The Wind Up – Watch News #334
Ulysse Nardin Blast Free Wheel Maillechort | Image: Ulysse Nardin
Ulysse Nardin Blast Free Wheel Maillechort
Brand: Ulysse Nardin
Ulysse Nardin Model: Blast Free Wheel Maillechort
Blast Free Wheel Maillechort Reference: 1760-401LE-4A-MAIL/3A
1760-401LE-4A-MAIL/3A Diameter: 45mm
45mm Thickness: 12.40mm
12.40mm Material : White gold
: White gold Movement: Calibre UN-176
Calibre UN-176 Power Reserve: 7 days
7 days Price: USD126,600 (Limited to 50 pieces)
Ulysse Nardin is no stranger to something out of the box and the new Blast Free Wheel Maillechort doesn't disappoint. The 45mm white gold model, which continues the same familiar design language we first saw on the 2018 Executive Tourbillon Skeleton Free Wheel, features a suite of sharp edges offset by a fusion of satin and polished finishes.
This time around, Ulysse Nardin has opted for a vintage-style glass box design that provides unimpeded views of the stunning skeletonised dial. The exposed mechanics and inner-workings of the timepiece are undoubtedly its best features, so it makes perfect sense that UN put these front and centre. Moreover, the open sapphire caseback gives you a further glimpse at the Maillechort (or German Silver) plate that anchors the dial side.
The Free Wheel encompasses all that we know and love from one of Ulysse Nardin's most theatrical timepieces; a constant force mechanism within a tourbillon, exposed and elevated parts, a synoptic of drama. With the Ulysse Nardin Blast Free Wheel Maillechort, you have all this and more with a beautiful traditional grained plate in German silver. The result is something that is as aesthetically pleasing as it is mechanically spectacular.
OMEGA Seamaster Diver 300M | Image: OMEGA
OMEGA Seamaster Diver 300M
Brand: OMEGA
OMEGA Model: Seamaster Diver 300M
Seamaster Diver 300M Reference: 21030422001018
21030422001018 Diameter: 42mm
42mm Thickness: 13.80mm
13.80mm Material : Stainless steel
: Stainless steel Movement: Calibre 8806
Calibre 8806 Power Reserve: 55 hours
55 hours Price: AUD$10,950
OMEGA's no-date Seamaster Diver 300M has been primed and prepped for a long summer of fun with a new reference. Sporting a yellow seconds hand, orange three-quarter hour markers and a matching rubber strap, the Seamaster Diver 300M is a whole bag of fun, but make no mistake, this is not simply a rehash of an old favourite.
For the new no-date model, OMEGA has boldly returned to an aluminium bezel and dial design., contrasting the styles of previous years. For the majority of last year, OMEGA toyed with new design iterations and combinations, releasing Seamaster models in steel with black or silver dials, titanium and bronze-gold with green dial and then, much to the delight of fans, a full bronze-gold option with a burgundy bezel.
For this bold and vibrant new Seamaster, a return to the classic aluminium dial and bezel format feels like some sort of homecoming, and it doesn't stop there. This release also features the classic 42mm case size, lyre-shaped lugs and the conical helium escape valve at 10 o'clock. I personally feel that the aesthetic of the no-date Seamaster Diver 300M, like the no-date Submariner, is well befitting of a piece of this nature. And now with dashes of orange, the Seamaster Diver 300M is like a whole new watch. Love it.
Franck Muller #FR2NCK MULLER Vanguard Beach | Image: Franck Muller
Franck Muller #FR2NCK MULLER Vanguard Beach
Brand: Franck Muller
Franck Muller Model: #FR2NCK MULLER Vanguard Beach
#FR2NCK MULLER Vanguard Beach Reference: V 41 SC DT BEACH FR2
V 41 SC DT BEACH FR2 Diameter: 41mm
41mm Thickness: 12.20mm
12.20mm Material : Glass fibre composite
: Glass fibre composite Movement: Calibre 2536-SCDT2H
Calibre 2536-SCDT2H Power Reserve: 42 hours
42 hours Price: USD14,700 (Limited to 300 pieces in each colour)
There are a lot of question marks surrounding the maison of Franck Muller, but something that absolutely cannot be overstated is the watchmaker's disposition and propensity to push the boundaries of conventional watchmaking. The brand's latest piece, the #FR2NCK MULLER Vanguard Beach, comes in three distinct colour ways in a glass fibre composite case and feature a relief of titular rabbits.
