Innholdsfortegnelse for Monday, July 31, 2023 i India Today

Just two years ago, the dark clouds of Covid-induced economic havoc came with a silver lining of dazzling shine: start-ups. The world saw the birth of several hundred ‘unicorns’—start-ups valued at or above $1 billion (Rs 8,200 crore). India too saw an unprecedented boom in the sector, with the new technology-led businesses becoming part of the vocabulary of its growth story. We had all of 108 start-ups in the unicorn club as on May 31, 2023, among a total of 84,000-odd start-ups: the third largest base in the world on both counts. In the past three years, these generated over 860,000 new jobs in the country. The Indian government till recently valued the unicorns alone at $340.8 billion, or Rs 28 lakh crore. Almost 10 per cent of a $3.5…

↘ Shinde and his men had cited the domineering attitude of Ajit Pawar as deputy CM and finance minister in the MVA government as one reason for their rebellion. The Shiv Sena was being cornered by the NCP, they said. Now, they find their former bugbears on the same side as them once again ↘ The Sena and NCP compete for political space in many parts of Maharashtra. This was one of the incongruences in the MVA alliance. Shinde has to deal with the same dilemma now ↘ Ajit Pawar getting the finance department means he’ll control the government’s purse strings ↘ The NCP’s breakaway faction is seen as being on a stronger footing than Shinde’s Sena. This may lead to Ajit Pawar’s men getting favourable terms from the BJP…

Before every launch in space, ISRO top honchos, armed with a miniature model of the spacecraft to be placed at the feet of the deity, set out to pray at the richest Hindu shrine atop Tirumala and at the Sri Chengalama Parameswarini temple in Sullurpeta, 22 km away from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. ISRO chairman S. Somanath and others did the same on July 13, a day before the Chandrayaan-3 lift-off. The visits are repeated after the launch, even if it ends in failure. Temple runs weren’t a thing when the man after whom the launch centre is named was ISRO chief. Now, along with cryogenic forces, a bit of divine thrust also helps.…

↘ The NRF will be a unique PPP entity, forging collaborations among the industry, academia and govt departments and research institutions ↘ It will entail an investment of Rs 50,000 cr. during 2023-28, of which Rs 36,000 cr. will come from private partners ↘ India spends 0.7% of its GDP on R&D compared to the US’s 2.8%, China’s 2.1% and Israel’s 4.9% ↘ Experts say several disciplines have to work together. Also, a culture for allocation of resources is still evolving in India…

BYJU’S Byju Raveendran, Founder and CEO Oct. 2022 $22 BN* (₹1.8 lakh crore) Jun. 2023 $5.1 BN# (₹41,838 crore) SWIGGY Sriharsha Majety, Co-founder and CEO Jan. 2022 $10.7 BN (₹87,778 crore) May 2023 $5.5 BN (₹45,120 crore) PINE LABS B. Amrish Rau, CEO Feb. 2022 $5 BN (₹41,018 crore) May 2023 $3.1 BN (₹25,431 crore) OLA Bhavish Agarwal, Founder and CEO Dec. 2021 $7.3 BN (₹59,886 crore) May 2023 $4.8 BN (₹39,377 crore) PHARMEASY Siddharth Shah, Co-founder and CEO Oct. 2021 $5.6 BN (₹45,940 crore) Jul. 2023 $2.8 BN (₹23,790 crore) *Peak valuation #Valuation after mark-down by investors, according to media reports (2023)…

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Colonialism is tremendously adaptable. I say ‘is’ rather than ‘was’ because colonialism, in its avatar of capitalism, is still very much with us. The only major differences between the past and present are that (a) the beneficiaries no longer need to be exported to the colonies, since our current economic and political institutions do the job of colonising for them, and (b) poor people in coloniser countries are beginning to suspect that they also number among the colonised. Amitav Ghosh’s Smoke and Ashes recognises and interrogates that continuity. It is as if Ghosh took the entire vast span of the Ibis trilogy and squeezed out the plot and characterisation but kept the epic scope and the novelistic flair. This leaves one principal actor on the stage, towering above any human…

