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With the Octo Finissimo Ultra Mark II, Bulgari has reclaimed its world record for the thinnest mechanical wristwatch. At 1.7 millimeters thick, the Italian luxury brand’s latest timepiece surpasses the Richard Mille RM UP-01 Ferrari’s previous record by a razor-thin margin of 0.05 millimeters, which snatched the record two years ago from Bulgari’s 1.8-millimeter Octo Finissimo Ultra. This achievement marks Bulgari’s ninth world record for thinness and underscores its commitment to pushing watchmaking technology forward.
“The idea was always to make sure we propose something that has horological value and not just to do the thing for the sake of doing it,” Antoine Pin, managing director of Bulgari’s watchmaking division, told the New York Times. “The paradox is that we work in an industry that is locked in the past, and yet still we’re projecting it into the future.” On that note, the timepiece also makes strides in accuracy, achieving the chronometer mark awarded by Switzerland’s Contrôle Official Suisse des Chronomètres, which appears on the dial. As the brand continues to look toward the future, it envisions applying the micro-mechanical innovations established by its ultrathin watches to larger models.
Safdie Architects has unveiled plans for an expansive addition to the Marina Bay Sands resort in Singapore, featuring a new hotel tower, a 15,000-seat entertainment venue, and additional spaces for work, retail, and dining. Aimed at revitalizing Singapore’s tourism sector, the project hopes to set new standards in hospitality and entertainment while positioning Marina Bay Sands as a leading destination in the Asia-Pacific region. Construction will kick off next July.
Actress and activist Jane Fonda is joining forces with Gagosian and Christie’s for a benefit called “Art for a Safe and Healthy California,” which aims to raise funds to oppose a referendum on California’s November ballot that could repeal a 2022 law restricting oil drilling locations. Featuring works by renowned artists like Ed Ruscha and a performance by John Legend, the event in Beverly Hills will support the Campaign for a Safe and Healthy California, combating the oil industry’s efforts to roll back regulations and ensure a safer environment for Californians.
Fashion Scholarship Fund, under the leadership of Peter Arnold and Virgil Abloh’s widow, Shannon, is reinforcing its dedication to equity amidst a backdrop of potential corporate reticence on diversity initiatives. At its annual gala on April 8, Arnold announced the nonprofit will double the number of recipients for the Virgil Abloh “Post-Modern” Scholarship Fund and extend its support beyond tuition costs to mentorship opportunities.
Lehmann Maupin is venturing into the Italian market with a seasonal pop-up on Via della Spiga in Milan’s upmarket fashion district, showcasing a group exhibition featuring prominent artists like Nari Ward, Hernan Bas, Mandy El-Sayegh, and more from its program. The move speaks to Milan’s growing stature as a European contemporary art hub and coincides with major cultural events like Miart and the Salone del Mobile design fair.
The Arles café modeled after a famous Van Gogh painting abruptly shutters.
More than a trillion cicadas could emerge in the United States later this spring.
The guy who convinced Gen Z that birds aren’t real is venturing into politics.
According to Vacheron Constantin, fragranced concept watches are coming.
