Twice a year international press and buyers descend on Switzerland to check out the latest offerings from the finest watch brands in the world. Think of it as a bit of friendly competition: Megabrands and upstarts coming together to showcase the innovative mechanics, magnificent craftsmanship, and precious materials of their new creations. First on the docket was the Geneva-based Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie, or SIHH, which wrapped up last month.
The exclusive by-invitation show is put on by the worldwide luxury group Richemont, and though it was created as platform for in-house brands like Cartier, Vacheron Constantin, and Audemars Piguet, this season a group of smaller independent watchmakers were invited to a bring a new wave of creativity to an already impressive show. It was a great way to kick off what looks to be a great year for watches and the watchmaking industry. So, while we count the hours and minutes until the next big show, Baselworld, we decided to take a look back at a dozen of the best timepieces SIHH had to offer.
Audemars Piguet
The classic gold watch takes on a new brilliance with the Royal Oak Selfwinding, now in 18 carat yellow gold. After a number of years of rose gold popularity, Audemars Piguet makes the case for yellow by pairing it up handsomely with a contrasting silver dial. The slightly smaller 37MM case size case is something different from what we're accustomed to seeing from AP, making the iconic porthole-shaped watch look better than ever.
$44,100, audemarspiguet.com
A. Lange & Sohne
A technical brand that tops itself each year with greater and greater complications, A.Lange & Sohne never fails to offer up something mind-blowing. An appealing new addition to their Saxonia collection is the sublime Saxonia Moon Phase. One of the brand's more straightforward styles, the watch features a central date window balanced with a highly detailed moon phase indicator. Elegant in its restraint, the watch is simply beautiful.
$29,000, alange-soehne.com
Cartier
The Drive de Cartier introduces a very attractive rounded-off square case with automobile-inspired details to an already impressive collection of classic men's watches. Adapting iconic Cartier design codes to the modern shape, the steel version delivers a vintage appeal by using roman numerals and a crisp white guilloché dial that instantly feels familiar. Featuring Cartier's own in-house 1904-PS MC movement, a date window, and a small seconds dial, the Drive is sure to be an instant success when it arrives in stores in May.
$6,250, cartier.com
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