Geneva Watch Days 2023 – The Watches We Loved

02 Sep, 2023

Geneva Watch Days 2023 – The Watches We Loved

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A Collector’s Delight — Arnold & Son Time Pyramid

In the world of luxury timepieces, the Geneva Watch Days are nothing short of a horological pilgrimage, where the crème de la crème of watchmakers from around the globe converge to unveil their latest masterpieces. This event is steeped in tradition, where heritage and innovation intertwine, and the boundaries of craftsmanship are pushed to new horizons.

Geneva has a long history in watchmaking, dating back to the 16th century, with the city becoming home to many renowned watchmakers and horological innovations. The event started in 2020 and pays homage to the city’s rich heritage and its significance to Swiss watchmaking, serving as a platform for watchmakers to showcase their latest creations.

This year’s event was no less impressive, with global brands showcasing their latest innovations and technologies for everyone to see and marvel at. Now, with the conclusion of the event and the unveiling of all new releases, we are enlisting the releases that caught our attention.

Corum Concept Watch

The Corum Concept watch combines classy visuals with impressive mechanics all in one. The open-worked architecture gives you a view into the high-precision engineering, with a one-minute flying tourbillon placed atop an aventurine background, giving the illusion of a starry night sky. This construction, combined with the plate and bridges placed at different levels, gives the watch a three-dimensional feel. Furthermore, while the case, in recycled titanium grade 5, is only 39.5mm in diameter, the distinct shape makes it look much bigger. The partially skeletonised caseback completes this masterpiece with a view into the Corum calibre CO 374 and a peek into the manufacturing process with engraved captions reminiscent of design sketches.

Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute Chronograph 8Tech

The Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute Chronograph 8Tech is not just a watch; it’s a technological marvel that seamlessly merges innovation with classic elegance. At first glance, the Laureato Absolute Chronograph 8Tech’s design is striking. Its imposing 44mm case, meticulously crafted from thin layers of titanium-powdered carbon fibre, exudes strength and durability. These layers are then cut into a distinct octagonal shape, an industry-first feat, and subjected to immense heat and pressure for a robust and incredibly robust construction. This octagonal shape, synonymous with the maison, is a nod to the inaugural Laureato. Contrary to the robust construction, the considerably simple and refined display on the dial is powered by the self-winding chronograph Calibre GP03300. Featuring a Côtes de Genève finishing, chamfering, and straight graining, this piece is a beauty to behold.

Czapek Place Vendôme Complicité

The elegance exuded by this Czapek Place Vendôme Complicité is apparent as soon as one first lays eyes on it. The watch’s 41.8mm 18k white gold case brings understated sophistication and sits comfortably on the wrist, offering a harmonious blend of vintage charm and contemporary appeal. The in-house Calibre 8, featuring 293 components and a power reserve of up to 72 hours, is a work of art. With the balance wheels placed at 4.30 and 7.30, and the differential at 12 o’clock, the Czapek Place Vendôme Complicité is not just a watch; it’s a testament to the maison’s dedication to watchmaking excellence.

Ulysse Nardin Blast Free Wheel Marquetry

Ulysse Nardin Blast Free Wheel Marquetry is more than just a visual spectacle; it’s also a technical marvel. At its heart lies the UN-176 movement, a tour de force of watchmaking innovation that makes the many complications on the case operate in perfect harmony. The 45mm white gold laser-cut case is open-faced with a stunning combination of mirror-polished facets and matte surfaces.

H. Moser & Cie Endeavour Tourbillon Concept Vantablack

The H. Moser & Cie Endeavour Tourbillon Concept Vantablack is a pinnacle of watchmaking artistry, a timepiece that effortlessly blends innovation with minimalist elegance. This aspect of minimalism draws you in at first glance with the construction – a monochromatic brilliance. Its 40mm red gold case, with its clean lines and exquisite finishing, provides the perfect stage for the star of the show – the Vantablack dial. Vantablack is a dark material, virtually absorbing all traces of light, and its presence on the dial devoid of any markers or numerals except the tourbillon mechanism of the self-winding HMC 804 calibre at six o’clock further enhances this aspect.

Bulgari Octo Finissimo CarbonGold Perpetual Calendar and

Combining the best of Italian design and Swiss watchmaking is the BVLGARI Octo Finissimo range of watches. The Octo Finissimo CarbonGold Perpetual Calendar is the newest feather in the hat of this already iconic collection. After showcasing mastery in titanium, platinum, rose, and yellow gold, as well as ceramic and tantalum, next in this lineage of masterfully crafted timepieces comes this timepiece boasting a 40mm case crafted from anthracite carbon composite and pink gold. But that is not the only thing to look out for in this beauty; with a thickness of just 5.80mm, this watch has successfully taken the title of the world’s thinnest perpetual calendar.

Bulgari Octo Finissimo CarbonGold Automatic

Adding to the accolades of this exquisite collection is the Octo Finissimo CarbonGold Automatic, a breathtaking fusion of cutting-edge materials, minimalist design, and exceptional craftsmanship. Also crafted in the stunning combination of anthracite carbon offset by luxurious gold accents, the Automatic boasts incredible case dimensions of 40mm x 6.90mm.

Urwerk UR-100V Stardust

The Urwerk UR-100V Stardust is a watch that transcends the boundaries of traditional timekeeping, offering a mesmerising journey through the cosmos. From the very first glance, the UR-100V Stardust is a visual spectacle that commands attention. Its distinctive 41mm tonneau-shaped steel case is a testament to Urwerk’s futuristic design language. But the dial of the UR-100V Stardust is where the true magic unfolds. It features a wandering hours complication, a concept Urwerk has perfected over the years. The hours are displayed on a series of rotating satellites, each featuring four numerals. And adorned with almost 400 glittering diamonds in a snow setting, this timepiece has seamlessly and glamorously transcended from being just an incredibly meticulous watch to an incredibly meticulous jewellery watch.

Armin Strom One Week First Edition

The Armin Strom One Week First Edition is a horological gem that effortlessly combines artisanal craftsmanship with contemporary design. More specifically, the dial of this timepiece is a visual delight. Sitting on a 40.4mm case, it showcases a handcrafted, openwork design that provides a captivating view of the intricate movement beneath. But one of the standout features of the One Week First Edition is its impressive power reserve, the feature that the model is promptly named after. The watch is equipped with the in-house movement in the form of the calibre ARM21, which offers an astonishing one-week power reserve. Beyond its technical prowess, the One Week First Edition is a symbol of contemporary luxury. It represents a fusion of Swiss watchmaking heritage with a modern design sensibility, resulting in a timepiece that is not just a functional accessory but also a work of art.