Watches & Wonders is one of the most anticipated annual events for watch lovers around the world. This is because it’s an event where new watches from some of the biggest brands in the watch industry are unveiled. That said, more than 100 new watches are introduced, and there are a few that we think are worth the spotlight.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Duometre Heliotourbillon Perpetual
A stunning fusion of advanced mechanics and elegant design. The heart of this watch is the brand-new manual Calibre 388, which was created totally in-house. It has an amazing tourbillon that spins on three axes to create a unique “spinning top” effect, a first for the Maison. Within a redesigned pink gold case that pays homage to 19th-century savonette pocket watches, the Duomètre Héliotourbillon Perpetual combines classic style with cutting-edge technology. The 34-part case’s unique structure, which combines brushed, polished, and micro-blasted surfaces, adds to its visual appeal and harmonises with the intricate movement inside.
Zenith DEFY Extreme Diver
The DEFY Extreme Diver, which pays homage to the innovative spirit of the 1969 DEFY divers, has undergone an appealing redesign for 2024. The 42.5mm case, which is made of durable titanium, has precisely the right angles for the ideal balance of strength and sophistication. With a helium escape valve, this watch is perfect for the daring deep-sea adventurer in you and undoubtedly raises the bar for other diving watches available. Behind a sapphire display, there’s El Primero 3620-SC automatic high-frequency manufacturer calibre. You will also have plenty of time to explore thanks to the 60-hour power reserve.
Hublot Big Bang UNICO Ice Bang
For its new online exclusive, Hublot releases a unique piece: an “Ice Bang” equipped with the Unico movement! With the Big Bang Unico Ice Bang, Hublot has taken a radical stance while remaining faithful to the powerful aesthetic of the original model released in 2006, creating a sophisticated watch with a stunning array of high-tech materials and features which make it a must-have piece. Limited to 100 pieces, this model will be available exclusively on the hublot.com e-commerce boutique.
Piaget Polo Date – 150th Anniversary Edition
For this year’s exhibition, they have struck the perfect chord between the bright gadroons of the historic Piaget Polo and the casual-chic allure of the iconic Piaget Polo Date. This will take shape as a limited edition of a 42mm and a 36mm, both made of steel with a stylish rubber strap – a first for the 36mm. Each version will be produced in a series of 300 rare pieces. Giving a nod to the signature gadroons on the original Piaget Polo, the dials of these two collector’s timepieces display the same stunning play of materials as their ancestor. This Extraleganza heritage, a blend of elegance and extravagance, was also key to the decision to offer a duo of timepieces.
Panerai Submersible Tourbillon GMT Luna Rossa Experience Edition
This is the first Submersible 45mm with the P.2015/T mechanical calibre. It includes the innovative patented Panerai tourbillon in which the cage rotates on an axis perpendicular to that of the balance wheel and makes a complete rotation in thirty seconds. The timepiece is made of Carbotech™, recalling a material also used on the Luna Rossa boat, an engineering feat that is 80% lighter than steel. Owners will enjoy an exclusive America’s Cup finals experience in Barcelona, with behind-the-scenes and front-row access to the competition with the Luna Rossa team.
Roger Dubuis Sunrise Double Tourbillon
Sitting on the wrist, the 42mm case of the watch is built from pink gold and is mounted with a robust brass flange, which itself has been given a pink gold galvanic treatment, along with indexes filled with black Super-LumiNova™. Inside the case, there’s The RD512SQ Calibre that has 72 hours of power reserve. To resist surrounding forces, the Flying Tourbillon includes an upper cage in non-magnetic Cobalt Chrome, and a lower cage in titanium – also non-magnetic and twice lighter than steel. Two tourbillons linked with a differential directly connected to the second wheel of the gear train for a better transmission of the energy. Poinçon de Genève certified, one of the most demanding certifications in the world of Haute Horlogerie
IWC Schaffhausen Portugieser Eternal Calendar
This is the first secular perpetual calendar developed by IWC Schaffhausen. It automatically recognises the different lengths of the months and adds a leap day every four years at the end of February. While a perpetual calendar is programmed for a four year cycle, the Portugieser Eternal Calendar goes one step further: thanks to a new 400-year gear, it also considers the Gregorian calendar’s leap year exceptions by skipping three leap years over 400 years. In addition, its moon phase is so accurate that it will – theoretically – only deviate by one day after 45 million years.
Chopard Alpine Eagle 41 XP Frozen Sumit
The collection welcomes a new model combining the Maison’s watchmaking and jewellery expertise, and whose exceptional refinement has been saluted by the Poinçon de Genève. The 41 mm-diameter case, as well as the entire dial, bezel, crown and integrated bracelet in ethical 18-carat white gold, are set with meticulously cut diamonds. Making no compromises in terms of technical expertise, this true collector’s timepiece benefits from the watchmaking savoir-faire of Chopard Manufacture embodied in the ultra-thin L.U.C 96.41-L movement, with automatic winding via a micro-rotor ensuring a 65-hour power reserve.
Cartier Privé Tortue Monopoussoir Chronograph
Cartier is bringing back its iconic Tortue Monopoussoir form, drawing inspiration from the late 1990s. The watch’s Journe-Flageollet-Halter movement and aid, which come in platinum and yellow gold, are its most striking features. The watch is limited edition and has an opaline dial with a grained gold or silver finish, as well as a sapphire crystal front and caseback. The innovative monopusher chronograph mechanism of the watch is only available in 200 pieces per metal and has a height of 4.3 mm. The watch is available with a red alligator leather and platinum pin buckle or a dark blue alligator leather with a yellow gold pin clasp.
So which one is your favourite? Those new models will be available soon at The Time Place boutique. Stay tuned for more information.