Building on a 2023 collaboration that saw the launch of a limited-edition #FR2NCK MULLER Vanguard timepiece, Franck Muller and #FR2's triumphant return is designed to celebrate the spirit of summer. As our own Rob Edwards noted in his first look, are certainly playful in nature, but there is serious watchcraft on display.
The iconic tonneau-shaped Vanguard case has been rendered in a composite of glass and fibre that combines lightness of weight with robust construction. Meanwhile, the repositioning of the date window from the 6 o'clock position to 2 o'clock makes for an interesting visual dynamic, where it forms a sun shining down on the rabbits at the centre of the scene.
This fun take on the watchmaking arts is further emphasised by the way each scene springs to life after dark, thanks to the watches' liberal use of Super-Luminova across their dials and skeletonised obelisk hands. Plus, the watches' graphic nylon straps, printed with bold streetwear-inspired elements, act as the final flourish, while the leather backing ensures maximum comfort for the wearer throughout the day. Fun and not-so-serious, but rather pricey; all things considered.
Bell & Ross BR-05 Skeleton Phantom Ceramic | Image: Bell & Ross BR-05
Bell & Ross BR-05 Skeleton Phantom Ceramic
Brand: Bell & Ross
Bell & Ross Model: BR-05 Skeleton Phantom Ceramic
BR-05 Skeleton Phantom Ceramic Reference: BR05A-PH-SK-CE/SCE
BR05A-PH-SK-CE/SCE Diameter: 41mm
41mm Thickness: 11.20mm
11.20mm Material : Ceramic
: Ceramic Movement: Calibre BR-CAL.322-1
Calibre BR-CAL.322-1 Power Reserve: 54 hours
54 hours Price: AUD$15,700 (Limited to 500 pieces)
Rounding out this edition of The Wind Up is the latest BR-05 Skeleton Phantom Ceramic from Bell & Ross. Sporting a black ceramic case with matching bracelet (also available on a black textured rubber strap), the BR-05 Skeleton Phantom Ceramic is a serious bit of kit from the unique maison.
Bearing all the hallmarks of the regular production BR-05 Skeleton Ceramic, this model measures in at 41mm in diameter and boasts a thickness of 11.2mm. Of course, the timepiece is also water-resistant to 100 metres, courtesy of a robust screw-down crown with lateral guards and a flat sapphire crystal; again a nod to the steel edition. Its dark aesthetic, monochromatic look and phantom-like features make for a spectacularly stealthy package. I would be remiss to say that the price is a bit out of touch, but let's remember that this is a full ceramic case and bracelet. Cool but expensive.
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Man of Many
a day ago
- Man of Many
The Wind Up – Watch News #334
Welcome to the next edition of your watch news go-to, The Wind Up, our weekly series highlighting the newest watches of the past seven days, and what a week it has been! Alongside a suite of stunning new high-complication models from the world's biggest and brightest watchmakers, there were a few surprise announcements that landed this week. In this latest instalment, we've got a handful of new and exciting watches, including pieces from OMEGA, Bell & Ross and Ulysse Nardin. Enjoy the read, fellas, and have a fantastic week ahead. Ulysse Nardin Blast Free Wheel Maillechort | Image: Ulysse Nardin Ulysse Nardin Blast Free Wheel Maillechort Brand: Ulysse Nardin Ulysse Nardin Model: Blast Free Wheel Maillechort Blast Free Wheel Maillechort Reference: 1760-401LE-4A-MAIL/3A 1760-401LE-4A-MAIL/3A Diameter: 45mm 45mm Thickness: 12.40mm 12.40mm Material : White gold : White gold Movement: Calibre UN-176 Calibre UN-176 Power Reserve: 7 days 7 days Price: USD126,600 (Limited to 50 pieces) Ulysse Nardin is no stranger to something out of the box and the new Blast Free Wheel Maillechort doesn't disappoint. The 45mm white gold model, which continues the same familiar design language we first saw on the 2018 Executive Tourbillon Skeleton Free Wheel, features a suite of sharp edges offset by a fusion of satin and polished finishes. This time around, Ulysse Nardin has opted for a vintage-style glass box design that provides unimpeded views of the stunning skeletonised dial. The exposed mechanics and inner-workings of the timepiece are undoubtedly its best features, so it makes perfect sense that UN put these front and centre. Moreover, the open sapphire caseback gives you a further glimpse at the Maillechort (or German Silver) plate that anchors the dial side. The Free Wheel encompasses all that we know and love from one of Ulysse Nardin's most theatrical timepieces; a constant force mechanism within a tourbillon, exposed and elevated parts, a synoptic of drama. With the Ulysse Nardin Blast Free Wheel Maillechort, you have all this and more with a beautiful traditional grained plate in German silver. The result is something that is as aesthetically pleasing as it is mechanically spectacular. OMEGA Seamaster Diver 300M | Image: OMEGA OMEGA Seamaster Diver 300M Brand: OMEGA OMEGA Model: