Latest news with #Breguet
Stuff.tv
2 days ago
- Business
- Stuff.tv
Omega boss teases new Swatch collab, but who's getting the MoonSwatch treatment next?
When Swatch and Omega dropped the MoonSwatch in 2022, chaos ensued. Queues snaked around city blocks. Watches sold out instantly. People flipped them online for double, sometimes triple, the retail price. And all for a $270 / £240 plastic watch inspired by the legendary Omega Speedmaster (one of the best watches around). It was, by any metric, a phenomenon – the kind of marketing moment brands dream of. Not only did it inject a bolt of fun into the luxury watch scene, but it also pulled a younger crowd into horology who might've otherwise bought a smartwatch. Two years on, and while the MoonSwatch is still popular, the hype has died down. But a new collab is coming… At an event in Biel to celebrate Omega's 60-year partnership with NASA, CEO Raynald Aeschlimann dropped a tantalising hint. During a roundtable discussion with journalists, he was asked whether any new Swatch collaborations were on the cards. 'Even today, I saw something different. A collab. Not with Omega, by the way,' he replied, according to Esquire's About Time newsletter. Cue speculation. If it's not Omega, then who is next up for a plastic makeover? Could we be on the cusp of another MoonSwatch moment? Here are a few brands that could be lining up for a shot: Breguet If we're talking anniversaries, Breguet is top of the list. The grand old brand turns 250 in 2025 and that's not just a 'cake in the office' birthday. It's also just had a leadership shake-up. Gregory Kissling, the former head of product at Omega, is now running the show. That's a serious signal that something new is coming. The Classique Souscription was recently relaunched, and a stripped-back Swatch version would bring a slice of horological heritage to people with regular salaries. Imagine getting that gorgeous single-hand design on your wrist for under $300 / £300. Maybe even a Type XX chronograph in bright colours? Sign us up. The only hitch: Breguet is very premium. Possibly too premium. It's Swatch Group's crown jewel, and they might not want to risk diluting that prestige with a plastic twin. But hey, if they do… I'll be camping outside to buy one. Blancpain Technically possible, but unlikely. Swatch already did a collab here – the Scuba Fifty Fathoms series launched in 2023 to celebrate the dive watch's 70th anniversary. It was fun, bright, and unexpectedly educational, thanks to their ocean-themed packaging and bioceramic cases. Blancpain's 290th birthday is this year, but going in for a second collab so soon feels like a stretch. Then again, we didn't expect the first one either. Still, we'll put this in the 'probably not, but never say never' pile. Glashütte Original This could be an inspired pick. Technically, the brand was formally founded in 1990, post-reunification, but its roots in German watchmaking stretch back much further. Plus, it flies under the radar compared to its Swiss siblings, and could use a bit of spotlight. A Swatch version of the Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date? That would be glorious – retro curves, bold colours, and a large date window. Or what about a simplified PanoMaticLunar? That might be a bit too fiddly to recreate with Swatch tech, but we'd love to see them try. A SeaQ diver makes more sense practically – solid, simple, and not a million miles from the Swatch Scubaqua recently launched. But it may feel a little too close to the Blancpain collab. Still, if Swatch wants to champion a lesser-known in-house gem, Glashütte Original is an excellent shout. Hamilton Now we're talking fun. Hamilton already leans into nostalgia and pop culture more than most of its Swatch Group peers, featuring in Interstellar, Oppenheimer, and Death Stranding 2 (to name a few). Swatch could riff off that with a collection of vibrant, plastic Khaki Fields. Imagine military-style dials in ice-cream colours. It would be absolutely perfect for summer. One issue: Hamilton just released its own budget-friendly Khaki Field Quartz line last year. A Swatch tie-in might undercut that or confuse the offering. But if they can find a creative way to separate the two, this feels like an easy win. MB&F Here's where things get truly wild. MB&F, the mad scientists of modern watchmaking, turn 20 this year. And while they're not part of the Swatch Group, we do know that Maximilian Büsser isn't afraid to think outside the box. They've already proven with that they can take that fantastical DNA and make it (relatively) affordable. A Swatch x MB&F collab would be bonkers – not just another watch with cool colours, but something totally unexpected. Unlikely? Sure. But if Swatch wants to flex its creative muscles, this would be the one to watch. Vacheron Constantin And now we're truly in fantasy territory. But hey, if we're dreaming, let's do it properly. Vacheron is celebrating its 150th anniversary. It's already launched a lot of stunning celebration models, including the steel 222 (which has become a bit of a cult icon lately, especially after last year's solid gold reissue). A fun, affordable Swatch version would be a dream come true. The problem? Vacheron is under Richemont, not the Swatch Group. So unless someone's planning an industry-shaking handshake, this one's staying in my dreams. Whatever's coming next, we're all watching, waiting, and wondering. If Swatch can have another MoonSwatch moment – whether with Breguet, Hamilton, MB&F, or someone completely unexpected – it'll be great for the watch world. Let us know which brand you think is most likely! Liked this? TAG Heuer launches a trio of Monaco watches for the Monaco GP, and I'm having trouble choosing a favourite
