Tick Talk

Watches and Wonders, the world's largest luxury watch trade show, made its return to Geneva this March. Here are some of the key novelties to know among the many exciting timepieces unveiled

- Annabel Tan

CARTIER

One of the most talked‑about brands at Watches and Wonders this year, Cartier unveiled some 80 novelties—the largest number at the fair. The maison revisited several of its iconic timepieces, from collections such as the Tank, Pasha, Baignoire, Panthère, Santos and more, by way of new interpretations. The new Santos‑Dumont Skeleton watch certainly turned heads, as Cartier’s skeleton timepieces usually do. Equipped with Cartier’s new 9629 MC automatic skeleton calibre, the 31 mm watch comes in three versions: yellow gold with blue lacquer; rose gold; and steel. As its name suggests, its details pay tribute to Brazilian aviation pioneer Alberto Santos‑Dumont. The movement, for instance, features a micro‑rotor in the shape of the Demoiselle—a trailblazing plane designed by the pilot in 1907—soaring over a globe.

CHANEL

As part of the Chanel Interstellar capsule collection, many of the maison’s novelties this year were inspired by the cosmos, science fiction and time travel. These have been interpreted in various ways, with the new J12 Cybernetic being a particularly eye‑catching creation. A white pixelated motif appears on the J12 for the first time, making for a stunning contrast with the black bezel and black lacquered dial while effecting a playful merging of the real and digital worlds—almost as if the watch is crossing over from the physical reality into a digital one. Housed in a ceramic and steel case, the Caliber 12.1 self‑winding movement provides the J12 Cybernetic with a power reserve of 70 hours.

CHOPARD