The Prestigious WATCHPRO Salon Returns to London This November 2022

The biggest luxury watch show of the year in the UK, WATCHPRO Salon, is taking place from 11 to 12 November at The Londoner, a sensational 5-star hotel that opened last year right on Leicester Square.

The show is packed with inspiring watchmakers ranging from the hottest artisan independents such as Laurent Ferrier, Zeitwinkel and Czapek & Cie up to commercial giants including Grand Seiko, Maurice Lacroix, Oris and DOXA. In all, we expect to have over 50 brands to discover.

There is also a lively seminar programme at Salon including Robert-Jan Broer, founder of Fratello Watches and Omega Speedmaster enthusiast club Speedy Tuesday, doing a talk on the origins of the club and the phenomenon of the community. RedBar co-founder Kathleen McGivney will host a special session with collectorsfollowed by the long-awaited London global meet up.

Confirmed exhibitors, a list that is growing by the day, include:

Allemano | anOrdain | Ball Watch | Bianchet | Bomberg | Bonhams | Byrne Watches | Charles Girardier | Cyrus | Czapek & Cie. | Doxa | eBay | Elliot Brown | Encelade 1789 | Grand Seiko | Hanhart | Herbelin | Ikepod | Junghans | Kauri Watches | Laurent Ferrier | Luminox |  Marathon | Maurice Lacroix | Montres L. Leroy | Minase Watches |Oligo | Oris | Perrelet | QlockTwo | Reservoir Watches | Scatola Del Tempo | Seiko | Sequent | SevenFriday | Sherpa Watches | Sinn | Speake-Marin | Squale | Swiss Capsule | Swiss Kubik | Victorinox | William Wood Watches | Zeitwinkel | Zodiac Watches

“WATCHPRO Salon is a prestigious event, but we are making it accessible to everybody with a passion for watches,” says head of WATCHPRO Live Lucy Cheesewright.

The show debuted last year and was universally acclaimed for mixing blockbuster brands with independents that are rarely, if ever, seen in the UK to a delighted audience of watch lovers.

“Something interesting is happening in the world of watch events. Following the implosion of Baselworld, there are hundreds of watchmakers that have nowhere to show their latest novelties while, at the same time, the number of people with a passion for timekeepers has exploded, particularly in the UK,” notes WATCHPRO co-founder Rob Corder. “WATCHPRO Salon is an event where seasoned collectors and recent converts to the joys of horology can indulge in their passion,” he adds.

There are various sessions that the public can attend including a VIP Preview on Friday 11 in the afternoon which includes private meetings with watchmakers along with champagne and canapés. Tickets are £100. This will be followed by our opening night cocktail party, tickets priced at £45.

General admission is all day Saturday 12 and tickets are £20.

Ticket sessions:

VIP Champagne Preview, Fri 11 2-5:30
Opening Night Cocktail Fri 11 5:30-8:30
General Admission Sat 12 10-6:00
Email Club Vivanova for your complimentary tickets

Currencies Direct Co-hosts and Sponsors the 2022 Prestige French Property & Lifestyle Show

This will be the first dedicated French Property Show since March 2020 and we look forward to showcasing the best of France. Attending the show will be Immobiliers representing some of the most popular areas of France such as Normandy, Brittany, Mayenne, Loire Atlantique, Limousin, Dordogne, Languedoc etc.

Prestige will be there as the hosts and they offer everything from property management to a marketing and reservation service for rental properties in France. Currencies Direct as co-hosts are the dedicated currency exchange company for the show and there will also be other proifessional companies such as AXA Banque, Generali Assurance, Northerncross Wealth, HCB French-Connections (Visa Specialists), Hot-Tubs in France, Escec International (Accountancy), a Mortgage Broker and Caravans in the Sun who can offer mobile homes throughout Europe. France Media (The France Show & French property Exhibitions) are the media partner for the show and they also publish French Property News and French Entrée. Link for tickets

An Exclusive Partner Event this May - AllDutch Yachting Launches the VanDutch48 at the Yacht Club de Monaco

Experience and enjoy the new arrival VD48 with short trial cruises around Port Hercule in various captained VanDutch boats. Our event will showcase aperitif snacks, dynamic networking and the Espresso Martini by the Artisan Coffee Co..

