The Nomadic 1931 Café has just opened in Zurich. Join us on a visit as we immerse ourselves in an Art Deco setting and embark on a classy journey. Are you ready for a multisensory experience by exploring the story of the iconic Reverso?

Experiencing the Nomadic 1931 Café in Zurich

Turn back the clock nearly a century to the 1920s and '30s. Imaging yourself in New York, Paris or Shanghai. You are entering an era defined by glamor, vivacity, social progress and the Art Deco style. With its bold geometric forms, the latter had a surprisingly big impact on nearly every aspect of life. In New York, the Art Deco style can be found in the city layout and architecture of iconic skyscrapers. In design and fashion, the Reverso by Jaeger-LeCoultre is a famous example that was inspired by that characteristic style. Now, the Swiss watch brand that has set out to capture the vibrant spirit of this bygone era by opening the Nomadic 1931 pop-up café during the Illuminarium at the Landesmuseum in Zurich.

Swiss luxury watch manufacturer Jaeger-LeCoultre came up with the immersive concept to celebrate the 90th anniversary of its iconic Reverso timepiece. Launched in 1931 and defined by its elegant Art Deco lines, the Reverso has arguably become one of the most recognizable watches of all time. At Artworth, we already wrote and posted about this classy and ingenious timepiece numerous times. For example here.

Made of Makers

With its "Made of Makers" program, Jaeger-LeCoultre is drawing artistic inspiration from beyond the world of watchmaking. The goal of the program is to collaborate with artists outside the industry. The latest partnership is with Alex Trochut, who uses typography as an art form. His mission was to create a new typeface that epitomizes the Art Deco spirit. The result is the 1931 Alphabet, which makes its way to the Jaeger-LeCoultre boutique on Zurich's Bahnhofstrasse as well as the local Nomadic 1931 Café.

As you might know, the most unique feature of the Reverso is its revolutionary reversible case. Originally, it allowed British Polo players to slip the watch out of its socket and reverse it to face inwards. Like that it offered protection during rough games. While the dial is reversed, the timepiece reveals a blank metal flipside that has since become a unique canvas for creative expression. It's the perfect space for intricate engravings - like the carefully designed 1931 Alphabet by Alex Trochut.

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Boutique in Zurich

While some inspiration for engravings is already offered at the Nomadic 1931 Café, one has to make their way to the beautiful Jaeger-LeCoultre boutique at the Bahnhofstrasse 32 in Zurich to get more information. Here, a wonderful Reverso-themed Christmas decoration awaits us, as well as a carefully created wall featuring the Art Deco alphabet by Alex Trochut.

On a tablet, we get to customize our Reverso with a unique engraving. Naturally, we would go for the letters AW. From now on, it will take roughly four weeks until the artisans at the Jaeger-LeCoultre manufacture have completed the intricate engraving. We can't wait to see the result!

Few vehicles by Jaguar are as iconic as the F-Type. Whether you drive it in the city or on narrow roads in the mountains, good times await you. Let us take you for a spin in the Jaguar F-Type R Convertible!

From the City to the Alps

Who doesn't love that good old roadster feeling? Driving around in a two-seat sports car is one of our favorite forms of experiencing that wonderful feeling of freedom. When it comes to roadsters, the Jaguar F-Type is a somewhat overlooked model. We think that's unjust. Since the F-Type got a facelift in 2020, it is available in three models. Both the 450 and 575 are powered by a supercharged V8 engine. It's safe to say that the one with more puff rivals the Porsche 911. However, you won't see as many F-Types on Switzerland's streets. Definitely a plus for us!

Leaving the bustling streets of the city behind, the Jaguar F-Type truly comes to life. On the winding roads of the Swiss Alps, the V8 truly unfolds its potential. At least in terms of performance. When it comes to sound, the Jaguar isn't roaring as it used to. Emissions laws and regulations have clamped down on it. That being said, it still sounds good. It just gargles and burbles less.

One of the last Jaguar F-Types?

