WONDER WATCHES
Horologists unveil new marvels at the inaugural “Watches & Wonders” exhibition in Hong Kong this year. By Ng Yi Lian
BAZAAR’s pick of the best from “Watches & Wonders” in Hong Kong this year
1 IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN
Marking the 70th anniversary of the debut of the popular novella The Little Prince by writer, pilot and adventurer Antoine de SaintExupéry is the Big Pilot Perpetual Calendar Edition “Le Petit Prince” watch, a partnership between IWC Schaffhausen and Antoine de SaintExupéry Youth Foundation. With an impressive seven-day power reserve, its charming dial comes with a classic moon phase display with the Little Prince gazing at the starry sky.
2 RICHARD MILLE
A cuddly animal that originates from China housed in a fine timepiece with a complicated movement—why —why not? Richard Mille has always been a testament to actualising whatever the mind can conceive. Wrapped into the tourbillion is a panda set entirely in black sapphires and diamonds. Featured nibbling on bamboo sculpted with yellow gold, the animal sits on a base plate made out of black onyx, which is believed to absorb negative energy and bring the wearer emotional stability, inspiration and balance.
3 VAN CLEEF & ARPELS
The one and only one of its kind in the world, the Pavot Mystérieux High Jewelry Timepiece displays Van Cleef & Arpels’ signature Mystery Setting technique. Gems are individually set into gold rails that remain unseen in a process that requires no less than 1,000 hours of work. Once set, there are no visible prongs or flashes of gold. Like all Pavot creations, its main piece, the poppy flower, can be removed from the bracelet and be worn as a brooch.
4 PANERAI
Showing off a generous eight-day reserve is Panerai’s new Radiomir 1940 Chrono Monopulsante 8 Days GMT Oro. Panerai’s famous eight-day power reserve concept was pioneered for the commandos of the Italian Navy and its new special edition is a tribute to the iconic Radiomir case with its two counters and single button at eight o’clock that controls the start, stop and reset functions. 18 -karat polished red gold Radiomir 1940 Chrono Monopulsante 8 Days GMT Oro Rosso watch with alligator strap, Panerai
5 CARTIER
The beloved Tank gets a steely interpretation in the form of the Tank MC Skeleton in a full palladium case. Carrying the iconic Tank look with its guilloche dial and Roman numerals, the skeletonised dial gives an impactful appearance, allowing one to appreciate the Caliber 9611 MC movement in all its technical glory.