As always, the 2024 Watches & Wonders exhibition–held in Geneva last week–displayed the pinnacle of horological craftsmanship, innovation, and luxury. From heritage brands to avant-garde innovators, this year’s exhibition brought forth an array of exquisite timepieces. Join us as we journey through the halls of horological excellence and discover the extraordinary timepieces that have captured the hearts and imaginations of enthusiasts worldwide.
BVLGARI ‘OCTO FINISSIMO TOURBILLON’ WATCH
At the 2024 Watches & Wonders trade show, Bvlgari once again demonstrated its horological mastery, setting the record for creating the thinnest watch –again. Bvlgari’s ‘Octo Finissimo Ultra Cosc’ watch reclaimed the brand’s title for the world’s thinnest mechanical wristwatch, measuring a mere 1.7 millimeters thick. This achievement underscores Bvlgari’s commitment to pushing boundaries and setting new standards in watchmaking excellence. Crafted with a titanium case and a caseback made of tungsten carbide, this manually wound movement comprises 170 components, ensuring exceptional precision and durability. What sets this timepiece apart is its innovative use of a sapphire crystal, meticulously optimized to achieve the desired shape. Limited to just 20 pieces and priced at $529,000, the ‘Octo Finissimo Ultra Cosc’ epitomizes Bvlgari’s dedication to innovation and craftsmanship, reaffirming its position as a leader in the world of luxury watches.
CARTIER ‘REFLECTION DE CARTIER’ WATCH
Enter the realm of enchantment with Cartier‘s latest marvel unveiled at the 2024 Watches & Wonders trade show: the ‘Reflection de Cartier’ watch. Embarking on a journey of magic, illusion, and fascination, this exquisite timepiece epitomizes Cartier’s commitment to exploring time through bold creations. Crafted with unparalleled savoir-faire from both Cartier watchmakers and jewellers, the ‘Reflection de Cartier’ watch is essentially an open bracelet, with a dial placed on one end. As the delicate dial meets its reflection, time appears to move backward, adding a touch of mystique to this extraordinary timepiece. Encased in luxurious white gold, the watch explores the effects of materials through a combination of snow setting and inverted setting, offering both tactile and sparkling appeal. Each piece is a veritable sculpture to wear on the wrist, combining precious gems like diamonds, opal, amethysts, and garnets to create a breathtaking fusion of luxury and artistry. Available in 18k white gold, rose gold, and yellow gold, with an optional gem setting, the ‘Reflection de Cartier’ watch is a true masterpiece that transcends boundaries and captivates the senses.
CHOPARD ‘L’HEURE DU DIAMANT’ WATCH
At the 2024 Watches & Wonders display, Chopard mesmerized the audience with the revival of its iconic ‘L’Heure du Diamant’ collection. Evoking the spirit of the 1960s, these three new timepieces blend artistry, tradition, and modernity. The crown setting, a Chopard innovation, adorns the case with a dazzling display of diamonds. Supervised by Karin Scheufele herself, only the finest diamonds are selected to decorate these exquisite timepieces, ensuring a legacy of elegance and sophistication. Complemented by a supple gold bracelet reminiscent of 1960s design and powered by the Chopard 09.01-C mechanical movement, these watches epitomize luxury horology at its finest. The ‘L’Heure du Diamant’ collection remains a testament to Chopard’s enduring commitment to innovation and excellence, embodying the timeless beauty that transcends generations.
HERMÈS ‘ARCEAU CHORUS STELLARUM’ WATCH
Hermès enthralled horology enthusiasts with the debut of its ‘Arceau Chorus Stellarum’ watch at the 2024 Watches & Wonders exhibition. Designed by Henri d’Origny, the ‘Arceau’ watch is inspired by the ‘Chorus Stellarum’ silk scarf. This limited edition timepiece features mobile appliques of skeleton riders on noble steeds, intricately hand-engraved and painted. With a flick of the thumb, these gothic characters come to life, prancing around a gilded constellation, revealing a celestial canvas of lacquer-coated motifs. The 41mm white gold case, set with 70 diamonds, houses the Manufacture Hermès H1837 movement, visible through the sapphire crystal case-back. Each watch is a numbered limited edition of six, adorned with a matt abyss blue or pearl grey alligator strap, encapsulating the essence of Hermès’ daring creativity and expertise in horology.