Unfortunately, the Jaguar F-Type might have a limited lifespan. A while ago, the carmaker announced it will be an all electric brand in a couple of year. It's obvious that they won't have a role for the supercharged V8 anymore when that day comes.

Consequently, Jaguar has done very little to enhance the F-Type since it first arrived back in 2013. It doesn't really make sense to invest heavily in a coupé and roadster when you're not going to be selling them at all in a handful of years. At Artworth we certainly hope that Jaguar will continue constructing two-seat sports cars in the future. They're just too good at manufacturing cars that are fast, beautiful and fun to drive!

Do you prefer SUVs? Then read this article about the Jaguar F-Pace SVR.

It's time to revive Zurich’s wild side. Join us for a stay at FIVE Zurich, a new luxurious lifestyle hotel and nightlife hotspot. As such, it boasts 7 international award-winning restaurants, a rooftop nightclub and buzzing outdoor social pool. Are you ready to detox before you retox?

Inside Five Zurich

At the foot of Zurich's famous Uetliberg, a new luxurious lifestyle hotel has recently opened its doors. It is the first hotel of the Dubai-born hospitality brand FIVE outside the emirates. Boasting 45 luxurious suites and 42 suite-sized lifestyle rooms with glittering skyline city view or mountain view, the hotel is also home to seven food and beverage outlets. Among them are restaurants, bars, a nightclub and the illustrious social pool. For us, it is the perfect place for a staycation in our home country.

Lunch at Soul Street

An excellent place for lunch is FIVE’s award-winning restaurant brand Soul Street. Here, the art of street food is celebrated. A vibrant mix of street art, created by some of the most talked about international street artists, can admired as well. While listening to buzzing tunes, we get to enjoy amazing dishes from the Indian, Middle Eastern, Asian, and Latin American cuisine.

In Dubai, Soul Street has also made a name for itself for their global street food party brunch, as well high energy dining events. We can't wait for them to also make an appearance in Zurich.

Relaxing at the Social Pool

After a delicious lunch, we head down to the enormous social pool. Here, we learn that FIVE Zurich's property can already look back on a rich past. The pool has always played a crucial part. Apparently, legends from Rihanna and Elton John, to Grace Jones and The Who have partied here before. We can understand why. It's hard to find a pool at a 5 Star Hotel in Switzerland with these dimensions. The whole setup is simply captivating.

As we're relaxing under Zurich's scorching summer sun, we enjoy Champagne and talk about our favorite topic: Watches! Which steel sports model would you wear at FIVE Zurich's social pool?

Maiden Shanghai

For dinner, there are several excellent options to choose from at FIVE Zurich. One is certainly the Maiden Shanghai. Here, Chef Luo Bing invites his guests to enjoy organic gourmet Chinese dishes. They are inspired by four renowned Chinese cuisines: Cantonese, Sichuan, Shanghai, and Beijing.

While the restaurant's terrace offers magnificent views over Zurich, its interior design is inspired by Shanghai's roaring 1920s. In this wonderful setting, Chef Bing takes us on a culinary journey through China.

The Penthouse

If you prefer fusion cuisine, then The Penthouse is your choice. Besides sushi, we order many other dishes inspired by Asian cuisine. We recommend to start the evening outdoors on the terrace before moving inside to immerse yourself in the opulent décor.

As the sun begins to set, The Penthouse gradually transforms into an exclusive nightclub. With live music as a regular fixture, guests can vibe to some of the world’s hottest DJs. There is even a mysterious bathroom bar that you just have to experience yourself.

Mixing Cocktails at The Vault

Every good night ends with a cocktail. And this is best enjoyed at The Vault. It features a classy bar and also boasts a versatile selection of Swiss wines. The in-house sommelier is happy to recommend the right wines and also cigars. Meanwhile, the skilled bar team is preparing cocktails - both classic and contemporary.

Do you want to read more articles like this one? Then click here.

The watch brand Carl F. Bucherer will always have a powerful connection to the Swiss city of Lucerne, where it was founded in 1888. As a truly global brand, it also has strong links to some of the world's most popular places. With its Heritage BiCompax Annual Hometown Editions, it honors Lucerne and 16 of the other cities it is proud to call home. Let's have a closer look!

