Tempus 08

Corum / a r ka dy N ov i kov / Ultra phones / Coloured diamonds / Sun and ski special / Lu x u ry p ro p erty g u i d e / Backes & Strauss / Elite social networking

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Engraved gold version of the first CORUM automatic baguette-shaped movement.

+44 (0) 1256 862 068

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info@corumwatches.co.uk

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Linear-winding automatic movement, 18K red gold case with sapphire crystal sides and back.

108 New Bond Street | London W1S 1EF | www.frostoflondon.co.uk

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108 New Bond Street London, W1S 1EF www.frostoflondon.co.uk

T H E QUE NT T I N 31 Day Power Reserve Vertical Mounted Tourbillon 18K Rose Gold

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jacobandco.com

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Foreword

issue

eight Contributors

From the editor Editor

Scott Manson

scott.manson@astongreenlake.com 020 3617 4693 Art Director

Ross Trigg

ross.trigg@astongreenlake.com 020 3006 2122 Writer

Hannah Silver

hannah.silver@astongreenlake.com Business Development Director

Mark Edwards

mark.edwards@astongreenlake.com 020 3617 4688 Senior Account Manager

Tom Pettit

t.pettit@astongreenlake.com Senior Account Manager

Maxime Mendelewitsch

maxime@astongreenlake.com Managing Director

Jay Boisvert

This month saw me in watch heaven. The Tempus team visited Salon QP, London’s premier watch exhibition, giving us the opportunity to admire and, crucially, wear some of the world’s finest timepieces. From master watchmakers such as Christophe Claret and Peter Speake-Marin to relative newcomers such as Bremont and Schofield, this was every watch aficionado’s dream.

We’ll be bringing you the greatest hits from Salon QP next issue but, this month, we’ve turned our attention to Corum, a nautically inspired Swiss brand that’s already making waves in the watch market. Check out their story on page 44.

We also speak to the CEO of Backes & Strauss, manufacturer of diamond-studded timepieces that combine brilliant craftsmanship with an uber luxe edge, plus we investigate the growing trend for ultra-rare coloured diamonds.

Elsewhere, those looking to grab some winter sun or take a stylish ski trip should turn to our travel special, which starts on page 72. Alternatively, if you’re thinking about a more permanent home from home, our prestige property guide on page 84 will provide food for thought.

Finally, this being the festive season, we’ve compiled a selection of gadgets, gifts and ultra phones that would be perfect presents for any luxury lover. Keep a little budget back, though, for next issue’s Salon QP watch selection.

You need these timepieces in your life.

Enjoy the issue.

Alex Pell

Alex is the former deputy editor of leading technology title Stuff magazine. He now runs editorial agency Dashboard Media.

Check out his pick of this Christmas’s coolest gadgets, on page 92.

Tom Mulraney

As the founder and editor of The Watch Lounge (thewatchlounge.com), Tom is perfectly placed to give us his take on some of today’s more radical timepiece developments.

Read his views on page 29.

Hannah Silver Tempus is published monthly

by Aston Greenlake Ltd, 8th floor, 6 mitre passage, london se10 0er.

TEL: 020 3617 4688

Besides her regular stints at Tempus towers, Hannah also contributes to luxury watch specials for the likes of the Daily Telegraph.

On page 30 she highlights the growing trend for elite social networking.

Scott Manson Editor

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Contents

Inside issue eight

14 Take Me There

58 Eastern Promise

This year’s northern lights are set to be the most spectacular yet 17 Luxury Briefing

In conversation with Russia’s leading restaurateur, Arkady Novikov

22 Auction Watch

Vartkess Knadjian, CEO of Backes & Strauss, on their jewelled watches

Because, it turns out, the best things in life aren’t free, after all The best pieces going under the hammer this month

60 Time is Precious

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25 Food and Drink

72 Here Comes the Sun

Where to eat, drink and be merry

The hot spots for winter sun

29 The Word

78 Ski Special

Tom Mulraney on radical watchmaking; Hannah Silver on elite social networking 32 Object of Desire

All eyes are on Franc Vila’s latest chronograph

Cover: Corum-Ti Bridge Tourbillon

This season’s coolest tech accessories

39 Good Times

95 Rugged Luxury

Personal trainer Ruben Tabares on his celebrity clients

The verdict’s in for the new Range Rover

44 Making Waves

50 In Glorious Colour

85 View To A Thrill

92 Gadget gifts

Exclusive adornments

A celebration of the flawed: coloured diamonds go under the spotlight

In our final of the series, we reveal some of the world’s most extravagant chalets A cherrypicked selection of beautiful residences to buy now

36 Fashion and Accessories

A closer look at Corum

66 Money Talks

The rise and rise of luxury phones

Special thanks: Charlotte Johnson @ThePressOffice & Simon Berkovitch

100 Gift Guide

All we want for Christmas 106 Moments in Time

Gary Cooper and his Cartier Tank

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Take me there

The Northern Lights are a perennial feast for the senses, but with NASA predicting that this season’s display will be the best and brightest in over 30 years, all eyes will be on the planet’s northern high latitude regions.

The sky fires are caused by charged particles ejected from the Sun that, upon reaching the Earth’s atmosphere, react

with gas atoms to result in a jaw-dropping show. Usually green in colour, but sometimes featuring bright violet and red flashes, the lights often appear in spirals, following the Earth’s magnetic field.

The season runs from November to April and once seen, it’s never forgotten.

For Arctic Circle breaks, head to transun.co.uk

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Luxury briefing

Because the best things in life aren’t free

Note perfect Christophe Claret The Soprano by master watchmaker Christophe Claret is a thrilling piece.

The tourbillon watch has a musically accurate 4-note minute repeater that chimes the notes of Big Ben – called Westminster quarters – on patented cathedral gongs. Also incorporating Charles X-style bridges inspired by the French king, the Soprano unites French and English history in an accomplished nod to Christophe Claret’s roots.

christopheclaret.com

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Luxury briefing

Power to the people Urwerk The Urwerk UR-210 contains another fiendishly clever complication from this forward-thinking watch brand. Its unique power reserve indicator shows the watch’s winding efficiency over the last two hours. In other words, the timepiece will tell you when it’s not being sufficiently wound by its automatic rotor. When relaxing at home, you’ll be running on stored energy, and when out and about you’ll be creating it anew. A flick of the winding efficiency selector will either give the mechanism a rest or crank it up – a fantastically novel way to connect the wearer with their watch.

urwerk.com

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Shooting stars Mercedes-Benz In the finest tradition of ‘there are no new ideas anymore’, car manufacturers have revived the idea of the shooting brake. Simply put, the Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake is an estate – a sleek, somewhat compromised estate – whose ultimate load carrying ability is sacrificed for svelte looks. But when the results are as impressive as this, it’s a price worth paying. Even Porsche has managed to turn its stylistically challenged Panamera into an achingly desirable machine with its Sport Turismo, a concept car it rolled out at the Paris Motor Show. Practicality has never been more appealing, and where these two machines lead expect every other firm to follow.

mercedes-benz.co.uk

Get the exclusive Leica Quality camera brand Leica has upped its game with this latest collaboration with Paul Smith. The result - a limited edition compact digital camera in bright yellow leather or dazzling orange - is quirky, cool and, with just 1,500 pieces available, very exclusive.

en.leica-camera.com

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Luxury briefing

Deep house Subsix The world’s first underwater nightclub has opened at the luxurious Niyama hotel in the Maldives. An impressive cocktail menu includes drinks inspired by the ocean as well as fantastic molecular concoctions, all to be enjoyed deep below the waves.

niyama.peraquum.com

Designed for life Girard-Perregaux Girard-Perregaux honours architect Le Corbusier with its latest trilogy of watches which each reflect the three places the pioneering designer called home. La Chaux-de-Fonds (his hometown), Paris and Marseille are depicted in mother of pearl, steel and concrete respectively for cutting edge design Le Corbusier would have been proud of.

girard-perregaux.com

Orange crush Chaumet Perfect for the party season, Chaumet’s latest watch is a serious jewellery piece with a sense of humour. The Attrape-moi... si tu m’aimes collection has centred around bees – Napoleon’s favourite creature, apparently – since 2007, and this exquisite release continues that trend. Here the bee is represented by an orange sapphire cabochon stone set against diamonds and yellow and orange sapphires skilfully cut into honeycomb shapes.

chaumet.com

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TAILOR-MADE TRAVEL Luxury leather goods and accessories hand crafted in the United Kingdom

Canvas and Leather Bags for the Elegant Traveller www.ettinger.co.uk Tel: +44 (0)20 8877 1616

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Auction watch

Underthe hammer From petite bracelets to custom speedboats, here’s a pick of the best that auctioneers have on offer

Bonhams

It had a starring role in what was possibly the most iconic image of the year: David Beckham speeding down the Thames to begin the opening ceremony of the Olympics.

Now the speedboat, a beautiful customised 2008 Bladerunner BR RIB 35 fitted with four dummy rockets and a high-pressure waterjet bar, is going under the hammer.

Estimated at £250,000.

The Mercedes-Benz World Brooklands sale is on 3rd December bonhams.com

Fellows

Fellows’ jewellery auctions always turn up classic finds, and this early 20th-century pearl and diamond bracelet is another gem. The openwork design features an old-cut diamond and seed pearls.

Estimated at £5,000 to £7,000.

The Fellows Antique & Modern Jewellery auction is on 6th December fellows.co.uk

Watches of Knightsbridge

These sales are always worth keeping an eye on for a chance to pick up renowned brands at a decent price. Watches up for auction include this Breitling chronograph bracelet watch with automatic movement.

Estimated at £800-£1,200.

The Watches of Knightsbridge Modern and Vintage Timepieces auction is on 24th November, and around the same period every two months. watchesofknightsbridge.com

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Fine Watches & Wristwatches Tuesday 18 December New Bond Street, London 020 7447 7412 paul.maudsley@bonhams.com A fine and rare Patek Philippe Ref:5004 split second chronograph £100,000 – 140,000

International Auctioneers and Valuers – bonhams.com/watches

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108 New Bond Street | London W1S 1EF | www.frostoflondon.co.uk

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Food & Drink

Trends and news from the best bars and kitchens Hix Mayfair

The scene couldn’t be more perfect.

