Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222
The world of luxury watches can be bemusing to follow from afar, with its never-ending talk of hyped-up fashion collaborations, tourbillons and titanium at one end, and intense technical jargon at the other. It helps, I find, to consider everything on a spectrum from tradition to modernity: every watch brand is engaged in a constant dialogue with its past while fighting to stay relevant in a rapidly changing world.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 50th anniversary watch
SLICK OVERHAUL
A good example is one of the biggest stories in the watch world this year, the 50th anniversary of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. As both the single most influential design of the last half-century and one of the most in-demand watches right now, Audemars Piguet was never going to overhaul it drastically, instead playing it safe with a range of new designs that delighted purists, while introducing a new automatic movement as a reminder that substance, as well as style, has a part to play.
Patek Philippe's Ref 5470 1/10th Second Monopusher Chronograph
Ploughing a similar furrow is Vacheron Constantin, which stole the show at 'Watches and Wonders' in Geneva in April with a revival of its 1970s icon Historique 222 in period-correct yellow gold.
This left all eyes on Patek Philippe, whose Nautilus is commonly bracketed alongside the Royal Oak and 222 as part of a 'holy trinity' of 1970s designs that melted the divide between high-end luxury and sporty, practical design. Last year Patek discontinued the Ref 5711 Nautilus, before stoking demand to new heights by releasing limited-edition 'end-of-run' models, most notably in collaboration with Tiffany's.
TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 1000 Superdiver
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Bu hikaye Business Traveller UK dergisinin June 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.
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Pan Pacific Orchard, Singapore
BACKGROUND This biophilic property opened in June 2023 and is the second Pan Pacific hotel in the city, the other being the Pan Pacific Singapore. The hotel is a member of the Green Collection within the GHA Discovery loyalty programme. It is BCA Green Mark Platinum-certified for its sustainability credentials.
The Hoxton, Lloyd Amsterdam
BACKGROUND The Hoxton brand debuted in London's Shoreditch in 2006 and is part of Ennismore, in which Accor holds a majority stake. The brand has 16 properties across Europe and North America, including two in Amsterdam - the first opened in 2015 in the city centre, followed by this property in the Eastern Docklands in August 2023.
Ruby Zoe, London
BACKGROUND Germany's Ruby Hotels launched in 2013, and operates 17 properties in locations including Amsterdam, Dublin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg and Zurich.
London Hilton on Park Lane
BACKGROUND The London Hilton on Park Lane opened in 1963 - the first Hilton property in the UK. To celebrate its 60th anniversary last year, the hotel embarked on an extensive multi-million pound refurbishment led by the GA Group.
Philippine Airlines A321 business class SINGAPORE-MANILA
BACKGROUND Philippine Airlines operates flights from Singapore Changi Airport to Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport, using A321ceo aircraft, which stands for 'current engine option, indicating an older aircraft than the A321neo. My flight (PR502) was a morning departure at 1035, arriving 1425 local time in Manila.
Lima
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We chat to the president of luxury hotel and restaurant association Relais & Châteaux, which marks its 70th anniversary this month
Why business isn't better
Our 'columnist' this month explains why they believe economy class reigns supreme over business class
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For a city known for its densely packed streets and hectic pace of life, Hong Kong has a truly remarkable countryside
Provincial Provence
As Terre Blanche marks its 20th anniversary, we experience the resort's golfing and spa facilities as well as Michelin-starred food and blush rosé