A colorful Homage to the Cities we love

The Heritage BiCompax Annual Hometown Edition watches are an interpretation of Carl F. Bucherer's popular Heritage BiCompax Annual watch, which was introduced back in 2018. It took its design inspiration from one of the brand's archival pieces dating back to the 1950s. Combining vintage flair with contemporary features, it was a perfect expression of the brand's heritage. With its symmetrically arranged chronograph counters positioned on the dial's horizontal central axis and a tachymeter scale framing the dial, it generated an enthusiastic response and has become one of Carl F. Bucherer's most coveted watches. In our opinion, the Heritage BiCompax Annual Hometown Edition timepieces are set to make it even more popular.

ROOTED IN THE HEART OF SWITZERLAND, BUT AT HOME EVERYWHERE IN THE WORLD.

CARL F. BUCHERER

The colorful Hometown Edition timepieces will resonate with the people who live in each of these amazing places or who have, perhaps, adopted one of them as their own hometown. These striking limited-edition watches pay a unique tribute to some of the finest cities around the world, and wearers will cherish the chance to express their sense of identity with a place that has a special meaning to them.

What makes each watch so special is a compelling 3-D-look engraving on the case back's sapphire crystal, which is dedicated to its specific hometown. For example, the Lucerne edition features the city's landmark Chapel Bridge, whilst tribute is paid to Tokyo with its skyline and Mount Fuji in the background. Each edition is distinguished by a one-of-a-kind case back crystal with a similarly iconic and identifiable monument to its respective city.

Heritage BiCompax Annual Hometown Edition Zurich

Since Zurich has a special place in our hearts, we decided to go hands-on with the Carl F. Bucherer Heritage BiCompax Annual Hometown Edition Zurich. The beautiful timepiece is powered by the automatic CFB 1972 movements that is equipped with 47 jewels and offers a power reserve of 42 hours.

It features many useful complications such as chronograph, annual calendar, big date, hour, minute, small seconds and a tachymeter scale. At 41 mm, it is well-sized and its double-domed sapphire crystal adds to the vintage look and feel of the watch. The case back features an engraved sapphire crystal that shows the iconic skyline of Zurich.

The timepiece comes on a black calfskin leather strap with flanks and stitches in green and with a quick release system. Limited to only 88 pieces, the watch costs CHF 6'900.00 and is available at Bucherer in Zurich and Zurich Airport.

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The picturesque Seefeld is one of Zurich’s most elegant districts. Many majestic historic buildings can be found here, embedded in a serene and calm atmosphere. Among them is the La Réserve Eden au Lac. First opened on the lakeshore 100 years ago, the legendary hotel has kept its original charm. Lately, it was renovated and offers now a subtly artistic and rebellious touch.

Dining at La Réserve Eden au Lac

With its bar restaurant adjoining the lobby, a smoking lounge, and a rooftop restaurant, La Réserve Eden au Lac is a popular place for people looking for exceptional culinary experiences in Zurich. Here, exclusivity merges with a cuisine meant for sharing, as refinement blends with informality to invent a new way of enjoying life more intensely than ever. Guests appreciate that service is provided all day long from 11:30 am to midnight, at the bar as well as in the restaurants! One of these restaurants is La Muña. Situated on the rooftop, it offers a very memorable experience to people looking for something extraordinary.

Experiencing La Muña

Perched on the sixth floor and accessible directly via the glass elevator in the lobby, La Muña overlooks the city from its tree-lined roof terrace. A unique 360° view of the historic center, with the lake and the Alps in the distance, can be enjoyed here. Inside, the restaurant is a treasure chest. Imaginary memories of moments spent on the lake are paired with extraordinary objects found in the city and around the world. Characteristic is also the architecture. Situated inside the former attic beneath the hotel’s spectacular dome it features original brick walls and wooden floors. The furniture adds to the restaurant’s “harbor-master’s office” look.

