During all races this season, the Formula One racing driver FELIPE MASSA will have new luxurious watches by RICHARD MILLE. He continues the partnership with the Swiss watchmaking company although his team, Scuderia Ferrari, is sponsored by other brand, Hublot. As we know, Massa is a good friend of the French designer and owner, Richard Mille himself who has dedicated several models of his watches to Massa (RM-005FM and RM-011 series). This makes Massa constantly joins the list of brand-ambassador-driver that includes Kimi Raikkonen + Tag Heur, Lewis Hamilton + Tag Heur, Jenson Button + Jaeger-LeCoultre, Nico Rosberg + Oris, Han Han + Hublot, and Michael Schumacher + Audemars Piguet.

First unveiled at the 22nd edition of The SIHH (Salon Internationale de Haute Horlogerie) watch fair at Palexpo convention centre in Geneva, 16 – 20 January 2012, the new Felipe Massa’s watches really caught major attention from the visitors as they were displayed in 3D. It was an innovative presentation from the French designer to make the giant digital watch dials lingering in the air and rotating slowly to exhibit the inner and outer workings.

The extremely limited edition Felipe Massa RM-050 (produced ten pieces only) and RM-056 (produced five pieces only) are both animated by new skeletonized tourbillon split seconds chronograph movements. Developed from the flagship RM008 tourbillon split second model, the new engine allows the virtually complete elimination of initial jumping in the chronograph seconds hand that lowers the energy consumption by approximately 50%. It is achieved through the reduction of friction on the spindle and the chronograph hands jumping when stopping is virtually eliminated. The engineers at Richard Mille has genuinely focused on the working of the split seconds’ arms. They have optimized the movement to the maximum, notably the precision and calculations of the long-term timekeeping aspects. But that’s not all!

Do you recall the ultra-light Richard Mille watch worn by Rafael Nadal? The engineers has also done many research to create lighter timepieces. As a result, the new Felipe Massa Split Seconds Competition Chronographs feature weight-reduced-movement (by 20% equivalent of 10 grams) and light-weight grade-5-titanium baseplate and bridges – often aerospace and automobile industries. Moreover, the RM 050 also includes a very light material yet stress-resistant (200 times more than steel) that is Carbon Nanotubes. It has the ability to absorb violent shocks significantly higher than that of carbon fibers due to their structure and unique geometry and their higher surface/volume equilibrium.

As for the RM-056, the watch has the case made entirely of sapphire crystal, making it a new frontier in the history of watchmaking industry. It took more than 1,000 hours of machining to create front-bezel, case-band, and back bezel from solid blocks of crystal; of which, 430 hours were spent on pre-forming the case components and 350 hours on polishing the whole watch case. No wonder, only five pieces is produced due to the extreme nature of their creation and development.

Sapphire is known as a particularly scratch-resistant material and one of the hardest materials on earth, with a Mohs rating of 9.0. Made of aluminium oxide (Al2O3) crystals, it is transparent thanks to its molecular composition. The production of this sapphire structure took years of research and testing in order to ensure an adequate response to the demands of strength and comfort. Richard Mille is the first watchmaker applied the sapphire material onto a complex case design.

Both Richard Mille Felipe Massa Watch RM 050 and RM 056 has technical details as follows:

