
UK government Archives
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Khaleej Times
2 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Les Cabinotiers Temporis Duo Grand Complication Openface is a lyrical celebration of time
In the world of watchmaking, few names carry the weight of history quite like Vacheron Constantin. The Swiss maison's 270-year legacy of being the world's oldest watchmaker in continuous production perfectly embodies humankind's quest to capture time and distil its mysteries within the confines of a metal case. Across that remarkable journey, the brand has tackled the grandest of complications and pushed the boundaries of horological expression. Yet, even for this fabled watchmaker, bringing together a split-seconds chronograph, a minute repeater, and a tourbillon in a wristwatch remains an extraordinary feat. These three complications, each formidable on its own, have tested generations of craftsmen. While they have shared space in the occasional grand pocket watch, uniting them in a single wristwatch remains a rare achievement. Vacheron Constantin first explored this daring combination in 2022 with a one-of-a-kind Les Cabinotiers timepiece powered by calibre 2757. Now, with the singular Les Cabinotiers Temporis Duo Grand Complication Openface — another one-off creation — the maison reveals the intricate beauty of the movement through a sapphire dial and caseback. Seen up close, the Temporis Duo Grand Complication Openface is a breathtaking spectacle. Its open worked sapphire dial, scarcely half a millimetre thick, offers an intimate view of the mechanical ballet beneath. Driving this marvel is the calibre 2757 S, a masterpiece of modern watchmaking composed of 696 meticulously finished components. From the split-seconds chronograph that captures parallel moments with elegant precision, to the minute repeater that strikes the hours, quarters, and minutes with remarkable clarity, every function reflects Vacheron Constantin's relentless pursuit of perfection. Anchoring it all is the tourbillon regulator, fitted with a spherical hairspring, quietly resisting the pull of gravity to keep time steady and true. And yet, the watch wears its technical brilliance lightly. Thoughtful choices such as titanium, silicon, and aluminium within the movement help reduce weight and friction, enhancing performance and preserving energy. Together, they sustain a generous 50-hour power reserve, even with the chronograph engaged. Frosted and polished surfaces, warm 5N pink gold accents, and a rich olive-green strap lend contemporary flair to this vessel of timeless craft. The 45mm pink gold case frames it all, substantial yet harmonious on the wrist. But beyond the complexity and beauty, there is a deeply human story. Much like the cabinotiers — the master watchmakers of Geneva who, centuries ago, crafted bespoke marvels for discerning patrons — a single artisan at Vacheron Constantin saw this creation through from start to finish. From the first bevel to the final adjustment, every polished edge, every satin-brushed surface, every hidden screw speaks of patience, skill, and a craft reverently passed down through generations. With the Les Cabinotiers Temporis Duo Grand Complication Openface, Vacheron Constantin invites us to witness the passage of time, to feel it, and to hear it. This is not merely a technical triumph, but a lyrical celebration of time's fleeting beauty, captured forever in metal, sapphire, and sound.


Zawya
2 hours ago
- Zawya
UK, India likely to unveil trade deal next week, sources say
India and Britain are expected to seal a long-awaited free trade deal next week, two Indian government sources said, granting Indian textiles and electric vehicles some duty-free access to the UK market and easing British exports of whisky, cars and food. In May, both countries announced the conclusion of trade negotiations after three years of stop-start negotiations, aiming to increase bilateral trade, remove trade barriers and allow duty-free entry of goods. The countries are now preparing to formally sign the agreement, and the announcement could coincide with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's expected visit to London next week, one of the Indian officials said. The trade pact will take effect in about a year, after it is approved by the British parliament and India's federal cabinet, the official added. Officials spoke on the condition of anonymity as the details are not public. "The trade agreement offers a win-win for both countries," the second Indian source said, adding that Indian consumers would gain access to Scotch whisky at lower prices, as import tariffs will drop to 75% from 150% immediately, and further to 40% over the next decade. On cars, India will cut duties to 10% from 100% under a quota system that will be gradually liberalised, the sources said. In return, Indian manufacturers are expected to gain access to the UK market for electric and hybrid vehicles, also under a quota regime, they added. India's commerce ministry did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment. Britain's trade ministry said that the countries were working to finalise the deal. "We have been working with India on a landmark trade deal that will deliver for British people and business," a UK government spokesperson said. India's trade ministry has said 99% of Indian exports to Britain would benefit from zero duty under the deal, including textiles, while Britain will see reductions on 90% of its tariff lines. An Indian trade delegation is separately holding talks in Washington, for a potential trade deal with the U.S. as President Donald Trump ramps up his trade war with the threat of sharply higher tariffs from August 1. By 2030, India's middle class is projected to reach 60 million people and could rise to a quarter of a billion by 2050, according to British government estimates. India's overall import demand is forecast to grow by 144% in real terms to 1.4 trillion pounds ($1.88 trillion) by 2035, compared to 2021. ($1 = 0.7434 pounds)


Zawya
3 hours ago
- Zawya
Wizz Air to resume flights from Poland's Modlin Airport
London-listed low-cost carrier Wizz Air will resume flights from Warsaw Modlin Airport in central Poland after a 13-year hiatus, with plans to deploy two aircraft there from December, operations officer Roland Tischner said on Friday. Wizz Air said on Monday it was closing down its Abu Dhabi operation, giving it the ability to relocate capacity throughout Europe. The airline had shifted its operations to Warsaw's Chopin Airport in 2012 after a runway failure at Modlin. "After successful negotiation and discussion and agreement with the management of Modlin Airport, we are going to deploy two new Airbus neo planes to Modlin airport starting in December," Tischner said at a conference in Warsaw. The new routes will serve eight countries and connect Modlin with Athens, Sardinia's Alghero, Barcelona, Bergamo, Bergen, Brindisi, Chisinau, Malta, Palermo, Paphos and Sofia. Last week Ryanair announced plans to treble the number of passengers it serves at Modlin airport to more than 5 million a year by 2030. (Reporting by Anna Wlodarczak-Semczuk; Writing: Pawel Florkiewicz; Editing by Kirsten Donovan)