Sandra‘s Closet

Finely engraved in yellow gold, the Hermès ship’s colourful unfurled sails and emblematic bow glide beneath a star-studded aventurine sky.

Viewed through a telescope, the Hermès flagship – its hull inspired by the historic boutique at 24 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré in Paris – steers its way through the starry night with its blend of miniature painting and engraving. Its bow bearing the effigy of the famous firework maker and its billowing sails come to life at the virtuoso hands of Hermès artisans.

Created in 2015 by Philippe Delhotal, the Slim d’Hermès watch vividly expresses the singularity of the house with its blend of understated elegance and visual balance. Modern yet timeless, its pared-down lines highlight Hermès’ inimitably creative, fanciful touch, offering a subtle interpretation of the patterns adorning its iconic silk scarves.

Produced in a limited edition of 12, the Slim d’Hermès Flagship is inspired by Dimitri Rybaltchenko’s eponymous design for a silk scarf. Surging ahead amid a shower of shooting stars, the vessel reflects the artist’s poetic universe navigating between the imaginary and the real.

After a multitude of layers of micro-paint are applied with a brush and then heat-dried in a kiln, the aventurine dial reveals a bronzed decoration featuring unique nuances, volumes and details. The ship evoking the legendary Parisian boutique is carved in relief by the engraver’s burins and chisels, then handpainted and delicately placed on the night sky. A mischievous star at 4 o’clock comes to life in step with wrist movements. Housed in a slim yellow gold case measuring 39.5 mm in diameter, this eloquent expression of horological expertise beats to the rhythm of the Manufacture Hermès H1950 self-winding movement and is fitted with an elegant abyss blue alligator strap matching the maritimeinspired dial tones.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Hermès
DISCLOSURE: This post is sponsored. We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Louis Vuitton’s passion for travel and daring creativity takes flight with the Montgolfière Aéro, a remarkable horological object that marks a new chapter for the Maison. Soaring to new heights, the Montgolfière Aéro is a precious fusion of the Maison’s distinct high jewelry and trunkmaking savoir-faire, combined to Swiss watchmaking.

The hot-air balloon – an imaginative, emblematic symbol of the Maison – now ascends into the world of Haute Horlogerie at Louis Vuitton, inspiring two incredible horological objects. Exploring a new way of telling the time, the piece’s creation began with a simple question: What is more precious than time ? As ever, the Maison looked to its dynamic, innovative founder. Before becoming a famed trunkmaker, Louis Vuitton himself cut his teeth as a packer, where he helped store and prepare his clients’ most cherished objects for travel, ensuring their safe and secure transport on their journeys.

A deep appreciation for adventure and discovery ensured that Louis Vuitton trunks were designed to be functional as well as elegant, innovative and expertly crafted. This led Louis Vuitton, in 1906, to create the Aéro Trunk, a state-of-the-art piece that attached to the basket of a hot air balloon. Light and durable, the trunk also featured a watertight seal, ensuring that in the event of a fall into the sea, the basket would float. Tapping into the fascination for hot air balloon flights, the Louis Vuitton Aéro Trunk captured the imagination of daring individuals keen to explore the world.

An invitation to dream
Two extraordinary Montgolfière Aéro horological objects now channel that very craft and creativity which enraptured Louis Vuitton over a century ago. A gorgeous balloon – in either traditional red and transparent glass, or another in precious wood – incorporates a Swiss mechanical clock. The balloon rests on a basket fashioned as a miniature Louis Vuitton trunk, which has been handcrafted using all the same centuries-old trunkmaking savoir-faire, completed with the Maison’s signature elements and design codes. The trunk also houses the movement’s winding mechanism. The clock embraces multiple codes of the Maison. A Louis Vuitton Monogram Flower indicates the hours and minutes, which are displayed on an upper and lower disc.

At the centre of the openwork balloon is a prominent Louis Vuitton Monogram Flower, while the underside of the trunk also features an Louis Vuitton Monogram Flower lever, which unfolds to wind the clock. An imaginative object that invites one to dream, the Montgolfière Aéro can be displayed in two ways. It’s either a table clock for a desk or shelf, or can be suspended from the ceiling. Floating in the air as the hot-air balloon intended. Designed by Louis Vuitton, the Montgolfière Aéro was manufactured with L’Épee 1839, the historic and award-winning Swiss clockmaker that this year celebrates its 185th anniversary.

A traditional balloon
With a playful transparent and white motif, the Montgolfière Aéro pays homage to a traditional object that has inspired Louis Vuitton campaigns and creations over the years. Each of the Montgolfière Aéro’s glass wings are fully handcrafted, meticulously and precisely made to fit the balloon’s structure. Like a watch or piece of jewelry, the structure incorporates different finishes, allowing for a wonderful play of light and reflections.

