Watches & Wonders 2022: Bravery of conquering the time

As the "keepers of time", mechanical watches have an experienced elegance that stands peacefully beyond the flamboyant race of smart watches. Elegant and humble. Not turbulent, yet nevertheless persisting throughout time to triumph over time.

That is why the luxury watch exhibition Watches & Wonders 2022, which will take place at Palexpo Exhibition Center from March 30 to April 5, has piqued the interest of collectors all over the world. The event is a tour back in time from the past to the future, revealing an eye-catching, emotional feast of the mechanical and craftsmanship miracles of approximately 40 notable watch brands.

 

Geneva - The inception of mechanical watch drive your spiritual journey

 

Lake Geneva, the crystal sky, and the bustling city, with an overhead perspective of the Rhone River port and the snow-capped Alps. All images are from the Watches & Wonders 2022 teaser, a charming high-end watch industry expo in Geneva: Mechanical wristwatches have a tremendous appeal and are filled with pride for enthusiasts.

This year, Watches & Wonders is organized in two formats: in gallery and online, to exhibit extraordinary timepieces from 38 companies such as Patek Philippe, Rolex, Chopard, Hublot, TAG Heuer, Tudor and Chanel, Sinn, Louis Erard…

Not only with the presence of famous brands, Watches & Wonders 2022 is an opportunity to validate the skill of enthusiastic emerging businesses.

 

No limit for perfect handiwork to unleash creativity

 

Patek Philippe is stirring up worldwide collectors as the heart of the show. For the first time, two seemingly incompatible functionalities coexist on the same timepiece: Annual Calendar and Second Time Zone in Annual Calendar Travel Time. With up to 8 patents, this timepiece is a great demonstration of the art of craftsmanship. Another significant distinction is that Travel Time readily mimics complicated moves to show the precise time in local time rather than "home time."

An iPhone with the latest version might excite you, but that sensation will pass and be replaced by something else.  With Patek Philippe watches,you possess the passion and love that remains constant and accurate despite life's ups and downs. This is exactly how the tourbillon works smoothly, virtually totally eliminating faults caused by gravity's impact.

 

Similarly, it is unusual to find a brand that deviates from the standard to manufacture watches as timeless as Hermès watchmaking artisans. The Hermès Arceau Le Temps Voyageur dial watch, inspired by the desire to see the world, is a fantasy voyage with the convenience of getting anywhere in a few steps. The beauty of time shows itself in hypnotic clarity when viewed through the orbit of the watch.

 

The Immortality of an opulent wristwatches

A masterpiece of art never goes out of vogue. That is why the Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 watch was chosen as the winner of this year's Watches & Wonders by foreign journalists.

The Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 is regarded as the masterwork of spirits seeking new experiences. The case, dial, and strap are all constructed of pure gold, and the bezel with engraved grooves is all delicate and careful, deserving of the title "wonder of marvels."

Historiques 222 was inspired by the original 222, which debuted in the 1970s. This year is also regarded as the "end of the era" of mechanical watches due to the quartz crisis and the debut of the low-cost battery-powered quartz movement. In just 13 years (from 1970 to 1983), approximately 1000 watch brands disappeared, including several well-known names. Nonetheless, Vacheron Constantin, the world's oldest watchmaker (more than 280 years), survived the crisis and has been revived in splendor till this day.

If the Historiques 222 was born in a time of crisis, the Chopard Alpine Eagle was born during the "recovery period" of mechanical watches. St. Moritz was founded in the 1980s, when Sir Karl-Friedrich Scheufele was only 22 years old.

The Alpine Eagle is a sports watch with a highly polished body and bezel that epitomizes Chopard's distinct style. The hour hands and indexes inside the dial are all constructed of rose gold plated with Rhodium and coated with Super-Luminova material for easy viewing in low light circumstances. The second hand is particularly created to be aesthetic while emulating the majestic "snow eagle" plume.

 

As the time goes on people become more impatient. However the ticking sounds like regular breathing, reminding us of our interests, aspirations, and ideals.

