By Michael Verdon, Julie Boatman, and Jen Paolini



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Next-Gen Piloting Is Here</h2>



The fast-approaching era of electric aircraft will transform intracity and regional travel for passengers, but it will also fundamentally change the pilot experience. The new crop of electric vertical-takeoff-and-landing (eVTOL) craft are smaller than most helicopters and conventional planes, but also potentially more complex, with multiple rotors that tilt for hovering and forward motion. That’s supplemented by the need to constantly assess flight conditions in what promise to be busy urban airways, all while managing prop and rotor pitch and adjusting ailerons, rudders, elevators, and landing gear.



How does one lessen the pilot’s burden without compromising safety? The answer, eVTOL leaders Archer and Joby agree, involves unified flight controls, adopted from military programmes such as the F-35B fighter jet. The fly-by-wire systems used by Dassault, Gulfstream, and Bombardier operate on the same principle, with a flight control computer (FCC) linked to a multi-servo digital autopilot. Unlike mechanical systems of older aircraft, where a pilot controls every aspect of flight, here the computer takes over once the pilot inputs commands.



The next generation of unified flight controls are significantly faster, smaller, and more sophisticated. BAE Systems has designed controls that relay pilot input every few milliseconds but are 40 per cent more compact than five years ago. This customised technology is designed to be intuitive for fixed-wing or rotorcraft pilots and far more simplified. 



Joby’s inceptor, or the stick that controls speed, for example, recentres after an input, maintaining the airspeed set by the pilot—similar to cruise control in a car. “If I want to go to 100 knots, I’ll kind of peg the stick,” says Joby’s Greg Bowles. “The number reaches 100, you let go, and it’s going to stay at 100. If you continue to accelerate, it’ll get to a maximum safe top speed and stop.”



“The pilot doesn’t control power,” adds Archer’s Brian Gump. “The pilot commands acceleration or deceleration, a climb or descent, or a heading change, and the FCCs allocate power as required to meet that command.” Archer’s controls include two sticks: the left regulates velocity while the right handles vertical speed and direction. 



These advances signal a new chapter for not only the eVTOL world, but also how pilots train. Flight is not so automated that the aviator is entirely removed from the equation—the pilot still dictates the direction and navigation of the aircraft’s path—but it is a fundamentally new way of flying. Not exactly a magic carpet, but closer than aviation has ever been before.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/bb-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796192" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/bb-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/bb-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/bb-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/bb-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/bb-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Speed</h3>



Gulfstream



G700



Breaking one record for rapid transit is remarkable enough, but what about two? Gulfstream’s ultra-large-cabin G700 did exactly that on recent trips from Savannah to Honolulu, covering the distance in eight hours and 52 minutes at an average speed of Mach 0.9 using a blend of sustainable aviation fuel, and Los Angeles to Sydney in just 14 hours and 26 minutes—that’s two more performancebased honours to swell the G700’s growing tally of city-pair speed records.



Add to that the numerous features that make Gulfstream a commanding presence in its sector—whisper-quiet noise levels, the most spacious cabin in business aviation, 100 per cent freshair ventilation technology, natural-light design with panoramic windows, layout configuration flexibility, the lowest cabin altitude in the industry, and a maximum operating speed of Mach 0.935—and the G700 stands for not only the fastest aircraft in the company’s fleet, but also the most comfortable, providing an unrivalled experience for passengers. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ee-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796193" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ee-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ee-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ee-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ee-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ee-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Jet Card</h3>



Sentient



SJ25+



If there’s a gold standard for jet cards, Sentient, which launched the industry’s first in 1999, can claim the title. Despite the onslaught of competitors, its 25-hour card has remained at the top of the pack even as it celebrates its 25th anniversary. The differentiators: Sentient’s new app allows clients to quote prices and book flights in under 60 seconds via text, its preferred aircraft fleet is top-tier, and the card is backed by a multi-tiered safety structure for its clients, including an independent safety advisory board. Or just consider the numbers over the past 25 years: more than one million passengers flown to over 2,500 destinations; 6,700 active card owners; and revenue growth of 549 per cent. Not to mention the company’s expanding partnerships with luxury hotels and events, which in 2024 offered perks valued at US$225,000 (HK$1.74 million), and its sustainability programme that offsets emissions 300 per cent from each flight with no cost to clients (to date, Sentient has offset 1.34 million metric tons of carbon). 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/cc-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796194" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/cc-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/cc-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/cc-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/cc-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/cc-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Super-Midsize Jet</h3>



Textron Aviation



Citation CJ3 Gen2



While it was no surprise that Textron Aviation would sequence through one of its most successful models for next-gen treatment, the Citation CJ3 Gen2 update still rocks, making it our pick for the best of the super-midsize fleet. Inside, the revised CJ3 looks and feels like a bigger jet than its predecessor, with an interior that its engineers are justifiably proud of—from the articulating seats to the use of eco-friendly materials throughout. On the flight deck, the updated Garmin G3000, coupled with the new GDL 60 data link, transforms the pilot’s suite into a connected cockpit. The jet has a max cruise of 416 knots true airspeed, a max range of 2,040 nautical miles, and a landing distance of 2,770 feet. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ffs-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796195" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ffs-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ffs-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ffs-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ffs-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ffs-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Exclusive Experiences</h3>



VistaJet



A global leader in private and business aviation, now with two decades under its belt, VistaJet knows better than most that getting travellers to and from their destination is only one part of the journey. As the demand for tailored experiences continues to rise, the company is reinforcing its commitment to its exclusive Private World programme, creating even more opportunities for VistaJet members to unlock a wealth of unparalleled adventures across the planet. 



From exploring the beautifully restored Bottega Veneta residence in Venice, witnessing spectacular wildlife on a luxury safari in the Serengeti National Park, and cruising through Costa Rica’s waters to discover humpback whales, dolphins, and sea turtles to highly coveted access to Formula 1 racetracks through Ferrari, VistaJet’s Private World collaborations with diverse partners are designed to offer members an everchanging calendar of activities that are personalised, unique, and exciting—not to mention completely unforgettable.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="682" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/a-1024x682.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796196" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/a-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/a-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/a-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/a-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/a-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Large Cabin</h3>



Dassault



6X



Dassault recently delivered its first long-range 6X, completing a circle that began after the French aerospace firm cancelled its four-year-old 5X programme in 2017 without delivering any aircraft. It stretched the 5X’s fuselage by 20 feet to get the 6X, creating its debut wide-body configuration, which has a wider floor and taller cabin than its competitors. Despite the extra girth, the 6X’s stats are impressive: 5,500-nautical-mile range (delivering nonstop flights from Los Angeles to Geneva or S.o Paulo to London), 16-passenger capacity, and maximum speed of Mach 0.9. The customisable cabin, divided into three zones, has 30 extra-large windows, a full galley, and features such as a low-altitude pressurisation system and circadian-rhythm lights to mitigate jet lag. Fly-by-wire controls and an advanced situational awareness system called Falcon Eye are the cockpit differentiators. Plus, the 6X has paved the way for an even larger wide-body, the ultra-long-range 10X, scheduled for delivery in 2027. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ffe-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796199" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ffe-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ffe-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ffe-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ffe-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ffe-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Light Jet</h3>



Embraer



Phenom 100EX



Embraer leans into the big E with its evolution of the Phenom 100EX. Choose your word: Efficiency, environment, experience—they all play a part to make it the biggestfeeling light jet on the market, which is a particularly crowded segment. Up front, the optional Runway Overrun Awareness and Alerting System (ROAAS) that enhances stabilised approaches adds an extra layer of protection during a critical phase of flight, while the Flight Stream 510 allows the pilot to connect portable electronic devices to the aircraft avionics, thus reducing workload. In the cabin, Embraer’s design team has revised every element—opening up the space, upgrading the seats, increasing workspace by 30 per cent by repositioning tables, and using new combinations of leather, Ultraleather, and veneer to dress up the interior. Stats remain best in class: a top speed of Mach 0.7, a 1,178-nautical-mile range, and a takeoff distance of 3,190 feet.

Aviation

Best of the Best

Best of the Best 2025

Dassault

Gulfstream

Private Jet

Sentient

Textron Aviation

VistaJet

The Best in Wings 2025, From Gulfstream’s G700 and Dassault’s 6X to Textron Aviation’s Citation CJ3 Gen2

Why settle for a seat when you can have a suite?&nbsp;



<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/london/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">London</a> Heathrow’s private terminal, the Windsor, once a well-kept secret among royals and celebrities, has undergone a major renovation unveiling eight lavish lounges and a host of exclusive amenities from British brands. The first phase of the terminal’s three-year refurbishment offers up suites by Oliver Burns Studio, in addition to door-to-plane chauffeur service, a special menu by celebrity chef Jason Atherton, and private security screenings. To get in, you’ll need to be departing or arriving either business or first class on any airline. You’ll also have to pay a one-way entry fee of £3,812 (about US$4,795/HK$37,290) for up to three guests or £7,624 (US$9,648/HK$59,290) if you want round-trip access.  



Unlike the typical airline or credit-card-affiliated lounges, Heathrow’s Windsor terminal is directly owned and operated by the airport itself. You’ll be escorted from their front door directly to the plane in an all-electric <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/bmw/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BMW</a> i7, with pickup available within a 25-mile radius. A personal porter will meet you at the entrance to take your checked luggage. If you’re travelling internationally, a dedicated Border Force will be present to manage private immigration services. Then, just hand over your passports and documents to your host, and the rest is taken care of. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/the-windsor.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234795730" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/the-windsor.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/the-windsor-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/the-windsor-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Members of the Windsor get shuttled to and around the airport in a private BMW. Image courtesy of the Windsor by Heathrow</figcaption></figure>



Each suite is named after a prestigious London neighbourhood, such as <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/chelsea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chelsea</a> and Kensington, and sport bespoke furnishings, soft-hued Axminster carpets, Commune toiletries, and August&amp;Piers fragrances. The private terminal doesn’t currently offer showers or beds; however, each suite comes with a private bathroom and there are plans to add showers in the future, Burns told <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-02-20/inside-heathrow-s-private-terminal-for-vips-the-windsor?srnd=homepage-americas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bloomberg</a>. The high-end art on display, which changes every two months, includes pieces from Banksy and Andy Warhol and are available for purchase via a QR code.  



When it comes to the food, <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/michelin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michelin</a>-starred chef Jason Atherton has crafted a selection of exclusive dishes for the Windsor, including English butter shortbread with praline cream, Earl Grey tea ice cream, custard sauce, and charred mandarin. There’s also a traditional tea trolley that rolls through carrying everything from Champagne to Victoria sponge cakes.  



“The Windsor by Heathrow is more than just a rebrand, it’s a testament to our heritage in pioneering luxury travel,” Charlotte Burns, VIP lead at Heathrow, said in a press statement. “From our carefully curated interiors to our exceptional service, we provide our guests with an unparalleled experience that reflects the finest of British hospitality.”&nbsp;



Sounds like quite the upgrade.

Heathrow

London

Private Terminal

The Windsor

Inside the Windsor, the Private Terminal at London’s Heathrow Airport

Bombardier’s&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/bombardier-global-8000-business-jet-1236458103/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global 8000</a>&nbsp;took another step toward certification last weekend after the first production aircraft completed its successful inaugural flight. The world’s fastest civilian aircraft since the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/supersonic-jet-concorde-replaced-boom-overture-1235428265/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Concorde</a>, the new plane replaces the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/gallery/best-bombardier-aircraft-1236219544/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global 7500</a>. The first production 8000 took off from Bombardier’s Aircraft Assembly Centre in Mississauga, Ontario, executing a series of tests before landing. The final aircraft will have a top speed of Mach 0.94 (it crossed the supersonic threshold into Mach 1.105 during a controlled dive during the first tests in 2021) and an 8,000-nautical-mile range.



“Having this first production aircraft take to the skies is another important step in this journey that will redefine the business aviation landscape,” Stephen McCullough, Bombardier’s senior vice president of engineering and product development, said in a statement.



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<iframe loading="lazy" title="World’s Fastest Business Jet Completes Inaugural Flight" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MaG7k9QduxI?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



Bombardier says its new flagship should be certified and delivered to its first owner before the end of 2025. The next step is flying to the Laurent Beaudoin Completion Center in Montreal, where Bombardier is headquartered, to complete the interior.



Pilot Sandro Novelli, co-pilot Charlie Honey, and flight engineer Bhargav Bhavsar comprised the flight crew. The company said that all test controls were used and everything performed as expected.



The Global 7500, which entered service in 2018, has more than 250,000 total flying hours among 200 deliveries. It recently broke its <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/bombardier-global-7500-transatlantic-record-1236362828/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">100th speed record</a> between San Luis Obispo, California, and London’s Biggin Hill airport. Possible city pairs for the Global 8000 include Dubai to Houston, Singapore to Los Angeles, and London to Perth. Bombardier says the Global 8000’s range at this ultra-high cruise speed of Mach 0.92 will be up to 4,200 nautical miles.



The Global 8000 is close to the 7500, but it also has modifications that include space in its wings where it can store more fuel reserves for increased range. Also, Bombardier’s engineers tweaked the engine software on the General Electric Passport engines to assist in the range targets and to also increase the top speed by 33 knots, or 38 mph. Its maximum cruising altitude will remain the same as the Global 7500 at 51,000 feet.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2.-Global-8000-Landing.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234798336" style="width:838px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2.-Global-8000-Landing.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2.-Global-8000-Landing.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2.-Global-8000-Landing.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2.-Global-8000-Landing.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The 8000 after landing. It will move to Bombardier’s interior completions centre in Montreal, Canada.  Image courtesy of Bombardier</figcaption></figure>



Bombardier claims the 8000 will have the lowest cabin pressurisation of any business jet, 2,900 feet at a 41,000-foot cruising altitude. The cabin also promises to be the largest in its class, with four customisable living zones that could include a rear master suite with a bed and a stand-up shower.  



The Global 8000 is just one of the new ultra-long-range business jets that have either entered service or will be entering service in the next few years. Gulfstream had the first customer deliveries of its flagship&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/gulfstream-business-jet-700th-speed-record-g700-1236507408/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">G700</a>&nbsp;in April 2024, and the longer-range&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/gulfstream-g800-broke-distance-record-1236477480/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">G800</a>&nbsp;could enter service in the next few weeks after receiving FAA and EASA approvals. The G800 will replace the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/gallery/best-gulfstream-jets-1236181283/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">G650.</a>&nbsp;It claims to have business aviation’s longest range of 8,200 nautical miles. The&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/dassault-new-falcon-6x-1234585648/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dassault Falcon 6X</a>&nbsp;long-range jet entered service in 2024, while its larger sibling&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/dassault-falcon-10x-business-jet-1236164677/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">10X</a> should enter service in 2027 after supply-chain issues among its engine suppliers forced its delays for two years.



The entry of all these competitive new aircraft provide a boon for the growing ultra-long-range segment for the next five years.&nbsp;

bombardier

Bombardier Global 8000

Business jet

The World’s Longest-Range Business Jet Just Completed Its First Test Flight

Morgan Freeman wasn’t quite sure about whether the world’s first certified flying car will really take off in the real word. Freeman, along with two-time Oscar winner John Travolta, presented Slovakia-based Klein Vision with a Special Recognition Award for Engineering Excellence at last month’s 2025 Living Legends of Aviation Gala Dinner in Beverly Hills, California. The event recognises advances in flight, exploration, and personal air mobility.



But Freeman wasn’t buying it, at least not initially. “Anybody can come to our shop and see the AirCar flying,” Anton Zajac told the actor, who also has an Oscar. Zajac, who co-founded Klein Vision in 2016 with Stefan Klein, told Robb Report that Freeman came closer to accepting the AirCar’s reality by the end of the conversation.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/KV08prototype.png-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234798279" style="width:841px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/KV08prototype.png-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/KV08prototype.png-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/KV08prototype.png-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/KV08prototype.png.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The AirCar promises to shorten flight times between cities by letting you take off from your home. Image courtesy of Klein Vision</figcaption></figure>



When it comes to skepticism about <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/flying-cars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flying cars</a>, Freeman’s not alone. The history of the flying car has had one or two successes—including the <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/flying-cars-certification-first-on-market-1235679218/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aerocar</a> which made it into production, barely, in the 1950s, and of course, The Jetsons’ famous bubble-top commuter—but most attempts have failed over the years. Now, a <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/gallery/7-flying-cars-change-air-transport-1234831349/palv_flyingcar-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">half-dozen manufacturers</a> are trying to bring their versions of a flying car to market. The offerings include the <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/flying-cars-certification-first-on-market-1235679218/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pal V Liberty</a>, <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/samson-sky-switchblade-flying-car-makeover-1235981351/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Samson Switchblade</a>, <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/aksa-a5-flying-car-initial-faa-certification-1234863617/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aska A5</a>, <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/alef-model-a-flying-car-detroit-auto-show-1235002804/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alef Model A</a>, and <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/doroni-h1x-electric-flying-car-1235529337/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Doroni H1X</a>. Like Klein Vision, they are small firms with limited resources, attempting to bring their aircraft to market while facing multiple technical and regulatory challenges. All are in different phases of development.



Klein Vision says it’s on the brink of breaking into the real world, with plans to commercially introduce its AirCar in the first quarter of next year. That will come after test-flights of the second pre-production prototype happen in the autumn. That’s the culmination of a long journey for Klein, who has designed five generations of ever-more sophisticated flying cars since 1989. Zajac has been his partner for nearly a decade. “We were cautious when we started the [AirCar] project,” says Zajac, referring to the first prototype. “The goal was to get proof of concept and proof of geometry and come up with something we could fly.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2.AircarinFight.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234798280" style="width:839px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2.AircarinFight.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2.AircarinFight.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2.AircarinFight.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2.AircarinFight.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The first prototype of the AirCar doing an intercity flight in 2021.  Image courtesy of Klein Vision</figcaption></figure>



Since its maiden flight in 2021, the first prototype has completed 170 flight hours, with more than 500 takeoffs and landings. The second version will be 440 pounds lighter, thanks to a more advanced composite construction method. Its small aircraft engine from Adept has FADEC (full-authority digital engine controls) that regulate engine performance for easier flying.



“This will climb and fly faster than the first prototype and we’ve put in a larger cockpit,” says Zajac. The AirCar will also include Garmin avionics and is autopilot ready. Its flight range will be about 620 miles, he explained, and about 500 miles on the ground. After being tested for 50 hours, it will be eligible to receive an EASA airworthiness certificate, which allows Klein Vision to put it on the market in Europe. Long-term plans include distribution in Asia and North America. The price will range between US$800,000 (approximately HK$6.26 million) and US$1 million (approximately HK$7.83 million).



