Dispatch From The UK

Since Haute Time has gone global, we’re bringing you a snapshot from our worldwide markets.
Here, our local London-based editor Arthur Touchot recaps the United Kingdom’s hottest watch news. To see more from our team in the UK visit www.hautetime.co.uk.

Zenith Pays Tribute To The Rolling Stones

Zenith surprised everyone by revisiting the legendary El Primero to celebrate another legend: The Rolling Stones. The El Primero Chronomaster 1969 Tribute to the band features the emblematic Rolling Stones logo at 6 o’clock, and bears the colors of the original El Primero, made in 1969. The iconic movement can be admired through a window on the dial.

Audemars Piguet and Tinie Tempah Celebrate New Royal Oak Collection

Audemars Piguet CEO François-Henry Bennahmias hosted a private party at Victoria House in Bloomsbury to celebrate the launch of the new Royal Oak Offshore 42mm timepieces. Guests were treated to an evening of entertainment and an array of special digital features. Friend of the brand Tinie Tempah also performed an exclusive set for Audemars Piguet’s guests, including some of his top hits.

Patek Philippe Chooses London For 2015 Watch Art Grand Exhibition

Patek Philippe announced plans to bring the Watch Art Grand Exhibition to London at the Saatchi Gallery in May 2015. Mark Hearn, the managing director for Patek Philippe UK, said he was “very proud” of hosting the event in London, describing the business and tourism hub as “the ideal venue for next year’s event.” The exhibition will bring to a close Patek Philippe’s 175th anniversary celebrations, which started on May 1st this year, and will serve as a showcase for the brand’s tradition of high-precision watch manufacturing.

Roy Hodgson Joins Team Hublot

Hublot celebrated Roy Hodgson’s 66th birthday by releasing the King Power 66 Hodgson at the Hublot boutique on New Bond Street in London. Hublot CEO Ricardo Guadalupe presented Mr. Hodgson, the manager of England’s national football team, with a watch created and named in his honor. By signing with Hublot, Mr. Hodgson joined an exclusive group of friends and ambassadors of the brand—including Pelé, José Mourinho, and Radamel Falcao, to name a few—in the football field. The Hublot King Power 66 Hodgson will be produced as a limited edition of 66 pieces, to commemorate the year England won the World Cup.

Breguet Reopens its London Flagship

Breguet celebrated the grand reopening of its London boutique this June. Originally opened on New Bond Street in 2002, it has undergone a dramatic expansion and modernization over the past eight months. The new boutique, located in the heart of Mayfair, boasts 190 square meters and four floors. Visitors will be able to discover some of the brand’s exclusivities in the third floor VIP lounge, which features superb views along Bond Street.

Harrods Opens a Fine Watch Room At Heathrow

Travelers with time on their hands can now enjoy London’s most extraordinary timepieces. Curated by Harrods’ buying team, Terminal Two’s fine watch selection will reflect the exceptional collection of timepieces that can be found in the Fine Watch Room at Harrods. Over 30 brands will be carried, including Zenith, Jaeger-LeCoultre, IWC, Chanel, Hublot, and Chopard. This is the first time Harrods has extended its Fine Watch Room, opened in late 2011, outside of its Knightsbridge flagship.