An elderly waiter is carving beautifully tender middle white pork by our table, with the hunk of meat placed on a gleaming silver trolley, and we are comfortably ensconced in an oak-panelled dining room. If you were looking for the quintessential British dining experience, done with flair and imagination, then Hix Mayfair is it.

The space is part of Browns hotel which, with its top hat wearing doormen, hushed elegance and overall air of opulence, is the perfect environment for what is arguably the finest of chef Mark Hix’s London operations. Part of its appeal lies in the delightful juxtaposition of old and new, with modern art from the likes of Tracy Emin providing a counterpoint to the green and purple suede chairs, crisp

Reviewed by Scott Manson

white tablecloths, and generally oldschool feel.

Starters saw us enjoy a delightfully fresh crab salad and a moreish mixture

of black pudding, snails and bacon, served with fragrant garlicky oil. Both proved the perfect opening salvo to a meal that saw my dining partner and I literally groaning with pleasure after every mouthful. Small wonder we were getting odd looks from the business types on the next table. Mains included that fabulous tableside-carved pork and a good hunk of fillet steak. The latter, not always the most flavour-packed cut, had clearly benefited from a long hanging on a butchers hook.

And this is what Mark Hix really does best. The finest meat, cooked with love.

It’s no surprise that his meat carving masterclasses, held in the restaurant’s kitchens earlier this year, were a sell-out success. Front of house or back of house, Hix Mayfair is a flawless operation.

thealbemarlerestaurant.com

Hakkasan’s new City outpost

Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant Hakkasan has opened a new restaurant, HKK, in Broadgate West, near London’s Square Mile. Its minimalist dining room is set around a vast open kitchen, allowing diners the opportunity to see the restaurant’s signature 15-course tasting menu created before their eyes. A smaller eight course tasting menu is available for lunchtime diners. hkklondon.com 25

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Food & Drink

I’m forever drinking bubbles

boundary Since opening four years ago, Terence Conran’s East London Boundary basement restaurant has picked up plaudits by the bucket-load.

The first surprise is that, for a high-end restaurant, it’s very, well, Shoreditch.

Descend a concrete stairwell and you enter a handsome room that combines the customary bare brick walls with luxury furnishings, giving a feel of a Prohibition Era hotspot straight out of Boardwalk Empire.

It seems only right, then, that we open our account with a whisky-based ‘old-fashioned’ cocktail and a glass of champagne, while checking out the other diners in this effortlessly stylish room. Generally, it’s your cooler City types here; older, wiser and a million miles away from the boisterous traders that prowl the more traditional post-work haunts.

Reviewed by Ross Trigg

It’s a grim day that doesn’t involve sipping a glass of bubbles at some point. Happily, now we are in the holiday season, these moments are few and far between. There’s nothing like the real thing to get my motor running – an aged Pol Roger Winston Churchill cuvée or a Dom Pérignon of any vintage would be my festive tipple of choice. But there are some great substitutes that will fool many a house guest and allow you to save the good stuff for when they’ve all gone home.

by Peter Dean

Full of festive cheer

From a food perspective, this isn’t a menu for the super-adventurous looking for boundary breaking techniques. But what it does deliver is classic French cooking. My starter of salade de crabe (white crab meat and heritage tomato salad) was a wonderfully clean and fresh dish, although my dining companion had a minor quibble with her foie gras.

She prefers it served wobblingly rare, and the kitchen had arguably given it a few seconds too long in the pan.

The main courses were a triumph.

Generous in portion and perfectly judged, we enjoyed the cosy, comfort food that is pot-au-feu de pigeon, plus a sea bass with Mediterranean vegetables and bouillabaisse sauce. The latter was fabulous – creamy pearls of fish served with perfectly cooked sweet vegetables.

Conran is arguably Britain’s best-loved restaurateur and, on the strength of my experience, long may it continue.

theboundary.co.uk

A wine I will be serving en masse this year is Rives-Blanques Vintage Rosé (2009); a blend of chardonnay and chenin blanc with just a splash of Pinot Noir. It’s a medium dry Cremant de Limoux that is good with seafood or served as an aperitif. Other critics have been purring, awards have been rightfully won and, better still, just look at the price – £85 for a case of six. jnwine.com.

A champagne that tastes like vintage fizz is Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Grande Reserve which has been matured in cellars for three years and has the bone dry finish and rounded fruit that you associate with the top stuff.

Available from £30 a bottle, it will fool an expert. johnlewis.com The best vintage champers doing the rounds is the 1996 Brut Vintage Champage from Pol Roger – worth every penny of its £56 price. It’s floral and peachy and has a vibrancy and tight structure that puts it in a class of its own. specialtywines.com

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S o m e B e lieve A l l Vodkas A re C re ated Equ al .

Highest Rated Vodka In the World.* Bold Taste. Velvety Smooth Finish. *Beverage Tasting Institute Rating, 2006, 2007, 2009 and 2010.

www.elitbystoli.com – DRINK WITH CARE. STOLICHNAYA ELIT luxury vodka 40% Alc/Vol. Distilled from grain. ©2012 STOLICHNAYA, STOLICHNAYA ELIT, ELIT, the triangle Logo and/or the bottle shape are ™ and/or ® of its owner.

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07/11/2012 12:30 06.11.12 10:42

Big Date Instantaneous Triple Calendar Grade 5 titanium and 18K white gold

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Tom Mulraney

I n d i c at i o n s i n t h e e x t r e m e

The Word

Time was that you would look down at your wrist and see two hands looking back up at you, maybe accompanied by a sweeping seconds hand and a date window. It was practical, it was effective and, to be perfectly honest, it was a little bit boring.

Not any more. Ever increasing competition is driving the plethora of luxury watch brands to rethink their approach, forcing them to find new and novel ways to stand out in an increasingly crowded market. Consequently every watchmaker worth their salt is trying to push the boundaries of what was previously thought possible, leading to some truly incredible – and not so incredible – creations.

In the past this has normally meant a renewed focus on creating groundbreaking mechanical complications, or at the very least dramatically improving on the design of existing ones.

It’s a sound strategy but one that can quickly become limiting, especially if the technical expertise required is not readily available in-house or, indeed, if the proposed design is beyond the current physical limitations of what can actually be achieved.

This means that attention has turned to the design aspects of the timepieces, in particular revolutionising – pardon the pun the way they mark the passage of time.

Take for example newcomer HYT. Its first timepiece, simply called the H1, set tongues wagging earlier this year with its counterintuitive liquid time display concept. I say counterintuitive because mechanical components – at least in watch form – and liquids are generally not the best of friends and so combining the two, more often than not, is simply asking for trouble. But HYT has got it right. As time progresses throughout the day so too does the bright green liquid housed in the tube on the outer ring of the dial. It’s a simple concept, but one that is incredibly complex and costly to develop.

Not to be outdone, veteran watch manufacturer Christophe Claret unveiled its version of a contradictory timepiece, the X-TREM-1. Highly unconventional in every sense of the word, the X-TREM-1 incorporates the use of magnetic fields – the bane of traditional mechanical watchmaking – to aide in the indication of time. Two magnetised spheres on either side of the case seem to float up and down as if by magic, indicating the hours and minutes respectively. Is it affordable? Of course not.

How about practical? Not even close. But is it incredibly fun to look at? Without a doubt.

Admittedly these examples are on the more extreme side.

However there are many more out there and I think it’s fantastic that so many brands are pushing the boundaries. If we’re innovating, we’re improving. Admittedly, the brands don’t always get it right the first time with some of their more daring designs and there are many instances where legibility has been compromised beyond reason, but generally the new designs I’m seeing are truly thrilling.

This is an amazing time for the world of watches, and I’m proud to be a part of it.

Tom Mulraney is the founder and editor of The Watch Lounge thewatchlounge.com

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Hannah Silver

E l i t e s o c i a l n e t w o r ks

The Word

It had to happen eventually. The internet – which inventor Tim Berners-Lee envisaged as the greatest democratic event in the history of mankind – has, like all the best bars, become inviteonly. Social networking, and Facebook in particular, has become a high-profile victim of its own success. Looking back, the beginning of the end probably involved Justin Timberlake and a film adaption, although it was when it hit the billion mark that early adopters and hip types started to see it as a little passé.

Luckily, exclusivity has stepped in, albeit belatedly, and there is a burgeoning trend to bring luxury and social networking together. Many luxury brands, from Four Seasons to Burberry have already embraced it, with varying results, in a move most thought would be antithetical. Most brands relish the chance to interact with their customers directly, with Four Seasons tweeting visitors chatty comments about its spa experience or dinner.

Renowned restaurant The Fat Duck is more creative with its interaction, sending diners an invitation to view an exclusive animation that, rather oddly, can only be accessed four times.

Granted, the mass appeal of Facebook, Twitter and Instagram doesn’t sit easily with these brands’ exclusive mantras, but it could be argued that, like the 17-year-old models who tout priceless totes in luxury fashion ads, there will always be a disconnect between the marketing message and those who actually show their appreciation at the tills.

Luxury social networking neatly sidesteps this issue by being very clear about exactly who it’s aimed at. Steadily appearing over the last few years, the sites are now prolific. P1, in China, is probably the one with the strictest entry guidelines. Billed as a social network for people with higher standards in life, you are only granted an invitation if you already know five people on it or if you are spotted by one of their street-style photographers or ambassadors. Over two million people throughout China have joined, and the likes of Lamborghini have praised it as making it easier for them to quickly identify potential customers, something you definitely don’t get with Facebook’s badly targeted ads.

Other social networks emphasise the benefits of being involved.

A Small World, strictly invite-only like the rest, unites people connected by three degrees of separation and helps members manage their private and business lives. Best of All Worlds, launched this year, targets the ‘top one per cent’ and helps users find events and contacts. It aims to attract leaders in their fields, whether that’s in investment banking, the media, fashion or government. Pre-launch, it had 20,000 members, suggesting this is something that could take off. Other examples include Tiger 21, a peer-to-peer group for high net worth investors, Russia’s Snob.ru and the highly secretive Yoctocosmos.