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/KVprototype.png-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234798281" style="width:838px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/KVprototype.png-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/KVprototype.png-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/KVprototype.png-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/KVprototype.png.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">In flight mode, with wings out. Image courtesy of Klein Vision</figcaption></figure>



Zajac sees a market for commuters who want to eliminate airports and fly between their homes and other unrestricted landing spots. Klein is even thinking bigger. “The AirCar fulfils a lifelong dream to bring the freedom of flight into the hands of everyday people,” he said during the ceremony. “With the launch of our production prototype, we are one step closer to transforming how the world moves—merging the road and the sky into a new dimension of personal mobility.”



One can imagine that Freeman just smiled.

flying car

Klein Vision

This HK$7.83 Million Flying Car Is Hitting the Market Next Year

Emirates is poised to enhance its presence in the Asia-Pacific region with the introduction of retrofitted Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s, set to debut in Hong Kong later this year. The retrofitted Boeing 777 makes its debut in Hong Kong in July, followed closely by the refurbished A380 is set to launch in October. An ambitious expansion, this marks a significant milestone in the premium airline’s ongoing retrofit programme, which represents one of the largest of its kind in aviation history; the staggering Emirates investment of HK$39.15 billion is aimed at elevating passenger experiences across its fleet. By the end of 2025, Emirates plans to operate routes to over 70 cities with upgraded aircraft featuring the latest interiors.



Its upgrades will roll out to additional cities, including Bangkok, Nice, and Perth, alongside enhanced services to Madrid, Kuala Lumpur, Phuket, and Dublin. Each destination will benefit from the introduction of refurbished interiors, providing a consistent and luxurious experience for travellers. Emirates’ deputy president and chief commercial officer, Adnan Kazim, emphasised the importance of this expansion, stating that the newly refurbished aircraft will enable the airline to offer an unparalleled premium onboard experience.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="685" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/biz_lounge-1-1024x685.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234798237" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/biz_lounge-1-1024x685.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/biz_lounge-1-300x201.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/biz_lounge-1-768x513.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/biz_lounge-1-1536x1027.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/biz_lounge-1-2048x1369.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Both First Class and Business Class Emirates A380 onboard lounge. </figcaption></figure>



“The latest rollout of refurbished Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s and new A350s offer more opportunities for customers in over 70 dynamic cities and growing economies to enjoy our latest-generation premium onboard experience combined with our award-winning service,” he says. “The redoubling of our refurbishment programme efforts means that by the end of this year, Emirates will have established itself as one of the preeminent industry leaders.”



He noted that the retrofit programme is not just about aesthetics—it is a strategic move to cater to the growing demand for premium travel experiences. Since the inception of the retrofit programme in 2022, Emirates has completed upgrades on 51 aircraft, with plans to refurbish a total of 219. Its meticulous approach involves over 270 engineers working tirelessly to ensure that each aircraft meets the highest standards of quality and comfort.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Emirates-Lounge-at-Hong-Kong-International-Airport_RS-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234798222" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Emirates-Lounge-at-Hong-Kong-International-Airport_RS-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Emirates-Lounge-at-Hong-Kong-International-Airport_RS-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Emirates-Lounge-at-Hong-Kong-International-Airport_RS-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Emirates-Lounge-at-Hong-Kong-International-Airport_RS-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Emirates-Lounge-at-Hong-Kong-International-Airport_RS-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Emirates Lounge at Hong Kong International Airport.</figcaption></figure>



As frequent flyers know, this is on par with Emirates’ famed reputation—the carrier is frequently listed among one of the best in the world. Just a few months ago, Emirates was voted as the World’s Best Airline by Telegraph Travel, and&nbsp;Robb Report Hong Kong&nbsp;has similarly honoured the airline in our&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.hk/posts/the-best-in-aviation-from-bombardiers-global-8000-to-icon-aircrafts-icon-a5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Best in Aviation 2024</a>. In fact, Emirates ended 2024 with a slew of awards that included Best International Airline by Forbes Travel Guide’s Air Travel Awards, and 2025 APEX World Class Airline for delivering outstanding customer service.



Emirates will roll out its refreshed fleet to Hong Kong, Bangkok, Nice, and Perth in the coming months. Passengers in Asia will be among the first few to check out the refurbished A380 with four classes and the latest interiors. As the airline prepares for its next phase of growth, travellers can look forward to a refined experience that embodies the luxury, comfort, and unparalleled services that the brand is known for—be it on land or on air.



All images courtesy of Emirates.

emirates

First Class

Jumbo jet

Emirates Expands Luxury Aircraft Services to Hong Kong and Beyond With Billion-Dollar Upgrades

Etihad is bringing its signature luxury to flights a little closer to home.



The UAE airliner just unveiled its new A321LR aircraft, a narrow-body plane that will bring the upmost comfort on short- and medium-haul flights (think flights to Milan, Bangkok, Zurich, and more). The occasion marks the first time the new First Suites are making an appearance in a single-aisle aircraft.



And those enclosed First Suites are offering up an intimate onboard experience. With just two of these seats on the plane, you’ll get to lounge in a fully flat, forward-facing bed that extends up to 78.65 inches when reclined; it also has a seat width of 21.5 inches and a spot for a companion to sit if they feel like popping in. Once it’s time for some shut-eye, a full turn-down service will begin, complete with loungewear from Giorgio Armani. When you wake up from your snooze, you can enjoy some à la carte any-time dining and a 20-inch 4K screen for all your entertainment needs, too.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Etihad-A321LR-First-Suite-2.png-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797561" style="width:838px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Etihad-A321LR-First-Suite-2.png-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Etihad-A321LR-First-Suite-2.png-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Etihad-A321LR-First-Suite-2.png-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Etihad-A321LR-First-Suite-2.png-1536x864.webp 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Etihad-A321LR-First-Suite-2.png.webp 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The First Suite. Image courtesy of Etihad Airways</figcaption></figure>



Your first-class experience begins, though, before you even step on your flight. The Etihad Concierge will be around to help you plan your trip 24/7, and you’ll also get a private chauffeur service to and from the airport. And the First Suite ticket also comes with a dedicated check-in, along with a personal escort, who will take you to the First Lounge and then to boarding. Upon embarking the plane, you will be accompanied right to your chauffeur. If flying out of Abu Dhabi, you can even have a bag-free trip, thanks to the Home Check-In and Land &amp; Leave Services.



“First isn’t just a seat—it’s an experience that starts the moment you choose to fly with us,” Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/etihad-airways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Etihad Airways</a>, said in a statement. “We’re bringing First to more destinations and elevating it at every touchpoint, combining the elegance of Champagne and caviar with the convenience of modern luxury.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Etihad-A321LR-Business-2.png-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797562" style="width:839px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Etihad-A321LR-Business-2.png-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Etihad-A321LR-Business-2.png-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Etihad-A321LR-Business-2.png-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Etihad-A321LR-Business-2.png-1536x864.webp 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Etihad-A321LR-Business-2.png.webp 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Business class on the new Etihad’s A321LR. Image courtesy of Etihad Airways</figcaption></figure>



The Business cabin has its perks, too, with 14 fully flat 78-inch beds, a 17.3-inch screen, and plenty of storage space. Economy, meanwhile, has 144 seats that are better than the typical economy class; those perches offer a five-inch recline on a 18.4-inch-wide seat. No matter where you sit onboard, you’ll get access to streaming, live television, and more, thanks to the plane’s Viasat system with speedy Wi-Fi.



The A321LR is set to hit the skies on 1 August, along with 10 other aircraft joining the Etihad fleet this year. Happy flying.

A321LR

Etihad Airways

flight

Travel

Etihad Just Unveiled Its New First Class Suites

In a groundbreaking event for wine connoisseurs, Bonhams Hong Kong is set to unveil the first-ever Middle Eastern private wine collection at a live auction on 24 May 2025. Entitled&nbsp;The Oasis Collection, the headline auction showcases over 13,000 meticulously curated bottles, reflecting the refined palate and commitment to provenance of its unique collector. Accompanying this notable collection is&nbsp;The Vault of Legacies, another private collection that highlights the exceptional depth of an Asian collector’s acquisition.



The&nbsp;Oasis Collection&nbsp;represents a significant milestone in the global wine market, shedding light on the sophistication of the Middle East’s oenophile culture for the first time in the city. Each bottle has been stored under optimal conditions, thanks to the expertise of MMI, the exclusive fine wine importer in the region. Careful preservation ensures that the wines retain their integrity and quality, setting a new standard for private collections entering the scene.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="682" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Spirits-of-Distinction-Whisky-Cognac-Rarities_Springbank-Millennium-Collection_RS-1-1024x682.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234798184" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Spirits-of-Distinction-Whisky-Cognac-Rarities_Springbank-Millennium-Collection_RS-1-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Spirits-of-Distinction-Whisky-Cognac-Rarities_Springbank-Millennium-Collection_RS-1-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Spirits-of-Distinction-Whisky-Cognac-Rarities_Springbank-Millennium-Collection_RS-1-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Spirits-of-Distinction-Whisky-Cognac-Rarities_Springbank-Millennium-Collection_RS-1-1536x1023.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Spirits-of-Distinction-Whisky-Cognac-Rarities_Springbank-Millennium-Collection_RS-1-2048x1364.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Spirits of Distinction Whisky &amp; Cognac Rarities</figcaption></figure>



Among the auction highlights are 10 vintages of the illustrious Château Pétrus, including a 2000 vintage estimated between HK$55,000 and HK$80,000, alongside a 1996 Magnum valued at HK$28,000 to HK$42,000. Additionally, there are 37 lots featuring the prestigious Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, with the Echézeaux 2002 Magnum estimated at HK$38,000 to HK$55,000, and the Richebourg 2015, with an estimate of HK$110,000 to HK$160,000.



The Vault of Legacies is a testament to decades of dedication by its Asian collector, who has sourced only the finest wines in pristine condition. It includes 43 lots from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti and features other sought-after wines, such as d’Auvenay Mazis-Chambertin 1996 and Leroy Chambertin 2001, complemented by an impressive selection of Italian wines, notably Gianfranco Soldera and Masseto, adding further depth to the offerings.



In addition to the live auction, Bonhams will hold an online sale,&nbsp;The Oasis Collection &amp; Grand Cru Collective, from now till 27 May, providing enthusiasts with additional opportunities to acquire rare wines. Its online auction will feature a diverse selection, ensuring that collectors can engage with the collection from anywhere in the world.



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="819" height="1024" data-id="1234798054" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The-Oasis-Collection-The-Vault-of-Legacies_DRC-Assortment-Cases_RS-819x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234798054" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The-Oasis-Collection-The-Vault-of-Legacies_DRC-Assortment-Cases_RS-819x1024.jpeg 819w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The-Oasis-Collection-The-Vault-of-Legacies_DRC-Assortment-Cases_RS-240x300.jpeg 240w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The-Oasis-Collection-The-Vault-of-Legacies_DRC-Assortment-Cases_RS-768x960.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The-Oasis-Collection-The-Vault-of-Legacies_DRC-Assortment-Cases_RS-1229x1536.jpeg 1229w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The-Oasis-Collection-The-Vault-of-Legacies_DRC-Assortment-Cases_RS.jpeg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="819" height="1024" data-id="1234798053" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Spirits-of-Distinction-Whisky-Cognac-Rarities_Brora-40-year-old_RS-819x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234798053" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Spirits-of-Distinction-Whisky-Cognac-Rarities_Brora-40-year-old_RS-819x1024.jpeg 819w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Spirits-of-Distinction-Whisky-Cognac-Rarities_Brora-40-year-old_RS-240x300.jpeg 240w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Spirits-of-Distinction-Whisky-Cognac-Rarities_Brora-40-year-old_RS-768x960.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Spirits-of-Distinction-Whisky-Cognac-Rarities_Brora-40-year-old_RS-1229x1536.jpeg 1229w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Spirits-of-Distinction-Whisky-Cognac-Rarities_Brora-40-year-old_RS.jpeg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px" /></figure>
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For spirits aficionados, Bonhams will also present the&nbsp;Spirits of Distinction: Whisky &amp; Cognac Rarities auction, running from 16 to 27 May. It will showcase rare Japanese whiskies, including the coveted Hanyu Ichiro Malt “Four Aces.” Estimated between HK$360,000 and HK$550,000, this limited release reflects the distillery’s artisanal craftsmanship and the rarity of its casks, ceasing production in 2000.&nbsp;



Collectors can further explore a selection of high-age-statement Scotch whiskies, highlighted by Brora’s 40-Year-Old, with an estimate of HK$110,000 to HK$160,000. Cognac enthusiasts will not be disappointed, as the also auction features the Rémy Martin Louis XIII Black Pearl, a rare blend crafted from one of the oldest casks in the house’s reserve. It is expected to fetch a sum between HK$90,000 and HK$140,000.



As Bonhams continues to elevate its offerings in such high spirits, the debut of The&nbsp;Oasis Collection&nbsp;marks a key moment for the auction house and the fine wine market in Asia. With an impressive array of wines and spirits, the auction promises to be a highly anticipated event for the city’s collectors, curators, and epicureans, celebrating the growing sophistication and global reach of wine culture in the region.



All images courtesy of Bonhams Hong Kong.

Auction

Bonhams

Bonhams Hong Kong

Hong Kong auction

Whiskey

Whiskey auction

Wine

wine auction

A Rare Middle Eastern Private Wine Collection Featuring Pétrus and Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Vintages Is Heading to Auction at Bonhams Hong Kong

Let’s set the scene. The host: Robb Report Hong Kong. Our partner: Edrington. The location: The Garden Suite at The Peninsula Hong Kong. The occasion: The grand unveiling of The Glenrothes 51, a rare and exceptional bottle so precious that only one (of five total in all of Hong Kong) was in the room, guarded by the sharpest of eagle eyes. 



Anyone with HK$363,000&nbsp;to spare for The 51 would join an elite club of just 100 worldwide, and be invited to fly down to Scotland, welcomed at the distillery, and learn about how this liquid gold is created in the finest casks for an unforgettable pour, swivel, sniff, and sip.



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="684" data-id="1234797201" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-47-1024x684.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797201" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-47-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-47-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-47-768x513.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-47-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-47-2048x1367.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
</figure>



It was an exceptional evening as&nbsp;Robb Report Hong Kong&nbsp;played host to just a handful of VIP guests and distinguished RR1 Hong Kong members as a remarkable whisky, which has been meticulously matured for more than half a century,&nbsp;made&nbsp;its first appearance in Hong Kong, following successful unveilings in San Francisco, New York, and London.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="684" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-3-1024x684.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797211" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-3-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-3-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-3-768x513.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-3-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-3-2048x1367.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Upon arrival, attendees were greeted by the breathtaking panorama of Victoria Harbour and the newly launched Best of the Best 2025 annual magazine by&nbsp;Robb Report Hong Kong, setting the tone for a night steeped in sophistication. Our by-invitation-only guests assembled, each eagerly anticipating the celebration of this extraordinary release.



Tak Man, CEO and publisher of&nbsp;Robb Report Hong Kong, began the evening with a warm welcome. “It is an honour to have you all here tonight for a very special occasion: to unveil the&nbsp;Glenrothes&nbsp;51, a whisky that not only boasts an incredible 51 years of maturation but also introduces a world’s-first in whisky packaging design,” he remarked to the gathering. 



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="684" data-id="1234797203" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-94-1024x684.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797203" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-94-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-94-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-94-768x513.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-94-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-94-2048x1367.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">John Laurie.</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="682" data-id="1234797431" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/gl_rs-1024x682.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797431" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/gl_rs-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/gl_rs-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/gl_rs-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/gl_rs-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/gl_rs-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="684" data-id="1234797466" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-127_RS-1024x684.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797466" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-127_RS-1024x684.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-127_RS-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-127_RS-768x513.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-127_RS-1536x1025.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-127_RS-2048x1367.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="684" data-id="1234797204" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-132-1024x684.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797204" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-132-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-132-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-132-768x513.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-132-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-132-2048x1367.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="684" data-id="1234797212" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-2-1024x684.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797212" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-2-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-2-768x513.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-2-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-2-2048x1367.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
</figure>



While the highlight of the evening was, undoubtedly, the unveiling of The Glenrothes 51, the reveal of the highly anticipated whisky was preceded by a spirited (pun intended) talk and engaging fireside chat led by Tak Man, featuring three esteemed whisky connoisseurs: Kam Daswani of Dram Good Stuff, Benjamin Po of Edrington, and John Laurie, head of global partnerships and private client management at The Glenrothes, who had flown in from Scotland specifically for the event. Together, they delved into the nuances of whisky appreciation, sharing insights that resonated with the gathered aficionados.



Guests raised their glasses&nbsp;to toast the occasion, and the selection of welcome drinks curated for the evening featured a range of exquisite Glenrothes, including the 18-, 32-, and 42-year-old variants—each a testament to the artistry and dedication behind every bottle.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-4 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="684" data-id="1234797467" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-32_RS-1024x684.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797467" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-32_RS-1024x684.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-32_RS-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-32_RS-768x513.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-32_RS-1536x1025.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-32_RS-2048x1367.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="684" data-id="1234797207" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-107-1024x684.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797207" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-107-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-107-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-107-768x513.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-107-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-107-2048x1367.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="684" data-id="1234797205" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-136-1024x684.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797205" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-136-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-136-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-136-768x513.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-136-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-136-2048x1367.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="684" data-id="1234797209" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-46-1024x684.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797209" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-46-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-46-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-46-768x513.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-46-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-46-2048x1367.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
</figure>



In anticipation of the excellent pours, the fine folks at The Peninsula Hong Kong crafted a menu that complemented the notes of the fine whisky. Guests started the meal with appetiser options of either Boston lobster avocado roulade or Hokkaido scallops with cauliflower and seaweed beurre blanc. For the main course, a slow-roasted Wagyu beef striploin was a solid option, and for those preferring lighter fare, there was a crispy&nbsp;amadai&nbsp;fillet with razor clam and young leek ragout. Cooling off the evening with a palate cleanser, dessert naturally had to be a Dulcey whipped ganache with the piquant tastes of mango marmalade and ginger madeleines.



This special gathering&nbsp;was not merely about unveiling a whisky—it was an homage to the shared love of exquisite craftsmanship, heritage, the bonds forged over fine spirits, and the indomitable spirit of fine whisky-making. As guests departed, they carried with them memories of an exceptional evening and the spirit of The Glenrothes and its enduring legacy.&nbsp;&nbsp;



All images shot exclusively for Robb Report Hong Kong.

RR1 event

The Glenrothes

Robb Report Hong Kong and RR1 Hong Kong Members Celebrated the Grand Unveiling of The Glenrothes 51 in Hong Kong

Always wanted to live out your very own Pretty Woman fantasy—albeit one that involves idling away your days at a tropical beachfront retreat in <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/hawaii/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hawaii</a> as opposed to a posh Beverly Hills hotel? You’re in luck, because a blissful estate that Oscar-winning actress Julia Roberts once called home has just popped up for sale on <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/kauai/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kauai</a>’s magical North Shore in the remote town of Hā‘ena, asking a dash under US$30 million (approximately HK$235.08 million). Neal Norman of Hawaii Life holds <a href="https://www.hawaiilife.com/nealnorman/listings/5-8192-kuhio-hwy-hanalei-hi-96714" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the listing</a>.



