Watches & Wonders 2023
Discover the latest innovations in Luxury Watches at Watches and Wonders 2023
Watches and Wonders is one of the most anticipated events for the luxury watch industry, bringing together the world's top watchmakers to showcase their latest creations and technological advancements. The event is held annually in Geneva, Switzerland, and is a platform for watch enthusiasts and collectors to explore the latest innovations and trends in the world of horology. Held this week, we were lucky to be there to witness the biggest watch brands, design houses, authorised dealers and collectors descend on the Swiss city to take it all in. We’ve loved immersing ourselves in watch installations, newness and storytelling from iconic global brands such as Panerai, IWC Schaffhausen, TUDOR, TAG Heuer and more.
Much like our time at the event last year, we also got to sit down with some of our own brand partners and gets hands on with the timepieces they will be launching in 2023.
Some of these will also be available to our clients both online and in selected Fraser Hart showrooms across the UK.
Here’s a look at some of the exciting launches we’ve seen so far from some of our most popular brands.
TAG Heuer
THE TAG HEUER CARRERA, AQUARACER AND FORMULA 1 COLLECTIONS
ALL GET EXCITING NEW ADDITIONS
TAG Heuer have previewed some of their most exciting watches to date at this year’s exhibition. The brand have been building on the success of their core Aquaracer, Carrera and Formula 1 collections in recent times so it was no surprise that their focus was on these in their bright neon hosting area.
Their eye catching display was a precursor to the launch of a very special watch – the TAG Heuer Carrera Plasma Diamant d’Avant-Garde 44mm. This watch “redefines luxury” with it’s use of lab grown diamonds and cutting-edge design. The timepiece features a Polycrystalline diamond dial, framed by 12 baguette diamond indexes. There’s a total of 124 diamonds along the case, strap and dial making it one of the more stand out watches of the week.
The brand also announced some more low-key attainable watches that will be more accessible for everyday watch collectors. These include pink and green dial variations of the Carrera Date models, new Carrera Chronograph’s, Steel & Gold additions to the Aquaracer Professional 200 collection, and a Formula 1 Chronograph x Gulf Collaboration. We’re excited to be welcoming some of these timepieces to our current collections in the upcoming weeks and months.
TUDOR
THE NEW TUDOR BLACK BAY 54 AND EYE-CATCHING ROYAL MODELS
TUDOR’s launches are one of the most anticipated each year. They made waves last year when they announced the Black Bay Pro, a Black Bay GMT and new additions to their Royal line. This year, they’ve again “paved the way towards the future by paying homage to their past”. They’ll now offer a Black Bay 54 to the market alongside the iconic Black Bay 58 collection. The name is in reference to their first ever dive watch which was released in 1954. The Black Bay 54 is presented in a 37mm case meaning it is a perfect choice for fans of the Black Bay 58 and a smaller wrist size.
TUDOR also presented the new Black Bay with a burgundy bezel which is Master Chronometer-certified by METAS as well as new variations of the Black Bay 31/36/39 & 41 in steel with fixed bezels available in striking dial colours and with or without diamonds.
One of the most talked about launches from TUDOR was the GMT in opaline which stands out against the burgundy and blue bezel. Finally, they debuted two new dials for their Royal line – one in chocolate brown and one in brushed salmon. We’ve no doubt these will be very popular with our TUDOR obsessed clients and will be letting them know as soon as they register their interest in selected showrooms.
ORIS
ORIS “GO GREEN” WITH KERMIT AND DISNEY IN UNIQUE COLLABORATION
Last year, Oris added to their ProPilot range with a series of technically innovative Pro Pilot X Calibre 400 Models available in Blue, Grey or Salmon dials. These were an instant hit and so this year, they’ve added a truly unique version of the ProPilot X to their offering. They’ve collaborated with none other than Disney’s Kermit the Frog to create the ProPilot X Kermit Edition. Their tagline “This time it’s (not so) serious” is a playful way to introduce this special edition piece.
The watch itself has a “Kermit Green” dial that will stand out on the wearers wrist and Kermit himself makes an appearance in the date window on the first day of the month (“Kermit Day”). Of all the launches at Watches and Wonders 2023, we’ve found this to be one of the most entertaining and talked about timepieces. We’re delighted to say that you can already buy this watch from us now.
Grand Seiko
GRAND SEIKO MAKE HISTORY WITH THEIR “TENTAGRAPH”
Watches and Wonders is usually a time when Grand Seiko premiere something special in terms of their movements. This year was no different as they’ve made headlines with their “Tentagraph”. This movement beats ten times per second, ensuring high accuracy when measuring elapsed time as well as the time of the day.
