CELEBRATING MORE THAN A CENTURY OF EXPERTISE, INTEGRITY, AND EXCELLENCE
Christopher D. Navarro
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Jennifer P. Henderson
EDITORIAL PROJECTS MANAGER Ayzia James
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Rae Padulo, Skye Sherman
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Randi Fair, Nell Hoving, Jonathan Paul
EDITOR IN CHIEF Rita Guarna
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Stephen Vitarbo
SENIOR ASSOCIATE EDITOR Darius Amos
ASSISTANT EDITOR Kirsten Meehan
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
Christen Fisher, Everett Potter
PUBLISHER Lizette Chin
ADVERTISING/PRODUCTION
SERVICES
Penny Boag, Griff Dowden, Christopher Ferrante, Jacquelynn Fischer, Catherine Rosario
ACCOUNTING
Kasie Carleton, Urszula Janeczko, Steven Resnick
PUBLISHED BY Wainscot Media
CHAIRMAN Carroll V. Dowden
PRESIDENT AND CEO Mark Dowden
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENTS
Edward R. Burns, Lizette Chin, Thomas Flannery, Rita Guarna
VICE PRESIDENTS
Nigel Edelshain, Noelle Heffernan, Maria Regan, Steven Resnick
One invention at a time
A.-L. Breguet redefined the art of horology with his inventions. His pursuit of perfection continues to inspire those shaping the future. To celebrate this legacy, Breguet introduces the new Classique Souscription 2025, crafted in the exclusive new Breguet gold.
DEAR FRIENDS,
Welcome to the new issue of ACCENT magazine, for fall and winter 2025. Spring and summer went by in the blink of an eye, and so we’re taking this opportunity to look back at the last few months before we are inundated by the excitement and activity of the holiday season (which is just around the corner).
In August, we hosted one of our favorite annual events: our new–team member retreat, affectionately dubbed Hamilton Jewelers University. Led by our senior management team and luxury goods specialists, HJU is a three-day offsite meeting dedicated to teamwork, training, and collaboration, with a particular focus on continuing education. We’ve done roughly 30 of these in as many years, and each time we do, we’re always so impressed by the enthusiasm and interest of all involved. We approach this time with our new hires as an opportunity to emphasize the collaborative nature of our corporate culture and the importance of relationship building with clients and colleagues alike—a foundational tenet of the company that dates back to our founder Irving Siegel. You can read more about Irving’s pioneering principle in the “From the Hamilton Archives” column, on page 136. Of course, HJU is not all work; from group dinners and lunches to visits from the ice-cream truck (because who doesn’t love a soft-serve cone on a warm summer afternoon?), each day was an adventure and a fun one at that.
We cannot wait to see the incredible success this latest crop of Hamilton professionals is certain to enjoy— and particularly as our clients descend upon Hamilton for all of their gift-giving needs, as well as the events, happenings, and surprises we’re known for during the holiday season.
Please enjoy this issue with our compliments and warm wishes for a wonderful and bright holiday season. We look forward to welcoming you into the Palm Beach and Princeton stores soon!
HANK B. SIEGEL, PRESIDENT AND C.E.O. @HAMILTONCEO
SIEGEL, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER @HAMILTONNEXTGEN
Andrew and Hank Siegel at this summer’s Hamilton Jewelers University.
HAMILTON HAPPENINGS
FROM PALM BEACH TO PRINCETON
THE FOURTH ANNUAL HAMILTON JEWELERS GARDEN PARTY
On Thursday, May 9, Hamilton Jewelers marked the beginning of the spring shopping season and the start of Mother’s Day weekend with its annual Garden Party.
The Princeton store’s gorgeously floral-garlanded doorway welcomed invited guests—such as influencer Dileiny Baron—to the V.I.P. shopping event, where they had the opportunity to interact with Hamilton’s designer jewelry collections, meet the artisans behind the brands, shop thoughtful gifts for mom, and enjoy in-store-only surprises, including a trunk show featuring fashions by local boutique Charbellem and custom embroidery compliments of Cozy Croissant Embroidery.
A portion of the day’s proceeds benefitted the Stony Brook Garden Club, a local nonprofit organization.
PALM BEACH WELCOMES THE ORIS AIRSTREAM
From Thursday, April 24 through Saturday, April 26, Hamilton joined forces with Oris to bring its fabulous Airstream Pop-Up to West Palm Beach, for the annual Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach car collector’s auction.
The custom-made Oris mobile boutique has been winding its way across the United States, outfitted with a selection of timepieces and other novelties from the independent Swiss watchmaker’s line.
Guests were able to board the Airstream, peruse the collections, learn more about the company’s rich 120-year history, and have their selfies taken with Oris Bear, the brand’s official mascot.
HAMILTON TOASTS THE ORANGE AND BLACK
As a member of the Princeton community since 1986 and located in the heart of town, Hamilton has witnessed more than its fair share of Princeton-focused festivities.
So, this May, when thousands of visitors arrived for Princeton University’s annual Reunions and graduation celebrations, Hamilton got in on the fun with a special treat for alumni and graduates alike.
A mobile gelato cart brimming with a bevy of delicious flavors was stationed in front of the store at 92 Nassau Street, offering passersby a cone or cup as they traveled between the Reunions tents on campus and the various events and parties in and around town.
THE MISSION:
CHARITY SPOTLIGHT
SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITIES THAT SUPPORT US
When Irving Siegel opened Hamilton Jewelers in 1912, he established a foundation of honesty, integrity, and service to customers and community. We hold firm to those tenets today as we collaborate with the many charitable groups in all of the places we call “home.” The Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK) is “a food-first organization” serving the people of the Trenton, NJ, area by providing programs to enhance self-sufficiency and improve quality of life.
As TASK’s chief development officer, Michelle Wexler works to ensure the nonprofit has the resources it needs to be successful. “Nearly every day, I experience at least one moment where I think about how proud I am to work with this amazing community and my incredible colleagues,” she says. “Our work can often be hard, but it is always rewarding.”
“Our primary goal is to relieve hunger by providing free, nutritious meals to our neighbors in need. However, we recognize that in order to achieve a hunger-free tomorrow, we have to address the underlying causes of food insecurity. So, in addition to our meal service program, we offer case management and identification services, adult education, workforce readiness and soft skills programs, creative arts classes, and the provision of basic necessities through our Patron Services window. Altogether, TASK aims to provide a comprehensive and holistic suite of programs that will help our community thrive, not just survive.”
THE HISTORY:
“TASK was formed in 1982 by a group of community organizers during what had been the most severe economic downturn since the Great Depression. We served our first meal from the basement of a local church. Soup and butter sandwiches were all we could offer at first, but because of the generosity of the community, TASK was able to expand its menu and its service. By the end of the year, TASK served more than 40,000 meals. In the decades since, we’ve built and moved into our Escher Street location and expanded to include social services, adult education, and creative arts programs.”
HER ROLE:
GET INVOLVED. “There is no TASK without the legions of people who choose to support our work, year after year,” Wexler says. Indeed, TASK is overwhelmingly funded by private philanthropy, and getting involved can mean everything from donations and volunteering for meal service to off-site service projects like running donation drives and making supplemental meal bags. Visit trentonsoupkitchen.org to learn more.
“Fundraising and communications are my main focus, but some days, my work involves making large corporate presentations, and other days I’m behind a desk editing a story for our newsletter or talking to a group of school kids about how they can make a difference. The one thing that does remain the same is I spend time every day in our dining room during meal service, talking to diners and program participants, learning about them and their experiences, and building relationships.”
THE IMPACT:
“Since 1982, TASK has served more than 7.5 million meals. We currently serve about 12,500 per week at more than 50 sites across the community. In 2025, we served more than 629,000—the most ever in our history. We’ve distributed hundreds of thousands of pounds of groceries and supplemental meal bags, and we’ve also helped hundreds of people find work and get promotions, secure identification, connect with healthcare providers and recovery services, apply for housing, play music, create art, and more.”
THE FUTURE:
“TASK is uniquely suited to help move the needle on big, systemic issues like hunger, while also helping people on an individual level. Our focus is on accessibility and thoughtfully scaling to meet the increasing need. Through initiatives like the food truck—which launched in 2024—and our community meal site program, we can ensure food is accessible to our neighbors who need it in the communities where they live. We’ll continue to enhance our workforce readiness program to ensure our community has the skills, the preparation, and the resources they need to thrive.”
Our team visited TASK at the holidays, and we saw firsthand just how many incredible services they provide beyond food. One of the projects Michelle mentioned was of particular importance was creating hygiene bags. We were instantly inspired to help, and coordinated a day of staff service: We purchased supplies and bags, blocked off the conference room for the day, provided snacks—we wanted to make it meaningful and fun for all involved. People from all over the company participated, and at the end of the day, it was such a simple gesture that we knew would make an impact in the lives of TASK’s patrons.
Ayzia James Marketing and Branding Manager
KHAKI FIELD MURPH
Actor Ryan Gosling has made his career on character-driven dramas, and his taste in timepieces is equal parts elegant and restrained.
TIMEPIECES
HIS TIME FOR STYLE
ACTOR RYAN GOSLING WANTS TO BE JUDGED NOT ON CELEBRITY HYPE, BUT ON HOW HE PERFORMS (HIS WATCHES PERFORM WELL, TOO)
Ryan Gosling’s list of acting accolades is impressive. Originally from London, Ontario, the 44-year-old has racked up a Golden Globe, a primetime Emmy, two British Academy Film Awards, and three Oscar nominations, and those are just the big ones. He hasn’t yet been named People magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive, but the Hollywood gossip mill (notably entertainment news outlet TheWrap) says he’s been offered the title several times and turned it down. (Can you do that?) As the story goes, it was because he wants to be taken seriously for his work as an actor.
How serious can you be and still star in Barbie? Plenty, apparently. Gosling has also played a Jewish neo-Nazi (The Believer, 2001), a political-campaign manager (The Ides of March, 2011), and a struggling jazz pianist (La La Land, 2016). His every move is refined and deliberate— unsurprising from a man who started his rise to fame in the character-driven dramas of Danish director Nicolas Winding Refn.
T he actor and his long-term partner, actress Eva Mendes, have two children together but won’t confirm if they’re married. (Mendes says she “likes to keep it mysterious.”) And it’s no surprise that Gosling’s taste in timepieces matches his image: elegant, deliberate, refined, and enticingly restrained.
How’s this for restraint: Gosling didn’t take a single brand deal until 2021. The brand he decided finally to put his star power behind was iconic Swiss watchmaker TAG Heuer. He says he was drawn to the brand for its motor-racing legacy. His own breakout role in 2011’s Drive saw him playing
WATCHES TO WATCH
At left: Known for selecting his on-screen timepieces with characterization in mind, Gosling sports a Rolex Submariner 16610 in early scenes of the 2011 romcom Crazy Stupid Love. Eye-catching, incredibly readable and lauded as a highly capable dive watch (as all Submariners are), this is a piece that embodies the masculine charm of a leading man.
Center: The golden face of the Rolex Air-King Super Precision that Gosling wore at the 2017 Oscars perfectly complemented the equally sparkling gown of his La La Land co-star Emma Stone. This watch is all jazz-age class—appropriate for the movie, which tells the story of a romance through a shared love of jazz and allowed Gosling and Stone to show off some serious dance moves.
At right: At the 2024 BAFTA Awards, Gosling (opposite page) walked the red carpet in a custom, single-breasted piped-wool Gucci suit and also turned heads with his one-of-a-kind TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph timepiece in yellow-gold with a Milanese mesh bracelet.
an enigmatic stunt driver who moonlights as a getaway driver—and that connection felt resonant. When he took to the screen in 2023 as Ken in Barbie, the character was decked out in three vintage, golden TAG Heuer pieces. In a conversation with GQ, Gosling explained: “Generally the watch is a symbol that you’re busy and you have important things to do and cool places to be. When you’re a Ken, you have none of those things, so it’s even more important for you to appear that you do.” On the movie’s press tour, he also rocked a gold Carrera, albeit a slightly more understated piece than the ones he picked for Barbie’s beau.
T hat wasn’t the only time he’s used his timepieces as storytelling tools. In Drive, he constantly rests a beautiful Patek Philippe Calatrava 5196G on the steering wheel in the camera’s full view—“because I wanted it to communicate how every second was life or death to this character,” said Gosling in that same interview. The Gray Man, which debuted in 2022 and is also about a man on the run, features him in a TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 5 with a silver dial on a stainless-steel bracelet.
O ff screen? Simplicity and elegance rule. When he accepted his Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy in 2017 for La La Land, he wore a sleek Rolex Air-King 5500 from the 1950s, the face done in a dreamy pearlescent tone. At the Oscars that same year, he sported a Rolex Air-King Super Precision in stainless steel with a smooth bezel. Its glowing golden face perfectly matched his co-star Emma Stone’s gown, a choice we can only assume the detail-oriented Gosling had a hand in.
GETAWAYS
Hitting the slopes is at the top of our seasonal to-do list—but these cold-weather locales offer so much more than just skiing. Here, we’ve collected a few of our favorite spots to help you make tracks this winter.
BEAVER CREEK
/ SHOP AND ICE SKATE IN THE HEART OF TOWN
1 2
3
4
Jacket by CORDOVA
Jeans by AGOLDE
Boots by MOON BOOT Sunglasses by SAINT LAURENT
1. HAMILTON Platinum radiant- and trapezoid-cut three-stone diamond ring.
2. HAMILTON 18k white gold and emerald-cut “in-and-out” diamond hoop earrings.
3. HAMILTON 18k white gold and emerald-cut and round brilliant-cut diamond “eternity” flex band.
4. HAMILTON Platinum and mix-shape diamond necklace.
Jacket and Jeans by NILI LOTAN
Handbag by CHLOÉ
1. HAMILTON 18k yellow gold and fancy yellow cushion-cut “in-and-out” diamond hoop earrings.
2. HAMILTON 18k yellow gold and fancy yellow cushion-cut diamond ring.
3. HAMILTON 14k yellow gold and pavé-set diamond necklace.
4. HAMILTON
yellow gold and diamond nine-row “stretch” bracelet.
