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Home Team Wins Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge

Filed under: Events, Sports, Wealth

Home Team Wins Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge
The home team emerged victorious for the second year running at the Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge on Friday. Four pro-am polo teams competed in the prestigious event at the Desert Palm Polo Club under the patronage of Princess Haya bint Al Hussein, wife of Dubai's ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The Desert Palm team edged out Cartier's own team to capture the top prize. The other two teams were fielded by Swiss bank (and Wikileaks target) Julius Baer and the UK's Guards Polo Club. Desert Palm patrons Clive Reid and Tariq Albwardy received the impressive trophy from Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the son of Dubai's ruler. Cartier suffered a setback early in the final when their best player, Salvador Ulloa, was injured though another Cartier team member, Nico Petracchi, was named Most Valuable Player.

Top Cartier Art/Jewelry Watches For 2011

Filed under: Jewelry, Timepieces / Watches

Cartier has long been known for making a variety of lovely creations. 2011 is a year where they really flexed their creative muscles offerings a load of high-end, beautiful jewelry and art watch pieces. You'll of course notice a distinct "animal" theme in most of these. Lots of reptiles this year, and of course a few panthers as well. Many of these items are "order only" while I believe others will be parts of limited editions available in Cartier boutiques. Either way, it is always pleasing to see what the Parisian house can come up with. See the gallery below for the best items of 2011 (as presented at the SIHH 2011 in Geneva).

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Cartier Uses Baby Panther To Tempt Luxury Shoppers

Filed under: Handbags, Jewelry


Cartier has long used the panther as a theme in its designs and advertisements but this year, as Luxury Daily reports, it's going for cute, showcasing a panther cub as the star of its "Winter Tale" campaign. The multichannel campaign follows the soft, little panther through a snowy forest of littered with various Cartier gift offerings. The Winter Tale campaign includes a dedicated microsite at http://www.wintertale.cartier.com and the a 30-second video spot shown above. On the microsite you can choose from Accessories for Her, Diamonds Forever and Precious Objects for Him all under the watchful eye of the adorable baby panther who pads around and licks a paw in the background.


Cartier Tourbillon & Crocodile Watch

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

As a high-end marquee watch for women, Cartier will unveil this Troubillon & Crocodile timepiece at the SIHH watch show in January. I didn't know that Cartier had a thing for reptiles, I thought it was just big cats. Times change I guess. Not a ton of details on the watch yet. I don't know how large the case is, or what material it is in. Though I am guessing a case size of at least 40mm in width, and done in 18k white gold.

The case is decorated with a number of diamonds, and the fantastically rendered 3D crocodile on the dial is also in gold and diamonds. What a stunning jewelry creation. It sits on a black dial accompanied with a few lotus flowers. Inside the watch is a partially exposed in-house made Cartier calibre 9458 MC manually wound movement with a flying tourbillon. The movement is placed to the side of the dial for an asymmetrical position. The Tourbillon & Crocodile won't be part of a limited edition per se, but will likely be made only to order after a few pieces are made by Cartier. More info on this next year.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com .

Luxist Guest Post: Chris Del Gatto of CIRCA On The Real Value of Jewelry

Filed under: Jewelry, Timepieces / Watches

Have you ever wondered what that diamond necklace that your grandmother left you would be worth if you ever wanted to sell it? We did, so we asked Chris Del Gatto, Chairman & CEO of CIRCA, the largest global buyer of fine jewelry from the public, to share some trade secrets on the true market value of jewelry.

As you can imagine, there's typically a disconnect between the public's perception of what jewelry is "worth", and the true market value of that item. True market value means the price that you would get if you were to sell the piece. This is very different from an appraisal value – what you would have to pay retail to replace an item if it were lost or stolen. What's important to realize is that when you're paying retail, you're paying for labor, marketing and the various profits made along the way.

