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Patek Philippe Pilot Watch Goes For $1.7 Million At Christie's Auction

Filed under: Timepieces, Auctions

patek philippe pilot watch
I bet you've never seen this Patek Philippe watch before. That is because it was not known to exist, and is a one of a kind made in 1936. Earlier this month in May, this watch sold for just over $1.7 million dollars at a Christie's auction in Geneva. The buyer was a private Swiss museum, and they recognized the special watch for its value, especially as a unique Patek Philippe. The watch is chrome-plated nickel being large at 55mm wide and has some unique navigational complications and an hour hand that operates on a 24 hour scale (not 12 hour scale). I don't claim to understand the functions entirely, as I am no pilot, but the watch is set to measure a 360 degree circle. The minute hand makes a full rotation each 4 hours, and the two seconds hands rotate each 4 minutes. Really not sure about what that all does, but it has something to do with directional angular navigation. The time can still be read though, but on the 24 hour scale. This goes to show that no matter how peculiar they are, the watch collecting world simplly loves a rare Patek Philippe timepiece.

Ariel Adams publishes the popular watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Via WatchTime.

Aviator Hotel

Filed under: Journeys


The new Aviator hotel in Farnborough, England has dubbed itself the "UK's sexiest airport hotel." The hotel is located at TAG Farnborough, an airport that caters to private jets and business travelers. The Tines Online recently checked it out, finding that the building, which looks like a plane propeller, has a distinctive charm. The hotel, founded by the people behind the Malmaison and Dakota chains, has 150 rooms spread over three floors, with 19 suites on the fourth floor. Rooms include Bose sound systems, flatscreen TVs, large beds and wifi. Suites have both a bathtub and a power shower. The hotel includes two bars, one for the suite holders only and one for the rest, The Brasserie which serves seasonal menus.

The TImes Online reviewer deemed the hotel very stylish indeed but questioned whether those landing at Farnborough might just truck on to London instead. Now at least, weary travelers have the option of an elegant stay without a long car ride. Rates start at £195.

Celebrity Lamp

Filed under: Decor


It's amazing how something so common and simple like a classic pair of aviator style sunglasses can be the inspiration for a gaudy (but still strangely attractive) lamp called the Celebrity Lamp. Named after the many celebrities who are more often than not spotted in public wearing their favorite shades, this lamp is made up of 40 pairs of mirrored aviator glasses resting on a shiny linear stand with a temple light switch. It's a shiny silver sculpture during daylight and becomes a kaleidoscope of color and light when turned on at night. Like I said, gaudy but strangely attractive... $1,600.

Via Dvice

Prada Rectangular Aviator Sunglasses

Filed under: Apparel

These Prada Rectangular Aviator Sunglasses combine the best of the aviator sunglass style with the more protective wraparound shield style, resulting in a pair of glasses that is both stylish and practical. The lenses offer 100% UVA/UVB protection, shielding the eyes and face from the sun, but have the gradient tint that is so beloved among the wearers of aviator glasses. The lens frames are made of metal, for added stability, while the sides are plastic and bear the Prada logo. Price: $220.

Lacoste Aviator Sunglasses, Father's Day Gift of the Day

Filed under: Apparel

I don't know about your dad, but my father never wore the most fashionable sunglasses. Of course, he did have a reasonable idea of what would look stylish and of which shape would flatter his face, but that doesn't mean he actually bought those types of glasses for himself. This is, of course, the very sort of thing that makes sunglasses such a great gift. The Lacoste Aviator Sunglasses are sleek and sporty, but not too outrageous or overly trendy - just in case your dad is a bit on the conservative side. The lenses (grey in gunmetal frames or green in silver frames) offer full UV protection. Durable but flexible metal frames can be bent slightly for a perfect fit on just about any face. Price: $148.



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