Latest news with #Swiss-made
Hype Malaysia
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
NORQAIN & G-SHOCK's Dope New Drops Are Giving Ice Cream & Ocean Vibes
Looking to level up your wrist game? From exclusive pieces that scream summer, to dazzling creations that'll give you a summer glow-up – here are two timepiece drops that'll make you the main character. NORQAIN Freedom 60 Chrono 'Enjoy Life' Edition NORQAIN's new 'Enjoy Life' version for the Freedom 60 Chrono 40mm is a vibrant outlier in a watch industry that frequently honours tradition and heritage with a respectful silence. It's a mechanical watch that dares to seem buoyant without compromising the engineering that powers it. The dial itself has the feel of a moving gelato counter. The subdials are anchored by three ice cream-sherbet tones: green, pink, and blue. The entire amusing image is framed by a black tachymeter ring. The eye-catcher, however, is the date window: on five dates per month, the numerals are replaced by an image of a triple-scoop cone – the kind of decadence that instantly takes you back to your early years. The watch depends on more than just visual innovation. The Swiss-made NORQAIN calibre N19, which has a 62-hour power reserve, manages timekeeping with discipline behind the dial. The 40mm-diameter 316L stainless steel case is water-resistant up to 100 meters and has been carefully polished and brushed. At its core, this is still a tool watch – the only one that has been permitted to have a relatable personality. The motto, 'Enjoy Life,' is engraved on the sapphire glass of the caseback and is visible when you turn it over. Instead of presenting itself as an aspirational luxury item, it plays into the notion that, like ice cream, time is something to be cherished. NORQAIN also capitalised on the watch's personality when they first unveiled it. Starting with a formal shopping event and concluding with a pool party, the launch was held in Las Vegas. Instead of trying to dress up the watch to fit a certain event, they let the event fit the piece's fun and laid-back vibe. This model offers some design reflection in the context of luxury timepieces, where restraint and formality are frequently confused with seriousness. What if happiness was just as essential to design as accuracy? What if innovation and nostalgia were seated at the same table? The 'Enjoy Life' edition is all about the ordinary rather than pushing the limits of high-end watchmaking. It's for creating fashionable and unforgettable summer days. In the warmer months, mix it with a light suit for dressier dinner gatherings or use it to round off casual ensembles. However, keep the colours mild in tone. The Freedom 60 Chrono 40mm Enjoy Life Special Edition retails for RM21,670 a piece. If you'd like to purchase one for yourself, visit NORQAIN's official website. G-SHOCK's Hidden Glow Vol. 2 Collection G-SHOCK has released the next chapter in its highly popular watch series, the Hidden Glow Vol. 2: Sea of Stars. With its inventive dial designs, the six-piece collection, which includes models from the GA-2100, GA-110, GA-700, and DW-6900 series, captures the mystery of bioluminescent tides and is inspired by the summer sea. Made from resin parts impregnated with a unique phosphorescent substance, each watch has an eye-catching blue phosphorescent dial. When used all over the dial or just in certain places, this substance gives out a soft blue light in the dark that is evocative of plankton glinting in moonlight. This ethereal light creates an elegant and eye-catching design by fusing G-SHOCK's distinctive ruggedness with an ocean-inspired accent. The sophisticated white and blue colour scheme of the bio-based resin complements the phosphorescent dials, which depict the coastline's organic change. Each model offers G-SHOCK's well-known performance and durability, including LED lighting for the best vision in low light, while capturing the vibrant mood of coastal summer living. In addition, the clocks have a 200-meter water resistance, a stopwatch, a countdown timer, five daily alarms, a 12- or 24-hour time format, and a shock-resistant construction. The Hidden Glow Vol. 2: Sea of Stars collection is now available for purchase via G-SHOCK's website as well as select retailers, with prices ranging from US$110 (~RM466) to US$140 (~RM593). What's your Reaction? +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0
Mint
06-06-2025
- Business
- Mint
Swiss Arms Chief Seeks Closer European Ties for Defense Race
