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Arogya Yoga School: Best Choice for Yoga Travelers in Rishikesh

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Why Rishikesh as a Yoga destination

Rishikesh is one of the world’s most revered locations for spiritual and yoga growth. Rishikesh, nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, lies along the holy Ganges River.

It has been a center of yogis, seekers, and sages for thousands of year.

The authentic spiritual atmosphere is one of the reasons why people choose Rishikesh as a yoga destination. Rishikesh, unlike commercial yoga destinations in India, remains rooted to the ancient yogic tradition. Yoga is more than just a physical activity. A holistic way of life includes asanas (postures), pranayamas (breathing), philosophy, meditation, and spiritual discipline.

Rishikesh has many internationally recognized Yoga teacher training courses. Indian gurus with extensive experience in yogic practices lead these institutions.

It is also the town’s tranquil environment that enhances yogic practice. Clean air, a flowing river, peaceful forest, and a mountain backdrop create a perfect environment for healing and introspection. Every evening, people hold the Ganga Aarti on the riverbanks. It’s a spiritual experience that attracts people from around the world.

Rishikesh, a vegetarian city and an alcohol-free one by law is in line with the yogic principles for a sattvic lifestyle. Rishikesh is a perfect place for beginners and advanced practitioners alike. It offers a unique blend of tranquility, tradition, and transformation.

Ganga Aarti at the Arogya Yoga School in Rishikesh, India.
Ganga Aarti at the Arogya Yoga School in Rishikesh, India.

The Timeless Sign of the Authentic Yoga Tradition

The founders established the school to uphold authentic yogic traditions. It offers a complete residential Yoga Teacher Training Course. You can choose from 100, 200, 300 Hour Yoga TTC, or 500-hour programs.

The courses include Hatha Yoga, Ashtanga, Kundalini, Yin, Sound Healing, and more. All recognized by Yoga Alliance USA.

The founders established the school to maintain authentic yogic practices. It offers residential Courses in Hatha, Ashtanga Kundalini Yin Sound Healing and other disciplines. All courses are recognized by Yoga Alliance USA (RYT 200, RYT 300, RYT 500)

Arogya Yoga School is a great choice for yoga students and teachers. It blends old traditions with modern practices.

Yoga teachers at the Arogya Yoga School in Rishikesh, India.
Yoga teachers at the Arogya Yoga School in Rishikesh, India.

Heartfelt and Personalized Teaching

Arogya Yoga School offers small classes of 12-18 students to ensure personalized instruction and deeper learning. The instructors are exceptionally experienced and articulate. They cover the practical, philosophical and anatomical aspects of yoga. Students praise the care and clarity in teaching.

Real, Homely Comfort and Nourishment

Arogya’s accommodations are simple, clean and equipped with RO-filtered water. Hot water is available during winter months.

Accommodations include single or shared rooms. They are clean and simple. Each room has an attached bathroom and RO-filtered water. Hot water is available in the winter months. The meals are home-cooked, vegetarian food served with love.

A Supportive, Family-Feel Community

Arogya Yoga School’s warm, supportive and family-like environment is one of its most valued features.

Teachers treat students with kindness and respect from the moment they arrive. This creates an atmosphere where everyone feels valued and seen. This sense of deep connection creates an environment where students from around the globe quickly become more than just classmates – they become family.

Teachers at Arogya not only have a wealth of knowledge, but are also deeply compassionate. They are patient and take the time to get to know each student, providing personalized guidance on and off of the mat. There’s always someone to support you, whether it’s with a difficult pose, a change in emotions, or just adjusting to your new surroundings.

Staff members at the school, such as coordinators and chefs, are also attentive. Students love how the staff goes above and beyond for comfort.

The sense of community makes the yoga teacher certification more than a certification. It becomes a life changing experience. Arogya is more than just a yoga school. It’s a global community rooted in compassion and learning.

Golden Hour Yoga at the Arogya Yoga School in Rishikesh, India.
Golden Hour Yoga at the Arogya Yoga School in Rishikesh, India.

We have a proven reputation across the globe

Arogya Yoga School’s growing alumni base reflects its credibility. Over 2,798 students have successfully completed the school’s courses. TripAdvisor gives the school high marks.

The Yoga Capital of the World

Rishikesh is a city that offers spiritual and cultural riches. The city is known as the “Yoga Capital of the World” for its sacred Ganges River and vibrant yogic communities . Arogya is located in a peaceful area with easy access to temples and ashrams.

The city also hosts daily Ganga Aarti ceremonies and serene natural surroundings.

Transformational Learning beyond Certification

Arogya Yoga School is not just about issuing certificates. It’s about transformation. The curriculum includes asanas, pranayamas, meditation, anatomy, yoga philosophy and teaching methods, and yogic life style.

It helps students grow both personally and professionally.

Yoga certificate at the Arogya Yoga School in Rishikesh, India.
Yoga certificate at the Arogya Yoga School in Rishikesh, India.

Final Thoughts

For yoga enthusiasts who are looking for a soulful, transformative experience, Arogya Yoga School has:

  • Yoga education: a tradition with deep roots
  • Small class sizes and individual attention
  • Enjoy nourishing food, peaceful surroundings, and homely comfort
  • Warm, connected community
  • Global reputation and high-quality accreditation
  • The spiritual energy in Rishikesh is a great backdrop

Arogya Yoga School can be your spiritual home. A great place to deepen your yoga practice exists. You can also grow as a teacher or reconnect with yourself. You will find a supportive community here.

  • Travel Dudes

    I’m sure you’ve had similar experiences I had whilst traveling. You’re in a certain place and a fellow traveler, or a local, tip you off on a little-known beach, bar or accommodation. Great travel tips from other travelers or locals always add something special to our travels. That was the inspiration for Travel Dudes.



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    I’m sure you’ve had similar experiences I had whilst traveling. You’re in a certain place and a fellow traveler, or a local, tip you off on a little-known beach, bar or accommodation. Great travel tips from other travelers or locals always add something special to our travels. That was the inspiration for Travel Dudes.





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World’s only factory-painted white Ferrari 250 GTO heads to auction

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The 1960s Ferrari 250 GTOs are already regarded as among the most valuable and coveted collectable classic cars in the world. Now, a special one-of-a-kind version of the car is about to head to auction, in the form of the 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO Bianco Speciale.

The chassis 3729GT Ferrari 250 GTO is one of just 36 units built between 1962 and 1964. However, what makes it stand out is that it is the only example to ever leave the factory finished in a white paint scheme.

Apart from the one-off white livery, the chassis 3729GT also has an impressive racing history, including its second-place finish on debut at the Peco Trophy at Brands Hatch in 1962 with Roy Salvadori; another second-place finish two weeks later at Goodwood’s RAC Tourist Trophy driven by Graham Hill – both of which helped Ferrari win the GT Manufacturer’s crown in 1962. The following year, the white Ferrari 250 GTO raced in the Whitsun Trophy and British Grand Prix GT races, also securing its first GT class victory driven by Jack Sears.