At the center of the balloon is a distinctive Louis Vuitton Monogram Flower, a dynamic motif that delightfully spins on its axis with a gentle push. Meanwhile, the remarkable Louis Vuitton trunk is among the smallest trunks ever created by the Maison. Though miniature in size, it retains all the codes of Louis Vuitton’s trunkmaking savoir-faire. Each trunk is entirely handmade from lozines embossing to nailing. The Maison’s emblematic Louis Vuitton Monogram canvas adorns the trunk.

A precious Montgolfière Aéro
Limited to only eight pieces, an exceptional Montgolfière Aéro creation pays homage to the beauty of precious wood. Complementing this craftsmanship, time and patience is Louis Vuitton’s high jewelry savoir-faire. Two exquisite gemstones were directly sourced by Louis Vuitton’s in-house stone department, which has been custom cutting Louis Vuitton Monogram-shape diamonds for over 15 years. A magnificent 9.06-carat citrine briolette adorns the Louis Vuitton Monogram Flower at the heart of the openwork balloon. With a fiery orange and brown hue that recalls the bursting flame of a hot air balloon, the citrine emanates a brilliant play of light and transparency from 80 custom-cut facets.

Perfectly matching this stone is another square-cut citrine that’s set on the Louis Vuitton Monogram Flower that indicates the time. Meanwhile, additional preciousness comes courtesy of 1,200 diamonds that embellish the balloon’s structure. Finally, the bespoke trunk is also crafted in precious wood. Miniature in size, the trunk incorporates all the historic codes of the Maison’s trunkmaking expertise: coins, nails, even tiny Louis Vuitton signatures on the lozines.

To complement the preciousness of the Montgolifère Aéro, the trunk comes studded with diamonds – a first ever for the Maison. To accompany this exclusive clock, a trunk was specifically handcrafted in Louis Vuitton’s historic workshops in Asnières. A new milestone for Louis Vuitton, the Montgolfière Aéro embodies a fusion of the finest savoir-faire, where Swiss watchmaking meets high jewelry, further imbued with Louis Vuitton’s singular trunkmaking know-how. Channeling Louis Vuitton’s daring spirit and passion for travel, the Montgolfière Aéro joyously welcomes a new way of telling the time – and an exciting new adventure for the Maison.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!

Personally speaking, I am always in love with the watchmaking creations by Hermès. The round Arceau watch with its asymmetrical stirrup-shaped lugs was created by Henri d’Origny in 1978 appears in a subtly reinvented interpretation. Vividly embodying the Hermès style, its slender gold and diamond case frames a silver embroidered horse, which free and untameable, rears up with a flowery coat adorned with silver-spangled enamel.

Inspired by the Robe Légère silk scarf designed by French artist Théo de Gueltzl, the deep navy-coloured dial highlights the rare and meticulous technique of paillonné enamelling, which consists of inserting silver flakes or spangles between enamel layers to create transparent, shimmering depth effects.

This evening version of the Robe Légère Scarf in silk twill with hand-rolled edges is hand-embroidered with glass micro-beads (100% silk) and requires over 45 hours of hand-embroidery.

The equestrian figure that appears to be rearing up in the wind reveals its swirling, sparkling finery. To create this flowery motif on the watch, the artisan uses a brush to apply a dark enamel base consisting of coloured glass powder that is ground, mixed with natural oils, dried and fired in a kiln to fix the pigments in place. The flowers are then shaped from silver leaf and applied to the enamel before setting the tiny spangles by successive firings.

The airy steed comes to life in a 38 mm white gold case set with 71 diamonds and powered by the Manufacture Hermès H1912 movement. Crafted in accordance with the House’s leatherwork expertise, a matt abyss blue alligator strap accentuates the finesse of this 24-piece limited edition.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / © Hermès/David Marchon
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

 The latest creation from HUBLOT and celebrated Japanese contemporary artist Takashi Murakami is finally here – and it may well be the duo’s most eye-catching and exceptional creation to date. Introducing the MP-15 Takashi Murakami Tourbillon Sapphire Rainbow, reimagining the artist’s iconic smiling flower as a sapphire sculpture set with colorful gemstones and fitted with HUBLOT’s first central tourbillon movement.

