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V4 MAKES THE GRADE AT LUXURY WATCH AWARDS

The TAG Heuer MONACO V4, the world's first watch with high-yield mechanical belt drives, was one of three finalists in the Grand Prix de l'Horlogerie de Genève’s highly competitive “Haute Complication” category.

The Grand Prix de l'Horlogerie de Genève is the Swiss watch industry’s most prestigious award competition. TAG Heuer has been singled out six times in nine years for its engineering and design prowess.

“I’m happy for our R&D teams, who have been working hard on the V4 project for years. When we unveiled it as a Concept Watch at BaselWorld in 2004, people were very impressed but few thought we’d ever get beyond the prototype stage. Now here we are, five years later, winning industry recognition for the fully realized rollout model, which, I have to say, is even more amazing — both technically and in terms of style and design — than the prototype” said Jean-Christophe Babin, the CEO and President of TAG Heuer.

Winner in its concept stage of many design prizes and awards (including Wallpaper Magazine's "Watch of the Year" Award and Popular Science's "Best of What's New" Awards), the Monaco V4 is the revolutionary new incarnation of the iconic Monaco — the audacious, square-faced watch first seen on Steve McQueen’s wrist in the 1970 race classic film Le Mans.

Handcrafted in industrial-grade platinum in an exclusive edition of 150 pieces, the double-patented TAG Heuer MONACO V4 completely breaks with watchmaking tradition. Like the Swiss legend that created it — the world leader in luxury sports watches and chronographs since 1860 — its true sources of power are audacity, performance and a passionate devotion to the avant-garde.

“This comes on the eve of the 150th anniversary of the TAG Heuer brand,” said Babin. “A podium appearance for our latest leading-edge creation — I couldn’t imagine a more perfect birthday present!”

 

Longines Go Skiing

The world-renowned Swiss watchmaker will be using its timing skills on the glistening mountain slopes, namely as the official timekeeper for the 2009-2010 Alpine Skiing World Cup competitions organised by the International Skiing Federation (FIS). During this year’s World Cup, Longines presents the Longines Admiral model. A watch that stands for sports, performance and precision. Throughout this season, all eyes will be on the Norwegian Aksel Lund Svindal, the previous winner of the Overall World Cup, the Super-G crystal globe as well as the gold medal in Super Combined at the World Championships in Val d’Isère. Longines would like to take this opportunity to wish its ambassador of elegance every success during the coming season.

Patek Philippe Evening

08/12/2009

Laings of Glasgow hosted a dinner showcasing the Patek Philippe Geneva Collection and Laings diamonds on 24 November at Cameron House on Loch Lomond. It was an extremely enjoyable evening where guests enjoyed fine dining and wine whilst admiring the collection of watches and jewellery. Stuart Laing said “This was out best ever event, with customers coming from Hong Kong, Dubai and various parts of the UK.”

 

OMEGA at the Olympics

OMEGA has been providing timekeeping and data-handling services to the Olympic Games since 1932. Following the success of the Games of the XXIX Olympiad in Beijing, we are already setting our sights on the Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver in 2010 and the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

Our presence at this year’s Olympic and Paralympic Games in Beijing was the most impressive by any sports timekeeper in history: we were responsible for the official timekeeping and data-handling for 28 different sports at 37 venues. OMEGA was represented by 450 on-site professionals, 420 tons of equipment including 70 public scoreboards as well as 322 sport-specific scoreboards, 175 km (105 miles) of cables and optical fibre, 65 TV generators and state-of-the-art timekeeping and data-handling technology developed by OMEGA and adapted to the requirements of each sport.

OMEGA is proud of its continuing service to the world’s finest athletes and to the Olympic Movement.

 

IWC Event

On the night of the 5 October, Laings of Glasgow staged a momentous occasion when Kurt Klaus, legend in watch-making, addressed a gathering of out clients. Kurt is part of the Research and Development at IWC and the inventor of the IWC perpetual calendar movement.

For the evening, the store turned into a restaurant where a fine buffet dinner was served followed by Kurt’s fascinating and illuminating talk. IWC had on display watches that had never been seen in Scotland before and a number of clients expressed great interest in them.

Yet another first for Laings of Glasgow!

 

An evening of Oysters & Pearls with Rolex and Mikimoto

On Monday 21 September, Laings of Glasgow hosted an evening of Oysters and Pearls with Rolex and Mikimoto. This was the first time showing in Scotland of the Rolex Basel 2009 Collection. It was a great honour for Laings of Glasgow to be chosen as the exhibitors of this collection.

