Raising the Stakes
You don’t just want a house that will increase in value, you want to beat the market. Phil Spencer tells you how Your home is your most valuable asset and should be regarded as a business investment whether you intend to live there for five, 10 or 15 years.
(Category: Blogs: Spencer | Author: Phil Spencer)
Buying From a Developer
Purchasers who aspire to live in a fresh, new, modern environment but don’t have time or expertise to do the work themselves, feel that in paying a premium for a refurbished property they’ll get the finished article they desire. When everything goes smoothly it seems a fair trade: cash, in exchange for goods and services.
(Category: Blogs: Spencer | Author: Phil Spencer)
Content Matching 'watch' in Features
Drive the Best
The Ferrari 599 is probably the best GT car currently in production - fact. It has the stunning 600 bhp engine from the fabulously expensive Enzo, mounted in a chassis so communicative that you know what it’s about to do before it’s done it. It has shift lights and electronic differential controls on the steering wheel that make you feel like Michael Schumacher.
(Category: Features | Author: Ben Samuelson)
Watch This Space
We have been pretty vocal about our new found love affair with Bremont watches in the past few issues of Lusso Magazine, so imagine our excitement when we found out that our favourite watch brand had just become the official timers of our favourite summer event - The Goodwood Festival of Speed.
(Category: Features | Author: Kenneth Logintz)
Cohiba Cohiba
In the world of wine there is Champagne, in the world of whisky there are single malts and, in the world of cigars there is Cuba. Many, if not most, products have their stars but it is rare that within that category there is one clear leader. Unusually, Cuban cigars have that flagship brand that is not only put at the top by its manufacturers but also by the press and the consumers.
(Category: Features | Author: David Walston)
Italian Stallions
Like every reader of Lusso, I can tell the difference between a Pouilly Fuissé and a Pouilly Fumé without inhaling. I can distinguish between Gucci and Pucci with my eyes closed. I am, in other words, so profoundly sophisticated and so preternaturally cool that it sometimes gives me a headache.
(Category: Features | Author: Oliver Walston)
David & Goliath
Once upon a time, long before the wristwatch was invented, the best clocks in the world came from England. The trouble was that they were rather big. This did not matter if their function was to act as a ship’s chronometer but it did get slightly awkward if, like all fashionable men, you tried to keep one of these clocks in your waistcoat pocket.
(Category: Features | Author: Oliver Walston)
Everlands
Having never been to New York City, I perched on the side of my extra wide EOS seat enjoying the sights out of the window as the plane descended towards J. F. Kennedy airport. We land and I’m shuttled through the terminal’s eerily deserted border control and within 30 minutes I’m halfway across the airport, taking a short drive to the GA Terminal.
(Category: Features | Author: Daniel Sharp)
Interview - Roger Smith
Some categories of people are rather rare. Italian war heroes, vegetarian cowboys, drunken nuns and English watchmakers are all hard to find. Roger Smith certainly comes into this category.
(Category: Features | Author: Oliver Walston)
The Boys of Bremont
For Giles and I, our interest in all things mechanical began as young children. Our weekends and evenings were spent with our father in his workshop, tinkering with balsa wood, cogs and wheels and any other ‘spare’ materials we could find lying around. Our father was an incredible engineer.
(Category: Features | Author: Nick English)
The Death of Luxury
The death of luxury has been overly heralded and grossly simplified. Some see the idea as provocative. Some see a certain karmic justice in the idea. And still others use a down turn in the economy as an indicator that the luxury world is superfluous and fluffy: that when in a financial pinch, the average luxury consumer will abandon his or her extravagant ways in favour of a solid rational purchasing habit.
(Category: Features | Author: Alex Ducksworth)
Southern Grace
There are two great things about South Africa. One is that it is in the southern hemisphere, and so it is one half of the perfect life – summer in England (OK, well maybe not this year), and winter 7000 miles further south. The second is that, unlike almost any other non-European travel hotspot, it is only one or two hours forward of GMT, so no jetlag. Get on the plane at night, go to sleep, and get off at the other end with no bizarre body clock malfunctions.
