Posted on April 3, 2022February 5, 2025 by — Leave a comment

Watches & Wonders Week Highlights by A Stylish Story: WPHH – Franck Muller Gala & HYT Watches at Antiquorum Geneva

Watches and Wonders 2022 in Geneva as told by Anna Blachut.

The annual watch fair called Watches & Wonders just took place in Geneva. This is the equivalent of fashion week for the watch industry. Geneva is the ideal setting for such an event as it is home to numerous prestigious watchmakers such as Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, and Roger Dubuis, to name a few. The Watches & Wonders annual event takes place in Geneva, Switzerland. It consists of an impressive lineup of brands that come together to announce their new watches, unveil their newly launched timepieces and innovations. There are also many local watch brands who host private events during this week.

I was lucky enough to attend several of the exclusive watch events in Geneva, which I wanted to share with you today.

SEVENFRIDAY at The Fairmont in Geneva

The first event I attended was a private watch viewing and dinner at the luxury hotel, the Fairmont in Geneva. The Zurich based brand showcased their new pieces. We met the founders who have successfully launched SEVENFRIDAY as a global lifestyle brand that creates industrial inspired watches as well as super funky eyewear pieces. The pieces are designed for individuals “who live everyday like its Friday”.

HYT Watches Moon Runner & Hastroid at Antiquorum Geneva

The next event which I greatly appreciated was hosted at the auction house Antiquorum. For the 2022 edition of the Watch and Wonders, Antiquorum in Geneva hosted the Swiss manufacturer HYT watches. HYT is known for their unique and innovative approach to time.

HYT introduced two truly remarkable timepieces: the Supernova Blue Moon Runner and the New HYT Hastroid. Davide Cerrato, CEO and Creative Director of HYT, presented these two new models to press and industry members from the 30th of March to the 5th of April. The whole auction house was transformed into a space world. With black-out curtains, one steps through to see a holographic projection of the new Supernova Blue Moon Runner. Headphones in black and neon green were available, once you placed them on your ears echos of the iconic Blade Runner soundtrack envelop you and embark you into the HYT fluidic concept of time and space.

Indeed, space is intrinsic to the watchmaker. HYT’s two new watches celebrate the ‘Heroes of our Time’ such as astronauts and visionary entrepreneurs. Technology is intrinsic to travelling in space, a characteristic HYT shares. How so you may ask? Well, HYT watches are made using mecafluidic technology. This is a the symbiotic marriage of science and micromechanics that means that the HYT timepieces tell time in a manner unlike any other watches in the world. This is because the watches have a fluid that circles around the dial and moves, in order to indicate the passage of hours. This fluid, in its extra-fine capillary, is the remarkable unique feature of the mecafluidic timepieces designed by HYT.

What is more, only 27 copies of the new HYT Moon Runner are available in the world. Why only 27? Well this links back to outer space, where the number 27 is commonly found. For example, Uranus, the seventh planet of the Solar System, has 27 known moons. It is also highlights the rarity of such a unique timepiece.

WPHH – Franck Muller 30th Anniversary Gala

Watches and Wonder is traditionally rounded off by Gala evenings.

I was invited to the WPHH Franck Muller Gala. The WPHH stands for World Presentation of Haute Horlogerie.

The Gala was hosted at the historic Domaine du Grand Malagny. This is a majestic estate owned by Franck Muller. In this stunning location, the watch brand has presented truly exceptional timepieces and laucnhed exciting world premieres. Including the Franck Muller Aeternitas Mega which is the most complicated wristwatch in the world.

This was a particularly special event, as the Gala was held in honour of Franck Muller’s 30 years of success in the watch industry. A milestone for the Master of Complications.

I have documented the event on my Instagram account A Stylish Story if you want to take a closer look at the behind the scenes of the event. Click here to see how the Franck Muller Gala night unfolded.

The new watches that Franck Muller Genève presented at the WPHH 2022, included:

Grand Central
Vanguard Revolution 3 Skeleton
Vanguard Racing Skeleton
Vanguard Yachting Crazy Hours (my personal favourite)
Crazy Hours 30th Anniversary Limited Edition
Vanguard Rose Skeleton
Cielo
Galet Moonphase
Double Mystery

The Franck Muller Crazy Hours model was one of my personal favourites. It is a watch like no other thanks to the unique numerals on the dial. Like a surrealist painting, a melting clock by Salvador Dali, this is a wonderful work of art for your wrist. I adored the Crazy Color Dream one in particular.