(Bloomberg) -- Switzerland's most senior arms procurement official is seeking closer collaboration with European neighbors, as global demand for weapons surges and the nation's own defense industry falters. Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and concern over US President Donald Trump's commitment to NATO's mutual defense clause is forcing Europe to rearm, pushing weapons firms to their capacity limits. That's making it more challenging for small countries like Switzerland to place orders, said Urs Loher, director of Armasuisse, the government agency responsible for Swiss army procurement. To give it more negotiating heft, Armasuisse is in talks with Germany to jointly procure helmets, while the agency is also considering expanding cooperation in electronic warfare with foreign partners. 'We'll have to increasingly get involved in such collaboration projects to ensure that the small quantities we need arrive within an appropriate time period at somewhat reasonable prices,' Loher said in an interview in Bern. Artillery ammunition prices, for example, have quadrupled in the past three years, with waiting times of five to six years, he said. Switzerland's dilemma is partly a legacy of a post-Cold War peace dividend that allowed the neutral nation — surrounded almost entirely by NATO members — to spend less than 1% of gross domestic product on defense. At the same time, its neutrality means it has imposed strict export rules for arms, blocking shipments of Swiss-made weapons to Ukraine. 'We are paying the price of over 30 years of peace dividend,' Loher said. 'Switzerland suffered large collateral damage from the blocked re-export requests of weapons to Ukraine. Our European partners lost trust and it will take time to rebuild that.' For years, the Swiss army and government agencies have been dealing with outdated weapon systems, particularly in air defense, and delayed purchasing programs, including for Israeli drones. At current levels, Swiss air defense systems can cover just 8% of the country, or four out of the country's 10 biggest urban areas, Loher said. On Thursday, parliament's lower house approved 1.7 billion Swiss francs ($2.1 billion) of procurement projects, but rejected a proposal for an additional 1 billion francs for anti-aircraft ammunition. New Defense Minister Martin Pfister said there was 'currently no financial scope' to raise the army budget. NATO member states, in the meantime, adopted the alliance's most ambitious military ramp-up since the Cold War on Thursday, closing in on an agreement to ratchet up spending at a summit later this month. It includes a five-fold increase in ground-based air-defense systems capabilities, Bloomberg has reported. The challenge of securing reliable arms supplies comes as Switzerland's owns defense industry is being squeezed by the nation's neutral stance. In particular, blocking arms deliveries to Ukraine has meant that other European governments are increasingly cutting Swiss products out of their arms-supply chains as they rush to bolster their defenses. That's weakening Switzerland's bargaining position in times of crisis, according to Loher, 58, who served as chief executive officer at the Swiss subsidiaries of Rheinmetall AG and Thales SA before taking over the helm of Armasuisse in 2023. 'If we no longer have our own arms industry we will be totally dependent on foreign countries,' he said. 'That would make it more difficult to have an army as independent and autonomous as possible.' Such fears have prompted the Swiss government to ask parliament to reinstate its power to approve arms re-exports. A commission in parliament's upper house suggested exempting 25 countries including most NATO members from having to obtain permission for re-exports. Without that flexibility, the Swiss arms industry is rapidly facing an existential threat. 'Whether we want a defense industry here in Switzerland is ultimately a political discussion — politics set the framework,' Loher said. 'I would simply like to point out that the longer the discussion goes on, the more it becomes redundant.' (Updates with defense minister's comment in eighth paragraph) More stories like this are available on
Hypebeast
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hypebeast
NORQAIN's Freedom 60 Chrono "Enjoy Life" Edition Blends the Art of Time and Ice Cream
In a watch industry that often celebrates tradition and heritage with a reverent hush,NORQAIN's new 'Enjoy Life' edition for the Freedom 60 Chrono 40mm is an exuberant outlier. It's a mechanical timepiece that dares to be buoyant in appearance—without sacrificing the engineering beneath it. The dial itself feels like a gelato counter in motion. Three ice-cream-sherbet tones—green, pink, and blue—anchor the subdials, while a black tachymeter ring frames the whole playful scene. But it's the date window that's the headturner: on five dates each month, the numbers give way to an illustration of a triple-scoop cone, the kind of indulgence that seems to transport you straight back to childhood. The watch doesn't rely solely on aesthetic novelty. Beneath the dial, the Swiss-made NORQAIN calibre N19 handles timekeeping with discipline, offering a 62-hour power reserve. The 316L stainless steel case is 40mm across, water resistant to 100 meters, and finished with a thoughtful mix of polish and brush. This is still a tool watch at heart—only one that's been allowed a personality anyone can relate to. Flip it over and the ethos is spelled out: 'Enjoy Life,' etched into the caseback's sapphire glass. Rather than positioning itself as an aspirational luxury piece, it leans into the idea that time is worth savoring, just like ice cream. When NORQAIN introduced the watch, they also leaned into its character. The launch took place in Las Vegas, beginning with a formal