The much-awaited Watches and Wonders Geneva 2022 is finally back! Here are the round-up of the best new watches for you!
A. Lange & Söhne
Lange & Söhne presents four new watches at this year’s Watches and Wonders fair. The RICHARD LANGE MINUTE REPEATER is a homage to classic precision watchmaking. The third model in the ODYSSEUS line is the first Lange watch with a case and strap made of titanium. And the GRAND LANGE 1, which is available in white or pink gold with grey dial shows how a design classic can be carefully developed while making it even more elegant.
All these novelties may seem different at first glance, but they do have one thing in common: they are all in line with the ambition of the Saxon manufactory to create new, inspiring masterpieces of watchmaking artistry time and again.
HUBLOT
With the new Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Purple Sapphire, the Nyon watchmaker unveils an exclusive version of synthetic sapphire, a world first, and a completely new colour in the field of fine watchmaking: translucent purple. More than just a colour, this new version is nothing but revelatory. It reveals a watchmaker tirelessly pursuing its Research & Development which has made it one of the leading and most disruptive watch brands of the new millennium. Each new colour is the result of a very subtle alchemy in order to combine a powerful, expressive and precise shade, which is at the same time translucent and perfectly homogeneous within the mass of a highly-complex case. This new purple tint is a composite made of Al₂O₃ (aluminium oxyde) and chrome. By combining a traditional complication (the tourbillon) with a disruptive material (sapphire) in a totally exclusive colour, HUBLOT reaffirms its motto: to be first, unique and different.
With this HUBLOT ceramic, the Big Bang Integral is in its element, bringing 4 new monochrome shades to the collection. Each available in a limited edition of 250 pieces, there are 4 colourways which represent the elements of WATER, EARTH and WOOD. Taking you on a journey around the world. An indigo blue from the Majorelle Garden and the streets of Chefchaouen in Morocco, and the Blue City of Jodhpur in Rajasthan. An sky blue from the South Seas. A sand beige from the deserts, and from the beaches of the Caribbean. And a jungle green from the tropical forests.
Montblanc
Montblanc 1858 Iced Sea includes the addition of an interchangeable v-shaped stainless-steel bracelet which can be quickly and easily switched for a rubber strap without the need to return to the boutique or the use of any tools. Not only is the bracelet interchangeable, but it is also adjustable on the wrist, so each owner can find their perfect fit, especially when wearing it over a wet suit.
The stainless-steel bracelet also comes with an attractive taper of 20 – 16mm and is secured by a double deployant buckle. To find tapered bracelets at this price point is quite rare due to the fact that they are more complicated and expensive to manufacture, but it makes all the difference as they bring an element of character and elegance to the Montblanc 1858 Iced Sea Automatic Date. Stainless steel and rubber were also the materials of choice thanks to their durability in a salty water environment.
Roger Dubuis
Showcasing some of the most excessive creations yet, the future of fine watchmaking has arrived with a ground-breaking Knights of the Round Table Monotourbillon/X timepiece, and a remarkable evolution of the Excalibur Monobalancier.
The story of the Knights of the Round Table collection cannot be told to just anyone. One of Roger Dubuis’ most iconic, bold and breathtaking collections, each edition re-interprets the legend through the lens of Hyper Horology. Only the craziest minds dare to combine artistic mastery, horological craftsmanship and contemporary design in this way. Now for the first time, the valiant knights of King Arthur’s legend are ready to take on the invisible force of gravity with a secret device: one of Roger Dubuis’ pride and joy, the Monotourbillon itself. Ensuring the 8th edition was worthy of representing the lucky number of the late, great Mr. Roger Dubuis himself, the move not only upends the rules of the game, it reshapes the future of Hyper Horology.
The last in the evolution of the Excalibur collection is the new Excalibur Monobalancier. Bringing visionary engineers together with incredible watchmakers, the timepiece is enhanced with a series of mechanical and aesthetic improvements that give birth to a sophisticated creation of contemporary flair. Performance is pushed to its maximum for the new RD 720SQ calibre with technical developments designed to increase the power reserve to 72 hours. Meanwhile, the micro-rotor is optimised to minimise its vibrations, and crafted from Pink Gold 750/1000 and Tungsten finished with an engraving of the Roger Dubuis’ monogram to modernise its design. The Maison continuously seeks solutions for better performance and precision too, hence doubling the balance wheel inertia to improve stability and make it less sensitive to shocks. In the same way, better efficiency and energy transmission is achieved by optimising the shape of the escapement wheel, now constructed from diamond-coated silicon, and paired with adjustable, diamond-coated silicon pallet-stones, and a new lube.
TAG Heuer
TAG Heuer is back with an even more extreme and robust edition: the TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 1000 Superdiver, a timepiece with exceptional performance and born for the deep. The new model represents an important milestone for TAG Heuer, as it is the first timepiece from the brand utilising calibre TH30-00 produced by Kenissi Manufacture SA, one of the most highly regarded movement manufacturers in the world. The new calibre is manufactured exclusively for TAG Heuer and begins an important chapter for the history of the brand that will see significant improvements in terms of reliability and durability.
TAG Heuer and Porsche are opening a new chapter in their joint adventure by creating a bold and decidedly sporty timepiece – the TAG Heuer Carrera x Porsche Limited Edition.
The brand releases a new edition of its iconic TAG Heuer Monaco made with the partner Gulf. The co-creation wears the legendary colours and design of the Gulf brand and is equipped with the in-house movement Heuer 02 – a premiere for the Monaco Gulf edition. Eagerly awaited by watches collectors, the new TAG Heuer Monaco Gulf is a Special Edition timepiece.