Maniesh Paul kicked off his career as an RJ and VJ, gradually segueing into hosting. A master of comic timing, he has hosted countless TV shows, but is best known for the reality dance show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa. Paul the presenter may have overshadowed Paul the performer, but he has always wanted to make his mark as an actor. In fact, he made his Bollywood debut with Mickey Virus way back in 2013, but commercial success eluded that venture. Paul finally tasted success with Jugjugg Jeeyo (2022), where he appeared as the well-loved Gurpreet Sharma alongside Anil Kapoor. Rafuchakkar, written by Arjun Singgh Baran and Kartik Nishandar, and directed by Ritam Srivastava, marks his debut as a lead in an OTT series. It is a much more ambitious outing. In…

Q. Bawaal is releasing directly on Amazon Prime. Won’t your fan following take a hit because you’re skipping a theatrical release? OTT helps strike a balance between mass and class. It is the medium of today and tomorrow and even makes commercial sense. And no, we don’t have to worry about theatres shutting down. They contribute to the collective experience of enjoying a film. What actually decides whether a film will do well is its content, not the platform. As an actor, Bawaal is one of my favourite roles. Q. What did you like about the role? There is an arc to the character’s growth. The role is emotionally charged and closest to the truth of life. Sooner or later, life happens and you have to learn to deal with…

A CLASSIC REBORN Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Rolex released its new-generation Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona this year to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the original watch. In typical Rolex fashion, the model has received subtle updates, which include minor refinements to the case design and the dial. The biggest change comes with the updated calibre 4131 automatic chronograph movement that offers 72 hours of power reserve. The platinum 126506 Daytona is also the first Rolex sports watch in history to feature a transparent caseback. TECHNICAL PROWESS Grand Seiko Tentagraph For 2023, Grand Seiko expanded its Evolution 9 collection with its first mechanical chronograph, the Tentagraph. The highly technical timepiece gets its name from the brand new calibre 9SC5 movement housed inside the 43.2mm case, which has ten beats per second frequency,…

TRADITION MEETS ENDURANCE Breguet Classique Quantième Perpétuel 7327 Introduced as a successor to the long-standing ref. 5327, the new Classique Quantième Perpétuel 7327 features an updated and simplified perpetual calendar while maintaining the traditional Breguet aesthetic. Available in an 18-carat white or pink gold case, the new perpetual calendar has five sub-displays with a retrograde month display at 11 o'clock. The timepiece is powered by an updated 502.3.P movement. The ultra-thin perpetual automatic calibre features a modified perpetual calendar module and delivers a 45-hour power reserve. THE KING Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime - Ref. 6300GR-001 This is the newest iteration of the most complicated wristwatch ever made by Patek Philippe with 20 complications, which includes an instantaneous perpetual calendar. While the signature reversible double-sided case design is retained by this…

DAZZLING BEAUTY Tag Heuer Plasma 2023 Celebrating the 60th anniversary of the TAG Heuer Carrera, this innovative creation utilises the watchmaker’s ground-breaking Diamant d’Avant-Garde technology to decorate the aluminium bezel, case, and bracelet with lab-grown diamonds in unique shapes. The crown features a single 2.5-carat lab-grown diamond, while the dial showcases 12 diamonds and three polycrystalline diamond plates. UNMATCHED PRECISION Omega Speedmaster Super Racing Created to celebrate a decade of precision watchmaking, this timepiece is a new version of Omega’s Speedmaster racing watch. Powered by the new METAS certified 9920 calibre with 60 hours of power reserve, the highlight watch is the new Omega Spirate System. This patented spiral and fine-tuning architecture guarantees a certified accuracy of +0 and +2 seconds/day, which is believed to be the best in the…

SEDUCTIVELY BOLD Bulgari Octo Roma Mediterranea This jaw-dropping secret watch perfectly showcases Bulgari’s expertise in complex horology and gem setting. The octagonal architecture of the Octo Roma houses a jewel-encrusted octopus guarding the movement with its tentacles. Crafted in white gold, the sea creature is decorated with diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, and neon-blue Paraiba tourmalines. Opening the secret cover reveals a second octagonal bezel set with brilliant-cut diamonds and an open-worked dial. Underneath is the Bulgari’s record-breaking ultra-thin BVL 268 SK calibre with flying tourbillon which delivers a power reserve of 52 hours. GLAMOURISED FUTURISM Chanel J12 Hyper Cybernetic The limited edition version of Chanel’s J12 timepiece experiments with a pixelated concept which gives it an asymmetrical design. A total of 240 brilliant-cut diamonds are set on the blacked-out dial, case,…

