Like several Swiss watchmakers who have heavily invested in becoming more independent from movement suppliers, Breitling spent the last five years developing its first in-house manufactured movement: Caliber B01. Unveiled for the brand’s 125th anniversary this year, the automatic COSC-certified column- wheel chronograph with a vertical coupling clutch (to ensure …

Private flight has certainly seen better years. In addition to fighting a recessionary headwind that has slowed the entire manufacturing sector, this particular industry has served as the media’s preferred target for populist outrage in the wake of financial crisis and Wall Street scandal. In the minds of many, its …

With his bespoke pinstripe suits and 1960s-style sideburns, Stephan Winkelmann embodies Lamborghini’s raging-bull image. A German-born businessman raised in Italy, Winkelmann became CEO of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. in 2005, after the company fell under the auspices of Audi, and soon introduced German precision to the Italian marque’s rough-and-tumble cars. “Lamborghini …

Recently, one of our editors brought to the attention of the rest of the staff an April article from the Washington Post that neatly encapsulates a media phenomenon we have observed of late with increasing dismay: the demonization of the wealthy and the industries that cater to them. Titled “The …

When the Metropolitan Museum of Art unveils its highly anticipated exhibition “Afghanistan: Hidden Treasures from the National Museum, Kabul,” visitors will also see an exclusive jewelry collection that was adapted from the original artifacts and is also for sale. The museum enlisted jewelry designer and goldsmith Gurhan Orhan to create …

Pristine Bay Resort, a second-home community located on the tropical island of Roatan nearly 35 miles off the coast of Honduras, will finish building its first phase of homes in December. The resort will initially have 30 casitas, each with unobstructed views of the Caribbean Sea, along with a Pete …

Never mind the economy: Maybach is still making money. The 5.7-meter-long Maybach 57 and the 6.2-meter-long Maybach 62 remain—despite their bumper-to-bumper hand-craftedness—serious cash cows for Germany’s Daimler AG, the parent company of Mercedes-Benz. Derived from the previous-generation Mercedes S-class sedan, but priced some 400 percent higher, the standard 543-horsepower sedans …

Flat-panel TVs can hide in credenzas, in ceilings, under beds … and behind mirrors. The Pantel Mirror TV functions as a mirror when it is turned off, but when the power goes on a TV image appears. The Mirror TV is completely waterproof, so it can be used safely in …

Opened in June, 2009, this chic boutique hotel features 63 spacious rooms—all boasting spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline. The Ravel Hotel’s big surprise is, of course, its location—the luxe, modern hotel is situated within a stone’s throw of the Queensboro bridge in Long Island City, less than 10 minutes to Manhattan. And while not necessarily associated with glamour, Long Island City does has an industrial-chic appeal, having long been home to a diverse community of artists, making the Ravel Hotel a viable alternative to similarly trendy, modern hotels in Manhattan. Guest rooms feature dressed-up details like 9-foot-tall ceilings, 42-inch plasma-screen TVs, private balconies, glass enclosed shower stalls, and ultra-deep sunken tubs.  There may not be a restaurant on-site, but the Ravel Hotel does offer some unique extras—including a spectacular, Miami-themed rooftop deck outfitted with cabanas, creative cocktails, reclining chairs, and stellar, 360-degree views of the cityscape. Nightly parties are hosted by well-known DJs, and some nights include trend-oriented touches like hand-rolled cigars and premium whiskey tastings.—Alexis Korman

The Ravel Hotel

8-08 Queens Plaza South

Long Island City, NY 11101

(718) 289-6101

www.ravelhotel.com

Tao – Las Vegas and New York

With locations in both New York and Las Vegas, this gorgeous, upscale Asian eatery is a haven for power diners, trend-loving tourists, and those who adore the dinner-as-theatre trope. As seen on a famous episode of Sex and the City, a stunning, 15-foot-tall golden Buddha statue welcomes well-heeled customers to the New York City location, transporting all who walk through Tao’s doors to a romanticized version of the (far) Far East. The Sin City outpost (located inside the Venetian Resort Hotel) was created in 2005, and offers an astounding 40,000 square feet of space. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Vegas Tao transforms into a bumping club late into the night. Both locations feature dazzling décor details like soaring ceilings, imported artifacts, bamboo accents, silk upholstery and dramatically backlit screens, while the menu focuses on premium sushi and Asian-fusion fare, including popular signature plates like the Peking Duck for Two and the Miso-Glazed Chilean Sea Bass. Creatively mixed cocktails, like the Xi Gua Tini ($12), utilize refreshing ingredients, such as watermelon and lime juices, along with premium spirits.—Alexis Korman

Photo by: Tao

TAO (NYC)

42 East 58^th St

New York, NY

212-888-1233

TAO (LV)

3355 Las Vegas Blvd

Las Vegas, NV

702-388-8338

Executive Chef (NY): John Villa,

Executive Chef (LV): Mark Andelbradt

Hungry? The NYC location will offer a 3-course $38 prix fixe menu before 7pm and after 11pm

Insider Tip: The NYC location will incorporate free delivery service to those in the neighborhood.