Sandra‘s Closet

The skeleton calibres manufactured by Roger Dubuis in Geneva are the essence of the expressive singularity of the Excalibur collection. Complying with one of the most respected certifications of Haute Horlogerie, the Poinçon de Genève, the Excalibur watches are designed like contemporary works of art. Every single component being finished by hand, the watches are symbols of passion. The work of hyper-skilled craftsmen is at the forefront of each watch with a direct view on the creative mechanics making these pieces more alive than ever.

Roger Dubuis’s fully integrated Manufacture is the birthplace of ground-breaking innovations, among them the uniquely shaped spinels named Spin-Stones™. Graded from red to blue and coated with SuperLumiNova, the stunning gems always shine in colour – by day, night, or under UV light-, and give birth to the Excalibur Blacklight Spin-stone™ Monobalencier edition, presented at Watches & Wonders , while taking colourful luminescence to new heights.

EON GOLD 18K, Self-winding, 42mm
Available for $162.000, limited to 28 pieces.

LoL, Sandra

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

I just love this look, it makes me feel like a little princess, but in a very modern way. Comfortable, yet head turning, this pink ensemble combined with patent-leather sneakers captures an ethereal mood. I felt so good in it, that while I was wearing it for a lunch appointment in Zurich, I decided to fly spontaneously to London without anything… stay tuned for my full report!

My look: Sweater with logo embroidery and silk faille sleeves, gathered faille midi skirt, pink patent leather sneakers, all by Alexander McQueen, Dionysus small two-tone leather shoulder bag by Gucci,  floral pearl drop earrings by Simone Rocha, Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis, bow and crystal-embellished wrap bracelet by Miu Miu, and crystal-embellished sunglasses by CHANEL.

LoL, Sandra

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

One jacket, two looks. Power shoulders have always made a strong statement in fashion and they work with pants and skirts. The strong shoulder is most associated with the 80s, but it first had a heyday in the 30s and 40s, as a sign of women’s liberation, when the female suit was primarily birthed. I love this versatile Balenciaga jacket that comes with a built-in skirt. One piece, many options and styles … statement fashion for the woman of the new 20s.

My look: Oversized plaid wool jacket with built-in skirt detail (2017) by Balenciaga, cropped high-rise wide-leg jeans by Stella McCartney, cashmere circles appliqué scarf and logo striped oversized silk shirt, both by Prada, New Abby tweed sailor cap by Maison Michel, JW-charm gold-plated choker by JW Anderson, bean embellished leather tote by Simone Rocha, Vita suede platform sandals by Amina Muaddi, Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis, and leopard face mask by Dolce & Gabbana.

LoL, Sandra

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

Last week, the Bucherer Flagship Store in Zurich opened its doors after an intense refurbishment in new splendor at Bahnhofstr. 50. Inside, five floors of around 800 square meters await you to explore the most beautiful jewelry pieces as well as creations from several renowned watch brands, among them Piaget, Chopard and Roger Dubuis just to name a few. On the ground floor, a unique Rolex boutique, welcomes customers at the entrance.

Modern architecture meets spectacular design. The facade shines in Cristallina
Marble, the only one mined in Switzerland, generating a fascinating effect depending on how the sunlight reflects on it.

The renovation is another milestone in the over 130-year history of Bucherer. What many do not know: Although the family business’ roots are in Lucerne, Bucherer has been represented at the Bahnhofstrasse since the early ’40s.

To celebrate the occasion, I was invited to explore the fascinating collections of Bucherer Fine Jewellery that you see me wearing in the pictures, all created with passion and expertise for high jewelry.

Speaking of passion: if you visit the store, have a look at the Romance Lounge, that invite customers to take their time to indulge in the beautiful pieces as if they were sitting in a café.

My personal favorites are the new limited edition Clover rings that have been launched as a highlight for the re-opening. Bucherer’s VIP customers were of course able to explore the models beforehand and reserve their must-have. 18 unique pieces, each of them exclusive, valuable and rare – the number an homage to the founding year of Bucherer 1888. Prices range depending on the precious stones from CHF 22,000 to CHF 420,000.