Man of Many
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Man of Many
The Wind Up – Watch News #326
By Mr Dimitri Tsilioris - News Published: 26 May 2025 Share Copy Link Readtime: 8 min Every product is carefully selected by our editors and experts. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more. For more information on how we test products, click here. Welcome back to The Wind Up, our weekly series highlighting the newest watches of the past seven days. With Watches & Wonders 2025 now in the rear-view mirror, it's time to set our sights on the future. The world's biggest brands are back on the design block, unveiling a string of incredible haute horology pieces, daily drivers and unique novelties. 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 releases from the likes of Breguet, IWC Schaffhausen and even a special art installation on behalf of TAG Heuer. Happy reading, fellas, and I hope you have a great week ahead. Werner Bronkhorst at the new TAG Heuer Sydney Boutique | Image: TAG Heuer TAG Heuer x Werner Bronkhorst Continuing TAG Heuer's motorsports celebrations for this year, the Swiss watchmaker unveiled a new multi-dimensional artwork created in collaboration with acclaimed contemporary visual artist, Werner Bronkhorst. Sitting pride of place in the recently renovated flagship Sydney boutique, the triptych of artworks pays tribute to TAG Heuer's indelible legacy in the world of motor racing and Formula 1. In the first piece, Bronkhorst captures the essence of the TAG Heuer x F1 partnership through a textured canvas adorned with a detailed outline of the Red Bull Ring, located in Spielberg and hosting the Austrian Grand Prix each year. A series of precise miniature paintings of the Red Bull racing cars are scattered along the track, illustrating the brand's existing partnership with the reigning Driver's Championship-winning team. The second piece focuses on the Porsche 917K, a model made famous by Steve McQueen in the 1971 film Le Mans. In that iconic film, McQueen portrays an endurance racer who, by virtue of real-life driver turned instructor Jo Siffert, has a penchant for the TAG Heuer Monaco. Featuring the classic orange and blue livery with miniature Porsche 917K cars on the Monaco Grand Prix Circuit, the sculpture celebrates TAG Heuer's heritage and its continued presence within motor racing as the title sponsor of the Formula 1 TAG Heuer Grand Prix De Monaco 2025. Finally, Bronkhorst's Porsche 911 sculpture provides a local connection, celebrating the first race of the 2025 Formula 1 season at Melbourne's Albert Park and TAG Heuer's announcement as the official timekeeper. The sculpture features the red-painted racetrack and miniature paintings of Porsche 911 cars, representing the global TAG Heuer Porsche partnership that began in 2021. 'TAG Heuer's proud history in motorsports is brilliantly captured in Werner Bronkhorst's artwork,' TAG Heuer Australia and New Zealand general manager Van Mulryan said. 'His storytelling approach, connecting all facets of our racing heritage, reflects a genuine passion. As the final touch to our renovated Sydney Boutique, we're delighted to display this piece, so our clients can experience this storytelling firsthand.' You can now check out Werner Bronkhorst's installation at the TAG Heuer Sydney Boutique for yourself. The installation was completed on May 22, the commencement date of the Formula 1 TAG Heuer Grand Prix De Monaco. IWC Big Pilot Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon Le Petit Prince | Image: IWC Schaffhausen IWC Big Pilot Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon Le Petit Prince Brand: IWC IWC Model: Big Pilot Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon Le Petit Prince Big Pilot Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon Le Petit Prince Reference: Ref. IW504901 Ref. IW504901 Diameter: 46.50mm 46.50mm Thickness: 16.18mm 16.18mm Material : Ceramic : Ceramic Movement : Calibre 51950 : Calibre 51950 Power Reserve: 168 hours 168 hours Water Resistance: 100 metres 100 metres Price: CHF100,000 (Limited to 100 pieces) IWC unveiled its latest and greatest in the new Big Pilot Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon Le Petit Prince. Clad in blue ceramic and featuring a whopping big tourbillon at 12 o'clock, the Big Pilot Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon Le Petit Prince is, despite what the name might suggest, anything but petite. It measures 46.50mm across by 16.18mm in thickness, and boasts a perpetual calendar along with a tourbillon and comes strapped on textured rubber. The Big Pilot Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon Le Petit Prince in blue ceramic is as striking as it is boisterous. I love the gold crown, a staple for all of IWC's Big Pilot watches. While its aesthetic is