The white Ferrari 250 GTO will be auctioned by Mecum. The auction website also mentions that the car was commissioned by Jake Coombs in 1962. The car is said to retain its period racing details, maintained, repaired and refinished, but never restored.

Source: Mecum Auctions



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From Rue Royal To Riviera Dream: Fred’s Latest High Jewellery Collection Is Their Legacy Reimagined

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Soleil d’Or Sunrise necklace and transformable earrings in white gold and diamonds

If jewellery had a personality, FRED’s latest High Jewellery collection would be that effortlessly glamorous guest at the party—the one who catches the light just right, and always knows how to make an entrance. Aptly named The Sunshine Jeweler’s First Light, the radiant new offering is split into two chapters: 1936 and Soleil d’Or Sunrise—a sparkling tribute to joy and the pleasure of living beautifully. To understand how this Maison came about, we’ll have to look back at its origins. 

Fred Samuel was only 28 when he opened his first boutique on Rue Royale in 1936, but he already had a clear vision: to forget “safe”, stuffy jewellery locked away and only used for special occasions. He wanted movement, colour, and freedom. Jewellery that danced in the sunlight, lived for the Riviera, and felt just as right at a candlelit dinner as it did on a boat deck.

Born into a family of gemstone dealers, Samuel was captivated early on by the glow of coloured stones under the Argentine sun. Later, trained by renowned pearl merchants in Paris, he developed a passion for cultured pearls and was constantly inspired by light, sunlight in particular. 

Storefront of the 6, rue Royale FRED’s boutique, Paris, 1960 © Michel Cambazard

Chapter One: 1936

The 1936 chapter takes its cue from the very beginning, with crisp lines, bold structures, and a fresh spin on Art Deco. The key motif here is the arches, shimmering architectural curves.

One necklace, for instance, features a Colombian emerald from the legendary Muzo mines, nestled in a striking upturned arch. Matching earrings and a bold ring complete the look, all tied together with that distinctive arch detail. Elsewhere, Sri Lankan sapphires steal the show with deep, velvety blues paired with an elegant cascade of diamonds. 

1936 necklace in white gold, a 4.24 carat emerald and diamonds
1936 earrings and ring in white gold, sapphires and diamonds

And then there’s the ruby set: saturated Pigeon Blood red from Mozambique, set into supple chokers and show-stopping rings. The fire is real. Add to that a pearl necklace strung with softly tinted Akoya pearls—a nod to Samuel’s early days and still as chic as ever.

1936 necklace in white gold, rubies and diamonds

Chapter Two: Soleil d’Or Sunrise

Soleil d’Or Sunrise transformable earrings win white gold and diamonds

Where 1936 leans into drama and structure, Soleil d’Or Sunrise is all warmth and flow. From the very beginning, light has been at the heart of FRED. This fascination reached a new height in 1977, when the Maison encountered an extraordinary yellow diamond weighing over 100 carats. Its golden hue was so vivid, it looked as though it had captured the sun itself. Naturally, it was given a name to match: Soleil d’Or. The diamond became a symbol of the house, and after being welcomed back into the archives in 2021, it continues to influence the creative direction of the brand.

Margaux Hemingway and the Soleil d’Or, 1977 © Alain Dejean – Sygma via Getty Images
Setting of the Yellow Diamond on necklace

Channelling the soft glow of early morning light, a bib necklace catches the eye with its mix of grain-set yellow diamonds and claw-set white stones. The strands fall gently along the collarbone, leading to a standout centrepiece: a 2-carat diamond in a striking Fancy Intense Yellow—a quiet nod to the iconic Soleil d’Or.

Soleil d’Or Sunrise (bib) necklace in yellow and white gold, with yellow diamonds and white diamonds
Soleil d’Or Sunrise necklace and transformable earrings in white gold and diamonds

Nearly 90 years since Fred Samuel first opened his doors, FRED continues to light up the room with structured jewellery that still finds movement. Whether it’s the sharp geometry of 1936 or the golden softness of Soleil d’Or Sunrise, every piece captures something of Samuel’s original spirit: joy, colour, and a glow of something that’s always meant to be worn.

This article was first seen on GRAZIA MY.

For more on the latest in luxury jewellery reads, click here.



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What It’s Like To Travel On The Eastern & Oriental Express (Everything You Need To Know) – Hand Luggage Only

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Ever thought of booking the Eastern & Oriental Express? Well, if that’s you, then make sure to read our full lowdown on what it’s like to travel on the Eastern & Oriental Express on a trip through Malaysia, from Singapore. The Eastern & Oriental Express is an absolutely amazing train to experience and perfect for a trip around Malaysia.

Not only will you experience the beauty of places within Malaysia, but you’ll also get to experience the world-class service and beauty of the train’s carriages. It is honestly incredible. 

So, if you’re thinking of booking a place on board this incredible train, read on! We want to give you the full lowdown on what to expect, when to book, what to do and elements we hadn’t thought about before booking our travel on the Eastern & Oriental Express.

Okay, so let’s start with destinations. We took the train from Singapore. This is the starting point for any travel on the Eastern & Oriental Express. You actually board at the border station between Singapore and Malaysia at Woodlands Train Station (and checkpoint). This is where you will undertake immigration checks before boarding your journey on this iconic train. 

Pre-departure logistics for the Eastern & Oriental Express

Now, one of the great things about Belmond, in our experience, is that they think of everything for you. Every detail is considered, easy and seamless.

This is even true before we boarded the train. For instance, the onboard concierge called us about a month before our trip to organise specific excursions and book any Dior Spa services onboard. We did all this in advance, and it helped as certain experiences (especially the Spa) have limited availability.

Where do you board the Eastern & Oriental Express?

Also, as we were staying in Singapore (after flying from London) a few days before our trip, the team organised a private pickup from our hotel to Woodlands Train checkpoint (Google Maps link), where the Eastern and Oriental Express departs. It was amazing and so easy. 

Of course, you do pay a premium for all of this, but it’s honestly worth it.

The transfer was around 25 minutes from downtown Singapore, and within no time at all, we were whisked through Malaysian immigration and onto the station platform. Here, we were greeted by the amazing Eastern & Oriental Express team – all waiting for us to arrive. It felt so special. 

What I love most about the staff on board the Eastern & Oriental Express is that they are all so welcoming and warm. There’s no stuffiness or anything like that. Everyone is so friendly and helpful. 

Luggage onboard the Eastern & Oriental Express

Now, one word of advice when it comes to luggage, the cabins are cosy – as you’d expect from any train travel. To make things easier, the Eastern & Oriental Express train team will store your larger bags in a secure cabin, which you can retrieve once you have finished your journey onboard.