Seamaster Diver 300M Seamaster Diver 300M Reference: 21030422001018 21030422001018 Diameter: 42mm 42mm Thickness: 13.80mm 13.80mm Material : Stainless steel : Stainless steel Movement: Calibre 8806 Calibre 8806 Power Reserve: 55 hours 55 hours Price: AUD$10,950 OMEGA's no-date Seamaster Diver 300M has been primed and prepped for a long summer of fun with a new reference. Sporting a yellow seconds hand, orange three-quarter hour markers and a matching rubber strap, the Seamaster Diver 300M is a whole bag of fun, but make no mistake, this is not simply a rehash of an old favourite. For the new no-date model, OMEGA has boldly returned to an aluminium bezel and dial design., contrasting the styles of previous years. For the majority of last year, OMEGA toyed with new design iterations and combinations, releasing Seamaster models in steel with black or silver dials, titanium and bronze-gold with green dial and then, much to the delight of fans, a full bronze-gold option with a burgundy bezel. For this bold and vibrant new Seamaster, a return to the classic aluminium dial and bezel format feels like some sort of homecoming, and it doesn't stop there. This release also features the classic 42mm case size, lyre-shaped lugs and the conical helium escape valve at 10 o'clock. I personally feel that the aesthetic of the no-date Seamaster Diver 300M, like the no-date Submariner, is well befitting of a piece of this nature. And now with dashes of orange, the Seamaster Diver 300M is like a whole new watch. Love it. Franck Muller #FR2NCK MULLER Vanguard Beach | Image: Franck Muller Franck Muller #FR2NCK MULLER Vanguard Beach Brand: Franck Muller Franck Muller Model: #FR2NCK MULLER Vanguard Beach #FR2NCK MULLER Vanguard Beach Reference: V 41 SC DT BEACH FR2 V 41 SC DT BEACH FR2 Diameter: 41mm 41mm Thickness: 12.20mm 12.20mm Material : Glass fibre composite : Glass fibre composite Movement: Calibre 2536-SCDT2H Calibre 2536-SCDT2H Power Reserve: 42 hours 42 hours Price: USD14,700 (Limited to 300 pieces in each colour) There are a lot of question marks surrounding the maison of Franck Muller, but something that absolutely cannot be overstated is the watchmaker's disposition and propensity to push the boundaries of conventional watchmaking. The brand's latest piece, the #FR2NCK MULLER Vanguard Beach, comes in three distinct colour ways in a glass fibre composite case and feature a relief of titular rabbits. Building on a 2023 collaboration that saw the launch of a limited-edition #FR2NCK MULLER Vanguard timepiece, Franck Muller and #FR2's triumphant return is designed to celebrate the spirit of summer. As our own Rob Edwards noted in his first look, are certainly playful in nature, but there is serious watchcraft on display. The iconic tonneau-shaped Vanguard case has been rendered in a composite of glass and fibre that combines lightness of weight with robust construction. Meanwhile, the repositioning of the date window from the 6 o'clock position to 2 o'clock makes for an interesting visual dynamic, where it forms a sun shining down on the rabbits at the centre of the scene. This fun take on the watchmaking arts is further emphasised by the way each scene springs to life after dark, thanks to the watches' liberal use of Super-Luminova across their dials and skeletonised obelisk hands. Plus, the watches' graphic nylon straps, printed with bold streetwear-inspired elements, act as the final flourish, while the leather backing ensures maximum comfort for the wearer throughout the day. Fun and not-so-serious, but rather pricey; all things considered. Bell & Ross BR-05 Skeleton Phantom Ceramic | Image: Bell & Ross BR-05 Bell & Ross BR-05 Skeleton Phantom Ceramic Brand: Bell & Ross Bell & Ross Model: BR-05 Skeleton Phantom Ceramic BR-05 Skeleton Phantom Ceramic Reference: BR05A-PH-SK-CE/SCE BR05A-PH-SK-CE/SCE Diameter: 41mm 41mm Thickness: 11.20mm 11.20mm Material : Ceramic : Ceramic Movement: Calibre BR-CAL.322-1 Calibre BR-CAL.322-1 Power Reserve: 54 hours 54 hours Price: AUD$15,700 (Limited to 500 pieces) Rounding out this edition of The Wind Up is the latest BR-05 Skeleton Phantom Ceramic from Bell & Ross. Sporting a black ceramic case with matching bracelet (also available on a black textured rubber strap), the BR-05 Skeleton Phantom Ceramic is a serious bit of kit from the unique maison. Bearing all the hallmarks of the regular production BR-05 Skeleton Ceramic, this model measures in at 41mm in diameter and boasts a thickness of 11.2mm. Of course, the timepiece is also water-resistant to 100 metres, courtesy of a robust screw-down crown with lateral guards and a flat sapphire crystal; again a nod to the steel edition. Its dark aesthetic, monochromatic look and phantom-like features make for a spectacularly stealthy package. I would be remiss to say that the price is a bit out of touch, but let's remember that this is a full ceramic case and bracelet. Cool but expensive.