far from subtle, the combination of gold and blue paired with two high-complication functions is an absolute win in my book. Zenith Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar Lapis Lazuli | Image: Zenith Zenith Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar Lapis Lazuli Brand: Zenith Zenith Model: Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar Lapis Lazuli Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar Lapis Lazuli Reference: Ref. 03.3400.3610/51.C910 Ref. 03.3400.3610/51.C910 Diameter: 38mm 38mm Thickness: 14mm 14mm Material : Stainless steel : Stainless steel Movement: El Primero 3610 El Primero 3610 Power Reserve: 60 hours 60 hours Water Resistance: 50 metres 50 metres Price: USD$22,700 Wow, what a standout. Zenith's Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar is by far my favourite reference from the maison, and in its latest iteration, the Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar absolutely shines. This reference continues Zenith's blue theme for its 160th anniversary with a stunning lapis lazuli dial, the same stone found on the new G.F.J released at Watches And Wonders 2025. Proportion and construction-wise, Zenith hasn't toyed with the process too much, opting to retain the same 38mm diameter size, 14mm thickness and 46mm lug-to-lug properties. The lapis lazuli dial looks exceptional and serves as the perfect backdrop to the Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar's functions and layout. Similarly, the typical El Primero tri-compax layout remains with a chronograph seconds counter subdial at 3 o'clock, a 60-minute chronograph totaliser with a moon-phase aperture at 6 o'clock and a running seconds subdial at 9 o'clock. Most importantly, the use of the new stone dial looks every bit a winner, fusing unique design language with heritage inspiration. Make no mistake, Zenith has gone to town with the Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar, packing it with bucket loads of data and tech into a case that isn't overly large at all. Pair that with the lapis lazuli dial, and we have a solid winner from Zenith, which seems to be the trend as of late. MB&F SP One | Image: MB&F MB&F SP One Brand: MB&F MB&F Model: SP One SP One Diameter: 38mm 38mm Thickness: 12mm 12mm Material : Platinum; Rose gold : Platinum; Rose gold Movement: Calibre SP One Calibre SP One Power Reserve: 72 hours 72 hours Water Resistance: 30 metres 30 metres Price: CHF63,000 (Platinum); CHF58,000 (Rose gold) Max Busser and friends can do no wrong, and with the SP One, we not only get a new watch at a nice price point but also (potentially) a whole new collection of watches. The brand's latest release, which is available in either platinum or rose gold, could well be its most impressive in both design and functionality. With the SP One, we have a virtually open-worked dial with minimal architecture on display. At 38mm in diameter and 12mm thick, the new timepiece isn't exactly slim by traditional dress watch metrics, but the unique openworked construction makes it appear more streamlined than it actually is. What's more, MB&F watches aren't known for refined form factors, so the new proportions do feel like an important and entirely welcomed departure from the norm. MB&F's in-house calibre, eponymously named after the watch it powers, powers the SP One. The SP One is interesting because it's very dissimilar to anything MB&F has produced in the past, yet it looks as much an MB&F as any other watch the Maison has made, if that makes sense. The airy structure might be a bit much, but I really like it. Breguet Tradition Seconde Rétrograde | Image: Breguet Breguet Tradition Seconde Rétrograde Brand: Breguet Breguet Model: Tradition Seconde Rétrograde Tradition Seconde Rétrograde Reference: Ref. 7035BH/H2/9V6 Ref. 7035BH/H2/9V6 Diameter: 38mm 38mm Thickness: 12.60mm 12.60mm Material : Breguet gold : Breguet gold Movement: Calibre 505SR Calibre 505SR Power Reserve: 50 hours 50 hours Water Resistance: 30 metres 30 metres Price: AUD$74,600 (Limited to 250 pieces) After dropping a stunning Classique Souscription 2025 last month, Breguet's birthday celebrations are in full swing, with the heritage watchmaker dropping a new Tradition Seconde Rétrograde to mark its 250th anniversary. Clad in Breguet gold and featuring a flinque enamel dial, the Tradition Seconde Rétrograde is everything that we know and love about Breguet, just made better. Taking design cues from the maison's revered collection of established timepieces, the latest novelty arrives in a safe 38mm case made from Breguet Gold. Created especially for the anniversary celebrations from a blend of gold, silver, copper, and palladium, the bespoke alloy lands in the sweet spot between traditional yellow gold and more contemporary rose gold hues. It is, to put it simply, stunning, and it's a similar story on the dial. The Tradition Seconde Rétrograde features an intricately designed engine-turned dial crafted from gold and decorated in flinque enamel. Throw in the classic Breguet hands and numerals, and you've got a remarkable timepiece that pays homage to the most important name in modern watchmaking. The Breguet Tradition Seconde Rétrograde 7035 is limited to just 250 pieces worldwide and priced at a stellar AUD$74,600.
