The Geneva Watch Days 2022 (GWD) was held from 29 August to 1 September in Geneva. The event, which defines itself as “self-managed” and “decentralised”, is one of the largest watch fairs in Switzerland. Bringing together more than thirty companies, the event allowed us to discover some of the watchmaking novelties of the 2022 season. Here are our eight favorites.
Byrne, GyroDial
On the occasion of the GWD, Byrne presented a watch with multiple faces: The Byrne GyroDial. More than three years of research and development were required to bring this patented animation complication to life. Thanks to its tailor-made movement, the four main indexes on the dial transform and change face every night at midnight or on demand. Hence its motto “Change your mind in a flash”. Arabic numerals, Roman numerals, characters or drawings are carried by rotating cubes, with instantaneous jumping, which appear on the dial. The company also offers to personalise the face of these cubes.
Bianchet, Carbon Orange Tourbillon B1.618 Openwork
Bianchet unveiled the Carbon Orange Tourbillon B1.618 Openwork watch, an ultra-sensorial, mathematical and mechanical object. For this timepiece, all the proportions were thought out and designed according to the principles defined by the Golden Number (1.618) and inspired by the work of the Italian mathematician, Leonardo Fibonacci. The architecture of the tourbillon movement, its spiral-shaped bridges, the design of the case, the Italian aesthetic, the choice of carbon, titanium and rubber, the dynamics of materials, shapes, textures and colours all enhance this contemporary watch.
Bvlgari, Octo Finissimo Sejima
Bvlgari has worked closely with Japanese architect Kazuyo Sejima to imagine and realise a technical and innovative feat. Called the Octo Finissimo Sejima, this timepiece is a minimalist work in stainless steel that plays with light, shadow and reflections. Its exterior aesthetic is entirely polished, whereas the watches in the Octo collection tend to have brushed or matt finishes.
H.Moser & Cie, Streamliner Tourbillon Vantablack
H.Moser & Cie reveals an exclusive pink gold version of the company’s luxury sports watch with an integrated bracelet: the Streamliner Tourbillon Vantablack. The timepiece features a Vantablack dial. This use of the darkest material in the world has earned it critical acclaim.
Maurice Lacroix, Pontos Day Date
Maurice Lacroix has unveiled the new models in the Pontos collection. The latest model, the Pontos Day Date, comes in khaki while its 41 mm stainless steel case is coated with black DLC. It is sized to fit both men and women. Like the other models in the range, this watch has an ergonomic case offering exceptional comfort to its owner. Destined to become a collector’s item, this model is limited to only one thousand pieces.
Doxa, Army
50 years after the birth of the Doxa Army, designed for the elite divers of the Swiss Army, the House is celebrating its history by reissuing this emblematic model for the first time. Available in stainless steel, it features a black and bronze bezel with a green finish and orange hands.
Jacob&Co, Astronomia Solar Bitcoin
Jacob&Co presented an incredible timepiece at the GWD, particularly in terms of its aesthetics and its complication movement, which fits perfectly into the era of Bitcoin and other crypto-currencies. The Astronomia Solar Bitcoin is a horological tribute to this universe, with many of its details and features referring to it. “Starting with the logo of the famous crypto-currency which makes it immediately recognisable, a flying tourbillon for the pleasure of the eyes, a yellow citrine sun, a diamond moon, a gold Earth, not to mention a miniature rocket to go to the moon.” In addition, this very limited edition will be available for purchase with the crypto-currency of one’s choice such as Bitcoin, Dogecoin, Ethereum, Litcoin and no less than five USD-denominated stablecoins.
Reuge, Slightly Windy
For this technical feat, Reuge selected twelve stalks of wheat from the neighbouring fields of Sainte-Croix, preserved them and solidified them through a specific treatment so that they become a spectacle of sound and movement. The musical mechanism of Slightly Windy is linked to an automaton that shakes the wheat stalks precisely, reproducing their organic swaying in nature.
Read also > GENEVA : HOW DID THE SWISS CITY BECOME THE WORLD CAPITAL OF WATCHMAKING ?
Featured photo : © Bianchet