2. HAMILTON 18k white gold and emerald-cut diamond “line” necklace.
3. HAMILTON Platinum and emerald-cut diamond “eternity” band.
4. HAMILTON Hamilton Signature platinum and diamond “stud” earrings.
Sweater by LORO PIANA
Pants by LOEWE
Handbag by KHAITE
Shoes by BRUNELLO CUCINELLI
1. HAMILTON 18k white gold and diamond “leaf” earrings.
2. CHANEL J12 Bleu matte-blue ceramic and black-coated steel case watch.
3. HAMILTON Platinum and diamond “tennis” necklace.
4. HAMILTON Blue sapphire and diamond “masterpiece eternity” ring.
Formed deep within the Earth billions of years ago, these finite and unique natural wonders are the oldest objects you will ever touch. Natural diamonds provide employment, education, and healthcare for local communities from the Northwest Territories of Canada to Botswana in Southern Africa and protect vulnerable ecosystems for the future.
Discover Our Natural Diamond Jewelry Collections
Jeans by CITIZENS OF HUMANITY
Boots by AQUAZZURA
Handbag by TOTEME
Jacket by TOTEME
1. FRED Force 10 18k yellow gold, pavé-diamond, and storm-grey cable bracelet.
2. FRED Force 10 black titanium, black diamond, and storm-grey cable bracelet.
3. BULGARI
Serpenti Tubogas stainless steel, 18k rose gold, and diamond “double spiral” watch.
4. HAMILTON Platinum and graduated diamond “Riviera” necklace.
5. HAMILTON Platinum and diamond “open circular” earrings.
TIMEPIECES
AS SEEN ON
SINGERS, SPORTS STARS, AND SILVER-SCREEN ICONS TURN HEADS—AND HANDS—WITH DAZZLING
TIMEPIECES ON THE MET GALA 2025 RED CARPET
PUSHA T ROLEX COSMOGRAPH RAINBOW DAYTONA
To complement a hand-embroidered Louis Vuitton burgundy pinstripe suit, the 48-year-old rapper rocked one of Rolex’s boldest examples of technical excellence and artistic play. The Rolex Cosmograph Rainbow Daytona (ref. 116595RBOW) features a bezel set with 36 baguette-cut sapphires arranged in a color gradient, hence the nickname, and an Everose gold bracelet.
JEREMY ALLEN WHITE JAEGER-LeCOULTRE REVERSO TRIBUTE MONOFACE
Yes, chef. The award-winning The Bear actor made his Met Gala red carpet debut in a bespoke pinstriped three-piece suit designed by Louis Vuitton that elegantly celebrated the evening’s “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” theme. His sleekly classic look was accented by a diamond broach and the sartorial pièce de résistance: a Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds watch with a stainless-steel case and black bi-material strap (ref. Q713842J).
JALEN HURTS
BREITLING NAVITIMER B01 CHRONOGRAPH 43
The 27-year-old Philadelphia Eagles quarterback and most valuable player of this past year’s Super Bowl won over fans with his selection of a black velvet suit from Burberry and a Breitling Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43 (ref. AB0138241C1A1). The ice-blue dial and stainless-steel case and bracelet showcase Breitling’s traditional craftsmanship, elevated design, and high-precision engineering.
LORDE CARTIER BAIGNOIRE MINI
The 28-year-old Grammy-winning singer-songwriter from New Zealand walked the midnight-blue carpet in a custom silvery-gray maxi skirt, “levitating” bandeau top, and matching blazer by Thom Browne. She finished off her showstopping look with the iconic Cartier Baignoire watch in 18k white gold and drenched in brilliant-cut diamonds (ref. CRHP101822).
Just like the “Royals” singer, who’d dropped her first new single in four years the week prior to the gala—— the Baignoire is a study in timeless chic.
JEWELRY
FUN & GAMES
MAKE YOUR NEXT MOVE IN ANY OF THESE DAZZLING DIAMOND AND GEMSTONE PIECES THAT WILL PUT YOU AT THE TOP OF YOUR STYLE GAME
Photographs by NELL HOVING
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Your Worldtimer: Club Sport neomatik Worldtimer blue. With the new automatic caliber DUW 3202, NOMOS Glashütte brings sportiness and elegance to worldtimers. Its innovative construction means that this watch is under 10 mm in height. The dial with a sunburst finish features a 24-hour home time zone display with a day/night indicator. The 24 time zones are denoted with city codes, with the respective time differences visible at a glance. At the push of a button, you can effortlessly travel through time—making Club a useful companion for global citizens and frequent travelers. 40 mm in diameter and water resistant to 10 atm. Also available with a rhodium-plated dial at Hamilton Jewelers, as well as online: nomos-glashuette.com
The LAND-DWELLER
OPENING NEW HORIZONS
With numerous horological achievements to its name, the Oyster Perpetual Land-Dweller is designed for those shaping the world of tomorrow. Rolex begins a new chapter in its history with the Land-Dweller. Fitted with a bracelet that merges seamlessly with the Oyster case, this watch boasts a sleek, bold design and is powered by a cutting-edge movement developed especially for it.
INNOVATION IN MOVEMENT
Calibre 7135 – entirely developed and manufactured in-house – is engineered to beat at a high frequency of 5 hertz, measuring time to a tenth of a second.
Dynapulse escapement
Designed with an innovative architecture and primarily crafted from silicon components, this sequential distribution escapement is truly revolutionary. Very lightweight and highly resistant to shocks and magnetic fields, it offers significantly greater energy efficiency than a Swiss lever escapement.
State-of-the-art oscillator
The oscillator is resistant to strong magnetic fields, thanks to the materials from which its components are made. It features a Syloxi silicon hairspring, a balance wheel crafted from optimized brass, and a balance staff made of a new high-tech ceramic exclusive to Rolex. Optimized Paraflex shock absorbers enhance the shock resistance of the movement in any position.
A CONTEMPORARY DESIGN
With a resolutely modern touch, the Land-Dweller reinterprets the design of watches featuring integrated bracelets, with its case and bracelet melding perfectly in a smooth continuous line. This meticulously crafted aesthetic strives for perfect harmony of form and proportion.
The Land-Dweller is offered in two diameters, 36 mm and 40 mm. It is also available in a white Rolesor version or in 18 ct Everose gold, both with an intense white dial, or in 950 platinum with an ice blue dial.
FLAT JUBILEE BRACELET
Specially designed for the Land-Dweller, the Flat Jubilee bracelet is a reinterpretation of the emblematic Jubilee bracelet, unveiled at the launch of the Datejust in 1945. This new metal bracelet differs in that all the links are flat. Moreover, the centre links are polished and slightly raised in relation to the outer links. The latter feature a technical satin finish. The polished chamfered top edges of the outer links create a stream of light that continues uninterrupted along the Oyster case and forms a harmonious whole.
Honeycomb motif dial
Framed by an angled flange, this graphic dial is adorned with a honeycomb motif in subtle relief that is created using a high-technology laser. Time-honoured techniques are employed for the dial surface finishings: a fine satin finish for the intense white dial and a sunray finish on the ice blue version. On the versions with a Chromalight display, the open 6 and 9 numerals, and index hour markers with luminescent material that extends the full length of the component, grant the Land-Dweller optimal legibility in any situation.
State-of-the-art oscillator
Dynapulse escapement
Platinum and three-stone center radiant-cut and trapezoid-cut diamond engagement ring.
18k
18k
JEWELRY
Clockwise, from left:
yellow gold and moval-cut bezel-set “open circle” diamond earrings.
yellow gold and emerald-cut bezel-set diamond “line” necklace.
18k yellow gold and round brilliant-cut diamond necklace.
Cartier Ballon Bleu de Cartier 36mm watch in 18k yellow gold with brilliant-cut diamond.
18k yellow gold and emerald-cut bezel-set diamond bracelet. Prices upon request
18k white gold and round brilliant-cut diamond flex
Platinum and round brilliant-cut diamond line bracelet.
Platinum and emerald-cut and round brilliant-cut diamond bracelet.
Platinum and round brilliant-cut diamond line bracelet.
Prices upon request
Clockwise, from left:
Platinum and round brilliant-cut diamond bypass ring.
Pair of platinum and mix-shape diamond chandelier earrings.
bracelet.
Bulgari Serpenti Seduttori 33mm watch in 18k white gold with a diamond-set case, dial, and bracelet.
Prices upon request
Clockwise, from left: Hamilton Jewelers
Private Reserve platinum, 18k yellow gold, and fancy yellow three-stone center radiant-cut and trapezoid-shape white diamond ring. Platinum, 18k yellow gold, and pear-shape fancy yellow diamond earrings.
18k yellow gold and fancy light-yellow, mix-shape, bezel-set diamond necklace.
18k yellow gold and mix-shape and multicolor diamond
8mm hinged bangle bracelet.
18k yellow gold and mix-shape and multicolor diamond
4mm hinged bangle bracelet.
CURATING A LOOK
“TWEAKMENTS” OFFER SUBTLE WAYS TO STAY TIMELESS —WITHOUT GOING TO EXTREMES
Modern beauty isn’t about dramatic transformations; it’s about subtle enhancements that keep others guessing. Enter “tweakments,” low-key, high-impact procedures that are redefining today’s approach to aging, glow, and everything in between.
From Bella Hadid’s barely-there contour (the result of expertly placed filler) to Hailey Bieber’s booster-assisted skin, tweakments are the secret behind the polished-but-natural looks seen on red carpets and social media feeds. They’re not about changing your face; they’re about refining it.
S o, what exactly qualifies as a tweakment? Essentially, it’s a nonsurgical aesthetic treatment. It can be a procedure such as a Botox injection to soften expression lines without freezing your face, lip filler so subtle it looks like good lighting, and under-eye treatments that hide fatigue without erasing character. Then there are skin-focused options—like laser facials, microneedling, and radiofrequency tightening—that boost collagen and clarity without the need for downtime.
The appeal is simple: maximum results with minimal fuss. These are treatments you can slip into your schedule between meetings or on a quiet Thursday afternoon. And with more millennials and Gen Z-ers embracing prevention over correction, tweakments are becoming part of a life.
They’re also why some of the world’s most photographed faces always look fresh. Jennifer Aniston, for example, is often spotlighted for her luminous skin and ageless grace—and she isn’t shy about how Botox and radiofrequency treatments (using radio waves to promote collagen production and skin tightening) keep her skin looking smooth. She’s not alone—while most rarely spill their secrets, good looks usually don’t come down to good genes alone. But getting an A-lister’s look isn’t always easy.
“ The biggest misconception is that ‘nonsurgical’ means ‘no risk,’” says Mark Anton, M.D., medical director at Aesthetics MD in Newport Beach, California. “The most common mistake patients make is chasing trends on social
BEAUTY
media instead of consulting qualified professionals. I’ve seen patients who got lip fillers from non-medical providers, then needed surgical reconstruction when the filler migrated or caused permanent damage.”
A nother risk, our expert notes, is not knowing how a tweakment can impact future procedures. “What patients often don’t realize is that some tweakments can complicate future surgeries,” he says. “I’ve had breast-lift patients whose previous laser treatments created scar tissue that made my surgical approach more challenging.”
The key is expertise. Do your homework and find a professional who understands both nonsurgical and surgical options, has an eye for restraint, and can subtly enhance what’s already there—no overfilled lips, frozen foreheads, or anything that looks fake. In the age of high-definition everything, tweakments are the beauty industry’s quiet flex. Curated has never looked so natural.
JEWELRY
BEST-KEPT SECRET: SIX DECADES OF DINH VAN
IN HONOR OF ITS 60TH ANNIVERSARY, MAISON DINH VAN CELEBRATES THE ESSENCE OF LUXURY, MODERNITY, AND SIMPLICITY IN THE ICONIC JEWELRY OF JEAN DINH VAN
When legendary jeweler Jean Dinh Van left his longtime post at Cartier to open his own Maison in 1965, he was inspired by the design “revolution” happening around him—in fashion, in furniture, and in architecture—every other art form, it seemed, but jewelry. Once freed from the constraints of fine-jewelry convention, he began creating graphic, sleek, and modern pieces in a wholly unique style, effectively inventing the concept of “personal luxury” with pieces for everyday wear. “I wanted to bring jewelry down to the street,” he says. “Women were beginning to become emancipated, and I wanted them to be able to buy their own rings and bracelets.”
As Dinh Van celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, the Maison will pay tribute to its eponymous creator’s work with an exhibition, a book, and a film, along with the relaunch of two pieces that showcase the avant-garde and anti-traditionalist vision of Jean Dinh Van. Here, we take a look at the legacy of Dinh Van the artisan through a few of his most enduring designs.
The Deux Perles Ring, Considered the first piece
the Deux Perles ring was exclusively Italian-born French haute couture fashion designer Pierre Cardin. On display at Paris’s Musée des Arts Décoratifs since 2003, the Deux Perles is half ring and half signet, rendered in 18k yellow gold, and adorned with two cultured pearls.
The Double Ring, 1967
Jean Dinh Van continued his high-fashion collaborations by designing the Double Ring for fashion designer Paco Rabanne. A meditation in yellow gold and also silver, the piece was composed of two individual rings and connected by a chain, reflecting Rabanne’s unique and futuristic sartorial style.
The Cible Pendant, 1970 With the creation of the Cible pendant, Dinh Van ushered in the beginning of a jewelry trend that would span collections and generations: corded jewelry. The Cible reflected the minimalist, avant-garde spirit of the jewelry house, and today the cord is integrated into bracelets, too, in white, pink, or yellow gold or titanium, and an array of cord colors.
The Pi Pendant, 1991
Inspired by ancient Chinese art symbolizing the sky, infinity, and idealism, the original Pi pendant was sculpted out of gold that was hand hammered using an age-old Mayan technique. Since its inception, the Pi pendant has inspired other artists to collaborate with Maison Dinh Van to create their own modern reinterpretations of the “medal” in white agate on yellow gold, black onyx on silver, and even carbon disks.