Khaleej Times
23-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Breguet marks 250th year with the single hand Classique Souscription 2025
Two-and-a-half centuries ago, Frenchman Abraham-Louis Breguet, considered one of the greatest watchmakers of all time, etched his name into the annals of horology with a series of technical triumphs that forever altered timekeeping. The tourbillon, the gong spring, the pare-chute shock protector, even the world's first wristwatch — Breguet's inventions were as poetic as they were revolutionary. More than just an inventor, Breguet was an artist and philosopher of time, wielding restraint and elegance in an era known for baroque excess. As Breguet's eponymous house readies itself for its 250th anniversary, it pays homage not with pomp or mechanical fireworks, but with a watch so pure, so quietly audacious, it could only have been conceived by the master himself. Enter the Classique Souscription 2025, a single-hand wristwatch that harks back to the original Souscription timepieces of the late 18th century. It is both a resurrection and a revelation. The original Souscription watch was born of necessity and genius. Returning to post-Revolution Paris in 1795, Breguet needed a way to rebuild. He conceived a subscription model: pay a quarter of the price upfront, and a simplified, robust timepiece would be made to order. Not only was it an early example of direct-to-consumer marketing, but it was also the democratisation of haute horlogerie. Large in diameter, legible in enamel, and novel in having a single hand, these watches became a touchstone for the collectors and the curious. The 2025 reinterpretation channels this legacy with finesse. The grand feu enamel dial is an ode to purity — crisp, radiant, and graced by a solitary, flame-blue Breguet hand, inarguably one of the most recognisable of watch hands. The Arabic numerals, inclined ever so slightly, whisper of another era, while the chemin de fer chapter ring brings structure to the minimalism. In this unconventional layout, time is measured not with to-the-second precision, but with elegant approximation: the hand sweeps across the dial in 12 hours, with five-minute intervals marked between the hours. Reading the time becomes an act of intuition rather than obsession, a quiet ritual for those who embrace time as a fluid presence, not a constraint. This is not a watch for the hyper-scheduled. It is for those who move to a slower rhythm, who understand that sometimes, not knowing the exact minute is a luxury unto itself. It is for the poets and the philosophers, the aesthetes and the artisans — for those who savour time, not chase it. The 40mm case is fashioned from a proprietary 18K 'Breguet gold', a warm, blush alloy that melds gold, silver, copper, and palladium — a modern interpretation of 18th-century metallurgy. Gone is the familiar fluting; in its place, there are a satin-brushed middle and gracefully curved lugs, lending the watch an intimacy with the wrist that's rare for something this steeped in tradition. And then there are the secrets on the dial — the almost invisible 'Souscription' and serial number engraved in enamel using a diamond-point pantograph, a nod to the brand's historic war against counterfeiting. As Breguet CEO Gregory Kissling aptly puts it, this watch bridges the history the brand wants to share with the future it desires to shape. And for Breguet, whose 'pomme' hands have become icons in the watch world, it is a statement that one hand is — and always has been — enough.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
What we learned from Ukrainian officials' wealth disclosures
Luxury watches, a collection of 20th century military uniforms, and a very expensive piano — these are just a few of the intriguing things revealed in the mandatory annual declaration of financial assets submitted by Ukrainian MPs last month. The transparency system was established after the 2014 EuroMaidan Revolution in light of the endemic corruption and cronyism that the toppled regime of President Viktor Yanukovych epitomized. It requires lawmakers to disclose all assets, income, and financial liabilities through the National Agency for Prevention of Corruption's online portal, and those who don't comply risk severe penalties — from fines to removal from office or even imprisonment in serious cases. The Kyiv Independent took a look at the declarations of some of Ukraine's most well-known politicians to see what they revealed. President Volodymyr Zelensky's declaration didn't have any notable additions since last year. Most of his assets, including some luxuries, are the ones he owned since before he entered politics