Guests were invited to the 29 Private Members club and treated to a fine dinner with wine while the Rolex and Mikimoto collections were on display. It gave guests a chance to mix with Laings team and personally view the watches and pearls. Executives from Rolex and Mikimoto were also in attendance.

An excellent night was had by all.

 

Norton teams up with Bremont

Iconic British motorcycle brand Norton teams up with British luxury watch Brand, Bremont, to produce limited edition chronograph to mark the return of the celebrated brand. The 2009 Festival of Speed sees the return home of the quintessentially British brand “Norton Motorcycles” – recently returned to the UK, after CEO Stuart Garner’s repatriation of the famous marque from its previous American owners. To mark the return of this famous brand an exclusive partnership has been formed.

Between Norton and award winning British luxury watch brand, Bremont Watches. Bremont is the Official Timing Partner for the ‘Festival of Speed’ The Norton team
were looking for a watch brand that shared their passion for engineering and a brand that would be-fit the heritage and history that returns back to the UK with Norton. Norton, well-known for unrivalled success at the Isle of Man TT races and their legendary ‘Featherbed’ frame design is now proud to be based at Donnington in the UK and will be releasing the new Commando 961 model later this year.

Commenting on the Partnership, Garner said “choosing Bremont for our exclusive
watch design was a natural fit for Norton. Bremont have the same standards of
quality and manufacture that Norton have held dear for many years, we look forward
to an exciting partnership of two exclusive and quality driven British brands."
Bremont’s Co-founder Nick English commented “with our personal interest in vintage
motorcycles combined with our backgrounds heavily influenced by aviation, it is an
absolute delight to be working with Norton. Our product development to date has
heavily focused on the use of the finest of British engineering, and this relationship
will undoubtedly just take this one step further.”

There will only be only 200 Bremont Norton chronograph mechanical watches made, each watch is hand crafted at the Bremont workshop in Switzerland.

 

Thierry Stern and Patek Phillippe

Thierry Stern took over the presidency of PATEK PHILIPPE SA GENEVA at the end of August 2009 and was appointed President of the Board of Directors, taking over from his father Philippe Stern. Patek Philippe thus confirms its mission as a family run business today in the hands of the fourth generation. The company also preserves its total financial and technological autonomy, the well established foundation for its leadership position in the world of fine watchmaking. Born in 1970, Thierry Stern grew up in the world of watchmaking. As of 1990, he embarked on a hands-on training path which took him on regular intervals from production workshops to business management, with time spent working with subsidiaries and retailers in both Germany then the USA. From 1997 to 1998, Thierry Stern was in charge of the Benelux market. In 1998, he was appointed head of the Creation department and quickly took part in group strategic decisions by taking over the position of Vice-President.

A Family Business carried over from Father to Son Founded in 1839 by Antoine Norbert de Patek who was joined by Jean-Adrien Philippe in 1845, the Patek Philippe watchmaking company has been in the hands of the same family since 1932. Indeed the Stern brothers Charles and Jean acquired the firm that year. In 1958, Henri Stern took over the management and presidency of Patek Philippe from his father Charles. Before assuming that position, Henri spent more than 20 years in New York where he founded the Henri Stern Watch Agency, which became the unique distributor of Patek Philippe watches on the U.S. market. Philippe Stern, son of Henri, began his career in the family firm in 1964. As the third generation to run the family business, he was appointed Managing Director in 1977. In 1993 he took over the presidency. Philippe Stern marked the history of Patek Philippe by contributing to its development and leading position in fine watchmaking. In 1989, he created the famous Caliber 89 for the firm’s 150th anniversary, then the Star Caliber 2000 to mark the new millennium. He launched the leading-edge production workshops in Plan-les-Ouates which opened in 1996, then the Patek Philippe Museum in 2001. He innovated again in 2009 by launching the Patek Philippe Seal, a new exclusive quality standard to ensure the perennial value of Patek Philippe timepieces. Patek Philippe is run by its Management Committee currently composed of the following members

 

Portuguese Automatic Edition Laureus Sport for Good Foundation

Schaffhausen, September 2009 – This is now the fourth time that a "Laureus Sport for Good Foundation" special edition watch from IWC Schaffhausen has set off in aid of a good cause. Thanks to the support of IWC and the commitment of the Foundation, the Laureus blue on the dial of the Portuguese Automatic is now the colour of hope for underprivileged children throughout the world.