(Category: Features | Author: David Walston)
In Search of Perfection
As the sun rises a cacophony of bells ring throughout the whole of Florence, it was time to check out of our hotel set deep within the centre of the city. This first stage of our journey would be undoubtedly the most challenging, as my F430 and the other two cars accompanying us (a Ferrari 599 and a 430 Spider) had to navigate through busy, central Florence to the nearest petrol station.
(Category: Features | Author: Daniel Sharp)
Surf and Turf
Outside the wind is howling, the sky is grey, and rain is splattering off the windows. The view would be fantastic - if the fog would only lift. Being cosy is always a great feeling, but even more so if only half an hour previously you have been lying in a bog on the side of a mountain, trousers soaked through, and water dripping off the brim of a decidedly un-stalkerish looking flatcap. At the time I didn’t notice the rain at all, my eyes were fixed on a stag standing only 100m away, across a small hollow.
(Category: Features | Author: David Walston)
Spitfire Training 101
Well, it has been a good year in the City hasn’t it? You’ve just had your bonus, and you are suddenly several million pounds richer than you were this morning. What will you buy? If you fancy an iconic aeroplane, then I think that a nice clean Spitfire Mk IX with a new Permit and a recently overhauled Merlin engine would be near the top of many pilots’ shopping lists but who’s going to teach you how to fly it?
(Category: Features | Author: David Unwin)
Escaping New York City
As a boy, the impending departure for a holiday abroad brought great excitement and sleepless nights. The adventure wasn’t just about the destination and the promise of waterslides, swimming pools and meals with grown ups, I was excited about the travel aspect too. The drama of the airport, shopping in duty free and the chance to inspect the plane’s cockpit.
(Category: Features | Author: Brett Gregory Peake)
A Guide to Polo
The sport of polo is experiencing its greatest growth spurt since it ceased to be an Olympic sport after The Second World War. In its hey day, from the late Victorian era to the 1930’s, polo was revered as the “Sport of Kings”.
(Category: Features | Author: Johnny Lynn)
Aero GP: Constanta Challenge
As I sit here, a stone’s throw away from a fleet of nine World War II P-51 Mustangs, Bear Cats and Sea Fury warbirds rumbling past at 500mph just feet above the ground, I think to myself...
(Category: Features | Author: Jeff Zaltman)
Lewis Hamilton Tag Heuer Event
TAG Heuer Ambassador Lewis Hamilton took to the stage where he answered questions from guest panelists including Pink Floyd drummer, Nick Mason, GQ Editor, Dylan Jones and TAG CEO and President, Jean-Christophe Babin.
(Category: Features | Author: Daniel Sharp)
No Spain No Gain
I confess I’d barely heard of Noriega before I was posted off to sun-drenched Malaga to investigate. It wasn’t long before the world of Spanish-luxury-living unravelled itself before me. In Spain Noriega is a household name with an exclusive label attached to it; if your friends hear you’ve bought one of their properties they’ll soon be dropping by to check it out.
(Category: Features | Author: Tina Hillier)
Dubai in a Flash
As you will have either seen for yourself or heard about, Dubai is largely one big building site. There’s no point dwelling on this when you’re there, and once you accept the fact, it becomes rather interesting.
(Category: Features | Author: Al Fox)
Italy's Finest
Of all the countries in the world, Italy is perhaps the most magical. From the magnificent mountains and lakes of the north, through enchanted walled villages and splendid cities, to the sun-baked beaches and islands of the south, it really is the perfect European holiday destination.
(Category: Features | Author: Lusso Magazine)
Assoufid
In the ‘40s and ‘50s, Marrakech hit the headlines as Winston Churchill’s favourite hideaway. Sheltered from the sun by a parasol, the former prime minister could often be found hidden amongst the rose gardens of the Mamounia, indulging in his passion for painting. In the ‘60s and ‘70s the world watched as the city became the hedonistic playground for the artistic icons of the age, including The Stones, Warhol, Yves St Laurent and the Beatles.