THE ALLDUTCH VD48 MONACO CRUISE & COCKTAIL LAUNCH
Yacht Club de Monaco
Friday 20th May 2022 . 5pm to 7pm

In partnership with
AllDutch Yachting

RSVP ONLINE

This exclusive event is free of charge and is exclusively available only to members and partners of Club Vivanova. Individual members will receive one attendance ticket, Corporate and Platinum partners will receive two attendance tickets.
More information on club membership and partnerships at this link.

BORN TO BE BOLD
The iconic style of a VanDutch yacht reflects the brand’s excellent customer services. Choosing VanDutch means joining an exclusive club made up of unique yachts. The innovation, performance, and unmistakable hull lines, all of which are recognisable worldwide. Read more about our club partner AllDutch.

Club Vivanova Partnership
Our partner platform offers excellent local and international promotional opportunities with event partnerships for brand-growth and business networking – plus complimentary features and highlights in our online magazine. Read more

Blevins Franks Financial Tips - How to Take Control of your Finances in an Uncertain World

The last few years have emphasised how uncertain life can be; how we never know what is around the corner.  Brexit and the pandemic have now been followed by the worrying and upsetting events in Ukraine.  Life feels more uncertain again. 

This perhaps makes it more important for us to take control where we can, as much as we can, particularly when it comes to our family’s long-term future and security.  So here we take a look at the key wealth management considerations we should review from time to time. 

Pension planning

For most of us, our pension funds are key to our long-term financial security, so great care must be taken to do what is right for you and your family.  The UK pension freedoms may no longer be ‘new’, but they can still cause uncertainty when deciding what to do with yours, and each option has pros and cons. 

If you are planning to spend your retirement years in France, you also need to establish the local tax implications and what works best for you as a France resident.

Many expatriates have chosen to transfer UK pensions to a Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme (QROPS) for the advantages they can offer, such as income and currency flexibility. But they do not suit everyone – you may find it more beneficial, for example, to reinvest UK pension funds into French-compliant investment arrangements, or even leave your UK pension where it is.  Also, the UK has recently made changes which make transferring to QROPS more difficult. 

In any case, you should always take personalised, regulated pensions advice to ensure you take the best course of action for your particular circumstances.

Your savings and investments 

It is impossible to control what may or may not happen in the markets in future, what geopolitical events may cause volatility or prices to rise; we can’t know what interest rates will be five, ten, or twenty years from now. 

But we can take steps to build an investment portfolio that:

·      is based around our risk profile, circumstances, time horizon and objectives; and 

·      includes suitable asset allocation and diversification to control risk; and 

·      is designed to provide capital growth over the longer term to beat inflation so you can maintain your spending power through retirement. 

Geopolitical events, like those we’re seeing at the moment, can cause significant market turbulence which can be unsettling for investors, but that does not mean it’s the time for knee-jerk reactions or short-term changes.  

History has shown that ‘timing’ markets is incredibly difficult, especially where out-sized market movements are involved. And in timing, an investor needs to get it right twice – when to encash some of your investments and when to get in the market. Getting one right is rarely achieved, as the news has already arrived by the time you can look to act (so markets will already have reacted). The same also applies when markets move sharply upward as we saw after the initial covid news in 2020.  

Investing is a marathon not a sprint, so being patient and sticking with the plan can pay off. 

Estate planning

While we cannot avoid death, with good estate planning we can control who receives our assets and when. Is your legacy on track to go to your chosen heirs according to your wishes and with minimal taxation? Take care to understand the succession laws and inheritance tax in France and anywhere else you have assets and heirs, as well as the pros and cons of using the EU succession regulation ‘Brussels IV’ to override local ‘forced heirship’ rules.