It was a wonderful way to wrap up Watches & Wonder. The week was filled with exciting new launches in the watch world. So it was a true honour to attend and be a part of such a special moment for the watch brand Franck Muller.

Posted on February 3, 2022February 5, 2025 by — 1 Comment

10 luxury fashion essentials

We all know that fashion is an expression of who we are and what we want to project to the world, and we all know that it can be expensive. But we also know that it’s not always possible to hop on to all the hottest fashion trends each season and nab the latest Prada bag. If you’re like me, and love the quality of hardworking fashion staples, you might want to invest in these ten luxury fashion essentials that will make you look like a million bucks without the hefty price tag.

10 luxury fashion essentials

10 fashion essentials that will make this season your best one yet.

A timeless, leather bag
A pair of hardworking shoes
A well-cut dress for all occasions
Jewelry that you never have to take off
A designer scarf
A statement hat
A leather belt
A structured jacket
A Swiss made watch
Designer sunglasses

Presentation is everything and in this day and age we are all constantly striving to look our best, it’s no surprise that fashion is a booming industry. There are a number of items that are a must have for a fashionable wardrobe, and they can be found in any price range. In the world of fashion, luxury is all about quality and exclusivity. Whether it’s a high-end designer, a vintage find, or a rare designer piece, these pieces are the perfect luxury fashion essentials.

Here are 10 luxury fashion essentials that are sure to have you looking your best.

1. A timeless bag

A designer handbag: A woman can never have too many designer handbags. They’re a great way to accessorize any outfit and my personal favourites are structured classic ones such as the iconic Hermès Kelly Bag, Hermès Birkin Bag, the Classic Flap bag and the Louis Vuitton monogramed bag.

2. A pair of chic shoes

You can’t have a closet full of clothes without the perfect shoes to go with them. From the perfect pair of heels for a fancy event to the perfect sandal for a day at the beach; there’s no such thing as too many shoes. I personally love wearing Chelsea boots and in winter and opt for white sneakers, loafers and ballet flats in Spring.

3. A perfect fitting dress

The perfect fitting dress is a staple in any woman’s wardrobe. You can never go wrong with a little black dress. You can wear it to work, for a date, to a party, or to an interview. Personally, I love my Ganni dress which is the perfect choice for any occasion. The fit is impeccable and the fabric is luxurious and has been with me for almost 15 years. I actually loved the fit and cut so much I bought it in two colours (classic black and a bold blue).

4. Jewelry

It’s not just about the clothes you wear, but the jewelry you wear to complement the clothes. The right necklace can make or break an outfit. A bracelet can be the perfect accent to a dress, or the perfect accessory to a suit. Earrings are the finishing touch to a perfect look. From diamonds to gold, you can find jewelry items in every style and price point. Luxury fashion essentials like jewelry that I love the most are ones that become part of you. You never remove them, like my diamond necklace and Cartier bracelet.

5. A scarf

Cashmere, silk, and alpaca wool are my go-to. A high-end designer scarf can instantly elevate your outfit. My personal favourites are the classic Hermès silk scarfs and the classic House-Check cashmere scarf from Burberry.

6. A structured hat

This is a simple way to add a little edge to your daily looks. You can completely transform your outfit by topping it off with a trendy Prada bucket hat, a casual cashmere baseball cap, or a wide-brimmed Maison Michel felt hat which each all have a completely different aesthetic.

7. A leather belt

A Hermès Belt is one of the most versatile fashion accessories you can own. It can be worn with almost any outfit, from casual wear to evening wear. It can be worn with a dress, jeans, or a skirt. It can be worn with a dress shirt or a t-shirt to add dimension to your silhouette.

8. A Chanel Jacket

They are expensive, but worth the investment. Chanel is one of the most well-known fashion houses in the world. The company has been around for over 100 years and has always been on the forefront of the fashion industry. They are known for their designs and high-quality products. One of their most popular products is their classic Chanel jacket. There are many different styles to choose from, but the classic Chanel jacket in tweed is the most popular. It is the ultimate in luxury fashion, and is a must-have for any woman.

