Ahead of the holiday season, things tend to heat up before we all cool down to hang out with family and usher in the new year. This week revealed some pretty big announcements, which I personally hope is just the beginning before 2023 comes to a close.It’s lit: Audemars Piguet x Cactus JackContinuing the legacy of Hip Hop collaborations born with Jay-Z, Audemars Piguet today unveiled a collaboration with artist and Cactus Jack founder Travis Scott. The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Openworked Cactus Jack Limited Edition, priced at US$201,000, bears signature graphic cues from Scott’s Cactus Jack brand, with a remixed moonphase indication and dial font among other design changes. But, what really makes this limited edition of 200 pieces special is that it is actually the first-ever Royal Oak watch encased in brown ceramic and the first-ever Royal Oak of this complication to be affixed to a calfskin leather strap. The strap looks nice, but I kind of wish they had made a matching brown ceramic bracelet as well. It is worth noting that alongside the watch a collaborative collection of clothing and accessories will be available on the Travis Scott website, with part of the proceeds to go to a charity of Scott’s choice.Three strikes and… you’re in luck?The M.A.D.1, MB&F’s sub-brand, has been highly sought after due to it being the most affordable Max Busser watch you can buy, as well as thanks to its wonderful design. The challenge, however, has been that demand far exceeds the supply they can reasonably make. Through raffles, M.A.D. Editions have tried to democratize the allocation of the M.A.D.1 as much as possible. In fact, after seeing just how many entrants left empty-handed without an M.A.D.1 Red, a second raffle was held to try and afford more people an opportunity to score one from a second batch. A third raffle was recently held for a new M.A.D.1 Green, but again MB&F recognised only a fraction of those lusting after one were able to get one. By no means did they have to do this, but this week, in recognition of the persistent group of entrants who entered all three raffles but did not win an allocation, M.A.D. Editions have decided to create a special edition that will be exclusively for those who have struck out in all three raffles.View this post on InstagramA post shared by M.A.D.Editions (@m.a.d.editions)In the reel seen above, Max Busser and his team reveal that this particular group of ‘lucky losers’ will receive an email for an allocation of the M.A.D. 1 Green ‘Lucky Clover’. The watch is every bit the same as the M.A.D. 1 Green, but it is distinguished by its crown which has a four-leaf clover engraved into it. In an era of ‘unobtanium’ watches, and never getting a call back from your AD, it is cool to see MB&F and M.A.D. Editions go out of their way to ensure those who have really wanted one, but have had bad luck, will finally get one. So check your inbox if you are among this group of lucky three-time losers!Now that the Dubai dust has settled…Lastly, I want to congratulate Dubai Watch Week for an incredible 6th edition. The event, billed as the leading non-commercial luxury horology platform, saw a 42% increase in attendance for Dubai Watch Week 2023 welcoming over 23,000 visitors throughout the program. This was my second visit to Dubai for its Watch Week, and it was abundantly clear from the outset it would be its biggest and best edition yet. The fairgrounds were home to 63 participating brands, with over 10 new brands joining including Chanel, Van Cleef & Arpels, La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton, and more.This edition also saw the greatest number of watch debuts, with over 20 launches adding further excitement. I cannot stress just how much this event is centred around community and watch culture. My colleagues and I always look forward to being all together, along with the public, taking in the Horology Forum panels and Creative Hub lectures. Anyone in attendance will tell you the must-watch lecture came from watchmaker Stephen McDonnell, the horological genius behind creations such as the MB&F Legacy Machine Sequential EVO, whose detailing of the toll designing his complex calibres has had on him had grown men wiping tears from their eyes in admiration. I will not spoil it further.Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!ZachWatch meme of the week: three strikes, you’re inView this post on InstagramA post shared by @watchumorThe meme speaks for itself. @watchumor had us all belly-laughing with this one.Wrist shot of the week: blindingly beautifulView this post on InstagramA post shared by Bader Belselah (@bader_belselah)I am not the kind of guy who gravitates towards diamond-set watches, but, if I were going to make an exception to the rule, this vintage Vacheron Constantin with an opal dial would certainly be it.Time+Tide Shop pick of the week: Baltic PVD Gold collectionBaltic’s affordable warriors just got a touch of class, outfitted with new PVD-clad gold cases. With a choice of MR01, HMS and Bicompax flavours, the French independents got it spot on with their gilt dials and textured leather straps. Check out our introducing post before heading over to the Time+Tide Shop to pre-order yours.Order now from the Time+Tide Shop or the Melbourne Discovery Studio.?Price: A$750 (HMS 002), A$1,025 (MR01, Bicompax 002)Our favourite Time+Tide coverage of the weekHANDS-ON: Chopard's fiery first Australian limited edition is an Alpine Eagle designed by must-know First Nations artist ShalHave you ever wanted a red-dial Alpine Eagle from Chopard? Well, they just answered your prayers with a new sunburnt red Australian-exclusive take on the popular Alpine Eagle designed in collaboration with Shaun Daniel Allen, also known as Shal.INTERVIEW: The Father of G-Shock Kikuo Ibe reveals G-Shock testing secrets, including an Australian busG-Shock watches are known for being ultra-tough, and subjected to various stress tests to ensure high performance. But, did you know the most intense stress test ever performed by G-Shock was done in Australia? This revelation and more can be found in my conversation with the ‘The Father of G-Shock’ Kikuo Ibe.EVENTS: Longines celebrated the Mini DolceVita & their Otis Hope Carey collaboration with a star-studded Sydney partyLongines held a lavish event in Sydney to celebrate their mammoth 2023, as well as the launch of their newest collection, the Mini DolceVita, and their Otis Hope Carey collab. Held at Campbell's Stores in The Rocks, the heart of old Sydney. Jamie has the full event report for you right here.
01.12.23