SA

Santiago Acosta

Columnist

Santiago Acosta brings an engineer's precision and a storyteller's heart to the worlds of horology and automotive design. He began his career as a design consultant for several European automotive brands before transitioning to journalism to share his passion for mechanics and aesthetics. His column, "The Escapement," has become a must-read for collectors and enthusiasts. He has test-driven vintage racers on the Nürburgring and has been granted exclusive access to the workshops of Switzerland's most secretive watchmakers. Santiago values heritage and performance above all else.

Expertise

HorologyAutomotive EngineeringIndustrial DesignMechanical Craftsmanship

Coverage Areas

Automotive
Watches & Jewelry

Latest Articles

Intricate silicon and metal watch escapement mechanism with high-frequency gears in motion, showcasing advanced watchmaking innovation.
Watches & Jewelry

What is the silicon advantage in watchmaking's new escapement innovation?

Breguet's Classique Chronométrie 7727 achieved a frequency of 72,000 vibrations per hour, a rate significantly higher than the traditional 18,000 to 28,800 vph found in most mechanical watches, accord

Jun 9, 2026 · 4 min read

A futuristic Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe with glowing blue accents, showcasing its powerful hybrid performance in a dramatic, cinematic scene.
Automotive

Powerful Production Cars with Over 1,000 HP

The 2027 Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe is projected to unleash 1,153 horsepower, launching production cars into previously unimaginable performance territory.

Jun 5, 2026 · 5 min read

Elegant hotel suite with a guest enjoying a late checkout, symbolizing luxury and exclusive travel benefits.
Automotive

Hilton Honors Diamond Reserve Guarantees 4 PM Late Checkout

Hilton's new Diamond Reserve tier demands 40 qualifying stays annually, a 60% increase over the standard Diamond threshold, for benefits like a guaranteed 4 p.

Jun 4, 2026 · 2 min read

Diverse shoppers exploring a luxurious beauty counter in a Shanghai department store, showcasing China's resurgent high-end market.
Automotive

China's Luxury Market Sees Domestic Resurgence, High-End Beauty Thrives

Combined sales of the top 10 high-end beauty labels on Alibaba's Tmall and Taobao surged 39% in the first four months of the year, signaling a powerful domestic rebound for luxury in China.

Jun 1, 2026 · 3 min read

A striking display at The Shed featuring the Cartier lunar module replica and Jacqueline Kennedy's Givenchy coat, symbolizing Franco-American historical connections.
Watches & Jewelry

French Luxury Showcase Unveils 250 Years of Franco-American Stories

In a surprising display of historical influence, the Comité Colbert exhibition, a French luxury showcase at The Shed in New York, features a replica of the Cartier lunar module from the 1969 Apollo 11

May 30, 2026 · 4 min read

A luxurious Richard Mille RM HJ-02 tourbillon watch, heavily embellished with 1,399 precious and ornamental stones in blue, pink, violet, and green hues, displayed on a dark, sophisticated surface.
Watches & Jewelry

Richard Mille unveils RM HJ-02 tourbillon watches with gem embellishments

Each watch in Richard Mille's new RM HJ-02 collection is adorned with an astonishing 1,399 precious and ornamental stones, meticulously applied using three distinct setting techniques.

May 28, 2026 · 2 min read

Close-up of a sparkling diamond necklace displayed in a high-end jewelry store, with a blurred watch in the background.
Watches & Jewelry

Richemont revenue hits €22.4 billion on strong jewelry sales

Despite an 11% rise in total sales to "22.

May 26, 2026 · 2 min read

Generational wealth transfer of classic cars, showing heirs inheriting valuable automotive collections and impacting the market.
Automotive

Generational wealth transfer of collectible cars shapes market trends

Over 12 million classic cars, collectively valued at $570 billion, are poised to transfer to heirs in the US over the next 15 years, according to Carscoops .

May 26, 2026 · 2 min read

Close-up of the new Nike Air Liquid Max sneaker with chrome accents, displayed under dramatic lighting.
Automotive

Nike Drops New Air Max Chrome Colorway

The new Nike Air Liquid Max will debut at $230, a price point significantly above other popular Air Max models.

May 24, 2026 · 2 min read

An empty luxury car showroom with a few people looking at their phones, symbolizing the loss of 50 million customers in the luxury sector.
Automotive

Luxury brands lose 50 million customers amid shifting consumer demands

The luxury sector, once a bastion of exclusivity, has seen an estimated 50 million customers walk away, leaving a gaping hole in its post-downturn recovery efforts.

May 23, 2026 · 3 min read

Andy Warhol's Patek Philippe Calatrava watch displayed under a spotlight in an auction house, hinting at pop art.
Watches & Jewelry

Andy Warhol's Patek Philippe Calatrava Heads to Christie's Auction

Andy Warhol's Patek Philippe Calatrava, sold for $150,000 three years ago, now targets $400,000 at Christie's, according to Robb Report and Artnet News .

May 22, 2026 · 2 min read

Audemars Piguet Red Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon watch with a striking red tourbillon, showcasing its intricate design and luxury appeal.
Watches & Jewelry

Audemars Piguet Unveils Striking Red Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon

Audemars Piguet has just released a new Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon, limited to just 150 pieces, featuring a striking red tourbillon and a $225,000 price tag, born from an unexpected collabora

May 22, 2026 · 3 min read

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander gifting an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watch to an Oklahoma City Thunder teammate after winning the NBA MVP award.
Watches & Jewelry

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Gifts Thunder Teammates Audemars Piguet Watches

After being named the NBA's Most Valuable Player, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander gifted his Oklahoma City Thunder teammates Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watches, some valued at $33,600 each, according to Robb R

May 20, 2026 · 2 min read

The Louis Vuitton Conquest necklace, adorned with 21 vibrant Mozambique rubies, showcasing its intricate design and exceptional gemstone quality.
Watches & Jewelry

Louis Vuitton Unveils Necklace with 21 Mozambique Rubies

The Louis Vuitton Conquest necklace, featuring 21 Mozambique rubies, required four years of gemstone sourcing and over 1,200 hours of meticulous craftsmanship.

May 18, 2026 · 2 min read

A classic red Lamborghini Miura SV driving on a scenic road during a golden hour sunset, symbolizing its supercar legacy.
Automotive

Lamborghini Miura Giro celebrates world's first supercar legacy

A 1972 Lamborghini Miura SV recently commanded $4.

May 18, 2026 · 3 min read