Laurent Lecamp, Director of Montblanc’s watch division, is a man whose path has always been intertwined with luxury. Of Franco-Swiss descent, Lecamp was trained in gemology and began his career at the LVMH group as Brand Director of the Wines & Spirits division in Switzerland. The avid thinker, strategist, and author has helmed Montblanc’s watchmaking division since 2021, bringing momentum and motivation in equal measure to the brand. Storytelling is becoming an integral part of watchmaking at Montblanc; could you elaborate on this new wave of concept watches such as ice dials and zero oxygen? Storytelling and the product are related, and we are working towards it. The new Iced Sea collection, for example, is a fantastic product. This dial is inspired by the 1913 Montblanc logo depicting the mountain…

VINTAGE JEWELLERY While building a collection of vintage jewellery can be rewarding, it can also be challenging. Here are some key considerations for aspiring collectors. ➻ Do your research: Learn about the history of the jewellery to gain clarity and understanding of different traditions and styles. ➻ Consider the Trend: Have an idea of prevalent trends to understand highly sought-after pieces. ➻ Choose your Era and Style: Explore different eras and regions for specific aesthetics and styles. ➻ Consider the cuts: Understand the cuts of precious gemstones, such as diamonds, before making a purchase. ➻ Purchase from a reputable source: Approach reputable sources such as auction houses for quality and authenticity. ➻ Consider the condition: Check for damage, corrosion, and inquire after a condition report to ensure the integrity…

If the monsoon grey is putting a dampener on your spirits, this champagne coloured, diamond-set Rolex Oyster Perpetual Lady-Date-just is just what the doctor ordered to buoy spirits. The gorgeous dial features diamonds in 18 carat gold settings, while the sunray finish creates delicate light reflections. This is obtained using masterful brushing techniques that create grooves running outwards from the centre of the dial. Light is constantly diffused along each engraving, creating a stunning yet subtle glow that moves depending on the flick of the wrist. Once the sunray finish has been completed, the dial colour is applied using Physical Vapour Deposition or electroplating. A light coat of varnish gives the dial its glorious final look. The Rolex fluted bezel is typically borne as a mark of distinction. Since originally,…

NOW ONLINE! COLLEGE & RANK PREDICTOR >>> JEE Main College Predictor >>> NEET College Predictor >>> JEE Main Rank Predictor Website: https://bestcolleges.indiatoday.in/ RANKING OF COLLEGES 2,000-plus colleges in 14 major streams ↘ Arts ↘ Science ↘ Commerce ↘ Medical ↘ Dental Sciences ↘ Engineering ↘ Architecture ↘ Law ↘ Mass Comm. ↘ Hotel Mgmt ↘ BBA ↘ BCA ↘ Social Work ↘ Fashion COLLEGE VS COLLEGE Find a suitable college on the basis of… ↘ 6-year results (2018-2023) ↘ National rankings ↘ By state B ↘ By city ↘ Government vs private ↘ Best emerging colleges KEY PARAMETERS College performance rated according to… ↘ Academic Excellence ↘ Intake Quality & Governance ↘ Infrastructure & Living Experience ↘ Personality and Leadership Development ↘ Career Progression and Placement KNOW YOUR COLLEGE The…

An old warhorse is playing key interlocutor in the eclectic group of Opposition parties coming together ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha election. Former Gujarat chief minister Shankersinh Vaghela has been meeting top leaders of regional parties, such as Akhilesh Yadav, Uddhav Thackeray, K. Chandrashekar Rao, Naveen Patnaik and Lalu Prasad, in the past two months. The veteran aims to keep working the communication channels through the rough and tumble of elections, from seat-sharing negotiations to post-poll settlements.…

Countries that pumped in billions into their economies as relief for Covid had to fend the biggest enemy of surplus money: high inflation. Central banks began to raise rates, leading to a flight of funds from emerging markets back to the US, precipitating a funds squeeze for start-ups Start-ups perennially looking for external funding to boost their operations were left in the lurch. Start-ups used to get funds based on their mark-to-market valuations, and these were not valuations based on real performance. High expectations had led to a cash splurge in many start-ups, and they struggled to come to terms with the new reality Revenues of start-ups started slowing down. As the Indian economy opened up post the pandemic, schools and shops reopened and travel resumed, online businesses catering to…