For example, the generic yellow gold & diamond tennis bracelet that retails for $5,000, will typically cost a retailer an average of $1,800-$3,000, whereas the manufacturer's cost to make the piece would be more like $1,260 - $2,100. As someone who now owns that bracelet, and is selling it back into the marketplace, you're starting over again. You're not going to make back the profit that the manufacturer and retailer made. You also have to discount the labor that went into the piece. What you have left is the intrinsic value of the stones and the metal as your base. However, you can start adding value back if:

1) the piece is superbly designed and manufactured

2) the stone qualities are very high

3) it's a period piece, like Art Deco, Retro, etc.

4) the piece is signed by a famous maker such as Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Tiffany & Co, etc.

Zac Efron Wears Cartier Calibre Watch

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Celebrity Shopping

Actor Zac Efron was recently spotted wearing Cartier's newer Calibre men's watch while at the 2010 Deauville American Film Festival. New for 2010, the Calibre is an impressive, large design that melds sports and sophistication rather well - being a larger watch. Connoisseurs appreciate that it contains an in-house Cartier made movement. I first wrote about the Cartier Calibre watches here. Here is is wearing a steel Calibre watch with a black colored dial and an alligator strap. What exactly is he praying for though?

Via Just Jared.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Cartier Calibre Watch With Diamonds Hands-On

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

If the standard Cartier Calibre watch (new for 2010) that has an in-house made movement isn't enough for you - and the gold version is also not enough for you - I am pretty sure I have the watch for you. This is the diamond studded, solid 18k rose gold version of the very attractive Cartier Calibre watch. For more on the Cartier Calibre watch itself, read more here.

Cartier always uses high-quality diamonds, and it shows with the large, good color diamonds on the bezel - and the massive diamond set into the crown. The rounder cut diamonds on the bezel each display a very good sheen and sparkle, and are set quite nicely. You can see the image of the diamond in the crown in the gallery below. Otherwise the watch is the same Calibre in rose gold - but this one is for the diamond lovers out there. Plus, given the good looks of the watch itself, and the tasteful arrangement of the stones, I would not consider this to be a "blingy" watch. Pretty much as tasteful as "solid gold with diamonds" gets. Price is $43,400 - and production is likely limited.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Prince Charles Presides at Cartier International Polo

Filed under: Events, Sports


HRH Prince Charles presided over the Royal Box at the 26th annual Cartier International Polo Day at the UK's Guards Polo Club in Great Windsor Park the other day. The celebrated event, previewed in The Classicist's column on the English summer social season, is the sport's most prestigious. The bands of the Welsh and Irish Guards and the Light Cavalry of the Honourable Artillery Company performed prior to the contest. The Prince, who arrived in his vintage Aston Martin, was joined by the likes of Tommy Lee Jones and Sir Ben Kingsley to watch as England triumphed over New Zealand to capture the coveted Coronation Cup. VIP guests were served a luncheon by chef Anton Mosimann of champagne, Scottish lobster and Chateaubriand followed by Grand Marnier parfait with raspberry coulis. James Beim, captain of the New Zealand team, was awarded the trophy for Most Valuable Player.

Cartier Roadster XL Watch In Gold & Walnut Aging Well

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

How is a classic born? It needs to look good from birth and then age nicely overtime retaining its reputation for having good looks. A classic thus, must survive the test of time. In the watch world, there are instant classics, ones discovered over decades, and those still memorable after just a few years in existence given the many luxury models they must compete with. So I look at this special Cartier Roadster XL in 18k pink gold that was announced in 2008 (also arrived in 18k white gold). Two years in the luxury watch world can be a long time for an "experimental" model, and most of them end up looking silly just a year after being released. Not here. What was different about this Roadster? Certainly not the fact that it is a Roadster, but rather the use of polished and lacquered walnut wood. A design taken from roadster cars, the combo of Cartier and wood is gorgeous. Use of wood isn't reserved for classic roadster cars, but other luxury automobiles, as well as watches from time to time. Most other watches that use wood do so in the case, and as a nod to boats, not cars. Cartier mixed wood with gold so well, this piece certainly qualifies as a classic.