Takashi Murakami in front of the Hublot Ginza Boutique with Julien Tornare, Hublot CEO

Transcending the preconceived notions of contemporary art, Takashi Murakami created his own art movement dubbed «Superflat», extending from fine arts such as painting, sculptures and installations to more commercial media such as fashion and animation. Blurring the line between high and low arts, Murakami melds the aesthetic of the Japanese artistic tradition with contemporary art and culture. Of all his works, the most iconic is the smiling flower, which HUBLOT has sought to bring into a watchmaking context through several collaborative pieces. 

The MP-15 is the symbol of a friendship in full bloom, born from a shared passion for breaking down boundaries and going beyond expectations. HUBLOT first began working with Murakami in 2021, with a shared drive of breaking down boundaries and going beyond expectations with their respective artforms. After his eponymous Classic Fusion models and a series of NFT artworks paired with unique pieces, HUBLOT and Takashi Murakami took their partnership to the next level with the unveiling of the MP-15 Takashi Murakami Tourbillon for the Only Watch 2023 charity auction. Reimagining one of Murakami’s most emblematic motifs, the MP-15 Takashi Murakami Tourbillon took on the «smiling flower» and transfigured it from Murakami’s signature aesthetic into a wearable sculpture that seamlessly merges contemporary art, avant-garde watchmaking and exceptional gem-setting; the latter of which HUBLOT has pioneered with unexpected techniques and a mastering of the perfect rainbow effect. This requires carefully selecting gemstones that work together in a perfect transition of tones. 

Meticulously crafted from a block of Sapphire crystal, the modestly sized 42mm smiling flower case features twelve petals. True to Murakami’s highly chromatic palette, the twelve petals feature polished Titanium inlays that are set with 444 colored gemstones in total, including brilliant-cut Rubies, Pink Sapphires, Amethysts, Blue Sapphires, Blue Topazes, Tsavorites and Yellow or Orange Sapphires. These stones are grouped together so that each petal is in a different vibrant color, just like the original Murakami smiling flower. 

More than just an incredible feat of gem-setting however, the MP-15 features a truly revolutionary mechanical caliber. At the heart of the HUB9015 calibre is the central flying tourbillon, which can be admired through the domed sapphire crystal engraved with two twinkling eyes and a smiling mouth. A first for HUBLOT, the central tourbillon is an exceedingly rare type of complication that demands advanced engineering and reimagining how a mechanical movement is built. In the MP-15, it is animated by means of a manual-winding caliber that boasts an exceptional power reserve of 120 hours – enough to run for nearly a whole week. To make the winding experience as effortless as possible, HUBLOT has created a special rechargeable stylus that’s placed on the crown, which winds the twin barrels in 100 revolutions. 

With this work of sculptural, wearable art, the notion of innovative and original watchmaking nonetheless takes center-stage. Surrounding the MP-15’s central flying tourbillon and keeping its view unobstructed, the hours and minutes are indicated by two hand tips that revolve around its periphery. The hands are actually positioned beneath the tourbillon cage, with just their tips bent upwards and outwards thanks to an intricate co-axial construction. Making the reading of time effortless and intuitive, the opening features a flange ring set with twelve baton hour markers, each continuing the color of the petal. The visual intrigue of the MP-15 is further enhanced by the fact that most of the movement’s components have been skeletonized, which appear as if floating in a vacuum. A true feat of superlative watchmaking. 

The finishing touch comes in the form of the strap, which is transparent and decorated with Takashi Murakami’s signature flower motif. Like the case, the deployant buckle is crafted in Sapphire crystal and Titanium. 

An artistic endeavor that’s bound to garner the appreciation of contemporary art lovers for its audacity and discerning watch aficionados for its complexity, the MP-15 Takashi Murakami Tourbillon Sapphire Rainbow is a limited edition of 20 pieces, available to HUBLOT boutiques and authorized retailers around the world upon request. 

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Hublot #Hublot
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

CHANEL and The Boat Race Company Ltd have announced the signing of a long-term partnership with CHANEL as Title Sponsor and official Timekeeping Partner. The 2025 event will become The CHANEL J12 Boat Race. 

The historic race between Oxford and Cambridge Universities was established nearly 200 years ago in 1829. It is the oldest major sporting event in the UK, with the dark and light ‘Blues’ crews of eight rowers pitted against each other on the River Thames every year in the Spring. 

The 2025 edition of The Women’s Boat Race and The Men’s Boat Race will take place on Sunday 13 April along the 4.25 miles of the Championship Course between Putney and Mortlake in London. The Boat Race is attended by over 250,000 spectators on the riverbank, broadcast live on the BBC, and watched by millions globally on television. It has become a treasured highlight in London’s sporting calendar. 