Chhattisgarh’s own original culture is recognized all over the world. This land has been related to ancient civilization and primitive traditions of the society. Throughout the ages, humans have inhabited these lands nestled alongside forests, mountains, caves, and rivers. The past and existence of Chhattisgarh is linked to the tribal community living on this land since time immemorial. Chhattisgarh holds a unique identity as a tribal majority state in the country. The Government of Chhattisgarh is continuously working to increase this identity even more widely. With the formation of the new government in Chhattisgarh, the land of tribals acquired for setting up a steel plant in Bastar region was returned to them. Along with this, the government got the release of innocent tribals who were detained in jail in various…

Every company listed on the stock market has a different trait—some are steady with their performance, some are volatile and some get into a steady decline with losses. It is always a challenge to find a company which has long-term growth prospects and above-average returns. If one goes by the past, there are many companies that started small and have consistently grown over the years and transformed themselves into large conglomerates, such as Reliance Industries. At the same time, several notable companies have fallen by the wayside from reaching high levels—such as Yes Bank. The top 100 companies fall under the large-cap space. These are well-established entities and are often top performers in their sectors. Savvy investors look for mid-cap companies as these have the potential to produce sharp growth…

Borrowing against a life insurance policy is not a good choice. To further discourage policy-holders, the IRDAI issued a circular banning repayment of loans against insurance policies through credit cards. The move comes after the pension regulator PFRDA banned credit card contributions towards Tier-2 NPS accounts. The reason for the ban is to discourage already stressed policy-holders from extending their borrowings to credit cards. The interest rate on a loan against life policy is often lower than personal loan interest rates, but even so one should avoid taking a loan against their policy. Many smart borrowers consider opting for a credit-free period to service the loan, which is not a financially prudent mechanism, especially when it comes to maintaining insurance cover on one’s life. The loan facility against insurance is…

“Learn the alphabet and become someone who tells his own story” is Basnet’s advice to his son Jhuppay early on in the novel. Jhuppay, the truant and thief, does not heed it, but his actions lead the story forward—to disastrous consequences for his family, the family of Nimma, the woman he loves, and his village. Nimma hopes that one day he will turn over a new leaf. But little can she imagine that when Jhuppay agrees to rent his loudspeaker for a political rally to earn an honest wage, he will unwittingly unleash a spiral of violence. The book revolves around the mid-1980s, when Darjeeling district was aflame with an armed movement centred around the idea of jaati (community), with a separate state as the goal. With the clear message…

MOST WATCH CONNOISSEURS WILL HAPPILY CONFESS THAT when they think James Bond, his Omega Seamaster tool watch is as much a license to thrill as his sharp shooting or the bevy of beauties on his arm. Despite the fact that the primary function of the watch—to tell the time—has been rendered obsolete by the mobile phone, watches are not mere timekeepers, but mini-masterpieces that showcase extreme craftsmanship, represent tradition, incorporate technology and embrace innovation. Think of it as a bespoke Zegna suit, a trip on the Virgin Galactic, and a ride in the 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG SL 55 4MATIC+ all neatly rolled into one package that leaves your wrist assured of suitable attention. For the luxury watch industry the never-ending cuff parade continues. The one mantra that has kept the…

INNOVATION MEETS INTRICACY Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Tourbillon Retrograde Date Openface The new Traditionnelle Tourbillon by Vacheron Constantin is a beautiful timepiece that combines avant-garde design with mechanical sophistication. The highlight is its hand-engraved, open-worked dial that uses the retrograde mechanism as a design element. Underneath is the in-house 2162 R31 self-winding movement with two of Vacheron’s signature complications: A retrograde date and a tourbillon with running seconds marked on the tourbillon cage. THIN AND HOW Bulgari Octo Roma Tourbillon Sapphire Crafted to offer exceptional transparency, the sculptural Octo Roma Tourbillon Sapphire features a 100 percent skeletonised movement along with a transparent display caseback to create a floating effect. The BVL206 calibre movement with manual winding and flying tourbillon offers 64 hours of power reserve. A special push-button at 3 o’clock…