six years ago. Among other things, Zelensky owns several high-end timepieces from Breguet, Rolex, Tag Heuer, and Bovet — the same items were listed in his first assets declaration filed in 2019. Zelensky's declaration also lists 76 trademarks, several of which are co-owned with associates from the Kvartal 95 Studio — a production company where he rose to fame as a comedian and actor before becoming president. Since Zelensky took office, he actually owns less real estate now — his declaration no longer shows a house near Kyiv, the land plot there, a house in Italy, and non-residential premises in Kyiv, which were likely sold, comprising gain in monetary assets. Instead, he only gained the right to use a state-owned dacha. The president still owns a 131.9-square-meter (1,420-square-foot) apartment in Kyiv, two garage spaces, and shares in two other apartments co-owned with the Shefir brothers, his long-time business partners. The declaration also lists a lease on a 91.9-square-meter property in the UK. His wife Olena Zelenska owns a 129.8-square-meter apartment in Crimea, which they bought in 2013 and currently have no access to due to the Russian occupation of the peninsula, and owns a 269.7-square-meter apartment with two parking spaces in Kyiv through her Cyprus-registered company Aldorante Limited. Zelensky and his family own some $1.1 million in total monetary assets, with 346,483 euro ($375,040) in a Swiss bank account. Before taking office in 2019, Zelensky declared about $780,000 in monetary assets, primarily from passive income on previously accumulated wealth and earnings from real estate sales. Their 2024 income was Hr 15,286,193 ($368,556), comprising of Hr 8,585,532 ($207,000) from government bonds, a presidential salary of Hr 336,000 ($8,095), and Hr 6 million ($144,578) from rentals, plus interest and royalties. His vehicles include a 2016 Land Rover, while his wife Olena drives a 2014 Mercedes-Benz S 500 4Matic — those haven't changed since 2019, either. Andriy Yermak, head of the presidential office, earned a salary of Hr 582,256 ($14,556) in 2024, around 44% higher than his boss's. The president's salary is fixed and doesn't include additional payments, whereas other political and civil servant positions such as ministers and the head of the presidential office, receive compensation consisting of a base salary plus allowances and bonuses, which in practice make up the majority of their total pay. Yermak declared monetary assets totaling $300,263, which includes Hr 4,980,000 ($124,500) received from Garnet International Media Group, a company in which he owns a 49% stake. Yermak worked as a media lawyer and film producer before joining Zelensky's team in 2019, first as an aide, and soon as the head of his office. His declaration also includes a 2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Former President Petro Poroshenko, currently the most prominent opposition figure in Ukraine, and by far the richest, owns an art collection containing 49 masterpieces by famous artists from the 15th to 20th centuries, including works by Titian, Peter Paul Rubens, El Greco, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Ivan Aivazovsky. The collection features works from various periods and styles — from Italian Renaissance religious paintings to Impressionism, as well as pieces by classic Russian and Ukrainian artists. The value of the collection is not specified. Other valuable possessions include luxury watches, designer clothing, handbags, jewelry, furniture, a grand piano, and various electronics. Poroshenko built his fortune as the founder of Roshen, one of Eastern Europe's largest confectionery companies, with shares now formally owned by his son Oleksiy, though they remain listed in Petro's declaration under anti-corruption legislation requirements. In 2025, Forbes evaluated Poroshenko's net worth to be $1.8 billion. He and his wife Maryna hold a total of approximately $135 million in monetary assets, a lot of it in cash. Poroshenko and his wife own over 20 properties, including apartments in Kyiv and Vinnytsia. Most were acquired before the full-scale invasion, including a 1,331-square-meter house in Kozyn near Kyiv with over 4 hectares of land. The Poroshenkos' vehicle collection includes several cars and motorcycles: a Honda CMX 1100D motorcycle (2021), a Volvo S90 Inscription (2021), a Mercedes-Benz S500L (2014), and a Mercedes-Benz S600L (2015). In late April, Poroshenko's wife filed a lawsuit to divide the couple's property, sparking divorce allegations. Poroshenko's party promptly said that the lawsuit was a tactic to protect the couple's assets from President Volodymyr Zelensky's