Is it for this reason that, despite all of the hard laws of elimination, mechanical watches continue to be revered by collectors?

Me, Myself and My Happy Hearts!

Jewels like caresses, expressing the love we feel for one another. Chopard presents a brand-new collection with My Happy Hearts: jewellery nestling against the skin like intimate and subtle lingerie. A constellation of dainty hearts to be worn alone or stacked as stylish accessories. They are discreet emblems of an emancipated generation, and the hallmark of a reinvented relationship with oneself. My Happy Hearts is a gift that we give ourselves, kind and nurturing, like a gentle bubble. The collection borrows its most famous design codes – the heart and the dancing diamonds – from the Maison’s legendary creations, played out in new proportions.

A jewel for yourself

My Happy Hearts is a sign of a love of self, embodied in dainty jewellery that you can acquire on a whim. To congratulate, thank, encourage yourself or simply to feel alive: treating yourself to a piece of jewellery is a testimony of the respect and love that you have for yourself. And a declaration of independence: giving oneself the means to blossom. Such is the vocation of My Happy Hearts, a collection in which jewellery is cultivated on the body like a fashion accessory. Hearts like points of light punctuating a look with their versatile magnetism.

Tailor-made style

Worn alone, in a minimalist version on strategic points, each piece of jewellery in the My Happy Hearts collection becomes the embodiment of less is more. The space around each one creates density and magnifies its own aura. It thus accentuates a radical stylistic direction, that of chic minimalism; while its small size enables it to play the game of mix and match in different models and colours, opening up an infinite range of combinations to suit our moods, outfits, emotions or the whims of the seasons. The discretion and delicacy of My Happy Hearts leaves scope for infinite combinations. To accumulate them is to build the thread of an intimate narrative, each jewel becoming the object of a symbolic investment to which we treat ourselves: a link from self to self.

Precious skin lingerie

Jewellery used as a fashion accessory to enhance the figure, like a designer handbag or a pair of luxury pumps? That is exactly how women can use their My Happy Hearts jewellery. An element that gives density to even the simplest outfit. Slender, discreet, "kawaii" jewellery that you can barely feel, and which becomes like skin lingerie, a sensual link between you and yourself. Faithful companions that accompany women from Pilates sessions to flamboyant parties.

A sheltering heart

Picking up the symbolism of the heart, an undisputed Chopard icon present in all its collections – from Haute Joaillerie to watches and accessories – My Happy Hearts is a manifesto dedicated to tenderness, to gentleness captured and nurtured amid a sometimes rough world.

Tender, playful, generous, mischievous, and so very happy, the heart is the symbol of vitality and peace. This popular emblem in tune with the zeitgeist has been adopted by the fashion, design and beauty worlds as a must-have element in contemporary graphic language. The street loves its electricity, its humour, its congenial tenderness and the way it immediately arouses collective support, uniting minds and communities - including digital ones.

My Happy Hearts is a collection that embodies a way of loving oneself in a sunny, generous and benevolent manner, in order to radiate the light cultivated within.

Cute collectibles

My Happy Hearts is available as necklaces, chain bracelets, rings and earrings based on the principle of a single heart. Whether in ethical 18-carat rose or white gold, the heart of each piece of jewellery come in carnelian, mother-of-pearl or diamond-set versions. The collection’s rings and earrings are also available with a dancing diamond.

The heart, a free-spinning diamond and ornamental stone are all iconic Chopard codes, staging a vibrant and powerful show. Carnelian conjures up a passionate and incandescent symbolic field, while pure, silky, iridescent mother-of-pearl wraps the spirit in a comforting presence. The heart, an essential symbol of the Maison that has reinvented it by capturing its peerless formal quintessence, has been redesigned in miniature format as My Happy Hearts, while retaining the formal perfection of its curves. A symbol that is both soothing and sends a peaceful message, filled with tenderness, providing scope for unlimited creativity in the way the various jewels in the collection can be worn. Solo, or stacked? This is all about a mood, an attitude or a witty thought encapsulated in jewellery.

