The Time is Now

When Swatch Group parted ways with Baselworld and chose to exclusively showcase its novelties at the inaugural Time to Move event, it allowed the new collections of its six high-end brands to truly shine. Here are the gems that shone brightest.

Six Swatch watch brands truly shone at the inaugural Time to Move event

CONSTELLATION MANHATTAN BY OMEGA

Already a revered classic in women’s timepieces, the new Constellation Manhattan proves that change is indeed the only constant. For its next step, a refined makeover redefines the instrument’s iconic design, resulting in four jewellery models that feature a heightened level of elegance and finesse.

Immediately noticeable is the subtle shimmer of the dial, which is made from white opal – a prized precious stone that is identified by its play of light and colour. Up next, a selection of baguettecut diamonds, rubies, blue sapphires, or emeralds form the indexes, which is inspired by the Manhattan skyline.

Meanwhile, all of the 28 mm cases and bracelets have been created in 18K Sedna gold, while bezels are embellished by subtle Roman numerals that are highlighted by 154 snow-paved diamonds. The gemstones extend down to the bracelet as well, where 192 brilliant-cut diamonds and four Constellation “star cut” diamonds meet to form a playful shooting star pattern.

WINSTON KALEIDOSCOPE HIGH JEWELLERY WATCH BY HARRY WINSTON

Harry Winston translates the wonder of peering through a kaleidoscope into something brilliant and tangible in its latest range of high jewellery timepieces. The range is sure to make heads turn where an explosion of sparkle and volume is recreated through a cluster of precious gemstones around the case.

The collection pays homage to Mr. Winston’s love for “clustering”, which is best exhibited in the all-diamond version of the timepiece. Here, 40 pear-shaped diamonds, 10 marquise-cut diamonds, and 105 round brilliant diamonds come together in a unique arrangement on the case, which yields incomparable brilliance and radiance.

Meanwhile, the colourful iterations of the timepiece feature a more energetic gem setting, as if conveying a hypnotic sense of motion. Precious gemstones, such as blue, pink, and yellow sapphires, diamonds, aquamarines, rubies, tsavorites, and more are used, resulting in wrist candy with dazzling colour combinations.

PETITE HEURE MINUTE “SMALTA CLARA HUMMINGBIRD” RD” BY JAQUET DROZ

The Petite Heure Minute “Smalta Clara Hummingbird” by Jaquet Droz roz is more than just a timepiece – it is s essentially an objet d’art on the wrist rist that showcases high levels of creativity, tivity, control, and know-how.

This timepiece, which is under the e brand’s Ateliers d’art range, features res two variations of the hummingbird, executed in plique-à-jour enamelwork that calls to mind stained glass windows found in cathedrals. This involves creating an enamel composition made from multiple joined pieces separated by a thread of gold. Completing the technique requires a rare dexterity when firing the enamels because each passage in the oven risks altering the colour, as well as the integrity of the enameled sections.

Limited to a mere eight pieces per design, the first one uses pink and light blue tones, which echoes the mother-ofpearl dial within a red gold case set with 100 diamonds. The second one follows a cool colour scheme of green, turquoise, and blue, housed within a white gold case also set with 100 diamonds.

REINE DE NAPLES BY BREGUET

The Reine de Naples by Breguet is a storied timepiece, with the distinction of being known as the world’s first wristwatch. Its elegance and unique shape is on a league of its own, however, its latest interpretations show that it is a versatile piece that can be dressed either up or down.

The Reine de Naples 8918 is enhanced with a bold shade of red seen on the Arabic numerals, the alligator leather strap, as well as the cabochon-cut ruby on the fluted crown. Tying everything together is a white-gold case with finely fluted sides, while the sapphire caseback reveals the self-winding manufacture caliber 537/3, which boasts a power reserve of 45 hours.

And in a totally unexpected move, the Reine de Naples 8967 takes on a more casual approach with its blue denim fabric strap, perfectly complementing its sleek oval steel case. Also eyecatching is the dial that features a deepblue lacquer with turquoise scrolls, reminiscent of a shimmering starry sky.

PANOINVERSE – LIMITED EDITION BY GLASHÜTTE

The high art of watchmaking truly comes alive in the limited edition Panoinverse timepiece by Glashütte – an instrument that marries traditional craftsmanship with innovative ideas.

Limited to just 25 pieces, the timepiece in platinum is the beginning of a new chapter in the success story of the watch brand’s Panoinverse line. You’ll surely be fascinated by the lavishly engraved “butterfly bridge” and its pulsating screw balance in the centre. Soon after, your full attention will be on the countless fine details, which include the filigree foliage flowing over the rhodium-plated surface, screwmounted gold chatons, ruby-red jewels, and delicate gilt engraving.

Further inside, the timepiece is fitted with a manual winding Calibre 66-08, which beats at a frequency of 4 Hz and features a running time of 41 hours. The watch also offers a power reserve display and a second-stop mechanism. Rounding it all up is a blue sapphire cabochon on the crown and a dark blue Louisiana alligator leather strap.

VILLERET WOMEN DATE BY BLANCPAIN

For those looking for a timepiece that perfectly marries form and function, Blancpain’s Villeret Women Date collection will not disappoint. It offers just the right amount of pizzazz, anchored by a more utilitarian form that is uncomplicated and straightforward.

As the name of the collection suggests, the timepieces from the new range has an oval-shaped date window, complemented by redesigned numerals that feature a delightfully curvaceous font. The 33.2 mm-diameter case, which is set with 48 brilliant-cut diamonds, is available in either steel or red gold that can be fitted with either an alligator strap or a mille mailles bracelet.

While clean and simple on the outside, the Villeret Women Date range boasts impressive watchmaking technology on the inside. It is powered by the 1151 movement, which has a four-day power reserve and is also equipped with a silicon balance-spring that is known for its chronometric properties.