• Functions: manual winding tourbillon movement caliber RMCC1 with hours, minutes, split-seconds chronograph and power reserve, torque and function indicators.
• Sapphire dial (thickness: 0.40 mm) is coated with anti-glare on both sides and protected by 8 silicon clamps inserted in the outer and inner grooves.
• Interior Flanges is coated with DLC titanium. Hour index points are filled with an approved luminescent material.
• Sapphire Bezel side (1,800 vickers) and Case back are finished with anti-glare coating on both sides.
• Water resistant: 50 meters, ensured by two Nitril O-ring seals
• Power reserve: 70 hours (displayed on numeric scale to the left of the barrel).
• Torque Indicator showing information about mainspring’s tension. The display is on the numerical zone to the right of the barrel.
• Function Indicator showing the winding (W), neutral (N) and hands (H) setting positions as the crown is pulled out. Each position is indicated via a hand at 4 o’clock
• Skeletonized titanium baseplate, finished in grade 5 titanium (composed of 90% titanium, 6% aluminium and 4% vanadium).
• Movement: Chrono Competition. A tourbillon movement operating a split-seconds chronograph. It has a very light- weight, under 10 grams.
• Chronograph: column wheels in titanium. The chronograph function is stopped and started via the pusher located on the lower left at 8 o’clock. The hands are reset by pressing another pusher located on the upper left at 10 o’clock.
• Split Second Mechanism with improved performance. By depressing the pusher on the right at 4 o’clock, the user can stop the split seconds hand in order to read an intermediate time while the chronograph is engaged. Pressing the pusher again allows the split seconds hand to rejoin the chronograph, ready for the next measurement.
• Balance Wheel with Variable Inertia, giving a more precise and repeatable adjustment.
• Fast Rotating Barrel (6 hours per revolution instead of 7.5 hours) provides increasing performance.
• Barrel Pawl with Progressive recoil
• Winding Barrel Teeth and Third Wheel Pinion with Central Involute Profile.
• Spline Screws in Grade 5 Titanium for the case
• Torque Limiting Crown that added security system preventing accidental overwinding of the watch.

Technical Specification of the Tourbillon Split Seconds Competition Chronograph RM 050 Felipe Massa

• Dimensions: 50.00 x 42.70 x 16.30 mm
• Case: polymer composite injected with carbon nanotubes, assembled with 20 spline screws in grade 5 titanium and abrasion resistant washers in 316L stainless steel.
• Limited edition of 10 pieces.

Technical Specification of the Tourbillon Split Seconds Competition Chronograph RM 056 Felipe Massa

• Dimensions: 50.50 x 42.70 x 19.25 mm
• Case: entirely made from solid blocks of sapphire.
• Limited edition of 5 pieces.

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Brazilian most promising footballer, NEYMAR was spotted wearing a Hublot watch: King Power Foudroyante in Zirconium. Apparently, he’s one of Hublot’s big fans.

It’s no wonder Hublot is very famous in Brazil since the luxury watch-making company often launches special edition series associated to the country, such as Hublot Ayrton Senna and Hublot Oscar Niemeyer. Meanwhile, in the world of football, Hublot is not an alien name as it has been linked to this world’s most popular sport. Currently, the Swiss ‘art of fusion’ brand is an official sponsor for FIFA.

Hublot King Power Foudroyante as worn by Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior (born 5 February 1992) features zirconium case sizes 48 mm in diameter, black dial, and sapphire crystal. It has functions of hours, minutes, seconds, plus self-winding split-seconds foudroyante chronograph. The limited-500-pieces also includes rubber strap with deployment clasp. Water resistant is down to 100 meters (10 ATM).

Neymar wears another Hublot watch, with Brazilian football legend, Romario.

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Following “Hublot + Ferrari” a few weeks ago, here comes another “Swiss + Italian” partnership. The iconic high-end watch maker based in La Chaux-de-Fonds Switzerland since 1791, GIRARD-PERREGAUX has just supported the most popular Italian and classical singer in the world, ANDREA BOCELLI on the launch of his new foundation, with a 2011 Benefit Gala Dinner, December 9th.

David Foster, Heather Headley, Anna Maria Martinez and Bocelli himself made performances at the fundraising event – organized by Studiomusica and Jo Champa, presented by Grammy Museum Foundation, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles. The proceeds will go to Andrea Bocelli Foundation fighting poverty around the world as well as to help people overcome barriers caused by illness, discomfort or disability. The Foundation will actively seek to identify innovative and original projects to support.

The biggest-selling solo artist in the history of classical music (70 million copies worldwide), Andrea Bocelli was born with poor eyesight and became totally blind when he was twelve.