Do some good – and enjoy it. The outstanding work of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation in helping children from socially disadvantaged backgrounds inspired the Schaffhausen company once again to put one of its classic watches at the service of a good cause. This is now the fourth time that IWC Schaffhausen has supported the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation with a special edition. Following on from the Portuguese Chrono-Automatic in 2006, the Pilot's Watch Chrono-Automatic in 2007 and the Da Vinci Chronograph in 2008, the model that carries on the range's support for sport in 2009 is the Portuguese Automatic, made of stainless steel with a dial in unmistakable Laureus blue and limited to 1,000 watches. In keeping with a worthy tradition, IWC Schaffhausen holds a children's painting competition within the projects supported by Laureus throughout the world. The winning design is engraved on a medallion and inset into the back of the case of the special edition model. This year, the jury's choice was a drawing by 12-year-old K.D. Sriyan Chamod Dilshan from Sri Lanka, who is involved in the Laureus project Seenigama Sports. He illustrated the theme of "Team spirit" with a picture of four young people holding hands in a circle. The engraving is a reminder that part of the proceeds from sales of the watch will go towards projects for underprivileged children in troubled areas of the world.

Bell and Ross Fundraising

Bell and Ross supports the only watch project and its incredible fundraising efforts in the fight against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. This year the brand will join forces with the only watch project to participate in this great endeavour to help children suffering from this disease. Bell&Ross are committed to help, which has resulted in the design of a diamond set BR01 Airborne, the subtle black diamonds covering the case are contrasted with the glittering white diamonds on the dial resulting in a fantastic display of artistry, With the fusion of materials, techniques and okay on light, the military symbol flirts with high fashion jewellery to give an exceptional result.

Bell&Ross chose this model as a strong symbol to represent the risks; courage and iron will that people with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy face every day.

 

QP Exbihition

Britain's first event of its kind, SalonQP is devoted to the finest in contemporary watchmaking. The Salon will be a showcase for the most exceptional watches from the most prestigious houses in the world.

As well as the brands present, the Salon will also feature exhibitions and demonstrations focused on the art, craft and culture of watchmaking with the aim of communicating the interest, fascination and attraction of contemporary watchmaking.

Naturally, the SalonQP will be presented in a private, secure and luxurious atmosphere.

The Salon will be held on the 6th November at One Marylebone in central London, with a preview evening on the 5th November

 

Exclusive IWC event

On the 5th of October we are holding a very exclusive private IWC event in our Laings of Glasgow watch gallery, we will be showcasing IWC’s next generation Aquatimer models along with a guest appearance from a very respected master watchmaker Kurt Klaus who is famous for single- handedly inventing the most accurate perpetual calendar in a mechanical watch!! A complimentary buffet supper and wine will also be available however this exclusive event will be held on a first come first served basis, if you are interested in attending please reply ASAP to grants@laingsglasgow.com. If you are unable to attend we will be showcasing these models in store for two weeks following the event.

 

Bremont collaborate with Martin-Baker to develop new watch

Bremont Watch Company and Martin-Baker have collaborated to design and build the ultimate aviation watch. As the inventor of the ejection seat, Martin-Baker is at the pinnacle of British engineering. The partnership combined Martin-Baker's knowledge of testing, materials and design with Bremont's watch making skills. The MBI and MBII will be Bremont's first 'Made in Britain' wristwatch.

 

Omega Celebrates the first moon landing

The first manned lunar landing on the 20th of july 1969 was one of the greatest, most dramatic scientific achievements in human history. Neil Armstrong stepped onto the moon’s surface at 02:56 GMT on the 21st of july. Nineteen minutes later he was joined by Buzz Aldrin, who was wearing his OMEGA Speedmaster and a legend was born.

Two OMEGA Speedmaster Professional moonwatch Apollo11 “40th Anniversary” Limited Edition watches have been released to celebrate the adventure : one in stainless steel limited to 7,969 pieces and the otter in platinum and 18ct yellow gold limited to only 69 pieces.

2009 Only watch Auction/Monaco

A unique Patek Philippe celestial model in rose gold with date indication, ref5106R will be auctioned-off on September 24th 2009 at 6:00pm in Monaco to fund medical research for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

“We decided to create this unique watch for Only Watch 09,” says Thierry Stern, Vice President of Patek Philippe, “because astronomical indication watches remain among the rarest type of complications and are also one of the most intriguing ones. The sky and stars are a source of dreams and hope, hope for the better as made possible by the organization of Only Watch.”

