The movers and shakers from Geneva Watch Week 2019
A record crowd of 23,000 gathered at the annual Salon Internationale de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) to check out what’s new in the watch world, while 260 million people caught a glimpse of the action online.
With 34 of the world’s biggest horology brands taking part, there wasn’t a lot on offer for under £5,000. But one trend that will be seen on discerning wrists this year is certainly green or blue dials.
We’ve set out our edit of the most weird and wonderful offerings of the four-day fair:
Richard Mille’s sweet inspiration
The most colourful release was the ‘bonbon collection’ from Richard Mille. Think marshmallows and liquorice allsorts and you won’t be far off.
Comprising ten models, the delightful sweet-inspired watches revisit some of the brand’s iconic models but the mechanics are anything but basic. But if you have a craving, it’ll be hard to get your hands one as only 30 of each model will be created.
The Swiss Alp Watch Concept Black from H Moser & Cie
This ‘emperor’s new clothes-style’ watch, priced from a cool £266,000, has a seemingly familiar rectangular dark shape much like the Apple smartwatch but this unique timepiece has no dial, hands or any other method to display the time. The glossy black dial features a one-minute flying tourbillon at 6 o’clock – and nothing else. It instead relies on sound to tell its wearer the hours and minutes of the day.
Audemars Piguet’s Code 11:59
In development for six years, this beautiful collection from Audemars Piguet features hand-finished details, sapphire crystal with a curved internal dome and convex outer form, creating an intriguing optical effect. The logo has been applied by hand in gold using a process similar to 3D printing.
The impressive range of 13 models has been launched in a series of versions, including chronograph and tourbillon – all with brand new movements – as well as a perpetual calendar and minute repeater.
Excalibur One-Off from Roger Dubuis
This year has seen the watchmaker extend its existing collaboration with Lamborghini the car maker to create the Excalibur One-off, inspired by the SC18 Alston.
Petrolheads out there will love this new offering which features traces of the Alston across the dial and on the case. It even has a V-shaped flying tourbillon, made to look like the Alston’s engine.
The digital jumping hour speedometer translates to a jumping hour display at 12 o’clock on the dial. Pirelli, another of Lamborghini’s long-time partners, also lends inspiration to the timepiece with rubber straps that give a nod to the Alston’s tyres. However, the Lamborghini logo itself isn’t featured on the Roger Dubuis watch.
Contact us
If you’re looking for something a little different, maybe a gift for your partner or yourself, visit our Essex boutique today. We have a great selection of new and pre-worn luxury watches to suit a range of budgets. We also offer a part-exchange service and can help you sell your watch. Contact us and one of our time-served experts will be happy to help.