You need a strategy that achieves your wishes while making the process straightforward and tax-efficient for your heirs. And don’t forget your own needs; consider the tax implications to find the optimum solution for your wealth during your lifetime too.  

Tax planning

The way you structure your assets and wealth can make a significant difference to your tax bill. You need to make sure your arrangements are structured appropriately for your life in France as well as your particular aims, circumstance, goals and risk appetite.

Are you taking advantage of tax-efficient structures available in France? Besides tax savings, these may offer additional benefits such as currency and income flexibility and estate planning advantages. 

Ultimately, cross-border tax and financial planning is complex. While you can do some groundwork yourself, you will benefit from talking to a specialist adviser with in-depth knowledge of the French tax regime and its interaction with UK rules. They can help you take advantage of available tax, investment, pensions, and estate planning opportunities to ensure you do what works best for you and your family, today, tomorrow and the future. 

By Rob Kay, Senior Partner, Blevins Franks 
Link to Rob Kay profile / contact page

You can find other financial advisory articles by visiting our website here

Tax rates, scope and reliefs may change. Any statements concerning taxation are based upon our understanding of current taxation laws and practices which are subject to change. Tax information has been summarised; individuals should seek personalised advice.

Blevins Franks Group is represented in France by the following companies:  Blevins Franks Wealth Management Limited (BFWML) and Blevins Franks France SASU (BFF). BFWML is authorised and regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority, registered number C 92917. Authorised to conduct investment services under the Investment Services Act and authorised to carry out insurance intermediary activities under the Insurance Distribution Act. Where advice is provided outside of Malta via the Insurance Distribution Directive or the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive II, the applicable regulatory system differs in some respects from that of Malta. BFWML also provides taxation advice; its tax advisers are fully qualified tax specialists.  Blevins Franks France SASU (BFF), is registered with ORIAS, registered number 07 027 475, and authorised as ‘Conseil en Investissements Financiers’ and ‘Courtiers d’Assurance’ Category B (register can be consulted on www.orias.fr). Member of ANACOFI-CIF. BFF’s registered office: 1 rue Pablo Neruda, 33140 Villenave d’Ornon – RCS BX 498 800 465 APE 6622Z.  Garantie Financière et Assurance de Responsabilité Civile Professionnelle conformes aux articles L 541-3 du Code Monétaire et Financier and L512-6 and 512-7 du Code des Assurances (assureur MMA). Blevins Franks Trustees Limited is authorised and regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority for the administration of retirement schemes. This promotion has been approved and issued by BFWML. 

A Partner Portrait - Flavio Briatore - the Creator of Genuine Luxury Experiences

When we think of Flavio Briatore, we think of a career filled with accomplishments spanning from fashion to Formula 1, entertainment to hospitality, and much more..

His vision, tenacity, and exceptional leadership abilities have made him a global brand. Julius Caesar's famous saying "Vieni, vidi, vici" (I came, I saw, I conquered) aptly encapsulates Briatore's entrepreneurial career. His empire developed in the field of Luxury Dining and Hospitality demonstrates his winning modus operandi of conceiving and bringing his outstanding ventures to fruition. This is how his vision in the world of eating has led his firm to cement the distinguished success of big brands that are present not only in Monaco, where he resides, but globally. The Majestas Group has four renowned culinary and gourmet restaurants in Monaco: Cipriani, Twiga, Crazy Pizza, and Cova. Four very diverse worlds, yet all built and governed by a single common thread: excellence. Catering treasures that we can't wait to discover more about.