Ultra-fresh and bursting with flavor, La Muña’s cuisine combines different textures, raw and marinated elements, acidity and sweetness. The dishes are based on carefully sourced ingredients, including some rarely found in Europe. Freshly prepared, these delicacies are designed for sharing in a convivial atmosphere. Each table can select Crudo or Caliente dishes. Guests get to enjoy ceviches flavored with spices and fresh herbs, but also beef steak teriyaki with truffle sauce, or sashimi served alongside wakame seriole with ponzu sauce. An amazingly delicious gourmet journey is guaranteed!

Unique City Views

From La Muña, two outdoor terraces are accessible. One of which can be entirely privatized. Whether on a sofa or at a table, under the huge parasols, guests can enjoy a relaxed and festive atmosphere while sharing the Japanese Peruvian specialties of chef Domenico Zizzi. His inventive and delicate cuisine has already delighted connoisseurs worldwide. We are lucky enough to have been among them!

Do you prefer to stay in the Swiss Alps? Then read this article out the Crans Ambassador.

The Land Rover Defender is one of the most iconic cars out there. Since its introduction in 1983, it has remained true to its core values as an off-road vehicle. With the latest version, the British brand wants to prove that the Defender is equally at home on tarmac and dirt roads. So, what's our take on the Land Rover Defender 90?

Smooth on the Road

When driving the new Land Rover Defender 90one notices an undeniable road presence. At almost 2 meters in height and width, we overlook most other vehicles on the road, while sitting in the driver seat. Surprisingly, the car remains maneuverable and doesn't feel as bulky as one might expect. With its 400hp, it also delights with great power in situations requiring acceleration and speed.

A huge step was taken in terms of driver assistance. The Land Rover Defender 90 now comes with state-of-the-art cruise control, speed limiter, land keep assist and 3D surround camera. A digital instrument panel and a large 11-inch entertainment screen offer easy accessibility to all these features.

Overall, the interior of the Land Rover Defender 90 is a clever mix of utility and discreet luxury. A combination the British brand is well known for. True to its DNA, there's a tastefully integrated rustic feel to the interior. Exposed bolts are on the doors and metal is visible on both the steering wheel and dashboards. Still, we don't have to miss modern day luxuries like heated seats, 3D panoramic cameras and a Meridian sound system. All we can ask for as businessmen when driving on the highway or in the city. But what about the explorer inside of us, would he buy it too?

Serious Off-Road Capabilities

While most consumers don't drive their SUVs off-road, someone in Switzerland or the Scottish Highlands might! And this is where the Land Rover Defender 90 differs from its competition. It can conquer a wide range of terrains, from snowy mountains to deserts and rivers.

The engineers equipped it with all necessary tools to prevail when facing rough terrain. The most important is its electronically controlled suspension. At the push of a button, the ground clearance can be lowered by 40mm, or raised by 75mm to 145mm. This radically transforms the height of the car and allows it to overcome any obstacle. Aided by its 4-wheel drive, it has a variety of driving modes that will support the pilot in challenging situations. One example is the elevated air intake. With it we don't have to worry about crossing rivers or cruising through deserts.

Our Take on the new Land Rover Defender 90

For us, the new Land Rover Defender 90 strikes the perfect balance between the iconic Defender look and feel and modern day comfort and safety. The updated infotainment and driver assistance make it comfortable to drive on the road while the off-road capabilities have also been enhanced further. In our opinion, this is the perfect vehicle for someone looking to drive an iconic SUV that comes with modern technology.

If you want to learn more about the 5 door version, then read this article.

We recently heard about The Living Circlea group of hand-picked hotels and restaurants in incomparably beautiful locations. On the shore of Lake Zurich, a newly renovated hotel was just added to the collective of first-class establishment. Are you eager to learn which one?

ALEX Lake Zurich

The idea to create a city & lake resort in Zurich is brilliant. While being a vibrant world-city, Zurich is also a place for people looking for a calm retreat. Hence, the offering of The Living Circle is great for both people who are on a business trip or for travelers spending a holiday in Switzerland.

