A fresh, colorful style that doubles as a must-have leather accessory – the V-Flare watch, a fun timepiece for the new generation.

A wrap-around leather strap pushes the boundary between bracelet and watch with that “oh-so-Versace” logo metal lettering. The straps come in a range of surprising color combinations: black and fuchsia, lilac and turquoise, light blue and dark blue, as well as black and yellow, and red and cobalt blue. An elegant grid metal bracelet version comes in IP Silver or gold. The petite circular case is featured in champagne or black IP steel. A precious version of the bracelet strap is also available with special diamond-shaped links and a diamond encrusted bezel. 

The Versace V-Flare watch starts at AED 2,500 and is available from April 2018 at Versace boutiques, at authorized retailers and online at Versace.com

A Timeless Gift They Will Never Forget

There is an indefinable power that comes with a TAG Heuer watch. Perhaps it’s the Swiss heritage, our passion, and the precision engineering, or perhaps it’s the integrated technology, stylish elegance, and iconic designs that have stood the test of time. Whether it’s the motor-racing inspired limited-edition Jack Heuer-Autavia, sported by Steve McQueen for him, the revitalised classic design of the Link Lady adorned with diamond bezel for her, or the Connected Modular 45 smartwatch editions for each other, nothing can compare to the elation of receiving a true icon. This year, give a gift that means so much more. Give them TAG Heuer.

For Him

TAG Heuer Link Calibre 5

The sleek, sporty and sophisticated Link Calibre 5 is celebrating 30 years since its launch with a masterful makeover. It’s understated contemporary detailing by legendary designer Eddy Schöpfer, is accented by a larger 41mm diameter, and retains its signature S-shaped links on its iconic bracelet, for enhanced ergonomics and comfort. Epitomising avant-garde design and timeless elegance, the Link for men is available with three dial variations: black, silver-plated and blue sunray, offering TAG Heuer’s most comfortable bracelet in an even sharper and more elegant design.

Jack Heuer – Autavia

To celebrate Jack Heuer’s 85^th birthday, TAG Heuer launched a limited edition version of the famous Autavia chronograph. Based on the rugged, reckless, and exciting lifestyle of Formula 1 drivers, who at the time epitomized a fearless, adrenaline-fuelled, elite, and fast-paced lifestyle, the Autavia was the chronograph of choice for racing daredevils including Formula 1 champion Jochen Rindt, and infamous petrol-head and Hollywood actor Steve McQueen. This exclusive new reissue is limited to 1932 pieces – in reference to the year of Jack’s birth – has been designed by Jack Heuer himself. The timepiece is both modern and faithful to its roots, capturing the spirit of golden age motor racing. The Autavia, along with these legendary talismanic figures, will forever embody the exhilarating world of horsepower and adrenaline, where everything can change in less than a second. 

TAG Heuer Autavia UAE (Photo at the beginning of the feature)

With just 150 to ever be produced, the UAE specific reinterpretation of the 2017 Autavia reedition combines all the heritage of its 1960s ancestor with TAG Heuer’s contemporary precision, functionality and Middle Eastern cues. This timepiece was inspired by the automotive heritage shared by the UAE and TAG Heuer, and pays tribute to the UAE through its tropical dial, reminiscent of desert sands.

Developed in partnership with Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, Tag Heuer launched the first nine pieces of the UAE Autavia during Dubai Watch Week in November. During December 70 more will be released, and the final 71 in the New Year. Each watch will have its specific production number engraved from ‘001’ to ‘150’ and will only be available in the UAE. The Autavia is an iconic timepiece loved by collectors, and a unique UAE edition will only add to its history and legend, making it a desirable collector’s item.

TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 01 43MM

The Carrera Calibre 01, so named because it was the first of a new generation of chronographs, is a classic yet contemporary sports watch inspired by motor racing. A subtle nod to the fast-paced world of racing is reflected in the movement’s Chrono functions which are identified by a red hue, the iconic shade of some of the world’s most classic racing car designs. This year, the famous proprietary chronograph is being unveiled with a slightly smaller diameter of 43mm, in a choice of three versions: intense black, deep navy blue and an elegant cognac brown.

TAG Heuer Connected Modular 45 – Kingsman Edition

Swiss luxury watchmaking and Silicon Valley Technology combine to create the incredible Connected Modular 45. Engineered in collaboration with Google and Intel, the Kingsman edition worn by pivotal characters in ‘Kingsman: The Golden Circle,’ is designed for every occasion, be it withstanding underwater shots, stunts, fight scenes, or day-to-day wear. The technologically savvy Connected Modular 45 is the ultimate in luxurious individuality, is fully customisable, and can be worn as an elegant analogue timepiece or as a smartwatch. Powered by Intel and using the very latest Android wear, the Connected Modular 45 combines the expertise and heritage of TAG Heuer with innovative technological advances.