Menottes
Dinh Van, 1976
Jean Dinh Van was fascinated by the everyday object, and so it was no wonder that a simple key became his inspiration for perhaps one of his most iconic design elements. He created a key chain with a removable notch system to separate his keys, and this soon evolved into a clasp. Traditionally, clasps are concealed in jewelry, however, the designer made them his signature, first in a necklace and eventually in rings, earrings, and bracelets. The clasps were named Menottes, or handcuffs, because once interlaced, it is almost impossible to separate them.
The Cube Diamant, 2013
The Serrure Bangle, 1976
The ingenuity behind the Serrure collection began with the designer’s desire to create the perfect, simple bangle, stripped of all unnecessary ornamentation. With its flattened ends and delicate clasp in the shape of a lock, the Serrure bangle is considered a piece of sculpture—sleek, pure of form, and timeless.
In the 1970s, Jean realized the perfect union between two essential shapes: the circle and the square. Dubbed the “cube diamant”—two opposing figures combining to embrace a sublimated diamond—the sculptural design became a hallmark of the brand. In 2013, the pieces would be redesigned and officially launched as the Le Cube Diamant collection.
TIMEPIECES
PASS GO AND COLLECT $200 (METAPHORICALLY SPEAKING, OF COURSE) WHEN YOU ROLL THE DICE WITH ONE OF THESE FINE PRECISION TIMEPIECES ON YOUR WRIST
CARTIER
The 24mm Cartier Panthère de Cartier watch in 18k rose gold with a brilliant-cut diamond dial and rose gold panther head—shape bracelet with tsavorite eyes, and black-lacquered spots and nose.
The 31mm Cartier Santos-Dumont micro-rotor Skeleton automatic watch in 18k rose gold, with mechanical movement caliber 9629 and a burgundy alligator leather strap. Prices upon request
BULGARI
The 21mm Bulgari Tubogas Wrap watch with diamond hour markers on a black-lacquered dial, a rubellite cabochon at the crown, and a double spiral mini Tubogas bracelet in 18k yellow, white, and rose gold.
The 40mm Bulgari Octo Finissimo watch with a mechanical ultra-thin movement, a satin-polished 18k rose gold bracelet and case, and a brown-lacquered dial. Prices upon request
Pulse collection
and off-centered dial.
upon request
BREGUET
The 33mm Breguet Marine ladies watch in stainless steel with a blue dial and sapphire crystal case back. The 40mm Breguet Tradition Quantième watch in 18k white gold with retrograde date, self-winding movement, silicon balance spring,
Founded in Florence 1986
FITNESS
LOG IN, WORK OUT
VIRTUAL COACHING IS RESHAPING THE FITNESS WORLD— BUT CAN A SCREEN REPLACE THE HUMAN CONNECTION?
In the era of on-demand everything, when calendars are packed and wellness is both a status symbol and a survival strategy, fitness has undergone a sleek digital transformation. Virtual coaching apps, once considered a backup plan for frequent travelers or the time-deprived, have moved into the spotlight. With offerings that range from artificial intelligence (AI)-driven platforms like Freeletics to high-touch services like Kate Hudson-endorsed Future and brilliantly buff Chris Hemsworth’s Centr, the marketplace is evolving faster than ever—and we’re all tuning in.
The appeal is easy to understand. These apps offer something most of us crave: the promise of personal attention without the logistical juggling. Whether you’re logging a strength circuit at 6 a.m. in your hotel room or doing a guided yoga flow in your living room after dinner, virtual coaching puts customized fitness at your fingertips. There’s no commute, no scheduling hassle, and no need to fit into someone else’s availability. It’s wellness on your terms.
More than just convenient, virtual coaching apps also can be personalized. While traditional personal training can easily top $100 per hour, digital platforms often deliver a tailored experience at a fraction of the cost. Many connect users with real human coaches, who check in regularly and adjust routines based on progress, injuries, or even travel schedules. Others rely on algorithms to tweak your workouts in real time, offering flexibility that rivals—and occasionally surpasses—what’s possible in a conventional gym setting.
A nd then there’s the data. With wearable integration, progress tracking, and performance metrics, users can dive into the details of their fitness journeys as never before. There’s a certain satisfaction in seeing your week’s stats laid out in front of you—how many calories burned, how your heart rate trended, how many steps you took between meetings. For those who are motivated by structure and progress, this feedback can be an incentive to keep showing up.
A nother point in favor of going digital? Access. A few taps on your phone can connect you to a Pilates specialist in New York City, a mobility expert in London, or a marathon coach based in Flagstaff, Arizona. That kind of global reach was once reserved for the elite; now it’s becoming mainstream.
Still, virtual coaching is not without limitations. One of the most critical concerns is the lack of real-time supervision. While video demos and the results-dependent feedback are helpful, they’re no replacement for a trained eye correcting your form mid-movement. No one’s barking at you to keep pushing through a final set—or stopping you if you’re gripping a kettlebell the wrong way. Those are the kinds of interventions that prevent injury and elevate performance, but they rarely come through a screen.
Communication can feel a little one-dimensional as well. Even with regular check-ins via text or video, virtual coaching lacks the spontaneity and nuance of in-person interaction. There’s no reading your body language, no subtle recalibrations based on your mood or energy that day. For some, that absence of human intuition makes the experience feel more transactional than transformational.
There’s also the broader context of screen fatigue. In a culture already saturated with digital demands, some users find that adding yet another app to their daily routine feels less like empowerment than obligation. Fitness, after all, is about more than just reps and metrics. It’s about connection—sometimes to a coach, sometimes to a community, and invariably to yourself. A glowing screen, no matter how interactive, can feel like it’s slighting on that promise.
That’s why many people are now embracing a hybrid approach, using virtual coaching as a supplement rather than a substitute. Some combine remote guidance with occasional in-person sessions; others layer on live classes or studio visits to retain that sense of community and immediacy. It’s a model that offers the best of both worlds: digital flexibility with human connection.
Ultimately, virtual coaching is a tool. For those who thrive on autonomy, love data, and appreciate efficiency, it may be a perfect fit. For others who draw energy from physical presence and real-time feedback, it could feel like something is missing. As with any element of a well-curated lifestyle, the key is intentionality. Know what you need, understand how you’re motivated, and choose the tools that support, rather than distract from, your goals.
Because at its best, fitness is more than just a habit. It’s a relationship. And as in any good relationship, the medium matters—but the connection is what counts.
FOR MORE THAN A CENTURY, HAMILTON HAS OFFERED ITS CLIENTS EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY, UNPARALLELED EXPERTISE, AND AN EXTRAORDINARY EXPERIENCE WITH EACH AND EVERY VISIT.
CONCIERGE SERVICES
Hamilton is here whenever you need us, through virtual appointments, digital concierge services, shopping available 24/7 via our website, and easy curbside pickup.
REPAIRS & SERVICE
Maintaining your fine jewelry and timepieces is important to ensure a long life and optimal performance. Hamilton’s professionals can help keep your treasures in top form with a full range of assistance.
JEWELRY BUYING
From fine Swiss timepieces and antique and estate pieces, to diamonds, fine jewelry, and gold and platinum, you can confidently have your valuables appraised for sale with Hamilton—a name trusted in the industry for more than a century.
APPRAISALS
Hamilton offers comprehensive appraisal services by professionals who are highly trained in the areas of new, vintage, and antique jewelry and watches.
ENGRAVING
Put a personal touch on your items with our custom engraving service. Our in-house artists will produce a computerized rendering of your engraved design to allow you to envision your creation in its final form.
CUSTOM DESIGNS
Collaborate with our master jewelers to design or reimagine a piece of jewelry that is uniquely yours. The process begins with your ideas and inspiration, and our experts will see your creation through to completion.
SPORTING
SKI ITALY IN PEACE
LET THE CROWDS HAVE VENICE WHILE YOU DISCOVER THE VALLE D’AOSTA’S BREATHTAKING BEAUTY—AND THE CHARM OF TURIN By
While all eyes are currently on the Dolomites in northeastern Italy, host to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo, skiers who want to avoid the inevitable crowds are looking to the country’s northwest instead. The Valle d’Aosta, about 90 minutes north of Turin, is a beautiful and rugged alpine area with 23 resorts and nearly 500 miles of slopes. Yet it receives a fraction of the visitors that head to the Dolomites.
That’s what I learned on a trip to the region last Januar y. It started with flying into Milan Malpensa Airport and then driving two hours to Turin to get rid of my jet lag for a couple of days. Home to such flagship Italian brands as Fiat and Lavazza, Turin is the country’s fourth-largest metropolis, but receives a fraction of the visitors that besiege Rome, Florence, and Venice. It’s been dismissed as an industrial city for years, known to produce cars and machinery but thought to offer nothing that would interest a vacationing visitor.
Perish that thought! Turin is subtle and stately, celebrated for its vast piazzas or public squares. Venerable stone buildings ring those squares, many from the Baroque period. They have arcades and covered walkways, known as “portici,” which were built to shelter residents as they strolled in a city known for changeable weather dictated by the Alps. Glance down any long boulevard, and you’ll see those peaks’ jagged white profile on the northern horizon, a mere 65 miles away.
Those arcades, beloved by the Italian surrealist painter Giorgio de Chirico, figure prominently in many of his paintings and lend the city an air of 19th-centur y elegance. They host an array of shops, some luxurious, others more prosaic. Under those archways are a bevy of Art Nouveau-era cafés, places to sip the city’s signature drink, bicerin, made with three distinctive layers of espresso, hot chocolate, and whipped cream. It’s best enjoyed with a decadent pastry like gianduiotti, a chocolate hazelnut praline. I recommend my newfound favorite cafés, Il Bicerin, Caffè Baratti and Caffè San Carlo, all festooned with mirrors and chandeliers.
I quickly learned that you can get blissfully lost on Turin’s narrow streets, past the galleries and
EVERETT POTTER
bookshops along Via Po, taking in the architecture and stopping for another bicerin at Farmacia Del Cambio, which hosted Stanley Tucci when he made his series Searching for Italy.
I wandered for a couple of hours through the labyrinth of the Palazzo Reale, the royal palace built in the 16th century when Turin was part of the Kingdom of Savoy. It houses period furniture and artworks and has a vast, impressive hall filled with armor, with gardens laid out by André Le Nôtre, who designed the gardens at Versailles. I stood in a long line for the Museo Nazionale del Cinema, situated in the pagoda-like Mole Antonelliana. I even managed a Sunday morning stroll through the Balon Market, the city’s rough-at-the-edges antiques and flea market.
The NH Collection Torino Piazza Carlina in Piazza Carlo Emanuele II was my hotel, and I strongly recommend it. It opened in 2016, but it’s housed in a 17th-century building with a spacious courtyard, stone floor mosaics in the lobby and high-ceilinged guestrooms. Restaurant Carlina in the hotel was a nice discovery, as Chef Daniele Santovito prepared Turin classics like vitello tonnato and Gragnano pasta with chickpeas. Turin is in Piedmont, so the wine list was naturally full of Barolos and Barbarescos. The hotel’s Carlina Bar was a great way to end the day at aperitivo time, and in Turin that means vermouth. Both Martini and Cinzano are Turin companies, and the city is credited with creating the custom of the aperitivo.
After a few days of sophisticated urban living, it was time to head north to Valle d’Aosta and ski with friends who knew the area. You can credit the Kingdom of Savoy, which straddled this part of Italy and neighboring France, for why the region remains bilingual (Italian-French). Many towns on the Italian side bear French names but are otherwise Italian.
The drive was a straight highway until I reached the edge of the Valle d’Aosta, a huge valley with more than a dozen side valleys where many resorts lie. I found myself on a tight, serpentine road of hairpin turns—and one storybook alpine farming village after another.
Now, you can head for Breuil-Cervinia, a large
area on the southern side of the Matterhorn, and even choose to spend a ski day crossing over the border into the Swiss resort of Zermatt. Or you can travel west and find yourself in Courmayeur, on the Italian side of Mont Blanc. Or you can do as I did and go to the vast Monte Rosa area. Here you have access to about 112 miles of pistes, classic alpine skiing above the tree line, with small villages tucked into the woods at the base of the lifts. There are places like Gressoney-La-Trinité, Alagna Valsesia, Brusson, and Gressoney-Saint-Jean.
I met my friends in Champoluc, which lies at about 5,100 feet and has spectacular views of the Monte Rosa glacier and the rocky outcroppings of Monte Sarezza and the Testa Grigia. The views in the village are wondrous, but up top they are jaw-dropping, a sea of saw-toothed peaks that stretches seemingly forever. I’d been told that much of the skiing is intermediate level, which was true, a godsend for easy cruisers. As for the clientele, it was almost exclusively Italians and British.
Home for a few nights was Au Charmant au Petit Lac, which opened in 2019 in Champoluc. A somewhat daring and sleekly modern building of wood, glass, and concrete in a town with lots of traditional 19th-century buildings, it turned out to be an eco-friendly and welcoming five-star hotel overlooking a small lake. My room had a beamed ceiling, wooden walls, and a balcony with views of the Monte Rosa Glacier. Restó Tatà, the hotel’s fine dining restaurant, was delightful one night, but I also enjoyed Lo Bistrot.
The basis of the hearty, local Aosta cuisine is mountain cheeses and charcuteries, as well as game and pasta, and there are a dozen or so other restaurants in town where you can find similar fare. After a long day out on the rugged slopes, this cuisine is rocket fuel for the next day. In this case, the next day offered up blue skies, nicely groomed pistes and even a view of the Matterhorn, as seen from the southern side, not the view from Zermatt that is emblazoned on postcards. It was still fantastic, and given the lack of fellow skiers, the tagliolini with wild mushrooms for lunch, the après-ski Peroni beer at a bar at the base, and dinner with friends, it was about as perfect a day as I could hope for in the Italian Alps.