This way, you can take a smaller bag onto the train itself and have much more room in the cabin. So, if you’re travelling internationally to Singapore, make sure to take a small, hand luggage-style bag you can take on board the train too. 

What are the sleeping cabins like on the Eastern & Oriental Express?

What it's like to take the Eastern And Oriental Express in Malaysia Stateroom

This is where the magic truly happens! As you board the Eastern & Oriental Express, you are taken to your cabin by your butler. They will be with you every step of the way on your trip. 

What it's like to take the Eastern And Oriental Express in Malaysia Dinner Stateroom set up for bed time

Now, with the Eastern & Oriental Express, there are three bookable cabins you can choose from. The Pullman Cabin, State Cabin and the Presidential Suite – with the price increasing, depending on which cabin you choose. The Pullman Cabin is the smallest of the cabins, with bunk-style beds and an ensuite shower room. Next, the one we booked is the State Cabin. This has two convertible single beds that transform into sofas for lounging in the daytime. Finally, the Presidential Suite is the largest of all the cabins. 

With each of the rooms, the beds and remade every single night (and put away) by your Butler whilst you’re enjoying breakfast. There’s no hassle, and clean, crisp sheets and beds are waiting for you once you finish dinner in the evenings. 

Communal carriages on board the Eastern & Oriental Express

Regardless of the cabin category you book, you have free rein of the whole train. Each and every person can enjoy every aspect of the Eastern & Oriental Express. So, don’t worry about having to book a certain category of room and thinking you might miss out on certain aspects of the train. 

After settling in, unpacking and enjoying some bubbles, you’ll get to wander around the train for about 60 minutes before departure to Malaysia. We took this opportunity to get our bearings and really understand the layout of the cabin.

Observation Car

What it's like to take the Eastern And Oriental Express in Malaysia observation carriage

Our State cabin was right next to the Observation Car at the back of the train. This was a welcome treat as we were right next to the cocktail bar, lounge and outdoor observation deck, which we visited multiple times a day.

It’s a great place to come in the evening for a quieter drink, and it’s such a peaceful area of the train. Plus, the views are amazing as you travel through Malaysia. 

Malaya & Adisorn Cars 

These are the two restaurant cars onboard the Eastern & Oriental Express. Throughout your travel on the Eastern & Oriental Express, you will dine in both of these carriages, in different seats and carriages at various mealtimes. There are seats for two people and seats for four people.

Each day, for breakfast, lunch and dinner, you will be given a table alongside various other travellers onboard. It’s a great way to make friends, and honestly, by the end of the trip, every guest knows everyone, and it’s like one big friends group – which we loved. 

Though, don’t fret if you don’t fancy a chat. You can always ask to sit on the two-seater tables if it suits you best. 

The Piano Car 

What it's like to take the Eastern And Oriental Express in Malaysia Piano Bar Carriage

This is another gem of a carriage that you’ll frequent many times whilst you travel on the Eastern & Oriental Express. In the daytime, the Piano Car Bar is open and offers every type of cocktail, champagne and hot drinks you could ever want. Plus, you can have things like afternoon tea and snacks when you board the train after your daily excursions. 

Also, in the evening, you will have live musicians performing, singing and entertaining in the carriage. It’s so lovely, and we often stayed here until the wee hours of the morning. 

Dior Spa Car

The Dior Spa has a dedicated carriage onboard the Eastern & Oriental Express, along with a small shop selling Eastern & Oriental Express merchandise. At the shop, you can buy crockery, champagne flutes, tiffin boxes and other items you use throughout your journey onboard the train.

Naturally, we bought a few things to take back to London, including a tiffin box and the champagne flutes. Though I would say to buy your souvenirs early in your trip, they tend to sell out, and there is much less availability as the tour draws to a close. 

The Dior Spa has two spa rooms, both of which we used and loved. We booked in for a Dior massage in the evening after a day exploring Langkawi, and it was so lovely. The rooms are stunning, and it’s so surreal having a massage as you’re travelling through Malaysia by train. 

Which journey should you travel on the Eastern & Oriental Express?

This is entirely personal to each traveller. There is are range of seasonal journeys, specific focus journeys and routes that show off some of the best things in Malaysia itself. We chose to book the ‘Essence of Malaysia‘ journey. This took in places like Langkawi, Penang and the historic city of Ipoh along the way. We loved it. 

Now, be aware that prices and availability can vary greatly depending on seasonality. Book well in advance to get the best choice as we noticed quite a few of the dates sell out. 

Are Excursions included when you travel on the Eastern & Oriental Express?

What it's like to take the Eastern And Oriental Express Langkawi Excursion

The easy answer is yes! You’ve paid a premium to experience the Eastern & Oriental Express, and all excursions are included in the price. Best of all, there are different excursions at each stop along the way. Like I said before, the onboard concierge will call and email you with regards to the daily excursions so they can book your place before you board the train. 

Each of the excursions is different, meaning that there really is something for everyone. From tours, beach days, cooking classes, you name it – they have a heap to choose from. 

Is it difficult to sleep on the Eastern & Oriental Express?

Honestly, no. The only slight thing I’d say is that if you’re a light sleeper, you may wake up a little more in the night. Na1turally, you’re travelling by train and this can move around as you travel through Malaysia. Noise was never an issue for us, and our cabin was always super quiet. 

For us, we were quite tired once we finished our travel on the Eastern & Oriental Express. The main reason was that we were burning the candle at both ends and had total FOMO on all the amazingness that is the Eastern & Oriental Express train. This meant we had quite late nights and early mornings… but this was all our own doing. 

Are there other trains to take? 

Yeah! Don’t forget you have Belmond’s Orient Express (in mainland Europe), the new Britannic Explorer and British Pullman (England and Wales), the Royal Scotsman (Scotland), the Andean Explorer and Hiram Bingham train (in Peru). All of these offer slightly different packages, from day trips to larger journeys. 

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Saudi collector takes delivery of his Pagani Utopia Roadster ‘La Nonna’

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Saudi supercar enthusiast and collector @dhiaa070 recently took delivery of his one-off Pagani Utopia Roadster ‘La Nonna’. The car was handed over to him during a special event at the factory.

We first reported on the Utopia Roadster ‘La Nonna’ last month after the owner shared images of it being assembled. The unique spec pays tribute to the legendary Zonda ‘La Nonna’, which was used as a development prototype for all Zonda iterations.

Pagani Utopia Roadster La Nonna-2

‘La Nonna’, which is ‘The Grandmother’ in Italian, was conceived in the memory of the owner’s late grandmother. The car has a fully exposed carbon bodywork with a Nero Kajal tint. The black exterior is complemented by polished centre-lock wheels.