Andrea Bocelli said,

“I feel very strongly about helping people make the most of the world that we live in. I was born with a poor eyesight and became completely blind at the age of twelve. Overcoming blindness and dealing with its consequences has taught me about the nature of externally imposed limits, and has encouraged me to think about how to help and support others facing barriers in their lives. Every human being has the right to be happy, fulfilled and to live a flourishing and meaningful life. I want to help those who face barriers in achieving their life’s potential.”

CEO of Sowind Group (Girard-Perregaux and JeanRichard) said,

“We are very proud and excited to join forces with Andrea Bocelli in the launch of his new foundation. His accomplishments as an artist and philanthropist are an inspiration to all of us and we are happy to support him in this new pursuit”.

The intimate evening is also attended by Camille Belle, Julie Benz, Michael Bolton, Pierce Brosnan, Natalie Cole, Kelsey Grammar, Quincy Jones, Rachel Evan Wood and many others.

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Sylvester Stallone is simply associated with Officine Panerai; but since November 2011, he has to leave his Panerai collections at home. Why? It’s because Montegrappa – the Italian writing tools manufacturer in which Stallone is the ambassador, has just extend its line of product by releasing a luxury wristwatches – NEROUNO at this year’s Baselworld 2011 watch and Jewellery Show in Switzerland.

Produced in limited 999 pieces for each model, Montegrappa NeroUno Watch is characterized by:

• faceted black gemstones mounted at 12 o’clock position and  at the crown, symbolizing ‘NeroUno’ (in Italian means “Black One”);
• a conventional ‘small second’ sub-dial positioned at 6 o’clock;
• a ‘Skeleton Date’ where the date disk is visible through a transparent window at 3 o’clock.
• a luxurious wide leather strap with crocodile pattern plus a deployant clasp.

Montegrappa NeroUno Watch Steel Case White Dial

Montegrappa NeroUno Watch Steel Case Black Dial

Montegrappa NeroUno Watch Gold Case White Dial

Montegrappa NeroUno Watch Gold Case Black Dial

The timepiece features 42-mm case set with sapphire crystals and anti-glare coating. It is animated by world’s most successful and dependable calibers for three-hand watches: the revered ETA 2824. Water resistant is up to 5 ATM (50 meters).

Available in Ronda 6004 quartz movement and automatic movement as well as stainless steel or rose-gold PVD finish, the MONTEGRAPPA NeroUno Watch retails £665.00 - 965.00.

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I remember featuring Blancpain + Lamborghini partnership more than two years ago; and today, such alliance between a watchmaker and a carmaker comes back to live by HUBLOT and FERRARI, not in a single and simple agreement but a very complete one that we can list as follows:

• Hublot is the “Official Watch” and “Official Timekeeper”of Ferrari
• Hublot is the “Official Timekeeper” and “Official Watch” of Scuderia Ferrari – the racing team division of the Ferrari automobile in which the current drivers Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa are.
• Hublot is the “Official Timekeeper” of the Ferrari Challenge – a single marque motorsport championship for owners of the Ferrari F430 and 458 Italia, held annually in United States, Italy, and Europe, plus one in Asia Pacific for this year.
• Hublot is the partners in Ferrari special events with which the Swiss luxury watch brand will be closely associated.

Jean Claude-Biver, CEO of Hublot S.A. said,

“Ferrari will be an ambassador for Hublot. Giving it exclusivity, performance and prestige.”

To mark this ultra-exclusive five-year partnership, Hublot will release the first genuine Ferrari-stamped Hublot watch series at the 2012 Basel Fair, March 8th – 15th. But for the fans in China, the Swiss luxury watch making company has made special preview as at this year’s Guangzhou International Auto Show, Hublot unveiled this special edition watch produced only 20 numbered pieces to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of first Ferrari in China. Meanwhile, FERRARI will fit the future car models with Hublot dash clocks.

Such “car + watch” collaboration is the second one for Hublot and the fourth for Ferrari. Prior to this, the Swiss luxury watchmaker has made partnership with British boutique-manufacturer Morgan Motor Company while the Italian sports car manufacturer has gone-around with Swiss haute horlogerie manufactures Girard Perregaux (Ferrari Collection 1994 to 2004), Officine Panerai (“Ferrari engineered by Panerai” 2005-2010) and Cabestan (2010 Scuderia Ferrari One, a very limited-edition, one-off project).