Jaeger-LeCoultre
Entirely made of blue Aventurine, the dial of the new Rendez-Vous Dazzling Star exquisitely captures the beauty of a star-studded night sky. In the centre, framed by a ring of diamonds, three discs are layered over each other. The first layer, an oval of Aventurine, conceals the shooting star when it is inactive. Beneath it is a circular disc of Aventurine with a cut-out of the shooting star; when activated, this disc spins, sending the star on its curving path across the upper dial. As the star passes, the cut-out reveals the deepest layer of the dial – a fixed disc of golden metal with a glowing gradient finish that accentuates the sense of movement.
Loyal to the codes of the Rendez-Vous collection, this central display is surrounded by a ring of applied numerals in the signature Floral font and applied hemispherical hour markers. The time is indicated on these scales by golden Floral hands. Surrounding the 36mm pink gold case, the Dazzling Rendez-Vous bezel forms two concentric rings. There’s an airy quality to these glittering circles, thanks to the prong (or ‘griffe’) setting of the outer ring of 36 stones. A classical jewellery technique introduced in the Rendez-Vous collection in 2019, it is an exquisite testament to Jaeger-LeCoultre’s gem-setting expertise. Fine gold claws hold the diamonds high, allowing light to pass through them from every angle, maximising the presence of each stone while minimising the visible metal. To complete the watch case, the upper surfaces of the lugs are set with diamonds and an inverted diamond is set into the crown.
When Jaeger-LeCoultre created the Calibre 948, it was the first time that a world-time complication had ever been united with a flying tourbillon. What’s more, the Universal Tourbillon makes a complete circuit of the dial every 24 hours – the length of a mean solar day. A true expression of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s technical expertise, the automatic calibre was conceived, developed and entirely produced within the Manufacture. The splendid new aesthetic expression of the world-time complication showcases La Grande Maison’s artistic creativity and mastery of the decorative crafts alongside its technical prowess. [:]
Vacheron Constantin
The attention that Vacheron Constantin has devoted to women’s timepieces for more than two centuries is freshly interpreted through the models presented at Watches and Wonders 2022. A response to women’s growing desire for complex mechanical timepieces, the Traditionnelle perpetual calendar ultra-thin watch displays its technical nature in an eminently feminine manner; while the Patrimony self-winding watch flaunts a minimalist silhouette exuding a timeless elegance symbolising a distinctive kind of watchmaking classicism.
Vacheron Constantin presents a new signature timepiece combining a platinum case with a salmon-coloured dial. This classically inspired combination is available in limited annual production exclusively from Vacheron Constantin boutiques. This Traditionnelle perpetual calendar chronograph with a new face is powered by in-house Calibre 1142 QP, one of the most prestigious chronograph movements enhanced by the perpetual calendar complication and crafted in the purest tradition of Haute Horlogerie.
The Patrimony self-winding watch symbolises minimalist art expressed through horological refinement. Inspired by a historical 1957 Vacheron Constantin with a classic round, ultra-thin style and timeless elegance, the Patrimony collection has been distinguished since its launch in 2004 by a restrained and refined watchmaking aesthetic. In keeping with the line’s signature spirit of purity, the proportions of the new Patrimony models have been revisited. The curve of the 36.5 mm-diameter case in 18K white gold or 18K 5N pink gold has beenredesigned, while the crown has been subtly rounded
PIAGET
PIAGET unveils a unique althplano ultimate concept (AUC), a beacon of technology and design which plays tribute to the first “BEATS” of this ground-breaking timepiece.
This one-of-a-kind watch floolows last years’ release of the AUC with a green dial in reference to La Côte-aux-Fées, where it all started.
The new AUC unique piece is a celebration of the AUC adventure with several stylistic details that recall this incredible journey. Star[1]ting at the top of the dial, the Piaget logo is in a historic font that is the same typeface used in the logo above the manufacture in La Côte-aux-Fées, the village where Piaget was born and remains today. Two enlarged circles sit among the dots of the minute ring, marking the time – 7:47 – when the AUC first came to life. At 2:30, the birthday of the AUC – 7th February 2017, is inscribed in a small window. And a “La Côte-aux-Fées” inscription has also been en[1]graved onto the ratchet wheel along with the manufacture’s GPS coordinates. Completing the tribute, the background of ground of the dial features stars illuminated with Super-LumiNova that replicate the sky above La Côte-aux-Fées at the exact date and time of the AUC’s birth. The caseback, bezel and lugs have all been satin brushed making a nice contrast to the case band that is polished. The timepiece is paired with an extremely thin dark blue alligator strap that does not exceed 1.5mm, in keeping with the watch’s ultra-thin design. The timepiece comes with a power reserve of 40 hours and is a spectacular fusion of horological elements.
At Piaget, a timepiece is first and foremost a piece of jewellery. From the case to the dial, the bracelet to the gem-setting, each Limelight Gala timepiece is brought to life thanks to the talents of Piaget’s artisans who never stop innovating. The Limelight Gala Aventurine is a celebration of this creativity and savoir-faire.
The name of the collection evokes the famous Piaget Society and its fabulous parties where celebrities, artists, clients, and friends of the brand would gather to share joyful moments. Initiated in the 1970s, the Piaget Society came to life at a time when creative imagination was at its height. This is when Piaget created jewellery watches with extended lugs. Today, the Limelight Gala collection draws on a wealth of inspiration from this fascinating period and has firmly established itself as a feminine icon.
The iconic Limelight Gala wristwatch becomes a work of high jewellery art in this new Limelight Gala High Jewellery edition with its radiant design and audacious mix of different diamond cuts. Brilliant, baguette, and marquise-cut gem cuts capture and reflect the light in different ways for the ultimate sparkle.