Pagani Utopia Roadster La Nonna-3

The interior is special too, with cream leather upholstery and exposed carbon trim. It even features handmade drawings by the owner’s son and daughter. 

At the heart of the Utopia Roadster is a 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 engine, which produces 864 hp @ 6000 rpm and 811 lb-ft of torque @ 2800-5900 rpm. It is paired with either a 7-speed automated manual or a proper stick shift with three pedals. This special Utopia Roadster is equipped with the automatic option.

Pagani Utopia Roadster La Nonna-4

Source: @dhiaa070





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Canadian Tourism to the U.S. Plunges in 2025

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Canadians returning to the country by automobile from the U.S. declined 33.1 percent in June. In 2024, Canadian tourism generated $20.5 billion in spending.

States across America are suffering from a steep decline in Canadian tourism following a tumultuous first half of 2025.

Canadians returning to the country by automobile from the United States declined 33.1% in June, compared to the same time last year, according to Canada’s national statistical agency. And Canadians returning from the U.S. by air dropped 22.1 percent. In fact, the agency said June was the sixth consecutive month of year-over-year automobile declines.

The dip in Canadian tourists follows a turbulent political year that saw President Donald Trump campaign to make the country the “51st state.” In February, then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called for Canadians to not spend their money on vacations in the U.S, instead asking them to “choose Canada” and change their “summer vacation plans to stay here in Canada and explore the many national and provincial parks, historical sites and tourist destinations our great country has to offer,” according to The New York Times.

As of April, advance bookings for flights from Canada to the U.S. between April and September were down more than 70% compared to the same time last year, according to Axios, citing statistics from aviation data firm OAG.

Even just a small dip in tourism could be very costly since Canadian travelers typically account for the highest number of international visitors to the U.S., according to the U.S. Travel Association. In 2024 alone, a total of 20.4 million Canadians visited the country, generating $20.5 billion in spending. A 10 percent reduction in visitor numbers, for example, would equate to a potential loss of $2.1 billion.

Some states will likely suffer more than others—Florida, California, Nevada, New York, and Texas tend to be the most popular states for Canadian visitors—but others have started to feel the crunch as well. In New Hampshire, which borders the eastern part of Canada, officials are seeing a dramatic drop in Canadian tourism.

“Absolutely, the Canadian numbers are lower this year, for sure,” Taylor Caswell, New Hampshire’s commissioner for business and economic affairs, told local WMUR-TV. “They’re running at about 30 percent underneath what we’ve seen in prior years.”

In Montana, credit card transactions have shown the impact of fewer tourists. Spending by Canadians in Kalispell, in the western part of the state, has decreased by an average of about 37 percent per month from January to April, Diane Medler, the executive director of Discover Kalispell, told NBC Montana. In nearby Whitefish, Canadian credit card spending has dropped 25 percent through the month of May, Zak Anderson, the executive director at Explore Whitefish, told the network.

But not everyone is giving up. In September, for example, New Hampshire is planning its own trade delegation visit, WMUR-TV reported. “We’re going to continue to focus on our relationships with Canada, which are quite important,” the state’s Gov. Kelly Ayotte said, according to the network.



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The Skin Inc Wellness Club At JW Marriott Singapore South Beach Invites You to Glow With Purpose

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The Skin Inc Wellness Club, led by local beauty label Skin Inc, celebrates SG60 by partnering with four other homegrown wellness brands. Photo: Courtesy of JW Marriott Singapore South Beach.

Timed with Singapore’s 60th year of independence, JW Marriott Singapore South Beach launches a new wellness programme that champions local brands and celebrates the city’s spirit of homegrown creativity. The hotel’s renowned day spa, Spa By JW, has opened its doors to visitors for the Skin Inc Wellness Club, a thoughtfully designed wellness experience that promises to deliver a full mind-body rejuvenation like no other.

To deliver the ultimate all-in-one experience, the immersive wellness spot has partnered with four other local brands, namely, Our Second Nature, I Am Well, That Letter M and Sova Silk. Together, these labels come to redefine beauty in the modern age. After all, beauty isn’t skin-deep.

Inside the Spa By JW. Photo: Courtesy of JW Marriott Singapore South Beach.

The core of the Skin Inc Wellness Club is grounded in intention and purpose. Carefully curated by Skin Inc founder Sabrina Tan, each indulgent spa journey doesn’t just recharge the physical senses but also offers guests a considered pause from their busy days.

At this holistic wellness club, there are four different treatments that guests can enjoy as part of this special collaboration. Conceived with the contemporary woman in mind, each treatment serves to tackle a variety of issues, from skincare concerns to stress, anxiety and bodily pains.

If you only have time for one, we recommend the Customised Beauty & Wellness Spa Experience. Sit back and enjoy 60 minutes of tranquility through the Ultimate Aromatherapy massage. Then, spend some time savouring the Skin Inc Tri-Light facial. Using NASA-LED Chromotherapy, Pulsed Electro Magnetic Field and Sonic & Hydro-Sensor technologies, this 30-minute protocol stimulates the skin for an effortlessly radiant finish.

That’s not all: the treatment is elevated with That Letter M’s 100% Organic Cotton Sheets, and a buttery silk headband from Sova Silk. Spa treatments have never felt so luxurious.

One of the treatment rooms at Spa By JW. Photo: Courtesy of JW Marriott Singapore South Beach.

Or opt for the stress-relieving Nourish and Defy Gravity Treatment, which incorporates Southeast Asian massage techniques, acupressure and hot stones to sooth both body and soul. For the face, the Nourish and Defy Gravity Treatment taps Skin Inc’s RF Uplifting treatment to reenergise your glow. Sink into a state of sheer bliss as the facial therapist uses low-frequency electromagnetic waves to gently tighten and contour the skin.

No matter your choice, one thing is for sure: the Skin Inc Wellness Club is going to transform your wellness journey, one soothing treatment at a time.

For more information about the Skin Inc Wellness Club visit: here.

This article was first seen on GRAZIA SG.

For more on the latest in wellness and beauty reads, click here.



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Garagisti GP1 is Britain’s new V12 hypercar with a manual gearbox

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British firm Garagisti & Co is making headlines with its first hypercar. It is called the GP1. Only 25 units are being built, each with a price tag of $3.9 million.

The Garagisti GP1 is a truly analogue hypercar that looks contemporary, albeit with a few retro touches. It was designed by Angel Guerra, the former exterior designer at Bugatti and Rimac.

Garagisti GP1-3

The car has a sleek profile with massive vents on the sides, a front fascia reminiscent of the Pininfarina Battista and a rear section that reminds us of old Lamborghinis. It even has quad exhausts. The interior has a twin cockpit design with a central spine similar to the Carrera GT.