The earrings can be acquired individually for greater flexibility and creativity: to be worn alone, in groups on one ear or asymmetrically. Whether a woman is in sneakers or stilettos, at the office or on the beach, My Happy Hearts lends itself to every transformation. In each and every situation they accompany bursts of life, allowing each individual to invent free-spirited moves in arranging and wearing them. These are hearts in every state and in all directions, stacked head to tail or majestically solo, with the tip of the heart pointing inward... like an endless reminder of the power emanating from our own gentle sweetness.

Find out more about Chopard  here 

Bulgari Eden The Garden of Wonders 

Welcome to the realm of wonders. Bulgari invites you to discover an extraordinary world of marvels, boundless creativity and unrivaled mastery with the launch of its latest High Jewelry and High End Watches collection Bulgari Eden The Garden of Wonders. 

Consisting of over 140 masterpieces, the collection includes for the first time in the Bulgari history more than 30 creations dedicated to the magnificent emerald. This stunning tribute to the Maison’s long-standing affinity with the exquisite gemstone boasts some of the most extraordinary wonders of nature ever brought to light, representing an ode to eternal splendor. 

Interpreted rather than just emulated, nature delivers an endless territory of imagination that only human mastery and Bulgari’s aesthetic sense can sublime into true works of art. 

A perfect example of this uniqueness, the Emerald Glory piece is an unparalleled high-jewelry creation, whose texture reproduces the softness of lace. Designed with transformability in mind, it can be worn as a necklace, or as a tiara, and it also features a detachable choker. This piece, that required over 3000 hours of handwork to be fully completed, shows an incredible layout of 11 pear-shaped Colombian emeralds surrounded by a cascade of diamonds, totaling over 220 carats. 

As its name suggests, the collection evokes a breathtaking universe, where the majesty of mother nature expresses itself in its rarest and most beautiful forms and meets the most sophisticated human creations in a continuous, prolific dialogue. 

While Rome’s magnificence continues to inspire and amaze the jeweler’s works of art, the legendary Serpenti sign, an icon of power and audacity, epitomizes the concept of a creative endless transformation, shining and seducing through sinuous silhouettes and tactile textures. Celebrating the idea of metamorphosis, the Serpenti Spinel Embrace necklace, crafted from pink gold and diamonds, wraps around a 25,70-carat drop-shaped pink spinel from Tajikistan;  while in the Serpenti Ocean Treasure,  two snakes fuses into one, creating the platinum and diamond necklace, featuring a twisting  movement that holds an exceptional 61,30-carat drop-shaped Sri Lankan sapphire. 

BLOSSOMING COLORS 

Bulgari, the master of colored gemstones reaches new heights of color experimentation with this new collection, juxtaposing to signature chromatic matches with unprecedented daring yet utterly elegant pairings. Like nature awakens after the long winter sleep, a jubilee of wonderful flowers blossoms on the Flowers of Eden necklace, which perfectly epitomizes the collection’s richness.

Extraordinarily lightweight, this outstanding creation, injected with versatile dynamism, exudes grace and feminine beauty through its sinuous shapes and amazing combination of vibrant shades. Intentionally asymmetric, highlighting the spontaneity of nature, tourmalines, carnelians, amethysts and emeralds joyfully surround three impressive mother-of-pearl flowers enriched with diamonds. Handcrafted using an ancient mold technique and wax tablets, this piece required 1,500 hours to be completed. 

MAGNIFICENT NATURE 

Incredible gems, the rarest and most sublime gifts of nature, that from their eternal origins in the innermost depths of the Earth, are now glorified by Bulgari with a unique mix of craftsmanship and imagination. The skilled hands of the jeweler’s goldsmiths interpret superb ideas combining design and a rigorous architectural approach giving shape to dazzling pieces, offering a unique mix of refinement, comfortable fit and ultimate versatility. 