Clockwise from top: Skiers will find nearly 500 miles of slopes at the Valle d’Aosta, located 90 minutes north of Turin; accommodations at the NH Collection Torino Piazza Carlina are a welcome sight after a long day of skiing; the hotel’s Restaurant Carlina features dishes by chef Daniele Santovito; enjoy the romance of a snowy stroll through Turin’s piazzas.
TIMEPIECES
TUDOR TURNS BURGUNDY
IN THIS NEW HUE, THE COMPANY’S BLACK BAY 58 WATCHES COMBINE A MID-CENTURY AESTHETIC WITH UP-TO-THE-MINUTE PRACTICALITY
By CHRISTEN FISHER
Rooted in a storied past yet decidedly looking toward a daring future, Tudor has added a bold, new color to its Black Bay 58 collection: burgundy.
History is important at Tudor. The Black Bay line is named for the year in which the brand’s first dive watches waterproof to 200 meters were released, and the introduction of this rich, new colorway has its roots in a prototype from 1990s: the Tudor submariner reference 79190, which featured a burgundy dial and a matching bezel. Though this watch never saw production, its colorway lives on in the newly released Black Bay 58 and the Black Bay 58 GMT.
Classic yet modern, the new Black Bay 58 in burgundy has a 39-millimeter, stainless-steel case with both polished and satin finishes. Its unidirectional, rotatable bezel has uniquely machined sides for easy gripping and features a burgundy anodized aluminum insert with subtly curved numerals that align with the outline of the outer ring. The watch’s domed satin radial-brushed burgundy dial is highly legible, featuring applied hour markers and Tudor’s iconic snowflake hands, both filled with Grade A Swiss Super-Luminova luminescent material. The lollipop second hand is reminiscent of the brand’s early dive watches.
The Black Bay 58 is powered by Manufacture Calibre MT5400-U, a self-winding mechanical movement with a bi-directional rotor system and a hacking function for precise time-setting. Exceptionally engineered, the watch exceeds the standards for precision, resistance to magnetic fields, waterproofness, and power reserve set by the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) and has earned the designation of Master Chronometer by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS). It is waterproof to 200 meters, and its 65-hour power reserve makes it weekend-proof, which means the wearer can remove the watch on Friday evening and put it back on Monday morning without having to reset it. It is available on a five- or three-link, rivet-style stainless-steel bracelet with a mix of polished and satin finishes or on a cut-to-size black r ubber strap. All three close with the Tudor “T-fit” clasp. The Black Bay 58 in burgundy begins at $4,400.
W ith proportions characteristic of mid-century design and a style meant to evoke the glamour of the jet age, the Black Bay 58 GMT is an entirely new model in the Black Bay line. Slightly smaller than the 41-millimeter Black Bay GMT but just as robust, the 58 GMT is 39 millimeters in diameter, with a slim profile at 12.8 millimeters. Its bidirectional, rotatable bezel is stainless steel with a burgundy-and-black, anodized aluminum insert with a gilt 24-hour scale. The subtly domed black dial also features gilt-applied hour markers with coordinating snowflake hour and minute hands, a 24-hour hand and a lollipop second hand, all filled with Grade A Swiss Super-Luminova luminescent material for maximum legibility.
Powered by the GMT Manufacture Calibre MT5450-U self-winding mechanical movement, the 58 GMT features a hacking function for precise time-setting and has a jumping hour, 24-hour, and minute and second hands, as well as an instantaneous date at 3 o’clock, which is synchronized with the jumping hour hand and does not have a non-correction range. This means that the wearer can align the hour hand to a new time zone at any point in the day or night and the date will automatically adjust as well. Like the Black Bay 58, the GMT is waterproof to 200 meters, has a 65-hour power reserve, and is both COSC- and METAS-certified.
Available on a rivet-style, three-link bracelet or a cut-to-size, black rubber strap and closing with Tudor’s “T-fit” clasp to ensure maximum comfort and adjustability, the Black Bay 58 GMT begins at $4,675.
SHOWTIME!
CLASSIC CARS, COUTURE AND CRAFTSMANSHIP CONVERGE IN THE HAUTE WORLD OF CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE
Beneath the shade of aged oaks and against backdrops of historic estates or sparkling coastlines, the Concours d’Elegance is always more than just a car show. It’s both the most refined celebration of automotive beauty and the confluence of heritage, craftsmanship, and connoisseurship. Here each car is not merely a machine, but a meticulously restored work of art. For those who appreciate the
subtleties of coachwork and the quiet prestige of rarity, the Concours offers an experience that transcends time. It’s not about speed or spectacle, but about perfection—and the pursuit of it. What keeps these events captivating, year after year, is the chrome and leather, yes, but also the stories they carry. Here are five of the world’s most prestigious events.
PEBBLE
BEACH CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE,
PEBBLE BEACH, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A.
The grand finale of Monterey Car Week, this showcase has been one of the world’s premier classic car events since it debuted in 1950. Held on the picturesque 18th fairway at the storied Pebble Beach Golf Links, the show features up to 200 rare, vintage, and historically significant automobiles and attracts top collectors, automotive designers, and enthusiasts from around the globe. The highly coveted “Best of Show” prize represents the pinnacle of automotive restoration and preservation, as vehicles are judged not only for authenticity and condition but also for historical accuracy and elegance. The Concours is celebrated worldwide for its blend of heritage, luxury, and philanthropy, as it raises millions of dollars annually for local charitable causes such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County, United Way Monterey County, and Natividad Foundation. Next event: August 2026 • More details: pebblebeachconcours.net
CONCORSO D’ELEGANZA VILLA D’ESTE CERNOBBIO, ITALY
Inaugurated in 1929, this classic event has turned the edge of Lake Como into a celebration of style, history, and craftsmanship. Set against the stunning backdrop of the 16th-century Villa d’Este, it showcases between 50 and 75 of the world’s most exceptional classic cars——such as 1930s Bugattis, mid-century Ferraris, and avant-garde concept cars that blur the line between design and sculpture. The atmosphere is effortlessly chic: Guests in fine couture wander the manicured gardens, Aperol spritzes in hand, as automotive legends parade past during the Saturday Concours. On the second day, the gates of nearby Villa Erba open, offering a broader glimpse into this rarefied world. With its blend of vintage elegance, Italian charm, and serious design pedigree, the Concorso is less about engines and more about aesthetics, lifestyle, and living beautifully——where even the cars seem to dress for the occasion.
Next event: May 2026
More details: concorsodeleganzavilladeste.com
THE AMELIA CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE AMELIA ISLAND, FLORIDA, U.S.A.
Set beneath the moss-draped oaks of Florida’s Atlantic Coast, this show blends Southern charm with world-class automotive prestige. Held each March since 1996 at the elegant Ritz-Carlton and Golf Club of Amelia Island, the event attracts an eclectic mix of collectors, enthusiasts, and casually curious beachgoers. Amelia has a relaxed, approachable spirit. Attendees chat with car owners, browse elegant sponsor lounges, and take in the coastal breeze as around 200 historic vehicles roll across the lawn for judging. But make no mistake——this is serious concours territory. Expect everything from Le Mans-winning race cars to impeccably preserved Duesenbergs, alongside cutting-edge supercars and surprising one-offs. There’s also a full weekend of luxury events: auctions, test drives, and panel talks with racing legends. Equal parts elegance and accessibility, Amelia is where high-octane heritage meets laid-back luxury——a celebration of design, detail, and the joy of the drive.
Next event: March 5–8, 2026
More details: ameliaconcours.com
CHANTILLY ARTS & ELEGANCE RICHARD MILLE CHANTILLY, FRANCE
Since 2014, Chantilly Arts & Élégance Richard Mille has elevated motoring heritage to high art. Set against the grand backdrop of the Château de Chantilly, just north of Paris, this biennial concours is where the worlds of haute couture and automotive innovation collide with impeccable French style. The centerpiece is the concours d’État, featuring a breathtaking lineup of approximately 900 rare and historic automobiles——from pre-war Bugattis and Delahayes to mid-century Maseratis and cutting-edge concept cars. One of the show’s signatures is the fashion parade, where modern concept vehicles are paired with runway looks from elite designers, blurring the line between machine and muse. Beyond the lawn, guests enjoy garden picnics, classic car rallies, and access to the château’s art collections. For lovers of design and the finer things from all corners of the world, Chantilly is a weekend where elegance isn’t just admired——it’s lived.
Next event: Expected September 2026
More details: richardmille.com/events/chantilly-arts-et-elegance
Just a short drive from Manhattan, this 30-year-old event offers a coastal escape with a distinctly East Coast flair. Held each May in Roger Sherman Baldwin Park——where sailboats drift offshore and the New York skyline feels a world away——it blends relaxed luxury with serious collector credibility. Over three days, the show presents a curated mix: Friday is a driving tour for concours entrants, Saturday is all about American muscle and custom builds, and Sunday leans into European classics, elegant coachwork, and historic racers. The atmosphere is polished but welcoming——expect perfectly tailored sportcoats and vintage sunglasses as well as kids sampling gelato between gleaming gull wings and immersive “ride and drive” experiences. Whether you’re here for the cars (about 150 of them), the community, or the waterfront breeze, Greenwich delivers a boutique concours experience with big-league charm. It’s less about spectacle, more about stories——each car a chapter, each owner a character during a weekend where design, heritage, and summer style take the wheel. The concours also supports charitable causes, including the Greenwich Boys & Girls Club and Greenwich Parks and Recreation, reflecting its commitment to community impact.
Next event: June 2026
More details: greenwichconcours.com
INDULGENCES
EXHALE AND FLY EASY
TODAY, EVEN IN A SINGLE-ENGINE AIRCRAFT, THRILLS NEED NOT COME AT THE PRICE OF SAFETY
The spirit of adventure goes hand in hand with real-life danger, and nowhere is that more apparent than with the single-engine personal aircraft. On one hand, the freedom of the skies opens up to you; on the other, this is a hobby that comes with no small measure of risk—and high-profile cautionary tales. But at the crossroads of adventure and danger, innovation is often born, and that’s just what the aviation company Cirrus has delivered with its Generation 7+ SR series.
These are the first ever single-engine piston aircraft to be equipped with a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved autonomous emergency landing system. That means that if there’s ever an emergency in the air, the pilot can engage the Safe Return Emergency autoland system and the plane will take over and land itself at the nearest safe runway.
Elements of autoland technology have been used in aviation for some time now. The Boeing 747, for instance, has sophisticated autoland systems to help its pilots touch down safely in low visibility or adverse weather conditions. Navigation tech company Garmin has been working on emergency autoland systems for more than 20 years, and there’s been success throughout the 2020s in incorporating them into high-end personal jets and turboprops. The system eluded the single-engine, piston-and-propeller plane, however, because of its inherently more analog nature—until now.
The SR Series G7+ weaves together advanced sensors, sophisticated algorithms, and automated flight control to land safely—and without further
pilot input—at just a button-touch. After it takes control, the emergency autoland communicates with air traffic control, navigates to the nearest suitable airport, executes a landing, comes to a complete stop, and shuts down the engine.
More technology? Large, clear screens on the dashboard display 3D images of ground features, water features, obstacles, and traffic, regardless of weather conditions or time of day. Cirrus’s Global Connect system ensures that you can always access worldwide text messaging and telephone service. Bluetooth connectivity allows you to sync your mobile device for everything from accessing flight plans to streaming music.
T hat safety and tech don’t come at the cost of style, or of choices. The SR Series G7+ offers three models: The SR 20, 22, and 22T. You can pick the engine strength that’s right for you (215, 310, and 315 horsepower, respectively) and cruise at 17,500 feet (though the 22T can get up to 25,000). You can choose between different handcrafted finishes and among dozens of color combinations for the outside and, if none of those suit you, Cirrus also offers custom paint options. Inside, the inviting cabin accommodates the pilot and up to four passengers with accent lighting and USB-C ports for easy charging access.
S o don’t choose between safety and adventure. Opt for innovation, and you can have both. SR Series G7+ aircraft begin at $634,900.
GRAFFITI GROWS UP
IN THE HANDS OF BERLIN-BASED ARTIST SIMON RÖHLEN— BETTER KNOWN AS KEF!—A MEDIUM BORN IN STREET SCRIBBLING FINDS A NEW, ELEGANT STATURE
Once dismissed as urban defacement, graffiti has undergone a radical evolution—from rebellious street expression to a celebrated form of contemporary art. Leading this transformation is German artist Simon Röhlen, better known by his tag, KEF!, whose fluid linework has redefined graffiti and secured a place for it in the realm of refined aesthetics and international luxur y.
The 36-year-old, Berlin-based artist has been channeling emotions with his art since he was 14. What began as traditional tagging evolved to a more abstract style inspired by nature, spirituality, and Buddhist philosophy.
“One thing I wish more people understood is the feeling of harmony and stillness I tr y to convey,” KEF! says. “My work doesn’t reflect something figurative or material from the physical world—it’s about pure emotions. I want people to take a moment to disconnect from the material world and connect with a different, deeper level of feeling.”
His work has graced a variety of surfaces. It’s been seen in a powerful light display on murals during Berlin’s Festival of Lights and in Hong Kong’s Park Lane Hotel and the Commerce Building in Baton Rouge, LA. He’s created bespoke interiors for global clothing retailers and a hand-painted Porsche Taycan Turbo S. KEF! envisions art as a universal language, one capable of “bringing people together through harmony and positivity.”
KEF!——who selected the tag name when he found that in some languages it means “scar in your skin”——became interested in art around age 14 as a way to express emotions that couldn’t be put into words. “Over time, my style evolved from tagging to more abstract, flowing forms inspired by nature, spirituality, and the energy of street art.”
This page: Flowers from a private collection in Germany. Opposite page: “Another Dimension #3,” screenprint on paper.
“I always begin intuitively,” KEF! says of his art. “I never sketch or plan in advance——I just start with a line and let it flow. It’s a meditative process where I trust my hand and my inner state to guide the composition. Each piece is a reflection of the moment, created in real time without control or correction.”
This page: “Beams from the Transcendental Realms,” acrylic on canvas. Opposite page: “Flow of Clarity,” acrylic and ink on canvas.
Above: The Princeton University Art Museum’s southwest façade and entrance.
