Bringing you the tales of breathtaking wrist beauties from Watches and Wonders 2022 – the watchmaking summit held in Geneva – in a timely fashion.
As the world constantly finds ways to expand time, horology labels tend to embellish the process in the finest possible way. And this year was no exception, the watches presented this year at the annual Watches and Wonders exhibition were nothing less than extraordinary. After a two-year hiatus, Watches and Wonders finally took place physically in Geneva this year. Over 22,000 visitors, including collectors, press, guests, and influencers attended the festival with feverish enthusiasm only to witness the magic of time first-hand.
Through the next few pages, revel in timepieces that truly made a mark, each one purposed to dazzle your wrist in the most lavish way possible.
The Cartier Libre by Cartier
Traditionally meant to evoke a sense of instant ‘freedom’ and make you believe in the power of imagination, Cartier’s line of Libre watches has always been the one to watch out for. An ideal marriage of fine watchmaking and jewelled craftsmanship, the new Cartier Libre watch is, indeed, a bracelet. Made of 25 rhodium-finished, white-gold triangular links encrusted with diamonds and black spinels, the creation can be flipped on itself three times to reveal a completely different look. Taking its cue from the vintage style of watches that were meant to be an extension of your line of jewellery rather than just being a time-teller, the Cartier Libre masterpiece is definitely a jewel to be added to your collection.
The Hors Serie Mademoiselle Prive Bouton Golden Pearl Motif Long Necklace by Chanel
In an impressive array of over 30 new timepieces that were released by the house of Chanel this year, the stellar line-up is a mix of classic lines that saw new avatars and a revival of Madame Coco Chanel’s favourite things. The Hors Serie Mademoiselle Prive Bouton Golden Pearl Motif collection meditates on her love for buttons – the long necklaces, in particular, are embellished with diamonds, pearls and onyx to commemorate the button. Limited to only five pieces, this necklace embodies Chanel’s undeniable creativity with a classic twist.
Historiques 222 by Vacheron Constantin
An icon when it was first released in 1977 and still fondly chased by collectors, Vacheron Constantin’s Historiques 222 was reissued this year. The wrist wonder is known for its smooth integrated bracelet and undeniable charm all encased in 18k yellow gold.
Released to commemorate the 222nd anniversary of the house, the namesake creation comes in a gender-neutral 37-mm dial with all the original design features intact and an updated caliber with a 2455/2 movement and a 40-hour power reserve.
Oyster Perpetual Day Date 40 by Rolex
Giving the term ‘iced-out’ a whole new definition, the new Day Date 40 by Rolex strikes an uncanny balance between the classic and the exotic with ease. Crafted completely in platinum, the weight of this quintessential Rolex creation promises to fill your heart with happiness. The fluted bezel complements the president bracelet, all linking the harmonious ice-blue dial that lies within. Devoid of any gems, this piece is sure to bling up any look.
Lady Arpels Ballerine Enchantee by Van Cleef & Arpels
A poetic complication indeed, the beauty of the Lady Arpels Ballerine Enchantee lies in the secret of time that it holds. Painted in champleve enamel, the dial comes alive with a ballerina that only blooms when the pusher at 8 o’clock is pressed to reveal her tutu. Taking flight into a pair of wings, the left side indicates the hours, while the right tells you the minutes. Opening in a graceful fluid motion, the watch is a nod to the brand’s exemplary double retrograde movement.
Kelly by Hermes
The emblematic Hermes Kelly takes a new form with its latest rendition with the classic padlock now playfully dangling on a necklace or a bracelet. Always known for their whimsical take on time, this year Hermes has amped up the ante by reinventing the 1930s classic with a twist. Crafted in rose gold or steel, with or without diamonds, the modern take on the iconic Kelly transforms it into a sleek piece of jewellery. Combining the two legacies of the house, the sautoir necklace is crafted in alligator leather with a clochette to protect the free-spirited timepiece.
G-Timeless Dancing Bees by Gucci
Enchantingly complicated, the G-Timeless Dancing Bees is one of those watches that you just can’t take your eyes off. Mesmerising, the timepiece features a generous sprinkle of diamonds with 12 bees studded on the dial but they are only hinged on the top. The magic unfolds as you move your wrist, they seamlessly mimic your direction, literally dancing as you go along the way. The disco for these bees is crafted in a chevron pattern formed by rare opal and mother of pearl, aptly creating the ideal backdrop (read dial) for them to shine.
Imperiale Flying Tourbillon by Chopard
Mastered completely in-house, Chopard’s Imperiale collection has always been known for its elegant style and marquetry. For the first time, this year also marks the rendition of this epochal timepiece with a flying tourbillon. Limited to only eight pieces, the watch blooms at 6 o’clock with a flying tourbillon that petals into a diamond and mother-of-pearl lotus, all crafted in 18k white gold. Dazzling on a pool of aventurine, the watch is encased in a snowset bezel and blue alligator strap.
Limelight Gala High Jewellery by Piaget
Crafted completely in white gold, the diamond set Piaget Limelight Gala dazzles across the wrist in all its splendor, Featuring almost every diamond cut possible including marquise and baguette, this glittering timepiece weighs almost 20 carats. Known for their integration of horology and jewellery, this Piaget creation is the ultimate expression of the two. Each diamond is placed to reflect light perfectly.
Tag Heuer Carrera Plasma
Taking the classic Carerra to a new dimension, Tag Heuer reinvents the wheel with Plasma. Fashioned after the iconic line, this year’s version features innovative Diamant d’Avant Garde technology. The lab-grown diamonds have been ‘grown’ to fit the dial and the bezel perfectly. Crafted in rose gold or steel, with or without diamonds, the modern take on the iconic Kelly transforms it into a sleek piece of jewellery. The dial uses anodised aluminum to achieve a deeper black than usual to let the ‘diamonds’ shine through.
Text by : Niraj Dutt