Emeralds, Bulgari’s icons since the Sixties, are the absolute protagonists of the Tribute to Paris necklace, that celebrates the artistic bond between two of the most exceptional cities in the world, Rome and Paris. Sparkling as the most glamorous Parisian nights, this piece, that required 2,000 hours to be handcrafted, features an incredible 35,53-carat oval- shaped Colombian emerald surrounded by exquisite inlays of emeralds and diamonds evoking the slender silhouette of the legendary Tour Eiffel. Balancing movement and weight, Bulgari’s artisans succeeded at delivering a harmonious necklace that, despite the unique preciousness of its gems, is soft and lightweight, guaranteeing a perfect fit. 

Designed to amaze, the Mediterranean Reverie necklace is one of the most precious creations ever realized by the Roman jewelry house. An ultimate fruit of Mother Nature’s magnificence, a rare 107,15-carat cushion-cut Sri Lankan sapphire, stands out on this necklace with its intense yet transparent blue shade, that immediately evokes the hues of Capri’s Blue Grotto sea cave. Exuding timeless elegance, the piece shows a sophisticated chain combining platinum, baguette-cut sapphires, as well as an array of diamonds different cuts, from brilliants and pears to pavé sets. 

 JOYFUL WONDERS 

Bulgari’s boundless and unstoppable creativity expresses into new striking forms in a range of pieces, conveying a bold message of extravagance and vibrant vivacity.    An example of refined, elegant flamboyancy, the Emerald Venus necklace shows a unique, dynamic, intentionally irregular design inspired by the Capelvenere, a  type of Mediterranean fern whose Italian name, translating with Venus’ Hair, a tribute to the Greek goddess of beauty. One-of-a-kind branches of emerald beads and diamonds grow around an impressive 20-carat Colombian octagonal-cut emerald, that astounds not only with its unique color, but also with its sophisticated balance. Impressive, but lightweight, this necklace reflects Bulgari’s unique, vivacious take on feminine grace. The stunning creation is part of a set that also includes a matching outstanding high end watch, where emeralds are paired with baguette, pave and round brilliant-cut diamonds. The timepiece, that required 900 hours to be crafted by five different artisans, features the white gold dial covered with an unexpected mint green tourmaline for an extra special touch. 

A Spotlight of Bvlgari – B.zero1 New Classic 2022

Believe in the future. Feel the excitement of all that is about to come. Whatever our dreams, we are made to have projects and ambitions, to set new lifegoals and above all to have faith in our ability to get to where we want to be.

Always a step ahead of the times and driven by its spirit of innovation, in 2022 B.zero1 debuts with a reinterpretation of its timeless classic enriched with a wave-shaped diamond décor - a metaphor for that powerful momentum toward opportunities, personal growth and positive change. A jewel to celebrate the accomplishments that open the path to new beginnings and to unprecedented, exiting journeys.

Created in 1999 to celebrate the future and welcome the year 2000, B.zero1 collection channels the strength that underlies every fresh start even through its name: the “B” stands for Bulgari, “zero” for the new millennium and the number “1” for new, infinite beginnings.

A meaning translated into the icon’s emblematic design: its endless spiral is a reminder that it’s always a good moment to blaze the own trail, because behind every turn there is an opportunity and a “chapter 1” waiting to be written.

Small or big achievements, for the world or for a single existence. Discoveries, changes, long-awaited lifegoals, eye-opening revolutions, a new personal record. And more: a new job, a new relationship or friendship, an inspiring journey. The new B.zero1 creation is there to commemorate the moment, every moment, and tell each and every one of us: dive with fierceness into yourself and give shape to your visions.

Conjuring Rome’s magnificent Colosseum in its fluid, sculptural and unmistakably architectural forms, the new B.zero1 ring features a sparkling diamond-set wave embracing the distinctive central spiral on both ends. This subtle touch adds a note of sophistication to the timeless and eternally modern design of the icon, giving shape to a new classic. Available in the three-band version in 18 kt yellow, rose or white gold, the new rendition fuses its legendary convention-defying spirit with the evocative force of its new inspiration.

Once more B.zero1 confirms itself as the jewel-icon of those who live life in their own terms, who have the courage to face challenges and conventions, to achieve their little and big goals with determination and audacity. Born from the brave ambition of revolutionizing the aesthetic codes in the world of jewellery design through creativity and imagination, B.zero1 is side by side to anyone who dares to dream, and who does everything to transform a bold vision into the reality of their own life.

