Milestones

Watch companies love their anniversaries and tributes; here are just a few for the upcoming year that will be revealed at this month’s Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie in Geneva

1_ A. LANGE & SÖHNE 1815 Homage to Walter Lange

When company founder Walter Lange died in January 2017, A. Lange & Söhne set about creating an extraordinary complication as an homage to the man. This magnificent wristwatch features a jumping sweep seconds hand, with a start/stop function that was especially significant for the founder. It also houses the new calibre L1924, marking Lange’s year of birth.

2_ HERMÈS Arceau Chrono Titane

Henri d’Origny joined Hermès in 1958 and created the first Arceau model in 1978 – a round watch with asymmetrical lugs in a shape inspired by stirrups, highlighting the brand’s equestrian roots. Forty years later, the new version of the Arceau, with its bead-blasted titanium case, chronograph function and sloping numerals, might just be the sportiest Hermès watch yet.

3_ IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN IWC Tribute to Pallweber Edition 150 Years

IWC turns 150 years old in 2018 and the company celebrates the milestone with a host of new novelties. This tribute watch, limited to 250 pieces, is inspired by Austrian watchmaker Josef Pallweber’s pocket watches for the brand from 1885 to 1887. The hours and minutes are shown in large numerals on rotating discs, and the displays are labelled in honour of FA Jones, the company’s American-born founder.

4_AUDEMARS PIGUET Royal Oak Offshore Tourbillon Chronograph

The Swiss watchmaker celebrates the 25th anniversary of its Royal Oak Offshore this year. To mark the occasion, three new iterations are being released this month. This stainless steel tourbillon chronograph has been updated with a bold, contemporary dial design, with the crown and pushpieces crafted in ceramic. Only 50 pieces have been produced.