COVA

In collaboration with Briatore, this ancient Milanese company, which has been in business for more than two centuries, has built a café in the heart of Monte Carlo. Cova in Monte Carlo is a real modern recreation of the mood that has distinguished the Cova style across the world since 1817. It is elegantly equipped and completed with polished brass metal components where blue stands out, contributing to the environment's elegance. Relaxing on one of the city's most famous streets is ideal at any time of year. In addition, Cova has opened in Larvotto near the beach in one of the most exclusive buildings in the whole Principality, the Palais de la Plage.

CRAZY PIZZA

An original concept that mixes elegance and levity in a very stunning atmosphere. Crazy Pizza, which debuted at Porto Cervo's Billionaire in 2018, has expanded to Monte Carlo, where it now has a beachside position with an outdoor patio in the quaint and quirky Port Hercules, the harbour district. The well-deserved success may be attributed to the finest quality components, which include yeast-free fresh vine tomatoes and much more. Morello's legendary Italian ovens provide the perfect crisp to the pizza, making it really one-of-a-kind. The location is delightfully appealing and appropriately represents the restaurant's mood.

CIPRIANI

Located in the heart of Monaco, at the foot of the magnificent Palais Mirabeau, its atmosphere transports visitors as if aboard a luxury yacht, emphasized by the restaurant's blue and white nautical accents. The menu includes classic meals, and the restaurant provides a warm welcome with attention to every detail. The private bar and its magnificent sea-view patio are absolutely glamorous and stylish, ideal for enjoying summer nights.

TWIGA

Twiga Monte-Carlo, located in the ancient Forum Grimaldi, is the epitome of luxury. A blend of perfection that reaches its pinnacle in the ultra-chic restaurant, bar, and nightlife, drawing not only Monegasque but also worldwide clients.

Overall, truly genuine luxury experiences, and only by experiencing them in person people can completely understand the greatness felt every time they visit Monte Carlo: a delectable breakfast at Cova, a fantastic pizza at Crazy Pizza, a gourmet meal at Cipriani, or an exclusive evening at Twiga.. do it soon!

Vivanova People - An Interview with our Club Partner Katerina Pirelli-Zucchetta - Saving the Borneo Pygmy Elephants

Often seen networking at our international events, the beautiful and charismatic Kat Pirelli-Zucchetta is dedicated to saving the Borneo Pygmy Elephants. Our Club Vivanova Intern Deniza Marcinkeviciute from the International University of Monaco spent some time with Kat to find out more about the passion and the drive behind this charitable effort and the Borneo Wildlife Preservation.

Book online for the Enchanted Forest Charity Dinner - Fairmont Monte Carlo
Saturday 18th June 2022 . 7.30pm

When and where was the first time you saw and interacted with a Borneo Pygmy elephant? What effect did it have on you?

I first heard about Bornean Pygmy Elephants about 20 years ago when I was working with elephants in Africa.  They came up in a simple conversation and it was at that time that I became intrigued to learn more about them.  I began watching David Attenborough documentaries and began my own research on the most biodiverse island in the world in which they live, Borneo.

Over the years I noticed that this species of elephant was continuing to decline in numbers due to habitat loss and human-elephant conflict.  Currently, there are less than 1000 surviving in the rainforests.  It wasn’t until 2014 that I had the opportunity to travel to the island of Borneo and observe them in their natural habitat. 

The first time I saw these small elephants they were feeding on grass along the Kinabatangan River, I felt so fortunate to see so many of them as oftentimes you can look for days and not find any. That first day was also very profound as I witnessed human-elephant conflict and realized what these elephants endure daily. I felt so much compassion for them that I knew this was where my future work would be focused.  Hence I started a 501(c)(3) public charity in the United States and shortly after France.

Could you describe in a few sentences what is your daily routine with the Borneo Wildlife preservation and the effort that it requires?

These days there are many non-profit charity organizations and obtaining grants and donations has become increasingly difficult.  We focus a lot of effort on social media fundraising but also, I feel it important to maintain a good working relationship with positive daily communication with my team and conservation partners in Borneo. I am also a part of an international elephant network where we share sustainable solutions for conservation, protection, husbandry training, and environmental issues.  Currently, there are 22 elephants in human care in Borneo and Borneo Wildlife Preservation works to ensure all these elephants’ basic needs are met.

