After three decades, the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH), one of the key watch trade fairs, went virtual by transforming into Watches & Wonders. The revolutionary digital platform definitely lived up to the hype by providing the watchmaking community an avenue to come together online to view a number of big reveals from major watch brands.
Despite being set within a virtual space, the number of intriguing new timepieces that made their debut was certainly impressive. Some of the biggest watch brands made their presence felt at Watches & Wonders by showcasing technical expertise, out-of-the-box thinking as well cutting-edge innovation. These are several major releases that wowed the crowd at this year’s digital trade show.
Described as an ode to music, the La Musique du Temps Tempo is a display of horological mastery by Vacheron Constantin. The one-of-a-kind creation based on the minute repeater boasts 19 complications, which are able to accommodate a number of astronomical functions. This unique double-sided minute repeater displays solar, sidereal, and civil time complete with a perpetual calendar. Despite its extensive capabilities, the 45mm timepiece finished in 18k pink gold, is just 12.54mm thick, thanks to the Manufacture 1731 movement housed within.
The worlds of watches and fine jewellery once again come together at Cartier with the Maillon de Cartier. The extremely stylish piece features an intricate chain bracelet, which accentuates Cartier’s angular watch design. The result of the two is not just effective but immensely fashionable with the intertwined links adding a new visual dimension to the 16mm x 17mm hexagonal dial. The quartz powered jewellery-focused timepiece is available in red, yellow or white 18k gold, with a diamond bezel or a fully paved bezel, dial case and bracelet.
What works best about the new Master Control Date lies in its minimalist and slim appearance. Its pure and simple design undoubtedly ensures its appeal for years to come but that timeless charm is equally matched by what lies within the 40mm steel case. Jaeger-LeCoultre has equipped the latest collection with the next-generation automatic Calibre 899, which now features a redesigned barrel, silicon escapement and titanium parts. The upgrades have also afforded the new Master Control Date with a 70-hour power reserve. Measuring just 8.8m thick, the piece is paired beautifully with a Novonappa calf strap.
The original IWC Portugieser Perpetual Calendar was first introduced over 15 years ago. At Watches & Wonders, IWC unveiled the latest iteration of the model, this time with Kurt Klaus’s perpetual calendar integrated with an in-house manufactured 82650 caliber. The result of this affords the Perpetual Calendar 42 a slimmer profile, which measures just 13.8mm high, pairing well with the 42.2mm case. Available in pink gold, or stainless steel, the timepiece offers a three sub dial layout at 3 o’clock, 6 o’clock and 9 o’clock, with the leap year indicated by a small aperture within the day display.
Panerai once again delivers a stunning timepiece created in collaboration with celebrated adventurer, Mike Horn. Only five pieces of this limited edition Submersible are being made available, but each will come with an opportunity to explore the artic and undergo a bit of survival training with Horn himself. That cool and unique opportunity aside, there is no denying this particular Submersible is a thing of beauty. The 50mm watch is made from recycled metal from Horn’s yacht, the Pangaea, and it is also equipped with a vertically rotating tourbillon, which can be admired via the skeletonised dial. The power reserve is rated for six days.
Limited to just one hundred units, the 1858 Split Second Chronograph is the latest in the line of what is now considered a classic offering from Montblanc. The 2020 edition now features a striking blue feu enamel dial and a 44mm titanium case. Tucked inside is a hand-wound MB M16.31. movement, which can be duly appreciated via the sapphire case back. Inspired by historical Minerva military monopusher chronograph, the timepiece features a dial with dual chronograph sub-counters – a small seconds at 9 o’ clock and a 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock – and a 1000 tachymeter colimaçon track used to measure average speeds in the centre.
After three decades, the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH), one of the key watch trade fairs, went virtual by transforming into Watches & Wonders. The revolutionary digital platform definitely lived up to the hype by providing the watchmaking community an avenue to come together online to view a number of big reveals from major watch brands.
Despite being set within a virtual space, the number of intriguing new timepieces that made their debut was certainly impressive. Some of the biggest watch brands made their presence felt at Watches & Wonders by showcasing technical expertise, out-of-the-box thinking as well cutting-edge innovation. These are several major releases that wowed the crowd at this year’s digital trade show.
Described as an ode to music, the La Musique du Temps Tempo is a display of horological mastery by Vacheron Constantin. The one-of-a-kind creation based on the minute repeater boasts 19 complications, which are able to accommodate a number of astronomical functions. This unique double-sided minute repeater displays solar, sidereal, and civil time complete with a perpetual calendar. Despite its extensive capabilities, the 45mm timepiece finished in 18k pink gold, is just 12.54mm thick, thanks to the Manufacture 1731 movement housed within.
The worlds of watches and fine jewellery once again come together at Cartier with the Maillon de Cartier. The extremely stylish piece features an intricate chain bracelet, which accentuates Cartier’s angular watch design. The result of the two is not just effective but immensely fashionable with the intertwined links adding a new visual dimension to the 16mm x 17mm hexagonal dial. The quartz powered jewellery-focused timepiece is available in red, yellow or white 18k gold, with a diamond bezel or a fully paved bezel, dial case and bracelet.
What works best about the new Master Control Date lies in its minimalist and slim appearance. Its pure and simple design undoubtedly ensures its appeal for years to come but that timeless charm is equally matched by what lies within the 40mm steel case. Jaeger-LeCoultre has equipped the latest collection with the next-generation automatic Calibre 899, which now features a redesigned barrel, silicon escapement and titanium parts. The upgrades have also afforded the new Master Control Date with a 70-hour power reserve. Measuring just 8.8m thick, the piece is paired beautifully with a Novonappa calf strap.
The original IWC Portugieser Perpetual Calendar was first introduced over 15 years ago. At Watches & Wonders, IWC unveiled the latest iteration of the model, this time with Kurt Klaus’s perpetual calendar integrated with an in-house manufactured 82650 caliber. The result of this affords the Perpetual Calendar 42 a slimmer profile, which measures just 13.8mm high, pairing well with the 42.2mm case. Available in pink gold, or stainless steel, the timepiece offers a three sub dial layout at 3 o’clock, 6 o’clock and 9 o’clock, with the leap year indicated by a small aperture within the day display.
Panerai once again delivers a stunning timepiece created in collaboration with celebrated adventurer, Mike Horn. Only five pieces of this limited edition Submersible are being made available, but each will come with an opportunity to explore the artic and undergo a bit of survival training with Horn himself. That cool and unique opportunity aside, there is no denying this particular Submersible is a thing of beauty. The 50mm watch is made from recycled metal from Horn’s yacht, the Pangaea, and it is also equipped with a vertically rotating tourbillon, which can be admired via the skeletonised dial. The power reserve is rated for six days.
Limited to just one hundred units, the 1858 Split Second Chronograph is the latest in the line of what is now considered a classic offering from Montblanc. The 2020 edition now features a striking blue feu enamel dial and a 44mm titanium case. Tucked inside is a hand-wound MB M16.31. movement, which can be duly appreciated via the sapphire case back. Inspired by historical Minerva military monopusher chronograph, the timepiece features a dial with dual chronograph sub-counters – a small seconds at 9 o’ clock and a 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock – and a 1000 tachymeter colimaçon track used to measure average speeds in the centre.