UK-based companies are also seeing the benefits of creating a targeted quality network. Quintessentially branched out of its luxury concierge service this year to offer an online social network, ELEQT, offering members access to exclusive events. Cannily, they’ve drummed up support in the way they know best – with a series of glamorous launch parties around the globe. The balance between eyeballs on a web page and relevance is getting ever more precise, and it’s luxury operators who are leading the way.

Hannah Silver is staff writer for Tempus

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“The ultimate shopping experience for men”

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY 66 Grosvenor Street, London W1K 3JL +44 (0)203 475 3888 info@ottouomo.com www.ottouomo.com

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Franc Vila

Franc Vila watches have always been technical, sporty pieces, but the brand’s latest collection pushes the boundaries still further.

The FVi17 Chrono Bicompax Intrepido has a mechanical self-winding hand-finished movement, the Caliber FV17, that boasts chronograph

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bicompax functions and a prominent date indication to ensure the display is easily readable. Lighter, slimmer and more robust than previous Franc Vila models, thanks to nanotechnology materials, the watch is as tough as it is striking.

frostoflondon.co.uk

14/11/2012 16:20

Objects of desire

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Fashion & Accessories frostof london.co.uk

His and hers The latest in cutting-edge luxury from Frost of London

01 01 Stefan Hafner

Rubies give a gorgeous pop of colour to this pendant from Stefan Hafner’s Cigni Collection. The beautiful accessory is set on gold, making for an elegant ready-to-wear piece that could well become a timeless classic.

ÂŁPOA

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02

03

02 Jacob & Co

Jacob & Co may be best known for its brilliant range of men’s watches, but the brand’s pieces for women shouldn’t be neglected. These gorgeous amber agate chandelier earrings are highlighted by rose cut and pave set white diamonds and are crafted from 18k black plated gold, giving a softer, more sophisticated edge.

£20,750

03 Jason of Beverly Hills

This ribbon ring is one of Jason of Beverly Hills’ more conventional pieces, but it’s no less luxurious.

The version seen here – in white gold and white diamonds – is classically dazzling, but can be crafted in any colour combination for a more bespoke feel.

£POA

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04 04 Shamballa

Shamballa’s string bracelets come in a wide range of colours, but this more muted version is better suited to the dark winter months. The lapis bracelet features the raw black diamond and black diamond pave ball that has become Shamballa’s signature style.

£POA

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05 Mad Collections

Mad Collections transform iconic, original pieces into something impressively unique. This customised Rolex, with black DLC coating and black diamond bezel set, is a highlight of its collection.

£POA

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M ESURE ET DÉMESURE *

TONDA QUATOR Rose gold Automatic movement Hermès alligator strap Made in Switzerland

* EXACT AND EXULTANT

www.parmigiani.ch

LONDON ARIJE | ASPREY | HARRODS YORK HARPERS CHELTENHAM BEARDS FOR FURTHER STOCKIST INFORMATION CONTACT 020 3355 7702

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PARMIGIANI • Tonda Quator • Format: 240x300 mm • Magazine: Tempus (GB) • Calitho 09-12-78321

Good times

Words – Scott Manson

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Good times frostoflondon.co.uk

Fit club

Ruben Tabares’ radical training methods get stellar results – just ask David Haye, John Terry and Micky Rourke

Ruben Tabares is the go-to guy for top athletes who want to take their training to the next level. Sporting stars such as footballer John Terry and boxers David Haye and Amir Khan are just a few who have benefited from the 33-year-old’s radical programmes. We get the lowdown from one of the world’s most in-demand trainers.

Q How does a personal trainer end up on the speed dial of so many elite sportsmen?

It’s been a long route to where I am now.

My fitness career began when I attended ballet school when I was seven, which I kept up for about four years. I then went to a sporty school and discovered that I had an aptitude for running, eventually becoming the European junior 400m hurdles champion.

I’d always been fascinated by biomechanical injuries and made it one of my specialisms and, when I was at an athletes training camp, I started treating fellow athletes’ injuries.

That success led to me being recommended to the boxer David Haye. I spent ten days with him, just before his Valuev fight, and helped clean up his diet, fixing a cramping problem he’d had for a while. Things really took off for me from there.

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Q You still compete in athletics. How do you find the time to do your own training and fit in training others?

A lot of it isn’t so much about finding the time as having the energy to do it. This is why good nutrition is so important. If you eat correctly, your body recovers more quickly and you have more energy.

Q Where in the world has your training taken you?

LA, Colombia, and the Philippines, the latter with Amir Khan. I also regularly fly to Tel Aviv to advise a billionaire client there.

I also spent time in Miami when I was training David. In fact, another notable client of mine – P Diddy – came from those sessions. He’d seen me doing some unusual exercises in the gym and he came over to ask about them. I ended up going to his house to meet his chef, his doctor, his chiropractor and so on. They had to be sure of me before they let me in to his world. It was surreal at first but he’s a hard worker. He might have an image as a party boy but he was in the gym at 8am for every session. He actually offered me a job, travelling the world with him for a year for a remarkable salary, but I had already made a commitment to David Haye and didn’t want to let him down.

Diddy actually thought that my refusal meant I wanted more money so he kept upping the salary. It became very tempting.

Q Which sport would you say demands the toughest workout?

It’s hard to say but MMA, track and field and boxing are all tough. The latter might just have the edge in terms of complete athleticism. Also, crucially, boxers and MMA athletes have to endure people trying to hurt them while they perform, so that makes their sport tougher still.

Q What are the most common misconceptions that people have about training?

That if you train hard, you can eat what you want. It’s simply not true. Our diet should be 75% raw food, and 25% cooked. Grilled fish, salads, fruit and lightly steamed vegetables – that’s what the body needs.

People also expect fast results but patience is key. I’m training Tinie Tempah at the moment and we spent plenty of time

strengthening his ligaments and joints before really hitting the weights. A year on and he’s in fantastic shape.

Q Why do sports stars need an additional trainer? What did you offer John Terry, for example, that he wasn’t getting from Chelsea’s multimillion pound training facilities?

With John, I was treating a specific injury.

He’d tried everything else and, with my treatment, the injury hasn’t recurred. There’s this myth that a footballer’s legs turn to jelly after the age of 30 – my training can help them keep their speed and even increase it.

Q You also worked with Micky Rourke – tell us about that.

He’s always kept in good shape – he was a former professional boxer – and he saw David and I training in the gym one day and told me he was ‘officially impressed’ by my training. He’s old school, and says what he thinks, but I admire that. An amazing man.

Q What is your connection to Frost of London? Are you a watch collector?

I met Ariel (Banin, co-director of Frost of London) through David and Amir. Since then, yes, I’ve become more into my watches.

I own a Corum at the moment but am looking to pick up a Hublot in the future. I love the hand-made nature of watches and the detail involved in their construction.

In many ways, watchmaking parallels with what I do – sculpting, refining and using tiny individual parts to create a powerful whole.

Q What does the future hold for Ruben Tabares?

I’ve just opened a gym in the City, one near Chelsea and also a high performance centre.

We’re taking it to the next level.

rubentabares.com

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Corum frostoflondon.co.uk

Maki n g waves Worn by the biggest stars in the sporting firmament, Corum sets a course for innovation with a flotilla of exceptional timepieces

hen Ben Ainslie, Team GB’s most able seaman, claimed a fourth Olympic gold in sailing this year, he was equipped with one of the finest nautical-themed watches on the planet. Sponsored by Corum, Ben sported the brand’s distinctively different Admiral’s Cup Tides model. With its ability to monitor tide times and strength, plus a 300m water resistance, it proved to be an essential part of this celebrated sailor’s armoury.

Of course, timekeeping has long played a part in marine history, from the original H4 watch created by John Harrison in 1773 to help sailors navigate at sea, to the wealth of dive and sailing watches currently on the market.

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The Corum-Energy Team (above) and company CEO and Partner Antonio Calce (left)

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Corum frostoflondon.co.uk

The Corum brand, which was founded in 1955 in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, has a stronger claim than most to a seafaring connection, as company CEO and Partner Antonio Calce explains.

“The story begins with the passion of a man, Mr René Bannwart, the founder of the brand. In 1960 he created the first waterproof square watch and decided to name it after the famous regatta Admiral’s Cup. He engraved the back of the watch with a sailing boat marking the intention of the brand to be associated with the sailing world. In 1982 Corum started its nautical sponsorships and the Admiral’s Cup piece, with its 12-sided case and nautical pennants, remains one of our two product pillars today.”

Besides Ben Ainslie, Corum also sponsors Energy Team, a French sailing duo comprising two brothers (Loïck and Bruno

“It’s not just world-class sailors who enjoy wearing Corum’s range of modern classics”

Peyron) racing in the AC 45 Series, whose ultimate aim is to win the famous America’s Cup yacht race.

It’s not just world-class sailors, though, who enjoy wearing Corum’s range of modern classics. The brand has been a favourite with many notable types over the years.

“In 1964 we created our Coin Watch, featuring an ultra-thin movement set in an authentic $20 Double Eagle coin,” says Calce. “This model was worn by numerous U.S. Presidents, including Ronald Reagan, and remains in our collection today. The footballer Cristiano Ronaldo also wears our watches. He owns the Admiral’s Cup Challenger 48 model set with diamonds and also the Admiral’s Cup Challenger 44 Chrono Rubber.”

While the Admiral’s Cup line is at the sportier end of Corum’s collection, the Bridges collection has seen watch aficionados heaping praise on its dual interpretations – the Golden Bridge, with its groundbreaking golden baguette movement and the Ti-Bridge (pictured opposite page), a more contemporary take which features a case and movement crafted from titanium.

“This watch combines supreme technical ability with a unique design,” says Calce.

“It is an exceptional timepiece.

