Did you know that there was an International Kissing Day? No? In fact, it has been celebrated every 6 July since the 1990s. It’s far more glamorous and fun to celebrate than International No-Smoking Day, for example (which can be quite a trial for smokers), or International Women’s Day, which either treats women like an endangered species, or reminds us that we still don’t enjoy the same rights (including kissing rights, as it happens) as our male partners. It also has the advantage of being relevant to everyone (or so we might hope). Most people remember who they exchanged their first kiss with, whether it was passionate, furtive or just awkward. They probably also remember the place where it happened. The date, however, might be harder to bring to mind. So why not make it 6 July for everyone?

The Watch Photo Awards were launched on 1st May 2018. It’s the first annual international watch photography competition open to amateur watch lovers and photographers, as well as professionals. This year will feature six monthly competitions: one for every month from May to October, each on a different theme. The second round, which took place in June, has just ended. The theme was “Sport”. 

In 2009 Patek Philippe ended their 122 year relationship with the Geneva Seal. At that time the seal had become an antiquated certification content with only geographic location and finishing techniques.  With the watchmaking world moving ever forward it seemed as if standards of old were being left in the dust with new, stringent requirements taking over. But in 2012 the Geneva Seal requirements were updated to be far more strict and relevant for our time. With these upgrades the question is raised, which is superior?

As a leader in the shaping and industrialisation of materials, Hublot breaks the glass ceiling with its new “All Black” Big Bang MP-11 featuring a 3D carbon case. Composed of polymer matrix with three-dimensional fibres, previously not used in watchmaking, this ultra-light material has been reinforced with three-dimensional fibre woven resin, shaped into a case inspired by a race engine. Equipped with 7 series-coupled barrels, this mechanical architecture offers a view of the 7 series-coupled barrels and the in-line power reserve indicator.

Power reserve is one of the features that defines the characteristics and limitations of a watch. It determines the maximum amount of time it can go without winding, or in other words, how long it will continue to run when taken off the wrist (in the case of an automatic calibre, where the wearer’s movement continually tops up the power) or between windings (for hand-wound watches, where energy has to be supplied at set intervals). Power reserves have evolved significantly, in line with wearing habits.

By embodying the values of high jewellery, these Rendez-Vous Celestial models complement a collection first created in the Manufacture’s workshops in 2012. Fruit of watchmaking expertise and its characteristic Rare Handcrafts “Métiers Rares®”, these timepieces feature high-precision automatic movement, precious gem-setting, refined finishes and confident aura of its floral numerals.

The world’s first police force dates back to pre-Urban Jürgensen but post-Jaquet Droz. The “Bow Street Runners” were founded in London in 1749 by John Fielding and paid for by public money. Almost 250 years ago, Fielding already knew that information would be key in the administration of justice. He kept records of suspects and stolen property, including a “watch book” that listed the manufacturers’ names and serial number of stolen watches. These could be circulated to pawnbrokers around London to prevent the thieves from selling on these stolen goods.

There’s something for (almost) everyone. As we approach the end of June, watch companies are already focusing on the models they are going to be promoting throughout the summer. For most of them, it’s the watches they launched at Baselworld. But not in every case. There are also some models designed specifically with the warmer months in mind. Hublot, for instance, a few weeks ago unveiled a Big Bang Unico Teak Italia Independent, in Capri, with Lapo Elkann. The watch bezel is made of teak, and it has a carbon kevlar strap to give it a nautical touch.

Zucchero, Massive Attack, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Iggy Pop, Deep Purple and Billy Idol are just a few of the big names that will have crowds dancing along the shores of Lake Geneva between 29th Jun and 14th July this year. For its 52nd edition, the Montreux Jazz Festival reaffirms the foundations for its success: quality of the programme and an unparalleled proximity to the artists.

Located on the banks of Suzhou Creek, and part of the riverside urban revitalization project of SUHE CREEK, the Bulgari Hotel Shanghai is the sixth jewel of Bulgari’s hospitality collection.

Standing ankle deep in mud during a light shower on a Thursday evening in northern Sardinia is quite an unusual way to discover a new watch. But this is what I needed to do to get a good wristshot of a new watch in its natural environment – set against the backdrop of a car flying through the air on the Ittiri “super special” stage of the Rallye Sardegna, much to the delight of the local fans.