A MUSEUM FOR THE FUTURE
WITH A COLLECTION HISTORY THAT EXTENDS BACK TO 1755, PRINCETON UNIVERSITY ART MUSEUM CHARTS A BOLD NEW COURSE WITH AN ICONOCLASTIC DESIGN AT THE HEART OF ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST FAMOUS UNIVERSITY CAMPUSES
Written
by
RAE PADULO
Photographs by RICHARD BARNES and courtesy of THE PRINCETON UNIVERSITY ART MUSEUM, 2025
“THE MUSEUM IS COMMITTED TO BEING A KIND OF TOWN SQUARE FOR THE ARTS AND HUMANITIES, INTO WHICH EVERYONE IS INVITED.”
JAMES STEWARD, PRINCETON UNIVERSITY ART MUSEUM
After five long years of chain link fences, an endless stream of construction vehicles, and a 117,000+ piece collection relegated to storage, the official unveiling of the new Princeton University Art Museum (PUAM) has finally arrived—Friday, October 31, to be exact—and with a maverick design that endeavors to place art firmly into the daily life of Princeton’s town and gown.
Originally built in the 1880s, PUAM has seen several renovations over the last century, resulting in a piecemeal facility ill-suited to keep up with the demands of study, conservation, community, and of course, the collections, which grow at a rate of more than 1,000 objects per year. Fully funded before its groundbreaking in summer 2021—two-thirds by private donors, one-third by the university—the new museum complex has been dubbed “a campus within a campus,” bringing everything under one roof, including a renovated Marquand Library, Department of Art & Archaeology, expanded conservation and education space, a gift shop, and the museum’s new restaurant, Mosaic.
Designed by Sir David Adjaye, the controversial Ghanaian-British “starchitect” responsible for the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., and completed by New York–based firm Cooper Robertson, the new Princeton University Art Museum is now 146,000 square feet, effectively doubling the space for exhibition, conservation, and study of its world-class collection. And though a modern departure from the surrounding ivied halls of the university, the museum’s design gives great consideration to its position at the center of campus and community.
“It is central to the design and curation of the new museum—arguably the most globe-spanning on any American university campus—that it should be an entr y point for the wider world to Princeton University’s intellectual resources,” says James Steward, the Nancy A. Nasher–David J. Haemisegger, Class of 1976, Director of the Princeton University Art Museum.
This notion is reflected in the museum’s layout, where multiple entrances make the building a “museum in the round” and, Steward says, a building of “all fronts and no backs.” Two “artwalks” run north-south and east-west right through the ground level, acting as literal streets inside the museum that connect with campus footpaths, and which remain open even after the galleries close. Bronze, timber, and stone aggregate compose the building’s nine interlocking pavilions, and materials give a nod to the hues of its more traditional neighbors. Windowed “lenses” open to campus lawns and elms, turning the building into a series of framed views.
And lest we forget the actual art, ever y detail of the museum’s design to accommodate its vast collection was so thoroughly thought through that the word “obsessed” was often used to describe just how painstaking the process was. “One of the challenges James (Steward) and Ron McCoy, University Architect, posed to potential architects for this project was how they could break down the traditional hierarchies of the object displays,” says Morgan Gengo, Manager of Marketing and Public Relations for the Princeton University Art Museum.
Though public life mostly happens at grade, 95% of PUAM’s art takes the second floor, putting the collection truly at the center of the building, democratizing civilizations, geography, and chronology. All cultures are viewed equally here—a departure from the previous building. Inside, ceilings soar, and daylight falls from above and is carefully tuned with artificial light, so the art reads true. Gallery thresholds are invitations: Head toward a Chinese painting and find yourself detouring past an ancient Mediterranean gallery. Catch a glimpse through one of the windowed “lenses” into another pavilion and follow your curiosity. Building upon the legacy of PUAM Director Emeritus Allen Rosenbaum—an early proponent of shattering the notion of the “white cube” gallery aesthetic—each of the pavilions have different and characteristic palettes; no true white was used in the building. Blues, creams, greens, and more allow the art to sing on walls that are designed to be movable, creating living, breathing galleries.
Under the direction of PUAM’s Chief Curator Juliana Ochs Dweck, the museum’s team of curators has brought together art pairings that stimulate conversation. For example, in the Orientation Gallery (which displays a selection of artworks representing the breadth of the collection), Andy Warhol’s Blue Marilyn hangs opposite a Renaissance Madonna and Child, stirring thoughts about woman as icon. Naga by Tuấn Andrew Nguyễn, a kinetic sculpture fabricated from unexploded mines and shells from the Vietnam War, hovers above Medusa—a Southeast Asian dragon and Greco‑Roman Gorgon facing off across centuries. The point is to get viewers talking, to one another, to docents, to the wall texts, to history. That is the democratic promise of the second‑floor plan: Everyone gets a front row seat.
Even the way the museum reveals process is designed to spark dialogue. No longer backstage perks for insiders only, now every visitor can experience how things are made, cared for, preserved, even taught—why northern light matters for inpainting (a conservation process where damaged or missing parts of an artwork are filled in to present a complete image), or why a mosaic might be given a new aluminum honeycomb backing before being re‑embedded in the floor. The museum, like a good teacher, not only shows you what to look at but how to look at it.
When the new building officially opens its multiple doors with a free 24 hour open house beginning the evening of Friday, October 31, the campus party slash civic welcome will be a signal that the museum belongs to everyone. Inside, two inaugural shows will set the tone: Princeton Collects honors gifts given in honor of the museum’s rebirth (think marquee canvases by Mark Rothko, Joan Mitchell, and Gerhard Rich‑ ter), and Toshiko Takaezu: Dialogues in Clay, in the first floor’s Welcome Gallery, will celebrate the trailblazing ceramic artist and longtime Princeton professor. New special exhibitions will take place every three to four months, including a long planned Jean‑Michel Basquiat show in fall 2026.
Clockwise, from top left: Dense object display; Grand Hall; Pavilion of American art.
“With free admission to every visitor,” says Steward, “the museum is committed to being a kind of town square for the arts and humanities, into which everyone is invited.”
Education, event, and social spaces were designed to be adaptable. The Grand Hall has retractable seating for 236 or up to 250 for performances in the round—a veritable campus living room scaled for lectures, concerts, or festivals. Even the museum’s perimeters function as social gathering places: One westside terrace can accommodate up to 2,000; an east‑side amphitheater seats 200. And then there are the quiet spaces, like the gallery benches, for repose or sketching, and the restaurant’s viewed terrace, perfect for a latte break.
“It was important when they built the museum that they made it flexible for the future, because it’s going to be here a long time,” says Gengo.
The museum’s daily footprint will spill beyond its walls, too, to reach Nassau Street commerce, school field trips, and the casual Saturday pop-ins. Off-site venues continue their outreach. Art@Bainbridge remains an outpost on Nassau Street for focused contemporary shows; the museum store at Palmer Square will stay open; and the museum has laid out a slate of free programs across the year including family days, artist‑led workshops, curator talks, and collection tours that will take place in the Education Center, spill into the Grand Hall, or even onto the terraces.
And that, ultimately, is the connective tissue binding architecture, collection, and community. The galleries curate by contact rather than category. The campus flows through the ground floor like a public street. On opening night, the lights will stay on for 24 hours, but the bigger idea is longer‑lived: a museum you pass through on your way to coffee, that pulls you in with a flash of blue or a glint of bronze, that turns town and gown into regulars. The museum’s new refrain, Find Yourself Here, works as both invitation and instruction, and the building is built for exactly that.
At right: Mallorcan Stairway and Patio Elements as seen from the Grand Stair.
A SUBLIME SIX
PUAM acquired and commissioned six new, large-scale works by women and artists of color; their presence acts as photo op, contemplative moment, and beacon. “I was thinking about how to bring voices that maybe were not yet adequately represented on our campus,” says Steward about the new pieces that have been integrated into both the museum’s architecture and its exterior landscape. Functioning as perimeter compass points, three outdoor pieces join a prestigious collection that includes many of art’s heavy hitters from the 20th and 21st centuries, while three interior pieces create connection to and dramatic impact in PUAM’s architecture.
The Ziggurat Splits the Sky, 2024-2025: Visible from both the Prospect House lawn and inside PUAM’s easternmost galleries, this piece by Syrian-born New York–based artist Diana Al-Hadid anchors the museum’s east terrace with its reflection of light, thanks to aluminum and mosaic elements. (Not pictured)
THE SLEEK PLANES AND MODERN ANGLES OF THE NEW PRINCETON UNIVERSITY ART MUSEUM— WHICH OFFICIALLY OPENS ITS MODERN DOORS ON OCTOBER 31, 2025—SETS THE DRAMATIC STAGE FOR THIS SEASON’S MOST SOUGHT-AFTER FASHION AND FINE JEWELRY. BOLD ARCHITECTURE SHARPENS THE SOFTER SILHOUETTES, AUTUMNAL COLORS WARM AGAINST THE SCULPTURAL STONE, AND A GEOMETRY OF PATTERNS AND MOTIFS TRANSLATE INTO THE SUBTLEST OF SOPHISTICATION. THIS IS STYLE AT ITS MOST FORWARD-THINKING
Photographs by
NATURAL WORLD
gold and pear-shape
“drop” earrings; 18k white gold and two-row graduated diamond “Riviera” necklace; platinum and alternating fancy-cut diamond bracelet; and platinum and cushion-cut diamond ring by
Agneto dress in garden jacquard by Malene Birger and Lidia slingback in brandy suede by Paris Texas, from Zoë Boutique Princeton. 18k white
diamond
Hamilton Jewelers Private Reserve.
PATTERN RECOGNITION
Cade pullover and Lani skirt in bengal by
from
Boutique Princeton. 18k rose gold “stretch” necklace; 18k tri-color gold woven cord “stretch” bracelets in 13mm and 15mm; 18k yellow gold and pavé-set diamond “tubogas” domed cuff bracelet; 18k yellow gold, turquoise cabochon, and diamond “tubogas” domed cuff bracelet; 18k yellow gold, lapis cabochon, and diamond “tubogas” domed cuff bracelet; 18k yellow gold, oval malachite cabochon, and diamond “tubogas” domed cuff bracelet; 18k yellow gold, mother of pearl cabochon, and diamond “tubogas” domed cuff bracelet; and 18k yellow gold and rose gold woven “cobra” rings from the Hamilton 1970s Collection.
Ulla Johnson
Zoë
OBJETS D’ART
Hypnotic twist sheath dress in toffee by Zimmermann and Lidia slingback in brandy suede by Paris Texas, from Zoë Boutique Princeton. Platinum and mix-shape diamond “Art Deco” style bracelet; platinum, 18k yellow gold, and white and yellow diamond “flower” earrings; 18k yellow gold and fancy intense yellow diamond earrings; 18k yellow gold and graduated diamond “Riviera” necklace; 18k yellow gold and sculptured diamond ring; platinum and diamond long-chain opera-length necklace by Hamilton Jewelers Private Reserve.
By EVERETT POTTER
ASTONISHING JORDAN
NOTHING PREPARES YOU FOR THE ANCIENT STRUCTURES AND NATURAL FEATURES OF THIS UNDERVISITED DESERT WONDERLAND—NOT EVEN THE MOVIES
After a week of exploring expansive deserts, well-preserved Roman ruins, and one of the most striking lost cities of antiquity, I was floating on my back in the Dead Sea. Its salt levels of around 34 percent kept me effortlessly afloat, and I would have stayed there, suspended and deep in recollections, if the blazing sun weren’t overhead. I realized that Jordan was one of the most astonishing places I’d ever visited.
Filled with a handful of historic and beautiful places that can and will stop you in your tracks, Jordan is relatively small, only about the size of Maine. It shares its borders with Israel, the West Bank, Syria, Iraq and Saudi Arabia, which are frankly not the most relaxing company. Yet, while Jordan is firmly a part of the Middle East, it’s also a bit like Switzerland, not entirely neutral but distanced from the chaos around it.
I began my trip in the rolling hills of Amman, the country’s capital. Built originally on seven hills, it now sprawls on 19 hills. The oldest part of the city looks as if it was built with Legos, with homes that resemble like white blocks stacked upon other white blocks. Go further west, and it’s all about modernity, glass towers, and the villas of the wealthy.
I started on a historical high note, heading to the Jordan Museum to see the Dead Sea Scrolls and visit the amphitheater and the Citadel, which has artifacts from the Roman, Umayyad, and Byzantine periods. The Temple of Hercules has columns topped with an arch, which I thought would be a perfect place to frame a sunset photo for an Instagram feed.
I loved the street life of Amman’s downtown, the bustling shops, the markets, and the souk-like feeling on streets filled with gold sellers and restaurants selling falafel, fattoush, and cardamom tea. There’s another, sleeker Amman with a roster of five-star hotels, such as the Four Seasons Hotel Amman, The Ritz-Carlton Amman, and The St. Regis Amman. Staying at the Four Seasons, I learned that while street life is one thing, behind closed doors well-heeled locals often let their hair down and enjoy some purely Western creature comforts.
L ess than an hour north of Amman lies Jerash, a remarkable Roman ruin in better condition than many of the Roman remains I’ve seen in Italy and far less crowded. Jerash peaked during the third century A.D., and you can see triumphal arches, theaters, city squares, and a hippodrome used to host chariot races. I was particularly struck by the dazzling and intricate mosaics, well-preserved thanks to an earthquake in 749 that buried the entire city in deep sand until a slow excavation began in 1925. The lack of crowds in Jerash heightens the sense that it has just been unearthed.
From top: The varied architecture of Amman ranges from modern buildings with glass towers to older, smaller homes that, from a distance, appear as if they were built with Legos; the streets of the capital city are filled with shops, markets, and vendors, many of whom sell fresh fruit, such as pomegranate, that’s ready to enjoy; Bedouins add to the charm of street life, often playing ouds, pear-shaped string instruments that resemble guitars.