Garagisti GP1-1

The GP1 is based on a carbon monocoque. Instead of sticking a large wing on it, Angel opted for ground-effect aerodynamics, and hence the large rear diffuser. It features Ohlins suspension, while the brakes have been sourced from Brembo.

Garagisti GP1-2

Powering the GP1 is a 6.6-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine developed by Italy-based Italtecnica. It develops 778 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox that sends power to the rear wheels. The company is targeting a dry weight of 1,000 kg.



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Best Travel Hacks That Will Actually Save You Money in Manchester

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Manchester might have a reputation for being an expensive tourist city, but here’s the insider secret: the best experiences often come from stepping away from the obvious tourist trail and embracing the local approach.

This vibrant northern powerhouse rewards the savvy traveler who knows where to look for authentic experiences without adding the premium price tag.

The key to unlocking Manchester’s treasures without draining your wallet lies in understanding how locals navigate the city. From revolutionized public transport to hidden neighborhood gems, these proven money-saving strategies will transform your Manchester experience from expensive to extraordinary.

Master the New Bee Network Revolution

Save up to £240 annually with smart transport choices

Manchester’s public transport landscape has undergone a complete transformation with the Bee Network, making it the first region outside London to bring buses back under local control. This isn’t just bureaucratic reshuffling, it’s a game-changer for budget-conscious travelers.

The £2 Magic Number

All single bus fares across Greater Manchester cost just £2 for adults and £1 for children, significantly below the national £3 cap. But here’s where it gets brilliant: every single fare becomes a “hopper” ticket, allowing you to jump between as many Bee Network buses as you like within one hour of purchase.

This hopper system is pure genius for exploring Manchester’s diverse neighborhoods. Instead of paying multiple £2 fares, one payment gets you from the city center to trendy Northern Quarter, then onwards to vibrant areas like Chorlton or Didsbury, all within that golden hour window.

Weekly and Monthly Savings

For longer stays, the savings multiply dramatically:

  • 7-day pass: £20 adult / £10 child (down from £21/£10.50)
  • 28-day pass: £80 adult / £40 child (reduced from £85.40/£42.70)
  • Annual pass: £800 (equivalent to £2.20 per day, saving up to £240 yearly)

The annual pass, available through local credit unions with flexible payment options, transforms Manchester from expensive to incredibly affordable for extended stays or frequent visits.

The March 2025 Game-Changer

From March 2025, tap-in tap-out technology launches across buses and trams with a daily cap of £9.50 for multi-modal travel (£7.80 off-peak). This London-style system means you’ll never overpay, automatically charging the best fare based on your actual journeys.

Tram of the Bee Network in Manchester, UK.
Tram of the Bee Network in Manchester, UK.

Discover Free Cultural Treasures

Manchester’s world-class museums cost absolutely nothing

Manchester’s commitment to accessible culture means some of the UK’s finest museums offer completely free entry. This isn’t just a nice bonus—it’s a treasure trove of world-class experiences.

Must-Visit Free Museums

Manchester Museum stands as one of the UK’s largest university museums with over 4.5 million objects. Recent renovations added stunning new galleries including the Lee Kai Chinese Culture Gallery and South Asia Gallery. The Egyptian collection and dinosaur displays alone justify the visit, while the building’s neo-Gothic architecture provides Instagram-worthy backdrops.

Manchester Art Gallery houses the world’s best collection of Pre-Raphaelite paintings plus works by local hero L.S. Lowry. The gallery’s central location makes it perfect for breaking up shopping or exploring between meals.

Science and Industry Museum celebrates Manchester’s role as the world’s first industrial city in the historic Liverpool Road Station. Interactive exhibits include hands-on experiences and the fascinating evolution from textile mills to computing pioneers.

People’s History Museum explores British democracy through engaging social and political history displays. It’s particularly compelling for understanding Manchester’s radical heritage and working-class traditions.

Imperial War Museum North (accessible via tram) focuses on human stories from 20th and 21st-century conflicts. The dramatic architecture alone makes the journey worthwhile.

The exterior of Manchester Museum seen from the opposite side of Oxford Road.
The exterior of Manchester Museum seen from the opposite side of Oxford Road.

Budget-Friendly Paid Museums

For modest fees, National Football Museum (£13 online, £14 at door) offers the world’s largest football collection. Manchester Jewish Museum charges just £6 and includes a stunning architectural extension worth the admission alone.

Navigate the Northern Quarter Food Scene

Eat like a local for under £5

The Northern Quarter represents Manchester’s creative heart, and its food scene proves you don’t need deep pockets for incredible meals. This area rewards adventurous eaters who venture beyond mainstream options.

Under-£5 Champions

Caff in Tony Wilson Place challenges you to find cheaper lunch than their £3.60 butties. This colorful shipping container serves hearty comfort food with abundant vegan options, modernizing the classic northern butty shop concept. Upgrade to a £5 lunch deal including crisps and drinks.

Wolf at the Door revolutionizes budget eating with £1 bao buns and tacos. Despite cultural fusion concerns, the cauliflower shawarma and chip shop curry bao, plus jerk chicken tacos, deliver surprising quality at unbeatable prices.

Bao buns and tacos at Wolf at the Door in Manchester, UK.
Bao buns and tacos at Wolf at the Door in Manchester, UK.

The £5-£8 Sweet Spot

Northern Soul Grilled Cheese creates £4.50-£6.50 masterpieces using sourdough and secret three-cheese blends. The Pestorella (tomato, basil pesto) and Mac Attack (incorporating mac and cheese) represent comfort food perfection.

Bundobust combines Indian street food with craft beer culture. Their tapas-style pricing allows sampling multiple dishes without breaking budgets, while the atmospheric basement location adds authentic vibes.

Coffee Culture Without Premium Prices

Takk serves exceptional single-origin coffee for £2.70, crucial for Melbourne-standard caffeine experiences. The Nordic-inspired space on trendy Tariff Street provides perfect people-watching opportunities.

Fig and Sparrow offers Instagram-worthy aesthetics with predominantly vegetarian menu items ranging £3-£10. Their avocado toast with chili and walnuts, plus vegan salted caramel slice, justifies the slightly higher prices.

Unlock Neighborhood Secrets

Venture beyond city center for authentic experiences

Manchester’s true character emerges in neighborhoods where locals actually live, work, and socialize. These areas offer significantly better value while providing genuine cultural immersion.

Chorlton: Manchester’s Bohemian Heart

This area buzzes with independent cafes, vintage shops, and multicultural restaurants. Bei Jing Takeaway serves lunchtime salt and pepper boxes for £5 cash, while the famous Saturday market provides fresh produce and artisanal goods at fraction of city center prices.

Levenshulme: Hidden Gem Territory

Levenshulme Bakery offers outstanding Middle Eastern shawarma wraps under £5, with lamb options at £5.50. This area rewards exploration with authentic international cuisine serving local communities rather than tourists.