Bvlgari- The classic icons in contemporary design

The evolution of jewellery dates back to more than 25,000 years ago when jewellery pieces were worn for protection against demons, bad luck, and illnesses. Over time, the purpose of jewellery evolved to symbolise love, wealth, and status. Now, Haute Joaillerie continues to thrive despite financial insecurities and fluctuating global markets in 2022.

From powerhouses like Cartier and Dior to Bvlgari and Piaget, high jewellery has revolutionised luxury into a timeless elegance. In this modern age, we’ve seen the transformation of high jewellery in all forms to reflect the progression of the everyday, modern woman. Gold body chains adorning bare midriffs and layered necklaces to accentuate a pristine décolletage, jewellery has evolved as women have — with nothing but confidence.

The most expensive jewellery in the world is not only measured by its materials or branding but by the craftsmanship that comes with each signature piece. High-end jewellery is an art that inspires imagination and strives for the symbol of success. What was once an object of beauty has long been extended to expression and status, more of the latter than the former, especially when we’re talking about luxury jewels. True haute joaillerie can withstand the test of time.

Sotirio Voulgaris’ origins of an exceptional silversmith in the Pindus Mountains of northern Greece expanded to opening his first store in Rome in 1884, creating what we now know as one of the most influential brands in luxury jewellery, watches, and fashion; BVLGARI.

From the 1970s to the 2000s, the exponential progression BVLGARI allowed the brand to compete on the world’s stage in the high-end jewellery industry. With celebrity devotees like Sophia Loren, Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor, and a lineup of retail stores opening internationally, BVLGARI became the trailblazers of haute joaillerie, and is now known as one of the best watchmakers in history.
LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton acquired BVLGARI in 2011 for $6 billion USD, the highest the company has ever offered any other company. Known for its impeccable craftsmanship and vibrant gemstones and diamonds, BVLGARI continues to create unforgettable, timeless accessories that are sought after by those with wealth and status.

One of the most expensive and timeless collections of BVLGARI would have to be the Serpenti collection. A vision inspired by Greek and Roman mythology, the Serpenti collection is an iconic representation of wisdom, life, strength, and seduction, much like the serpent in these folklores. Preserving the mythological sentiment of the serpent, the brand created iterations of this magnificent collection to be dangerously alluring, attracting the most famous celebrities around the world.

Over the years, the Serpenti collection expanded to include watches, rings, bags, and more. Despite the fast-approaching modern era, the BVLGARI Serpenti collection remains true to its core, safeguarding the symbolic serpent in every design while redefining the aesthetics and style to not only reflect the evolution of women but also transcend the bounds of high-end jewellery in the modern era. With each gem intricately cut and crafted to fit the detailing of the jewel and specifically designed with glamour and comfort, the BVLGARI house makes every piece feel like a subtle and glorious second skin.

Using only the best cut gems and 18-karat gold for its collection, BVLGARI powers through a new age with contemporary and sophisticated designs while preserving the root of its traditions. Inevitably, it continues to be one of the most well-known and prestigious luxury brands in history.

 

The Finest of Haute Horlogerie 2022

With a new year comes new creations and new editions of the finest, luxury watches that iconic Maisons like Chopard, and Audemars Piguet have to offer. Despite the increasing fluctuations of the global market, watchmakers are continuing to strive for excellence through exquisite horological designs.

With Audemars Piguet preserving refined traditional watchmaking practices, and Chopard playing the perfect all-rounder, the world of watches has some exciting masterpieces coming its way.

Without further ado, here is a list of the best watches that are radiating the path of 2022.

Let’s kick off this list with one of the most powerful and reputable luxury brands in the world of watches,  Audemars Piguet. The luxury brand known for its legacy of greatness released a slew of creations, some brand new while others are iterations of the iconic classics. As the go-to choice of the world’s socialites, superstars, royalty, and A-list celebrities, Audemars Piguet remains the oldest watch manufacturer still run by its founding families, currently led by Jasmine Audemars. For these reasons, it’s no question why Audemars Piguet is one of the most sought-after and revered luxury watch brands around today. This year, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Royal Oak collection, Audemars Piguet released several new iterations of this classic masterpiece.