The Advertiser
5 days ago
- The Advertiser
Asia stocks end mostly higher on US rate cut hopes
Asian stocks mostly advanced on Thursday, with Japanese shares hitting a record high, as tech-led gains on Wall Street, upbeat earnings, growing hopes for a ceasefire in Ukraine and expectations for US rate cuts boosted sentiment. Markets largely shook off US President Donald Trump's latest tariff volleys, including an additional 25 per cent tariff on US imports from India over purchases of Russian oil and a threatened 100 per cent duty on chips. "It's surprising that everything that gets thrown at the market that it just continues to melt-up," said Eddie Kennedy, head of bespoke discretionary fund management at Marlborough. Europe's STOXX 600 rose 0.5 per cent, with major indexes in Frankfurt and Paris up one per cent and 0.8 per cent, respectively. Britain's FTSE 100 was the outlier, dropping 0.3 per cent. In Asia, Japan's broad Topix index rose 0.7 per cent to a record closing high, with the more tech-focused Nikkei climbing 0.65 per cent. In China, stocks rose for a fourth straight day to close at a three-and-a-half year high as upbeat export data added fuel to the recent market rally. The Shanghai Composite index climbed 0.2 per cent 3,639.67, the highest such close since December 2021. The blue-chip CSI300 index was little changed. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index rose 0.69 per cent. Taiwan's stock benchmark surged as much as 2.6 per cent to a more than one-year peak. Shares in chipmaker TSMC, which this year announced additional investment in its US production facilities, soared 4.9 per cent to a record high. The KOSPI added 0.6 per cent, with South Korea's top trade envoy saying Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix would not be subject to 100 per cent tariffs. US S&P 500 futures rose 0.3 per cent. On Wednesday, the cash index climbed 0.7 per cent. "Wall Street seems to have gotten its mojo back," analyst Kyle Rodda wrote in a note. "However, there are persistent risks to the downside. Downside surprises in official data are increasing," he said. "Valuations are also stretched, with forward price to earnings hovering around the highest in four years. And trade uncertainty persists." The US dollar remained lower against major peers on Thursday, with expectations of easier policy from the Federal Reserve stoked both by some disappointing macroeconomic indicators - not least Friday's payrolls report - and Trump's move to install new picks on the Fed board that are likely to share the US President's dovish views on monetary policy. Focus is centring on Trump's nomination to fill a coming vacancy on the Fed's Board of Governors and candidates for the next chair of the central bank, with current Chair Jerome Powell's tenure due to end in May. The benchmark 10-year US Treasury yield was little changed at 4.2365 per cent. The two-year yield, which is more sensitive to changes in interest rate expectations, was up one basis point at 3.7134 per cent, close to a three-month low of 3.659 per cent touched on Monday. The dollar index, which gauges the currency against the euro, sterling and four other counterparts, eased 0.2 per cent to 98.031, extending a 0.6 per cent drop from Wednesday. The euro added 0.2 per cent to $US1.1686, following the previous session's 0.7 per cent jump. Sterling rose 0.2 per cent to $US1.3378. The BoE looks poised to cut interest rates for the fifth time in 12 months later on Thursday, but nagging worries about inflation are likely to split its policymakers and cloud the outlook for its next moves. Two Monetary Policy Committee members may push for a half-point rate cut, and two may lobby for no change. In commodities, spot gold added 0.3 per cent to $US3,376 an ounce, after earlier hitting its highest level in two weeks. with DPA Asian stocks mostly advanced on Thursday, with Japanese shares hitting a record high, as tech-led gains on Wall Street, upbeat earnings, growing hopes for a ceasefire in Ukraine and expectations for US rate cuts boosted sentiment. Markets largely shook off US President Donald Trump's latest tariff volleys, including an additional 25 per cent tariff on US imports from India over purchases of Russian oil and a threatened 100 per cent duty on chips. "It's surprising that everything that gets thrown at the market that it just continues to melt-up," said Eddie Kennedy, head of bespoke discretionary fund management at Marlborough. Europe's STOXX 600 rose 0.5 per cent, with major indexes in Frankfurt and Paris up one per cent and 0.8 per cent, respectively. Britain's FTSE 100 was the outlier, dropping 0.3 per cent. In Asia, Japan's broad Topix index rose 0.7 per cent to a record closing high, with the more tech-focused Nikkei climbing 0.65 per cent. In China, stocks rose for a fourth straight day to close at a three-and-a-half year high as upbeat export data added fuel to the recent market rally. The Shanghai Composite index climbed 0.2 per cent 3,639.67, the highest such close since December 2021. The blue-chip CSI300 index was little changed. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index rose 0.69 per cent. Taiwan's stock benchmark surged as much as 2.6 per cent to a more than one-year peak. Shares in chipmaker TSMC, which this year announced additional investment in its US production facilities, soared 4.9 per cent to a record high. The KOSPI added 0.6 per cent, with South Korea's top trade envoy saying Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix would not be subject to 100 per cent tariffs. US S&P 500 futures rose 0.3 per cent. On Wednesday, the cash index climbed 0.7 per cent. "Wall Street seems to have gotten its mojo back," analyst Kyle Rodda wrote in a note. "However, there are persistent risks to the downside. Downside surprises in official data are increasing," he said. "Valuations are also stretched, with forward price to earnings hovering around the highest in four years. And trade uncertainty persists." The US dollar remained lower against major peers on Thursday, with expectations of easier policy from the Federal Reserve stoked both by some disappointing macroeconomic indicators - not least Friday's payrolls report - and Trump's move to install new picks on the Fed board that are likely to share the US President's dovish views on monetary policy. Focus is centring on Trump's nomination to fill a coming vacancy on the Fed's Board of Governors and candidates for the next chair of the central bank, with current Chair Jerome Powell's tenure due to end in May. The benchmark 10-year US Treasury yield was little changed at 4.2365 per cent. The two-year yield, which is more sensitive to changes in interest rate expectations, was up one basis point at 3.7134 per cent, close to a three-month low of 3.659 per cent touched on Monday. The dollar index, which gauges the currency against the euro, sterling and four other counterparts, eased 0.2 per cent to 98.031, extending a 0.6 per cent drop from Wednesday. The euro added 0.2 per cent to $US1.1686, following the previous session's 0.7 per cent jump. Sterling rose 0.2 per cent to $US1.3378. The BoE looks poised to cut interest rates for the fifth time in 12 months later on Thursday, but nagging worries about inflation are likely to split its policymakers and cloud the outlook for its next moves. Two Monetary Policy Committee members may push for a half-point rate cut, and two may lobby for no change. In commodities, spot gold added 0.3 per cent to $US3,376 an ounce, after earlier hitting its highest level in two weeks. with DPA Asian stocks mostly advanced on Thursday, with Japanese shares hitting a record high, as tech-led gains on Wall Street, upbeat earnings, growing hopes for a ceasefire in Ukraine and expectations for US rate cuts boosted sentiment. Markets largely shook off US President Donald Trump's latest tariff volleys, including an additional 25 per cent tariff on US imports from India over purchases of Russian oil and a threatened 100 per cent duty on chips. "It's surprising that everything that gets thrown at the market that it just continues to melt-up," said Eddie Kennedy, head of bespoke discretionary fund management at Marlborough. Europe's STOXX 600 rose 0.5 per cent, with major indexes in Frankfurt and Paris up one per cent and 0.8 per cent, respectively. Britain's FTSE 100 was the outlier, dropping 0.3 per cent. In Asia, Japan's broad Topix index rose 0.7 per cent to a record closing high, with the more tech-focused Nikkei climbing 0.65 per cent. In China, stocks rose for a fourth straight day to close at a three-and-a-half year high as upbeat export data added fuel to the recent market rally. The Shanghai Composite index climbed 0.2 per cent 3,639.67, the highest such close since December 2021. The blue-chip CSI300 index was little changed. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index rose 0.69 per cent. Taiwan's stock benchmark surged as much as 2.6 per cent to a more than one-year peak. Shares in chipmaker TSMC, which this year announced additional investment in its US production facilities, soared 4.9 per cent to a record high. The KOSPI added 0.6 per cent, with South Korea's top trade envoy saying Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix would not be subject to 100 per cent tariffs. US S&P 500 futures rose 0.3 per cent. On Wednesday, the cash index climbed 0.7 per cent. "Wall Street seems to have gotten its mojo back," analyst Kyle Rodda wrote in a note. "However, there are persistent risks to the downside. Downside surprises in official data are increasing," he said. "Valuations are also stretched, with forward price to earnings hovering around the highest in four years. And trade uncertainty persists." The US dollar remained lower against major peers on Thursday, with expectations of easier policy from the Federal Reserve stoked both by some disappointing macroeconomic indicators - not least Friday's payrolls report - and Trump's move to install new picks on the Fed board that are likely to share the US President's dovish views on monetary policy. Focus is centring on Trump's nomination to fill a coming vacancy on the Fed's Board of Governors and candidates for the next chair of the central bank, with current Chair Jerome Powell's tenure due to end in May. The benchmark 10-year US Treasury yield was little changed at 4.2365 per cent. The two-year yield, which is more sensitive to changes in interest rate expectations, was up one basis point at 3.7134 per cent, close to a three-month low of 3.659 per cent touched on Monday. The dollar index, which gauges the currency against the euro, sterling and four other counterparts, eased 0.2 per cent to 98.031, extending a 0.6 per cent drop from Wednesday. The euro added 0.2 per cent to $US1.1686, following the previous session's 0.7 per cent jump. Sterling rose 0.2 per cent to $US1.3378. The BoE looks poised to cut interest rates for the fifth time in 12 months later on Thursday, but nagging worries about inflation are likely to split its policymakers and cloud the outlook for its next moves. Two Monetary Policy Committee members may push for a half-point rate cut, and two may lobby for no change. In commodities, spot gold added 0.3 per cent to $US3,376 an ounce, after earlier hitting its highest level in two weeks. with DPA Asian stocks mostly advanced on Thursday, with Japanese shares hitting a record high, as tech-led gains on Wall Street, upbeat earnings, growing hopes for a ceasefire in Ukraine and expectations for US rate cuts boosted sentiment. Markets largely shook off US President Donald Trump's latest tariff volleys, including an additional 25 per cent tariff on US imports from India over purchases of Russian oil and a threatened 100 per cent duty on chips. "It's surprising that everything that gets thrown at the market that it just continues to melt-up," said Eddie Kennedy, head of bespoke discretionary fund management at Marlborough. Europe's STOXX 600 rose 0.5 per cent, with major indexes in Frankfurt and Paris up one per cent and 0.8 per cent, respectively. Britain's FTSE 100 was the outlier, dropping 0.3 per cent. In Asia, Japan's broad Topix index rose 0.7 per cent to a record closing high, with the more tech-focused Nikkei climbing 0.65 per cent. In China, stocks rose for a fourth straight day to close at a three-and-a-half year high as upbeat export data added fuel to the recent market rally. The Shanghai Composite index climbed 0.2 per cent 3,639.67, the highest such close since December 2021. The blue-chip CSI300 index was little changed. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index rose 0.69 per cent. Taiwan's stock benchmark surged as much as 2.6 per cent to a more than one-year peak. Shares in chipmaker TSMC, which this year announced additional investment in its US production facilities, soared 4.9 per cent to a record high. The KOSPI added 0.6 per cent, with South Korea's top trade envoy saying Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix would not be subject to 100 per cent tariffs. US S&P 500 futures rose 0.3 per cent. On Wednesday, the cash index climbed 0.7 per cent. "Wall Street seems to have gotten its mojo back," analyst Kyle Rodda wrote in a note. "However, there are persistent risks to the downside. Downside surprises in official data are increasing," he said. "Valuations are also stretched, with forward price to earnings hovering around the highest in four years. And trade uncertainty persists." The US dollar remained lower against major peers on Thursday, with expectations of easier policy from the Federal Reserve stoked both by some disappointing macroeconomic indicators - not least Friday's payrolls report - and Trump's move to install new picks on the Fed board that are likely to share the US President's dovish views on monetary policy. Focus is centring on Trump's nomination to fill a coming vacancy on the Fed's Board of Governors and candidates for the next chair of the central bank, with current Chair Jerome Powell's tenure due to end in May. The benchmark 10-year US Treasury yield was little changed at 4.2365 per cent. The two-year yield, which is more sensitive to changes in interest rate expectations, was