At the Watches & Wonders exhibition in Geneva, that opens today, 48 luxury watch brands gather inside the Palexpo convention center to unveil their new timepieces to the world. As we head to Geneva to see the watches for ourselves, here is a sneak peek of the horological creations that will give you an idea of what is to come for the year.
Alpine Eagle 41 XPS by Chopard
The Alpine Eagle collection by Chopard is described as ‘sporty-chic’. This updated ultra-thin version features an 8mm thick case that houses the Alpine Eagle 41 XPS automatic winding L.U.C 96.40-L movement that is just 3.30 mm high. The case is made of Lucent steel, an innovative steel alloy composed of 85% recycled materials and developed by this Swiss brand with a commitment to sustainable manufacturing. The ‘chronometer’ inscription on the ‘Monte Rosa Pink’ dial confirms the precision of the movement as certified by the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute. The textured pattern of the dial inspired by the iris of an eagle is adorned with gold hands and indexes covered with Grade X1 Super-LumiNova®.
Mademoiselle Privé Lion sautoir by Chanel
The intriguing private world of Gabrielle Chanel is captured in this long sautoir featuring an 18-carat gold button that slides open to reveal a black lacquered dial set with 32 diamonds. In this necklace, Ms Chanel’s cherished button, first celebrated in the house’s 2022 watch collection, is adorned with a sculpted gold lion’s head. The motif is found on many of Chanel’s creations as the extremely superstitious designer was often inspired by her astrological sign Leo.
The Reverso Secret necklace by Jaeger-LeCoultre
The iconic Reverso watch by Jaeger-LeCoultre, originally created for the wrists of polo players in 1931, is reinterpreted in a sophisticated long necklace with core design elementson both sides of the distinctive swivelling Art Deco case. The rectangular pink gold case of the watch is set with white diamonds and black onyx. The chain is made up of onyx beads, a fine black cord and hundreds of tiny links set with six diamonds each.
Time-telling sautoir by Piaget
Two things always come to mind when Piaget is mentioned: its excellence in creating ultra-thin mechanical movements and its ability to invent time-telling jewels. This handcrafted sautoir, the proud heir of a collection of impressive gold cuff watches and sautoirs designed in 1969, is set with Zambian oval emerald cabochons mimicking the shape of the ovoid dial. The delicate twisted gold chain pays tribute to the goldsmithing and gem-setting expertise of a brand that never cease to reinvent itself as expressed in its long-lasting motto, “Always do better than necessary”.
Carrera date by TAG Heuer
It’s a big birthday this year for Carrera, the ever-young, racing-inspired sports watch launched by TAG Heuer in 1963. The new Carrera Date marks this milestone with a revamped silhouette, colourful dials, an upgraded movement and a 36mm gender fluid stainless steel case honouring the original measurement of the iconic watch launched six decades ago. The dials of the new models are in deep blue, subtle green, warm silver and vibrant pink and have a date window at 6 o’clock. All are equipped with the 56-hour power reserve automatic Calibre 7.
Secret Perlée watch by Van Cleef & Arpels
Van Cleef & Arpels presents another impressive secret watch in a necklace. The maison’s signature perlée gold bead work on the edges of the case has been part of Van Cleef & Arpels' design heritage since 1920. The watch is set with a pavé of rubies, emeralds or sapphires or with a cabochon of creamy blue chalcedony, pale rose quartz or deep blue sodalite (as shown). The white mother of pearl dial surrounded by diamonds is revealed only when the wearer checks the time.
Pilot Automatic by Zenith
Zenith has entirely redesigned its Pilot collection, the Swiss Manufacturer’s long-standing watch line. Zenith was founded in 1865 by Georges-Favre Jacot, a keen enthusiast ofaviation who made specialised watches and dashboard instruments to help pilots conquer the world. The latest version is a revamp of the iconic watch with an entirely new 40mm case featuring an angular oversized crown that is easy to manipulate even while wearing flying gloves. The Pilot Automatic is powered by the El Primero 3620 high-frequency movement, which delivers a power reserve of 60 hours when fully wound.