“The Golden Bridge, however, is our most popular piece. It remains an icon for the brand and the watchmaking industry. A pure

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Corum frostoflondon.co.uk Left: future modern classic the Admiral’s Cup Legend 42

“To pique the interest of watch lovers, Corum is also developing in-house movements”

Above: Corum’s CEO and Partner, Antonio Calce, values the importance of inhouse manufacture.

Right: a closer view of the intricate – and exclusive – Ti-Bridge

haute horology timepiece, it’s aimed at connoisseurs and collectors.”

Crucially, to pique the interest of watch lovers and ensure the long-term security of the brand, Corum is also developing in-house movements. It launched its third, CO103, in 2011. This exceptional baguette movement is offered in an automatic version with linear winding. Given that, generally, it’s only those watch brands owned by the three major watchmaking groups that can afford to manufacture in-house, it’s to Calce’s credit that he insisted that this had to be an essential part of their business plan.

“When I joined Corum, the brand was positioned in the fashion segment,” he says.

“The work was mostly outsourced; there were no watchmakers, no technical developments or internal watchmaking know-how. But I was convinced of the brand’s repositioning potential worldwide and its capability to recover its legitimacy among the high end watchmaking industry. The brand had immense growth potential.” The result is a product collection that is popular worldwide, with Calce highlighting both the Chinese and Latin American markets as fertile grounds, the latter seeing Corum’s presence in 12 countries across 72 point of sales.

The more established markets, such as the UK, are also key. Indeed, Calce cites Frost of

London as being an important part of the brand’s retail mix.

“Frost is a retailer which doesn’t tread the established and usual path. They have an interesting business approach and we enjoy working with them,” he says.

And as to the future? Watch fans lucky enough to attend next year’s Baselworld, the world’s biggest timepiece and jewellery exhibition, can look forward to visiting an impressive new Corum stand. Not forgetting, of course, a collection of watches that, like others from Corum’s 57-year history, could soon be hailed as modern classics.

corum.ch

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co lo u r 14/11/2012 16:34

Coloured diamonds Words - Hannah Silver

How times change. Once considered a flaw, a pop of colour is now definitely on-trend in the world of precious diamonds, with rare coloured stones being the latest luxury must-have

et’s face it, perfection can be boring.

When the flawless becomes commonplace, it’s the damaged that is sought. Nowhere is that more true than in the increasingly popular world of coloured diamonds. The diamond market, saturated with beautifully clear stones, is demanding a more glamorous option, driven by both consumer and investor demand.

Coloured diamonds haven’t always been hot property. The GIA (Gemological Institute of America) once insisted that colour in diamonds was a flaw. And, strictly speaking, it is. Different colours are created when something goes wrong in the molecular process. Brown and yellow diamonds are the result of finely dispersed nitrogen atoms, while blue diamonds contain specks of boron that have become trapped in the diamond’s structure. Green diamonds are thought to have been subjected to radioactive radiation over millions of years, while pink diamonds have suffered a micro-dislocation in the lattice structure.

Today, however, these so-called flaws can hike up a stone’s price considerably. For renowned jeweller Theo Fennell, it’s their very rarity that appeals.

“There’s an interest in anything unusual and white diamonds have become so everyday and ubiquitous that they seem to have lost some glamour,” he says. “Most people with any taste or discernment are looking for original designs and well-made pieces. There is so much that is massproduced, available everywhere and branded, even at the top end, that people want something different, often bespoke.”

Jeweller to the stars Jason Arasheben, of Jason of Beverly Hills, agrees.

“No two diamonds are the same and each and every flaw exemplifies the unique characteristic and personality of each diamond. As long as they remain scarce, there will be demand.”

It’s hard to stress just how rare coloured diamonds are. Reds and greens are virtually unobtainable, with a vivid ‘fancy red’ being almost mythic, such is its unique nature.

Like the buyers of haute couture clothing, the wearer is guaranteed that they’ll never enter a room to find someone else sporting the same item.

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The Regent Baguette 4452

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Coloured diamonds

This is a trend that has gone international, with the Asian and Arabic markets in the driving seat. Jason notes that his Saudi customers in particular find the rarest colours – blues and reds – most desirable.

Elsewhere, Dino D’Auria, co-director at Frost of London, has observed his clients in Bond Street favouring the lighter options. “Blue is the most expensive stone we deal with and it’s bought by serious investors, not to wear, but to keep in a safe.

Celebrity clients tend to go for yellow, with guys often asking for a yellow stone to be set in an earring.”

The celebrity factor is clearly a massive draw. The most famous engagement ring in

Sheer brilliance Four great pieces that showcase coloured diamonds

01 Jason of Beverly Hills

Coloured diamonds aren’t just for women.

This men’s tiger ring crafted from white gold, white, blue and black diamonds is a bold, fun choice, and comes in a choice of colour combinations for added effect.

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recent history was the one Ben Affleck gave to Jennifer Lopez. The 6ct radiant pink diamond ring was flanked by three baguette white diamonds and cost a cool $1m. Her next ring from new man Marc Anthony even managed to dwarf this extravagant piece – a beautiful 14ct solitaire blue diamond ring weighing in at four times the price.

Other notable pieces include Heidi Klum’s oval yellow diamond ring and Mariah Carey’s 11ct pink, square cut diamond surrounded by 58 pink diamonds and designed by Jacob & Co for a cool $2.5m.

History, too, is peppered with exceptional pieces. Mrs Moussaieff – of Moussaieff jewellers – has an incredible collection that includes the famous ‘Moussaieff Red’, which at 5.11ct is the largest natural fancy red diamond ever to be graded by the GIA. Moussaieff is famous for fashioning statement pieces out of its coloured stones, or creating unusual combinations, such as setting rubies into white jade or mounting carved emeralds with briolette diamonds. These are, says Mrs Moussaieff, also an amazing opportunity to acquire strong assets.

“Investment, pure and simple,” she says.

“That’s the reason for the upsurge in popularity of the rarer and more highly prized stones – pinks and blues, for example.”

She sees the recession as a prime factor.

With confidence in financial products at an all-time low, people are looking for a rocksolid investment that will never lose value.

“As their sources become scarcer and scarcer they will become more and more desirable,” she explains.

Paul Carter, managing director at Ritz Fine Jewellery, concurs. “Using coloured diamonds in fine, unique pieces will always encourage interest. It’s the rarity of coloured diamonds that makes them so desirable.”

The sheer geological miracle and subsequent rarity of these stones makes for an irresistible mix, but perhaps more crucially in these turbulent financial times, they are as close to a sure thing as investments can be.

And that’s even rarer than a multi-carat ‘fancy red’ diamond.

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Featuring a blue, internally flawless, oval cut diamond, this ring is definitely a one-of-a-kind. Blue diamonds usually feature other hues, such as grey or green, but the purity of this colour makes it an exceptional piece.

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03 Theo Fennell

04 Ritz Fine Jewellery

Theo Fennell’s ring incorporates 18ct white and yellow gold and brown and white diamonds for an unusual take on the coloured diamonds trend.

Amber hues are rarely seen against a white gold background, making this a quirky choice.

These stunning blossom diamond earrings incorporate vivid yellow diamonds for dazzling effect.

The contrast of yellow against white turns the luxurious earrings into a true statement piece.

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Food & Drink

Eastern promise Words – Scott Manson

He’s opened more than 100 restaurants in Moscow, employs 7,000 people and is worth around £300 million. Quite simply, Arkady Novikov is Russia’s leading restaurateur.

The latest outpost of his empire, Novikov London – comprising both Asian and Italian restaurants under one roof – has garnered critical acclaim since opening and now, almost a year since launch, we catch up with the man that’s been dubbed the ‘food tsar’.

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You trained as a chef in Moscow, pre-Glasnost. How difficult was it to find good schooling in haute cuisine at that time?

My teachers were good but they just didn’t have the level of knowledge that Europeans had. Yes, I learned to cook, but I was not a professional. I did gain a good knowledge of Soviet food preparation though.

How different was Russia in those days?

Have you ever lived in the same flat for ten years, without going out? That’s the comparison I’d use. The reason I never learned English properly was because I was never sure if I’d need it. I could not have dreamed of owning a car or a house or a business. Everything changed after Perestroika. Dining also underwent a revolution. Borders were opened, foreign cooks came to us, our chefs travelled abroad and Russian customers travelled as tourists.

Quickly, food knowledge spread.

You opened your first restaurant, Sirena, in 1992, with a loan from a friend.

What was the secret of its success?

The unique design, and the fact we focused on fish. Moscow had no good seafood restaurants at the time and we served fish

that no one else had, like sea bass and turbot. The design was stunning, with aquarium walls and an aquarium floor.

It is still very successful.

Most people would be happy with one successful restaurant. What spurred you on to open more?

Imagine you are an artist painting the same scene over and over again for many years, making it perfect. Eventually you want to paint something else. Also, I am a businessman. Two different traits that I fight an internal battle with every day.

What made you want to open in London?

I have a home here, my children study here, plus there are fabulous food markets and tough international competition from other restaurants. In that sense, it’s like an everyday Olympics for us. I also like that everything in England is strictly regulated. There are no loopholes. In Russia, it’s a little more liberal.

What have you learned since operating in the capital?

That British lawyers are very, very expensive [laughs].

How did the Olympics affect you?

We were down around 25% although I understand this was true for everyone.

I expected it would increase by the same amount. London was a ghost town.

How involved are you in menu selection?

[Pointing to the minestrone soup he’s eating]. I test everything. I love food and am involved every step of the way. Sometimes I give complete freedom to chefs, sometimes they need my direction. A large project takes time to get it right but I know we are producing some very good food.

Where else do you like eating in the capital?

There are so many places – like mushrooms after the rain – almost too many to name.

That said, the Russian restaurant, Mari Vanna, is excellent.

How did the financial crisis affect your business?

People had less money, so they became less frivolous. Previously in Russia, it was fashionable to go into restaurants and throw money around. Now this is seen as rather silly, gauche, and not at all classy.

Is there a typical ‘day at the office’ for you?

I don’t have an office, not even back at our Moscow HQ. This restaurant table that we sit at is my office today. Tomorrow it could be the bar, the back of the car or a plane.

I need to control my business – that’s why I am always front of house.