HUBLOT’ BIG BANG MP-11′ WATER BLUE SAPPHIRE WATCH
Hublot continues to push the boundaries of innovation with its new ‘MP-11’ watch at the 2024 Watches & Wonders trade show. This Manufacture Piece, renowned for its sculptural 7-barrel movement boasting a remarkable 2-week power reserve, introduces a stunning new color to Hublot’s repertoire: a radiant and translucent water blue. Departing from its previous iterations in contrasting materials, the ‘MP-11’ captivates with its unique hue, marking a significant milestone in Hublot’s legacy of daring design. Behind its mesmerizing exterior lies a testament to engineering excellence, with seven coaxial and vertical barrels delivering an unparalleled 336-hour power reserve. Hublot’s patented index-assembly system and silicon escapement ensure precision and durability, while the sapphire crystal magnifies the iconic barrels, accentuating their visual appeal.Â
JAEGER LE-COULTRE ‘DUOMETRE QUANTIEME LUNAIRE’ WATCH
Jaeger-LeCoultre introduces a modern masterpiece at the 2024 Watches & Wonders exhibition with the ‘Duometre Quantieme Lunaire’ watch, showcasing the innovative ‘Duometre’ concept in a vintage steel case paired with a stunning gradient blue dial. This reinterpretation of the ‘Quantieme Lunaire’ watch marks the first time the ‘Duometre’ is offered in steel, adding a contemporary twist to its timeless design.Â
Powered by the patented Calibre 381, the watch features two barrels and two separate gear trains for unparalleled accuracy. The symmetrical layout of the dial, adorned with opaline, sunray, and satin finishes, highlights the moon phase, date, and time, while the meticulously finished movement is visible through the crystal case-back. With its intricate detailing, including sunrayed Geneva stripes and a mixture of polished, brushed, and micro-blasted surfaces, the ‘Duometre Quantieme Lunaire’ watch is a reflection of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s commitment to precision and craftsmanship.
PIAGET ‘SWINGING SAUTOIR’ COLLECTION
Piaget‘s latest marvel unveiled at the 2024 Watches & Wonders exhibition is a nod to its illustrious past and a leap into the future. Inspired by the iconic ultra-thin 9P movement of 1957, the Swinging Sautoir collection marries haute horlogerie with haute joaillerie. Crafted with meticulous precision, each piece is a masterpiece of artistry and engineering. Among the highlights are two transformable sautoirs that effortlessly convert into wristwatches. One features handcrafted twisted gold chains adorned with vibrant malachite and turquoise beads, while the other dazzles with diamonds and a kaleidoscopic white opal cabochon. Both pieces showcase Piaget’s playful sensibilities and commitment to timeless elegance.
PARMIGIANI FLEURIER ‘TORIC’ WATCH
Parmigiani Fleurier‘s iconic ‘Toric’ collection returns with a captivating blend of innovation and elegance at the 2024 Watches & Wonders trade show. The new ‘Toric’ generation transcends conventional norms, redefining the codes of luxury watchmaking with unparalleled sophistication. From the fluid lines of the case to the exquisite detailing on the dial, the ‘Toric’ watches exude a sense of timeless elegance and modern sophistication. Drawing inspiration from nature and architectural elements, Parmigiani Fleurier invites enthusiasts on a sensory journey, where every component is a testament to the brand’s heritage and commitment to craftsmanship. Whether it’s the ‘Petite Seconde’ or the ‘Chronograph Rattrapante,’ each watch in the Toric collection embodies the perfect harmony between tradition and innovation, making it a true masterpiece of haute horlogerie.
ULYSSE NARDIN ‘FREAK [ S NOMAD ]’ WATCH
Last week, at the 2024 edition of Watches and Wonders, Ulysse Nardin unveiled the ‘Freak [ S NOMAD ],’ marking a new chapter in horological mastery. This limited edition timepiece showcases a revolutionary movement featuring silicon balance wheels and escapements coated in ‘DIAMonSIL,’ an ultra-high-tech form of diamond-coated silicon ensuring unparalleled precision and durability. What sets the ‘Freak [ S NOMAD ]’ watch apart is its distinctive design, reminiscent of a fantastical spaceship, featuring an hour disc adorned in sand-colored CVD diamond guilloché pattern.
Straying from traditional norms, the ‘Freak [ S NOMAD ]’ proudly displays its three-dimensional Calibre UN-251 Manufacture movement under a sapphire crystal, eschewing the need for a dial. Time is indicated uniquely through pointers set on the flying carousel and rotating hour disc, eliminating the need for hands. Powered by Ulysse Nardin’s patented ‘Grinder’ automatic winding system, the ‘Freak [ S NOMAD ]’ boasts exceptional power efficiency, offering a 72-hour reserve. Crafted with lightweight titanium and carbon fiber and adorned with ‘Super-LumiNova’ for enhanced visibility, the ‘Freak [ S NOMAD ]’ is a testament to Ulysse Nardin’s unwavering commitment to innovation in luxury horology.
VACHERON CONSTANTIN ‘GRAND LADY KALA’ WATCH
Vacheron Constantin presented the awe-inspiring ‘Grand Lady Kalla’ at the 2024 Watches & Wonders show, paying homage to the Maison’s rich legacy of crafting exquisite timepieces for women. Drawing inspiration from the iconic ‘Kalla’ collection, the ‘Grand Lady Kalla’ dazzles with over 46 carats of emerald-cut diamonds meticulously set into its design. This masterpiece of Haute Joaillerie epitomizes Vacheron Constantin’s commitment to excellence. The exquisite creation boasts a dial adorned with eye-catching details reminiscent of the Maison’s iconic Maltese cross.
The new Vacheron Constantin’ Grand Lady Kalla’ is far from your usual watch that merely sits on your wrist. The avant-garde design offers unparalleled versatility, featuring a transformable sautoir necklace adorned with onyx and Akoya pearls, allowing wearers to seamlessly transition the dial from wrist to neckline. The ‘Grand Lady Kalla’ stands as a timeless symbol of beauty and sophistication, enjoying Maison’s theme of transforming geometry into artistry.
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