With a main home and a guest cottage offering up a total of four bedrooms and four baths in nearly 3,150 square feet, the secluded residence has plenty of room for any like-minded dreamer to eat, pray, love, and more while enjoying some particularly stunning ocean and mountain views. Famously owned by the Oscar-winning actress and her longtime cinematographer husband Danny Moder for more than a decade, records show the ranch-style property was last sold to an entity linked to a Miami-based LLC in 2020 for around US$20 million (approximately HK$156.72 million).



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="712" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Limahuli-Ocean-Estate-1_5e1e08.jpg-1024x712.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234798403" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Limahuli-Ocean-Estate-1_5e1e08.jpg-1024x712.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Limahuli-Ocean-Estate-1_5e1e08.jpg-300x209.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Limahuli-Ocean-Estate-1_5e1e08.jpg-768x534.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Limahuli-Ocean-Estate-1_5e1e08.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A spacious great room spills out to a covered lanai with picturesque views of the Pacific. Image courtesy of Gelston Dwight</figcaption></figure>



Tucked away off a private road on three contiguous parcels that total 8.3 acres and offer 400 feet of ocean frontage on pristine Limahuli Beach, the three-bedroom, three-bath primary dwelling was built in 1970. Remodelled during Roberts’s tenure by the San Francisco architecture firm <a href="https://walkerwarner.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Walker Warner</a>, it comes complete with rustic hardwood floors, soaring exposed-beam ceilings bolstered by steel tie bars, wood-panelled walls, and vast expanses of glass, plus new solar panels.



Upon entry, an open-concept great room features a living room, a dining area, and a kitchen boasting a butcher block-topped eat-in island that seats up to four for casual meals and an accompanying workstation. French doors lead out to a covered lanai. The primary bedroom sports a spa-like bath with a large oval soaking tub and access to an outdoor shower, and one of the guest bedrooms has been converted into a gym.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="689" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Limahuli-Ocean-Estate-7.jpg-1024x689.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234798404" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Limahuli-Ocean-Estate-7.jpg-1024x689.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Limahuli-Ocean-Estate-7.jpg-300x202.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Limahuli-Ocean-Estate-7.jpg-768x516.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Limahuli-Ocean-Estate-7.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">An infinity pool overlooks the towering, cathedral-like green peak of Makana Mountain. Image courtesy of Gelston Dwight</figcaption></figure>



In addition to a detached one-bedroom, one-bath guest cottage, the alluring grounds also host a 490-square-foot infinity pool integrated into a wood sundeck, along with landscaped gardens, a running stream, and plenty of grassy spots suited to alfresco lounging and dining. An added bonus: The retreat is adjacent to protected land that includes Hā‘ena State Park and the National Tropical Botanical Garden.



Roberts and Moder acquired the Limahuli Beach spread in June 2009 for US$10 million (approximately HK$78.36 million), and they previously owned another Kauai property, a charming compound on Hanalei Bay they bought in late 2011 for US$13.3 million (approximately HK$104.22 million) and offloaded to <a href="https://archive.ph/o/SF80k/https:/www.bizjournals.com/bizjournals/search/results" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michael Fleiss</a>, creator of ABC’s The Bachelor, in 2016 for US$16.2 million (approximately HK$126.94 million).



Click <a href="https://robbreport.com/shelter/celebrity-homes/gallery/julia-roberts-house-in-photos-1236748500" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> for more photos of the Kauai residence.

Hawaii

Julia Roberts

Kauai

property

Real Estate

Julia Roberts’s Former Hawaii Hideaway Can Be Yours for HK$235 Million

For more than two decades,&nbsp;Sex and the City&nbsp;and its sequel&nbsp;And Just Like That… have treated viewers not just to the romances and sky-high Manolos of Carrie Bradshaw’s (<a href="https://robbreport.com/shelter/celebrity-homes/sarah-jessica-parker-nyc-greenwich-village-townhouse-1236404102/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sarah Jessica Parker</a>) world, but also to a dreamscape of&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/new-york-city/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York City</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/real-estate-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">real estate</a>. From a rent-controlled&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/upper-east-side/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Upper East Side</a>&nbsp;studio to a Fifth Avenue penthouse and, most recently, a four-bedroom pad in&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/gramercy-park/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gramercy Park</a>, the newspaper columnist’s homes have always been as much a part of her character as her witty quips and signature curls. Here, we chart the evolution of her fictional property portfolio—and tell you what they would cost in 2025. (Note: Many of these are private residences, where real people actually live, so keep that in mind if you plan to visit in person.)&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Upper East Side Studio&nbsp;</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/carrie-brownstone.png-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234798368" style="width:839px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/carrie-brownstone.png-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/carrie-brownstone.png-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/carrie-brownstone.png-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/carrie-brownstone.png.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Carrie Bradshaw’s stoop scenes were filmed at 64 and 66 Perry Street in the <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/west-village/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">West Village</a>. Images courtesy of Alex Segre/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images; James Devaney/GC Images</figcaption></figure>



At the heart of Bradshaw’s New York story is her iconic one-bedroom brownstone apartment, a US$700-a-month (approximately HK$5,485), rent-controlled gem located at 245 East 73rd Street that became synonymous with her character through six seasons, two films, and beyond. In reality, however, no such address exists. The apartment’s interiors were built on a soundstage at Silvercup Studios, while exterior scenes were not even filmed on the Upper East Side but, rather, downtown, on the stoops of 64 and 66 Perry Street in the West Village, which has become a popular pilgrimage site for fans worldwide.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/sarah-jessica-parker_0-copy.jpg-1024x683.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234798369" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/sarah-jessica-parker_0-copy.jpg-1024x683.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/sarah-jessica-parker_0-copy.jpg-300x200.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/sarah-jessica-parker_0-copy.jpg-768x512.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/sarah-jessica-parker_0-copy.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Her fictional US$700 (approximately HK$5,485) rent contrasts with today’s US$4,000 (approximately HK$31,350) studios at the same address. Image courtesy of Craig Blankenhorn/Max</figcaption></figure>



For the first three seasons, filming took place outside of 64 Perry Street before shifting next door to 66 Perry for the remainder of the series. Off-screen, 64 Perry (a.k.a. The George F. Coddington, Jr. House and where Project Runway host Tim Gunn once lived) last sold in November 2013 for US$13.25 million (approximately HK103.85 million), while the most recent listing at 66 Perry—a 490-square-foot studio apartment with a marble fireplace and a tiny but separate and windowed kitchen—was pulled from the market in October 2024 with a monthly rent of US$4,000 (approximately HK$31,350). 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Heaven on Fifth Penthouse </h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1010-Fifth-Avenue.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234798370" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1010-Fifth-Avenue.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1010-Fifth-Avenue.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1010-Fifth-Avenue.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1010-Fifth-Avenue.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The exterior of Carrie and Big’s lavish penthouse was filmed at at 1010 Fifth Avenue. Image courtesy of Google Earth</figcaption></figure>



Marriage to Mr Big ushered in an opulent new chapter for Bradshaw—one marked by love, loss, and a seriously enviable address. The couple’s penthouse provided a backdrop of pre-war grandeur, sweeping park views, marble finishes, and a closet that was less walk-in and more museum. It also became the site of one of the most pivotal moments in And Just Like That: Big’s tragic heart attack after a workout session on his Peloton. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/carrie-brownstone-1.png-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234798371" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/carrie-brownstone-1.png-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/carrie-brownstone-1.png-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/carrie-brownstone-1.png-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/carrie-brownstone-1.png.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The interiors of the aerie were shot at the Academy Mansion on 2 East 63rd Street. Image courtesy of Craig Blankenhorn/Max</figcaption></figure>



However, while the exterior of the building was filmed at 1010 Fifth Avenue, the interior of Bradshaw and Big’s penthouse was <a href="https://www.iamnotastalker.com/2017/07/31/carrie-and-bigs-penthouse-from-the-sex-and-the-city-movie/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reportedly</a> shot at the William Zeigler Mansion at 2 East 63rd Street, also known as the Academy Mansion. This historic residence, designed by architect Frederick Sterner, was originally built in 1921 for William Ziegler Jr, heir to the Royal Baking Powder Company fortune. Ziegler and his wife, Gladys, lived in the 75-foot-wide mansion for just one year before selling it in 1925.



Later owned by Norman Bailey Woolworth in 1929, the mansion was donated to The New York Academy of Sciences in 1949. After the Academy sold the property in 2001, it was purchased in 2005 by billionaire financier Leonard Blavatnik for US$31.25 million (approximately HK$244.93 million). Though Blavatnik never took up residence, the mansion has since served as a venue for special events and film productions, including Sex and the City.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Temporary Tribeca Condo&nbsp;</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/mario-cantone-sarah-jessica-parker.jpg-1024x683.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234798372" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/mario-cantone-sarah-jessica-parker.jpg-1024x683.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/mario-cantone-sarah-jessica-parker.jpg-300x200.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/mario-cantone-sarah-jessica-parker.jpg-768x512.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/mario-cantone-sarah-jessica-parker.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Carrie’s sleek <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/tribeca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tribeca</a> loft was pure fiction—built entirely on a soundstage. Image courtesy of Craig Blankenhorn/Max</figcaption></figure>



After Big’s sudden death in And Just Like That season one, Bradshaw copes the only way she knows how—by making a dramatic real estate move. In a grief-fuelled bid for a fresh start, she snaps up a sleek, ultra-modern condo in Tribeca, a stark departure from her cosy Upper East Side brownstone. The glassy downtown loft, with sweeping Hudson River views and a persistent mystery beep, feels all wrong from day one. 



Within 24 hours, Carrie puts the multi-million-dollar pad back on the market and retreats uptown—mail-order mattress, vintage lamp, and Big’s vinyl collection in tow. The fleeting move, driven more by emotion than logic, also spares her real estate agent, Seema Patel (Sarita Choudhury), from yet another apartment tour—and conveniently nets her a second commission.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/sarah-jessica-parker_0.jpg-1024x683.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234798373" style="width:838px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/sarah-jessica-parker_0.jpg-1024x683.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/sarah-jessica-parker_0.jpg-300x200.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/sarah-jessica-parker_0.jpg-768x512.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/sarah-jessica-parker_0.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The multi-million-dollar condo mirrors the real-life market where homes top US$3 million (approximately HK$23.5 million). Image courtesy of Craig Blankenhorn/Max</figcaption></figure>



The Tribeca condo may have charmed fans with its cinematic views and minimalist interiors, but it turns out the apartment never existed, according to the Max show’s companion podcast, And Just Like That… The Writers Room. Built on a soundstage, the fictional loft’s river views were conjured with green screens. Still, clues in the background suggest its imagined location: near Bethune and West Streets in the West Village, where average sales top US$3 million (approximately HK$23.51 million), per Douglas Elliman. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Gramercy Park Townhouse&nbsp;</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="681" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/carrie-gramercy-park.jpg-1024x681.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234798374" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/carrie-gramercy-park.jpg-1024x681.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/carrie-gramercy-park.jpg-300x200.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/carrie-gramercy-park.jpg-768x511.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/carrie-gramercy-park.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Carrie made a move to 3 Gramercy Park West in And Just Like That… season two. Image courtesy of James Devaney/GC Images</figcaption></figure>



At the conclusion of And Just Like That season two, Bradshaw makes one of her most momentous decisions yet: She sells her beloved East 73rd Street studio. (In season four of SATC, when her building converted to a co-op, Aidan purchased the studio for them as a couple, and after their break-up, her best friend Charlotte famously offered her engagement ring to help Carrie buy the place on her own.) The decision to sell the apartment came after rekindling her relationship with Aidan (John Corbett)—who, haunted by the past, couldn’t even step foot inside her old place—and prompted the search for a fresh start. The result? A stunning Greek Revival townhouse at 3 Gramercy Park West. Built in 1840, Bradshaw’s newest home is dripping with historic charm. Red brick, cast iron lacework, and gracious proportions define the facade in real life, while television magic added a few more romantic flourishes, including ornate white doors and cascades of purple flowers, which you can peep in the season three <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vUtx5fgmQI" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trailer</a>.  



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/john-corbett-sarah-jessica-parker-gramercy-park.jpg-1024x683.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234798375" style="width:839px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/john-corbett-sarah-jessica-parker-gramercy-park.jpg-1024x683.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/john-corbett-sarah-jessica-parker-gramercy-park.jpg-300x200.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/john-corbett-sarah-jessica-parker-gramercy-park.jpg-768x512.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/john-corbett-sarah-jessica-parker-gramercy-park.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Georgian-style townhouse last sold for US$5 million (approximately HK$39.19 million) in 2022. Image courtesy of Craig Blankenhorn/Max</figcaption></figure>



In real life, the townhouse is divided into a handful of cooperative apartments. The most recent sale in the boutique building was in 2022 when the duplex penthouse sold for US$5 million (approximately HK$39.19 million) and there is currently a nicely updated but compact ground-floor studio listed for US$900,000 (approximately HK$7.05 million), a small price to pay for a private key to Gramercy Park and, Bradshaw might say, a fresh start.

And Just Like That

apartments

New York

New York apartments

New York real estate

SATC

Sex and the City

Every Carrie Bradshaw Apartment—and What They’d Actually Cost You in 2025

Across from the sprawling greenery of <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/hampstead/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hampstead</a> Heath and standing in bold contrast to the more traditional homes nearby, Schreiber House quietly holds its place as one of <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/london/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">London</a>’s more unusual architectural gems. Commissioned in the early 1960s and now listed as a Grade II structure—a rare honour for a post-war home—it feels as fresh today as it did when it was first built. On the market for US$14.7 million (approximately HK$115.22 million, or about <a href="https://search.savills.com/property-detail/gbhahsclv246593" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">£10,950,000</a>), the monumental manse is surrounded by the city’s verdant urban landscape that has inspired poets and authors like C. S. Lewis and John Keats for centuries. 



The story begins with Chaim Schreiber, a furniture maker who started out producing radio cabinets during WWII before growing into one of the biggest names in British furniture by the 1970s. When it came time to build himself a family home, he wanted something unconventional and turned to Scottish architect James Gowan, a figure known for shaping post-war British architecture. The result was a house both thoughtful and decidedly unlike its neighbours.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="758" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Schreiber-House-Savills-10.jpg-1024x758.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234798357" style="width:839px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Schreiber-House-Savills-10.jpg-1024x758.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Schreiber-House-Savills-10.jpg-300x222.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Schreiber-House-Savills-10.jpg-768x568.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Schreiber-House-Savills-10.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Floor-to-ceiling windows flood light onto San Stefano marble floors. Image courtesy of Tony Murray Photography; Savills</figcaption></figure>



From the street, the austere facade is marked with tall piers of rustic blue Staffordshire brick, giving it a serious, industrial vibe. Inside is a different story. There’s plenty of space to spread out, from the large double reception room to the study, dining room, and library that doubles as a dressing room, while floor-to-ceiling vertical windows pour in natural light, bouncing off San Stefano marble floors and rich Muhuhu hardwood.&nbsp;



The beamed ceilings, made of precast concrete and faced with Bath Stone, add rhythm and unexpected softness, and one of the house’s standout features is how it’s oriented, with north-facing windows framing views of the Heath, while the rear opens onto a peaceful south-facing garden.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="688" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Schreiber-House-Savills-8.jpg-1024x688.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234798358" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Schreiber-House-Savills-8.jpg-1024x688.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Schreiber-House-Savills-8.jpg-300x202.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Schreiber-House-Savills-8.jpg-768x516.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Schreiber-House-Savills-8.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Vertical strips of windows frame serene views of the south-facing rear garden. Image courtesy of Tony Murray Photography; Savills</figcaption></figure>



Thoughtful updates have modernised the plumbing, wiring, and bathrooms while preserving the home’s original character. Built by C P Roberts &amp; Co., the exceptional craftsmanship remains evident, showcased in details like the built-in furniture Schreiber designed and the striking manganese bronze staircase. 



“The current owners have done a wonderful job in updating the home for modern living, while maximising and celebrating its mid-century design,” says James Diaper, director of Savills Hampstead. “With over 5,600 square feet of accommodation, the space is ideal for a family looking to upsize and entertain. Its position fronting the Heath is hard to beat, offering a London village lifestyle as well as easy accessibility into the City and West End.” 



Click <a href="https://robbreport.com/shelter/homes-for-sale/gallery/schreiber-house-london-photos-1236748066" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> to see more photos of the London residence.

Hampstead Heath

London property

A Modernist Masterpiece in London Just Hit the Market for HK$115 Million

<a href="https://robbreport.com/thevault/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Vault</a>, Robb Report’s premier shopping destination for treasures both physical and experiential, offers an unparalleled selection that showcases the rarest luxuries in the world. Collaborating with leading brands in the luxury sector, The Vault presents gifts, products, and adventures that are simply unattainable elsewhere, regardless of your Black AmEx prowess and having your favourite concierge on speed-dial. The Vault’s exclusive offerings are available for a limited time, and, being unique, once they are gone, they are truly gone.



Robb Report has meticulously partnered with the finest artisans and companies in the luxury domain to create and curate a dynamic selection that is genuinely distinctive, ensuring that these treasures cannot be found anywhere else globally.Whether you are in pursuit of an exquisite gift, planning a lavish holiday, celebrating a momentous occasion, expressing your appreciation, or indulging in a well-deserved treat, we trust you will discover precisely what you are seeking on <a href="https://robbreport.com/thevault/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Vault</a>—or perhaps something you never even realised you desired.



New additions are introduced to The Vault on a regular basis, while equally, certain items will be retired. Many offerings are one-of-a-kind, while others are available in limited quantities.



We invite you to plunge into the depths of The Vault and find a treasure that speaks to your heart.&nbsp;For the jet-set who live life around the globe, these offerings are ripe for the picking.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Spearfishing Adventures in Mexico with Record-Breaker Cameron Kirkconnell</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="701" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Naviva_zoom_view_spearfishing_LEAD_RS-1024x701.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234798178" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Naviva_zoom_view_spearfishing_LEAD_RS-1024x701.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Naviva_zoom_view_spearfishing_LEAD_RS-300x205.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Naviva_zoom_view_spearfishing_LEAD_RS-768x526.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Naviva_zoom_view_spearfishing_LEAD_RS-1536x1052.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Naviva_zoom_view_spearfishing_LEAD_RS-2048x1402.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Fishing aficionado are no doubt familiar with the legendary Cameron Kirkconnell, the one-time cargo-boat captain who earned 18 spearfishing world records and captained the USA national team, thanks to his impressive reflexes and instinctive grasp of the oceans. Now, exclusively on The Vault, you can learn his techniques and secrets (like establishing the true size of a fish when you’re in the water) through a three-day immersive expedition that is tailor-made just for you. Kirkconnell—a seasoned guide who now rarely leads private excursions like this—will take you into the pristine, teeming waters off Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit for a spearfishing adventure.



