TWIL: The New Aston Martin DBX GT, Jacob & Co’s Diamond-Set Balance Wheel, And More
Catch up on this week’s most noteworthy updates from the universe of luxury.
In our weekly TWIL series, we bring you the latest in luxury news from around the world. This week’s highlights: Aston Martin’s SUV gets a comfort-oriented variant, Jacob & Co puts diamonds on the balance wheel in a world first, and Audemars Piguet finally releases a watch with tennis icon Serena Williams.
Aston Martin Ups The Luxury With Its Latest Super SUV
Aston Martin’s first SUV arrived in 2020 with the DBX, translating the marque’s sports car DNA into a high-riding, family-friendly format. Its performance-focused iteration, the DBX S, packs a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 producing 717bhp and 900Nm of torque, enough to propel the SUV from 0–100km/h in just 3.3 seconds. For 2027, however, Aston Martin has chosen a more sophisticated expression of that performance with the new DBX GT.
Positioned as the luxury counterpart to the DBX S, the DBX GT places greater emphasis on refinement and long-distance comfort. Revised suspension calibration and a unique damper valve system improve driving over rough surfaces while maintaining the car’s signature composure and driver engagement. Inside, redesigned seats feature enhanced cushioning with an added memory foam layer, while additional sound insulation and acoustic laminated rear glass only betters the 800-watt Bowers & Wilkins system. A dedicated GT drive mode also enhances exhaust harmonics.
On the outside, a new double-vaned grille lends the front end greater presence, while polished and satin-finished side strakes add a touch of craftsmanship inspired by traditional watchmaking. Body-coloured lower trim, brighter chrome detailing and a new set of 22-inch forged wheels finished in Satin Titanium diamond-turning complete the more elegant aesthetic.
Jacob & Co Debuts The First-Ever Wristwatch With A Gemset Balance Wheel
The geometry might be simple, but the effect is anything but. On a round, 42mm-diameter platform, the pièce unique Jacob & Co Brilliant Flying Tourbillon Baguette Pastel Arlequino is a glorious demonstration of full-coverage, invisible gem-setting. 366 sapphires of various shades, chosen for their delicate, pale hue—which makes flaws harder to conceal—festoons case, dial, crown, and buckle. The colour sequence is carefully chosen to provide a sense of harmony, and yet no two neighbouring stones are alike.
But the real achievement of this watch is found on its most critical timekeeping component. For the first time in modern watchmaking, the balance wheel is gem-set. As each of the 54 brilliant-cut diamonds alters its physical properties, and hence its ability to keep time, the new movement’s balance wheel had to be specifically designed to accommodate them—a feat of cooperation between Jacob & Co’s watchmakers and jewellers. The result is an ever-changing sparkle from the liveliest part of a watch movement—ticking back and forth at 3Hz, and, thanks to the tourbillon, revolving once a minute. As an added bonus, the movement’s bridges host another 234 brilliant-cut diamonds, visible through the display caseback.
Audemars Piguet Unveils New Serena Williams Limited Edition Timepiece
After a decade-long partnership, the Swiss watchmaker and American tennis legend Serena Williams have finally come together to unveil a dedicated limited edition timepiece—celebrating femininity and power in chronograph form. Combining the complication’s sportive nature with sophisticated design, the 38mm Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph “Serena Williams” Limited Edition (RM395,800) echoes the iconic tennis player’s strength and grace both on and off the court. The white ceramic case, and pink mother-of-pearl dial offer a striking contrast between tough exterior and feminine appearance. Each surface of the case is hand-finished with alternating satin-brushing and chamfering, with white gold hands and hour markers adding to its elegance. It is powered by Calibre 6401, the manufacture’s latest generation of chronograph movement that was first seen earlier this year, and is limited to 500 pieces.
Fred Embraces Destiny With Four New Chance Infinie Creations
Fred has unveiled four new creations for its Chance Infinie collection, celebrating femininity with bold and timeless designs. With the maison’s signature infinity motif expressed as a sophisticated knot with untied ends, the emblem symbolises quiet strength, encouraging women to embrace their destinies with confidence. Each piece is adorned with pavé white diamonds and is available in pink and white gold. Among the new novelties are a ring, a matching necklace and bracelet that extends into a diamond trace chain, and a pair of earrings that showcase the motif in vertical form.
