A growing number of high-end watch brands are choosing to attend SIHH, one of the world’s premier Fine Watchmaking trade fairs, that amazes horological experts and leading collectors
January in Geneva: a time and a place to meet up every year for one of the world’s premier Fine Watchmaking trade fairs. The 28th edition of the SIHH held this year once again showcased some outstanding timepieces, which managed to amaze horological experts, well-known “influencers” and leading collectors, who always want a sneak preview of the latest and finest creations.
A growing number of select brands are choosing to present their new-year products here.
Like any annual event, the Salon has undergone an evolution, with new forms of participation. This might arrive in the form of Roger Dubuis’s well-publicised countdown and its sporting creativity, celebrating this year the partnership with Lamborghini and Pirelli, or a mini-concert given by popular singer LP at the Girard-Perregaux booth.
The real protagonists of the Salon however remain the world’s finest timepieces. All different, all with their own “souls”, arousing emotions and reminding us to ascribe greater value to the flow of time in the complexity of life. Emblematic of this idea were the unique watches made by genius watchmaker Greubel Forsey, which presented numerous masterful complications in very limited editions, eagerly awaited and applauded by connoisseurs of the art.
The same holds true for Ferdinand Berthoud, part of the Chopard group, and its limited 24-piece edition, which referenced the very close association between horology and the history of the sea, written with great precision during the explorations of the French Navy in the 18th century.
Vacheron Constantin was inspired by the first manned balloon flight made by Étienne de Montgolfier in 1783 in Paris.
Christophe Claret is growing and expanding the scope of his creations, and presented a new complication that is apparently (but far from) simple. Romain Gauthier, attending the SIHH for the first time this year, continues to develop its small-scale production typical of the independent master watchmaker.
Cartier confirmed its penchant for glamour with a liberal covering of emeralds, panther engravings and precious diamonds. Urwerk let its charisma shine through with extrovert and high-tech designs.
The elegance of Jacob & Co was on show, with unique watches from its fine collection. The intensity of precious gems will get any woman’s eyes to shine brightly, while the open-work skeleton contains a host of complications to please horological devotees.
Every watch has a story to tell, with anecdotes, ideas, hard work and infinite passion. We will be pleased to let you in on the story another “time”.