For Her

New Link Lady

Dating back to 1987, the unmistakable distinctive design of TAG Heuer’s Link Lady is revitalized with contemporary stylings for 2017. With an elegant diameter of 32mm, the new curved profile of the bracelet, and the stylized, sophisticated finishing the Link Lady is striking in its appearance, accented by the polished shine of brushed S-links, and the iridescent appeal of all the dials in mother-of-pearl. The Link has become the standard in comfort, while different colour variations, incorporating a layer of blue-grey or black lacquer radiate an enhanced sophisticated hue. The date window at the 3 o’clock position and polished faceted indices complete the classically chic look.LINK printed at 6 o’clock

Carrera Lady

A sporty, contemporary version of the Carrera for today’s active young women. Available in a number of variations including the exuberant blue sunray dial with a denim-effect leather strap, and the timeless black dial with an 18 karat rose gold case and shiny black alligator-skin strap, the Carrera exudes contemporary elegance. The full-black option incorporating the full-grain calfskin leather strap, emanates a ‘rock ‘n’ roll’ personality, while all varieties of the Carrera speak to a new generation.

Aquaracer Lady 300 M

In deep ocean blue, or intense black for a more timeless watch, the new steel Aquaracer models are unflinchingly sporty and elegant, for the active modern woman. Options range from a completely steel strap with brushed links for ergonomic comfort to diamonds embedded on the bezel. Incorporating a natural mother-of-pearl dial in blue or black, finished with a ceramic bezel and a tone-on-tone strap with a satin finish, the Aquaracer is incredibly striking, while perfectly fitting an active lifestyle. For a touch of glamour, the dial is set with 11 diamonds, and the bezel can be set with 35 diamonds for a total weight of 0.59 carats.

TAG HEUER Connected Modular 45 with Diamonds

Pairing contemporary functionality with classic elegance, the Connected Modular 45 with diamond bezel strikes and unflinchingly ravishing pose on the wrist of today’s modern woman. Developed in conjunction with Google and Intel, the Connected Modular 45 pairs the heritage of Swiss luxury watchmaking, with the technology of Silicon Valley. Adorned with a Black calfskin strap with diamond bezel, the Connected Modular 45 is the perfect combination of technology, style, elegance, functionality and comfort.

Wearers of the new Companion Collection by BOSS know exactly where they’re heading. Inspired by classic compass designs, these contemporary chronographs are reliable travel companions. Refined and comfortable, they take functionality and aesthetics in their stride, keeping individual life journeys reliably on track. Precision is the way to go when charting new territory and on familiar ground.

An assertive appearance and modern materials get a nostalgic twist through details with a vintage feel. Curved dials and crystals, boldly contoured hands, elegant mushroom-shaped pushers and references with enameled dials offer a subtle salute to yesterday. Elegant meets sporty on the symmetrical chronograph face with its neatly discrete counters and printed indexes. Whether these watches are peeking out from a crisp shirt cuff, or teamed with downtime gear, they simply look the part. 

The BOSS Watches Companion Collection comprises contrasting models. There are chic black or beige enameled dials, or eye-catching variations in a gray or Champagne-colored sunray finish. Making an appealing retro statement are mesh stainless steel bracelets in either silver or carnation gold. Brown or black leather straps with a crocodile pattern are the perfect partner for that stylish document case, weekend bag, or phone cover. Signposts of success.

The collection is available across Hour Choice stores in the UAE. 

Two centuries of excellence

When the Bovet brothers founded the Maison in 1822, the timepieces they manufactured instantly became undisputed references in the watchmaking decorative arts. The presence of BOVET watches in specialist watchmaking and art museums attests to the enduring longevity of this supremacy.

Today, the BOVET craftsmen strive to honor this heritage by perpetuating their expertise and constantly pushing back the boundaries of excellence. The same unstinting quest for perfection also inspired Pascal Raffy to equip in 2006 BOVET 1822 with its own manufactures: BOVET 1822 Manufacture de Cadrans and DIMIER 1738 Manufacture de Haute Horlogerie Artisanale, where every technique is deployed with unrivalled mastery and the choice of noble materials continues to expand. This year, the BOVET collections feature two materials which the artisans of the House have been mastering and proposing since 2008. Their captivating appearance and richly symbolic origins are guaranteed to fascinate.