A BOLD UNVEILING Cartier Santos-Dumont Skeleton This is the most daring iteration of the iconic Santos-Dumont timepiece, which has been given an attention-grabbing skeletonised movement for the first time. The brand new in-house calibre 9629 MC comprises 212 components and took nearly two years to develop. The centrepiece of the movement is the aircraft-shaped micro-rotor at 8 o’clock that appears to float mid-air thanks to the transparency offered by the timepiece. CLOCKWORK PRECISION Zenith Defy Skyline Skeleton Ceramic The stealthy new addition to Zenith’s Defy Skyline collection features a black ceramic case measuring 41mm and an integrated bracelet made from the same material. The talking point of the watch is its open-worked dial with a blackened central four-pointed star structure, which offers a view of the skeletonised El Primero 3620…

HOROLOGICAL ABERRATION Ulysse Nardin Freak One Ulysse Nardin Freak One is a compelling homage to the original Freak timepiece that shocked the entire watch world when it debuted in 2001. The watch doesn’t have a conventional dial, hands, or a crown to wind and time set. Instead, the whole movement rotates to tell the time. Inside the 44mm black DLC-coated titanium case is the Calibre UN-240 Manufacture Automatic movement that offers a 72-hour power reserve. FASHIONABLY CHIC Girard-Perregaux x Saint Laurent Casquette 2.0 Spawned from a partnership between Girard-Perregaux and Saint Laurent, this limited edition pays tribute to the original Casquette watch that came out in 1976. Based on last year’s Casquette 2.0, it features the unusual timepiece’s signature design along with the LED display that tells the time, the…

WORK OF ART Titan Nebula Deccan Treasures This stunning ladies’ watch is inspired by the extensive stone carving technique of the Deccan region and is a demonstration of the finest craftsmanship. The elegant link set with hand-carved green stone is the highlight of the timepiece, while the flexible gold bracelet is artistically decorated with diamonds. The petite case is cast in 18 carat gold and houses a quartz movement. ALLURING MINIMALISM Daniel Wellington Quadro Mini Daniel Wellington expanded its range by introducing the new Quadro Mini collection, which builds upon the legacy of its bestselling Quadro watches. Designed at the intersection of watches and jewellery, the Quadro Mini is the smallest offering in DW’s range. The collection of petite timepieces follows the theme of minimalism, following the mantra of “less…

RUSH OF SPRING Shachee Fine Jewellery Nature’s palette resonates in all its glory with designer Shachee Shah’s stunning bejewelled renditions. Drawing inspiration from nature—flora and fauna, birds, animals, forests, and even the changing hues of the skies, her signature style spins magic in 18 carat gold to detail the appearance of lace, using micro-mosaic techniques. For this ring (Left), designed for Paris Couture Week, Shah was inspired by Japanese Sakura or cherry blossoms. She used 18 carat gold, diamonds and Gemfields Mozambican rubies cut in to spheres to infuse life into the piece. The deep red and pink tones of the rubies reflect a shimmering transparency to create the lush carpet effect of cherry blossoms in spring. Akin to a wearable piece of art, it is a statement unto itself.…

➻ Maintain your antique/vintage jewellery by periodically examining for signs of wear and tear; get them checked and cleaned by a specialist at least once a year. For watches, handle with care and entrust it to professionals for maintenance to avoid damage to the dials, bezels, and crystals. ➻ Store delicately in a customised box on a soft pouch or cloth, away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight. As for your vintage watch, store in a dry and temperature-controlled environment, away from direct sunlight and dust. ➻ Insure your heirloom jewellery: Have it appraised by a valuations expert, acquire a valuation certificate, and consider separate coverage under your insurance policy. For watches, insure and maintain detailed records of purchase history, serial numbers, invoices, and high-quality photographs. ➻ Service your vintage…

His given name means ‘the one and only Lord’. The irony must be biting by now. In June 2022, Eknath Shinde did the unthinkable by splitting the Shiv Sena and toppling the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) regime led by his then party boss Uddhav Thackeray. Then, in one of the more striking instances of India offering validation for Otto von Bismarck’s axiom about politics being the art of the possible, Shinde was propped up as the chief minister of Maharashtra by the BJP with Devendra Fadnavis—in whose cabinet he was a minister during 2014-19—as his deputy. This was despite the BJP having more than twice the number of MLAs (106) than Shinde’s (40). Shinde later walked away with his parent party’s name and election symbol, cementing his claim that his…

