Indholdsfortegnelse for Issue 3 2025 i CROWN Malaysia

Montblanc has relocated to a new corner of The Gardens Mall, Kuala Lumpur, perfectly timed with a full redesign that gives the Maison a fresh, elevated presence. The façade combines black glossy veneer with alpine-blue outlines, evoking the Alps, while the illuminated Montblanc logo crowns floor-to-ceiling glass windows and crisp white bifold doors. Inside, warm white lighting highlights a beige-focused interior. One wall is devoted to Montblanc’s signature leather goods, while a stained-wood display case showcases small leather items alongside the Maison’s iconic writing instruments. Underfoot, a grey-patterned rug traces alpine contours, adding subtle depth. At the back, a serene VIP room presents Montblanc’s modern classic timepieces against white walls and light wood details. Artwork inspired by Malaysian landscapes, yet carrying a distinct Swiss sensibility, punctuate the space. The boutique…

During the late Georgian era, under the reign of King George III (1760–1820), Britain was a global maritime power. This period, often referred to as the Second Age of Exploration, saw British sailors charting unknown waters, expanding colonies, and advancing scientific knowledge through voyages of discovery. Among the most celebrated figures of this era was Captain James Cook, whose exceptional navigation skills and insatiable curiosity led him to circumnavigate New Zealand, map the east coast of Australia, discover the Hawaiian Islands, and chart numerous South Pacific islands aboard his ships, the Endeavour, Resolution, Adventure, and Discovery. Heritage Meets Innovation Cook’s legacy as one of history’s greatest explorers resonates not only for his precise mapping but also for the spirit of adventure he embodied—qualities that Rado sought to capture when it…

A. Lange & Söhne When we first saw the A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Minute Repeater Perpetual, we swooned. The enamel dial in a jet black, glossy finish and black-and-silver modernist design was superb. And despite the German watchmaker’s insistence on housing most of its minute repeaters in platinum cases, the quality of its chime is pretty good. One can only imagine how much better it would sound if Anthony De Haas, Product Development Director, would consider a lighter, harder material. However, a grand complication (nearly) is more than just the sound of its minute repeater. When we absorb the A. Lange & Söhne Minute Repeater Perpetual in its entirety, there is much more to immerse oneself in. The hammers, visible through the exhibition caseback, are black polished, going from…

When Montblanc launched its Star Legacy line, it was more than just another collection. It marked a statement of intent: contemporary watchmaking rooted in timeless values. Designed for modern life yet infused with classical elegance, the Star Legacy family has produced discreet, beautifully made timepieces that wear their sophistication lightly. From straightforward three-handers to the technically ambitious Nicolas Rieussec Chronographs, the range has become a touchstone for collectors who appreciate refinement without ostentation. From Ink To Innovation The story begins with Nicolas Mathieu Rieussec himself. Born in 1781, he was already listed as a working watchmaker in his teens. By 1817, his talents had earned him a Royal Warrant from King Louis XVIII. Four years later, in 1821, he unveiled a revolutionary timing device that could mark elapsed times at…

Sport has long been woven into Breitling’s DNA. From aviation and motor racing to surfing, the brand has built partnerships that go beyond sponsorship. Its latest move is a bold play: a multi-year deal as the National Football League’s (NFL) official global luxury timepiece partner. For collectors outside the United States, the scale of the NFL can be hard to grasp. It is not just a game but a cultural force. American football commands the largest audiences in North America, culminating each season in the Super Bowl—one of the world’s most-watched sporting events. From Gridiron To Global The NFL’s reach is widening. This year’s International Games take the league to the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Ireland, and Brazil—with Breitling activating across boutiques in each market. For both sides, the logic…

From the improvised trench watches of World War I to today’s mission-ready tactical tools, MIL-SPEC watches have undergone a compelling evolution. (For the uninitiated, the acronym stands for “Military Specification”—a set of technical standards developed by the US Department of Defence to ensure that products, materials, and systems meet specific performance and quality requirements for use by the US military.) In the modern era, a true MIL-SPEC watch is defined by its robust construction, shock and water resistance, anti-magnetic properties, and above all, absolute legibility—even in low or no light conditions. Here, function dictates form, and understatement remains a fundamental principle. Closely associated with the US Navy SEALs since the 1990s, Luminox built its reputation on field dependability and has also earned acclaim for outstanding visibility in total darkness. Its…

Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Pavilion Kuala Lumpur boutique has reopened after a complete refresh, offering collectors a space that blends style, comfort, and discovery. The brand’s signature beige palette anchors the décor, while a reimagined layout and bright lighting make it feel open and inviting. A sweeping light-brown wooden wall showcases a curated selection of timepieces, complemented by a personalisation area for bespoke creations. The standout feature is the 1931 Café—a stylish snack bar with crystal light elements, where visitors can sip tea and enjoy light bites while browsing at leisure. Floor-to-ceiling glass panels framed in black steel open to the mall, revealing interiors inspired by the flora surrounding Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Le Sentier home in Switzerland. Every detail—from the harmonious textures to the thoughtful illuminations—reinforces the Maison’s dedication to horological craftsmanship.…

Coming from Zenith with a brief stint at TAG Heuer, Hublot is something completely new to me. The difference is very exciting, the brand DNA is completely modern, and there is so much potential to explore. I am very excited to be here. We are selling luxury—the basics are still the same—but the way we market Hublot is different: more exciting, playful, and, if possible, appealing to a younger crowd. Many things surprise me at Hublot. But the most impressive is the way we make our crystals and the process that goes into creating the colours—it’s something you don’t often get to see. The play with high-tech materials like ceramic and carbon fibre is all very fascinating. I came to a very well-structured and well-planned organisation. There is absolutely nothing…

One of the standout trends at Watches and Wonders Geneva 2025 is the rise of muted pastel dials. While pastel tones aren’t new to watchmaking, this year, they’ve taken on a more sophisticated role with softer shades and matte finishes that feel modern, elegant, and quietly expressive. These hues look just as compelling on a masculine wrist as they do on a feminine one, a true testament to their versatility. The pastels on show span a broad range, from lavender and pistachio green to mineral blue and sun-washed yellow. Each brand has brought its own twist, with dial textures and finishing techniques adding depth and character. Whether paired with minimalist markers or vintage-style numerals, these dials prove that subtlety can still make a statement. ROLEX Rolex introduced three pastel-coloured Oyster…

Rolex has never been a brand to rest on legacy alone. Just as it continues to innovate in watchmaking, it has steadily deepened its role in sport. With the recent announcement of Rolex becoming the first-ever Title Partner of SailGP, the connection between the brand and sailing enters a new chapter with the Rolex SailGP Championship. A Natural Evolution Rolex’s deep bond with the sea stretches back to the 1950s, through feats of exploration and iconic races like the Rolex Sydney Hobart and Fastnet. Its name is woven into the sport’s greatest regattas and clubs. SailGP, meanwhile, is the vanguard of modern sailing: national teams racing identical F50 foiling catamarans at blistering speeds. The Swiss watch manufacture’s step from Founding Partner and Official Timepiece to Title Partner for the global…

Blancpain has never allowed the Fifty Fathoms to stand still. Since the collection’s rebirth in 2003 for its 50th anniversary, the watch that defined modern dive timing has been continually refined and reimagined. The Fifty Fathoms’ origin story is well rehearsed—the first professional-grade diver in 1953, a blueprint that set the template for every serious dive watch that followed. Fast forward to 2023, and its 70th anniversary was marked with fresh milestones and limited editions, but what remains striking is how youthful the Fifty Fathoms still feels. Two decades of technical evolutions and aesthetic reinterpretations have kept it not just relevant, but at the cutting edge of tool watchmaking. From Gombessa to Tech In July, Blancpain added the Fifty Fathoms Tech to its permanent line-up. The name first appeared on…

When Grand Seiko first unveiled its lion-inspired sports watches in 2019, the bold case silhouette and angular lines marked a new direction for the brand’s contemporary sports designs. This year, the new Tokyo Lion Tentagraph brings together symbolic design, innovative materials, and, most significantly, Grand Seiko’s first mechanical chronograph movement: the Calibre 9SC5. The case of this new Tentagraph pushes the lion theme further than before. Hairline-finished surfaces extend from lugs to bezel, evoking the untamed beauty of claw marks in metal. For the first time in Grand Seiko’s Sport Collection, the case is rendered in Brilliant Hard Titanium, a proprietary alloy of the brand. Brighter than traditional titanium yet twice as hard as stainless steel, it provides both radiance and resilience. The result is a 43mm case that balances…

Originally trained as an industrial designer and running his own studio, Armand Billard entered the world of watchmaking in 2015, launching his independent brand, Sartory Billard – Sartory is derived from the Latin word sartor, meaning “to tailor”. Billard founded the studio on a simple vision: to design and create timepieces that capture and express the unique history and personality of their owner. It is this philosophy that has made customisation not just an option, but one of the studio’s defining strengths. Last year, the brand earned a nomination in the highly competitive Tourbillon category of the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) awards, highlighting its industry recognition. The nominated creation, La Nuit, is a poetic flying tourbillon with a 24-hour complication, powered by the in-house SBTV01 movement. To the…

