This week in watches: Chris Hemsworth flexes one of the year’s hottest watch releases
EACH WEEK, we’ll be taking a look at the hottest news, developments and rare sightings in the watch world—what’s ticking, what’s trending and what’s causing jaws in various corners of the watch internet to drop. We’ll highlight new brand releases, celebrity watch spots and general news for all you horologically-minded enthusiasts.
Last weekend, Abu Dhabi played host to the very last Formula 1 race of the 2023 season, seeing Max Verstappen crowned world champion after his most dominant F1 season yet. The stars were certainly in attendance to witness the sporting spectacle unfold, and while one would assume all eyes to be on the race itself, the (watch) world simply couldn’t get enough of Chris Hemsworth’s choice of timepiece for the occasion. A watch fit for a god, the Thor star was spotted embracing Lewis Hamilton wearing one of this year’s hottest new releases: an 18K yellow gold Audemars Piguet Royal Oak made in collaboration with Givenchy and 1017 ALYX 9SM design director, Matthew Williams.
Chopard this week has unveiled one of its most impressive Alpine Eagle collections to date. The Australia limited edition Alpine Eagle in Lucent Steel, with its unique sunburnt red dial, was designed in collaboration with First Nations artist Shaun Daniel Allen (Shal), in support of the Ngunya Jarjum Aboriginal Corporation.
And in an Australian-first, luxury watch retailer Kennedy has partnered with Patek Philippe to present watch enthusiasts an exclusive exhibition in Melbourne detailing the workmanship that goes into producing some of Patek Philippe’s most iconic timepieces.
Keep scrolling for all that dropped in the watch world this week
1
Chris Hemsworth shows off new Royal Oak
By now, we know Chris Hemsworth to be an avid watch collector. In his watch arsenal lies everything from a Bulgari Octo Finissimo Skeleton to a Rolex Day-Date Platinum. But now, the Hollywood superstar has unveiled arguably his most impressive watch snatch to date: the new 18K Yellow Gold Audemars Piguet Royal Oak X Alyx Studios Royal Oak. This particular Royal Oak Offshore model, adorned in full gold, is arguably one of the year’s most exciting new releases…and intimidatingly difficult to acquire, with only 194 in existence and retailing for a cool $110K.
2
Chopard release limited-edition Australian Alpine Eagle
Chopard has now added to its highly popular Alpine Eagle collection with an Australian-exclusive, designed in collaboration with artist Shaun Daniel Allen. The special Alpine Eagle timepiece, which is limited to just 20 pieces and made from the brand’s proprietary Lucent Steel, is adorned with a sunburnt red dial inspired by Australia’s natural landscapes. Chopard called on First Nations artist Shaun Daniel Allen (or ‘Shal’ as his friends call him) to bring to life this exceptional timepiece, in support of the Ngunya Jarjum Aboriginal Corporation. Turn this timepiece over and you’ll see Shal’s design hallmarks etched on its caseback; an array of emblematic abstract motifs painted with tranquil lines evoking the course of rivers. The result is a timepiece that transcends the boundaries between traditional watchmaking and contemporary art.
3
Kennedy and Patek Philippe present ‘A Passion for Workmanship’ exhibition
If you were in Melbourne this week—and love watches—it would have been difficult to go past the intimate gathering of watch pundits at the behest of luxury Swiss watchmaker Patek Philippe and watch retailer Kennedy. Together, a special exhibition was presented to highlight the Maison’s pioneering craft and mastery in complications, including perpetual calendars, grand complications and chronographs—technical feats which are completed at the hands of true watchmaking artisans. So, on behalf of Kennedy, from Dec 1 – 3 watch enthusiasts can purchase a ticket to visit the exclusive ‘A Passion for Workmanship’ exhibition, to learn more about the intricate and detailed history of Patek Philippe.
4
There’s now a Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso that pays homage to Sydney
If you have been stewing on purchasing a Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso for some time—and you’re from Sydney, Australia—now might be the moment to strike. Together with luxury online retailer MR Porter, Jaeger-LeCoultre has designed an exclusive series of three limited-edition Reverso timepieces each paying tribute to the landscapes of three cities—Sydney, Singapore, and Los Angeles. The Reverso Classic Large Small Seconds Cities Editions feature a 45mm case set with a silvered guilloché dial and presented on a Casa Fagliano calfskin leather strap. Flip over the reverse side on the Sydney edition and you’ll find a beautiful etching of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House.
5
Franck Muller presents a collection of Haute Horlogerie
As the watch world begins to wind down after what has been a year full of surprises and technical feats, master watchmaker Franck Muller is going out with a bang thanks to the reveal of its new Vanguard Slim Skeleton collection—a luxurious representation of the Maison’s mastery of complications. The new ultra-thin, fully skeletonised, gem-set Vanguard Slim, with its in-house automatic movement, is designed with a contemporary twist for those who appreciate the edgy yet modern appeal of Franck Muller timepieces.