This article is part of our Watches and Wonders 2022 series. Find out what we saw at watch fair Watches and Wonders in our ‘Day Three Round Up’. From some of the world's most prestigious luxury watch brands showcasing in impressive exhibition stands to our expert buyer’s reactions, as well as having a peek into the behind the scenes of the fair, we take you on the journey with us. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more watch launches, news and Q&As with influential people within the world of horology. To see more content from the fair, you can visit our dedicated Watches and Wonders 2022 landing page where we will be updating with the timepieces as they launch.
We met with a lot of influential brands and interview their key people over on our YouTube such as Ander Ugarte, Head of Design at Tudor who knows exactly what it takes to make iconic timepieces. We also met with Romain Mazilli, Brand Experience Manager at Zenith, Francoise Bezzola, CMO of Ulysse Nardin, Rolf Studer the CEO of Oris and Laurent Perves, Vacheron Constantin's CMO. Each of them shared what their new collections meant to them, and highlighted the key pieces that watch enthusiasts worldwide should keep an eye out on.
As you’d expect, Oris’ stand was full of colour and fun this year, and we were delighted to get our hands on the new ProPilot X Calibre 400. Inspired by their rich aviation heritage, and the joy of mechanics, these new 39mm timepieces feature a titanium case which inside, has a highly anti-magnetic, five-day, in-house automatic. The taut, angular lines of the aviation-inspired form are satin and sandblasted, giving the watch its raw, technical look. The launch collection offers a choice of three dial colours: grey, blue and salmon. This is a fresh, expressive palette, chosen to augment the case’s dynamic proportions – and to bring life and colour to your wrist. It also comes with a 10-year warranty - A new icon.
Zenith’s “Master of Chronographs” is not a title, but an aspiration to always aim higher and reach further. For Watches and Wonders 2022, Zenith showcases the revamped Chronomaster Open line as well as the new Chronomaster Sport under its new “Master of Chronographs Since 1865” platform, combining immersive educational and experiential activities. Originally launched in 2003 as the first chronograph with a partially open dial to reveal the regulating organ and escapement, the Chronomaster Open returns in a totally redesigned form – inside and out – to shine ever more light on its beating heart and allow the wearer to witness ZENITH’s mastery of the high-frequency chronograph. Zenith also unveiled new references to the Chronomaster Sport Line, now crafted in precious metals. Because performance and preciousness don’t have to be mutually exclusive, Zenith has crafted the Chronomaster Sport entirely in rose gold - including the bracelet and engraved bezel with 1/10th of a second scale.
Chopard did not disappoint with its impressive exhibition and even more impressive timepieces. The Happy Sport collection always has a special place in our hearts here at Calibre, and this year Chopard reinvents this sporty-chic icon in a new chronograph version made entirely of ethical 18-carat rose gold or a bi-material version made of stainless steel and ethical 18-carat rose gold. Featuring seven dancing diamonds that swirl around its elegant dial and paired with a blue leather strap, these pieces boast a chic yet casual appearance. We also marveled at the technical precision and stylistic refinement of the Alpine Eagle collection, with the brand broadening its range of horological complications by introducing a flying tourbillon watch – one of the very few flying tourbillon watches to bear double Chronometer and Poinçon de Genève certification.
Inspired by the elegant 1950s, the new Patrimony self-winding watch embraces its captivating femininity. Its minimalist silhouette exuding timeless elegance, the Patrimony collection now features a unique gradient signature, a masterful operation bringing luminous depth to both deep blue and pink blush dials. The collection also features a diamond or non-diamond bezel, with a beautiful interchangeable strap to combine versatility with high-end luxury watchmaking.
Bulgari showed their latest releases off site at the Hotel President Wilson, presenting three new exclusive Octo Finissimo models. Minute Repeater, Chronograph GMT and Tourbillon Chronograph Skeleton: these flagship timepieces reveal the art of Bulgari in seamlessly merging absolute technicality, refined aesthetics and modernity. Since its creation in 2014, the Octo Finissimo collection has made an indelible imprint on contemporary Haute Horlogerie. An explorer of technical ultraminiaturisation matched by extremely slim and understated design, the range has given life to true modern-day icons. Appealing to both watch connoisseurs and devotes of Italian elegance – you will be impressed!
H.Moser celebrate simplicity at this year's Watches and Wonders with a uniquely contemporary reinterpretation of their classic round watch. Taking the brands most iconic movement a step further, the Endeavour collection stands out from the crowd by embodying the notion of less is more – a rarity in the watchmaking of today. A timeless piece for a true watch connoisseur, the collection takes an ingeniously elegant approach to minimalism, with a carefully sculpted case and striking dials, a true work of art.
