One of the world’s most elite trade shows, Watches & Wonders (a re-brand of Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie or SIHH), was astutely postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The fair, however, still found a way to celebrate its 30th anniversary with the creation of a new watch community that is both online and available to the public. In the past, this event has not only been held in Geneva, but it has been invite-only for only the upper echelons of the watch society.
Related: Luxury Watch Brands Are Planning a New Show in Geneva Next Year
But due to the unfortunate circumstances, the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie was forced to get creative—to all enthusiasts’ advantage. This past weekend, Watches & Wonders unveiled long-anticipated, multi-brand novelties. From Piaget’s Altiplano Ultimate Concept (the thinnest mechanical watch in the world) to Panerai’s Luminor Marina (celebrating a patented luminous, for lack of a better word, material), and even Cartier’s Maillon de Cartier (one of the brand’s newest fine jewelry watches), there’s something interesting for every palate.
So while timepiece fanatics are unable to convene in Geneva for the annual Watches & Wonders show (the fortunate ones who can gain admission, that is), the entire world has the privilege of seeing them online. And even more lucky for you, we’ve done the work for you and rounded up the crème de la crème here.
Related: For the First Time Patek Philippe Supports Authorized Retailers to Sell Their Luxury Watches Online
A. Lange & Söhne Zeitwerk Minute Repeater
Debuted in 2015, the Zeitwerk Minute Repeater was an important piece for A. Lange & Söhne. It was the brand's first dedicated striking watch, and also utilized technology developed for A. Lange & Söhne’s Grand Complication. Now, the company has married all of these elements to the unique Zeitwerk and its digital time display for an utterly distinguished effect. This model is a limited edition of only 30 pieces.
Approximately $487,000 (including VAT); alange-soehne.com
Cartier Maillon de Cartier
A bracelet watch that is an entirely new design, but inherently, Cartier. The Maillon de Cartier features a considerably small dial (16mm x 17mm) that is the same width and molds perfectly into the twisted linked bracelet. It’s available in a variety of metals (white, yellow, and pink gold) and is undoubtedly already a new Cartier classic.
Limited production; from $25,100; cartier.com
Hermès Arceau L’Heure de la Lune
The Arceau L’Heure de la Lune from Hermès is truly something out of this world. The moonphase watch boasts a white gold case containing two mobile white-lacquered counters—one for hours and minutes, and one for the date—that hover over a meteorite dial while natural mother-of-pearl moons.
Pricing to be announced; hermes.com
IWC Portugieser Automatic 40 and 42
IWC has injected a dose of heritage back into the Portugieser Automatic. The brand has reintroduced the six o'clock small seconds subdial, as well as a smaller size case. Available in two sizes, 40mm and 42mm, the new Portugieser automatics are powered by the IWC automatic caliber 82200 and seven-day caliber 52010, respectively—and come in new, vibrant colored dials.
From $7,250; iwc.com
Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Date
While it was introduced in 1992, the Master Control Date has maintained a classic design that appeals to all decades and has amassed a loyal following. The latest iteration, however, has something its predecessors don’t: Caliber 899 packed with all-new tech in its 40mm steel case. Plus, its slim profile is only 8.8mm thick.
$6,700; jaeger-lecoultre.com
Panerai Luminor Marina
70 years ago, a patent was granted for a luminous material that could be used on watch dials, called Luminor. Now, Panerai is releasing a trio of Luminor Marina models to celebrate only varying in material: titanium, Carbotech, and Fibratech. And in honor of the 70th anniversary, Panerai is offering a 70-year warranty with each timepiece. The Luminor Marina is a limited edition of 270 pieces of each.
From $16,000; panerai.com
Piaget Altiplano Ultimate Concept
In 2018, the Piaget Altiplano Ultimate Concept watch was something of an horological experiment, never meant to go into production. Just two years later, and now we have the world’s thinnest mechanical watch at 2mm overall (which is surprisingly thinner than most watch movements alone). To add to the bragging rights: customers can specify the subdial and movement plate colors, as well as the finish of the hands and the strap, for a truly one-of-a-kind watch. Piaget claims that there are over 10,000 possible permutations.
Limited production; Price available upon request; piaget.com
Roger Dubuis Excalibur Diabolus In Machina
In typical Roger Dubuis fashion, the brand’s latest release, the Excalibur Diabolus In Machina, is a large, skeletonized flying tourbillon. This iteration, however, incorporates a minute repeater into the formula. Plus, it’s a limited edition, unique piece.
$571,000 (subject to change); rogerdubuis.com
Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Tourbillon Chronograph
A monopusher chronograph, the Traditionnelle Tourbillon Chronograph is a prime example of high-end watchmaking. It’s 42.5mm wide and 11.7mm thick, and dressed in gorgeous pink gold.
$197,000; vacheron-constantin.com