To surprise their distinguished clientele in different ways, Bucherer plans to host exclusive events throughout the year on their event floor with roof terrace, that offers breathtaking views over the city. Outstanding service and strong customer relation – two main values the family business has been standing for since 1888.

Stay tuned for my next post from the opening party last Tuesday coming up soon…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Bucherer
Photos of me: © Dominik Orth –  Instagram @orthart

Personally speaking, SIHH in Geneva, the famous Swiss watch trade fair, is one of the most enjoyable events of my yearly must-dos. Nevertheless, a lot has changed during the past years. In 2020, the so-called Salon Internationale de la Haute Horlogerie will take place in May right after Baselworld. It makes sense especially for all the visitors from abroad to come only once to Switzerland.

This year, Van Cleef & Arpels decided not to be exhibiting due to the little business the brand has with retailers and distributors. Two other luxury watch brands, Richard Mille and Audemars Piguet, are leaving next year for similar reasons. It seems that most of the prestigious watch companies are dealing more and more directly with their consumers.

Happy Sandra after seeing Audemars Piguet’s amazing high jewellery watch Sapphire Orbe (a detailed post to follow).

In the meantime others joined the exhibition for the first time, for example Bovet, known for their handmade watches with artistic finishes and highly complicated movements. In addition, Breitling and Bucherer recently became members of the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie (FHH), which manages SIHH. This might be the first step in replacing Richard Mille and Audemars Piguet for 2020.

Still trending: Colourful straps as seen at Piaget, Cartier and Audemars Piguet.

But most importantly what will we wear in 2019? Cuff watches, tourbillons, dial sets with miniature paintings, skeleton movements, shaped cases and still lots of celestial influences… Below are some of my favorite ladies’ watches revealed during the 29th Salon Internationale de la Haute Horlogerie.

AUDEMARS PIGUET Royal Oak Frosted Gold Double Balance Wheel Openworked
A watch that is brilliant in every way.
White “frosted gold”, 37mm, manual winding manufacture skeleton movement with a rainbow magic of its 32 baguette-cut sapphires (2.24 carats). MY FAVORITE!

RICHARD MILLE RM 37-01 Kiwi
Fancy a little watchmaking sweetness to help you through the winter?
Colored Quartz TPT and Carbon TPT, 34.400 x 52.30mm, self-winding mechanical movement, limited edition (30 pieces)

ROGER DUBUIS Excalibur Shooting Star
The coolest booth for the fastest girls in the world.
Pink gold set with diamonds, 36mm, flying tourbillon, skeleton manual winding movement.

PIAGET Possession Cuff Watch
A booth filled with sand for a little time out at the beach – a perfect backdrop to show the expert application of gold-working, a skill for which the brand is historically famed.
Pink gold set with 162 diamonds, 29mm, gold Milanese mesh strap.

JAEGER-LECOULTRE Rendez-Vous Moon Jewellery
One the sky is the limited. Nature played an important role at Jaeger Le-Coultre.
White gold case with mother-of-pearl dial and polished rhodium-plated appliqués, diamonds ~168 (~3.43 carats), calibre : 925B/1.

CARTIER Baignoire Allongé
Women are in for a treat at Cartier. Part of the Maison since 1912, the Baignoire features an ellipsis-shaped dial and  earned its unusual name in the late 1950s thanks to its strong resemblance to a bathtub.
Extra-large model, pink gold, dial set with brilliant-cut diamonds (293 diamonds,~1.50 carats), dark alligator leather strap, manual movement 1917 MC.

During the next days, I will show you much more as the most distinguished models deserve their own post, don’t you think? Stay tuned!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Some Stills: Courtesy of the Brands

Nobody does floral femininity better than Dolce & Gabbana. My closet has been blooming with wildflowers since many seasons thanks to the Italian designer duo. Beautiful prints which evoke the sights and smells of the countryside in spring on elongated silhouettes keep up with the needs of us modern women. You are immediately in a good mood.

