wheel, open the door, or hit the window switch. The other component that is very connected to how we feel about automobiles and about BMWs is the way it smells. In general, though, that tends to rely on the smell of leather, the smell of a new car, the smell of gasoline or high-test fuel, burning rubber, or cooking brake discs. But it’s far more scientific than that. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/P90632266_highRes_wie-die-bmw-group-na-2240x1493.webp) *BMW* BMW has a whole set of laboratories meant specifically to assess, understand, and even mix together different elements, and, therefore, different scents. We’ve seen some of this before with choices of scents made available with the more modern cars, and it’s not just a masking scent or an air freshener. It’s not just a new car smell it’s looking for, either. It will assess materials down to molecular levels with data and graphic displays that can actually find hidden scents behind much stronger scents that affect the people inside the car. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/P90632265_highRes_wie-die-bmw-group-na-2240x1493.webp) *BMW* This is even more important as BMW uses increasing amounts of recycled materials. For example, we were shown abandoned fishing nets used as material for parts, such as the compartment in the front of an electric car that would usually hold the charger. This material may have been in seawater potentially for decades, exposed to everything from oil to salt to fish to whatever it is we’re putting in our oceans. BMW has to test all this. First, it’ll test it as a material; then it’ll test it as a product it’s made; and then it’ll put it in a car and test that. This affects how BMW, in turn, deals with the companies that supply these materials, which involve small materials, oils, or gases all the way to fully assembled and running cars that they will freeze or bake in a huge dedicated laboratory. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/P90632271_highRes_wie-die-bmw-group-na-2240x1493.webp) *BMW* This is an area that proved hugely interesting for those of us who were there. We got hands-on and also nose-in experiences with all of the processes. BMW has been doing this for over 25 years, and it does it to everything from new cars to checking on the old ones. It sets standards it happily says have been taken by others as their own practices and, indeed, as industry standards, helping shape the decisions of regulatory bodies. On the technical side, materials are placed inside controlled chambers which will simulate various conditions, temperatures, and the like. The data from these tests will be analyzed with gas chromatography systems, thermal absorption, or desorption systems. All this breaks things down, not just on the physical side, but on the gas and aroma side. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/P90632273_highRes_wie-die-bmw-group-na-2240x1493.webp) *BMW* With all the millions of euros of equipment put into this department, the most irreplaceable piece of equipment is really the human nose. All the data can be broken down and analyzed and is increasingly accurate, and they are developing whole data banks of results. But it really comes down to the very few, very well-trained people who can actually assess all this on their own, and while the final decisions are completely supported by data and technology and equipment, they’re also based on how the people feel about the aroma or the smell. These days, when products are increasingly cookie-cutter and are often produced without any real history, understanding, or knowledge by companies that may not have existed 10 years ago, it is quite refreshing to see that companies like BMW put, at the very heart of everything, how they make you feel about what they do. **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** bmw, Odour Lab, scent --- ### [A Look Inside the Season’s Most Unexpectedly Playful Handbag](https://robbreport.ph/style/fashion/a-look-inside-the-seasons-most-unexpectedly-playful-handbag/) **Published:** April 2, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** Since its introduction in 2008, the Fendi Peekaboo has occupied a particular place within the house’s most iconic designs. Back then, the Peekaboo made an impact, but it wasn’t Fendi’s loudest, most popular handbag—the Baguette held that place—although, arguably, it was its most soignée, an It Bag with a mystique and elegance that was missing from the Sex and the City staple, quickly becoming one of Fendi’s most consistent signatures. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4-2240x2240.webp) *Fendi* In [fashion](https://robbreport.ph/style/fashion/ "Fashion"), consistency can signal either stagnation or staying power. After 20 years, the Peekaboo has proven it falls under the latter, with a small but ingenious feature that keeps it from becoming predictable: While the exterior maintains its discreet sensibility with its classic, trapezoid shape, a turn of the clasp and a weighted keyhole hardware allows the top rim to drop, draping downward—forming a “smile”—to reveal the bag’s surprise and sometimes, its sense of humor. The Peekaboo’s interiors have featured a wide range of materials, from shearling and woven leather to semi-precious stones, luxurious fabrics, or sewn-in “monster eyes”. This is all on purpose, of course, but not obviously. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2-2240x2240.webp) *Fendi* For Spring/Summer 2026, the house continues the premise, with interiors in the Peekaboo that include playful compositions consisting of paillettes, beads, studs, and crystals that belie its very serious exterior. Open a smooth gray leather Peekaboo to reveal aqua discs of different sizes and shapes, like a mirror ball under the sea, or a mahogany handbag with violet paillettes; you can almost hear the dance music play. A yellow handbag gives way to a flower garden made entirely of crystals in different pastel hues. A black one will reveal a color field, fragmented, almost painterly, as though looking at a Kandinsky through a kaleidoscope. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/3-2240x2240.webp) *Fendi* The Peekaboo has always played on the contrast between its minimal surface and elaborate lining, but there is also a continuity in how the house approaches decoration. The references—mosaic, florals, light—are familiar within Fendi’s vocabulary, but always handled with a lot of space for fun. No Content. The collection places a great deal of emphasis on the craftsmanship required of the interiors’ executions. Some of the embellishments are complex, requiring upwards of 40 hours of handwork arranged in asymmetrical sequences or tonal shifts that read differently depending on light. (One in pink mink and fully beaded interior took 200 hours to make. At over Php2,000,000, it has sold out.) But the mechanics remain the same. A turnlock, a slight opening, a glimpse of a surprise inside. It’s a bag that behaves—until it doesn’t. Its real personality is saved for later, for those paying attention. *Available at [Fendi](http://fendi.com/).* **Categories:** Fashion, Style **Tags:** fendi, Peekaboo --- ### [A New Dandy Takes Shape at the Louis Vuitton Men's FW 2026 Collection](https://robbreport.ph/style/a-new-dandy-takes-shape-at-the-louis-vuitton-mens-fw-2026-collection/) **Published:** April 2, 2026 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** Pharrell Williams has little patience for the present. At Louis Vuitton’s Fall-Winter 2026 men’s show, he looked a century ahead and dressed us for it. Set within Paris’s Le Jardin d’Acclimatation, the showcase unfolded around the Drophaus, a droplet-shaped prefabricated home conceived with Not A Hotel, operating as both stage and statement. The space imagined a future where the Louis Vuitton man values craft over ostentation and intelligence over novelty. Inside, a custom scent by master perfumer Jacques Cavallier Belletrud lingered in the air. Outside, the clothes presented a new kind of masculine elegance. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/12_MENSH_FW26_KEY_LOOKS_05_043_LV-COM_DII_1600x2000.webp) This look pairs a reflective herringbone overcoat with a softly structured reversible nylon suit, layered over a Neo-Dandy mock-neck base. The ensemble is grounded by tailored trousers and finished with the LV Drop sneaker. *Photo: Louis Vuitton* Williams’s second major act as creative director showcases a shaper, more suave, and sentimental version of his vision. The silhouettes noticeably evoke classic 1980s futurism (a decade that shaped Pharrell’s own sense of tomorrow) reimagined through softly tailored jackets, reversible nylon suits, silk shell parkas, and mock-neck base layers that hint at a “neo-dandy” look. LV’s camel, charcoal, and navy heritage hues hum with jolts of electric orange, retro blue, and crimson. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/00001-louis-vuitton-fall-2026-menswear-credit-gorunway-scaled.webp) A softly tailored double-breasted herringbone jacket layered over a shirt and tie, paired with relaxed trousers, punctuated by a Monogram canvas Speedy bag. *Photo: Louis Vuitton* The opening reflective houndstooth suit sets the tone. At first glance, it resembles classic Savile Row tailoring with its clean jacket and straight trousers. Under light, however, the fabric reveals a woven sheen that flickers subtly across the surface. The grey herringbone overcoat follows a similar logic. It is cut long and relaxed, yet its reflective fibers introduce a glow that pop even more in the evening. Tailoring continues to evolve through the reversible nylon suit. One side is matte while the other carries a slight sheen, both shaped with softened structure. Worn with the close-fitting mock-neck base layer, it shifts suiting into something lighter and more agile. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/00002-louis-vuitton-fall-2026-menswear-credit-gorunway-scaled.webp) A thermo-adaptive silk shell jacket layered over a crisp shirt and tie, paired with relaxed tailored trousers. The ensemble is offset by the LV Drop sneaker and anchored by a Classic Monogram Keepall. *Photo: Louis Vuitton* And yet outerwear is where Pharrell pushes hardest. The silk thermo-adaptive shell jacket, often shown in muted blue or stone, appears familiar at first. But its construction tells a different story. Engineered membranes allow it to repel water while maintaining a fluid drape. It holds its form even as the body moves. The aluminium-bonded car coat, too, offers a more experimental approach. Its crinkled surface reshapes with wear, creating a silhouette that evolves over time. In contrast, the cotton-poly parka with contrast lining looks back to the 1980s. Its updated construction keeps it light, precise, and far more refined than its reference. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/09_MENSH_FW26_STILL_LIFE_004_01162026_0906_LV-COM_DII_1600x2000.webp) The Speedy P9 in Buttersoft leather with glow-in-the-dark Monogram, paired with an LV Drop sneaker featuring a ripple-moulded sole. *Photo: Louis Vuitton* This collection finds its most interesting expression in trompe l’oeil. A mushroom-grey blouson that appears to be terry cloth is, in fact, mink, presenting luxury in disguise. A silk windbreaker is cut to resemble nylon twill, stripping away the usual visual cues of value. These pieces invite a closer look. The idea reaches its peak in the overdyed double-face vicuña trousers rendered in mid-blue. They resemble ordinary denim workwear, yet are made from one of the rarest fibres available. A burgundy vicuña hoodie follows the same philosophy, soft and weightless while remaining visually grounded. The gesture is subtle but pointed. Luxury here does not rely on recognition. Shirting and knitwear extend the illusion. Lumberjack shirts are constructed from laser-cut flannel printed onto mesh, giving them the look of something rugged with a surprisingly light feel. Knitted tops mimic technical mesh. When stretched, they reveal a hidden Monogram embedded within the yarn. These are garments that change through interaction. Footwear brings the ideas into sharper focus. The LV Drop sneaker stands out through its ripple-moulded sole, shaped to resemble water dispersing outward. Its upper, often in suede and peach-touch nylon, is composed of tonal panels that punctuate the collection’s neo-dandy motif. The Sierra boot introduces a more grounded option with its VVN leather and metal hardware, while the Hoxton monk shoe refines tradition through a softer construction that allows for greater flexibility. See, we can say that there isn’t an obvious crescendo. These are the kind of pieces that reveal themselves over time, which perhaps is Pharrell’s point. Don’t be surprised if this becomes the blueprint for LV moving forward. *More information [here](https://press.louisvuitton.com/men/en/?lang=en).* **Categories:** Style **Tags:** Drophaus, Louis Vuitton, Not A Hotel --- ### [Omega Just Unveiled 9 Watches in Its New Constellation Observatory Collection](https://robbreport.ph/watches/omega-just-unveiled-9-watches-in-its-new-constellation-observatory-collection/) **Published:** April 2, 2026 **Author:** Nicole Hoey **Content:** [Omega’s](https://robbreport.ph/tag/omega/ "Omega") latest watch is in a universe of its own. The Swiss watchmaker just unveiled its new Constellation Observatory Collection today, the next step in its Constellation lineage and the first two-hand hour and minute timepieces to ever snag Master Chronometer certification. And if you were paying attention to any of the dazzling watches spotted at [the Oscars this year](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-18-best-watches-at-the-oscars-from-michael-b-jordans-vintage-piaget-to-timothee-chalamets-favorite-urban-jurgensen/ "The 18 Best Watches at the Oscars"), you would’ve caught a glimpse of the new line already: *Sinners* star Delroy Lindo rocked one of the models on the Academy Awards red carpet, giving us a pre-release preview of the collection. Developed at Omega’s new Laboratoire de Précision (its chronometer testing lab open to all brands), the collection is home to a set of nine 39.4 mm watches. The watches underwent 25 days of scrutiny there, analyzed via a new acoustic testing method that recorded every sound emitting from the timepiece to track irregularities, temperature sensitivities, and more in the name of all things precision. (Details such as water resistance and power reserve are also thoroughly examined.) This meticulous process is all in the name of snagged that Master Chronometer label, meaning that the timepiece is highly accurate and surpasses the threshold for ultra-high performance. The Constellation Observatory Collection has now changed the game, though, thanks to its lack of a seconds hand. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/omega-constellation-observatory-black-watch.webp) A watch from the Constellation Observatory Collection, with the Observatory dome on display. *Photo: Omega* “Until now, precision certification has required a seconds hand,” Raynald Aeschlimann, president and CEO of OMEGA, said in a press statement. “The development of a new acoustic testing methodology has made that requirement obsolete. It is this breakthrough that has enabled us to present the Constellation Observatory, the first two-hand watch to achieve Master Chronometer certification.” In addition to notching its place in history, the collection also debuted a new pair of movements: the Calibre 8915 and the Calibre 8914, each perched on a skeletonized rotor base. The former’s Grand Luxe iteration will appear on the 950 Platinum-Gold model in the collection, which offers up that base in 18-karat Sedna Gold alongside a Constellation medallion in 18-karat white gold with an Observatory dome done in white opal enamel surrounded by stars. The second Calibre 8915, the Luxe, will find its home on the other precious-metal models in the line, either made with the brand’s 18-karat Sedna, Moonshine, or Canopus gold seen across the case, the hand-guilloché dial, and, of course, the movement itself. (Lindo chose to rock the Moonshine Gold on Moonshine Gold iteration, priced at $59,000, for *Sinners*‘s big night at the Oscars.) As for the Calibre 8914, it can be found in the collection’s four steel models. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/omega-constellation-observatory-caseback.webp) A look at a gold caseback from the collection. *Photo: Omega* Each model is a callback to myriad design features on past Omega models, too,—that two-hand dial, for one, comes from the 1948 Centenary (the brand’s first chronometer-certified automatic wristwatch), while the pie-pan dial (seen in various blue, green, and golden hues throughout the line) and that Constellation medallion caseback both appears on watches from 1952. The star adorning the space above 6 o’clock also harks back to 1950s timepieces from Omega. And to finish off the look, you can opt for alligator straps in a variety of colors, or perhaps a gold iteration to match the precious-metal models; the brick-like pattern on the 18-karat Moonshine bracelet was also inspired by Omega watches from the ’50s. Well, that’s one red-carpet watch mystery solved. We’ll have to keep our eyes peeled for any other Constellation Observatory timepieces (or any other unreleased models from the brand) at the rest of the star-studded events headed our way next year—perhaps the Met Gala? *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** News, Omega, Watch Collector --- ### [Jeep’s New Easter Safari Off-Roaders Are an Ode to Retro Style](https://robbreport.ph/cars/jeeps-new-easter-safari-off-roaders-are-an-ode-to-retro-style/) **Published:** April 2, 2026 **Author:** Bryan Hood **Content:** The arrival of spring means one of America’s most beloved off-roading traditions is almost upon us: the Easter Jeep Safari. The automaker has just unveiled its roster of concepts for the annual event, which kicks off this Saturday, March 28. The latest crop consists of six 4x4s, including rock-crawling concepts, a stylish restomod, and a build you can even try to recreate yourself with after-market [Jeep](https://robbreport.ph/tag/jeep/ "jeep") Performance Parts and Mopar add-ons. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2026-easter-jeep-safari-roster.webp) Stellantis Since 1967, American off-road enthusiasts have flocked to Moab, Utah, each spring for the Easter Jeep Safari. The event, which was started by the city but is now run by [Red Rock 4-Wheelers](https://rr4w.com/), gives 4×4 lovers a chance to responsibly drive on trails through one of the most beautiful natural settings in the country. It has also, in recent years, become an opportunity for the automaker to show off the most over-the-top off-roaders it can dream up and tease some upcoming gear and parts in the process. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/jeep-wrangler-anvil-715-01.webp) *Stellantis* The most intriguing of this year’s builds is the Wrangler Anvil 715. The concept, which is based on the Rangler Unlimited Rubicon, was inspired by the Kaiser Jeep M715, [according to *Car and Driver*](https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a70847055/2026-easter-jeep-safari-concepts-moab-details/). The brand’s designers have reimagine the military truck from the 1960s and the ultimate Hemi-powered overlanding rig, with a raised roof with integrated skylights, a roof rack for any gear that doesn’t fit in the cabin, and an onboard air system for quick tire pressure changes. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/jeep-xj-pioneer-01.webp) *Stellantis* There’s also the XJ Pioneer, which is a restomod based on the 1984 Cherokee XJ. Jeep boosted the donor vehicle’s ride height by two inches, equipped it with wider fender flares to accommodate its 33-inch all-terrain tires, and added a custom cooler disguised like an old Apple Macintosh Plus. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/jeep-wrangler-buzzcut-01.webp) *Stellantis* Just as eye-catching is the fully loaded Wrangler Buzzcut concept. The Vitamin C Orange two-seater features a lowered roofline (hence the name), a custom rollbar, and is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder equipped with a Mopar cold-air intake. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/jeep-wrangler-laredo-01.webp) *Stellantis* Rounding out the sextet is the Wrangler Laredo concept, which tries to streamline the Willys to its core elements; the Grand Wagoneer Commander concept, which, unlike most versions of the brand’s most luxurious [SUV](https://robbreport.ph/tag/suv/ "suv"), is ready for off-roading fun; and the Gladiator Red Rock concept, which was inspired by the Easter Jeep Safari’s organizers. Eager to see these concepts in the metal? All of this year’s Easter Jeep Safari builds will be on display at the automaker’s home base at Walker Drugs from Monday, March 30, to Friday, April 3. The full event runs through Sunday, April 5. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** easter, Easter Safari, jeep --- ### [Hazemann & Monnin Just Won Louis Vuitton’s Award for Independent Watchmakers](https://robbreport.ph/watches/hazemann-monnin-just-won-louis-vuittons-award-for-independent-watchmakers/) **Published:** April 1, 2026 **Author:** Nicole Hoey **Content:** Louis Vuitton may have just crowned the next hot indie watchmaker. Swiss brand Hazemann & Monnin took home LV’s Watch Prize for Independent Creatives in Paris yesterday evening, making the second time the famed fashion house has doled out the award. And if the accolade itself wasn’t enough, Hazemann & Monnin also snagged a €150,000 grant and a year-long mentorship with the storied watchmakers at La Fabrique du Temps [Louis Vuitton.](https://robbreport.ph/tag/louis-vuitton/ "Louis Vuitton") Alexandre Hazemann and Victor Monnin founded their workshop in 2024, though the duo has known each other since their days at France’s Edgar Faure high school, where they were part of the prestigious watchmaking program. All the horological know-how they learned there culminated in their first timepiece, aptly known as the School Watch. The model offers up a movement that plays host to both an instantaneous jumping hour and a passing chime. And while the watch shows off their mechanical capabilities as a pair, Hazemann and Monnin imbue their own individual flair in the model’s two different design schemes: a blue-accented, technical-focused iteration for Hazemann, and a stone-dial version for Monnin. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/hazemann-monnin-louis-vuitton-watch-prize_c668d8.webp) Victor Monnin and Alexandre Hazemann with their award. *Photo: Louis Vuitton* “Winning the second edition of the Louis Vuitton Watch Prize represents a profound recognition of what our atelier is—and what we want it to become,” Hazemann and Monnin said in a statement. “From the conception of movements to the decoration of every component, this honor affirms an approach we believe in. It also gives us the means to go further: to strengthen an independent house and transmit new ideas about watchmaking to those who will carry it forward after us.” Hazemann & Monnin follows in the footsteps of Raúl Pagès, who won the inaugural Watch Prize in 2024 and passed along the trophy to the pair at the award ceremony. The accolade, created to recognize and support independent creatives as they push the boundaries of the watchmaking world, is open to submissions across the globe, with no limits on experience or location. LV itself has no part in selecting the winner; that is instead left up to what the brand calls the Committee of Experts, a group of 65 watch collectors and experts. After all candidates and their timepieces are judged on five factors (Design, Creativity, Innovation, Craftsmanship, and Technical Complexity), the committee will narrow it down to five finalists. From there, the winner is selected by the Jury, a group of Committee members nominated by their fellow experts. This year, the core five included Carole Forestier-Kasapi, haute horology and movements strategy director at [TAG Heuer](https://robbreport.ph/tag/tag-heuer/ "tag heuer"); Frank Geelen, CEO, executive editor, and publisher of Monochrome Watches; Matthieu Hegi, artistic director of La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton; François-Xavier Overstake, founder and editor of Equation du Temps; and [Karl Voutilainen](https://robbreport.ph/watches/here-are-the-biggest-winners-of-the-gphg-the-oscars-of-watchmaking/ "Here Are the Biggest Winners of the GPHG, the Oscars of Watchmaking"), owner and director of Artisan d’Horologerie d’Art Voutilainen. As for the finalists, those included Japan’s Daizoh Makihara; China’s Xinyan Dai; Switzerland’s Bernhard Lederer; and Japan’s Norifumi Seki. The La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton mentorship, as we mentioned, is the cherry on top of this prize, including a customized program made just for Hazemann & Monnin and access to the manufacture’s specialists that will lend a hand in the indie brand’s development. And with the help of the storied team there, we may be seeing even more marvels from the duo soon enough. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** Hazemann & Monnin, Louis Vuitton, News, Watch Collector, Watch Prize for Independent Creatives --- ### [The 101 Best Steakhouses in the World, According to a New Ranking](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/the-101-best-steakhouses-in-the-world-according-to-a-new-ranking/) **Published:** March 30, 2026 **Author:** Nicole Hoey **Content:** To be served the best [steak](https://robbreport.ph/guide-to/the-ultimate-guide-to-the-best-cuts-of-steak/ "The Ultimate Guide to the Best Cuts of Steak") in the world, you’ll have to head to this small village in Spain. La Cúpula, located in Jiménez de Jamuz (known as a meat lover’s paradise), was just crowned the No. 1 [steakhouse](https://robbreport.ph/tag/steakhouse/ "steakhouse") on Earth, according to a new ranking of the 101 best steak restaurants across the globe by the aptly named [World’s 101 Best Steak Restaurants](https://www.worldbeststeaks.com/) group. The Spanish spot is led by José Gordon, a chef renowned for creating meccas to meat; he and his team take you on a five-hour, 18-course gastronomic journey that’s dedicated to the ox. In what will be no surprise to anyone, Spanish steakhouses make up four of the top five rankings on the list. Perched at No. 3 is Laia Erretegia, in Hondarribia, where the dining experience is centered on the grill and its dry-aged rib of beef, which is aged for 60 days; I Due Cippi, in Saturnia, and Lana, in Madrid, come in at No. 4 and No. 5, respectively. The second spot on the ranking, though, belongs to Margaret in Sydney, where chef Neil Perry takes the helm. Stateside, meanwhile, the Eighty Six has snagged the 12th spot in the ranking, making the Catch Hospitality Group’s restaurant the best steakhouse in North America. (The company is also behind New York City hot spots like the Corner Store and the recently opened [Or’esh](https://robbreport.com/food-drink/dining/oresh-mediterranean-restaurant-new-york-city-1237561232/).) The intimate West Village locale has taken a massive leap since World’s 101’s previous list of [North American steakhouses](https://robbreport.com/food-drink/dining/best-steakhouses-north-america-2025-ranking-1237389907/), where it sat at No. 26. On the menu you’ll find options such as a 30-day dry-aged Delmonico and selection of daily cuts from grass-fed Wagyu Vaca Vieja, served up in a decadently revamped haunt of Ernest Hemingway and other luminaries. “It’s incredibly humbling to be mentioned alongside some of the greatest chefs and restaurants in the world,” the Eighty Six’s chef Michael Vignola, said in a press statement. “We put so much care into every detail—from sourcing and aging to execution—and this recognition is a true reflection of the dedication and pride our entire team brings to the craft each day.” New York had a strong showing on the list, with nine spots making the cut. Those include [Cote](https://robbreport.com/food-drink/dining/cote-steakhouse-las-vegas-opening-1235637446/) (at No. 21) from Simon Kim, one of [our innovators that’s transforming the luxury landscape](https://robbreport.com/lifestyle/news/lists/luxury-industry-leaders-2025-1236813818/); [La Tête D’or](https://robbreport.com/food-drink/dining/daniel-boulud-la-tete-dor-steakhouse-1235997295/), starring Daniel Boloud’s French take on a classic steakhouse; and [Txula Steak](https://robbreport.com/food-drink/dining/best-steakhouses-north-america-2025-ranking-1237389907/) from Jośe Andrés, in its first appearance on the ranking. Heading back down under, Sydney had the largest number of restaurants on this year’s list, at 12. Other notable spots worldwide include London’s [Hawksmoor](https://robbreport.com/food-drink/dining/hawksmoor-chicago-steakhouse-1235684088/), at No. 13, and Burnt Ends in Singapore, at No. 9, AG in Stockholm perched at No. 8; and Asador Bastian, in Chicago, at No. 15. As for the organization in charge, World’s 101 Best Steak Restaurants was founded back in 2018 in London, and has since been releasing rankings of regions worldwide—much like [World’s 50 Best Restaurants](https://robbreport.com/food-drink/dining/worlds-50-best-restaurants-2025-maido-lima-1236838450/) and [50 Top Pizza](https://robbreport.com/food-drink/dining/100-best-pizzerias-world-2025-ranked-1237022064/). The group sends a team of anonymous inspectors to evaluate each spot for themselves, judging on criteria such as quality of meat, wine program, design, cuts, and more. Read on to see its full ranking of the top spots across the globe. ## The 101 Best Steakhouses in the World for 2026 - 101. Brado, Barcelona - 100. Izzy’s Steaks & Chops, San Francisco - 99. The Guinea Grill, London - 98. The Blockman, Johannesburg - 97. Bistecca, Sydney - 96. Zoilo, London - 95. Grill Americano, Melbourne - 94. Soichiro, Jakarta - 93. The Cut Bar & Grill, Sydney - 92. Carnal Steakhouse, Barcelona - 91. Fat Rabbit, St. Catharines - 90. Sagardi, London - 89. The Grand Bar & Grill, Helsinki - 88. Bisteca, Singapore - 87. Gallaghers, New York - 86. Beef & Glory, Vienna - 85. Shell Houe, Sydney - 84. Gage & Toller, New York - 83. Shatōburian, Singapore - 82. Happening, Buenos Aires - 81. Meatmaiden, Melbourne - 80. The Steak House, Hong Kong - 79. Matilda 159, Melbourne - 78. Carna, Hong Kong - 77. SK Steak & Oyster, Brisbane - 76. Firewood, George Town - 75. Regina Bistecca, Florence - 74. Maven, Antwerp - 73. Swift & Sons, Chicago - 72. Brutus Tavern, Athens - 71. Bazaar Meat, New York - 70. Txula Steak, New York - 69. Sperling & Co., Stockholm - 68. Keens Steakhouse, New York - 67. American Cut, New York - 66. Grill Royal, Berlin - 65. Prime + Proper, Detroit - 64. Butcherstable, Zurich - 63. Linny’s, Toronto - 62. Gimlet, Melbourne - 61. Magma, Canley Vale - 60. 11 Woodfire, Dubai - 59. 20 Chapel, Sydney - 58. Jeffrey’s, Austin - 57. Los 33, Madrid - 56. Anahi, Paris - 55. Chelsea Grill, London - 54. Elena, Buenos Aires - 53. Glover Grill, Paris - 52. Vuur, Stellenbosch - 51. Jacobs & Co., Toronto - 50. Beefbar, Monte Carlo - 49. Niku Steakhouse, San Francisco - 48. The Gidley, Sydney - 47. Madre Rojas, Buenos Aires - 46. Char, Tenerife - 45. The Devonshire, London - 44. Amaren, Bibao - 43. Capa, Copenhagen - 42. Blok, Pontyclun - 41. Gwen, Los Angeles - 40. Daniel’s, Miami - 39. La Braseria, Osio Sotto - 38. Rockpool, Sydney - 37. Asador Nicolás, Tolosa - 36. Porteño, Sydney - 35. Lutyens Grill, London - 34. La Tête D’or, New York - 33. The Grill, Sydney - 32. Elisa, Vancouver - 31. Victor Churchill, Melbourne - 30. Nikuya Tanaka, Singapore - 29. Steer Dining Room, Melbourne - 28. Hanu, Dubai - 27. Gran Torino, Sydney - 26. Born & Bred, Soul - 25. Miller & Lux, San Francisco - 24. Tributo, Quito - 23. Carcasse, Koksijde - 22. Fogón, Buenos Aires - 21. Cote, New York - 20. Agnes, Brisbane - 19. Gillis, Gent - 18. Fireside, Hong Kong - 17. Brat, London - 16. Arkhé, Adelaide - 15. Asador Bastian, Chicago - 14. Aalia, Sydney - 13. Hawksmoor, London - 12. The Eighty Six, New York - 11. Firedoor, Sydney - 10. Bodega El Capricho, Jiménez de Jamuz - 9. Burnt Ends, Singapore - 8. AG, Stockholm - 7. Ibai, London - 6. Casa Julián, Tolosa - 5. Lana, Madrid - 4. I Due Cippi, Saturnia - 3. Laia Erretegia, Hondarribia - 2. Margaret, Sydney - 1. La Cúpula, Jiménez de Jamuz **Categories:** Dining, Food & Drink **Tags:** Best Steak, steak, steakhouse --- ### [Inside Girard-Perregaux’s High-Complication Push—and the Collector-First Ethos Behind It](https://robbreport.ph/watches/inside-girard-perregauxs-high-complication-push-and-the-collector-first-ethos-behind-it/) **Published:** March 30, 2026 **Author:** Victoria Gomelsky **Content:** In late February, during a brief trip to Los Angeles, Marc Michel-Amadry, managing director of the Swiss watchmaker [Girard-Perregaux](https://robbreport.ph/tag/girard-perregaux/ "girard-perregaux") (GP), had a serendipitous encounter that reminded him of something he already knew: “The more I travel, the more I understand the power of being close to collectors,” he tells *Robb Report*. The reminder came during a visit to longtime retail partner Feldmar Watch Co. in West Los Angeles. “We were having a conversation with our partner, and then suddenly, Jay Leno is passing by,” Michel-Amadry recalls. (A passionate watch collector, Leno is a longtime Feldmar client.) “I said, ‘Jay, how are you? I need to introduce myself,’” Michel-Amadry says. “And believe it or not, he had three pocket [watches](https://robbreport.ph/watches/ "Watches") in his bag, just because: Two pocket watches that he was bringing to our partner for a service, and a third one, which was a Girard-Perregaux pocket watch from 1880. And to discover this, it was like, ‘How is it possible for this to happen?’ The pocket watch was in such beautiful condition. It was really an exceptional piece, a triple calendar, double dial from 1880. And I said, ‘Jay, do you mind if we organize an [impromptu interview](https://www.instagram.com/p/DVrEhdTAsad/?hl=en&img_index=1) about your watch?’ And he said, ‘Yes, of course.’ “All this is to say that it is critical to be there, to talk to people, and to listen and listen and listen,” Michel-Amadry says. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/girard-perregaux-repetition-minute-carillon.webp) The Répétition Minute Carillon Heritage *Photo: Girard-Perregaux* Since joining GP in February 2025, the longtime Swiss watch executive—formerly chief commercial officer at IWC—has made a habit of leaving GP headquarters in La Chaux-de-Fonds, home to the brand’s villa and manufacture, to meet collectors and clients firsthand. “I have met so many collectors, so many people who are crazy GP fans—but not always—and I like to have both,” he says. “Because they give you different perspectives. The reality is that I’m new, but at the same time not new to Girard-Perregaux in the context that I joined a year ago exactly. But I’ve known the brand for quite a long time. It just so happens that I was born in La Chaux-de-Fonds. And I have always been a fan of that brand and particularly a big fan of Gino Macaluso, whom I had the privilege to meet three times.” Macaluso, who died in 2010, remains a towering figure in watchmaking. A former rally driver, he rose to prominence as the Italian distributor for Blancpain, Hamilton, and Breitling before becoming president of Sowind Group in 1992. Under his leadership, GP evolved into a respected manufacturer of both high complications and sport watches, including the [Laureato](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-girard-perregaux-laureato-a-stunningly-simple-watch-with-full-mechanical-architecture/ "The Girard-Perregaux Laureato: Simply Sophisticated"), its 1975 steel icon with an octagonal bezel and integrated bracelet. In mid-March, Michel-Amadry paid tribute to that legacy with the introduction of the [Minute Repeater Flying Bridges](https://www.girard-perregaux.com/en-us/watches/grand-complications/99840-52-2013-5cc), a $590,000 rose-gold chiming watch produced in a maximum of eight pieces. Each example comprises 475 components and requires more than 440 hours of assembly and finishing alone. “You see all the angling, all the beveling of all the different components,” Michel-Amadry says. “We have 1,340 hand polished angles out of which 295 are inner angles. You can only do it properly if you have a very skilled beveler.” The release is part of a broader push. Since last fall, GP has introduced three entirely new reference calibers, with a fourth slated for September. “These are four movements which are not simply evolutions of existing calibers, but fundamentally brand-new movements,” Michel-Amadry says. “The market is changing at light speed and I think we have seen from the latest reports that value is becoming more important than volumes,” he adds. “This is clearly where we want to concentrate our efforts. We need to be super credible at the top, so that when you buy a Laureato three-hands automatic, you buy all this magnificent knowhow, expertise, credibility, history. And this is why we are, for the past six months, focusing a lot on the top part of the pyramid.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/girard-perregaux-laureato-fifty.webp) The Laureato Fifty *Photo: Girard-Perregaux* That strategy began in earnest last September with the debut of Caliber GP 4800, a fully in-house movement featuring a silicium escapement, stop-seconds function, and upgraded winding system. Weeks later came the [Laureato Fifty](https://www.girard-perregaux.com/en-us/watches/laureato/81008-63-3412-1cm), a 39 mm two-tone steel and yellow-gold limited edition powered by the new caliber. “Then we introduced the [Laureato Three Gold Bridges](https://www.girard-perregaux.com/en-us/watches/laureato/99112-58-3576-1cm) in 41 millimeters and 50 pieces, also to celebrate 50 years of the Laureato,” Michel-Amadry says. “It’s got a brand-new movement from A to Z that has been designed and conceived exclusively for the Laureato.” “I don’t know any brand introducing four major movements like this in such a short period of time,” he adds. For Michel-Amadry, that ambition is measured not by volume, but by integrity. “We are not obsessed with the idea to grow,” he says. Reflecting on the minute repeater, he offers a final perspective: “There was a person who asked me, ‘How long does it take to make this watch?’” he says. “And the answer was ‘235 years.’ I mean, it was my natural answer. We talk about prices, but these are priceless timepieces.” *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** Feature, girard-perregaux, Watches --- ### [Road Test: The New All-Electric Mercedes GLC Is a Speedy SUV That Rarely Disappoints](https://robbreport.ph/cars/road-test-the-new-all-electric-mercedes-glc-is-a-speedy-suv-that-rarely-disappoints/) **Published:** March 30, 2026 **Author:** Sean Evans **Content:** When the Mercedes-Benz GLC replaced GLK in 2015, the midsize luxury ute quickly became one of the most beloved Benz models, remaining one of the marque’s best-selling nameplates globally. Now, the 2027 GLC 400 4MATIC arrives in all-new electric guise, at a time when other luxury automakers are scrapping planned EV models. Is this a big bet or a logical next move for [Mercedes](https://robbreport.ph/tag/mercedes-benz/ "mercedes benz")? After spending time behind the wheel, it feels like both. Proportionally, the electric GLC is handsome. Perched on 21-inch wheels, tucked under flared arches, and a downward swooping line from the top of the A-pillar through the spoiler atop the tailgate, the EV has aggressive presence. Our tester also had a lot of chrome, chiefly in the front fascia. In Mercedes’ first-ever deployment of its redesigned radiator grille, a hat tip to the iconic grilles of the Sixties and Seventies, though considerably larger. In concert with a chrome front splitter, this volume of shine may not resonate with those who prefer more subtlety. Step in and you’re greeted by an (optional) 39.1-inch MBUX Hyperscreen, which spans the entire dashboard in a single unbroken sweep, the largest continuous display Mercedes has ever built. (It’s so enormous, one wonders how Stuttgart’s designers could possibly manage to enlarge it for future generations.) Eleven optional background motifs shift from cool to warm, technical to emotional, and the ambient lighting coordinates with whatever you’ve chosen. You can even select a faux fireplace view, with flickering flames. It’s immense and impressive, albeit slightly overwhelming at first blush. However, myriad customization options—such as dragging any settings you wish into an always-visible dock—make it easy to navigate. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/mercedes-glc-2027-7-e1774274411358.webp) The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC admires the sea. *Photo: Mercedes-Benz AG – Communications* That screen is the front door to MB.OS, Mercedes’s proprietary AI-driven operating system, the architecture underneath everything the new GLC does. Proud engineers are quick to share this supercomputer’s 254 trillion operations per second capabilities. (Newer iPhones, for comparison, max out at 35 TOPS.) Functioning as the car’s central nervous system, MB.OS manages everything from driver assistance systems to charging to comfort settings, even capable of learning your habits and adapting to them. Over-the-air updates will keep it fresh for the foreseeable future. The most engaging feature of MB.OS is the MBUX Virtual Assistant, which runs a multi-agent approach that draws simultaneously on ChatGPT 4o, Microsoft Bing, and Google Gemini depending on what you’re asking. Navigation questions route to Google’s Automotive AI Agent. General knowledge goes to ChatGPT. Vehicle-specific queries pull from a dedicated onboard source. In theory, your vocal inputs are meant to feel less like issuing commands and more like a conversation. In practice, it’s a solid system. Activate it by saying, “Hey Mercedes,” then you can ask it to change the radio station, turn on your seat massager, read today’s top news headlines, or find the nearest restaurant with the best wine list. During our test drive on the outskirts of Albufeira**,** Portugal, the virtual assistant—a cute talking helmet avatar named LittleBenz—quickly found several restaurants with great wine reviews (from Google), going so far as to read some top reviews aloud. On a lark, the query, “What’s the best gym around here for CrossFit?” received a reply that used the proper nomenclature, referring to the locations as “boxes.” Intuitive, engaging, and helpful, the virtual assistant is TKTKTK. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/mercedes-glc-2027-4-e1774273902314.webp) The steering wheel and large screen in the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC. *Photo: Mercedes-Benz AG – Communications* The GLC 400 4MATIC’s twin motors produce 483 horsepower and 590-lb-ft of twist, enabling the [SUV](https://robbreport.ph/tag/suv/ "suv") to hustle to 60 in 4.2 seconds. While a curb weight has yet to be declared, it’s not a lithe machine, but it’s proper quick. Especially in sport mode. Get to the end of an on-ramp, punch the accelerator, and you’re instantly tearing down a Portuguese highway at well over the speed limit. Interestingly, Mercedes has added a two-speed transmission, citing increased energy efficiency and power delivery. That second gear arrives only after 120 KPH, and while the handover is noticeable (though not harsh), your butt dyno will also note that the torque curve is in fact a straight line that doesn’t relent. The GLC promises 715 kilometers of WLTP range, and the 800-volt architecture enables DC fast charging up to 330 kW and puts 305 kilometers of range back in the battery in ten minutes. Under spirited sprints around the Algarve region’s sinewy mountain roads, the range depletion wasn’t terrible, losing about 20 or 25 percent after 90 miles of pushing. Puttering around the smaller seaside towns, at a more measured pace, energy losses were nominal. The new One Box brake system helps recuperate some energy under braking. It handles over 99 percent of deceleration events through regenerative braking alone, leaving the hydraulic system in reserve. Even when you round a blind curve at a decent clip, only to find a semi truck passing a cyclist and coming directly at you in your lane, and the hydraulics are needed, you feel your heart pounding more than the system handover. Tap the steering wheel shift paddles to move between recuperation levels, from maximum (D-) through standard (D), none (D+), or intelligent (D Auto). In D-, one-pedal driving is rather fun, requiring the lightest of lifts to activate disproportionately stiff deceleration. It’s incredibly engaging to use this on flowy backroads, where you can find a nice rhythm while watching your range edge back up. Should you utilize the brake pedal, however, you will find it firm, even, and natural-feeling. If you’ve opted for the agility and comfort package. Tick that box and be rewarded with a ride as plush as the seats, thanks to an S-Class-derived air suspension that’s intelligent. Using both sensors and cameras on the car and Car-to-X data, the GLC will automatically detect potholes, bumps, or other road imperfections and adjust its suspension accordingly. On earlier test loops around Portugal, some tarmac blemishes were noted. By midday, the system had enough data in the cloud from other GLCs running the routes that more pockmarks were being flagged on the dash. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/mercedes-glc-2027-3-e1774273717388.webp) The moonroof in the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC. *Photo: Mercedes-Benz AG – Communications* That package adds 4.5-degree rear-axle steering, too. Under 37 mph, it’s counter-steering against the front wheels, which reduces turning circles by about three feet. It’s immensely helpful getting in and out of parking spaces. Above 37, it moves to in-phase, helping you again carve a sharper corner. Benefits here are pronounced around tighter hairpins, where the GLC feels more point-and-shoot than something of its heft has any right to. Lastly, you can select a Vegan Package, which means that soft-touch surfaces—from seat upholstery and headline to carpet to pillar and door trim panels—are certified by The Vegan Society. Mercedes also cut the GLC’s lifecycle carbon footprint by two-thirds compared to the outgoing ICE model, through reduced-carbon aluminum sourcing, greener battery cell production, and net-carbon-neutral assembly in Bremen. All in, the GLC 400 4MATIC Electric is a solid offering, one that frequently delights and rarely disappoints. The big question mark is the retail price when it arrives at U.S. dealerships in the second half of 2026. The current internal combustion GLC lineup runs from $50,700 to $87,900 across four models — GLC 300, GLC 350e, AMG GLC 43, and AMG GLC 63 S E Performance. Pricing for the electric version hasn’t been announced for the U.S. yet, but given the 800-volt architecture, S-Class suspension, and Hyperscreen option, expect it to land above the base GLC 300. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** Feature, mercedes, mercedes benz, suv --- ### [Braveheart Brings U.S. Black Angus to the Philippine Table](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/braveheart-brings-u-s-black-angus-to-the-philippine-table/) **Published:** March 27, 2026 **Author:** Mick Gaw **Content:** As more meltingly-marbled breeds of beef find their way into fine dining menus, the steak continues to cement itself as one of the most prized ingredients in contemporary culinary culture. Expensive imported beef labels, like [Wagyu](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/the-ultimate-guide-to-wagyu-beef-the-worlds-most-luxurious-steak/ "The Ultimate Guide to Wagyu Beef, the World’s Most Luxurious Steak") or Hanwoo, have long been framed as objective indicators of guaranteed excellence: a consistent guarantee of melt-in-your-mouth umami richness. Yet, for many people and most circumstances, these fatty slices of red meat are not always the appropriate choice. Whether you are a home cook who is intimidated by handling high-grade steaks, or simply a diner looking for a steak with more balance, options may seem limited. As Filipinos are projected to consume steaks at a higher rate than ever, most of which will be imported beef, options on the market often seem to be lower-quality cuts covered in freezer burns or vaunted breeds that may cost more than dining out. Companies like U.S.-based Braveheart Black Angus Beef are one of the few exceptions. Delivering top-tier restaurant-quality beef at home, the brand has become a reliable source of premium daily driver steaks. Delivering the typical bold and beefy notes of Angus steaks in a vessel far more tender than many of its peers, the secrets behind Braveheart’s product lie in how they take care of livestock. Julio “Jun” Sy, owner of Braveheart-supplier [One World Deli](https://oneworlddeli.com/), stated five main factors that affect the final taste of any meat product: weather, feed, stress of the animal, slaughter weight, and genetics. For Sy, Braveheart’s excellence lies in their ability to control these variables. Cooler climate cattle farms, like the company’s sites in Nebraska, are best suited for beef cattle as these conditions are scientifically proven to reduce heat stress. In terms of diet, Sy remarked that Braveheart feeds their Black Angus corn cereal, as opposed to corn which is harder to digest, and as a result, reduces “stress on cow bowels.” The company’s standard is also to raise their cattle to more than 850 pounds at the time of slaughter, a significantly lighter weight than most livestock producers who overfeed their cows. However, of all its production factors, Braveheart is most well-known for its fully traceable PathProven genetic system. According to the company, this “first-of-its-kind DNA-based traceability system,” exclusive to Braveheart, ensures that their product delivers the highest percentage of Black Angus purity in the industry. Genetic tracking doesn’t just ensure flavor via breeding purity, but also monitors feeding, health and inhumane treatment to ensure the best possible product reaches consumers. By virtue of their rigorous breeding standards, Braveheart is a relatively small-scale exporter. Despite this, the Philippines is impressively the only country outside of the United States that imports the company’s steaks. Perhaps in part because the country imported more than 23,000 metric tonnes of beef from Australia alone last year, the Filipino market is one ripe with opportunity. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/DSC08632-1.webp) Chef Josh Boutwood has been using Braveheart Black Angus products in his kitchens for years. One World Deli Aside from appearing behind the deli glass at One World’s storefronts, Braveheart has also been the premier beef choice for [award-winning British-Filipino chef Josh Boutwood](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/bar-none/bar-none-josh-boutwood/ "Bar None: Josh Boutwood"). Even before he was awarded his two stars in the country’s inaugural Michelin ceremony last year, Chef Boutwood was already using Braveheart across his restaurants. “I’ve been using \[Braveheart Black Angus products\] for many years now,” says the chef, praising the beef for its subtly sweet flavor profile. In an event showcasing the potential of the brand’s beef at his restaurant Ember, the chef put together a menu that displayed a broad range of methods that the Black Angus meats could be prepared, even for home cooks. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Smoked-Petit-Tender-Tartar-2.webp) Smoked Petit Tender Tartare. One World Deli From the savory smoked tartare appetizer, to the rich ragu for the cavatelli, down to the melt-in-your-mouth braised short rib, Boutwood skillfully displayed the flavor and textural range Braveheart allows cooks to play with. Whether trying to get a perfect bite of short rib, pickled toppings and the tostada chip, or wiping leftover vestiges of ragu sauce with chef’s signature sourdough bread, the Michelin chef made his familiarity with the ingredient clear in every plate. Of course, the main attraction of the evening was the “Braveheart Rib” which chef Josh prepared hours before the dinner, taking the large cut of beef repeatedly on and off the fire until it achieved the perfect charred doneness. Though the most conventional preparation of the evening, the steak course undoubtedly brought out the most from the product, putting its juicy umami on full display, making the perfect case for why Braveheart should be a consideration for any serious beef-lover in the city. *Braveheart Black Angus beef is available at [One World Deli](https://oneworlddeli.com/)*. **Categories:** Dining, Food & Drink **Tags:** Angus, Beef, Black Angus, steak --- ### [Tennis Superstar Carlos Alcaraz Is Building a Bespoke 88-Foot Sunreef Catamaran](https://robbreport.ph/boats/tennis-superstar-carlos-alcaraz-is-building-a-bespoke-88-foot-sunreef-catamaran/) **Published:** March 27, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** It’s impossible not to see similarities between Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal. The two [tennis](https://robbreport.ph/tag/tennis/ "tennis") superstars were both born in Spain. They both won their fifth Grand Slam by the age of 22. They have also both spent stretches at the top of the ATP rankings, with Alcaraz winning three of the past four tennis majors to reclaim his position as world number one. They even have the same taste in [yachts](https://robbreport.ph/tag/yachts/ "Yachts"). Alcaraz, who recently lost the Miami Open but remains the first seed, just bought a [Sunreef](https://robbreport.ph/tag/sunreef/ "sunreef") [catamaran](https://robbreport.ph/tag/catamaran/ "catamaran") like his fellow sports star did in 2019. He has also joined Nadal as an ambassador for the Polish shipyard. But, as in the world of tennis, the 22-year-old isn’t following exactly in Rafa’s footsteps; he is doing things his own way. He tells *Robb Report* that “it wasn’t just Rafa” who attracted him to Sunreef. He became particularly enamored with catamarans after spending a week onboard one following the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. He lost the men’s tennis final to Novak Djokovic and understandably needed to “switch off.” “I just loved how comfortable it was; the space and the stability,” he recalls. “I think it isn’t comparable to anything else.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Carlos-Alcaraz-Sunreef-Catamaran3.webp) Alcaraz aboard a Sunreef 80 Power. *Sunreef* Alcaraz decided that his first yacht would be a multihull and not a traditional monohull. He then did some research into different yachts and yards, adding that Sunreef captured his attention with “beautiful” designs. He, of course, spoke to Rafa at length before signing with the yard. Alcaraz opted for an [88 Ultima](https://sunreef-yachts-ultima.com/en/sunreef-88-ultima-electric/), which is roughly eight feet longer than Nadal’s fully custom 80 Power Great White. As he is still in the process of designing the bespoke 88-footer, the layout and specs remain under wraps. The cat can be equipped with a traditional diesel propulsion system or a hybrid setup that allows for emissions-free cruising. It can also be outfitted with a “solar skin” that can generate clean, green energy from the sun and sustainable materials that further reduce the carbon footprint. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Carlos-Alcaraz-Sunreef-Catamaran1.webp) Alcaraz at Sunreef’s production site in Gdansk, Poland. *Sunreef* As standard, the 88 Ultima offers a generous layout with five ensuite cabins for 10 guests. Other highlights include an aft lounge with fold-out bulwarks and an expansive entertaining area on the flybridge. Alcaraz, who is on the way to Sunreef’s production site in Gdansk when we speak, seems particularly excited about the water toys that can be stored within the aft garage. “I just really, really want to have fun, you know,” he says. “I just want to put my Jet Ski on there and enjoy the water.” He plans to take his family and friends on his first trip, which will be somewhere close to home in Spain. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Sunreef-Ultima-88-1.webp) The Sunreef 88 Ultima. Sunreef That a Gen Zer at the top of his game has chosen to take to the seas in a catamaran instead of a flashy superyacht is a testament to Sunreef’s ability to design multihulls that aren’t boxy or boring, but cool, contemporary, and eco-friendly. That ingenuity has earned the yard multiple international awards, with Nadal’s Great White scoring top honors in *Robb Report’s* 2021 Best of the Best issue. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Sunreef-Ultima-88-2.webp) The aft of the 88 Ultima. Sunreef It has also helped Sunreef land high-profile clients that range from sporting titans to pop-culture icons. Two-time Formula 1 champion Fernando Alonso became a brand ambassador in 2021 and ordered a custom 60 Power Eco, while retired F1 racer Nico Rosberg joined the Sunreef family in 2020 and commissioned a bespoke 80 Eco. More recently, heiress Paris Hilton and her husband, billionaire Carter Reum, chartered an 80-foot sailing cat, proving that Sunreef really is *hot*. As for whether Alcaraz will become a repeat client, it’s possible. “I think the 88 is going to be a great one to spend, like, a lot of years with,” he says. “In the future, we’re talking about 10 to 15 years, if I need extra space, I will probably get a bigger one. But I want to enjoy this one as much as I can.” *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Boats **Tags:** Carlos Alcaraz, catamaran, sunreef, tennis --- ### [Hendrick’s Just Unveiled a New Gin Flavored With Orange Blossom and Cacao Beans](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/spirits/hendricks-just-unveiled-a-new-gin-flavored-with-orange-blossom-and-cacao-beans/) **Published:** March 27, 2026 **Author:** Jonah Flicker **Content:** Hendrick’s has been something of an outlier in the [gin](https://robbreport.ph/tag/gin/ "gin") category since it was founded more than 25 years ago—a Scottish gin that was built around two specific botanicals, rose and cucumber, something that was pretty unusual at the time. The gin category has continued to expand over the years with new flavors and styles, and Hendrick’s has grown along with it, releasing new expressions and experiments that are still based on the brand’s core identity. The latest release, aptly called Another Hendrick’s, is the first permanent addition to the lineup in a decade—and we got an exclusive first look at this new gin flavored with cacao beans and orange blossom. We spoke to Hendrick’s master distiller Lesley Gracie about the new expression, and she said that she was inspired by a trip she took to Mexico. “I went into a cocktail bar, and the bartender gave me this drink with this strange flower on the top,” she told *Robb Report*. “It was a cacao flower. Very hygienically, I took the flower out of the drink and played with it. But cacao has always been a really interesting flavor to me. The trees are so different, the flowers come out of the tree trunk and they only sit on the plant for a day and then they fall off if they’re not pollinated. It’s a really interesting plant.” While Gracie admits to being a bit of a chocoholic, she said that the depth of flavor that cacao has can dominate the palate due to its intensity, so she decided to bring orange blossom into the mix. “If I put cacao into Hendrick’s on its own, it was too deep,” she said. “I was playing with other things in my Mediterranean greenhouse \[at the distillery\]. The blossom on orange is intense as well, but when I put those two together, it just lifted the cacao and it sat really nicely in the Hendrick’s flavor profile. It added an extra depth that is totally different than any other expression that I’ve done before.” Another Hendrick’s, like all of the brand’s variants, starts out as original Hendrick’s, meaning that rose and cucumber are featured prominently among a total of 11 other botanicals that include coriander, elderflower, and, of course, juniper. The gin is distilled on two different types of stills—Bennett and Carter-Head—allowing Gracie to produce unique distillates made by either steeping or steaming the dried botanicals, with the essence of rose and cucumber added at the end. For Another Hendrick’s, she created an extract of cacao beans and used the essential oils from the orange blossoms, both of which were infused into the spirit. The result is a gin that is still very much identifiable as Hendrick’s (although the bottle is white instead of the traditional black glass the brand uses), but it has a prominent burst of subtle orange and chocolate flavors, making this a great cocktail option that is also worth tasting on its own. Another Hendrick’s will be available starting this month (SRP $35), and while it’s not yet available in the Philippines as of press time, stay tuned. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Spirits **Tags:** Another Hendrick's, gin, hendrick's gin, News --- ### [10 Collectors on Their Favorite New Watches of 2026 (So Far)](https://robbreport.ph/watches/10-collectors-on-their-favorite-new-watches-of-2026-so-far/) **Published:** March 27, 2026 **Author:** Victoria Gomelsky **Content:** Sure, we’re on the brink of seeing a ton of new watches next month in Geneva, but 2026 has already delivered an impressive run of novelties. Since [LVMH Watch Week ](https://robbreport.ph/watches/from-bulgari-to-louis-vuitton-every-new-timepiece-unveiled-at-lvmh-watch-week/ "From Bulgari to Louis Vuitton: Every New Timepiece Unveiled at LVMH Watch Week")in late January, a flurry of alluring jump-hour pieces, inventive independent creations, and technically ambitious complications has given enthusiasts plenty to talk about. We have our own favorites, of course—but we wanted to know which new releases collectors themselves admire and covet most. So we asked 10 of the industry’s sharpest commentators to cast an informal vote for their favorite watch of the year so far. Drumroll, please. **Erika Ratini,** [**@watchmissgmt**](https://www.instagram.com/watchmissgmt/?hl=en) “We’re only a couple of months into 2026, and I am already looking forward to spending time on the water. The recent release of the TAG Heuer Carrera Seafarer hooked me immediately (pun intended). This release is a gentle nod to the original ‘Heuer-made’ Seafarer for Abercrombie and Fitch. What I appreciate most about this release is that it brings back a tide indicator function that shows the changing of the tides, a very useful maritime complication that you rarely see today. TAG Heuer did a fantastic job reimagining the new Seafarer in such a way that feels authentic to the heritage. In a sea of vintage-inspired watches, this release actually brings the function back, not just a story!” **Alexander Friedman, cofounder,** [**CollectorSphere**](https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/collectorsphere-watch-collective-1236344617/) “The [Niton Prima](https://niton.swiss/). Why? Jumping hour complication, impeccable execution, in-house movement with Geneva Seal, very legitimate history, revived Genevan heritage and highly collectible for the subscription release.” **Tim Green, head of commercial,** [**Subdial**](https://subdial.com/) “The two-tone Piaget Polo79. I think [Piaget](https://robbreport.ph/tag/piaget/ "piaget") is just brilliant. It’s kind of tastefully ostentations, if that’s not too much of an oxymoron. This one is mostly white gold and I’m so glad they’re still making these things. They were really important watches in the ’70s and ’80s, and I think they fit so well in today’s world.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/piaget-two-tone-polo-79-1.webp) The two-toned stunner in question. *Photo: Piaget* **Jeff Kingston, collector and watchmaking expert** “The [Blancpain Grand Double Sonnerie](https://robbreport.ph/watches/blancpain-returns-to-high-horology-with-the-2-million-grande-double-sonnerie/ "Blancpain Returns to High Horology With the $2 Million Grande Double Sonnerie"). It’s out of my price range but for me, it’s the most interesting watch to have debuted in many years, in every dimension: its complications, the quality of its sound, the way it was constructed. There have been grand complications we’ve seen throughout the watch world and they are almost uniformly done as sandwiches — you do the minute repeater section, then put a calendar plate on top, then the chronograph plate and so on, like sandwiches. A much harder and more interesting way to make the watch is as a fully integrated movement. Not only is it an incredibly complicated watch that plays two melodies with four hammers, it’s integrated into the same movement as a tourbillon and a perpetual calendar, no sandwich.” \[Kingston is a [Blancpain](https://robbreport.ph/tag/blancpain/ "blancpain") historian and editorial consultant for the brand.\] **Charity Mhende,** [**@pulseonthewrist**](http://so%20far,%20the%20cape%20cod%20mini%20feels%20genuinely%20exciting.xn--%20its%20charmingly%20small,%20the%20color%20range%20is%20playful%20while%20still%20feeling%20very%20hermes,%20and%20the%20whole%20thing%20has%20a%20lightness%20thats%20quite%20appealing-s284jue.%20brands%20have%20been%20miniaturizing%20their%20watches%20more%20and%20more%20lately,%20and%20shrinking%20down%20a%20classic%20like%20this%20feels%20perfectly%20in%20step%20with%20the%20moment.%20the%20ribbon-like%20strap%20detail%20also%20adds%20a%20lovely%20sense%20of%20elegance,%20it%20softens%20the%20watch%20and%20gives%20it%20a%20slightly%20more%20whimsical,%20almost%20jewelry-like%20presence%20on%20the%20wrist./) “So far, the Cape Cod Mini feels genuinely exciting. It’s charmingly small, the color range is playful while still feeling very Hermès, and the whole thing has a lightness that’s quite appealing. Brands have been miniaturizing their watches lately, and shrinking down a classic like this feels perfectly in step with the moment. The ribbon-like strap detail also adds a lovely sense of elegance, it softens the watch and gives it a slightly more whimsical, almost jewelry-like presence on the wrist.” **Darren,** [**@diversewatchcollector**](https://www.instagram.com/diversewatchcollector/?hl=en) “The first piece that comes to mind is the Toledano & Chan B/1.3r. I’m a huge fan of what they do, bringing something completely fresh to the market with their Brutalist design. Their latest iteration in a slightly smaller form in titanium with the wave pattern solid gold dial is superb, never mind the joy of that stepped crystal.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/toledano-and-chan-b_13r.webp) A closer look at the B/1.3r’s Brutalist styling. *Photo: Toledano & Chan* **James Schaaf****, cofounder,** [**CollectorSphere**](https://thecollectorsphere.com/) “Something that particularly captured my attention since first seeing it in November is a remarkably elegant one-hand watch: a platinum-cased piece with a tantalum caseback and a refined blue dial. Certain elements of the watch were produced by the highly respected Nicolas Delaloye, yet the broader vision behind the watch comes from a fellow enthusiast and member of the [Turicum Watch Group](https://www.instagram.com/turicumwatchgroup/), Seb Bey‑Haut. The watch itself is aptly called ‘La Parfait’ by [Mermont](https://mermont.ch/). “What makes a watch truly compelling is often difficult to articulate. Beyond the familiar pillars of materials, complications, finishing, and technical merit, there is sometimes an intangible element, a certain coherence or emotional clarity, that elevates a watch from being simply well-made to genuinely interesting to a watch-a-holic. The Mermont watch embodies this quality. It is understated yet strikingly elegant, thoughtfully designed and, at CHF 11,000, very fairly priced.” **Lex Borrero,** [**collector**](https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/miami-music-exec-lex-borrero-watch-collection-1236505517/) “I have to be honest: I love what LVMH and La Fabrique du Temps are doing. I got to go to LVMH Watch Week in Milan and I saw the Daniel Roth skeleton. And I loved that watch because it’s not just showing the movement. They recreated a movement in order for it to sit the way that it sits and be able to show you every intricate part. To me, that’s one of the watches where I’m like, ‘Okay, I need this. I really, really, really loved that. “LVMH is rocking it right now. I’m a big believer in what they’re doing, and I proved it by spending money with them.” **Andrea Casalegno,** [**@iamcasa**](https://www.instagram.com/iamcasa/) My favorite watch of 2026 is “my first ever perpetual calendar: a Blancpain from the late ’80s in a 33 mm yellow gold round case, with leap year indication at 12. To me, this watch is proof that there is still a way to get a beautiful watch for a fair price. In my vision, this represents the absolute best buy at the moment: craftsmanship, intrinsic value, beauty, classicism, high-end watchmaking—and all for a fraction of the price of a modern watch.” **Michael Hickcox, collector** “The piece this year that has impressed me the most is the Daniel Roth Extra Plat Skeleton. Skeletons can be a tricky proposition—sometimes you try them on and the sight of your wrist hair through the other side scares you to smithereens. This one appears to be exceptionally well done. In an age where the Pateks of the world can’t recall what an interior angle looks like, Daniel Roth has laid down the gauntlet.” *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** blancpain, daniel roth, Feature, piaget, Watch Collector --- ### [You’ll Need an Invite to Score One of Rolls-Royce’s New Coachbuild Collection Cars](https://robbreport.ph/cars/youll-need-an-invite-to-score-one-of-rolls-royces-new-coachbuild-collection-cars/) **Published:** March 27, 2026 **Author:** Bryan Hood **Content:** Some of [Rolls-Royce](https://robbreport.ph/tag/rolls-royce/ "rolls-royce")’s most valued customers are about to get access to a new level of opulence. The British marque has just announced the Coachbuild Collection, a series of ultra-exclusive, “super-luxury” production cars never to be repeated. The program will be invite-only, offered only to Private Office customers with a “deep affinity” for the brand and its design capabilities. No automaker[ does bespoke like Rolls-Royce](https://robbreport.ph/cars/this-new-rolls-royce-cullinan-has-the-milky-way-galaxy-hand-painted-on-the-ceiling/ "This New Rolls-Royce Cullinan Has the Milky Way Galaxy Hand-Painted on the Ceiling"), but Coachbuild Collection is meant to be so much more. In a throwback to its earliest days—and in response to an increased demand for higher levels of exclusivity—the company plans to offer clients strictly limited builds that feature wholly unique bodies on top of a preexisting automotive platform. These vehicles will be more in line with dazzling cars like the Boat Tail and Droptail (seen above), as opposed to a [highly customized Ghost](https://robbreport.ph/cars/rolls-royce-just-unveiled-its-most-powerful-car-yet-2/ "Rolls-Royce Just Unveiled Its Most Powerful Car Yet"). ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/droptail02.webp) Rolls-Royce Droptail *Photo: Rolls-Royce* Rolls-Royce has a knack for building automotive works of art, but the Coachbuilt Collection are meant to be taken out on the road, not parked and put on display. Rolls-Royce says each vehicle will be “created to be driven,” and is fully homologated and street-legal throughout the world. Coachbuild Collection won’t just end up with a personalized vehicle, though. The automaker stressed that the new program is a “multi-year journey of unforgettable experiences.” Clients will be granted access to the company’s closed testing facilities and get to witness the vehicle’s development firsthand. They’ll also be able to play even more of a role in the design process and be welcomed into the ateliers of the master craftspeople who will hand build their vehicles. “The experience of this program is inseparable from the motor car itself, and both will be brought to life with the care and ambition worthy of the collectors who inspired them—and of Rolls-Royce itself,” Chris Brownridge, the marque’s chief executive, said in a statement. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/10-w-Spectre-Semaphore-8.webp) The first Coachbuild Collection will share a platform with the electric Spectre *Photo: Rolls-Royce* Rolls-Royce also announced that each Coachbuilt Collection will have its own singular vision. As such, it’s interesting that the program’s first vehicle will be electric and based on the company’s Architecture of Luxury platform, which is utilized by models like the [Spectre](https://robbreport.ph/tag/spectre/ "spectre"). That’s all we know about the car right now, but luckily, we won’t have to wait much longer to find out more, with more details promised to be revealed next month. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US*. **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** bespoke, News, rolls-royce --- ### [Breitling’s New Watch Puts the Concorde Supersonic Jet on Your Wrist](https://robbreport.ph/watches/breitlings-new-watch-puts-the-concorde-supersonic-jet-on-your-wrist/) **Published:** March 26, 2026 **Author:** Nicole Hoey **Content:** The [Concorde](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/these-next-gen-supersonic-jets-want-to-replace-the-concorde-will-they-ever-take-off/ "These Next-Gen Supersonic Jets Want to Replace the Concorde. Will They Ever Take Off?") may have last hit the skies over 20 years ago, but now [Breitling](https://robbreport.ph/tag/breitling/ "breitling") is bringing it right to your wrist. The watchmaker has just unveiled an all-new Navitimer that pays homage to the world’s only commercial supersonic jet (at least, so far), just in time for the 50th anniversary of the aircraft’s first flight. The piece is a new take on the Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43, with all its usual aviator-centric bells and whistles, but, as you may expect, it has a few tributes to the Concorde woven in. In fact, the stainless-steel model channels what fliers would have experienced aboard the famed aircraft. The dial (and its matching alligator strap), for example, is done up in a deep blue, meant to match the hue of the stratosphere that passengers could catch a glimpse of while cruising at 60,000 feet on the Concorde. The bright white subdials and the inner slide rule are also a nod to the supersonic jet’s nickname, the White Bird, an ode to its white livery and striking exterior shape. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/breitling-navitimer-b01-chronograph-43-tribute-to-concorde-closeup.webp) The dial and strap’s deep-blue hue is inspired by the stratosphere. *Photo: Breitling* The new 43 mm timepiece, retailing for a cool $10,600, is limited to just 593, a reference to the jet’s powerful Olympus 593 engines. It houses the Breitling 01 caliber and also has a power reserve of 70 hours. Flip it over, and the caseback is etched with “One of 593, “Tribute to Concorde,” and “Jetliner.” You’ll also find an engraving that says “Mach 2,” which is how fast the Concorde could dart across the skies (which is faster than the speed of sound). And the Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43 Tribute to Concorde isn’t taking off on its own. Breitling also dropped a pair of Navitimer Perpetual Calendar Chronographs, a duo inspired by the sky-high attitudes that pilots call their own. The 43 mm models, either done up in steel and platinum or full platinum (limited to just 75 pieces), combine all those aviation details on its signature chronograph with an automatic perpetual calendar, in what the brand calls the most advanced movement to ever be housed in a Navitimer. The B19 Caliber, debuted back in 2024, offers up a day, date, month, and leap year indication, as well as a moonphase complication at 12 o’clock, in yet another nod to the cosmos. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/breitling-navitimer-b-19.webp) The pair of Breitling Navitimer B19 Chronograph 43 Perpetual Calendar. *Photo: Breitling* That platinum iteration is home to a deep-blue dial like the Concorde tribute, and a white inner slide rule, too. Its sibling, meanwhile, has an anthracite dial meant to mimic the depth of space; the slide rule is here, too, paired alongside. either a brown alligator strap or a steel bracelet. You can snag the platinum model for $52,000, while the steel-and-platinum combo retails for $31,700. Breitling has had a long history in the world of aviation. The first Navitimer was made back in 1952 for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, giving fliers the ability to draw up flight calculations right aboard their aircraft thanks the watch’s circular slide rule. And the model has even gone beyond our atmosphere, with the Navitimer Cosmonaute making its mark as the first Swiss wristwatch worn in space in 1963 (that model got a limited-edition reissue back in 2022). So it only makes sense that the brand continued to look to the skies for these new models. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US*. **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** breitling, News, Watch Collector --- ### [Lamborghini Will Expand Its Lineup of Supercars in 2026](https://robbreport.ph/cars/lamborghini-will-expand-its-lineup-of-supercars-in-2026/) **Published:** March 26, 2026 **Author:** Bryan Hood **Content:** [Lamborghini](https://robbreport.ph/tag/lamborghini/ "lamborghini") is having a blast, and it has no intention of pumping the brakes now. The Italian supercar announced Thursday that it set new records for deliveries (10,747 cars) and revenue (nearly $3.7 billion) in 2025, the latter coming at a time when President Donald Trump’s tariffs cost automakers over $35 billion over the last year. As exciting as that news will be to parent company Volkswagen Group, more exciting for the rest of us is that the marque has a slew of new cars on the way this year. “During 2026, Automobili Lamborghini will continue to evolve its product offering with a series of new developments aimed at further strengthening the brand’s positioning and appeal in international markets,” the company announced in a press release on its latest financial wins. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/lamborghini-revuelto.webp) Lamborghini Revuelto *Photo: Lamborghini* That, unfortunately, is all we know about new vehicles, other than that they will be unveiled at “internationally relevant” car gatherings, specifically June’s Goodwood Festival of Speed and August’s Monterey Car Week. It’s also likely that the “developments” will be derivatives of existing models, as opposed to completely new vehicles, [according to *Road & Track*](https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a70791461/lamborghini-plans-multiple-new-cars-for-2026-tariffs-cutting-into-record-revenue/). While the company did not leave enthusiasts any substantive clues about the new cars, the fact that they explicitly called out Goodwood and Monterey suggests that there are at least two on the way. Most likely, the magazine points out, would be open-top version of the brand’s current hybrid supercars, the V-12-powered [Revuelto](https://robbreport.ph/tag/revuelto/ "revuelto") and V-8-powered [Temerario](https://robbreport.ph/cars/huracan-who-lamborghinis-new-temerario-hybrid-blends-agility-with-refined-ferocity/ "Huracán, Who? Lamborghini’s New Temerario Hybrid Blends Agility With Refined Ferocity"). The predecessors to both vehicles, the Aventador and Huracan, both saw the release of multiple convertible variants. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/opener-w-Urus_SE_ArancioEgon_Dynamic_Puglia-00016-1.webp) Lamborghini Urus SE *Photo: Lamborghini* Don’t be surprised if we get more than a couple new Raging Bulls, though. Another likely candidate is a high-performance version of the [Urus](https://robbreport.ph/the-story-of/a-brief-history-of-lamborghini-suvs-from-the-rambo-lambo-to-the-urus/ "A Brief History of Lamborghini SUVs, From the Rambo Lambo to the Urus") SE, which, like the Temerario, is powered by a hybrid-assisted 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8. The gas-powered Urus received a Performante variant, so it would make sense that electrified version would get one of its own. One model we won’t see this year, but is in the works, is the company’s first EV. The previously teased Lanzador will now be a plug-in hybrid, but the company is hard at work developing a fully electric vehicle, [according to *Autocar*](https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/electric-lamborghini-still-planned-despite-lanzador-going-phev). It’ll be some time before we see the model, though, which is now expected to launch after 2030. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** electric vehicles, lamborghini, plug-in hybrid --- ### [Art Basel Hong Kong 2026 Guide, Part 2: Asian Artists You Can't Miss](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-collectibles/art-basel-hong-kong-2026-guide-part-2-asian-artists-you-cant-miss/) **Published:** March 25, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** [Art Basel Hong Kong 2026](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-collectibles/visiting-art-basel-hong-kong-2026-here-is-how-to-navigate-the-fairs-key-sectors/ "Visiting Art Basel Hong Kong 2026? Here Is How to Navigate the Fair’s Key Sectors") returns with its usual density this weekend. There are 240 galleries, thousands of works, and more than enough visual noise to overwhelm the average fair-goer. This year’s edition leans more visibly into its regional strength, even as global blue-chip galleries maintain their hold on the fair’s upper tier. Global presence, evidently, is now being counterweighted by a stronger, more confident Asia-Pacific narrative. Across the fair, leading international galleries continue to anchor the program with museum-grade works and tightly edited presentations. Names like Hauser & Wirth, Gagosian, Pace, and White Cube return with the kind of institutional-caliber material that defines the fair’s commercial gravity. These booths operate as expected. High-value works, carefully staged, designed to attract collectors who arrive with purposeful viewing rather than curiosity. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/suki-basel-encounters.webp) Installation views of Suki Seokyeong Kang: Our Spring at Tina Kim Gallery, New York (March 12–April 25, 2026). The artist passed away late last year. *Photo: Hyunjung Rhee/Tina Kim Gallery* For *Encounters*, large-scale installations tend to set the tone for the fair. Suki Seokyeong Kang’s textile-driven installation is among the most interesting. Translating choreography into woven form, the work unfolds slowly. Nearby, Parag Tandel’s yarn-based installation draws from coastal memory and labor, layering personal and communal histories into something tactile and quietly affecting. Ceramicist Masaomi Yasunaga, on the other hand, offers a different kind of intensity. Presented by Lisson Gallery, his glazed forms feel almost geological, as if shaped by pressure rather than hand. They’re less about refinement than transformation. Meanwhile, at *Kabinett*, Dinh Q. Lê’s *Damaged Gene* (1998), presented by P.P.O.W., remains one of the more unsettling installations in the fair, using children’s clothing and pacifiers to confront the lingering trauma of war. ![pacita abad](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Pacita-Abad_Portrait.jpg) Pacita Abad. *Courtesy of Silverlens* Elsewhere, Ma Qiusha’s architectural installation with Beijing Commune offers a more introspective experience, folding space into a kind of psychological landscape. And for those tracking Southeast Asian modernism, Tang Chang’s abstract works provide a necessary historical anchor. Manila’s own [Silverlens](https://robbreport.ph/tag/silverlens/ "silverlens") returns with one of the more tightly considered presentations at the fair, bringing together [Pacita Abad](https://robbreport.ph/tag/pacita-abad/ "Pacita Abad"), Imelda Cajipe Endaya, Patricia Perez Eustaquio, and Geraldine Javier. The throughline is material intelligence, as seen in Abad’s layered surfaces and Eustaquio’s textile interventions. One of the more compelling showcases here, particularly for regional audiences, is, of course, Javier’s monumental eco-printed fabric columns, fresh off the 2025 Helsinki Biennial. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RRPH_2026_SUCCESS_MAIN_Gajah-Gallery_Install-View_FP-1-2240x1260.webp) Leslie de Chavez’s latest show at Gajah Gallery Manila is a tableau of mixed-media installations, sculptures, and paintings drawing from Lucban’s celebrated fiestas: Pahiyas, Holy Week rites, and the parades of Higantes. Gajah Gallery Filipino representation extends to [Gajah Gallery](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-collectibles/a-new-southeast-asian-hub-for-art/ "A New Southeast Asian Hub for Art"), which opened up its Manila counterpart in Mandaluyong just last year. It is showing works by some of our leading modern and contemporary Filipino artists, including Benedicto Cabrera, Leslie De Chavez, Charlie Co, and Mark Justiniani, among other heavyweights. BenCab’s *Sabel* carries its usual weight, while Justiniani’s spatial interventions shift the conversation toward perception and immersion. Co, as ever, sits somewhere in between. Mind Set Art Center is also featuring Marina Cruz and Nona Garcia as part of the group exhibition *The Quotidian Epic*, a presentation that frames everyday experience as a site of cultural and historical weight. Their works sit within a broader international conversation, reinforcing how Filipino practices are increasingly embedded within cross-regional narratives rather than presented in isolation. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/calubayan-frieze.webp) Buen Calubayan’s “Restless questionings of moving bodies 4” (2025), pastel and acrylic on canvas, staged during Frieze Seoul 2025 *Photo: Arario Gallery* The same gallery also presents a focused *Kabinett* solo project by Buen Calubayan, titled *When Breathing Becomes Work*. The body of work examines survival through the lens of maintenance—mapping the rhythms of breath, fatigue, and repair as forms of labor. Drawing from ideas of autoimmunity, Calubayan reframes the body as a site of negotiation, where systems of care and control begin to overlap. Likewise, Elmer Borlongan joins the fair through Amez Yavuz, bringing his distinct figurative language, one rooted in urban life, labor, and social realism, into a broader regional dialogue. His inclusion further reinforces the steady presence of Filipino artists across the fair, not as a singular category, but as part of its wider visual and cultural fabric. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Tim_Yip__Lili__Large_scale_installation__450_cm_H_Courtesy_of_th-1-2240x1494.webp) Tim Yip, Lili *Photo: Courtesy of the artist and Asprey Studio* The fair’s digital ambitions come into focus with *Zero 10*, making its Asia debut this year. While digital art has long hovered at the edges of the fair circuit, the presentations here suggest a more serious integration. Art of This Millennium, for instance, stages DeeKay’s animated works, which borrow from early video game aesthetics to explore psychological states—looping, slightly disorienting, hazy, and unexpectedly emotive. Then finally, there’s Asprey Studio, with a cross-media presentation pairing AI-driven works with traditional ink painting, featuring artists such as All Seeing Seneca, Qu Leilei, and Tim Yip. *More information [here](https://www.artbasel.com/).* **Categories:** Art & Collectibles **Tags:** art basel, Hong Kong, luxury travel, silverlens --- ### [Test Drive: Ferrari’s 849 Testarossa Shows the New ‘Redhead’ Is More Than Just an ’80s Throwback](https://robbreport.ph/cars/test-drive-ferraris-849-testarossa-shows-the-new-redhead-is-more-than-just-an-80s-throwback/) **Published:** March 25, 2026 **Author:** Erik Shilling **Content:** The 12-cylinder [Ferrari Testarossa](https://robbreport.ph/uncategorized/the-new-redhead-the-ferrari-849-testarossa-reminds-us-that-it-was-always-about-the-engine/ "The New Redhead: The Ferrari 849 Testarossa Reminds Us That It Was Always About the Engine") that everyone knows and adores debuted in 1984, selling stateside for about $100,000. When one became Detective Sonny Crockett’s ride in the third season of *Miami Vice,* it was instantly transformed into the car that defined its decade. With a name that translates to “redhead,” a nod to the engine’s paint scheme, the model made an impressive 385 hp when it arrived, though it was framed less as a supercar than a fast, stylish grand tourer. Ferrari’s new 849 Testarossa, unveiled in September and expecting first customer deliveries in the second quarter of this year, is a completely different beast. This Prancing Horse is a plug-in hybrid with 1,036 hp, a starting price of $560,685, and an appetite for the track. Replacing the [SF90 Stradale](https://robbreport.ph/cars/ferraris-first-ev-might-have-synthetic-gears/ "Ferrari’s First EV Might Have Synthetic Gears") while adding 49 hp, it now sits near the top of Ferrari’s road-car lineup, below the F80 but above the 296, 12Cilindri, and [Amalfi](https://robbreport.ph/cars/ferraris-new-amalfi-spider-supercar-is-a-drop-top-stunner/ "Ferrari’s New Amalfi Spider Supercar Is a Drop-Top Stunner"). It also features what Ferrari calls the most powerful eight-cylinder engine in its history. In other words, the latest Testarossa makes Crockett’s coupe seem like an underpowered police cruiser. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RR_Ferrari_Testarossa_3.webp) The 849 Testarossa dispatches zero to 62 mph in 2.3 seconds. *Photo: Courtesy of Ferrari* When it was time for *Robb Report* to get behind the wheel at the [Circuito Monteblanco](https://circuitomonteblanco.com/) in southern Spain, rain was falling hard. I took to the track anyway, starting in Wet mode. I could feel the car dialing back power to hunt for grip. Before long, I switched to Sport, unleashing the full grunt of the 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 and its three electric motors to push a car that feels lighter than its 3,461-pound dry weight would suggest. In Sport, power delivery was more genial than jolting. With so much output on tap in every gear, the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission—with a fully electric reverse gear—seemed less inclined to downshift, even when what I was looking for was a kick in the pants. Through corners, the 849’s rear stayed planted, almost no matter how hard I pushed. Somehow the car found more grip at eight-tenths, an impressive level of stickiness in those conditions, helped by Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. Later, on the winding hills of Andalusia, the vehicle proved itself an agile grand tourer, stopping onlookers in their tracks much the way the original Testarossa still does. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RR_Ferrari_Testarossa_4.webp) From left: Partly inspiring the model’s name is the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8’s red hue; the cockpit packs a visual punch, despite the absence of lavish trappings. *Photo: Courtesy of Ferrari* Ferrari says the 849 Testarossa ranks among the most complicated models the marque has built, largely because of the hybrid setup. Take the brake-by-wire system, which blends the disc brakes’ stopping power with the 849’s regenerative braking to reduce jerk, prevent lockup, and maximize performance. On top of that, engineers had to make the brake-pedal action itself feel just right. The bodywork posed its own challenges, including the doors, which the marque claims are the most three-dimensionally sculpted it has ever made. In the rear, an active wing contributes to the nearly 915 pounds of total downforce generated at a little over 155 mph. It’s paired with twin tails inspired by Ferrari’s 512 S, which beat Steve McQueen’s Porsche 908 at the 1970 12 Hours of Sebring. Inside, the cockpit is minimalist and takes cues from the F80. Ferrari has reintroduced a mechanical start button and provides the driver with a single screen behind the wheel (with integrated Apple CarPlay, of course). As for the passenger, they get their own 9-inch display. The overall interior aesthetic feels more austere than luxurious, bordering on utilitarian. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RR_Ferrari_Testarossa_1.webp) In total, the car generates nearly 915 pounds of downforce at just over 155 mph. *Photo: Courtesy of Ferrari* The headlights are similarly restrained. They don’t pop up as they did in the ’80s, but they’re shaped to hint that they might, one of the few direct allusions to the classic. Another is the signature red-hued engine. Still, the real mission isn’t nostalgia, but rather speed, enough to take on Germany’s Nürburgring—the automotive world’s proving ground—and look good doing it. Who knows? Maybe the 849 Testarossa will become an icon just in time for Crockett to take it for a spin in the upcoming remake of *Miami Vice*—or maybe Tubbs will finally get a turn. *Top*: A 1,036 hp plug-in hybrid, the Ferrari 849 Testarossa takes to the track at Circuito Monteblanco in southern Spain. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** Ferrari, first drive, Magazine, spain, testarossa --- ### ["A World of Islands" at Ateneo Art Gallery: Tracing the Tropics, Rewriting the Archipelago](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-collectibles/a-world-of-islands-at-ateneo-art-gallery-tracing-the-tropics-rewriting-the-archipelago/) **Published:** March 23, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** The word “tropics” has always carried a double weight in the Western world. It has been sold as paradise, employing the image of a kind of abundance demarcated by palms and blue waters. And yet, it has also served as shorthand for danger, extraction, and disposability. Beneath this glossy surface lie the subterranean realities of diaspora; the labor, loss, and dislocation that have long sustained imperial fantasies. Long before the tropics was allowed to speak for itself, it was already being imagined and consumed by empires. *A World of Islands: On Palms, Storms & Coconuts*, now on view at the [Ateneo Art Gallery](https://robbreport.ph/tag/ateneo-art-gallery/ "ateneo art gallery"), proposes the tropics as an archipelagic condition shaped by movement, climate, labor, and the long afterlives of colonialism. Curated by Ligaya Salazar and first presented at the Stanley Picker Gallery in [London](https://robbreport.ph/tag/london/ "london"), this Manila iteration gains a sharper political and emotional charge. In the Philippines, where water outnumbers land five to one, the tropics is a lived geography of storms, shipping routes, fisheries, and migration corridors. Salazar’s curatorial framework treats these as parts of a single system. This is a world of islands connected by the circulation of people, goods, personal and shared histories, and climate itself. Salazar’s practice, rooted in human-centered and diasporic storytelling, resists the sort of colonial tendency to aestheticize place. Her approach insists that geography is never neutral. It is always political, always uneven. By bringing together artists based in Manila, London, Berlin, Los Angeles, Cebu, and La Union, the exhibition suggests that Filipino identity is oceanic, shaped as much by routes as by the roots that defined its landscape. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/AAG-AWOI-Joar-S-1-e1774228433557.webp) *Sa Bug-os Nga Kalibutan sang Napulo Ka Tuig (Around The World in Ten Years)* (2025) by Joar Songcuya. Ateneo Art Gallery That oceanic reality is most directly felt in Joar Songcuya’s work. A painter and former marine engineer who spent nearly a decade aboard commercial ships, Songcuya’s paintings of Filipino seafarers are quietly haunting. Figures appear small against massive hulls and endless horizons, caught between motion and stasis. In a global shipping industry where Filipinos make up more than a fifth of the labor force, his images become studies in invisibility. These workers move the world’s goods but remain largely unseen within it. Questions of sovereignty and territorial precarity then emerge in Alex Quicho’s speculative project on artificial islands in the West Philippine Sea. Rather than treating geopolitics as a distant abstraction, Quicho frames it as an everyday condition that shapes futures. Her practice, which moves between writing, moving image, and performance, examines how technology becomes a tool of power. The artificial island, as she frames it, reveals how territory is fabricated through technology and political will. ###### Climate, Diaspora, and the Work of Survival If Quicho looks toward contested futures, Nice Buenaventura and Derek Tumala dwell in the volatility of the present. Buenaventura’s multi-modal practice spans painting, installation, new media, and her ongoing project *Tropikalye*, a co-learning platform dedicated to vernacular culture in postcolonial Philippines. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/AAG-AWOI-Nice-B-3.webp) *High Tide Atlas (Gaian Assembly XVIII)* Edition of 2 + 1 AP, 2026 by Nice Buenaventura. *Ateneo Art Gallery* Her practice examines how environmental crises are lived rather than merely endured. Extreme weather becomes a persistent backdrop to everyday life, gradually reshaping how communities organize themselves. More than geography alone, the tropics, she posits, emerges not as a place but as an ongoing practice of adaptation. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Derek-Tumala-by-Geric-Cruz.webp) Derek Tumala. Geric Cruz/Ateneo Art Gallery Tumala, on the other hand, approaches interconnectedness through technology and material research. Through moving image and industrial materiality, Tumala constructs environments that stage the contradictions of technological progress. These seductive yet unstable spaces echo how tropical societies are embedded in systems that distribute connectivity and vulnerability at the same time. Diaspora and return form another emotional axis within the exhibition. Conversely, Kim Sacay Chin’s textile-based practice considers how diaspora complicates the idea of return. Her community-driven works, informed by her Filipina and Chinese Jamaican background, suggest that belonging emerges through shared labor and relational histories, defying the convention of the “singular origin story.” Stephanie Comilang and Carol Anne McChrystal extend this diasporic inquiry into different registers. Comilang’s “science-fiction documentaries” layer migration, labor, technology, and ritual into speculative narratives that feel uncannily real. Notably, her films do not romanticize escape from colonial histories. Her work is more interested in mapping out how those histories continue to shape the future. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/AAG-AWOI-Carol-Anne-McChrystal-PSP_Pasalubong-1_01.webp) Pasalubong by Carol Anne McChrystal. Ateneo Art Gallery McChrystal works through materially dense, chemically driven sculpture to trace how colonial trade, climate collapse, and deep geological time are bound together. Her objects think archipelagically, linking diaspora to extraction and to the long histories that continue to structure global inequality. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Ronyel-Compra-portrait-by-Ryan-Redentor_1.webp) Ronyel Compra. *Ryan Redentor/Ateneo Art Gallery* Then we have Ronyel Compra, who draws those same forces inward. Rooted in the craft traditions of Bogo, Cebu, his installations and pseudo-archaeological forms show how global instability registers in the fragile architectures of everyday life, where homes must be constantly rebuilt against storms, quakes, and erosion. Rather than fixing the tropics into a single image, *A World of Islands* lets it unfold as a constellation of tensions between beauty and exploitation, belonging and displacement, memory and endurance. The curatorial vision holds these contradictions in view, revealing how they define life across an archipelagic world. What remains is a sense that island life is always provisional. It positions island life as a space of ongoing negotiation. In an era of climate instability and mass migration, the tropics become not a peripheral zone but a lens through which the future can be read. *The exhibition runs until May 24, 2026, at the 3F galleries (Fredesvinda Almeda Consunji Gallery, Ambeth R. Ocampo Gallery, Elizabeth Gokongwei Gallery, and Alicia P. Lorenzo Gallery).* **Categories:** Art & Collectibles **Tags:** ateneo art gallery --- ### [Silverstone Unveils an Ultra-Luxe Trackside Lounge for This Year’s F1 British Grand Prix](https://robbreport.ph/travel/silverstone-unveils-an-ultra-luxe-trackside-lounge-for-this-years-f1-british-grand-prix/) **Published:** March 23, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** [Silverstone](https://www.silverstone.co.uk/) has moved up a gear in the luxury sphere. The British race track is rolling out a new high-end lounge that will allow motorsports enthusiasts to watch races in the lap of luxury. Described as Silverstone’s “most exclusive hospitality area yet,” the Vale is located steps away from the [Formula 1](https://robbreport.ph/tag/formula-1/ "formula 1") paddock, providing a select few with unparalleled views of the pit entry and final dramatic race corners in a members’ club-like setting. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Silverstone-the-Vale-tunnel.webp) The tunnel from the track to the Vale. *Photo: Silverstone* “We’ve deliberately positioned it at the most charged point of the circuit, not removed from the action, but embedded within it,” Silverstone CCO Nick Read said in a statement. “It represents a step-change in our premium offering and raises the ceiling of hospitality around the world.” Launching with the upcoming British Grand Prix in July, the Vale combines the thrills of racing with the finer things in life. The interior combines motorsport heritage with British architecture, with clean lines and upscale contemporary decor. The flowing layout seamlessly connects the dining spaces and private suites inside to an expansive tiered terrace that sits mere feet from the pit lane. The multiple trackside vantage points allow guests to see the entire circuit, but crucially, the final stretch, where all the drama unfolds. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Silverstone-the-Vale-grandstand-2.webp) The terrace. *Photo: Silverstone* Proximity to the track isn’t the only thing the Vale offers, of course. Guests will enjoy dedicated VIP access at the British Grand Prix and can choose to arrive at the race by chauffeur or helicopter. Across the three days, they will be able to refuel with the kind of food, wine, and cocktails you won’t find in the grandstands. Service will reportedly be “intuitive and unobtrusive.” There will also be a DJ serving beats the entire weekend and an invitation-only afterparty on Saturday and Sunday. The party doesn’t have to end there, either. The Vale can be combined with a stay at Silverstone’s swish Escapade hotel or in a luxury yurt on the inner track. Access to the Vale is strictly limited to preserve quality, privacy, and intimacy, according to Silverstone. Only those who join the waitlist will be invited, with the price on application. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Travel **Tags:** British Grand Prix, F1, Fornula 1, News, Silverstone --- ### [Jacob & Co.’s Latest Billionaire Watch Is Adorned With Hundreds of New ‘Angel-Cut’ Diamonds](https://robbreport.ph/watches/jacob-co-s-latest-billionaire-watch-is-adorned-with-hundreds-of-new-angel-cut-diamonds/) **Published:** March 23, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** [Jacob & Co.](https://robbreport.ph/watches/jacob-co-just-unveiled-the-worlds-fastest-tourbillon/ "Jacob & Co. Just Unveiled the World’s Fastest Tourbillon") has given its famed Billionaire watch a heavenly upgrade. The latest iteration—which the New York-based [watch](https://robbreport.ph/tag/watch/ "Watch") and jewelry maker unveiled on Wednesday, roughly 11 years after the original debuted at Baselworld—showcases a new type of “angel-cut” diamond that is designed to shine brighter than traditional stones. Developed entirely in-house over two years, the patented angel cut is named after founder Jacob Arabo’s wife, Angela, and features 37 precisely calibrated facets that represent their 37 years of marriage. That is significantly fewer facets than many traditional cuts, but each one was carefully positioned to increase shine. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/AngelCut_FrontBack_3500x3500.webp) The front and back of an angel-cut diamond. *Photo: Jacob & Co.* At the center of each stone lies a distinctive lozenge-shaped table, set within a stepped rectangular outline with cut corners. This signature geometry changes the way light behaves within the diamond, resulting in a crisp, fluid, and unusually dimensional luminous quality. The cut generates a more continuous glow across the diamond’s surface, according to Jacob & Co. It also promotes internal reflection and upward light return, giving the gem more vibrancy and sparkle. The new Billionaire Double Tourbillon is the first watch in the series—and the world, in fact—adorned with angel-cut stones. [Diamonds](https://robbreport.ph/tag/diamonds/ "diamonds") on the previous Billionaires showcased emerald and Asscher cuts. “Launching the angel cut within this platform was a deliberate decision,” [Jacob & Co.](https://jacobandco.com/) CEO Benjamin Arabov said in a statement. “When you develop a patented cut designed to redefine how a diamond interacts with light, it deserves a stage of equal intensity.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Jacob-Co-Billionaire-Angel-Cut6.webp) The dial. *Photo: Jacob & Co.* The 41 mm white-gold case is adorned with 98 angel-cut diamonds totaling just over 51 carats, the dial is encrusted with a further 88 angel-cut gems (11 carats) plus 80 baguette-cut stones (1.14 carats), the white-gold clasp on the blue alligator leather strap is invisibly set with 30 angel-cut stones (15.72 carats), and the crown is topped with one rose-cut diamond (1 carat). In total, the watch is decorated with a dazzling 298 white diamonds totaling approximately 79 carats. Some 216 are angel cut. In the middle of all that bling, two flying one-minute tourbillons are positioned symmetrically at 12 and 6 o’clock, serving as a sage reminder of Jacob & Co.’s technical prowess. More complex inner workings can be appreciated via the caseback, with the skeletonized architecture of the hand-wound movement on show through the sapphire crystal. With some 460 components, the JCAM50 caliber beats at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz) and provides a 72-hour power reserve. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Jacob-Co-Billionaire-Angel-Cut1.webp) The caseback. *Photo: Jacob & Co.* “The Billionaire Double Tourbillon Angel Cut is not simply about rarity or carat weight,” Arabov adds. “It is about invention, precision, symmetry, and the confidence to establish a new standard.” The watch is limited to just 18 pieces, with price upon request. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US*. **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** diamonds, jacob & co, News, Watch --- ### [Southern Comfort: Breaking Bread With Our Western Mindanao Kin at Hapag](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/flavors-from-the-edge-breaking-bread-with-our-western-mindanao-kin-at-hapag/) **Published:** June 13, 2025 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** There are some meals that awaken a different kind of appetite, the kind reserved for those who crave discovery. In the new menu of [Hapag](https://www.hapagmnl.com/) exploring the roots and rhythms of Western Mindanao, that hunger—for story, for place, for connection—is fed course by course. Chefs Thirdy Dolatre and Kevin “Nav” Navoa and lead sommelier Erin Ganueles-Recto embarked on a research tour to Zamboanga, Basilan, and Tawi-Tawi last March to uncover the nuances and the boldness of their cuisines. “Mindanao has always felt distant, even to us. But once we were there, the food, the people, and the stories opened up a part of the Philippines we hadn’t seen,” Navoa explains. “This menu is our way of saying: there’s more to Filipino food than what we think we know.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DFP09172-1.webp) Hapag’s take on Zamboanga’s classic satti features four skewers—beef rump, beef tongue, chicken skin, and chicken isol, meant to be dipped in a rich, spiced, peanut-coconut sauce. Dinner begins with a presentation of ingredients unfamiliar to many, but integral to some of the ten courses ahead—like bubuk or golden, toasted coconut mixed with dried jalapeno, dried shallots, dried garlic, and charred coconut, burnt to ebony. There is also *agal-agal*, a species of seaweed abundant and popular in the area’s coastal towns, whose resulting texture, after being boiled thrice, is more like jellyfish and less like its more mucilaginous, and popular, cousin, lato. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DFP09223-1.webp) Agal-agal seaweed dressed in light shoyu and calamansi, topped with toasted bubuk and slices of yellowfin tuna kinilaw. Dolatre and Navoa craft a narrative that begins with tiyula itum, which gets its inky color from the aforementioned charred coconut, giving the beef base a subtle minerality while still maintaining familiarity and comfort in aromatics like ginger, galagal, turmeric, lemongrass. The dinner flows into more unfamiliar territory with a refreshing agal-agal salad, where bubuk coats tendrils of the seaweed, lending a surprisingly pleasant grainy texture, topped with slim slices of kinilaw: yellowfin tuna drizzled with a dressing of two-year-old shoyu and calamansi. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DFP09585.webp) A shared plate inspired by meals from Zamboanga, Basilan, and Tawi-Tawi—featuring junay rice cake, Maranao-style riyandang, Camaron Alavar, and a citrusy pomelo-pako salad. Signalling the cuisine’s many Malaysian and Indonesian influences from centuries of maritime trade with our neighbors are dishes like satti*—*beef rump, tongue, and chicken buttskewers meant to be dipped in a spiced peanut-coconut sauce reminiscent of satay (this writer requested an omission of the latter two, which were substituted with skewers of chicken skin and mushrooms); a hearty, flavorful mee goreng with wok-fried mushrooms and made-from-scratch noodles and oyster sauce, topped with a single quail egg yolk; and in riyandang, a Maranao beef stew similar to beef rendang, slightly less sweet and spicy, but no less punchy and layered. The riyandang is part of the menu’s main course and is served alongside a palate-cleansing pomelo and pako salad. With it also comes Camaron Alavar*,* a tribute to a dish from Zamboanga’s Alavar Seafood Restaurant. In Hapag’s version, prawns are enveloped in sourdough discard and are deep fried, served with a sumptuous curry and crab fat dipping sauce. There is rice, of course: junay*,* a rice cake wrapped in banana leaves and topped with fried shrimp and shallots. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DFP09463.webp) Hapag’s Siyagul reimagines a Yakan snack from Basilan and Tawi-Tawi—swordfish in coconut-turmeric sauce served with herb martabak flatbread, cheese, and caviar. Homage meets technique in the siyagul with roti martabak*,* inspired by Ramadan street snacks, and is the chefs’ most daring departure. The dish is traditionally made a with piece of roti and stingray, but Hapag’s version is swordfish cooked in coconut and aromatics and delicately spooned over with a turmeric Mornay sauce, finished with caviar. A crispy martabak flatbread spread with herb pesto holds it all, and a blizzard of Malagos cheese is grated over all of it. They’re ingredients that, on paper, aren’t supposed to work together successfully, but they do, and wonderfully; if Hapag ever offers dining a la carte, this is a dish that could easily stand on its own. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DFP09664-copy.webp) Hapag reimagines Bang-Bang Sug, the traditional Tausug rice cake spread, into compact bites featuring smoked banana, sticky rice, corn mousse, and bukayo. The area has a palate for sweet treats in kakanin, which makes its way to the dessert menu in various interpretations, like petit fours filled with corn mousse, smoked bananas, biko, and chewy bilo-bilo enrobed in chocolate. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DFP09643.webp) Hapag’s take on Zamboanga’s knickerbocker layers compressed fruit, pineapple jelly, langka jam, and amazake-pili nut foam—topped with strawberry ice cream and edible flowers. Knickerbocker gets its name from a popular UK and US sundae, the Knickerbocker Glory. This one uses entirely different ingredients, and more akin to halo-halo than anything else. Hapag’s careful attention extends beyond the kitchen to its wine and non-alcoholic pairings by Erin Ganueles-Recto. “Western Mindanao’s flavors are unapologetically bold, so our pairings had to meet that energy,” she says. From fuller-bodied [Champagne](https://robbreport.ph/tag/champagne/ "champagne") Rosés to probiotic sodas and ginger bug beverages, each pairing complements the spices, smoke, and subtle sweetness on the plate. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DFP09705.webp) Before each of the ten courses, a photograph of the original dish it draws from is presented on a small stand. It’s a simple gesture, but there’s a tension in seeing the rustic and real beside the versions on our plates which are developed with a fine dining eye and palate. It’s a risky move that could invite unwelcome suggestions that polish is premium. But this is not the first menu developed at Hapag based on a region’s cuisine, so those familiar with Navoa and Dolatre know of their earnestness and approach, which extends to the convivial service and atmosphere throughout the restaurant. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/MG_5484.webp) A satti stand in Zamboanga—one of the many stops on Hapag’s culinary research trip—where mornings begin with grilled skewers, rice, and a bold, spiced sauce rich in tradition. “We’re focusing on honest storytelling, showing how our understanding evolved,” says Dolatre. And for someone like this writer, who has neither tasted the traditional dishes nor seen them in their original context, it offered a necessary point of reference and curiosity, grounding the experience. In this way, Hapag’s Western Mindanao tasting menu endeavors to do more than simply bring its flavors to Manila. There’s a helping of fine dining tradition, of course, but a lot of the culture from 655 miles away: around Hapag’s hapag we sit with our Tausug, Chavacano, and Yakan kin, conversing merrily, breaking bread. *Hapag is located on the 7th Floor of Balmori Suites, Hidalgo Drive, Rockwell Center, Makati City, right next to Power Plant Mall*. *For reservations, please call [0917-888-5757](tel:+639194306144)* **Categories:** Dining, Food & Drink **Tags:** hapag, mindanao --- ### [How an Armada of Oyster Yachts Sail 27,000 Miles Around the World—Together](https://robbreport.ph/boats/how-an-armada-of-oyster-yachts-sail-27000-miles-around-the-world-together/) **Published:** March 19, 2026 **Author:** Robb Report **Content:** At the close of the past two [Oyster World Rallies](https://oysteryachts.com/oyster-world-rally/), Richard and Ali Hadida stood on the dock in Antigua’s English Harbour, welcoming home a small armada. After 16 months and 27,000 nautical miles, [dozens of Oyster yachts ](https://robbreport.ph/boats/how-a-fleet-of-oyster-yachts-is-navigating-a-luxe-odyssey-around-the-world/ "How a Fleet of Oyster Yachts Is Navigating a Luxe Odyssey Around the World")returned from their circumnavigation to cheers and hugs. For the sailors, the homecoming is bittersweet. They will miss the sense of adventure and camaraderie at sea, even as they are elated by the accomplishment. To mark the moment, Richard—a longtime Oyster owner who acquired the U.K. shipyard in 2018—would join his wife to present each crew with a commemorative glass globe. “We’ve felt the incredible excitement and closeness of the groups after everything they’ve experienced,” Richard says. “We were looking at each other and thinking, ‘I want some of that.’ ” In January, the couple cast off themselves. Their 89.5-foot *Lush* joined 22 other [Oyster yachts ](https://robbreport.ph/tag/oyster-yachts/ "oyster yachts")in Antigua to begin the journey anew. The lead-up included seminars, boat checks by engineers, and social gatherings, embodying what Ali calls the rally’s “work-hard, play-hard” ethos. The island’s governor fired a cannon to send the fleet on its way. Leading the pack at the outset was *Viva la Vida,* an 82.6-foot Oyster helmed by former Olympic sailors Barry and Susie Parkin, who co-own the boat with three other couples. “I said, ‘Look, we’re going to race for the first 30 minutes,” Barry says. “We did that quite well, because we won the start—and the race to the first mark.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RR_Oyster_Yachts_2.webp) Richard Hadida, Oyster shipyard’s owner, is participating with his family in this year’s rally aboard their 89.5-foot *Lush*. *Mike Jones/Waterline Media* The Parkins are members of an eight-nation owner group that includes retirees, active business owners, and composers, as well as several of their children. The boats range from owner-operated Oyster 495s to superyacht-size 885s supported by crew. For those new to the rally, the thrill lies in “going to places very few people have ever been,” says Barry, calling out the Tuamotu Archipelago in particular. “We’ll visit coral atolls with a few dozen inhabitants who haven’t seen a ship for months.” The Hadidas felt that magic early on. After cruising north to the British Virgin Islands, they sailed 1,000 nautical miles to Panama’s remote San Blas Islands. “They blew me away,” Richard says. His friend, the late Eddie Jordan of Formula 1 fame, once called them the most “beautiful islands on the planet.” On one islet, roughly the size of four tennis courts, locals treated the crew to red snapper, lobster, and piña coladas served in hollowed-out pineapples. These simple, unscripted encounters have become the rally’s touchstones. From the [Caribbean](https://robbreport.ph/tag/caribbean/ "caribbean"), the fleet crossed the Panama Canal and headed west to the Galápagos, then on to French Polynesia, Fiji, Vanuatu, Australia’s Whitsunday Islands, and Indonesia. Next comes the Indian Ocean, with stops in Mauritius and Réunion, before rounding South Africa and crossing the Atlantic back to Antigua in April 2027. “Equatorial sailing,” Richard calls it. “T-shirts 24 hours a day.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RR_Oyster_Yachts_1.webp) The 16-month circumnavigation attracted owners from eight countries, with many handling the sailing themselves. *Ugo Fonollá/Oyster* Yet it’s not always fair skies. During the previous rally, Pau Serracanta and Helena de Felipe Sempere rode out intense storms in the Indian Ocean aboard their Oyster 595, *Mastegot*. They originally joined the tour because they valued Oyster’s technical support, but have since logged 28,000 miles of solo cruising. “Once you have done the rally, you realize… you can go anywhere,” Serracanta says. “You feel comfortable to go wherever you want to go.” Even when hundreds of miles apart, the fleet stays in touch via Starlink and social media. Some owners will dip in and out, flying home between legs, but the Hadidas plan to stay on *Lush* for the full 16 months. “When they give me my glass globe,” Ali says, “I want to feel like I’ve really earned it.” *Top*: In January, a fleet of 23 Oyster yachts took off from Antigua to start the brand’s namesake 27,000-nautical-mile rally exclusive to Oyster owners. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Boats **Tags:** Australia’s Whitsunday Islands, British Virgin Islands, caribbean, Fiji, French Polynesia, Galápagos, Indonesia, Mauritious, Mauritius, oyster yachts, Vanuatu, Whitsunday Islands --- ### [Cutting to the Core at BRB Solaire With Davidoff’s Uncut Robusto Colección Cigars](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/cigars/cutting-to-the-core-at-brb-solaire-with-davidoffs-uncut-robusto-coleccion-of-cigars/) **Published:** March 18, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** Some smokers know exactly what they’re after. Maybe something light and composed to start the evening. Something darker, with a bit more edge, once the night settles in. And then, for those who prefer to skip the pleasantries entirely, something fuller. Wood, spice, a slower kind of intensity that lingers, all that. [Davidoff](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/cigars/three-new-davidoff-lounges-and-all-the-time-in-the-world/) has long understood this spectrum. The Grand Cru, in particular, is for restraint. The Nicaragua, on the other hand, enjoys more structure and weight. The Winston Churchill Late Hour, for those who prefer their cigars with a bit more presence. Three profiles, three moods—familiar territory for anyone who’s spent time in a proper humidor. At BRB in [Solaire](https://www.solaireresort.com/) Resort Entertainment City, those same cigars arrive slightly altered. The Solaire Uncut Robusto Colección removes the usual introduction. No finished foot, no wrapper easing you in. You light it and begin with the filler (the literal core of the cigar) before the wrapper eventually joins in. It’s a small adjustment, but it alters the experience more than you think. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Davidoffs-Solaire-UNCUT-Robusto-Coleccion-04-2240x1493.webp) Davidoff’s Solaire Uncut Robusto Colección is as exclusive a release as they come *Photo: Solaire* “A cigar is three components—you have the filler, the binder, and the wrapper,” explains Jacob Policarpio of Zino Manila Inc., Davidoff’s exclusive distributor in the Philippines. “The filler and the binder are the strength of the cigar. The wrapper creates the balance.” Which means the order, suddenly, matters. “So what you’re tasting at the start is the pure strength first,” he says. “Then once you burn to the wrapper, you will experience a flavor change. That is noticeable.” That sense of progression carried through the evening, not just in the cigars but in the whisky that accompanied them. The launch, staged as part of BRB’s Leaf & Barrel series, put together five whiskies, poured in sequence, each one nudging the cigar in a slightly different direction. Simon Côté of High Proof Spirits, likewise, led the [whisky](https://robbreport.ph/tag/whisky/ "whisky") pairing portion. “We always try to bring the best possible whiskies that represent new categories.” The lineup leaned heavily on Westward, an American single malt from Oregon, which is still something of a novelty in a market that tends to default to Scotch or bourbon. “It’s about a sense of place,” Côté explains. “In the Pacific Northwest, you have some of the best barley in the country. So naturally, you make a single malt that reflects that.” The process borrows from Scottish tradition (double distillation, careful maturation), but finishes in new American oak, giving it a profile that feels both familiar and slightly off-axis. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/BRB-Leaf-Barrel-Society.webp) BRB’s Leaf & Barrel Society Series *Photo: Solaire* The first pour, the Westward Original, arrives with a softness that works almost immediately with the Grand Cru. There’s a gentle sweetness there, something like malted biscuits or even a faint banana note, which Côté himself acknowledges with a shrug. “Maybe banana, maybe not, but there’s a round sweetness.” Against the cigar’s initial, unfiltered strength, it acts as a counterweight, smoothing edges without dulling them. As the wrapper begins to burn in on the Grand Cru, the pairing tightens. The whisky’s light spice and grain sweetness mirror the cigar’s shift toward creamier, nuttier notes. Nothing clashes. The second whisky, drawn from stout cask finishes, changes the tone entirely. “You get those coffee notes, chocolate, a bit of bitterness,” Côté adds. This is where the Nicaragua Robusto comes into its own. The cigar’s darker profile, with earthy and peppery notes on the heavier side of things, finds an easy partner in the whisky’s roasted character. The bitterness just sharpens the Robusto (Nicaraguan tobacco, after all, is grown in volcanic soil, which gives it that rich, mineral-heavy, punchy identity right from the first draw). Here, the uncut format feels especially deliberate. That first inch of exposed filler leans into the whisky’s intensity, while the arrival of the wrapper brings a kind of order—cocoa notes in the cigar echoing the whisky’s chocolate, the finish stretching just a little longer. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Davidoffs-Solaire-UNCUT-Robusto-Coleccion-and-Cognac-2240x2781.webp) Davidoff’s Solaire Uncut Robusto Colección and Cognac *Photo: Solaire* By the time the Winston Churchill Late Hour enters the rotation, the structure of the evening becomes clearer. Each tracks evolution. The Late Hour, already the most robust of the three cigars, leans into wood, spice, and a faint smokiness. Paired with a more assertive cask-finished whisky, the combination enriches the tasting experience. Not subtle. Not overwhelming either. The whisky simply amplifies what’s already there. Policarpio, for his part, keeps returning to the same point. “This is not something you normally find,” he says. “Usually, this kind of cigar is only in the factory. You can ask a roller to make one for you, but it’s not part of a regular line.” Which, in a room like this, full of people who have likely tried everything else, matters more than it sounds. BRB has built its reputation on scale—hundreds of whiskies, an expansive cigar list—but nights like this suggest a quieter direction. Less about having everything, more about showing why certain things are worth having at all. “Once you hit the wrapper, you will notice the difference,” Policarpio says of the cigar, and perhaps in another sense, the rest of the evening. *The Solaire Uncut Robusto Colección by Davidoff is available [here](https://sec.solaireresort.com/solaire-davidoff).* **Categories:** Cigars **Tags:** BRB, cigars, Davidoff, Feature, News, solaire, Solaire Uncut Robusto Colección by Davidoff, Westward --- ### [Turri at 100: Why the Italian Furniture House Still Matters in an Age of Fast Design](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/design/turri-at-100-why-the-italian-furniture-house-still-matters-in-an-age-of-fast-design/) **Published:** March 18, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** The [design](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/design/ "Design") industry is so increasingly shaped by speed, automation, and short production cycles that the idea of furniture made to last a lifetime can feel almost radical. Italian furniture house [Turri](https://turri.it/), now marking its 100th year, has built its reputation on exactly that principle. While many manufacturers have moved toward efficiency and scale, the company has held on to a slower, more deliberate way of working—one that treats furniture not as a product, but as something closer to architecture. The brand began in 1925 in Brianza, the region of northern [Italy](https://robbreport.ph/tag/italy/ "italy") long associated with fine woodworking and cabinetmaking. What started as a small workshop gradually developed into an international name in luxury interiors, known for supplying custom pieces for private residences, hotels, and large-scale projects around the world. Even as the company expanded, its process remained anchored in the same fundamentals: manual finishing, careful material selection, and a belief that good design should endure beyond the moment it is made. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/echo-office-lifestyle.webp) The Echo office combines the clean lines of modern Italian design and the legacy of Italian craftsmanship. *Courtesy of Turri* That approach often means that a piece takes far longer to develop than the finished result suggests. Designs can pass through multiple versions before reaching their final form, especially when new materials or structures are involved. Speaking about a recent collection, Turri APAC sales director Luca Meduri described how much work can happen behind what looks like a simple object. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/MI-Turri-Batch-1-12.webp) A closer look at the Echo table. *Courtesy of Turri* “You see the final piece, but it took so many prototypes,” he said. “You cannot say how long, but this is the final result.” The time invested becomes visible only when the furniture is seen up close. A table that appears minimal may reveal a combination of marble, lacquer, [leather](https://robbreport.ph/tag/leather/ "leather"), and hand-worked wood (like the Roma coffee table, designed by Monica Armani), assembled with a level of precision that requires both technical skill and patience. During a walkthrough of the collection, Meduri pointed to a detail hidden beneath the surface to show how much attention goes into parts most people will never notice. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Goldwin-and-Luca.webp) Goldwin Sison, President of Moda Interni, and Luca Meduri, APAC Sales Director of Turri. *Courtesy of Moda Interni* “It could be plain, but we put leather inside,” he said, gesturing to the underside of the table. “These little details…\[it’s\] skill, tradition.” Material choice is another part of what defines the brand. Rather than working with fixed finishes, Turri selects wood, leather, and stone according to each project, allowing the natural character of the material to remain visible instead of covering it completely. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/MI-Turri-Batch-1-09.webp) The Moda Interni showroom houses several of the collections, including these Roma coffee tables by designer Monica Armani. *Courtesy of Moda Interni* “We use different kinds,” Meduri explained. “People ask for different colors, different finishes, so we need to be flexible.” The intention, he added, is not only to achieve a certain look, but to ensure the piece will age well over time. “You see that it looks natural because of the work behind it. We choose the wood carefully,” he explains. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/nabi-dining-2.webp) The Nabi dining chair that mixes high-quality Italian leather and wood. Courtesy of Turri Leather, used throughout Turri’s collections, is treated in the same way. It is not simply decorative but structural, chosen for durability as much as for appearance. “When you use real leather, it stays with you for many years,” Meduri said. “It’s like good shoes—you can tell the difference.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/kyma-dining-cover.webp) The Kyma dining set combines leather and wood seamlessly. *Courtesy of Turri* Because much of the craftsmanship lies in the finishing, and as stunning as the pieces look in photographs, surfaces, textures, and proportions become reveal their full character only when seen in person. “Pictures don’t do justice,” he said. “You have to see it, touch it, understand the finish.” At the Moda Interni showroom, Meduri encouraged guests to sit, touch, and experience the pieces, all of which lived up to his high praise: beautiful in design, in execution, and the surprising, organic, and textural richness of the combinations of materials. After a century, Turri’s continued relevance may come from the fact that its methods have changed very little. Each piece is still made with the expectation that it will be used and lived with, rather than replaced. “We use different materials because every client is different,” Meduri said. “But the quality must stay the same. When the work is done properly, the piece stays with you for many years. That is what makes it Turri.” *Turri is available in the Philippines through Moda Interni, 5th Floor, Bonavida Center, Scout Rallos St., Diliman, Quezon City.+63 917 784 8356. [www.modainterni.ph](http://www.modainterni.ph)* **Categories:** Design, Home & Design **Tags:** Italian design, italy, lacquer, leather, Turri --- ### [Porsche Is Working on a New Supercar More Expensive Than a 911](https://robbreport.ph/cars/porsche-is-working-on-a-new-supercar-more-expensive-than-a-911/) **Published:** March 18, 2026 **Author:** Erik Shilling **Content:** [Porsche](https://robbreport.ph/the-story-of/10-fascinating-facts-you-never-knew-about-porsche/ "10 Fascinating Facts You Never Knew About Porsche") has been struggling lately, at least from certain perspectives, in that its profits have not been what executives have demanded, [blamed in part on big investments in EVs](https://robbreport.ph/cars/porsche-loses-1-1-billion-in-q3-amid-its-ev-delays/ "Porsche Loses $1.1 Billion in Q3 Amid Its EV Delays"). Enter more expensive Porsches, including, most excitingly, possibly a replacement for the legendary 918 Spyder supercar. [Porsche](https://robbreport.ph/tag/porsche/ "porsche") is also looking at building a three-row [SUV](https://robbreport.ph/tag/suv/ "suv") that would sit above the Cayenne in its lineup, like a replacement for the 918 Spyder would sit above the 911. Specifics, at this stage, are hard to come by, but Porsche’s CEO confirmed at a conference that the company’s interest in the new cars is more than just passing. “We are looking at models and derivatives both above our current two-door sports cars and above the Cayenne,” Porsche CEO Michael Leiters said, [according to *Car and Driver*](https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a70710811/porsche-new-flagships-above-911-cayenne-planned/). The new SUV has been speculated about for years now, and in 2023, it was thought that the car—codenamed K1—was an all-electric three-row SUV built with off-road capabilities. The ride height would be adjustable, and it was to be built to compete with cars like the Tesla Cybertruck, Rivian R1, and the GMC Hummer EV. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2026-porsche-cayenne-s-electric-05.webp) 2026 Porsche Cayenne S Electric *Photo: Courtesy* The car was also going to be priced at something like three times that of a Cayenne, which currently starts at $89,900, which would make the price somewhere well north of $200,000, which would align with Porsche’s current priorities of selling more expensive products. It sounds like, now, the flagship SUV won’t be all-electric, either, with gasoline and hybrid configurations instead. The supercar, on the other hand, would be a different kind of expensive product, and would compete with cars like the McLaren W1 and the Ferrari F80. *Car and Driver* speculates that the car could have any number of powertrain configurations, from all-electric to hybrid—like the F80 and 918 Spyder—to a pure gas-powered machine, possibly with a twin-turbo 5.0-liter flat-eight engine the company shelved a few years ago. The lack of details there suggests that the car is some ways off from becoming a reality, but, regardless, when it does appear, it will almost certainly open the hearts of Porsche purists, and possibly even their pocketbooks as well. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** News, porsche, porsche 911, suv --- ### [‘Wonder Woman’ Star Gal Gadot Is Selling Her Oceanfront Penthouse in Malibu for $8.8 Million](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/homes/wonder-woman-star-gal-gadot-is-selling-her-oceanfront-penthouse-in-malibu-for-8-8-million/) **Published:** March 18, 2026 **Author:** Wendy Bowman **Content:** Back in 2020—the same year she starred in and coproduced *Wonder Woman 1984* and was also ranked by *Forbes* as the third highest-paid actress with earnings of $31.5 million—Gal Gadot picked up an oceanfront penthouse in the heart of Malibu, between [Nobu](https://robbreport.ph/tag/nobu/ "nobu") and the beach city’s landmarked pier. Gadot purchased the vacation digs from Bui Simon for $5 million, almost $4.2 million more than the Thai philanthropist and former Miss Universe paid for the property in the early 1990s when she was just 25 years old and still many years away from marrying billionaire [real estate](https://robbreport.ph/tag/real-estate/ "real estate") developer and Indiana Pacers owner Herbert Simon. Now the place has once again returned to the market, this time for $8.75 million. Benjamin Illulian of Illulian Realty holds [the listing](https://illulianrealty.com/properties/22826pch/). ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/22826PCH-Malibu-GalGadot-LR.webp) A step-down living room has walls of glass opening to a covered balcony with sweeping ocean views. *Photo: Benjamin Illulian and Nate Williams* Hovering atop a gated, four-unit complex built in the early 1980s, the condo has three bedrooms and an equal number of bathrooms in roughly 2,000 square feet of fully renovated, cream-hued living space boasting dark hardwood floors throughout. It also comes with 80 feet of frontage on the exclusive Carbon Beach, plus a two-car garage and secure guest parking for up to eight vehicles. Highlights include a step-down living room topped by a wood-beamed skylight embedded in a lime-washed ceiling and featuring a modern tubular fireplace and walls of glass spilling out to an expansive covered and tiled balcony with a fire pit and unobstructed views of the Pacific. An adjacent dining area connects to the petite kitchen, which has custom cabinetry, granite countertops, high-end appliances, and a breakfast bar. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/22826PCH-Malibu-GalGadot-kitchen.webp) The small, sleekly designed kitchen is outfitted with custom cabinetry and granite countertops. *Photo: Benjamin Illulian and Nate Williams* Elsewhere is a cozy media room with angled windows and recessed lighting, as well as a primary suite hosting a custom walk-in closet and a luxe bath. The HOA fees run $1,200 per month. A native of Israel, the 40-year-old actress made her film debut in 2009 as Gisele Yashar in *Fast & Furious* alongside Vin Diesel, reprising the role in several sequels. She went on to portray Wonder Woman in several DC Extended Universe films and then starred in director Patty Jenkins’s box-office hit *Wonder Woman* in 2017. Most recently, she appeared as the Evil Queen in Disney’s *Snow White*, a live-action remake of the original 1937 animated film, and she also became the first Israeli actor to receive a star on the [Hollywood Walk of Fame](https://walkoffame.com/gal-gadot/) in 2025. Gadot and her husband, Tel Aviv real estate developer Yaron Varsano, still own a home in Israel and a mansion in the Hollywood Hills they purchased around a decade ago for $5.6 million. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Homes **Tags:** beachfront, carbon beach, Gal Gadot, malibu, News, penthouse, real estate --- ### [Inside Audemars Piguet’s Luxe New Space for Watch Collectors in London](https://robbreport.ph/watches/inside-audemars-piguets-luxe-new-space-for-watch-collectors-in-london/) **Published:** March 16, 2026 **Author:** Ming Liu **Content:** The world of watches, and indeed luxury in general, is evermore moving towards the experiential—and leaning stylishly into the trend is [Audemars Piguet](https://robbreport.ph/watches/audemars-piguet-gave-its-new-royal-oak-chronograph-a-light-touch-literally/ "Audemars Piguet Gave Its New Royal Oak Chronograph a Light Touch—Literally"), which has opened its new AP House in [London](https://robbreport.ph/tag/london/ "london"). Situated on Clifford Street in the heart of Mayfair, the 18th century, Grade-II listed townhouse is an inviting 9,800 square-foot space set over four floors—an impressive upgrade from its predecessor: a single-floor space that was located on Bond Street. “Having a larger space naturally enables us to deepen our experiential storytelling,” says Daniel Compton, country general manager of [Audemars Piguet](https://robbreport.ph/tag/audemars-piguet/ "audemars piguet") Northern Europe, who called the new AP House—three years in the making—“a very special moment.” The new space, which is open to the public, has a notable member’s club-like feel, with nods to British art, design and culture: it’s an ode, in fact, as much to its unique London address as it is the 150-year-old Swiss watchmaker from Le Brassus. Each floor brings something different to the experience. Guests entering on the ground floor are greeted by an impressive staircase adorned with intricate Italianate paneling and molding—all which reflects the meticulous restoration to transform what had, for decades, been a corporate office space, back to its former Neo-classical grandeur. Thrown into the mix is a strong cool London contemporary theme, evoked through warm copper and burnished metal accents that recall the British capital’s Moindustrial heritage: think whisky and spirits distillers and the Victorian ironwork of the Underground and local power stations. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/audemars-piguet-ap-house-london-seating.webp) Inside AP’s new collector’s house in London. *Kensington Leverne* The ground floor retail space offers brand immersion and discovery: a display of archival pieces—from pocket and jewelry watches to rare [Royal Oaks](https://robbreport.ph/watches/5-incredible-new-watches-from-audemars-piguets-first-big-drop-of-2026/ "5 Incredible New Watches From Audemars Piguet’s First Big Drop of 2026"), of course—is presented alongside vintage advertisements and sketches. There are also nods to[ Audemars Piguet](https://www.audemarspiguet.com/com/en/home.html)’s more recent history, like a cool Marshall jukebox packed with songs from AP collaborators—Mark Ronson, John Mayer, and Raye, among them—which parlays the strong music seam that runs though the new AP House. The first floor is home to what’s known as the “watch cellar,” an imposing, 360-degree, floor-to-ceiling central watch display, crafted in burnished copper. On the second floor, a Steinway piano greets visitors upon arrival, along with a bar and a large dining table. A bijou music corner has also been set up, with an extensive array of songs performed at Montreux Jazz Festival and turntables at the ready. It’s an inviting and relaxing space, where one can imagine the hours just seeming to pass during late-night jam sessions. Finally, the top floor houses a stunning 1,400-square-foot roof terrace—a rarity in Mayfair, and a factor which will further empower Compton and his team to deliver increasingly imaginative and personalized events for clients. “We are really excited to welcome our guests in their new home-away-from-home, as we continue to develop and grow our community in the U.K.,” says Compton. “Watchmaking is at the heart of what we do, combined with top hospitality.” *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** audemars piguet, london --- ### [This New 62-Foot Hybrid Catamaran Can Be Silently Powered by Its Solar Panels](https://robbreport.ph/boats/this-new-62-foot-hybrid-catamaran-can-be-silently-powered-by-its-solar-panels/) **Published:** March 17, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** Bigger isn’t always better. Just ask [VisionF Yachts](https://www.visionf.com/). The Turkish yard just unveiled a 62-foot [hybrid](https://robbreport.ph/tag/hybrid/ "hybrid") [catamaran](https://robbreport.ph/tag/catamaran/ "catamaran") that is the very definition of small but mighty. The new 65 Hybrid is positioned as an accessible, entry-level model for owners seeking comfort, efficiency, and green technology. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/VisionF-65-Hybrid-Catamaran-6.webp) The aft. *Photo: VisionF Yachts* VisionF has built a reputation for delivering high-quality power cats and electric multihulls measuring over 80 feet, but is strategically expanding into the 60-foot segment with the latest model. The 65 Hybrid is the smallest cat in the yard’s five-strong lineup, but still has that classic VisionF feel. It carries the same design DNA as the larger models, with a strong, muscular exterior that is replete with clean, simple lines. The yard says it is more balanced and proportionally nuanced than the bigger boats, though. It is also built in GRP composite, whereas the larger models are crafted in aluminum. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/VisionF-65-Hybrid-Catamaran-7.webp) The flybridge dining area. *Photo: VisionF Yachts* With a beam of 30 feet, the cat has quite a substantial footprint but a light displacement of roughly 66 tons. That means it is more efficient than heavier or larger competitors. The surprisingly spacious living quarters comprise a large salon, four cabins for up to eight guests, and crew quarters for up to four crew. Expansive glazing throughout connects the interior with the exterior and ensures all within is bathed in natural light. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/VisionF-65-Hybrid-Catamaran-8.webp) The Salon. *Photo: VisionF Yachts* The real selling point, however, is the green tech. The 65 Hybrid is equipped with two 450 hp Volvo Penta engines and an electric power system comprising two batteries with capacities of 101 kWh and 23 kWh, respectively. In addition, the 62-footer is fitted with 42 rooftop solar panels that generate additional emissions-free energy to power the onboard systems silently at anchor. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/VisionF-65-Hybrid-Catamaran-4.webp) The owner’s suite. *Photo: VisionF Yachts* Another bonus is that the 65 Hybrid is a semi-custom cat, meaning you can tailor the layout, tweak the interior finishes, and even switch up the tech. The first hull is serving as a demonstration model, allowing seafarers to see a fully realized unit on the water before buying their own. VisionF plans to launch the inaugural hull within the coming month, with sea trials to follow shortly after. Delivery to the owner is scheduled for later this spring. The yard has also confirmed that another hull has already been sold, with construction currently underway. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.*[](https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/gallery/visionf-65-hybrid-catamaran-1237673279/) **Categories:** Boats **Tags:** catamaran, hybrid, News, visionF, visionf yachts --- ### [What It’s Like to Stay at the Most Exclusive Resort in the United States](https://robbreport.ph/travel/what-its-like-to-stay-at-the-most-exclusive-resort-in-the-united-states/) **Published:** March 17, 2026 **Author:** Laura Dannen Redman **Content:** “It’s like coming into Fort Knox,” our driver declares as we wind our way through the cacti and sage brush surrounding [Amangiri](https://robbreport.ph/tag/amangiri/ "amangiri"), a southern Utah [resort](https://robbreport.ph/tag/resorts/ "resorts") considered to be the most exclusive (read: superlative, private, bucket-list-y) on the continent. Not that there are armed patrols or trip wires anywhere, but point taken: The sandstone mesas of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area hover over us at dusk, acting like sentries as we drive farther and farther into the desert canyons. “Remote” doesn’t begin to describe our setting. We’re on a rare stretch of private land—900 acres acquired in a land swap with the federal government, which wanted a parcel near Lake Powell—amid a national-park bonanza in the American Southwest known as the “Grand Circle.” Within 2-3 hours’ drive (or a quick helicopter ride) are Zion, Bryce, Grand Canyon’s North Rim, and all the hoodoos, slot canyons, and epic views this region has to offer. At its intersection is a destination unto itself: the ultra-luxurious [Camp Sarika](https://www.aman.com/resorts/amangiri/camp-sarika) at Amangiri. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/camp-sarika-private-canyon-tent.webp) Tented pavilion no. 8 is known on site as the “Private Canyon.” *Photo: Laura Dannen Redman* Being able to book one of the 10 tented pavilions at this resort within a resort is akin to winning the vacation lottery: that unrealistic yet perfect combination available to a lucky few who have the money to opt in. A beautiful, oversized one-bedroom pavilion—fully temperature controlled and enclosed, with a private patio outfitted with a pool, telescope, outdoor shower, fire pit, and personal golf cart—starts at $6,000 a night. It goes up from there to the new-in-’26 six-bedroom villa (from $45,000/night), an artfully designed compound with its own staff of eight that could host a small corporate retreat, a medium-sized royal family, or a big-deal celebrity and their entourage. Masastudio, one of the original architects behind Amangiri and the maker of these new residences, could lead a master class on working with the natural surroundings: The villa bedroom with the best sunset views has extra gold leaf on the walls to better reflect the light; an oculus skylight in the kitchen is meant to mimic the sky seen from inside the slot canyons. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/camp-sarika-interior-tent.webp) Indoor-outdoor living is core to Camp Sarika. *Photo: Aman* It’s easy to feel *verklempt* amid all the man-made and natural beauty—just as I was when I visited [Our Habitas](https://www.ourhabitas.com/alula/) and [Banyan Tree](https://www.banyantree.com/saudi-arabia/alula) tented camps in Alula, Utah’s doppelgänger desert in the Ashar Valley of Saudi Arabia, in 2022. Camp Sarika, Habitas, and Banyan Tree opened sequentially from 2020-2022 during the pandemic, as travelers around the world sought outdoor retreats that allowed for social distancing. Little did we know that a global movement toward [safari](https://robbreport.ph/tag/safari/ "safari")-style tented camps had sparked, going beyond “glamping” to full immersion—physically, culturally—into some of the most beautiful, remote places on earth. The standard, though, was set by Amangiri, and remains golden thanks to the careful attention to next-level service paid by its new general manager, Mario Bevilacqua von Gunderrode, and his team. “We need to keep exceeding expectations,” says von Gunderrode, especially given the high percentage of returning guests. The typical Amangiri visitor is American (80-90 percent of the market is from the U.S.), possibly a CEO with a deadly inbox who craves silence and stillness, or a multigen set celebrating a special occasion. It might be Kim Kardashian and Lewis Hamilton looking to relax away from prying paparazzi. Everyone is treated as a VIP, with individualized check-ins and room tours, and an on-call staff that will bring you a ginger shot and Tums if your stomach hurts and plug in your golf cart to charge overnight. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/amangiri-six-bed-villa.webp) The six-bedroom villa has a 12,000-square-foot main house, with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open onto Canyon Country. *Photo: Laura Dannen Redman* File this under “exceeding expectations”: A spa writer I traveled with commented that Amangiri’s 25,000-square-foot spa was one of the best she had ever visited. I had to agree, putting Amangiri up there with my long-standing favorite, The Retreat at the Blue Lagoon in Iceland. In addition to its five treatment rooms, guests have access to a water pavilion with a steam room, sauna (also with a view), cold plunge pool, and heated step pool; a private jacuzzi big enough for just one (maybe two); and two outdoor treatment terraces overlooking the canyons. On-site trails and yoga atop a butte make for a complete wellness package—one that will spur an appetite. Camp Sarika does all-day dining at its restaurant, serving a very satisfying, protein, probiotic, and açai-filled breakfast (with just enough decadence—try the banana bread). Dinners rotate three times a week, switching between a Utah BBQ with ribs piled high, an authentic Mexican tasting menu, and Korean dishes. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/utah-desert.webp) In the Utah desert, we can see rockets by day and constellations at night. *Photo: Laura Dannen Redman* It would be easy enough to just stay on property for a few days—it is 900 acres, after all—but that’s not really why you’re there. Remember: location, location, location. Camp Sarika coordinates excursions with expert Arizona, Utah, and Navajo guides who have thousands of hikes and decades of experience under their belt. They’ll not only take you up the side of cliffs on via ferrata—[they’re the ones who blazed the trail](https://www.adventurepartners.com/), hammering the metal rungs into the rock. Guests can do dinosaur-fossil digs, go horseback riding, spend a day on nearby Lake Powell, hike the slot canyons, learn candle and pottery making, and watch a Navajo hoop dance performed by a world-championship contender. Many outings are included in the stay, though private bookings can scratch any itch, be it geological, cultural, or athletic. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/utah-canyon.webp) Local guides lead us on via ferrata to the tops of mesas; a visitor enters Antelope Canyon. *Photo: Laura Dannen Redman* A trip here isn’t complete without a day spent in Navajo Nation among the slot canyons, those narrow, winding gorges 140 feet deep that formed over millions of years of water and wind carving rust-red dunes. “Welcome to Instagram Canyon,” our Navajo guide Eli jokes as we pause for a photo opp at the gaping entrance of Antelope Canyon, [made famous on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/217237323/antelope-canyon/?hl=en). A student of photography, Eli knows how to take a mighty panoramic shot with an iPhone, but better still, he can point out the bear, eagle, heart, and desert moon shapes among the rocks and tell stories about how kids used to party in these canyons in the 1970s and ‘80s. He carries a hand-carved pipe in his back belt loop, seeking out a quiet place to play and tell the story of his clans, his heritage. In Rattlesnake and Owl Canyons—so named for their inhabitants, though we saw neither that day—the music echoes amid the twists, turns, and crevices of the petrified sand. “\[The canyons\] were forged of floods and destruction,” says Eli, “but became something beautiful. It is a metaphor for us all. You step in with your philosophy, your ethics, and you come out a better person.” *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Travel **Tags:** aman resorts, amangiri, arizona, camp sarika, Feature, safari, tented lodge, utah --- ### [Ferrari’s New Amalfi Spider Supercar Is a Drop-Top Stunner](https://robbreport.ph/cars/ferraris-new-amalfi-spider-supercar-is-a-drop-top-stunner/) **Published:** March 17, 2026 **Author:** Bryan Hood **Content:** [Ferrari](https://robbreport.com/tag/ferrari/) knows just how to greet the change in seasons. The Italian marque unveiled an open-top version of the [Amalfi](https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/ferrari-2027-amalfi-sports-car-review-1237504581/) on Thursday. The company’s latest convertible arrives almost a year after its coupe sibling debuted and maintains the power that makes Ferrari’s most accessible supercar so impressive. The big story with the Amalfi Spider is its redesigned roof. The grand tourer’s sleek shape is thankfully unchanged up until the beltline, meaning that the convertible still looks commanding and stylish in equal measure. The coupe’s hardtop has been replaced by a folding soft top. The automaker says that the new element, which is stowed away in the trunk, can be deployed in just 13.5 seconds at speeds of up to 37 mph, in case you are caught off guard by the change in weather. Its soft top is also just 8.7 inches thick when folded, meaning you’ll still have over six cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk when it’s hidden away. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2027-ferrari-amalfi-spider-07.webp) 2027 Ferrari Amalfi Spider. *Ferrari* Options abound as far as the soft top is concerned. Ferrari says the top will be offered four tailor-made fabric colors and two technical fabric hues, including the new Tecnico Ottanio. Contrast stitching is also available to further personalize the look of each vehicle. Additionally, Ferrari says that each of the fabric options utilizes a five-layer construction that will provide the same sound and heat insulation as one of its retractable hardtops. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2027-ferrari-amalfi-spider-03.webp) Ferrari While some change can be good, Ferrari has thankfully seen fit to leave the vehicle’s powertrain alone. The Amalfi may be the closest thing the marque has to an entry-level model, but it’s still packs a serious punch. The car’s grunt comes from a front-mid-mounted 3.9-liter twin-turbocharged V-8. This mill makes 631 hp and 560 ft lbs of torque, which is routed to the rear wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The latest Amalfi can sprint from zero to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds and reach the same 199 mph top speed as the coupe. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2027-ferrari-amalfi-spider-05.webp) Inside the 2027 Amalfi Spider. *Ferrari* Ferrari has yet to say how much the Amalfi Spider will cost, but based on past convertible variants, expect a sizable jump from the coupe’s $266,810 starting price. We’re also still waiting to find out when the car will arrive on our shores, but sometime this year seems likely. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** Amalfi, Drop-Top, Ferrari, Spider, Supercar --- ### [Here’s What Wolfgang Puck Is Serving Hollywood Stars on Oscars Night](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/heres-what-wolfgang-puck-is-serving-hollywood-stars-on-oscars-night/) **Published:** March 16, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** Another year, another Wolfgang Puck feast for Academy Awards attendees. The celebrity chef and his team are catering the official [Oscars](https://robbreport.ph/tag/oscars/ "Oscars") afterparty for the 32nd time, with plans to serve up more than 70 dishes to 1,500 A-listers at Sunday’s Governors Ball. Puck has curated a menu that spotlights cuisines from around the world and covers both the classic and quirky. “Comfort food is always the ​people’s favorite food, like our chicken pot pie, smoked salmon pizza, our macaroni ​and cheese, or the mini [Wagyu](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/the-ultimate-guide-to-wagyu-beef-the-worlds-most-luxurious-steak/ "The Ultimate Guide to Wagyu Beef, the World’s Most Luxurious Steak") burgers,” Puck said at a preview event at the Ray Dolby Ballroom in L.A. on Tuesday. The chef has crafted a few more whimsical experiences for celebs, too. There will be an Italian gelato machine whipping up fresh ice cream, a station spraying 24-karat gold onto miniature chocolate Oscars, and a live izakaya doling out traditional Japanese bites, as reported by [Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/caviar-comfort-food-menu-a-listers-oscars-night-2026-03-11/). There will be an underlying simplicity to all plates, though. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/governors-ball-food-6.webp) Chicken pot pie, mini Wagyu burgers, and other snacks. *Photo: Valerie Macon/Getty* “It’s all about the quality of the ingredients and the quality of the dishes,” Puck said. “We have to cook for 1,500 people. We keep it simple. We don’t need 10 sauces with it.” Amassing such a banquet is no easy feat. Puck will be working with a huge team that includes 75 savory ⁠chefs, 45 pastry chefs, and 325 front-of-house staff and managers. Puck expects the kitchen to churn out some ​600 homemade pizzas, 3,000 artichoke agnolotti, and 2,000 mini chocolate ​Oscars, among tens of thousands of individual servings. To give you an idea of the sheer scale of his operation, Puck estimates the kitchen will go through about 200 pounds of dry-aged ribeye, 300 pounds of house-smoked salmon, 30 pounds of Kaluga caviar, 500 pounds of wild ​mushrooms, 200 pounds of Nishiki rice, ​and 400 pounds of cheeses. In addition, roughly two gallons of 24-karat liquid gold will be used to cover those aforementioned chocolate Oscars. Puck’s food isn’t the only thing the stars will be enjoying on Hollywood’s biggest night, of course. The top acting and directing ​nominees will receive about $350,000 worth of luxury products and experiences curated by marketer Lash Fary of ‌Distinctive Assets, according to [Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/spa-treatments-vacations-look-lavish-gift-bags-oscar-nominees-receive-2026-03-10/). The gift bag—which is actually a small suitcase—includes everything from extravagant vacations to home renovations to tasty snacks. ***Click [here](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/food-of-the-98th-oscars-governors-ball-in-photos/) to see all the photos of the food that will be served at the Governors Ball.*** *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Entertainment, Food & Drink, Leisure **Tags:** Oscars, wolfgang puck --- ### [Food of the 98th Oscars Governors Ball in Photos](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/food-of-the-98th-oscars-governors-ball-in-photos/) **Published:** March 16, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** The chef is expecting to churn through about 200 pounds of dry-aged ribeye and 30 pounds of Kaluga caviar at Sunday’s Governors Ball. Click [here](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/heres-what-wolfgang-puck-is-serving-hollywood-stars-on-oscars-night/) to read the full story. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/governors-ball-food-6.webp) Chicken pot pie, mini Wagyu burgers, and other snacks. *Photo: Valerie Macon/Getty* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Governors-Ball-food8.webp) The chocolate Oscar station. *Photo: Valerie Macon/Getty* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Governors-Ball-food7.webp) The gelato station. *Photo: Valerie Macon/Getty* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Governors-Ball-food5.webp) The smoked salmon “Oscars.” *Photo: Valerie Macon/Getty* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Governors-Ball-food4.webp) Some of the cocktails. *Photo: Valerie Macon/Getty* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Governors-Ball-food3.webp) A selection of the sweet treats on offer. *Photo: Valerie Macon/Getty* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Governors-Ball-food2.webp) Some of the wines that will be poured. *Photo: Valerie Macon/Getty* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Entertainment, Food & Drink, Leisure **Tags:** Oscars, wolfgang puck --- ### [The Mercedes VLE in Photos](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-mercedes-vle-in-photos/) **Published:** March 16, 2026 **Author:** Erik Shilling **Content:** The new Mercedes VLE screams luxury inside and out, all with a range of up to 700 kilometers, or 434 miles. Read more about[ this incredible car here](https://robbreport.ph/cars/mercedes-just-unveiled-one-of-the-worlds-most-luxurious-vans/). ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/26C0010_280-e1773087951250.webp) The Mercedes-Benz VLE has ample cargo space. *Photo: Mercedes-Benz AG – Communications & Marketing* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/26C0010_264-e1773087893445-1.webp) Some of the screens on the Mercedes-Benz VLE. *Photo: Mercedes-Benz AG – Communications & Marketing* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/26C0010_103-e1773087838896.webp) The Mercedes-Benz VLE with its rear window open. *Photo: Mercedes-Benz AG – Communications & Marketing* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ergreg-2240x2240.webp) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/26C0010_081-e1773087737873.webp) The Mercedes-Benz VLE has cupholders for days. *Photo: Mercedes-Benz AG – Communications & Marketing* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/26C0010_069-e1773087676288.webp) The Mercedes-Benz VLE’s steering wheel and front dash, lit up. *Photo: Mercedes-Benz AG – Communications & Marketing* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/26C0010_042-e1773087624954.webp) The Mercedes-Benz VLE from the back. *Photo: Mercedes-Benz AG – Communications & Marketing* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/26C0010_041-e1773087575463.webp) The Mercedes-Benz VLE from above, highlighting its roof. *Photo: Mercedes-Benz AG – Communications & Marketing* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** mercedes, mercedes benz, VLE --- ### [A Closer Look at the Recently Unveiled de Gournay Panels at Malacañan Palace](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/design/a-closer-look-at-the-recently-unveiled-exquisite-de-gournay-panels-at-malacanan-palace/) **Published:** March 13, 2026 **Author:** Alicia Colby-Sy **Content:** Philippine interior designer [Jonathan Matti](https://robbreport.ph/tag/jonathan-matti/ "Jonathan Matti") truly embodies the spirit of bespoke design. Each project he undertakes is a thoughtful exploration of originality, beauty, and refined style. For those familiar with his work, it comes as little surprise that his name was at the very top of the list when the esteemed British design house de Gournay sought a partner for its first Philippine collaboration. First released in 2017, *Latina Manila* is painted in the style of *Papiers Peints Panoramiques* and draws inspiration from Matti’s elegant aesthetic, as well as from the Philippines’ lush landscapes and richly decorative architecture. The scenes are filled with details that celebrate the flora and fauna of the Southeast Asian islands, including the flame tree and groves of bamboo native to Manila and its surrounding areas. Last week, de Gournay founder and managing director Claud Cecil Gurney, together with a team from across the globe, flew into Manila to celebrate the unveiling of *Latina Manila*’s installation at Malacañan Palace. The hand-painted panels have been installed in Kalayaan Hall, the President’s Hall, and the State Dining Room of the presidential palace. The occasion was marked by an intimate gathering hosted by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos in Kalayaan Hall. Here’s a closer look. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JPS00477-HDR-2240x1494.webp) Presidents Hall. *Courtesy of Malacañan Palace* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JPS08472-2240x1493.webp) A closer look at the Latina Manila panels installed in Presidents Hall. *Courtesy of Malacañan Palace* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JPS09651-HDR-1.webp) Kalayaan Hall with Latina Manila panels. *Courtesy of Malacañan Palace* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JPS09721-HDR.webp) The Kalayaan Hall panels in detail. *Courtesy of Malacañan Palace* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JPS09708-HDR-1.webp) The Kalayaan Hall panels in detail. *Courtesy of Malacañan Palace* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RMC00688-HDR.webp) The State Dining Room. *Courtesy of Malacañan Palace* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Jonathan-Rachman-X-Claud-Cecil-de-Gurney.webp) Interior designer Jonathan Rachman, commercial director of de Gournay Stephanie Spero, and de Gournay’s Claud Cecil Gurney. *Courtesy of Malacañan Palace* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/d8405a16-9370-47b5-aed1-a5caec173341.webp) At the Palace Dinner for the occasion, at the Malayan Hall. *Courtesy of Jonathan Rachman* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/c328312d-6425-4b1a-a23b-1d80b85b664e.webp) At the Palace Dinner for the occasion, at the Malayan Hall. *Courtesy of Jonathan Rachman* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/98bf6e6d-3a3f-4c42-80be-e55477f3d44f.webp) At the Palace Dinner for the occasion, at the Malayan Hall. *Courtesy of Jonathan Rachman* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Jonathan-Rachman-Jemma-Cave-Ar-Jonathan-Matti.webp) Interior designer Jonathan Rachman, Design Director of de Gournay Jemma Cave, and designer Jonathan Matti. *Courtesy of Malacañan Palace* **Categories:** Design, Home & Design **Tags:** Claud Cecil Gurney, de Gournay, interior design, Jonathan Matti, Latina Manila --- ### [Jaguar’s Polarizing Electric GT Will Weigh Almost 3 Tons](https://robbreport.ph/cars/jaguars-polarizing-electric-gt-will-weigh-almost-3-tons/) **Published:** March 13, 2026 **Author:** Erik Shilling **Content:** [Jaguar’s](https://robbreport.ph/tag/jaguar/ "jaguar") new all-electric grand tourer was one of the most controversial debuts of 2024, and the company had plans to make it for 2025 before it was delayed. It’s still in the works, possibly for this year, with some specifications finally starting to emerge. The car, initially called the Type 00, was to be Jaguar‘s play at going ultra-luxury and competing with the likes of Bentley and Rolls-Royce, after years (some might even say decades) in which the marque struggled to have much identity. The Type 00 gave Jaguar loads of new identity—being large, distinctive-looking, and very pink—but that identity wasn’t a universal hit with the purists, which is probably why Jaguar persisted anyway. The new car will, apparently, be about as heavy as it looks, or nearly 6,000 pounds, [according to *Evo*](https://www.evo.co.uk/jaguar/gt), which tested the grand tourer in Sweden and called the weight “disappointing.” The range will be around 435 miles on the WLTP cycle, so a bit less when judged by EPA standards. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RRJaguar_Feat16.webp) The Type 00 during Art Miami in 2024. *Aaron Davidson/Getty Images* Neither of those numbers is terribly surprising, but the horsepower might be: around 1,000 brake horsepower, or enough to be the headline. Big power, big weight, and complicated software to control it all, which sounds like a work in progress. “Clearly, this isn’t a car with physics-defying responsiveness and absolute body control—it seems to embrace the fact that it’s a large, comfort-oriented GT,” Evo says. “But it’s also one with 1000bhp to manage, and the scale of that challenge comes to light on the handling circuit. There’s a monstrous level of forward thrust . . . . A very sensitive right foot is required to carve tidy lines on the ice.” Further refinements are in the works, too. The end-use for the Type 00 is not carving lines on ice but ferrying high-net-worth individuals on pavement, but Jaguar does the ice tests in an effort to prove performance and make the car more desirable for a customer who might also be considering a Porsche Taycan, for example. In that respect, it sounds like Jaguar still has some more work to do, though; regardless, the Type 00’s polarizing nature doesn’t seem to be changing any time soon. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** electric vehicles, jaguar, News --- ### [Is the Steel Rolex ‘Pepsi’ Gone for Good?](https://robbreport.ph/watches/is-the-steel-rolex-pepsi-gone-for-good/) **Published:** March 12, 2026 **Author:** Victoria Gomelsky **Content:** Close your eyes and picture a [Rolex](https://robbreport.ph/tag/rolex/ "rolex"). There’s a good chance you’re thinking of the Rolex GMT-Master II “Pepsi,” most likely in steel. That’s because, along with the steel Daytona and steel Submariner, the steel Pepsi “is one of the most popular models Rolex has ever made,” Paul Altieri, CEO of Bob’s Watches, tells *Robb Report*. “It’s in its own category because it has such a special look and it’s been around for 70 years.” Or should we say *was* around? According to widespread reports, the modern steel version, ref. [126710BLRO](https://www.rolex.com/watches/gmt-master-ii/m126710blro-0002), introduced in 2018, has been discontinued. We reached out to the brand but, so far, have not received a confirmation or denial. As of this writing, Rolex.com still offers a 40 mm GMT-Master II in Oystersteel with a red and blue Cerachrom ceramic bezel, for $11,800 on its watch configurator. But check the websites of some the brand’s authorized dealers—[C.D. Peacock](https://cdpeacockjewelry.com/rolex-watches-chicago/product-category/rolex-watches/gmt-master-ii/?product-page=1) and [London Jewelers](https://www.londonjewelers.com/rolex/watches/gmt-master-ii/), for example—and the reference is nowhere to be found. What does that spell for the model’s secondary market value, currently hovering between $19,000 and $24,000? Before we get there, it’s worth noting that the distinctive model was a posterchild of the speculative frenzy that consumed the luxury watch market during the pandemic. “The Pepsi has had one of the most volatile and closely watched trajectories in the modern Rolex market,” Giovanni Prigigallo, cofounder and head of business development at EveryWatch, says. “It exploded during the 2020 boom, with auction prices peaking around $36,000 before correcting sharply as the broader steel sports market cooled. What’s interesting is how consistently the model has reacted to discontinuation rumors, as in March 2022 with a super strong reaction and deflation, and again in 2023, 2024, and 2025, we saw smaller but clear price bumps ahead of Watches and Wonders whenever speculation surfaced. “Now that discontinuation news appears credible, prices have moved decisively,” Prigigallo adds. “Dealer values are up more than $1,200 in the last month alone. This isn’t 2020-style speculation but more of a reaction to the discontinuation news. What happens next depends entirely on what Rolex launches. If a ceramic ‘Coke’ replaces it and is well received, the Pepsi likely settles at a higher but stable level. If the successor disappoints, the Pepsi could reprice more aggressively as the last modern steel red-and-blue GMT.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/rolex-gmt-master-iII-pepsi-front.webp) Bob’s Watches For Joshua Ganjei, CEO of European Watch Company, the rumors and subsequent market reaction underscore “just how important that watch is,” he says. “This isn’t just another steel sports reference—it’s a cornerstone of the modern Rolex market. In recent years, the brand has shown a greater willingness to take calculated risks with their catalog. We saw that with the introduction of the left-handed Rolex GMT-Master II ‘Sprite’ and Land Dweller which proved they’re comfortable disrupting expectations. “If the Pepsi is discontinued, we’d expect immediate upward pressure in the secondary market,” Ganjei adds. “Collectors don’t hesitate when a blue-chip model looks vulnerable and the Pepsi blends heritage and everyday wearability in a way few watches do, so even the possibility of its exit would energize demand.” Tim Bender, founder and CEO of the pre-owned watch platform Collected, has already noticed market grumblings. “While not officially confirmed yet, the market seems to be pricing in the discontinuation,” he says. “New full-set examples, on Jubilee, were trading around $24,000 last month,” he says. “I’m now seeing asks around $26,000 to $27,000 through my wholesale network.” Bender, however, sees any bump in prices as purely temporary. “My take: the spike won’t last,” he says. “This isn’t the market of three to four years ago. Many speculative buyers were burned during the peak frenzy (and subsequent crash) and never returned. Speculative demand is a shadow of its former self. Add the fact that Rolex produced many thousands of these over eight years, and there’s simply too much supply chasing too little enthusiasm. I’d expect prices to settle back into the low $20s once the dust clears.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/rolex-gmt-master-iII-pepsi-dial.webp) Bob’s Watches Eric Wind, the owner of Wind Vintage in Palm Beach, Fla., cautions that from Rolex’s perspective, the Pepsi is alive and well—just not in steel. “The Pepsi bezel originally returned only for the white gold model and surprised the watch community when Rolex brought it to the steel models—plus irritated those who had paid huge sums of money to buy it in white gold only to see it come back in steel at a considerably lower retail price,” Wind says. “I would expect values for the steel models with ‘Pepsi’ bezels to increase on the pre-owned market,” he adds. “We sold a steel version last week with a Jubilee bracelet from 2019 for $22,000 and I probably should have asked a bit more, but such is life! I also expect the values for the white gold examples, which have been very low compared to the retail price, to increase a bit with this news.” As with all things Rolex, there are more questions than answers. “Does the black and red ‘Coke’ make a comeback?” Ganjei says. “Do they expand the Sprite lineup? Rolex loves to keep collectors guessing—and they do it better than almost anyone else!” *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** Pepsi, rolex --- ### [The Good Life: Editors' Picks of the Week](https://robbreport.ph/the-good-life-editors-picks/the-good-life-editors-picks-of-the-week-16/) **Published:** March 11, 2026 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** *In every The Good Life: Editors’ Picks column, we round up our editors’ favorites—restaurants, cocktails, experiences, exhibits, and everything in between. Here is our latest list.* ###### The Magic Table at Grand Hyatt Manila ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/690c940260017_1762432002.webp) The Magic Table We recently spent an enchanting evening at The Magic Table at the penthouse of the Grand Hyatt Manila. We donned wizard robes and wands to take part in the interactive dining experience led by masked servers and a magician, with online hosts The Clairvoyants, known for their performances on [Broadway](https://robbreport.ph/tag/broadway/ "broadway") and at the Venetian in Las Vegas. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Thommy-Ten-at-the-Keys-of-Wonder-booth-where-guests-had-the-chance-to-win-a-Grand-Hyatt-Manila-staycation-and-dining-experience-at-The-Magic-Table.webp) Thommy Ten. *The Magic Table* We cast our grownup doubts and aside and immersed in childlike wonder as we listened to stories, played games, and allowed ourselves to be surprised. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/The-Alchemy-of-the-Sea-crab-meat-and-cod-fish-brandade-sake-marinated-ikura-avocado.webp) *The Magic Table* The menu revealed itself with a feast for the senses: a forest mushroom pate with textured hazel nut soil, figs, and pistachios drizzled with Manuka honey that transformed into toadstools growing from a plate; herb-crusted Hokkaido scallops poached in butter served with a crustacean bisque in a bowl of seashells; a crab meat and cod brandade generously topped with Ikura. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/The-Order-of-Fire-Mulwarra-tenderloin-beef-wellington-bone-marrow-and-cafe-de-paris-butter-jus.webp) *The Magic Table* The pièce de résistance: a beautiful beef Wellington with golden crust crowned with foie gras and shaved truffles. Pure enchantment. *– Yvette Fernandez, Chief of Editorial Content* *The Magic Table takes place at the Grand Hyatt Manila. For reservations, call +632 8838 1234* ###### *****“The time has come,” Bolipata said, “to talk of many things: of Posca Paints, Lithographies, and Dreams Beyond the Sea”***** at Vetted ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Plet-One.webp) This weekend, I’m really looking forward to seeing the exhibition *“The time has come,” Bolipata said, “to talk of many things: of Posca Paints, Lithographies, and Dreams Beyond the Sea”* by artist Plet Bolipata at [Vetted](https://robbreport.ph/tag/vetted/ "vetted") in Makati. The title alone makes me curious as it feels bold, reflective, and deeply personal. I’m especially fascinated by how Bolipata’s recent time at the Art Students League of New York encouraged her to return to drawing and experiment with lithography, and how she used her quick sketches of everyday life in New York and developed them into more considered works. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SELF-PORTRAIT-IN-ROOM-12.webp) Self-Portrait in Room, Plet Bolipata. *Courtesy of Vetted* At the same time, the exhibition seems to reach back into her own memories and personal relationships, even imagining connections with the artist couple, Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PLET-3-BW.webp) Plet Bolipata. *Courtesy of Vetted* I love the idea of an exhibition that blends personal history with surreal storytelling, and I’m curious to see how her colors and narratives come together in her works. It feels like the kind of show that reveals an artist who is still exploring new directions, and I’m excited to experience that sense of growth and possibility. “The time has come,” Bolipata said, “to talk of many things: of Posca Paints, Lithographies, and Dreams Beyond the Sea” *runs from March 14-31 with viewing hours from 1PM-6PM, Mondays Fridays, at Vetted, Unit 126, Mile Long building, Amorsolo Street corner V. Rufino Street, Makati City. For inquiries, call 0917 5262339* **Categories:** Art & Collectibles, Dining, Food & Drink, The Good Life: Editors' Picks **Tags:** art exhibit, Grand Hyatt, Plet Bolipata, The Magic Table, vetted --- ### [A Historic Steam Yacht That Sank in 1999 Is Back on the Seas After a Major Makeover](https://robbreport.ph/boats/a-historic-steam-yacht-that-sank-in-1999-is-back-on-the-seas-after-a-major-makeover/) **Published:** March 12, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** The legendary Cangarda* is starting yet another new chapter. The 125-foot steam yacht, which comes with a storied 125-year history, has just returned to the seas after being fully restored at RMK [Yachts](https://robbreport.ph/tag/yachts/ "Yachts") in Istanbul, Turkey. The schooner was transferred to the nearby [Rahmi Koç Museum](https://rmk-museum.org.tr/istanbul/en) in Haliç, where it will become a permanent exhibit. Built by Delaware shipyard Pusey & Jones for Michigan lumber mogul Charles Canfield, *[Cangarda](https://rmk-museum.org.tr/istanbul/en/collection/maritime/Cangarda-Steam)* was originally delivered in 1901 and is considered one of the finest surviving steam yachts of the early 20th century. It is the only U.S.-built steel steam yacht still in existence and one of only three similar vessels remaining worldwide, according to the museum. Designed by H. C. Wintringham during the golden age of yachting, the 125-footer (or 138-footer including her bowsprit) cuts a classic silhouette with elegant lines and two towering masts. She also showcases engineering that was advanced for the time, including steam propulsion. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Cangarda-Steam-Yacht-2.webp) The 125-foot steam yacht was transferred from RMK Yachts to the Rahmi Koç Museum in Haliç, Istanbul. *RMK Yachts* Over the past century, *Cangarda* has changed hands multiple times and has undergone refits both big and small. She has spent time with a Canadian senator, hosted world leaders, and served as a training vessel for the Royal Canadian Navy during World War II. She has even notched a year and a half on the ocean floor, sinking in Boston Harbor in 1999 and remaining underwater for about 18 months before being raised in 2000. *Cangarda* is now owned by Turkish entrepreneur Rahmi M. Koç, who founded the aforementioned museum in Istanbul and spearheaded the latest revamp. The team at RMK Yachts focused on both restoring *Cangarda* to her former glory and also future-proofing the yacht for years of exhibition. “From the very beginning, we approached *Cangarda* not as a refit project, but as a responsibility towards global maritime heritage,” RMK Yachts director Cuneyt Okcu said in a statement. “Our goal was to protect her spirit, not to reinterpret her.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Cangarda-Steam-Yacht-3.webp) *Cangarda* will become a permanent exhibit at the museum. *RMK Yachts* After arriving in Istanbul in October 2024, *Cangarda* received a mechanical makeover, interior revamp, and updates to rigging, deck equipment, and safety systems. “All interventions were carried out with a museum-grade conservation mindset rather than a modernisation approach,” adds Okcu. “Wherever technically feasible, original elements were preserved, including Cuban mahogany joinery, brass and bronze fittings, deck outfitting, interior layouts, and numerous mechanical components.” The team lovingly restored original furniture, materials, and finishes to keep the interiors as historically accurate as possible. They also revived the steam propulsion system, reaching out to international specialists with expertise in 20th-century naval tech and engineering. Select components were rebuilt while others were restored. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Cangarda-Steam-Yacht-4.webp) The schooner was fully restored inside and out. *RMK Yachts* All that work has clearly paid off, with *Cangarda* still looking great and performing well after over a century on the water. She will remain at the museum as a living testament to early steam-powered yachting. The yacht will also be the subject of a new documentary that is set to be released later this year. Stay tuned. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Boats **Tags:** steam yacht, turkey --- ### [The Formula 1 Season Had a Surprising Start. Here’s What to Expect for 2026.](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-formula-1-season-had-a-surprising-start-heres-what-to-expect-for-2026/) **Published:** March 12, 2026 **Author:** Brad Spurgeon **Content:** To the casual, outside observer, the revamped [Formula 1]() racing season for 2026, which began in Melbourne on Sunday, might appear to be the same old, same old. The cars still have wings, roll hoops, open wheels, and thick slick tires; they continue to vaguely resemble the world’s fastest-moving lobsters. And with the team that finished the event in first and second—Mercedes, with its drivers George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli—being the same outfit that classified second in last year’s Constructors’ Championship as well as having dominated the inaugural race of the previous massive regulation change in 2014, it might feel like déjà vu all over again. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Formula-1-Australian-Grand-Prix-1-w.webp) The start of the Australian Grand Prix, the first race of the 2026 Formula 1 season. *Photo: Paul Crock/AFP via Getty Images* Yet when the leading driver of the 2020s, [Max Verstappen](https://robbreport.ph/tag/max-verstappen/ "max verstappen"), crashes out in the first Qualifying session in his Red Bull and starts the Australian Grand Prix in 20th position, the local star Oscar Piastri destroys his [McLaren ](https://robbreport.ph/tag/mclaren/ "mclaren")on the way to the starting grid, and his teammate, the reigning world champion [Lando Norris](https://robbreport.ph/tag/lando-norris/ "lando norris") finishes only fifth, something has clearly changed at the pinnacle of auto racing. The transformation was proven emphatically when Russell of [Mercedes](https://robbreport.ph/tag/mercedes/ "mercedes") and [Ferrari](https://robbreport.ph/tag/mercedes/ "mercedes")’s Charles Leclerc traded the lead seven times in the first 10 laps. That early duel confirmed that Formula 1’s latest technical revolution—arguably its biggest ever—has reshaped the racing itself. Not surprisingly, the drivers who struggled most are the least enthusiastic. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2026-formula-1-Australian-Grand-Prix-drivers-photo-3-w.webp) The drivers of the 2026 Formula 1 season prepare for a group photo prior to the Australian Grand Prix. *Photo: Jayce Illman/Getty Images* “I’m not enjoying it at all,” Verstappen said before fighting back from 20th to finish sixth. “It’s completely empty.” Criticism also came from Norris, [Lewis Hamilton](https://robbreport.ph/tag/lewis-hamilton/ "lewis hamilton"), and others, while Verstappen even suggested after the race that the rules need changing again. Russell, however, sounded very different over the radio after claiming the sixth victory of his career. “Very nice, very nice: I like this car. I like this engine,” the Briton said, adding to his team: “Very well deserved for all the efforts.” What the opening race confirmed unequivocally is that Formula 1’s already complex cars have become harder than ever before to drive—and thereby more unpredictable to watch. “You’re going to see so many mistakes this year,” said former driver and commentator Martin Brundle on Sky Sports UK before the race. The Melbourne contest, in what is a likely preview of the entire season to come, as well as the intention of the new rules, delivered exactly that: a race packed with overtaking and incidents despite the absence of rain—the usual catalyst for chaos in the series. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Formula-1-Australian-Grand-Prix-Max-Verstappen-4-w.webp) Red Bull’s Max Verstappen careens across the gravel after the rear of his car locks up during Qualifying for the first race of the season. *Photo: Getty Images* Visually, to the more discerning fans, the new cars are smaller, lighter, and more agile. The maximum wheelbase has been reduced by 200 mm (7.87 inches) to 3.4 meters (11.15 feet), the overall width has been reduced by 100 mm (3.93 inches) to 1.9 meters (6.23 feet), and minimum weight drops by 30 kg (66.13 pounds) to 768 kg (1,693.15 pounds). The tires are narrower as well. The aim is to make the cars more responsive—machines that “dance” through corners rather than lumber through them—and to improve racing on the tighter circuits. (Think Monaco.) Aerodynamically, the changes are just as dramatic. The ground-effect tunnels that defined the 2022 through 2025 era (that Red Bull’s Verstappen dominated, while Mercedes mostly struggled) have disappeared, replaced by flatter floors and larger diffusers. Downforce has dropped by roughly 30 percent and drag by around 55 percent, encouraging closer racing and more overtaking. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Formula-1-Australian-Grand-Prix-Arvid-Lindblad-8-w.webp) Formula 1 rookie Arvid Lindblad, of the Racing Bulls team, makes his way around the Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit, eventually finishing in eighth place. *Photo: Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images* Front and rear wings are simplified, and the sport’s controversial Drag Reduction System (DRS)—long considered to create artificial overtaking—has been abolished. In its place comes active aerodynamics. Drivers can flatten their wings on straights to reduce drag and increase speed, while keeping them closed through corners for maximum grip. To help overtaking opportunities, however, Formula 1 has now also introduced an energy based “Overtake Mode.” When within one second of a rival at a detection point, a driver gains access to additional electrical deployment—up to 350 kW—giving them a temporary performance advantage. Drivers can also deploy maximum battery power anywhere on the lap if enough energy remains. The result is a far more complex strategic environment. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Formula-1-Australian-Grand-Prix-Kimi-Antonelli-Lewis-Hamilton-7-w.webp) Kimi Antonelli, of Mercedes-AMG Petronas, and Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton are all smiles during the drivers parade before the start of the race. *Photo: Anni Graf – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images* “The closing speeds are going to be a big issue this year,” Brundle said. “One driver might be harvesting energy while another is deploying everything—the closing speeds are going to be scary.” During the Melbourne race, they often were, especially when Russell surged towards Leclerc at one point during those opening laps and the two cars came close to touching. Under the bodywork, the power units have also changed dramatically. The 1.6-liter turbo V-6 remains, but combustion output drops from roughly 550 kW (747.79 hp) to 400 kW (543.84 hp) while electrical power rises to about 350 kW (475.86 hp)—creating closer to a 50/50 split between gas and electric propulsion. Energy management by the driver has therefore become central to performance. They now harvest electricity through braking, lifting early before corners, partial throttle running, or a controversial method called “super-clipping,” where the hybrid system absorbs power from the engine even at full throttle. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Formula-1-Australian-Grand-Prix-Audi-6-w.webp) The Audi team’s Gabriel Bortoleto on his way to finishing ninth overall. *Photo: Joe Portlock/Getty Images* Despite the criticism from some drivers, the system still rewards pure driving skill, according to former Formula 1 driver and analyst Anthony Davidson. “The driver is still flat out,” Davidson said. “It’s the system that changes around them.” And it takes getting used to. After the race, Piastri stated that while part of the error going to the grid came from his own judgment, he also noted that he was kicked by “about 100 kW extra power that I didn’t expect.” Other than the technology, the most visible change this year is the expansion to 11 teams—the first time since 2016. The newcomer is [Cadillac](https://robbreport.ph/cars/cadillac-will-make-its-own-engines-for-racing-in-formula-1-2/ "Cadillac Will Make Its Own Engines for Racing in Formula 1"), marking the U.S. carmaker’s debut in Formula 1. Powered initially by Ferrari engines, the team plans to introduce its own General Motors power unit in 2029. Only the Cadillac of Sergio Pérez reached the finish in Melbourne, in 16th place, while teammate Valtteri Bottas had to retire from the race. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Formula-1-Australian-Grand-Prix-Valtteri-Bottas-5-w.webp) Cadillac’s Valtteri Bottas exits his car after it had to be retired from the race. *Photo: Peter Fox/Getty Images* Audi also arrives as a full works constructor after taking over Sauber. Its Brazilian driver Gabriel Bortoleto finished ninth to score points in the team’s debut race. Ford returns to the sport through a partnership with Red Bull Powertrains, while Honda begins a new exclusive engine partnership with Aston Martin. The race weekend itself began with logistical complications, as the conflict in the Gulf happened just as team personnel and some freight were scheduled to fly through the region on the way to Australia, causing the series to book charter flights for staff. Formula 1 officials warned that if next month’s races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are cancelled, they will not be replaced, potentially reducing the calendar to 22 events. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Formula-1-Australian-Grand-Prix-podium-celebration-9-w.webp) Mercedes-AMG Petronas driver George Russell, winner of the 2026 Australian Grand Prix, is showered with Champagne by Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. *Photo: Anni Graf – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images* Despite finishing the first race behind the Mercedes drivers, Ferrari’s Leclerc and Hamilton showed encouraging pace. Waiting before the podium ceremony, Russell told Leclerc that the Ferraris looked quick. Leclerc responded only with a wry smile. “For the sport, this was a very good race,” stated Ferrari team director Frédéric Vasseur. “There were some pessimistic comments about this new Formula 1 going into the season and I think today’s race start, and then the first 10 laps were the most exciting we have witnessed in the past 10 years—and not just because we were in front.” Yes, most certainly not. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** F1, Ferrari, formula 1, mercedes-AMG, motosport, News --- ### [Here Are the World’s Richest People in 2026](https://robbreport.ph/profiles/here-are-the-worlds-richest-people-in-2026/) **Published:** March 11, 2026 **Author:** Nicole Hoey **Content:** [Elon Musk](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/elon-musk-is-one-of-2024s-top-celebrity-private-fliers/ "Elon Musk Is One of 2024’s Top Celebrity Private Fliers") has amassed a staggering amount of wealth like we’ve never seen before. That may seem like hyperbole, but it’s true: The tech titan has a mind-boggling $839 billion net worth, according to Forbes’s annual [World Billionaires List](https://www.forbes.com/billionaires/), making him the first person to surpass the $800 billion mark on his way to becoming the first trillionaire. Musk is perched atop the publication’s ranking for the second year in a row, and now his status has been cemented as the richest person ever recorded. As the founder of [Tesla](https://robbreport.ph/cars/almost-every-tesla-cybertruck-was-just-recalled-again/ "Almost Every Tesla Cybertruck Was Just Recalled—Again"), SpaceX, and A.I. start-up xAI, the CEO saw his net worth get a big push forward by half a trillion dollars last year, thanks to his E.V. company’s rising value and his space company’s potential to go public this year. And though things can change, Musk’s fellow [billionaires](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/how-billionaires-are-future-proofing-their-homes-with-ultra-luxe-private-bunkers/ "How Billionaires Are Future-Proofing Their Homes With Ultra-Luxe Private Bunkers") have quite a ways to go to catch up. Google cofounder Larry Page sits at No. 2 on the ranking, with a net worth of $257 billion. His fellow exec Sergey Brin comes in at the three slot, thanks to his $237 billion fortune. Rounding out the top five are some familiar names: Jeff Bezos, with a $224 billion to his name, at No. 4, and [Mark Zuckerberg](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/homes/mark-zuckerberg-dropped-170-million-for-a-waterfront-estate-on-miamis-indian-creek-island/ "Mark Zuckerberg Dropped $170 Million for a Waterfront Estate on Miami’s Indian Creek Island") following close behind at $222 billion. So, though those figures rounding out the top seem lightyears away from Musk’s fortune, it’s actually a pretty tight race for slots 2 through 5 on the list. As for LVMH’s Bernard Arnault, he and his family sit at number 6, at $190 billion. There were a couple of newcomers on the list this year, too. Dr. Dre hit the $1 billion mark, currently placed at 3,331 in the ranking. Fellow music icon Beyoncé also joined the eight-figure fray, with help from her Cowboy Carter tour that ended last year. Other notable names making their debut are tennis star Roger Federer, filmmaker James Cameron, Warren Buffet’s successor Greg Abel, and Musk’s brother Kimbal Musk. Overall, the world’s billionaires are richer than they’ve ever been before, worth a total of $20.1 trillion in an increase of $4 trillion since early 2025. The Forbes list has gained 400 people in the 10-figure club, to a total of 3,428, the most in the ranking’s 40-year history. Twenty induvial around the globe, meanwhile, have net worths climbing into the 12-figure mark, a group now worth $3.8 trillion; and to show just how fast these folks are accumulating their wealth, no one was a part of the 12-figure club in 2017, according to Forbes. All the unprecedented wealth increases have been fueled by the A.I. boom, fiscal policies that favor the affluent, and other markets, according to Forbes. The U.S. is home to the most billionaires (989) in the world, with China following behind (610) and India (229). And who knows, America could be home to the world’s first trillionaire by 2027. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Profiles **Tags:** Bernard Arnault, Beyonce, billionaires, elon musk, Forbes, Larry Page, mark zuckerberg, Space X, tesla --- ### [Inherited Wealth and International Demand Are Expected to Fuel the Luxury Market in 2026: Report](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/properties/inherited-wealth-and-international-demand-are-expected-to-fuel-the-luxury-market-in-2026-report/) **Published:** March 11, 2026 **Author:** Abby Montanez **Content:** The luxury housing market is heading into 2026 with a high level of confidence most other sectors can’t claim—that’s the clear takeaway from Sotheby’s [latest outlook report](https://www.luxuryoutlook.com/2026-luxury-outlook-report/), which draws on global sales data, agent surveys, and buyer behavior at the top end of the market. After outperforming traditional real estate in both sales and value last year, luxury home sales are expected to keep their edge, fueled by wealth creation, international demand, and deep-pocketed buyers who are far less rattled by interest rates than the average homeowner. Two of the biggest reasons for the optimism are who’s buying high-end homes and why. According to the report, many luxury buyers aren’t shopping for their first home; they’re adding to a portfolio. Globally, just over half of luxury purchases in 2025 were primary residences, while second homes made up a significant share. In Florida, that figure climbed even higher, with more than half of luxury transactions tied to second-home purchases. As Philip A. White Jr., president and CEO of Sotheby’s International Realty, puts it, many clients are on their second, third, or even fourth property, splitting time across multiple locations rather than committing to a single address. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2026-real-estate.webp) Luxury buyers are prioritizing space, privacy, and flexibility in 2026. *Photo: Oliver Llaneza Hesse/Construction Photography/Avalon/Getty Images* Another major force shaping the market is money—specifically, inherited money. The report highlights that roughly $6 trillion was passed down globally in 2025 alone, creating a new wave of well-capitalized buyers who are moving quickly and often paying cash. That transfer is skewing luxury buyers younger and reinforcing [real estate](https://robbreport.ph/tag/real-estate/ "real estate")’s role as a long-term, tangible place to park wealth. Rather than waiting on perfect market conditions, many are buying with an eye toward stability, lifestyle, and holding power. At the same time, the definition of what constitutes a luxury home keeps getting more expensive. Nationally, the entry point now starts around $1.3 million, with prices climbing much higher in global hubs like [Los Angeles](https://robbreport.ph/tag/los-angeles/ "los angeles") and [New York](https://robbreport.ph/tag/new-york/ "new york"). Inventory at the upper end of the U.S. market has begun to loosen slightly, with the supply of $1 million-plus homes at its highest level since 2020. That’s giving buyers more choice but without softening prices in the most desirable, supply-constrained neighborhoods. International buyers are also back in a big way. Foreign buyer activity in the U.S. jumped 44 percent year over year, according to the report, with Florida, [California](https://robbreport.ph/tag/california/ "california"), Texas, and New York continuing to draw global capital. Beyond traditional gateway cities, [Sotheby’s](https://robbreport.ph/tag/sothebys-international-realty/ "Sotheby’s International Realty") agents are seeing growing interest in lifestyle-driven markets that combine security, stability, and quality of life. Not surprisingly, privacy and security now rank as top concerns for luxury buyers worldwide, even as crime declines in many regions. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2026-housing-market.webp) High-end homes continue to draw global buyers seeking stability and lifestyle. *Photo: Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images* Perhaps the most human—rather than lifestyle or financial—shift the report identifies is the rise of multigenerational living at the high end of the market. Nearly one in five luxury purchases in the U.S. now involves buyers planning to live with relatives beyond their immediate family. Millennials and Gen Xers are driving the trend, searching for homes that work for young children and aging parents alike. That demand is reshaping design itself, with buyers building compounds and acquiring contiguous homes in addition to prioritizing guesthouses, self-contained apartments, and multiple primary bedroom suites, the latter often with private sitting rooms or office space to create a sense of balance and independence across generations. The picture that emerges for the coming year is of a luxury market driven as much by lifestyle and legacy as by economics. As buyers rethink how—and with whom—they want to live, high-end real estate remains a preferred place to invest not just capital but also time, family, and long-term value. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Homes, Properties **Tags:** california, florida, los angeles, market, New York City, real estate, texas --- ### [Why Pineapple Waste May Be the Philippines’ Most Promising Design Material](https://robbreport.ph/tech/hiblatech-remixing-pina-for-the-21st-century/) **Published:** February 9, 2026 **Author:** Mick Gaw **Content:** In the last few decades, innovations in the textile industry have flooded the global market in volume and variety. Whether one looks at garments or industrial materials, mass-produced synthetic fibers literally bind all aspects of our daily life. Yet, it is no secret that the excessive use of these often-imported materials is both ecologically unsustainable and a breeding ground for unethical labor practices. This is what newly founded material innovation company Hiblatech seeks to address: beyond pushing the boundaries of local textile applications, it aims to contribute to a lower-emission, circular textile economy. Cofounded by Tina Sabarre and Kristine Bañez, the company’s main line of non-woven felts and woven fibers are made from pineapple-leaf fibers, departing from the centuries-old material tradition of piña. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-07-at-15519-PM.webp) Maria Clara print on pineapple blended fabric by Jo Ann Bitagcol. *Hiblatech* A product of colonial trade and indigenous weaving practices, handloomed piña is most often used in making garments like the Barong Tagalog. With more than 2.6 million tons of pineapple leaf waste produced annually in the country, Hiblatech seeks to expand the material’s applications beyond the delicate forms piña fabrics often end up inhabiting. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Hiblatech-in-article-photo-1-2240x1260.webp) The material-based venture offers a range of pineapple leaf-based fibers and fabrics, all ripe with a myriad of production possibilities. *Hiblatech* Working with manufacturer Chuck Lazaro of Asia Textile Mills, the material-based venture offers a range of pineapple leaf-based fibers and fabrics, all ripe with a myriad of production possibilities. In the short time which the product has circulated fashion and design spaces, young creatives have already begun to unravel the material’s various potentials. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Edward-Sibunga_Pina-Sound-Panel-2240x3360.webp) Edward Sibunga’s application of Hiblafelt into stereo systems. Under his furniture design studio label e/lou, Sibunga crafted the “Piña Sound Panel,” using a panel of laminated Hiblafelt as a sonic conduit for his sound system. *Hiblatech* This new rendition of a well-known form doesn’t behave the way designers expect them to, Sabarre notes, and this challenge sparks innovation, forcing those handling Hiblatech’s products to adjust “processes, not just aesthetics.” One such example of inventive design approaches is embodied by Edward Sibunga’s application of Hiblafelt in stereo systems. Under his furniture design studio label e/lou, Sibunga crafted the “Piña Sound Panel,” using a panel of laminated Hiblafelt as a sonic conduit for his sound system. Despite this being the designer’s first foray into the speaker market, this innovative inversion of piña’s sound absorbent quality is likely to draw attention from dedicated audiophiles seeking textures, sonic and material, in their listening rooms. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Selena-Placino_Ihawi-2240x3360.webp) Selena Placino’s freestanding room divider “Ihawi”. *Hiblatech* In the spirit of Hiblatech’s own mission of remixing familiar forms to create something novel, acclaimed industrial designer Selena Placino’s freestanding room divider “Ihawi” is another example of how this new textile might figure into interior spaces. Taking inspiration from the geometries and motions of the *ihawan*, rows of thick non-woven Hiblafelt strips are bent into waves and skewered through twistable wooden rods, allowing users to control the amount of light coming through. Bringing a playful minimalist interpretation of everyday culture into a piece of furniture, Placino’s room divider is a functional conversation piece, taking full advantage of Hiblatech’s new material innovation. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/IMG_6106-scaled.webp) Viktoria Laguyo and Daniel Ubas of Krete Manila formulated a hybrid construction material combining papercrete (recycled paper fibers) and Hiblatech fibers as a base for their Pouf Lamp. *Hiblatech* Beyond simply treating pineapple fibers as the starting point for soft fabrics, creators like Viktoria Laguyo and Daniel Ubas of Krete Manila have also demonstrated how this material plays into their practice of concrete design. Subverting widely held assumptions that concrete forms lack a certain artistic grace or aesthetic pull, the duo has worked with cement to create everything from smaller-scale kitchenware to larger furniture pieces. Drawing from this artistically refined yet pragmatic design philosophy, Laguyo and Ubas meticulously formulated a hybrid construction material combining the lightweight composite of recycled paper called papercrete with byproduct Hiblatech fiber trims to create something entirely new. Used as the base for their “Pouf Lamp,” this lighter and more durable concrete alternative proposes new possibilities, not just in miniature household furniture; it also holds broader implications for the local construction industry. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/IMG_6009-scaled.webp) By Jasser Aguila, these lamps employ panels of Hiblatech materials. Hiblatech Of course, the possibilities offered by Hiblatech’s venture into pineapple-leaf waste fibers are not just for experimental artisans and industrialists, but also for the whole textile production chain. Mr. Lazaro, who has worked with this material for over two decades servicing both local and foreign clients alike, has stressed the importance of his mission in popularizing pineapple-based materials. With the Philippines being the second largest supplier of pineapples worldwide and with over 50,000 hectares of land dedicated to their harvest, the textile veteran stresses the opportunity to take advantage of an abundant resource while also supporting the local economy and environment. *More information about Hiblatech* *is available in their [website](https://www.hiblatech.com/).* **Categories:** Tech **Tags:** hiblatech, piña --- ### [The Ritz-Carlton’s 794-Foot Cruise Ship Is Heading to Asia and Alaska in 2027](https://robbreport.ph/boats/the-ritz-carltons-794-foot-cruise-ship-is-heading-to-asia-and-alaska-in-2027/) **Published:** March 10, 2026 **Author:** Nicole Hoey **Content:** The Ritz-Carlton’s luxe [cruise](https://robbreport.ph/tag/cruise/ "cruise") liner already has its eyes set on 2027. The hotelier’s 794-foot *[Luminara](https://robbreport.ph/boats/luminara-ritz-carlton-cruise-review/ "We Went for a Cruise on the Ritz-Carlton’s Newest Yacht. Here’s What It’s Like Onboard."),* which we hopped aboard last year, is heading to both Asia and Alaska on its recently debuted itineraries for 2027. The brand is offering up 15 adventures to the Land of the Midnight Sun, four journeys across the Pacific, and two transcontinental voyages that give you the chance to traverse both spots in one go. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2-LU_2025_Edgardo-Contreras_The-Living-Room.webp) The Living Room lounge. *Photo: The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection* No matter which journey you fancy, you can expect to explore some more remote areas—as well as the famed destinations, too. Kicking things off with Alaska, you’ll get to take in the stunning sights across Vancouver, British Columbia, and Whittier with *Luminara* as your home base. The seven-to-nine-night adventures can include cruises in the Inside Passage, where you can catch a glimpse of glaciers, densely forested shores, and more stunning scenery across the more than 500-mile stretch. For even more face time with a glacier or two, some trips will cruise through the Tracy Arm Fjord (with private flights available to get an even closer look); others will take you to more secluded harbors, such as Wrangell and Klawock, during bear season and the salmon run for the ultimate wildlife viewing experience. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2-Luminara_Exteriors_The-Marina.webp) The Marina. *Photo: The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection* Asia, meanwhile, will take you on a journey through a bevy of ports, including spots in Seoul, Tianjin (with Beijing and the Great Wall nearby), Otaru, Akita, and more. A 10-night jaunt from Tokyo to Seoul, for example, will give you a glimpse of Mount Fuji and seaside temples, as well as time to explore Beijing’s Forbidden City during a two-day stay. Other experiences on offer include time spent in Osaka’s beloved foodie district, Dotonbori, and a chance to explore UNESCO World Heritage sites. “Our Summer 2027 season on Luminara reflects our continued focus on immersive exploration by sea, pairing expanded Alaska voyages and new ports of call across Asia with the comfort of ultra-luxury accommodations and personalized service,” said Ernesto Fara, CEO and president of the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, said in a press statement. “These new voyages are thoughtfully designed to invite guests to experience and connect with both remarkably distinct regions in a way that feels seamless and enriching.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2-LU_2025_Edgardo-Contreras_Art-Bar-Interior.webp) The interior of the secluded Art Bar. *Photo: The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection* *Luminara* is the most recent vessel to join the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, making up a neat trio alongside its sisterships *Evrima* and *[Ilma](https://robbreport.ph/boats/what-its-like-onboard-ritz-carltons-massive-790-foot-luxury-cruise-liner/ "What It’s Like Onboard Ritz-Carlton’s Massive 790-Foot Luxury Cruise Liner")*. The newest cruise liner just hit the seas this past July and offers up a slew of spacious suites (226, to be exact), each with its own private terrace. Elsewhere onboard, you’ll find a Ritz-Carlton Spa, a marina with direct access to the sea, plenty of swimming pools, and world-class dining. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2-LU_2025_Edgardo-Contreras_Haesu-Bit-Sushi-Bar.webp) Haesu Bit Sushi Bar. *Photo: The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection* Of course, the Ritz-Carlton isn’t the only hotelier with seafaring on the mind (though it’s the only one with vessels in the water right now). More and more high-end brands are debuting their own [elevated cruise ships](https://robbreport.ph/boats/luxury-hotels-are-launching-elevated-cruise-ships-and-calling-them-yachts-but-are-they/ "Luxury Hotels Are Launching Elevated Cruise Ships and Calling Them ‘Yachts.’ Are They?") that bring their white-collar service to the ocean blue, such as the ones launching from Four Seasons, Aman, and Orient Express. And with both the Four Seasons’s and Orient Express’s vessels set to debut this year, they’ll be joining *Luminara* on the seas soon enough. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Boats, Travel **Tags:** cruise, luminara, News, ritz carlton --- ### [Art in the Park at 20](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-collectibles/art-in-the-park-at-20/) **Published:** March 10, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** In Manila, the art world oftentimes gathers itself within white cubes. Art in the Park prefers trees. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Ayka-Go-2240x2605.webp) “Blue” (2026) by Ayka Go, Oil on Canvas, 14×12 inches *Photo: Art in the Park* On March 15, the long-running outdoor fair returns to Jaime Velasquez Park in Salcedo Village, Makati, marking its 20th anniversary with the easygoing energy that has made it one of the country’s most beloved cultural fixtures. For a single day, the leafy pocket of Makati transforms into a lively marketplace of ideas, color, and conversation, a place where collectors, students, and curious passersby mingle freely between booths. Since its founding, the fair has operated on a simple but radical premise: good art should not feel intimidating. This year’s edition continues that ethos with a curated roster of 55 exhibitors, ranging from established galleries and independent art spaces to collectives and student groups. In keeping with tradition, all artworks presented by exhibitors are capped at ₱70,000, ensuring that both seasoned collectors and curious first-time buyers can participate in the thrill of acquisition. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ArtLabTheSyjucoMuseum-OrphanSong-MaxineSyjuco-Maxine-Syjuco.webp) Maxine Syjuco, as represented by Art Lab *Photo: Art in the Park* But Art in the Park has always been about more than just sales. A portion of proceeds from every artwork sold goes to the Museum Foundation of the Philippines, supporting projects that safeguard the country’s cultural heritage. Two decades into the partnership, the foundation is marking the milestone with a new initiative with the Art in the Park: NMP Legacy Grant, honoring the fair’s long-standing role in nurturing the Philippine art ecosystem. For its 20th anniversary, the fair also brings together an impressive constellation of artists who have shaped its history. This year’s featured artist is Ayka Go, the contemporary Filipina visual artist whose delicate paper works and atmospheric collages explore memory, fragility, and material transformation. Her practice—often translating sculptural forms into ethereal paintings—invites viewers into an introspective space where texture and recollection intertwine. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ISTORYA-STUDIOS_K-ANG-DALUBKATAWAN-NG-AKING-PAGLALAKBAY_DOKTOR-KARAYOM-Paola-Hernandez-scaled.webp) Doktor Karayom, as represented by Istorya Studios *Photo: Art in the Park* Joining Go in a special anniversary exhibition are artists whose names have become fixtures in the local art landscape. Among them are Bjorn Calleja, Carlo Tanseco, Demi Padua, Jomike Tejido, Marina Cruz, Anna Bautista, Charlie Co, Manny Garibay, and Pepe Delfin, alongside contemporary standouts such as Rodel Tapaya, Yeo Kaa, Dex Fernandez, Leeroy New, Kabunyan de Guia, and Agnes Arellano. Their works will also be available in a commemorative portfolio box featuring special-edition prints, a collector’s keepsake designed to mark the occasion. In a rare departure from the fair’s famous price ceiling, pieces included in the anniversary exhibition will be exempt from the ₱70,000 cap, giving collectors access to works by these celebrated figures at a broader range of price points. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/art-in-the-park-2240x1260.webp) *Photo: Art in the Park* Of course, Art in the Park’s charm lies as much in the setting as in the art itself. Over the years, the event has become something of a ritual in Manila’s cultural calendar. It’s a day when collectors, artists, students, and families mingle beneath acacia trees while browsing paintings, prints, ceramics, and sculptures. Art in the Park remains refreshingly unpretentious two decades on. It is, quite simply, one of the rare art fairs where buying your first piece feels just as welcome as acquiring your fiftieth. *For collectors hoping to take home more than a single piece, qualified BPI credit cardholders may also purchase artworks through Flexipay, offering installment plans of up to six months at zero percent interest.* *More information [here](https://artinthepark.ph/).* **Categories:** Art & Collectibles **Tags:** Art in the Park, Ayka Go, Collectors, Featured Artists, News --- ### [Korean Air’s LAX Lounge in Photos](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/korean-airs-lax-lounge-in-photos/) **Published:** March 10, 2026 **Author:** Nicole Hoey **Content:** Korean Air just opened its luxe lounge at LAX today. Read [here](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/korean-air-just-opened-luxe-new-lounge-at-lax-heres-a-look-inside/) to learn more about the new space. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/korean-air-lax-first-class-lounge-entrance.webp) The First Class lounge entrance. *Photo: Korean Air* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/korean-air-lax-first-class-lounge.webp) Inside the First Class Lounge. *Photo: Korean Air* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/korean-air-lax-first-class-lounge-seating.webp) Table seating in the lounge. *Photo: Korean Air* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/korean-air-lax-prestige-class-terrace.webp) The Prestige terrace. *Photo: Korean Air* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/korean-air-lax-prestige-lounge.webp) Inside the Prestige Lounge. *Photo: Korean Air* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/korean-air-lax-lounge-table_70998b.webp) A look inside booths at the lounge. *Photo: Korean Air* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/korean-air-lax-prestige-lounge-seating-area.webp) More seating in the Prestige lounge. *Photo: Korean Air* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/korean-air-lax-miler-club-art.webp) The Miler Club. *Photo: Korean Air* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Aviation **Tags:** airport lounges, aviation, Korean Air, los angeles, News --- ### [A New Southeast Asian Hub for Art](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-collectibles/a-new-southeast-asian-hub-for-art/) **Published:** March 9, 2026 **Author:** Christian San Jose **Content:** For over a decade, since 2013, the social calendar in the second month of the year has revolved around events surrounding Art Fair Philippines. For a long weekend, some of the best of the Philippines’ contemporary visual art is concentrated in and around Makati, attracting local patrons and enthusiasts alike. Some key art figures in neighboring Southeast Asian countries and gallerists from around the globe also fly in, with galleries such as Singapore’s Gajah Gallery bringing in talent from all over the region in conversation with Filipino artists on display. For years, Gajah’s participation had been limited to this. That was until a few months ago, when it opened its Manila outpost, expanding its footprint in the region and adding a new pin to its addresses, which include an industrial warehouse space in Tanjong Pagar, a second exhibition space in Jakarta, and a collaborative platform and exhibition house in Yogyakarta. Gajah Gallery officially opened its space in November with a group exhibition titled *Confabulations: A Fantasy of the Real*, curated by Joyce Toh. It featured National Artist Benedicto “BenCab” Cabrera alongside Filipino artists Kawayan de Guia, Kiri Dalena, Nona Garcia, Charlie Co, Marina Cruz, Mark Justiniani, and Leslie de Chavez, engaging in a cross-cultural dialogue with Southeast Asian artists Suzann Victor of Singapore, Yunizar, Rudi Mantofani, Erizal A.S., Ocid, Jemana Murti, Mangu Putra, and the late IGAK Murniasih of Indonesia. In the wake of the Manila space’s opening, Gajah Gallery’s founder, Jasdeep Sandhu, reiterated the institution’s commitment to bringing Southeast Asian artists and collectors closer together—something it has fostered since its inception in 1996. The gallery has long aimed to create spaces where regional conversations can take root physically, Sandhu adds, an ambition that also informed the establishment of the experimental foundry Yogya Art Lab in 2012. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RRPH_2026_SUCCESS_MAIN_9_Install-View.webp) Several of Chavez’s works, including the gilding of the Higantes and the golden bull, were made in collaboration with the people of Lucban. *Gajah Gallery* Currently on view is *Halik Sa Lupa (A Kiss on the Ground)*, an exhibition by artist Leslie de Chavez inspired by the festivities of Lucban, Quezon. The show explores how faith, excess, and endurance intertwine within the collective psyche of a people shaped by both bounty and inequity. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RRPH_2026_SUCCESS_MAIN_2Pagpag-Relics-of-Sanctified-Bulimia.webp) De Chavez’s works seduce through gilded surfaces, vivid hues, and monumental forms while unveiling tensions between faith and power, ritual and politics, wealth and want. Gajah Gallery Located in Mandaluyong, the new space builds upon Gajah Gallery’s long-standing mission to champion artists and narratives from Southeast Asia while contributing to the Philippines’ vibrant cultural landscape. Gajah Gallery has also announced a retrospective celebrating its 30th year. The exhibition, featuring a selection of renowned artists spanning generations and cultures, reinforces the gallery’s enduring vision and reputation for amplifying Southeast Asian art on an international scale. *Gajah Gallery is located at 1B-1E NBS Park, 125 Pioneer St., Mandaluyong City*. *Website: https://gajahgallery.com/* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report Philippines’ [Success Issue, February 2026](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-february-2026-the-success-issue/).* **Categories:** Art & Collectibles **Tags:** BenCab, Charlie Co, Erizal A.S., Gajah Gallery, IGAK Murniasih, Jasdeep Sandhu, Jemana Murti, kawayan de guia, Kiri Dalena, Leslie de Chavez, Mangu Putra, Marina Cruz, mark justiniani, Nona Garcia, Ocid, Rudi Mantofani, Suzann Victor, Yunizar --- ### [Cirrus: The Decadence of a Full Table at PVT](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/cirrus-at-pvt-and-the-decadence-of-a-full-table/) **Published:** February 11, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** Cirrus sits inside a private members’ club, but to stop there would be to miss the point. Cirrus is located within [PVT](https://robbreport.ph/tag/pvt/ "PVT"), a private club conceived around [dining](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/ "Dining"), culture, and community. What draws people back is not exclusivity for its own sake, but the sense that this is a restaurant built around how people actually want to dine now: generously, and with a clear respect for craft and conviviality. “Guests can enjoy Cirrus in a way where, if they want to enjoy a dish solo, or prefer to order small plates or food for sharing, they can,” says Chef Patrick Ambrosio, one of PVT’s executive chefs. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/PVT-chefs-Goco-and-Ambrosio-2240x1260.webp) Chef Robby Goco, left, and Chef Patrick Ambrosio, right. *Jorem Catilo* The restaurant’s dining program is decidedly chef-led. Helmed by Ambrosio, who was formerly Chef [Miko Calo](https://robbreport.ph/profiles/all-roads-lead-to-home/ "Miko Calo: All Roads Lead to Home")’s sous chef and who worked under Joel Robuchon, and Chef Robby Goco, known for his restaurants Elaia, Cyma, and Souv! by Cyma, Cirrus offers Goco’s and Ambrosio’s points-of-view, analogous in their European profile but still remaining rather distinctive. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Cirrus-Restaurant-interiors-PVT-e1770698769385.webp) Cirrus is nestled within PVT, which has four different dining concepts in the private club. *Jorem Catilo* On Sundays is Ambrosio’s Sunday Roast, centered around an Australian [Wagyu](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/the-ultimate-guide-to-wagyu-beef-the-worlds-most-luxurious-steak/ "The Ultimate Guide to Wagyu Beef, the World’s Most Luxurious Steak") Sir Harry prime rib, dry-aged, seasoned, and roasted slowly until tender. Guests choose between the King’s Cut, a generous 1.2-inch slice meant for sharing, or the Petit Cut, portioned for one. The beef finds its complement in a plentiful selection of sides: beef tallow fried rice, deeply savory and rather indulgent; potato purée; and smoky pimentón mac and cheese. French bean casserole adds a vegetal pause, duck fat-roasted potatoes bring crispness and heft, and honey-and-orange glazed carrots introduce a note of sweetness that cuts through the richness of the meat. Together, they form a table that feels complete and generous—exactly what a Sunday roast is meant to be. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/PVT-Cirrus-Seafood-Tower-2240x1260.webp) A seafood tower is always celebratory. *Jorem Catilo* Running parallel to the roast is Cirrus’ seafood tower, available throughout the week and is always a celebratory touch to any dining experience. The wide selection spans cold and warm, raw and cooked: Hokkaido scallops are paired with truffle salsa, tiger prawns with a sharp yuzu cocktail sauce, and Irish Gallagher oysters with apple and vodka granita that keeps the brine in check. Poached lobster tails and Japanese spider crab claws, served with brown butter aioli, add weight and warmth, while dry-aged salmon and yellowtail sashimi close the circle, their depth of flavor underscoring Cirrus’ seriousness about seafood. Like the roast, the tower is designed for sharing, lingering, and return visits. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/20260122_0935.webp) Chef Robby Goco’s tasting menu starts with a mezze platter. *Jorem Catilo* The à la carte menu is no slouch, either. Ambrosio can’t pinpoint a favorite, but will put forward the dry-aged trout with mirin beurre blanc. “We replace white wine with mirin, and then create a beurre monté,” he explains. “The trout is dry aged for roughly five to six days, then pan roasted with vegetable pearls, pickled onions, and pickled mangoes.” PVT itself is known for a wide selection of excellent, dry-aged steak, from Japanese [Wagyu](https://robbreport.ph/tag/wagyu-beef/ "Wagyu Beef"), and Australian Wagyu to US Prime bone-in ribeye, which are all aged for at least 45 days. “We’re pretty heavy on the seafood and beef,” he says. During the week, Goco’s hearty tasting menu is replete with the Mediterranean flavors he is known for—Greek at its core, but filtered through a global pantry, contemporary technique, and a surprising helping of fun and youthfulness injected into a cuisine that is 4,000 years old. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/20260122_0817.webp) Goco’s fresh take on a Greek salad involves a fresh watermelon gazpacho poured over brunoise vegetables. *Jorem Catilo* Take, for example, his version of a Greek salad. It retains all the familiar elements—tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, Cretan dakos—but they arrive cut in a fine brunoise, recast for the language of fine dining. “We pureed the dakos, pouring watermelon gazpacho on top,” Goco says, adding yet another surprising technique to the dish. It is familiar and comforting, but refreshing on the palate as well as in ideation. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/redfish-pilpil-PVT.webp) Seared redfish with a sauce blend of pilpil and ladolemono. *Jorem Catilo* The salad is only a part of Goco’s menu, launching on February 16. It is sumptuous, filled with the classics like a luscious mezze platter that includes hummus, melitzanosalata, tarama, and tzatziki. But as expected, it isn’t afraid of fresh takes, like the traditional Greek ladolemono, which is a lemon and oil dressing, merged with a Spanish pilpil sauce. They balance each other well, the ladolemono cutting through the richness of pilpil and the redfish it is spooned over. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Crudo-PVT.webp) A trio of dry aged salmon, hamachi, and scallops, topped with bottarga, orange zest, and olive oil from Greece. *Jorem Catilo* Another dish sure to be a hit is the crudo, which was inspired by Goco’s recent trip to Greece, where he observed an increasing appreciation for sashimi. Goco’s version is a trio of dry aged salmon, hamachi, and scallops, topped with bottarga, orange zest, and olive oil. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/20260122_0941.webp) Tender pressed lamb. *Jorem Catilo* Lamb, of course, makes an appearance, pressed and seared, as well as moussaka made with aged Wagyu beef, layered with mornay sauce that’s incredibly light and foamy, torched, then finished with a generous heap of kefalotiri. Dessert is a 1,000-Layer Milopita, a crisp version of a beloved Greek apple cake, a walnut sauce liberally poured over a slice in true Greek fashion. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/20260122_0730-e1770704870401.webp) Aged Wagyu Beef Moussaka with a torched mornay sauce. *Jorem Catilo* “Cirrus is decadent,” says Goco. “If there’s beef, it’s Wagyu. If it’s seafood, it’s cod. If there’s a reason for foie, there’s always foie.” Here, decadence is not a flourish but a governing principle—and it is carried through, plate by plate. *For more information, contact PVT Members Lounge at +63 906 450 7095 or email reservations@pvtmemberslounge.ph* **Categories:** Dining, Food & Drink **Tags:** PVT --- ### [Demand for Rolex and Cartier Watches Is Skyrocketing Thanks to the New JFK Jr. Series](https://robbreport.ph/watches/demand-for-rolex-and-cartier-watches-is-skyrocketing-thanks-to-the-new-jfk-jr-series/) **Published:** March 6, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** FX’s *Love Story* traces the whirlwind courtship and marriage of John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, but the series has sparked another, rather surprising love among audiences. The chic ‘90s fashion artfully woven into the series has captured the zeitgeist, bringing renewed interest to the clothing and accessories of the stylish couple and the era at large. The luxury watches, in particular, have garnered the attention of collectors—so much so that they are soaring in demand on the secondary market, according to online marketplace Bezel. The [Rolex Datejust](https://robbreport.ph/tag/rolex-datejust/ "Rolex Datejust") seen on the wrist of Calvin Klein (played by Alessandro Nivola) and the [Cartier Tank](https://robbreport.ph/tag/cartier-tank/ "cartier tank") LC worn by JFK Jr. (Paul Anthony Kelly) have both seen an uptick in sales, as has the [Cartier Tank Must](https://shop.getbezel.com/models/36808) donned by Jackie Kennedy (Naomi Watts), Bezel says. “Around the series’ February release, we saw a measurable lift in engagement, including an 11 percent increase in Datejust sales on the platform,” Bezel cofounder and CEO Quaid Walker tells *Robb Report*. “More notably, however, the Datejust’s sustained share of both sales and collector interest underscores its structural strength in the market. Cultural moments like this serve less as catalysts and more as confirmation of the piece’s enduring relevance.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/calvin-klein-rolex-love-story.webp) Alessandro Nivola plays Calvin Klein. *Bezel/Disney* Launched in 1945 to commemorate [Rolex](https://robbreport.ph/tag/rolex/ "rolex")’s 40th anniversary, the [Datejust](https://robbreport.ph/watches/rolex-is-releasing-its-first-authorized-history-of-the-oyster-perpetual-datejust/ "Rolex Is Releasing Its First Authorized History of the Oyster Perpetual Datejust") was the first self-winding wristwatch with a date window that automatically changed over at midnight. That seemingly simple innovation marked a major leap forward in date complications. Over the years, the Swiss watchmaker has released countless variations. The Datejust offers more dial, bezel, and bracelet options than any other Rolex model, in fact. Klein’s on-screen example (Ref. 16014) features a 36 mm stainless-steel case, a white dial, a fluted bezel, and the classic Jubilee bracelet. (The designer reportedly wore this watch in real life.) The Datejust has been the best-selling Rolex model for much of its history and therefore ranks as the Crown’s most recognized watch. It is also the top-selling timepiece on Bezel—a position it has maintained despite fleeting trends and shifting markets. “When a watch like the Datejust is reintroduced through a cultural lens like *Love Story*, it doesn’t so much create demand as it crystallizes it, reinforcing what collectors have long appreciated about the model’s timeless design and multigenerational appeal,” Walker adds. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Jackie-Kennedy-Love-Story-Cartier.webp) Jackie Kennedy (Naomi Watts) shows off a Cartier Tank Must in the series. *Disney/Bezel* The same goes for the Cartier Tank. The 1920s timepiece has long been a favorite among horophiles, with a timeless elegance and refined design giving it appeal across multiple generations. JFK Jr.’s Tank LC in the show is a rose-gold example (Ref. WSTA0060), while Kennedy’s Tank Must is a steel iteration (Ref. WSTA0060). Jackie Kennedy famously wore an 18-karat gold Tank in real life, which sold for $379,500 at Christie’s in 2017. Bessette, on the other hand, wore an 18-karat yellow-gold Tank Française after she and JFK Jr. attended the launch in 1996. There appears to be no evidence of JFK Jr. wearing a Tank, though. “While smaller, vintage-inspired watches have generated considerable editorial and social attention in recent years, the Tank has consistently occupied a distinct and resilient position thanks to its design legacy and historical significance,” Walker explains. ”When a series like *Love Story* spotlights a piece with that kind of heritage, it amplifies the broader conversation, reminding both new and seasoned collectors why these foundational models continue to anchor the market.” It seems *Love Story* is simply strengthening the love collectors already had for the Datejust and Tank. The series is now streaming on Disney+​​. **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** Carolyn Bessette, cartier, cartier tank, Jackie Kennedy, JFK, JFK Jr., rolex, Rolex Oyster Perpetual --- ### [Technohull’s Stylish New 45-Foot Sport Boat Can Rocket to Over 85 Knots](https://robbreport.ph/boats/technohulls-stylish-new-45-foot-sport-boat-can-rocket-to-over-85-knots/) **Published:** March 6, 2026 **Author:** Nicole Hoey **Content:** You can call this the Goldilocks vessel. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/technohull-alpha-45-starboard_3976ca.webp) The sport boat darting across the sea. *Photo: Technohull* [Technohull](https://technohull.com/) just unveiled its new Alpha 45 flagship, a 45-footer that doesn’t lean too much toward a sport boat or a day boat; instead it’s a just-right combo of both styles, with plenty of its own tricks up its sleeve, too. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/technohull-alpha-45benches.webp) Benches in the aft. *Photo: Technohull* The Alpha 45 is perched between the Athens-based boatbuilder’s Alpha 40 and Alpha 50 offerings, and you can see the familial similarities in its sharp styling (here, done up in a sleek black interior). But the new vessel separates from the pack with its new windscreen and hardtop design, as well as surfaces that maximize aerodynamics aboard. And that will certainly come in handy as the boat darts across the seas; it can hit over 85 knots on the water, thanks to the quad 500 hp outboards in the rear. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/technohull-alpha-45-exterior.webp) The helm. *Photo: Technhull* A Dynastream deep-V hull can also lend a hand when rocketing to high seas aboard the Alpha 45; the design, with its ventilated steps, is meant to serve up a combo of high performance and supreme handling while on the water, according to the yard. And the high wave-piercing bow can help make for smoother sailing, too, on rougher seas. When you’re not perched at one of the three helm seats (placed in a double row), you can opt to lounge on one of the Alpha 45’s many configurations. That means you can unwind in the U-shaped sunpad in the bow, or perhaps a larger sunpad or some L-shaped seating aft. Head into the cabin, meanwhile, and you’ll find room for two with a double berth and a separate full-beam head with a shower—perfect for a weekend getaway. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/technohull-alpha-45-sunpad.webp) The sunpad. *Photo: Technhull* “The Alpha 45 is a serious new addition to our luxury performance line-up, drawing on the best of Technohull while adding a few new design enhancements of its own,” Gerasimos Petratos, CEO of Technohull, said in a statement. “The space on board is exceptional and of course each 45 will be finished to our exacting standards, but it’s out on the water that this boat will really shine. The Alpha 45 demands to be driven–and she’ll reward owners with the drive of their lives.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/technohull-alpha-45-bedroom.webp) The cabin. *Photo: Technhull* The team at the Athens-based builder is known for whipping up plenty of speed machines on the seas. The 38 Grand Sport Super Fast is, well, super fast, with the ability to hit over 100 knots at full tilt. And the Alpha 50, for its part, can hit over 78 knots on the water. Seems like the Alpha 45 will feel right at home with this bunch. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Boats **Tags:** boat, Technohull, tender --- ### [Audi’s Bonkers New Concept C Sports Car Is Actually Going Into Production](https://robbreport.ph/cars/audis-bonkers-new-concept-c-sports-car-is-actually-going-into-production/) **Published:** March 6, 2026 **Author:** Erik Shilling **Content:** [Audi](https://robbreport.ph/tag/audi/ "Audi")‘s Concept C was one of the [most exciting concept cars of 2025](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-10-best-concept-cars-of-2025-from-lexuss-all-electric-lfa-to-buicks-otherworldly-orbit/ "The 10 Best Concept Cars of 2025"), and a true breakthrough moment [for all-electric sports cars](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-10-best-cars-we-drove-in-2025-from-audis-superb-concept-c-to-bugattis-maximalist-mistral/ "The 10 Best Cars We Drove in 2025, From Audi’s Superb Concept C to Bugatti’s Maximalist Mistral"), though more recent reports suggested it might be axed. Now, though, it appears to be going ahead, with production set to begin this decade. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Original-15425-a251455-large-e1756844379752.webp) That’s according to Gernot Döllner, Audi’s CEO, who told the [Australian website Go Auto that](https://www.goauto.com.au/news/audi/audi-adopts-lsquo-china-speed-rsquo-kills-committees/2026-03-03/98627.html), when it comes to concepts, Audi means business, even in an uncertain climate for EVs and even though the Concept C was to share a platform with the Porsche 718, itself possibly not going ahead for now. “Whenever we present a new concept, it will always be a serious product. The first proof point to our strategy is the Concept C,” Döllner said. “We presented that last September, and within two years, we will have it in the market.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Original-15427-a251457-large-e1756844422735.webp) *Audi* The Concept C was said to be a part of a broader transformation of Audi, from an automaker to something akin to an automaker, a software company, and a design company all rolled into one. That’s in response to the competitive environment, which in the past included peer companies like Mercedes and BMW. Then Lexus, Acura, Infiniti, and Genesis came along. Now, Audi is watching China and the rapid development of the car industry there, especially with EVs, since China makes the world’s most advanced EVs. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Original-15408-a251478-large-e1756844238569.webp) *Audi* Increasingly, Audi has also been watching the fast development of luxury Chinese cars, too, which has made them react. “We see a decrease in pricing in the (premium) market, and that is a challenge for us. We have to work on raising productivity and keeping our products competitive,” Döllner told Go Auto. “We call it ‘China speed’ in Ingolstadt . . . We (have) completely adapted that to our processes in Germany. Not so far in the future, we will prove that we are able to react as fast as we do in China—but in European programs.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Original-15428-a251458-large-e1756844476334.webp) *Audi* The Concept C, when production does go forward, will be a compelling starting point, becoming Audi’s new flagship car and inspiration for the whole brand. It will also finally replace the beloved TT, though Audi says the new concept s a slightly different idea. Regardless, a *Robb Report* writer who got some seat time in the Concept C last year said it represented a serious challenge to Porsche, among others. The Concept C, Jonny Lieberman wrote, “is both a much-needed halo car and a timely demonstrator of Audi’s potential to once again be a design leader.” *This article appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** Audi, Audi Concept C --- ### [Aviation Newcomer Magnifica Air Just Unveiled Its First Jet—and It Has ‘Private Class’](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/aviation-newcomer-magnifica-air-just-unveiled-its-first-jet-and-it-has-private-class/) **Published:** March 6, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** [Magnifica Air](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/magnifica-air-wants-to-take-private-jet-comfort-to-the-commercial-skies/ "Magnifica Air Wants to Take Private-Jet Comfort to the Commercial Skies") is getting closer to takeoff. The U.S.-based luxury airline, launched by cofounders Wade Black and Stacey Carey in late 2025, just unveiled the first aircraft in its fleet, putting it firmly on track for the planned debut in 2027. The Airbus ACJ321neo jet, which was revealed at Orlando International Airport, will be one of four aircraft in the [Magnifica](https://magnificaair.com/) lineup, all of which will feature the airline’s signature “private class” cabin. “Private class is not a product enhancement,” Black said in a statement. “It is a new cabin category built around how people want to travel today.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Magnifica-Air-Airbus-ACJ321neo-jet-1.webp) Magnifica Air’s four-strong fleet will eventually comprise both Airbus A321neo and A220 aircraft. *Photo: Magnifica Air* Private class is designed to sit somewhere between traditional first class and [private aviation](https://robbreport.ph/tag/private-aviation/ "private aviation"), combining the exclusive feel of a private jet with the safety and scale of a commercial airliner. Each cabin will be configured to carry approximately 54 guests in a luxurious setting. The cabin will be free of overhead bins, resulting in a spacious feel throughout. The seats will be upholstered in Italian leather and arranged to bring more comfort and connection than the traditional rows of airliners. “When you walk onto our planes, they will feel like a [private jet](https://robbreport.ph/tag/private-jet/ "private jet"),” Carey shared at the House of Robb Miami in December. The aircraft will also have the long-haul capabilities typically associated with corporate jets. The inaugural fleet member is powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW1133 geared turbofan engines, which afford an ultra-long range of approximately 6,100 nautical miles. That means the jet can travel 13 hours nonstop. The engines are quieter and more fuel-efficient than previous generations. They can also run on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). That underscores Magnifica’s goal to operate some of the greenest jets in the segment. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Magnifica-Air-Airbus-ACJ321neo-jet-2.webp) The Magnifica Air livery. *Photo: Magnifica Air* The new ACJ321neo has already been decked out in the Magnifica Air livery and will now undergo interior outfitting, where it will be transformed over 10 months into the airline’s bespoke configuration. The Magnifica fleet will eventually comprise both Airbus A321neo and A220 aircraft. (The latter is a smaller plane with a shorter range.) Operations are expected to launch in 2027, with the inaugural route from South Florida to New York. Additional routes will follow, including Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, San Jose, and Chicago. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Aviation **Tags:** jet, Magnifica Air, News, private airline, private aviation, private class, private jet --- ### [Puma and McLaren Racing Shift Motorsport Style into High Gear](https://robbreport.ph/style/puma-and-mclaren-racing-shift-motorsport-style-into-high-gear/) **Published:** March 5, 2026 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** In [Formula 1](https://robbreport.ph/tag/formula-1/ "formula 1"), milliseconds decide races. Likewise, in fashion, timing can be just as crucial. With a new multi-year partnership, sportswear giant Puma and [McLaren ](https://robbreport.ph/tag/mclaren/ "mclaren")Racing are betting they can master both. Announced earlier this year, Puma becomes the official outfitter across McLaren’s rapidly expanding racing portfolio. And yes, that includes the championship-winning McLaren Formula 1 Team, the Arrow McLaren IndyCar Team, McLaren’s F1 Academy entries, the McLaren F1 Sim Racing Team, and, beginning in 2027, the brand’s upcoming Hypercar entry in the FIA World Endurance Championship. Uniforms just got a sharp upgrade. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/McLaren-Racing-PUMA-Jersey-1-2240x1260.webp) The McLaren Racing Puma Jersey *Photo: Puma* Puma’s role begins where the action is hottest: the trackside. The brand will produce the official team kits worn by drivers, engineers, and pit crews, apparel engineered with the same performance-minded precision that defines motorsport itself. Interestingly, the real play lies in bringing the drama of racing into everyday wardrobes. The *Replica Collection*, for instance, dressed in McLaren’s unmistakable papaya orange, mirrors the gear worn by the team during race weekends. Think jackets, polos, and caps that allow fans to channel pit-lane swagger even if their commute rarely exceeds city speed limits. Then there’s the *Lifestyle Collection*, a somewhat more relaxed interpretation of racing culture. Drawing on McLaren’s long design history, the line borrows a lot from motorsport iconography, turning it into contemporary streetwear. Assume cleaner silhouettes, graphic nods to racing heritage, and the sort of subtle technical detailing that appeals equally to sneakerheads and F1 obsessives. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/McLaren-Racing-PUMA-Hoodie-2240x1260.webp) The McLaren Racing Puma Hoodie *Photo: Puma* It’s a timely move. Formula 1’s global audience, after all, has only surged in recent years, transforming the sport into a cultural staple all the while creating another arena where fashion labels and luxury houses increasingly compete for grid-side relevance. For McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown, the partnership signals a natural evolution. “Our sport is in incredible shape, and it’s been fantastic to see an influx of major fashion and lifestyle brands that are looking for deep and meaningful ways to engage with our growing global fanbase,” explains Brown. “I cannot think of a better partner than sportswear giant PUMA to help us supercharge our portfolio of fanwear. PUMA’s innovative approach to design and culture will offer exciting collections and experiences worldwide.” Fans, he says, want to express their allegiance beyond the circuit. So expect limited drops, special events, and immersive fan experiences in the near future, things that bring in more eyeballs to the sport. *More information [here](https://ph.puma.com/ph/en/mclaren-racing).* **Categories:** Style **Tags:** F1, mclaren, Puma --- ### [7 Indian Creek in Photos](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/homes/7-indian-creek-in-photos/) **Published:** March 5, 2026 **Author:** Abby Montanez **Content:** An addition to Mark Zuckerberg’s property portfolio. [Click here to read the full story.](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/homes/mark-zuckerberg-dropped-170-million-for-a-waterfront-estate-on-miamis-indian-creek-island/) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/7-indian-creek19.webp) A rendering of the in-progress property. *Photo: Rendering by Ferris Rafauli Design* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/7-indian-creek18-1.webp) Plans call for a black-and-white marble reflecting pond. *Photo: Rendering by Ferris Rafauli Design* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/7-indian-creek20.webp) The driveway sweeps across the front of the house. *Photo: Rendering by Ferris Rafauli Design* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/7-indian-creek3.webp) A cushioned bench is positioned for waiting while the chauffeur brings the car around. *Photo: Rendering by Ferris Rafauli Design* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/7-indian-creek5.webp) The foyer’s grand design evokes both Versailles and the Art Deco movements. *Photo: Rendering by Ferris Rafauli Design* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/7-indian-creek12.webp) The living room. *Photo: Rendering by Ferris Rafauli Design* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/7-indian-creek16.webp) Renderings show a 1,500-gallon aquarium between the living and dining rooms. *Photo: Rendering by Ferris Rafauli Design* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/7-indian-creek4.webp) The dining room includes a lighted wine display cabinet. *Photo: Rendering by Ferris Rafauli Design* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/7-indian-creek7.webp) The open kitchen. *Photo: Rendering by Ferris Rafauli Design* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/7-indian-creek6.webp) Renderings reveal a kitchen with an L-shaped marble island with fluted detailing. *Photo: Rendering by Ferris Rafauli Design* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/7-indian-creek11.webp) A second-floor gallery in the library. *Photo: Rendering by Ferris Rafauli Design* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/7-indian-creek13.webp) The primary bedroom. *Photo: Rendering by Ferris Rafauli Design* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/7-indian-creek9.webp) The primary suite sprawls over half of the second floor. *Photo: Rendering by Ferris Rafauli Design* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/7-indian-creek8.webp) The primary bath. *Photo: Rendering by Ferris Rafauli Design* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/7-indian-creek10.webp) A movie theater. *Photo: Rendering by Ferris Rafauli Design* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/7-indian-creek1-1.webp) The pool area. *Photo: Rendering by Ferris Rafauli Design* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/7-indian-creek2.webp) There will be several fire features, a sunken lounge and curtained cabana. *Photo: Rendering by Ferris Rafauli Design* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/7-indian-creek17.webp) The pool overlooks Biscayne Bay. *Photo: Rendering by Ferris Rafauli Design* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/7-indian-creek15.webp) The property sits on 200 feet of waterfrontage. *Photo: 1 OAK Studios* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/7-indian-creek14.webp) The 135-foot dock still under construction. *Photo: 1 OAK Studios* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Homes **Tags:** indian creek island, miami, News --- ### [Mark Zuckerberg Dropped $170 Million for a Waterfront Estate on Miami’s Indian Creek Island](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/homes/mark-zuckerberg-dropped-170-million-for-a-waterfront-estate-on-miamis-indian-creek-island/) **Published:** March 5, 2026 **Author:** Abby Montanez **Content:** The mystery surrounding [Mark Zuckerberg](https://robbreport.ph/tag/mark-zuckerberg/ "mark zuckerberg")’s rumored move to Miami’s so-called Billionaire Bunker—the subject of intense speculation in recent weeks—now appears to be resolved. The Meta cofounder and his wife, Priscilla Chan, have allegedly closed on a waterfront estate on Florida’s Indian Creek Island, according to a source with knowledge of the deal. Sources familiar with the deal say Zuckerberg ultimately purchased the waterfront mansion at 7 Indian Creek Island Road, a two-acre property located a few doors down from Jeff Bezos’s expanding holdings on the guard-gated enclave. Records now show the deal went down for $170 million, a transaction that makes it the most expensive home sale in Miami-Dade County history, blowing past the previous $120 million residential record. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Zuckerberg_MIA_ICI_BUYRiv2.webp) The estate was crafted by world-renowned designer Ferris Rafauli. *Photo: Rendering by Ferris Rafauli Design; Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images* The estate first debuted quietly on the market in November 2025 with a $200 million asking price, immediately becoming one of South Florida’s most closely watched listings. Developed by Los Angeles–based cosmetic surgeon Dr. Aaron Rollins and his wife, Miami real estate agent Marine Rollins, the home was represented by Jill and Danny Hertzberg of Coldwell Banker Realty. Early reports had linked Zuckerberg to another high-profile address on the island, including the home of Jersey Mike’s founder Peter Cancro at 2 Indian Creek Island Road, but the closing now indicates that residence was never the intended target. The nearly 28,000-square-foot compound was conceived by internationally recognized designer [Ferris Rafauli](https://ferrisrafauli.com/), known for highly customized residences for billionaire clients, including Drake’s opulent Toronto estate. Rafauli oversaw the architecture, interiors, and landscaping of the limestone-clad [home](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/homes/ "Homes"), which sits on nearly two acres with 200 feet of Biscayne Bay frontage. Though largely complete, the property has been marketed as offering a rare blank-slate opportunity. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Zuckerberg_MIA_ICI_BUYRiv1.webp) The 28,000-square-foot home presides over 200 feet of frontage on Biscayne Bay. *Photo: Rendering by Ferris Rafauli Design; Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images* Amenities lean toward private-resort scale, including a jazz lounge, double-height library concealed behind a hidden passage, a 1,500-gallon aquarium dividing the kitchen and dining areas, and a spa suite with a Himalayan salt-wall sauna and steam room. Outside, a 60-foot pool, cabana, and 135-foot yacht-ready dock overlook unobstructed bay views. Indian Creek, home to fewer than 40 waterfront estates and its own private police force, has increasingly drawn hedge fund leaders, athletes, and technology executives seeking privacy and security. The purchase also adds to Zuckerberg’s expanding real estate portfolio, which spans a meticulously assembled compound in Palo Alto, a sprawling estate on Hawaii’s Kauai, adjoining lakefront properties in Lake Tahoe, and a recently acquired mansion in Washington, D.C. ***Click [here](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/homes/7-indian-creek-in-photos/) for more photo renderings of the Miami home.*** *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Homes **Tags:** Celebrities, indian creek island, mark zuckerberg, miami --- ### [Mesmerizing Jump Hour Watches Are Having a Moment](https://robbreport.ph/watches/mesmerizing-jump-hour-watches-are-having-a-moment/) **Published:** March 5, 2026 **Author:** Victoria Gomelsky **Content:** On a recent video call, Nick Manousos, the executive director of the Horological Society of New York, holds an antique Swiss pocket watch up to the screen. Its spare white dial is punctuated by two apertures, a small round window at 12 o’clock marked “heures” and a larger rectangular window at center for “minutes.” “This is from a brand that no longer exists called Cortébert,” Manousos says. “It has a device in it that was invented by a watchmaker called Pallweber. In two seconds here, you’ll see it jump.” Sure enough, a beat later, the “11” in the minutes window silently gives way to a “12.” The effect is subtle but uncanny. The watch’s digital-style display was first popularized by Josef Pallweber, an Austrian engineer who licensed his 1883 mechanical invention to Swiss makers including Cortébert and, most famously, IWC Schaffhausen. Also known as jump, or jumping, hour watches because the hour numeral instantly “jumps” to the next number at the top of the hour, these digital display timepieces were pure novelty in the 1880s. “Back then, a clock or a watch had a dial with hands that moved around it,” Manousos said. “If you saw this, it would look almost magical. How are the digits changing in front of my eyes?” Their popularity proved fleeting. Eventually, they ceded ground to watches with standard analog displays—round dials with traditional sweeping hour and minute hands. Jump hour wristwatches, particularly those in rectangular cases, resurfaced during the Deco period in keeping with the era’s appetite for minimal, geometric design. But they fell out of favor again and largely remained there for decades (A. Lange & Söhne’s 2009 digital-first [Zeitwerk collection](https://www.alange-soehne.com/us-en/timepieces/zeitwerk) notwithstanding). ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RR_LV_012025_Lead_aeed81.webp) Louis Vuitton unveiled its Tambour Convergence at the 2025 LVMH Watch Week. *Photo: Louis Vuitton* Until now. A flurry of jump hour introductions over the past year makes clear the style is back, and in a big way. The resurgence began in January 2025 with [Louis Vuitton’s Tambour Convergence](https://robbreport.ph/watches/time-zone-ready-14-travelwatches-to-travel-the-world-with/ "Time Zone Ready: 13 Watches to Travel the World With"), a variation on the jump hour concept featuring what the brand described as “a dragging indication of hours and minutes, read at the conjunction of two rotating discs with a gold or platinum lozenge marker.” Known in French as a *montres à guichet*, or “window watch,” the model debuted in two refined iterations: a minimalist all-gold dial and a dazzling diamond-set platinum version. The trend accelerated at [Watches and Wonders 2025](https://robbreport.ph/watches/here-is-every-new-rolex-released-at-watches-and-wonders/ "Here Is Every New Rolex Released at Watches and Wonders") with the debut of the [Tank à Guichets](https://robbreport.ph/watches/tank-a-guichets-by-cartier-a-century-of-modern-beauty/ "Tank à Guichets by Cartier: A Century of Modern Beauty"), a series of rectangular Deco-inflected pieces from Cartier that generated strong buzz. At the same time, Bremont unveiled its Terra Nova Jumping Hour model, now available in four stylish iterations, including a 38 mm Stealth Black model rendered entirely in black DLC. From an editorial perspective—where, as the saying goes, “three makes a trend”—the jump hour watch was officially in. More releases followed, cementing the revival, including the distinctive retro-futuristic Time Jumper from Czapek Genève’s 10th anniversary collection and, as of this month, Audemars Piguet’s bold contribution to the category, the [Neo Frame Jumping Hour](https://robbreport.ph/watches/5-incredible-new-watches-from-audemars-piguets-first-big-drop-of-2026/ "5 Incredible New Watches From Audemars Piguet’s First Big Drop of 2026"), whose Streamline Moderne design nods to the jumping hour wristwatches the house produced in the 1920s. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RR_Cartier_Tank_a_Guichet_Lead.webp) “The watch world is always looking for trends,” Stephen Pulvirent, founder of the creative agency [Rime & Reason](https://www.rimereason.com/), tells *Robb Report*. “When somebody finds success with something, other people tend to chase it. We saw that with steel integrated bracelet sport watches. For a while, it was the [Royal Oak](https://robbreport.ph/tag/royal-oak/ "royal oak"), the Ingenieur, the [Nautilus](https://robbreport.ph/tag/nautilus/ "nautilus"), the 222 and that was kind of it. Now, basically every brand needs to have an integrated bracelet sport watch. This jump hour trend seems like a smaller example of the same phenomenon.” Pulvirent also pointed to the broad appeal of a jump hour mechanism. “It’s a complication that’s easy to understand,” he says. “It allows the brand to show off its mechanical knowhow without too much explanation. You can look it and intuitively understand what’s going on, even if you don’t understand how the cams work and how the energy is stored to move the disc. In that way, it’s like a chronograph: There’s something interesting to see. It has a fun, toy-like aspect.” Even accounting for the Swiss watch industry’s copycat tendencies, it’s tempting to interpret the steady stream of jump hour novelties—spanning four-, five-, and six-figure price points—as a reflection of the broader zeitgeist, with a dose of business-minded pragmatism layered in. “Watch brands are always looking for ways to maintain collectors,” Pulvirent says. “AP is a great example. If you’re a Royal Oak collector, maybe you start collecting Royal Oak Offshores and complicated pieces. But at a certain point, you’re going to need some variety, something new. And the Neo Frame could be that. It could also be an on ramp for a different kind of collector. ‘The Royal Oak isn’t for me, but I like the look of the Neo Frame.’ And once you’re in the family, they can try to sell you other things.” *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** audemars piguet, cartier, Feature, jump hour watches, jumping hour watches, Louis Vuitton Tambour, royal oak, tank a guichets, Watch Collector --- ### [This New 113-Foot Superyacht Comes With a Panoramic Pool on the Upper Deck](https://robbreport.ph/boats/this-new-113-foot-superyacht-comes-with-a-panoramic-pool-on-the-upper-deck/) **Published:** March 4, 2026 **Author:** Nicole Hoey **Content:** This Italian builder’s signature vessels are getting a new fleet mate. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/custom-line-navetta-35-lounge-chairs.webp) Custom Line just unveiled its new Navetta 35, a sporty 113-footer that joins several other [superyachts](https://robbreport.ph/tag/superyacht/ "Superyacht") in the lineup. The first unit, currently under construction at the Ferretti Group’s Ancona shipyard, will show off that fine Italian craftsmanship on the seas, thanks to exteriors by architect Filippo Salvetti and interiors from Milanese firm ACPV Architects—a duo that has worked on previous Navetta yachts, too, making them all too familiar with the design. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/custom-line-navetta-35-stern.webp) The three-deck 35, as with other vessels in Navetta umbrella, offer up much volume that its size would suggest, resulting in around 3,200 square feet of room to unwind both indoors and out. Inside, all that space is home to five cabins with room for up to 10 guests (an owner’s suite on the main deck, with his and hers bathroom, and four more rooms below), as well as accommodations for up to six crew. Through the main and upper decks, glass is the star of the show, creating an easy flow between the inside and the sea beyond that focuses on filling the spaces with light. The custom furniture, dreamed up by Italian designer Antonio Citterio, mirrors this fluidity, with warm tones, oak flooring, and curved lines throughout. The lack of an aft staircase also maximizes space aboard, allowing for more comfort while relaxing indoors. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/custom-line-navetta-35-main-deck-salon.webp) Inside the main salon. Outside, meanwhile, the exteriors take its design cues from your favorite supercars, offering up sculpted, flowing curves that make a rather contemporary statement. The 624-square-foot sundeck has a central area, covered by a hard top, that can be made into a lounge or a sky bar; the space also includes a sunset solarium and a panoramic spa pool, if you fancy one aboard. Following the sundeck’s lead, the upper deck, too, is all about creating an open-air hangout that brings the outside in; and it does just that, thanks to its about 470-foot dining spot for 10, full-beam lounge, and a separate sky lounge and sunset lounge for taking in the sights. For journeying off the superyacht, it has a garage that can hold a 16-foot tender and a Jet Ski. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/custom-line-navetta-35.webp) Custom Line’s Navetta 35. *Photo: Custom Line* The Navetta 35 is powered by a pair of 1,400 hp MAN V-13 engines, which give it a range of up to 1,800 miles; or you can opt for two 1,622 hp CAT C32 units, which could give your vessel a top speed of 16 knots. With a draught of seven feet, two inches, the new superyacht can explore the shallow waters of the Caribbean, for example, and you can install a system that cuts nitrogen-oxide emissions by 70 percent. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/custom-line-navetta-35-pool.webp) The spa pool. *Photo: Custom Line* Custom Line has been rather busy as of late. The builder just unveiled its new Seatta 128 last October at the Monaco Yacht Show, with deliveries set for 2026. The vessel offers up a distinctive sloping stern and a sweeping superstructure—as well as a ton of glass aboard for a bright interior, just like its cousin Navetta 35. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Boats **Tags:** custom line, marine, News, Superyacht --- ### [The Fritz Neuser Collection in Photos](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-fritz-neuser-collection-in-photos/) **Published:** March 4, 2026 **Author:** Erik Shilling **Content:** A vast trove of classic [Ferraris](https://robbreport.ph/tag/ferrari/ "Ferrari"), [Porsches](https://robbreport.ph/tag/porsche/ "porsche"), Alfa Romeos, De Tomasos, and more is going up for [auction](https://robbreport.ph/tag/auction/ "auction") in March, the collection of a lifetime from a former German Olympic cyclist and car dealer. Read the full article [here](https://robbreport.ph/cars/this-bonkers-treasure-trove-of-ferraris-porsches-and-more-coveted-cars-is-heading-for-auction/). ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Mercedes-Benz-220-e1772202469716.webp) The 1953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Cabriolet A is one of the oldest cars in the collection. *Peter Singhof* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Ferrari-365-GT4-e1772202120890-1.webp) A 1975 Ferrari 365 GT4 BB in front of a large photo of a race. *Peter Singhof* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Ferrari-365-e1772202188294-1.webp) The 1970 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona is one of the higher-priced cars on offer. *Peter Singhof* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** auction, Ferrari, Fritz Neuser, mercedes-benz --- ### [This Bonkers Treasure Trove of Ferraris, Porsches, and More Coveted Cars Is Heading for Auction](https://robbreport.ph/cars/this-bonkers-treasure-trove-of-ferraris-porsches-and-more-coveted-cars-is-heading-for-auction/) **Published:** March 4, 2026 **Author:** Erik Shilling **Content:** A vast trove of classic [Ferraris](https://robbreport.ph/tag/ferrari/ "Ferrari"), [Porsches](https://robbreport.ph/tag/porsche/ "porsche"), Alfa Romeos, De Tomasos, and more is going up for [auction](https://robbreport.ph/tag/auction/ "auction") in March, the collection of a lifetime from a former German Olympic cyclist and car dealer. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Jaguar-C-Type-e1772202349272.webp) The 1971 Jaguar C-Type ‘Heritage’ is a replica. *Photo: Peter Singhof* The lineup includes 21 Ferraris, six Alfa Romeos, two Porsches, a Lancia, a [Mercedes-Benz](https://robbreport.ph/cars/10-fascinating-facts-you-didnt-know-about-mercedes-benz/ "10 Fascinating Facts You Didn’t Know About Mercedes-Benz"), a Jaguar, and a Chevron race car, among others. It will be [auctioned on March 15 by Artcurial in Paris](https://www.artcurial.com/en/sales/6480). “It’s simply time for me to pass on my life’s work,” Fritz Neuser [told *Auto Moto und Sport*](https://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/oldtimer/darum-verkauft-fritz-neuser-seine-autosammlung/). The most expensive car in the collection, judging by the estimated prices, is a 1970 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona, which could go for $945,000. Others include a 1995 Sbarro Alcador Roadster that could go for $475,000, a 2006 Ferrari 575 Superamerica that could go for $532,000, a 1953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Cabriolet A that could go for $190,000, a 1970 Alfa Romeo GTAm 2-litre that could go for $350,000, and a 1959 Fiat Abarth 2200 Allemano Spider that could go for $165,000. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Lancia-Fulvia-13-Sport-e1772202420440.webp) The 1971 Lancia Fulvia 1.3L Sport is estimated to go for less than $20,000. *Photo: Peter Singhof* Other lots in the vast collection of the German cyclist also include a Ferrari golf bag that could fetch $300, carburetors for a Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona that are estimated to go for as high as $23,000, and two standing tables with Ferrari insignia on them that could sell for $475. The collection is, indeed, the result of a lifetime of collecting Ferrari things, as Neuser, now 93, was a Ferrari dealer for decades until 2003. Before that, Neuser was a champion cyclist and won several national titles in road and track cycling events. He was in Melbourne for the Olympics in 1956, retired in 1957, and embarked on a new career selling cars, specifically Goggomobil. Later, Neuser raced cars, winning several hillclimbs and track events. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Sbarro-Brescia-e1772202519660.webp) The 1979 Sbarro Brescia Spider could for 250,000 euros. *Photo: Peter Singhof* A 1968 Goggomobil TS 250 Coupe is also in the collection and will be sold at a price estimated to be between $9,500 and $16,500. That car is one of the oldest in Neuser’s collection and is a reminder of his roots, before he was one of Germany’s biggest Ferrari and Alfa Romeo dealers. Now, the Goggomobil and the rest of his cars seek new stewards for the next generation. ***Click [here](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-fritz-neuser-collection-in-photos/) for more photos of the Fritz Neuser Collection.*** [](https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/fritz-neuser-col%E2%80%A6hotos-1237617114/)*This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** alfa romero, auction, detomaso, Ferrari, lancia, mercedes benz, News --- ### [The Answers With Donnie Tantoco](https://robbreport.ph/profiles/the-answers-with-donnie-tantoco/) **Published:** March 4, 2026 **Author:** Aica Dacuno **Content:** Donnie Tantoco’s philosophy is anchored in the conviction that success, at its best, should serve something larger than itself. His worldview is shaped by the values passed down by his beloved Lolo Benny—the original Bienvenido Tantoco, co-founder of the [Rustan’s ](https://robbreport.ph/tag/rustans/ "rustan's")Group—and his father, Rico (Bienvenido Jr.). From them, Donnie says, he inherited a sensibility rooted in stewardship and continuity. When asked which of their lessons endure most clearly, Donnie refers to trust as a foundation of leadership and the measure by which businesses create value for colleagues, customers, and communities. “We’ve made our employees the first beneficiaries of our success, and we’ve made a tangible, sustainable impact in their lives, especially those who’ve been with us 10 years or more,” he says. Donnie remains anchored by the life he shares with his wife, Crickette, their three children, and three grandchildren. The simplicity he values at home inspires the clarity that defines his approach to leadership. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JLP_0517.webp) Joseph Pascual We recently sat down with Donnie at Joel’s Place, his latest enterprise—a grocery, specialty store, and restaurant—which he founded with his cousin Christopher Tantoco in 2023. **What’s the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?** I read the Bible. **Favorite clothes to wear?** I don’t really buy brands. I buy what appeals to me aesthetically. I like Japanese style. I don’t always know the brands, but I know the look. **What apps do you use the most?** Hallow, YouTube, Notes, and Netflix. **What do you do that’s still analog?** I write. I journal every morning and evening in my notebook. **What advice do you wish you’d followed?** Sometimes I wonder if I should have followed the advice not to open a restaurant. **What do you most crave at the end of the day?** One-on-one time with my wife. **Who is your dealer and what do they source for you?** My son, Christian. He makes me curious and introduces me to things I didn’t know about but end up desiring. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JLP_0479.webp) *Joseph Pascual* **What is your exercise routine and how often do you do it?** I run every day for 45 minutes, then I dance twice a week. My son keeps telling me I need to do weightlifting, so I’m trying to do more of that. **What is your definition of success?** Greatness benefits many. **Has this definition changed from when you were younger?** Yes. **How has it changed?** When I was younger, I was more attached to outcomes. Now, I’m more focused on the journey and I accept whatever the result is. **What lessons did your grandfather and father teach you about success?** They taught me that success is about impact. It’s about being inclusive and building something that educates and empowers people. **Do you consider yourself successful?** Yes and no. Yes, because our work has created a tangible impact for our employees. No, because I believe there is still more meaningful work ahead. **Are you doing what you want to do in your life?** Yes. I’m continuing to do meaningful work. I like being an entrepreneur because my work now requires creativity and originating things from scratch. It’s harder, but I love it. **What would you want your life’s legacy to be?** To help unleash Filipino creativity and make the Philippines a good place to create. **How do you find calm?** By immersing myself in the Gospel. **Who is your guru?** Probably my wife. **What’s your favorite cocktail?** I don’t drink alcohol, but I like chocolate milkshakes. **What’s the most impressive dish you cook?** Pesang Manok. It’s a ginger-based chicken soup. I cooked it for my wife when I was courting her. She’s my wife now. **What do you collect?** Memories, experiences, insights. **What is the most recent thing you regret not buying?** When I buy anything, it has to mean something and it has to last. I’ve been buying more thoughtfully and less frequently, so I have no recent regrets. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JLP_0541.webp) *Joseph Pascual* **What was the first artwork you bought?** A Nemi Miranda painting of a tikbalang confronted by an ordinary Filipino—not to harm him, but to transform him. It reminds me to show up with the right character. **If you could learn a new skill, what would it be?** Data science. **Do you wear a watch?** Yes. **How many do you own?** Three. **Which one’s your favorite?** A Vacheron. It was my grandfather’s first nice watch he ever bought. **What is your most prized possession?** An Elsa Peretti rosary I bought while working with Tiffany & Co. and gave to my grandmother. We prayed with it the night before she passed. After she died, it came back to me. **What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?** Don’t take anything personally. Don’t let emotion—especially negative emotion—cloud your judgment. **What’s your favorite hotel?** Lagen. We spent the holidays there with the family. One day there felt like three days of rest. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Lagen-Water-Villa.webp) A Water Villa in Lagen. *El Nido Resorts* **What’s always in your hand luggage?** My running shoes. **If you could go anywhere now, where would you go?** Brooklyn, New York, to experience my son’s life there. I’m also going to Mexico with my wife for a pilgrimage. **What’s worth paying for?** Shared experiences—especially those that help you learn and become more loving. **How much do you trust your gut instinct?** Probably too much. **What car(s) are you most attached to?** My Toyota Grandia Elite. It’s like my cocoon and oasis on wheels. **Drive or be driven?** Driven. But if I were to drive, I would like to drive an Aston Martin DB5 one day. **Last box set or Netflix binge?** The Last Kingdom. **Who do you admire the most in the world?** Aside from my elder Bienvenidos, Nelson Mandela. **Bowie or Dylan?** Neither. Michael Jackson. **What song is currently in your head?** “Treasure” by Bruno Mars or “Loyal” by Chris Brown. **What kind of music makes you happy?** Music that lifts my spirit, like “Man in the Mirror” by Michael Jackson. **Categories:** Profiles **Tags:** aston martin, donnie tantoco, Elsa Peretti, joel's place, rustan's, tiffany & co, Vacheron Constantin --- ### [How Dusty Pink Became Menswear’s Hottest Color of Spring](https://robbreport.ph/style/how-dusty-pink-became-menswears-hottest-color-of-spring/) **Published:** March 3, 2026 **Author:** Adam Mansuroglu **Content:** If you paid close attention to the spring 2026 [menswear ](https://robbreport.ph/style/fashion/ "Fashion")shows, it was hard not to notice the prevailing presence of clothes in shades of muted, dusty pink—a color palette typically more associated with feminine fashions than with what most guys wear day-to-day. Yet there it was, on suits and separates at [Brunello Cucinelli](https://robbreport.ph/tag/brunello-cucinelli/ "brunello cucinelli"), on leather goods and outerwear at [Louis Vuitton](https://robbreport.ph/tag/louis-vuitton/ "Louis Vuitton"), and on all manner of garments at [Zegna](https://robbreport.ph/tag/zegna/ "zegna") and [Dior](https://robbreport.ph/tag/dior/ "dior"). “It’s gentle, gentle pink,” says celebrity stylist [Jeanne Yang](https://www.instagram.com/jeanneyangstyle/?hl=en) of this color of the moment, calling it one of her signatures. “I remember sending a swatch to [Fendi](https://robbreport.ph/tag/fendi/ "fendi") years ago for Jason Momoa. It was really before we saw much peacocking on the red carpet.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Brunello_Cucinelli_Mens_SS26.webp) Brunello Cucinelli’s deep-pink suit. *Photo: Courtesy of Brunello Cucinelli* For today’s menswear makers, crafting clothes from these rosy hues seems less about pushing the sartorial envelope and more about referencing history. Go back long enough and pink was considered entirely appropriate for creating a commanding, masculine look. In the 18th century, natural red fabric dyes made from Indian madder root and South American brazilwood were key to producing the pink fabrics that both men and women wore during the reign of King Louis XV. Celebrated Rococo portraitists including Maurice-Quentin de La Tour, François Boucher, and Jean-Baptiste Perronneau frequently used these soft shades in their paintings, indelibly linking pink with wealth, power, and sophistication. (See also: the salmon fabric draped around the figure of Apollo in Boucher’s *The Rising of the Sun* and the all-pink suit in Perronneau’s 1756 portrait of shipping magnate Olivier Journu.) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Saint_Laurent_Rose_Shirt.webp) Saint Laurent calls the color of this silk shirt “rose des bois,” or rosewood. *Photo: Courtesy of Saint Laurent* This is exactly the period that Jonathan Anderson referenced in his debut menswear outing for Dior, for which he also applied the color to preppy staples such as a cable-knit sweater and a pair of pleated trousers. “Pink has always been a welcome color in the prep wardrobe, from button-down shirts to polos to well-worn chinos or shorts,” says [Jian DeLeon](https://www.jiandeleon.com/), men’s fashion director at Nordstrom. “With that particular style more relevant than ever, it’s no surprise to see it gaining steam once again.” So how do real guys get in on the look? First: Stop worrying that it’s going to make you look odd. “Pink is probably one of the most brightening tones for anybody,” Yang says. “It makes you look so alive and gives you color.” Second: Don’t think you have to buy a new wardrobe to make it work for you. “If you’re going to introduce it, you have to do it with muted tones,” she adds. Take the season’s Hermès show, which styled pink scarves with a casual black jacket and brown trousers—items you might already have in your closet. Third: Try it out at the office. “Pink’s real sophistication emerges at work, where restraint is key,” says [David Thielebeule](https://www.thielebeule.com/), fashion director at Bloomingdale’s. “A pale pink poplin \[shirt\] under a navy suit, a muted blush tie against charcoal, or even a whisper of rose in a fine-gauge sweater layered beneath a jacket can feel modern without screaming.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Zegna_Mens_SS26.webp) Head-to-toe pink at Zegna. *Photo: Courtesy of Zegna* Of course, if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can commit to wearing it head to toe—and no shortage of the best men’s clothiers can help you do it. Consider it the ultimate signal of self-confidence and a way to telegraph that you’re willing to take risks. “If the one thing people can take away from celebrity looks and runway collections is to give themselves permission to go out and express themselves more, then that’s amazing,” Yang says. “Let’s keep going for it!” *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US*. **Categories:** Style **Tags:** brunello cuccinelli, dior, fendi, Louis Vuitton, Magazine, Menswear, zegna --- ### [Rolex Sold a Record-Breaking $14 Billion Worth of Watches Last Year: Report](https://robbreport.ph/watches/rolex-sold-a-record-breaking-14-billion-worth-of-watches-last-year-report/) **Published:** March 3, 2026 **Author:** Nicole Hoey **Content:** In 2025, [Rolex](https://robbreport.ph/tag/rolex/ "rolex") came out on top. The Crown led the luxury-watch pack last year, driving its sales up 4 percent to surpass CHF 11 billion (around $14 billion) in a first for the brand, according to Morgan Stanley and LuxeConsult’s annual Swiss Watcher report. That’s in spite of the fact that Rolex actually brought less watches to market in 2025, amounting to a 2 percent decline—the second year in a row that the watchmaker has placed less timepieces in the hands of retailers, a repetition that hasn’t happened in over 20 years, Hodinkee [reported](https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/with-rolex-and-cartier-in-another-league-a-deep-dive-on-whos-making-gains-and-whos-feeling-pain-in-t#&gid=1&pid=2). What may be even more noteworthy is that [Rolex](https://robbreport.ph/watches/here-is-every-new-rolex-released-at-watches-and-wonders/ "Here Is Every New Rolex Released at Watches and Wonders") is responsible for about 33 percent of the Swiss watch industry’s entire sales for 2025, Morgan Stanley says, selling around one million timepieces in that period. (Rolex did not respond to Hodinkee’s request for comment on the report.) And though the Crown had far and away the most impressive figures, other watchmakers had plenty of celebrate at the end of 2025, too. Along with Rolex, [Cartier](https://robbreport.ph/the-story-of/a-complete-history-of-the-cartier-tortue/ "A Complete History of the Cartier Tortue"), [Audemars Piguet](https://robbreport.ph/watches/audemars-piguet-gave-its-new-royal-oak-chronograph-a-light-touch-literally/ "Audemars Piguet Gave Its New Royal Oak Chronograph a Light Touch—Literally"), and Omega make up around 55 percent of Swiss watch sales, showing just how powerful and dominant these storied brands are on the marketplace. Cartier came in second on the ranking, with sales hitting CHF $3.5 billion (around $4.5 billion) in 2025—possibly with the help of the sky-high popularity of its Tank model, among others. AP, meanwhile, raked in $3.3 billion on the sale of just 53,000 timepieces. Patek Philippe moved up to fourth place, bringing in $3.2 billion last year with 72,000 models sold. Omega and Richard Mille were also at the top of the pyramid, the so-called billionaires’ club of the Swiss watch sector. Omega, falling to the fifth slot on the list, still saw its watches generate $2.8 billion on the ranking; the watchmaker’s owner, Swatch Group, says the Morgan Stanley report uses “wrong estimations, assumptions, data, figures, and statements,” according to Hodinkee. [Richard Mille](https://robbreport.ph/tag/richard-mille/ "richard mille"), known for its highly technical, avant-garde pieces with massive price tags, sold just 5,950 watches last year (coming in at No. 6 on the ranking), but still managed to generate $4.1 billion in 2025. In general, Swiss watch brands are making less timepieces, the report found, even as prices are climbing. In fact, the number of models made in 2025—14.6 million—is half of what the industry produced back in 2011. And watches priced over $64,000 (CHF 50,000) are completely dominating the market, making up 89 percent of growth in 2025. Yet, that group only makes up 1.4 percent of the timepieces on offer for 2025, an uber-small percentage that, again, shows the vice-like grip these luxe brands have on the industry overall. Now that 2025 is in the rearview, though, Rolex and other brands have plenty on the horizon—[Watches and Wonders](https://robbreport.ph/tag/watches-and-wonders/ "watches and wonders"), anyone? *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** audemars piguet, News, rolex, swiss --- ### [Airbus Corporate Helicopters and Mercedes-Benz Take Off With the ACH145 Mercedes-Benz Edition](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/airbus-corporate-helicopters-and-mercedes-benz-take-off-with-the-ach145-mercedes-benz-edition/) **Published:** March 3, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** Airbus Corporate Helicopters (ACH) and Mercedes-Benz chose one of the world’s busiest private [helicopter](https://robbreport.ph/tag/helicopter/ "helicopter") markets, São Paulo, to unveil the new [ACH145 Mercedes-Benz Edition](https://www.ach.airbus.com/en/ach-offerings/helicopters/ach145), the latest product of their long-running partnership. The new heli pairs the robustness and versatility of the ACH145 platform with Mercedes-Benz’s design authority. First launched in 2010, the collaboration was among the earliest serious efforts to fuse automotive interior philosophy with aerospace engineering. Since then, 26 examples of the earlier ACH145 Mercedes-Benz Style have been delivered worldwide, appealing to clients who value continuity of experience across land and air. Following a renewed agreement in 2021, the partnership entered a more focused chapter shaped by Mercedes-Benz’s contemporary design language, “Sensual Purity.” The updated name—the ACH145 Mercedes-Benz Edition—signals a deeper integration rather than a mere styling exercise in ultra-luxury mobility. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/DOPH-2028-188R_%C2%A9Airbus-Helicopters-Christian-Keller-1.webp) *Airbus Corporation Helicopters & Mercedes-Benz* The helicopter is based on the latest five-bladed variant of the H145 platform, delivering measurable performance gains. The additional blade enhances flight smoothness and reduces vibration, resulting in greater passenger comfort, and noise levels have been further refined in different ways but also, of course, due to the Fenestron tail rotor—an essential consideration for urban operations and executive transport. The updated configuration also increases useful payload by 150 kilograms, expanding flexibility without sacrificing range (366 nautical miles) or its good looks. Maximum endurance is an impressive 3 hours 59 minutes, with speed going up to 137 knots, reinforcing power and practicality along with its polish. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/DOPH-2029-030R_%C2%A9Airbus-Helicopters-Christian-Keller_.webp) *Airbus Corporation Helicopters & Mercedes-Benz* Inside, the aircraft feels like an airborne extension of Mercedes-Benz’s luxury vehicles. Clients may choose between four- to eight-seat layouts, with six curated interior concepts serving as tailored starting points. Luxe materials, stitching details, color palettes, and ambient lighting reflect the elegance seen in the brand’s flagship automobiles. Sculpted seating emphasizes ergonomic support, ensuring comfort whether on short city transfers or longer regional flights. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/DOPH-2029-029R_%C2%A9Airbus-Helicopters-Christian-Keller.webp) *Airbus Corporation Helicopters & Mercedes-Benz* The ACH145 Mercedes-Benz Edition places design coherence at its core, and configurations can be arranged for lounge-style conversation, face-to-face meetings, or more formal executive transport. Integrated storage, refined trim interfaces, and harmonized lighting contribute to a seamless environment. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/DOPH-2029-092_%C2%A9Airbus-Helicopters-Christian-Keller.webp) *Airbus Corporation Helicopters & Mercedes-Benz* Yet this helicopter is not defined by aesthetics alone. In cities like São Paulo, where ground congestion can consume hours, vertical mobility has become a strategic advantage. For entrepreneurs and executives navigating multiple locations across regions and time zones, the ACH145 operates as both transport and business instrument. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/DOPH-2029-134_%C2%A9Airbus-Helicopters-Christian-Keller.webp) *Airbus Corporation Helicopters & Mercedes-Benz* The final figure has yet to be confirmed, but estimates place it in the $10 million to $12 million range. In the rarefied calculus of time, privacy, and design without compromise, that is a premium few will question. **Categories:** Aviation **Tags:** ACH145 Mercedes-Benz Edition, Airbus Corporate Helicopters, helicopter, mercedes-benz --- ### [Latest, Greatest Compact Coupe from BMW: The New M2 CS](https://robbreport.ph/cars/bmws-latest-greatest-compact-coupe-the-new-m2-cs/) **Published:** March 2, 2026 **Author:** Carl Cunanan **Content:** The new M2 CS may be the last of its kind. The things we love seem to get bigger as we get older, don’t they? We recently tested the 2026 [BMW](https://robbreport.ph/tag/bmw/ "bmw") M2 CS at the World Car Awards. We drove it down the highways around Pasadena, California and up the Angeles Crest Highway. This gave us a clear sense of how BMW’s most sport-oriented vehicle behaves in both everyday and challenging mountain conditions. The CS is a step up from the M2, which itself builds on the 2 Series lineage. These cars trace their DNA back to BMW’s early icons—the 2002s (model name, not year) and the early 3 Series—beloved for their design, handling, and inline-six engines. When the 3 Series grew in size, the 2 Series carried forward the compact, driver-focused, front-engine rear-wheel drive, done the BMW way. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/P90600943_highRes_the-new-bmw-m2-cs.webp) *BMW* You start at the base of the 2 Series, and you add onto it with the M Division treatment, then you move up to Competition, and then the CS, which is Competition Sport. This represents M’s most focused, track-oriented production variant. The badge means you have weight reduction, enhanced aerodynamics, and suspension tuning that bridges the gap between standard M models and the even more limited-run Coupe Sport Lightweight, known as CSL variants, if and when they are even available. The new M2 CS uses an upgraded three-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine, the setup that has earned it multiple class wins for the International Engine Of The Year. It produces 530 horsepower and 650 Nm of torque, which is a bump over the standard M2, and has an eight-speed automatic transmission with Drivelogic as standard. This allows you to easily change shift characteristics while also still shifting via the paddles. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/P90600915_highRes_the-new-bmw-m2-cs.webp) *BMW* The car has the usual safety systems but skewed for sport. The electronic stability control system lets you play a little bit more before it intervenes. The CS also shed weight through the use of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic in many parts and the fitting of forged M light-alloy wheels, making it the lightest M2 so far in this generation. The new M2 CS was wonderful on the highways and great on the curves as we drove up the twisting roads into the mountains overlooking Pasadena. The tires are semi-slicks meant to be used mostly on the track in dry conditions and/or by very skilled drivers. On that day, we saw clouds rolling in over the mountains, and while we were happily exploring grip and traction, we could see that it was going to get trickier quickly. As mentioned, the systems for intervention allow a little bit more play, which means when you want to throttle-steer a car around a corner, you know you have the ability to do so. It’s exactly this, and the combination of lightness, tightness, and power that make this car a front-runner for the World Performance Car Awards. However, we quickly saw that as the rains came in and combined with the dust off the mountains turning into mud, we were on a less-traction, less-friction-friendly surface on those mountain roads, and it would soon be time to stop. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/P90600918_highRes_the-new-bmw-m2-cs.webp) BMW As good as traction control systems are in modern cars, even the best systems can’t override physics, especially on roads with steep drops. We chose to stop, and minutes later, the California Highway Patrol closed down those roads, confirming it was the right call. Cars like this BMW M2 CS are very much at the high end of the enthusiast and collectability curve, and this is an excellent example of why you need to understand them. After all, they may not be what you want for a daily driver. Having said all of that, this car may well be the last of what a lot of us really love: a compact coupe with an air-gulping internal combustion engine that runs hard up to 7,200 rpm. With the way electrification is going and has been changing over the last few years, this may or may not be the final iteration of this vehicle with this power and this size. It is meant to be engaging, analog, and fun, but still takes the best of BMW engineering and the dominance of that platform into a new world. It may turn out to be a last hurrah of this type of vehicle and therefore a great collectible. But it will be an even better drive. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report Philippines’ [Success Issue, February 2026.](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-february-2026-the-success-issue/)* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** bmw, coupe, M2 CS --- ### [The Kallis House in Photos](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/the-kallis-house-in-photos/) **Published:** March 2, 2026 **Author:** Wendy Bowman **Content:** The midcentury abode has four bedrooms and a trio of baths in roughly 3,500 square feet. [Click here for the full story](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/a-landmark-home-by-modernist-master-r-m-schindler-lists-for-7-million-in-l-a/). ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/3580Multiview-SchindlerKallisHouse-garage.webp) A garage sits street level, with the home hidden away below. *Photo: © Alexis Adam* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/3580Multiview-SchindlerKallisHouse-terrace.webp) The entry courtyard. *Photo: © Alexis Adam* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/3580Multiview-SchindlerKallisHouse-entry.webp) The front door. *Photo: © Alexis Adam* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/3580Multiview-SchindlerKallisHouse-plaque.webp) A plaque denoting the property’s historic significance. *Photo: © Alexis Adam* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/3580Multiview-SchindlerKallisHouse-LR2.webp) The living room. *Photo: © Alexis Adam* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/3580Multiview-SchindlerKallisHouse-DR.webp) The formal dining area. *Photo: © Alexis Adam* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/3580Multiview-SchindlerKallisHouse-views_f6085d.webp) A slender deck wraps around the dining area. *Photo: © Alexis Adam* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/3580Multiview-SchindlerKallisHouse-diningarea.webp) A casual dining area. *Photo: © Alexis Adam* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/3580Multiview-SchindlerKallisHouse-kitchen.webp) The galley kitchen. *Photo: © Alexis Adam* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/3580Multiview-SchindlerKallisHouse-banquette.webp) A breakfast banquette. *Photo: © Alexis Adam* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/3580Multiview-SchindlerKallisHouse-primary.webp) The primary bedroom. *Photo: © Alexis Adam* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/3580Multiview-SchindlerKallisHouse-sittingarea.webp) A fireside sitting area in the primary opens to a deck. *Photo: © Alexis Adam* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/3580Multiview-SchindlerKallisHouse-baths.webp) The updated baths include a steam shower and mahogany soaking tub. *Photo: © Alexis Adam* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/3580Multiview-SchindlerKallisHouse-office.webp) A study. *Photo: © Alexis Adam* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/3580Multiview-SchindlerKallisHouse-pool_7189cb.webp) The pool area. *Photo: © Alexis Adam* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/3580Multiview-SchindlerKallisHouse-bocce.webp) A bocce court is carved into the slope below the house. *Photo: © Alexis Adam* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/3580Multiview-SchindlerKallisHouse-view.webp) Views span from the Cahuenga Pass to the San Gabriel Mountains. *Photo: © Alexis Adam* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/3580Multiview-SchindlerKallisHouse-exterior.webp) An aerial look at the property, which sits on over a third of an acre. *Photo: © Alexis Adam* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Home & Design **Tags:** Hollywood Hills, los angeles, real estate, rm schindler --- ### [A Landmark Home by Modernist Master R.M. Schindler Lists for $7 Million in L.A.](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/a-landmark-home-by-modernist-master-r-m-schindler-lists-for-7-million-in-l-a/) **Published:** March 2, 2026 **Author:** Wendy Bowman **Content:** Around nine years ago, retired investment banker and CFO John Gillespie and his wife, journalist and author Susan Orlean, doled out $2.1 million for a Hollywood Hills home created by Austria-born architect R.M. Schindler, with later additions by Josef Van der Kar and Leroy Miller. Built in 1946 and owned by the same family for seven decades, the midcentury gem was, unfortunately, in dire need of a makeover after years of wear and neglect. “When we saw this house, we could tell that it was a very special piece of architecture, but it was like a woman dressed in a very dowdy outfit,” said Orlean in an [Open Space video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oX0CsTd40V0). “You sensed that she was beautiful, but it was hard to see beyond the sort of frowzy outfit she was in. There were beige carpets throughout the house. There was gray paint on all the walls. We had no idea what was beneath the gray walls. My first thought when we looked at the house was, ‘We’re going to have to pick a better paint color because the color was really dreary.’” “We were daunted by the sheer number of things that needed to be worked on,” added Gillespie, “but even with the gray paint, carpeting, and everything else, you could tell how loved the house had been, and it just needed work to bring out its charm.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/3580Multiview-SchindlerKallisHouse-LR.webp) The house has built-in furnishings throughout. *Photo: © Alexis Adam* The couple, who previously owned another Schindler-designed property nearby, subsequently undertook a five-year, multimillion-dollar renovation in collaboration with architects [Barbara Bestor](https://www.bestorarchitecture.com/) and Jeff Fink, who removed the gunmetal gray paint on the walls and on the tongue-and-groove ceilings to uncover the original mahogany and Douglas fir underneath. They also replaced the carpeting with red oak floors and installed 15-foot caissons to stabilize the crumbling foundation. Now the stylishly redone residence, which was designated as Historic-Cultural Monument No. 860 by the city of [Los Angeles](https://robbreport.ph/tag/los-angeles/ "los angeles") in 2007, has returned to the market. The asking price is a dash under $7 million, with Cooper Mount and Hanna Ginsberg of Carolwood Estates sharing [the listing](https://carolwoodre.com/properties/3580-multiview-dr-los-angeles-ca-us-90068-26643091). ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/3580Multiview-SchindlerKallisHouse-views.webp) Picturesque views stretch from the Cahuenga Pass to the San Gabriel Mountains. *Photo: © Alexis Adam* Known as the [Kallis House](https://www.laconservancy.org/learn/historic-places/kallis-house/)—after Mischa Kallis, the fine artist and film art director who commissioned the structure and then sold it to his cousin, concert pianist Jacqueline Sharlin, and her husband, William, in 1960—the striking butterfly-roof abode is embedded into a steeply sloping parcel spanning over a third of an acre and offers four bedrooms and three bathrooms in roughly 3,500 square feet. The split-level living space is filled with slanted walls, built-in furnishings, and large windows overlooking views stretching from the Cahuenga Pass to the San Gabriel Mountains beyond. A detached street-side garage and a vertical split stake-sided wall hide the house tucked down below from prying eyes, and the main living area is anchored by a towering Brutalist-like stone fireplace. A galley-style kitchen comes with a Wolf range, a breakfast banquette, and access to a brick terrace shaded by live oak trees, while a spacious dining area can seat up to a dozen people. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/3580Multiview-SchindlerKallisHouse-pool.webp) A pool and spa are flanked by a sundeck and fire pit lounge. *Photo: © Alexis Adam* Secluded in a separate wing is a window-lined primary suite, which sports a fireside sitting area opening to a deck and a bath with dual vanities and a glass-encased steam shower. There’s also an office, as well as climatized basement storage, plus outdoor amenities encompassing a pool and spa, a fire pit conversation area, and a bocce court. The couple, who sold Schindler’s Roxy Roth House in Studio City for $2 million in 2018, have decided to part ways with the Kallis House because they are planning to spend more time in New York, where Gillespie has grandchildren, per [*The Wall Street Journal*](https://www.wsj.com/real-estate/luxury-homes/robert-schindler-modernist-home-los-angeles-dcbf6df2?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=AWEtsqfkgTP1Ju7tW2bUPI_Y0ChXgBai3bb8KnSux1aKLvtWpVbl8cUr7tZs7HDmcxA%3D&gaa_ts=699dfdcd&gaa_sig=CFkxXCrgXDLCfLLqKjA8Fd_8c34qsusnHTq-ASbutRg_MCy9rYatk-DsEOuusdXECXgq3C14jEBwBe1C1mNPMQ%3D%3D). They are also currently renovating a home in Santa Barbara. ***Click [here](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/the-kallis-house-in-photos/) for more photos of the Hollywood Hills residence.*** *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Home & Design **Tags:** Hollywood Hills, los angeles, News, rm schindler --- ### [The Grande Double Sonnerie: A New Pinnacle for Blancpain](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-grande-double-sonnerie-a-new-pinnacle-for-blancpain/) **Published:** February 27, 2026 **Author:** Carl Cunanan **Content:** Toward the end of the last century, we were seeing the resurgence of interest in fine watchmaking on a much broader level. Newer enthusiasts were coming into the fold, and information on fine watchmaking was more easily available. We were seeing an increase in activity from brands that were previously less seen, in particular, [Blancpain](https://robbreport.ph/tag/blancpain/ "blancpain") and [Breguet](https://robbreport.ph/tag/breguet/ "breguet"). At the time, we were looking at the finest of fine watchmaking with [Patek Philippe](https://robbreport.ph/tag/patek-philippe/ "Patek Philippe") and Vacheron Constantin. But then we were also starting to see some offerings from Blancpain and Breguet that were a little bit different. Both these brands had amazing histories, and they also had something a little bit different: homages to some historic sport pieces that included, for Breguet, the Type XX, and for Blancpain, the Fifty Fathoms. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Romain-and-Yoann-holding-the-15GSQ.webp) *Blancpain* These were pieces we could appreciate for their fine watchmaking heritage, but that could also be used daily. And in many ways, that’s what drew people to Blancpain. Recently, Blancpain has again been paying more attention to the Fifty Fathoms line, and it’s becoming increasingly visible and quite successful. So it was a surprise when President and CEO Marc A. Hayek brought out its new fine watchmaking piece, which is groundbreaking both in terms of the brand, and in terms of the watchmaking world. Blancpain calls it the [Grande Double Sonnerie](https://robbreport.ph/watches/blancpain-returns-to-high-horology-with-the-2-million-grande-double-sonnerie/ "Blancpain Returns to High Horology With the $2 Million Grande Double Sonnerie"). ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/15GSQ_Beauty_Shot_or_rose_RGB.webp) Blancpain’s Grand Double Sonnerie breaks new ground in the world of grand complications. *Blancpain* There’s always been a special place in the heart for watches that make sound, whether they be alarms, minute repeaters, or sonneries. Chiming watches are generally considered by most serious collectors to be at the very, very top of fine watchmaking. They were first created when there were no electric lights, and there was a need to tell time in the dark. They had to sound things off. To this day, they are extremely hard to do and require a huge amount of nuance and detail to accomplish correctly. What’s special here is Blancpain’s use of the word “double,” because you have a choice of one of two melodies to play on this Grande Sonnerie. One is a very traditional, classic Westminster chime, which on its own is quite Impressive and enchanting. The other one is, and this surprised everyone, an original composition from the rock star Eric Singer of the glam rock band, Kiss. The fact that you can choose the melody is astounding on its own. Apparently what was even harder was telling Mr. Singer that they wanted a composition, but he only had four notes to play with. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/15GSQ_Beauty_Shot_close_up_correcteur_cornes_RGB.webp) It features over 1,000 components for the movement, all entirely designed, produced, assembled, and decorated in-house. *Blancpain* There are a lot of little details that make this new watch important in the watchmaking world. Besides the choice of those two melodies in the Grande Sonnerie, you also have the chiming complications of a Petite Sonnerie, and a minute repeater. In addition to that, you have the other complications of a flying tourbillon, and a retrograde perpetual calendar. One of the very interesting details here is how Blancpain generated enough power to do all of this. This is a manual winding watch, and it has a regular power reserve of 96 hours. The striking power reserve for the Grande Sonnerie mode is 12 hours. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/15GSQ_making_off_brassus_perlage_platine_RGB.webp) *Blancpain* And this is important to look at, because many people are more used to the minute repeater, which has a lever that actually charges the power reserve when you need it. So this, like many other things in the watch, required a deep amount of knowledge and ability. All in all, this was an eight-year project, with 1,200 technical drawings that resulted in 21 patents developed, 13 of which are integrated into the final construction of the movement. Blancpain proudly points out that out of a total of 1,116 components, 1,053 of them, for the movement, were all designed, produced, assembled, and decorated in-house. This includes 26 bridges and the main plate, crafted in 18 karat gold. Traditional hand finishing on angles, perlage, mirror polishing, diamond milling and such were all done in Blancpain’s Les Brassus finishing workshop. Decorations are on both the visible and the non-visible surfaces. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/15GSQ_close_up_correcteur_cornes_close-up_RGB.webp) *Blancpain* All of this comes in a surprisingly tight package. It’s a 47 millimeter diameter watch with a thickness of 14.5 millimeters. So it is wearable, but for very special occasions. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/15GSQ_Beauty_Shot_close_up_selecteur_melodie_close-up_RGB.webp) Blancpain Even the presentation watch box needs special care, with wood sourced from the legendary Risoud Forest in the Vallée de Joux, which is known for a tradition of wood and craftsmanship that is prized by luthiers for its particular acoustic qualities. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/15GSQ_coffret_VF_RGB.webp) The timepiece comes with a special presentation box crafted with wood sourced from the legendary Risoud forest in the Vallée de Joux, which acts as a natural soundboard. *Blancpain* This new watch is not a one-off piece in the sense that it is not just a showcase. The watch can be ordered, and if so, can be customized and custom-made according to the wishes of the collector. What is very enchanting is that the look on the dial side can be had with a choice of different colors or a very nice, clean single color, which is quite fresh and refreshing. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/15GSQ-Grande-Double-Sonnerie-in-the-acoustic-chamber.webp) Enthusiasts and collectors have known this brand well for quite a while. This is a very big step up, and it’s great to see Blancpain making this move to a truly important movement which, even though it is limited to only two pieces a year, is really something that is meant to be seen and worn. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report Philippines’ [Success Issue, February 2026](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-february-2026-the-success-issue/).* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** blancpain, Grande Double Sonnerie --- ### [Victoire de Castellane’s New High Jewelry Collection and the Intricate Mechanics of Beauty](https://robbreport.ph/style/jewelry/victoire-de-castellanes-new-haute-joallerie-collection-belle-dior-and-the-intricate-mechanics-of-beauty/) **Published:** February 26, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** Victoire de Castellane has long treated Dior’s jewellery ateliers as a space for narrative rather than ornament alone. Since taking the helm of [Dior](https://robbreport.ph/tag/dior/ "dior") Joaillerie in 1998, she has steered the house away from strict classicism toward a more idiosyncratic language, one that draws as much from couture codes and garden imagery as from her own fascination with color and movement. Her latest [haute joaillerie](https://robbreport.ph/style/jewelry/the-most-extraordinary-high-jewelry-from-paris-is-embracing-sculpture/ "The Most Extraordinary High Jewels From Paris Are Embracing Sculpture") collection, Belle Dior, continues that trajectory, returning to Christian Dior’s enduring preoccupations (flowers, femininity, and divinity) while refining the braided motifs and softly kinetic elements that have become signatures of her tenure. Celestial references nod to Dior’s well-known interest in the cosmos, while richly colored stones like yellow diamonds, tanzanite, and a notable pink spinel, underscore Castellane’s instinct for chromatic contrast. The result is recognizably hers: [jewelry](https://robbreport.ph/style/jewelry/ "Jewelry") that balances technical virtuosity with a slightly offbeat sensibility, grounded in the house’s heritage but never overly reverential. The 57-piece collection reads as a study in texture and suspension, with pendants and fringed elements that shift gently with the body, echoing both the drape of fabric and the natural sway of stems. It is easy to be distracted by the spectacle of the stones and their intricate compositions, and to overlook the engineering that allows them to appear weightless while remaining entirely secure. But behind the illusion lies a disciplined interplay between rare geological happenstance and the precision of contemporary craftsmanship. Here’s a closer look. ###### Belle Dior Soleil Céleste ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Belle-Dior-Soleil-Celeste.webp) Clockwise from top: Soleil Céleste earrings, necklace, brooch, ring, and bracelet. *Dior* Soleil Céleste is probably the most obviously inspired by the cosmos: dangling celestial motifs, like white opal on turquoise doublet crescent moons and orange and yellow diamond stars, are set on a mix of yellow and white gold. Rather than relying on oversized stones for effect, the pieces command attention through the intricacy of their cuts and the discipline of their settings. ###### Belle Dior Franges de Fleurs ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Belle-Dior-2.webp) Clockwise from top: Franges de Fleurs necklace, earrings, and ring. *Dior* Fringe is a recurring motif throughout Belle Dior, and nowhere more so than in Franges de Fleurs. Here, tsavorite garnets form slender “stems” in yellow gold, from which white diamond “petals” fall in measured cascades. Each piece is anchored by a single emerald—including a 9.13-carat Zambian stone—while diamonds, pink sapphires and cultured round pearls lend the set a studied delicacy rather than overt grandeur. ###### Belle Dior Pampilles ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Dior-belle-dior-.webp) Clockwise from top: Pampilles necklace, ring, and earrings. *Dior* The Pampilles set is a study in blue, rendered across a nuanced spectrum rather than a single tone. Set in white gold, it pairs blue sapphires with turquoise “flowers,” framed by floral filigree and punctuated by diamonds and turquoise drops that fall with measured lightness. ###### Belle Dior Jelly Rubellite Jelly ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Belle-Dior-4.webp) *Dior* Set in white and pink gold, the Rubellite Jelly suite centres on rare rubellite tourmalines, framed by diamonds and a spectrum of pink and yellow sapphires, pink spinels and spessartite. These stones extend into the strands and fringed elements, creating a composition that is rich in colour yet controlled in execution. ###### Belle Dior Jelly Tanzanite ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Belle-Dior-5.webp) Clockwise from top: Jelly Tanzanite necklace, earrings, and ring. *Dior* The Jelly Tanzanite set is a cool-color version of the Rubellite Jelly, featuring diamonds, tanzanites, sapphires, blue-green tourmalines and tsavorite garnets. ###### Belle Dior Galons Printemps ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Belle-Dior-6.webp) Clockwise from top: Galons Printemps necklace, earrings, and ring. *Dior* The Galons Printemps is a prime example of Castellane’s talent in balancing playfulness and regalness in her creations. It’s not just through of the use of various colors and gems or scale of the pieces, but also due to her skill and eye in assemblage. Geometric cuts sit next to rounded cuts; single gems are cut into specific shapes, while others are grouped to form a single articulated element. Opaque elements like green and blue lacquer “petals” meet transparent gems and translucent opals. “Galons Printemps,” spring braids in English, perfectly encapsulates the complex arrangement of the different components. The set is composed of black opal center stones, diamonds, pink and blue sapphires, garnets (tsavorite and spessartite), emeralds, red spinels, and green and blue lacquer. It also includes a single earcuff, extending the set’s architectural intent beyond the expected formats. ###### Belle Dior Ligne Céleste ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Belle-Dior-7.webp) Clockwise from top: Ligne Celeste necklace, earrings, and ring. *Dior* Ligne Céleste refers to the imaginary line connecting heavenly bodies, and in this set, rows of gems emphasize that, linking stars, crescent moons, and other shimmering forms (including pearl flowers, still). ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-25-at-10846-PM.webp) Dior Featuring diamonds, yellow, blue, and pink sapphires, spessartite garnets, and black opals on onyx doublets, all set on pink gold, this line is the only one in the new collection that offers a diadem (above). ###### Belle Dior Multi Galons ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Belle-Dior-8.webp) Clockwise from top: Multi Galons necklace, earrings, and ring. *Dior* The idea of “braids” comes forward even more in Multi Galons, where rows, strands, and various dangling elements with different workings link gemstones in rows in the style of a swag and tail, centered by an emerald-cut diamond. The effect is rather decadent, and gives new meaning to “dripping with diamonds”—although in this case, one also drips in rubies, emeralds, blue and pink sapphires, tsavorite garnets, and round cultured pearls on white gold. This line also features another set with rubies, diamonds, and sapphires in various shades of pink. ###### Belle Dior Buissons ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Belle-Dior-10.webp) Top: Buissons rings; below: Buissons earrings. *Dior* Buissons, comprising rings and earrings, is conceived as a pair of chromatic studies: one in blue, the other in green. Each forms dense clusters that recall an abundant bouquet rather than a single bloom. The blue-toned set combines diamonds, indigolite and paraíba-type tourmalines, sapphires, tsavorite garnets, emeralds and blue lacquer in white gold. Its counterpart in green offers a deliberate contrast, pairing lagoon tourmalines with spessartite, pink spinels and sapphires, accented by green lacquer in yellow gold. ###### Dearest Dior ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Belle-Dior-11.webp) Top: Dearest Dior ring; bottom: Dearest Dior earrings. *Dior* While Dearest Dior departs (slightly) from the tasseled, fringed themes of the other pieces in the collection, delicate, nature-themed elements are still dazzlingly present in the details. Single flowers crown each piece, and each of the flower’s petals are distinct and intricately sculpted to mimic folds as though the flower is being softly blown by a breeze. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Belle-Dior-12.webp) Top: Dearest Dior ring; bottom: Dearest Dior earrings. *Dior* Dearest Dior is presented in two distinct colourways. The first, in blue, combines diamonds, tanzanites, blue and pink sapphires, and rhodolite garnets set in white gold. The second, in pink, brings together diamonds, pink spinels, rhodolite and spessartite garnets, and pink sapphires in yellow gold. In both iterations, the precious metals are shaped to echo natural forms, extending the geometry of the stones into leaf-like structures. ###### Jardins Multicolores ![Clockwise from top: Jardins Multicolores necklace, earrings, and ring. Dior](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Belle-Dior-13.webp) Clockwise from top: Jardins Multicolores necklace, earrings, and ring. *Dior* Jardins Multicolores offers a comparatively restrained interpretation of the house’s floral code. The compositions read almost like imagined daisy chains, light in structure yet carefully calibrated in colour. Above, diamonds are set alongside pink rubies, rhodolite garnets and pink-purple sapphires in pink gold, the palette lending the suite a gentle, cohesive warmth. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Belle-Dior-14.webp) Clockwise from top: Jardins Multicolores necklace, earrings, and ring. *Dior* Jardins Multicolores is also offered in a green iteration, combining diamonds, tsavorite garnets and emeralds set in yellow gold. Ear crawlers paired with a single flower “stud” creates an intentionally asymmetrical earring set, introducing a bit of an edge and freshness that offsets the collection’s otherwise gentle floral theme. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Belle-Dior-18.webp) *Dior* Above is a ring and a take on the theme as drop earrings in diamonds and rubies; below, a set of earrings and a ring in turquoise, diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, and tsavorite garnets on white gold. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Belle-Dior-17.webp) *Dior* ###### Ruban Fleurs and Ruban Fleurs **Rosée** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Belle-Dior-15.webp) Clockwise from top: Ruban Fleurs necklace, earrings, and ring. *Dior* Ruban Fleurs leans even more on the idea of daisy chains. Daisies with diamond petals and yellow center discs are joined by round, cultured pearls, set on white gold. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Belle-Dior-16.webp) Clockwise from top: Ruban Fleurs Rosée necklace, earrings, and ring. *Dior* For a deeper color take on a floral motif, Ruban Fleurs Rosée version features diamonds, pink and yellow sapphires, tsavorite garnets, and white cultured pearls on pink gold. ###### Milly Dentelle Solitaire ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/JPDC93076.webp) *Dior* A notable highlight is a ring centred on a vivid pink spinel, set in pink gold and encircled by diamonds, yellow and pink sapphires, paraíba-type tourmalines, mandarin and tsavorite garnets, and white opals. **Categories:** Jewelry, Style **Tags:** dior, Dior Joallerie, high jewelry, Victoire de Castellane --- ### [A Winter Garden in Spring? Why Not, Zegna Says](https://robbreport.ph/style/fashion/a-winter-garden-in-spring-why-not-zegna-says/) **Published:** February 26, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** It’s difficult to separate [Zegna](https://robbreport.ph/tag/zegna/ "zegna") from its impeccable tailoring. Materials like ultra-fine merino and innovations such as Vellus Aureum, for instance, have become shorthand for the pinnacle of menswear. For its Spring 2026 campaign, the maison returns to the Winter Garden of Oasi Zegna, the storied 100-square-kilometer alpine territory first cultivated by patriarch [Ermenegildo Zegna](https://robbreport.ph/tag/ermenegildo-zegna/ "Ermenegildo Zegna"). The Winter Garden concept, staged in collaboration with landscape architect Pietro Porcinai, is a feat in itself. Glass dissolving into greenery, pergolas framing both factory and family home, and architecture breathing alongside foliage. Quite the drama just to showcase Zegna’s latest collection, really. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Zegna-Presents-Spring-2026-The-Winter-Garden-4.webp) Mikkelsen wearing Zegna’s Secondskin suede car coat, with a cable-knit cashmere sweater draped on him. *Photo: Zegna* Consider the tailoring. The jackets are cut with a softened shoulder and a fluid drape that suggests movement before motion even occurs. There’s this quasi-botanical logic to the way fabric cascades from collar to hem, as if guided by gravity and breeze rather than rigid patternmaking. Trousers fall long and lean, skimming the leg with understated precision. A quiet rebellion against stubborn, over-structured masculinity. Still, it’s the Vellus Aureum that shines the brightest. Zegna’s rarest wool fiber may be weightless, but it attracts quite the gravity. There is a gossamer quality to suiting rendered in this fiber—light refracting subtly across its surface, seams melting into form. It is the sort of material that rewards proximity. From afar, it reads as refined minimalism. Up close, it reveals a depth of texture and nuance that only true textile obsession can achieve. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Triple-Stitch%E2%84%A2-SECONDSKIN-Nubuck.webp) Triple Stitch™ Secondskin Nubuck. *Photo: Zegna* If Vellus Aureum is air, then Secondskin leather is contour. Supple, exacting, and startlingly pliant, it molds to the body with a second-nature fluidity. The Il Conte jacket in Secondskin, in particular, stands out as a masterclass in calibrated construction. Its lines are clean but never as clinical as one imagines they would be. Its structure is present but discreet. When worn, it appears to evolve with the body, developing a patina of movement rather than wear. Accessories, too, participate in this dialogue between performance and poise. The instantly recognizable Triple Stitch™ shoe anchors the collection with functional authority. Its streamlined upper and elasticated construction offer the ease of a sneaker refined through the lens of Italian craftsmanship. For context, it reads less as a trend-driven hybrid and more as a practical and polished contemporary heirloom. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Mocassin-Natural-Grain-Leather-Single-Testa-Di-Moro-Zegna-SS26.webp) The Mocassin natural grain leather loafers, single Testa Di Moro Zegna. *Photo: Zegna* Fronting the campaign is, of course, its global ambassador, the quiet-cool and charismatic Mads Mikkelsen, whose presence underscores the collection’s thesis, which is, simply put, instinct over imposition. For the discerning man, the one navigating the urban tempo of the city, Zegna’s spring collection proposes a wardrobe that just breathes. And in today’s stiffling climate, that may be the ultimate indulgence. *More information [here](https://www.zegna.com/ww-en/winter-garden/).* **Categories:** Fashion **Tags:** Fashion, luxury travel, News, zegna --- ### [Cartier Revisits the Santos With Two New Sport-Driven Expressions](https://robbreport.ph/watches/cartier-revisits-the-santos-with-two-new-sport-driven-expressions/) **Published:** February 26, 2026 **Author:** Carl Cunanan **Content:** [Cartier](https://robbreport.ph/tag/cartier/ "cartier") has been increasingly on people’s minds and wrists recently. All this is thanks to the maison paying more attention to reigniting interest in the more classic historic lines among new customers. In the recent past, the French luxury conglomerate was too focused on high complications. But one of the nice things about Cartier is that there’s so much beauty in its classic and traditional lines, timeless timepieces, no matter what complication or even price point. Just launched are two new models making one of Cartier’s older families more exciting: the Santos de Cartier line. Named after the Brazilian aviator Alberto [Santos](https://robbreport.ph/tag/santos/ "santos")-Dumont, Santos de Cartier is one of Cartier’s oldest collections introduced in 1904. The pilot asked his friend, Louis Cartier, to help him figure out how to tell time while flying, and thus, this watch was born. The watch with its rounded dial angles, seamless curved horns, and exposed screws was forward-thinking for its time, becoming, for many, the epitome of the elegant sports or sporty wristwatch. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Exclu_Presse_Santos-de-Cartier_Santos_Watch_TI_Social_WW_VI_NA_4X5.webp) Santos de Cartier LM in titanium. *Photo: Cartier* The two new Santos de Cartiers are both part of the large model (LM) line. Keeping in mind that these are rectangular and shaped-case watches, they fit differently on the wrist. So, you really need to try them on to see if they are a fit for you. The first one is the Santos de Cartier LM in titanium, a material used previously for cases and bezels, but not usually for the entire watch. The titanium lends the watch a very distinct matte finish, with hints of a shine on edges and on the iconic screws on the bezel—a deviation from Santos de Cartier’s customary glossy sheen. Its dial is silvered opaline, with blacknumerals, blue steel sword-shaped hands, and a small date window at 6:00. The titanium watch looks completely at home yet slightly off-kilter because of the matte blasted finish. Its crown is set with a black faceted spinel, which fits with the whole subdued monochromatic look of the watch. The watch is surprisingly light on the wrist, too, compared to the usual Santos de Cartier watches. > “The combination of heritage, elegance, and cleanness of design are very much a draw.” The other newly released Santos de Cartier LM in luminous steel trades the usual silvery white dial for a black one that’s usually reserved for coated watches. Its face, textured with vertical brushing in the center and a discreet sunray brush on the sides, is accompanied by the classic Cartier Roman numerals in white and black steel sword-shaped hands both coated with luminescent Super-LumiNova for nighttime visibility. The Santos de Cartier LM in steel is one of the more accessible entry points to appreciating Cartier’s classic lines. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/PUWA11676_Santos-de-Cartier_Santos_Watch_STEEL_Social-static_WW_VI_NA_4X5.webp) Santos de Cartier LM in luminous steel. *Photo: Cartier* These new watches share the same dimensions: 39.8 millimeters wide, 47 millimeters lug to lug, and 9.4 millimeters thick, making it still very familiar. Both watches use the mechanical automatic calibre 1847 MC movement, and are both water-resistant up to 100 meters. What these two new watches are doing is bringing a more sport-oriented option to the already sporty Santos de Cartier line. The steel watch is the more traditional of the two, but brings the more “active” watch effect because of the luminous indices and hands. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/CARTIER_2025_SANTOS_EDITORIAL_SERIES_STILL_MEN_03_CRWSSA0089_PRESSE_24x30_CMYK.webp) Santos de Cartier LM in luminous steel. *Photo: Cartier* Meanwhile, the titanium watch is a fun new choice that subverts expectations of the Santos de Cartier line, with none of that shininess, save for the screws to provide a nice contrast. Cartier is indeed enjoying a lot of attention nowadays particularly from younger buyers. The combination of heritage, elegance, and cleanness of design are very much a draw. The titanium model in particular is a nice new addition that speaks to people looking for a subtler model to put on their wrists. **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** cartier, Magazine, News, Watch Collector, Watches --- ### [Lamborghini Just Pulled the Plug on Its First Electric Supercar](https://robbreport.ph/cars/lamborghini-just-pulled-the-plug-on-its-first-electric-supercar/) **Published:** February 26, 2026 **Author:** Erik Shilling **Content:** The Lamborghini Lanzador was set to be the marque’s first EV, with a launch sometime this decade and perhaps 2,000 horsepower, enough to make a statement. The problem is that now it isn’t happening at all, according to a [new interview in ](https://www.thetimes.com/business/companies-markets/article/lamborghini-scraps-electric-car-plans-in-favour-of-hybrids-lspfbp300)*[The Times](https://www.thetimes.com/business/companies-markets/article/lamborghini-scraps-electric-car-plans-in-favour-of-hybrids-lspfbp300),* and neither is an all-electric Urus. The interview was given by Stephan Winkelmann, [Lamborghini](https://robbreport.ph/tag/lamborghini/ "lamborghini")‘s CEO, who said interest was “close to zero” among customers for supercars without V-8s and V-12s. EVs are an “expensive hobby” for automakers, the exec explained, because they require enormous investment with little prospect for returns. “Investing heavily in full-[EV](https://robbreport.ph/tag/ev/ "ev") development when the market and customer base are not ready would be an expensive hobby, and financially irresponsible towards shareholders, customers, our employees, and their families,” Winkelmann said. The CEO also repeated a refrain that automakers have embraced in recent years, which is that plug-in hybrids are the present, if not the future: “Plug-in hybrids offer the best of both worlds, combining the agility and low-rev boost of electric battery technology with the emotion and power output of an internal combustion engine.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/10-w-Urus_SE_ArancioEgon_Dynamic_Puglia-00024.webp) *Photo: Lamborghini* There was a time when supercar makers said hybrid technology was too heavy and required too many performance compromises, though its adoption in Formula 1 has seemed to convince many of them to set those concerns aside. Hybrid supercars also have a way of turning skeptics into believers as soon as they get behind the wheel. At any rate, Lamborghini’s heart never really seemed in the Lanzador, with an executive saying last year that the marque planned to use internal combustion engines for as long as possible. That made a certain amount of sense for a company known for its long history with V-12 engines, though automakers can only reject the future for so long, especially European ones that have to worry slightly more about regulations than their American counterparts. It would not be surprising, in other words, if Lamborghini announces another reversal in a few years, or even in a few months, such is the speed at which preferences for EVs or not seem to shift. At that point, the marque might simply dust off the Lanzador project and tweak it with the latest technology—or perhaps even act like this blip never happened. There will almost certainly be an all-electric Lamborghini by 2040, and likely multiple. A high-riding grand tourer and an all-electric Urus are still great places to start. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** electric vehicle, ev, lamborghini, Lanzador, urus, vehicles --- ### [Embraer’s New Category-Busting Private Jet Is Here. We Hopped Onboard.](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/embraers-new-category-busting-private-jet-is-here-we-hopped-onboard/) **Published:** February 26, 2026 **Author:** Michael Verdon **Content:** Clean-sheet business jets tend to be few and far between because of the costs of design, technology and certification. Most new models are iterations of previous generations, built around proven platforms, sometimes with new engines or avionics. More likely, the changes involve interior design, which can be more cosmetic than meaningful. Real game-changers are rare. [Embraer](https://robbreport.ph/tag/embraer/ "embraer")’s Praetor 600E super-midsized [jet](https://robbreport.ph/tag/jet/ "jet") is unusual in that regard, built on the Praetor 600 platform introduced in 2018. But the new version’s interior promises to establish a more ambitious benchmark when it’s delivered to its first customers in 2029. The company today revealed the 600E and its smaller midsized sibling, the 500E, announcing the two would be available for orders going forward. Last week, *Robb Report* became the first media outlet to take a flight aboard the 600E at Embraer Executive Jets’s headquarters in Melbourne, Florida, following a presentation by officials regarding the aircraft’s key features. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/embraer-praetor-600e-interior-cabin.webp) Inside the cabin of the Embraer Praetor 600E. *Photo: Embraer* “How do we unlock the greatest potential in the super-midsize category and go beyond?” asked Alvadi Serpa Junior, vice president of market and product strategy for the Brazilian airframer. That kind of Powerpoint intro is usually filled with business jargon and empty superlatives, but Embraer introduced a host of features that promise to put enormous pressure on its competitors in the super-midsize category—a popular jet type thanks to its speed and range, interiors that seat and sleep multiple passengers, and, compared to larger-cabin jets, relatively inexpensive operational costs. Features like the Phenom 600E’s “Smart Window,” the all-electric, well-engineered seating, streamlined air vent system, exterior cameras connected to cabin monitors, lighting system, and voice-activated apps are typically found on large-cabin or even the ultra-long-range jets at business aviation’s pinnacle. These features actually lived up to the pre-flight hype during our hour in the air. With a history of innovative solutions, the Embraer team is a scrappy group, led by Serpa Junior and Jay Beever, the division’s vice president of design, along with a design team in Melbourne and deep engineering support at Embraer’s Brazilian headquarters for its commercial aircraft. On board, we gathered around the Smart Window, a 42-inch monitor co-designed with Lufthansa Technik, on a center bulkhead, surrounded by seats and a divan across the aisle. The monitor can be controlled remotely by wall panels and is also touchscreen, curved to match the bulkhead, and connected to an exterior camera that gives a sense of transparency to the wall. “The divan middle seat goes from the least preferred seat to the most popular, because it’s the one attached to the Smart Window,” says Beever. Serpa Junior says the arrangement adds a third zone in what had been a two-zone aircraft, despite no increase in the cabin’s size. Both execs referred to the monitor a “very large PED”—personal electronic device—since it can display movies, video games, video conferencing, or, like an oversized window, mirrors the landscape below via the exterior camera. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/embraer-praetor-600e-seat.webp) The 600E is offering up the brand’s next-gen seating. *Photo: Embraer* The 600E’s other noteworthy feature is the seating, a leap forward from the previous generation. The seats and divan were designed and built in-house. “That gave us control over the features while staying within budget,” says Serpa Junior. The electrically controlled seats have no levers connected to internal mechanical pulleys, but instantly respond to buttons on both sides of the armrests. The individual seats also have dual lumbar supports, three levels of cushioning for comfort, and the ability to pivot multiple ways, tilt back and drop down into a berth. The forward-tracking headrest shows the thought that went into the design. An hour didn’t allow for a nap, but the seats swiveled easily in multiple directions and felt generally comfy with the footrest up. Embraer is offering multiple types of stitching, leather colors and even custom trim like carbon-fiber accents offered across three style “collections.” Several other features may be minimized as gee-whiz details, but reflect Embraer’s intent to elevate the super-mid into a higher category. The pre-programmed RGB mood lighting can change the appearance of the cabin by voice activation or pressing buttons depending on time of day, activity, or even nationality—they have a USA red, white and blue, or Brazilian green, yellow and blue options. The company says there are 16 million possible colors. Even more interesting were the redesigned air vents above each seat, which previously had gaspers (the bulbs you twist for air flow), but now push air through narrow slats controlled by your app or the panel on the armrest. It might seem like a minor detail, but it took a lot of engineering to achieve the streamlined panel and a more comfortable experience. It shows how Embraer is using design to address ergonomics in the very limited confines of a business jet, where every tenth of an inch and every ounce count. The redesigned galley includes a larger working space and streamlined appliances that Embraer designed to be more stylish and functional, and there’s also a crew lavatory up front. At 4,108 nautical miles, the 600E already claims the longest range in the super-midsize category but this new aircraft will also have a higher payload for takeoff and landing. The midsize Praetor 500E won’t have the Smart Window because of the more compact size of its side bulkheads, but it does share the seating and most other design features of the larger 600E. Both aircraft will see single-percentage cost increases, with the new 500E having a baseline price of $21,645,000, and the Praetor 600E starting at $25,795,000. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Aviation **Tags:** business aviation, embraer, Feature, Praetor, private jet --- ### [The New Corvette E-Ray: American Muscle with Finesse](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-new-corvette-e-ray-american-muscle-with-finesse/) **Published:** February 25, 2026 **Author:** Carl Cunanan **Content:** At the Los Angeles testing sessions at the World Car Awards in Pasadena, we chatted with the judges about how we had driven the new [Corvette](https://robbreport.ph/tag/corvette/ "corvette") up the mountain, and about how surprisingly good it was. The ones having the conversation were very deep [Porsche](https://robbreport.ph/tag/porsche/ "porsche") guys who are very well versed in running [Ferraris](https://robbreport.ph/tag/ferrari/ "Ferrari") and [Lamborghinis](https://robbreport.ph/tag/lamborghini/ "lamborghini") on racetracks, curvy mountain roads, and unrestricted German highways. So the fact that they were impressed by basically anything American claiming to be a serious sports car was very surprising. The [Chevrolet](https://robbreport.ph/tag/chevrolet/ "Chevrolet") Corvette E-Ray 2026 was in the running for the World Performance Car Awards, and we were judging it as such. This car’s been around for a few years, but they’ve refined it while still keeping the oomph and rawness that people associate with effectively old American muscle cars, despite, of course, being an outlier from that era of huge, full-metal beasts. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Chevrolet-Corvette-E-Ray-04.webp) *Chevrolet* For one, the Corvette was lighter, with the earlier ones being made of daring fiberglass. It was also more shapely and much smaller. Yet it never really punched into the world of European sports or super sports cars. It was never as refined, or as dedicated. And even though it may have been easier to drive in some ways than other American muscle cars, it wasn’t what the more sophisticated enthusiasts the world over really wanted. This is why the new Corvette E-Ray is so surprising. It’s still not trying to be the equivalent of a European sports or super sports car, but in many ways it defines itself exactly as such: a powerful V8 in a striking and unique body with American muscle car heritage. It’s got a full V8 engine, which is a normally aspirated 6.2 liter, producing 495 horsepower to the rear wheels. It sits right behind your head, and you get a great look at it through the black glass. They combined this with an electric motor that adds 160 horsepower to the front axle. This is not a new formula. A lot of the European sports car makers are using it because it adds, among other things, better traction control while still keeping fuel burning fun in the mix. So this is essentially an all-wheel drive V8 hybrid. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Chevrolet-Corvette-E-Ray-071.webp) *Chevrolet* The key here is how Chevrolet interprets everything, and it does this in several ways. The car is actually very comfortable in terms of ingress, egress, and just driving and doing things in the cabin. It is definitely sport-oriented, but it’s worked out the ergonomics such that you’re not struggling to get in and out of the car, which many European makers still require you to do. It’s not just in the startup of the engine, because that’s relatively easy to do. You crank it up, you get a roar, a slight rev blip, and you get the rumble that you feel in your seats and in your bones. But this car communicates its friskiness in a different way than other sports cars, something we were able to test out in the simple act of driving out of the holding area for all the cars on an incline. We didn’t have the tightness or tautness of a lot of the high-performance sports cars, but they somehow managed to tune the suspension such that we got the feel of the whole car and how it moved, and that was just on low speeds. It communicates, but is not intrusive nor painful. It gives enough information for you to do what you want, but does not overwhelm. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Chevrolet-Corvette-E-Ray-01.webp) *Chevrolet* On the highways and on the mountain roads, it isn’t as slicing and dicing as the usual European suspects, but it is just as engaging and fun further down the limit. It’s a pleasant high-speed highway drive. And the rumble of the engine doesn’t drone at speed. It communicates handling, and acts and reacts very quickly. A lot of this is because you now have newer, better electronic systems controlling things. As much as everything is theater in this car, it is also relatively free of drama. You can launch the car hard from the start very easily. The front electric motor will put the power in where the V8, with its more traditional curve, would not. The car, as delivered and driven, had relatively all-season road tires on it as opposed to semi-slick, semi-race tires on other sports cars that actually disallowed us from going up the mountains in bad weather. The car’s been around for a while, and so there have been requests largely centered on what happened inside the cabin with previous models. This was answered with the 2026 reworking. Information is displayed using three screens, and it’s actually—all things considered—an elegant answer as opposed to something that’s too in-your-face. It’s from these screens that you choose and control things, like your driver mode selection, and how your magnetic ride control suspension is going to work. There’s a whole range of collectors of American sports cars that are quite excited about this vehicle, and have been for a while. So it does speak to the more traditional, who don’t really look at European sports cars. Yet it also impresses those who are far more oriented to what can come from the continent. Traditionally, the Corvette was meant to be what they called America’s everyday sports car, or arguably, everyday supercar, at this point. But you always used to give up a lot, and so there were almost completely different sets of enthusiasts and collectors and buyers who would look at the marque and the badge. With this particular new release, they may well have nailed it. In a world where almost no one would believe this right now, it seems that the Americans may have learned a bit about the proper use of power, restraint, and finesse. **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** corvette, corvette e-ray, e-ray --- ### [Bahrain Is Building an Oasis for Elite Travelers, and It’s Never Been Easier to Get There](https://robbreport.ph/travel/bahrain-is-building-an-oasis-for-elite-travelers-and-its-never-been-easier-to-get-there/) **Published:** February 25, 2026 **Author:** Mark Ellwood **Content:** “You can see yourself in a [pearl](https://robbreport.ph/tag/pearls/ "pearls"). It’s not like any other stone,” Mohamed al-Mahmood says with a smile. Then, he produces a showstopper from a red-velvet-lined box: The distorted yet highly sought-after form is known as a baroque pearl. It’s set in a necklace that will sell for $3.5 million. Mahmood is standing in the inner sanctum of his family’s [jewelry](https://robbreport.ph/style/jewelry/ "Jewelry") store in Bahrain, a 274-square-mile island nation in the Persian Gulf that has been synonymous with natural pearls for centuries. It’s also a destination that American travelers can now reach easily for the first time. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Raffles_Bahrain_Lounge.webp) The Writers Lounge at Raffles in Bahrain. *Photo: Vincent Leroux* In October, [Gulf Air](https://www.gulfair.com/) inaugurated a direct flight to the country, departing three times weekly from New York’s JFK. *Robb Report* Travel Master Cari Gray of Gray & Co. says that many of her clients opt for commercial carriers, usually a Middle Eastern airline, for long-haul trips here, and swap to a private plane for the last leg. “It bodes well for Bahrain,” she adds. And it’s a major coup for the kingdom, too, which will soon see its clutch of five-star hotels swell: There’s already a [Mantis resort](https://www.mantiscollection.com/hotel/hawar-resort-by-mantis/) perched on Hawar, one of the Maldives-like tropical islands that are part of the country’s archipelago, as well as a splashy, all-villa [Raffles property](https://www.raffles.com/bahrain/) in the quieter southern countryside. Next year will welcome [a Kempinski complex](https://www.kempinski.com/en/development/upcoming-openings/kempinski-harbour-heights-bahrain) with 74 guest rooms and 186 residences, and Waldorf Astoria is planning [a 120-room property](https://stories.hilton.com/emea/releases/waldorf-astoria-hotels-resorts-set-to-make-bahrain-debut) for 2028. There’s even a tiny locally run boutique hotel underway in a historic building in the old town of Muharraq. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Mantis_Restaurant_Hawar.webp) The C-Salt restaurant at Mantis’s resort on Hawar Island. *Photo: Courtesy of Hawar Resort* Those new properties are a direct response to Bahrain’s rising profile among jet-setters, says Travel Master Jaclyn Sienna India of Sienna Charles. She calls the country “an elegant, authentic alternative to overbuilt Gulf cities, ideal for clients looking for culture, calm, and exclusivity.” The nation, a former protectorate of the United Kingdom, is more liberal than many of its neighbors: Alcohol is widely sold, for example. The rise of Saudi Arabia, just 15 miles away, has boosted its fortunes, too, as many expats based there flock to Bahrain on weekends given the more Western-style daily life. (It’s important to note that despite an ongoing program to improve what has been called a dismal human-rights record, Bahrain remains an absolute monarchy. The [Economist Intelligence Unit](https://www.eiu.com/n/) ranked it 138th out of 167 countries in its 2024 Democracy Index.) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Kempinski_HarbourHeights_Bahrain.webp) A rendering of Kempinski’s forthcoming Harbour Heights Bahrain development. *Photo: Courtesy of Kimpenski Hotels* Still, one of the biggest lures for travelers is an appointment with a pearl merchant like al-Mahmood, the seventh generation of his family in the business. Jacques Cartier came here for the first time in 1912, seeking the origin of the pearls he was buying in India. Today, many jewelers still rely on the region’s superior examples: Tiffany’s 2025 Bird on a Pearl collection sources its titular gems from the stock of Hussein Al Fardan, a respected expert—who has been working with the brand for the past three years—with the largest private cache of natural saltwater pearls in the Gulf region. Bahrain fiercely guards its reputation for natural pearls, having banned the production of cultured versions in 1928, soon after they’d been devised by Kokichi Mikimoto. There’s even a government-run lab, Danat, that uses a variety of technologies to inspect all pearls before they’re sold, to guarantee their authenticity. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Tiffany_BirdPearl_Collection.webp) Tiffany sources the pearls for its Bird on a Pearl collection from the Gulf region. *Photo: Courtesy of Tiffany & Co.* There is more to modern Bahrain than that centuries-old tradition. It has long been renowned for its Arabian horses, and the [Bahrain Turf Club](https://bahrainturfclub.com/) recently opened a new home with an enormous stand for spectators. The biggest race in its season is the [Bahrain International Trophy](https://bahrainturfclub.com/racing/bahrain-international-trophy), on November 14, which awards a $600,000 first-place prize. The other kind of horsepower is present here, too. [Bahrain’s Formula 1 track](https://www.bahraingp.com/)—known for long straights and tight corners that encourage nail-biting overtaking—held its first race two decades ago. Now there are more than 350 events each year. The [F.I.A. World Endurance Championship](https://www.fiawec.com/)’s grand finale, 8 Hours of Bahrain, takes place every November, when the track is sweltering even in the winter sun. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Bahrain_Pearl_Diving.webp) Bahrain exports only natural pearls, which can be found only by divers. *Photo: Supplied* But almost no one can come here without dabbling in a little pearl buying. If you do, don’t miss the [Pearling Path](https://pearlingpath.bh/en/), an adaptive reuse project in Muharraq that snakes through the old town and showcases the industry via a series of museums and cultural sites. Bahraini pearls usually have a reddish tinge, so that red-velvet box al-Mahmood favors tends to enhance their luster. “Don’t think about size, but about quality. In every 1,000 pearls, you might get one or two that are perfectly round,” he says, while holding a necklace strung with gobstopper-size globes. “All the good necklaces sold in the world are from Bahrain.” *This article originally appeared in [Robb Report Philippines’ Success Issue, February 2026](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-february-2026-the-success-issue/)*. **Categories:** Jewelry, Travel **Tags:** hotels, Magazine, middle east --- ### [Panerai’s New Ultra-Limited Radiomir Watch Duo Includes an Exclusive Journey Through Italy](https://robbreport.ph/watches/panerais-new-ultra-limited-radiomir-watch-duo-includes-an-exclusive-journey-through-italy/) **Published:** February 25, 2026 **Author:** Nicole Hoey **Content:** [Panerai](https://robbreport.ph/tag/panerai/ "panerai") is helping you take your newest watch on the road. Well, two timepieces, actually: The brand is offering up an ultra-limited duo of new Radiomirs that come with an exclusive trip that explores the house’s roots in Florence and its storied history with the [Italian Navy](https://robbreport.ph/watches/panerai-new-dive-watches-are-inspired-by-the-italian-navy/ "Panerai’s New Dive Watches Are Inspired by the Italian Navy")—the first time the watchmaker has paired two of its pieces with its luxe experiences. Kicking things off is the new Radiomir Viaggio nel Tempo Experience PAM01729, which offers up both Panerai’s famed California dial and a 47 mm bronze case, a hallmark of the brand. The black dial shows off Roman numerals on the top half and Arabic numerals on the bottom, a distinct look designed to be legible even in dark conditions thanks to that contrast. The domed crystal here is a callback to vintage dive watches with luminescent Radiomir dials made for the Italian Navy; the PAM01729 offers up a bit of glow, too, with beige Super-LumiNova that shines green in the dark. And that bronze case only adds to the watch’s retro appeal over time: As the piece ages, the case will begin to patina due to its exposure to air, moisture, and heat, creating a unique design as it’s worn time and time again. Flip things over, and you’ll catch a peek of the P.300 caliber, crafted in Panerai’s Neuchâtel manufacture in Switzerland, through the titanium open caseback, a movement that is equipped with a three-day power reserve. Blue burnished steel hands, a dark-brown leather strap, and slim lugs and a cone-shaped crown, another homage to vintage watches of the mid-1930s and ’40s, complete the look. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/panerai-radiomir-set.webp) The PAM01730 and the PAM01729. *Photo: Panerai* The other watch in the set shares similarities to the PAM01729—after all, they are a duo for a reason. The PAM01730, sitting at the identical 47 mm, offers up those same vintage-inspired wire lugs, cone-shaped crown, those blue steel hands, and beige Super-LumiNova. And both pieces, as you’d expect, are water resistant to 100 meters. But PAM01730, the more modern offering of the duo, has some stand-out elements, too: In a first for the brand, the timepiece has a black circular-brush dial—creating using a rotating-brush technique that allows for each piece to have its own variation and to shift hues in the sunlight. The new watch, with its dark-brown alligator strap, is also made from a special alloy derived from 95 percent pure platinum, giving the timepiece a bit of extra weight and increasing its scratch resistance. The PAM01730 is powered by the brand’s P.3001/10 caliber, with skeletonized bridges that show the balance wheel in action. Both of these watches can accompany you on the Panerai experience, of course. The journey (which will take place from September 15 to 18), begins in Florence, where Panerai was founded back in 1860. There, you’ll ring in a century of the brand’s boutique in Firenze with an exhibition; you’ll also get to explore the original meeting grounds, training areas, and diving points of the famous Italian frogmen, a special unit of the Italian Navy during World War II known for their daring missions. To finish off your experience, Panerai will whisk you away to the elite naval base, called COMSUBIN, in Porto Venere, where you can embark on a real diving experience (with your new watches in tow, of course) and a yacht tour of the stunning coast. “We are proud to present a new Experience within the Italianity chapter: a true journey through time, offering our clients an immersive entry into the very genesis of our legend,” Alessandro Ficarelli, Panerai’s chief marketing and product officer, said in a press statement. “This exclusive opportunity is reserved for the owners of the new Radiomir Viaggio Nel Tempo Experience Set, with both PAM01729 and PAM01730 masterfully reinterpreting some of Panerai’s most iconic Radiomir features. Together, the two new watches not only perpetuate heritage within contemporary design timepieces but also testify Panerai’s unwavering faithfulness to its origins.” The Radiomir Viaggio nel Tempo Experience [Set](https://www.panerai.com/en/world-of-panerai/our-experiences.html) will be available starting from 2026, with just 30 pairs up for grabs. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** News, panerai, Panerai Experiences, Radiomir, Watch Collector --- ### [Bentley to Ferrari: When Automotive Interior Design Keeps a Marque's Soul](https://robbreport.ph/cars/bentley-to-ferrari-when-automotive-design-keeps-its-soul/) **Published:** February 24, 2026 **Author:** Carl Cunanan **Content:** There’s something we saw a while back in the [Bentley](https://robbreport.ph/tag/bentley/ "Bentley") Continental GTs, and then their other cars, and it surprised even Bentley. They, as everyone else, felt the need for screens in their cars, particularly in the center area with the infotainment-entertainment systems as well as for the handling of the different car functions and settings and so on. And so they did this. But, they’re also extremely well known for the level of quality that goes into their dashboards: they are truly things of beauty. This was driven home to us as kind of a realization, because we were using one of the older Bentleys in a drive in the Australian Outback and we realized how pleasant it is to not have lights all over the place. Soaring through the black with nothing but dim gauges and yellow-tinged headlights. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/GT-Rotating-Display-Award-2-2240x1493.webp) Flip through the three-sided drum: one of sides features the more analog faces (above); another, the screen; third, a clean surface with burl wood, like the rest of the interior trims. *Bentley* Bentley must have realized this, because their answer to that need for beauty without too much intrusion of light was a kind of a three-sided flipping dashboard display unit. This sounds complicated, and mechanically it is, but visually it is very clean. It would give you three…well, initially it would give you two options. You either had the screen or you had the wonderfully knurled instrumentation for things like the clock and maybe a compass. However, because of the way they had to make things, it was a three-sided rotating drum. And because Bentley is Bentley, they made sure they finished the blank side as perfectly as they did everything else, so it was wonderfully rendered in burled wood to match the rest of the interior. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/GT-Rotating-Display-Award-4-2240x1493.webp) One side of the rotating display is a “plain” surface, with no screens or clock/compass faces, and blends with the rest of the interior. *Bentley* Many people, ourselves included, said, “We like the blank face.” And so that became a thing. A wonderful example of combining need and current market, desire, and technology, but still keeping a soul. Now let’s move this all the way to the recently announced [Ferrari Luce interior design package](https://robbreport.ph/cars/ferrari-goes-electric-with-ferrari-luce-the-real-question-is-what-carries-forward/ "Ferrari Goes Electric With Ferrari Luce. The Real Question Is What Carries Forward."). And let’s look at design in terms of how people best answer technical needs. The Ferrari Luce is Ferrari’s first electric road car. We were at the technical and [engineering workshops last year in Maranello](https://robbreport.ph/cars/inside-universo-ferrari-ferarris-immersive-exhibition-of-the-ferrari-legacy/ "Inside Universo Ferrari, Ferarri’s Immersive Exhibition of the Ferrari Legacy"), and it is only now that we are able to say that it is actually called the Luce. Last year, we looked at mechanical parts and platforms and production facilities; this time we have a look at the interior. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/IMG_9150-2240x1792.webp) Precision-engineered buttons, dials, toggles and switches are integrated with multifunction digital displays. *Courtesy of Ferrari* This is important, because the interior was shaped in many ways by two very iconic designers, Jony Ive and Marc Newson. These are guys that are basically known for Apple iPhones and iconic smooth designs that use all that modern manufacturing processes are able to achieve. They are, in general, much more minimalist than what we now see in automotive interiors. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/IMG_9154-2240x1792.webp) Ferrari Look at the photos of the new [Ferrari](https://robbreport.ph/tag/ferrari/ "Ferrari") interiors and what you see is this wonderful space of extremely tactile switchgear, including buttons and switches and snaps and clips. But you also see a minimalism that reminds you a lot of older cars. It’s definitely a reinterpretation of the past, this combination. We’ve seen before in a lot of areas, including art and architecture and fashion, but here is the chance to add it into technology and movement, and it’s quite interesting. This is going into the newest Ferrari, which is also the most [groundbreaking model in the sense that it is purely electric](https://robbreport.ph/cars/ferrari-goes-electric-with-ferrari-luce-the-real-question-is-what-carries-forward/ "Ferrari Goes Electric With Ferrari Luce. The Real Question Is What Carries Forward."). As we said last year at Maranello, it will be a four-door, four-seat, extremely capable but very flexible vehicle. We have yet to be able to say much more about it. So think about how nice this interior is going to be when you do sit in it. If you can. The new Ferrari Luce will be in many ways exactly what Ferrari says about the vision for all of their cars: “A Ferrari for every Ferraristi.” They’ve kind of created a whole new world, or niche, for this. If you look at the-high revving, turbo-charged V8s and their successors that maximize the use of electrics as hybrids boosting power, you have racetrack vehicles. If you’re looking at big V12s, you’re looking at the more elegant long distance or boulevard cruisers. The new Luce is a completely different vehicle. It will answer completely different needs while still pulling forth an emotion that unites all the worlds. In many ways, it could be the most heritage-invoking car in terms of giving a modern interpretation of what people may see as a historic Ferrari drive, but it will be surrounded by the most modern of technologies. This isn’t something new. There is a whole range of cars that try to combine old-school look and feel with modern safety and power and comfort: American muscle-car resto-mods, the Porsche-based Singers and RWBs, the classic Aston Martin shapes created by David Brown but with completely new internals. Many people love to drive reinterpretations of vintage cars with modern machinery, because they love all things vintage. But, they really don’t want to sit by the road while one little part breaks on their 60-year-old car. So, there is no question a demand for this, especially at the price levels at which these vehicles are being and will be sold. And as we are seeing, the Ferrari that everyone thought wouldn’t exist, which is the Purosangue, is in fact now the one that you can’t get. All of this points to the fact that these brands, whether they are Bentley or Ferrari or Porsche or Patek Philippe, understand that at their core, they really are who they are. And at their core, that is what people will want. There may be different interpretations as the world has changes, but it is always the core passion that will draw people. **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** automotive design, Bentley, bentley continental, Ferrari, Ferrari Luce, jonny ive, marc newson --- ### [How the Rothschild’s New 105-Foot Foiling Yacht Propels the Family Legacy Forward](https://robbreport.ph/boats/how-the-rothschilds-new-105-foot-foiling-yacht-propels-the-family-legacy-forward/) **Published:** February 24, 2026 **Author:** Helen Iatrou **Content:** Since 1876, the name Gitana has appeared regularly in [yachting’s](https://robbreport.ph/tag/yachts/ "Yachts") most rarefied circles, attached to boats that challenged convention. The lineage is inseparable from the Rothschild family and began with *The Gitana*, a steel steamboat commissioned by Baroness Julie de Rothschild at a time when sails still ruled the seas. Today, the newest member of that storied fleet, the Gitana 18, carries the tradition of innovation further than ever. Years before the trimaran touched water in February, Baroness Ariane de Rothschild resolved to extend her family’s [sailing](https://robbreport.ph/tag/sailing/ "sailing") legacy with a vessel that would test the outer limits of offshore multihull sailing. The result is a 105-foot foiling yacht designed to fly—quite literally—across open ocean. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_Gitana_Yacht_4.webp) The broad-winged, aeronautic shape of Gitana 18 is designed to fly above ocean waves. *Photo: Gitana SA* Its predecessor, the Gitana 17, launched in 2017 as a hybrid that blended conventional trimaran sailing with foiling, lifting clear off the ocean surface before settling back down on its hulls and rising again. Having won 10 grueling races, that boat proved foiling could survive offshore conditions, not only flat water or short-course racing like the America’s Cup or SailGP. Still, it was viewed as just a partial solution by the Baroness, who had been deeply involved in its development. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_Gitana_Yacht_6.webp) Ariane and her late husband, Benjamin de Rothschild, created the Gitana Team to fast-track multihull ocean racing. *Photo: Gitana SA* The new project demanded both ambition and scale, requiring 200 people in total, 50,000 hours of study, and 200,000 man-hours to build it. The effort reflects the ethos of the Gitana Team, founded by the Baroness and her husband, the late Benjamin de Rothschild, shortly after they were married in 2000. Benjamin—an accomplished sailor like his father, Edmond, after whom the yacht, *Maxi Edmond de Rothschild*, is officially named—knew that multihulls offered the greatest promise for offshore racing and acquired more than a dozen before his death in 2021. Gitana 18, however, is on another level. “We have moved from racing only to research,” says the Baroness, noting Gitana 18 required a team of engineers. Proving the radical new tech still means “taking a bet on this flying boat.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_Gitana_Yacht_1.webp) Stylized depictions of mermaids on the massive sails represent Baroness Ariane de Rothschild’s four daughters. *Photo: Gitana SA* Penned by Gitana’s in-house design office with Guillaume Verdier and built by [CDK Technologies](https://www.cdk-technologies.com/home.html) in Brittany, the trimaran was unveiled in December, with *Robb Report* in attendance. Its wide, skeletal profile is defined by Y-shaped foils—each carrying wings more than 16 feet wide—devised to maximize lift while minimizing drag. U-shaped rudders and a central T-foil work in concert to stabilize the platform under extreme loads. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_Gitana_Yacht_2.webp) Since 1876, when The Gitana set a speed record on water, the name has come to symbolize advanced sailing technology. *Photo: Gitana SA* According to skipper Charles Caudrelier, these systems could allow Gitana 18 to hover above waves approaching 10 feet with minimal hull contact, while sustaining average speeds of 40 knots. He believes the boat, offering greater stability, could surpass Gitana 17’s top speed of 51 knots. The first chance to test that theory comes in April, when the yacht makes its racing debut in a five-day Mediterranean offshore event from France to Greece. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_Gitana_Yacht_3.webp) Launched in 2017, the hybrid-designed Gitana 17 proved that foiling technology could work in offshore conditions, winning more than 10 ocean races and becoming the template for the even more complex and ambitious Gitana 18. *Photo: Gitana SA* Aesthetics have not been overlooked either. Gitana 18’s striking livery was created by French artists Florian and Michaël Quistrebert in collaboration with the Palais de Tokyo. Spanning more than 21,500 square feet, its graphics draw on symbolism tied to the family’s five branches and feature stylized images of mermaids—representing Ariane’s four daughters—emblazoned on the massive sails. At the unveiling, the Baroness underscored that honoring the team’s legacy requires more than reverence. It demands, she said, “disrupting today and seeing how far you can improve technology.” The racing, she added, “is proof of concept,” even if the return on that investment takes months, or even years, as engineers refine untested components for the harsh realities of open-ocean sailing. When the balance is finally achieved, Gitana 18 may redefine not only what the boat can do offshore but how far the sport itself is willing to go. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Boats **Tags:** america's cup, Magazine, sailgp, Yachts --- ### [Health As the Top Luxury Asset: A Conversation With Prof. Andrea Maier of Chi Longevity](https://robbreport.ph/leisure/health-wellness/longevity-as-the-ultimate-luxury-asset-a-conversation-with-prof-andrea-maier-of-chi-longevity/) **Published:** February 24, 2026 **Author:** Ria de Borja **Content:** “For a long time, leaders have planned meticulously for capital, risk, and succession, while assuming their own health would simply hold. What we now understand is that health is not a background variable—it directly shapes judgment, resilience, and the ability to lead well over time,” states Prof. Andrea B. Maier, co-founder of [Chi Longevity](https://chilongevity.com/) in [Singapore](https://robbreport.ph/tag/singapore/ "singapore"). It is a statement that lands with force, particularly where boardroom foresight and generational planning are second nature. Yet when it comes to the one asset that underpins every decision and long-term vision—the body—many leaders still rely on assumption. That assumption is part of the gap Chi Longevity aims to change. The clinic represents Asia’s first science-led [longevity](https://robbreport.ph/tag/longevity/ "Longevity") center. The mission of Chi is not merely to accept aging as an inevitability, but as a process to understand, measure and, increasingly, influence. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Chi-Longevity_Four-Season-Hotel-Singapore-1.webp) In Singapore, Chi Longevity is situated in the Four Seasons. *Chi Longevity* For centuries, the desire to extend life belonged to myth. The alchemists’ elixirs promised immortality. Today, words like “biomarkers” and “health span” have replaced magic potions. Investment in increasing the human lifespan is rife. In 2022, global funding into longevity ventures reached US$5.2 billion, attracting names such as Larry Page, Sergey Brin, Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg. And beyond Silicon Valley and biotech labs, longevity is becoming a lifestyle philosophy—one that speaks to those who want not merely to live longer, but to live better for longer. Maier is careful with the rhetoric. The goal, she says, is not to be young again. “Healthy Longevity Medicine brings health into the same strategic framework leaders already use for business—identifying risk early, understanding trajectories and acting before decline becomes visible,” she explains. It is about protecting decision quality and leadership continuity by optimising health, not chasing youth.” In other words, this is less about turning back the clock and more about ensuring the clock runs well. Many of Chi Longevity’s patients are high-performing individuals who, on paper, look perfectly fine. They exercise, eat reasonably well and pass health screenings. And yet, Maier sees patterns that often remain invisible in standard annual check-ups. “Many high-performing individuals look well, feel productive, and pass routine health checks, yet still carry silent biological risks,” she says. “Performance is not the same as resilience, and appearance is not a reliable indicator of long-term health.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Chi-Longevity_image.webp) *Chi Longevity* The risks are rarely dramatic at first. Instead, there are subtle signs like metabolic shifts, early vascular ageing, chronic low-grade inflammation, disrupted sleep cycles and creeping cognitive strain. None of them announce themselves loudly in the way a heart attack or diagnosis would. But over decades, they compound. What distinguishes Chi Longevity’s approach is its emphasis on knowledge first. “Longevity medicine begins with understanding, not intervention,” Maier says. It is a philosophy that resonates well with those accustomed to making decisions based on data. Rather than prescribing a one-size-fits-all supplement stack or the latest wellness trend, the clinic builds a personalised biological map. For some, that level of insight can feel confronting. The idea of looking deeply into one’s future risks is difficult. “Avoiding looking too closely at health issues is often normalized,” Maier observes. “Many people believe that not knowing will spare them worry, when uncertainty often creates more anxiety in the long run.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/20251013_2462_MWP_WEBRES-1.webp) *Chi Longevity* What she finds, however, is that knowledge empowers. “When individuals are given clear, personalized insights into their biology, something important shifts: they feel more in control, not less. This is where healthy longevity medicine differs from conventional executive health checks. The goal is not reassurance or one-off screening, but understanding, agency, and sustained engagement with one’s own health.” That sense of control is perhaps the most compelling luxury of all. In a world defined by volatility—economic, geopolitical, technological—the idea that one can meaningfully influence one’s own aging trajectory carries appeal. And the broader context is impossible to ignore. We are living longer than any generation before us. Yet longevity without vitality is a hollow promise. “People live longer, but too often spend many of those extra years in poor health,” Maier says. The ambition of the longevity movement is to compress morbidity—to extend the years of strength, clarity and independence, while shortening the period of decline. “At Chi Longevity, we draw a clear line between precision geromedicine and consumer biohacking,” she says. By precision geromedicine, Maier is referring to a clinically governed branch of medicine grounded in geroscience, which is the study of the biological mechanisms of aging, and applied with the same discipline as cardiology or oncology. It relies on validated diagnostics, peer-reviewed evidence, measurable outcomes and physician oversight. Interventions are personalized, monitored and adjusted over time, with safety and long-term impact at the forefront. Consumer biohacking, by contrast, tends to operate in the realm of self-experimentation: off-label drug use without medical supervision, unregulated supplements, wearable-driven optimization and trends driven more by online communities than clinical trials. The difference is sophisticated–and also speaks of accountability. In Maier’s view, longevity medicine must be practized with rigor and restraint. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Chi-Longevity_Camden-2240x1495.webp) *Chi Longevity* There is also a profound cultural shift underway. “People live longer, but too often spend many of those extra years in poor health. At the same time, science has changed our view of aging. We no longer see it as an inevitable decline, but as the main risk factor behind most chronic diseases and something we can measure, track, and influence. With biomarkers, digital health tools, and multi-omics \[an advanced medical approach that combines data from your genes, proteins, metabolism and other biological systems to create a detailed, personalized picture of how your body is functioning and aging\], prevention has become personalized and actionable rather than generic advice. People do not just want to avoid disease; they want to remain mentally sharp, physically capable, and independent for as long as possible. This expectation is reshaping medicine,” Maier explains. At Chi, that reshaping is deliberately disciplined. “Biohacking” is conspicuously absent from its vocabulary. In a space crowded with experimentation and influencer-endorsed shortcuts, Maier draws a firm boundary. “Innovation matters, but in medicine, credibility comes from rigor, not novelty.” Every new idea is assessed conservatively. “Healthy Longevity Medicine must advance carefully, with discipline and humility—not speed alone.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/20251013_2003_MWP_WEBRES-1.webp) *Chi Longevity* If an intervention cannot be properly monitored, measured and ethically overseen, it simply does not make the cut. “Risks are variable and may emerge earlier or at lower thresholds in certain cultural contexts, making personalized diagnostics especially important. Healthy Longevity Medicine begins with understanding these nuances, because performance is not the same as resilience, and appearance is not a reliable indicator of long-term health.” It is this measured tone that differentiates Chi Longevity from the more sensational parts of the industry. The clinic does not promise immortality and does not claim to stop aging altogether. Instead, it offers something subtler and arguably more powerful: the chance to treat health with the same seriousness as wealth. For leaders especially, Maier believes the mindset shift is overdue. “Health underpins everything,” she says. “It affects how we think, decide, and show up over the course of decades.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/20251013_2405_MWP_WEBRES-1.webp) *Chi Longevity* To regard proactive, personalized health management as indulgent, she suggests, is to misunderstand its strategic importance. “For leaders, treating health with the same seriousness and rigor as succession planning or business continuity is not indulgent; it is responsible.” The notion of living to 120 may still sound ambitious. Yet what once seemed fanciful is now being discussed in serious medical and financial circles. Technology, data and a deeper understanding of the biology of aging have shifted the conversation from fantasy to feasibility. Longevity at Chi is about extending the years in which one can contribute, lead, create and enjoy. **Categories:** Health & Wellness **Tags:** Chi Longevity, Longevity, Professor Andrea Maier, singapore, wellness --- ### [This Virginia Couple Built a Dining Pavilion With a Bespoke Kitchen for Dueling Chefs](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/this-virginia-couple-built-a-dining-pavilion-with-a-bespoke-kitchen-for-dueling-chefs/) **Published:** February 24, 2026 **Author:** Justin Fenner **Content:** There’s no shortage of beautiful kitchens that only reach their full potential at the end of the year, when holiday parties and other festive gatherings push ranges and worktops to their limits. But the owners of one Virginia property had a specific vision: a light-filled entertaining pavilion, separate from their main house, that would come alive on weekends, with dueling chefs facing off to serve their family and friends. “The idea was that they’d do those events every Sunday evening,” says Charles Owen, proprietor of Owen Design Concepts, who was enlisted to turn this dream into a reality. “It’s called ‘warding away the Sunday blues,’” he adds with a chuckle. