Now that the dust has settled, I am going to share my honest thoughts on how I really felt and feel now about the new Rolex Oyster Perpetual 'Celebration' ref. 124300. As I stood in front of the vitrines at the Rolex pavilion during Watches & Wonders 2023 in Geneva, I just couldn’t believe what my eyes were seeing. This is the very first time that the Green Giant would do something like this. On one hand, I felt that they were very ballsy to come up with such a dial, but on the other hand, I felt that this wasn’t what I would ever expect from Rolex and their very ‘by the book’ approach.
Introducing: Leica ZM Monochrom Edition Watches
The new Leica ZM Monochrom Edition watches take inspiration from the release of the latest Leica M11 Monochrom camera and honors the most fundamental principles of black and white photography: contrast and light. The Leica ZM Monochrom Edition watch collection consists of two models, both with mechanical manual wound movement developed and produced in-house. The Leica ZM 1 and Leica ZM 2 —a GMT Dual Time Zone—, are now available in the new Monochrom Edition.
News: Bremont Names Davide Cerrato as CEO
Bremont, Britain's largest manufacturer of luxury watches, today announced that it has appointed industry veteran Davide Cerrato as CEO and a member of the Board. Bolstering Bremont's in-house capabilities, Cerrato brings with him extensive experience in branding, product design and development, supply-chain management, and production. Cerrato has a proven track record, having worked with some of the most notable brands in the watch industry including Tudor, Montblanc, Panerai, and HYT Watches.
Insider: TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 200 18K Rose Gold. Not Bad for a Solid Gold Watch Under $20K USD.
For the first time, TAG Heuer has presented a solid gold version of its legendary Aquaracer Professional 200 watch. Combining 18K 5N solid rose gold and black DLC titanium grade 2 with rubber, the new Heuer Aquaracer makes sheer elegance go hand in hand with extreme performance and versatility. Equipped with a 40 mm case and a sunray finished grey —between gray and brown— dial, this new solid gold piece reaches uncharted territory as far as pricing for a solid gold piece.
From Editor: Come Inside the MB&F M.A.D. House. Their new HQ and Atelier.
While I was in Geneva attending Watches & Wonders 2023 at the end of March and the beginning of this month, I was invited by MB&F to come to see their new headquarters and atelier. The newly opened space is called the MB&F M.A.D. House and it was beyond a pleasant surprise and an honor to be there. While their previous headquarters were located in Old Town Geneva as part of their MB&F M.A.D. Gallery, the new MB&F M.A.D. House is located in the municipality of Carouge about 15 minutes away from the M.A.D Gallery.
News: Jaeger-LeCoultre Adds Lenny Kravitz as New Global Ambassador
A watch enthusiast since childhood, when he became fascinated by his father’s chronographs, Lenny Kravitz joins Jaeger-LeCoultre as a new global ambassador for the Maison. One of the preeminent rock musicians of our time, the singer, songwriter, producer, multi-instrumentalist, actor, designer, and photographer is the archetype of the modern Renaissance man. Since the very beginning of his career, Lenny Kravitz has been defiantly original, always following his own path, steadfast in his artistic vision.
Insider: Ferdinand Berthoud Chronomètre FB 2T Final Edition with Customizable Options
At Watches & Wonders 2023, we had the pleasure of perusing and reviewing the new Ferdinand Berthoud Chronomètre FB 2T that comes in three versions including a satin-brushed blue, black, or ruthenium dial. These new watches mark the final edition of the first calibre FB-T.FC that was launched in 2015. Eight years later after releasing the FB-T.TC with an octagonal case, a tourbillon movement with fusee-and-chain transmission, and a pillar-based construction, the new Chronomètre FB 2T comes with a round case for the first time ever in a 38-piece final edition.
Insider: Zenith Pilot Big Date Flyback Black Ceramic and Pilot Big Date Flyback Steel
This year at Watches & Wonders 2023, Zenith presented yet another revamped line of their Pilot watches with less of a steampunk look and with a more contemporary modern look. Honestly, we are not sure we like that the brand keeps redoing its watches without much of a real strategy or thought process behind it. To us, the previous line of Pilot’s watches had a very special look that we liked and that we feel captured the essence and substance of the ‘Montre d’Aeronef Type 20’ that gave Zenith Pilot watches such a special aura.
Insider: Laurent Ferrier Grand Sport Tourbillon Pursuit. One of the Most Beautiful Salmon Dials Out There.
After the brilliant release of the Laurent Ferrier Grand Sport Tourbillon in 18K 5N red gold, this reference now returns in a dichotomy that is light as a feather with a total weight of only 118 grams. The new Laurent Ferrier Grand Sport Tourbillon Pursuit is cloaked with a titanium case and one of the most beautiful salmon-pink dials. Its light construction combines a timeless and sophisticated look on what already was a gorgeous timepiece previously only available in stainless steel with a blue dial or in 18K 5N red gold with a chocolate dial.
From the Editor: Why is the New Overseas Moon Phase Retrograde Date My Favorite Novelty from Watches & Wonders 2023
The moment I laid eyes on the new Vacheron Constantin Overseas Moon Phase Retrograde Date I simply loved it. Not only the watch sports one of my favorite dial colors but it is also one of my favorite complications that screams Vacheron Constantin all the way. Additionally, I love that the new Vacheron Constantin Overseas Moon Phase Retrograde Date marks the first sports watch and the first Overseas to be equipped with a retrograde display.