Prior to the auction, an exhibition world tour is organized from the end of July to mid-September:

• SHANGHAI (Park Hyatt): 29 – 31/07/09
• GENEVA (Patrizzi & Co): 27 – 29/08/09
• LONDON (Asprey): 3 – 5/09/09
• NEW YORK (Tourneau): 10 – 12/09/09
• MILAN (Pisa Orologeria): 17 – 18/09/09
• MONACO (Monaco Yacht Show): 23 – 24/09/09

 

Salon International de la Horlogerie

At this years SIHH annual fair Cartier have launched an array of exciting and innovative designs that have been created entirely by themselves, For the very first time Cartier are developing their own watch movements that reflect the brands intense and ambitious research into mechanisms. This remarkable foray into the world of calibres is a signature of a new approach to the fine watchmaking by Cartier.

Cartier Flying Tourbillion
A true work of art, the calibre 9453MC has now been incorporated into two historic Cartier models (18ct rose gold Tank Americaine and the 18ct White gold Santos 100) along with on of their more recent models, The Ballon Bleu. This one-minute flying tourbillion symbolises the art of watchmaking by Cartier and really is a Spectacular construction of craftsmanship.

Rontonde de Cartier
The recently produced Rontonde de Cartier central chronograph bears and ingenious arrangement of the chronograph feature which has been isolated in the centre of the dial. This arrangement offers exceptional legibility and a novel way of displaying the time, the central chronograph counter is held as if weightless above the dial by using a sapphire ring. This 9907MC calibre has exceptional capacity to integrate all fictional elements using a circular 42mm 18ct Rose gold case.

Rontonde De Cartier Tourbillon
For the very first time in the history of watchmaking the calibre 9431 MC movement had combined two of the most outstanding complications, The tourbillion along with the single push piece chronograph, The graphical platinum case displays modern minimalist elegance and the transparent sapphire crystal case back allows you to view the characteristics of the movement which illustrates fine watchmaking by Cartier. This model is limited to 50 individual time pieces world wide.

Santos 100 Skeleton
The Santos 100 Skeleton watch is a mythical and spectacular timepiece made entirely by Cartier. This iconic model is graphically striking using the 9611 MC Skeleton calibre which uses an innovative skeleton movement that has been designed to include bridges shaped as large roman numerals visible through two sapphire crystals, 138 painstakingly had made components bear witness to the excellent craftsmanship of this exclusive model.

Visit to Patek Philippe, Geneva

20/02/2009

One of our staff members Grant Smith was recently invited to visit Patek Philippe in Geneva.....

"Recently I was lucky enough to be invited by Patek Philippe to visit their headquarters and recently established museum in Geneva, Switzerland. I was staying at the luxurious Mandarin Oriental hotel which is situated on the right bank of the famous river Rhone.

When I arrived in Geneva I was taken to the Patek Philippe museum and was shown their fascinating collection which is arguably the most prestigious and comprehensive collection of timepieces ever compiled. The collection consists of over two thousand pieces that have been collected for over 160 years, the visit to the museum very interesting and would recommend any enthusiast to go. I was also taken to the Patek Philippe Headquarters where I was able to tour the facilities which gave me the opportunity to see all areas of manufacturing from start to finish.

I was introduced to various watchmakers throughout the tour where I was able to ask questions and ultimately gain a deeper appreciation of the process in order to create a Patek Philippe timepiece. Pride of workmanship and great attention to detail was evident at every step of manufacturing.

The trip was not all about business; I was wined and dined throughout! This was my first trip to Switzerland and hopefully not my last as I gained a great deal of experience and feel privileged to have been able to visit."

 

Bremont Event with Charley Boorman

Laings of Glasgow launched new watch brand Bremont on Thursday 4 December and Charley Boorman was in attendance to give some insights into his travels and how his Bremont watch stood up to the trials and tribulations of travelling around the world. All guests had a great time with wine and thoroughly enjoyed listening to Charley and viewing the watches! Charley recently completed his BBC series By Any Means and is famous for his motorcycle rides across the world with Ewan McGregor.

Laings of Glasgow are exclusive agents to the Bremont brand. For further information on the watches, please call 0141 221 7199 or visit our showroom, 46-48 Argyll Arcade.

Patek Philippe Evening

Laings of Glasgow recently held a very successful night showcasing the Patek Philippe Geneva collection in the Supper Club of the exclusive 29 Club in Glasgow. The fine wine and food served befitted the occasion. Many exquisite and rare timepieces were on display and our guests had a great time trying on the various watches.

Patek Philippe is exclusive to Laings of Glasgow in the West of Scotland. For further information on this brand, please visit our showroom or contact us on 0141 221 7199 or mail@laingsglasgow.com

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