Cheetham Hill Road: Budget Food Paradise

Multiple spots along this corridor serve incredible value meals. The £1.99 biryani stand represents extreme budget eating, while numerous family-run establishments offer generous portions at student-friendly prices.

Horse & Jockey in Chorlton, Manchester, UK. greg-willson -unsplash.
Horse & Jockey in Chorlton, Manchester, UK. greg-willson -unsplash.

Group Travel Transportation Hacks

Split costs with smart group transport solutions

For groups of 8+ people, Manchester’s traditional transport options become expensive quickly. This is where strategic planning pays dividends, especially for exploring areas outside the city center or making airport transfers.

Private group transport through services like minibus hire can dramatically reduce per-person costs compared to multiple taxis or individual train tickets. Companies with minibus hire specialize in group tours and transfers, offering everything from 7-seater MPVs to 25-seater minibuses. These services prove particularly valuable for:

  • Airport transfers (especially late night or early morning when public transport is limited)
  • Day trips to Peak District, Lake District, or nearby cities
  • Group dining experiences in suburban areas with limited public transport
  • Event transportation for concerts, sports matches, or festivals

The key is comparing per-person costs: four people in a taxi to Manchester Airport costs around £80-100, while an 8-seater minibus might cost £120-150, offering significant savings for larger groups plus luggage space and convenience.

Seasonal Money-Saving Strategies

Time your visit for maximum value

Manchester’s weather reputation works in budget travelers’ favor.

Shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) offer several advantages:

  • Hotel rates drop 30-50% compared to summer peak
  • Restaurant reservations become easier, sometimes unlocking better tables
  • Attractions operate normally without summer crowds
  • Weather remains generally pleasant for walking exploration

Winter visits (November-March) provide different benefits:

  • Accommodation costs hit annual lows
  • Christmas markets (November-December) offer free entertainment
  • Indoor attractions like museums gain appeal
  • Many restaurants offer seasonal menu deals
Canal boats in Castlefield, Manchester, UK.
Canal boats in Castlefield, Manchester, UK.

Festival and Event Intelligence

Manchester’s cultural calendar creates both expensive periods and bargains:

  • Avoid: Manchester International Festival, major football matches, university graduation periods
  • Embrace: Mid-January to March (post-holiday lull), early November, weekdays during school terms

Smart Accommodation Strategies

Sleep well without overspending

Manchester’s accommodation landscape ranges from £9 hostel beds to luxury hotels, but smart booking reveals significant savings opportunities.

Read our guide on When to Book Flights, Hotels & More: Your Complete Travel Planning Guide

Hostel Intelligence

YHA Manchester and Hatters Hostel consistently receive excellent ratings with beds from £9-27 nightly. These aren’t just budget crash pads. They offer proper facilities, central locations, and social opportunities for meeting fellow travelers.

Private hostel rooms often cost less than budget hotels while providing superior locations. Hostelworld shows Manchester hostels averaging €9.04 with properties in prime Northern Quarter and city center locations.

Location Strategy

Staying slightly outside the immediate city center areas like Salford, Chorlton, or Didsbury can reduce accommodation costs by 40-60% while providing authentic neighborhood experiences. The excellent public transport network means you’re never more than 15-20 minutes from the action.

Practical Daily Budget Breakdown

Real numbers for real travelers

Based on extensive research and local pricing, here’s what Manchester actually costs when you apply these strategies:

Budget Traveler (£25-35 daily)

  • Accommodation: £9-15 (hostel bed)
  • Transport: £5 (day pass covering all exploration)
  • Food: £10-15 (breakfast from accommodation, £5 lunch, £5-8 dinner)
  • Activities: £0-5 (free museums, occasional paid attraction)

Mid-Range Traveler (£50-70 daily)

  • Accommodation: £25-40 (private hostel room or budget hotel)
  • Transport: £5 (same excellent network)
  • Food: £20-25 (café breakfast, nice lunch, restaurant dinner)
  • Activities: £5-10 (mix of free and paid attractions)

Splurge Conscious (£80-120 daily)

  • Accommodation: £40-60 (good hotel or boutique property)
  • Transport: £5-10 (including occasional taxis)
  • Food: £30-50 (flexibility for special meals)
  • Activities: £10-15 (all attractions, some entertainment)

These budgets assume smart application of strategies outlined above. The remarkable thing about Manchester is how the excellent free cultural offerings and affordable transport keep even modest budgets incredibly rich in experiences.

Shops in Chinatown, Manchester, UK.
Shops in Chinatown, Manchester, UK.

Local Insider Knowledge

Think like a Mancunian

The ultimate Manchester money-saving secret is adopting local attitudes and patterns. Lunch deals dominate the scene—many restaurants offer significantly cheaper midday portions of dinner items. Cash payments often unlock discounts at independent establishments. Walking between neighborhoods reveals hidden gems while avoiding transport costs for short distances.

App strategies multiply savings: create new accounts with chains like McDonald’s, KFC, Burger King for welcome bonuses. Use Student Beans or similar platforms (even if you’re not a student). Many Manchester businesses participate in general discount schemes.

Weather wisdom: embrace Manchester’s indoor culture during rain. Museums, galleries, covered markets, and arcade shopping become more appealing, while outdoor attractions often reduce prices or offer better deals during less popular weather.

Manchester rewards travelers who dig deeper than surface attractions. The city’s greatest asset isn’t its famous music heritage or football clubs – it’s the authentic, affordable experiences available to anyone willing to explore like a local. With these strategies, Manchester transforms from expensive tourist destination to incredible value adventure, proving that the best travel experiences come not from spending more, but from understanding better.

Your wallet will thank you, and more importantly, you’ll discover the real Manchester that locals love and protect.

That’s the ultimate travel hack: not just saving money, but finding authentic experiences that money often can’t buy in more tourist-focused destinations.

  • Travel Dudes

    I’m sure you’ve had similar experiences I had whilst traveling. You’re in a certain place and a fellow traveler, or a local, tip you off on a little-known beach, bar or accommodation. Great travel tips from other travelers or locals always add something special to our travels. That was the inspiration for Travel Dudes.



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    I’m sure you’ve had similar experiences I had whilst traveling. You’re in a certain place and a fellow traveler, or a local, tip you off on a little-known beach, bar or accommodation. Great travel tips from other travelers or locals always add something special to our travels. That was the inspiration for Travel Dudes.





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The Conversation: Engineering Success – LUXUO

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Watches often evolve in unpredictable ways, especially if they were made to fulfil some kind of need or requirement. If said needs and requirements change, so too does the watch, or watches, in question. Take for example the IWC Ingenieur, which is experiencing a major revival at the moment that is very far removed from its debut 70 years ago.

