Watch Report: Top 10 picks that are the epitome of style and craftsmanship
AD rounds up the timepieces of the moment from this year’s edition of the Watches and Wonders fair in Geneva.
Omega, Aqua Terra
Celebrating its two-decade legacy, this line of watches receives a lively refresh this year with the introduction of the Shades collection—a series featuring colorful dials. Omega also unveils two new gold versions, including a 38-millimeter model with a diamond-bezel adorned with a Sandstone dial, and a 34-millimeter model featuring a gold bezel and a striking Lagoon Green dial.
Bulgari, Octo Roma Chronograph
The 2023 collection introduces a fresh look for the Octo Roma line. Both the standard and chronograph Roma watches showcase a Clous de Paris pattern on their dials. The 42-millimeter chronograph, slightly larger of the two by a single millimeter, is available in options featuring black and blue dials.
Tag Heuer, Carrera Chronograph
In honor of the 60th anniversary of this iconic line of watches, the Swiss watchmaker unveiled two new models inspired by the distinctive “glassbox” design. The blue variant showcases a 39-millimeter stainless-steel case, a signature blue dial, and is complemented by a blue calfskin leather strap.
Rolex, Day-Date 36
The prolific watchmaker strikes a sentimental chord with this version of the Day-Date 36. Beyond the vibrant champlevé enameling depicting a jigsaw puzzle on the dial—inspired by the concept that “life is a puzzle”—the day window displays a rotating calendar of inspirational words. Additionally, the date window creatively features emotions in the form of 31 emojis.
Hermès, Arceau Petit Lune
A radiant halo embraces the celestial dial of the latest inclusion in Hermès’s Arceau line. The aventurine, mother-of-pearl, aragonite, and opal dial is encircled by 70 diamonds set in a 38-millimeter white-gold case. Positioned between the ten and eleven o’clock positions, the watch elegantly displays the moon phase.
Frederique Constant, Classic Tourbillon Manufacture
Making its debut at Watches and Wonders, this Swiss watchmaker presented a tourbillon set in 18-carat rose gold. The timepiece features appliqué hour markers, and hand-polished gold hands against an anthracite dial, presenting an elegant showcase for all watch aficionados in attendance.
Cartier, La Panthère De Cartier
In 2023, the Cartier Panther, a masterpiece crafted in diamond-paved white gold with emerald eyes, makes a triumphant return. Its jaws are firmly affixed on a black lacquer dial, a direct descendant of the 2005 jewelry line. The gem-studded bracelet has been meticulously crafted by the luxury brand’s own manufacture.
Hublot, Classic Fusion Chronograph Orlinski Titanium
Paying homage to the French sculptor Richard Orlinski, whose works served as inspiration for this line’s faceted case, this 41-millimeter chronograph truly lives up to its sculptural origins. The matte titanium case, adorned with polished edges, encases the HUB1153 self-winding chronograph movement.
Dior, La D My Dior
Two decades after the introduction of her La D de Dior watch, Victoire de Castellane, the maison’s creative director of fine jewelry, has returned this haute joaillerie creation to its origins. The iconic Dior cannage motif has been intricately etched into the strap and diamond-encircled dials of both the silver-coated steel and gold versions of the watch.
Breguet, Marine Hora Mundi
The watchmaker’s Marine collection presents a reinterpretation of its Hora Mundi model (Latin for “world time”) in this timepiece that seamlessly blends exceptional technical capabilities (allowing jumps between time zones at the push of a button) with aesthetic excellence (featuring hand-guilloché waves and satin-brushed continents).
