TWIL: Vacheron Constantin’s High Artistry Watches, Ferrari’s New Convertible, 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: Vacheron Constantin explores new crafts with an exclusive series of artistic timepieces, Ferrari’s regional launch of the Amalfi Spider, and Mercedes-Benz unveils the first open-top Maybach.
Vacheron Constantin Explores New Crafts With Its Latest Métiers d’Art Timepieces
Vacheron Constantin takes artistic horology to new heights with the Métiers d’Art Tribute to the Animal Kingdom, a series of six concept watches wherein the manufacture invited artisans from outside the traditional watchmaking craft circles to apply their skills to the dial. On a platform consisting of 42mm diameter gold cases, sporting Calibre 2460 G4 and its minimalist four-aperture display, the animal-themed projects, the crafts that they highlight, and the artists involved are: Feathersnake (featherwork snake, by Julien Vermeulen); Glassoctopus (glass sculpting octopus, by Simone Crestani); Oraygami (micro origami manta rays, by Anya Midori); Tigerbroidery (gold embroidery tiger, by Laura Baverstock); Papercroc (paper sculpting crocodile by Marianne Guely); and Woodenwings (wood marquetry falcon by Anna Le Corno). This series is part of Vacheron Constantin’s One of Not Many Crafts Programme, which seeks to encourage innovation in artistic watchmaking.
The New Ferrari Amalfi Spider Is Maranello’s Latest Open-Topped Grand Tourer
Ferrari has unveiled the Amalfi Spider, the newest addition to the brand’s repertoire of soft-top convertibles and successor to the Roma Spider, at a regional launch which took place at its showroom at The Shoppes at Four Seasons Place. Building on the elegance of the Amalfi coupe, which was revealed in Malaysia earlier this year, the two-seater features a flexible soft top, made from tailor-made fabric, that retracts in just 13.1 seconds at speeds of up to 60km/h. Its five-layer construction offers soundproofing and heat insulation comparable to a hard top.
Its 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8 engine is identical to the coupe version and has a power output of 631bhp, propelling the Amalfi Spider from 0-100km/h in 3.3 seconds. Paired with its aerodynamic three-position rear wing, the convertible offers power, speed and an uninterrupted open-air driving experience. As with the coupe version, physical buttons on the steering wheel and the iconic red start button also make a return, while its brake-by-wire system allows for more precise control while driving.
The Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series Is The First Fully Open-Top Maybach
During the eighth edition of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week KL, the marque unveiled its new Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series (from RM 2,250,000). The two-seat roadster is the first fully open-top Maybach, and sports a soft top with extensive insulation to help preserve its luxurious nature. Externally, the Red Ambience model that was showcased features two-tone paintwork in obsidian black metallic over garnet red or opalite white. Its obsidian black bonnet incorporates the Maybach monogram pattern in graphite grey across its hand-sanded finish, complete with the iconic upright Mercedes star and signature Maybach lettering on its chrome-finished radiator grille. Inside, white Nappa leather covers its seats with a floral design adorning the seat upholstery, allowing for utmost comfort without sacrificing style. Its 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine produces 576bhp with 800Nm of torque, going from 0-100km/h in 4.1 seconds.
Jaquet Droz’s Unique Bespoke Timepiece Created For A Car Enthusiast
Jaquet Droz’s ongoing collaboration with the Supercar Owners Circle has produced this unique tourbillon piece, created for a private collector. It was inspired by one of the exclusive motoring club’s events in Switzerland, involving a drive through the Oberalp Pass in the Andermatt region, and the collector’s own Italian V12-equipped supercar. After speaking to the collector at the event’s concluding dinner, Jaquet Droz was able to produce the first sketches by the following morning. The Tourbillon Skelet Ceramic – Oberalp is the result. The dial is executed in traditional miniature painting, depicting the collector’s car over a backdrop of Oberalp Pass’ snow-capped peaks. The case is ceramic, with a 42mm diameter, a yellow strap, and sports an eight-day tourbillon movement. As a bespoke manufacture, all these options were selected by the client, but his most challenging request was for the oscillating weight—sculpted to emulate the complex design and helical geometry of his car’s wheel rims.
Hublot’s Big Bang Brings Champions League Energy to the Wrist
Hublot has unveiled the Big Bang Reloaded UEFA Champions League Titanium Ceramic, its eighth timepiece created as the Official Watch of the UEFA Champions League. Limited to just 100 pieces, its 44mm titanium case and blue ceramic bezel frame a matte-blue skeleton dial that puts the HUB1280 Unico chronograph’s mechanics on full display.
Even the details play to the pitch, from its star-printed strap to the miniature Champions League trophy accompanying each watch. With 72 hours of power reserve and 100-metre water resistance, this is Hublot at its most spirited: precision engineering crafted for the beautiful game.
Roberto Coin Rewrites Its Legacy With Meraviglia and Cobra
To mark its 30th anniversary, Roberto Coin has introduced Meraviglia, its latest high jewellery collection, and revived its iconic Cobra collection. Presented in Venice, where the founder’s creative journey began, Meraviglia explores the moment where imagination becomes reality, translating dreams into jewels through distinctly Italian craftsmanship. The most striking rebirth from this release is Cobra, first conceived in the late 1990s and now transformed into high jewellery with articulated forms set with diamonds, rubellites, tourmalines, emeralds, and sapphires. Together, the collections make a compelling statement about Italian creativity: true heritage does not stand still–it evolves over time.
Hennessy Unveils Mid-Autumn-Themed Limited Editions With Jackson Wang
Hennessy is marking the Mid-Autumn Festival with Experience a New Kind of Ceremony, a campaign that reimagines the traditional celebration through the fusion of tea culture and cognac craftsmanship. At its centre are limited-edition Hennessy V.S.O.P and Hennessy X.O decanters created in collaboration with artist, musician, and Hennessy Global Ambassador Jackson Wang.
Inspired by the shared rituals of tea appreciation and cognac tasting, the decanters feature moon motifs, tea leaf patterns, and contrasting design elements that symbolise the meeting of the two traditions. The campaign also introduces tea-inspired serves, including an Oolong Iced Tea pairing with Hennessy V.S.O.P and Hennessy X.O on Pu’er tea ice, offering contemporary ways to enjoy the spirits during festive gatherings.
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