WATCH THAT WRIST!

A look at some of the most exciting watches launched thus far in 2022

- SMITA TRIPATHI

Patek Philippe 5326G-001

Patek Philippe’s collectors love the brand for its complications—the kind of watches that do more than just tell the time. The latest Reference 5326G will not disappoint as it is responsible for eight new patents. The watch monitors two time zones simultaneously—your home time and the local time. Surprisingly for a brand that has done some amazing things in its 180-year history, this is the first watch that unites annual calendar and travel time complications, making it a collector’s dream.

Post the pandemic-related disruption, the luxury watch market is back with a bang. In 2021, the Swiss watchmaking industry generated over $24 billion in exports, 2.7 per cent over 2019, according to the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry. While players like Omega launched their collection in early March this year, it was at the recent Watches & Wonders trade show in Geneva that the latest horological trends and spectacular timepieces were introduced. Most of these are limited edition with a waiting list to boot. Their exclusivity also means that prices are on request.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual GMT Master II

With a nearly 29 per cent share of Switzerland’s watchmaking industry, Rolex can afford to change the rules of the game every now and then. And so it is that it has launched the latest GMT-Master II watch for left-handers. For the first time, the watch has a green-and-black ceramic bezel and its crown along with the date window has shifted to the left side. Definitely, for collectors, the watch will be available at Indian retailers soon.