From the Archives: Impressive Collection of Audemars Piguet Watches, Porsches and Diecast Scale Cars.
Continuing with the series where we showcase some of the most impressive and versatile watch collections in the world, this is the time to share with you a watch collection mainly composed of Audemars Piguet timepieces. Since often, it is quite common to find that watch collectors happen to also be collectors of many other objects of desire; this AP watch collection ended up taking the backseat as we were blown away by an even more impressive car collection —mostly Porsches— and one of the world's largest diecast scale 1:18 and 1:12 cars also in possession of this watch collector.
Insider: Hublot Big Bang Integrated Tourbillon Full Carbon. A 50-Piece Limited Edition.
In 2021, Hublot presented the Big Bang Integrated Tourbillon Full Sapphire and this year at Watches & Wonders 2023, they have released the Big Bang Integrated Tourbillon Full Carbon with a new integrated bracelet and case made from carbon fiber and texalium upper layer in a grey monochromatic look. With a case and bracelet made entirely from texalium and carbon fiber the watch is light as a feather at 67.9 grams of total weight.
Experience: Artisans de Genève 'The Uncatchable' GMT Master Project
When starting a personalization, each project holds unique stories, and reminiscences engraved in a timepiece. The craftsmanship offers infinite possibilities to express our client’s desires. Despite being in a state of severe wear and tear, Frank’s GMT timepiece had been dear to him for years. The watch held the most memories and was the best candidate for his personalization project. Frank Abagnale’s personalization is the perfect example of a full restoration that results in a unique project with the most incredible vintage aura.
Introducing: Piaget Polo Date 36. A Smaller Model, Yet Still Perfect for Unisex Wear.
A new addition to its iconic Polo line with a smaller size Polo Date. Smaller than the standard 42 mm Polo Date, the new Piaget Polo Date 36 mm has been fine-tuned to encapsulate Piaget’s legacy and today’s mood in its latest unisex design. Best known for its shape-in-shape design with a round bezel and cushion dial that you can notice from afar, which remains at the heart of this new model, this timepiece has an elegant profile that is perfect for this smaller model.
W&W 2023: Piaget Polo Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin (Live Pics)
For the first time since its redesign in 2016, Piaget has now added a perpetual calendar to the Polo collection. First presented in stainless steel and now also in 18K rose gold, the iconic Piaget Polo reaches unprecedented heights this year 2023 with the Piaget Polo Perpetual Calendar Ultra-thin powered by the 1255P caliber. The Piaget Polo Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin features a dark emerald-green dial with a gadroon pattern.
W&W 2023: Patek Philippe Calatrava 24-Hour Display Travel Time ref. 5224R (Live Pics)
Enriching its range of travel watches and complications for everyday use Patek Philippe has just released the new Calatrava Travel Time with a 24-hour display as reference 5224R. Equipped with a 42 mm rose gold case the new Patek Philippe Calatrava 24-Hour Display Travel Time ref. 5224R features a new distinctive way of showcasing two time zones with a military 24-hour time display on its dial.
W&W 2023: Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Chronograph ref. 5905R Blue Dial (Live Pics)
Released in 2015, the Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Chronograph ref. 5905 quickly became one of the hottest watches and a grail watch for many. Available in different metals including platinum, rose gold, and stainless steel, now for Watches & Wonders 2023, the Patek Philippe ref. 5905 comes with a new variation in 18K rose gold with a sunburst blue dial.
W&W 2023: Patek Philippe Aquanaut Luce Annual Calendar ref. 5261R (Live Pics)
One of our favorite watches presented by Patek Philippe at Watches & Wonders 2023 is the new Aquanaut Luce ref. 5261R in 18K rose gold. Despite that, this new watch is an addition to the Luce ladies’ collection, its size and looks make it a perfect unisex watch that can be worn pretty much by anyone. Featuring a practical and easy-to-use Annual Calendar, its iconic design with a rounded octagonal shape is enhanced by the contrast between the polished and satin-brushed finishes and by the blue-gray dial with a matching rubber strap with Aquanaut pattern.
W&W 2023: Hermès Arceau Petite Lune (Live Pics)
Fitted with a dial in aventurine on mother-of-pearl comes the new Hermès Arceau Petite Lune. This new watch highlights the horological expertise of Hermès and adds a new iteration to the Arceau collection. Cased in 18K white gold with a bezel set with 70 diamonds, the dial features planets in aragonite, opal, and fresh water mother-of-pearl with five diamonds. Born from the imagination of Henri d’Origny in 1978, the Arceau watch combines understatement and creativity. Its round 38 mm white gold case rests on a stirrup, creating a timeless yet singular shape.
W&W 2023: Cartier Santos Dumont XL with Stone Numerals. Jasper, Jade, and Dumortierite. (Live Pics)
The new Cartier Santos Dumont XL with Stone Numerals is presented in a limited edition of 200 pieces each in 18K yellow gold, 18K rose gold, and platinum. Each watch bears a different type of stone in its Roman numerals and the dial is cut directly into the stone allowing for the numerals to protrude over the surface. The different dials include jasper, jade, and dumortierite.