(Category: Features | Author: Brett Gregory-Peake)
Dogfighting over the Baltic Sea
The tension conducts like sheet lightning through the pit crews and spectators as the drone of horsepower rumbles ominously above. The calm before the storm is suddenly broken by the crackle of the VHF radio “Pole leader, this is Air Boss...you have the green flag. Start the race.”
(Category: Features | Author: Jeff Zaltman)
Marrakech Express
Typical, I thought, as the pilot came on the tannoy and informed us that “we’ve hit a thunder storm six miles from Marrakech” I had been looking forward to a February week in a converted Palace in the warm sun of the North African continent.
(Category: Features | Author: Charles Bagshaw)
Discovering Samoens
Departing by Eurostar one Friday evening in February, the first leg on our journey to the Alps would take us to Paris. Arriving at Waterloo only an hour and a half before our train was scheduled to leave, the check in was swift and we were able to sit and enjoy a drink together before setting off. A couple of other members of the party had chosen to fly, leaving the day before, whilst we were delighted to be spared the plague of queues most airports were suffering from at the time following the terrorist scares and security step-ups.
(Category: Features | Author: Dennis le Borg)
Stoke Park Club
Sitting beside yet another London suburb, the tiny community of Stoke Poges offers a bizarrely luxurious and prestigious setting for Hollywood’s favourite country-club. After escaping the chaos of London, followed by a short stint on the motorway, you are greeted with B roads and average looking surroundings. Follow the brown signs for a small period of time and you suddenly find yourself amongst wide, green open spaces, large gates and long drives.
(Category: Features | Author: Daniel Sharp)
Excess Speed
Life insurance, along with theology and acid rain, is not a subject which normally occupies much of my brain. However, after accepting this particular assignment, I did give it some thought. Consider the following. The XSR48 can reach speeds over 100mph. This is about one third the velocity of the world speed record on water, which has stood since Ken Warby, in Spirit of Australia, achieved 317mph back in October 1978.
(Category: Features | Author: Peter Rear)
Aero GP: F1 Takes to the Skies
Imagine that you are standing on the roof terrace of a bar in the Mediterranean, Malta to be exact, looking out over the ancient harbour. Whilst holding an ice cold beer, you look out to sea and see a small dot on the horizon. The dot grows larger, you hear a low rumble coming from the same direction, it gets closer and soon its apparent it’s an aircraft.
(Category: Features | Author: Andy Rixon)
Johnnie Walker Blue Label
The editor, I thought as I looked out of the helicopter window, must be mad. Or, maybe, desperate. He knew perfectly well that I, a smooth, urbane sophisticate, am not a whisky man yet he insisted that, instead of sending one of Lusso’s team of hairy-legged, kilt-wearing Scots, he sent me. If I were to put together a list of spirits that I would be most likely to drink, then whisky, whilst not at the bottom, would not be terribly close to the top either.
(Category: Features | Author: David Walston)
A Swiss Adventure
The destination was the Grand Hotel Bellevue in the centre of Gstaad to experience the ‘out-of-season’ activities and then relax in the hotel’s spa, reputed to be one of the best in the country.
The adventure began at The Rockwell – a funky boutique hotel on London’s Cromwell Road.
(Category: Features | Author: Al Fox)
Windermere's Lakeside Retreat
Sweeping into the driveway late on a Friday night, we were pleasantly surprised to be greeted by doormen dressed in black tie. Not something all too familiar in the north of England. Our bags and car were taken around to the rear of the hotel to our lodge, whilst we were led through the main entrance of the hotel.
(Category: Features | Author: Peter Rear)
Bamford and Sons
The Old Bank in Sloane Square houses the flagship store of the rapidly growing luxury brand Bamford & Sons. Their ambition to make beautifully designed, practical clothes that give lasting pleasure has been fulfilled and, in the space of three years, the business has acquired three stores, including its first in Notting Hill in 2004 and a boutique in Wimbledon this year. This autumn saw a concession opened in Harrods and the brand has also launched in the United States, exclusively at Bergdorf Goodman, NYC.
