The third day of Watches and Wonders has ended and thus, we have more news. Though I will admit, the news cycle has slowed its pace a little. So here are my top 5 tidbits!
Number 5: Bulgari has a new chronograph.
Alright, I am not the biggest fan of Bulgari, and especially their Octo collection. Long story short the collection stresses me out, but at least they have a chronograph now?
No, I refuse to make a pun out of the “Big Bang” name, it’s overdone. What I will say however, is that these new Hublot’s aren’t *that* atrocious looking, the price is the only actual problem.
Number 3: Grand Seiko does it again.
I personally don’t love the tool watches Grand Seiko releases, nevertheless, if you can afford this you will get a much more interesting aquatic watch than that new titanium Rolex Yachtmaster.
Number 2: Montblanc continues Minerva’s legacy
I am a sucker for a monopusher chronograph, this skeleton dial is too flashy in my opinion, but I’m also too poor to really have an opinion on a $37,000 watch.
Number 1: A. Lange & Söhne does as they do.
This watch is honestly too complicated for me to even comprehend how it works, but it certainly does work, and it looks quite fine while doing it.
New day new watch releases. The second day of Watches and Wonders has been far less dramatic, with no major watches being discontinued, to my knowledge at least, and few brand new watches. But the new editions and recolors are still welcome, so without further ado, my top five W&W tidbits!
Number 5: IWC brings the Ingenieur back
IWC follows the trend of looking back in time for inspiration. With new (old) proportions reflecting the original design from the 70s, and some beautiful dial texture, this is definitely one to watch.
Number 4: Cartier somehow brings more color into their lineup
Cartier makes luxury look good (again). As much as it frustrates me they have a way with color that almost no one can keep up with. Dammit.
Number 3: Chopard now vibrates at 8 Hz. If you can get one.
The new Chopard Alpine Eagle Cadence 8HF is limited to only 250 pieces, but if you can get it, you’ll get one of the smoothest second hand sweeps you can buy, with the movement oscillating at 8 Hz!
Number 2: Grand Seiko moves beyond the dial.
Grand Seiko, known for making exquisitely finished dials, has decided to engrave the entire platinum case of their new “Majestic White Birch”. It certainly fits in a “Masterpiece Collection”, but unfortunately is limited to only 50 pieces. (Dammit, again, for different reasons.)
Number 1: The Oris ProPilot Altimeter gets more impressive.
At this point it seems like they’re bragging, first they make the only automatic movement with a mechanical Altimeter attached, then they make the watch out of 3D printed carbon fiber, I mean come on!
Well, well, well. The first day of Watches and Wonders 2023 just wound up, this was just the first day so I expect a lot more between now and the second of April, but for a first day I can’t really complain about the news, or the drama. Here are my top five tidbits!
Number 5: Rolex discontinues the Milgauss again!
I’ll be honest, this was disappointing, a bit surprising, but I’m just waiting, they’ll be back next year. They always come back.
Number 4: Imagine the Tudor Black Bay 58, but smaller!
I may be taking the piss a bit here but taking direct inspiration from one’s past is important, and here it yielded a $4,000 dollar success. (In my book at least)
Number 3: Patek Philippe modernises a classic!
I don’t know how i feel about this watch, it’s a classic Patek design, but all modernized which is cool, but it also has a date window, which is not cool.
Number 2: Rolex’s surprisingly interesting dress watch!
Along with the Milgauss, Rolex also discontinued the Celline, their dress watch. This one I’m not mad about because they replaced it with a striking new dress watch, that I might actually like…
Number 1: Grand Seiko releases their first mechanical chronograph!
I love Grand Seiko, with at least half of my heart, this watch doesn’t belong there but it sure is cool.
Watching Watchmaking is written of Ribbon Eichler. © 2024. All Rights Reserved.
