Timeless Mastery: Celebrating Innovations at Watches and Wonders 2024
Exceptional timepieces were unveiled at this year’s Watches and Wonders event in Geneva.
4 min
Last week, Geneva hosted the prestigious Watches and Wonders fair, recognized as the premier international showcase in the watchmaking industry. This year’s event featured innovative new models from over 50 esteemed brands, including industry giants like Patek Philippe, Rolex, and Vacheron Constantin.
The fair highlighted a significant shift towards more diverse and intricate designs in women’s watches. Highlights included Hermès’s elegantly minimalist rose-gold steel Cut and Chanel’s chic steel and leather cuff bracelet. Notably, Bulgari set a new standard with the thinnest watch ever produced, while Vacheron Constantin captivated attendees with a watch of unparalleled complexity, consisting of 2,877 parts and 63 complications.
Here are some of the most remarkable timepieces introduced at this year’s Watches and Wonders:
Van Cleef & Arpels showcased a revamped version of the Lady Arpels Jour Nuit timepiece, as part of its poetic complications collection. Inspired by the enchanting night sky, this watch is a celebration of solar beauty, featuring a diamond-paved moon and stars that continuously follow the sun across a 24-hour rotating disc.
The dial, adorned with snow-set yellow sapphires or guilloché yellow gold, revolves almost imperceptibly, enhancing the depth effect created by Murano aventurine glass, which evokes the vastness of the cosmos and the magic of a starry night. First launched in 2008, the Lady Arpels Jour Nuit has been reintroduced in two new sizes – 33- and 38-millimeters.
Van Cleef & Arpels Lady Arpels Jour Nuit, $119,000.
Patek Philippe launched its new 5330G-001, featuring a self-winding 240 HU C caliber and a patented innovation—a differential system that manages the local-time date, adding a unique functionality to this world time watch. This intricate mechanism consists of 70 components, highlighting Patek Philippe’s commitment to technical mastery and precision. The opaline blue-gray dial is accented with a carbon-patterned center, and a distinct red dot between Auckland and Midway visually indicates the date-change line on the city disk. This blend of sophisticated engineering and elegant design makes the 5330G-001 a standout piece in the world of luxury timepieces.
Patek Philippe 5330G-001 – World Time with date, $71,500.
Rolex introduced a new take on its iconic GMT-Master II for the first time, now available in Oystersteel with a Cerachrom bezel insert in grey and black ceramic, a feature added to the collection in 2023. Two new variations are available: one equipped with Rolex’s classic Oyster bracelet and the other with the Jubilee bracelet. These models feature a distinctive green 24-hour hand, serving not only to display a second time zone but also as a symbolic pointer to another place that holds significance for the wearer—evoking the personal memories and emotions associated with travel. This addition enhances the GMT-Master II’s reputation as an essential tool for global explorers.
Rolex GMT-Master II – $11,990.
Hermès unveiled its latest collection, the Hermès Cut, a sports watch collection designed for women but with universal appeal. The design plays with geometric forms, a hallmark of Hermès style, featuring a round, circular shape that embodies simplicity and elegance. This collection is powered by the Manufacture Hermès H1912 movement and is offered in various configurations: all steel, or a two-tone blend of steel and rose gold, with options for gem setting. The Hermès Cut includes a clever interchangeability system that allows for easy switching between a supple metal bracelet and a rubber strap, available in eight vibrant colors. The 36mm steel case is complemented by satin-polished finishes and a rose-gold bezel, while the pearl-colored dial with numerals gives the timepiece a distinctive identity.
Hermès Cut, $15,550
Jaeger-LeCoultre has made a significant update to one of its most technically impressive collections, the Duomètre. Since its first application in 2007, the Duomètre collection was designed to present a chronograph as accurate as a chronometer. In 2024, Jaeger-LeCoultre is celebrating this pioneering spirit with a new iteration, the Duomètre Chronograph Moon, which combines the high precision of a chronograph with the enchanting allure of a celestial complication.
Powered by the newly developed Calibre 391, this timepiece showcases an intriguing contrast between the rapid functionality of the chronograph and the slow, steady cycle of the moon phase. Additionally, it includes a Night and Day display, enhancing its appeal. The platinum case and copper-colored opaline dial frame these features, offering a timepiece that is both a marvel of engineering and a visual spectacle.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Duomètre Chronograph Moon $86,000.
25 years after the launch of the Datograph, A. Lange & Söhne introduces a lustrous new interpretation: the Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon Honeygold “Lumen”. Unveiled at Watches and Wonders 2024, this sophisticated timepiece combines a flyback chronograph, a precise jumping minute counter, a perpetual calendar, and a tourbillon with a stop-seconds mechanism.
For the first time, this model is presented in Lange-exclusive Honeygold, known for its warm, rich hue and exceptional durability. Additionally, this “Lumen” version, which is limited to just 50 pieces, features a distinctive semi-transparent dial that enhances visibility of its intricate mechanics under low light conditions, highlighting the masterful craftsmanship of A. Lange & Söhne.
A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon Honeygold “Lumen” $662,000.
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Whitewill has identified nine top luxury projects in Abu Dhabi
5 min
Luxury real estate agency, Whitewill, has highlighted nine leading luxury projects in Abu Dhabi. These projects showcase the pinnacle of opulence and modern living, offering a variety of high-end residences that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. Each project boasts unique features and amenities designed to provide an unparalleled lifestyle experience.