up one basis point at 3.7134 per cent, close to a three-month low of 3.659 per cent touched on Monday. The dollar index, which gauges the currency against the euro, sterling and four other counterparts, eased 0.2 per cent to 98.031, extending a 0.6 per cent drop from Wednesday. The euro added 0.2 per cent to $US1.1686, following the previous session's 0.7 per cent jump. Sterling rose 0.2 per cent to $US1.3378. The BoE looks poised to cut interest rates for the fifth time in 12 months later on Thursday, but nagging worries about inflation are likely to split its policymakers and cloud the outlook for its next moves. Two Monetary Policy Committee members may push for a half-point rate cut, and two may lobby for no change. In commodities, spot gold added 0.3 per cent to $US3,376 an ounce, after earlier hitting its highest level in two weeks. with DPA
Man of Many
12-07-2025
- Man of Many
The Wind Up – Watch News #331
Welcome back to The Wind Up, our weekly series highlighting the newest watches of the past seven days, and what a week it has been! Alongside a suite of stunning new high-complication models from the world's biggest and brightest watchmakers, there were a few surprise announcements that landed this week. From dive watches and sports timepieces to the latest in classy dress watches and grand complications, the last few weeks have offered no shortage of stand-out announcements. What's more, it isn't over yet. This week, the world's biggest watchmakers—and a few budding independents—kept the good vibes rolling. In this latest instalment, we'll be featuring some of the coolest new watches, including pieces from the likes of Vacheron Constantin, Breguet and Glashütte Original. Happy reading, fellas, and I hope you have a great week ahead. Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers Temporis Duo Grand Complication Openface | Image: Vacehron Constantin Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers Temporis Duo Grand Complication Openface Brand: Vacheron Constantin Vacheron Constantin Model: Les Cabinotiers Temporis Duo Grand Complication Openface Les Cabinotiers Temporis Duo Grand Complication Openface Reference: Ref. 9750C/000R-215C Ref. 9750C/000R-215C Diameter: 45m 45m Thickness: 16.40mm 16.40mm Material : Pink gold : Pink gold Movement: Calibre 2757 S Calibre 2757 S Power Reserve: 58 hours 58 hours Price: Piece unique Vacheron Constantin is at its very best when it explores high-complication watchmaking, and in the case of the Les Cabinotiers Temporis Duo Grand Complication Openface, we have yet another absolute masterpiece. Ridiculously complicated and bursting at the seams with unique functionality and design elements, the piece unique features a tourbillon, a minute repeater, and a rattrapante, alongside the usual time-telling indicators and a power reserve. According to Vacheron Constantin, the latest grand complication comprises around 700 individual components, making it one of the most complex (and ultimately hefty) timepieces ever produced by the Maison. Best of all, the stunning calibre 2757 S is revealed through the sapphire dial and the sapphire back of the 45mm 5N pink gold (750/1000) case. According to Christian Selmoni, Style & Heritage Director at Vacheron Constantin, the combination of functions, minute repeater, chronograph and tourbillon, is very rare in wristwatches, essentially for reasons of volume and precision. 'More usually, in grand complication wristwatches, we see minute repeaters associated with perpetual calendars,' Selmoni said. 'That configuration certainly requires a great deal of expertise but the chronograph, with its clutch and column-wheel system, which on this piece is duplicated for the rattrapante, is an even bigger issue in terms of miniaturisation.' The Les Cabinotiers Temporis Duo Grand Complication Openface is perhaps the ultimate expression of true haute horlogerie, and in this beautifully warm pink gold guise, there really is nothing like it. Immensely complicated, immensely exclusive and equally as immensely expensive, the Les Cabinotiers Temporis Duo Grand Complication Openface is just supreme. Breguet Classique Tourbillon Sidéral | Image: Breguet Breguet Classique Tourbillon Sidéral Brand: Breguet Breguet Model: Classique Tourbillon Sidéral Classique Tourbillon Sidéral Reference Number: 7255BH/2Y/9VU 7255BH/2Y/9VU Diameter: 38mm 38mm Thickness: 10.20mm 10.20mm Material : Breguet gold : Breguet gold Water Resistance: 30 metres 30 metres Movement: Calibre 187M1 Calibre 187M1 Power Reserve: 50 hours 50 hours Price: CHF190,000 (Limited to 50 pieces) Much like Vacheron Constantin, iconic watchmaker Breguet continues to expand on its illustrious history through its enviable high-watchmaking prowess. The