(Category: Features | Author: Sarah Hardy)
Thoroughbred Racing
Imagine receiving a trophy from the Queen at Royal Ascot. Imagine watching your horse fly down the hill, cheered on by a huge crowd, at Epsom on Derby Day. Imagine picknicking in the summer sunshine during Glorious Goodwood. Imagine standing in the paddock at Longchamp, discussing your horse’s chances with Britain’s champion trainer.
(Category: Features | Author: Catherine Austen)
Purdey
Enter the world of Purdey and you will enter a world of luxury, outstanding craftsmanship and remarkable attention to detail. This is a sporting brand internationally renowned for quality, innovation and excellence for almost two hundred years.
(Category: Features | Author: Sarah Hardy)
London Fashion Week Sept '07
London Fashion Week is upon us once more and ‘tis the season to be jolly for every fashionista heading down to the Natural History Museum and other hot venues around the capital. But what’s it all about and how can you get a piece of the action? Well Lusso is here to give you the low down on whose who, the ones to watch and how to get your hands on some designer bargains at the end of a fashion packed week.
(Category: Features | Author: Sarah Hardy)
Glorious Goodwood
Another year, another trip to the Goodwood Festival of Speed. I’ve been going for years now and, as each Festival passes, I slowly hone my skills and plans in order to reach the point (which I believe is now upon me) where I can have the perfect Festival experience. I think it’s only fair that I share it.
(Category: Features | Author: Daniel Sharp)
Gentleman's Relish
They say that, at the point of drowning, a person’s entire life flashes before their eyes. Which singularly fails to explain why, at the very moment I resign myself utterly to the inevitability of death by motoring accident, the one overriding image Blu-Tac’d to the petrified pinboard of my mind is that of Bob Monkhouse at full smirk.
(Category: Features | Author: Anthony ffrench Constant)
Time Honoured Tradition
Historically, Savile Row has been the dominant tailoring centre of the Western world. It has produced for many, if not all, the world leaders, diplomats, industrialists and financiers. Savile Row came into being some hundred years ago and, at its height, comprised of hundreds of individual tailoring firms which, in turn, employed thousands of tailors.
(Category: Features | Author: Darren Beaman)
The Farmer, The Engraver and The Scottish Gun Maker
For a country bumpkin, who rarely crosses the parish boundaries let alone the county borders, an invitation to go to Scotland for a couple of days came as a bit of a surprise.
However the lure of visiting David McKay Brown, the famed Scottish gun maker, for a ‘shooting nut’ like me, was too much to miss.
(Category: Features | Author: Dick Arbon)
Park Life
It is very difficult to reserve judgment until you’ve have actually had first hand experience. Whether you’re referring to a car, restaurant, hi-fi or perhaps even a book, your opinion of said item will often be influenced by magazine reviews, friend’s recommendations and maybe even its appearance.
(Category: Features | Author: Lusso Magazine)
Collector's Item
Think expensive watch: think Rolex. Which may explain why nobody has ever had their hand cut off for a Patek Philippe or a Breguet. It also explains why the Rolex stand at the Basel Fair was at least twice as big as any other. The importance of Rolex to the luxury watch industry may also be seen from the fact that eighty five percent of all the officially-certified chronometers made in Switzerland come from the Rolex manufactory.
(Category: Features | Author: Barnabas Wilkinson)
Pure Precious Platinum
Now platinum is one of those rare materials that not many of us know much about. I certainly do not know anything about it other than it looks like silver. I, however, got the opportunity to have a lesson in platinum with distinctive jewellery designer Jon Dibben at his Guildford Workshop.
(Category: Features | Author: Lusso Magazine)
Content Matching 'watch' in News
Eclipse 500 faces FAA investigation
Eclipse Aviation are the world's leading very light jet manufacturer, providing jets which are both affordable and innovative. Their Eclipse 500 jet is an ideal jet for personal and business travel and at around $2 million, its bringing personal jet ownership into a new market.