You are very successful. Do you enjoy the traditional extravagances of a rich man?

[Points to a basic Swatch-style watch on his arm] £20 from Selfridges. Very comfortable.

I used to be a big watch collector, but I found they weren’t always a smart investment. It’s the same with cars. I once had a stable of fine motors – these days I am more low-key.

What about jewellery? I note you are wearing some jade beads. That’s traditionally worn for protection…

Correct. Protection against journalists!

What’s the secret to success in the restaurant business?

A professional attitude, right across the board. If a waiter is unprofessional, but serves with love, I forgive him. The chef can cut the meat however he wishes, so long as the food is cooked with love. And it tastes good, obviously. We all cook at home and our guests are happy because we put our soul into it. If all staff operated this way, then every restaurant would be perfect. When I was in the army, we were taught to drill.

I found that even in something so repetitive, I could find pleasure in it. The secret is to find pleasure in everything you do. Search out the good everywhere.

novikovrestaurant.co.uk

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Backes & Strauss Words – Hannah Silver

Meet the diamond expert behind Backes & Strauss’s patriotic high end watches, Vartkess Knadjian, a man who hints that even greater horological heights are soon to be scaled ate often has a circular quality, with past events shaping and mirroring the future. For proof, look no further than the life journey of Vartkess Knadjian, CEO of watch and jewellery brand Backes & Strauss. As a boy, he spent hours in his father’s watch servicing business, watching him methodically work on brands such as Patek Philippe and Omega. But while timepieces were his first love, he was immersed in the world of diamonds until, in 2004, Knadjian spearheaded Backes & Strauss’s first foray into high end watch manufacturing.

Dealing with diamonds has become a lot easier in recent years, he says. When Knadjian began working for Backes &

Strauss in the 1970s, it was still a secret world.

“It used to be an incredibly closed shop,” he says. “There were no price lists or GIA listings in those days – it was down to the skill of the dealers to assess the true value of a gem and trade it. It was a much more skilled time and it took four to five years of apprenticeship before you were allowed to value diamonds.”

It’s this traditional focus on craftsmanship that has seen Backes & Strauss – the world’s oldest diamond company – also become renowned for producing some of highest quality stones on the planet. These gems

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Backes & Strauss frostoflondon.co.uk

have an impeccable pedigree, boasting not just flawless colour and clarity but also a quality of light refraction that sets them dazzlingly apart.

“Diamonds are all about perfect polishing and light – the best are ideal cut and scientifically perfect,” Knadjian explains.

“This gives them maximum fire and brilliance. Many people don’t realise that diamonds are still hand polished; even diamonds as small as 0.7 or 0.8mm still have all 58 facets created by hand. To create perfect cuts at that scale is incredible.”

It’s a level of craftsmanship that comes from the company’s lengthy history.

Founded in Germany in 1789, Backes & Strauss set up a London office in 1864 – a move that inspired its venture into

watchmaking in 2004. Prior to then, the company supplied diamonds to a number of notable Swiss watch brands, including Franck Muller, and it was to them they turned when Knadjian first considered launching a watch collection.

“Franck Muller is one of the most creative watch brands on the planet. Its complications are staggering, especially the Crazy Hours pieces which are incredible,” he says.

The collaboration has resulted in a collection of timepieces which, while unashamedly ‘jewellery watches’, also boast high quality movements and manufacturing. They also channel the spirit of British design, not least as the word ‘London’ is stamped on the dial.

“Designers were inspired the architecture of London and Regent Street in particular” Knadjian reveals that his designers were inspired by the city’s architecture in general and John Nash’s buildings on Regent Street in particular.

Unusually, the Regent Collection features a bold oval shape – a radical move in an industry where three-quarters of the watches sold worldwide are round.

“Our marketing team asked me some hard questions when we first suggested it,” Knadjian admits, “but ours is a very attractive shape, it flows beautifully.”

Other collections pay homage to jewellery past and present, neatly incorporating technical watchmaking prowess with stunning jewellery design.

The brand’s Victoria Collection nods to the

Left: The watches’ design inspiration comes in part from architect John Nash

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Backes & Strauss frostoflondon.co.uk

Below: The Regent Collection’s Beau Brummel

company’s history by using 19th-century jewellery designs from its archives, while the Monarch Collection is a stunning example of jewellery brought to life by a beating automatic movement, featuring over 1,000 diamonds that reflect brilliant light from every perfectly-polished facet.

For Knadjian, it remains a thrilling business. He is involved in every aspect of the creative process. Watches can take up to a year to create, although three months is the average, with the biggest time factor being the polishing and repolishing of the diamonds. Backes & Strauss produces about 1000 pieces a year and Knadjian is happy with this number, feeling no pressure to grow. That said, the slow process of watchmaking is something that can frustrate him.

“Backes & Strauss understands exactly what luxury watch buyers want” “You polish a diamond and sell it. Watches are more time-consuming, dictated by a fickle consumer market. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder after all, so you need to be very good at knowing what people want.”

It’s clear, though, that with fast growth everywhere – particularly in Japan and the Far East – Backes & Strauss instinctively understands exactly what luxury watch buyers want. The brand is busy planning its appearance at exclusive watch show SIHH next year, and is looking to launch new products in January. “We’ll be moving

further into complications and an even more creative use of diamonds,” Knadjian confides. “Though that’s really all I can say at the moment…”

Whatever the future holds, the success of the watch collections makes Knadjian feel like he’s finally come full circle. He may have taken a detour through the world of diamonds, but by combining the two, his family watchmaking background, simmering quietly for decades, has now risen spectacularly to the fore.

backesandstrauss.com

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06/11/2012 12:30

Luxury phones

Words - Hannah Silver

Money talks Like luxury timepieces before them, the latest wave of cutting-edge, super-high-end mobile phones are fast becoming the new status symbol of the elite

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t’s one of those stories that sounds suspiciously like an urban myth. A man and his wife walk into a fully-booked restaurant. Finding there’s no table to be had, the chap pulls out his phone to make other plans. On spotting the Vertu handset, however, the maître d’s eyes light up and he leads them to a prime table that has suddenly become available. Such is the cachet of today’s ultra-luxe phones.

Of course, there’s nothing new in a luxurious phone – Vertu began work on its first iconic handset in 1998 – but the latest breed are cutting-edge, incredibly welldesigned and more opulent than ever.

The first Vertu, the Signature, revolutionised the phone market on its appearance in 2002.

One of its most impressive achievements was perfecting the complex production process for

“It’s Vertu’s concierge button, though, which has really driven the brand ’s success” sapphire crystal, which forms the front fascia of the phone, creating the world’s largest piece at 69.25ct. And while phone geeks might dismiss it as just another product that’s been coated in gold and passed off as ‘luxury’, the truth is that the phone is a serious piece of engineering. Handsets are built to order in its English workshop, tested every stage of way, with some being assembled by a single craftsman. Often, they will etch their personal signature on to the phone’s battery. It’s much more like a classic Swiss watchmaking manufactory, than the machines, robots and conveyor belts you might see at as Nokia or Motorola plants.

Vertu

The original luxury phone, Vertu is best known for its brilliant concierge service. It can arrange anything from bespoke gifts and money-can’t-buy events, as well as making bookings and giving recommendations.

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“It’s a natural evolution, with phones increasingly replacing watches as a means of telling the time”

Goldvish

The creator of the first full-gold mobile phone in the world continues to push the envelope with its products, which include a fusion between a watch and a mobile and the most expensive phone on the market.

goldvish.com

It’s Vertu’s concierge button, though, which has really driven the brand’s success.

In the same time it takes for an Apple app to find restaurants near your location, Vertu’s concierge service can reserve you that ‘unbookable’ table and much more besides.

It’s no gimmick either, with Vertu claiming that around half of its customers use the function regularly.

Vertu’s achievements have helped pave the way for further premium phone brands, all jostling for space in this small but lucrative market. So small, in fact, that it makes up less than 1% of the overall phone market, with a luxury phone defined as anything over £2,000. The incredible advancements we’ve seen are in part thanks to the natural link to watchmaking. TAG Heuer was one of the first to make this explicit, highlighting its 150 years of watchmaking as a good grounding for entry to the mobile market.

It’s a natural evolution, with phones increasingly replacing watches as a means of telling the time, and using the same craftsmanship, avant-garde design and gleaming, super-strong precious metals. The latest developments in the mobile phone world go further still, with TAG Heuer’s latest model – the Racer – constructed from aeronautic materials and using advanced metals like grade 2 titanium and carbon fibre in an arresting new design.

Other phones break with convention in different ways. Celsius creates mechanical phones that feature different functions such as a battery ejection system and an energy gathering system. It takes 35 watchmakers,

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Luxury phones

Continental Mobiles

Continental Mobiles will provide bespoke tailoring for your handset using whatever precious metals you desire, adding an exclusive edge to mass-produced mobiles.

continentalmobiles.com

Magnificent mobiles

Æsir

Æsir consistently wins awards for design excellence. Only available in limited numbers, the Copenhagen-based company works with individual designers to create beautiful, innovative mobile phones.

aesir-copenhagen.com TAG Heuer

TAG Heuer has the benefit of 150 years of watchmaking behind it. Beautifully designed, its phones are regarded as being some of the most reliable in terms of reception quality.

tagheuer.com

Celsius

Its aim to create a fully micromechanical phone that has every function operating solely through human energy makes Celsius’s creations unique. One to watch.

celsius-x-vi-ii.com

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Luxury phones

“Our clients are people who see micromechanics as art. Our products make them dream” craftsmen and engineers six months to produce one piece. For Edouard Meylan, Co-CEO and co-founder, this represents a revolution in phone manufacturing.

“Our clients are people who see micromechanics as a sort of art. Our products make them dream – not everything has to be practical and rational. They don’t buy a phone, they buy something unique which fuses aesthetics and technology.”

Celsius’s most extravagant line, the LeDIX collection, features a flying tourbillon, made of 125 parts that are regrouped in one cubic centimetre, further blurring the line between phones and watches.

