Maxim March/April 2022

Limited to just 18 examples priced at $780,000 apiece, Jacob & Co.’s new Astronomia Maestro Worldtime Tourbillon is astounding even at first glance. Upon further inspection it appears nearly impossible. Because, just for starters, its miniature globe and astronaut are no mere design flourish—the former acts as the watch’s worldtime function, while the latter orbits the horological marvel’s Milky Way aventurine dial, rotating around its own axis once every 90 seconds. The entirely mechanical three-dimensional, 50mm timepiece builds upon Jacob & Co.’s ties to outer space, a healthy obsession of founder Jacob Arabo. In 2014 the company introduced the celestial-themed Astronomia Tourbillon, featuring an exposed vertical movement with four arms rotating around a central gear. Last year Arabo called it not only the “most important watch to my company,” but boasted…

It’s no exaggeration to call Nicholas Hoult, though barely over 30, among the most talented actors of his generation. The London-born thespian’s range is extraordinary, playing iconic men of history like inventor Nikolai Tesla, reclusive authors J.R.R. Tolkien and J.D. Salinger, and sociopathic Russian czars like Peter the Great; then turning into a mutant (The Beast in X-Men), a lovelorn zombie (Warm Bodies), and even spraycan-sniffing “War Boy” Nux in Mad Max: Fury Road. Next up we’ll see him move into dark comedy in The Menu with Anya Taylor-Joy and Ralph Fiennes. Beyond film, Nicholas shares with us one other deep passion: motorcycles. His daily rider is an Indian Scout Bobber when in Los Angeles, and the brand—the oldest American motorcycle builder, dating back to 1901—recently offered to connect him with…

In February 1945, UK Prime Minister Winston Churchill hosted a luncheon in honor of the King of Saudi Arabia, which he later wrote about in his memoirs: “A number of social problems arose. I had been told that neither smoking nor alcoholic beverages were allowed in the Royal Presence. As I was the host at the luncheon I raised the matter at once, and said… that if it was His Majesty’s religion to deprive himself of smoking and alcohol, I must point out that my rule of life prescribed, as an absolutely sacred rite, smoking cigars and also the drinking of alcohol before, after—and if need be during—all meals, and in the intervals between them. The King graciously accepted the position.” Churchill’s passion for cigars was legendary, and he would have…

Cardi B and Offset, former Maxim cover stars Cindy Kimberly and Teyana Taylor, performances by 112 and Saadiq, and custom art by Ryan Keeley made Maxim’s 2021 Art Basel party a night to remember. The starstudded poolside event went down at the Hyde Beach club at the SLS South Beach on December 4. Kimberly lit up the room in a stunning red dress as she strolled around the venue appreciating pieces commissioned in her honor. Keeley’s grand art installations showcased his unique Hybrid-Expressionist style, with digital remixes of Kimberly’s images captured by famed photographer Gilles Bensimon. Beats by MC/DJ duo Brandon King and DJ Draws kept the crowd going, while Saadiq presented an incredible musical experience that celebrated feel-good R&B, up-tempo hip-hop, and deep cuts alike. Legendary hip-hop group 112 also…

Americans are well-versed in the “rags to riches” archetype, starting with the works of Horatio Alger, ingrained in historical narratives and continuing to today’s ideal of achieving the American dream. But perhaps no one better exemplifies the journey from extreme poverty to extreme wealth better than Jack Ma, multibillionaire cofounder of Alibaba Group, one of the richest and most impactful entrepreneur-philanthropists in China and the world. Born Ma Yun on September 10th, 1964 in Hangzhou, China, Ma’s parents were reportedly folk musicians and storytellers. Although Ma and his family were impoverished, the boy’s work ethic and love of learning would eventually provide a financial escape for both him and those around him. He began by teaching himself English, for yeas riding his bicycle 17 miles to the international Hangzhou Hotel to…

Her 1.2 million Instagram followers know model Cydney Moreau (aka @cydrrose), as a statuesque blond in bikinis on white sand beaches. They see her wearing curve-accentuating workout gear, or elegant eveningwear attending A-list events at fivestar venues. Her life might look like a bed of roses, but every rose has its thorn. “It’s a lot of work ‘cause you have to have self-drive and you have to put yourself out there and make connections. I really do enjoy it. It’s something I’m passionate about,” she says of her job working withbrands like Alo Yoga, Musesonly, Fashion Nova, Politics and Time & Tonic jewelry and watches, for which she is a brand ambassador. “I work with brands I can relate to and that I actually enjoy every day. So, a lot of…