(Category: News | Author: Andrew Rixon)
British Pilot Wins Aero GP
We've followed the Aero GP at Lusso since the beginning. The most recent race was held in Romania and it was won by a British Pilot, Gerald Cooper.
(Category: News | Author: Andrew Rixon)
Best Kept Secret at the Cannes Film Festival
When you think about Cannes and its sparkling annual Film Festival; images are conjured of dapper actors, donned in tuxedos with glamorous actresses draped over their arms, but little is really known what goes on behind the scenes at the world’s most famous of Film parties.
(Category: News | Author: Lusso Magazine News Desk)
Cartier Perles
Cartier is well know to avoid using mechanical movements in its watches, and this is no exception. Obviously it is a ladies watch, which makes the lack of mechanics more acceptable to most people, not to mention the increased accuracy. Cartier is also one of the few brands which is considered to always be a safe investment.
(Category: News | Author: Lusso Magazine News Desk)
Vacheron Constantin
The Vacheron Constantin Malte Tourbillon Regulator is the newest watch from the Richemont Group company. Its tonneau shape is easily recognisable, and is a traditional element of watch from this company, with a history going back for over 100 years. Two versions of this case will be made available from SIHH. Both measure 40mm x 50mm, but one will be made from 18kt rose gold, whilst the other is in platinum. Both have sapphire crystals.
(Category: News | Author: Lusso Magazine News Desk)
Girard-Perregaux Bi-Axial Tourbillon
This is the latest innovative design, the Bi-Axial Tourbillion, from Girard Perregaux. It incorporates an interesting implementation of the tourbillon complication, which in days gone past did increase accuracy, although now it is not really necessary. The Bi-axial Tourbillon, combining two concentric cages, enables the regulating part to make multi-dimensional rotations.
(Category: News | Author: Lusso Magazine News Desk)
Ulysse Nardin Blue Seal
Ulysse Nardin is another company which is using BaselWorld to launch a new chronograph. The Blue Seal will be available in limited edition only - 1,846 pieces in stainless steel and 999 pieces in 18kt rose gold. The self winding action has a relatively short power reserve of only 42 hours.
(Category: News | Author: Lusso Magazine News Desk)
Schwarz Etienne
The Roma is Schwarz Etienne’s new model that they will be introducing this year at BaselWorld. It introduces what is fast becoming one of the most fashionable, and surprisingly for a complication, useful, features of recent times.
(Category: News | Author: Lusso Magazine News Desk)
New Corum Romvlvs
For the first time Corum has added a chronograph complication to its Romvlvs product line. The watch comes with a 44mm stainless steel case engraved with roman numerals - there are no numbers on the face itself. The crystal is made from sapphire and includes an anti-reflective coating, but there is only one on the front, not the back as well.
(Category: News | Author: Lusso Magazine News Desk)
Zenith Classic Diver Chronograph
This watch will be produced as a limited edition of only 250 pieces, with a case manufactured from brushed stainless steel. The balance bridge is made from a special shock absorbent material, known as “Zenithium” which allows the chronograph to measure short time intervals - down to 1/10th of a second.
(Category: News | Author: Lusso Magazine News Desk)
Lusso Film: Armoured Cars and Evasive Driving
Chris West, a regular contributor to Lusso Magazine heads to an undisclosed location in the middle of the country to meet up with ex-special forces officer Dave Thomas for lessons in evasive driving. Dave, MD of Spy Games and a private security company talks us through the manoeuvres, his opinion on the new Cadillac SRX4 and the Hummer H3. Fred Smith, an evasive driving expert runs us through the technique for the perfect J-Turn, a move that allows the car to move from a fast reverse to normal, forward motion in one continuous swing.
(Category: News | Author: Lusso News Desk)
Help Me, Ronde
For those of you who watched Pirates of the Caribbean and thought “Oh I’d like a piece of that” (and I’m not talking about Johnny Depp or Keira Knightley!) I think there’s an answer for you…
(Category: News | Author: Graham Ballett-Young)
Record price for wristwatch
Recently a Patek Phillipe wristwatch was sold at an auction in New York City for a new US record price of $1,240,400 (£620,000). The watch was a “Pink Gold Sky Moon Tourbillon” (pictured right), crafted from 18K pink gold in 2003. As the name suggests, the watch is equipped with a tourbillon, but it also has a perpetual calendar, moon phase and orbit displays, and a nocturnal sky map of the northern hemisphere, which is viewable on the reverse side.