Then I headed south, pausing at Mount Nebo, where Moses is said to have seen the Promised Land, with a view overlooking the Dead Sea and across to Israel. I was on my way to the country’s crown jewel, the majestic ancient city of Petra. The classic path into the city is the best. Weave your way through the Siq, a gorge surrounded by walls of red sandstone rocks, and then turn a corner to get your first view of the treasury building carved into the rockface in the first century A.D.
A nomadic Arabic people, the Nabataeans built this city. It’s astonishingly beautiful and surprising, a wonder of the world that is even more striking in person than in the many films it’s been featured in, including Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade A forgotten city, it was rediscovered in 1812 by the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. The treasury is the most famous building, yet it’s just one of the fantastic structures in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are temples, royal tombs, and even a nymphaeum, a monument dedicated to nymphs. Perhaps the most remarkable thing about Petra is that its appearance changes within a few hours. As the sun moved, I saw the colors of the sandstone go from burnt orange to pink to gray, as if the walls were alive.
Onward I went, heading southeast to Wadi Rum. The word “wadi” refers to a valley, and Wadi Rum is indeed a vast valley and more, a wild expanse that includes dunes, cliffs, rocky outcroppings, and an almost overwhelming sense of endless space. This was where T. E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) and Prince Faisal gathered Arab tribes to attack the port city of Aqaba during the First World War. That’s why filmmaker David Lean followed their footsteps and shot memorable scenes of Lawrence of Arabia here. The otherworldly aspect of Wadi Rum led to Dune and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker being filmed here as well.
From top: Embracing the taste and aroma of flavored tobacco through a hookah is a popular social activity; another thing to enjoy with others is feasting on fresh and innovative seafood dishes; immaculate views of the city complement the luxe accommodations at the Fairmont Amman.
W hile Wadi Rum is highly memorable in these epics, you must visit to experience it—maybe take a tour with a Bedouin driver in the open-air back of a 4x4 pickup truck. Get out of the truck at one of the many stops, slide down a dune, and maybe do a bit of nontechnical climbing to the clifftops, eroded by wind and sand over time, not unlike those found in southern Utah. This is when you can experience a true sense of how remarkable this desert is. If you have the time, arrange to spend the night in a Bedouin camp as the sun sets and the cold air moves in. The evening is a stargazing feast thanks to the Milky Way, but the dawn is the most magical time as the desert comes to life, illuminated as if in slow motion.
Then it was onward to Aqaba, Jordan’s strategic port city on the Red Sea. More than a century after T. E. Lawrence and Prince Faisal thundered through on horseback, I discovered Jordan’s playground on the Red Sea. It was where Jordanians come for some seaside pleasures—including the King of Jordan, who has a holiday palace here. I found it charming and relaxed in a way that Jordan is typically not. The bars and cafés were more Eastern in feel, and the snorkeling excursion I went on to the area’s coral reefs, famed for their colorful aquatic life, was among the best I have ever made. While no one comes to Jordan for its nightlife, Aqaba has a laid-back version. Sipping a Carakale beer and looking across the Red Sea to the glittering lights of Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt and down the eastern shoreline toward the once-forbidden kingdom of Saudi Arabia, I felt it was a grand conclusion to one of the most exotic and astounding trips I have ever taken.
From top: Jordan’s picturesque landscape includes el-Deir, a monument carved out of rock in the ancient city of Petra; local women in Petra dress in traditional, ornate veils; riding on camelback is an easy mode of transportation for locals and visitors alike.
Above: Though impressive when viewed from above via drone, the super salinic Dead Sea is even more stunning in person.
LUXE FOR LIFE
’TIS THE SEASON TO PAINT THE TOWN RED—AND PLATINUM AND 18K WHITE AND ROSE GOLD, TOO. BUT WHEN THE PARTY IS BY INVITATION ONLY, NOTHING BUT THE MOST DARING AND DRAMATIC SILHOUETTES WILL DO TO GET YOU BEHIND THE VELVET ROPE TO WHERE THE ARTISANAL COCKTAILS ARE CHILLED, THE ATMOSPHERE IS ELEGANTLY EXCLUSIVE, AND THE HAUTE COUTURE IS AS DAZZLING AS THE FINE DIAMOND AND GEMSTONE JEWELRY
Photographs by J O N A T H A N P A U L
Additional photographs by N E L L H O V I N G
SHAKEN, NOT STIRRED
Ozara dress in green by Silvia Tcherassi.
Platinum and diamond
“eternity” band, and platinum and green emerald ring by Hamilton Jewelers Private Reserve. |
Matelassé detailed maxi dress in navy blue by Anna October. Blue sapphire ring and 18k white gold two-row graduated diamond
“Riviera” necklace by Hamilton Jewelers Private Reserve.
PARTY
OF ONE
Jules maxi dress in blue velvet by Anna October. 18k white gold and diamond “in-and-out” posted hoop earrings, 18k white gold and diamond necklace, platinum and emerald-cut diamond ring, platinum and diamond “eternity” band, 18k white gold and diamond “link” bracelet by Hamilton Jewelers Private Reserve.
V.I.P. TREATMENT
Ozara dress in green by Silvia Tcherassi. 18k gold and emerald “stud” earrings, 18k white gold and diamond “link” bracelet, platinum and diamond “eternity” band, platinum and green emerald ring, and 18k white gold, pear-shape emerald, and diamond “bypass” ring by Hamilton Jewelers Private Reserve. | Matelassé detailed maxi dress in navy blue by Anna October. Lisette oval diamond earrings; 18k white gold two-row graduated diamond “Riviera” necklace; 18k white gold, blue sapphire, and diamond bracelet; blue sapphire ring; and platinum, sapphire, and diamond ring by Hamilton Jewelers Private Reserve.
LOVE STORIES
B y JENNIFER P. HEND ER S O N
THESE NEWLYWEDS MARKED THEIR EXTRAORDINARY “WILL YOU MARRY ME” MOMENTS NOT ONLY WITH SPARKLING SYMBOLS OF THEIR LIFELONG COMMITMENT, BUT IN THE PRESENCE OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS, TOO
Wedding proposals come in all shapes, sizes, and scenarios. As experts in the engagement-ring and wedding-band department, at Hamilton, we’ve seen and heard of our fair share: bended knees at the beach, questions popped on rooftops, elaborate dinner reveals, even declarations of love in a car at a stoplight. When love’s on the line, there’s no end to the heartfelt creativity of a big ask—or the magic that happens stepping into the quiet of a simple moment. And while each of this issue’s “Love Stories” couples have their own beautifully personal proposal tales, they all have one thing in common: the importance of involving family and friends in the monumental moment.
“He had been planning this day for months and had managed to keep it a secret,” says Dhruvi, a clinical researcher and content creator, of her husband, Vybav, a data scientist and professional engineer. “After he popped the question, our loved ones emerged, surprising us with heartfelt congratulations.” After Eric proposed to Suzannah, an executive recruiter, she says her digital ad tech husband, “arranged for our families to take a party bus to a favorite spot of ours for dinner. It was absolutely the best day.” While on a walk around the block, pediatric speech-language pathologist Nicole said she thought her now-husband, Josh, who works for a public accounting firm, was bending down to tie his shoe. “That’s when I noticed the photographer and realized what was really happening. Later that day, he surprised me again with a gathering of our closest friends and family to celebrate the engagement together.”
NICOLE & JOSH
PENNINGTON, NJ
ENGAGED: APRIL 2024
MARRIED: DECEMBER 2024
Their Backstory:
“We both grew up in Lawrenceville, NJ, and shared many of the same experiences. Our childhoods mirrored each other: attending the same schools, playing sports, and cherishing moments with family and friends.”
Their Meet Cute:
“We both attended Lawrence High School, though a few years apart, so our paths didn’t cross back then. I went on to Lehigh University for college, while Nicole pursued her undergraduate degree at West Chester University before earning her master’s at Montclair State University.”
Their Favorite Things:
“I was immediately drawn to Josh’s quick wit, genuine kindness, and the thoughtful way he engaged with me from the very beginning. | “I admired Nicole’s warmth, charisma, and the kindness she shows to everyone around her.”
Their Q.T.:
“We love exploring new places together, whether it’s traveling to a new city or discovering a hidden gem in our neighborhood. Sharing meals at new restaurants, and spending quality time with friends and family, are some of our favorite ways to connect and create lasting memories.”
The Proposal:
“After months of quietly planning with my friends and family, Josh popped the question during a peaceful walk through our neighborhood. It was a sweet, private moment—simple and heartfelt. Later that day, he surprised me again with a gathering of our closest friends and family to celebrate the engagement together. It was definitely a surprise—so much so that when Josh got down on one knee, I thought he was just tying his shoe! He had to say, ‘Hold up,’ to get her attention. That’s when she noticed the photographer and realized what was really happening. It was the perfect mix of unexpected and unforgettable.”
The Ring:
“Before we got engaged, we were gifted a beautiful ring from Josh’s grandmother. We had it thoughtfully reset to highlight the original center stone, creating a design that felt uniquely us. It’s incredibly meaningful to wear something tied to family history, yet redesigned in a way that reflects our own story.”
The Fashion:
“With a December wedding, choosing a color palette of classic gem tones—rich reds and deep greens—felt like a natural choice. For our wedding day attire, we both embraced a classic look that complemented the season’s festive elegance.”
The Big Day:
“We were married at the historic Nassau Inn in Princeton. Princeton has always been a special place for us: We’ve spent countless meaningful moments together, and it sits at the heart of our families, too, making it the perfect setting to gather loved ones during the holiday season. The Inn was beautifully decorated with twinkling lights, evergreen garlands, and seasonal touches that made the whole celebration feel warm and festive—like a winter fairytale.”
The Vows:
“We wrote our own vows to each other, but instead of reading them during the ceremony, we chose to share them privately. On the morning of our wedding, we took a quiet, snowy walk to Small World Coffee and read our vows over a warm cup of coffee before the day officially began. It was an intimate, peaceful moment just for us.”
The Bands:
“Nicole’s wedding band complemented her engagement ring, which was crafted using smaller stones from the original gifted ring. Lauren at Hamilton Jewelers was invaluable throughout the entire design process, offering expert guidance and also helping me select the perfect gold band that suited my style.”
Their Song:
“Hold My Girl,” by George Ezra
Their Life:
“We’re loving married life and all the little routines that come with it. One of the things we’re most excited about is turning our first house into a true home—filling it with memories, laughter, and maybe a few too many trips to the hardware store.”
Their First Anniversary:
“We’d love to kick off our first anniversary with a cozy breakfast at Small World Coffee, just like we did on our wedding day. Then we’d head somewhere warm to celebrate—ideally a beach that, let’s be honest, will probably just happen to have a golf course nearby for Josh by total coincidence.”
Their Greatest Lessons:
“We’ve learned the value of patience and the importance of slowing down to enjoy the everyday moments. It’s the little things—morning coffee, evening walks, shared laughs—that have taught us how meaningful the simple parts of life can be when you experience them together.”
Their Future:
“Our greatest hope for the future is to keep growing together, deepening our connection, supporting each other through every chapter, and eventually starting a family of our own. We’re excited for all that’s ahead and to build a life filled with love, laughter, and shared purpose.”
SUZANNAH & ERIC
HOBOKEN, NJ
ENGAGED: APRIL 2024
MARRIED: APRIL 2025
Their Backstory:
“Suzannah grew up in the South, between Texas, Alabama, and Virginia, as the middle child of three sisters. Her family is really close, and her sisters are her best friends.” | “Eric grew up in New Hope, PA, and attended The Hun School along with his two younger sisters. His family spent summers in Ocean City, NJ, where Eric had his first job at an ice cream parlor.”
Their Meet Cute:
“Suzannah and I met on a dating app and went on our first date in September 2022. Travel schedules and timing between apartment leases delayed our second date until November. I made sure to stay in touch with her during that time so we could continue to get to know one another.”
Their Favorite Things:
“Eric really loves and shows up for the people he cares about. He makes everyone he talks to feel seen and heard, and he has more friends than anyone I’ve ever met. He also has these kind eyes that make me feel so at home.” | “Suzannah’s smile stood out to me right away and I loved how easy and effortless conversation with her felt right from the start. I also love how thoughtful she is; she’s always thinking of others and can make every moment memorable and special.”
Their Q.T.:
“One of our favorite things to do is cook. I will find a recipe and Eric will put on music, and we’ll make dinner together. We also don’t have a dishwasher at the moment—city life!—so Eric thankfully washes all the dishes.”
The Proposal:
“We got engaged in Ocean City, NJ. It was a Friday morning, and we were at Eric’s parents’ house. Eric’s sister asked if she could take our dog for a walk on the beach. A few minutes later, Eric suggested we go meet up with her since it was such a beautiful morning. But when we got out to the beach, his sister and the dog were nowhere to be found! We walked down to the water, and all of a sudden, Eric pulled the ring box out of his pocket—I was shocked! A few minutes after, he surprised me again by having my entire family run out onto the beach to meet us with champagne. He arranged for our families to take a party bus to Angelo’s, a favorite spot of ours in Atlantic City, for dinner. It was absolutely the best day.”
The Rings:
“My mom has an emerald-cut diamond engagement ring that was originally my grandmother’s, and I just felt a connection to its timeless and classic look. I loved the idea of continuing in that tradition. For the wedding, Angie and Diane at Hamilton helped us create a version of a newer band they’d gotten in. I love the modern look of the half-bezel-set emerald-cut diamonds paired with the timeless solitaire engagement ring. It’s perfect!”
The Fashion:
“I originally wanted to have a Grace Kelly–inspired moment in a long-sleeved lace dress, but after trying on several, I felt most myself in a strapless ball gown. The dress was Harmonia by Pronovias, and it had three pieces: the dress, a pair of sleeves, and a cape. I was obsessed! It brought a level of high fashion while still being classic, and I had different ‘looks’ for the night as I took off the sleeves and cape for the reception, which Eric called ‘sport mode.’”
The Gifts:
“I’m a big Philly sports fan, so Suzannah got me an AJ Brown Super Bowl jersey to commemorate the big win this year. I then surprised her with a pair of round diamond earrings from Hamilton. She wore them alongside her great-grandmother’s diamond earrings on our wedding day.”