Journey to a different location every day to explore the marine life and practise hunting techniques to score the best tuna, wahoo, and grouper. From veteran spearfishers to newbies keen to harness the skill, Kirkconnell will instruct for every level. His extraordinary experience includes facing down temperamental sharks, surviving powerful rip currents, and diving 100 feet in extreme conditions. At the end of each day’s fishing, you’ll bring your catch back to your luxury, adults-only home base, Naviva, a Four Seasons Resort, on the coast. Sofía Mojica, the resort’s chef, will help you turn that fish into supper, using traditional Mexican cooking ingredients— think open-fire grilling or a&nbsp;píib&nbsp;underground oven.



<a href="https://robbreport.com/thevault/naviva-four-seasons-mexico-cameron-kirkconnell-spearfishing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">INQUIRE</a>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Ultimate Italian Getaway: White Truffles and a Winning Football Team</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="680" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/casa-di-langa_mountains_RS-1024x680.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234798413" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/casa-di-langa_mountains_RS-1024x680.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/casa-di-langa_mountains_RS-300x199.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/casa-di-langa_mountains_RS-768x510.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/casa-di-langa_mountains_RS-1536x1020.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/casa-di-langa_mountains_RS-2048x1359.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Food and football are Italy’s twin obsessions. If you share those same two passions, this Vault package is tailor-made for you. On this three-night experience, your itinerary will revolve around two unforgettable activities. First, a visit to the truffle fair in Alba, the town in Piedmont renowned for the finest finds of white truffles every year. You can soak up the atmosphere (and the smell) or even pick up a few choice mushrooms as you wish. You’ll then be whisked by private transfer to the president’s box at Parma Calcio 1913’s ground in Emilia-Romagna. Recently acquired by American businessman Kyle Krause, the storied team just returned to the Serie A Italian football league, and is primed to recapture its glory days of the 1990s.



<a href="https://robbreport.com/thevault/casa-di-langa-truffle-hunting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">INQUIRE</a>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Immerse Yourself in the Ferragamo Family’s Lifestyle in Tuscany</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Vault_Ferragamo5_RS-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234798177" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Vault_Ferragamo5_RS-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Vault_Ferragamo5_RS-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Vault_Ferragamo5_RS-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Vault_Ferragamo5_RS-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Vault_Ferragamo5_RS-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



You know the Ferragamo name, but what you may not have known is that the Ferragamo family is one of Tuscany’s most famous dynasties, first earning accolades in the fashion world before branching out into other luxury fields, including winemaking and hospitality. Our week-long adventure offers a chance to immerse yourself in their lifestyle.



Your home for four nights will be the four-bedroom private Villa Casetta at Il Borro, the 2,700-acre estate that Ferruccio Ferragamo, son of Salvatore, bought over 30 years ago. You’ll spend a day with Ferruccio’s son Salvatore Jr, who will personally take you through a tasting of the wines made there, such as the Super Tuscan Classic Borrigiano, and a tour of the vineyard, his passion project. You’ll dine at Il Borro Tuscan Bistro one night—where executive chef Andrea Campani will cook a four-course meal paired with estate wines, including Nitrito—and ADB, on another. Salvatore Jr’s sister, Vittoria, an avid equestrian, will spend an afternoon on horseback with you riding among the Valdarno hills. For the final three nights, you’ll stay at Viesca, the villa that was once the family’s country retreat, just south of Florence.&nbsp;



<a href="https://robbreport.com/thevault/week-with-ferragamos-tuscany/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">INQUIRE</a>



Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/thevault/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">robbreport.com/thevault</a>&nbsp;to check out exclusive new offers and soon-to-be-gone treasures.

Adventure

Robb Report

The Vault

Monthly Picks From The Vault: The Ultimate Italian Getaway, Spearfishing in Mexico, and Dining With the Ferragamo Family in Tuscany

When I reach the pearly gates of heaven, I am going to be on bended knees asking God to answer two questions I have had swirling in my head for the last 20 years. Firstly, how did Jim Simons’s Medallion Fund manage to extract between US$5 to US$10 billion of profits from the financial markets year-on-year for the last three decades? Secondly, how have Dom Pérignon managed to produce millions of bottles of the finest Champagne in every declared vintage?



It is surely one of the wonders of the world that this remarkable Champagne brand is able to produce an artisanal, extremely high quality product in such high quantity that it makes Château Lafite Rothschild’s production numbers look miniscule. The exact numbers are a trade secret that no one, including former employees, are ever willing to talk about. They believe revealing the numbers will somehow diminish their brand and achievements. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. It would be something to be admired and marvelled at given that the end-product is as good as anything else produced in the Champagne region. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="945" height="708" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Dom-Perignon-Hautvillers-abbey-1-©James-Bort-DomPerignon_BalayMaxime.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797922" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Dom-Perignon-Hautvillers-abbey-1-©James-Bort-DomPerignon_BalayMaxime.jpg.webp 945w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Dom-Perignon-Hautvillers-abbey-1-©James-Bort-DomPerignon_BalayMaxime.jpg-300x225.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Dom-Perignon-Hautvillers-abbey-1-©James-Bort-DomPerignon_BalayMaxime.jpg-768x575.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 945px) 100vw, 945px" /></figure>



As a long-time lover of <a href="https://www.domperignon.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dom Pérignon</a>, it is clear that what sets this maison apart from its competitors are its resources: it attracts and keeps the most talented human resources in the industry; it has more financial muscle than any other wine estate globally; and it controls huge swathes of Premier Crus and Grands Crus vineyards all over the region. Add to this a history of pioneering and emblematic chefs de caves—modelled in some respect after the original man himself, Dom Pierre Pérignon (1638–1715), the French Benedictine monk who it is said invented the process of second fermentation in bottle (i.e. sparkling wine)—and you have all the ingredients for greatness.



The maison’s main product is Dom Pérignon Brut, always impressive, always admired and always delicious. Made in a reductive style, it’s the essence of what people have come to expect of Champagne: notes of brioche, toasted bread, chalky minerality, vibrancy, and generosity on the palate and in the finish. However, as well as a highly regarded and often epic Dom Pérignon Brut Rosé, the recently retired legendary chef de cave, Richard Geoffroy, introduced the concept of Plénitudes, both for white and rosé Champagnes. Today, Geoffroy’s able acolyte, Vincent Chaperon, holds the reins at the estate. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="921" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/VINCENT-CHAPERON-CHEF-DE-CAVE-DOM-PERIGNON-5-©ALEX-MAJOLI-DomPerignon_BalayMaxime-1.jpg-1024x921.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797923" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/VINCENT-CHAPERON-CHEF-DE-CAVE-DOM-PERIGNON-5-©ALEX-MAJOLI-DomPerignon_BalayMaxime-1.jpg-1024x921.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/VINCENT-CHAPERON-CHEF-DE-CAVE-DOM-PERIGNON-5-©ALEX-MAJOLI-DomPerignon_BalayMaxime-1.jpg-300x270.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/VINCENT-CHAPERON-CHEF-DE-CAVE-DOM-PERIGNON-5-©ALEX-MAJOLI-DomPerignon_BalayMaxime-1.jpg-768x691.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/VINCENT-CHAPERON-CHEF-DE-CAVE-DOM-PERIGNON-5-©ALEX-MAJOLI-DomPerignon_BalayMaxime-1.jpg.webp 1134w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Vincent Chaperon.</figcaption></figure>



Plénitudes are principally about longer ageing than the standard Dom Pérignon Brut which is typically aged for at least eight years on its lees (dead yeast cells). The second Plénitude (P2) will be aged for between 12 to 15 years (and longer for the P2 Rosé). The third Plenitude (P3) will see at least 25 years of ageing on its lees.  



P2 is made in much smaller quantities than the Brut (often referred to as P1 at the maison). P3 is made in relatively minute quantities. The difference between a P1 and P2 can be stark in terms of additional complexity and length on the finish. The difference between a P2 and a P3 can be gigantic in that P3 can often be a wine that stands alongside the very greatest fine wines you are ever likely to taste. The price tag is equally reflective of this jump in complexity and quality, as well as the rarity factor compared with P1.



October is a great month to visit Abbaye d’Hautvillers, the spiritual heart of Dom Pérignon, which is seeing a major renovation project due to complete around 2028 that will greatly enhance the visitor experience. Harvest is over, the vins clairs (the base wines) are being produced, and the autumnal leaves enhance the beauty of the vineyards. I highly recommend it.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="682" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/©2023-Harold-De-Puymorin-06–-Dom-Perignon_RGB.jpg-1024x682.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797924" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/©2023-Harold-De-Puymorin-06–-Dom-Perignon_RGB.jpg-1024x682.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/©2023-Harold-De-Puymorin-06–-Dom-Perignon_RGB.jpg-300x200.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/©2023-Harold-De-Puymorin-06–-Dom-Perignon_RGB.jpg-768x512.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/©2023-Harold-De-Puymorin-06–-Dom-Perignon_RGB.jpg.webp 1400w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Lewis’s Best 3 Wines from Dom Pérignon&nbsp;</h2>



Dom Pérignon P2, 1995: From a vintage that was nowhere near as highly regarded as its successor, the development of this wine over the years has now surpassed the 1996 vintage. There is not a P2 vintage drinking better than the 1995 right now. The nose is hugely complex and it has an ethereal quality in the mouth that makes you sit up and smile. An extraordinary wine. 



Dom Pérignon P3, 1975: A wine of such depth, complexity, and one of the longest finishes I have ever experienced, it’s firstly a fine wine and only secondly a sparkling wine. Floral, petal-y aromas compete with the typical toasty notes you would expect of a long-aged Champagne. 



Dom Pérignon Oenothèque Brut Millésime, 1966 (Magnum): Oenothèque is the precursor to the longer-ageing Plénitudes. Richard Geoffroy, the former chef de cave, opened this magnum at the home of Dom Pérignon, Abbaye d’Hautvillers, for a friend and I to share. All three of us were overwhelmed by how incredible this bottle showed. Graceful, powerful, constantly evolving in the glass. One of the all time greatest wines I have tasted. 



The Golden Vines® 2025 will take place in Miami, USA between 7–9 November 2025, recognising the world’s best fine wine estates as voted by hundreds of fine wine professionals. Please register your interest for tickets on the website: <a href="https://liquidicons.com/work/golden-vines-awards" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://liquidicons.com/work/golden-vines-awards</a>.



Lewis Chester DipWSET is a London-based wine collector, member of the Académie du Champagne and Chevaliers du Tastevin, co-founder of&nbsp;<a href="https://liquidicons.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Liquid Icons</a>&nbsp;and, along with Sasha Lushnikov, co-founder of the Golden Vines® Awards.&nbsp;He is also the honorary president and head of fundraising at the&nbsp;<a href="https://gerardbassetfoundation.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gérard Basset Foundation</a>, which funds diversity and inclusivity education programmes globally in the wine, spirits, and hospitality sectors.

Champagne

Dom Pérignon

Take an Exclusive Look Inside the Remarkable Dom Pérignon Champagne House

Vacationing like royalty just got a tad bit easier.



You can now book a stay at a quaint property that’s part of Sandringham Estate,&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/food-drink/wine/king-charles-champagne-royal-warrants-revoked-1236177307/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">King Charles II</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/jewelry/queen-camilla-diamond-diadem-state-opening-1235777842/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queen Camilla’s</a>&nbsp;favourite country retreat nestled in Norfolk,&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/england/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">England</a>. Known as the Folly at Sandringham, the house was originally used to host ladies for tea; now, of course, it can host you, thanks to an offering from the travel agency&nbsp;<a href="https://www.oliverstravels.com/britain-ireland/norfolk/the-folly-at-sandringham/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oliver’s Travels</a>.



Inside the cottage, it has undergone a bit of a modern makeover, but still retains all the charming historical elements you’d expect from a country lodging, such as preserved stone hearths, arched entryways, and floors. That starts in the drawing room, with its cream tones, vintage furniture, and lovely French doors opening onto to the lawn. Head to the sitting room for relax by the hearth, or pop into the dining room to enjoy a meal or two. The kitchen, painted a bright teal, has a butler sink and a slew of brass details. If you’re looking for an even cosier spot to unwind, head outside and up the stone stairway to the top of the turret, which has been transformed into a scenic lounging space. Also outside is a private, gated garden for you to roam, as well as an alfresco dining space.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/thefollyatsandringhambedroom1.png-2-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234798970" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/thefollyatsandringhambedroom1.png-2-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/thefollyatsandringhambedroom1.png-2-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/thefollyatsandringhambedroom1.png-2-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/thefollyatsandringhambedroom1.png-2.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">One of the cottage’s bedrooms.</figcaption></figure>



Back inside, the cottage sleeps six, with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The primary suite gets its own wing, with a large king-sized bed and quaint touches, as well as views into the lush gardens. The primary bathroom also offers up a walk-in rain shower and a bespoke wood vanity. The other wing, meanwhile, houses the two other bedrooms: one done up in sage green, and one with a private balcony and botanical wallpaper. If you’re looking to relax even further, the second bathroom has a full-sized tub for unwinding after a day exploring the grounds.



And you’ll certainly find plenty to do and see amid the landscape. A stay at the Folly gives you access to roam around the 20,000-acre parkland of the Sandringham Estate, as well as the official royal gardens. A stay at the cottage is priced from US$4,000 (approximately HK$31,400) for a three-night stay for six people.



<a href="https://sandringhamestate.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sandringham Estate</a>&nbsp;has long been held in high royal esteem. King George VI, father of&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/lifestyle/news/queen-elizabeth-britains-longest-reigning-monarch-dies-at-1234746793/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queen Elizabeth II,</a>&nbsp;wrote, “I have always been happy here and I love the place,” when discussing the grounds. The area has seen quite a few changes over the centuries: There has been evidence of a residence on-site dating back as early as 1296, according to the estate’s website. Queen Elizabeth II opened the main home, known as the House, to the public in 1977. As for the gardens, King Edward II opened them to the public in 1908.



Click <a href="https://robbreport.com/travel/hotels/gallery/the-folly-at-sandringham-in-photos-1236803010" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> to see more of the Folly at Sandringham.

cottage

Country retreat

Englad

Norfolk

Sandringham

Sandringham Estate

You Can Now Stay at King Charles’s Favourite Country Retreat

Culinary Masters

Culinary Masters 2025

Macau

MGM Cotai

MGM Macau

RR1HK

MGM x RR1HK Culinary Masters Macau 2025 Draws to a Close, Culminating With Even More Cultural and Culinary Adventures: Day 2 Highlights

Culinary masters macau

Gala Dinner

Michelin Star

MGM x RR1HK Culinary Masters Macau 2025 Kicks Off Third Annual Edition With Sensational 9-Michelin-Star Gala Dinner: Day 1 Highlights

Few things are more thrilling than discovering an open secret in the heart of Hong Kong. In an inconspicuous high-rise on Lyndhurst Terrace, only those in the know have made their pilgrimage through a labyrinth of stairs and corridors to discover treasures of untold fortune and global sourcing. Liquid amber and gold are painstakingly collected, curated, and coursed as the man behind the locked and lacquered doors entrances you with his bon mots on the glory-be bottles that he has in store: simply, the finest whisky in town, hence the name.



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Kam Daswani, founder and managing partner of Dram Good Stuff, has carved a niche for himself in the whisky sector. With a passion for fine spirits—and an impressive collection of watches that he’s known for in equal measure—his journey is as captivating as the things he curates. In an exclusive interview with&nbsp;Robb Report Hong Kong, Daswani shares insights into his philosophy on whisky, the evolution of the brand, and the essence of luxury.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="726" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Kam_RS-1024x726.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797411" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Kam_RS-1024x726.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Kam_RS-300x213.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Kam_RS-768x545.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Kam_RS-1536x1089.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Kam_RS-2048x1452.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



His foray into the whisky business was born from a simple idea: to provide a premium experience for private events. “Dram Good Stuff stemmed from the desire to allow people to enjoy themselves at private parties and dinners, ensuring all their alcohol needs were met,” he explains. Before establishing Dram Good Stuff, Daswani and his wife were partners in a small restaurant, where they became the go-to source for patrons seeking quality spirits, particularly whisky. “We were inundated with requests for vodka, tequila, and, primarily, whisky. It became clear that there was a significant demand for a more structured approach to catering these needs.”



In formalising Dram Good Stuff, Daswani transformed a passion into a thriving business, and his wife continues to play a pivotal role in its operations. His path to this luxurious realm was not paved with formal, specialised education. As a young adult, he ventured to Los Angeles to study gemmology, earning a graduate diploma from the Gemological Institute of America, a unique background that would later inform his aesthetic sensibilities in both whisky and watches. When asked to choose between his two passions, Daswani responds, “It’s a difficult choice, and thankfully,” he says with a knowing smile, “I don’t have to make one!” He relishes the opportunity to indulge in both worlds, stating, “Dram Good Stuff allows me to enjoy some of the finest whiskies globally. We partner with major distilleries, including Macallan and the Diageo portfolio, to offer unparalleled selections.”



His appreciation for whisky is deeply personal. “Collecting whisky was a hobby that became a business,” he admits. “My wife once told me either to monetise my collection or drink it all. Clearly, drinking it all wasn’t feasible!” It is this blend of personal enjoyment and professional commitment that sets Daswani apart in the industry.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="684" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Kam-14-1024x684.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797403" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Kam-14-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Kam-14-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Kam-14-768x513.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Kam-14-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Kam-14-2048x1367.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



At Dram Good Stuff, each customer’s experience is tailored to their preferences. “When you walk in, you’ll notice a tasting station. We conduct palate tests to understand what our guests enjoy,” Daswani explains, with this attention to detail ensuring that each encounter is unique, accommodating a wide range of tastes from casual drinkers to connoisseurs. “It’s about mood and context. Sometimes people want something simple to unwind after work, while others seek a refined whisky for a special occasion,” he says.



His approach transcends merely selling expensive bottles; Daswani believes in fostering genuine connections. “Whisky is a mood-based experience. It’s essential to get to know the person to recommend the right dram,” he emphasises. You don’t need a fictional purple dinosaur to tell you that “sharing is caring” but the finest of whiskies essentially rely on a community experience of connoisseurs who gather around and discuss at length the good and the great casks in town, from dusk till dawn, from cask till dram.



In discussing the distinction between true whisky connoisseurs and mere collectors, Daswani offers a keen insight. “Hoarding is often driven by the intention to sell. A true collector ties their acquisitions to significant life moments,” he states. He believes that collectors seek to create shared experiences rather than simply amassing wealth.



