05.04.2022 - Uncategorized

Our favourite finds from Watches & Wonders 2022

There hasn’t been a physical Watches & Wonders – the huge Geneva convention – in three years so the hustle and bustle was unreal.

So many excited watch fans on the ground admiring lots of the new releases from many major brands including Patek Philippe, Rolex and TAG Heuer.

And there were showstoppers galore with pieces that track multiple time zones, some stunning pilot and dive timepieces – and even a left-handed Rolex!

Here are a few of our favourites:

Biggest surprise: Rolex GMT Master II

We thought Rolex might release a new colour for the GMT Master II and we weren’t wrong… We were pleasantly surprised!

No one expected a left-handed Rolex as a Watches & Wonders debut. However if righties like the watch they shouldn’t feel disappointed as when they wear it on their left hand, the crown won’t dig in as it’s on the left of the case – perfect.

With a 40mm dial, this one features the return of a green GMT hand, as last seen on the ref. 116710LN, the brand’s first watch with a Cerachrom bezel insert.

And the good news is it’s available to buy now!

Trendsetting: IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Top Gun Edition “Lake Tahoe”

This year, IWC has taken the popular Pilot’s Watch Chronograph and thrown in inspiration from US naval uniforms and winter time at Lake Tahoe for its latest 44mm offering.

With a white ceramic case and matching rubber strap, it’s a rather different look to the rest of the collection but a nice change from their usual military colours.

If you love this one too, you’ll need to track it down as only 1000 pieces are available.

Complicated meets vintage: Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Travel Time

This time Patek has combined its travel time complication with an annual calendar that only needs adjustment once per year.

But this one is for the Lotto winners among us. The 41mm vintage-inspired dial in a Calatrava case has a new self-winding caliber endowed with eight patents.

This reference comes with two interchangeable straps – one beige calfskin with nubuck texture and a black calfskin with embossed textile finish and beige decorative stitching.

Most intriguing – Cartier’s Chinoise Tank

The Tank Chinoise first appeared in 1922 but hasn’t been produced since 2004, making it one of the rarest models. Cartier is bringing the watch back for its 100th anniversary.

The horizontal bars at the top and bottom of the case, inspired by the porticos of Chinese temples, gives this watch a masculine feel. Complete with a skeletonised dial to show off the movement underneath a pattern mimicking Chinese windows.

Boldest: Hublot’s Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Purple Sapphire

We all expected something a little out there when Hublot announced its latest arrival but this offering is quite the spectacle.

This is the first Big Bang in a sapphire case and it’s a world-first. And as for the colour – well, the only way to describe it is the colour of Prince himself and while it’s not for all of us, no one can deny the summery vibe. This violet shade is created by blending an aluminium oxide with a chrome into the sapphire material.

It is limited to 50 pieces so getting your hands on one might be tricky – but if you manage it, check out the one click strap – the kind of interchangeable system titanium folding one – that you won’t be able to stop messing about with.