Monte-Carlo, Monaco
Monte Carlo, the central quarter of the principality of Monaco, is still the playground of choice for the rich and famous. The yachts are as big as mansions, champagne is the national drink and even the railway station looks like a pharaoh's tomb.
The One Bel-Air
$500,000,000
Punched with light and often perched on steep lots in the Hollywood Hills and environs, Paul McClean’s homes are perfected otherworldly spaces that achieve a severe beauty via vanished boundaries — like their Case Study forebears of the ’40s. His geometric progression of shapes is forever logical, kept from sterility by a masterful use of water, light and air.
McClean’s urbane designs house such luminaries as Calvin Klein, Beyoncé and Jay-Z, and the Winklevoss twins — famous for suing Mark Zuckerberg.
And while his homes abhor high concept, the architect has occasionally teamed with spec developer Nile Niami, who’s known for postured promotions. Most notable is Niami’s McClean-designed, messianically monikered “The One.” The 20-bedroom, 100,000-square-foot Bel-Air hilltop colossus is nearing completion with an asking price of $500 million.
Royal Oak
With its steel case, octagonal bezel, “tapisserie” dial and integrated bracelet, the Royal Oak overturned the prevailing codes in 1972 and took its rightful place as a true modern icon.
Bezel
The most iconic aspect of the Royal Oak collection is its recognizable octagonal bezel shape attached with eight hexagonal screws.Case
Designing a supremely comfortable and aesthetically pleasing case is an art in itself, involving a highly technical production process.
Dial
Beyond the octagonal bezel with eight screws, the trademark dial featuring the “tapisserie” pattern particularly makes it stand out from the crowd.