Reflecting on his journey, Daswani recalls his first memorable whisky experience. “I started drinking whisky at 18, and Glenfiddich 12-Year-Old was my entry point—like many others,” he shares. However, it was a Macallan 30-Year-Old gifted by his then-girlfriend (now wife) that left a lasting impression. “She brought it home, and I thought, ‘What are we going to do with a HK$5,000 whisky?’ But her response was simple: ‘We’re going to drink it.’ Those moments are what whisky is all about—sharing and celebrating,” he reminisces with a smile.



Daswani also offers his thoughts on how whisky sales can reflect the broader economy. “Luxury goods, including whisky, are tied to disposable income. Right now, Hong Kong is going through a tough patch, and it shows in our sales,” he observes. He notes a shift in consumer behaviour, with many opting for younger, more affordable whiskies. “The market for older expressions has diminished, but people haven’t given up on whisky entirely.”



Addressing common misconceptions, Daswani highlights two prevalent myths: that colour and age indicate quality. “The colour of whisky can be misleading. It doesn’t necessarily correlate with its taste or quality,” he asserts, pointing out three rare vintages: one lighter than the other, one as dark as a bottle of Coca-Cola, and another a pale golden yellow. He provides insight into the ageing process: “Older doesn’t always mean better. I’ve enjoyed 10-year-old whiskies more than some that are decades older.” His expertise underscores the importance of understanding the nuances of whisky rather than relying on superficial indicators.



For Daswani, luxury transcends material possessions. “True luxury is the ability to enjoy a moment without distraction,” he explains. Whether it’s savouring a rare bottle of whisky or admiring a finely crafted watch, he values the experience above all else. “When I open a 45-year-old Scotch, I honour the time and effort that went into making it. I disconnect from the outside world to fully appreciate that moment,” he says.&nbsp;



Daswani speaks fondly of the community that whisky has helped him cultivate. “We have WhatsApp groups for collectors and enthusiasts—the connections I’ve made through whisky tastings and festivals are invaluable,” he shares, reflecting on how this camaraderie fosters friendships that span cultures and borders, creating a rich tapestry of shared experiences that has taken him around the world—and helped him collect recognition and accolades from unexpected quarters. As we meet for this interview, just days after his whirlwind trip to Scotland, he returns with dazzling tokens of appreciation and acknowledgement by peers.



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Daswani received the prestigious title of Keeper of the Quaich, an honour recognising his contributions to the Scotch whisky industry. “It’s a tremendous acknowledgment, and I’m humbled to have been nominated by a Master of the Quaich,” he says with humility and pride. It’s an accolade that reflects his commitment to educating others about whisky and promoting a culture of appreciation rather than mere consumption and conspicuous collection. His “hobby,” which he converted to a successful business, is a man cave studded with the rarest vintages from all corners of the world, featuring bottles of different shapes, sizes, and colours, including a bottle that distinctly looks like a weapon! “Isn’t it a lawsuit waiting to happen?” he asks rhetorically as he pull out the most peculiar bottle of vodka.&nbsp;



Behind guarded and secret doors, there are five- and six-figure vintages of amber and gold. “We rent out the space for VIP gatherings and some of the rare bottles are definitely under lock and key!” Daswani demonstrates how a particular puzzle unravels to reveal a bottle of significant value. Let it not be said that presentation isn’t everything!



Looking ahead, Daswani is excited about the future of Dram Good Stuff and the whisky industry. “We’re planning unique events that pool resources and showcase exceptional whiskies,” he reveals. His passion for whisky continues to drive him as he aims to create unforgettable experiences for his clients, including a programme he’s masterminding for&nbsp;Robb Report Hong Kong&nbsp;and RR1 Hong Kong that’s in the works. (More on that soon.)



Like the origin story of a refined whisky, his journey, from a restaurant investor to a key player in the whisky industry to a leader of luxury, illustrates the transformative power of passion and dedication. As Daswani aptly states, “If you can’t share whisky, then what’s the point?” In this ethos lies the true luxury of whisky—connection, celebration, and the joy of shared experiences. Sounds like the beat of a drum we’re all too familiar with at Robb Report Hong Kong.



All original images by Chris Yau, others courtesy of Kam Daswani.

Dram

Dram Good stuff

Hong Kong

Leaders of Luxury

Profile

Whisky

Dram Good Stuff’s Kam Daswani on the Exquisite World of Fine Whisky, How Each Encounter Is Unique, and Being a Keeper of the Quaich

Aston Martin

Bentley

Hypercar

Lamborghini

luxury car

motors

Rolls-Royce

The Best in Wheels 2025, From the Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II and Aston Martin Vantage to Porsche 911 S/T

It has taken its time, but the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/aston-martin-reveals-production-valhalla-supercar-1234624583/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aston Martin Valhalla</a>&nbsp;has finally made it to the finished line.



The British marque just unveiled the production version of its eagerly anticipated&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/plug-in-hybrid/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plug-in hybrid</a>&nbsp;supercar. The futuristic speed machine will launch as part of the automaker’s 2026 model class and is somehow more impressive than what was originally promised.



The Valhalla made its debut way back in 2019 in the guise of the AM-RB 03 concept. Five years is a significant chunk of time and it should come as no surprise that the supercar has evolved in that time, even since the production version was first teased in 2021. Sure, the finished version of the car may look about the same, but thanks to the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/aston-martins-formula-1-team-helped-develop-valhalla-supercar-1235041677/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">help of the automaker’s Formula 1 team</a>&nbsp;the hardware is different—and more powerful.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/valhalla03.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794261" style="width:839px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/valhalla03.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/valhalla03.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/valhalla03.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/valhalla03.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">2026 <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/aston-martin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aston Martin</a> Valhalla. Image courtesy of Aston Martin</figcaption></figure>



The big story with any supercar is bound to be the powertrain, and the Valhalla is no different. At the centre of the plug-in hybrid setup is a mid-mounted twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V-8. It’s similar to the mill found in the DBX707 but has a flat-plane crank, dry-sump lubrication system, reworked pistons, and bespoke ignition system. Thanks to these changes the engine, which is mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox, makes 817 hp, which is 77 hp more than the brand said it was targeting in 2021.



That figure alone would make the Valhalla potent, but its powertrain also includes three electric motors, one more than was supposed to be present in 2021. Two of the motors are positioned on the front axle (which gives the car all-wheel drive) and the other is integrated into the transmission and acts as a starter generator. The trio gets its juice from a 6.0-kWh battery pack that can be recharged while decelerating. Thanks to the motors the vehicle can also operate in EV mode, in which it can cover 8.6 miles at speeds of up to 80 mph.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/valhalla05.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794262" style="width:838px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/valhalla05.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/valhalla05.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/valhalla05.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/valhalla05.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Aston Martin</figcaption></figure>



When the engine and all three motors are working together output comes to a combined 1,064 hp and 811 ft lbs of torque. The first figure is 127 hp more than the number quoted in 2021 (937 hp), meaning the powertrain is nearly 14 per cent more powerful than expected. Performance numbers remain the same, but it’s hard to imagine anyone complaining. Aston Martin says the Valhalla can rocket from zero to 62 mph in 2.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 217 mph.



That last number is helped by the Valhalla’s rather aggressive aero kit. The vehicle, as is increasingly common in its class, looks like a LMDh prototype racer with slightly cleaner, more attractive lines. It sits low to the ground, has a wide-mouth grille, sculpted curves, and an active rear wing that can elevate up to 10 inches up into the air. These elements combine to produce 1,323 pounds of downforce once you reach 149 mph, helping keep the car glued to the road. It’s also equipped with a set of forward-hinted dihedral doors that open up to reveal a surprisingly minimalist interior. The cabin lacks the flare of the exterior, but the flat-bottomed steering wheel and simplified digital screen setup are nice touches.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/valhalla06.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794263" style="width:838px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/valhalla06.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/valhalla06.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/valhalla06.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/valhalla06.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Aston Martin</figcaption></figure>



The Valhalla is a 2026 model and because of that it won’t go into production until the latter half of next year. The marque plans to build just 999 examples of its electrified supercar, which will likely sell quick. No final price has been announced, but it’s previously been speculated that it would cost between US$800,000 (approximately HK$6.21 million) and US$1 million (approximately HK$7.77 million).



Click <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/photos-production-ready-2026-aston-martin-valhalla-1236116968" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> for more photos of the 2026 Aston Martin Valhalla.

hybrid

Supercar

Aston Martin Just Unveiled Its First Plug-In Hybrid Supercar

McLaren’s Oscar Piastri may have been the big winner at this year’s Miami Grand Prix, but Bonhams didn’t exactly fare shabbily.



The auction house held its&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/10-best-cars-bonhams-second-miami-auction-1236700853/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">second annual Miami sale</a>&nbsp;in May at the Miami International Autodrome, just prior to the first American date on the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/formula-1/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Formula 1</a>&nbsp;calendar.&nbsp;Robb Report&nbsp;was on hand for the boisterous event, which brought in over US$12.6 million (approximately HK$98.17 million), despite no one taking home the headline lot.



As with the one last year, the auction was held on the Miami track in front of the winner’s podium, where Piastri would be presented with his fourth Grand Prix trophy of the season on Sunday evening. Bids were taken over the phone and online, but only the more than 250 people in attendance the night prior got to see the actual cars driven onto center stage before bidding commenced.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/bonhamsmiami01.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797823" style="width:838px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/bonhamsmiami01.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/bonhamsmiami01.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/bonhamsmiami01.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/bonhamsmiami01.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Cars like this 2016 Dodge Viper ACR were driven onto the Miami Grand Prix’s track. Image courtesy of Bonhams</figcaption></figure>



The <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/brawn-gp-f1-car-up-for-auction-1236195901/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2009 Brawn BGP001</a> was the big talking point heading into this year’s edition of the Miami Auction, which is a collaboration between Bonhams and South Florida Motorsports. The F1 car is one of only three chassis that Brawn GP used to win the most unexpected constructors’ and drivers’ championships in the sport’s history—and the first of those to be offered for sale. The vehicle carried a US$4.5 million (approximately HK$35.07 million) to US$6.5 million (approximately HK$50.65 million) estimate heading into the auction, but didn’t sell after bidding failed to meet the reserve.



One of the other big cars on offer, a <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/porsche-911-reimagined-singer-bonhams-auction-1236523048/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">1990 Porsche 911 reimagined by Singer’s Classic Turbo services</a>, did successfully cross the auction block, though. The restomod was the first of Singer’s Classic Turbo restoration services to ever go up for auction. Collectors tend to favor vehicles that are as original as possible, but this heavily upgraded air-cooled 964-generation example is anything but, despite taking visual cues from the 1970s-era Porsche 930, the marque’s first turbocharged production 911. It sold for US$1.68 million (approximately HK$13.09 million), including the buyer’s premium, which was just shy of the presale, low-end estimate of US$1.75 million (approximately HK$13.64 million).



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/bonhamsmiami04.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797832" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/bonhamsmiami04.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/bonhamsmiami04.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/bonhamsmiami04.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/bonhamsmiami04.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The auction’s 1990 Porsche 911 reimagined through Singer’s Classic Turbo services. Image courtesy of Bonhams</figcaption></figure>



“It’s amazing to see market changes,” Louis Frankel, the Bonhams consignment specialist who heads the Miami Auction, told&nbsp;Robb Report&nbsp;before the sale. “But I think it comes back to, you know, collectors are going back to things they want to drive, and they love that personalization.”



Another car that generated plenty of excitement on Saturday was a <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/10-best-cars-bonhams-second-miami-auction-1236700853/eb110/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">1994 Bugatti EB100 GT</a>. A number of attendees got out of their seats to take pictures and shoot video of the silver supercar as it was driven out. Bonhams could not reveal what the final price of the vehicle was, but a presale estimate of US$1.45 million (approximately HK$11.30 million) to US$1.65 million (approximately HK$12.86 million), suggests the number had plenty of zeros at the end of it.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/bonhamsmiami02.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797833" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/bonhamsmiami02.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/bonhamsmiami02.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/bonhamsmiami02.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/bonhamsmiami02.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A 1970 Plymouth Hemi Superbird is presented to the crowd. Image courtesy of Bonhams</figcaption></figure>



Other noteworthy sales included the only <a href="https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/30996/lot/40/2019-ford-gt-carbon-series-vin-2fagp9cw3kh200065/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2019 Ford GT Carbon Series finished in Epic Orange</a>, which commanded US$828,000 (approximately HK$6.49 million), and a <a href="https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/30996/lot/17/1971-alfa-romeo-gta-r-by-alfaholics-chassis-no-ar1256749-engine-no-009/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">1971 Alfa Romeo GTA-R restomod from Alfaholics</a>, which, like the Singer, was the first sold at auction, going for US$392,000 (approximately HK$3.05 million). Uncharacteristic of such <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/auctions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">auctions</a>, the Bonhams event was not dominated by Ferraris, but a <a href="https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/30996/lot/53/2005-ferrari-575-superamerica-vin-zffgt61a750143911/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2005 Superamerica</a> went for US$403,200 (approximately HK$3.14 million), a <a href="https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/30996/lot/37/2014-ferrari-458-italia-vin-zff67nfa9e0203030/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2014 458 Italia</a> for US$257,600 (approximately HK$2.01 million), and a <a href="https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/30996/lot/16/1991-ferrari-testarossa-vin-zffsg17a1m0088976engine-no-26441/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">1991 Testarosa</a> for US$156,800 (approximately HK$1.22 million).



The cars weren’t the only items that enthusiasts could bid on, though. A selection of F1 automobilia was also offered, including <a href="https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/30996/lot/12/charles-leclercs-2020-scuderia-ferrari-f1-turkish-grand-prix-used-helmet-by-bell-signed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Charles Leclerc’s 2020 Scuderia Ferrari F1 Turkish Grand Prix helmet</a>, which sold for US$57,600 (approximately HK$448,920), and <a href="https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/30996/lot/11/fernando-alonsos-2004-renault-f1-used-helmet-by-arai-signed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fernando Alonso’s 2004 Renault helmet</a>, which sold for US$38,400 (approximately HK$299,280). There was a <a href="https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/30996/lot/15/the-silverstone-british-grand-prix-2025-the-ultimate-motorsport-experience-with-sir-jackie-stewart-for-two-guests-donated-by-race-against-dementia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2025 Silverstone British Grand Prix experience</a> with Sir Jackie Stewart that went for US$80,000 (approximately HK$623,500). All proceeds from that sale will be donated to his charity, <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/f1-tech-advancements-changing-industries-1236353795/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Race Against Dementia</a>.

Bonhams’ Miami Auction Rakes in HK$98.17 Million, Thanks to a Singer Restomod, a Bugatti, and a Handful of Ferraris

<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/porsche/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Porsche</a>&nbsp;might be preparing to make another one of its race cars street-legal.



In April, the German sports car maker celebrated the 50th anniversary of an example of the storied <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/porsche-unveils-a-stunning-tribute-to-the-917-that-won-le-mans-2844006/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">917</a> driving between its headquarters and Paris on public roads. It also hinted that a spiritual successor might be on the way.



Porsche has built its fair share of great race cars over the decades, but at the very top of that list sits the 917. In production from 1969 to 1971, it is the vehicle—specifically its second version, the 917K—that earned the marque its first overall win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1970, a feat it would repeat in 1971. The latter year saw the car, in the famous blue and orange Gulf livery, driven by none other than the King of Cool, Steve McQueen, in the film Le Mans. Take all that into consideration and it’s little wonder noted Porsche collector Jerry Seinfeld sold a 917 that was used during filming for US$25 million (HK$193.95 million) (<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/jerry-seinfeld-turns-down-25-million-for-le-mans-porsche-917k-1236173390/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">and possibly even more</a>).



Just 65 examples rolled off the line across the three years it was in production, one of which, chassis 30, was owned by Italian businessman and Martini heir Gregorio Rossi di Montelera. The car belonging to “Count Rossi” was built for the track, but he wanted to drive it on public roads, so he asked Porsche about converting it for road use.



To do this, a small team at the automaker’s Weissach development centre outfitted the Martini silver vehicle with rudimentary exhaust mufflers, additional mirrors, side indicators, a horn, and even a spare wheel hidden away beneath the rear clamshell. The two-person also received a couple of key modifications, including tan leather seats, which were commissioned from Hermès, and a suede roof lining, door panels, and dashboard. The car left the facility on 28 April 1975, and was then driven several hundred miles to Paris. The only other example of the car would be converted for road use.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/917street01.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797526" style="width:837px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/917street01.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/917street01.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/917street01.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/917street01.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The street-legal 917’s tan leather seats were commissioned from Hermès. Image courtesy of Porsche</figcaption></figure>



To mark the occasion, Porsche has&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/8kWlPjWyWgI?si=5xvsAJLkxGhkvCXA" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">released a video of the car</a>, which was recently restored by its current owner, being driven, once again, on public roads. It’s great to see the vehicle still in action, but what is particularly interesting about the clip is the words that appear on screen 38 seconds in—“What if?” Seconds later, we get a flash of a shadow-shrouded car that looks awfully familiar company’s current endurance racer, the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/cadillac-porsche-hypercars-24-hours-of-le-mans-1234812726/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">936</a>.



So, what does it all mean? Well, it would seem to be a (rather unsubtle) hint that a street-legal version of the prototype hypercar is on its way. We won’t have to wait long to find out. The big reveal, whatever it is, will be made this June, which also happens to be the month that the 24 Hours of Le Mans is held.



Click <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/photos-first-street-legal-porsche-1236523768" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> for more photos of Count Rossi’s street-legal Porsche 917.

Porsche

Porsche 917

Porsche Just Hinted at a New Street-Legal Hypercar Inspired by the Legendary 917

<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/bmw/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BMW</a>&nbsp;plans to keep producing wagons for the foreseeable future.



The German marque’s design boss Adrian van Hooydonk said as much&nbsp;<a href="https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/bmw-i3-name-and-touring-model-primed-electric-3-series" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">in an interview with&nbsp;Autocar</a>. He even suggested that a long-roofed version of the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/bmw-vision-neue-klasse-concept-debut-future-production-1234892200/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">redesigned 3 Series</a>&nbsp;could launch within the next few couple of years.



Talk of the new wagon came up while van Hooydonk was discussing the upcoming, eighth-generation 3 Series sedan. That car is expected to be the second of BMW’s Neue Klasse generation of battery-powered vehicles. The architecture that underpins the new car was designed for electric powertrains but also works with internal combustion engines. This will allow BMW to sell both battery- and gas-powered versions of the next-gen 3 Series.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/m5touring01.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797709" style="width:839px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/m5touring01.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/m5touring01.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/m5touring01.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/m5touring01.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The success of the BMW M5 Touring means the company will build more wagons. Image courtesy of Fabian Kirchbauer/BMW</figcaption></figure>



“First, we will start with an SUV [the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/bmws-neue-klasse-x-concept-future-electric-1235554974/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new-look X3</a>&nbsp;that is scheduled to debut later this year], then pretty soon after we will come with our new interpretation of a sporty sedan;&nbsp;we believe that segment is not dead,” the executive told the British publication.



