2017 is already shaping up to be an exciting year in watchmaking. Some of the world’s top brands, including Audemars Piguet, Jaeger-LeCoultre, and IWC recently revealed their new collections at SIHH, the Salon internationale de la Haute Horlogerie. Trends included a focus on women’s timepieces, complicated watches and new materials.
At IWC, time for the ladies and new complications
IWC’s new Da Vinci collection for women packs plenty of style while retaining all of the superlative mechanics the brand has been known for since its founding in 1868. The collection features the new Da Vinci Automatic 36 mm and the Da Vinci Automatic Moon Phase, both dedicated to women. A third introduction, the Da Vinci Automatic, measures 40mm and is unisex. The ladies pieces are available in rose and white gold with smooth or diamond bezels and a variety of colorful alligator straps. Bracelets are also offered in both models. The Da Vinci Automatic is sleek and elegant, with a classic round dial. It is available with an alligator strap or a stainless steel bracelet. Two complicated timepieces were also unveiled: the Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar Chronograph and the Da Vinci Tourbillon Retrograde Chronograph.
Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Geophysic collection grows, plus a new partnership with Marc Newson
The JLC Geophysic re-launched to rave reviews last year, with its jumping second hand and retro-modern design. This year, Jaeger LeCoultre took a good thing and made it even better with a tourbillon. The enhanced accuracy of the tourbillon compliments the Geophysic Tourbillon Universal Time that displays 24 times zones simultaneously on the dial. This is not your ordinary tourbillon but in fact a flying tourbillon, rotating without a bridge, which provides further accuracy. Available only in platinum, this watch will most certainly be coveted by collectors. If you’re on a stainless-steel budget, the Geophysic True Second and the Geophysic Universal Time are now also offered on a stainless steel bracelet, adding a sporty edge.
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos mechanical clock is powered by subtle changes in ambient temperature. Invented in 1928, its astounding technology allows the clock to run perpetually with no need for winding. Each year a new version is created. This year the brand partnered with designer Marc Newson to create the new Atmos 568. His version is encased entirely in Baccarat crystal, allowing a view of the clock’s movement from all angles. Its deceptive simplicity enhances its beauty.
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak
For over 40 years, the Royal Oak collection by Audemars Piguet has been at the forefront of design and watchmaking prowess. In 2017, Audemars is further expanding the line with a new gold timepiece and a perpetual calendar in black ceramic. A perpetual calendar is one of the most difficult complications to create and traditionally it is seen in a round, traditional case made of gold or platinum, echoing the rarity and preciousness of the movement while providing an opulent showcase for the complicated timepiece. Leave it to Audemars Piguet, whose motto is “to break the rules, you must first master them,” to house the new perpetual calendar in hand-finished black ceramic. Ceramic is highly resistant to shocks and extreme temperatures, making it a wise, if unusual, choice.
If you love gold watches but subtlety is your style, Audemars has introduced a new finish to their gold. Dubbed “frosted gold,” the finish both enhances the richness of the rose gold’s color and reduces the bling-y shine of a high polished gold piece. If quiet luxury is your look, you’ve found your match in the Royal Oak Frosted Gold.