retail event and ending at a pool party. Rather than attempt to elevate the watch to suit an occasion, they let the occasion match the spirit of the piece – enjoyable and easy-going. In the context of luxury watches—where formality and restraint are often mistaken for seriousness—this model offers some design introspection. What if joy was as integral to design as precision? What if nostalgia had a seat at the table alongside innovation? The 'Enjoy Life' edition isn't pushing the boundaries of haute horology but it's all about the everyday. It's for making summer days memorable and stylish. Wear it to complete laid back looks or paired with a light suit for dressed up dinner events in the warmer months. Keep the colors light in tone, though. Ultimately, NORQAIN's new 'Enjoy Life' edition for the Freedom 60 Chrono is proof that timepieces can be dependable, thoughtfully built, and still leave room for a bit of fun. Shop the model now at NORQAIN'sofficial site.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Morphy's June 11-12 Fine & Decorative Arts Auction Is Crowned by Luxury Watches, Tiffany Lamps, American Art, Rare Amphora Pottery
Featured: Ulysse Nardin Royal Blue Mystery Tourbillon limited edition platinum, diamond and sapphire wristwatch; Monumental carved Black Forest clock with five bears; Chiparus bronze, James Bard painting DENVER, Pa., June 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Those entering the preview area at Morphy's flagship gallery in Pennsylvania can almost hear the roars coming from one of the June 11-12 Fine & Decorative Arts Auction's most eye-catching attractions. Standing 79 inches tall and capturing its well-deserved share of attention is a monumental two-panel Black Forest clock whose case is meticulously carved with the images of five bears. Composed of linden wood, a soft wood from Germany's natural forests that is ideally suited to carving, the clock might very well be described as a masterpiece of its genre. The motif is a visual delight, with four differently-modeled fully-dimensional bears climbing a pine tree as a fifth bear who has reached the tree's pinnacle gazes down at them. Throughout, the artist's attention to detail is obvious, with the trunk and branches fastidiously "grained," the leaves minutely detailed, and the bears themselves realistically represented with furry coats, painted red tongues and white teeth. In excellent condition, the clock comes to auction with a $10,000-$20,000 estimate. The Clocks & Watches category shifts from Bavaria to picturesque Switzerland with a boutique selection of coveted Swiss-made timepieces. Leading the group is an exceptionally rare and important Ulysse Nardin Royal Blue Mystery Tourbillon limited edition platinum, diamond and sapphire wristwatch, Ref. No. 7990093. Only 99 watches of its type were made, and the auction example is identified as No. 1 of those 99. Superior in every way, it is expected to sell for $150,000-$200,000. Some think of Morphy's as "The House of Tiffany" because of its long tradition of offering rare and especially fine Tiffany Studios leaded-glass lamps. A glorious example in the June 11-12 sale is a table lamp with an 18-inch-diameter shade in the Oriental Poppy floral pattern. The motif displays multicolored reds, ranging from deep ruby red to coral and highly complex tones of mixed reds, with blues and purples interspersed. In excellent condition, the shade is signed Tiffany Studios New York 2598 and rests on a patinated-bronze Tiffany Studios Tyler-style base whose underside is signed Tiffany Studios New York 368. Estimate: $125,000-$175,000 Other noteworthy American lots include a circa-1853 James Bard (1815-1897) nautical oil-on-canvas titled U.S. Mail Paddle Steamer George Law, $40,000-$80,000; and an all-original circa-1880s Samuel Robb full-size cigar store Indian depicted holding packages of cigars and tobacco, $20,000-$50,000. European art highlights include a 52-inch-tall Villeroy & Boch (Germany) terracotta Santa figure created in 1900, probably for a department store window, $20,000-$30,000; and a circa-1925 Demetre Chiparus (Romanian/French, 1886-1947) cold-painted patinated bronze figure of a lady with two hounds titled Les Amis Toujours (Friends Forever). Estimate: $20,000-$30,000. A possible "unicorn," an extremely rare Amphora vase decorated with the scene of a double-headed water serpent fighting a mythological prehistoric fish has never before appeared at auction and is not illustrated in any Amphora reference book. In mint condition, it will make its auction debut with a $12,000-$18,000 estimate. Morphy's Wednesday/Thursday June 11-12, 2025 Fine & Decorative Arts Auction will be held live at the company's flagship gallery, 2000 N. Reading Rd., Denver, PA 17517, starting at 9 a.m. Eastern Time. Jewelry/watches preview by appointment only. All forms of bidding will be available, including absentee, by phone and live via the Internet through Morphy Live. Enquiries: call 877-968-8880, email info@ Visit Morphy's online at Media Contact:Dan Morphy877-968-8880, 396230@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Morphy Auctions Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Daily Record
