The Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie Genève (SIHH) is a markedly exciting t.mes in the world of horology.
Now in its 27th year, the convention is the wildly anticipated annual international show of fine watches where the world’s premier watchmakers showcase their latest designs, innovative mechanics and most impressive wares. And this year proves even more exceptional. SIHH will showcase a record-setting 30 exhibitors, including their expanded Carré des Horlogers, a cadre of fourteen innovative and new-wave watchmakers which debuted last year.
The industry is already abuzz with what this landmark SIHH has in store for attendees, so we explore some of the anticipated haute horology trends that will be on lavish display this season.\
Globetrotter-Friendly Watches
For anyone who leads the jet-set life and hops from one t.mes
zone to the next, these watches are meant for you. These t.mes
pieces are designed to help immediately you know the t.mes
in Dubai, even while in Los Angeles, which a casual glance at your wrist.
Girard-Perregaux WW.TC
Short for World Wide t.mes
Control, Girard-Perregaux’s WW.TC is a new addition to its 1966 collects
ion. This elegant watch with “leaf-type” hands allows the wearer to effortlessly tell the t.mes
of 24 world cities listed around the dial.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Geophysic Tourbillon Universal t.mes
The latest model in the Geophysic collects
ion, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Geophysic Tourbillon Universal t.mes
is an exceptional t.mes
piece: it’s the first ever (ever) worldt.mes
r to feature a flying tourbillion. And this awe-inspiring watch is a real sight to behold: an impressive 43.5mm in diameter, a 22K pink gold winding rotor, 42 jewels and a Gyrolab balance that took eight years to develop.
Astrological and Cosmic Inspiration
This year, watchmakers have infused their designs with celestial references and fascinatingly complex details. The results are finely-crafted and remarkable watches that are truly out of this world.
Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda 1950 Set Galaxy
For their Tonda 1950 Set Galaxy Watch, independent watchmaker Parmigiani Fleurier looked to the literal skies above: the brilliant night sky in Val-de-Travers, Switzerland where the brand is headquartered. This special-edition t.mes
piece can in fact be read at night thanks to a luminescent coating on the hands.
Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Moon Phase Retrograde Date Watch
The world’s oldest watchmaker expands their beloved Patrimony collects
ion with the introduction of The Patrimony Moon Phase Retograde Date watch. One particularly noteworthy detail is the moon phase display just above the 6 o’clock which is so accurate that it only needs to be corrected once every 122 years.
Ulysse Nardin The Classico Rooster
While this t.mes
piece seems like a departure from the more overt stellar inspiration, the Ulysse Nardin pays homage to the Chinese Lunar New Year, the year of the cock. For its debut at SIHH, Ulysse Nardin pulls out all the stops to create this rooster detail, implementing an enameling technique called champlevé in which artisans chisel the dial in the shape of a rooster and fill the cells with colorful enamel.
Refashioning the Classics
Watchmakers are tapping into their archives and reimagining their most recognized t.mes pieces. The results are fresh collects ion additions that are a thoughtful blend of t.mes less design elements and industry-leading technology.
IWC Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Ref. IW392101
IWC artfully leverage past designs and technical marvels with their Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Ref. IW392101. Aesthetically the watch pays tribute to the original Da Vinci collects
ion. But.mes
nchanically-speaking, it’s a revolutionary watch for the brand; this is IWC’s first t.mes
piece to combine the hour and minute counters and moon phase in a single subdial.
Montblanc 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter Limited Edition
For this year’s SIHH, Montblanc turned an eye to their t.mes
less 1858 collects
ion and, for the first t.mes
in the brand’s history, designed a version with a bronze case. Horologists will particularly appreciate the large chronograph caliber made of plates and bridges in red gold-plated German silver. The watch is, simply put, a stunning link to the past, brought beautifully into 2017.