The order makes sense because SUVs represent half the company’s business, while sedans remain integral to the brand’s identity. But van Hooydonk also hinted that a wagon version could follow soon after the 3 Series is unveiled early next year. The reason is simple: the success of the M3 Touring and <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/bmw-confirms-m5-touring-wagon-coming-to-us-1235572433/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">M5 Touring</a>—the latter of which <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/bmw-m5-touring-performance-wagon-us-release-1235813115/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">is sold in the US</a>—has convinced the automaker that the body style still has plenty of life in it.



“I think the ‘touring’ [estate] is making a comeback,” he told the magazine. “Of course, we’ve propelled it with the M3 Touring and M5 Touring: they seem to be very popular, even in countries where tourings or estates are traditionally not very [popular].”



In the same article,&nbsp;Autocar&nbsp;also reports that BMW’s head of production, Bernd&nbsp;Körber, has confirmed that the electric version of the new 3 Series will be called the i3. The name was previously used for a compact electric hatchback that was discontinued in 2022. The name will bring the battery-powered 3 Series in line with the company’s other EVs, the iX SUV and i4, i5, and i7 sedans. The ICE version, meanwhile, will continue to bear the traditional 3 Series name.

3 Series

Station Wagon

BMW Is Making a New All-Electric Station Wagon

<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/bmw/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BMW</a>&nbsp;stans who’ve always wanted to learn how to race could now have their dreams come true.&nbsp; On Friday, the German marque unveiled a new “entry-level” track-only sports car called the M2&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/racing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Racing</a>, which promises relatively cheap thrills for track enthusiasts in a car that might remind buyers of&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/first-drive-2023-m2-1234833103/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BMW M cars of old</a>.



The new racer can be ordered in June and will get delivered in time for the 2026 season, BMW said, and will make 313 horsepower from its four-cylinder engine, sending that power through a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. That is perhaps a concession to the M2 Racing’s entry-level aspirations, but the M2 Racing also only weighs 3,300 pounds, so its power-to-weight ratio is not all that different from a&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/2025-bmw-m2-more-power-revised-interior-1235653512/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">regular M2</a>&nbsp;and its six-cylinder, 473 horsepower engine.



BMW <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/bmw-entry-level-race-car-m2-sports-car-1235822502/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">first hinted at the new M2 Racing</a> last year. On Friday, the marque said the new BMW M2 Racing will start at €98,000, or around US$111,500 (approximately HK$864,780) at current exchange rates. That’s a significant premium over the base M2’s starting price of US$66,675 (approximately HK$517,120) in the US, though cheaper than many a track-only car. It’s somewhat rare to hear German automakers talk about their cars so explicitly in terms of price, and even rarer to them talk about saving money at the race track, but that’s exactly how BMW describes the M2 Racing.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="577" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/P90596729_highRes_munich-ger-25-april-e1745847955961.jpg-1024x577.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797596" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/P90596729_highRes_munich-ger-25-april-e1745847955961.jpg-1024x577.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/P90596729_highRes_munich-ger-25-april-e1745847955961.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/P90596729_highRes_munich-ger-25-april-e1745847955961.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/P90596729_highRes_munich-ger-25-april-e1745847955961.jpg-1536x865.webp 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/P90596729_highRes_munich-ger-25-april-e1745847955961.jpg.webp 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The new BMW M2 Racing from the rear right.  Image courtesy of Agnieszka-Doroszewicz</figcaption></figure>



“Like its predecessors—the BMW M235i Racing, BMW M240i Racing, and BMW M2 CS Racing—the new BMW M2 Racing will redefine the entry-level segment,” Franciscus van Meel, BMW M’s CEO,&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0449797EN/the-new-entry-level-model:-bmw-m-motorsport-presents-the-bmw-m2-racing" target="_blank">said in a statement</a>. “The car is affordable while offering racing teams and drivers uncompromising performance, durability, and pure driving pleasure. At BMW M Motorsport, supporting customer racing with cars that are easy to maintain, cost-efficient, and thrilling to drive is a top priority.”



The M2 Racing is built in Mexico, and comes stripped of many extracurriculars on the inside, but it’s equipped with racing necessities: a roll cage, fire suppression equipment, and a racing dashboard. Aerodynamics have also been modified for the track, and the brake-cooling system is made by BMW M. A speed limiter for pit lanes is included, and the M2 Racing will also only come in a single colour: white, which is all the better for private teams who want to add their own designs or sponsorship logos.



The M2 Racing provides a turnkey race-car experience for private teams or for private individuals who simply want to get in and go. After a while in the M2 Racing, you might even decide that it’s time to sink some real money into your track habit.



Click <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/new-bmw-m2-racing-photos-1236697611/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> for more photos of the new BMW M2 Racing.

race car

Track-only

BMW Just Unveiled a Track-Only Race Car for Beginners

As the Lunar New Year approaches, this is not just a time for celebration, but also for the most prestigious watchmakers in the world to unveil their exclusive, carefully crafted, limited-edition snake- and serpent-themed timepieces—an annual affair that we have come to embrace as artisans and craftspeople of note exercise their deft skillsets in creating absolutely striking (pun intended) timepieces.



Lunar New Year is always a special occasion in the world of luxury timepieces, with watchmakers unveiling exclusive designs that celebrate the rich symbolism of the Chinese zodiac. As the spotlight falls on the Year of the Wood Snake, precision meets artistry in a series of breathtaking creations. From intricate engravings to masterful enamel work, these watches embody not just a celebration of tradition but also a daring exploration of modern craftsmanship.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/FRANCK-MULLER_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794971" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/FRANCK-MULLER_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/FRANCK-MULLER_2400x1600-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/FRANCK-MULLER_2400x1600-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/FRANCK-MULLER_2400x1600-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/FRANCK-MULLER_2400x1600-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Franck Muller</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Franck Muller</h3>



Silhouette CX Snake



Paying homage to the transformative power of the snake, Franck Muller’s Silhouette CX Snake is a striking creation that blends serpentine allure with cutting-edge technical innovation. Its unmissable ophidian influence is complemented by the debut of the Silhouette CX case, making this piece an instant standout. With only 28 pieces available in Asia-Pacific, the watch promises to be as rare as it is captivating.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/BREITLING-_2400x1600-1024x683.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794969" style="width:841px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/BREITLING-_2400x1600-1024x683.png 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/BREITLING-_2400x1600-300x200.png 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/BREITLING-_2400x1600-768x512.png 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/BREITLING-_2400x1600-1536x1024.png 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/BREITLING-_2400x1600-2048x1365.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Breitling</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Breitling</h3>



Avenger B01 Chronograph 44 Cobra



Breitling’s latest release, the Avenger B01 Chronograph 44 Cobra, features a bold take on the Year of the Snake with a striking cobra motif, with just 200 pieces available. Find the hidden-in-plain-sight snake on the nine o’clock subdial, paired with a conspicuous yellow, black, and red colour scheme. A true statement of power with a perfect fusion of watchmaking mastery and striking design, this distinctive timepiece conveys both personality and prominence.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/LANGE-1-MOON-PHASE_2400-1600--1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794975" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/LANGE-1-MOON-PHASE_2400-1600--1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/LANGE-1-MOON-PHASE_2400-1600--300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/LANGE-1-MOON-PHASE_2400-1600--768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/LANGE-1-MOON-PHASE_2400-1600--1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/LANGE-1-MOON-PHASE_2400-1600--2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of A. Lange &amp; Söhne</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">A. Lange &amp; Söhne</h3>



Lange 1 Moon Phase



Not a snake in sight but nevertheless a special edition launched ahead of the Lunar New Year, we had to embrace this gorgeous release from A Lange &amp; Söhne. Its unique design is such that the watch captures the spirit of the new year perfectly with its off-centre design—a Lange signature, based on the golden ratio—and moon-phase display.&nbsp;Imagine experiencing this masterpiece, where the moon-phase display unfolds before one’s eyes, with a celestial disc gracefully rotating every 24 hours.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IWC-Schaffhausen-_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794967" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IWC-Schaffhausen-_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IWC-Schaffhausen-_2400x1600-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IWC-Schaffhausen-_2400x1600-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IWC-Schaffhausen-_2400x1600-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IWC-Schaffhausen-_2400x1600-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of IWC Schaffhausen</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">IWC Schaffhausen</h3>



Portofino Automatic Moon Phase



IWC Schaffhausen celebrates the Lunar New Year with a limited-edition Portofino Automatic Moon Phase 37 Year of the Snake, available exclusively at the newly reopened boutique in IFC Mall in Hong Kong. Its 37 mm stainless-steel case is paired with a vibrant burgundy dial, symbolising the colour of fire, while the golden moon and stars create a stunning contrast. Limited to just 500 pieces, this elegant timepiece is a perfect fusion of tradition and sophistication for the festive season.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Hublot_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794973" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Hublot_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Hublot_2400x1600-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Hublot_2400x1600-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Hublot_2400x1600-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Hublot_2400x1600-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Hublot</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Hublot</h3>



Spirit of Big Bang Year of the Snake



Hublot’s Spirit of Big Bang Year of the Snake is a captivating tribute to the wisdom, transformation, and allure of the snake in the Chinese zodiac. Limited to just 88 pieces—a lucky number denoting good luck, fortune, and blessings in Chinese culture—this remarkable timepiece features an intricate, gold-plated snake integrated into the open dial. With the snake motif extending across the engraved bezel and strap, it flawlessly combines horological craftsmanship and artistic expression.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Parmigiani-Fleurier-Tonda-PF_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794977" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Parmigiani-Fleurier-Tonda-PF_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Parmigiani-Fleurier-Tonda-PF_2400x1600-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Parmigiani-Fleurier-Tonda-PF_2400x1600-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Parmigiani-Fleurier-Tonda-PF_2400x1600-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Parmigiani-Fleurier-Tonda-PF_2400x1600-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Parmigiani Fleurier</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Parmigiani Fleurier</h3>



Tonda PF Xiali Chinese Calendar in Rose Gold



Parmigiani Fleurier’s intricate Tonda PF Xiali Chinese Calendar made waves as the first-ever mechanical watch capable of displaying the complexities of the complete Chinese calendar, seamlessly merging Swiss watchmaking with Chinese&nbsp;cultural heritage. Now available in rose gold, the timepiece celebrates the heritage, innovation, and artistry of Chinese history, and its powerful relationship with the cosmos.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Breguet_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794968" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Breguet_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Breguet_2400x1600-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Breguet_2400x1600-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Breguet_2400x1600-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Breguet_2400x1600-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Breguet</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Breguet</h3>



Classique 7145 Lunar New Year 2025



Breguet’s latest creation honours the elegance and enigmatic symbolism of the serpent, showcasing trademark artisanal mastery through a gold-engraved dial in bas-relief to transform the dial into a stunning miniature sculpture. Open-tipped hands and a delicate profile make this an instantly recognisable Breguet timepiece, revealing the depth and brilliance of the&nbsp;maison’s mastery and horological expertise.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Longines_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794976" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Longines_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Longines_2400x1600-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Longines_2400x1600-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Longines_2400x1600-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Longines_2400x1600-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Longines</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Longines</h3>



Conquest Heritage Year of the Snake



Conquest Heritage gets a timely new appearance for the Year of the Snake. Chinese artist Wu Jian’an collaborated with Longines on this project to create a design appropriately dressed in red and gold. On the caseback, the intricate engraving shows a serpent holding a&nbsp;lingzhi&nbsp;mushroom in its mouth, symbolising longevity.



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-7 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" data-id="1234794974" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Jaeger_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794974" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Jaeger_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Jaeger_2400x1600-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Jaeger_2400x1600-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Jaeger_2400x1600-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Jaeger_2400x1600-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Jaeger-LeCoultre</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" data-id="1234794983" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/jaeger_2400-1600-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794983" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/jaeger_2400-1600-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/jaeger_2400-1600-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/jaeger_2400-1600-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/jaeger_2400-1600-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/jaeger_2400-1600-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Jaeger-LeCoultre</figcaption></figure>
</figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Jaeger-LeCoultre</h3>



Reverso Tribute Enamel “Snake”



Jaeger-LeCoultre is back with another instalment of its festive Lunar New Year timepiece series, a fine addition for collectors looking to complete the zodiac. Using hand-engraving and enamelling techniques, the Reverso Tribute Enamel “Snake” features a pink-gold case with Art Deco-inspired detailing. A coiled snake motif, enveloped by clouds, stands as the main highlight, powerfully projected off the black&nbsp;grand feu&nbsp;enamel background that has become a signature for the collection.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Harry-Winston_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794972" style="width:823px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Harry-Winston_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Harry-Winston_2400x1600-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Harry-Winston_2400x1600-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Harry-Winston_2400x1600-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Harry-Winston_2400x1600-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Harry Winston</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Harry Winston</h3>



Chinese New Year Automatic



Harry Winston observes the arrival of the Year of the Snake with a pair of extremely limited, 36 mm timepieces in 18-carat rose and white gold. Featuring a green-and-red colourway with a diamond-studded rose-gold case, and a blue-and-red colourway for the equally sparkling white-gold design, the mother-of-pearl dial is decorated with a lacquered snake and painted metal leaves, paired fittingly with a red leather strap.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Chaumet_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794970" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Chaumet_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Chaumet_2400x1600-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Chaumet_2400x1600-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Chaumet_2400x1600-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Chaumet_2400x1600-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Chaumet</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Chaumet</h3>



Espiègleries Tresors d’Afrique



Not strictly a Lunar New Year watch, but certainly bearing a serpent motif, Chaumet’s Espiègleries Tresors d’Afrique celebrates Africa’s lush flora and fauna, highlighting the snake as the centrepiece of the dial. It features a golden snake set with brilliant-cut tsavorite garnets and yellow sapphires, decorated with enamel and enhanced with a yellow-gold frog and leaves, completing its vivid design.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/VAC_MdA_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794978" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/VAC_MdA_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/VAC_MdA_2400x1600-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/VAC_MdA_2400x1600-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/VAC_MdA_2400x1600-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/VAC_MdA_2400x1600-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Vacheron Constantin</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Vacheron Constantin</h3>



The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac—Year of the Snake



In honour of its historic ties with China, Vacheron Constantin recently unveiled&nbsp;the latest addition to its Legend of the Chinese Zodiac series to herald the Year of the Snake. An annual exercise to commemorate Lunar New Year, the timepiece features an exquisite dial decoration crafted by a master artisan, who delicately applies enamel powder using a fine brush. Each layer of colour is fired at high temperatures to create a stunning gradient of hues from the centre to the edge.

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Hublot

Lunar New Year 2025: 12 Luxury Watches to Celebrate the Year of the Snake

<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/rolex/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rolex</a>&nbsp;is rolling into 2025 hot with a price hike on its&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/gold/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gold</a>&nbsp;models. For those who bought new models at retail last year, that’s good news, but for those still on the Crown’s seemingly eternal waitlists, that could mean paying more when the time comes to collect on your long-awaited timekeeper.&nbsp;



Hard-to-get and expensive references are becoming even more out of reach. <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gallery/all-of-rolexs-new-watches-from-watches-wonders-1235575848/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Last year’s gold releases </a>saw price increases of around nine to 11 per cent. The Rolex Deepsea—the company’s shockingly heavy dive watch with an equally hefty price to match—went up from US$52,100 (approximately HK$405,049) in 2024 to US$58,000 (approximately HK$450,918) today for an 11.33 per cent climb. Meanwhile, Everose models, such as the Rolex Day-Date 40 Ref. 228235 and the Sky-Dweller Ref. 336935, rose 11.57 per cent and 9.26 per cent, respectively, for new price tags of US$46,300 (approximately HK$359,957) for the Day-Date and US$57,800 (approximately HK$449,363) for the Sky-Dweller. That’s almost US$5,000 (HK$38,872) more for each and that doesn’t factor in taxes.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/m228235-0055-.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794616" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/m228235-0055-.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/m228235-0055-.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/m228235-0055-.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/m228235-0055-.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



It’s not a price hike just because they’re Rolex, <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/rolex-certified-pre-owned-program-shorting-watch-market-1235779745/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">and they can</a>…although they could certainly get away with it. This is due to the continuing rise of the precious metal industry globally. In 2024, gold prices rose by nearly 40 per cent with both consumers and countries betting on the investment due to varying factors from worldwide instability. At the beginning of last year, gold was roughly US$2,000 (approximately HK$15,549) per ounce and was up to US$2,800 (approximately HK$21,768) by the end of the year. According to some jewellers we’ve spoken with, they expect the price of gold to continue to rise and, given Rolex is, on its own, a pretty steady value riser, getting in on its gold models, even at higher prices than last year, is probably a pretty good idea. That is if you can get your hands on them. Pre-owned Rolex expert <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/rolex-paul-altieri-bobs-watches-2723552/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paul Altieri</a> of <a href="https://www.bobswatches.com/?gad_source=1&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAj9m7BhD1ARIsANsIIvDdxplWFHPCPwqGJk2OHAUP8fVClqoGhcjQ72i-8OiZwqNvb-gZxgcaAg1IEALw_wcB&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bob’s Watches</a> sees it for what is typically the driving factor in the watch world: rarity. “The Rolex price increases aren’t just an economic reaction,” he tells Robb Report. “It’s a recalibration of value in a world where craftsmanship and scarcity remain timeless currencies.” As suspected, he adds that a price increase at Rolex nearly always equates to an increase in demand.



In other words, it may be high time to follow up with your Rollie AD&#8230; again.

Gold Rolex

Gold Watches

Rolex

Watches

Rolex’s Gold Watches Just Got More Expensive

As the saying goes, out with the old, in with the new. But why not keep both the old&nbsp;and&nbsp;the new around?



That’s what&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/ulysse-nardin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ulysse Nardin</a>&nbsp;has done with its latest timepiece. The new&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ulysse-nardin.com/watches/freak/2305-270le-3ae-blue-1a" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Freak X Gold Enamel</a>, the latest addition to the watchmaker’s visually striking&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/ulysse-nardin-ceo-patrick-pruniaux-discusses-future-freak-2797911/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Freak</a> collection, combines both 17th-century and 21st-century watchmaking techniques to make a rather stunning piece.



As with the original Freak watch, this new creation doesn’t have a traditional dial—no hands, no dial, and no crown to be found here. Instead, you’re getting Ulysse Nardin’s flying carousel complication to display the time via the rotating movement; the hours are shown by a pointer on the disc, while the movement itself turns 360 degrees each hour to indicate the minutes. The movement appears to “fly” over the hour disc, since it’s held without an upper bridge. Made from 22-karat rose gold, the guilloché-flinque rotating disc is the first in the Freak X line, showing off a sunray pattern and coated in a deep-blue enamel. (As for the setting the time, that’s done via a system in the bezel that’s wound by a mechanism in the caseback.)



