Robb Report

The Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève - GPHG, the Oscars of watchmaking, just wrapped up, and it didn’t disappoint. The event crowned 20 winners, with big names like IWC Schaffhausen, Van Cleef & Arpels, Chopard, and Piaget taking home trophies. For the first time, the organizers kept the winners a secret until the big reveal, building suspense all night long. Our team was on-site to capture every moment, even previewing some entries last month with original shots by Atom Moore. Now, dive into the link below to see who took home top honors this year. #robbreport #luxury #horology #watches

Bringing its signature luxury to the table, Louis Vuitton is opening its first-ever U.S. restaurant, Le Café Louis Vuitton, on Friday at 6 East 57th Street in New York City. Located within the brand’s New York City store, the café will feature a menu crafted by Michelin-starred chef Christophe Bellanca and pastry chef Mary George, with standout dishes like monogrammed ravioli, scallop soufflé, and the Le Burger “1898” with dry-aged beef and Vermont cheddar. Desserts are equally decadent, offering choices like hazelnut praline entremets and caramelized pear tart. As brands continue to innovate, how far will they push the boundaries of their core expertise to create unique, holistic experiences for their customers? Is this the next big trend in luxury dining, or just a chic novelty? #robbreport #luxury #restaurant #louisvuitton #nyc

The world of sanctioned Russian superyachts is a mixed bag of seized vessels, creative workarounds, and tricky legal battles. Some, like the 446-foot Flying Fox, is back on the global charter market with lifted sanctions and a hefty $3.2 million per week charter price. Meanwhile, others, such as Sailing Yacht A and Dilbar, remain detained, and many yachts have fled to friendly waters like Turkey and Dubai. Brokers now navigate legal minefields, often relocating or verifying Russian ties to sidestep restrictions, but many yachts remain stuck in a gray zone, with ownership and resale legality up for debate. For buyers willing to take the risk, deals may be had—though the uncertainty and possible future claims keep most away. #robbreport #luxury #yachts #boats #sailing

A piece of ancient history is about to make its way into the modern world. Next month, Sotheby’s will auction the oldest known inscribed stone tablet of the Ten Commandments—dating back to 300 to 800 C.E. This 1,500-year-old Paleo-Hebrew tablet, weighing 115 pounds and standing nearly two feet tall, is expected to command up to $2 million at the December 18 sale. Discovered in Israel in 1913, it has traveled quite the path—from being used as a paving stone to becoming a revered artifact. With only nine commandments present, including one unique directive to worship on Mount Gerizim, this relic offers a glimpse into the beliefs that shaped Western civilization. #AncientHistory #TenCommandments #Sothebys #history #auction

Despite a sluggish pre-owned market, recent auctions in Geneva defied expectations, with over $100 million in sales. Phillips, Sotheby’s, and Christie’s set multiple world records for watch brands like ROLEX, Patek Philippe, and F.P.Journe - Invenit et Fecit . The success of these auctions highlights a shift toward rare, museum-quality pieces over more mainstream options. According to Aurel Bacs, Phillips’ Worldwide Watch Boss, "In good times or tough times, no matter the industry, the best will always fly." With the market favoring exclusivity, what does this mean for the future of luxury watch auctions? Will rare, independent pieces continue to thrive while mainstream models stagnate? #robbreport #luxury #watches #timepiece #horology

Innovation and sustainability come together aboard Rossinavi’s Seawolf X, the first hybrid-electric, AI-powered catamaran of its kind. This 140-foot marvel is not only designed to maximize fuel efficiency with its advanced AI but also to cater to every onboard need—automatically adjusting lighting, temperature, and even shutting off electronics based on guest activity. By combining self-learning AI with hybrid technology, Rossinavi has truly set a new standard for eco-luxury at sea. As technology evolves, should sustainable practices be prioritized in luxury design, even if they require new technology? #robbreport #luxury #yacht #boat #ai #technology

Maker’s Mark is welcoming Dr. Blake Layfield as its new master distiller, taking the reins from Denny Potter and Jane Bowie after their groundbreaking tenure. Layfield’s extensive background, including a doctorate in food science, joined Maker’s Mark in 2019 and was most recently the senior director of innovation, blending, and quality. His commitment to quality and innovation aligns with the distillery's legacy of creating exceptional wheated bourbons. How do you think Layfield’s expertise will influence Maker’s Mark’s approach to flavor development and innovation in the whiskey industry? #robbreport #luxury #whiskey #makersmark #distillery

If you’re dreaming of Egypt’s ancient wonders, AmaWaterways River Cruises’ new AmaLilia river cruise delivers the ultimate Egypt experience. It's an upscale yet laid-back way to explore ancient wonders along the Nile. The 10-day itinerary kicks off with three days in Cairo, taking in the pyramids, the medieval Citadel, and the Egyptian Museum's treasures, before a week-long voyage from Luxor to Aswan. On board, you’re treated to luxury staterooms, regional cuisine, and nightly rooftop gatherings under the sunset. Daily guided excursions reveal tombs, temples, and breathtaking sites like the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut’s temple. With limited guest capacity and a heightened focus on security, this cruise offers an intimate, seamless way to check Egypt off your bucket list. #robbreport #luxury #vacation #travel #cruise

SpaceX is accelerating toward its next big milestone as Starship gears up for a test flight in just two weeks. Fresh off a successful booster catch last month, Elon Musk’s spaceflight company has pushed updates to both hardware and software for an even smoother launch this time around. This sixth test flight, penciled in for November 18, will feature important upgrades: extra redundancy in the booster’s propulsion, reinforced structural areas, and a daylight reentry into the Indian Ocean—marking a shift from its usual dawn launch window. As Starship heads toward a new generation, these flights bring us one step closer to the future of orbital missions and Starlink satellite launches. Space is about to get a whole lot more accessible.

Unearthing history in the Saudi Arabian desert: archaeologists have just discovered a 4,000-year-old Bronze Age city beneath the oasis of Khaybar. Named al-Natah, this ancient fortified settlement in Madinah province reveals life from 2400-1500 BCE, with sturdy foundations for one- to two-story dwellings and burial sites with metal weapons and agate stones. Built as the region shifted from nomadic herding to permanent settlement, al-Natah housed about 500 residents and may have played a role in early trade routes connecting southern Arabia to the Mediterranean. Discoveries like these are key to understanding the origins of urban life in Arabia. #AncientHistory #Archaeology #SaudiArabia #BronzeAge