SIHH – one of the most prestigious events in the calendar for watchmakers – sees industry specialists and watch lovers alike troop down to Geneva each year to witness the freshest crop of timepieces. Apart from releasing new models, the event is also an effective platform for predicting the latest trends of the year.
This year was no different. But among the titans of the horology world, a few stood out for a variety of reasons. Here’s our round-up of the top five timepieces that you need to watch out for!
Triple Split by A. Lange & Söhne
Full credit goes to A. Lange & Söhne for creating the world’s first mechanical split-seconds chronograph that simultaneously measures additive and comparative times for as long as twelve hours. With Triple Split, the haute horology house has outdone its previous record-holder Double Split. With precise rattrapante minute and hour counters, the Triple Split multiplies the measuring range of the rattrapante function by a factor of 24. Simply put, the Triple Split is accurate enough to compare the times of two opponents in a Formula 1 race down to the second.
Reverso Tribute Duoface by Jaeger-LeCoultre
Continuing its partnership with celebrated Argentinian polo bootmaker Casa Fagliano, Jaeger-LeCoultre launched a 100-piece limited-edition Reverso Tribute Duoface mounted on signature Casa Fagliano two-tone cordovan leather straps. Taking off from the Duoface concept, the watch features two contrasting dials with different time zones.
Painstaking craftsmanship marks its every aspect, from the hand-applied hour markers with Dauphine hands to the Art Deco-inspired minute track. The handcrafted leather strap, with its unique patina and finishes and the words “Limited Edition – One of 100” etched on its case back seal the deal for this understated masterpiece.
Diver Deep Dive by Ulysse Nardin
Ulysse Nardin carries on its love affair with the sea with the Diver Deep Dive, its most robust diving watch yet, with water resistance up to 1000 metres! Like its immediate predecessor, the Diver Deep Dive is powered by in-house calibre UN-320, featuring an escape wheel configuration and a patented silicium lever. Nautical influences are obvious in the choice of colour and design: 15 blue hammerheads swim on the dial, with a bright red one on the crown guard and another one on the dial counter. There’s even a hammerback stamped on the caseback!
Les Cabinotiers Grande Complication ‘Ornementale’ by Vacheron Constantin
Inspired by what was the world’s most complicated wristwatch in 2005: the famous Tour de l’Île by Vacheron Constantin, the makers have recreated their stupendous feat yet again in Les Cabinotiers Grande Complication ‘Ornementale’. Displaying 16 separate complications in a relatively miniature package, the timepiece highlights Vacheron Constantin’s tour de force in both miniaturising and engineering. The complications are mostly astronomical, and features – in addition to hour and minute counters – 11 other functions such as minute repeater, equation of time, tourbillon, perpetual calendar, etc.
Lady Arpels Planétarium by Van Cleef & Arpels
In keeping with Van Cleef & Arpels’ elaborate creations, the Lady Arpels Planétarium – a part of the maison’s Poetic Astronomy Universe – simulates the planetary system on the limited surface of a wristwatch! Our most dazzling watch on the list, all its features, from the diamond-bedecked bezel and strap to the miniature planets made of precious stones revolving on the bright blue dial, are designed to inspire awe. But the most arresting part of the watch lies in its concept of imprecision. Devoid of hands, the watch revels in a state of perfect imprecision. While other watches seek to divide time to its minutest fraction, this one is a reminder of the enigma of time.
Text: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay