As I wrap up the year here at WCL, I decided to put together a list of my favorite 12 watches of 2023. Each of these watches sang to me one way or another during 2023 so I thought it would be good to share with all of you and celebrate each of the months of the year that is now ending. There is a little bit of everything for everyone, from Vacheron Constantin to Ferdinand Berthoud and everything in between including IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre, and Tudor. Now let’s take a look at the best watches of 2023.
Posts tagged #2023
From the Editor: My Thoughts on the Breitling Chronomat B01 42 and Why I Had to Get One
It’s been more than 20 years since I purchased a new out-of-the-box Breitling watch. In the early 1990s as I was starting my journey as a watch collector Breitling was a brand that I truly loved. I still remember buying my first Breitling, which was a Colt with a white dial on a brown calf strap. Later, I added the stainless steel bracelet to the watch and I nose-dove back then buying more than half a dozen Breitlings including Chronomats, Crosswinds, Navitimers, Aerospace Navitimers, and a Blackbird Chronomat that I will never forget as it was one of the two Chronomats to have a full satin brushed —including the bracelet, rider tabs, case, and bezel— finish at the time.
From the Archives: Visiting the Vacheron Constantin Manufacture. World’s Oldest Watch Manufacture.
As you all know, Vacheron Constantin is not only one of the three brands that integrate the 'Holy Trinity of Watchmaking' but also the oldest watch manufacture in the world with an uninterrupted history that spans across almost three centuries —268 years to be precise. Therefore, a visit to the Vacheron Constantin Manufacture in Plan-les-Ouates —a municipality on the outskirts of Geneva, Switzerland— is a fascinating experience that as watch collectors and scholars, we will cherish forever.
Insider: IWC Pilot's Watch Timezoner TOP GUN 'Woodland'. Hands-on with a Dark Green Stunner.
While the new IWC Pilot's Watch Timezoner TOP GUN ‘Woodland’ is not a limited edition with a specific production limitation, it is a special edition produced in short runs making it very hard to get. The Timezoner TOP GUN ‘Woodland’ is equipped with a dark green ceramic case measuring 46 mm in diameter and 15 mm in thickness, an olive green dial with Arabic numerals, an olive green ceramic bezel slightly lighter than the color of the case, and a green rubber strap with an olive green nylon insert.
Experience: Ardbeg 10 Years Old. Scottish Tweed, a JLC Reverso Tribute, and a Fabulous Single Malt.
Scotland gives the world some of the most beautiful landscapes and two things they excel at, their tweed and their scotch. Honoring the green luscious landscapes of Scotland and the deep green bottle of Ardbeg 10 Years, we decided to pair this Islay Single Malt with the new Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Small Seconds Green. Ardbeg Ten Years Old was launched in 2000 as an extraordinary balance of peaty notes and floral sweetness that makes it one of the best single malt whiskies in the world.
Experience: Celebrating 50 Years of the Piaget Limelight Gala
Instantly recognisable for its generous curves and the asymmetrical lugs of its bezel, set with precious stones —typically with 62 brilliant-cut diamonds totalling approximately 1.65 carats—, one side stretching upwards and the other down, the Limelight Gala stands out with its unique audacious look. Dubbed by some as a “fashion watch” at the time of its creation, Limelight Gala set the tempo for the incredible spirit of freedom that reigned in the Maison.
Insider: IWC Big Pilot's Watch AMG G 63 Armor Gold
IWC Schaffhausen brings up a stunning collaboration in partnership with the iconic Mercedes-Benz G Wagon. The Big Pilot’s Watch AMG G 63 in Armor Gold is the result of what we think is a great collaboration between these two brands that have been involved with one another for 20 years since the early days of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team partnership.
Breaking News: Breitling Acquires Universal Genève to Revive the Legendary Brand
Breitling, founded in 1884, is renowned for its high-precision timepieces, development of the wrist chronograph, and an uncompromising commitment to design excellence. With the acquisition of Universal Genève, Breitling, together with its majority shareholder Partners Group headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, continues to build a legacy of luxury watchmaking, rooted in heritage. The acquisition of Universal Genève marks a new chapter for the brand renowned for its horological artistry and innovation. This strategic move promises to restore the prestige of a hallowed name in the world of luxury timepieces.
Introducing: Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon High Jewelry
A first in the Overseas collection is the new Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon High Jewellery in a combination of white gold and the collection's signature blue dial, along with the setting of 85 baguette-cut diamonds on its Maltese cross-shaped bezel, indexes, and strap’s clasp. This 42.5 mm diameter sporty-chic watch features a slender curvature thanks to its ultra-thin automatic movement the in-house Calibre 2160 with tourbillon. The watch comes with a matching 18K white gold bracelet and two additional interchangeable straps in blue calfskin and rubber that are secured by a likewise interchangeable white gold pin buckle set with baguette-cut diamonds.
Introducing: Roger Dubuis Knights of the Round Table 'Ice and Fire'. A 28-piece Limited Edition.
From the mythical Knights of the Round Table, Roger Dubuis has embraced this ageless lesson of shared mastery transforming their diverse skills into a timepiece of hyper expressivity. Introducing the latest evolution of the Knights of the Round Table ‘Ice and Fire’, a 28-piece limited edition, the earth begins to crack once more, as twelve gallant heroes are summoned to defend their kingdom against an ice-bound threat.