sanctions targeting Poroshenko. The Batkivshchyna party leader Yulia Tymoshenko is notorious for filing relatively modest declarations while enjoying a luxurious lifestyle. According to her declaration, Tymoshenko doesn't own any real estate but she and her husband rent a 588-square-meter house. The rental price is not specified. The only real estate the couple owns is a small garage in their hometown of Dnipro. Meanwhile, the Batkivshchyna party leader owns a jewellery collection that includes pieces from luxury brands like Mikimoto, Chanel, Cartier, Chopard, and Dinh Van. According to Tymoshenko's asset declarations, she and her husband have a total of about $1 million in cash, most of it owned by her husband, and about Hr 1.6 million ($38,000) in a bank. Tymoshenko also lists a $4 million loan to her daughter Yevhenia. Yuriy Boyko — the pro-Russian lawmaker and former head of the banned Opposition Platform — For Life — has an apartment and a parking space in Russia, as well as significant gold deposits in a Russian bank. Boyko, a parliamentary member since 2007 and former deputy prime minister under ex-President Viktor Yanukovych, has a long history in Moscow-aligned political factions. In a Dec. 14 video on TikTok, Boyko echoed pro-Russian narratives about alleged "radicals" in Ukraine and restrictions on language and religion, later apologizing for his actions. The Boyko family holds a total of financial assets worth $3.8 million, part of which is kept in "NK Bank" in Moscow — $38,770 in rubles and $49,770 in gold. Among the vehicles owned by Boyko, the declaration lists only a 2006 Mercedes-Benz and a 1978 VAZ, while his wife owns two pieces of agricultural machinery. The speaker of Ukraine's parliament maintains an impressive personal library with approximately 5,000 scientific literature books. Ruslan Stefanchuk has declared total monetary assets of $188,506, with nearly $10,000 belonging to his wife, Maryna. He and his wife own two cars — a 2015 Renault Captur and a 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander. Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Olha Stefanishyna maintains the smallest savings among top officials. In 2024, she earned a salary of Hr 1,155,382 ($28,184) and received Hr 220,000 ($5,366) in alimony for her two children. She has $16,150 in savings. According to her asset declaration, Stefanishyna owns a plot of land and three apartments in Odesa Oblast, two of which are jointly owned. She owns a 2009 Toyota RAV4, which she purchased in 2012. Her declaration does not list any valuable personal belongings. First Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko declared earning Hr 3.1 million ($74,910) teaching at the private Kyiv School of Economics (KSE) in 2024. This teaching income significantly exceeds her government salary of Hr 1.2 million ($29,113). KSE is led by Tymofiy Mylovanov, who previously headed the Economy Ministry where Svyrydenko served as his deputy. A recent report by Ukrainska Pravda confirmed that KSE is performing analytical and consultant services for Svyrydenko's ministry, paid for by a European Union 1-million-euro grant. Opposition MP Vladimir Aryev has alleged a conflict of interest and filed a complaint with anti-corruption authorities. Mylovanov dismissed this as a "political attack," while Svyrydenko explained she teaches as a professor of practice under three contracts. According to her declaration, she has $13,059 in total savings. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha declared one of the most niche collections of any lawmaker. He owns an extensive collection of Ukrainian artifacts including rare books, manuscripts, paintings, jewelry, religious items, documents, photographs, and uniforms of 20th century Ukrainian liberation movements. Sybiha keeps all his monetary savings in cash, with $129,902 in total monetary assets, mostly in U.S. dollars. Ukraine's Defense Minister owns 1.9 million shares in the US-based pet technology company with Ukrainian roots Petcube, a pet monitor with built-in speakers, microphone, camera, Wi-Fi, and laser pointer linked to an app. Umerov reported total monetary assets of $107,155, which include an unaccepted creditor's claim of $18,239. Both he and his wife, Leila, hold accounts at U.S. JPMorgan Chase Bank, with balances of $1,788 and $1,188, respectively. In 2024, Umerov earned a total income of Hr 4.9 million ($119,531), consisting of Hr 1.6 million ($41,000) from his ministerial salary and Hr 3.3 million ($84,600) from selling securities and corporate rights in Black Sea Company LLC. Kyiv's mayor and former boxing champion owns a white Yamaha grand piano worth nearly $25,000. Also among his valuable possessions are a 19th-century antique stone clock by Jacques Murray & Co and seven watches — by Frank Muller, IWC, and Montblanc. Klitschko declared total monetary assets of $2,600,338, with 30,000 euro ($32,100) loaned to his younger brother Volodymyr. According to his declaration, Klitschko earned Hr 2.7 million ($65,060) in 2024. His declaration includes several vehicles — a Fine Custom Puncher motorcycle, an Ironhorse Widebody trailer, as well as a Land Rover Discovery, purchased in 2023. Klitschko also listed free use of three Toyota vehicles. We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The 8 Coolest New Watches That Dropped in April
