Lost in Translation

Our second journey to Japan was more targeted in the sense that we only had one week and we wanted to get a deeper appreciation of Tokyo and its people. One quickly realises that even this is an ambitious time frame to get a true sense of this vast city. In Tokyo nothing is done in half measures, the luxury boutiques are essentially the size of Office Towers, taking the customer experience to a completely new standard. Service is always impeccable, with ‘getting the detail right’ a Japanese obsession.

Our first day was much the same as last year, WET, we got soaked. On our second day, we were again welcomed by a Tokyo tower view from our hotel room with the majesty of Mt Fuji in the backdrop. It is views like these that we have so deeply missed since our first visit, which was over 18 months ago. The rest of the week's weather continued to be fine, warmer than we were expecting.

What made our holiday so special this time around was the fact that we also stayed at the magnificent Park Hyatt Tokyo which was the centrepiece in the movie ‘Lost in Translation’, starring Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson. The Park Hyatt Tokyo must surely go down in the history of cinema. Rarely can a hotel have benefitted so greatly from a movie having been filmed there.

Imagine our excitement as we approached what must be one of the most luxurious hotels we have ever stayed at.

Specially commissioned artworks and furnishings as well as beautiful antiques, throughout the hallways are pleasant diversions.

This rooftop pool(47th floor of the middle tower) must sport one of the best views in the world. We certainly capitalised on the hotels fabulous facilities.

Our room on the 49th floor was just as breathtaking as the views.



Now this is what I call a spirits mini bar.

With all this excitement a pre dinner glass of champagne was in order.

The atmosphere is exactly the same as in "Lost in Translation" and as you wander the corridors, you almost expect to bump into Scarlett Johansson around every corner.




The New York Bar is located on the 52nd floor which is the top tower. The views and layout make this an electrifying experience one that will be cherished by us for a long time. The steak was perfection itself, and the duck breast the biggest we have ever encountered.


The cool Jazz band from Chicago, played late into the night.

This was only a small part of our latest adventures in Tokyo and an experience that we will greatly treasure.

It All Started With An Email

The internet age has brought to us some wonderful trappings, whilst also empowering us to develop enduring friendships despite physical distance.

About eighteen months ago when I was posting on the Timezone Hublot forum, an unexpected email by Emil hit my inbox. From this simple act and of course a few long lunches and drinks in between LOL, spawned the idea and my personal mission to inspire Jean Claude Biver (JCB) to visit the land down-under.

This all came to fruition on the 22nd of October 2009. The venue was carefully chosen so as to complement the theme of the night. Situated in the dress circle of the harbour, Quay restaurant has some of Sydney’s most spectacular views, sweeping from the Opera House to the Harbour Bridge.


The food created by Executive Chef Peter Gilmore is equally awe-inspiring, innovative and celebrates the diversity of Australian cuisine. Quay did live up to its reputation and the food was definite ‘fusion’.
The service was attentive and friendly, really couldn’t fault it. Some complained about the slow wine service but maybe this was wise.


Some of the latest Hublot creations also caused a stir.

King Power - the name says it all.

The ladies took a strong liking to the playful avant garde colour combinations.

This night that was not so much about the Hublot watch, but more about a man’s ability to vividly communicate his passion for life, family and his work.

I’m sure that not just a few guests sensed that JCB takes immense joy in all of his endeavours with cheese making being very close to topping the list.

Importantly, the guests provided the secret ingredient that made the night such a memorable success. This was not just a gathering of the privileged and self important, rather an intentionally eclectic mix of watch lovers, serious collectors, entrepreneurs, business people, artists, sports people etc that had the boldness to converse. People just let loose and had a genuine good time.

The gang and some new friends.

We hope that we have been successful in casting the Aussie mystique and passion on JCB and the Hublot team so they boomerang back in the near future.