In March, Watches & Wonders Geneva launched as one of the first, major, in-person watch trade show events to occur since the Covid-19 pandemic began. Bringing together watchmakers and luxury designers from around the world, the event welcomed nearly 40 different brands for a can’t-miss soiree, where many of those brands revealed their latest and greatest offerings to the world. In attendance were recognizable names such as Patek Philippe, Piaget, Rolex and TAG Heuer, but also jewelers and designers that might not be as familiar for their watch work, such as Chanel and Hermes.
Unfortunately, Watches & Wonders Geneva was not open to the public, though it didn’t take long for news of the brand’s unveilings to make their way into the media. If you’ve missed the coverage so far, here’s what you need to know about the biggest watch releases from the event, based on the top picks for most exciting releases from the experts at publications like CNN Style, Robb Report and more.
1. Panerai’s Submersible QuarantaQuattro
Panerai is already known for its rugged watches suitable for all of your maritime explorations, but this newly released, midsize 44 mm Submersible QuarantaQuattro is a nice option if you’ve thought that its other smaller or larger options in the Submersible line just aren’t for you. Going for just over $18,000, the watch features an ultra-lightweight, carbon fiber case, rubber strap and your choice between a white or black dial.
2. Rolex GMT Master II
A new take on the Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master, the new 2022 GMT Master II from Rolex features a moved cyclops lens and date aperture, and a two-color monobloc Cerachrom bezel insert in green and black ceramic. It’s capable of displaying — in remarkable accuracy — hours, minutes, seconds and dates in a 24-hour format. The watch starts at $11,050.
3. Rolex Day-Date 40
The brand-new version of this classic Rolex watch, the 2022 Day-Date 40 features a platinum case, bracelet and bezel, as well as a blue face that’s incredibly eye-catching and sleek. Rolex required a new manufacturing process for the one-of-a-kind platinum bezel, and the extra work was well worth it. The 40 mm watch is available on a priced-on-request basis.
4. Bulgari Octo Finissimo Ultra
5. Patek Philippe Calatrava Reference 5226G
For something a little more on the classic side, this Patek Philippe watch is classic without being stuffy or old-fashioned. With a white gold case and two interchangeable straps — one in beige calfskin with a nubuck finish and one in black calfskin with embossed fabric and beige topstitching — the self-winding watch will quickly become a favorite in your collection.
6. Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222
A remake of a 1970s classic, this 37 mm, 7.95 mm-thick Historique 222 starts at $69,000. It features an 18k gold bracelet, 120 meters of water resistance and an open caseback. It’s pretty much the exact opposite of Bulgaria’s Octo Finissimo Ultra, but what it does, it does well. If you’re looking for something with vintage appeal, you’ve found it.
7. Rolex Air King
Another new option from Rolex, the new take on the Rolex Air King is on the lower end of the price spectrum, at least when compared to the other watches on this list, starting at under $10,000. It features a 40 mm case, a new case and new bracelet, compared to past versions of the Air King. Additionally, the new upgrade includes an optimized Chromalight display, for better viewing in the dark.
8. Cartier Masse Mysterieuse
This is one amazing watch that you won’t find just for sale anywhere. The limited-edition Cartier Masse Mysterieuse features an oscillating mass, floating hands and a partially transparent body. Experts are touting this Cartier watch as a first for international watchmakers, but also as the most technical watch ever created by Cartier.
The exclusive watch will only be offered to 30 buyers and will come in a variety of versions, including some set with baguette diamonds, as well as some with leather straps or platinum bracelets. Of course, the watch is priced on request.
9. H. Moser Streamliner Blacker than Black Watch
Another watch that you’ll be hard-pressed to get your hands on, the H. Moser & Cie Blacker than Black watch was released for viewing at Watches & Wonders Geneva, but won’t actually be for sale anywhere soon. The watch is notable because it features Vantablack, a coating that’s known as the darkest human-made material, with its 99.965% light absorption. The watch is nearly entirely coated in the stuff, meaning, when it’s placed against a black background, you can’t even see it, except for the watch hands.
H. Moser said that the watch is still in development and a stronger, more durable design is needed, but it wants to offer it for sale in the future.
10. Chanel J12 Black Star
For another watch that offers a sleek black-on-black design — but that is actually available to the public — look to Chanel. The designer released its Chanel J12 Black Star at the show, made from more than 360 baguette-cut ceramic pieces, adorned with 55 white baguette diamonds in the case and 160 white baguette diamonds in the bracelet. The watch line will be limited to 12 pieces.
Need Help Finding Your Next Favorite Timepiece?
When so many of the world’s best watches are exclusive or made in limited runs only, it can feel frustrating trying to build out your watch collection. Having an experienced timepiece expert in your corner can help you source the watches you want, when you want, right when they’re revealed to the world for the very first time at events like Watches & Wonders Geneva.
See how Yamron could help. Find us at 5555 Tamiami Trail North, Suite 11, in Naples, Florida, or give us a call at 239-592-7707, or an email at [email protected]
Sources:
What to Expect from Watches & Wonders Geneva 2022 (A Blog to Watch)
9 Striking Luxury Watches Coming to the Market This Year (CNN)
The Very Best New Watch Releases From Watches & Wonders 2022 (Esquire)
Best new watches at Watches and Wonders 2022: Rolex, Tudor and more (T3)
From Cartier to Vacheron Constantin, the Best New Timepieces at Watches & Wonders 2022 (Robb Report)
