COURTESY OF AP

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 Friday night, just when we thought the watch world had turned in for the year—how many new releases will we continue to see for the remainder of 2023?—Audemars Piguet threw an absolute curveball that, perhaps, solidified one of the best watch releases of this year. In collaboration with Cactus Jack, a brand founded by American rap star Travis Scott, AP unveiled a special new Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar limited edition timepiece… and the watch world was abuzz with commentary! It’s one of those pieces that you either love or hate, but coming from a brand that has long been quite conservative with what and how it presents its new novelties, this was incredible to see… and the watch simply speaks for itself!

Swiss watchmaker RADO this week celebrates a special milestone: 40 years of the Anatom watch which was first launched in 1983 and quickly attracted worldwide attention thanks to its curved lines and retro aesthetics. To celebrate the anniversary, RADO have reimaged the Anatom with four exciting new colourways with tick all the right boxes.

And in an Australian-first, luxury watch and jewellery retailer Hardy Brothers, who this year celebrate 170 years of operation, is launching Rebellion Timepieces to the Australian market for the very first time – a brand synonymous with mechanical precision and unique personality.

Keep scrolling for all that dropped in the watch world this week.


COURTESY OF AP

1

The AP x Cactus Jack collaboration is here and sign us up!

There had been whispers of a final AP release for the year and this was it: a brand new chocolate brown ceramic—a first for AP—Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar ‘Cactus Jack’ LE made in collaboration with rapper Travis Scott. Limited to just 200 pieces, this special 41mm Royal Oak features white gold hexagonal screws and a sapphire dial which reveals the openworked Calibre 5135. If you look at the calendar and week indications, you will find Travis Scott’s hand-drawn typography and emblematic motifs, including a smiley face with its mouth sewn shut on the moonphase at six o’clock. The piece comes on a textured calfskin leather strap with a pink gold folding clasp engraved with the signatures of both Audemars Piguet and Travis Scott. This limited edition watch doesn’t come cheap; if you have friends in high places and somehow manage to snag yourself a piece, expect to fork out around $304,000. But know that a portion of the profits made from the sale will be donated to a charity of Travis Scott’s choice.

COURTESY OF RADO

2

RADO release a new Anatom collection, 40 years after the original first launched

Back in 1983, Swiss watchmaker RADO launched a timepiece that was befitting of the era: the Anatom, a watch that immediately gained recognition for its unusual curved lines and quirky proportions. Now, 40 years later, RADO has designed a reedition of the Anatom; a re-imagining of the original which now comes in four new colourways, like Cognac, Blue, Green and an all Black Limited Edition piece (limited to just 40 pieces worldwide). The signature ‘anatomical’ shape has been redesigned to accommodate a visually stunning timepiece but one that offers greater wearer comfort. The collection also benefits from a new matt black High Tech Ceramic bezel and crown—RADO are masters of ceramic—with seamless edge to edge sapphire crystal glass. Under the hood you’ll find all Anatom pieces are powered by the exclusive and extra-slim RADO R766 calibre, offering an impressive 72-hour power reserve.

COURTESY OF BULGARI

3

Bulgari launch a new Aluminium x Gran Turismo special edition watch

Barcelona recently hosted the Gran Turismo World Series Finals—a series of professional Gran Turismo esports races—where luxury watch and jewellery maker, Bulgari, revealed two special timepieces together with Gran Turismo. Introducing the new Bulgari Aluminium x Gran Turismo Special Edition, a collaboration that reinterprets the iconic watch, the Alumunium, with the dynamic attraction of the esport gaming phenomenon. This non-gendered “Italian sport-chic” chronograph, which was first launched in 1998, combines unprecedented graphic lines and brand cues as it presents in both a yellow dial and anthracite dial option, both dotted with yellow accents throughout. Both pieces come equipped with a new movement, the B381, and the anthracite model, ref. 103893, is limited to 1200 pieces, with the yellow dial limited to 500 pieces, both priced at $7,200 each.

COURTESY OF REBELLION TIMEPIECES

4

Rebellion Timepieces arrive in Australia at Hardy Brothers

As revered fine watch and jewellery retailer, Hardy Brothers, celebrate a legacy of 170-years, it has revealed that for the first time, it will be introducing an exclusive partnership to launch Swiss watchmaker Rebellion Timepieces to Australia, a brand synonymous for intricate complications, high technology and its car racing history. The unconventional watchmaker renowned for its eye-catching pieces and expertly-crafted complications, will hit the Australian market for the very first time thanks to Hardy Brothers, a testament to its relentless pursuit of perfection and innovation. Those familiar with Rebellion Timepieces will know that its collection offers a combination of personality with complexity, pushing the boundaries with what is possible when it comes to utilising precious materials in watchmaking. For those with an interest in mechanical perfection, you’ll naturally be enamoured with the pieces Rebellion Timepieces has to offer.