9. A Swiss Made Watch

A luxury fashion essential, a Swiss Made Watch is a must have. The Swiss Made Watch is a timeless symbol of status and timeless class for both men and women. It is the perfect accessory for any occasion as well as being the perfect gift for any occasion. They have a timeless elegance that never goes out of style. A Swiss Made Watch is a great investment as it will last for many years to come. For example, A Patek Philippe watch is a luxury fashion accessory that is timeless, elegant, and versatile. The Swiss-made watches are known for their accuracy, precision, and their ability to last for generations.

10. Sunglasses

It is always important to have a luxury fashion item that will never go out of style. A pair of designer sunglasses is the perfect choice to keep you looking chic and stylish. My personal favourites are black or brown frames and in terms of designer shades, I adore Celine, Christian Dior and Chanel. In terms of style, as I have soft features I prefer square and sharp rectangle frames – although cat-eye suits almost all face shapes and is a go-to.

So there you have it, 10 luxury essentials to stay stylish and fashionable.

I hope you enjoyed this article and found it helpful! If you want to learn more about luxury fashion styling, why not take a look at my guide to creating a capsule wardrobe.

Posted on November 2, 2021March 14, 2022 by — 1 Comment

A Sneak Peek at Geneva Auction Week with Antiquorum

IMPORTANT MODERN & VINTAGE TIMEPIECES. AUCTION NOVEMBER 6 & 7, 2021 | HOTEL BEAU-RIVAGE | GENEVA

Geneva is the capital of watch auctions and the biggest auction houses including Antiquorum, Christie’s, Phillips and Sotheby’s are all poised for the upcoming watch biddings which will start on November 4, 2021. It begins at the Theater du Leman where the industry’s biggest awards event, Grand Prix d’Horologerie de Genève (GPHG) goes live. What’s more, this year marks the 20th anniversary of the GPHG (The ‘Oscars’ Of The Watch World in the watch industry).

Watch lovers and serious collectors are at the height of their happiness, as we have entered one of the most exciting 6 weeks of in-person events, auctions, horological forums and shows that are taking place in New York, Geneva and Dubai.

I was invited in mid-October 2021 by the auction house Antiquorum to discover the delightful collection of pieces that will be part of their upcoming Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces Auction that will be held on November 6 and 7. It will take place at the prestigious and luxurious Hotel Beau Rivage. Antiquorum is the world’s premiere auction house of modern and vintage timepieces and it was a true pleasure to discover the beautiful collection for the upcoming auction.

Antiquorum’s Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces Auction

Among the rare wristwatches in the auction, there will be a selection of vintage Patek Philippes, including three perpetual calendar chronographs.

My Personal Favourite: Patek Philippe

Indeed the Reference 1518 which is Patek Philippe’s original perpetual calendar chronograph watch will be up for bidding and this is the piece that stole my heart. Made of yellow gold with manual winding, it was my personal favorite. I loved the bracelet, it’s so unique and the craftsmanship was spectacular. Although traditionally for men, I love a gold wristwatch for women too as it almost accentuates one’s wrists.

Fun fact: this particular Patek is a watch that was produced in just 281 examples between 1941 and 1954. So it truly is a rare Patek Philippe find.

Wristwatches For Women

For the ladies, there will be some truly spectacular pieces ranging from Vacheron Constantin to Cartier and of course Patek Philippe.

Patek Philippe Reference 5298

The women’s pieces include a truly unique Patek Philippe Reference 5298 with a brown satin dial and diamond bezel. It is a very fine and extremely rare piece. This self-winding Patek Philippe watch with a diamond bezel, baguette and diamond indexes is the true essence of luxury in horlogerie. Indeed, there is a diamond set on the side of the bezel which is a signature of Patek Philippe that indicates that the bezel is made of platinum.

Fun fact: While most Reference 5298s come with a black dial, very few examples were fitted with the satin brown dial, making this piece very rare.

Crash de Cartier

There will also be the Crash by Cartier at the upcoming Antiquorum auction. This is an iconic model sought after by watch collectors, but what is the story behind this particular design?

The story goes that the Crash by Cartier design was inspired from when a client of Cartier who brought in his damaged watch after a car crash in 1967. The manner in which the watch was distorted inspired the jeweler Jean-Jacques Cartier to create the first-ever made asymmetric case of the watch. This manual wind, 18k yellow gold, and diamond wristwatch is a rare beauty.

