From left: IWC's The Big Pilot’s Watch Constant-Force Tourbillon Edition; Cartier's Prive Tonneau Extra Large Skeleton Dual Time Zone and Piaget's limited edition Altiplano Tourbillon
The Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH), the watchmaking industry’s first event of the year, just concluded in Geneva, Switzerland and even if we weren’t there to witness the unveiling of 2019’s novelties, it didn’t stop us from keeping an eye out for key pieces. This year, a total of 35 exhibitors made it to the lavish halls of the Palexpo exhibition space, showcasing their new watches to buyers, journalist and members of the public from all over the world.
Although much smaller than Baselworld — which is held annually in March — SIHH has managed to continually reinvent itself. Over the years, it has increased its number of exhibitors to include some of the world’s most interesting manufactures. Our list of 10 watches is far from exhaustive, but it does give you a feel of what the major trends are like — a marked return to high complications, smaller and more elegant case construction and a willingness to tackle innovative concepts and ideas.
The micro-mechanics that make watches tick are mini marvels for what they can achieve in something as small as a watch case, and their mystery is magnified by the aesthetic perfection applied to the physical characteristics of each watch. Can you blame us for being quite so infatuated?
Bovet pulls out all the stops for its inaugural SIHH with the stunning Tourbillon Amadeo Fleurier Virtuoso IX, whose unique convertible case allows it to become a pocket watch or a table clock, without the need for any tools.
For more news on SIHH 2019, pick up a copy of Options in The Edge Malaysia.