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Officine_Gullo_Kitchen_4.webp) The kitchen is the heart of an entertaining pavilion penned by Owen Design Concepts. *Photo: Venjhamin Reyes* The resulting 6,000-square-foot structure, which evokes images of conservatories and greenhouses one of the owners found online, has a distinctly old-world sensibility. The soaring space is made from stone, steel, and glass; some of its design details reference the Beaux Arts Musée d’Orsay, the former train station in [Paris](https://robbreport.ph/tag/paris/ "Paris") that now houses Impressionist works by Monet, Van Gogh, and Cézanne. That meant the kitchen itself had to stand up to the building’s feeling of solidity and grandeur. Fortunately, the clients had also come across the work of [Officine Gullo](https://us.officinegullo.com/) in their hunt for inspiration. The Florentine company, which makes full kitchens from scratch in its Italian factories, struck the owners as the right partner—and not just because its historic aesthetic fit in with the rest of the building. (Gullo’s design team, for instance, suggested the matte-black joinery with bronze accents for a traditional tone.) Unlike other manufacturers, “the Officine Gullo guys are willing to make the entire kitchen,” Owen says. “They literally custom fabricate the sinks. They custom fabricate the doors for the Gaggenau refrigerators, the coffee machine… they even made a custom wine rack for us.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Officine_Gullo_Kitchen_2.webp) Details of a Virginia kitchen created by Officine Gullo. *Photo: Venjhamin Reyes* These bespoke details unite the look and feel of the kitchen and frame the Italian operation’s calling card: fully integrated cooktops and ovens that sit within tailor-made all-metal cabinetry. At the heart of the space, two such ranges are situated back-to-back underneath a massive hood. The arrangement gives both dueling chefs access to built-in pasta cookers, as well as the coup de feu hobs you’d typically find only in a commercial kitchen. These large cast-iron eyes are hotter at the center and get cooler as you shift pots and pans outward, allowing a professional level of finesse with the slightest moves. The chef working on the left side of the kitchen, it should be noted, is closer to the built-in refrigerators and pizza oven, but the one on the right is closer to a large, hangar-style window that makes serving diners outdoors a breeze. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Officine_Gullo_Kitchen_3.webp) A butcher-block countertop, sized to seat 14, serves as a place to watch the kitchen at work. *Photo: Venjhamin Reyes* To allow the owners’ guests the opportunity to watch the chefs—and the kitchen—in action, Owen installed a 14-seat island just beyond the range complex, crowned by a butcher block made in Italy. The glass cabinets beneath it are lit from within and will house the couple’s collection of wine decanters when they’re not in use. Though the project involved an international coalition of craftsmen and other professionals (the flooring is from Malta, sourced via [Ancient Surfaces](https://www.ancientsurfaces.com/), for example, and the fireplace was hand-carved from limestone in the South of France), Owen says he was most impressed by how easy the Officine Gullo team made things. Not every kitchen manufacturer will send its own specialists abroad to ensure that the cabinets get positioned correctly. “It was an absolutely seamless operation,” he says, noting that this was his first time working with the firm. “From concept to delivery and installation, absolutely impeccable. Never seen anything like it.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Officine_Gullo_Kitchen_5.webp) From left: Officine Gullo suggested the black-and-bronze color scheme for a traditional look; the company specializes in integrating appliances behind custom paneling. *Photo: Venjhamin Reyes* For Owen’s part, though, the real work may just be beginning. Asked whether he’d had the chance to duel in the kitchen yet, he says, “Actually, we’re about to. This Sunday, we’re going to break it in.” As for the food? “We’re going to keep it in the Italian vernacular. That’s going to be our start.” *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Home & Design **Tags:** home design, home kitchen, Magazine --- ### [These New Apps Help You Book a Private Jet in Just 30 Seconds—and Bypass Brokers](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/these-new-apps-help-you-book-a-private-jet-in-just-30-seconds-and-bypass-brokers/) **Published:** February 24, 2026 **Author:** J. George Gorant **Content:** After years of waiting, the digitization of on-demand charters may finally be gaining altitude. Start-ups like [FlyHouse](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/meet-the-invite-only-charter-app-that-brings-private-flights-to-your-fingertips/ "Meet the Invite-Only Charter App That Brings Private Flights to Your Fingertips"), [Jettly](https://jettly.com/), and [Levo.aero](https://levo.aero/)—along with established players such as [Wheels Up](https://wheelsup.com/) and [XO](https://flyxo.com/)—have rolled out apps that promise access to a [private jet](https://robbreport.ph/tag/private-jet/ "private jet") in as little as 30 seconds. Speed is only part of the pitch. These platforms also tout more-competitive pricing and greater transparency than the traditional system, which can be maddeningly opaque. The latter typically involves calling a broker to discuss travel needs, budgets, and schedules, after which the broker checks in with aircraft owners, managers, or clearinghouses. Finding the right aircraft this way can take anywhere from several hours to several days, and the prices can often be estimates rather than firm quotes. FlyHouse’s solution is to remove brokers or aircraft-management companies from the equation entirely. Users enter flight details directly into its app, which runs a reverse auction from a vetted directory of aircraft. The result is a list of jets with comparable pricing. “From the consumer’s perspective, nobody is picking the plane for me, and I have a wide selection in real time,” says FlyHouse founder and chairman Sanford Michelman. And without a broker’s fee, the cost becomes more flexible. Depending on the app’s turnaround time, Michelman notes, “you can watch prices drop as the jet owners bid for business.” The company has also introduced a new FriendShare feature that lets users form private cohorts around common interests and organize flights where seats can be individually chartered. When set in public mode, FlyHouse’s roughly 40,000 app users are also able to view the flights, widening the pool for shared rides or per-seat sales. [Elevate Jet](https://elevatejet.com/) takes a different approach, layering artificial intelligence into its app to manage real-time expenses, multicity itineraries, and aircraft feasibility. The system evaluates whether a jet can actually fly a given route by accounting for fuel, range, crew limits, and airport constraints. “We flag hidden complexities up front,” says Greg Raiff, Elevate Jet’s founder and C.E.O. “Most charter platforms obscure how aircraft are matched to trips. You’re either relying on a broker’s word or reverse-engineering it yourself.” The app from XO, Vista Global’s charter division, operates at far greater scale. With more than 2 million downloads, it draws on pricing algorithms tied to over 2,000 aircraft worldwide. “We look at the aircraft’s movements, which establishes the operator’s pricing logic,” explains Youssef Mouallem, chief business officer at [Vista Global](https://vistaglobal.com/). “We’re right 96 percent of the time, so \[we\] can guarantee the prices.” XO also taps into Vista’s broader hospitality infrastructure. “Our ultra-high-net-worth clients want speed and transparency—but also the appropriate levels of service,” Mouallem adds. Wheels Up, meanwhile, has begun blending private and commercial travel. The company recently expanded its app to include Delta Air Lines flights, reflecting the carrier’s role as its primary investor. Wheels Up C.E.O. George Mattson says this integration “reflects how our members actually travel today.” The app itself remains central to that behavior. According to chief digital officer David Godsman, it is “the preferred way members search and book.” For all the enthusiasm, not all industry observers are sold on the app-driven model. “The best brokers could do the same thing in about an hour, with more specific details about the aircraft,” says Doug Gollan, founder and editor of the website [Private Jet Card Comparisons](https://privatejetcardcomparisons.com/private-jet-card-comparisons-access/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=8047667029&gbraid=0AAAAADoI7UPFsEq4mXuZHlcckypGTEtsO&gclid=Cj0KCQiA49XMBhDRARIsAOOKJHYZ0lKRUW_KiFz3tsfjq7ZqJh1lHKPLW3gxEx6zMzRYYTKu4pxWrG4aAgvqEALw_wcB). Many charters, he notes, are still arranged through experts with long-standing client relationships. Then again, a good broker can be hard to find, especially for newcomers to [private aviation](https://robbreport.com/tag/private-aviation/). Perhaps there will be an app for that, too. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Aviation **Tags:** Elevate Jet, Jettly, Levo.Aero, Magazine, private aviation, private jet, Private Jet Card Comparisons, Vista Global, XO --- ### [Jigger Cruz Exhibit ‘Hail Holy Eyes’ is a Universe to be Felt](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-collectibles/jigger-cruz-exhibit-hail-holy-eyes-is-a-universe-to-be-felt/) **Published:** February 23, 2026 **Author:** Jodie Jose **Content:** “You could smell his studio just by being here,” Norman Crisologo, the curator of artist [Jigger Cruz](https://robbreport.ph/tag/jigger-cruz/ "Jigger Cruz")’s latest show at The M ([The Metropolitan Museum of Manila](https://metmuseum.ph/)), says with amusement. The artist stands beside him, looking vaguely bashful at the mention of his obsession with his craft, as if the pile of oil paint tubes—emptied to the last bead—isn’t proof enough. Crisologo was right. The pungent scent of oil paint spread throughout The M’s second level, which was capacious enough to hold a labyrinth of the artist’s works. Borrowed from collectors over the years, the works amassed for the exhibit entitled *Hail Holy Eyes* count just under 200 pieces. And to those who are well-acquainted with Cruz’s practice, this stands as a feat considering his track record of massive canvases richly covered with pure, unadulterated oil paint spread, layered, scratched, burned, or splattered, making Jigger Cruz “Jigger Cruz.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/4086.webp) The artist is often consumed by the materiality of his works, best immortalized in piles of oil paint tubes emptied to the last bead. *Photo: Jodie Jose* Extensive as it is, this show must not be mistaken for a retrospective. Though the artist’s practice is just nearing its two-decade mark, Crisologo is convinced that his caliber equals that of a seasoned artist. “Why wait until he’s gone?” the curator asks. Hearing this, Cruz replies, “It feels like a birthday celebration.” ###### The World Forgetting, By the World Forgot ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Plastic-Jack-Balloons-Oil-on-Canvas-2006.webp) “Plastic Jack Balloons,” Cruz’s earliest work on display at the exhibit. *Photo: Jodie Jose* At the entrance of the exhibit shone words uttered by the artist in 2015, listing all the things he discards and eliminates in art: analysis, art history, politics, the past and future, dialogue, consciousness, the audience, conceptual art. The list went on. Cruz is not as haunted by the task of building on these as he is consumed by the materiality of his works. In truth, he remarks that he does not even see his pieces as paintings, but rather as objects, objects that bear the waves of orgasmic ardor that consume him whenever he picks up a brush and loads it with the velvety pigment, and once the artist enters this state, the rest of the world fades into the background. The earliest work included in the show, entitled “Plastic Jack Balloons,” was created in 2006. While drastically simpler than the rest, the piece displays Cruz’s natural sensibility for good composition. The works that followed that still belong to the artist’s nascent stage, are characterized by the riotous streaks and dabs of paint. Passion had finally opened its eyes. It was strong and curious like a child just learning to use its limbs, making some areas tainted with muddy strokes, while others gave way to long, vivid squirts of different hues. But Cruz harnessed his vigor so masterfully that gradually his objects emanated with the most compelling marriage of composition and palette without surrendering to the dullness of time. Painting over canvases averaging 4 to 7ft, Cruz sculpts his own galaxy of abstraction layer by layer. And during such moments does unbridled pleasure rise within him like some husk-possessing spirit turning him into a shaman. ###### The Instinctual and Spiritual ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/3570.webp) Cruz reconfigured rejects from santoreros’ workshops, which he gathered from Paete, Laguna. *Photo: Jodie Jose* This attunement and reverence to the instinctual that Cruz possesses also bleeds into his perception of spirituality, most especially in the context of the Filipino’s eclectic attitude and practices that meld Catholicism and animism. At the far end of the left wing stood a fabricated structure made of metal, curved and put up like an entrance to a Gothic church. This was added by Crisologo, mirroring the polyptych painting mounted across it. It had—under the motley of serpentine lines, banded pillars, and jagged contours—what looked like the trifecta of Christ the King, Mary the Virgin, and St. Peter, painted in Renaissance style. Make no mistake: Cruz is also a skillful figurist. Right outside the entrance, a line of disfigured wooden heads is propped up against a painting of a dreary landscape superimposed with a U-shaped form made, not surprisingly, with a thick amount of black paint. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/3464-1.webp) *Photo: Jodie Jose* Many may find themselves bewildered by this display, which could easily be written off as irreverence. However, what Cruz appears to channel through his objects is the intermingling of our shamanistic past and inherited religiosity from the Spaniards, both of which exist in the crevices of our Filipino consciousness without the need to excise either one of them. On another note, Cruz is an avid collector of antique santo sculptures. These he keeps and admires in his home away from the chaos unfurling in his studio. Meanwhile, the sculptures that become part of his work are rejects gathered from Paete, Laguna, where many santoreros (carvers of religious iconography) reside. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/3371.webp) *Photo: Jodie Jose* > “Cruz sculpts his own galaxy of abstraction layer by layer. And during such moments does unbridled pleasure rise within him like some husk-possessing spirit turning him into a shaman.” ###### Orchestrating Rooms and Parties An aspect not widely known about Cruz is his affinity for music. Cruz throws house parties regularly, which is significantly remembered by a particular candelabra that is also displayed right at the entrance of the exhibit, on top of a table turned makeshift palette. This candelabra has colorful, hardened candle wax dangling from its tendrils that the artist is eager to keep intact for its history. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/3583.webp) *Photo: Jodie Jose* Cruz’s method is intuitive and seems to concern itself more with curating sound instead of making marks on a music sheet for an orchestra. While Cruz is not armed with the technical expertise that makes a typical virtuoso, the power to create a charging atmosphere is palpable. The artist shares that as they were mounting the works in the different sections of the hall, he felt his way through each of them, discerning its character, which later guided him in crafting the soundtrack that played through the speakers. As one strolls through the halls, Cruz’s presence is intensely felt, whether through sound, pictures, and scent. And why not? Cruz, after all, does not ask his art to be encountered with theories or analysis, but with the gaiety of embracing materiality. *This article appeared in Robb Report Philippines [Success Issue, February 2026.](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-february-2026-the-success-issue/)* **Categories:** Art & Collectibles **Tags:** Features, Hail Holy Eyes, Jigger Cruz, M Museum --- ### [Notes From Singapore: Craft, Cars, and Collecting](https://robbreport.ph/cars/notes-from-singapore-craft-cars-and-collecting/) **Published:** February 23, 2026 **Author:** Carl Cunanan **Content:** We started the new year rather busy. Going to the reopening of the [Patek Philippe](https://robbreport.ph/tag/patek-philippe/ "Patek Philippe") service center in [Singapore](https://robbreport.ph/tag/singapore/ "singapore") led things off. This facility, recently honored as the best service center for the brand, has grown significantly since the time we first used it in its early days. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/5f185ba43e69f6eded5c2423bf5d74c89440c1f66c03e5409299d76a67f9d671.webp) It was quite refreshing to see how it has expanded and improved apace with the level of importance watchmaking and collecting has risen to in Southeast Asia. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/6c21981def7843f18ccd412d168d8cb1b3cf203ac24b92132b32e2d0f2fe46b3.webp) The service center spans 8,000 square feet. We also got the chance to see a wonderful symphony concert at what are probably the best seats in the house at Singapore’s Esplanade-Theatres On The Bay. Patek Philippe has had a longstanding partnership as a benefactor of the theater and has a private box there. This is slightly raised above the main floor, allowing you to see almost all the musicians at work and how the different components of the orchestra come together. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Hans-Graf-6.webp) Hans Graf. The acoustics of the space are amazing, and it was a joy to see the world premiere of Joyce Koh’s *Earth* and Elgar’s *Cello Concerto* with soloist Julia Hagen. After the intermission, we were entranced by Gustav Holst’s *The Planets*, conducted by Hans Graf, as we tried to figure out how the [music](https://robbreport.ph/leisure/vinyls-and-visuals-9-coffee-table-books-every-music-collector-needs/ "Vinyls and Visuals: 9 Coffee-Table Books Every Music Collector Needs") matched the visions of the planets themselves. Quite an eye-opening experience with a piece that gets very little mainstream attention. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/thumbnail-1.webp) Porsche at Jewel. *Porsche* Next stop was the [Porsche At Jewel](https://robbreport.ph/cars/a-week-of-icons-cars-watches-pens-and-spirits/ "A Week of Icons: Cars, Watches, Pens, and Spirits"), located inside the Jewel mall beside Changi Airport. This space is dedicated to the enthusiasm and passion behind the Porsche world, and will serve as the welcoming point for those who will be attending events at the Porsche Experience Center Singapore. When this opens in 2027, its Hermann Tilke-designed track will interact directly with the facility’s architecture. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/thumbnail.webp) The mural by Priscilla Tey. *Porsche* Displayed during our visit at Porsche At Jewel were a mural celebrating the history of Porsche Motorsport and the actual 1982 Le Mans-winning Porsche 956-002 race car. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/thumbnail-2.webp) Priscilla Tey. *Porsche* There, we had a great talk with the young artist who created the mural, Priscilla Tey, who managed to capture Porsche and racing enthusiasts’ emotions in an art piece that was initially a Red Envelope project for the Year of the Fire Horse. Also in Singapore, we met with creative solutions boutique design studio Fin Crafted Goods. This Singaporean company first caught our attention because of its collaborations with [Porsche](https://robbreport.ph/tag/porsche/ "porsche"). It’s is a shop and studio dedicated to keeping good things alive, and that involves sourcing extremely curated vintage clothing and fabrics as well as putting together limited runs of clothing lines and accessories. We are sure to see more from the brand in the watch world, as well as in the car world. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/img_big1.webp) *Credor* We wrapped up the first months of the year by checking out one of only 10 special Credor watches, the platinum Goldfeather Tourbillon GBCF999. It is the first tourbillon ever for the Goldfeather line, and features urushi lacquer, braden and maki-e techniques in addition to the exquisite engraving and finishing touches. Credor is a very dedicated Japanese house for watches, and its collectors and enthusiasts include people who run and own some of the top Swiss watchmaking maisons. On one hand, our year started without really flashy or well-known pieces. Many people don’t understand how important the commitment of Patek Philippe is to keeping any of their watches running forever. But for true collectors, it is paramount. So what we really saw is kind of a deeper level of enthusiasm and passion and commitment in ways that aren’t as ostentatious as most might expect, but are key to keeping these crafts and passions and pieces and skills alive. All this comes at the best time and serves as an indication of what lies on the road ahead. It was actually a great way to start the year. **Categories:** Cars, Watches **Tags:** Changi Airport, Credor, Jewel at Changi, Music, Patek Philippe, porsche, Service Center, singapore --- ### [Italy’s First Luxury Train Takes You to the Medieval City of Siena](https://robbreport.ph/travel/italys-first-luxury-train-takes-you-to-the-medieval-city-of-siena/) **Published:** February 23, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** What better way to head to the world’s oldest horse race than in [Italy](https://robbreport.ph/tag/italy/ "italy")’s [first luxury train](https://robbreport.ph/travel/the-venice-simplon-orient-express-and-veuve-clicquot-team-up-for-luxe-bubbly-train-trips/ "The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and Veuve Clicquot Train Experience")? La Dolce Vita [Orient Express](https://robbreport.ph/tag/orient-express/ "orient express") is offering two new trips to Siena, Italy, to see the Palio. Taking place this summer, the [three-day adventures](https://www.orient-express.com/la-dolce-vita/itinerary/siena-the-palio/) give travelers a chance to soak in the Italian countryside before experiencing the centuries-old equestrian competition. Dating back to the 13th century, the Palio is steeped in tradition. Taking place twice a year in the historic medieval city of Siena, the bareback horse race sees 10 of the 17 distinct neighborhoods (or *contrade*) compete. The horses and jockeys make three laps around a square known as the Piazza del Campo, with each race typically lasting less than 90 seconds. The thrilling event is the centerpiece of the new itinerary, but it is not the only incredible experience you can expect. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/the-Palio.webp) The Palio horse race in Sienna. *Photo: Xinhua News Agency/Getty* The journey begins at Rome Ostiense station in the plush La Dolce Vita Lounge, where you can enjoy a tipple before boarding the train. At dusk, the train will depart the Eternal City for Tuscany. While winding through the scenic hills, you will be served a dinner by three-Michelin-starred chef Heinz Beck. The evening continues in the Bar Car, with cocktails and live piano music. The next day, you’ll take a private transfer to the Palazzo Chigi Zondadari in Siena. The 18th-century Baroque palace overlooks the Piazza del Campo, making it the perfect place to watch the race. You’ll enjoy an aperitivo before heading to the private balconies to see all the antics play out on the square. After that, a Tuscan dinner will be served up in the palace courtyard. The afterparty continues back in the train’s Bar Car. The following morning, the train will take you back to Rome. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/La-Dolce-Vita-Orient-Express-2.webp) The dining car. You will live the good life across the three days, too. Labeled “Italy’s first luxury train,” La Dolce Vita pairs old-world Italian glamour with the finest modern amenities. The 12 carriages host no more than 62 passengers at a time, creating a truly intimate travel experience. Accommodation includes 12 deluxe cabins, 18 suites, and one suitably flashy La Dolce Vita Suite. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/SUITE_La-Dolce-Vita-Orient-Express-2025-Photo-Credits-MrTripper.webp) One of the 18 suites. *Photo: La Dolce Vita Orient Express/Mr Tripper* This journey will be offered twice during the summer, from July 1 to 3 and August 15 to 17. The Palio in July is held in honor of the Madonna di Provenzano, while the race in August is a tribute to the Assumption of Mary. Reservations can be made via [Orient Express](https://www.orient-express.com/la-dolce-vita/itinerary/siena-the-palio/). *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Travel **Tags:** horse racing, italy, luxury train, luxury travel, orient express, train --- ### [Richard Mille’s New $1.94 Million Watch Can Track the Time and Score of Soccer Matches](https://robbreport.ph/watches/richard-milles-new-1-94-million-watch-can-track-the-time-and-score-of-soccer-matches/) **Published:** February 23, 2026 **Author:** Nicole Hoey **Content:** [Richard Mille](https://robbreport.ph/tag/richard-mille/ "richard mille") is getting itself ready for this summer’s [World Cup](https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026). The watchmaker has just unveiled its new RM 41-01 Tourbillon Soccer, an aptly named piece that is meant to track each and every moment that unfolds throughout a soccer game (or football, for everyone else outside of the U.S.). But this new skeletonized beauty is a strike above its sporty processors, the RM 11-01 and the RM 11-04 Roberto Mancini, in more ways than one. “We think in concepts rather than linear evolutions,” RM’s commercial director Alexandre Mille said in a press release. “What we learn on one reference can become the starting point for the next challenge.” It all starts with the star of the show, which is the timepiece’s bonkers new caliber, one that took the team five years to develop. Created in partnership with the folks at [Audemars Piguet](https://robbreport.ph/watches/5-incredible-new-watches-from-audemars-piguets-first-big-drop-of-2026/ "5 Incredible New Watches From Audemars Piguet’s First Big Drop of 2026"), the titanium movement is equipped with both a tourbillon escapement, a flyback chronograph that shows off overlapping central minutes and seconds, and a function indicator. The fun really begins, though, with the first of new complications shown off here: a match-time indicator positioned at 9 o’clock. As the name suggests, it tracks the current phase of the game at hand, with each reset of the flyback chronograph shifting the display from the first to second half—and it covers both a first and second extra time, too. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/richard-mille-rm-41-01-tourbillon-soccer-blue.webp) The dark-blue variant of the new RM 41-01 Tourbillon Soccer. *Photo: Richard Mille* Plus, you can keep track of the score of both teams, thanks to the mechanical goal counters sitting along the outskirts of the movement. Using the pushers at 2 and 4 o’clock, the wearer can mark the goals of the home and away squad along the metallic rails (up to nine goals, before the arrow shifts back to the zero marker). The watch, too, is home to a 70-hour power reserve—so you can fit plenty of matches within each wear. Richard Mille also made sure to remove every bit of unnecessary material from the timepiece, ensuring that its microblasted bridges and other features can be shown off to the max—PVD coatings on those pieces help to make them legible amid the openworked design. As usual, the new watch is done up in the brand’s signature tonneau-shaped case; though, for this model, the case is offered up in two versions. The first is making its debut on the RM 41-01 Tourbillon Soccer: a maroon-hued Basalt TPT, a material that’s derived from volcanic rock that’s resistance to chemicals, corrosion, and UV rays. The other case, meanwhile, is done up in a dark-blue Quartz TPT. Perhaps we’ll see the RM 41-01 Tourbillon Soccer on the wrists of some lucky sports fans or soccer stars at the upcoming World Cup—if they can manage to snag one, that is. The new watch is limited to just 30 timepieces, with a whopping price of $1.94 million. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** News, richard mille, soccer, Watch Collector --- ### [Three New Davidoff Lounges, and All the Time in the World](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/cigars/three-new-davidoff-lounges-and-all-the-time-in-the-world/) **Published:** February 23, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** [Davidoff](https://robbreport.ph/tag/davidoff/ "Davidoff") [Cigars](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/cigars/ "Cigars") has decisively expanded its Philippine footprint, unveiling three new premium stores across Metro Manila. Each location is conceived as a sanctuary for the age-old ritual of the cigar, offering private lounges and tastings that mirror the brand’s philosophy of pleasure in equal measure. These spaces invite us to sit back, light up, and let time loosen its grip, much like a well-constructed Davidoff. After all, we find their real character in the slow unfurling of aroma, texture, and balance. For Davidoff, whose heritage has always rested on the cultivation of experience, the Philippines represents a natural home. Manila’s discerning clientele has long embraced the brand’s ethos of craftsmanship and conviviality, drawn to cigars that favor elegance over brute force, subtlety over spectacle. A Davidoff Grand Cru or Aniversario has never been known to overwhelm the palate. Instead, they’re remembered for their layering—creamy cedar, toasted nuts, hints of spice. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/516495799_1141520657999666_3355826315419202577_n-1.webp) *Photo: Courtesy of City of Dreams Manila* That same sensibility quietly animates its new Manila lounges. The most expansive of the three debuts sits within the Makati Shangri-La. Accessible through the hotel’s grand staircase, the boutique feels removed from the pace of Makati below. Inside, the private tasting room for eight to 10 guests is hushed and cocooned, an atmosphere that allows a cigar’s evolution to be appreciated without distraction. Leather seating, warm wood, and carefully controlled humidity create a sense of physical ease. It is an ideal setting for executive meetings, celebratory evenings, or guided tastings, led, of course, by Davidoff ’s specialists. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/516195319_1141520691332996_4269482644695864468_n.webp) *Photo: Courtesy of City of Dreams Manila* Across the metropolis in Bonifacio Global City, Davidoff’s new outpost at Shangri-La The Fort offers a more contemporary rhythm. Located directly across the hotel’s lobby entrance, this sleek, urban store mirrors the tempo of the city itself. Yet inside its five-to-seven-seat private tasting room, the pace softens. Here, a Nicaragua or Escurio, known more perhaps for its livelier spice and darker, more textured profile, feels especially cozy, complementing the room’s design-forward energy while still honoring Davidoff’s trademark balance. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/516870423_1141520687999663_6668545396207849449_n.webp) *Photo: Courtesy of City of Dreams Manila* Further down south, within the high-stakes glamour of City of Dreams Manila, Davidoff’s most intimate boutique finds its home beside the High Limit gaming area, en route to Nüwa Hotel. With seating for just four to six guests, it has the discreet intimacy of a well-kept secret. The casino’s electric pulse only heightens the pleasure of the lounge’s hushed, aromatic calm, much as a finely aged limited edition gains depth when enjoyed against the noise of the outside world. What unites all three locations is Davidoff’s insistence that cigars are carefully composed experiences. Such meticulously regulated environments and assortments work in concert to draw out every nuance of a Grand Cru, an Aniversario, or a rare limited release. These lounges are designed, in the truest sense, to let a cigar do what it does best: slow you down, open its layers, and invite you to stay a little longer. How persuasive they can be. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report Philippines’ [Success Issue, February 2026](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-february-2026-the-success-issue/).* **Categories:** Cigars **Tags:** cigars, city of dreams, Davidoff, Shangri-La at the Fort --- ### [The New Longevity Retreat That Wants to Go Home With You](https://robbreport.ph/leisure/health-wellness/the-new-longevity-retreat-that-wants-to-go-home-with-you/) **Published:** February 20, 2026 **Author:** Mark Ellwood **Content:** It was a nagging numbness in his left hand that changed everything for Faizal Kottikollon. The Dubai-based businessman had long been a yoga devotee with a penchant for headstands. And that, several concerned doctors eventually concluded, was the problem. Years of overzealous inversions had compressed his vertebrae, damaging his nerves so severely that risky, major surgery appeared to be the only solution. Kottikollon, then in his late 50s, resolved to find another answer. He found it, he hoped, in Ayurveda, a holistic medical system practiced widely in Kerala, the Indian state where he was born and raised. There, he was prescribed brimhana, or tissue regeneration, using a bolus therapy made from goat meat mixed with rice, milk, and spices. “Through the skin pores, this goat protein goes inside the body—inside the nerves—and leaves the RNA of the goat protein, which regenerates our dead nerves,” he explains. Ayurveda, he adds, holds that the goat meat is the closest chemical analogue to human flesh. “Within three cycles of treatment, the cervical issue was solved. I had three M.R.I.s taken subsequently—it was completely gone.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Tulah_Clinical_Wellness_8.webp) Renderings of Tulah’s interiors show airy, nature-connected interiors. *Photo: Courtesy of Tulah Clinical Wellness Sanctuary* That experience became the seed of the idea that will soon open to the world, and which Kottikollon is sharing exclusively with *Robb Report*: [Tulah Clinical Wellness](https://www.tulah.life/), his entrant in the booming longevity market. Kottikollon’s approach diverges sharply from Silicon Valley’s model, often defined by prescription-heavy biohacking and evangelized by the likes of Bryan Johnson. Instead, Tulah emphasizes integration, pairing conventional diagnostics such as M.R.I.s and bloodwork with complementary therapies drawing from Ayurveda, Vedanta, and other traditional systems. “[Longevity](https://robbreport.ph/leisure/health-wellness/the-best-sleep-technologies-for-the-most-restful-2026/ "The 8 Best and Latest Sleep Innovations For Your Most Restful Night Yet") is becoming a buzzword, but today a lot of biohacking is happening at the top level without understanding the foundations correctly,” he says. “Everybody wants to live longer, but using chemicals to do it is not the right way of looking at life and longevity. We need to make sure that you’re mentally and physically both in good condition until you’re 90 to 100 years old.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Tulah_Clinical_Wellness_2.webp) Founder Faizal Kottikollon has been intimately involved with every aspect of the project, from construction to programming, including these designs for its medical suites, which are more redolent of a five-star hotel than a hospital. *Photo: Courtesy of Tulah Clinical Wellness Sanctuary* He is aiming squarely at an ultra-high-net-worth clientele. When Tulah opens later this year, stays will cost up to $2,700 per person per night, inclusive of all treatments and meals. More intriguing, though, is the strategy underpinning Tulah’s rollout, which upends the blueprint deployed by most operators in this sector. Kottikollon does not envision guests arriving for an annual weeklong [retreat](https://robbreport.ph/leisure/health-wellness/sacred-suites-the-5-best-hotels-for-your-next-wellness-retreat/ "Sacred Suites: The 5 Best Hotels for Your Next Wellness Retreat") only to return to daily life unchanged. Rather, he wants the experience to offer an ongoing framework, woven into how people live, long after they leave the property. To support that ambition, he is investing heavily: The 30-acre 65-suite residential clinic in the hills of northern Kerala—an estimated $100 million project—will serve as the mother ship for a global network of satellite locations. He plans to open as many as 40 facilities over the next decade, beginning with Dubai later this year, followed by Tokyo and London. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Tulah_Clinical_Wellness_6.webp) A medical suite. *Photo: Courtesy of Tulah Clinical Wellness Sanctuary* He certainly has the experience—and the capital—to gamble on such a project. Kottikollon earned his fortune in 2011, selling a stake in his valve company, ETC, for $400 million. He later pivoted to construction with [KEF Infra](https://www.kefholdings.com/), a modular-building firm producing prefabricated schools, malls, and hospitals. One of those projects, the innovative [Meitra Hospital](https://www.meitra.com/) in Kerala’s Calicut, helped inspire Tulah’s integrated ethos. “Today, health care is more of a reactive medicine,” he says. “Covid made me really go into the concept of prevention,” Kottikollon explains of the acute issues that afflicted India during the pandemic. It was hit, of course, not only by the first wave, but became the global epicenter of the second wave a few months later. This experience triggered his resolve to invest in what he believes is a truly effective new health-care model. Health and discipline, he notes, were ingrained early. His father, Peekay, was an enthusiastic weight lifter who earned the title of Mr. Kozhikode in Kerala. Kottikollon says that he “inculcated, at a very young age, that I should be disciplined and work out. I don’t drink or smoke and have always been into health and [wellness](https://robbreport.ph/leisure/health-wellness/ "Health & Wellness").” Still, the move to create Tulah was a bold departure from the mainstream industrial businesses on which he had built his fortune. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Tulah_Clinical_Wellness_5.webp) The rituals here combine wellness efforts—whether food or exercise—with allopathic medical testing, all in a design-forward setting. *Photo: Courtesy of Tulah Clinical Wellness Sanctuary* For the campus design, he hired architect Wisam Al Lami, emphasizing flowing, curved forms inspired by Zaha Hadid’s work. “You’ll never see a sharp corner in Tulah,” he says. “The mind is much calmer when you see a river flowing, and it’s like that.” He also spent five years developing a custom water-cooling technology that keeps interior temperatures at 70 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit without chemical coolants. The campus is densely forested, and the anchor of the complex is the Sonorium, which Kottikollon claims is the world’s largest sound-healing dome. Clinically, Tulah will be formidable. The facility will house M.R.I.s, C.T. and M.T.I. scans, I.C.U. beds, and operating rooms. Blood-work results will be ready within hours rather than days, and endogenomic testing will be conducted both at intake and discharge to demonstrate measurable health impact. Tulah will adhere to the same protocols as the F.D.A.—exozomes will be available, for example, but not stem-cell therapy—and the chief of medical services is Dr. Ravi Parihar, an orthopedic surgeon who trained in India as well as the U.K. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Tulah_Clinical_Wellness_3.webp) The world’s largest sound-healing dome will be located here. *Photo: Courtesy of Tulah Clinical Wellness Sanctuary* “All the investigation will be done by modern science,” Kottikollon explains. “But the solution will mostly come from the Eastern way of doing things.” Was it harder to persuade Eastern practitioners to embrace allopathic protocols or vice versa? “Western-medicine doctors,” he laughs, “because their ego is higher.” At Meitra, he notes, he trained doctors in both systems. He also touts a 2023 study of 50 patients treated there, comparing integrative care with purely Western protocols over a 12-week period. Among other findings, total cholesterol markers for the integrative group fell by 28 percent. Tulah will also offer its own signature practices. “Clinical yoga,” developed by B. K. S. Iyengar, functions as a musculoskeletal discipline. “It’s where we work on the spine, because the spine is where our seven energy centers are lying, the seven chakras,” Kottikollon says. “So once the spine is aligned, what clinical yoga does is, if your body is aligned correctly and strong, your mind works much clearer.” The clinic has also patented its Vichy shower bed, which uses heat, sound, vibration, and pressure to apply 40 different Ayurvedic therapies. It is, he says, the ideal shorthand for Tulah’s hybrid approach. Follow Ayurvedic principles closely enough, he adds, and a healthy lifespan of 120 should be achievable. > “Everybody wants to live longer, but using chemicals to do it is not the right way of looking at life and longevity.” Patients must stay for at least one week, though longer visits are encouraged. After 48 hours of intake testing, personalized programs are designed and shared. Most guests, he expects, will arrive with persistent lifestyle-related issues like his own, such as diabetes or musculoskeletal pain. Kottikollon is careful to stress what Tulah is not: He isn’t creating a haven for anyone keen to dismiss Western treatment for, say, cancer and instead opt for an entirely alternative plan. He says his focus remains on rehabilitation for lifestyle diseases and musculoskeletal issues. “And it’s clearly demarcated what we can and cannot do.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Tulah_Clinical_Wellness_1.webp) The imagined interior of the sound-healing dome is emblematic of the open-plan style, which is more than simply a palace of pampering. *Photo: Courtesy of Tulah Clinical Wellness Sanctuary* The real differentiator may be what happens after guests leave Tulah. The clinic has developed a proprietary algorithm, the Tulah Life Index, which aggregates metrics ranging from gut health to muscle mass into a single score out of 100. Sixty and above, he says, is solid. The accompanying app integrates with wearables like the [Oura Ring](https://robbreport.com/gear/personal-technology/gallery/review-wearable-artificial-intelligence-tech-1235867080/1b-w-001-family-galaxy-ring-silver-gold-black/) and Apple Watch, providing tailored recommendations and continuous monitoring. The data will be supported by the network of Urban Tulah hubs that will replicate most services offered in Kerala, other than overnight accommodation. The first Urban Tulah, a hybrid social club and wellness center, will open in Dubai later this year on a membership model (monthly dues are yet to be determined). Members will come in for checkups, healthy meals, and talks from experts in various fields. London, Germany, and Singapore could be next. “I’ve been to all the major wellness resorts in the world,” Kottikollon says. “You feel better when you’re there, but you go back to the old lifestyles. Tulah tech was developed for the follow-up to happen.” The strategy has drawn plaudits from leaders in the longevity space. Dr. Sabine Donnai, founder of London-based [Viavi](https://viavi.com/), lauds Tulah’s integrative protocols while noting that many conventional wellness retreats are often effective simply because guests disengage from stress. “The impact I see for most people? It’s the being away,” she says. “You do not reset your physiology during a week, and there is no follow-through. We’ve looked for that everywhere, and nobody actually has that hub and the spokes where you can keep on going for remeasuring, redoing, follow-up treatments.” She does sound a note of caution around herbal treatments, where Ayurveda typically insists on just-picked freshness for maximum efficacy. (“Clinical protocols follow Ayurveda’s yukti principle, using dried or extract-based equivalents when effective,” a Tulah spokesperson told *Robb Report*. “And each Urban Centre includes a micro-apothecary to prepare treatments requiring genuinely fresh botanicals.”) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Tulah_Clinical_Wellness_9.webp) An artful dish served at the property. *Photo: Courtesy of Tulah Clinical Wellness Sanctuary* California concierge physician Jordan Shlain, founder of [Private Medical](https://privatemedical.org/), is cautiously optimistic. “We’re at the peak of the hype cycle for longevity,” he says, while welcoming Tulah’s emphasis on continuity of care. “Longevity centers help you recognize there’s hard work to do, not while you’re there but every day, or most days.” Still, he warns against “performative wellness,” citing flashy diagnostics that lack clinical grounding. “It’s not proven tech, but big fancy machines \[that\] spit out colorful graphs, maybe saying you gotta stop eating this or that. But based on what?” Ayurveda, he notes, is different. “There’s proof it lowers your inflammation while you’re there, but a lot of it is psychological in nature. It’s a window of what your life could be like if you created the habits around it.” Others are more skeptical. Brad Inman, the real-estate entrepreneur–turned–longevity guru who founded [Livelong Media](https://livelongmedia.com/) questions whether Kottikollon’s resources can sustain a global network. He argues that franchising would be more be more viable. “These high-end clinics are harder to sell and harder to service. But considering how hot longevity is… some smart, well-financed people in venture capital or private equity could make this happen.” He also doubts the appeal of major city locations like London. “It’s not like we’re all living the longevity dream every day, even if we try to,” he adds, suggesting that resort destinations such as St. Barts would more readily lure guests with both the time and the inclination for follow-up checkups. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Tulah_Clinical_Wellness_4.webp) A lounge area complements the radiant interior. *Photo: Courtesy of Tulah Clinical Wellness Sanctuary* Kottikollon, though, remains undeterred. He believes that once guests see, feel—and clinically verify—the results, they will commit. Days at Tulah, he explains, begin and end with communal rituals: a dawn gathering in the forest, where guests ring a small bell as the sun rises, and an evening lamp-lighting ceremony at sunset. “People have to be taught about longevity, that it’s not just about biohacking,” he says. “It’s about looking inwardly, you know, a holistic approach to the body and mind.” Just don’t overdo the headstands. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Health & Wellness, Leisure **Tags:** Faizal Kottikollon, Longevity, Magazine, Tulah Clinical Wellness, wellness --- ### [Why This Millionaire Bought a Decade-Old Heesen Instead of a Shiny New Superyacht](https://robbreport.ph/boats/why-this-millionaire-bought-a-decade-old-heesen-instead-of-a-shiny-new-superyacht/) **Published:** February 19, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** Ibrahim Al-Rashid’s love for yachts runs deep. The Miami-based businessman grew up cruising the world on his father’s [superyacht](https://robbreport.ph/tag/superyacht/ "Superyacht"), the famous [*Lady Moura*,](https://robbreport.ph/boats/the-7-best-superyacht-beach-clubs-on-the-high-seas/ "The 7 Best Superyacht Beach Clubs on the High Seas") with his mother teaching him how to enjoy life on the sea. It is unsurprising, then, that he wants to recreate that with his own children, aged six, five, and three. What is rather surprising is that he has decided to do it in a pre-owned Heesen. As CEO of commercial real-estate investment company Limestone Asset Management, Al-Rashid has the means to start his own fleet in any which way he pleases. He also has the fortitude for a bespoke build, having recently spent two years designing an Embraer Praetor 600 jet with his wife, Ryann. Still, he decided his first superyacht would be the 164-foot *Bijin*, exclusively sharing with *Robb Report* that he closed on the superyacht on January 14. (*Bijin* was last asking €29.5 million, about $34.8 million at the current exchange rate.) He has renamed it *Mouna* in honor of his mother, French socialite and couture queen, Mouna Ayoub. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Heesen-Mouna-Superyacht-1.webp) “Mouna” features a fast-displacement hull and plumb bow. *Photo: Giovanni Malgarini* The immediacy and simplicity of buying turnkey was obviously very appealing to Al-Rashid. “Designing something to your own specifications certainly carries a lot of reward when it’s done, but it takes a lot of time and brings a lot of headaches,” he tells *Robb Report* over Zoom. “It’s just a very, very long process.” He’s not wrong. It takes an average of three to four years to build a custom superyacht, and that doesn’t include the typically lengthy and laborious design phase. That clearly hasn’t deterred him—he is currently in the process of designing a one-off measuring between 197 and 213 feet—but by buying a second-hand yacht first, the family could be on the seas quicker. Therein lies another perk. Al-Rashid has an opportunity to iron out the kinks before spending substantially more cash on his dream boat. “Even though I have experience at sea and I charter every year, it is different to own,” he explains. “Maybe it’s better to do it this way and get a little more experience under my belt, figure out what works and what doesn’t, so that I can apply that to the new design.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Heesen-Mouna-Superyacht-4.webp) An outdoor dining area. *Photo: Giovanni Malgarini* Practicality is only part of what prompted the purchase, though. Al-Rashid has been infatuated with *Mouna* since he saw her in Cannes a decade ago. “I remember looking out into the bay and seeing the design,” he recalls, “it was quite striking.” Delivered by Heesen in 2015, the fully custom 499 GT superyacht, then called *[Sibelle](https://www.heesenyachts.com/fleet/sibelle/)*, bucked convention with exterior styling considered radical at the time. Developed by Van Oossanen Naval Architects and designed by Omega Architects, the all-aluminum cruiser was distinguished by a fast-displacement hull and a vertical stem (or plumb bow) that notched her multiple prestigious awards and inspired an entire Heesen series of 164-foot fast-cruisers. After eight or so years on the water, *Sibelle* was [offered for sale](https://www.oceanindependence.com/articles/step-board-sibelle-award-winning-yacht-ready-impress-new-owner/) in March 2024. Al-Rashid tried to buy her, but failed. “My understanding is it came down to another bidder and me,” he says. “He outbid me.” After closing the deal in [October 2024](https://www.heesenyachts.com/articles/sibelle-a-masterpiece-in-motion-the-50m-custom-yacht-begins-a-new-chapter/), the new owner treated the yacht to an extensive, nine-month refit, during which the original interiors by Omega and AB Studio were given a Japandi-style makeover by Hot Lab Design. (Think Japanese minimalism combined with Scandinavian elegance.) She was renamed *[Bijin](https://www.heesenyachts.com/articles/bijin-a-heesen-legacy-reborn/)*—a Japanese term meaning “beautiful woman”—and relisted for sale in October 2025. “Within 12 months, he had it up for sale again, and I wasn’t going to lose it this time,” he adds. Tassos Papantoniou, senior yacht broker and partner at Torrance Yachts, helped him complete the deal in just three months. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Heesen-Mouna-Superyacht-2.webp) The Japandi-style interior combines Japanese minimalism with Scandinavian elegance. *Photo: Giovanni Malgarini* Though she is quite long in the tooth, *Mouna* has been meticulously maintained over the years. “I’ve been through hundreds of yachts, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen one that was this pristine,” Al-Rashid says. He was drawn to her contemporary yet classic exterior and her elegant teak interior, but it was the gym that he really fell in love with. “Oftentimes on yachts this size, they’ll cram one little treadmill or bike into a tiny space and call it a gym, but this one is actually a generous size and has a sauna built in.” Other amenities include a beach club, a swim platform, and a foredeck that doubles as a party area and a storage spot for tenders. Al-Rashid is also adding a hot tub on the expansive sundeck, with work currently underway in Croatia. That is the only real change he is making, with five cabins and large living quarters comfortably accommodating his family and friends. He and Ryann scored a full-beam owner’s suite of 656 square feet, the kids got a cabin each, and any guests can sleep in the remaining cabin. There are also cabins for 10 crew, with his dad’s old captain, Matthias Bosse, crewing the yacht. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Heesen-Mouna-Superyacht-9.webp) The main staircase. *Photo: Giovanni Malgarini* Powered by twin 1,342 hp MTU diesel engines, Mouna has a top speed of 18.5 knots and a range of 3,150 nautical miles at 13 knots, making her capable of venturing outside of the Med and the Caribbean to the lesser-known destinations Al-Rashid is fond of. “My intention with this yacht is that it doesn’t have a home,” he says, “and we go to places that you wouldn’t normally expect.” He does, however, acknowledge that the range is “barely transoceanic,” putting lengthy expeditions to his favorite spots like New Zealand literally out of reach. That’s where the second member of his planned fleet comes in. He says it will be an ice-class superyacht of over 1,000 GT with a sturdy steel hull and an ultra-long range of 6,000 miles. “We want to go to strange places, and the only way you can do that is in a yacht with explorer capabilities.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Heesen-Mouna-Superyacht-6.webp) The lounge and bar. *Photo: Giovanni Malgarini* That Al-Rashid is willing to share so much is mightily refreshing. Yacht deals tend to be shrouded in secrecy, with the names of the buyers and sellers intentionally concealed to protect the privacy and security of the ultra-wealthy. “I think it’s somewhat silly,” he laughs. “You have these owners that are trying to be discreet, yet they’re cruising the world in these $100-million toys. There’s just nothing discrete about it.” Even with parties signing non-disclosure agreements or vessels being registered under shell companies, journalists have found ways to prove yacht ownership and make that information available with the push of a button. Al-Rashid experienced that firsthand, even before the Internet. His father, Saudi billionaire Nasser Al-Rashid, made headlines in 1990 when he took delivery of *Lady Moura*. The 344-footer was one of the largest and most expensive yachts on the water at that time. “Publications were linking our family to the yacht,” he recalls, “so that discretion kind of went out the window at a very young age.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Heesen-Mouna-Superyacht-8.webp) The sundeck is gaining a hot tub. *Photo: Giovanni Malgarini* That is not to say Al-Rashid is at all into showing off or flaunting his wealth. He appears acutely aware of his privilege, stating he is “very grateful” to live such a lifestyle at multiple points during our conversation. It seems he simply wants to share the beauty of yachting with his kids and, well, anyone else who might be interested. To that end, he says *Robb Report* will be the first to see his bespoke build. Stay tuned. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Boats **Tags:** Feature, heesen, Superyacht --- ### [Italian Styling Takes the Lead in Tod’s New Fall–Winter Collection](https://robbreport.ph/style/italian-styling-takes-the-lead-in-tods-new-fall-winter-collection/) **Published:** February 19, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** [Tod’s](https://robbreport.ph/style/fashion/how-tods-newest-menswear-line-raises-the-bar-on-leather-working/ "How Tod’s Newest Menswear Line Raises the Bar on Leather Working") has long occupied a distinctive space in menswear: never the loudest voice in the room, yet consistently among the most assured. The Italian house sharpens its brand of authority with a collection that leans into a distinctly Italian ease of dressing, offering pieces that feel designed for travel instead of runway walks. The season’s anchor is the Winter Gommino, reintroduced with slightly more substantial proportions that give the classic driving shoe a colder-season relevance. In suede versions lined with shearling or cashmere, the silhouette gains a relaxed winter character that pairs naturally with soft tailoring and heavier outerwear. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/TODS-FW26-27-MENS-LOOK-7_A.webp) The Castello jacket, part of Matteo Tamburini’s outerwear lineup. *Photo: Tod’s* Antiqued leather iterations, meanwhile, feel sharper and more metropolitan—particularly compelling when styled with narrow wool trousers and leather outer layers. Rather than functioning as a nostalgic revival, the Winter Gommino reads as a subtle shift toward footwear that balances comfort and polish, a continuing direction in contemporary menswear. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/TODS-FW26-27-MENS-LOOK-3.webp) Pashmy leather hooded blouson paired with Tod’s Di Bag Tote in suede. *Photo: Tod’s* Outerwear provides the collection’s strongest visual statement. The Coach Jacket, rendered in the brand’s ultra-soft Pashmy leather, moves away from the sporty associations of its original form and into something far more refined. Cut slightly boxy yet fluid, it sits comfortably over knitwear and relaxed tailoring, suggesting a modern alternative to the traditional blazer. The Castello Jacket, another highlight of the collection, offers a similarly relaxed structure with patch pockets and softened shoulders, reinforcing Tod’s evolving idea of tailoring. Less rigid, more lived-in, if you will. Color, too, plays a restrained but intelligent role throughout the collection. Warm tobacco, deep espresso, slate grey, and muted olive dominate the palette, creating a tonal wardrobe that allows materials and layering to do the visual work. This controlled chromatic approach gives the collection cohesion, which makes it easy to imagine the pieces integrated into an existing luxury wardrobe rather than standing apart as seasonal statements. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/TODS-FW26-27-MENS-LOOK-9-scaled.webp) A refined brown travel puffer with relaxed ivory tailoring, Gommino-inspired tassel loafers, and the signature Di Bag leather tote. *Photo: Tod’s* The *Red Dot* sneaker, on the other hand, introduces a contemporary counterpoint. Lightweight, flexible, and marked by a discreet red accent on the heel, the model reflects the reality of how modern men dress. It seamlessly switches between tailoring, denim, and travel wear throughout the day. Notably, the streamlined shape avoids the bulk that often defines luxury sneakers, making it quite effective when paired with softly tailored trousers or cropped wool pants. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/TODS-FW26-27-MENS-LOOK-4.webp) The suede shirt jacket, ribbed wool turtleneck sweater, soft tailored wool trousers, Gommino leather Tassel Loafers, and the Di Bag Bucket Tote. *Photo: Tod’s* What ultimately distinguishes the Fall–Winter 2026/27 lineup is its emphasis on wearable sophistication. The silhouettes are neither aggressively fashion-forward nor overly conservative. Instead, they are calibrated for everyday versatility and a certain understated confidence even the common man can appreciate (the accompanying campaign, set within Milan’s Villa Necchi Campiglio, actually features real individuals rather than professional models). And in a market crowded with maximalist gestures and logo-heavy propositions, Tod’s offers a fully realized wardrobe built on subtlety and the kind of earned elegance that isn’t too demanding. *More information [here](https://www.tods.com/us-en/tods-world/man-presentation-fw/looks/).* **Categories:** Fashion, Style **Tags:** luxury travel, tods --- ### [The Aston Martin Vanquish Is Robb Report’s 2026 Car of the Year](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-aston-martin-vanquish-is-robb-reports-2026-car-of-the-year/) **Published:** February 19, 2026 **Author:** Viju Mathew **Content:** We all love a successful reinvention. We cheer for the nearly forgotten actor who dazzles critics and audiences alike with a new and Oscar-worthy performance, or the veteran athlete who had been all but written off, only to write their own ticket with a championship victory. In the automotive world, Aston Martin is just that player. The British marque’s 113-year-old road has been so serpentine and undulating at times that it would challenge even the most capable [grand tourer](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-8-best-grand-tourers-to-buy-now/ "The 8 Best Grand Tourers to Buy Now"). Of late, however, Aston seems to have found the expressway to automotive excellence, both in car design, drive experience, and artisanal craftsmanship. It’s a winning trifecta that’s exemplified in the [Aston Martin](https://robbreport.ph/tag/aston-martin/ "aston martin") Vanquish, [*Robb Report’*s 2026 Car of the Year.](https://robbreport.ph/cars/robb-reports-2026-car-of-the-year-the-10-contenders/ "Robb Report’s 2026 Car of the Year: The 10 Contenders") Aston Martin first garnered our Car of the Year title in 2005 with its DB9, but did not return to the top spot on the podium again until 2024 with the DB12, though it finished second last year with the [Vantage](https://robbreport.ph/cars/first-drive-the-2025-aston-martin-vantage-roadster-is-a-menacing-open-air-delight/ "First Drive: The 2025 Aston Martin Vantage Roadster Is a Menacing Open-Air Delight"). The Vanquish, however, is arguably the marque’s most dominant entry to date, as well as one of its fastest production cars yet. Initially designed by Ian Callum, the first iteration of the Vanquish was born from a concept introduced at the 1998 Detroit Motor Show before transitioning into a V-12-powered production model in 2001. It was given a starring role in the following year’s James Bond film *Die Another Day*, where, in the movie, the vehicle could supposedly be rendered invisible, perhaps good for a covert operative but a disservice to a model so visually arresting. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Aston-Martin-Vanquish-2.webp) The design of the new Vanquish emphasizes the model’s ample muscle with a teardrop shape. *Photo: Robb Rice* The first-generation Vanquish ended production in 2007, followed by the second, made from 2012 through 2018, with output topping out at about 568 hp—and while worthy predecessors, they pale in comparison to the latest version of this nameplate. The design of the new Vanquish emphasizes the model’s overt power with a teardrop shape that culminates at the back with a dramatic Kamm tail. It’s a feature reminiscent of that found on Aston’s Le Mans racers from the 1960s. Aston notes that aero enhancements include a grille that’s been enlarged 13 percent over the previous flagship, while new bumper vents direct air into the wheel arches to help keep the carbon-ceramic stoppers chill. Those brakes work with 21-inch forged alloy wheels that wear custom Pirelli P Zero rubber. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Aston-Martin-Vanquish-4.webp) The interior further improves on elements definitive to Aston Martin—an artisanal treatment to the trim and an emphasis on high-touch refinement. *Photo: Robb Rice* The rear-wheel-drive Vanquish’s muscle comes from a 5.2-liter twin-turbo V-12 that delivers more than 737 ft lbs of torque. Per Aston, those turbochargers have a 15 percent higher rate of speed than before and deliver even more airflow to the engine. That power plant is mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Ride dynamics can be varied with four drive modes and a custom setting, and as for its punch, the Vanquish hits 62 mph from a standstill in 3.3 seconds. Of course, handling is fine-tuned by a host of factors. At the foundation of the Vanquish is a bonded aluminum body structure and a wheelbase that’s been lengthened almost 3.5 inches. The car’s balletic responsiveness is owed in part to the overall lateral stiffness being bolstered by 75 percent compared to the Vanquish’s most recent apex predecessor, Aston Martin’s DBS 770 Ultimate, at least according to the official press release. And helping ensure that driver inputs are translated optimally based on the drive mode selected are Bilstein DTX dampers. Then there’s the electronic rear limited-slip differential and the electronic stability controls, a new ABS system, and electric power-assisted steering—all combining to make agility this Aston’s calling card. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Aston-Martin-Vanquish-3.webp) The 5.2-liter twin-turbocharged V-12 delivers more than 737 ft lbs of torque. *Photo: Andy Morgan, courtesy of Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings PLC* As for the interior, it further improves on elements definitive to Aston Martin—an artisanal treatment to the trim and an emphasis on high-touch refinement. This is evidenced by the array of dials, switches, and buttons that manage many of the key functions. The 10.25-inch display screen in the center console is home to the infotainment system—developed in-house and introduced with the DB12—which represents an exponential improvement from what was provided by Aston in years past. And let’s not forget the gift to audiophiles, a 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Aston-Martin-Vanquish-5.webp) The Vanquish is arguably Aston Martin’s most dominant entry in Robb Report’s Car of the Year contest to date, and one of its fastest production models yet. *Photo: Robb Rice* For our judges, the Vanquish was a frontrunner from the first session and never relinquished its lead. “This car was an impressive balance of exceptional acceleration and precision handling, along with beautiful lines and art-like interior,” stated Carroll Leboeuf, and Vinny Catalano called it “amazing on all levels.” On the performance front, Andrew Shantz referred to it as “aggressive, like a big cat stalking prey,” while Josh Slater found the “fit and finish excellent” and called the “new interior and dash a huge improvement and worthy of its heritage.” Behind the wheel, it’s as if you’re in control of a catapult; the potential for ballistic thrust is ever present, but the car’s grand-touring comportment is, well, extremely grand. Aston Martin’s signature combination of strength and style is certainly in overdrive with the Vanquish, which certainly lived up to its name with how deftly it dispatched the rest of the competition in our contest this year. As judge Josh Diggs mentioned in his voting, “Wow, wow, wow.” *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* [](https://robbreport.com/?post_type=pmc-gallery&p=1237561383/) **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** aston martin, car of the year, grand tourer, News, robb report --- ### [At L’Apogée Courchevel, Kelly Wearstler Turns to Form and Material](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/design/at-lapogee-courchevel-kelly-wearstler-turns-to-form-and-material/) **Published:** February 18, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** American interior designer Kelly Wearstler has long built her reputation on [interiors](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/design/ "Design") that balance theatricality with a grounded sense of place. At L’Apogée Courchevel, her first European hospitality commission and her debut in an alpine setting, that sensibility finds a new register. Introduced in December 2025, the redesign spans five interconnected dining spaces, each conceived as part of a larger architectural narrative shaped by the terrain of the French Alps. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/KW-2240x1666.webp) Kelly Wearstler. *L’Apogée Courchevel/Oetker Hotels* Wearstler approached the project with an interest in having the landscape’s drama translate indoors. Rather than leaning into rustic chalet nostalgia (pinewood beams, animal hide), she drew from the weight and geometry of Brutalist architecture, tempering its severity through texture, warmth, and a palette that draws from the surrounding environment; the result is an intelligent composition in interiors that can stand toe-to-toe with the Alps outside. Deep greens, charcoal, ochre, and garnet establish a tonal framework that mirrors the alpine terrain across seasons, while near-black stone, brushed woods, and dense natural textiles introduce depth and tactility. The spaces feel anchored and shaped by materials as much as by color. ![Breaking away from the cliched mountain aesthetic, Wearstler turned instead to Brutalist details, reflective surfaces, textured materials, and a deep color palette. L’Apogée Courchevel/Oetker Hotels](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2026-01-12_LAPOGEE_Courchevel6727.webp) Breaking away from the cliched mountain aesthetic, Wearstler turned instead to Brutalist details, reflective surfaces, textured materials, and a deep color palette. *L’Apogée Courchevel/Oetker Hotels* “The French Alps provided a remarkable canvas for my first European hospitality project—I’ve long dreamed of creating a space in Europe, and it is truly special to pair this debut with my first alpine project, too. I’m so excited to bring my vision to L’Apogée Courchevel, crafting dining spaces that honor the strength and natural beauty of the Alps while offering warmth, intimacy, and a soulful sense of place,” Wearstler said. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2026-01-12_LAPOGEE_Courchevel6921.webp) As is her signature, layered elements, like soft fabrics with highly geometric lines intersect, creating not only a feast for the eyes but a sense of atmosphere. *L’Apogée Courchevel/Oetker Hotels* Furniture and objects play a crucial role in reinforcing that sense of place. Wearstler collaborated with dealers and artisans across Europe to assemble a mix of vintage pieces and custom designs, allowing the interiors to carry a layered quality that mixes history with the contemporary. The result is an environment that reads as sculptural yet lived-in, with each room offering a slightly different interpretation of the overarching concept. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2026-01-12_LAPOGEE_Courchevel7753.webp) The view from the Central Bar to the Piano Lounge shows the stunning staircase. *L’Apogée Courchevel/Oetker Hotels* In the Piano Lounge, a custom staircase and angular balustrades establish the project’s Brutalist architectural language. Charred pine cladding wraps the double-height walls, creating texture not only for its own sake but for acoustics, softening sound and drawing attention to a bespoke Edelweiss piano at the center of the room. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2026-01-12_LAPOGEE_Courchevel7738.webp) The Central Bar has an even more relaxed, open feel; the Nathalie Ziegler chandelier crowns the room. *L’Apogée Courchevel/Oetker Hotels* Nearby, the Central Bar introduces a more relaxed mood with vintage pine seating and a statement chandelier by Paris-born designer Nathalie Ziegler, composed of blown glass elements. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2026-01-12_LAPOGEE_Courchevel6943.webp) Wearstler used floor-to-ceiling windows to draw the cinematic landscape in. Mirrored surfaces keep the feel sophisticated, chic, and modern amid deep, and deeply toned, banquettes. *L’Apogée Courchevel/Oetker Hotels* In the Salon, low banquettes and mirrored surfaces interact with subdued lighting to create a space that feels cozy yet sophisticated, while expansive windows maintain a visual connection to the mountains beyond. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2026-01-12_LAPOGEE_Courchevel7908.webp) One of the dining rooms of Beefbar. *L’Apogée Courchevel/Oetker Hotels* The East and West Dining Rooms of Beefbar continue the dialogue between structure and warmth. Wood cladding and window seating frame views of the landscape, allowing the alpine setting in. With the winter ski season past the halfway point, the redesign stands as a study in how alpine hospitality can move beyond rustic tropes toward something more architectural and enduring. Wearstler’s intervention positions the dining rooms as places to gather after a day on the slopes, as well as spaces that hold their own sense of gravity long after the snow recedes. *More information at L’Apogee [website](https://www.oetkerhotels.com/hotels/lapogee-courchevel/).* **Categories:** Design, Home & Design **Tags:** alpine, hotel, L’Apogée Courchevel --- ### [Meet the Invite-Only Charter App That Brings Private Flights to Your Fingertips](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/meet-the-invite-only-charter-app-that-brings-private-flights-to-your-fingertips/) **Published:** February 18, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** Cross a charter [app](https://robbreport.ph/tag/app/ "app") with a members club, and that is basically [Revaire](https://www.revaire.club/). Founded by entrepreneurs Harrison Epstein and Luke McNees, the new invite-only platform gives members access to private flights and curated experiences from anywhere in the world. Revaire is billed as a “members’ club,” but there is no front desk or shared lounge. It is intentionally digital rather than anchored to physical space, meaning members can connect anywhere, anytime. “The future of private travel isn’t just about aircraft or destinations,” McNees said in a statement. “It’s about who you’re traveling with, how seamlessly it happens, and how intelligently technology supports the experience without ever getting in the way.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Harrison-Epstein-Luke-McNees.webp) Revaire founders Harrison Epstein and Luke McNees. *Revaire* Powered by patent-pending technology, the platform monitors your existing [travel](https://robbreport.ph/travel/ "Travel") plans in real time, automatically connecting like-minded travelers to share a charter and offering up less expensive repositioning flights. It aims to remove the lengthy, time-consuming coordination typically associated with private charter. (Charter brokers often have to sift through hundreds of aircraft to find a match, then liaise with the client to finalize the flight.) The tech works quietly in the background, eliminating the need for searching, negotiating, or middlemen. “Revaire is not about flying private for the sake of luxury alone,” explains Epstein. “It’s about a new approach leveraging technology, the people you meet along the way, and reclaiming the world’s most valuable asset—time.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Revaire-Members-Club1.webp) The Revaire app. *Revaire* [Smartphone chartering](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/app-y-travels-private-aviation-has-finally-embraced-smartphone-chartering/ "App-y Travels: Private Aviation Has Finally Embraced Smartphone Chartering") isn’t a new concept, of course. There are already apps for booking private jets—[FlyHouse](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/this-app-lets-you-book-a-private-jet-in-30-seconds/ "This App Lets You Book a Private Jet in 30 Seconds") delivers a selection of charter aircraft in just 30 seconds, for example—but Revaire also connects you to a network of highfliers. “We’ve built a system that doesn’t just optimize travel, but curates community at altitude,” Epstein adds. Acceptance into the club remains highly selective, resulting in a community of founders, executives, professional athletes, and leaders. That group not only gains access to Revaire but also to VIP events and tailored luxury experiences. Following what the company says was a “high-demand pre-launch period,” membership applications have just opened to the public. It has, of course, implemented a thorough vetting and approval process, though it does not have a set membership cap. The current membership fee is $1,500. (That includes a $500 onboarding fee for background checks and vetting.) Pricing is expected to climb as additional features are introduced and access is increased. You can apply on the [Revaire website](https://www.revaire.club/). *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Aviation **Tags:** app, private aviation, revaire --- ### [Amid Soaring Gold Prices, Some Buyers Are Melting Down Vintage Watches](https://robbreport.ph/watches/amid-soaring-gold-prices-some-buyers-are-melting-down-vintage-watches/) **Published:** February 18, 2026 **Author:** Victoria Gomelsky **Content:** During the first week of February, at the peak of gem show season in Tucson, Ariz., Freddy Keshmiri of Keshmiri Art & Antiques Corp., a vintage watch dealer in Beverly Hills, Calif., showed off a case full of Swiss watches at the GJX trade show, located in a large tent across from the city’s convention enter. Heavy on precious metal Piaget models from the late 1960s and ’70s, including fetching styles bearing turquoise and lapis dials, Keshmiri’s inventory was conspicuous for two reasons: In a sea of loose gemstones, from aquamarine to zircon, his display of timepieces stood out. And two: all that gold. The price of the precious metal peaked at $5,414 per ounce on Jan. 28, five days before GJX’s opening, and was trading for $5,012 on the day of *Robb Report*’s visit. The metal’s dramatic surge in price—a year ago, gold hovered around $2,800—not to mention its recent volatility was all anyone could talk about. “A lot of my colleagues are melting all these types of watches,” Keshmiri said, pointing to an unusual [Piaget](https://robbreport.ph/tag/piaget/ "piaget") that he called the “Vampire,” a 1977 model with fang-shaped cutouts in its gold bracelet. “I wouldn’t do it. It feels like I’d be killing someone. But it’s been going on for the past two to three months.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/gold-watches.webp) These are just three watches that were recently sold to a dealer who intended to melt them. *Photo: SwissWatchExpo* At a time of record gold prices, many timepieces’ melt value exceeds what they trade for in the marketplace, and as a result, cash-hungry dealers are pouncing. “We’re seeing more people liquidate gold watches purely for their metal value, particularly with certain brands and older pieces,” Eugene Tutunikov, CEO of SwissWatchExpo, tells *Robb Report*. “In some cases, watches are being treated like scrap gold rather than collectible timepieces, which is unfortunate—but it’s also quietly reducing the supply of vintage gold watches that survive in good condition.” Tutunikov notes that a dealer recently came into the SwissWatchExpo showroom in Atlanta and bought a couple vintage [Audemars Piguet](https://robbreport.ph/tag/audemars-piguet/ "audemars piguet") pieces, including a stylish Bamboo wristwatch, as well as a few Breitling models with the sole intention of melting them. “It’s kind of a heartbreaking scenario but he was paying full price and we couldn’t say no,” Tutunikov says. The phenomenon isn’t restricted to dealers. “A lot of people are rediscovering gold they’ve inherited and deciding to sell it, and that often includes vintage watches,” Tutunikov says. “Some of these pieces have real horological and historical value, but they’re being viewed through the lens of commodity pricing. Over time, that creates scarcity—and scarcity tends to elevate the value of the watches that remain in circulation.” Demand for gold watches, according to Tutunikov, has remained steady, largely because prices on the secondary market haven’t risen in tandem with the metal price. “That creates a lot more value,” he says. “Customers see gold is over $5,000 an ounce. It’s almost subliminal. They’re gravitating to gold because they want that heavy, tangible value on their wrist. And for some customers, it’s that extra flex they’re looking for.” Linden Lazarus, CEO of WatchCheck and founder of the pre-owned dealer Oliver & Clarke, has seen a similar phenomenon. “The rise in the gold market has definitively increased interest in high gold content watches, as buyers are attracted to increased intrinsic value of the pieces,” he says. “Knowing that you could sell your watch for a very attractive scrap price makes the justification for buying such an item even more comprehensible. We’ve seen the market respond to this with a steady rise in value of heavy gold watches, like the Rolex President, which has become even more valuable because of its incredible iconism combined with its rising intrinsic value.” In recent weeks, however, refineries in the U.S. that accept gold trade-ins have been so overwhelmed with gold that they’ve had to pause payments and stop accepting new trade-ins, says Adam Golden, founder of the Miami-based vintage watch dealer Menta Watches. “Since the price shot up, the major refiners doing $50 million a day in gold have been so backlogged that they had to close down operations for two weeks,” he says. “They won’t accept any more gold until they can catch up on payments. And because prices are so volatile they will only lock in a price when they’re ready to send it to you. So yes, watches were getting melted because they’re worth more as gold than as watches. But now you can’t even do that.” At the time of gold’s peak, Golden says he heard that even Rolex models such as the [Sky-Dweller](https://robbreport.ph/watches/here-is-every-new-rolex-released-at-watches-and-wonders/ "Here Is Every New Rolex Released at Watches and Wonders") were being scrapped. “They’ll take out the movement but melt the rest because the market value of the watch at the time was less than the gold price,” he says. More often, however, the most likely candidates for melting tend to be “less popular” watches like Baume & Mercier. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_Rolex_WW_Sky_Dweller_New_Dial.webp) A Rolex Sky-Dweller, with a bright-green dial. “Most of the time, the more important or cooler watches aren’t getting melted,” Golden says. “You hear the odd story but generally you’re getting watches melted that nobody really wanted. It doesn’t really affect the supply. But when gold goes up, it makes it harder to buy inventory.” Golden pointed to a 34 mm Rolex date model from the 1960s or ’70s as an example. “We sell them around $7,000,” he says. “It’s a solid-gold Rolex, but it’s not a Datejust, which could be $10,000. I was offered one about three or four weeks ago. I offered $6,500. The guy writes back and says, ‘This watch melted is $8,500 now.’ I don’t know what to say to that. I’ve never sold one for $9,000 or $9,500.” The bottom line: If you’re looking to buy a precious metal watch, it’s going to cost you more. But keep in mind that rising gold prices haven’t changed the calculus of pricing for the most sought-after watches—say, an 18-karat yellow-gold Rolex Day-Date ref. 18038 with a factory blue dial. Golden says the model typically sells for $20,000, compared with $15,000 for a Day-Date with the more common champagne dial. “I’m not going to charge $22,000 for that watch because I’m still above the cost of gold,” Golden says. “I have noticed more people asking me how much something weighs. But most watches are priced so much higher than the cost of their gold weight that it doesn’t really matter. If gold catches up, we’ve got bigger problems.” *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** Feature, gold, Watch Collector --- ### [This New 36-Foot Custom Tender Might Just Be as Stylish as Your Superyacht](https://robbreport.ph/boats/this-new-36-foot-custom-tender-might-just-be-as-stylish-as-your-superyacht/) **Published:** February 16, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** [Tenders](https://robbreport.ph/tag/tenders/ "Tenders") are all too often an eyesore, but that is certainly not the case with Tim Heywood’s latest runabout. The renowned British designer has teamed up with Falcon Tenders to create a custom 36-footer with almost as much style as any mothership. Heywood has penned countless ocean icons, including Peters Werft’s 436-foot *Al Mirqab*, Lürssen’s 483-foot *A+* and 377-foot *[Pelorus](https://robbreport.ph/boats/this-legendary-lurssen-gigayacht-can-be-yours-for-186-million/ "This Legendary Lürssen Gigayacht Can Be Yours for $186 Million")*, [Feadship](https://robbreport.ph/tag/feadship/ "feadship")’s 333-foot *Symphony*, and Amels’s 292-foot *Here Comes the Sun*. He has even dipped a toe in the watch world, designing a pair of high-tech marine chronometers with Wempe. All of that work has resulted in an unmistakable design language rooted in elegance and simplicity. He has given the new tender that Heywood touch, delivering a superyacht’s proportions, balance, and detailing in far less square footage. “Tim’s ability to distil iconic superyacht styling into an 11-metre platform is exceptional, and this tender perfectly reflects our shared focus on elegance, comfort, and uncompromising quality,” Mark Pascoe of Falcon Tenders said in a statement. “It is a tender designed not just to perform, but to belong alongside the world’s most prestigious [yachts](https://robbreport.ph/tag/yachts/ "yachts").” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Tim-Heywood-Design-Falcon-Tenders-36-5.webp) The aft. *Photo: Falcon Tenders* The exterior bears his instantly recognizable sleek lines and sweeping curves, resulting in a silhouette that is at once classic and modern. The interior, meanwhile, blends comfort and design, with navy leather upholstery and rich wood accents. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Tim-Heywood-Design-Falcon-Tenders-36-4.webp) The bow. *Photo: Falcon Tenders* Those aesthetics are combined with practicality. With a beam of just under 10 feet and a height of roughly 6.5 feet, the tender can be stored in most superyacht garages. It also offers forward and aft boarding for easy access in a variety of situations, as well as a direct entry to the cabin for guests and crew. Speaking of which, the boat can accommodate up to 11 guests, with generous seating throughout. As for power, the tender is equipped with standard diesel engines and gyroscopic stabilizers that reduce roll for a smooth ride in a wide array of conditions. Heywood has future-proofed the design, too, leaving enough space for a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system if owners wish to add one. That would mean quieter, more efficient cruising and less emission. This could be a tender that isn’t just easy on the eyes, but easy on the environment, too. *For further information, visit the Falcon Tenders website or email sales@falcon-tenders.com.* ***Click [here](https://robbreport.ph/boats/tim-heywood-design-x-falcon-36-foot-tender-in-photos/) to see more photos of the tender.*** *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Boats **Tags:** Falcon, News, Tenders, Yachts --- ### [Tim Heywood Design x Falcon 36-Foot Tender in Photos](https://robbreport.ph/boats/tim-heywood-design-x-falcon-36-foot-tender-in-photos/) **Published:** February 16, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** Heywood has delivered a superyacht’s proportions, balance, and detailing in a compact 36-foot package. Click [here](https://robbreport.ph/boats/this-new-36-foot-custom-tender-might-just-be-as-stylish-as-your-superyacht/) to read the full story. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Tim-Heywood-Design-Falcon-Tenders-36-4.webp) The bow. *Photo: Falcon Tenders* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Tim-Heywood-Design-Falcon-Tenders-36-5.webp) The aft. *Photo: Falcon Tenders* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Tim-Heywood-Design-Falcon-Tenders-36-1.webp) The Tim Heywood Design badge. *Photo: Falcon Tenders* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Tim-Heywood-Design-Falcon-Tenders-36-2.webp) The helm. *Photo: Falcon Tenders* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Tim-Heywood-Design-Falcon-Tenders-36-6.webp) The tender on the seas. *Photo: Falcon Tenders* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Boats **Tags:** Falcon, tender --- ### [Solaire Resort North Welcomes the Lunar New Year With Feasts and Festive Stays](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/solaire-resort-north-welcomes-the-lunar-new-year-with-feasts-and-festive-stays/) **Published:** February 16, 2026 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** [Solaire](https://robbreport.ph/tag/solaire/ "solaire") Resort North marks the [Lunar New Year](https://robbreport.ph/the-luxe-dispatch/lunar-new-year-edition-new-spirits-trinidad-corcel-cigars-a-festive-bulgari-edit-more/ "Lunar New Year Edition: New Spirits, Trinidad Corcel Cigars, a Festive Bulgari Edit & More ") with a series of dining experiences and seasonal stays that bring a sense of occasion to Quezon City’s newest luxury address. Across its restaurants and guest spaces, the celebrations center on gathering around the table, sharing traditional dishes, and welcoming the year ahead with generosity and ease. At Red Lantern, the festivities unfold through the Bites of Prosperity offering, available February 16 and 17, where an abundant dim sum spread sets the tone for the holiday. Guests can also opt for a brunch experience featuring roasted Peking duck, honey-glazed barbecue pork, and roasted pork belly alongside an array of classic dishes. The restaurant extends the celebration beyond the dining room with Fortune Boxes designed for sharing at home, filled with auspicious treats such as koi-shaped tikoy, yuanbao-shaped radish cakes, and an assortment of traditional tarts in flavors including red bean, pineapple, carrot, and wintermelon for Php 3,088++ per box. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Photo-2-Red-Lantern-at-Solaire-Resort-North.webp) Red Lantern at Solaire North Resorts. Fresh, the resort’s all-day dining venue, presents a Lunar New Year buffet on February 17 that brings together familiar celebratory dishes in a relaxed setting. Longevity noodles, dumplings, and steamed fish are served alongside unlimited lobster, while a dessert station features glutinous rice cakes and other festive sweets. The spread is designed to accommodate both family gatherings and larger groups looking to mark the occasion over a leisurely meal. Beyond the restaurants, Solaire Resort North offers a seasonal staycation package that extends the holiday atmosphere into an overnight escape. Guests are welcomed with festive amenities, including a horse plushie keychain, fortune cookies, and golden coin desserts, setting a celebratory tone from arrival. The package includes daily buffets at Fresh for two adults and two children, along with dining credits at Red Lantern, creating an easy way to experience the resort’s culinary offerings over the course of a stay. *Stay rates start at Php13,888++ per night.* *The Red Lantern dinner buffet is Php3,288++, while the brunch experience is Php2,788++. Fresh’ buffet is Php2,699++. For more information, visit Solaire North’s [website](https://sn.solaireresort.com/).* **Categories:** Dining, Food & Drink **Tags:** Lunar New Year, solaire, Solaire Resort North --- ### [Jordy Navarra Menu Headlines Manila to Doha Leg at Qatar Airways](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/jordy-navarra-menu-headlines-manila-to-doha-leg-at-qatar-airways/) **Published:** February 13, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** At 35,000 feet, national identity is usually reduced to shorthand, but since February 2, [Qatar Airways](https://www.qatarairways.com/en/homepage.html) has taken a more deliberate route: the [airline](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/ "Aviation") introduced an exclusive Business Class menu created with chefs [Jordy Navarra](https://robbreport.ph/tag/jordy-navarra/ "jordy navarra") and May Navarra of Manila’s Michelin-starred [Toyo Eatery](https://robbreport.ph/tag/toyo-eatery/ "toyo eatery"), bringing contemporary Filipino cuisine onto flights from Manila to Doha. The collaboration reflects a broader strategy within premium aviation: carriers are increasingly defining themselves by what happens onboard, not only by seat width or lounge access. The couple has built their reputation on examining Filipino food through a lens of history, technique, and ingredient integrity. Ingredients are sourced with attention to seasonality and responsible procurement, underscoring the chefs’ long-standing relationships with local producers. Translating that sensibility to an aircraft cabin presents its own constraints—space, timing, palate fatigue—but the resulting five-course sequence retains clarity and structure. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/LR_QATAR_X_TOYO_Food_DOS05841_Edit-2240x1493.webp) Courtesy of Qatar Airways The meal opens with seared chilled scallops dressed with mustard leaf, shrimp bagoong-style buro, radish, and salted egg. For the main course, braised beef short ribs in the inky Mindanao stew known as tiyula itum arrive with charred coconut, eggplant, and heirloom Tinawon rice, the grain’s nutty character anchoring the dish. Those seeking something lighter can opt for a pansit noodle ensalada threaded with chayote and pomelo, bright and textural. Breakfast is interpreted through a purée of arroz caldo enriched with chicken, anchovy, and egg—a nod to the comfort porridge served across the archipelago. Dessert closes with a sans rival cake paired with Philippine chocolate sorbet. The reverse route will follow in July. **Categories:** Aviation, Dining, Food & Drink **Tags:** business class, jordy navarra, may navarra, Qatar, toyo eatery --- ### [Tiffany & Co. Just Dropped New Watches Inspired by Jean Schlumberger’s Iconic Enamel Bangles](https://robbreport.ph/watches/tiffany-co-just-dropped-new-watches-inspired-by-jean-schlumbergers-iconic-enamel-bangles/) **Published:** February 12, 2026 **Author:** Nicole Hoey **Content:** Another day, another [Tiffany & Co.](https://robbreport.ph/style/inside-tiffany-co-largest-boutique-in-asia/ "Inside Tiffany & Co.’s Largest Boutique in Asia") launch. After debuting models during [LVMH Watch Week](https://robbreport.ph/tag/lvmh-watch-week/ "LVMH Watch Week") in late January, the storied American jeweler has just unveiled yet another timepiece. This time around, the house has reimagined its paillonné enamel bangles, which were originally brought to life by none other than [Jean Schlumberger ](https://robbreport.ph/style/jewelry/when-legends-take-flight-tiffany-co-reimagines-schlumbergers-bird-on-a-rock/ "When Legends Take Flight: Tiffany & Co. Reimagines Schlumberger’s Bird on a Rock")in 1962, adding a miniature version to the dial of the latest release. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/tiffany-enamel-watch-rotating-ring.webp) A closer look at that rotating ring. *Tiffany & Co.* The Enamel [Watch](https://robbreport.ph/watches/ "Watches") collection comprises a trio of limited editions, each featuring a dazzling, diamond-set dial with a ring of paillonné enamel in either the house’s signature blue hue or a milky white. The enamel is decorated with the line’s signature cross-stitch motif in 18-karat yellow gold, with the 12 crosses serving as hour markers. And, in a fun twist, the ring actually spins as you move about your day. Bringing the piece to life was no easy feat: It took Tiffany 65 hours total, with 55 hours dedicated to enameling—the three-stage process is often repeated to get that iconic robin’s egg blue just right—and 10 hours spent making and mounting those golden stitches. Paired with the rotating ring is a fixed central dial disc topped with 18-karat yellow-gold hands. As for the 36 mm case, it will be offered in either 18-karat white gold or 18-karat yellow gold, depending on your preference. As for the strap, there’s a Tiffany blue or white alligator iteration, as well as a diamond-studded version. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/tiffany-enamel-watch-collection_1a65c5.webp) The two other iterations from the house’s new collection. *Tiffany & Co.* Tiffany also paid homage to Schlumberger last September, unveiling new fine- and high-jewelry collections inspired by his famous [Bird on a Rock](https://robbreport.ph/style/jewelry/tiffany-co-and-its-search-for-the-best-diamonds-in-the-world/ "Tiffany & Co. and Its Search for the Best Diamonds in the World") design. The sculptural pieces emulate the graceful flow of a bird’s wing and the layered look of the animal’s plumage. Continuing the trend of tributing designs past, the house also released a limited-edition chronograph in Tiffany blue earlier this month. The Tiffany & Co. Timer, which debuted during this year’s LVMH Watch Week, calls back to the very first chronograph the brand released 160 years ago. Now, of course, the Enamel watch is just the latest well-timed homage. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** Enamel, Jean Schlumberger, tiffany & co. --- ### [Ferrari Goes Electric With Ferrari Luce. The Real Question Is What Carries Forward.](https://robbreport.ph/cars/ferrari-goes-electric-with-ferrari-luce-the-real-question-is-what-carries-forward/) **Published:** February 12, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** [Ferrari](https://robbreport.ph/tag/ferrari/ "Ferrari") has named its first full-electric sports car the Ferrari Luce. The announcement, made in San Francisco alongside the unveiling of the car’s interior design, signals more than the arrival of a battery-powered model to the Prancing Horse’s lineup. “‘Luce’ is more than a name. It is a vision,” Ferrari said in a statement. The company framed the car as a broader shift in approach with “electrification as a means, not an end.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/IMG_9163-1.webp) From left: Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna, Exor CEO John Elkann, Ferrari chief design officer Flavio Manzoni and LoveFrom’s Jony Ive and Marc Newson. *Courtesy of Ferrari* The project has been developed in collaboration with LoveFrom, the creative collective founded by Sir Jony Ive and Marc Newson. The partnership, now five years old, extends across multiple aspects of the new car’s design. The launch in San Francisco underscored the emphasis on digital integration. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/IMG_9165-2240x1792.webp) The Ferrari Luce’s interface follows a clear logic. Controls and displays are grouped by function, with essential information placed directly before the driver. *Courtesy of Ferrari* For a marque built on combustion engines and racing pedigree, the choice of name is deliberate. Ferrari describes [Luce](https://www.ferrari.com/en-EN/auto/ferrari-luce)—Italian for “light”—as a symbol of clarity and direction, reflecting “uncompromising vision, transparent design, silent energy that is felt in every fibre, and form shaped by function.” Electricity becomes another tool in Ferrari’s engineering vocabulary rather than a break from it. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/IMG_9150-2240x1792.webp) Precision-engineered buttons, dials, toggles and switches are integrated with multifunction digital displays. *Courtesy of Ferrari* Ferrari’s decision to involve LoveFrom from the outset gave the collective latitude to define the car’s design direction across materials, ergonomics and interface. During development, LoveFrom worked with the Ferrari Styling Centre led by Flavio Manzoni, adapting concepts to meet the practical constraints of a production sports car, including packaging and homologation requirements. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/IMG_9155-2240x1260.webp) The steering wheel, torque paddles, and instrument binnacle form a unified steering assembly. *Courtesy of Ferrari* Materials are central to that effort. Aluminium was selected for its suitability for precision machining and is used in components milled from solid billets using three- and five-axis CNC processes. The alloy is 100 per cent recycled and finished through anodisation to produce a thin hexagonal microstructure designed to increase hardness and resistance. Glass elements are made from precision-milled Corning Gorilla Glass, chosen for scratch resistance and clarity. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/IMG_9162-2240x1260.webp) The centre console is a self-contained unit that houses the key, gear selector, armrests, storage compartments, and rear-cabin controls. *Courtesy of Ferrari* The cabin of the Luce has been simplified, with hardware and software developed in tandem so that controls and displays feel coherent rather than layered. The binnacle, control panel, and central console are organized around clear distinctions between inputs and outputs. Ferrari describes the result as an environment that is “calm, focused and spacious,” which, one may consider, is a rather unexpected set of priorities for a brand more commonly associated with theatrical interiors. But it still retains a distinct sports car edge, with details unique to an electric platform, such as a docked key that sends Ferrari’s signature yellow across the interface. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Ferrari-Luce-Seats-2240x1260.webp) The seats may be simpler but still luxurious, with two choices of pattern, four fabric options, and multiple colourways. *Courtesy of Ferrari* Ferrari emphasizes that the Luce unites its racing heritage with contemporary lifestyles. Whether that claim will resonate with long-standing customers remains to be seen. What is clear is that the company is positioning its first electric sports car as an extension of its design and engineering culture rather than a concession to regulatory pressure. The Luce is set to be formally unveiled in May. “Leading means illuminating the path ahead—and Luce embodies that mindset,” the Ferrari statement said. The car marks a decisive shift for the marque; for Ferrari, the test will be whether this shift feels continuous with the last. ***Gallery:*** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/IMG_9148-1280x720.webp) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/IMG_9154-1280x1024.webp) Ferrari ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/IMG_9158-1280x720.webp) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/IMG_9159-1280x1024.webp) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/IMG_9160-1280x720.webp) **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** ev, Ferrari, Ferrari Luce --- ### [Fauré Le Page Rides Into the Year of the Horse](https://robbreport.ph/style/faure-le-page-rides-into-the-year-of-the-horse/) **Published:** February 10, 2026 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** Chinese New Year is, at its core, perhaps mostly about movement. It marks the moment when intention sharpens and the year ahead begins to take shape. For the Year of the Horse, [Fauré Le Page](https://robbreport.ph/tag/faure-le-page/ "Fauré Le Page") leans into that spirit with a limited-edition release that feels grounded and assured. The collection draws from the Maison’s martial heritage yet translates those references into pieces designed for the rhythm of contemporary life. Guided by its long-standing credo, “Armed for Seduction,” the designs function as modern talismans, luxury objects that only gain character as they travel through the everyday. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Etendard-6-Card-Wallet-in-Lucky-U-Scale-Canvas-and-Calfskin-Leather-.webp) The classic Étendard collection wallets. *Photo: Fauré Le Page* The collection’s visual anchor is a refreshed interpretation of Fauré Le Page’s iconic Scale Canvas, this time overlaid with the graphic imprint of a horse’s hoof. The motif introduces a sharper sense of motion to the Maison’s familiar textures, appearing in a restrained palette of black and grey animated by precise accents of auspicious red. Rather than overwhelming the silhouettes, the print reads as a subtle evolution, lending renewed energy to established pieces such as the Daily Battle totes, Pochette Zip, and Étendard small leather goods. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Daily-Battle-Vertical.webp) Fauré Le Page’s iconic Daily Battle. *Photo: Fauré Le Page* At the forefront of the release is the *Daily Battle* line, widely regarded as the Maison’s defining everyday carryall. This season’s editions refine the familiar formula, pairing the signature screen-printed Scale Canvas with grained calfskin leather reinforcements that enhance both structure and visual depth. The design remains intentionally practical, offering generous interiors and adjustable bi-colored handles that transition easily between shoulder and hand carry. Its appeal, however, lies in the finishing touches: discreet embossed crests, cartridge-holder accents inspired by historical hunting gear, and optional medal-ribbon customizations. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Ladies-First-24-in-Burgundy-.webp) The Ladies First flap bag channels Parisian femininity with a subtle martial edge, reimagining the officer’s cartridge box in grained calfskin embroidered with Fauré Le Page’s iconic Scale motif. *Photo: Fauré Le Page* Balancing the larger bags is a tightly edited range of compact leather goods that highlights the collection’s precision in finish and proportion. The Pochette Zip 29 stands out for its clean, architectural profile, slim enough to function as a document holder yet structured enough to accommodate tablets and everyday essentials. Executed in the limited Lucky U canvas, it features a detachable grained-calfskin strap that allows it to transition seamlessly from clutch to shoulder piece, giving the design an understated versatility suited to both travel and evening use. Meanwhile, the Étendard wallets and cardholders approach functionality with a more graphic edge, combining the signature Scale Canvas with banner-stripe accents and crisp calfskin trims that lend visual definition despite their compact scale. Inside, multiple card slots and compartments are arranged to maintain a sleek profile even when fully loaded, reinforcing the Maison’s emphasis on thoughtful construction. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2-Cigar-Case-in-Lucky-U-Scale-Canvas-and-Calfskin-Leather.webp) The 2-Cigar case *Photo: Fauré Le Page* Completing the selection are smaller statement accessories that draw directly from the house’s martial heritage, like the molded two-cigar case, crafted using traditional cuirasse leather techniques, which feels at once archival and contemporary, while the tassel key holder—derived from historical sword lanyards—introduces a refined decorative element that can double as a bag charm. Together, these pieces extend the collection’s narrative of protective elegance, proving that the smallest accessories can carry just as much visual impact as the headline designs. *Fauré Le Page is available at Greenbelt 4, Ayala Center, Makati City.* **Categories:** Style **Tags:** Fauré Le Page, News --- ### [The Dorchester Collection Rewrites the Rules](https://robbreport.ph/leisure/health-wellness/the-new-grammar-of-wellness-in-luxury-the-dorchester-collection-rewrites-the-rules/) **Published:** January 27, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** Luxury’s definition of wellness has shifted. No longer confined to [steam rooms](https://robbreport.ph/leisure/the-leading-sauna-makers-for-your-homes-wellness-sanctuary/ "The Rise of the Architectural Sauna") and herbal teas, it now lives at the crossroads of biotechnology, gastronomy, and highly personalized care. Case in point: across the Dorchester Collection this January and beyond, two seemingly different initiatives—a new wellness residency at [The Dorchester Spa in London](https://www.dorchestercollection.com/london/the-dorchester) and an elevated Dry January program at Le Meurice in Paris—signal the same quiet revolution in a sense. Indulgence these days is being recalibrated around subtly and intelligence. At The Dorchester [Spa](https://robbreport.ph/tag/spa/ "spa"), wellness arrives with clinical precision and what we can describe as couture-level customization. The hotel’s new Wellness Residency Program introduces three of London’s most sought-after specialists, each offering treatments available exclusively to Dorchester guests. Their presence alone turns the spa into something that resembles a private medical-aesthetic salon for those who take their self-investment seriously. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/restaurant_le_meurice_alain_ducasse_sobreuvages_amuse_bouches_by_maki_manoukian-4-2240x3358.webp) Restaurant le Meurice Alain Ducasse amuse bouches *Photo: Maki Manoukian* Leading the trio is Natasha Clancy, one of the UK’s most in-demand facialists, known for combining Korean skin technology with medical-grade devices. Her two signature treatments for The Dorchester, namely the KICHI Exo Ice Lift and KICHI Exo Ice Infusion, deploy five billion E50 exosomes per session to stimulate cellular regeneration. In fact, it also boosts collagen and sculpts the face with near-surgical finesse. Starting at £750, these facials seem to be precision-engineered interventions, designed to deliver visible, lasting results. Balancing that technological edge is a deeply human approach to healing. Marzena Zawadzka’s nerve, spinal, and A.R.T. reflexology, on the other hand, works through the body’s neurological pathways to restore emotional and physical equilibrium. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TDL_Renata-Nunes-2240x1493.webp) Renata Nunes *Photo: The Dorchester Spa* Likewise, Renata Nunes, a physiotherapist and acupuncturist accredited by the UK’s leading clinical bodies, takes a similarly integrated view, combining acupuncture, cupping, and therapeutic massage to release tension and restore energy flow. Her GlowYIN Facial Acupuncture, enhanced by LED therapy, treats radiance as something generated from within rather than applied from without. If London is where Dorchester Collection is redefining how the body is cared for, Paris is where we rethink pleasure. At [Le Meurice](https://www.dorchestercollection.com/paris/le-meurice), in particular, Dry January has become less about abstinence and more about refinement. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TDL_Natasha-Clancy.webp) Natasha Clancy *Photo: The Dorchester Spa* “Wellbeing has become a vital practice for some, rather than just a passing trend,” says Pascal Billard, General Manager of Le Meurice. “Le Meurice has always been a pioneering establishment that is why we create sophisticated alcohol-free experiences with a gastronomic approach.” Working with Benoît d’Onofrio (perhaps known best as Le Sobrelier), the hotel has created a suite of non-alcoholic pairings that approach zero-proof beverages with the seriousness of fine wine. At Restaurant le Meurice Alain Ducasse, guests, too, are welcomed with Courge de Là, a sparkling creation of Chasselas grape, butternut squash, and botanicals, produced using techniques borrowed from natural wine. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/restaurant_le_meurice_alain_ducasse_sobrelier_amaury_gabriel_by_maki_manoukian-1-1-2240x3358.webp) Restaurant le Meurice Alain Ducasse Sobrelier Amaury Bouhours (middle) together with restaurant representatives. *Photo: Maki Manoukian* “Dry January should not be a constraint but a joyful and creative time,” continues Billard. “Our goal is to introduce our guests to more sophisticated creations and different flavours, transforming a restrictive moment into a new gastronomic experience.” From there, fermented blends of beetroot, rice, persimmon, and citrus (notably treated as vintages) are paired with Chef Amaury Bouhours’s cuisine, creating depth and complexity all the while maintaining that sense of ritual minus intoxication. Even Bar 228 has joined in, offering Millenium .0, a sober reinterpretation of its signature cocktail using French Bloom Rosé. The programme is expected to continue beyond this month. *More information about Le Meurice [here](https://www.dorchestercollection.com/paris/le-meurice). More information about The Dorchester London [here](https://www.dorchestercollection.com/london/the-dorchester).* **Categories:** Health & Wellness, Leisure, Travel **Tags:** dorchester collection, Le Meurice, wellness --- ### [Valentine's Gift Guide: Montblanc and the Romance of Letter Writing and Romantic Journeys](https://robbreport.ph/leisure/valentines-day-gift-guide-montblanc-and-the-art-of-letter-writing-and-romantic-journeys/) **Published:** February 10, 2026 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** What could be more romantic than a love letter? Valentine’s Day has always been about the expression of affection, and for 2026, Montblanc leans in to that idea with renewed focus, continuing its *Let’s Write* campaign through a romantic narrative that places handwritten words at the center of modern love. In that spirit, Montblanc’s Valentine’s selection brings together pieces that accompany letters written, journeys taken, and memories still unfolding. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Montblanc-Valentines-Day-2026-Lifestyle-9.webp) At the heart of the collection are writing instruments, of course. The Meisterstück Romeo & Juliet fountain pens translate one of literature’s most enduring love stories into finely crafted objects. The Romeo LeGrand, rendered in deep teal resin with platinum-coated details, draws from the intimacy and tension of Shakespeare’s tale, while engraved motifs and a gold nib etched with symbolic details firmly anchors the pen beyond function. Its counterpart, the Juliet Classique, offers a softer expression in cream-colored resin and gold-coated fittings, its feather-inspired detailing evoking lightness and devotion. Together, they form a considered pairing. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Montblanc-Valentines-Day-2026-Lifestyle-4.webp) Meisterstück 149. *Montblanc* For those drawn to enduring icons, the Meisterstück 149 remains a benchmark of craftsmanship, its silhouette and gold nib representing more than a century of Montblanc’s writing heritage. Complementing the pens are refined accessories, including notebooks and a matching two-pen pouch presented as a pair—designed for shared moments of inspiration. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Montblanc-Valentines-Day-2026-Lifestyle-6.webp) *Montblanc* Montblanc’s leather offerings extend the idea of thoughtful companionship. From a structured document case in khaki grain leather to compact clutches and envelope-style designs, each piece balances practicality with restraint. Wallets and small leather goods complete the ensemble, ideal for elegant, everyday use. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Montblanc-Valentines-Day-2026-Lifestyle-8.webp) Montblanc’s #MY4810 luggage. *Montblanc* Travel, another recurring theme, is reflected in Montblanc’s #MY4810 luggage. The cabin trolley in warm steel tones pairs contemporary design with durability, while coordinating travel cases ensure a seamless experience—whether for weekend escapes or longer journeys taken together. Here’s to love. *Shop Montblanc at [rustans.com](https://rustans.com/collections/montblanc?srsltid=AfmBOopfu3kSZJYXLpb5N5qHRb86jADKcro-8o8svneJ1Er5JX9zJLqf)* **Categories:** Leisure, Travel **Tags:** fountain pens, luggage, montblanc, pens --- ### [Painting in the Age of the Algorithm, According to Peter Zimmermann](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-collectibles/painting-in-the-age-of-the-algorithm-according-to-peter-zimmermann/) **Published:** February 10, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** Even in an era where the visual world is increasingly filtered through screens, German artist, sculptor, and professor Peter Zimmermann continues to insist on the tactile intelligence of painting—its depth, its resistance to immediacy, and its ability to now transform digital imagery into something experiential. His recent exhibition, *Painting Rules*, at the [Metropolitan Museum of Manila](https://robbreport.ph/tag/metropolitan-museum-of-manila/ "Metropolitan Museum of Manila") presents a reflection on how such images are circulated and internalized in such an algorithmic age. Zimmermann’s paintings often begin with images drawn from digital culture, whether it’s media fragments, graphics, or scanned materials, manipulated on the computer before translating them into layered resin compositions. Yet the final works are unmistakably painterly objects, shaped by gravity, viscosity, and the unpredictable behavior of materials. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/IMG_4082.webp) “Palladium” by Peter Zimmerman, 2022, epoxy on canvas, is now part of the museum’s permanent collection. *Photo: The Metropolitan Museum of Manila* As the artist explains, “Usually, I do a printout, and the printout is the starting point…I try to come close to this, but of course, the paintings always develop in different directions.” The process, therefore, occupies a productive tension between control and contingency, where digital precision collides with the volatile behavior of something like resin. That unpredictability once posed a technical challenge. Earlier in his career, Zimmermann experimented extensively with various tools and materials in search of the luminous surfaces he envisioned. “I was experimenting a lot with lacquer and acrylic surfaces,” he recalls, “but I never came out how I wanted, and then I discovered this resin, which was perfect, and somehow then I stuck with it.” The discovery of resin allowed him to create the glossy, reflective surfaces that have become central to his practice. Such surfaces echo the sheen of screens while remaining resolutely physical. Meditation, both literal and conceptual, plays a crucial role in Zimmermann’s work. The paintings’ mirror-like finish invites viewers to see themselves within the image, implicating them in the act of viewing. “The audience is also part of the process,” he notes. “They see themselves…to see themselves seeing the art—that’s a very interesting experience.” This layered encounter transforms spectatorship into participation, reminding viewers that they are not passive consumers of images but active components of the visual systems they inhabit. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/1000018566.webp) Zimmerman standing in front of the mural he did with local students. *Photo: The Metropolitan Museum of Manila* The exhibition title, in itself, encapsulates Zimmermann’s conceptual concerns. The phrase operates as a deliberate double meaning: painting rules, as in the governing systems that shape visual production, and painting rules, as a declaration of the medium’s continued relevance. He actually describes the title as intentionally ambiguous: “It means painting rules or the rules of painting.” He links the idea of “rules” to algorithmic logic, drawing inspiration from mathematical pattern systems in which simple procedural instructions generate complex visual outcomes. “Algorithms are rules,” he explains, emphasizing how both digital image production and painterly processes rely on structured systems of repetition and transformation. Zimmermann’s engagement with technology is neither celebratory nor purely critical. Instead, it reflects a pragmatic recognition that contemporary life is inseparable from the digital. “We are somehow depending on that,” he says. “Your life is integrated with it…You cannot wash your hands without getting wet.” This ambivalent position, which acknowledges both reliance and skepticism, shapes the exhibition’s broader philosophical framework. The paintings do not attempt to escape digital culture but rather make visible the very forces that increasingly structure perception itself. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/IMG_4085.webp) *Photo: The Metropolitan Museum of Manila* Many of the works in *Painting Rules* derive from gestures associated with touchscreen interaction—swiping, scrolling, and tapping—suggesting that contemporary visual experience is shaped as much by bodily habits as by technological systems. Zimmermann observes that “anything we see about the world is coming through computer or mobile screens,” noting how even landscapes are often encountered digitally rather than directly. In this sense, he describes himself, somewhat paradoxically, as a kind of “landscape painter,” documenting not physical terrain but the mediated landscapes of contemporary image culture. The Manila presentation of the exhibition also reflects Zimmermann’s responsiveness to local visual environments, too. The Philippines’ vibrant color culture and highly social-media-driven public sphere provide a natural resonance with his work. “It looks like the Filipino people like my [work](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-collectibles/ "Art & Collectibles")—probably the bright colors,” he adds, adding that many of his audiences are located in “countries where it’s warm…where people are used to blue skies.” Zimmermann’s visit to Manila also included workshops with young Filipino artists, where he introduced procedural approaches to painting rooted in experimentation and rule-based systems. Although communication initially required adjustment, the experience proved collaborative and energizing. “In the beginning they were very quiet,” he recalls, “but in the end…they would ask me, ‘Can you come tomorrow anyway?’” The exchange reinforced his belief that structured artistic systems can open new creative possibilities rather than limit expression. For certain works, he even relied on the help of local art students to incorporate a wide range of sticker imagery sourced online from the Philippines, deliberately mixing political, touristic, and everyday graphics. “For me, it was the pattern, the balance,” he explains, emphasizing that the significance lies not in individual symbols but in the larger compositional system they create. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/tribune_2026-01-18_o4qt629y_3054ausgeschnitten.webp) *Photo: Courtesy of Peter Zimmerman/Nunu Fine Art* Underlying the [exhibition](https://robbreport.ph/tag/exhibition/ "exhibition") is an ongoing dialogue about the future of painting in an age increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence and automated image production. While Zimmermann acknowledges using digital tools and even AI-based processes in limited ways, he remains cautious about their broader implications. “I see it very critically,” he says, particularly when it comes to automated text or image generation, noting that “you can really feel immediately when it’s done by AI.” Yet he also insists that painting retains a crucial advantage. “AI can create an image… but to do a painting, it still needs a human hand.” The tactile labor of painting, its physical negotiation with materials, remains something that cannot be fully automated. *Painting Rules* is less a technological critique than an exploration of how contemporary perception is shaped by these sort of invisible systems. Algorithms, Zimmermann suggests, influence daily life more deeply than most people realize, structuring everything from news feeds to visual attention. “We are far more influenced by algorithms probably than we know,” he observes. By translating digitally generated imagery into layered resin paintings, he renders these hidden structures visible. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/1000018789.webp) Zimmerman setting up the exhibition murals with the team. *Photo: The Metropolitan Museum of Manila* Within Manila’s visually saturated urban environment, where social media documentation often accompanies daily life, Zimmermann’s exhibition feels especially urgent. His paintings slow the viewer down, transforming fleeting digital impressions into objects that demand prolonged looking. Their reflective surfaces return the viewer’s gaze, asking audiences to confront not only the images before them but also the systems that shape their own habits of seeing. If the exhibition ultimately advances a single proposition, it is that painting remains uniquely capable of responding to the conditions of the present. As *Painting Rules* suggests, painting evolves with each technological shift, continuing to ask essential questions about perception, authorship, and the enduring presence of the human hand—or the possibility of its disappearance? *“Painting Rules” runs until April 30, 2026 at [The M Museum](https://metmuseum.ph/) in BGC. The museum is open 11 AM to 6 PM on Tuesday to Friday, 10 AM to 6 PM on Saturday to Sunday, and closed on Mondays and other special holidays.* **Categories:** Art & Collectibles, Home & Design **Tags:** Features, Metropolitan Museum of Manila, Painting Rules, Peter Zimmerman --- ### [The Peninsula Motoring Series Heads to the Scottish Highlands This September](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-peninsula-motoring-series-heads-to-the-scottish-highlands/) **Published:** February 9, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** The [Peninsula](http://Peninsula) Motoring Series heads to the Scottish Highlands this September for its first European edition, guiding an intimate group of motoring enthusiasts through six days of Highland passes, historic estates, and shared experiences that extend the brand’s philosophy of hospitality well beyond its hotels. The journey begins on September 21 in London, where participants will be welcomed at The Peninsula London. From there, the group will visit the Royal Automobile Club before flying north to Scotland where, at the storied Gleneagles estate, guests are introduced to the classic and era-specific cars that will ferry them through the Highlands. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/The-Peninsula-London-Fleet.webp) The Peninsula London, with their fleet of Rolls-Royce cars. *Peninsula* The route winds northward, and drivers will navigate sinuous mountain passes, sweeping coastal roads, and quiet glens, with highlights including the forests and lochs of Cairngorms National Park and the elevated curves of the Applecross Pass, long regarded as one of the country’s most dramatic drives. Each day balances time behind the wheel with well-timed pauses: lunches at traditional inns, scenic overlooks, and moments to linger. For three nights, guests settle into an exclusive historic estate, surrounded by gardens and woodland that offer a sense of retreat after hours on the road. Scotland’s culinary traditions are woven naturally into the experience, with menus built around local produce and regional specialties. Whisky, of course, plays a central role, with tastings that explore both craft and context. Between drives, guests are invited to explore villages and take part in time-honored pursuits which include falconry and axe-throwing. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/andre-klimke-EYpeYmUwbDg-unsplash-1.webp) Indulge in time-honored pursuits like falconry and axe throwing. *Andre Klimke/Unsplash* “These driving experiences reflect our belief that luxury travel today is about depth, not distance,” said Kai Lermen, Senior Vice President, The Peninsula Signature Events. “When we bring The Peninsula to Scotland, we are not just organising a trip, we are fostering a global community of people who share a genuine passion for motoring, discovery, and authentic connection. Participants from our previous experiences tell us that years later, they remain in touch with the friends they made on these journeys. We are creating memories that stay with you long after the road ends.” Participation in the Peninsula Motoring Series, Scotland is priced at Php 2,190,000 per car for two guests, inclusive of five nights’ accommodation, all meals, activities, and curated experiences. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/daniel-bigalke-xqxd7Wnp6aA-unsplash-2240x1493.webp) Whisky tastings are part of the itinerary. *Daniel Bigalke/Unsplash* Beyond Scotland, the Peninsula Motoring Series continues its global circuit. From August 10-12, 2026, the California edition, also known as The Quail Rally, returns to the Monterey Peninsula for its 29th year as part of Monterey Car Week. The three-day drive traces coastal cliffs and forested mountain roads, paired with access to signature events including track driving at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca and entry to The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering. Participation is priced at Php 615,000 per car for two guests, with accommodation arranged separately. *For more information or to reserve a place on an upcoming Peninsula Motoring Series experience, interested guests may contact pse@peninsula.com or visit [the website](https://www.peninsula.com/en/global-pages/motoring-series-2026).* **Categories:** Cars, Travel **Tags:** peninsula, Peninsula Motoring Series, Scottish Highlands --- ### [Breitling and Aston Martin Christen Their New F1 Partnership With a Titanium Navitimer](https://robbreport.ph/watches/breitling-and-aston-martin-christen-their-new-f1-partnership-with-a-titanium-navitimer/) **Published:** February 10, 2026 **Author:** Blake Buettner **Content:** [Breitling](https://robbreport.ph/tag/breitling/ "breitling") is set to make its debut in the sport of Formula 1 this year thanks to an official partnership with the [Aston Martin](https://robbreport.ph/tag/aston-martin/ "aston martin") Aramco [Formula One](https://robbreport.ph/tag/formula-1/ "formula 1") Team. The move marks a broader trend from the brand, which has been increasing its visibility to new markets through the world of sports, and, at the moment, none is hotter than that of F1. The build up to the 2026 season, which brings with it a highly anticipated new regulation set, has already begun with each team revealing their cars’ new livery. The Aston Martin AMR26 designed by Adrian Newy is set to be introduced on February 9. We now know that Breitling will be a part of that design. And, of course, Breitling is launching a new Navitimer B01 Chronograph in honor of the partnership. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Breitling_Aston-Martin_Aston-Martin-Aramco-Formula-One-Team_Reveal_RGB.webp) The Aston Martin AMR26 will be unveiled with Breitling on February 9th. *Photo: Breitling* This may be Breitling’s first formal foray into Formula 1, but the brand’s connections to the sport through history are well documented. “We’ve always been there,” Breitling CEO Georges Kern tells *Robb Report*. Drivers from the ‘60s and ‘70s, from Jack Brabham to Graham Hill and Jim Clark, were all documented to have worn and used their Breitling watches as timing devices. These personal connections often carry more weight than any formal partnership ever could, but this foundation provides context to the watches the brand makes today. Additionally, there exists a tenuous connection between Breitling and Aston Martin, both were used by James Bond as portrayed by Sean Connery in the 1965 Terence Young film, *Thunderball*. Not that it really needed it, but it does lend a bit of cool factor here. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Breitling-Navitimer-B01-Chronograph-43-Aston-Martin-Aramco-Formula-One-Team_Caseback.webp) Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43 Aston Martin Aramco Formula One™ Team Caseback. *Photo: Breitling* As for the watch, the Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43 Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team is the first Navitimer to feature a titanium case. The watch also gets a carbon fiber dial with green undertones and a bright green timing seconds hand. A belt-inspired leather strap reinforces the automotive ties with an interior executed in British Racing Green. An open caseback reveals a view of Breitling’s manufacture B01 automatic chronograph movement, which is COSC certified. Just 1,959 examples are planned for production, a number that serves as a nod to the year Aston Martin entered Formula 1. As for the partnership, Breitling CEO Georges Kern says it is “a huge investment for the brand,” reinforcing his long-time love of the Aston Martin. And though the exact terms of the deal haven’t been made clear, he adds, “this is just the beginning.” *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** aston martin, breitling, Watch Collector --- ### [McLaren Just Unveiled a New Artura Spider for Its Latest F1 Championship](https://robbreport.ph/cars/mclaren-just-unveiled-a-new-artura-spider-for-its-latest-f1-championship/) **Published:** February 10, 2026 **Author:** Erik Shilling **Content:** [McLaren](https://robbreport.ph/tag/mclaren/ "mclaren") won its 10th Formula 1 Constructors’ Championship last year, powered by Drivers’ Champion Lando Norris and his teammate Oscar Piastri. And like it did last year when it won its ninth Constructors’ Championship, McLaren is celebrating with a special new Artura. McLaren will make just 10 of the Artura Spider MCL39 Championship Edition. The cars’ papaya and black liveries have been hand-painted, and Norris and Piastri each have their signatures emblazoned on the cars, along with the locations of each win, pole position, and fastest lap in the 2025 F1 season. The number 10 is a theme throughout the car, including the 10-spoke wheels. On each headrest, the number 10 is embroidered, and the number 10 is on the steering wheel as well. The livery, meanwhile, is similar to that of the F1 car, along with orange brake calipers and the sports exhaust. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/mclaren-artura-championship-7-e1770218082880.webp) The McLaren Artura Spider MCL39 Championship Edition from above. *Photo: McLaren* Under the hood is the same 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 engine that powers other Arturas, along with electric motors. Combined, the two make 670 horsepower that is sent through an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. Each buyer of the Artura Spider MCL39 Championship Edition will get a plaque on the center console and a keepsake separate from the car. The car is limited to just 10 examples, and the buyers will likely be McLaren super fans, the kinds of stewards for the Artura Spider MCL39 Championship Edition that McLaren wants. “McLaren is a brand that merges the excitement of [Formula 1]() racing with a curated experience that matches our clients’ distinctive lifestyles,” Henrik Wilhelmsmeyer, McLaren’s chief commercial officer, [said in a statement](https://cars.mclaren.press/releases/1335). “We want the connection our fans feel with our brand to extend beyond the emotional and into the tangible, by making it possible for them to be a part of McLaren history.” McLaren did not name a price for the Championship Edition Arturas, but Arturas start at around $260,000, so you can bet that the Championship is at least that much and probably a lot more. The marque will be making 10 “customer cars,” which does not stop them from making one or two or more as gifts. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Norris and Piastri get one, for example. You might even be able to buy it in a few decades. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* [](https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/mclaren-artura-s%E2%80%A6hotos-1237554310/) **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** Artura Spider, formula 1, mclaren, News, Supercar, supercars --- ### [Honda Just Unveiled Its First Private Jet That Can Land Itself](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/honda-just-unveiled-its-first-private-jet-that-can-land-itself/) **Published:** February 10, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** Flying a [HondaJet](https://robbreport.ph/tag/hondajet/ "hondajet") just got a little safer. Honda Aircraft Company today announced that the [Elite II](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/best-of-the-best-2025-wings/ "Best of the Best 2025: Wings") will be equipped with [Garmin’s Emergency Autoland (EAL) system](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/king-air-makes-first-real-world-emergency-garmin-autoland-landing/ "King Air Makes First Real-World Garmin Autoland Emergency Landing"), allowing it to land autonomously when needed. It is the first very light twinjet in the business segment to gain certification for the system by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Honda says the installation of this safety tech has been “highly anticipated” by jet owners and operators across the States. As such, the company is also pursuing EAL certifications from regulatory agencies in other markets to give those abroad the same peace of mind during flight. Released in 2019, the EAL system directs the jet to a nearby airport for an emergency landing. It first evaluates weather, terrain, fuel, and runway dimensions to select the optimal airport, then configures the aircraft for landing, guides it safely to the ground, and applies the brakes to a full stop on the runway. The system can be easily activated with the push of a button, but it also kicks in automatically if the pilot is unresponsive. It automatically alerts air traffic control of the emergency, too. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Hondajet-Elite-II-Cockpit.webp) The cockpit of the Elite II. *Photo: Honda Aircraft Company* That isn’t the only nifty autonomous feature the [Elite II](https://www.hondajet.com/en/Products/HondaJet-Elite-II) has gained since launching in 2022. It became the first jet of its type to add Garmin’s Autothrottle in 2024. That system automatically manages engine power levers from takeoff to landing, reducing the pilot’s workload. Together, the EAL and Autothrottle systems allow the aircraft to be operated with one pilot. That is something that customers have been asking for, according to Honda Aircraft Company president and CEO Hideto Yamasaki. That continued innovation has helped to cement the HondaJet as the most popular light jet in private aviation, with global deliveries surpassing 250 in 2024. The Elite II was the last model in HondaJet’s 420 series and will be followed by the Echelon. The production version of the groundbreaking 2600 Concept that was unveiled in 2021, the new business jet will have a range of 2,625 nautical miles (3,020 miles), making it capable of nonstop transcontinental flight across the U.S. It will also be 20 percent more efficient and produce fewer carbon emissions than the average light jet. You can expect all the Garmin gadgetry, too. The Echelon‘s first flight is scheduled for later this year, with type certification expected in 2028. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Aviation **Tags:** hondajet, jets, News --- ### [This Weekend, Philippine Cocktail Week Brings 28 of the World's Best to Manila](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/spirits/this-weekend-philippine-cocktail-week-brings-28-of-the-worlds-best-to-manila/) **Published:** February 6, 2026 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** Fancy a cocktail? Philippine Cocktail Week is on full swing this weekend until February 8, 2026, with a week-long celebration that brings together 28 of the world’s most acclaimed cocktail bars and 28 of Manila’s finest local institutions in a series of one-night-only collaborations staged across four nights and four neighborhoods. Rather than centering on a single venue or convention-style hall, Philippine Cocktail Week unfolds as a citywide experience, moving through BGC, Legazpi Village, Poblacion, Jupiter Street in Makati, Quezon City, and San Juan. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/photo_2026-02-06-154659.webp) Laura Prabowo of Penicillin. Guests are invited into the city’s existing bars—spaces that already define Manila’s nightlife—where international guest bartenders step behind the counter alongside local teams. Each pairing produces a bespoke menu and experience that exist for one night only. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/photo_2026-02-06-154652.webp) Agung Prabowo of Penicillin. The international roster draws from the upper tier of the global cocktail scene, with many participants consistently recognized by The World’s 50 Best Bars and Asia’s 50 Best Bars. Among the confirmed names are COA (Hong Kong), Vesper (Bangkok), Bar Us (Bangkok), Zest (Seoul), Virtù (Tokyo), Hope & Sesame (Guangzhou), and Dry Wave Cocktail Studio (Bangkok), representing a wide spectrum of styles, philosophies, and regional influences. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/photo_2026-02-06-154656.webp) Dohyung “Demie” Kim, co-founder of Zest. For Manila’s bartenders, the week offers an opportunity for genuine creative dialogue. Recipes are developed together, techniques are exchanged, and service styles intersect, creating a series of encounters that feel closer to collaborative residencies than guest shifts. For guests, it means access to world-class bartending without leaving the city, framed by the warmth and character of local bars. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/photo_2026-02-06-154646.webp) *Further details, including international–local bar pairings and nightly schedules, are available via [@philippinecocktailweek](https://www.instagram.com/philippinecocktailweek/) on Instagram.* **Categories:** Food & Drink, Spirits **Tags:** cocktails, Philippine Cocktail Week --- ### [A Ferrari Supercar Was Destroyed Moments After Being Stolen](https://robbreport.ph/cars/a-ferrari-supercar-was-destroyed-moments-after-being-stolen/) **Published:** February 9, 2026 **Author:** Bryan Hood **Content:** It was like a real-life *Gone in 60 Seconds*—in more ways than one. A pair of thieves managed to total a [Ferrari](https://robbreport.ph/tag/ferrari/ "Ferrari") 488 Pista moments after stealing it last month, [according to *Road & Track*](https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a70245503/thieves-steal-ferrari-488-pista-battering-ram/). The dimwitted duo lost control of the supercar while making their getaway and were left to watch the fruits of their labor go up in flames. The incident occurred in Cahors, a small town in the southwest of France, during the early hours of January 20, [according to the French newspaper *La Dépêche*](https://www.ladepeche.fr/2026/01/22/une-ferrari-volee-a-cahors-retrouvee-calcinee-apres-un-accident-a-montpezat-13178555.php). That morning, the two men broke into the showroom of ILM Auto. In a heist movie, this would be the first step of a meticulously worked-through plan, but the movies aren’t real life, and it appears the suspects didn’t bother to think about what would need to happen once they were inside the building. Here’s where things take a turn for the absurd. After breaking into the dealership, the suspects proceeded to spend approximately *45 minutes* looking for the keys to the 488 Pista. The mistakes would only get bigger from there. They then could not figure out how to cleanly remove the supercar from the building. Perhaps aware that time was running out, they then decided that it was a good idea to drive the vehicle right through the showroom’s closed garage bay window. Today’s Prancing Horses are much heartier than those of yesteryear, but they are still not meant to be crashed through glass. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/13680cb8da52c6ec9f8c788cb2ef0317.webp) *Courtesy of @italpasion* The pair wasn’t done with its bungling yet. Within miles of the dealership, near the town of Montpezat-de-Quercy, the man driving the 488 Pista lost control on a wet road. The car clipped a guardrail and burst into flames. They were able to escape by the time authorities arrived on the scene, but, again, it appears they had failed to take into account that it can be difficult to drive a car with a 3.9-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 that makes over 700 hp. “You can’t drive a car like that just like anything else. You have to know what you’re doing,” ILM Auto owner Nathan Azais told *La Dépêche*. Being dumb doesn’t mean you’re not lucky, though. Sure, the two men may not have made off with a $345,000 Ferrari, but the fire they left behind managed to destroy all physical evidence of their crime. That leaves Cahors police with only surveillance footage to help them solve their case. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** Ferrari --- ### [Jaeger-LeCoultre Launches Its Latest Capsule Collection of Ultra-Rare Vintage Watches](https://robbreport.ph/watches/jaeger-lecoultre-launches-its-latest-capsule-collection-of-ultra-rare-vintage-watches/) **Published:** February 6, 2026 **Author:** Paige Reddinger **Content:** Catch them if you can. [Jaeger-LeCoultre](https://robbreport.ph/tag/jaeger-lecoultre/ "jaeger-lecoultre") is back with another round of The Collectibles, its highly-anticipated capsule collection of rare vintage timepieces meticulously sourced and repaired by the brand. The fifth series launched last night to a packed house at the Swiss watchmaker’s Madison Avenue boutique, where heritage director Matthieu Sauret was on hand to show off eight extremely rare and early Reversos. Most of the pieces date to the earliest years of production for the model and, while some have already been spoken for and most, if not all, will go to VIPs, these museum-status pieces are still worth checking out and will be on view at the New York City flagship store now through February 23. Tracking down Reversos dating back to the models origin years isn’t easy, even for the company that made them, which is why there are so few available. “It was a big of a challenge,” Sauret tells *Robb Report*. “They’re hard to find. They’re the oldest pieces that we have and the production was very limited.” The first Reversos were only in production from 1931 to 1942 and in small numbers, so they remain scarce. Adding to the difficulty in the hunt for the model is the fact that at the dawn of its creation, it was intended for the polo-playing British army officers stationed in India during the ’30s. “It was a watch that was advertised to be worn for tough times or sports, so sometimes they’re not in as perfect of a condition as we would hope,” says Sauret. In fact, it took his team of five in the heritage department one and a half years to source and then restore eight perfect examples. Restoration, in this case, means finding already pristine examples and bringing them back to working order using period-correct, authentic parts. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_20260205_JLC_Collectibles_Capsule_V_Reverso_Small_Seconds_1936.webp) A rare two-tone LeCoultre Reverso. *Jaeger-LeCoultre* Every piece is a unicorn of sorts, and as the popularity of the Reverso continues to see a resurgence, will probably continue to increase in value. But a few examples standout. Sauret points to a two-tone Reverso, which he says is likely the first two-tone watch ever made by the company. He has never seen a model earlier than this one in this dual-metal casing. Adding to its interest is its execution in yellow gold paired with Staybrite, rather than stainless steel. Early versions of stainless steel were hard to machine and polish, so Staybrite—an alloy composed of iron, chromium, and nickel—was often used during the era. Another is a black-dial Reverso with tan-hued indices and hands, that Sauret says is one of the earliest Reverso’s ever made. “This is about as close to a museum piece as you can get, because it is an original Reverso,” he says. In the first year of production, he estimates that probably less than 200 were made. The $45,000 piece has no engraving on the backside, which means it’s ready to be transformed into a personal family heirloom. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_20260205_JLC_Collectibles_Capsule_V_Reverso_1931.webp) One of the first Reverso models ever made from The Collectibles. *Jaeger-LeCoultre* Marking another historical milestone is a 1937 example (pictured below), which Sauret says is the earliest “Jaeger-LeCoultre” branded Reversos he has ever seen. It heralded the partnership between the Paris-based watchmaker Edmond Jaeger and the Swiss manufacture LeCoultre & Cie when they formally became one name that same year. What is also particularly noticeable about this example is the unusual quality to the dial and numerals. The hour markers were created by punching a plate of metal from behind with the outline of the numerals so they are raised on the dial. “You see the numerals are actually three-dimensional, but then they have to paint it, but they cannot paint the numerals,” says Sauret. “They likely used wax to cover them and then painted the rest of the dial. When you look at it you can see that the guy that painted the dial actually made up for the mistake of the guy that did the metal part so he was painting a little thicker on some parts to have something very flat.” The amount of precision required to do this work is hard to quantify, but Saret says if they were to do a dial in this same way today it would likely cost $10,000 to make. “The sophistication of the craft they were using is out of this world.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR_20260205_JLC_Collectibles_Capsule_V_Reverso_Small_Seconds_1937.webp) One of the first Reverso models ever made from The Collectibles. *Jaeger-LeCoultre* But, of course, there are important vintage Reversos for women in The Collectibles as well. Take for instance the petite Reverso on a chrome cord bracelet and a Staybrite case from roughly 1932 or 1933. “Every time I see it, I’m like ‘Are we ok to sell this?’” says Sauret. “Because I’ve never seen one like this before.” The blued hands are also particularly bright for a vintage model. Many of the timepieces come to the brand either via dealers or small auction houses. Sauret says some of the best finds are at small, relatively unknown auction houses or estate sales in France or the U.K. Of course, the joy is always in the hunt. “There is someone very important that has taught me many valuable lessons and one day he said to me, ‘There is never a good road to a good fishing spot,’” says Sauret of locating these ultra-rare pieces. “This is very true.” With so few available, you can expect these will go only to VIPs and, indeed, some have already sold but if you have even a cursory interest in one of the most defining eras of the brand, they are not to be missed. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** jaeger-lecoultre, vintage --- ### [This $42 Million Estate in Italy Has Its Own Castle, Vineyard, and 12th-Century Church](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/homes/this-42-million-estate-in-italy-has-its-own-castle-vineyard-and-12th-century-church/) **Published:** February 5, 2026 **Author:** Abby Montanez **Content:** If you’ve ever fantasized about a place in Italy that has everything you need for la dolce vita, this Lake Garda estate might be the golden ticket. Recently listed with Savills for €36 million (about $42 million), the sprawling property doesn’t just have a grand residence but also an authentic castle, along with a consecrated 12th-century church, its own vineyard, and olive groves. There’s even a spot to land your helicopter! The rural spread sits on a sunny, secluded hillside above Bardolino, with wide-open views across Lake Garda and the surrounding countryside. Altogether, it spans roughly 72 acres comprising landscaped gardens, vineyards, and woodlands. Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake, about halfway between Venice and Milan, is best known today for sailing and windsurfing, but the surrounding mountains are layered with history too, including World War I–era “open-air museums” carved into the peaks. According to local lore, the hillside on which this estate is situated is where a young Napoleon once climbed the cliff below the fortress and carved a heart into the rock. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Lake-Garda-E36m-Savills-39-1.webp) A formal salon unfolds with delicate murals, gilt-trimmed paneling, and antique furnishings. *Photo: Savills* Known as Villa Sant’Andrea, and widely considered among the most valuable private estates in Italy, the estate is located in the town of Affi, just outside Verona. As [reported](https://www.mansionglobal.com/articles/a-princess-is-selling-a-grand-italian-estate-with-vineyards-and-a-castle-outside-verona-72952669), it’s owned by German-born Princess Astrid von Liechtenstein, who married into one of Europe’s wealthiest royal families back in 2003. Over the years, the Liechtenstein and her husband, Prince Alexander von Liechtenstein, reportedly spent millions restoring and modernizing the various buildings, following an earlier renovation by the legendary designer Renzo Mongiardino. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Lake-Garda-E36m-Savills-29.webp) The dining room is dressed with hand-painted walls, arched windows, and antique chandeliers. *Photo: Savills* The main house is a traditional Italian country villa spanning more than 20,000 square feet. It was restored over the course of a decade and feels elegant and aristocratic without tipping into museum territory, with several reception rooms, a billiard room, a modern kitchen, and seven en-suite bedrooms. Arched porticoes wrap the exterior, opening out to views of the gardens, vines, and olive trees below. Then there’s the estate’s oldest structure, a consecrated church dating back to the 12th century, and the castle, perched higher up the hillside, with commanding lake views and a wide circular stone staircase connecting its four floors that house four additional bedroom suites, along with a salon, wine cellar, and gym. Additional space for guests or staff comes in the form of a detached structure on the hillside above the main villa, divided into two independent apartments, and at the far edge of the estate, a former hunting lodge has been restored and paired with an infinity pool. The vineyards produce Merlot, Cabernet, Corvina, and Rondinella, while the olive groves yield enough oil for private use. Beyond the romance and historic elegance, Villa Sant’Andrea is fully outfitted for modern life, with fiber-optic connectivity and high-tech surveillance systems. ***Click [here](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/homes/villa-santandrea-in-photos/) to see more photos of this Lake Garda estate.*** *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Homes **Tags:** italy, real estate, Villa --- ### [Villa Sant’Andrea in Photos](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/homes/villa-santandrea-in-photos/) **Published:** February 5, 2026 **Author:** Abby Montanez **Content:** The estate near Verona, just hit the market for $42 million. [Click here for the full story](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/homes/this-42-million-estate-in-italy-has-its-own-castle-vineyard-and-12th-century-church/). ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Lake-Garda-E36m-Savills-10.webp) *Savills* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Lake-Garda-E36m-Savills-8.webp) The main villa *Photo: Savills* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Lake-Garda-E36m-Savills-18.webp) Arched loggias connect the villa to the lush gardens. *Photo: Savills* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Lake-Garda-E36m-Savills-20.webp) Marble checkerboard floors add a touch of formality. *Photo: Savills* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Lake-Garda-E36m-Savills-34.webp) The grand foyer. *Photo: Savills* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Lake-Garda-E36m-Savills-39-1.webp) A formal salon unfolds with delicate murals, gilt-trimmed paneling, and antique furnishings. *Photo: Savills* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Lake-Garda-E36m-Savills-29.webp) The dining room is dressed with hand-painted walls, arched windows, and antique chandeliers. *Photo: Savills* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Lake-Garda-E36m-Savills-35.webp) A billiards room. *Photo: Savills* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Lake-Garda-E36m-Savills-41-1.webp) The primary bedroom. *Photo: Savills* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Lake-Garda-E36m-Savills-24.webp) The 12th century church is attached to backside of the villa. *Photo: Savills* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Lake-Garda-E36m-Savills-1.webp) The castle, which serves as a guesthouse. *Photo: Savills* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Lake-Garda-E36m-Savills-30.webp) The castle includes a barrel-vaulted dining space. *Photo: Savills* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Lake-Garda-E36m-Savills-36.webp) Frescoes adorn the walls and ceilings throughout. *Photo: Savills* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Lake-Garda-E36m-Savills-12-1.webp) The swimming pool is secluded among terraced parklands. *Photo: Savills* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Lake-Garda-E36m-Savills-7.webp) A small olive grove provides enough oil for private use. *Photo: Savills* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Lake-Garda-E36m-Savills-2.webp) Bardolino vineyards with Lake Garda in the distance. *Photo: Savills* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Lake-Garda-E36m-Savills-13.webp) The estate comprises 72 acres on a wooded hillside. *Photo: Savills* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Homes **Tags:** italy, real estate, Villas --- ### [Pagani’s New Supercar Gives Its Huayra a Stunning Makeover](https://robbreport.ph/cars/paganis-new-supercar-gives-its-huayra-a-stunning-makeover/) **Published:** February 5, 2026 **Author:** Erik Shilling **Content:** The Italian supercar maker [Pagani](https://robbreport.ph/tag/pagani/ "pagani") has made three models, the Zonda, Huayra, and Utopia, and a nearly infinite number of special editions, remixes, and updates. Its latest is the Huayra 70 Trionfo, made to celebrate founder Horacio Pagani’s 70th birthday, and, like almost every Pagani, it’s a stunner. The Huayra 70 Trionfo is a new example of a model that first debuted in 2011 and might have ended production in 2017, except Pagani kept making various new Huayras up to the present day, including the Huayra R Evo. Just three of the 70 Trionfos will be made, Pagani said. The doors and window frames are the same as the old Huayra, but everything else is different, resulting in an almost completely different form. Strikingly, the front has been changed, including the headlights. As for the rear, [Pagani says](https://www.facebook.com/PaganiAutomobili/posts/pfbid02WAprE8uBbFY9YHissp7NoaLgfJmkTzxHQeYtr2P1CkitaFwFaMwNRrhw4LUzYUQPl), “The rear is a celebration of naked mechanics: a redesigned bumper, extractor, and diffuser frame the car’s engineering soul.” The car appears based on the Huayra Roadster BC, [according to Motor1](https://www.motor1.com/news/785702/pagani-huayra-70-trionfo/). ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/pagani-huayra-70-trionfo-1_b10fc3-e1769715134200.webp) The badge on the Pagani Huayra 70 Trionfo. *Photo: Pagani* The cockpit “immerses the driver in a symphony of the finest leathers and textures,” while the color scheme outside is a mix of green, orange, and yellow. Under the hood is likely a Mercedes 6.0-liter V-12 engine making 791 horsepower, mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission. That power goes to the rear wheels, though the 70 Trionfo looks so good that it’s probably not intended to be driven with passion but instead displayed. Pagani’s habit of redoing its cars for special occasions, special customers, and sometimes just for the fun was an oddity when it began that has now turned into one of the automaker’s most endearing traits. The marque is full of artists that can’t let their masterpieces go untouched and instead must keep changing the models for new audiences. That includes powertrains, since the Utopia was supposed to be all-electric until it wasn’t. One may suspect that the marque was revamping its autos merely because it kept finding new customers—all of whom likely want to say that their Pagani is one-of-a-kind—except Pagani would likely keep doing this without any buyers. As the 70 Trionfo shows, it might have been baked in from the very beginning. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.*[](https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/pagani-huayra-70%E2%80%A6hotos-1237546493/) **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** News, pagani, supercars --- ### [The World’s Most Popular Personal Jet Just Got a Serious Upgrade](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/the-worlds-most-popular-personal-jet-just-got-a-serious-upgrade/) **Published:** February 5, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** It seems the third time’s a charm for [Cirrus](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/the-cirrus-sr22-can-land-itself-in-an-emergency-heres-what-thats-like/ "The Cirrus SR22 Can Land Itself in an Emergency"). The Minnesota-based firm just unveiled the third iteration of the [Vision Jet](https://cirrusaircraft.com/aircraft/vision-jet/), taking the highly successful personal jet to new heights. The new Generation 3 (G3) Vision Jet features a reimagined cabin along with over 30 other refinements to make flying smarter and safer. “The G3 Vision Jet is a testament to our relentless innovation and continued investment in personal aviation and our owners who want to travel efficiently with peace of mind,” Cirrus CEO Zean Nielsen said in a statement. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Cirrus-G3-Vision-Jet-9.webp) A sleek new bench creates more seating. Cirrus After a slightly bumpy start, the original Vision Jet hit the market in 2016, making history as the world’s first single-engine personal jet. Cirrus then rolled out the G2 in 2019. The Vision Jet has ranked as the world’s most popular jet for seven years straight, with over 700 delivered worldwide as of 2025, according to Cirrus. Even with that success, the team continues to refine the design. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Cirrus-G3-Vision-Jet-7.webp) The cabin seats seven. *Cirrus* First and foremost, the G3 showcases a fresh interior with redesigned seating. The G2 could seat five adults—one being the pilot—and two children, whereas the G3 can carry six adults and one child. That is thanks to a sleek new bench seat replacing the third-row seat. Each seat offers fine-tuned ergonomics, too: The pilot and co-pilot seats can be adjusted with a single hand, while the middle seats can be removed or installed using a nifty lever. They also look good, with a new design that combines a hardshell back with hand-wrapped Alcantara. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Cirrus-G3-Vision-Jet-10.webp) The seats combine a hardshell back with hand-wrapped Alcantara. *Cirrus* The cabin is brimming with other aesthetic refinements, such as new tray tables and device mounts. Owners can now choose between five colorways inspired by movement and destinations, meaning you could coordinate the jet with the rest of your fleet. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Cirrus-G3-Vision-Jet-6.webp) The flight deck received multiple upgrades. *Cirrus* The flight deck also received multiple upgrades. Most notably, the new ATC Datalink system means that pilots can now text air traffic control for route updates, altitude assignment, and so on. The exterior was even tweaked, with new wing-tip lights that shine 2.7 times brighter on the ramp. Some signature features remain unchanged, such as the intuitive Perspective Touch+ avionics, the airframe parachute, and the Safe Return Emergency Autoland system. The latter enables the aircraft to make a fully autonomous and safe landing without pilot or passenger intervention. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Cirrus-G3-Vision-Jet-2.webp) The jet can cruise at speeds of about 358 mph. *Cirrus* As for grunt, the G3 is equipped with a Williams International engine capable of 1,846 pounds of thrust. Measuring just over 30 feet from nose to tail, the jet has a range of up to 1,275 nautical miles and a cruise speed of about 365 mph. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Cirrus-G3-Vision-Jet-4.webp) The new wing-tip lights shine 2.7 times brighter than the previous ones. *Cirrus* Priced at just under $3.7 million, the G3 will make a charming addition to any fleet. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Aviation **Tags:** Cirrus --- ### [Mercedes’s Luxe New S-Class Might Rival Your Bentley](https://robbreport.ph/cars/mercedess-luxe-new-s-class-might-rival-your-bentley/) **Published:** February 4, 2026 **Author:** Basem Wasef **Content:** The S-Class is the tip of [Mercedes-Benz](https://robbreport.ph/tag/mercedes-benz/ "mercedes benz")’s luxury spear, and its 2027 refresh is the biggest mid-cycle change in the model’s history. We traveled to the carmaker’s mothership in Germany to see, touch and feel how the Sonderklasse has progressed in this latest update, which sees more than half of its parts changed or upgraded. Let’s start with styling, the first line of defense against competing flagships like the monolithic BMW 7 Series, the slick Lexus LS, the blocky Audi A8, and the buttoned-down Genesis G90. Mercedes has emboldened its front end with a 20 percent larger grille that departs from the flowing, flush surface treatment that covers most of the sedan’s vast expanses. The grille’s shield shape is more authoritative, though the German brand goes a tad overboard with branding here, sprinkling its three-pointed star logo across the front end like birdseed. We counted no fewer than 112 hot-stamped stars within the grille; another four can be found in the new micro-LED-equipped headlamps, and a sextet of stars is embedded in the taillights. Furthering the theme is an optional illuminated hood ornament that complements the four-bar grille, which now features standard backlighting. We understand a certain degree of corporate branding is necessary, but find this celestial excess less quiet luxury than we’d like. One exception is an optional 20-inch wheel that uses a new high-pressure casting production technique to render its 50 cross-spokes. These rims are mesmerizing. As overbranded as the front end may be, the cabin is the opposite—a beautifully rendered space where high-quality materials serve the purpose of creating an aesthetic escape. While we wouldn’t consider the MBUX superscreen—which sweeps across the dashboard with multiple displays and touchscreens—luxurious, at least it is positioned low, tucked below the window sightlines. In contrast, Benz’s lower-end offerings like the CLA place the touchscreens relatively tall in the cabin. The S-Class’s unified sweep across the dashboard contrasts with its predecessor’s vertical, tablet-style center screen. Also notable are the new round air conditioning vents, which use an anodized aluminum surface treatment for a more substantial feel. The vent positions can be adjusted by hand or through the climate control system via the multimedia system. One innovation is a welcome addition for the perennial cold: heated front seat belts, which add a warm embrace that complements heated seats. Another ergonomic improvement: a new steering wheel which incorporates small knurled rollers to control volume and track selection, a welcome improvement over its predecessor’s touch-sensitive slider, which was difficult to fine-tune. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/mercedes-s-class-9-e1769712260955-1.webp) The new Mercedes S-Class’s steering wheel and driver’s screen. *Photo: Mercedes-Benz Group AG* The MBUX virtual assistant now uses generative AI and a comfortable, conversation-style verbal tone that’s accompanied by an avatar represented by, you guessed it, a Mercedes star. A RIDEVUE system enables apps like Disney+ and YouTube to stream across the vehicle’s multiple screens. It wouldn’t be an S-Class without a killer sound system, and the new model features up to 39 speakers and 1,690 watts of power with Dolby Atmos via the Burmester High-End 4D surround system. We weren’t able to sample it at volume, but are willing to wager the system will sound big, rich, and clear. Speaking of not disappointing, the S-Class’s back seats are wonderlands of comfort, especially when ordered with optional reclining functionality and the MBUX High-End Rear Entertainment System, which operates a number of controls via wireless remote controls for each of the rear passengers. The remotes control everything from ambient lighting and massage settings to power sunshades and windows, stowing in the center console when not in use. Built-in screens and cameras also encourage productivity by integrating Teams Meetings software into the vehicle. The new S-Class offers a trick E-Active Body Control suspension system that leverages cloud data to enhance ride quality. When other S-Classes drive over surface irregularities like potholes, they will record that data to the cloud. Leveraging the cache of geotagged data, another S-Class will then be able to anticipate the bumps or dips, adjusting its Airmatic dampers, and thereby delivering supple ride quality over troublesome spots while offering more feel and responsiveness when the road is smoother. Aiding maneuverability is a standard 4.5-degree rear wheel steering system and an optional setup that swings up to 10 degrees. Of course, the S-Class also boasts the latest array of sensors and cameras for safety and semi-autonomous driving. My design preview included a test ride in the back of a camouflaged new S-Class, and the experience revealed that everything we’ve come to expect from Mercedes-Benz’s high-end sedan is predictably up to snuff. Although the roads around the company’s Sindelfingen factory are impeccably paved, the suspension still feels noticeably controlled and well behaved in corners. The double-paned glass provides excellent sound insulation, and the reclining rear seats should be a pleasant place to spend a few hours. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/mercedes-s-class-6-e1769712203765.webp) The new Mercedes S-Class with its doors open, waiting for passengers. *Photo: Mercedes-Benz Group AG* When it reaches our shores later this year, the S-Class will be available in three powertrains: a plug-in hybrid S 580e 4Matic, an inline-six-cylinder S 500 4Matic, and a new V8 S 580 4Matic producing 530 horsepower. The 2026 S-Class expands on its sterling reputation while expanding its portfolio of Manufaktur packages, which offer higher-end trims and materials. Those seeking to dive into the personalization rabbit hole can tick the Manufaktur Made to Measure box, which summons one-on-one consultations that open the door to bespoke creations and access to over 150 exterior paints and 400 interior colors. These options help edge Mercedes-Benz closer to ultraluxury brands like Bentley and Rolls-Royce, not only elevating the brand but lifting its portfolio above the fray. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* [](https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/the-new-mercedes%E2%80%A6hotos-1237546414/) **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** lexus, mercedes benz --- ### [Inside Arkhaus’s Bonkers New Pininfarina-Designed Floating Home](https://robbreport.ph/boats/inside-arkhauss-bonkers-new-pininfarina-designed-floating-home/) **Published:** February 3, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** Arkhaus is bringing a high-design twist to floating homes. The Miami-based company has exclusively revealed to *Robb Report* that its newest model will feature interiors by [Pininfarina](https://robbreport.ph/tag/pininfarina/ "pininfarina"), taking the elegance factor up to 11. Founded by Sam Payrovi and Nathalie Paiva in 2021, Arkhaus first made waves by building a floating members’ club with two of Arkup’s solar-electric yachts. Arkhaus Miami kicked off pre-launch events, like exclusive off-grid dinners, in 2025, with a full opening scheduled for later this year. Arkhaus acquired Arkup in mid 2025, merging to create a new entity (Ark Companies) that both designs and builds clubs and residences for the water. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Arkhaus-Villa-50-2.webp) The current Arkhaus yacht will be on display at the Miami International Boat Show. *Photo: Arkhaus* The new Villa 50 is the second generation of the Arkup 50, with a fully reimagined design. The 50-footer is essentially a cross between an electric yacht and an upscale condo, allowing owners to live anywhere on the water in the lap of luxury. The newcomer is equipped with two whisper-quiet 50 kW electric thrusters, a 126 kWh battery, and an array of solar panels that can generate up to 12 kW. That should be enough power to run all necessary onboard systems, meaning you could also live entirely off-grid. There is a backup generator and shore power if needed. (Arkhaus didn’t give details regarding speed or range, but the Arkup 50 could hit 8.5 knots at full tilt and cover 50 nautical miles at 5 knots.) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Arkhaus-Villa-50-6.webp) The bar. *Photo: Arkhaus* Multiple layouts ranging from one to two bedrooms mean the villa could serve as a family home, a guest house, or even an art or music studio. It can also be configured for commercial use, unlocking the potential for a waterside restaurant or (another) floating members’ club. The real selling point is the new Pininfarina interior. The Italian firm has not only built high-octane hypercars under the Pininfarina badge but has also collaborated with the world’s best marques and shipyards, including Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Porsche, Rossinavi, Oceanco, and Wally. All that work has resulted in a highly distinctive design DNA, which is evident in the Villa 50. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Arkhaus-Villa-50-4.webp) The lounge and dining area. *Photo: Arkhaus* There is a sense of lightness and comfort throughout. The living quarters are wrapped in expansive glass that blurs the boundaries between the indoor and outdoor world: Big, beautiful rays are inviting in, while gorgeous views are afforded out. Sleek lines and curves abound, further accentuated by integrated lighting shining from above. The muted palette and minimalist furniture make it all feel very quiet luxury. “Pininfarina’s approach brings a refined sense of style and emotion to the Villa 50,” Arkhaus CEO Sam Payrovi said in a statement. “This collaboration defines how Arkhaus will look and feel across recreational and commercial expressions moving forward.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Arkhaus-Villa-50-5.webp) The outdoor dining area. *Photo: Arkhaus* Arkhaus has enlisted the legendary Lyman-Morse to bring those grand plans to fruition. The Villa 50 will be built by the storied American yard known for craftsmanship and cutting-edge construction. The company will present the new design at the Miami International Boat Show this February, along with the next iteration of the members’ club. Visitors will also be able to step aboard the current Arkhaus yacht. To request an appointment or pre-order the new Villa 50, you can visit the [Arkhaus website](https://arkhaus.club/own/). *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Boats, Home & Design, Homes **Tags:** Arkhaus, Arkup 50, homes, pininfarina --- ### [This Beloved Fragrance House Brought Back Jackie O.’s Favorite Perfume](https://robbreport.ph/style/grooming/fragrances/this-beloved-fragrance-house-brought-back-jackie-o-s-favorite-perfume/) **Published:** February 3, 2026 **Author:** Adam Hurly **Content:** Among independent [fragrance](https://robbreport.ph/style/grooming/fragrances/ "Fragrances") houses, [Krigler](https://robbreport.ph/tag/krigler/ "krigler") has a distinct track record for attracting some of the world’s most famous individuals. Ernest Hemingway and President John F. Kennedy wore the cool blue oceanic fragrance America One. Marlene Dietrich was a fan of the leathery, sandalwood scent Lieber Gustav 14, which was originally intended for men—and has been worn by guys from F. Scott Fitzgerald to Leonardo DiCaprio. Even Coco Chanel was known to dab on the brand’s floral Pleasure Gardenia 79—when she wasn’t wearing her own scents, that is. Today, the house has revived another scent with a world-renowned wearer: [Lovely Patchouli 55, a favorite of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis](https://robbreport.ph/style/grooming/fragrances/the-house-of-krigler-history-tradition-and-true-luxury/ "The House of Krigler: History, Tradition, and True Luxury"). Aristotle Onassis famously [gave her a bottle](https://www.townandcountrymag.com/style/beauty-products/a28440271/jackie-kennedy-favorite-fragrance-krigler-lovely-patchouli/) on the day he proposed. With care and intention, it’s been reborn as [Lovely Patchouli 55 Classic Extrait](https://krigler.com/products/lovely-patchouli-55-classic-extract), a $3,800 limited-edition release that places the fragrance in a new context without altering its original charms. (Bottles of [the original](https://krigler.com/products/lovely-patchouli-55-classic-perfume) are still available, from $495.) But the new scent is much more than a mere re-edition. It also raises a glass to four generations of careful patchouli sourcing and honors the legacy of the house’s founder, Albert Krigler. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR-Krigler-Lovely-Patchouli-55-Extrait-Staircase.webp) *Photo: Krigler* Krigler established its first boutique in Paris in 1909, but by the 1930s and ‘40s, its clientele primarily consisted of well-heeled New Yorkers. That’s thanks in part to its longstanding strategy of opening stores inside some of the world’s finest hotels. In the Big Apple, you can find Krigler at the Plaza. In Washington, D.C., it’s ensconced in the Four Seasons. And since late 2025, its Parisian efforts have been located at The Peninsula. “France has been very important for us as a company,” says Ben Krigler, the fifth-generation nose and leader of the brand today. The original Lovely Patchouli 55 made its debut in New York in 1955. It was only a few years before it started consolidating famous fans. “Jackie Kennedy was at the Plaza in the sixties, and this is where she found that perfume and fell in love with it,” Krigler adds. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Krigler-3535.webp) *Photo: @Kemo\_Aldallal* The scent, made with patchouli sourced from the Philippines, also stands out because it was the last formula Albert Krigler created—and even though he was 92 years old at the time, he took a hands-on approach to ensuring it was just right. “Because it was his last perfume, Albert insisted on traveling to the Philippines to secure the patchouli,” Ben says. The trip was prompted by a sourcing lag that could not be solved from afar. Albert considered this less of an inconvenience and more of a responsibility: He ended up buying the land on which his preferred patchouli was grown, then transferred its use back to the farmers who cultivated it. “It’s still the fourth generation of farmers there today, working with us,” Ben says proudly. “And since it was his last creation, it’s like he put everything he knew into it,” Ben says. “It’s 70 years of work and knowledge inside the original Lovely Patchouli 55.” The formula for the new Extrait limited edition wasn’t reworked; instead, the perfume concentration has been increased. This change reduces volatility and extends wear time, allowing the patchouli to register steadily rather than peaking early and wearing off. It’s a warm, elegant concoction of the titular ingredient, along with red fruits, black pepper, leather, vanilla, and amber. To me, its sweet red-fruit notes endure much longer than in a typical scent, too. Its earthy backbone gives it a rousing confidence, while the sweetness makes an indelible first impression. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RR-Krigler-Lovely-Patchouli-55-Extrait-Container-Split.webp) *Photo: Krigler* To stand up to the unbridled luxury of this re-edition, Krigler created a new bottle for the 45 ml offering. Krigler has a long history of commissioning crystal, including early 20th-century work with Baccarat, but “today, Baccarat doesn’t do that type of work anymore,” Ben explains. So the house went searching for the kind of workshop that still treats crystal as craft, landing with a fourth-generation maker in Bohemia to hand-etch each of the 200 bottles. “Bohemia is the last place that has the skill to make crystal like this. You don’t find that anywhere else,” says Ben. Krigler then built a second object around that bottle: a leather trunk meant to protect it and to outlive the moment of unboxing. Ben traces the idea to his family’s utilitarian history, referencing candle bags that once carried fragile items without damage. Its interior perfectly holds the vessel from both base and lid, and its pillowed walls thwart any further threats. Its strap is adjustable, so it can be carried or worn, and Krigler links that directly to how he sees the company today. “We are known as the voyageurs,” he says, and the idea was to create something “that you can travel with in style.” And what could be more fitting for such a distinctive scent than the ability to take it with you wherever you go? *Lovely Patchouli 55 Extrait is available in [Krigler](https://krigler.com/products/lovely-patchouli-55-classic-extract) for $3,800.* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Fragrances, Style **Tags:** fragrances, krigler, Lovely Patchouli 55 Classic Extrait --- ### [León Gallery x ACC at 11: Amorsolo, Malang, & Sanggawa Collective Lead Valentine's Auction](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-collectibles/leon-gallery-x-acc-at-11-amorsolo-mural-scale-paintings-by-malang-sanggawa-collective-more-lead-valentines-auction/) **Published:** February 2, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** February is Arts Month in the Philippines, a time when the country’s creative pulse comes into sharper focus. In Manila’s art calendar, few moments carry that responsibility as consistently as León Gallery’s annual benefit auction with the Asian Cultural Council (ACC). Now in its 11th year, the ACC x León Gallery Auction signals more than a new collecting season—it reaffirms the place of Philippine art on the world stage, bringing together museum-grade works, personal histories, and shared ideals under one roof. This year, the auction is staged on Valentine’s Day, which is said to be an intentional choice, according to ACC Philippines Chairman Ernest L. Escaler. “This year’s benefit art auction is held on Valentine’s Day as an ode to love in its most enduring form: love for the arts, love for generosity, and love for helping others realize their creative potential,” he shares. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Borlongan-Ocampo-Flores-Justiniani-Mallari-and-Sievert_Sanggawa-1-2240x1195.webp) “Paglaom Padayon” by Sanggawa Collective (Elmer Borlongan, Karen Ocampo-Flores, Mark Justiniani, Joy Mallari, and Federico Sievert), 1996, oil on canvas, 78″ x 147″ (198 cm x 373 cm) *Photo: Leon Gallery* That spirit of partnership is echoed by León Gallery Director Jaime Ponce de Leon, who describes the auction as intentionally different from the conventional art market cycle. “This is the time of year when we raise funds for ACC,” he says. “What’s exciting is that this sale is never conventional. We veer away from the usual auction rhythm and focus on works that feel forward-looking, monumental, and culturally resonant. “We are celebrating 11 years of our fruitful partnership with a foundation that has always remained committed to championing the virtuoso of the Filipino artist by allowing him to spread his creative wings on foreign shores,” he adds. This year’s edition, he notes, underscores “remarkable collaborations between our esteemed Filipino artists.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Danilo-Dalena_America-2240x3003.webp) “America” by Danilo Dalena, 1998, oil on canvas, 48″ x 36″ (122 cm x 91 cm) *Photo: Leon Gallery* Among the auction’s centerpieces is *Paglaom Padayon*, a mural-sized painting by the Sanggawa collective—Elmer Borlongan, Mark Justiniani, Joy Mallari, Karen Flores, and Federico Sievert. The Cebuano title translates to “move forward with hope,” and the work stands as a contemporary homage to Botong Francisco’s *Filipino Struggles Through History*. Layered with symbolism and social resonance, it reflects the Filipino people’s collective spirit and belief in progress. Another mural-scale collaboration comes from the late Mauro “Malang” Santos, created with his sons Soler and Steve in 2000 to mark his 72nd birthday and four decades in the art scene. “These are monumental works—museum scale,” Ponce de Leon notes. The auction also brings forward exceptional historical pieces. Patricio Gaston O’Farrell—favorite student of Juan Luna—appears with a poignant copy of Luna’s now-lost 1887 *Portrait of Christ*, depicting the weary Jesus before Pontius Pilate. “This is not a Luna—but Luna has an identical work,” says Ponce de Leon. “O’Farrell was his best student. We believe this was done under Luna’s direct supervision.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Manuel-Ocampo_Murio-la-Verdad-.webp) “Murio la Verdad” by Manuel Ocampo, 1990, oil and collage on canvas, 72″ x 108″ (183 cm x 274 cm) *Photo: Leon Gallery* Another O’Farrell painting, *Sumbungan*, dramatizes the betrayal of the Katipunan by Teodoro Patiño. Painted just a year before the artist’s death in 1942, both works come from the collection of his daughter, Edith. Félix Resurrección Hidalgo’s *Bois de Boulogne* captures the ilustrado’s Parisian refuge during his 17-year stay in France—a meditation on exile and introspection. Fernando Amorsolo’s *Site of U.P. Diliman* (1947) portrays the pastoral landscape before it became the country’s premier university, while his 1933 *Marikina* carries extraordinary provenance, having been acquired by Alex Frieder, who later helped establish a refuge for Jews fleeing the Holocaust in the Philippines. Meanwhile, Anita Magsaysay-Ho’s *Barrio Scene*—one of her earliest works signed under her married name—marks a pivotal chapter in her life and career. Danilo Dalena’s *America*, the only surviving work from his intended *Port Authority Series*, offers a satirical lens on the United States in the 1980s. Manuel Ocampo’s provocative *Murio la Verdad* (1990) anchors the contemporary selection with its raw, iconoclastic energy. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Patricio-Gaston-OFarrell_Ecce-Homo-or-Portrait-of-Christ-2240x2732.webp) “Ecce Homo” or “Portrait of Christ” by Patricio Gaston O’Farrell, oil on canvas, 19 1/2″ x 16″ (50 cm x 41 cm) *Photo: Leon Gallery* Beyond the canvases, the auction also features rare books, historical documents, and archival materials that trace the evolution of Philippine cultural and political life. Among them is Fernando Zobel’s very own travel sketch book. As always, a portion of the auction’s proceeds will fund ACC grants. For over a decade, León Gallery and the ACC have “stood side by side in a shared vision—to champion the arts as a force that transcends borders, sparks dialogue, and shapes cultural leadership,” Escaler adds. Each ACC fellowship is tailored to the artist it supports, with programs structured around individual goals, disciplines, and destinations. On average, a single grant represents an investment of roughly US$60,000, and may be undertaken in formats ranging from short-term immersions to extended residencies abroad. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Fernando-Amorsolo_Site-of-UP-Diliman-2240x1689.webp) “Site of U.P Diliman” by Fernando Amorsolo, 1947, oil on canvas, 18″ x 24″ (46 cm x 61 cm) *Photo: Leon Gallery* Among the most recent returnees are Tanghalang Pilipino artist-director Toni Go and playwright-director Joshua Lim So, who have just completed their six-month fellowships in New York. Looking ahead, the next cohort set to depart this July reflects the diversity of the Philippine arts community: Philippine Educational Theater Association artistic director J-mee Katanyag will embark on a six-month program in New York, while contemporary dance artist, choreographer, and educator Alexa Torte of the University of the Philippines will begin a two-year graduate program at Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts. *The Asian Cultural Council Auction is happening on February 14, 2026, 2 PM, at Eurovilla 1, Rufino corner Legazpi Streets, Legazpi Village, Makati City. Preview week is from February 7 to 13, 2026, 9 AM to 7 PM. More information [here](https://leon-gallery.com/).* **Categories:** Art & Collectibles **Tags:** Asian Cultural Council, Auctions, fernando amorsolo, leon gallery, Malang --- ### [Finding Rhythm at Flow, Chef Kevin Uy's New Restaurant](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/finding-rhythm-at-flow-chef-kevin-uys-new-restaurant/) **Published:** February 2, 2026 **Author:** Alicia Colby-Sy **Content:** It took me some time to write about [Flow](https://www.restaurantflow.ph/), the [restaurant](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/ "Dining") led by the young chef Kevin Uy that opened in Makati last December. Not because the experience was forgettable, but because it lingered with me in ways I couldn’t immediately articulate. I left intrigued, even slightly unsettled, in the way art sometimes asks you to sit with it before it reveals what it means to you. I arrived expecting a familiar architecture to the meal, the kind of tasting-menu cadence my past dining experiences have unconsciously trained me to look for. Instead, Flow resisted those expectations. At first, the progression felt elusive, almost disjointed, as if the dishes were moving according to a current I wasn’t accustomed to. It was much later that I realized I had been searching for my own version of structure, while the restaurant was quietly inviting me into Uy’s reverent world. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Preserved-Artpiece.webp) At Flow, cuisine is not built around a single exalted ingredient. It is built around ecosystems. Similar to the philosophy at Central in Peru, where Uy once worked, the cooking here considers the environment from which ingredients emerge. Shells, skins, cores, leaves, roots—everything has value, everything has context. Rather than crowning a lone star, the plate becomes a small landscape where components coexist. Nothing dominates; everything contributes. The result feels less like an arrangement and more like a natural occurrence. Flow, quite simply, celebrates biodiversity and does so with conviction. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Lima-nad-Coral-2.webp) Lima: catch of the day, guyabano, and kamote (sweet potato). The nine-course tasting menu is framed as “culinary biomes,” where dishes draw from coastlines, rivers, mountains, forests, and even cities. The references are both geographical and emotional. You sense a chef tracing the paths that formed him: Peruvian memories, Filipino roots, and the spaces in between. That philosophy becomes clear early in the menu. “Coastline” is one of the restaurant’s crowd favorites, a meditation on seaweed in different forms that evokes sand, rock, and water. Spirulina puffs represent the rocks, while a nori cracker is reminiscent of rough sand. A clear gel and pickled seaweed highlight the waters where they float. “Manila,” another favorite among diners, brings scallops, cassava, and uni emulsion together in a way that feels cosmopolitan—a melting pot of cultures, like the city itself in edible form. An uni emulsion is topped with scallops and fried cassava, finished with a granita made from indigenous souring agents. