Dispatch From Russia
Our local Moscow-based editor Yury Khnychkin recaps Russia’s hottest watch news. To see more from our team in Russia, visit www.hautetime.ru.
Vacheron Constantin Opens New Moscow Boutique
Vacheron Constantin International Director Yann Bouillonnec was on hand in Russia’s capital for the opening of the brand’s new Moscow boutique. The project’s chief architect, Filippo Gabbiabi, as well as Moscow Boutique Director Pavel Kudryashov, Russia Brand Director Nicolas Deflers, and VIP Account Director Dominique Bernaz joined Bouillonnec for the ribbon cutting at the grand opening. Guests at the ceremony had the chance to see the new exhibition Vacheron Constantin’s Treasures, which is comprised of twenty-three exceptional creations delivered specially for the event from Geneva. Attendees also had the chance to admire Vacheron Constantin’s four new Russia-exclusive timepieces, which were created specifically for the opening of the Moscow boutique, including the one-of-a-kind Patrimony Traditionnelle Calibre 2253.
Felix Baumgartner Helps Reopen the Zenith Boutique in Moscow
The newly renovated Zenith boutique opened at the TSUM, Moscow’s famous high-end department store. In celebration of the reopening, the brand was joined by one of its most high-profile ambassadors: Felix Baumgartner. Baumgartner shot to fame with his jump from the stratosphere, during which he became the first person to break the sound barrier without vehicular power. During his visit to the Russian capital, Baumgartner brought with him the Zenith El Primero Stratos Flyback Striking 10th he wore during his record-breaking jump in 2012. However, since this chronograph is now part of history and can no longer be worn (it was put on display at the reopening in a protective case), Baumgartner wore a Zenith Pilot Montre d’Aéronef Type 20 Annual Calendar.
Hublot Unveils the Big Bang Ferrari Russia During Ferrari Weekend
In honor of its 10th anniversary in Russia, luxury automaker Ferrari teamed up with Hublot, its official partner since 2011, for a special celebration. Gianmaria Bruni, the World Endurance Champion, gave Ferrari customers and VIP guests the chance to test a professional F1 simulator at a weekend-long event at the Barvikha Luxury Village in Moscow. In honor of this special occasion, Hublot also introduced the new Big Bang Ferrari Russia. This limited edition model, of which only 25 pieces will be produced, was designed specifically for the Russian market.
Chopard Hosts the L.U.C Classic Weekend Rally
Luxury watchmaker Chopard celebrated its connection to the world of vintage automobiles at the 12th annual L.U.C Chopard Classic Weekend Rally in Moscow. Guests at the event were treated to the grand opening of the new Chopard boutique on the ground floor of the TSUM, Moscow’s famous high-end department store. Chopard Co-President Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, his mother Karin, and his father Karl Scheufele (who bought the brand from Paul André Chopard in 1963) were all on hand for the ribbon cutting ceremony, along with Alexandr Reebok, Director of Mercury, the exclusive partner of the brand in Russia. Following the ceremony, Mr. Scheufele and his father got behind the wheel of a classic Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet Pininfarina Series II. A total of 70 crews, which were raring to go at the start line, followed them. From the starting point at the TSUM, the rally sent participants on a three-hour journey with several checkpoints throughout the city, including one at Kutuzov Avenue where crews had to answer trivia questions about Chopard’s history. The rally ended at the Barvikha Luxury Village, where Mr. Scheufele wrapped up the day by cutting the first piece of a special cake shaped like Chopard’s original 1963 L.U.C Chronograph.