The Big Day:
“We got married exactly one year after we got engaged, at All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Princeton, NJ, and celebrated afterward at the Nassau Inn. We felt drawn to the idea of getting married in Princeton, where I attended high school and where we’d made some special memories while dating. We filled the Nassau Inn with soft, warm tones and vintage touches, including photos from each of our parents’ weddings, and that gave the event a sense of elevated, elegant nostalgia.”
The Cakes:
“We had a traditional wedding cake, and we brought in a Southern tradition with a groom’s cake, which was decorated in Philly sports paraphernalia and topped with bride and groom Philly Phanatics.”
Their Song:
“‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,’ by Frankie Valli, which was by far one of our favorite moments of the night. Once we finished our dance, the band kept the song going, and invited everyone to join us on the dance floor. There is truly nothing like looking around the room and having all your loved ones celebrating right next to you.”
Their First Anniversary:
“We’d love to spend it in the same way that we got engaged—on a beach!”
Their Future:
“We are looking forward to spending our lives together—the big moments and all the little ones in between—and continuing to grow on this journey together. Our greatest hope for the future is to build a family rooted in love, kindness, and joy.”
DHRUVI & VYBAV
PHILADELPHIA, PA
ENGAGED: AUGUST 2022
MARRIED: AUGUST 2024
Their Meet Cute:
“Despite going to the same college (University of Delaware) for three years, and even living in the same dorm for one of those years, we met on Tinder! Vybav’s radius was at 50 miles because he lived at home in Dover while mine was much smaller since I was on campus. As fate would have it, Vybav was visiting his friend in Newark and that’s when I swiped right on him and the rest is history. I guess you could say it was love at right swipe!”
Their Favorite Things:
“I love Dhruvi’s passion and tenacity. When she decides to do something, she gives it her absolute all and does not skimp on any detail. Also, her eyes and her smile—that is what first drew me in.” | “His kindness and compassion. Vybav always makes everyone feel important and welcomed which inspires everyone around him, including me. Right from the beginning, he had this warm, calming energy that made me feel comfortable and safe to be in his presence.”
Their Q.T.:
“We value experiences a lot and time spent together. We go out to restaurants and coffee shops, travel, take walks together. And we are both also very competitive so we love any form of games, sports, and video games, too.”
The Proposal:
“Yes, the proposal was a surprise, though Dhruvi had a hunch. The most memorable part for me was the juggling of the story I told Dhruvi as to why I was gone all day, why she had to dress up, and why she had to go to Race Street Pier, in Philadelphia, and then making sure all our close friends and family were hiding in the correct spot.” | “Vybav proposed to me in my native language of Gujarati. He had practiced the phrase several times in secret prior to popping the question.”
The Rings:
“I had a pretty clear idea of what I wanted in an engagement ring—I loved an oval diamond. But Vybav added a hidden touch and had my birthstone embedded inside the diamond and platinum band. For his engagement ring, we followed a special family tradition where the groom’s ring comes from the bride’s side, and rings are exchanged during an Indian engagement ceremony.”
The Fashion:
“From attire to accessories, each event was so thoughtfully styled and curated to reflect our Hindu cultural traditions while incorporating our personal styles. We approached the process with intention, planning each outfit around the significance of the events.”
The Gifts:
“I knew I wanted to work with Hamilton, and I fell in love with the idea of customizing something truly meaningful. We created two special bands; one for each of our weddings, honoring both our Gujarati and Kannadiga cultures. With the help of Hamilton’s expert jewelers, we designed a gold band featuring two tiny hearts, a design I hadn’t seen anywhere else, and a platinum band that perfectly complements my engagement ring. Together, they create my dream stack. It feels so personal, so us, and a beautiful symbol of our love.”
The Planning:
“We shopped with intention across Mumbai, Gujarat, and Bangalore, as these are places where we grew up and where our families come from, making the experience nostalgic and deeply significant.”
The Main Events:
“We married in Riviera Maya, Mexico. For the Haldi (pre-wedding ceremony) and Gowri Pooja (devotional ritual), we leaned into tradition with hues of yellow, rust, and earth tones. We wanted to keep these ceremonies grounded and authentic, allowing the emotion and rituals to shine. For the Sangeet (pre-wedding ceremony), we wanted to create a vibrant and colorful atmosphere that matched the energy of the performances and festivities. At the Gujarati wedding, the showstopper was a 10-foot veil embroidered with our names and wedding date, something deeply personal and symbolic. For the Kannada wedding, we honored Vybav’s roots. Our reception was the final event with an ‘enchanted forest’ theme. I wore a custom forest green lehenga, and Vybav wore a bold, black, bling tuxedo from Purusham, and together, we felt like we were stepping into a magical ending to our wedding week.”
The Vows:
“We did custom vows for each of our two weddings while honoring classic traditions. The Saptapadi (seven steps) are an important tradition in Hindu weddings. The couple takes seven steps around a sacred fire with each step symbolizing a vow that the couple takes together. Since we had two weddings and did Saptapadi twice, we chose 14 separate vows total.”
The Music:
“For our first dance, we worked closely with a choreographer to create a unique medley blending Hindi (Bollywood) and American songs, which lasted nearly five minutes. The performance began with a graceful slow dance and gradually shifted into energetic beats.”
Their Future:
“We’re excited to build our lives together, grow with each other, and dream and plan our next chapters, from traveling to family traditions of our own long-term goals. Our greatest hope is that we will accomplish all of our wildest dreams together, travel the world with each other, and always be each other’s best friend. We’ve always been a team—and we hope to keep leveling up.”
DENNY’S KITCHEN
WHEN ACCENT’S RESIDENT ENTERTAINING EXPERT AND FORMER HAMILTON JEWELERS STYLIST DENNY SIEGEL RETURNED TO PRINCETON, SHE REDISCOVERED THE PLACE SHE ONCE CALLED “HOME”—AND SAW ALL IT HAD TO OFFER THROUGH ENTIRELY NEW EYES
By DENNY SIEGEL
Moving homes. It’s never an easy proposition, and I have moved many times during the course of my life. In the “old” days, when my children were young, a typical house-move went something like this: My husband, Martin, would come down the stairs of our current home and say goodbye before leaving for the store, as he did every morning. At the end of his workday, he would return to us, but instead at our new home, where he would do a quick tour of his unfamiliar environs and then sit down for dinner, which was waiting for him, as usual. For so many, moving is a complex, exasperating process; but for us, leaving one home and arriving at another always seemed to run smoothly—the result of careful planning on my part (I will feel free to pat myself on the back here) and the good nature of my boys and my husband, who always seemed to meet the inconveniences of living out of boxes before and after moving with ease.
This spring, I found myself facing the prospect of yet another move, this time out of my Pennsylvania townhouse (which I’d only moved into a few years before), and into a cozy condo in the heart of Princeton. Although I didn’t have the task of packing and moving a family of six— this time around, it was only my miniature poodle, Cookie, and I—the endeavor did involve a lot of plotting and planning, as I had collected so much more stuff over my lifetime. I broke the move down into a few smaller moves, so I could sift through the contents of the many boxes I’d amassed. Then reality struck: I soon discovered the majority of the furniture and décor I owned simply did not fit in my new home. I realized the only way to move on, literally and figuratively, was to remind myself the memories I associated with these things would always be a part of me, and pare down. I invited my children and grandchildren to come and see if they could make their own new memories with these items in their own homes—heirlooms that represented a time gone by and the history of family we all share.
I am now living in the heart of Princeton, and Cookie and I are loving our new home. The space feels fresh, inviting, and lighter, as it is no longer weighed down by the things that don’t serve this stage of my life. In Princeton—a place I called home for the better part of three decades—I’ve once again found a community of gracious, friendly people who are always willing to offer assistance and advice, or stop to chat. Another silver lining of my latest move has been the array of wonderful restaurants within walking distance of my home. I’ve discovered that not only do they satisfy just about any of my culinary cravings, these eateries also make it easy and delicious to navigate my new dietary restrictions (I am now gluten and dairy free). In fact, I may never cook again—well, that might not be entirely true, but I am enjoying the freedom and ease of being able to try new things just by stepping outside my door. On the following pages, you’ll find a few the new spots I’ve come to love, along with recipes inspired by the cuisine I’ve discovered on my second time around in Princeton.
This page: Siegel loves being within walking distance of some of her favorite spaces and places in Princeton, including her family’s shops, Hamilton Jewelers and Hamilton Home.
2. Add mayonnaise and egg yolk. Add Parmesan cheese. Slowly add the olive oil.
3. Toss with crispy lettuces and croutons.
4. Top with additional Parmesan cheese and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
DENNY’S SPECIAL-OCCASION ROASTED POTATOES
Serves 8
INGREDIENTS:
• 4 lbs. Yukon gold or fingerling potatoes, cut into large chunks
• 8 cups beef stock (enough to cover potatoes in a large pot)
• 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 3 garlic cloves, whole and peeled
• 2 Tbs. goose fat or olive oil
For Herb Mixture:
• 2 Tbs. fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 2 Tbs. fresh thyme, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, peeled and finely minced
• 1 Tbs. sea salt flakes
• 2 Tbs. olive oil
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. I n large pot, place potatoes in beef stock to cover.
2. Add thyme, rosemary, and whole and peeled garlic cloves on top of the potatoes.
3. Bring stock to a boil and simmer for about 10 minutes or until just tender, but not falling apart. Drain potatoes a nd leave them in colander to dry on a rack.
4. Preheat oven to 425°.
5. Shake potatoes in colander. Put olive oil or goose fat into a roasting pan. Add in potatoes and mix carefully w ith spatula until coated well.
6. R oast for 15 minutes. Remove potatoes from oven and add the herb mixture to the potatoes and mix carefully. R oast for another 15 minutes until potatoes are very crusty a nd golden brown on outside and creamy inside.
Princeton has long been a hub of culture, commerce, and history, but it also boasts eateries and bistros that are among the best food and drink (and desserts!) I’ve ever had. Here, a list of my in-town go-tos:
SMALL WORLD COFFEE
14 WITHERSPOON STREET AND 254 NASSAU STREET
Cookie and I like to start the day with a brisk morning walk to the iconic Small World Coffee, on Witherspoon Street. With locations on both sides of town, Small World has been a hub of community and creativity for everyone from students and families to professionals and professors since 1993. One of the things I love the most is that the place brews not only with its signature high-quality coffee, but also with an energy that is invigorating and exciting. Try one of their homemade scones with a Milky Joe (a.k.a. coffee with milk), and grab a batch of their delicious Nutty Granola to enjoy at home.
KRISTINE’S
51 WITHERSPOON STREET
Located on Hinds Plaza, within steps of the beautiful Princeton Public Library, Kristine’s is a lovely French bistro with a fresh take on classic favorites. The menu includes traditional fare like escargots and mussels frites, and offers healthy gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian dishes, too, which makes eating with my new dietary restrictions simple and delicious. Takeout meals available Monday through Friday, and Sunday brunch—the homemade sausage, grilled tomatoes, and roasted potatoes are not to be missed—make this gem of a restaurant good any day of the week.
THE BENT SPOON
35 PALMER SQUARE
When Cookie and I need a pick-me-up in the afternoon, we take a quick jaunt across Palmer Square, to The Bent Spoon, the charmingly dubbed “farm to spoon” ice-cream shop. The Bent Spoon is influenced by locally sourced ingredients and concocts a bevy of artisanal flavors that are mouthwateringly scrumptious and unexpectedly creative. Alongside classics such as strawberry, Madagascar vanilla, and blood orange are flavors that defy comprehension, inspired by everything from movie night in Palmer Square (Lemon Bar, with chocolate and homemade marshmallow), to the Super Bowl (the strangely delicious oil, vinegar, lettuce, tomato, and oregano notes in Hoagie), to holidays (Charoset’s Seder-inspired apples, pears, cinnamon, raisins, pecans, and red wine), to the spoils of the season (New Jersey Organic Sweet Corn and Sweet Potato Pecan).
MEDITERRA
29 HULFISH STREET
With dependably delicious dishes and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, Mediterra is quickly becoming my preferred lunchtime destination. The Mediterranean-inspired menu has an Italian and Spanish flair and highlights locally sourced ingredients. I tend to eat lighter meals during the day, and so the Market Bowl with its crispy rice, cucumber, snap peas, shishito, and egg, and Caesar salad topped with grilled chicken are among my repeat orders. (Sidebar: Their dinner menu offers more robust options such as pork tenderloin and classic paella, too, along with an excellent collection of affordable wines.)
KEEPING WATCH
AFTER AN AUSPICIOUS MEETING AT SWITZERLAND’S WATCHES & WONDERS FAIR, TANIA EDWARDS AND JOHN REARDON FOUND THEY SHARED AN ABIDING INTEREST IN PATEK PHILIPPE TIMEPIECES— SO MUCH SO THAT THEY DECIDED TO CHANNEL THEIR PASSION INTO A COMPANY BUILT ON A FOUNDATION OF EDUCATION, ENTHUSIASM, AND EXCELLENCE
Above: Edwards’s favorite timepiece is her Patek Philippe Ellipse on a bracelet custom-made by Swiss jeweler Reto Keppler & Hans Kern.
“WE’RE SEEING AN UNPRECEDENTED INTEREST IN VINTAGE PATEK PHILIPPE WATCHES, AND PRICES CONTINUE TO GO UP” JOHN REARDON
Dedicating your career to a singular brand takes obsession, and that’s exactly the sentiment friends and colleagues Tania Edwards and John Reardon share for Patek Philippe. Tapping their expertise and impressive backgrounds, they co-founded Collectability, a company dedicated to the buying, selling, and education surrounding vintage and pre-owned Patek Philippe timepieces.