My look: Printed floral maxi dress and gold-plated Swarovski crystal clip earrings, both by Dolce & Gabbana, Sac Du Jour leather tote by Saint Laurent, Rockstud leather sandals by Valentino, Lady Excalibur rose gold watch by Roger Dubuis and «Mitza» ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The colour of kings, blue, was unquestionably one of the stars of the SIHH 2018 (Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie), a unisex shade for both, men and women, that recounts watchmaking’s noble origins. Once the exception to the rule, blue has become one of watchmakers’ go-to colours. Indigo or azure, sky or cerulean, teal or navy, the year’s collections have revealed a vast palette of fashionably chic shades. Dials as blue as the ocean’s deep or as luminous as the sky, diamonds embellishing watches to ignite desire, colourful straps that bring originality to the wrist.

Whether matched with the soft sheen of pink gold, the warmth of yellow gold, or contrasting with the icy purity of steel, blue has the faculty to adapt to every style and material.
Please see for yourself:

MEN’s WATCHES

Clockwise from top left:
Kalpagraphe Chronomètre by Parmigiani Fleurier
Marine Tourbillon Blue Grand Feu by Ulysses Nardin
Clifton by Baume & Mercier
Slim d’Hermès Quantième Perpétuel by Hermès

Excalibur Aventador S by Roger Dubuis
Roger Dubuis dares to be rare once again and goes where others fear to tread – by launching colourful iterations of its iconic Excalibur line in conjunction with partners Perfect Fit Pirelli and Raging Mechanics Lamborghini Squadra Corse at SIHH 2018.

Offering yet another stunning example of highly complicated watchmaking inspired by the automotive world, the Roger Dubuis x Lamborghini Squadra Corse partnership roars to life in 2018 with the 45 mm Excalibur Aventador S Blue vying for pole position by being crafted from the same C-SMC carbon as that used on the actual Lamborghini cars.
Limited to 88 pieces.

Freak Vision by Ulysee Nardin

Introducing the first automatic watch in the Freak Collection, the Freak Vision. Among the game-changers: a super-light silicium balance wheel with nickel mass elements and stabilizing micro-blades and a new case design made even thinner by a box-domed crystal. Time is still indicated in the «Freak» manner that sets the collection apart: by the baguette movement itself, a  50 hours «flying carrousel» rotating around its own axis.

Yet the design components are completely different. The new 3D carved upper bridge is inspired by a boat’s hull. Finally, the entire 45mm platinum case itself is new—horns, bezel, the rubber on the side—making for a look that is much more open and generous.

WOMEN’s WATCHES

Clockwise from top left:
Millenary Hand-Wound Ladies Watch by Audemars Piguet (with interchangeable straps)
Laureato Royalty, 34mm by Girard-Perregaux
Sweet Alhambra  Watch by Van Clef & Arpels
Possession Watch, 29mm by Piaget

Clockwise from top left:
Luminor Due 3 Days, 42mm & Luminor Due 3 Days Automatic, 38mm, both by Panerai
Bohème Automatic Date, 34mm by Montblanc
Slim d’Hermès Mythiques Phoenix Coloriages, 39mm by Hermès
Rendez-Vous Night & Day Medium by Jaeger-LeCoultre

One is more beautiful than the other… the decision is all yours.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Single Photos of Roger Dubuis, Ulysee Nardin: Courtesy of the Brands

Since many years, I have been invited to SIHH, which is the year’s first gathering of professionals in the watchmaking segment and I love going there. Held in January, it sets the tone for the twelve months to come as it rolls out the latest trends. By visiting the glamorous watch fair, you are not only treated to champagne, 5-star hotel accommodation (I stayed at the beautiful Four Seasons in Geneva), but only amazing events with tons of celebrities visiting the prestigious event. 2018 has been one of the fair’s most interesting yet with incredible watches being unveiled and new exhibitors presenting their novelties.

New to the fair is French luxury house Hermès who is showing at SIHH for the very first time.

CEO Piaget Chabi Nouri with me

Altogether there are 35 exhibitors with many newly on-board CEOs such as Jaeger-LeCoultre, Ulysse Nardin, Vacheron Constantin and Piaget. The latter’s new CEO Chabi Nouri presented her fresh direction and won my vote for best booth at the fair. The beautiful tropical island themed decorations featured real lush palm tree embellishments, an indoor pool, and even a simulated skylight.