– Audemars Piguet Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra Thin

The jewel in the crown of Audemars Piguet's extensive watch catalogue, the Royal Oak collection, has gone through a makeover to celebrate the 50th anniversary of this quintessential model. The Swiss manufacturer has dropped a timepiece that features a new selfwinding, extra-thin movement, Calibre 7121. The timepiece intends to pay homage to half a century of Royal Oak design innovation, and its refined contrasts, materials, colours and dial animations are reminiscent of previous Oak designs since 1972. All of the Royal Oak models for 2022, with the exception of existing perpetual calendars, will come with a special oscillating mass, visible through the caseback with a cut-out that says “50 Years.”

It is the first time since 1972, that this model has a new self-winding hour, minute and date movement, replacing the Calibre 2121. The new iteration is slightly larger, measuring 3.2 mm, and is newly equipped with a rapid date-corrector. It now has a larger barrel with more power for more precise timekeeping over a longer period of time. Five years in development, it now has bidirectional winding, a balance wheel fit with inertia blocks to avoid unnecessary friction and comes with a patented extra-thin low-energy date-setting mechanism. Finally, it has been finished to high-horology standards with Côtes de Genève, Traits Tirés.

 

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Flying Tourbillon Openworked 

The hand-finished Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Flying Tourbillon Openworked comes with an openworked movement, which is housed in a two-tone case impressively interweaving 18-carat white and pink gold. On the back, there is a double-curved sapphire crystal, which has an arched profile that in turn plays with depth, perspective and light, meaning the watch looks a little different from every angle. Audemars Piguet launched an openworked tourbillon for its 40th anniversary in 2012, so the company felt it needed to up the ante for the Royal Oak’s half-a-century milestone. With this new edition of Flying Tourbillon that features bridges both vertically and horizontally to create a beautiful 3D effect from all directions. So, how many will be produced? Bennahmias says they will make just 125 pieces this year and will follow with 80 pieces in 2023 and 45 in 2024.  

 

– Chopard L.U.C. Flying T Twin

For those who are unfamiliar, L.U.C. is the initials of founder Louis-Ulysse Chopard and is the designation given to watches produced at the brand’s high-end manufacture in Fleurier that opened in 1996. The L.U.C. Flying T Twin was originally released in 2019 with the brand’s first automatic flying tourbillon. Now, Chopard has unmasked a follow-up redesign of the original in a white-gold case with solid gold dial done in blue with honeycomb guilloché. The new Flying T Twin features an ultra-thin stop-seconds tourbillon and a movement that is both COSC-certified and bears the Geneva Seal. Limited to 50 pieces, this watch is a testament to the Scheufele family’s investment in Chopard’s L.U.C division. 

While the tourbillon and movement will initially garner the most attention, the dial warrants praise of its own. Since its inception, Chopard L.U.C has been making dials out of solid gold for select pieces by partnering with Metalem, who is among the top dial makers in the world. The dial of this L.U.C is done using guillochage, or better known as hand-done engine turning. The intricate, non-uniform honeycomb pattern here is drop-dead gorgeous, as is the very finely done circular pattern around the dial’s exterior circumference. The Chopard L.U.C Flying T Twin is an impressive timepiece of horology from a brand that has earned its place in Haute Horlogerie.  

 

– Chopard Happy Diamonds

Chopard has established a strong presence by changing the Swiss watchmaking industry’s jewellery watches division with the introduction of the Happy Diamonds collection originally released in 1976. Since then, this notable creation has offered an opportunity for the very first time to view moving diamonds between sapphire crystals. Famous for its meticulous craftsmanship, the watches that come from this Maison speak of rich heritage and quality while enabling the free expression of emotions with their extravagant watches that are made with the highest quality of standards and resources. Today, the Chopard Happy Diamonds collection lives on in the watchmaker’s catalogue and continues to make an impression on generation after generation.