Dispatch from the UK

Since Haute Time has gone global, we´re bringing you a snapshot from our worldwide markets. Here, our local London-based editor Arthur Touchot recaps the United Kingdom´s hottest watch news. To see more from our UK team, visit www.hautetime.co.uk.

Urwerk Teams Up With Bespoke London Tailor
Urwerk founders Felix Baumgartner and Martin Frei teamed up with Timothy Everest, one of London’s finest tailors to outfit the UR-110 with bespoke straps. The new design – called the “Eastwood” because of its wooden bezel marks a strong departure from the avant-garde genre heralded by Urwerk. A friend and collector of Urwerk, who could be seen sporting a UR-103 at SalonQP 2014, Mr. Everest said of the collaboration, “it had to be the finest wool tweed – it’s extremely durable, and has that sporty and very British heritage.” Most of the features that made the UR-110 a best seller are back. The case remains in black-coated Grade 5 titanium and once again measures 47 mm x 16 mm, while the UR-9.01 caliber movement makes one final bow.  With it, Uwerk and Timothy Everest sign a stylish departure from one of the brand’s most iconic designs.

IWC Schaffhausen Unveils First UK Boutique
IWC Schaffhausen unveiled its first UK boutique on London’s New Bond Street in Mayfair. IWC CEO Georges Kern, revealed the new boutique in London “has been a key focus of the brand for some time now.” The new two-storey site features Art Deco elements throughout, making it entirely unique in comparison to other IWC boutiques worldwide. The new boutique offers the very best from the IWC collection, including the entire newly launched diamond-set Portofino Midsize collection, as well as a special edition Big Pilot Perpetual Calendar in stainless steel, manufactured exclusively for the IWC London boutique.

Patek Philippe Reopens London Flagship Boutique
Meanwhile, Patek Philippe reopened its Bond Street boutique in London nine months after acquiring its next-door neighbor. “We have always wanted to expand and improve our presence on this iconic Street and are happy that patience has finally paid off,” said Thierry Stern, president of Patek Philippe. The new salon, one of only three in the world, has grown in size from 85 sq. m to 420 sq. m, and becomes the largest watch retailer on Bond Street with 21 display cases carrying the very best Patek Philippe selection in the UK, including grand complications and haute joaillerie models. The salon is split over two floors and features a state-of-the-art customer service center, manned by two full-time Patek Philippe trained watchmakers.

Hublot Loves Bearded Men
Hublot continued its commitment to the promotion of art by partnering with Beard Season, an organization hosting the photography exhibition Beard by Mr. Elbank at Somerset House. The event marked the brand’s global partnership with Beard Season, a viral movement that took off after Jimmy Niggles lost one of his best friends to melanoma at the age of 26. Niggles and his friends all grew beards as conversation starters, so that every time someone asked about their facial follicles, they could share their friend’s story. On the Beard Season and Hublot partnership, Jimmy Niggles commented: “Everybody knows growing a beard takes time and dedication. But a beard can actually give time, by carrying a message, which can lead to the early detection of one of the world’s deadliest cancers. To have Hublot recognize this power and help share it with the world is a truly inspiring relationship, which Mr. Elbank and I thoroughly look forward to building.”

Harrods Invites Blancpain’s Master Engraver
Harrods celebrated Blancpain’s exceptional skill of Fine Watch engraving by holding an exclusive exhibition displaying a collection of completely one-off pieces of Haute Horlogerie, expertly engraved with a range of unique designs including classic landscapes, world landmarks, and subtle erotica designs. Blancpain’s Master Engraver, Marie-Laure Tarbouriech, visited Harrods and showcased her engraving expertise. For two days only, Tarbouriech demonstrated the time-honoured craftsmanship and skilled artistry of this horological art form by engraving part of a watch back with a spectacular depiction of London’s iconic Tower Bridge.