Continental Mobiles is another company responding to the demands of the prestige phone buyer. As brand manager Ian Broad, notes, if a man drives a Lamborghini, wears a Romain Jerome watch and uses a Dunhill pen, why should he settle for less with the most useful thing he has? Since its launch six years ago, the company has successfully focused on enhancing the look and feel of today’s standard smartphones.

“We refer to what we do as bespoke tailoring for phones,” Broad explains. “We use the latest technology and create unique models by adding an array of precious metals and stones. There is no compromise.”

As the white heat of technology burns ever brighter, with rapid advances in the design and technology of phones, today’s high net worth consumer is looking for something truly special. You can keep your multi-core processors, reams of RAM and high-definition displays. For a tech tool that is both functional and beautiful, a luxury phone is the only game in town.

Gresso

Gresso uses sumptuous fabrics to make sleek, must-have mobiles. Its latest model, inspired by supercars, comes encased in crocodile leather.

gresso.com

Ulysse Nardin

The world’s first luxury hybrid smartphone has technologically impressive features including a top-of-the-range touch screen, eight-megapixel camera and kinetic power system, which lets the user charge the phone by shaking it.

uncells.com

Brikk

Brikk’s team includes experts in physics and engineering, so expect a superbly designed end phone.

A percentage of the proceeds from is given to aid humanitarian efforts.

Lamborghini

Just like its cars, Lamborghini phones incorporate premium materials and slick design for an ultra-luxury finish.

lamborghini.it

brikk.com

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25/04/2012 17:23

With another icy winter predicted for the UK, the smart move is to top up your tan and chill out at one of these fab four resorts

H er e c o m es t h e s u n

As winter’s icy fingers take a grip, now is a prime time to jet away and bask in the warmth of the sun. Rather than settling for traditional haunts such as Barbados’s Sandy Lane – where you may have to suffer the sight of Simon Cowell in swim shorts – why not strike out for the shores less travelled. The following destinations combine super-luxe accommodation with a stunning setting, and not an annoying A-lister in sight…

Baros Maldives

Voted the Indian Ocean’s leading luxury resort at this year’s prestigious World Travel Awards, Baros Maldives comprises 75 exquisite villas surrounded by powder-white sand and turquoise seas. You can circle the island in a ten-minute stroll (or a three-minute jog if you’re feeling energetic), eat in three fabulous restaurants – one of which is over water – and learn to scuba dive on the resort’s renowned reef. The rooms to reserve are the premium pool villas which offer infinity plunge pools and Jacuzzis.

Lagoon luxe at its best.

baros.com

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Winter sun

Eden Rock-St Barths

A one-time hangout of legendary figures such as Greta Garbo and Howard Hughes, Eden Rock still draws the cream of the celebrity world. Indeed, staying here feels like you’ve made it onto the guest list of one of the world’s most exclusive clubs. The hotel is set along the idyllic beachfront of St Jean’s, with each villa offering flawless ocean

views and unique design styling, such as Philippe Starck bathrooms and private infinity pools. One of the villas has its own private art gallery that includes works by Miro and Matisse, while another boasts a full music recording studio featuring the vintage Neve console that was used

by John Lennon to record the classic ‘Imagine’. A true rock star holiday.

edenrockhotel.com

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Winter sun

Sri Panwa

It might be just a short cab ride from the lively Patong area of Phuket, but the tropical, tranquil villas of Sri Panwa feel like a million miles away. The villas are dotted throughout the coastal forest, high above the private white sand beach, and each boasts an infinity pool which you can even jump into from your bedroom. After you’ve finished admiring the panoramic views of the Andaman Sea, check out the hotel’s fabulous Baba restaurant where you can enjoy candlelit dining under the stars. In a country filled with fabulous resorts, Sri Panwa has five-star flair in depth.

sripanwa.com

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BAROS MALDIVES THE ESSENCE OF THE MALDIVES Pure, hassle-free luxury in lush, natural surroundings, that’s the essence of Baros Maldives. It’s a small tropical island ringed by a reef vibrant with marine life and encircled by a golden beach, with 45 thatched villas nestled among swaying palms and 25 water villas poised over a translucent lagoon. Five Water Villas have been converted to premium accommodation & named Pool water villa each with a private swimming pool set into an expanded timber veranda deck above the lagoon, with loungers for sunbathing and enjoying the view.

Created from timber and sandstone, each villa has a king size bed and décor of elegance, with en-suite bathroom in a garden courtyard or with a panoramic lagoon view. Eleven have their own beachside plunge pool.

This idyllic island retreat is blessed with an eco-friendly dive centre, blissful spa, three gourmet restaurants, a palm grove bar and a cocktail lounge, and discreet staff on hand to meet every demand.

Baros Maldives is an award-winning resort exclusive to resident guests, just 25 minutes by speedboat from Male’ International Airport. No small children, no motorised vehicles, no annoying noises disrupt the serene tranquillity of this pure tropical paradise.

Email: info@baros.com Call: +960 664 26 72

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www.baros.com

31/10/2012 09:27

Winter sun

Soneva Kiri

Sitting in the relatively remote location that is the Thai island of Koh Kood, close to the Cambodian border, Soneva Kiri is a relaxation utopia.

29 large villas, all of which boast their own butler, offer award-winning accommodation in the surroundings of a tropical rainforest. Wellness-seekers can enjoy world-class therapies – from Balinese to Thai to Ayurvedic – plus

pilates, yoga and Tai Chi. Arguably the coolest thing about this resort, though, is its Treepod dining experience.

Guests are hoisted up by pulley to a tree house dining space where they can enjoy expertly prepared traditional Thai food. And the clincher? That would be your waiter flying to your table via zip wire. Canapés in the canopy never tasted so good.

soneva.com

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WHAT WILL YOUR HOLIDAY LOOK LIKE?

INVESTMENT

LIFESTYLE

Benefit from any future capital growth in a global portfolio of up to 100 luxury properties. A share in the ownership of a variety of spacious 4-5 bedroom villas and chalets across the world.

Once you invest in the Fund, you become a Member of our exclusive private Club.

The Membership provides you with an international travel lifestyle. All properties are fully maintained and serviced by our bespoke Concierge Service.

This investment carries the risk of potential loss of capital.

Chalet Soleil, Chamonix, France

Chalet Soleil, Chamonix, France

Kitsutsuki, Niseko, Japan

info@thehideawaysclub.com | www.thehideawaysclub.com Investment in this scheme is restricted to certified high net worth or sophisticated investors. Evidence of this certification will be required before detailed information can be provided to you.

The price or value of, or income from, investments can fall as well as rise. This investment carries a risk to your capital and an investor may get back less than the sum invested. You may have difficulty selling this investment at a reasonable price and in some circumstances it may be difficult to sell it at any price. Do not invest in this unless you have carefully thought about whether you can afford it and whether it is right for you. This financial promotion has been approved for the purposes of section 21 Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 in the United Kingdom by Smith & Williamson Corporate Finance Limited, 25 Moorgate London EC2R 6AY, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

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08/11/2012 10:17 12:26 08/11/2012

Ski special

Ski the world

In our final ski special of the season, we’ve selected some of the world’s greatest ski chalets and hotels. The best of luxury skiing is here, from a boutique hotel in New Zealand to a luxury chalet in Utah. Now all you have to do is charter a private jet for the winter break of your life…

Left: the Matakauri Lodge Hotel, Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand.

Below: With beautiful ski runs like this, it’s no surprise that Deer Valley, Utah, is in the top three U.S. resorts

Matakauri Lodge hotel

Matakauri Lodge boasts unbeatable views thanks to its fantastic location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, just a five-minute drive from Queenstown, New Zealand. The elegant boutique hotel has just 11 rooms, each with fantastic mountain and lake views.

Facilities here are elegant and chic – think fireplaces, oversized bath tubs, private decks and a daily-changing menu. If you tire of skiing, Queenstown is the adventure capital of New Zealand, offering sailing, cycling, trekking and golf in spectacular surroundings.

mrandmrssmith.com Chalet Edelweiss

There’s a wealth of luxury chalets in Courchevel, arguably the most exclusive skiing resort in Europe, but even by these high standards the justcompleted Chalet Edelweiss is pretty special. The sheer size – 3,000m²

over seven floors – makes it great for entertaining, as do impressive features such as a swimming pool complete with waterfall, nightclub for over 100 people, cinema room and library.

courchevelprestigechalets.com Deer Valley Chalet

Buried in the heart of ski country, Deer Valley Chalet is one of the jewels of Utah. Deer Valley itself is frequently voted one of the top three ski resorts in the country and is perfectly positioned for great skiing along the Aspen Loop, Bald Eagle Mountain and is served by the mighty high-speed Deer Crest Gondola.

The chalet, a handsome property, is decked out in classic American style with every last luxury detail considered – from a stone fire-pit for roasting marshmallows to outdoor steam and sauna rooms.

chaletdeervalley.com

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Stairway to heaven: seven floors of opulence await you at Chalet Edelweiss, Courchevel

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Chamonix, Courchevel 1850, Crans-Montana, Davos, Megeve, Meribel, St. Moritz, Val d’Isere, Verbier, Zermatt

Kings Avenue Sàrl 14, Rue de Rhône, CH-1204 Genève Switzerland +41 22 819 94 07 www.kingsavenue.com contact@kingsavenue.com

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Ski special

Above: family-run Hotel Arlberg is one of Austria’s brightest lights when it comes to a high-end skiing retreat Below: the impressive Teton range in the Rockies is the breathtaking home of the Amangani hotel

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Ski special

Hotel Arlberg

Steady snowfall, high mountain ranges and first-class hospitality elevates Austrian skiing. The best hotels are family-run and found in the villages, like the Hotel Arlberg in Lech. It’s intimate and cosy thanks to a wood-beamed bar, serves high-end cuisine in its renowned restaurant and its individually-decorated rooms offer the highest level of luxe living.

elegantresorts.co.uk Amangani hotel

The Amangani hotel is set in a suitably dramatic spot, at the foot of the Teton range in the Rockies and with easy access to the thrilling slopes of Jackson Hole. The apresski is just as impressive thanks to a gorgeous heated pool overlooking the mountains, complete with cocktail service. The huckleberry martinis come highly recommended.

alpine destination, particularly now the luxury Copperhill Mountain Lodge hotel in the resort of Åre has added a private ski lodge to its main hotel. The ultra-chic villa can provide helicopter transfers, private ski tuition and spa treatments.