04-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Debenhams shoppers save £3,000 on 'masterpiece' watch amid 86% price slash
This luxury watch has received a 4.6 star rating on Gervil's website. While many people may have a few watches that they swap between on a daily basis, many shoppers also can't help but want to own a luxury watch that can be taken out on special occasions. Although these watches can be on the pricier side, their design and engineering allows them to last for years and years to come. For those looking for a simple yet classy design, we have found one on the Debenhams website that is said to be "an accessory to success". If this wasn't enough, shoppers will save over £3,000 on this elegant watch as it is currently part of the online retailer's sale. Normally retailing for £3,495, watch enthusiasts can now snap up the Gervil Wall Street Watch for the much cheaper price of £485.25. This distinctive, Swiss-made timepiece has been said by Gervil to be reminiscent of the New York City skyline and to command attention with its stainless steel, architectural design. Featuring a 39mm unidirectional rotating bezel, the case is crafted to withstand everyday use as it is made with a sapphire-doomed, anti-glare crystal. Said to be 'detailed to perfection', the watch boasts a magnified lens that showcases its luminous hour markers and hands on a striking black dial. The watch is finished off with a silver stainless steel bracelet with a folding deployment class for a comfortable and secure fit. To make this watch even more versatile, it features a water resistance of up to 200m. This means the watch is robust and reliable enough to withstand any accidental drops and long periods under water. Gervil Wall Street Watch £3,495 £485.25 Debenhams Buy Now Product Description Another watch in the Debenhams sale is the Gervil Chambers Automatic Watch. Normally a whopping £3,795, shoppers can now snap it up for £336.82 after a 91 per cent discount. Boasting a blue dial and a two-toned bracelet, this watch is sure to get heads turning. Alternatively, for those looking for something cheaper that could be a great Father's Day gift, Argos has reduced the price of Armani Exchange Cayde Stainless Steel Watch And Bracelet Set. Normally retailing for £179.99, shoppers can snap up this bundle gift for £79.99. The Gervil Wall Street Watch currently doesn't have any reviews on the Debenhams website. However, the timepeice has managed to garner a 4.6 star rating on the Gervil website. One happy shopper said: "As a watch enthusiast, the Gevril impresses with its robust 200m water resistance, merging luxury with aquatic resilience flawlessly." With another added on: "This Gevril Wall Street wonder is the Superman of watches—sapphire crystal that's totally invincible to scratches!" A third five-star reviewer also noted: "That magnified lens is a game changer – classes to parties, my Gevril never skips a beat." There was only one slightly negative review on the Gervil website and it came from a four-star reviewer. They wrote: "The unidirectional bezel on the Gevril feels clumsy, like, it's supposed to only go one way, right?" Fashion deal of the week In need of new trainers, but don't want to pay Skechers prices. Then these STQ Women's Slip-On Trainers are said to be "much better" than the famed brand. Even better, they are currently priced from just £30.99 on Amazon. With their slip-on style design and ultra-breathable mesh material, these trainers are said to be a fuss-free option for anyone who spends long periods of time on their feet, alongside anyone who suffers from foot pain issues such as plantar fasciitis. The flexible knitted material features an elastic cuff, making them easy to pop on and take off, while the wide fit fabric has been designed to make it feel like you are wearing nothing on your feet. Crafted with over 1,000 ventilation holes, they ensure that feet don't get to sweaty during wear, while the memory foam insole provides good arch support, making it feel "like walking on air". Available to buy in sizes three through to eight, shoppers can select from eight colours including black, grey and pink. However, it's worth noting that the £30.99 price-tag is available on the black colourway. With the STQ Trainers posing the cheapest price-tag, shoppers might be happy to hear that they have earned a 4.4 rating based on over 5,000 Amazon reviews that suggest they are "light as a feather" and "really comfortable". One delighted shopper said: "Super lightweight, comfortable and a fab colour pink. Much better all round than the Skechers I bought at four times the price! Your feet will love these." Another positive review said: "The Gevril Wall Street Collection's Swiss movement exudes unmatched elegance and reliability." With a sixth shopper praising: "The Gevril with its striking black dial is a paragon of sophistication, effortlessly radiating luxury and precision – truly a masterpiece." Click HERE to buy the Gervil Wall Street Watch from Debenhams. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. 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