Time to Indulge
Whether you’re marking a milestone, planning a forever piece, or simply in the mood for something extraordinary, these covetable timepieces from Hettich tick every box of beauty and craftsmanship.
Rolex Day-Date 36
Oyster, 36 mm, Everose gold and diamonds, Price on Application
The undisputed classic, reimagined. Rolex’s iconic Day-Date arrives in warm 18ct Everose gold with a blue-green dial set with sparkling diamonds and a diamond-set bezel to match. With the legendary President bracelet, it delivers understated luxury in every detail.
Chopard Happy Sport 30 mm
Ethical rose gold, Lucent Steel, diamonds, £9,538
Since 1993, Chopard’s Happy Sport has been twirling diamonds across sapphire dials with playful abandon. This latest 30 mm model marries ethical rose gold with Lucent Steel and houses a mechanical automatic movement designed especially for smaller cases. Five free-spinning diamonds glide gracefully between sapphire crystals. Little diamonds do great things.
Cartier Panthère de Cartier
Small model, yellow gold & steel, £7,000
Part watch, part jewellery icon, the Panthère de Cartier is pure 1980s glamour refined for today. Its ultra-flexible bracelet echoes the sleek movements of the Maison’s emblematic panther, while a silvered dial, blued-steel hands and a blue spinel crown deliver quiet sophistication. Part timepiece, part jewellery, it prowls the line between function and fashion.
Date for the diary
10–11 October: See the latest Chopard watches and jewellery at the in-store.
Hettich Chopard Exhibition, 2–4 King Street.
Treat, Toast or Tuck Away
We grabbed a moment with Alexandru Dan, The Atlantic Hotel’s brilliant Head Sommelier, who’s just landed a coveted spot on the prestigious Harpers Top 50 Sommeliers 2025 list—the ultimate roll call of the UK’s wine greats.
With over 20 years of experience and a knack for pairing passion with serious expertise, Alexandru is the creative force behind The Atlantic’s award-winning wine programme. Owner Patrick Burke calls him “deeply knowledgeable and infectiously passionate,” while Alexandru insists the honour is really “a reflection of the amazing team and inspiring environment” at the hotel. We couldn’t resist asking Alexandru for his insider picks: a bottle to enjoy as a treat, one to mark a special occasion, and a gem worth buying now to tuck away for the future. “Ok here we go, three bottles, three moods, whether you pop, pour, or patiently wait, each one promises a story worth savouring.”
A Bottle to Enjoy as a Treat
One of my standout wine moments this year came courtesy of Château Olivier 2010, a Grand Cru Pessac-Léognan (£67). This elegant Bordeaux is medium to full-bodied, opening with aromas of black raspberry, cherry, and redcurrant, layered with hints of mossy bark, bay leaf, and tilled earth. On the palate, mineral-driven red and black fruits mingle with firm yet silky tannins and a gentle herbal lift on the finish. It’s a beautifully expressive wine that captures the character of its deep-gravel terroir, perfect alongside a Chateaubriand for a truly indulgent evening.
A Bottle for a Special Occasion
For celebrations that call for something exceptional, few bottles rival Comtes de Champagne 2013 by Taittinger (£144). Crafted exclusively from Grand Cru Chardonnay grapes, this prestige vintage dazzles with vibrant acidity and a refined, fruit-driven profile shaped by a cool growing season. Expect flavours of crisp green apple, pear, and citrus, with delicate notes of brioche and almond from extended lees ageing. Fine, persistent bubbles and a creamy texture create a Champagne of remarkable elegance and length, a sparkling example of craftsmanship that deserves to be savoured on life’s big moments.
A Bottle to Buy and Put Away
For collectors and forward planners, 2022 is already being hailed as one of Bordeaux’s greatest vintages of the century.
My top pick is Château Smith Haut Lafitte Rouge Grand Cru Classé 2022, Pessac-Léognan (£159.95 at Dunell’s). I was lucky enough to taste it at an exclusive en primeur event in London and can confidently say it promises both opulence and precision in equal measure. While it will start drinking beautifully from around 2028, patience will be rewarded; not only in flavour but also in value, with prices expected to rise by 30–35% by then. A future classic in the making.