Beautifully grained walnut is used as the dial, as well as center links in the gold bracelet. According to Cartier, the wood links in the bracelet are so well treated and coated, they are totally water resistant. The dial is printed to be extremely legible, just like in standard Roadster fashion. Technically, there isn't too much special in the watch, just an ETA Swiss automatic movement (likely a 2892). Though the Cartier name on this impressive watch makes for a solid (gold) timepiece. Quite possibly the best watch to wear while spending time in your Rolls Royce or Bentley with a matching wood interior. Pricey at about $40,000. Also limited to 250 pieces (I believe). Click on "READ MORE" below for additional images. By the way, this piece was molested by me at the San Francisco Cartier boutique store.

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

The Classicist: Royal Ascot, Henley, Cowes & the English Summer Season

Filed under: Yachts & Sailing, Events, Sports, The Classicist

Royal ascot
The English summer season is in full swing with the year's most important and stylish sporting events on the horizon, maintaining the British traditions of horse racing, tennis, rowing, polo and sailing with elegance and ardor. Lord's Test Cricket has passed, but the Royal Ascot races, the Wimbledon tennis championships, Cartier International Polo, the Henley Royal Regatta and the yacht races at Cowes round out a full season's worth of sporting occasions that are as much fun to watch as to participate in. Herewith The Classicist's guide to the best in class (with a tip of the Panama to the London Telegraph); all you need is a pitcher of Pimm's:

Royal Ascot – June 15-19, Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire

Since it was founded by Queen Anne in 1711, the annual Royal Ascot races have become the highlight of the English social season. Ostensibly a five-day sporting event, it's also evolved into something of an immense fashion show, marked by the arrival of the Royal Family in ceremonial horse-drawn carriages every day. It has become the style for ladies to sport increasingly outrageous hats, and lately the traditional rules about "formal day dress" in the coveted Royal Enclosure have been rather loosely interpreted.


Cartier Roadster S Watch

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Cartier Roadster S Watch
In Porsche language "S" refers to a sport model that is between the "standard" model and the "Turbo" model. It is a more expensive version of the original, with enough power to make you feel excited, without the showiness of the Turbo version. In Cartier language however, this label means "sport" as well, but not more expensive. The still fresh Roadster S watch from Cartier is a simplified version of their famous Roadster watch collection. Many people might actually prefer the S over the standard version given its more straight forward design and layout. Gone are the "bullet" shaped sapphire crystal lens over the date that visually connected with the crown, as well as the screws on the case. The crown here is a bit more streamlined (no cabochon as well). and only a black line on the dial around the date window alludes to the pointy, rounded shaped of the sapphire crystal lens on the standard Roadster watch.

There are two versions of the Roadster S timepiece. Each has a Cartier Caliber 049 automatic movement and is about 45.9 mm wide (11.8mm thick). One is the pictured steel version with steel bracelet. There is also a slightly less expensive version with a rubber bracelet and an aDLC coated bezel in black to match the color of the rubber strap. Each is very elegant looking, and modern at the same time. These truly are the new type of mainstream Cartier watch for this decade. The Roadster S has an iconic Cartier dial in silvered opaline white with the Roman numerals and lume coated sword-style hands. The black colored date disc with white numerals is a good design element. Nice watches that allude to the more expensive models, and have a true Cartier spirit with a slightly sporty twist. Price is $4,600 with the steel bracelet, and $4,200 with the rubber strap. Don't forget that you can even buy them online via Cartier's e-boutique. Check out their US online store here.

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

Billionaire Patricia Kluge Sells Jewels at Sotheby's

Filed under: Jewelry, Timepieces / Watches, Auctions

Patricia Kluge's Diamond and Sapphire Watch by Cartier that was sold by Sotheby's
When a woman who was once married to a billionaire decides it is time to part with the jewels he gave her over the course of their marriage, you can rest assured that you are going to be dazzled by the magnificence of a collection comparable to one that might belong to royalty.

