LG WATCH URBANE LUXE, AN EXQUISITE SMARTWATCH

Limited Edition Device from LG is More Jewelry Than Wearable

In collaboration with U.S. retail jewelry company REEDS Jewelers, LG Electronics (LG) will introduce a premium limited edition smartwatch, LG Watch Urbane Luxe. This luxurious wearable was designed with a specific wearer in mind and is adorned in 23-karat gold and gorgeous alligator leather strap set in an exclusive piano-gloss lacquer case. Available starting at the end of October, the LG Watch Urbane Luxe will retail for approximately USD 1,200.

The LG Watch Urbane Luxe will sport a deployment clasp for a fitted, elegant look that isn’t bulky. Invented by Louis Cartier in 1910, the use of a deployment clasp makes this  timepiece even more exclusive and unique. The alligator band itself is handcrafted at the highest level of craftsmanship, undergoing 50 separate steps in its creation, handled lovingly by 30 experienced leatherworkers. The 23-karat gold used in the LG Watch Urbane Luxe is stronger and harder than the 24-karat gold used in jewelry and heavier than the 18-karat gold used in traditional luxury watches.

 “Wearable devices shouldn’t be thought of as an extension of one’s smartphone but an extension of oneself,” said Chris Yie, vice president and head of marketing communications for LG Mobile Communications Company. “This blending of craftsmanship and technology is a natural evolution of the smartwatch, which is becoming more of a lifestyle accessory than a piece of hardware. We think this is a good direction for wearables and we want to encourage this transformation.”

Each of the 500 limited edition watches will be engraved with its own serial number for authenticity and available initially in the USA for pre-order at www.REEDS.com later this month or by visiting any REEDS Jewelers location. Visitors to IFA 2015 can see this beautiful work of art for themselves along with other mobile devices from LG in Hall 18 of Messe Berlin from September 4-9.

NEW BRANDS AT SIHH - 2016

The Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) will lift the veil on a new interior decor at its 26th edition, to be held January 18th to 22nd, 2016. In addition to its fifteen Exhibitors, the Salon will also welcome nine independent watchmakers in its first ever Carré des Horlogers.

After the excitement engendered by the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie's quarter-century in January 2015, next year's edition promises to be just as impressive, as SIHH 2016 introduces major changes to this annual event that marks the beginning of the watchmaking year.

New decor

La Cité de la Haute Horlogerie, the Salon's architectural concept for the past ten years, returns with a sleeker, contemporary accent that gives Exhibitors creative scope to imagine their booth interior and train the spotlight on the year's new collections

New arrivals

The circle of exhibitors will expand to twenty-four as SIHH inaugurates its very first Carré des Horlogers, a showcase for nine artisan-creators, independent workshops and representatives of watchmaking's "new guard". The Salon thus extends its horizons with this presentation of complementary approaches to Fine Watchmaking that sit perfectly with those of the exhibiting Maisons that have forged its renown.

This initiative by the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie, organiser of SIHH, exactly reflects its ambition to bring Fine Watchmaking's different players together in order to appreciate their richness and diversity.

It is indeed thanks to them that, over the years, SIHH has established itself as Fine Watchmaking's foremost trade fair. Some have centuries of history to their name; others have just reached maturity; all of them have, in their own way, initiated the concept of technical and precious watchmaking that has made SIHH so uniquely successful. The arrival of new names can only make this concept stronger.

With a new setting and new arrivals, SIHH can look forward to many more exciting years ahead.

Exhibiting Maisons

A.Lange & Söhne, Audemars Piguet, Baume & Mercier, Cartier, Greubel Forsey, IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Montblanc, Panerai, Parmigiani, Piaget, Richard Mille, Roger Dubuis, Van Cleef & Arpels, Vacheron Constantin

Carré des Horlogers

Christophe Claret, De Bethune, H. Moser & Cie, Hautlence, HYT, Kari Voutilainen, Laurent Ferrier, MB&F, Urwerk

SEVEN CARS, SEVEN JETS AND... SEVEN CHRONOGRAPHS

Breitling and Bentley unveiled the Bentley Continental GT Speed Breitling Jet Team Series at the Seattle Boeing Seafair Airshow. Owners of these bespoke Mulliner vehicles were presented keys to their seven cars in front of the seven jets by the matching jet pilot, and also received the corresponding Chronomat 44 Breitling Jet Team Limited Edition numbered timepiece. After seeing their cars for the first time, guests experienced a once-in-a-lifetime passenger flight in formation with the Breitling Jet Team high above the Seattle skyline.

The Breitling Jet Team is the world’s largest professional civilian flight team performing in jets, comprised of seven L-39 C Albatros Jets that can reach speeds of up to 565 mph and fly within just a few feet of each other. Like their automotive counterpart, the Bentley Continental GT Speed, the team is widely recognized for their breathtaking displays, incredible speed, and flawless performance.

The vehicles were designed through Bentley’s exclusive Mulliner bespoke design program, complete with a special livery and interior materials designed to echo elements of the Breitling Jet Team aircraft. The vehicles are outfitted to satisfy the most discerning customers with a special exterior that includes a striking duo-tone split of Hallmark and Onyx with highlights of Breitling Yellow matching the jets. Each of the seven cars is individually numbered to signify its place in the limited production run, which matches the number of jets in the team’s fleet. In addition to the customized exterior, the interior has unique seats accented with the signature Breitling Yellow. The Continental GT Speed is Bentley’s fastest production vehicle ever, powered by a 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12 with 626 hp and a top speed of 206 mph. The Breitling Chronomat 44 Jet Team American Tour timepiece features the Breitling Jet Team logo on the dial, a sleek black steel case, Onyx black dial, and distinct yellow accents mirroring the colors of the Jet Team’s fleet. The caseback features the Breitling Jet Team American Tour logo with the limited edition numbering.

In 2002, Bentley caused a sensation by launching the Continental GT, the most powerful Bentley ever built. Breitling lent its personal touch to this epitome of luxury and performance by participating in the design of the technical instruments and creating the onboard clock. It was the very first time that Bentley had entrusted this task to a watchmaker. The Breitling for Bentley collection was born from the grand art of British car making and the fine Swiss watchmaking tradition.

The partnership launched in 2003, the same year Bentley made its big comeback on the track of the Le Mans 24 Hours race by winning the two top spots right off the bat. More than 13 years later, this rich family of Breitling for Bentley chronographs has won over the planet through their unique blend of elegance and performance, power and style, sportiness and refinement.