This month was largely dominated by the massive wave of timepieces to drop at Watches & Wonders, the world's largest watch fair. But there were plenty of other releases of note that followed. Audemars Piguet dropped some striking navy ceramic watches inspired by the 'Blue Nuit, Nuage 50' hue of the original Royal Oak dial (it's a trend we saw elsewhere…also launched this month were a series of blue ceramic Chanel timepieces in a more matte iteration). Breguet stunned with a wristwatch version of one of its earliest souscription timepieces dating back two centuries. William Massena LAB x Raúl Pagès executed a beautifully done minimalist timepiece combining modern and traditional elements (also punctuated by a deep midnight blue). And Richard Mille was back at it with its colorful sapphire crystal game. Let's dive into what followed the flood of timepieces earlier this month. More from Robb Report How This N.Y.C. Pizza Joint Became a Clubhouse for a New Breed of Watch Collector Inside Miami Music Exec Lex Borrero's Unconventional Watch Collection Tiffany & Co. Debuts High Jewelry with a $3.5 Million Diamond Ring, Insane Rubies, and Rare Paraìbas Best of Robb Report The 25 Greatest Independent Watchmakers in the World The 10 Most Expensive Watches Sold at Auction in the 21st Century (So Far) 11 Stunning Jewelry Moments From the 2020 Oscars Click here to read the full article. Launched last year in red gold, this new Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Automatique in 42 mm now comes in polished stainless steel. The model is a tribute to the original Fifty Fathoms dive watch—the company's most recognizable timekeeper—and houses an automatic caliber 1315 movement with a 5-day power reserve topped off with a sunburst black dial. Offered on a steel bracelet, NATO strap, or tropic rubber strap with a pin buckle or deployant clasp, this is a non-limited model that will now be part of the brand's permanent collection. BUY NOW: $15,500-$18,000 This marks the third collaboration between Massena LAB, founded by horological expert William Massena, and Raúl Pagès, an independent Swiss watchmaker. Its ultra-minimalist, sleek look follows a similar vibe to the RP2 watch released by Pagès in March. Here, however, you have a similar aesthetic but infused with classic and historical influences brought to the timepiece by Massena. A midnight blue mainplate is the striking centerpiece. It is vertically brushed and changes color depending on the light from deep blue to petrol to slate. Surrounding it is a radially-brushed, rhodium-plated chapter ring with a black railroad track to mark the hours and minutes. The seconds are located at 6 o'clock, which sits slightly below the main dial for a touch of added depth. Behind the well-balanced dial is the Swiss-made, hand-finished manual-winding caliber M660 with a power reserve of 60 hours. The movement is decorated with Côtes de Genève finishing on the broad plate and hand-chamfered plates and bridges. The 38.5 mm stainless steel timepiece, accented with an Italian leather dove gray strap is limited to just 99 pieces and with this much crafstmanship under $10,000 it will be quite a steal. BUY NOW: $8,875 Last year, Zenith released the ultra-desirable 38 mm Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar during LVMH watch week in Miami. The steel versions were good look and a great remind of why the El Primero will always be one of watchmaking's legendary movements. Now it comes in a new rose gold version and we'd argue you could easily be convinced to get one of each. And while you may know that the El Primero later powered Ebel and Rolex models that helped relaunch the renaissance of mechanical watches, you might be surprised to know that this was one of the earliest models that movement was used for at the Zenith manufacture. And because you probably won't get your hands on one of the 25 prototypes developed as early as 1970 with the El Primero's A386 movement, you'll likely be just as happy with