Robb Report Singapore October 2021

IN THIS BUMPER issue, our annual doff of the cap to the best of the best, we begin with the premise that exceptional quality is already a given. What makes the following brands, collections, pieces, objects and expressions an award winner is that extra touch, where deep thought and flawless execution has led to a final product which, in the words of Marie Kondo, “sparks joy”. Our following pages are a tribute to the singularities that lord over the others in the land of giants; from four-wheeled wonders to august fashion houses, and haute horlogerie to bejewelled splendour. In our round-up of all things wings and water, we bring you a sampling of the best new crafts in various boating segments – power catamarans, yachts, superyachts and gigayachts – displaying that…

Return Of The Mouse This is what Gérald Genta is best known for: Mickey Mouse and retrograde displays. The Swiss designer, ever the daredevil, began combining licensed Disney characters and fine watchmaking in the 1980s, causing quite a stir among the industry’s stuffier circles – but the sheer charm of these pieces has ensured their persistence in the hearts of collectors. Genta’s workshop was acquired by Bulgari in 2000, and over the last few years the brand introduced a pair of revivals that bear the Genta name and logo. This year, as part of Geneva Watch Days, the Gérald Genta Arena Retrograde with smiling Disney Mickey Mouse (€16,500, limited to 150 pieces) was revealed. It remains true to Genta’s original vision and features a jumping hour window at five o’clock and retrograde…

Château Mouton Rothschild 2000 Nebuchadnezzar Auctioned by Bonhams in Hong Kong for HK$1 million The star attraction of Bonhams’ Fine and Rare Wine sale, this 15-litre bottle of Château Mouton Rothschild 2000, Pauillac Premier Cru Classé outstripped the previous auction record for a Château Mouton Rothschild Nebuchadnezzar, which stood at HK$918,750. In a departure from the chateau’s tradition of illustrating the label with an artwork by a renowned painter, the commemorative bottle for the 2000 vintage was instead enamelled with a gold Augsburg Ram by glassmaker BSN. The bottle – which pays tribute to a 16th-century chased silver-gilt drinking vessel created by German goldsmith Jakob Schenauer – is considered a collector’s item. Femme au béret rouge-orange by Pablo Picasso Bidding commences on 23 October through Sotheby’s in Las Vegas In a first-of-its-kind marquee Evening Sale…

YOU GET WHAT you pay for. I am a firm believer in the concept, and it’s one that I apply to as many aspects of my life to which it is relevant. There is a verifiable correlation between the price of certain goods and services and the quality thereof, and whenever I’m offered something that seems to present an excellent bargain, my default setting is to demur. If something appears to be ‘too good to be true’, it usually is. Notwithstanding desirability, cachet and rarity – three elements that often signify the existence of a premium on what one is expected to pay for something – quality products and services come at a price, and it’s one that the individual has to be prepared to pay to secure the item, be…

Robb Report BEST of THE BEST CONTINUATION Jaguar JAGUAR’S LATEST MODEL is a breathtaking reconstruction of the iconic C-type, a Le Mans-winning car of the 1950s that also smashed the 160km/h average speed record during the gruelling 24-hour race in 1953. The British automaker’s Classic division has been charged with making up to only 16 examples of the open-top two-seater in honour of its 70th anniversary. It is Jaguar’s fourth Continuation model after the Lightweight E-type, XKSS and stunning D-type. Exhaustive research was conducted into the C-type’s illustrious history and each car will be hand built from original drawings, with construction relying on a combination of period techniques as well as 3D CAD design. For further authenticity, Jaguar’s original sales ledger of more than 2,000 parts was also consulted. Every C-type Continuation is fitted…

For a century, Mercedes-Maybach has been putting its stamp on the automotive universe. Since Karl Maybach and his father, Wilhelm, debuted the brand in 1921 with the goal to present the best and only the best, it has always been firmly perched at the pinnacle of luxury automobiles, with a clear focus on what luxury on wheels needs to be – which you’ll find out in the following chat with Claudius Steinhoff, president and CEO of Daimler South East Asia. What is the secret behind Mercedes-Benz’s leading position in the luxury automotive segment? It isn’t a position that we take for granted; no one brand has a monopoly on innovation. We’re guided by our ambition to build the most desirable cars in the world. This holds true in coming up with new…