The collection that belonged to philanthropist and vintner Patricia Kluge certainly lives up to that image. This week, her jewelry was sold by Sotheby's during its Magnificent Jewels sale, with many pieces selling for above pre-sale estimates. The collection well-represented Kluge's sophisticated appreciation of workmanship and her refined taste.

Ms. Kluge is the former wife of mogul John Kluge, who's Metromedia Inc. pioneered independent TV stations operations through the 1960's and 1970's. Kluge became one of the richest Americans after he sold his company to Rupert Murdoch during the mid-1980's for nearly $2 billion. Kluge made a second fortune in telecommunications and he was also a major owner of Orion Pictures. The Kluge's divorced nearly 20 years ago.

Cartier and America Exhibit Extended Until May 9

Filed under: Jewelry

cartier and america poster
You'd think with the nearly 40 pictures in the gallery below that you might have seen everything at the Cartier and America exhibit without ever having to trek to San Francisco. You'd be wrong or rather I was wrong and am very glad I made the journey. Tucked down on the lower level of the Legion of Honor Museum is what could be the most comprehensive collection of Cartier pieces ever gathered. The multi-room exhibit is a love letter to the Cartier brand and its legacy of quality and ingenuity.

The dazzling tiaras and gobstobber diamond rings are no surprise but this exhibit has other surprises in store. The displays go beyond just jewelry, there are also watches, cigarette cases (including one designed to look like an envelope complete with enamel stamp, a gift from Winston Churchill to his son), hairbrushes, tiny mignonette clocks and even a gold version of a lunar landing module. Pieces belonging to some of the women with the wherewithal to own custom Cartier pieces are shown. Doris Duke's diamonds, Elizabeth Taylor's ruby and diamond parure, Grace Kelly's ladylike pieces, Barbara Hutton's famous Cartier tiger pin and Maria Felix's articulated serpent necklace are just some of the showier treasures. In 1968 Felix commissioned the necklace from Cartier Paris. Felix's serpent necklace is truly amazing. It is thicker than a real snake and has a 178 carats of diamonds along the top and a colorful enameled underbelly meant to protect the wearer from the scratch of the stones. Felix also commissioned a detachable double crocodile necklace which is shown in the Cartier exhibit.

Desert Palm Wins Cartier Int'l Dubai Polo Challenge

Filed under: Events, Sports, Wealth

cartier dubai polo
The home team captured the trophy at the Desert Palm Polo Club the other day during the Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge. The Desert Palm team, manned by the best polo players money can buy, beat out Swiss bank Julius Baer's team 7 – 4.5. The patron of the event, which got underway with a ball being thrown from the back of a Porsche 911, was HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of Dubai's ruler Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum. A secondary prize, the Desert Palm Trophy, was given to the Qatar Airways team after they defeated Cartier's own team 9.5 – 3. Matias Machado of the Bank Julius Baer team was named Most Valuable Player and received prizes from both Cartier and La Martina, the Official Team Kit Supplier.

Cartier Captures Snow Polo World Cup in St. Moritz

Filed under: Events, Sports, Wealth


The team fielded by famed French jeweler Cartier beat back rivals Brioni, Maserati and Swiss banking house Julius Baer to capture the 26th World Polo Cup on Snow in St. Moritz the other day. 15,000 well-heeled spectators cheered on during the four-day event, culminating in a nail-biting finale where Cartier and Julius Baer were tied 3 - 3 up until the very last minute when Cartier won a penalty shot with only 8 seconds remaining on the clock. A team of seven well-known Swiss star chefs with a combined total of 118 Gault-Millau points catered to the guests on the chic resort's frozen lake where the matches are staged. In snow polo the ponies are shod with special cleated shoes to provide better traction, and the ball is larger, lighter, and painted bright red to accommodate winter conditions.

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