The long-term partnership is an expression of a shared philosophy, one of an uncompromising pursuit of excellence which relies on collective effort to succeed. Boat Race Day encapsulates the raison d’être of Oxford and Cambridge: to develop and showcase exceptional talent, in the same way the House of CHANEL supports outstanding creative expertise. 

CHANEL has had its roots in sport since it was founded in 1910. Inspired by sporting attire predominately worn by men of the time, Gabrielle Chanel was an active sportswoman herself and used materials such as jerseys, and tweeds and created trailblazing designs. These designs gave women the freedom of movement – to ride horses, cycle, and most importantly to choose how they dressed and who they wanted to be. 

CHANEL was the first luxury house to launch its own fragrance in 1921 and its own high jewellery collection in 1932. Decades later in 2000, CHANEL launched the iconic J12 unisex watch – the name inspired by the J Class 12-metre race boats from the early 20th century. 

The iconic J12 watch is produced in the ‘CHANEL Watch Manufacture’ in Switzerland and is powered by self-winding movements from the Swiss Manufacture Kenissi, co-owned by CHANEL. 

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!

Tracing equestrian motifs on a sparkling white or intense black dial, rose gold and diamonds intertwine on the Arceau Grand Tralala brides et mors watch.

This precious 34 mm-diameter case reinterprets the design of the Grand Tralala silk scarf designed by French artist Virginie Jamin. A tribute to the Hermès equestrian tradition, the colourful bridles/ and gleaming bits evoke the prestigious harnesses worn by the Royal Hungarian Bodyguard in the 19th century.

Created by Henri d’Origny in 1978, the Arceau watch embodies the Hermès style: its understated and timeless round shape set on a «stirrup» highlights a singular nature composed of subtle details. Dotted with 64 diamonds and topped by a gemset crown, its rose gold case frames a spangled white lacquered or deep black dial.

On the dial of the Arceau Grand Tralala, bridles and bits intertwine in the brilliance of rose gold and 110 diamonds, forming a graphic yet dainty decoration. Enlivened by a small bit-shaped seconds hand, the model is driven by a Manufacture Hermès H1912 movement revealed through the sapphire crystal case-back. Crafted in the Hermès Horloger workshops, a smooth chantilly or black alligator strap matches the dial colour.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Hermès
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

The Slim d’Hermès Pocket Mysterious Rider watch marries the pristine white gold of its case with the delicate shimmer of its enamelled dial and cover to create an elegant blend of rigorous discipline, understatement and visual balance. Its timeless lines designed by Philippe Delhotal in 2015 lend themselves to every expression of Hermès skills. Its slender curves highlight both bold, whimsical and minimalist motifs. The Slim d’Hermès Pocket Mysterious Rider watch airily reflects the playful imaginary world and the singular nature of Hermès time.

Crafted in a 3-piece limited edition, this pocket watch reinterprets the Mysterious Rider silk scarf motif created by illustrator and designer Viktor Hachmang. A finalist in the Grand Prix du Carré Hermès, the Dutch artist marries colourful, futuristic graphics with refined Japanese art and comic-book pop culture. His bright hues and geometric patterns bring to life the mysterious rider on a gleaming motorbike. In the background is a shop front reminiscent of the legendary and historic 24 Faubourg Saint-Honoré in Paris.

The cover featuring the biker and his roaring motorcycle is crafted in champlevé enamel. This demanding technique involves carving tiny cells in the metal, filling them with coloured glass powders mixed with natural oils, then firing them several times in a kiln at over 800°C to fix the pigments in place. This brilliantly colourful work of fine workmanship frames a refined white enamel dial. To craft the latter, the enamelling artisan applies a multitude of enamel layers that are successively dried and fired before being adorned with hand-painted red numerals and hour-markers. Beating at the heart of the Slim d’Hermès Pocket Mysterious Rider is the Manufacture Hermès H1950 ultra-thin mechanical self-winding movement. A strap and pouch in matt Rouge H alligator leather, crafted in accordance with the Hermès saddlery and leather goods expertise, accentuate the overall crimson nuances of this creation.

I personally speaking have a thing for pocket watches … and this one is divine!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Hermès
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

TAG Heuer is bringing the TAG Heuer Formula 1 back with the singular American lifestyle brand Kith in new, upgraded materials. Kith (sometimes stylized as KITH) was established in New York City in 2011 by Ronnie Fieg.

The duo is embarking on a cutting-edge collaboration to reintroduce the TAG Heuer Formula 1 Series 1 originally released in 1986. The new collection of timepieces features the beloved TAG Heuer Formula 1 in 10 bold colourways inspired by standout models from TAG Heuer’s past. Alongside Kith, TAG Heuer is reintroducing an ‘80s icon built on strong design codes and standout colours.