A stellar appearance

The origins of aventurine are as terrestrial as they come: it is a transformation of the silica contained in sand and most minerals used to make the glass that serves as a basis for the delicate fabrication of aventurine itself. To explore the origins of this artisanal composition, we need to travel back to the 17th century. It was in Murano, the capital of artistic glassware, that the first “recipes” emerged, which have been secretly preserved for years by the Miotti family, who are credited with its invention. To create aventurine, tinted glass is combined with copper and protoxide of copper inclusions, whose triangular and hexagonal crystals blaze with a thousand sparkles. The composition and manufacture of aventurine are empirical processes, and only an experienced, expert artisan can obtain a homogenous result. This is why aventurine remains a rare material that cannot be produced in large quantities. Aventurine features the translucence of glass, studded with tiny copper highlights that seem to float freely within it. Although it is a processed material, the aesthetic qualities of aventurine have helped it find favor with jewelers and even gemologists, who have labeled it “goldstone” in English and “rivière d’or” (“river of gold”) in French. The name aventurine itself is attributed to its discovery following a chance incident one day during which copper filings fell accidentally (all’avventura) into a crucible of molten glass. These days, the material is also often referred to as “stellaria” because of its obvious resemblance to a starry sky.

A philosophical dimension of time and space from the outer reaches of the universe

This same starry sky is the origin of the second material highlighted this year by BOVET 1822’s dial-makers, who showcase meteorite in several of the models in the 2017 collection. While a considerable number of meteorites fall to Earth each year, less than 2% of them belong to the “irons” category that can be used in watchmaking. And unfortunately, very few of them are large enough to provide enough material for a dial. The total weight of meteorites found on Earth that can be used for watchmaking is estimated at just a few dozen kilograms. This kind of meteorite comes from the nuclei of large celestial bodies (of at least several hundred kilometers in diameter). The variety from which BOVET dials are made comes from Namibia and is known as Gibeon meteorite (after the town nearest the discovery site). Its weight before crashing to Earth is estimated at 26 tons. Many hundreds of kilograms have been found scattered in various fragments since its discovery in 1838, but very few of these can be exploited for watchmaking purposes.

Ferrous meteorites consist of iron and nickel, while Gibeon also contains cobalt and phosphorus in minute quantities. The temperatures experienced by a ferrous meteorite when it enters the Earth’s atmosphere coupled with the speed at which it cools produce unique geometric crystalline structures. These structures, referred to as Widmanstätten patterns, give each meteorite its unique appearance and identity. Once meteorite has been machined, it is polished then plunged into an acid bath to reveal these characteristic patterns.

Beyond its rarity and unparalleled appearance, meteorite has strong symbolic connotations and evokes the origins of the universe. Every civilization in history has been fascinated by this extraterrestrial metal. The earliest known reference describes a fallen meteorite on the island of Crete in 1478 BC. The Greeks used the metal from meteorites to create a host of sacred objects, while in Egypt, a meteoric iron dagger was found in the tomb of Tutankhamen. The Black Stone at the Kaaba in Mecca is also reputed to be a ferrous meteorite, and the Inuit attribute their own discovery of iron to fallen meteorites.

As for the Gibeon meteorite, we know that it crashed to Earth in prehistoric times. While specialists are unable to pinpoint its arrival with any precision, we do know that it is 4 billion years old – just like our very own solar system.

In the 20th century, physicists addressed the notion of space-time and explored the inextricable links between the fourth dimension (time) and the three that govern space. Throughout the centuries, the origins of meteorites have fascinated scientists, philosophers, entire cultures, religious scholars and physicists alike, and have revealed to us the infinite nature of time and space. Many believe that this material is nothing less than proof of eternity.

So what more symbolic material could possibly be chosen to manufacture dials, the very surfaces from which we read off time?

Virtuoso artisans

Unfortunately, merely procuring these materials does not equate with creating dials. Given the extreme rarity and recent appearance of aventurine and meteorite in the watchmaking industry, artisans cannot rely on the experience of their predecessors. And so they have used their own expertise to develop the techniques required to exploit these two materials with their unique characteristics.

In theory, meteorite, which is 92% iron, should be easy enough to work. However, its unique crystalline structure and the various pressures and temperature variations to which it has been subjected during its long existence and journey through space make it an inhomogeneous metal studded with inclusions. Machining meteorite is therefore a particularly delicate process that requires constant attention. The next stage is to plunge the dial into an acid bath, whose duration defines the contrasts that will subsequently appear in the Widmanstätten patterns. Here too, particular attention is required, as the exposure period demands close observation and the acid attack will continue with a certain inertia beyond this point. For the 2017 collection, a black PVD treatment reveals the nuances on the surface while protecting the dial from oxidation. Finally, pad-printing and the addition of the hour-markers complete this delicate process and determine the dial’s final appearance.

The metallic flakes responsible for the starry sparkle of aventurine are themselves inclusions that make the material particularly delicate to handle. This difficulty is compounded by the hardness and fragility of the glass, which makes machining and polishing highly technical, tenuous processes, just like the various assembly operations. As glass is an inert material, the expansion coefficients of the metals to which it will be affixed must also be factored in to avoid any breakages caused by temperature variations.

The craftsmen of the BOVET 1822 dial Manufacture have successfully mastered each of the stages involved in the production of these dials, joining the ranks of the greatest specialists in the process and imbuing BOVET 1822 timepieces with a strong symbolic and universal dimension.