That original Ingenieur watch was designed to meet the emerging challenge of navigating magnetic fields, alongside a host of other such watches. Watchmakers perceived a threat to the running of their creations from these fields, which would in fact go on to dominate our work and home environments. Hence, IWC introduced the Ingenieur with an automatic movement and an inner soft iron shell that would function as a Faraday cage. In 1955.

Even as the model went through a variety of changes, these elements remained consistent…until now that is. The editors of WOW Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand saw all the new models at Watches and Wonders Geneva this year; the Ingenieur in particular drew their attention. The collection, inspired not by the 1955 original but the 1976 Ingenieur SL imagined by the famed Gerald Genta, sparked their first discussion centred not on broad topics but on just one subject.

Stylised view of the principal components of the Ingenieur Automatic 42 in black ceramic

RC: Guys, we are at the beginning of something new: a brand-specific discussion among the editors!

AS: It is indeed a brand new day…in a manner of speaking. And, we’re also going collection specific. So, are we ready for the IWC Ingenieur of 2025?

RC: Presently, of all five collections listed on the IWC web site, “Ingenieur” is one of the two families named after a profession, with the other being “Pilot’s Watches”. And that reflects the focused nature or objective with which the watch was developed in the first place.

DG: I have a feeling that with such focused attention on one collection, things are about to get extremely nerdy…

AS: Nerdy? Funnily enough, we have an odd question to ponder: where to begin… The Ingenieur has had quite a number of lives and, as Ruckdee noted, it remains only the second such model (named for and aimed at a specific profession) in the brand’s history. Why is it a watch for engineers? Well, from what the brand says, it all comes down to the antimagnetic properties of the watch. The Ingenieur was literally engineered to face the challenges of an electronic world.

DG: It has such a fascinating back story. But let’s not forget, IWC is in Schaffhausen which is nearer to the German side of the Swiss border and you know the reputation that the Germans have for their engineering. It makes sense that way back when, IWC probably thought that hey, there are a lot of engineers around here; they need to tell time; magnetic inference is a problem; and we have a brilliant solution!

RC: Good point made there, Daniel. I first discovered IWC as a resolutely sober, white and black brand, with a heightened sense of engineering, and no obvious partnership or celebrity endorsement. Having said that, I have a confession to make. When I was much younger, I didn’t know that the very first Ingenieur was round! At the time, I thought the Ingenieur SL designed by Gerald Genta in 1976 was already the beginning of the collection. Then I discovered that I was not sufficiently educated, because the very first Ingenieur was in fact a round watch known as Ref. 666 in 1955 or exactly 70 years ago.

Ingenieur Perpetual Calandar

AS: IWC is very Teutonic, that is true, and it was a champion of tool watches. Still is, in important ways that are today most evident in both this collection and the Aquatimer. Where water-resistance is the name of the game in dive watches, IWC foresaw that mechanical watches needed protection from the magnetic fields of the electronic devices that were becoming ubiquitous in the second half of the 20th century. That is where the story from the original from the 1950s still plays a part, although I join Ruckdee in only recalling the 1976 Ingenieur SL.

DG: I wonder what it was that made the watch unsuccessful when it was launched in the late 1970s? Officially they say the design was too visionary, but I suppose there should be more factors in play here as well right? Could it have been the quartz watches that were probably gaining momentum around the same time? Or maybe even the asking price was too high? Does anybody know what the Ref. 1832 cost at the time it was made?

RC: No, I don’t know the original retail price of the Ingenieur SL. But I think I know why it is so collectible right now: not so many pieces were made! IWC’s latest information notes, and I quote, “With the modesty and sobriety of a tool watch manufacturer, IWC chose a different approach and marketed the Ingenieur SL exclusively to engineers in the years to come. However, for this target group, Genta’s design was simply too bold and too visionary. And so, between 1976 and 1983, only 598 pieces were produced and sold.”

AS: There are boons to making only a very limited number of pieces, especially to collectors. Now, aside from being a famous maker of tool watches, IWC is a brand that wants to sell a lot of pieces so it is perhaps unsurprising that the Ingenieur’s first run ended in the 1980s. However, there was clearly a tonne of unrealised potential in the collection as the brand returned it to the lineup as the mechanical watch revival got underway at the start of the 21st century. To be clear, the collection was quite respected when it came back but IWC has fiddled with the design a number of times before hitting its stride in 2023, when the first four models appeared in the current style.

RC: I was not a fan of contemporary, round Ingenieur watches when they made brief resurgences during that fiddling phase. So, I was very pleased in 2023 when IWC did what they did: formally re-establishing the collection on the aesthetic basis of the Genta-designed Ingenieur SL. The size is also good and safe at 40mm.

“When I was younger, I didn’t know that the first Ingenieur was a round watch known as Ref. 666 in 1955” said by Ruckdee Chotjinda, Editor-in-Chief, WOW Thailand.

AS: There are some characteristics that define the Ingenieur, particularly the Genta-era Ingenieur SL that Ruckdee referenced there. The integrated bracelet form is, of course, a key part of the winning formula, but so is the industrial vibe of the bezel and the dial. For the longest time, and until this year, it was also the presence of the soft-iron inner case that marked the Ingenieur; that was the Faraday cage, of a sort, that gave the watch its impressive antimagnetic credentials.

RC: I don’t know the average magnetic levels in our daily life or around specific devices, but the standard Ingenieur Automatic 40 in stainless steel with the said soft-iron inner case offers magnetic resistance to the level of 40,000 A/M, whereas the ISO standard requires a dive watch to be magnetic resistant to only 4,800 A/M. More superficially, I was thrilled to see how they brought back the “grid” dial of the Ingenieur SL. I think it gives yet another important signature to this highly technical collection of timepieces.

AS: Moving right along, after those four watches from 2023, the brand found its footing and decided to go all-in here. There are now 12 models in the Ingenieur collection, including its first-ever perpetual calendar model and an incredible ceramic model. Sizes now range from 42mm to 35mm, with that perpetual calendar model coming in at a unique 41mm.

DG: I am not at all surprised that IWC decided to add a ceramic model to its collection; the material is gaining traction in the industry and has been doing so in the last couple of years. What did surprise me, however, was IWC’s heritage with this material. The brand made the first zirconium oxide black ceramic case in 1986. And apparently there was also another Pilot’s watch in black ceramic in 1994. All of these were before my time covering watches but these days, I think IWC is investing heavily in developing ceramic materials. The firm has Ceralume, which successfully integrates Super-LumiNova® pigments into ceramic, and the collaboration it did with the German Aerospace centre introduced fibre-reinforced ceramic as a viable material. So, I think it was only natural that IWC brought its expertise with ceramic to the Ingenieur collection. And I suppose with ceramic being a non-magnetic material, this fits into the whole antimagnetic ethos of the Ingenieur.