Above: enjoy some apres-ski, Swedishstyle at Copperhill Mountain Lodge.

Below: Eagle’s Nest is Whistler’s most luxurious holiday home

chicretreats.com Eagle’s Nest

Eagle’s Nest is one of Whistler’s most unique ski chalets, featuring stunning vistas of Whistler Peak and the Coast Mountain Range. It’s built to an open design with open decking, vaulted ceilings, outdoor hot tub and immense picture windows making for a superb four-bedroom residence.

whistlerplatinum.com

mrandmrssmith.com

Copperhill Mountain Lodge

Northern Sweden may not be the obvious choice for a skiing break but it’s fast becoming a glamorous

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14/11/2012 17:28

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5/10/12

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05/10/2012 14:19

Terre Blanche, Land of inspiration, Pure Luxury...

An exceptional resort combining nature, serenity, golf and well-being.

35 minutes away from Cannes, 45 Minutes from Nice Côte d’Azur international airport.

TERRE BLANCHE HOTEL SPA GOLF RESORT***** 4 RESTAURANTS • TWO 18-HOLE GOLF COURSES • ALBATROS GOLF PERFORMANCE CENTER • REAL ESTATE 3100 Route de Bagnols-en-Forêt • 83440 Tourrettes • Var • France Hotel reservation : +33 (0)4 94 39 36 00 - reservations.hotel@terreblanchehotelspa.com Golf contact : +33 (0)4 94 39 36 93 - proshop@terreblanchegolfclub.com www.terre-blanche.com

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29/10/2012 10:47 25/10/2012 18:16:51

Premium property Words – Nicola Venning

let's p lay h o u s e

This portfolio of sensationally luxe homes around the globe is strictly for the highest of high-flyers In times of economic uncertainty, the places where high net worth individuals are prepared to buy a top tier residence has narrowed to a few tried and trusted destinations. “These people are less interested in fringe areas and are only interested in high value locations,” says Edward de Mallett Morgan, an associate of Knight Frank, the premium estate agency.

Here’s a pick of the most luxurious homes in some of the best cities and unique, to-die-for locations around the globe to satisfy even the most demanding of buyers.

N E W YO R K With views of the Hudson River and the Statue of Liberty, this 50th floor penthouse, being sold by Christies Real Estate, almost justifies its $9.95m price tag. The airy apartment in sought-after Upper West Side, Manhattan, has four bedrooms and, curiously, 4.5 bathrooms. There is also a chef’s kitchen and a library.

Any buyer would not only have celebrity neighbours such as Tina Fey, Matt Damon and Al Pacino, but they might also nab a bargain. According to agency Brown Harris Stevens,

prices for apartments over £5m have fallen 12% since autumn 2011.

www.christiesrealestate.com G EN EVA

Though prices dipped 5% in 2011, Geneva is still the ninth most expensive city in the world when it comes to buying a home. A world financial centre, the city is well-situated for both business and alpine pursuits.

“Buyers tend to look for large lateral flats in city centre locations close to international schools or large lakefront residences,” says Stephanie Patterson, international sales consultant at Chesterton Humberts.

Chesterton Humberts is selling a smart loft apartment in the heart of Geneva overlooking the River Rhone and Lake. The light and airy fourbedroom loft is a snip at £7.32m.

chestertonhumberts.com H O N G KO N G

The Frank Gehry-designed Opus is one of the most striking and original buildings to be built in Hong Kong. The gently twisting tower, which is almost

entirely made of glass and reminiscent of reeds swaying in the grass, is in the prestigious leafy Peak area. The 12 exclusive and spacious apartments have been carefully designed to maximize the extensive views.

Buyers need deep pockets as Hong Kong’s luxury property market is rather buoyant. One apartment sold this summer for HK$430m. Another let for HK$850,000 per month for a three-year term.

opushongkong.com P ROV E N C E

Terre Blanche is a gated private domain of 300 hectares with a luxury hotel, golf course and building plots for sale in the Var region of Provence, 45 minutes from the Côte d’Azur.

Buyers can build any style of villa providing it compliments the architectural language of the resort.

Plots of land vary from 2,000 to 14,000m2 and will cost between €600,000 to €2.64 million. A home, including all costs, would start from approximately €2m.

en.terre-blanche.com

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Premium property

/ n e w yo r k

/ g en eva

/ h o n g ko n g

/ P RO V E N c e

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V EN I C E 15th-century-listed Palazzo Molin de Cuoridoro, in the heart of Venice, is being converted into 18 chic apartments. The one- to fourbedroom homes are moments from the city’s historic opera house La Fenice in San Marco, and the palazzo also overlooks the Barcaroli and Fuseri canals. Prices range from €975,000 to €2.65m while the two grand ‘piano nobile’ (original first floor apartments) cost €5m each.

Prospective buyers can enjoy gondolas and the Grand Canal alongside Sir Elton John and the Duchess of Kent, who both have homes in the city. The redevelopment will be finished early next year.

palazzomolin.com

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Premium property

L O N D O N / Goodman’s Fields

Demand for homes in central London, has pushed prices up by 47.3% since March 2009, reports Knight Frank. Meanwhile a crashpad in the City has increased by 122% since 2001.

Goodman’s Fields, in trendy Aldgate and within walking distance of the City, will be a mixed-used development with a hotel, shops restaurants and 920 apartments in two acres of open space. The first phase, which is being sold off plan and will complete in 2015, is Silk House – 182 apartments from £435,000. The penthouses will be about £5m. Owners will have access to the new hotel’s gym, pool and a hip local scene.

berkeleygroup.co.uk

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08/11/2012 12:27

Premium property

M A R B E LLA / Las Dunas Park

Marbella is managing to defy Spain’s housing downturn and is attracting an increasing number of buyers, mainly from Northern Europe. ‘‘Marbella is like an island in the Spanish market, because it isn’t dependent on the

Spanish,’’ says Roberto Massey of Diana Morales Properties.

With price drops of at least 23%, and in many cases considerably more, luxury second homes have never been more affordable. Star spotters (Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith have homes here) can buy a beachfront three-bedroom, three-bathroom apartment in a secure development between Marbella and the village of Estepona. Stunning sea and garden views could be yours for just €3.75m.

dmproperties.com

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20/08/2012 14:35

Technology Words – Alex Pell

Bowers & Wilkins A7 speakers The latest Bowers & Wilkins docks have shed a traditional Apple cradle entirely, thanks to the popularity of AirPlay technology, which enables wireless playback without loss of quality. They look tremendous and cut the sonic mustard with aplomb. This, the larger of the two, boasts a standard aux input as well the digital sockets needed to hook up an A7 to most music sources. This is a sumptuous piece of industrial engineering with a genuine audio pedigree.

£699 bowers-wilkins.co.uk

Gadget gallery Sensational stocking fillers fresh from Santa’s tech grotto

Apple MacBook Air

Nikon 1 J2 camera

In an era when folks increasingly eschew the premise of a proper keyboard in favour of a touchscreen, there is real merit in owning a laptop for when you need to actually do some work, as opposed to update your Facebook status.

And if you’re going to take the plunge, the latest incarnation of MacBook Air is hard to resist as it combines an impossibly small chassis with serious computing wallop. This, friend, is no toy.

The big picture in photography is to have the convenience of a compact plus the quality of an SLR and the ability to switch lenses. This model ticks these boxes admirably, which is why its predecessor was a huge hit. The new Nikon has a slightly smaller sensor than its direct rivals, and hence offers an elegant chassis with matching lenses while delivering sumptuous results.

Purists may rue its lack of advanced photographic options.

Even so, most owners, especially those who care more about chic design than the exact cost of kit, will be happy snappers.

From £849 apple.com/uk

£449 nikon.co.uk

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Ruark Audio R1 DAB radio With all the technological changes presently ripping through the world of audio, it’s easy to forget just how much pleasure a great radio can still offer. This beautifully made Ruark model is a classy performer bringing an elegance to the party that belies its modest price. It comes in four colours – including an orange special edition – with the option of a deluxe leather carry-case and a battery pack.

£180 ruarkaudio.com

Linn Kiko system This designer mini-system is the ideal way to instantly add top-drawer audio to a spare room. Audiophiles need no introduction to Linn, purveyor of some of the finest hi-fi equipment ever made. The Kiko is small yet mighty. It consists of a head unit plus two matching speakers – and the whole shebang is available in a choice of six cool colours to fit in with your existing décor. It doesn’t play CDs but has a plethora of digital connections and clever software to make it the heartbeat of however you prefer to play music. A real treat.

£2,500 linn.co.uk

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Beyerdynamic T5p headphones These headphones deliver a beguiling combination of imperious sound, robust build quality and real comfort. As these Beyerdynamics are relatively compact and don’t leak audio or require audiophile source equipment – albeit that this does help – they are ideal for those who travel regularly without compromising on the sound that they tote with them. That said, the T5p is an exceptional choice for home listening too.

£779 europe.beyerdynamic.com

15/11/2012 09:30

Keeping you pedaling all through winter.

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01/10/2012 11:34

Motoring Words – Kyle Fortune

Rugged luxury Supercharged and super-versatile, behold the all-new Range Rover Just like the supercar that will never reach its top speed or the chronograph that’s never used, the Range Rover is over-engineered for its purpose.

A car of unparalleled breadth, the Range Rover has always straddled two diametrically opposed worlds – that of the down-and-dirty off-roader and the luxury vehicle of choice for the discerning driver.

This all-new Range Rover, a 5.0 V8 Supercharged affair, continues that tradition. As adept at wading through rivers you’d need to swim across or clambering up rock falls that should require a rope, the Range Rover is a ridiculously accomplished machine.