Both names, Ferrari and Hublot have been linked to the world of Formula 1 race. Ferrari is the oldest surviving team in Grand Prix racing, having competed since 1932, and holds the records of 15 driver’s championships and 16 constructor’s championships. F1 legends often come from this team founded by Enzo Ferrari, including Alberto Ascari, Niki Lauda, Michael Schumacher and Kimi Räikkönen. As for Hublot, since March 2010, it has been the Official Timekeeper of Grand Prix racing as well as Official Formula 1TM Watchmaker releasing nine F1 timepieces so far including Hublot F1 King Power, King Power Red Magic Monza, King Power India, King Power Suzuka and King Power Abu Dhabi. Not only this, previously Hublot has benefited Ayrton Senna foundation by releasing Bing Bang Senna Foudrayante series.

Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, President de Ferrari S.p.A, commented about the new partnership:

“Exclusivity, technology, passion, style: Hublot and Ferrari share many core values and this new partnership between two such highly prestigious brands is an important milestone for both. Being here at Mugello with so many of our clients, tifosi and hundreds of stunning Ferraris has provided us with the perfect opportunity to announce the start of an all-round collaboration that will see Hublot flanking us in our activities in the coming years.”

Jean-Claude Biver, CEO of Hublot added,

“This collaboration, rich in a host of synergies, gives Hublot a massive boost along the road.”

Mr. Ricardo Guadalupe, Managing Director of Hublot declared in Guangzhou

“Ferrari is indeed one of the leading luxury brands on the Chinese market, and Hublot is very proud to become the exclusive strategic partner of Ferrari. The win-win agreement is a symbolic of a new beginning for our two brands, and will undoubtedly be a partnership filled with thrill and passion.”

Ricardo Guadalupe shows Hublot Big Bang Ferrari Watch on Ferrari car at Guang Zhou, China

As the name suggest, BIG BANG CHRO TOURBILLON FERRARI (Ref. 308.QX.1110.HR.SCF11) bears the Ferrari Horse logo “Cavallino Rampante” (prancing horse) in the center of chrono minute counter (at 2 o’clock) and the crystal case-back, plus “20th Anniversary of Ferrari in China” inscriptions on the crystal case-back. The famous Ferrari red colors appear as the accents on the solid tinted sapphire crystal, hands on chrono minute counter, lacquer on push-piece button (at 2 o’clock), “Hublot Big Bang Limited Edition” text and serial number on the crystal case-back as well as stitches on the Porosus Hornback crocodile strap.

Made from carbon fibre, the 44-mm Big Bang case is set with black composite resin bezel lugs and lateral inserts, Ǿ 8.40 satin-finished crown with black rubber insert and black PVD titanium screws. The black matt dial includes tourbillon at 6 o’clock, power reserves (120 hours) indicator at 9 o’clock,  chrono minute counter at 2 o’clock, chrono minute sub-dial, black nickel indexes, as well as faceted and polished white hands.

The HUBLOT FERRARI WATCH LIMITED EDITION is animated by HUB 6300 column-wheel chronograph movement with clutch tourbillon escapement coupled directly to the cage. This mechanism comprises 260 components with 35 jewels amongst them. Water-resistance is 10 ATM (100 meters).

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WILL LEATHER GOODS, the American luxury leather accessories company presents its latest “Found: Made in America” Collections featuring authentic Mexican tribal rug patterns as hand-woven by Navajo Indians thousand of years ago. Each OAXACAN BAG is inherently unique bearing such Zapotec weaving that includes natural elements such as berries, moss, tree bark and larvae, giving vibrant colors of reds, greens, browns and yellows.

THE OAXACAN DUFFEL BAG has dimensions 21″ x 12.5″ x 11.25″, spacious enough to bring all your stuffs for the weekend. Its top flap, made from vegetable dyed Oaxacan wool rub, is set with natural shrunken leather, top zipper closure, as well as detachable cross body strap and top handle.