In a groundbreaking move, for the first time in TAG Heuer’s illustrious history, the luxury Swiss watchmaker is merging its logo with a collaborative partner. TAG Heuer Formula 1 | Kith features a reworked version of the insignia that combines Kith and Heuer on the dial, rubber strap, and caseback.

With the original TAG Heuer Formula 1, TAG Heuer helped countless collectors fall in love with watches. Now, they are invited to become infatuated with this distinctive, incredibly stylish model all over again.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © TAG Heuer
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Unveiled at Watches & Wonders 2024, this creation from the e CHANEL COUTURE O’CLOCK Collection is an extraordinary haute horlogerie tribute to haute couture. The CHANEL Watchmaking Creation Studio, inspired by the lively atmosphere in the rue Cambon atelier, orchestrates a choreography of couture busts to the rhythms of «My Woman» by Al Bowlly, a melody that Mademoiselle liked to hum.

The chandelier with diamond droplets, the plinth inspired by the upholstered sofa and the gold embellishments all evoke Gabrielle Chanel’s apartment. Mounted on a long gold chain necklace dotted with diamonds is the key for winding the mechanism of this unique piece, in which the time is displayed on tape measure. At once a musical box, a clock and an automaton, this exceptional piece was crafted by the expertise of a large team of highly skilled artisans. From the diamond-encrusted droplets of the miniature chandelier to the meticulously crafted and tuned musical mechanism, this unique creation is a tour de force of technical and aesthetic sophistication.

Unique Piece
Glass dome
Faceted onyx stone trimmed with 18K yellow gold set with 36 diamonds (3.60 carats)
Chandelier in 18K yellow gold with black coating, 18K yellow gold candlesticks
and 26 pear-cut diamonds tassels (~6.24 carats)
5 busts in natural aluminum ceramic trimmed with black leather ribbons each decorated
with one 18K yellow gold brooch set with 6 brilliant-cut diamonds
(~0.40 carat). Tripod in steel with black coating and 18K yellow gold handle set
with 22 diamonds
(~0.31 carat). Top and lower ixing in 18K yellow gold.
Ribbon in natural aluminum ceramic printed with 24-hour and minutes indexes in black lacquer
Fine pearl and support in 18K yellow gold with black coating, and 18K yellow
gold indicator set with a baguette-cut diamond (~0.22 carat)
Base covered with a marquetry of 245 pieces of onyx trimmed with 18K yellow gold
circle set with 160 brilliant-cut diamonds (~23.04 carats) and 18K yellow gold feet.
Manual-winding movement
Power reserve: ~7 days
Functions: hours, minutes
Dimensions: 19.8×34.2cm
Diamonds: 336 brilliant-cut diamonds (~30.92 carats)
26 pear-cut diamonds (~6.24 carats)
1 baguette-cut diamond (~0.22 carat)
18K yellow gold winding key set with 229 brilliant-cut diamonds (~5.98 carats)
18K yellow gold long necklace set with 132 brilliant-cut diamonds (~8.27 carats)

Haute horlogerie craftsmanship at its best.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise. #MADEMOISELLEPRIVEBOUTON #MADEMOISELLEPRIVEPIQUEAIGUILLES #J12 #CHANELPREMIERE #CHANELBOYFRIEND #COCOCOCO #CHANELCOUTUREOCLOCK #CHANELWATCHES #CHANELHAUTEHORLOGERIE – Carats and materials are indication only. The values are non-binding.

Here comes the second model of the CHANEL COUTURE O’CLOCK Collection, that I absolutely adore. A tape measure motif is printed on the double-wrapped black and gold leather strap. The case in titanium and 18K yellow gold is adorned with a charm of a figurine of Mademoiselle in yellow gold and black lacquer set with a diamond.

Limited edition
18K yellow gold case
Titanium caseback with “LIMITED EDITION” mention
18K yellow gold and black lacquer Coco charm set with 1 brilliant-cut diamond
(0.01 carat)
Black-lacquered dial
Double row printed black leather strap with tape measure, golden leather trim and
lining with 18K yellow gold ardillon buckle
High precision quartz movement
Functions: hours and minutes
Water-resistance: 30 meters
Dimensions: 19.7×15.2mm
Diamond: 1 brilliant-cut diamond (0.01 carat)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise. #CHANELPREMIERE #CHANELCOUTUREOCLOCK #CHANELWATCHES #CHANELHAUTEHORLOGERIE – Carats and materials are indication only. The values are non-binding.