The refinement doesn’t stop there, the engines, either a 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel, a 4.4-litre V8 diesel or a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 petrol go about their business quietly, shifting the aluminium-bodied machine That it can do all this, yet still cosset with varying degrees of intensity. its occupants in an interior that’s a For ultimate power – 510hp – that rival for any traditional luxury saloon supercharged V8 is difficult to ignore: makes it more incredible – the inside the ability to reach 62mph in just 5.4 of a Range Rover is a beautiful place seconds something you’ll never tire of, to be. More spacious, with greater even if the fuel bills will be punitive rear seat room, the driving position if you do so. Those diesels make more remains as high and commanding as sense then, and in the case of the V8 you’re unlikely to find it wanting. ever. It’s lovely and quiet too: Land The Range Rover might have a Rover’s designers and engineers’ clever breadth of ability that you don’t management of air around the tall, wide machine allows it to slip through ultimately need, but that’s exactly the reason you’ll want it. the air in near silence.

Range Rover 5.0 V8 Supercharged Price £98,395 0-62mph 5.4 seconds Top Speed 155mph Engine 5.0-litre supercharged V8 petrol Transmission Eight speed automatic, four-wheel drive Construction Aluminium

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THe ONLY PLaCe TO STarT YOUr MINI aDVeNTUre.

MINI Park Lane’s flagship showroom is officially a year old this winter. If you haven’t already paid a visit here’s a taster of what to expect.

Located on Park Lane and pretty hard to miss with the neon sign, our nightclub-inspired showroom features an eye catching display of the latest MINI models, a MINI Lifestyle Boutique and chill out area. Unique to the store you will find our specially customised MINIs taking centre stage on a dance floor complete with mirrored disco balls.

If you are looking for Cherished MINIs we have more than 100 in stock and our Cherished Sales team will be happy to assist you further.

We look forward to welcoming you.

MINI Park LaNe

77 Park Lane, Mayfair, London W1K 7TT 020 7514 3561 www.miniparklane.com

/MINIParkLane

@MINI_ParkLane

Official Fuel Economy Figures for the MINI Range: Urban 26.4 - 67.3 mpg (10.7 - 4.2 l/100km). Extra Urban 44.8 - 80.7 mpg (6.3 - 3.5 l/100km). Combined 35.8 - 74.3 mpg (7.9 - 3.8 l/100km). CO2 emissions 184 - 99g/km.

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05/11/2012 02/11/2012 10:27 16:08

Town and country

Scott Manson discovers London’s very own Waldorf more than lives up to the famous name

Grand designs

A mark of a hotel’s quality is its staff ’s ability to deal with a crisis. And we presented them with one instantly. Running late for a wedding, we discovered on check-in that a less intelligent member of our party (OK, me) had booked the wrong dates for our stay.

After an anxious minute or two, the manager found us a new room and disaster, not to mention a trip to the dog house, was averted.

A little more relaxed, we had time to take in the glorious Edwardian splendour of this grand London hotel. Located in the heart of Theatreland in the West End, this iconic building, which celebrated its centenary in 2008, has seen an investment of £35m to beautifully restore all bedrooms, add a new lobby and upgrade its meeting rooms, bar, patisserie and restaurant.

The Waldorf name is synonymous with style. The original New York Waldorf Astoria is a legend. Cole Porter wrote about it; Marilyn Monroe lived in it and it’s the only hotel that has a salad named after it. London’s Waldorf Hilton is similarly steeped in history

– it was the first hotel to have telephones in all guest rooms and also the first hotel to have electric lights in all guest rooms that could be switched on and off from the bedside.

Today, the hotel continues to set world-class standards, with rooms boasting plasma screen TVs, Ligne Roset beds, high speed internet access and marble-clad bathrooms. Guests also enjoy complimentary access to a private members health club with a 14m swimming pool set in an original Masonic temple, plus sauna, steam rooms and extensive fitness suite.

Like the best hotels, though, the biggest wow factor is reserved for the lobby and bar area. Designed in the European ‘grand café’ style, both areas were delightfully buzzing late into the night. Who knew hanging out in a hotel lobby could be so much fun?

Grand, beautiful and welcoming, the Waldorf Hilton offers guests true old school charm in the heart of London.

hilton.co.uk

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Town and country

Tim Hayes gets it together in the country in fine style

Welsh wonderland

That first crunch of tyres on gravel as you enter the grounds of a grand hotel is hard to beat. It’s a feeling that says ‘you are about to enter a luxury lethargy zone’ and, from the moment we arrive at Ynyshir Hall in Powys, Wales, every stress and strain of daily life slips away.

This elegant country house hotel, part of the excellent Relais & Châteaux group, offers delightful accommodation just a short hop from stunning Snowdonia and the rugged Welsh coastline. And while the water might be a little chilly for all but the hardiest souls, the mountain trail walking opportunities are superb.

Our room – channelling old world glamour – is packed with antiques and striking original artworks by artist Rob Reen. My other half, however, is more excited about the huge flatscreen TV and a decanter of rather nice sherry. A swift refresher and we are downstairs, twinkly-eyed and ready for dinner.

The menu is imaginative and impressive, kicking off with the hotel’s version of a bar snack – a pea bubble with wafer-thin truffle slice, downed in one with a mouth-watering pop. Local produce is used wherever possible, the highlights of our five course experience being the pot-roasted squab pigeon and thyme-roasted sea bass, all served with an excellent selection of wines.

Morning sees us enjoying a lazy breakfast overlooking the beautiful hotel grounds.

Meanwhile Joan Reen, owner of Ynyshir Hall, takes us through some of the options available to guests.

For those looking to unwind, wellbeing therapists are on hand to offer healing, yoga tai chi and much more. When you combine such treatments with the deep serenity that already surrounds the hotel, it makes for a perfect relaxing break.

Our itinerary saw us take a leisurely walk around the Ynys-hir RSPB reserve on the Saturday and a kinesiology treatment on the Sunday. Ynyshir Hall offers such a wealth of diversions that it would be impossible to take advantage of them all in one weekend. With the luxury of more time, we could have opted for a session of guided meditation and a barefoot foraging walk – an increasingly popular choice, according to Joan.

For those of you who feel a pull to nature and want to shake off the city shackles you couldn’t find a more perfect place to do it. With friendly service, exquisite food and luxurious country comfort, Ynyshir Hall makes for a magical weekend break.

ynyshirhall.co.uk

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E N G I N E E R E D

L U X U R I E S

A range inspired by iconic classic cars

250 GTO Nero Wallet

Cambio 60s Key Fob

Exclusive One-Off Leather Key Fob

Pneumatico RFM Cufflinks

cufflinks | key fobs | pins | wallets | money clips | fragrances

www.gtolondon.com telephone +44 (0)118 940 4430

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02/11/2012 14:03

Gift guide

Christ mas Fr o m g o l f s i m u lat o rs t o a P o rs c h e - d e s i g n ed p r i vat e ba r , w e ' v e c h e r ry - p i c k e d a s e l e c t i o n o f t h e b es t g i f t s t o g i v e a n d r e c e i v e t h i s y ea r

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01 Bespoke bar Johnnie Walker

Two of the world’s most iconic brands – Porsche and Johnnie Walker – have teamed up to create the ultimate home bar. The Johnnie Walker Blue Label Private Bar is the brainchild of Porsche Design and is a slick-looking piece of kit, as you would expect from the master craftsmen. Completely bespoke, it’s crafted to fit a space in your home and can be customised as you wish. There are just 50 of these available worldwide, at a cost of £100,000. johnniewalker.com

02 Bean to brew Blossom Coffee

Created by engineers from Apple and NASA, Blossom Coffee’s coffee machine lets you control every aspect of the brewing process, from temperature to pressure and volume, and even has Wi-Fi to let you connect to a roaster’s preparation recommendations. It may cost £9,000, but it sure beats Starbucks.

blossomcoffee.com

03 Ferrari-inspired GTO

GTO is popular for men’s gifts thanks to its wallets, cufflinks and key fobs, all inspired by Ferrari styling. It has now launched a new women’s range of accessories and its first collection, a series of handbags and purses in butter-soft leather, is out just in time for Christmas.

gtolondon.com

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Gift guide

04 The write stuff Montegrappa

Montegrappa is 100 this year, and its collection of hand-made writing instruments is a perennial feature on our Christmas list.

The brand has an extensive range of limited edition pens, such as this simple, classic Ferrari model. montegrappa.com

05 In the swing HD Golf

A round of golf on a freezing December day appeals to only the hardiest of players, and this is where this simulator comes in. The graphics are stunningly lifelike and its features are groundbreaking – it can measure ball speed, launch angle and spin axis with high accuracy.

A favourite of both PGA Tour pros and world-renowned instructors, this nifty gadget is perfect for honing your swing before spring.

hdgolf.com

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Gift guide

06 The water of life Old Pulteney

Old Pulteney single malt Scotch whisky is seriously good.

Indeed, it’s recently been named World Whisky of the Year.

To celebrate, the brand has released a collection of very special limited edition 40-year-old bottles, each of which has been hand-filled from American bourbon and Spanish sherry casks where the malt has been maturing over the decades. A fine crystal decanter ensures it looks as good as it tastes. oldpulteney.com

07 Boxing clever Westwood

An impressive watch collection needs a suitably majestic home, and this beautiful Old World-style watch box fits the bill. It’s crafted in Brazilian rosewood, one of the world’s most valuable timbers available. So rare, in fact, that each box comes with its own license.

This is a practical piece that is also a wise investment.

westwoodltd.com

08 Well-heeled Burberry

These textured leather lace-ups are perfect when paired with a well-tailored suit. A true modern classic, they’re crafted from rich matte leather and feature small, subtle details such as the distinctive Burberry creased panelling and stitched toe cap.

harrods.com

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07/11/2012 14:37

Moments in time

Trappings of royalty

Gary Cooper was true Hollywood royalty. ‘Coop’, as he was known to his fans, appeared in over 100 films during his glory years, winning two Academy Awards along the way. He’s pictured here in 1940 – the year before he picked up his first gong – poised on the brink of unprecedented success. He casually sports that timeless classic – the Cartier Tank – which, like Cooper himself, is the embodiment of masculine elegance.

cartier.com

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