Rajasthan is on the BJP’s mind. That’s clear enough from the way the high command is itself taking charge of matters in the poll-bound state. But even the flurry of organisational steps it has announced leave untouched a certain vacuum at the heart of its strategy: the question of leadership. While circling indecisively around that, the party is doing everything it can to prevent Congress chief minister Ashok Gehlot from winning a nearly unprecedented re-election later this year. On July 16, BJP president J.P. Nadda addressed a workers’ rally in Jaipur, his second in less than three weeks. Within that same duration, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union home minister Amit Shah and BJP national general secretary B.L. Santhosh touched base in Bikaner, Udaipur and Sawai Madhopur respectively for public and…

‘Banglaye Didir Officer’, or Didi’s Officers. That is what Block Development Officers (BDOs) are being called in West Bengal. But this is no epithet. Rather this is the designation that the people of Bengal have bestowed upon the BDOs, given all the help they extended, allegedly to favour Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s party Trinamool Congress in the recent panchayat polls. Results at several polling stations were withheld for electoral and counting malpractices. A few BDOs are also facing allegations of flexing their muscle. Is that what they call winning by hook or by crook?…

Budget 2023 has thrown a surprise at senior citizens by doing away with a concessional tax rate for them. This, however, doesn’t change things for the worse for them, but they need to rethink and plan their income with the new development. In the revised new tax regime, there is no special demarcation for taxpayers as senior citizens (aged 60 years and above) and super senior citizens (aged 80 years and above). The tax slabs are the same for all taxpayers irrespective of their age or gender. In the old regime, the income tax limit for availing the exemption was Rs 3 lakh and Rs 5 lakh for senior citizens and super senior citizens respectively. This has changed in the new tax regime wherein income up to Rs 7 lakh…

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BEGINNER Q1. Which among the following is not a tax-saving instrument? a) PPF b) Lifeinsurance c) Health insurance d) Car insurance Q2. From which date are crypto assets taxed? a) March 31, 2022 b) Jan. 1, 2023 c) April 1, 2023 d) None of the above Q3. Under which section is an employer’s contribution towards NPS Tier-I eligible for a tax deduction? a) Section 80CCD (1) b) Section 80 CCC c) Section 80CCD (2) d) None of the above Q4. Which of the following is levied by state governments? a) Wealth tax b) Estate duty c) Entertainment tax d) All the above Q5. Income tax assessee includes a) Individual b) HUF c) Company d) All of the above INTERMEDIATE Q1. As per the Finance Bill 2023, the basic exemption limit…

The author is a distinguished historian of 18th- and 19th-century India and, in this work, has widened her frame to look at the Western Indian Ocean in the 19th century. In doing so, she situates herself as part of a historiographical tradition that looks beneath the surface of the very evident European, and increasingly British, domination of these waters in order to relate a history in which indigenous and native actors play more substantive roles than as allies or supplicants of the British. The Indian Ocean in the 19th century then becomes more than a monochromatic space dominated by external powers, to a more crowded maritime terrain in which a host of local and regional players cooperate and jostle to maximise their autonomy from the increasing demands of an expanding…

TECHNICOLOUR Every year the watch industry seems to have a collective preference for a colour. For the last few years, green has been very popular, as have blue, brown and salmon-coloured dials. This year, however, the trend isn’t really about a single colour but more for daring colours—lime green, shocking pink, deep purple, and technicolour. The watch industry is usually quite conservative in this area, but for 2023 it is really having fun with the Pantone charts. Even the famous watch auction Only Watch has chosen the rainbow as its theme colour, so expect to see a whole spectrum of coloured watches such as this Jaquet Droz Only Watch one-of-a-kind piece. WATCH OUT FOR SKELETONS Where most watch movements are hidden under dials, some watchmakers like to put the focus…

