The mountain of horology is steep and massive. This simple metaphor explains how those who have the most timepiece knowledge climb an increasingly difficult mountain of models, science, and aesthetics. Certain pieces which are very highly desired by “high altitude climbers” would make little sense to those still at the bottom of the mountain  who are only beginning to understand watches. That is certainly the case with the majority of watches being produced by Swiss De Bethune.

We absolutely love De Bethune for their creativity, expression of micro-engineering concepts, and modern appeal. These watches live in a universe all their own, and to really appreciate them you need to be a seasoned watch lover of the highest degree. Take the new De Bethune DB 28 Silicon/Titanium (ST) as an example for combining esoteric and perhaps ironic details that only a serious timepiece collector can fully appreciate.

When Tokyo's Palace Hotel opened to much pomp and circumstance in 1961, it stood tall as the country's first office-hotel building. But with the wear and tear of rotating occupants and the passing of interiors trends, the celebrated icon eventually began to show its age and in 2009, it was levelled to make way for a more youthful version of itself.

Following an overhaul to the tune of USD 1.2 billion, the Palace Hotel Tokyo has been reborn as a Leading Hotel of the World and will welcome visitors tomorrow into its ten restaurants, spacious evian SPA and 290 rooms, each with views of the Imperial Palace gardens.

You can wear all the Manolos and Armani suits in the world, but nothing quite says "I have arrived" like arriving in the latest swoon-worthy model from a top automaker. And just as we all have our own individual taste in apparel, we also each have our own preferred ways to roll.

For the majority of Centurion readers who responded to our recent question "which category of car is your personal passion?", it's all about burning rubber – 56% said they'll take a performance sports car any day. 24%, however, enjoy a somewhat higher ride, choosing the space and command of an SUV or 4x4, and another 11% are partial to the classic charm of a limousine or sedan. Finally, 9% opted to give their own answers, which ranged from "alternative fuel/indie car" to "convertible". One different-thinking reader, however, said, "My passion is for bikes, not cars: you get more power, beat the traffic and have less impact on the environment."

Take this chance to voice your opinion on the latest poll: what do you look for when purchasing a watch?