The brand’s new Altiplano Ultimate Concept, which is with only 2mm of exceptional horology the thinnest watch in the world, was one of the talking pieces of the fair. Personally speaking, I have fallen for Piaget‘s turquoise-colored Limelight Gala watch and some other favorites that you will find below:

LIMELIGHT GALA WATCH BY PIAGET
White gold, set with diamonds
Turquoise dial
Manufacture Piaget quartz movement 690P

PANTHÈRE DE CARTIER
Mini model
18k pink gold
Case set with brilliant-cut diamonds
Triple-loop bracelet

ROYAL OAK FROSTED GOLD SELFWINDING BY AUDEMARS PIGUET
Selfwinding manufacture calibre 3120
Centre seconds, date,
37mm, dial comes now in pink gold
18-carat pink gold

TONDA 1950 BY PARMIGIANI FLEURIER
PF702 ultra-thin automatic movement with micro rotor
48-hour power reserve
Hand-beveled bridges
18ct rose gold case
Available in stones dial and with diamond setting
Alligator strap

FIFTY-SIX COMPLETE CALENDAR BY VACHERON CONSTANTIN
Precision moon phase
Approximately 40 hours of power reserve
18K pink gold
40 mm diameter, 11.6 mm thick
Transparent sapphire crystal caseback
Water-resistance tested at a pressure of 3 bar (approx. 30 meters)
Alligator strap

The watches are getting smaller and so are the prices… many watchmakers are opting for less expensive models as Piaget launches for the first time watches in steel, as well as Jaeger-LeCoultre does for the so-called «Polaris» collection. Vacheron Constantin will be making a ladies line and Panerai is releasing a new range of 38mm timepieces, the smallest Panerai watches ever.

Roger Dubuis showed me a novelty for the ladies range that I have fallen in love with immediately but I am not allowed to talk about it until February…!

TONDA 1950 GALAXY by PARMIGIANI FLEURIER
PF702 ultra-thin automatic movement with platinum micro rotor
48-hour power reserve
Hand-beveled bridges
18ct gold case with diamond setting, 064ct
Blue Aventurine dial
Hermès alligator strap

The color to opt for is blue. There was not one booth that didn’t show a variety of azure, indigo, sky or cerulean. As there were so many, I decided to write a separate post about it which will be published soon…

Stay tuned! So much more to come!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

During the Zurich Film Festival, one of the biggest highlights is the exclusive dinner hosted by Tommy Hilfiger. Last year, the American designer himself welcomed the guests at Razzia restaurant and thanked his long-time CEO Daniel Grieder on stage. Later, stars such as Johannes Huebl, Moritz Bleibtreu, and Elisa Sednaoui listened to the private concert by Marlon Roudette.

Playsuits and over-the-knee boots are definitely no longer for fashion victims only, they have become a must this season.

My look: Silk-chiffon playsuit by Emilio Pucci, bi-colour Sac De Jour nano leather tote by Saint Laurent, suede over-the-knee boots by Dior, earrings by Chanel, Diorette ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie, bar cuff in rose gold by Balenciaga and Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis .

Stay tuned… tonight it is time for the Tommy Hilfiger dinner again.

LoL, Sandra

With lovely Silvia Binggeli, Editor-in-Chief of Annabelle.

Nadja Schildknecht, Daniel Grieder CEO Tommy Hilfiger and PVH Europe, Elisa Sednaoui, Tommy Hilfiger, Clara Paget and Johannes Huebl.

Marlon Roudette entertaining the crowd at the Tommy Hilfiger dinner.

With German actor Moritz Bleibtreu.

Photos: Courtesy of Tommy Hilfiger and © Sandra Bauknecht

Last Friday, I went to the iconic Rive Gauche Summer Party at the Hotel Baur au Lac in Zurich. The first social event after the summer break is always a lot of fun. This year, it was extremely hot which was perfect for this garden style celebration. If you decide to go, remember to wear wedges as standing in the grass can be quite challenging for thin high heels!

My look: Margarita orange gown by Hervé Léger, Monogramme fringed leather and jacquard clutch by Saint Laurent, suede wedge sandals by Bottega Veneta, Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis, earrings by Chanel and ring «Mitza» by Dior Haute Joaillerie.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography, © Sandra Bauknecht