Longines Welcomes A New Monopusher Chronograph To Its Master Collection
Since 2005, Longines’ Master Collection has channelled traditional elegance to provide classically-styled pieces for the modern watch wearer. This year, it gets an update, with its three-hand executions and the Chrono Moonphase receiving subtle refinements to aspects such as case size, dial layout, and its signature barleycorn pattern. It also gets a new offering in the Chrono Monopusher (RM16,200), which is strongly inspired by the brand’s pioneering aviation chronographs of the early 20th century. Available in either silver opaline or frosted blue barleycorn dials, the new references have a 41mm steel case and a classic two-register chronograph layout. The manually wound movement within is the Longines exclusive column-wheel calibre L799.5, boasting a silicon balance spring and a power reserve of up to 68 hours.
Azimut Reveals The New Magellano 27M
The Magellano 27M is known as the SUV of the seas, with generous volumes for long voyages and a Dual Mode hull that ensures comfort no matter the speed or sea conditions. The introduction of this model arrives with a new design approach, bringing together Finnish naval architect Jarkko Jämsén alongside interior designers AMDL Circle and Michele De Lucchi, who make their first foray into yacht design.
Jämsén crafts the exterior in futuristic minimalism, with a smooth loop accent and extensive glazing that turns the yacht into a mirror that reflects the sky and sea. The main deck is the project’s key design, conceived as a loggia over the sea. AMDL Circle and De Lucchi envision the space as a Mediterranean pergola or patio, expressed through light oak and walnut details. And, as the Asahikawa Special Design Ambassador in Japan, De Lucchi incorporates ancient Japanese craftsmanship into the space through hand-chiselled Naguri side tables and Kyoto-woven textiles by Hosoo, made on 300-year-old looms.
Aman Unveils Amanolu, Its First Resort In The Maldives
Set against the pristine beaches of Vaavu Atoll, one of the Maldives’ most secluded regions, Aman unveils its newest resort: Amanolu. Combining Aman, the Sanskrit word for peace, and Olu, meaning waterlily—a flower often found throughout the Indian Ocean—its name is emblematic of the brand’s longstanding history of tranquil stays and its deep connection to nature. The 52-key resort is set to open in 2028, complete with world-class amenities including the brand’s signature spa houses, activity islands and fine-dining restaurants. Alongside the resort, Aman will operate 16 branded residences, each occupying their own island and conceived as a personal retreat—five bedrooms, a 25m swimming pool, private beaches, dedicated staff accommodation, and, of course, uninterrupted coastal views.
NoMad Hilton Singapore Is Now Open For Reservations
Marking the hotel’s debut in Asia Pacific and its first outpost beyond London, the Hilton’s NoMad Singapore is officially taking reservations ahead of its opening in late 2026. Located in the heart of Singapore on Orchard Road, the luxury hotel features 173 guestrooms across 12 levels, including 71 ‘Atelier’ rooms and 25 suites, with interiors reminiscent of neighbouring Peranakan shophouses. Inside, over 1,860 artworks line its pale blue and green walls, with 90 per cent by Singapore-based artists, giving the NoMad’s New York roots and European stylings a Singaporean twist. The NoMad Grill restaurant invokes classic New York steakhouses, while The Tropica Club draws on the mid-century Havana glamour for its cocktails.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: The Broadway Musical Comes To JCPAC
Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: The Broadway Musical is set to make its Malaysian debut at the Jeffrey Cheah Performing Arts Centre (JCPAC) from 22 December 2026 to 10 January 2027. Presented by Broadway International Group and Broadway Asia in association with Sunway South Quay, the production follows Charlie Bucket’s journey through Willy Wonka’s whimsical chocolate factory, bringing to life the beloved story with immersive staging, special effects, and advanced 3D technology. The musical also features classic songs from the 1971 film, including Pure Imagination, The Candy Man, and I’ve Got a Golden Ticket.
Originally premiering on Broadway in 2017 and later enjoying successful runs in London’s West End and North America, the production is now embarking on a multi-year international tour across Asia, the Middle East, and India.
Tickets are available via CloudJoi, with sales beginning on 24 September 2026.
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