Price: $495.00

From a small leather brand stand in Venice, CA under the name “Billy Belts”, the former Hollywood star BILL ADLER has shifted the company in Eugene, Oregon in 1981, to become a leading American men and women’s leather accessories brand globally known for high quality material and exceptional workmanship. Today, Will Leather Goods retails its classic-stylish belts bags, wallets, and other small accessories at Nordstrom’s, Sak’s Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Barney’s New York, and many boutiques across the world.

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It’s winter and Justin Bieber wore a beanie hat by TOPMAN at the radio station a few days ago. Made of 100% acrylic, the Navy and yellow contrast stripe knitted bobble beanie hat is sold for US $24.00.

The hat is machine washable.

Last night, VVIP from the Latin Grammy Awards gathered at the Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas to celebrate the alliance between Gucci and the Latin Recording Academy as well as SHAKIRA being honored with the covetable “Person of The Year” Award 2011.

As we featured a few hours ago, GUCCI has just launched digital wristwatch and bracelet specially designed for the occasion. That GUCCI Latin Grammy digital watch promptly caught the eye of celebrities like Taboo from the Black Eyed Peas, Latin Grammys’ host Cristian De La Fuente and beautiful Venezuelan TV star Chiquinquira Delgado.

Taboo of Black Eyed Peas

Cristian De La Fuente

Chiquinquira Delgado

Gucci Latin Grammy Watch

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I remember the Gucci’s first-ever digital timepiece was released in 8-8-2008 to mark the Summer Olympics in Beijing. Since then, that typical I-Gucci watch has been developed into various versions to become one of the brand’s best sellers. Today, GUCCI Creative Director Frida Giannini comes up again with digital watch to honor young and emerging Latin artists and promote Latin Music. Not only a special edition watch, the exclusive two-year collaboration between the Italian leading luxury design house and The Latin Recording Academy® also brings to life a jewelry collection and a special Gucci Timepieces & Jewelry Award to “Best New Artist” nominees at this year’s 12th Annual Latin Grammys: Pablo Alboran (Spain), Max Capote (Uruguay), Paula Fernandes (Brasil), Il Volo (Italy) and Sie7e (Puerto Rico).

Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Miami, The Latin Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (or the Latin Recording Academy), is a multinational membership-based association comprised of musicians, producers, recording engineers, and other creative and technical recording professionals. They have vision to improve the quality of life and the cultural condition for Latin music and its makers. The organization provides educational and outreach programs for the Latin music community allowing open dialogue with musicians and members of the music industry; therefore they will understand the business and know how to pursue a successful career. The Latin Academy is internationally known for the annual Latin Grammy Awards – an accolade to recognize outstanding music works anywhere in the world recorded in Spanish or Portuguese.

Music has been, and continues to be, a fundamental part of Gucci’s heritage. “Music, much like film, is such an active part of today’s culture and it also frequently provides inspiration for my work as a designer,” said Frida Giannini. Gucci’s commitment to the world of music has been asserted through the on-going partnership with the GRAMMY® Awards and The Recording Academy® and now with the Latin GRAMMY® Awards and The Latin Recording Academy®.

Frida Giannini and Gabriel Abaroa (photo by Gucci and Zimbio.com)

Giannini added,

“As a fashion house with a rich history built over 90 years, Gucci is proud to be at the forefront of initiatives like this that support young talents in their future musical endeavors.  It’s an honor to partner with The Latin Recording Academy, which is not only considered to be a leading music authority, but also a vital platform for the promotion of this vibrant genre of music.”

People in world’s music industry have been Gucci’s most loyal clienteles, including Latin GRAMMY Award winners such as Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony.

Gabriel Abaroa Jr., President/CEO of The Latin Recording Academy said,

“We are extremely excited to partner with such an iconic and luxurious brand that recognizes the importance of Latin music and its emerging artists. We look forward to collaborating with Gucci and celebrating Latin culture through music and fashion.”