Al Jurf
Al Jurf is a residential development featuring 1,500 villas near the rural area of Ghantoot, along the coast of Sahel Al Emarat.
These villas blend traditional influences with contemporary architectural elements, boasting multiple terraces, an outdoor swimming pool, and a double-car garage. For those looking to escape city life, Al Jurf offers a private beach with stunning Arabian Gulf sunsets and a private marina for easy sea access.
Elie Saab
The Elie Saab Residences is a 33-storey apartment tower located canal-side on Al Reem Island. The project offers a selection of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments with classic interior decoration, including glossy light floors and white walls, allowing residents to customize their living spaces. Apartments can be furnished by renowned Lebanese designer Elie Saab. The rooftop podium features sun loungers, an infinity pool, a padel court, a gym, and a yoga area.
Yas Golf Collection
The YAS Golf Collection on Yas Island offers a residential complex surrounded by lush lawns and the serene waters of Khor Laffan Bay, providing direct access to stunning landscapes.
It provides premium services, including laundry, dry cleaning, dedicated customer service, nanny and pet-sitting services, personal shopping, and interior design assistance. The complex offers fully furnished one, two, and three-bedroom apartments with elegant interiors and panoramic views of Yas Theme Park, Yas Links, and gardens. Apartments include branded furniture and a “smart home” system.
Residents can exercise in the gym with panoramic sea views or enjoy outdoor workouts in the yoga and Pilates areas. The terrace offers a garden with views of the sea and Abu Dhabi skyline.
Saadiyat Lagoons
Saadiyat Lagoons offers four to six-bedroom mangrove villas on Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, surrounded by 900,000 square meters of protected wildlife with direct access to Soul Beach.
The development includes shopping centers, kindergartens, and a multifunctional hall. Villas feature customizable interiors with options for cool grey tones with dark wood or warm beige schemes, and choices between standard or premium finishes.
Each villa includes a garage with electric car charging stations. Residents can enjoy lush greenery, a landscaped farm, playgrounds, a skate park, an outdoor cinema, and an adventure park for children. Private gardens can be upgraded for a home office or gym.
Nouran Living
Nouran Living, a 12-storey apartment project on Saadiyat Island, blends contemporary architecture with the natural landscape, featuring neutral colors and rounded corners. Lattice balconies and vertical elements enhance the facade.
The complex offers studios and one to three-bedroom apartments with cool-toned interiors using porcelain, quartz, and wood. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide stunning panoramic views.
Designed for active individuals, Nouran Living features a spacious two-story lobby with a large lounge area, a multifunctional hall with table tennis, a basketball court, and a music corner. Residents enjoy indoor and outdoor playgrounds, a library, a gym, a cinema, and a landscaped podium rooftop with a swimming pool, paddle court, and walking trail.
Sama Yas
Sama Yas is a prestigious apartment project on Yas Island, featuring three 17-storey buildings with unique cascading architecture resembling mountains amid lush green landscapes.
Apartments, available in one, two, and three-bedroom configurations, boast premium materials such as glossy Italian marble countertops, natural wood, textiles, and porcelain stoneware. The project offers luxurious amenities, including valet service, an elegant lobby, and a dedicated concierge desk. Convenient key cards and smart home system access ensure easy entry to apartments.
The ground floor hosts a fully equipped gym, coworking space, library, event rooms, private cinema, spa center, restaurants, and shops. On the rooftop podium, residents can unwind by the pool surrounded by palm trees. The standout feature is the expansive green lawn in front of the buildings, complemented by walking and jogging paths.
The Icon Tower
The Icon Tower comprises 300 apartments within an 18-story tower near the coastal area of Yas Island. Situated in the southern part of the island, the complex offers breathtaking views of Yas Bay.
The complex provides a diverse selection of formats, from cozy studios to spacious apartments ranging from one to four bedrooms. Residents can enjoy the infinity pool on the podium level or relax on the nearby beach area. A modern playground is available for young residents, and a fully equipped gym allows residents to stay in shape. The complex offers 20 berths on the private pier for watercraft owners.
Renad Tower
Renad Tower is a contemporary complex on Al Reem Island in Abu Dhabi, featuring ample open spaces for strolling and infrastructure for a comfortable lifestyle.
The 37-story tower offers stunning views of the Arabian Gulf waters and provides accommodations to suit every preference, including cozy one, two, and three-bedroom apartments. Residents can relax in the azure pool on the podium roof or bask in the sun on comfortable loungers. For those with an active lifestyle, there’s a modern gym and outdoor jogging trails.
Vista Del Mar
Vista Del Mar is a contemporary residential complex on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. The eleven-story building comprises comfortable one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, each featuring a balcony. The ground floors offer villas with three or four bedrooms, complete with a private terrace, an outdoor pool, and a spacious patio.
Residents enjoy access to a recreational area with a swimming pool on the podium of the complex. The project also boasts a modern gym suitable for both strength training and yoga or Pilates, while an outdoor playground has been provided for the youngest residents.
Chris Dixon, a partner who led the charge, says he has a ‘very long-term horizon’
Americans now think they need at least $1.25 million for retirement, a 20% increase from a year ago, according to a survey by Northwestern Mutual
