Because of the current health situation, Watches and Wonders, one of the world’s largest trade fairs dedicated to luxury watches, is taking place both online and offline for the first time. The first part is being held virtually in Geneva from 4 to 13 April, followed by a live event in Shanghai from 14 to 18 April.
The watch industry's most prestigious brands participate in the trade show to present their latest models, which are true examples of technical achievement. Here is Molitor’s selection of some of the most original pieces by the exhibitors.
Two new designs for the Pasha de Cartier
The Pasha de Cartier collection is welcoming two new models: a more feminine 30 mm piece and a more masculine 41 mm chronograph version.
The 30 mm version, just for ladies, retains all the details that make the Pasha: from the customisable engraved initials hidden under the crown cover to the interchangeable bracelets. It comes in steel or gold, with or without diamonds, and is driven by a quartz movement.
On the masculine side, Cartier’s new 41 mm chronograph was designed to time records. Its diver-style unidirectional rotating bezel and two cabochon-set push-buttons give it a sporty look while remaining true to the original design. The new chronograph is available in yellow gold or stainless steel and contains a Manufacture Cartier 1904-CH MC movement visible through the sapphire crystal case back.
Moreover, thanks to an adaptation of Cartier’s own QuickSwitch system, the bracelets on each model can be changed by simply pushing a button. In addition, the SmartLink system allows the metal bracelet to be adjusted without tools.
IWC Schaffhausen unveils its Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41
Fitted with a 41 mm stainless steel case and a blue or green dial, the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 houses IWC-manufactured calibre 69385, a movement designed for reliability and flawless precision that can be seen through the sapphire crystal case back.
With the new EasX-CHANGE system and the assortment of calfskin, rubber or stainless steel bands, changing straps is quick and easy. This versatility means that the watch adapts to any style, activity or environment.
Hublot embraces transparent luxury
The Big Bang Integral Tourbillon Full Sapphire is the first Big Bang featuring an integrated case and bracelet, both of which are crafted in sapphire. The bridges are also sapphire, making the piece completely transparent. The technically advanced watch gives an impression of incredible lightness.
“It took us five years to bring our first sapphire cases to life – and almost as long for the bracelet. Producing both from sapphire and integrating them together is the pinnacle of the in-depth work undertaken by all of Hublot's teams. We are proud to be the ones writing the first lines in this new chapter in the history of materials”, Ricardo Guadalupe, Hublot CEO.
After working so hard, it was only logical for Hublot to combine this revolutionary creation with one of its best movements. The 43 mm case houses the latest Hublot HUB6035 manufacture calibre with an automatic tourbillon.
Jaeger-LeCoultre, record after record
The new Reverso Hybris Mechanica Calibre 185 has 11 complications, thus making it the most complex Reverso ever made. Moreover, it can even predict upcoming astronomical events such as supermoons and eclipses. These features make it the first wristwatch to offer such a deep reading of the cosmos.
This masterpiece required six years to develop and the filing of 12 patents, three of which are new. To accommodate the many complications, the engineers at Jaeger-LeCoultre used the two faces (recto and verso) of the reversible case and the two sides (interior and exterior) of the cradle. They also developed the ultra-compact hand-winding Jaeger-LeCoultre 185 calibre.
The Reverso Hybris Mechanica Calibre 185 is also the first wristwatch to display information on four faces.