To celebrate their partnership and preview the special edition watch and bracelet, GUCCI TIMEPIECES & JEWELRY has hosted an exclusive suite at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas during Latin Grammy Week (November 7th – 10th). There, a new section has been put together with the Music Through Time – a showcase of journey through the history of the Latin GRAMMY Awards, engaging viewers through audio and video. People in United States & Puerto Rico, Mexico, Colombia, Panama and Chile will have the chance to enjoy the exhibit either.

Taking the shape of I-Gucci, only larger and bolder, the special edition LATIN GRAMMY WATCH features double-layout digital display face, encased in PVD stainless steel combine with a wide black rubber strap and Guccissima insertion. With a flick, the face changes from a two-time zone dial in large digits to a streamlined version that features two digital hands revealing local time, including multiple Latin American locations. The watch has also multiple functions such as chronometer, countdown and other options. The “Latin Grammy Awards” inscriptions appear on the watch’s face and case back.

As part of the Latin GRAMMY collection, the GUCCISIMA LATIN GRAMMY BRACELET features glamorous black leather adorned with the Latin Academy’s logo – gramophone symbol; it is engraved on the rhodium plated sterling silver clasp along with the Gucci logo.

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To complete the “ICONS” series that consists of Muhammad Ali and Bruce Lee pens, MONTEGRAPPA launches special edition pen as a tribute to FRANK SINATRA, a remarkable artist who has redefined the role of the singer and who was the first to make fans swoon, scream and faint. As an unprecedentedly successful singer and actor – recipient of 11 Grammy Awards including the Grammy Trustees Award, Grammy Legend Award and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, as well as the winner of the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor (1953) – Sinatra has made significant accolades to put him on the list of the 20th Century’s most influential personalities.

Stephen Holden, writer of Grammy Award winning note “The Voice: The Columbia Years, a Frank Sinatra Anthology” rated Francis Albert Sinatra (December 12, 1915 – May 14, 1998) the first modern pop star who transformed popular singing by infusing lyrics with a personal, intimate point of view that conveyed a steady current of eroticism. “Almost singlehandedly, he helped lead a revival of vocalized swing music that took American pop to a new level of musical sophistication.”

Montegrappa “Icon” series: Frank Sinatra Fountain Pen

Montegrappa “Icon” series: Frank Sinatra Fountain Pen, sterling silver trim and 18k solid gold trim

The third series of Montegrappa Icons Pen features signature details of the bobby soxers’ idol, Frank Sinatra, those are:

• Blue accents on the fountain pen version as a reminiscence of Frank’s nickname and 1973 successful album “Ol’ Blue Eyes Is Back”; while orange on the roller ball pen reflects his quote: “Orange is the happiest color”.
• The pocket clip is carved in the shape of a classic microphone evoking the fact that Sinatra was one of the pioneers to sing with a microphone, following his idol Bing Crosby.
• Tip of each pen bears a musical staff and a G-clef.
• The barrel and cap are finished to resemble the fabric of a sharp pin-striped suit, while the end of the cap is engraved with a silhouette of Sinatra’s signature fedora hat. That type of hat, worn also by Michael Jackson, Jason Mraz and Bruno Mars, was made popular by Frank Sinatra and became his signature style. Today, the silhouette is the logo of Frank Sinatra Enterprise, a specialty record label which manages various aspects of Frank Sinatra’s artistic contribution to music, films, and stage such as music, videos, books, gifts, collectibles, ringtones, and unreleased footage.

Montegrappa “Icon” series: Frank Sinatra Rollerball Pen

Montegrappa “Icon” series: Frank Sinatra Rollerball Pen, sterling silver trim and 18k solid gold trim

Made of resin with silver trim, the MONTEGRAPPA ICONS FRANK SINATRA PENS are available in limited edition of 1,915 fountain pens and 1,915 roller balls. The number of pieces suggests the year of Frank Sinatra was born. While, in order to connote the month he was born, the pen manufacturer based in Bassano del Grappa, North East Italy since 1912 produces 12 fountain pens and 12 roller ball pen in resin with solid 18k gold trim.

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