Follow us closely for timely updates on the latest and most exciting releases at the upcoming watch fair.
It’s that time of year again when the watch industry eagerly anticipates Watches and Wonders Geneva (WWG), one of the most prestigious events on the industry calendar. Taking place from April 9 to 15 in 2024, this event will feature 54 exhibitors, including renowned watchmakers such as Cartier, Grand Seiko, Patek Philippe, Rolex, TAG Heuer and more.
Expect exciting novelties, keynote presentations, and insightful discussions about horology by industry insiders. From iconic brands to emerging talents, WWG 2024 showcases the latest innovations and trends shaping the world of watches. Join us for an unforgettable week of horological excitement and exploration in Geneva. This year’s event is open to the public from April 13th to 15th, with restricted access to media and industry partners before that. Get ready to indulge in a week of horological fascination and education.
Cortina Watch will be bringing you the latest news and releases from WWG 2024, so stay tuned to our social media platforms for online releases at the fair’s onset. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to be part of this exciting horological journey.
To refresh your memory, here’s a brief overview of some of our favourite timepieces from Watches & Wonders 2023:
Cartier Santos-Dumont Skeleton Micro-Rotor
The visually stunning addition to the Santos-Dumont family boasts the new 9629 MC automatic skeleton calibre, honouring the Alberto Santo-Dumont – pioneer aviator, style icon and friend of Louis Cartier, with a plane-shaped oscillating weight. Comprising 212 components, the movement underwent over 2 years of development. This yellow gold model, adorned with blue lacquer, is limited to 150 pieces, with rose gold and steel variants available in non-limited editions. It was recently seen on the red carpet of the 96th Academy Awards, worn by award-winning actor Ke Huy Quan.
Chopard Alpine Eagle 41 XPS
Crafted from durable and hypoallergenic Lucent Steel™ that is composed of 85% recycled materials, the Alpine Eagle 41 XPS watch is both eco-conscious and resilient. Its 41mm case, which measures 8mm thick, ensures a comfortable fit on the wrist. The Monte Rosa Pink dial, achieved through galvanic treatment, boasts a radiant pattern inspired by the eagle’s iris, complemented by large Arabic numeral hour markers for clear legibility.
The polished and satin-brushed bright steel case harmonises beautifully with the dial, while a small-seconds counter at 6 o’clock adds both style and functionality. The Alpine Eagle 41 XPG features slightly pared-down sides and bezel compared to the earlier large-sized Alpine Eagle model, resulting in a wider dial that accentuates its elegant and sophisticated aesthetic without compromising the thin movement.
Zenith Defy Skyline Skeleton Ceramic
This sleek timepiece with an all-black ceramic design, represents the pinnacle of modernity and technological innovation. It is also possibly the first timepiece to combine an open-worked dial with a 1/10th-second movement. Honouring the urban architecture-inspired design of its predecessor launched in January 2023, this black ceramic variant showcases a central star element with black-finished bridges and main plate. Despite its distinct appearance, it retains its captivating allure.
Enhanced by faceted hands and applied indexes filled with white Super-LumiNova, it ensures excellent legibility in low-light conditions. Powered by the El Primero 3260 high-frequency movement, accurate to 1/10th of a second, it features a unique 1/10th-second counter at 6 o’clock that pays homage to this groundbreaking achievement.
Montblanc 1858 Iced Sea Automatic Date in grey
In 2022, Montblanc launched its first professional dive watch – the 1858 Iced Sea collection, garnering many positive reviews. At last year’s WWG, Montblanc added a new grey glacier pattern dial that was inspired by the ice of one of the largest glaciers in Mont-Blanc massif – the Mer de Glace. At certain times of the day or depending on the season, its glacial ice appears grey as it reveals the mineral deposits that have been captured in its structure over time.
This grey variant comes in a 41mm stainless steel case, with a caseback featuring a 3D engraving of an iceberg and a black scuba diver exploring the glacial waters below. The age-old gratté-boisé technique is used on each dial to give it depth and luminosity reminiscent of glacial ice textures. On its caseback, is a laser-etched 3D relief image depicting an iceberg and a scuba diver exploring the glacial waters.
This ISO 6425-certified diver’s watch also features a luminescent dial as well as a unidirectional rotating ceramic bezel, on which the first 15 minutes are colour-coded. In addition, the watch undergoes the Montblanc Laboratory Test, which tests shock resistance, magnetic, and temperature resistance.
Bell & Ross BR 03-93 GMT BLUE
Bell & Ross, known for its aviation-inspired designs, continually innovate its BR 03 series, catering to both professionals and civilians. Starting with the iconic BR 01 in 2005 and evolving into the smaller BR 03 models, their watches consistently exude timelessness. In response to the post-Covid travel resurgence, Bell & Ross, alongside other watchmakers, introduced travel-friendly timepieces. With its origins closely related to the world of aviation, the GMT function is a perfect match to the DNA of the brand.
One of the notable creations from WWG 2023 was the BR 03-93 GMT BLUE by Bell & Ross. It features a combination of blue and grey shades that is seldom seen on GMT watches, and these 2 colours were used not just for aesthetic purposes, but in fact play specific roles – blue shows daytime hours, while grey indicates the night hours on the 24-hour scale. Despite its substantial 42mm x 42mm square case, the BR 03-93 GMT BLUE exudes understated style, accentuated by meticulous design details such as the blue Nappa soft calf leather strap with tone-on-tone stitching, embodying the brand’s signature utilitarian Parisian flair.
Discover more brands and collections at Cortina Watch boutiques, or online.
