Our picks of the most coveted new watch releases of the season, from some of our favourite watchmakers.
By RIAAN JACOB GEORGE
We checked in to the recently concluded Watches and Wonders 2022 showcase in Geneva to witness a host of interesting releases from the world’s leading watchmakers. From innovative new movements and bold designs to the reinvention of classic favourites, these timepieces turned both heads and time with their luxurious creativity. Here are some of our favourites.
IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN PILOT’S WATCH CHRONOGRAPH TOP GUN EDITION ‘WOODLAND’
IWC’s models have long been influenced by aviation, and their pilot’s watches are iconic. Inspired by flights taken by elite pilots in the US Navy TOPGUN school, the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph TOP GUN Edition Woodland looks like a dream. Housed in a dark green ceramic case,
it is scratch-resistant, waterproof, and super durable. The IWC-manufactured 69380 calibre ensures the precise measurement of
stop times of up to 12 hours. Carefully assembled by hand, the chronograph movement in a classic column-wheel design is complemented by a luminescent green dial.
₹8,54,000; iwc.com
ROLEX GMT-MASTER II (LEFT HANDER VERSION)
The new and innovative GMT-Master II with an Oyster steel bracelet comes with a striking black-and-green Cerachrom bezel that is bidirectional and works in two time zones during intercontinental flights. The talking point of this watch is that Rolex has released one where the winding crown is on the left, and the date aperture and cyclops lens are at 9 o’clock, making it the perfect left-handed watch. The watch is recognised for its robustness and versatile appearance. Its arrow-tipped hands and black dial increase its legibility and are perfect for both sporting events and regular use.
₹8,40,000; rolex.com
CHOPARD L.U.C. FULL STRIKE SAPPHIRE
The case, crown, and dial of the Chopard L.U.C. Full Strike Sapphire
are all cut from blocks of see-through sapphire crystal to create a transparent masterpiece. Boasting 63 jewels, the elegant, meticulously crafted Swiss watch is limited to only five pieces. Crafted with ethically sourced rose gold, its brilliant, acoustic clarity is seriously impressive. It has a hand-wound mechanical movement and a 60-hour power reserve, and comes with a hand-sewn leather alligator strap in matching tones.
Price: On request; chopard.com
ORIS HOLSTEIN 1904 PROPILOT X 400
Pure mechanical joy, the 1904 Propilot X 400 is a modern-day watch with a titanium bracelet and comes in a grey, blue, or salmon dial with a sandblasted finish. Guarded by a sapphire crystal, with an anti-reflective coating, the timepiece has a skeletonised dial and is water-resistant up to 100 meters. Conceived in-house by skilled engineers, the Calibre 400 Series movements feature elevated levels of anti-magnetism, a five-day power reserve, and a 10-year warranty. It has a magnetic field resistance up to 2000 gauss. Its automatic winding date makes it both reliable and easily accessible.
Price: On request; oris.ch
ULYSSE NARDIN BLAST MOONSTRUCK
An astronomical watch that reproduces the moon’s rotation, the Blast Moonstruck shares a poetic relationship between the Earth, the sun, and the moon. A sapphire crystal guards the 18-carat rose-gold ring engraved with the days of the month. The watch’s geocentric display is carefully curated around the phases of the moon, easy to understand even for beginners in astronomy. The timepiece is made of strong black titanium and ceramic; choose from velvet, alligator, or black-rubber strap options to make a statement.
₹58,38,154–70,00,000; ulysse-nardin.com
CHANEL J12 CALIBRE 12.2
Made of black ceramic steel and a perfectly cut diamond, the J12 Calibre 12.2 is a timeless beauty. This limited edition watch has a black lacquered dial, a highly resistant steel casing, and a self-winding mechanical movement. Its baguette patterned bezel, ceramic bracelet, and triple-folding steel buckle lend it an enviably sophisticated charm.
₹8,71,418; chanel.com
HERMÈS ARCEAU LE TEMPS VOYAGER
With its travelling time mechanism, the Arceau Le Temps Voyager is a definite conversation starter! It blurs the borders of time with its 24 time zones, made possible by a circular rotating disk, shaped like an orb. This 41mm classic watch is crafted in both platinum and titanium. It features a brilliant mechanical, self-winding movement, and is modelled after the globe with map-like images of the various continents. A perfect travel companion!
Price: On request; hermes.com
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