As we work in Borneo twice a year, I coordinate with other professionals to bring inspiring presentations, demonstrations, education, and elephant care to the locals.  We work directly with the local students and elephant handlers.  

Do you take care of elephants all around the world or only in the Asian continent?  

We only focus our efforts to take care of these elephants which are exclusive to the island of Borneo.  They are an Asian elephant subspecies also known as Pygmy elephants as they are the smallest elephants in the world.  Their small size suggests that they have adapted to their environment, the rainforests of the Malaysian side of Borneo. 

How important is it for the general population to see elephants and be encouraged to care for them?  

As an environmental and animal advocate, I feel it is very important that people learn about not only Bornean elephants but elephants worldwide.  Seeing them in person can be inspiring and motivating for people who want to get involved and protect them for future generations to appreciate.  Witnessing firsthand the beauty of these animals interacting, people will naturally want to protect them. 

Our planet is becoming more and more populated and natural resources for the survival of elephant species are becoming more limited. Positive human intervention will create a new future and better outcome for the survival of these majestic ancient animals.  

What first inspired you to focus your research on elephants?  

With an established professional career working with Exotic and Domestic animals over the last 20 years I knew quite a lot about elephants from school. Their high intelligence and strong family bonds were always intriguing to me.  I think that when I founded Borneo Wildlife Preservation, it was the right time to give back and aid this species to the best of my ability.  

What surprises you the most about what you are doing now?

The increasing interest BWP is receiving from our events in Monte Carlo is very exciting.  Each year after presentations or fundraising events we receive emails and phone calls from interested persons wanting to know more about the island of Borneo and what they can do to help aid the elephants and which I am grateful for. 

Do you have any recommendations for people who want to help elephants in need?

I would urge people to donate to wildlife organizations like BWP and to get involved by just talking about these issues to others.  I recommend people read product labels and only purchase products that are sustainable to the environments where elephants live.  Many rainforests are destroyed by logging and the expansion of oil palm plantations.  One example is to only purchase sustainable palm oil products if any at all, where you see an RSPO  (Roundtable of Sustainable Palm Oil) logo.

Are you planning to invest in new immersive technologies like virtual reality to further reach out to your audience?  

We believe at BWP that the metaverse immersive experience is a good way to distribute knowledge, education, and experience.  So yes, we will somehow sponsor camera initiatives to get more wildlife content. 

For more information, contact Kat through the Borneo Wildlife Preservation website.
www.borneowp.org

We thank Deniza Marcinkeviciute (International University of Monaco) for hosting the interview.

Vivanova People - An Interview with the Creator of Villa Monaco and Serial Entrepreneur Jessica Stockmann and Daughter Nisha Stockmann

Both Jessica and Nisha Stockmann are incredible women, bound by blood and the strong belief in working hard to achieve greatness. Our Platinum Partner Villa Monaco is the Principality’s neighbour and the brainchild of Jessica Stockmann, a rare property of 4,000 sqm overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Club Vivanova interviews both Jessica and Nisha to find out more about the passion and drive behind their success.

Jessica Stockmann - could you describe why and how you created and developed Villa Monaco.
Originally I built the Villa for myself meaning my children and my parents and my friends. I wanted to create a holiday hideaway where 3 generations get together, feel at home and spend quality time together. We celebrated many parties and had so many friends staying with us. Constantly a full house but with good vibes only. More and more often I was asked if I could rent Villa Monaco for special occasions or to my celebrity friends who wanted to hide from the paparazzi and just feel good energy and the vibes at our home and that was the beginning of Villa Monaco as 5* luxury hideaway.