Vacheron Constantin Set of Kalla Genève

Possibility the most impressive pieces, these two manual wind, 18k white gold watches from Vacheron Constantin are set with 258 diamonds. Circa 1995, Reference 33546 is a real show stopper.

If you are a watch fan, in addition to these events, auctions and shows, there will also be smaller watch-related exhibits planned around the world.

Useful Information

Geneva Auction Week in November 2021

Phillips, Hotel La Reserve, 301 Route de Lausanne. Session one, November 5 from 2pm; Session two, November 7 from 2pm. Viewing starts November 3.
Antiquorum, Hotel Beau-Rivage, 13, Quai du Mont-Blanc. November 6th from 3pm; November 7th from 10 am. On view from November 3.
Christie’s, Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues, Quai des Bergues. November 8 from 2.30pm. Viewing starts November 4.
Sotheby’s, Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Quai Turrettini. November 10 from 1.30pm. Viewing starts November 2.

A Stylish Story – Anna Blachut

Your luxury blogger from Geneva

Posted on September 27, 2020March 14, 2022 by — Leave a comment

Vacheron Constantin Afterwork

Swiss luxury watch brand Vacheron Constantin’s Afterwork event in Geneva.

This August, I was invited to the beautifully renovated Vacheron Constantin store in the heart of Geneva on Place Longemalle to discover their new collection of luxury Swiss watches.

Vacheron Constantin is a historically iconic Swiss brand as it is actually the world’s oldest watch manufacture. Founded in 1755 in Geneva, their heritage is deeply rooted in Helvetic quality, watchmaking precision and phenomenal craftsmanship. Vacheron Constantin has a rich heritage and record-breaking ability to create complicated watches. Along with Patek Phillipe and Audemars Piguet, Vacheron Constantin is part of The Big Three or The Holy Trinity of Luxury watches. Which refers to the top three most luxurious grandes maisons of watchmaking in Switzerland.

Vacheron Constantin’s five most iconic watches include the Overseas, the Triple Calendar the FiftySix, the Patrimony Ultra-Thin Calibre 1731 and the Harmony Chronograph. Not to mention the Reference 57260, also known as the world’s most complicated watch ever made. The 57260 has 57 complications, 2,826 individual components, 242 jewels, 957 grams, 10 patents, 31 hands, 85 different prototypes, 16 kg of drawings, eight years all for one client!

At the recent digital Watches&Wonders show (formally called SIHH), the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie 2020, Vacheron Constantin unveiled their ten exquisite new watches as part of Watches&Wonders Novelty 2020. Which where then presented in the Geneva boutique and I had the pleasure of discovering them up close during the private Afterwork event hosted by Vacheron Constantin. Here are some of the highlights from the evening…

The intimate gathering had a live DJ set playing, delicious on-demand cocktails and drinks. The ambience was both elegant and inviting. The newly renovated store had beautiful details that echoed the brand. Even the glass cabinets formed the Vacheron Constantin Maltese cross logo.

The five new Vacheron Constantin models presented beautifully with intricate art pieces on the second floor where the following watches:

1. Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin in pink gold.

2. Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin Skeleton in pink gold.

3. Traditionnelle Tourbillon in 18K pink gold.

4. FiftySix Complete Calendar in pink gold and sepia.

5. FiftySix Self-Winding in pink gold and sepia.

Each one has its own personality and paid hommage to a particular aspect of the luxury watch brand.

In the spirit of casual elegance, the Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin and Ultra-Thin Skeleton are sports watches. The Overseas the functions includes hours, minutes, perpetual calendar and moon phases. Timeless yet contemporary, the new Overseas convey the spirit of travel.

Whilst the two Traditionnelle Tourbillons for the Ladies echo the poetic nature of time. On the front, the bar of the open worked tourbillon carriage is inspired by the logo of Vacheron Constantin. This Maltese cross is entirely hand-bevelled. Imbued with elegance and femininity, it is the very first Vacheron Constantin self-winding tourbillon in a lady’s watch.

Whilst the two new watches from the Fiftysix Collection are deeply connected to music. In particular jazz, the saxophone and piano where each projected inside the cabinets illustrated by delicate paper decoupages. Which is a form of traditional Swiss folk art. Their Retro silhouettes are inspired by an iconic 1956 watch.