the modern version equipped with the updated 3160 caliber which has a true 1/10th of a second timing function and 60 hours of power reserve. BUY NOW: $26,300 Inspired by the 'Blue Nuit, Nuage 50' hue of the original Royal Oak's dial from 1972, Audemars Piguet developed a special ceramic using a PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) to mimic the color and obtain its consistency throughout. The brand released three models using the rich hue: a 41 mm Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked, a 43 mm Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph in a two-tone design, and this all-blue 42 mm Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph. We prefer the latter for its high-impact, but comparatively toned-down look. It's powered by the caliber 4404, which boasts an integrated selfwinding chronograph with a column wheel and flyback function. A bonus: You can see the column wheel in action through the sapphire crystal caseback. BUY NOW: $86,900 Richard Mille is nothing if not colorful and high tech. At the end of last year, the company dropped four new brightly-hued RM-07 sapphire crystal watches in electric lime green variations, fuchsia, and lilac. They're back at it this year with more 'toned down' colors for a trio of RM 75-01 sapphire timepieces with flying tourbillons. There are two combining clear and colored sapphired crystal in baby blue on a white rubber strap and purple on a pink leather strap (limited to 10 in each color) and a clear sapphire crystal version on a mint green leather strap (limited to 15). Aside from its obviously complicated interior mechanics which operate on 65 hours of power reserve, each case requires over 1,000 hours to extract its structure from a block of the material weighing roughly 132 pounds and another 40 days of 'grinding around the clock' according to the company. You might not be able to read the time, but one almost doesn't care with these funky works of art. BUY NOW: Price Upon Request To celebrate its 250th anniversary this year, Breguet is returning to purity with this beautifully executed new 40 mm timepiece. It features a clean white enamel dial with time displayed by a single blued Breguet hand and Arabic numerals. Two centuries ago it was debuted by the godfather of watchmaking, Abraham-Louis Breguet as a pocket watch. Dating to 1797, the pocket watch was one of the earliest Souscription watches from the man who invented the concept now used by modern watchmakers like F.P. Journe and many other independents like him. As much an engineer and an artist as he was a businessman, Breguet created the idea of requiring customers to put a deposit on a watch, which enabled him to buy the supplies needed to make the timepiece without taking on so much risk. The movement is classic Breguet and directly inspired by the original pocket watch. But the VS00 gilded brass caliber is entirely new. Furthermore, it comes with a newly developed guilloche technique called Quai de l'Horloge after Breguet's original manufacture in Paris. The caliber, beating at 3Hz, offers four days of power reserve from a single barrel. Monsieur Breguet would, no doubt, be thrilled. BUY NOW: $48,700 Girard-Perregaux is coming to the table this month with two new gemset Laureato models—one with a white diamond bezel and another with a gradient of diamonds and blue sapphires. Both are cool in tone-on-tone silver—each 38 mm watch is set in steel with a rhodium-plated Clous de Paris-decorated dial. Our favorite is set with 10 brilliant-cut white diamonds and 46 brilliant-cut sapphires. Beneath, the watches are equipped with a self-winding mechanical movement with 46 hours of power reserve. BUY NOW: $20,100 Elevating its watchmaking game, Tiffany & Co. released its first flying tourbillon last year, but its expertise remains in jewelry. Earlier this year, CEO Anthony Ledru told Robb Report jewels will always be its first order of business. Surrounding the flying tourbillon is a perfect example of the house's expertise. The multi-layered dial is crafted from champlevé enamel with 3D appliqué lacquered flowers in Tiffany blue. The hour and minutes dial is offset between 1 o'clock and 2 o'clock and decked in diamond. Meanwhile, naturally, the company's diamond-set avian mascot sits perched atop the tourbillon. More diamonds accent the case, lugs, and crown. Flip it over and even the bridges of the movement have been set with diamonds, while the tourbillon is topped off with a sapphire. Its caliber AFT24T01 is made in Switzerland. The hand-wound movement offers a power reserve of 50 hours. Set in an 18-karat gold case, at 39 mm it's not necessarily relegated to the ladies.