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Chef-Kevin-Mountain-3.webp) Chef Kevin Uy puts the finishing touches on Mountain: beef cheeks, coconut, and corn. My own favorite, however, was “Mountain.” The dish arrives with confidence: beef cheek nestled beneath layers of corn in various textures, full of depth and warmth. There was something profoundly grounding about it, as if the dish had been drawn directly from earth and smoke. Uy’s story threads through the menu. He grew up in a household where food was both comfort and exploration, and curiosity eventually led him to the Basque Culinary Center in San Sebastián. From there, he journeyed to Peru and spent five formative years at Central under chefs Virgilio Martínez and Pía León. There, he learned to think in terrains—coasts, rivers, mountains, farmlands—and to understand ingredients as part of broader cultural and geographic narratives. Somewhere along the way, he recognized how deeply Peru and the Philippines mirror one another: different countries on different continents, yet sharing a familiar spirit. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/FLOW-Interiors.webp) The restaurant space reflects that sensibility. Designed by Nazareno Architecture + Design, the entrance feels like a gentle descent into another world. Inside, stone, wood, woven textures, and softened light come together in an atmosphere that is warm yet composed. Raised glass vitrines hanging on the walls showcase ingredients in dramatic lighting. Even the plates participate in storytelling, crafted by 13 local potters including EJ Espiritu, Mia Casal, Joey de Castro, and Pablo Capati, each piece responding to a specific dish. The five-course cocktail pairing follows the same philosophy. Rather than simply complementing flavors, the drinks extend the narrative of each course, echoing landscapes and ingredients with infusions, ferments, and surprises. It feels less like a separate program and more like another voice in the conversation. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Treetop-1.webp) Flow’s Treetop cocktail. Uy returned home intent on shaping his own language, and alongside his longtime friend and fellow executive chef, Gabriel Ong, he did exactly that. Their partnership feels like a balance of intuition and discipline, imagination and grounding. Of the two desserts offered, the one that stayed with me was Yacon. Uy describes it as the clearest expression of what Flow stands for: one ingredient explored in its entirety. Skin, pulp, remnants—nothing discarded. Through technique, textures shift from crisp to creamy, from airy to dense, each revealing another facet of the same ingredient. The dish invites the diner to consider how far one ingredient can travel without becoming anything other than itself. It embodies the chef’s curiosity and respect all at once, and is both intellectual and deeply pleasurable. It left me curious long after the meal ended. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/CACAO-aE-POMELO-TONIC.webp) Flow offers a strong non-alcoholic menu; this concoction is a cacao, pomelo, and tonic water drink. My experience at Flow ultimately taught me as much about myself as it did about the restaurant. I realized how strongly I gravitate toward familiar order, toward the comfort of expected crescendos in a meal. Flow did not follow that script. Instead, it asked me to release it, and in doing so, I began to appreciate the quiet logic of Flow’s rhythm. Everything seems to harmonize without strain. It is inventive, assured, and technically confident. Yet it does not perform for attention. It invites you instead to listen—to ingredients, to landscapes, to the conversations between cultures. Flow is a study of biomes and ecosystems, ingredients, and the relationships that sustain them; it is also the portrait of a young chef informed by multiple worlds and unafraid to write in his own hand. *Photos courtesy of Flow* **Categories:** Dining, Food & Drink **Tags:** Flow --- ### [Inside Lamborghini’s Most Exclusive Custom Experience, Reserved for Less Than 1% of Clients](https://robbreport.ph/cars/inside-lamborghinis-most-exclusive-custom-experience-reserved-for-1-of-clients/) **Published:** February 2, 2026 **Author:** Tim Pitt **Content:** Picking up your factory-fresh [Lamborghini](https://robbreport.ph/tag/lamborghini/ "lamborghini") from Sant’Agata Bolognese is the stuff of automotive fantasy, but this is even more special. Less than one percent of the marque’s customers get invited to [La Prima](https://www.lamborghini.com/en-en/news/lamborghini-la-prima-an-unforgettable-emotion), a private car-collection ceremony that is as exciting and theatrical as Lamborghini itself. I strap on a pair of Apple Vision Pro goggles and gingerly take a seat. The room is plunged into darkness as a pounding drumbeat grows steadily more intense. I’ve been invited to Italy to experience a day as one of Lamborghini’s VIP customers. A packed agenda includes designing my dream car in the Ad Personam studio, exploring Lamborghini’s latest tech using augmented reality, a tour of the [Revuelto](https://robbreport.ph/cars/otherworldy-the-lamborghini-revuelto/ "Otherworldy: The Lamborghini Revuelto") and [Temerario](https://robbreport.ph/cars/huracan-who-lamborghinis-new-temerario-hybrid-blends-agility-with-refined-ferocity/ "Huracán, Who? Lamborghini’s New Temerario Hybrid Blends Agility With Refined Ferocity") production facility, then finally the exclusive La Prima handover. The only downside is that I can’t drive “my” [supercar](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-18-best-new-supercars-of-2025-2/ "The 18 Best New Supercars of 2025") home afterward. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Lamborghini-La-Prima-Experience-1.webp) Lamborghini’s production facility for its Revuelto and Temerario models. *Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.* After a breakfast of pastries and a rocket-fuel Italian espresso, I’m ushered into a meeting with Stephan Winkelmann. Lamborghini’s sharp-suited CEO is in a confident mood, buoyed by the [company’s record sales](https://robbreport.ph/cars/lamborghini-just-set-a-new-sales-record-in-2025/ "Lamborghini Just Set a New Sales Record in 2025") and the arrival of the new V-8-hybrid Temerario. “There are two main reasons to buy a Lamborghini: design and performance,” he says. And it’s design that has pushed up profits, with 26 percent of buyers now opting for some level of Ad Personam customization—up from only eight percent in 2019. Ad Personam is Lamborghini’s answer to [Ferrari Tailor Made](https://robbreport.ph/cars/this-one-off-ferrari-is-a-vibrant-819-hp-ode-to-korean-culture/ "This One-Off Ferrari Is a Vibrant 819 HP Ode to Korean Culture"), Q by Aston Martin, or McLaren Special Operations (MSO). It has studios around the world—including in New York, Miami, Tokyo, and London—where you can configure a car in person, helped by an expert who is well versed in all the options available. The largest studio is right here in Sant’Agata Bolognese. Inside, it looks like a luxurious loft apartment, albeit one with a matte-black Lamborghini Revuelto lurking in the corner. A closer inspection reveals its many Ad Personam extras, including flashes of Ora Alba “chameleon” paint that catch the light, glowing gold from some angles and lurid pink from others. If Bruce Wayne and Barbie co-created a supercar, this is how it might look. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Lamborghini-La-Prima-Experience-2.webp) Lamborghini’s main factory now produces 10 Revueltos and 20 Temerarios per day, while the facility next door builds 28 examples of the Urus SE. *Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.* After another strong coffee, I sit down with Viktor Wurmboeck, head of configurations for Ad Personam. ”There’s an unwritten rule that you shouldn’t have more than three colors on the exterior of the car,” he says. “We can create almost anything here, although I have a kind of veto if the result looks too messy. We try to protect the value of the brand.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Visitors-lamborghini-headquarters.webp) Visitors receiving an overview of Lamborghini’s configurator process. *Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.* I begin work on my Revuelto, using an iPad to manipulate the image on a huge, wall-sized screen. Ignoring most of Lamborghini’s 400 off-the-shelf paint colors, I quickly decide on Viola SE30—the same shade of purple as the Diablo SE30 on my bedroom wall in the 1990s (and the Diablo in Jamiroquai’s famous “Cosmic Girl” music video). Wurmboeck seems to approve. You can also customize the Revuelto’s exposed carbon-fiber parts—such as the splitter, door mirrors, side sills, engine cover, and diffuser—with a shiny or matte finish. I choose the former, then add bronze pinstripes to highlight the car’s extremities, plus a set of polished, bronze-accented alloy wheels. An Italian *Tricolore* flag on the underside of the pop-up rear spoiler is the finishing touch. Too messy? My host looks a little conflicted. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Lamborghini-La-Prima-Experience-3.webp) Electric transports are used to deliver parts. *Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.* “We offer four levels of Ad Personam,” Wurmboeck explains. “Level one is using the configurator, then level two can include custom colors or effects, like vertical or horizontal paint fades” (he nods to a Temerario parked outside with a graduated black-to-green paint finish). “Beyond that, we have one-shot requests, then Ad Personam level four uses unique, non-automotive materials. Our most expensive request was for paint mixed with real diamond powder, at €250,000 (approximately $299,700) plus taxes. But remember, any new material still has to meet Volkswagen Group quality standards. Lamborghini performs all the same durability tests as VW does on a new Golf.” I add a liberal quantity of Viola leather to my Revuelto’s interior, including matching purple stitching, then sit back to admire my work. I think the schoolboy who idolized the Diablo SE30 would approve—and Wurmboeck hasn’t used his veto yet either. Theoretically, I am now ready to place a deposit, then the next step is to download Lamborghini’s customer-only Unica app to keep track of my car. The order bank currently stretches to two years for a Revuelto, 18 months for a Temerario, and around a year for a Urus SUV. Good things come to those who wait, I guess. “When your car has been assembled, you will receive a photo of it leaving the production line,” says Filippo Tonutti, the man in charge of Lamborghini’s “next generation customer journey.” The Unica app also allows owners to access their vehicle remotely, check its service history, and share footage from the in-car dashcams and telemetry system (introduced on the Huracán STO and now optional on the Temerario). ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Lamborghini-La-Prima-Experience-4.webp) Apple Vision Pro goggles and augmented reality help clients better understand these complicated cars. *Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.* Once the initial excitement of collecting your supercar or SUV wears off, Unica helps owners to stay connected, with details of driving tours, track days, and Super Trofeo race meetings—not forgetting new vehicles in stock at their local Lamborghini dealer. As an added perk, the app’s 41,000 users can enjoy a “digital unveiling” of all new Lamborghini models, which takes place several hours before the car is revealed to the public. We wander across to the secretive Centro Stile design studio, where many famous Lamborghinis have taken shape. The futuristic new Manifesto concept car is here, alongside beautifully detailed scale models from Sant’Agata’s past: a classic Countach and one-off Aventador J roadster. Colorful sketches by chief designer Mitja Borkert line the walls, alongside the signatures of famous visitors. I even spot a $20,000 carbon-fiber triathlon bike, a collaboration between Centro Stile and bicycle maker Cervelo. Now it’s time to see beneath the surface using augmented reality. Lamborghini first used this technology when it launched the Temerario at Monterey Car Week in 2024, but the software—combining real and digitally generated images—is already helping customers to better understand these complicated cars. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Lamborghini-La-Prima-Experience-5.webp) Numerous color options line a wall at the marque’s Centro Stile design studio. *Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.* Pulling on a pair of Apple Vision Pro googles, I face a bright yellow Temerario and prod a virtual button on a floating menu. As if by magic, the car’s body panels disappear, revealing the skeletal aluminum spaceframe below. Another button shows the inner workings of the twin-turbo V-8 engine and electric front axle. You can even watch the airflow around the car at speed, thanks to graphics created using real computational fluid dynamics (CFD) data. For all my efforts with purple paint, it’s a reminder that car design is as much about engineering as aesthetics. After a typically long Italian lunch at a local restaurant, I am whisked back to Sant’Agata for a factory tour. On the walls are photos dating back to 1963, when tractor-maker Ferruccio Lamborghini first decided to take on Ferrari. The black-and-white images of the 350 GT, Miura, and Countach being hand-built here—often at a rate of less than one car per day—are wonderfully evocative, but the assembly hall also looks dusty and disorganized. Not anymore. Bolstered by Volkswagen’s investment, the Lamborghini factory is now bright, modern, and clinically clean. It produces 10 Revueltos and 20 Temerarios per day, while the facility next door builds 28 examples of the [Urus](https://robbreport.ph/the-story-of/a-brief-history-of-lamborghini-suvs-from-the-rambo-lambo-to-the-urus/ "A Brief History of Lamborghini SUVs, From the Rambo Lambo to the Urus") SE in the same period. Many tasks are still completed by hand, from sewing the dashboard leather to bolting in suspension components, but automated electric transports are used to deliver parts and move vehicles between workstations. When they leave the line, the cars enter a tunnel of dazzling white fluorescent lights, where they are closely inspected for any imperfections. Finally, it’s time to take delivery, so I head upstairs to a glass-walled room overlooking the factory and meet Domenico Beccia, the man who hosts La Prima collections. “We do about 80 of these handovers each year,” he tells me. “When people tell you their stories, it’s very emotional. They might have experienced a tough childhood, then built a successful life through determination. Now they feel ready to reward themselves with a Lamborghini. Many of our customers end up in tears—and sometimes I do as well.” Donning the A/R goggles again, I watch a personalized video and see a Revuelto materialize before my eyes in a blaze of light and color. Then, when I remove my eyewear, the real thing is right there, parked in exactly the same position. I’m presented with a color-matched key in a carbon-fiber presentation box, a framed collage of photos from my day in Sant’Agata, and a 1:18 scale model of this exact car. OK, this isn’t the purple Revuelto I dreamed up a few hours ago, but it’s the thought that counts. “We work in the Italian way, taking time with no rush,” says Domenico with a smile. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Lamborghini-La-Prima-Experience-7.webp) A simulation of how VIP clients can be presented with their new Lamborghini. *Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.* An exhilarating day ends with dinner amidst the cars in the on-site Lamborghini Museum. Highlights of the collection include the Countach LP 400 prototype that wowed the world in 1974, an LM002 off-roader, a one-of-83 Diablo GT, and the carbon-bodied Sesto Elemento. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Lamborghini-La-Prima-Experience-6.webp) A gallery-worthy example of Lamborghini’s LM002 model, from the 1980s, on display at the automaker’s museum. *Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.* Indeed, after five courses, another espresso, and 14 hours immersed in all things Lamborghini, I feel quite ready to saddle up a Raging Bull and gallop off into the sunset. Sadly, a flight home to London Heathrow in the morning will have to suffice. I don’t have the means to join Lamborghini’s one percent yet, but we can all dream. And I’ll be doing just that tonight. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** bespoke, custom, Lamborhini --- ### [Robb Report Announces Investment in Luxury Gin Brand Cygnet](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/spirits/robb-report-announces-investment-in-luxury-gin-brand-cygnet/) **Published:** January 30, 2026 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** Robb Report has announced a strategic investment in [Cygnet](https://cygnet-distillery.com/), the Welsh [gin](https://robbreport.ph/tag/gin/ "gin") brand founded by classical singer Katherine Jenkins OBE and social-impact artist and filmmaker Professor Andrew Levitas, marking a shared vision between both companies as they look to shape the future of ultra-premium spirits. The partnership aligns Robb Report’s global luxury authority with a young brand that has quickly built a reputation for design-led presentation, meticulous production, and a portfolio positioned at the top end of the gin category. At the center of that lineup is Cygnet 22, a flagship expression composed of 22 botanicals—including Manuka honey—designed for versatility across neat pours, classic cocktails, and contemporary serves. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/cygnet77image.webp) “Cygnet is an extraordinary brand that blends innovation, artistry, and sustainability, resulting in a timeless luxury spirit,” said Luke Bahrenburg, CEO of Robb Report. “Robb Report and Cygnet’s shared vision and pursuit of excellence and innovation are truly unique. We are thrilled to introduce this exceptional gin to discerning consumers worldwide across our platforms.” According to Matteo Fantacchiotti, partner and chairman of Cygnet, the investment reflects more than commercial alignment. “Cygnet’s ambition is to redefine the gin category, creating value by pioneering its ultra-premium and prestige segment white space while elevating the luxury spirits landscape through uncompromising quality, craftsmanship, and sustainability. “Robb Report’s investment represents a groundbreaking partnership as its unmatched reach and influence provide a powerful platform to enhance consumer engagement and establish Cygnet as a leader in luxury spirits,” he continues. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/welshdrygin_website.webp) Produced at Copperworks Distillery in Swansea, Wales, Cygnet’s portfolio currently includes Cygnet Welsh Dry Gin, Cygnet 22, and Cygnet 77, a Welsh whisky barrel-aged expression. The brand has also introduced Cygnet Infinity, a non-alcoholic spirit launched in December 2025, addressing growing demand for elevated zero-proof alternatives. Since its debut, Cygnet has received multiple international accolades, including Luxury Masters Awards for both Cygnet 22 and Cygnet 77—early signals of a brand positioning itself firmly within the uppermost tier of the spirits landscape. **Categories:** Food & Drink, Spirits --- ### [How Napa and Sonoma Wineries Are Shifting Strategies for Millennial Tastes](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/how-napa-and-sonoma-wineries-are-shifting-strategies-for-millennial-tastes/) **Published:** January 30, 2026 **Author:** Mike DeSimone **Content:** Despite all the handwringing of late that millennials ruined [wine](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/wine/ "Wine"), they’ve now surpassed baby boomers as America’s largest wine-drinking generation. And in a plot twist that has surely surprised producers of ready-to-drink cocktails, spiked seltzer, and cannabis drinks, Gen Z is enjoying wine more frequently as well. The Wine Market Council’s [*2025 US Wine Consumer Benchmark Segmentation Survey* ](https://winemarketcouncil.com/new-wine-market-council-study-finds-millennials-now-largest-u-s-wine-drinking-cohort/)shows that 31 percent of U.S. wine drinkers are now millennials, while baby boomers’ share has dropped to 26 percent, a significant decline from 32 percent in 2023. Yet, as millennials enter life stages traditionally associated with higher spending on alcohol, their values and priorities differ substantially from previous generations. As difficult as selling wine has become in the past several years, this generational shift provides unique opportunities for wine producers to attract younger consumers to their brands with a variety of tactics. “A ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach is unlikely to be effective,” says Wine Market Council president Liz Thach. “The most successful brands will tailor their outreach with different language, visuals, and channels.” That said, we are seeing consistent focus on sustainability and authenticity, two values that figure strongly in the millennial and Gen Z ethos. And with millennials on track to be the [richest generation on record](https://fortune.com/2025/03/28/millennials-richest-generation-on-record-great-wealth-transfer-from-baby-boomers/), much of the efforts to attract their dollars is happening within the luxury sector of the wine industry. At Williams Selyem in Sonoma, the winery is taking what Philip O’Conor, the winery’s vice president of sales and marketing, calls a “multi-generational approach,” where they want to instill an appreciation for and a knowledge of wine in young drinkers that have traditionally been passed down through families. Efforts include educational programs for younger members covering topics such as navigating a wine list at a business dinner or how to approach storage and collecting. In addition, the winery is forging strategic partnerships with wine clubs and wine teams at leading colleges with MBA programs to engage younger professionals while also connecting with millennial and Gen Z sommeliers at trade events such as TexSomm, SommCon, and Pinot Forum. They’re aided in their efforts with a 38,000-member strong allocation-based mailing list. While allocation can be a touchy topic among consumers who want to be able to order anything they want on demand, the winery is using that system to their benefit as an opportunity not just for sales, but for education as well. Conversely, [Annulus](https://www.annuluscellars.com/), a [Napa Valley](https://robbreport.ph/tag/napa-valley/ "napa valley") winery that released its first vintage in 2024, has eschewed the allocation model. Proprietors Luke Evnin and Deann Wright launched with a straightforward buy-now mode, including a “portfolio” selection made up of a single bottle of each of their three Cabernets. They want people to be able to try their wines without having to commit to allocations. And for those looking to experience Annulus in person, the winery offers relaxed family-style meals in a Napa Valley olive grove. “We hope these transparent models and creative offerings enable exploration,” Wright says. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RR_20260121_Millenial_Wine_adaptation.webp) *Photo: Adaptation* A much larger producer, Jackson Family Wines, has created streamlined, intuitive e-commerce experiences that make discovering and purchasing luxury wine easier across its brands, such as Cardinale, Vérité, and Stonestreet. And while the individual winery websites offer intuitive access to allocations and limited releases as well as a simplified checkout experience, they also feature clear storytelling around vineyards, organic farming practices, and craftsmanship, which are important features for younger wine lovers. “Over time, it became clear that younger members of our mailing list were especially drawn to stories about how we farm, how we build, and how we think long term,” says Brian Ball, general manager at Skipstone in Sonoma. “When we share updates about organic and biodynamic practices, land stewardship, or the intentional design of our new winery, those messages consistently generate deeper engagement from that demographic.” While they did not set out to build a millennial-themed winery, Skipstone’s new production facility, set to open in February, is designed to be among the most environmentally responsible in the world. Tastings and tours at Skipstone include walking the organically farmed vineyards and a discussion of farming practices that boost biodiversity and soil health. And while the $500 price tag of Skipstone’s immersive programming such as the Sonoma Cook-Off may be off-putting to some, its $125 core tasting experience or upcoming events such as “pizza on the patio” offer what Ball says matters most to younger consumers: “Time in the vineyards, insight into how the land is farmed, a first-hand look at all aspects of winemaking at our new winery, and a deeper understanding of why sustainability and stewardship matter to us.” “We believe the way someone first experiences our estate wineries and Napa Valley wine really matters,” says John Conover, managing partner and general manager of Napa Valley’s PlumpJack Collection of Wineries. With the idea that great wine should be approachable, all the portfolio’s brands offer complimentary tasting on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, which Conover says is “about taking some of the pressure out of the visit.” With a focus on storytelling and authenticity, “we talk about the land, how the vineyards are farmed, how the wines are made, and the people who bring them to life, without it ever feeling transactional,” Conover says. PlumpJack’s approach echoes Thach’s contention that wineries need to “break down the perception that wine is only for special or formal events, and show its place in casual, fun, and high-energy settings.” It seems that two of the best places to start are the vineyards of Napa and Sonoma. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Food & Drink, Wine **Tags:** Feature, Millennial, napa valley, Oeno Files, Sonoma --- ### [This 143-Foot Catamaran Is an Asymmetrical Stunner on the Seas. Now It Can Be Yours for $54 Million.](https://robbreport.ph/boats/this-143-foot-catamaran-is-an-asymmetrical-stunner-on-the-seas-now-it-can-be-yours-for-54-million/) **Published:** January 29, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** One of the world’s most celebrated cats is ready to join your fleet. *This Is It* was just listed for sale via the [International Yacht Company](https://iyc.com/yachts/this-is-it/) (IYC), with an asking price of €46 million (about $54 million at the current exchange rate). “Her sculptural lines, groundbreaking engineering, and bold approach to space and design make her one of the most innovative yachts I have ever been involved with,” listing agent Michel Chryssicopoulos tells *Robb Report.* “She isn’t just a yacht—she’s a living work of art that redefines what it means to be at sea.” Built by the Italian Sea Group brand [Tecnomar](https://robbreport.ph/tag/tecnomar/ "tecnomar"), the 143-footer was unveiled at the [Monaco Yacht Show](https://robbreport.ph/tag/monaco-yacht-show/ "Monaco Yacht Show") back in 2023. It became the undisputed star of the show, with a polarizing design that sent traditional yachters into a tizzy. It also earned top honors in *Robb Report US’s* [Best of the Best Awards](https://robbreport.com/lifestyle/news/gallery/2024-botb-marine-1235639005/2-this-is-it-navigation-courtesy-to-iyc3/) in 2024, winning us over by bucking convention. Designed inside and out by TISG’s in-house team, *This Is It* cuts a distinctive silhouette with long, curved lines that evoke the fluidity of sea creatures. Featuring naval architecture by British firm Lateral Naval Architects, the cat is fitted with two sleek aluminum hulls designed to improve hydrodynamic efficiency and reduce fuel consumption. The curved superstructure is also aluminum, creating a striking yet sturdy frame for nearly 6,500 square feet of full-height glass. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Tecnomar-This-Is-It-Catamaran-0.webp) The all-aluminum exterior. *Photo: IYC* With an impressive beam just shy of 48 feet, *This Is It* offers a generous 758 GT of volume. The asymmetrical interior was inspired by the automotive world, with rich leather and Alcantara accented by shiny metallic details. Extensive glazing and strategically placed skylights add brightness and views, just like the windows and sunroof in your car do. The open-plan layout sees social spaces defined by shapes, rather than walled divides, creating a flow between the main salon, the starboard seating nook, and the formal dining area. Above, the upper deck is home to a spa and a children’s playroom that can convert to an extra cabin when additional guest accommodation is required. Speaking of which, the yacht is outfitted with a total of six cabins for up to 12 guests and crew quarters for 12 crew. The owner’s suite is spread across two decks, offering a skylight-topped bedroom and en suite, a panoramic terrace, and a two-story vertical garden. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Tecnomar-This-Is-It-Catamaran-1.webp) The owner’s suite. *Photo: IYC* Heading outside, the exterior decks are home to multiple lounges, dining areas, and bars. The asymmetrical aft is a clear standout, with a giant sun pad, a huge dining table, and an unusual angular pool flanked by two swim platforms. *This Is It* was commissioned by self-made Cypriot millionaire Tasos Papanastasiou in 2020, with construction work on the vessel starting in 2021. “The owner was originally interested in building another yacht, but when we showed him our designs for the [catamaran](http://catamaran), he pointed to it and said, ‘This is it!’” Signe Putna, marketing specialist at the [Italian Sea Group](https://robbreport.ph/tag/italian-sea-group/ "italian sea group"), told *Robb Report* during a tour of the yacht in 2023. “He found his dream boat, and in the process, the yacht’s name as well.” ***Click [here](https://robbreport.ph/boats/this-is-it-catamaran-in-photos/) to see more photos of This Is It.*** *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Boats **Tags:** catamaran, News, tecnomar --- ### [‘This Is It’ Catamaran in Photos](https://robbreport.ph/boats/this-is-it-catamaran-in-photos/) **Published:** January 29, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** One of the boldest and buzziest cats on the water is looking for a new owner. Click [here](https://robbreport.ph/boats/this-143-foot-catamaran-is-an-asymmetrical-stunner-on-the-seas-now-it-can-be-yours-for-54-million/) to read the full story. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Tecnomar-This-Is-It-Catamaran-0-1.webp) The striking all-aluminum exterior. *Photo: IYC* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Tecnomar-This-Is-It-Catamaran-8.webp) The king-size bed in the owner’s suite. *Photo: IYC* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Tecnomar-This-Is-It-Catamaran-4.webp) A seating area in the owner’s suite. *Photo: IYC* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Tecnomar-This-Is-It-Catamaran-5.webp) An office area in the owner’s suite. *Photo: IYC* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Tecnomar-This-Is-It-Catamaran-6.webp) The owner’s terrace. *Photo: IYC* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Tecnomar-This-Is-It-Catamaran-7.webp) The owner’s en suite. *Photo: IYC* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Tecnomar-This-Is-It-Catamaran-1-1.webp) The skylight in the owner’s suite. *Photo: IYC* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Tecnomar-This-Is-It-Catamaran-2.webp) The spa on the upper deck. *Photo: IYC* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Tecnomar-This-Is-It-Catamaran-9.webp) The aft decks from above. *Photo: IYC* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Tecnomar-This-Is-It-Catamaran-3.webp) The swimming pool. *Photo: IYC* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Tecnomar-This-Is-It-Catamaran-11.webp) The stern swim platforms. *Photo: IYC* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Boats **Tags:** catamaran, tecnomar --- ### [Louis Vuitton Is Auctioning Off a One-of-a-Kind Clock Shaped Like a Soccer Ball](https://robbreport.ph/watches/louis-vuitton-is-auctioning-off-a-one-of-a-kind-clock-shaped-like-a-soccer-ball/) **Published:** January 28, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** Collectors will soon have the chance to score a one-of-a-kind clock handcrafted by the artisans at [Louis Vuitton](https://robbreport.ph/tag/louis-vuitton/ "Louis Vuitton"). The French fashion house is auctioning off a unique timepiece to raise funds for the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). Inspired by the monogrammed soccer ball that LV designed for the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France, the one-off clock combines haute horologie and sporting history with a bit of philanthropy. Crafted with extraordinary precision, the piece features the traditional hexagonal and pentagonal panels of a soccer ball that come together to create a sphere. The panels aren’t leather, though: Each one is entirely transparent, allowing the intricate inner workings to be fully appreciated. The piece is driven by a manual-winding mechanical movement developed in collaboration with historic Swiss clockmaking house L’Epée 1839. The skeletonized structure combines two golden rotating cylinders and diamond-studded facets to illuminate time in a truly spectacular fashion. Each component was meticulously hand-assembled, showcasing the exceptional savoir-faire of the two centuries-old maisons. To add even more grandiosity, the time object is housed in a specially designed trunk. The bespoke piece was inspired by the iconic trophy trunks that LV crafts for notable sporting events, such as the NBA Finals, America’s Cup, the FIFA World Cup, and [Formula 1,](https://robbreport.ph/tag/formula-1/ "formula 1") to name but a few. Handmade by skilled artisans in the Asnières atelier near Paris, each trunk can take over 400 hours of painstaking work to complete. (The house actually released a book spotlighting the finest creations.) This one combines the classic brown-and-beige monogram canvas with gold hardware. LV says the time object will be auctioned “soon,” though it did not give a specific date. All proceeds will be donated to UNICEF to help vulnerable children worldwide. The house has been working with UNICEF since 2016 to support the millions of children affected by war and disaster. In fact, each year for the past decade, LV has released a Silver Lockit in partnership with the charity. This year, the duo unveiled a limited-edition pendant in yellow-gold to mark 10 years of collaboration. You can always pick up that $3,050 piece if you miss out on the time object; for every one sold, LV will donate $800 to UNICEF. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** clock, Louis Vuitton --- ### [Lamborghini Just Set a New Sales Record in 2025](https://robbreport.ph/cars/lamborghini-just-set-a-new-sales-record-in-2025/) **Published:** January 28, 2026 **Author:** Nicole Hoey **Content:** The Raging Bull keeps charging through sales records. [Lamborghini](http://Lamborghini) delivered a cool 10,747 supercars across the globe in 2025, up just a smidge from the 10,687 vehicles the company moved in 2024, the marque announced this week. The latest figure is a new record for the company and continues Lambo’s run of sales success, showing that demand for its vehicles remains strong. The market that includes Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, performed best in 2025, with 4,650 cars heading to those regions over the past year. Following behind was the Americas, which saw deliveries of 3,347 Raging Bulls; the Asia Pacific region, meanwhile, reigned in 2,750 cars. As we mentioned, Lamborghini’s deliveries have continued to climb for years now. The first time the carmaker crossed that 10,000 benchmark was back in 2023, pushing thoughts of Lambo’s struggles throughout the early 1970s to the late 90s (when the company was bought by the VW Group) to the wayside. That year delivered 10,112 Raging Bulls, a 10 percent increase from 2022. The automaker’s embrace of electrification means that two of the Lambos that helped it reach the new milestone are hybrids: the Urus SE and the [Revuelto](https://robbreport.ph/cars/otherworldy-the-lamborghini-revuelto/ "Otherworldy: The Lamborghini Revuelto"), the brand’s first series-production V-12 hybrid supercar. Despite their success, the overall tepid response to high-end EVs means the brand isn’t ready to go all-electric just yet. “Despite challenging market conditions, we are very proud of the results achieved in 2025, which confirm Lamborghini’s ability to stand out even in a complex global environment,” Lambo CEO Stephan Winkelmann said in a [statement](https://www.lamborghini.com/en-en/news/lamborghini-sets-2025-delivery-record-with-10747-cars). “The performance recorded reflects our capacity to interpret market dynamics and to make strategic choices that respond concretely to our customers’ expectations. This approach does not aim for peaks in volumes, but allows us to consolidate the results achieved following the growth of recent years.” One of those conditions Winkelmann is likely U.S. tariffs. Since Lamborghini makes its cars in Italy, they are subjected to a 25 percent levy that went into effect last April when they are shipped stateside. As a result, the automaker announced it would increase the prices for the [Temerario](https://robbreport.ph/cars/lamborghini-just-unveiled-a-new-gas-powered-track-ready-supercar/ "Lamborghini Just Unveiled a New Gas-Powered Track-Ready Supercar") and Urus models by 7 percent and 10 percent, respectively, according to [CNBC.](https://www.cnbc.com/2025/08/26/lamborghini-ceo-tariffs-wealthiest-buyers-pause.html) We’ll have to wait and see if that affects deliveries in the year ahead. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** lamborghini --- ### [Giorgio Armani’s Pied-à-Terre on N.Y.C.’s Madison Avenue Lists for $10 Million](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/homes/giorgio-armanis-pied-a-terre-on-n-y-c-s-madison-avenue-lists-for-10-million/) **Published:** January 28, 2026 **Author:** Wendy Bowman **Content:** The legendary Italian fashion designer [Giorgio Armani](https://robbreport.ph/tag/giorgio-armani/ "Giorgio Armani") [died](https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/04/fashion/giorgio-armani-dead.html) at his home in Milan about five months ago at age 91, after working up until his final days at his eponymous company, the Armani Group. His vaunted five-decade legacy includes the deconstructed power suit and a glittering army of glamorously dressed Hollywood stars walking the red carpet. He also left behind an impressive global [real estate](https://robbreport.ph/tag/real-estate/ "real estate") portfolio, with holdings ranging from a massive 18th-century Milanese palazzo to a penthouse on Central Park West and even a custom 213-foot yacht named Main, after his mother’s childhood nickname. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/760Madison-GiorgioArmani-kitchen.webp) A windowed corner eat-in kitchen is outfitted with white oak cabinetry and Gaggenau appliances. *Photo: Krisztina Crane at Evan Joseph Studio* Now one of the Maestro’s many properties, a brand-new pied-à-terre within [New York](https://robbreport.ph/tag/new-york/ "new york")‘s [Giorgio Armani Residences](https://streeteasy.com/building/the-giorgio-armani-residences) at 760 Madison Avenue on [Manhattan’s](https://robbreport.ph/tag/manhattan/ "manhattan") Upper East Side, has just hit the market for a smidge under $10 million. Madeline Hult Elghanayan and Sabrina Saltiel of Douglas Elliman hold [the listing](https://streeteasy.com/building/the-giorgio-armani-residences/6b?utm_campaign=sale_listing&utm_medium=share&utm_source=web&lstt=ejE7yVgfkAQre1W87wkA8MFF-RiaEGrbdpqlGcAO0rvfub-qDvEmijdrj3CY8MKodfnKBKHFbe-uAqbO). Though Armani conceptualized the six-room apartment himself, he never got a chance to live there, according to [*The New York Post*](https://nypost.com/2026/01/21/real-estate/giorgio-armanis-nyc-residence-asks-9-95m/). Sited on the sixth floor, the unit features two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a powder room in a little more than 2,000 square feet boasting white oak parquet floors, 10-foot ceilings, and bespoke finishes created exclusively for the space, plus top-of-the-line home-automation and climate systems. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/760Madison-GiorgioArmani-readingroom.webp) The building’s amenities include a library lounge that opens to a terrace. *Photo: DBOX* A semi-private elevator landing and a gallery foyer with limestone slab floors lead to a nearly 500-square-foot living room, which is bordered by 8-foot windows offering up picturesque city skyline views. A dining area connects to a corner eat-in kitchen, which was crafted by the Italian brand Molteni and comes with sleek white oak cabinetry, honed stone countertops, and integrated Gaggenau appliances. Secluded in a separate wing is a primary suite sporting a dressing room, as well as a luxe quartzite bath equipped with dual vanities, a soaking tub, and a glass-encased shower. Adding to the allure are ample building amenities courtesy of a $6,695 monthly common charge, including a fitness studio, a spa treatment room, a Zen tearoom with service provided by Armani Ristorante, and a library lounge with access to a lushly landscaped terrace. A Giorgio Armani boutique and an Armani/Casa store can also be found on the premises. ***Click [here](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/giorgio-armanis-manhattan-apartment-in-photos/) for more photos of the Upper East Side residence.*** [](https://robbreport.com/shelter/celebrity-homes/gallery/giorgio-armani-apartment-in-photos-1237527204)*This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Home & Design, Homes **Tags:** celebrity homes, giorgo armani, manhattan, new york, News, real estate --- ### [Giorgio Armani’s Manhattan Apartment in Photos](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/homes/giorgio-armanis-manhattan-apartment-in-photos/) **Published:** January 28, 2026 **Author:** Wendy Bowman **Content:** The six-room unit has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a powder room in 2,005 square feet. [Click here for the full story.](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/homes/giorgio-armanis-pied-a-terre-on-n-y-c-s-madison-avenue-lists-for-10-million/) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/760Madison-GiorgioArmani-LR.webp) Eight-foot windows in the living room overlook Madison Avenue. *Photo: Krisztina Crane at Evan Joseph Studio* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/760Madison-GiorgioArmani-kitchen_8487b8.webp) The kitchen was custom-designed by the Italian brand Molteni. *Photo: Krisztina Crane at Evan Joseph Studio* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/760Madison-GiorgioArmani-primarybedroom.webp) The primary bedroom. *Photo: Krisztina Crane at Evan Joseph Studio* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/760Madison-GiorgioArmani-primarybath.webp) The primary bath. *Photo: Krisztina Crane at Evan Joseph Studio* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/760Madison-GiorgioArmani-baths.webp) Two additional baths showcase exotic stone. *Photo: Krisztina Crane at Evan Joseph Studio* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/760Madison-GiorgioArmani-floorplan.webp) The floor plan. *Photo: Douglas Elliman* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/760Madison-GiorgioArmani-entry.webp) The entrance to the Giorgio Armani Residences. *Photo: DBOX* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/760Madison-GiorgioArmani-readingroom_6b894e.webp) A library lounge in the building has custom Armani/Casa furnishings. *Photo: DBOX* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/760Madison-GiorgioArmani-gym.webp) A fitness center. *Photo: DBOX* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/760Madison-GiorgioArmani-treatmentroom.webp) A spa treatment room. *Photo: DBOX* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/760Madison-GiorgioArmani-bldg.webp) The building also houses a Giorgio Armani boutique and an Armani/Casa store. *Photo: DBOX* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Home & Design, Homes **Tags:** Giorgio Armani, new york, Upper East Side --- ### [LG’s Newest Wallpaper TV Is Thinner Than Your Rolex](https://robbreport.ph/tech/electronics/lgs-newest-wallpaper-tv-is-thinner-than-your-rolex/) **Published:** January 28, 2026 **Author:** Nicole Hoey **Content:** LG’s ultra-thin TV is back and slimmer than ever. The [tech](https://robbreport.ph/tech/ "Tech") giant previously debuted its insanely slender TV in 2017, but now it has just unveiled the newest iteration at this year’s [CES](https://www.ces.tech/). The OLED Evo W6 Wallpaper TV measures in at just nine mm thick, and this time around it’s almost completely wireless (there is a small easy-to-conceal cable that connects to power). The TV’s ultra-thin exterior was brought to life by minimizing the size of its components, as well as completely rejiggering its internal design. The drop also comes with the brand’s True Wireless tech: All its inputs are housed in the aptly named Zero Connection Box, so you don’t need to place a cable between the box and the TV itself—and the box can be placed nearly 33 feet from the Wallpaper’s spot in your home. And, thanks to LG’s new wall mount, the Wallpaper can sit flush against the wall with ease. The new design is also LG’s brightest ever, thanks to the added Hyper Radiant Color Technology that helps the TV hit luminance levels up to nearly four times brighter than your traditional OLED. To make sure that you can view all that light from every angle, the company also equipped the Wallpaper with its lowest-reflecting screen yet, one that snagged an industry-first Reflection Free with Premium certification. The Hyper Radiant Color Technology also amplifies—you guessed it—color by amplifying black and vibrant hues. As for its other features, the Wallpaper offers up LG’s Gallery+ services, meaning you show off over 4,500 images on its screen when it’s not in use. The TV comes with AI built in, too, giving its users the opportunity to interact with Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, and an upgraded AI Concierge. “The Wallpaper TV represents the beautiful convergence of our True Wireless leadership, form factor innovation and 13 years of OLED mastery,” Park Hyoung-sei, president of the LG Media Entertainment Solution Company, said in a press release. “LG continues to raise the bar for OLED TVs, setting the standard for what’s next.” LG is used to making a big splash at CES. In 2024, the company debuted its [first see-through TV](https://robbreport.ph/tech/electronics/the-worlds-first-transparent-tv-has-officially-hit-the-market/ "The World’s First Transparent TV Has Officially Hit the Market"), a design that blends your surroundings and on-screen visuals together, at the tech-filled event in Las Vegas. The transparent Signature OLED T hit the shelves in December of that year, retailing for a cool $59,999.99 at the time. As for what the new Wallpaper TV will be priced at, we’ll have to wait and see. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Electronics, Tech **Tags:** lg, News, Tech --- ### [First Taste: Modern Indian Dining at Agni](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/first-taste-modern-indian-dining-at-agni/) **Published:** January 27, 2026 **Author:** Alicia Colby-Sy **Content:** Nestled in the creative space that is [Comuna](https://robbreport.ph/tag/comuna/ "comuna") inside Makati, Agni announces itself discreetly. The newest restaurant from Ranjit Chimni, the force behind Mantra Indian Kitchen & Bar, opened only early this year, yet it already feels settled. [Agni](https://mantragroup.ph/agni/) comes from the same lineage as Mantra, but it resists comparison. Where Mantra is rooted in the comforts of northern Indian cuisine, Agni looks outward. Its focus is regional, drawing inspiration from across greater India, and its approach is modern without being performative. It’s an evolution shaped by focus and direction. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Ranjit-Chimni-02.webp) The restaurant seats about 25 diners across two levels, and that sense of limit defines the experience. The room is elegant without excess, calm without formality. It’s the kind of space that encourages attention to the food and drink and one that is meant for grown-up conversation. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/AGNI-Interiors-04-Mezzanine.webp) That same sense of edit carries through to the menu. Structured around small and large plates, Agni encourages exploration. Instead of attempting a broad survey of Indian cuisine, the menu reads as a series of measured decisions, each dish grounded in regional tradition and sharpened through contemporary execution. Among the small plates, the beef galouti kebab from Lucknow sets the tone early. It is remarkably soft, almost melting on contact with one’s tongue. Its richness is driven by beef fat rather than aggressive spice. Deeply flavorful, but composed, the small patties allow texture to do much of the work. From Kerala, the jackfruit pepper roast stands out for being both flavorful and textural. The pepper is assertive but controlled, giving the dish structure without overwhelming it. Rather than trying to mimic meat, the jackfruit holds its own identity, resulting in a vegetarian plate that feels grounded and assured. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Prawn-Vindaloo-with-Pao.webp) Prawn Vindaloo with Pao. Other coastal small plates include an intense prawn vindaloo from Goa that was served in bite-size portions and paired with toasted brioche. Also of note was the Meen Pollichathu, a Keralan-spiced sea bass steamed and served in a banana leaf. Once opened, the aromas of the spices were immediately released while the fish remained moist and delicate. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Smoked-Butter-Chicken-01.webp) Smoked Butter Chicken. The menu opens up further with the large plates, where Agni’s confidence becomes even more apparent. The smoked butter chicken is particularly memorable, not for excess, but for how its richness is built. The sauce draws much of its creaminess from roasted cashews, an often overlooked but essential foundation of a good butter chicken. Rather than relying solely on cream or butter, the depth is achieved without heaviness. It is indulgent especially when paired with the chili cheese naan, which adds another layer of comfort and contrast. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Saffron-Til-Chicken-Tikka.webp) Saffron Til Chicken Tikka, one of the restaurant’s offerings Equally compelling is the Lasoni Saag Burrata, a dish that leans into familiarity while sharpening it. The spinach is naturally creamy, sautéed with toasted garlic that adds warmth and dimension. Instead of the traditional and expected paneer, a house-made burrata is used, introducing a softer richness that works perfectly with the saag. It’s served with pudina paratha that is a necessary counterpart to the dish rather than an afterthought. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Lamb-Keema-Pao.webp) Lamb Keema Pao. More indulgent still is the butter-poached lobster, presented delicately within the leaves of banana hearts and served with a soft rice biryani. It’s a low-key decadent plate, striking in presentation but controlled in execution. The lamb shank, meanwhile, has clearly emerged as a crowd favorite. It is slow-cooked, deeply savory, and anchors the menu. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Daab-Chingri-01.webp) Daab Chingri. There is also room for curiosity at Agni. The Daab Chingri, a Bengali dish, is cooked with coconut meat inside a young coconut that is wrapped in a flour dough, leans distinctly sour, its character shaped by both black and yellow mustard seeds. As Chimni himself has noted, it’s an acquired taste and one that signals Agni’s willingness to embrace specificity rather than universal appeal. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Kala-Kola.webp) Kala Kola. The drinks program mirrors the food’s sensibility. Agni is distinctly cocktail-friendly, but with the same sense of discipline that defines the menu. Mirchi Verde, a cucumber and tequila cocktail, stood out for its clarity and balance. It was clean, refreshing, and particularly well suited to the food, cooling the palate without competing for attention. Dessert closes the meal on a note of familiarity. A crème brûlée infused with South Indian filter coffee feels assured, while a classic kheer, or rice pudding, is perfumed with cinnamon and cardamom, and offers the kind of comfort that I love. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Masala-Shaam.webp) Masala Shaam. Agni is a compelling new dining destination not because it chases novelty, but because it knows when to stop. In a dining landscape that often asks Indian restaurants to choose between strict tradition and overt modernity, it occupies a considered middle ground. *Ground Floor, Comuna Building, 238 Pablo Ocampo Street, Makati. By reservation only: 0927.678.4041* **Categories:** Dining, Food & Drink **Tags:** agni, comuna, indian cuisine --- ### [Ferragamo’s Winter Escape Collection Goes All In on Alpine Indulgence](https://robbreport.ph/style/fashion/ferragamos-winter-escape-collection-goes-all-in-on-alpine-indulgence/) **Published:** January 27, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** There’s something quite indulgent about winter materials—the way shearling softens structure, how leather gains depth under colder light, how familiar silhouettes suddenly feel more sculptural when rendered in richer textures. With *Winter Escape*, Ferragamo leans into that even more, presenting a seasonal edit that treats winter as another opportunity to refine (braving the cold, if you will). Rather than overwhelming with breadth, the collection unfolds through a tightly curated selection of footwear, bags, and accessories. Each piece is designed to move seamlessly between festive urban evenings and discreet alpine retreats. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Ferragamo-Winter-Escape-Main-Stills-1.webp) A Ferragamo utility backpack in brown hammered leather. *Photo: Ferragamo* The women’s offering sets the tone. A ballerina flat crafted in curly shearling introduces the collection’s central tension between softness and structure, its sculpted neckline anchored by a polished Gancini buckle. A more androgynous mood emerges through a shearling-lined loafer with merino wool lining and the house’s signature Hug hardware, which is masculine in line, but deliberately gentle in finish. That same language extends to a sporty mule, where a rubber sole and oversized side Gancini suggest utility without sacrificing elegance. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Winter-Escape-Women-5-2240x2240.webp) Black calfskin leather Ferragamo Caminia loafers with a shearling trim and gold-tone “Hug” Gancio buckle detail. *Photo: Ferragamo* Even Ferragamo’s most recognizable icons are reimagined through winter’s lens. The classic Vara pump, in particular, appears in red and black shearling, its iconic bow and sculpted heel preserved, but rendered in a tactile new register. The Varina flat, on the other hand, follows in glossy red patent leather and supple black, offering a quieter, everyday counterpart. Bags continue the material story. The Hug bag comes in kid shearling in muted grey and clay tones, accented with gold-toned buckles and a leather key charm. A deconstructed shearling tote with calfskin trims anchors the lineup, joined by a compact geometric handbag that shifts effortlessly from clutch to crossbody via a removable strap. Completing the edit are rib-knit mufflers finished with a subtle suede Gancini label. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/ferragamo-winter-3-2240x2240.webp) A Ferragamo mini Hug shearling-front top handle bag in a lush brown tone. *Photo: Ferragamo* For men, the mood turns metropolitan and utility-driven. Sporty loafers in hand-shaded, antiqued calfskin sit on chunky lug soles, their lightweight construction achieved through multi-stage handcrafted processes. Accessories echo the same ethos with a trekking-inspired backpack with external pockets and elastic drawstring closure, a Hug-inspired messenger bag with satin-finish metal hardware, and deer leather gloves lined with cashmere. Available now in Ferragamo boutiques and online, *Winter Escape* positions winter as something to inhabit warmly. *More information [here](https://www.ferragamo.com/shop/us/en/sf/gallery-winter-escape?srsltid=AfmBOoqglw2GxcI6OKZfZh36rgSEcCCp2zUsDRJ5tkXhHRs90Q_5XbyT).* **Categories:** Fashion, Style **Tags:** Ferragamo, News, Winter Escape --- ### [Ethics of Material Care: Christina Quisumbing Spotlighted at Lakbay](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/ethics-of-material-care-christina-quisumbing-spotlighted-at-lakbay/) **Published:** January 26, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** Art historian Warren Seelig once described assemblage as an “ethical mode of attention.” It’s a kind of practice grounded on care, responding to what certain materials already hold. *Lakbay 2026: Through Visual Poetries* works precisely within this register. Curated by Marika Constantino, the exhibition reads as an ongoing conversation between artists, materials, and the diaspora. Bringing together Christina “Ling” Quisumbing Ramilo and nine global Filipino artists, it becomes a shared reflection on movement. *Lakbay*, now on its second iteration, has established itself as a platform for Filipino artists whose lives and practices unfold across borders. Following its 2025 debut centered on Nena Saguil, this year’s edition turns to Quisumbing. Ling is known as an assemblage artist whose years in New York and subsequent return to Manila have shaped a body of work attentive to fragments and the quiet labor of recomposition. In this sense, we may argue that Quisumbing’s practice already embodies what Seelig suggests: that assemblage is not merely about collecting or reconfiguring objects, but about developing a sustained ethic of listening. She allows materials, and by extension diasporic histories, to speak before they are reshaped. ![](https://robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Work-in-Progres-2240x2987.webp) “Work in Progress” *Photo: The Art House* For Constantino, the curatorial premise was never about stylistic coherence, but about intellectual and material openness. “I wanted to work with artists who want to look for new ways of thinking about things,” she explains. “The other thing is how will their works respond to Ling. Their works are very different from each other. They’re actually the metaphor for the range of Ling.” This sense of range, traversing media, approaches, and sensibilities, mirrors Quisumbing’s own practice, which resists being fixed within a single category. As Constantino points out, “She does functional works. She also does assemblages and installations.” What emerges instead is a field of affinities, where difference itself becomes the curatorial logic. What makes Quisumbing particularly compelling in this context is her ethics of material engagement. Her works are built from discarded and repurposed objects rendered obsolete by function or time, yet these materials are never treated as mere symbols. As she explains in the curatorial notes, “When things are damaged or worn out, I feel compelled to fix it or give it a fresh start…Broken things have their own stories to tell.” This impulse becomes a metaphor for diasporic experience itself, seen specifically in lives interrupted and reconfigured. ![](https://robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Blue-Deco-2240x2987.webp) “Blue Deco” *Photo: The Art House* Constantino’s framing foregrounds not only the emotional registers of diaspora, but also its spatial and architectural conditions. Quisumbing’s early works, such as the case in “Blue Deco,” reveal how the built environment of New York seeped into her visual language. “Ling did this series of pencil works in the past,” Constantino recalls. “These chairs are influenced by art deco architecture in her environment in New York. You can see the influence of architecture on Ling—the forms, the lines, the materials.” Before becoming known for assemblage, Quisumbing actually began as a figurative painter, absorbing the rhythms and geometries of the city around her. Her shift toward working with objects, however, was less a conceptual decision than a practical one shaped by return. When she relocated to the Philippines, she found herself renovating her grandmother’s house. “At the time, she didn’t have space to paint,” Constantino explains, “and that’s when she discovered the *madres*.” The term (vernacular for the structural supports beneath a staircase) became a turning point in her practice. Continues Constantino, “That started her transfer to using these objects.” What began as a constraint evolved into a move away from representation toward direct engagement with the physical residues of lived space. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Bati_Galit-2240x1680.webp) “Bati-Galit” *Photo: The Art House* This is perhaps most evident in Quisumbing’s “Bati Galit” and “Kidlat,” benches constructed from stringers and supports, as Constantino notes. “What’s interesting about Ling’s work is that each piece has its own story. Each material has its own story.” One work draws from wood salvaged from her studio after it became infested with termites; another incorporates fragments collected over years of moving between cities. We get a sense from Quisumbing’s works that she knows when not to intervene. Her interventions are minimal yet decisive, guided by what the material seems to ask for rather than what the artist wishes to impose. She sands, cleans, distresses, and revitalizes, but rarely erases. The object’s past then becomes recontextualized. ###### Multiplicity in the Diaspora Constantino’s curation in *Through Visual Poetries* foregrounds multiplicity. “There are a multitude of reasons as to why Filipinos find homes in different parts of the world,” she reflects. “It’s never a one-size-fits-all kind of categorization.” This refusal of simplification is mirrors Quisumbing’s practice, where each object retains its particularity even as it is folded into a larger composition. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Three_Kulay-2240x3360.webp) “Three” by Kulay Labitingan *Photo: The Art House* This relational logic extends to the responding artists—ALLDEFS, Katrina Bello, Kim Cruz, Joseph Gabriel, Rasco Jugarap, Kulay Labitingan, Angela Silva, and Pinky Ibarra Urmaza—whose works emerge from varied geographies and generations. Some are personally close to Quisumbing. Others encountered her practice for the first time through the exhibition. That spectrum of familiarity is intentional. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Memento-X--2240x1495.webp) “Memento X” by Joseph Gabriel *Photo: The Art House* As Constantino observes, some of the artists “were unaware of her, which was interesting. We were able to educate them about her work and practice.” Each response becomes a different entry point into Quisumbing’s material universe. Seen this way, *Lakbay 2026* turns to continuity. After all, objects, like people, accumulate histories, carrying damage, adaptation, and survival. Quisumbing simply arranges them so they can coexist. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/With-Kind-Regards-2240x2240.webp) “With Kind Regards” by Pinky Ibarra Urmaza *Photo: The Art House* Ultimately, *Through Visual Poetries* asks viewers to slow down. To look closely. To consider how meaning is constructed not through grand gestures but through accumulated acts of custodianship. “Listen with your eyes,” Constantino writes in her closing note. It is an instruction that applies equally to Quisumbing’s assemblages and to the broader diasporic condition they quietly echo—lives shaped by movement, held together by attention, and continually reimagined through material and memory, crystallized by the patient art of assembly. *Lakbay 2026: Through Visual Poetries with Christina Quisumbing, presented by [The Art House](https://arthouseph.com/), will run at the Mezzanine of Discovery Primea from January 30 to February 1, 2026.* **Categories:** Art & Collectibles, Home & Design **Tags:** Art House, Christina Quisumbing, Features, Lakbay --- ### [What It’s Like Onboard Giorgio Armani’s Stunning 236-Foot Superyacht](https://robbreport.ph/boats/what-its-like-onboard-giorgio-armanis-stunning-236-foot-superyacht/) **Published:** January 27, 2026 **Author:** Julia Zaltzman **Content:** A maestro of men’s fashion, [Giorgio Armani](https://robbreport.ph/style/fashion/legendary-italian-fashion-designer-valentino-garavani-dies-at-93/ "Legendary Italian Fashion Designer Valentino Garavani Dies at 93") showcased a flair for quiet luxury long before the term existed, beginning with his eponymous suit. The deconstructed garment ushered in 1980s power dressing, a relaxed counterpoint to the conventional corporate garb previously in vogue. This simple, stylized expression of refinement also shines through on the Admiral [Giorgio Armani](https://robbreport.ph/tag/giorgio-armani/ "Giorgio Armani") 72M build named *No Rush*, the first of two custom 236-foot [yachts](https://robbreport.ph/tag/yachts/ "Yachts") conceived by the designer himself in partnership with the [Italian Sea Group](https://theitalianseagroup.com/). “The sea and design are two of my greatest passions,” said Armani when announcing the project in 2023. Sadly, he passed away just three weeks before *No Rush* debuted at September’s [Monaco Yacht Show](https://robbreport.ph/tag/monaco-yacht-show/ "Monaco Yacht Show"), but he would’ve loved the fierce dockside buzz generated by its distinctive exterior shape. A serial superyacht owner, Armani was of the mind to introduce a fresh take on nautical “aesthetics and functionality” so that, just as in fashion, “they come together in a natural and elegant style.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Armani_NoRush_Yacht_2.webp) Main suite *Photo: Lorenzo Tampucci/Riccardo Borgenni* The full-displacement ice-class hull—presented in satin gold—is intended for transoceanic cruising, greatly contributing to the yacht’s range of 6,000 nautical miles at 11 knots. Its clean lines are defined by what the builder calls geometric volumes that connect to curved surfaces across the profile, with a signature suspended terrace on the upper deck. At the stern, *No Rush*’s squared-off swim platform completes Armani’s blocky, minimalist approach. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/02_RR_DM_WA_Yacht0226_DM_WA_YACHT_ADMIRAL-GIORGIO-ARMANI-OUTDOOR-IMAGE302.webp) Owner’s deck *Photo: Lorenzo Tampucci* The designer’s focus on onboard livability is apparent through both the large, open interior spaces and the choice of materials, such as black Marquina marble, golden Calacatta marble, and Canaletto walnut. Their strategic use amid the light-colored walls and full-length windows is soft and restrained, as *Robb Report* discovered during a recent tour. Then there are the salon’s ivory-onyx floor and decorative-glass curtains that unite the designer’s penchant for residential creativity with Admiral’s in-house craftsmanship. Yet, for better or worse, the proliferation of Armani logos—festooned on door handles, soft furnishings, and even the captain’s wheel—conveys a vibe more akin to the lobby of a five-star hotel. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Armani_NoRush_Yacht_3.webp) Private dining area *Photo: Lorenzo Tampucci/Riccardo Borgenni* Meanwhile, the six private quarters offer a master class in customization. The full-beam V.I.P. cabin rivals the main suites of many same-size yachts and is large enough to create two staterooms via a partition door, both with velvet onyx en suites. The owner’s deck is the designer’s pièce de résistance, featuring a 1,500-square-foot suite with a private lounge that turns into a cinema. Sliding-glass doors lead to the 14-seat dining table, bar, and glass-bottomed pool, and a sunken seating area on the foredeck includes a bioethanol firepit at the bow. Armani also paid special attention to the well-being of the yacht’s 19-member crew, creating discreet stairways, generous sleeping spaces, and their own dedicated deck forward of the wheelhouse for socializing. According to Giovanni Costantino, founder and C.E.O. of the Italian Sea Group, this vessel “feels like entering a true ‘Armani world.’ ” And well it should, as *No Rush* is the swan song that anchors the late fashion magnate’s legacy in superyacht design, one that feels impervious to time. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Boats **Tags:** Giorgio Armani, italian sea group, Monaco Yacht Show, Yachts --- ### [This One-Off Ferrari Is a Vibrant 819 HP Ode to Korean Culture](https://robbreport.ph/cars/this-one-off-ferrari-is-a-vibrant-819-hp-ode-to-korean-culture/) **Published:** January 21, 2026 **Author:** Viju Mathew **Content:** We have come to expect the worlds of fine art and technology to be affirmations of human potential, so it’s no surprise that the high-performance automobile has increasingly become a showcase for both. That crossroads now has a new mile marker: the [Ferrari](https://robbreport.ph/tag/ferrari/ "Ferrari") 12Cilindri Tailor Made. At a time when societal and geopolitical divisions dominate headlines, this one-off is a refreshing example of multicultural collaboration and inclusive creative expression. Debuted in Seoul, South Korea, the unique 12Cilindri was two years in the making, a project that initially partnered the storied Italian marque and its Tailor Made customization division with New York-based Cool Hunting. It was through the latter that five young artists from South Korea were added to the team, each already on their own fast track to prominence. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Ferrari-Tailor-Made-Korea-COOL-HUNTING-joshrubin-sm-01-w.webp) The Ferrari 12Cilindri Tailor Made, a one-off developed in collaboration with Cool Hunting. *Josh Rubin, courtesy of Cool Hunting* “We were asked to help Ferrari Tailor Made create a car that would honor and respect Korea,” says Josh Rubin, who along with his partner Evan Orensten founded the curatorial online presence Cool Hunting more than two decades ago. “Cool Hunting is a platform for storytelling about creativity and innovation across lots of different categories—art, design, tech, food, travel, cars . . . we really lean into the stories of process, the stories of inspiration, the stories of the creators, the artists, the designers,” Rubin tells *Robb Report*. “In the last several years, we’ve continued to evolve into a place where we create things to tell stories about, and this project is a really great example of that.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Ferrari-Tailor-Made-Korea-COOL-HUNTING-4-w.webp) Created by artist Hyunhee Kim, the car’s dedication plate is emblazoned with cloud-like calligraphy. Josh Rubin, courtesy of Cool Hunting The mission statement for the [supercar](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-18-best-new-supercars-of-2025-2/ "The 18 Best New Supercars of 2025") was twofold: celebrate the zeitgeist of an Asian populace that holds on to heritage while simultaneously embracing the future, and be a new benchmark for the Tailor Made creatives back at Maranello. “This car represents the peak of our Tailor Made program because it goes far beyond the concept of personalization,” says Flavio Manzoni, Ferrari’s chief design officer, during a conversation with *Robb Report* at the reveal. “For the first time, we are integrating real pieces of art . . . creating this cross-fertilization with artists that are fantastic in their vision . . . interpreters of the local culture.” The artists ultimately given the opportunity to contribute were TaeHyun Lee, Dahye Jeong, Hyunhee Kim, and the pairing of Graycode, Jiiiiin. The common thread tying their work together was the car’s tagline: “Inspired by Tradition, Driven by Innovation.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Ferrari-Tailor-Made-Korea-COOL-HUNTING-7-w.webp) Ferrari’s iconic badging, which has been off-limits to customization in the past, gets the translucent treatment. Josh Rubin, courtesy of Cool Hunting For TaeHyun Lee, that tradition translated into his use of lacquer, which is represented on the paddle shifters and the brake calipers. According to Lee, the lacquer he works with comes from the Urushi tree from Japan, which secretes a substance whose application traces back to the Joseon Dynasty that spanned more than five centuries. “The process of acquiring the lacquer is very poetic, and also ironic,” says Lee. “We hurt the tree on purpose, and the sap that’s created to protect itself, we extract to protect our precious materials.” Lee draws the parallel of the lacquer to that of the Italian automaker, noting that “Ferrari is bringing something that is very raw, its racing heritage, but using that to create its own methods and innovations, like paddle shifters.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Ferrari-Tailor-Made-Korea-COOL-HUNTING-8-w.webp) Graycode, Jiiiiin are the two electro-acoustic composers that transposed the soundtrack of the 12Cilindri’s engine into a visual pattern that runs over the hood. Josh Rubin, courtesy of Cool Hunting To get the lacquer to be white was a painstaking labor of love, but one very important to Lee: “The reason why we were able to develop so fast was the Korean identity of interpreting foreign cultures and then reinterpreting them into our own personal stories . . . we’re very good at doing that, and I feel that symbolizes the color white . . . like a white canvas.” Perhaps more noticeable at first glance, though, is the work of Graycode, Jiiiiin—two electro-acoustic composers. Experiencing the visceral nature of the 819 hp 12Cilindri during hot laps they were given at the start of the endeavor, they recorded the V-12 engine’s soundtrack and then transposed that symphony of internal combustion into an elaborate visual pattern that subtly runs from the nose of the car and carries vertically over the hood. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Ferrari-12cilindri-tailor-made-3-w.webp) Flavio Manzoni, Ferrari’s chief design officer, was on hand at the debut in Seoul, South Korea. Ferrari S.p.A. The most intricate expression came from artist Dahye Jeong. With horsehair as her medium, she employs a weaving practice that also dates back to the Joseon Dynasty. Ferrari’s supplied notes on the artist mention that her “pattern has been woven in a new synthetic textile made in South Korea for the seats, used in a Ferrari for the first time.” Elevating her contribution further, a screen print of her horsehair matrix has been integrated into the sunroof to dapple the light. Finally, horsehair comprises the artistic element adorning the dash. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Ferrari-12Cilindri-tailor-made-interior-9-w.webp) The interior trim is defined by artist Dahye Jeong’s use of woven horsehair. *Ferrari S.p.A.* Yet the most striking departure from convention has arguably been provided by artist Hyunhee Kim, whose take on traditional Korean furniture juxtaposes ornate structure and space. Kim acknowledges white as representative of Korea’s cultural reflectiveness, but goes a step further. This is evident in all of the exterior Ferrari badging and lettering that is now completely translucent. The idea of altering Ferrari’s iconography has always been anathema–until now. “In this case, we decided to make an exception and to use the acrylic to generate this kind of magic effect, which actually enhances the beauty of our logos,” notes Manzoni. Just don’t expect to see such badging variations in the future. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Ferrari-Tailor-Made-Korea-COOL-HUNTING-10-w.webp) Both the paddle shifters and brake calipers became the canvas for artist TaeHyun Lee’s creative expression in white lacquer. *Josh Rubin, courtesy of Cool Hunting* Also intended to only to be seen in this car are Kim’s two-piece translucent boxes in the trunk for the owner to “store memories,” and the dedication plate—affixed between the seats—emblazoned with cloud-like calligraphy spelling out “12 Han,” a reference to the number of cylinders and the word denoting what Rubin mentions to be “the spirit of Koreans.” Providing the greatest visual impact of this mobile gallery, however, is the arresting Yoonseul paint dressing the exterior. Ferrari touts its shade-shifter as drawing “inspiration from Celadon ceramics.” As for the name itself, “Yoonseul” refers to the dance of light on water, and this color scheme hints at Seoul’s skyline illumination doing just that on the river. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/art-boxes-ferrari-12cilindri-tailor-made-supercar-11-w.webp) Hyunhee Kim’s set of translucent boxes in the trunk are for the owner to “store memories.” Ferrari S.p.A. The sum total of these disparate artistic presentations forms a cohesive cultural calling card for Ferrari and Korea, and is a testament to the curation of Cool Hunting and their consultant on the project, JaeEun “Jane” Lee. “Every Ferrari is special. A Tailor Made Ferrari even more so. And one that pushes the boundaries of creativity, materials, colors, and engineering, really gets to our comfort zone,” says Orensten of Cool Hunting’s involvement. “These projects always start with a long and very creative brainstorm, knowing that only some of our ideas will make it to the final car.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Ferrari-12Cilindri-Tailor-Made-13-w.webp) The Korean word “Yoonseul” refers to the dance of light on water, and this color scheme hints at Seoul’s skyline illumination doing just that on the river. *Ferrari S.p.A.* It’s a road that Orensten and Rubin travelled before with Ferrari, specifically in the development of the Ferrari Roma Tailor Made Specially Crafted for Cool Hunting that premiered in 2022. And as with that Roma, there will surely be some aspects that now get added to the Tailor Made portfolio of customization options available, while others will remain exclusive to this singular example. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Ferrari-12cilindri-tailor-made-9-w.webp) Evan Orensten (left) and Josh Rubin (right), founders of Cool Hunting. Viju Mathew Importantly, the intrinsic worth of Ferrari’s 12Cilindri Tailor Made is not in the undisclosed monetary figure it comes in at, or its future collectability, or even the numerous stylistic elements it debuts. This Prancing Horse’s true value is in its rarefied provenance established and defined by the build process itself. After all, it brought together a team from three continents to create the automotive manifestation of a culture that, as some of the artists mentioned, absorbs outside influences and transmits them back to the world with a captivating flair all its own. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** 12cilindri, Ferrari --- ### [Aman’s Luxe 600-Foot Cruise Ship Will Debut in the Mediterranean in 2027](https://robbreport.ph/travel/amans-luxe-600-foot-cruise-ship-will-debut-in-the-mediterranean-in-2027/) **Published:** January 22, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** Aman’s first luxury cruise liner hasn’t even hit the water yet, but it already has some exciting adventures on the horizon. The inaugural itineraries for the 600-foot [Amangati](https://robbreport.ph/boats/amans-luxurious-47-suite-cruise-ship-is-expected-to-hit-the-seas-in-2027/ "Aman’s Luxurious 47-Suite Cruise Ship Is Expected to Hit the Seas in 2027") have just been revealed, marking a defining moment for the hotel brand as it dives further into the yachting industry. (It is one of [several hospitality heavyweights](https://robbreport.ph/boats/luxury-hotels-are-launching-elevated-cruise-ships-and-calling-them-yachts-but-are-they/ "Luxury Hotels Are Launching Elevated Cruise Ships and Calling Them ‘Yachts.’ Are They?") launching what they call “luxury yachts.”) Scheduled for spring 2027, the liner’s debut season includes an array of curated Mediterranean voyages ranging from five to eight nights. Each trip will spotlight storied destinations from the Dalmation Coast to the French Riviera, with stops in both famous harbors and rarely accessed ports such as Beaulieu-sur-Mer. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Aman-Yacht-Amangati-2.webp) The sleek hull. *Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design* Aman says the itineraries are the opposite of fast-paced island hopping, with schedules and routes that allow for a deeper immersion in the environment. That means both late departures and overnight stays. Select journeys will also coincide with significant cultural moments, like the Cannes Film Festival and the Monaco Grand Prix. *Amangati* has also been granted exclusive access to a rare passage through Venice’s historic Grand Canal, giving seafarers a chance to soak in landmarks like San Marco Square before hitting the high seas. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Aman-Amangati-Superyacht-2.webp) *Aman* Each adventure includes a range of cultural experiences, but guests can also work with a concierge to plan bespoke activities. A dedicated suite host will also be on hand to ensure each day runs smoothly. Comings and goings will be a breeze, too, thanks to the yacht’s two helipads and six tenders. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Aman-Amangati-Superyacht-1.webp) *Aman* That isn’t all *Amangati* will offer, either. The nine-deck yacht will be outfitted with 47 expansive suites ranging from 731 to 3,811 square feet. Aman’s signature quiet elegance will be evident throughout the interior, with refined, minimalist decor that takes inspiration from ryokans (Japanese inns). Each suite will showcase floor-to-ceiling windows and large balconies, resulting in an airy, spacious feel. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Aman-Yacht-Amangati-1.webp) The aft pool. *Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design* *Amangati* is full to the brim with hotel-like amenities, too, including four international restaurants, a jazz club, a cinema, a youth lounge, and a signature Aman Spa. The latter spans 12,817 square feet across two decks, making it the largest of any such 600-footer. It offers no less than eight ocean-facing treatment suites with private terraces, as well as open-air whirlpool baths, a hammam, a banya, and a Japanese garden. Other yacht-specific highlights include an expansive beach club with direct access to the water, a scenic sundeck, and a huge aft swimming pool. That should make any adventure fun. [](https://www.kargo.com/privacy) *Reservations for Amangati are now open and can be made online or via phone at +1 (754) 345-2339 or email at info@amanatsea.com.* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Boats, Travel **Tags:** aman, amangati --- ### [MB&F’s Stunning Successor to Its LM Sequential Evo Is Here](https://robbreport.ph/watches/mbfs-stunning-successor-to-its-lm-sequential-evo-is-here/) **Published:** January 26, 2026 **Author:** Nicole Hoey **Content:** MB&F is expanding its Evo legacy. The watchmaker has just unveiled a successor to its original Evo design, a double chronograph that hosts split-second, independent, lap timer and even a “chess match” timing modes, forming a combo that had never before been seen in a chronograph. (The impressive feat snagged MB&F the top prize at the 2022 [GPHP](https://robbreport.ph/watches/here-are-the-biggest-winners-of-the-gphg-the-oscars-of-watchmaking/ "Here Are the Biggest Winners of the GPHG, the Oscars of Watchmaking"), a.k.a. the Oscars of watchmaking.) Now, the new LM (which stands for Legacy Machine) Sequential Flyback Evo ups the ante: The model comes with dual flyback functions, as well as a tilted time dial. MB&F has been on quite the journey to hit this milestone. The original LM Sequential EVO was created alongside independent maker Stephen McDonnell in 2022; he had wanted to add a flyback function on both chronographs of the original model, but it had proven to be too complex at the time with all the additional new elements—like the twin chronograph with their bevy of timing modes, which allowed the wearer to track two races at once, for example. McDonnell revisited the idea with MB&F’s LM Sequential Flyback, which was launched in 2024, with dual flyback functions found within a classic case from the brand. And now, the watchmaker was finally able to add those twin flyback functions to an Evo model, and thus the LM Sequential Flyback Evo was born. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/mbf-lm-sequential-flyback-evo-closeup.webp) The new LM Sequential Flyback Evo brings two flyback functions into the mix. *Photo: MB&F* Retailing for $230,000, the new 44 mm model is housed within a grade 5 titanium case and includes an bright aquamarine dial plate, as well as that time dial that’s tilted for easier readability. The secret piece of the puzzle to those twin chronographs is a pusher called the Twinverter that controls both chronographs at once, making it easy to start or stop them simultaneously, or start one and stop the other in tandem. Like we mentioned, this feature opens up a new world of, well, time. The watch, as we said, can be used to track athletes on race day. Or, perhaps, you’d like to use it for more everyday activities, such as timing a 30-minute workout while also breaking it up into smaller circuit training segments. “You’re doing two things in parallel, so you could be in the kitchen making pasta on one side and putting something in the oven on the other side,” MB&F’s marketing director Charris Yadigaroglou told us at the time of the LM Sequential EVO’s release. As for the flyback, McDonnell used a special jeweled roller in the mechanism to bring the function to life. The caliber itself is home to 621 components and a three-day power reserve. You can also expect the typical water resistance of an Evo model (80 meters), as well as the model’s screw-down crown, integrated rubber strap, and a FlexRing Shock absorber. Though when it comes to MB&F and its bonkers designs, we’ve learned to expect the unexpected. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** Evo Design, mb&f, Watch Collector, Watches --- ### [Bugatti Reveals Its 1,578 HP Tribute to the Veyron](https://robbreport.ph/cars/bugatti-reveals-its-1578-hp-tribute-to-the-veyron/) **Published:** January 26, 2026 **Author:** Viju Mathew **Content:** For many collectors and cognoscenti of the world’s most important cars, the Bugatti Veyron is a favorite—and rightly so. Not only was the model instrumental in resurrecting the French marque, it was pivotal in positioning it once again at the apex of performance automobiles. The car, and its success, is thanks largely to Ferdinand Karl Piëch, then chairman of the parent Volkswagen Group, and his vision for the W16 engine. To pay tribute to this contemporary [Bugatti](https://robbreport.ph/tag/bugatti/ "bugatti") cornerstone, as well as to the father of its seminal power plant, the Molsheim-based team has just debuted the one-off Bugatti F.K.P. Hommage, or at least a representation of it. Created specifically for a highly valued client, the unique hypercar becomes the second example, following last year’s [Brouillard](https://robbreport.ph/cars/meet-the-bugatti-brouillard-a-new-one-of-a-kind-hypercar/ "Meet the Bugatti Brouillard, a New One-of-a-Kind Hypercar"), built as part of Bugatti’s return to the advancement of coachbuilding through its Programme Solitaire. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Bugatti-FKP-Hommage-1.webp) The Bugatti F.K.P. Hommage is a tribute to both Ferdinand Karl Piëch, former chairman of the Volkswagen Group, and the 20th anniversary of the Bugatti Veyron‘s first delivery. *Photo: Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.* “These Solitaire programs allow us to really deep dive into one particular subject,” stated Frank Heyl, Bugatti’s director of design, during an invitation-only virtual preview last week that included *Robb Report*. “The subject here is the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Veyron . . . counting that backwards from the delivery of the first customer car in 2006.” According to Heyl, “the direct underpinnings, technically, are a Chiron Super Sport.” That means the F.K.P. Hommage carries a 1,578 hp W16 engine—compared to the original Veyron’s 1,001 hp predecessor—though performance specs have not been announced. But it’s the bodywork that’s the real story, as it honors that of the stylistically pioneering Veyron. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Bugatti-FKP-Hommage-interior-11.webp) “We are working with custom-woven fabrics here from Paris . . . woven especially for this car,” explained Frank Heyl, director of design, regarding the interior. *Photo: Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.* “Before the Veyron, supercars were very much still perceived as this kind of wedge shaped, forward angled, surfacing architecture, much inspired still by the works of Marcello Gandini,” mentioned Heyl. “We recall the Lancia Stratus Zero, or the Ferrari Modulo, or even some of the first Countach proposals—all were forward-wedged body postures. The Veyron did exactly the opposite . . . leaning back, and this is the very unusual body posture that we wanted to certainly capture here.” As for the slight change found at the front, “it’s a more upright horseshoe \[grille\] . . . and all the surfaces originate from the horseshoe,” said Heyl. “It’s a little more modern interpretation of the Veyron theme; still with the color breakup along the bonnet shut lines, and then the two front wings are sort of docked on to that.” As for the back, the rear diffusor has been widened by two centimeters on each side. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Bugatti-FKP-Hommage-Audemars-Piguet-Royal-Oak-10.webp) A close-up of the bespoke 41 mm Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Tourbillon timepiece set in the dash. *Photo: Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.* Adding authenticity are aesthetic elements that were initially conceived by the design team back in the day, of which Heyl was already a part. These were suggested in preparation for a refresh of the Veyron, though he notes that those plans were abandoned once it became clear that a new model, the Chiron, would replace it. Heyl has now been able to bring some of those bygone Veyron revisions to light. Specifically, he cites the L-shaped daytime running lights and the taillights. “These were the original proposals that we think make the selection of design themes for this car period correct,” he noted. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Bugatti-FKP-Hommage-12.webp) The F.K.P. Hommage carries a 1,578 hp W16 engine—compared to the original Veyron’s 1,001 hp version—though performance specs have yet to be announced. *Photo: Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.* As for the interior, it showcases the extent of customization that is Programme Solitaire’s raison d’etre. “In terms of the scope of this project, for a one of one, we’ve really gone to the greatest extent of complexity here. We do not only trim this in the original leather, but we are working with custom-woven fabrics here from Paris . . . woven especially for this car,” explained Heyl. The centerpiece is a 41 mm [Audemars Piguet ](https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/audemars-piguet-is-refining-complications-and-its-approach-to-women-1236251010/)Royal Oak Tourbillon made exclusively for the F.K.P. Hommage. “It sits in a revolving gondola. There is no mechanical or electrical connection between the watch and the car, but the gondola has an axis of which it revolves about,” explained Heyl, adding that “the watch will rotate several times an hour to keep the power reserve wound.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Bugatti-FKP-Hommage-13-w.webp) The F.K.P. Hommage is the second example made as part of Bugatti’s coachbuilt-focused Programme Solitaire. *Photo: Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.* Another standout feature is the exterior’s dual-tone paint scheme, which comprises multiple layers that include a red clear coat atop a silver-aluminum one. Complementing this is black exposed carbon fiber bolstered in appearance by a black clear coat. The entire presentation rides on bigger wheels than the Veyron, now with the Chiron’s 20-inch and 21-inch setups in the front and rear, respectively. It also benefits from the Chiron’s brakes (420 mm rotors with eight-piston calipers). The actual vehicle intended for the owner, a car Heyl summarizes as “a Veyron interpreted with 2026 technology,” has yet to be built, but is scheduled to be delivered next year. In the meantime, a show-car version will make a public appearance at the Rétromobile exhibition in Paris on January 29. [](https://robbreport.com/?post_type=pmc-gallery&p=1237527591/) **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** bugatti, Collector Cars, Hypercars, Veyron --- ### [King Air Makes First Real-World Garmin Autoland Emergency Landing](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/king-air-makes-first-real-world-emergency-garmin-autoland-landing/) **Published:** January 6, 2026 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** In late December, a Beechcraft King Air turboprop [made a fully autonomous landing](https://edition.cnn.com/2025/12/23/us/airplane-lands-itself-first-aviation-automation) at a Colorado airport after a loss of cabin pressurization prompted the activation of an onboard emergency automation system. Aviation officials and industry analysts say the event marks the first publicly documented real-world use of [Garmin’s Emergency Autoland system](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/the-cirrus-sr22-can-land-itself-in-an-emergency-heres-what-thats-like/) on a King Air aircraft. [The incident occurred ](https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/garmin-autoland-king-air-emergency-landing)on December 20 during a flight from Aspen toward the Denver area, when the aircraft suffered a rapid loss of cabin pressurization shortly after departure. The pilots donned oxygen masks, initiated emergency procedures, and activated Garmin’s Emergency Autoland system. The system selected Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport in Broomfield and executed an automated descent, alerting air traffic control and prompting the clearing of nearby airspace. The King Air landed safely, shut down automatically, and required no medical response. Garmin’s Emergency Autoland system is designed to manage every phase of flight following activation, including navigation, communications, approach, landing, braking, and engine shutdown. The technology has been certified on several aircraft types, including light aircraft and business jets, but real-world emergency activations have been rare and sparsely documented, particularly on turboprop platforms such as the King Air. According to FlightGlobal, the pilots involved were not incapacitated at the time Autoland was engaged. Instead, the system was used as a precautionary measure after the pressurization failure introduced additional operational risk. Sudden cabin depressurization at altitude can lead to hypoxia, impaired judgment, and loss of consciousness if not managed quickly. The King Air 200 involved in the incident is a widely used twin-engine turboprop common in charter, corporate, and utility operations. The aircraft routinely operates at altitudes where pressurization is essential, especially in mountainous regions such as the Rocky Mountains. The Federal Aviation Administration has not indicated that the incident resulted from a broader mechanical defect, nor has it announced any enforcement action. As with similar events, the flight is expected to be reviewed as part of routine safety oversight. Emergency Autoland differs from traditional autopilot systems in that it assumes complete control once activated, independently evaluating terrain, weather, runway suitability, and fuel status before executing a landing. Aviation analysts say the December landing demonstrates how automation is increasingly being positioned as a safety backstop rather than a replacement for pilot judgment. The Embraer Praetor 600 is largest private jet where Emergency Autoland is approved for real-world use. Ultra-long-range jets such as the Gulfstream G700 and Bombardier Global 8000, as well as large-cabin business jets, are not currently certified with emergency autonomous landing systems. Commercial airliners do employ CAT III autoland capabilities, but these systems are designed to assist pilots rather than replace them, requiring active crew oversight and decision-making. Garmin’s Emergency Autoland differs fundamentally in that it can independently assume control and complete a landing without pilot input in emergency situations. **Categories:** Aviation **Tags:** Autoland, Garmin, King Air --- ### [Innovation & Bespoke Luxury: Lexus and Century Chart New Path](https://robbreport.ph/cars/moving-upward-how-lexus-and-century-chart-a-new-path-of-innovation-and-bespoke-luxury/) **Published:** January 5, 2026 **Author:** Carl Cunanan **Content:** Now, there is no question that the Japanese aesthetic, attention to detail, and level of craftsmanship is very much appreciated all over the world. It can very easily go head-to-head with other premium luxury brands in its own, unique way. It was most clearly exemplified by the fact that Akio’s own traditionally-shaped Century sedan in pearl white sat there with the trim and tuning of Gazoo Racing. There was a very curvaceous new vehicle on the main platform, in a brilliant shade of orange. It was very telling given that almost all of the Centuries are black. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/15.webp) *Photo: Toyota Motors* Then Akio began talking about Lexus. He said that by creating Century as a separate marque for the world, Lexus now has more depth and breadth and height in which to operate. The luxury vehicle division of Toyota Motor Corporation was first introduced to the world through innovations like the V8 engine, which decimated the US market with a new level of luxury, smoothness and reliability. Today, Lexus is redefining the concept of luxury. They very clearly stated, for example, that their LS branding will no longer mean luxury sedan or luxury SUV, but luxury space. One of these ways is a six-wheel vehicle, which may make no sense at the onset. And then you are told that the reason it came about was because Akio himself wanted people to rethink their vehicles and give them more space. The way to achieve that was by putting two smaller wheels inline on both sides of the rear, which meant the interpretation. There is a whole world outside of those who think American SUVs are the be all and end all of luxury transportation. They consider the Lexus LM as the vehicle of comfortable choice for most journeys. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/20251013_01_09.webp) *Photo: Toyota Motors* Another vehicle presented by Lexus leaned towards the opposite direction. A one-person futuristic pod was meant to be a bit of a last-mile answer to urban movement, but done in Lexus form. It would definitely be more appropriate for automated driving, though I’m fairly sure they could sort that out if they wanted to. But inside it is an amazing amount of space with an extremely high level of craftsmanship, from hand-shaped wood to cut crystal. You’re deeply ensconced in your own little world, and the seat comes out to greet you when you enter. Another point is that this system is already set up to use the wheelchair-type systems that are or will be offered. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/20251013_01_07.webp) Additional displays at the Japan Motor Show included a Lexus sailing yacht and what is best described as a quadcopter personal drone-like transport system. So, in terms of creating different opportunities for mobility, it’s very clear where the Toyota group is going. In private conversations, they did say that these were all at a relatively high level of development, and it just comes down to which direction they want to go. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/3.webp) Akio Toyoda gave a very inspirational speech where he wondered, as many do, what the founders of Toyota would say if they saw the world today. To which, he posited, “They wouldn’t talk. They would do and they would lead. And this is what we are doing.” ***This article originally appeared in [Robb Report Philippines’ Travel Issue, December 2026](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-december-2025-the-travel-issue/).*** **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** cars, Gazoo Racing, Japan Motor Show, lexus, Toyota --- ### [The Porsche 911 GT3 is a Niche Icon with Endless Choice](https://robbreport.ph/cars/multiple-choice-porsche-gt3/) **Published:** January 8, 2026 **Author:** Carl Cunanan **Content:** It’s interesting trying to explain how wide the offerings are for [Porsche 911 ](https://robbreport.ph/tag/porsche-911/ "porsche 911")models, especially considering how seemingly unchanged these cars have been since they first came into the world in 1963. Take the GT3 911 for instance. They are not the fastest cars in the sense that the Turbo S models currently have the highest top speeds. Neither are they technologically complex. GT3 911’s don’t use turbo charges or the T-hybrid or electric turbocharger systems. What they do offer is a combination of purist sensibility, performance focus, and variety of choice–all in a car that is as similar as possible to the layout of the original 911s, which is normally aspirated rear-wheel drive. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/porsche-911-gt3-touring.webp) Porsche GT3 Touring *Photo: Porsche* Recently launched were the new GT3 models, which was a change from before because there were actually two models released from day one–the GT3 and the GT3 with Touring Package, both of which are from the 992.2 model family. Previously, there was only one model introduced, the GT3 itself. This car is rooted on the need for creating a road vehicle that can also be used on the racetrack, for homologation. The GT3 and GT3 with Touring Package feature the four liter aspirated six-cylinder boxer engine, running power to only the rear wheels. Both are available in a choice of a PDK or a wonderfully streetable yet track usable six-speed manual transmission. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/porsche-911-gt3-rear.webp) A rear view of the Porsche 911 GT3 *Photo: Porsche* The visual difference between the two cars lie in the fact that the Touring Package is not built with the large rear wing on it. This is because it was developed in the race car type format, derived from models like the GT3 RS and the RSR race cars. It also showcases a distinctive swan neck rear spoiler to help maximize aerodynamic abilities. Even within this niche segment, you have these two choices. In addition to that, special packages are available and from within those there is opportunity to customize further. It is an indication that Porsche endeavors to give you exactly what you wish for. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/porsche-911-gt3-cockpit.webp) The Porsche 911 GT3 cockpit *Photo: Porsche* Case in point: The Clubsport package is available for the GT3, which adds things like a roll cage for track use. This is a no-cost package. However, for you to avail of it, you need to have ordered the new carbon fiber bucket seats. The are shell buckets built with foldability and a special headrest system that allows you to take out padding in order to use a helmet. The foldable feature, by the way, is worth noting as it marks the first time that rear seats are made optional in the GT3. The GT3 with Touring Package allows you to specify the Leichtbau, or lightweight package, which reduces vehicle weight and mass. Apart from that, you still have the ability to set up your car through a wide range of options for trim, seat, audio and many more. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/porsche-911-gt3-touring-rear.webp) Rear view of the Porsche GT3 Touring *Photo: Porsche* The 911 GT3 sits in a very special place. It is an interactive, track-focused vehicle. It appeals to those who appreciate the vigor of a large rear wing as it does those who like to keep the clean lines of a 911. The Touring Package car utilizes a retractable spoiler to cater to varying aerodynamic preferences. The ability to build a very individual vehicle and the ability to operate in varying ranges—comfort, barely streetable, and everywhere in between–make the Porsche 911 GT3 and GT3 RS models highly competitive against other so-called supercars. After all, the 77-year-old maker carries undeniable racing heritage. And it has long understood that the most demanding enthusiasts and collectors have very specific desires. Porsche gives them a vehicle that fits them like a (racing) glove. ***This article originally appeared in [Robb Report Philippines’ Travel Issue, December 2026](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-december-2025-the-travel-issue/).*** **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** cars, GT3 911, porsche, porsche 911 --- ### [This New All-Electric Motorcycle Has a 370-Mile Range](https://robbreport.ph/motorcycles/this-new-all-electric-motorcycle-has-a-370-mile-range-and-game-changing-batteries/) **Published:** January 14, 2026 **Author:** Bryan Hood **Content:** Verge [Motorcycle’s](https://robbreport.ph/tag/motorcycle/ "motorcycle") next electric model has the potential to truly break through. The Finnish company, which up until now has been best known for the hubless design language, announced at this CES 2026 that it is launching an [updated version of the TS Pro](https://www.vergemotorcycles.com/ts-pro/) that features a solid-state battery. The technology, which the brand and partner Donut Lab say makes the bike a “world’s first,” allows the two-wheeler to travel 370 miles between charges. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/verge-ts-pro-02.webp) The Verge TS Pro has a range of up to 370 miles thanks to Donut Labs’s solid-state battery. *Photo: Verge Motorcycles* With its sporty look and hubless rear motor, the new TS Pro is almost identical to its predecessor with one major change—its solid-state battery. The unit, which creator Donut Lab says has been “rigorously tested across extreme conditions,” features solid material instead of the liquid electrolyte found in traditional lithium-ion batteries, [according to a press release](https://www.donutlab.com/ces-battery-announcement/). Not only does this make the unit more efficient because of its higher energy density, but it also makes it safer since the liquid electrolyte is flammable. The new TS Pro will be available with either a 20.2-kWh or 33.3-kWh battery pack. The smaller unit has a range of 217 miles, while the extended-range can travel up to 370 miles on a single charge, [according to the Verge website](https://www.vergemotorcycles.com/ts-pro/#specs). Just as impressive is that 186 miles of range can be added after just 10 minutes connected to a NACS fast charger, which makes topping up the bike not all that different from filling up an ICE model with gas. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/verge-ts-pro-06.webp) 186 miles of range. *Photo: Verge Motorcycles* The TS Pro’s improved efficiency doesn’t come at the cost of performance. Verge still tout’s the bike’s “supercar power.” The hubless motor makes 136.8 hp and 737 ft lbs of torque. Thanks to all that grunt the motorcycle can zoom from zero to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 124 mph. We have a feeling even the purists out there will be impressed by those numbers. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/verge-ts-pro-00.webp) *Photo: Verge Motorcycles* As impressive as this all may sound, it’s easy to be skeptical since the TS Pro will be the first EV—motorcycle or larger—sold with a solid-state battery in the U.S. Still, Verge and Donut Lab seem quite confident they can deliver on their ambitious promises. The motorcycle maker says that it will begin deliveries of its new bike, [which starts at $29,900](https://www.vergemotorcycles.com/order/#pro) but costs at least $34,900 with the extended-range battery pack, in the first quarter of 2026. ***Click h[ere](https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/photos-upgraded-verge-ts-pro-electric-motorcycle-1237468765/) for more photos of the new Verge TS Pro.*** [](https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/photos-upgraded-verge-ts-pro-electric-motorcycle-1237468765/)*This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Motorcycles **Tags:** electric vehicle, News, TS Pro, Verge, Verge Motorcycles --- ### [A $1 Million SUV? Impossible. Now It Seems Inevitable.](https://robbreport.ph/cars/a-1-million-suv-once-seemed-impossible-now-it-seems-inevitable/) **Published:** January 16, 2026 **Author:** Erik Shilling **Content:** The most expensive production SUV in the world, currently, is the [Rolls-Royce Black Badge Cullinan](https://robbreport.ph/cars/this-new-rolls-royce-cullinan-has-the-milky-way-galaxy-hand-painted-on-the-ceiling/ "This New Rolls-Royce Cullinan Has the Milky Way Galaxy Hand-Painted on the Ceiling"), which starts at $472,750, give or take a few grand. The second-most expensive is the Ferrari Purosangue, which is in the neighborhood of $435,000. Third is a [Bentley Bentayga ](https://robbreport.ph/cars/heres-why-the-bentley-bentayga-azure-hybrid-ticks-all-the-boxes/ "Here’s Why the Bentley Bentayga Azure Hybrid Ticks All the Boxes")Mulliner Extended Wheelbase, which is $340,000. None of these are even close to cresting $1 million, but whispered among some car executives is a wondering about which [SUV](https://robbreport.ph/tag/suv/ "suv"), eventually, will. It’s seen as inevitable, and not just because of inflation, but because, symbolically, a $1 million SUV is its own marketing. A $1 million SUV must be worth $1 million because it’s been priced at $1 million, and if it’s priced at $1 million, then it might even be worth $1 million, at least to buyers, or so goes one classic tautology of luxury. The resistance comes in a couple of forms, the first being that the 40 [most expensive cars in the world ](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-50-most-expensive-cars-in-the-world/ "The 50 Most Expensive Cars in the World")exclusively have two doors, and all of them are supercars or hypercars. The other resistance comes in the fact that SUVs are still seen as tools for family rearing, off-roading, towing, people-moving, or some other practicality, much like they have been for decades. The wealthiest buyers don’t want their biggest automotive purchase to be practical; instead it’s almost always the opposite. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/range-rover-1986-e1768249840783.webp) *Photo: Range Rover* SUVs, for all their power these days, are also still not seen as performance cars. That expains in part why Ferrari was so reluctant to make one, finally relenting with the Purosangue, which was the most polarizing car of 2022 and is still upsetting people to this day. Lamborghini had no such compunction, introducing the Urus in 2017 and provoking a response that was mainly: Of course Lamborghini did, given the marque’s history with the LM002 but also Lamborghini’s status as the supercar brand that might try anything once. Now the Urus is Lamborghini’s best seller, and, following a similar playbook, Aston Martin launched the DBX in 2020, with a more powerful version called the DBX707 coming not long after. That car makes 707 metric horsepower, as its name suggests. That car is also near front of the pack among the so-called “super SUVs,” which include the Purosangue, Urus, and Bentley’s Bentayga, the Speed version of which makes 650 metric horsepower. Those cars are also all approaching (and, many say, surpassing) the upper limits of taste and reason, since race trucks have more power, but not much more. The super SUVs are also the likeliest contenders for those to pass the $1 million mark, and it was an Aston Martin executive who first floated the idea to me once a couple years ago, showing, if nothing else, where its head is at. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Aston_Martin_DBX_S_5-e1768249992714.webp) Aston Martin DBX S *Photo: Aston Martin* It’s not just Aston: McLaren is developing its first SUV, too, supposedly for 2028, which will immediately join the ranks of the super SUV class and will be priced accordingly, possibly even with a number more than half-a-million dollars. More likely still to pass $1 million is an all-electric super SUV from a legacy manufacturer that can claim to be ultra-luxury, as powerful as a god, bespoke, and technologically groundbreaking, which is how Cadillac is trying to sell its new liftback sedan, the $360,000 Celestiq. The $1 million SUV is coming, in other words, maybe within a decade, a situation that would be unfathomable to *Car & Driver* editors in 1987, when the magazine [reviewed the Land Rover Range Rover](https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a32961608/tested-1987-range-rover-makes-luxury-and-suv-compatible/), which was new to the U.S. that year and the top of the market for an expensive SUV. That car cost an astounding $30,000 in America then, or about $90,000 in today’s money adjusted for inflation, a number not so astounding for its size but for the value proposition: Why pay luxury-car money for a glorified dune buggy? “Even at 70 mph over unpaved roads, it had a remarkably smooth ride, more like a Cadillac than a dirt donk,” *C&D* wrote, convincing itself that an expensive luxury SUV could be a good thing. For the past 40 years, the world’s been doing the same thing, with ever-increasing prices. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** aston martin, Bentley, Ferrari, rolls-royce, suv --- ### [Vacheron Constantin Launches Int'l Watch Competition for Collectors](https://robbreport.ph/watches/vacheron-constantin-is-launching-a-global-watch-competition-for-collectors-this-month/) **Published:** January 14, 2026 **Author:** Nicole Hoey **Content:** [Vacheron Constantin](https://robbreport.ph/tag/vacheron-constantin/ "Vacheron Constantin") is taking a page out of the auto world’s handbook. The Swiss watchmaker is launching a global watch competition that invites collectors and watch obsessives alike to show off their coveted timepieces from the brand. Done in partnership with Phillips and Bacs & Russo, the Vacheron Constantin Concours d’Élégance Horlogère will shine a light on both historical and contemporary pieces of *haute horlogerie,* which will compete for seven awards across a variety of categories. To be eligible for the competition, collectors must submit a VC pocket watch or wristwatch that was launched between 1755 and 1999. Exceptions to the fun include quartz [watches](https://robbreport.ph/watches/ "Watches"), clocks, and heavily modified pieces. In terms of those seven Vacheron Constantin Concours d’Élégance categories, kicking things off is chiming mechanism accolade, for those timepieces equipped exclusively with a minute repeater, quarter repeater, half-quarter repeater, or grande sonnerie, followed by chronographs, for watches with a two- or three-counter chronograph, a single pusher, or a split-seconds mechanism. The astronomical complications category, meanwhile, is for timepieces featuring a triple calendar, a complete calendar, or a perpetual calendar, and the multiple complications distinction is for—you guessed it—a watch with at least two complications. Rounding out the last three categories are Chronomètre Royal, which will compare watches bearing that official designation, métiers d’art (though it excludes skeleton pieces), and design, which will consider timepieces that show up Vacheron Constatin’s signature design choices on the case or through the time display, such as a retrograde display. The timepieces will be evaluated based on nine criteria as well: authenticity, elegance, rarity, impact on either Vacheron Constantin’s history or on watchmaking in general (or both), provenance, technicality, métiers d’art, state of preservation, and emotional dimension. Each watch can also only be considered for one category, so make sure you’re choosing wisely when you’re sending in those submissions. Those deciding which watches take home the accolades in question include a wide array of experts, designers, and historians from across the world. Some thrown in the mix are watch historian Nicholas Foulkes, Urwerk cofounder and CEO Felix Baumgartner, and vintage watch expert Auro Montanari. Aurel Bacs, watch specialist and cofounder of Bacs & Russo and Vacheron Constantin’s heritage and style director Christian Selmoni will oversee the jury. “As a lifelong enthusiast of Concours d’Élégance concept, it has long been my dream to bring this concept to fine watchmaking,” Bacs said in a press statement. “I am delighted that Vacheron Constantin has accepted our invitation to support the world’s very first Concours d’Élégance dedicated to timepieces and I look forward to the inspiring discoveries and scholarly conversations that will emerge from the timepieces entered in this competition.” You can sign up for the competition starting on January 19, with submissions open until April 30, either on Vacheron’s website or in the brand’s stores. The winners will receive their trophies—and the ultimate bragging rights—on November 10, following Phillips and Bacs & Russo’s fall auctions. Let the games begin! *This article was originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** News, Vacheron Constantin, Watch Collector, Watches --- ### [The Girard-Perregaux Laureato: Simply Sophisticated](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-girard-perregaux-laureato-a-stunningly-simple-watch-with-full-mechanical-architecture/) **Published:** January 8, 2026 **Author:** Carl Cunanan **Content:** [Girard-Perregaux](https://robbreport.ph/tag/girard-perregaux/ "girard-perregaux") has played an important role in shaping the history of watchmaking. The brand is also distinct in the way it does things. Take for instance The Three (golden) Bridges. It was initially created for pocket watches in 1867, but broke ground in the fine watchmaking space when it was resized to fit wristwatches. These were offered in yellow or rose gold. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Calibre-of-the-GP-Laureato-2240x1673.webp) *Photo: Girard-Perregaux* Today, Girard-Perregaux takes an interesting route with the Laureato. It is a design that comes from a time when designers and makers were introducing integrated bracelet watches, featuring shapes being put together. Typically, rounded shapes like circles and octagons would flow into the bracelets. I’ve always thought that the Laureato presented the most subtle and elegant interpretation of this popular design, although they did not become instant bestsellers. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/GP-Laureato-2-2240x2986.webp) *Photo: Girard-Perregaux* The Laureato added softness where others focused on sharp edges. Girard-Perregaux integrated the three gold bridges into the Laureato and opted for a more monochromatic, subtle finish. This is achieved with a 41mm case done in steel with a white gold bezel. The result, a seemingly simple watch with amazing depth to it. This, by no means, makes the piece accessible. It’s a steel watch that starts in excess of €175,000 (Php11.9 million). ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Know-how-behind-the-Laureato-Three-Gold-Bridges-2240x1680.webp) *Photo: Girard-Perregaux* Girard-Perregaux has released two versions. There is a non-limited version, done in stainless steel with a white gold bezel set in 32 baguette cut diamonds. Unique to the brand is a limited edition, all steel design that will release only 50 pieces. It is testament to the unique vision of Girard-Perregaux, and an excellent example of how different treatments of a watch can resonate with varying audiences and markets. And I’m really glad that they’re pushing forward the way they are. ***This article originally appeared in [Robb Report Philippines’ Travel Issue, December 2026](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-december-2025-the-travel-issue/).*** **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** girard-perregaux --- ### [Land Rover Competed in the Dakar Rally for the First Time in Over 40 Years—and Won Its Class](https://robbreport.ph/cars/land-rover-competed-in-the-dakar-rally-for-the-first-time-in-over-40-years-and-won-its-class/) **Published:** January 23, 2026 **Author:** Karl Brauer **Content:** [Land Rover](https://robbreport.ph/tag/land-rover/ "Land Rover") has been busy. In the past 12 months, the British brand launched its newest, most capable off-road vehicle yet, the [Defender Octa](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-land-rover-octa-is-fun-with-a-bit-of-an-attitude/ "The Land Rover Octa is Fun, With a Bit of an Attitude"). It then worked with the FIA (Federation Internationale de l’Automobile) to certify the Octa for the World Rally-Raid Championship series. Land Rover has also become the official car partner of the Dakar Rally, returned to factory-sponsored competition in said rally for the first time in over 40 years, and proceeded to win its class. Calling this period “the most impressive year in Land Rover’s history” might sound like hyperbole, but it’s pretty accurate. The first Dakar Rally took place in 1979, and Land Rover won it with a nearly showroom-stock Range Rover Classic. The brand won again in 1981, then went into a Dakar Rally support role, supplying vehicles capable of transporting race crews, media, and medical personnel along the same route used by the race vehicles. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Land-Rover-Defender-Dakar-Rally-1_4570c0.webp) Land Rover returned to the Dakar Rally as a competitor for the first time in more than 40 years, and then won its class. *Photo: A.S.O.J. Delfosse, courtesy of Land Rover* Thankfully, for Land Rover fans pining to see its vehicles scaling rocks and cresting sand dunes in full race mode, their patience has been rewarded. A factory-sponsored, three-team effort just competed in the Stock class at the 2026 Dakar Rally, which ended on January 17. Land Rover has further committed to a factory effort for the 2027 and 2028 race seasons. Company reps told us they expect to see multiple mainstream manufacturers join Land Rover in offering factory teams in the same category in the coming years, including Ford with its Raptor R. *Robb Report* was on hand to witness Land Rover’s Defender Dakar D7X-R entries in action during the multiday contest. These machines start out as examples of the Defender Octa model variant, but swap the Octa’s advanced 6D active suspension for a dedicated race design engineered by Bilstein. The front suspension uses a single spring up front, but twin dampers are required in the rear to deal with the D7X-R’s 145-gallon fuel tank. This massive tank fills the cargo area, replacing the Defender’s third-row seating, and weighs approximately 900 pounds when full. A roll cage, a wider track, a lower gear ratio, a higher ride height, and 35-inch tires on 17-inch wheels complete the chassis upgrades. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Land-Rover-Defender-Dakar-Rally-6_89072c.webp) Known as the Bivouac, a traveling support community meets with race teams between rally stages to provide repairs and respite. *Photo: Land Rover* The Defender Octa’s standard 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 and eight-speed automatic transmission are retained, though with an improved cooling system and reduced power to meet FIA rules. Team officials told us the factory engine’s 626 hp output is down to around 400 hp in race trim, meeting the FIA’s limit of 1 hp per 14 pounds of vehicle weight. Original bodywork is also a requirement of the rules, though wider fender flares are allowed to encase the D7X-R’s wheel track, which has been expanded by 2.4 inches. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Land-Rover-Defender-Dakar-Rally-7_37e157.webp) Land Rover’s race support includes repair stations, parts replacement, and advanced monitoring technology. *Photo: Land Rover* The engineers behind the D7X-R’s chassis and suspension design appear to know their stuff, as these Defenders placed first-in-class in nearly every stage of the rally, and ultimately finished in first, second, and fourth overall in the Stock class, while Toyota took third. Covering a total distance of 5,000 miles across the Saudi Arabian desert, the Dakar Rally includes everything from high-speed stretches across sand dunes to rocky passes, not to mention the occasional nomadic camp site. Challenges include an ever-present fine dust, extreme temperatures, and complex navigation routes. Any of these could halt a vehicle’s progress. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Land-Rover-Defender-Dakar-Rally-4.webp) While mostly stock, the Defender Dakar D7X-R uses a modified suspension, fuel system, and cooling system. *Photo: Land Rover* Land Rover arranged for a few non-participants, including *Robb Report*, to drive the same Dakar Rally stages as the race teams, but in completely stock Defenders. No reengineered suspension with elevated ride height. No enhanced cooling capacity or wider track. Not even a swap of the factory wheels and tires. Just get in a showroom Defender—and go! And go we did, over the same shifting sand dunes, rock-strewn riverbeds, and endless dusty plains the race teams traversed just 24 hours earlier. Of course, we didn’t have the same podium-finish pressure as the factory drivers, so we didn’t carry the same speeds or push the vehicles as aggressively over the varied landscape. But the same environmental demands remained. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Land-Rover-Defender-Dakar-Rally-5.webp) Land Rover drivers Oriol Vidal (left) and Rokas Baciuška (right) won the Stock class in the 2026 Dakar Rally. *Photo: Land Rover* The Defender’s capabilities, even in stock form, get to the heart of why Land Rover has reengaged with the Dakar Rally. The world has gone S.U.V. crazy over the past 20 years, with the category replacing many of the traditional sedan and station-wagon nameplates that have gone extinct in the U.S. It makes sense, as there’s no arguing the increased flexibility and utility offered by [S.U.V.s](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-10-best-midsize-luxury-suvs-to-buy-now/ "The 10 Best Midsize Luxury SUVs to Buy Now"). But the image of independence or adventure that early examples offered has been blotted out by the S.U.V.’s now-ubiquitous presence at every stop light and parking lot. The only message the average model transmits in 2026 is, “I’ve joined the crowd.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Land-Rover-Defender-Dakar-Rally-3_430f78.webp) Crossing over 5,000 miles of sand dunes, mountain passes, and dusty plains makes the Dakar Rally motorsport’s ultimate off-road endurance test. *Photo: Edo Photo/Irina Petrichei, courtesy of Land Rover* If you’re a serious S.U.V. brand looking to make a serious statement about your products’ prowess, you need more than a boxy shape and elevated ride height. Land Rover has now taken a high-profile step in authenticating the Defender’s pedigree at the most grueling, and prestigious, off-road race venue on the planet. And unlike so many of today’s race series, including Formula 1 and NASCAR, the FIA’s World Rally-Raid Championship has a Stock class based on a car any consumer can buy at their dealer. ***Click [here](https://robbreport.ph/cars/land-rover-at-the-2026-dakar-rally-in-photos/) for more photos of Land Rover at the 2026 Dakar Rally.*** [](https://robbreport.com/?post_type=pmc-gallery&p=1237513431/)*This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** Dakar, Land Rover, Land Rover Defender, suv --- ### [Land Rover at the 2026 Dakar Rally in Photos](https://robbreport.ph/cars/land-rover-at-the-2026-dakar-rally-in-photos/) **Published:** January 23, 2026 **Author:** Karl Brauer **Content:** *Read the full article [here](https://robbreport.ph/cars/land-rover-competed-in-the-dakar-rally-for-the-first-time-in-over-40-years-and-won-its-class/).* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Land-Rover-Defender-Dakar-Rally-1_4570c0.webp) Land Rover returned to the Dakar Rally as a competitor for the first time in more than 40 years, and then won its class. *Photo: A.S.O.J. Delfosse, courtesy of Land Rover* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Land-Rover-Defender-Dakar-Rally-6_89072c.webp) Known as the Bivouac, a traveling support community meets with race teams between rally stages to provide repairs and respite. *Photo: Land Rover* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Land-Rover-Defender-Dakar-Rally-7_37e157.webp) Land Rover’s race support includes repair stations, parts replacement, and advanced monitoring technology. *Photo: Land Rover* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Land-Rover-Defender-Dakar-Rally-4.webp) While mostly stock, the Defender Dakar D7X-R uses a modified suspension, fuel system, and cooling system. *Photo: Land Rover* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Land-Rover-Defender-Dakar-Rally-5.webp) Land Rover drivers Oriol Vidal (left) and Rokas Baciuška (right) won the Stock class in the 2026 Dakar Rally. *Photo: Land Rover* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Land-Rover-Defender-Dakar-Rally-2.webp) Land Rover drivers Sean Berriman and Sara Price finished second in the Stock class. *Photo: Land Rover* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Land-Rover-Defender-Dakar-Rally-12-w.webp) Land Rover drivers Mika Metge (left) and Stéphane Peterhansel (right) finished fourth in the 2026 Dakar Rally’s Stock class. *Photo: Land Rover* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Land-Rover-Defender-Dakar-Rally-3_430f78.webp) Crossing over 5,000 miles of sand dunes, mountain passes, and dusty plains makes the Dakar Rally motorsport’s ultimate off-road endurance test. *Photo: Edo Photo/Irina Petrichei, courtesy of Land Rover* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/DEFENDER_DAKAR_D7X-R_INTERIOR_13.webp) A look at the tech-laden interior of the Defender Dakar D7X-R. *Photo: Land Rover* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/DEFENDER_RALLY_DEFENDER_DAKAR_D7X-R_RALLY_13-w.webp) A Land Rover Defender Dakar D7X-R placed first for its class in nearly every stage of the 2026 Dakar Rally. *Photo: Land Rover* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** Dakar Rally, Land Rover, Land Rover Defender, suv --- ### [Frederique Constant’s Runabout Collection Sets Sail](https://robbreport.ph/watches/frederique-constants-runabout-collection-sets-sail/) **Published:** December 21, 2025 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** Every revolution around the sun has a way of reminding us of what endures. Frederique Constant leans into that sentiment this new year with the Runabout Collection, a series of limited-edition timepieces inspired by the golden age of nautical travel. Paired beautifully with a die-cast Riva boat in every presentation box, each set acts as an invitation into a world where heritage and adventure share the same horizon. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-16-at-35956-PM.webp) *Frederique Constant* Frederique Constant’s partnership with the Riva Historical Society anchors the collection, drawing from the legacy of those iconic mahogany runabout boats that once cut across Lake Como and the Riviera like polished arrows. The watches inherit the same vocabulary, evident in its clean lines, lacquer-like dials, and a quiet assurance that speaks to a certain kind of cultivated traveler. But what really elevates this year’s edition into a fuller experience is the inclusion of a collector’s piece. Housed within the presentation box is the meticulously crafted die-cast Riva yacht. It arrives as an unexpected flourish. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/FC_WEB_Collections_Pages_Pictures_Runabout_F-600x751-1.webp) *Frederique Constant* For Frederique Constant, the Runabout Collection is a bridge between precision Swiss watchmaking and the romance of classic nautical exploration. The latest models—including references FC-303RMLN5B6, FC-303RMLN3B6, FC-303RMS6B6, FC-303RMB5B6, and FC-303RMS5B4—retain the maison’s penchant for understated sophistication. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-16-at-40052-PM.webp) Frederique Constant Collectors will certainly appreciate the automatic calibers, sunray dials, and applied markers that glint like horizon lines at dusk. Other variations in the lineup, such as the FC-392 series, introduce chronograph functionality for those who prefer their adventures timed to the second. This collection’s power comes from a disciplined, refined touch. Frederique Constant, of course, has long championed a more grounded vision of Swiss luxury, now unusual in a market ruled by rising prices and perpetual waitlists. And the Runabout models lean into that ethos thoughtfully. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/FC-303RMS6B6-2240x1493.webp) *Frederique Constant* The 42 mm case proportions remain one of the line’s greatest strengths. It’s broad enough for presence and restrained enough for daily wear. The automatic FC-303 and FC-392 calibers, too, are dependable workhorses, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to honest Swiss mechanics rather than flashier posturing. Of all things, however, dial execution is where the collection really shines: sunray finishes catch light with a painterly sweep, applied markers lend depth, and the luminous treatment echoes maritime instrumentation without tipping into novelty. The chronograph variants add functional range while preserving the line’s clean symmetry. The result is an object that feels equally suited to boardrooms, casual dinners, and yes, the ritual of travel. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Frederique_Constant_Yacht_Timer_Event_Cannes_2019_4.webp) Frederique Constant Then there’s the presentation box. The die-cast Riva yacht asserts its own narrative by orienting itself as a sort of talisman for the dreamer (think of it as a wink to the golden age of leisure when craftsmanship bordered on the poetic). Placed on a desk or shelf, it becomes a reminder that time, much like the sea, rewards those who move with purpose. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Frederique_Constant_Yacht_Timer_Event_Cannes_2019_3.webp) Frederique Constant **Where to Experience the Collection** Frederique Constant’s Runabout Collection offers today’s watch collectors something steady and beautifully made to hold close. This year, it arrives in a presentation box that carries not only a timepiece but a small wooden boat poised for its next journey, so to speak, inviting its recipient to navigate the season—and perhaps the years ahead—with the same measured grace. In the Philippines, the Runabout Collection is available at: - Frederique Constant, The Podium - Tempus, Ayala Center Cebu - Tempus, City of Dreams - Tempus, SM Mall of Asia - The Watch Store, SM City Fairview - The Watch Store, SM City North EDSA - The Watch Store, SM Lanang Premier *Holiday shoppers can also explore exclusive offerings through The Watch Store’s* [*website*](https://thewatchstore.ph/?srsltid=AfmBOopsIEVsHExlUeaWooAyMIuMfXn5Qa8mrca7NoFX1ipuIC91a26j)*and follow their* [*Facebook*](https://www.facebook.com/thewatchstoreph/)*and* [*Instagram*](https://www.instagram.com/thewatchstoreph/?hl=en) *pages for updates and announcements. More information* [*here*](https://frederiqueconstant.com/filter/holiday-season-2025/?v=77e0cc5ce1c2)*.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** frederique constant, runabout --- ### [Legendary Italian Fashion Designer Valentino Garavani Dies at 93](https://robbreport.ph/style/fashion/legendary-italian-fashion-designer-valentino-garavani-dies-at-93/) **Published:** January 21, 2026 **Author:** Nicole Hoey **Content:** The [fashion](https://robbreport.ph/style/fashion/ "Fashion") industry is mourning the loss of another titan. Valentino Garavani, the Italian luminary whose glamorous designs defined decades of fashion, died at his home in Rome, his [foundation announced](https://fondazionevg-gg.com/storage/press/pdf/press-release-eng-4SZm.pdf) on Monday. He was 93. “The maison remembers Valentino Garavani with deep emotion and profound affection,” the Valentino house said in a statement. “His unique style and innate elegance will remain forever. We share with heartfelt sympathy the grief of his loved ones, and we remain committed to preserving and elevating the valued creative, cultural, and human heritage he entrusted to us, upon which Maison Valentino is founded.” Garavani was born in Voghera, a small town outside of Milan, in 1932. He always had an interest in fashion, but he took his first official step into the industry at 17, when he ventured to Paris to attend both the École des Beaux-Arts and the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne, *Town & Country* [reported.](https://www.townandcountrymag.com/style/fashion-trends/a66016534/valentino-designer-death-obituary/) After apprenticing at many a Parisian house in the ‘50s, Garavani stepped out on his own in 1959, when he opened his own brand in Rome. His designs quickly caught the eye of Elizabeth Taylor, who was one of the first A-listers to don his work. In 1960, Garavani and his partner Giancarlo Ciammetti opened Maison Valentino, and the rest, as they say, is history, as his couture designs and eye for elegant beauty quickly took the fashion world by storm. Garavani also made Valentino’s famed bright-red hue synonymous with the brand; the shade made its first appearance in his Spring/Summer collection of 1959. From then on, red was a symbol of the house, one that was “a nonfading mark, a logo, an iconic element of the brand, a value,” he once said, according to *[The New York Times.](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/19/style/valentino-garavani-dead.html)* Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy were just a few stars who wore pieces sprung from Valentino’s mind. For the latter, the designer crafted the dress she wore to her then-husband John F. Kennedy’s funeral, as well as the dress she wore when she married Aristotle Onassis in 1968. Julia Roberts, meanwhile, accepted her Oscar for best actress in 2001 in a black-and-white gown from Garavani. Valentino became a popular name in the beauty realm, too, with its first fragrance debuting in 1979. Garavani resigned from his post as creative director of Maison Valentino in 2008, after almost half a century at the helm. “In Italy, there is the Pope—and there is Valentino,” Walter Veltroni, the then-mayor of Rome, said in a 2005 *[New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2005/09/26/the-kingdom-2)* profile of the designer. Garavani will lie in state in Piazza Mignanelli for several days; then, his funeral will take place on Friday, January 23, at the Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, in Piazza della Repubblica 8 in Rome, at 11 a.m. The Italian designer is just the latest of the famed luxury designers to pass within the past year. Last September, prolific creative [Giorgio Armani](https://robbreport.com/lifestyle/news/giorgio-armani-obiturary-1237014868/) died at the age of 91. In addition to being a renowned businessman, he has been credited with transforming womenswear, with stars from Cate Blanchett to Julia Roberts sporting his silhouettes, as well as relaxing menswear, too. Both Armani and Garavani were among the last of a generation-defining era of fashion, one that changed the dynamic of the industry as we know it. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Fashion, Style --- ### [Here’s How I See the Watch World Entering 2026](https://robbreport.ph/watches/heres-how-i-see-the-watch-world-entering-2026/) **Published:** January 21, 2026 **Author:** Victoria Gomelsky **Content:** For most people in the luxury watch trade, 2025 lived up to its promise as the Year of the Snake—it was indeed a year of shedding. Rolex shed its reputation for favoring “evolution over revolution” in April when it unveiled the Land-Dweller, featuring a [game-changing new movement](https://robbreport.ph/watches/the-new-rolex-land-dweller/ "The New Rolex Land-Dweller"). Brands continued to shed retail partners as they embraced a direct sales model, a phenomenon embodied by the proliferation of monobrand boutiques across the country and the world. Mostly, though, watchmakers shed sales as worries over inflation and lingering economic uncertainty, amplified by the yo-yoing tariffs, chilled the primary market, dimming prospects for growth. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/tudor-black-bay.webp) Tudor’s Black Bay 58 *Photo: Tudor* I don’t pretend to know the answers to these questions, but I have some ideas about where to look for them. On the product front, it can be helpful to reflect on what was happening three years ago. That’s about the time when 2026 models were conceived and/or developed. In early 2023, the pandemic-era glow had worn off watch sales, kicking off a luxury slowdown that continues to cast a pall over the trade. That was the first post-pandemic year in which makers of hard luxuries felt serious competition from providers of luxury experiences, with the latter often winning out. (Just look to the booming superyacht market, where “sales of boats over 80 meters, about the length of a riverboat cruise ship, almost doubled from 2023 levels, and are on track to hold steady in 2025,” *The* *New York Times* [reported](https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/08/realestate/american-superyacht-buyers.html) in November.) What that suggests to me is a year of muted newness—more cosmetic iterations than bold new displays of watchmaking prowess. For brands looking to fight fire with fire, it also portends more emphasis on experiential retail, and a doubling down on the monobrand retail approach, which allows them to better control the experiences they offer. Watch predictions for the new year invariably linger on the anniversaries and milestones the industry will celebrate. If you want to get granular (the 50th anniversary of the Heuer Monza, for example), there are plenty of them. But I’ll just call out the two that strike me as most noteworthy: the 50th anniversary of the Patek Philippe Nautilus and the 100th anniversary of Tudor. In the secondary market, which has to a large extent benefitted from the struggles in the primary market, I expect to see more digital players along the lines of Collected.io and Bezel compete for a piece of the $30 billion pre-owned pie. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/FPJourne-Francis-Ford-Coppola-FFC.webp) This F.P. Journe watch, made exclusively for Francis Ford Coppola, sold for a whopping $10.75 million in a new record for the brand. *Photo: Phillips* Last but not least come the independents, led by F.P. Journe, which closed 2025 with some [monster auction news](https://robbreport.ph/the-luxe-dispatch/the-luxe-dispatch-two-titans-of-cinema-two-stunning-collections-on-auction/ "The 5 Most Exciting Watches in Phillips’s December Auction, From Francis Ford Coppola’s F.P.Journe to a Sultan’s Rolex") that either means the brand will continue to burn up the secondary market in 2026 or is poised to fall from its peak. We’ll know more come April, when the brand is due to open its museum in Geneva. Elsewhere in the indie universe (mind you, I’m using the term “indie” extremely loosely), MB&F will introduce the first wristwatch designed by Maximilian Maertens, founder Max Büsser’s hand-picked successor, while Breitling is poised to relaunch the sleeping beauties Universal Genève and Gallet. For their sake, let’s hope the industry’s mood brightens by then. Personally, I prefer a turbulent market to a placid one, but that’s only because I’m not a seller. As a reporter, it’s far more interesting to write about the Sturm und Drang of the global luxury watch trade than to repeat myself in story after story touting how well everyone is doing. Then again, it’s not like any year is fully good or fully bad. “It’s tough to make predictions, especially about the future,” Yogi Berra famously quipped, but I feel confident about this one: 2026 will be a mixed bag for the watch world. Buckle up and ride on. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US*. **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** Feature, Watch Collector, Watches --- ### [This Legendary Lürssen Gigayacht Can Be Yours for $186 Million](https://robbreport.ph/boats/this-legendary-lurssen-gigayacht-can-be-yours-for-186-million/) **Published:** January 20, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** One of the world’s most famous superyachts could now be yours. Lürssen’s headline-making *Pelorus* has hit the market with an asking price of €160 million (about $186.4 million at the current exchange rate). The 377-foot [gigayacht](https://robbreport.ph/tag/gigayacht/ "Gigayacht") has not only an exceptional pedigree but also an incredible history, making it an excellent addition to any fleet. “Yachts of this provenance are seldom offered,” Alex Banning of SuperyachtsMonaco tells *Robb Report.* “Ownership of *Pelorus* is not an acquisition so much as a custodianship—an opportunity to steward one of the most consequential yachts ever built.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Pelorus-Tender-8.webp) Pelorus with one of her tenders. *Photo: Steven M Jones* *Pelorus* was originally delivered by Lürssen in 2003. It was the largest yacht the German shipyard had constructed at that point. It was also one of the biggest private cruisers on the water at that time. Size isn’t her only “wow” factor, though. Exterior designer Tim Heywood eschewed the angular, tiered silhouettes of the 1990s and instead gave *Pelorus* a flowing, horizontal profile. Her sleek, streamlined form was considered revolutionary in the early 2000s. Interior designer Terence Disdale also departed from convention, prioritizing comfort and flow over the opulence and formality favored in that era. Her open-plan layout was, again, quite radical for the time. *Pelorus* is clearly a trend-setter, with her long, elegant lines and relaxed living quarters now commonplace on modern superyachts. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Pelorus-Main-Salon-4.webp) The main salon. *Photo: Steven M Jones* Unsurprisingly, the yacht has attracted a few high-profile owners over the past two decades. *Pelorus* was built for a Saudi businessman, who sold it to former Chelsea FC owner [Roman Abramovich](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4gprgyr707o) the same year it was delivered, according to *[Boat International](https://www.boatinternational.com/yachts/editorial-features/iconic-yachts-pelorus)*. Dreamworks cofounder David Geffen reportedly bought the yacht for an estimated $300 million in 2011, but sold it to the Royal Family of Abu Dhabi later that year. It was then sold to Chinese billionaire Samuel Tak Lee in 2016, according to several [industry sources](https://yachtharbour.com/news/pelorus-sold-to-chinese-billionaire-1026). *Pelorus* has had multiple refits since delivery, with the most recent work completed in 2025. With a massive volume of 5,403 GT and no less than seven decks, the behemoth can sleep 24 guests in 12 cabins and 46 crew. As you may expect, there are amenities aplenty, too, including a spa, a high-tech gym, a cinema, a nightclub, a beauty salon, and a beach club. Other highlights include two helipads, a swimming pool, a Jacuzzi, and a full fleet of water toys. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Pelorus-Aerial-43.webp) The aft decks. *Photo: Steven M Jones* Performance-wise, *Pelorus* is equipped with two Wärtsilä V-12 engines, four Quantum zero-speed stabilizers, and five generators. All that means she can travel smoothly and quietly at a top speed of 20 knots or a cruising speed of 12 knots for up to 6,000 nautical miles. “For her next owner, *Pelorus* offers something increasingly rare: a private world unto herself, capable of delivering travel, solitude, elite levels of service, and experiences on a scale that remains both luxurious and profoundly secure,” Banning adds. *Pelorus* is for sale with [Burgess](https://www.burgessyachts.com/en/buy-a-yacht/yachts-for-sale/pelorus-00000967), [Merle Wood & Associates](https://www.merlewood.com/luxury-yacht-for-sale-46802/pelorus-yacht), and [SuperYachtsMonaco](https://www.superyachtsmonaco.com/sales/115m-lurssen-yacht-for-sale/). ***Click [here](https://robbreport.ph/boats/pelorus-in-photos/) to see more photos of the yacht.*** *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Boats **Tags:** Gigayacht, Lurssen, News, Superyacht --- ### [‘Pelorus’ in Photos](https://robbreport.ph/boats/pelorus-in-photos/) **Published:** January 20, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** Originally delivered by Lürssen in 2003, *Pelorus* has become one of the world’s most famous superyachts. Click [here](https://robbreport.ph/boats/this-legendary-lurssen-gigayacht-can-be-yours-for-186-million/) to read the full story. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Pelorus-Tender-8.webp) Pelorus with one of her tenders. *Photo: Steven M Jones* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Pelorus-Aerial-43.webp) The aft decks. *Photo: Steven M Jones* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Pelorus-Main-Salon-4.webp) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Pelorus-Dining-Room-1.webp) The dining room. *Photo: Steven M Jones* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Pelorus-Owners-Cabin-2.webp) The owner’s suite. *Photo: Steven M Jones* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Pelorus-Owners-Study-13.webp) The owner’s study. *Photo: Steven M Jones* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Pelorus-Hair-Salon-1.webp) The beauty salon. *Photo: Steven M Jones* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Pelorus-Massage-Spa-6.webp) The spa. *Photo: Steven M Jones* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Pelorus-Cinema-5.webp) The cinema. *Photo: Steven M Jones* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Pelorus-Panoramic-Lounge-Bar-9.webp) The panoramic lounge bar and nightclub. *Photo: Steven M Jones* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Pelorus-Exterior-Outside-Decks-32.webp) The pool and Jacuzzi. *Photo: Steven M Jones* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Boats **Tags:** Lurssen --- ### [DESIGNPhilippines Returns to Maison&Objet Paris 2026](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/design/designphilippines-returns-to-maisonobjet-paris-2026/) **Published:** January 19, 2026 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** Philippine design is starting strong this year with the ongoing DESIGNPhilippines’ exhibit at Maison&Objet in Paris. Led by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the banner program participation in Maison&Objet. Recognized as one of the world’s premier platforms for home, lifestyle, and design, the fair’s 2026 theme, *Past Reveals Future*, explores how heritage continues to inform contemporary creation—an idea closely aligned with the way Filipino brands draw from tradition while designing for a global market. At Maison&Objet, DESIGNPhilippines presents Artipelago III, a curated showcase featuring 14 Filipino brands working with natural materials such as rattan, bamboo, stone, abaca, and indigenous weaves. Spanning furniture, home décor, and lighting, the collection highlights collaborations between designers and artisan communities, underscoring how Filipino design remains deeply rooted in local culture, collective heritage, and craft traditions. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/1604300454195_5.webp) Spaceship pendant lamp by SCHEMA The participating exhibitors at Maison&Objet include 51 All Weather, Aerostone, Beatriz Accessories, Bon Ace, Calfurn, CSM, Finali, Galerie D’Antoine, Mele + Marie, Nature’s Legacy, Prizmic & Brill, Schema, Moodism, Tahanan, and WeaveManila. Their offerings range from modern outdoor furniture and stone-crafted pieces to fine bone china dining accessories, woven rugs, and lighting designs—collectively showcasing both technical skill and distinct design sensibilities. For CITEM, participation in these European fairs extends beyond export promotion. It is an opportunity to showcase the capabilities of Filipino makers, the value of local materials, and the role of sustainability in contemporary design. Through this global platform, the Philippines demonstrates how culture, craftsmanship, and responsible production can converge within an increasingly competitive international market. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Beatriz_Prado_Filipino_Artisans_South_Sea_Veneer_Zacarias.webp) Beatriz Accessories x Deqa Design Collab “With the great reception from 2025’s European trade shows, the coming year is promising for Filipino products to shine once again in Maison et Objet and Ambiente,” Leah Pulido Ocampo, Executive Director of CITEM, shared. “These efforts cultivate our banner program DESIGNPhilippines to become a leading source of contemporary home and lifestyle products rooted in material innovation and cultural craft,” she added. *Maison & Objet Paris concludes today, January 19. Visit for more information.* **Categories:** Design, Home & Design **Tags:** 51 All Weather, Aerostone, Beatriz Accessories, Bon Ace, Calfurn, Citem, CSM, Finali, Galerie D’Antoine, Maison et Objet, Mele + Marie, Moodism, Nature’s Legacy, Paris, Prizmic & Brill, Schema, Tahanan, WeaveManila --- ### [The New Ferrari Amalfi Sports Car Is a Powerful Successor to the Roma](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-new-ferrari-amalfi-sports-car-is-a-powerful-successor-to-the-roma/) **Published:** January 19, 2026 **Author:** Jonny Lieberman **Content:** To be considered a success, the new [Ferrari Amalfi](https://robbreport.ph/cars/ferrari-amalfi-fixes-everything-that-was-wrong-with-the-roma/ "The New Ferrari Amalfi Fixes Everything That Was Wrong With the Roma") needed to improve upon what’s perhaps the automaker’s most underrated model of all time, the handsome Roma it replaces. A tall order, but [Ferrari](https://robbreport.ph/tag/ferrari/ "Ferrari") has proved pretty good at the whole building-great-sports-cars thing. Though the Amalfi is technically a mid-cycle refresh of the Roma, its body has changed radically enough to justify the new name. Big power remains a modern-day sports car must-have, and this new two-door delivers. Using the latest iteration of the 3.9-liter twin-turbo V-8—with a flat-plane crank—found in its predecessor, the 631 hp Amalfi kicks out an additional 19 hp while generating the Roma-equivalent 561 ft lbs of torque. Yet thanks to new turbochargers and an engine controller borrowed from Ferrari’s [296](https://robbreport.ph/cars/ferrari-296-gts/ "Thinking Forward. Thinking Past. The Ferrari 296 GTS") GT3 EVO race car, the engine now revs quicker, so all that torque shows up sooner. The eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transaxle carries over as well, though it has been reprogrammed to shift with greater speed and polish. The interior, too, represents a meaningful step forward, feeling roomier and more premium in execution. Notably, the much-maligned touch-sensitive steering-wheel controls—the No. 1 complaint of Roma owners—have been replaced with proper buttons once again (except those for the mirrors, which remain haptic). ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Ferrari_Amalfi_1.webp) With an improved power train compared to its predecessor, the 631 hp Ferrari Amalfi starts at $261,810. *Courtesy of Ferrari* Where the Roma obscured the line between a classic grand tourer and a sports car with supercar tendencies, the Amalfi confuses things further. Leave the manettino dial in Comfort mode and the model reveals itself to be one hell of a G.T. The body is controlled, the cabin is genuinely comfortable (especially with the optional massaging seats engaged), and the engine’s power is far more than adequate, allowing the car to reach 62 mph in 3.3 seconds and a top speed of 199 mph. Click up to Sport or Race mode (available selections also include Wet, Comfort, and ESC Off), and suddenly the continent-crosser morphs into a high-strung canyon carver, one with enough punch to hang with more-muscular exotics. Turn-in is quick, if not quite as immediate as the 296’s. Roadholding is excellent, and Ferrari’s Side Slip Control 6.1 means that you can wag the Amalfi’s tail without worrying about winding up in a ditch. Couple that safeguarded agility with supercar-level thrust, and the category lines don’t just blur—they seem to disappear. As much fun as the Roma was on a back road, the Amalfi takes it to the next level. Long gone are the days when Maranello’s introductory models—think the original Ferrari California—fell short of the badge. Anyone who loves driving will love the Amalfi, full stop. And with a starting price of $261,810, roughly $8,500 less than that of the current Porsche 911 Turbo S, this Prancing Horse has a value proposition that makes it even more compelling. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** Ferrari, ferrari amalfi, Ferrari Roma --- ### [Jacob & Co. Just Unveiled the World’s Fastest Tourbillon](https://robbreport.ph/watches/jacob-co-just-unveiled-the-worlds-fastest-tourbillon/) **Published:** January 16, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** [Jacob & Co.](https://robbreport.ph/watches/tom-brady-wears-a-jacob-co-watch-decked-in-yellow-sapphires-to-the-super-bowl-2/ "Tom Brady Wears a Jacob & Co. Watch Decked in Yellow Sapphires to the Super Bowl")’s newest [watch](https://robbreport.ph/tag/watch/ "Watch") has a divine power. The aptly named God of Time is equipped with a groundbreaking tourbillon that spins at a record-breaking four seconds per rotation. That makes it five times faster than classic one-minute tourbillons. It also makes it a whole second quicker than the Franck Muller Thunderbolt, meaning it takes the crown as the world’s fastest tourbillon. It will run for 60 hours on a single wind, making it properly weekend-proof, too. That Jacob & Co. is behind such a heavenly creation is not exactly surprising. The New York-based watch and jewelry maker specializes in tourbillons, incorporating different iterations—single-axis, flying, automatic, skeletonized, etc.—in over 35 movements. It developed the new caliber JCAM60 from scratch, specifically to set a new record for the fastest tourbillon rotation. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Jacob-Co-God-of-Time-Tourbillon-4.webp) A mini rose-gold sculpture of Chronos is the centerpiece of the blue aventurine dial. *Photo: Jacob & Co.* To achieve that, the tourbillon carriage’s architecture was designed to increase speed by reducing energy consumption through extreme weight reduction. It is mostly made of titanium, resulting in an overall weight of just 0.27 grams. Two sets of two stacked barrels smoothly propel the carriage to astounding speed, making it 15 times faster than the classic 60-second one. To protect the escapement inside, a newly created constant force system lets just the right amount of energy in to feed the balance wheel. The movement is also an aesthetic marvel, clearly visible through the sapphire bridge. Underneath the carriage lies an aventurine slab that creates a starry background on which different components pop. The balance wheel is fitted with eight gold weights, while the hairspring features a Breguet overcoil, for example. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Jacob-Co-God-of-Time-Tourbillon-3.webp) The caseband and crown are ribbed like a pillar shaft. *Photo: Jacob & Co.* The God of Time offers more than just a lightning-quick tourbillon, of course. Inspired by ancient Greek temples, the piece showcases several mythical elements. Atop the dazzling blue aventurine dial lies a miniature rose-gold sculpture of Chronos, the ancient Greek god of time. Measuring 37 mm long, the deity was engraved by hand, resulting in an extraordinary level of detail on his hair, muscles, beard, toga, and even fingernails. He is cradling the tourbillon cage, reflecting his ability to control time. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Jacob-Co-God-of-Time-Tourbillon-2.webp) The blued sapphire crystal caseback features the face and signature of founder Jacob Arabo. *Photo: Jacob & Co.* The 44.25 mm rose-gold case resembles a god’s temple, with architectural lines that emulate a pillar of Ionic style. The caseband is ribbed like a pillar shaft, as is the crown. Flipping it over, the caseback features the face and signature of founder and chairman Jacob Arabo on the blued sapphire crystal. The new watch was created to mark his 60th birthday. Who doesn’t like to celebrate by making horological history? The God of Time is limited to 60 pieces, with price available upon request. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** jacob & co, News, Watch, Watch Collector --- ### [Inside PVT, Manila’s Most Private Members’ Lounge](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/inside-pvt-manilas-most-private-members-lounge/) **Published:** January 15, 2026 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** In a city that thrives on connection but often craves privacy, PVT emerges as Manila’s most compelling new address. Perched high above the skyline in a 1,000-square-meter penthouse, this private members’ lounge embodies what exclusivity means in the modern age: meaningful conversation and exquisite experiences. Conceived as a private sanctuary, PVT was imagined as a world-class members’ club that could stand alongside its global peers in the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. Its mission is simple: to cultivate a space where Manila’s leaders, creatives, and innovators can gather, dine, and converse in comfort and confidence. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/CELLAR_NIGHT_BAR-1.webp) *Photo: Art Alera* The design, led by architect Carlo Calma, captures that ethos perfectly. Known for his sculptural, contemporary sensibility, Calma has created a space that feels both grand and intimate—a rare duality in a time when most may conflate opulence with spectacle. Inside, furniture by Kenneth Cobonpue and Vito Selma lends a strong sense of Filipino identity and sophistication—woven textures, sculptural forms, and natural materials that feel both contemporary and familiar. Its dining destinations are helmed by Chef Robby Goco, celebrated for his ingredient-driven approach and his ability to interpret Mediterranean warmth with precision. Working alongside him is Chef Patrick Ambrosio, whose 18 years o international experience bring depth and continuity to the club’s daily rhythm. Together, they have created a menu that values provenance, balance, and restraint—dishes that speak softly but linger long after the meal ends. Within the club, members can move seamlessly between four distinct experiences: Cirrus, for refined dining; Cellar, for deep wine exploration; Kappo, for an intimate omakase experience; and Nostra, a casual lounge ideal for conversation and cocktails. The programming extends beyond dining, with blind tastings, Champagne showcases, international chef residencies, and curated cultural evenings forming part of a calendar that feels as considered as it is rare. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Copy-of-Dry-aged-USDA-Prime-Angus-Bone-in-Ribeye_SETTING.webp) *Photo: Art Alera* Membership, by invitation only, is designed for those who value privacy and discretion over display. Beyond access to the club’s spaces and events, members enjoy reciprocal privileges at select clubs around the world—a gesture that connects Manila with the global language of private hospitality. What ultimately sets PVT apart is its perspective, cultivated through experience, service, and a community of individuals who share a sensibility rather than a status symbol. With bespoke concierge support, tailored programming, and a devotion to the finer details of living well, PVT establishes itself as more than a place to dine; it’s a space to belong. *For more information, contact PVT Members Lounge at +63 906 450 7095 or email reservations@pvtmemberslounge.ph.* ***This article originally appeared in [Robb Report Philippines’ Travel Issue, December 2026](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-december-2025-the-travel-issue/).*** **Categories:** Food & Drink **Tags:** Cellar, Cirrus, Kappo, Nostra, private dining, PVT --- ### [Silence Has Become the Ultimate Status Symbol](https://robbreport.ph/leisure/silence-has-become-the-ultimate-status-symbol/) **Published:** January 15, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** The longevity movement in wellness is what happens when existential dread gets a venture-capital budget. Our wealthiest friends are abandoning the spectacle of biohacking in favor of something much more controlled, more private, and far more rare. Silence, by many metrics, now behaves like capital, carrying at times what feels like the same gravity as a private island or a Picasso. This pivot did not happen overnight. It accelerated in the post-pandemic years, when excess finally began to feel gauche, and even the ultra-rich grew exhausted by constant exposure. Quiet luxury, once a fashion code, became a wellness philosophy. Logos disappeared, the *real* work moved offstage, so to speak, and the highest form of privilege became the ability to be unreachable. In this new hierarchy, silence, once thought of as equating emptiness, has been made into a scarce, curated resource. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/gravity-floatation-centre-melbourne-7_1.webp) Saddle Row Rockwell’s flotation therapy entails 200 gallons of water warmed to skin temperature with 400kg of magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt). *Photo: Saddle Row Rockwell* What today’s most discerning individuals are really purchasing is an invisible advantage. Cognitive clarity. Faster recovery. Emotional steadiness. A nervous system that does not spike with every incoming email, market swing, or headline. This recalibration has more to do with architecture than aesthetics, really. It keeps these “high performers” functional under extraordinary pressure. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the rise of [sensory deprivation and floatation therapy](https://www.thefarmatsanbenito.com/treatment/sensory-deprivation-floatation/). Once associated with counterculture wellness, floatation has become a foundational ritual inside the private clinics, members-only clubs, and in-home sanctuaries of the ultra-wealthy. Soundproof, lightless, and saturated with magnesium, the float pod offers something no luxury hotel or first-class cabin can: total withdrawal. To float is to opt out. In a hypervisible culture built on constant output, this kind of engineered nothingness signals a new form of control. Inside the pod, cortisol drops, brain waves slow, and the nervous system exits fight-or-flight. For executives, artists, and financiers whose days are defined by endless inputs, the absence itself becomes therapeutic. Yet floatation is rarely the endpoint. It is the gateway, clearing the mind before the rest of the system is optimized. And it is only the first layer of a far more comprehensive regime. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/HBOT-therapy-manila.webp) Asian Hyperbaric Healthcare Inc. in Mandaluyong is the country’s leading HBOT center. *Photo: Asian Hyperbaric* From there, the ecosystem just deepens. Something like [hyperbaric oxygen therapy ](https://www.asian-hyperbaric.com/)(HBOT), in fact, has become one of the most discreetly installed tools in the upper echelon of wellness. By flooding the body with near-pure oxygen under pressure, HBOT accelerates healing, reduces inflammation, and supports neurological function. See, its appeal lies in its statistical obedience. Recovery windows shrink. Fatigue becomes manageable. Cellular performance improves. Increasingly, such chambers are now actually built into private estates, superyachts, and wellness suites, where optimization is simply part of daily life. Whole-body cryotherapy operates with similar logic. While its celebrity image is well known, its real adoption story happens behind closed doors. Three minutes of extreme cold triggers vasoconstriction, endorphins, and rapid inflammation reduction. For the ones of us who cannot afford downtime—the actors between shoots, athletes between competitions, or financiers between flights—cryo’s value lies in its ruthless efficiency. It undoubtedly offers maximum physiological return in minimal time. [Red light](https://robbreport.ph/tag/full-body-red-light-and-near-infrared-therapy/ "Full-Body Red Light and Near-Infrared Therapy") and near-infrared therapy take the philosophy even further. Their effects, including improved mitochondrial function, collagen synthesis, and muscle recovery, accumulate slowly, invisibly, over months and years. That compounding is precisely what makes them attractive. Installed in private homes and villas, these therapies blur into the architecture of daily life. The body is being optimized, but of course, no one needs to know that. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/redlight-therapy-blog.webp) Red light therapy offers anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing properties. It can treat dark spots, discoloration, fine lines, and loose skin, among others. *Photo: UCLA Health* Perhaps most telling, however, are the treatments aimed not at muscles or skin, but at the nervous system itself. Vagus nerve stimulation, parasympathetic retraining, and neurofeedback are increasingly sought by those who recognize stress as the true enemy of longevity. Chronic, low-grade fight-or-flight erodes everything from sleep to immunity to decision-making. Addressing it, at the level of the nervous system, is both subtle and profound. Together, these therapies point to something larger than wellness. They reveal a shift in how power is expressed. In an era of oversharing, hyper-productivity, and public performance, the ability to be unbothered has become its own form of wealth. Silence now operates as a quiet form of control. Nobody no longer wants to be seen *doing* wellness. They want to feel its effects. They want clarity without announcement, resilience without ritual, optimization without all the ruckus. Float pods, oxygen chambers, cryo rooms, and neural therapies, among other otherworldly hacks, all deliver the same message: the highest form of status is what you no longer need to prove. Quiet is the space where power is restored. **Categories:** Health & Wellness, Leisure **Tags:** Full-Body Red Light and Near-Infrared Therapy, health, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Sensory Deprivation and Floatation Therapy, Vagus Nerve Stimulation and Parasympathetic Reset, wellness, Whole-Body Cryotherapy --- ### [Josh Groban’s Second Act](https://robbreport.ph/leisure/entertainment/josh-grobans-second-act/) **Published:** January 16, 2026 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** Josh Groban occupies a rare space in modern music. He is at once a chart-topping recording artist, a Broadway leading man, and a vocalist trusted by Hollywood’s most prestigious film composers. More than that, he remains one of the few artists whose sound is instantly recognizable. In an age dominated by forgettable algorithmic pop and disposable voices, that kind of identity is its own form of luxury. In the Philippines, where his music has soundtracked weddings, heartbreaks, family road trips, and late-night karaoke, his arrival this February feels less like a tour stop and more like a reunion. Groban’s voice has always carried a particular authority. It combines classical breadth with pop immediacy, anchored by a burnished baritone-tenor range, unusually stable legato, and a controlled vibrato that allows him to sustain long lyrical arcs without sacrificing emotional clarity. That same voice has carried him through opera houses and Broadway theaters, across sold-out arenas, and into the soundtracks of some of Hollywood’s most ambitious films. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/groban-manila-4.webp) *Photo: Josh Groban Official Facebook Page* Yet for Groban, mastery has never been about technical perfection. “There are a lot of perfect voices out there better than mine,” he says. “But I don’t feel anything.” What he pursues instead is something far more elusive. “True mastery for me is about how you make your voice more honest and more human.” Legendary producer David Foster once distilled that idea into a single line that still guides him today: “Don’t be the perfect voice. Be the one people can recognize in five seconds.” That philosophy makes more sense when you realize that Groban never planned to be a recording star. Long before he was filling arenas, he was training as an actor. “For me, singing was just a way to be in service of being a better actor,” he says. “I took theater classes, improv classes, Shakespeare… I wanted to do musical theater. I was singing because I thought that was part of my acting world.” So when a record deal arrived at 17, it caught him completely off guard. “Somebody says, ‘I want to make you a recording star.’ That was not in the cards for me at all,” he admits. “I’m still surprised, by the way.” That theatrical foundation, however, never left. It still shapes the way he performs today. “Comedy is all about timing, and music is all about timing,” he explains. “You’re telling stories through a role versus through a song. But you’re still trying to find those universal things that make people feel something.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/groban-feature-53.webp) *Photo: Josh Groban Official Facebook Page* It is also why Groban continues to move effortlessly between [Broadway](https://robbreport.ph/tag/broadway/ "broadway"), television, and the recording studio. “It’s a chance for me to revisit a muscle that is very special to me. I’ll always be the kid that sat at the piano and sang songs,” he says. “There’s something about the connective power of music that will always be number one for me.” That connective power is perhaps felt nowhere more intensely than in the Philippines. Over the years, certain songs have taken on unique lives in different countries, but in Manila, some have become almost personal. One in particular is “She’s Out of My Life.” “I was so surprised when I first toured in the Philippines that that was a song my fans loved me singing,” he says. “I thought, ‘This is a Michael Jackson song. Nobody’s going to know I sang it.’ But in the Philippines, they were like, ‘We feel your pain. Sing that song for us.’” It has since become, as he puts it, “my special song just for Manila.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/544896071_18525905842028963_7574333268241561056_n.webp) *Photo: Josh Groban Official Facebook Page* Two decades into a career most artists only dream of, Groban has also redefined what success means to him. “That kind of success gave me the safety net to take risks,” he says of charts and sales. “But true success is something else.” The pandemic, he explains, sharpened that realization. “In Japanese culture, they call it ‘ikigai’—your purpose. What makes you not just happy, but alive.” Some days, that purpose is recording music. Some days, it is something far quieter. “Some days, that’s picking lemons from my tree because I want to cook something for my family,” he says. “When I lay my head down at night, and I feel like I’ve done good with this day—that’s success.” *The Josh Groban Gems World Tour 2026 will be coming to the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City on February 18, 2026. More information [here](https://smtickets.com/events/view/16124).* **Categories:** Entertainment **Tags:** Features, Gems Tour, Josh Groban, Mall of Asia --- ### [Feadship’s New 162-Foot Superyacht Has Enough Space to Make a Megayacht Jealous](https://robbreport.ph/boats/feadships-new-162-foot-superyacht-has-enough-space-to-make-a-megayacht-jealous/) **Published:** January 13, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** [Feadship](https://robbreport.ph/tag/feadship/ "feadship") is showing that sometimes the smallest changes to a [superyacht](https://robbreport.ph/tag/superyacht/ "Superyacht") can make the biggest difference. The Dutch yard just revealed the exterior of the highly secretive [Project 717](https://www.feadship.nl/pressroom/feadship-reveals-49-50-metre-project-717), allowing us to see how seemingly minor design tweaks have had a major impact. The 162-foot superyacht, which recently left the construction hall at Feadship’s Aalsmeer facility after many months under wraps, offers both length and volume but remains wonderfully in proportion. That visual harmony is the handiwork of Studio De Voogt. The Dutch studio, a longtime collaborator of Feadship, made subtle but deliberate design decisions to create a spacious yet stylish vessel. “In the exterior design, we extended the lines without allowing the yacht to feel stretched,” Jan Schaffers, senior designer at Studio De Voogt, said in a statement. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Feadship-Project-717-Superyacht-7.webp) The 162-footer on the water in the Netherlands. *Feadship* The widened shoulders along the sides of the sundeck provide more real estate up top without detracting from the sleek silhouette. Similarly, fold-down bulwarks expand the main deck when open but disappear into the streamlined body when closed. “When the fold-down bulwarks are open, the deck space and uninterrupted views are comparable to those of a yacht nearly twice this size, enhanced by the generous ceiling on the aft deck.” The expansive main deck has what Schaffers describes as a “strong beach atmosphere,” with plush seating and a glass-fronted Jacuzzi aft. Forward lies a lounging and dining area with large windows that invite the outdoors in. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Feadship-Project-717-Superyacht-5.webp) Project 717 leaving Feadship’s Aalsmeer facility. The sundeck, which Feadship says resembles those on much larger yachts, features a flybridge, a secondary helm station, a bar, a barbecue, and a dining area forward, as well as a bar and lounge aft. More lounge space can be found on the foredeck, with seating and sun pads fronting the yacht. The interior, designed by American studio Marty Lowe, accommodates 10 guests across five staterooms. The highlight is, of course, the full-beam owner’s suite on the main deck, which comes complete with a marble en suite, a private study, a separate dressing area, and panoramic views. The remaining two doubles and two twins are located on the lower deck, along with crew quarters for eight crew. In terms of power, the yacht is equipped with propulsion technology developed through Feadship’s Advanced Electrical Drive program. That almost certainly means a hybrid diesel-electric system, though the yard did not explicitly say that. It did say that propulsion and steering are delivered by thrusters that significantly reduce drag while enhancing efficiency. Project 717 was sold to a long-standing Feadship owner, according to a statement shared last [September](https://www.feadship.nl/pressroom/feadship-resale-announces-the-sale-of-project-717). The yacht will now undergo final preparations ahead of transport to the North Sea, where sea trials will take place before her delivery in spring. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Boats **Tags:** feadship --- ### [BMW Just Officially Took Over Its Most Legendary Tuner](https://robbreport.ph/cars/bmw-just-officially-took-over-its-most-legendary-tuner/) **Published:** January 13, 2026 **Author:** Bryan Hood **Content:** What better time for a new beginning than the start of the year? The German automaker announced that it has taken over full control of its longtime collaborator [Alpina](https://robbreport.com/tag/alpina/) as of Jan. 1. The marque intends to turn the luxury tuner into a standalone brand. The move has been a long time coming. Alpina began tuning BMWs in 1965 and quickly built a reputation because of its excellent handiwork. Then, in 1978, the shop started producing full vehicles based on existing [BMW](https://robbreport.ph/tag/bmw/ "bmw") models. The company has been registered as an automobile manufacturer with the German Federal Ministry of Transport since 1983, and is responsible for some of the most beloved Bimmers, like the B7 Turbo, the Alpina Roadster Limited Edition, and, most recently, the B8 GT (picture above). Its cars have been registered and branded as Alpinas but were sold and could be serviced by authorized BMW dealers. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/bmw-alpina-logo.webp) The new BMW Alpina logo. *BMW* Earlier this decade, BMW decided that it was finally time to take things even further. In March 2022, the automaker announced that it had acquired the tuner. That deal extended the prior corporate agreement between the two companies through the end of 2025. The new brand will be known as BMW Alpina. Along with announcing its name, its parent company also unveiled its logo, which is said to be inspired by the asymmetrical wordmark that the tuner put on its cars in the 1970s. The emblem will be positioned at the center of the rear and is meant to highlight the “standalone character” of the brand’s vehicles. This suggests that the front will be adorned with BMW’s trademark roundel. The automaker also notes that the models, each of which will likely be range-toppers, will offer maximum performance and an “exclusive portfolio of bespoke options.” That is all that is known about the brand as of now, but, since the acquisition was announced, there has been an expectation that BMW will run the new Alpina in a fashion similar to how rival Mercedes-Benz runs Maybach. It’s also unclear when the first of the company’s new ultra-exclusive, high-performance vehicle will arrive, though [BMW Blog expects](https://www.bmwblog.com/2025/12/30/bmw-alpina-7-series-g72-2027/) that vehicle to be based on the 7-Series. *[Car and Driver reports](https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a69903454/bmw-announces-standalone-alpina-brand/)* that another, based on the X7 SUV, will likely follow soon after. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** Alpina, bmw --- ### [Why Colombia’s Bahía Solano Could Be Fishing’s New Frontier](https://robbreport.ph/travel/why-colombias-bahia-solano-could-be-fishings-new-frontier/) **Published:** January 13, 2026 **Author:** Jen Murphy **Content:** A sardine feeding frenzy is one of the world’s ecological wonders. It’s also one of the biggest turn-ons for obsessive anglers. “I’ve seen grown men tremble at the sight,” says Felipe Morales, my host and captain, as he guns our boat through a glassy expanse of the Pacific toward an eruption of frothy white water on the horizon. Within minutes we’re on top of the chaos. Red- and blue-footed boobies relentlessly dive-bomb the surface. Spotted dolphins torpedo through the water. And hordes of massive tuna leap through the air, their hungry mouths agape. Before the [boat](https://robbreport.ph/boats/ "Boats") has even slowed, my guide Jairo Zuñiga rushes toward the bow, spinning rod in hand, and catapults a popper directly into the action. The neon-pink lure barely splashes the surface before a silver flash gobbles it—yanking the line taught—and the battle begins. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RR_ColumbiaFishing11.webp) Black Sands owner Felipe Morales with a roosterfish. *Black Sands Lodge* It’s late March, and I’ve arrived in Bahía Solano, an under-the-radar fishing paradise on Colombia’s wild Pacific coast, just as the sardines have started to pour into the region’s warm waters on their annual spring migration south from Panama. When they cluster into a dense sphere, known as a bait ball, they become a feast for predators such as tuna, sailfish, jacks, and snappers. And as those predators hit the surface to feed, they in turn become enticing targets for anglers like me. This natural phenomenon is only one reason the fishing here is so spectacular. > “It’s rare to discover a place that still feels so young.” Another is the lack of tourists. In virtually any other fishing destination, a feeding frenzy like this would attract dozens of boats. Here, with the exception of a local panga, we are the sole vessel in the water. Unlike Colombia’s Caribbean coast and coffee region, the Chocó district in which Bahía Solano lies has yet to be discovered by globe-trotters. Just under a decade ago, this jungle-cloaked area was controlled by the FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) guerrillas. Even after the 2016 peace accord between the FARC and the Colombian government, only intrepid travelers ventured here, lured by the district’s black-sand beaches and extraordinary biodiversity. (Chocó is roughly the size of New Jersey and Connecticut combined and contains an estimated 9,000 vascular plant species, 2,250 of which are found nowhere else, as well as more palm species than any other part of the world.) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RR_ColumbiaFishing13.webp) The collared aracari is an example of the region’s abundant biodiversity. *Black Sands Lodge* In recent years, fanatical anglers like Morales, an Argentinean who has fished around the world, started to hear whispers about Bahía Solano’s potential. With its uncharted coastline and deep canyons starting just a few miles off the mainland, the area offers the opportunity to cast for an incredible mix of offshore species, such as mahi-mahi and marlin, and inshore varieties, like roosterfish and cubera. You can fish here nearly year-round: January through March brings tuna and inshore season, April through June is ideal for sailfish and fly-fishing, and October through December is deep-sea heaven, excellent for targeting blue marlin, wahoo, and large mahi-mahi. And the region’s minimal infrastructure—there are no paved roads in Bahía Solano—lack of charters, and absence of large marinas have kept fishing pressure incredibly low. “It’s one of the last true frontiers in saltwater fishing,” Morales had told me on the phone ahead of my arrival at Black Sands, his new fishing lodge. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RR_ColumbiaFishing7.webp) A hooked mahi-mahi. *Black Sands Lodge* Given his résumé, I trusted his boldly confident claim. Morales, 36, grew up immersed in the industry. His father, Marcelo, is a fly-fishing legend: A fly-tying connoisseur and bamboo-rod craftsman, he helped popularize the sport in Argentina in the 1970s and played a key role in the early development of some of Patagonia’s most renowned fly-fishing lodges. In the ’90s, he partnered with American Jon Fisher to open an outpost of the popular New York City fly shop Urban Angler in Buenos Aires. The latter still exists today under the name Buenos Aires Anglers. Morales started guiding at 17. He has taken clients to waters all over the planet, from the rivers of the American West to the flats of the Bahamas to the Indian Ocean off the northern coast of Madagascar. “Felipe has attracted the love of a lot of billionaires who like to fish,” a longtime American client, Hollywood entertainment lawyer Tom Hansen, told me before my departure. And if Morales suggests they go to a particular spot, they go. While he was guiding in Venezuela, another of his wealthy clients, a hedge-fund owner from New York, suggested they open a lodge together. After searching for the perfect spot in South America for six years, they finally stumbled upon Bahía Solano and started operating here in 2018 out of a rustic five-room beachfront lodge. Clients loved the fishing but subtly hinted that they’d appreciate an upgrade in the amenities. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RR_ColumbiaFishing6.webp) The Vidales, a formation of towering rocks rising from the depths of Bahía Solano Bay. *Black Sands Lodge* When the humble hotel across the bay went up for sale, the partners relocated their enterprise. Last summer, they completely rebuilt the property, transforming it into the region’s first high-end lodge. Nestled on a half-mile stretch of jungle-backed beach, [Black Sands](https://www.blacksandslodge.com/) feels like a private island. Yet it’s remarkably easy to reach. From Medellín, a city that has reinvented itself as a hub of cool after years of drug wars, it’s just a one-hour flight to Bahía Solano’s ramshackle airport. (It’s too small for jets, but Morales can charter twin props from Medellín.) When I arrive, I navigate around rogue chickens to reach my luggage. A Black Sands staff member is there to meet me and ushers me to a moto *tuk tuk*, which whisks us along a pockmarked dirt road for 10 minutes before depositing us at a pier where Morales is waiting aboard *Volantis*, his Contender 39 ST powerboat. “Welcome to tuna heaven,” he says as he greets me on the deck. The 20-minute boat ride to Black Sands offers a glimpse of the region’s trapped-in-time beauty. Hansen, who has fished here with Morales a handful of times, told me Bahía Solano feels like Costa Rica 30 years ago, and I’d agree. Misty rainforest tumbles down to the sea at every turn, and the only boats we encounter are wooden pangas helmed by locals. “It’s rare to discover a place that still feels so young,” Hansen had shared. “And one where you can get your arm pulled off by a fish, too—well, that’s special.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RR_ColumbiaFishing4.webp) Black Sands lodge. *Black Sands Lodge* Upon my arrival, the team is abuzz with excitement, having just spotted a sloth lolling through the trees by the restaurant. A lovely staff member greets me with a cold towel then escorts me to my room. Black Sands’ 12 teak bungalows are just steps from the beach, connected by a winding wooden boardwalk. Soaring ceilings give them a luxuriously spacious feel, and each has a private deck overlooking the sea. The beds are out-of-this-world comfortable, and the huge bathrooms are decorated with native plants and stocked with artisanal toiletries from Bogotá-based skin-care line [Loto del Sur.](https://www.lotodelsur.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoowtIa-rvmq9_fJGYaqhTizWHFVyyF9Wm2NPhYeyMYdiIUn3P5p) Many guests will tell you their favorite feature is the air-conditioning, an appreciated relief from the humidity. When it comes to gear, anglers are a finicky bunch, but Black Sands’ tackle room is so well curated, most leave their rods and reels at home, happy to borrow the lodge’s top-of-the-line equipment from brands such as [Sage](https://sageangler.com/) and [Scientific Anglers](https://scientificanglers.com/). During my four-day stay, I mostly stick to the lodge’s typical angling program: coffee and made-to-order breakfast at 6 a.m.; depart on *Volantis*, one of the lodge’s two Contenders, around 7 a.m.; and fish until sunset, with a short break for lunch, which is always something fresh and healthy, like a poke bowl made with tuna we’d caught the prior day. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RR_ColumbiaFishing5.webp) Local fishermen using traditional nets. *Black Sands Lodge* Because the sardine run has just begun, I happen to be the sole guest, so I have the boat to myself with Morales and our two guides: Kenny Fernandez, a native of Mexico, and Jairo Zuñiga, a local whom I nickname Tom Brady for his impressive casting distance and accuracy. Each day delivers thrilling action and doubles as a marine safari, with sightings of turtles, pods of dolphins, a shiver of sharks, and even a feeding whale shark. A playlist of Bob Marley, Duran Duran, and the Rolling Stones sets the mood as we cruise the Pacific looking for swarms of feeding birds. We experiment with every technique—popping, jigging, trolling, fly-fishing—trying to land a variety of species, but yellowfin tuna are our prime targets, and Zuñiga seems to be able to smell them miles away. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RR_ColumbiaFishing17.webp) Tuna nabbed during the sardine migration. *Black Sands Lodge* My father was an avid fisherman. As a young girl, I spent many Saturdays by his side gluing shimmery tinsel and bright feathers to the flies he’d tie. But I never understood his fishing obsession until I was older and he’d passed away. I am far from an expert angler, but as an adult, the sport has helped me know my dad a bit better. It is a hobby that requires patience and humility, two traits he had heaps of, and it’s fueled by a love of nature perhaps even more than by the satisfaction of capturing a fish. I’m certain he would have considered Bahía Solano to be nirvana, just as I do. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RR_ColumbiaFishing1.webp) The writer at work. *Courtesy of Jen Murphy* I find the drama of the catch is equal to that of the landscape here. I had said I wanted a whopper, and Morales warned, “No, you don’t.” On day three, I learn why. Up until this point, I’ve been reeling in some nice-size tuna, averaging 30 pounds. Now, when my popper thrashes like an explosion in the water, Zuñiga rushes to my side to strap me into the fighting belt. “Get ready for torture,” Morales says with a laugh as he sips what is probably his 10th Coke Zero of the day. After 30 minutes of battling the mass of muscle and speed on the end of my line, I finally have to ask Zuñiga to grab the rod so I can rest. When my forearms finally stop burning, I reclaim the rod and, after another 15 minutes, haul in a glistening 70-pound tuna. Zuñiga hasn’t even gotten the hook out of its mouth before Morales spots more action in the water and urges me to throw out another cast, but I am done for the day. “One more,” I have quickly learned, is never really one more. I collapse contentedly in a beanbag chair on the bow of the boat and let the guys catch the grouper that will be our dinner this evening. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RR_ColumbiaFishing14.webp) Humpback whales migrate to this area from July to September to mate and give birth. *Black Sands Lodge* By day’s end, I’m so tired I can barely climb the steps to reach the lodge’s Balinese-style open-air dining room. Perched high on a hill above the bungalows, it affords guests incredible sunset views and, during the summer, a perfect vantage from which to spot migrating humpback whales. Despite my aching body, I know dinner will be worth the trek. Morales is as discerning about food as he is about fishing, and he recently hired chef Dayana Jamaica, who used to work at Medellín’s lauded [Test Kitchen Lab](https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/112826828426901/test-kitchen-lab/). One evening she turns our tuna into sashimi and tuna tartare served atop avocado crema. Tonight, she makes a delicate green curry with the grouper. I reclaim the rod and, after another 15 minutes, haul in a glistening 70-pound tuna. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RR_ColumbiaFishing8.webp) A selection of appetizers for dinner at Black Sands, showcasing the catch of the day. *Black Sands Lodge* Over dinner, Morales shares his larger plans for the lodge. A gym and a pool are being added, and he’s waiting for the arrival of a third boat, which will be used for whale watching. Hardcore, discriminating anglers, like Hansen, form Black Sands’ client base, but Morales wants to promote Bahía Solano’s other treasures as well. He recently hired a local guide to show off the region’s unparalleled bird-watching and is partnering with the nearby PADI shop to offer diving. One day I venture to the neighboring village of El Valle, about 40 minutes away, to see a turtle-conservation project and assist in the baby-turtle release. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RR_ColumbiaFishing16.webp) Bahía Solano also offers rich diving opportunities. *Black Sands Lodge* Morales isn’t the only one who sees Bahía Solano’s potential for tourism. Last year, a Colombian outfitter, [Afloat Adventures](https://afloatadventure.com/), took over Black Sands’ original lodge across the bay and began providing both fishing and nature tours. “People are always looking for the next new place,” said Hansen. “It’s only a matter of time before the secret gets out.” Hansen, a purist fly-fisherman, estimated he has fished in at least 40 places around the world but said there’s something different—a little magical—about Bahía Solano. Yes, it’s the fish, but at least for now, it’s also the luxury of having the ocean all to yourself. *From $500 per night for double occupancy, including meals; lodge buyout, $6,000 per night. Fishing packages start at $4,090 per person for three days.* *This article also appeared on Robb Report Philippines’ [Travel Issue, December 2025](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-december-2025-the-travel-issue/).* **Categories:** Travel **Tags:** Bahía Solano, boat, Colombia, fishing --- ### [A Bold, Colorful Home in the Bahamas Can Be Yours for Php650 Million](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/a-bold-colorful-home-in-the-bahamas-can-be-yours-for-11-million/) **Published:** January 9, 2026 **Author:** Tori Latham **Content:** This recently listed Bahamas retreat certainly isn’t for minimalist buyers. Dubbed [Cotton House](https://bakersbayclub.com/real-estate/built-product/cotton-house), the four-bedroom, four-bath estate in the celeb-beloved [Baker’s Bay Golf & Ocean Club](https://bakersbayclub.com/) is a bold, colorful residence that really packs a punch. Offered fully furnished, the home is swathed in patterned wallpaper and jewel-tone hues courtesy of interior designer Andrew Howard. The sellers are a family based in Charleston, South Carolina, who have strong ties to the music industry. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Cotton-House_Kitchen-Split.webp) *The turquoise kitchen includes an oversize island for casual meals. Photo: Eric Piasecki Photography* The center of the 2,700-square-foot space is the vaulted great room, where pocket doors disappear into the Robert Shelton hand-painted, palm-print wallpaper. A living area with comfy seating is paired with a small dining room, where yellow-and-green chairs surround the wooden dining table. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Cotton-House_Dining-Room.webp) The dining room. *Eric Piasecki Photography* The turquoise chef’s kitchen is decked out with Miele appliances and custom built-ins, and there’s extended island seating for more casual meals. Throughout, you’ll find textiles from Pierre Frey and Zak+Fox, furniture from Southerland and BDDW, and lighting from Jamb London and Urban Electric. All four bedrooms are laid out as suites with their own bathroom. The primary bedroom is a richly colored room with green curtains framing access to the outdoors. The accompanying bathroom sports a double vanity and a tucked-away soaking tub. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Cotton-House_Twin-Bedroom-Split.webp) Guest bedrooms. Eric Piasecki Photography An additional single bedroom is a more neutral-toned affair, while the other two sleeping quarters are configured as a twin bedroom and a bunk room, respectively. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Cotton-House_Primary-Bedroom-Split.webp) *The primary bedroom is done up in deep jewel tones. Photo: Eric Piasecki Photography* Outside, sizable patios line both the front and back of the property, with plenty of seating for outdoor dining or simple lounging. There’s a fire pit for chilly evenings and a saltwater pool and hot tub for splashing around. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Cotton-House_Patio-2.webp) *Eric Piasecki Photography* The Baker’s Bay community also includes access to 6.5 miles of white-sand beaches, for additional swimming, snorkeling, and other water-based activities. Plus, Cotton House is perched along Hole 10 of the Tom Fazio–designed golf course, and comes with more than 100 feet of course frontage. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Cotton-House_Patio.webp) *Eric Piasecki Photography* The Bahamas property is listed for $10.9 million with Craig Klinger at the Discovery Land Company. Along with the listing price, the buyers are responsible for additional fees including those for an attorney and the $250,000 club membership initiation. These extra costs bring the total initial price to almost $11.8 million. [](https://robbreport.com/shelter/homes-for-sale/gallery/cotton-house-photos-1237417576/)*This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Home & Design, Homes --- ### [Trexton Just Delivered the First of Its Eagerly Anticipated New Cessna Private Jet](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/trexton-just-delivered-the-first-of-its-eagerly-anticipated-new-cessna-citation-ascend-jet/) **Published:** January 8, 2026 **Author:** Nicole Hoey **Content:** [Super midsize jets](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/why-super-midsize-jets-have-become-the-hottest-category-in-private-aviation/ "Why Super Midsize Jets Have Become the Hottest Category in Private Aviation") are the hottest category in private aviation, and now Textron’s latest craft has joined the fray. The company just delivered its first [Cessna](https://robbreport.ph/tag/cessna/ "Cessna") Citation Ascend this past week to an unnamed owner, marking its official launch onto the aviation scene. The model, which was announced back in 2023, received its FAA certification this past November. The Citation Ascend is the newest member of Cessna’s poplar 560XL series. This time around, the company added 15 percent larger cabin windows for the jet’s 12 passengers to enjoy, as well as an advanced acoustic system for quieter flights, customizable interiors, and wireless control of lighting, temperature, and more onboard. The cockpit, meanwhile, is now home to the Garmin G5000 avionics suite, which includes tech such as autothrottle tech, three 14-inch ultrahigh-resolution displays and advanced weather protection. As for grunt, the new biz jet gets its juice from a pair of Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545D engines, allowing the aircraft to dart to a max speed of 441 knots. The Citation Ascend can also carry four passengers for 1,940 nautical miles, which can take you nearly anywhere in the U.S., Canada, or Mexico. “The first Citation Ascend delivery underscores Textron Aviation’s commitment to redefining the midsize segment with an aircraft that blends innovation, efficiency and unmatched comfort,” Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president of sales & marketing at Textron, said in a statement. “We look forward to seeing the Ascend begin its journey with customers around the globe.” NetJets has been waiting for the Citation Ascend to start its journey, too. The private-jet-card firm placed an order for up to 1,500 of the new aircraft, alongside Citation Longitudes and Latitude models, reportedly to the tune of $32 billion, according to AIN. And the Citation Ascend is just one of many super midsized jets in the skies as of late, thanks to the category’s perfect blend of transcontinental range, manageable costs, and tech. Gulfstream dropped its G300 at the end of September, while a new Embraer Praetor is another jet on the horizon. We may see even more biz jets joining the sector yet. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Aviation **Tags:** Cessna, Trexton --- ### [The Answers With Jojo Madrid](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/the-answers-with-jojo-madrid/) **Published:** January 7, 2026 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** Few figures have shaped the country’s wine landscape as profoundly as Jojo Madrid. Before he became a leading voice in the industry, Madrid built a distinguished career in finance, rising to serve as the country head of Jardine Fleming and Merrill Lynch. His fascination with wine began in 1997, a curiosity that soon grew into a calling. In the early 2000s, he and a group of like-minded friends founded Premium Wine Exchange (PWX), now regarded as a premier destination for Burgundy, Champagne, and other premium wines. Under his stewardship, PWX has earned a reputation as one of the most trusted and respected wine importers in the country. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/ST_KONG-ATG_Capture_0025-2240x2800.webp) Kong What sets Madrid apart is not only his deep expertise but the generosity with which he shares it. A gifted educator and engaging speaker, he regularly leads wine classes for enthusiasts and professionals, guiding everyone, from curious newcomers to seasoned sommeliers, with the same warmth and passion. His influence extends online as well, where his Instagram account @burgnut88 has become a go-to source for insights, inspiration, and the occasional celebratory bottle. Ask Jojo about his favorite drinking companion, of which there are many, and he’ll answer without hesitation: his wife, the person with whom every great bottle becomes even more memorable. **What’s the first thing you do in the morning?** A cup of coffee while reading the *New York Times* and research written by my stockbrokerage analysts. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-06-at-74522-PM-2240x1616.webp) A spice market in Turkey *Photo: Adobe Stock* **What apps do you use the most?** Instagram – it keeps me updated on wine-related articles and news. I also want to be updated on what my wine cohorts are drinking. **How would you describe your look?** I’d say timeless and simple. I value quality over trends. **What do you do that’s still analog?** My wrist watch. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RRPh-x-PWX-Jojo_0001-2240x3360.webp) *Photo: Medal Elepaño* **What’s your favorite wine region at the moment? And your favorite producer?** Puligny Montrachet in Burgundy. My favorite domaine at the moment is Alvina Pernot, a rising star in Burgundy. **What’s the most recent bottle you’ve added to your wine collection?** Soldera, a Tuscan red that I purchase on every release. **If you could learn a new skill what would it be?** Wine blind tasting — it’s something I’ve practiced for years, yet there’s always more to learn. It keeps me humble and curious. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/peninsula-tokyo-3.webp) The Peninsula Tokyo. **What’s your exercise routine and how often do you do it?** Suspension training, isometric exercises and some free weights. I try to hit the gym 4 times a week. **What’s your favorite restaurant?** Kong. The team executes each dish perfectly. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/peninsula-tokyo-2.webp) **What’s your favorite hotel?** Tokyo Peninsula. **What have you done recently for the first time?** I went on a cruise in the Mediterranean, which took my wife and me to Istanbul, a bucket list destination. **Do you have any personal rituals?** Chess in my free time. It relaxes my mind. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RRPh-x-PWX-Jojo_0006-2240x3360.webp) *Photo: Medal Elepaño* **Who is your dealer and what do they source for you?** I deal with a handful of trusted Burgundy negociants for my wine requirements. **Last Netflix Binge?** *The Asset*. **What’s the recent thing you regret not buying?** My dad always said to me that regret is not in his vocabulary. It is also not in mine. I prefer not to dwell on past decisions; it’s unproductive. **Who do you admire most and why?** I admire my long-time business partner, Jojo Gonzales, whom I’ve worked with for over 35 years. He has a brilliant and analytical mind and pairs that intellect with tireless work ethic and unwavering integrity. His fairness, trustworthiness, and discipline have deeply influenced the way I lead and make decisions. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RRPh-x-PWX-Jojo_0034-2240x3360.webp) *Photo: Medal Elepaño* **What advice do you wish you hadn’t followed ?** I was advised to not mix passion and work. I once looked at my wine business as a passion project. The business stagnated. What began purely as a passion for wine has evolved into a serious business — my competitive nature has helped me channel that energy into growth and profitability. **What is worth paying for?** The principle of fairness is always worth paying for. It’s been a guiding principle in how I conduct business — whether in negotiations or in retaining talent. **What do you crave most at the end of the day?** A glass of wine and the good conversation that flows naturally from it. ***This article originally appeared in [Robb Report Philippines’ Travel Issue, December 2026](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-december-2025-the-travel-issue/).*** **Categories:** Food & Drink, Wine **Tags:** Features, Profiles, wine --- ### [IV Drips Are the Newest Luxury Travel Flex](https://robbreport.ph/leisure/health-wellness/iv-drips-are-the-newest-luxury-travel-flex/) **Published:** January 7, 2026 **Author:** Tori Latham **Content:** IV drips have been well documented as hangover cures, but the medical services are gaining a new status as luxury [travel](https://robbreport.ph/travel/ "Travel") amenity. People are now using IV drips to deal with a whole host of travel woes, from jet lag and exhaustion to—yes—a little too much imbibing, *The Washington Post* [reported](https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2024/05/04/iv-therapy-hotel-spa-las-vegas/). And instead of going to a hospital or even a less intense medical setting, you can get the service at a posh hotel spa or even in the privacy of your own room. “People get really dehydrated when they travel. They get hangovers and sun exposure. They’re at high altitudes when they’re flying,” Sarah Muniz, the director of clinical operations for the Washington, D.C.–area PureDropIV, told the *Post*. “Having the ability to get the hydration and B-12 vitamins and vitamin C really helps people bounce back.” And when you feel like another step might do you in, these companies come right to you. PureDropIV, for example, does house calls in the area. The I.V. Doc, founded by Adam Nadelson in New York City, often sees clients at some of the city’s most luxe hotels, including the Ritz-Carlton, the Four Seasons, the Plaza, and Aman, Nadelson told *The Washington Post*. “You name the hotel,” he said, “we’ve certainly been there.” And now the hotels themselves are getting into the IV game: A handful of Four Seasons spas have an IV drip among their services, and at the Ranch in Malibu and the Hudson Valley, you can be revitalized poolside. Given that IV drips can be used for all sorts of reasons, people take advantage of them in different ways, with the *Post* noting regional differences throughout the United States. In cities like D.C. and New York, users may book a pre-travel IV to boost immunity and energy before any ill effects take place. In Los Angeles and Miami, you might see more IVs given to people interested in longevity or biohacking. And in places like Las Vegas, IV drips are still largely used as morning-after remedies. To some, the trend may seem a little suspect, and *The Washington Post* noted that there are people in the medical and [wellness](https://robbreport.ph/leisure/health-wellness/ "Health & Wellness") spaces who aren’t so sure about recreational IVs, for various health and safety reasons. Even still, it’s going to become more and more common to see your fellow travelers lounging by the pool, an IV sending vitamins and minerals straight into their bloodstream. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Health & Wellness --- ### [Rolex Awards Laureate Denica Riadini-Flesch & How SukkaCitta Supports Its Community's Women](https://robbreport.ph/travel/rolex-awards-laureate-denica-riadini-flesch-how-sukkacitta-supports-its-communitys-women/) **Published:** January 6, 2026 **Author:** Yvette Fernandez **Content:** The buzz of chattering women permeates the air. The ibus (the Indonesian word for mothers) are seated in a room, huddled in little groups, around pots of hot wax they’re using to dot the cotton fabric in their hands, the first step in making batik, an Indonesian heritage craft where artisans draw patterns and tell stories on fabric. The women look up and call out to us to join them. We do not speak the same language, but we understand their invitation. We remove our shoes and sit with them on the floor. We’re in the middle of farmland in Ambarawa, Central Java, Indonesia. We went through four airports and a two-hour van ride to get here, driving through small towns and verdant rice fields. But now that we’re here, welcomed into this circle of warmth, we know immediately it has been worth the trip. We’re at the very first trade school run by the [Rumah SukkhaCitta Foundation](https://www.google.com/search?q=Rumah+SukkhaCitta+Foundation&oq=Sukkha+&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqBggBEEUYOzIGCAAQRRg5MgYIARBFGDsyBggCEEUYOzIGCAMQRRg8MgYIBBBFGDzSAQgzNjc5ajBqN6gCALACAA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&safe=active&ssui=on&mstk=AUtExfAyDVdhQ2mQ55nVAQjT_TjBczgrRNzzkrEbtETybbOSv7BgF9lx4iYNETDO7rqKOITLhiEJl5zTvEtJhQ0R9TE-LtEKYxE9FjQXB3zeebQ1xNXSXhw-qa-O8MXGlrMbszhGE2z_sUJqYQj1jsE6BjZuoqC-_zkjV-Z-AiIL4kT8lYk&csui=3&ved=2ahUKEwiTrvSOwuKQAxUU6jgGHXHRBdoQgK4QegQIARAB). SukkhaCitta is translated as “happiness,” or “joy from within.” Its founder, Denica Riadini-Flesch, is our host, her smile lighting up the room. Denica is an economist who grew up in Jakarta and was schooled abroad. She previously worked with the World Bank, traveling to villages around the countryside in her homeland of Indonesia, studying social and environmental issues, and figuring out ways to establish systems that could help alleviate poverty. But after continuing to see women mired in hopelessness, she concluded that what she was doing was not enough. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RLB05534_E-1-2240x1493.webp) Rolex Awards Laureate Denica Riadini-Flesch *Photo: Rolex* And then she had what she calls an “a-ha moment.” “I realized that there was this huge gap between what our development work was doing, and actually understanding what these women needed. In villages like this, it’s work. So that was really the moment that I felt like I wanted to build a bridge,” she says. “I decided to take on a different route. Moving away from aid to building a social enterprise from the ground up,” Denica says. And thus, SukkhaCitta was born, a farm-to-closet ethical fashion brand that helps craftswomen achieve financial independence. More than a brand, it’s a model for change. “Through batik making, we can tell stories such as our ancestors have done over generations. But even though it’s a beautiful craft, a beautiful heritage, it’s very difficult to keep it alive. When you’re a woman in developing countries, as soon as you have a family, you have so many roles. You have to become a mother, you have to take care of the family,” Danica says. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RLB06302_E-2240x1493.webp) The batik technique can only be performed on natural fibers such as cotton or linen. *Photo: Rolex* At the neighborhood center where we are today, we can feel the carefree optimism of the ibus. Unlike many women around Indonesia who are forced to leave their families to find work, these women live close by, and can easily head home during kopi or lunch breaks, should they wish. They can see their children off to school in the mornings, and be home in time to prepare family meals, all while securing financial independence through their jobs at SukkhaCitta. “What if we can connect people from all around the world with these remarkable women, helping them to earn a fair wage and using skills and traditions that already exist?’” ponders Denica. “By doing that, we are helping these women to become change makers in their own communities while guarding their own culture, and changing their lives by paying them a fair living wage and connecting them to the market.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-05-at-104451-AM-2240x1499.webp) A village in East Java, where farmers grow cotton to be made into the clothes sold by SukkhaCitta. *Photo: Rolex* SukkhaCitta is not only giving women a livelihood, it’s also preserving tradition. “It’s so difficult to be an artisan these days. At the end of the day, if you see your mother struggling with her craft, would you continue it?” Denica says. “I realized, if we didn’t do something right away, we would lose all this heritage, this way of life. So SukkhaCitta is here to bridge that gap.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RLA00534_E-2240x3360.webp) An elderly smallholder farmer, picking cotton in a farm near East Java, Indonesia. *Photo: Rolex* Rumah SukkhaCitta encourages the older generation of artisans, the masters, to be mentors to the younger generation, the apprentices. The schools make sure that aside from the craft, young women are taught business skills as well. In 2023, Denica was named one of five Laureates of the [Rolex](https://robbreport.ph/tag/rolex/ "rolex") Awards for Enterprise, selected by an independent jury. The awardees share a common goal: to make lives better, while protecting the planet for future generations. A part of the Rolex Perpetual Planet Initiative, the awards support exceptional individuals who have the courage and conviction to take on major challenges, initiating extraordinary projects that make the world a better place. “With the support of Rolex, we will be expanding and scaling this school into a bigger farmer-to-closet center, a regional hub for regenerative fashion,” Denica says. She introduces her husband, Bertram Flesch, the co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of SukkhaCitta, who bridges the purpose of the group with the operations and the business side, and Anastasia Setiobudi, the group’s creative director, a designer who trained in London, who comes up with the brand’s contemporary silhouettes. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RLA00904_E-2240x3684.webp) The word ‘batik’ itself came from the word ‘titik’, which in Indonesian means dot. *Photo: Rolex* “So we’re doing all this work in the villages, but we’re also building an ecosystem that is self-sustaining by connecting it to the market. That’s why it’s very important for us to have Anastasia,” says Denica. “At the end of the day, the only way to sustain all this is to create a different kind of economy, one that can really create a perpetual climate.” “When you purchase a SukkhaCitta piece, the first thing you realize is that there are real lives impacted through your choice,” says Denica. “The power of this idea is vast. You are not giving them aid, you are giving them a chance to earn a wage that allows them to support their families.” Thus, each piece of handmade clothing from SukkhaCitta is a mix of traditional craft and contemporary design. Every step is an important part of the process, using natural materials from the earth. We get on motorized scooters and head to the hillside, where we walk down a trail to a plateau, and through narrow footpaths among rice paddies, till we get to a field lined with rows of cotton plants. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RLA00651_E-2240x1493.webp) The batik technique can only be performed on natural fibers such as cotton or linen. *Photo: Rolex* The fluff from the future harvest of the pink and white cotton flowers will be spun into thread that will be used to weave the beautiful textiles for SukkhaCitta’s creations. Months earlier, the foundation provided seeds, organic fertilizers, and agricultural guidance to its partner farmers, educating them on how to lower risks and optimize yields. They work with academics from universities who provide farmers with valuable knowledge. “We train them on when to plant the crop, what is the distance between one crop and the next, what other crops can you plant alongside the cotton to have maximum return?” says Bertram. He says they’re turning the questions and answers into a very simple app that can be shared with other farmers. “That’s where Rolex is also making a major contribution to make the app possible. We’ve been putting together all the knowledge we’ve gained over the last five years and making it accessible to others in multiple languages and local dialects so it’s easier for partner organizations to teach farmers, and to conserve that knowledge that is slowly disappearing,” says Bertram. “We get a lot of knowledge from professors and researchers in universities, but we’ve also gotten a lot of information from local farmers who have been growing many plants all these years using techniques they’ve learned from their parents and great-grandparents. We’re preserving all this information on the app funded by Rolex.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RLA09318_E-2240x1493.webp) The indigo leaves are grown regeneratively in a forest with 20 different plants. *Photo: Rolex* We head back to our bikes and ride into a forest, where, in the shade of coffee trees, we pick *Strobilanthes cusia* leaves, known for their medicinal and antiseptic properties. They’re the source of the natural blue dyes that give SukkhaCitta’s garments a deep indigo color. Later, these leaves will be fermented in a vat filled with mountain spring water, and stirred with Javanese coconut sugar until the solution bubbles and births SweetIndigo, a plant-based dye created without chemicals or waste. Most of the clothes sold around the world today are dyed with synthetic petroleum-based formulas that contain hard metals. The wastewater from these toxic chemicals is usually thrown directly into rivers and waterways, polluting water and soil, that may cause health and environmental issues. SukkhaCitta uses natural dyes from wood, fruit, and plants. Ochre brown is created from leftover mahogany used in the furniture industry. Yellow is achieved from golden fruit. Vibrant pinks come from herbal wood. Waste banana stalks are used as a coating for red tannin. These dyes are clean and kind to the planet. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-05-at-104506-AM.webp) The textiles hanging have been dyed with SweetIndigo™, a plant-based dye created without chemicals or waste. *Photo: Rolex* Our next stop is a workshop, where we observe cutters, sewers, embroiderers cut and stitch exquisite garments together. “During cotton season, we make cotton pieces. It’s the rainy season now, and we’ve harvested a lot of indigo leaves, so we have a lot of blues,” says Anastasia, the creative director. “We don’t really follow fashion seasons, we follow nature’s cycles.”“For me, design is no longer about making something new, it’s about asking, ‘Can what we create also regenerate? Can beauty be a force of good?’ This is where I see the idea of new heritage, carrying forward the essence of what was, while reshaping it into something that speaks to today, and hopefully tomorrow,” says Anastasia. “When you look at our brand, you see our beautiful clothes,” says Denica. “But essentially, it’s never been just about the clothes. It’s about bringing people together.” “In a world where there’s so much divisiveness, the Rolex Project Planet initiative shows us that solutions are already here,” she says. “Imagine a world where simple choices, like the food that you eat, the coffee that you drink, the clothes that you wear, where every single choice can regenerate biodiversity, can restore soil health, can provide living wages to women that lift their communities up. I’m here to tell you that that world is possible. We’ve already shown that it can be done.” ***This article originally appeared in [Robb Report Philippines’ Travel Issue, December 2026](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-december-2025-the-travel-issue/).*** **Categories:** Travel **Tags:** Featues, rolex, travel --- ### [The Riva Cento in Photos](https://robbreport.ph/boats/the-riva-cento-in-photos/) **Published:** January 5, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** Riva has unveiled a limited-edition version of the bestselling Rivamare 38. Click [here](https://robbreport.ph/boats/meet-the-riva-cento-a-high-tech-ultra-limited-twist-on-a-brand-favorite/) to read the full story. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Riva-Cento-Exterior1.webp) The bow. *Maurizio Paradisi/Riva* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Riva-Cento-Exterior2-1.webp) *The helm.* Maurizio Paradisi/Riva ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Riva-Cento-Exterior3-1.webp) The cockpit. *Maurizio Paradisi/Riva* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Riva-Cento-Exterior4.webp) A bird’s-eye view of the 39-footer. *Maurizio Paradisi/Riva* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Riva-Cento-Exterior5.webp) The mahogany foredeck. *Maurizio Paradisi/Riva* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Riva-Cento-Exterior6.webp) The helm, cockpit, and stern. *Maurizio Paradisi/Riva* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Riva-Cento-Exterior7-1.webp) The stern sunbeds. *Maurizio Paradisi/Riva* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Riva-Cento-Interior-1.webp) The large sofa in the bow. *Maurizio Paradisi/Riva* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Boats **Tags:** Riva, Riva Cento --- ### [Meet the Riva Cento, a High-Tech, Ultra-Limited Twist on a Brand Favorite ](https://robbreport.ph/boats/meet-the-riva-cento-a-high-tech-ultra-limited-twist-on-a-brand-favorite/) **Published:** January 5, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** [Riva](https://robbreport.ph/tag/riva/ "Riva") is celebrating the delivery of 100 units of the Rivamare 38 in a slightly predictable yet highly pleasing way. The Italian yard has unveiled a limited-edition version of the best-selling 39-footer, which will be produced in just 12 units. The new Riva Cento is a cut above the typical exclusives that builders release to mark delivery milestones, offering both aesthetic and functional upgrades that make it, dare we say, even better than the original. The open [yacht](https://robbreport.ph/tag/yacht/ "yacht"), first revealed at the Cannes Yachting Festival, was penned by Mauro Micheli and Sergio Beretta of Officina Italiana Design. The Italian studio exclusively designs all Rivas and has been doing so for the past 30 years. As with the regular production model, the Cento exudes the yard’s elegant design DNA, with a sporty character, sleek, flowing lines, the classic mahogany deck, and gleaming steel accents. It does, however, showcase fresh new colors: the hull is available in a fireworks black (pictured), bold metallic, or aluminum hue. Similarly, the leather interior, which is inspired by 1950s and ‘60s car design, can be finished in biscuit or the traditional aquamarine and white (pictured). ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Riva-Cento-Exterior7.webp) The stern sunbeds. *Riva* There are, of course, the obligatory commemorative touches. The decorative grille on the hull side has been replaced with a new steel profile containing a polished mahogany insert emblazoned with “Riva” and a series of small stars that pay tribute to vintage models. The yacht is also equipped with a marine horn that was created specifically for this edition. The tech innovations are what really set the Cento apart, though. The stern door, for example, features an electro-hydraulic system that opens to reveal two comfy sunbeds, two storage compartments for fenders (port side) and a Seabob (starboard side), and a retractable gangway. Think of it as a mini beach club. That isn’t all on the tech front. In the forward cockpit, the C-shaped sofa is fitted with an up-down mechanism that allows it to be lowered to meet the cushions, creating a second sunpad to complement the one amidship. The cockpit can be easily covered, too, with a retractable bimini top that is operated by an electro-hydraulic mechanism in the sofa backrest. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Riva-Cento-Exterior3.webp) The cockpit. *Riva* The two units that separate the cockpit from the helm station have been used to create an area for cocktail prep, which is decked out with bar accessories, a drawer refrigerator, a sink, a worktop, and an insulated cooler. Speaking of the helm, the space is outfitted with two pilot chairs, a co-pilot chair, two Boening displays measuring 15 and 24 inches, respectively, and a Volvo Penta joystick. Another bonus, the Cento is equipped with a larger central windscreen that increases the amount of natural light entering the interiors. The living quarters also gained a redesigned skylight and larger side windows, making them even brighter than the originals. The layout sees a fully equipped galley starboard, a bathroom port side, and a large sofa in the bow that can be converted into a double bed using a panel taken from the central storage compartment. Power remains unchanged. As with the Rivamare 38, the Cento is equipped with twin Volvo Penta D6 440 Aquamatic Duoprop DPIs that enable a top speed of 40 knots and a cruising speed of 31 knots. There are some things, like 800 hp, that you really can’t improve upon. ***Click [here](https://robbreport.ph/boats/the-riva-cento-in-photos/) to see more photos of the Riva Cento.*** *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Boats **Tags:** Riva, Riva Cento, speedboat, yacht --- ### [This New Coffee-Table Book Showcases 100 Rare and Revolutionary Watches](https://robbreport.ph/watches/this-new-coffee-table-book-showcases-100-rare-and-revolutionary-watches/) **Published:** January 2, 2026 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** [Taschen](https://robbreport.ph/tag/taschen/ "taschen") has found a way to bring horology’s finest achievements into your home. The German publishing house is about to release a monumental two-volume monograph on rare and revolutionary wristwatches. Aptly titled *Ultimate Collector Watches*, the two tomes spotlight 100 of the most incredible timepieces ever made and provide a comprehensive historical overview of haute horlogerie, from the very first pocket watches to the latest and greatest one-offs. “*Ultimate Collector Watches* is an important and welcome tome for all those looking to learn more about collecting vintage watches,” says Eric Wind, founder of Wind Vintage. “I had a hard time putting it down once I cracked the pages.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/taschen-ultimate-collector-watches-7.webp) Each special collector’s edition is numbered. *Mark Seelen* Written and curated by design authors Charlotte and Peter Fiell, the double volume encompasses creations from the 1890s to the present day, giving readers a comprehensive overview of luxury watchmaking. The first volume covers 1890 to 1950, while the second covers 1980 to 2023, meaning together they trace 130 years of watch history. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/taschen-ultimate-collector-watches-8.webp) The cover of Volume 1. *Mark Seelen* It took the Fiells two long years to compile the list. The selection spans early pilot watches by Longines to legendary vintage chronographs by [Patek Philippe](https://robbreport.ph/tag/patek-philippe/ "Patek Philippe"), [Rolex](https://robbreport.ph/tag/rolex/ "rolex"), and [Audemars Piguet](https://robbreport.ph/tag/audemars-piguet/ "audemars piguet") to contemporary pieces at the forefront of horology. It also includes masterworks by the legendary George Daniels and his protégé, Roger W. Smith, as well as other renowned independent watchmakers, including Philippe Dufour, François-Paul Journe, Kari Voutilainen, and Rexhep Rexhepi. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/taschen-ultimate-collector-watches-5.webp) Pages dedicated to the Patek Philippe Chronometro Gondolo from the 1920s. *Mark Seelen* Adding even more gravitas to the 960 pages are in-depth interviews with experts from the watchmaking and collecting worlds, including Patrick Getreide (OAK Collection), Alexandre Ghotbi (Phillips), Ben Clymer (Hodinkee), Roger W. Smith (watchmaker), Auro Montanari (renowned collector), and Silas Walton (A Collected Man). Long-time watch specialist and auctioneer Aurel Bacs wrote the foreword, stating that the listed hundred are indeed “the rarest, most significant, most breathtaking wristwatches ever made.” And that’s coming from a man who has handled Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona Ref. 6239 and a F. P. Journe Tourbillon à Remontoire d’Egalité “15/93,” no less. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/taschen-ultimate-collector-watches-2.webp) A spread for the Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 3800/123A from the 1980s. *Mark Seelen* *Ultimate Collector Watches* will be available from January for $250. Taschen is also offering a special collector’s edition of 1,000 numbered copies, with each one priced at $850. You can pre-order both the [standard edition](https://www.taschen.com/en/books/architecture-design/09300/ultimate-collector-watches/) and the [collector’s edition](https://www.taschen.com/en/limited-editions/architecture-design/62105/ultimate-collector-watches/) now. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Leisure, Watches **Tags:** taschen, Watches --- ### [True North: Navigating The Cordilleras Through Tradition And Folk Art   ](https://robbreport.ph/travel/true-north-navigating-the-cordilleras-through-tradition-and-folk-art/) **Published:** January 2, 2026 **Author:** Bianca Salonga **Content:** The vast network of mountain ranges occupying the Cordilleras covers approximately 18,294 square kilometers of land. That’s half of Northern Luzon in the Philippines. It is made up of six provinces including Benguet, the Mountain Province, Kalinga, Abra, Ifugao, and Apayao. Yet, for all its grandeur, majesty and global fame, only a few have truly immersed themselves in the region–its villages, people, traditions, nuances, and cultural sensibilities. “When I talk about the Cordilleras,” Brian Yap says. “I’m not just talking about the rice terraces or popular destinations like Baguio or Sagada. I’m referring to the whole region.” Brian, who leads Lepanto Mining, has been making regular work trips to Mankayan, Benguet most of his adult life. “Typically, I would only stay for a few days,” he says. “Most of my time was spent within the camp grounds.” In 2021, a time when the pandemic restricted most travel, Brian began to venture out. “On weekends, I would explore. First, around Mankayan, which is my homebase,” Brian says. “Then I started planning trips to other provinces like Mountain Province, Kalinga, Abra and Ifugao. The only place I’ve not been to is Apayao.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Cultural-Master-in-Gong-Making-.webp) A cultural master in gong making at work. *Photo: Bryan Yap* Beyond the picture-perfect sights and natural landscapes, culture, tradition, and people make the Cordilleras an extraordinary destination to explore. “I always find the most joy from meeting the people, understanding their culture and why their traditions are important to them,” Brian says. In Benguet where there is an abundance of vegetable farms, hidden lakes and waterfalls, lives Culture Master in Gong Making, Marvin Onio. Among the last of his kind, he belongs to a long line of gong or gangsa makers based in a mountain top village called Bedbed. Brian expounds, “Mang Marvin is responsible for having created the biggest brass gong in the country which is now housed in the Municipal Hall of Mangkayan.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Sunset-at-Besao.webp) Dream-like sunsets at Besao, a small municipality in the Mountain Province that is closed to outsiders. *Photo: Bryan Yap* In Cordillera culture, gongs play an important role in tribal gatherings and celebrations. Each province follows a distinct tempo and rhythm that is unique to their area. These may also vary depending on occasion–to call in rain, for making sacrifices, holding festivities and even in death. A 30-minute drive from Benguet leads to the Mountain Province. Compared to most provinces, this area hosts the largest options for lodging and dining. Popular sites like the Maligcong Rice Terraces and the Hanging Coffins of Sagada draw visitors from all parts of the globe throughout the year. “When we visit the Mountain Province, it’s to visit friends who take us to special places,” says Brian. At dawn break, for example, he remembers going on a hike up Mt. Amuyao. “It’s literally like being above the clouds at sunrise.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/The-Kaparkan-Falls-in-Abra-are-distinguished-by-white-limestones-shaped-like-the-rice-terraces.webp) The Kaparkan Falls in Abra are distinguished by white limestones shaped like the rice terraces. *Photo: Bryan Yap* While Mt. Amuyao boasts the best sunrise views, Besao offers dreamlike sunsets, but only for those fortunate enough to gain access to this village. “The municipality is not open to outsiders,” Brian explains, “But I was lucky to be invited by a local and hosted in their home.” During his stay, he spent time with elders, sitting in a dap-ay or rocks forming a circular shape around a fire. “When you sit with the locals, it’s like being invited to be part of their campside stories,” he says. A visit to Bila in the town of Bauko, best known for its Encadang Rice Terraces, reveals rich traditions in pottery distinct only to the north. Diwin, as it is referred to in the artisanal village, is believed to be a gift passed down to their ancestors by Kabunian (or the Creator). Instead of a foot pedal, artisans manually turn the wedging table by hand to ensure precision and control. These hand-molded works of folk art are then left under the sun to dry. For centuries, diwin has been regarded as a source of sustainable livelihood for locals and an important marker of their identity. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Hand-woven-and-hand-embroidered-fabrics-from-Abra2.webp) In Abra, hand embroidery is utilized to create images that signify daily life and hard work. Every garment, a statement of Tinguian identity, artistry, and craft. *Photo: Bryan Yap* Kalinga is one of the few places on earth where visitors travel thousands of miles for one goal: to get inked. The main attraction comes in the form of Whang-Od or Maria Onggay. At 102 years of age, she is said to be the “last mambabatok in Kalinga.” Batok is a time-honored technique in tattoo artistry that entails tapping ink onto skin with wood, bamboo, or bone. Designs by mambabatoks are characteristically geometric in form, symbolizing status, identity, protection and connection to ancestors. “The three dots that people often associate with Whang-Od make up her signature,” Brian explains. “Her relatives, themselves mambabatoks, do the tattoos for visitors. Once done, that’s the only time when Whang-Od will give her finishing touch, the signature three dots.” Getting to Abra from Mankayan takes at least four hours of road travel. To get to Kaparkan Falls, nestled in the mountains of Tineg, Brian recalls having to go through winding mountainous terrains and six kilometers of rough roads. The sight and sound of water falling from limestone terraces, however, proved it was a trek worth taking. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Handwoven-rattan-lining-for-tabungaw-hats-made-by-National-Living-Treasure-Apo-Teofilo.webp) Tabungaw hats made by National Living Treasure Apo Teofilo. *Photo: Bryan Yap* “We entered through the upper section of the falls, where water falls from multiple levels of limestone terraces, down three lagoons at the bottom,” he says. “The water was so fresh, I couldn’t help but take a dip.” In a quaint village called Namarabar in Abra, Brian recounts meeting Norma Mina Agaid, a Tinguian weaver. “She belongs to a generation of weavers whose hand weaving techniques are indigenous to the people of Itneg. Their culture dates back to pre-Hispanic times,” says Brian. Plants are used to dye cotton threads, which are hand-loomed into fabrics. “Hand embroidery creates images like rice and fingernails to signify hand work on the fields. Figures of sun, flowers, frogs, lizards, horses, and snakes mirror daily life.” Every garment, a page from the centuries-old narrative of Tinguian identity, artistry, and craft. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Diwin-or-traditional-pottery-in-Bila-Bauko.webp) Diwin or traditional pottery making in the Mountain Province. *Photo: Bryan Yap* Unlike weaves, hat-making is rarely mentioned when talking about Philippine craft and folk art. Brian’s visit to a quaint village in San Quintin, Abra led him to the home and studio of National Living Treasure Teofilo Garcia. “At 83, he is one of the last tabungaw hat-makers left in the Philippines. He may as well be the very last,” says Brian. Tabungaw hats are made using the top half of a bottle gourd or native pumpkin, leaving them on the ground for ants to consume. Once the shell is empty, Apo Teofilo weaves a bamboo and rattan lining, which serves as padding for the wearer. Varnish and color are the final steps of this age-old craft. In the past, revolutionaries wore tabungaw hats during battle against the Spaniards. A published nomination document published in the UNESCO World Heritage Convention website declares: “The Ifugao Rice Terraces are the priceless contribution of Philippine ancestors to humanity. Built 2000 years ago and passed on from generation to generation, it represents an enduring illustration of an ancient civilization that surpassed the various challenges and setbacks posed by modernization.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Hand-woven-and-hand-embroidered-fabrics-from-Abra-1.webp) Fabrics are naturally dyed and hand-loomed by Tinguin weavers in Abra. *Photo: Bryan Yap* The five inscribed clusters of this UNESCO Heritage Site includes Nagacadan, Hungduan, Mayoya, Bangaan, and Batad. “Each of these clusters is just as breathtaking and majestic as the other,” Brian says. “But it was the personal interactions and connection that made my visits to Ifugao more meaningful.” He is referring to a time when he was invited to a local, traditional wedding. “In the Cordilleras,” he explains. “When there are weddings or festivities, everyone is invited. So we went down a mountain to be part of the celebration, then back up to return to our homestay. It was quite a hike. ” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Sunrise-at-Sagada.webp) In Sagada, a hike at dawn break leads to a summit where one is literally above the clouds. *Photo: Bryan Yap* It has been several months since Brian last visited the Cordilleras. Even then, there is a certainty that it’s only a matter of time before he returns to his true north. “It’s the richness of the culture, how they value heritage, and their generosity in sharing stories that make the Cordilleras special,” he says. “It’s the stories that make it meaningful. The scenery is a bonus.” Next stop: Apayao. ***This article originally appeared in [Robb Report Philippines’ Travel Issue, December 2026](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-december-2025-the-travel-issue/).*** **Categories:** Travel **Tags:** Cordilleras, Feature, Kalinga, luxury travel --- ### [How Pier Luigi Loro Piana Turned a Love of Sports Into a Luxury Fashion Titan](https://robbreport.ph/style/how-pier-luigi-loro-piana-turned-a-love-of-sports-into-a-luxury-fashion-titan/) **Published:** December 30, 2025 **Author:** Paul Croughton **Content:** The race village at Port de Saint-Tropez is awash with people in nautical navy and white, the de facto dress code for the [Loro Piana Giraglia Regatta](https://www.loropianagiraglia.com/en/index.html). This is the second year the fashion house has lent its name to one of the Mediterranean’s most prestigious summer races. The course zooms from the French coast to Genoa, Italy, taking a sharp turn past Giraglia, a small island off Corsica’s northern tip. It’s the latest in a long line of marine events the brand has sponsored, dating back more than 20 years. The link between sailing and the brand—and more consequentially the [Loro Piana]() family—is exemplified by the man *Robb Report* is here to meet: Pier Luigi Loro Piana. An avuncular figure in his 70s with the physique of a man who has enjoyed life, Pier Luigi fell in love with sailing in his late teens, when a family friend took him for a cruise in a sloop. “Using the wind to go faster or slower, driving the boat like it has an engine, it’s really fascinating,” he says. Inevitably, he started competing. “When you’re sailing, you’re always looking for other boats to go and fight with. It’s an instinct,” he says. And then, with considerable understatement, “I think it’s a nice hobby. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/RR_LoroPiana_Giraglia.webp) Pier Luigi Loro Piana’s 81-foot sailing yacht, My Song. *Courtesy of Loro Piana* He currently owns two boats: *My Song,* which you can see on these pages, is an 81-foot sailing yacht that competed in the Regatta. There’s also *Masquenada,* a comfortable 167-foot explorer. It’s a commendable setup befitting a man who shaped one of Europe’s most celebrated fashion houses. The textile and clothing company that bears his family’s name was launched by an ancestor, Pietro Loro Piana, in 1924. A few generations later, Pier Luigi and his brother, Sergio, would run it for four decades until [LVMH](https://robbreport.ph/tag/lvmh/ "LVMH") acquired a majority stake for approximately $2.6 billion in 2013. Sergio passed away that year; his widow and Pier Luigi still own a share of the brand between them. The brothers proved innovative custodians, moving the company upmarket with an insistence on ultrafine materials and groundbreaking fabrications. And the connection with sports—specifically yachting, horseback riding, skiing, and golf—is integral to how the brand positions itself. As Pier Luigi recalls, such associations often had self-serving origins. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/RR_Pier_Luigi_LP_4.webp) Loro Piana’s bomber jacket, cut from the brand’s Wind Stretch Storm System fabric, was born from designs Pier Luigi and Sergio created for themselves. *Photographed by Stéphanie Davilma* “These are the sports my brother and myself were doing,” he says. “We were very committed in business in the 1970s, ’80s, ’90s, so we were like our customers: people that like to work hard but also play hard. And that meant sports.” This affinity often led them to develop durable, yet elegant, materials and gear for their off-duty pursuits, eventually offering versions to their athletic clientele. “We engineered products with unusual properties, natural fibers like wool or cashmere with a membrane that makes it waterproof and windproof…. For research and development, I was the first victim,” he says with a chuckle. Once, he wanted a ski jacket that was “warmer, lighter, softer, and better” than nylon models, so he made a prototype to test on the slopes. It gave birth to the Loro Piana Storm System, launched in 1994. The line’s wind-resistant waterproof wool and cashmere has since been used by brands around the world. “I still have this jacket,” he says. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/RR_Pier_Luigi_LP_3.webp) My Song at sunset. *Photographed by Stéphanie Davilma* The same process happened on the water. A beloved reversible bomber, with knitted cashmere on one side and waterproof polyester on the other, was born from Pier Luigi’s need for a functional jacket to wear on his yacht. “It’s very light, doesn’t wrinkle, it’s warm, windproof,” he says. “It solves so many problems.” He takes less credit for perhaps the brand’s most famous—and almost certainly most imitated—product, the white-soled suede Summer Walk loafers. “That was my brother,” he says. “When we were 20, 30 years old, we went sailing and there were only \[Sperry\] Top-Siders or Sebagos. But when the soles got worn, they got hard and slippery.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/RR_Pier_Luigi_LP_2.webp) The brand’s widely imitated Summer Walk loafers. *Photographed by Stéphanie Davilma* The answer: a non-marking sole with grip—“like a tire you use in Formula 1 when it’s wet”—which Sergio got his bespoke shoemaker to sew to suede uppers. Eventually, they produced two versions: a loafer and the Open Walk, a model with a slightly higher top. “We discovered people were using them also for formal wear because they were so comfortable,” says Pier Luigi. “It’s really a successful story that started from product research.” And if problem-solving can turn your family business into a giant of global style, clearly it pays to be a little selfish now and again. *Model: Loic Antina; Grooming: Eduardo Bravo* ***This article originally appeared in [Robb Report Philippines’ Travel Issue, December 2026](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-december-2025-the-travel-issue/).*** **Categories:** Boats, Style **Tags:** LVMH, Yachts --- ### [Jaguar Just Built Its Final Gas-Powered Vehicle](https://robbreport.ph/cars/jaguar-just-built-its-final-gas-powered-vehicle/) **Published:** December 29, 2025 **Author:** Bryan Hood **Content:** [Jaguar](https://robbreport.ph/tag/jaguar/ "jaguar") is now well and truly ready for its next era. The British automaker just built the final F-Pace at its factory in the English town of Solihull, [according to Autocar](https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/final-f-pace-has-been-built-marking-end-jaguars-ice-era). With production complete, the marque can now focus exclusively on building EVs going forward. This day has been coming for a while. In 2021, Jaguar announced its intention to go fully electric by 2025. It then began phasing out the F-Pace, its final combustion model, last year. The company stopped selling the vehicle in the U.K. that November, though it has remained available in other markets around the world, including Australia, China, and the U.S. The model, introduced in 2016, is the brand’s best-selling model of all time, with 300,000 examples sold worldwide since its release. The end of its production means that, for the time being, Jaguar is building no vehicle for sale anywhere in the world (it stopped building coupés and saloons in early 2024). ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/opener-1-w-Design-Vision_FRONT_34_16x9.webp) The Jaguar 00 concept is meant to preview the brand’s next generation of EVs. Jaguar Land Rover The storied automaker hopes that won’t be the case for much longer, though. Although it will not meet its goal of going all-electric by 2025, the company plans to unveil the production version of its first next-generation EV next year. That vehicle will be based on the controversial Type 00 concept that the marque unveiled at last year’s Art Basel Miami. The grand tourer was supposed to debut at some point this year, but, in October, managing director Rawdon Glover [told ABC News](https://abcnews.go.com/Business/polarizing-perfection-jaguar-chief-defends-controversial-designs/story?id=126715669) that its unveiling was being pushed back until next spring. Although the EV has been touted as the “most powerful Jaguar ever,” next to no technical details are known as of now. Glover said that the company would begin taking orders for the $130,000 grand tourer around the time of its debut, with deliveries expected to happen soon after. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/jaguar-type00-2.webp) The production version of the Type 00 is expected to debut next year. *Jaguar* In that same interview, Glover also said that the concept’s “polarizing” look was meant to be divisive. Although the executive spoke out in support of the design, it is unclear if everyone at Jaguar feels the same. Earlier this month, Gerry McGovern, the company’s chief design officer and the person most responsible for the look of the Type 00, [left the company after 20 years](https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/dec/03/gerry-mcgovern-design-boss-behind-new-jaguar-leaves-jlr), in a move that [came as a shock to many industry observers](https://www.thedrive.com/news/what-the-heck-is-going-on-between-jlr-and-gerry-mcgovern). *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** jaguar --- ### [Magnifica Air Wants to Take Private-Jet Comfort to the Commercial Skies](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/magnifica-air-wants-to-take-private-jet-comfort-to-the-commercial-skies/) **Published:** December 26, 2025 **Author:** Abby Montanez **Content:** [Magnifica Air ](https://magnificaair.com/)isn’t trying to reinvent [private aviation](https://robbreport.ph/tag/private-aviation/ "private aviation") so much as redefine the space between private and commercial travel. At the House of Robb during Miami Art Week, co-founders Wade Black and Stacey Carey made the case that there’s room—quite a lot of it—for something new. “Magnifica Air is launching a new class of air service, something that doesn’t exist in the market today,” Black said. “We’re calling it private class.” The company is aiming squarely at a traveler who wants the convenience of commercial routes but the comfort and attentiveness that usually come with chartering a jet. Black described it as the “big white space” between premium cabins and private aviation—a gap they believe is only widening as customers demand better experiences. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Bn7J9Bzg6uULAXHwxoFN5J-1920-80jpg.webp) Courtesy of Magnifica Air For Carey, the journey begins well before takeoff. “It’s really important to us that Magnifica Air feels like a community and has that sense of home,” she said. That translates to car service from a traveler’s residence or hotel, direct access to the airline’s private terminal, and a streamlined arrival window. “You only have to arrive 30 minutes before your flight,” she said. “We’ll take care of your luggage. . .It is not standing in the lines waiting.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/bCFz9C7otW33NgXeGGRG6Z-1280-80jpg.webp) Courtesy of Magnifica Air Once on board, Magnifica wants the experience to evoke a business jet more than a traditional commercial airline. The most dramatic change is the absence of overhead bins—and the inevitable game of luggage Tetris that comes with them. “We’re eliminating overhead bins, and that in itself just creates a huge sense of space,” Carey said. Seating—developed with Comlux—will be upholstered in Italian leather and arranged to feel more residential than airline rows. “When you walk onto our planes, they will feel like a [private jet](https://robbreport.ph/tag/jet/ "jet"),” she added. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/magnifica-air-cofounders.webp) Magnifica Air co-founders Wade Black (left) and Stacey Carey (right) at House of Robb Miami. Justin Festejo Wellness also informs the jet’s design. “Stress and anxiety have really become the number one pain point for a lot of people,” Carey said. Magnifica’s aircraft will include advanced air purification and humidification systems to improve comfort on long flights, along with a more open cabin layout that feels calmer and less crowded. Black also pointed to sustainability as a core part of Magnifica’s identity. He said the airline intends to incorporate sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) across its network and design its operation around efficiency from day one. Because of the aircraft they’re selecting—and the way the cabins are configured—Magnifica expects to operate with what Black described as “the most efficient carbon footprint in the entire industry.” Being a brand-new carrier, he added, gives them the advantage of leading on sustainability rather than adapting to it later. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/jZP6Dscy8kgRz9bcRD8CDW-1280-80jpg.webp) There are no overhead bins; hand-held luggage is stowed in easy access areas within every passenger’s reach–even with seatbelts fastened. Courtesy of Magnifica Air The co-founders also previewed the Seven Club, a membership program designed to foster community around the brand. Members will receive fixed pricing, access to special events like Art Basel Miami Beach, and cultural experiences tied into Magnifica’s network. “It’s not very often you get to see the creation of a new airline, especially a luxury airline,” Black said. Behind the scenes, the company is focused on building a fleet that can deliver dependable service. Magnifica will open with six aircraft and scale to 25 as demand grows. To avoid delays and cancellations, Black said the airline will operate with backup aircraft at the ready. “We’re going to be very heavy on what’s called spare airplanes, so that in the event that something happens, which in aviation, as we all know, things do happen, we’re always going to be prepared to be able to recover from those moments,” he explained, adding that reliability “the most important piece” for the travelers they hope to attract. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/SQDdqGJ9wQS55562umGAYT-1280-80jpg.webp) Spacious, private-jet-like seat configurations. Courtesy of Magnifica Air Magnifica is moving through FAA certification now and expects that process to wrap by late 2026. The airline is targeting Q3 2027 for its official debut, with Miami as its starting point and service to the New York area planned for launch. Additional routes will follow to Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, San Jose, and Chicago. As Carey put it, the goal is for travelers to reach the end of the flight and think, “It’s already over?” *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Aviation **Tags:** luxury travel, Magnifica Air --- ### [Orient Express’s Massive Sailing Yachts Will Head to the Mediterranean and Northern Europe in 2027](https://robbreport.ph/boats/orient-expresss-massive-sailing-yachts-will-head-to-the-mediterranean-and-northern-europe-in-2027/) **Published:** December 26, 2025 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** Orient Express hasn’t even set sail yet, but that hasn’t stopped it from rolling out ambitious plans for the future. The Accor brand has just announced a new collection of itineraries for 2027, with yachts *Corinthian* and *Olympian* set to cover new territory in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. The 722-foot *Corinthian*, a.k.a. the world’s largest [sailing](https://robbreport.ph/tag/sailing/ "sailing") [yacht](https://robbreport.ph/tag/yacht/ "yacht"), will take to the seas in June 2026 for an [initial season](https://robbreport.ph/boats/the-second-orient-express-sailing-yacht-is-on-track-to-launch-in-2027/ "The Second Orient Express Sailing Yacht Is on Track to Launch in 2027") of cruising through the Med and the Caribbean, including routes of the Côte d’Azur, the Italian Riviera, and the Adriatic. It will be joined by its 721-foot sistership, *[Olympian](https://robbreport.ph/boats/the-second-orient-express-sailing-yacht-is-on-track-to-launch-in-2027/ "The Second Orient Express Sailing Yacht Is on Track to Launch in 2027")*, in 2027, with both vessels taking guests on new voyages through Greece, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and Scandinavia. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/orient-express-sailing-yacht-paros.webp) One itinerary includes a stop at the island of Paros in the Aegean Sea. Orient Express One Med adventure runs from Piraeus, Greece, across the Aegean and the Sporades to Istanbul, Turkey; another kicks off in Valletta, Malta, winds through the Ionian Sea before finishing up in Piraeus. As for the U.K., the first trip begins on the Thames in London, then follows the south coast of England to Torquay and Cowes, before heading to Saint-Malo and Honfleur in France. The second starts in London, then traces Britain’s eastern coastline to Edinburgh, Scotland, before heading further north to Norway and Denmark. The third actually begins in Copenhagen, Denmark, follows the Norwegian Coast to the North Sea, then continues to Scotland and London. As with previous journeys, each new route will capitalize on favourable winds to reduce environmental impact. Both ships are equipped with a SolidSail propulsion system that includes three masts with a total sail surface area of nearly 50,000 square feet. Designed by Chantiers de l’Atlantique, the innovative setup enables the masts to be tilted and rotated to maximize the wind, thereby reducing fuel consumption, lowering operating costs, cutting emissions, and increasing efficiency. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/orient-express-sailing-yacht-istanbul.webp) Another adventure includes a stop in Istanbul, Turkey. Orient Express Guests will travel in the lap of luxury, too: Designed by Orient Express artistic director Maxime d’Angeac, the interiors of *Corinthian* and *Olympian* reflect the golden age of rail travel and ocean cruising in chic, contemporary decor. Each yacht offers up only 54 suites with private terraces and/or panoramic windows. The vessels also feature restaurants by Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno and spas by Guerlain, meaning guests can relax and recharge after their curated cultural encounters. You can reserve your journey today via the [Orient Express website](https://www.orient-express.com/en/sailing-yachts/itineraries). **Categories:** Boats, Travel **Tags:** cruise, orient express --- ### [The Enduring Rituals of Tabacalera](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/cigars/the-enduring-rituals-of-tabacalera/) **Published:** December 28, 2025 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** There are few pleasures as enduring, and perhaps as quietly decadent, as the slow burn of a fine cigarillo. And by now, Tabacalera has perfected the art of tobacco and then some. Tabacalera began as La Compañía General de Tabacos de Filipinas, a venture born of both Spanish enterprise and Filipino mastery. It quickly became synonymous with excellence, producing hand-rolled cigars that would soon find their way into the humidors of connoisseurs across Europe and Asia. Nearly a century and a half later, the brand remains one of the oldest surviving cigar manufacturers in Asia. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/MG_2664.webp) *Photo: Art Alera* “We have been producing our excellent hand-rolled cigars since 1881 and will continue to do so,” says Michelle Ongpin Callaghan, president of Tabacalera Incorporada. “We believe there will always be a market for handcrafted luxury products. But we also realize that a younger generation, or people who do not always have the luxury of time for a full cigar, might look for something more approachable.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/MG_2326.webp) *Photo: Art Alera* That intuition birthed the Flor Fina cigarillos, a product of tradition honed for over a century designed with modern sophistication in mind. Select tobacco leaves are aged and hand-finished to deliver balance, nuance, and consistency. The result is a smoke that begins with a whisper of spice, and then deepens into notes of cedar and cacao, leaving a gentle, honeyed finish. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/MG_2332.webp) *Photo: Art Alera* This new line also enjoys quite the range of refined flavors to suit every temperament: the smooth sweetness of Caramel, the velvety depth of Chocolate, the aromatic warmth of Vanilla, the earthy richness of Café Crème, and the pure, woodsy allure of Puritos. They’re a celebration of Philippine flora and fauna, infusing the ritual of smoking with a touch of whimsy and national pride. “We will always be anchored in our craftsmanship heritage,” Callaghan adds. “We just evolve some of the products to fit our modern lifestyles.” Tabacalera finds harmony in its philosophy of intentional luxury. “A cigar is an entirely natural product,” she explains. “There are no additives—its complexity comes from the skill of our rollers and the age of the tobacco leaf. Minimalism, to us, means fewer things, but chosen and made with care. Much like our cigars and cigarillos.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/MG_2319.webp) *Photo: Art Alera* In a world increasingly defined by pace and design, Tabacalera’s Flor Fina finds its place. These cigarillos offer a quiet moment of pleasure, a sensory celebration, and a touch of nostalgia. “Our cigarillos come in beautifully designed tin cans, the kind you’d be proud to carry or share. A cigarette is like fast food; a cigar, fine dining. Our cigarillos are the happy medium—crafted with love and proudly Filipino.” ***This article originally appeared in [Robb Report Philippines’ Travel Issue, December 2026](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-december-2025-the-travel-issue/).*** **Categories:** Cigars **Tags:** Cigarillos, cigars, Flor Fina, Tabacalera --- ### [How Urwerk’s Otherworldly New Watch Tracks Movement in the Cosmos](https://robbreport.ph/watches/how-urwerks-otherworldly-new-watch-tracks-movement-in-the-cosmos/) **Published:** December 23, 2025 **Author:** Oren Hartov **Content:** When seasoned collectors think of Urwerk—the independent watchmaker founded by Felix Baumgartner and Martin Frei in 1997—they likely picture the satellite (or “wandering”) hours complication. Developed in the 17th century, the system displays the time with an orbital disc (or discs) that indicates the hour and points to the minute along an arc that sits on the periphery of the dial. And though the complication is now an Urwerk signature, the Genevan maison has plenty of other horological tricks up its sleeve. To wit: Check out the brand-new [UR-10 Spacemeter](https://www.urwerk.com/collections/ur-special-projects/ur-10-spacemeter) ($94,000). With its integrated bracelet and rather conventional syringe-style hands, it appears—at first glance, at least—like a luxury sports watch. A closer examination of the model’s three subdials, not to mention its lack of pushers, quickly reveals that this is not a standard chronograph, but an orbital distance tracker. Inspired by a 19th-century clock that Baumgartner’s watchmaker father, Gérard, restored, the Spacemeter is a miniature astronomical complication and tracks the distances traveled by several heavenly bodies. The counter at two o’clock measures every 10 kilometers the Earth travels in its daily rotation (in increments of 500 meters), while another one at four o’clock tracks every 1,000 kilometers the sun has moved, calibrated in 20-kilometer steps. Finally, at nine o’clock, is a counter called Orbit that combines these two trajectories into a single totalizer, measuring every 1,000 kilometers of the Earth’s rotation and every 64,000 kilometers of the solar orbit on synchronized blue and white scales. (Flip the watch over, and you’ll find a 24-hour track, as well as indications for the Earth’s rotation and revolution over a 24-hour period.) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Urwerk_Spacemeter_1.webp) The approachable but futuristic UR-10 Spacemeter. *Courtesy of Urwerk* If you’re wondering why you’d ever possibly need this information, you may be overthinking things: This is 2025, after all, and most mechanical [watches](https://robbreport.ph/watches/ "Watches") are vestigial appendages of an increasingly distant technological era. But if you can suspend your disbelief for a moment, the beauty of the UR-10 Spacemeter—which is available in a limited edition of 25 titanium dials and 25 black dials—captures a bigger picture. “Change unfolds because we move—through space, through moments, through existence,” Frei tells *Robb Report.* “In its mechanical choreography, the UR-10 reminds us that time is not something we observe. It is something we inhabit.” *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** orbital space tracker, UR-10 Spacemeter, Urwerk --- ### [Shoulder to Shoulder: A Portrait of Craft, Community, and the Making of a Demetria Bag](https://robbreport.ph/style/fashion/demetria-genius-at-work/) **Published:** December 22, 2025 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** With exposés revealing questionable supply chains and “Italian-made” goods traced far from Italy, the [fashion](https://robbreport.ph/style/fashion/ "Fashion") industry is being forced to reckon with the gap between the luxury it promises and the reality behind the seams. Consumers, now demanding to know exactly who made the product and how, are looking into craftsmanship as the last true measure of value. This is why a brand like [Demetria](https://www.instagram.com/demetriacollection/?hl=en) feels particularly resonant now. At Demetria, founded and creatively helmed by Mai Cojuangco, craftsmanship is both long-standing in technique and personal in creation. Each bag is designed and sketched by Cojuangco and shaped by the hands of artisans whose names she acknowledges with pride: Simona, Lety, Roberto, Michela, Gabriele. Their skill, built over decades, is visible in every cut and seam. In a world of faceless manufacturing, Demetria chooses to place the maker at the heart of the story, which unfolds in Florence, a place where Cojuangco considers home. “I’ve lived here for half my life. It’s the birthplace of the Renaissance; it’s a city steeped in leather-working traditions. It’s also where Demetria was born,” she says. “Living and working here for over twenty years has taught me a great deal about my craft. The artisan community isn’t very large—and Florence itself is not a big city—so it’s relatively easy to find the right people and reach out for whatever we might need. I’m also incredibly grateful to work with suppliers who don’t require minimum order quantities; it gives me the freedom to experiment with colours, materials, and variations.” Her breadth of references—a Beato Angelico exhibition in Florence, the curves of midcentury furniture, her love of music—speaks of a life across continents that has given her a far-reaching visual vocabulary; she absorbs what she encounters and distills it instinctively into her work. “In truth, I can’t point to a single source of inspiration. It’s safe to say that I’m a sponge: I absorb everything I experience and synthesize them into my work,” she explains. But for all the fluidity of her influences, her process is anchored in something far more exacting. Cojuangco is one who will carry around prototypes for weeks to get the feel of the bags, studying how the bag holds up in real-life situations, checking for creasing and how seams and the leather will behave with weight. “Over twenty years ago I had the privilege of studying at a school dedicated to leather handbag making, then worked for several years as a *modellista* (pattern maker), and I still feel I’ve only scratched the surface of that craft. So much of the work happens even before the leather is cut,” she says. “Experience has been the best teacher when it comes to recognizing top, exceptional quality.” That level of attention is mirrored in the relationships she’s built within her workshop. “I’ve only ever worked with the workshop and the team for the brand, from day one. We work well together; we know what to expect from each other, and they know the brand intimately. How many things do you own for which you actually know the face of the person who made them? That’s what we have here in Florence with Demetria.” Cojuangco continues, “To speak of ‘luxury’ in the most holistic and authentic sense necessitates a consideration of the person, the maker, and the conditions in which they work to achieve the best versions of things. With the Italian artisans, there is discussion, there is debate, discourse, and that is the only way to achieve the highest level of product, and of quality. For us, the true definition of luxury begins and ends with people.” 1. Mai Cojuangco begins the design process with a 1:1 sketch done by hand. The “Monette” bag is one of the pieces in Demetria’s newest collection. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DEMETRIA-SKETCH-AND-GRAPHIC.webp) 2\. From a 1:1 sketch of the panel, Simona cuts the pattern directly from the graphic and begins the process of creating paper pattern designs. Two parts develop from the patterns: the first is the embossed design, which will be cut into the feltrino material; the second is the blank spaces in the pattern, used to trace the design directly onto the leather to ensure precision on the front panel. Simona traces the design on a piece of black leather. “The kind and quality of experience held in the hands—feeling the thickness, the leathers, the materials—takes years to develop and simply cannot be replicated by machines,” Cojuangco says. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/FRONT-PANEL-DEV-2.webp) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/FRON-PANEL-DEV-3.webp) 3\. All the cutouts from the paper pattern are transferred into feltrino material, which creates the embossed effect on the front panel. She fixes the feltrino onto the leather with mastice (leather glue), securing their positions by hammering the strips onto the panel. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/FRON-PANEL-DEV-4.webp) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/FRONT-PANEL-DEV-6.webp) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/FRONT-PANEL-DEV-5.webp) 4\. Simona then uses a *stecca*—a tool often made of bone—to fold and define the edges of the leather, creating the embossed effect by hand. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/FRONT-PANEL-DEV-7.webp) 5\. The intended effect and final result of that process. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/FRONT-PANEL-DEV-8.webp) 6\. Bag straps at Demetria are pressed with the logo. Finished with a buckle and two dog hooks, they are adjustable and can be used with other handbags. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/HEAT-EMBOSS-STRAP.webp) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DEMETRIA-01-STUDIO.webp) 7\. The completed Monette bag, handcrafted by artisans of Demetria in Florence, Italy. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DEMETRIA-02-STUDIO.webp) *Production and photography by Kevin Coniquet, Guilio Pierini, and Duccio Schiumarini.* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report Philippines’ [Travel Issue, December 2025](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-december-2025-the-travel-issue/).* **Categories:** Fashion, Style **Tags:** demetria, florence, luxury bags, mai cojuangco --- ### [Mercedes-Benz Just Gave Its Ultra-Rugged Unimog Truck a Luxurious Makeover](https://robbreport.ph/cars/mercedes-benz-just-gave-its-ultra-rugged-unimog-truck-a-luxurious-makeover/) **Published:** December 22, 2025 **Author:** Bryan Hood **Content:** It’s time for the [Mercedes-Benz ](https://robbreport.ph/tag/mercedes-benz/ "mercedes benz")Unimog to finally get a glow up. The automaker’s Special Trucks division just unveiled a glammed-up version of its do-anything utility vehicle. The luxury makeover, which, as of now, appears to just be a one-off, is meant to celebrate the vehicle’s 80th birthday. The G-Class, or G-Wagen, may be Mercedes’s most famous utility vehicle, but the Unimog is most capable. First introduced in 1944, the multi-purpose off-roader with portal axles has been used as the basis for military, emergency, and commercial vehicles in some of the most punishing environments around the world. It’s a vehicle so burly that Arnold Schwarzenegger, an avowed lover of gigantic trucks and SUVs, once included it in his personal collection. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/luxury-mercedes-benz-unimog-3.webp) *Florian Duve/Daimler Trucks* Mercedes teamed up with conversion shop Hellgeth Engineering for the special Unimog. Based on the U 4023, the off-roader features a unique exterior that gives it the look of an SUV rather than a truck. The striking dual-cab body is finished in matte grey paint, wears an all-new LED lighting package, and rides on a set of aluminum beadlock wheels wrapped in chunky all-terrain tires. Inside, the interior features ergonomic seats covered in premium leather with contrast stitching and LED lighting. It’s not a Maybach by any stretch of the imagination, but it’s a lot cushier than your average commercial vehicle. The changes aren’t all cosmetic, either. The Unimog’s standard four-cylinder engine has been replaced by a six-cylinder mill that makes 300 hp. The vehicle also features the nameplate’s trademark portal axles, a flexible frame, and selectable all-wheel drive. It may be fancier than your average Unimog, but it can still get down to work. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/luxury-mercedes-benz-unimog-4.webp) Florian Duve/Daimler Trucks “With the luxury Unimog show car, we have realized our vision of combining the legendary robustness and off-road capability of the Unimog with an entirely new standard of comfort and engineering skills,” Franziska Cusumano, the CEO of Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks, said in a statement. “This Unimog is a statement of innovation and passion.” That quote makes clear that the luxury Unimog is just a one-off for now. Still, as hard as it may be to believe, there was a time when the G-Wagen was more utilitarian than fashionable. If the response to a more comfortable Unimog is as strong as we imagine it will be, it wouldn’t be a complete shock if a small run of the vehicle were to find its way into production. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** mercedes-benz, unimog --- ### [This Research Expedition Superyacht Charter Lets You Swim With Humpback Whales](https://robbreport.ph/boats/this-research-expedition-superyacht-charter-lets-you-swim-with-humpback-whales/) **Published:** December 22, 2025 **Author:** Nicole Hoey **Content:** EYOS Expeditions, curator of all things involving private excursions on the seas, just unveiled a new series of voyages that will let you explore regions around the globe aboard [Feadship’s](https://robbreport.ph/tag/feadship/ "feadship") 187-foot superyacht M/Y *Solace*, which just underwent a stunning refit. And the adventures aren’t just for spectacle: You can choose to hop aboard with scientists in tow, helping the vessel become a floating ode to ocean research. The experiences kick off with a journey to the Dominican Republic in February, where you’ll get to swim alongside humpback whales in one of the few areas of the world that you’re able to do so. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/solce-expedition-yacht-exterior.webp) Overlooking the sea aboard Solace. *EYOS Expeditions and Vickers Studio* For the inaugural adventure, you’ll head to Silver Bank, one of the most important breeding grounds for the species in the world. There, *Solace* will play host to you as well as marine researchers from the Caribbean Cetacean Society, who will be investigating the presence of deep-diving creatures, whales, and mapping the density of the animals. So you’ll get to see both the humpbacks and the scientists in action as they gather their intel. In particular, the researchers will use hydro-acoustic tech to track marine life that can’t be seen on visual recordings, eDNA sampling, and seafloor mapping to map the lives of our aquatic counterparts. All those details can help the Dominican Republic in their mission to turn 30 percent of their waters into marine reserves by 2030. The data collected onboard, which will offer up more information about the various species and their habitats, will be used to help the government decide the location and size of those protected areas. Plus, a piece of your charter fee goes toward funding the missions and conservations programs. “*Solace*’s investment in scientific research represents a new model for yacht chartering, where adventure, science, and conservation intersect,” said EYOS Expeditions CEO Ben Lyons said in a press statement. “Charter guests can discover the extraordinary, while simultaneously helping fund vital research and ocean conservation efforts to protect them, ensuring that their journey contributes to a larger legacy of scientific discovery.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/solce-expedition-yacht-bedroom.webp) One of your bedrooms aboard *Solace*. *EYOS Expeditions and Vickers Studio* As for your home base, *Solace* is fresh off a 10-month refit that was completed in September. First built in 2005, the vessel got a refresh from Vickers Studio, who added a modern, sophisticated design inside with a soft, neutral color palette. The superyacht is home to five suites for up to 12 guests—with extra space for researchers, of course—alongside a sauna, a gym, and spacious decks. And if you’re looking for more adventure on the seas, there are plenty of tenders, eFoils, SeaBobs, diving gear, and more aboard for you to explore with. For more details about any of the superyacht’s turns about the seas, head to EYOS Expeditions’s [website](https://www.eyos-expeditions.com/solace.). *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Boats **Tags:** expedition, EYOS Expeditions, Superyacht, whales --- ### [Long Term Vision: A 270-Year Milestone for Vacheron Constantin](https://robbreport.ph/watches/long-term-vision-vacheron-traditionelle/) **Published:** December 26, 2025 **Author:** Carl Cunanan **Content:** One of the most eye-opening things I experienced in the watchmaking world was when I went to the manufacture of the longest continuously operating maison, [Vacheron Constantin](https://robbreport.ph/tag/vacheron-constantin/ "Vacheron Constantin"). It is a huge facility with many modern technologies and processes operating, surrounded by the wonderful environment that can only be had in Switzerland. Walking through that building, passing through the main areas and into a smaller, but sizable space. And suddenly everything was different. The room smelled wonderful and old–like machine shops and oil and real work. We were amidst machines for engraving and cutting and finishing. And in the middle of that was the one guy who, at that time, was working at each of the stations. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/VAC_Traditionnelle_6300T-000P-H056_Wristshot_01_70966968.webp) *Photo: Vacheron Constantin* This, more than anything, drove home the point that when you mark 270 years of unbroken watchmaking, you develop expertise and history. You also know where you need to use modern technologies and processes and materials. Which is exactly what Vacheron Constantine does. The Traditionnelle Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar 270th Anniversary watch, you will see a guilloche pattern on the dial meant specifically for these anniversary timepieces. Hand-crafted guilloché is a very specific craft, requiring a huge amount of talent and time on machines that haven’t been made for decades. The work is done on what they call machines in the old world sense–guided and powered by the human hand or indeed often with a foot pedal. And if you don’t control your breathing properly or keep your hand gestures steady, you could cause blemishes on an otherwise perfect line or curve. This is why so many watch companies, even at high levels, choose to simply stamp such dials and surfaces. Vacheron Constantin’s pieces are done in the most traditional of ways, on a hand-operated engine or machine. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/VAC_Traditionnelle-6300T_MOF_caliber-assembling_71009518.webp) The Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar, a part of a small family of special pieces, is an excellent showcase for the maison as it marks its 270th anniversary. It is a perpetual calendar, with data balanced on a finely finished face. It is also a tourbillon, so you have an open carriage, which is slightly larger than the sub-dials. There is more depth just below the hour and minute hands that are centrally located. The three sub-dials, each with a single hand, point to day, month, and date. A small aperture near the one o’clock indices gives a single-digit indication of the four-year leap. Vacheron Constantin is fairly well-known for doing stellar complications that set new world records, and these are typically one-off creations that are made for specific clients to add to their extremely important collections. Such was the case for the recently-heralded Solaria Ultra Grand Complication, which is known as the record-setting most complicated watch ever made. Very few people will ever lay eyes on that watch ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/VAC_Traditionnelle_6300T-000P-H056_Wristshot_02_4x5_70966951.webp) *Photo: Vacheron Constantin* The Traditionelle Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar 270th anniversary, as it was formally named, is a piece that can be seen and appreciated by more people. This all new model builds on the self-winding caliber 2160, which has, a peripheral rotor that allows you to see as much of the workmanship as possible. A 72-hour, self-winding movement accompanies a perpetual calendar mechanism. Both the movement and the dial are treated with the 270th anniversary level of detailing and workmanship. At the back, a unique finish on the movement bridges differs slightly from what you see on the front. It features concentric graining on the bridges, which lends a modern look to the watch, as opposed to more intricate detailing which looks more classical. The watch is large in a 42 millimeter platinum case, but it is actually relatively thin with a height of just over 11 millimeters. On the times when you do wear this watch, it will be held on with alligator leather straps and a matching folding buckle. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/VAC_Traditionnelle_6300T-000P-H056_StillLife_18_70964986.webp) *Photo: Vacheron Constantin* The star of the visual show here is really the tourbillon. And it has the most clearly visible use of hand finishing and detailing. The Maltese cross, used as a symbol of the maison, is the form used for the tourbillon cage. Even the small details such as the rounded arms on the steel bridge that secure the tourbillon cage are hand-finished. Vacheron Constantin has always been hugely respected and admired by the more serious watch collectors and enthusiasts. And in spite of all the hype that has gone around with increased interest in watches, they have held pretty true to their soul and long term vision. ***This article originally appeared in [Robb Report Philippines’ Travel Issue, December 2026](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-december-2025-the-travel-issue/).*** **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** Feature, Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar, Vacheron Constantin, Watches --- ### [Inside the Making of the New Lexus LFA](https://robbreport.ph/cars/inside-the-making-of-the-new-lexus-lfa/) **Published:** December 19, 2025 **Author:** Erik Shilling **Content:** Over a decade ago at Monterey Car Week, Akio Toyoda, the chairman of Toyota, was told that [Lexus](https://robbreport.ph/tag/lexus/ "lexus"), the brand’s luxury division, was, in a word, boring. The brand was known in the U.S. for making refined, reliable, and luxurious people carriers but not for taking chances. The LFA, which debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 2009, was designed to change that. “Akio stood up and made a promise: No more boring cars,” said Simon Humphries, Toyota’s chief branding officer. The LFA was powered by a 553 hp, 4.8-liter V-10 mated to a six-speed manual transmission that, as a package, single-handedly altered the brand’s DNA. *Car and Driver* [said that it was better](https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a16580655/2012-lexus-lfa-review/) than a Ferrari 599GTB and “the most exciting car to come out of Japan since the GT-R.” Boring, it was not. The LFA was part of a broader launch of higher-powered Lexus models branded under the F and F Sport names, starting with the IS-F and, most recently, the RC F, a coupe that is being discontinued and is the last current F car in the Lexus lineup. That may amount to an extended pause for Lexus F cars, with the second-generation LFA unveiled in December and not likely to see deliveries by 2027 at the earliest. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/lexus-lfa-concept-2-2-e1764984996453.webp) *Photo: Erik Shilling* “Over the last 14 years, not only Lexus and GR but all Toyota Group brands have undergone a transformation,” Humphries said. “The emotional side has come back to the company.” Indeed, the second-generation LFA is both hotly anticipated but also not quite a priority for Lexus, which sells nearly a million cars globally every year but only made 500 examples of the original LFA. The original would be hard to top, especially if Lexus was merely going to make another gas-powered supercar; such a car likely wouldn’t change the conversation about Lexus as the original did, and may also invite some comparisons to the [underwhelming second-generation Acura NSX](https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a23901197/2019-acura-nsx-update-supercar/). ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/lexus-lfa-concept-6.webp) *Photo: Lexus* A second-generation LFA with [solid-state batteries](https://www.topgear.com/car-news/interview/hypercar-or-hybrid-toyota-promises-a-solid-state-battery-ev-2028) that could blaze a new all-electric trail for a company that historically has been battery-electric skeptical? Now we’re talking. That version of a new LFA could be a conversation-changer like the first, even as the reveal itself has been a slow burn. Lexus first showed the LFA concept at The Quail earlier this year with explicit instructions from Akio to let the car “speak for itself,” with an [accompanying press release](https://pressroom.lexus.com/lexus-sport-concept-debuts-at-2025-edition-of-the-quail-a-motorsports-gathering/) just a paragraph long. Lexus showed a bit more at the Japan Mobility Show in October, including an interior, and then showed all of it at a special event in early December at Woven City near Mount Fuji. The new Lexus LFA is officially happening, with the weight of the world’s largest car company behind it and the best of its technical prowess. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/lexus-lfa-concept-2-3-e1764985028894.webp) *Photo: Erik Shilling* “For the \[new LFA\], this meant big breakthroughs, dramatic proportions, and packaging innovation,” Humphries said. That will surely mean big performance, too, though it’s too early for Lexus to give out numbers or make any predictions. One thing they are already sure of, though, is that the new LFA will make some interesting new sounds. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/lexus-lfa-concept-3-e1764919148548.webp) *Photo: Lexus* “When this car is finally finished, it will answer Akio’s last request: to completely redefine the sound of an electric sports car,” Humphries said. That means not just the sound of rubber slapping the pavement or the whir of electric motors—the soundtrack of a Formula E race—but something new and artificial or, more generously, *bespoke*. The second-generation LFA wants to be a presence, a goal aided by a cockpit that was striking for being so driver-focused in an EV that won’t hit roads until later this decade, when semi-autonomous cars will be more advanced than ever before. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/lexus-lfa-concept-2-5-e1764985161801.webp) *Photo: Erik Shilling* “The steering wheel was discerningly and suitably designed for use in a sports car, while steering operation that eliminates the need for regripping with a different hand, together with a switch layout that makes blind touch operation possible, enables intuitive vehicle control,” Lexus said in its release. Lexus will be concerned about the competition: the second-generation Tesla Roadster, if and when that ever materializes; Rimac Nevera; Ferrari Elettrica; Lotus Evija; Lamborghini Lanzador; and, perhaps, an all-electric Porsche 911. The exciting part for Lexus, if not consumers just yet, is that the world of all-electric performance cars is still in its infancy, lacking a dominant player. The situation was the opposite decades ago, before the launch of the first LFA, when Akio Toyoda went to the Nürburgring and realized his company didn’t have a car capable of taking on the Germans, especially Porsche. Not even close. Akio said the humiliation of that moment, or *kuyashisa*, made him determined to come back with a car that could. Enter the first-generation LFA, which set a then-record time for a production car of 7:14.64. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/lexus-lfa-concept-2-4-e1764985073292.webp) *Photo: Erik Shilling* “It’s the first time I was able to drive the Nürburgring looking ahead,” Toyoda said the company’s chief test driver [Hiromu Naruse](https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/a10348883/the-incredible-tragic-life-of-toyotas-most-important-test-driver/) told him after the LFA was completed. “Until then, we were constantly being overtaken by other cars, and now we had a car to overtake others.” Lexus will be taking the second-generation LFA to the Nürburgring as well whenever it’s ready, targeting a time under seven minutes. That could beat the current record in the all-electric “super sports car” segment, set by the Yangwang U9 Extreme, which sped through the ‘Ring in 6:59.157 in August. Such an accomplishment will probably be the baseline expectation, since Toyoda said he still thinks about the time before his company was even capable of threatening. “I will never forget that humiliation,” Toyoda, 69, said. “That pain is what drives me even now.” *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** electric vehicles, lexus, sports cars --- ### [How Emmanuel Gueit Became One of the Watch World’s Most Legendary Designers](https://robbreport.ph/watches/how-emmanuel-gueit-became-one-of-the-watch-worlds-most-legendary-designers/) **Published:** December 15, 2025 **Author:** Thor Svaboe **Content:** At the 1993 opening of Baselworld—then the horological industry’s largest trade show—an apoplectic Gerald Genta stormed into [Audemars Piguet](https://robbreport.ph/tag/audemars-piguet/ "audemars piguet")’s booth, screaming, “You killed my Royal Oak! You killed my Royal Oak!” At least that’s how [Emmanuel Gueit](https://www.instagram.com/emmanuelgueit/?hl=en) remembers it. The classic reference’s legendary creator aimed his anger squarely at the then 25-year-old designer, who had just unveiled the Royal Oak Offshore, a bolder, bigger take on the 1970s original designed by Genta. Gueit recalls replying in a low voice, “Nice to meet you, too, Mr. Genta.” The amplified redesign was far from the model’s demise. The Offshore can reasonably be credited with turning around Audemars Piguet’s fortunes and setting the stage for Gueit’s long and distinguished career. Decades later, it’s still the brightest spot on a C.V. that features commissions from [Rolex](https://robbreport.ph/tag/rolex/ "rolex"), [Harry Winsto](https://robbreport.ph/tag/harry-winston/ "harry winston")n, and other well-known brands. But the designer, who turns 58 this year, says his lifelong dedication to watches almost didn’t happen. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Audemars_Piguet_RO_Offshore.webp) A 1993 Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore ref. 25721. Courtesy of Audemars Piguet Though his father, Jean-Claude, was a renowned watch designer in his own right, Gueit didn’t originally aspire to follow in his footsteps. “When I was a kid, I wanted to be a cook or a singer,” he says. “I sing very badly and cook very badly.” By the time he was 20, Gueit’s creativity and natural flair had helped him secure a job at Audemars Piguet, where he reported to its head of design, Jacqueline Dimier. When, after a few years, he had proved himself, the brand’s C.E.O. Stephen Urquhart challenged him to produce a version of the Royal Oak that would appeal to a younger clientele. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Audemars_Piguet_-RoyalOak_Offshore_EODs.webp) A 1999 Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore End of Days ref. 25770SN. Courtesy of Audemars Piguet At the time, the company was struggling. “Sales were very bad,” he says simply. The version he proposed to help solve the issue enlarged the case size to 42 mm by 13mm thick from the original 39 mm by 7 mm thick, in part thanks to its robust chronograph movement. “My boss Jacqueline said, ‘Oh, my God, this is so crazy. This is not A.P.’ The board was probably telling Steve that it was too dangerous.” At a decisive moment, Gueit’s youthful defiance got the best of him. “I took a Rolex Sea-Dweller and dropped it in the middle of the table and said, ‘Look, this is a little bit smaller, but it’s still big, and a huge success. So, stop talking about thickness.’” While his confidence helped secure the green light, the critical reaction was brutal. “One journalist named it the Beast,” Gueit says. “Everybody thought I was crazy.” But clients loved it, and A.P.’s sales began to rise. “Because of the Offshore, it brought the brand up another step and brought \[in\] new clients—the younger generation,” he adds. It also spawned decades of allegiance to oversize sports watches and, to this day, he considers it his greatest achievement. “In my view, I totally changed the vision of the watch industry.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Piaget_Emperador_Coussin_Tourbillon_UT.webp) Piaget Emperador Coussin Tourbillon Automatic Ultra-Thin. *Courtesy of Piaget* As for Genta? “At the end he was wrong, and I was right,” he adds. “I saved his Royal Oak and made it become an icon.” It casts a long shadow over the rest of his oeuvre, which is no less impressive. After spending a decade as Audemars Piguet’s head of design, Gueit reimagined Rolex’s recently discontinued Cellini line, which attracted clients including Barack Obama. (The former president wore a time-only model for the Kehinde Wiley painting that hangs in the National Portrait Gallery.) He later spent time helping Harry Winston define the look of its watches and even followed in his father’s footsteps at Piaget. In the 1970s, Jean-Claude had originated the Polo and pioneered the use of stone dials. It’s a look Gueit has brought back more recently through his work reviving the watch brand [Dennison](https://dennisonwatch.com/), known for its stylish, cushion-shaped cases and accessible price points. “I’m very proud of the Dennison watch because it’s something that my dad could have done in the ’60s,” he says. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Dennison_ALD_Watch.webp) Dennison ALD watch. Courtesy of Dennison Despite his influence, Gueit isn’t resting on his laurels. Even now, he urges watch brands to look forward rather than repeat Genta-inspired tropes and jump on the integrated-bracelet-trend train. “I’m fighting with my clients now because they all want a Royal Oak,” he says, adding, “If you want to succeed, if you want to surprise, move away from this.” For his part, Gueit is seriously considering how his own brand would manifest, one that he hopes will blend exclusivity and prestige. “It will be jewelry watches, and obviously a mix of my dad’s style and my style,” he says. He recalls his father telling him, “You should recognize a watch from seven bar stools away.” We’d wager that whatever he does next will make you want to take a closer look. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** audemars piguet, emmanuel gueit, royal oak --- ### [Ladurée: A Parisian Interlude in BGC](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/laduree-a-parisian-interlude-in-bgc/) **Published:** December 19, 2025 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** When Ladurée opened its flagship Maison in Bonifacio Global City, it marked a milestone: one of Paris’s most storied patisseries—founded in 1862 and credited with creating the modern double-shell macaron—finally arrived in the Philippines. Its presence in Manila signals the arrival of a cultural institution whose history has shaped the way the world understands French cafés, salons, and the ritual of goûter. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Laduree7556.webp) *Ladurée* Ladurée’s boutique in Bonifacio Global City stands apart with its pastel façades and celebrated macarons, and more importantly, with the way it creates an atmosphere that feels distinctly removed from the pace of the city. It invites lingering, whether for a morning espresso, an unhurried meal, a leisurely afternoon tea, or a celebration marked by one of Ladurée’s signature macaron towers. Here, French refinement slips easily into Manila’s appetite for elegance. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Untitled-design-2.webp) *Ladurée* Layered design is what makes [Ladurée](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/robb-report-philippines-honors-the-best-of-the-best-at-flagship-awards-night/ "Robb Report Philippines Honors the Best of the Best at Flagship Awards Night") a charming venue for celebrations. The boutique’s distinct areas accommodate gatherings of varying moods and sizes, from intimate birthday dinners and afternoon tea celebrations to larger engagements and family milestones. With special cakes or towers of macarons, celebrations at Ladurée are unmistakably tied to the Maison’s refined identity. Outdoors, the newly opened patio introduces a fresh dimension to the boutique experience. With understated furniture and a soft tonal palette, it provides a comfortable contrast to the energy around One Bonifacio High Street. The patio is also pet-friendly, welcoming guests who prefer to enjoy a relaxed coffee or light bite alongside their furry companions. The alfresco corner feels both open and intimate, making it ideal for casual meetups, discreet conversations, or solo dining with the exciting pace of the city as a backdrop. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Untitled-design-1.webp) *Ladurée* Inside, a more personal rhythm takes over. Ladurée’s dedicated coffee bar is designed for those who appreciate a perfectly balanced cup of coffee, making it an easy stop at any time of day. The aroma of freshly brewed espresso sits comfortably alongside the delicate scent of pastries, and guests settle in comfortably, some for a quick coffee, others to spend the afternoon. There are many coffee spots around Manila that offer a cozy ambience, but Ladurée’s regal and impeccably detailed interiors take it to a level above the rest. For those seeking a fuller dining experience, the Salon de Thé offers a graceful shift in atmosphere. Here, Ladurée’s French heritage is expressed through a glamorous interior defined by chandeliers, plush velvet seating, patterned marble floors, and subtle pops of gold and metallic accents. The Salon de Thé is also where Ladurée’s afternoon tea service is best enjoyed, with a selection of teas paired with exquisite pastries, signature macarons, and savory bites. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Laduree7715.webp) *Ladurée* Dining at Ladurée is further enhanced by newly introduced dishes such as salmon croquettes, prawn spaghetti with lumpfish caviar, beef short ribs, and a signature tanigue ceviche. The offerings move seamlessly from breakfast through dinner, allowing guests to enjoy a complete dining experience at their own pace. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Laduree7689.webp) *Ladurée* During this festive season, Ladurée leans even further into its role as a gathering place. New holiday menus highlight savory dishes and signature sweets, complemented by special Degustation events happening on Christmas Eve and New Year’s. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG_0651.webp) *Ladurée* Ladurée also shines as a destination for gifting. Its beautifully presented gift boxes and holiday gift baskets, filled with classic macarons, confections, and seasonal treats, offer an elegant solution for presents, whether for personal celebrations or corporate gifting. The shopping experience itself is warm and celebratory, shaped for the final weeks of the year and moments worth savoring. *Ladurée* *is located at One Bonifacio High Street, 28th St, corner 5th Ave, Taguig, 1630 Metro Manila. [0917 126 0937](https://www.google.com/search?q=laduree+bgc&oq=laduree+bgc&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqDQgAEAAY4wIYsQMYgAQyDQgAEAAY4wIYsQMYgAQyEwgBEC4YrwEYxwEYsQMYgAQYjgUyBwgCEAAYgAQyBwgDEAAYgAQyBwgEEAAYgAQyBwgFEAAYgAQyBwgGEAAYgAQyBwgHEAAYgAQyBwgIEAAYgAQyBwgJEAAYgATSAQgyODQxajBqOagCALACAQ&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#). [laduree.ph](https://laduree.ph/pages/salon-de-the-menu)* **Categories:** Dining, Food & Drink **Tags:** Ladurée --- ### [Why Alessandro Sartori May Be Menswear’s Most Distinctive Designer](https://robbreport.ph/style/fashion/why-alessandro-sartori-may-be-menswears-most-distinctive-designer/) **Published:** January 5, 2026 **Author:** Naomi Rougeau **Content:** When I meet Alessandro Sartori a little over a year ago, the first thing that strikes me, under the searing sun on the shadeless rooftop of Shanghai’s [Middle House](https://www.thehousecollective.com/en/the-middle-house/) hotel on a 90-degree day, is that the [Zegna](https://www.zegna.com/us-en/) artistic director is clad head to toe in black. It’s not entirely out of the ordinary in an industry where often dogmatic designers can be easily caricatured by their uniforms (Karl Lagerfeld’s high-collared, heavily starched shirts, Yohji Yamamoto’s omnipresent trilby). But curiously, for Sartori, his choice of dress is neither a costume nor a direct reflection of the aesthetic of the 115-year-old Italian brand that he has led since 2016. “It helps me to think,” says the 58-year-old designer, [whose Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/alessandrosartoriofficial/?hl=en) bio declares, “I am a colorist but I always wear black.” The second thing that makes an impression is how composed Sartori is—remarkably Zen even—mere hours before a major show. He is curious and thoughtful, carving out time to explore during work trips like this one, and he’s rarely without his Leica M10. On this particular afternoon, he is marveling at the post-pandemic sartorial shift in the region, as witnessed on a recent flight from Chengdu to Hong Kong. “Before Covid, it was all loud logos and even louder garments,” he says. “I was sitting there watching, and people around me were wearing Arc’teryx, wearing Zegna, wearing monochrome, and wearing technical shoes with suits. And I said, ‘Where are we? Is it New York or London?’ ” There’s also little hint of big designer ego: When I suggest that perhaps he is underestimating the impact of Zegna on those changing tastes, as it was the first luxury brand to establish a boutique in mainland China, back in 1991, he demurs. But make no mistake, he’s every inch a company man. Sartori’s ties to Zegna run deep. He joined in 1989 as a recent graduate of Milan’s Instituto Marangoni, working as a menswear designer. In 2003, he became the creative director of Z Zegna, which targeted a younger customer with more modern sensibilities. He remained in that role, firmly establishing the diffusion line’s identity, until 2011, when he was named artistic director of Paris-based Berluti, to which his command of color was well suited. He assumed Zegna’s top creative post five years later. Since then, he has been refining his vision for clothing that, despite the brand’s rather rigid past, looks like nothing else on the market today—fervent efforts from copycats be damned. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/RR_Sartori_Zegna_1.webp) Sartori makes a few final tweaks to a suede look before a model takes to the runway. *Photo: Giovanni Giannoni* As the fall-winter 2025 lineup now hitting stores and the recently revealed spring-summer 2026 collection demonstrate, his is not a pin-sharp, wrinkle-free interpretation of luxury but a far more soulful approach that encourages men to blend cherished wardrobe pieces with fresh acquisitions over time. “I’m watching how my clients are styling, living, traveling, thinking, and working,” Sartori tells me not long after presenting his latest collection. “I need to be always plugged-in. It’s very important to be into your own community because today in fashion you can’t dictate anything any longer. It is now about offering a full proposal with meaning and being able to surprise in a good way. If you think you can dictate by pushing products that are overdesigned, through blind trust, you will go nowhere because those years are gone.” If there was an aha moment for Sartori, it was the fall-winter 2021 collection. Designed at the height of the pandemic, the elegantly supple clothes made clear that the designer was in tune with his customers and was charting a new course for Zegna. The finishing touch: the momentous dropping of “Ermenegildo” from the brand’s name to better align with the stock-ticker symbol, ZGN, on the occasion of its I.P.O. “While many wondered how to approach fashion during such a seismic event, Alessandro was more than ready to meet the moment,” says stylist [Julie Ragolia](https://www.julieragolia.com/), a longtime collaborator. “Clothes are the closest things we hold to our bodies, to our hearts. Deciding to work entirely in cashmere for that collection was bold, but also precise. He built at once a sense of armor and comfort at a time when people needed that most from their wardrobe. Understanding that link has always been Alessandro Sartori’s science. But being able to express this through the medium of film \[in the absence of runway shows\] allowed a more widespread audience to witness the brilliance of how his mind works.” It’s a science that many a brand is doing its darnedest to study. Imitators abound, and the number of riffs I saw on the best-selling elasticized Triple Stitch sneakers (a $1,000-plus gateway buy, prominently featured on *Succession*) and moccasin loafers at both the Pitti Uomo trade show and in Milan showrooms could justify keeping several intellectual-property attorneys on retainer. But the fact is, no one is doing what Sartori is doing. Perhaps not since [Giorgio Armani](https://robbreport.ph/tag/giorgio-armani/ "Giorgio Armani") shook up the industry with his fluid tailoring in the 1980s has there been such a sustained, singular vision in menswear, though Ragolia cites Rick Owens as another directional, influential creator. “And Thom Browne revealed the ankle, changing tailoring forever,” she adds. “But Alessandro Sartori, he changed the way people dress as a mindset. That’s an impact that is incalculable.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/RR_Sartori_Zegna_8.webp) Whether wool, silk, linen, or leather, Sartori imbues each spring look with a lightness that extends to the collection’s footwear. *Photo: Giovanni Giannoni* When I catch up with Sartori via Zoom on a recent summer evening, he is en route to a dinner with his car club, Oca Rossa, in the northern Italian countryside. He insists on pulling over to send a photo of his ride, a 1972 Porsche 911 Targa. It’s just one vintage automobile in a collection so impressive that he created [Milano Garage](https://www.instagram.com/milanogarage/?hl=en) to house it, then invited other discerning collectors to rent space there. Cars also present Sartori with another opportunity to experiment with hue. “In order to enjoy colors, I need to be hiding behind the screen,” he says, or in this case, behind the wheel. “My car tonight is signal orange, which is pretty strong.” He, on the other hand, is all in black. Before he had keys to a red 1972 Lancia Fulvia HF, a bronze 1981 Porsche 911 Turbo, and a blue 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback 289, a young Sartori used to tool around this same terrain on his bicycle, in the shadow of the Zegna wool mill. The aptly named Sartori was born in Trivero, a stone’s throw from Zegna HQ, to a mother who had an immeasurable influence on his future vocation: She was a dressmaker, and he would often accompany her on Saturday outings to purchase fabrics. “When I was 7, 8, 9, I remember cycling around those villages and passing in front of the Villa Zegna and the wool mill,” he says. “And from the gate of the Casa Zegna, it was possible to see inside the place and some of the beauty. That got me dreaming. But at that time I didn’t know it was Zegna. I just loved the place.” One can’t help but get the sense that his career was a bit preordained, particularly when taking into account how textiles are woven into Zegna’s D.N.A. Unlike most fashion houses ([Loro Piana ](https://robbreport.ph/tag/loro-piana/ "loro piana")being a notable exception), Zegna operates five dedicated state-of-the-art mills. Its origins, in fact, lie in textile manufacturing, and that expertise in raw materials remains at the heart of all the brand’s enterprises. Sartori meets weekly with his team to discuss the latest technologies and determine which fabrics are required for which garments, whether it’s an airy silk-linen blend or a proprietary waffle cloth that combines 50 percent recycled paper gathered from magazines and newspapers with 50 percent cotton. And then there are the ultralight leathers. One particularly innovative look from spring-summer 2026 is a brown and cream plaid jacket that visually reads as a cashmere-linen blend but is in fact knitted from thin strips of leather. Such lightness of materials was well suited to Dubai, where Zegna presented the collection in June, leaving a gaping hole in the Milan Fashion Week schedule (the brand typically closes out the event). The show wasn’t a mere replay of designs previously introduced in Europe, a common publicity move for brands, but a full-scale unveiling that saw the entire Zegna team decamp for several weeks to one of its major markets. “The collection went straight from the atelier to Dubai without any editing,” says Sartori. “The full team, 51 people, 17 of them tailors.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/RR_Sartori_Zegna_5.webp) Models, in layers of Oasi linen, backstage in Dubai. *Photo: Giovanni Giannoni* Even when not on the road, Sartori understands the importance of creating an immersive experience, often allowing guests time to walk around the sets and to see and feel the clothes postshow. “The Zegna runway shows have grown over the years in their scale, scope, and spectacle, with truly awe-inducing, cinematic treatments executed to jaw-dropping effect,” says Bruce Pask, senior director of men’s fashion at Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus. “There is always a vital, fundamental idea at the center of each visual concept that absolutely underscores and amplifies the core message and meaning of the collection.” Past shows have featured mountains of cashmere fibers and linen-clad models weaving through stalks of flax. The Dubai event was no exception. Zegna transformed the city’s opera house into a desert oasis complete with sand dunes, local flora, and a sun-bleached palette that echoed the clothing, which had an intentionally lived-in feel. Sartori went heavy on layering and monochromatic pairings (think *sets* over *suits*). He also threw out the rule book on seasonality. “The clash between seasons is part of \[the vision\], the idea of accumulating, of layering, and of stratification,” says Sartori, attributing his approach to his habit of working on more than one collection at a time rather than making an abrupt shift every six months. The collection’s technical achievement lay in Sartori’s innovative take on summer suiting, for which he developed extraordinarily lightweight linen garments through advanced construction methods that eliminated traditional linings while maintaining structural integrity. Slipper-thin loafers and bare feet kept things light, and even his signature banded-collar Il Conte jacket was made ever so slightly oversize, creating a more relaxed appearance. Eventually, the desert neutrals gave way to buttercream, chartreuse, oxblood, burnt orange, and lavender, while tunics and shorts were paired with tailoring. Sartori, the self-professed man in black, took his bow in a relatively pale, grey ensemble for a change alongside singer-songwriter James Blake, who provided the music. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/RR_Sartori_Zegna_3.webp) A closer look at Zegna’s footwear. *Photo: Giovanni Giannoni* Despite the spectacular destination shows, for Sartori and Zegna, all roads lead back to the Biellese Alps—specifically, a nearly 40-square-mile reforestation project and nature preserve known as [Oasi Zegna](https://www.zegnagroup.com/en/our-actions/oasi-zegna/), which Ermenegildo Zegna had the foresight to set aside for conservation in the 1930s, and which today remains a touchstone for the brand. Over the past nine decades, the company has planted more than 500,000 trees, sowing the seeds for the sustainable ethos that guides all things Zegna. That means traceability, from crop to garment (with full journey details for its Oasi cashmere accessible via Q.R. code hangtags), reliance on 100 percent renewable energy in the U.S. and Europe, and an enduring awareness that a great wardrobe, like a forest, is built over time, not in one fell swoop. “We are designing for a man that is collecting. We’re giving values to the garments, blending season after season, as a normal man does with his own wardrobe and products,” says Sartori. “We want to create a collection that is timeless in the quality, in the design, and in the aesthetic.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/RR_Sartori_Zegna_4.webp) A quartet of silk, linen, and wool looks, in varying treatments, demonstrates the prowess of the Zegna mills. *Photo: Giovanni Giannoni* The Zegna customer chooses his acquisitions with care, and the same can be said of Sartori and his collaborators, many of whom have been in his circle for a decade or more. Julie Ragolia, who has styled the shows and a variety of the brand’s campaigns for several years, met Sartori in 2014. “I think we had seen what each other was doing and felt a certain like-mindedness, and I remember having had the most incredible conversation about art, fashion, and culture,” she says. Not long after, Sartori invited her to style the Berluti shows in Paris, and when he returned to Zegna, he asked her to follow. This fall will mark 10 years that the two have worked together. With a far less dictatorial approach than many of his peers, Sartori is more interested in how Zegna’s customers live and interact with their purchases, whether they are cool 20-somethings in Tokyo or chic septuagenarians in Toronto. I witnessed this approach firsthand in Shanghai when actor Mads Mikkelsen, then 58, alongside Gen Z actor Leo Wu, managed to move nearly $10 million worth of Zegna merchandise in a single hour, all via WeChat live stream. Sartori also takes a global perspective, picking up references from all corners. “I watch everything, and I see everything, but I don’t design for one specific place in the world,” he says. For him, it is more a matter of style, values, and supporting a customer who is conscious about what they are buying, how it is made, and how it will fit into not only their lifestyle but also their existing wardrobe. Evolution and a certain continuity are key—chasing trends is not. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/RR_Sartori_Zegna_7.webp) Sartori, in his vintage Mustang, at Milano Garage. *Photo: Giovanni Giannoni* That regard for agelessness and placelessness is also reflected in the casting for shows and ad campaigns. In addition to a span of generations and ethnicities, it’s not uncommon to spot a few women in the mix—though Sartori has no plans to do women’s suiting anytime soon. “No, no, no, it is not a sign of things to come,” he says. “I love to design for men, but I think that women can easily borrow garments from the boyfriend, the partner, the father, the husband. Because those pieces are also good for women with the right dose, so maybe one jacket, a beautiful piece of knitwear. And I like offering a vision of \[that\] woman. I think it’s very interesting.” Mikkelsen has been a brand fixture for several years, having walked in shows and fronted campaigns, the most recent being spring-summer 2025. But it was the choice of 60-something entrepreneur and famed watch collector Auro Montanari (a.k.a. John Goldberger to legions of horology aficionados who follow him online) that caught the attention of the *Financial Times* and had social media buzzing. When Zegna approached him about a shoot, Sartori recalls, “He said, ‘Ale, I’m not a model, I’m a doer.’ ” Montanari also made the journey to Dubai, thrilling 40 watch collectors, both locals and V.I.P.s flown in from around the world, who were treated to a talk by the expert. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/RR_Sartori_Zegna_6.webp) A female model in the mix. *Photo: Giovanni Giannoni* “Alessandro is an incredibly gifted, experimental, and intuitive designer,” says Saks and Neiman’s Pask, noting Sartori’s rare combination of creativity and pragmatism: His timely embrace of sportswear led the century-old institution to evolve beyond its more traditional sartorial history. While profits for the Zegna Group, which also includes Thom Browne and Tom Ford, slid slightly in 2024, the Zegna brand’s revenues have grown steadily, reaching about $2.2 billion last year. The annual earnings report makes for interesting reading during a time when both [LVMH](https://robbreport.ph/tag/lvmh/ "LVMH") and [Kering](https://robbreport.ph/tag/kering/ "Kering") have taken significant hits while brands such as [Brunello Cucinelli](https://robbreport.ph/tag/brunello-cuccinelli/ "brunello cuccinelli")—which also places a priority on sourcing, ethical production, and transparency—have seen sales rise. Whether the customer was already in search of sustainable options is almost inconsequential, as Sartori and company, never far from their roots, have made a priority of amplifying the values of Ermenegildo Zegna. Still, Sartori must sell a dream, albeit a wearable one, and he continues to explore that realm between the classic and the avant-garde, to the delight of modern men—and a few women—of style and substance. Ragolia recalls a recent encounter at a gallery opening in New York, for which she donned Zegna. “I was standing near a friend who was talking to one of the artists, who kept staring at me,” she says. Eventually, the artist approached, touched Ragolia’s sleeve, and asked, wide-eyed, who had made her jacket. “When I told him it was Zegna, he continued to marvel over the fabric, the weft and weave, the color. In a crowded gallery, where his works lined the walls, this artist was talking about Zegna.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/RR_Sartori_Zegna_2.webp) Even backstage, a trio of rust-colored suede looks takes center stage. *Photo: Giovanni Giannoni* Sartori may be creating a new benchmark for what a large luxury brand can be, but he references the advice to “buy what you like,” now a standard line whether you’re in the market for an artwork or a pair of trousers. “It seems simple, but it isn’t,” he says. “Customers in fashion have been around dictates too long. Now it’s time to go personal, to feel yourself, to build your wardrobe from listening and watching but in the end make your own decisions, because fashion and garments only really have a meaning when they are *your* garments, designed to make yourself better. I don’t want you to be somebody else.” ***This article originally appeared in [Robb Report Philippines’ Travel Issue, December 2026](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-december-2025-the-travel-issue/).*** **Categories:** Fashion, Style **Tags:** Alessandro Sartori, Ermenegildo Zegna, Feature, Kering, LVMH, Magazine, Men's Wear, Neiman Marcus --- ### [Cantonese Masterclass: How Forum Restaurant in Hong Kong Remains a Defining Benchmark](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/cantonese-masterclass-how-forum-restaurant-in-hong-kong-remains-a-defining-benchmark/) **Published:** December 23, 2025 **Author:** Alicia Colby-Sy **Content:** In Hong Kong, where Cantonese cuisine reaches heights unmatched anywhere else in the world, only a few restaurants rise to the very top. Forum in Causeway Bay is one of them. With three Michelin stars, a 40-year legacy, and a reputation that extends far beyond its home city, Forum is a culinary institution that has built its identity on discipline, refinement, and the mastery of a single ingredient: abalone. Founded in 1977 by Yeung Koon Yat, also known as the “Abalone King,” Forum established its name on dedication to technique. Yeung spent decades perfecting the delicate craft of slow-braising abalone, creating a dish so iconic that it would define the restaurant for generations. Today, Executive Chef Adam Wong, Yeung’s longtime protégé, upholds its legacy while pushing contemporary Cantonese cuisine forward with polish and precision. Wong’s cooking honors classic Cantonese methods yet brings a curious sensibility that keeps Forum as relevant as ever. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Executive-Chef-Adam-Wong-%E5%B7%B2%E5%A3%93%E7%B8%AE.webp) Chef Adam Wong. *Photo: Forum* The dish that built Forum’s reputation remains its most essential order: the Ah Yat Abalone. Premium abalone are gently cooked for days in an intensely flavored broth until they achieve a soft, almost custardy tenderness and a sauce that carries an intense depth of flavor. It is popularly ordered with Chinese delicacies such as goose web (feet) and fish maw, and is most definitely a celebratory treat. Forum’s cooking, however, is not defined solely by its ingredient purity, but by the time-honored skills and techniques honed over time in the kitchen. While the abalone is the restaurant’s rightful centerpiece, the rest of the menu shows a depth of craft that extends far beyond a single signature dish, At Forum, even the humble dishes receive the same reverence. Its seasoned diners understand that luxury is also found in the quiet power of precision. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/%E5%AF%8C%E8%87%A8%E9%AE%91%E9%AD%9A-Braised-Forum-Dried-Abalone.webp) Ah Yat Abalone. *Forum* The deep-fried pork with dried mandarin peel and sweet and sour sauce is a standout. The scent of citrus, a lift to the dish we never knew we needed. It cuts cleanly through the sweetness, brightening the pork without overpowering. The pieces of meat are carefully chosen for their balance of meat and fat. It is twice-fried: first low and slow to set the structure, then quickly at high heat to ensure a crisp exterior. It is, quite simply, one of Hong Kong’s best renditions of the comfort classic. The crispy chicken is another Forum hallmark that crackles on contact–a dish that showcases the kind of control and technique that define great Cantonese cooking. The succulent Hong Kong chicken is delivered daily and is dried, marinated, and then bathed in scorching oil until the skin becomes blistered, and crisp, leaving a whisper of fat underneath the skin. Even with minimal seasoning, the meat itself is tender and full of flavor. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/%E5%AF%8C%E8%87%A8%E8%84%86%E7%9A%AE%E9%9B%9E-Forum-Crispy-Chicken.webp) *Photo: Forum* The kitchen also excels in richer dishes like the simply braised oxtail with star anise, where slow cooking transforms the meat into something lush and wonderful. Aromatic and tender, it is a sleeper hit and a must-order. Forum’s dim sum selection is equally popular and is only available at lunchtime. Steamed barbecued pork buns are soft and airy, and filled with a sweet and glossy char siu. More indulgent selections, such as the crispy taro dumplings with foie gras, showcase Forum’s ability to incorporate luxury ingredients with restraint, never letting richness overshadow technique. While the dim sum menu is not extensive, every bite-sized offering is crafted with the same elegance that defines the restaurant’s larger dishes. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/%E9%99%B3%E7%9A%AE%E5%92%95%E5%9A%95%E8%82%89-Deep-Fried-Pork-with-Dried-Mandarin-Peel-in-Sweet-Sour-Sauce.webp) *Photo: Forum* The high-end experience also extends to Forum’s beverage program. With an extraordinary 1,500-bottle wine list, the restaurant offers one of Hong Kong’s most comprehensive selections, with a strong emphasis on French producers. While there is no formal pairing menu, guests may choose from a dozen wines by the glass, a wide selection of half-bottles, and the guidance of a trained sommelier team. A dedicated tea sommelier adds an additional layer of refinement rarely seen in Hong Kong restaurants. Despite its long history, Forum feels current. The décor is contemporary and elegant, but allows the food to take center stage. Few restaurants manage to honor their heritage while evolving with the same amount of clarity and confidence. And in a city largely defined by its culinary excellence, Forum remains one of Hong Kong’s most important dining rooms where culinary mastery is perfected one abalone at a time. *Forum is located at 1/F SIno Plaza. 255-257 Gloucester road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong. For reservations, call +852 2869 8282.* ***This article originally appeared in [Robb Report Philippines’ Travel Issue, December 2026](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-december-2025-the-travel-issue/).*** **Categories:** Dining, Food & Drink **Tags:** Adam Wong, cantonese cuisine, Feature, Food and Beverage, Hong Kong, travel --- ### [Meet ‘Ghost,’ a New 92-Foot Foiling Yacht Concept That ‘Floats’ Over Waves](https://robbreport.ph/boats/meet-ghost-a-new-92-foot-foiling-yacht-concept-that-floats-over-waves/) **Published:** December 18, 2025 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** There was a sort of otherworldly presence at this year’s Abu Dhabi International Boat Show: a 92-foot [yacht](https://robbreport.ph/tag/yacht/ "yacht") concept called *Ghost* that mysteriously “flies” around like friendly ol’ Casper. The brainchild of [Foiler](https://foiler.com/), the newcomer is equipped with computer-controlled hydrofoils that lift it up and out of the water when traveling at speed to reduce drag and increase velocity. It is one of two foiling yachts designed by Foiler, with fellow UAE-based brand Enata once again taking care of the build. Developed in collaboration with Bozca Design, *Ghost* features a carbon fiber and titanium exterior that is lightweight yet incredibly strong. The vessel is futuristic yet timeless, with long, flowing lines and a sculpted, aerodynamic silhouette. It will be equipped with Enata’s proprietary foiling system—the same one that appeared on 32-foot predecessor *Spirit*, but with a few refinements. The setup will allow *Ghost* to “fly” approximately six feet above the water at a cruising speed of 30-35 knots and a top speed exceeding 40 knots, according to Foiler. “Foiling transforms the experience of yachting,” Enata Group CEO Alois Vieujot said in a statement. “At 40 knots, passengers can move freely, speak in hushed tones, and enjoy a completely smooth, stable ride, something unimaginable on a conventional yacht.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Foiler-Ghost-Foiling-Yacht-5.webp) The aft beach club. *Photo: Bozca Design* With a total interior living area of nearly 1,500 square feet (excluding cabins) and 560 square feet of exterior deck space, *Ghost* offers more real estate than many similar-sized competitors, Foiler says. The open-plan layout includes three to five cabins, a generous full-beam salon, and a beach club aft. The interior showcases contemporary minimalist decor, premium materials, and floor-to-ceiling glazing that welcomes natural light in while offering sweeping ocean views out. “*Ghost* is not just a foiling yacht but a high-performance platform shaped by architecture, precision engineering, and a philosophy of purposeful design,” adds head of Bozca Design Timur Bozca. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Foiler-Ghost-Foiling-Yacht-5-1.webp) *Ghost* will be a breeze to operate, too, with Foiler’s signature plush seats, intuitive joystick controls, and other cleverly integrated systems. The yacht is also fitted with a hidden crane that can be used to launch a Jet Ski or tender, then tucked away so as not to detract from the sleek exterior. *Ghost* is a serial-production, semi-customizable yacht, meaning owners can put their stamp on it. Construction on the first hull is expected to begin within the next 12 to 18 months, with launch scheduled for 2029. ​​ *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Boats **Tags:** Foiler, News, yacht --- ### [Paloma Urquijo Zobel de Ayala Bridges Design, Culture and Conservation](https://robbreport.ph/profiles/paloma-urquijo-zobel-de-ayala-bridges-design-culture-and-conservation/) **Published:** December 17, 2025 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** In an industry defined by towering hotels, polished lobbies, and extraordinary destinations competing for attention, Paloma Urquijo Zobel de Ayala prefers to begin elsewhere and head towards a different direction. “My north star,” she says, “is to find meaning in everything we do.” It’s a simple philosophy she wields with conviction. As the creative director of [Ayala Land Hospitality](https://robbreport.ph/travel/ayala-land-hospitality-reimagines-luxury-with-design-driven-destinations/ "Ayala Land Hospitality Relaunches, Redefines Luxury with Design-Driven Destinations"), she sits at the intersection of vision and execution. She’s part strategist, part aesthetic custodian, part cultural interlocutor. Her remit is vast, spanning resorts, residences, design studios, sustainability teams, and an ever-growing constellation of Ayala Land business units. Every project reaches toward something authentic, cultural, and human. Where others might see compartments—design, operations, construction, marketing—Paloma sees one long continuum of experience. “It’s a role that bridges all the teams,” she explains. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Palom-at-work-scaled.webp) Paloma at work. *Photo: Joseph Pascual* See, her gaze is holistic, her vocabulary grounded in empathy. For her, great hospitality is never the result of one brilliant idea but the careful synchronization of many things: aligning design with the guest journey, architecture with its natural context, the rooms with the communities surrounding them. “It’s about making sure that the experience stays true from beginning to end,” she stresses. “You need people to bridge those relationships.” > “***I don’t want to be world-class. I want to be exceptionally Filipino—original and true to ourselves.***” Paloma herself is emblematic of the shift towards creating holistic, synchronized experiences. With a background in design and business—“We were trained to be the bridge from the business world to the art world,” she says, reflecting on her days at the Parsons School of Design. Her work reveals a fluency in both. “Good design is empathy, not opinion,” she adds. The fundamental aspect of her role, in a sense, is to hold space for empathy across every stage of development, from conceptual sketches to the way staff greet guests on arrival. Ayala Land Hospitality has entered a period of expansion that is equal parts diverse and ambitious. “What we’re really excited about is the diverse portfolio we’re building,” the creative director explains. While the company is gearing up for partnerships with global brands like Marriott, Hilton, and the much-anticipated opening of Mandarin Oriental Makati, what thrills her most is the evolution happening internally. She’s proud to say that hospitality is being infused into Ayala Land’s residential and commercial portfolio. “Hospitality has always been at the heart of Ayala Land,” she says. “Now we’re able to see how these synergies work.” Park Central Towers and Park Villas, for example, are being approached almost like branded residences. We can sense they function as private homes with a hotel-like sensibility. Residents are provided with a lifestyle shaped by service and comfort. “We inject hospitality in all the businesses and services we offer,” she says. “They’re looking for human interaction and customer service.” In Paloma’’s hands, hospitality becomes its own kind of design principle. It’s reimagined as a method of shaping how people live, interact, and experience the built environment. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/JLP_2510.webp) *Photo: Joseph Pascual* > “***Luxury is the art of giving more than taking. It’s an experience that offers more than what people expect.***” Even our very ideas of luxury have noticeably evolved over time. This is something even she acknowledges. “Luxury means a lot of different things to different people,” she says. For some, it is opulence while for others, it’s privacy. But Paloma offers a quieter definition. “Luxury is the art of giving more than taking. It’s an experience that offers more than what people expect,” she notes. Rather than adding layers of extravagance, she prefers to offer depth—thoughtfulness, a sense of place, an experience that stays with the guest long after check-out. “Just as design evolves, luxury does, too,” she explains. “There was a time when we all agreed that everyone wanted to please everybody, so design took a step back.” Neutrals ruled every hotel. Beiges became the international language of hospitality. But if we ask her, she’d tell us that something essential was lost there: the emotion, spontaneity, and point of view. “I’m excited to see people have a strong point of view again,” she says. “We need that.” Ornament, she argues, is not mere decoration. Therein lies a thing’s true meaning. A pattern can be history. A textile can be geography. A weaving technique can be identity. Across Ayala Land Hospitality’s resort portfolio, which comprises El Nido Resorts’ Lagen, Pangulasian, and Huni Lio, the connective thread is not uniformity but character. “It’s giving each of them their own identity,” she says. While the properties share geography, each tells a different story. Huni Lio is for discovery and adventure, for friends exploring El Nido’s hidden coves. Pangulasian, on the other hand, is serene, an island for couples seeking quiet luxury. Lagen, sculpted with its iconic limestone backdrop, offers an immersive escape best shared with friends. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Local-fabrics-sourced-from-various-partner-communities.webp) Local fabrics sourced from various partner communities. “We don’t use storytelling as a strategy,” she says. “We start with a core and identity, and ensure that translates into the experience and design.” El Nido’s culture then becomes texture, not backdrop. Artisans, meanwhile, become collaborators, not footnotes. And, of all things, ecology is regarded as responsibility, not a branding exercise. “Something I’m really passionate about is collaboration,” she says. Through her work, local weavers, woodworkers, and artisans have found their way into luxury residences and resort interiors. “We want to promote the Philippines,” Paloma adds. “I’ve always said, I don’t want to be world-class. I want to be exceptionally Filipino.” That belief has led her to communities across the country, from coastal craftspeople to textile weavers in the northern highlands. Through these partnerships, traditional craft enters a new era for contemporary design, one that is scaled, supported, and woven into the country’s most significant developments. “It’s about how we can scale them and use their art and craft in our properties,” she tells *Robb Report Philippines*. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Lagen-Water-Villa.webp) Lagen Water Villa There’s also the subject of regenerative tourism, which has sort of become a buzzword as of late. She insists Ayala Land’s philosophy predates the trend. “It goes back to our core philosophy of sustainability,” Paloma explains. “For our resorts, the way I look at it is conservation.” Before Ayala Land Hospitality inherited El Nido Resorts, it was the domain of divers and environmentalists (as reflected by 10Knots, a group driven to protect the region’s ecological richness). That spirit, she says, remains intact. “We’re policed by a sustainability team on the ground,” she points out, “which few hospitality companies do.” And the results are measurable: scientific studies have tracked marine life around their properties, proving the impact of active conservation. “I like the word conservation more than sustainability,” she explains. “We need to make sure the ecosystem, the environment, and the people are taken care of.” > “***Some people forget the resort’s name, but they remember our team members by name.***” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Lagen-Reimagined_Ceramic-Beads.webp) Reimagined Ceramic Beads at Lagen. Ask Paloma what she wants guests to feel, and she doesn’t reach for lofty descriptions. Instead, she’ll list off things like familiarity, joy, a sense of belonging. “The biggest feeling I want is for them to want to return,” she emphasizes. She feels especially proud when guests remember staff by name. “Some people don’t even remember the resort’s name,” she quips, laughing, “but they remember Joy and Love—the actual names of the staff!” In that emotional resonance lies the true measure of Filipino hospitality. It’s almost instinct, after all. “This is not rocket science,” she says. “I tell our people, ‘Think about how your lola or aunt stays in your house. What do you do for them?’ You give up your room, you have food on the table, and you do as much as you can to make them feel at home.” It all goes back to her own ideas about luxury, really. When asked what that word means to her personally, she gives an answer far removed from chandeliers or private jets. “Nature,” she says. “Space and time.” On weekends, she escapes to Batangas. It’s where she recalibrates, lets time slow down, and finds clarity again. She lights up when speaking of the country’s underrated landscapes, especially in the north. “Banaue and Sagada are stunning,” she says. For her, these regions are cultural treasure troves: rich in textiles, craftsmanship, and heritage. “A lot of the culture there is so strong,” she notes. “We’re only known for our beaches, but the mountain area is just stunning.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/JLP_2415.webp) *Photo: Joseph Pascual* Looking ahead, Paloma’s vision is not framed by the next resort opening or partnership announcement (although, of course, even she admits those are significant). Instead, her compass points toward something more elemental: how hospitality can shape human experience, cultural identity, and environmental stewardship. “We’re *defining* luxury,” she says. “Not redefining it. I don’t think we should label it that way.” Ultimately, she asks us to experience service that gives more than it takes, design that expresses more than it displays, and spaces that tell stories without imposing them. The most memorable journeys, in the end, are those guided by intention. **This article originally appeared in [Robb Report Philippines’ Travel Issue, December 2026](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-december-2025-the-travel-issue/).** **Categories:** Profiles, Travel **Tags:** Ayala Land, ayala land hospitality, Feature --- ### [Time, Expanded: Frederique Constant’s Worldtimer Captures the Global Life](https://robbreport.ph/watches/time-expanded-frederique-constants-worldtimer-captures-the-global-life/) **Published:** December 19, 2025 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** Some timepieces tell the hour. Others tell a story about how far you’ve come, and how far you intend to go. Frederique Constant’s Worldtimer belongs firmly to the latter. As the holidays gather pace, with its myriad borders, calendars, and commitments blurring into the year’s familiar sprint, this Geneva-made timepiece offers the capital of clarity. It’s a reminder that the world, vast as it may be, always fits neatly on the wrist of someone who knows where they’re going. This year, Frederique Constant turned its attention to the global citizen. It’s for the executive who wakes up to London markets, signs contracts in Singapore, and winds down over dinner in Manila. Or perhaps the dreamer who tucks art fairs, ski seasons, and summer escapes into a single itinerary. Maybe for the collector who wants a worldtimer not just for its functionality but for the cultural imagination it represents. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/frederique-constant-worldtimer-1-2240x1260.webp) *Frederique Constant* In a category known for excess and complexity, the brand’s signature Worldtimer stands out for its restraint. It’s the kind of watch for people who understand that true luxury transcends borders and distance. At the heart of the Worldtimer is Frederique Constant’s in-house FC-718 movement. It’s an achievement in mechanical engineering in itself, one that remains among the most refined calibres in its class. Developed, assembled, and decorated in Geneva, the movement reflects the brand’s longstanding commitment to classical watchmaking. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-16-at-23820-PM.webp) *Frederique Constant* Crucially, nothing about the calibre feels forced or gratuitous. Where other houses lean into complication for complication’s sake, the Worldtimer keeps its message direct and functional. It offers the intuitive legibility jetsetters prize, tracking 24 global cities at a glance while allowing every indication to be adjusted through the crown. Up close, the watch reveals its deeper merits. The dial is a miniature atlas rendered in texture and relief. We can see continents sculpted with crisp definition, oceans layered with subtle finishing, and an outer city ring that rotates with quiet, precise confidence. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/FC-6-2240x1260.webp) *Frederique Constant* Frederique Constant has long been praised for punching above its weight in dial work, really, and the Worldtimer may be its clearest proof. Legibility remains exceptional even with the abundance of information, thanks to balanced proportions and a confident reading of spatial hierarchy. It’s a detail collectors will especially appreciate during those long-haul flights or late-night market checks. The colorways further refine the personality of the piece. Whether dressed in deep navy, anthracite, rich brown, or steel blue across references like the FC-718DGWM4H4, FC-718BAWM4TH6, FC-718NWM4H6, or FC-718C4NH6, the collection strikes a rare chord in a sense that it balances old-world elegance with with modern clarity. Paired with a polished case that wears comfortably on most wrists, the Worldtimer feels substantial without being overbearing. This is an interesting distinction in a category where visual weight can easily overwhelm daily wear. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-16-at-24229-PM.webp) *Frederique Constant* Worldtimers have always occupied a revered niche in watchmaking, but Frederique Constant’s interpretation has become a consistent collector favorite for a reason. Part of its appeal lies in the thoughtful balance it strikes between craftsmanship and attainability. Making it all the more endearing is its in-house movement, thoughtful finishing, and complication typically reserved for far higher price brackets. Another lies in its design discipline. Nothing here feels overstated nor unnecessarily ornamental. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/fc-5-2240x1260.webp) *Frederique Constant* The Worldtimer is built for life’s transitions. For the investor monitoring multiple markets, the jetsetter jumping continents, or the entrepreneur coordinating Manila-to-Milan calls, the piece offers orientation. It’s a companion for those who live in constant motion. One glance, 24 time zones, infinite possibility. **Where to Experience the Collection This Season** Gifting is at its best when it goes beyond the transaction. This exchange works beautifully when there’s an understanding of where someone has been, and where they dream of going next. In that regard, Frederique Constant’s Worldtimer is a profoundly personal holiday choice. This season, maybe the most meaningful gift is the one that keeps you oriented. In the Philippines, the Worldtimer Collection is available at: - Frederique Constant, The Podium - Tempus, Ayala Center Cebu - Tempus, City of Dreams - Tempus, SM Mall of Asia - The Watch Store, SM City Fairview - The Watch Store, SM City North EDSA - The Watch Store, SM Lanang Premier *Holiday shoppers can also explore exclusive offerings through The Watch Store’s* [*website*](https://thewatchstore.ph/?srsltid=AfmBOopsIEVsHExlUeaWooAyMIuMfXn5Qa8mrca7NoFX1ipuIC91a26j) *and follow their* [*Facebook*](https://www.facebook.com/thewatchstoreph/) *and* [*Instagram*](https://www.instagram.com/thewatchstoreph/?hl=en) *pages for updates and announcements. More information* [*here*](https://frederiqueconstant.com/filter/holiday-season-2025/?v=77e0cc5ce1c2)*.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** frederique constant, worldtimer --- ### [Porsche Just Unveiled a New 911 GT3 Inspired by Ferdinand Alexander Porsche Himself](https://robbreport.ph/cars/porsche-just-unveiled-a-new-911-gt3-inspired-by-ferdinand-alexander-porsche-himself/) **Published:** December 17, 2025 **Author:** Erik Shilling **Content:** Ferdinand Alexander Porsche was the grandson of the automaker’s founder and a well regarded car designer in his own right, credited with shaping the first 911. Now F.A. Porsche has a new 911 named in his honor that was just unveiled by the marque on Thursday. The 911 GT3 90 F.A. Porsche will be limited to just 90 examples, the company said, each produced by Sonderwunsch Manufaktur, the automaker’s unit for custom vehicles. The new auto is painted in F.A. Green, which was inspired by the color F.A. Porsche had on his personal 911, called Oak Green. The wheels are painted Satin Black, and in the middle, on the lock hubs, there is a vintage Porsche crest. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/porsche-911-gt3-fa-porsche-4-e1765553910211.webp) The front seats, steering wheel, and dash in the 911 GT3 90 F. A. Porsche. *Photo: Porsche* On the inside, there is a grid-weave fabric that looks a lot like F.A. Porsche’s favorite sports coat. A clock inspired by the Chronograph 1, itself created for the car designer, sits atop the instrument cluster. The shift lever has a walnut handle. F.A. Porsche’s signature is also seen on a plaque inside, along with a silhouette of the first 911. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/porsche-911-gt3-fa-porsche-9-e1765554138514.webp) The 911 GT3 90 F. A. Porsche in profile at the lake. *Photo: Porsche* Such details undoubtedly would’ve mattered to F.A. Porsche, who founded Porsche Design in addition to, as we mentioned, shaping cars like the original 911 and the Porsche 904. The 911 GT3 90 F.A. Porsche is based on the 911 GT3 with Touring Package, which starts at $230,500. The new car, though, will set you back considerably more, priced at $387,000. Like other 911 GT3s with Touring Package, the 911 GT3 90 F.A. Porsche is powered by a 4.0-liter six-cylinder engine making 502 horsepower. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/porsche-911-gt3-fa-porsche-8-e1765554054352.webp) *Photo: Porsche* The number of F.A. Porsche variants will be capped at 90, and that number is no accident, as Thursday would’ve been the creative’s 90th birthday. One of those 90 has been reserved for Mark Porsche, F.A. Porsche’s son. Production of the model will start later next year, after buyers have a chance to further customize their cars. “When you consider the function of a product, in most cases the form follows suit automatically,” F.A. Porsche [liked to say](https://newsroom.porsche.com/en_US/2025/products/porsche-911-gt3-90-f-a-porsche-sonderwunsch-41339.html), and, indeed, the 911 has been the embodiment of that. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** News, porsche, porsche 911, sports car, sports cars --- ### [10 Collectors on Their Most Meaningful Watch Gifts](https://robbreport.ph/watches/10-collectors-on-their-most-meaningful-watch-gifts/) **Published:** December 17, 2025 **Author:** Victoria Gomelsky **Content:** Few gifts are more appreciated than time—which is what makes the giving or receiving of a wristwatch so meaningful. Not only is a fine timepiece an object of practicality and purpose, it’s also deeply symbolic (not to mention stylish). When words feel inadequate, you can count on a watch to convey the most important messages: Our time together has been well spent. Time flies (so savor every moment). Let the good times roll! To get into the holiday spirit, we asked collectors to tell us about the best watches they’ve ever given or received. We expected many of the stories to be sentimental, but nothing prepared us for the rush of emotion that flowed through the anecdotes below, nor their nearly universal takeaway: The most important watches in our lives are the ones that connect generations. *The comments have been condensed and edited for clarity.* **Laetitia Hirschy, founder of Kaaviar PR and cofounder of** [**Watch Femme**](https://home.watchfemme.com/) “The most meaningful watch I’ve ever received is an Audemars Piguet two-tone square Royal Oak from the 1980s. It originally belonged to my paternal grandmother, and after she passed, my mother gave it to me as a Christmas gift. I often wear it together with my maternal grandmother’s vintage Bulgari ring. I was extremely close to both of my grandmothers, so having these pieces—each with its own history, but now part of mine—feels like carrying them with me. The watch stands out not only for its design, but also because it represents both sides of my family and the women who shaped me.” **Jonathan Zisblatt, enthusiast in Los Angeles** “Last March, my pregnant wife and I were browsing the watches at Larchmont Jewelers. We discussed the idea of a watch as a push present when the baby arrived. My wife identified models that she would be interested in. “Having put my name on Rolex waitlists in the past, I wasn’t expecting anything to materialize. I figured I would probably follow up after the baby was born. Fast forward a bit, and, coincidentally, the day my wife went into labor, Larchmont Jewelers’s manager reached out to inform me that a pink Datejust 28 was available for purchase. I asked a relative to pick it up, and the watch’s receipt is dated with my daughter’s birthday. I got a personal engraving on the caseback before presenting it to my wife. The watch is now one of my wife’s favorite possessions and something she hopes to gift our daughter in the future.” **Gweys Soriano, founder [@watchgirldubai ](https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fwatchgirldubai%2F%3Fhl%3Den&data=05%7C02%7Cnhoey%40robbreport.com%7C7288687e0a2d4fe674a108de3907bb2d%7Ce950f25546e44144a778a6ff4f557492%7C0%7C0%7C639010902568675650%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=UJAFWgydcJi12ZZvheAPS3cOAtguGdevp93r0cail7U%3D&reserved=0)** “When I was a kid, I used to overhear my father say, almost off-handedly, ‘One day, I’d love to have a Rolex.’ He never said it with longing, never as a demand but more like a quiet wish from someone who’d long accepted that life didn’t always hand you the things you hoped for. I was a kid, but I started doing the math anyway, figuring out how much I’d have to earn to buy him one. The numbers didn’t make sense. Not then. Probably not anytime soon. I shelved the dream, but it stayed with me like an unresolved promise. “Years went by. Life happened. But that moment never really left the back of my mind. Then, Christmas of 2020, those strange, blurred pandemic years, I finally reached a point where I could make it happen. It wasn’t effortless, but it was possible. I didn’t turn it into some grand reveal. I just wrapped the box the way I always wrap gifts and gave it to him like it was nothing special. When he opened it and saw the Rolex Day-Date, he didn’t say much. He didn’t have to. The look on his face said everything. Surprise, pride and the shock of realizing that a small wish he’d once tossed into the air had quietly become my mission. It wasn’t just about the watch. It was about giving something back to the man who had given me far more than he ever asked for.” **[Perri Dash,](https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/black-watch-collector-clubs-1236814548/) co-host of** [**Wrist Check Pod**](https://www.instagram.com/wristcheckpod/) **and founder of** [**Super Niche**](https://www.superniche.com/watches/) “Last December, we celebrated the birth of my second child, Mia Jordyn Dash. Later, in February of this year, while setting up for the launch party of Super Niche, I received a phone call from friend and watch dealer, Eric Wind. “Eric mentioned he had something for me and needed my address to send. I supplied it and upon arrival of the package, I hurried to open it and was met with a letter addressed to my daughter with another and yet smaller box included in the package. I opened the box and it was a 34 mm blue dial vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date with my daughter’s name inscribed on the back. “An amazing surprise from a dear friend. It’s what I love about the watch world. Sure, the watches are great, but the friendships and the love are priceless. Shout out to [Wind Vintage](https://www.windvintage.com/)!” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/perri-dash-wind-vintage.webp) A look at Mia Jordyn Dash’s gift from Eric Wind. Perri Dash **Ram Reddy, a lawyer in Southern California** “My dad graduated from medical school in India in the early 1970s, and when he graduated his father gave him an Omega. My father was never much of a watch collector, but he wore that watch for the next three decades while working as a physician in three different countries before he lost it while scrubbing in for a surgery. When he found out I was into watches, he wanted to continue the tradition, so he got me an [Omega Planet Ocean ](https://robbreport.ph/watches/omega-planet-ocean-enters-its-fourth-generation-with-a-sharper-slimmer-profile/ "Omega’s Planet Ocean Enters Its Fourth Generation With a Sharper, Slimmer Profile")when I graduated from high school because I was so obsessed with the Daniel Craig Bond films. “Cut to almost a decade later and I ended up being a lawyer instead of going to medical school. I saved all the money from the first few months in my first job after grad school and bought my dad an Omega Speedmaster with a Pulse-o-meter to pay homage to his life’s work.” **Irina Ciobanu, founder of the** [**World’s First Ladies Watch Club**](https://www.instagram.com/ladieswatch.club/) “The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classic Duetto in stainless steel with diamonds was a gift I chose for myself at a moment when I needed a reminder of my own strength. The Reverso Duetto, with its two faces, one understated and elegant, the other radiant with diamonds, felt like the perfect symbol of the duality women carry: resilience and softness, ambition and grace. “It stands out because it became more than a watch; it became a milestone. Every time I flip the case, it reminds me to honor both sides of myself and the journey that got me here.” **David Crabtree, Southern California enthusiast** “I sourced and provided each of our sons—Colin and Cooper—a vintage Rolex Air King upon their graduation from college. Colin graduated from the University of Vermont in 2018 and his younger brother, Cooper, graduated from CalPoly in 2023. While both watches were in pretty good shape when I found and purchased them, I had my local watchmaker do a complete service on them and also had them engraved with each of their initials, university reference, and year of their respective degrees. “As you can imagine, these were really special watches for me to gift and that resonated with both my sons. They hold these pieces pretty dear, appreciating the tradition of such gifts as well as me taking the time to find just the right examples for them, oversee some restoration, and mark them for, hopefully, generations to come.” **Sumei Shum, Singapore watch collector** “I gifted the Chopard L.U.C Strike One to my partner for her birthday in 2024. I thought the sound of the sapphire gong was glorious when I first heard it at the Chopard booth at Dubai Watch Week in 2023. Of course I heard the Full Strike (minute repeater) then, so the experience was even more incredible. Unfortunately (or maybe luckily for my budget), the Full Strike was much too big, and it was also a lot more expensive than the Strike One. “I kept thinking about it and when it came out in 2024, I decided to buy it and surprise my partner with it for her birthday. We took the attached photos in Oman last month before heading to [Dubai Watch Week](https://robbreport.ph/tag/dubai-watch-week/ "Dubai Watch Week")—full circle. The chime is spectacular, so crisp and clear. I smile every time I hear it.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/chopard-watch.webp) Showing off the new Chopard L.U.C Strike One. **Bryan Fernandez, senior creative strategist at [Wiideman Consulting Group](https://www.wiideman.com/), La Mirada, Calif.** “During high school, I had a bit of a difficult time with my mom nearly passing and receiving a liver transplant. For my high school graduation, she took me to the Rolex store and got us matching Rolex Datejusts (Ref. 126234) as a physical reminder of her. Thankfully she’s doing well! It’s the one watch in my collection that I will never sell. It represents my mom’s resilience and everything we’ve been through together.” **Ning Wong, Southern California** [**photographer**](https://www.ningwong.com/) “I proposed to my girlfriend (now my wife) on a cruise ship. You know how one of the dinner nights is a formal night? Well, I had planned on proposing to her on the formal night, which was about two nights into our cruise. “Before that time, we would spend time on the cruise ship, taking in the activities and walking around. Every day we would walk by the duty-free luxury shop, and I would see the watches in the display. What caught my eye was this steel TAG Heuer Aquaracer Chronograph (Ref. CAF1111). The watch just stood out to me—the color, the design, and how it felt. I tried it on a few times, but I always gave it back to the salesperson. I had just bought the ring and paid for the cruise, so I could not afford it. “Fast forward to our proposal, and she says yes! The next morning, she goes to the shop, buys the watch, and gives it to me. Needless to say, I was speechless. I will always cherish this watch, I will always love it, and I will always have it in my collection. It’s one of my most prized possessions.” **Dr. Albert A. Coombs III, cofounder of** [**CP Time**](https://www.officialcptime.com/) “In February 2024, during a CP Time watch event I was co-hosting at Cartier in San Francisco, I found myself captivated by a watch I hadn’t seen before—a Cartier Tank Louis with a mosaic dial that shimmered with alternating blocks of rose, yellow, and white gold. Its elegance stood in sharp contrast to the mostly sport-oriented watches in my collection, but something about it felt timeless. I casually admired it aloud, not knowing who was listening. “What I didn’t realize was that my father had been paying close attention. For months, he’d been on a mission to find a legacy watch—one for me, and one for my brother. My brother doesn’t collect watches, so the choice was simpler. I, on the other hand, have gifted him every watch he currently wears, which made the search more challenging. He wanted something different. Something I didn’t already have. Something I would never expect. As the evening wrapped up, my sister pulled me aside into a back room. Standing there was my father—holding the Cartier box. “In a few words, he shared how difficult it had been to find a gift for someone who never asks for anything. I was stunned. The mosaic-dial Tank Louis, the very one I had been admiring moments earlier, was now mine. Caught on film by our friend Perri Dash, it’s one of the most meaningful memories I’ve ever experienced—and to this day, it’s the only formal watch in my collection. I wear it anytime I want to feel a little extra connected, a little extra grounded. “Months later, that connection deepened even further. As a birthday surprise, my sister arranged for a custom strap from Alex Crown—a brand I had mentioned just once in passing. The strap was beautifully designed: gray suede to highlight the case, blue stitching to echo the crown, and a pink rubber lining for a playful pop when I take the watch off. But it was what was etched beneath the strap that made me pause: ‘My dream for your kids is that my ceiling will be your floor.’ A quote from my father. Etched into the rubber lining. Etched into memory. “In that one watch, and that one strap, lives the story of three generations: a father’s intention, a sister’s care, and a son’s promise to carry it all forward.” *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches --- ### [Bhutan Mystique: A Journey Beyond the Ordinary](https://robbreport.ph/travel/bhutan-mystique-a-journey-beyond-the-ordinary/) **Published:** December 16, 2025 **Author:** Jinno Rufino **Content:** They say Bhutan measures its success in Gross National Happiness — and after eight days of riding through its cloud-kissed valleys and dragon-wrapped passes, it’s easy to see why. This wasn’t your typical motorcycle tour. This was an expedition — a gathering of minds and machines, a brotherhood forged in the thin Himalayan air. The crew? A fascinating mix of adventurers and storytellers: businessmen Jacques Branellec, Derrick Chiongbian, and Marco Viray; French artist Thomas Godin; Gianni Grifoni, our resident biologist; TV’s dynamic duo Rovilson Fernandez and Marc Nelson. And somewhere in the middle of all that throttle and laughter, yours truly. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DSC01541.webp) Winding roads leading to Phobjikha Valley. *Courtesy of Jinno Rufino* Our flight landed in Bagdogra, India, a humid prelude to what awaited across the border. A Colokal Experience representative greeted us, and soon we were on a four-hour drive to Phuentsholing, Bhutan’s southern gateway. The contrast was immediate: chaos gave way to calm, traffic to tranquility. The air felt lighter, the smiles more genuine. That night, over yak cheese and laughter, we toasted to the unknown roads ahead. Morning brought engines, permits, and the thrill of ignition. After a few adjustments to our steeds and a hearty breakfast, we rode out toward Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. The city, perched between modernity and mysticism, surprised us. Crimson-robed monks brushed past chai-sipping locals. Ancient fortresses stood beside cafés. A stop at the cultural center gave us a deeper appreciation of the local vibe. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DSC01464.webp) *Courtesy of Jinno Rufino* It was also here where we realized that the phallus carvings and murals we were seeing weren’t crude jokes; they’re charm, culture, and cosmic humor rolled into one. Known as the “Thunderbolt of Wisdom,” these bold symbols trace back to Tibetian monk, poet and missionary Drukpa Kunley. He was said to have used wit, wine, and other unconventional methods to spread enlightenment. Today these symbols are proudly painted or carved on homes to ward off evil and invite fertility–proof that in Bhutan, even enlightenment has a sense of humor. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DSC01567.webp) *Courtesy of Jinno Rufino* The road to Punakha via the famed Dochula Pass is the stuff of motorcycling folklore: 108 chortens lining the ridge, clouds parting to reveal Himalayan peaks. It felt cinematic, the kind of ride where you forget to breathe. Punakha greeted us with its iconic dzong or fortress monastery, perched at the confluence of two rivers. It was serenity in stone, a place that offered a deeper understanding of Bhutan’s people and their spirit. We pointed our front wheels toward Phobjikha Valley, home of the rare black-necked cranes. This was a dream for any motorcyclist: perfect weather, no traffic, endless twisties, and views that took your breath away. To add to the fun, we took the long way ’round to our homestead and got some off-road action to boot. We didn’t spot the cranes, but fate led us to a local festival where cheerful villagers showcased their traditional dances and shared a feast with us. We also found ourselves in perhaps the most beautiful valley we’d ever seen. The setting demanded a stop, prayer flags fluttering beside us, engines cooling as we soaked it all in. The day was pure magic. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DSC01479.webp) Punakha Dzong is one of Bhutan’s most important dzongs, set at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu river. Built in the 17th century, it houses many chapels and temples. *Courtesy of Jinno Rufino* That night in Gangtey felt like a warm embrace, with firewood crackling, stars spilling across the Bhutanese sky, and a local family serving what we all agreed was the best meal of the trip. Nothing beats a home-cooked meal after a long ride. Adventure took a contemplative turn as we rode to Khotokha Valley, a lesser-known slice of paradise. The route was rough, remote, and breathtaking. But Mother Nature had other plans: fallen trees made the trail impassable, forcing us to retrace our path. When we rolled back into Punakha that evening, caked in dust and glory, we realized that comfort meant little if you haven’t earned it. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DSC01678.webp) Paro Taktsang, home of the legendary Tiger’s Nest, clings to a sheer cliff more than 10,000 feet above sea level–a place that feels suspended between earth and sky. Said to be the meditation site of Guru Rinpoche, who arrived on the back of a tigress, this sacred sanctuary is as powerful as it is breathtaking. Part spiritual refuge, part architectural miracle, it stands as Bhutan’s most iconic symbol of faith, resilience, and wonder. *Courtesy of Jinno Rufino* Every great story deserves a climax, and ours came in the form of Paro, home to the legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery. At over 10,000 feet above sea level, the ascent was grueling, but the view was transcendent. It wasn’t just a hike, it was a pilgrimage. Each step felt like a quiet confrontation between spirit and self. The Tiger’s Nest lay within the monastery walls, serene, spiritual, and humbling. Reaching Bhutan’s most famous landmark was worth every step, a true bucket-list moment. After days of throttle and altitude, Paro invited us to slow down. We explored, reflected, indulged. Over cups of chai, butter tea, and local whiskey, conversations drifted from business to philosophy. Bhutan might be the only place where even Wi-Fi signals meditate; being this disconnected made the trip more meaningful. With fewer distractions, I felt more present, fully immersed in every moment. In a world obsessed with speed, Bhutan forces you to slow down. To listen. To feel. To live. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DSC01497.webp) *Courtesy of Jinno Rufino* Exploring a new place is always better on two wheels: your senses are heightened, and every moment feels more alive. The descent back to Phuentsholing was literally and figuratively like winding down from enlightenment to the reality of the everyday. The laughter grew softer, the helmets quieter. By dinner, nostalgia had already set in. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DSC01520.webp) The band of brothers. *Courtesy of Jinno Rufino* Back in Bagdogra, we exchanged handshakes and man-hugs that felt like silent promises. Nine days, hundreds of kilometers, countless memories, and one truth: Bhutan doesn’t just change the way you travel. It changes the way you see the world. Bhutan measures happiness differently, and after this ride, maybe we all should. Because we’ve discovered that true luxury is found in the rare silence between throttle bursts, the laughter of friends on foreign soil, and the realization that happiness, indeed, has an altitude. *This article originally appeared in [Robb Report Philippines’ Travel Issue, December 2026](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-december-2025-the-travel-issue/).* **Categories:** Travel **Tags:** Bhutan, Feature, luxury travel --- ### [Why Super Midsize Jets Have Become the Hottest Category in Private Aviation](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/why-super-midsize-jets-have-become-the-hottest-category-in-private-aviation/) **Published:** December 16, 2025 **Author:** J. George Gorant **Content:** At the end of September, Gulfstream launched its [G300](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/gulfstreams-new-g300-will-give-it-an-edge-among-its-super-midsize-jet-rivals/ "Gulfstream’s New G300 Will Give It an Edge Among Its Super-Midsize Jet Rivals")—a clean-sheet design that replaces the G280—showcasing an interior volume nearly 100 cubic feet greater than that of its predecessor. It also offers the lowest cabin altitude in its class, as well as the new Harmony Flight Deck avionics suite with six touchscreens, synthetic-vision 3-D runway displays, and Gulfstream’s Predictive Landing Performance system. Citing the new technology and safety features, Gulfstream’s president Mark Burns says the G300 will “reenergize” the super midsize jets category. Not that the segment was slacking—far from it. Blending transcontinental range with manageable operating costs, super midsize jets have become the sweet spot of private aviation, especially as they close in on the space, performance, and technology of their larger-cabin counterparts, without as heavy a price tag. “We’re very bullish on the super mids—they’re eight full seats in a stand-up cabin with a lot of space,” says Rolland Vincent, president of his namesake aviation-consulting firm, [Rolland Vincent Associates](https://rollandvincent.com/). “They’ve got corner-to-corner range, so Seattle to Miami or New York to London, and that covers so many missions. They really hit that balance of comfort, capability, and cost.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Gulfstream_G300_2.webp) The interior volume of the G300 is nearly 100 cubic feet greater than its G280 predecessor. *Matthew McCully* That balance explains the surge of investment from both manufacturers and fleet operators such as [Flexjet](https://robbreport.ph/tag/flexjet/) and NetJets. Flexjet now flies more than 100 super mids, up from about half of that five years ago, making the class the most popular among its fractional owners. “People used to wait until they were in their 60s to start flying private,” says Michael Silvestro, Flexjet’s C.E.O. “Now we’re seeing people in their 40s. This category is perfect for younger customers who are skipping light jets for bigger jets and flying farther right off the bat. For this group, the trip is part of the overall experience.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Bombardier_Challenger_3500.webp) Bombardier’s Challenger 3500 shares features of its ultra-long-range Global 8000. Chad Slattery Flexjet recently announced a $7 billion commitment to new [Embraer](https://robbreport.ph/tag/embraer/ "embraer") aircraft, a major share being the super mid Praetor 600, which has been in the fleet for several years. Deliveries of the new Praetors will begin next year. The model brings fly-by-wire controls, turbulence-reduction technology, and optional in-flight service capability with a flight attendant—features rare at this size—with even more advances rumored to be in the works. Flexjet’s offerings in the class also include the Challenger 3500—part of the Bombardier series that has delivered more than 1,000 aircraft since its Challenger 300 debuted in 2004. The 3500 has zero-gravity seating, voice-controlled cabin systems, and a refined interior layout that echoes Bombardier’s flagship [Global 8000](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/bombardier-just-delivered-its-first-global-8000-the-fastest-civilian-jet-since-the-concorde/ "Bombardier Just Delivered Its First Global 8000, the Fastest Civilian Jet Since the Concorde"). Another good example of how manufacturers continue to upgrade the category is the Citation Ascend. With expected certification in 2026, it updates the popular Longitude platform with Garmin’s G5000 Avionics Suite, upgraded Pratt & Whitney engines, and redesigned cabin lighting and sound insulation. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Praetor_600.webp) The Praetor 600 introduced fly-by-wire and turbulence-reduction systems to the super midsize category. Claudio Capucho The new fractional-ownership firm [Bond](https://bond.co/) and charter providers such as [AB Jets](https://www.abjets.com/) are buying into the category in volume. The former launched with an order for 50 new Bombardiers, as part of a $1.7 billion deal including super mids, while the latter recently announced it was moving from light jets to super mids with the purchase of multiple Challenger 3500s. “This category is not going away,” says Vincent. If there’s one frontier left to conquer, it’s speed. Most models in the class rely on propulsion from Honeywell’s HTF 7000 series, which means they top out at around Mach 0.83. “We’re expecting new engines and maybe even new entrants that push toward Mach 0.9,” says Vincent. Having such equal measures of comfort, capability, and cost further enhanced by an even faster rate of travel—now wouldn’t that be super? *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Aviation **Tags:** bombardier, embraer, gulfstream --- ### [How Industry Titans Are Bringing a Fresh Perspective to Family-Owned Shipyards](https://robbreport.ph/boats/how-industry-titans-are-bringing-a-fresh-perspective-to-family-owned-shipyards/) **Published:** December 15, 2025 **Author:** Michael Verdon **Content:** For decades, the superyacht world has largely been the domain of family-owned shipyards rooted in tradition and generational stewardship. Recently, a new class of owners has emerged: Gabe Newell, the tech-industry titan who just picked up [Oceanco](https://robbreport.ph/tag/oceanco/ "oceanco"); Laurens Last, the industrialist who moved swiftly to acquire Heesen; and Richard Hadida, the entrepreneur who runs [Oyster Yachts](https://robbreport.ph/boats/how-a-fleet-of-oyster-yachts-is-navigating-a-luxe-odyssey-around-the-world/ "How a Fleet of Oyster Yachts Is Navigating a Luxe Odyssey Around the World"). Each of them first built a yacht with the brand they loved, then bought the brand itself. The goal was not only to manage these newly purchased shipyards from afar but also to help them advance design, technology, and full-life-cycle service. Heesen, for example, already had enormous equity in the [superyacht](https://robbreport.ph/tag/superyacht/ "Superyacht") world when Last took over, but his previous manufacturing experience provided a fresh look at its operations. Using robotics for painting and fairing, for instance, would make the yard more efficient without sacrificing quality. Last also plans to transition Heesen from its historic sweet spot in the 185-foot range into much higher-volume builds: “It’s a natural progression to move up and makes living on a yacht, with a spa, a fitness \[area\], and other extra spaces, more appealing.” In a similar fashion, serial yacht owner Gabe Newell—a multiple winner in the video-game industry who founded businesses such as Valve and Steam—views his initial role with Oceanco as that of an observer, using his background to identify “interesting technologies, prototyping them, and then moving them into production.” The multiyear build of his 364-foot *Leviathan* brought him to terms with yachtbuilding as a collaborative, rather than adversarial, enterprise. “I was fanboying all over Marcel \[Onkenhout\] and his team,” says Newell of Oceanco’s C.E.O. “Just the way they work makes you feel more like part of the organization.” Newell has incorporated such features as airborne-pathogen-detection systems aboard his yachts and, recognizing opportunities for fresh designs and innovation, foresees building “spec” superyachts to test futuristic technologies “that might seem too risky for a typical owner.” He’s also willing to experiment with his own vessels to measure potentially transformative strategies for yacht ownership. As an example, Newell gave *Leviathan*’s crew great latitude in its design: A happier crew, he says, makes for a more efficient operation. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/LLast__GNewell_RHadida.webp) *From left*: Heesen’s new owner Laurens Last; Oceanco’s Gabe Newell; Richard Hadida, who has overseen the rebirth of Oyster Yachts. Courtesy of Heesen/Oceanco/Oyster Yachts As for Richard Hadida, he and the late Formula 1 icon Eddie Jordan co-owned an Oyster 885 and considered it the world’s best blue-water sailing yacht. After purchasing the bankrupt brand, Hadida had an aha moment when he first visited the yard, which was littered with half-finished sailing yachts. “I realized this is where the hard work starts,” he says. “I see it as a calling.” That sense of mission has shaped how he runs the yard: emphasizing luxury and quality and enlisting former Rolls-Royce Motor Cars C.E.O. Torsten Müller-Ötvös as a strategic adviser. Explaining the draw, Hadida notes, “Other brands call themselves a family, but the Oyster family is a real thing.” This closeness is evident with events such as the [Oyster World Rally](https://oysteryachts.com/oyster-world-rally/?utm_term=oyster%20world%20rally&utm_campaign=BM+%7C+Search+%7C+Oyster+World+Rally&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&hsa_acc=2090891449&hsa_cam=21130071059&hsa_grp=179305092953&hsa_ad=745459606020&hsa_src=g&hsa_tgt=kwd-567091169644&hsa_kw=oyster%20world%20rally&hsa_mt=e&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21130071059&gbraid=0AAAAAC-11qn-SwAqo-nWen8f01DE-r-8R&gclid=Cj0KCQiA_8TJBhDNARIsAPX5qxROeRX3owyLgoAZ8iERHveaGiNEd_97dI15WnPOw8_zEYWc5TXegekaAuZuEALw_wcB), where owners create lasting bonds by sailing their boats around the globe for sixteen months. Hadida, his wife, Ali, and their toddler will sail their boat *Lush* in next year’s edition. Oyster’s rebirth has meant introducing new models such as the 805, an 80-foot cruiser with superyacht features. It has also been about “pushing bespoke luxury details into the production line,” according to Müller-Ötvös, a missive that’s certainly in his wheelhouse. Despite the collective zeal, it’s unclear how such nascent captains will impact yachting’s long-term trajectory. The message, though, is unmistakable: A new era of yard ownership is at hand—piloted not by generational succession but by outsiders who rely on passion and innovation as their compass bearings. *Top*: Gabe Newell’s positive experience with Oceanco during *Leviathan*’s build prompted him to purchase the company. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Boats **Tags:** gabe newell, oceanco, oyster yachts --- ### [Bombardier Just Delivered Its First Global 8000, the Fastest Civilian Jet Since the Concorde](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/bombardier-just-delivered-its-first-global-8000-the-fastest-civilian-jet-since-the-concorde/) **Published:** December 11, 2025 **Author:** Nicole Hoey **Content:** The fastest civilian aircraft since the Concorde just got its first owner. [Bombardier](https://robbreport.ph/tag/bombardier/ "bombardier") delivered its inaugural [Global 8000 private jet](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/best-of-the-best-2025-wings/ "Best of the Best 2025: Wings") on Monday during an event at the brand’s Assembly Center in Ontario. It was there in Mississauga that Patrick Dovigi, a former Canadian hockey star turned businessman, snagged the keys to his new private jet, which will replace his current Global 7500. Dovigi is getting quite the upgrade. In addition to the Global 8000’s need for speed (its ability to hit Mach 0.95 makes it the fastest private jet on the market), the new aircraft offers what [Bombardier](https://robbreport.ph/tag/bombardier/) says is the lowest cabin altitude in biz jet production of just 2,691 feet at 41,000 feet. Because of that pressurization level, passengers will experience less stress on their bodies and get more oxygen while onboard, which can help to reduce that persnickety jet lag. Plus, [Bombardier](https://bombardier.com/en) has worked to create a smaller, sleeker iteration of its Smooth Flex Wing, something that helps new jet land more efficiently. The Global 8000 also has a massive 8,000-nautical-mile range, which it showed off in a milestone announced back in July. That figure means the jet can dart nonstop to almost every city on the planet. Inside, meanwhile, there is plenty of space to enjoy those long-haul journeys. The Global 8000 has four distinct living spaces onboard, as well as separate area for crew to unwind. Other significant features on the jet, which as the longest seat length in its class, include a Pur Air system that tops up the cabin air every 90 seconds and a Soleil circadian-rhythm system that adjusts light to reduce fatigue. The aircraft also has Nuage seating that is meant to provide “zero gravity” comfort, a.k.a. the ability the form to your body for decreased back pressure and improved circulation. “Pride and excitement only begin to describe what the entry-into-service of the Global 8000 means for all 18,000 of us at Bombardier,” Éric Martel, Bombardier’s president and CEO, said in a press statement. “Every innovation and every detail of the Global 8000 reflects the hard work, creativity and dedication of our teams. This revolutionary aircraft is redefining the business aviation landscape with its innovative design, signature smooth ride, unmatched performance, and a promise fulfilled to our customers.” The only question that remains: Where will Dovigi take his Global 8000 first? *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Aviation **Tags:** bombardier, global 8000 --- ### [This One-off Porsche 911 Was Inspired by the Mountains of Taiwan](https://robbreport.ph/cars/this-one-off-porsche-911-was-inspired-by-the-mountains-of-taiwan/) **Published:** December 15, 2025 **Author:** Erik Shilling **Content:** [Porsche](https://robbreport.ph/tag/porsche/ "porsche") just unveiled its newest [911 Carrera](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-2025-porsche-911-carrera-s-loses-its-stick-shift-but-gains-more-power/ "The 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera S Loses Its Stick Shift–but Gains More Power"), a stunning ode to the mountains of Taiwan, with a bespoke livery and interior for [zooming the roads](https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/new-porsche-911-gt3-manthey-kit-1237375156/) there in style. The 911 Carrera T “Formosa” was unveiled earlier this month as a one-of-a-kind product of the marque’s Sonderwunsch program, which lets customers customize their cars virtually to their heart’s content. The resulting vehicle can legitimately be called one-of-a-kind, and is also “professionally realized” by Porsche, meaning that the car’s value in the secondary market should be a bit more protected and owners can say that their new ride was part of the original production run. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/porsche-911-formosa-7-e1765210289692.webp) In profile. *Porsche* Porsche’s Sonderwunsch program has roots in the 1970s and, these days, fits in nicely with luxury automakers’ desires to be more bespoke, capitalizing on increased customer interest. In the case of the 911 Carerra T “Formosa,” the customized options start with the livery, which is painted in a blue inspired by the waters surrounding Taiwan. Porsche calls the color Ipanema Blue Metallic. The 20- and 21-inch wheels are Suzuka Grey Metallic, with Vanadium Grey Metallic in the rim bed. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/porsche-911-formosa-2-e1765210051368.webp) The interior. *Porsche* On the inside, meanwhile, pops of brown appear (a shade called Truffle Brown, to be exact), along with black leather and stitches in Night Green. Unique to the car is a pattern called “Formosa,” which is found in the front trunk and parts of the seats. The word “Formosa” is found in the headrests, the door sill guard, and the front trunk, which are the kind of details the owner can show off at the pub. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/porsche-911-formosa-1-e1765209962247.webp) Under the hood is a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine making 388 horsepower, just like other 911 Carrera Ts. Here, it is mated to a six-speed manual transmission, and the suspension has been stiffened a little for a sportier feel. That is ideal, Porsche says, for Taiwan’s roads. “The 911 Carrera T ‘Formosa’ is a statement of individuality and a celebration of Taiwan,” Christian Nater, CEO of Porsche’s Taiwan division, [said in a statement](https://newsroom.porsche.com/en/2025/products/porsche-sonderwunsch-911-carrera-t-formosa-41254.html). “From the new checkered pattern to bespoke embossing, this vehicle showcases the breadth of the Sonderwunsch programme.” **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** porsche, porsche 911, taiwan --- ### [Audemars Piguet’s Ultra-Complicated 1914 Pocket Watch Just Sold for a Record $7.7 Million at Auction](https://robbreport.ph/watches/audemars-piguets-ultra-complicated-1914-pocket-watch-just-sold-for-a-record-7-7-million-at-auction/) **Published:** December 12, 2025 **Author:** Nicole Hoey **Content:** One of [Audemars Piguet](https://robbreport.ph/tag/audemars-piguet/ "audemars piguet")’s most historic timepieces just sold for a record sum at auction—and the buyer will come as no surprise. The most-complicated AP pocket watch still in private hands hammered down for $7.7 million at [Sotheby’s New York](https://www.sothebys.com/en/) yesterday, making it the most expensive timepiece from the brand ever to go under the gavel. And, during a 10-minute bidding skirmish between four collectors, Audemars Piguet itself ended up reclaiming its S. Smith & Son Astronomical Watch, nicknamed “Grosse Pièce” (or “Big Piece” in English), as it announced in a press release after the sale. The ultra-rare watch far surpassed its top estimate of $1 million, and it’s easy to see why. “Grosse Pièce,” or No. 16869, is the most comprehensive astronomical timepiece ever brought to life by the Swiss watchmaker. Done up in 18-karat yellow gold, the bonkers creation shows London’s night sky, complete with 315 stars and 18 constellations—the only watch from the brand to have such a celestial chart, according to Audemars Piguet’s Heritage Department. That extraordinary feature is paired with a sidereal time display, a perpetual calendar, moon phases, and the equation of time display, as well as a minute repeater, grande and petite sonnerie functions, a chronograph, and AP’s only tourbillon in a pocket watch from this era. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/audemars-piguet-big-piece-pocket-watch.webp) The celestial chart for the nighttime sky of London. *Photo: Sotheby’s* In total, with 19 complications, the Big Piece shares the title of Audemars Piguet’s most complicated pocket watch with the “Universelle” timepiece from 1899. And thanks to the remarkable combination of all those complications, the sky chart, and the tourbillon, the Grosse Pièce” has cemented itself in the history of haute horologerie. As for its backstory, Smith & Sons of London commissioned the “Grosse Pièce” back in 1914 on behalf of an American client. After six years of crafting, the customer received the timepiece in 1921. Upon its delivery, the pocket watch essentially disappeared from public eyes for decade, only adding to its illustrious tale; the only traces of its existence could be found in archival notes and rare photos. Then, famed watch collector Robert M. Olmsted added the Big Piece to his prestigious lineup in 1970. And now, of course, the watch has been thrust back into the limelight, courtesy of Sotheby’s auction of the watch treasure trove belonging to Olmsted, in a sale called Exceptional Discoveries: The Olmsted Complications Collection. Now that the “Grosse Pièce” is back in the hands of AP, the watchmaker plans to take the rarity on a multi-year world tour, with stops at select retailers and events. Eventually, the pocket watch will reside at the brand’s Musée Atelier Audemars Piguet in Le Brassus, where it will join its pal “Universelle.” That’s a fitting ending for such a grand piece of horological history if we’ve ever seen one. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** audemars piguet, News, sothebys, Watch Collector, Watches --- ### [Hennessy, Don Julio, and Johnnie Walker Are All Dropping Lunar New Year Spirits](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/spirits/hennessy-don-julio-and-johnnie-walker-are-all-dropping-lunar-new-year-spirits/) **Published:** December 12, 2025 **Author:** Jonah Flicker **Content:** The holidays are nearly upon us, but the celebration continues long after January 1 when the Chinese Lunar New Year and all its festivities begin. This year, the Lunar New Year starts on February 17, and to celebrate the occasion some major [Cognac](https://robbreport.ph/tag/cognac/ "cognac") houses, as well as some scotch and tequila brands, are releasing special edition bottles, from newly designed labels to high-priced, high-end expressions. Despite the overall slump of sales in the spirits industry, China continues to be a strong market for luxury bottlings. So it makes sense that major brands across all categories are trying to appeal to those who celebrate this very popular and traditional holiday, not just in China but around the world. [Hennessy](https://robbreport.ph/tag/hennessy/ "hennessy"), which is perhaps the most familiar name in Cognac, is releasing a super high-end new bottling called [Hennessy Zodiac Collection: The Horse Edition](https://www.hennessy.com/en-int/collaborations/hennessy-zodiac-collection-the-horse-edition). This is the first edition of what will ultimately be a 12-piece set created by master blender Renaud Fillioux de Gironde. Just 50 bottles of this special blend are being released, each in a hand-painted Baccarat crystal decanter featuring London-based Chinese artist Trajan Jia’s mural “Time Flies.” The bottle also comes in a red wooden box that was produced at the Atelier des Editions Rares in Cognac and is priced at $39,000 (available through Moët Hennessy Private). Maison Martell also has a special Lunar New Year edition available, and this actually applies to all of the expressions under the Martell lineup from VSOP to XXO. Chinese artist He Datian designed the calligraphy found on the labels of these limited-edition bottles. If you’re looking for something a bit more on the higher end, Martell also has L’Or de Jean Martell Zodiac Edition – Assemblage du Cheval. Just 500 bottles of this Cognac were released, each a Baccarat decanter with a red crystal horse head stopper, and the liquid within is an assemblage created by cellar master Christophe Valtaud that includes eaux-de-vie from other Years of the Horse. Lastly, the House of Rémy Martin collaborated with celebrated Chinese contemporary artist Xue Song on a new label design for limited-edition bottles in the brand’s XO collection. Each decanter features details from one of Song’s paintings and comes in a collectible gift box and is available for a suggested retail price of $210. But don’t worry, there are other spirits categories that are getting into the Lunar New Year spirit if you’re not a Cognac fan. Don Julio recently introduced its 1942 Year of the Horse bottle—inside you’ll find classic 1942 tequila, but there’s a new label that, according to brand, combines “the traditional Mexican ikat rebozo pattern with the powerful symbolism of the Chinese Zodiac horse.” And if you enjoy a luxury blended scotch, check out Johnnie Walker Blue Label Year of the Horse edition. This is the Blue Label you know and (possibly) love in a bottle with a new design from London-based fashion designer Robert Wun (SRP $264). *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Food & Drink, Spirits **Tags:** cognac, martell, News, Remy Martin, whiskey --- ### [Michelle Pfeiffer and David E. Kelley’s Former Home Is Now the Ultimate Wilderness Retreat in Vancouver](https://robbreport.ph/travel/michelle-pfeiffer-and-david-e-kelleys-former-home-is-now-the-ultimate-wilderness-retreat-in-vancouver/) **Published:** December 11, 2025 **Author:** Laura Dannen Redman **Content:** It’s Friday night and there isn’t a soul around, save for an elderly humpback whale who flirts with our Coastal Craft yacht in Canada’s Bute Inlet. She huffs a spout of water in the foreground, then flicks her tail in a “British Columbia goodbye.” “If you’re tired of humpbacks, you’re tired of life,” sighs our French naturalist guide Laura Gly, who was drawn to this region—as many are—by the lure of wildlife. People are well outnumbered by the humpbacks and pods of orcas, bald eagles and herons, seals and sea lions grunting their tone-deaf tunes atop the rocks. Then there are the bears, grizzlies and black giving the Great Bear Rainforest its cred, guarded by the First Nations people whose land we’re exploring. We had just come from a guided bear viewing with members of the Homalco tribe, who showed us how to “walk with marshmallow feet” (aka tread softly) up to old fire towers, where we could safely watch a mama grizzly and her cub enjoy a salmon buffet at the convergence of two rivers. There’s so much *life* here; it’s humbling to be among it. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/fawn-hotel.webp) From left: a September dip in Leask Lake; mama bear and cub scout for dinner. *Photo: Allison LoBalbo; Anne-Cecile Blanchot* That’s partly what drew our host, French entrepreneur David Tuchbant, to make his second home away from Paris out here—atop a mossy, forested bluff an hour’s seaplane ride from Vancouver, BC. The nearest neighbor is 20 minutes away by boat. Yet he’s not the first high-profile person to call these woods home. He bought the former private lodge of Hollywood icons Michelle Pfeiffer and David E. Kelley, who ordered construction of the (now) five-bedroom main house and lived there from 2007-2017 (after the *Ally McBeal* years but before *Big Little Lies*). A few of the original staff stuck around to help run the 340-acre property, which also includes a cabin overlooking a private lake. After Tuchbant took over, the remit changed: This place was too beautiful, too special to keep to themselves. He poured tens of millions into redesign, updating the kitchen and swapping the home cinema and billiards room for more bedrooms, and turned the space into [Fawn Bluff](https://fawnbluff.com/): a nonprofit, fully serviced wilderness [retreat](https://robbreport.ph/leisure/health-wellness/sacred-suites-the-5-best-hotels-for-your-next-wellness-retreat/ "Sacred Suites: The 5 Best Hotels for Your Next Wellness Retreat") only available for exclusive buyout (from CAD$26,250, or $18,899 a night). Proceeds will support the building of a Homalco-run trauma center in Campbell River, welcoming community members coping with addiction. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/fawn-bluff-inlet.webp) Across the lodge looms Estero Peak, where Homalco ancestors were said to have tied their canoes to the summit to survive the Great Flood. *Photo: Laura Dannen Redman* “There’s a reason for us to be here. We bought a property in the middle of First Nations territory, so it’s now our mission and purpose to serve the community we, by accident, became a member of,” Tuchbant tells us. “We have no other purpose than to serve the Homalco First Nation community.” This model of regenerative tourism is one Tuchbant hopes others can get behind: hospitality that focuses on human connection rather than standardized luxury. The white-glove service is “too cold,” says Tuchbant. “It’s so *perfect*. You lose the human connection. I personally hope, in a place like this, we can be more ourselves.” Fawn Bluff is remote with a capital R but it doesn’t have to be isolating. Guests will have multiple opportunities to forge relationships with the Homalco, staff, and local guides: kayakers, mountaineers, naturalists, even helicopter pilots who make a mean fondue (more on that in a moment). ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/fawn-bluff-activities.webp) From left: one of the coziest corners of the main house; the private dock for seaplane and yacht parking. *Photo: Rosie Paterson* Everyone working here wears many hats, in part because scarcity breeds necessity, but also to maintain a standard of hospitality expected for this price point. Imagine the type of traveler who might buy out Fawn Bluff: perhaps an extended multigenerational family, with schoolkids clamoring for their spot in the bunk beds and teens trying to claim the lake cabin (god help us all). Give whoever flew the farthest the luxurious primary bedroom, with its double-high ceilings, cloud-like king bed with hemp linens, a cedar walk-in closet, and oversized bathroom with freestanding tub. If you’re traveling the distance, it better be worth it, right? Thankfully, it’s all pretty spectacular. Within the Douglas fir walls is a warm, welcoming retreat, decorated with beautiful handcrafted First Nation art, and with views of the mist-touched bay and mountains from every room. Expect the kind of touches that make it feel *better* than home. Unless your home has someone handing you a latte when you walk into the kitchen; a personal chef named Kwin who’s bound for Michelin status and will speak passionately about the ingredients of every meal; a towering stone fireplace; a bar stocked with the finest wines and Lagavulin 16; and a property manager who will protect you from bears. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/british-columbia-mountain-range.webp) From left: feeling small amid the Coast Mountains and glaciers. *Photo: Rosie Paterson* On one epic day with Fawn Bluff, I felt the awe of a traveler breaking in their first passport. We boarded a helicopter (my first) flown by pilot Bastian Fleury of [49 North Helicopters](https://49northhelicopters.com/), who left the Swiss Alps—let me repeat: *the Swiss Alps*—for the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, where the peaks are so remote, they’re not even named. This is one of the great remaining mountain wildernesses, extending all the way up through Alaska. After 15 minutes of soaring over the tips of evergreens, zooming in on alpine basins, and silent screaming, we landed at a glacier-fed lake 7,740 feet up. Here, we would break through the ice in inflatable kayaks and stand-up paddleboards to reach a still, silent teal lagoon, more perfect than colored glass and a casual zero degrees Celsius. The bravest (craziest?) among us would cold-plunge before we took off in our helicopter, bound for the snowy plateau of a glacier, where Fleury broke out his grandmother’s authentic fondue pot from the 1930s to make us lunch. Stuffed with sourdough and melted Vacherin and Gruyère, we then hiked the glacier with our guide, Jan Neuspiel, a former Himalayas mountaineer, and posed with our pickaxes at the top in triumph. Did we conclude the morning with a long, humbling hike down? Of course not! Our helicopter picked us up like an Uber and deposited us back at the lodge—the pinnacle of luxury. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/fawn-bluff-glacier.webp) Burning off the fondue on a morning hike up a British Columbia glacier. *Photo: Rosie Paterson* So many firsts in that one excursion—so many lucky chances to see the beauty of British Columbia from different angles. This is the kind of place where moments of serendipity seem to occur by magic, but only because of the careful watch and planning of the staff: like guest experience director Tiffany Manhas being helicoptered separately to the top of a glacier, where she would set up the snow picnic and waited patiently for our arrival; or operations manager Jonathan Clarke, aka Mr. Safety, who knows every inch of the property and has the mantra, “If I’m wearing pants, I have bear spray”; or culinary director Kwin Marion, who’s “competing with the bears for ingredients.” One of the highlights of the stay here is the food, foraged fresh and scripted with your moods in mind, whether you had too much fondue and just need some soup, or crave a tasting menu with wine pairings nightly. Each meal came prepared with evident joy, like the family-style Dungeness crab boil with Old Bay and garlic butter alongside a 96-hour Loong Kong Fraser Valley chicken roast with black garlic gravy and vegetables supplied by “Mike & Melissa,” Quadra Island farmers who achieved mythic status by the time we left. We weren’t just eating Caprese salad. This was tomatoes with burrata, Thai basil, smoked tomato vinaigrette, house rosehip vinegar, wild rice amino powder, and lacto-fermented tomato powder. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/fawn-bluff-appetizers.webp) From left: a mossy outdoor fireplace fit for Frozen; pinecones artfully prepared as appetizers. *Photo: Laura Dannen Redman* Another pinnacle of luxury: Ask and ye shall receive. On our final night, after a wee dram or two of Lagavulin, I may have requested an impromptu stargazing session out on the docks, bears and spiders be damned. Mr. Safety looked me in the eye and said, “Well alright.” Down we went, staff and guests alike, with blankets, bevvies, and bear spray in hand. Minutes later, as the dock lights were extinguished, we all gasped at the glittering night sky—then shrieked as a brilliant shooting star flew by, a celestial exclamation mark to end our trip. *[Fawn Bluff](https://fawnbluff.com/), one of Robb Report’s 50 Greatest Luxury Lodges on Earth, will start taking bookings for its debut season (June 1 to October 15) in spring 2026. Nightly rates for a full property buyout start from 26,250 Canadian dollars ($18,889). The main house and lake cabin can accommodate up to 12 adults and four children. Included in the rate: dedicated staff, all meals prepared by a private chef, a selection of wines and spirits, and guided activities. The rate excludes transfers and helicopter excursions.* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Travel **Tags:** Adventure, Canada, Feature, travel --- ### [Vacheron Constantin Just Unveiled Its Traditionnelle Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin Without Diamonds](https://robbreport.ph/watches/vacheron-constantin-just-unveiled-its-traditionnelle-perpetual-calendar-ultra-thin-without-diamonds/) **Published:** December 10, 2025 **Author:** Carol Besler **Content:** [Vacheron Constantin,]() having covered métiers (with the enameled La Quête sextet), ultra complications (the Astronomer clock) and vintage remakes (the steel Historiques 222), as part of its 270th anniversary celebrations, closes out the year with a trio of Traditionnelle Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thins that includes the collection’s first non-diamond pieces—a gender-neutral milestone. When the [Traditionnelle](https://www.vacheron-constantin.com/fr/en/collections/traditionnelle/5000t-000p-b975.html) QP Ultra-Thin debuted in 2022, it was positioned as a women’s watch, with diamonds and a mother-of-pearl dial. The new non-diamond version transforms the model into a compact option for men who prefer their high complications in a discreet, 36.5 mm size. Since more men than women are watch collectors, it makes sense for Vacheron to introduce this anniversary edition in a non-diamond form. All models in the new trio carry the 270th-anniversary emblem, differentiating them as having been produced in 2025. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/vacheron-constantin-traditionnelle-perpetual-calendar-ultra-thin-trio.webp) The Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Perpetual Calendar, in all three new iterations. *Photo: Vacheron Constantin* There are three models; one in 18-karat pink gold with no diamonds, one in 18-karat white gold with no diamonds—the first non-gem-set Traditionnelle QPs in this size—and another white-gold model with diamond-set bezel, lugs, and crown. The ultra-thin complication is not new for Vacheron in terms of historical precedent. This collection is directly inspired by the Ref. 43021, introduced in 1983 and discontinued 20 years later. It was a pivotal watch, with a perpetual calendar movement that helped renew interest in complicated watchmaking following the quartz crisis. The Ref. 43031, which was less than 8 mm thick and had a diameter of 36 mm, contained the Caliber 1120 QP, the same movement used in the new collection. The movement was also used by Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet. A perpetual calendar is a very busy complication since it has to convey so much information, but if a dial is well-designed and proportioned, indications shouldn’t squeezed together so the dial feels cluttered. This dial follows the classic Traditionnelle layout—month at 12 o’clock, date at 3 o’clock, day at 9 o’clock, and a combined moon-phase and age-of-moon display at 6 o’clock—in proportions that leave plenty of white space around the markers. This partly due to the lack of subdial outlines, a characteristic of the collection. The dial also has the Traditionnelle’s typical railway minute track, faceted Dauphine hands and applied gold baton-style hour markers. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/vacheron-constantin-traditionnelle-perpetual-calendar-ultra-thin-dial.webp) The white-gold version comes with pink-gold hands, and the dial is clean and uncluttered despite the watch’s smallish 36.5 mm width. *Photo: Vacheron Constantin* On the gem-set version, the hands match the 18-karat white-gold case, but on the two non-gem-set models, the markers and hands are 18-karat pink gold—even on the white gold case—a distinction that differentiates it from the diamond-set version, and adds an elegant contrast. All three references are Hallmark of Geneva-certified, and come on alligator straps: dark blue for the pink-gold model, light brown for the white-gold model, and dark blue for the gem-set reference. The retail price is $100,000 for non-gem-set models and $102,000 for the gem-set model. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** News, perpetual calendar, Vacheron Constantin, Watch Collector --- ### [This New Electric Motorcycle Charges Itself With Retractable Solar-Panel Wings](https://robbreport.ph/motorcycles/this-new-electric-motorcycle-charges-itself-with-retractable-solar-panel-wings/) **Published:** December 5, 2025 **Author:** Bryan Hood **Content:** Here’s one way to do away with range anxiety once and for all. [MASK Architects](https://maskarchitects.com/portfolio/solaris-worlds-first-self-charging-solar-motorcycle/) recently unveiled an [electric](https://robbreport.ph/tag/ev/ "ev") motorcycle concept called the [Solaris](https://maskarchitects.com/portfolio/solaris-worlds-first-self-charging-solar-motorcycle/). It’s a slick-looking two-wheeler, but what really caught our attention is a set of retractable wings covered in solar panels that allow it to recharge itself whenever it’s parked in the sun. We’ve seen plenty of battery-powered two-wheelers over the years, but the Solaris is the first we can recall that can charge itself. When parked, a set of wings deploy from underneath the motorcycle’s seat, [according to New Atlas](https://newatlas.com/motorcycles/mars-architects-solaris/). The two elements unfold to reveal canopies covered in solar cells, which feed the bike’s integrated lithium-ion battery via an intelligent energy management system. The wings do need space to spread out, though, which may make it a bit of a hassle to park in public. MASK says the feature is able to capture up to 150 percent more solar energy than typical panels, which should more than make up for the inconvenience. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/mask-architects-solaris-1.webp) The MASK Architects Solaris features two deployable wings covered in solar panels. *Photo: MASK Architects* The self-charging system may be Solaris’s headline feature, but it’s also a stylish bike. The two-wheeler sports a bold look that renderings of the bike suggest was inspired by the shape of a sprinting cheetah. It features an aluminum-carbon frame topped with a minimalistic carbon-fiber body and a futuristic LED light package. Although the MASK team [refers to itself](https://maskarchitects.com/about/) as “pioneers of engineering and technology,” the Solaris appears to just be a design study as of now. The concept’s web page lacks much in the way of technical details, outside of how its unique charging systems work. The closest thing we’ve seen to the firm’s bike recently is the motocross-inspired Stark Future Varg SM. That electric motorcycle is powered by a potent carbon-fiber-sleeved electric motor that makes 80 hp and 673 ft lbs of torque. If a production version of Solaris could offer anything close to that, and charge itself, it’s not hard to imagine it becoming a hit. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/mask-architects-solaris-5.webp) *Photo: MASK Architects* Of course, for the time being, Solaris is a concept and nothing more. Still, one hopes that an electric motorcycle manufacturer takes note and is inspired by it, or, even better, works with MASK to make the two-wheeler a reality. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars, Motorcycles **Tags:** MASK Architects, motorcycles, New Atlas, Solaris --- ### [Geometry, Myth, and the Handbag as Art with Lady Dior](https://robbreport.ph/style/geometry-myth-and-the-handbag-as-art-with-lady-dior/) **Published:** December 10, 2025 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** The Lady [Dior](https://robbreport.ph/tag/dior/ "dior") is a cultural touchstone for a reason. Released in 1995 and christened in honor of Lady Diana, Princess of Wales, its silhouette has become as instantly recognizable as a couture bar jacket or a whiff of Miss Dior. The Lady Dior enjoys quite the contrasts in the sense that it is both rigid and feminine. Its body begins with a rectangular base, from which slender trapezoidal sides rise cleanly, tapering just enough to feel poised, never severe. The front and back panels stop short of a perfect square, giving the form rhythm and subtle imbalance, while the arched top handles sit like sculptural crowns. Just romantic in its geometry; it’s said that Christian Dior himself once likened his design sensibility to architecture. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Square-2240x2240.webp) *Photo: Dior* Since 2016, Dior has invited global artists to reinterpret the piece until the project evolved into a living anthology of contemporary creativity. It produced over 270 original artworks, each constructed in collaboration with the maison’s ateliers, each pushing the limits of craftsmanship and fantasy. This year, the House celebrates a decade of the Dior Lady Art initiative with a new book. Rather than a mere retrospective, *Dior Lady Art: The Lady Dior Reinvented by 99 Artists* reads like a gallery opening bound between hard covers. Across its pages, the bag’s various iterations in the hands of some of the best artists in the world are documented, each’s story told. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Artboard-3.webp) *Photo: Dior* Judy Chicago, for instance, softened its edges with feminist futurism. Zhang Huan, meanwhile, introduced spiritual texture and ritual. Faith Ringgold infused narrative and color. And then Mickalene Thomas adorned hers like a jewel-encrusted dream. Even the radical precision of Gilbert & George found a home here. This book chronicles those transformations as statements. Leafing through its pages feels akin to walking through a private exhibition under Dior’s vaulted roof. Lady Dior becomes a chrysalis for artistic impulse: there are pieces shimmering with embroidery fine as brushstrokes, others sculpted in unexpected materials, and others yet bursting with iconography (avant-garde, political, whimsical, and everything in between, really). ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/asgdgdg.webp) *Photo: Dior* Of course, the anthology, of all things, roots itself in the very philosophy that shaped the House. Dior’s original ecosystem put forward fashion as dialogue, and art as a sort of co-conspirator. *Dior Lady Art: The Lady Dior Reinvented by 99 Artists* recalls the revered designer as the collector and the aesthete, for whom couture was never separate from the gallery. *Available at [Rizzoli](https://www.rizzoliusa.com/book/9780847842100/).* **Categories:** Fashion, Style **Tags:** Couture, dior, Lady Dior, Zhang Huan --- ### [Why Hypercar EVs With Staggering Specs Haven’t Generated Big Sales](https://robbreport.ph/cars/why-hypercar-evs-with-staggering-specs-havent-generated-big-sales/) **Published:** December 10, 2025 **Author:** Tim Pitt **Content:** It felt like the dawn of a new era. Skeptical journalists, excitable influencers, and industry insiders alike all climbed aboard an open-top bus for a sightseeing tour of London that culminated at a cramped and stifling-hot theater. The unusual final stop was for the reveal of the nearly 2,000 hp Lotus Evija, touted to be the world’s most powerful production car. Six years later, it still is. Back in that heady summer of 2019, electric hypercars appeared to be overtaking (both literally and figuratively) the gas-powered old guard. Lamborghini had shown its futuristic zero-emissions Terzo Millennio concept, the battery-powered Rimac Nevera and [Pininfarina Battista](https://robbreport.ph/best-of-the-best/best-of-the-best-2025-wheels/ "Best of the Best 2025: Wheels") were deep into development, and Elon Musk was promising a new [Tesla](https://robbreport.ph/cars/almost-every-tesla-cybertruck-was-just-recalled-again/ "Almost Every Tesla Cybertruck Was Just Recalled—Again") Roadster for the following year. The Evija seemed to be riding the crest of a massive wave. Today, the tsunami that threatened to obliterate internal-combustion-engine (ICE) performance cars has all but receded. Lotus hasn’t revealed how many of the Evija, which starts at about $2.7 million, have found buyers, but the planned production run of 130 examples looks to be a distant dream. Meanwhile, V-12-powered exotics such as the Ferrari Daytona SP3 and the GMA T.50 sell out almost instantly. Porsche C.E.O. Oliver Blume recently announced an about-face in strategy, taken in “response to the significantly slower growth of the demand for exclusive battery-electric vehicles.” Any production version of the Porsche Mission X, debuted in 2023, will almost certainly be among the first casualties. Elsewhere, the initial purely electric vehicles from Ferrari and Lamborghini—the 2026 Elettrica and 2029 Lanzador, respectively—promise to be more S.U.V. in character, with halo-hypercar status reserved instead for the Prancing Horse’s F80 and the Raging Bull’s Fenomeno, both of which are hybrids. “Lamborghini will also keep combustion engines as part of our current hybrid strategy for as long as possible,” says Stephan Winkelmann, the marque’s chairman and C.E.O., in response to our query. “We see the V-12 continuing after 2030.” So why haven’t buyers in this price segment been more accepting? Mark Tapscott, C.O.O. of E.V. sports-car start-up [Longbow](https://longbowmotors.com/), believes they want an emotional connection. “For too long, electric cars have been engineered around abundance, with vast batteries, huge motors, and staggering power outputs, all of which create speed but not necessarily feeling,” he says. “The world doesn’t need faster numbers; it needs better experiences.” The category’s unofficial godfather Mate Rimac also thinks the market has shifted. Addressing the 2024 *Financial Times* Future of the Car conference in London, he said, “We started to develop Nevera in 2016-2017, when electric was cool… the narrative has changed.” He likened the difference between ICE and electric hypercars to mechanical watches and smartwatches: “An Apple Watch can do everything better. It can do a thousand more things, it’s a lot more precise, it can measure your heart rate. But nobody would pay $200,000 for an Apple Watch.” Fittingly, in his latest role as C.E.O. of Bugatti, Rimac has unveiled the 1,800 hp Tourbillon, which is powered by a naturally aspirated V-16 engine and draws its name from Swiss timepieces. Down the road, legislation may force a reckoning in the 2030s, and a new generation of enthusiasts raised on E.V.s will perhaps think differently. For now, though, the all-electric hypercar seems to have come and gone as rapidly as, well, an Evija in Track mode. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** ev, hypercar --- ### [This App Lets You Book a Private Jet in 30 Seconds](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/this-app-lets-you-book-a-private-jet-in-30-seconds/) **Published:** December 5, 2025 **Author:** Michael Verdon **Content:** An on-demand charter app claims it can deliver a selection of charter aircraft in just 30 seconds. If the potential charterer lets the “reverse auction” run for 60 minutes, he or she can watch the price drop on their phone screens, as different aircraft owners bid against each other for the trip. The [FlyHouse](https://www.goflyhouse.com/) app, the private-aviation firm claims, eliminates traditional middlemen such as charter brokers that can take a much longer time to find available aircraft like a private jet and sometimes operate in an opaque manner. “We’re bringing clarity, community, and flexibility to an industry that has often felt impersonal,” said FlyHouse CEO Jack Lambert in announcing today’s addition of the FriendShare feature to the app. “This is shared luxury, reimagined.” The app’s latest feature is a novel way to organize friends, business colleagues and family members, taking a leaf from social-media platforms by creating groups for different trips and shared interests. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2-GettyImages-1495164776.webp) The FriendShare feature is organized around friends groups and shared experiences. *Getty Images* “We’ve removed the friction from [private aviation](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/app-y-travels-private-aviation-has-finally-embraced-smartphone-chartering/ "App-y Travels: Private Aviation Has Finally Embraced Smartphone Chartering") by making it super easy,” says Sanford Michelman about the new feature. FlyHouse’s founder whips out his phone during a zoom call, focusing on the FriendShare feature, to set up a charter flight. One of his favorite words during the demo is “frictionless,” meaning the process is straightforward, fast and transparent. With a few clicks on his iPhone, he has created a new group for a flight from Las Vegas to Van Nuys, L.A.’s primary business-aviation airport. In less than two minutes, Michelman has booked a private jet between the two cities. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/FlyhouseApp.webp) The app displays multiple flight options. FlyHouse Michelman’s own profile includes an F1 Group, LA to Cabo trip, several golf groups and even a Pittsburgh Steelers fan clique for business colleagues that are Steelers fans. “For the first time in private aviation, you can create a group and trip exactly as you want without going through a broker or, more typically, a WhatsApp group,” he says. Once one member creates a trip, they can invite others in the group, or if there are not enough takers, they can offer individual seats to the “public,” or the 40,000 individuals who have downloaded the app and are now on the platform. Other apps from jet-card and on-demand charter providers promise fast, seamless experiences, but FlyHouse uses proprietary technology on the backend rather than the human labor typically employed to find and book a private flight. Most brokers cull through listings of potential charter aircraft on the third-party site Avenode, and contact every potential charter aircraft. Instead, FlyHouse built its automated platform partly from its June 2024 acquisition of JetASAP, an app for charter bookings, along with its own developments. The app has a pre-loaded directory of jet operators vetted for safety, with prices for any given trip already in the system. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2-GettyImages-1455934460.webp) The app is designed around creating friends groups for different trips or activities. *Getty Images* Initially, says Michelman, FlyHouse set up an hour-long booking process. But the public’s demand for instant results prompted it to reduce the wait time to 30 seconds. “You have the option of pushing the booking window out to an hour and you can watch the prices drop as the jet owners bid for business,” he says. Prices for different jets are displayed across the screen. Users can use filters that include pricing, jet size and type, age of aircraft and others. On the Las Vegas to Van Nuys sample flight, for instance, Michelman’s preferences for the seven-seat jet included limiting it to five passengers for extra space. Once five were signed up, he pushed submit and the app booked the flight, automatically deducting a share of the deposit from each passenger’s account. The demo’s only stressful moment was Michelman making sure his ops center knew he was not planning to actually charter the flight. “From the consumer’s perspective, nobody is picking the plane for me and I have a wide selection of planes in real time,” says Michelman. “This lets us take the slack out of the system as brokers and management companies are artificially driving up the price of a charter. And that process can take two or three days.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/3-GettyImages-680955382.webp) Many of the FriendShare groups are for specific trips. *Getty Images* At the moment, there are about 100 FriendShare groups on the app, most devoted to specific trips or activities. With today’s launch of the feature, that number is expected to grow quickly. “This is not about the transaction, but about the memories made along the way,” says Lambert. Whether this friends-based, Facebook-like approach revolutionizes on-demand charter, as FlyShare forecasts, remains to be seen. But the app’s transparency and rapid response time are likely to gain followers who want to try something different than a human-based system that hasn’t changed much in decades. Now, it can offer community as a bonus. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Aviation **Tags:** flyhouse app, private jet --- ### [Omega’s Planet Ocean Enters Its Fourth Generation With a Sharper, Slimmer Profile](https://robbreport.ph/watches/omega-planet-ocean-enters-its-fourth-generation-with-a-sharper-slimmer-profile/) **Published:** December 9, 2025 **Author:** Carl Cunanan **Content:** [Omega](https://robbreport.ph/tag/omega/ "Omega") has brought forth the fourth-generation evolution of their Planet Ocean dive watch, and how they chose to debut the piece is very much an indication of their vision for the next wave of watch buyers. The [Planet Ocean](https://www.omegawatches.com/watches/seamaster/planet-ocean/catalog) has always been a serious dive watch, appreciated as a sturdy tool watch with distinctive details such as bright orange bezels and hydrogen escape valves. This fourth-generation version carries forward the brand’s technical expertise but introduces a case design that aligns more closely with the modern watch-buying landscape—something more adaptable than the traditional tool-watch archetype. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/side-by-side-omega-2240x1260.webp) The new model is slimmer at 13.79 millimeters versus the previous 16.09 millimeters. Combined with a titanium caseback and a flat sapphire crystal, the watch now slips more easily under a suit cuff, yet the technical capabilities remain intact. It can dive to the same depths as its predecessors, but the integration of an inner titanium ring eliminates the need for an external helium escape valve. The watch now features a ceramic bezel—something that was especially difficult to achieve in Omega’s distinctive orange. Buyers can opt for the iconic orange bezel, a deep blue, or a classic black. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/21730422101002_Side-view_1.webp) One of the most striking updates is the case architecture and finishing, and how these flow into the stainless-steel bracelet offered alongside the orange and black rubber straps. The case has sharper, more defined lines, while the bracelet presents a more integrated look, with varied finishes and bevels. Despite this refinement, it still includes a six-position size adjustment system and a diving extension compatible with wetsuits. The new Planet Ocean represents a different approach to a dive watch—still technically capable, yet more versatile and suitable for varied settings. During the launch at the Yifang Art Museum in Chongqing, younger guests responded strongly to the design, far more than they might have to a conventional tool-watch aesthetic. It offers flexibility and everyday usability, while maintaining the heritage and engineering expected of the brand. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/21730422101003_caseback_1.webp) Choosing Chongqing, China as the launch site was fitting, given the city’s blend of eras, layers, and technologies. Interestingly, the watch also echoes the lesser-known early history of Omega dive watches, beginning in 1932 with The Marine—a rectangular watch housed in a two-part case that protected the crown at 12 o’clock. It is a classic example of a technical watch that still embraced the elegance of its time. Collectors also see parallels with the 1981 Seamaster 120, nicknamed the MAYOL after Jacques Mayol, who that year achieved a 101-meter free dive on a single breath. His watch was a slim, integrated-bracelet quartz model that captured the design language of the early ’80s. While many compare it to the Constellation of that era, the Mayol actually predates the Constellation Manhattan. Viewed alongside all four Planet Ocean generations, the 2025 model stands out for its sleekness and clarity of form, even with its bold bezel. The result is a watch positioned to resonate with a broader audience and signals how closely Omega remains attuned to the preferences of younger buyers. **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** Omega, planet ocean --- ### [Fauré Le Page's Ascent to Cloud 7](https://robbreport.ph/style/fashion/faure-le-pages-ascent-to-cloud-7/) **Published:** December 9, 2025 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** Heritage brands often speak in much subtler codes. The opposite, however, can be said about Fauré Le Page, who takes a much more declarative stance when it comes to its craftsmanship and lineage. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Double-Battle-35-in-Burgundy.webp) Double Battle 35 in burgundy. *Photo: Fauré Le Page* Founded in 1717 as a gunsmith to kings, princes, and revolutionaries, the storied maison has spent the last decade reassembling its archive. Today, Fauré Le Page channels its once-formidable mastery of weaponry into a different kind of armament. Its signature Scale pattern, evoking both armor and plumage, has become a kind of modern insignia for those who prefer their accessories with a quiet sense of power. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Faurever-Bag-in-Empire-Green.webp) The Faurever bag in Empire Green. *Photo: Fauré Le Page* This season, the Maison turns toward the skies. *Cloud 7* is its newest palette and poetic mood, drifting above Paris. Inspired by the fleeting moment when gray morning clouds meet the tender blush of sunrise, the colorway captures the city suspended between night and day. Steel Gray nods to Parisian stone and shadow. Pink, meanwhile, brings warmth, intimacy, and perhaps even the first suggestions of romance. Together, they form the chromatic language of daybreak. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Daily-Battle-27-in-the-Cloud-7-edition.webp) Daily Battle 27 in the Cloud 7 edition. *Photo: Fauré Le Page* *Cloud 7* easily becomes an invitation to linger in that early-morning reverie, so to speak. Fauré Le Page translates this atmospheric encounter into some of its most beloved models. The Maison’s emblematic “Daily Battle” tote reappears in a softened Steel Gray, its iconic Scale canvas washed with that gentle Parisian Pink. We can observe an interplay that lends the bag a newfound luminosity. The “Pochette Zip,” on the other hand, becomes a chic companion in this chromatic duet. Its slim profile is further elevated by touches of polished hardware and subtle leather piping that emphasize its sculptural simplicity. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Faurever-Envelope-Pouch-2-2240x2240.webp) The Faurever Envelope Pouch. *Photo: Fauré Le Page* New silhouettes debut alongside the classics. Case in point: supple shoulder bags with rounded, feminine curves or compact crossbodies designed to sit lightly against the body. Softly structured top-handle pieces flutter between utility and adornment, as well. Across the line, brass accents in a warm, sunrise hue play against the cool geometry of the Scale motif, creating this nice, delicate tension. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Adding-new-color-to-recently-launched-Faurever-bag-Burgundy-2240x2240.webp) The Faurever bag in burgundy. *Photo: Fauré Le Page* Of course, the “Double Battle,” though part of the Maison’s wider evolution, stands at the center of this season’s narrative. Its architecture is resolutely modern, thanks to its bold triangular lines and foldable body that shifts from generous tote to compact carryall. Dual braided handles are notably inspired by the sword guards of Fauré Le Page’s gunsmith past. The Scale pattern appears here in a tighter, more assertive formation, lending depth and dimensionality. There’s something beautiful about how the Maison remains true to its roots with this collection. Seduction, as Fauré Le Page presents, can be quite the expression in the everyday theater of style. *More information [here](https://faurelepage.com/pages/cloud-7-collection).* **Categories:** Fashion, Style **Tags:** Cloud 7, Couture, Fauré Le Page --- ### [From Manila to Chongqing: Testing the Corvette, BMW for the World Car Awards; VC and Omega Launches](https://robbreport.ph/cars/from-manila-to-chongqing-testing-the-corvette-bmw-for-the-world-car-awards-vc-and-omega-launches/) **Published:** December 9, 2025 **Author:** Carl Cunanan **Content:** Heading into the last month of the year, we got a clear look at how things are changing in the watch and car worlds, and how brands are addressing these shifts. [Vacheron Constantin](https://robbreport.ph/tag/vacheron-constantin/ "Vacheron Constantin") brought to Manila their excellent “The Quest” exhibition, which honors their 270 years of continuous watchmaking. Vacheron has long been an enthusiast and collector favorite, breaking watchmaking barriers across the board. After all the hype of the last 10 years, many newer buyers who were drawn in by the bubble market are now looking for a mix of history, technical ability, aesthetic vision, craftsmanship, and stability; Vacheron Constantin is well-positioned to answer those demands. In speaking with representatives from headquarters, we found that many buyers who were previously focused on independent watchmakers are now shifting their attention to this storied maison. Interest is coming from many different directions, not merely the usual upward-growth trajectory. That evening, we flew to Bangkok for the regional launch of the new [Ferrari 849 Testarossa](https://robbreport.ph/uncategorized/the-new-redhead-the-ferrari-849-testarossa-reminds-us-that-it-was-always-about-the-engine/ "The New Redhead: The Ferrari 849 Testarossa Reminds Us That It Was Always About the Engine"). This was a clear example of how car brands are responding to both the opportunities and demands of new powertrain technologies. The 849 is one of the few Ferraris to carry the Testarossa name, which originally came from their older—and much smaller—racing engines rather than the larger road cars people tend to recall. It builds on their multiple “International Engine of the Year” award-winning turbocharged V8s, now adding hybrid electric power and the biggest turbos they have ever installed in a roadgoing car. Even experienced Ferrari drivers found themselves shifting earlier than expected because of the new power delivery. From there we made a quick trip to Pasadena, California, for the World Car Awards LA testing sessions. What we saw was a continued and diverse use of different propulsion technologies. This included full internal combustion cars such as the wonderfully track-oriented BMW M2 CS which, on almost-slick track tires, offered a lively drive on the curvy and rain-soaked Angeles Crest Highway. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/photo_2025-12-08-190817.webp) Audi provided their throaty SQ5 as well as the quietly quick A6 e-tron. A Hyundai Nexo—a fuel cell vehicle that uses hydrogen gas to generate electric power—was also available and is a nominee for the World Luxury Car Award. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/RR-Feature-Photos-3-2240x1260.webp) One of the surprises of the session was the Chevrolet [Corvette](https://robbreport.ph/tag/corvette/ "corvette") E-Ray. The Corvette has always been a bit separate from most American cars, but not typically seen as a performance equal to European sports cars. This new V8 hybrid, however, has captured the attention of many testers. It blends the history and feel of Detroit muscle with striking styling and a surprising level of comfort and accessibility. It’s a strong example of what Lamborghini designer Mitja Borkert describes as a renaissance in the automotive industry, where multiple technologies can coexist to produce vehicles that surpass old boundaries. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/photo_2025-12-08-190827.webp) We then made a short two-day trip to Chongqing, China, which was eye-opening in many ways. The city itself is built on dramatic mountainous terrain, resulting in multiple layers of urban life. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/photo_2025-12-08-190831.webp) From skyscrapers to traditional houses, from sweeping bridges to winding valleys and rivers, the experience blends old and new—an appropriate setting for the launch of the new [Omega](https://robbreport.ph/tag/omega/ "Omega") Seamaster Planet Ocean. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-08-at-74415-PM.webp) The Seamaster and Planet Ocean lines began as deep-diving tool watches, complete with features such as helium escape valves and a rugged aesthetic. The new models have shifted toward a sleeker look with an integrated bracelet, multiple finishes, a more linear case, and an overall thinner profile. Omega is clearly repositioning the Planet Ocean from a pure tool watch to something more streamlined and versatile, while still maintaining its dive-watch standards. They also displayed a selection of vintage pieces to illustrate this evolution, including their first Marine watch—rectangular, surprisingly elegant, and a reminder that design often moves in cycles. And yes—Chongqing is a must-see destination in China. **Categories:** Cars, Watches --- ### [Le Voyage des Lumières Is Louis Vuitton’s Most Poetic Holiday Odyssey Yet](https://robbreport.ph/style/fashion/le-voyage-des-lumieres-is-louis-vuittons-most-poetic-holiday-odyssey-yet/) **Published:** December 4, 2025 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** [Louis Vuitton](https://robbreport.ph/tag/louis-vuitton/ "Louis Vuitton") ushers in the season with a little bit of cinematic reverie. *Le Voyage des Lumières*, the Maison’s Holiday campaign, unfolds as if it were a wrought tale, distilling the pleasures of travel and the enduring seduction of Paris into a single luminous arc. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/LV-holiday-56457-2240x2240.webp) The Noé-Where Vivienne, with its signature monogram canvas. *Photo: Louis Vuitton/Peter Langer* Directed and photographed by Jonas Lindstroem, the film begins deep in the brand’s mythology in Asnières, home of Louis Vuitton’s first workshops. Here, we begin the experience with a Malle Courrier, its gleaming brass hardware, opening to reveal a lone lantern that drifts skyward. All this sets the tone for the collection. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/LV-456-2240x2240.webp) The Speedy Soft 30 Teddy. *Photo: Louis Vuitton/Peter Langer* As the lantern climbs over Paris’ familiar silhouette, it becomes a guide through a world reimagined in aurora hues. The campaign weaves together these lush landscapes with Louis Vuitton’s icons, each styled with the intimacy of a fashion editorial. The black My Capucines is presented almost as nocturne with its sleek, architectural, and quietly commanding presence. The Speedy P9 in vivid red, on the other hand, punctuates the snowbound scenes like a spark in fresh powder (its sculptural contours catch the firelight just right). Meanwhile, the Side Trunk and Monogram Speedy are rendered as sort of modern heirlooms, their historic silhouettes softened by winter’s glow. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/LOUIS_VUITTON_HOLIDAY_2025_CAMPAIGN_-_NOE-WHERE_VIVIENNE__Peter_Langer-2240x2280.webp) The Noé-Where Vivienne, with its signature monogram canvas. *Photo: Louis Vuitton/Peter Langer* Out in what appears to be the wild, the Christopher backpack appears purpose-built for adventure, while the Express Bag slips easily into the rhythm of alpine leisure. Fragrance, too, becomes part of the visual language. Imagination and Attrape-Rêves diffuse through the frame like breath in cold air, evoking wanderlust without ever naming it. The House’s Color Blossom and Damier jewelry collections, meanwhile, glint like constellations—delicate counterpoints to the campaign’s sweeping landscapes. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/horizon-55-holiday-LV-campaign-2240x2240.webp) The Horizon 55. *Photo: Louis Vuitton/Peter Langer* A campfire crackles beside a Music Trunk (Louis Vuitton’s ode to innovation) before the narrative circles back to Paris, to Pont Neuf lit by countless lanterns in a choreography of light. The story resolves in the simple, resonant image of a mother and child, hands clasped, their faces upturned toward wonder. Much like the season, the campaign is equal parts spectacle and sentiment. A reminder that journeys are at their brightest when illuminated by imagination. *More information [here](https://eu.louisvuitton.com/eng-e1/homepage).* **Categories:** Fashion, Style **Tags:** Couture, Le Voyage des Lumières, Louis Vuitton --- ### [The Art of Traveling Well](https://robbreport.ph/travel/the-art-of-traveling-well-in-the-modern-world/) **Published:** December 4, 2025 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** At a time when travel has become increasingly accessible, the most discerning travelers believe the pursuit is not about seeing more, but about seeing with care, uncovering the details that reveal how a culture eats, speaks, and lives. The well-traveled understand that the essence of a destination lies in its customs and the rhythm of its everyday life. To travel well is to approach each experience with awareness. It means slowing down – to notice how morning unfolds across a café terrace in Lisbon or how a spice market in Marrakech hums with the pulse of its people. A meal, for many, conveys more than any landmark could. It carries the memory of the land, the passage of its seasons, and the labor that shapes its flavor. In Kyoto, that memory might be expressed in a tea ceremony that has remained unchanged for centuries, while in Puglia, it might appear in a family-style osteria serving olive oil pressed from the groves behind the house. Across the world, itineraries are now built around these culinary experiences, guided by chefs who preserve tradition while interpreting it anew. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AdobeStock_519726760-2240x1494.webp) This way of traveling extends beyond taste. The art of traveling well lies in discernment, in knowing what to seek and what to let happen naturally. It reflects a sense of balance where every choice contributes to a larger story. Preparation becomes part of that experience, guided by tools that bring order and ease to movement, whether that means securing a last-minute table at a vineyard in Mendoza or arranging a retreat along Lake Como. These choices allow travelers to focus on what each destination reveals. The BDO American Express ®️ Explorer™ Credit Card was designed with this in mind. More than a travel companion, it supports a life built on exploration and informed choices. With every use, Cardmembers earn Membership Rewards® points that convert easily into air miles across six airline loyalty program partners – Philippine Airlines’ Mabuhay Miles, Cathay Pacific’s Asia Miles, Singapore Airlines’ KrisFlyer, Delta Air Lines’ Delta SkyMiles, Thai Airways’ Royal Orchid Plus, and Malaysia Airlines’ Enrich – or into hotel loyalty points, making each purchase a step toward the next destination. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/FOOD-2240x3360.webp) Practical travel benefits further elevate that experience. The Card offers faster miles earning of 1 air mile per Php 30 spend, a reduced foreign exchange conversion fee of 1.85%, complimentary lounge access at NAIA, and free family travel insurance coverage of up to Php 10 million when flights are charged to the Card. Members who reach Php 450,000 in annual spending have their annual membership fee waived, while those who reach Php 600,000 receive bonus Membership Rewards® points. These features reflect an understanding of what frequent travelers value: reliability, flexibility, and access that extends beyond the ordinary. To travel well is to approach the world as both student and storyteller. It means knowing that a trip’s worth lies not in its luxury but in its insight. Every experience adds to a personal archive of moments that shape how one sees the world and oneself. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AIRPLANE.webp) With the BDO American Express® Explorer™ Credit Card, travel becomes a continuous discovery. Every flight booked, every reservation made, and every discovery abroad contributes to a more informed, more connected life. For those who believe that exploration should have purpose as well as pleasure, this Card offers the confidence to go further and the freedom to keep discovering without limits. Visit the BDO Website to learn more about the benefits, offers, terms & conditions and apply for your own BDO American Express® Explorer™ Credit Card. **Categories:** Travel **Tags:** bdo --- ### [How the Lamborghini Gallardo Brought the Raging Bull Into the Big Leagues](https://robbreport.ph/the-story-of/how-the-lamborghini-gallardo-brought-the-raging-bull-into-the-big-leagues/) **Published:** December 3, 2025 **Author:** Robert Ross **Content:** With Automobili [Lamborghini‘s](https://robbreport.ph/tag/lamborghini/ "lamborghini") founding in 1963, the marque became just another small-volume Italian car manufacturer, with a trickle of units coming off the production line. But Audi took over the reins in 1998, and with the introduction of the Gallardo in 2003, the Raging Bull entered an elite ring. The second Lamborghini released under Audi (the first was the 2001 Murciélago), the Gallardo was a smaller sibling powered by a V-10, and became a colossal success. When production finally ended in 2013, 14,022 examples had been built. As for its replacement, the [Huracán](https://robbreport.ph/tag/huracan/ "huracan"), that success story is still being written. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2006-Lamborghini-Gallardo_1-w.webp) Offered through RM Sotheby’s in 2018, this 2006 Lamborghini Gallardo had a high-end estimate of $110,000, but did not sell at the auction. *Photo: Ryan Merrill, courtesy of RM Sotheby’s* It was just a matter of time until Lamborghini, the “other” Italian super-marque, hit a commercial home run. The Gallardo was unlike previous models in that it was extreme but friendly, uncompromising but comfortable, and amazingly easy to pilot. There is no contradiction of terms here—the Gallardo blends seemingly disparate attributes and comes out on top as one of the most usable[ sports cars](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-50-greatest-sports-cars-of-the-21st-century/ "The 50 Greatest Sports Cars of the 21st Century") of its day. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2006-Lamborghini-Gallardo_2-w.webp) The Gallardo was unlike previous Lamborghini models: extreme but friendly, uncompromising but comfortable. *Photo: Ryan Merrill, courtesy of RM Sotheby’s* The shape expresses a clarity of line and freedom from embellishment, suggesting this car was made *by* designers *for* designers. Compared to the Murciélago, the Gallardo is smaller in scale and looks more balanced from every angle. Its smaller size makes the Gallardo easier to use on real-world roads, while conventional doors—rather than unwieldy scissor-style contraptions—allow normal ingress/egress, and once inside, even tall drivers can see and function with relative ease. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2006-Lamborghini-Gallardo_6-w_80831c.webp) At launch, the Gallardo model was fit with a then-new 5.0-liter V-10 that produces 493 hp at 7,800 rpm. *Photo: Ryan Merrill, courtesy of RM Sotheby’s* Creature comforts abound, thanks to Audi-influenced ergonomics, with fit and finish—inside and out—that reflect high German standards. Picky types should note that this car exhibits build quality unknown in previous Lamborghinis, which, like so many Italian and British exotics of the 20th century, have shown marginal attention to details, large and small. But the infusion of Audi sensibilities in no way makes the Gallardo a less exciting Lamborghini than its forebears. In fact, the “entry-level” model, priced at more than $100,000 less than its V-12 sibling when introduced, was arguably the best Lamborghini to that point. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2006-Lamborghini-Gallardo_3-wjpg_24ae47.webp) Creature comforts abound, thanks to Audi-influenced ergonomics, with impressive fit and finish both inside and out. *Photo: Ryan Merrill, courtesy of RM Sotheby’s* Mechanically minded sorts will appreciate the fact that the Gallardo was Lamborghini’s first foray into V-10 territory. At launch, the then-new 5.0-liter power plant produced 493 hp at 7,800 rpm, with plenty of flexible torque. Placed longitudinally amidships and driving all four wheels, the naturally aspirated motor eschews the pyrotechnics of turbos or a finicky powerband that makes extracting performance a chore. Displacement and output slightly increased over time, and RWD variants eventually became available. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2006-Lamborghini-Gallardo_7-w.webp) The shape expresses a clarity of line and freedom from embellishment, suggesting this car was made by designers for designers. *Photo: Ryan Merrill, courtesy of RM Sotheby’s* At about 3,200 pounds, the Gallardo coupe is more flickable than its weight suggests, with handling that is sure-footed and beautifully neutral, but hardly unexciting. Less-than-expert drivers can have fun in great measure; those more talented will be rewarded further still. The six-speed manual gearbox is the transmission of choice, though the corporate spiel was that the electronic paddle shift—Lamborghini e-Drive—was better. It’s not more fun, unless you spend many hours parked as a rush-hour sardine. Today, cars equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox command a huge premium. Coupe and spider versions in dozens of iterations exist, with prices ranging from $90,000 for an early example in good condition, to well over $225,000 for later models in pristine condition. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars, The Story Of **Tags:** lamborghini, sothebys --- ### [Joyce Wang Brings Craft, Imagination, and Culture to the Laurean Residences](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/design/joyce-wang-brings-craft-imagination-and-culture-to-the-laurean-residences/) **Published:** December 3, 2025 **Author:** Alicia Colby-Sy **Content:** Recognized as one of the most distinctive voices in her field, Joyce Wang is known for creating hospitality spaces that balance craft with imagination. At the [Laurean Residences](https://www.ayalalandpremier.com/our-portfolio/laurean-residences/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=sem&utm_campaign=laurean+2025&utm_term=lead&utm_content=joycewang&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23231212230&gbraid=0AAAABB-op6M8-E4q5dPt0uVI70ZbMA9AU&gclid=Cj0KCQiAubrJBhCbARIsAHIdxD_cu4E1QZaAW944mbqQ0HHX25Aytp7SQyfPr9xPUn0as2MfzTXoT8gaAhKlEALw_wcB), her first residential project in the Philippines, she brings her globally honed vision to Makati by shaping all the public and amenity spaces within the tower where people gather, move, host, and connect. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/HBD224_V9-1-1.webp) As founder and principal of Joyce Wang Studio, Wang leads a team defined by global sensibility and creative diversity. Based in Hong Kong and London, the studio draws on a mix of cultural perspectives and creative disciplines. Wang herself studied Architecture and Materials Science at MIT in the United States before earning her Master’s at the Royal College of Art in London. Though best known for her work with landmark hotels including multiple [Mandarin Oriental ](https://robbreport.ph/tag/mandarin-oriental/ "mandarin oriental")properties to the upcoming [Rosewood Hotel](https://robbreport.ph/tag/rosewood/ "rosewood") in San Francisco, and an impressive roster of Hong Kong restaurants such as The Prince and the Peacock, Club Bâtard, and Magistracy, The Laurean presented a new typology for her practice, where the amenity spaces behave like a micro hospitality ecosystem with multiple shared zones and layers of service. This was the element that drew her in. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/4BR-Laurean-Villa-_-Living-Room-2.webp) The living room at the four-bedroom Laurean Villa. “The reason why we love this project is because there are four levels of guest amenities which, in a sense, are hospitality spaces that are going to be run by the hospitality management of Ayala Land,” she explains. Unlike traditional homes, she adds, “When you do a home, \[once\] it’s done, the doors close and you don’t have access to it. With a public space, you see people and how they use it, and whether it’s a successful space. It can be measured.” [Ayala Land](https://robbreport.ph/tag/ayala-land/ "Ayala Land") first approached her with keywords like “urban sanctuary,” but what resonated more deeply was their long-view philosophy. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/4BR-Laurean-Villa-_-Master-Bedroom-2240x1587.webp) The master suite at the four-bedroom Laurean Villa. “It was more how Ayala Land approached development that really interested me, because they see it as a long game,” she explains. “It’s very holistic; they want to drive the neighborhood and to connect infrastructure.” From this emerged three conceptual threads. The first drew from an Ayala founder’s metaphor likening development to chess, each move seemingly isolated but ultimately strategic. The second referenced the site’s aviation history as a former airfield. Yet, both themes carried a certain hardness: metals, rivets, rigid grids. To soften the palette, Wang introduced a third narrative, Filipino fashion, particularly its use of pleating and fluidity. This tension between structure and softness became the project’s defining language. In the lobby, the chessboard is abstracted into what appears as woven stone lines as three tones merge into a pattern that feels tactile and gentle, despite its mineral form. “Softness is the most key because you want the room to feel comfortable,” she says. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/3BR-Laurean-Villa-_-Living-Dining.webp) The living and dining area of the three-bedroom Laurean Villa. That sense of softness moves upward through the four levels of amenities, each one designed for comfort, [wellness](https://robbreport.ph/tag/wellness/ "wellness"), and effortless social connection. A wine library invites slow conversations; a co-working lounge allows work to fold naturally into daily life; a private dining room with its own chef’s kitchen gives residents the pleasure of hosting with ease. There is a meditation room that looks out onto a roof garden, a pool and lanai that echo the calm of a resort, and flexible entertainment spaces meant to welcome every generation. For Wang, multi-generational living is not a trend, but a truth of how people live, gather, and support one another. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/L9-Pool-Lanai-2240x1516.webp) The pool lanai. The cultural and urban context of the Philippines also informed her approach in meaningful ways. Compared to Hong Kong, she finds Manila rich with artisans, from woven screens to hammered metalwork to beautifully gauged timber. These collaborations allowed her to root the building in local craft without leaning on literal motifs, giving the spaces a subtle authenticity that residents may feel long before they consciously notice it. The building’s wellness-focused amenities and elevated walkway amplify that feeling, giving residents small moments of autonomy and ease. Above all, Wang wanted The Laurean to offer a sense of calm within the city’s pulse: “I can relate to the hustle and bustle of Manila, being from Hong Kong,” Wang says. “There is no greater luxury than feeling I have space and I have Zen and I can breathe in a very hectic day.” **Categories:** Design, Home & Design, Homes, Properties **Tags:** Ayala Land, joyce wang, the laurean --- ### [Athens Is Getting an Epic Superyacht Marina With Over 400 Berths](https://robbreport.ph/boats/ellinikon-superyacht-marina-with-over-400-berths/) **Published:** December 2, 2025 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** Mediterranean voyages will soon be even more appealing. [Athens](https://robbreport.ph/tag/athens/ "athens") is getting an incredible new [superyacht](https://robbreport.ph/tag/superyacht/ "Superyacht") marina as part of the upcoming multibillion-dollar Ellinikon mega-city. The [Ellinikon Marina](https://theellinikon.com.gr/en/paradigm-city/coastal-front/), also named Agios Kosmas in honor of 18th-century monk and missionary Saint Kosmas, will help cement the ancient city as one of Europe’s premier yachting destinations. Construction has begun, with full operation expected sometime between 2028 and ‘29. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/ellinikon-overview.webp) The marina will have more than 400 berths for yachts up to 262 feet. *LAMDA Development* The marina will offer more than 400 berths for vessels up to 262 feet and a range of amenities, including refueling, provisioning, maintenance, and a concierge. It will also give seafarers access to over half a mile of beach and direct connections to Athens. It will be environmentally friendly, too, with energy-efficient systems, bioclimatic design, and native landscaping. Perhaps most importantly, the marina will sit adjacent to Riviera Galleria by Kengo Kuma. This flashy new waterfront destination will include over 75,000 square feet of high-end retail, fine dining, and cultural venues, meaning yachters will have plenty of things to see, do, and buy. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/The-Ellinikon-Riviera-Galleria-1.webp) The promenade at the Riviera Galleria. *LAMDA Development* The marina is one of three helmed by Greece’s LAMDA Development: Agios Kosmas is, of course, under construction, Corfu is currently under development, and Flisvos opened south of the Athens city center in 2001. The trio holds strategic positions along the Greek coastline, providing an integrated Eastern Mediterranean route for owners and captains. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/The-Ellinikon-Riviera-Galleria-3.webp) One of the restaurants at the Riviera Galleria. *LAMDA Development* Then, there’s the surrounding mega-city. Billed as the largest urban regeneration project in European history, Ellinikon is being built to the tune of $8.2 billion (€8 billion) in private investments. Located just 20 minutes from the Acropolis on the site of the city’s former airport and Olympic stadium complex, the metropolis will eventually be home to Greece’s first skyscraper—the 656-foot-tall [Riviera Tower](https://www.fosterandpartners.com/projects/marina-tower-ellinikon) will offer 169 luxury apartments across 50 floors—plus Europe’s largest retail district, a huge dining galleria, a sprawling 1,500-acre coastal “smart park,” five-star hotels, a sporting complex, and a nex-gen transportation system. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/The-Ellinikon-Experience-Center-3.webp) The exterior of the new Ellinikon Experience Center. *LAMDA Development* Ellinikon is set to open in stages over the next few years. One part that is already welcoming visitors is the Experience Center. Set inside the largest of three airport hangars, the new gallery-like space lets you see all that is to come at the Ellinikon via a series of virtual exhibitions. “It is the best way to experience the project right now, globally, that will change the way people think about smart urban development, sustainable retail, recreation, travel experiences, and coastal living for years to come,” LAMDA Development CEO Odisseas Athanasiou previously told *Robb Report*. Looks like you might need to add Athens to your next itinerary. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Boats **Tags:** athens, ellinikon, greece --- ### [Loewe Reworks Couture (and Cats) Through Louis Wain’s Eccentric Universe](https://robbreport.ph/style/loewe-reworks-couture-and-cats-through-louis-wains-eccentric-universe/) **Published:** December 2, 2025 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** Loewe steps into the holiday season with a spirited flourish. Thanks to the electric imagery of Carlijn Jacobs, its Spring Summer 2026 pre-collection is recast through a vivid new lens. Intarsia and polished finishes take center stage. Rather than leaning on personality, the campaign turns its gaze squarely toward the product itself, allowing wit and joie de vivre to rise from the objects’ own character. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/loewe-pre-collection-5353-2240x2240.webp) Loewe x Louis Wain Futurist Cat Puzzle tote bag. *Photo: Loewe//Stores Specialists, Inc.* Jonathan Anderson’s long-standing dialogue with art is palpable. This season, Loewe draws inspiration from British artist Louis Wain, the early-20th-century cult figure affectionately known as “The Man Who Drew Cats.” Wain’s eccentric, human-like felines—and later, his Cubist- and Futurist-influenced porcelain vases—serve as the springboard for a capsule that revels in abstraction and whimsy. The collection channels Wain’s kaleidoscopic imagination into an animated universe that still feels distinctly Loewe. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/loewe-pre-collection-3535-2240x2240.webp) The Puzzle Panta bag in black leather. *Photo: Loewe//Stores Specialists, Inc.* Bags take on new theatricality. Signature silhouettes, such as the Puzzle, Flamenco clutch, and Amazona, become canvases for feline embroideries, prints, and trompe l’oeil knits. The Futurist Cat clutch, in particular, transforms Wain’s iconic vases into wearable architecture, while other styles abstract paws, faces, and stripes into graphic motifs. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/loewe-pre-collection-353535-2240x2240.webp) The Loewe red patent leather ankle boots. *Photo: Loewe//Stores Specialists, Inc.* A standout newcomer like the Joya pouch, on the other hand, reads as a playful yet precise day-to-night companion, complete with an adjustable strap, gusseted interior, and customizable dice bar. Across the range, the Hammock Flip and new Draped Tote underscore Loewe’s mastery of sensual forms. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/loewe-pre-collection-holidays-53535-2240x2240.webp) Loewe Flamenco Purses. *Photo: Loewe//Stores Specialists, Inc.* The “ready-to-wear” concept leans into leather’s tactile authority. A cropped pocketed, beautifully shaped nappa jacket reinterprets workwear with refined discipline. Meanwhile, the biker jacket emerges in a voluminous, balloon-like outline. Interesting here how knitwear is used to reinforce the house’s dedication to technique, evident in the handworked details and patterns. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/loewe-holiday-pre-collection-2240x2240.webp) The Flamenco clutch in embroidered denim. *Photo: Loewe//Stores Specialists, Inc.* Likewise, footwear continues the collection’s sculptural narrative. While the Bobine bootie, Petal Anagram, and Flamenco Knot sandals frame the foot with artful structure, the Toy pump glimmers with glossy materials and a Futurist Cat heel charm. Loewe also decides to update Puzzle and the new Loop Bucket and Loop Hobo for its men’s line, on top of the introduction of the Bobine and Bobby Handle boots. Character and irreverence just mingle in effortless harmony, capturing the playful spirit of the season. *Loewe’s Spring Summer 2026 pre-collection is now available in boutiques worldwide. More information [here](https://www.loewe.com/int/en/home).* **Categories:** Fashion, Style **Tags:** Carlijn Jacobs, Holiday Collection, Jonathan Anderson, loewe, Louis Wan --- ### [First Taste: A Wedding Cake For The Holidays](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/lusso-wedding-cake-for-the-holidays/) **Published:** December 2, 2025 **Author:** Alicia Colby-Sy **Content:** What better way to ring in the holidays than with a wedding cake? I jest of course, but a celebration is a celebration! And this season, I’m celebrating with the [Lusso](https://robbreport.ph/tag/lusso/ "lusso") x Sonja Bordier Butter Wedding Cake, a petite cake that feels both luxurious and nostalgic. Originally created by pastry chef Sonja Ocampo of Cupcakes by Sonja and café and crêperie by Sonja*,* as a wedding cake earlier this year, it now makes a limited debut across all Lusso restaurants, and I am delighted that more people get to experience it. As Sonja herself puts it, “This cake was born from a very special day, and I wanted everyone to feel that same joy and love in each bite.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Lusso-x-Sonja-Bordier-Butter-1.webp) I’ve always been a devotee of a good buttery yellow cake (yes, even over chocolate cake – as sacrilegious as that may sound to some), and this one has the most gorgeous texture and crumb. The warmth and aroma of the Madagascar bourbon vanilla bean sings through every bite, while the Bordier butter—what many chefs consider the finest artisanal French butter—hits that perfect sweet–salty balance. This decadent confection is sure to be a crowd pleaser since Filipinos love a good buttercream where the richness and flavor of the Bordier butter can be most appreciated. There’s something beautifully old-fashioned about it, too. The vintage swirls, the elegant piping, the single fresh cherry perched on top—I’m absolutely here for the return of that mid-century cake aesthetic. Even in its petite size, it captures the grandeur and whimsy of classic celebration cakes. Every bite feels indulgent without being heavy. And as someone who’s long adored simple butter cakes, this feels like the version I didn’t know I needed. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Lusso-x-Sonja-Bordier-Butter-Wedding-Cake-2240x2987.webp) Made with intention and so much heart, the Lusso x Sonja Bordier Butter Wedding Cake is more than a dessert; it’s a small celebration of love, memory, and the sheer joy of being together. And really, isn’t that what the holidays are all about? With a cake like this, even a tiny bite feels like a celebration worth savoring. *Available at all [Lusso](https://www.instagram.com/lusso.ph/) restaurants in Metro Manila (Greenbelt 3, Power Plant Mall, and Podium Mall)* **Categories:** Dining, Food & Drink **Tags:** bordier butter, lusso, sonja --- ### [The New Redhead: The Ferrari 849 Testarossa Reminds Us That It Was Always About the Engine](https://robbreport.ph/uncategorized/the-new-redhead-the-ferrari-849-testarossa-reminds-us-that-it-was-always-about-the-engine/) **Published:** December 1, 2025 **Author:** Carl Cunanan **Content:** The new [Ferrari](https://robbreport.ph/tag/ferrari/ "Ferrari") 849 [Testarossa](https://www.ferrari.com/en-EN/auto/849-testarossa) is being presented to the world. And in many ways, the supposedly enthusiast market is showing its limits of experience. They’re comparing this car to the most recent Testarossa they know—the V12 road car built from 1984 to 1996 and made famous by *Miami Vice*. In reality, the name goes much further back. The Testarossa name for Ferrari has always been about the engines. According to legend, a race mechanic once had leftover red paint and used it on the cam covers of the car heading out. Contrary to popular belief, the Testa Rossa name was first used for Ferrari’s four-cylinder racing engines in the early 1950s. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/849_Testarossa_4x5_05_69372f68-66c4-4420-8e94-1f8dd8c60d0b.webp) Then came the now-legendary 12-cylinder engines and cars. The 250 Testa Rossa sports racing car, built from 1957 to 1961, also featured red cam covers. Only 33 were ever made, and it won Le Mans and other endurance races. It’s important to note that, despite red being Ferrari’s iconic color, Enzo Ferrari actually preferred yellow for his cars. Red was simply assigned to Italy by the international racing rules of the time—Germany took silver, Britain took green. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/849_Testarossa_16x9_08_0d750e7e-48ee-4f40-b347-b468676c5f31.webp) The 849 Testarossa and 849 Testarossa Spyder. *Ferrari* The Testarossa name has appeared on four or five models, depending on whether you count variants. It has been used on four-cylinder engines, on V12s, and now, for the first time, on Ferrari’s award-winning family of V8 turbos—arguably the marque’s most emotional and race-oriented engines. The powertrain comes directly from Ferrari’s multi-year dominance in the International Engine and Powertrain of the Year Awards. It is a four-liter internal combustion V8 supported by two turbochargers and three electric motors, producing 1,035 horsepower and achieving a 0–100 km/h sprint under 2.3 seconds. The hybrid power platform builds on the PHEV architecture of the SF90 Stradale. The three electric motors produce 220 CV in total: two on the front axle for torque vectoring and four-wheel drive, and one on the rear axle, derived from Formula One learnings. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/849_Testarossa_Interior_16x9_01_2e08daae-c0cf-461a-bd01-d98e29ab7774.webp) Interiors. *Ferrari* This new model carries several superlatives. It has the largest turbocharger ever fitted to a Ferrari road car and is described as the boldest Ferrari yet. It also has the best power-to-weight ratio in its class and is already offered as both a coupe and a spider. Turbocharging traditionally brings sudden power spikes, while electric power is known for instant but linear torque. Ferrari’s combination aims to make the 849 Testarossa something entirely new—providing even an increased electric-only mode for quiet departures when you don’t want to wake the neighbors. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/849_Testarossa_4x5_07_6a049a95-c9dd-411a-88d0-a8955af75ffa.webp) Early drivers say the car forces a recalibration of intuition. You tend to shift earlier than needed if you rely on audible cues alone—the engine simply keeps pulling far longer than expected. Pair that with a 2.3-second 0–100 time and you quickly realize how fast you must respond. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/849_Testarossa_4x5_03_14d6d6af-bfa0-4436-8ba4-7d7d45ba1115.webp) *Ferrari* Visually, the 849 is stunning, drawing from both past and future. The mass and flow of the front evoke classic road cars, while the twin-tail rear is unmistakably inspired by racing machines—think the 512 S. For those wanting more, the Assetto Fiorano package drops another 30 kilograms and adds exclusive livery options and aerodynamic enhancements. This is a strong example of Ferrari’s stated philosophy taken to a new level. The brand has long said its job is to create “a Ferrari for every Ferraristi.” With the 849 Testarossa, they go further—creating a Ferrari for every passion, every memory, and every driving experience a Ferraristi seeks. **Categories:** Cars, Uncategorized **Tags:** 849 testarossa, Ferrari --- ### [The Stahl House in Photos](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/homes/the-stahl-house-in-photos/) **Published:** December 1, 2025 **Author:** Wendy Bowman **Content:** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1635Woods-Dr_StahlHouse_frontexterior.webp) A steel decking wall faces the street for privacy. *Photo: Cameron Carothers* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1635Woods-Dr_StahlHouse_poolview.webp) A concrete footbridge passes over the pool from the carport to the entrance. *Photo: Cameron Carothers* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1635Woods-Dr_StahlHouse_archival4.webp) A photo from the Julius Shulman photography archive, 1936-1997, shows the footbridge entrance. *Photo: The Getty Research Institute* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1635Woods-Dr_StahlHouse_DR-1.webp) The living and dining areas are separated by a freestanding rock fireplace. *Photo: Cameron Carothers* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1635Woods-Dr_StahlHouse_archival3.webp) A photo of the living and dining area from the Julius Shulman photography archive, 1936-1997. *Photo: The Getty Research Institute* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1635Woods-Dr_StahlHouse_archival.webp) A photo of the open-plan living, dining, and kitchen area from the Julius Shulman photography archive, 1936-1997. *Photo: The Getty Research Institute* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1635Woods-Dr_StahlHouse_LRview3.webp) At night, the living room hovers above the city lights. *Photo: Cameron Carothers* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1635Woods-Dr_StahlHouse_LRview2.webp) The architecture follows the rigid grid of the city streets below. *Photo: Cameron Carothers* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1635Woods-Dr_StahlHouse_archival2.webp) An internationally famous black-and-white image from the Julius Shulman photography archive, 1936-1997. *Photo: The Getty Research Institute* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1635Woods-Dr_StahlHouse_archival5.webp) Another look at the cantilevered area from the Julius Shulman photography archive, 1936-1997. *Photo: The Getty Research Institute* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1635Woods-Dr_StahlHouse_nightview.webp) A modern-day version of the famous photograph. **Photo: Cameron Carothers** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1635Woods-Dr_StahlHouse_kitchen-1.webp) The plywood-clad kitchen. *Photo: Cameron Carothers* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1635Woods-Dr_StahlHouse_kitchen2.webp) Deep eaves help shield the interiors. *Photo: Cameron Carothers* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1635Woods-Dr_StahlHouse_kitchenplaque.webp) A plaque hanging in the kitchen displays one of the home’s historic designations. *Photo: Cameron Carothers* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1635Woods-Dr_StahlHouse_archival6.webp) The kitchen looks much the same as it did in the 1960s. *Photo: The Getty Research Institute* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1635Woods-Dr_StahlHouse_bedroom.webp) The primary bedroom’s sitting area. *Photo: Cameron Carothers* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1635Woods-Dr_StahlHouse_bath.webp) The primary bath. *Photo: Cameron Carothers* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1635Woods-Dr_StahlHouse_LRview.webp) The unobstructed views stretch from the L.A. Basin to the mountains and Pacific Ocean beyond. *Photo: Cameron Carothers* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1635Woods-Dr_StahlHouse_overallexterior.webp) The property sits atop a promontory spanning nearly a third of an acre. *Photo: Cameron Carothers* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Home & Design, Homes **Tags:** Hollywood Hills, stahl --- ### [L.A.’s Iconic Stahl House Lists for $25 Million](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/l-a-s-iconic-stahl-house-lists-for-25-million/) **Published:** December 1, 2025 **Author:** Wendy Bowman **Content:** Back in 1954, C.H. “Buck” Stahl and his wife, Carlotta, doled out $13,500 for a small plot of land in Los Angeles replete with spectacular views from its lofty perch high above the Sunset Strip. Armed with a vision for the house that would eventually grace the spot, Buck, a graphic designer and sign painter, and Carlotta began their journey by using their car to transport leftover concrete from city construction projects to the property on the weekends. They brought one load at a time over the next two years to shore up the precariously sloped site, all while thinking up ideas for the midcentury utopia they hoped to create there. In late 1957, after making a 3-D model of their dream home, the couple enlisted the ambitious and ingenious young architect [Pierre Koenig](https://www.laconservancy.org/learn/architect-biographies/pierre-koenig/) to take on their project—the result being a daringly cantilevered glass-and-steel structure that reflects the geometry and symmetry of the gridded streets that stretch out below and what is probably one of the most recognizable homes in the world. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/1635Woods-Dr_StahlHouse_DR.webp) The living and dining areas are separated by a freestanding fireplace and an adjoining fire pit. *Photo: Cameron Carothers* Koenig proposed his plans to *Arts & Architecture* editor John Entenza, with the magazine adopting the house into its Case Study Program in early 1959, about a month before groundbreaking. Hence, Case Study House No. 22 was born. The two-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath abode spanning 2,200 square feet, with a rectangular swimming pool and sweeping views of the entire L.A. Basin, would subsequently be immortalized in a legendary [black-and-white image](https://www.holdenluntz.com/magazine/new-arrivals/julius-shulmans-case-study-house-22/) by famed photographer Julius Shulman. The Stahl House, as it’s widely known today, went on to be named a Historic-Cultural Monument by the city of L.A. in 1999. About eight years later, the American Institute of Architects listed it as one of the top 150 structures on the “America’s Favorite Architecture” list, one of only 11 in Southern California. It was also included in a roster of all-time top 10 houses in L.A. in a *Los Angeles Times* survey of experts in 2008 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2013. It’s even been featured in several TV shows and films, including *Columbo*, *Galaxy Quest*, and *Nurse Betty*. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/1635Woods-Dr_StahlHouse_kitchen.webp) A plaque denoting the home’s historic designation hangs in the plywood kitchen. *Photo: Cameron Carothers* Considered one of the California-born designer’s most extraordinary works, the place has remained in the same family for over six decades. Now the pristine time capsule has popped up on the market for the first time at $25 million, with William Baker of The Agency Beverly Hills holding [the esteemed listing](https://www.theagencyre.com/single-family/clr/25621475/address-undisclosed). Set on almost a third of an acre at the end of a gated drive, with a high steel wall and exterior cameras securing the grounds, the International-style pavilion is accessed via a concrete footbridge next to the carport that passes over the pool before emptying at the entrance. The meticulously maintained, L-shaped living space leans toward a minimalist yet refined palette distinguished by a mix of stone, tile, and carpeted floors, plus exposed-beam and paneled ceilings. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/1635Woods-Dr_StahlHouse_primary.webp) A primary bedroom tucked behind the kitchen overlooks the pool and views beyond. *Photo: Cameron Carothers* The home’s common quarters encompass a living room anchored by a freestanding natural rock fireplace flanked by a fire pit, a dining area, and an updated kitchen sporting plywood cabinetry and appliances hovering atop steel legs. Floor-to-ceiling walls of glass allow the house to look and feel like it’s floating above the city. The two bedrooms are secluded in a separate wing of the house, with the primary suite tucked behind the kitchen, while the pool and raised spa sit next to a wraparound terrace shaded by overhanging eaves. “After 65 years, our family has made the heartfelt and very difficult decision to place the Stahl House on the market,” reads a statement on the [Stahl House website](https://stahlhouse.com/) from the Stahls’ children and sellers of the home, Bruce Stahl and Shari Stahl Gronwald. “This home has been the center of our lives for decades, but as we’ve gotten older, it has become increasingly challenging to care for it with the attention and energy it so richly deserves. The time has come to identify the next steward of Case Study House #22—someone who not only appreciates its architectural significance but also understands its place in the cultural landscape of Los Angeles and beyond.” ***For more photos of the Stahl house on Hollywood Hills, click [here](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/the-stahl-house-in-photos/).*** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/StahlHouseinPhotos_LA_ST.webp) *Photo: Cameron Carothers* [](https://robbreport.com/shelter/homes-for-sale/gallery/stahl-house-in-photos-1237379134)*This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Home & Design **Tags:** Hollywood Hills, News, real estate, Sunset Strip --- ### [Blancpain Returns to High Horology With the $2 Million Grande Double Sonnerie](https://robbreport.ph/watches/blancpain-returns-to-high-horology-with-the-2-million-grande-double-sonnerie/) **Published:** December 1, 2025 **Author:** Thor Svaboe **Content:** [Blancpain](https://robbreport.ph/tag/blancpain/ "blancpain") is the oldest registered watch brand in the world, founded in 1735 by Jehan-Jaques Blancpain in Villeret, Switzerland. For many, its legacy is defined by the [Fifty Fathoms dive watch](https://robbreport.ph/watches/luxury-sustainability-and-the-sea-how-blancpain-is-protecting-paradise-in-palawan/ "Luxury, Sustainability, and the Sea: How Blancpain is Protecting Paradise in Palawan") first, and by the classic Villeret collection second. But today, facing strong independent competition, the manufacture has doubled down on uncompromising craft with the Grande Double Sonnerie. A week ago, Marc Hayek, the visibly proud Blancpain CEO, opened the Swiss manufacture to journalists to show off the new watch, which is a reposition the Vallèe du Joux brand in the top tier of watchmaking. In 2025, this space is increasingly inhabited by fiercely creative independents. Hayek has a challenging task: setting the bar sky-high with the Grande Double Sonnerie. What does Blancpain need to rise to the independent competition and win collectors’ hearts in the process? Christian Lattmann, VP of product at the company, admits that while the house has been in high watchmaking for a long time, recent years have focused on its sports watch, the Fifty Fathoms. He makes it clear though, that a return to the upper echelons of watchmaking has been a guiding light for the brand. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/blancpain-grande-double-sonnerie-sketch.webp) The team showed off drawings of the new timepiece. *Photo: Thor Svaboe* But what does a $2 million watch signify for Blancpain? The Grande Double Sonnerie is an eight-year labor of love that comprises a baffling 1,200 technical drawings and 21 patents, 13 of which were integrated into the final construction of the movement. There are 1,053 components in the movement out of 1,116 total, all designed, produced, assembled, tested, and decorated in-house. Handling the watch will leave even the most future-focused Gen-Z minimalist speechless, though fully explaining the depths of the Grande Double Sonnerie requires a thesis. But despite its complexity and real estate-sized price tag, Hayek insists horological art is still about emotions. “Listening to a sonnerie is like tasting a grand wine,” he says. “It is not merely a question of volume, but the clarity, the resonance, the persistence, the richness. Savoring the sounding of a prestige sonnerie is an emotional experience.” Blancpain’s construction uses two manually wound spring barrels, one for timekeeping and one for the entire chiming suite, including the minute repeater. Adding another dimension, traditional chiming mechanisms rely on two notes, while under Hayek’s direction, Blancpain has imagined a four-note composition using E, G, F, and B requiring four hammers. Adding to its appeal is the fact that this is the first grande sonnerie ever made with two switchable melodies, one of them composed by [watch](https://robbreport.ph/watches/ "Watches") collector and drummer in Kiss, Eric Singer. “What really turned out to be a challenge was realizing there were only four notes available,” says Singer. “That might sound like a lot for a watch, but for a musician, it’s an immense limitation and turning that constraint into music was the real puzzle.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/blancpain-grande-double-sonnerie-make.webp) The Grande Double Sonnerie is home to 21 patents. *Photo: Thor Svaboe* After testing, gold proved the most acoustically refined for the watch’s sound, and one of 13 patents is a gold acoustic membrane under the bezel that serves as a resonator. But the Grande Double Sonnerie is not all about the music. It also features Blancpain’s flying tourbillon, introduced in 1989. This is visible on a dial designed specifically to give each complication room to breathe, with no visual overlap. Operating at 4 Hz with a silicon balance spring that improves amplitude stability, its mirror-polished cage amplifies the dial’s visual drama as its centerpiece. A feature that draws grail-attention on its own is the perpetual calendar, which features a retrograde display. Blancpain has upped the ante by integrating it in the manufacture movement rather than using a module that would cover parts of the movement and add thickness. With over a thousand parts, each watch takes an entire year to produce, test, and assemble (twice). Built up on an 18-karat gold mainplate with hand-finished 18-karat gold bridgework, the movement contains 135 sharp interior angles, an unmistakable signature of true haute horlogerie. The pride among the craftspeople at the manufacture was palpable. Lattmann knows this is a grand move for a commercial group brand, but he embraces the risk. “I always say that if we are afraid to make mistakes or to do wrong like a child, we will never try,” he says. At a certain point, we need to take risks.” Hayek meanwhile, stressed that he doesn’t want to see the piece sit in a vault. “I wanted a Grande Sonnerie that the owner could comfortably wear, not an exercise that would merely reside in a safe, and, above all, a watch that would make you smile as it sounds the time, that would trigger real emotion,” he says. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/blancpain-grande-sonnerie-process.webp) The Grande Double Sonnerie has 1,053 components in the movement. *Photo: Thor Svaboe* The Grande Double Sonnerie is assembled by only two watchmakers, each assembling the more than 1,000 components from start to finish. Every watch represents almost a full year of work, and the watchmaker engraves his signature on a gold plaque inside the movement after final testing. This is a quiet, personal tribute to one of watchmaking’s most demanding creations. The Blancpain Grande Sonnerie is also robust. It has a remarkable power reserve for its number of complications, totaling 96 hours. The movement features separate power-reserve indicators for the movement and the chiming mechanism, with 12 full hours in the power-hungry Grande Sonnerie mode. At 47 mm x 54 mm, this is not a svelte watch, but its intricacy will certainly appeal to high horology collectors. Each watch can be custom-made to the owner’s specifications, ensuring absolute exclusivity. In moments alone with both Hayek, Blancpain’s craftsmen, and Lattmann, one thing is clear: The intensely personal relationship they have with their work is evident in the Grande Double Sonnerie. It shows in every polished bevel and in each crisp tone of the sonnerie’s chime. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** blancpain, Feature, Watch Collector, Watches --- ### [Tanaw: The Mañosa Legacy Recast for the Contemporary Collector](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-collectibles/tanaw-the-manosa-legacy-recast-for-the-contemporary-collector/) **Published:** December 1, 2025 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** Francisco “Bobby” Mañosa has always existed in a category apart, where architecture intersects seamlessly with cultural authorship. That legacy has expanded with a silent auction of his sculptures, *Tanaw*, hosted online by Leon Gallery until December 13, 2025, revealing a body of work that speaks as much to his design philosophy as it does to the forms and structures he reimagined. *Tanaw* offers collectors a rare opportunity to acquire these archival pieces—objects that function as both aesthetic artifact and philosophical extension of Mañosa’s own worldview. Launched by the Tukod Foundation, the fundraiser introduces the first-ever public auction of rare Bobby Mañosa sculptures. These unearthed works are drawn from the National Artist’s private archives and newly reframed for today’s discerning collectors. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/kokok-sculpture-2240x1911.webp) “Kokok” *Photo: Tukod Foundation Archives* When we think of Mañosa’s name, we associate it with a distinctly Filipino architectural vision that elevated the vernacular all the while honoring indigenous materials. His work approached the built environment as an extension of climate, culture, and community in many ways. Yet beyond his celebrated buildings lies a lesser-seen, deeply evocative lineage. His pioneering “Bobi Toys” environmental series from the 1970s, for instance, reconfigured play as a sort of cultural education, earning a Good Design Award from the Design Center of the Philippines. It would be remembered as one of the earliest Filipino product lines rooted in identity and environmental consciousness. These sculptural pieces now emerge as refined echoes of that same ideation. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Seesaw_sculpture_auction-catalog.webp) “Seesaw” *Photo: Tukod Foundation Archives* Proceeds will directly support Bayay Halian, a climate-resilient school and creative space on Halian Island, situated between Dinagat and Siargao within the country’s largest protected seascape, SIPLAS. Bayay Halian is envisioned as a multifunctional space, covering a school, community kitchen, and creative sanctuary dedicated to regenerating island traditions through craft, cuisine, and environmental education. Built in response to the lasting impacts of Typhoon Odette, the project addresses the visible failures of recent infrastructure, where leaks, mold, and premature deterioration have already compromised newly constructed facilities. What Bayay Halian proposes instead is a model of architecture designed in careful dialogue with climate. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Tipaklong_Workshop.webp) “Tipaklong” at the workshop *Photo: Tukod Foundation Archives* For years, students studied in makeshift classrooms or outdoors. Yet even under these conditions, they earned regional recognition in storytelling competitions, underscoring a quiet resilience that Bayay Halian now seeks to support with permanence and dignity. The project brings together emerging designers Bea Rodrigues, Bea Carague, and Janelle Gan under the mentorship of Arch. Angelo Mañosa and Arch. Dong Ping Wong of New York’s Food Architects, as part of The World Around’s Young Climate Prize. An intimate supper club in collaboration with TOYO complements the auction, further reinforcing the event’s dialogue between design and culture. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Group-Photo-of-Bobi-Toys-1.webp) A group photo of the “Bobi Toys” collection. *Photo: Tukod Foundation Archives* Under the leadership of Isabella Tanjutco, Mañosa’s granddaughter and President of the Board, the Tukod Foundation continues its commitment to archipelagic creativity through conscious placemaking. Here, legacy is actively shaped, channeling Mañosa’s vision into a future where design operates as both cultural memory and civic responsibility. *For more information, go to .* *More about Tukod Foundation [here](https://tukod.org/).* **Categories:** Art & Collectibles **Tags:** Auctions, leon gallery, Manosa, National Artist, Tanaw, tukod foundation --- ### [Leaders of Luxury: Roberto Coyiuto III](https://robbreport.ph/profiles/leaders-of-luxury-roberto-coyiuto-iii/) **Published:** November 18, 2025 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** Roberto Coyiuto III’s first car back in the early 1990s was a standard model of a Japanese brand that, at the time, was a ubiquitous sight on the streets of Metro Manila. Roberto was in high school then, on track to join the insurance industry, which was the family business. Not long afterward, his father, Robert Coyiuto Jr., was smitten with a Porsche 911 (933 model) that he brought home to the Philippines. That’s when he realized there was no proper after-sales care to keep his car serviced and maintained to the global standards and checklists set by [Porsche](https://robbreport.ph/tag/porsche/ "porsche") AG. And so Robert Jr. decided to partner with the brand as an importer, so he could do it himself. That was the beginning of [PGA Cars’](https://web.facebook.com/PGACars/?_rdc=1&_rdr#) story, as it instantly positioned itself as a key player in the country’s luxury car space. When Roberto III was 21, he was sent to Stuttgart, Germany, for an internship at the Porsche factory: filing paperwork, cleaning vehicles, observing how dream cars were made. Today, almost three decades later, PGA Cars is the exclusive distributor of luxury brands Porsche, [Audi](https://robbreport.ph/tag/audi/ "Audi"), [Lamborghini](https://robbreport.ph/tag/lamborghini/ "lamborghini"), and [Bentley](https://robbreport.ph/tag/bentley/ "Bentley"), with Roberto as chairman. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/porsche-headlight-coyuito.webp) *Joseph Pascual* “Taking on the lead role at PGA Cars has given me the chance to apply the values I was brought up with. From my family, I learned the importance of being very hands-on in business, in closely understanding the details, and in being present in day-to-day operations,” he says. “What I’ve redefined for myself is a stronger focus on strategic thinking and analysis, while also making sure passion drives what we do. Cars inspire strong emotions, and I believe leadership in this industry needs that personal connection.” Roberto says his vision for Porsche, Audi, Lamborghini, and Bentley is to make luxury and performance more than just about owning a car. It’s about an entire ecosystem: experiences, communities, and a culture that surrounds these brands. “True luxury comes from the emotional response and the total experience one gets from the car, when looking at its design, appreciating its details, and enjoying how it drives,” Roberto says. “The brands we have are some of the most valuable in the global luxury space, not just in the automotive segment, and they advocate luxury through innovation, performance, craftsmanship, and sustainability. This is exactly why we are partners with these brands. They have redefined, and are redefining, what true luxury is.” And while he says there will always be the purists, the enthusiasts who love the thrill of the combustion engine, he believes performance continues to evolve with the rise of electrification and new technologies. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/robert-coyuito-standing.webp) *Joseph Pascual* “Luxury performance now takes into account sustainability, innovation, and connectivity,” he says. “Electrification actually enhances these factors, allowing for higher levels of performance and luxury, thanks to more responsive power coupled with quiet operations and lots of digital features. Plus, electrified cars have become cleaner during their entire lifetime because of new technologies.” Roberto says when the group decides which cars belong in the PGA Cars portfolio, there are always business factors to consider, but more importantly, the brand’s identity, heritage, and values must connect with them emotionally as well. “We are true fans of our brands, enjoying the different models’ performance and design,” he says. “Each one of them has a distinct personality, offering a different experience from one another. So our portfolio is complementary not only in technical terms, but also emotionally.” *This article originally appeared in Robb Report Philippines’ [Best of the Best Issue, October 2025.](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-october-2025-best-of-the-best/)* **Categories:** Profiles **Tags:** Bentley, lamborghini, pga cars, porsche, robert coyuito III --- ### [When Pinakbet Becomes a Passport](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/when-pinakbet-becomes-a-passport/) **Published:** November 27, 2025 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** Amid the reverent hum of farmers, chefs, artisans, and those who move through the world with a conscience for terroir, Chef Melissa Miranda stood before an audience that caught its breath not merely for the [food](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/ "Food & Drink"), but for the story threaded through it. Miranda’s brainchild, [Musang](https://www.musangseattle.com/), is a community-driven Filipino restaurant in Seattle’s famed Beacon Hill neighborhood. It has gained quite the following over the years. In 2022, the restaurant helped earn Miranda a spot on *Food & Wine*’s Best New Chefs, and she has since been recognized as a two-time James Beard Award Semifinalist, advancing to Finalist in 2024. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/melissa-miranda-2240x2240.webp) *Photo: Terra Madre Asia and Pacific* Her talk and workshop, *Mapping the Filipino Diaspora Through Flavor*, at Terra Madre in Bacolod, unfolded like a quiet reckoning to map out its becoming. Most of her Filipino-American team, many of them first-generation, had either never been to the Philippines or had only visited a handful of times throughout their lives. Here, Filipino food was presented as lineage—memory made edible, migration reduced to something you could hold on a spoon. “It’s important for us to be here as Filipino-Americans, connecting to our roots,” Miranda says. “Since most of us were born in the United States, most of what we know we knew through our lolas and lolos and parents and titos and titas.” For much of her team, Terra Madre marked either a homecoming long delayed or, for some, an encounter with the Philippines that had previously only existed in photographs, heirloom recipes, and the soft echo of family stories. The workshop centered on two canonical dishes, the beloved pinakbet and laing, each prepared in dual form: the traditional configuration and Musang’s contemporary interpretation. The act of juxtaposition felt deliberate, almost ceremonial. This was Miranda’s way of inviting her audience to witness how substitution becomes the grammar of diaspora, and how flavor, when guided by memory, refuses to fossilize. “The Philippines’ biggest export is Filipinos,” she reminds us. “We’re all over the world. And the way we connect to our culture is through our food. Food is a cultural anchor. Ingredients shift and memory stays.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/pinakbet-musang-546-2240x2240.webp) Two versions of Pinakbet were presented during the demo. One was traditional while the other was Musang’s. This is their own take. *Photo: Terra Madre Asia and Pacific* Pinakbet, in Musang’s hands, becomes cartography. “Pinakbet is a map of regions and roots. It is a landscape of families,” she said, tracing her own lineage from Tagalog roots in Cavite and Quezon City to Ilocano influences from her grandfather in Tarlac. The differences, she notes with knowing humor, could stir long-standing familial rivalries—particularly over bagoong, whose intensity delineates the border between Tagalog subtlety and Ilocano boldness. “Half of my team is Ilocano and half is Tagalog,” she points out. “So we always fight about which is best.” The traditional version came forth as many remember it: deeply fermented, richly brown, softened into submission by time and heat. Comforting, familiar, and heavily suffused with bagoong alamang. In contrast, Musang’s proprietary version (“Pinakbet 24” on the menu) was almost architectural in a way. Tempura-fried sweet potato, onion, okra, and eggplant arranged with kabocha and guisado purée, pickled bittermelon adding brightness, dehydrated bagoong perfuming the plate in controlled whispers. This composition could be made vegan, yet loses none of its emotional gravity. “So many of us grew up with mushy pinakbet,” Miranda explains. “We wanted to make it vibrant. Highlight the ingredients. Let them speak.” It was less reinvention than clarification. Each vegetable asserts its identity, each note articulate and precise. If one might imagine a museum display of culinary memory, this felt closer to a curated gallery wall than a childhood pantry. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/laing-musang-646-2240x2240.webp) Musang’s version of Laing. *Photo: Terra Madre Asia and Pacific* Laing, too, became an eloquent meditation on absence and adaptation. Traditionally made with dried taro leaves stewed in coconut milk and bagoong, it is a dish that resists improvisation. Necessity, as Miranda reminds us, has always been the mother of Filipino ingenuity. In Seattle, access to authentic gabi leaves remains inconsistent. “In the States, it’s harder,” she admits. “So the way we serve laing is with kale, spinach, or seasonal greens.” Musang’s laing bore the signature aromatics—ginger, garlic, shallots, coconut cream, and shrimp paste—yet reinterpreted the greens according to availability. These substitutions did not dilute the dish; they expanded its vocabulary. Vegan bagoong, meticulously crafted from tausi, shiitake, ginger, garlic, black beans, and seaweed, introduced a layered umami that nodded respectfully to the ocean without the cruelty of extraction. “Substitution becomes the language of creativity and diaspora,” Miranda observes, with the clarity of someone who has learned that survival cooks as much as flavor does. But perhaps the most arresting moments of the workshop occurred not on the plate, but in Miranda’s reflections on identity, pride, and generational healing. She spoke of the quiet shame that once accompanied Filipino food in immigrant spaces, the way it lived only at home or appeared apologetically at nurses’ potlucks. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Musang-5423-2240x2240.webp) *Photo: Musang Seattle* “When Filipinos come into immigrant spaces, they assimilate,” she recalls. “Growing up, Filipino food was never in restaurants. It wasn’t in magazines. My mom still says, ‘Anak, I can’t believe so many non-Filipinos are eating our food.’ And I ask her, why? Our food is so good. This is what you fed me.” The pride now filling Musang’s dining room is restitution. It’s a reclamation of voice. Miranda recalled her grandfather’s quiet joy seeing the restaurant full, his disbelief softened into awe. “That’s why we do it,” she says. “To show our parents that being Filipino is okay.” Musang itself carries a deeply personal backstory. Named after the wild civet cat, the moniker belonged to Miranda’s father—his Mustang car having lost its “T,” much to communal amusement. The name, like the restaurant, became a symbol of resilience, playfulness, and survival. Even a mountain healer in Benguet, upon seeing Miranda’s tattoos, asked: “Why don’t you have a musang tattoo?” The universe, it seemed, was insisting. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Miranda-terra-madre-2240x2240.webp) Chef Melissa Miranda in action. *Photo: Photo: Terra Madre Asia and Pacific* At Musang, memory, migration, adaptation, and pride formed the invisible mise en place, really. And in every bite, the truest flavors of home reveal itself. “For me,” Miranda said softly, “home tastes like cooked garlic. I usually smell bagoong in the kitchen.” In that aroma lingers the unbroken thread of a people who carry their homeland in their mouths. *Photos by Bliss Mabini. Hair and makeup: Jinx Aggarao.* *Videographer: Gian Escamillas.* **Categories:** Dining, Food & Drink **Tags:** Feature, Fine Dining, Musang, Pinakbet, Seattle, Terra Madre --- ### [This Striking Gold Helicopter Was the Star of the Dubai Airshow—and It Can’t Even Fly](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/this-striking-gold-helicopter-was-the-star-of-the-dubai-airshow-and-it-cant-even-fly/) **Published:** November 27, 2025 **Author:** Michael Verdon **Content:** The [Dubai Airshow](https://www.dubaiairshow.aero/en/dubai-airshow.html) had some impressive aircraft news and debuts, including Russia’s Sukhoi Su-57 Felon fighter jet, announcements by electric air-taxi makers Joby and Archer that they were growing their Middle Eastern markets, and a new [eVTOL](https://robbreport.ph/tag/evtol/ "eVTOL") firm called Autocraft that is starting test-flights in the United Arab Emirates. But in terms of the kind of bling Dubai loves, the Gold Chopper (gold [helicopter](https://robbreport.ph/tag/helicopter/ "helicopter")) from an edgy New York-based backpack manufacturer stole the show. David BenDavid, a.k.a. DBD, is the founder of Sprayground, which counts Beyoncé and Kevin Durant among its patrons, as well as dozens of other singers and celebrities. BenDavid’s rotorcraft is a full-sized, non-motorized sculpture based on other helicopter designs, with a polished gold-colored exterior, red-leather interior, and working doors. The shark-toothed smile on the front is the company’s signature motif. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Dubai_Airshow_GoldenHelicopter.webp) The interior includes red-leather seats and a futuristic flight deck. Sprayground “Our creative team first designed the concept in 3-D, experimenting with several versions before finalizing the structure, and then building began with a 3-D-printed foam model that was cut into sections, and then recreated in metal,” BenDavid told *Robb Report*. The components were then hand-welded together, brushed, and electro-planted in gold. The design includes a futuristic looking, but non-working flight deck. The process took eight months from concept to completion. BenDavid has created other fantastical objects, including one of the world’s largest T-Rex dinosaurs. He also wrapped an Formula 1 car to mark the start of the Miami F1 race. He has also collaborated with Zaha Hadid Architects on a concept for a futuristic home on the moon. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/DubaiAirShow_AIR4_Renault_EVTOL.webp) The AIR4, with its ‘Back to the Future’ vibe, is an eVTOL that pays homage to the 1961 Renault 4L. TheArsenale Another piece of art on display in Dubai is the AIR4, a non-working eVTOL concept created to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Renault 4L. Along the same lines as the [DeLorean](https://robbreport.ph/cars/rare-cars-by-assouline/ "Wheels of Wonder: Rare Cars by Assouline") in *Back to the Future*, this aircraft bears a futuristic resemblance to the 4L but with spider-like appendages that have propellers on the end. “The body retains the silhouette and mass of the original 4L, but uses carbon-fiber and advanced materials to accommodate flight mechanics,” said Patrice Meignan, founder and CEO of TheArsenale, a Miami-based firm that designs and promotes new modes of luxury transportation. The AIR4’s design and engineering were completed in France. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/DubaiAirShow_Sprayground_GoldenHelicopter.webp) Part art, part billboard, the Golden Helicopter will remain on display in Dubai. Sprayground In Dubai, the Air4 will be on display for a year at Wafi City inside a dramatic exhibit space. In 2021, Meignan was in talks with Renault about the possibility of building a flying Air4, but French regulations, he explained made the project untenable. The eVTOL will remain as a “marketing and PR-driven car,” the CEO said. But Meignan’s design team has recently announced a flying motorcycle concept looking for investors to create a working prototype. As for the Gold [Chopper](https://robbreport.ph/tag/helicopter/ "helicopter"), there are no ambitions to create a flying version. It will remain in Dubai, sitting beside a ruby-red, freight-container “pop-up” store displaying Sprayground backpacks. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Aviation --- ### [‘A Floating Piece of History’: How the Gucci Family Restored This 214-Foot Sailing Yacht](https://robbreport.ph/the-story-of/a-floating-piece-of-history-how-the-gucci-family-restored-this-214-foot-sailing-yacht/) **Published:** November 26, 2025 **Author:** Tristan Rutherford **Content:** Allegra [Gucci’s](https://robbreport.ph/tag/gucci/ "gucci") first palpable memory was aboard her family’s sailboat, the 214-foot *Creole*. As she recalls growing up, the world’s largest wooden sailing yacht formed a playful cocoon for water fights, running along hundreds of feet of teak decks, swallow dives into the ocean, and, at peak performance, adrenaline rushes as the boat thundered at full sail in the Mediterranean. Fun and games belie this superyacht’s stature. *Creole* is a head-turning behemoth with a crown of sails and an ink-black hull. Born in 1927, the boat is a work of genius from Charles E. Nicholson, the era’s greatest naval architect. “*Creole* is Nicholson’s masterpiece,” Gucci tells *Robb Report* in a rare interview, noting the boat has been in her family since her father purchased the then-dilapidated three-masted schooner in 1983, two years after she was born. Having grown up cruising and racing *Creole*, Gucci remains both nostalgic *and* practical about the classic vessel. She views the majestic, nearly century-old schooner as a responsibility—*her* responsibility—to present to the world as its finest self. “She is iconic—you have to keep her like this,” says Gucci, noting the details that define *Creole* but also require an uncanny amount of maintenance. “The varnish, the brass, the lights, and the soul of the sailing yacht represent the history of naval architecture.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/2Gucci_S8A2103.webp) An overhead view gives a sense of the magnificence and power of the world’s largest wooden sailing yacht. *Photo: Carlo Borlenghi* *Creole* also represents a rare combination of meticulously preserved maritime history and European glamor. Ranked among the most photographed yachts of all time, luminaries from Sophia Loren to Spanish King Juan Carlos have been snapped alongside her. In her younger years, Gucci viewed *Creole* as simply her family vessel that defined the yachting season, with weeks typically spent aboard with parents, sister and crew in the Western Mediterranean. “One summer, we said ‘we’ll just follow the wind,’” she says. “We went to the Balearic Islands just enjoying the sailing, the wind and the sea. We could be free from everything, sailing day and night.” *Creole* was indeed designed to cruise the world**—**fast. It’s capable of reaching 17 knots which, when pushed to its limits, seems more like a living, heaving beast than a boat. “With a full set of sails and perfect conditions,” Gucci says, recalling idyllic days of full-adrenaline sailing, “the energy the boat has is incredible.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/RR_MV_123122_4.webp) Fashion titan Maurizio Gucci found Creole in shambles and spent millions restoring it to former glory. *Photo: Carlo Borlenghi* Now a veteran sailor, Gucci learned to race when she was 14 at the Monaco Yacht Club, often sharing racing dinghies with her older sister, Alessandra. The sisters routinely skippered *Avel,* a 60-foot Nicholson design also rescued by her father Maurizio, with a full crew, often racing against HSH Prince Albert’s flagship *Tuiga*. These magnificent sailing vessels are part of a very special class of restored vintage yachts that show up to race each other at Cowes Race Week or Monaco Yacht Week. “We always support the \[Monaco\] yacht club as you can really breathe in the passion of sailing there,” she says. *Creole*’s history involved an interesting set of twists and turns, starting with its launch in the roaring twenties. Manhattan playboy Alexander Smith Cochran, “the richest bachelor in New York” and avid sailor, according to contemporary news accounts, commissioned the vessel to cruise the world. What the papers didn’t say was that Cochran was in poor health with tuberculosis. When Cochran first saw his new vessel, which he named *Vira*, he took fright and ordered 10 feet lopped off the masts. Then another 10 feet. Cochran “begged me to agree to cut a third 10 feet,” said the naval architect Nicholson. “I had to conclude that his ill-health had lowered his nerve.” In the end, *Vira* bore no resemblance to the magnificent schooner Nicholson had created, but looked more like a low-masted motorsailer. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/RR_MV_123122_2.webp) A skilled sailor, Allegra Gucci (inset) was often at the tiller of the family boat Avel during summer races. *Photo: Carlo Borlenghii; Inset: Getty Images* On Cochran’s inaugural voyage in Europe, the short-masted boat, which now had tons of extra ballast, rolled uncontrollably. The owner also couldn’t walk from the stern to bow without having a coughing fit. On what was supposed to be a dream cruise, *Vira* barreled through France’s Bay of Biscay, “most uncomfortable, pitching about,” as the owner wrote in his logbook. His final ship’s entry from Monte Carlo in February 1927 was faintly scribbled, “as if the writer’s pen were running out of ink,” wrote *Yachting World*. After the trip, the ailing Cochran placed *Vira*, before it could demonstrate its sailing prowess, on the brokerage market. It would be more than half a century until the schooner realized its full potential, thanks to Gucci’s father, Maurizio, fashion mogul and the last family head of the house of Gucci. Between Cochran and Maurizio came a succession of eclectic owners: First, British major Maurice Pope, who also avoided sailing, using the engines almost exclusively to cruise. He renamed the boat *Creole* after a dessert his chef had created. Fortunately for Pope and his guests, the schooner’s construction was ahead of its time. “Amidships, the engine room and fuel tanks were in a steel-plated, oil-tight compartment to avoid any oil smell creeping through to the accommodations,” wrote Nicholson. The original layout also featured unusual niceties like a “Ladies Stateroom,” a pantry, and even an officer’s mess. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/2-Gucci-vst08cb_6726.webp) Creole can reach a 17-knot top speed, exceptional for a sailing yacht its size. *Photo: Carlo Borlenghii* Third owner Sir Connop Guthrie restored the boat more closely to Nicholson’s original design and fulfilled Cochran’s uncompleted dream of cruising the Mediterranean from Capri to Corsica. The boat also won a number of regattas in the British Isles in the late 1930s, but war was looming across Europe. During World War II, the British Admiralty requisitioned thousands of yachts. These included now-vintage sailing superyachts *Marala* and *Malahne* (still available for charter) as well as the largest boats built by the famed shipyard Camper & Nicholsons. Renamed *Magic Circle*, Guthrie’s schooner became a lowly minesweeper along the Scottish coast. The era of post-war elegance belonged to Greek shipowners who scooped up surplus wartime cargo fleet for a song. Shipping oligarch Aristotle Onassis purchased a Canadian minesweeper for $30,000 and transformed it into *Christina O*, the world’s greatest classic motoryacht. In turn, his rival Stavros Niarchos bought *Creole* and put hundreds of thousands into restoring it. As proof of its rebirth, the vessel and new owner made the August 1959 cover of *Sports Illustrated*. But *Creole* did not enjoy a long and happy life under the Greek owner. Nicholson’s son John said Niarchos “ruined her” by running the schooner too hard and fast as it were a motoryacht. There were other more serious considerations. After Niarchos’s first wife died aboard from an overdose of barbiturates, he never sailed the boat again. When his second wife also died of an overdose, Niarchos decided to part with the vessel for good. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/2-Creole-Exterior-04.webp) The details aboard the yacht are in keeping with a Gucci sense of fashion. *Photo: Carlo Borlenghii* In 1977, the Danish Navy purchased *Creole* to use as a training vessel. Part of its role was to rehabilitate drug addicts using a naval regimen—a noble yet undignified service for a generation-defining yacht. “When my father found *Creole* she was destroyed,” recalls Gucci. “He just fell in love and wanted to give her a second life.” For the first time, the vessel that Nicholson had envisioned came slowly back to life, through an extensive six-year refit at multiple yards, Beconcini in Italy, Lurssen in Germany, and Astilleros de Mallorca. Designer Toto Russo created an interior (which had been gutted) that reflected the roaring twenties, installing period artwork through its six guest staterooms. Gucci’s “first flash of memories, when I was really, really small,” were on board *Creole*. “Sailing in the 1990s, we had less yachts and more freedom to go wherever you like.” She isn’t a big fan of the new breed of flashy gigayachts. “The sea is very busy with superyachts of 100 meters-plus \[328 feet\],” she notes. “But they are more like floating buildings. You may have a wonderful experience, but you could be anywhere.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/2Allegra.webp) Allegra Gucci on the bowsprit of Creole. *Photo: Carlo Borlenghii* By contrast, classic wooden yachts like *Creole* really “speak” to sailors, says Gucci, especially when cruising at speed, cloth sails straining with wind, the boat heeling, crew working winches and lines, and in the distance, the Mediterranean coast. “You live the real yachting life then,” she says. Gucci doesn’t view herself as the yacht’s owner. “I’m merely a custodian because *Creole* is the one that survived so many difficulties,” she says. Transient owners, global war, and years of neglect could’ve been the end of a long, unfulfilled sailing career. Then came the yacht’s renaissance by her father, who saw beauty and sailing prowess inside a rotting hull. For the next four decades, relished and replenished by the Gucci family, *Creole* has lived its best life. “She is a floating piece of history,” says Gucci. “What’s even better, she still has many miles to sail.” *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Boats, The Story Of **Tags:** boats, Classic Yachts, gucci --- ### [The Stars of This Season’s High Jewelry: Vivid Gems and Daring Silhouettes](https://robbreport.ph/style/jewelry/the-stars-of-this-seasons-high-jewelry-vivid-gems-and-daring-silhouettes/) **Published:** November 26, 2025 **Author:** Paige Reddinger **Content:** High [jewelry](https://robbreport.ph/style/jewelry/ "Jewelry") continues its evolution into the modern era with jaw-dropping pieces that play with shape in forward-thinking arrangements. Some danced around heavyweight stones like a 22.23-carat Ceylon sapphire perched amidst a waterfall of diamonds set in a series of chain links on Pomellato’s Cascade necklace or on a curvy cocktail ring from [Chopard](https://robbreport.ph/tag/chopard/ "chopard") in ethical 18-karat white gold and blue titanium set with sapphires and diamonds and cradling a 29.76-carat tanzanite. For more “everyday” wear (if one can be so presumptuous) a two circles of pave pink sapphires sit perpendicular each other on Van Cleef & Arpels’ simply stunning Ludo Secret watch in 18-karat rose gold and yellow sapphires and diamonds accent every curve of Reza’s 18-karat white and blackened gold Ruban earrings. Some were positively futuristic in design. Vhernier’s signature look straddled 18-karat rose gold minimalism with opulence in a snaking accent of pave diamonds in the Ardis Forma di Luce necklace, while Piaget’s asymmetrical Australian opals were set in a cobblestone-like pattern in 18-karat white gold and diamonds with a 9.26 Madagascan sapphire perched in the center in its Flowing Curves masterpiece. Meanwhile, even traditional makers added a little edge. Tiffany & Co.’s high jewelry often has a more romantic flair—typically referencing Jean Schlumberger’s mid-century designs—but a pair of platinum and 18-karat yellow gold drop earrings took shape in layers and swirls set with pops of crystal opals, along with diamonds and subtle hints of sapphires that took on a surprising twist. The new era of next-level gems have an undeniable cool-factor that will keep them feeling fresh well into the future. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Vhernier_ArdisForma_Luce_Necklace.webp) *Photographed by AM + PM (Angèle Moraiz & Paul Mougeot)/Set Design by Pierre Vaillant* **[Vhernier](https://vhernier.com/)** Ardis Forma di Luce necklace in 18-karat rose gold and diamonds ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Reza_Ruban_Earrings.webp) *Photographed by AM + PM (Angèle Moraiz & Paul Mougeot)/Set Design by Pierre Vaillant* **[Reza](https://www.worldofreza.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqMRWvQuK8X0mshBXnaEvA1zGXW2rlhgpU32wLnYUERs1ywE2oU)** Ruban earrings in 18-karat white and blackened gold and diamonds ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Chopard_RedCarpet_Ring.webp) *Photographed by AM + PM (Angèle Moraiz & Paul Mougeot)/Set Design by Pierre Vaillant* **[Chopard](https://www.chopard.com/en-us?srsltid=AfmBOoq5R5lBEIROyuFQWrgBx8zpo55Ub5QFXgFfLWVZiUs-bbGq1iUY)** Red Carpet Collection ring in ethical 18-karat white gold and titanium with a 29.76-carat tanzanite, sapphires, and diamonds ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Piaget_Flowing_Curves_Necklace.webp) *Photographed by AM + PM (Angèle Moraiz & Paul Mougeot)/Set Design by Pierre Vaillant* **[Piaget](https://www.piaget.com/us-en)** Extraleganza Collection Flowing Curves necklace in 18-karat white gold with a 9.26-carat Madagascan sapphire, 26.39 carats of Australian opals, and diamonds ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/VCA_LudoSecret_Watch.webp) *Photographed by AM + PM (Angèle Moraiz & Paul Mougeot)/Set Design by Pierre Vaillant* **[Van Cleef & Arpels](https://www.vancleefarpels.com/us/en/home.html)** Ludo Secret watch in 18-karat rose gold with mother-of-pearl and pink sapphires ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Tiffany_BlueBook_Earrings.webp) *Photographed by AM + PM (Angèle Moraiz & Paul Mougeot)/Set Design by Pierre Vaillant* **[Tiffany & Co.](https://www.tiffany.com/)** Blue Book 2025 Collection earrings in platinum and 18-karat yellow gold with crystal opals, diamonds, and sapphires *Top*: **[Pomellato](https://www.pomellato.com/us_en?utm_source=google&utm_source_platform=SA360&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=US%7CEN%7CSRC%7CBrand+Pure%7CJewellery%7CF%7CMulti&utm_id=79914750&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=79914750&gbraid=0AAAAADyFIeroRJVQPGu2VH5I7goTGOCTH&gclid=CjwKCAiA_dDIBhB6EiwAvzc1cPdlHafDnPnfwwHOlXYAfGHnARE6cV7Hog64gDHB4zt3ohN_SQ3VAhoC7QsQAvD_BwE)** Collezione 1967 Blue Chain Cascade necklace in 18-karat white gold with a 22.23-carat Ceylon sapphire and diamonds. All prices upon request. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Jewelry, Style **Tags:** chopard, jewelry, pomellato, tiffany & co, Van Cleef & Arpels, vhernier --- ### [Gordon Ramsay Bar and Grill's Holiday Dinner Serves Up Magic to Savor](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/gordon-ramsay-bar-and-grills-holiday-dinner-serves-up-magic-to-savor/) **Published:** November 25, 2025 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** Holiday dinners take on a different character when the setting is as considered as the menu. Gentle lighting, inviting tables, and a warm and nostalgic ambience with traditional decorations create an experience that feels special before the first toast is made. This year, one place in Manila has set out to deliver exactly that: [Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/first-taste-a-double-debut-by-gordon-ramsay-in-cebu/ "First Taste: A Double Debut by Gordon Ramsay in Cebu") Philippines at Newport World Resorts, which has transformed itself into an immersive ode to British festive tradition. If you’re searching for *the* holiday dinner to book, whether for family, friends, or a corporate celebration, this is the one that should be at the very top of your list. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/private-dining-room-Gordon-ramsay-2240x1260.webp) The private rooms are decorated for the season by Randy Lazaro. The overall feel is very traditional, warm, and festive. This season, Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill is all decked out for the holidays: in collaboration with events stylist and curator Randy Lazaro, the restaurant’s private dining rooms have been redecorated as intimate British Christmas salons—warm and cozy, but still unmistakably English. Tartan drapes, forest green and cherry-red accents, soft lighting, and touches of old-world charm set the stage for celebrations in style and are designed to seat 10 guests per room or 20 when both private rooms are combined. The package includes special tokens prepared by the restaurant for those who book on Christmas and New Year. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Gordon-Ramsay-Bar-Grill-Philippines-Whole-Roasted-Turkey.webp) Gordon Ramsay Bar Grill Philippines The restaurant just launched its holiday-themed menu, running until January 4, 2026. The restaurant’s offers its first-ever holiday turkey feast (Php16,000), with all the trimmings: a golden, aromatic, juicy turkey comes with beef fat-roasted potatoes, caramel-sweet baby carrots, braised red cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cranberry jelly, and rich chicken jus. It serves up to six guests, making it a beautifully proportioned option for intimate celebrations or the perfect anchor to a luxurious holiday table. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Gordon-Ramsay-Bar-Grill-Philippines-Beef-Wellington-Log.webp) The Beef Wellington Log, good for eight. *Gordon Ramsay Bar and Grill* Sharing the spotlight is the debut of the Whole Beef Wellington Log (Php29,888), Gordon Ramsay’s iconic dish. Wrapped in pastry, roasted to perfection, and presented tableside with the finesse expected of the Ramsay name, it’s the kind of dish that turns a holiday celebration into an event. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Gordon-Ramsay-Bar-Grill-Philippines-Kale-Quinoa-Christmas-Wreath-Salad.webp) The very hearty Kale & Quinoa Christmas Wreath Salad. *Gordon Ramsay Bar and Grill* The menu’s à la carte offerings deliver equally compelling choices. The Kale & Quinoa Christmas Wreath Salad (Php988), which is, of course, meticulously arranged like a wreath, offers a refreshing, gorgeously arranged hearty starter; the Roasted Turkey Breast provides a more individual take on the classic (at Php1,500, it’s a plated serving, perfect for those who may not want to commit to a whole bird; it does, however, have a serving of all the delicious sides). ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Gordon-Ramsay-Bar-Grill-Philippines-Roasted-Turkey-Breast.webp) You don’t have to order a whole turkey to partake of the holiday cheer: turkey is also available as a serving per person. *Gordon Ramsay Bar and Grill* Gordon’s Traditional Christmas Pudding (Php680) arrives as a nostalgic, spirited finale. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Gordon-Ramsay-Bar-Grill-Gordon-Ramsay-Iconic-Christmas-Pudding-Brandy-Butter-Sauce-1.webp) Gordon’s Traditional Christmas Pudding is a festive finale. *Gordon Ramsay Bar and Grill* No holiday experience is complete without drinks that match the mood, and the restaurant’s cocktail lineup (Php550/glass) is crafted expressly for celebration. Guests can warm up with the Homemade Mulled Wine, savor the dessert-meets-cocktail indulgence of the Baileys Gingerbread Espresso Affogato Martini, or opt for the cheerful sparkle of the Christmas Bauble Martini. Prefer some bubbly? Midnight Glitter—a sparkling wine cocktail lifted by St-Germain—delivers glamour in a glass. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/gordon-ramsay-holiday-cocktails-2240x1260.webp) Left to right: Mulled Wine; the sparkling New Year’s Midnight Glitter, featuring St-Germain and sparkling wine; Baileys Gingerbread Espresso Affogato Martini; Christmas Bauble Martini. *Gordon Ramsay Bar and Grill* For families craving tradition, for friends seeking the perfect holiday night out, and for executives looking to host meaningful year-end gatherings, Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill Philippines doesn’t hold back on holiday magic. *For more information and table reservations for Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill Philippines at Newport World Resorts, visit [www.newportworldresorts.com/grbg](https://www.newportworldresorts.com/grbg) and follow [@newportworldresorts](https://www.facebook.com/newportworldresorts) and [@gordonramsaybarandgrillph](https://www.facebook.com/gordonramsaybarandgrillph) on Facebook and Instagram*. **Categories:** Dining, Food & Drink, Spirits, Wine --- ### [Art Exhibition Roundup: Year-End Shows Teem With Themes of Reflection](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-collectibles/art-exhibition-roundup-year-end-shows-teem-with-themes-of-reflection/) **Published:** November 25, 2025 **Author:** Jodie Jose **Content:** In just a little more than a month, another year comes to an end. In the [art](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-collectibles/ "Art & Collectibles") scene, the air shifts slowly toward the joy of the holidays, but not without an atmosphere of contemplation. From considering the repercussions of human activities in relation to the environment to the ponderings that occur in solitude, artists turn inward as much as they look outward. ‘Tis the season to calm our strides and step into spaces that encourage us to look again. Through their works, artists offer portals into the concerns, memories, and reckonings that have shaped the past year, reminding us that reflection is as necessary as celebration. “**Eight Views From The Border” by Carina Santos at Silverlens** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/2025_Carina-Santos_MNL-Show.webp) Carina Santos traces the many lives it took for her to become the painter that she is. Having been born into a family of artists did not quite entice her to follow so easily in their footsteps. It was through taking pit stops–first as a graphic designer, then a culture writer–that she eventually unearthed the meditative and gestural abstract paintings she now exhibits at the gallery. Consider this a “coming of age” exhibit where Santos wears her own skin in full confidence. *The exhibition runs from November 20 to December* *20, 2025 at [Silverlens](https://silverlensgalleries.com/).* “**Lumalim sa Kababawan, Lumutang sa Kalaliman**” **by Poklong Anading at Silverlens** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Poklong-Invite-2025.webp) Poklong Anading dives deep to resurface environmental issues about the destruction and disruption of marine life brought by humanity’s overconsumption and artificiality. Through various media–paintings, video, photographs, drawings and objects–Anading documents his diving excursions with volunteers and marine biologists in Davao during his residency with the Lubi Art Residency Program. This is the artist’s way of paying homage to the sea beds, organisms and corals that met their demise in humanity’s hands. *The exhibition runs from November 20 to December* *20, 2025 at [Silverlens](https://silverlensgalleries.com/).* “**Jai” Group Exhibit at Vinyl on Vinyl** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Jai.webp) Composed of artists from Thailand and the Philippines, the show takes inspiration from “Jai Yen,” a Thai expression that means “calm heart/mind” often said in times of pressure. 2025 was quite the year–for better or for worse–when anxieties have become part of the daily. The artists in this show give their individual takes. Some comical, a few optimistic, and many resilient. *The exhibition runs from November 22 to December 12, 2025 at [Vinyl on Vinyl](https://www.vinylonvinylgallery.com/).* “**Notes of a Serpent God**” **at Blanc Gallery** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Notes-of-a-Serpent-God-2240x2687.webp) Intuition is the compass that guides one’s decision without making itself too obvious. Jomari T’leon recognizes the primal and accentuates it by giving form through his works, illustrating scenes of catastrophe, suspension, and anxiety. What feelings arise at the sight of a needle pricking skin? Or the descent of majestic meteors seconds away from kissing the earth? T’leon provokes the fight or flight response in his viewers through his paintings, as if giving them a picture of what the end of the world might look like. *The exhibition runs from November 8 to 30, 2025 at [Blanc Gallery](https://blanc.ph/).* “**Way-Out” by Eugene Dominguez at Modeka** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Way-Out.webp) Where is the exit from one’s restless thoughts? Eugene Dominguez deepens his exploration of carving rest within slim intervals between moments of action. This time, he introduces collage-inspired superimpositions into his paintings, giving viewers a plane or block to rest their eyes on within the composition. **The exhibition runs from November 15 to December 6, 2025 at [Modeka](https://www.instagram.com/modeka.art/?hl=en).** “**Eternal Surge of the Light Between Days” by Geremy Samala at Modeka** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Eternal-Surge-of-the-Light.webp) Revealing Geremy Samala at his most intimate and masterful yet, this exhibit presents a series of works where restraint and abandon coexist in layers. What began as floral impressions gradually dissolved into fluid rhythms of abstraction, resulting in the process becoming meditative for the artist; the viewer, on the other hand, is met with surfaces that pulsate in saturated chaos. **The exhibition runs from November 15 to December 6, 2025 at [Modeka](https://www.instagram.com/modeka.art/?hl=en).** **“A Pause for a Pause” by Jerlline Gabayeron Sunga** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/A-Pause-for-A-Pause.webp) Jerlline Gabayeron Sunga reflects on stillness as an act of resistance in a society that insists on constant activity and connection. Placid and simple, her works invite onlookers to spaces rendered in gentle light and pastel colors, occupied by the artist herself or signs of life lived in quiet existence– a tree, ice melting, sprouting branches at the top of the tree. Sunga treats stillness as something nostalgic, prompting us to consider how the rhythm of life has changed before we even realized it. *The exhibition runs from November 9 to November 30, 2025 at [Bunso Gallery](https://www.instagram.com/bunso.gallery/?hl=en).* **Categories:** Art & Collectibles **Tags:** art exhibit, blanc gallery, carina santos, modeka, poklong anading, silverlens galleries, vinyl on vinyl --- ### [Tecnomar for Lamborghini 101 in Photos](https://robbreport.ph/boats/tecnomar-for-lamborghini-101-in-photos/) **Published:** November 25, 2025 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** The Italian Sea Group just announced that outfitting of the first Tecnomar for Lamborghini 101 has begun. Click [here](https://robbreport.ph/boats/tecnomar-and-lamborghinis-first-superyacht-is-gearing-up-to-hit-the-water/) to read the full story. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/tecnomar-lamborghini-101-superyacht-4.webp) The superyacht and its supercar muse. *The Italian Sea Group* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/tecnomar-lamborghini-101-superyacht-5.webp) The helm. *The Italian Sea Group* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/tecnomar-lamborghini-101-superyacht-2.webp) The aft. *The Italian Sea Group* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/tecnomar-lamborghini-101-superyacht-6.webp) The owner’s suite. *The Italian Sea Group* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/tecnomar-lamborghini-101-superyacht-3.webp) The 101-footer on the water. *The Italian Group* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Boats **Tags:** Superyacht, tecnomar --- ### [What It’s Like to Hike the Indian Himalayas With a Luxe Resort as a Basecamp](https://robbreport.ph/travel/what-its-like-to-hike-the-indian-himalayas-with-a-luxe-resort-as-a-basecamp/) **Published:** November 25, 2025 **Author:** Hillary Richard **Content:** When you think of the Himalayas, [India](https://robbreport.ph/tag/india/ "india") typically isn’t top of mind. The Indian Himalayas stretch from China to the border of Nepal, and those who know say the Kumaon region is the most majestic. Its star is Nanda Devi, once thought to be the world’s tallest mountain at 26,669 feet (until a survey identified Everest in 1841). Nanda Devi, which means “Bliss-Giving Goddess,” has a UNESCO-recognized national park, and yet this mountain and her sisters are unfamiliar outside of India. Don’t expect to see a human traffic jam here like you do on Everest. In fact, during my week-long hike, I never saw another foreign traveler; instead, I connected with locals as I passed from village to village and experienced my own bliss at Shakti ultra-luxury lodges. I felt like I had the Himalayas to myself. My host, Jamshyd Sethna, is a chic 72-year-old from Mumbai with flowing silver locks and equally flowing opinions. Sethna went to boarding school in northern India and began trekking around the area on his school breaks, falling for the raw beauty of the region. As an adult, he would make note of everything he was missing on his treks, like luxurious beds and higher-end amenities. Sethna created India’s bespoke Banyan Tours in 1996, so he was familiar with the luxury travel market. Ten years later, he decided to venture north and opened Shakti Himalaya—a luxury walking company offering curated journeys—out of sheer love of the mountains. Sethna was convinced there were plenty of travelers out there like him and his friends, who would want to see a truly authentic and otherwise inaccessible side of India on foot—but then retire to a luxury guest room, a drink by the fire, and excellent food. His clientele tends to be in their forties up to their seventies, and 40 percent are women on solo treks. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/shakti-prana-stone-lodge.webp) Shakti Prana lodges were built by hand, with stone carried up steep mountain passes. *Photo: Shakti Prana* Sethna has been personally involved in every aspect of the Shakti Himalaya experience from the start, focusing on sustainability at all turns. He scouted the locations for Shakti’s two newest properties over the last decade, settling on iconic mountaintops. Two new luxury lodges—[Shakti Panchachuli](https://www.shaktihimalaya.com/sample-itineraries/3-night-shakti-panchachuli), set against the border of the Panchachuli mountains, and Shakti Prana, in the shadow of Nanda Devi range—officially opened last month. Both are in keeping with Shakti’s focus on luxury, authenticity, high design and five-star service, but Prana, Shakti’s crown jewel, will be the first property open to multiple bookings at a time. (All of the four other Shakti properties in Kumaon are full buyout.) Prana is remote: nearly five hours’ drive from Pantnagar Airport on hairpin mountain roads, and a steep mile walk (that takes nearly an hour) from the road to the property. On the journey up, I passed some of the mules that carried materials up and down the hill during construction. Because of its seclusion, Prana had to be built by hand. Each of the seven cottages has a floor-to-ceiling window with views of the jagged mountains, a wood-burning stove, a sitting room, and a stone bathroom. Meals are safari-style, with a cocktail hour around the central lodge’s stone fireplace before a multi-course meal prepared by Chef Yeshi, a former Tibetan monk. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/shakti-prana-kumaon.webp) A morning tea unlike any others. *Photo: Shakti Prana* Mornings began, as they do at every Shakti property along the village-to-village hike, with a gentle knock on the door, the quiet delivery of an elegant ceramic pot of ginger tea and cookies. A hike through the Himalayas could bring any number of surprises, but each of the Shakti properties I stayed in had a consistent level of comfort and an impressive private chef. Breakfast in the dining room was a series of fresh fruits like papaya and pomegranate, homemade yogurt, granola with nuts, local eggs, and a variety of Indian dishes. Then I would meet up with Pujan Rai, who’s been a Shakti guide for nearly 20 years and runs on his days off from walking. Each day was different and customizable, depending on how far I wanted to walk and what we saw along the way. The trails weren’t on a map; they were designed by Rai and a rotating local guide in each area we visited. On the last day of the Hindu holy festival of Navaratri, I stepped outside my cozy, revamped traditional mountain house to celebratory buzz. My first stop on the day’s nine-mile walk was at a nearby home where a woman in red blessed my forehead with a colorful paste and grains of rice. I walked through terraced farms, the Diodar forest full of pines and blossoming rhododendrons, and on to Jageshwar Dham temple complex—one of the holiest Hindu sites with more than 100 ancient temples — where priests anointed visitors with ashes, rice, flowers, and powder. In between these points of interest were little moments of luxury, like fresh juice and a crisp cold towel on a cliff, and a mountaintop white-tablecloth picnic lunch catered by a private chef. Each night, we returned before sunset for a decadent and healthy multi-course meal. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/shakti-prana-chef-yeshi.webp) Chef Yeshi prepares a healthy yet decadent meal. *Photo: Shakti Prana* As the days went on, my guides and I walked through more red rhododendron blossoms blanketing the ground, green pine forests, and past mountain stretches that glittered with gold pyrite. We found snow leopard paw prints and spotted pine martins and eagles. A local guide brought us to his home to meet his wife and daughter and try fresh buttermilk straight from one of their cows. We spotted endangered orchids growing wild on trees in a forest days later. We paused to watch the drama as a family of farmers chased a gang of bold monkeys away from their crops in a military-like operation. We passed animals grazing and were joined by curious dogs who wanted to pass the time. Village children far off in the distance yelled and waved hello. It felt mentally immersive but physically challenging. One day’s walk was only four miles, but the equivalent of 70 stories of elevation. This is the Himalayas, after all. After days of trekking village-to-village, I arrived at Prana during an unseasonably hot haze on the brink of a thunderstorm. The stars of the region—those spectacularly tall mountain ranges—were hidden behind an atmospheric gray wall and a dry, oppressive heat for days. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/goat-indian-himalayas.webp) Goat traffic jam. *Photo: Shakti Prana* On my second to last night, thunder echoed and bounced across the valley. Once the rain cleared the air, the bright white peaks of Nanda Devi glowed against a pink sky at sunrise. Eager to see these towering snow-capped peaks from as many angles as possible, I asked my guide to have breakfast early and start toward the Jhandi Dhar ridge walk. I walked up a ridge, then down into a valley before ascending back up, a natural rollercoaster with sweeping views on each side of the mountain spines. A herd of goats swarmed me on a steep peak, chomping any low-hanging tree branches and bushes in between bleats and a soundtrack of ringing collar bells. From there, more ups and downs along the ridgeline over Kanoli village, broken up by a local farmer asking if we’d like to share some chai. Nanda Devi was off in the distance, the crisp white outline of the peak blending in with the rest of the snow-capped range. At the 8,500-foot summit of my journey, I stopped to admire the views with fresh juice and homemade cookies. The trip ended 49 miles, 436 floors, and 123,318 steps through the Himalayas later, on foot. On the final night of the trip at Shakti’s Panchachuli property, I watched the sun spread its final colors across the terraces and valleys below, while enjoying a drink on the stone terrace. I listened for the sounds of any far-off tigers and wondered if they could see the stone house’s lights twinkle on. I thought about the trip, remembering the feeling of smiling people pressing colorful paste onto my forehead for blessings, and the raining red rhododendron flowers in the forests, and discovering new-to-me foods. While some adventures involve scaling the world’s largest peaks and checking off bucket lists, others summon the feeling of exploration by connecting with the landscape in a slow and thoughtful way. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Travel **Tags:** Feature, Himalayas, hotels, india --- ### [Lived-in Narratives: Susana Heights Estate on Thoughtful and Refined Living](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/properties/lived-in-narratives-susana-heights-estate-on-thoughtful-and-refined-living/) **Published:** November 24, 2025 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** Susana Heights estate has long been a landmark along the South Luzon Expressway, its presence marking decades of sustained value. The SM group is now reviving this neighborhood with a master-planned approach that prioritizes wellness, connectivity, and thoughtful spatial design. The estate exemplifies how residential planning can integrate natural landscapes, community hubs, and contemporary living. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/SM-79.webp) The Susana Heights estate is a 284-hectare development located in Muntinlupa City that will be developed into a premium, sustainable community backed by a ₱25-billion initial investment. The estate development will be home to a network of residential clusters, lifestyle and civic spaces, and commercial hubs. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/0-02-06-ad72e4acb23d9e4d2fad00ed7c872128f45f39714a24942954a74c981596a41a_13ab9a1ab6e8bebe.webp) Anchoring the estate are two lifestyle destinations: the North Plaza, which hosts everyday essentials and specialty shops, and a larger southern commercial area intended for retail, dining, and leisure. These nodes balance urban convenience with pedestrian-oriented public spaces, reinforcing the estate’s sense of community. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/SM-17.webp) As an initial offering, SM’s Signature Series will be marketing the SM group’s treasury inventory in the existing Susana Heights Village. Build-ready residential lots ranging from 500 sqm to 900 sqm, complemented with improved and new amenities and infrastructure enhancements within the estate. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/0-02-06-be197c9baede886dc173c63f82f02105f68b985c989054a8c344a44c208717c2_78014ca52d4a0230-1.webp) Soon following the reintroduction of Susana Heights Village, a new low-density luxury residential village will be launched inside the estate as the flagship project under the Signature Series brand. Designed from the ground up, the new development will feature lots ranging from 700 to 1,100 sqm at 6.5 lots per hectare, complemented by a five-kilometer greenway loop, and country-club-inspired amenities. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/SM-74.webp) “Susana Heights needs no introduction,” notes Jose Juan Jugo, Executive Vice President and Head of Signature Series. “It is a powerful address that has been there, appreciating in value over time.” With refreshed infrastructure, new amenities, and a carefully orchestrated master plan, Susana Heights estate serves as a precursor to integrated, future-ready living in Metro Manila. The estate presents a vision where architectural and landscape design converge to enhance everyday life. Through its considered planning of green spaces, residential clusters, and lifestyle hubs, Susana Heights demonstrates how large-scale development can maintain a sense of intimacy, wellness, and enduring value while meeting the expectations of modern premium living. **Categories:** Home & Design, Properties **Tags:** sm signature series, susana heights --- ### [Liyab: Flame, Memory, and Filipino Flavor](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/liyab-flame-memory-and-filipino-flavor/) **Published:** November 24, 2025 **Author:** Alicia Colby-Sy **Content:** Quietly yet deliberately, subtle but insistent, fire dominates the dining room at [Liyab](https://liyabrestaurant.com/). Smoke curls from the grill, slabs of beef and fish age in full view, and bottles of fermenting liquids, fruits, and meats line the shelves. Cream-colored furniture, rust-colored walls, and light wood create a calm, contemporary backdrop, while cloud-like abaca lamps hang like suspended fireballs, a reminder that flame is both muse and medium. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Interior-7.webp) Liyab’s interiors. *Liyab* Charles Montañez, formerly of Allegria and the force behind Mamacita Taqueria, commands the space with assured confidence. Owner, head chef, and chief storyteller, he creates nearly every dish with fire and technique honed over years of exploration. The kitchen is his stage that he shares with his young team: chefs move in sync, explaining ingredients and finishing dishes tableside. Service is warm, informative, never intrusive, and choreographed where diners witness transformation without feeling overwhelmed. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Bone-Broth-9908.webp) Bone broth with ox tongue, corn and marrow. *Liyab* The debut tasting menu begins with a soup that is both welcome and declaration. The base is a bone broth with wood-fired ox tongue and a fermented corn custard built on 15-month beef garum and marrow. Tableside, Montañez pours the broth using a medieval Scandinavian flambadou over the custard, melting it slowly. Rich, fatty, and umami-laden, the first sip of the broth lingers, a taste of how time and fire shape flavor. Technique and patience are on full display, but it never feels showy; it feels inevitable. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Sea-Urchin-Wagyu-10087.webp) Sea Urchin & Wagyu. *Liyab* A Sagay city sea urchin dish follows, the uni mixed with chopped F1 [Wagyu](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/the-ultimate-guide-to-wagyu-beef-the-worlds-most-luxurious-steak/ "The Ultimate Guide to Wagyu Beef, the World’s Most Luxurious Steak") sirloin, a textural tinigib (Filipino cornmeal akin to grits), and kampot pepper, served under a blanket of shavings from aged, salt-fermented beef heart. The dish is inventive and a success on all fronts. The sea urchin melts with briny sweetness while the beef heart adds depth, earthy and smoky. It’s fire and patience, tradition and precision, all in one bite. “We want to change the perception that wood fire cooking is always rustic. We are not just grilling, but utilizing the use of time to develop the flavors,” says Montañez. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Botan-Ebi-10259-1.webp) Botan Ebi. *Liyab* The next dish, Botan Ebi, transforms temperature into narrative. The Japanese river prawns are peeled and flattened and charcoal-pressed tableside. They are then met with a hot prawn tea steeped with the prawn heads and dried mushrooms, poured over daikon infused with local citrus ponzu and miso goat cheese ice cream. The slightly-cooked shrimp is just-set on top of the ice cream. Heat and cold collide, playful yet exact, showing Charles’ fascination with contrast and sensory storytelling. As the meal progresses, the cutlery evolves with each course: burned chopsticks reminiscent of Filipino “arnis” batons, heavy steak knives with colored handles, and skull-topped skewers are used, showcasing how whimsy and personality intermingle seamlessly. Tableside service alternates between cooking, plating, and guiding, and is always pleasurable. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/BBQ-Squid-Ball-Tawilis-10282.webp) A squid ball stuffed with crab fat and topped with caviar. *Liyab* Filipino street food is reimagined in the next course. Squid balls are stuffed with crab fat and topped with caviar; tiny Batangas *tawilis* are filled with fish-and-pork béchamel then finished with raisin gel, clearly inspired by *rellenong bangus*; and Filipino barbecue skewers are made with guanciale and F1 sirloin. Each bite reflects Montañez’s belief that fire need not be rustic, and precision elevates. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Grouper-10405.webp) Aged grouper. *Liyab* Aged grouper wrapped in pork lardo arrives next with a dollop of smoked cherry tomato puree, boiled monggo beans, and a crispy yellow squash blossom. The dish is finished with a fish and juniper berry stock and a dusting of tuna bottarga adding a sharp umami lift. If fire deepens flavor, then smoke amplifies sweetness. The dish nods to the Filipino tradition of pork and fish, often served together with monggo beans—a Friday Filipino favorite. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Sharing-Course-10431.webp) Components of the sharing, salu-salo course. *Liyab* The centerpiece of the meal is a Philippine salu-salo, served family-style. Three proteins anchor the course: minced beef longganisa dramatically wrapped around a beef bone and set in a bowl of intense vinegar; a mildly -flavored pork adobo that is slow-braised in its own fat and coconut vinegar and topped with a crunchy chicken skin *tuile*; and aged fish sauced with a zesty and herbaceous salsa verde. Two types of heirloom rice sit side by side in a bowl: red rice infused with crab fat and black rice with squid ink. Side dishes typical of the Filipino table are also served: pickled cucumbers, *santol sa gata*, wood-fired *talbos ng kamote* with pineapple vinaigrette, and fermented rice with shrimp. The table becomes a celebration of Filipino dining: communal, playful, with dishes made personal by use of the condiments and ultimately finished by the diner themselves. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/08-Dessert-10557.webp) Dessert hearkens to nostalgia. *Liyab* Dessert turns nostalgia into play. Guests receive a card listing ingredients such as marshmallow, strawberry purée, chocolate brownies, pili nuts, and pop rocks, and are invited to guess the inspiration: a beloved Filipino street treat revealed by an illustration on the other side of the card. The adult version is refined, refreshing, and indulgent without the heaviness. Petit fours echo the same playfulness with Liyab’s iterations of familiar Filipino desserts and sweets, a final nod to memory, childhood, and flavor. The Liyab tasting menu is well-paced and completed in under two hours, something that diners appreciate. Guests leave full and satisfied, but not overstuffed. Outside the main dining room, a deck will soon offer patrons an à la carte option focusing, too, on open-fire grilled dishes. Next year, the bar concept *Anomaly* will open next door replete with craft cocktails and with its own menu, extending the Liyab universe. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Interior-58799.webp) *Liyab* At Liyab, fire is never a mere spectacle. Every dish is a fragment of Charles Montañez’s life, curiosity, and mastery. Flame and Filipino ingredients collide with technique in an immersive space where precision and playfulness coexist and every course tells a story. *Roof Deck, W High Street Building, 11th avenue and 28th street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, +63.929.633.4994* **Categories:** Dining, Food & Drink **Tags:** Charles Montañez, liyab --- ### [Leaders of Luxury: Jacques Christophe Branellec](https://robbreport.ph/profiles/leaders-of-luxury-jacques-christophe-branellec/) **Published:** November 25, 2025 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** Some of Jacques Christophe Branellec’s earliest childhood memories are of long summer days at their pearl farm in [Palawan](https://robbreport.ph/tag/palawan/ "palawan"), splashing in the seawater, playing in the sand. “I remember waiting for the tide to go out, and seeing what sort of crabs and different animals we could catch in the low tide,” he says. “And then, not long after that, holding oysters, moving them around, and looking for work I could help with at the time.” Jacques Christophe’s father, a French pearl farmer, is the co-founder of [Jewelmer](https://jewelmer.com/); his mother is a Filipino marine biologist. Thus, the family spent most of their time on the island. Later, when Jacques Christophe started school in the city, they still spent holidays at the pearl farm: Easter break, summer, and Christmas. He remembers how, when he was ten years old, he drove a tricycle to shuttle scientists around the island. “Whatever small tasks needed to be done on the farm, I took joy in doing them,” he says. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/JLP_2642.webp) *Joseph Pascual* He’s hoping to bring the same joy to his own young children. “Whenever I go to Palawan, I try to bring them with me and expose them to the life there, the people, and the shells. I have them play with the oysters,” he says. “I’m hoping that from a young age, they can sort of build that connection, so it’s not something foreign or uncomfortable for them.” Since its founding in 1979, [Jewelmer’s](https://robbreport.ph/tag/jewelmer/ "jewelmer") golden pearls have become known across the globe as a symbol of rarity and elegance. Today, as the second-generation leader, Jacques Christophe is the guardian of the golden pearl and a storyteller of its Philippine heritage. “The pearl has a very, very long history with mankind. In the Bible, it’s the most mentioned gem. Pearls were an important part of the royal family’s jewels in Asia and in Europe. In fact, men started wearing them as talismans even before women did,” he says. “Different cultures have had different relationships with the pearl. They all share that wonder in its mystery. It represents something truly ethereal. But it’s important to highlight that the golden South Sea pearl, this beautiful gem, is from the Philippines. It’s part of our country’s natural heritage.” Back in 1996, President Fidel Ramos proclaimed the golden South Sea pearl the national gem of the Philippines. To this day, Jewelmer proudly positions it as a symbol of Filipino excellence. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/jewelmer-112425-inc.webp) *Joseph Pascual* Running a pearl farm means confronting uncertainty. Climate change has reduced oyster survival rates by nearly half compared to a decade ago. “The rate of change that the environment is going through far exceeds the rate of change that evolution can catch up on. Today, our production is 50 percent less than it was 10 years ago because the baby oysters are not surviving as well as they used to. We’ve always said that the pearl is an indicator of the health of the environment,” he says. “Oysters are a very basic form of life, and together with the oysters, many other lifeforms will perish with them if the oyster can no longer survive.” For Jacques Christophe, pearl farming is a passion, a chosen way of life that is highly dependent on the unpredictability of nature. “Pearl farming has certainly taught me a lot about nature. And nature is a teacher on its own,” he says. “Nature is slow. It taught me patience. It taught me perseverance, grit, and adversity. It taught me how to face or deal with situations that you may not fully control, but doing what’s best with the resources that you can control.” “Every harvest of a pearl is a gift. It’s not a manufactured process—it’s not a factory where there’s input and a guaranteed output. It’s really strengthened my faith in the unknown,” he says. “Everybody goes through challenges, everybody goes through pain. Out of that, something beautiful can emerge. In the same way, when the oyster is creating a pearl, there is that same challenge. What the oyster does is create something of beauty. That’s what we too must learn from the oyster.” *This article originally appeared in Robb Report Philippines’ [Best of the Best Issue, October 2025.](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-october-2025-best-of-the-best/)* **Categories:** Profiles **Tags:** jacques branellec, jewelmer, palawan --- ### [A 1939 ‘Superman’ No.1 Is Now the Most Expensive Comic Book Ever Sold](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-collectibles/a-1939-superman-no-1-is-now-the-most-expensive-comic-book-ever-sold/) **Published:** November 27, 2025 **Author:** Nicole Hoey **Content:** This 1939 [memento](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-collectibles/ "Art & Collectibles") is now the most expensive comic book on Earth—and probably on Krypton, too. An ultra-rare copy of *Superman* No. 1, the highest ever graded, just smashed auction records to become the priciest comic book to go under the hammer. The treasure sold via [Heritage Auctions](https://www.ha.com/) for $9.12 million on Thursday, as part of the house’s Comic Books Signature event. Much like the Man of Steel, this collector’s item has quite the backstory. A family in Northern California discovered the keepsake in their late mother’s attic just last year, where it was protected only by a stack of old newspapers in a box. Those gazettes did a fantastic job, though: This copy of *Superman* No. 1 snagged a 9.0 on a 10-point grading by CGC, a third-party grading service. That means it’s one of just seven known iterations to have a rating of 6.0 or more. Besides its astounding origins, the comic book itself marks a specific moment in history. *Superman* No. 1 is the first time that a character that debuted in a comic received their own title completely devoted to them, according to Heritage Auctions. The practice is rather common in today’s world, but this comic book was a first step in helping that singular super-hero focus become more mainstream. “What a momentous day,” Lon Allen, Heritage Auctions’s vice president, said in a press statement. “I’m thrilled for our consignor. Superman No. 1 is a milestone in pop culture history, and this copy is not only in unprecedented condition, but it has a movie-worthy story behind it. I was glad to see the price reflect that and am honored Heritage was entrusted with this iconic book.” Clark Kent has quite the penchant for hitting milestones on the block. The previous auction recorder holder was an 8.5-graded copy of *Action Comics No. 1*, where Krypton’s favorite hero appears on the page for the first time. That 1938 collector’s item sold for $6 million via Heritage Auctions in April 2024. It seems like the only person who can beat the Man of Steel is, well, himself. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Art & Collectibles **Tags:** auction, comic book, heritage auctions, superman --- ### [Tecnomar and Lamborghini’s First Superyacht Is Gearing up to Hit the Water](https://robbreport.ph/boats/tecnomar-and-lamborghinis-first-superyacht-is-gearing-up-to-hit-the-water/) **Published:** November 25, 2025 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** A giant 7,600 hp Raging Bull for the seas is one step closer to reality. The Italian Sea Group just announced that [outfitting](https://theitalianseagroup.com/news/outfitting-activities-of-the-first-tecnomar-for-lamborghini-101/) of the first [Tecnomar for Lamborghini 101](https://tecnomar.com/lmb-101/) has begun, with the 101-foot [superyacht](https://robbreport.ph/tag/superyacht/ "Superyacht") expected to launch in 2027. “With the start of the outfitting phase, we reach the very heart of the construction process,” the Italian Sea Group CCO Gianmaria Costantino said in a statement. “This is the stage where ideas acquire substance through engineering precision and a deep culture of detail.” Unveiled ahead of the Monaco Yacht Show this past October, the [newcomer](https://theitalianseagroup.com/news/ga-launch-2/) is the second yacht to come from a collaboration between [Tecnomar](https://robbreport.ph/tag/tecnomar/ "tecnomar") and [Lamborghini](https://robbreport.ph/tag/lamborghini/ "lamborghini"). The first, the Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63, was revealed in 2020, with the first hull launched in 2021. The 63-footer not only garnered critical acclaim—it was named Best Weekend Cruiser in *Robb Report’s* Best of the Best awards in 2022, in fact—but also attracted many buyers, including UFC star Conor McGregor. (A total of 63 units will be made as a nod to the year the marque was founded.) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/tecnomar-lamborghini-101-superyacht-5-1.webp) The helm. The Italian Sea Group As with the 63, the 101 showcases that unmistakable Lamborghini design DNA with sleek, aerodynamic lines, sculpted carbon fiber, and distinctive lighting clusters. The 101-footer was specifically inspired by the new [Fenomeno](https://robbreport.ph/cars/lamborghini-fenomeno-hypercar-debut/ "fenomeno") hypercar that debuted earlier this year. The $3.5 million exotic, which will be limited to just 30 examples, has been described as “hyper-elegant,” but also aggressive by Lamborghini design director Mitja Borkert. “We give adrenaline a shape,” he told *Robb Report*. The yacht has a similar feel, with the aluminum and carbon exterior bold but not brutish. Again, echoing the Lambos on land, the interiors feature hexagonal forms, the nameplate’s signature Y-shaped motifs, and refined materials. Various elements can be customized, too, just in case you wanted to replicate your Raging Bull. The layout includes an owner’s suite, one VIP cabin, and two guest cabins, which can collectively accommodate nine guests. There are also three crew cabins. In terms of grunt, the 101 packs a much more powerful punch than the 1,065 hp Fenomeno. Powered by three MTU 16V 2000 M96L engines with a combined output of approximately 7,600 hp, the yacht has an estimated top speed of 45 knots and cruising speed of 35 knots. “This yacht embodies more than exclusivity,” adds Costantino. “It is a statement of self-expression through a creation that unites power, design, and identity.” ***Click [here](https://robbreport.ph/boats/tecnomar-for-lamborghini-101-in-photos/) to see all the photos of the Tecnomar for Lamborghini 101.*** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/tecnomar-lamborghini-101-superyacht-7.webp) *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Boats **Tags:** lamborghini, Superyacht, tecnomar, The Italian Group --- ### [Chopard Just Unveiled Its Most Complicated Watch Yet at Dubai Watch Week](https://robbreport.ph/watches/chopard-just-unveiled-its-most-complicated-watch-yet-at-dubai-watch-week/) **Published:** November 24, 2025 **Author:** Paige Reddinger **Content:** A grand sonnerie, petite sonnerie, and minute repeater with proprietary sapphire crystal gongs plus a tourbillon, stop-seconds function, and COSC and [Poinçon de Genève](https://www.poincondegeneve.ch/fr) certifications comprise [Chopard’s](https://robbreport.ph/tag/chopard/ "chopard") latest tour de force timepiece. Unveiled today at Dubai Watch Week, it marks the most complicated chiming watch from the Swiss watchmaker and the first time Chopard has done a grand sonnerie. The L.U.C Grand Strike required 11,000 hours of research and development, of which 2,500 hours were invested in fine adjustments during the prototyping phase alone to ensure the many components work together. Its dial-less display puts this horological expertise front-and-center where many of the 686 components—all packed into a 43 by 14.08 mm 18-karat ethical gold case—can be seen in action. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Chopard-LUC-Grand-Strike-1.webp) Chopard L.U.C Grand Strike. *Photo: Chopard* Despite its obvious complexity, the Grand Strike is thoughtfully constructed for ease of use. Case in point: The slider, typically used to activate the minute repeater, has been upgraded so the user can easily change between three modes from one touch point. Here, you can switch between “G” for the grand sonnerie to “P” for the petite sonnerie to “S” for silence—all shifting via an openworked disc. Just beneath is the fluted bassiné-style crown where you can activate the minute repeater via a button in the center or wind up the barrel for the movement on one side and the barrel for the sonnerie mechanism on the other side. On the lower half of the dial lies the 60-second tourbillon at 6 o’clock with a small seconds on the cage which comes with a stop seconds function for precise time setting. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Chopard-LUC-Grand-Strike-5.webp) Chopard L.U.C Grand Strike’s sapphire crystal gongs and dial crystal. *Photo: Chopard* But what makes this watch really sing are its sapphire crystal gongs operating with two steel hammers (pictured top left between 9 and 11 o’clock). The manufacture worked with the Haute Ecole du Paysage, d’Ingénierie et d’Architecture (HEPIA) for the analysis and nuances of its signature chime with notes tuned to emit a C#-F♮ chord. Traditionally, a sonnerie chime emits sound via hammers that strike steel gongs which transmit acoustic energy through vibrational waves traveling through the dial crystal and creating sound through the air, which can result in energy loss via the gong attachments, movement, and case, thereby decreasing the effect of the sound. Here, Chopard combines the gongs and the dial crystal which are machined from a single monobloc of sapphire crystal, so that when they are struck by the hammers they vibrate in concert with the dial crystal directing the sound toward the exterior and avoiding the usual loss of acoustic energy through the movement and case. The result is a crisper, clearer sound. Furthermore, the sapphire crystal gongs use a square cross-section to maximize contact with the hammers and channel vibrations into distinct, layered modes, yielding a richer and more textured chime than traditional round steel gongs. Combined with the material’s monocrystalline hardness—which resists deformation and produces an ethereal, resonant tone—this construction gives Chopard’s sonneries their unmistakable symphony. Chopard developed five new patents to support and safeguard its exceptional sonnerie: two ensure intuitive, worry-free use by allowing the chime to be activated or modes to be switched at any time without harming the movement, while three focus on performance, including an energy-efficient clutch that reduces torque and extends the sonnerie’s power reserve (a minimum of 12 hours in grand sonnerie mode), a safeguard that blocks activation when torque is insufficient to prevent incomplete chimes, and a redesigned hammer geometry that minimizes shock to the sapphire gongs without compromising sound quality. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Chopard-LUC-Grand-Strike-4.webp) *Photo: Chopard* Beyond its extensive technical achievements, which have a total of 10 patents (some of which are still pending), its Poinçon de Genève certification is the icing on the cake. The prestigious hallmark is awarded to watches assembled and regulated in the Canton of Geneva meeting the strictest standards of craftsmanship, quality, construction integrity, durability, and finishing. The components have been hand finished with the main plate and bridges in German silver. The same material can be found in Chopard’s Full Strike watches and is only used in their exceptional creations. And, while the maison considered using sapphire for the tourbillon bridge, it ultimately landed on stainless steel, which they felt was more impactful. Despite the incredible amount of haute horology packed inside, the movement manages 70 hours of power reserve. It is both a work horse and a work of art. Furthermore, it is proof that, Chopard’s manufacture in Fleurier, Switzerland is positively flourishing. *The piece is not a limited edition, but will be limited in production* *to the tune of approximately just 3 pieces a year.* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** chopard, Dubai Watch Week, Watches --- ### [The Second Orient Express Sailing Yacht Is on Track to Launch in 2027](https://robbreport.ph/boats/the-second-orient-express-sailing-yacht-is-on-track-to-launch-in-2027/) **Published:** November 21, 2025 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** The [Orient Express](https://robbreport.ph/tag/orient-express/ "orient express") fleet is slowly but surely coming to fruition. The first block of the brand’s second [sailing yacht](https://robbreport.ph/tag/yacht/ "yacht") was laid down at Chantiers de l’Atlantique in France on Wednesday, marking the beginning of the vessel’s assembly phase. The 721-foot *Olympian* is expected to set sail in spring 2027, shortly after flagship *[Corinthian](https://robbreport.ph/boats/luxury-hotels-are-launching-elevated-cruise-ships-and-calling-them-yachts-but-are-they/ "Luxury Hotels Are Launching Elevated Cruise Ships and Calling Them ‘Yachts.’ Are They?")* debuts in summer 2026. The keel laying was carried out by one of the shipyard’s two gantry cranes, with the first of the 17 blocks put into position to form the steel hull. Once this stage is complete, the outfitting phase will begin. All that work will lead to one of the biggest sailing yachts in the world. The 722-foot *Corinthian* will be the world’s largest sailing yacht by length, measuring just one foot more than *Olympian*. As with its sistership, *Olympian* will be equipped with a SolidSail propulsion system that includes three masts with a total sail surface area of nearly 50,000 square feet. Designed by the French shipyard, the innovative setup enables the masts to be tilted and rotated to maximize the wind, thereby reducing fuel consumption, lowering operating costs, cutting emissions, and increasing efficiency. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Orient-Express-Olympian-Sailing-Yacht1.webp) The keel laying ceremony took place at Chantiers de l’Atlantique in France. *Maxime Castric* The yacht can cruise using the wind alone or switch into hybrid mode to get some extra power from engines running on liquefied natural gas (LNG). (LNG produces fewer emissions than standard marine diesel, too.) It can hit a max speed of 12 knots with the motors. At the same time, dynamic positioning technology allows the yacht to stay put in bays without dropping anchor, thus protecting the seabed in fragile and protected areas. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/OrientExpress_Corinthian.webp) A render of the 722-foot “Corinthian.” Orient Express Details on the interior are scant, but we do know *Olympian* will feature 54 suites for 110 guests and space for 170 crew. *Corinthian* has the same number of suites, with each one ranging from 485 to 2,476 square feet and offering expansive picture windows or a private terrace. If *Olympian* is anything like *Corinthian*, she will be a stunner, too. The flagship features a lavish interior designed by Orient Express artistic director Maxime d’Angeac, with decor that pays homage to the golden age of rail travel and legendary ocean liners while incorporating chic, contemporary elements. *Corinthian* will also be fitted with five restaurants and private dining spaces, plus eight bars. *Corinthian* is scheduled to set sail in May 2026, cruising in the Mediterranean and Adriatic in the summer, before heading to the Caribbean. To book, visit the [Orient Express Sailing Yachts](https://sailing-yachts.orient-express.com/en/sailing-yachts) website. **Categories:** Boats --- ### [The New BMW 3 Series Is an Ode to the Marque’s Sports Sedan Soul](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-new-bmw-3-series-is-an-ode-to-the-marques-sports-sedan-soul/) **Published:** November 21, 2025 **Author:** Erik Shilling **Content:** The BMW 3 Series celebrates its 50th year this year, as iconic a car as BMW produces, and the marque just unveiled a new special edition to mark the occasion. The [BMW](https://robbreport.ph/tag/bmw/ "bmw") M340i xDrive 50 Jahre Edition comes with Extended Merio Leather on the inside, a first for the 3 Series, BMW says, and buyers can choose among three different tones, whichever complements the exterior paint color best. The BMW M Performance exhaust system lends the 50 Jahre Edition an air of danger, and a rear spoiler made of carbon fiber gives the car a racy feel, if not the downforce of an actual race car. There is special badging, too. The powertrain is untouched, with the 50 Jahre Edition pushed on by a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine in a mild hybrid system. The engine is mated to an 8-speed transmission and powers all four wheels. The powertrain makes 386 horsepower at max, and the car goes from zero to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/P90624617_highRes_the-2026-bmw-m340i-x-e1763395417462.webp) The BMW M340i xDrive 50 Jahre Edition in profile and at rest. *BMW* The car is a celebration of 50 years of the 3 Series, but also the first five generations of 3 Series, specifically, since the 50 Jahre Edition comes in five different exterior colors and interior leather hue combinations. There is a Ruby Red Metallic paint and Ivory upholstery for the first-generation 3 Series, a Boston Green Metallic and Tartufo upholstery for the second-generation 3 Series, an Avus Blue Metallic and Tartufo upholstery for the third-generation 3 Series, a Carbon Black Metallic and black upholstery for the fourth-generation 3 Series, and Sparking Graphite Metallic and Tartufo upholstery for the fifth-generation 3 Series. Each combination gets its own brake caliper color, too, whether blue or red. The BMW M340i xDrive 50 Jahre Edition starts at $75,200, not including shipping charges of $1,175. Production of the car is already underway, and while BMW said the 50 Jahre Edition will be limited in numbers, the marque didn’t say how many, exactly, will be made, likely because it will depend on demand. *Car and Driver* says it thinks it will [“number in the hundreds.” ](https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a69441494/bmw-m340i-xdrive-50-jahre-edition/)Your local BMW dealer will be very happy to talk you through the purchase. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** bmw, bmw 3 series --- ### [Porsche’s New 1,139 HP SUV Is Its Most Powerful Production Car Ever](https://robbreport.ph/cars/porsches-new-1139-hp-suv-is-its-most-powerful-production-car-ever/) **Published:** November 24, 2025 **Author:** Erik Shilling **Content:** [Porsche](https://robbreport.ph/tag/porsche/ "porsche") just unveiled its long-awaited new all-electric Cayenne, and the surprise isn’t faster charging or a bigger range, but enormous speed. The Cayenne Electric makes 1,139 horsepower, the marque says says, and can go from zero to 60 in 2.4 seconds, which is faster than a Bugatti Veyron. That means the new model can haul groceries and also outdrag almost any other car on the road. Porsche’s electric ambitions have run [into some speed bumps lately](https://robbreport.ph/cars/porsche-loses-1-1-billion-in-q3-amid-its-ev-delays/ "Porsche Loses $1.1 Billion in Q3 Amid Its EV Delays"), as have the EV goals of every other automaker, but, as with the [Taycan](https://robbreport.ph/cars/porsche-just-unveiled-a-stealthy-new-black-edition-of-the-taycan/ "Porsche Just Unveiled a Stealthy New Black Edition of the Taycan"), the German automaker seems determined to pursue a slow-and-steady strategy. Porsche will continue to make, market, and design new EVs, and when the dust settles, it might just have some of the very best on the market, like the Taycan. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/porsche-cayenne-electric-2-e1763567258624.webp) The new Porsche Cayenne Electric certainly feeds into that ambition. There are the speed and raw power numbers, which are impressive, but so are the charging times: The Cayenne Electric is capable of getting to 80 percent in less than 16 minutes. The new car can also charge wirelessly, the first Porsche to do so—charging floor plate not included. Porsche’s latest model will be one of three flavors of Cayenne offered, including internal combustion and hybrid models, meaning that the company is hedging its bets for now, though the Cayenne Electric seems like a pretty good one. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/porsche-cayenne-electric-6-e1763567380683.webp) The Porsche Cayenne Electric in profile, climbing a hill. *Photo: Porsche* The 1,139 HP version is the Cayenne Electric Turbo, while the base model makes 435 horsepower. Even the comparatively underpowered base model will get to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, which, a generation ago, was almost unthinkably fast. Porsche did not say what the all-electric range of either car would be, but our guess is that it won’t small enough to be a dealbreaker. On the inside, there are multiple screens, including a 14.25-inch OLED screen for the driver, and an optional 14.9-inch screen for the passenger, in addition to an 87-inch “display” that, visually, appears several feet in front of the car. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/porsche-cayenne-electric-4-e1763567323453.webp) The Cayenne Electric will start at $109,000, while the Cayenne Electric Turbo will start at $163,000, not including shipping charges. Tvhe car will start to reach customers next summer as a 2026 model. The Cayenne Electric is also the fourth-generation Cayenne, beginning with a lineage that started in 2002. The ICE and hybrid versions Porsche plans to sell in parallel will remain the third-generation car, meaning that if you want the latest and greatest, the Cayenne Electric will have to do. [](https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/porsche-cayenne-electric-photos-1237368382/)*This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** cars, cayenne, porsche --- ### [Lang Lang Live in Manila: A Rare Evening with the World’s Most Influential Pianist](https://robbreport.ph/leisure/entertainment/lang-lang-live-in-manila-a-rare-evening-with-the-worlds-most-influential-pianist/) **Published:** November 21, 2025 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** Manila will soon welcome one of the most significant cultural figures of our time. On January 30, 2026, Lang Lang—arguably the world’s most widely recognized pianist—returns to the Philippines for a one-night-only performance presented by the Drown Free Philippines Foundation, Inc. The evening promises not just a concert, but an encounter with a musician whose career has shaped the direction of contemporary classical performance. [Lang Lang](https://www.facebook.com/LangLangPiano/)’s rise is already the stuff of modern musical legend. Born in Shenyang and playing the piano by age three, he gave his first recital before turning five. At only nine years old, he entered Beijing’s Central Conservatory of Music. At 13, he won First Prize at the International Tchaikovsky Competition for Young Musicians. His breakthrough moment came at 17, when he stepped in for André Watts at the Gala of the Century. Performing Tchaikovsky’s First Piano Concerto with the Chicago Symphony under Christoph Eschenbach, he became an overnight international sensation. Since then, [Lang Lang](https://www.langlangofficial.com/) has occupied a rare space in the global music landscape. He routinely sells out the world’s most prestigious concert halls, from Carnegie Hall and the Royal Albert Hall to the Musikverein, all the while challenging what it means to be a classical artist in the 21st century. His technique is instantly recognizable: powerful yet precise, expressive yet disciplined. Critics often describe his playing as an experience akin to a cinematic moment, with its emotional sweep and technical brilliance. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/lang-lang-3-2240x2240.webp) *Photo: Lang Lang Live in Manila* At the same time, he has never been confined by the expectations of classical purists. Millions watched him perform at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. [His](https://x.com/lang-lang) GRAMMY appearances (with artists such as Metallica, Pharrell Williams, and Herbie Hancock, to name a few) brought classical performance into mainstream pop culture without compromising artistic integrity. These cross-genre collaborations allowed classical music to be heard in spaces it rarely occupies, and they helped broaden the audience for the art form. It’s also important to note that the pianist is also known for his deep commitment to arts education. In 2008, he founded the [Lang Lang International Music Foundation](https://langlangfoundation.org/), which has since developed programs that reach children in underserved communities worldwide. His work as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador and United Nations Messenger of Peace underscores his belief that music can uplift societies, not just audiences. Because of these efforts, he has received numerous global honors, including the Crystal Award at Davos and honorary doctorates from leading institutions such as the Royal College of Music and New York University. His return to Manila offers a rare opportunity to witness the breadth of his artistry. He is, after all, an artist who plays with the grandeur of a showman. [Lang Lang](https://www.instagram.com/langlangpiano/#)’s Manila performance is, in every sense, an invitation. We’re asked to witness a rare mastery, reminded again that true virtuosity still has the power to stop the world, even just for an evening. *The concert will be held at the Proscenium Theater in Makati City. Tickets are available exclusively through [TicketWorld](https://premier.ticketworld.com.ph/shows/show.aspx?sh=LANGLLIM26).* **Categories:** Entertainment **Tags:** Concerts, Lang Lang, rockwell, TicketWorld --- ### [Inside a Minimalist Mykonos Villa Carved Into a Rocky Hillside Above the Aegean Sea](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/inside-a-minimalist-mykonos-villa-carved-into-a-rocky-hillside-above-the-aegean-sea/) **Published:** November 20, 2025 **Author:** Tori Latham **Content:** The Greek islands are known for their stunning landscape and views, but they should be just as renowned for their bold residential architecture. Case in point: A sea-view [Mykonos estate](https://sothebysrealty.gr/properties/panorama-2/) that recently hit the market, a sleek, contemporary abode that dramatically incorporates natural elements found on the site’s rocky cliffside. Offered turnkey, the property combines all the standard amenities you’d expect of a comfortable home along with a slew of vacation-ready add-ons like a tennis court, a wellness suite, and multiple pools. While you could easily stay cozied up on the property, the island’s traditional Cycladic village is just three miles away, and the airport is even closer. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Panorama-Mykonos_Bedroom-2.webp) Many of the bedrooms have their own private entrance and lead out to a plunge pool. *Photo: Greece Sotheby’s International Realty* The three-level main house sports a massive, tunnel-like steel arch between the living and dining rooms. A huge boulder partitions off the minimalist kitchen, where textured countertops are paired with dark wood cabinetry. Handmade ceramics are sprinkled throughout, and the finishes and furnishings come from brands such as Riva, Effe, Fantini, Olivari, and Baxter. All eight bedrooms are configured as king-bed primary suites with attached bathrooms, with four of them having a private entrance. Many of the bedrooms open to Aegean-facing terraces, where individual plunge pools are nestled within garden courtyards. The heated main pool, meanwhile, is accompanied by an outdoor shower for rinsing off and a covered patio with an outdoor kitchen for whipping up alfresco meals. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Panorama-Mykonos_Tennis-Court.webp) A professional-grade red-clay tennis court is one of many recreational amenities. *Photo: Greece Sotheby’s International Realty* One of the two guest houses, set into stone steps, is currently set up as a wellness suite. Inside, you’ll find a fully equipped gym, a massage room, and a sauna. Nearby, you can do your best Nadal impression on the professional-grade red-clay tennis court; a covered viewing area is for those who’d prefer to just sit back and watch the action. The 6.5-acre estate, listed for $12.2 million with Despina Laou at Greece Sotheby’s International Realty, is completed by a Porsche EV charging pedestal and a private chapel for hosting events. Among its high-tech perks are tablet-controlled lighting, a multi-zone Sonos audio system, a handful of 4K TVs ranging, super-fast internet, a partitioned alarm system with CCTV, and smart access control. Some of the other jaw-dropping homes on [Mykonos](https://robbreport.ph/tag/mykonos/ "Mykonos") include a biomorphic [villa](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/british-design-legend-tom-dixon-just-listed-his-curvaceous-villa-in-mykonos-for-25-million/ "British Design Legend Tom Dixon Just Listed His Curvaceous Villa in Mykonos for $25 Million") credited to the British designer Tom Dixon that hit the market this year $25 million and a massive estate that celebrity hairdresser Charles Worthington had on the market a few years ago at $53 million. ***Click [here](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/panorama-mykonos-in-photos/) to see all the photos of the Mykonos estate.*** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Panorama-Mykonos_Gallery.webp) *Photo: Greece Sotheby’s International Realty* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Home & Design **Tags:** baxter, Effe, Fantini, Mykonos, Panorama Mykonos, real estate, Riva, Sotheby’s International Realty, sothebys --- ### [Panorama Mykonos in Photos](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/panorama-mykonos-in-photos/) **Published:** November 20, 2025 **Author:** Tori Latham **Content:** The eight-bedroom estate in Mykonos spans 6.5 sea-view acres. Click [here](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/inside-a-minimalist-mykonos-villa-carved-into-a-rocky-hillside-above-the-aegean-sea/) to read the full story. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Panorama-Mykonos_Tunnel.webp) *Photo: Greece Sotheby’s International Realty* Architectural highlights include a steel tunnel between the living and dining rooms. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Panorama-Mykonos_Guest-House.webp) *Photo: Greece Sotheby’s International Realty* Sliding glass doors blur boundaries between indoors and out. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Panorama-Mykonos_Kitchen.webp) *Photo: Greece Sotheby’s International Realty* Textured stone countertops in the sleek kitchen mimic the landscape outside. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Panorama-Mykonos_Bedroom-2.webp) Many of the bedrooms have their own private entrance and lead out to a plunge pool. *Photo: Greece Sotheby’s International Realty* All eight bedrooms are configured as king-bed suites. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Panorama-Mykonos_Bathroom.webp) *Photo: Greece Sotheby’s International Realty* The minimal design scheme throughout is balanced with the use of rough-cut natural materials. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Panorama-Mykonos_Bedroom.webp) *Photo: Greece Sotheby’s International Realty* Many of the bedrooms open up to terraces or a private plunge pool. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Panorama-Mykonos_Pools.webp) *Photo: Greece Sotheby’s International Realty* The pools outside the bedrooms are nestled among garden courtyards with sunbathing platforms. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Panorama-Mykonos_Outdoor-Lounge.webp) *Photo: Greece Sotheby’s International Realty* The heated pool. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Panorama-Mykonos_Pool.webp) *Photo: Greece Sotheby’s International Realty* A covered patio provides a respite from the sun. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Panorama-Mykonos_Outdoor-Kitchen.webp) *Photo: Greece Sotheby’s International Realty* The outdoor kitchen makes for easy alfresco meals. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Panorama-Mykonos_Outdoor-Shower.webp) *Photo: Greece Sotheby’s International Realty* There’s an outdoor shower for rinsing off. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Panorama-Mykonos_Gym.webp) *Photo: Greece Sotheby’s International Realty* One of two guest houses is set up as a wellness suite. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Panorama-Mykonos_Massage-Room.webp) *Photo: Greece Sotheby’s International Realty* Inside, there’s a massage room and a sauna. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Panorama-Mykonos_Tennis-Court.webp) A professional-grade red-clay tennis court is one of many recreational amenities. *Photo: Greece Sotheby’s International Realty* The red-clay tennis court comes with covered seating for spectators. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Panorama-Mykonos_Pool-View.webp) *Photo: Greece Sotheby’s International Realty* The sweeping views are why the hillside estate has been been dubbed Panorama Mykonos. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Home & Design **Tags:** Panorama Mykonos, real estate, sothebys --- ### [Kurt Cobain’s ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ Guitar Could Fetch up to $5 Million at Auction](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-collectibles/kurt-cobains-smells-like-teen-spirit-guitar-could-fetch-up-to-5-million-at-auction/) **Published:** November 20, 2025 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** Kurt Cobain’s most beloved six-string companion could soon be in your hands. A 1969 Fender Competition Mustang that the late Nirvana frontman deemed his favorite guitar will be auctioned off at [Christie’s](https://robbreport.ph/tag/christies/ "christie's") New York in March 2026. The left-handed axe, which is expected to fetch between $2.5 million and $5 million at the upcoming sale, was featured on two of the band’s generation-defining albums and used for several seminal live performances. It was, therefore, a key contributor to the soundtrack of the ‘90s. “I’m left-handed, and it’s not very easy to find reasonably priced, high-quality left-handed guitars. But out of all the guitars in the whole world, the Fender Mustang is my favorite,” Cobain said of the instrument in his final interview with *Guitar World*. Cobain purchased the teal Fender from Lloyd Chaite of Voltage Guitars in Los Angeles sometime between 1990 and ‘91. He played it during both the *Nevermind* and *In Utero* recording sessions, as well as on stage during the height of Nirvana’s fame. It is also the guitar that the grunge icon famously strummed in the music video for the band’s perennial hit “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” The clip, which debuted on MTV’s 120 Minutes on September 29, 1991, catapulted Nirvana into stardom. The band won countless awards for the single and the video, earning both a rightful place in music history. Cobain died by suicide in 1994 at the age of 27, but he, the band, and their songs remain firmly in the zeitgeist. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Kurt-Cobain-1969-Fender-Competition-Mustang-Portrait.webp) In addition to the Fender, Christie’s is auctioning off a portrait of Cobain on November 19. *Photo: Christie’s* “Kurt Cobain and his music defined a generation,” said Christie’s global president Alex Rotter. “His impact continues to inspire and permeate our culture.” Indeed, any item with ties to Cobain attracts both interest and dollars. This particular guitar was last offered at Julien’s Auctions in 2022, eclipsing the original high estimate of $800,000 and selling for [$4.7 million](https://www.juliensauctions.com/en/items/75607/nirvana-kurt-cobain-smells-like-teen-spirit-fender-mustang-guitar). In addition, the 1959 Martin D-18E, which Cobain played during the famous MTV Unplugged concert, hammered down for a record $6 million at Julien’s in 2020, making it the most expensive guitar ever sold at auction. The Fender is part of a collection amassed by late billionaire businessman Jim Irsay, which will be sold at Christie’s New York in a series of auctions next year. The lineup includes instruments owned and played by some of the world’s greatest musicians, including John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Jimi Hendrix, Prince, Jerry Garcia, Bob Dylan, Eddie Van Halen, and Eric Clapton. More information on sales will be available in the coming months. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Art & Collectibles **Tags:** christie's, Fender, Kurt Cobain, Nirvana --- ### [How Collectors Endure the Watch World’s Waiting Game](https://robbreport.ph/watches/how-collectors-endure-the-watch-worlds-waiting-game/) **Published:** November 20, 2025 **Author:** Victoria Gomelsky **Content:** If you’re a [watch](https://robbreport.ph/tag/watch-collector/ "Watch Collector") collector with a penchant for buying sought-after timepieces at retail, you’ve probably embraced—or at least surrendered to—the wait. Whether you’ve added your name to a list of people who’ve expressed interest in a coveted model from one of the Big Three ([Rolex](https://robbreport.ph/tag/rolex/ "rolex"), [Audemars Piguet](), and [Patek Philippe](https://robbreport.ph/tag/patek-philippe/ "Patek Philippe")) or placed a deposit on a timepiece by an in-demand independent maker, you know that waiting months, if not years, to acquire it is part of the game in high-end horology. And while there’s a difference between waiting to learn if you’ll receive an allocation and waiting for a watchmaker to deliver a piece that’s already yours (and partially paid for), the outcome is the same: Gratification is anything but instant. Gary Getz, a founding member of the NorCal Gang, a group of watch collectors in Northern California, has over the years become accustomed to waiting. “It used to be that I’d go into a store and say, ‘I’ll take that one,’ and they’d put it in a box, and you’d take that home,’” Getz tells *Robb Report*. “Patek has for a long time had application lists where you have to be an established customer and someone they think isn’t going to go out and flip the watch, but this whole practice of interest lists and waiting lists is relatively new, maybe slightly pre-pandemic.” He was referring to the wait for an allocation, which, depending on the brand and the model, could easily rival the absurdity of *Waiting for Godot.* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Audemars-Piguet-Royal-Oak-15202-Jumbo.webp) An Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15202 Jumbo. About three years ago, Priya Raj, a writer in London, added her name to a waitlist for a [Rolex](https://robbreport.com/tag/rolex/) Day-Date at an authorized dealer in Glasgow (“Somehow I thought registering there rather than a bigger city meant less competition, but maybe it means less allocation?” she says). “I got a call for it this summer,” Raj writes in a DM. “Have since moved to London, safe to stay I no longer want the watch.” Amanda Rittenberg, a medical doctor in California’s Palm Desert, tried to sidestep the wait by buying overseas. “I wanted my first Rolex back in 2021 and traveled to Poland to see my mom so I added myself to a waiting list at the W. Kruk store in Poland,” she says. “It was a Rolex Datejust—something simple—but they were sold out completely. I ended up getting the watch in 2023. I am now on the waiting list for multiple other watches, but it takes such a long time. I tried local stores in the desert, but they didn’t have anything. Now, I’m waiting on the Land-Dweller.” Getz attributes the rise of allocation waitlists to changes in distribution strategies and the industry’s explosive growth during the pandemic, when secondary market prices for models like the Rolex [Daytona](https://robbreport.ph/tag/daytona/ "daytona"), Patek Philippe [Nautilus](https://robbreport.ph/tag/nautilus/ "nautilus"), [Audemars Piguet Royal Oak](https://robbreport.ph/watches/audemars-piguet-gave-its-new-royal-oak-chronograph-a-light-touch-literally/ "Audemars Piguet Gave Its New Royal Oak Chronograph a Light Touch—Literally"), and anything by F.P. Journe soared to as much as five times retail. “Watches used to be a niche hobby and now they’re a mainstream luxury so it’s more like getting a [Birkin](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-collectibles/icons-in-the-flesh-jane-birkins-birkin-and-ferris-buellers-sweater-go-to-sothebys/ "Icons in the Flesh: Jane Birkin’s Birkin and Ferris Bueller’s Sweater Go to Auction") bag,” Getz says. “With the big brands, the transition point was maybe when Audemars and Journe started selling primarily through their own boutiques. Since they were controlling the distribution channel, they could allocate their limited edition and limited production watches as they wished, instead of delegating it to retailers. While sales of Rolex and Patek Philippe watches are still managed by retail partners, how waitlists actually work remains a mystery to all but those administering them. “There’s not a one-size-fits-all approach to how stores handle waitlists,” says vintage dealer Eric Ku. “Some call it a waitlist or a wishlist. There’s all kinds of nomenclature. A lot of jewelers do this forced bundling situation. But some legitimately have a waitlist—your number’s up when your number’s up.” Ku’s reference to “bundling” hints at one of the most contentious aspects of the waitlist phenomenon. Widely practiced but rarely discussed publicly, the retail practice involves offering a client a hard-to-get model (say, a Rolex Daytona) only if they purchase a less-popular watch model or a piece of jewelry. “It’s a numbers game for retailers,” says Giovanni Prigigallo, cofounder and head of business development at EveryWatch, a digital platform that tracks resale prices. “You buy this watch, that watch. You’ve made the retailer $30,000, $50,000 and now they’ll sell you a Daytona that sells for $15,000 with a market value of $30,000. They know they’re giving you a sweetener. But it’s a dangerous game.” Around seven years ago, Prigigallo experienced bundling firsthand at Audemars Piguet. “I really, really wanted a Jumbo Royal Oak 15202 in steel,” he says. “At that time, it was slightly above retail but not much. I went to the Milan boutique, I kindly asked and they told me, ‘We get five—but if you buy a Royal Oak 15400, we’d give it to you and bump you on the list for the 15202.’ But I really wanted the Jumbo, I didn’t want to buy another watch and flip it. I never did get the 15202. But I regret not buying the regular Royal Oak—the retail was about €20,000.” Prigigallo doesn’t mention that today, the 15400 sells for about 28,000 euros, or $33,000, on the secondary market. “I’ve made peace with it,” he says. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/FP-Journe-Elegante-Titalyt.webp) F.P. Journe’s Élégante Titalyt. *F.P. Journe* The upside of waiting for an allocation is that big brands typically don’t accept deposits, so there’s no financial commitment. “Maybe they don’t want to be obliged, and a deposit means locking in the price,” Prigigallo says. The downside is a frustrating limbo. “I am waiting for an Élégante Titalyt from Journe now,” Prigigallo says. “It’s been a good three years. The problem is that the value has skyrocketed, and everyone who walks into a boutique asks for an Élégante because it retails around 20,000 euros, and the market price is like €90,000, €100,000. I don’t know if I’ll get it. “Certain things have become easier,” he adds. “With Rolex, I don’t think you’ll have a hard time buying a Datejust in any configuration, and potentially getting a Submariner is much easier. But getting a GMT or Daytona, any of the hot models, it’s pretty much the same thing: You need to be a good customer. These watches are given as a reward.” Ku offers some time-honored advice to anyone on a waitlist or thinking about joining one. “Don’t be an a\*\*hole. They have to like you. There’s a whole subset of Rolex buyers who go to every Rolex store when they’re on vacation, asking for a stainless Daytona. Versus those who establish a relationship with a retailer and show them support by buying other pieces. You’ve got to be realistic. An average-size Rolex store might get 12 steel Daytonas a year and thousands of inquiries. How do you prioritize? It comes down to: Is this person an a\*\*hole? And the spend.” Patek Philippe, by Getz’s reckoning, operates a little differently. “You become an established customer, or you know someone, like in my case, who’s a huge whale of a customer, and you say, ‘That’s the watch I’d like to have,’” Getz says. “And they say, ‘So noted.’ You keep visiting. And they say, ‘At the end of January, we’ll probably have that watch for you.’ And eventually such and such has come available. It gives them a lot of flexibility. What they don’t do is give all the watches to the same five people—they spread it around. But eventually, if you wait long enough, it will come.” Even though he’s had to endure plenty of waits, Getz understands the dilemma facing retailers and brands, who are “under no obligation to have a first-come, first-served waiting list,” he says. “You want to balance new customer acquisition with rewarding your loyal customers with your dealers and their top customers. It’s highly complex. What you need is an ‘interest list.’ You’re free to allocate your watches however you’d like.” Independent watchmakers tend to struggle even more with allocations, since many have been burned by buyers who promised to treasure their timepieces only to flip them immediately. Once an independent accepts your deposit, however, the wait can stretch far beyond what was promised. Tamar Koifman, a first-time watch buyer based in Geneva is still waiting on a M.A.D. Edition 2 from MB&F x Éric Giroud that she won by lottery in April. “Delivery was announced to be between April and October,” she writes in a DM. “Now that’s delayed to mid-November. I have a LOT of respect for the MB&F guys, but it is a bit disappointing not to be acquainted with my watch sooner.” In an email, the brand explained that a delay from one of its suppliers on a crucial component, the rotor, had slowed the assembly process. To Koifman, that kind of transparency helped soften the blow. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/michael-hickcoc-rexhep.webp) Michael Hickcox waited seven years for his Rexhep Rexhepi Chronomètre Contemporain II. Michael Hickcox Of course, once a watch is in hand doesn’t mean the waiting game is over. Alexandre Furmanovich, a jewelry designer in Brazil, learned this lesson recently. About two years ago, he happened upon some Rolex ads from the 1980s on Pinterest. “I saw some wood dial watches, and I went crazy for them,” he wrote in an email. “I then started searching and found out that they were the Oysterquartz and I decided to find one for myself. But then, I also wanted one produced in my year of birth, 1984. It was an almost impossible mission. “A few months after, I was randomly walking through the Burlington Arcade in London, and I saw one in a window. It was a 1984 model with the original burl wood dial. I bought it immediately, even though the bracelet was tight on my wrist. Then I brought it to Brazil and sent it to Rolex, to service it and make an extra link. It took around nine months. I realized that the time was literally the time of a pregnancy. It was definitely worth the wait.” Michael Hickcox knows the feeling. The longtime collector, who in September received the Rexhep Rexhepi Chronomètre Contemporain II model he ordered seven years ago, is so familiar with the experience of waiting that he hardly flinched when a boutique Japanese watchmaker quoted him a shocking—even by independent standards—delivery time. “I went to a Christmas party one year and saw someone wearing a Kikuchi Nakagawa,” Hickcox tells *Robb Report* . “They’re taking someone’s movement but the case, the dial, the hands are just out of this world. I knew I was late to the game, but I thought, ‘Let me shoot them a message.’ They were asking $22,000 for it. They said the wait time was 124 to 130 months. That’s 11 years. That’s not super unusual now, but when they said that a couple years ago, it was at least five years longer than anyone else. They also wanted a 45 percent deposit. I sensed they were saying that to eliminate flippers and to under promise and overdeliver. I took it. That was three years ago. I’ve got eight years to go. It’s a 34 mm watch—who knows what my eyesight will be by then!” *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** audemars piguet, daytona, rolex --- ### [Riva’s Newest Superyacht Is 112 Feet of Italian Elegance](https://robbreport.ph/boats/rivas-newest-superyacht-is-112-feet-of-italian-elegance/) **Published:** November 18, 2025 **Author:** Nicole Hoey **Content:** [Riva](https://robbreport.ph/tag/riva/ "Riva") just gave us a closer look at its latest Italian stunner. The famed shipyard, best known for the Riva Aquarama, has just unveiled even more of its new 112 Dolcevita Super, which made its debut back at the [Cannes Yachting Festival](https://www.cannesyachtingfestival.com/en-gb.html#/). The 112-footer is a larger iteration of the 110 Dolcevita, packed with all the elegance and style you’d expect from the Italian builder alongside broader spaces for entertaining, relaxing, and more. The superyacht’s sculpted lines and bold profile come from the minds of Mauro Micheli and Sergio Beretta, the founders of Officina Italiana Design that have brought every Riva to life for the last 30 years; the duo partnered with the Ferretti Group’s Engineering department and a committee led by Piero Ferrari (yes, the son of Enzo [Ferrari](https://robbreport.ph/tag/ferrari/ "Ferrari")). That design prowess shows in every inch of the 112 Dolcevita Super’s appearance, starting with the beach club. The 378-square-foot area sits right at the water’s edge, along with two bulwarks that can swing out for additional terrace space, with an extra-large sun pad in the center. There’s also plenty of room for toys, with space for a tender, a Jet Ski, and two Sea-Bobs. In the bow is space for an optional Jacuzzi. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/riva-11-dolcevita-super-rear.webp) The view off the bow. *Photo: Riva* On the main deck, you’re welcomed by a 538-square-foot main salon, complete with high ceilings and plenty of rosewood about. The owner who lays claim to the first 112 Dolcevita Super chose to place a dining area in the front, with leather-upholstered seats and a stainless-steel and glass table, and add the living area in the center, home to three leather sofas and a 75-inch T.V. The nearly 370-square-foot owner’s suite can be found at the lounge’s other end. That space includes two walk-in closets, a vanity desk, large windows to take in those ocean views, and a two-sink bathroom. Moving below, the lower deck is home to four guest cabins, two of which are VIP; each accommodation has those same rosewood touches and its own ensuite. As for grunt, the 112 Dolcevita gets its juice from a pair of 2,638 HP MTU 16V 2000 engines available in two configurations: a M96L with a top speed of 25.5. knots and a cruising speed of 23 knots, or an optional M97L version that can reduce NOx emissions. The superyacht, too, is prepped and ready for cruising in shallow waters, thanks to a draft that’s less than seven feet. Last but not least, topping things off is a massive 646-square-foot flybridge, offering up a spacious bar with a Corian counter, a large dining table for gatherings, a plush sofa, and an asymmetrical carbon hard top. All that creates a spacious lounging area on a prime perch above the seas. La dolce vita, indeed. *Click [here](https://robbreport.ph/boats/the-riva-112-dolcevita-super-in-photos/) to see more of the Riva 112 Dolcevita Super in photos.* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Boats **Tags:** Cannes Yachting Festival, Riva --- ### [The Riva 112 Dolcevita Super in Photos](https://robbreport.ph/boats/the-riva-112-dolcevita-super-in-photos/) **Published:** November 18, 2025 **Author:** Nicole Hoey **Content:** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/riva-112-dolcevita-super-overhead.webp) *Photo: Riva* The [Riva](https://robbreport.ph/tag/riva/ "Riva") 112 Dolcevita Super. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/riva-112-dolcevita-super-rear.webp) *Photo: Riva* A closer look at the new yacht. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/riva-112-dolcevita-super-beach-club-1.webp) *Photo: Riva* The beach club. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/riva-112-dolcevita-super-interior.webp) *Photo: Riva* The interior lounge. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/riva-112-dolcevita-super-dining.webp) *Photo: Riva* The dining area. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/riva-112-dolcevita-super-suite-2.webp) *Photo: Riva* The owner’s suite. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/riva-112-dolcevita-super-suite-tv.webp) *Photo: Riva* Overlooking the sea. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/riva-112-dolcevita-super-inside-cabin.webp) *Photo: Riva* A cabin. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/riva-112-dolcevita-super-bathroom.webp) *Photo: Riva* The double-sink bathroom. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/riva-112-dolcevita-super-shower.webp) *Photo: Riva* The shower. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/riva-11-dolcevita-super-rear_9fd56e.webp) *Photo: Riva* The outdoor lounge. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/riva-112-dolcevita-super-upper-deck.webp) *Photo: Riva* The upper deck. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Boats **Tags:** Riva, Yachts --- ### [How Ineos’s Lynn Calder Is Leading the New Marque to Challenge an Iconic Land Rover](https://robbreport.ph/cars/how-ineoss-lynn-calder-is-leading-the-new-marque-to-challenge-an-iconic-land-rover/) **Published:** November 19, 2025 **Author:** Ben Oliver **Content:** It was the most mortifying moment in my career as an automotive journalist—so embarrassing that I hesitate to put it on record. I’d flown into Glasgow Airport late one night in early January 2023 and driven north to a hotel in the Scottish Highlands. Snow swirled in the beams of the headlamps, and the pale moonlight hinted at the vast, bleak moors and mountainsides around me. As I arrived at the [Kingshouse Hotel](https://www.kingshousehotel.co.uk/), a colossal but curious and gentle red stag emerged from the darkness to greet me. I’d come to test the inaugural Ineos Grenadier for *Robb Report,* and this seemed the perfect location to finally meet this rugged, idiosyncratic, much-delayed, and very British new off-roader. The full beauty of the landscape was revealed as dawn broke, and as I waited to collect the keys to my test vehicle, one of the other attendees asked me how my journey up had been. I told her about the encounter with the stag and asked if she was a journalist, too. She told me that she worked for Ineos. So I asked her what she did. She replied that she was the C.E.O. Not recognizing the head of a carmaker—even a new one—is a sackable offense in my profession. In my defense, [Lynn Calder](https://media.ineosgrenadier.com/en/corporate/leadership-team.html) had no prior history in the car industry and had been appointed with little fanfare just before the December holidays. Raised even farther north in Scotland, she had a stellar career in petrochemicals, energy, and private equity before joining the Ineos chemicals group in 2017, later being named C.E.O. of its composites business. Her boss, Ineos founder and second-richest man in the U.K. Sir Jim Ratcliffe, is no fan of convention, and that extends to both the car company he launched and the individual he has appointed to run it. An adventurer when not building a privately held chemicals group with an annual revenue of $55 billion, Ratcliffe mourned the demise of the original, archaic Land Rover Defender after 68 years in production and had tried to buy the tooling to keep making it. [Land Rover](https://robbreport.ph/tag/land-rover/ "Land Rover") wouldn’t sell, so he created his own not- particularly modern successor, the idea coming to him in 2015 over a pint of beer in his own pub—from which the Grenadier takes its name—in London’s upmarket Belgravia neighborhood. His version has a similarly rudimentary off-road-optimized chassis, resolutely unelectrified [BMW](https://robbreport.ph/tag/bmw/ "bmw")-sourced drivetrains, and an exterior design that proved too reminiscent of the Defender for Land Rover’s lawyers, who filed multiple lawsuits. Ratcliffe won, but then the pandemic struck, the supply-chain crisis followed, and eight years passed between his initial concept and my first drive in Scotland. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Grenadier_Station_Wagon.webp) The Grenadier Station Wagon. The view off the bow. *Photo: Courtesy of Ineos Grenadier* Calder’s involvement started as “an evening job,” she tells me at a later meetup, coming to board meetings and advising the first C.E.O. of Ineos Automotive, before Ratcliffe asked her to take over. “Going from just helping out to being C.E.O. was a huge shock,” she says. “We had a conversation where I was like, ‘Do we need an automotive person?’ And Jim’s view was, ‘Absolutely not. I want you to do it.’ ” Ratcliffe was under no illusions about how tough it would be to establish a new premium carmaker. What he felt he needed was an Ineos person. “At Ineos, we push everyone to the max,” Calder explains. “That’s just a cultural thing. And it comes from Jim, obviously: ‘Don’t tell me no until you have exhausted every possibility.’ I might look at a design feature and say, ‘That looks shit; I’m not accepting it.’ An automotive person’s first answer will always be, ‘There is no other option.’ Say that to an Ineos person and you’re going to have a hard day at the office.” The challenge facing Calder when I first met her in Scotland would have daunted an industry lifer. The Grenadier was ready, but she had to develop a bunch of derivatives and at least two entirely separate new models, the first a complex E.V. with a range-extending gas engine. And she had to ensure the factory in Hambach, in eastern France, which Ineos took over from Mercedes-Benz, was on track to turn out 30,000 vehicles a year. Industry veterans know that production of a new car makes its engineering look easy. Then she had to build a network through which to sell and service those [cars](https://robbreport.com/tag/cars/) to the standards expected by premium customers in over 50 countries and actually persuade us to buy Grenadiers—even in limited numbers—in a market already crowded with S.U.V.s from established prestige marques whose design and dynamics may be more attractive to modern tastes. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Grenadier_Factory_FR.webp) The Grenadier factory, a former Mercedes-Benz facility in Hambach, France, is equipped to produce 30,000 vehicles a year. *Photo: Patrick Gosling* And, perhaps hardest of all, she had to do from the get-go what it took Land Rover decades to achieve: make cars that are simple and rugged enough to sell to aid agencies and survive in deserts and jungles, yet also desirable enough to justify the $146,995 asked for the new Detour, the first limited-edition Grenadier from Ineos’s nascent Arcane Works bespoke division. “We’re not doing all this without experts,” Calder says. “We’d be idiots to do that. There are about four or five Ineos people in senior roles. Everyone else is from the automotive industry. I think I always felt like I could go into any business and know what I need to do. Automotive has been a humbling experience on that front because it’s not that simple.” I asked her if I could write this profile when I first met her—out of genuine interest and not to compensate for not recognizing her—and she immediately agreed but asked for time to get her feet under the desk. Finding the minutes amid that daunting to-do list wasn’t easy, and Calder’s schedule was further complicated by constant commuting between her home and Ineos’s effective HQ in Monaco (where Ratcliffe lives), the corporate offices in London, the factory in France, the engineering team based at Magna Steyr in Austria that also builds the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, and the never-ending itinerary of new markets in which she has launched the Grenadier, from China to the U.S. Somehow she also finds time to compete in marathons and triathlons and trek to Mount Everest base camp. Some months passed between that first meeting and this interview. The situation is very different now but no less difficult. In the interim, Calder has both revealed Ineos Automotive’s second model, [the Quartermaster pickup](https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/review-ineos-grenadier-quartermaster-1237088532/), and developed the electric Fusilier, then paused its development while E.V. sales flatlined. Production of the Grenadier was also halted for four months late last year when a critical supplier went bust. The location and climate of the interview are very different from the Highlands. We meet on a glorious spring day at the Badminton Horse Trials, held on the 52,000-acre estate of the Duke of Beaufort in Gloucestershire in the southwest of England and one of the seven five-star events on the global equestrian calendar. Britain’s moneyed, landed horsey set is a prime demographic for the Grenadier, and Ineos is a lead sponsor. As I park the Grenadier I’ve been loaned, I see three others amid the expected armada of Range Rovers and Defenders, old and new. “We are so proud of our early adopters,” Calder says when I tell her. “They’re the ones who will give us credibility. But there are not an endless number of them. We need to expand.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Lynn_Calder_2.webp) Calder at the Badminton Horse Trials, which her company sponsors. *Photo: Cesare De Giglio* Calder’s Ineos corporate tough talk isn’t an act, and that line about expansion is delivered with a curtness and a laser focus that make me glad I’m interviewing her rather than reporting to her. Veteran car-industry figures who have worked with her like and respect her in equal measure. But as we walk and drive around Badminton, she displays precisely none of the hyper-alpha traits you’d expect of an Everest-scaling C.E.O., and you’d never guess that she’d written the event a big check. She seems aware that she’s in someone else’s world now—interested in the historic stables and tack rooms and the extraordinary competitors, equine and human, who occupy them. She spends several minutes with an elderly couple who asked about the Grenadier. She is easily distracted by dogs. “My dad started off as a mechanic,” she tells me over coffee. “He bought a new car pretty much every six months, not because he was rich, but because he loved variety. He’s not with us anymore. He would probably hate cars today because they’re just not as mechanical anymore. The iPhone on wheels would not have been for him.” “I wasn’t out there in the garage with him with a spanner, and I kind of regret that now,” she adds. “I’d have been much more helpful if I’d known what I was going to be doing. But by osmosis, I think what did rub off was the love of driving. So the day I turned 17, I was off. It was freedom.” The ease and fluency with which Calder drives me around Badminton’s off-road test circuit, pitching the Grenadier into vertiginous descents and up slippery, muddy inclines while retaining enough mental-processing capacity to discuss the global automobile market will reassure you that there’s a real car person at the helm. She has ordered a Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS—though she divulges that only when asked what else she drives—and wears a Rolex Daytona: both the choices of a proper, knowing car enthusiast. You might need to be an enthusiast to want what she’s selling. From the exterior styling by Ineos Group design director Toby Ecuyer—who had previously worked on Ratcliffe’s yachts but had never done a car—to the interior’s aircraft-like overhead banks of switches, which deliberately reject the Tesla-led trend to move all functions to a touch screen, it defies automotive convention. Same for how it drives: It is comfortable and rides well, but it has proper, heavy, deliberate off-road steering. “You’ve got to explain to people that this car is different,” she says. “They might say, ‘I like S.U.V.s, so I’m going to get out of my Cayenne and get in this.’ And then they’re just going to be like, ‘Whoa… ’ ” “But you can still drive it perfectly easily,” she adds. “And selling 30,000 cars a year, I don’t need millions of people to say they love it.” That idiosyncrasy is central to her plan, which has the hero Grenadier cutting through a sea of cookie- cutter S.U.V.s and establishing the Ineos brand before the marque eventually follows up with the smaller, less polarizing Fusilier. Initial rarity is an attraction for buyers who like to swim against the current. “Just having something that nobody else has,” as Calder puts it. Then there’s the very British concept of luxury that the Grenadier displays: a functional object made unnecessarily well, its desirability based on its credibility. Think Belstaff motorcycle wear, a company that Ratcliffe also owns. “I wouldn’t call us a luxury brand,” Calder insists. “I would call us a premium brand based on quality engineering.” And lastly, the road map leverages Ineos’s clout. The group’s huge sports-sponsorship deals—from the Mercedes F1 team to pro cycling to Ratcliffe’s purchase of a large stake in Manchester United—have given its automotive subsidiary a global brand awareness way beyond its means. Despite the headwinds, the plan seems to be working. As Calder expected, the U.S. is comfortably the Grenadier’s biggest market, accounting for about 60 to 65 percent of revenues. The private company does not release sales figures, but it appears to be closing in on the $1 billion mark. Around 10,000 Americans each year are buying the Grenadier—the vast majority paying cash, loading around $20,000 of options into an $80,000 top-spec model and adding it to a garage that typically already contains at least three cars. But for tariffs, it would have been more. The Grenadier was hit with a 25 percent import duty, which was reduced to 15 percent following the trade deal between the E.U. and the U.S. Ineos has increased the price of the Grenadier by only 5 percent and the Quartermaster by 10 and is swallowing the rest. Without the tariffs and the uncertainty, Ineos had hoped to sell 15,000 vehicles in the U.S. annually by now and for the pickup to account for 10 percent of sales rather than 5. Ineos remains “super-focused” on the U.S., Calder says, and expects to hit that 15,000 mark next year. But the cars will need to catch on in all of its 50 markets if the venture is to succeed. Ratcliffe has invested too much financial and reputational capital for it to fail. It is not an easy task, and it has not had the smoothest of starts. The pressure on Calder is intense. But talking to her, I get the clear sense that she’s more than capable of executing her plan—and then some. Driving her, as she puts it, “is the possibility of what you can do with your life if you just take the brakes off.” *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** cars, Ineos, Land Rover, lynn calder --- ### [The Luxe Dispatch: Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Aman, Preferred Hotels and Resorts](https://robbreport.ph/the-luxe-dispatch/the-luxe-dispatch-october-3-2025/) **Published:** October 3, 2025 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** Some weeks in luxury feel like a curated exhibition. This week is one of them. Across fashion, hospitality, and travel, the world’s most decorated names are unveiling projects left and right, fusing heritage and reinvention. This week, Paris takes center stage as [Louis Vuitton](https://robbreport.ph/tag/louis-vuitton/ "Louis Vuitton") reimagines the glamour of 1925 with an Art Deco exhibition. In Rome, Silvia Venturini [Fendi](https://robbreport.ph/tag/fendi/ "fendi") begins a new chapter as Honorary President, her creative influence distilled into heritage and vision. In Singapore, [Aman](https://robbreport.ph/tag/aman/ "aman") unveils a sanctuary of serene design, while Preferred Hotels and Resorts charts a once-in-a-lifetime private jet odyssey. **Louis Vuitton Art Deco Exhibition** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/LOUIS-VUITTON-ART-DECO-2025-3.webp) Louis Vuitton invites us all back to 1925 with the opening of the Louis Vuitton Art Deco exhibition in Paris. The show celebrates the centenary of the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts. Viewers are given a closer look at how one moment would later define the Art Deco movement. With it, we also see the House’s role within it. Staged across eight immersive rooms, the exhibition traces the creative legacy of Gaston-Louis Vuitton, grandson of the founder, whose artistic vision ushered the Maison into a new era of modernity. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/LOUIS-VUITTON-ART-DECO-2025-4.webp) More than 300 heritage pieces (many of which have never been shown before) are on display. These include ingenious travel trunks like the auto trunk and wardrobe trunk, jewel-toned evening bags, plus exquisite toiletry cases once owned by icons like Marthe Chenal. Furthermore, among the presentation’s delicious highlights are a reconstruction of Vuitton’s original 1925 expo stand, a tribute to Gaston-Louis’s visionary window displays on the Champs-Élysées, and a dazzling exploration of Art Deco’s bold lines, colors, and materials. *See more info [here](https://eu.louisvuitton.com/eng-e1/magazine/articles/lv-dream#the-exhibition).* **A New Chapter at Fendi** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/FENDI-WM-SS26_SVF-Portrait.webp) Silvia Venturini Fendi. *Fendi* At Fendi, legacy is always personal. The Roman House announces Silvia Venturini Fendi as its honorary president. Her appointment is both tribute and transition, representing a legacy that feels both enduring and newly alive. “These have been truly exciting years, a journey I walked in the name of my grandmother, my mother, and her sisters,” she reflects, recalling her decades alongside Karl Lagerfeld and, more recently, collaborations with Kim Jones. Chairman and CEO Ramon Rose, likewise, lauds her vision for carrying Fendi I from its Roman roots into international acclaim. A third-generation member of the Fendi family, Silvia’s creative tenure has reshaped the brand’s accessories and menswear. She also steered the women’s collections during the brand’s centennial year. Silvia now turns her attention to safeguarding the Maison’s heritage while continuing to champion its global presence, artisanal craftsmanship, and expanding the world of Fendi Casa. While a new creative structure is forthcoming, Silvia’s influence remains a bridge between heritage and future, artistry and design. *To visit the Fendi website, click [here](https://www.fendi.com/ii-en/?srsltid=AfmBOoq2V_eSPn6yPOd4oA7nP-WirHSObN1Fo32i8EQjoyJk__r0LtV4).* **Introducing Aman Singapore** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Aman-Singapore-Spa-House-Pool.webp) *Aman Singapore* Aman Singapore marks the latest addition to the brand’s line of serene sanctuaries and rarefied luxury. A highly anticipated debut, it looks to set a new benchmark for urban elegance, all the while mirroring Singapore’s vibrant cosmopolitan energy. Situated within what will become the Garden City’s tallest new skyscraper, The Skywaters, the property will house both a flagship Aman hotel and a select collection of Aman Residences. It’s specifically designed for those who seek privacy, discretion, and timeless design. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Aman-Residences-Singapore-Exterior-View.webp) *Aman Singapore* Designed with long-time collaborators Kerry Hill Architects, Aman Singapore’s interiors embody the group’s philosophy of understated sophistication. Guests, club members, and owners can expect a minimalist aesthetic elevated by craftsmanship, as well as open spaces softened by natural textures. Of course, at its heart lies a comprehensive Aman Spa, featuring holistic wellness programs and restorative rituals tailored for modern lives. This is further complemented by culinary experiences enriched by Singapore’s rich gastronomic heritage. *More information [here](https://www.aman.com/resorts/aman-singapore).* **Preferred Hotels and Resorts Reaches New Heights** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/BX_JAA_241116_1170083.webp) Preferred Hotels and Resorts is taking the concept of luxury travel to new heights, literally. The brand recently unveiled Legendary Journeys, its first-ever [private jet](https://robbreport.ph/tag/private-jet/ "private jet") adventure in partnership with Bucketlist Xperiences. This ultra-exclusive, 17-night odyssey from October 6 to 23, 2026 is set to carry 29 lucky couples around the world aboard a custom VIP airliner reimagined for indulgence, complete with lie-flat leather seating, a private chef, and curated wines. Your 17-member crew, on the other hand, ensures that no detail is overlooked. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Jaipur-Palace-1.webp) Jaipur Palace. *Preferred Hotels and Resorts* The itinerary reads like the ultimate passport: sunset cocktails on Singapore’s Marina Bay, a royal celebration in Jaipur, gorilla trekking in Rwanda, Big Five game drives in Kenya, a champagne hot-air balloon safari, yacht sailing along Santorini’s cliffs, desert feasts beneath Moroccan stars, and a finale in London’s Leicester Square. Stays also include icons from Preferred’s Legend Collection and handpicked partner properties, each offering singular expressions of place and prestige. With pricing from USD$133,500 per guest, the experience comes with even more enviable perks, including one million I Prefer Hotel Rewards Titanium Status. *Visit the website [here](https://preferredhotels.com/).* **Categories:** The Luxe Dispatch **Tags:** dior beauty, eye care --- ### [An Estée Lauder Heir’s Klimt Portrait Could Fetch a Whopping $150 Million at Auction](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-collectibles/an-estee-lauder-heirs-klimt-portrait-could-fetch-a-whopping-150-million-at-auction/) **Published:** November 17, 2025 **Author:** Nicole Hoey **Content:** A trio of Gustav Klimt [paintings](https://robbreport.ph/tag/art/ "art") are causing quite the stir on the auction market. The three works from the famed Austrian painter, all of which are hitting the block for the first time, will go under the hammer at a [Sotheby’s](https://robbreport.ph/tag/sothebys-2/ "Sotheby's") sale this month. The auction will show off the art-filled treasure trove of Leonard A. Lauder, the art philanthropist and heir of the Estée Lauder empire who died in June. Of course, the pieces’ appearance isn’t the only thing drawing attention to the sale: The 24-lot event is expected to realize more than $400 million, an impressive figure befitting of Lauder’s collection. Driving that staggering figure is Klimt’s *Porträt der Elisabeth Lederer* (*Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer*), which is predicted to fetch over $150 million. Painted from 1914 to 1916, during the pivotal golden age in Vienna, the piece is one of only two commissioned works from the artist to remain in private hands—until now, of course. (Most paintings of a similar nature are now housed in museum collections.) The artwork depicts a 20-year-old named Elisabeth Lederer, the daughter of Klimt’s ardent patrons, August and Serena Lederer. In it, the woman is wearing the then-modern attire of Viennese society, donning a white-and-blue dress and robe; the background, meanwhile, is full of East Asian motifs, representing Klimt’s fondness of Chinese and Japanese artifacts. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/gustac-klimt-forest-slope.webp) Blumenwiese *Photo: Sotheby’s* The other two Klimts on offer are nothing to sniff at, either. *Blumenwiese* (*Blooming Meadow*) came to life around 1908, joining the artist’s collection of famed landscapes that are considered some of the most important works of the 20th century. In this instance, Klimt is depicting his summer spot of choice, Attersee, on a square-format canvas. Here, vibrant colors combine to complete a mosaic of flowers and trees that extends far into the distance. *Blumenwiese* is expected to fetch more than $80 million on the block. *Waldabhang in Unterach am Attersee* (*Forest Slope in Unterach on the Attersee*), meanwhile, is estimated to rake in more than $70 million. This piece, created in 1916, shows the details of Klimt’s last summer in his Attersee haven, with trees and various homes seen dotting the area’s lake. “To have not just one but three rare, superb museum-quality masterpieces by Klimt, none of which has previously been offered at auction, coming up for sale together represents a truly unique moment,” Helena Newman, Sotheby’s chairman of impressionist and modern art worldwide, said in a press statement. “The *Portrait of Elizabeth Lederer* epitomizes the aesthetic of Vienna’s Golden Age in which youth, beauty, color and ornament are fused into a stunning Modernist portrait whilst the two exquisite square format landscapes, *Blumenwiese*, 1908, and *Waldabhang in Unterach am Attersee*, 1916, attest to Klimt’s liberation from the traditional conventions of painting.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/gustav-klimt-painting.webp) Waldabhang in Unterach am Attersee*Sotheby’s* Other offerings in the Sotheby’s sale include six bronze sculpture from Henri Mattise, which could earn $30 million altogether on the block, and *Sankthansnatt Johannisnacht* *(Mittsommernacht)* *(St. John’s Night) (Midsummer Night’s Eve)* by Edvard Munch, an oil-on-canvas painting that is anticipated to sell for over $20 million. The [Leonard A. Lauder Collection](https://www.sothebys.com/en/series/leonard-a-lauder-collector) will officially hit the block on Tuesday, November 18. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Art & Collectibles **Tags:** Auctions, Gustav Klimt, Leonard A. Lauder Collection, sothebys --- ### [Inside Toyota’s Plan to Take on Rolls-Royce and Bentley](https://robbreport.ph/cars/inside-toyota-plan-to-take-on-rolls-royce-and-bentley-with-century/) **Published:** November 17, 2025 **Author:** Erik Shilling **Content:** The biggest announcement at this year’s Tokyo Motor Show—now called the Japan Mobility Show—might be the [new Corolla concept](https://insideevs.com/features/777683/toyota-corolla-ev-information-known/), the [new Subaru WRX STI hatchback](https://www.thedrive.com/news/subaru-mashed-like-three-cars-together-to-make-this-wrx-sti-hatch), or several new Lexus LS variants. In addition, though, there was something even bigger: a whole new brand from Toyota, the biggest automaker in the world. The brand is Century, and Toyota’s ambition for it, as was the case with Lexus before it, is to take on the Europeans at a game they’ve been winning for decades. But instead of [Mercedes](https://robbreport.ph/tag/mercedes/ "mercedes") and [BMW](https://robbreport.ph/tag/bmw/ "bmw"), Toyota is going after two marques whose market position has, historically, been even more unbreachable: [Bentley](https://robbreport.ph/tag/bentley/ "Bentley") and [Rolls-Royce](https://robbreport.ph/tag/rolls-royce/ "rolls-royce"). The audacity is thrilling because, on paper, Toyota doesn’t stand much of a chance. Even Mercedes tried to take on Bentley and Rolls by reviving [Maybach](https://robbreport.ph/cars/only-50-mercedes-maybach-v12-editions-will-be-made/ "Only 50 Mercedes-Maybach V12 Editions Will Be Made"), before settling instead for a distant third-place in the ultra-luxury wars. Aston Martin likes to pretend it’s in the same league, too, despite being more of a sports-car brand. Cadillac has also recently entered the fray with the $400,000 Celestiq, but it remains to be seen how committed the stateside automaker really is. Toyota’s Century will mark a third, fourth, or fifth entrant into this rarefied space, depending on who’s counting, though one major difference is that Toyota is being explicit. At the auto show in Tokyo, Akio Toyoda, Toyota’s chairman, [staked his country’s pride on it](https://global.toyota/en/newsroom/corporate/43415844.html). “Century is not just another brand within Toyota Motor Corporation,” Toyoda said, getting a little emotional. “We want to cultivate it as a brand that brings the spirit of Japan―the pride of Japan―out into the world.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/toyota-century-brand.webp) *Photo: Toyota* What that means is a Century coupe that will do battle with the Bentley Continental and a Century SUV, that is not an SUV, that will do battle with the Rolls-Royce [Cullinan](https://robbreport.ph/cars/this-new-rolls-royce-cullinan-has-the-milky-way-galaxy-hand-painted-on-the-ceiling/ "This New Rolls-Royce Cullinan Has the Milky Way Galaxy Hand-Painted on the Ceiling"). The Century SUV is a plug-in hybrid that includes a V-6 engine for a combined 406 hp of output that has, so far, been marketed to just Japan and China. It is a mystery, meanwhile, what will power the Century coupe, and Toyota isn’t commenting, though it’s fair to assume that it may come in a range of power options, albeit very likely electrified and at least a hybrid if not all-electric. It’s also not known where Toyota will sell the Century coupe, though it will almost certainly be beyond the shores of Japan and China, since Toyota namechecked Bentley and Rolls, signalling that it wants to take the fight to them. This new ambition is being foisted upon one of Toyota’s oldest nameplates, dating back over 50 years, and also its proudest, a car that has been used by the Japanese emperor for a lot of that time. The Century has encapsulated the best of Toyota, including one of the first uses of hybrid technology in one of its vehicles, which was presented at the 1975 Tokyo Motor Show in the form of a Century fit with both a gas turbine and electric drive system. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/toyota_century_1997_wallpapers_1-e1740078074202.webp) Toyota Century *Photo: Toyota* Toyota has also always had ideas for the Century beyond its shores, such as in 1997 with the launch of the second-generation Century, known as the G50. That Century was the first to be exported for sale abroad, at a time when Toyota was trying to establish a bigger presence in Western Europe. Only a handful ever made it there, or were intended to go in the first place, but the point was made that Rolls-Royce should expect company sooner or later. Toyota has, historically and now with the new model, distinguished the Century as a car intended to have a chauffeur, while Rolls-Royce and Bentley in recent decades have emphasized that their cars are intended to drive as well as they ride in from the rear seat, and, in fact, most Rolls-Royce and Bentley owners drive their cars themselves. Whether driving yourself is still true luxury is an interesting question in an era when self-driving cars feel increasingly inevitable, but Toyota’s answer is unequivocal: True luxury is sitting in the back, like an emperor. It introduced the [new Century SUV in 2023](https://global.toyota/en/newsroom/toyota/39708909.html?padid=ag478_from_popular) as a distinct category, a “chauffeur-driven vehicle.” The new Century brand represents a capstone achievement for the automaker, similar to what it accomplished over 50 years ago, this time not rebounding from World War II but from over three decades of economic malaise in Japan, also known as the Lost Decades. “Japan as a nation seems to have lost some of its energy and dynamism, along with our presence in the world,” Toyoda said in Tokyo, before invoking the spirit of Kenya Nakamura, Toyota’s first product manager, who created the Toyota Crown and designed the first Century, which stayed in production for 30 years. “When Nakamura saw the postwar media headline ‘Starting from Zero,’ he said, ‘It’s not zero.’ It’s true that our facilities were destroyed, and we had no materials or money. But we had the strengths and skills that Japan had built up. That’s why we were able to rebuild. He said that in anger,” Toyoda noted at the motor show in Tokyo, invoking the country’s proud legacy of *monozukuri*, or manufacturing. “Today, Japan has an automotive industry that operates on a global scale. We possess the *monozukuri* skills that have sustained the nation, stunning nature that enchants people around the world, a rich food culture, and a spirit of hospitality \[…\] I believe now more than ever, we need the Century.” *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** Bentley, rolls-royce, Toyota --- ### [Six Senses Is Opening in Milan Next Year—Here’s a Sneak Peek Inside](https://robbreport.ph/travel/six-senses-milan-is-opening-next-year/) **Published:** November 17, 2025 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** The “luxurification” of the historically drab and business-centric [Milan](https://robbreport.ph/tag/milan/ "milan") has begun. Five-star hotel brands such as Portrait, Rocco Forte, and Rosewood have recently opened properties in the Italian city, with Six Senses Milan joining the mix next year. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Six-Senses-Milan-Restaurant2.webp) The restaurant. [Six Senses](https://robbreport.ph/tag/six-senses/ "six senses") Milan will open its doors in the heart of the buzzy artistic quarter in late 2026. The 69-key hotel is conveniently located on Via Brera, opposite the Pinacoteca di Brera museum and a short walk to the Duomo cathedral. There are also a myriad of cafés, studios, and galleries nearby. The interiors, spearheaded by Tara Bernerd & Partners, combine traditional Milanese craftsmanship with contemporary elegance. Design features, such as arabescato marble, antique brass detailing, handmade smoked glass, textured ceilings, and mosaics, reflect the city’s creative spirit in a truly opulent fashion. In keeping with the brand’s deep commitment to sustainability, the materials and furnishings throughout have been carefully selected to reduce environmental impact. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Six-Senses-Milan-Bar-Lounge_384e8f.webp) The bar and lounge. *Photo: Six Senses* “Like Milan itself, the hotel will have a sense of discovery: unexpected interior views, an urban house–villa built with sartorial care, and a material palette from stone to wood that speaks Milanese,” Bernerd said in a statement shared Tuesday. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Six-Senses-Milan-Presidential-Suite-1.webp) The master’s bedroom at the Presidential Suite. Beyond the 53 regular rooms are 16 suites, including two with private plunge pools and one with a larger 41-foot pool on a vast terrace. (The latter is also available to hire for private events.) When ready to explore, you can head to the hidden courtyard, soak in the sky pool or indoor pool, dine at the seasonally driven restaurant or deli, or sip a cocktail at the foyer bar or rooftop bar. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Six-Senses-Milan-Presidential-Suite-2.webp) Inside the Presidential Suite. *Photo: Six Senses* Alternatively, you can unwind at the signature [Six Senses](https://www.sixsenses.com/en/) Spa. It is equipped with a 50-foot indoor pool, two saunas, a steam room, and a cold plunge pool. It also offers a full menu of high-tech, high-touch therapies that blend the latest recovery treatments with traditional holistic healing practices. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Six-Senses-Milan-Spa-Reception.webp) The spa reception. “Our upcoming opening in Milan is an exciting milestone as we look to share the spirit of the brand with urban travellers in one of Europe’s most creative destinations,” adds Six Senses Milan general manager Andre Buldini. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Six-Senses-Milan-Spa-Pool.webp) A one-night stay at the hotel will start from 1200 euros (about $1,400) on a B&B basis. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Travel **Tags:** Six Senses Milan, Tara Bernerd & Partners, travel --- ### [Lamborghini Just Unveiled a New Gas-Powered Track-Ready Supercar](https://robbreport.ph/cars/lamborghini-just-unveiled-a-new-gas-powered-track-ready-supercar/) **Published:** November 14, 2025 **Author:** Erik Shilling **Content:** [Lamborghini](https://robbreport.ph/tag/lamborghini/ "lamborghini") just unveiled a new non-hybrid [race car](https://robbreport.ph/leisure/entertainment/nine-adrenaline-fueled-car-films-that-put-the-pedal-to-the-metal/ "Nine Adrenaline-Fueled Car Films That Put the Pedal to the Metal") for 2027 that will please the purists in more ways than one. The [Temerario](https://robbreport.ph/cars/huracan-who-lamborghinis-new-temerario-hybrid-blends-agility-with-refined-ferocity/ "Huracán, Who? Lamborghini’s New Temerario Hybrid Blends Agility With Refined Ferocity") Super Trofeo is powered by a twin-turbo V-8 making 641 horsepower that’s mated to a six-speed sequential manual transmission. All that juice is sent only to the rear wheels, making the debut a race car with customers in mind. [Lamborghini‘s](https://robbreport.ph/tag/lamborghini/ "lamborghini") new auto was unveiled this weekend at the Misano World Circuit in Italy. The car will compete in the marque’s customer racing events in 2027 and is a successor to the Huracán Super Trofeo, which also competed in Squadra Corse. “Lamborghini was not born as a racing brand, yet our customers—more than 1,300 drivers have competed in Super Trofeo—have constantly asked us for a product designed for the track,” Stephan Winkelmann, Lamborghini’s CEO, [said in a statement](https://www.lamborghini.com/en-en/motorsport/news/lamborghini-temerario-super-trofeo-unveiled-at-world-finals). “Over the years, Super Trofeo and customer racing have become a true pillar of our long-term company strategy, strengthening the bond between the brand and its most passionate clients.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/laborghini-temerario-super-trofeo2-e1762790595827.webp) The Lamborghini Temerario Super Trofeo in profile. *Photo: Lamborghini* The Temerario Super Trofeo is a sibling car to the Temerario GT3, which was the first pure race car version of the Temerario. That car is also powered by the twin-turbo V-8 and shares other parts with the Temerario Super Trofeo, including the transmission. The new Super Trofeo is hundreds of pounds lighter than the street-legal Temerario, in large part because the street-legal Temerario employs a hybrid system to increase power. Lamborghini did not disclose the price of the Temerario Super Trofeo, but something in the neighborhood of $400,000 would not be a surprise, not including money for support at the track. The Temerario Super Trofeo is intended for racers who want a turnkey race car that has the latest tech and is relatively safe. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/laborghini-temerario-super-trofeo4-e1762790685447.webp) Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars started with a Gallardo Super Trofeo in 2009, which gave way to another Gallardo Super Trofeo. Three Huracán Super Trofeos followed, and, now, the Temerario Super Trofeo. In between, there have been 563 races, Lamborghini said, and 1,383 drivers. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* [](https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/lamborghini-temerario-super-trofeo-photos-1237356046/) **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** lamborghini, temerario --- ### [Dassault’s New Falcon 10X Is Its Largest, Most Powerful Business Jet Yet](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/dassaults-new-falcon-10x-is-its-largest-most-powerful-business-jet-yet/) **Published:** January 21, 2025 **Author:** Julie Boatman **Content:** The family resemblance between Dassault’s Rafale fighter and its new Falcon 10X business jet is evident—and intentional. Engineers borrowed heavily from the French airframer’s warbird to give its latest civilian aircraft the crisp handling and short-field capabilities that Dassault’s combat jet is known for. The new Falcon is the largest, most powerful business jet that Dassault has ever designed, created to compete in the ultra-long-range category, which includes recent launches from Bombardier, Gulfstream, Airbus Corporate Jets, and Boeing Business Jets. ![Dassault Falcon 10X Private Suite](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Dassault-Falcon-Interior-2.jpg) An optional rear private suite. Dassault Aviation Dassault’s military features are major differentiators between the 10X and its competition in private aviation’s most elite class. “The same aerodynamic specialists are involved in our fighter and Falcon development,” says Carlos Brana, executive vice president of civil aircraft for Dassault. Similar to the Rafale, the 10X has multiple control surfaces on the wings that act independently—commanded by its fly-by-wire system—for greater maneuverability, a feature no other competitor offers. That wing configuration and related software support also give the Falcon the ability to land on shorter runways than others in its class, even with its powerful Rolls-Royce Pearl 10X engines, which deliver a range of 7,500 nautical miles at Mach 0.85 and a top cruising speed of Mach 0.925. We recently visited the Falcon 10X cabin mock-up, itself a feat of engineering, at Dassault’s delivery hangar in Le Bourget, France. Space and luxury are the focal points of this widest-in-class cabin, the winner of multiple design awards, measuring 109 inches across with 80 inches of headroom. The modular design allows owners to configure each section by size, be it for an executive office, an entertainment space, or a private suite. The cabin boasts 38 windows (each 50 percent larger than those on the Falcon 7X) and a galley resembling a high-end kitchen. As for health-and-wellness support, there’s the 3,000-foot pressurization level at 41,000 feet and advanced air filtration. ![Dassault Falcon 10x Cabin](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Dassault-Falcon-Interior.jpg) The widest-in-class cabin has multiple seating configurations. Dassault Aviation Connectivity is also paramount, especially in a jet that can fly nonstop from New York to Shanghai or Los Angeles to Sydney. The onboard FalconConnect system has the latest Honeywell options—including Iridium, Viasat Ka/Ku bands, and Jet ConneX Ka-band—to help ensure that passengers have all the juice they need for both productivity and entertainment. In the cockpit, the NeXus flight deck contains one of the most advanced degrees of human-machine interface found on any business jet. Brana says that “safety features like the recovery button, which returns the aircraft to level flight,” and the FalconEye vision system, connected to dual head-up displays, will be unique to the 10X. The latter, first used in military jets, provides more visual information, particularly vital for avoiding severe weather or during approaches into mountain airports such as Aspen, where having terrain and runway images directly in the pilot’s view could be indispensable. ![Dassault Falcon 10x Cockpit](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Dassault-Falcon-Cockpit.jpg) The cockpit features the advanced NeXus flight deck. Dassault Aviation With the first of three flight-ready examples slated to begin tests this year and deliveries expected in 2027, the Dassault Falcon 10X promises a lofty level of performance and refinement with an alluring bit of fight—a combination sure to make it a top contender in the ultra-long-range ring. *This originally appeared in [Robb Report US](https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/dassault-falcon-10x-business-jet-1236164677/).* **Categories:** Aviation **Tags:** airbus, boeing, bombardier, Business Jet, dassault, gulfstream, jet --- ### [What It’s Like Onboard Ritz-Carlton’s Massive 790-Foot Luxury Cruise Liner](https://robbreport.ph/boats/what-its-like-onboard-ritz-carltons-massive-790-foot-luxury-cruise-liner/) **Published:** January 21, 2025 **Author:** Jake Emen **Content:** The 224-room, 790-foot *Ilma*, the second ship in [the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection](https://www.ritzcarltonyachtcollection.com/), made its inaugural sailing at the end of this summer. The superyacht from the luxury hotel group aims to deliver just that, a true yachting experience, ensuring guests never have to suffer through the mass-tourism doldrums synonymous with that dirty word, “[cruise](https://robbreport.com/tag/cruise/).” But it begs the question, when is a [yacht](https://robbreport.com/tag/yacht/) really a cruise ship; and a cruise ship, a yacht? As *Ilma* departed Barcelona at the beginning of a three-night sailing to Monte Carlo, it crept past *Costa Toscana*, a 2,663-room mega-vessel listed as the ninth largest cruise ship in the world by gross tonnage, in port. Its passengers lined the decks and balconies waving at *Ilma.* Nobody on *Ilma*, enjoying a DJ-fueled sail away party, waved back. The sentiment was clear: To quote Kendrick Lamar, “They not like us.” Trips on *Ilma* are not cruises; the vessel is not a cruise ship or a cruise liner; and guests, assuredly, are not cruisers. That’s at least how the passengers wanted to view themselves, and certainly, it’s a large part of what’s being paid for on the ship. In *Ilma*‘s inaugural season in the Mediterranean this summer and fall, a[ seven-night Rome to Barcelona sailing](https://www.ritzcarltonyachtcollection.com/luxury-mediterranean-cruises/romecivitavecchia-to-barcelona-12241015) in mid-October started at $8,700 per person based on double occupancy. Prices skyrocketed from there, extending up to $51,200 per passenger in one of the Owner’s Suites. That voyage was followed by a 10-night Barcelona to Lisbon journey starting at $13,500 and soaring to $79,700 per person. ## **The High & Low Tides of Ritz-Carlton Cruise Ship, *Ilma*** ![RYMIA Ilma Balcony](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/RYMIA-Owners-Ste-833-Balcony.jpg) Private balconies are one yacht-like perk. Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection One of the vessel’s strongest points is the size and elegance of its staterooms, each of which is a suite with a balcony. Marble-bedecked bathrooms include built-in soaking tubs, and the well-appointed rooms include his-and-hers closet spaces. Those aforementioned Owner’s Suites come in at an enormous 1,033-square feet, showcasing full living and dining rooms, walk-in closets, and expansive terraces featuring private hot tubs. Moët & Chandon Champagne flowed freely throughout the voyage, and a Macallan whisky cart was on hand for inclusive tastings. *Ilma*‘s signature restaurants are spearheaded by culinary luminaries Michael Mina and Fabio Trabocchi. ![Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection Ilma Bar Area](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/RYMIA-Mistral-Bar-St-Tropez-View.jpg) Never fear, there’s room at the bar. Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection *Ilma* also shined via the abundance of spaces it had for guests to enjoy, ensuring that no particular area ever seemed overcrowded. The pool always had spots available, tender service to shore was never mobbed, and its many restaurants, bars, and lounges had room to spare. The sheer mass of the Ilma cannot be disregarded, though. “Yea, that’s a cruise ship,” was the general consensus of several passengers arriving at its embarkation point and soaking up their first views. And delivering a fully bespoke, charter-style experience to as many as 450 guests on the same voyage is beyond the bounds of even the loftiest expectations. The “superyacht” still proved capable of delivering high-level hospitality, though, thanks to an almost 1:1 staff to guest ratio. The strongest demonstration of that service was delivered by our assigned Suite Ambassador, Bettania. From the moment we hopped aboard she was ready and waiting to help with anything we required, from stocking our bar and noting our preferences to amending our schedule and pressing our clothing, as well as popping in to say hello. ![Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection Ilma Lounge and Bar Area](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/RYMIA-Memori-Lounge.jpg) Lounge spaces lend an intimate character. Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection In other instances, *Ilma* veered dangerously close to the dreaded C word. Changing restaurant reservations proved to be more difficult than expected, and there was less flexibility than imagined in terms of the type of on-demand, say-yes mentality travelers seek from the crew of a charter yacht. “No, you can’t order lunch from the lounge chair by the pool, it’s just not something we’re able to make happen,” despite the fact that food was being served 20 feet away at the outdoor dining tables of its casual, all-day restaurant. The C word reared its ugly head most prominently during a scheduled offshore excursion in Saint-Tropez for a wine tasting. “Oh no;” “This can’t be right;” “Really?;” “This isn’t what you’d expect from a yacht”— were among the overhead utterances after mere steps ashore, as a group of about 20 from the ship saw they were being led by a tour guide holding a placard up above her head. That isn’t yachting. That’s capital C, dirty word: *Cruising*. Guests were then given audio guide headphones and ushered aboard a full-size tour bus, as opposed to, perhaps, the private sprinter van for a small group that would have seemed more fitting and capable of delivering an excursion tailored to one’s personal interests. It was a major miss, and while perhaps not indicative of the true guest experience—this inaugural journey consisting largely of invited guests—it left a sour taste in our mouths. ![Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection Ilma Pool Side](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/RYMIA-Deck-10-Pool.jpg) It’s easy to make a splash pool side. Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Back amid the sophisticated comforts of the ship, a different vibe was felt. “As opposed to a normal luxury cruise brand, such as Silversea or Seabourn, we try to go above and beyond,” says Nathan, an associate at the ship’s standout boutiques. “This is different, it’s like a floating luxury hotel.” *Ilma* sports a signature Bulgari outpost, stocked with its finest jewelry wares, and adjacent to that, a shop featuring an extravagant selection of Birkin bags and Rolex watches, as well as curated designer clothes, bags, and jewelry galore. “Will you find anything else like it?” Nathan wondered aloud for our benefit. Matter of fact, no, you wouldn’t. You’d be hard pressed to score that lineup of exclusive designer merch anywhere else. Perhaps, then, even if the experience was indeed more akin to an elevated, small luxury liner as opposed to a chartered private yacht, *Ilma* did manage to stand apart from much of its competition. Small factors make a big difference, whether that is the ability to buy a Birkin bag aboard or to sample a tasting menu from a Michelin-starred chef. ![Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection Ilma Suite Living Room](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/RYMIA-Owners-Suite-833-Living-Rm-Sunset.jpg) The owner’s suite is like a ship within a ship. Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection One of the most memorable moments of the sailing came on the final morning, as *Ilma* docked right at the pier of Monte Carlo’s main marina. A mega-cruise ship ain’t doing that. We awoke in the morning and stepped out onto our balcony, the whole of the glitzy enclave within arm’s reach. It provided a fitting capstone to a journey that while not true to the form of a private charter (and how could it be with 450 guests you don’t know sharing the trip with you?) did manage to distinguish itself from a typical cruise. Room quality, staff ratio, and a certain signature style and pizzazz managed to thread the needle between cruising and yachting and in the process create a third, hybrid category that is all its own. If you sail with the Ritz, you really won’t feel the need to say the C word—as long as they do something about those tour buses and sign-toting guides. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Boats, Travel **Tags:** cruise, luxury cruise, ritz-carlton, ritz-carlton yacht collection --- ### [These Next-Gen Supersonic Jets Want to Replace the Concorde. Will They Ever Take Off?](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/these-next-gen-supersonic-jets-want-to-replace-the-concorde-will-they-ever-take-off/) **Published:** January 29, 2025 **Author:** J. George Gorant **Excerpt:** To dig into the state of supersonic flight these days is to invite an unlikely conversation about cell phones. Three out of five experts in the field compared the smartphone of 20 years ago with a future generation of jets that hope to blow past Mach 1. “Think of the original iPhone. In those early days, it made huge leaps every year. That’s where we are with supersonic,” says Blake Scholl, CEO of Boom. “Tech advances in S-curves. Products go through periods of slow development, then rapid improvement, then level off again to incremental gains.” The Concorde, the world’s only commercial supersonic jet, was the big, clunky plastic phone that the very wealthy first had in their cars, while the new breed of supersonic jet is a flip phone with a keyboard that, according to supersonic’s believers, will eventually morph into the sleek, multifunction supercomputer that has become so affordable that it’s available to almost everyone. “It’s taken longer than we would’ve hoped, but there will absolutely be supersonic flight,” says Vik Kachoria, the CEO of Spike Aviation. “We think supersonic will offer a lot of value and will be very useful.” Not everyone shares his certitude. **Content:** To dig into the state of supersonic flight these days is to invite an unlikely conversation about cell phones. Three out of five experts in the field compared the smartphone of 20 years ago with a future generation of jets that hope to blow past Mach 1. “Think of the original iPhone. In those early days, it made huge leaps every year. That’s where we are with supersonic,” says Blake Scholl, CEO of Boom. “Tech advances in S-curves. Products go through periods of slow development, then rapid improvement, then level off again to incremental gains.” The Concorde, the world’s only commercial supersonic jet, was the big, clunky plastic phone that the very wealthy first had in their cars, while the new breed of supersonic jet is a flip phone with a keyboard that, according to supersonic’s believers, will eventually morph into the sleek, multifunction supercomputer that has become so affordable that it’s available to almost everyone. “It’s taken longer than we would’ve hoped, but there will absolutely be supersonic flight,” says Vik Kachoria, the CEO of Spike Aviation. “We think supersonic will offer a lot of value and will be very useful.” Not everyone shares his certitude. ![American Airlines](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Overture-4.jpg) Boom’s Overture commercial jet touts supersonic’s potential, but faces multiple hurdles. Boom Aerospace “If you go back and look it up, starting from the ‘90s, proponents of supersonic flight say it is always 10 years away,” says Brian Foley, a business aviation industry consultant. “Why 10 years? Probably because it’s a number that’s not too distant, but far enough that when the time comes, no one will remember all the promises you made and failed to deliver on.” One hopeful, Aerion, which counted Boeing and Lockheed Martin as investors, shuttered in 2021 after nearly 20 years of planning for its next-generation AS2 supersonic business jet. If any private company had the potential create a new commercial supersonic reality, it seemed to be Aerion. The backers invested billions and hired top aerospace engineers to work on the minutia of flight beyond Mach 1.0, or 767 mph. Then, out of the blue, the company [shut down](https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/aerion-shuts-down-1234615163/) because it couldn’t secure long-term investors who believed in supersonic’s potential. “They had put together amazing talent,” said [aviation consultant Rollie Vincent](https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/inside-supersonic-jets-how-feasible-1234621875/), who did some work for Aerion, shortly after the closure. “The number of PhDs per square foot was off the charts,” he said. “But they weren’t building things. They were trying to refine design and purify aerodynamics. At some point, everybody, including investors, want to see real parts.” ![Aerion Supersonic AS2](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Aerion-AS2-Umbrella-HR.jpg) Aerion’s AS2 was the poster child of a potentially successful supersonic jet. After 20 years, the company abruptly folded. Aerion Boom, now leading a handful of private supersonic aircraft developers, seemed to realize early that it needed hardware to demonstrate its progress. The company launched its XB-1 demonstrator jet on March 22. Its initial flight topped out at less than 240 knots, but for the first time since the Concorde, a non-military plane built for supersonic speed executed a successful flight. If future test flights progress as projected, the XB-1 could make a run at the sound barrier within a year. And the company’s 150,000-square-foot production facility in Greensboro, N.C., is on schedule to open in late ‘24. Not far behind, [NASA’s X-59 ](https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/nasa-supersonic-quiet-jet-x-59-first-flight-soon-1234867644/)experimental craft should make its first flight later this year. The jet, a product of the [QueSST project](https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/nasa-supersonic-jet-eliminating-sonic-boom-1235606942/), represents the government’s attempt to reduce the sonic boom, a key development for supersonic’s commercial future, since it’s illegal to break the sound barrier over land in the U.S. and most other countries. “The key to lowering the boom is in shaping the airplane and the wing, smoothing them out so the shock waves don’t combine,” says Dave Richwine, deputy project manager for technology on the X-59. “NASA is working at a fundamental level and, hopefully, the industry will bring it all together.” ![Sonic Boom](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Sonic-Boom.jpg) Mitigating sonic booms is the primary focus of supersonic builders. Getty Images There are signs that approach is working. Spike has absorbed much of NASA’s work while modifying and applying the theories to a larger craft, its 12- to 18-seat business jet called the Diplomat, which won’t launch until at least 2026. Like the X-59, it aims to reduce the boom by manipulating and flattening the sonic waves so they’re directed upwards and largely cancel each other out. The goal is a sonic “thump” or a ground-level sound of roughly 75 decibels perceived, akin to a closing car door. Exosonic, which is developing unmanned supersonic drones for military training and a 70-seat passenger jet, expresses a similar goal on sound, and is part of the group rallying to change the current law. Instead of a speed limit, builders want a sound limit, so it doesn’t matter how fast a plane flies, so long as it doesn’t rattle the windows of the houses it passes over. Boom is less preoccupied with noise. Scholl says at some point, a standard will be issued and Boom will meet it. For now, the company plans to address the issue by only going supersonic over the ocean. Over land its planes, says Scholl, will operate 20 percent faster than current commercial jets. ![X59 Supersonic](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/X-59.jpg) NASA’s X-59 experimental aircraft plans to turn sonic booms into much quieter sonic thumps. NASA In theory, Boom’s XB-1 will eventually lead to the Overture[,](https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/boom-overture-supersonic-jet-1234737630/) the 64- to 80-seat commercial aircraft the company plans to build once it dials in the technology. American, Japan Air, and United have all put in non-refundable preorders of Overtures, and Scholl hopes the plane will be flying with passengers by 2030. “We’re very engaged with the FAA and we’ve already received our G1 certification,” Scholl explains. “It’s a long list of boxes we have to check, as it should be, but we’re locked in on the needs and all we have to do is meet them.” All these supersonic projects feature a modified delta wing and a long, tapered nose that gives the craft a more futuristic, streamlined profile than the Concorde. Aesthetically, the designs are attractive, but they also make it impossible for pilots to see, a problem solved by a system of cameras mounted on the exterior. The XB-1 includes an augmented reality overlay with guidance for the pilots. ![Boom CEO Blake Scholl](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Blake-Scholl.jpg) Facing critics and shortfall in development funds, Boom CEO Blake Scholl remains a cheerleader for supersonic’s potential. Boom Aerospace Spike, which has a longer development timeline, eliminated almost all the windows on the body, replacing them with hi-definition flat screens that run the length of the cabin, on which they can project the exterior view—or a movie or “anything you can put on a computer screen,” says Kachoria. The Spike chief executive compares the Diplomat to a Gulfstream, with a customizable interior and the option of plush, oversized seats, and Exosonic too plans a business jet version, with three suites, executive seating, and full-recline chairs. Across the supersonic category, weight limitations will reduce the capacity for the kinds of comforts found in typical first-class service, but other considerations will, presumably, make up for any lack of poshness and interior space. “Instead of getting upgraded to business class, someone might get upgraded to supersonic,” says Kachoria. “You won’t have fancy plates, but you’ll arrive at your destination in half the time.” Foley, who did market research on supersonic jets when he was employed at Dassault Falcon and has worked with Spike, remains skeptical. He forecasts a market of about 300 jets for private owners, or about 30 planes a year for 10 years: “Is that even enough for an engine manufacturer to participate?” ![Spike S-512 Interior](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Spike-Interior.jpg) Spike’s concept of its jet interior. Spike Aerospace Apparently not. When Aerion shut down, GE Aerospace halted three years of development of the Affinity supersonic engine designed to power Aerion’s AS2. GE, along with major engine builders Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce, Honeywell Aerospace and Safran all passed on developing an engine for Boom, according to [AIN.](https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2022-12-13/boom-supersonic-outlines-its-own-engine-design) That left the company with no option but to form an alliance that included Florida Turbine Technologies, GE Additive and StandardAero to invent a propulsion solution, an engine called the Symphony. “Designing an engine is no easy task, especially from scratch, and it’s potentially a multibillion-dollar exercise beyond designing the plane,” Foley told *Robb Report* a year ago. ![Aerospatiale Concorde (N4590)](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/jet1.jpg) Sustainability remains a concern for observers. The Concorde burned four times as much fuel as the 747. Getty Images Despite that, Boom has built the XB-1 and taken it to the sky. “The technology and supply chain exist,” says Scholl. “There’s no fundamental new science—every key technology in this airplane has already flown before.” In early 2021, Subaru, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and several other companies formed Japan Supersonic Research with a goal of having an SST passenger jet by 2030. They partnered with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and have access to JAXA research going back to 1997. Shigeya Watanabe, deputy director, recently told [*Aero Society*](https://www.aerosociety.com/news/exclusive-plane-speaking-japan-aerospace-exploration-agency/) it was working on improving current technologies as well as developing more sustainable propulsion technologies. Sustainability was a non-issue when the Concorde first took off in 1969. It burned four times more fuel than a 747 on a Paris-New York flight. Fifty-five years later, it’s now a core challenge for aviation, especially supersonic aircraft. Environmental scientists Anastasia Kharina and Tim MacDonald wrote in a study for the International Council on Clean Transportation that “commercial SSTs could be three times as fuel intensive per passenger as comparable subsonic aircraft.” ![Spike Aerospace](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Spike-Aerospace.jpg) [Spike Aerospace](https://robbreport.com/tag/spike-aerospace/) is considering hydrogen power to align with sustainability initiatives in commercial aviation. Spike Aerospace Boom and Exosonic hope to solve the green issue by designing their engines to run on 100-percent sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) while Spike is exploring electric and hydrogen. “The technology for design is so much faster now,” says Kachoria in discussing the engineering challenges. “We can make modifications and see the result onscreen in seconds. They built the Concorde with slide rules and drafting paper and did 10 total iterations. We can do 1,000 simulations in a few hours.” Kachoria sees supersonic’s potential upside as 900 or more planes over 20 years going to a mix of high-net-worth individuals, fractional leasing services, and airlines. Scholl is even more bullish. “Our ultimate goal is to have supersonic flights on all routes for all passengers,” he says. “These planes will create their own need. As soon as people see others crossing the Pacific in four hours, they’ll say, ‘Why are we sitting in this metal tube for so long when we don’t have to?’” If Boom and the other supersonic builders succeed, how long will it be before someone is asking a similar question about their jets? Destinus and Hermeus are also aviation start-ups, and they’re developing hypersonic jets that will travel at up to five times the speed of sound. ![Boom Symphony](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Boom-Symphony.jpg) Lack of interest from aircraft engine manufacturers has forced Boom to develop its own engine.Boom Aerospace Pipe dreams or the birth of a new era in flight? The outcome could depend, as Aerion found out, on whether the manufacturers can find the start-up funds, amounting to many billions, for a viable niche in commercial and business aviation. “Never say never,” says analyst Foley. “But these things tend to move at the speed of money, and investors don’t seem to have the risk appetite.” *This article originally appeared in [Robb Report US](https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/commercial-supersonic-jets-take-off-1235602020/).* **Categories:** Aviation **Tags:** boom aerospace, concorde, jets, supersonic --- ### [6 Electric Surfboards That’ll Help You Ride the New E-Foil Wave](https://robbreport.ph/leisure/6-electric-surfboards-thatll-help-you-ride-the-new-e-foil-wave/) **Published:** January 19, 2025 **Author:** J. George Gorant **Content:** Electric surfboards, the fastest-growing segment of yacht toys, make it possible to carve waves in even the flattest conditions. Most foil-less e-boards don’t really look much like a surfboard, but still deliver a fast-running, sharp-turning surfing experience, thanks to compact electric motors and electronic hand controls. The recent explosion of e-foil designs, from oversized models with handlebars for beginners to sleek, low-volume boards for advanced riders, means there’s a board for every enthusiast. Plus, foils deliver advantages. “Hydrofoils need less power and lighter batteries, so they extend run times,” notes David Trewern, founder of Fliteboard, one of the original e-board manufacturers. “It’s hard to beat that feeling of riding above the water.” A dozen competitors are looking to carve up their own slice of the market with feature-rich models for beginners to elite riders alike. Here are six of the big kahunas. ## Fliteboard MN86 ![Fliteboard MN86](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Fliteboard-eFoil.jpg) *Photo : Courtesy of Fliteboard* Stylish, sturdy, and technical, the limited-edition Marc Newson Design series from [Fliteboard](https://robbreport.com/gear/gadgets/fliteboard-ultral-electric-foiling-board-1234799047/) is the ultimate e-foil for riders who want a beautiful stealth look and exceptional foiling. The pictured MN86 has a generous 5’4” x 26” footprint for riders that crave stability, while its sleeker sister boards, the MN60 and MN60 Wave, deliver faster speeds and tighter turns. All incorporate a monobloc design with advanced, high-modulus pre-preg (HMPP) construction that ultimately results in a lightweight, stiff ride. Its titanium conical wings are designed for minimal drag. The series, which will be limited to 999 examples, offer different wing options for varying conditions and an interactive color display on the hand controller that delivers data from every session. This e-foil lifts cool tech to a new level. [*From $19,995*](https://fliteboard.com/) ## Awake Vinga 3 SR ![Awake Vinga 3 SR](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Awake-eFoil.jpg) *Photo : Courtesy of Awake Electric Surfboards* The super-stable Vinga 3 SR, with its high volume and double-concave bottom, offers easy starts, low-speed planing, and forgiveness for mistakes. The 3 SR has a top speed of 31 mph for fast carving, with a riding time of up to two hours for exploration. Its deck is covered with a soft-grip pad for comfort while offering secure footing for the rider. [Awake](https://robbreport.com/gear/electronics/awake-ravik-s-electric-surfboard-more-powerful-1234663546/) designed this as the beginners’ board to build skills for advanced e-foiling. [From *$13,900*](https://awakeboards.us/) ## Audi e-tron efoil Performance ![Audi e-tron efoil Performance](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Audi-eFoil.jpg) *Photo : Courtesy of Aerofoils* Aerofoils’ collaboration with Audi finds the automaker’s e-tron aesthetics integrated into a board that, with its tight turning radius, shares the marque’s penchant for agility. The pictured Performance model is just what it sounds like, offering advanced riders knife-like turning, fun in the surf and a top speed of 34.2 mph. The e-drive is integrated into the fuselage and pushes the wing directly, which Aerofoils says creates more stability and the potential for tighter curves. The e-foil also has up to two hours of battery life. [*From about $17,300*](https://aerofoils.de/) ## Lift4 Sport ![Lift4 Sport](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Lift4-eFoil.jpg) *Photo : Courtesy of Lift Foils* Lift’s new 57-inch-long, all-carbon-fiber Sport has sound-dampening technology and new wings—with multiple wing options for fast cruising or razor-sharp carving—that enhance stability at higher speeds. The add-on Blowfish attachment is an inflatable collar that goes around the edge of the Sport, offering even more stability or the ability to cruise seated, like a small boat. The Lift4 series also includes a 50-inch Pro model for advanced riders. [*From $12,995*](https://liftfoils.com/) ## SiFly E ![SiFly E](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SiFly-eFoil.jpg) *Photo : Courtesy of SiFly* The E is the largest board in SiFly’s range, designed for beginners and heavier riders. But the design team didn’t skimp on style or a safe-but-thrilling ride. Its 6’3” length delivers stability, while its 28-mph top end is fast, but not scary fast. Battery life is two hours, while charging time is 2.5 hours. The E has two mast lengths and three wings that dial in stability and speed for specific owners in different conditions. [*From about $7,800*](https://sifly.global/) ## LIND Canvas ![LIND foiler](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Lind-Foil.jpg) *Photo : Courtesy of LIND* Swedish newcomer LIND has reimagined the electric surfboard, sans foils, in a classic California style. Available in a shortboard or mid-length for different abilities, the Canvas is beautiful and lightweight, featuring modular construction that doesn’t require tools. It’s about as close to surfing as you can get without waves. The board weighs just 15 lbs., and the battery and jet can be carried separately in a custom backpack. The Canvas also features a compact, powerful and lightweight powertrain that delivers a top end of 37.2 mph. The craftsmanship on this board is exceptional. [*From $24,950*](https://lind.surf/) **Categories:** Leisure, Sports, The Premiere Issue **Tags:** e-foil, electronic surfboards, fliteboard, The premiere issue, watersports --- ### [Secret Villas, the Ultimate Destinations for Connected Travelers](https://robbreport.ph/travel/secret-villas-the-ultimate-destinations-for-connected-travelers/) **Published:** January 19, 2025 **Author:** Mark Ellwood **Content:** The Four Seasons resort on the East Cape of Baja California recently launched a trio of six-bedroom properties that range in size from 7,652 to 10,000 square feet and, based on the season, can cost up to $50,000 per night. But most people will never know they exist. There’s zero mention of them (or their private pools or on-call taco chefs) on [the hotel’s website](https://www.fourseasons.com/loscabos/). Ditto booking apps. The only way to reserve them is to contact sales director Niamh Hartel directly by phone or email. If the stars align—and you’re deemed the right kind of guest—she’ll send you a hidden URL where you can fill out a detailed stay request. ![Bedroom suite in the Sea of Cortez Villa](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/FS-LosCabos1.jpg) A bedroom suite in the Sea of Cortez Villa. Courtesy of Four Seasons And these aren’t the only rooms you probably didn’t know you didn’t know about. Increasingly, hoteliers are keeping mum about splashy new accommodations, reserving them for the ultra-connected who will hear about them by word of mouth. [Fischer Travel](https://www.fischertravel.com/)’s Stacy Fischer-Rosenthal points to a pair of such properties at the French Riviera’s [Lily of the Valley](https://www.lilyofthevalley.com/) hotel. “They have two owners’ villas that are not publicized or visible anywhere online,” she says. “They have a very limited period of time when they’re open for guest bookings, and the owners want to keep them very discreet.” ![The kitchen in the Pearl Villa](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/FS-LosCabos3.jpg) The kitchen in the Pearl Villa. Christian Horan/Courtesy of Four Seasons But the rise of secret rooms is actually as much about circumstance as about strategy. Modern hotel construction accounts both for rooms to rent and real estate to buy—and there has been an unexpected glut of the latter. “There were some buildings that couldn’t get sold during Covid, so developers thought ‘What do we do with them?’ ” says Bjorn Hanson, a longtime industry consultant and adjunct professor at NYU’s hospitality school. Framing them as the ultimate insider retreats is a smart move, but one that requires a fine balance. “The challenge will be to keep them secret enough, but not so secret that the model doesn’t work,” he says. “The other concern is the people who’ll boast about staying there—if they do a YouTube video about it, then all of a sudden the model is a problem.” Which means, better to keep the following list to yourself, just to be on the safe side. ## Hidden Hideaways If the only place you’ll consider sleeping is somewhere that an Ordinary Joe doesn’t even know exists, we’ve got a few more suggestions for you. Perhaps you’d like to hide in plain sight the heart of New York’s Meatpacking District amid the mêlée or invite yourself over to stay with—well, at the house of—the owner of Puglia’s smartest hotel? Here are four more places for a secret stay around the world. ## Casa Padronale | Borgo Egnazia, Puglia ![Borgo Egnazia suite](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Borgo-Egnazia.jpg) *Courtesy of Borgo Egnazia* You can rent owner Aldo Melpignano’s 5,382-square-foot personal villa at this countryside escape—if he likes you enough, that is. *[From about $16,700 per night](https://www.borgoegnazia.com/)* ## Private Resort | Puente Romano, Marbella ![Puente Romano](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Puente-Romano.jpg) *Courtesy of Puente Romano* The oceanfront resort’s seven-bedroom villa boasts an Andalusian-style walled garden and a poolside bar. The duplex penthouse suite has its own cinema. *[From $30,000 per night](https://www.puenteromano.com/)* ## The Residence | RH Guesthouse, New York City ![RH Guesthouse](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/RH-Guesthouse.jpg) *Courtesy of RH Guesthouse New York* Chairman and CEO Gary Friedman occasionally allows guests in the full-floor penthouse above his boutique hotel. Don’t [travel](https://robbreport.com/tag/travel/) with a private chef? RH will arrange one for you. *[From $15,000 per night](https://rhguesthouse.com/)* ## Nobu Riad | Nobu Hotel Marrakech, Marrakech ![Nobu Hotel Marrakech](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Nobu-Marrakech.jpg) *Courtesy of Nobu Hotel Marrakech* This six-bedroom riad with a rooftop pool sits in the heart of the medina. It has its own spa, where a therapist will conduct treatments in situ. *[From about $5,580 per night](https://marrakech.nobuhotels.com/)* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report Philippines’ Premiere Issue.* **Categories:** Travel **Tags:** casa padronale, four seasons, getaways, marbella, nobu, puente romano, puglia, the residence --- ### [This New 30-Foot Foiling Yacht Will Have the Longest Range of Any Recreational Vessel](https://robbreport.ph/boats/this-new-30-foot-foiling-yacht-will-have-the-longest-range-of-any-recreational-vessel/) **Published:** November 13, 2025 **Author:** Michael Verdon **Content:** Navier has announced that it had modified its electric foiling platform to run with a hybrid diesel-electric engine. The 30-foot Quanta-R will have a 700-mile-plus range, according to the company, in seas up to 4.1 feet. The foiling [boat](https://robbreport.ph/boats/ "Boats") will be built on Navier’s Pioneer hull, which *Robb Report* has tested over the last three years in multiple forms, including the first production model last week at FLIBS. “Most 30-foot gas boats top out around 400 nautical miles,” Sampriti Bhattacharyya, CEO of Navier, told *Robb Report*. “The Quanta-R goes 700 nautical miles at a cruise speed of 20 knots. It’s super stable, has the range so you can do things like offshore fishing or long-distance cruising. It fundamentally changes what everyday boaters can do.” The Navier founder said it would appeal to boaters who want a sustainable alternative to a fully electric boat. Navier has designed its foiling boats with the same triple foils and electric powerplants, but the Quanta-R involved a redesign of the weight-sensitive hull for balance and stability. The company also redesigned its foils so the boat can run above six-foot seas. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Navier-Kairo.webp) The Kairo design, with its rear open cabin, is the second configuration from the electric builder. *Photo: Navier* The builder, based in Alameda, Calif., has been busy designing other iterations including the Kairo, a limited-edition Pioneer Edition that combines a closed forward section of the cabin with a more stylish, sporty rear-facing area. It will be delivered to the first owner in March. Last summer, Navier unveiled an Oscar de la Renta interior in the Hamptons aboard a white-hulled Pioneer. It had interior decor from the designer as well as other luxe brands. Navier is also introducing an Open Version as an alternative to the cabin version for areas like South Florida. At FLIBS, Navier unveiled a more option-heavy Pioneer 2 edition, with advanced software, Starlink, the ability to control the boat from cell-phone app, a sunbed, joystick control and cameras, and designer interiors. It will retail for $875,000. The Navier team took me out for a spin away from the show on its first production boat, owned by Rich Ross. Compared to the prototypes I’d tested two years ago in San Francisco, the cabin was beautifully finished, with the rear electric motors looking like stylized outboards rather than the clunky prototype boxes I saw two years ago. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Navier-ElectricBoat-Foiler.webp) Navier will launch an open version for sunny areas like South Florida where center consoles are common. *Photo: Navier* Ross, who has owned everything from [superyachts](https://robbreport.ph/tag/superyacht/ "Superyacht") to multiple small boats, has become Navier’s lead brand ambassador—and contributed multiple ideas to make the first N30 more boater-friendly with specific details such as cupholders, a lavatory and ergonomic screen. He likens the experience to several [Teslas](https://robbreport.ph/cars/tesla-model-y-2025/ "Autopilot, Aircon, and Asphalt: The Tesla Model Y 2025") he’s owned. Up on [foils](https://robbreport.ph/leisure/6-electric-surfboards-thatll-help-you-ride-the-new-e-foil-wave/ "6 Electric Surfboards That’ll Help You Ride the New E-Foil Wave"), riding six feet above the water, the Navier prompts other boaters to point and wave as we glide by, moving up to the top speed of 30 knots. Ross, who uses his Navier to cruise around his home on Hilton Head, South Carolina, is used to the response. “I’ve enjoyed all my vessels,” said Ross, as he pulled away from the dock. “But this is absolutely the most fun I’ve had on a boat.” *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Boats **Tags:** Kairo, Navier, Quanta-R, Yachts --- ### [Francis Kurkdjian’s New Fragrance Exhibition Has Drinkable Perfume and Sculptures You Can Sniff](https://robbreport.ph/style/grooming/fragrances/francis-kurkdjians-new-fragrance-exhibition-has-drinkable-perfume-and-sculptures-you-can-sniff/) **Published:** November 13, 2025 **Author:** Justin Fenner **Content:** Tell someone you’re going to a [fragrance](https://robbreport.ph/tag/fragrance/ "Fragrance") exhibition, and they might think you’re in for an afternoon of aimlessly sniffing vials of colognes, oils, and essences in an empty gallery. But [Francis Kurkdjian](https://robbreport.ph/profiles/how-perfumer-francis-kurkdjian-learned-to-bottle-the-zeitgeist/ "How Perfumer Francis Kurkdjian Learned to Bottle the Zeitgeist"), the vaunted perfumer behind fragrances for Dior, Jean-Paul Gaultier, and his own niche olfactory maison, doesn’t do anything by half measures. His new show, [“Perfume: Sculpture of the Invisible,”](https://www.franciskurkdjian.com/us-en/exhibition-perfume-sculpture-of-the-invisible/PDAC27.html) explores how Kurkdjian has connected his unique creations to music, theatre, visual arts, and even the culinary realm over the course of his 30 years in the fragrance business. It’s also characteristically Kurkdjian, who’s not one to seek the spotlight. The idea originally came from his business partner, Marc Chaya, CEO of Maison Francis Kurkdjian, who wanted to celebrate the perfumer’s career milestone. Kurkdjian, in his way, ended up with an exhibition that puts his creative collaborators at the forefront. “I said, ‘OK, if we do an exhibition, we have to do it properly,’” Kurkdjian tells *Robb Report*. “It’s not about me showing my work. It’s about asking someone who knows my work to do it in a very museological way.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Francis-Kurkdjian-Show-VR.webp) Left: an image from “Expanded Drops,” a series of photographs by Christelle Boulé. Right: a visitor experiences “V-Scent,” for which Kurkdjian developed a special VR headset. *Photo: Maison Francis Kurkdjian* To that end, curator Jérôme Neutres assembled an array of high-concept projects and Kurkdjian has worked on over the last three decades, installing them in Paris’s Palais de Tokyo. These include “The Smell of Money,” a fragrance created for the conceptual artist Sophie Calle in 1999, which takes its inspiration from the scent of a well-worn U.S. one-dollar bill. There are also images from the “Expanded Drops” series, for which photographer Christelle Boulé applied sprinklings of Maison Francis Kurkdjian scents onto silver paper. Once dried, she bathed them in photo development fluids, resulting in brightly colored images full of movement. There’s even a drinkable scented water, L’Or Bleu, created with artist Yann Thomas, that you can sip. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Francis-Kurkdjian-Collaborators.webp) Kurkdjian with his collaborators on “The Alchemy of the Senses.” *Photo: Maison Francis Kurkdjian* Some elements of the exhibition can even give you the sensation of time travel. One of the objects on display is a pair of scented leather gloves from the 18th century. There’s also “In the Wake of the Queen,” a fragrance Kurkdjian created in 2006, based on the formula of a scent Marie-Antoinette once wore. “Versailles has been, for me, a playground of creativity, freedom, history,” Kurkdjian says. He attended ISIPCA, the fragrance school in the French city, and also sponsors the palace’s Perfumer’s Garden. “I’ve known every president of Versailles for the past 30 years.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Francis-Kurkdjian-One-Thousand-Meters.webp) “One Thousand Meters,” a series of hand-painted ceramics shaped like Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s products. *Photo: Maison Francis Kurkdjian* But it isn’t just an overview of the past, or a glance back at Kurkdjian’s heroic side quests. There are new installations, too, including V-Scent, a virtual reality experience. To experience it, visitors to the free exhibition don a VR headset outfitted with a scent dispenser that sits over the nose. “It’s a world reveal of this very important device. It connects virtual reality and smell,” he says. “And to me, this is very important also to showcase and to push the smell forward into the future.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Francis-Kurkdjian-LAlchimie-des-Sens-Cyril-Teste-Anne-sophie-Pic-Elias-Crespin-David-Chalmin-Katia-et-Marielle-Labeque-2025-3x2-Elephant-copy.webp) “The Alchemy of the Senses,” an immersive installation that engages all of the senses, is an homage to Baccarat Rouge 540. *Photo: Maison Francis Kurkdjian* The final installation, “The Alchemy of the Senses,” is designed to commemorate what is perhaps Kurkdjian’s most famous fragrance: Baccarat Rouge 540. In it, a limited-edition crystal sculpture made by Baccarat is surrounded by a light show designed to evoke the forges that make the crisallier’s famed glasses and chandeliers. Michelin-starred chef Anne-Sophie Pic created a chocolate for visitors to eat during the experience. Uniting these senses is a perfect metaphor for how Kurkdjian wants visitors to look at their surroundings. “When people leave the exhibition, I want them to see the world with their nose, not just with their eyes,” he says. And if you can catch the show before it closes on Nov. 23, you just might. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Fragrances, Style **Tags:** dior, Fragrance, francis kurkdjian --- ### [This $17.6 Million Patek Philippe Just Became the Most Expensive Wristwatch Ever Sold at Auction](https://robbreport.ph/watches/this-17-6-million-patek-philippe-just-became-the-most-expensive-wristwatch-ever-sold-at-auction/) **Published:** November 12, 2025 **Author:** Paige Reddinger **Content:** Bidders in the room at [Phillips](https://robbreport.ph/tag/phillips/ "Phillips")‘ “Watches: Decade One” auction in Geneva today watched with high anticipation as auctioneer Aurel Bacs approached Lot 23—a [Patek Philippe](https://robbreport.ph/tag/patek-philippe/ "Patek Philippe") ref. 1518, one of just four known examples in stainless steel. The house had billed it as the “key lot of the year.” The tension was so palpable that one bidder wouldn’t even let Bacs finish his introduction of the timepiece from the podium. The charismatic auctioneer was clearly pleased, teasing the eager bidder. “What? 8 million? Okay, don’t let me finish,” said Bacs. “From a savvy Chinese collector seated on the aisle, I have 8 million to start. Fair enough, 8 million. I was going to say something so interesting, but you miss it.” Ultimately, the watch missed its mark. It sold for CHF 14.19 million (approximately $17.6 million), making history as the highest price ever achieved for any Patek Philippe wristwatch at for profit auction (which excludes the Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300A-010, which sold for a charity for $31.19 million in 2021). It surpassed the previous record set at Phillips in 2016 for the same reference in steel, which sold for over CHF 11 million ($11.4 million). There had been some speculation ahead of the sale that the watch had been doctored. Just a day before the auction, internet sleuth Perezcope, published an[ instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/perezcope/)post suggesting the hard enamel had been recessed, while pointing out discrepancies in the numerals and so on. Nevertheless, the market has spoken showing that collectors had faith in Phillips and its steel reference 1518. After all, it wouldn’t be a Phillips watch sale without a little hype, a little drama, an antagonist, and a room full of heavyweight disposable income. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US*. **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** Auctions, Patek Philippe, Phillips, Watches --- ### [A New Generation of Indian Jewelers Is Blending Modern Designs With Traditional Craftsmanship](https://robbreport.ph/style/jewelry/a-new-generation-of-indian-jewelers-is-blending-modern-designs-with-traditional-craftsmanship/) **Published:** November 12, 2025 **Author:** Victoria Gomelsky **Content:** It’s an August evening in Mumbai, and Rahul and Roshni Jhaveri, the husband-and-wife cofounders of contemporary fine [jewelry](https://robbreport.ph/style/jewelry/ "Jewelry") brand [Studio Renn](https://studiorenn.com/), are at home in the city’s upscale Malabar Hill neighborhood. They’re on a video call with a reporter when the conversation turns to their two-year-old [Godna collection](https://studiorenn.com/product-category/collections/prime-al/godna/). Named after an Indigenous term for tattoo, the minimalist diamond and 18-karat-gold jewels take inspiration from the rich tradition of tattoo art practiced by the Baiga tribe in central India’s Madhya Pradesh state. “It’s a rite of passage for the women, and they start getting tattooed at a very young age,” Rahul says. “By the time they’re married, they’re completely tattooed. They don’t have too many material things like jewelry to adorn themselves. So they’ve adorned themselves with tattoos.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/RR_20251107_Modern_Mughals_M2W_Studio_Renn.webp) *Photo: Courtesy of Studio Renn* Rahul pauses and gestures toward his legs, just off-screen. “I actually ended up getting a hand-poked tattoo myself, a fairly large one,” he says. “Over the past two years, I’ve realized that it’s become an important part of my identity.” With that, Rahul stands up. He’s wearing shorts, making the tattoo impossible to overlook. Integrated patterns of black ink decorate the lower portion of his left leg entirely, from below his left knee, down to his ankle. “These are crop lines,” he notes, pointing to three parallel lines above his ankle. The chevrons above them suggest fish bones, he explains, while a circle with a dot in its center, just below his knee, represents a diya (a small traditional Indian oil lamp) emanating light. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/StudioRenn_Godna_Ear_Climbers.webp) Studio Renn’s Godna collection is inspired by Indigenous tattoos. Here, ear climbers with Colombian-emerald drops totaling 33 carats and pavé diamonds set in 18-karat gray gold. *Photo: Courtesy of Studio Renn* The simplicity of the marks is echoed in the Godna collection, whose designs feature articulated ribs of high-polish 18-karat yellow gold lined with pavé diamonds and holding larger diamonds. While the line lacks the maximalist silhouettes and vibrant gemstone mixes that people have typically associated with Indian jewelry, Marion Fasel—a jewelry historian, author, and founder of the online jewelry publication *[The Adventurine](https://marionfasel.substack.com/)*—asserts that it’s a powerful expression of where contemporary-Indian-jewelry design is headed. “We can all understand the Mughal aesthetic,” she tells *Robb Report*. “But there’s so much more to the Indian vocabulary, and many designers have moved on.” Look, for example, to [Viren Bhagat](https://www.instagram.com/virenbhagat_fp/?hl=en), a Mumbai-born jeweler who has built a global coterie of private clients with designs that combine references to Mughal architecture and the understated lines of Art Deco. Committed to using only the most coveted gems, he makes fewer than 60 pieces a year. Further burnishing his reputation are his results at auction. In January, he opened a by-appointment-only salon in London’s Mayfair neighborhood, his first outside India. Speak to many ambitious and sophisticated jewelers of Indian heritage and you’ll hear a common refrain: Bhagat’s success story is one they’d be very happy to emulate. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/StudioRenn_Ring_Bracelet.webp) From left: Studio Renn Godna ring with fancy-yellow old-mine cushion-cut diamonds totaling 2.66 carats and pavé white diamonds set in 18-karat yellow and blackened gold; Studio Renn Cacti Karela bracelet with pearls and brilliant-cut diamonds set in 18-karat blackened gold. *Photo: Courtesy of Studio Renn* Bhagat and the cohort of talented Indian designers he leads—from Delhi-based Hanut Singh, who juxtaposes colorful hard stones with pearls, enamel, and coral in talismanic designs that exude a Mughal-meets-modernity aesthetic, to Sabyasachi Mukherjee, an enormously successful fashion and accessories designer from Kolkata whose opulent jewels have found pride of place at Bergdorf Goodman—form a 21st-century jewelry diaspora, each interpreting traditional craftsmanship through the prism of their own experiences, both in India and abroad. Contrasting age-old techniques and silhouettes (think flat-cut diamonds in paisley forms) with minimalist, sculptural, or avant-garde sensibilities, their work speaks to a growing clientele that values both cultural lineage and wearability. The result: jewelry that is rooted in tradition, yet resonant with present-day collectors around the world. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/RR_20251107_Modern_Mughals_M2W_Moksh.webp) *Photo: Courtesy of Moksh* Milan Chokshi’s trajectory is emblematic of how this band of designers has evolved. In the 1990s, Chokshi, founder of the Mumbai-based fine-jewelry brand [Moksh](https://mokshjewellery.com/?srsltid=AfmBOop_UxOrCuFBPLCCL__1bAZ9QQTORvr53JwtLAVTJT9WphUG1g6a), spent time in Carlsbad, Calif., studying at the Gemological Institute of America. He then worked for his family’s jewelry company—which had a distribution network from Belgium to Bangkok—producing inexpensive items for American retailers such as JCPenney and Sam’s Club as well as diamond-set pieces for the Indian domestic market. In 2004, he came to a realization that prompted him to open his own by-appointment salon on Mumbai’s Hughes Road, where he began offering high-end designs that reflected his Indian heritage as well as his global perspective. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Moksh_Earrings.webp) Left to right: Moksh earrings with rubies and diamonds set in 18-karat white gold; Moksh earrings with diamonds channel-set in 18-karat white gold. *Photo: Courtesy of Moksh* “I grew up in the ’90s, so I was exposed to a changing environment globally, and I thought there were enough people like me who wanted a different retail experience and a different kind of product when they went out shopping for luxury, especially jewelry, in India,” Chokshi says on a recent video call from his home in Mumbai. “And that was the start.” At the time, Indian consumers’ tastes in jewelry were more rooted in the West, he explains. “When I started this business, the tendency was for a woman to come in with a magazine showing an international brand and say, ‘I want to make this,’ ” he recalls. “And that stemmed from an inherent subservient mindset to a colonial past where they were brought up thinking that everything that is international is of better quality.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Moksh_Ruby_StickPin.webp) Moksh stick pin with a ruby, emeralds, tsavorites, diamonds, and hand-woven keshi pearls set in 18-karat yellow gold. *Photo: Courtesy of Moksh* “Nobody comes to us for that anymore,” he adds, with a note of satisfaction in his voice. Rather, what Moksh’s clients seek today are intricate designs redolent of Indian history, such as a handwoven bracelet made up of hundreds of tiny keshi pearls, hand-drilled and stitched together by a dedicated artisan and finished with a floral motif incorporating baguette diamonds, a brand signature. “This level of craftsmanship—nobody else does this,” Chokshi says. “When it’s combined with the baguettes and the complex engineering, that’s what sets our pieces apart.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/RR_20251107_Modern_Mughals_M2W_Tallinn.webp) *Photo: Courtesy of Tallin* Akshat Ghiya, the founder of [Tallin](https://www.tallinjewels.com/), a fine-jewelry brand in the famed Pink City of Jaipur, is equally enamored of Indian workmanship, though he came by his love for it somewhat circuitously. Ghiya grew up in Padua, Italy, where his father, a gem dealer from Jaipur, based the business. Following boarding school in Switzerland, he earned his bachelor’s degree in economics and international relations at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill. Eight years ago, after exploring different career opportunities, he moved to Jaipur and committed to making the Gem City his permanent home. “Today, the jewelry that I make is influenced primarily by my upbringing,” Ghiya says, noting the disparate viewpoints of the Italian and Indian cultures. “Sometimes we make jewelry that \[we think\] is maximalist and colorful and makes a statement, and when we show it in India, most Indians say, ‘Hey, why is your jewelry so small?’ I’m strongly influenced by the delicateness and sensibilities of Italian jewelry, so it’s merging the two \[aesthetics\].” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Tallin_Amethyst_Earrings.webp) Tallin earrings with a total of 14.91 carats of amethysts, 7.9 carats of turquoise, and diamonds set in 18-karat yellow gold. *Photo: Courtesy of Tallin* Ghiya divides the collection into Gentle Forms, referring to a range of floral jewels featuring petals of polki (uncut) diamonds and other irregularly shaped colored stones, and Sharp Forms, which incorporate carved emeralds, black onyx, turquoise, and pink tourmalines in geometric, Art Deco–inspired silhouettes. Despite their opposing vibes, the lines are united by a profound respect for the kind of techniques found only in India. “A lot of our influences have this Indian soul while being global citizens,” Ghiya says. “We’re committed to making jewelry purely by hand. We don’t use CAD design. We don’t 3-D print. We are working in a space that is dying or dead around the world—you know, goldsmithing purely by hand, you can still do it here.” Goldsmithing, in fact, is Tallin’s biggest department. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Tallin_Earrings.webp) From left: Tallin earrings with a total of 7.90 carats of tanzanite, 24.24 carats of purple sapphires, and 2.2 carats of diamonds set in 18-karat gold; Tallin earrings with amethysts totaling 27.79 carats, emeralds, onyx, and diamonds set in 18-karat yellow gold. *Photo: Courtesy of Tallin* The brand’s very name, derived from a Sanskrit word, encapsulates Ghiya’s internationalism. “To become tallin is to become obsessed or enamored to the point that it drives you crazy,” he explains. “I was looking for a word with ancient meaning that came from this land but also had a global intonation. It is a word that doesn’t immediately say one culture or another.” And yet, being in such close proximity to Jaipur’s skilled lapidaries, who have perfected the art of stonecutting over generations, enables Tallin to custom-cut stones and experiment with different shapes and carving styles. “The other touch of India that our jewelry has is that almost every piece has some diamond in it,” Ghiya says. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/RR_20251107_Modern_Mughals_M2W_Santi.webp) *Photo: Courtesy of Santi* A love of stones—especially ancient diamonds and gems—is how Krishna Choudhary, a 10th-generation jeweler originally from Jaipur, unites his passions for antiquities and jewelry. Choudhary, a collector of contemporary art as well as Indian artifacts, considered a career in hospitality before he was seduced by the gems his family has traded for centuries. “Once I louped a stone, I could never go back,” he says. Each specimen’s unique characteristics reminded him of the patterns and patinas that distinguish the objects at the family’s haveli, or nobleman’s mansion, in the Pink City. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Santi_Diamond_Earrings.webp) Santi earrings with cushion-cut diamonds totaling six carats set in dark titanium and 18-karat yellow gold. *Photo: Courtesy of Santi* In 2019, two years after moving to London, Choudhary founded [Santi](https://santijewels.com/), a high-jewelry atelier that he named for his father, the steward of the Jaipur-based family business, [Royal Gems & Art](https://www.royalgemsandarts.com/). Choudhary’s vision for Santi was both a departure from and an homage to the tradition from which he emerged. At a recent showing in Los Angeles, he holds up an 18th-century navratna bangle from his private collection as a kind of explanation. (The Sanskrit term means “nine gems” and refers to a traditional Indian jewel featuring a mélange of stones—ruby, pearl, coral, garnet, emerald, yellow sapphire, blue sapphire, diamond, and cat’s eye—each relating to a different celestial body.) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Santi_Garnet_Brooch.webp) Santi brooch with a 17-carat cushion-cut yellow garnet set in 18-karat brushed yellow gold. *Photo: Courtesy of Santi* “We can’t do any better than this,” Choudhary says. He’s talking about the meenakari enamel work on the bangle. “It’s the best of the best. We can’t give any more to this technique. It’s been on a downfall since the 17th century. All cartouche earrings featuring cushion-cut brown diamonds set in a slightly bronzed shade of yellow gold interspersed with wavy lines of negative space. “I’m proud of being Indian,” Choudhary says. “I’m proud of where I come from. But I’m not just an Indian designer. I grew up in an international community. I collect contemporary art. It’s a beautiful dialogue.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/RR_20251107_Modern_Mughals_M2W_Arunashi.webp) *Photo: Courtesy of Arunashi* When Arun Bohra founded [Arunashi](https://www.arunashi.com/) in L.A. in 2004, he, too, was keen to stand apart from the family jewelry business he’d left behind in Jaipur. In the early 1990s, he studied in Japan, where he opened a gemstone-trading company after graduation. He was drawn to the kinds of exotic materials favored by the Japanese—among them, rare stones such as color-changing alexandrites and blue-green Paraíba tourmalines—as opposed to, say, emeralds, a staple of the Indian-jewelry repertoire. “I was starting to make things in Europe more than in India, and I was of the mindset that I didn’t want to just get grouped as an Indian jeweler,” he tells *Robb Report* during a recent visit to his Beverly Hills salon, high above Wilshire Boulevard. “There was a lot of jewelry coming out of India that was very shoddily made. And for me, having spent years in Japan, I knew that my attention to detail was very different.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Arunashi_Diamond_Necklace.webp) Arunashi necklace with hexagonal and round diamonds set in carbon fiber. *Photo: Courtesy of Arunashi* Determined to create a brand with a sophisticated identity, with production divided between Jaipur and Europe, Bohra gradually developed a reputation for incorporating avant-garde materials, including titanium, aluminum, and carbon fiber, into his gem-centric pieces, many of which feature spectacular, deeply saturated stones. Today, pieces by Arunashi—such as a statement cuff made of carbon fiber framed by pavé diamonds and centered on a lozenge-shape green beryl totaling more than 34 carats—are stocked at upscale stores including [Marissa Collections](https://marissacollections.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooe-fchXS8OdY0L9FZJdkGDHSW03cw0DUn9g5N_JcvGzpp0IXN2). There they keep company with designs by a bevy of jewelers of Indian heritage—[Saboo](https://saboofj.com/home.html) from Hong Kong, [Sutra](https://www.instagram.com/sutrajewels/?hl=en) from Houston, and [Neha Dani](https://nehadani.com/) from New Delhi—that have also seduced the store’s American customers. “Our clients connect with the cultural influence and storytelling, as well as the craftsmanship, fine detail, exceptional gemstones, and innovative use of materials,” says Jennifer McCurry, Marissa Collections’ buyer and lead fine-jewelry curator. “While some very traditional pieces remain culturally specific, Indian jewelry is now appreciated globally for its craftsmanship, design innovation, and artistry—on the same stage as French, Italian, and American ateliers.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Arunashi_Earrings_Cuff.webp) Left to right: Arunashi earrings with 54.13 carats of Brazilian Paraíba tourmalines, diamonds, and demantoid garnets set in titanium; Arunashi cuff with a 192.07-carat Mozambican Paraíba tourmaline and diamonds set in carbon fiber and 18-karat white gold. *Photo: Courtesy of Arunashi* The growing acceptance of Indian design is one reason Bohra no longer resists the Made in India label. “As we’ve matured as a brand and as I’ve seen the work improve, not just in what we do in our workshop in India, but also in other quarters that are coming from India, where you’ve got the likes of Bhagat and Santi, I’ve come full circle,” he says. “I couldn’t care less now.” *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Jewelry, Style **Tags:** Godna Collection, high jewelry, Rahul and Roshni Jhaveri, Santi, Studio Renn, Tallin --- ### [This Record-Breaking Electric Aircraft Just Got a Massive Edge in the eVTOL Certification Race](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/this-record-breaking-electric-aircraft-just-got-a-massive-edge-in-the-evtol-certification-race/) **Published:** November 11, 2025 **Author:** Michael Verdon **Content:** The race for electric aircraft supremacy is moving full-speed ahead, and a dark horse could emerge as one of the frontrunners. Electric aircraft manufacturer Beta Technologies was listed yesterday on the New York Stock Exchange, joining Joby, Archer, Vertical Aerospace, EHang, Eve and Surf Air Mobility as publicly traded [eVTOL](https://robbreport.ph/tag/evtol/ "eVTOL") makers. The company raised nearly $1 billion in its initial public offering through the sale of 29.85 million shares and a market valuation of about $7.44 billion. It plans to use the proceeds to speed up the manufacturing and certification of its two electric aircraft. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/BETA_CX300_GreenMountains.webp) Beta’s CX300 is a conventional, fixed-wing electric aircraft that has several advantages over eVTOLs. *Photo: BETA Technologies* Beta is making two aircraft in its Alia series. The first, the CX300, is a conventional, fixed-wing takeoff and landing (CTOL), and the second, the Alia 250, an electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicle (eVTOL). The company was founded in 2017 by engineer, pilot, and former NHL hockey star Kyle Clark. It is headquartered in Burlington, Vermont, where it has a manufacturing facility. The CX300 has a 50-foot wingspan, with space for a pilot and five passengers, a maximum speed of 176 mph, a 336-nautical mile range. It’s powered by a single H500A electric motor pushing a five-bladed pusher propeller. The aircraft completed the first coast-to-coast flight by an all-electric aircraft in March, and in June, it was the first passenger-carrying electric flight into JFK. During a three-month deployment with the U.S. Air Force, it had a 98 percent dispatch reliability. The aircraft recently won the Pulitzer Electric Aircraft Race in Springfield, Ohio. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/BETA_CX300_Top.webp) Beta plans to move the CX300 through certification in 2026 or early 2027. *Photo: BETA Technologies* Unlike the other eVTOL makers, which went public in 2021 and 2023 by merging with a special purpose acquisition company, Beta waited until it had a “solid foundation,” according to Clark. “It was on brand for us to wait for the IPO until we are ready because these can create a lot of churn and noise,” Clark told [Ainonline.com](https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/aerospace/2025-11-04/beta-ipo-seeks-backing-growing-electric-aircraft-family). “If you are chasing what people \[i.e. investors\] want to hear rather than what is needed you can get off kilter quickly and lose your footing.” The company decided to establish manufacturing facilities for serial production of its airframes, propulsion units, and flight controls. It has developed its own battery technology. Earlier this year, General Dynamics and GE made strategic investments in the company. Like its competitors, Beta is on a similar timeline toward type certification. It projects FAA certification for the CX300 by late 2026 or early 2027, with the Alia 250 expected to achieve certification a year later. But the CX300 differs from its competitors since it’s more like a conventional aircraft than the helicopter-like eVTOL. The CX300’s range could give it an edge in regional passenger transport, along with other applications such as medical logistics, cargo deliveries, and military roles. Its electric power delivers a quieter, emissions-free flight with minimal costs than conventional aircraft. BETA plans to develop larger aircraft with the ability to carry between 19 and 150 passengers, according to Clark. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Lead-archer-Screen-Shot-2022-11-17-at-53849-AMjpg.webp) Archer says it is progressing with its FAA certification plans, though several news reports in October suggested it won’t be certified in the UAE in late 2025, as previously announced. On Monday, its share price dropped nearly 7 percent on the news. Joby also saw its shares decline by 9 percent with similar reports that its certification will also be delayed in the UAE. But most analysts consider those speed bumps given their respective market valuations ($6.2 billion for Archer and $13.08 billion for Joby as of November 4) and head starts in manufacturing, infrastructure development, strategic acquisitions, and connections with automotive companies that provide technical assistance and investments. Archer also recently announced a 100-aircraft order from Korean Airlines for its Midnight eVTOL. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/2JobyLeadjpg.webp) Eve, meanwhile ,reported that it is in the final stages of testing its engineering prototype before flight testing begins. It expects the prototype to get airborne by “the end of this year or early next year,” said CEO Johann Bordais in the brand’s November 4 earnings call. Eve, a spinoff of [Embraer](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/luxury-in-flight-private-jets-styled-to-reflect-personal-style/ "Luxury in Flight: Private Jets Styled to Reflect Personal Style"), which remains its major shareholder, said it has reached an agreement to test its aircraft in Bahrain. “The agreement also calls for Eve to possibly conduct test flights in the region in 2027,” said Bordais. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Aviation **Tags:** aviation, Beta Technologies, CX300, eVTOL --- ### [This Exhibit Shows You What Having the Nerve to Create Art Looks Like](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-collectibles/this-exhibit-shows-you-what-having-the-nerve-to-create-art-looks-like/) **Published:** November 11, 2025 **Author:** Jodie Jose **Content:** What makes a piece of art “audacious”? In *Audacity,* an exhibit on view at the RCBC Plaza in Makati, it rests in the artist’s capacity to attune himself to his material; envisioning and stretching it so that it breaks previous concepts of art and rebuilds them, without losing its relevance to the context it is situated in. Sounds like a tall order for an artist, but one must not neglect the hand of a curator in the staging of a show. Chloe Magpayo, curator of the said exhibit, rose to that challenge. That this show is located in the bare, cracked, and gray void inside the RCBC Plaza in the middle of the urban cacophony of Makati shows Magpayo’s deft hand in making viewers feel transported so that their encounters with the works and mediums become unfamiliar, even to regular gallery hoppers, collectors, and art enthusiasts. One sees office workers in wrinkled uniforms with laptop bags in hand, students dolled up and posing for pictures with the works, and, not surprisingly, artists. Their expressions fluctuated between being charmed and weirded out depending on what was before them, but either way unguardedly captivated. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Judy-Freya-Sibayan.webp) Judy Freya Sibayan’s “Totem to the Global Image Economy.” As unfamiliarly as the show presents the artworks, the artists, however, though varied, are rather seasoned. Distinguished artists such as Judy Freya Sibayan, James Clar, Corinne de San Jose, Cos Zicarelli and Datu Arellano each bring their individual flair to the vacant room, along with emerging artists who have also been making waves in recent years: [Doktor Karayom](https://robbreport.ph/tag/doktor-karayom/ "doktor karayom"), [Vien Valencia](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-collectibles/vien-valencia-rewriting-the-rules-of-engagement-in-philippine-art/ "Vien Valencia: Rewriting the Rules of Engagement in Philippine Art"), Denver Garza, Marionne Contreras, Maricar Tolentino and many others. There is also the Fruitjuice Factori Studio, an artist collective composed of artists and artisans from various locales led by the formidable pair, Alfredo and Isabel Aquilizan. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Fruitjuice-Factori-Studio.webp) Fruitjuice Factori Studio’s installation, “Signs and Intimations.” Fruitjuice Factori Studio’s installation “Signs and Intimations” is undeniably the star of the show with face-lit channel letters sprawled across the floor like spilled Alpha-Bits. Wooden benches akin to school chairs are arranged like pews in the midst of the chaos, giving viewers a place to sit and to just get lost in their thoughts. Judy Freya Sibayan’s “Totem to the Global Image Economy” operates similarly, albeit in a more understated and directed fashion. Ripping pages off of architectural and design magazines and mounting them as one would for peg boards, Sibayan illustrates our individual acts of “re-designing” the self. This, she claims, consisting of one’s image and interiority, is in danger of being exploited without honest reflection of our agency and influence in shaping culture. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Lesley-Anne-Cao.webp) Lesley-Anne Cao, “Three and a half billion years.” On the other hand, a number of artists seem particularly inclined to land as the subject of their pieces. Lesley-Anne Cao in her “Three and a half billion years” series takes materiality and reimagination to a new level as she demonstrates the earth’s shifting forms and landscapes using metal and magnet, while Brisa Amir attempts to capture textures, stains, and marks around Krus na Ligas (KNL) in “Traces and Spectres.” A well-loved neighborhood by many college students for its casual get together spots, KNL was also disposed to changes brought by commercialization. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Brisa-Amir.webp) There is an intriguing parallelism between this work and Zeelah Aquilizan’s “Bahay na Papel,” nestled in an unassuming corner in one of the rooms. To extend Aquilizan’s work, one might even consider how her small carton houses fabricated and propped up in the dust of the colossal commercial concrete of the Plaza brings another dimension to the installation. An installation, one must be reminded, is always specific to a site. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Zeelah-Aquilizan.webp) Zeelah Aquilizan’s “Bahay na Papel.” These, with the rest of the works on display, reverberate in their totalities in harmony with the vacancy of the hall. They are stimulating pieces that begin with the ordinariness of an object or two, that were selected by artists to tear apart (literally, in Sibayan’s case) to give viewers another meaning to correlate to materials. In essence, Chloe Magpayo anchors audacity on the artist’s *nerve*, then amplifies this by selecting an effective stage so that their works can exist in fullness. Audacity *by [Art Impresario](https://www.instagram.com/art.impresario/?hl=en) runs until November 15 at RCBC Plaza, Podium 3, Tower II, until November 15, 2025.* **Categories:** Art & Collectibles **Tags:** Alfredo and Isabel Aquilizan, art impresario, brisa amir, chloe magpayo, corinne san jose, cos zicarelli, datu arellano, denver garza, doktor karayom, fruitjuice factori studio, james clar, judy freya sibayan, lesley anne cao, Maricar Tolentino, Marionne Contreras, vien valencia --- ### [This Ultra-Complicated 1914 Audemars Piguet Pocket Watch Could Fetch $1 Million at Auction](https://robbreport.ph/watches/this-ultra-complicated-1914-audemars-piguet-pocket-watch-could-fetch-1-million-at-auction/) **Published:** November 10, 2025 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** Collectors who want to add more complication to their lives are in luck. The most complicated [Audemars Piguet ](https://robbreport.ph/tag/audemars-piguet/ "audemars piguet")pocket watch in private hands will go under the gavel at [Sotheby’s](https://robbreport.ph/tag/sothebys-2/ "Sotheby's") New York [this December](https://robbreport.ph/the-luxe-dispatch/the-luxe-dispatch-mediterranean-mega-projects-a-long-lost-ap-heads-to-auction-and-more/ "The Luxe Dispatch: Mediterranean Mega-Projects, a Long-Lost AP Heads to Auction, and More"). Affectionately nicknamed Grosse Pièce, or “Big Piece” in English, No. 16869 features a huge 80 mm yellow-gold case that houses no less than 19 remarkable complications. It is expected to sell for between $500,000 and $1 million at the upcoming sale, giving the Big Piece an even bigger place in horological history. Commissioned in 1914 by Smith & Sons of London on behalf of a South American client, the double-dialed and double-open-faced minute-repeating astronomical watch took some six years to complete. It features a one-minute tourbillon, a chronograph, a perpetual calendar, a moon phase, day/night grande and petite sonnerie functions, 60-minute and 12-hour registers, equation of time and sidereal time displays, and indications for times of sunrise/sunset. The highlight is the rare astronomical display, though: A celestial chart for the nighttime sky of London with 315 stars and 18 labeled constellations. The Big Piece is the only known pocket watch to have such a complication, as per research carried out by the Swiss watchmaker’s Heritage Department. It is also the only one from this period with a tourbillon. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/audemars-piguet-big-piece-pocket-watch-2.webp) The celestial chart for the nighttime sky of London. *Photo: Sotheby’s* That extraordinary combination of a sky chart, a tourbillon, and all the additional complications cements the Big Piece as a true standout in the AP lineup (and haute horlogerie at large). It is matched only by the 19-complication Universelle, which is on display at the [watchmaker’s museum](https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/everything-you-need-to-know-about-audemars-piguets-new-watch-museum-2930691/) in Le Brassus, Switzerland. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/audemars-piguet-big-piece-pocket-watch-3.webp) A close-up of the moon phase and other registers. *Photo: Sotheby’s* Adding to the allure of the Big Piece is the fact that it has been hidden for decades within a private collection. It was acquired by Robert M. Olmsted, one of America’s most discerning and meticulous watch collectors, back in 1970. It stayed out of the public eye until watch historian Gisbert L. Brunner wrote about it in an article in the *Horological Journal* in 1990. At that time, the location of the watch was unknown. It was later documented in Brunner’s 1993 book *Audemars Piguet: Masterpieces of Classical Watchmaking*, where it was described as “the crowning achievement of the company’s founders.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/audemars-piguet-big-piece-pocket-watch-4.webp) A story about the pocket watch in a London newspaper in 1921. *Photo: Sotheby’s* The December auction marks the first and only public appearance of the watch since Audemars Piguet unveiled it at the Geneva Watch Exhibition in 1920. “To bring such a masterpiece, hidden for decades within one of America’s most discerning private collections, into the public eye is a rare privilege,” Daryn Schnipper, Sotheby’s Chairman Emeritus, International Watch Division, said in a statement. “It stands alongside the greatest ultra-complicated timepieces ever made, offering collectors and enthusiasts an unprecedented glimpse into the genius of traditional watchmaking.” Other grails from the Olmsted collection, including two never-before-seen Patek Philippe pocket watches with double movements, will be auctioned off across two Sotheby’s sales (Important Watches on December 8 and Fine Watches from November 26 to December 10). *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** Auctions, audemars piguet, Watches --- ### [Zero LS1: This New All-Electric Urban Scooter Can Take on the Streets at 60 MPH](https://robbreport.ph/motorcycles/zero-ls1-this-new-all-electric-urban-scooter-can-take-on-the-streets-at-60-mph/) **Published:** November 10, 2025 **Author:** Erik Shilling **Content:** Zero [Motorcycles](https://robbreport.ph/motorcycles/ "Motorcycles") is a pioneering brand in the all-electric motorcycle world, making interesting new electrified bikes before it was even fashionable, if it ever was. Now the company has Zero LS1, an all-electric [scooter](https://robbreport.ph/tag/scooter/ "scooter"), too, and while it’s meant for urban spaces, that doesn’t mean it can’t go fast. Zero unveiled the LS1 this week in Milan. The standard bike has two swappable batteries, giving it 72 miles of range at city speeds, and an optional third battery can give it up to 106 miles of range. The top speed is 62 mph, which used to be [illegal on highways in America](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvV3nn_de2k). The batteries can be charged to 95 percent in a little over two hours with a 1,500-watt charger, or four-and-a-half hours with an 800-watt charger, designed for home. That juice can be powered up even quicker to 80 percent, taking about three hours using the 800-watt charger and about 90 minutes with the 1,500-watt charger. Zero says the top sustained speed is 53 mph with the 11-horsepower electric motor, more than enough for city commutes but not intimidating for even the newest rider. The Zero LS1, in other words, is made to be used early and often and marketable in places like Europe, where commuting in a small motorcycle or scooter is common and done by people wearing business formal. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/zero-ls1-e1762444666972.webp) The Zero LS1, in both white and black. *Photo. Zero* The LS1 is also part of a broader strategy shift at Zero, which started out as a U.S.-based company making its name with slick and powerful electric motorcycles. Now, the brand has shed leaders and employees and is based in the Netherlands, where it is focusing on vehicles like the LS1 that have a better chance of selling to more people. “The LS1 is designed for the people we see every day in cities like Paris, Milan, or Barcelona,” Pierre-Martin Bos, Zero’s CEO, said in a statement. “It’s simple, stylish, and makes electric riding accessible to a whole new group of riders.” The Zero LS1 will not be sold in the U.S., where [electric vehicles ](https://robbreport.ph/tag/electric-vehicles/ "electric vehicles")and especially electric motorcycles are not as common as in Europe or Asia. It will cost around €5,200, or around $6,000 at current exchange rates. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars, Motorcycles **Tags:** cars, Zero Motorcycles --- ### [Ayrton Senna’s F1 Car From His First Brazilian Grand Prix Win Could Fetch $15 Million](https://robbreport.ph/cars/ayrton-sennas-f1-car-from-his-first-brazilian-grand-prix-win-could-fetch-15-million/) **Published:** November 7, 2025 **Author:** Bryan Hood **Content:** One of [Ayrton Senna](https://robbreport.ph/cars/driven-by-legacy-fascinating-father-son-duos-in-formula-1/ "Driven By Legacy: Fascinating Father-Son Duos in Formula 1")’s most important race cars is about to go up for grabs. The [1991 McLaren MP4/6](https://rmsothebys.com/auctions/as25/lots/r0001-1991-mclaren-mp46) that the late F1 legend drove to victory at that season’s Brazilian Grand Prix will be auctioned off by RM Sotheby’s next month. Considering the role the car played in one of the most iconic moments of Senna’s illustrious career, it’s little surprise that the vehicle is expected to fetch an eight-figure gavel price. The Brazilian had already won two driver’s championships going into the 1991 F1 season, but victory in his home country eluded him. That changed on March 24, when Senna, in MP4/6, was leading a rain-soaked race at Interlagos with 10 laps to go. But then, with victory in sight, his gearbox failed, and by the final lap his lead had shrunk to just four seconds. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/1991-mclaren-mp4-6-6.webp) The car still wears its Marlboro racing livery. *Photo: RM Sotheby’s* Somehow, with only sixth gear at his disposal for the final 2.7 miles, Senna was able to fend off the field that included Riccardo Patrese and Alain Prost and win by three seconds. The driver was so spent following the ordeal that he had to be pulled from his car by his team and driven to the podium. The ordeal proved to be worth it, though, as Senna would win his third driver’s championship, and second in a row, at season’s end. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/1991-mclaren-mp4-6-4.webp) Ayrton Senna’s 1991 McLaren MP4/6 Formula 1 Car. *Photo: RM Sotheby’s* The winning car was retired following the race and returned to the McLaren factory, where it would remain until it was acquired by the seller in 2020. Because of this, the car still wears the same iconic red and white Marlboro livery that it did on race day. The MP4/6 was one of the last analog F1 cars, along with the last that featured a V-12 to win a championship. The 3.5-liter mill made 725 hp brand new (and 780 hp by season’s end) and could rev up to 13,800 rpm. Having spent so much time at the McLaren factory, it’s little surprise that the car has been well taken care of over the year, including being returned to race readiness prior to the initial sale. It comes with a McLaren certificate of authenticity and was recently inspected and run by marque specialist Lanzante Limited. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/1991-mclaren-mp4-6-7.webp) Ayrton Senna in the car at the 1991 Brazilian Grand Prix. *Photo: RM Sotheby’s* Are you already salivating over the opportunity to buy one of the most famous F1 cars in modern history? Senna’s MP4/6 is being sold through RM Sotheby’s latest Sealed auction, [“Forever, Senna,”](https://rmsothebys.com/auctions/as25/) which will run from Monday, Dec. 8, to Thursday, Dec. 11. The auction house has high hopes for the car, estimating that it will sell for between $12 million and $15 million. ***Click [here](https://robbreport.ph/cars/ayrton-sennas-1991-mclaren-mp4-6-formula-1-car-in-photos/) for more photos of Ayrton Senna’s 1991 McLaren MP4/6 Formula 1 car.*** ![](https://robbreport.ph/cars/ayrton-sennas-1991-mclaren-mp4-6-formula-1-car-in-photos/) *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* [](https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/photos-ayrton-sennas-1991-mclaren-mp4-6-formula-1-car-1237347978) **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** Auctions, F1, mclaren, senna, sothebys --- ### [Ayrton Senna’s 1991 McLaren MP4/6 Formula 1 Car in Photos](https://robbreport.ph/cars/ayrton-sennas-1991-mclaren-mp4-6-formula-1-car-in-photos/) **Published:** November 7, 2025 **Author:** Bryan Hood **Content:** The 1991 McLaren MP4/6 Formula 1 race car that Ayrton Senna won his first Brazilian Grand Prix in will be auctioned off by RM Sotheby’s next month. To read more about the vehicle, check out the full story [here](https://robbreport.ph/cars/ayrton-sennas-f1-car-from-his-first-brazilian-grand-prix-win-could-fetch-15-million/). ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/1991-mclaren-mp4-6-1-1.webp) Ayrton Senna’s 1991 McLaren MP4/6 race car. *Photo: RM Sotheby’s* Ayrton Senna’s 1991 McLaren MP4/6 race car. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/1991-mclaren-mp4-6-6.webp) The car still wears its Marlboro racing livery. *Photo: RM Sotheby’s* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/1991-mclaren-mp4-6-4.webp) Ayrton Senna’s 1991 McLaren MP4/6 Formula 1 Car. *Photo: RM Sotheby’s* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/1991-mclaren-mp4-6-3.webp) Inside the race car. *Photo: RM Sotheby’s* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/1991-mclaren-mp4-6-2.webp) The MP4/6 Formula 1 car is powered by a Honda V-12 that made 725 hp brand new. *Photo: RM Sotheby’s* ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/1991-mclaren-mp4-6-7.webp) Ayrton Senna in the car at the 1991 Brazilian Grand Prix. *Photo: RM Sotheby’s* *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** cars, mclaren --- ### [Fondazione Prada Milan: Once an Abandoned Distillery, Now a Cutting-Edge Art Institution](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-collectibles/fondazione-prada-milan-once-an-abandoned-distillery-now-a-cutting-edge-art-institution/) **Published:** November 10, 2025 **Author:** Mick Gaw **Content:** Tucked away in the South of Milan, at a comfortable distance from the hustle and bustle of tourist landmarks like the Duomo Cathedral, is the headquarters of Fondazione Prada. In 1993, under the banner of the Fondazione, [Prada](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/a-look-inside-the-first-prada-caffe-in-southeast-asia/ "A Look Inside the First Prada Caffè in Southeast Asia") Group executives Patrizio Bertelli and Miuccia Prada undertook the mission of bolstering the exhibition of cutting-edge work in the visual arts, [cinema](https://robbreport.ph/leisure/entertainment/a-guide-to-global-moviegoing-7-unique-cinemas-around-the-world/ "A Guide to Global Moviegoing: 7 Unique Cinemas Around the World"), and architecture. In spaces around Milan, Italy, and around the globe, the fashion titans advanced this cultural mission by hosting wide-ranging events from film festivals, design conferences, and solo artist showcases. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Fondazione-Prada-Milano-1.webp) Fondazione Prada, Milan. Architectural project by OMA. *Alessandro Saletta and Agnese Bedini/DSL* *Studio* By 2015, all these intersecting creative endeavors converged and fully crystallized in the opening of the Fondazione’s flagship exhibition space in Milan. Covering a total 19,000 m2, the site is built upon a former early-20th century distillery, repurposed and reconfigured by visionary Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas and international firm OMA. Incorporating existing structures like abandoned warehouses, laboratories and silos, alongside newer buildings like the Cinema Godard theater — a striking cubic edifice lined with reflective panels in the center of the Fondazione’s courtyard. In the past decade, the art world has been no stranger to institutions repurposing old buildings into modernized exhibition spaces. Whether you look at Herzog & de Meuron’s renovation of the Park Avenue Armory in New York City, or Hong Kong’s prison-turned-culture hub Tai Kwun, urban landscapes have continued to provide ample opportunity for artistic reinvention on a global scale. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Fondazione-Prada-Milano-9.webp) Fondazione Prada, Milan. Architectural project by OMA. *Alessandro Saletta and Agnese Bedini/DSL* *Studio* Despite this, the Fondazione Prada Milan still sets itself apart from the rest of the crop, especially from a design perspective. Architecture critics like Artforum’s John Gendall have pointed out that Koolhaas’ [conversion](https://www.artforum.com/features/revisionist-history-the-new-fondazione-prada-and-the-architecture-of-preservation-225739/) of “a collection of banal buildings…in a peripheral district” of Milan represents a radical preservation doctrine of a “resistance to start\[ing\] from scratch.” Walking through the Fondazione Prada, from the retro Wes Anderson-designed Bar Luce to the nine-story tall Torre permanent collection space, this vision of a functional and stylistic renewal is intuitively felt throughout every detail of the compound. Imposing geometries of glass and concrete surfaces colliding with dated facades of a bygone industrial operation never feel jarring or out of place. Instead, the place exudes an otherworldly yet chic atmosphere, something to be expected from the minds behind one of Europe’s most prominent fashion houses. The place functions as a proposal for what the future of cultural institutions, in which a scarcity of space poses an increasing challenge to architects, might conceivably look like. Apart from its impressive design feats, the Fondazione Prada is also a physical representation of Fashion’s inextricable ties to the art world. The Chanel Culture Fund sponsors art exhibits in museums internationally; since 2023, Yves Saint Laurent creative director Anthony Vaccarello has successfully produced an award-winning roster of films. Unlike its peers however, the Fondazione Prada’s flagship location in Milan is unparalleled in its wide-ranging and experimental curatorial scope. Alongside showcasing the works of established icons like Louise Bourgeois or Jeff Koons, they also foster rising talents through initiatives like the annual Fondazione Prada Film Fund. Though funding the arts sector may not sound like a direct factor in boosting the sales of handbags, ventures like these illustrate the industry’s belief in the reciprocal ties between fashion and highbrow cultural institutions. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Fondazione-Prada-Bar-Luce-9.webp) Bar Luce, designed by Wes Anderson, at Fondazione Prada Milan. *Attilio Maranzano/Courtesy of Fondazione Prada* Whether you are a Prada acolyte, an architecture nerd, art lover, or just a curious traveler, the Fondazione Prada Milan deserves top priority in any Milan itinerary. With its often-rotating selection of exhibits and showcases, here is a short list of must-see highlights: **Sueño Perro: Instalación Celuloide de Alejandro G. Iñárritu** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/4-Alejandro-G-Inarritu-Ph-Marta-Marinotti.webp) Alejandro G Inarritu. *Marta Marinotti* To celebrate the 25th anniversary of Academy Award winner Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s breakout feature *Amores Perros*, Fondazione Prada has collaborated with the Mexican filmmaker to put on a one-of-a-kind exhibition celebrating its production. Composed of several 35mm analog film projectors, the installation showcases never seen outtakes from Iñárritu’s debut work. This experience is elevated for patrons who have seen the film prior to visiting, but even if you haven’t, the exhibit is nonetheless immersive. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Fondazione-Prada_Sueno-Perro_2.webp) Exhibition view of “Sueño Perro: Instalación Celuloidede Alejandro G. Iñárritu.” *DSL Studio–Delfino Sisto Legnani and Melania Dalle Grave/Courtesy Fondazione Prada* In a series of adjoining pitch-black rooms, visitors have the rare opportunity to walk right up next to projection units often tucked away at the back of cinemas. Observing the celluloid magic of film projection up close lets viewers get lost in the details they might otherwise ignore in a regular theater visit: the rhythmic clicks of the rotating film reels, the persistent whirr emanating from the projector, the slight flickers, tears, and imperfections in the projection are all hypnotically entrancing. Released in the early 2000s, the film is also a poignant reflection of Mexico in a pivotal moment of its national history. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Fondazione-Prada_Sueno-Perro_15.webp) “Mexico 2000: The Moment That Exploded” conceived by Juan Villoro. Installation (sound, photographs, newspapers). To contextualize the film within a localized historical framework, the Fondazione also organized an audiovisual installation by journalist Juan Virollo’s “Mexico 2000” to accompany Iñárritu’s film reels. By pairing prominent works of Mexican street photography with a narrated audio track, visitors can literally walk through the chaos of CDMX in the new millennium. **Haunted House: Robert Gober/Louise Bourgeois** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Fondazione-Prada-Milano-28.webp) A view of the Haunted House in Fondazione Prada, Milan. Architectural project by OMA. *Alessandro Saletta and Agnese Bedini/DSL Studio* One of the repurposed, and most distinct, buildings on the Fondazione’s grounds is the Haunted House tower. The former distillery building was reinforced and renovated by Koolhaas and the OMA team. Instead of restoring the building into a version of its past self, the structure has undergone a radical reinvention. Despite what its name might suggest, the 60m Haunted House is a bright and luminous structure, wrapped in a thin layer of reflective gold paint. With large windows in each of its intimate rooms, plenty of natural light seeps into each floor to illuminate its permanent collection of Robert Gober and Louise Bourgeois pieces. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Gober-4.webp) View of the permanent installation by Robert Gober. Foreground: “Untitled,” 2014-2015. In the background: “Untitled Wallpaper,” 1995-2015. Fondazione Prada Milano. *Attilio Maranzano/Courtesy Fondazione Prada* Gober, an American sculptor, primarily works with sculptures of banal domestic items and scenes, as well as isolated human limbs, to explore a plethora of social, political and religious themes. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Gober-1.webp) View of the permanent installation by Robert Gober, “Corner Door” and “Doorframe,” 2014-2015. Fondazione Prada Milano. *Attilio Maranzano/Courtesy Fondazione Prada* Works displayed like *Corner Door* and *Doorframe* take familiar household forms, obscuring and displacing them in a wildly different context. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Louise-Bourgeois-1.webp) Louise Bourgeois, “Cell (Clothes),” 1996. Fondazione Prada Milano. *Attilio Maranzano/Courtesy Fondazione Prada* Bourgeois, perhaps most famous for her gargantuan spider sculptures, is represented through works like *Cell (Clothes)*, a deconstructed rendition of a bedroom encircled by doorframes and littered with a panoply of the artist’s own personal possessions. **Bar Luce** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Fondazione-Prada-Bar-Luce-7.webp) Bar Luce, designed by Wes Anderson, at Fondazione Prada Milan. *Attilio Maranzano/Courtesy of Fondazione Prada* Though not an exhibition space, the Fondazione’s cafè, Bar Luce, probably has one of the most stylized interiors on the entire compound. Designed by American filmmaker Wes Anderson, this take on a traditional Milanese cafè takes design cues from the directors own distinct visual flair, local landmarks like the Galleria Vittoria Emanuele, and Milan-set classics like Luchino Visconti’s 1960 film *Rocco and His Brothers*. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Fondazione-Prada-Bar-Luce-2.webp) Bar Luce, designed by Wes Anderson, at Fondazione Prada Milan. *Attilio Maranzano/Courtesy of Fondazione Prada* The spread of pastries, snacks and beverages are not dissimilar to those found at local chains like Marchesi, but the ambience of enjoying a cappuccino in Bar Luce is a one of a kind experience. *Largo Isarco, 2, 20139 Milan. +39 02 5666 2611[. info@fondazioneprada.org](mailto:info@fondazioneprada.org). * **Categories:** Art & Collectibles, Home & Design **Tags:** fondazione prada milan, prada --- ### [Maybach Just Recreated a Century-Old Honeymoon Drive Across the Alps, and We Went Along for the Ride](https://robbreport.ph/cars/maybach-just-recreated-a-century-old-honeymoon-drive-across-the-alps-and-we-went-along-for-the-ride/) **Published:** November 6, 2025 **Author:** Howard Walker **Content:** A hundred years ago, Dr. Karl Schmid and his new bride celebrated their nuptials with a 10-day honeymoon driving tour, crossing the perilous, snow-covered Swiss and Italian Alps in their stately, open-top [Maybach](https://robbreport.ph/tag/maybach/ "Maybach"). The 1,370-mile grand adventure kicked off in Friedrichshafen, Germany, home then to the Maybach-Moterenbau factory, with the couple heading to Lausanne on Switzerland’s Lake Geneva, the great St. Bernhard and Gotthard Passes, stopping off on Italy’s Lake Como, before threading their way home. Back in 1925, Alpine travel was extremely challenging. Most roads were nothing more than unpaved, gravel tracks with steep inclines, scary drop-offs, and switchback curves. Throw in snowstorms, avalanches, and freezing temperatures, and it was a true test of man and machine. Yet according to Herr Schmid’s well-preserved and highly detailed handwritten travel diary and photo albums—now part of the Museum of Historic Maybach Vehicles archives in Neumarkt, Germany—the trip went without a glitch. Seems his open-top Maybach W3, with a custom body by German coachbuilder Spohn and a lusty 5.7-liter, 70 hp Maybach straight-six under its mile-long hood, never missed a beat. Fast forward 100 years, and to mark the anniversary of the honeymoon adventure, [Mercedes-Maybach](https://robbreport.ph/cars/only-50-mercedes-maybach-v12-editions-will-be-made/ "Only 50 Mercedes-Maybach V12 Editions Will Be Made") PR had the idea of recreating, at least in part, the trans-Alpine adventure. This time, however, it would include some of the latest Mercedes-Maybach models, including the flashy, just-launched 2026 SL 680 Monogram, Maybach’s first sports car. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Maybach-SL-680-Monogram.webp) The Maybach SL 680 Monogram. *Photo: Mercedes-Maybach SL 680* Which is how *Robb Report* ended up in Friedrichshafen for this sentimental centennial drive, which would retrace many of the roads and locations of that original trip. In addition to the new SL, an all-electric Maybach EQS 680 SUV was on hand, along with long-wheelbase S 580 and S 680 uber-luxe limos, and a towering GLS 680 SUV. “Traveling in style is very much a part of the Maybach brand DNA. And while it’s true that many of our owners enjoy being chauffeured, there are those who love to drive themselves. And this kind of trip, combining adventure, romance, and luxury, would have considerable appeal,” says Daniel Lescow, head of Mercedes-Maybach. Not forgetting that it was an original Maybach that inspired this “honeymoon” adventure, a pair of early examples were dusted off and shipped to Friedrichshafen for the start. They included a rather funereal 1939 SW 42 Pullman sedan from the Maybach museum, which was originally owned by the Spanish Embassy in Berlin. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/1936-Maybach-SW38-Cabriolet.webp) The 1936 Maybach SW38 four-door Cabriolet. *Photo: Mercedes-Maybach SL 680* More interesting, though less original, was the lovely dark blue and white 1936 Maybach SW38 four-door Cabriolet. This started life as just four wheels and was entirely recreated over the course of 18 years by students at the Wilhelm-Maybach School in Heilbronn, Germany. Yet perhaps the most important “oldtimer” on the drive was the stately 2002 Maybach 57, owned by Ulrich Schmid-Maybach, great-grandson of company founder Wilhelm Maybach, who was at the event driving his car. His 57 was the very first, new-generation Maybach off the line, and was gifted to the Maybach family by Daimler-Benz in October 2002. It provided a perfect visual comparison with the newest, more low-slung S-Class Mercedes-Maybachs. After a rousing send-off by the mayor of Friedrichshafen, we were on our way, following the newlyweds’ original route, heading deep into the Black Forest, then skirting Basel and Bern, before dropping down into Lausanne on Lake Geneva for an overnight stay at the posh Beau-Rivage Palace hotel. It was an easy six-hour, 250-mile run, split between the new all-electric Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 SUV and the decadently-luxurious, cruise-ship-sized S 580 4Matic limousine with its whispering twin-turbo V-8. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Maybach-GLS680.webp) The GLS 680 SUV. *Photo: Mercedes-Maybach SL 680* For day two’s 260-mile sortie, we traded V-8 power for V-12 magnificence, piloting the 621 hp oligarch-class Maybach S680 flagship for the climb up through the snow-capped Alps to 8,100-foot-high Grand St. Bernard at the summit of the St. Bernard Pass. Winter snowfall here averages over 65 feet; the pass had opened literally days before our arrival. And there to greet us was a pair of adorable St. Bernards, sadly minus their traditional brandy casks, to pose in front of the cars. It was no doubt their distant cousins who had posed for photos in front of Dr. Schmid’s Maybach at the same spot back in 1925. The road up the Col du St. Bernard is still one of the world’s great driving roads, with its snaking blacktop, hairpin bends, and spectacular mountain vistas, offering glimpses of towering Mont Blanc in the distance. Despite its considerable bulk, the S680 was in its element, using its prodigious 664 ft lbs of torque to slingshot out of the curves, while rear-wheel steering, adaptive air suspension and all-wheel drive kept it on an even keel through the tightest Alpine curves. Like the Schmids, we stopped at the ancient l’Hospice du Grand Saint-Bernard at the top of the pass. Founded by Bernard of Menthon (later St. Bernard) around the year 1050, it’s still a haven for weary travelers. Monks at the monastery continue to welcome hikers, bikers, and drivers, offering a bed for the night in one of the basic rooms or dorms. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Maybach-S680-1939-SW-42-Pullman-sedan.webp) The S 680 and 1939 SW 42 Pullman sedan. *Photo: Mercedes-Maybach SL 680* For the winding trip down the mountain, we grab the keys to the star of the Honeymoon adventure, the 2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram, resplendent in its monochromatic Opalite White Magno paint and multitude of double-M Maybach logos adorning its black hood and folding canvas top. This is Maybach’s first two-seat convertible and a seductive, though flashier, alternative to Bentley’s Continental GTC, Aston Martin’s DB12 Volante, and Mercedes’ own AMG SL63. While it drives very much like an SL63, with that turbine-like thrust from its 577 hp 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8, the Maybach is tuned to be a little more relaxed, a little less hyper, and much smoother-riding courtesy of softer springs and dampers. There’s even an exclusive “Maybach Mode” suspension setting which relaxes the steering feel, throttle response, and suspension firmness, for true “boulevardier” cruising. But tap the “Sport” button and Dr. Jekyll transforms into Mr. Hyde as everything sharpens up, livens up, and displays its AMG pedigree. Off the line, it’ll rip to 60 mph in a claimed 4.1 seconds, accompanied by a snarling exhaust, piped for added effect, through the car’s sonorous Burmester stereo. At dinner that night, on the terrace of the grand Villa d’Este hotel on the banks of Italy’s Lake Como, where Dr. Schmid and his bride likely stayed (it opened in 1873), Mercedes-Maybach boss Lescow tells us the SL 680 makes a compelling addition to the line-up. “It’s the sportiest, most extravagant model we have ever created, a true Maybach for the ultimate in open-air driving enjoyment. And the perfect car for an adventurous trip like this, and one, I suspect, that offers rather more luxury and comfort than the honeymooners’ car 100 years ago.” *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** cars, luxury travel, Maybach, mercedes benz --- ### [How the Bulgari  Lucea  Notte  di  Luce Became a Luminous Tri-Culture Mosaic](https://robbreport.ph/watches/how-the-bulgari-lucea-notte-di-luce-became-a-luminous-tri-culture-mosaic/) **Published:** November 6, 2025 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** It’s rare to see Italian design, Swiss horology, and Japanese craftsmanship converge in one object. Rarer still when it takes the form of a special-edition watch produced in extremely limited numbers (just 80 pieces per variation, to be exact). That is precisely what we’re getting with the new [Bulgari](https://robbreport.ph/tag/bulgari/ "bulgari") Lucea Notte di Luce, a timepiece born of the maison’s collaboration with the Kyoto-based lacquer master Yasuhiro Asai. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Bvlgari-Lvcea-Notte-di-Luce2-2240x2240.webp) Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani and Yasuhiro Asai in Japan. *Photo: Bvlgari* The partnership traces back to [Bulgari’s](https://www.bulgari.com/en-ph/?srsltid=AfmBOoqxJOdWlKTEzA2BXUefB14-QdbDs_Yq4jVfuau-nACn4VKkbclg) Executive Director of Product Creation, Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani, who met Asai in Japan and found a shared fascination with luminosity—the core idea behind Lucea (from *lux*, or “light”) and its sublimated feminine radiance. Asai, celebrated for preserving the 1,300-year-old maki-e tradition, translates that theme into a dial that feels as ancient as it is contemporary. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Bvlgari-Lvcea-Notte-di-Luce3-2240x2240.webp) *Photo: Bvlgari* Lucea Notte di Luce’s dial is the true revelation. Entirely handcrafted in Asai’s Kyoto atelier, it unites two ancestral Japanese techniques. First, the deep black base is created using Urushi, a lacquer derived from tree sap, one that been used in Japanese craft for generations now. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Bvlgari-Lvcea-Notte-di-Luce4-2240x2240.webp) *Photo: Bvlgari* Into this polished darkness, Asai inlays tiny fragments of mother-of-pearl, individually chosen for their glow and shape. This is what’s called *Raden*, a centuries-old “sprinkled picture” technique, developed some 1,300 years ago. Here, it simply becomes a field of light held in tension against the shadow. The Lucea Notte di Luce is offered in a refined 33 mm case, available in either stainless steel or rose gold, paired with a diamond-set bezel and a polished/satin-brushed bracelet. Inside is a Swiss automatic movement with hours, minutes, and seconds, offering an approximately 48-hour power reserve and 50 meters of water resistance. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Bvlgarilyvcea-4-2240x2240.webp) *Photo: Bvlgari* Between each layer of lacquer, the dial is patiently charcoal-polished to build depth and brilliance. Each sliver of mother-of-pearl is set by hand, creating a mosaic that seems to move as it catches the light. Asai devotes roughly 60 days of work to each dial. The result is simple and rare: no two Lucea Notte di Luce watches will ever be the same. **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** bulgari, Watches --- ### [Maybach Is Planning to Open a Members’ Club on a 500-Foot Gigayacht](https://robbreport.ph/boats/maybach-is-planning-to-open-a-members-club-on-a-500-foot-gigayacht/) **Published:** November 6, 2025 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** You could soon have an exclusive new hangout on the high seas. [Mercedes-Maybach](https://robbreport.ph/cars/only-50-mercedes-maybach-v12-editions-will-be-made/ "Only 50 Mercedes-Maybach V12 Editions Will Be Made"), along with Matthias Bosse’s Splendid Sea, revealed plans for a floating private members’ club at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show last week. Located on a 500-foot, purpose-built gigayacht called *Beyond Horizons*, the aptly named [Maybach Ocean Club](https://www.mercedes-benz.com/en/design/beyond-automotive/mercedes-benz-places/maybach-ocean-club/) will offer 30 suites with private balconies, world-class gastronomy, top-tier wellness facilities, thrilling water activities, and of course, the marque’s signature luxury. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Mercedes-Maybach-Maybach-Ocean-Club2.webp) *Photo: Mercedes-Maybach* Maybach envisions a membership model in which 300 co-owners will each be entitled to four weeks on the yacht (including private suites) per year, as reported by *[Boat International](https://www.boatinternational.com/yachts/news/beyond-horizons-155m-yacht-design-fort-lauderdale-international-boat-show-2025)*. (To prevent that cruise ship feel, stays will be staggered, with only 72 guests when fully occupied.) Owners can also jump aboard anytime they are in the same location as the yacht and enjoy the common areas. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Mercedes-Maybach-Maybach-Ocean-Club12.webp) The beach club and infinity pool. *Photo: Mercedes-Maybach* As with Maybach’s creations on land, *Beyond Horizons* will blend traditional craftsmanship with sophisticated technology. The nameplate is touting clean fuel propulsion, meaning the vessel is more akin to the all-electric EQS 680 SUV rather than, say, the new SL 680 Monogram. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Mercedes-Maybach-Maybach-Ocean-Club10.webp) The aft decks. *Photo: Mercedes-Maybach* It showcases materials and colors directly inspired by the Maybach aesthetic and the automaker’s famous signet at the bow. The tailor-made interior is also replete with finishes that reflect the Maybach’s high standards and precision. (German design firm Dölker + Voges worked with the Maybach design team to create the initial concept and renders.) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Mercedes-Maybach-Maybach-Ocean-Club7.webp) The infinity pool. *Photo: Mercedes-Maybach* The cascading decks, which are “layered like landscapes, Maybach says, open 50,000 square feet of space. Guests will find both intimate corners and expansive lounges with panoramic ocean views. At the stern, the beach club is equipped with a giant split-level infinity pool and layered teak terraces that lead to the sea. A few more steps down lies a swim platform with direct access to the water. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Mercedes-Maybach-Maybach-Ocean-Club8.webp) Inside one of the suites. *Photo: Mercedes-Maybach* Exactly when you get to enjoy all of that is a big question mark. Splendid Sea has completed specifications, and competitive tenders have gone to multiple European shipyards, according to *BI*. The current target for the maiden season is 2029. Anyone interested in joining can request an invitation on the [Maybach Ocean Club](https://maybach-ocean-club.com/request-invitation) website. Members will be required to pay an annual fee of roughly five percent of the initial investment to cover crew management, fuel, port fees, insurance, and ongoing maintenance. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Boats **Tags:** Beyond Horizons, boats, Maybach, Maybach Ocean Club, mercedes benz, Yachts --- ### [The Rockefeller Family’s 18-Carat Sapphire Ring Could Fetch Up to $2.5 Million at Auction](https://robbreport.ph/style/jewelry/the-rockefeller-familys-jewelry-18-carat-sapphire-ring-could-fetch-up-to-2-5-million-at-auction/) **Published:** November 6, 2025 **Author:** Nicole Hoey **Content:** You can now accessorize like a Rockefeller. Four stunning jewelry pieces from the famed American family’s collection are going under the hammer at [Christie’s](https://www.christies.com/en) New York later this year. The Rockefellers have amassed quite a treasure trove of opulent jewels over the decades (and beautiful homes to boot). The rarities currently up for grabs were once owned by John D. Rockefeller III and his wife, Blanchette Ferry Rockefeller; their daughter Sandra, who passed away last year, went on to preserve the items in her collection. The star of the show is what has been dubbed the “Rockefeller Kashmir,” a [Cartier](https://robbreport.ph/tag/cartier/ "cartier") Art Deco ring with a massive 18-carat Kashmir sapphire perched atop a platinum band glittered with single-cut diamonds. Dated circa 1925, the piece has had quite the journey throughout the Rockefeller family. Jeweler Raymond Yard appraised the ring back in 1946 for John D. Rockefeller Jr. (son of the Standard Oil Family founder John D. Rockefeller, one of the richest men in American history), and his wife, Abby Aldrich Rockefeller. The professional gave the sapphire his highest praise, calling it simply a “gem.” From there, the ring was passed down to John D. Rockefeller III. It is expected to sell for between $1.5 million and $2.5 million. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/rockefeller-cartier-watch.webp) A circa 1950 Cartier wristwatch is also up for grabs. Christie’s Of course, that won’t be the only Cartier treasure up for grabs. Also on offer is an Art Deco bracelet from 1925 that includes rectangular and square step-cut emeralds, as well as marquise, rectangular, square, old, and single-cut stones. It is estimated to fetch between $100,000 and $150,000. Other highlights include a diamond-encrusted Cartier wristwatch (estimate $7,000 to $9,000) and a pair of multi-gem parrot clip brooches created by Yard ($20,000 to $30,000). ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/rockefeller-bracelet_a1c097.webp) Christie’s The Rockefeller jewels will be offered at the Magnificent Jewels auction, which will fittingly take place at the Rockefeller Center on December 10. The family also happened to be purveyors of fine art, some of which will also be up for grabs via Christie’s this winter across its various auctions. That includes a Kurama granite sculpture by Isamu Noguchi ($2 million to $3 million) and *Sunset Over the Palisades on the Hudson* by Sanford Robinson Gifford ($1.2 million to $1.8 million). *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Jewelry, Style **Tags:** auction, cartier, christie's, emerald, rockefeller, sapphire --- ### [The New 180-Foot Superyacht Has a D.J. Booth So You Can Host Parties on the High Seas](https://robbreport.ph/boats/the-new-180-foot-superyacht-has-a-d-j-booth-so-you-can-host-parties-on-the-high-seas/) **Published:** November 4, 2025 **Author:** Julia Zaltzman **Content:** How often in life do you have a chance to do a an authentic do-over? For one [yacht](https://robbreport.ph/tag/yacht/ "yacht") owner, that happened after he sold his brand-new superyacht *Solemates* (Project Castor) shortly after taking delivery in 2020. The custom 180-foot Heesen became “a Covid anomaly,” says his representative, Rupert Connor, of Luxury Yacht Group, when an eager buyer offered “a ridiculous price” that the owner just couldn’t refuse. It was a period when yachts were in record-high demand and deals were happening before owners took delivery. This April, however, the same owner was able to hit the repeat button when he took delivery of the second, new-and-improved *Solemates* (Project Venus). Both yachts are built on Heesen’s 55m Steel platform, featuring a Fast Displacement Hull Form by Van Oossanen Naval Architects and exterior styling by Omega Architects. This owner was no newbie to yachting, having owned six previous yachts named Solemates (he did well in the athletic shoe business). They included 170-foot Feadship and a 197-foot Lürssen, as well as an 118-foot Mulder that he bought in between his two Heesens to cruise golf courses along the east coast of the U.S. Connor says the owner is certain that the Heesen 55m Steel platform is his “sweet spot.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Heesen_SOLEMATES_Exterior.webp) This Solemates is the owner’s second consecutive Heesen in its 55M Steel platform. *Photo: Heesen Yachts* “The owner maintains he would still have Project Castor today, but his wife was the driving force on the sale as making money on the yacht that doesn’t usually happen,” says Connor, who has represented the owner for 25 years across the six new yacht builds. “She doesn’t like boats, though she loves this *Solemates*. He’ll spend $1 million on a change order if it’ll get her on board the boat for an extra day,” he quips. While Project Castor had a Bannenberg & Rowell interior (and was the first in the series to have a new layout accentuating the interior volume), Heesen engaged Luca Dini Design & Architecture to create Project Venus’ interior. But it was the race to the finish. The vessel was started as a spec boat by the yard, and the owner stepped in just 11 months prior to delivery. The challenge to meet his customizations became a “tour de force,” says head designer Silvia Margutti, who visited the owners’ home to get a sense of their taste and how they use the space. The designer took *Robb Report* on a tour of the vessel at the Monaco Yacht Show. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/SOLEMATES_Salon.webp) The owner was meticulous about the layout the salon, attempting to create the most optimal social setting. *Photo: Heesen Yachts* The extensive customization includes all loose furniture, from armchairs and sofas to tables, made to the exact height the owner requested. It turns out he’s obsessed not only with the size of the decor but also the spacing. The goal is to ensure a free flow of movement. The upper-deck sky lounge, considered the family room, is a great example. A specific number of seats are arranged in a exact way to encourage sociability and also recreate his former hang out. The open-plan main salon is also a fashion statement. Usually, it would have a T.V. that descends from the ceiling, but the owner stipulated that it be hidden behind a sideboard. An elaborate chandelier, made from blended and molded acrylic panels, complements the bold color scheme. “The color theme was the first thing we worked on with the clients, moving between coral and lime before settling on olive green,” Margutti says in the salon. “The biggest consideration was to make sure the interior works for the whole family, including children and grandchildren.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Heesen_SOLEMATES_Sundeck.webp) The sundeck is a favored area for alfresco dining and hanging out. *Photo: Heesen Yachts* The owners typically cruise with six to eight guests, though the yacht accommodates a total of 12 guests. It’s also available for charter during July, August, and some holidays. “He gives his three children a week each during both seasons, bringing total usage of the boat to 21 weeks a year, including commercial charter,” says Connor. Social areas were another area where the owner focused heavily on details. The floor of the elevator lobby is made from a transparent stone that is painted on the underside to give it more depth. “It looks like you’re walking on ice,” says Margutti. The redesigned main staircase is adorned with acrylic panels embedded with gold flakes and crystals. White woven leather is used on the handrails. “The owner wanted there to be a transition from the lower deck to the upper deck, going from gold to crystal using acrylic wall paneling,” she says. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Heesen_SOLEMATES_MainSalon.webp) The owner’s suite. *Photo: Heesen Yachts* Even areas that are typically utilitarian have become fashion statements. The day heads on each level have been upgraded with large onyx basins and statement mirrors. In all five guest cabin en suites, the owner specified Turkish gray marble, a semi-white stone with elaborate gray veining. In the owner’s en suite, Heesen replaced one of the original dual toilets with a vanity area. “It’s a decision that came from having owned the other *Solemates*, and understanding how they would use it,” says Margutti. Special fabrics, including raffia and metal mesh, are used on the master suite walls as the owner, an art enthusiast, didn’t want just a blank bulkhead to display his artworks. The private owner’s balcony—a feature he eschewed on his previous Heesen—is now a favored feature. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Heesen_SOLEMATES_OwnersSuite.webp) The owner’s suite also includes a desk with a view and private balcony. *Photo: Heesen Yachts* Exterior deck areas are plentiful, from the upper aft deck for alfresco dining, to the lower-deck beach club which has a gym instead of the sauna and shower on the typical layout. But the owners spend most of their evenings on the upper deck with its jacuzzi and a wraparound DJ booth. “While most changes from the previous *Solemates* are minor, the cumulative effect across the entire platform has resulted in a significantly better yacht,” says Connor. “*Solemates* is the owners’ sixth and final boat.” Well, at least he got it right this time. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Boats **Tags:** Solemates, Yachts --- ### [These One-of-a-Kind Lapel Pins Take Inspiration From African Art](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-collectibles/these-one-of-a-kind-lapel-pins-take-inspiration-from-african-art/) **Published:** November 4, 2025 **Author:** Jill Newman **Content:** Generations of creatives have been inspired by African tribal art, from [Pablo Picasso](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-collectibles/a-meeting-of-the-minds-at-the-m-for-picasso-for-asia-a-conversation/ "A Meeting of the Minds at the M+ for “Picasso for Asia: A Conversation”")’s stylized abstractions to Amedeo Modigliani’s masklike portraits. It also captured the imagination of [jewelry](https://robbreport.ph/style/jewelry/ "Jewelry") designer [Glenn Spiro](https://glennspiro.com/), whose London home is decorated with ritual masks, classic sculptures, and ancestor statuary from Côte d’Ivoire. “I’m attracted to African art,” he says. “I love the symbolism, the shapes, the spirit. It has inspired and permeated my designs.” Over several years, Spiro and his wife, Arabella, have worked with Parisian gallerist Lucas Ratton to build their African tribal-art assemblage. Along the way he also acquired smaller relics, such as finely detailed 17th-century Baoulé gold fragments and old bronze pieces, which he incorporated into last year’s Materials of the Old World jewelry collection. His latest series of eight unique brooches uses some of the same materials in a more literal interpretation of tribal art. There is an arrow brooch made in a graphic pattern of carved ebony, bronze, and horn with an arresting triangle-shaped antique diamond in the center. Another elongated kite-shaped arrow brooch in ebony and faceted bronze features a 5.75-carat rare old cognac-colored kite-shaped diamond. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Glenn_Spiro_YGDiam_Tribal_Brooch.webp) Jeweler Glenn Spiro used Baoulé artifacts, Roman-era bronze, and old-mine diamonds to create eight unique designs. *Courtesy of Glenn Spiro* “These are chic, cool pins,” Spiro says. “I envision them on a men’s dinner jacket or [leather](https://robbreport.ph/style/fashion/how-tods-newest-menswear-line-raises-the-bar-on-leather-working/ "How Tod’s Newest Menswear Line Raises the Bar on Leather Working") jacket.” But they’ll look good on women, too. The striking arrow shapes are an empowering accessory, yet there’s a subtlety in the muted bronze, ebony, and antique diamonds (which have a softer shimmer than modern cuts). It’s not a piece of jewelry per se, he explains: “Rather, you are wearing a piece of art, a piece of history.” Spiro is known for sourcing unconventional materials for his singular creations. In recent years, he made a set of bangles with first millennium B.C.E. Mesopotamian agate; earrings with Ziwiye gold medallions from the hoard of ancient artifacts uncovered in Kurdistan in 1947; and large matching cuffs combining carved buffalo bone with cognac and white diamonds. An insatiable collector, he often stores his discoveries for months or years before an idea strikes him or his son, Joe, with whom he works closely. That’s how the new brooches came to fruition. “We just started playing with these fragments,” he says, “and made something exceptional.” *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Art & Collectibles **Tags:** Art and Design, high jewelry --- ### [NASA’s New Supersonic Jet Just Quietly Completed Its First Test Flight](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/nasas-new-supersonic-jet-just-quietly-completed-its-first-test-flight/) **Published:** November 4, 2025 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** Aviation history was just very quietly made in the skies of Southern California. The X-59 NASA supersonic jet completed its first test flight on Tuesday morning, bringing ultra-fast commercial air travel one step closer to reality. Built by aerospace contractor Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, the X-59 is designed to fly at [supersonic](https://robbreport.ph/tag/supersonic/ "supersonic") speeds with minimal noise. During the inaugural flight, the aircraft traveled from the Skunk Works facility in Palmdale to NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards. Lockheed Martin says it “performed exactly as planned,” reaching subsonic speeds of 230 mph and a peak altitude of 12,000 feet. Measuring just under 100 feet, the single-engine jet features a distinctive sculpted body designed to reduce noise at high speeds. Rather than producing the typical sonic boom when breaking the sound barrier, the X-59 will reportedly make a sonic “thud” about as loud as a washing machine. The space agency believes that such low-decibel flight could expedite the return of commercial supersonic flight, which is currently restricted over land due to noise concerns. The X-59 is expected to eventually reach a cruising speed of 925 mph (Mach 1.4) and a peak altitude of 55,000 feet, meaning it will fly more than twice as high and almost twice as fast as conventional airliners. “It’s part of our DNA—the desire to go farther, faster, and even quieter than anyone has ever gone before,” acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy said in a [statement](https://news.lockheedmartin.com/2025-10-28-X-59-Soars-A-New-Era-in-Supersonic-Flight-Begins). “This work sustains America’s place as the leader in aviation and has the potential to change the way the public flies.” NASA isn’t the only one on a supersonic quest: [Boom, Spike, and a handful of other private firms are also developing high-speed aircraft](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/these-next-gen-supersonic-jets-want-to-replace-the-concorde-will-they-ever-take-off/), with the goal of replacing the supersonic Concorde plane that was retired in 2003 due to high operating costs, limited seating, and low passenger numbers. Skunk Works will continue to lead the X-59’s initial testing, working closely with NASA to execute more flights in the coming months. That will include the X-59’s first supersonic flight, in which the aircraft will achieve the optimal speed and altitude for a boom—or thud, in this case. NASA can then measure the jet’s sound signature and see just how quiet it really is. Stay tuned. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Aviation **Tags:** Lockheed Martin, NASA --- ### [Wellness Tourism Is Thriving in Thailand—but Insiders Know the Luxury Resorts Doing It Best](https://robbreport.ph/leisure/health-wellness/wellness-resorts-thriving-in-thailandbut-insiders-know-the-luxury-resorts-doing-it-best/) **Published:** November 4, 2025 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** In the third season of *The White Lotus* we got to see therapists clad in lilac pajamas kneading supine guests with a heated herbal ball. We got to see Walton Goggins try “stress management meditation.” We got to see a lot more than that. Thailand, “The Land of Smiles,” and [wellness](https://robbreport.ph/leisure/health-wellness/ "Health & Wellness") are now so closely associated that they’ve reached their satirical apogee. Never mind that many Thai healing practices go back more than 2,500 years, Mike White’s “funny look at death and Eastern religion and spirituality” will draw more bandwagon westerners, not less. As a result, luxury hotels across the country are investing heavily in wellness tourism, an industry worth $35 billion to Thailand in 2024, with a growth rate of 8.5 percent, according to [the Global Wellness Institute](https://globalwellnessinstitute.org/press-room/press-releases/gwi-country-rankings-jan2024/). The trick now is knowing where to go and which Muay Thai boxing schools, silent monasteries, or health spas to choose. A safe place to start is with the OGs. For Instance, this year the holistic wellness resort [Chiva Som](https://robbreport.ph/travel/best-of-the-best-2025-travel/ "Best of the Best 2025: Travel") in Hua Hin, located in the northern portion of the Malay Peninsula, celebrates its 30th birthday. Nestled on the beach, it was one of the country’s first modern health retreats, focusing on fresh air, walks on the beach, wholesome food and relaxation. Today, [the resort](https://www.chivasom.com/en/) has 54 Ed Tuttle-designed rooms and villas, 70 treatment suites, more than 80 customized fitness programs, and a raft of facilities—including hydrotherapy pools, pilates reformer studios, gyms, dance rooms, flotation pods. Its Niranlada Medi-Spa offers everything from aesthetics and blood work to genomic testing. “Going forward, we’re planning to introduce more workshops and expert consultants to help people to navigate our changing world,” says Dr. Jason Culp, Chiva Som’s director of research and development. “We’re bringing in evening classes to adapt to climate change. New add-in programs will cover ‘Sleep Enhancement’ and ‘Metabolic Reset,’ designed to help people adjust their diet, activity levels and sleep when using weight-loss drugs like Ozempic. Plus, there will be more of a focus on mental and emotional—art therapy, music therapy, spousal relationship therapy.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/b1u8_rov1b_01_p_3000x2250_24546278.webp) The new Banya Tree Veya has a hidden wellness-centric escape within the resort. *Courtesy of Banya Tree* But there is plenty of new as well—and if you are quick you can beat the crowds. In Phuket, Banyan Tree recently rolled out Veya, a 12-villa escape hidden within the grounds of the main hotel with its own menus of nourishing wellness cuisine and mindfulness workshops, as well as easy access to Bang Tao beach and Cherngtalay Night Market. Down the coast, Amanpuri’s wellness concierges can arrange diagnostic screening for cardiovascular health, hormonal deficiencies and immunity dysfunction, alongside sushi dinners, yacht trips, and pampering half-day heat and water immersions in their new private Spa House. Up north, the [Aleenta Chiang Mai](https://www.aleenta.com/chiang-mai/) has launched “Beyond the Ordinary” retreats including 10-day Vipassana Deep Meditation programs which are described as “monk level,” if you fancy following in the [bare footsteps of Jack Dorsey](https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/trends/story/the-late-indian-guru-whose-ashram-twitter-founder-jack-dorsey-goes-for-vipassana-239882-2019-11-25). Even boisterous Bangkok is growing into a secondary wellness destination. Adding to its already extensive spa program, the[ Mandarin Oriental](https://www.mandarinoriental.com/en/bangkok/chao-phraya-river) (which opened Thailand’s first hotel spa back in 1993) has started offering three-day wellness retreats tailored around sleep and mindfulness. On the other side of the Chao Phraya River, [The Peninsula](https://nypost.com/2023/07/24/peninsula-bangkok-offers-new-cultural-and-wellness-activities/) has half a dozen complementary health and wellbeing activities every day of the week: vinyasa yoga, HIIT, aqua aerobics, plant potting, meditation, on top of hours-long rituals at the spa. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Amanpuri-Thailand-Wellness-The-Spa-House-Double-Treatment-Room-Interior_47381.webp) Amanpuri is Thailand’s OG wellness hub. *Courtesy of Amanpuri* In newer city hotels wellness is being integrated from the ground up and reflected into the architecture. At the Jean Michele Gathy-designed [Four Seasons Bangkok ](https://nypost.com/2024/03/28/lifestyle/white-lotus-fever-buoys-bangkoks-booming-hotel-scene/)an entire wing has been dedicated to an Urban Wellness Center, complete with rooftop swimming pool, Muay Thai boxing ring and a roll-call of visiting practitioners covering everything from hypnotherapy to past life regression to help with addiction. Across town, [The Sukhothai](https://bangkok.sukhothai.com/en/) snapped up land adjacent to the property to build The Sukhothai Spa, a veritable village of wellness inspired by the Wat Sri Chum’s ancient shrines and meditation halls—albeit with a salt-water swimming pool, hammams, a Bastian Gonzales PEDI: MANI: CURE studio and an anti-aging clinic. “You can live on happiness, you cannot live on pleasure,” says Florence Jaffre, director of wellness for the [Dusit Thani hotel ](https://www.dusit.com/dusitthani-bangkok/main/)group, which re-opened its flagship property overlooking Lumpini Park in September, following a complete rebuild bolstered by André Fu designed interiors. “We’re trying to weave wellness into the whole property as a way to reduce the stress levels of our guests. Our treatments are very nourishing and are linked with movement, linked with food, and linked with daily wellness workshops. We have meditation, body scan, breathing, singing bowls, Thai boxing, yoga, aqua gym,” Jaffre says. The spa itself, tucked behind a spectacular sixth-floor infinity pool flanked with whirlpools and plump day beds, appears more akin to something you might find in Bali or Mexico, with a womb-like domed chamber that ensures yoga classes and sound therapies genuinely resonate. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Aman-Nai-Lert-Bangkok-Hotel-Reception-Area_05330-1.webp) Grab a seat at King Cole Bar to admire the restored Maxfield Parrish Old King Cole mural. *Joe Thomas* “Aman’s vision is to bring the brand ethos to global cities such as Tokyo, New York and now, Bangkok,” says Yuki Kiyono, the luxury hotel group’s Global Head of Health and Wellness Development in reference to the newly opened [Aman Nai Lert Bangkok.](https://www.aman.com/hotels/aman-nai-lert-bangkok) The bronze edifice, designed by Jean-Michele Gathy, has 52 suites (among the largest in the city), two restaurants, a private members club and a two-story 1,500-square meter spa kitted out with a fitness centre, Pilates studio, yoga room, banya steam bath, hydrotherapy pools and a clinic offering IV drips, cryotherapy and medical aesthetics. “Thailand is the home of Aman’s first resort, Amanpuri, which has given us a deep knowledge of the country’s rich traditions of mindfulness and wellbeing,” she says. “As such, the Aman Nai Lert Bangkok will offer a unique connection to the city’s spiritual and cultural heritage, while integrating modern wellness trends.” *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Health & Wellness, Travel **Tags:** aman nai lert bangkok, amanpuri, chiva som, dusit thani, four seasons, luxury travel, mandarin oriental, peninsula, wellness --- ### [A Treasure of Taste and Time: Bonhams to Auction the Legendary Cellar of Hostellerie Jérôme](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/a-treasure-of-taste-and-time-bonhams-to-auction-the-legendary-cellar-of-hostellerie-jerome/) **Published:** November 4, 2025 **Author:** Robb Report Philippines **Content:** In the steep streets of La Turbie, a small village perched above the French Riviera, a two-[Michelin](https://robbreport.ph/tag/michelin/ "Michelin")-starred restaurant has long stood as a beacon of culinary devotion. Hostellerie Jérôme, helmed by chef Bruno Cirino, has drawn diners from around the world not just for its refined, terroir-driven cuisine, but for a wine cellar whispered about among oenophiles—a hidden archive of France’s liquid history. Now, that cellar is coming to light. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/img_5091-3262x4349-1.webp) Restaurant Jérôme, La Turbie, France. *Bonhams* [Bonhams](https://robbreport.ph/tag/bonhams/ "Bonhams") has announced *The Legendary Cellar of Hostellerie Jérôme: The French Riviera’s Gastronomic Heritage*, a global auction series that will see some 25,000 bottles from the restaurant’s fabled collection offered to collectors in Hong Kong, Paris, and London. The sales—slated to begin in Hong Kong this November before continuing through April 2026—will present what specialists describe as “a living encyclopaedia of French viticulture,” spanning Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, and the Rhône Valley. For decades, Cirino’s cellar has been regarded as one of the most carefully curated in France, built not for spectacle but for precision: each bottle chosen to harmonize with his cooking, which balances Mediterranean brightness with classical rigor. “The wines were selected not as trophies but as partners,” one Bonhams specialist notes. “They reflect an understanding of how a sip can elevate a dish—and how food, in turn, can honor a vineyard.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/bonhams-52_website-2666x3999-1.webp) Chef Bruno Cirino at the Hostellerie Jérôme Cellar. *Bonhams* The opening Hong Kong sale focuses on Burgundy, offering a roll call of the region’s most coveted names: Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Domaine Leroy, Armand Rousseau, Georges Roumier, J.F. Mugnier, and Coche-Dury among them. The ensuing Paris and London legs will continue the exploration, with Bordeaux first-growths, Champagnes from Krug to Salon, and rare Rhône vintages from Guigal and Chave. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/image-1-2240x1680.webp) This Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Assortment Case, 2019, containing Romanée Conti La Tâche (1), Romanée St. Vivant (2), Grands Echézeaux (3), Echézeaux (2), Corton (1), Vosne Romanée 1er Cru Cuvée Duvault Blochet (2), Montrachet (1), Corton Charlemagne (2), is estimated to fetch up to Php3,600,000 at auction. *Bonhams* To collectors, the allure of the Hostellerie Jérôme cellar lies not just in provenance, but in purpose. These bottles were never amassed for investment—they were served, studied, and lived with. Many bear the quiet patina of service in Cirino’s dining room, where the ritual of pairing was central to the experience. The sale, then, is less a dispersal than a celebration—a chance for connoisseurs to share in the same dialogue between cuisine and viticulture that defined Cirino’s restaurant. In an age when luxury so often feels detached from craft, this collection represents the opposite: the patient work of a chef and his sommeliers, building a cellar not of status symbols but of sensibility. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/image-2-scaled.webp) Chef Bruno Cirino. *Bonhams* When the first corks are raised in Hong Kong on November 22, it will mark not just an extraordinary auction but the closing of a chapter in Riviera gastronomy. What remains—like the [wines](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/wine/ "Wine") themselves—is enduring proof that the best cellars are not built merely to impress, but to inspire. *The auction begins on November 7, with the Hong Kong auction kicking off the series of three auctions (including one in Paris and London) on November 22. More information [here](https://www.bonhams.com/stories/40654/the-legendary-cellar-of-hostellerie-jerome-the-french-rivieras-gastronomic-heritage/).* **Categories:** Food & Drink, Wine **Tags:** Bonhams, hostellerie jerome, Michelin --- ### [First Taste: Monochromatic 2025 at Helm](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/first-taste-monochromatic-2025-at-helm/) **Published:** November 3, 2025 **Author:** Alicia Colby-Sy **Content:** Had I known last week, when I dined at [Helm](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/the-magic-of-helm/ "The Magic of Helm") for a first taste of Josh Boutwood’s new Monochromatic 2025 menu, that it would receive the country’s first two-star Michelin rating, I would have done nothing differently, and I would have enjoyed myself immensely, just like I always do. I have had the pleasure of many meals at [Helm](https://www.instagram.com/helmmnl/?hl=en) and at [Josh Boutwood’s other restaurants](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/11-casual-spots-by-manilas-top-fine-dining-chefs/ "From Haute Cuisine to Comfort Plates: 11 Casual Spots by Manila’s Top Fine-Dining Chefs"), and every experience has been quietly revelatory. There’s a rare balance here: the service is highly calibrated, almost choreographed, yet never stiff. [Josh’s](https://robbreport.ph/tag/josh-boutwood/ "josh boutwood") dry humor and playful banter with diners weave warmth into precision, reminding you that behind the artistry is a chef who loves what he does and who has loved it since [he first apprenticed at sixteen in a Michelin-starred kitchen](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/manilas-top-chefs-passion-michelin-experience/ "How Manila’s Top Chefs Discovered Their Passion—and Their First Michelin Experience"). “I was captivated by the precision and care that went into each dish,” he once told me. “It was from the very get-go that I said to myself, I want a restaurant like this.” Even the smallest elements in the Monochromatic menu reveal this devotion. The menu begins with four snacks, which, in many ways, are microcosms of the entire experience: creative, laborious, thoughtful, and, above all, delicious. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/HelmMONO2025-109.webp) The second snack: a rice mochi combines sweet lobster and local prawns together with their bisque, finished with a local lime kosho made with lime zest, sea salt, and chilies that have been left to meld for seven days. *Helm* The first is a delicate roll of lightly cured hamachi flown in from Japan, wrapped in nori, topped with ginger and freshly grated wasabi and finished with a gelée imbued with umami and briny notes. The second snack, a rice mochi, combines sweet lobster and local prawns together with their bisque, finished with a local lime kosho made with lime zest, sea salt, and chilies that have been left to meld for seven days. Each bite is effortless on the palate yet carries layers of thought, time, and technique. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/HelmMONO2025-102.webp) First two snacks: hamachi, nori, kelp; wagyu topped with crème fraîche, and a tendon crisp. *Helm* The third snack: wagyu tartare, topped with crème fraîche infused with fresh horseradish root, giving it a peppery lift, and some chive oil. Accompanying it are crackers made from beef tendon that are braised, pressed, sliced, dehydrated, then deep-fried and are Josh’s meticulous and playful take on “chips and dip.” The final bite is a mushroom and foie gras tartlet wrapped in a savory lardo. It is earthy, rich, and elegant. Even at the start of the meal, the snacks alone speak volumes. They are inventive and complex, each element a testament to Josh’s care, precision, and intelligence. Every bite hints at the layered thoughtfulness of the courses yet to come. The menu represents a vivid culinary journey through a spectrum of color where each dish draws inspiration from a single hue. One course features bluefin tuna, its purity highlighted with just sesame oil and sea salt. On top, an emulsion of aged miso brings depth and umami, while a coconut-based sauce infused with local citrus fruit adds a bright acidity. Thinly sliced radicchio, dressed with extra-virgin olive oil and a tamarind-based vinegar, introduces a fruity counterpoint. The dish is an elegant interplay of flavors, textures, and visual cues. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/HelmMONO2025-017.webp) Chawanmushi infused with spirulina, then dotted with tender octopus. *Helm* At one point, I realized just how rarely we encounter blue on a plate. Josh’s interpretation of a delicate chawanmushi that was infused with spirulina then dotted with tender octopus made the color feel natural while the flavors remained precise and harmonious. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/HelmMONO2025-068.webp) Poached coho salmon, paired with a sweet carrot purée, a rich taba talangka (crab fat), oil infused with local Arabica coffee, and a crisp dehydrated cracker. *Helm* The next course, a poached coho salmon, was paired with a sweet carrot purée, a rich taba ng talangka (crab fat), an oil infused with local Arabica coffee, and a crisp dehydrated cracker. The combination balanced sweetness, richness, and nuanced notes from the coffee, demonstrating Josh’s instinct for highlighting flavors and textures that continue to surprise. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/HelmMONO2025-097.webp) A trifecta of butters. *Helm* No meal at Helm would be complete without the famous bread course. Anyone familiar with Josh and his repertoire knows he makes some of the best bread around. Using his own starter, each slice of the tangy sourdough to a perfectly laminated brioche, is served alongside a trifecta of flavored butters and some extra version olive oil. It’s a simple and utterly satisfying moment but one that epitomizes Josh’s dedication to craft. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/HelmMONO2025-077.webp) Seabass, served with a coconut-based sauce infused with chilies and kaffir leaves, evoking the warmth of a gentle curry. *Helm* One of my favorites of the night was the seabass, served with a coconut-based sauce infused with chilies and kaffir leaves, evoking the warmth of a gentle curry. Pickled kohlrabi and peppery watercress added acidity and contrast, while a drizzle of dill oil brought a fresh, aromatic lift to the dish. Each element felt considered and balanced. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/helm-wagyu-and-quail-in-content-2240x1260.webp) A5 wagyu striploin, dried for five days, served with a trio of beets and an assortment of fermented root vegetables; a braised quail breast paired with a crispy fried leg, accompanied by earthy chanterelles and toasted hazelnuts. *Helm* Another exciting course was quail prepared two ways: a braised breast paired with a crispy fried leg, accompanied by earthy chanterelles and toasted hazelnuts. Then came the A5 wagyu striploin, dried for five days to concentrate its flavors and served with a trio of beets and an assortment of fermented root vegetables that added depth and umami. These last two dishes exemplifies Josh’s meticulous knack for turning a single ingredient into a gastronomic experience that is layered with flavor, texture, and thought. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/HelmMONO2025-079.webp) For dessert: a pavlova-like cloud filled with the tropical flavors of mango, passionfruit, and saffron cream. *Helm* Dessert was a delicate pavlova-like cloud filled with the tropical flavors of mango, passionfruit, and saffron cream, followed by a selection of meticulously crafted mignardises. While a [wine](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/wine/ "Wine") pairing is available, I opted instead for the 5-course juice pairing, which was an absolute revelation. Each juice showcased fresh, vibrant flavors and complexities with standout combinations such as yuzu coconut water, mint tea with hibiscus, and ginger watermelon, elevating the meal in unexpected and delightful ways. [Josh Boutwood](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/michelin-guide-in-the-philippines-live-updates/ "The Michelin Guide Arrives in the Philippines") is not one to chase awards, accolades, or fame, but I am so happy this recognition has arrived. Helm is now the only restaurant in the country with two Michelin stars. Every dish, every flavor on the Monochromatic menu reminds you why this is not merely a meal at one of Manila’s fine dining restaurants, but an excellent culinary experience that is absolutely “worthy of a detour.” **Categories:** Dining, Food & Drink **Tags:** helm, josh boutwood, Michelin --- ### [Leonard Lauder’s Legendary Art Collection Could Fetch Over $400 Million at Auction This Fall](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-collectibles/leonard-lauders-legendary-art-collection-could-fetch-over-400-million-at-auction-this-fall/) **Published:** October 30, 2025 **Author:** Julie Belcove **Content:** Leonard Lauder, who died in June at the age of 92, made his mark not only as a cosmetics magnate and philanthropist but also as one of the past half-century’s preeminent [art](https://robbreport.ph/tag/art/ "art") collectors. In his later years, he disseminated many of his prized possessions, most famously gifting 90 landmark works of Cubism—said to be the greatest such trove in private hands, worth $1 billion—to the[ Metropolitan Museum of Art](https://www.metmuseum.org/). But he didn’t part with all his treasures; [some will be up for grabs](https://www.sothebys.com/en/series/leonard-a-lauder-collector) November 18, when Sotheby’s mounts a single-owner evening sale of 24 lots, with another 31 going on the block the next day, for a total expected take of more than $400 million. The star of the night: Klimt’s *Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer* (1914-16), a head-to-toe view executed in Klimt’s signature dreamy, expressionist style (below). With an estimate north of $150 million, the highest for any artwork announced for this auction season as of press time, it is being positioned to break the Viennese artist’s auction record of $108.8 million, set in 2023. The oil painting has never been on the open market and is one of only two Klimt full-length society portraits—his most coveted works—not in a museum collection. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Klimt_Portrat_Elisabeth_Lederer.webp) Klimt’s Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer (1914-16) *Courtesy of Sotheby’s* Among the other standouts are Klimt’s *Blooming Meadow* (1908)—a sea of green grass and trees flecked with blue, yellow, and pink dabs of wildflowers—and six figurative bronzes by Matisse. Fittingly, the sale will inaugurate [Sotheby’s new HQ](https://www.sothebys.com/en/series/the-breuer) in New York City’s Breuer building, on Madison Avenue. It’s the former home of the Whitney Museum of American Art, where Lauder long served as chairman. (He donated $131 million for its current edifice, designed by Renzo Piano.) No doubt Sotheby’s and the estate hope bidders will heed the advice Lauder once told me his legendary mother, Estée, gave him: “You only regret what you do not buy.” *Top*: Henri Matisse, *Henriette II*, Bronze Conceived in Nice in 1927 and cast circa 1930. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Art & Collectibles **Tags:** art, sothebys --- ### [Obsessed With Skiing in Japan? Two Luxury Resorts Are Coming Soon](https://robbreport.ph/travel/obsessed-with-skiing-in-japan-2-ultra-luxury-resorts-are-coming-soon/) **Published:** October 29, 2025 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** Nestled within the Japan Alps in Nagano Prefecture, Madarao Mountain Resort has long been revered for its abundant powder snow (“Madapow, as it’s called) and impressive 15 official tree-skiing courses, which is the most for any resort in all of Japan. In 2026 and 2027, two new resorts are set to open: Madarao Kogen Hotel and Lime Resort Myoko, both joining Accor’s luxury boutique collection, MGallery. Madarao Kogen Hotel is undergoing a comprehensive transformation and should reopen in late 2027. This refurbished resort will feature approximately 80 guest rooms (standard, deluxe, and suites) designed with Alpine-style comfort and Japanese minimalism in mind. Guests can expect signature restaurants, a lobby lounge, and even an off-site “Ski Diner” perched at the crossroads of ski runs. This is further complemented by a destination pool bar, onsen baths, hot springs, ski-rental facilities, and conference amenities. The move follows the opening of the first MGallery in Sapporo last year. These new additions will soon turn into four-season, experience-rich destinations that should appeal primarily to discerning travelers who seek designer-immersive, nature-focused experiences. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/xxl_153187504.webp) MGallery Valmorel is another property set to open in mountain slopes, this time in Switzerland. The expansion to mountain resorts signifies the group’s focus on experiential retreats. *Accor* Likewise, Lime Resort Myoko is on its way to becoming a modernized wellness-focused retreat. Notable for its proximity to the base of Mount Myōkō at the Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park, the hotel is preparing to accommodate year-round activities. These should include forest bathing, hiking, cycling, golf, and more in the near future. Myōkō is mostly known for its heavy snowfall (averaging 13.4 metres annually). It enjoys one of Japan’s longest ski runs at 8.5 km, as well. Slated to open in the winter of 2026, the resort will offer 38 rooms, restaurants, a lounge café and bar, onsen facilities, fitness, and even kids’ club amenities. With the resorts only being 30 minutes apart from one another, they are easily connected through a dedicated shuttle service. Each is also linked to Patience’s existing regional assets, including Myōkō Suginohara Ski Resort and Nagano Dunes Golf Club. One of their biggest draws is that the resorts are approximately only a three-hour drive or a two-hour train ride from Tokyo. So this means the venture offers accessible mountain luxury for high-net-worth Japanese and international travelers. In an era when luxury travelers seek authenticity over standardization, [mountain resorts](https://robbreport.ph/travel/the-most-luxurious-stays-and-retreats-in-new-zealand/ "The Most Luxurious Stays and Retreats in New Zealand") like these are diversifying their offerings to reflect a broader shift to regional stories and experiential designs. “Madarao Kogen Hotel and Lime Resort Myoko joining MGallery Collection represents a new chapter for our collection in Asia, places where nature, design, and culture converge,” says Maud Bailly, CEO of Sofitel Legend, Sofitel, MGallery & Emblems. “We are proud to bring MGallery’s spirit of memorable and meaningful travel to the Japanese Mountains.” **Categories:** Travel **Tags:** japan, luxury travel, MGallery, skiing --- ### [Porsche Loses $1.1 Billion in Q3 Amid Its EV Delays](https://robbreport.ph/cars/porsche-loses-1-1-billion-in-q3-amid-its-ev-delays/) **Published:** October 29, 2025 **Author:** Nicole Hoey **Content:** [Porsche](https://robbreport.ph/tag/porsche/ "porsche") just had quite the setback in Q3. The [automotive powerhouse](https://robbreport.ph/tag/boxster/ "boxster") just suffered its first quarterly loss as a listed company, losing around $1.1 billion (€967 million) in operating costs in the course of three months, adding to a total dent of about $3.6 billion (€3.1 billion) on the year. The massive plunge coincides with the manufacturer pressing the brakes on some of its EV projects, as well as President Donald Trump’s 15 percent [tariff](https://robbreport.ph/watches/rolex-and-swiss-watchmakers-have-been-hit-with-a-39-u-s-tariff/ "Rolex and Swiss Watchmakers Have Been Hit With a 39% U.S. Tariff") on [cars](https://robbreport.ph/cars/ "Cars") from the E.U., Bloomberg [reported](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-10-24/porsche-swings-to-near-1-billion-loss-on-ev-pullback-tariffs?srnd=homepage-americas). Porsche announced last month that it will continue to make gas-powered Boxsters and Caymans, with its 718 model expected to go all electric in September. That goal has now been postponed—for now, at least—with the car maker continuing to produce internal-combustion-engine iterations, with no official date for an all-electric version on the horizon. (Of course, if you’re looking for an electrified offering from the marque, there’s always the [Taycan](https://robbreport.ph/cars/porsche-just-unveiled-a-stealthy-new-black-edition-of-the-taycan/ "Porsche Just Unveiled a Stealthy New Black Edition of the Taycan").) ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/porsche-taycan-e1761329657112.webp) Porsche Taycan *Porsche* “Due to the delayed ramp-up of electric mobility, the market launch of certain all-electric vehicle models is planned to take place at a later date,” Porsche said in a news release at the time. The news comes at a time when EV demand is on the decline across the car world. Porsche also ditched its plans to start building its own batteries, according to Bloomberg. And as for that new all-electric SUV (codename [K1](https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/porsche-electric-suv-7-seat-off-roader-400-plus-mile-range-1234804807/)) that’s poised to be bigger than the Cayenne, that car will now be offered with either an internal combustion engine or a hybrid powertrain. The German marque’s weak sales in China also affected its Q3 performance, with demand for its cars in the country taking an overall hit as of late. Now, the U.S. has become the top market for the [911](https://robbreport.ph/tag/porche-911/ "porche 911") producer—though, thanks to those tariffs, it means there’s a hefty fee to get its cars on American soil. As a result, Porsche is dabbling with the idea of bringing the final assembly of some of its models in the U.S., according to Bloomberg, but nothing has yet been confirmed by the brand. If the company continues to see declines, that may mean we may see more Porsche car assemblages stateside soon enough. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** cars, porsche --- ### [How Louis Vuitton Is Reviving Its Coveted Monterey Watch From the 1980s](https://robbreport.ph/watches/how-louis-vuitton-is-reviving-its-coveted-monterey-watch-from-the-1980s/) **Published:** October 29, 2025 **Author:** Oren Hartov **Content:** [Louis Vuitton](https://robbreport.ph/tag/louis-vuitton/ "Louis Vuitton") may be more well-known for its high fashion than its high horology, but it has been designing and debuting ambitious timepieces with impressive frequency for over a decade. Ever since the maison’s 2011 acquisition of La Fabrique du Temps—the facility founded by veteran watchmakers Enrico Barbasini and Michel Navas—it has maintained a dizzying pace of innovation, creating complicated masterworks from minute repeaters to automatons, some of which have claimed prestigious awards at the [Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève](https://www.gphg.org/fr). ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Louis_Vuitton_Monterey_3.webp) The new LV Monterey has an in-house mechanical movement. *Courtesy of Louis Vuitton* But Louis Vuitton is by no means new to watchmaking; in fact, it has been producing timepieces since the late 1980s. In partnership with Italian designer and architect Gae Aulenti—who transformed Paris’s Gare d’Orsay train station into the Musée d’Orsay—it released the LV I and LV II in 1988. These references were standouts in several respects: Their pebble-like, lugless cases with a 12 o’clock crown were reminiscent of vintage pocket [watches](https://robbreport.ph/watches/ "Watches"), while their dials offered world time, G.M.T., and date display (LV I) or date and time plus an alarm function (LV II). Originally, both watches were powered not by hand-finished mechanical movements, but by then-trendy quartz calibers. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Louis_Vuitton_Monterey_7.webp) From left: The dial is lacquered for visual depth and interest; a watchmaker places the 18-karat rose gold rotor. *Courtesy of Louis Vuitton* Produced in white or yellow gold or black or green ceramic, the watches were nicknamed Monterey, a play on the English pronunciation of “montre” (French for “watch”). Though Louis Vuitton would go on to launch the [Tambour](https://robbreport.ph/tag/tambour/ "tambour") collection in 2002, the LV I and LV II remain the truly collectible “vintage” or “neo-vintage” LV wristwatches—especially as new generations of young watch fans are discovering them for the first time on the wrists of celebrities or via major auctions. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Louis_Vuitton_Monterey_6.webp) The 1988 originals were quartz-powered. *Courtesy of Louis Vuitton* Now, the brand has reissued this classic silhouette, updating it for the modern collector with in-house savoir faire. And it even has an official new name: [the Louis Vuitton Monterey](https://us.louisvuitton.com/eng-us/products/louis-vuitton-monterey-automatic-39mm-yellow-gold-nvprod6260229v/W0YG11). Housed within a 39 mm yellow-gold case with a specially widened and notched crown at 12 o’clock, it features a white grand feu enamel dial with a simplified display. This time-only readout is emphasized by red and blue railroad minute tracks, black Arabic indices, and the model’s signature skeletonized-syringe hands in red lacquer with a blued-steel seconds hand. Requiring over 20 hours of fabrication time, this lustrous dial is produced via the application of numerous layers of vitreous enamel and multiple firings in a kiln measuring between 800 degrees and 900 degrees Celsius. It’s a major upgrade from the simpler lacquered dials of the originals. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Louis_Vuitton_Monterey_1.webp) Louis Vuitton’s new Monterey watch upgrades both the movement and materials of its 1980s inspiration. *Courtesy of Louis Vuitton* Beneath its elevated new face is an equally notable mechanism. In lieu of quartz, the Monterey is now equipped with the automatic Calibre LFTMA01.02. Produced in-house at La Fabrique du Temps, its circular-grained mainplate, sandblasted bridges, and micro-blasted edges are evidence of the attention to detail. An 18-karat-rose-gold winding rotor provides 45 hours of power reserve and a beat rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour, while a simple black calf-leather strap with an 18-karat-yellow-gold pin buckle finishes the elegant package. Of course, bringing both an important historical model (as well as a 1980s classic) into the 2020s is no easy feat. But if the reception that Louis Vuitton’s modern horological output has been receiving lately is any indication, this pared-back Monterey is on track to elicit broad approval. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** Louis Vuitton, Luxury Watches --- ### [This New 52-Foot Sailing Catamaran Comes With 10 Different Layouts](https://robbreport.ph/boats/this-new-52-foot-sailing-catamaran-comes-with-10-different-layouts/) **Published:** October 28, 2025 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** Who says leopards can’t change their spots? Leopard Catamarans just unveiled a new 52-foot model that it claims is the most versatile sailing [catamaran](https://robbreport.ph/tag/catamaran/ "catamaran") in its class, offering an “unprecedented number” of interior layouts. That means the various onboard spots can be arranged to suit the owner’s needs. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Leopard-52-Upper-Lounge.webp) The upper lounge. *Leopard Catamarans* “The Leopard 52 is without a doubt the most versatile catamaran in its class,” Franck Bauguil, Leopard’s senior vice president of yacht ownership and product development, said in a statement. “From private owners and long-term liveaboards to charter guests and families, this yacht adapts to every lifestyle with unmatched flexibility.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Leopard-52-Aft-Cockpit.webp) The aft cockpit and salon. *Leopard Catamarans* The newcomer builds upon the successful Leopard 50, but is larger, faster, and more agile than that 50-footer. Naval architects Simonis Voogd Design refined the existing hull design to reduce pitching motion, improve seakeeping, and optimize turning ability. The 52 also has a taller mast and 17 percent more upwind sail area compared to the 50. “The new Leopard 52 belongs to a new generation of catamarans that achieve better stability and comfort while offering a larger rig and more sail power,” adds Alexander Simonis of Simonis Voogd Design. “Owners can expect less motoring and more pure sailing pleasure.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Leopard-52-Owners-Stateroom1.webp) The owner’s suite. *Leopard Catamarans* Another bonus is that the cat can be equipped with a new hybrid propulsion package capable of generating hydroelectric power while under sail. It can also be fitted with four 400W solar panels, lithium battery systems, and electric appliances to reduce emissions. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Leopard-52-Helm.webp) The helm. *Leopard Catamarans* The adaptable living quarters are perhaps the biggest selling point, though. The press materials detail 10 different layouts, ranging from a family configuration with three cabins and a utility room to a charter setup with six en suite cabins. You can also add a crew cabin if desired. All layouts ensure seamless indoor-outdoor living, with fully opening salons and aft cockpits. You can also expect high-end finishes and details throughout, resulting in an environment that is “closer to a luxury residence than a traditional yacht,” according to Leopard. The Leopard 52 will be built by Robertson & Caine in South Africa. The multihull will be offered for charter through the Moorings as the Moorings 5200, if you want to try before you buy. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* [](https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/gallery/leopard-52-catamaran-1237316771/) **Categories:** Boats **Tags:** catamaran, yacht --- ### [Meet the Winemakers Reviving Malbec—in France](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/wine/meet-the-winemakers-reviving-malbec-in-france/) **Published:** January 20, 2025 **Author:** Jeff Jenssen **Content:** While Malbec is the grape that put Argentine wine on the world map, many wine lovers have forgotten that this bold variety is a French immigrant. Frenchman Michel Pouget brought the grape to Argentina in 1853 at the bequest of the country’s president, and the variety has made a new home for itself throughout the country and especially in Mendoza’s dry, high-altitude vineyards. Although it is often overshadowed back home by the red wines of Burgundy and Bordeaux (where frost killed off most of the Malbec planted there in 1956), the winemakers of Cahors in the country’s southwest have continued to make excellent but often overlooked versions to this day. Few experts have experience in both countries, but there are two well-known enologists who have their feet firmly planted in both Mendoza and Cahors. In addition to his highly regarded Cobos Malbec from Mendoza, Paul Hobbs also vinifies exemplary French Malbec under his Crocus label, a joint project with French vintner Bertrand Gabriel Vigouroux. Meanwhile, world-renowned winemaking consultant Michel Rolland has been working with Malbec in both countries for more than three decades, at Château Lagrézette in Cahors and currently at eight wineries in Argentina—including Bodega Monteviejo, Cuvelier Los Andes, and Mariflor—all of which provide base wines for his personal project Clos de Los Siete. Hobbs and Rolland agree that while both regions offer a continental climate, meaning they are not close to a major body of water and have cold winters and hot summers, Mendoza and Cahors have little in common besides Malbec. After the Second World War and until quite recently Cahors was known for rustic, tannic wines that Hobbs refers to as “aggressive in the mouth.” While Rolland chalks the stylistic differences up to the quantity over quality situation that has plagued many wine regions during transitional periods in their evolution, Hobbs pulls no punches when he explains the reasons for Cahors Malbec’s poor reputation in the past, noting a lot of problems in the region as recently as 2009, when he made his fist visit there. “I found all the wines at that time to be having issues with sanitation,” he says. “They were all infected with some microbial issue, everything I tasted. More than just Brett \[Brettanomyces\], it was bacterial as well as yeast spoilage, and then there were oxidation issues as well.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Crocus-and-Cobos-Wine-Bottles.jpeg) Same grape, very different wines. Also known as Cot or Auxerrois back home in France, Malbec from there is now often described as being more elegant—what some would call an old-world style—than the powerhouse Malbec from Argentina that first became popular in the United States in the late 1990s and continued as a steakhouse staple well into the first decade of this century. Rolland says the differences in flavor and style are due to ripeness of the grapes at harvest. Mendoza’s hot, dry climate can produce grapes with sugar levels as high as 235 grams per liter, while in a rainy year in Cahors the berries can struggle to reach levels of 170 grams. Once grapes are harvested, it is the winemaker’s role to coax the best out of them in pursuit of the perfect wine, which is Rolland’s specialty in every region in which he works. Although Hobbs was not wowed with the wines he tasted on his first visit to Cahors, he recognized its potential immediately. “One thing I was very impressed with was the quality of the soils in the region, they reminded me a lot of Burgundy,” he says. “And then also the topography, given that they had plateau regions as well as terraced regions, and the way that the Lot River snakes as it winds its way out toward the Atlantic also gives you all kinds of different exposures.” Argentine wine began to enter the global market in the 1990s, while the tango and Argentine culture were achieving a growing global fan base. Back then the country had no reputation at all for its wine, and thus Hobbs says it wasn’t weighed down negative baggage. Whereas Cahors’s prominence (or lack thereof) had been tied for centuries to Bordeaux’s favored trading status with England and control of seabound trade routes. He believes that the region was caught in a “spinning nosedive” that began to reverse around the time he landed there, when other major players such as Alain Dominique Perrin, owner of Château Lagrézette, invested in Cahors. Describing Argentine Malbec as “plush” and “generous,” Hobbs says versions from Cahors are “more restrained—more what people would think of European style in the sense that there’s tremendous precision to the fruit,” he says. “The way the fruit shows up and the textures in the mouth, the tension, structural qualities, the whole way it plays is a very different creature. And I think that’s one of the beauties.” And while Malbec from Argentina may be ready to drink the moment it is released to market, he advises patience with bottles from Cahors. “They generally take a little longer—maybe a good year or two longer in the bottle,” he says. Hobbs was originally drawn to Cahors because it is known as “the birthplace of Malbec,” a concept that is not lost on the UIVC, Interprofessional Wine Union of Cahors, which began promoting the region using that exact language around 15 years ago. Having seen the stir that Malbec from Argentina was making around the world, Cahors’s regional wine authority has made a strong point of reminding wine lovers that without the original vines brought there in 1853, there would likely be no Argentine Malbec. We have certainly seen more and more of it popping up on wine lists, and it’s no small thanks to the attention paid to notable winemakers like Rolland and Hobbs as well as the strong work of wineries in the region including Château de Mercuès, Domaine Cosse Maisonneuve, Château de Cèdre, and Château de Cayx, which is owned by Denmark’s royal family. If you are already a fan of Malbec from Argentina—or any full-bodied red wine, for that matter—Malbec from Cahors is worth seeking out. It’s not an either/or proposition; as Rolland points out, “Today with, the right viticulture and good climate conditions we can make beautiful Malbec in Cahors and in Argentina.” *This article originally appeared in [Robb Report US](https://robbreport.com/food-drink/wine/malbec-winemakers-cahors-france-mendoza-argentina-1236146885/).* **Categories:** Food & Drink, Wine --- ### [Onyx’s Retro Electric Moped Is Back for a Limited Run](https://robbreport.ph/motorcycles/onyxs-retro-electric-moped-is-back-for-a-limited-run-2/) **Published:** January 20, 2025 **Author:** Bryan Hood **Content:** [Onyx Motors](https://onyxmotors.com/) is turning to the archives as it attempts to reverse its fortune. The California-based e-mobility company has announced plans to release a limited-edition version of its first two-wheeler, the [RCR](https://onyxmotors.com/collections/motorbikes/products/rcr-ltd). The exclusive model isn’t just a straight recreation of the e-moped that first turned heads late last decade, either—it’s an upgrade. The announcement comes one year after Onyx’s previous owner, James Khatiblou, died unexpectedly. Khatiblou’s death left the fate of the company in question, due to unfulfilled orders and mounting debt, [according to TechCrunch](https://techcrunch.com/2024/12/24/onyx-motorbikes-is-back-one-year-after-its-owner-died-leaving-the-company-in-shambles/). The company has since been taken over by its founder, Tim Seward, and is ready to refocus on what it does best: building and selling electric motorcycles and mopeds. ![RCR Limited Edition](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/rcrltd03.jpg) Onyx Motors RCR LTD Onyx Motors “I’m excited to announce I have resurrected my original brand Onyx with incredible backers!” [Seward wrote in a LinkedIn post last week](https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7277014850306785280/). “Onyx is literally back to the future now!” Onyx is pinning its comeback hopes on the model that helped it break through originally, the RCR. Available in two sizes—Standard, which stands 40 inches tall, and Shorty, which stands 38 inches tall—the battery-powered moped sports a minimalistic retro look. It features a steel tube frame, a trademark mahogany wood “tank” and fat all-terrain tires—and is devoid of nearly all unnecessary bells and whistles. The new RCR LTD may look the same, but it has received an upgraded 72-volt, 45-Ah battery. The new power source gives the bike better acceleration allowing it to go from zero to 30 mph in just four seconds and hit a top speed of 60 mph (off-road only). Additionally, in Eco mode, the bike can run for up to 120 miles, which is a huge improvement over the 75-mile range of past RCR models. The new battery can also be charged from 10 to 80 percent capacity in two-and-a-half hours and to full capacity in four hours. ![RCR Limited Edition](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/rcrltd02.jpg) Onyx Motors The company plans to build 100 examples of the new and improved RCR. Each bike will come with a holographic decal featuring its individual serial number, as well as a certificate of authenticity signed by Seward. In the market for an electric two-wheeler to use around town? If the RCR LTD has caught your eye you can buy yours now through the [relaunched Onyx website](https://onyxmotors.com/collections/motorbikes/products/rcr-ltd). The e-moped is currently available—regardless of size—for $4,299.99, which represents a $200 discount. *This article originally appeared in [Robb Report US](https://robbreport.com/motors/motorcycles/onyx-begins-selling-limited-edition-rcr-electric-moped-1236142359/).* **Categories:** Motorcycles **Tags:** moped, motorbike, motorcycle, onyx, onyx motors --- ### [Michael Jordan and Cristiano Ronaldo Both Fly Gulfstream Jets With Custom Liveries](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/michael-jordan-and-cristiano-ronaldo-both-fly-gulfstream-jets-with-custom-liveries/) **Published:** January 20, 2025 **Author:** J. George Gorant **Content:** Michael Jordan and Cristiano Ronaldo, two of the world’s richest and most famous members of professional sports, recently purchased different versions of the Gulfstream G650, with images of the exteriors posted all over social media. Ronaldo, who now plays for the Saudi football club, Al Nassr, is considered the world’s highest-paid athlete, reportedly making a €203 million ($213 million) salary last year, with another €60 million ($63 million) from sponsorships and business ventures, according to [Euroweeklynews.com](https://euroweeklynews.com/2024/12/16/cristiano-ronaldos-e70-million-private-jet-a-flying-palace-of-luxury/). Ronaldo reportedly listed another Gulfstream he owned for sale in 2022. Ronaldo’s Gulfstream G650, with a reported value of $72 million, has a shiny metallic body featuring his initials, CR7, along with a figure of him striking a celebration pose. The aircraft is a long-range that can accommodate up to 19 passengers, with a range of up to 7,500 nautical miles. Until the recent Gulfstream G700 was introduced to the market, the G650 was the company’s largest long-range jet. ![Soccer Superstar Cristiano Ronaldo](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/CR7-Kicking-Ball.jpeg) Ronaldo, considered soccer’s highest-paid athlete, recently traded up his G200 for the G650. Getty The fuselage of Michael Jordan’s [G650ER](https://www.gulfstream.com/en/aircraft/gulfstream-g650er/) (ER stands for “extended range”) is also distinctive. Spokespeople at Nike, Jordan’s management company, Jump Brand, and Jordan’s NASCAR team, 23XI Racing, did not respond to attempts to confirm the boss’s ownership, but there’s little question the jet that has been making the rounds on social media belongs to His Airness. Like Jordan’s previous jet, the new one has a livery painted to match the pattern of the latest Air Jordan sneakers—although in a darker shade of gray—features his Jumpman logo and utilizes the tail number NL236MJ. For those without a decoder ring, 23 was in his jersey number, six was the number of NBA titles he won with the Chicago Bulls, and MJ are, obviously, his initials. ![Michael Jordan and His Gulfstream G650](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Michael-Jordan-and-His-G650ER.jpeg) Michael Jordan’s new G650ER has a similar, very recognizable livery to his previous business jets. Flickr, Getty The G650ER has an extended range that covers more than 8,600 nautical miles and a top speed of over 700 mph with a cruise speed around 650. The base price rings in at about $70 million, but with upgrades and customization it can push past $100 million. Standard variations on the 650’s interior allow seating for up to 19 and sleeping for 10 in as many as four living areas as well as a galley and two lavatories. The potential add-ons include a full-width bedroom and luxury bathroom. That flexibility makes it popular among the business-jet crowd, with an owner’s list that includes Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Oprah Winfrey among others. ![Gulfstream G650](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Gulfstream-G650.jpeg) The G650 has been one of Gulfstream’s most popular models, with more than 500 examples built since it launched in 2008. Gulfstream The upgrade comes amid a flurry of retail activity for the 61-year-old Hall of Famer, who has a reported net worth of $3.5 billion. In 2023, Jordan sold his controlling interest in the Charlotte Hornets for a reported $3 billion to focus on his car racing team. And in September he finally unloaded his 56,000-square-foot Chicago-area mansion for $14.9 million, having listed it for $29 million in 2012. Jordan also recently purchased a one-of-a-kind $2.2 million electric Pininfarina Battista Targamerica to add to his extensive car collection. The cars go along with an 80-foot Viking sportfishing yacht—Catch 23—at a cost of around $7 million, and in 2022 he bought the 244-foot Abeking & Rasmussen, [M’Brace](https://www.superyachtfan.com/yacht/elandess/), for $115 million. *This article originally appeared in[ Robb Report US](https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/michael-jordan-cristiano-ronaldo-gulfstream-g650-1236124885/).* **Categories:** Aviation, Leisure, Sports **Tags:** cristiano ronaldo, gulfstream, jet, michael jordan --- ### [The Private-Jet World Is Optimistic About 2025, Despite a Post-Covid Slow-Down](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/the-private-jet-world-is-optimistic-about-2025-despite-a-post-covid-slow-down/) **Published:** January 20, 2025 **Author:** Michael Verdon **Content:** The private-jet world seems to be leveling off from its record highs during the Covid years. The fractional and jet-card segments are still above pre-Covid sales levels, while others such as used aircraft sales and on-demand charter have declined from giddy highs in 2021 and 2022. Sentiment for the near-term of business aviation was positive at last week’s [Corporate Jet Investor (CJI) ](https://www.corporatejetinvestor.com/)conference in Miami, in an industry known for its cyclical highs and lows. Aircraft company CEOs, jet-card executives, aviation attorneys, aircraft brokers, and private equity reps examined different sectors of the industry during three days of interviews and panel discussions. They agreed, with some exceptions, that the market remains strong, following those unprecedented pandemic highs. “We’re happy as clams,” said Don Dwyer, a principal with Guardian Jet, a brokerage firm specializing in consulting and used aircraft sales. “We’re seeing an underlying optimism in people buying and selling aircraft. The market remains strong. This is our biggest year ever.” ![Business jet red carpet](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/RR-Feature-Photos-1-2240x1260.jpg) High-net worth clients have largely remained in business aviation since Covid, while the sector has also seen a return of corporate travelers. *Getty Images.* The re-election of Donald Trump seems to have had an immediate beneficial impact. “Our market indicators have gone up 35 points since the election,” says Rollie Vincent, director of JetNet IQ, which tracks business aviation in industry surveys. “There are a lot of signs right now that things aren’t going to slow down, at least not for the short term—barring a black-swan event.” Business aviation is broken down across different categories, between new and used aircraft sales, fractional ownership (where a company or individual buys an ownership stake in a jet for three to five years), on-demand charter, and jet cards. “It’s nuts. We saw our spring being extended beyond its usual season and then summer was really busy,” says Alan Walsh, senior vice president of client management and operations for Sentient, a jet-card maker. He explains that the company expects to sell $100 million worth of flights by the end of the year, and expects a strong year next year, “barring any unforeseen larger issues.” Sentient’s sister company, Flexjet, has seen its fractional business grow during the Covid years and beyond. The company reported an 11 percent year-to-date sales growth compared to last year, with a waiting list. For the entire fractional segment, including fractional’s largest firm, NetJets, Flexjet, and nearly a dozen smaller companies, the number of flights was up 59 percent in the second quarter of 2024, compared to the same quarter of pre-covid 2019. A mix of whole aircraft owners, now selling their jets and moving into fractional, charter users, and corporate flight departments are driving the increase. “Surprisingly, our fractional customer profile has gotten about 10 years younger,” said Kenn Ricci, the principal of Directional Aviation Capital, during the keynote address. “That’s a good thing because they’ll be with us longer. We’re also selling shares in four times as many mid- and super-mid aircraft than we do light jets. So, the jets are getting bigger. The other big change is our international growth.” ![Business Jet in Hangar](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Business-Jet-in-Hangar.jpg) Bizav’s weak links are shortages of repair facilities, technicians and spare parts. Some aircraft can be grounded for weeks. Getty Images The used-aircraft market, which softened after frenzied sales activity in 2021 and 2022, seems to be stabilizing in the second half of this year, according to Vincent. “Values are holding up higher and longer than we expected, and we expect values to increase in the fourth quarter of this year,” he said. Because of U.S. tax, the fourth quarter sees a surge of business jet sales. New business jet deliveries were valued at about $700 million this year, said Vincent, noting there is also a backlog of unbuilt, ordered aircraft valued at about $51 billion. “It’s enough for several years of production,” he said. “That leaves the aircraft manufacturers in good shape.” On-demand charter is the only segment of the market that is softer, according to industry analyst ARGUS, which reported a 5.2 percent drop in total hours during the first half of 2024, compared to the first half of 2023. But the 14.7 percent decline from the 2022 high is even a better indicator in the decline of on-demand charter. ![Pilot entering a business jet](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Pilot-Entering.jpg) An ongoing pilot shortage also continues to dog the industry, with many owners unable to find pilots to fly their jets. Getty Images The shortage of aircraft repair technicians, and not enough Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) centers, along with a continued supply-chain shortage of parts, is keeping many aircraft grounded for days, or even weeks. Ricci says a third of the Flexjet fleet is undergoing repairs at any given point. Most experts expect it to continue for several years. The conference also had panels focusing on new connectivity technologies for aircraft cabins, the use of AI toward pilot-less aircraft, and the FlyHouse app that promises a seamless, Uber-like experience for people who want to book on-demand charters. Jack Lambert, FlyHouse’s founder, said the app lets potential charterers initiate a “reverse auction” among multiple charter firms and gain the best price. “On the low end, we expect this to be a $3 to $5 billion market in five years,” he said. *This article originally appeared in [Robb Report US](https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/private-jet-outlook-2025-1235990528/).* **Categories:** Aviation **Tags:** fractional ownership, private jets --- ### [13 Essential Books for Watch Collectors](https://robbreport.ph/watches/13-essential-books-for-watch-collectors-from-a-rolex-bible-to-a-cartier-tank-tome-2/) **Published:** January 25, 2025 **Author:** Cait Bazemore **Content:** There’s no such thing as too many books. They add interest to a coffee table, brighten up a shelf, and, more importantly…educate you about a passion. Watch collecting and book collecting really go hand in hand. Every year, there are informative titles dropping from beloved brands and industry experts. Whether you enjoy casually perusing pages of stunning photos or actually want to dive deep into history, these watch books deliver. From a guide to the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak to an essential deep dive into Cartier’s Tank watch, here are 13 you may want to add to your library as you expand your collecting journey. And, if you really want to be an expert, you should also consider these must-have books that are requisite wells of knowledge. ## Rolex: The Impossible Collection ![Rolex: The Impossible Collection](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Watch-Book-Rolex.jpeg) If you’re looking to wax on about the Crown, then you might start here. Watch expert, Fabienne Reybaud provides an expansive dive into the most valuable and technically innovative models by Rolex. These are the watches that make Rolex the reigning king of the auction block. Plus, it contains never-before-seen-in-print Rollies like the Explorer worn by Sir Edmund Hilary to the summit of Mt. Everest in 1953. This is the second edition of the collectible tome and it will set you back a hefty $1,400, but Assouline will also send you a pair of white gloves with the purchase to handle the precious watch bible. ## 100 Iconic Watches ![100 Iconic Watches](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/100-Iconic-Watches.jpeg) Watch journalist and expert Gisbert L. Brunner has published more than 20 books on timepieces and he’s back at it again with his latest for TeNeues, *100 Iconic Watches*. This is the perfect read for new collectors who want to be well-versed in the timepieces that every serious enthusiast knows. Brunner covers everything from the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak to the Omega Speedmaster and Jaeger-LeCoultre’s groundbreaking caliber 101 movement. Of course, as always with icons, these models frequently exceed auction block estimates. ## Breitling: 140 Years in 140 Stories ![Breitling 140 Years in 140 Stories](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Watch-Books-Breitling.jpeg) Written by Gregory Breitling, longtime Breilting collector and historian Fred Mandelbaum, journalist and watch expert Jeff Stein, and Kris Stoever, the daughter of astronaut Scott Carpenter, this tome is for horology and aviation enthusiasts alike. Since its beginnings in 1884, Breitling has built a weighty legacy of timekeepers crafted for the skies. This includes chronographs for civil aviation and hardcore tool watches built to endure the extreme climate of space travel. Executed as an entertaining read blending both history and first-hand personal accounts this book will be a crowd-pleaser for those interested in groundbreaking innovation GREGORY BREITLING (Contributor), FRED MANDELBAUM (Contributor), Jeff Stein (Contributor), Kris Stoever (Contributor) ## Patek Philippe: Investing in Wristwatches ![Patek Philippe: Investing in Wristwatches](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Watch-Books-Patek-Philippe.jpeg) To kick off our compilation we have a title for the true collector, one who views their watches as an investment like art or fine wine. Here, you get an in-depth look at the value of timepieces from one of the most prominent makers in the industry. It includes a curated selection of Patek models notable for their technical excellence, auction records, design and anecdotal history. For each, you get a beautiful photo, reference and sales values along with a comparative analysis of auction results, compiled through close collaboration with Sotheby’s. ## Rolex Philosophy ![Rolex Philosophy](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Watch-Books-Rolex.jpeg) This next title is for the ultimate Rolex devotee. From inception to present day, you can trace the evolution of the most influential brand in watchmaking. This book combines images, direct testimonials, unpublished interviews, contemporaneous ads, archive materials, technical details, auction results and more to paint a picture of what has made Rolex the powerhouse it is today. ## Bulgari: Beyond Time ![Bulgari: Beyond Time](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Watch-Books-Bvlgari.jpeg) If you want a showpiece for your coffee table or mantle, look no further than Bulgari’s latest title. This book is worth its weight in gold, quite literally, and will instantly serve as a conversation starter at your next gathering. Amid page after page of larger-than-life images, you’ll find insightful essays on each collection from folks like Christie’s famed jewelry auctioneer Rahul Kadakia and nine-time Olympic gold-medalist Carl Lewis. ## What Time is It? ![Bulgari: Beyond Time](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/What-time-is-it.jpeg) If you’ve ever questioned whether watches are a way to deeply connect with other humans, you need to pick up this book. For over a decade, Swiss photographer Karine Bauzin traveled to 20 countries and spoke to roughly 200 people asking one simple question: what time is it? The result is the captivating photo journal that perfectly illustrates the universality of timekeepers. As an added bonus, the book comes to life in a traveling exhibition that left Geneva last month and is currently on display in Shanghai. ## Patek Philippe: The Impossible Collection ![Patek Philippe: The Impossible Collection](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Watch-Book-Patek-Philippe.jpeg) Here’s a second offering for the fans of Patek. You may be familiar with Assouline’s “The Impossible Collection” series which has included brands like Rolex, Cartier, and Chanel. Now, you get the same deep dive into the world of Patek over the brand’s rich, 184-year history. In this retrospective, you can explore Patek’s most iconic timepieces and record-setting innovations, including exclusive photographs from prominent collectors. ## The Watch Book: Oris and the Watchmaking History of Switzerland ![The Watch Book: Oris and the Watchmaking History of Switzerland](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Watch-Books.jpeg) Next up, we have the latest installment in “The Watch Book” series, marking the first coffee table tome dedicated to the brand Oris. This volume explores the rich history of watchmaking in Switzerland through the lens of Oris, a brand that offers a unique perspective for its down-to-earth values, independence, and exclusive production of mechanical watches. ## Premier Story: Breitling Premier, Duograph and Datora ![Premier Story: Breitling Premier, Duograph and Datora](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Watch-Book-Breitling.jpeg) For lovers of the chronograph, you can go on a journey through Breitling’s work with the complication alongside its foremost collector and brand historian. This title traces the history of Breitling’s chronographs through three generations of family leadership. Each page is filled with exquisite photography, rarely-seen archival pieces, and a comprehensive dating-and-authentication guide for collectors. ## The Dial: The Face of the Wristwatch in the 20th Century ![The Dial: The Face of the Wristwatch in the 20th Century](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/The-Dial.jpeg) True watch nerds will appreciate the depth of this intricate reference book exploring the focal point of every watch: the dial. Here, you get a comprehensive look at the art of dial making from simple silver decoration with printed hour markers to complex and unique cloisonné-champlevé enamel dials. The book is divided into three sections, first exploring the famous Geneva dial maker Stern and then closely looking at the processes required to produce a dial. The final portion culminates in a selection of dials from iconic watches. ## The Cartier Tank Watch ![The Cartier Tank Watch](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Watch-Book-Tank.jpeg) The Cartier Tank is perhaps one of the most iconic watches ever created and has rightfully earned a cult following. For lovers of this unmistakable design, here’s an ode to the Tank. Throughout this title, you’ll find extensive archival documents along with previously unpublished photographs that highlight the most significant Tank watches and their technical characteristics as well as famous wearers of the emblematic model. ## Royal Oak 39: The Book ![Royal Oak 39: The Book](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Watch-Books-Royal-Oak.jpeg) There are loads of books devoted to the Royal Oak and for good reason. It’s a model that arguably defined the sport watch category when it first debuted in 1972. Here, you get a tribute to that rich history from the perspective of collectors and enthusiasts around the globe. This includes over 100 rare versions of the Royal Oak from prestigious collections fully photographed and detailed. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Leisure, Watches **Tags:** breitling, bulgari, cartier, cartier tank watch, Patek Philippe, rolex, royal oak, watch books --- ### [High Interest Rates Have Put the Brakes on Global Home Prices](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/homes/high-interest-rates-have-put-the-brakes-on-global-home-prices/) **Published:** April 7, 2025 **Author:** Abby Montanez **Content:** As we make our way out of the first quarter of 2025, global housing markets are showing signs of cautious optimism. However, the pace of growth remains slow. Home prices across the world increased by just 2.6 percent annually in Q4 2024, well below the long-term average of 4.8 percent, according to a new[ report](https://www.knightfrank.com.ng/research/global-house-price-index-q4-2024-12033.aspx) from Knight Frank. While this marks a slight uptick, the real momentum hinges on further interest rate cuts expected later in the year. “Global house prices are currently rising, albeit modestly,” says Liam Bailey, global head of research at Knight Frank. “The boost to growth from last year’s rate cuts has dissipated to an extent, and a further round of cuts is required to enable an increase in the current below-trend growth rate.” After a sharp rise in rates through 2022 and 2023, global house prices have struggled to regain their previous growth trajectory. Adjusted for inflation, prices have actually fallen by 3.6 percent since 2022—the largest decline since the financial crisis. The real challenge moving forward will be the balance between combating inflation and stimulating growth, especially in developed markets. Turkey has led the charge, with a 29.4 percent increase in annual home prices. However, when adjusted for inflation, real prices in Turkey have dropped by 10.4 percent, illustrating how price growth can be deceptive without factoring in inflation. Meanwhile, Europe has seen strong performances from Bulgaria, Poland, and Portugal, while China and Hong Kong have struggled, with declines exceeding 8 percent. Looking ahead, the expectation is that 2025 will bring more rate cuts, particularly in Europe and North America, which should help accelerate price growth in the second half of the year. While broader markets remain subdued, ultra-luxury [real estate](https://robbreport.ph/tag/real-estate/ "real estate") has bucked the trend. Super-prime residential markets—those where transactions exceed $10 million—are booming. According to Knight Frank, global super-prime sales surged 31 percent in Q4 2024, pushing total sales for the year to 2,018 units, a 6 percent increase from 2023. Even in markets facing challenges, such as London, Paris, and Geneva, luxury buyers are still snapping up high-end properties. Ultra-luxury homes are fetching record prices, with the average sale price reaching $18 million globally. Hong Kong leads the pack with an average of $22.9 million per property, followed closely by London at $20.4 million. Meanwhile, markets like Paris and Dubai have seen average prices of $15.6 million and $15.9 million, respectively. Despite broader market hesitations, the ultra-luxury segment remains resilient, proving that demand for top-tier properties is still thriving—even in uncertain times. *Photo courtesy of Erhan Demirtas/NurPhoto via Getty Images* **Categories:** Homes, Properties **Tags:** real estate, real estate market --- ### [Here Is Every New Rolex Released at Watches and Wonders](https://robbreport.ph/watches/here-is-every-new-rolex-released-at-watches-and-wonders/) **Published:** April 4, 2025 **Author:** Allen Farmelo **Content:** Rolex makes some interesting, if slight, moves with this year’s releases, and most significantly the Crown has dropped an all new Land-Dweller model with an integrated-bracelet. When times are good and watch sales are booming, we’ve seen Rolex take more risks than this year—such as in 2023 when the Crown released playful, psychedelic dials on the classic Day-Date and Datejust. Last year, as pandemic collectors chilled and the market cooled, Rolex offered more subdued models, and we celebrated Rolex acting like good old Rolex again. With a recent decline in exports of Swiss watches, as well as a level of uncertainty currently permeating the global economy, we might expect Rolex to be offering up the mellow classics once again this year, and, despite the release of the Land-Dweller, the Crown has done just that. Most of the buzz will, accordingly, go to the Land-Dweller, Rolex’s entry into the highly competitive, sports-chic, integrated-bracelet watch category started by [Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak](https://robbreport.ph/tag/royal-oak/ "royal oak") back in the 1970s. Today that category is still dominated by AP’s “R.O.” as well as the [Patek Philippe Nautilus](https://robbreport.ph/watches/patek-philippe-just-unveiled-a-new-limited-edition-watch-and-a-unique-table-clock/ "Patek Philippe Just Unveiled a New Limited-Edition Watch and a Unique Table Clock") and a plethora of imitators from pretty much every other brand. Rolex’s Land-Dweller harkens back to the Oyster Quartz models that first came to market in 1977, smack in the middle of the first integrated-bracelet watch boom. The overall look of the Oyster Quartz watches of the late 1970s was effectively a Datejust with an integrated bracelet, and we can say almost the same of the Land-Dweller with its fluted bezel, cyclops date magnifier, and a familiar dial configuration, all of which make it look quintessentially like a Rolex. The Land-Dweller is certainly the big news of the day from Rolex, as this is the first all new line of watches since the Sky-Dweller annual calendar dropped in 2012. But there’s more to enjoy, with a few dial updates on fan-favorite models with the GMT Master II and the Oyster Perpetual. The Submariner gets no love this year, and the Daytona gets a blue dial, but generally this year is about a new model. **Land-Dweller 36 mm and 40 mm** ![Land-Dweller 36 mm and 40 mm](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RR_Rolex_WW_Land_Dweller_triptych.webp) As noted above, this is the big news from Rolex for 2025, a whole new line of watches with an integrated bracelet and iconic Rolex features like the fluted bezel and date with cyclops magnifier. Entering the competitive field of the integrated-bracelet watch is not something we’ve seen from Rolex since the Oyster Quartz model of 1977, and we haven’t even seen a new model since 2012’s Sea-Dweller. Offered in traditional sizes of 36 mm and 40 mm and with either a fluted or diamond-set bezel, these new models sport a highly evolved movement in Calibre 7135. Thinner than any existing auto-winder from the Crown, this movement shows off a solid 16 patented improvements, and the thinness is key in this competitive arena where Audemars Piguet and Patek Philippe have long offered sleekness in integrated-bracelet models. Proprietary technology includes a Dynapulse Escapement and a new oscillator with a ceramic balance staff. That there is a clear caseback here tells us that Rolex is ready to open the proverbial works to the world, showing off a high-end, sleek movement. Metals available include the white gold and steel combo known as Rolseor, Everose gold and platinum. The bracelet has been dubbed a Flat Jubilee (perhaps an oxymoron!), and its resemblance to other bracelets in the category is noticeable, while the Rolex touches remain prominent. Dials are a flattened honecomb pattern. **Price:** $13,900 for the 36 mm in steel and white gold; $14,900 for the 40 mm in steel and white gold; 40 is $14,900 in steel and white gold; $88,300 in 36 mm Everose with diamonds; $42,100 in 36 mm Everose without diamonds **Cosmograph Daytona With Blue Lacquer Dial** ![Cosmograph Daytona With Blue Lacquer Dial](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RR_Rolex_WW_Daytona_New_Dial.webp) We wouldn’t say it if it wasn’t so obviously going to be called out as such, but this is a Tiffany-blue dial, or pretty close to it. The Daytona is no stranger to odd-ball treatments over the years, and this one leaps forward with a blue lacquer dial, continuing a trend for Rolex this year as lacquer makes a strong showing across different model lines. **Price:** $36,400 **GMT-Master II in Everose With a Tiger-Eye Dial** ![GMT Master Tiger Eye Dial](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RR_Rolex_WW_GMT_Master_II_New_Dial.webp) Jumping into the ring with a very popular stone dial, Rolex is no stranger to these models. However, it’s been a while since we’ve seen one, and not in the GMT-Master II. A unique choice to be sure, one that will set this watch into the rarefied realm of how-the-hell-did-you-get-one collector braggadocio. **Price:** $47,500 **GMT-Master II Destro in White Gold with Green Ceramic Dial** ![GMT-Master II Destro in White Gold with Green Ceramic Dial](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RR_Rolex_WW_GMT_Master_II.webp) We saw a version of this watch released back in 2022 when Rolex was taking more risks, and it quickly earned the beverage-centric nick-name Sprite. This year the model is back with a solid white-gold case and bracelet and a striking new green dial that will surely earn this one a new nickname before the day is out. **Price:** $46,750 **Oyster Perpetual 28 mm, 36 mm and 41 mm in Fresh Pastel Dials** ![oyster perpetual](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RR_Rolex_WW_Oyster_Perpetual_Triptych.webp) It’s been a minute since we had a fresh take on the famous OP, and these harken back to the original Stella dials of the 1970s, though not exactly as these are matte-lacquer dials, rather than glossy painted ones. The muted tones are very much of the moment, with a lovely lavender for the smaller 28 mm model, a handsome sand gold for the classically sized 36 mm model, and a pale green for the larger 41 mm offering. Movements, cases and bracelets remain the same as previous years. **Price:** $5650 for 28 mm; $5,800 for 31 mm; $5,900 for 34 mm; $6,200 for 36 mm; $6,500 for 41 mm **The 39 mm 1908 on a Solid-Gold Bracelet** ![The 39 mm 1908 on a Solid-Gold Bracelet](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RR_Rolex_WW_1908.webp) Boom, this is what was missing from the traditionally styled 1908: a solid bracelet in precious metal to elevate this elevated watch all the way up. Reminiscent of solid-gold bracelets found on Rolexes in the 1940s from Gay Frères, this one is entirely polished and looking ready for an elegant night out. There aren’t many dress watches offered these days with such a classic solid-gold bracelet, and Rolex is digging into its roots as a maker of fine dress watches back before it took over the world of tool watches in the 1950s. **Price:** $35,000 **A Bright Green Sky-Dweller in Yellow Gold** ![A Bright Green Sky-Dweller in Yellow Gold](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RR_Rolex_WW_Sky_Dweller_New_Dial.webp) This is a watch that gets a lot of strong opinions in all directions, and there’s no question that the bright green dial in a yellow-gold case is going to be just as divisive as the watch was upon its debut in 2012. The Sky-Dweller continues to offer the most interesting, and more complicated movements from the Crown in decades, with an annual calendar and a bezel that turns to select the function that the crown adjusts. **Price:** CHF 44,500 (Approximately $48,000) **The Datejust 31 in Red Ombre Dial** ![The Datejust 31 in Red Ombre Dial](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RR_Rolex_WW_Datejust.webp) This is not, I happen to know from some rabbit-hole I fell into, the first time that a Datejust has been offered on a President bracelet, but it may be the first time that a red ombre dial has been offered on a 31 mm DJ. This watch harkens back to the glory days of the 1980s gem-setting Rolex is famous for. It was a time when elaborate bracelets, gobs of jewels and dials unafraid to announce themselves were all the rage, and it’s fun to see these styles returning as more women appear to embrace smaller watches and classical styles again. **Price:** $48,100 **Case Size:** 31 mm *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US*. **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** cosmograph, datejust, daytona, GMT, land-dweller, oyster perpetual, rolex, skydweller, watches and wonders --- ### [Boeing’s Massive New Business Jets Will Be Made From Old 747s](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/boeings-massive-new-business-jets-will-be-made-from-old-747s/) **Published:** October 28, 2025 **Author:** Michael Verdon **Content:** BBJ is putting an extreme spin on upcycling. [Boeing’s](https://robbreport.ph/tag/boeing/ "boeing") business-jet division announced a new plan to turn commercial-passenger 747-8 airliners into the largest floating palaces in the sky. The 747-8 Turnkey program will locate and acquire commercial 747s for clients, oversee a custom interior refurbishment at one of its associated facilities, and overhaul of the engines before delivering it to the client. “The 747-8 continues to serve as a premier VIP and head of state aircraft and discerning customers are interested in continuing this tradition of excellence in private air travel,” said Joe Benson, president of Boeing Business Jets, in a statement. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/BBJ_7478_Dining_Bizliner.webp) *A palatial dining area/conference table is optional, thanks to the interior space. Boeing Business Jets* The [BBJ](https://businessjets.boeing.com/) 747-8’s range of 8,875 nautical miles gives it the ability to reach almost any two city pairs in the world, such as New York and Sydney or Dubai and Los Angeles, without refueling. The aircraft’s total cabin area of 5,179 square feet, including a length of 100’8″ and width of 20’1” (or twice as wide as two G650 cabins put together), will be configurable in whatever way the owner wants, from the ability to carry 75 passengers to large, luxe zones for lounging. The features can include full-size bedrooms with showers, spiral staircases between decks, movie theaters, and sprawling dining rooms. There are about a dozen BBJ 747-8s, which have typically been designed for heads of state, royal families or government leaders. Both the Qatar Amiri Flight and Kuwait government operate these aircraft. Ownership isn’t cheap. A brand-new “green” 747-8, which means the interior needs to be added, has a $367 million price tag. The custom interior can add another $25 million to $50 million. Hourly operating costs are about $23,000 per hour. ![boejing bbj 2](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/BBJ_747-8_MasterSuite.webp) *An enclosed suite with shower. Boeing Business Jet* The last 747-8 International (non-freight version) was delivered in 2023, so Boeing is better than UHNWI and governments will buy one of the 50 commercial 747-8s on the market and go through the refurbishment process. Chris Shindle, BBJ’s director of marketing, told *Robb Report* that the costs to bring an older aircraft back to like-new condition would depend on the state of the aircraft, its engines, and the type of interior a client wants. The 747-8 model has technologies from the 787 Dreamliner that reduces its noise footprint, fuel consumption compared to earlier 747 models. Why would anyone want a late-model 747 with the launch of the new Boeing 777X aircraft that has an even longer range and more advanced technology? Part of it is that the program keeps pushing back the expected delivery date of the first aircraft, from mid 2026 now to 2027, per Bloomberg. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/747-8-Lounge.webp) *A lounge concept. Boeing Business Jets* Shindle says there are other reasons. “There are head-of-state customers and VIP clients who still have a significant amount of interest in an aircraft this size with four engines,” he says. “That market segment drove us back to offer this because of the iconic nature of the product. We don’t think there will be much cannibalizing between the two.” And since the VVIP bizliners typically only fly 200 to 300 hours per year, the revised 747-8 could “last decades,” he says. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Aviation **Tags:** aviation, luxury travel --- ### [The Watch That Warhol Might Have Collected Twice](https://robbreport.ph/watches/piaget-andy-warhol-collage-watch/) **Published:** October 27, 2025 **Author:** Kimberly Delgado **Content:** When Andy Warhol began collecting watches, it wasn’t out of punctuality: he once admitted he never wound them. [By the time he died in 1987, he had more than three hundred](https://robbreport.ph/watches/how-andy-warhol-amassed-one-of-the-worlds-most-formidable-watch-collections/ "How Andy Warhol Amassed One of the World’s Most Formidable Watch Collections"), and among them was a Piaget with a cushion-shaped gold case, acquired in 1973. It was a study in contradiction: sleek yet eccentric, modern yet slightly baroque. This year, more than half a century later, [Piaget](https://robbreport.ph/watches/piaget-jewelry-watches-150th-anniversary/ "Piaget’s New High Jewelry Reinforces Its Watchmaking Mastery") has reinterpreted that very watch in collaboration with the [Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts](https://warholfoundation.org/). The result is the Andy Warhol Watch “Collage” Limited Edition—a run of just 50 pieces that captures Warhol’s gift for turning luxury into commentary. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/ANDY-WARHOL_GettyImages-1201514582-1.webp) *Getty* “The foundation encouraged us to approach the project with freedom and to interpret Warhol in Piaget’s expressive, unbounded style,” says Stéphanie Sivrière. “The result is a watch that tells the story of our collaboration but that stands on its own as a piece of watchmaking art, a collectible inspired by one of history’s most prolific collectors.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/G0A50243_SF_1_16x9.webp) *Piaget* The new timepiece builds upon Piaget’s historic reference 15102, imagined by Jean-Claude Gueit in the 1970s and later known as the Black Tie. Its 45 mm case, stepped and architectural, is crafted in 18-carat yellow gold—the same metal as Warhol’s original watch, which the brand reacquired at Sotheby’s in 1988. Inside lies the Calibre 501P1, a slim automatic movement with a 40-hour power reserve, finely decorated with circular Côtes de Genève and visible through an engraved gold caseback. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/G0A50243_SF_7_16x9.webp) But the true conversation happens on the dial. Composed through the ancient craft of stone marquetry, it draws on the tonal vocabulary of Warhol’s *Collage* self-portrait from 1986. Against a base of black onyx—matching the color of Warhol’s own 1973 Piaget—the dial features pieces of pink opal, green chrysoprase, and yellow serpentine, cut and inlaid by hand into an abstract mosaic. The result is neither reproduction nor homage, but an interpretation. “We spent six months researching Andy Warhol before we settled on a direction,” continues Sivrière. “With such a wealth of material to draw on, it was extremely difficult to know where to begin. Should we look to one of his most famous works and iterate on a banana, a can of soup, or perhaps Marilyn Monroe? We quickly learned that we wanted to express Warhol, but without being obvious.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/G0A50243_SF_2_1x1.webp) *Piaget* On the case back, the engraving of Warhol’s collage self-portrait looks half remembered, half reimagined—a gesture toward both the subject and his endless reproductions. It’s a fitting tribute: a watch that measures time while recalling an artist who blurred the line between object and artifice. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/piaget-andy-warhol-sp-2240x2240.webp) *Piaget* Even the strap, a deep green leather chosen to balance the palette, nods to Warhol’s fondness for unexpected contrasts, while the polished gold and layered geometry recall 1970s bold glamor. Only 50 examples will exist; that scarcity feels apt, because the watch functions less as commodity than as punctuation—a small, luminous reminder of what happens when irony and devotion occupy the same wrist. It’s not a tribute to Warhol’s fame so much as to his curiosity: the way he looked at luxury not as privilege, but as texture. Time, after all, was one more thing for him to collect. [Piaget](https://robbreport.ph/watches/piaget-jewelry-watches-150th-anniversary/ "Piaget’s New High Jewelry Reinforces Its Watchmaking Mastery") answers not with nostalgia, but with movement—a design that keeps the past in play while the timepiece ticks forward. **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** andy warhol, piaget --- ### [Meet the New $3 Million Rolls-Royce Phantom Centenary](https://robbreport.ph/cars/rolls-royce-phantom-centenary/) **Published:** October 24, 2025 **Author:** Howard Walker **Content:** To commemorate the 100th anniversary of [Rolls-Royce](https://robbreport.ph/tag/rolls-royce/ "rolls-royce")‘s most iconic model, the majestic [Phantom](https://robbreport.ph/tag/phantom/ "phantom") limousine, the storied marque had to create something extra special. Meet the Phantom Centenary Private Collection. The culmination of three painstaking years of development and over 40,000 hours of work, this striking black-and-white automotive tribute is touted as the most complex, most technically ambitious Phantom Private Collection model ever. Matching the rarity of the milestone, Rolls-Royce will build only 25 examples, each priced at $3 million. Yet in a move that’s out of character for the automaker that prides itself on offering seemingly unlimited levels of customization, each car will be identical—there’s no option for personalization. And as you might expect, every Centenary has already been presold. ![phantom centenary](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Phantom-Centenary-Private-Collection-1-w.webp) An example from the Rolls-Royce Phantom Centenary Private Collection. *Rolls-Royce Motor Cars* During *Robb Report*‘s preview of the extremely limited-edition model in Goodwood, England, Phil Fabre de la Grange, head of the [Bespoke division at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars](https://www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com/en_GB/bespoke/discover.html), tells us that “the car is a story book of 100 years of Phantom’s history.” Based on the latest Phantom VIII extended-wheelbase variant, the sedan features an interior that’s a montage of key events, people, locations, and classic examples featured in Phantom’s legacy. This includes everything from a map of roads driven by company co-founder Sir Henry Royce at his winter retreat in the South of France, depicted in strands of 24-karat gold, to Rolls-Royce’s original showroom in London’s Conduit Street that’s portrayed as part of a rear-seat tapestry embroidered with over 160,000 stitches. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Phantom-Centenary-Private-Collection-rear-seats.webp) The headlining feature of the Phantom Centenary is the tapestry-like rear seat, comprising 77 hand-drawn sketches used to create 45 panels. *Rolls-Royce Motor Cars* And like a good Easter-egg hunt, the interior is filled with cleverly hidden, surprise-and-delight scenes, such as the motif on the front seats depicting Roger the Rabbit—the secret code name for the seventh-generation Phantom before its launch in 2003. Then there’s the winged Phantom on the front seat, which references a seagull that was the sobriquet for the 1923 Phantom I prototype. In addition to birds, you’ll also find a cute bee. This represents the 250,000 honeybees housed in hives at the Rolls-Royce apiary on the grounds of the Goodwood headquarters. “The whole car is literally a work of art,” says Celina Mettang, lead color and material designer with Rolls-Royce Bespoke, who is our guide for the day. “Many \[facets\] are secrets, like the background to the embroidered teddy bear, which we’ll only reveal to owners when they take delivery.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Phantom-Centenary-Private-Collection-front-seats.webp) The interior, including the front seats, is filled with cleverly hidden, surprise-and-delight scenes pertaining to the nameplate’s lineage. *Rolls-Royce Motor Cars* Want to know the secret? We’re sure the bear references one of the best-known Phantom owners, designer Karl Lagerfeld, who had a passion for stuffed teddy bears. Phantoms too; he owned three at one time, including a Drophead Coupe. Alas, Mettang declines to confirm. Arguably the headlining feature of the Phantom Centenary is that tapestry-like rear seat. The Bespoke design team spent five months working with a historian to research and uncover key elements from the Phantom’s past. They then created 147 hand-drawn sketches, of which 77 were used to create 45 panels that make up the embroidered seat. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Phantom-Centenary-Private-Collection-engine-cover.webp) The 6.75-liter V-12’s specially designed engine cover is finished in Arctic White and detailed with shiny 24-karat gold. *Rolls-Royce Motor Cars* The panels on each of the Phantom’s four doors, formed from stained Blackwood veneer, are claimed to be the most intricate pieces of woodwork ever created for a Rolls-Royce. Each one was crafted using ground-breaking new techniques in 3-D ink layering, 3-D marquetry, and laser etching. The rear-door panels, for example, depict the Mediterranean coastline around Le Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer, where Sir Henry had a winter home. The front passenger door depicts Royce’s beloved summer home in West Wittering, on England’s south coast. Then there’s the driver’s door panel, which honors a 4,500-mile journey that the owner of the first Goodwood Phantom made across Australia. Each of the sections of road are formed from a 24-karat gold strip, cut and inlaid into the wood. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Phantom-Centenary-Private-Collection-the-Spirit-of-Ecstasy.webp) The iconic Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament is made of solid 18-karat gold, with a top layer of 24-karat gold. *Rolls-Royce Motor Cars* The centerpiece of the Phantom’s dashboard is the Anthology Gallery, which takes pride of place ahead of the front passenger. It comprises a total of 50 3-D-printed, vertically brushed aluminum fins that resemble pages of a book. Each fin features quotations cherry-picked from a century of glowing Phantom press reviews. Look upwards and the famous Starlight Headliner references the famous mulberry tree under which Sir Henry hosted summer meetings at his West Wittering home. The embroidered panel involves a staggering 440,000 stitches. Mettang explains that the exterior of the Phantom was kept intentionally understated so as not to distract from the interior. That said, the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament, formed from a casting taken from the original 1925 Phantom I, is made of solid 18-karat gold, with a top layer of 24-karat gold for durability. Hopefully, a security guard comes with it. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Phantom-Centenary-Private-Collection-front.webp) The Centenary is based on the latest Phantom VIII extended-wheelbase variant. *Rolls-Royce Motor Cars* As for that black-and-white color scheme, it was apparently chosen to reflect the golden age of Hollywood, when Phantom was a symbol of the era of glamour, and movies were shot in black and white. But this being a Phantom, no ordinary paint was used; the clear coat was infused with iridescent particles of crushed glass to give a shimmering finish called Super Champagne Crystal. You’ll find the final flourish when you lift the Phantom’s seemingly mile-long hood. There, on top of the whisper-quiet 6.75-liter V-12, is a specially designed engine cover finished in Arctic White and detailed with shiny 24-karat gold. Pity only the chauffeur will likely ever get to see it. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** cars, rolls-royce --- ### [This Yacht Charter Lets You Hunt for Sunken Treasure—and Keep What You Find](https://robbreport.ph/boats/this-yacht-charter-lets-you-hunt-for-sunken-treasure-and-keep-what-you-find/) **Published:** October 24, 2025 **Author:** Chrissie McClatchie **Content:** It’s a story that could equal any Indiana Jones script. Except that it’s true. In 1699, the French frigate *Maurepas* sinks off the coast of an uninhabited part of Panama, taking with it a load full of gold, silver and jewels gifted from Charles II of Spain to King Louis XIV of France. The treasure was payment to fight their common British enemy. After the vessel sinks, the captain and crew try to find their haul, to no success. For centuries, the wreck becomes the stuff of legends, with only the remote indigenous Guna Yala tribe privy to its exact location. They have every intention to keep it hidden. More than 300 years later, the Guna Yala in Panama’s San Blas archipelago have decided to reveal the whereabouts of the wreck. But here’s the Indiana Jones twist. In 2011, Ocean X divers Peter Lindberg and Dennis Åberg uncovered what is now known as the “The Baltic Sea Anomaly” in the waters of Northern Europe—a still-unidentified object 300 feet below sea level. Some said the odd murky sonar image is an alien spaceship, others believe it’s the lost city of Atlantis. Still others say it’s just a glacial formation on the ocean floor. Thousands of miles away, when the Guna Yala read about this discovery, they quickly came to believe that the Baltic Sea Anomaly is the vessel their ancestors descended from the skies in. And they became convinced that its discoverers, Lindberg and Åberg, were the ones that needed to bring their lost treasure back to the surface. They gave up the secret location to the two explorers. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/image-2560x2560-6-2240x2240.webp) The Guna Yala have the secret to the buried French treasure. *Pelorus Yachting* The final plot twist that nobody could’ve guessed? When Linberg and Åberg finally take the plunge in search of the *Maurepas* treasure in the next few months, yacht charter guests will be able to tag along for the adventure—and collect some of the proceeds of the treasure. “This is a phenomenal opportunity to be part of history,” Gayle Patterson, director of yachting at Pelorus Yachting, which is partnering with Ocean X on the hunt, tells *Robb Report*. Using yachts as vehicles to solve underwater mysteries is nothing new: in 2015, the legendary explorer yacht *Octopus* located the famous *Musashi,* a Japanese battleship sunk during World War II, off the coast of the Philippines, with the explorer’s first owner, the late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, on board. Allen, however, never would’ve considered chartering berths to strangers as he searched for wreck. But the quest to find *Maurepas,* a unique and logistically challenging expedition, shows how expedition-yacht companies are moving towards experiences that blend one-off adventure, learning and responsible travel. And it’s not just treasure hunting. Other adventure travel firms are setting up charters that go beyond typical week-long visits to the Med or Caribbean. In Panama, for instance, the charter guests will be much more than spectators. “They’ll be an integral part of the exploration team,” Patterson says. Besides diving with Linberg and Åberg, they will participate in briefs and debriefs with the dive team and meet with members of the Guna Yala, a closely guarded and deeply spiritual community. ![Suri](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/image-2560x2560-7-2240x2240.webp) Guests can charter explorer yachts like SuRi during the week of the treasure hunt to explore the San Blas islands. *Su-RI* Guests will even claim a stake in a treasure chest valued at $24 million. The Guna Yala community will keep 70 percent of any eventual sales, and four charter guests will each be entitled to 4.94 percent of the remaining 30 percent, along with a payment of $25,000 for appearing in the documentary that Ocean X will film. If the guests uncover the trove, they won’t be walking away with gold doubloons in their bags, but will receive a check when the treasure is later auctioned off. The charter is open to a maximum of four people from the same group, with the starting price for the adventure set at £139,000 (or about $186,200) per person for seven nights onboard the catamaran that will accommodate the dive team. The price may vary, says Patterson, since Pelorus can arrange a yacht charter if a larger party or extended family wants to come along and follow the adventure as well. Patterson points to two yachts in the Pelorus fleet based in the region available for charter: the 131-foot[ Kontiki Wayra](https://pelorusyachting.com/yachts-for-charter/kontiki-wayra), which can sleep up to 18 guests in nine staterooms and charters from $140,000 a week, and the 210-foot SuRi, with a glass-bottom viewing platform, helicopter and a toy chest full of jet skis and hoverboards. Chartering from $350,000 per week, the vessel can accommodate 12 people. The *Maurepas* is known to be resting under layers of sediment about 50 feet below the waterline. “We started the project by scanning the ocean floor first with sub-bottom profilers to pinpoint a precise area where the ship is. Now we know its position, the charter guests can come out to be part of the diving and, hopefully, retrieval of artefacts up to the surface,” explains filmmaker Mikael Flodell of Deep Blue Explorers, the arm of Ocean X leading the search for the wreck. ![San Blas Islands](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/san-blas-1-2240x2240.webp) The San Blas archipelago, a remote, restricted set of pristine islands off the coast of Panama, is now a treasure hunter’s fantasyland. *Getty Images* So far, the treasure hunters haven’t gotten any charter takers. “From December to March isn’t a good period to dive and we want it to be pleasant with crystal clear waters,” says Flodell. That means most likely the charter will happen in April but the pressure will be on, since some remnants of the French frigate have been recently uncovered, meaning the legend is real. The *Maurepas* is known to be resting under layers of sediment about 50 feet below the waterline. “We started the project by scanning the ocean floor first with sub-bottom profilers to pinpoint a precise area where the ship is. Now we know its position, the charter guests can come out to be part of the diving and, hopefully, retrieval of artefacts up to the surface,” explains filmmaker Mikael Flodell of Deep Blue Explorers, the arm of Ocean X leading the search for the wreck. The yacht in question is the 187-foot *Solace*, built at [Feadship](https://robbreport.ph/tag/feadship/ "feadship") in 2004 and having recently completed a 10-month refit that includes increased fuel capacity and an additional cabin behind the bridge to accommodate the experts needed on board. The idea to shake up the typical seven-day charter model came from the *Solace*’s new owner, who will also participate in the three-year odyssey. “He is keen to find a limited number of clients that see the added value you can have from being part of a program you can help shape,” Lyons says. ![Pelorus Yachting](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/image-2560x2560-9-2240x2240.webp) Sifting for buried treasure along the ocean floor. *Pelorus Yachting* Pelorus and EYOS appreciate that these styles of chartering aren’t for everyone. “But there is a strong market for people who have been looking for this,” says Lyons, adding that his firm is also seeing an increase in citizen-science yacht experiences. “We just organized a charter in Central America where the client brought researchers on board and paid for a support boat to allow them to undertake research alongside their trip,” he says. Such is the demand that EYOS now has a full-time Manager of Technical, Science and Conservation Projects. “Of course, people want to be comfortable, but they also want more substance and less fluff,” Lyons says. “What better place than a yacht? There’s an intrinsic magic that happens on board. Once you’ve experienced it, it’s so much more appealing than sitting around a swimming pool in the south of France.” Plus, anyone finding the *Maurepas* treasure would come home not only with the story of a lifetime, but full pockets. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Boats **Tags:** Feature, luxury travel, Yachts --- ### [Business Class Is Getting a Quiet-Luxury Makeover to Make Your Flight More Comfortable](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/business-class-is-getting-a-quiet-luxury-makeover-to-make-your-flight-more-comfortable/) **Published:** October 24, 2025 **Author:** Chris Dong **Content:** In today’s premium [cabins](https://robbreport.ph/tag/first-class/ "first class"), the latest flex isn’t Champagne or caviar—or even a sliding door. It’s quiet luxury. Business class has been edging toward residential elegance for years, but on a recent long-haul flight ensconced in Cathay Pacific’s new [Aria Suite](https://flights.cathaypacific.com/en_US/flying-with-us/cabin-classes/business-class/the-aria-suite.html), this trend felt fully realized. The details prove the point: The suite’s accent-light fixture could sit comfortably in a midcentury-modern living room (and can even be tuned to your ideal hue). Nearly every surface is textured and inviting to the touch—even the lie-flat bed is wrapped in ethically sourced wool—and storage cubbies close with the hush of bespoke cabinetry. “This is a space that adapts to travelers’ needs and feels effortlessly personal,” says Cindy Lam, Cathay Pacific’s senior vice president, Americas. ![cathay pacific](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Cathay_Pacific_AriaSuite.webp) Cathay Pacific’s Aria Suite elevates downtime. Courtesy of Cathay Pacific The Hong Kong–based carrier isn’t the only one deliberately blurring the lines between business and first class. “Airlines are translating the cultural mores of providing more than just an ergonomic product,” says Edmond Huot, chief creative officer at [Forward Studio](https://www.forward.studio/), a global-branding firm in New York that helps airlines craft fresh approaches for discerning clients. The new business class is coalescing around a simple idea: Make the cabin feel more like a sanctuary where intuitive design and fine details set the ambiance. That thinking shows in United Airlines’ new Polaris Studio, debuting next year on Boeing 787-9s. The suites are 25 percent larger than the current standard, with sliding doors and an ottoman so a companion can join for osetra caviar and Champagne Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé. Even the center seats have dividers that lower to bed height for shared time. ![qatar airways](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Qatar_Airways_Qsuite_NextGen.webp) Qatar Airways’ Qsuite Next Gen can transform into a four-person communal oasis. Courtesy of Qatar Airways. Huot notes that airlines must appeal to psychology as much as comfort. “Travelers not only expect privacy, but also a choreographed and elegant experience,” he says. “It should feel ceremonial, in a way.” And, in some cases, convivial. Qatar Airways’ Qsuite Next Gen converts from a private suite to an open social area, with a central configuration for groups of four and companion suites along the windows. Thoughtful design touches include stowable O.L.E.D. screens, larger dining tables, and, in a white-glove flourish, the “Make My Bed” turndown service. Air France, for its part, is undertaking a full-cabin makeover that adds business-class suites clad in sumptuous full-grain French leather. Flying in one of these revamped pods late last year was unusually comfortable, and the sheer amount of space—particularly in the bulkhead row—rivaled first class on other airlines. That extra real estate is most useful for sleeping, since it allows for something closer to an actual bed than a narrow seat. Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud has crafted a seasonal menu that will be available on every Air France flight departing from the U.S., starting in November. ![turkish airlines](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Turkish_Airlines_CrystalBusiness.webp) A refined and artisanal aesthetic, including intricate seat stitching, is the common thread enhancing Riyadh Air’s new business class. Courtesy of Riyadh Air Set to launch later this year, Riyadh Air will debut a 28-seat business-class cabin in a palette of indigo, lavender, mocha golds, and stone accents—its aesthetic loosely inspired by a Bedouin tent. The design blends inviting ergonomics and luxe touches such as a 32-inch 4K O.L.E.D. screen (in Business Elite) and 52-inch-high privacy walls. “We want a modern-day version of Pan Am at its height, like Leonardo DiCaprio in *Catch Me If You Can*, but with a modernistic twist and obsessional level of detail,” says Tony Douglas, Riyadh Air’s C.E.O. “We want to bring back grace, beauty, and charm.” [Turkish Airlines](https://www.turkishairlines.com/) is pursuing its own upscale vision with Crystal Business Class suites featuring marble-style tables, rose-gold finishes, and local leathers and fabrics. Add in the airline’s singular dining service—where a chef in a white coat and toque serves each suite—and it’s easy to see why chairman Ahmet Bolat calls it “an unparalleled experience above the clouds.” Biased, yes. But at 35,000 feet, rarefied business class isn’t just indulgence. It’s strategy. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Aviation **Tags:** business class, luxury travel --- ### [Louis Vuitton and Takashi Murakami Reunite for a Monumental Return at Art Basel Paris](https://robbreport.ph/style/fashion/louis-vuitton-and-takashi-murakami-reunite-for-a-monumental-return-at-art-basel-paris/) **Published:** October 23, 2025 **Author:** Bryle Suralta **Content:** Louis Vuitton again asserts its reign at the intersection of art, design, and haute craftsmanship at [Art Basel Paris 2025](https://www.artbasel.com/paris). For its third consecutive year as Associate Partner of Art Basel, the Maison unveiled Artycapucines VII—[Louis Vuitton](https://robbreport.ph/tag/louis-vuitton/ "Louis Vuitton") × Takashi Murakami—a new chapter in its celebrated series of artistic collaborations, presented in an installation as extravagant as it is transcendent. Set within the storied grandeur of the Grand Palais’s Balcon d’Honneur, the presentation is anchored by an eight-meter-high octopus—an otherworldly sculpture conceived by Murakami himself. Inspired by Chinese lanterns and the mythic Kraken, the installation’s luminescent form bathes the hall in dreamlike color. Its tentacles spill across the floor, adorned with the artist’s signature *Superflat Jellyfish Eyes*, an emblem of anxiety transformed into delight. The creature’s head glows with Murakami’s inimitable play between humor and dread, the whimsical and the monstrous. It is, quite literally, a portal into his mind. ![Takashi Murakami Portrait.](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Murakami-portrait-2240x2240.webp) A portrait of the artist. Photo: Louis Vuitton/Rodrigo Carmuega. Within its embrace, eleven limited-edition Capucines bags unfurl like rare species, each meticulously hand-crafted by the artisans of [Louis Vuitton](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/dreams-come-to-life-at-louis-vuittons-savoir-rever-exhibit-in-manila/)’s ateliers. These works are not mere accessories but artistic dialogues—objects that breathe with Murakami’s kaleidoscopic imagination and the Maison’s unparalleled savoir-faire. Among them: the Capubloom and Capucines East West Rainbow, exhibited beside Murakami’s “Multicolor Plush Ball” (2008), a kaleidoscopic sculpture that channels his fascination with reflection and perception. For this year’s fair, the artist introduces a new “Cherry Blossom Plush Ball” (2025), blooming with sakura motifs—a tender homage to his Japanese heritage and to his earliest collaborations with the Maison. ![LV x TM Mini Tentacle](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Capucines-Mini-Tentacle-2240x2240.webp) A closer look at the Capucines Mini Tentacle. Photo: Louis Vuitton/Rodrigo Carmuega. Each bag within the collection feels like a convergence of universes. The [Capucines](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/the-good-life-editors-picks-of-the-week-8/ "The Good Life: Editors’ Picks of the Week") Mini Tentacle and Capucines MM Eye echo the curves and gaze of the central octopus, while the Capucines XXL Camo and East West Dragon reinterpret the swirling energy of Murakami’s “TIME” (2009) and “Dragon in Clouds Indigo Blue” (2010). Perhaps most fantastical is the *Capucines Mini Mushroom*, whose surface blooms with one hundred 3D-printed, hand-embroidered mushrooms—an exquisite collision of technology and touch, futurism and folklore. In total, Artycapucines VII represents a rare synthesis of art and artisanry—an unbroken conversation that began more than two decades ago. Murakami’s first collaboration with Louis Vuitton in 2003 reimagined the Monogram in 33 colors, transforming a symbol of French luxury into a pop-cultural phenomenon. It marked a pivotal moment: the merging of Tokyo’s electric sensibility with Parisian precision. Now, nearly 20 years later, the partnership feels less like a revival and more like a renaissance. ![LV x TM Capusplit](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Capusplit-and-Mini-Autograph-2240x2240.webp) A side-by-side comparison of the Capusplit and the Capucines Mini Autograph. *Louis Vuitton/Rodrigo Carmuega* “Louis Vuitton has long understood that luxury is not about possession, but participation,” remarks an anonymous Art Basel curator in attendance. “In inviting artists like Murakami to reimagine its icons, the Maison affirms that its true legacy lies in dialogue.” Indeed, this is a continuation of a lineage that stretches back to Gaston-Louis Vuitton, the founder’s visionary grandson, who first invited artists to collaborate with the House in the early 20th century—a tradition since carried forward through partnerships with Richard Prince, Yayoi Kusama, and Frank Gehry. ![LV Capubloom](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/art-basel-LV-booth-capubloom-2240x2240.webp) The Capubloom at Louis Vuitton’s Art Basel booth. *Louis Vuitton/Rodrigo Carmuega.* With Artycapucines VII, Murakami’s radiant absurdity meets Vuitton’s craftsmanship at its most ambitious. The installation itself—playful, cosmic, and precise—transforms the Grand Palais into an aquarium of dreams. Visitors step not into a boutique or a booth, but into an ecosystem of color and craft, where the very boundaries of luxury blur into art. And as guests exit beneath the octopus’s outstretched arm, they encounter one final reflection—a last reminder that true artistry, like Murakami’s, is both infinite and intimate. *Art Basel is open to the public from October 24 – 26 at the Grand Palais, Paris, France.* **Categories:** Fashion, Style **Tags:** art basel, Louis Vuitton, Takashi Murakami --- ### [A Special Charity Auction for a Special—and Rather Sturdy—Watch](https://robbreport.ph/watches/toto-wolff-iwc-schaffhausen-watch-goes-to-auction/) **Published:** October 23, 2025 **Author:** Carl Cunanan **Content:** IWC, Austrian billionaire Toto Wolff, and the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team create a special watch—and then make it even more special. Want something a little more special than a 100-piece limited edition watch? On its own, the [IWC Schaffhausen](https://robbreport.ph/tag/iwc/ "IWC") Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber XPL “Toto Wolff x Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team” is pretty special, as it’s a limited edition of 100 pieces from the Swiss watchmaker and its collaboration with the Formula One team. But the watch being auctioned this month by Bonhams is a very special piece worn by CEO and team principal Toto Wolff. The watch was worn and shock-tested, and it appeared recently on his wrist at the Singapore Grand Prix. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/wolff-1-scaled.webp) *IWC Schaffhausen* The idea for this watch originated as early as 2021 at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, when Toto Wolff was wearing a prototype model. As on-track tensions heated up, he slammed his headset on the table—an incident that went viral on social media. The result is this collaboration, which uses an integrated shock-absorber system developed by IWC’s Engineering Division XPL. The system cushions the movement inside the case using a spring made from bulk metallic glass, an advanced material significantly more elastic than conventional metals. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/iwc-front-1-2240x2240.webp) *IWC Schaffhausen* The watch was personally worn by Toto Wolff at the recent Singapore Grand Prix, where Mercedes driver George Russell took first place. The auction lot contains the watch and an elegant white team polo shirt signed by Mr. Wolff. It is estimated at 80,000 to 200,000 CHF, and all proceeds will be donated to charity. Much excitement surrounds this because the previous Toto Wolff charity auction in 2022 raised 160,000 EUR. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/iwctomwolffsp-2240x2240.webp) *IWC Schaffhausen* This foundation is near and dear to Mr. Wolff’s heart. “The Laureus Charity Night, one of my favorite events, brings together a passionate group of supporters and partners all united by commitment to driving social change through sport to create a better future for children and young adults,” he says. Bidding is [online](https://www.bonhams.com/auction/31972/the-iwc-and-toto-wolff-charity-auction-to-benefit-laureus/) at Bonhams.com and will conclude on Saturday, October 25, in Zurich, coinciding with the annual Laureus Sport for Good Gala. **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** IWC --- ### [This New $3.4 Million Hypercar Is a Dreamy Manual Transmission Throwback](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-01-zagato-new-3-4-million-hypercar-is-a-dreamy-manual-transmission-throwback/) **Published:** October 23, 2025 **Author:** Bryan Hood **Content:** Here’s something for the deep-pocketed enthusiasts longing for the hypercars of decades past. [Capricorn Group](https://car.capricorngroup.net/) has unveiled an all-new speed machine called the 01 Zagato in the lead up to this weekend’s Zoute Grand Prix in Belgium. The vehicle features a Le Mans-style chassis, a potent V-8, and, perhaps best of all, a manual gearbox. The car’s look, as its name may have given away, comes courtesy of legendary Italian design studio, Zagato. The exterior is somewhat restrained as far as modern-day hypercars go, mixing smooth lines with sharp angles for a decidedly classics-inspired feel. The front and rear ends call to mind the first-generation Ford GT, while its profile seems to have taken some cues from Koenigsegg’s distinctive design language. It does feature one trademark Zagato flourish, though—a double bubble roof, which can be seen on almost all the shop’s best designs. It’s the studio’s first hypercar, according to Top Gear, and we definitely wouldn’t mind seeing more. ![Capricorn 01 Zagato](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/capricorn-01-zagato-6.webp) Inside the Capricorn 01 Zagato. *Capricorn Group* Attractive as the 01 Zagato may be, the real selling point here is the vehicle’s mechanical features. In addition to being built upon a motorsports-spec, carbon-weave chassis, the vehicle is powered by a Ford-sourced V-8. The eight-cylinder mill has a 5.2-liter displacement and is equipped with a supercharger, thanks to which it makes 900 hp, 738 ft lbs of torque, and has revs all the way to 9,000 rpm. All that sounds great, right? Well, it’s also connected to a five-speed, open-gated manual gearbox. Combine all that might with the car’s lightweight construction, and you have yourself a car that can really move. Capricorn says the 01 Zagato will rocket from zero to 62 mph in just 2.9 seconds. Its top speed isn’t too shabby either, with the company claiming the vehicle will be able to reach 224 mph, which would make it one of the [fastest cars in the world](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-25-fastest-cars-in-the-world-ranked/ "The 25 Fastest Cars in the World, Ranked") once it goes into production. ![Capricorn 01 Zagato](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/capricorn-01-zagato-4.webp) The hypercar features one of Zagato’s trademark double-bubble roofs. *Capricorn Group* It’s one thing to announce a hypercar; it’s another to actually build it. But Capricorn is adamant that the 01 Zagato is on the way. The company has announced plans to produce 19 examples by hand in Germany. The cost is listed at €2.95 million, or $3.4 million, before taxes and fees. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* [](https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/photos-capricorn-01-zagato-hypercar-1237248881) **Categories:** Cars **Tags:** 01 Zagato, Capricorn Group, cars --- ### [This New 121-Foot Superyacht Has an ‘Infinity Door’ That Connects the Decks](https://robbreport.ph/boats/maiora-121-foot-superyacht-has-an-infinity-door-that-connects-the-decks/) **Published:** October 21, 2025 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** It seems almost every [superyacht](https://robbreport.ph/tag/superyacht/ "Superyacht") is described as “spacious” these days, but the new Maiora model actually fits the bill. The 36 Exuma, which the Next Yacht Group brand debuted at the [Monaco Yacht Show](https://www.monacoyachtshow.com/en/) in September, has generous volumes that make it an outlier in the 110-foot category. ![maiora 36 exuma](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Maiora-36-Exuma-Exterior-4.webp) The bow lounge and pool. *Leonardo Andreoni* Developed by design studio Quartostile, the innovative exterior is the result of careful research aimed at optimizing every available cubic inch within the 300 GT limit. The full-beam bow and superstructure give the yacht a bold and imposing profile while increasing onboard comfort. Spanning four decks, the newcomer can comfortably accommodate up to 12 guests. The owner’s suite is located on the main deck, while a second primary, a VIP, and two other guest cabins are spread across the lower deck. Conceived by architecture firm Acube Design, the contemporary interiors showcase a warm, neutral palette and high-quality natural materials, including leathers, woods, and marbles. ![maiora 36 exuma](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Maiora-36-Exuma-Interior-2.webp) The salon and “infinity door.” *Gionata Xerra* The open-plan layout ensures a seamless flow between the interior and exterior. The salon is fitted with the Exuma line’s signature retractable “infinity door,” which creates a visual passage from bow to stern and up to 1,300 square feet of open-air space. Similarly, the beach club at the stern is equipped with fold-out wings that increase the amount of waterside real estate. Other highlights include a “nest” on the uppermost deck designed for intimate, alfresco hangouts and a large foredeck area with a lounge and pool. You’ll also find not one but two garages that can collectively accommodate a tender, water toys, and a Jet Ski. ![maiora 36 exuma](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Maiora-36-Exuma-Interior-1.webp) The aft lounge. *Gionata Xerra* The Exuma can perform, too. Three waterjets connected to 2,000 hp MAN V-12s and a sharp, blade-like bow result in a top speed of 33 knots and cruising speed of 20 knots. Weighing just 180 tons, the vessel is exceptionally light for a 110-footer and has a shallow draft of just under five feet. That makes it a great choice for exploring the shallow waters of the Bahamas, meaning it can live up to its name. ![Maiora 36 Exuma](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Maiora-36-Exuma-Interior-3.webp) The owner’s suite. Gionata Xerra “With the Maiora 36 Exuma, we confirm the ongoing growth and consolidation of the Maiora range, strengthening our vision of yachting as the perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and innovation, supported by design and construction excellence recognized worldwide,” Next Yacht Group deputy chairman Giorgio Mattei said in a statement. “The 36 Exuma fully embodies this philosophy, combining outstanding performance with exceptional onboard livability, a perfect balance of design, technology, and Italian style.” A new 36 Exuma will cost you around $23.5 million. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* [](https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/gallery/maiora-36-exuma-superyacht-1237256013/) [](https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/gallery/maiora-36-exuma-superyacht-1237256013/) **Categories:** Boats **Tags:** luxury travel, Maiora, Yachts --- ### [In Full Color: The Exhibitions Bringing October to Life](https://robbreport.ph/home-design/art-collectibles/in-full-color-the-exhibitions-bringing-october-to-life/) **Published:** October 20, 2025 **Author:** Jodie Jose **Content:** Across galleries in Metro Manila, discerning collectors and [art](https://robbreport.ph/tag/art/ "art") aficionados will find themselves drawn to a diverse array of group shows and evocative solo presentations. Following incisive musings on the pervasive celebrity culture in today’s society to 107 Petri dishes to contraptions made alive with the rhythm of machinery, these [exhibitions](https://robbreport.ph/tag/exhibition/ "exhibition") capture a peculiar pulse of contemporary creativity that do not come by often. **Pulp Cartographies, Modeka Gallery** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/WhatsApp-Image-2025-09-13-at-173150_6fdee2b8.webp) Curator Angle Velasco Shaw brings together 13 multidisciplinary artists from Baguio to explore and celebrate the humble quotidian material: paper. Included in the roster are a few renowned names such as Leonard Aguinaldo, Rocky Cajigan, Kabunyan De Guia and Kawayan De Guia, along with seasoned gems not often seen in Manila such as Sultan Mang-Osang, Perry Mamaril, and Bong Sanchez to name a few. This exhibition is an inquiry that probes into the value (or lack thereof) attributed to paper when it becomes the medium and practice for art. It brings to light the attitudes surrounding its acquisition and collection compared to more accepted mediums in paintings and sculptures. *The exhibition runs from October 11 to November 8 at [Modeka](https://modeka.space/), Warehouse 20A, La Fuerza 1, 2241 Don Chino Roces Avenue, Makati City, 1231 Metro Manila*. **Made of Stone, Modeka Gallery** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/WhatsApp-Image-2025-09-13-at-173312_2d7cce31.webp) Celebrities–whether on the big screen or by virtue of the internet–have somewhat taken the place of a deity since the emergence of modern society in the early 20th century. The show ruminates on the widespread influence of celebrity culture and how it shapes our lives today. With Erwin Romulo, Allan Balisi, Lourd De Beyra, MM Yu, Uri De Ger, and Jun Sabayton among others part of the line up, the show promises a worthwhile time given the diversity of the exhibitors’ backgrounds in documentary filmmaking, writing, and music. *The exhibition runs from October 11 to November 8 at [Modeka](https://modeka.space/), Warehouse 20A, La Fuerza 1, 2241 Don Chino Roces Avenue, Makati City, 1231 Metro Manila*. **Audacity, Art Impressario** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Kopya-ng-AUDACITY.webp) 15 October to 15 November Emerging curator Chloe Magpayo is holding her second exhibit this October at the Podium 3, Tower II, RCBC Plaza, Buendia Ave. in Makati. Gathering young names who have been making waves in the scene, Magpayo gives them the freedom to occupy the space with their experimentations in a multitude of ways, such that the artists view this platform as a means of survival while working with intuition as the fuel of their works. Come and view the works of Corinne De San Jose, Cos Zicarelli, Doctor Karayom, Maricar Tolentino, Marionne Contreras, Migel Llorenzo Uy, and Vien Valencia, along with other promising artists. *The exhibition runs from October 15 to November 15 at Podium 3, Tower II, RCBC Plaza, Buendia Avenue, Makati. Instagram: [Art Impressario](https://www.instagram.com/art.impresario/?hl=en)* **Araw-Araw, Finale Art File** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Araw-Araw-R-Napay.webp) Raffy Napay takes his textile ponderings to his role as a parent in this show. Taking off from the daily routines built around himself and his son, his works are infused with the spirit of child’s play where games and toys shared between him and his son become containers of memories. Thread, the main medium of Napay, is a symbol of a person’s essence, and in this case, the *ugat* or blood vessels inside a person’s body, made with the genes of one’s parents. This [exhibit](https://robbreport.ph/tag/finale-art-file/ "finale art file") is tender and intimate, a loving reminder of how an individual is formed by one’s family. *The exhibition runs from October 3 to October 30 at [Finale Art File](https://www.finaleartfile.com/), Gate 1, La Fuerza Compound, Warehouse 17, 2241 Chino Roces Ave, Makati City, Metro Manila*. **Fractured Fabric**, **Silverlens** **Galleries** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MARINA-CRUZ-Fractured-Fabrics_INVITE.webp) On the narrative of home and fabric, Marina Cruz is undeniably one of the most successful artists of her time, treading this theme since her days as a fine art student in the University of the Philippines. In this particular show, she fixates on gauze and its pattern as an object that conveys fracture. While she is more known for her virtuosity in rendering her family’s clothes in hypperealism, what makes this show of particular importance is Cruz’s return to abstraction. *The exhibition runs from October 4 to November 8 at [Silverlens Galleries](https://www.finaleartfile.com/), 2263 Chino Roces Ave, Ave, Makati City, 1231 Metro Manila*. **So Tell Me Where It Hertz, Vinyl on Vinyl** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/20251013_164708.webp) Sound art has been gaining more traction this year as it breaks and assists in breaking conventional modes of art. In this particular show, artists NTRDR, Jon Romero and Sarah Conanan look into the power of sound to soothe us in more ways than one– that is, from the soft tingling of windchimes and the melodious bird chirps to the whirring and squealing contraptions and DIY instruments made out of scrap machine parts. If you’re looking for a new way to encounter art, this would be the show for it. *The exhibition runs from October 7 to 28 at [Vinyl on Vinyl](https://www.finaleartfile.com/), 2241 Pasillo 18 La Fuerza Compound Chino Roces Ave, Makati City, Metro Manila*. **Archipelago, Altro Mondo Creative Space** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/1000032984.webp) Petri dishes are commonly used in laboratories, but for artist Enrico Manguzzi, it became the cradle for his reimagining of the Philippine islands as a geographic constellation. 107 Petri dishes are lined and arranged throughout the exhibition floor to create the outline of the archipelago conveying that though we are fragmented as a nation–separated by waters and regional cultures– we are a singular network that live in relation to one another. *The exhibition runs from October 11 to 22 at [Altro Mondo Creative Space](https://altromondo.com.ph/), 1159 Chino Roces Ave, Makati City, 1203 Metro Manila*. **Two-Fold Playground and Opposite Mirrors, Provenance Gallery** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/EXHIBITION-POSTER.webp) Lui Gonzales brings to the fore ideas of dichotomies that pervade our minds, and how the clear cut distinctions between two concepts that appear to occupy different ends of a pole actually exist for mutual survival. She applies this lens of ‘divine dichotomy’ in the forms found in nature. Using inorganic clay sculptures, the artists mimic organic life forms such as the silhouettes of blooming flowers to symbolize our human inclination to contain these beauties of the earth into crafted vessels. *The exhibition runs from October 11 to November 2 at [Provenance Gallery](https://web.facebook.com/provenanceartgallery/?_rdc=1&_rdr#), Paseo de Magallanes Commercial Center, South Park Plaza 2/F, Magallanes, Makati City*. **Categories:** Art & Collectibles, Home & Design **Tags:** art, finale art file, raffy napay, silverlens --- ### [A Gold Rolex Daytona Stars in Seth Rogen and Aziz Ansari’s New Film ‘Good Fortune’](https://robbreport.ph/watches/a-gold-rolex-daytona-stars-in-seth-rogen-and-aziz-ansaris-new-film-good-fortune/) **Published:** October 20, 2025 **Author:** Abby Montanez **Content:** At the heart of *Good Fortune*—Aziz Ansari’s new body-swap comedy starring himself, Keanu Reeves, and Seth Rogen—are watches like a gold Rolex Daytona that do more than tell time; they tell a story. The [film](https://robbreport.ph/leisure/entertainment/ "Entertainment"), which hits theaters on Oct. 17, follows Arj (Ansari), a guy barely scraping by with multiple underpaying jobs, whose life collides with venture capitalist Jeff (Rogen) and the well-meaning angel Gabriel (Reeves). In a bid to show Arj that money doesn’t buy happiness, Gabriel swaps his life with Jeff’s, setting off a chaotic week of rich-and-poor, *Freaky Friday*-esque hijinks. But if the plot is about swapping fortunes, the watches in the movie are about swapping personalities. They’re not just accessories. They’re extensions of the characters themselves—tiny co-stars that silently narrate ego, insecurity, aspiration, and, yes, a little mischief. As Jeff and Arj stumble through each other’s lives, the timepieces highlight who’s in control, who’s grounded, and who’s scrambling. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/good-fortune-cameron-barr.webp) (L) Aziz Ansari and Cameron Barr; (R) Cameron Barr on the set of *Good Fortune*. Good Fortune Cameron Barr, owner of [Craft + Tailored ](https://www.craftandtailored.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqzIcHDyAcURAuyUw0I5TQHipCX7cBmLo6fnaIkOYcoV9UlHEIw)and a longtime vintage watch dealer, served as the film’s horological advisor—and ended up playing himself on screen. He’d been sourcing timepieces for Ansari for years before the project began. Ansari had previously asked him to spec a watch for another feature—a request that gradually drew him into Hollywood consulting. Then came the surprise: Ansari and Rogen wanted him in the movie. “I had no idea this was happening,” Barr tells *Robb Report*. By the time he walked into the casting office, the part had already been written for him. Selecting the watches demanded diplomacy and an encyclopedic knowledge of horology. Barr and Ansari debated every piece, weighing what it said about the wearer’s ego, their insecurities, and their taste. The film’s centerpiece is a 1978 yellow gold [Rolex](https://robbreport.com/tag/rolex/) Daytona Ref. 6263, nicknamed Pretty Baby. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/pretty-baby-good-fortune.webp) In *Good Fortune*, the hero watch, nicknamed Pretty Baby, is a 1978 yellow gold Rolex Daytona Ref. 6263. Good Fortune “That watch is known within the collector community as a holy grail,” Barr says. “That is definitely a marquee watch for any collection, no matter how big or small.” Over the years, Barr and Ansari have swapped vintage pieces. Ansari, known for gifting engraved watches to collaborators, wanted to bring that ritual into *Good Fortune*. “I think Aziz said something like, ‘Ooh, that’s a pretty baby.’ And I thought that could actually be a good nickname for the watch, and then it kind of turned into a character.” Other pieces were equally considered. A 1978 Rolex GMT-Master “Pepsi” Ref. 1675 serves as a daily driver. Ansari’s own [Seiko](https://robbreport.com/tag/seiko/) SKX007 swaps wrists between Jeff and Arj, marking shifts in control and fortune. “When one wears it, he’s grounded. When the other wears it, he’s trying to find his way back,” Barr says. “Even though it’s the least impressive of all the watches, it’s one of the most important—it’s a visual cue of where they are in their inner life.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/good-fortune-Watches-1-1.webp) Watches on screen are no longer just wardrobe—they’re storytelling devices. Shows like *[Succession](https://robbreport.com/tag/succession/)* and Apple TV’s *Your Friends & Neighbors* have made it clear that viewers notice every gleam of a [Richard Mille](https://robbreport.com/tag/richard-mille/) or subtle nod to an [Audemars Piguet](https://robbreport.com/tag/audemars-piguet/). Reddit threads dissect what’s real and what’s not, cataloging whether a timepiece is authentic, era-appropriate, or even properly worn. “All the watches in *Your Friends & Neighbors* are props. People notice every little detail,” Barr explains. “Audiences are so in tune with these things now that it can make or break the believability of a scene.” Barr experienced that scrutiny firsthand. “When *Your Friends & Neighbors* came out, I got, like, 200 texts and DMs asking, ‘What watch was that in the pawn shop? Is it real or fake?’” he recalls. “A lot of those people weren’t collectors—they just notice the details. That’s the world we live in now.” On *Good Fortune*, Barr wasn’t just consulting from afar—he was on set for every watch scene, working closely with the prop and production departments to make sure the real pieces could be used safely. “I won’t spoil it, but there was a moment with a $250,000 watch in an action sequence,” he says. “If it breaks, it’s not just the insurance—it’s whether we could replace the parts. These are artifacts of time.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/good-fortune-watch-box-1.webp) Jeff’s (Rogen) fictional watch box includes real vintage Rolexes and Patek Philippes. Good Fortune Curating Jeff’s watch box was no small task either. “It definitely wasn’t easy,” Barr says. “I’ve been a professional watch dealer for 11 years, so some parts were straightforward, but others were challenging.” The goal was to create a true collector’s drawer, not a prop box—one that reflected Jeff’s taste, style, and emotional depth. Barr curated a mix of vintage and modern Rolexes, Patek Philippes, and independents like Trilobe—pieces chosen for range, taste, and nuance. For Barr, the experience was both surreal and affirming. “I’m a watch nerd, and suddenly I’m advising on a film that really treats watches as cultural and narrative objects,” he says. Shooting in Los Angeles added to the realism, the city’s streets and architecture serving as a cinematic backdrop rather than a disposable set. “This was made to be viewed in a theater,” he says. *Good Fortune* may be a comedy with a fantasy twist, but its watches give it weight and texture. For casual viewers, they punctuate the story. But for collectors, spotting the Daytona, the Pepsi, and the Seiko in their natural context is a reward in itself. **Categories:** Watches **Tags:** film, rolex --- ### [Why the Willys Jeep Is One of the Most Significant Vehicles of All Time](https://robbreport.ph/the-story-of/why-the-willys-jeep-is-one-of-the-most-significant-vehicles-of-all-time/) **Published:** October 20, 2025 **Author:** Robert Ross **Content:** It’s not a [sports car](https://robbreport.ph/cars/the-50-most-expensive-cars-in-the-world/ "The 50 Most Expensive Cars in the World"), and it won’t win any beauty contests, but the Willys MB (also known later as the Willys Jeep) *did* help win World War II. Even well into the 1930s, America’s defense machinery was woefully lacking, especially in the critical transport of material and personnel. Astonishingly, the most capable machine for moving supplies and equipment—the same as that used during World War I and the 19th century—wasn’t a machine at all, but a mule. As the Axis juggernaut threatened Europe and the rest of the world, it was obvious that an equine infantry could not serve the needs of the European theater and beyond. And so, the Jeep, one of the most significant vehicles of all time, was born. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/1945-Willys-MB_1-w.webp) This 1945 Willys Jeep sold for $44,800 through RM Sotheby’s in 2020. Darin Schnabel, courtesy of RM Sotheby’s. While American Bantam is generally credited with the original Jeep, it was Ford and Willys–Overland, an Ohio-based manufacturer founded in 1908 and which merged with Kaiser Jeep in 1953, who bid on the government contract to develop a mass-produced lightweight reconnaissance vehicle based on the Bantam design. The first Willys MB was built in 1941, and when people think of Jeep, it’s the Willys version that comes to mind: a mechanical mule that was seemingly the price of a good lawnmower, and far less sophisticated. The origin of the name “Jeep” is not entirely clear, but Eugene the Jeep, a curious quadruped in the Popeye comics, popularized the name, for which Willys-Overland finally gained patent rights in 1950 after years of battling with the U.S. Patent Office. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/1945-Willys-MB_2-w.webp) The interior defines minimalist, utilitarian functionality like no other. Darin Schnabel, courtesy of RM Sotheby’s. Following the war’s end, the Willys CJ-2A—essentially a military MB model (sans artillery)—became the company’s mainstay and the first mass-produced civilian vehicle equipped with four-wheel drive. Ideal for farms and unimproved roads in rural communities, it was powered by a 60 hp, 2.2-liter inline-four engine paired with a three-speed manual transmission. Notably, early models featured fanciful color combinations right at home on the farm, such as Pasture Green with Autumn Yellow wheels and Harvest Tan with Sunset Red wheels. About 215,000 examples were built from 1945 through 1949. The CJ-3A followed through 1953, replaced by the CJ-3B until 1968. The CJ-5, with more than 600,000 built from 1954 through 1983, is the most common of the old-time Jeeps, along with its successor, the CJ-7. Much as with penguins, it takes a seasoned Jeep-spotter to distinguish one model from another. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/1945-Willys-MB_4-w.webp) The inline-four engine is mated to a three-speed manual transmission. Darin Schnabel, courtesy of RM Sotheby’s. A lot has happened to the Jeep since American soldiers planted a flag on Iwo Jima, but after 80 years, the family resemblance of today’s [Jeep Wrangler ](https://www.jeep.com.ph/en/wrangler.html)to the original is still readily apparent, though contemporary models are thoroughly modern cars. Their rugged endurance is what endears Jeeps to car-lovers with a sense of history and who appreciate the significance of a vehicle that defined an indefatigable generation. In today’s world, the Jeep remains an authentic and unpretentious outlier. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/1945-Willys-jeep-6-w.webp) Following the end of World War II, the Willys Jeep proved ideal for use on farms and for transport in rural communities with unimproved roads. Darin Schnabel, courtesy of RM Sotheby’s. A Willys CJ-2A is a fun addition to any collector’s garage, and enthusiasts who fancy a first restoration project couldn’t do much better than rebuilding a vehicle as simple as a washing machine, with reproduction parts readily available from companies like Willys-Overland Motors. Alternately, a “concours-ready” CJ-2A can top $30,000, with an example in good condition at less than half that amount. Military-history buffs who want a World War II–era Willys MB might pay $25,000 for one in good condition, and more than $40,000 for a pristine, parade-ready example. **Categories:** Cars, The Story Of **Tags:** jeep, willys --- ### [Here Are the Hotels in Asia Awarded With Three Michelin Keys](https://robbreport.ph/travel/here-are-the-hotels-in-asia-awarded-with-three-michelin-keys/) **Published:** October 14, 2025 **Author:** Annie Asistio **Content:** Less than a week ago, Michelin handed out its coveted Michelin Key distinctions, recognizing properties that set the bar for service, design, and guest experience. In the Philippines, this year’s one-Key honorees are Amanpulo; Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu Resort; Fairmont Makati; Raffles Makati; and Nay Palad Hideaway—world-class stays that put ultra-luxury within easy reach. If you’re looking for spots a little further away, try these hotels in Asia awarded Three Keys. Worldwide, 143 were honored with 3 keys, with 13 in Asia—excellent news if you want a quick escape without a long haul. Unveiled at an exclusive ceremony at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, these distinguished properties can now be explored and booked via the Michelin Guide’s website and mobile app. As International Director of the Michelin Guides Gwendal Poullennec noted, the introduction of Michelin Keys marks “a new, global, and independent benchmark for outstanding hotel experiences.” Just as Michelin stars celebrate the finest restaurants, the Keys now honor hotels that unite design, service, and location to create truly unforgettable stays. This rundown zeroes in on the closest, most compelling options from Manila: glittering city icons, beach sanctuaries, and nature hideaways where attention to detail is the house language and every stay feels singular. Pack light, book smart, and let Michelin’s highest hotel honor guide your next near-to-home indulgence. **Thailand’s Timeless Luxury Stays from Bangkok to Chiang Mai** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Amanpuri-1.webp) *Amanpuri* Thailand leads the region as the most awarded country in Southeast Asia, with six hotels earning the prestigious three Michelin Keys distinction. Among them is [Amanpuri](https://www.aman.com/resorts/amanpuri), the first property under the Aman brand and widely regarded as the blueprint for its signature approach to luxury. Opened in 1988 on Phuket’s west coast, the resort sits on a private peninsula overlooking Pansea Beach, featuring 40 Thai-style pavilions and 40 villas surrounded by coconut palms. It was recognized for meticulous attention to detail, exceptional privacy, and consistently high standards of personalized service and amenities—from specially curated spa treatments and notable dining options to a range of water-sports activities. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/The-Siam-3.webp) *The Siam* In Bangkok, two hotels stand out: The Siam and [Mandarin Oriental](https://www.mandarinoriental.com/en/bangkok/chao-phraya-river "mandarin oriental bangkok"). [The Siam](https://www.thesiamhotel.com/) is a Bill Bensley–designed luxury boutique hotel comprising 39 suites and villas on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Family-owned, it provides an intimate setting with Art Deco–inspired design. From vintage and antique furniture to indulgent bathrooms and lavish lounge areas, every corner has character. While a bit removed from the city center, the hotel offers treatments at the Opium Spa, multiple dining options, and even Muay Thai at the gym. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Mandarin-Oriental-1.webp) *Mandarin Oriental* By contrast, Mandarin Oriental is a renovated and restored historic hotel that showcases modern luxury along the river. It stands apart for its array of restaurants, including the one-Michelin-star [Le Normandie helmed by Anne-Sophie Pic](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/anne-sophie-pic-takes-the-helm-le-normandie-at-the-mandarin-oriental-bangkok/ "Anne-Sophie Pic Takes the Helm At Mandarin Oriental Bangkok’s Le Normandie"), as well as the famed Sala Rim Naam, a traditional Thai venue. ![Samujana Villas](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Samujana-Villas-3.webp) *Samujana Villas* [Samujana Villas](https://robbreport.ph/travel/a-weekend-at-the-white-lotus-without-the-drama/ "A Weekend at The White Lotus, Without The Drama") in Koh Samui is a secluded hillside retreat overlooking a pristine coral cove. Instead of conventional hotel rooms, the property features expansive, fully serviced villas designed for indoor-outdoor living, each with a private infinity pool, contemporary amenities, and panoramic ocean views. ![Phulay Bay](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Phulay-Bay-2.webp) *Phulay Bay* [Phulay Bay](https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/kbvrz-phulay-bay-a-ritz-carlton-reserve/overview/?nst=paid&cid=PAI_GLB00050CL_GLE000BLT3_GLF000ONU2&ppc=ppc&pId=intbppc&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22801770187&gbraid=0AAAAADilnicjaf0YZouY4yt_uvmojmrPs&gclid=CjwKCAjwxrLHBhA2EiwAu9EdM2Tk-WxN7idga7iqhbhGDHG1ccIWFkoQprEa0P7Kxsk7N1T3oNA3choCirwQAvD_BwE), a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, is one of the most straightforward stays in Thailand yet still provides a luxurious experience, highly localized villa and pavilion interiors, and a thoughtful roster of amenities, including an exceptional spa and several dining options. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Four-Seasons-Resort-1.webp) *Four Seasons Chiang Mai* With terraced rice fields and forested mountains as a backdrop, [Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai ](https://www.fourseasons.com/chiangmai/)offers a tranquil retreat in the Mae Rim Valley, setting it apart from waterfront-dominated hotels. Designed in a Lanna-inspired style, the property features curved teak ceilings, arched windows, and gold-leaf accents on traditional shutters and doors. Its 98 accommodations—pavilions, villas, and private residences—are spread across landscaped grounds, balancing privacy with a strong sense of place. **Indonesia: Serene Sanctuaries** ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Nihi-Sumba-1.webp) *Nihi Sumba* Indonesia comes in second, with three exceptional hotels. Among them is [Nihi Sumba](https://nihi.com/), set on hundreds of acres of waterfront on the island of Sumba. Once a secluded surf shack, the resort now presents contemporary villas with private infinity pools, dedicated butler service, and open-air spa pavilions. Its ocean-driven activities—fishing, diving, and paddle-boarding—make the retreat especially compelling. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Amanjiwo-1.webp) *Amanjiwo* Another Aman resort recognized for outstanding hospitality is [Amanjiwo](https://www.aman.com/resorts/amanjiwo) in Yogyakarta. Perched in the hills of Central Java, the resort overlooks a lush valley and the 9th-century Borobudur Temple, one of the world’s largest Buddhist monuments. Its architecture mirrors the temple’s design, with domed limestone structures, stone walkways, and suites furnished with traditional rattan pieces. Guests can experience Javanese culture through curated dining, wellness rituals, and spa treatments inspired by local traditions. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Mandapa-1.webp) *Mandapa* [Mandapa](https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/dpsub-mandapa-a-ritz-carlton-reserve/overview/), a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, resembles a traditional Balinese village with temples and rice paddies. Comprising 60 villas and suites, each space is exquisitely crafted and offers a distinct experience—from oversized freestanding baths and timber-clad walls to personal butler service, Bali-inspired restaurants, and immersive spas. **Vietnam’s Blend of City and Beachside Stays** ![Amanoi](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Amanoi-2.webp) *Amanoi* Vietnam’s distinguished hotels span from the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve shoreline to the vibrant heart of Hanoi. [Amanoi](https://www.aman.com/resorts/amanoi), the first Aman property in Vietnam, set a new standard for luxury hospitality in the country. Nestled on the shores of Vinh Hy Bay within Núi Chúa National Park, the resort integrates with its natural surroundings of forested hills and granite cliffs. Minimalist architecture, inspired by Vietnamese traditions, complements the landscape. Recognized for harmony of place, privacy, and personalized service, Amanoi offers villas with private pools, expansive views, and deep tranquility. ![Capella Hanoi](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Capella-Hanoi-1.webp) *Capella Hanoi* With only 47 rooms, [Capella Hanoi](https://capellahotels.com/en/capella-hanoi) delivers one of Vietnam’s most refined and personalized hospitality experiences. Designed by Bill Bensley, the hotel pays homage to the nearby Hanoi Opera House, with interiors celebrating the glamour of opera’s golden age. Each suite is individually styled with period furnishings and artistic details, while dining venues such as Backstage and Diva’s Lounge extend the theatrical theme. **Singapore’s Iconic 1887 Hotel** ![Raffles Hotel](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Raffles-Hotel-1.webp) *Raffles Hotel* Singapore is known for its striking skyline, cultural diversity, and world-class hospitality—and few places embody this better than the [Raffles Hotel Singapore](https://www.raffles.com/singapore/). More than a luxury retreat, Raffles is a living landmark with a history dating back to 1887. The hotel has hosted luminaries such as Ava Gardner and Elizabeth Taylor, and it’s famously where the first Singapore Sling was created. Following a major restoration, Raffles continues to uphold its legacy of timeless elegance. Suites retain classic Victorian décor paired with modern comforts, while bespoke service and heritage experiences—from afternoon tea to cocktails at the Long Bar—preserve the charm and soul that make it one of the world’s most iconic hotels. **Laos: A Hidden Sanctuary of Tranquility** ![Rosewood Luang Prabang](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Rosewood-Luang-Prabang-3.webp) *Rosewood Luang Prabang* Known for unspoiled natural beauty—lush mountains, untamed jungles, and pristine waterfalls—Laos extends its understated luxury through [Rosewood Luang Prabang](https://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/luang-prabang). Designed by Bill Bensley, the resort blends French colonial and Lao heritage across luxury tents, suites, and villas nestled along a jungle river. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Rosewood-Luang-Prabang-2.webp) *Rosewood Luang Prabang* Beyond refined comforts, Rosewood Luang Prabang offers a compelling sense of place through authentic cultural experiences, including traditional Lao cooking classes, guided visits to local villages, and wellness rituals rooted in regional healing traditions. **Categories:** Travel **Tags:** aman, amanjiwo, amanpuri, anne-sophie pic, borobudur, capella hanoi, four season resort chiang mai, four seasons, le normandie, mandarin oriental bangkok, michelin keys, nihi sumba, roseweood, samujana villas, singapore, the siam, vietnam, yogyakarta --- ### [Aman’s Luxurious 47-Suite Cruise Ship Is Expected to Hit the Seas in 2027](https://robbreport.ph/boats/amans-luxurious-47-suite-cruise-ship-is-expected-to-hit-the-seas-in-2027/) **Published:** October 14, 2025 **Author:** Rachel Cormack **Content:** You could check into a floating Aman in just two years’ time. The hospitality titan, which currently operates 36 hotels, resorts, and private residences in 20 countries, has announced its first luxury yacht will launch in the spring of 2027. That sounds ambitious, but Aman is making good progress: The keel laying ceremony took place in July last year, before the vessel was officially christened this past April. With a name that means “peaceful motion” in Sanskrit, *[Amangati](https://www.amanatsea.com/amangati)* spans a lofty 600 feet but offers just 47 suites to ensure both privacy and exclusivity. Styled inside and out by Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design, the vessel is more aesthetically akin to a [superyacht](https://robbreport.ph/tag/superyacht/ "Superyacht") than a traditional cruise ship. Described as a “floating sanctuary” by Aman, the liner takes design cues from traditional ryokan architecture. Think clean, elegant lines and refined, minimalist decor. Each suite showcases floor-to-ceiling windows and large balconies, resulting in an airy, spacious feel. Aman says the suites are among the largest of any such 600-footer. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Aman-Amangati-Superyacht-9.webp) *Aman* Cruisers can expect hotel-like amenities, too, including four international restaurants, a jazz club, and a signature Aman Spa with a Japanese garden. One yacht-specific highlight is the expansive beach club at the stern, which gives guests direct access to the water. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Aman-Amangati-Superyacht-2.webp) One of the suites. Aman “The vessel will embody the very essence of our brand’s DNA, providing exceptional privacy, best-in-class amenities, now synonymous with Aman, and our signature unparalleled service not yet experienced on the water,” Aman Chairman and CEO Vlad Doronin said at the naming ceremony. “As construction progresses behind the scenes, our vision remains clear: to create a vessel that not only represents the highest standards of maritime engineering and design but that mirrors the tranquility of our land-based sanctuaries.” ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Aman-Amangati-Superyacht-10jpg.webp) The spa. *Aman* *Amangati* will be cleaner on the seas than classic, diesel-guzzling cruise ships, too, with a hybrid propulsion system that uses battery power to reduce emissions and improve efficiency. Aman says it is committed to reducing the yacht’s environmental footprint, as part of its broader sustainability strategy. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Aman-Amangati-Superyacht-1.webp) One of the tenders. *Aman* Aman isn’t the only luxury hotel brand venturing into the marine industry, either: [Ritz-Carlton](https://robbreport.ph/boats/what-its-like-onboard-ritz-carltons-massive-790-foot-luxury-cruise-liner/ "What It’s Like Onboard Ritz-Carlton’s Massive 790-Foot Luxury Cruise Liner"), Belmond, [Four Seasons](https://robbreport.ph/boats/four-seasons-679-foot-megayacht-has-a-4-story-atrium-like-suite-thats-wrapped-in-glass/ "Four Seasons’ 679-Foot Megayacht Has a 4-Story Atrium-Like Suite That’s Wrapped in Glass"), and Orient Express are also launching or have ships. Seafarers will be spoilt for choice, then. *Amangati* is currently under construction at the T.Mariotti shipyard in Genoa, Italy. It is scheduled to launch from the Mediterranean in spring 2027 and will also be available for private charter. **Categories:** Boats, Travel **Tags:** aman --- ### [Why This Sleek Windowless Jet Could Change Private Aviation as We Know It](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/why-this-sleek-windowless-jet-could-change-private-aviation-as-we-know-it/) **Published:** October 14, 2025 **Author:** Michael Verdon **Content:** Otto Aerospace recently introduced a full-scale mockup of its [Phantom 3500](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/phantom-3500-business-jet-is-aiming-for-zero-emissions-flight-by-2030/ "This Bonkers New Business Jet Is Aiming for Zero-Emissions Flight by 2030") to the market. The news of its formal launch at the UP.Summit in Bentonville, Arkansas, dovetails with an order by Flexjet, the world’s second-largest fractional-share firm, for 300 aircraft. At the unveiling, Flexjet chairman Kenn Ricci said the Phantom 3500 marks “a bold step into a future where an aircraft’s efficiency and sustainability stand alongside speed, comfort, and range as defining standards.” The unusual, oblong Phantom is a clean-sheet twinjet design that looks like something out of a 1950s sci-fi movie. Its windows have been replaced by 72-inch digital screens, or what Otto calls SuperNatural Vision (SNV) technology, so passengers what passengers see come from cameras embedded along the exterior. These lightweight screens add to the smooth, streamlined design of the laminar-flow airframe, engineered to minimize drag and improve fuel efficiency. The aircraft’s raked wings, carbon-fiber construction and smaller engines also combine to create a more efficient airframe. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/2-Lead-Phantom-Cloudsjpg.webp) The laminar flow design creates a much more efficient-flying aircraft. Otto “The laminar flow design also allowed us to reduce the aircraft weight by half compared to competitors like the Citation 10 or Praetor 500,” Scott Drennan, Otto’s chief operating officer, told *Robb Report*. “The design’s efficiency means that all the components can be reduced. The engines and wings are smaller, and the fuselage is also much lighter.” Otto claims the Phantom 3500 will burn 60 percent less fuel than aircraft using current technology. It’s designed for a transatlantic range of 3,500 nautical miles and 51,000-foot ceiling. Its cabin will have headroom of 6’5”, considerably higher than most business jets. The first flight tests of the Phantom 3500 should happen in 2027, according to the company, with certification possible by 2030. Otto CEO Paul Touw said in a statement that traditional jets rely on “derivative designs” based on traditional aluminum structures from previous decades. “Freed from legacy systems and guided by a true clean-sheet, ultra-efficient vision for the future, we rethink everything to unlock performance gains once thought impossible,” he said. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/2Interior-Ottojpg.webp) The side windows and overhead have been replaced by lightweight screens connected to exterior cameras. Otto Aviation Despite the vote of confidence by Flexjet, the Phantom 2500 has a long way to go. Otto is building a new 1,000,000-square-foot campus that includes a manufacturing facility, in Jacksonville, Florida., after receiving a $515 million incentive package from the state of Florida. Touw told [ainonline.com](https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2025-09-30/otto-aerospace-lands-300-phantom-3500-order-flexjet) that he envisions a “smart factory” with robotics, automation and deterministic assembly for the precision needed to create the laminar-flow aircraft. Ricci said that the Phantom 3500 would be integrated into the Flexjet fleet, offering a more sustainable option. Flexjet or Otto did not reveal the financial terms of the agreement. *This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.* **Categories:** Aviation **Tags:** flexject, otto aerospace --- ### [Terra Madre 2025: Slow Food’s Global Gathering Comes to Bacolod in November](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/dining/terra-madre-2025-slow-foods-global-gathering-comes-to-bacolod-in-november/) **Published:** October 15, 2025 **Author:** Katrina Montinola **Content:** In an increasingly fast-paced culinary landscape, a noble advocacy is being championed. Last month’s launch of Terra Madre 2025, the global gathering created by Slow Food, offered an exciting (and delicious) preview of this gastronomy event, happening in Bacolod City from November 19 to 23, 2025. Farmers, restaurateurs, academics, and consumers will come together to promote sustainable food production and education. Originating in Italy as a counterpoint to the rise of fast food culture, the Slow Food movement has grown into a global initiative advocating for the principles of good, clean, and fair food. Its mission is to connect chefs, food producers, consumers, and policymakers alike, encouraging them to collaborate and conserve agricultural biodiversity, advance food education, and influence sustainable food policies. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/2025-09-10_TERRA-Poster-1.webp) At its core, the movement champions locally sourced food, seasonal ingredients, thoughtful preparation, while fostering a genuine connection between producers and consumers. The five-day celebration will happen at the Provincial Capitol Lagoon, where attendees can expect an array of experiences including guided tastings, collaborative chef showcases, and cooking demonstrations highlighting regional ingredients and techniques. A particular highlight will be the community kitchen, where representatives from all 61 barangays of Bacolod will come together to share the region’s traditional dishes (*“Bacolod is more than inasal, kansi, and piyaya,”* asserts TMAP’s organizers). With a blend of immersive exhibits, expert-led conferences, and communal feasts, TMAP 2025 is poised to draw thousands of visitors from across the region. ![](https://assets.robbreport.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/photo-29.webp) [Chele González](https://robbreport.ph/tag/chele-gonzalez/ "Chele Gonzalez"), JP Cruz, [Miko Calo](https://robbreport.ph/tag/miko-calo/ "miko calo"), and [Jordy Navarra ](https://robbreport.ph/tag/jordy-navarra/ "jordy navarra")are just some of the chefs set to be in attendance. Terra Madre will also welcome chefs and mixologists around Asia, including Singapore’s [Johanne Siy](https://robbreport.ph/tag/johanne-siy/ "johanne siy") (Asia’s Best Female Chef 2023), South Korea’s Danny Park (General Manager of Zest, currently No. 2 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025), and Indonesia’s William Wongso, a long-time advocate of Asian food heritage. The choice of Bacolod City in Negros Occidental is intentional. Often dubbed the “Slow Food Hub of Asia,” the region is poised to be the hub for sustainable gastronomy. Terra Madre is an investment into the future of fine dining, responsible luxury, and a more equitable global food economy, highlighting the crucial role of farmers and producers in the global food chain. With immersive exhibits, regional tastings, expert-led conferences, and hands-on workshops, Terra Madre 2025 is shaping up to be a must-visit culinary event. *For more information, please visit * **Categories:** Dining, Food & Drink, Travel --- ## Pages ### [Home](https://robbreport.ph/) **Published:** November 20, 2024 **Author:** AGB --- ### [About Us](https://robbreport.ph/about-us/) **Published:** November 20, 2024 **Author:** AGB **Content:** Robb Report Philippines is the country’s premier guide to the ultra-luxury lifestyle, offering a refined lens through which our discerning readers can explore the finest in local and global living. Launched as part of the Robb Report international network, Robb Report Philippines offers exclusive insight into the ever-evolving world of luxury living, bringing the best of the best in automobiles, yachts, real estate, watches, art, design, and more to the Philippine audience. Our aim is simple: to be the source of information on the best of the Philippines’ and the world’s most exceptional experiences, maintaining a high standard of luxury and lifestyle for our readers. Robb Report Philippines is truly a publication to offer Luxury Without Compromise. Our editorial team works to bring our readers the most compelling, sophisticated, and relevant content. From rare and unique travel experiences to the latest trends in high-end fashion, we deliver a seamless blend of global and local perspectives that speak directly to the tastes of our discerning Filipino audience. 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Prepare to immerse yourself in a world of unparalleled luxury. **Here’s a glimpse of what awaits you:** - **Unveiling the Extraordinary:** Delve into captivating stories that uncover hidden gems and provide exclusive access to the latest in automobiles, aviation, yachts, timepieces, and beyond—insider secrets that only Robb Report can offer. - **A Curated Collection:** Enjoy privileged access to our print and digital editions, showcasing stunning photography, insightful features, and interviews with the luxury world’s foremost experts. - **The Robb Report Lifestyle:** Receive exclusive invitations to an array of meticulously curated events, from intimate soirées and private viewings to VIP access to the most coveted indulgences. 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[Logout.](https://robbreport.ph/rrph-auth-login/?action=logout&redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Frobbreport.ph&_wpnonce=ea02043832) --- ## Products ### [The Robb Report Access (Security Bank Complimentary 1 Year)](https://robbreport.ph/register/the-robb-report-access-security-bank-complimentary-1-year/) **Published:** August 18, 2026 **Author:** Patricia Revilla --- ### [The Robb Report Access Exclusive](https://robbreport.ph/register/robb-report-access-annual-recurring-boosted/) **Published:** April 27, 2026 **Author:** Lyle Dolleton **Content:** --- ### [The Robb Report Access](https://robbreport.ph/register/robb-report-access-annual-recurring/) **Published:** December 27, 2024 **Author:** AGB **Content:** --- ### [The Robb Report Access (Editorial Complimentary 3 Months)](https://robbreport.ph/register/the-robb-report-access-editorial-complimentary-3-months/) **Published:** April 22, 2026 **Author:** Patricia Revilla --- ### [Employee Digital Access](https://robbreport.ph/register/employee-digital-access/) **Published:** January 29, 2026 **Author:** Patricia Revilla --- ### [The Robb Report Access (Editorial Complimentary 1 Month)](https://robbreport.ph/register/the-robb-report-access-editorial-complimentary-1-month/) **Published:** January 26, 2026 **Author:** Patricia Revilla --- ## E Magazines ### [Robb Report Philippines August 2026 (The Watches and Jewelry Issue)](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-august-2026-the-watches-and-jewelry-issue/) **Published:** August 27, 2026 **Author:** Lyle Dolleton **Emag Months:** August **Emag Years:** 2026 --- ### [Robb Report Philippines July 2026 (The Muse Issue)](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-july-2026-the-muse-issue/) **Published:** August 18, 2026 **Author:** Lyle Dolleton **Emag Featured:** The Muse Issue **Emag Months:** July **Emag Years:** 2026 --- ### [Robb Report Philippines June 2026 (The Design Issue)](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-june-2026-the-design-issue/) **Published:** June 27, 2026 **Author:** Lyle Dolleton **Emag Featured:** The Design Issue **Emag Months:** June **Emag Years:** 2026 --- ### [Robb Report Philippines April 2026 (The Food & Drink Issue)](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-april-2026-the-food-drink-issue/) **Published:** April 15, 2026 **Author:** AGB **Emag Featured:** The Food & Drink Issue **Emag Months:** April **Emag Years:** 2026 --- ### [Robb Report Philippines February 2026 (The Success Issue)](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-february-2026-the-success-issue/) **Published:** February 15, 2026 **Author:** Lyle Dolleton **Emag Featured:** The Success Issue **Emag Months:** February **Emag Years:** 2026 --- ### [Robb Report Philippines December 2025 (The Travel Issue)](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-december-2025-the-travel-issue/) **Published:** December 15, 2025 **Author:** Lyle Dolleton **Emag Featured:** The Travel Issue **Emag Months:** December **Emag Years:** 2025 --- ### [Robb Report Philippines February 2025 (The Success Issue)](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-02-2025/) **Published:** February 7, 2025 **Author:** AGB **Content:** Robb Report Philippines launches its print edition with its Premiere Issue, where Chief of Editorial Content Yvette Fernandez gathers some of the most illustrious names in Philippine business—Manny Villar, Ricky Razon, Tessie Sy-Coson, Lance Gokongwei, Kevin Tan, and Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, to name a few—to share their personal definitions of success. The issue also features in-depth interviews with Manny V. Pangilinan, Charlie Rufino, and Tomas Lorenzo. Take a look behind the scenes of some of the most exciting dining experiences in Manila (Iai, M Dining, and Miko Calo’s recent popup), slide behind the wheel of the newest Ferrari and Porsche sports cars, and peer behind the dial of the Cubitus, Patek Philippe’s newest model, 20 years since its it launched its last one. **Emag Featured:** The Success Issue **Emag Months:** February **Emag Years:** 2025 --- ### [Robb Report Philippines April 2025 (The Car Issue)](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-april-2025-the-car-issue/) **Published:** May 2, 2025 **Author:** Lyle Dolleton **Emag Featured:** The Car Issue **Emag Months:** April **Emag Years:** 2025 --- ### [Robb Report Philippines July 2025 (The Design Issue)](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-july-2025-the-design-issue/) **Published:** July 14, 2025 **Author:** Lyle Dolleton **Emag Featured:** The Design Issue **Emag Months:** July **Emag Years:** 2025 --- ### [Robb Report Philippines August 2025 (The Watches and Jewelry Issue)](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-august-2025-the-watches-and-jewelry-issue/) **Published:** August 16, 2025 **Author:** Lyle Dolleton **Emag Featured:** The Watches and Jewelry Issue **Emag Months:** August **Emag Years:** 2025 --- ### [Robb Report Philippines October 2025 (Best of the Best)](https://robbreport.ph/e-magazine/robb-report-philippines-october-2025-best-of-the-best/) **Published:** October 15, 2025 **Author:** Lyle Dolleton **Emag Featured:** Best of the Best **Emag Months:** October **Emag Years:** 2025 --- ## Events ### [Royal Salute Whisky Tasting](https://robbreport.ph/rsvp/royal-salute-whisky-tasting/) **Published:** April 13, 2026 **Author:** AGB **Content:** The Royal Salute Whisky Tasting is your exclusive invitation to an evening of rare pours and exceptional craftsmanship, offering a first taste of the house’s most distinguished expressions before an intimate gathering of Robb Report Philippines members. --- ### [Art Fair Philippines Collectors Preview](https://robbreport.ph/rsvp/art-fair-philippines-collectors-preview/) **Published:** January 23, 2026 **Author:** AGB **Content:** --- ## Glossary ### [Luxury](https://robbreport.ph/glossary/l/luxury/) **Published:** August 12, 2026 **Author:** Lyle Dolleton **Content:** A lifestyle defined by exceptional quality, craftsmanship, exclusivity, and sophistication, encompassing the finest products, services, and experiences that represent the highest standards of refinement and excellence. --- ## Categories ### [Uncategorized](https://robbreport.ph/uncategorized/) --- ### [Aviation](https://robbreport.ph/aviation/) **Description:** Discover the latest in aviation luxury, from private jets to cutting-edge aircraft trends. Explore innovations, reviews, and expert insights at Robb Report PH. --- ### [Boats](https://robbreport.ph/boats/) **Description:** Explore the world of luxury boats, from sleek yachts to innovative sailing trends. Get expert insights, reviews, and the latest updates at Robb Report PH. --- ### [Cars](https://robbreport.ph/cars/) **Description:** Discover the finest luxury cars, supercars, and automotive innovations. Get expert reviews, industry insights, and the latest trends at Robb Report PH. --- ### [Food & Drink](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/) **Description:** Indulge in the finest food and drink, from gourmet dining to rare wines and premium spirits. Discover expert reviews and trends at Robb Report PH. --- ### [Cigars](https://robbreport.ph/food-drink/cigars/) **Description:** Explore the world of luxury cigars with expert reviews, rare finds, and premium selections. 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