Although it feels like most of our world has come to a grinding halt, the watch industry has been showering us with new watches over the last couple of weeks. In lieu of the physical Watches & Wonders trade fair in Geneva, the organization set up an online event. Let’s have a look at some of this year’s W&W highlights from the most prominent brands. In part 2, we’ll be focusing on Cartier, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Vacheron Constantin, and Piaget.
Cartier
Cartier released a new version of a classic at this year’s installment of Watches & Wonders. The all-new Cartier Pasha De Cartier – as it is officially called – was introduced in 41-mm and 35-mm sizes, catering to both men and women. The watch, which most people know simply as the Pasha, has an updated aesthetic that is still very much in line with the original Pasha from 1985. At the time, it was Cartier’s answer to their catalog’s lack of a luxury sports watch. Its eccentric design was undeniably eye-catching and suited the 80s perfectly.
The Pasha has since become a Cartier classic. It’s still not a watch for everyone due to its bold looks, but you don’t become a classic without being original. The Pasha’s design features an interplay of round and square shapes and was developed together with legendary watch designer Gérald Genta. This new Pasha stays close to the original design principles, making it an important release for many watch lovers.
The Cartier Pasha comes in a variety of configurations. The 41-mm watch is available in steel or yellow gold, and the 35-mm version comes in steel or rose gold. The most affordable are the steel versions, which cost €6,250 (approx. $6,750) for the 35-mm version and €6,800 (approx. $7,350) for the 41-mm edition.
Jaeger-LeCoultre
Jaeger-LeCoultre has launched an updated Master Control collection. The Swiss brand introduced an updated overall design, new movements, and even completely new leather straps. The new Master Control series consists of the Master Control Date, Master Control Calendar, Master Control Geographic, and Master Control Chronograph Calendar. All four watches come in stainless steel, but each features different complications.
A strong point of the new Master Control series is that its updated design brings this model into the modern day while retaining a classic overall look. All four watches ooze the Jaeger-LeCoultre style that appeals to a wide audience. Our 2020 favorite is the Master Control Chronograph Calendar. It’s the watch that probably benefitted most from the new design. It features three slightly sunken subdials for the small seconds, minute counter, date, and moon phase. This 40-mm timepiece’s new design can only be described as incredibly balanced, which is exactly what you want from a watch.
Master Control prices start at €7,050 (approx. $7,650) for the Master Control Date. The Master Control Calendar is available for €11,500 (approx. $12,500), and the Master Control Chronograph Calendar costs €15,200 (approx. $16,500). The Master Control Geographic is expected to sell for €11,500 (approx. $12,500).
Vacheron Constantin
As part of watchmaking’s “Holy Trinity,” people are always interested to see what Vacheron Constantin will come up with next. In 2020, the brand announced a stunning series of highly complicated Les Cabinotiers models, two beautiful new additions to the Fiftysix collection, and two brilliant releases in the Overseas collection. The Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin Skeleton looks beautiful on a blue rubber strap, but our absolute winner is the gold Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin with a striking blue dial.
Without a doubt, the latest Overseas models can compete for the title of “world’s best luxury sports watch.” The Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin in rose gold is further proof of that. Its ultra-thin profile looks stunning, and the perpetual calendar complication is nothing short of impressive – both functionally and aesthetically.
The clever trick that Vacheron Constantin pulled was making this year’s version with a blue dial available on a gold bracelet. Previously, versions with blue dials were only paired with a blue rubber or brown leather strap. Vacheron Constantin has made a lot of people happy with this new edition – or maybe not. Anyone who wants one will need to run to the bank and withdraw €94,500 (approx. $102,000) to buy the rose gold Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin with a blue dial.
Piaget
The last brand in our 2020 Watches & Wonders picks is Piaget. The company’s top introduction was their full line of Limelight women’s watches. This is a collection of ten new watches, six of which are familiar Limelight Gala models, which the other four are high-jewelry creations. Limelight watches are very elegant and feminine and clearly communicate what the brand stands for.
There are six different options to choose from, so finding something you love should not be a problem. The Limelight Gala pieces come in 26-mm or 32-mm 18-karat white or rose gold cases, but what makes them really shine is their unique use of diamonds. The diamonds create a stunning line from the case to the lugs, resulting in an elegant piece of art for the wrist.
Each Limelight Gala watch is powered by a quartz movement, but that’s not very unusual for women’s watches. Indeed, this collection is all about the artistry – and Piaget has certainly succeeded at that. Just look at the 32-mm Limelight Gala with an 18-karat white gold case set with 42 brilliant-cut diamonds, a blue aventurine dial, and blue leather strap. It’s absolutely stunning. This watch is available for €59,500 (approx. $64,500). If you want something more affordable, other Limelight Gala watches start at €24,200 (approx. $26,200).
Read more
Top New Releases From Watches & Wonders 2020: Part 1
What We Learned From Watches & Wonders 2020
The State of the Global Watch Industry II: Four Emerging Trends