Tell us something about you and the motivation behind your successful career.
When I am motivated to create something special, nothing can stop me. I am full of ideas and enjoy the creative ride and am blessed that I am not scared to take risks. If you believe in something then it doesn’t feel risky it only feels right. And if the willpower is big enough then a week of 72 hours of work does not feel wrong. On the contrary, it makes you feel better and you gloom like a flower who suddenly got more sun and more fertilizer than ever before.

What would you suggest to a young woman planning an international career, some tips and advice.
Think outside of the box. Listen to your heart and your soul. Keep your eyes open and use every chance you can get to learn and make experiences. Something you would like to create for your own is not only for you. Also, other people will appreciate it one day and want to have it too but they were maybe not as brave as you are. Being international does not only mean speaking many languages, it also means keeping your eyes and ears open and understand different cultures and traditions and the needs or dreams and wishes people have. Whenever you create something that people need or want then you are on the right track.

What were the challenges you had to face while developing as a female entrepreneur?
Being a woman in a man's world like the real estate business was not easy in the beginning but I also think that it’s easier for a woman to sell dreams than for a man. If you are authentic as a woman and don’t try to behave and act or sell a project as a man would do, you will find your clients easily if you don’t try to pretend to be someone else. Fortunately, in the luxury segment, I believe it’s a plus to be a woman. Women were always known to fall in love with very special jewels. Looking back the past centuries the history taught us that the most extraordinary diamond jewels were made for women and not for men. A luxury real estate is a jewel and who could create and sell it better than a woman?

What goals do you have for the future?
I want to learn from the new generation. I have experience and in some ways „know-how“ but the new technology opens so many doors. I am not afraid of those doors, they fascinate me. I always ask my children what is important for them and I realize they have different interests than I had when I was in my twenties. But I love the way they think and I would never say „leave me alone with your ideas“. The values are still the same, they don’t change, but our life has changed due to the internet, global warming etc. It’s constantly a challenge to stay happy and we can only do so if we listen to the very young and the very old population. In the end, we all live together on this planet. We only need to find a way that we can all live together happily. I believe in traditional ways but I also believe that the future has so much to offer for all of us.

Give us a quote by yourself to put in the article.
Creating a home, a castle, a real hideaway which you never want to leave - that’s real luxury and that’s our goal. I don't measure myself against others, I just want to outdo myself and keep getting better with each property I create.

Nisha Stockmann - briefly tell us about yourself and your career.
When I was six I started to get on my mum's nerves because I always wanted her to take me to her construction sites. Seeing the process of creating a castle made me feel like a princess walking into a wonderland. When I got older I realized that it’s always a team effort. I loved watching people working hand in hand. And new ideas were created. I once said to my mum: „imagine a TV would be hidden like a treasure and no parent would know that there is a TV in the kid's room“. And you know what my mum did? She built a hidden TV in the ceiling that comes out of the ceiling with an electric remote. It looked like a James Bond movie. And that was the moment where I realized: Everything is possible. You only need to know your desires and dreams and then you can make them happen and that’s what made me decide at a very young age that I wanted to become an architect and designer.

How are you inspired by your mother?
My mum never tried to convince me to go into real estate but she constantly told me to open my eyes and be aware of how to spend my time. She said if you enjoy playing the piano for 10 hours a day then go for it and become a professional piano player. The most important thing is to find something you enjoy-a real passion. Luckily I developed a similar passion as my mum. Being creative but as a new generation. In my generation, we think more about sustainability and what is necessary. It’s not only a trend to look at in the future. It fascinates me what is possible when it comes to sustainable building and at the same time focusing on new designs and technology.

What are your aspirations for the future?
I want to create something that is still usable and modern and up to date even 50 years from now. I know it’s a very high goal but as I learned „nothing is impossible if you believe in it“.

Villa Monaco
9 Chemin des Eucalyptus
06320 Cap d’Ail
+33 680 864 109
Email
Website

Interviewed by Aakash Damani
International University of Monaco