R eardon was captivated by horology in adolescence after a chance visit to the American Watch and Clock Museum in Bristol, CT, with his future brother-in-law, an avid pocket-watch collector. After volunteering at the museum for years, Reardon earned an internship at Sotheby’s Watch Department, in New York City, which launched his professional career in the watch world—and paved the road for him to not only work for Patek Philippe U.S.A., but also to write and publish three now sold-out books on the company. While at Sotheby’s, Reardon was most notably part of the team that sold the Patek Philippe Henry Graves’s Supercomplication for nearly $12 million, a record at the time for the most expensive watch ever sold at auction.
E dwards’s path to a career in horology took another route. Her interest was piqued as a college student after visiting the Patek Philippe salon, in Geneva; she recalls being struck by how well she was treated by the boutique’s staff and left the encounter thinking to herself, “One day I will own a Patek.” Fast-forward through more than three decades in the watch industry and in marketing—including working in-house for Patek Philippe during the 1990s, a decade of profound change for the brand—and she’s gone far beyond. Edwards had a pivotal role in developing the longstanding “You never actually own a Patek. You merely look after it for the next generation” campaign, and launching the award-winning Patek Philippe Magazine —to which Reardon still regularly contributes.
The company they created, Collectability, serves the discerning buyer, providing the tools necessary to make informed decisions when buying a watch. This means painstakingly retracing the journey behind each vintage piece and uniting historical and database information with all known forensic materials. They also film informative videos and podcasts to spotlight intriguing items like the rarest Pateks, blue dial watches, unsolved mysteries, holiday dishes, and more.
W hat’s behind the devotion? As Reardon puts it: “Once people dive into the world of collecting vintage Patek Philippe, they never leave. It’s addictive, engaging, and rewarding in every way imaginable.” ACCENT sat down with Edwards and Reardon to learn more.
Above: Collectability co-founder Tania Edwards admires a Patek Philippe Manual Calatrava in yellow gold (ref. 3923J).
At left: The Patek Philippe Annual Calendar (ref. 5135G) in 18k white gold, made in 2006.
ACCENT: You serve serious watch collectors; tell me about your typical client.
John Reardon: We sell to men and women of all ages from all over the world; each has an individual story that is inspiring and often quite surprising. Farmers, singers, artists, restaurant owners, manufacturers, investors, C.E.O.s, and, of course, a few folks from the world of financial services. They’re all visionaries, have significant interest in something outside their primary business, and know the importance of delayed gratification. More often than not, they’re simply the best at what they do and very much understand what it’s like to be No. 1, but they’re typically not the type of person who has a need to tell everyone they’re the best at what they do. This character trait is what makes a Patek Philippe collector very different from most others.
ACCENT: What’s behind your passion for Patek Philippe?
Tania Edwards: Both John and I had the privilege of working in-house for Patek Philippe. This gave us firsthand experience of all aspects of the company, from the marketing and sales to the watchmaking itself. We were fortunate to work with extraordinary people [including directly with the Stern family, owners since 1932] at Patek Philippe in New York, Geneva, and the rest of the world, and quickly learned the importance of commitment to excellence—not just in watchmaking, but in every related part of the watch-buying experience, especially for retailers and the end consumer. When you realize there is no “smoke and mirrors”—that everything Patek does is committed to absolute quality and not cutting any corners—you understand there’s no other brand, in virtually any discipline, that really represents the best.
ACCENT: What’s your perspective of Patek Philippe’s place in the horological world?
J.R.: Anyone who wants to know the history of watchmaking over the past 200 years must be a student of the history of Patek Philippe. Patek Philippe is truly the benchmark to measure all others. Even in the 19th century, the company’s watches were considered “above competition” in international competitions and [the company was] often asked to be the judge. I believe this to be as true today as it was then.
ACCENT: Tell me about retracing the journey behind each watch. What does that process look like?
ACCENT: What are some distinctive characteristics that define a Patek Philippe?
T.E.: Other than the fundamental quality, most people would agree that a Patek Philippe watch is a classic design. Patek Philippe watches are built and designed to transcend trends and last for generations. This is why vintage watches are becoming so appreciated; a watch that’s over 100 years old or 20 years old can still look and wear fresh as if it were made yesterday.
J.R.: It all starts with the extract from the archives—essentially a copy of the birth certificate that Patek Philippe Geneva issues for every Patek Philippe watch that has ever been made. By forensically assessing the case, dial, and movement of every watch and comparing it to the information on the extract, one can begin to study the facts. For these reasons, we’re seeing an unprecedented interest in vintage Patek Philippe watches, and prices continue to go up. Studying and understanding Patek Philippe is based in fact, not just opinion [and] this appeals to collectors who like to live in a world of certainty, quality, and perfection.
ACCENT: Is there one model in particular that you consider the epitome of a Patek Philippe?
T.E.: Perhaps the one watch that really sums up Patek Philippe is the Ref. 96. Introduced in 1932, was the first wristwatch that Patek Philippe made as a series; prior to that, watches were made in small numbers, or as an individual piece for a client. It’s a simple round watch; if you asked a child to draw a watch, it would probably look the same!
Top: Collectability founder John Reardon.
Above: The highly sought-after Patek Philippe Calatrava in rose gold with black dial (ref. 96R), made and sold in 1941.
“PATEK PHILIPPE WATCHES ARE BUILT AND DESIGNED TO TRANSCEND TRENDS AND LAST FOR GENERATIONS.” —TANIA EDWARDS
ACCENT: Let’s talk about your particular favorites. Which models do you love and why? What are your favorites to wear?
T.E.: My personal favorite is always my latest acquisition! I tend to wear the same Patek Philippe for several months then remember that I’m fortunate to have others to choose from. All this being said, the watch I wear the most is an Ellipse on an unusual bracelet. This was my first acquisition when I joined John at Collectability. For both of us, the Ellipse is the quintessential Patek Philippe; it has become something of a Collectability logo.
J.R.: Tough question since I always want to wear our latest acquisition! The watch I’ve been wearing most often these days is my PP Ref. 5135G, my Gondolo Calendario Annual Calendar. I change my watch many times in a given day, sometimes swapping out my 5135G to my Aquanaut if I’m going for a run or occasionally wearing my Golden Ellipse 3738/100G if I’m headed out for a dinner. Wearing one of my Patek Philippe pocket watches for a wedding or special event is when I have the most fun—I get more interest and compliments on these than any wristwatch I have ever worn!
ACCENT: How do you see the balance between tradition and progress in horology?
T.E.: Scholarship is key. History must be preserved and progress viewed within its historical context. John and I have devoted our careers to preserving Patek Philippe’s history and sharing our knowledge. It’s always amazing how Patek Philippe can keep improving in terms of technical horological brilliance but also treasures its past and remembers the fundamentals such as quality and craftsmanship.
ACCENT: What advice would you give a first-time buyer or someone looking to start their collection?
J.R.: Do your homework. Don’t buy for investment. Enjoy every minute of it.
ACCENT: In your opinion, what are the necessary elements of a complete watch collection?
J.R.: Money. Knowledge. Passion. Patience.
ACCENT: Collectability is now an exclusive retail partner of Hamilton Jewelers. How do you feel the two companies complement each other?
J.R.: From the beginning, Collectability has been an online company … [but] collectors love to see and try on potential acquisitions before buying them. After a few pilot pop-up exhibition events at Hamilton Jewelers, it was very clear we wanted to have a partner that understood watches and the watch market as a whole; combined with my 25-plus-year relationship of trust and respect with the Siegel family, Hamilton Jewelers was my first choice to have an exclusive partnership with Collectability to present our watches in stores year-round for the first time.
ACCENT: What’s next for Collectability?
J.R.: A larger offering of watches, more in-person events, more educational opportunities, and more vintage and pre-owned Patek Philippe watches. More than one million Patek Philippe watches have now been made since 1839, and I have no doubt one of these timepieces would be perfect on your wrist, in your pocket, or on your mantelpiece, too.
From left to right: Tania Edwards, John Reardon, and David Lewis at the WatchPro Awards 2024, where the Collectability team won the 2024 Pre-Owned and Vintage Watch Retailer Award.
WHERE ELEGANCE LIVES
INTERIOR DESIGNER MARSHALL WATSON TELLS THE HOMEOWNER’S STORY IN ALL HIS CREATIONS— INCLUDING HIS OWN MANHATTAN APARTMENT
The greatest artists were born to create. Mozart started composing music around 5 years old, roughly the same age when Monet began to draw and Michael Jackson first belted out tunes in public as a singer. That doesn’t mean, however, that artistry can’t be learned. Marshall Watson took the scenic route on his way to becoming one of New York City’s most esteemed interior designers. He dabbled in acting and engineering at Stanford University before “finding my way” to interior design at Fashion Institute of Technology. What did he learn? Through his studies, his inspirations, and his experience, Watson today—now in his mid-60s— doesn’t follow a formula when creating his elegant interiors. Instead, every decision he makes is for the specific client.
“As a designer, I always have the same objective: answering the wants, needs, aspirations, and fantasies of the people who will inhabit a home,” he says in his newest book, Marshall Watson: Defining Elegance (Rizzoli, $58), which he penned with Marc Kristal. His own home is no exception. When designing his apartment on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, Watson matched his skills with the dreams he shared with his husband, Paul. The results are on the pages that follow.
At right: In decorating his own Manhattan apartment, interior designer Marshall Watson paired the living-room sofa, which was inspired by Billy Baldwin Studio’s St. Thomas design, with acrylic side tables. Behind them are Baldwin’s original étagères for Cole Porter’s library.
This page: Watson and his husband, Paul, use an English rosewood center hall table for dining. The adjacent coffee table, made of nickel and walnut, is an ideal surface on which to rest novels and wine.
Opposite page: There’s plenty to see outside the apartment’s floor-to-ceiling windows as well as inside, including the lantern——which Watson designed himself —hanging above a walnut Regency desk and the late-18th-century Gustavian gilded mirror.
This page: For the primary bedroom, Watson designed the bedspread, the linens, and the bed, with its canopy of 92 pleats. “My grandmother’s late 1600s Persian doors contrast wonderfully with the enveloping and comprehensive blue toile,” he says.
Opposite page: Wonderful curves relax the eyes on the way to the bathroom. A rounded slab of marble rises from behind the tub and flows into the decorated cabinets. “My grandfather’s violin hangs on the wall just outside the bath, and I find that the gentle curve of the instrument is mirrored in the shape of the marble.”
All images are reprinted with permission from Marshall Watson: Defining Elegance (Rizzoli New York, 2025) by Marshall Watson and Marc Kristal. Photography by Luke White.
COCKTAIL HOUR
A SPIRITED SIP
REIMAGINE THE CLASSIC COCKTAIL WITH A SPLASH OF SOUTHERN SWEETNESS
SORGHUM OLD FASHIONED
Se r ves 1
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 oz. bourbon
• ½ oz. sorghum syrup
• 2 dashes orange bitters
• ½ bar spoon smoky Scotch
• orange skin and cinnamon stick for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS:
Rinse old fashioned glass with peated Scotch. Set aside. Combine bourbon, syrup, and bitters in a mixing glass. Fill with ice and stir for 30 seconds.
Strain into prepared glass over rocks. Garnish with an orange skin and cinnamon stick.
SORGHUM SYRUP:
• ½ cup sorghum
• 1 oz. hot water
Combine sorghum with very hot water. Stir until combined. Store in the fridge for 4-6 weeks.
THE GARDENS MALL
-the essence of refined living -
HAMILTON JEWELERS CHANEL GUCCI CH CAROLINA HERRERA JIMMY CHOO LOUIS VUITTON FERRAGAMO TIFFANY & CO + MORE
Hamilton’s Silhouette Solitaire
FROM THE HEART
WHETHER YOU’RE GIVING OR RECEIVING (OR BOTH!) THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, A GIFT WRAPPED UP WITH A HAMILTON JEWELERS BOX AND BOW IS SURE TO INSPIRE AND DELIGHT
Clockwise, from left:
Platinum and three-stone center oval and pear-shape diamond engagement ring.
Platinum and three-stone center marquise-cut and shield-cut diamond engagement ring.
Platinum bracelet featuring 16 emerald-cut and 16 round brilliant-cut diamonds.
From the Hamilton Jewelers Engagement and Diamond Classics Collections Prices upon request
JEWELRY
FROM THE HAMILTON ARCHIVES
In the early 1950s, the streets of downtown Trenton, NJ, were a bustling hub of activity from entertainment and society to commerce and craftsmanship. It was a simpler time in the city and in the country, filled with the optimism and prosperity of a nation that had emerged victorious from a world war, when residents never hesitated to offer a kind gesture or greeting to whoever they passed—friend or visitor—on the sidewalk.
A t the corner of Broad and Hanover streets, Hamilton Jewelers founder Irving Siegel presided over his shop with a similarly welcoming mindset that was reflected in a small sign hanging on his office wall. At first glance, “The Value of a Smile” was nothing special: Printed on a rough-trimmed piece of paper, it had likely been torn from a newspaper (indeed, the list was penned by Frank Irving Fletcher, a mid-20th-century writer from New York City). Upon closer inspection, however, the sign listed all of the ways even the most fleeting of smiles could make an outsize difference in the lives of the giver and the receiver.
For Irving, the jewelry and watch business was not merely transactional; it was an invitation to become part of someone’s life. When a client walked through his doors, Irving knew that the person was likely there to mark a special moment, and that wasn’t something to be taken lightly. Life and all its celebrations were meant to be savored, he believed, and even the smallest detail—like a smile of welcome, of understanding, of ease—provided a layer of memory upon which a lifetime could be built.
Nearly a century later, not much has changed at Hamilton. Unbeknownst to Irving, “The Value of a Smile” would grow far beyond its original little sign and into a philosophy that would shape and guide the culture of the company for decades to come. And so, while the world continues to move into a future of often faceless, instant-gratification-style consumerism, Hamilton holds true to its foundational tenet: When you walk through the doors at a Hamilton Jewelers store, being a part of your story is our priority, and, rest assured, the transaction will always begin with … a smile.
At right: “It happens in a flash and the memory of it sometimes lasts forever.”
Mementoes from the early days of Hamilton Jewelers, including the beloved “The Value of a Smile” sign that graced Irving’s office.
