From a watch with a “see-through” sapphire crystal casing to a limited edition timepiece, here is MEGA Man’s top 10 watches at the recently concluded Watches and Wonders show
When it comes to high-end timepieces, Geneva, Switzerland’s annual Watches and Wonders show is unrivaled. Formerly known as the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH), the event was renamed Watches and Wonders in 2020. This year, the top watch fair brought 48 prominent brands and acclaimed horologists who unveiled their latest timepieces, highlighting the pinnacle of precision engineering, artistry, and aesthetic appeal in the industry.
Among the many incredible watches displayed, here is MEGA Man’s curated selection of the top 10 timepieces at the Watches and Wonders 2023 exhibition:
Rolex Day-Date Emoji
While this year’s stone dials have been heralded as a sign of innovation and fresh thinking, no one saw the emoji Rolex coming. This 36mm timepiece, which features a champlevé enamel dial with multicolored jigsaw pieces, 10 rainbow baguette-cut sapphires for the hour markers, and the removal of the day and date numerals in the apertures in favor of emojis and words, may be one of the most surprising watches ever offered by Watches and Wonder.
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Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers Dual Moon Grand Complication
Rare and sophisticated, this Vacheron Constantin Dual Moon Grand Complication watch has 11 time-related and astronomical complications. It contains a minute repeater, a perpetual calendar, precision moon phases and age of the moon for North and South hemispheres, a sidereal hour indication, a stunning sky chart, and a magnificent skeletonized tourbillon at the rear. The intricacy of this white-gold timepiece makes it a one-of-a-kind work of art.
Hublot Square Bang Sapphire
The new Hublot Square Bang Sapphire is a fascinating timepiece that brings a new design for the brand. The Square Bang trilogy is somewhat more compact and is just 50 meters submersible, as opposed to the 2022 models’ 100 meters. There are three color options for the ergonomic case: black ceramic, white ceramic, and sapphire crystal. The ceramic casings exude a modern appeal with its micro blasted surfaces and polished bevels, while the sapphire crystal lets you “see through” the watch. The latter concept is undeniably remarkable, and it’s exciting to see Hublot integrating it in their newest line of watches.
Ulysse Nardin Freak ONE
Ulysse Nardin’s newest style of the Freak, the Freak ONE, updates its classic design with modern touches. The calibre UN-240 Manufacture, an automatic movement with a 72-hour power reserve, drives the timepiece. Its rose gold 5N bezel is also a nice touch paired with the black DLC-coated titanium case.The Freak ONE is unmistakably cutting-edge in its execution, while maintaining Freak’s three defining features: no dial, no hands, and no crown.
Patek Philippe 5224R Calatrava 24-Hour Display Travel Time
Patek Philippe’s 5224R Calatrava 24-Hour Display Travel Time is a proof that form and function can be merged successfully. The newest addition to Patek Philippe’s premium watch collection features a rose gold case and a navy blue dial, and uses a 24-hour format rather than a day/night indicator. On top of its modified mechanism, it also provides travel time functionality without the need for any extra case-mounted buttons or push-pieces on the side of the case.
Ferdinand Berthoud Chronométre FB 2T
With the release of the Chronomètre FB 2T, the eight-year run of the original Ferdinand Berthoud calibre FB-T.FC has come to an end. Only 38 watches will be made in homage to the 18th-century Swiss chronometer manufacturer who made important contributions to the development of marine chronometers. This number represents the number of years since Berthoud was named master horologist by the king of France. Although there are three different versions offered, each may be customized to the needs of its owner. With its more traditionally styled case, the Chronomètre FB 2T is a fitting conclusion to one of the finest tourbillon mechanisms ever created.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Hybris Artistica Calibre 179
Jaeger-LeCoultre is particularly proud of the craftsmanship and collaboration that went into making the Reverso Hybris Artistica Calibre 179. It features a Gyrotourbillon, which is visible on both front and reverse dials, and a second time zone with a 24-hour indicator, as well as the hour and minute indicators. The brand mentioned that the watch is painstakingly hand-finished, and that the bevelling alone takes around 14 hours of work just for the Gyrotourbillon’s cage. It is safe to say that this timepiece is one of the most remarkable ones because of its distinct and detailed elements.
Piaget Polo Perpetual Calendar Obsidian
Piaget Polo’s new Perpetual Calendar Obsidian watch, which is decked out in studs, is undoubtedly one of the company’s trendiest offerings to date. Its blue version brings Piaget’s rich heritage in stone dials by featuring a silvery blue obsidian face encircled by blue sapphires of varying sizes and secured in dark claws set in the bezel. Obsidian is a kind of volcanic glass created when lava from a volcano quickly cools. The natural iridescence of the obsidian dial of this watch is created when mineral-rich sulfide liquid becomes trapped in the rock during the solidification process, making each stone unique.
Arnold & Son Double Tourbillon
The hand-chamfered 18-carat gold bridges on the Arnold & Son Double Tourbillon make the watch’s mirrored tourbillons seem to float in mid-air. The crowns are also conveniently located at two and eight o’clock, making this watch easy to use for those in different time zones. From its two tourbillons at the equator of the dial to the flawless green of its malachite, the Arnold & Son Double Tourbillon watch shines in every way.
Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Retrograde Day-Date
The Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Retrograde Day-Date, one of the year’s most prominent timepieces, rounds up our selection. Vacheron Constantin has expanded their lineup with the addition of the Patrimony Retrograde Day-Date that comes in a platinum case with a salmon-colored dial and includes a circular slim case measuring 42.5mm in diameter and 9.7mm in thickness. The dial also has a sunburst treatment, which gives off a pleasant glow and plays well with the light.