The movement can run for three days due to its energy efficient escapement and two barrels. This makes the “Tentagraph” the 10-beat chronograph with the longest power reserve in the industry today. This will be a brilliant addition the brands Evolution 9 Collection and will be available from the middle of this year in Grand Seiko boutiques.
There will also be expansions to their much-loved Heritage, Elegance and Sport Collections. Each complete with market leading movements, technical specs and beautiful nods to the Japanese landscape, culture & watchmaking heritage. Sign up to our mailing list to be notified when we’re adding Grand Seiko models to our showrooms and online.
IWC Schaffhausen
IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN PAY TRIBUTE TO A LEGEND OF WATCH DESIGN
IWC Schaffhausen always put on an incredible show at Watches and Wonders and this year was one to remember. Their exhibition area was vast and eye catching with a mix of ultra-modern cars and vintage nods to the 1970’s. This was due to their theme of watchmaking and Gerald Genta’s IWC Ingenieuer launch from 1976. This watch was an iconic design when first released and went on to inspire many of the most popular watch styles we see in the market from other brands since.
Many IWC collectors have been looking for a modern take on this watch and so it created a real buzz among attendees. Although this model will only be available in IWC boutiques, the brand also showcased some of their classic other core collections such as the Big Pilot’s and Portugieser which we enjoyed trying on alongside the new Ingenieuer. Sign up to our mailing list to be notified when we’re adding new models to these collections.
Montblanc
MONTBLANC LAUNCH NEW EXCITING GEOSPHERE MODELS
Montblanc always keep the modern explorer in mind when developing their latest complications and innovations. This has led to them premiering the Montblanc 1858 Geosphere 0 Oxygen The 8000 – A timepiece that is devoid of oxygen to enhance performance and precision during drastic temperature changes at altitude.
Four models make up the Capsule Collection each of which are “Zero Oxygen” timepieces with beautiful design motifs that nod to the mountain range from which the brand gets its name. Montblanc have leveraged partnerships with explorer Reinhold Messner and Nepalese Mountaineer Nimsdai Purja to help tell this story as both have conquered mountains peaks without the need for supplementary oxygen.
We’ll be welcoming selected models from this incredible collection to Fraser Hart later this year and have no doubt that they’ll be very popular with our more adventurous watch collecting clients. Follow Montblanc on Instagram to find out more about the story behind these timepieces.
Panerai
PANERAI’S RADIOMIR UNA STORIA LEGGENDARIA
Panerai's exhibition took to the sea’s with their sailing inspired look and feel. One of the many brands that drew inspirations from their past, Panerai’s big launch was the new Radiomir Collection. The brands roots are in Florence, Italy and this year they’ve celebrated the Radiomir luminous paste that was first patented and added to their watches in 1916. This story is what they’re referring to with their tagline of “Una Storia Leggendaria”.
The beautiful PAM01026 comes complete with their Panerai Goldtech™ bezel, white sun brushed dial and alligator espresso strap. The simple but luxurious design of this watch exudes Italian flair and elegance and is also suitable for smaller wrists.
CHOPARD
CHOPARD CELEBRATE SUSTAINABILITY WITH JULIA ROBERTS
Chopard chose to focus on their continued commitment to sustainability at this year’s event. “The Journey to Sustainable luxury” speaks to the their market leading initiative to roll out 80% recycled steel for all of its steel watches by the end of 2023. This will reduce Chopard’s carbon footprint and set a positive example for the industry going forward.
To help spread this message, Chopard had their A-list ambassador Julia Roberts on hand to be part of their week of programming and keynotes. In addition to their exciting new initiatives, Chopard also announced exciting product novelties. New Happy Sport, Mille Miglia, L.U.C and Alpine models are all beautifully manufactured with this new recyclable Lucent Steel material. We’re excited to add a number of these new sustainable timepieces to our always growing Chopard offering for clients.
That’s just a quick look at some of the watches and watch innovations we’ve witnessed this week while meeting with our brand partners at the event. We love getting the opportunity to meet passionate brand reps and watch enthusiasts alike during these events. As mentioned, many of the models we’ve discussed will be on their way to our stores across the UK and we can't wait to share them with our loyal clients.
If you're looking to keep up with these additions to our collections as and when they become available, then sign up to our mailing list or follow us on Instagram. Check out some of our pictures from the event below.