Small luxury hotel

As the latest addition to the collective, the hotel ALEX Lake Zurich joined. It is located on the Western shore of the iconic Swiss lake. Its unique position right on the water's edge makes it one of the most stylish and elegant hotels in the Zurich area. Set across five floors and featuring a state-of-the-art stone and glass architectural design, Alex celebrated its opening in 2019.

As Zurich's new luxury waterfront boutique hotel, it offers an elegant and modern style that incorporates harmonious colored, bespoke furniture with natural materials and textures. The interior design connects guests with the unspoiled scenery, clean air and waterside location. Made up by 42 modern studio suites and 2 penthouses, the property offers glorious lake views to its guests. Each studio offers a custom-made design kitchenette, dining and sitting area, master bedroom and en-suite bathroom. We particularly enjoy the direct lake view from both the private balcony. It is the perfect place to enjoy an espresso in the morning while getting mentally prepared for the day.

Aries by the lake

On the property of the ALEX Lake Zurich, the chefs of the pop-up restaurant Aries by the lake are spoiling guests with culinary highlights from the international cuisine of Tino Staub. In addition to his adored Widder signature dishes, Mediterranean creations can be enjoyed here. Moreover, it is worth mentioning that rice, vegetables, fruit and a whole array of exquisite products - including wine - is whisked fresh from The Living Circle's own farms directly to the guests' tables. In terms of location, the restaurant is situated in a very modern space with large windows. Guests get the impression to be sitting directly on the lake while dining. The simplistic interior design adds to an overall fantastic experience!

After a relaxing night, we get to enjoy a wonderful breakfast at the restaurant. We are surprised by the latte art skills of the breakfast team. It is truly rare to get served such a beautifully decorated cappuccino in a hotel. Next we indulge in freshly prepared eggs benedict while taking in the magnificent lake and mountain view. What a way to start into a new day!

Stork & THE NEST

Right before noon, we leave the calm atmosphere of the ALEX Lake Zurich behind us and head for the city. We arrive at the 5-star Hotel Storchenwhich is set in a unique location directly on the Limmat. The hotel has a very special relationship with the city of Zurich. A guest house stood here as long as 661 years ago. Today we are here to enjoy a wonderful lunch in the Barchetta Bar. Situated directly at the Limmat, we feel a bit like in Venice. Chef Fredi Nussbaum and his team prepare a wide variety of delicacies for the guests. We go for classics such as beef tartar and club sandwich but also for Italian-style gnocchi. With it, we pair a glass of champagne. Cheers!

A few floors higher, THE NEST Rooftop is situated. It truly embodies what the Storchen stands for: celebrating savoir vivre in all its wonderful forms - luxurious and unadulterated. From April to the end of October guests can enjoy breathtaking views of Zurich, the lake and the nearby Alps. It is surprising that this incredible bar is still somewhat unknown. So make sure to visit next spring, before it gets too popular!

Aries Bar

In order to conclude our stay at The Living Circle in a proper way, we head to a place just off the world-renowned Bahnhofstrasse in the heart of Zurich's historic old town. Here, we enter the Aries Hotel which is one of the most special and unusual boutique hotels in Zurich. We are here to have a drink at the iconic Aries Bar. It has been an institution of the Zurich bar scene for decades. Offering space and time for extended tea time in the afternoon, it becomes a nightlife hotspot later in the day.

As Zurich's cult bar it is especially well-known for its extensive range of whiskies. As aficionados, this is the perfect place for us. They even have their own Ascona Whisky and a special bottling from an Arran private cask. For gin-lovers, we recommend tasting the bar's very own Ascona Gin. Cheers!

Speaking of whisky, have you ever been to Scotland? Make sure to read this blogpost about the Scottish Highlands and its distilleries.

Did you know that one of the oldest watch brand's roots go back to 1718? In this blog we will tell exciting story of the Swiss watch brand Favre-Leuba and go hands-on with some of their novelties. Are you ready?

Taking time for Favre-Leuba

We follow an invitation of the brand's new CEO Philippe Roten to Zurich. Here, we dive into Favre-Leuba's brand universe. A carefully prepared space that awakes our adventurous spirit awaits us. Here, we soon discover that Favre-Leuba is all about conquering frontiers - both as a brand but also as a supplier of exceptional tool watches for people who dare to attempt the impossible.