Classique Tourbillon Sidéral continues the Maison's 250th anniversary celebrations and once again serves as the perfect reminder of the underlying technical brilliance that is Breguet. This time around, however, there is a brand-first. The Classique Tourbillon Sidéral is, somewhat surprisingly, the brand's very first flying tourbillon model. The original tourbillon movement was famously pioneered by the maison's founder, Abraham-Louis Breguet, in 1801, so it does seem shocking that it's taken over 200 years for Breguet to work on a floating iteration. Thankfully, it was well worth the wait. Perched inside an elegant cage on the dial face, the complex mechanism differs from its traditional counterparts through the absence of an upper bar. It thus appears suspended in space as if untethered to the laws of gravity. As our own Jacob OSborn wrote on its release, this particular iteration goes one step further by eschewing a pivot at the top to anchor all the support at the base, resulting in better balance and improved adjustability. Limited to just 50 units worldwide and paired with a beautiful aventurine enamel dial, the Breguet Classique Tourbillon Sidéral is perhaps the watchmaker's most triumphant celebration yet. The combination of the deep blue dial paired with the warmth of the Breguet gold case and dial accents makes for a stunning aesthetic. Spectacular. Glashütte Original PanoLunarTourbillon | Image: Glashütte Original Glashütte Original PanoLunarTourbillon Brand: Glashütte Original Glashütte Original Model: PanoLunarTourbillon PanoLunarTourbillon Reference: Ref. 1-93-03-01-03-xx Ref. 1-93-03-01-03-xx Diameter: 40mm 40mm Thickness: 12.70mm 12.70mm Material : Platinum : Platinum Water Resistance: 50 metres 50 metres Movement: Calibre 93-03 Calibre 93-03 Power Reserve: 60 hours 60 hours Price: €125,000 (Limited to 50 pieces) Last but certainly not least, this week is the new PanoLunarTourbillon from Glashütte Original. This new limited edition variant of the much-loved timepiece sports some beautiful aesthetic changes to the dial and case, however, still features that stunning flying-tourbillon in the bottom left quadrant of the dial. This time around, Glashütte Original has eschewed the traditional gold case in favour of something slightly more dazzling. The 40mm platinum design is lovingly finished with a mixture of polished and brushed textures, creating a refined and dynamic aesthetic that feels innately premium. Admittedly, as the 47mm lug-to-lug measurements might indicate, this PanoLunarTourbillon is no small number, but what it lacks in subtlety, it makes up for in stellar design and functionality. The German watchmaker has fitted this latest release with the new calibre 93.03; a movement that powers a stunning moonphase complication, the iconic Panorama Date (which uses two separate discs on a single level) and a much-coveted flying tourbillon. And then, of course, there is the dial. For this, Glashütte has introduced a special galvanic treatment to create a rich and textured salmon hue. The main section is grained, while the hours and minutes have a snailed texture, which works to add a certain level of depth to the piece. The result is a watch that is already super appealing, made that much more intriguing. Armin Strom Gravity Equal Force Ultimate Sapphire Blue | Image: Armin Strom Armin Strom Gravity Equal Force Ultimate Sapphire Blue Brand: Armin Strom Armin Strom Model: Gravity Equal Force Ultimate Sapphire Blue Gravity Equal Force Ultimate Sapphire Blue Reference: Ref. Ref. Diameter: 41mm 41mm Thickness: 12.65mm 12.65mm Material : Stainless steel : Stainless steel Water Resistance: 30 metres 30 metres Movement: Calibre ASB19 Calibre ASB19 Power Reserve: 72 hours 72 hours Price: CHF27,500 (Limited production of 25 pieces per year) From Armin Strom, we have the latest version of its esteemed Gravity Equal Force Ultimate, this time with an icy blue look. Inspired by the cool glacial lakes and Alpine light found in Switzerland, the Gravity Equal Force Ultimate Sapphire Blue boasts all of the same tell-tale signs that are very much becoming of its flagship status, aside from some small, visceral changes. The first is a blue PVD main plate complete with a guilloché pattern and a lovely blue nubuck leather strap. From there, you'll also spy a horizontal clutch and a compact micro-rotor within the watch's architecture. These additions, visible from the dial side, not only provide constant force timekeeping but do wonders for the unique timepiece's aesthetic credentials. The Gravity Equal Force Ultimate Sapphire Blue isn't an evolutionary update; rather, it expands on a collection that is already super successful and adds some more variation to the family.
