This week in watches: grail spots at Pharrell's LV show & Dennis Rodman's flashes custom Rolex GMT-Master II
Esquire's guide to the new releases, innovations, and celebrity watch sightings making headlines in the watch world this week.
EACH WEEK, we’ll be taking a look at the hottest news, developments and rare model 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.
This week seemed like a pretty significant week for watch spots. While it was relatively slow in the new releases department — although Jaeger-LeCoultre dropped a scintillating new Master Control Chronograph Calendar — the celebrity watch spots were plentiful.
In Paris, everybody who’s anybody was present at Pharrell Williams’ debut show as Louis Vuitton men’s creative director. And while the fits on show were good, the watch grail spots were incredible. From Pharrell’s super rare (and super thin) Richard Mille, to Tyler the Creator’s limited-edition Cartier Pebble, it was a consortium of watch must-haves on the wrists (and necks) of some of the world’s biggest stars.
Elsewhere, Dennis Rodman showcases his new Chicago Bulls-inspired Rolex GMT (baller), and a US man sues a watch store for not selling him the watch of his dreams. Wild.
Keep scrolling for all that dropped in the watch world this week.
1
Jaeger-LeCoultre releases new Master Control Chronograph Calendar now with a black dial
Jaeger-LeCoultre this week unveiled a new iteration to its Master Control collection with a new Chronograph Calendar in pink gold with a stunning black dial and sunray brushed finish. As per all of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s timepieces, this modern classic watch embodies the Maison’s dedication to craftsmanship and watchmaking excellence. It distinctively draws inspiration from the elegant round watches of the 1950s and ’60s, and presents as a beautiful modern dress watch with all the hallmarks of elegant vintage design.
In other JLC news, the Maison hosted a special event at its boutique store on Rodeo Drive, Los Angeles this week, giving watch collectors a chance to snap up some serious watches straight from the archives. Titled ‘The Collectibles‘, the unique service allows enthusiasts and collectors the opportunity to acquire rare and limited timepieces from the 20th century.
2
Man sues San Francisco watch store for $500,000 USD alleging he was tricked into building a purchase history
In news that comes across as rather satirical but is a matter of fact, a US man, Ali Rezaei, is suing his local Authorised Dealer, Shreve & Co., for alleging that he was promised the watch of his dreams (a Patek Philippe Nautilus Chronograph Date Full Gold, pictured) if he built up a purchase history. A tale told by many AD’s to their willing customers, Mr. Rezaei alleges he spent over $220,000 USD building up rapport and a profile with Shreve & Co., under the guise that he would then be able to secure his golden Nautilus of his dreams. He is seeking $500,000 USD in damages.
3
Watch spots at Pharrell Williams’ first show as Louis Vuitton men’s creative director
This week, the stage was set in Paris for Pharrell Williams’ highly anticipated debut men’s collection at Louis Vuitton, with the musician-turned-creative director dazzling audiences with a thoughtful collection that shows great promise of things to come. But it wasn’t just the runway that impressed global onlookers — the celebrity watch spots were equally impressive.
Pharrell himself was rocking the record-breaking Richard Mille Ultra Thin RM Up-01, a watch made in collaboration with Ferrari. Rihanna was spotted wearing a $670,000 USD custom Jacob & Co chocker watch around her neck. LeBron James celebrated the monumental show with his black ceramic Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. And performing after the LV show was rap legend Jay-Z, pumping out throwback hits with a vintage 18K white gold Patek Philippe Chronograph on wrist, factory set with 118 baguette cut diamonds around the watch and 9 diamonds and 1 baguette cut diamond as hour markers.
4
The Laventure Sous-Marine II was unveiled (and subsequently sold out soon after)
In the watch world, there is an insatiable thirst for microbrands doing cool things. One such brand — and perhaps the brand the arouses the most hype right now — is Swiss-made watchmaker ‘LAVENTURE‘. From afar, you can see what all the appeal is about; LAVENTURE are makers of some really stylish timepieces built to really high standards. But their business model is an interesting one, and no doubt the impetus for its spike in demand. Releasing just one watch model per year, in extremely limited quantities (often under 100), getting your hands on a LAVENTURE watch is no easy task. Take the newly-released Sous-Marine II. A vintage-inspired divers watch that ticks all the boxes in terms of style, build quality and versatility – including its own in-house movement, made in the Swiss watchmaking mecca of La Chaux-de-Fonds. Released this week, the Sous-Marine II in steel/cream is sold out, while the bronze/cream is still available (but limited to just 99 pieces).
5
Dennis Rodman reveals custom Rolex GMT-Master II
Earlier this month, Chicago Bulls great Dennis Rodman unveiled a personalised Rolex GMT-Master II that he crafted in conjunction with Skeleton Concept. The fiery red GMT, which obviously pays tribute to his successes at the Bulls, also draws inspiration from his life story and triumphs. The skeletonised red and black carbon GMT is certainly fit for the NBA’s greatest rebounder.
