The Roundup: the “Too Many to Count” Edition

Each week, EWC will be gathering horological industry news, cultural conversations and moments surrounding our favorite topic: timepieces. Happy Friday; here’s what’s on our watch.

Fresh Finds

Something is in the air ahead of the Memorial Day holiday because we nearly lost count of all the new releases dropped. Headlining the week: MB&F announced an all-new “Special Projects” collection with the debut of the SP One, a pair of stunners with a bezel-free design and sapphire crystals on both the front and back to put the good stuff on full display. Next up, Ralph Lauren reintroduced the iconic RL888 collection A.K.A. the brand’s classic women’s line. Plus, two Maisons continued the evolution of their signature families. Longines added the Spirit of Zulu Time 1925, and IWC presented two new pilot’s watches celebrating “The Little Prince.” Hublot and Zenith also offered new twists on beloved collections: Hublot gave us the Square Bang Tourbillon 4-Day Power Reserve, and Zenith wowed with a gorgeous new lapis lazuli triple calendar in the Chronomaster Original line. Last but not least, Frederique Constant unveiled a glam-rock revival with a gorgeous new women’s line; the Classics Manchette.

Cannes Continues

The 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival continued to put watches front and center of the numerous red carpets. Rising star Paul Mezcal rocked a gorgeous vintage Cartier Gondole timepiece from his personal collection. Formula 1 heartthrob Pierre Gasly opted for an ultra-cool iteration of H. Moser & Cie.’s Streamliner, one of the brand’s skeletonized tourbillons. Oscar nominee Austin Butler wore a Breitling Chronomat 32 to the premiere of his latest film, Eddington.

From F1 to Al Capone

The auction block continues to heat up with some exciting lots announced. Phillips unveiled two intriguing items coming up for sale. At the upcoming New York Watch Auction: XII from June 7 to 8, Formula One trailblazer Jean-Pierre Jabouille’s Rolex “Big Red” Daytona Ref. 6265 will be up for grabs. Today in Hong Kong, Phillips is offering a unique, museum-quality nephrite clock by Cartier commissioned for Princess Fawzia’s 1939 Wedding to Iran’s Crown Prince. In addition, Sotheby’s will be putting Al Capone’s diamond-studded pocket watch up for sale at the Important Watches Auction in New York on June 10.

Spotted Courtside

We did a bit of watchspotting in the States this week as well. Sitting courtside at the NBA Eastern Conference Finals where the Knicks went head-to-head with the Pacers, longtime Knicks fan Timothée Chalamet flexed a Panthère de Cartier watch and steel Panthère de Cartier ring.

Need For Speed

It’s poised to be another interesting week ahead as the Monaco Grand Prix and Indy 500 take place this weekend and the French Open continues to unfold. Keep an eye on the wrists of athletes and spectators and see if you can spot any particularly cool watches — we’ll be doing the same.