Over a delicious dinner we get to know more about the latest Sky Chief Chronograph watches added to the collection of Favre-Leuba. But more about that later. We listen carefully to Philippe Roten's vision for the brand. They will continue to focus on the brand's strengths: heritage, savoir-faire, service excellence and global distribution. Talking about heritage, the brand's history goes back centuries and is truly interesting.

A unique history

In 1718, a gentleman called Abraham Favre began his watchmaker apprenticeship and was mentioned in an official document as an independent watchmaker in Le Locle as early as 1737. Later, he was even appointed Maître horloger du Locle, a high honor at that time. In 1815, the fourth generation of the watchmaker family joined forces with Auguste Leuba from Buttes in Val-de-Travers. Henry-August traveled around the world - from Germany to Russia, through Cuba to New York, from Brazil to Chile - to establish their own workshop's finely-made pocket watches in remote markets. Fritz Favre was the successor to his father and successfully pursued his expansion strategy in Europe, America, and Asia. In 1865, he traveled to India and launched his brand on the subcontinent, which was to quickly develop into an important market for Favre-Leuba.

After the company headquarters were relocated from Le Locle to Geneva, Henri Favre-Leuba (1865-1961) assumed leadership of the family business and continued to steadily grow the brand. He remained president of the board of directors until his death. During his era, Favre-Leuba launched the first mono-pusher chronographs, just when wristwatches started to supersede pocket watches. After WWII, Favre-Leuba was able to count on a stable position in India thanks to their own office in Bombay. Step by step, the family company won back its position and relevance in other watch markets around the globe with branches in Hamburg, London, Rangoon, Karachi, Singapore, New York and others. They secured a well-functioning distribution with first-class customer service.

In the 1950s, Favre-Leuba introduced the manufacture caliber FL101, which was used in the Sea Chief, Sea Kingand Sea Raider watch models. It was followed by the FL102 caliber with calendar used in its Datic models. The automatic movements FL103 and FL104 soon followed, both available without or with a calendar display.

The biggest breakthrough came in 1960, when the very first divers watch, Water Deep, was introduced by the brand. It was the stepping stone for the success it garnered in this category. This achievement was followed by the Bivouac which was released two years later. It was the world's first mechanical wristwatch with aneroid barometer, for altimetry and air pressure measurement. It soon ranked among the indispensable equipment of those who overcame seemingly defined limits. Among others, it was the legendary Italian mountaineer Walter Bonatti who wore a Bivouac when he successfully conquered the north face of the Matterhorn on the most direct route.

To honor Favre-Leuba's achievements of the 1960s, the Fédération Horlogère Suisse awarded first place to them in the Chronographs and Sport Watches category at the World's Fair in Montréal. This great decade for Favre-Leuba was rounded off by the introduction of the Bathythe world's first mechanical wristwatch that not only displayed dive time, but also current diving depth.

Hands-on with the Favre-Leuba Sky Chief Chronograph

Today, Favre-Leuba follows a long-term strategy built on the historic strength and values of the brand. The result is a collection of highly functional watches based on Favre-Leuba's technical and aesthetic achievements, brought up to date with proprietary technologies and a strong, confident design, as well as a contemporary, innovative market presence. The first watches released under the new CEO of the company, are the Sky Chief Chronographs.

The watches are powered by the iconic automatic ETA Valjoux 7753 movement. It features several complications such as hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph with 30-minute counter and date display. Housed in a 43mm stainless steel case, it is protected by a curved sapphire crystal and equipped with a screw-in crown. In total, they issued six different dial variations and offer different vintage-style suede straps and a metal bracelet.

Our personal favorite is the version with a 'panda dial'. Its porcelain white dial is contrasted by black counters and sporty red cherry indexes. The dial is finished off with Favre-Leuba's signature appliquéd index marks. At around USD 2'800, this is a wonderful timepiece with a reliable movement, embodying the world's second oldest watch brand's heritage and signature style perfectly.

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