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ULYSSE-NARDIN-FREAK-X-GOLD-ENAMEL-dial.png-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234798940" style="width:837px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ULYSSE-NARDIN-FREAK-X-GOLD-ENAMEL-dial.png-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ULYSSE-NARDIN-FREAK-X-GOLD-ENAMEL-dial.png-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ULYSSE-NARDIN-FREAK-X-GOLD-ENAMEL-dial.png-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ULYSSE-NARDIN-FREAK-X-GOLD-ENAMEL-dial.png.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A closer look at the enamel disc.</figcaption></figure>



And that hour disc, as you might expect, is rather challenging to bring to life. That’s where the artisans at Donez Cadrans, Ulysse Nardin’s enamelling atelier, step in. The intricate technique of enamelling dates back 3,000 years, when it was used in ancient Egyptian and Chinese cultures as well as the Roman Empire. Now, the creatives at the atelier have mastered the art for today. Throughout the extensive process of crafting the Freak X Gold Enamel, each disc alone takes about eight hours to complete. The enamelling process also means that each of these rotating discs is a true one-off—so no one piece is the same.



The Freak X Gold Enamel, with a 43 mm case in blue PVD titanium, has a 72-hour power reserve and plenty of other rose-gold touches, as can be seen on the side parts of the case. Ulysse Nardin paired the <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gallery/metiers-dart-watches-1235434101/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">métiers d’art</a> with a blue alligator strap. The model also has a water resistance of 164 feet (50 metres).



Of course, all of that work makes for a rather elusive creation: Only 120 examples of the highly exclusive timepiece are up for grabs. You can learn more about the Freak X Gold Enamel, retailing for US$48,500 (approximately HK$380,670 excluding VAT) on <a href="https://www.ulysse-nardin.com/en-us/watches/freak?category_uid=MTU%3D" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ulysse Nardin’s website</a>.

Freak X

Ulysse nardin

Watch

Ulysse Nardin Just Launched a New Limited-Edition Freak Watch

“It wasn’t our intention to own a watch brand—ever,” says <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/alex-rosenfield/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alex Rosenfield</a>, the co-CEO of the newly relaunched Danish-Swiss watchmaking brand Urban Jürgensen, referring to himself and his father, Andrew, a silent co-owner. Neither has a business background in horology. Alex (pictured, right) has worked in fashion, marketing, and media and was decked in head-to-toe Thom Browne when Robb Report met him in Geneva in April. Andrew, meanwhile, is president of the financial-services juggernaut Guggenheim Partners. But together, with master <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/independent-watchmaking-1235367160/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">independent watchmaker </a>and co-CEO<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/a-collected-man-kari-voutilainen-1234669361/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Kari Voutilainen </a>they are breathing new life into the enterprise founded in Copenhagen over two and a half centuries ago and now based in Bienne, Switzerland.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Andy-Alex-Rosenfield.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234798920" style="width:838px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Andy-Alex-Rosenfield.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Andy-Alex-Rosenfield.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Andy-Alex-Rosenfield.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Andy-Alex-Rosenfield.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Andrew Rosenfield and Alex Rosenfield.</figcaption></figure>



Andrew is a longtime collector. “My father started collecting Urban Jürgensen in the late ’90s and has always loved it,” says Alex. “He thought of it as one of the great watch brands.” He also has other heavyweight independents like Rexhep Rexhepi and Philippe Dufour in his vault. When Andrew learned Urban Jürgensen was in financial trouble, he was determined to save it. The first person he approached as a partner was Voutilainen. The watchmaker began his career at the company, so returning to lead its workshop while he continues to operate his own revered namesake brand in Môtiers has been a seamless transition for all involved. “Kari is himself very entrepreneurial and creative, and I think he’s always looking to do new things,” says Alex. “We were really lucky, but it was a good fit.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/UJ-1-PT-G-Reverse-1.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234798921" style="width:838px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/UJ-1-PT-G-Reverse-1.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/UJ-1-PT-G-Reverse-1.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/UJ-1-PT-G-Reverse-1.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/UJ-1-PT-G-Reverse-1.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The movement of the <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/urban-jurgensen/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Urban Jürgensen</a> UJ1.</figcaption></figure>



Naturally, the watches reflect the master’s touch. There are his signature exaggerated Breguet-style hands, Roman-numeral hour markers, well-balanced dials, and immaculate finishing. Three models launch today: the limited-edition UJ1 (in platinum with a silver or grey dial and in gold with a silver dial, all limited to 25 each (CHF 368,000 or approximately HK$3.52 million); the time-only UJ2, powered by a double-balance-wheel natural escapement (CHF 105,000 or approximately HK$1 million); and the perpetual calendar UJ3, featuring an instantaneous moon phase created by Andreas Strehler (CHF 168,000 or approximately HK$1.6 million).



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/UJ-1-PT-S-Three-Quarter.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234798922" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/UJ-1-PT-S-Three-Quarter.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/UJ-1-PT-S-Three-Quarter.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/UJ-1-PT-S-Three-Quarter.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/UJ-1-PT-S-Three-Quarter.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Urban Jürgensen UJ1. Image courtesy of Urban Jürgensen</figcaption></figure>



But the grail is the UJ1—a wristwatch take on a legendary oval pocket watch, with a flying tourbillon coupled with a remontoire and detent escapement, begun by the late Derek Pratt of Urban Jürgensen and finished by his protégé, Voutilainen. The one-of-a-kind pocket watch sold at Phillips last November for nearly US$4.5 million (approximately HK$35.32 million).



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="575" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Untitled-1.jpg-1024x575.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234798923" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Untitled-1.jpg-1024x575.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Untitled-1.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Untitled-1.jpg-768x431.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Untitled-1.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Urban Jürgensen campaign. Images courtesy of Casey Zhang</figcaption></figure>



What is entirely new is Alex’s vision for the branding. Drawing upon his fashion background, he brought on famed photographer Ellen von Unwerth for visuals, developed bespoke typography based on Urban Jürgensen’s own calligraphy, and even introduced Lug, a Great Dane mascot, who wears a timepiece around his neck. “We can take the watchmaking seriously,” Alex says. “But we don’t have to take ourselves too seriously.”

Danish-Swiss

Kari Voutilainen

Urban Jürgensen

Urban Jürgensen Relaunches With New 6-Figure Watches Designed by Kari Voutilainen

Originally crafted for the pioneering aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont in 1904, the Santos de Cartier timepiece has oft been touted as the first modern wristwatch, breaking away from the pocket-watch tradition that had been the fashionable norm in the previous century. Its distinctive square case and visible screws—once a hidden aspect of horology—have become defining aesthetic elements of the singular design and collection.&nbsp;



In 2025, Cartier introduces a new iteration of the Santos de Cartier, a smaller model that nonetheless reflects the proportions of the original designs. Measuring 27 mm x 34.5 mm, this latest design is available in both gold and steel, showcasing a blend of materials that enhances its elegance. Cartier maintains the design principles that characterise the larger models (as seen on&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.hk/posts/tom-cruise-showcases-cartier-and-vacheron-constantin-watches-while-promoting-the-new-mission-impossible" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tom Cruise</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/jake-gyllenhaal-cartier-santos-hot-ones-1234831367/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jake Gyllenhaal</a>)—pure lines, precise shapes, and exquisite details—while contrasting these with the industrial allure of its visible screws.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Santos-de-Cartier-watch_1_1-1-1024x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234798641" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Santos-de-Cartier-watch_1_1-1-1024x1024.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Santos-de-Cartier-watch_1_1-1-300x300.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Santos-de-Cartier-watch_1_1-1-150x150.jpeg 150w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Santos-de-Cartier-watch_1_1-1-768x768.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Santos-de-Cartier-watch_1_1-1-1536x1536.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Santos-de-Cartier-watch_1_1-1-2048x2048.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



One of the most striking updates is the sophisticated sunray-effect dial, which adds depth and character to the watch face. Complementing this aesthetic is a high-autonomy quartz movement, meticulously adapted to fit the smaller dimensions of this Santos de Cartier model through thoughtful engineering that ensures the watch not only looks refined, but also performs reliably, adhering to the high standards expected of the&nbsp;maison.



Versatility is a hallmark of the Santos de Cartier collection, and the new small model is designed to be interchangeable, offering a choice between a metal bracelet or a leather strap. Non-precious versions of the watch feature a smooth calfskin strap, while the all-gold model is adorned with an elegant alligator strap. Water resistance is another practical feature, with this small model rated for up to three bars (approximately 30 metres) so that the watch can withstand everyday wear, combining style with functionality. For those interested in a larger model, there’s a self-winding steel option that runs on the 1847 MC mechanical movement with a water resistance of up to 10 bars (approximately 100 metres).



Cartier’s introduction of the small models serves as a testament to Cartier’s ability to adapt while staying true to its roots, ensuring that the Santos de Cartier continues to be a&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.hk/posts/two-tone-watches-are-having-a-comeback-here-are-5-worth-buying" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sought-after</a>&nbsp;timepiece&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/vintage-cartier-watches-rise-explained-1234871141/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">for generations</a>&nbsp;to come as serious collectors have long held on to pieces. By reimagining this classic design, Cartier invites a new audience who appreciates the intricacies of fine watchmaking to partake in its enduring legacy.



All images courtesy of Cartier.

Cartier

Luxury watches

Cartier Reimagines Its Emblematic Santos de Cartier Wristwatch In a Smaller Size

Patek Philippe’s famous “Generations” campaign from the 1990s continues to resonate, if the results of Phillips’ most recent Hong Kong Watch Auction: XX is anything to go by.



Conducted by Phillips in association with Bacs &amp; Russo, the auction, held from 23 to 25 May 2025, firmly established itself as a landmark event in the world of haute horology. Classic timepieces and Swiss excellence were brought under the hammer in record time, achieving an impressive total of HK$212.52 million, surpassing the high estimate by nearly HK$31 million and marking a remarkable 30 per cent increase year-on-year.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/zJ-eiy0J-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234798450" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/zJ-eiy0J-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/zJ-eiy0J-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/zJ-eiy0J-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/zJ-eiy0J-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/zJ-eiy0J-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Patek Philippe’s Ref. 5970P-013 perpetual-calendar chronograph wristwatch in platinum.</figcaption></figure>



One of the standout highlights was an exceptional Patek Philippe Ref. 5970P-013, a possibly unique perpetual-calendar chronograph wristwatch in platinum, which fetched an astonishing HK$10.13 million. Featuring four striking red hands and the poignant inscription&nbsp;“A Mon Fils”—“To My Son,” in French—on its sapphire caseback, the sentimental value captivated bidders near and far, bolstering the legacy of the brand and its powerful message of “You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely look after it for the next generation.” It would seem that the strong results for this remarkable timepiece reaffirms Patek Philippe’s oft-repeated motto as this well-preserved model moves from one owner to the next. 



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-14 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="683" height="1024" data-id="1234798452" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/811_Cartier-minute-repeating-desk-clock-with-Laque-Burgaute-panels-1-683x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234798452" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/811_Cartier-minute-repeating-desk-clock-with-Laque-Burgaute-panels-1-683x1024.jpeg 683w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/811_Cartier-minute-repeating-desk-clock-with-Laque-Burgaute-panels-1-200x300.jpeg 200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/811_Cartier-minute-repeating-desk-clock-with-Laque-Burgaute-panels-1-768x1152.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/811_Cartier-minute-repeating-desk-clock-with-Laque-Burgaute-panels-1-1024x1536.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/811_Cartier-minute-repeating-desk-clock-with-Laque-Burgaute-panels-1.jpeg 1067w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Cartier’s minute-repeating Desk Clock with Laque Burgauté panels.</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="937" height="1024" data-id="1234798451" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/806_Cartier-unique-illuminated-nephrite-lantern-clock-1-1-937x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234798451" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/806_Cartier-unique-illuminated-nephrite-lantern-clock-1-1-937x1024.jpeg 937w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/806_Cartier-unique-illuminated-nephrite-lantern-clock-1-1-275x300.jpeg 275w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/806_Cartier-unique-illuminated-nephrite-lantern-clock-1-1-768x839.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/806_Cartier-unique-illuminated-nephrite-lantern-clock-1-1-1405x1536.jpeg 1405w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/806_Cartier-unique-illuminated-nephrite-lantern-clock-1-1.jpeg 1464w" sizes="(max-width: 937px) 100vw, 937px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Cartier’s unique illuminated nephrite Lantern Clock.</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="683" height="1024" data-id="1234798453" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/802_Cartier-Unique-Mystery-Clock-with-a-Beautiful-Coral-Sculpture-1-683x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234798453" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/802_Cartier-Unique-Mystery-Clock-with-a-Beautiful-Coral-Sculpture-1-683x1024.jpeg 683w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/802_Cartier-Unique-Mystery-Clock-with-a-Beautiful-Coral-Sculpture-1-200x300.jpeg 200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/802_Cartier-Unique-Mystery-Clock-with-a-Beautiful-Coral-Sculpture-1-768x1152.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/802_Cartier-Unique-Mystery-Clock-with-a-Beautiful-Coral-Sculpture-1-1024x1536.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/802_Cartier-Unique-Mystery-Clock-with-a-Beautiful-Coral-Sculpture-1.jpeg 1067w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Cartier’s unique Mystery Clock with a beautiful coral sculpture.</figcaption></figure>
</figure>



The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XX&nbsp;attracted a diverse and enthusiastic pool of participants, with over 1,800 registered bidders from 70 countries underscoring the enduring global appeal of fine timepieces, particularly as collectors seek to acquire unique and historically significant watches. Another major highlight of the event was a museum-quality collection of timepieces that achieved a perfect sell-through rate, with all 18 exceptional pieces going for well above their presale estimates. Among these was a unique, illuminated nephrite Lantern Clock crafted by Cartier dated circa 1925, originally commissioned as a wedding gift for Princess Fawzia of Egypt, which ignited a fierce 20-minute bidding war before ultimately selling for over HK$9.14 million—just another example of how deep emotional connections and historical pieces continue to evoke intense interest among collectors.&nbsp;



F. P. Journe’s Chronomètre à Résonance “Black Label”&nbsp;achieved an impressive HK$4.5 million, nearly double its presale estimate. Similarly, Cartier’s enchanting Mystery Clocks continued to dazzle, with an Art Deco piece set with rock crystals and diamonds selling for HK$7.62 million, showcasing the&nbsp;maison’s legendary craftsmanship and timeless appeal.&nbsp;Vintage Rolex models retained their allure, with the stainless-steel Cosmograph Ref. 6263, adorned with the UAE “Quraysh Hawk” emblem, selling for over HK$2.5 million.



All this is perhaps just a prelude for the upcoming auction in New York, to be held later in June, as the exciting momentum established in Hong Kong promises to shape the future of horology and watch-collecting the world over.



All images courtesy of Phillips.

2025

Patek Philippe

watch auction

An Extraordinary Platinum Patek Philippe Fetched More Than HK$10 Million at Phillips’ Most Recent Hong Kong Watch Auction

<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/pershing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pershing</a>’s sporty fleet just got a new member.



The Italian shipyard, part of the Ferretti Group, launched its first GTX70 from the port of Fano last week. The third model in the brand’s Sport Utility&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/yachts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yachts</a> range, the 72-footer offers up all the agility and space you’d expect from a Pershing—just in a slightly smaller package.



The GTX70 is the brainchild of Vallicelli Design, the Ferretti engineering department, and the group’s Product Strategy Committee, led by Piero Ferrari, Enzo Ferrari’s son—which makes sense, given the yacht’s supercar-like exterior. With a nearly 18-foot beam, the launch is decked out in Pershing’s signature grey, with sweeping lines that can be seen across the exterior.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/pershinggtx70aerial.png-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796834" style="width:838px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/pershinggtx70aerial.png-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/pershinggtx70aerial.png-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/pershinggtx70aerial.png-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/pershinggtx70aerial.png.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pershing’s sporty GTX70 can hit a top speed of 35 knots. Image courtesy of Pershing</figcaption></figure>



That exterior (and interior) space is more extensive than other models of a similar length, Pershing says, and that can be seen especially in the beach area aft. On this first GTX70, the yard placed a sunpad on the transom; the space’s stern swim platform, besides being the perfect spot to launch your Jet Ski, comes with dual linear lift tech, which gives you more space to unwind by aligning the platform with the beach area. In total, the area spans about 248 square feet when the side terraces are open.



As for the sportbridge, the 172-square-foot space is divided into three zones: a spot for sunbathing, a dining area, and the helm station. This first GTX70 also comes with an electric bimini top, which can give you some much-needed shade in the helm and the dining area if you’ve spent too much time in the sun.



The main deck, meanwhile, has a sprawling, open layout. Here, the owners can enjoy a fully shaded cockpit, with a sofa and a table. Heading inside, the exterior and interior space are connected by the galley, much like on the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/pershing-new-gtx80-sport-yacht-1235486267/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GTX80</a>. The L-shaped sofas inside are done up in a dark nubuck leather, while the muted tones of the stairwell close by add contrast to the area.



Accommodations onboard, also crafted to optimise space, include three cabins and three en suite bathrooms on the lower deck. In terms of grunt, the GTX70 has three 900 hp Volvo Penta D13 IPS12000, which helps bush the yacht to a top speed of 35 knots and a cruising speed of 30 knots.



As we mentioned, the GTX70 does share some similarities with the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/pershing-gtx80-yacht-1236011533/">G</a><a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/pershing-gtx80-yacht-1236011533/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TX80</a>, which we checked out at the Cannes Yachting Festival last year. That weekend cruiser, a touch larger than Pershing’s newest launch, also has a spacious beach area and an open-concept main deck. After all, two sporty yachts are always better than one.

Ferretti Group

Pershing

Yacht

Pershing Just Launched Its New Sporty 72-Foot Yacht

By Michael Verdon, Julia Zaltzman, and P. Ramakrishnan



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sailing Towards Sustainability</h2>



For a growing number of younger sailors, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword but the chief driver behind their new builds. Designers and shipyards understand that their vessels must now be the bleeding edge of green technology.



“The wonderful thing about sailing is that you can move a 50-ton vessel in style across the Atlantic without using fossil fuel,” says Anders Berg of Dixon Yacht Design, highlighting sailing’s windharnessing advantage over powerboats. A younger, more tech-savvy clientele has emerged, with “different expectations that are catalysing new technologies.” 



“Our demographics changed tremendously after we started building hybrid boats,” notes Seth Hynes, president of HH Catamarans, a producer of luxury sailing cats from 44 to 88 feet. “We’re now looking at mostly younger buyers—families taking sabbaticals or first-time owners living off the grid.”



Hybrid propulsion has significantly lowered emissions compared to conventional diesel power, while solar panels designed into the exterior and lithium-ion batteries recharged by the spinning of the props are becoming integral to the latest generation of bespoke sailing yachts. Green technology is also trickling, albeit more slowly, into production sailboats.



In a reverse trend, designer Bill Tripp has seen motoryacht owners gravitate toward sailing vessels. “About a third of new clients at Y Yachts owned powerboats,” he explains, adding that the tech transfer represents a “seismic shift” during his 47 years as a naval architect: “There are great opportunities now for owners who approach this reflectively.”