Ingenieur Automatic 42

AS: You know, people do say it is all about details in fine watchmaking, which is what IWC does these days, and the new ceramic Ingenieur gets it right. I was surprised to learn that the crown and crown guards are also in ceramic, and so is the caseback. As you know, although we did not say it properly for the record, the five screws visible on the bezel are functional, connecting the three parts of the case to each other. The Ingenieur has only featured this as a key element now, with the 1976 debut going with a different case structure, and it is important to the feel of the reimagined watch. This sort of thing is part of the reason that ceramic watches often do not have ceramic casebacks. I presume this is something IWC wanted to figure out before getting into ceramic here because Daniel is right to note the general proficiency the brand has demonstrated with ceramic (since 1986 with reference 3755 in fact but we will get to that shortly).

RC: One thing caught me by surprise, though, and that is the size of the new ceramic Ingenieur. Unlike the Ingenieur Perpetual Calendar 41 with extra indications to display, the Ingenieur Automatic 42 in ceramic is a three-hander so, at first, I didn’t know why it had to be 42mm when it could have been in the same 40mm size as the models in stainless steel and titanium. My initial guess was that it was due to complications with the case construction and ceramic parts and all. But then I looked closer and discovered that a totally different movement was used! The Ingenieur Automatic 42 in black ceramic is powered by the larger Calibre 82110, which is also visible through the tinted sapphire crystal caseback. The Ingenieur Automatic 40 in stainless steel or titanium is equipped with Calibre 32111, which belongs to a totally different IWC movement lineage, not hidden behind the closed case back.

DG: You know you still could be right. It could be due to the complications with the case construction that they have to use a different movement. Additionally, it could also be that because the ceramic is in black, they needed to use a larger case to give the watch the intended appearance on the wrist. Maybe a fully black 40mm watch would look closer to a 38mm on the wrist?

“I think it was only natural that IWC brought its expertise with ceramic to the Ingenieur collection. After all, it is a non-magnetic material”— Daniel Goh, Editor-in-Chief, World of Watches, Malaysia

RC: This is why I like chatting with you guys. You expand my perspectives! While we won’t know for sure until we ask IWC what its intentions or constraints were with regard to the ceramic Ingenieur being larger than the rest, it is cool to ponder at the possible reasons and the effects they bring. I, for example, didn’t think about the effect where a black ceramic 40mm watch has the potential to look smaller than its measured size. But I agree that, as things stand now, the current Ingenieur watches in different materials look appropriate for their respective persona. Ashok, what do you think?

AS: I like the story of the ceramic model, and how IWC had to come up with neat engineering solutions to make the case construction work. Also, the little things such as the aforementioned crown and guards – having these made in matching black ceramic is going the extra mile. You only need to imagine how specific this process is – only this model uses such components, in the entire IWC range. This kind of production fastidiousness (and ultimately, exclusivity) is what fine watchmaking is all about. If you really consider it, the case (and components) of this 42mm watch is worth an entire article, and we did toy with that idea right here before going in this direction. As for the size, I think it was the decision to use the Calibre 82110 movement that defined it, and probably some sort of consideration on minimum sizes for water-resistance and perhaps even those little components! Truth be told, integrated watches wear a bit bigger than you might expect so I would love it if there was a 40mm version but, on the other hand, some differentiation is very desirable. To finish here, I wish that the dial was also in ceramic, with this same design (i.e. the grid pattern) of course! Something to look forward to perhaps, and more realistic (maybe) than a smaller size…

Stylised take on the assembly of the Ingenieur Automatic 40

DG: I second that idea for a dial in ceramic. IWC, if you are reading this…

RC: It’s not a must for me. But if they can make a ceramic dial without losing the grid pattern then I am in, otherwise I would prefer for the dial to stay as is. So what is your favourite, current model Ingenieur then? Daniel? I do like the new Ingenieur Automatic 42 in black ceramic and my wrist can take the size, but I am still partial towards the Ingenieur Automatic 40 in stainless steel with Aqua dial which I find to be quite refreshing – it is not too green and already not blue.

DG: Anyone who knows me will know that although I love the technical complexities of making a material like ceramic (pressure and fire, what’s not to like?) I think the size will be a tad bit big for my personal tastes. So, for that reason, I think the new 35mm Ingenieur is a pretty compelling release from the brand this year. And if we are talking full fantasy, how about that 35mm Ingenieur in full 18K 5N gold. How baller is that?!

AS: I do like the smaller releases here, again mainly because of that whole integrated bracelet thing. Also, great that IWC went with yet another movement for the smaller models, Calibre 47110; this does wonders for that model differentiation that I keep harping on. All too often, brands will just go with one movement in cases of multiple sizes and that irks me, as it does Ruckdee too! I think the decision to have every size and specification (the ceramic model and the perpetual calendar) in the new Ingenieur range have its own movement is a deft touch, even if it probably was not decided in this way.

“I applaud the decision to equip every size and specification in the Ingenieur range with distinct movements” — Ashok Soman, Editor-in-Chief, WOW Singapore

RC: Oh, don’t get me started on an open case back with a much smaller movement than case. We don’t have the pages for my rant. But where the Ingenieur is concerned, so far everything is proportionate and well-thought-out to me. They have regular, smaller and larger case sizes. They have steel, performance materials and noble metal. And, with the perpetual calendar being added this year, even before there is a chronograph, we can anticipate the latter next year, perhaps.

AS: I am pretty sure that we can expect more in ceramic from the Ingenieur, given the history of material innovation at IWC. Not at all a stretch to see a perpetual calendar in the mix, especially since IWC introduced ceramic to watchmaking with a perpetual calendar in 1986, although in the Da Vinci line. And the brand does have some expertise in making complicated watches in materials such as ceramic, and of course hybrids, including Ceratanium. Honestly, the Ingenieur collection is just brimming with potential on the material front. And yes, the thought of IWC introducing a chronograph with ceramic pushers did occur to me too, mostly because the Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month already has such a thing, but in Ceratanium!

DG: It is exciting, isn’t it, when a brand introduces a new collection, especially one with such a cool origin story and more importantly, with a design that can speak to contemporary tastes. The expansion of the line has already begun and I am sure if you look at IWC’s playbook, the gears are already churning for the next few releases. Predictably we will probably see line extensions for the newly launched references in the coming years but I am pretty sure that there will still be a few surprises up IWC’s sleeve. I wish IWC would do a limited-edition reissue of the original SL reference 1832 but it seems highly unlikely. Even the watch they put on Brad Pitt’s wrist for the shooting of the film – F1 – was apparently a modified version of an original watch. But, one can dream right? In any case, it is great to see the positive reception of the Ingenieur and I am definitely looking forward to covering its future.

Ingenieur Automatic 40

This story was first seen as part of the WOW #78 Vision 2025 Issue

For more on the latest in luxury watch reads, click here.



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