SIHH 2017: Horology Highlights

Piaget Altiplano Manual-Winding 38mm

Piaget is universally known for their ultra-slim dress watches, particularly the Altiplano, which this year celebrates its 60th anniversary. To mark the occasion, the brand has taken inspiration from the original Altiplano wristwatches, which were favoured by screen star icons of the 1950s and 60s including the epitome of suave, Mr Alain Delon. The 2017 watch features vintage design cues including slim, elongated hour markers, a retro Piaget logo at 12 o'clock and a central crosshair. The watch manages to take on a contemporary edge though thanks to the vibrant blue of the dial and strap. The colour blue is no longer merely a trend in the watch world it seems.

Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers Symphonia Grande Sonnerie 1860

Widely regarded as one of the most technically difficult complications, the grande sonnerie combines both quarter striking and minute repeating functions, and is only able to be produced by a handful of manufacturers. The above is the first ever grande sonnerie wristwatch made by Vacheron Constantin, requiring a total of 500 hours of work completed by a single, highly skilled watchmaker. The watch features three striking modes - grande sonnerie, petite sonnerie and silence - which can be activated subtly by pushing a slider on the 30-degree rotating bezel. Despite being an incredibly complicated watch, Vacheron opted for minimalism in the design of the watch case and dial, which enjoys a two-tone segment and elegantly displays the sub-seconds and power reserves of both the movement and the strikework.

Cartier Drive de Cartier Extra Flat

The Drive de Cartier was first unveiled last year, introducing as it did an entirely new case shape for the maison. The cushion shape and stainless steel case material appealed to a slightly younger crowd, and it’s been updated for 2017. Slimmer, cleaner and with subtle tweaks including an enhanced sun ray dial, the watch is understated and features a pleasing combination of both polished and brushed finishes. The watch is 40% slimmer than the previous Drive model and is fitted with the manual winding 430 MC movement. Available in pink gold or in white gold as a limited edition of 200 pieces, this is the watch the Drive de Cartier was always meant to be.

A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 Moon phase

Pictures don’t do A. Lange & Sohne watches justice. When you first handle one in the metal, chances are you’ll be taken back by the sheer elegance and reassuring weight of these little horological masterpieces. An icon of Lange’s range, the Lange 1 has been updated for 2017 with a moon phase complication at 5 o'clock, which has been added to the much lauded L121.3 movement introduced two year ago. It therefore boasts the same twin mainspring barrel, 72 hour power reserve and signature outside date display. With a case diameter of 38.5mm, the Lange 1 Moon Phase is available in pink or white gold or platinum.

Panerai Submersible 1950 3 Days Automatic 42mm

Panerai is known for their large diving watches, so when they release one of their models in smaller, more wearable case sizes, there’s always a frenzied commotion among the brand’s cult following. This is the first Submersible watch released in 42mm, and it transforms the piece. A highly capable diving watch with a depth rating of 300m, the Submersible makes use of the P.9010 automatic calibre movement giving the watch three days or power reserve, with the time remaining viewable through the sapphire crystal case back. The smaller case size allows the watch to be worn within smarter contexts, yet the wearer can rest assured knowing that their timepiece can brave the ocean's depths with aplomb.

January is one of the biggest months on the luxury calendar. In just four short weeks it crams in numerous fashion shows taking place in London, Milan, Paris and New York, but, for watch aficionados, the only event worth paying attention to is the Salon International De La Haute Horlogerie. Having transformed Geneva’s Palexpo exhibition centre annually since 1990, SIHH is now home to 30 brands all showcasing their latest creations under one roof. The likes of Cartier, Jaeger LeCoultre, IWC, Audemars Piguet, Montblanc and many others display the watches they hope will bring them success in the year ahead, ranging from simple time-only pieces to incredibly complicated tourbillons and minute repeaters.

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