Introducing: Richard Mille RM 35-03 Rafael Nadal. Sporting a New Butterfly Rotor.
Inspired by the tourbillon watches of the Richard Mille RM 027 collection that Rafa Nadal wears on the tennis court, the RM 035 ‘Baby Nadal’ collection is designed as a condensate of technology for anyone in thrall to performance. The new RM 35-03 Automatic Rafael Nadal, the fourth timepiece in the collection, is fully worthy of its place in this distinguished lineup, to which it brings a patented innovation, namely the butterfly rotor. Following three full years of development, Richard Mille has coaxed from its chrysalis this new system for movement winding which spreads its wings in the RM 35-03.
Introducing: De Bethune DB28XP Kind of Blue Tourbillon Sapphire. A 10-piece Limited Edition.
De Bethune is proud to announce the latest addition to its collection of iconic watches in blued titanium. This new creation is the result of the union between the proven elegance of the DB28XP and the timeless charm of the DB28 Kind of Blue Tourbillon with a touch of sapphire in a limited edition of 10 pieces.
From the Editor: Royal Oak Perpetual Cactus Jack Solidifies AP's Status as Brand for 'Nouveau Riche'
Following the steps of brands like Hublot and with François-Henry Bennahmias’ —AP’s CEO— obsession with celebrities and aspirations to become one himself, what used to be one of my favorite luxury watch brands has finally lost all its allure and value, at least for me. The old classics will remain as icons in my book, but when it comes to their latest watches, all I see is a decline in AP’s brand equity, and I am not sure how much more it will endure.
Introducing: Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers Récits de Voyages Minute Repeater Tourbillons
Following in its founders’ footsteps, the Maison offers these Récits de Voyages series as a watchmaking odyssey through the world and its wonders, applying craftsmanship and mechanical art as its means of expression. Two regions, two decorative arts that include Art Deco style and Arabesque art, have influenced the world. The engraving, chasing, wood marquetry, and gemsetting crafts pay vibrant tribute to these cultures with decorations from the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi and the architecture of New York’s Chrysler Building serving as inspiration.
Introducing: Czapek & Cie Antarctique Rattrapante Gold Dust SHH Edition. A 25-piece Limited Edition for SHH Kuala Lumpur.
In the lead-up to the grand opening of the largest SHH boutique to date, Sincere Fine Watches —the exclusive retailer of Czapek in South-East Asia— reached out to the Swiss independent Maison to create a special edition of the Antarctique Rattrapante exclusively for Sincere to commemorate this milestone. As the grand opening of SHH in Kuala Lumpur takes place, Czapek has launched the Antarctique Rattrapante Gold Dust SHH Edition.
Experience: Tapis Rouge Cocktail. Inspired by the Red Tip on the Seconds Hand of the Piaget Polo Date.
Every once in a while we talk about legendary cocktails but this time, we have created one inspired by the red tip on the seconds hand on the Piaget Polo Date with a black dial. The perfect harmony of flavors in a glass with a tantalizing blend that will captivate your taste buds. This sophisticated libation begins with the bittersweet notes of Aperol, lending a refreshing citrusy character to the drink. The addition of Cynar, a delightful artichoke-based liqueur, adds a subtle herbal complexity, teasing the palate with its unique blend of botanicals.
From the Editor: Explaining Quiet Luxury and Why the Loro Piana Open Walk is Geneva's Watch Collectors' Grail Shoe.
In a world filled with ostentatious displays and clamorous extravagance, there exists a rare breed of luxury that whispers its elegance rather than boasting it aloud, and that we call ‘quiet luxury’. Walking through the streets of Geneva in Switzerland, one can attest to the finest examples of it. It is the realm of quiet luxury, where refinement and sophistication are found in the subtlest of details. Quiet luxury is marked by an understated charm, a sense of effortless grace that captivates without overwhelming. It is a sanctuary from the raucousness of trends and the constant need for attention.
Video: The Vacheron Constantin Dallas Boutique in Highland Park Village
Earlier today November 20, 2023, we brought you the news about the opening of the Vacheron Constantin Dallas Boutique in Highland Park Village. Now, pretend that you came along with us and immerse yourself through this exclusive video we produced. Delve inside the new Vacheron Constantin Dallas Boutique in Highland Park Village and plan a visit soon, because you won’t be disappointed.
Experience: The Vacheron Constantin Dallas Boutique in Highland Park Village is Now Open
As Dallas continues to solidify itself as one of the most important markets for watch collectors, Vacheron Constantin arrives in Highland Park Village with an incredible new boutique that is open as of today November 20, 2023. Highland Park Village is a true gem nestled within the affluent and upscale town of Highland Park in the vibrant city of Dallas, Texas. Known as the first outdoor shopping center in America, this iconic destination boasts a rich history and an undeniable charm.
Introducing: Reuge Camel Race Musical Box
Reuge is an iconic Swiss company specializing in the production of high-end music boxes. Founded in 1865 in Sainte-Croix, in the canton of Vaud, it is now world-renowned for the quality and beauty of its creations. The Maison has remained true to its Swiss roots by using local materials to make its music boxes. Reuge’s artisans have in-depth knowledge of metal, wood, and art mechanics, enabling them to create music boxes distinguished by excellent precision, incomparable sound, and undeniable beauty.
