The watch calendar kicks into high gear every year at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie – more familiarly known as SIHH. This much smaller cousin to the Baselworld Watch Fair is an invitation-only gathering for Geneva-based brands to display their latest creations. Sixteen worthy exhibitors presented at this year’s gathering, which took place Jan. 20–24, offering something for every watch enthusiast.
Greubel Forsey Double Tourbillon Asymetrique
GF has hit all of the high points in their latest creation. With a limited production of only 11 pieces in white gold and 11 in red gold, every aspect of this dynamic watch engages the eye. The double tourbillon complication uses two rotating cages that dominate the visual line of the face. Rotating discs, with contrasting shades of grey, red, and yellow, provide additional accents on the dial. The large case and bold alligator strap add substance and presence to a piece whose unique structure, proportion, and balance elevate asymmetry in timepiece design to a whole new level. Truly a statement piece in function and form.
/ $560,000
Westime West Hollywood
Jaeger LeCoultre – Hybris Mechanica Eleven Master Ultra Thin Minute Repeater Flying Tourbillon
Ultra thin timepieces were once again at the forefront of technological advances at SIHH, but this watch pushes the envelope. Within its miniscule 7.9 mm thick case, JLC was able to squeeze in a minute repeater, a flying tourbillon, a flying balance wheel, and a self-winding system. With so many complications, one would expect a crowded display, but doing so would contradict the very nature of the ultra thin class of watches. Maintaining this tradition, JLC has designed a simple monochromatic face that is contrasted by a well-proportioned flying tourbillon cage. Subtle, understated, but without a doubt a technological marvel.
/ $418,000
Polacheck’s Calabasas
Montblanc MB R200
Montblanc continues to produce aesthetically pleasing timepieces with great technical precision. This latest rendition of the Nicolas Rieussec chronograph boasts a uniquely displayed chronograph dial with a contrasting day/night display and a quick reset mechanism. The contrasting displays are perfectly balanced while adding just the right amount of variation to the dial to create an appealing visual perspective.
/ Starting at $10,700
Montblanc Boutique Beverly Hills
Parmigiani Tonda Metrographe
The theme for SIHH this year was, “A Child of Astronomy,” which succeeded in inspiring several watchmakers to emphasize the nighttime displays of their pieces. Parmigiani did not disappoint with its latest chronograph that features striking concentric green circles that illuminate brilliantly in the dark. The super luminova finish to the watch face allows the piece to seamlessly perform as an elegant business watch or an evening sports piece.
/ $12,500
David Orgell Beverly Hills
Vacheron Constantin Patrimony
A tourbillon movement typically displays only the rotating cage which is widely considered the hallmark of the complication. By contrast, Vacheron offers a completely open work case for their latest novelty and their trademark Maltese Cross brilliantly displayed over the tourbillon cage. This provides a dramatic focal point for the meticulously displayed movement. The platinum case allows the few gold accent pieces within the movement to provide a welcome visual contrast.
/ $316,000
Vacheron Constantin Boutique Beverly Hills