One of Tripp’s clients is building a 70-foot “pure-electric” world-cruising sailboat with zero fossil-fuel components. But that remains rare. “Sailing’s still waiting for its Tesla moment, when batteries are light and powerful enough to make a boat independent,” he adds. 



Nobody believes the demand for increased sustainability will fade. “It’s accelerating,” says Berg, citing a recent clean-sheet project he designed around emerging technology rather than trying to pigeonhole alternative-propulsion components into a traditional hull. “This new generation of owners want things nobody asked for five years ago,” adds Tripp. “They want, and will eventually get, perpetual-motion machines.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/www-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796238" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/www-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/www-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/www-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/www-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/www-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Courtesy of Lürssen: Klaus Jordan</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Gigayacht</h3>



Kismet



The latest and largest Kismet is the third yacht of the same name for Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shahid Khan. At 400 feet, it’s 88 feet longer than its predecessor, though it shares flash features such as a basketball court on the helipad, video walls, wild chandeliers, and a silver jaguar inlaid into the bowsprit. The interior by Reymond Langton is tastefully flamboyant. The full-beam, two-level owner’s apartment is accented in gold, tempered by the fireplace, marbled bathrooms, dressing rooms, and enormous skylight above the bed. Other over-the-top features include a cryotherapy chamber, a Bogányi grand piano on the upper deck, and a “Tron Corridor” with a dance floor that flashes pink and blue. The cinema may claim the Khan prize for coolest feature: Under the 150-inch television is a Nemo Lounge, a window to whatever is swimming outside. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/wb-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796242" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/wb-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/wb-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/wb-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/wb-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/wb-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Motoryacht</h3>



Wally



Wallywhy150



As the latest addition to the Wally fleet, the Wallywhy150 is a stunning 79-foot motoryacht that advances the design principles established by its predecessors. Studio Vallicelli Design was tapped to come up with the luxurious interiors, collaborating with the Wally-Ferretti Group team to create this cutting-edge vessel. Showcasing an ingenious layout that prioritises accessibility and flexibility, the Wallywhy150 features a master cabin on the main deck with expansive panoramic views and a unique split-level saloon that flows effortlessly onto an aft terrace—an embodiment of Wally’s signature “terrace-on-the-sea” concept. It also offers direct access to the sea at cockpit level, sans stairs—effectively a loft floating above the water.



Wally, a distinguished brand under the aegis of Ferretti Group, has consistently set the benchmark for innovation, seamlessly blending advanced technology with contemporary design. Engineered for stability and speed, the Wallywhy150 boasts a cruising range of 400 miles, powered by three optional Volvo Penta IPS1350 engines capable of reaching 23 knots. With its impressive interior volume and adaptability for various uses, this motoryacht promises an extraordinary experience. As founder Luca Bassani intended, the essence of Wally lies in its audacious reimagining of what a yacht can be, ensuring it resonates with discerning owners worldwide. Without a doubt, the Wallywhy150 is a zippy model to add to the collection.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="956" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/w3-1024x956.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796244" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/w3-1024x956.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/w3-300x280.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/w3-768x717.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/w3-1536x1434.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/w3.jpg 1714w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Megayacht</h3>



Ultra G



This Heesen, one of the fastest yachts in its class, is powered by MTU diesels with a total of 22,000 hp, connected to four water jets, that deliver a top speed of 37 knots. Speed is essential for the angling-obsessed owner to reach cruising grounds 100 miles offshore. But even with a fishing platform and an angler’s lounge (with screens showing live underwater feeds), the owner refers to Ultra G as a fast superyacht rather than a sportfisherman. That’s one reason why we chose this 197-footer—its speed doesn’t compromise comfort. The other is the Harrison Eidsgaard interior, which features a full owner’s bridge deck with an aft-facing suite, private terrace, and whirlpool. The yacht’s media room includes a cinema and games table, and in addition to the requisite sauna and steam room, the wellness area boasts a snow room. A surprising architectural highlight: the central staircase that winds through a glass-topped atrium.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/w2-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796245" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/w2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/w2-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/w2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/w2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/w2-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Floating Residence</h3>



Ulyssia



Soon in the near future, Ulyssia, a residential yacht like no other, is set to redefine the meaning of luxury living at sea. Designed by the renowned Espen .ino and constructed by Meyer Yachts with interiors by FM Architettura, this 1,050-foot behemoth will comprise 133 one- to six-bedroom residences for purchase, ranging from penthouses to duplexes and more, all with uninterrupted sea views and private terraces, and 22 guest suites for rent for visiting guests.



On board, cutting-edge technology and world-class leisure, entertainment, and health and fitness amenities further enhance the opulent experience. It would be easier to note what Ulyssia won’t offer, as its facilities encompass a dive centre, spa, hair and beauty salon, medical centre, indoor and outdoor pools, walking track, multiple restaurants and bars, wine cellar, gourmet market, padel and pickleball courts, conference rooms, golf club and simulator, art studio&#8230; the list goes on. Residents aboard Ulyssia can relish private voyages to iconic destinations and remote locales, making up a vibrant community of discerning individuals who can positively impact the regions they explore. (Ulyssia plans to partner with charitable organisations to introduce its residents to different marine conservation projects around the world.)



Environmental concerns are also addressed through design and engineering measures to minimise Ulyssia’s carbon footprint. With a commitment to sustainability, philanthropy, exceptional service, and unmatched lifestyle, Ulyssia is positioned as a beacon of innovation in the luxury yacht sector, inviting individuals to “live without boundaries.”



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sportfisherman</h3>



Special One



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/w1-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796246" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/w1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/w1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/w1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/w1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/w1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Royal Huisman’s 171-foot Special One is the largest and most heavily customised sportfisherman ever. Studio Vripack did its best to define the vessel as a serious offshore battlewagon, with a dramatically long forefoot, high bulwarks, six decks, and signature tuna tower on top. In profile, it looks like a conventional sportfisherman on steroids. In the stern is an oversized angler’s cockpit, complete with the requisite fighting chair. Four tiered aft decks give spectators a view of the action, while the tuna tower is designed for spotting pelagics many miles away. Despite the interior luxuries, this vessel is no pretender: It’s equipped with live-bait wells, rod holders, fish freezers, tuna tubes, and a bait-and-tackle room. On the foredeck, an outdoor cinema screen and studio-quality speakers provide a postcatch respite from fishing.

gigayacht

Kismet

Luxury

Luxury vessels

Megayacht

Ultra G

Ulyssia

Wally

Wallywhy150

The Best in Water 2025, From Gigayacht Kismet and Wally’s Wallywhy150 to Ulyssia Floating Residence

Giorgio&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/armani/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Armani</a>’s signature glamour is finally heading to the seas.



The Italian creative is designing two superyachts for the <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/italian-sea-group/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Italian Sea Group</a>, and the first has just launched out of the shipbuilder’s Marina di Carrara headquarters. The 236-foot (72-metre) behemoth, built under the group’s <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/admiral/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Admiral</a> brand, will make its public debut at <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/gallery/monaco-yacht-show-2024-1235866205/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the Monaco Yacht Show</a> later this year.



Armani told Robb Report <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/yachts-designed-by-architects-fashion-designers-1235541422/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">last year</a> that his blueprints were inspired by the clean lines of military vessels “and the optimisation of space characteristic of old ships—away with all the infrastructures that can normally be seen, such as the tenders.” And you can certainly see that in the above image: The <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/superyacht/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">superyacht</a> is full of svelte, curved lines that come together to form a rather sleek, gold-coloured structure, comprised of satin aluminium with stainless-steel details. There are plenty of floor-to-ceiling windows on board, too, opening the inside to the sea. The superyacht’s upper decks, meanwhile, offer up a “suspended terrace” design, according to the brand; the area is home to an open-air lounge and a helipad. The project was also completed in partnership with Centro Stile, also owned by the Italian Sea Group.



Inside the golden vessel, Armani/Casa brought the interiors to life. In this space, the designer’s influence is impossible to miss: It’s reminiscent of Armani’s luxurious designs, with Black Marquinia marble, golden Calacatta, and Canaletto walnut found throughout, accented by bold decor.



“This yacht represents the confluence of&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/giorgio-armani/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Giorgio Armani</a>’s poetic elegance and The Italian Sea Group’s technical excellence,” says Giovanni Costantino, founder and CEO of the Italian Sea Group. “A creative journey that has turned a dream into a reality that sails the seas with grace.”



Armani’s journey with the Italian Sea Group has been brewing since 2021, when the brand <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/giorgio-armani-invests-italian-sea-group-1234614204/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">invested</a> in the shipbuilder. And, as we mentioned, the Armani-Italian Sea Group duo isn’t done yet. The pair will also be dreaming up another superyacht sometime soon, so keep your eyes out for any updates on project No. 2. Plus, considering that the Italian Sea Group also has <a href="https://robbreport.com/lifestyle/news/tecnomar-cat133-catamaran-1235561769/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tecnomar</a>, <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/lamborghini-63-arrives-north-america-1234750461/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63</a>, and <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/perini-navi-amante-superyacht-1236319946/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Perini Navi</a> under its umbrella, it’ll be plenty busy until that next launch.

Admiral

giorgio armani

Italian Sea Group

Giorgio Armani Designed This New 236-Foot Megayacht, and It Just Hit the Water

<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/americas-cup-f1-ocean-next-year-1235434383/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The America’s Cup</a>&nbsp;has found a new home in Naples,&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/italy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Italy</a>, for the 38th edition starting in the spring and summer of 2027. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni made the announcement that Naples would be hosting the event after it was determined that Barcelona, where the Cup happened last time, didn’t have the resources to hold it again. Cup defender&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/new-zealand-americas-cup-2024-win-1235962493/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Emirates Team New Zealand</a>&nbsp;also eliminated the team’s homeport of Auckland, which hosted both the 2000 and 2021 America’s Cup.



This will be the first time Italy has ever hosted<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/americas-cup-louis-vuitton-cup-almanac-hotel-1235854414/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;the America’s Cup</a>, despite Italian syndicate&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/americas-cup-louis-vuitton-preliminary-regatta-2024-1235829240/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli&nbsp;</a>fielding strong teams in multiple events. The Italians won the Youth and Women’s America’s Cups at the most recent events in Barcelona.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/m26028_crop169014_1280x1280_proportional_17473837186540_3c4d7f.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234798383" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/m26028_crop169014_1280x1280_proportional_17473837186540_3c4d7f.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/m26028_crop169014_1280x1280_proportional_17473837186540_3c4d7f.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/m26028_crop169014_1280x1280_proportional_17473837186540_3c4d7f.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/m26028_crop169014_1280x1280_proportional_17473837186540_3c4d7f.jpg.webp 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Italy will host the America’s Cup for the first time ever in Naples. Image courtesy of America’s Cup</figcaption></figure>



“Choosing Italy fills us with pride—it honours the very identity of our nation, underscoring the sea’s vital role for Italy,” said Prime Minister Meloni as she made the announcement yesterday. “The sea is history, identity, and culture, but also an indispensable pillar of our economy.”



One of the government’s main goals is to use the America’s Cup to build up the tourist infrastructure in Naples. A study by government agency Unimpresa forecasts the event could generate over US$700 million (over HK$5.5 billion) in economic benefits for Naples and the surrounding area.



“There is a raw spirit and absolute pride in Italy that seems so appropriate to have the next America’s Cup here,” said Grant Dalton, CEO of Team New Zealand, adding that Italians are the “most passionate and engaged” America’s Cup audience.



Dalton also noted that his Kiwis would be “entering the lion’s den” against home-country favourites Luna Rossa, backed in six previous additions of the Cup by Prada CEO Patrizio Bertelli. Staging a competitive campaign over a three-year period is estimated to cost at least US$100 million (HK$783.68 million).  



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2.-Competitors.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234798384" style="width:839px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2.-Competitors.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2.-Competitors.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2.-Competitors.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2.-Competitors.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The move to Italy puts competitors on the home turf of Luna Rossa, who has been backed by Prada. Image courtesy of America’s Cup/Ian Roman</figcaption></figure>



Yesterday’s announcement also gave much-needed grounding to the America’s Cup, which has been under media scrutiny for all the wrong reasons. One of the six challengers from the last Cup, Alinghi Red Bull Racing, announced it would not participate in the next event, and it’s still not clear if American Magic or France’s Orient Express Racing Team would take part in the 38th Cup.



Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who financed&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/ineos-britannia-launches-americas-cup-race-boat-1235605089/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">INEOS Britannia</a>, announced last month that he would not back an America’s Cup team. The announcement followed an acrimonious public breakup with Sir Ben Ainslie, INEOS’s former team captain.



Ainslie has formed Athena Racing, which is now the Challenger of Record and had input into crowning Naples the next America’s Cup location. “Italy’s huge sailing fanbase will create a spectacular atmosphere for the millions of visiting fans,” said Ainslie, adding it would be an “exceptional platform for commercial partnerships.”

America's Cup

italy

Naples

Italy Will Host the America’s Cup for the First Time in 2027

This <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRdt9F3RtIQ&amp;t=2s" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">video</a> shows what it’s like to approach the mythical 54-knot (62.1 mph, 100 kmh) speed barrier, considered the supersonic barrier on the water, on an unpowered sailboat. At that speed, cavitation beneath the water begins to slow down any hull, and with no motor to push it through, the hull design is critical for moving beyond that hump. 



The team behind the rocket-like <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/sp80-sailboat-break-speed-record-1235060507/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SP80</a> foiler, which recently reached 51-plus knots (59.03 mph), plans to soon cross the magical 54-knot line on its way to beating the speed record of 65.45 knots (75.3 mph), set by Paul Larsen in 2012 aboard Vestas Sailrocket II.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="686" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2.SP80.jpg-1024x686.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796892" style="width:838px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2.SP80.jpg-1024x686.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2.SP80.jpg-300x201.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2.SP80.jpg-768x515.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2.SP80.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The SP80 uses a giant sail kite (upper left of the image) for propulsion, requiring excessive wind and a smart hull design. Image courtesy of SP80</figcaption></figure>



“This run above 50 knots allowed us to finally observe the behaviour of our foil in a speed range that remains largely unexplored in the world of sailing,” said Benoît Gaudiot, kite pilot aboard the SP80 experimental raceboat. “We deliberately slowed the boat down just before reaching 52 knots as a precaution, but our analysis of the data indicates that it did not encounter any major barriers.”



The slender, 33-foot foiling trimaran, with sponsons on both sides and a small, protected cockpit for the pilot and a co-pilot, performs more like a kiteboard than a traditional sailing yacht. The team hopes to not only break Vestas Sailrocket II’s record, but shatter it since its boat has a theoretical top speed of 80 knots, or 92 mph. Hence the SP80 name.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2.PilotSP80.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796893" style="width:839px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2.PilotSP80.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2.PilotSP80.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2.PilotSP80.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2.PilotSP80.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Benoît Gaudiot piloting the trimaran, keeping an eye on the kite sail and the waves.  Image courtesy of SP80</figcaption></figure>



Despite its sponsorship by Swiss watchmaker Richard Mille, the SP80 initiative is a shoestring startup launched nine years ago by three friends—Mayeul van den Broek, Xavier Lepercq, and Benoit Gaudiot—who decided to create a boat that would cross the seemingly uncrossable 80-knot mark. The team is using a proprietary—and yet unproven—design that pairs the massive kitesurfing sails with a carbon-fibre hull weighing just 330 pounds. The trimaran initially took more than two years and 40,000 hours to design, and it has since gone through several iterations.



Under the rules, the SP80 is not allowed to use the same type of electronics or lithium batteries to help adjust the sails as, say, the <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/americas-cup-f1-ocean-next-year-1235434383/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">America’s Cup</a> or <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/what-its-like-on-foiling-yacht-1234865806/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SailGP</a> foilers, even though, proportionally speaking, the SP80 is facing a much higher load on its sails. It’s only allowed to use wind power. As a result, it is testing in one of the world’s windiest stretches outside Leucate, France.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="563" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2.-1.-MOnaco-Yacht-ShowIMG_0774-1.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796894" style="width:839px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2.-1.-MOnaco-Yacht-ShowIMG_0774-1.jpg.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2.-1.-MOnaco-Yacht-ShowIMG_0774-1.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2.-1.-MOnaco-Yacht-ShowIMG_0774-1.jpg-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Cofounders Lepercq, van den Broek, and Gaudiot show off the boat at the 2024 Monaco Yacht Show. Image courtesy of Laura Manon</figcaption></figure>



“The boat is now close to its full technical potential,” says SP80 pilot Mayeul van den Broek. “The challenge for Benoît and I now is to sail as much as possible to master the boatʼs behaviour from 0 to over 70 knots (130 km/h). We need to fine-tune our trajectories, improve our synchronisation, and push the machine even further.”



One mistake at these speeds could shatter the boat.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2.VestusSailrocket.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796895" style="width:839px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2.VestusSailrocket.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2.VestusSailrocket.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2.VestusSailrocket.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2.VestusSailrocket.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The current record holder, the Vestas Sailrocket II, used a very different sail technology in 2012.  Image courtesy of Vestus Sailrocket</figcaption></figure>



“The weather has not always been favourable, with winds often too light to accumulate significant sailing hours,” added van den Broek. “But with each outing, we can feel it—the logistics are running smoothly, the boat wants to go faster. All we need now is more time on the water to unleash its full potential.”



It hopes to reach that potential in the next few weeks.&nbsp;



Meanwhile, the Swiss team has a French competitor,&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/moonshoti-smash-sailing-speed-record-1234655312/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Syroco</a>, employing a kitesurfing sail that actually lifts the vessel above the water. But it will be tethered to the water by a long fin below the surface that serves as a sea anchor. That team plans to up the SP80’s ante by sailing just a hair faster, at 80.99 knots (or 93.2 mph).

super yacht

trimaran

This Trimaran Uses a Giant Kite to Hit Lightning-Fast Speeds, and It Could Break a Sailing Record

In a bid to ruminate over whisky and the finer things in life, we went down to Dram Good Stuff, where Kam Daswani, founder and managing partner of the finest luxury whisky experience in town, sat with us for an exclusive chat for the latest edition of Leaders of Luxury. In the private enclave of his curated whisky cave, where you can find the rarest of vintage bottles sourced from the world over, Daswani talks about the simple pleasures of sipping a fine liquid elixir for hours on stretch with friends, family, and fraternity. Be it his prized watch collection or his rare oaks, in this digital exclusive for&nbsp;Robb Report Hong Kong, Daswani demystifies some old tales about cask and colour, his travels, and the camaraderie shared by fellow connoisseurs studded the world over who collectively meet in far-flung corners, lured by the (fulfilled) promises of a valiant Scotch.



Video by Chris Yau.

Leaders of Luxury: Kam Daswani, Founder & Managing Partner of Dram Good Stuff