(Category: News | Author: David Walston)
BladeRun. Puerto Banus to Ibiza
On Sunday 23rd September 2007, the world famous Ocean Club Marbella played host to the BladeRun Send Off Party for participants, specially invited guests and celebrity DJs. As the Mayor of Marbella dropped the flag the machines opened their throttles leaving spectators in their wake.
(Category: News | Author: Lusso Magazine)
Elegant Resorts and Virgin Galactic
Fancy yourself as a space cadet? Well you could be travelling on a sub-orbital flight with Virgin Galactic as soon as 2009. The company aims to make it possible for almost anyone to travel into space on their privately built and owned spaceships and Elegant Resorts has been exclusively appointed as the only UK travel company to be able to book your Virgin Galactic flight.
(Category: News | Author: Daniel Sharp)
Cannonball 8000 with a Cause
Following the huge success of Cannonball 8000 over the past four years, and the massive 2.3 million TV audiences who tuned in to watch the ITV show of last years Rally, Cannonball 8000 now returns for its 5th Year Anniversary Event. With tickets long Sold Out for the 2007 entry, Cannonball 8000 is geared up to see 260 drivers in 130 of the worlds most amazing cars, rev their engines for the start line at London’s Earls Court on Friday 14th September 2007.
(Category: News | Author: Lusso Magazine)
Nokia 8800 Sirocco Gold
Inspired by nature, and one of its most beautiful elements, gold, Nokia today unveils the Nokia 8800 Sirocco Gold – bold and luxurious – the ultimate style statement.
Encased in a luxurious 18-carat gold plating, the meticulously crafted Nokia 8800 Sirocco Gold combines timeless design with contemporary elegance.
(Category: News | Author: Lusso Magazine News Desk)
Strength and Beauty Embodied by Avant-Garde Women
For the first time in its history, TAG Heuer, the fourth luxury brand in the world watch market, is joining forces with brand ambassador and Hollywood star Uma Thurman to create an exceptional photographic exhibit celebrating Women worldwide.
(Category: News | Author: Lusso Magazine)
Fine Finish from Bell and Ross
Quality watchmakers Bell & Ross have launched their remarkable BR 01 Instrument timepiece in an elegant new pink gold and carbon finish. The watch is available in two styles:
(Category: News | Author: Lusso Magazine)
Content Matching 'watch' in Reviews
12 Apostles Cape Town
The 12 Apostles hotel in Cape Town must have one of the nicest views of any hotel in the world, and as it looks out to the west then there is also no better place to sit and watch the sun set over the Atlantic.
(Category: Reviews | Author: David Walston)
Farmhouse Luxury
I’d been charmed by Mallorca a few times before so when the chance of visiting again arose hesitate I did not. After a wet British summer some guaranteed heat would be more than welcome and as this was to be a family trip, the largest of the Balaeric Islands seemed to tick all our required boxes.
(Category: Reviews | Author: Al Fox)
Cadogan Hotel
As addresses go, they don’t get much more prestigious than the Cadogan’s. Situated on Sloane Street, London SW1 and equidistant between Sloane Square and Knightsbridge, this hotel could not be better placed if you’re in town for some high-end retail therapy.
(Category: Reviews | Author: Al Fox)
Cineversum Blackwing Two
There’s nothing like watching Star Wars, appreciating the surround sound - only to turn around and see a Tie Fighter coming straight at you... oh no, that’s just the Blackwing.
(Category: Reviews | Author: Daniel Sharp)
Pogo Nav and Camera
Discerning drivers tired of bad mapping, false camera alerts, outdated databases and cheap looking products have now had their wishes fulfilled.
Two new systems look set to shake up the market - the Pogo Drive and the Pogo Alert.
(Category:
