The Upper Crust

Luxury experiences that define life at its finest!

Exploring the history of watches

Christie’s Education, which provides higher and continuing education and is an internationally recognised centre of academic excellence, announces a new online course ‘History of Watches: 1700 to Now’, which is to commence from 17 September this year. The five-week, video-based programme will introduce students to the development of watches and the watch industry, bringing together science, engineering and incredible artistry. Written and presented by independent watch consultant Dr Andrew Hildreth, the online course includes exclusive video interviews with Emmanuel Breguet of Breguet, Pascale Lepeu of Cartier, Stephen Forsey of Greubel Forsey, Richard Mille and collector Eric Ku on Rolex, elaborating on the brands’ inspirations, philosophies and achievements. Christie’s Education online courses provide students with an immersive experience wherever they may be located.

Glass class  

Glass sculptor Dale Chihuly’s works stand out for their incredible artistry and beauty. Marvel at the glass expert’s beautiful creations at Chihuly Garden and Glass, in Seattle Centre, Seattle, USA that push the boundaries of glass as an art medium—in terms of concept, execution and presentation. The centrepiece of Chihuly Garden and Glass is the Glasshouse, a 40-foot tall glass and steel structure that houses a 100-foot long sculpture, in a colour palette of reds, oranges, yellows and amber. The perception of the artwork varies with natural light and as the day fades into night. Around it, the exhibition Garden forms a rich backdrop of art, featuring paths lined with trees, plants and flowers that provide the setting for the Crystal and Icicle Towers and the Reeds on Logs installation. These apart, there are remarkable series of work showcased through eight galleries and three Drawing Walls.

Have a great time!

Celebrate special occasions this monsoon, or have great evenings by opening a bottle of 100% Chardonnay from the famous region of Chablis. Savour the delicate aromas of grapefruit, white peach and pineapple as you sip the wine, made from the grape, traditionally pressed on arrival and fermented in thermo-regulated stainless-steel tanks for 10 months. These grapes produce a beautiful golden-yellow wine that demonstrate mineral notes which pair impeccably with sushi or sashimi, hot oyster, fish and white meat in sauce. Brought to you by Tetrad Global Beverages Pvt Ltd, the Grand Cru Classe wine is being made available to Indians for the first time and is available at all leading wine stores in Karnataka and Maharashtra.

Suite surprises

To add a touch of royal class this season, Taj, the iconic brand of The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), invites guests  to avail of a special ‘Suite Surprises’ offer that allows guests to check into the regal abodes of the fabled maharajas and maharanis of yore and experience the bygone era of luxury and grandeur with vintage car arrivals, lounge access and attentive and personalised royal butler service. Among the suites on offer are the Maharani Suite, the residence of the beautiful Maharani of Jodhpur, Badan Kanwar that epitomises refinement and elegance. Also on offer is The Nizam Suite at Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad which was once the sanctum to the world’s richest man; the magnificent Shambhu Prakash suite at the Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur, that is named after Maharana Shambhu Singh who ruled the land of Mewar; the aristocratic Sukh Niwas suite at Rambagh Palace, Jaipur; and the Art-Deco style suite at the award-winning Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur.

Going bespoke 

Jaipur Watch Company, India’s only bespoke watchmaker, has launched the first 3D printed watch in the country. The watch has a 40 mm case and is powered by a premium Japanese Miyota mechanical movement 9015. The dial is 3D printed with motifs and numbers. The process of customising a bespoke luxury watch is an art in itself, with each watch echoing the possessor’s characteristics. It involves closely working with the client to understand their vision. Jaipur Watch Company specialises in custom-made watches that not just exude luxury but also a tradition, with a subtle hint of contemporary design.