Longines is entering a new chapter in its storied history. Matthias Breschan has stepped down as CEO of Longines for personal reasons, and the baton has now passed to Patrick Aoun, a seasoned figure in the watch world. Aoun, who officially took the helm on June 1, is no stranger to the brand—or to watch enthusiasts in Malaysia. He previously served as Longines’ brand manager for the Middle East and Southeast Asia and has spent over 20 years shaping the horology landscape. Joining Longines in 2007, Aoun steadily rose through the ranks, earning a reputation for his strategic acumen, dynamism, and genuine passion for watchmaking. Before his tenure in Swiss horology, he began his career in the perfume and cosmetics industry with Coty, giving him a unique perspective on global…

Patek Philippe’s commitment to mechanically complex timepieces for women is not new, having produced its first complicated ladies’ watch, the No. 174 603 five-minute repeater, in 1916. This longstanding aspect of the Maison’s practice culminated in the Ladies First Chronograph (Ref. 7071), which debuted the in-house Caliber CH 29-535 PS in 2009. More than just a milestone in women’s horology, it underscored Patek’s belief that female collectors deserve the same technical gravitas as their male counterparts. That through-line extends to this day and frames its 2025 offerings, where complications are presented as a shared pursuit for collectors of every gender, epitomised by the Twenty~4 Perpetual Calendar and sub-40mm models that balance technical substance with wearability. Twenty~4 Perpetual Calendar Refs. 7340/1R-001 & 7340/1R-010 The headliners, the Twenty~4 Perpetual Calendar models, mark…

Pink in watchmaking is no longer about soft edges or nostalgic romance. In the Spirit of Big Bang Carbon Candy Pink, Hublot turns it into something else entirely: vibrant, technical, and assertively contemporary. This is the third collaboration between the brand and leading global specialist watch retailer The Hour Glass, and arguably the most audacious yet. Casework As Sculpture At the heart lies the case. The 42mm tonneau-shaped Spirit of Big Bang, already one of Hublot’s most recognisable silhouettes, has been transformed with marbled layers of carbon fibre fused with vivid candy-pink composites. The result is a case that is featherlight yet exceptionally strong, with a visual effect that is as much sculpture as it is engineering. Achieving this specific hue was no simple task. Hublot’s materials research team had…

Few names in photography command the respect of Franke & Heidecke, the German firm behind the Rollei and Rolleiflex cameras. Founded in 1920, the company revolutionised image-making with the launch of the Rolleiflex in 1927. This medium-format twin-lens reflex camera was a revelation: portable, rugged and equipped with a mechanical shutter that set new standards of precision. Its distinctive twin-lens stack and top-mounted viewfinder became a familiar sight among photojournalists and serious amateurs alike, earning a reputation for tank-like durability that kept it in service well into the 1980s, even as the digital era loomed. A Japanese Salute Fast-forward to 2010, when Tokyo-based TACS emerged with a singular mission—to translate the poetry of photography into timekeeping. Drawing on a design language shaped by Japanese lifestyle aesthetics and mechanical precision, TACS…

Few parts of a watch speak as directly to the wearer as the dial – the canvas on which time itself is read. To be invited behind the doors of Franck Muller’s dial manufactory was, therefore, not only a bonus but also a glimpse into the very heart of its watchmaking philosophy. What I discovered was a world where age-old artistry meets modern precision, and where the smallest details – invisible to most – become defining signatures of the brand. As much as we often talk about the mechanics of a timepiece – let’s face it – first impressions count as much as what goes on beneath the surface. It’s how human perception works, and there’s nothing complicated about it. Few watch brands maintain their own dial factory, and it…

First launched in 2018, Ulysse Nardin’s Blast Free Wheel series amazed collectors with its bridge-less double barrels, gear trains, and flying tourbillon. The latest Maillechort edition swaps stone dials for German silver (maillechort), prized for its silvery warmth and patina. The organic alloy contrasts beautifully with the watch’s futuristic theatrics. Commanding attention with its 45mm white gold case and sapphire “ultra-glass box” that reveals the mesmerising floating architecture from every angle, the Blast Free Wheel Maillechort features a grained dial plate that sets the stage for highlights such as the double barrel with seven-day power reserve and the award-winning Ulysse Anchor Constant Escapement. Limited to 50 pieces and paired with a velvet-textured blue rubber strap, it captivates with pared-down aesthetics and ingenious mechanics.…