HANDCRAFTED CHARMER Girard-Perregaux Laureato 42mm Pink Gold This elegant iteration of Girard-Perregaux’s Laureato watch offers a sumptuous combination of 5N pink gold and a handcrafted black onyx dial. The seamlessly integrated solid gold case and bracelet feature a satin finish, which is contrasted by the glossy smooth finish of the polished onyx dial. The applied markers and GP logo are also furnished in 18 carat pink gold, while the baton-style hands are gold plated. The calibre GP01800 delivers 54 hours of power reserve. GILDED GLAMOUR Van Cleef and Arpels Perlée 23mm guilloché rose gold Van Cleef and Arpels expanded its Perlée collection with a new rose gold timepiece that combines Maison’s jewellery and watchmaking traditions. The 23mm rose gold case features the brand’s emblematic gold bead motif matched with a…

AGED TO PERFECTION Panerai Radiomir California PAM01349 This year, Panerai reintroduced the California dial to the Radiomir collection with this beautiful watch. While it’s not a vintage reissue, the timepiece features an attractive combination of a green dial and a 45mm case with a new hand-applied, patinated-like finish which gives it an aged look. Housed inside is the manual-wind P.5000 calibre with an impressive eight-day power reserve. BLAST FROM THE PAST Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 70th anniversary - 5010B 1130 NABA For 2023, Blancpain introduced this limited edition to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the release of the original Fifty Fathoms dive watch, offered in three series of 70 pieces each. The vintage-style watch gets a 42.3mm polished stainless steel case, domed sapphire bezel insert with a luminous timing scale, a…

WORTHY TOURING COMPANION Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Worldtimer Originally introduced in 2017, Omega has continually expanded its Seamaster Aqua Terra Worldtimer collection by adding different versions and colour ways. Crafted for globe trotters, the Worldtimer’s dial features a circle of global destinations etched using laser ablation. At the centre is Omega’s representation of the North Pole, surrounded by the 24-hour ring. Inside the 43mm case is the Omega Co-Axial calibre 893 with 60 hours of power reserve. SPEED RACER IWC Titanium IWC Big Pilot “IWC Racing Works” Edition This racing-inspired limited edition Big Pilot timepiece pays tribute to the IWC’s passion for motorsports. The watch features an oversized case measuring 46.2mm in diameter which is crafted out of grade 5 titanium and finished with a matte-blasted surface. It also gets…

Swiss luxury watch brand Tudor finally opened its doors to its brand new manufacture in Le Locle, Switzerland just a couple of days before this year’s Watches and Wonders show. Although the brand has been around for almost a century, this new state-of-the-art facility is Tudor’s first-ever exclusive production site, which was completed in 2021 after three years of construction. The opening of Tudor’s new manufacture marks an important milestone for the brand which is ready to finally emerge out of Rolex’s shadow and carve out its own individual identity. Before we go into the details of the beautiful new building in the picturesque town of Le Locle, it’s important to talk a little about Tudor’s history. It was in 1926 when Tudor was set up by the Swiss watchmaking…

Jewellery Expert and Luxury Watch Expert for AstaGuru Auction House It’s probably the innate desire to hold on to the past that makes vintage such an inspired trend for both jewellery and watches. This timeless allure of nostalgia that carries through with the rich history that each vintage piece carries is what captivates collectors. When it comes to vintage and heirloom jewellery, pieces that feature intricate details are hallmarks of exquisite craftsmanship traditions, which set them apart from contemporary design. They are often crafted with precious gemstones, including rubies, emeralds, natural pearls, and diamonds, which add to their rarity and vintage value. Similarly, it is the draw of historical symbolism that help collectors of timepieces to curate their vintage watch collections. Whether it is the impeccable precision of the movement,…

This is just one of those cars that needs no introduction. The iconic ‘SL’ in its 2023 iteration has got the auto industry talking. The first SL to be entirely put together by AMG, the SL 55 features the iconic design cues of its predecessors with the fittings of a modern, ultra-luxury sports car. Since the very first SL 190 dating back to 1954, the quintessential open-top roadster has seen many iconic versions including the 230 SL in 1963, and the 300 SL featured in the matinee hit Dil Chahta Hai in 2001. What we see today is the 7th generation SL conceptualised by the manufacturer’s AMG facility in Affalterbach. In terms of design cues, the new SL is unmistakable with its characteristic elongated bonnet, curvy rear and large alloy…